AljaziralPress

By Akpovoke Otiti

Former Udu /Ughelli Federal House of Representatives, Chief Urhobojiyowe Solomon Ahwinahi on Thursday mourned as the remains of Mrs Comfort Malaye was laid to rest saying the family of Distinguish Senator Daniel Dino Malaye on the demise of their lovely Mother was a great lost .’ Adieu , mama Comfort Malaye, woman of virtue ‘.

Chief Ahwinahwi Solomon, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Ekweremadu , former House of Representatives Speaker , Demeji Bukola and many more personalities from different parts of the world attended the day of tribute held at Kogi at the residence of the deceased.

The Controversial Nigerian politician home, Senator Dino Daniel Melaye(SDM) is at it again, as he buried and decorated his mother’s grave,

According to the former Law maker , Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi said as Dino commits his Mother to Mother – Earth , may the almighty God who brings and takes, grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, That God knows best but we would have wished that he gave us some notice.”
“God called her and she answered the call like every one of us will do and on this occasion, mine is to wish her well and to thank her for what she was to everyone of us,” Ahwinahwi stated.

Idowu-Fearon (PhD) |

I t is a great honour to be here on this most significant day for our graduates, and indeed for all of us who gather here today. We are here to celebrate and affirm what you – our graduates – have achieved through your studies, and to encourage you to take forward what you have learned so that each and everyone of you might play a role in bringing about positive transformational change for our beloved state of Kaduna, other Northern states, and our country. Not that I wish to place too much pressure on you on a day that is meant for celebration!

My theme today is ‘the role of education in peace building and peaceful coexistence in the Northern states of Nigeria’. Indeed, that is not only the theme of my remarks, but actually the theme and the purpose of this centre. Since its founding, this centre has been a house of peace (bayt -al-salaam) – perhaps we might even call it an oasis of peace (wahat-al-salaam) – in the midst of the many challenges that we face in this part of our country.
We see many weapons used here in this region – there is conflict, and the weapons that are used cause great harm, not only to individuals, but to families, to communities and to our society as a whole. But we have the tools and weapons of our own to push back against this violence, which is very often set up as a conflict between Christians and Muslims. Nelson Mandela famously said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And he was right. Education is the weapon that we must all be willing to use in our efforts to live in peaceful coexistence with one another. And that is why this institution is important, and why those of you who are graduating today have taken such an important decision in choosing to undertake your education in this place. We are honoured to have the Executive Governor of our state and esteemed representatives here with us today.

I would like to take this opportunity to address you directly. You can see here the value of investing in high-quality education and the positive impact that it can have on communities. What we have done here is recognise that there was a gap in high-quality religious education and that is one of the root causes of the issues we face in this part of our country. I would encourage you wholeheartedly to see how increasing government investment in religious education can be one pillar of a response to violence and to conflict. The key purpose of education is to open our minds to new thinking – to understanding the views of others. It is not simply to affirm what we already believe and think we know. This can be especially damaging when it comes to religious education – or a lack of religious education.

When we think we know all we need to about the religion of the ‘other’, – whether you are a Christian or Muslim – and are unwilling to expand your knowledge, there is a very real risk that you are yourself part of the problem, rather than being part of the solution. How can we ensure that our youth are continuously learning about the beliefs of those who are different from them? Through good religious education. This is something that can be championed by government, and supported by religious leaders and through institutions like Kaduna Centre for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations. As I speak of religious leaders, and speak as a religious leader, I also acknowledge that we have a significant and weighty responsibility to practice what we preach when it comes to our understanding of our own religion and a good, working knowledge of the ‘other’ religion. In my travels around the Anglican Communion as its Secretary-General, I am sometimes concerned to discover that religious leaders do not have an in-depth knowledge of what it means to be an Anglican. We are getting our own house in order through supporting our bishops in accompanying them in their role, and through more emphasis in theological education, which is something that we have invested in at our offices in London and in our colleges, seminaries and other institutions around the world. We must take a similar approach here in Nigeria and particularly in the Northern States.

