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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.

Controversy As Parent Of Slain 2-Year-Old Boy Demands N2bn Compensation From NDLEA

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Controversy As Parent Of Slain 2-Year-Old Boy Demands N2bn Compensation From NDLEA

Parents of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonria, who was killed and his younger brother, Eromonsele, who was shot in the eye by officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State in 2023, on Wednesday, demanded N2 billion compensation from the Agency.

The father of the children, Mr Fidelis Ivan Omhonria, his Wife and the surviving son who appeared before the House Committee on Public Petitions alleged that the family was abandoned by the Agency since the incident occurred over a year ago. He said the health of the surviving son has been deteriorating without adequate treatment.

The family had petitioned the NDLEA to the House and the first hearing of the matter came up on Wednesday.

The parents also denied that they had an agreement with the NDLEA for a N25 million compensation.

Speaking during the investigative hearing, the lawyer of the NDLEA, Barrister Muniat Adeleye, told the Committee that they had agreed on the sum of N2 billion but N5 million had been sent to the family as the initial payment.

She said the N2 billion compensation is to be paid in five tranches over the next five months.

She expressed surprise over the petition saying the Agency did not expect it as the matter had been resolved.

She said the agreement was entered with both parents on board.

However when asked for the agreement by the Committee, Adeleye, who is the Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, said the agreement has not been signed.

This was unacceptable by the Committee, who demanded that the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa must appear before the Committee at its next hearing on the matter.

The father of the boys denied such agreement, saying the NDLEA Chairman, General Marwa had sometimes after the incident sent him N5 million on a personal note.

He said the Agency did not take responsibility to recompense the family and that the surviving sibling is under serious threat.

He said they sought redress from the House to serve justice on the matter.

He said: “I was shocked to hear how to mention an agreement just now. I’m not a party to any agreement.

“Yes, actually within the period that this either took place, the NDLEA Chairman called me and he told me he’s very sorry for this incident that happened on the 13th of July 2023 and that he’s not in the country. But on his own personal commitment to me that he’s sending the token to me.

“He didn’t mention any amount to me. He said he would send me some money to be taking care of my son. Two weeks later, we left the Eye Foundation in Lagos. Then I received five million in my wife’s account that I sent to him. That’s all. And so where did the agreement for 25 million came in?”

The lawyer said: “We wrote them, demanded the sum of two billion as compensation. They never bothered to even respond to that demand. They ignored it with so much arrogance. Before this house, we want adequate compensation. A life was lost, cut short. Another destiny is someone’s being damaged because of the eye.

“He was just one year old when this incident happened. From then until now, they’ve been dealing with that. They are not prepared to do anything to even remedy the physical damage done to this infant boy. It’s like they are playing games and gimmicks to dodge responsibility. We want this house to compel the NDLEA to be responsive and responsible enough as a corporate agency to do what is obtainable on the best international standard practice.”

In his ruling, Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Mike Etaba, said: “I hope you appreciate the gravity of what we are saying. And so long as the house is concerned, Nigerians are interested about this matter. The whole world is watching us.

“The next day this matter is going to be adjourned, the principal officer, which is your head, has to be in this committee. This matter is too serious for anybody to represent him. We also understand that you are a lawyer, and you have a right to represent your organisation. But the point we find ourselves, and the kind of life-threatening events that we find ourselves, we want the NDLEA head and boss to appear in person and explain to Nigerians.

“Since this incident took place, the steps he has taken to make sure that this family recovers from the trauma. And as we speak, you can see the child with one eye.

“Look at that child with one eye, and you are a mother. All of us are fathers. Nobody would be alive to see his or her child with this kind of condition.

“The monies that have been sent to him was just a help, a token to make sure that he carries on with the little medication he needed to do. So let us not sit here and tell us and tell Nigerians that there was an agreement for NDLEA to pay this family 25 million. Nobody should hear it. It shouldn’t be heard anywhere.”

Hence, the Committee adjourned the investigative hearing to 22nd October, 2024.

Delta NUJ Expresses Concern About Growing Issue Of Street Urchins, Calls For Solution

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Delta NUJ Expresses Concern About Growing Issue Of Street Urchins, Calls For Solution

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed concern about the increasing number of children and adolescents living on the streets.

The Union, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu, noted that many of these young individuals had resorted to begging and performing menial tasks, such as cleaning car windshields, as a means of survival and were beginning to view such activities as legitimate trades.

It stated that investigations revealed that many of the children and adolescents concerned were not Deltans and lacked stable homes, with places like Koka interchange, Interbau roundabout and Maryam Babangida Way junction in Asaba; the PTI Junction and Effurun drive-over, have become their makeshift residences.

Delta NUJ noted that these children often lacked education and proper parental guidance, leading them to become street children, pointing out that the situation had tended to make them more susceptible to violence and a lack of compassion, viewing society as a harsh environment where survival was paramount.

The Union reflected on the plight of the Almajiris in the northern part of Nigeria, whose neglect over the past few decades had contributed to the rise of violent groups such as Boko Haram, as well as kidnappers and other criminal elements in the region, with the attendant severe consequences.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, warned that Delta State might face a similar situation if the issue of these ‘street urchins’ was not promptly addressed.

It urged the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development and other relevant authirities charged with the responsibility of addressing the issue to take immediate and effective action to curb the spread of street children in the state, to avoid the breeding of future criminals and ensure a safer society for all.

Meanwhile, the Union has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command and the entire Command in the wake of the tragic loss of officers in the ambush by suspected kidnappers on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

It stated that Journalists in the state were deeply saddened by the loss of the newly deployed DPO to the Agbarho Division and other officers, as well as the injuries sustained by the DPO of Orerokpe, currently receiving medical attention.

The NUJ recalled that the unfortunate incident occurred while the police team was courageously on a rescue mission, highlighting the immense risks and sacrifices involved in their relentless efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of residents

It commended the unwavering dedication to this thankless task and urged the Police Command not to be deterred by the tragic event.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the fallen officers. We understand the profound loss they are experiencing, and we appeal for prompt support and succour to be provided to them during this difficult time.

“Please know that the NUJ stands in solidarity with the Delta State Police Command, and we remain committed to supporting your efforts to create a safer environment for all residents of Delta State”, the statement concluded

IBUSA DUMPSITE OVERSTRETCHED, BUT EFFECTIVELY SERVING ITS PURPOSE – Mofe Edema

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IBUSA DUMPSITE OVERSTRETCHED, BUT EFFECTIVELY SERVING ITS PURPOSE – Mofe Edema

The authorities of the Delta State Waste Management Board have confirmed that the government approved dumpsite at Ibusa, in Oshimili North local government area, is overstretched. The Executive Chairman of the Board, Hon Matthew Mofe Edema, who disclosed this in Asaba while dispatching a team to push back the heavily compact dumpsite,, however, noted that the facility was still effectively serving its purpose.,

Hon Edema said the Ibusa dumpsite was the only one servicing the entire State Capital Territory, with over 40 waste disposal contractors, otherwise known as Private Sector Participants (PSPs) using it on a daily basis.

He said the Board had been consistent with the maintenance of the Ibusa  dumpsite and others across the state by regularly pushing back heaps of refuse to create space for more truck loads of waste..

The Board Chairman revealed that there were plans to expand the dumpsite, but that in the interim, the users should take advantage of the regular maintenance of the site to provide quality service to their clients

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