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Ogbor Kobo E Dey Celebrates New Yam Festival in Igbuzo

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Ogbor Kobo E Dey Celebrates New Yam Festival in Igbuzo

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The New Yam Festival, in the Igbuzo community, is an important way of marking the beginning and end of the farming season. It is a celebration of life, accomplishments in the community, culture and well-being.

Culture is said to be a people’s way of life. Promoting indigenous culture can positively affect national values. It is also a belief that has existed for ages, and passed from generation to generation. To this, every tribe within and outside Nigeria has a culture by which they are identified.
In Igbuzo land, for example, there are many cultures that exist such as New Yam Festival, Iwu Festival and more. These to a large extent has one benefit or the other for the people.

This year New Yam Festival was held to commemorate the time of harvest, as part of the event organised by Ibusa Age grade” Ogbor Kobo E Dey”, Hundreds of age grades came together to celebrate the New Yam Festival in a flock of traditional outfits at Kefas Amusement Park in Ibusa. The celebration continued with live music led by our music maestro Chief OGB Okonji and dance performances, along with Ibusa traditional food Pounded yam and while(Nsala) soup .

The occasion was well attended by many personalities like High Chief Charles Okonkwo, Odogwu of Igbuzo, High Chief Amaechi Nwaenie ,Uwolo Igbuzo, Elder Achor Nonyalim, Chairman,Junic Group of Companies,Diokpa Ajokwu Uwechue, Chief Minor Nwabuoku(Odenifwe Ibusa) to mention but a few .The Eze ” Ogbor Kobo E Dey”, Onowu Isioma Monyei said: “This is about giving God Almighty thanks for having planted and sprouted new warmth in the ground”.  Oba Peter Igweze is the the (Eze-Ukpo),Hon. Leo Nkeaka(Ohamadike 1) is the founder of “ Ogbor Kobo E Dey” , Nwafe Ofili is the Treasurer, Mr Paul Halim the Secretary, Paul Nnaka, PRO and Nanadi Nwanna is the Ogbor National Provost.

Hon. Nkeaka thank God almighty for making this day and keeping all members of  “ Ogbor Kobo E Dey” alive to celebrate this beautiful year of 2024 Harvest from God.

Mr We also want to bring our age grade closer as a united family. The most important thing about today is the togetherness and teaching our kids about the heritage of our culture. We are doing well to promote our culture and to obey and respect the law of the land.

 

Powered by: Hon. Leo Nkeaka

 

Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for true Brother

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Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for true Brother

Birthdays are special days we celebrate with loved ones and remember forever. It’s a day filled with happiness, laughter, and love. However, we often find ourselves lost for words when wishing our loved ones, especially a good brothers.

Age may be a number but life is certainly a battle. And if the life is that of the urbane and personable , Chukwudi Ugo, then life is not only a battle–it is a full blown war. Ever since he adorned himself as a soldier for good, he has had no reprieve from the unrelenting forces of evil. He is caught in the vortex of the eternal battle between good and evil.

Indeed, to those who know him up close and personal, Chukwudi 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 Scorpio, 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.

His legendary generosity and willingness to do good at all times is documented in the hearts of millions. That is why on his birthday, he 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 true broda,a great lover of our tradition.

 

Obi Okeze Foundation Partners PIAGGIO Tricycle, Organizes a 3 day workshop free training and repairs of tricycles

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Obi Okeze Foundation Partners PIAGGIO Tricycle, Organizes a 3 day workshop free training and repairs of tricycles

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

To alleviate poverty and joblessness in Igbuzo Communities and beyond, Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation organizes a three day workshop for free training and repairs of all PIAGGIO tricycles drivers by bringing team of experts from PIAGGIO Tricycles Pvt to Igbuzo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Obi Nwaokocha Joseph Okeze Foundation flag off the tricycles Empowerment Scheme last week in Igbuzo, over 2000 individuals have benefited from the empowerment, “There is no doubt that the foundation has created employment opportunities to combat poverty and create wealth towards empowering and supporting unemployed youths in Igbuzo.

