NDDC Chairman, Ebie Extols Virtues of Omu Anioma

By Patrick Ochei

The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie Esq has extolled the rare virtues of Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, insisting it would be very difficult for anybody to replace her kind in Anioma.

Ebie made the assertion when he led a delegation of his associates to pay a condolence visit to the immediate family of Obi Martha Dunkwu on 22nd February, 2024.

The NDDC Chairman said Omu Dunkwu was always representing and spoke fearlessly and boldly in defence of Anioma Culture and traditions whenever the occasion arose.

“She was truly a mother to us in Anioma and one whose tentacles spread beyond her territory. She was indeed a woman of substance and pride to us in Anioma. It will be difficult to have her type again. Farewell, Omu Anioma and Nneoha (Mother To All and Mother Without Borders). Truly we will miss that raw intelligence in you and the boldness with which you spoke for us as a voice and rallying figure”, Ebie added.

Food prices hike: Obaseki takes steps to tackle hardship in Edo, meets market, trade unions, others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is taking steps to combat the current hike in food prices in the State, urging for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to the incessant price surge and guarantee better welfare for the people of the State.

Obaseki met with relevant stakeholders including market associations, traders, and farmers’ unions, among others, at the Urhokpota Hall, in Benin City, to chart actionable measures to address the rising cost of living, particularly food prices in the State.

He said, “I called this meeting because of the cost of living in Nigeria as things are hard, especially the prices of food. The people can’t eat anymore and as an administration, we can’t just keep quiet but to act.”

Obaseki continued: “We have called this meeting to see how to solve this problem as trading blames will not lead to any solution to the serious challenges we are facing. All problems have solutions, and we are here to discuss and see how to solve this high price hike challenges facing us.

“You said trade unions are people fixing prices, but I don’t know how they work to achieve that in the market. I want to know how they fix prices. I thought it was demand and supply that controlled the prices.

“If we say unions are the problem then we must look at the unions and their activities and how to control them. We must set up a committee to check and look at the activities that lead to price hike. The committee will help us know if they are doing anything against the law.”

Obaseki noted, “This meeting shows that bad road has a role to play in price increment in our markets. I have been begging the Federal Government to help repair and fix the Ekpoma/Auchi Road since when Babatunde Fashola was Minister for Works but no results till now. I appeal to them to ensure contractors complete the road which has been on for over 30 years. I have approached Dangote and BUA to support us in doing the bad portion of the road because their trucks ply that route.”

Speaking on the measures put in place to address the hike in food prices, the Governor stated that his administration will support farmers to expedite efforts towards increased local production of food crops in the State.

The governor also promised to ensure adequate security for farmers to enable them to continue with their farming activities, while also reassuring the farmers that the government will fix their tractors and send them to their various local government councils to help them prepare for the 2024 farming seasons.

Earlier, Solomon Idiogbe, representative of the Edo Civil Society Organization appealed to the governor to help check the activities of Unions across various markets in the State as they significantly contribute to the rising cost of goods and services in Edo.

Also, Edo State Market Women Association leader, Madam Blackky Ogiamien, commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Edo citizens, particularly in the area of security.

Also in attendance were: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Ovia South West Local Government Council Chairman, Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma; amongst others.

Other critical stakeholders in the food and services value chain present at the meeting include the Tomatoes Sellers Association, the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Hotel owners, Barbing Saloon Association, Building Materials Association, Market Women, Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers Association, Edo branch of the NURTW, Arewa traders and marketers co-operative, amongst others.

OFAAC umbrella body of Anioma culture Pays Condolence Visit To Family of Asagba Chike Edozien, Eulogizes Late Asaba Monarch

Syndicated report

The Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), the culture umbrella body of Anioma Nation, led by its President, Arc. Kester Ifeadi has paid a condolence visit to the family of Late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Joseph Edozien on Monday 26th February, 2024.

The OFAAC President eulogized the unique Monarch for his sterling leadership qualities that spiked development in Asaba and brought everybody in Anioma together.

He was one of the brains behind the formation of OFAAC and also stood as a foremost supporter of its activities throughout the years. We are 20 years old now. Let me tell you that OFAAC is an assemblage and meeting point for all our traditional rulers in Anioma, and of course, our people at home and in the Diaspora.

“Asagba was a strong focal point in ensuring that our people of Anioma Nation came together towards achieving oneness – the strong bond of Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika and Ndokwa extractions that we are enjoying today as evident in the strong tie that has solidified our togetherness as a people. Asagba Prof Chike Edozien had only taken a journey, his legacies live on”, Ifeadi acknowledged.

In response, the Regent (Ochendo) of Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Anthony Onuorah Edozien, represented by his younger brother, Engr. Louis Nwabunwanne Edozien commended OFAAC for coming at this critical time.

“My father was a rare gem that would be missed by many. Your speech about Nna Agu and those things he passionately upheld in his true characteristic contributions to leadership and culture are key takeaway as legacies for us to uphold and build on. We hope to keep and remain committed to his ideals”, Engr. Edozien posited.

