Sen. Omo-Agege Storms Bomadi As Delta ljaws Beg for Light, Hospital, lnstitution, Shoreline Protection among others

Sen. Omo-Agege Storms Bomadi As Delta ljaws Beg for Light, Hospital, lnstitution, Shoreline Protection among others

....... High Chief. Johnny, King Oporomor, Ezonfade makes case for ljaw riverine communities development

Francis Tayor

Warri_____  The Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of APC South South, distinguished Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, the Obarisi of Urhobo Land over the weekend stormed Bomadi the headquarters of the LGA in a Consultative/Interactive meeting with the Ijaw APC Leadership/Stakeholders across Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas of the State.

The historic interactive meeting was held on Sunday 30th May, 2021 at St. Paul Hall, Bomadi attracted notable dedicated ljaw sons and daughters of the APC ranging from the political class, business, religious, women groups, youth bodies as well as student associations come together at Bomadi to welcome the number five citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and his entourage.

It was gathered that the August meeting of the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Omo-Agege with Delta ljaw APC faithfuls was facilitated  to identify with the long neglected Delta ljaw people in order to know their immediate challenges so as to use his good office to attract legacy infrastructural development to the riverine communities in the state. 

In their various reactions, the traditional ruler of Kerebiri Mein Kingdom, HRM. King Godspower Tam Oporomor appealed to Ovie Omo-Agege to address the electricity problem facing the people of Bomadi and other ljaw riverine communities. He commended the Deputy Senate President for his good works across Delta State, and urged him to extend his tentacle to ljaw areas by connecting electricity to riverine communities to national grid, he noted.  

In his opening remark, the Chairman Organizing Committee, Sir. Theodore Ezonfade thanked the Deputy Senate President for creating time despite his busy schedules to visit and interact with ljaw people. He lamented that Delta ljaw people had being neglected over the years in terms of good healthcare facility, quality education, road network, unemployment among others. " We need a fearless and proactive leader like you to salvage us from this menace called underdevelopment comes 2023. Ijaw people love your leadership sagacity and we have vow to give you 100% bloc votes come 2023."

While in his remark, High. Chief. Michael Johnny decried lack of development in riverine communities as a result of bad leadership. He commended Sen. Omo-Agege for given some SSA appointments to ljaw people but he appealed for more juicy federal appointments to be given to Delta ljaw APC faithfuls. He said the ljaws are not encouraged in terms of infrastructural development. You are a light and your coming to meet with us today we believe you will light up all ljaw riverine communities by connecting our villages to national grid. The ljaw riverine communities is at the peak to be washed away by erosion. We need your intervention to attract shoreline protection contracts through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as well as NDDC to salvage our scarce land. 

Johnny further appealed to the Deputy Senate President to remember ljaw youths and women in the federal government youth and women intervention programmes for empowerment. He finally assured Sen. Omo-Agege of 100% support and votes from ljaw people comes 2023 to elect him the next Governor of Delta State, he asserted.

Responding to their demands during the interactive session, Sen. Omo-Agege assured Delta ljaw people of his readiness to attract infrastructural development to ljaw riverine communities under the capacity of his office as the Deputy Senate President. He said over the past twenty four years, ljaw nation in Delta State cannot count other legacy project apart from Bomadi bridge. He made the ljaw people to understand that it is their constitutional right and not privilege as a law abiding citizens of Nigeria to have social amenities such as constant electricity supply, quality education, healthcare facility, pipe borne water, road network etc. He stressed that Ijaw nation had contributed a lot to the over all development of Delta State in particular, and Nigeria in general in terms of huge revenue generation but there is nothing to show for it over the years. He noted that over 70% of money used to fund the Nigeria budget is generated from the Niger Delta Crude oil. Therefore, ljaw people deserves the best from both the State and Federal government of Nigeria.

Speaking further, Sen. Omo-Agege said: " You have had my commitments so far and l will continue to try my best for ljaw people under my capacity as the Deputy Senate President. I have given many SSA appointments to ljaw people under my capacity. As you requested, light and other social amenities are the constitutional responsibilities of your elected representatives in this senatorial district. But be that as it may, l will try my possible best to see that Bomadi and other riverine communities are connected electricity to national grid."

