IPF step down N50BN defamation suit against Vanguard, give reason

IPF step down N50BN defamation suit against Vanguard, give reason 

Warri _____ The Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, has stated why it decided to step down move to slam Vanguard newspaper N50BN naira defamation suit over report alleging that "Irate Ijaw Youth Kills Soldiers" in Okuama Community in Ughelli Local government area of Delta State.

The report, according to the group was a grand plot to twist facts and to incite the military against Ijaw nation in the Okuama killing, adding that Ijaw communities both in Delta and Bayelsa States had face great military onslaught following the mischievous Vanguard report.

In a statement signed by its President Comrade Austin Ozobo emphasised that the group decided to step down the N50BN suit following the subsequent correction of the misleading information and online headline upon the demand for correction and apology by IPF.

IPF further stated that the move to step down its action was due to the overwhelming support of the Vanguard South-South regional editor, Emma Amaze for amplifying the marginalization of Niger Delta, adding that his true support for the development of Niger Delta region was greatly acknowledged even in the face of provocation.

The Publishers said their anger arose following the reoccurring conspiracy theory emanating from the Okuama killing and other critical issues concerning Ijaw people, noting that such always come from Vanguard newspaper.

The apex Ijaw press council despite decided to drop litigation against the paper, insisted that the massive killing of Ijaws in Igbomotoro community, invasion of High Chief Dr E.K Clark home and other invasions and arrest of Ijaw people in Delta and Bayelsa were incited by the mischievous report from Vanguard newspaper.

The group said it would forgive Vanguard because Emma Amaze, its South-South regional editor had contributed much in mentoring some Ijaw sons and daughters in the media, and others who chose activism in career part.

IPF maintained that though Vanguard is not about Emma Amaze but since it happened in his coverage area which is the Niger Delta, directly or indirectly the intended legal battle would have affected his relationship with the people of Ijaw nation.

The group appealed to their brother Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, the publisher of Vanguard newspaper to always guide against slander, defamation and inciting reports against the Ijaw nation and its people, noting that the group had witnessed several of such reports, and that if it continued to repeat itself, Ijaw nation would reacts unfriendly, and such is capable of destroying Ijaw patronage for Vanguard newspaper.

The Ijaw news agency, said it had briefed its lawyer of the intention to step down the litigation processes, adding that the decision was taken in good fate and for the best interest of the group.

Teem Clinic Dental/Smile Train to offer free medical surgery in warri on 10/13 April, 2024

Teem Clinic Dental/Smile Train to offer free medical surgery in warri on 10/13 April, 2024

Wilson Macaulay

Warri _____ Teem Clinic Dental Services Limited, in collaboration with Smile Train, a renowned international charity organization, is set to   launch a groundbreaking initiative to provide free

medical surgery for children suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate sickness in Effurun, Warri, and environs  in  Delta State and beyond.

The special medical outreach expected to begin on the 10 -13 th April 2024, is an effort aimed to address cleft Lip/cleft palate which is a congenital condition in which the upper lip fail to form properly thereby creating a hole in the upper lip while cleft palate is a condition where there is an opening between the mouth and the nose such that when the child swallows food, it comes from the nose.

The event, which will mark a significant milestone in the treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate in the  local healthcare sector in Delta State will take place at Teem Clinic's facilities in Effurun  meteopolis at Refinery road, Ekpan opposite Chicken Republic Ekpan near the Police Station.

 The event which is scheduled to commence on the 10th of April to 13th April 2024, underscores the commitment of both organizations Teem Dental Services Ltd and Smile Train  to making essential medical services accessible to underserved populations who suffers a lot of stigmatization and total neglect in our society as a result of this disease.

The initiative will offer a wide range of surgeries, to correct defects in cleft lip/cleft palate at no cost through the generous support of Smile Train and the dedicated team of professionals at Teem Clinic Dental Services which have successfully carried out surgery on over 100 who are happily living in our society today free from that congenital condition which made  life not worth living.

Dr. Etetefia Mabel, the CEO TEEM Clinic Dental, the lead dentist,

flanked by Dr Omoloye Philip Adupagbemi,, Omonigho Oghenetega joy and Ovwavweho Eseoghene during a Press Conference organized to herald the event expressed her  enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, that Teem Dental is  thrilled to partner with Smile Train to bring  the much-needed medical care to the people of Effurun, Ekpan, Warri and environs.

According to Dr Etetefia Mabel, cleft lip and cleft palate disease are  vital aspect of overall well-being, and through this initiative, they  hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members whose joy of having new born babies has been shattered.

lndeed it is heart warming to know that

Smile Train, known for its global efforts to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries, has extended its support to include dental services in collaboration with Teem Clinic. The organization's mission aligns with Teem Dental's commitment to promoting oral health and improving access to essential medical treatments specifically in carrying out the correctional surgery

of cleft lip/cleft palate.

Dr Etetefia Mabel who  further briefed the Press said:"We are proud to partner with Smile Train to expound the reach of Teem Clinic Dental Services to reach and impact Effurun/ Warri Communities, and the whole of Delta State and beyond." 

