By Barth Ozah

The foremost pressure group in Delta State, Integrity Group has resolved to partners the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC, in promoting the MORE Agenda of the Governor Sherriff Oborevwori’s administration.

The Convener and Chairman of Integrity Group, Amb. Oke Idawene made the commitment when he led members of the group on a courtesy visit to, Dr. Charles Olise, the Commissioner representating the Ndokwa East LGA, in DESOPADEC at Ashaka.

According to Idawene; “We are happy and pleased to be here, congratulations on your recent appointment and nomination as patron of Integrity Group MORE ambassadors. Integrity Group is a name synonymous with Governor Sherriff Oborevwori. Many of us started Sherriff movement.

“Sherriff movement started with me because I was the first person to revealed to him that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will hand over to him, and six months after, Bishop David Oyedippo equally revealed to him that he is the next governor.

“Soon after, Okowa keyed in and that is why we referred to Okowa as a visionary leader because he keyed into God’s vision. Our aim in Integrity Group is to promote the MORE Agenda of Oborevwori through the media. We believe in our vision that is why you are the first patron we are visiting.

Today we are recognising you with an award as agent of growth and development in the state. You are already working that is why we must recognise you to do more, as Ndokwa commissioner you will succeed. We will swim, work and dine with you.”

On his part, Dr. Charles Olise said; “when I saw your group online I knew you people were ready to go places. As a politician and key player in the oil and gas sector, I know what it takes to run an organisations effectively. You must be consistent. I believe in stomach infrastructure because, I empower people a lot. Running group is not easy it requires money. I praise you because it is not easy to run a group.

“I want you to remain firm and focused because time will come people will be etching to support and joined you. Let me also tell you that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will be sworn in as the president very soon, that is what my mind is telling me.

“If you look at the body language of President Bola Amed Tinubu he is already preparing for a rerun election, that is why he chose Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President because when court declares for a rerun, Akpabio from South South will be sworn in as the President of the country and that is why he cannot afford a Senate President from South East or from the Northern part of the country.

“I accept your award and recognition in good faith and I look forward in working with you people. Don’t be discouraged, be consistent.” He added.

The Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) led by Hon. (Evang) Micheal Diden Ejele has scored as high the performance of His Excellency, Rt Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori when he recently clocked his first 50 days in office as the Governor of Delta State.

Speaking on behalf of the group the spokesperson Activist Rex Emojite Anighoro in a Delta Broadcasting Station (DBS) Television Program Interview stated that His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has been highly impressive as he has shown strong determination and commitment to be a citizens governor who will advance the greater good of the citizens taking bold and uncommon steps. He stated that Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is and remains that uncommon servant leader with street credibility that connects with the people.

Speaking further at the morning ride program, Activist Rex Anighoro who is also the founder of the Delta State Civil Society Volunteers (DCSV) stated “Sheriff Oborevwori came to make life more abundant for Deltans in his administration and in 50 days he has clearly shown and demonstrated that he is that Governor who was said to have street credibility, he has shown that street credibility, he has shown that he is determined and committed to take Deltans out of the backwaters of penury into the frontiers of prosperity and to advance a social contract with the citizens that will work for them and make life better.”

Activist Rex Anighoro, declared that the rehabilitation work at PTI Junction, Refinery Junction in Uvwie LGA, the courage to order the demolishing of buildings obstructing the storm drainage project in Warri, the donation of transformer to end two years power outrage to residents of Marine quarters in Warri South, the approval and immediate rehabilitation of the erosion ridden Umeh Road in Isoko South, the order and relocation of the motor park and market from the Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, the renewed reconstruction of the Warri Stadium,the approval for the release of funds to pay Civil Servants promotion arrears in the State, the passion for the quick dispensation of Justice and decongestion of prisons through appointment the appointment of women to sensitive position of trust especially in the judiciary, appointment of youths into positions of leadership were amongst the quick fixes and citizens friendly achievements worthy of mention in the first 50 days of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

Preceding the Television interview was a Zoom Citizens Conversation put together to interrogate the 50 days in office of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by the Delta State Civil Society Volunteers (DCSV) in collaboration with the office of the Spokesperson Delta Political Vanguard (DPV). The event was was well attended has as theme 50 days of Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori in Office as Governor of Delta State; Is the More AGENDA on pause mood or is it on course and working?

