By: Celestine Ukah 

*Commends Warri South Local Government, Tidi  for cleanliness

Delta State Government has commended the Hon. Dr. Michael Tidi led administration of Warri South Local Government Council for their effort in keeping the city and its surroundings safe and clean.

The Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu who gave the commendation Wednesday September 21, 2022 in an interview during the Program “State of the Nation” on Delta Broadcasting Service Warri, praised Warri South leadership for distinguishing itself among Local Government Areas  in the state for clean environment.

Chief Asiuwhu, while speaking to Deltans on DBS radio Melody FM. Warri disclosed that his Ministry have concluded all arrangement for this last Saturday’s environmental sanitation, noting that the upcoming Saturday September 24, 2022 environmental sanitation exercise is going to be total shutdown enforcement compliance across the state except for those on essential duties that is to be allowed to move with their duty identification.

The Delta State Environment Boss warned those flouting the state environment order as well as others dumping refuse on drains to desist from doing so as the environmental taskforce is ready to arrest and prosecute anyone found wanting for defacing the environment.

He assured Deltans of total cleanup of the state from refuse during and after the sanitation as the operation keep the environment clean program will be sustained, Chief Asiuwhu said the Delta State Environment Ministry inline with the State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa directive have commenced a special operation in Warri South, Uvwie, Udu and Okpe in order to keep the cities clean.

He urged Deltans to comply and come out on Saturday to clean their environment, he assured that the environment team will go round the cities to monitor and evacuate waste to appropriate dump sites approved by the state government.

*Okpe Union, UK Urges Deltans To Ignore Serial Blackmailer

The Okpe Union, UK, on Sunday reacted to the recent television interview by a former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, that one Sheriff pursuing gubernatorial bid in Delta State had been convicted in the past for manslaughter.

The group said Gbagi in the interview only reinforced his reputation as serial liar and an unrepentant blackmailer.

Though Gbagi merely accused one Sheriff, a gubernatorial hopeful, without a surname attached of having been jailed for manslaughter in the past, the leaders of Okpe Union, UK, described the former minister as a coward for lacking courage to give full names of the character involved.

The group in a statement dismissed the attempt to link the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to the report, saying that their Okpe kinsman had never being involved and convicted over any criminal conduct.

The statement was signed by the group’s President, Chief Godwin Ogholo; Mr John Ewhubare Siakpere(JP), a United Kingdom-based Lawyer, who is also the Publicity Secretary, and Dr Stephen Richards, Assistant General Secretary.

The group said Gbagi merely alluded to one Sheriff in the interview in order to achieve the wicked intentions of linking the act of misdemeanor to Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, with the aim of tarnishing the hard earned image of their kinsman in the public domain.

Stating that their findings had revealed that Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori had never been convicted in the past, they added that Rt.Hon Oborevwori was serving as an adviser to ex-Governor James Ibori at the time Gbagi claimed to have visited his imaginary Sheriff in the prison.

They wondered how a convicted Sheriif would be appointed and assigned responsibility by the government of Delta State at the same time.

Describing Gbagi as a drowning man, whose “governorship bid was dead on arrival,” the Okpe Union, UK, stated that the interview was intended to lower the esteem of Rt Hon Oborevwori in the public domain.

The Okpe Union, UK vowed in the statement that Oborevwori is a man of impeccable character and untainted past and urged the public to ignore Gbagi’s television interview as “vituperation of a drowning politician, who is desperate to hold anything to survive and stay afloat.”
The group further said in the statement, “This man called Kenneth Gbagi lacks character and he is a serial liar and an unrepentant blackmailer. He knows the legal implications of lies on national television and that was why he merely talked about one Sheriff and one Ifeanyi. As a lawyer, he claimed to be, he is conscious of the law of defamation and libel. That was why he was not courageous enough to attach a surname to his imaginary Sheriff and Ifeanyi.

“We are sure and convinced that he was not referring to our own Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, who has a towering self esteem and impeccable character that placed him far and above other candidates seeking to govern the state in 2023.”

