Celebrating the Birthday of Igbuzo Encyclopedias at 90 and 80

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March 15, 2025

Celebrating the Birthday of Igbuzo Encyclopedias at 90 and 80

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

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 Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) and his lovely wife,Lady Patricia Uti.

Indeed, to those who knows them close and personal, Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) and Lady Patricia Uti are both humble, caring, great historians, self-effacing, industrious, practical, efficient by nature, diligent, they are always thinking about things they needs to accomplish or how to get ahead on their next assignment, complete Aquarius, if you care to assess them by their Zodiac sign. But in plain terms, they always make a difference wherever they found themselves. 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, they track record are unassailable. A look back at their trajectory gives a chronicle of exemplary service to their community and a profile of pure patriotism from individuals.

Celebrating your parent’s birthday calls for a grand celebration, especially if it is a milestone birthday such as 80th and 90th birthday of Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) and Lady Patricia Uti. However, finding the right present to commemorate such an important occasion can be quite challenging.

Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) and his wife are one of those very few blessed couple; accomplished Educationists, Iconic Figures, Traditional Strategist, leaders, promoters of Peace in community. In the gallery of great leaders and great men,they are rare masterpiece. Anyone who encounters them would love to associate with them for their candour, courage and forthrightness. As a human beings, their humility and modesty is second to none. As an educationists, their are sound and engaging.

Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) and his lovely wife means different things to different people; to their children and in-laws, they are the best parents in the world, while to us in-laws, they caring and loving and for their admirers, the couples are Encyclopedias of knowledge and traditional Strategist.

Sir Fidelis Uti (Nna Oha) is not only the Pride of Umueze but also the Pride of the entire People of Ibusa for whom he had waged countless traditional 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 traditional Strategists of our time had been useful and Resourceful for their services to humanity.

Today let me on behalf of others in-laws join the rest of my beloved Ibusa kingdom in Oshimili North Local government Area of Deltans and Nigerians at large to Celebrate our iconoclastic Igbuzo Encyclopedias to thank Almighty God for adding another year to their life and to pray that he continues to bless them with robust health,protection, and enduring provision. Your reign shall bring prosperity and peace to Ibusa and your family.
Happy birthday to the regent, Igbuzo Encyclopedias, great lovers of our tradition.

Happy Birthday to the best In – Laws on Earth.

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi : Best Senator ever to represent Anioma Nation

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March 10, 2025

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Senator Peter Nwaoboshi : Best Senator ever to represent Anioma Nation

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 within one year in Ofice,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 Nation.

Inter House Sports: Obi Ajudua nominated as Patron of Niger Mixed Secondary Sch. Asaba

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March 7, 2025

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Inter House Sports: Obi Ajudua nominated as Patron of Niger Mixed Secondary Sch. Asaba

**Obi(Dr.)Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1, Ezeudo of Igbuzo**

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

ASABA: Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba has appointed a United States of America-based Medica Doctor, industrialist, an exceptional entrepreneur, academician,and philanthropist Obi(Dr.)Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1, Ezeudo of Igbuzo, the CEO and founders of the charitable Medical Company Vebron Carre, United States and Vebron Carre Foundation as the Patron of Purple(Vebron Carre) house for the year 2025 Inter House Sports event.
Explaining the rationale behind the appointment of Obi(Dr.)Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1 as patron, the School Principal Aseyeni Benjamin said: “As a distinguished personality and a prominent figure in Nigerian,his vast experience in the Medical industry, his dedication to promoting sports at the grassroots level, coupled with his philanthropic initiatives, has positively impacted the lives of many aspiring athletes. His association with our school Inter house sports will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our young athletes to achieve excellence.”
His passion for grassroots and schools’ sports is second to none and in recognition of Obi(Dr.)Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1’s unprecedented love for schools’ sports, the Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba on Tuesday decided to install the grassroots sports philanthropist per excellence as patron of the Purple House.
“He added: His dedication to sports, unwavering support for young athletes, and commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria have made him an ideal candidate for this prestigious role as house patron.”
In his acceptance speech, Obi(Dr.)Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1 said: “I want to thank the entire Staff and students of Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba for considering me for this and I believe that we can all work together and improve the fortunes of school sports in Nigeria. Sports is my passion and it has been my ideal to support sports at grassroots level and with this, my involvement in school sports will increase and I believe we have short, medium and long term goals to take our school sports to an enviable position in the world,” Obi Ajudua said.
As a patron of Purple House, Obi Ajudua said am expected to be instrumental in shaping the future of sports in school as well as guide dance and support in developing strategies to enhance the quality of sporting and education programmes; securing sponsorships for events”.
Ajudua said “Sports and education go together for the development of the mind and the body so as pupils you must find the time under the supervision of your teachers to create the needed balance so that one will not suffer because of the other.
“I also commend the management of the school that is the principal, teachers and others including parents who have supported this annual event. On my part, I will continue to do what is needed to promote proper education of our children.”
The School principal said that the epoch inter house sports event coming up will showcase the importance of sports in the development of Nigeria as a Nation. The school authority organized this event in order to inculcate in the children the spirit of sportsmanship. It is also the belief of the school authority to “catch them young”.
He appreciated some community leaders and teachers who he said have been supporting the school.

