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ACNPN PASSES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON MR. PRINCE JOSEPH ORHOMONOKPAYE, SSA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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ACNPN PASSES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON MR. PRINCE JOSEPH ORHOMONOKPAYE, SSA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

                                                 PRESS RELEASE

The Delta State Council of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, have critically looked into the report of the 5-Man Committee set up to review the Seminar organized for Community Newspaper Publishers by the SSA to the Governor on Community Newspapers, Mr. Prince Orhomonokpaye.

We appreciate the good intentions of His Excellency, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State,for approving and releasing funds for the seminar, prince Oromonokpaye’s claim that the seminar was approved for community newspaper publishers and other government appointees was at variance with the practice in previous administrations where such capacity building programmes were specifically organised for community newspaper publishers in the state.
All efforts made by the association to make Prince Oronmakpaye to do the needful met a brick wall, as prince Joseph Oronmakpaye, rained insults on members.

Most of the ACNPN members who participated in the seminar were not given any hotel accomodation while the training programme fell short of expectation.

It is on record that Prince Oronmakpaye has continued to hand pick non members of the ACNPN to pay courtesy visits to MDAs with impunity.

From all indications, Prince Oronmakpaye is not a good representative of the Community Newspaper Publishers based on the following:

  1. The height of the excesses of Mr Prince Orhomonokpaye is his unbearable attitude of reigning curses and abuses on Publishers through text messages on daily basis, making it look like the Governor appointed him to torment Publishers instead of representing them well.
  2. That the good intentions of the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori in appointing an ACNPN member as SSA on Community Newspapers Publishers in state, has been undermined and grossly abused MR. PRINCE ORHOMONOKPAYE.
  3. That the attitude and general behaviour of Mr Prince Orhomonokpaye since his appointment till date has left much to be desired in terms of relationship and synergy between his office and publishers in the state.
  4. It is obvious that Mr. Prince Oronmakpaye’s only mission as SSA on Community Newspapers is to destroy the Association by breeding disunity among members with the aim of annexing the body for possible control to make publishers his foot stool.
  5. The recent seminar purportedly organized for publishers in the state was the last straw that broke the carmel’s back as Mr. Prince Orhomonokpaye diverted the event meant by the State Governor to better equip publishers in the state in the cause of carrying out their sacred duty of publicing activities of the government to a jamboree for his friends and well-wishers who have no business with news publishing, leaving publishers in sad and regrettable state of mind for attending the event.
  6. In the light of the above, we have no reservations whatsoever in PASSING A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON MR. PRINCE ORHOMONOKPAYE as he lacks the minimum prerequisites to represent even the most timid set of people in the society, talk much of distinguished Media Executives in the reverred Business of News Publishing.

Finally, we wish to note that while it remains the sole prerogative of His Excellency, The Governor to appoint whoever he wishes into any position in his administration, we humbly appeal to the Governor to redeploy MR. PRINCE ORHOMONOKPAYE from the Portfolio of Community Newspapers as we shall be better off not having a specifically-Assigned Portfolio Holder than have an Irrational, uncivilized, myopic, selfish, abusive and Unprofessional person like MR. PRINCE ORHOMONOKPAYE representing our constituency. ACNPN hereby declare Mr. Prince Orhomonokpaye persona non grata on all the activities of Community Newspaper Publishers across the state.

Signed
Comrade Alaska Ekele
State Secretary

Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom
State Chairman

Court voids the sack of 74 staff of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku

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Court voids the sack of 74 staff of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku

By: our Reporter

THE National Industrial Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria has ruled in favour of 74 academic and non-academic staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku whose appointments were abruptly terminated on the orders of the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa shortly after he assumed office in 2015.

The Court presided over by Justice Opeloye A. Ogunbowale described their mass sack as “illegal, unlawful and maliciously done”.

He, therefore, declared the action null and void and further ordered the payment of all arrears of salaries and entitlements accrued to them since July 2015

In addition, the sum of N200,000 was awarded as damages against the Delta State Government.

Recall that barely one month after assumption of office, the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ordered the retrenchment of the affected staff citing “irregular procedure in their employment” by his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

 

Aside the sack of the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic workers, hundreds of employees in the State Civil Service also suffered a similar fate, as a good number of them were laid off for similar “irregular procedure”, claiming that they were hurriedly engaged during the twilight of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second tenure.

