In what turned out remarkable and memorable, the families of Late Chief Marki Okwose and Late Elimuya Nwaiku laid to rest their centenarian – mother, grand mother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and aunty, Chief Madam Cecilia Mgbuzor Okwose, who took a bow at 101.

The epoch-making ceremony took place on Friday 2nd January 2026 at Ekpemili Primary School, Obiogene Ebedei in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, which brought together dignitaries from all rank and file to grace the occasion.

Speaking at the event through Ukwuani Trumpet Correspondent, the children of Mama took turns to pay tributes to their mother, eulogizing her for a live well spent.

“Nnem was a mother of many, a mother of all, mother of the lost, a hardworking and loving woman who loved me and taught me how to do business and keep my home”: Princess Elizabeth Ijeoma renders in part, as she eulogized her mother in Ukwuani dialect.

Late Mama Mgbuzor, the grandmother of a masterly journalist, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, led a life of love, selflessness, humility and service, leaving a legacy for the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren she left behind.

Mama was survived by 4 children, 2 foster children, 26 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren.

The funeral procession was conducted by members of Jehovah’s witnesses where Mama fellowshiped until her demise. The speaker, Brother Godwin Ikonne extolled Mama’s virtue as a patient and selfless woman whose character would resonate till the end of times, and have paid off as hopes beacon on her for resurrection and life everlasting in paradise earth, urging attendees to emulate Mama, live a virtuous life and earn salvation.

Highpoints of the ceremony were press interview, funeral procession, burial talk by Jehovah’s witnesses, group photograph and entertainment of guests.

It was the second anniversary and end of year get-together of Ebedei Secondary School Old Students Association (ESSOSA) marked with ambience and an electrifying atmosphere which permeated in the faces and cheers of the principal and staff of the school, students, invited guests and members of the association alike.

The event which took place on Saturday 27th December 2025 at Ellen’s Ville Hotel Ebedei marked the second anniversary of ESSOSA after a successful inaugural outing last year to the glory of God.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE & HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE

The National President
Peculiar Patriot Initiative of Nigeria (PEPIN)
(Peculiar Women, Men & Youth in Politics – Project 2027), Hon. Akande F. Awani, has expressed her deepest and best wishes to her dearly beloved PEPIN family across the nation.

Awanii made the press release available to journalists during an in-house interactive forum convened to chart a way forward for the PEPIN family, Delta State and Nigeria in general.
Her message reads in part, “As we joyfully celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I extend my heartfelt Christmas greetings filled with love, gratitude, and hope to all PEPIN members across the nation.”

The consummate leader specially salute and appreciate the National Vice Presidents in the Six (6) Geopolitical Zones including the FCT,  State Coordinators and Assistant State Coordinators incharge of Senetoral District’s, LGA Coordinators, Ward Coordinators, all Executives at every level, and Departmental Heads, noting that their loyalty, sacrifices, and tireless commitment to the PEPIN vision over project 2027 Oluremi TINUBU Movement and structure are deeply acknowledged. “This season reminds us that light was born into the world, hope was restored, and unity became possible through love. In that same spirit, PEPIN has remained strong and focused because of your dedication to the ideals of good leadership, people-centered governance, and progressive politics.” Awani remarked.
“As we look ahead, we reaffirm our unflinching loyalty and commitment to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Together, we stand firm in support of the progressive agenda for His excellency PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU and in readiness to contribute meaningfully toward the success and victory of our party at all levels, as we journey confidently toward 2027. As we step into the New Year, I pray that God grants every PEPIN member good health, divine wisdom, uncommon favour, protection, and renewed strength. May the New Year usher in greater unity, strategic growth, and visible achievements for PEPIN and for our great party APC. May our collective efforts be crowned with resounding success.” the PEPIN President expressed.
She thanked members of the PEPIN family for their belief, resilience, and unwavering commitment, noting that together, they will build, and together they will win and succeed.
“Merry Christmas and a Prosperous, Peaceful, and Victorious New Year in advance!”

The Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) C.S Possible Ajede, yesterday hosted executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ukwuani chapter, as part of the Christmas celebrations.

During the gathering aimed at celebrating the Birth of Jesus during the festive season, the Ukwuani Council Chairman presented the CAN executives with cash gifts and bags of rice to support their celebrations.