In an apparent respect to his memories, Arc. Kester Ifeadi penned down a condolence message to the late Asagba of Asaba by signing the condolence register on behalf of OFAAC.
The delegation of OFAAC included the Vice President, Elder Paddy Ugboh, the Directors, National Coordinator and LGA Chairmen.

Nigeria Police Force, Tompolo’s Tantita security firm secures forfeiture from Federal High Court against MT Kali vessel, its content

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and management of a private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) on Monday, recorded a major stride in the war against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, in a landmark judgement,ordered the forfeiture of an illegal crude oil vessel, MT Kali and its content to the Federal Government.

The police in the Charge NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/18/2024 B/W: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE V. MT KALI & 22 ORS, had arraigned the vessel and its 22 crew members before the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the motion for the interim forfeiture of MT Kali & her content to the Federal Government.

However, the arraignment of the suspects was stalled as they were not produced in the court by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

All efforts by the prosecuting counsel to convince the court to issue a production warrant to be served on the military authorities for the production of the defendants on 18th March, 2024 being the next adjournment date or at least the issue of defendants’ summons to be served on the defendants through the military authorities proved abortive.

The court, however, sternly warned that the charge may not survive beyond the next adjournment date should the prosecution not secure the attendance of the defendants for their arraignment and plea.

The illegal oil bunkering ship was arrested by the operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in conjuction with the special security task force set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on January 11th, 2024.

The ship was arrested while siphoning crude oil from Pennington Oil field of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.

Twenty crew members, including community boys’ accomplices, were arrested in the operation.

This is the first time in recent time when oil thieves and their barons are being prosecuted and brought to book.

The case is being prosecuted to logical conclusion in the act of dexterity and patriotic zeal by the operatives of Tantita led by its Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Captain Warriedi Enisuoh and a team raised by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun had directed the Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) under the command of Mr. Lot Lantoh Garba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to launch a discreet investigation into the arrest of the bunkering ship.

Investigations into the arrest of MT Kali, were being intensified as operatives of Tantita arrested another illegal bunkering ship MT HARBOR SPIRIT, weeks after, on February 4th.

The Moldovian vessel was caught while stealing crude oil from Sengana oilfields in the coastal axis of Bayelsa State.

The investigation and prosection of the two bunkering ships and their crew members were being diligently coordinated by Enisuoh and Head, Investigation, IGP-STPIB, Mr. Omar John Sini, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

It was gathered that MT Harbor Spirit and members of her crew are to be arraigned in court on Friday, March 1st, 2024.

Dbs Warri Games Village Unveiled with funfair

**We’re committed to attracting more development to DBS sports club, Nurudeen, Patrons, members insist

The Delta Broadcasting Service , DBS Warri Sports club Games Village has been unveiled.

While unveiling the DBS Warri sports club games village , Saturday February 24, 2024 by the DBS Warri General Manager, Pst. Malcolm Oteri, commended members of the club for their support in making the project successfully executed.

According to Pst. Oteri anything that people put together that beings joy , happiness is a big achievement, he therefore appreciated the club for their dedication, he as well called on other private individuals, corporate bodies to come partner with the DBS as government can’t do everything alone.

He commended Louis Nushie for his dogged effort in coordinating the group for the past years

Patrons of DBS sports club Warri, Nzw Francis Onuorah, SSA to Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Felix Okwelum and Engr. Dr. Olisa Ossai, both assured of their commitment to attracting more development to DBS sports club,

Chairman of the DBS Warri Sports Club Games Village unveiling / end of year planning committee, Evang. Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh on behalf of the committee members expressed delight for the success of the event , describing it as massive and colossal, he commended members for their total support in all aspect in making the project a reality.

Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh reassured the management of the establishment of the sports club willingness to move the exercise body to the next level

Mr. Louis Nushe was reappointed for a non renewable term of three years by the DBS Warri GM, PST. Oteri after that another coordinator will take over .

The reappointed Coordinator, Comrade Louis Nushie appreciated members of the club for their support and commitment to making the DBS sports club games village a reality through their contributions and understanding.

Henceforth the two key position will be the coordinator and secretary and it is no longer compulsory for the GM who is the Chief Executive Officer of the club to appoint secretary and any other officer except the coordinator and their tenure will run for three years and will be renewable for a another term for three years according to the sports club constitution.

High point of the event was the unveiling of the DBS Warri Sports Club Games village, signing of the club’s new constitution and the end of year enjoyment and jollification ceremony.

Mrs. Rose Obi who was part of the constitution drafting committee expressed joy for the progress achieved by the club.

Publisher/Editor In chief of Area News Nigeria, Comrade Celestine Ukah, Chairman NUJ DBS Warri Chapel, Comrade John Glover, Papa Frank, Fisher, Ceejay Nwajei, Mama Sarah, Chinonye, Iyaaji, Engr. Lora, Dele and the coaches and members also spoke in expression of their joy about the club and the event.