It took the intervention of the office of the then Special Adviser on Labour Matter, headed by Comrade Mike Okeme and former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC Delta State Council to have about 450 reinstated while others were left to lick theirs wounds.

 

Glamour, glitz as Pa. (Engr.) Joseph Nwaese buries in grand style in Ibusa

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Glamour, glitz as Pa. (Engr.) Joseph Nwaese buries in grand style in Ibusa

By : Ike Philip Abiagom & Precious Erugo

 

When the news of the demise of  Pa (Engr. Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese who led a quiet and fulfilled life broke months ago and the burial was announced for July, Ndi Igbuzo and Nigerians already knew it was going to be a memorable July in Ibusa in Delta State, which happens to be the home-town of the Nwaeses.

For a man like Late Engr. Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese, who has sown good seeds of friendships and is loved for his benevolence and humanity, it was no surprise when top influential Politicians, Captains of Industries, prominent figures from State, First-Class Monarchs, Religious Leaders started pouring into Ibusa Community to Commiserate with Nwaeses during the burial Ceremony of their Late Patriarch.

The event which took place at Igbuzo in Iseke Village, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State on 18th of July, 2025 had the presence of prominent men in Delta State and the society. Late Pa (Engr.) Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese who until his death, was a retired Engineer and a community Leader known for truth, uprightness and Love for humanity.

The funeral programme, which held at the Christ Anglican Church, Ibusa, attracted many dignitaries, While delivering his sermon at the funeral programme, the Vicar/Archdeacon,admonished Christians to always remember that death, when it occurs, should present an opportunity for those who have the grace to still be alive to critically evaluate their lives, noting that God is calling us all to self examine our lives because as the sage lay mortal today, so shall we all lay mortal when the final call comes for us, therefore burial while it marks the end of time for the deceased should make us alive to check our pulse and prepare our ways so that we all can make peace with our creator.

Thanksgiving was held for the life and times of Pa (Engr.) Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese reached the milestone age of 86 years on this planet before he went to be with the Lord. The right of committal for Pa. Nwaese was performed at his Isieke Street residence in Ibusa after which a grand reception and a high octane party followed at the his residence in Ibusa.

The grand reception, which actually electrified the calm Ibusa country home of Pa (Engr.) Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese, will be the talk of the town for a long time as the party had in attendance the who is who in Nigerian as well as business tycoons within and beyond Nigeria. The popular Umu-nwalama Traditional-highlife Music,was also on ground to thrill and entertain guests and the event was anchored by our indefatigable MC Shutte Olimah.

In an exclusive chat with Engr. Peter Nwaese at the event, he said his uncle Pa (Engr.) Joseph Chukwuka Nwaese was a great man who will be sorely missed by himself, his siblings, the entire family and the community, noting that his uncle was a stabilizing community stakeholder in his lifetime. He said his uncle’s advice and prayers worked for him and his memory will continue to linger in his mind.

In his own tribute to the departed, Pastor Idowu Okeze, who acknowledged the difficulty of losing a father, with whom one often shares an unbreakable bond, expressed his sympathy to the Nwese family. He acknowledged the difficulty of losing a father, with whom one often shares an unbreakable bond and he remarked, “Pa (Engr.)Joseph Nwaese’s unalloyed lifestyle will remain a legacy for this generation and those yet unborn. I urge all members of the family to bear this irreparable loss with strength.”

“The death of a loved one, no matter their age, evokes searing pain. Your father was an asset to his family and Isieke community. His loss is deeply felt,” said Pastor Okeze who conveyed his condolences to the entire Nwaese family and prayed that God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Engr. Peter Nwases expressed his profound gratitude to Pastor Idowu Okeze, the people of the Ibusa kingdom, his families and friends who stood by them.

He said, “words are not enough to express his gratitude to all for standing by them financially, morally and spiritually, in giving his late Uncle a befitting burial he deserved.

Engr. Nwaese said his late uncle has proved himself as nobleman and God-fearing fellow. We will forever miss him. “This is evident from the testimonies of people who were touched by his generosity and commitment to the growth and development of his community,” the Nwaese stated.

