Lucky Tubotu, an indigene of Bilabiri 1 community, has strongly refuted claims of having personal issues with Amb. Capt. Winston Ogoun JP, who asserts himself as the monarch of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom.

Tubotu, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Stakeholders for Truth and Progress in Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, clarified that his stance is based on facts, not personal grievances, and aims to prevent misinformation from spreading.

He questioned the legitimacy of Ogoun’s claims to the throne, stating that he has not been recognized by the Bayelsa State Government nor gazetted as a traditional ruler. “Ogoun’s claim of being presented with a staff is false,” he asserted.

Backing this claim, Tubotu cited an official statement from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by the Commissioner, Chief Thompson Amule, confirming that Ogoun is not a recognized monarch. He called on the state government and relevant authorities to intervene and prevent further misrepresentation of Bilabiri’s traditional leadership.

Tubotu dismissed allegations that he has been banned from Bilabiri due to criminal activities, calling them baseless. “I have never been involved in any form of crime. My family is known for peace, truth, and progress,” he stated.

Instead, he turned the spotlight on the Abaka family, accusing them of long-standing involvement in organized crime. He challenged them to reveal the whereabouts of:

Meshack Abaka – Former youth president of Bilabiri 1 (2011), allegedly involved in a ship hijacking near Cameroon, where he and his gang were killed. He didn’t return from that mission neither did he complete his tenure.

Frankincense Abaka – Notorious sea pirate who led a gang that hijacked the Chinese vessel MV HAILUFANG II off the Ivory Coast in 2020. He and his crew were captured by the Nigerian Navy and are currently serving time in Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, Lagos.

Tekenane Abaka – Self-proclaimed CDC Chairman of Bilabiri 1, allegedly arrested in 2013 after a vessel hijacking and kidnapping operation in the Forcados off shore .Some of his gang members were killed on that faithful day. He was arrested and spent 7 years in the Warri Correctional Centre.How he came out from prison is still questionable, whether he served a jail term, jumped bail, released or through a jail break?

Just recently, Tekenane Abaka swindled a public spirited individual, Amaisigabueze Global Resources who paid #1,350.000 to him for the WAEC enrollment of students in Bilabiri 1 and 2 communities. He forwarded 34 names of fictitious students to the donor and pocketed the money. Is that not a criminal offense ” obtaining by trick”.?

Ebimene Abaka aka Small Fire – Accused of the killing of Frank Seide in April 2021 over tenure extension issues in Bilabiri. He and his gang kidnapped three expatriates accompanying Hon. Berry Negerese, Govt and Chevron Nig Ltd that were going to commission a cottage hospital that was built by the Dodo Rural River Development Area in Amatu 2 community in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

That incident led to the death of one Paul Sebele, a son of Amatu. It was alleged that he raped the only female among the expatriates. What criminal activity can be more than this?

“The Abakas have terrorized Bilabiri for years, yet they have the audacity to point fingers at me. Instead of hiding in shame, they still try to manipulate community leadership,” Tubotu declared.

Tubotu also raised concerns about the sale of two heavy-duty generators donated to the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He dismissed claims that they were sold due to technical issues and high maintenance costs.

“How much were they sold for? Where did the money go? Too many unanswered questions,” he challenged, demanding transparency and accountability.

Tubotu rejected accusations of mental instability, calling them a desperate ploy to silence his advocacy for justice. He labeled his critics as criminals who have engaged in piracy, theft, and violence, jeopardizing Bilabiri’s peace and development.

“The real threat to Bilabiri is not me but those who hijack leadership for personal gain. The same individuals accusing me are the architects of criminal operations that have destabilized our region,” he stated.

Tubotu reaffirmed his commitment to truth, good governance, and the progress of Bilabiri. He vowed to continue exposing corruption and holding wrongdoers accountable, despite efforts to tarnish his reputation.

A group, Victims Right Protection Initiatives (VRPI), has called for thorough investigations into the remote and immediate causes of death of a 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo, while in police custody, inorder to establish the truth in the claim and counter claim on cause of death by Delta state Police Command and deceased family.

The body in a statement signed by its national Coordinator, Dr. Kingsley Ndukwe, has therefore called for the setting up of a tripartite panel, comprising of the deceased family, Police and representatives of the Civil Society groups in the state to conduct an extensive inquest into cause of death.

