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Nnamdi Odiwe visit Asagba of Ahaba ahead of New Yam festival Celebration

 By: Ike Philip Abiagom

His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS,the traditional ruler of Asaba kingdom,has said the age-long new yam festival of his community has lost its value.

HRM Azinge, who was speaking when the Publisher of Asaba Quays and son of the soil , Comrade Nnamdi Odiwe, visited him ahead of the celebration of his new yam festival, said the beauty of the festival was in celebrating it with one’s own harvest, which was no longer the case.

Asagba noted that new yam festival in Asaba had become merely a symbolic or spiritual event, and not the reality of contemporary time, stressing that celebrating new yam festival in a community where only about one or two percent of the people farmed was totally out of place.

“If we are talking about the time past when our people were predominantly farmers and harvested their yams I can understand and relate with it. But what we have now doesn’t add up. Let’s tell ourselves the truth, it doesn’t. We have to reawaken our people, else all that we do will end up being spiritual, symbolic, but there must be some reality to it.

“Notable rich people of the past in the community were known for the massive bans of yam they had from their harvest and the livestock they kept. All that has gone into the dustbin of history as far as Asaba is concerned.

“We don’t farm, we don’t engage in fishing, which means that urbanization has taken a toll on Asaba as the state capital. We have a lot of work to do to change the narrative because we cannot continue to dwell on our distant past. Spiritually, yes; symbolically, yes, but we shouldn’t be talking about bountiful harvest because there’s nothing to harvest.

“All it boils down to is that the gods of our ancestors are benevolent and kind to us in many dimensions, and that’s what we should be celebrating and not new yam festival because there’s no yam to harvest. So, in the broader sense, we are celebrating the bountiful blessings of God to our land, not just harvest.

“Our new yam festival should not continue to be a yearly ritual that ends up in nothingness. So, the motivating factor should be how we can go back to the farm. As leaders that should be our direction; that school be our focus, to bring back the lost glory of this town and get our people in the path of agrarian revolution so that we can truly celebrate our new yam festival”, the Asaba Monarch emphasized.

The Asagba thanked his guest and subject for the visit and for his invaluable contributions to the development of the community, assuring him that he would be duly recognized and appreciated at the appropriate time.

Earlier in the remarks, Nnamdi Odiwe said he led members of his family and friends to the palace to see the King ahead of the celebration of his new yam festival.

Odiwe commended Asagba Prof Azinge for all he had done since ascending the throne to launch Asaba to reckoning and global recognition, especially in the area of tourism.

He pledged that he would continue to support the vision and mission of His Royal Majesty for the greater good of Asaba, its people and all other residents of the community.

DELTA WORKERS SCREENING: Labour Disowns Age Cheats, Backs Exercise

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

With a better and clearer understanding of the reason for the ongoing screening of civil servants in Delta State and the overwhelming evidence of age falsification by some of those already screened, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Delta State Council, has thrown its weight behind the fact finding mission.

Rising from a meeting convened by the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Chief Funkekeme Solomon, on behalf of his boss, to resolve the misconception about the screening in some quarters, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, pledged cooperation with the Roseline Amioku-led Committee.

Comrade Ofobruku, who led the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the various labour groups to the meeting, expressed confidence in the assignment of the Screening Committee, urging it not to relent.

He said the earlier impression created by some of the affected workers was that the exercise was a witch-hunt, but with the explanations offered by the Committee and the clear evidence of falsified records, the NLC could not but allow the screening to continue unhindered.

The NLC helmsman said: “We will not disrupt the work of the Committee. What has happened today is in line with stakeholders’ engagement as encapsulation in Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda”.

Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Lady Roseline Amioku, who chairs the Screening Committee, highlighted the parameters the Committee used in carrying out the assignment.

Lady Amioku revealed that the Committee had been thorough with its investigation, which she noted was not a witch-hunt as organized labour was initially made to believe, pointing out that the outcomes so far had been shocking and unfortunate.

The convener, Rt. Hon Funkekeme Solomon, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave him the mandate to mediate with a view to addressing the misconception surrounding the verification exercise targeted at smoking out civil servants reasonably believed to be over the statutory 60 years retirement age or still working after 35 years in service.

“Beyond understanding the truth that some civil servants lied about their age, I urge the leadership of NLC to continue on the path of openness. NLC should sensitise their members on the need to play by the rules and eschew the tendency to fraudulently alter their service records”, Solomon said.

