CDC Chair, Ambakederimo Calls On Ribadu To Integrate Operators Of Unlicensed Refineries Into PAP

**Describes Otuaro’s Stakeholders Engagement as Key to Sustainable Peace, Development in N/Delta

Chairman Board of Trustees Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC), Joseph Ambakederimo, has called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to consider integrating operators of unlicensed refineries and pipeline vandals into the Amnesty Programme.

According to the group, the initiative aims to provide these individuals with alternative livelihoods and educational opportunities.

Ambakederimo, who is also the Convener South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), made this call in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.

The group stated that many of the operators of unlicensed refineries and pipeline vandals have expressed a desire for skills training in areas such as steel fabrication and metallurgy, which could contribute significantly to national development.

“The issues around calling for the expansion of the programme would be in addition to begin further engagements in collaboration with the Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) and operators of the unlicensed refineries and pipeline vandals taking it from where the Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) has achieved with a view to bringing them under the Presidential Amnesty Programme fold and provide alternative incentives to make them look away and have a new lease of lives,” the group stated.

The Group added that; “the CDC has made very important gains chiefly amongst which is identifying and putting a face to unlicensed refineries operators in the region and the willingness of the operators to come out of the creeks and engage in meaningful talks that will eventually turn their lives and livelihoods for the better and for the good of the society.”

They also called for increased financial support to expand the programme’s mandate, which they argue is essential for addressing pressing regional challenges.

The group further commended Dr. Dennis Otuaru, Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, for actively engaging with stakeholders and local communities, noting that this proactive approach aims to strengthen cooperation, build trust, and connect the people with ongoing initiatives within the Amnesty Programmr.

They emphasized the importance of the transformative engagements by Dr Otuaro, noting that it could pave the way for long-term partnerships that could drive growth across various sectors.

While also calling for increased financial support to expand the programme’s mandate, which they pointed out is essential for addressing pressing regional challenges, they also stressed the critical need for sustained funding of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stressing that the livelihoods and security of the nation depend on its success.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaru’s continued engagement with stakeholders and people of the region is very well articulated and a forward looking strategy in problem solving.

“We applaud the continued transformative stakeholders engagements in the region, bringing the people to speed with happening in the Presidential Amnesty Programme is key, it strengthens cooperation and build trust.

“The meetings and engagements undertaken by the leadership of the amnesty programme hold great potential to build strong, long-term partnerships that will not only connect people of the region but drives sustainable growth across multiple strata.

“It is delighted to note that we now have a leadership that is purposeful, responsive, and people – serving that can’t be over emphasised, again we urge our leaders at all strata of society and all sectors in the region including the Governors in the region to reinvent themselves and lead with a servant leader mindset, and lead with selflessness and dignity in the mould of Dr. Dennis Otuaru.

“We will continue to make this case because the present leadership has shown undiluted capacity that needed to be encouraged and supported in all it’s ramifications,” the group added.

Chief Emami Reveals: I turned down lot of awards, Decorated ‘Prime Promoter/ Protector of Itsekiri Tradition’

Famous politician and Businessman, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has revealed how he turned down lot of awards for many years, because he didn’t want undeserving recognition, but had to accept honour by the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, Delta State Council, when he was informed that the award had to do with tradition.

Chief Emami, made the disclosure Monday October  14, night, at his palatial home in Egbokodo, Warri, Delta State when the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, bestowed the award of “Prime Promoter/Protector of Itsekiri Traditional Heritage” on him.

Whilst stating: “The Ologbotsere, represents the Omajaja and 80% of us sitting here are Omajaja. I am the Head of the Omajaja, which makes me the Ologbotsere”, Chief Emami, remarked: “I don’t think I am the only Deltan that deserves this. I have turned down a lot of awards for many years now. But when I was informed by one of your colleagues and he said that it has to do with tradition, saying, I am one of those promoting and protecting the culture and tradition of our people, I accepted to receive the award, especially because the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, has ‘community’ in its name, which is my constituency.

