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Asaba Residents seek urgent Government intervention on Asaba-Onitsha Expressway,Environment

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Asaba Residents seek urgent Government intervention on Asaba-Onitsha Expressway,Environment

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Asaba/ Benin Express Road

Residents of communities in Asaba, the Delta State capital have asked the state and Federal government to adopt proactive measures in fixing dilapidated roads around the city. Motorists plying the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway have decried the poor state of the road and called on the government to come to their aid, As a result of how bad the road has become, gridlocks have become a constant and motorists spend hours just to get through.

This has taken a toll on their activities and their businesses and many of them do not think they can continue to go through the nightmare. The road users said in separate interviews with the Newsbreeze in Asaba on Thursday that the condition of the road had caused loss of materials and human lives.
According to them, apart from fatalities being recorded on daily basis, especially between the Ezenei/Bonsac Bus Stop in Asaba,Abraka filling station to Oko market in Asaba, Delta State, several productive hours were being lost due to the poor condition of the road.

Speaking to Newsbreeze Crew at Ezenei Bus Stop along the highway,Mike Okolie, a Commercial bus driver, said that all the features that qualified the road as a highway had been washed away, he decried the neglect of the road by governments, said that no day would pass without two or three trucks falling on the section between Ezenei bus stop and the Oko market.

Another Commercial driver said: Do we have an existing government in this State, “I am a daily user of this road, I carry passengers from Asaba Airport to Oko market, running few trips every day. The condition of this particular Bonsac Bus Stop is very bad and dangerous, yet our government feel less concern and we are paying all levies and taxes to state government.

Asaba/ Benin Express Road

“Apart from the heavy traffic that we experience, big lorries and containers fall here, most times. The poor condition of the road has reduced the number of trips we run daily.

“We are begging Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to do something about this road as fast as they can, even though it is a Federal Road, the express way is now a big disgrace to Delta State and Deltans are in pains, the road needed total repair, saying that the Governor Sheriff should declare a state of emergency on Asaba road.

According to him, the deplorable condition of the road is partly the reason for the increase in the fares between Asaba Airport and Koka, Ezenei bus and Oko markets as well as Toll gate and Onitsha. He noted that the problem of the road started with small potholes which did not receive any attention until it got to the present deplorable state.

Dr Ejiofor Ifeanyi, a private car owner, residing around Ezenei in Asaba, said that the road had failed completely and required urgent attention. The question I ask myself daily is why should the government allow a road get to this kind of condition. It is really sad. “Each day we go through hell here. The road condition has continued to damage vehicles each day.

“You will spend long hours and have one or two things to fix in your cars everyday. Few days ago, my exhaust pipe pulled out because of this road”.

Madam Okon Jane, a private car owner, also told Newsbreeze at Bonsac Bus Stop, that the condition of the road was at its worse state, describing the experience on the road as‘ harrowing’ each day. The road has obviously become worse, particularly since the rainy season started and it’s subjecting the users to serious suffering and hardship.

“Government should not allow its citizens to go through this hardship each day. We can only beg the government to look at our pains and reconstruct this road. The road is causing cars to develop problems every day. We just need the authorities to come to our rescue. “People are dreading to come to this area because of its deplorable state but we that are residents here have no choice than to face it each day,” she said.

Newsbreeze Editorial Board is pained by what Deltans and Nigerians at large  are passing through on these roads and we are disturbed because what is happening here is affecting the economy of the state and that of the nation, we appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works ( Federal Controller) in Delta State and our amiable Governor  Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to declare state of emergence on the roads urgently owing to their importance to the nation’s socio-economic activities.

Delta State is ready for the 8th National Youth Game-Dr. Emu

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Delta State is ready for the 8th National Youth Game-Dr. Emu

Delta State Government has promised to make the 8th National Youth Games holding in Asaba a memorable experience for visiting athletes and officials.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, who made the promise on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen after a tour of sporting facilities for the games, said the state was good to go.

He noted that the state was already used to hosting national sports meets, having successfully hosted the National Sports Festival and the 2023 edition of the National Youth Games, stressing that this year’s outing would not be an exception.

The SSG said the sporting facilities were in top forms, except for a few that needed to be touched up, which he assured would be done within the next 24 hours, adding that decent and secured accommodations had been arranged for all state contingents.

Dr. Emu said the tourist attractions in Asaba, including the Marian Babangida Leisure Park, magnificent hotels and the cuisines served in them, as well as the usual hospitable nature of Deltans, would also be of interest to those who would have the time to move round town

On security, the SSG said the police and other security agencies had been fully mobilized to ensure the safety  of athletes and officials, adding that digital security gadgets were in place for proper surveillance of the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

He urged the athletes to abide by the rules of the games and be good representatives of their states, while charging the Local Organizing Committee to ensure a successful outing.