Asagba of Asaba Condemns Sale of Community Lands Acquired for Overriding Public Interest

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March 7, 2025

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Asagba of Asaba Condemns Sale of Community Lands Acquired for Overriding Public Interest

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has condemned, in very strong terms, the practice of acquiring large parcels of Asaba land for Overriding Public Interest, only to plot out and sell same to individuals without recourse to the community.

The Asagba spoke hard to the issue, which he emphasized was unacceptable, when he visited the Federal Government’s low-cost housing estate at the Marian Babangida area of Asaba.

The first class traditional ruler declared that the matter would not be taken lightly and would be discretely looked into with a view to ensuring that any transgression considered inimical to the interest of the people of Asaba was halted and the land restored to the community.

He directed the Committee set up to recover illegally acquired Asaba lands to swing into action to determine what the Federal Government did with the land, how they did it and to show cause why the said land should be taken back by the community.

On the situation at the housing estate opposite the Asaba airport, where the complaints bordered mainly on insecurity and lack of infrastructure, Asagba Prof Azinge noted that though the government had tried to provide some basic needs of the people, a lot still needed to be done to come to speed with the infrastructural needs of Asaba, the state capital.

His Royal Majesty, however, urged residents of the housing estate to do certain things for themselves, especially as it concerned securing the area, whilst efforts to attract a road network, Police post, primary school, a clinic, among other facilities continued.

The Asagba said though the challenges confronting the Akwa red community, which he renamed Elibujor – Ogbodo Layout with immediate effect, appeared insurmountable, concerted efforts would be made to address them to make life more meaningful to residents of the area.

He commended residents of Kwekagbor area for providing security for themselves and challenged other settlements within Asaba to emulate them, while promising to help to attract social amenities to the area

In his welcome address, the Anya Asagba in the area, popularly known as the Hollywood of Delta State, Obi Onyeamanogeme Ajufo, thanked Asagba Prof Azinge for the visit, which he described as a significant milestone and the first of its kind in the history of the community.

Obi Onyeamanogeme appreciated the state government, organisations, and individuals who had helped to execute developmental projects that had significantly improved the living conditions of the residents

He, however, drew the attention of the highly revered traditional ruler to the challenges of insecurity, environmental issues, the menace of scavengers in the neighborhoods, inadequate healthcare facilities, insufficient government schools, polling units, and poor public power supply, particularly in the Akwa red, Matrix and Kwekagbor axis.

The Red Cap Chief solicited the assistance of the Asagba in addressing some of the challenges, pointing out that tte visit was a testament to his commitment to the well-being of the community and the entire people of Asaba.

Gov. Oborevwori Inspects Ongoing Model Technical College Project, Assures His Administration Will Continue To Invest In Education To Reduce Crime

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March 7, 2025

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Gov. Oborevwori Inspects Ongoing Model Technical College Project, Assures His Administration Will Continue To Invest In Education To Reduce Crime

By: Oby Edward

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the executive Governor of Delta State has emphasized the crucial role of functional education in crime prevention, stating that increased investment in the sector could significantly boost security by reducing criminal activities.