“The life history and public conducts of Rt. Hon. Chief Sheriff Oborevwori are in public domain and he has no skeleton in his cupboard. “We urge Kenneth Gbagi to instead embark on self appraisal by checking himself and antecedents to ascertain if he’s qualified to run for the exalted office of the governor of Delta State.”

“We want to refer Gbagi to the various publications over his public conducts. Gbagi should avail himself of the Punch Newspaper of October 1st 2020; Nigerian Tribune of September 30th, 2020 and Saharareporters.com of October, 1st, 2020, among others when he was declared wanted by the Police over dehumanization of his hotel staff.”
“Also in conclusion, we refer Gbagi to reports of his conviction by a Delta State High Court, which fined him N1m over alleged torture and stripping of his workers as published widely in many national dailies and televisions, including Vanguard Newspaper of July 20th, 2022; Daily Post of July 19th, 2022 and National Daily of July 20th, 2022, among others. The question is: who is an ex-convict and a person of questionable character, who is not fit to be voted into the exalted office of Governor of Delta State? The guess by the public is as good as ours.”

By: Celestine Ukah

Despite shortage of teachers and lack of equipment of public schools in Delta State, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa led administration has approved the establishment of 22 new schools comprising 9 primary and 13 secondary schools across the state.

Investigations carried indicates that so many primary and secondary schools owned by the state government lacks basic infrastructure including teachers desks and other needed materials in to aide teaching and learning.

Also investigation around primary schools in the state reveals that they lack teachers to be able to cover the pupils in impacting learning appropriately.

The commissioner for works (Highways and urban roads), Noel Omodon, while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the deputy governor of the state, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.

According to Omodon, the new schools were approved in response to the demand for schools in the areas where such educational facilities were lacking.

Apart from the approval for the establishment of the new schools, he said, the Exco also, approved the change of name and status of some of the existing primary and secondary schools in the state.

According to him, the payment of the counterpart funding for the UBE 2022 cycle was approved by the Exco to strengthen the delivery of qualitative educational services aimed at further promoting mass literacy in the state.

The works commissioner also disclosed that approval for the supply of laboratory/workshop equipment to the University of Delta was equally given to enhance academic activities in the university.

On the Kwale Industrial Park, Omodon said the meeting approved investment into a modern production facility at the park where things like flat bars, nails, screws and angles among others would be produced, adding that the state government had equally approved equity participation at the Kwale free zone (Industrial Park).

THE NEWLY APPROVED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DELTA ARE:

1. Olota Secondary School – Olota – Ughelli South
2. Ukpiovwin Secondary School- Ukpiovwin – Udu
3. Sanubi Sec. School, Sanubi-orogun – Ughelli North
4. Erhuwaren Sec. School, Erhuwaren – Ughelli South
5. Alifekede Sec. School, Alifekede – Ika South
6. Ugolo Sec. School, Evwriyen – Okpe

7. Awamba Sec. School, Awamba – Warri North
8. Udueni Sec. School, Olomoro – Isoko South
9. Ikpere Sec. School, Ugborodo – Warri South West
10. Orhere Sec. School, Orhere – Ughelli North
11. Obioma Mixed Sec. Sch. Owa-abbi – Ukwuani
12. Amiemedi Sec. Sch. Okuetolor – Okpe
13. Esaba Sec. School, Esaba – Ughelli South

New Primary Schools
1. Owhe Primary School, Okorowhe – Okpe
2. Govt Primary Sch. Mile 5, Asaba – Oshimili South
3. Ovwodokpokpor-ogor Primary Sch. Ovwodokpokpor-ogor – Ughelli North
4. Umuseti-ogbe Primary School, Kwale- Ndokwa West
5. Ugbolegin Primary Sch., Ugborodo – Warri South West
6. Otumara Primary Sch, Otumara – Warri South West
7. Leku Prim Sch Leku/Torukubu-adagbene – Burutu
8. Evwreke Primary School, Ugolo-okpe – Okpe
9. Oghene Egoh Pri Sch. Urhede-uwheru – Ughelli North

*says OIL Theft challenges with other related vices will reduce drastically

A Youth leader under the auspices of Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, Friday last week hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, over appointment of Maj. General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Retd) as Presidential Coordinator Amnesty Programme.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, ND-APC YV, Fiawei Pathfinder, Aka Gen. Osama, Where they described the appointment as well deserved based on General Ndiomu’s wealth of experience, intelligence, doggedness courageous, transparent, hard work, dedicated, commitment, loyalty, patriotism and team-player spirit in the service to the Nation.