Delta Eyes Ranching, Industrial Growth From Brazil Investment Drive — Aniagwu

By: Precious Erugo

The Delta State Government says its recent investment mission to Brazil has unlocked fresh prospects for industrial expansion, agricultural development, renewable energy, and job creation in the state.

Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has already recorded significant gains by opening up all 25 local government areas with vital infrastructure, thereby creating access to mineral resources, industrial corridors, and potential free trade zones.

Aniagwu explained that the Brazil engagement was aimed at showcasing Delta’s investment opportunities while also drawing lessons from Brazil’s agricultural model, especially in ranching. He stressed that the establishment of ranches in the state would not only boost food production and jobs but also strengthen security by curbing the use of forests as criminal hideouts.

“We are pursuing both security and job creation by targeting ranching and other agro-industrial investments,” Aniagwu said. “Our discussions in Brazil are progressing very well, and we are optimistic about the outcomes.”

He disclosed that the state also held talks with renewable energy firms and other players in the power sector, building on earlier engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja.

According to him, the goal is to light up the state, expand industries, and create employment opportunities that will improve living standards.

Aniagwu noted that the government’s focus on agriculture and industry was deliberate, given the rising number of graduates from tertiary institutions across the state.

“Our goal is to create a productive economy where our graduates and young women can secure meaningful jobs beyond the limited space in the civil service,” he added.

“This is how we can guarantee both social and fiscal security for our state while raising living standards.”

He reaffirmed that the Oborevwori administration remains committed to the MORE Agenda, with particular emphasis on infrastructure expansion, energy generation, agriculture, and industrial growth.

Civil service: No going back on screening, retirement, dress code

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Delta State Government has said it will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail over the ongoing screening of civil servants, warning that neither falsification of age, abuse of leave of absence, nor indecent dressing will be tolerated in the civil service..

Briefing Journalists in Asaba on some critical issues, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the screening exercise was designed to sanitize the service and restore integrity.

He explained that many officers had manipulated their records by presenting unrealistic primary school certificates that made it appear as though they began school immediately after birth.

Aniagwu stated that the government would not reverse the decisions of the screening committee, especially on officers advised to proceed on retirement.

He added that those who had abused leave of absence by staying abroad for years while still drawing salaries from Delta State’s payroll would be removed, with steps taken to recover funds illegally earned.

“If there is anybody that has been advised by the screening committee to retire, government fully supports that decision.

“We cannot continue to accommodate individuals who falsify their age or live abroad while collecting salaries meant for those working here”, Aniagwu said.

On the recently re-emphasized dress code for civil servants, Aniagwu said the rules were not new but anchored on provisions of the Civil Service Rules, particularly section 04314 on page 42.

He noted that just as every profession had an expected mode of dressing, the civil service required its workforce to appear decent and corporate.

“When you come to work in spaghetti straps or slippers, you demean the image of the service. The civil service is not a free party where people can dress as they please.

“We are not telling you how to dress at home, in church, or at nightclubs. But during official hours, we expect decency”, he stressed.

Aniagwu argued that enforcing the dress code was about protecting the image of the government and ensuring respect for public institutions.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to reforms, he said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s government will continue to uphold discipline, transparency, and professionalism in the civil service as part of its MORE Agenda.

FLASHBACK : Stanley Chukwudumebi Otoma: Touching lives in a unique way

In this report, Ike Philip Abiagom chronicles the life and inspiration of Philanthropist, the trail-blazing Real Estate mogul par excellence from Ibusa and Chairman of One Needs Properties Limited, Stanley Chukwudumebi Otoma, and how he has been touching the lives of Nigerians, far and near.

Just as the holy bible said in Acts Chapter 20, verse 35, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’, Stanley Chukwudumebi Otoma, has been an epitome of silent giving as many lives have been positively affected by his acts of charity. Philanthropist abound all over the world. Sometimes, persons blessed by almighty God will decide to touch the lives of the less privileged in order to give back to the society that made them what they are and whom they are.

For much of human history, the idea of ownership and property was non-existent. Most resources were shared in the community. Philanthropy arose with the advent of capitalism. Humans struggled for wealth. Some succeeded. Some failed. The world became divided between the haves and the have not. Those who have more than enough sometimes try to share their excess with those who do not have enough.

Stanley Chukwudumebi Otoma, is a Nigerian passionate about impacting the society though acts of immense humanity. He is an example of the ‘Haves’ of the society, those who not just that they have more than enough but they are passionate about sharing their wealth with others, those imbued with a burning desire to touch the poor and less privileged. He is a Real Estate mogul who has over the years invested so much in human capital development and philanthropy, through which he has impacted several lives and communities.

