By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

The management of the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation has held a preparatory meeting with teachers drawn from various secondary schools, ahead of its much-anticipated inter-school debate competition scheduled to commence this month.

The meeting, which served as a briefing and coordination session, outlined key guidelines for the successful conduct of the competition. According to the organisers, the opening ceremony will take place on Friday, 13th February 2026, by 9:00am.

Schools were informed that each participating school is to present three debaters, while they were also encouraged to come along with at least 20 students to cheer and support their representatives, in order to foster enthusiasm and healthy competition among the students.

The schools have been grouped as follows:

Group A:

Chosen Star
Ibusa Mixed
Holy Trinity
Michelech

Group B:

St. Augustine College
Omu Boys
Emerging Stars
Divine College

Group C:

Prime Seed of Abraham
St. Thomas College
Immaculate Secondary School
Trinity College

Group D:

Elite Gate
Ibusa Girls
Corda Jesu
Benival

Speaking during the meeting, the foundation expressed delight at the level of interest shown by schools within the area, noting that the competition is designed to run for one month and is aimed at promoting intellectual development, confidence, and healthy rivalry among secondary school students.

It would be recalled that Chosen Star Secondary School emerged champions last year after defeating St.
Augustine College in the grand finale.

However, St. Augustine College has reportedly vowed to return stronger this year in a bid to reclaim the title.

The meeting ended with renewed commitment from both the organisers and participating schools to ensure a successful and impactful academic exercise.

— Dr. Pat Adigwe

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

In Igbuzo, a community where compassion, service and leadership define true greatness, one man continues to stand out for his uncommon dedication to uplifting the vulnerable and empowering the less privileged. Pastor Idowu Okeze has earned widespread admiration for his consistent humanitarian interventions, bringing relief, hope and renewed confidence to widows, youths and elderly citizens across the town.

Through personal sacrifice, influence and goodwill, Pastor Okeze has touched lives in ways that transcend conventional charity. His empowerment programmes and direct support for struggling families have positioned him as one of the most visible and impactful grassroots figures in Igbuzo. Many residents openly attest that his presence and contributions are felt more strongly than those of several serving political office holders, a testament to the depth of his engagement with the people.

Unlike sporadic acts of benevolence often driven by occasion, Pastor Okeze’s generosity is a lifestyle anchored in genuine love for humanity. Over the years, he has facilitated and attracted empowerment opportunities that have restored dignity and hope to thousands. From supporting widows and the elderly to encouraging young entrepreneurs, sponsoring skills acquisition initiatives and assisting small-scale businesses, his interventions have become an integral part of everyday survival and resilience in the community.

To the ordinary man on the street, Pastor Idowu Okeze represents light in times of hardship and possibility in moments of despair. His philanthropic footprint has strengthened families, stimulated local productivity and inspired many residents to believe in the power of community-driven development rooted in compassion rather than politics.

As Igbuzo continues to celebrate individuals who bring honour and progress to the town, Pastor Okeze stands tall as a shining example of purposeful leadership. His life and work serve as a reminder that leadership is not defined by the office one occupies, but by the lives one touches and the impact one leaves behind.

Today, the people of Igbuzo celebrate Pastor Idowu Okeze—an uncommon philanthropist, a steadfast champion of the people and a living testament to the enduring power of selfless service to humanity.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

For decades, Ebu community has remained largely forgotten and abandoned on the development map of Delta State, despite its consistent loyalty to government and unwavering commitment to civic responsibility.

The last visible presence of government in Ebu dates back to the year 2000, during the administration of former Governor James Ibori, when the Ebu–Ukala Road was constructed. Since that time, the community has witnessed little or no government intervention, leaving residents to wonder whether Ebu still exists in the consciousness of successive administrations.

Today, Ebu stands as a painful symbol of neglect. The only government-owned general hospital in the town is in a deplorable condition—barely fit to be called a healthcare facility. Its state is so poor that concerned sons of the community were compelled to step in, renovating the doctors’ quarters and installing solar power just to make the environment habitable for medical personnel.

While commendable, these efforts cannot replace the urgent need for proper medical infrastructure, equipment, and sustained government support.

Road infrastructure in Ebu paints an equally distressing picture. The community cannot boast of a single good road. Major internal roads, including the popular Palace Road where the health centre is located, have been severely damaged by gully erosion. During the rainy season, many of these roads become completely impassable. Students are often unable to attend school, as erosion has eaten deep into the roads, cutting off access and worsening an already dire situation. It is indeed a sorrowful condition that Ebu community faces today.

Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a major challenge. In the 21st century, residents of Ebu still rely on streams and rivers for survival. These sources are often contaminated, exposing the people to waterborne diseases such as cholera, with grave consequences for public health.

The state of education in Ebu is no less alarming. Public schools in the community are in a dilapidated state, marked by collapsing structures and poor learning environments that discourage both teachers and pupils.
Under such conditions, it is difficult to speak of quality education, as the future of Ebu’s children hangs precariously in the balance.

Despite these numerous challenges, the people of Ebu have remained peaceful, law-abiding, and politically active. They have consistently performed their civic duties by participating in elections and, for many years, supported the ruling party in Delta State. Unfortunately, this loyalty has not translated into meaningful development or improved living conditions for the community.

With deep pain and frustration, residents now ask: What sin did Ebu commit to deserve such prolonged abandonment? Why has a peaceful, hardworking, and loyal community been left to struggle alone for decades?

The people of Ebu are therefore passionately appealing to the amiable Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, fondly known as “Mr. Project,” to remember their community. They are calling for urgent government intervention in healthcare, road infrastructure, erosion control, water supply, education, and other critical areas of development—before Ebu is completely erased from the developmental map of Delta State.
Ebu is not asking for special treatment. The community seeks only fairness, inclusion, and access to the basic dividends of democracy that every community in Delta State rightfully deserves.