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard is an organization founded by ‘Gen’ Fiawei Pathfinder, Aka Gen Osama and is made up of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators including reputable personalities who are progressives and stakeholders cut across the Nine States of the Niger Delta region who are core supporters of the President Muhammadu Buhari led APC administration.

The statement reads in part, “The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard is very grateful to the number one leader of our great ruling party,the All Progressives Congress, APC, His Excellency Major General President Muhammadu Buhari Retd, (GCFR) for the wisdom and concern for Niger Deltans, especially for sustaining and proper funding of the Presidential Amnesty Programme since from the inception of this administration 2015 till date, and the group also extended a sincere appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Retd) for his wise wisdom of advice and recommendation of Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu to Mr President wish as well led for graciously appointing Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu as the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, who is a bona fide son of Ijaw land from Bayelsa State, who hails from Odoni Community under Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“We emphatically thank Mr President and also applaud the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno for his contributions making this appointment to see the light of the day and reality for carefully chosen and selecting General Ndiomu for this laudable great appointment wish is widely accepted celebrated and welcomed by all sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation and all Niger Deltans in particular.

General Ndiomu was an army officer who did not have any dent of corruption while in service and even out of service on corrupt practices rather left an unprecedented proven legacy of worthy track record of emulation.

“We strongly believe in the antecedents and track record of General Ndiomu who’s personality is well respected by all sundry based on his painstaking sterling transparent leadership track record and contribution to the course of the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region by ensuring the people live a meaningful better life. This he has exemplified while in active service at the Nigerian Army where he rose through the ranks before his retirement, which he laid down his life to serve Nigeria and Nigerians.

“He is a fine gentle Ijaw man who has served his father’s land meritoriously and selflessly contributed immensely to the peace and stability of the Nigerian state as a nation. And as a vibrant creative intelligent dogged courageous fearless officer who was committed to the defence of it’s father’s land at any given point in time when he was called upon for any national assignment.”

Meanwhile, according to the group, General Ndiomu was at the forefront of ECOWAS Peace Keeping Mission and other national assignments at all point in time as a committed dedicated Officer to the service of the Nation. We believe in General Ndiomu’s outstanding integrity as a man who is willing to bring about the desired expected and needed peace and stability in the Niger Delta region because he has the pedigree and acumen based on his capacity to achieve the expected reduction in Oil Theft and illegal Bunkering with it’s related issues.

“He is one man who is committed to the peaceful coexistence of our dear country and his value point are centered on Unity, Equity, Justice and Fairness which he demonstrated absolute loyalty and passion for Nigeria’s corporate existence. therefore we call him to ensure that he upholds the tenets of democracy and indivisibility of the nation’s unity along all frontiers and ethnic divides”.

However, the group maintained that Buhari’s appointment of General Ndiomu as the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator at this point in time cannot be questioned and the appointment is in right direction, round peg in round hole based on his past achievements, painstaking sterling leadership qualities.

“We unequivocally state pointedly and make bold to say here that Mr President has chosen the right man for this job, especially now that the Niger Delta region is about to boil and get out of hand with so many threats from various Agitating militant folks across the South-South States in the creeks due to the Trans-Niger pipeline surveillance contract issue that was awarded to our most respected, distinguished, outstanding, patriotic, detrabilized leader in the Niger Delta struggle who is a living Hero of our time, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo )AKA Tompolo) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)” it added.

The group also assured of maximum support with cooperation to the leadership of General Ndiomu for a successful tenure. “However, to this end the leader and National Coordinator of Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, Gen, FIAWEI PATHFINDER (aka OSAMA), urge all sons and daughters of Ijaw land and every well meaning Niger Deltans to give General Ndiomu maximum support as we join hands together with our brother and leader the new Presidential Amnesty Coordinator in order to enable him succeed in this new National assignment given to him by Mr President.