Speaking to Newsbreeze shortly after declaring the training open, Dr Pat Adigwe, Coordinator of the training said the essence of coming up with the idea of packaging the free training program is to secure the future and longevities of the tricycles Empowerment Scheme in Igbuzo, because we Nigerians lack maintenance culture, with this training and free repair of these tricycles, it will enable the raiders to be self-reliant and cater for themselves and families at the end of the day.

This workshop for training and repair is unprecedented in the history of empowerment in Igbuzo. Obi Okeze foundation paid a hooping sum of ₦4,250,000.00 to PIAGGION Tricycle Pvt. to package the free training and repairs of the tricycle in Igbuzo. It’s on records that over hundreds of PIAGGIO Tricycles was given a total repairs and servicing with new oil and new parts.

The three days workshop for free training and repairs of all PIAGGIO tricycles drivers exercise, in collaboration with Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO),was completed last week and Adigwe expressed happiness over the exercise, saying the gesture has impacted a new maintainance skill on a lot of people.

“I am very delighted with the commitment of the Keke Raiders to learn new skills toward improving their living standard”.

“This gesture is part of Pastor Idowu Okeze’s agenda toward reducing the number of unemployed youths and eradicating poverty in our society.

“Newsbreeze really appreciate Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation’s dedication and generosity in making it possible for our teeming youths in Igbuzo to gain new skills,he has generously offered a lot of support and guidance to our people, as such, we should all appreciate the President of the Foundation, Pastor Idowu Okeze for his sustain fatherly role in ensuring a better future for the youths. We urged the beneficiaries to judiciously utilize this opportunity toward supporting their family and the society at large.

In his remarks, the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation National President,Pastor Idowu Okeze,said the Foundation strives to offer all Igbuzo people and Nigeria in general a better quality of life, to improve free healthcare services, provide education opportunities for our people , fund social empowerment and community building activities.
Okeze thanked the PIAGGIO Tricycles Pvt for making it possible for the Foundation to succeed in the assignment and promised that the foundation will not stop to support and empower our people in Igbuzo and it’s environs.

 