Dr Etetefia Mabel assured the public 

that together with Smile Train, Teem Dental  Services aim to address the pressing challenges of Cleft lip/Cleft Palate which makes society to regard those with the sickness as outcasts, witches/wizards or cursed children 

left to live in isolation as a result of ignorance and lack of information on where victims can get medical solution.

Dr Etetefia Mabel explained during the interractive session that,  the free surgery is an  initiative driven by passion to help humanity get improved access to specialized healthcare services in the area of cleft lip/Cleft palate condition, because the sickness have broken many marriages as spouses lay blames on each other as the source of the problem.

Shedding more light on the event, Dr Etetefia Mabel remarked thus: " What we hope to do on the 10th of April to 13 th April 2024  is the practical reflection  of our  shared commitment to promoting health equity and addressing disparities in healthcare access."

She added: " Patents of cleft lip/cleft palate should receive this information and grab the free surgery opportunity we are offering, l encourage them to start registerion now in advance at Teem Clinic's Warri location Refinery Road opposite Chicken Republic, Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, Delta State. They can also be contacted on gsm number 08023161800, 08029039656 for all necessary clarifications.

Speaking further, Dr Etetefia Mabel observed: "The event promises to be a transformative opportunity for individuals in need of cleft lip/cleft palate surgery, because they will receive treatment from skilled professionals in a supportive and compassionate environment ."

As preparations for the initiative are underway, it is worthy of note that Teem Dental and Smile Train, the organizers anticipate a significant turnout and they are prepared to accommodate a large number of patients.

Judging from what we saw on ground during the Press briefing, With the support of Smile Train and the dedication of Teem Clinic Dental Services, Doctors ,  with the relevant medical equipments showcased by Dr Etetetefia Mabel,   the collaborative effort holds the promise of transforming lives and promoting treatments  of cleft lip/cleft Palate   in Effurun/Warri communities in patticular and Delta State in general.

IYC Eastern Flank makes case for Ebolo Vice Chairmanship ambition

IYC Eastern Flank makes case for Ebolo Vice Chairmanship ambition 

Francis Tayor

PortHarcourt_____ As the process to install new IYC administration prior to the expiration of Dr. Collins Okotete led leadership of Western Zone of Council, the leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) DAA BLoc which comprises of Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Ke Clan, Bille Clan, Tombia Clan and Udekeama Clan respectively in the Eastern flank, after due consultations with members of Council inline with the forthcoming Western Zone elections, has called on Comrade EBOLO SAMUEL, the immediate past Chairman lYC Ngbilebiri Clan to contest for the office of Vice Chairman.

In a Press Statement issued on Thursday at PortHarcourt, Rivers State Capital signed by the duo, Comrade Asikitams Edward, Chairman IYC Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Coordinator IYC DAA Bloc and St. Bikiya Samuel, 

Chairman IYC Tombia Clan, Secretary IYC DAA Bloc stated that the call became imperative owing to the fact that distinguished Comrade EBOLO SAMUEL has the carriage, courage, collaborative strategies and leadership charisma, owing to his result oriented, flawless, peaceful and diligent service to Ijaw Nation, as an immaculate Chairman of the IYC Clan Chairmen Forum, Western Flank.

They noted that Ebolo Sam has the experience and the ljaw resource control struggle in his DNA, hence given him the opportunity to serve as Vice Chairman lYC Western Zone will push the ljaw cause to the international level.

Read below full details of the statement:

AKUMA FIETE! 

THE CALL FOR COMRADE EBOLO SAMUEL TO CONTEST FOR THE EXALTED POSITION OF VICE CHAIRMAN, IYC WESTERN ZONE.

The leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) DAA BLoc which comprises of Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Ke Clan, Bille Clan, Tombia Clan and Udekeama Clan respectively in the Eastern flank, after due consultations with members of Council inline with the forthcoming Western Zone election, do unequivocally call on Comrade EBOLO SAMUEL  to contest for IYC Vice Chairman.

This Clarion call is borne out of his ingenuity, passion, patriotism, resilience, probity, respect, dedication, doggedness, intellectual capacity, selflessness and experience in the struggle of our collective bargaining and patrimony inline with the tenets and principles of the infallible Kaiama Declaration.

The aforesaid office requires someone who has the chemistry of our revered council, to support and strengthen Council, tenaciously agitate for the well-being of our innocuous and poor Ijaw populace by positively transforming their lives trajectory whereby building confidence in the lives of an oppressed average Ijaw man and woman.

The distinguished Comrd EBOLO SAMUEL has the carriage, courage, collaborative strategies and leadership charisma, owing to his result oriented, flawless, peaceful and diligent service to Ijaw Nation, as an immaculate Chairman of the IYC Clan Chairmen Forum, Western Flank.

If we must resuscitate the struggle of our forebearers, we must holistically look beyond ethnicity, friendship, self aggrandizement and place more priority on competency, character and commitment in sustaining the struggle of our collective bargaining. 

Comrade EBOLO is blessed with the Solomonic wisdom, meekness and peaceful disposition to midwife peace amongst council members, and to support his zonal Chairman and other leaders in the Western flank to succeed.

