Thursday, July 30, 2020

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CONGRATULATE JULIE COKER AT 80


PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CONGRATULATE JULIE COKER AT 80
Julie Coker 

President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with multi-talented Itsekiri born artiste and veteran broadcaster, Chief Julie Coker, on her 80th birthday, joining the creative industry to celebrate the iconic culture ambassador, musician and author.

President Buhari congratulates the Yeye Eto of Lagos for a sterling career in journalism and performing arts, coming into limelight as a female broadcaster in Africas first television station, Western Nigerian Television (WNTV, Ibadan), which started transmission on October 31, 1959, and sustaining the grace in Nigerian Television Service, (NTV, Lagos), now Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

As a former beauty queen, Miss Western Nigeria Competition, 1958, and runner-up at a Miss Nigeria contest, the President believes Chief Cokers talent brought her into the spotlight at an early age, and has consistently sustained her growing influence over the years, both within and outside the country.

President Buhari rejoices with family members, friends and professional associates of the exceptional broadcaster, who continues to project the country to the world by accepting leadership roles in culture and tourism in the United Kingdom and United States.

The President prays that the Almighty God will grant Chief Coker longer life, good heath and more grace to pursue and actualize her dreams of making life better for others.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Hope George Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree

Hope George Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree
Hon. (Dr.) Hope George 


A vibrant leader of Bowen ward 6 in Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Hope George has been awarded with a Doctorate Degree by Global Christian University, Nigeria, an Affiliate to (People International University, Germany).

The event which was held in MSI Hall, Warri was presided over by Professor Philip Ibiyeye and was attended by the Political Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Omimi Esquire, Member Representing Warri South Constituency 2 in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, PDP Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area, Mr. Johnson Agbeyegbe, Chairman PDP Bowen Ward 6, Hon. Jones Agintokun, Chairman Alder’s Town Community, Jumi Odaji, President of Itsekiri Women in Politics, Mrs. Rita Esquire, PDP Women Leader Ward 6, Gbubemi Ojo amongst others.

Parts of the congratulatory message signed by the Executive and entire members of PDP Bowen Ward 6 including, Miracle Chairman of the Ward, Ambassador Blankson Kweku Harold, his Deputy, Comrade Desmond Onoriode Onogun and a trusted leader of the great Bowen Ward from Agbassa Otovwodo Axis, Comrade Jones Agintukun, reads “At last we are very joyous to know that our leader has finally joined the class of Honourary Doctorate Degree holders. You truly deserve this honour and many more. The sky is your stepping stone. Ride on buddie, the best is yet to come’’.

    

Friday, July 24, 2020

ITSEKIRI ENCYCLOPEDIA, DR. IREYEFOJU FOR BURIAL JULY 25

ITSEKIRI ENCYCLOPEDIA, DR. IREYEFOJU FOR BURIAL JULY 25
Dr. Jackson Ireyefoju


Dr. Jackson Ireyefoju an Itsekiri Encyclopedia with reservour of knowledge in Itseiri Culture and Religion passed on to glory in Warri on Thursday July 16, 2020 will be committed to mother earth at his Warri residence in Okere on Saturday July 25, 2020. 

He was aged 81.


Service of songs will be held in his honour at his residence on Thursday July 23, 2020.
Late Dr. Jackson Ireyefoju is survived by Wife, Children, Grand Children and numerous relatives

UGBORODO LEADERSHIP: Austin Oboroegbeyi out, Perry Atete in

UGBORODO LEADERSHIP: Austin Oboroegbeyi out, 
Perry Atete in 

Chairman of the newly set up Ugborodo Community Interim Caretaker Committee (UCICC), Prince Perry Atete has said that the focus of his led UCICC would be to unite Ugborodo indigenes home and abroad who have been divided as a result of the lingering crises in the now suspended Ugborodo Community Trust (UCT) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Austin Oboroegbeyi. 

Prince Atete who is also the Igbajor of Ugborodo and executive member of the Ugborodo Community Council of Elders, made the statement at the inaugural general meeting of the UCICC held at Ode-Ugborodo on Saturday July 11, 2020. 

According to him, the little time available to the UCICC under his watch shall be particularly used to unite the parties involved in the lingering UCT crisis who have since resorted to encumber the UCT and Ugborodo Community generally with court cases, police and EFCC investigations and social media war.

"These unfortunate developments in Ugborodo Community must stop, to enable us move forward as a people because no development can ever come in these sorts of tensed atmosphere and mutual suspicions. We have to build peace and unite the community as soon as possible. This is the onerous task before us,” he stated. 

