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Congratulations on your 29 years on the throne – Obi Ajudua-1

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Congratulations on your 29 years on the throne – Obi Ajudua-1
HRM, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi
Obuzor of Igbuzo

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

I, Obi(Dr) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-1 and my beloved wife Obi Okpoho Queen Vivian-Henry Ajudua join all the good people of Igbuzo Kingdom and Delta State to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Obuzor of Igbuzo, His Royal Majestic, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi.

That His Royal Majesty has been on the throne of his forefathers for this 29 years is a testament to his wisdom, charisma, and leadership.
I am most delighted that His Royal Majesty has established himself as a unifying figure for all manner of persons both in Igbuzo Kingdom and Delta State, and the nation at large.
There is no denying the fact that the laudable contributions of His Royal Majesty to these remarkable milestones stand him out as a man of peace. Indeed, his generosity and wise counsel are acknowledged by all.

Your Majesty, I am grateful to the Almighty God for carrying you through the 29 years of your reign in peace and sound health. I pray that these years will be reckoned as the first of many steps into a glorious legacy of blessings, peace, greatness and progress for the people of Igbuzo, the State and Nigeria as a whole.

I, therefore, on behalf of the people of the entire Obi Ajudua dynasty, I congratulate His Royal Majestic, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi,on the anniversary of his ascension to the venerable throne of his forefathers pray to Almighty God, who crowns all kings, to grant him a long, successful, and enduring reign in good health.

It is my prayer that God grants you excellent health, prosperity, and many more years to continue in your immeasurable service to the people of Igbuzo, Delta State, and the nation at large.

Nna Oza! Nna Oza!! Nna Oza !!!

Obi(Dr) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua-11

Sir Uti hails Obuzor of Igbuzo on his 29th anniversary on throne

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Sir Uti hails Obuzor of Igbuzo on his 29th anniversary on throne

By: Ike Phiip Abiagom

HRM, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi
Obuzor of Igbuzo

The Obuzor of Igbuzo, His Royal Majestic, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi marked his 29th anniversary recently, amidst tons of congratulatory messages from his family, friends, partners and colleagues across the world.

Top among dignitaries who have felicitated with him is High Chief (Sir) Fidelis Uti,(JP) who described the Royal Father as a reservoir of wisdom and embodiment of humility.

Sir Uti, who made the remarks in a congratulatory message on Sunday, described the 29th anniversary of the Obuzor of Igbuzo as the Celebration of Iconic and philanthropist of a Godfearing Monarch.

He stated that the 29th anniversary of the ascendency to the throne of HRM Obuzor of Igbuzo Kingdom was a remarkable milestone which called for thanksgiving and celebration of a purposeful life.

His words: I Join other prominent Nigerians and lovers of peace and progress around the world in celebrating His Royal Majestic, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Igbuzo, as you clock 29 years on the throne of your forebears.

“It is quite gratifying to be part of this epoch-making occasion as a reminder of your infectious simplicity, steadfastness and committed to the progress of your people in particular and the nation at large.

“The 29th anniversary of HRM ascendency to the throne of Obuzor of Igbuzo Kingdom is a remarkable milestone which calls for thanksgiving, and celebration of a purposeful life.

“As a world class traditional ruler, you have by all indications demonstrated your commitments to the unity and peaceful co-existence amongst the people across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”
This is the time for all residents of the Igbuzo Kingdom to continue to intensify prayers for the royal father as he marks his glorious 29th year on the throne.

We join all sons and daughters of the kingdom and well-wishers to congratulate the royal father and also pray for more fruitful years in good health for the benefit of the Igbuzo Kingdom.

OZAA IGBUZO

Anioma : Celebrating The Eagle head That Wears The Asagba-Crown

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Anioma : Celebrating The Eagle head That Wears The Asagba-Crown

By: Ike Phiip Abiagom

HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge
Asagba of Asaba

The Iroko tree is hardly seen blossoming in an arid land;it does not get its sprout on its strength, but divinely positioned for greatness. So are great humans who do not choose where they are born. Not only do the circumstances of their birth influence their steady rise to greatness, but the environment and people around the place of such birth could not be wished away in the formation of such human Irokos.

It is neither an accident nor mere happenstance that my subject for today become not only one of the most powerful monarchs in Nigeria but also the most learned; perhaps.

As a blue blood, and heir apparent to one of the most powerful thrones in Anioma-land, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge knew that he may be king one day. He dreamed the dream. He knew what he saw in the dream. And he was happy living in the world of his dream. Even though some thinkers believe that a man is no better than his dreams, the Obi Azinge knew that what he saw in the dreamscape was none of those fantasy stuff that many dreams are made of. He was convinced that though noble birth confers great honour and privileges on members of an eminent Azinge family, it is neither a warranty nor collateral for merit or competence or expertise.

