AljaziralPress

By: Akpovoke Otiti

Ughelli – Hon. David Tonwe, Director General on Security Matters in Delta State, has charged every household in the state to be proactive and vigilant in order to curb the rising cases of cult related killings.

Tonwe made the call recently while addressing journalists in Ughelli, following renewed concerns over violent clashes linked to cult activities in parts of the state.

He frowned at parents and guardians who fail to properly monitor their wards, stressing that lack of parental guidance has contributed significantly to the growing involvement of youths in cultism and drug abuse.

The Director General assured that the state government would thoroughly investigate reports of cultists infiltrating public institutions, noting that decisive actions would be taken against anyone found culpable.

He warned youths to desist from drugs, violence and cult activities, reminding them that “life has no duplicate” and that criminal choices often lead to irreversible consequences.

Tonwe called on community leaders, parents and security agencies to work together to restore peace and protect lives and property across Delta State.

By: Akpovoke Otiti

Delta State on Wednesday recorded the first major benefit of its political realignment as five Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses provided by the Federal Government were handed over to road transport workers in Asaba to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

The buses, delivered to the leadership of the Delta State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), form part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide intervention to reduce transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy.

The vehicles were supplied through the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with similar distributions ongoing in other states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Secretary General of the Delta State NURTW, Comrade Chukwuemeka Okolo, said the buses would be deployed across the state’s three senatorial zones to ease the burden of rising transport fares on commuters.

Okolo explained that the dual powered buses, which run on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), would significantly reduce operational costs and help moderate transport fares.

He urged residents of the state to continue supporting President Tinubu, describing the initiative as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians.

“We expect more of these buses, and we believe that with continuity, the benefits will be deeper and more widespread,” he said.
Receiving the vehicles, Chairman of the state caretaker committee, Comrade Patrick Okpandu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the leadership of the NLC, assuring that the buses would be deployed strictly for public transport purposes.
Other union leaders, including Comrades Dennis Araro, Orji Ossai, Igbine Odomero, Ovo Abeke and Peter Ojevwue, commended the Federal Government for the intervention and expressed optimism that more buses would be delivered to Delta State in the coming months.

Asaba – the most controversial Journalist, Otiti aka truthsayer, has called on the people of Uwheru to respect the decision of constituted authorities and redirect their energy toward addressing the worsening insecurity in the area, particularly the activities of suspected herdsmen killers that have crippled farming activities across the community.

Speaking in Asaba  on Tuesday, Otiti lamented that many residents have been prevented from accessing their farmlands due to fear of attacks, stressing that the continuous killings pose a far greater threat to the survival and progress of the community than any leadership disagreement.

He advised the people to set aside their anger over the reinstatement of President General, PG McPherson, noting that leadership decisions taken through lawful processes must be respected in the interest of peace and stability.

According to him, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief Barr. Jaro Omovudu Egbo, acted nobly and in line with his constitutional responsibilities, adding that his intervention was aimed at restoring order and strengthening community governance.

Otiti described the ongoing protests against the reinstatement as unnecessary and counterproductive, warning that such actions could distract the community from confronting the real and urgent challenges confronting Uwheru.

He therefore urged residents to embrace unity and allow the spirit of progress to reign, insisting that only collective action and peaceful coexistence would enable Uwheru to overcome insecurity and return fully to productive agricultural activities.

Chief Barrister Fred Okiemute Majemite has appealed to youths and other eligible residents in the region, particularly those aged 18 years and above, to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.

Majemite made the call against the backdrop of the low turnout recorded in some centres, stressing that active participation in the CVR is both a civic responsibility and a constitutional obligation for all qualified citizens.
He noted that the Continuous Voters Registration exercise remains a vital legal process designed to ensure that every eligible Nigerian is captured in the electoral register ahead of future elections.

The legal practitioner and community leader specifically urged residents of Ughelli North Local Government Area to come out en masse and register for their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), describing the PVC as the only legitimate instrument for exercising one’s right to vote.

According to him, the strength of democracy lies in the participation of the people, adding that failure to register disenfranchises citizens and weakens collective decision making.

Majemite therefore encouraged youths and first time voters not to be indifferent, emphasizing that obtaining a PVC is a sure bet to having a voice in governance and shaping the future of their communities and the nation at large.

The Global Initiative Support Group for Sheriff 2027 joins members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, media professionals, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Comrade Prince (Dr.) Matthias Ogbagah on the occasion of his birthday.

On behalf of the Chairman of the Group in the Diaspora and the Chairman Pro Tem in Nigeria, Olorogun Josiah Ntekume, the Group aligns with the glowing tributes that underscore Comrade Ogbagah’s professionalism, humility and exemplary personal conduct within the media space.

Widely acknowledged for his people oriented leadership, Comrade Ogbagah has continued to distinguish himself through a calm disposition, inclusive administrative style and an enduring commitment to mentorship and accountability, virtues that have strengthened unity and relevance within the NUJ Ughelli Correspondents Chapel.

The Group also commends his unwavering advocacy for ethical journalism, press freedom and capacity building, noting that his insistence on responsible and balanced reportage has contributed significantly to raising professional standards among practitioners.

Special recognition is accorded his impactful role through Rainbow Newspaper, in both print and online platforms, where his contributions have consistently promoted fair, community-focused and development-driven journalism.
As he marks another year, the Global Initiative Support Group joins others in wishing Comrade Prince (Dr.) Matthias Ogbagah many more years of good health, renewed wisdom and greater accomplishments in service to the media profession and society at large.

A former Deputy Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly and Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, has congratulated the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN), on the occasion of his 56th birthday.