Drr Emu was accompanied on the inspection by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, the Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Festus Owhojero, Chairman of the Facilities Sub-Committee, Victor Onogagamue, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Harrison Ocholor, the Head of Operations, Media and Publicity, Hon Fred Edoreh, and a number of other members of the LOC. outing.

Is the Aura of the New Yam Festival diminishing in Igbuzo ?

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Is the Aura of the New Yam Festival diminishing in Igbuzo ?

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

New yam festival ought to be a pride accomplishment of annual farming and ought to be observed in all nations of the world. It is celebrated in Nigeria in connection with the beginning of farming and harvesting season. It’s a celebration of accomplishment and life happiness and part of culture. A variety of festivities mark the eating of new yam. At this year’s  Iwa -Ji  the annual New yam festival, there is a sense of melancholy. Because only a few bothers to farm these days, and the ceremonial tubers are now bought from the market, rather than cultivated.

Very few people bother these days to till the soil and cultivate it. So, why celebrate what you no longer have any interest in producing as the forebears did? The grandeur, essence, hall­­owedness of the annual event is disappearing with each new edition, leaving behind a norm that few traditionalists struggle to keep.

Iwa-ji is one of the most significant and popular traditions of Igbuzo. It is celebrated at the beginning of every harvest season to thank the gods of the land for blessing the people with a bountiful harvest and to mark the beginning of another farming season.

In Igbo­land, new yams cannot be eaten especially by titled men, until the festival has been celebrated as a mark of respect for the crop that is regarded as the king of all crops, which can only be cultivated by men.

The feast is associated with much eating and drinking. Friends and visitors are lavishly entertained with various yam delicacies like pounded yam, yam porridge and roasted yam eaten with vegetable soup and smoked fish.

In the past, great farmers with large barns of yam were recognized and rewarded with traditional titles during the feast. But with the incursion of civilization and its resultant effect on farming, the New Yam Festival has lost its meaning and is now another gathering of politicians who use the platform to expand their political frontiers by making endless speeches without corresponding action.

Another factor that has continued to deplete the beauty and mystery of the New Yam festival is religion. With the growing acceptability of Christian faith, most traditions have been jettisoned as idol worship, including the New Yam Festival. It is no longer acceptable for one to abstain from eating new yams until it is offered to the god of fertility, which the festival signified.

Even the titled men have embraced the new reality and can eat the new yam without observing the tradition nor considering the consequences, especially when the yams are not cultivated anywhere in Igbo land but imported from the Northern parts of the country.

This year’s edition of the New Yam festival in Igbuzo, known as ‘Iwa-ji’ Igbuzo, confirms the fear that this rich cultural heritage may soon go into extinct like many others that have been termed obsolete and retrogressive.

Unlike in the past, where great yam farmers gather in their royal attires performing the tradition with precise caution to ensure that every detail is religiously observed, this year’s edition can best be described as a political exercise that fell short of all expectations.

Instead of the harmony and unity that had often hallmarked the festival, the titled men also avoided the traditional venue and observed the New Yam festival in their respective homes, an exercise that was lacking in meaning, scope and motive.

Although the Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi dismissed the insinuation that the aura of the New Festival is diminishing. According to him, “the New Yam festival in the Igbo annual calendar is not all about cultivation of yam but rather a form of thanksgiving system to appreciate God for keeping the people alive from one planting season to another. Yam was choosing as the centre focus because it is regarded in Igbo land as the king of crops”.

Senator Nwaoboshi,said that the New Yam festival is another occasion to honour our culture and tradition as Igbos. It is not a surprise that year after year the great Igbuzo town, with friends and well-wishers assemble from different parts of the world to promote our culture and Identity as Anioma people.

Sen. Nwaoboshi, described the New Yam festival as a veritable tool of unity for the Anioma nation and a preservation and promotion of the people’s cultural heritage

. On the contrary, Bishop Peter Abiagom, holds a different view. According to him, the New Yam festival has lost its meaning and essence, “today none of these traditional titled men can boast of a tuber of yam harvested from their farm, so how can you be celebrating a crop you don’t produce. If you go to Benue state where most of the yam consumed in Nigeria is produced, they don’t hold such elaborate New Yam festival”.
He continued that, “the New Yam festival if for anything, should be a time of sober reflection on how our people abandoned the industry of their forbear, which is farming and to look for possible ways of re-launching into agriculture instead of leaving the false life of celebrating what we do not have”.

Bishop Abiagom said, “It is painful that every aspect of our public life has been taken over by politics. For instance, the New Yam festival in the past was devoid of any political partisanship but today you notice that PDP members hold their own differently from APC members.