As a young man, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge knew quite early that, truly, royalty brings instant recognition and puts the beneficiary in that echelon where money, women and influence reign. But he refused to be carried away by any of those in the knowledge that though some of those things may make you one of the most sought-after men around, what secures the future for the loyalty is his strength of character, personal convictions and the goals he sets for himself. With these at the back of his mind, Obi Prof. Azinge brushed aside all royal fantasies and tastes and upped the ante for himself. He desired more than the traditional stool. He aimed for the sky. He resolved to be king in a different kingdom – the academia. However, if providence ever permitted him to sit on the throne of his forefathers, he wanted to do so with a Professor of Law in his bag. He wanted to be an academic of an uncommon hue, the first Professor of Law monarch in Nigeria.

Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge is like the Biblical Joseph, the dreamer, who followed his dream. He resolved that if he was ever chosen by God to rule his people, he would want his name specially emblazoned in the Royals’ Hall of Fame for his good deeds, not only for his native Asaba but also the entire Aniomaland. And he lived the dream. He burnt the midnight oil and scored big.

By the time he was chosen to succeed late Asagba,HRM Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP who joined his ancestors on February 13, 2024, having ruled from July 1, 1991, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge had not only bagged some degrees in Law, he had also become a Professor of repute in the world. He had written dozens of books on Law and government.

The sterling qualities of HRM Obi(Professor) Epiphany Azinge, SAN,OON,the indefatigable legal scholar and his benevolent activities towards the advancement of human development. It has also been said that hidden treasures are always found deep down and those who intend to bring them to the fore need to dig deep to bring forth the precious stones that are always coated in dirt.

Obi(Prof.)Azinge a completely self-made man of substance and one who parades a distinguished, intimidating and robust profile which has been gained within a space of 44 years of his venturing into Law profession could be described as a man who has washed his hands well and deserves to eat with not only his elders but also his fathers.

Obi Epiphany Azinge is ever ready to dedicate his life for the betterment of his beloved Community Asaba. Prof. Azinge who is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. Obi Azinge has also been decorated with numerous national and international awards,the most treasured is Exemplary Performance award of OON by former Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan. He is the founder and senior partner at Azinge & Azinge, a law firm in Abuja, the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 and 2014. Obi Azinge’s blood is a blend of eminent son of Ahaba who comes from a lineage of nobles,with himself standing as a modern-day embodiment of the true Ahaba Identity. He is a true son of Asaba who is willing and capable of working with Asaba people to overcome challenges facing the community from lack of adequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, healthcare deficiency, to educational shortcomings.

It is believed that if the town, whose indigenes are noted for academics and dynamic achievements, and which contributes enormously to the economies of the South-South and Nigeria, is given accelerated development, the terrible scourge of youth unemployment now plaguing Asaba would be history. The massive population of jobless youth turning to Yahoo and land grabbing, prowling the place, and making life miserable for compatriots and prospective investors, would reduce. And once that is achieved, peace would reign. Inhabitants would sleep with their two eyes closed. And everybody would live happily thereafter.

I want to end this tribute by joining other Anioma sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to congratulate our worthy and progressive 14th Asagba of Ahaba, who will be handed the final traditional staff of office(ofor)of Ahaba on the 5th of October 2024.I pray God Almighty, who has been Asagba’s help in ages past and his hope for the future, will fill his days with joy and peace; keep him in sound mind and good health, and further fortify him to lead Ahaba and Anioma land to unprecedented growth and immeasurable prosperity. I also pray I will be there to felicitate with the paramount ruler when he celebrates his final official coronation.

Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu !!!. Asagba, Igadi kaa echi; Ise.

Collapsed Asaba-Onitsha Expressway turns nightmare to road users

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Collapsed Asaba-Onitsha Expressway turns nightmare to road users

By:Ike Phiip Abiagom

The Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria(ACNPN)have consistently drawn attention to the Collapsed Asaba-Onitsha Expressway “death trap” that the ramshackle motorway has turned into for nearly two months, while motorists, travelers, and other citizens have shouted themselves hoarse at the public embarrassment.

Motorists and commuters plying the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway have been groaning over the deplorable state of the busy highway in Delta State. The ever-busy interstate highway which links ‘Onitsha’ in Anambra state, can best be described as a death trap as the axis has become dilapidated to the extent that travelers are held up at the location for hours.For over a month, there had been gridlock on the highway, especially at the Asaba axis due to the failed portions of the road.