Religious leaders need to be accountable to one another. We must be willing to challenge one another when we hear things that are false. This is particularly important when we speak about the ‘other’. Our congregations and our followers trust us. We have an obligation to them to speak the truth – and to actively ensure that we are speaking truth, by educating ourselves to a high enough standard. To be educated in this way does not mean that we must agree with everything that we learn. Not at all. There are many differences within and between religions that express a diversity of beliefs. But we must be willing to hear what others believe, and to be able to grapple with these issues in a peaceful manner. And we must proactively find the opportunities to grapple and discuss. Ignorance and all that comes with it – fear, hatred, and conflict – happens because we separate ourselves from those that we disagree with and from the ‘other’. We might do this out of concern for ourselves – that if we are seen to be speaking with someone who is the ‘other’ that it will damage our reputation with our own communities. But this also happens because of fear and sometimes hatred. These are things that we must also work against.

And we must resist this temptation to separate ourselves from those who are different and with whom we disagree. Therefore, we must engage in activities together. It is not enough to simply have knowledge and understanding in your head. You must also practice what you learn. Religious leaders can set a good example in engaging in activities with leaders from the ‘other’ religion – perhaps sharing a platform on issues of mutual concern, or taking part in activities that build trust and relationships.

And these examples must be encouraged at all levels of our society, from the very top right down to activities for children in schools. I come back to the quote that I began with from Nelson Mandela: “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I strongly agree with this statement. But we also know that education is a lengthy and ongoing process. It does not happen overnight. It requires commitment. Investment. Sustainability. Cooperation. Another wise man said this about education: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberation. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Those are the words of Kofi Annan. I am struck by the phrase ‘education is the premise of progress’. That is what we need to focus on – progress. There is much to do, and education alone cannot solve our problems. But where we see progress, we find encouragement. We have seen progress here in this centre. We have made much progress since it was founded 15 years ago. Many people have left this place transformed, committed to making progress and to being peace builders (bunat al-salaam) for our communities. Let us hope and pray that in another 15 years, the work of places of education like this centre is not unusual – that what is taught here is common in our schools, colleges and universities. That we all know much more about the ‘other’ and that we engage together much more. This graduation is a powerful image of progress and one that we can all be inspired by.

The The Most Reverened Idowu-Fearon (PhD) is the Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon. He presented this paper at a graduation ceremony of the Kaduna Centre for the Study of Christian-Muslim Relations in Kaduna on Saturday.

The Nigeria Senate on Tuesday voted to grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) powers to conduct local government elections, stripping the right from state government.

The change is part of the 1999 Constitution reforms by the legislature to make local governments become independent of states.

The bill was included in the report to amend the 1999 Constitution presented by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu on Tuesday.

The bill also proposes that no local council should receive allocation except it is democratically constituted.

Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial district, who moved the motion argued that allowing states to oversee the conduct of local government elections lacks fairness as autonomy of local governments was sacrosanct.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it was obvious that at the state level, governors sit down in the comfort of their offices to appoint local government Chairmen and so there was no fairness.

“I am glad that past governors who are here have supported this suggestion, I therefore, asked that the amendment be carried,” Melaye said.

Melaye’s motion was put to a voice vote by Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and was subsequently upheld by the lawmakers.

By Eseoghene Afure

The Director of Communication New Media – aljaziralreporters press, a highly cerebral media Practitioner, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has eulogized the sterling qualities of the Urhobo Star Chief, Hon. Urhobojiyowe Solomon Ahwinahwi describing him as an epitome of greatness, compassionate leadership and sincere love for his Urhobo nation.

Comr. Otiti made this assertion when Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi paid him an unscheduled visit, to condole with him during his mother’s and elder brother’s burial.

The media practitioner affirmed that Solomon Ahwinahwi is a great man who not only loves his Urhobo people so much, but shows exemplary leadership that is always driven by compassion and passion for community development and human empowerment.

Otiti averred that Ahwinahwi political leadership, would be one individual that can take Urhobo Nation to the next positive level.

“I must confirm to you that we all love him. We love him because he is a great man and a leader who loves Urhobo Nation so well”, the Editor concluded.

” I came to greet our my Son, Akpovoke Otiti who is grieved, to console with him and family, having lost, mother and Brother within a short period of time”, he explained. Ahwinahwi affirmed that his campaign would be officially launched as from Next year.

He however, called on his kits and kin of Urhobo extraction, to join hands  to work towards a common front come 2023, adding that Urhobo Nation has only one Agenda as it stands, which he said it is to be United

By Akpovoke Otiti

A S A B A – Olorogun Urhobojiyovwe Solomon Ahwinahwi, has thrown his weight behind Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire people of Niger- Delta , as he breaks Silence and issued a stern advice to the Northern Leaders over their planned establishment of Ruga settlement for Fulani herdsmen across the country. Ahwinahwi who said there is no land in Delta for the establishment of RUGA settlement.