Meanwhile, Sen. Omo-Agege debunked the rumor making round in some quarters of the state that APC is only strong in Delta Central, stressing that he will proof them wrong comes 2023 guber race. According to him: " l am surprised by the mammoth crowd that came to welcome me under the rain to this important interactive meeting. It shows Delta ljaw people are with me. I will reciprocate your time spent and kind gesture by attending to your demands one after the other. Let me assure you, as you depart here today, go home with the believe that APC is going to rule Delta State in 2023. I cannot do it alone. Therefore, l need your support and votes to make it happen comes 2023."

In his contribution, the APC State Chairman, Prophet Jones Erue appreciated Delta ljaw people for the massive turn out to welcome the Obarisi of Urhobo land, stressing that he will liaise with the Deputy Senate President to make sure their demands are given speedy attention in the nearest future. He noted that Sen. Omo-Agege is a talk na do leader and he will deliver whatever he promise to do, he stated.

However, some of the ljaw APC leaders, stakeholders and party chieftains present at the meeting include; High Chief. Michael Johnny, Sir. Theodore Ezonfade, Hon. Raymond Guanah, High Chief. Ebi Brian Iseru, Hon. Apena Akemotubo, Hon Chief. Mike Seikegba, Barr. Gabriel Yabaka, Hon. Stanley Garry, Amb. Comr. Timi Coleman, Hon. Ebiakpo Ezebiri, Hon Prince. Ojoto Okubo, High Chief. A.O. Seibi, HRM, King. Godspower Tam Oporomor, the traditional ruler of Kerebiri Mein Kingdom, Engr. Siko Eyenmi, Chief. David Omare, Comr. Paul Azorbo Amabiri, Chief Engr. Akposeiyifa Ebufegha, Chief. Daniel Towo Aginighan, Chief. Elayelagha Akwua-owei Joseph, Hon. Beauty Ebifagha Warejuowei, Barr. Felix Oyakemeagbegha, Chief. Embassy Ogbowei, Chief. John Akpotudougha, Comr. Jerome Demebide, Chief. Frank Officer, Comr. Napoleon Kenerekedi, Chief. Sunday Zifere,  Chief. Babotor Lawrence, Chief Dr. Bofide Zikiwe, Chief. John Ukori, Chief. Iseru Atu, Chief. John Kpikpi, Chief. Eric Ogbe, Chief. Godwin Fiyebo, Barr. Richard Faubiri, Hon. Jonathan Ogodobiri, Hon. Prince Owei,  Engr. Frank Ojobo-ebi Magada among others too numerous to mention.

Children Day: Bayoko Urges Students To Be Proactive ln Their Choice of Role Models

Children Day: Bayoko Urges Students To Be Proactive ln Their Choice of Role Models

  

Aruoriwo Ivovi

Students in Delta State have been charged to take deliberate actions in choosing and imbibing the morality of those they look up to as their role models in the society.

The Delta State Functioning Secretary to the State Government (FSSG) and Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko mni, gave the charge during a book review, organised by the Asaba Reading Club at the Royal Mira international school in Asaba, the state capital.

The book review, titled “the Whip and the Bar” and centred around the life of Mr. Bayoko attracted students and teachers from some selected schools within the Asaba capital territory.

The FSSG and HoS, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Transport, Mrs Anastasia Nwanze, advised students to carefully select their mentors based on morality.

Mr. Bayoko, while calling on students to imbibe the culture of reading, stated that “developing reading skills as promoted by the Asaba Reading Club was fundamental in transforming the lives of their target audience and change outcomes for Children and community.

While advocating for the establishment of reading clubs in all schools in the state to revive reading culture, Mr. Bayoko noted that “we want every child to experience the joy and power of becoming a lifelong reader.”

He stressed on discipline and hard work, adding that the reasonable and respectful way students could distinguish themselves among their peers was through active engagements in deep reading of books that would open up their horizon of thinking and viewing the society.

He thanked the author of the book and organisers of the event for the initiative, adding that it was a beautiful educational programme for students and a veritable platform to transform the next generation who would shortly be in charge of governance in the country.

Earlier, the Director General (DG) of the state Orientation Bureau, Eugene Uzum Esq, who was the guest speaker on the topic “Child Development : the Role of Parental Guidance,”

stated that the role of parents in a child’s life was limitless.

He listed some parental responsibilities to include nursing, counseling, teaching of religious guidance, doing the right thing at the right time, social monitoring, instilling discipline, directing the child to good success channels and enjoined parents to be alive to their responsibilities.