Other members were filled with excitement as they enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

Onoyume Urges Nigerians to Hold on to God for Restoration

By Odeya Ogbetuo

The General Overseer of Light Deliverance And Miracles Centre, Ekete Waterside, Udu L.G.A of Delta State, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Oghenegweke Onoyume has urged Nigerians particularly Christians to trust and hold on to God in 2024 for the restoration of all the good things Satan has destroyed or deprived them in 2023.

In his sermon at the Church headquarters in Ekete Waterside, after 31 days Fasting and Prayers for peace and prosperity in Nigeria, Apostle Onoyume said the key word is Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you, adding that 2024 is a divine year with a lot of good things and blessing which you will enjoy if you trust and have faith in God.

Apostle Onoyume who titled his sermon “Meeting God of Opportunities’ urged Nigerians to rely and trust in God to enable them triumph over all the tribulations which Satan and its agents have created through temptation, greed, lust, corruption, banditry, adultery, fornication, wickedness, malice, hatred, kidnapping, armed robbery, Boko Haram insurgency, necromancy, idolatry, ritual and cultism.

He enjoined Nigerians to hold on to God in 2024 and let God fight their battles while they practice righteousness, holiness, faithfulness, promote peaceful co-existence and love and hand over their problems to God who has power to solve them.

According to him, “Connect with God in 2024. Be in line with God’s plan and work according to His will in your life. Whatever the circumstances in your home or family, you have to commit the situation into God’s hand and ask God to empower you to do things that will improve your life, while you seek Him daily through Jesus Christ. If you draw near to God, he will draw near to you. Walk more closely with God than ever before this year in faith and He will solve your problems and bless you.”

Dr. Onoyume affirmed that it was by God’s grace we crossed over to 2024 and by His grace we shall sail through 2024 in good health, favour, peace, blessing, protection, adding that the name of the Lord is a strong tower and he that runs into it shall be saved.

Apostle Onoyume stated that there are always challenges, stressing you must place value on the opportunity given to you by God and you will excel in life.

Prophet Onoyume said that man was created and empowered by God to have dominion over other creatures and to worship God in truth and Spirit, adding that God gave us knowledge and wisdom to govern ourselves in earthly government using God’s created resources to care for ourselves, but most of our leaders in Nigeria have illegally and criminally acquired or appropriated to themselves these resources thereby creating poverty, hunger and misery upon the people.

“Be wise and choose God who has power to heal, protect, bless and redeem you from all forces of darkness created by Satan to oppress and torment you. Look, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us.”

Apostle Onoyume who quoted several bible passages said that many believers who listened, studied and meditated on the Word of God from the Bible have testified of the goodness and love of God upon their lives, adding that many have overcome sickness, poverty, sin and attacks from all works of darkness and were sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Match day 21: Nigeria Professional Football League, see table & top teams

Oborevwori congratulates Ebonyi Governor, Nwifuru as he marks 49th birthday 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his Ebonyi counterpart, Rt. Francis Nwifuru on his 49th birth anniversary on February 25.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, said Governor Nwifuru was worth celebrating for his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of Ebonyi State.

He lauded the Ebonyi Governor who was a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly for his resilience and grandiose contributions to the governance and development of the state, describing him as a “great and dedicated patriot and man of the people”.

Governor Oborevwori said that it was heart-warming to note that the ex-Speaker now Governor, had by dint of hard work and discipline, won the hearts and respect of Ebonyi people and the nation.

He said: “Since your emergence as Governor of Ebonyi, you have continued to ensure good governance predicated on the “Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs”.

The Governor said: “There is no doubt that your administration’s development agenda will continue to impact positively on the development trajectory of the state through the core values of humility, integrity and accountability.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate an outstanding professional and my brother, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, as he celebrates his 49th birth anniversary.

“As you celebrate this year’s anniversary of your birth, it is my prayer and that of the government and people of Delta that God grants you greater wisdom and good health to continue rendering amazing services to Him and to humanity”.

Pa Edegware Goes Home April, 6

The late patriarch of the Edegware family of Owodokpokpo – Igbide, Isoko South LGA Chief God’swill Akpovienehe Edegware, will be laid to rest at his residence on 6th April, 2024.

According to a statement and burial programme released by the family and jointly signed by FRANK OMOROJOR EDEGWARE BARR. (HIGH CHIEF) MIKE OKI EDEGWARE for the children and family respectively, the departed sage will be laid to rest at his residence on 6th April, 2024.

This will be preceded by a Service of Songs at 4 pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the Messiah African Church Cathedral, Okotie Street, Okumagba Lay – out, Warri and the funeral service at the Ebenezer African Church, Owodokpokpo – Igbide, at 10:00 am on Saturday, 6th April, 2024.

Entertainment of guests follows at the Urovo Primary School, opposite his residence, immediately after his burial. The programme will be rounded up at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 7, 2024, with a Thanks Giving Service at the Ebenezer African Church, Owodokpokpo – Igbide.

We are all enjoined to be with and support the family at this period of their grief.