In the foregoing, we seriously need to be intentional about building strong institutions in actualizing our collective aspirations, and not to be building 'strong men' without the requisite competency, character and commitment.

Sequel of the above, we conscientiously call on the IYC Chairman of the Clan Chairmen Forum Western Zone, Comrade EBOLO SAMUEL to vie the Zonal Vice Chairmanship position which by zoning, is within his jurisdiction and therefore solicit for the support of all and sundry in repositioning our revered Council.

Sign:

Comrade Asikitams Edward, Chairman IYC Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Coordinator IYC DAA Bloc. 

St. Bikiya Samuel, 

Chairman IYC Tombia Clan, Secretary IYC DAA Bloc.

Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Dispute: Sylvester calls on Gov. Sheriff to take action

Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Dispute: Sylvester calls on Gov. Sheriff to take action

Francis Tayor

Warri ______ Following the calamity that befalls the Nigerian Army over the land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba Community's in Bomadi/Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, a renowned Justice of Peace title holder of the state, High Chief. Sylvester Tiebebedigha (JP), the Doumien-Owei (Peace Maker) of Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom, has called on the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to as a matter of public importance take a drastic action to put to permanent end the land boundary adjustment dispute between the people of Aladja in Udu LGA and Ogbe-ljoh in Warri South-West LGA of the state.

Chief Tiebebedigha made the call on Friday in Warri, following a multiple sounds of gun shots by unknown gunmen around Aladja and Ogbe-ljoh forest, noted that the governor should step up to conclude the boundary adjustment deal between the two communities now that they have embraced reasonable peace at the moment.

Chief Sylvester stressed that as the holder of the Peace Maker title in Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom,  he cannot keep mute when there are suspicious moves by some fugitive criminal elements who had caused havoc at Okuama community to come and ignite crisis between Aladja and Ogbe-ljoh Communities that have been living peacefully over the last one year prior to Gov. Oborevwori's intervention.

He commended the state governor for his prompt intervention by delegating the Speaker of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor to resolve the Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja land dispute crises in July 2023 last year.

However, Chief Sylvester charged the governor to do more by taking drastic decision to come and conclude the boundary adjustment deal which he delegated Mr. Speaker to facilitate the process while His Excellency was out of the country.

He added that how which drastic action where taken earlier by the state government to resolve the Okuama and Okoloba Community's land dispute, the matter wouldn't have escalated to the killing of peace keeping Nigerian soldiers by irate youths.

Funkekeme, J.T, Oloye give credence to Sunny for Burutu Council Chair

Funkekeme, J.T, Oloye give credence to Sunny for Burutu Council Chair

Francis Tayor

Asaba______  The Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor of Delta State and a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Burutu, Hon. Chief Funkekeme Solomon, the member representing Burutu South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Peres Oloye and the Chairman Governing Council Delta State Polytechnic of Marine Technology Burutu, Hon. Chief J.T. Government, has expressed confidence in the candidate of the immediate past Secretary of Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme, who is a frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Burutu Local Government chairmanship elections.

The three PDP leaders of repute in Burutu gave their credence to Hon. Sunny Perekeme on Wednesday in Asaba, when the chairmanship aspirant paid them a consultative visit.

In his remarks, Chief. J.T. Government asserted that Prince Sunny Perekeme is very humble, calm, straight forward, honest and trust worthy person who can chair Burutu Local Government Council well without compromise. He stated that if character like Sunny is given the mandate to serve as the council Chairman, Burutu people are in a safe hand.

While Hon Peres Oloye, the member representing Burutu South Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, described Sunny Perekeme as upright man who is result oriented and understanding, adding that he has confident in Sunny to operate an all inclusive Government that will accommodate everybody in Burutu when given the opportunity to serve as the Council Chairman.

On his party, the Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Hon. Chief Funkekeme Solomon noted that Burutu Council needs someone that can satisfy the entire Burutu people. 

He believes that Prince Perekeme Sunday can bridge the gap because he has maximum respect for elders, experience of leadership and educationally balanced to adequately manage Burutu resources for the benefit of all when emerged as the next council Chairman. 

The trio however, expressed gratitude to God for bringing Sunny Perekeme at this time, and as well pour out their heartfelt prayers for him to actualize his ambition.

Meanwhile, it will interest the public to note that Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme was first appointed in 2003 as Transition Committee Member/Supervisor for Agric and Natural Resources under Hon. Asupa Forteta led council Chairman. In 2008, he was reappointed as Supervisor for Agric and Natural Resources by Hon. Frank Ekioemi Zuokumo led council Chairman. 

In 2018, he was appointed as Secretary to Burutu Local Government Council by Hon. Godknows Angele led council Chairman.

In 2021, he was reappointed as Secretary Burutu Local Government Council by Hon. Godknows Angele, where he humbly and faithfully served both Angele and Combolous lkisa. 

He was also appointed as head of Administration of the PDP election management committee in Burutu Local Government Area during 2023 general elections.

And he was recently appointed as Secretary 2024 Burutu North Constituency Delta State House of Assembly Re-run election management committee that was ably chaired by Chief. (Dr.) Julius Takeme in Burutu Local Government Area.

It is on record that Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme is the first man to bagged the Meritorious Award as the most humble and honest Council Secretary in the history of Burutu Local Government Council.