In a statement issued in Asaba, Ighrakpata felicitated with the minister, whom he described as a brother and a pride of Uvwie Kingdom, the Urhobo nation and Delta State, commending his outstanding service to the country.

The revenue boss said the contributions of the celebrant to societal change and national development have continued to inspire confidence across the nation and beyond its shores, noting that Keyamo’s career exemplifies dedication, courage and patriotism.

According to him, Keyamo’s emergence as a leading voice in law and governance has brought honour not only to Delta State but to the entire Urhobo nation, adding that his stewardship in the aviation and aerospace sector has repositioned Nigeria for greater relevance on the global stage.

While felicitating with the minister on his birthday anniversary, Ighrakpata prayed God to grant him more grace, sound health and fulfilment, urging him to sustain his commitment to public service and national development.

“Today, I join the good people of Delta State, particularly the entire Urhobo nation, in rejoicing with our distinguished son, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, as he marks his 56th birthday,” he said, praying that the years ahead bring higher achievements and lasting impact to the celebrant.

• Cites Lack of Representation and inclusivity.

A Delta-born Ijaw leader, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has implored the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to consider and appoint an Ijaw man as the next Vice-Chancellor of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

According to him, the call is driven by concerns over the lack of Ijaw representation in the university leadership, despite the community’s contributions to the institution’s establishment.

He pointed out that no Ijaw individual has held a Vice-Chancellorship or principal officer position in the state’s new universities, and argued that qualified Ijaw candidates with academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism are available for the role.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and Activist expressed the confidence that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor would address perceived neglect and promote inclusivity in university leadership, giving Ijaw people a sense of belonging in Delta State’s educational scheme.

“Ijaw members were part of the Management Council that facilitated the establishment of these universities and contributed to the development of Southern Delta University.
Qualified Candidate: Ijaw community has several qualified candidate’s, professor with experience, some have served Delta State government and has academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism.
We have several qualified professors with impeccable administrative and academic acumen”, he said.

He added that; “It is imperative to call on our dynamic governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to give Ijaw sense of belonging who have been deprived from hosting any of the state universities in spite of her economic contribution. The appointment of a Vice-Chancellor from Ijaw extraction would address the perceived neglect of the Ijaw community and promote representation and inclusivity in university leadership”. the people’s voice, added

Otiti aka truthsayer

The President General of the Anioma Youth Council Worldwide (AYCW), Deacon C. Marcus Enudi, has faulted the proposed flyover project at Uromi Junction, describing it as a misplaced priority that fails to address the most urgent needs of Delta North.

In a statement issued via his social media handle on behalf of the council, Enudi said the region’s foremost challenge remains poor electricity supply, stressing that the long awaited Independent Power Plant (IPP) Stepdown project should take precedence over road infrastructure that offers little practical value.

According to him, the Uromi Junction axis has rarely experienced serious traffic congestion that would justify the huge financial commitment required for a flyover.

“How many times have we truly witnessed a hold-up at that junction to warrant such an expensive intervention?” he queried.

He maintained that reliable power supply would have a far reaching impact on economic growth, small businesses, healthcare facilities and educational institutions across Delta North, far more than a flyover whose benefits, he said, are limited and questionable.

Enudi therefore called on the state and federal authorities to urgently redirect resources towards the IPP Stepdown project, insisting that development must be driven by genuine needs and not by projects that serve political symbolism rather than the people.

Chief Barr. Fred Okiemute Majemite, popularly known as Agbragha Mi’gbrogho, has felicitated with the Delta Central Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Paulinus Akpeki, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

In a congratulatory statement made available to news men  Majemite described Chief Akpeki, the Ugo of Okpe Kingdom, as a rare political mobiliser whose leadership has continued to strengthen the APC structure across Delta Central.

He noted that the celebrant has remained a stabilising force within the party, combining strategic insight with grassroots mobilisation to ensure unity and sustained growth of the APC in the senatorial district.
According to Majemite, Chief Akpeki’s political journey is marked by courage, discipline and an unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that have earned him the respect of party leaders, stakeholders and supporters alike.

He added that the birthday celebration provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions of the Delta Central APC Chairman to party building, democratic consolidation and the promotion of inclusive politics in the state.

Majemite prayed for renewed strength, sound health and divine wisdom for Chief Akpeki, expressing confidence that his experience and leadership will continue to serve the party and the people of Delta Central in the years ahead.

Chief Solomon Ighrakpata and his wife, Dr. Fidelia Dumebi Ighrakpata, have expressed profound sorrow over the passing of His Lordship, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, Bishop Emeritus of the Warri Catholic Diocese.

In a joint statement, the couple described the late prelate as an exceptional spiritual leader whose life of faith and service touched countless souls and strengthened the foundations of the Church in the Niger Delta and beyond.

They extended their condolences to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, the clergy, the Catholic faithful, and the wider Christian community, noting that the loss was not only that of a diocese but of Christendom at large.

According to the statement, Bishop Afareha’s episcopal ministry was marked by wisdom, compassion and an unwavering devotion to God’s work, qualities that endeared him to priests and laity alike.

“As a shepherd of the flock, he guided with patience and love, leaving an indelible imprint on the spiritual life of the Diocese,” the Ighrakpatas said, adding that his leadership would be remembered for its quiet strength and moral clarity.

They noted that his legacy of faith, discipline and service would continue to inspire future generations of Catholics, urging the faithful to draw comfort from the example of a life well spent in the service of God and humanity.

Praying for the repose of his soul, the couple asked God to grant him eternal rest and to console his family, the clergy and all who mourn his passing, while commending the Diocese to divine comfort in this moment of grief.