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Tension Mounts in Igbuzo Over Alleged Encroachment on Ancestral Lands

By Ike Philip Abiagom – Newsbreeze

HRM, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi
Obuzor of Igbuzo

Tension is rising in Igbuzo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as residents raise fresh concerns over alleged encroachment on their ancestral lands by neighbouring communities of Asaba and Ogwashi-Uku.

The development has sparked renewed calls for urgent intervention by the town’s traditional leadership, with indigenes urging His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Igbuzo, to take decisive steps to protect the community’s territorial integrity and preserve its heritage. Many residents warn that failure to act promptly could threaten Igbuzo’s historical identity and standing within the state.

Community members have pointed to recent developments they describe as provocative, including reports of meetings allegedly held by neighbouring authorities on lands claimed by Igbuzo. Stakeholders say such actions raise serious concerns about respect for established boundaries and previous legal pronouncements on disputed areas.

Residents fear that continued inaction may embolden further encroachment, stressing that the defence of ancestral lands remains central to the community’s identity and future.
“This is not just about land; it is about our heritage, our identity, and our future as a people,” a concerned indigene said, calling for unity and firm leadership at this critical time.

Stakeholders have therefore urged the Obuzor and his council of Chiefs to convene an emergency meeting to deliberate on the matter and chart a clear course of action. They also emphasized the need to engage relevant government authorities to ensure due process and a peaceful resolution.

There have also been strong appeals for unity among Igbuzo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to set aside differences and work collectively to defend their ancestral heritage.
Despite the rising tension, many residents continue to advocate for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.

However, stakeholders are now calling on the Delta State Government to urgently intervene and address the situation, warning that prompt action is necessary to prevent further escalation and restore confidence among residents.

DCTDA Secures 17 Convictions in Renewed Sanitation Enforcement Drive

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DCTDA) has intensified its campaign against environmental violations, arraigning 18 individuals and corporate bodies before a competent court on Thursday, April 17, over various sanitation-related offences. The exercise led to the conviction of 17 offenders, while one defendant was discharged.

The operation, led by the Director General of the Agency, Patrick Ukah, reflects a strengthened resolve by authorities to enforce environmental laws and promote a cleaner, more orderly Capital Territory.

Those convicted include Otutu Resources on Nnebisi Road, sanctioned for operating in an unclean environment and encroaching on approved setbacks; Martins I.C., penalised for maintaining unsanitary premises and trading on restricted areas; Turner Bakery, found in breach of environmental compliance regulations; and the landlord/occupier of Silver House, held liable for discharging harmful wastewater into public drainage channels.

Speaking on the outcome, Ukah reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustained enforcement, warning that the clampdown on violators would continue as part of broader efforts to eliminate environmental infractions.

He maintained that the Agency would not tolerate any breach of sanitation laws, emphasizing that defaulters—whether individuals or organisations—would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to him, DCTDA remains focused on ensuring strict compliance with sanitation and urban development regulations, adding that disregard for environmental standards would no longer be condoned.

Ukah also urged residents, traders, and business operators to adopt proper environmental practices, stressing the need to keep their surroundings clean and adhere to laid-down regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Igbuzo at a Crossroads: Obi Ajudua Sounds Alarm for Unity Amid Rising Boundary Tensions

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

A strong call for unity has echoed across Igbuzo as community leader, Obi (Dr) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, raises deep concerns over what he describes as growing threats to the town’s territorial integrity and collective identity. In a passionate appeal, Ajudua urged all sons and daughters of Igbuzo to set aside internal divisions and confront what he termed an “urgent external challenge” facing the community.

Igbuzo, historically revered for its strength and heritage—captured in the age-old expression “Isu-Fu-Ogu ju-nni”—now finds itself grappling with fears of encroachment and diminishing influence. According to Ajudua, neighboring towns such as Asaba and Ogwashi-Uku are allegedly taking advantage of disunity within Igbuzo to assert claims over lands long regarded as ancestral.

The situation reached a boiling point following reports circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, where a gathering involving prominent figures from Asaba—led by the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge—reportedly made assertions that have sparked outrage in Igbuzo. Claims that the Nigeria Immigration Service Office, located within Igbuzo for decades, no longer falls within its territorial boundaries have been described by many as both shocking and provocative.

Even more contentious were statements suggesting that Asaba shares boundaries only with Ogwashi-Uku, effectively excluding Igbuzo from the geographical equation. For many in the community, this has been interpreted as an affront—an attempt to erase Igbuzo from the map of Oshimili North Local Government Area and, by extension, Delta State. What an insult?