Among those in the campaign team of Prince Sunny Perekeme include; Mr. Funpere Numupeide, DG Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme campaign organization, Hon. Asiayei Eregu, woman leader Maureen Bolo and many others.

Just-ln: IPF kicks Against Raid of Pa Clark's Home by Nigerian Army

Just-ln: IPF kicks Against Raid of Pa Clark's Home by Nigerian Army 

...... Says ljaw youths never plan to attack military neither oil facilities in the Niger Delta as claimed by security report

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ Following the recent unlawful and disrespectful raid of the home of ljaw National Leader, Chief (Dr.) Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark in Kiagbodo Community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State by the Nigerian Army, the ljaw Publishers Forum, IPF has vehemently condemned and kicked against the action of the Nigerian military, describing the invasion as barbaric and a slap to ljaw nation.

The statement was made by the National President IPF, Comrade Austin Ozobo on Wednesday at Warri, during a World Press Conference organized by the body also refers to the military intelligence report insinuating ljaw youths are planning to attack military and oil facilities in the Niger Delta region as a big lie and unfounded rumor emanating from the pit of hell been sponsored by enemies of ljaw nation in order to cause Nigerian government against ljaw people over the killing of soldiers by Okuama youths in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

IPF emphasized that Niger Delta youths and stakeholders are very much committed to hold firm the existing peace in the region following the sustained Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, stressing that it is unwise for crisis merchants to think of brewing bad blood among the Nigerian military and the Niger Delta region.

The Pan Ijaw News Agency has however, called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to exercise rules of engagement and not to plunge the country into avoidable chaos, adding that the Nigeria government and its military should at this point build a lasting peace to attract more investors across the globe to the impoverished but oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Read below the full details of the Press Statement:

IJAW PUBLISHERS' FORUM, (IPF)

Press statement

27th March, 2024

RAID ON CHIEF (DR) PA CLARK'S HOME, MEANT TO INCITE PROVOCATION AND SECURITY REPORT INSINUATING IJAW YOUTH PLAN TO ATTACK MILITARY,  OIL FACILITIES IN NIGER DELTA LACK FACTS

The Ijaw Publishers Forum's (IPF) attention has been drawn to a threat to militarise the Niger Delta region, particularly Ijaw communities by the Federal Government of Nigeria following a mischievous and unverified security reports alleging that Ijaw youth are planning to attack military installations and oil facilities in the region.

Again, the IPF wishes to express its utter dismay on the unlawful military raid on the country home of Ijaw national leader, Chief (Dr) Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark in Kiagbodo community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday. However, we strongly condemn the unlawful breaking and entry into such highly profiled residence by the military. Except we are in a banana Republic, the rule of law should be adhered to in every military operation in this country.

The barbaric raid is a slap on Ijaw Nation and is meant to embarrass the 97-year-old Ijaw national leader, who has served this nation meritoriously, and to equally incite provocation among Ijaw youths by suspected crises merchants to accomplish their game plans. Following the recent ugly antecedents, the twisting of Vanguard report which refers Irate Ijaw youths to have killed soldiers in Okuama, the purported military intelligence report saying Ijaw youths are planning to attack military and oil facilities in Niger Delta, killing of Ijaw people in Bayelsa State, raiding of Ijaw communities in Delta, Bayelsa States; attempt to rope Ijaw prominent leaders and invasion of Pa Clark home, show that there is a deliberate plan by some enemies of the region to drag Ijaw Nation into the Okuama incident by all means necessary. It should be on record that Ijaw is not behind the killing of soldiers in Okuama community, and why the continuous siege on Ijaw Nation by the military?

The military raid in Pa Clark's home and Killing of Ijaw people in Bayelsa State should be probed and erring soldiers be brought to book in immediate effect to douse anger nationwide.

As Pan-Ijaw News Agency, the IPF wishes to state unequivocally that there is no such plan to cause fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta by Niger Deltans or Ijaw youths as alleged by adversaries of the region.

IPF is however shocked to hear this prevailing false intelligence report that Ijaw youths are planning to attack the military personnel or oil facilities while mourning the deaths of their kinsmen in Bayelsa State and the military officers killed at Okuama in Delta State. This unverified security report was received with a rude shock because it is not only sending bad signals at a time stakeholders and leaders in the region are working around the clock to collaborate with security agents to fish out the perpetrators or masterminds of the dead soldiers in Okuama community.

Sadly, the raid of Ijaw national leader's home and Ijaw communities is coming barely a week when the military launched a reprisal attack on a peaceful Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa State, killing over 40 residents including children, women, men and elders in search of supposedly fleeing culprits of the Okuama killing.

According to the military commanding officer in Port Harcourt Division, a tracker of the Nigerian Army had tracked one Mr. Vote, the chairman of Okuama Community, whom the Army was looking for in respect of the killings of the 17 men of the Nigerian Army, to a house in Ughelli; and that the military men had broken into the house, ransacked it, before they were informed that the house belongs to Dr. Pa Clark.