The man popularly called “One Needs” has over the years pursued a lot of philanthropist endeavours, targeted at lifting the less privileged out of poverty and making the world a better place for all. He has committed substantial funds to various humanitarian causes and charitable organizations. His considerable investment in human capital has led to the mentoring and grooming of hundreds of youths to be self-sufficient and the creation of opportunities to those in need of a viable platform to thrive in life.

Through One Needs Foundation, which he wholly finances, the Igbuzo-born Real Estate mogul has sponsored a private execution of community projects, offered free scholarships to many indigent persons from primary to tertiary level education, provided shelter for many homeless families and sponsored free health care projects. The foundation strives to promote love, save lives, improve global health, groom and mentor youths, and collaborate with other civil society and human rights organizations to alleviate poverty, health challenges, support education, improve living conditions of individuals and promote community development.

One Needs Properties Ltd. recently paid the fees of over 1,500 candidates for the forthcoming 2025 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (Primary Six Exams) registration fees for all the primary school students in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The One Needs Foundation with some partners has pledged to embrace and enhance humanity in diverse ways by consistent donations to philanthropy.
It is in recognition of his contribution to national development in the area of Philanthropy and Humanitarian Services (Charity) that the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN) deemed worthy to conferred him with Merit Award as “ACNPN Man of the Year 2024” which is part of the 21st ACNPN National Awards.

Asagba Prof Azinge Visits FMC Asaba, Urges Hospital to Improve Relations With Patients

Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge SAN OON, the 14th Asagba of Asaba, has called for improved relations between the Federal Medical Center, Asaba and its patients.

He made the call on Monday when he paid a familiarization visit to the tertiary health institution.

The Monarch noted that the narratives about the treatment given to patients at the Center were not good for the image of the hospital, insisting that anyone seeking medical attention for whatever ailment should be able to do so happily at any point in time.

Asagba Prof Azinge marveled at the remarkable improvement in infrastructural development in the hospital over time and promised to draw attention of sons and daughters of the community, especially those in the diaspora, to the challenges facing the health institution.

He specifically expressed sadness about the absence of Computed Tomography (CT) scan and dialysis facilities, as well as a functional morgue, which he said were critical to bringing the hospital to speed with present day needs of patients and the public at large.

“Running a hospital of this calibre required both infrastructural facilities and human capacity. We’ve heard so much about the facilities on ground and those that you learn for. In the same vein we’ve also been told about some of the great exploits made by your medical team in terms of new discoveries made, which are considered to be the first of their kind in this environment.

“We appreciate the ingenuity of members of your staff. But I have also heard stories, some not too palatable, about the relationship between staff and patients. That I will want us to look at closely. Anyone working in the hospital environment is rendering service of a special kind and is expected to demonstrate empathy and show signs of humanity in relating with patients.

“I listened attentively to some of the demands made by the Acting Medical Director. Indeed I discussed them with him. It cannot be said that there’s no CT scan here. It cannot be said that one cannot easily arrange for dialysis in this environment. Well, that’s part of why we are here, because from here I will be speaking to members of the Asaba community in the diaspora, especially the Medics among them. I’m appealing to them to see what they can do about some of these demands, so that by December at least some donations would have been made to this place”, the proactive traditional ruler said.

His Royal Majesty commended the medical and health workers of the Center for their dedication to duty at a time their colleagues elsewhere were jetting out of the country in search of greener pastures, assuring them that Asaba, under his watch, would support every effort to improve their working conditions.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Acting Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ekene Omo, thanked Asagba Prof Azinge for the visit, which he noted underscored his abiding commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Asaba and the environs.

Dr. Omo recalled that as the President General of Asaba Development Union (ADU) worldwide, the Asagba introduced the bi-monthly medical outreach which brought together healthcare professionals to render free healthcare services to indigent patients in Asaba and earlier this year inaugurated the Asaba Healthcare Supervisory and Management Committee to bridge the healthcare gap in the community.

He traced the history of the hospital to 1998 when the then Asaba General Hospital was upgraded to a Federal Medical Center to provide tertiary health services to the people of Delta State and beyond.

While saying that recently the hospital’s neurosurgical team successfully carried out a complex procedure, while a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit established by the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Company had been commissioned in the hospital, the Acting Medical Director highlighted some of the challenges facing the institution and solicited the support of Asaba sons and daughters in addressing some of them.