“Another painful aspect is that our people have completely abandoned farming. In the whole of Igbuzo today you can hardly find a yam farmer with a rich barn of yam as it was in the past. Any tuber of yam you see today is bought from the market. In the riverine areas where the people engage in fishing festival, they don’t buy the fish used for the festival, they catch the fish by themselves and that is the beauty of the tradition”.

Bishop Abiagom, however expressed worry over the growing lack of interest in farming in the state, especially amongst the youths, adding that, “it is really worrisome that our people no longer cultivate the land because of selling of land by our youth but I am optimistic that with what the government is doing to revamp agriculture in the state, the people will soon return to farm”.

Pastor Idowu Okeze Continues His Human Capital Development in Ibusa …Over 600 Cooperators benefited from FCC Training and Cash Grant in Delta State

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Pastor Idowu Okeze Continues His Human Capital Development in Ibusa …Over 600 Cooperators benefited from FCC Training and Cash Grant in Delta State

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Participants at the just concluded Federal Cooperative College Oji-River training on Capacity Building on Identification and Skill Development for Co-operators in Ibusa, Delta State have commended Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze and the management of Federal Cooperative College, Oji River for the exercise, which they said have turned their lives around for good.

Provost of the institution, Dr. Owan O.T, in his address to the participants, said that the college makes provision for such capacity building programmes on a yearly basis as part of its social responsibility scheme to rural communities in bringing farmers, people in thrift and credit societies, consumer societies to mention a few for training sessions in the college. He said Federal Cooperative College Oji River was above 40 years and that the institution offers courses in cooperative economics and management, banking and finance, business administration, computer science and a host of others, stressing that the college was gradually transiting from a monotechnic to a polytechnic judging from the state of the college as a degree awarding institution.
Thereafter participants’ avid attention to various topical issues relating to improved methods of consumers’ multi-purpose cooperatives as it concerns profit-making and business expansion were brought to the fore as each of the participants took hook-line and sinker the nitty-gritty of the resource persons’ presentation.

It is evident that the actions and in-actions of Pastor Okeze,in the past of his proactive empowerment, not only supports but seamlessly aligned with the saying that the development of initiatives that focuses on social dimensions, and consist of introducing comprehensive plans to enrich human capital and enable Oshimili North citizens to grow through education, empowerment, training and support, are the major attributes/preoccupation of good leaders.

Pastor Okeze, who facilitated the training, said it is targeted at unearthing and nurturing the hidden potentials of the trainee and urged cooperators to acquire the right knowledge and skills needed in order to grow their enterprises beyond sole proprietorship.
Okeze noted that Federal Government vision was to train, retrain, direct and assist cooperative societies on best practices to survive the challenges caused by hardship so as to equip them to become the highest employers of labour and food suppliers.
He said, “There are high expectations from the beneficiaries. We never minced our words that it is for our benefit. We felt that there is need to take the bull by the horn to address the problem of unemployment.

No fewer than Six Hundred – 600 beneficiaries of the training including artisans, traders, unemployed graduates, and others were drawn from communities in Ibusa and Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta state attended the seminar which was held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Cooperative Development Centre in Ibusa,Delta State on Saturday 7th of September 2024. This unique one day Capacity Building and Skill development for Consumers Co-operative Society members and Managers in Delta State which was attracted by Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze and was powered by the Federal Cooperative College,(FCC),Orji River,Enugu State, under the Cooperative value chain. They said the intensive training has exposed them to new methods of skill development, while the cash grants will add to the capital of existing businesses as well as start-up funds for freshers.

In addition, the Personal Aide to Pastor Idowu Okeze,Dr Pat Adigwe,said the skill acquisition programs attracted by Pastor Idowu Okeze is to encourage entrepreneurship, create job and wealth for Deltans is widely accepted as many have embraced the program.
He said that Pastor Idowu Okeze has attracted a lot of projects to his constituency ranging from solar water scheme,solar street light,roads construction,schools renovation,supplies of books and chairs, monthly salaries to widows and youth empowerment among others.

“The way the various entrepreneurship development programs have been received across Delta North senatorial district shows that Pastor Okeze knew what the people wanted. Presently Pastor Okeze has met the yearnings of the people especially the youths, who are eagerly looking for opportunities to be enlisted into any of the programs’’ said Adigwe.

Also Hon. Engr. Peter Nwaese, who spoken to Journalist after the training said that what Idowu Okeze wants is to get more people into human development. He believes in human capital development; he believes in skills acquisition; he understands that the government is struggling to pay salaries and it would be easier to help people become employers of labour,” he said.

“So, following his stronger Delta North mantra, this is another training in which he wants to get more people trained in the skill they can combine with what they already had, in order to be able to cater for themselves and their families.”
He advised the beneficiaries to be truthful to themselves and learn all they need to learn, interact with one another, keep in touch with their trainers.