The excuse given by the military commanding officer was flimsy, and hard to believe. We can't imagine this. Kiagbodo is an Ijaw community, and Okuama is an Urhobo community. Then, how possible Urhobo people in Okuama suddenly choose Ijaw communities to be a safe haven to hide themselves? How possible is it that soldiers serving in Delta state mistake Ughelli to be Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA? Does Ughelli and Kiagbodo look alike? Does the house tracked in Ughelli looks like Pa Clark's home in Kiagbodo? It is not also clear that a tracker is tracking somewhere in Ughelli but the overzealous soldiers decided to attack Pa Clark's home in Kiagbodo? Can this be a mistake, looking at the long distance of Ughelli from Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA? We can see that enemies are at work, trying to incite provocation among Ijaw youths, as well as to give the dog a bad name in order to hang it. This clearly depicts that the military intelligence are now based on hearsay, lacking facts and evidence.

Being highly perturbed by the fake intelligence report, the IPF wishes to reiterate that Nigerian security apparatus should not be biased in its security or intelligence reports in order not to victimise and intimidate innocent residents in the Niger Delta region in spite of the recent communal land dispute which led to the gruesome killing of gallant soldiers by some irate youths in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Meanwhile, the IPF, among other stakeholders has condemned the dastardly and unimaginable act, and this ugly incident shouldn't in any manner, suggests fresh hostility in the Niger Delta.

It is suffice to say that the military reprisal killings of innocent persons and burning down of houses in Bayelsa state were hasty and it could be measured as great injustice within the ambit of the law and a complete abuse of the fundamental human rights of the riverine dwellers in Igbomotoru community, when the military is yet to establish any fact of organised crime between Okuama community in Delta State and that of the Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa State. Similar, incidents have been happening in Northern Nigeria, but the military is yet to destroy communities and kill civilians in places such attacks and top killing of soldiers have been taking place in the Northern Nigeria.

The IPF expects that the Nigerian military, while making attempt to fish out the perpetrators or masterminds of the Okuama killing, should also observe the rules of engagement to avoid victimising innocent residents in our coastal communities.

Consequently, the Niger Delta youths and stakeholders are very much committed to hold firm the existing peace in the region following the sustained Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP. Therefore, it would be unwise for crises merchants to think of brewing bad blood among the Nigerian military and the Niger Delta region.

On this backdrop, we appeal to Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and  the Nigerian army to exercise rules of engagement and not to plunge the country into avoidable chaos as we continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges bedevilling the country in recent times.

The IPF among other Ijaw stakeholders and leaders urged the Nigeria government and its military to build a lasting peace to attract more investors across the globe to the impoverished but oil-rich Niger Delta. There is no gainsaying that the region at this point in time needs an existential development plan and execution from the Federal Government, especially as it is in tandem with the president's Renewed Hope agenda and this can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.

The IPF once again, while sympathising with the Nigeria military for its loss, also call on the security agents and the Federal Government to be strategic in its approach in the hunt for the perpetrators in Okuama's killing and not give room to warmongers and opportunists with selfish interests eager to destroy the remarkable years of progress that has been achieved in the region.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

May God bless the Niger Delta region

May God bless the Ijaw Nation.

Signed:

Comrade Ozobo Austin

President.

How Newspapers/TV Made Many People Popular_By Ekpegha T.

How Newspapers/TV Made Many People Popular_By Ekpegha T.

It is important to remember that bad news sells better than good news. It may be a sad reflection on humanity but that is the fact. 

Those who seek publicity are often insecure. They need to be recognised and to feel important. 

They love to be photographed and written about. They crave attention, and can’t get enough of it. 

Newspapers and television have made many people better known in some instances ‘famous,’ and even ‘heroes’. 

The media have no problem in turning on the same people, when things go wrong. 

You often see this in the case of footballers or politicians or show business people when there are difficulties in their private lives. 

Media has always played a great role in the society, government and other fields of life. The importance of mass media cannot be denied as in today’s world every one is interested in knowing about the happenings in the world. Just for having the information about the happenings in the world and also getting the information about the famous personalities, celebrities and political leaders. Just for having such information people used to listen radio, watch television and read newspapers. Due to the interest of people in the lives of famous personalities every type of media gives a lot of attention and time in covering the lives of famous celebrities. But apart from all these facts there should be some limits in covering the lives of the famous personalities. Different personalities should be covered in different details. There are some personalities that are the ideals of many people so there lifestyle should be presented in front of the people and there are many that should be covered just up to their professional life.

Newspapers have not always been popular among common people. They became more widespread and popular in this century due to several factors, including improvements in printing technology, increased literacy rates, and the rise of urbanization. As societies modernized, people sought information about local and global events, leading to a growing demand for newspapers as a source of news and entertainment. This popularity continued to rise in the 20th century, with newspapers becoming a significant medium for disseminating information to the masses. However, with the advent of digital media and the internet, their popularity has declined in recent years as people turn to online platforms for news consumption.

Delta Commissioner Angele Lauds IPF, Calls for Professionalism

Delta Commissioner Angele Lauds IPF, Calls for Professionalism

Asaba_____ The Commissioner for Housing, Delta State, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele has lauded the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF for the initiative to form a unified body for the propagation of the true Ijaw story. 