Odogwu Igbuzo Felicitates with Leo Nkeaka on his Birthday

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Odogwu Igbuzo Felicitates with Leo Nkeaka on his Birthday

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

High Chief, Charles Okonkwo,the Odogwu of Igbuzo has congratulated Hon. Leo Nkeaka, the Senior Special Adviser(SSA) to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters.  The Odogwu Igbuzo felicitations was conveyed in a statement by him on Saturday in Igbuzo. He commended the Hon. Leo Nkeaka for his untiring efforts at promoting and advancing the cause of peace, unity and positive development in Umueze – Igbuzo.

Odogwu said that Deltans at all levels appreciated the Leo Nkeaka for his immense contributions toward building bridges of unity and peaceful coexistence among the citizenry.

“My family, the entire people of Umueze felicitate with you on the occasion of your birthday anniversary.

“Your usual timely and wise counselling on Umueze issues keeps us, leaders, in check at all times.

“As you continue to use your exalted office as the Senior Special Adviser(SSA) to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters to promote peace, unity and positive development in the Umueze-Igbuzo and across our state, be rest assured of the support, partnership and cooperation of the Umueze-Igbuzo and people of Delta.”

Odogwu Igbuzo prayed that Almighty God would grant the Hon. Leo Nkeaka more years of good health to continue in his many services to the nation.

Senator Nwaoboshi Congratulates Leo Nkeaka on his Birthday

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Senator Nwaoboshi Congratulates Leo Nkeaka on his Birthday

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Hon. Nkeaka with his Political father Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi

Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON),former Chairman Senate Committee on Niger – Delta Affairs, has congratulated his Political Son, Hon. Leo Nkeaka, the Senior Special Adviser(SSA) to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters  on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, describing him as “a political son in whom he’s very much pleased”.

Senator Nwaoboshi acknowledges Hon. Nkeaka’s sense of duty and tenacity of purpose, appreciating his steadfastness and dedicated service over the years. He applauds Hon. Leo Nkeaka for the courage and untainted loyalty manifested in his conduct, celebrating not just the passage of time that his new age reflects but also the incredible values of his contributions.

“Happy birthday to you Leo my son. Your birthday offers a unique moment to celebrate you and appreciate your steadfastness and commitments over the years,” the Senator noted in a message.

“I note with great pleasure that as a Special person to me, you consistently demonstrate incredible services and your untainted loyalty is well appreciated.

He prayed God to continue to grant Leo Nkeaka good health, strength and wherewithal for greater relevance to humanity. As you mark this auspicious occasion of your birthday, I join your teeming well-wishers in praying to Almighty God to grant you more celebrations in good health and fulfillment of your wishes, Nwaoboshi said.

Celebrating a Political icon, a humanitarian personified, a gentleman to the core, a man of the people – Hon Leo Nkeaka

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Celebrating a Political icon, a humanitarian personified, a gentleman to the core, a man of the people – Hon Leo Nkeaka

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Hon. Leo Nkeaka, SSA

On this occasion of your birthday one can not be thankful enough for the rear grace of having you as a special breed of politician from Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON) Political tutorial School of Knowledge.

Indeed, to those who know him up close and personal, the Senior Special Adviser(SSA)to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters and Chairman of LION-XTY Ltd, Hon. Leo Nkeaka is an enigma: humble, self-effacing, industrious, practical, efficient by nature, diligent, always thinking about things he needs to accomplish or how to get ahead on his next assignment, a complete Cancer, if you care to assess him by his Zodiac sign. But in plain terms, he is a case of a man who set out to always make a difference wherever he found himself. Not the kind of difference other men pursue to grandstand, but the type that impacts humanity and makes life easier for people. And of this, his track record is unassailable. A look back at his trajectory gives a chronicle of exemplary service to his community and a profile of pure patriotism from an individual.

Hon. Nkeaka with his Political father Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi

Greatness is a property for which no man can receive credit too soon; it must be possessed long before it is acknowledged. ”When one of the world’s greatest thinkers, Ralph Waldo Emerson handed down the above words of wisdom, those he had in mind were certainly the likes of Hon. Leo Nkeaka (Ohamadike 1)! .

For the trail-blazing Political Mobiliser from Umueze-Ibusa, it is certainly impossible to gloss over his attributes for greatness. He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of business leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, a perfect gentleman. In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece. Anyone who encounters him would love to associate with him for his candour, courage and forthrightness. As a human being, his humility and modesty is second to none. As an Businessman, he is sound and engaging.