The body noted that it is by so doing that the ongoing claims and counter claims in the public space can be verified and all the suspicions of alleged cover-ups and false accusations on both sides can finally laid to rest, and by so doing promote public trust and confidence in the law enforcement agency.

It warned that further promotions of the ongoing speculations, allegations and falsehood on the cause of his death would only continue to aggravate tensions and bring additional pains to the family of the deceased.

“We the members of the above named body have been following this incident since early Saturday it happened. We noted the claim of the deceased family and taken to account the defence by the Police and we have come to the realization that only a tripartite panel can resolve this issue objectively”.

“Only a panel made up of the two parties involved and a neutral body, in the civil society group can do justice in unraveling the circumstances of his death and whatever is the finds of such a panel should be binding on everyone and also correct the claims and counter-claims over his death in the public space”.

“We equally want to use this opportunity to commiserate with the family of the deceased. We pray God grant his loved ones, especially his parents the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and may God grant his soul eternal rest”, the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, another group, Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN), has also canvassed the need for the police to make available medical forms where suspects would be made to provide detailed information about their health status before been detained at any police station in the country.

The body in a statement signed by Chief Frank Onoriode and Barrister Dafe Okpako, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the body noted that having an idea of the suspects health status before being detained would afford the law enforcers to know the kind of treatment that would be melted out to the suspects while in detention.

“The demise of this 24-year-old upcoming artist, Paul Obukohwo, should be an eye-opener to the police on the need to have a medical status of all suspects being detained in cell so as to avoid such an unfortunate incidents, as we have come to realize that many suspects have underlying ailments unknown to the police”., it stated.

It would be recalled that since the early hours of Saturday when the sad news of the victim’s death while in custody of Operatives, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) attached to Delta Command went viral on social media, there had been conflicting reports on the remote and immediate cause of his death.

While the Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said the deceased while in detention less than 16 (sixteen) hours exhibited signs of weakness and was taken to Police Hospital, Asaba where he was diagnosed with hypoglycaemia (Low sugar), adding that due to the severity of his condition, he was referred to Asaba Specialist Hospital and later referred to Federal Medical Centre Asaba, where he died while receiving treatment.

The deceased family on the other hand, claimed that he was subjected to the worse inhumane treatment by the RRS Operatives who handcuffed, tortured and inflicted severe internal injuries on him with the wood they used in beating him for several hours before he started showing signs of weakness that led to his death.

By Abel Johngold 

Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, the queen consort of the Warri Kingdom, has once again demonstrated her commitment to women’s empowerment through the “Established Her Enterprise” program. Organized under the auspices of Women Allying Women and the Royal Iwere Foundation, the initiative aims to equip women in Warri, Delta State, with essential entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

The training program, held on Thursday at the royal palace, provided a platform for young women to gain valuable insights into business and leadership. Addressing participants, Olori Atuwatse III emphasized the vital role women play in nation-building and the necessity for them to develop skills that will enable them to thrive in today’s world.

She highlighted that African women are custodians of culture and tradition, and equipping them with the right skills will enhance their impact on society. Through Elevate Africa and the Royal Iwere Foundation, she seeks to empower young women with practical knowledge and expertise to enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities, the state, and the nation at large.

Participants in the Elevate Africa Fellowship, drawn from across the continent, shared their expertise in various fields, guiding the women on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategies. Olori Atuwatse III urged attendees to take the training seriously, as the knowledge gained would be instrumental in their personal and professional growth.

Some of the participants shared their experiences and takeaways from the program. Favour Shoba expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting that she has acquired valuable entrepreneurship skills that will enhance her business. Esther Okorafor emphasized the importance of market access in driving business success, while Sharon Amajuwa Ekurene and other attendees expressed gratitude for the initiative and its impact on their aspirations.

In a related development, the Clever-Mind Educational Centre, a key initiative of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, continues to make significant contributions to the education and empowerment of young people. Programme Adviser Femi Taiwo praised the royal couple’s dedication to nurturing future generations through the Royal Iwere Foundation and Elevate Africa Fellowship.