According to the former law maker that it is unconstitutional to forcefully under any guise or for any reasons take any piece of Land from any LGA in Delta State , I simply stand with our Amiable Governor on no land for Ruga settlement in Delta State.

Ruga, Cattle Grazing in our lands is a systematic approach of taking our lands, Land Grabbing, Killings, running wild in Northern Nigeria, South West, South East Raping, Kidnapping, raping, murdering and displacing Christians in their ancestral homelands is unacceptable to us .

It is foolishness for any one to assume Deltans to be a weak people by whatever Choice of assessment.

It said that Gov. Okowa only stated the obvious truth and fact that Delta State will be part, or agreed to such force full decision by the federal government to impose Ruga on the people .

By Akpovoke Otiti

T H E former Udu/Ughelli Federal House Of Representatives member, Hon (Olorogun) Solomon Urhobojiyovwin Ahwinahwi of the People’s Democratic Party , PDP, says the administration of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa is the foundation for re-engineering and reinvigorating Delta’s economy for a stronger and a better and a progressive future.

He also urged Deltans to remain focus and committed over the appointments so far , that the man Okowa is a listening person who vowed to carry everyone along in his second administration.

Ahwinahwi made the remark in a statement on Monday morning during the Governor 60th Birthday celebration in a telephone conversation with the Editor of Aljaziralreporters press.

”Economic development and the future of the youth are crucial in the growth of any nation and we are taking care of that”, Ahwinahwi said.

”You have to re-grow the economy, re-engineer it from bottom-up, during that process, it is always very difficult for ordinary people.

“They bear the brunt of the economic difficulties because they are in the lower cadre of the society.

”You can only use and depend on what you have and if you manage to use resources carefully, yes, you end up enjoying a multiple development in the country and that is why I always emphasise that foundation matters.

”Foundation is crucially important. I have listened to the people. I have been in contact with them at the grassroots.

”Even this house is not spared too, from demands from the poor and the needy, but without re-growing the economy, re-tooling, re-engineering the economy, we will not have anything.

”We ate the seed of growth for breakfast. Therefore, there is nothing for lunch or dinner. Nothing to harvest, that is what we talk about looters.

”But it will not take a magical touch to bring it to reality, It takes patience and perseverance. Four years is not enough time to for retouching, redevelopment and re-engineering the Delta

”There is a lot of hope, there is a lot of expectation, but when the treasury was empty, when the salaries were outstanding, when the quality of life is low, what will you do? Okowa have tried.

”We have oil, they didn’t save money and we have not diversified the economy. We have eaten our dinner for breakfast, nothing in the kitchen.

“There is no magic about it. It takes dedication, commitment and perseverance.

“Yes, we might not be communicating effectively with the people but we are working to make things better, ” he said.

Ahwinahwi said the state needs a focused and determined leader like Okowa to gradually re-engineer the economy for the benefit of all.

”we all adopted democracy, we are going to live through this democratic government.

”We need a Governor, that can retool and re-engineer Delta State , that is what Okowa is doing in the state and he is doing it gradually, otherwise we don’t want it to fall apart.

”Continuity, perseverance, and endurance, those are what we need. Okowa’s determination is progress for the state and for the people. We can’t go back.

”I am very proud of what I have done in Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency to be where it is. We were meticulous, dedicated and focused and we lifted the spirits of our people and that is why it is important for Urhobo’s to be focused now,” he said.

Ahwinahwi urged Urhobo’s to make sacrifices, endure, tolerate and forgive one another in the spirit of Okowa birthday celebration.

”When you pray for forgiveness, you must be able to give forgiveness if you think you deserve forgiveness.

”Can you ask God to give you what you cannot give to another fellow human being? That is simple,“ he said.