In an interview with Newsbreeze by one of the trainee, Mrs Okafor, a trader said: “The training was timely and crucial at this moment when technology has taken over everything. “As an experienced cooperator, I have learned new things which will be applied in my business, and the cash grants are added advantages and I will continue to be grateful to God and the facilitator Pastor Okeze for this opportunity.”

Similarly, Nwaokolo,a trader from Isieke community in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government said: “The society at large will benefit if this kind of training is constant at periodic intervals. This is my first time attending training like this and so far I am happy that I am lucky, to be here, lucky because I have been trained on ways to improve my business, how to raise capital through cooperative society as well as market my product online without any stress.”
He thanked Pastor Okeze for his genuine passion for the younger generation and urged others to emulate his laudable programs for youth development instead of giving the stipends and other material things that will add no serious value to their lives.
Another trainees from the capacity traning section,Mr. Chinonso Nwandu, who hails from Ogwashi-Uku, said it was a laudable project while thanking the Federal Government for such innovation.

Also Speaking with journalists in Ibusa on Saturday was one of the participants, Kikachukwu Osadebe a graduate and job seeker said, “Though I am managing a little business, with this training, everything will change, because the opportunity to be here has not just boosted my morale but has also opened my eyes to so many things which will help in sustaining my businesses and I will forever be grateful to Pastor Idowu Okeze and Federal Cooperative College for the genuine interest in helping the society.”

During the presentation of the certificate, the Provost Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Dr Owan Obodagu Tonica, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make use of the training in positively impacting society by training others on what they have learned so far.

Pastor Idowu Okeze in his message to the participants at the end of the training, said he facilitated the training for his constituents to reduce the number of unemployed youths through the acquisition of basic knowledge that will help them on self-development without relying on any government job.

He, however, cautioned the beneficiaries against using the cash grants for the purpose it was not meant for and urged them to maintain a constant relationship with their facilitators for more support and clarifications in areas that may be difficult to understand. He implored the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge they have acquired so far in their businesses and teach others so as to have a better society. “With this training, you are good to start and flourish in your businesses, once again I want to congratulate and wish you all the best in life.”

Pastor Okeze use the medium to appreciate the resource persons’ Ekabua Isaac I.E,who presented a paper on ‘The Effective Communication Strategies Consumers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Okoro Stanley presented a paper on” Roles and Responsibilities of Consumers Cooperative Managers, Chris Ugboaga who was represented by Okeleke Simon Chukwudi presented a paper on “Inventory Management and Control and others who contributed to the success of this workshop.
The capacity training and empowerment workshop was graced by dignitaries like Chief Victor Uchuno,President ICDU Worldwide, Mr. Paul Okobi, President,ICDU Ibusa Branch,Hon. Nkechi Enumah-Chukura,Executive Assistance to the Delta State Governor on Women Mobilization, Mr Christian Ogor, Deputy Director,(representing Director of Cooperatives in Delta State), Hon. Onyesis Okeze, Engr. Peter Nwaese,Mr Gwunyenga Innocent Izu, Registrar, Federal Cooperative College, Oji River and amongst others.

Asaba-Onitsha Expressway of Shame – Publishers demand action from govt

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Asaba-Onitsha Expressway of Shame – Publishers demand action from govt

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Comrade Jude Obiemenyego
Chairman of ACNPN,Delta State

The terrible condition of the Asaba/ Onitsha expressway has unsettled Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria in Delta State, as they on Thursday  called on federal government to take urgent steps to repair the road they described as death trap and shameful.

ACNPN, in a statement issued to journalists in Asaba and signed by its chairman, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, called on all men of goodwill to urgently intervene by fixing the deplorable road, particularly the bad potion Asaba/ Onitsha expressway to avert avoidable deaths.

While describing the condition of the road as pathetic and unfortunate, the ACNPN Chairman stated that urgent steps should be taken to fix the failed portions to avert unpleasant consequences.

They stressed the need for the deployment of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to divert motorists from the bad potion of the road, and suggested that a combined team of security agencies should be positioned strategically to ward off criminals from the spot.
The ACNPN Chairman pointed out that the poor condition of the said roads was a reflection of the level of decay in federal infrastructure nationwide, adding that it also underscored the widespread agitation for devolution of power in Nigeria.
We want the federal government to urgently do the needful and repair the road and the state emergency road maintenance to do some thing about the road.”

Obiemenyego appealed to relevant government authorities to rehabilitate the failed portions of the road to “save travelers along this corridor from undue hardship.