The event, which attracted participants from different parts of the world, concluded with an interactive session, including a question-and-answer segment. In recognition of outstanding business ideas, two attendees were awarded ₦500,000 each to support their entrepreneurial ventures.

Through initiatives like these, Olori Atuwatse III and Elevate Africa are fostering sustainable development, empowering women, and shaping a brighter future for Warri and beyond.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has reiterated his strong belief in youth empowerment as a vital catalyst for sustainable economic growth and development across Africa. He emphasized the need to equip young people with cultural African values, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial knowledge to drive meaningful progress on the continent.

Ogiame Atuwatse III made this assertion in Warri on Wednesday during a dinner held in honor of the 2025 Elevate Africa Fellowship, a network of young, vibrant, and innovative minds drawn from selected African countries. The fellows, who have been touring various states in Nigeria, are on an educational and cultural exchange to explore business prospects and cultural heritage in partner nations.

Earlier in the day, the Elevate Africa Fellows paid homage to the monarch at his palace, Aghofen, where they were treated to a rich cultural display of the Iwere Kingdom and presented gifts to the revered traditional ruler.

Speaking at the dinner at his Warri residence, Ogiame Atuwatse III stressed that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without a well-structured and deliberate youth empowerment program that integrates Africa’s unique environment and cultural heritage.

“It is imperative to bring people to Warri Kingdom so they can identify with our heritage and experience aspects of our culture that symbolize African identity,” the monarch stated.

Her Royal Majesty, Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III, welcomed the Elevate Africa Fellowship members, acknowledging them as ambassadors of their respective countries. She emphasized the importance of cultural identity, stating:

“As the founder of Elevate Africa, it is important to bring these young leaders to Warri Kingdom and expose them to our rich culture. Our culture is our identity; if you don’t know who you are, you don’t know your identity.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elevate Africa Fellowship, Daniel Ikuenobe, described Elevate Africa as a social impact organization initiated by His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III. He highlighted the organization’s collaboration with media and development partners, including the Royal Iwere Foundation, which is run by Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III.

He clarified that while the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) focuses on empowerment, environmental sustainability, and education within Warri and its environs, Elevate Africa operates on a broader scale, focusing on leadership, trade, investment, and cultural heritage across the continent.

“We have come together as a group to identify and nurture career leaders across Africa to drive transformative change,” Ikuenobe said.

Bola Edward, CEO and Co-founder of Proud Africa Root, a partner of the Elevate Africa Fellowship, emphasized the importance of raising future leaders through education and entertainment tailored for children and teenagers.

“We are committed to nurturing the leaders that Africa has been hoping for, and we must start from the foundation—the children,” she stated.

Other fellows, including Mohammad Bihan from Egypt, Amayan from Tunisia, and Grace Nelson from Ghana, expressed their excitement about being part of the Elevate Africa Fellowship. They reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging their expertise in education, leadership, and human capital development to drive positive transformation across Africa.

The distinguished guests, specialists in various fields of human endeavor, expressed their delight at visiting Nigeria—particularly Warri Kingdom—as part of the Elevate Africa Fellowship’s mission to empower and transform communities across the continent.

By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR 

Asaba, Delta State – The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, received a high-profile visit on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, toured the facility to assess its progress and challenges. His visit brought to light a pressing issue—the hospital’s struggle with land encroachment, which threatens its expansion and future growth.

Dr. Salako, welcomed by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Victor A. Osiatuma, embarked on an extensive tour of the hospital, where he lauded the management team for its dedication to infrastructural and clinical development. However, he expressed concern over the hospital’s limited space, which he described as a major constraint on its ability to accommodate new medical innovations.

In a bid to seek solutions, the minister paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, at his palace. There, he appealed for the monarch’s intervention in reclaiming portions of FMC’s allocated land that have been encroached upon. He stressed that retrieving the lost land would pave the way for much-needed expansions and improvements in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Salako also highlighted the purpose of his visit to Asaba, revealing that he accompanied the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the official flag-off of the distribution of 10,000 midwife kits. This, he said, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to maternal and child healthcare.

In response, the Asagba of Asaba acknowledged the urgency of the land issue, admitting that while FMC was initially allocated a large expanse, the current encroachments were concerning. He assured the minister that the matter would be investigated, emphasizing that Asaba would not allow one of its key federal institutions to suffer due to lack of space.