By Philo EzewuTop Pdp party chieftain Sir, Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon who described himself as an attitude and seasoned grassroot mobilizer, from Ughelli South Local govt, has Congratulated Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa at his 60th birthday.He describe Okowa as God fearing, selfless and impressive man , further noted Okowa’s achievements in less than four years in office have placed him on premium package.Your Excellency, as you mark your birthday so God Almighty will strengthen you for a stronger Delta. May the good Lord bless you as you take Delta to an enviable height, blessing, Favor, wisdom and long life be your portion. Congratulations Ekuweme of the universe, Congratulations to the Road master …as fondly calls by Deltans and Nigerians as whole

A man has been arrested for allegedly raping, impregnating and procuring abortion for his 15-year-old daughter with the connivance of his wife in Asaba, Delta State.
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According to Gwamnishu Harrison of BBI, the sexual abuse started when the victim was just 10 years old. The suspect was said to have laced his daughter’s food with drugs to perpetuate the crime.
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The girl allegedly informed her mother, but she was told to keep quiet. The abuse continued until she got pregnant and it was aborted. .
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Recounting her ordeal, the victim said: “I just saw myself wake up tired, with blood/sperm all over my private part. My mother is aware of everything, my grandparents are aware, my elder brother is aware and our pastor is also aware”. .
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The victim is now in BBI’s facility, where she is currently undergoing therapy and medical treatment. Her parents are cooling off in police custody and the case will be charged to court on Monday, 8th of July, 2019.

TH E Delta Ijaw Political Mechinaries,(DIPM) has called on the Deputy Senate President DSP, Ovie Omo – Agege to prepare himself to take over Osadebe government house come 2023.

The Ijaw socio-political pressure group, known as Delta Ijaw Political Mechinaries, DIPM, has urged Deltans to elect DSP, Ovie Omo- Agege in 2023 as Governor of Delta in order to build and sustain his achievements of star projects for deltans as he emerged the DSP.

In a statement by the Chief Conveners Hon. Garry Stanley and Secretary, Doubra C.Okotete of DPM,they both stated that the group’s support and call for DSP Ovie Omo-Agege was hinged on the fact that The call became necessary as Senator Omo Agege, Mr. Project influencer, who influenced the Okwagbe / Ayakoromo road through NDDC can be best described as a true ijaw son in the last two and half years, when he took over mantle of leadership as a Senator of the federal Republic of Nigeria

According to the President of the Ijaw group , Hon. Garry Stanley further stressed that the APC-led administration has also been able to curb the monster of corruption, which has been the bane of Nigeria, adding that there was now probity and accountability in governance, which has consequently minimized profligacy.

He added that Deltans are earnestly yearning for a good governance and wishes to support Agege to ” contest because his ambition to rule Delta state is predicated on transformational plans for the state. It is a genuine ambition borne out of democratic sincerity, and the group will gives it 100% nod to his dream awaiting fruition in 2023. He who plans early, plans to win victoriously.”

As a former SSG, Principal Secretary, and a technocrat, you have all the technical experience and expertise to build star projects in every senatorial district that will stand the taste of time and lift Delta state to a state of eldorado

Deltans vote consciously according to the zoning arrangements of the state. We the ijaws are able, willing and ready to support our brothers from Urhobo to clinche the gubernatorial seat once again as politics is a game of number

The group irrespective of tribal designation has stated that politics is game of interest and choice and on this note they have decide to work in synergy and rally support for somebody whose political vision encompasses all good ideologies for the betterment of everyone and it’s all numerical strength, Ovie has all the technical requirements to contest for the plump position.

As a detribalized Deltan, we urge you to get ready and contest Delta Guber 2023.

By Akpovoke Otiti

DELTA youths came out in large numbers to remind Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on his promises made during electioneering campaigns. Okowa words in campaign grounds ” we ‘ll have more youths and women in my second tenure, ” we have everything on recorded taps sire!

Delta youths and women has drawn the attention of the state government to comes on his heels to fulfill his Electioneering campaign strategies that enable Delta youths unanimously worked and comes out enmass to vote for the people’s Democratic party, pdp in the state.

According to the youths if they are allowed to served, they will help to “strengthen the unity and economy base of Delta ”, thereby leading to more employment opportunities.

“This request is very important as it will engage many youths across various tribes who will be Empowered , ” we are tired of begging and receiving insults from your Commissioners because of assistance, to the extent they longer pick their calls. Our appointment will strengthen the unity and economy base of the statea

“Mr Governor I /we have the pleasure to inform you likewise that the Delta youths and women are concluding plans to meet you to shed more lights on any grey areas in this demand of equality of appointments

“We’ve Power To Destroy, Do Not Test Us” – Delta youths and women warns “We’re tired of vague promises Delta youths tells okowa on his Birthday .