Some say it’s a shame for Asaba, the capital of the oil-rich Delta State, to wear dirty, muddy and dilapidated looks it is spotting presently following the collapse of the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

Though some blame the Federal Government for not paying attention in maintaining the federal roads in the South-South and South-East, they have called on the Delta State Government to intervene and save residents and businesses from this shame.

Though Governor Oborevwori had explained how he is paying attention to road infrastructures in rural, riverine, urban and highways, the explanations have never satisfied residents, road-users, businesses and motorists who on daily basis experience nightmares along Onitsha-Asaba Expressway, especially around Bonsaac/Ezenei Junction the failed portions have spilled over to the Timber Market areas and Jemok Junction.

Whatever the issues are, residents, road users, business community, motorists and commuters believe that Delta State Government led by Sheriff Oborevwori can take over if he is truly the investor-friendly governor of all Deltans as he claims.

A Businessman by name Mr. Efe Okorodudu, lamented the deplorable state of the road, appealing to the federal and Delta State governments to come to the rescue of the road users by rehabilitating the road to stop the accidents that regularly occur along it.He said, “It is bad that over for months now, we are suffering from this road without any attention from the government.

“You can see the heavy traffic occasioned by the collapsed road. Everybody treks, or they must fall or hit another person because of the bad road. We are begging both the federal and state governments to help.”

Also, a keke driver, Tony Uba, called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to repair the failed portions of the road to ease the suffering of the indigenes. He said, “The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori,plays deaf to the road. We know that it is a federal road, but it passes through Delta State and Deltans are in serious pains.

Ironically, as the failed road is a nightmare and hellish, the less-privileged children and teenagers see it as a business opportunity. While the boys are in the deep mud daily, directing vehicles and trucks on h

Importers and Their Agents Are Facing Myriad of Challenges in Customs Clearance Procedures — Dr. Dike Austin Kelly

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Importers and Their Agents Are Facing Myriad of Challenges in Customs Clearance Procedures — Dr. Dike Austin Kelly
DR. AUSTIN KELLY DIKE

Veteran Maritime Practitioner, Chief Dr. Dike Austin Kelly has expressed frustration over numerous challenges faced by importers and their agents in Customs Clearance procedures.

Dr. Kelly, a household name in the industry enumerated major areas of concerns as he passionately made a case for maritime Practitioners, he further stated that Importers and their agents are going through hell as they are at the mercy of the Nigeria Customs Service. He added that the harsh policies and procedures being churned out by the NCS are not doing the industry any good as they keep emasculating individual businesses and causing untold hardships to the citizens.

 

some of the challenges, according to Dr. Kelly are: Abandonment of Act No. 20 of 2003. This Act he said, provides for a New Method of Valuation of Goods in Nigeria based on the Transaction Value. The Act was signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR on July 10, 2003.“The Act provides the following sequential order of valuation of goods imported into NIgeria:

1). Transaction Value Method which is based on the invoiced amount the Importer paid to the exporter.(2). Transaction Value of Identical Goods.(3) Transaction Value of Similar Goods.
4). Deduced Value based on the sale of the goods in the importing country.
5). Computed Value based on the cost of production, profits, etc.
6). Any Other Reasonable Means.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has opted for Method 6 which is ‘Option of Last Resort’. It’s this option that makes it mandatory for any 1×20′ container to pay a minimum of N5 million while 1×40,’ pays N10Million duty to the NIgeria Customs Service, no matter the content.”

The Veteran Maritime Practitioner did not only mention the challenges but made some recommendations as well.

In the recommendation, he advised the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) to strictly abide by the provisions of Act 20 of 2003. His concerns were buttressed with a historical background:

“In 2008, the World Trade Organization Committee on Customs Valuation accepted, considered, ratified and circulated a communique dated July 23, 2008, at the request of the Delegation of Nigeria Customs Service which confirmed the adoption of Transaction Value of Goods as NIgeria’s national implementing legislation pursuant to Article 22 of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 1994.”

“Nigeria Customs Service is aware of the Act but is deliberately sidelining it in the name of Revenue Drive/Revenue Generation.”

Next is Hunting of duly cleared containers and general Cargoes by Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Nigerian Importers are worried that as soon as a truck laden with imported goods drives up to the Tin Can bridge, Otto Woff and Alaba Express Bus Stops, it is waved down to stop by officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit of the NIgeria Customs Service and the driver is asked to present his clearance. Clearance here means evidence of the disc covering the ‘FOU SETTLEMENT’ paid to a named officer in the port before the cargo was released. Where the driver fails to produce the disc, he has to settle them on the spot or be taken to their Zonal headquarters where he would pay through his nose. His truck would also be detained for weeks and he would still have to bail his truck.