The monarch further suggested an alternative approach—establishing an extension or annex for FMC Asaba if reclaiming the encroached land proves difficult. He reiterated his advocacy for greater federal presence in Asaba, noting that his recent visit to the presidency had focused on securing more development projects for the city.

Commending Dr. Salako’s commitment to healthcare reform, the Asagba urged him to remain steadfast in tackling challenges within the sector.

“There is much work to be done, but I am confident that under your watch, we can achieve so much,” the monarch stated.

The minister, in turn, congratulated the Asagba on his ascension to the throne, offering prayers for a long and impactful reign.

Dr. Salako’s visit not only reinforced the federal government’s dedication to healthcare improvement but also highlighted the urgent need to safeguard public health institutions from land disputes that could hinder their growth and service delivery.

By Abel Johngold, MNIPR 

In a resounding testament to community-driven development, the Ozoma Hill-Top Estate Landlords Association in Ogbeozoma, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, has successfully funded and installed a 500KVA electricity transformer and distribution accessories, a project worth over ₦100 million, without any financial support from the State Government or the electricity distribution company.

The landmark achievement was officially commissioned on Monday, March 24, 2025, in a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries, including the Honorable Member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Esenwah, Esq., the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, and key government officials.

A Triumph of Unity and Self-Reliance

Speaking at the event, Hon. Frank Esenwah lauded the landlords and tenants for their unwavering commitment to development, describing their efforts as a beacon of resilience and self-determination. “In the face of challenging times, when many would have waited for external intervention, you chose action. You came together, set aside differences, and proved that when a community unites for a common cause, nothing is impossible,” Hon. Esenwah stated.

He further noted that the project will improve electricity supply, boost businesses, enhance security, and uplift the living standards of residents.

The Journey to Electrification

The Chairman of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate Landlords Association, Mr. Alegu Emmanuel Chigozie, provided insights into the estate’s journey toward electrification. He recalled that since the association’s formation in 2018, members had relentlessly worked towards developing the estate despite the absence of government support. “For years, landlords contributed tirelessly toward electricity levies, hoping that one day, their sacrifices would yield results. Today, we celebrate the fruit of that determination,” he said.

Mr. Alegu Emmanuel Chigozie expressed gratitude to the project contractor, Mr. Ayodele Sola, and Danyson Dave International Ltd, who allowed flexible payment arrangements, making the massive project feasible.

Challenges: A Call for Government Intervention

Despite this milestone, the community still faces critical infrastructural challenges, including bad roads, erosion, security threats, and the urgent need for an additional transformer due to rising population pressure.

The chairman highlighted the deplorable condition of roads, particularly Ogbe-Ozoma Nwanikpa-Issele Azagba Road, which becomes impassable during the rainy season due to severe gully erosion. He called on the Delta State Government and relevant agencies to prioritize road construction and drainage control to prevent further loss of lives and properties.

Security concerns were also raised, with rising cases of robbery, kidnapping, and illegal activities linked to an unregulated Hausa settlement within the community. The landlords association appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently address this escalating threat before it spirals out of control.

The Future: Hope on the Horizon

In a major policy announcement, Hon. Esenwah assured the community that the Delta State Electricity Reform Bill, which has already been passed by the Delta State House of Assembly and awaits the Governor’s assent, will soon liberalize the electricity sector. This will break BEDC’s monopoly and open the market for better and more efficient service providers, a move that will significantly enhance power supply across the state.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from the Ugoani of Okpanam, represented by Chief Felix Okafor, and the Association Secretary, Engr. Hope Benin Unoho, both of whom commended the landlords for their exceptional dedication.

A Legacy of Progress

As the newly commissioned transformer begins operations, residents of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate have not only secured a brighter future but have also set a remarkable precedent for self-help development initiatives. Their success story is a compelling reminder that communities can drive change when fueled by unity, vision, and determination.

The commissioning of the project marks a new chapter in the estate’s growth, but residents remain hopeful that government intervention will soon follow to support their efforts in transforming Ozoma Hill-Top Estate into a model community in Delta State.