“At this point we will let the cat out of the bag as you all know some of the reasons why Mr President remove (Retd) Coniel Dikkio the former Amnesty Coordinator and carefully chose and appointed Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Retd) to head the Presidential Amnesty Programme at this point in time is for him to restructure, reorganize, sanitize, transform and to reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme as the program is about to wine down to its original plan in order to achieve the purpose of why it was established in 2009 by former president Musa Yara-dua of blessed memory, because we all know that the former handlers of the Programme had issues of corrupt allegations of fraudulent financial cases and misappropriation of over N3.5 billion, N10 to N35 billion which the former handlers of the office could not give proper account.

“And in view of the many issues surrounding the removal of the former Amnesty Coordinator, are issues of misappropriation and mismanagement of funds meant for the running of the Amnesty Program with training of the Ex-Militants and their empowerment packages that run into billions of Naira that could not be properly accounted for including lopsided administrative operations for not carrying every stakeholders along in the scheme of things under the Presidential Amnesty office, with numerous complaints of cases of some of the departmental heads including the former Head Of Reintegration Mr Alfred Kemepade and his cohorts who were all allegedly perpetrating large scale corrupt practices by way of money for hand before contractors files that are due for payment will be treated for payments, wish is known as money for hand back for ground

“We want to call on General Ndiomu not to have anything to do with all the former heads and most of the staff of the Amnesty office who have been fingered with corrupt practices in there DNA, and none of them should be retained in the Amnesty office including Mr Alfred Kemepade rather they should be fired in order to face prosecution of their fraudulent activities as a way forward to sanitize the office, and this will restore the image of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.” the group stated.

By: Celestine Ukah

*Says Anambra among top 10 safest States in Nigeria

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo says Anambra State is the capital of Erosion in Nigeria.

Governor Soludo made the declaration Sunday September 18, 2022 during Sunday Politics on Channelstv , he raised the alarm while fielding questions from the Host on the recent flagged off 80 kilometers road projects in tie state .

He assured that the projects inauguration will be complete and commissioned within the specific time.

While speaking on Insecurity in Anambra state. Gov. Soludo said his administration is decimating so many of the camps of the criminals in the state , adding that the government will sustain their operation against the criminals in the state, he commended the security agencies and the people of Anambra for their support in keeping the state safe as the light of the Nation and that darkness can’t comprehend light.

The Chief Security Officer of Anambra state added that the state is among the 10 safest States in Nigeria as there’s no free state from security challenge in the country.

A political group, Felix Otomewo and Friends aka Team Felix Otomewo has met with members of the group in the Delta North Senatorial District of the State.

The National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Zino Akpor, told members that the purpose of the group is to drum support for the Delta State PDP governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori (JP)

He charged members of the group to scale their sensitization for Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to the ward level to garner more support.

On his part, Mr. Innocent Iwebuena, Coordinator, FOF/TFO Delta North Zone, said that they are happy to be members of the group and will do all within their power to garner support for the the candidacy of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of state legislatures of Nigeria, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

He said that the entire nine local government areas have coordinators for the group, assuring that members of the zones are ready to support the Candidacy of Rt Hon Oborevwori for governor in 2023.

In his remarks, Comrade Philip J Otomewo, the state Coordinator for the group expressed gratitude to all and sundry on behalf of the group and Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for coming.

“I am glad to be standing here to express my vote of thanks. I would be failing in my duty if I did not thank my fellow Coordinators who have made this gathering possible. I would also like to thank each and every one of you for being here. Let us support the Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to become our next Governor in 2023”, he stated.

*As Command implements CG’s directive, launches operation “Show no Mercy to Crude Oil thieves” to end Crude oil thieves December

Acting on the presidential directive to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp Dr Abubakar Audi Ahmed PhD(mni) directing him to put an end to Crude Oil theft and oil pipeline vandalism on or before the end of December 2022.

The CG therefore, gave a matching order to all state commandant’s to crush and decimate all crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals in their respective states without mercy.

The Commandant Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Delta State, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun has paraded over Eight arrested suspected crude oil thieves and pipelines vandals in the State.

While parading the suspects in Warri, Delta State, the Delta State Command Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, DSC Emeka Peters Okwechime disclosed to journalist that the arrested suspects were for various crimes committed across the State.