Hon. Leo Nkeaka,he means different things to different people; to his wife and children, he is a loving husband and a kind daddy, while to us his admirers,he is known as the Digital Political Strategist, social media influencer, a real estate guru but his detractors always erroneously see him as an obstacle because of his rising profile in Politics and acceptance by the grassroots.

Leo is not only the Pride of Nkeaka’s but also the Pride of the People of Oshimili North Local Government Area for whom he had waged countless business and political wars for and won virtually all,just like the Greek mythological Odyssey who fought and won difficult battles in History. Indeed the birthday celebration of this social media influencer of our time had been useful and Resourceful for his service to humanity. Therefore today let me on behalf of Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi (SPON) Political Family join the rest of my beloved Ibusa kingdom in Oshimili North Local government Area of Deltans and Nigerians at large to celebrate our Senior Special Adviser(SSA)to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters and Political iconoclastic OHAMADIKE 1 to thank Almighty God for adding another year to his life and to pray that God continues to bless him with robust health, protection ,and enduring provision. Your political reign shall bring prosperity and peace to Ibusa, Oshimili, Delta State and Nigeria in general.

Your legendary generosity and willingness to do good at all times is documented in the hearts of millions. That is why on your birthday, You deserves a toast and song, “Happy birthday to you…” Above all, You deserves a prayer from everyone who is on the side of truth in the eternal battle between truth and falsehood.

Happy birthday to the regent,aka Ohamadike 1 of Ibusa,a great lover of our tradition.

Nwannem and my great inlaw !!!

PASTOR IDOWU OKEZE : THE SHINING LIGHT (UKPE) OF IGBUZO

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PASTOR IDOWU OKEZE : THE SHINING LIGHT (UKPE) OF IGBUZO

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

 Pastor Idowu Okeze

In my career as a Public Affairs Commentator and a Publisher, I have discovered that one of the hardest things to do is writing about people because of the intricacies involved and the obvious misconceptions associated with it. But, I cannot stop writing about people especially public-spirited individuals for obvious reasons too. I am an activist with a special interest in the vulnerable groups amongst us and so I am naturally attracted to those given to a life of charity and philanthropy. So, it is an obligation of a sort for me to write about individuals whose lives and activities are in sync with my pro-life philosophy.

Clearly, public discourse is not just about criticisms and satire but about enlightenment and that includes throwing searchlights on our heroes as well. Mentoring and coaching as motivational activities essentially involves mirroring and modeling the lives of great achievers. It is motivational and inspirational to do so. It is really encouraging to zoom in on the life and accomplishments of great personalities. One of my friends and close confidant told me that he draws inspiration from reading biographies of great men. Thus, cerebrating achievers is one of the most veritable ways of asking the people especially the youth to appreciate achievement and strive hard to achieve greatness.

At present, Nigeria is embroiled in a political cum security crisis. The citizens are forlorn, disillusioned and dispirited. As a nation, it seems all hope of survival is lost. The only hope for the nation is to look inwards and latch in on our areas of strength. And it is indeed cheery to think and imagine that all hope is not lost for the nation when we review the activities of great men and patriotic individuals among us who have worked assiduously to touch lives and lift many out of poverty by uncommon philanthropic gestures.
So, today, my literary radar is on Pastor Idowu Daniel Chukwudi Okeze. My interest in the Igbuzo Pastor is not just because I know him from close quarters having had the rare opportunity of working for him or because I am an Igbuzo indigene but because his life as an accomplished philanthropist, selfless Nigerian and an accomplished icon is something to celebrate.

Without doubt, Pastor Idowu Okeze needs no introduction in the social circles in Igbuzo, Oshimili North and beyond. Pastor Idowu Okeze has left his footprints in the sand of time through his innumerable people-oriented programs and project . He has love for humanity and thus his well-intentioned act of philanthropy goes beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Pastor Idowu Okeze has provided his people from Igbuzo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State with several essential amenities such as water, Transformers, Solar light and roads lacking in particular areas in his community. He single-handedly sponsored the drilling of boreholes at various locations in Igbuzo-Oshimili North local government areas and went further to resuscitate some damage roads in Igbuzo.

Pastor Idowu Okeze also pays hospital bills for individuals, establishes businesses and sponsors people in various vocational training like plumbing, hairdressing, tailoring, motor parts dealership, solar panels and CCTV installation. Most of the beneficiaries are Youths, widows and orphans. He has empowered both Igbuzo indigens and non-indigenes with over two thousand tricycles (KEKE) for commercial use.