Igbuzo Must Unite as One Entity to Achieve Progress- Obi (Dr)Ajudua

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Igbuzo Must Unite as One Entity to Achieve Progress- Obi (Dr)Ajudua
By: Ike Phiip Abiagom
Obi(Dr) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1 (Ezeudo of Igbuzo) has called on Otu Uwolo and Obuzor of Igbuzo Kingdom to unite and desist from making unhistorically balanced statement capable of upsetting the socio- cultural chord of brotherhood among the children of Umuejei.
Obi (Dr) Ajudua who made this observation to Newsbreeze in response to the lingering controversy stoked by a purported claim of Matters Arising from the current trending Ipu Ume Video from Otu Uwolo and sundry issues. I commend the zeal and passion with which the discourse is engaged. I however frown on the choice of words deployed by some of us in pushing their views. We do not need to trade insults to move our town forward. I however think that some of these opinions are either borne out of ignorance of spirits & LETTERS OF THE MUCH TALKED ABOUT WHITE PAPER or outright mischief to keep our community in a state of continuous acrimony.
I was in tears for the cry of my people that had begun to reduce its values into a discourse that no longer had boundaries. My cry was different. It became a cry for humanity. Tears that flow down the cheeks due to devaluation of our culture and degradation of Igbuzo unity.
It leaves a mark on the face that becomes indelible. My imagination went wild. I could not comprehend it. What is happening to our heritage? What is happening to our youths? What is happening to our elders?What is happening to our town? What is happening to our generation? I asked. The silence that greeted my questions gave me a clue. When a fire starts from the shrine, no precaution can be possible. My tears dried up quickly as it became clear and real to me that events in history are circumstances of the people that are in that space at that particular time. Hmn.
We have begun to weaken our birthright and identity as the great sons of (Umuejei) Igbuzo. How can we form the words to use in explaining this to our children that when the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spread death to the branches. Others towns are making theirs stronger, and we are busy tearing ours, a God given rich heritage apart for greed and personal gain. We have begun a journey that sets a bad example for our coming generation.
Obi (Dr) Ajudua said “Even, though some writers of historical documents(Government White Paper) about the relationship and chord of brotherhood between the OBUZOR of Igbuzo and the entire Igbuzo community have allowed personal sentiments and pecuniary consideration to overrule their sense of judgement, clarity, fairness, objectivity and harmonious cohabitation. And the purported statement from Otu Uwolo belong to this trend “
He remarked that “We should not indulge in diluted information coined by agents of destabilization which emphasised those things that divide us instead of talking of those things that unite us “
Obi (Dr) Ajudua said , whatever angle or point of view any writer come out of this discourse on fact remain constant that there is a blood bond of relationship which is mot fleeting but fundamentally essential between the DIOKPA IGBUZO and the Obuzor IGBUZO “
Obi( Dr) Ajudua appeal to the Diopka of Igbuzo, Obuzor IGBUZO and Otu Uwolo to be wary of agents of destabilization who are only out to pitch the noble royal houses against each other by their sheer impetuosity and face service”
Obi (Dr) Ajudua, (EzeUdo) commended the royal sagacity and visionary posture of the Obuzor IGBUZO, His Majesty,HRM Obi Prof. Louis Nwoboshi and Most Senior Diokpa of Ibusa and Otu Uwolo , Onowu Paul Ijeh, not only at remaining calm, but at having refused to dignify the sender of those ill statements with any response.
“I must also commend the political maturity and sagacity being displayed by the Imperial Majesty , HRM Obi Prof. Louis Nwoboshi who has been consistent in his recent PEACE DIPLOMACY SHUTTLE with the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa, Onowu Paul Ijeh in Igbuzo last week to mark the conclusion of Iwaji and to brief the oldest man on the progress of the new yam festival in the Community, which has kicked – off a brand new era of harmonious relationship in Igbuzo “
Obi (Dr) Ajudua appeal to the scripter of divisive statements, the procurer of false history and the spreader of ill –historical fallacy to put a stop in their unholy act and allow peace, unity, harmony and era of brotherly interaction take control in Igbuzo.
We should stop sowing seed of discord among us and our siblings in Igbuzo because we are one family.
Obi Ajudua is appealing to Otu Uwolo to engage in dialogue with His Royal Majesty,the Obuzor and the community leaders to settle their grievances no matter how dire, as peace is the only solution to development.
We need to respect the rights and dignity of the office of the Obuzor , Most Senior Diopka of Igbuzo and all our Community members. If we disrespect the Obuzor or Diokpa of Ibusa,Otu Uwolo, Otu Iyase or Otu Odogwu today, we will inevitably pay the price tomorrow. If we all claim to be Republicans, we all – beginning from Otu Uwolo, notwithstanding our grievances, we must learn to abide by existing rules of engagement: the Government white paper and our cultural values.

PIAGGIO Pvt Tricycle to Holds Two-Days Workshop and Training for Keke Drivers in Igbuzo ,Courtesy of Obi Okeze Foundation

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PIAGGIO Pvt Tricycle to Holds Two-Days Workshop and Training for Keke Drivers in Igbuzo ,Courtesy of Obi Okeze Foundation

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

When Pastor Idowu Okeze , the founder of of Obi Nwaokocha Joseph Okeze Foundation flag off the tricycles Empowerment Scheme in Igbuzo, off which over 2000 individuals benefited from the empowerment, “There is no doubt that he has created employment opportunities to combat poverty and create wealth towards empowering and supporting unemployed youths in Igbuzo.

Pastor Idowu Okeze

Pastor Okeze did not stop at the tricycles empowerment drive ,but he thinks of the long term running of this tricycle business in Igbuzo, because in Nigeria we lack the culture of maintenance. Pastor Okeze decided to partner with Piaggio Vehicles Pvt which is one of the leading player in the light transportation industry with a complete range of three and four-wheelers Petrol, CNG, LPG fuel variants in Nigeria. The Company’s products are not only endorsed by over 2.7 million satisfied customers across India but also exported to more than 50 countries worldwide. Piaggio wants to strengthen its relationship with Igbuzo customers and reinforce its commitment to providing path-breaking solutions in the last mile transportation segments with cleaner and efficient fuel options courtesy of Pastor Okeze.