Speaking at the conversation Comrade Nelson Egware stated that the More Agenda was on course and working, noting that Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori came prepared and has hit ground zero running, he stated that the Governor is fully ready to give Delta State a facelift and make it the pride of Nigeria as he has already began with Warri. He chronicled the several achievements of his Excellency within 50 days and made it known that a new Sheriff with street credibility was in town. Comrade Fred Edore who also spoke his made it known that the Governor is a hands on leader who as a visionary has made it known that he will consolidate on the performance of his predecessor and advance Delta State by reaching new frontiers. While enumerating the myriad of achievements of His Excellency, he made it clear that the administration was not in a hurry to commission projects just to impress the public but to ensure that all existing projects are well done hence His Excellency has began inspection visits to such projects across the State.

Other citizens and civil society participants such as Olorogun Michael Madogwe Esq, Barr. Robinson Ariyo, Dr.Eris Ibi Jewo, Comrade Oyovwe Ejiroghene, Activist Ambrose Egbe, Comrade Sanco Ese Darlington, Amb.Augusta Impact, Comrade Uyero Erarawewho, Pastor ThankGod Nuwhele, Activist Anthony Oghenekevwe, Comrade Ubrei Maimoni, Comrade Gleen Arigi, Comrade Felix Braboke, Comrade Godswill Dafese, Amb Malcolm Tagbarah, Amb. Maryann Azibiantu, Comrade Joseph Osademe, Comrade Evonemo Faith John, Comrade John Odubolu, Comrade Chiedozie Onyeukwu, Amb. Mark Obi, Comrade Joy Efekoha, Miss Sarah Segba, Comrade Erica Anighoro Citizen Godwin Ugoso, Citizen Ajimisogbe Omotola, Comrade Seremu Igberadja, Citizen Ebiakpo Tom, Officer Valentina Obruche amongst others commended the Governor for showing presence and for igniting hope. Citizens and civil society actors hailed the Governor for the steps taking so far but however urged him to intensify efforts in making life more abundant for Deltans.

Many of the Civil Society leaders expressed optimism that the Governor would do more for Delta and they hope that a robust and better Civil Society partnership with Government will prevail. They declared that the Civil Society will proactively engage Government at all times as the watchdog of the citizens and society noting that the office of the citizen must always be supreme.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

A group, the Anioma Peoples Political Frontiers, (APPF), has expressed displeasure over the continued marginalisation, undermining and oppression of Ubulu-Okiti people within the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, despite records of contributing highest votes from the Local Government Area to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led Government, from inception of the current democratic dispensation.

Leader of the group, Churchill Mafiana Esq, flanked by Comrades Kenneth Nwaomu and Kobimdi Mafiana, stated this during a Press Conference held yesterday in Asaba to protest the continued political exclusion of Ubulu-Okiti people in the sharing of appointments and offices accruing to the local government.

Explaining that there are three clans, Nsukwa, Ogwashi Uku and Ubulu, in Aniocha South, he lamented that Ubulu-Okiti had been continuously deprived and shortchanged in the political arrangements, pointing out that they have been denied any of positions of Council Chairman, House of Assembly Member and Commissioner.

According to Mafiana: “Our youths condemned this injustice because the last elections took the sweat and blood of many PDP supporters in Ward 11. So PDP cannot be rewarding non performing Wards. We should address the issue of equity in Aniocha South.

“It is true that Ward 11 (Ubulu-Okiti) produced the highest votes for the PDP 5/5 in Aniocha South in the last general elections yet it has nothing to show for it because of lopsided appointment.”

The Anioma Peoples Political Frontiers has severally expressed displeasure over the non-inclusion of their sons and daughters in the sharing of political offices just as they neither had any key appointment in the immediate past administration and have had no beneficiary in the recently released list of Commissioners and Special Advisers nominees, among others which other Clans of Aniocha South have been enjoying for many years.

Mafiana noted that “against this dire injustice, we are constrained to seek redress from our amiable Governor and Boss, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose emergence was celebrated like Christmas Day in Ubulu-Okiti, with the belief that this matter would be properly investigated for us to be compensated and carried along in future appointments in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.