Pastor Idowu Okeze sponsored the enrollment of 1000 indigent and vulnerable Ibusa indigenes into the informal sector category of the Health scheme of Delta State Contributory Health Commission insurance premium by paying #7000 (Seven Thousand Naira Only) per person and the One thousand persons in Ibusa were given access health care card for one full year, free of charge. This is the first of its kind where indigent enrollees who are vulnerable are adopted by a philanthropist with passion to save life.

Silently and diligently, with passion, he started realizing and fulfilling his dream for his people in earnest. He achieved all this without publicity and social media engagements.

Okeze, a silent achiever, organized and coordinated a group of his people especially the peasant farmers to give them all farming implements to ease their farming season. His benevolence didn’t stop there. Knowing the benefits of education, as an Educated person, he came up with an ideology that no child in Igbuzo should be left behind in terms of basic education. He solely embarked on awards of various scholarships to students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

His kind-hearted nature never ignores the less privileged. With his belief that no one from Igbuzo and Oshimili North should go to bed hungry, with dignity, he provided palliatives of all kinds, distributing food items to widows.

I have learnt that wealth is nothing without helping people; that touching lives through acts of charity and philanthropy is true greatness. Nigerians should learn from the lives of great men like Pastor Idowu Okeze eschew bitterness, mutual recrimination and rancor that is the only way to build the nation of our dream. “Upkechukwu Ibusa”, A great son of Igbuzo.

Pastor Idowu Okeze is popularly called by name “Upkechukwu Ibusa”, which is testimonial, and a clear proof of the true nature of this glorious gentleman who is so handsome both in the flesh and in his heart. You have certainly earned your place in history! “Upkechukwu Ibusa”, A great son of Igbuzo.

 

BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London

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BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari dies in London

He wrote: “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.

May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin.”

President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after previously leading the country as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, was known for his stance on anti-corruption and efforts to stabilise the economy.

Further details regarding burial arrangements are expected to be released by the family in accordance

with Islamic rites.”

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, into a Fulani family, Buhari, who was the 23rd child of his father, ruled Nigeria both as a military and civilian leader.

Culled from Vanguard

Pastor Idowu Okeze bags humanitarian service award from Rotary Club Asaba

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Pastor Idowu Okeze bags humanitarian service award from Rotary Club Asaba

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Pastor Idowu Okeze

The Rotary club of Asaba has awarded the founder of Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation(ONOF) Pastor Idowu Okeze with the Rotary Humanitarian Merit Service award.

At a colouful and well-attended event held at the Enotel Hotel and Suites,Asaba, the President of the Rotary Club of Asaba, Rotarian Kola-Balogun Florence Ndenwanka, said Okeze,was honoured with the award because of his sterling and exemplary contributions to the society, through his pet project and charity organisation, the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation(ONOF).

Dr Pat Adigwe receives the humanitarian service Award on behalf of Pastor Okeze

Speaking during the club’s Installation and Investiture ceremony, Kola-Balogun said at a time when well-placed individual in the society were shying away from helping the less privileged ones that it was comforting to find someone like Okeze championing the move to bridge the bridge between the privileged and the less privileged.

“There is no doubt that Pastor Okeze merits the Rotary Humanitarian Merit Serve award because of his services to the Nigerian community. We are proud to have someone like him in our society and we will always be ready to identify with any of his projects in the future”, said Kola-Balogun.

Kola-Balogun further explained that the award is reserved for people who have helped provide humanitarian services to people in their respective communities. She further added that Pastor Okeze was awarded in recognition of his selfless commitment to rendering humanitarian services and uplifting the standard of living of people in his community and Delta State in general, adding that Okeze has been appointed to lead the Rotary humanitarian service Committee for Rotary District for the 2025–26 Rotary year in recognition of his excellent performance.

The club’s president advised the awardees not to relent in their contributions to humanity and to continue to do their best to support Rotary to build better communities.

Responding after collecting the award, Okeze,who was represented by his personal Aide, Dr Pat Adigwe, said he was humbled with the gesture and promised to remain of serve to the country.

“I am deeply humbled with this award. I was not expecting it. All I am concerned about is to ensure that the needs of the less privileged in our society are met and that is what Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation(ONOF) sets out to do and will continue to do as we seek to cut the big divide that exists between the rich and the poor in our nation”, said Okeze.