“This is not just about land; it is about identity, history, and dignity,” Ajudua emphasized. If we remain divided, we risk losing far more than territory—we risk losing our voice.

In his call to action, Obi Ajudua appealed directly to the traditional and political leadership of Igbuzo, including His Royal Majesty, Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Igbuzo as well as revered titleholders such as the Iyase, Uwolo, Ikwele, and other custodians of tradition. He also called on the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Innocent Esewezie, to play a proactive role in safeguarding the community’s interests.

Beyond local leadership, the appeal extends to Igbuzo indigenes in the diaspora, urging them to rally support, raise awareness, and contribute to a united front capable of addressing the unfolding situation.

Observers note that while boundary disputes are not uncommon in the region, they are often exacerbated by internal disunity and lack of coordinated response. Ajudua’s message, therefore, is as much a warning as it is a rallying cry.

“Enough is enough,” he declared. “This is the time for Igbuzo to stand as one people. United, we are strong; divided, we are vulnerable.”
As tensions simmer, many now look to the town’s leadership and its people to determine whether this moment will mark a turning point toward unity—or further deepen existing fractures.

Delta North Senatorial Race: He That The Cap Fits in the Power Game

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

The forthcoming All Progressives Comgress (APC) senatorial primary in Delta North District has shifted well beyond a routine contest of ambition into a more layered reflection of political relevance, internal influence, and the party’s evolving culture of candidate selection.

With Ifeanyi Okowa, Ned Nwoko, and Victor Ochei in the frame, the central questions linger with quiet intensity: who does the cap truly fit ? —and sincerely, who will bell the cat ?

Okowa enters the race with the weight of experience and the reach of an extensive political network cultivated over time in public office. His grasp of governance and high-level negotiation places him firmly within the inner calculations that often shape party outcomes.

Yet, in political circles, strength of structure is only one part of the equation. Conversations frequently drift toward questions of trust and alignment with leadership, particularly in light of past strategic decisions that some stakeholders continue to interpret through the prism of regional expectations.

In Nigeria’s fluid political terrain, realignments are neither new nor unusual, but their aftertaste can linger. For Okowa, the path forward is less about proving capacity—already established—and more about restoring a broad sense of confidence within a party environment where trust remains a decisive currency.

Nwoko, as the incumbent, operates from the vantage point of visibility and institutional relevance. His presence at the national level offers him a continuous platform to project legislative engagement and constituency connection.

Incumbency, however, is a double-edged advantage. It guarantees recognition, but also invites constant evaluation. Public discourse around officeholders is rarely static, and in a contest where perception can rival performance, sustaining a balance between visibility and wide acceptability becomes crucial.

Nwoko’s candidacy is therefore anchored in the strength of presence, but tested by the scrutiny that inevitably accompanies it.

Ochei’s positioning draws from a different, yet equally strategic, foundation. His earlier alignment with the APC among the trio and his longstanding familiarity with party structures situate him within conversations of continuity and internal cohesion.

His legislative background,achievement and relationships within the party ecosystem reinforce this perception.

In a climate where consensus-building appears to be gaining traction as a mechanism of resolution, such alignment may prove significant. Still, consensus is rarely static; it shifts with negotiations, interests, and evolving calculations.

Ochei’s opportunity lies in this convergence of timing and structure, even as he must navigate the uncertainties that define any consensus-driven process.

What increasingly defines this race is not merely the stature of the contenders, but the process through which a candidate eventually emerges.

There is a growing sense among observers that outcomes may be shaped as much by consultations and internal accommodations as by the formal mechanics of delegate voting. In such an environment, political capital is measured not only in crowds or visibility, but in alignment with the subtle, often unwritten, rhythms of party decision-making.

Within this unfolding dynamic, Okowa embodies depth and network, tempered by the need to rebuild trust; Nwoko reflects incumbency and national visibility, balanced by the realities of public scrutiny, and Ochei represents institutional familiarity and strategic timing, operating within an increasingly fluid consensus space.

Each remains a viable contender, each with a pathway that is neither guaranteed nor foreclosed.In the final analysis, the Delta North senatorial primary is less a contest of prominence than a test of alignment, acceptability, and timing.

The cap, when it finally settles, is unlikely to rest on the most visible head alone, but on the one who best harmonises influence with trust, ambition with cohesion, and presence with the quiet arithmetic of internal consensus.

Youth Group Declares War on Cultism in Igbuzo, Vows to Restore Peace

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

A newly formed youth pressure group, the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo, has declared a firm commitment to eradicating cultism and restoring peace and security in the Igbuzo community.