PRESS BRIEFING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DELTA STATE, CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI psc, ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FROM 25TH JULY TO DATE

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PRESS BRIEFING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DELTA STATE, CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI psc, ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FROM 25TH JULY TO DATE

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I welcome you once again to this press briefing, where I will be briefing you on more achievements recorded by the command within the period under review. You will recall that during my last briefing, I intimated the public on deployment made in the metropolis to checkmate the activities of kidnappers and you will observe that the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers have dropped astronomically. As you are aware, we are now in the ember months and the command is aware of the likely upsurge in crime within these periods, hence an Operations order has been issued to all Area commanders, DPOS, and Tactical commanders. There will be increased visibility policing, raiding of black spots and criminal hideout across the twenty-five local government areas in the state. I also wish to encourage members of the public to trust and always report incidences to the Police as this goes a long way in fighting and checkmating the activities of criminals.

 

 

 

1. RECOVERY OF THREE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUNS, ONE PUMP ACTION GUN, AND THREE LIVE CARTRIDGES: On 4/9/2024, Police undercover surveillance team attached to ‘B’ division Asaba while on undercover patrol duties along Okwe road, Oko Market Asaba, they sighted a Toyota Avalon with Reg. number JJT 253 AJ. On sighting the Police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels. Upon search of the vehicle, three locally made cut-to-size guns, one pump action gun, and three live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

 

2. RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIMS: On 31/08/2024, at about 0250hours, acting on credible information relating to a kidnapping incident of two persons kidnapped on 30th August 2024 along Asaba-Benin Expressway, I directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cybercrime squad to ensure that the victims are rescued and the suspects arrested. The Commander anti-kidnaping squad led policemen in a sting operation to Umunede forest area where the victims were being held hostage. The suspected kidnappers on noticing that the Police were closing in on them abandoned the victims and escaped. They were rescued and have been reunited with their families. One Dane gun and ten rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Effort to arrest the fleeing suspects in ongoing.

 

 

3. FOILED SUSPECTED KIDNAP, RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, ONE ENGLISH PUMP ACTION GUN, ONE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUN AND CARTRIDGES. On 13TH August 2024, while students of Delta State Polytechnic Oghara were having their graduation ceremony, the command received credible information that some suspected kidnappers had perfected plans to kidnap guests who would be attending the ceremony. I directed the DPO Oghara to intensify effort and ensure that these suspects are arrested and their intentions foiled. The DPO led operatives of Oghara division to their hideout in a bush along Otefe/ Ovade Legit Road where the suspected kidnappers on sighting the Police took to their heels and escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries. One AK-47 Riffle, one magazine, one English pump action gun, and one locally made cut-to-size gun were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

4. ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, AND RECOVERY OF TWO MILLION, THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND NAIRA (#2,344,000) RANSOM: Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Ebrumede division while on patrol duty intercepted a tricycle conveying six-passengers. The suspects on sighting the Police attempted to escape but the operatives chased and arrested them. Upon search of the suspects, two million, three hundred and forty-four naira was recovered. Some suspected stolen phones were also recovered. Further investigation revealed that the phone belonged to their kidnapped victims and the money was part of the ransom the victims paid for their freedom.

 

 

5. DEATH OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, RECOVERY OF TWO PUMP ACTION GUNS, AND ONE BARETTA PISTOL:  On 12/8/2024   at about 0430hrs operatives of CP Special Squad with while on investigation alongside a suspected kidnapper Joel Ochuko Ofoye ‘m’ who was earlier arrested on 18/7/2024, the suspect led the operatives to Ewu community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State on the trail of a gun runner who supply arms to them. While they were on his trail, the team came under attack by the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the said Joel Ochuko. The Police overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries, the suspect Joel Ochuko Ofoye was hit during the gun duel, and he was taken to General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment. One Baretta Pistol with four (4) rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with nine (9) rounds of cartridges, and one locally fabricated revolver pump action was recovered and manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

 

 

 

6. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS AND RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUN WITH SIX (6) LIVES CARTRIDGE: On 14th of August 2024 at about 1945hrs, the Police Anti-Crime patrol team of Oghara Division while on stop and search duty along Otefe Ijomi Community Road, they intercepted a motorcycle carrying one Ovoke Benedict aged 22yrs ‘m’ and one Fredrick Urhoborume “m” aged 23yrs. The Policemen subjected them to a search during which one locally made cut-to-size gun with six (6) live cartridges was recovered from them. Preliminary investigation revealed that they are suspected to be members of Arrow Barger Confraternity investigation is ongoing.