The Commissioner said this when he played host to the IPF during a courtesy call in his office at the State Secretariat, Asaba, on Thursday.

IPF President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said the visit was to intimate the Commissioner of the group's aims and objectives and to seek result-oriented collaboration with the Delta State Government. 

Ozobo further said the group was in need of support from key stakeholders across Ijaw nation to achieve it's objectives.

Responding, Angele, who is the immediate past two-time Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, also pledged his unalloyed support to the success of the group's activities. 

According to him, the essence IPF's of existence cannot be over-emphasized, saying the group was formed at the right time for the right purpose. 

The Commissioner further posited that the IPF's mandate is in tandem with the MORE AGENDA of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, and as such, will enjoy the necessary support to thrive. 

"I've keenly followed the activities of the IPF and I can say that your intentions for Ijaw nation are of good. Like the INC and IYC, we have another forceful group in the IPF. I urge you to maintain professionalism and neutrality at all times and don't allow people with bad intentions to use you for selfish gains," Angele charged.

Other members of the IPF delegation include, Oyinbi Onduku - Vice President, Tare Magbei - Secretary, Perez Bibaikefie - Assistant Secretary, Mike Ugedi - Financial Secretary, Francis Abai - Researcher, and Tamaraupreye Ekpegha.

Okuama Massacre: Ycom tells Gov Sheriff to Resolve all Land Disputes Across Delta

Okuama Massacre: Ycom tells Gov Sheriff to Resolve all Land Disputes Across Delta

Francis Tayor

Warri______ Following the barbaric, unwanted and gruesome murder of over sixteen (16) gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army by wild blood tasty youths of Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, aka Ycom and the Endless Ocean of the Niger Delta Region, has called on the governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to as a matter of urgency to act fast and resolve all pending land/boundary adjustment crisis across the state.

Hon. Company Felix is the National Coordinator of the lndependent Grassroot Liberators (IGL) who also doubles as the immediate past Councillor of ljansa ljelejele Ward 13 Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the State, noted that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should not be a Posthumous Governor whereby he would be wailing and sharing tears after damages had been done when ordinarily he has the power to take drastic decision and action to amicably settle any land dispute across the state, without resulting to senseless killing and destruction of properties.

The Ogbe-ljoh born young fearless and vibrant peoples advocate cum politician also draws Governor Oborevwori's attention to quickly put to an end the annual Aladja/Ogbe-ljoh land dispute that had been lingering over the years, stressing that he should not make money neither play politics with the precious innocent lives of Deltans in the name of communal crisis just like the past governors of the state did.

He lamented that Aladja and Ogbe-ljoh in Udu and Warri South-West LGAs had been suffering from lack of infrastructural development over the years as a result of insincerity and lack of political will by past governors of the state to resolve the land dispute, thereby sending our promising youths to untimely grave.

He advised His Excellency, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to be more proactive and value every single life and properties of Deltans, stressing that was the major and number one reason the people voted him into power as governor of the state.

Hon. Company further called on the two senators representing Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts, the honourable Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly who is from Warri South West Local Government Area, critical stakeholders like the traditional rulers, human rights advocates and other government functionaries from Ughelli South, Udu and Warri South West Local Government Areas to put heads together with the governor in order to put an end to the Crisis between Okuama/Okoloba, Aladjia/ Ogbe-ijoh among others across the state.

Mulade Condemns soldiers killing in Delta, calls for peace among the two Communities

Mulade Condemns soldiers killing in Delta, calls for peace among the two Communities 

Warri_____ A Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has condenmned in its entirety the heinous and  barbaric killing of soldiers who were reportedly on a peace mission to restore  law and order in Okuama, a Delta community, over  dispute with its neighbour, Okoloba.

The renowned peace and environmental rights activist condoled with the Nigerian Army over these needless killing and appealed to the feuding Okuama and Okoloba communities to sheath their sword, while calling on the Military high command and Delta state government to institute an enquiry and bring to book perpetrators of this dastardly act.

Speaking further, he urged the warring groups to embrace peace for the sake of development and growth of Okuama/Okoloba, who, as the same descendants as original root. He further advised and appealed to them not to fall into the hands of war mongers/instigators, whose primary occupation and means of survival relied on communal/ethnic crisis, thereby positioning themselves as negotiators/leaders.

The Ijaw leader, once again, appeals strongly to Okuama and Okoloba communities who are brothers and sisters, with long history of inter-marriages, to sheath their sword and allow peace to reign.

 It is worthy of note that Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the executive governor of Delta State, needs peace to attract investors to grow the economy of Delta State, and create employment opportunities for our teeming youths.

Burutu LGA Polls: Hon. Sunny Consult Pullah, Yingi Ahead Election

Burutu LGA Polls: Hon. Sunny Consult Pullah, Yingi Ahead Election

Francis Tayor

Warri _______ ln his bid to serve the good people of Burutu Local Government Area, the immediate past Secretary of the Council, Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme, has move his consultation visit to two distinguished former members of Delta State House of Assembly Burutu South and North Constituencies, Hon. Ebipade Pullah Ekpotuayerin and Hon. Chief Dan Yingi in order to seek for their advice and support ahead of the forthcoming Council polls.