Speaking to journalists, the Coordinator of the group, Chief Zik Nwabuwa, popularly known as Ogalanya Ede, said the union has already begun mobilising youths across the town to openly denounce cult-related activities.

He stressed that the era of fear and insecurity in Igbuzo must come to an end.
According to him, cultism has claimed the lives of many young people in the community and disrupted the once vibrant social life of the town. “For too long, residents have lived in fear. Nightlife disappeared as people hurried indoors as early as 7 p.m. due to the menace of cultism. That narrative is changing,” he said.

Chief Nwabuwa noted that with the growing awareness campaign and increased youth involvement, normalcy is gradually returning to the town, as residents are beginning to regain confidence in their safety.

He assured both indigenes and non-indigenes that the group is determined to restore Igbuzo to its former glory, where free movement and social activities can thrive without fear. He emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.

The group also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in cultism and drug-related activities to immediately renounce such acts or leave the community, declaring that Igbuzo will no longer serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.

Reaffirming its mission, the Indomitable Union of Igbuzo reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, pledging sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and development in the community.

Igbuzo Bids Farewell to Matriarch, Mrs. Kate Otubo Ajumeze

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The pain of losing a parent—especially a mother—remains one of life’s deepest sorrows, a void that words often fail to capture. As author Susan Wiggs once wrote, “There is something about your mother that is permanent and inexpressible – a wound that will never quite heal.” This sentiment resonates strongly as family, friends, and the Igbuzo community mourn the passing of (Obi) Mrs. Kate Otubo Ajumeze, a woman whose life was defined by love, sacrifice, and enduring strength.

Late (Obi) Mrs. Ajumeze was born into the revered Ikwele family of Isiogbodogwu, in the lineage of Nwabueze, a family widely associated with longevity and strong communal values. Though her exact age remains uncertain, relatives and community members estimate that she lived close to a century—about 99 years—marking a lifetime rich in experience, wisdom, and impact.

The fifth child in a family of six—five women and one man—she grew to embody the true essence of motherhood. She was married to Obi Richard-Onwugbonu Ajumeze, and together they built a family rooted in unity, compassion, and respect for tradition. Her close ties with both immediate and extended family members remained a hallmark of her life, including her relationship with the revered Obuzor of Igbuzo, who fondly described her as “my aunty” and has pledged to accord her a befitting traditional burial rite (oganga) in Ezegwu village.

Widely known for her gentle disposition and nurturing spirit, Mrs. Ajumeze was a pillar of peace within her community. She was remembered as a soft-spoken and caring mother who consistently placed the needs of her children and others above her own. Her son, Dr Henry Obi Ajumeze, often spoke of her unwavering support, kindness, and the values she instilled in him and others.

Many who grew up around her home recall her generosity and motherly counsel. She fed countless children and young people, offering not just meals but guidance and wisdom. Her advice often centered on unity, peace, and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds—a legacy that continues to shape lives even in her absence.

Affectionately called “Nne” by those who knew her, she was more than a mother to her biological children; she was a mother figure to many. Her role as a peacemaker earned her widespread respect, and her passing leaves a significant void in the hearts of the Igbuzo people.

As tributes continue to pour in, one thing remains clear: her life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and unconditional love. Though she is gone, her legacy endures in the values she passed on and the lives she touched.

The community prays that God grants her eternal rest and comforts all who mourn her passing.

Nne, rest in peace. You will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts.

Pastor Okeze Decries Rising Cultism, Drug Abuse in Igbuzo, Urges Collective Action

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

A prominent Community voice and the Founder of Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation,  Pastor Idowu Okeze, has sounded a strong warning over the growing threat of cultism and drug abuse in Igbuzo, calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to protect the future of the town’s youth.

Speaking at a recent community forum, Pastor Okeze stressed that no meaningful development can be achieved without prioritizing young people, whom he described as both the drivers of today and custodians of tomorrow. He noted that a divided and distracted youth population cannot build a stable and prosperous society.

“An architect whose hands are divided, whose mind is troubled, and whose house is at war cannot build anything that will last,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity and shared purpose.

The cleric urged community leaders and stakeholders to confront the situation with honesty, warning that denial and silence would only worsen existing challenges. He lamented that recent developments have strained the peace of Igbuzo and weakened the resolve of its youth.

Pastor Okeze expressed grave concern over the increasing cases of cult-related violence, which he said have claimed the lives of many young people. He also highlighted the disturbing rise in drug abuse, attributing it to the easy availability of illicit substances and the growing influence of negative social behaviors.