DSC Emeka Okwechime in the State Command statement affirmed that sequel to the above directive from the NSCDC Commandant General, the Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security Security and Civil Defence Corps Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun launched the Commandant Special Tactical Team code named “Operation Show No Mercy To Crude Cil Thieves, Pipeline Vandals Amongst Other Crimes and Criminalities in the state. Barely 24hours into their operations they arrested some suspected crude oil thieves, vandals along the Warri Sapele Road and those illegally dealing in petroleum products suspected to be Dual Purpose Kerosine DPK and Automated Gasoline Oil AGO.

The PRO DSC Emeka Okwechime gave the names of the suspects as Mr Salisu Ibrahim 22yrs (m), Idris Ilia 23yrs (m) and Usman Adam 32yrs(m).

According to him the “Team also bursted and sealed up an illegal dump site used in illegally dealing and storing of illegally refined petroleum product suspected to be Automated Gasoline Oil AGO close to the Niger Cat junction in Uvwie LGA of Delta State which led to the arrest of Two other suspects whose names are, One Mr Aminu Garuba 32yrs (m) and Usman Tasiu 19yrs(m).

“On the Warri Sapele highway, the Team also swop on black marketers illegally dealing in petroleum products suspected to be Automated Gasoline Oil AGO, several drums of illegally refined AGO were destroyed and two suspects was arrested.

The sting operations and raiding continues until the State is sanitise of crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals”.

Also paraded by the NSCDC Image Maker Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime, was Mrs Blessing Ojewale (f) 40yrs of age, engaged in illegally dealing in petroleum product suspected to be Dual Purpose Kerosine DPK concealed in about 30 polythene sacks estimated to be about 1000litres of DPK loaded in a toyota sienna bus with registration number LSR 832 CZ used in conveying the product. She was arrested on the 12th of September 2022 at about 1600hrs at Ebendo along Kwale road by the Commandant Special Tactical Team, while the driver jumped into the bush upon sighting the men of the NSCDC.

“The Command also arrested one Mr Idogor Sunday (m) with about 27numbers of 25liters Jerry cans of petroleum product suspected to be Dual Purpose Kerosene DPK loaded in a Mitsubishi Space Runner bus with Registration Number CL 374 ABC, he was arrested at Kwale Junction in Ogwash uku along the Asaba Kwale highway at about 1930hrs on the 12th of September 2022 by the Commandant Special Tactical Team”.

DSC Emeka Peters Okwechime stated that while the Sting Operations Continues and Intensify higher, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation in order for them to face the full weight of the law and to serve as deterrent to would be criminals.

*As Isselu-Uku Kingdom celebrates 2022 Ine-Aho Festival

Climaxing the 2022 Ine Aho Festival, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka (MNSE), Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom has sent a strong message of peace and harmony to world leaders in general, and particularly political leaders in Nigeria, Delta State and Aniocha North Local Government Area, to always eschew bitterness and embrace peace in the interest of the socioeconomic growth and development of the various global societies; and specifically urging politicians in Nigeria to seek peace and rule of law ahead of the coming general elections in 2023.

He made this call while granting interview to newsmen on his Ine Festival, which is the major feast amongst the series of activities within the Ine Aho Festival.

Obi Nduka affirmed that a peaceful world is a world that is safe, secure and one that can only usher in more in development and security of the sanctity of life and dignity of man.

The amiable Monarch also sent a message of condolence to the British Monarchy and Government over the transition of Queen Elizabeth 11, the Queen of England, affirming that she was such a fanciful global personality that the world would miss for a long time.

He said while respect and tributes are being paid to her memories, the world should also accord reverence to the new King Charles 111 by praying for him to succeed in doing much more that the world would equally appreciate and celebrate at the end of time.

“There is a new dawn for the British people; they should be brave and look forward to the future, as we all should. It’s our season of joy having experienced a bountiful harvest, and so I call on all our people to embrace peace and harmony”, Obi Nduka added.

Without mincing words, Agbogidi Nduka admonished politicians to put themselves in check as election is close to call, maintaining that the country including the State cannot afford to face crisis in a period of contest which is supposed to symbolise sportsmanship.