He posited that failed parental responsibility has given rise to cultism, cyber crime, rituals and occultism and other social vices that have led many children astray and pleaded with children to at all time listen to the advice of their parents and also pray for them.

Uzum also enjoined parents to send their children to school, whether private or public, while considering their financial status, adding that it was the only legacy they could bequeath to their children, even as he admonished students not to take the opportunity given them to go to school for granted.

The writer of the book, Mrs. Catherine Agbontai, while paying glowing tributes to Mr. Bayoko, whom she said gave her the opportunity to interview him despite his tight schedule, said that the contents of the chat with him metamorphosed into a literature book for students to analyse and impact on their day to day activities.

Just-ln: Police Arrests Man Confesses to Killing and Dismembering Roommate, Selling Body Parts to Pastor in Port Harcourt

Just-ln: Police Arrests Man Confesses to Killing and Dismembering Roommate, Selling Body Parts to Pastor in Port Harcourt

A34-year-old man in Nigeria allegedly confessed that he killed and dismembered his roommate in order to sell his body parts to a pastor for "ritual purposes," according to local media reports.

The suspect, Okpegboro Avwerosuo, allegedly killed his roommate in Sagbama Town, an area in Bayelsa, Nigeria.

According to a neighbor who spoke to authorities anonymously, Okpegboro, who is from Delta State, Nigeria, killed the victim after inviting him to the town for a two-week visit, The Guardian Nigeria reported Tuesday.

The neighbor told police that Okpegboro struck and killed the victim with a pestle in the middle of the night. Following the attack, Okpegboro moved to dismember the victim's body while preserving his vital organs.

"After killing him, he dismembered the body, preserved the vital organs and put the other parts in separate sacks, which he disposed off in the early hours of the following day," the neighbor said, according to The Guardian.

The anonymous neighbor said that while Okpegboro was disposing of the sacks, another neighbor saw the suspicious activity and demanded to know the whereabouts of his roommate.

"The suspect claimed that the deceased has travelled back to Delta State for an urgent business. Not satisfied with his response, the neighbor forced his way into the room and saw blood stains everywhere," the anonymous neighbor said.

"Upon interrogation before he was handed over to the police, the suspect confessed that he had sold the vital organs of his friend to a pastor in Port Harcourt, who is currently at large, for ritual purposes.

Insecurity: Ijaw Leader, Mulade Advise FG Against Second Wave of Militancy in Niger Delta

Insecurity: Ijaw Leader, Mulade Advise FG Against Second Wave of Militancy in Niger Delta

A renowned human and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his Federal Executives to do everything humanly possible to forestall a second wave of militancy in the Niger Delta Region.

The activist, and National Coordinator of a foremost NGO, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ, with offices in Warri, Delta State, and Major cities across the country, including FCT, Abuja, expressed concern over the high level of insecurity in Nigeria. 

Chief Mulade called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards curbing the rising spate of insecurity ravaging the nation, leading to increase in poverty and hunger, and appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to adopt proactive measures to reduce unemployment and mitigate the prevailing economic downturn in the country. 

The Ijaw High Chief who is the Ibe-sorimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, gave the charge while reacting to the reported threats which indicate that failure to address the fundamental issues in the region might lead to another round of militancy which could be extremely disastrous to the nation's economy, as many aggrieved people are looking for avenues to vent their anger.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator, in an interactive section with some Warri-based newsmen, emphasized that the prevailing harsh economic situation in the region and in the country, requires a very pragmatic approach to deal with it. 

The CEPEJ Boss also stressed the need to put measures in place to eradicate poverty, and that such measures should be publicized through very effective public awareness campaigns.

The Peace Ambassador, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Buhari and the Federal Government to enable them find the best ways out of the nation's security challenges. He implored Nigerians to give maximum support to Government in terms of sharing accurate and timely information with relevant authorities so as to overcome the security problems.

The Gbaramatu Traditional Chief in Warri South West Local Government Area of the Delta State, 

Prayed for the repose of the souls of the Late Army Chief of Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other military personnels that lost their lives in an air mishap. “I commiserate with their families and loved ones. May God give their families and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss which is very colossal”.  

He also implored Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government at this critical time by shunning all forms of secession and separation agitations, urging all Nigerians to work for a better and united Nigeria.