Beyond these, he pointed to other destabilizing factors, including fraudulent land dealings, land grabbing, and the demolition of properties, all of which, he said, have contributed to insecurity and tension within the community.

Particularly troubling, according to him, is the deepening division within the youth body, Otu-Okwulagwe. He noted that internal conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and a breakdown of trust among young people. He further attributed the crisis to political interference and attempts by external interests to manipulate youth leadership structures.

Pastor Okeze maintained that the youth body should serve as a stabilizing force, working closely with traditional institutions to uphold peace and order in Igbuzo.
To reverse the trend, he called for immediate peacebuilding initiatives, including a comprehensive reorientation of youth values, the establishment of effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and the safeguarding of the independence and credibility of youth leadership.

He also appealed to the Obuzor in Council and Igbuzo Community Development Union( ICDU) to ensure that its ongoing engagements produce a clear and credible framework for conducting free, fair, and widely accepted youth elections.Calling on all factions to embrace reconciliation, Pastor Okeze warned that continued internal strife would only weaken Igbuzo and make it vulnerable to external exploitation.
“Igbuzo cannot continue to fight itself while strangers walk away with our commonwealth,” he cautioned. “Let us unite and work together for the common development of our land.”

Igbuzo needs Unity now- Chief Ijeh

Chief Kizito IIjeh, aka Chief is Chief. is community leader and stakeholder, has spoken extensively on pressing issues concerning Igbuzo at present. Excerpt:

Can we meet you Sir?

I am Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, I am from Umuekea Igbuzo.

Sir, let’s talk about the crisis in Igbuzo, between the ICDU diaspora and the Local government Chairman , the person of Chief Innocent Esewezie, What do you have to say about it?

I don’t think there’s any crisis. Why I’m saying, I don’t think there’s crisis is because maybe the people involved, they are not living here, they are not resident here, so they do not know about whatever is going on here, when I saw the publication and i took note that the persons who signed are residents in United Kingdom and USA .One is in Canada. it was glaring that the President-General, who is more like their father, did not sign.

And I wouldn’t expect him to sign because, for whatever issue that has involved Igbuzo, The PG is always involved. Even regarding some of the points they raised. The PG was involved . I couldn’t have said that he is not aware of developments or whatever.

I read where they said that the local government Chairman was taking a unilateral decision on the disbandment of ICP. That decision was just by him. I don’t believe it is true. Because when we are done, I’ll show you the videos I have, where the PG the Uwolo , The Odogwu and I also saw the DPO.

They were all involved in the disbandment and in the new set up that they were arranging.

I saw where they were talking about making sure that whoever comes on board does not belong to cult. And that each person must be identified from his village, that the Warlords will surtee persons from their quarters(Otu). If the Warlords and the PG were not involved in disbandment I see no reason will they will be involved in convoking a fresh one. So I believe that all of them are involved in it. And we wouldn’t use that to now say that there’s a crisis.

Okay, so if the Obuzor in council is involved and then the local government chairman is involved. That means they’re all working in tandem. So we wouldn’t call that crisis. I want to say maybe there’s a communication gap between the PG who superintendents every other branch and other branches outside.

Sir, in the publication, they mentioned two things concerning the Igbuzo youth election and They were accusing the Chairman of Local Government of trying to impose a candidate against the youth. So, what do you have to say sir?

Well, let me use this last ICDU Conference we held this month where our brother, *Pastor Idowu Okeze*, appealed that all stakeholders should sheath their swords and come together so as to give us something away from the past. I align with him. I want to ask that we should urgently convoke a meeting between the Obuzor in Council, the ICDU, and the Chairman of the Council.

The irony is, you see these three that I just called? They meet regularly. Maybe let us say they meet on other issues. Because I know that a few days preceding this conference, they were in a meeting on several other reasons. So I would ask that they should create a special meeting where they would come together and resolve this matter.

I don’t support the local government Chairman to impose anyone on the youths, so with our Royal Majesty Obuzor,
Obuzor should not be seen to be, you know, driving interest into who becomes his number1 youth. It should be allowed. There should be a democratic process through which a new Youth leader will be produced.

Again, while they are doing that, they should make sure they do not give us people with tainted characters. They should give us plain people, people that will come in with respect and then lead the youth.

This is my own perception.

finally sir, what is the way forward with regards to peace in Ibuzo? What is the way forward?

Well, before I talk about the way forward regarding peace in Ibuzo, we have *a clear and present danger* and that is regarding our political future. With the death of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, we are as good as bereft of political leadership. As we speak, our House of Assembly, our next Chairman… we need to really sit down and talk about them. And the only way we can talk about them is if we are all together. Otherwise, the way people are breathing down our necks, we may end up losing House of Assembly, losing Council Chairman, and Ibuzo will, for the first time in our political history, just have nobody representing us. And that is something we must avoid.