It was indeed a busy day for the intelligently classy King who concluded his five days of intense spiritual exercise, having been in a solitude state praying for his people and blessing them with nzu (white native chalk). The morning of the Ine was when he came out from that solitude mood (Ipu Nzu) by visiting the Ishu Ani to pray for a number of times before a gunshot indicated that he had concluded his five days period of fasting and praying (Ino Nzu). It was a period that the entire community was compartmentalised into quietness in strict observance of the holy days, otherwise any live animal around could be killed at one’s expense or seizure of one’s property as value for the offence of noise making.

Now the town can celebrate as Obi goes inside to freshen up in readiness to receive homages from the warlords (Onotu Chiefs) and other well wishers.

The sound of the gun tells the warlords that the king is out of his solitude mood and they too can fire their own guns at their various quarters, indicating an agreement that the period of noiselessness had ended and the people can now celebrate. With that mindset, they will dress in their regalia, gather their people to eat and drink and then dance to the Palace to pay homage, report their war experiences to the king and then receive the Royal handshake in commendation for their heroic exploits at their various internal and external security assignments. This is what is known as “Inaka”.

Issele-Uku is made up of nine villages – Umueze Issei, Ogbe-Owele, Ogboli, Ukpai, Idumuinei, Ogbe-Utu, Ogbe-Ofu, Idumu-Ahaba and Ute. Majority of these villages if not all, have chiefs who represent them as warlords who go to fight in moments of external aggressions. And so, their gathering in this manner at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace is to report back to the King the events of the season.

While the dance is ongoing at the Palace Ground (Uge Obi), the chiefs would go in to usher the king out for the “Uje” which is the mimicking of the ancient nature of Issele-Uku king in times of war as Commander-in-Chief.

Before the chiefs and the Obi could emerge from the Palace chambers, the Omu; Omu Beatrice Onwodi in this instance and her Ilogo Omu had danced from the Uge into the main Palace, performed some rites just as the king and chiefs stepped out by the door and there was a rousing ovation and ecstatic shouts from the crowd awaiting his appearance.

The Obi is then led to the main centre of attraction with the Royal Dance (Egwu Issoh); and while in that procession, he prays to his ancestors through the performance of some rites along the way. Sitted at the Ukpo after another round of spiritual cleansing by the Omu and Eze Dibie, the chiefs began to come dancing in their order of seniority to take the Royal handshake.

For this year, the Onotu Chiefs that came for the “Ime Uje” performed exceptionally well as they were conducted in the act of “Inaka” in their order of seniority.

First, the Iyase of Issele-Uku Kingdom known as the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Innocent Etenmua Ashiedu, representing Ogbe-Ofu Village took the lead. He was praised as “Oyibo na nma”, a handsome whiteman. Of course as an American resident with a career in Aeronautics Engineering, he has done well for himself in family, business and love for the culture of his forebears.

The second Onotu Chief is the Okwalegwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Dr. John Ochei representing Idumuinei Village. The Okwalegwe Chieftaincy Title was first given to Ochei Unewu as a brave and energetic young man who was a bosom friend of the then Prince Egbune. The young Prince had lobbied his father to appoint Ochei as the commander of the Issele-Uku troop that fought against another enemy community in a war. Due to his exploits that earned Issele-Uku victory in that war, Obi Usifo then bestowed the Title of Okwalegwe to Ochei and his offsprings in perpetuity. Chief John Ochei is the fourth in that lineage from Ochei to his son, Nwabunoh Ochei, to his grandson, Charles Chiemeke Ochei and now to another grandson, John Ochei. The current occupant is a retired Laboratory Technologist from the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan, from where he moved to work at the University of Oman for years. He later returned to work with the Bowen University in Nigeria, and then Global Funds before joining the Babcock University, Ogun State as a Chief Lecturer.

The third is the Isama of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Hon. Krees Njiokwuemeni, representing Idumuigwe. He is a renowned lawyer and former Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly. His displays at the Inaka rituals would prove to you that he is indeed a warlord of repute.