“Notwithstanding, we remain loyal and patriotic to our great Party, the PDP, which can never be destroyed nor scattered by the greedy ones. We believe in Delta State, as in unity we stand and succeed together.”

While congratulating Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his victory and successful assumption of office, Mafiana noted that “we are only expressing our desires to be recognized because we laboured and toiled hard to deliver the Party. We delivered 100% but those Wards that could not deliver are being rewarded.

“If we continually delivered to PDP so why should we not benefit. There is nothing bad for us to be considered in appointment for our works. We have been completely marginalized in appointments.

“If we continue in this trend we might find it difficult in the next election. We are the only people that have not produce any good position in the Local Government Area.”

He congratulated the appointees and other nominees for Commissioners and Special Advisers.

The group (APPF), use this medium to particularly congratulate our own Ada Anioma- Hon. Joan Onyemaechi and Hon. Collins Iwebunor for a well-deserve place in the list of appointees and hereby assure them that the group will ensure very cordial relationship between them and Ubulu-Okiti people. And equally urge them to ensure that Ubulu-Okiti is henceforth put at the top of their agenda.

“A special appreciation to our indefatigable ward leader, Arc. Kester Ifeadi whose dynamic leadership quality has brought about great fortune in infrastructural development of the community and progress of the party in ward 11.” Mafiana added.

Barcelona legend, Samuel Eto’o accused of match-fixing in Cameroon after ‘helping second-division champions Victoria United achieve promotion last season by influencing referees’

According to Camfoot, Eto’o, who is the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), allegedly promised to promote second division club Victoria United by manipulating matches.

Victoria United ended up getting promoted, with the federation ruling that the previous season’s runner-up Stade de Bertoua was ineligible.

Recordings reportedly emerged in which Eto’o told Victoria’s president Valentine Gwain, that he would help the team get promoted by manipulating referees.

Eto’o said: ‘There are things we can do, but you have to be very discreet, brother.

‘I haven’t even had time to get home yet. I’m out, bro. I haven’t had time to get home and work with the president (of the Cameroonian referee’s association) because I can’t call the refs directly and tell them to be careful. But I can work with the president.’

The conversation is said to have happened after Victoria lost 1-0 in December 2022, with Gwain interrupting the game to complain about the officiating.

Eto’o was reportedly heard saying: ‘Opopo (Victoria United’s nickname) must go up to the first division. This is our goal (…) This is our Federation. Victoria United will go up.

‘Stay calm, we will grant you the three points and we suspend the referee. But let me at least go back to Cameroon. He arrived on the 3rd (January) at night. So we’ll see you in the office on the 4th. Anyway, I’m going to rule out and disqualify this referee’.

Eto’o went on to explain the importance of having a good relationship with the president of the league.

He said: ‘He has the power. From there, he with his commissions will be able to suspend even the president of the referees.

‘Our club, Opopo, must go up to the first division, that is our objective.’
Eto’o, who also played for Inter Milan and Chelsea, scored 56 goals in 114 caps for Cameroon.

He was elected as the president of Fecafoot in December 2021.

The Federal Government has increased the school fees of new students into Federal Government colleges otherwise known as Federal Unity colleges to ₦100,000.

The increment was made known via a circular released from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, dated 25th May, 2023, and addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges. According to the circular titled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students“ and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous N45,000.

The circular in part reads

“The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniform, text books, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fee, ID card, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, et al. Please be informed that the ministry has approved only the underlisted fees and charges for all Unity Colleges,”

Meanwhile, parents under the aegis of Nigerian Parents Forum had in June 2023, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Education to shelve the plans to increase the fees paid by students in Federal Government Colleges or Unity schools. The parents argued that the increment in fees is arbitrary, insensitive, ill-timed and inconsistent with President Tinubu’s promise of welfare programmes to help Nigerian parents cope with the economic challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal in the country.

The police in Anambra State have arrested suspects in connection with the death of a young lady, Miss Chinyere Awuda, found dead at the abandoned swimming pool of Cosmila Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

The Guardian gathered that the deceased, who hailed from Nnobi in Idemili South Local Council of Anambra State, was reportedly found dead and her corpse dumped in the swimming pool.

According to sources, the young lady was at Club Mila, a nightclub reportedly owned by Cosmila Hotels in Awka, where one Gabriel Chinemere and friends believed to be clubbers as well, started beating her for reasons yet unknown.