Prince Atete thanked the UCICC executives, members and the entire Ugborodo Community for fully receiving the committee as demonstrated in the drumming, singing and dancing with which the special cultural troupe of the community welcomed the Chairman, executives and members of the UCICC into Ode-Ugborodo for their inaugural meeting as UCICC.

It would be recalled that the Ugborodo Community at a general meeting of the community held at Ode-Ugborodo on July 2, 2020, took a resolution to suspend the UCT under the Chairmanship of Mr. Austin Oboroegbeyi and in its place set up the UCICC. 

The community later followed up with a 2-page Public Notices at pages 34 and 35 of the Vanguard newspapers of July 7, 2020 wherein the signed resolution and the constitution of the UCICC were published. 

Part of the said resolution read: "As we all know, nature abhors vacuum and Ugborodo Community cannot afford to be without a day-to-day administrative organ. To this end and without prejudice to the matter in court and the ongoing police investigations into the alleged criminal diversion of Ugborodo Community funds into a private account by individuals, the Ugborodo Community Council of Elders at a well-attended interactive general meeting of Ugborodo Community held at Ode-Ugborodo on July 2, 2020 and having listened to views expressed by various attendees at the meeting, resolved to invoke its constitutional powers in situations like this to immediately suspend indefinitely the said UCT and in its place, set up a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of Ugborodo Community."

Some other executive members of the UCICC are Mr. Emmanuel Tunu Onuwaje (Vice Chairman), Comrade Alex Eyengho (Assistant Secretary), Mr. Austin Ajurenmisan (Publicity Secretary) and Mr. Joseph Uwawah (Treasurer) among others.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ITSEKIRI GRADUATES INAUGURATE NEW EXECUTIVE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ITSEKIRI GRADUATES INAUGURATE NEW EXECUTIVE 
Members of the High Table: R-L: Hon. (Dr.) Andrew Igban Omagbemi (Chairman of the occasion), Comr. Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo, newly sworn-in President, Comr. Collins Edema (Immediate past President), Mr. David Ekwejunor, Chairman, INYC Sapele branch & Dr. Jeffery Wilkie



By Tetsoma Neyin 


The National Association of Itsekiri Gratuates NAIG has inaugurated a new executive body saddled with the responsibility of running the affairs of the association for the next two years. 

The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday July 18, 2020 at the prestigious Otonloye Hall, Ugbori, Warri.

In his speech at the spectacular ceremony, the Chairman of the ceremony, Hon. Andrew Igban, E. A. to Governor Okowa on Community Development, admonished the newly inaugurated Executive to use their positions to move Itsekiri forward, adding that, they should always speak the truth at all times. 

Hon. Igban further appealed to the new executive to engage in programmes that will usher in development to Itsekiri Nation. 

On his part, the immediate past president of the Association gave a brief account of his two years stewardship which include; 

Engagement of NAIG members for the EGTL Turn-Around Maintenance, Engagement of NAIG members by CNL MI Department on permanent contract, Engagement of NAIG members by Delta State Government in teaching positions, Recall of 42 Itsekiri Graduates by the Delta State Civil Service Commission in December 2019, Engagement of NAIG members by Conoil, NGC, etc., Engagement of NAIG members by Nigera Maritime University Okerenghigho, Engagement of NAIG members by DETSMA, Enrolment of indigent Itsekiri Students for SSCE and NECO exams, Help in raising fund to save Pa. Peter Fregene Ex-Super Eagles Goal Keeper Organise a protest in conjunction with INYC to stop relocation of NGC Headquarters from Warri, Organize and co-funded the protest at WRPC gate for the NNPC recruitment and conversion of casual staff, Supported the Ugborodo protest against CNL at Ode-Ugborodo and later fund a solidarity protest at CNL gate in Warri, Petitioned the House of Representatives on the removal of the Madangho Divisional Police Station from Warri Area Command to Burutu Area Command, Petitioned the President and Commander-in-Chief, Senate President, House of Representatives, GMD NNPC, Federal Character Commission, etc on the exclusion of Itsekiri Graduates on the NNPC recruitment, continuous advocacy for the koko Polytechnic Bill, and commencement/completion of the Koko-Ogheye Road, Omadino-Escravos Road, etc and Award of Excellence as Most Outstanding Organisation in Warri Kingdom by Warri Voice Newspaper.
Members of the newly sworn-in Executive led by their President, Comr. Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo 







Highly elated newly sworn-in President, Comr. Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo in his speech, thanked the immediate Past President and his co-executive for their immense contributions towards the growth and development of the association and promised on behalf of his co-executive to rebrand the Association by reconciling all aggrieved members, founding fathers, BoT and Patrons of the noble Association. 