Pastor Idowu Okeze confided to Newsbreeze, that a team of experts will be arriving IGBUZO from PIAGGIO Vehicles Pvt on (Today)22nd of October,2024 to hold a two days workshop for training and repairs of all tricycles empowered to individuals in Igbuzo by Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation and it is going to be a conference where officials of the company will train users in proper repairs of Piaggio tricycles on 22nd of October,2024 (today)at Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Empowerment Centre in Igbuzo.

Pastor Okeze has already opened a tricycles spare parts shop in Igbuzo and fully equipped with various Keke parts so that the keke riders in Igbuzo will no longer go to Asaba or Onitsha to buy parts for their tricycle(Keke). He equally instructed that these parts be sold the same amount they sell in Lagos.

Pastor Okeze said that he decided to engaged the company to educate keke drivers on the changes that have been made in the new model and help them to understand how to repair the machines and assist its customers and users of its products to have the best user experience.

Okeze disclosed that Nigerians have embraced PIAGGIO Tricycles and are buying them in great numbers. He charged Igbuzo Keke riders to be careful on the road, adding that they should make their safety and that of other road users a priority and urged Keke owners to maintain the machines properly, adding that they should ensure that they tricycle is serviced once a month.

Pastor Idowu Okeze philanthropic magnanimity across Igbuzor earned him the unique title “the Light of God”(UKPECHUKWU) for the main reason that he doesn’t discriminate when he wants to give, he see’s everyone in Igbuzor as one and his love for Igbuzo is unquestionable, he is a blessing to this generation, his passion for human capital development is unparalleled. We pray that God almighty will continue to bless and guard him because he is a blessing to our beloved town Igbuzo.

 

Kingship Tussle: Crisis looms in Aboh

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Kingship Tussle: Crisis looms in Aboh

A royal crisis surrounding the choice of a king is looming in the ancient kingdom of Aboh, a place whose ancestors held the Landers brother (John and Richard) as slaves.

It is a crisis that pitched Hon Olise Imegwu, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, High Chief Ajieh Ogwu, president general of Aboh community and four quarters that produce the king against Chief Greg Oputa, the new king and some prominent chiefs in the community.

In a press statement widely circulated in many online newspapers within the week ,the chiefs said that Oputa remained their king and should be so respected.

The chiefs throwing their weight behind Oputa are Ndanike of Aboh, High Chief Paul Esumei, Iyasele of Aboh kingdom, High Chief Ifeanyi Odili, the Ozeh of Aboh, High Chief Kenneth Odili and the Isagba Ajieh of Aboh kingdom, High Chief Chris Ogwu.

They argued that Prince Gregory Oputa emerged as the king and called on all Aboh sons and daughters to support and respect him.

However, The Pond News recalled that Dr Olise Imegwu led some Aboh sons and daughters to protest the imposition of Oputa as king to Asaba, the state capital.

Imegwu while addressing the state police commissioner and at the deputy governor office in Asaba respectively said that Oputa did not emerge through the due process and challenged Oputa to show the world the video of his crowning and who placed the crown on his head as a king.

The president general of Aboh community High Chief Sir John Ajie Ogwu also recently held a meeting in Aboh with the four quarters and king makers with the message that Aboh has no king.

The four quarters that rotationally produce the king are Umu Ogwezi, Umu Ossai ,Umu Obi and Umu Ojugbele were present in that meeting held in Aboh, headquarters of Ndokwa East LGA.

Also present were the elders and Oduah, the supreme leader.

Addressing the gathering, the President General of Aboh community High Chief Sir John Ajie Ogwu and Ikeogwe Ajie of Aboh kingdom said that there was no king in Aboh because of the manner and the way Oputa emerged as king, adding that anybody parading himself as one was a liar.

Ogwu explained that the Oduah was forced to chalk the aspirant and that everything was done in secret.

The president general challenged the man claiming to be the king to show the world the video how he was crowned and who placed the crown on his head.

Despite the claims and counter claims of the two factions on the kingship tussle, The Pond News calls on the state government to nip this crisis in the bud before it explodes.

Nigeria to take delivery of malaria vaccines

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The arrival of the vaccines is an initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to distribute malaria vaccines to high-burden countries across Africa.