“I know a lot of traditional rulers are clamouring that they should be given constitutional roles, some of us welcome that idea. If you are talking about traditional rulers, they are the closest to the community and to the grassroots. If a traditional ruler is honest, the community will be blessed. In every tradition and community, they have a way of installing their traditional ruler. If you wake up today as a traditional ruler and support Illegality in your domain or a publisher begin to publish what is not right in his locality, that means such person is trying to destroy the community.

“As at today, if I have the opportunity to speak to any traditional ruler, you must keep your institution the way your forefathers left it. You do not allow money to influence our traditional institution, because before government, the traditional institution existed. They were the ones directing and dealing with the locals and dealing with the White men, even when we now have establishment of the government in place, is the same traditional rulers, that is the first point of call, but if you decide to do the other way round, that means your kingdom and your community, will be destroyed.

“I am of the philosophy that you do not modernize it, and that’s why when it comes to tradition, I will do the right thing and I don’t mix it with modernity. As individual, you will come and go, but the institution remains, so do not try to mess with the institution, but ensure to stand for the institution. There’s no short cut, you do not bend it. In every institution in a state, there are lay down procedures and when you encourage wrong things, wrong things will come to your doorstep.

“I am not going to take this honour for granted, it is for me to do more. I dedicate this award to the Almighty God, our good ancestors and all the descendants of the Ologbotsere dynasty.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, Delta State Council, Comr. Jude Obiemenyego, stated: “The association recognise you on what you have done in the area of tradition, as the Promoter and Protector of (Itsekiri) Tradition in Delta and Nigeria. You have done well. We also plead with you to continue in your traditional settings, to make sure that traditional institution has a place in Nigeria and the world.

“We celebrate you (Chief Ayirimi Emami) for being a man. Outside tradition, you have done well in the area of youth empowerment in the state and beyond, a lot of people have benefitted from your philanthropist gesture. I do not have much to say, but with these few words of mine, I pray that you will continue to partner with the media.”

Chief Mike Odeli, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, Barr. Richard Omare, Mr. Austin Oribioye, Mr. Canaan Ajagbawa and Mr. Alex Eyengho, were among prominent members of Ologbotsere descendants and political bigwigs present during the award ceremony.

Delta Police Command Celebrates NPF 2024 Servicom Week

**As Stakeholders Extol Command For Excellent Service Delivery

As part of activities lined up to commemorate the NPF 2024 Servicom week, the Command on Saturday played host to stakeholders which include members of civil society groups, the police community relations committee, among others.

During the week, the command engaged members of various communities in town hall meetings, and students at various higher institutions in the state where concerns were raised and possible solutions deliberated upon. The command also visited primary and secondary schools and carried out humanitarian services assisted some of the school pupils with books and uniforms while using the same avenue to encourage the school pupils to be steadfast in their academics and shun all forms of criminal activities as they grow up.

During the closing event, Comrade Akima Efemena commended the Police in Delta State for their unwavering dedication to duty in maintaining peace and order. He acknowledged the fact that these duties come with a lot of pressure and expectation and assured the command of the continuous support and partnership with the police. He stated that the security situation in Delta start has seen significant improvement largely due to the strategic deployment of intelligent officers by the commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda and hoped that the command will maintain the zeal and commitment going forward.

In a release made available by the indefatigable Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, quoted the Chairman of PCRC Delta State Chapter Comrade Amb. Oliver Eyefia leadership of the PCRC Delta State Command ias being pleased with the command service delivery so far. And he also stated that the command synergy with the community is top-notch and should be sustained.

For Continuity and accountability: Group Wants Bayelsa To Complete Full Tenure In NDDC Board

The South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) has said that Bayelsa State should be allowed to complete it’s full tenure in the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as applicable to other states.

Convener of SSRG, Mr Joseph Ambakederimo in a Press Statement at the weekend, while making case for Bayelsa State in the board of the NDDC pointed out that statutory appointment should be allowed to run its full course for continuity and accountability.

“Part 1 section 3 deals with Tenure of the office of Board members-Section 3 (1) states subject to the provisions of section 4 of this Act a member of the Board, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of 4 years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of 4 years and no more”, the group said.