Speaking after the inspection of ongoing construction of Model Technical College, Omadino, Warri South Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori highlighted how access to quality education could provide credible opportunities for young people, steering them away from crime and fostering a more secure society.

Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, supporting teachers and implementing policies that would ensure effective inclusive learning for all.

He expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the project but expressed the hope that the contractors would make the necessary corrections.

Oborevwori said; “I have said that education is my priority and we are using it to checkmate crime. We are doing things that will make people not to be involved in criminal activities. Education is very important to us and I will continue to encourage effective education.

“I want to assure Deltans that we will continue to build on our foundation for future growth and prosperity for Delta State.

“There are other technical schools that are ongoing, like the one in Kiagbodo which is ongoing. The one in Bomadi, we have asked the contractor to go back to site”.

Delta To Deliver CT-Scans, Dialysis Machines To Hospitals, As Oborevwori Inspects Flyover Bridges, Other Projects In Warri, Effurun

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March 7, 2025

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Delta To Deliver CT-Scans, Dialysis Machines To Hospitals, As Oborevwori Inspects Flyover Bridges, Other Projects In Warri, Effurun

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Governor on Thursday, said his administration had ordered for the procurement of eight dialysis machines and CT-Scans for hospitals in the state. He said Warri Central Hospital would get three Dialysis Machines, Asaba Specialist Hospital, three, and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, two.

Governor Oborevwori, who disclosed this after inspecting various projects in Warri and Uvwie Local Government Areas, said the machines would arrive by end of March.

“We have ordered eight dialysis machines, three for Warri Central Hospital, three for Asaba Specialist Hospital, and two for Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

“By the grace of God, the CT-Scans are also coming by month end and we have also assured that we will expand their theatre and you can see that they are very happy with the visit even though we didn’t plan to come here.

“But we came here on a project inspection and when I asked them what they wanted, they told me and am going to do it for them with even the internal roads within the hospital.”

On allegations of staff members demanding payments from under-five patients and pregnant women, Governor Oborevwori said the hospital management had denied that but urged the people to make use of the whistleblower line which he personally manages.

“I have discussed with the Chief Medical Director of the Warri Central Hospital and she denied the allegation and this is the first time I am hearing those complaints that patients of zero to five years are still paying bills because it is supposed to be free.

“So, anywhere you find that kind of thing, you send the information to us on our whistle-blower line which I am personally manage.

“I am the one personally managing the whistle-blower line and sometimes I call people on that whistleblower line; so, this is the first time I am hearing that,” the Governor said.

Governor Oborevwori who also inspected flood control projects in the Warri and Effurun areas, including the three flyovers at Enerhen junction, PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout, expressed delight that people were happy with the projects.

He said the projects were addressing traffic challenges hitherto faced by the people even when they were yet to be completed.

According to him, “you can see in all the inspections that were done today; you can see the expressions on their faces; it’s not about whether I have street credibility or not.

“If you have street credibility and you don’t do the right thing, people will not be happy. So, everywhere we went, people were happy seeing projects like these.

“So, you can see that people are happy; even now when we have not completed this job, you see that the traffic is flowing very well and, by the time we finish it, you will see that this issue of traffic gridlock will come to an end.”

On the storm drainage projects, Governor Oborevwori tasked the contractor to complete the phase 2 which is at 75 percent and phase 3 on 35 percent completion, respectively.

The Governor also inspected ongoing reconstruction of Orerokpe – Okuloho – Oviri-Okpe road and storm water drainage at Ugolo – Okpe Junction in Okpe Local Government Area.

NAFDAC reopens Onitsha market, confiscates over 50 trailers of fake drugs

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March 7, 2025

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NAFDAC reopens Onitsha market, confiscates over 50 trailers of fake drugs

By: Precious Eurgo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has finally announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and other adjoining markets after nearly one month of closure.

The South-East Zonal Director of the agency, Mr Martins Iluyomade, revealed this on Thursday after a meeting between officials of the agency, the Anambra State government, and market union leaders. He stated that business will officially resume in the markets on Friday.

Other markets, including the plumbing materials market, timber market, surgical materials market, and science laboratory materials market, among others, were affected early last month when the agency shut them down in its fight against illicit drugs.

