Koko Community Dispute: Olu of Warri Suspends inauguration of Executive bodies--------------- By Emma Arubi
His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli
Following persistent and intractable dispute over leadership positions of organs of the Koko community ruling class in Warri North Council area of Delta State, the Warri monarch, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri Kingdom has suspended the inauguration of the Koko Community Management Authority, KCMA and the Koko Human Resources Development Council, KHRDC, pending an amicable resolution of all issues involved in the matter.  The Royal Father gave this directive on Thursday January 9, 2020 at his palace in Warri after hearing all parties to the dispute and charge them to revert back to him at the end  of the peaceful resolution.
With the suspension of the inauguration of the Executive of the KCMA and KHRDC, both subordinate organs of the Koko Community Elders Council, following the tenure expiration of both bodies, the Elders Council now takes charge of the running of the Port community affairs that has been embroiled in court cases still pending at the Police Headquarters, Asaba.
According to sources, the current trouble started when some persons  with vested interest allegedly hand-picked some candidates for certain positions without allowing such candidates pass through the will and mandate of the majority of the people amongst others sundry allegations that led to arrest and counter arrest, prompting the Olu of Warri to invite the feuding parties to his palace to resolve the matter.
The Warri Monarch expressed disgust over the persistent manner of rancor that wrecked harmonious existence among the people and suspended the inauguration of both organs until an acceptable harmonization is reached.

THERE IS NEED TO SETTLE THE RIFT BETWEEN UTONLILA AND OBOGHORO- AUGUSTINE IKPI

THERE IS NEED TO SETTLE THE RIFT BETWEEN UTONLILA AND OBOGHORO- AUGUSTINE IKPI

Prince Augustine Ikpi, the former national Secretary of the Utonlila Youth Body and presently the National Secretary of Utonlila Community Trust has said that “there is need to settle the present rift that is going on between the two neighbouring Benin River Communities namely: Obaghoro and Utonlila respectively. This statement was made recently in Warri during a chat with Warri Voice Newspaper. According to Ikpi, “these two communities have so many things in common, they have inter-married together over the years, the case between them in the past notwithstanding, this rift is scattering away a huge success which is supposed to be enjoyed by both communities.
Infrastructure, human development, political positions, influence and affluence in the society, instead of this, the reverse is the case.”
The National Trust Secretary of Utonlila Community also pointed out to our reporter that “Hon. Godwin Ebosa has done well in so many areas which includes infrastructure and human development by touching the lives of some of our brothers, but some of this good deeds, are not seen and appreciated based on this inner division because some persons are gaining much from this unpleasant divide and rule system to the detriment of either Utonlila or Oboghoro Community.”
Further speaking, Prince Augustine Ikpi stressed that “God has revealed to me that I should stand and speak as the pivot of settlement because God has a lot to shower on this twin Communities.”

Prince Ikpi further stated that he is using this medium to call on the Olare-Aja and the entire Elders Council of both communities Trust Executive, some personalities like Hon. Godwin Ebosa, Dr. Jackson Ireyefoju, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Nelson Utieyione, Pa. Eloko Nemi, Chief Solomon Areyenka, Chief Robbinson Ariyo and others to call for peace and solidarity meeting. He then concluded by saying that “ by the virtue of the fact that these two communities have been wining and dining together, if this clarion call to reconcile is not done, I will be left with no option than to resign from my position”. He added.

Two years on the saddle, Tidi gives Stewardship

Two years on the saddle, Tidi gives Stewardship

By Tetsoma Neyin

The Executive Chairman of Warri South local Government Area, Hon. Michael E. Tidi, Ph.D has given report card of his two years achievements in office.
He gave his stewardship during his special thanksgiving service held on Wednesday January 15, 2020 at Christ Embassy Church in Warri South Urban Secretariat.
Hon. Michael Tidi ceased the opportunity to briefly state some vital achievements of his  administration.
‘‘Today, Warri South is peaceful, Warri has regained its rightful place in the scheme of things”, He stated.
 “Shell is beginning to have a re-think of coming back to Warri due to constant discussion with the IOC’s”, he further stated.
He stated categorically that before the Month of May 2020, the Warri Park will be opened for business, which received lots of cheers from the audience.
Speaking in her brief, but inspiring sermon, the zonal Pst. of the Church, Pst. Mary Owase who took her anchor scripture from James 4 V 56 said that blessings come to people in words.