In his remarks, Barr. Ajede commended the association for its steadfast commitment to evangelism and urged them to remain steadfast and dedicated to winning souls for Christ. He emphasized the importance of preaching the gospel of love, which he described as the true essence of the season and the message of Jesus Christ.

The CAN executives, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for the Chairman’s generosity and consistent support during festive seasons.

There was a change of kingship baton in Okpai Kingdom as Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome was formally enthroned as the Uwaoma of Okpai Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, following the passing on of his father, the late Igwe of Okpai, marking a defining moment in the continuity of traditional leadership.

The coronation ceremony which took place at Okpai Oluchi on 22nd December, 2025, was roundly attended by traditional rulers, elders, community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as dignitaries from within and outside Okpai Kingdom.

Addressing the gathering, Prince Ugbome described his ascension as a solemn call to service rather than a personal triumph, stressing that his reign would be anchored on humility, fairness and commitment to the collective good of the people.

“My emergence as Uwaoma is not a privilege to dominate, but a responsibility to serve my people with humility, fairness and commitment,” he declared.

Reflecting on his upbringing, the new monarch said his early years of discipline and hard work had shaped his outlook on leadership, noting that peace and unity would remain the cornerstone of his reign.

“I was raised to understand the importance of peace and unity. With your support, this community will experience massive development, especially as we have capable chiefs and answerable government officials,” he said.

Prince Ugbome also highlighted the diverse cultural and religious influences within his family, which he said had instilled in him values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence—principles he assured would guide his leadership.

Paying tribute to his late father, the monarch described the former Igwe as a symbol of peace, stability and unity in Okpai Kingdom, pledging to uphold and sustain his legacy.

“The passing of my father is painful, but his legacy of peace, unity and service will continue to guide my actions,” he said.

He assured the people that his leadership would be inclusive and protective of communal interests, insisting that unity remains critical to the sustainable development of the kingdom.

“I am not here to rule with intimidation or conflict. I am here to stand with my people, protect their interests and work for the progress of Okpai Kingdom,” Prince Ugbome said, calling on all sons and daughters of the kingdom to rally behind his reign.

In her remarks, Princess Joyce Akpaluku, the first daughter of the late Igwe of Okpai Oluchi and holder of the traditional title Ochiaga, described her brother’s emergence as historic and divinely ordained.

She explained that the succession followed the established customs of the kingdom, which stipulate that the first son ascends the throne upon the demise of the king, adding that the seamless transition underscored the strength of Okpai Oluchi’s traditions.

According to her, the title Uwaoma, meaning “good life,” signifies a throne bestowed by destiny and tradition rather than contestation. “This is about celebrating life, peace and the essence of a good life for our people,” she said, noting that the community embraced the new monarch without dispute.

Princess Akpaluku reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the new Uwaoma, particularly in mobilising women to sustain peace and advance development in the kingdom.

Also speaking, Chief Obiajulu Nduka, the Ome-Udo I of Okpai Kingdom, described the enthronement as a historic milestone that reinforces peace, unity and leadership continuity.

Chief Nduka noted that the kingdom had evolved from past internal challenges into a more united community, adding that the peaceful ceremony reflected the progress made in strengthening communal bonds. He urged the new monarch to lead with consultation, collaboration and empathy.

The ceremony witnessed public declarations of loyalty from prominent political and community leaders, including former and serving chairmen of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Barr. Sam Chukwuji and Hon. Vincent Osilonya, as well as the President General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amechi Asuguni.

They pledged their cooperation and expressed confidence that Prince Ugbome’s reign would usher in greater peace, unity and development for Okpai Kingdom.

Reacting to the occasion, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Comrade Victor Igweokwu, described the late monarch as “the source of unity and peace in the community,” noting that his death had created a deep void.

“Today, we are in the palace where the community is officially informed of the passing of the monarch while celebrating our historic culture as his son, Prince Chukwumeke Ugbome, takes over,” he said.

Igweokwu recalled that the late Igwe ensured stability by managing all segments of the community, including the youths, and expressed optimism about the future. “We pray that God Almighty grants the new Uwaoma the wisdom, knowledge and grace to sustain the legacy of unity, peace and love laid by our late father,” he added.

The enthronement is widely regarded as a milestone that underscores harmony, continuity and the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting peace and grassroots development.