By: Akpovoke Otit

“Everyone is born with an instinct of success, and ability to make it, but only the ones who think out of the box succeed.” ― Unarine Ramaru

The innovative Campaign voyage embarked upon by the Ability Movement of the People’s Redemption Party ( PRP) has no doubt transcended many with noble ideologies and promises of a greater Delta come 2023.

Chief Abel Immanuel Edijala, an innovative administrator and manager whose career has been defined by his acclaimed ability to think outside the proverbial box at the helm of affairs of any office either public or private. The self-effacing Gubernatorial candidate of PRP, has steadily showed that despite what pundits initially considered a hopeless campaign, has suddenly become steady and all embracing to all and is gaining huge traction. Many reason that with the way his campaign is going, he will steadily surpass the records set by the preceding Governors since 1999 in the State going by his manefestoes, if elected come 2023.

Alot of People are 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 survival due to hunger, and BokoHaram and Herdsmen driving people from their farm lands. It’s crucial that we take decisive action to address this crisis, by electing a Governor that will deal with the situation decisively.

We need solutions. Add your PVC and vote Immanuel Edijala for Governor to guarantee your livelihoods and the lifting of the millions of people who are daily trouping in and out of Delta State struggling to find employment, empowerment, Education, Healthy and Agricultural transformation that will eradicate all forms of banditry from our farm lands .

To the joy of many, I have, so far, exceeded expectations. Without doubt, I have proved my detractors wrong and I have validated the confidence reposed in me by the citizens and Residents of Delta State and the Delta State Chapter of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). I am ready to perform if you will give me the opportunity to serve you. Nobody will be left behind. I am glad that the 51-Percenters Group dominated by women have come out to endorse my candidacy and that of my Deputy, Her Excellency Glory Ndidi Umerah. I can only assure my growing supporters that it’s all about themselves and their progress. Our Government shall be all inclusive. I am not talking of the 5 percent that have held us to the jugular since 1999. This is the time for the 95 percent majority to break loose and gain access to their common patrimony. I am will, able and ready to make that happen with your support.” he told his supporters over the weekend.

The current Delta PRP, governorship candidate compassion has time without number exhibited his milk of kindness to his followers, supporters and Deltans at large and has continued to show to them that the welfare of people around him is paramount.

Another passion that makes Edijala distinct in his own ways is his unrelenting and unprecedented passion to govern Delta state. He believes that things can only get better in a safe environment, so he will fight to make that happen if elected. He is a man with unwavering crusade for social justice, with interest on how good he can bring about prudence and strategic thinking with acceptable results in the face of daunting challenges.

“Warri people say -Shine your eyes wella. Many people in politics today, in their bid to get to the top and be accepted by others, like to jump on trends which only invariably keep them at the bottom. They are only looking out for those who are trending on social media to jump on the bandwagon. The only people who get to the top are those who do not yield to the pressure to be like everyone else but create a path for others to follow. Check out the manefestoes of the candidates properly, ask questions and probe into what the aspirants are telling you. Be smart, read their lips to see if the plan they are proposing to you will work, and if so where has it worked before. Ask for references if they are available. Don’t let them take all of us for another four years of fruitless ride again.” he advised.

The Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria NDYCN, on Wednesday August 31, 2022 inaugurated its 4th National Executive members at Labour House, Asaba, it was a historical and colorful event that witnessed by many top government officials and high personalities cut across the nine (9) oil rich states that comprised of Niger Delta.

A reputable and sound human right lawyer, Comrade Akpos Ogbodogbo Esq, administered the oath of office proceedings to newly elected officers of Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria, NDYCN, were the National President, Amb. Blessing Adogbeji led in order of administration.

The outgoing President Comrade Daniel Etaiga bosiet,mngs gave a heartwarming speech, where he thanked God almighty for successful completion of tenure with his executives. He said, “as I steps out today and move to higher assignment because we the Niger Delta Youths will never rest until our region needs are attended to. He charged the newly sworn in executives to put in their best and also consult sensitively when the needs arise. In his speech, he stressed on the abandoned East–West road to be completed before the end of this President Buhari administration, and other critical national issues must be attended to, or no rest, Etaga emphasized”.