Speaking at the visit on Tuesday in Warri, the former Council Secretary with humility passionately appeal for the support of the two influential Burutu PDP leaders, noting that he is coming to instill open door policy and transparency when given the mandate to serve.

He stated that Burutu is blessed and it needs a pragmatic, intelligent, discipline and principled fellow with working experience and foresight to transform the council infrastructurally and otherwise.

Hon. Sunny Perekeme however assured the people of Burutu that he is coming to operate all inclusive government, youth and human capital empowerment, adequate health care provision and education tops his agenda when he emerge as the next council Chairman.

Meanwhile, in their various responses, Hon. Pullah Ekpotuayerin described the visit of Sunny Perekeme as a rare privilege and honour to him, stressing that Sunny has the capacity and well qualified with amazing working experience to serve Burutu Local Government Council as Chairman.

He reiterated that Hon. Sunny Perekeme has a clean track record as former two times councillor as well as Secretary to the Local Government, noting that his candidature is a good one. He urged him to reach out to many leaders across Burutu, adding that he has his prayers and blessings to actualize his ambition.

While Hon. Dan Yingi eulogizes and admires Sunny humility, integrity and sincerity character in public service over the years, noting that he has what it takes to serve Burutu people as council Chairman.

Chief Yingi further charged Sunny to go about his peaceful consultation tour and not to be afraid of anybody that is vying for thesame position with him, adding that it is God that giveth power, hence he should be focused and commit his ambition to God Almighty alone and not human being.

Climax of the visit was offer of prayers to the incoming Chairman Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme by the two powerful leaders of PDP in Burutu.

However, among the entourage of the Sunny Perekeme campaign organization include the Director General (DG), Mr. Funpere Numupeide, Hon. Asiayei Eregu, woman leader Maureen Bolo etc.

Okoloba Community writes FG SOS, Condoles with Nigerian Army over murder of soldiers by Okuama

Okoloba Community writes FG SOS, Condoles with Nigerian Army over murder of soldiers by Okuama-Urhbo 

"WHO KILLED ARMY COMMANDER AND SOLDIERS IN DELTA COMMUNITY GUN DUEL? VANGUARD NEWSPAPER'S FALSE NARRATIVE AND OUR SOS APPEAL TO DELTA STATE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT"

The attention of Okoloba Federated Community (OFC) has been drawn to a delibrate and maliciously misleading report in the Vanguard publication of 16 March, 2024 to the effect that irate Ijaw youths, in a gun duel, killed army officers and soldiers on a peace mission to Okuama, an Urhobo community falsely reported as Ijaw community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State.

First, we commiserate with the Nigeria Army and the families of the slain gallant officers who died in the line of duty. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,  Amen. 

Following from the above and against the background of the Military High Command reported desire to unearth truth to guide their actions, it is pertinent to offer corrections of the deliberate distortion of facts in the report. Indeed we believe the Vanguard story is a delibrate attempt by  perpetrators of this heinous crime and cold-blooded murder of  personnel of the Nigeria Army and the Nigerian State. It is aimed to pass the blame on the rustic, peace- loving and law-abiding neighbouring Okoloba community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, who have been at the receiving end of the extreme aggression, violence and the terror of the Okuama - Urhobo community for so long. 

Let it be made clear that, the crisis in which the JTF intervened to sue for peace is not between two Ijaw Communities in Bomadi LGA as falsely reported in Vanguard news media to give the wrong impression that Ijaw youths supposedly fighting on both sides, were the ones that killed the military personnel. Okoloba is an Ijaw community in Bomadi LGA while Okuama is a neighbouring Urhobo community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. The gun duel took place in Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA, Delta State, between the soldiers  and Okuama Community youths resulting in the killing of the army personnel. 

The dispute between the two neighboring Ijaw and Urhobo communities had drawn the attention of the Delta State Government wherein the Executive Governor had intervened via the office of the Special Adviser  on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, beckoning on all parties to maintain peace. The chronicle of the dastardly acts of Okuama-Urhobo aggression over the crisis is known to the Delta State Government and security agencies in the area. 

Despite the State Government intervention, the Urhobo-Okuama community, recently defied the peace deal by kidnapping one Anthony Aboh in his mother's farm in Okoloba community and much later killed him with the corpse thrown into River Forcados.

The kidnap-cum-murder incident was promptly reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nigeria Police Bomadi, Military Joint Task Force (JTF), Bomadi Division, the Department of State Services (DSS) and The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Bomadi. Before the latest development, Okuama-Urhobo community had killed an Okoloba Ijaw community youth, Pigha Zipamone, in similar circumstances. We as peace- loving and law- abiding citizens, reported and handed over to the police, the corpse of Pigha Zipamone abducted from our farms by the Okuama people and mercilessly killed on March 8, 2024 with his lifeless body thrown into River Forcados on March 9, 2024. The Urhobo Okuama community had severally threatened mass murder and annihilation of Okoloba Community, boasting of stockpile of arms and ammunition and recruited mercenaries from sister Ewu-Urhobo communities in Ughelli South LGA. It is also known to the already informed law enforcement agencies that the Urhobo Okuama community attacked Okoloba community on January 27, 2024. And this was also promptly reported by the Okoloba Community to the law enforcement authorities and to the state government respectively. It is against the backdrop of these constant threats and aggression against the peace-loving and law - abiding people of Okoloba-Ijaw community and the string of attacks which we had earlier reported to the constituted authorities and the state government respectively and the recent kidnapping and gruesome murder of Okoloba sons by the heartless Okuama community that compelled us to send an SOS to the security agencies to intervene, as we are a peaceful and law-abiding Community.