 

 

7. ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS RECOVERY OF ONE BARETTA PISTOL: Sequel to a case of kidnap of a 29yrs victim (name withheld) of Kokori Community in Ethiope East LGA Delta State but resident in Sapele Town who was kidnapped on 17/2/2024 at his residence by five (5) armed kidnapping syndicate, and Five Million Naira (#5, 000,000) was transferred from his account to an unknown bank account by the hoodlums. The victim after regaining his freedom, reported to the command, and I directed the CP’s special squad to investigate and ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and brought to book. The operatives acting on available information provided by the kidnapped victim embarked on a technically driven investigation, stormed Sapele town on 11/08/2024 at about 0430hrs and raided the apartment of one Sapiro, real name unknown and upon search a Beretta Pistol was recovered in his room, his gang members Tony Binitie ‘m’ 29 yrs aka “BOBO”, Ejiro Ewuba ‘m’ 30yrs, and Ayuba Hussaini ‘m’ 38yrs were arrested. The suspects confessed to the act meanwhile efforts to arrest other gang members is ongoing.

 

 

8. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVERY OF THREE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUNS, BATTLE AXES, AND CARTRIDGES: On 05/08/2024 at about  1100hrs  a complaint was received by Ofuoma division that on the same date, at about  0900hrs some suspected cultists were shooting at Ogbovwan Community, the DPO Ofuoma division upon receipt of this complaint led patrol teams to the scene. The suspects upon sighting the police took to their heels in different directions, the operatives went after them and arrested five suspects all suspected to be members of black axe confraternity. Three locally-made cut-to-size guns, one battle axe, twelve (12) live cartridges, seven expended cartridges eight phones, and two cross bags were recovered. Efforts to arrest the other fleeing suspects are ongoing.

 

9. RECOVERY OF TWO AK-47 RIFLES, THREE MAGAZINES, AND FIFTY-EIGHT (58) ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION: On 28th July 2024, operatives of Dragon Patrol while on stop and search duty along Asaba-Kwale Road intercepted a Sienna vehicle with Reg. no. BDG 385 EC, the driver on sighting the Police fled into the bush and escaped.  Upon search of the vehicle, two (2) AK-47 Rifles, three magazines, and fifty-eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

 

 

10. DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, RECOVERY OF TWO PUMP ACTION GUNS, AND SIXTEEN (16) ROUNDS OF LIVE CARTRIDGES: Acting on credible information, the CP’s Special team deployed to Ughelli North LGA led by ASP Julius Robinson, on 25th July 2024 stormed Oviri-Ogor forest in search of a suspected kidnapper. During the operation, a gun duel ensued between the gang of kidnappers and the police operatives during which one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The injured suspect later died in the hospital while receiving treatment. Two pump action guns and sixteen rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Effort to arrest the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

 

11. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, RECOVERY OF ONE BERETTA PISTOL, TWO ENGLISH REVOLVER PISTOL, SIX LOCALLY MADE GUNS, AND AMMUNITIONS: On 26th July 2024, at about 0130 hours, the DPO Ekpan police station acting on intelligence stormed Kano road, off DSC, and arrested one Akeni College and upon search of his house, one Beretta pistol, two revolver pistols, six locally made guns and cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

 

 

 

12. RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, AND TWENTY-NINE ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION:  On 25th July 2024, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad while on stop and search duty around Koka in Asaba, they sighted a young man with a bag pretending to be waiting for a vehicle, upon approaching him, the suspect abandoned the bag and escaped and when the bag was searched, one AK-47 Rifle, and twenty-nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.

 

13. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, RECOVERY OF TWO PUMP ACTION GUNS: On 25th July 2024, at about 1830hours, operatives of the command’s Rapid Response squad while on stop and search duty along Kwale road, intercepted a Lexus 350 SUV, and upon search of the vehicle, two brand new pump action guns were recovered. Four suspects namely; Savage Roland ‘m’ aged 26yrs from Afisere, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Clever Imonukore ‘m’ aged 29yrs, Isaac Umukoro ‘m’ aged 49yrs, and Louis Opone ‘m’ aged 40yrs  were arrested and investigation is ongoing.

 

14. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUG DEALER, RECOVERY OF ILLICIT DRUGS: On 25th July 2024, at about 2000hours, operatives of the command Dragon Patrol while on stop and search duty along Asaba-Agbor expressway intercepted one Jammed Abdulahi Shola ‘m’ aged aged 39yrs, driving a green Toyota vehicle. Upon search of the vehicle, three hundred and twenty packs of codeine, one hundred and twenty-five sachet of tramadol, and other hard drugs in large quantities were recovered from him. Investigation is ongoing

 

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS FROM JULY 25TH TO DATE:

AK-47 RIFLES RECOVERED – 4

AMMUNITION/CARTRIDGES RECOVERED -138

PUMP ACTION GUNS RECOVERED – 8

CUT-TO-SIZE GUNS- 15

BARETTA PISTOL – 5

 

Thank you all

CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

DELTA STATE COMMAND

ASABA.