The Chairman of the occasion Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori, PDP Delta Central Senatorial Candidate ahead of 2023 general elections was ably represented by Chief Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman, School of Health Technology, Ofuoma, charged the Niger Delta youths to wake up and join their strengths with visionary leaders in the region in fighting and attracting  meaningful development to Niger Delta region, he said.

The special guest of honor to the special inauguration ceremony, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Science and Technology, Olorogun Jennifer Adasen Efeviroro, said the youths are now getting it right gradually but we must not misplaced our priorities because the “End SARS Protest was an eye opener but many youths deviated from the objective of the protests and been used for top and high profile personalities for their selfish interest.

She charged the newly sworn in executives to work as a team across boards with all stakeholders in the region and stand tall in championing/supporting meaningful and peaceful agitations of getting want belong to us as our right from government of the day.

She also advised the youths to be active in politics and decision making because the future starts now. As a youth she will stand by the administration and contribute her quota in advancement and betterment of Niger Delta region, she asserted.

The newly elected President of Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria (NDYCN), Amb. Blessing Adogbeji appreciated all dignitaries and regional youth leaders that set aside their various activities and schedules to make this occasion a huge success. He promised to carry all his executives and Niger Delta youths along in all activities and also work with all leaders and stakeholders of Niger Delta in attaining our goal.

The spiritual father of the day, Archbishop God-Dowell Avwomagba, G.O Christ Missionary Crusaders Church, represented by Bishop Paul Ewomure, advised the President and his Executives to work in one accord in everything in achieving their set goals and they’ll progress. There will be provisions and dividends from Niger Delta States and federal government, they should utilizes them for the betterment of the region and its citizenry.

Other top government officials and high personalities that attended the event include, National Vice President, NYCN, Amb. Innocent Nduanya, Barr Ogbemi, Hon Jude Fregene, Evangelist Nicolas Ewomere, Amb. Ese Sanco Darlington, Dr Hope George JP, Comrade Edwin Afejuku, Hon David Ebrunu, Hon Sunday Agbemre, Comrade Anslem Etolor, Rt. Hon Friday Osanebi amongst others.

Names of national executives inaugurated:
1Amb. Blessing Adogbeji – President
2. Mr. Isaac Ituechi -Vice President
3. Amb. Patrick Akpan JP -Secretary
4. Inyangy Williams- fin Secretary
5. Comr.Goodluck Wisdom -PRO
6. Osaretin Idahosa -Organizing  Secretary
7. Peace Eke Agwu – Welfare’ Director
8. Oghoredafe Kenneth -Treasurer
9. Comr. Famous Akpode Ewini -Media & Publicity
10. Oworen Emmanuel Akpan Social Director
11. Mr. Tuoyo Omatseye- Contact & Mobilization
12. Ekeke Valentine C -Assistant Organizing  Secretary
13. Comr. King Boleigha Preye S -Asistant  Secretary.
14. Osaremhen V Imonitie -Asistant Fin Secretary

The newly elected National Secretary General, Amb. Patrick Akpan Udoetoh JP, gave vote of thanks and ceremony ended with a closing prayer said by Bishop Paul.

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, lauded the Kenyan Supreme Court for upholding the election of Williams Ruto as President-elect of the country.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, said the Kenyan judiciary deserved accolades for demonstrating courage, firmness, fairness and transparency in its ruling on the petition that challenged the victory of Ruto, which was filed by opposition leader, Raila Odinga.

He however called on the Judiciary the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria and indeed Africa to learn from the Kenyan Judiciary by ensuring justice at all times without minding the whims and caprices of the establishment or ruling political parties.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said: “The Kenyan Judiciary has become a shining example of true justice devoid of manipulation and intimidation on the African Continent.

“This is the same Supreme Court that nullified the election of a sitting President and ordered a bye-election following observed irregularities.

“This track record of impartiality is rare in Nigeria and indeed, the African Continent where the judiciary is often muzzled and manipulated to rule in favour of the establishment or ruling political parties.

“The courage and sterling qualities of the Kenyan Supreme Court in ruling in favour of Ruto, irrespective of the groundswell of opposition against his election as President-elect by his political rival, Raila Odinga and the Kenyan establishment, is worthy of emulation.”

He once again congratulated Ruto over his election and Supreme Court victories.

He called on Ruto to form a government of national unity in the interest of peace and development of Kenyan as a country and Africa as a continent.