‘‘The year 2020 came with increased grace’’. She declared. She praised Hon. Michael Tidi for working tirelessly for the growth of Warri South which has taken a glorious phase since his two years in office.

Hon. Michael Tidi attributed the success of his administration to God Almighty.The Council Boss praised the bold step of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for introducing daily morning devotion in Government House, while also thanking the Governor and his Political Leaders for finding him worthy to lead the people of Warri South. He also thanked his spiritual Mother, Pst. Mary Owase for her wise counsel which has brought them this far, his supporters for their constant support, his Executive arm for carrying out their duties effectively and his lovely wife for her love and prayers.

Speaking to Warri Voice Correspondent shortly after the ceremony, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba and Mr. Victor Agbateyiniro unanimously gave their unflinching supports for the second tenure of the Council Boss due to his outstanding achievements and performance in his first term in office.

Mega Praise Church of Christ Celebrates Grand Finale of 7 days Fasting, Prayer Camp Meeting

Mega Praise Church Celebrates Grand Finale of 7 days Fasting, Prayer Camp Meeting

By Tetsoma Neyin

The 7 days National Fasting and prayer Camp meeting which started since on the 6 of January, 2020 has finally come to an end to day 12 Jan. 2020 at the church auditorium, Odoh Street, Sapele, Delta State.

 Members of Mega Praise Church where all in high spirits of praise to God Almighty for the glorious testimonies throughout the 7 days programme.
The fasting programme with the theme been "breaking of satanic chains"was largely attended  with a huge capacity of audience.
During his brief sermon the General Overseer of the church, Evang. Diden Ejele who took his sermon scripture from II Chronicles 29 VS 30- 36 said that God has already broken the chains, but Christians must avoid sin which can bring back their calamities.
Every member present at the thanksgiving service was given a bottle of wine as a take home package at the close of the service.

12 Supervisors, 16 Teachers face sanctions by Delta State Govt

The Delta State Government has ordered the closure of two private secondary schools and sanctioned 16 teachers across the state over their various levels of involvement in examination malpractice in the state.

This is coming as a result of the approval of the report of the Examination Ethics Disciplinary Committee (EEDC) investigation on WAEC indictment of some public and private secondary schools in the state for examination malpractice in the 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah.

St. Vincent College, Ovwian, whose candidates wrote the 2018 WASSCE at Anointed Secondary School, Ubogo, without the approval of WAEC or the ministry,  is to be closed down alongside Anointed Secondary School.

12 Supervisors found guilty for collusion, compromise, negligence of duty and failure to write reports at the end of the examinations will suffer one year deferment of promotion and banned from supervision of any school examination for a period of three years.

They include Akporode Amos of Boboroku Secondary School, Boboroku, who supervised at Ogharefe Secondary School, Oghara, Ugbune O. of Mosogar Secondary School, Mosagar, at Ogharefe Secondary School, Oghara, Nwabueze A. I. of Ukavbe Secondary School, Otefe-Oghara, at Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School, Ogharefe, Agbavwe G. W. of Ihwighwu Secondary School, Ijomi-Oghara, at Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School, Ogharefe, Omeresan M. E. of Gbaraun Grammar School, Oproza, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, and Sawacha F. T. of Gbaraun Grammar School, Oproza, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben.

Others are Eko Patrick of Gbaraun Grammar School, Oproza, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, Elelekute M. of Gbaraun Grammar School, Oproza, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, Awoyemi S. O. of Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Ogbe-Ijoh, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, Arirediegha O. F. of Burutu Grammar School, Burutu, at Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, Igbigbi E. E. of Orhuwhorun High School, Orhuwhorun, at St. Vincent College, Ovwian, and Igweze M. O. of Aladja Grammar School, Aladja, at St. Vincent College, Ovwian.