In his recommendation, he stated that
“FOU should operate a minimum of four miles away from the seaport Customs territory. It is indictment on the reputation of senior customs officers when cargos released by them are re-examined by junior officers of the Federal Operations Unit. It is also a sign of mistrust.”

“On Customs Licensing;
the fact that NIgeria Customs Service licenses Nigerian Customs Clearing Agents, examines and releases the cargo is an aberration. This is the main reason the agents cannot challenge the intimidation of any Customs Officers.

Again, more than 80% of Customs Clearance Licenses is owned by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. These officers hugely compromise their integrity when they are the examination and releasing officers of the imports cleared by the licensed Customs Clearing Agencies owned by them.”

Dr. Kelly went further and recommended that issuance of Customs Clearance Licenses should be the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Finance or the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). This according to him, would greatly reduce the current abuse of position and power by some unscrupulous officers and men of the NIgeria Customs Service.

Another is the need to Harmonize Maritime Agencies and the following scenarios were cited
1) NPA is in charge of the common user facility.
2) NIMASA is in charge of labour.
3). Licensed Customs Clearance Agents are under the Nigeria Customs Service, the issuer of the licenses.4). Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the Port Economic Regulator.
5). Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria is responsible for the professional training and development of the freight Forwarders.
7). Federal Ministry of Transport is in charge of the Maritime Institutions – NPA, NSC, NIMASA, NRC, etc. Management of the government agencies in the port industry is in the hands of various Government agencies and institutions. With these distortion, conflict resolutions become very difficult.

In his recommendation, he advised that Government should review and harmonize the functions of its ministries, parastatals and agencies operating in the NIgerian Ports Industry for greater efficiency and effectivity.

On Destruction of International Trade Through Anti-Trade Fiscal Policies
He stated that the three Government fiscal policies which are removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the national currency, hike in exchange rate for Customs Valuation purposes – have crashed Nigeria’s international and national trades.

“In 2014, Nigerian Ports recorded fourteen million highest inflow of Twenty Feet Equivalent Units since its more than sixty years of existence. In 2023, Nigerian Ports received less than two and a half million TEUs. This is as a result of Anti-Trade Fiscal Policies of the Federal Government and human weakness on the part of officers and men of the NIgeria Customs Service.”

In his recommendation, he said that the Federal Government should review her Customs Exchange rate to encourage international trade and revive the NIgerian trade industry and the rapidly dwindling economy. Customs exchange rates should be fixed over a long period of time to help business planning and projection.

 

“The NIgerian Port Industry is the worst affected by the Federal Government fiscal policies and revenue drives and projections of the Nigeria Customs Service. More than 90% of the Nigerian bonded terminals have shut down. The remaining 10% are operating at less than 30% of their installed capacities. This is the proof, if proof were needed, that Nigerian Importers are being systematically downsized. International Trade (import and export) are global instruments of economic growth and development. Nigerian Federal Government should review her ANTI-TRADE policies and deliberately encourage international trade as a national survival strategy.”

On unbridled corruption among Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, he stated that
“the Nigeria Customs Service is reputed for extortion. This extortion is encouraged by dubious Importers who cut corners believing that they would find their way out through compromising officers and men of the NIgeria Customs Service.

In his recommendation, Dr. Kelly advised that there should be a special tribunal or courts to try offenders – both Customs and Importers.

Again is the Non-inclusion of Nigerian Importers on Customs Board.

“To help the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Government fully understand the happenings within the Nigerian Port Industry, cerebral and experienced Nigerian Importers should be appointed to the Nigeria Customs Service Board. Such members should constantly update the Board, the Ministry and the Federal Government on the happenings in the ports.”

He urged that more emphasis be laid on trade facilitation than revenue generation.

According to Dr. Kelly, “the Federal Government should pay more attention to trade facilitation rather than revenue generation. The latter makes them “cargo hunters” rather than trade facilitators.”

“In all these, until the Nigeria Customs Service is divested of the powers of the cargo examination and releasing officers as well as the licensing officers for the licensed Customs Agents, the issue of brazen corruption and extortion will continue to hit hard on the businesses of the NIgerian Importers and freight forwarders, and by extension, the NIgerian economy and the masses in general.” He stated.