The visit was rounded off with a guided tour of some of the facilities in the hospital by the Asagba.

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Acho Nonyalim Distributes over 10,000 Books and Educational Materials to Ibusa Students

By: Ike Philip Abiagom & Precious Erugo

The true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people.We need to see how we can use the available resources for everybody; create opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need. The gap between the rich and the poor should be bridged. Those of us blessed with material resources need to share with others. We must strike a balance with our resources.” This is the Philosophy of Elder Onyeachor Nonyalim.

It is certainly impossible to gloss over the attributes for greatness of Elder Acho Nonyalim, the founding Chairman,Junic Group of Companies, the trail-blazing Real Estate mogul par excellence from Ibusa,Delta State. Acho’s rise to the top was not a one-step movement. It was a humble beginning for a humble man. The inter play of factors that would establish him as one of Nigeria’s reputable real Estate mogul shaped Acho’s principle and philosophy of life and business-humility, honesty and hard work. His unassuming nature and infectious humility explain why he does not trumpet his numerous philanthropic gestures.

In a move to encourage students in schools in Isieke-Ibusa,Delta State, Asaba based philanthropist, and an indigene of Ibusa, Elder Acho Nonyalim shared 10,000 note books, 5000 text books and writing pens to five hundred (500)primary and secondary school pupils in Isieke-Ibusa yesterday.

Elder Nonyelim is inevitably turning out to be news-maker in every sense as it concerns Ibusa and it’s people. He has embarked on this programme Tagged “JUNIUC Back to School Empowerment programme” that has never been seen or heard of in Ibusa history since he started this project ten(10) years ago,Speaking to Newsbreeze crew, Nonyalim said his decision was borne out of the desire to ensure that as schools were resuming for a new session, no child would have any reason to drop out of school.

According to him, it had been part of his mission to give hope to the less-privileged students, noting that the writing and reading materials would help develop the pupils as well as assist indigent parents who may not be buoyant enough to purchase necessary books for their wards.

Elder Nonyalim stated that he is committed to taking drop – outs that are due to financial issues back to school and giving scholarships to street children or orphans who cannot continue with their education to further their education, ever since the initiative began some years ago.

He urged the Delta State government to emphasise the importance of reading in public schools, assuring that he would compliment and encourage more public schools to dedicate their time to learning.

He also called on other well-meaning Ibusa Indigenes’ to participate in equipping schools with needed materials, adding that his gesture will continue as long as God continues to bless him. He also called on individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other corporate bodies to do more in the area of assisting pupils in rural communities, adding that the initiative was established to cater for poor children by providing them with educational materials and to strengthen Ibusa communities through education, empowerment and engagement of young people because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Elder Nonyalim promised to continue to do more for his people and he used this medium to thank and appreciates his family, friends that contributed immensely to the success of this year back to school project.

Nwaoboshi’s Scorecard in Politics made him the Best Senator Anioma ever Produced

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The Oracle turned Miracle of Delta Politics, the Odogwu of Anioma, the lion, king of the political jungle,a man who commands respect and inspiring awe without demanding it, even when the political jungle is turbulent ,Senator Nwaoboshi’s majesty remains unchallenged.

Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON) grasps the reigns of power, as Delta North’s most celebrated Senator of the 8th and 9th Assembly “THE SENATE”, blazing the trail since 2015 to 2023 and having carved a niche for himself as the most proactive and influential representative ever from Anioma Nation.
The Ibusa born political tactician brought to the fore glamour and extraordinary representation in less than one year in office after beginning his improbable quest as a little known Senator within the minority party, he became Chairman Senate Committee on Niger – Delta Affairs, Including The NDDC, the first minority barrier breaking achievement believed to be impossible by generation of minorities in Nigeria. it is on record that no Anioma Senator has ever broken the record of chairing any juicy Senate Committe as a first timer, it is only the Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi a man with robust political experience and wide range of political influence.

A man who spread dividends of democracy to the nook and crannies of Delta North, Anioma Nation never knew that a serving senator can attract over 140 roads network across Delta North, distribution of 100 Transformers, installation of thousands of solar street lights, building of skills acquisition centers, empowerment of women and youths, employment of youths into various Government parastatals.

Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi remains an embodiment of Political empowerment and a Pan-Nigerian leader who is acceptable by all regions of the country regardless of any ethnic, religious and tribal consideration. The people of Anioma have enough provable reasons to still believe in Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. His scorecard as a distinguished senator between 2015 to 2023 (Eight years)are mind-boggling. In him, they look unto a steely and intelligent leader who sponsored many effective bills in a period of eight years at the National Assembly. He is indeed an outstanding lawmaker, leader and a true representative of the people. His pedigree and achievements as our senator cannot be quantified with any Delta North Senator dead or living.

A cursory appraisal of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi’s personal and leadership disposition reveal a man who is honest to himself and the people. He is frank and unpretentious as he has nothing to hide. This is the secret of his clear conscience and candour that emboldens him to mix, interact and communicate freely with the good people of Anioma and Delta State in general.

For this reason, the vast majority of Anioma people look unto him as their tested, trusted leader, rescuer and solution provider. To our Anioma people, he is rightly the leader that has bailed Anioma nation from political and socio-economic stagnation at the red chambers(senate). His audacious entrance into the 2015 Senate race in the state is widely perceived as the best thing that ever happened to Delta North.

As a senator between 2015 to 2023,he fought and included Ndokwa Nation into Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) master plan and also included Ndokwa Youths into Nigeria Presidential Amnesty Programmes which alot of young people in Ndokwa Nation even in the whole of Delta North Senatorial District have benefited both in Education, Health, Agriculture sectors and Oil Companies Treaties.

Anioma people have every reason to be proud of Nwaoboshi – an illustrious son whose political influence has brought multiplying gains to us when he was representing us, evidenced by the several projects in infrastructure by the Senator.

Anioma Nation now knows better that Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is the best Senator ever to represent Delta North at the upper chambers and let us continue to proclaim his greatness to the world and draw inspiration from his exemplary life. The lion, king of the Political jungle of Anioma

Nigeria’s Moribund Palm Oil Industry To Be Revived By Akwa Ibom State

Nigeria may soon witness a turnaround in its once booming palm oil industry as Akwa Ibom State, plans to inject ₦31 billion ($20.2 million) into the industry in 2026 to boost yields and expand cultivation.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno said the funds will be used to supply high-yield seedlings to farmers, extend plantation areas, and deploy extension workers to support growers.

The plan also includes creating a state palm oil council and coordinating the marketing of output from local producers, according to local media outlet Independent.

“We are preparing for next year’s budget. We intend to allocate 1 billion naira per local government, along with other funds that will be channeled to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,” Eno said.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the state’s role in Nigeria’s palm oil industry and aligns with the National Palm Oil Development Strategy unveiled by the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN) earlier this year.

That five-year roadmap targets the replanting of 1.5 million hectares of palm trees across 27 producing states by 2030.

Despite being Africa’s top producer, Nigeria still imports around 25 per cent of its palm oil needs to meet annual consumption of nearly 2 million tons.

The Akwa Ibom project is expected to reduce import reliance while supporting economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

Tanker Drivers Calls For Arrest Of NUPENG Union Leaders, Rejects Strike

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), have launched a fierce attack on the union’s national leadership, calling for the immediate arrest of key executives over what they describe as “reckless and destabilizing” actions that threaten Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Chief (Mrs) Blessing Dafinone (Warri PTD) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt) branch, the drivers accused NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale of mismanaging the union, intimidating members, and undermining national economic progress.
The tanker drivers’ outrage is linked to NUPENG’s planned nationwide strike, set to begin Monday, September 8, in protest of certain reforms within the downstream petroleum sector — particularly the Dangote Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for direct distribution of fuel.
According to the PTD, the move by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata is a forward-looking initiative that will improve efficiency, eliminate illegal levies, and create jobs. They described NUPENG’s resistance as selfish, hypocritical, and damaging to the country.
“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage,” the statement read. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests.”
The PTD also criticized NUPENG’s internal crisis and alleged corruption, claiming the union has become a shadow of its former self, plagued by lawsuits, factionalism, and administrative failure. They alleged that billions in dues collected from drivers have not translated into welfare or training support, and that many tanker drivers earn less than ₦50,000 monthly — some without regular pay.
In a rare move, the PTD advised the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene decisively, including arresting NUPENG leaders to prevent further unrest.
“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destroy the peace and progress in the oil sector,” they warned.
The tanker drivers hailed Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernizing the industry and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They urged Nigerians to reject attempts to discredit them.
As the strike date approaches, stakeholders across the industry are on high alert, with concerns that any disruption in fuel supply could have significant economic implications.