Other dignitaries who gave words of encouragement to the newly sworn-in executive are: Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie, Mr. Raymond  Aderojo, Chairman, Itsekiri Benin River Pressure Group and Mr. David Ekwejunor, Chairman, INYC Sapele branch. 

High point of the Ceremony was the taking of oath by the new Exco members where they all promised to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

Members of the newly sworn-in NAIG Executive are: 
Comr. Eburajolo Ben Eyitemi - National President, Mr. Ekpoto Thomas Ejueyitchie - Vice President, Esiategiwa Mino O. - General Secretary, Tetsoma Neyin - Public Relations Officer, Bibi Ellis Ejuoghanranmakelesan - Financial Secretary, Akperi Itse - Treasurer, OmadoyeTuoyo - Assistant Secretary, Okotie Monday Michael - P.R.O 2, Amoruma Anthony - Project Director, Oritseneye Frederick I. - Social Organising Officer.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Amoma emerges Chairman, Ugbori Community

Amoma emerges Chairman, Ugbori Community 
Mr. Amoma Toritseju Omagbemi 


Mr. Amoma Toritseju Omagbemi  has emerged Chairman of Ugbori Community Youth Executive after battling the position with Mr. Macaulay Tenumah.

The victory after been made public was followed by jubilation from members of the community. 

In a chat with Warri Voice during the course of the jubilation, the new youth Chairman who promised to operate an open door policy where everyone would be carried along disclosed that most of the other youth executive members are returning unopposed, but that the full lists of the executive body which will pilot the affairs of the community for the next three years will be revealed soon. 

Itsekiri Nation Set to Shut Down Oil Companies Operation in Her Land

Itsekiri Nation Set to Shut Down Oil Companies Operation in Her  Land    


The Movement for the Development of Itsekiri Oil and Gas Producing Communities MDIOGPC  in a peaceful protest held on the 4th of July 2020 at  Ode Ugborodo, Warri South West LGA of Delta State has sent an urgent   message of  notice to President, Muhammadu  Buhari  of their readiness   to shut down International Oil and Gas Companies operating in Itsekiri land if Mr.   president  refused to  address the issue of outright marginalisation of the  Itsekiri Nation in projects execution, employment opportunities and the recently announced  fifty seven marginal fields offer which does not include son and daughters  of  the Itsekiri Nation neither did they gave the right of first refusal to us who are fundamental stakeholders as Oil and Gas Producing Communities.

 The Group's protest letter which copied the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, DG, DSS ,Chevron Nigeria limited, SPDC, the Delta State Governor and the LGA Council Chairman was  signed of by Isaac Botosan  Chairman ,Steven Atete  Secretary and  Maurice lrone Publicity Secretary respectively.

 Comrade Besidone Samuel Eyengho, the Spokesman of the Itsekiri  Oil Producing Communities who red the protest letter during the press conference affirmed and asserted that the demands of the Itsekiri Nation are  as follows;

 " We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately halt the current process of bids for the 57 Marginal Fields and come up with new modalities, where competent companies owned by Itsekiri Sons and Daughters, would be given right of first refusal on fields in our homeland, before being thrown open to outsiders. 

If competent companies owned by Itsekiri indigenes are not considered by DPR for the 57 Marginal Fields with immediate effect, we will shut-down operations of the Multi-National Oil and Gas Companies (IOCs) operating in our homelands.

The Federal Government should order immediate resumption of work at the Multi-Billion Dollar Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project, GRIP, Ogidigben and Deep Sea Port in Warri South- West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Direct the relevant MDAs/IOCs to embark on large scale shore protection/sand-filling projects in Itsekiri riverine/oil producing communities.
Institute process for the facilitation of the abandoned age-long Omadino - Escravos Road.
Oil machineries for commencement of the Koko/Ogheye Road Project, which has remained a mere campaign tool for successive administrations, despite its strategic importance to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta and the South-West.   

We eagerly await speedy action on the aforementioned demands above, to avert fresh crisis in the Oil and Gas Industry and the Niger Delta", the statement read.

The Group acknowledged the realities of Coronavirus pandemic, saying" we are not oblivious of the damaging socio-economic effects COVID-19 is inflicting on the global economy, particularly our country that has continued to bear the brunt of the volatility of the price of Crude Oil (The Black Gold) at the International Market, despite efforts by OPEC and OPEC + to mitigate the resulting challenge".