He added that “”I wish to express my deep appreciation to all our members, volunteers and youth ambassadors who are working tirelessly behind and on the scene to ensure the success of our humanitarian efforts. Also, I would like to thank the kind-hearted financial donors, who continue to support Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation(ONOF) financially and in kind to help the under-served children, widows and youths in our society. Individuals willing to support Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation(ONOF) can visit our website ”

Rtn Kola-Balogun Installed as 42nd President of Rotary Club Asaba

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Rtn Kola-Balogun Installed as 42nd President of Rotary Club Asaba

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The very essence of leadership is vision and mission. History beckons as the Rotary club of Asaba  installed Rotarian Kola-Balogun Florence Ndenwanka as the 42nd President of the club in Asaba, Delta State Capital on 12 July,2025.

Rotarian Kola-Balogun who is also the 3rd female President of the Rotary Club of Asaba cosmopolitan is a serving Coach with Delta State Sports Commission. The Rotary Club of Asaba witnessed a momentous occasion as it ushered in a new era of service and impact with the installation of Rotarian Kola-Balogun Florence Ndenwanka.

The event which took place at Enotel events hall on the 12th of July, 2025, in Asaba, drew a distinguished gathering of Rotarians from across Districts, dignitaries, and well-wishers to the Delta State capital of Asaba.

Amidst an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose, Rotarian Kola-Balogun, a figure known for her dedication and vision, took the helm, promising a year brimming with transformative initiatives and impactful community engagement. The “Year of Unite for Good” Rotarian Kola-Balogun said will signify a commitment to transparency, wonder, and surpassing expectations in service delivery.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve as the president of our beloved club,” expressed Rotarian Kola-Balogun, her voice resonating with a blend of humility and determination. “As we embark on this magical year, I am reminded of the profound impact we can have on our community and beyond when we come together with sheer purpose and dedication.”

Central to her leadership approach, Rotarian Kola-Balogun unveiled her focus areas as the 42nd President for the 2025/26 Rotary year, Rotarian Kola-Balogun, disclosed that her tenure will focus on the following areas: Peace and Conflict resolution, Diseases prevention and control, Economic and Community Development, Basic Education and Literacy, Maternal and Child Care, Water and Sanitation, and Protection of the Environment.

She however called for partnership and support from government, corporate bodies and individuals in the delivery of these projects.

She added, “We have done the need assessment of some selected communities and schools in Delta State communities as well as the costing. We now need to go back to implement. We need more partnership with the Rotary in the delivery of these projects by providing materials for these projects or financing them.

“Rotary has always been about creating magic in people’s lives,” Rotarian Kola-Balogun passionately declared. “Whether it’s through our service projects or commitment to peace and understanding, or our effort to make the world a better place. As president, I promise to dedicate my time, talent, and treasure to the noble cause of Rotary.”

The installation ceremony was not merely a changing of the guard; it served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the unwavering commitment of individuals like Pastor Idowu Okeze, Engr. Kingsley Okafor and others who have consistently embodied the Rotary spirit. Deserving personalities and Rotarians were honored with awards of recognition, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to Rotary International and their unwavering dedication to humanitarian service.

Rotarian Peter Meka, who played a pivotal role as the installation chairman, expressed his satisfaction with the seamless execution of the event and offered words of guidance to the newly installed president.

“When I was made the installation chairman, I said I was going to put in my best and we succeeded, my expectations were surpassed by our performances,” stated Rotarian Meka. “I will counsel the current president, Rotarian Kola-Balogun, that she should act accordingly with the confines and Constitution of Rotary, which I know she is going to do.”

Echoing the sentiment of continued support, the Immediate Past President, Rotarian(Dr) Iwelu Henry ,expressed his confidence in Rotarian Kola-Balogun’s leadership.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the club, my family and the community for all we achieved this past year and I want to assure the new president that I’m going to give her all the needed support she would ever want from me,” assured Rotarian Okafor. I hope that with God by our side we are going to exceed expectations and perform the magic Rotary has been known for all through the years.”

The installation ceremony of Rotarian Kola-Balogun Florence Ndenwanka as the 42nd President of the Rotary Club of Asaba Urban marked the beginning of a promising chapter in the club’s history. With a clear vision, a dedicated team, and the unwavering support of the community, the “Year of Magic” promises to be a testament to the transformative power of Rotary.

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