Birthday: Alaowei Owotorufa Celebrates Pa Clark at 94, describes him as a Legend

Birthday: Alaowei Owotorufa Celebrates Pa Clark at 94, describes him as a Legend

A foremost ljaw philanthropist cum legal luminary and security expert, Alaowei Fredrick Owotorufa and his family has joined other well wishers all over the globe to celebrate with ljaw National Leader, High Chief. Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, as he clocks 94 years today.

Barr. Owotorufa in a congratulatory message released on Tuesday 25th May, 2021 and signed by himself, described Papa Clark as a legend. He further stressed that Papa Clark steadfast love and resolute contributions to the upliftment of the ljaws globally, and the oppressed and marginalized people of the country makes him stand out amongst his contemporaries as the epitome of equity, fairness and justice.

According to him, said :" Happy Birthday, our foremost, iconic and National Leader on this momentous occasion of your 94th birthday. We celebrate you as always, and remain grateful to God for His uncommon grace upon your life. As a special gift to the Ijaw nation, you have remained an indescribable trans-generational phenomenon, to Nigeria and the World. 

Your steadfast love and resolute contributions to the upliftment of the Ijaws globally, and the oppressed and marginalized people of the country stand you out as the epitome of equity, fairness and justice. Your engaging and sometimes unsparing style is legendary. May God engrace you with many, many more years of untiring service to the World, imbued with renewed strength, wisdom and sound mind.

Happy, Happy Birthday. Congratulations Papa !!!!!!! Fred Owotorufa & Family".

2023: Delta ljaws holds Consultative meeting in Warri, ready to produce next Governor

: Delta ljaws holds Consultative meeting in Warri, ready to produce next Governor

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ As the different ethnic groups in Delta State are warming up ahead 2023 gubernatorial election, the political class, business men, opinion leaders, religion, youth bodies, women, student leaders as well as critical stakeholders of ljaw ethnic nationality from across communities in Patani, Bomadi, Burutu, Warri South West, Warri South and Warri North Local Government Areas  of the state has hold her first consultative meeting in preparation to produce the next governor of the state comes 2023. 

The August meeting was held on Saturday 22nd May, 2022 at BB Hotels, Warri attracted prominent ljaw sons and daughters from all works of life, far and near gathered together in their numbers to brainstorm, plan and strategize on how to negotiate with other ethnic groups across the state in order to wrestle politcal power from the incumbent governor after the expiration of his tenure in 2023.

Speaking during the meeting, the convener, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo thank and appreciated ljaw illustrious sons and daughters in creating time to attend the meeting. He said the meeting was promulgated as result of the forthcoming 2023 governorship election and the need for ljaw nation to produce the next governor of Delta State. 

"Delta state belongs to all of us, and the ljaws have the right to become governor. This is our time, let's unite ahead to form a formidable team to battle for the seat of government. Thank God our Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said, it is only God that can determine who will succeed him in 2023. Let's unite and hold unto God seriously, with God all things are possible, he said."

In his reaction, the President of ljaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba commanded the convener of the meeting, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo for bringing Delta ljaws together to brainstorm ahead 2023. Delta ljaw Governorship comes 2023 is a divine mandate. He stressed that the governorship agenda of Delta and Rivers States ljaws is one of the cardinal projects in his led INC administration.

 " We the Ijaws of Delta and Rivers States can no longer be a supporters club. This time around, it is the turn of Urhobo  nation of Delta and the Ikwere man in Rivers  to support us, Okaba noted."

In her contribution, Mrs Barr. Vero Bamuza Mutu, who was a former Governorship aspirant of Delta State, charged Delta ljaws to be united as one and fight for the number one seat of the state. "This is our turn, but before we can achieve it, we must first of all be firmly united."

However, climax of the meeting was the official unveiling of the crested message T-shirt to the public by the convener, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo as the meeting comes to an end.

Meanwhile, it was surprising that the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro was not in attendance.

Some dignitaries present at the meeting include; former Minister of Police Affairs who is the convener of the meeting, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, His Lordship. Bishop Hycent Egbebo, the Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Diocese, Sen. Jame Manager, Dr. Braduce Angozi, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Frank Enekorogha,  INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, High Chief. Wellington Bobo, Chief. P.Y. Biakpara, High Chief. Frank Omare, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, Alaowei Fredrick Owotorufa, Chief Amb. Sheriff Mulade, Chief. David Pere, High Chief. Mike Loyibo, Prof. Piniki Isaiah, Barr. Vero Bamuza Mutu, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, Prof. Tiemo, Hon. William Angadi, Hon. Newsworld Safugha, Hon. Oboro Preyor, Chief. Godspower Gbenekama, Hon. Emomotimi Guwo, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Chief. J.T. Government, Chief. Yerin Ekpedibo, Chief. Boro Opudu, lBarr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi, Barr. Eric Omare among others too numerous to mention.