COMMUNIQUE OF ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS OF NIGERIA ( ACNPN) DELTA STATE COUNCIL, ISSUED AT A GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ASABA, DELTA STATE ON THURSDAY , 6th SEPTEMBER, 2024

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COMMUNIQUE OF ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS OF NIGERIA ( ACNPN) DELTA STATE COUNCIL, ISSUED AT A GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ASABA, DELTA STATE ON THURSDAY , 6th SEPTEMBER, 2024

COMMUNIQUE OF ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS OF NIGERIA ( ACNPN) DELTA STATE COUNCIL, ISSUED AT A GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ASABA, DELTA STATE ON THURSDAY , 6th SEPTEMBER, 2024.

The extraordinary General Meeting which was well attended by Indigenous Publishers and active Members of the Association reaffirmed the Vote of Confidence earlier passed on Comrade Jude Obiemenyego’s administration and his resolve to conduct the next ACNPN State election during the State congress. Where new Executives will be elected.
2. Council also in line with the Constitutional provisions of the Association reaffirmed the appointment of the electoral Committee headed by Mrs Ifeoma Osizigbo, Publisher of Guide Express as the Three Man Committee was directed to draw up modalities and guidelines for the conduct of the election.
3. Council in session further reaffirmed her resolve to conduct the next ACNPN Delta State Council election during the State Congress where new Executives will be elected. .
4. Council in session hereby inform the general public and all members that the State Executive Council of ACNPN Delta State Council have not been dissolved and is still functional until the set date of elections into the various offices as directed by the Mrs Ifeoma Osizigbo led Electoral Committee.
5.That the general public is hereby advised to distance themselves away from any group of persons parading themselves as members of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria , ACNPN ,that is not headed by Comrade Jude Obiemenyego.

6. Council in session further reaffirmed her earlier resolve of holding some monthly meetings virtually until the economy improves in the Country. further, we state here that our physical monthly meetings are not held in NUJ Secretariat or any other place except in our State Secretariat at No. 3 Chukwura Close off Anwai Road, Asaba
7.. Council in session formally commiserate with some of our members who lost their parents recently. They are. Barr Jude Chukwuha of the Global Legend, Ms Charity Mayor of the Point Out Magazine.

Signed
Sir Cyprian Eboagu KSJI
Publicity Secretary,
ACNPN Delta State Council

Idowu Okeze Attracts Federal Roads Project to Ibusa … From Umueze Farm road to Ashieke Umuisagba end road

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Idowu Okeze Attracts Federal Roads Project to Ibusa … From Umueze Farm road to Ashieke Umuisagba end road

By: Ike Philip Abiagom & Benson Nwoko

ongoing Umueze Farm road from Anioshe Primary School

There is fresh hope that the people of Umueze and Umuisagba villages in Ibusa would soon have some reprieve with the ongoing road projects in Ibusa. Residents of Umueze Communities who unanimously spoke with Newsbreeze in Ibusa town appreciated Pastor Idowu Okeze for attracting Multi-Million Federal roads projects and commencing the project in their community. A community leader, High Chief Charles Okonkwo, the Odogwu of Ibusa showered encomiums to Pastor Okeze for attracting such projects to his people.

Umueze Farm road from Anioshe Primary School

Chief Okonkwo commended the Ibusa born Philanthropist Pastor Idowu Okeze for using his network to attract Multi-Million naira roads projects through personal sacrifices to uplift his people and by intense networking with relevant federal government’s agencies to bring dividends of democracy to his constituents through the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The roads are Umueze Farm road from Anioshe Primary School through Ashianta to Umukanyi Road up to Ashieke Umuisagba end road all with side drains.
“This transformative feat demonstrates Pastor Okeze’s commitment to fulfilling his Philanthropist promises of advancing the socio-economic landscape of Ibusa by improving infrastructure and overall quality of life for residents”

Chief Okonkwo solicits the support and cooperation of his people throughout the implementation phase, as contractor have recently commenced work at the designated sites, ensuring timely execution and adherence to the highest standards of construction. He commended the effort of the contractor and consultant for working day and night to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Pastor Idowu Okeze who clarified that those projects were funded through Federal Government funding, assured Ibusa Community that he would accord employment generations for jobless graduates and youth empowerment as his main focus in the 2024 fiscal year. According to Pastor Okeze, he is glad to announce the road construction of Umueze Farm road from Anioshe Primary School through to Ashianta to Umukanyi Road up to Ashieke Umuisagba Road in Oshimili North local government area has commenced.
The road is one of the busiest roads in Ibusa with lots of economic potential. The bad state of the roads has made life difficult for people in all ramifications over the years. When this roads are completed economic activities will begin to boom in this areas and life will be better for my people.