Ibusa Community celebrates Obi Ajudua for successful completion of the Obiship Conferment

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Ibusa Community celebrates Obi Ajudua for successful completion of the Obiship Conferment

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Obi (Dr.) Henry Ajudua-1

The Ibusa Development Union(ICUD) Worldwide, spared no details in pomp and glamour, as the people supported by friends, cheerfully congratulate Obi(Dr) Henry Chukwuman Ajudua-1 for his successful completion of the Obiship conferment ceremony and for emerging as the latest Obi title in Ibusa kingdom. As a mark of honor to the latest Obi title holder in Ibusa, the Ibusa Development Union (ICDU) worldwide, forwarded a congratulatory message letter to Obi Ajudua.

In congratulatory letter signed by the President-General of ICDU(worldwide),Onowu Comrade Victor Uchuno and Secretary general, Tony Uso Oraegbu, KSM,FCIPPON, the ICDU said the celebration of the latest Obi title holder in Ibusa, Obi(Dr) Henry Chukwuman Ajudua-1, was predicated on eulogizing a great son of the land and presenting him as a role model and reference point to the younger generation desperately in need of motivators and influencers.

Onowu Uchuno noted that noting less was good enough for a man who traversed the world, attained enviable heights and achieved accolades of matchless significance, describing the latest Obi as an Ibusa son of superlative accomplishments and distinction, a renowned shepherd of the flock and a voice of the voiceless, known for humanitarian line of charity and philanthropic activities.

He noted that the Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua-1,The CEO and founder of the charitable Medical Company Vebron Carre, United States is in a league of his own when it comes to loosening the purse strings for the benefit of humanity. For the billionaire businessman and head honcho of Vebron Carre, he is a man of candour, intellect and of urbane spirit, yet grounded in deep traditionalism.

Unlike any other Ibusa man of his generation, Onowu Uchuno who is the President-General of ICDU(worldwide), said Obi Ajudua is totally ‘Ibusa-centric’ and has always fiercely placed Ibusa first in all his past endeavours.

Onowu Uchuno noted that the Ibusa community had been greatly urbanized, with obvious implications on the socioeconomic life of the people and called on ICDU and the traditional institution to work together to bring about reforms to certain cultures of the land, especially title taking, so as to engender respect for Ibusa tradition.

Pomp, Glamour As Hon. Chibuzor Okocha Celebrates 2024 New Yam Festival

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Pomp, Glamour As Hon. Chibuzor Okocha Celebrates 2024 New Yam Festival

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The New Yam festival is a significant cultural celebration in Anioma land. The essence of the festival includes expressing gratitude to the gods, ancestors, and the earth for the harvest.

“It is the celebration of Anioma traditions, customs, and identity, community bonding, strengthening social ties, unity, and cooperation among community members, honouring the gods of fertility, agriculture and prosperity and feasting and merriment, sharing food, drinks, and joy with family, friends and community.”

Excitement reigned supreme in Okpanam Kingdom,as Ogbueshi Chibuzor Okocha aka atakalagbu Celebrated his Annual New Yam Festival as Custom and Tradition demands with his people at his palatial residence.

Our Oracle turned Miracle of Nigerian Politics, Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi who was accompanied by prominent traditional Obis, Chiefs and indigenes of the Anioma community attended the event.
The New Yam Festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated by the Okpanam Kingdom at the end of the rainy season. The celebration is popularly known as Iwa ji festival and is also celebrated in other Anioma nation and beyond.
At the beginning of the festival, tubers of yam are offered to the gods and ancestors first, before distributing the yams to the people. The ritual is performed either by the king of the community or by the oldest man in the community.

This celebration is an important event in the calendar of Anioma people all over the world, as the festival is an epitome of the people’s religious belief. This year’s New Yam festival was no different as it was a highly captivating event.

Prior to the event,the Ogbueshi Chibuzor Okocha aka atakalagbu in a statement made available to Newsbreeze had disclosed that the people of Okpanam witnessed another exciting moment in the kingdom yesterday.
According to him, “Iwa ji is an annual event that we observe to promote the culture and tradition of our people.It brings us together as a community to celebrate and also brainstorm on way forward of our community.

“I extended the New Yam Festival invitation to sons and daughters of Okpanam,indigenes of Oshimili North LGA and Oshimili South, friends and well wishers in Delta and beyond and it was honoured as you can see the personalities present”.

Ogbueshi Chibuzor Okocha aka atakalagbu used the opportunity to thank his mentor and political father, Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for his love and respect towards the custodian of Okpanam culture. The Iwa-ji festival was turned to a carnival, as different dance groups danced to the admiration of the guest.
He encouraged youth in the community and the larger society some of whom he said are struggling to earn a living to retract, look inwardly, and believe in the tradition. “What it requires is when the planting season comes, you do your own normal thing with your family; cultivate your yam and whenever it gets to harvest time, you harvest and celebrate with others,” he said.

Congratulations the true son of Okpanam!!!

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”.

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