Iluyomade, who addressed government officials and market leaders before announcing the reopening, said:

“What is happening here goes beyond only Ogbogwu (drug) market; it extends to other markets around this area, and that was why we took the steps we did by closing down everywhere.

“I know there was a lot of apprehension, and people were asking why we locked other markets that had nothing to do with drugs. It seemed as if we were out to punish those who had no involvement. We did not respond because we did not want to join issues, but we found drugs in all the markets we closed.

“What we found in other adjoining markets was just as much as what we found in Ogbogwu market. We did what we did because, if we hadn’t, we wouldn’t have covered the ground we were able to cover.

“We were here last year for an operation, but our men were beaten, and even an officer of the Federal Republic was stripped naked for doing his legitimate duty. We had to lock up everywhere because, if we hadn’t, there would have been collateral damage. This is a major drug market, and if something goes wrong here, drug supplies all over the country will be contaminated.

“We know that since the Federal Government was determined to sanitize this market, if there had been any attack on us, our security men would have reacted, and the damage would have been high. We thank Governor Soludo for his visit. When he heard what we did here, he called to express concern about the welfare of his people, and when we explained to him, he backed the effort to sanitize the market. He later visited us and reiterated the same support as long as what we were doing was right.

“People were already bringing ethnic coloration into it, but I thank the governor for not listening to them. In fact, the governor said there was a need for us to save ourselves because fake drugs kill indiscriminately, regardless of ethnicity.

“The DG of NAFDAC took this assignment as if her life depended on it, and every day she kept calling to know the state of operations. NAFDAC has also committed a lot of resources to this, and she has made a commitment to ensuring that fake drugs are exterminated in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the agency’s findings in the markets, the Zonal Director said:

“It is saddening to see that we have people among us whose only way of making money is by destabilizing the country and killing people.

“We have confiscated over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs. Many are still in warehouses in town, and we are coming after them. The volume of narcotics we saw here is enough to destabilize any nation. There is a link between the circulation of narcotics and insecurity. Check any country experiencing insecurity and a breakdown of law and order, and you will see that narcotics are in high supply.

“The number of narcotics we have found here is alarming. The people dealing in them know the effects, but they continue because the sale of narcotics is said to be more lucrative than cocaine.

“We have also seen people who deliberately import substandard and fake drugs. Some import tablets in nylon bags with no labels, then bring them here, repackage them, and put labels on them for sale. We saw a lot of it. We also found medicines that had been banned as far back as 2007, yet people are still stocking them.

“Many of these drugs were banned because they cause cancer, and new replacements were produced, but people still stock them. That is wickedness. Another category is unregistered drugs. These medicines are usually displayed in small quantities on counters, but large caches of them are stored in warehouses outside the market.”

Iluyomade noted that even some genuine drugs are stored in ways that cause them to lose their efficacy and become harmful long before their expiration date.

“Drug storage is also a problem. There is no ventilation in any of the storage facilities we visited. Medicines are supposed to be kept under specific conditions to maintain their effectiveness. Medicines are chemicals, and even those selling registered original medicines have had them expire long before their expiry dates.

“All the storage facilities are packed to the brim, locked with the biggest padlocks, and left without ventilation. We found a drug for women in labor stored in the plumbing materials market. The warehouse was full and hot, yet the drug’s packaging specified that it should be stored between 2-8 degrees centigrade. But someone stored it in an oven-like environment. So when people say, ‘What about those of us selling good medicine?’ we just laugh. What good medicine are you selling?

“We must take our healthcare delivery seriously, and that is what NAFDAC is doing. As an agency, we are not out to make life difficult for you, but we are working with the mandate given to us.

“We have pasted notices on some shops, and those who find them must know they have been invited and must report to our office. The markets will be reopened tomorrow. We have met with your union leaders, and they must ensure they report any suspicious activity to us.

“If this happens again, we will still close the market. Also, we will not tolerate any attack on our officials. If it happens again, we will shut down the market.”

Iluyomade stated that although the market will reopen on Friday, about 4,000 shops will remain locked until their owners explain certain drugs found inside.

Market union leaders expressed happiness about the reopening of the markets and pledged to work with the agency to identify traders who continue to deal in illegal drugs.

ncy for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has finally announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and other adjoining markets after nearly one month of closure.