Joan Onyemaechi Shares Kidnap Experience

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Joan Onyemaechi Shares Kidnap Experience

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Rt. Hon. Pastor Joan Onyemaechi,the former member of the House of Representatives said she was released from the grip of her kidnappers when she obeyed God’s divine directive. She disclosed that while she was with her whiskers, she was praying to God to release her from captivity when God redirected her prayer point.

She said she became worried when God intercepted her midway and gave her a different prayer point but had no option than to obey the instruction. Rt. Hon. Onyemaechi, who represented Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, spoke on Tuesday September 3, 2024, at the resumption of worship at King Jesus and I Ministry in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

According to her, God told her that she wasn’t the only one in captivity that needs to be freed, but that her abductors were equally in the captivity of the Devil and so equally needs freedom.

She recalled that in 2010, when she faced political challenge, God led her to the land where she planted the Church, King Jesus and I Ministry, and called it the alter of return, from where she was kidnapped on 30th July 2024.

Hear her: “As I went on that journey, I was asking the Lord. I said father, they took me from the alter of return, and I said you who returned me to the House of Assembly for the second tenure, return me to this alter where they took me from, today, I have returned.

“At a point when I was praying, O Lord, release me from this captivity. God said I should change the prayer to O Lord, release us. I then wondered who were the ‘us’.

“At that point, I then calm down. The Spirit of God then told me, they held you captive, Satan, held them captive.

“As I died for you, I died for them likewise. They are my children. So, change the prayer to O Lord, release us. I then started praying, O Lord, release us”, revealing that God told her that her whiskers weren’t the enemies.

She then read 2Samuel 11:1-17 and 12, questioning those behind the death of Uriah in the Bible, his driver and Police Inspector before she was kidnapped on that fateful day.

“Is it the kidnappers who don’t know me? Is it the kidnappers who don’t have my address? Is it the kidnappers who doesn’t have any business with me? Or who related my story?

“They came prepared as a result of story or stories from certain persons. I am not a Bible scholar but our fathers are here. I didn’t read any place where God required the blood of Uriah, from Joab, he required it from David”.

She tasked the congregation and other guests to stop spreading unfounded stories about people as such could lead to their death or mishap.

Giving glory to God for returning alive to her family and associates after spending 10 days in their den, she said, “glory be to God, I am here”.

In a sermon, Pastor Emmanuel, of Living Faith, aka Winners Chapel, took his reading from Psalm 124:1 with the message titled: “If it has not been the Lord”.

He noted that “the freedom of Hon. Onyemaechi, is not just for her but for the body of Christ and for Delta State.

He pointed that people “thank God because it is the Lord’s doing, thanksgiving is the will of God and one must be thankful because God expects it”.

He revealed that thanksgiving brings about preservation, perfection and multiplication.

Meanwhile, before the main service, the former Commissioner for Technical Education, led Pastor Emmanuel and others on a memorial service for the dead aides, Inspector Musa and Isaac, his former driver to the spot where they were shot with the burning of two candles and laying of a wreath in a solemn but a brief ceremony.

FG Enforcement of 18-year age limits for WASSCE, NECO: ACNPN Pleads for extension of time

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FG Enforcement of 18-year age limits for WASSCE, NECO: ACNPN Pleads for extension of time
Comrade Jude Obiemenyego
Chairman of ACNPN, Delta State

The Delta State chapter of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, has appealed to the federal government to give more time, before enforcing the 18 years policy for WAEC and NECO candidates.

The Delta State Chairman of ACNPN, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, who made the appeal in a statement released at Asaba Saturday August 31, noted that whilst the reasons adduced for the planned implementation of the age restriction policy, were not out of place, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, should allow at – least two more years window ” to enable parents, guardians and the students, make necessary psychological, financial and career adjustments plans.”

According to the Indigenous publishers ‘ chairman, the appeal for more time, ” has become imperative, considering the increasing cases of social vices like cultism, drug addiction and cyber crimes amongst the youths, especially teenagers.” He added :” If students who are currently under 18 years, entering SSS 3: by September 9, are abruptly prevented from writing WAEC and NECO May next year (2025) they would be psychologically devastated and become susceptible to negative peer influence, leading to further increase in teenage drug addiction, cultism, under age pregnancies and cyber crimes, because their parents and guardians struggling for economic survival amid the spiraling cost of goods and services, won’t have enough time to attend to the eligible WAEC and NECO candidates, who have to wait for extra years, before enrolling for the exams.” Obiemenyego, also commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for insisting on standards in the execution of roads, bridges and other Infrastructural projects in the state. He stated that Governor Oborevwori, has demonstrated strong desire for the execution of long – lasting infrastructural projects and people – driven policies for the past 14 months. ” I want to enjoin Governor Oborevwori, not to relent in his quest for excellence in project execution. He should as a matter of necessity, launch a broad – based Agricultural development programme, that would involve the active participation of the 25 local government councils in the state.”

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