The source alleged that despite efforts by people in the club to rescue the girl from the hands of Chinemere and friends, they continued to beat and molest Awuda.

The source said the alleged molestation took place in the presence of the club’s manager, one Steven Junior, who allegedly directed the club security guards and bouncers to stand down and turn off the lights, while the girl was being beaten and dragged outside the club.

“The family of Awuda, upon receiving the news, went to the hotel, where they found the body of their daughter at the abandoned swimming pool. The incident had since been reported to the Anambra State Police for further investigations, while Awuda’s lifeless body has also been recovered,” the source added.

When contacted, spokesperson for the Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspects are already in custody, while investigation has commenced.

However, Ikenga could not say how many suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, but added: “The persons suspected to be involved are in custody and further investigation is going on.”

MEANWHILE, Anambra State government has sealed off Cosmilla Hotel, Awka, where Awuda allegedly lost her life.

Commenting on the incident, the state commissioner for culture, tourism and entertainment, Don Onyeji, said the hotel has been sealed.

He said the hotel would remain closed pending the outcome of investigation into the matter.

Onyenji, in a telephone interview said: “We have visited the hotel, and also sealed it off. We are in touch with the police and investigation has commenced.”

Recall that the report of Awuda’s death had gone viral on social media, where it was alleged that some persons, beat her to death and threw her remains into an abandoned swimming pool at Cosmila hotel.

However, one version of the story relating to her death, said the lady was picking and pocketing money being sprayed on a birthday celebrant.

Another version said the lady stole some money from wraps of naira meant to be sprayed on the celebrant and attempted to escape, before she was apprehended.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Delta State council has called on state government to as a matter of urgency, provide palliatives to the state workforce as a measure to cushion the hardship imposed on workers by the fuel subsidy removal.

The state Council Chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, who made the call in a statement made available to newsmen, condemned the incessant increment in the pump price of fuel and other refined crude products in Nigeria, noting that the increment is an unnecessary infliction of suffering on the common man especially workers whose salaries are fixed.

Ofobruku in the statement insisted that workers can no longer afford such pains due to their poor remunerations; therefore calling on the PDP led government to reduce taxes, increase basic salaries, transport and other utility allowances as well as provide buses for transport at subsidized rate.

He also called on the Federal Government to handle the situation at hand expeditiously and put an end to the suffering of the people as he appealed to workers to be patient and continue to do their jobs while expecting government to remedy the situation of things as soon as possible.

Nigerian afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced a whopping sum of ₦237 million donation to the less privileged in 424 orphanages across the country.

The 30-year-old afrobeats star announced this via his social media account on Thursday.

Recall it was reported in November 2021 that Davido fulfilled the promise he made on his 29th birthday by donating N250,000,000( a personal donation of N50,000,000 plus a gift donation of N200,000,000 from his friends) to 292 orphanages across Nigeria, with the theme ‘We rise by lifting others.’

The DMW label boss said his goal was to make the donation a yearly tradition in celebration of his birthday and to give back to those in need.

He wrote: “I’ve always wanted to use my platform to serve others. Thankful that through your generousity, I’ve been able to do so. We recently disbursed over N200m to several orphanages in Nigeria, a tradition that started a few years ago around my birthday. Thank you to everyone who donated. With your help, we are changing lives. This is what I mean when I say We rise by lifting others. These are words in action. God bless you all!”

The multi-award-winning international singer expressed his sincere gratitude to individuals and corporations across various sectors and regions as well as eminent, compassionate, and well-meaning Nigerians for their generous contributions to the humanitarian course.

The ‘Stand Strong’ crooner affirmed that his foundation remains committed and steadfast in its mission to uplift and support vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

The National Association of Seadogs (a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity), Vito Corsica Deck (Aniocha/Oshimili and Ika Federal Constituencies), last Saturday, 15th July, 2023, concluded her celebration of the year 2023 Feast of Barracuda (FOB) with scintillating lectures

This year’s celebration tagged “Effective Home Management Towards Attaining An Effective And Better Home”, which was chaired by Mr. Okuma Aghogho, a retired Permanent Secretary in Delta State Civil Service, had in attendance members of the Pyrates Confraternity with their respective families, members of the Civil Society Organizations, journalists, some members of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) as well as other invited guests.