The cerebral Royal Mother of the Anioma Nation and former member of the Federal Government/Private Sector Committee on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to immediately pay ASUU and settle all agreements reached with them so as to enable them return to the classroom, adding that the industrial action was causing more harm than good to the educational system.

She made this call while receiving the Winning Legacy Award, presented to her by the Convener of the Winning Women International, powered by Torchigrace Godspower (First Lady Akwaugo 1 of WAZOBIA FM) at the Sweet Spirit Hotel Asaba, on Sunday 4th September, 2022, in recognition of her numerous achievements in the Media, Business, Leadership and Anioma Cultural Advancement.

Omu Dunkwu said it had become imperative to lend her voice to what was happening in our education system where the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had remained on strike for over six months.

In her motherly evaluation and analysis, she said FG should not continue to show disdain to the legitimate demands of ASUU as if education does not matter.

Her words, “This dispute should be resolved once and for all. If there was agreement reached earlier in addition to the report submitted by the Government’s own Committee, then the Government is obligated to implement this report.

“The Federal Government cannot tell us that they don’t have money to pay ASUU to resolve all of these issues. There is money in our country, we shouldn’t deceive ourselves about that. Education should not even be a sector to toy with. We must be careful with what we do, we have more challenges in our hand and should not add pressure on parents and children who are the actual victims of this strike.

“Our most important asset as a country is the people and not even the oil and gas resource that is tearing us apart. On this note, I want to categorically call on the Federal Government to pay ASUU and resolve all the disputes hampering the progress and development of our tertiary eduction in order for the lecturers to go back to school to teach our children, provide teaching aids, make the school environment conducive for learning so that lecturers can be happy and motivated to teach”, Omu Dunkwu posited.

The former member of Board of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), also used the platform to call on the women to always remember that they have children and should think of their future by voting the right people to lead the country in 2023.

Omu who was disheartened that the over 5000 women in the hall and outside had gathered for small empowerments to do business in a country that is so blessed and supposed to cater for their security and welfare.

She said it is pathetic for women who do all the errands for political parties and vote more in any election, to continue to suffer and live in penury.

She also called on the media to watch itself and do everything possible to hold Government accountable as we move into an election year.

In addition, Omu Dunkwu insisted that the Watchdog must be watched by itself, urging Government not to be apprehensive of the media but concentrate on delivering good governance as part of its statutory mandate. She therefore, quoted Voltaire as saying that, “The only way to compel men to speak good of you is to do good”.

By: Celestine Ukah

The Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Delta Commander, Commodore Abdulhameed Baba Inna has charged the eight newly promoted Naval Officers to take up their promotion as additional responsibilities in the call to service to their father land.

areanewsng.com reports that Commodore Inna gave the charge Thursday September 1, 2022 at the NNS Delta Warri during the shipping of the newly promoted officers, he urged the eight Officers promoted to the new rank of Lt. Commanders to take their promotion serious as much is expected from them, adding that it is a new phase in their carrier.

While congratulating the newly promoted officers the Navy Boss further admonished them to guide their junior ones and as well always display higher level of maturity in discharge of their duties, even as he tasked them to be dutiful

Responding on behalf of the eight promoted Lt. Commanders, Lt. Commander G Ahmadu assured the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral AZ Gambo and the commander of NNS DELTA, Commodore Abfulhameed Baba Inna and their Bosses of their total loyalty, commitment to the service of the Navy and the nation .

The eight promoted officers are: LT CDR AG AHMADU, LT CDR B ALI , LT CDR BS ABAYOMI, LT CDR S ABUBAKAR, LT CDR SI AKPAN, LT CDR OO EZE, LT CDR PY PERO-ISHAYA AND LT CDR YS TARGEMA

Special Presentations were made to Capt. LD Deyin by the NNS Delta Boss, Commodore Inna.

Commanding Officer Escravos Capt. B. Abubakar, Commander Fleet Support Group Central Capt. Od Ogbologu, other senior officers of the Navy, the promoted officers spouses, relatives and friends were among those present during the ceremony..

From Left; Comrade Patrick Ochei, Yemi Shodimu & Hon. Fred Martins

The State Pastor of the Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel in Oshogbo, Pastor Michael Olusola has described the immediate past NYSC Delta State Coordinator, Deaconess (Mrs) Olutayo Olufunke Samuel as a woman of productivity and service.