Comrade Besidone Samuel Eyengho, the MDIOGPC Spokesman explained during the press conference  that "as  responsive and law abiding Ethnic Nationality committed to the sustainable peace, growth and development of the Nigerian project, we are equally not unmindful of the teething security challenges the Federal Government is confronting headlong across the country, especially in the North East. We are however constrained to ventilate our frustration and anger, regarding the brazen and worsening marginalization staring at our face on daily basis, by those in charge of managing affairs in the Oil and Gas Sector in this country. By this, we mean the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsid".

Gbaramatu Kingdom reminds FG of readiness to Shut down Oil Majors in Ten Days

Gbaramatu Kingdom reminds FG of readiness to Shut down Oil Majors in Ten Days 

The Ijaws of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Council of Delta State has reiterated their determination to follow through their threat to shut down all oil and gas operations in their homeland following alleged unacceptable level of marginalization, oppression, relegation, unemployment, suppression and deprivations wrath on them by the Federal government in spite of their huge contributions to the revenue base of the government with their oil and gas resources.

Addressing a press conference at Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu, Saturday, the Fiyewei of the kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama (JP) on behalf of the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs in a statement emphasized that the Ten (10) days ultimatum issued earlier to the government to address their demands remains sacrosanct saying that “we have stayed silent for too long. We will be silent no more”.

Chief Gbenekama listed their demand to include the commencement of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Gas Revolution Industrial Park, Ogidigben and Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu project; restart of the Omadino-Escravos road project; immediate halt of the current bidding process for the 57 Marginal Fields until competent Gbaramatu indigenes are given the right of first refusal.

Other demands are; the immediate relocation to Gbaramatu of the Floating Dock/Ship Building Yard and a clear path to employment and appointment opportunities for qualified Gbaramatu indigenes”, he stressed.

According to Chief Gbenekama, “we do not look forward to inflicting more financial burden on the Federal Government during these COVID-19 times, in four (4) days, we will shut down all exploration activities in our homeland”.





 

   

Monday, July 6, 2020

PA. SAMUEL ODONGHANRO FOR BURIAL JULY 31

 PA. SAMUEL ODONGHANRO FOR BURIAL JULY  31
Late Pa. Samuel Odonghanro 


The remains of Pa. Samuel B. Odonghanro who passed on to eternal glory June 7, 2020 at the age of 80 will be committed to mother earth on Friday July 31, 2020 at his home town, Ibirifo, Ethiope West LGA, after a Funeral Service at St. Andrew Cathedral, 22 Okere Road, Warri. 


Service of Songs will be held in his honour at his  Warri residence, 22 Iyemi  lane, off Emiko close, Warri on Thursday July 30, 2020.

 
Pa. Samuel Odonghanro who also hailed from Ogidigben in Warri South - West LGA is survived by many children and numerous relatives including  the Chairman of Iwere Renaissance, Comr. Bawo Odonghanro.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

National Association of Itsekiri Graduates NAIG, get new Executive

National Association of Itsekiri Graduates NAIG, get new Executive 
                President elect, Mr. Ben Eburajolo Eyitemi 

By Tetsoma Neyin
 
The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates NAIG, an umbrella body of all Itsekiri Graduates has installed a new Executive to pilot the affairs of great association for the next two years.

The election took place on Saturday July 4, 2020 at the prestigious Otonloye hall, located in Ugbori, Warri South LGA. 

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president, Mr. Ben Eburajolo Eyitemi  thanked the electoral committee and other members of the body for conducting  a free  and credible  election.

He further thanked the outgoing President, Comr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema and his executive for all their efforts in moving the association forward and promised to put in his outermost  best  to see a United and prosperous NAIG. 

The President elect who promised to operate an open door policy together with other elected  executive  also used the opportunity to  appeal to the people to strictly adhere to the directives put in place by NCDC so as to prevent the alarming rate of Coronavirus victims  in the state, particularly in Warri South LGA. 
             The newly elected executive body of  NAIG         led by their President, Mr. Ben Eburajolo Eyitemi 

Below are the names of the newly elected  executive body;

Mr. Eburajolo Ben Eyitemi - National President 
Mr. Ekpoto Thomas  Ejueyitchie - Vice President 
Esiategiwa Mino O. - General Secretary 
Tetsoma Neyin - Public Relations Officer  
Bibi  Ellis Ejuoghanranmakelesan - Financial Secretary 
Akperi Itse - Treasurer
Omadoye Tuoyo - Assistant Secretary 
Okotie Monday  Michael - P.R.O 2
Amoruma Anthony - Project Director 
Oritseneye Frederick I. - Social Organising Officer 

Julius Rone wins Business Day Bulls Award

  Julius Rone   wins Business Day Bulls Award   Julius Rone, OFR Group Managing Director of   UTM FLNG   Julius Rone(OFR),  the famous Itsek...