As regards the peace you are talking about, I think there is peace. It is just that we are not managing it the way it should be managed.

Because like I said, the Council Chairman, the traditional class, the ICDU, they meet regularly. So if they meet regularly, that means there is peace.

I do not know if there is any other ceremony they need to have, before they will say that there is peace. They are all together.

At the last conference, the Council Chairman was there. The PG ICDU, of course, was there.

On a final note, I want to appeal to our brothers, both home and in the diaspora. We have *so many wars* facing us. In the very recent past, The Obi of Ogwashi-uku has not only been fighting Ezemese, now he wants to collect Admiralty University from Igbuzo and people are not even publishing such.

No, we need to draw back, come together as a community.

Asaba is fighting us, I don’t want to talk about Okpanam, Ogwashi-uku, all these, beaming their lights on Igbuzo. And Igbuzo instead of beaming lights on them, is beaming light on itself.

I think we should stop that. Let’s be mature. Let’s encourage whoever is helping, so the person can help more.

We have Pastor idowo Okeze, he’s helping. We have the local government Chairman, Hon Innocent Esewezie also helping. Let’s protect what we have for this little period that he is there, so that we can see what we can make out of developmental issues with him. And if we have issues that concern how he is handling issues, let’s get to him directly and correct him, rather than  going public.

Thank you very much.

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: ESENWAH’S DIGITAL REVOLUTION DRIVES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN OSHIMILI NORTH

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

In a deliberate effort to reshape the future of young people in Oshimili North, the Member representing the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Esenwah, has continued to make significant strides through impactful, youth-focused initiatives.

Two years ago, the lawmaker introduced a free, result-oriented Digital Skills Training Programme designed to equip youths with practical knowledge suited for today’s fast-evolving digital economy. The initiative, delivered largely through online platforms, has since trained hundreds of participants in key areas such as coding, website development, graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing.

Expanding the scope of the programme, Hon. Esenwah launched a four-month intensive training for 400 youths, which began on January 5, 2024. The training exposed participants to modern technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence, positioning them to compete globally.

The programme reached a major milestone during its grand finale held in Akwukwu-Igbo, the headquarters of the local government area, where 30 outstanding trainees were rewarded with brand-new HP laptops alongside startup support tools to help them transition into productive careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

In a further demonstration of commitment to excellence, a third phase focusing on advanced digital training was introduced. This stage featured specialized instruction in high-level skills, including DaVinci Resolve color grading. Four exceptional participants drawn from Ibusa, Okpanam, and Illah were selected for this elite training, receiving hands-on mentorship from industry professionals in Asaba. Each beneficiary was also presented with an Apple laptop to support their continued growth.

These initiatives go beyond routine empowerment programmes. They represent a strategic investment in human capital, driven by a clear vision to redirect the energy of young people away from dependence on limited government opportunities toward innovation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship.

Today, beneficiaries of the programme stand as evidence of its success, equipped with practical skills and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
As the political horizon of 2027 draws closer, stakeholders and constituents are faced with a defining decision — to consolidate on existing achievements or risk disrupting the progress already made.

For many, the results speak for themselves, underscoring the case for continuity in leadership and sustained development in Oshimili North.

ACNPN Celebrates Dr. Felida Essi on Her Birthday

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

The Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) has extended warm felicitations to one of its distinguished members, Dr. Felida Essi, Publisher of Isoko Mirror, as she celebrates her birthday today.

In a goodwill message signed by Chairman, Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom, the association described Dr. Essi as a committed media professional whose contributions to community journalism continue to inspire excellence and promote grassroots development. Her dedication to the growth of the media industry, particularly at the community level, has earned her admiration among colleagues and stakeholders alike.

The ACNPN noted that Dr. Essi’s leadership and passion for truth-driven journalism have significantly strengthened the voice of local communities, fostering awareness and development through responsible reporting.

Members of the association collectively expressed their heartfelt wishes, praying for her continued success and fulfillment in all her endeavors. They wished her long life, good health, longevity, and enduring happiness as she marks another milestone.

“As you celebrate this special day, we join your family, friends, and well-wishers in appreciating your invaluable contributions to journalism and society. May the years ahead bring you greater accomplishments and joy,” the statement read.

Dr. Essi’s birthday celebration is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity for the media community to honour a woman whose work continues to make a meaningful impact.Happy Birthday.

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