The description was made when the man of God who claimed to have known Samuel for over 25 years was delivering his benediction at the 60th birth anniversary of the dynamic and amiable retired NYSC official.

Olusola said the days of a man in life are measured by Duration and by Donation.

To buttress, he said man is destined to live 70 years and above, maintaining that the highest years to live on earth is 120; however, one can desire more and still have it.

Inferring to the Diamond Anniversary of the celebrant, the servant of God defined 60 as meaning support, perfection and rest; confirming that Olutayo Samuel had come to the level where she would operate from the platform of rest without struggle.

He said while we desire to live more years on earth, we should define our purpose so that our case would not be like that of Methuselah who lived 969 years on earth with nothing mentioned about him except having children.

Talking about Donation in life, Pastor Olusola affirmed that Olutayo Samuel was someone that had donated her life to the service of God and humanity.

He gave a good account of her, especially as it pertains to the Gospel of Christ, describing her as a dangerous soul winner.

The man of God gave a testimony of how Deaconess Samuel followed up a Muslim woman who gave her life to God in sickness. He stated that against all odds, she nurtured the woman in faith, sponsored her treatment and kept her in faith.

In conclusion of the testimony, the servant of God said as a pastor, he would never wish to lose such a member, which was why in spite of his very tight schedules, he still didn’t miss the occasion.

Daddy Olusola noted that knowing Mrs. Samuel was more than joy and pride to him, testifying that in spite of all the trials and tribulations she had been through, she kept to her faith in working hard responsibly and serving God and humanity in the most honest way.

According to Pa Olusola, one of the things I knew Deaconess Samuel about, is her always rejoicing, celebrating and dancing in thanksgiving before the Lord.

“For 25 years that I have known her through my wife, she has not changed but remained faithful in the service of God and humanity. God kept her for a purpose and that is what she is doing in her service to God and humanity. She is a woman of productivity and service”, said Pastor Olusola.

In praying for the amiable celebrant, Pastor Olusola declared that she would never get discouraged but continue in the service of God until the last day of her life.

He described Deaconess Samuel as a living epistle of Psalm 23, maintaining that in the natural life, man depreciates by age while in the kingdom of God, the more one ages the more productive one gets. He therefore, proclaimed that God would keep her strong and healthy as she ages in fulfillment of her divine purpose on earth and the word of God in Psalm 23.

In a nutshell, the celebrant who was glittering and full of life, told her story and appreciated God for how He kept her strong, chaste and preserved from trials, evils and unrighteousness.

She pledged never to abandon God, because He never abandoned her when she desperately needed His interventions in all the trials she faced.

The occasion which held at the Peacock Hall, Providence Hotel and Event Centre, along MKO Abiola Way, Abeokuta, was fun filled with classic activities in honour of the celebrant.

High profile dignitaries from across the country, including Hon. Fred Martins of the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Patrick Ochei of the Delta State Council of NUJ, a veteran broadcaster Mr. Yemi Shodimu and a lot others were present.

The festival of ‘Igbu Awai’ is a unique and interesting aspect of the new yam festival (Iwaji) in Issele-Uku; an agrarian community within the Anioma extraction of Delta State.

The Igbu Awai is a part of the series of activities marking the eating of the new yam. The first is the celebration of the new yam festival by children (Iwaji Umuaka), then followed by non titled persons (Iwaji Ikolo) within the community.

The Igbu Awai being the celebration of the new yam festival by titled men (Ikpala) in the community, marks the acceptability of the new yam as healthy and safe staple food for eating.

It is historically believed that the first time new yam was sighted in the community, the villagers were apprehensive, suspecting that its eating might cause poisoning or death to them. To that effect, they decided to allow the children eat the new yam first, in obvious suspicion it could lead to their death. When the children could not die, the elders approved for the Ikolos, those not societally relevant in the scheme of things and not traditionally titled to eat next.

It was after the Ikolos had eaten and not died that the Ikpalas decided to eat theirs the next day. However, it was the Ikolos that were putting the yam in their mouths (Igunya ji na onu), telling them how sweet and healthy the yam was to their bodies. That is why till date, the children and the Ikolos must have eaten the new yam before the Ikpalas eat and then the king of the community.