The Vice Principal (Academics) of Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben, Mrs. H. Akponeware, who was found guilty of inefficiency in handling the affairs of the school in the absence of the Principal due to her nonchalant attitude, negligence of duty and connivance during the conduct of 2018 WASSC is to be demoted by one salary grade level.

Similarly, the Examination Officer of the same school, Mr. Akpochimara Ufuoma, was found guilty of gross complicity in the act of examination malpractice, compromise, sharing money amongst Supervisors and pressurizing WAEC Officers/Supervisors to release question papers and answer scripts for candidates outside the examination hall and is to be demoted by one salary grade level.

Ms Onoriode Q. from Ovwian Secondary School, Ovwian, who was Supervisor for Mathematics 2 at St. Vincent College, Ovwian, was found guilty of not writing report to the ministry or WAEC and is to be banned from supervising any school examination for three years.

Speaking after the approval of the recommendations, Chief Ukah seriously warned those who might still have the intention of involvement in examination malpractice to have a rethink as the state government has zero tolerance for the act.

He said that stiffer penalties will be given to any person who is involved in examination malpractice no matter how highly placed and advised them to operate within the provisions of the rules guiding the conduct of examinations in the state.

The approved recommendations have been forwarded to the PPEB for implementation.

EEDC, Chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, is an inter ministerial body with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Post Primary Education Board (PPE, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), the Director of Examinations as well as that of Inspectorate Department in the ministry.

Temile Celebrates Christmas Carol with Family, Friends

By Tetsoma Neyin

Chief E.A Temile, the Isama1 of Warri Kingdom celebrates Nine Lessons and Carol with close family members and friends.
The glamorous event took place on a Christmas night, Dec. 25, 2019, at his residence, Court 4 road, Warri.
Close family members, friends, business Associates and well wishers all came in large numbers to grace the occasion.
The first and second lesson was taken by Mrs.  Roli Nesiama and Mr. Omajuwa Temile.
The Choristers of First Baptist Church, Warri, were fully on ground, filling the air with melodious Christmas Carol songs alongside other guest artists.
In her brief exaltation titled, " The story behind the glory of Christmas" Rev. Gbubemi said that Christmas means living together for Christ.
She charged Christians to be living examples of Christ love.
Rev. J.C. Okoroje from First Baptist Church, Warri  who prayed immensely for Chief Temile and family urged them to continue in this good work while also stating that Christmas is all about Christ love for all.
Mrs. Roli Nesiama in her closing remarks, thanked the Ministers of God present, First Baptist Church Choir and all invited guests for gracing the occasion with their presence despite the short notice.
She expressed her heart felt love to her parents, Chief and Mrs. Temile and other members of the Temile's family.
The audience was treated to a lavish refreshments after the close of the service.

News

NAIG Lauds Omatsuli, for his remarkable Leadership roles
(By Neyin Tetsoma)
It is said that honour is given to whom honor is due. In the light of the above, the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), the umbrella body of all Itsekiri graduates have publicly showed her profound gratitude to one of Iwere finest politician, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, Commissioner representing Itsekiri Nationality in DESOPADEC for the undaunted role  he played during the Warri flooding crisis recently.
 His prompt intervention to curb the situation, most especially that of Ekurede Community was to show the extent of his love for his people.
 Addressing the issue in NAIG Congress recently, the vice President of NAIG, Mr. Raymond Bibi opined " this kind gesture of Hon. Griftson Omatsuli is a rare one that deserved our praise and encouragement ".
Speaking in the same vein, the President of NAIG, Comr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema said that " Hon. Griftson Omatsuli is one Itsekiri Politician I hold in high esteem. His long term struggles to see that Itsekiri as a nation is not marginalised can not be forgotten."
He recounted how Hon. Griftson was beaten up by other tribes just for standing up for his people.
The group called on all Itsekiri politicians including Community Leaders to put Itsekiri first before others.