According to the group; “Statutory appointments should be allowed to run it’s full course for continuity and accountability. The letters and provisions of the NDDC establishment Act 2000 as amended should be sacroscant and upheld by all. The NDDC establishment Act is the Bible that should be our guidance at all times and has to be respected. Therefore anything that is smuggled into this document to be implemented is alien and should be rejected by all”.

The stated that the beginning of the fresh start of the appointment of Samuel Ogbuku as made by President Bola Tinubu starts from August, 2023 and should terminate August, 2027 is without ambiguity.

“Therefore we urge those who are becoming restive to respect the letters and spirit as contained in the NDDC establishment Act and allow Bayelsa State to complete it’s tenure in the person of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku”, the group also said.

The Group wrote; “When persons who ought to know begin to agitate negatively against what ordinarily should be the correct position then it becomes very clear to discerning minds that such agitation is purely for self serving purposes. We should not give an iota of thought to the interim management idea that these persons are pushing, it will not be beneficial to the region and it’s people, but beneficial to only a few who have always seen the NDDC as their personal fiefdom. A better part of the life of the NDDC has been run on adhoc arrangement with nothing tangible to show within these periods other than tales of woes of mismanagement and misapplication of resources which has become counterproductive to the overall development of the region”.

The Group said that peace and Stability in the region should be paramount at this time to aid and drive the much needed development the people are clamouring for in the region, saying that; “There is never a time quietness and progress has been seen in the Commission than now. For a long time the people of the region are beginning to have a buy-in, into the affairs of the Commission once again due largely to the people centered policy direction and robust programmes implementation of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku leadership”.

“Let us take a deep breath and shift our mindset to the overall development of the region as directed by President Bola Tinubu when he charged the Managing Director to focus more on legacy projects to turn the fortunes of the region around for good and the Managing Director has continued to build on the support of Mr President which has emboldened him to chat uncommon policies towards aggressively upscaling the infrastructural face of the Niger Delta region”, the group added.

According to the group; “The Commission can be seen by even the blind, the people centered projects such as the Light – Up Niger Delta programme harnessing the benefit of renewable energy resources derived from Solar energy, Project “HOPE” launched and executed with the second phase launched already and kicked-off, NDDC Chamber of Commerce collaborating with Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce to drive inclusivity in the region, and many youths empowerment centered driven programmes amongst others on its remarkable growth trajectory”.

Bauchi has highest Girl Child Marriage in Nigeria- Mamedu declares

By: Celestine Ukah 

As Nigeria join its counterparts across the world to mark this year’s International Girls Child Day, Bauchi State in Nigeria has been described as the state with highest number of Girls Child Marriage in the Country.

The Country Director ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu Speaking on a live interview on AIT News Hour Friday October 11, 2024, disclosed that the Girl Child suffers most in the economic difficulty in Nigeria hence their hygienic care serious concerns to talk about.

Mr. Mamedu called on government and others to give special attention to the Girl Child in order for them to have a better future as well the country be a more attractive place for the girls children.

He however called on states governors to domestic the child rights act in order to know how to handle the issues bordering on the Girl Child.

The ActionAid Country’s Director is a highly proficient manager of people and resources who has effectively carried out development activities and initiatives that centered on sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, governance, food, agriculture and education.

Angelic Invasion: Snr. Prophet Fufeyin Storms America for a 3-Day Crusade

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Founder and Minister in charge of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries International, Warri Delta State, Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin would be live in America for a-3 Day Angelic visitation crusade.

The Crusade tagged “American Invasion” Supernatural Encounter, America Must Hear This” is expected to hold Friday November 1 through Sunday November 3, 2024 at Igbo Community Centre, 7930, Pulaski, Rosadele, USA.

Billionaire Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin also known as Papa J the Crowd Machine will be featuring along side with his Host Prophet Abraham Angel Israel in the Supernatural Miracle and Encounter Conference Crusade.

Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin through the power of God will be prophesying deliverance on the oppressed, ministering healing to the sick setting the captives free, empowering and equipping the people with God’s word

Water FC Chairman, Nureni Extols Justice  Galadima’s virtues at 78

By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)

Chairman and Iconic Football Agent in Nigeria, Mukaila Nureni has felicitated and rejoiced with their club patron, Honourable Justice Suleiman Galadima on the occasion of his 78th birthday.

MK ,who leads the management team of one of the successful Football Academies in Nigeria in a surprise Birthday visit to thrill the esteemed Philanthropist, Justice Suleiman Galadima.

Makanjuola, in his remarks, described the football enthusiast as a man of many parts He used the occasion to express the club’s heartfelt appreciation to the celebrant for his laudable supports towards the success of the team.

In his words:
“On behalf of the Management, players and the entire members of Staff of Water FC , we are extremely delighted to felcitate and rejoice with the grand patron if our club. We’re grateful to God for His immense grace upon him . He is not just a celebrant but a celebrity. Justice Suleiman is a rare breed in modern day Nigeria.”. The Abuja Based football Academy helmsman enthusiastically submitted

Enumerating Justice Suleiman’s unwavering commitment to developing the club traveling with us across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Makanjuola noted that the Justice Suleiman Galadima has demonstrated exceptional love and dedication to the club. His desire to see our players succeed is unmatched, and he backs it with tangible actions.”

“Our Grand Patron is a man of many parts and a propeller the heights the Water FC reached today. Sincerely, he is our number one fan. He proudly wears our jerseys, showcasing his love publicly. He rejoices in our players’ national team call-ups, praying for their success.”

“We’re honoured to celebrate this remarkable individual,” MK concluded.

Surprise Birthday Blitz to a man of honour and Justice Suleiman Galadima deserves every accolade today as we continue to celebrate his remarkable achievement at 78.

Paul Sampson Sure Of Positive Result Against Kwara United FC

As the Matchday 6 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League encounter between Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia and Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin draws nigh, the Warriors experienced winger, Paul Sampson is optimistic of victory for the home side.

The game promises to be an interesting one given the exchange of personnel between the two clubs in recent times.

The current head coach of Kwara United, Coach Tunde Sani joined the Ilorin based side from Abia Warriors, having served the Warriors on an assistant capacity.

He was later joined to Ilorin by defender, Jimoh Gbadamosi and midfield enforcer, Ibrahim Dehinde.

Interestingly, the duo of Yakub Hammed and Paul Sampson rejoined Abia Warriors from Kwara United, having left Umu Chineke three seasons ago for the Ilorin based side.

Despite this interesting development, the Cross River born winger believes that the Pride of Abia will carry the day.

“Nothing special, still the same thing, but playing against your former club is what you have to look upon. It’s a normal game so, I just believe we will be victorious.

“Its nothing special, we’ve played them before (at the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Tournament in Yenagoa).

I have joined them and I’ve left. So, I’ve come back to Abia Warriors, (it’s) same standard, same game, (and) same football, that is it”, he stated.

On his thoughts about Kwara United’s victory over flying Remo Stars being a concern for Umu Chineke, Sampson states that Abia Warriors will defeat the visitors.

“It should be a concern, but that is football. Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad and the result comes (out) positive or negative. So, I think if Kwara United come here, I am very sure we will defeat them, because the winning mentality is there now. We don’t have any reason to lose any game here at Umuahia Township Stadium.”

*Head To Head in the last 5 games*

29/02/24 AWFC 1-0 Kwara United
08/10/23 Kwara United 1-0 AWFC
20/04/22 Kwara United 1-1 AWFC
03/01/22 AWFC 1-1 Kwara United
11/07/21 AWFC 2-1 Kwara United

*Injury Update*

OUT
Centre-back, Izuchukwu Daniel and right-back, Chinedu Uzonwanne are still recovering from illness.

IN
Izuchukwu Olewunne is back from injury. He has resumed training.

Abia Warriors will play Kwara United on Saturday, 12th October 2024 at the Umuahia Township Stadium by 2pm.