*Below is the Communique issued at the end of the meeting, read*.

DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP 2023

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF DELTA STATE IJAWS HELD ON SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 ON THE DELTA STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION 2023.

PREAMBLE

Ijaw people of Delta State met on Saturday, the 22nd day of May, 2021 at BB Hotel and Suites, No. 32 Deco Road, Warri, Delta State to assess their socio-economic and political situation since the creation of Delta State in 1991 till date. The meeting was attended by political, community, religious, youth, women and student leaders from across the Ijaw Communities in Patani, Bomadi, Burutu, Warri South West, Warri South and Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State. At the meeting, the participants OBSERVED as follows THAT:

1. The Ijaws of Delta State have been active players in the socio-economic and political affairs since the days of Western and Mid-Western regions, Bendel State and now Delta State.

2. Ijaw leaders were at the forefront of the struggle for the creation of Delta State from the defunct Bendel State. 

3. The Ijaw people have made huge sacrifice and contribution to the socio-economic sustenance of Delta State.

4. However, despite the human and economic contributions of the Ijaws to the sustenance of the state, our communities do not have commiserate infrastructural development.

5. The Ijaw people over the years have strongly supported other ethnic nationalities of the State to produce the Governor of Delta State.

6. The meeting took note of the fact that Chief Dennis Osadebey of the present Anioma was the Premier of the defunct Mid-Western Region, when it was created in 1963 with Chief Jereton Marierie from Urhobo as Governor.

7. In the present Delta State, the Ijaws massively supported the emergence of Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori from Urhobo ethnic nationality, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa from the Ika (Anioma) ethnic nationality as Governor. 

8. The meeting also noted that even though there was no agreement on power rotation, all the three senatorial districts have produced the Governor of Delta State. 

Consequently, after critical and exhaustive deliberations, the meeting RESOLVED as follows THAT:

i. In the spirit of fairness, equity and brotherhood, we appeal to the other ethnic nationalities of Delta State to support a Candidate of Ijaw extraction to become the Governor of Delta State in 2023.

ii. The meeting urged Ijaws to work in collaboration with other ethnic nationalities in the State to achieve the resolution to produce the next Governor of Delta State because we cannot do it alone.

iii. The meeting commended Governor Okowa for his strides in the infrastructural development of Delta State and his vision to build a stronger Delta State.

iv. The meeting also called on Ijaws to continue to support the administration of Governor Okowa and urge the youths to remain calm and maintain the existing peace in the State. 

Signed:

            

1. Alaowei Broderick Bozimo 

2. Chief Godspower Gbenekama

3. Elder Edmund Tiemo

Taskforce Fines Agbor Modern Market #250, 000 over indiscriminate waste dumping

Taskforce Fines Agbor Modern Market #250, 000 over indiscriminate waste dumping

 .....lssus 24hrs Abatement Notice to clean up the market

Delta State Taskforce on Environment in conjunction with Ika South Local Government Council as well as the Environmental Traffic Control Taskforce has issued a fine of Two Hundred Fifty Thousands (#250, 000) against traders in Agbor Modern market over what it described as indiscriminate waste dumping in the government constructed public drainage system, thereby blocking the drain from free flow of water to the river bank.

The fine was issued on Friday during the Operation keep Delta Clean exercise carried out by the team of the state taskforce alongside lka South Environmental traffic control taskforce in Agbor and its environs.

When the team visited the market situated at Edike street, it discovered that the Agbor Modern market women had turn the water channel drainage to a refuse dump site, thereby causing flooding during rainfall in the market premises as well as the tared road. The gutters where filled to the brim with cellophane paper bags, sachet pure water cellophanes and other market wastes.

Having issued them the fine to pay, they where equally served 24hrs abatement to clean up the market and clear the drainage. 

In another development, the team of the taskforce also sealed up the popular Musa Slaughter market located along Agbor/Uromi road over channelling their bathe room waters to the public drainage, thereby chopping off the tared road in that axis. The Hausa community trading in the market where asked to remove the bathetoom from the roadside within a week time or risk demolition.