The lectures were delivered by Patricia Arinze (Mrs) and Dr. Eseoghene Oluwasemilore Enejedu, a dietician, while Comrade Vivian Nkechika, an ace broadcaster/Presenter with the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), served as the moderator of the day.

In his welcome address, the Cap’n of Vito Corsica Deck of NAS, Engr Emeka Okolo, stated that the Feast of Barracuda was an annual event of the Pyrates Confraternity where salient national issues were discussed and possible solutions presented.

He asserted that “In today’s world, managing our home effectively has become more crucial than ever, that we often find ourselves balancing multiple roles and responsibilities making it help us run our households smoothly.

“In this lectures, we will explore various aspects of home management upon areas such as budgeting, Time Management, Meal Planning and Home Maintenance.

“We have arranged expert speakers and facilitators with Great wealth of experience in this field, our expectation is that they will share invaluable insights and practicable techniques that can be implemented immediately at home.” Engr. Emeka Okolo added.

Presenting her paper themed “REQUIREMENT FOR EFFECTIVE HOME MANAGEMENT TOWARDS ACHIEVING A BALANCED AND HAPPY HOME”, the Keynote speaker, Patricia Arinze, opined that “currently the country’s economy was tainted with gloom. The skyrocketing prices of goods and services, many Nigeria seem to agree that getting on with their daily lives has been pretty difficult and indeed, the country is teetering dangerously on the edge of the abyss.”

She said there was need for a clarion call in order to rejuvenate the economy and save it from total collapse that the situation had brought about an increase in the poverty situation in our various homes and society.

According to Arinze “For many homes, this is a challenging time and it requires a lot of sacrifice and adjustment and prudence in the management of limited resources to navigate the economic crisis. We should not allow the current economic situation to degenerate into medical problem such as hypertension. Some spouse can be intolerant and that can create tension in the family. We should show love even amid these challenging situations. And above all, we should surrender all our problems to God.”

Taking her turn to lecture the audience on the topic “Embracing Good Nutrition As A Woman To Ensure A Healthy You And A Healthy Family”, a dietician with the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Eseoghene Oluwasemilore Enejedu, stressed the need for every adult to see exercising as a daily ritual.

Enejedu urged adults to be mindful of what they consumed and maintain good hygiene to live a healthy living.

In a research, Spadeng.com researched that the concept of the Feast of Barracuda is derived from the experience of Seafarers of old who encountered the Barracuda, a large predatory tropical marine fish and an opportunistic predator that preyed on other aquatic lives and sometimes humans.

Oral traditions has it that sailors and merchants of old saw this predator as a huge impediment to their smooth sail, travel and trades. Because the barracuda was considered an impediment to seafarers, they would feast on it at any point where they were able to conquer it. Relating the idea to NAS, the event puts forward topical issues that militates against the attainment of an egalitarian society for debates and possibly proffer solutions. Therefore, such gathering is celebrated as the Pyrates Confraternity’s Feast of Barracuda (FOB).

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Barracuda” by the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aghogho Okuma, as participants feasted on it with utmost excitement.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

The Network Of Information Communication and Technology Dealers Association (NICTDA), have Congratulated Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Bello, aka. Madam Sabificate, the immediate past Executive Assistant on Export Initiatives, Coordinator UNIDO Center And Executive Secretary Small and Medium Micro Enterprise in the last Administration, on her appointment as Special Adviser by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State.

Describing her as a pragmatic leader par excellence, great mobilizer, goal getter, and a Philanthropist in a congratulatory message signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Kenneth Nwaobi and Ejiro Ejiro R. Onwuegbuzie (Mrs), NICTDA said “We rejoice with you on your well deserved appointment. May the Almighty God grant you Wisdom & Grace to discharge your duties efficiently & effectively in the actualisation of the M.O.R.E Agenda for all Deltans & non- Deltans.

“The impact of your wealth of experience, generosity & Philanthropic nature has been widely spread across the State as you equally played vital roles in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded National and State Elections.

“NICTDA, the Umbrella body of all Computer Engineers/Technicians and ICT Dealers in Delta State, once again congratulates the Akpeli Ugo Fufu I of Ebu Kingdom.”