The NPHCDA said the country would officially unveil the malaria vaccines on Thursday to help protect children from the life-threatening disease.

The government has developed a strategic distribution plan to prioritise regions most affected by malaria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

The expected vaccines, known as RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix), have been proven to reduce malaria cases and mortality among young children in large clinical trials across Africa

We’ll make solar energy accessible, affordable to Nigerians next year – FG

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We’ll make solar energy accessible, affordable to Nigerians next year – FG

The federal government of Nigeria has announced plans to make solar energy accessible and affordable for all Nigerians by next year.

This was revealed by the Director-General/CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, during an interview with BBC Hausa service.

Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to significantly boost its energy generation capacity to address the country’s persistent power challenges. He stated that Nigeria requires 40,000 megawatts of electricity to achieve stable power supply, as experienced in other developed countries.

“With the installed capacity of 12,000 megawatts, only 5,000 megawatts are currently available to the public. To meet Nigeria’s energy needs and provide stable power, we need 40,000 megawatts,” Dr. Abdullahi explained.

To tackle these challenges, the government has already unveiled a national energy master plan. The plan aims to address the energy deficit and ensure that all Nigerians gain access to reliable power supply. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a plant dedicated to producing solar panels and batteries, which will help make solar power more affordable for Nigerians.

“I am assuring Nigerians that by next year, we will have achieved this goal,” Dr. Abdullahi stated, adding that solar energy will play a critical role in bridging the country’s energy gap.

He also revealed that the government has taken steps to enhance expertise in the renewable energy sector. A Renewable Energy College is currently under construction, which will offer free education to train professionals and address workforce shortages in the power sector.

Cost of Energy in Nigeria is still more affordable than in several neighboring African countries

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Cost of Energy in Nigeria is still more affordable than in several neighboring African countries

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that despite the recent hike in electricity tariffs, the cost of energy in Nigeria is still more affordable than in several neighboring African countries.

TCN Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

Abdulaziz explained that Nigerians are paying more for electricity because power production is expensive, citing factors like the exchange rate and the cost of generating electricity. However, he emphasized that the price remains lower compared to other African nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.

“Electricity is now expensive in Nigeria, we are feeling it is expensive because we are getting it at a cheaper price. If you go to other African countries… still, now, Nigeria is cheaper,” Abdulaziz said.

He also claimed that some Nigerians, particularly those in the Band A category, now enjoy nearly round-the-clock electricity. “Nigerians are getting 24 hours supply (daily), it’s not everybody but those people on Band A, they get 20 to 22 hours,” he stated.

Abdulaziz assured that Nigeria could achieve stable power supply within the next five years, pointing to improvements in electricity supply over the last year. “If you ask Nigerians, all of them know that there is improvement in power and this improvement is going to continue,” he said.

The tariff hike, which took effect on April 3, 2024, saw the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raise electricity costs for customers receiving at least 20 hours of power daily, classified under Band A. This increase pushed the tariff from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour, a move that has drawn widespread criticism due to the timing, with Nigerians already grappling with economic hardships following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Delta Government Set to Tackle Human Trafficking, Says Attorney-General

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Delta Government Set to Tackle Human Trafficking, Says Attorney-General

The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to drastically reducing human trafficking activities, aiming for its near elimination under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership.

Speaking in his office in Asaba during a courtesy visit by the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Benin, Mr Aganran Alao, Ohwovoriole revealed that the proposed anti-human trafficking law is in its final stage at the Delta State House of Assembly, following a public hearing. He noted that the law includes provisions allowing for traffickers’ properties to be seized and used for the benefit of their victims.

The Attorney-General expressed concern over recent reports from NAPTIP indicating that Delta State has now overtaken Edo State with the highest rate of human trafficking cases.

Earlier, Mr Aganran Alao had outlined NAPTIP’s role as a federal agency created to combat human trafficking, online crimes, and extortion. He emphasised the agency’s powers to arrest offenders, confiscate assets, and reintegrate survivors back into society. Alao also appealed to the Ministry of Justice for office accommodation in Asaba to support their operations.

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