The JTF in Bomadi knows the difference between Okoloba, an Ijaw community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State and the neighbouring Urhobo- Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. It is therefore unfortunate that Vanguard newspaper, a supposedly respected media outfit, resorted to obvious and deliberate misrepresentation and falsehood in its reportage of this dastardly and evil act against the personnel of the Nigeria Army. 

We are using this medium to call on the Vanguard news media and other media organizations respectively, peddling this delibrate falsehood to immediately retract and apologize to Okoloba Community in Bomadi LGA, Delta State and the ijaw nation at large and, please stay on the path of truth. We note that the Ewu  Kingdom Monarch to which Okuama is an integral part, HRM Emmanuel Okolo, has publicly acknowledged that the killing of the army personnel happened in Okuama, a community in his Kingdom. 

We use this medium to commend the sincerity of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborovweri, in properly stating in his public reaction to the condemnable killing of the military personnel that occurred in Okuama, an Urhobo community in Ughelli South LGA, Delta State. We also like to thank the Delta State Governor for his untiring efforts in the recent past to make sure peace reigns in the state. 

We once again condole with the families of the courageous officers who laid down their lives for the peace of Nigeria. We however appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Delta State Government and the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies not to rest on their oars despite the horrific carnage carried out by the Urhobo people of Okuama. The aggression and carnage displayed by the Okuama people in the unprovoked attack on the peace-seeking army personnel reveals an eerie and frightening  fate that awaits the defenceless and peace-loving Okoloba Ijaw people! We beseech government to save our souls! 

Longlive Okoloba Federated Community(OFC)! 

Longlive Bomadi LGA! 

Longlive Delta State! 

Longlive the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Mr Clement Koki,

Chairman,

Okoloba Federated Community

Cc:

1. The President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,  Federal Republic of Nigeria

2.  The Executive Governor of Delta

3. The National Security Adviser(NSA)

4. The Chief of Defense Staff(CDS) 

5. The Chief  of Army Staff(COAS) 

6. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) 

5. The Department of State Security Services(DSSS)

Mulade Congratulates Otuaro on PAP Appointment, Hails President Tinubu

Mulade Congratulates Otuaro on PAP Appointment, Hails President Tinubu

The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comr.) Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe - Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, heartily join ranks with other Niger Deltans to congratulate Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro on his recent appointment as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It is believed that your appointment will see to the overhaul of the Amnesty programme whose operations have been ruined by embezzlement and misplaced priorities over the years. Having had the requisite knowledge and experience in the Niger Delta agitation. I believe there is no doubt that your expertise and wherewithal will pay off, especially in correcting the abnormalities of the presidential project for the benefits of the teeming youths in the region.

I use this opportunity to also call on all stakeholders in the region to support the Administrator of PAP and objectively propose viable solutions and initiatives that will help to boost and strengthen the programme, while I commend President Tinubu for selecting Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro for the job.

Lastly, while I wish Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, a successful tenure in office, I also implore that the name "Amnesty" should be looked into. I believe it is time to transit from the Amnesty platform to a more subtle identity with the core aim of empowering and educating the teeming Niger Delta youths.

Signed:

Chief (Comr.) Mulade Sheriff, (The Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom)

National Coordinator, CEPEJ.

Senator Onowakpo is God Sent to Delta South, says Hon. Company

Senator Onowakpo is God Sent to Delta South, says Hon. Company

...... Calls on Delta South Constituents to support him to attract more development to the district 

Warri ______ The National Coordinator of lndependent Grassroot Liberators (IGL), a political and grassroot development odvocate pressure group in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, popularly known as Ycom and the endless ocean of Niger Delta has given credence to the senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, distinguished Sen. Joel Onowakpo Thomas (JOT) for his people oriented representation as well as attracting meaning development to the district barely a year in office.

Hon. Ycom stated this at Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom over the weekend during a press briefing with journalists, expressed satisfaction and confidence in senator Joel Onowakpo effective representation, especially by fulfilling his earlier promise to the people of of Ogbe-ljoh during his campaign by restoring power (electricity) to the kingdom.

He described senator Onowakpo as a detribilized servant leader following his equitable distribution of appointments as legislative aides across the major three ethnic groups he represents in Delta South.

Hon. Felix Company, who is the immediate past Councilor that represented ljelejele/Ijansan Ward in Warri South West legislative chambers further appealed to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District to exercise patience and support senator Onowakpo Joel, stressing that real dividends of democracy is yet to come as the peoples mandate is working out modalities to influence physical infrastructural developments across the various wards in the Senatorial District.

He noted that senator Onowakpo is a "Talk Na Do" servant leader who matches his words with action without compromise and fear or favour.