The fourth is the Inene of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Dr. Felix Nwani, representing Idumu-Ahaba Village. He also represented very well, being a son of the former Inene of Issele-Uku.

The fifth Onotu Chief in line is the Agujiegbe of Issele-Uku, Chief Sunday Gabriel Ebite representing the Ishiekpe Quarters of Umueze Issei Village. When you see his appearance, it is obvious he has things to do behind rifles. As a retired police chief, the title of the lion with the gun is befitting and he hasn’t been found wanting as he has been instrumental to the security of the town and control of the youths against the use of dangerous weapons.

The sixth Onotu Chief is the Esogba of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Fidelis Jigide representing the Ogbeidibo Quarters of Umueze Issei Village. He is fondly called the dancing Chief and he has never failed to make the Ine Aho a fun to watch. Of course, his grandfather was the great Isagba of Issele-Uku in the days of Chief Nwalia, Chief Ufoegbune, Chief Charles Ochei and others.

The seventh Onotu Chief and last in line for the day is the Olotor of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Ignatius memeh representing Idumu-Ahaba Village. He is an astute politician who is respected among his folks. He has shown enormous interest in the culture of Issele-Uku being an ancient kingdom with roots in Bini Monarchical Dynasty.

Take note that after the chiefs had paid homage to Obi Nduka, they moved round to share their fraternal greetings with their fellow chiefs who are palatial and social in nature and other dignitaries sitting inside the Uge as the show was on.

After the chiefs had done their part, then came the king who danced majestically to pay homage to his forebears at the Ishu Ani by the market square. On his return, he greeted his beautiful wife, Anasi-Obi Chukwudumebi Rosemary Nduka who had been dancing and eulogizing him along with other wives in the Royal family.

Dancing into the Palace, Obi Nduka retreated to prepare for the main moment – the moment of Igbu Agboh. The Ukpo (traditional seat) was also taken inside by the Isekute, meaning that he was done with the celebration inside the Uge for the day.

While the celebration was still ongoing outside, the next emergence of the Agbogidi was fierce and warlike. He appeared in red regalia in an obvious mood of war, wielding cutlass while the able bodied Igbebors and Idimes were close to prevent him from actual bloodshed.

Obi Nduka is indeed an enigma, Godsent and graced in all ramifications as a wise Royal Father and firm king. On his return from the Igbu Agboh, performed inside the Afor Market, he bade the people goodbye as he retired into his Chambers, calling it a day from his own end.

The Ine does not stop at this point but continues into the night and the next day. The beauty of the Ine Aho Festival is in the “Igba Ine” itself; an experience that is never wished to end.

However, the grandfinale of it all will happen on the 16th September, a day set aside for the final sacrifice and homage to the forebears of Issele-Uku at the Ishu Ani, known as Ishu Onicha. This is where the Palace, Honorary and Social chiefs will have their date to receive their own royal handshake from the king. The Onotu Chiefs who will come will be with the king as he performs the rites of the day.

The 2022 Ine Festival was indeed colourful, glamorous and resplendent as a result of the clemency of the weather. It was equally well attended with music at every corner and the dignitaries who graced it included the Odogwu of Obior representing the Obi of Obior, Chief Ike Odoe, the Ojioba of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Barr. Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, the Ezinne of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Sunday Monye, the Osodi of Issele-Uku Kingdom (one who guides and protects the Anasi-Obi), Chief David Siunoje, the Olikeze of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief (Barr.) Tony Nwabuotu, the Ide of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Victor Egbune, the Inwengwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Brian Odiakosa, the Osigie of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Egbo Adigwe, the Chi-Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Uche Ngbanwa, the Ashi-Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, Member of Delta State House of Assembly and PDP candidate for Aniocha North Constituency, Mr. Bazim Sally Biose, the APC candidate for Aniocha North Constituency, Prince Ibe Ozoma, CEO of Fidelity Fortunes Group of Companies, Prince Mike Akeh, a corporate czar, Mr. Chiedu Kogos (Marketing and Events Consultant), Mr. Onyeisi Mokogwu (National President of Issele-Uku Progressive Youth Association), Prince and Princess Mrs. Nwoko, Diokpa Frank Mordi and wife and others too numerous to mention.