The 2022 Igbu Awai festival in Issele-Uku was indeed an awesome one. It was an Afor Market day, and while the women had gone to buy cooking stuffs from the market, the men were left to prepare the new yam. It is usually a public show as the big pot is placed on the fire outside with people drinking and jubilating, obviously waiting with earnest desire to eat the traditional porridge (Awai).

The Awai is prepared only with red oil and salt in the first segment of the ceremony.

The second segment is the preparation of the Otite. The Otite is the roasting of the new yam, and when done, the burnt back is scraped into a mortal, pounded together with the Otite leaves and mixed with the roasted yam for eating.

The Otite is highly medicinal; it cures stomach ache and obviously eaten to prevent any side effect from the new yam.

The next segment of the festival is cooking real meal; the new yam is pounded for food and eaten with any properly prepared soup, usually pepper soup (nsala) or white egusi soup (oseani).

Meanwhile, before all these activities take place in the day, there is usually the ceremony of going to the farm to harvest the new yam for the day’s ceremony. While that is being done, the daughters of the household or family (Umuada) would carry out the cleansing of the house (Ife Unor). It is the traditional process of warding off evils from the house in order to receive the new yam into the house. They do this from house to house and they usually receive tubers of yams in appreciation for what they do.

The Igbu Awai was celebrated by most titled men across the nine villages in Issele-Uku, but the two distinct places visited were the Ogwa Ogbelani Issele-Uku and Okpalabisi Umueze Issei, Diokpa Okonkwo Isimchei and of course, Ogwa Okwalegwe Issele-Uku at Idumuinei Village where Comrade Lucky Ochei was exceptional in resonating the nitigrity of Igbu Awai festival. There were dance groups performing to spice up the ceremony.

According to Diokpa Isimchei, “Today marks the beginning of the eating of new yam by titled men (Ikpala) in Issele-Uku. The Ikolos tell us how it feels to eat the new yam by putting it in our mouths as the Okpalas.

“Every land has their traditions and culture. We have ours and it is very unique. However, we must continue to raise the bar in our tradition for the sake of posterity. Our children must embrace the sanctity of our traditions and customs.

“The new yam is wonderfully sweet and healthy to the body system. I have eaten it and I feel good. The Otite is also here; a very good recipe for the cure of stomach ache and other forms of food poisonings.

“We prayed at the beginning of the farming season, and God has answered us with bountiful harvests and healthy crops. On this note we are praying again, that God should keep us alive and healthy to successfully celebrate the coming Ine Festival, which climaxes the new yam festivals in Issele-Uku.

On the part of Comrade Lucky Ochei, he acknowledged God for the gift of life and harvest of blessings. He therefore asked God for more grace to continue to reverence him annually.

By: Ella Ogba

The Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta, has demanded for what they described as their share of the pipeline surveillance contract, recently awarded by the Federal government to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo A.K.A Tompolo, saying the NNPC ought to have consulted widely with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta, before awarding the surveillance job.

The leader of The Reformed Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta, General Tony Alagbakereowei, made the demand in a press statement released in Warri, Dela State, Tuesday August 30.

The statement reads: “The NNPC Management, should have consulted critical stakeholders, before awarding the surveillance contract to a particular person from the creek. They (NNPC) failed to understand that the peace Nigerian government is enjoying in the Niger Delta region today, is as a result of a peace deal that was entered between the former Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brg. Gen. Paul Boro and the Niger Delta arms’ agitators”.

Alagbakereowei, added: “It will be recalled that when Paul Boro was in office, he was able to convey a critical stakeholders’ meeting at Odi Community in Bayelsa State, where over 21 different militant groups across the Niger Delta, with their representatives, agreed on a ceasefire, with a lot of promises, which include the pipeline surveillance job. We were assured that every community, will be responsible for the provision of security in their community, which led to the current cessation of hostilities in the Niger Delta region.

“All these years, we have been patient, waiting for the Federal government to do the needful, but to our greatest surprise, this long awaiting job (Surveillance contract) was reported to have been given to a particular person from the creek, which cannot be acceptable. The federal government is always good in setting confusion.

“How can a stranger come to my community that has the third biggest oil manifold in the whole of West Africa, to take over my job, every person should maintain and protect their area of responsibility for the sake of peace”.