ITSEKIRI INTEREST GROUP REPLIES PETITION OF IJAWS OF OGBE-IJOH AGAINST OLU OF WARRI TO GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA

 ITSEKIRI INTEREST GROUP REPLIES PETITION OF  IJAWS OF OGBE-IJOH AGAINST OLU OF WARRI TO GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA

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ITSEKIRI INTEREST GROUP REPLIES PETITION OF THE IJAWS OF OGBE-IJOH AGAINST OLU OF WARRI TO GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA

 

Itsekiri interest group has replied to a petition written by Ijaws of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Sounth-West local government area against the Olu of Warri to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

 

 

In a press statement made available to Warri Voice Newspaper on Sunday in Warri, the group stated that;

 

“The Itsekiris are people that are known for peace and our monarchs over the years have been very generous to the Ijaws of Gbaramatu, Egbema and Ogbe Ijoh. We have chosen to reply only the Ogbe Ijoh people on this occasion to correct the statement that they are indigenous people of Warri South and Warri South West with both historical facts and legal references”

 

“The Ijaw settlements at present day Miller water side, Dore Numa Market (now corrupted to Ogbe Ijoh Market) and the water side of Main Market were formerly owned by Itsekiris of Ugbori, Pessu and Kpisan communities respectively”

 

“These houses were abandoned during the peak of the Warri crisis and these abandoned buildings were taken over by Ijaw migrants from Bayelsa, Rivers and Ijaw areas of Delta State”

 

 “The conflict resolution panel that was set up by Chief James Ibori, the then Governor of Delta State paid compensation to illegal occupants of abandoned buildings in these areas to encourage the original owners to return and to mobilize the illegal occupants to evict the properties”

 

“These monies were paid but the occupants still remain until today as they have continued to expand and name deserted Itsekiri communities with Ijaw names”

 

“As regards the speech of the Olu and the popular voice note that is yet to be recognized. The Olu is the ultimate authority of the Itsekiri nation and he owes no group any apology as it regards to how he feels our political seat within Itsekiri strong holds which is Warri Federal Constituency should be occupied. On the 21st of August 2021, Ogiame Atuwase III in his remarkable speed declared himself as not just the spiritual and economic leader of the Itsekiri Nation but also as the political leader. For purpose of reference the following supreme court judgements are referred to:

 

“1. In Suit W/116/56, Eyin Pessu, Akowe Apoh (Itsekiris) and the Olu of Warri versus Brigbo and others (Ijaws) where Justice Obaseki found in favor of the Itsekiris in the declaration of title over Aruteghan Creek together with all the surrounding lands”

 

“2. Suit No.W/148/56 by Chief Isuokumo Oloiki and others (for themselves and on behalf of Ijaw settlers in Ogbe-ijoh in Warri Division) against Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees and others. Where Itsekiri had another victory over the Ogbe Ijoh people”

 

“3. In Suit No. SC/450/65 the presiding Judge dismissed an appeal against the Itsekiri Communal Land Trustees and Sir Lionel Brett the attorney general of the Federation and the Ijaws of Ogbe-ijoh were banned never to contest ownership of any land in Warri Division”

 

“4. In 2013 Hon Justice Marshall Umukoro dismissed a joinder by the Ijaws of Ogbe-ijoh consigning 3.1 hectares of Okere (Itsekiri) lands in the Warri High Court and again banned the Ijaws of Ogbe-ijoh from contesting any lands in Warri federal constituency”

 

“The Itsekiris have been silent because we want peace to reign, the Olu hasn't stopped his Ijaw tenants from contesting in 2023 but only the Olu is qualified to negotiate the collective interest of Itsekiris not any politician”.

 

Signed

Gbubemi Awala

Chairman Itsekiri Interest Group.

 

Weyinmi Yalaju

Secretary Itsekiri Interest Group.

Itsekiri Education Trust Commences 2022 Scholarship Application

 Itsekiri Education Trust Commences 2022 Scholarship Application 

 

 Itsekiri Education Trust(IET) under the Leadership of Engr. Gbubemi Akperi has commenced its 2022 Scholarship application for indigent Itsekiri undergraduate students from recognized Nigeria Universities.

 

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P4P Delta Chapter Holds 1-Day retreat against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Violent Criminalities in Delta State

P4P Delta Chapter Holds 1-Day retreat against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Violent Criminalities in Delta State

Group photograph of P4P Members and Guest speakers

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P4P Delta Chapter Holds 1-Day retreat against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Violent Criminalities in Delta State

Prior to the rampant incidents of cultism, drug abuse and killings which has become assume worrisome in Delta State, Partners for Peace in Niger-Delta, Delta State Chapter has held a one day retreat to sensitize the general public on how to eradicate cultism and other related vices in the state.

The Programme which was held on Tuesday February 8, 2022 at Ubeji Community town hall in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, attracted participants from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLA), Nigeria Police Force, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ubeji community Leaders, Ubeji Grammar School, and residents of Ubeji community.

Giving her address at the event, the Delta State Coordinator of P4P, Ms Jennifer Okotie, said that the Programme was a segment of the P4P’s regular engagements with communities in Niger-Delta geared towards promoting lasting peace in the region.

             Members of P4P

Continuing, she said, “This interactive session tagged, ‘Reducing Cult Activities, Drug Abuse and Violent Criminalities in Delta State’ became necessary following increasing wave of cult activities, rising abuse of drugs by the youths, and heinous crimes ravaging our society in recent times.”

She continued, “P4P is a network of peace actors in the 9 Niger-Delta states. Our primary objective is peace building to make our society.a better place to live in. We don’t do litigation but intervene when there is conflict between two “parties” and find a common ground for promoting peace by deploying dialogue, which remains the best option to settling disputes. In doing that, we prevent conflict from escalating.”

Okotie stated  further that avoidance, confrontation, compromise, accommodation and joint problem solving are the major conflict handling styles.

In a similar vein, the keynote speaker, Dr. Andrew Agboro who spoke extensively on the topic, ‘Cultism and Drug Abuse’ averred that Nigeria is ranked among the highest users of dangerous drugs such as alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and opioids in the world, even as he noted that use of dangerous drugs is prevalent among youths, especially students in Nigeria.

He added, “the consequences of drug addiction or drug abuse are so devastating to the extent that both the nation and international Organisations are worried about the spread of this scourge and its devastating effects on the youths.”

He advocated community policing, restructuring of moral fabrics by parents and religious groups, as the panacea for drug abuse and cultism.

In his earlier remarks, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI advocated that community leaders should be held responsible in every community in the event of any crime in the community.

Pastor Egedegbe averred that “Community leaders should be able to profile all members of their community (youths) to identify strangers, that way crimes will easily be nipped in the bud.”

Also, Ambassador Prince Ebiladei of P4P, spiced the event with an elaborate speech that set the tone for questions and suggestions on how to curb cultism, drug abuse and violent criminalities in Delta State.

Other personalities who made quality contributions on how to control the menace of drug abuse, and cultism include: Mr. Eluma Michael of the Nigeria police, Mrs. Ikokeno Melvine, Mrs. Joy Egedegbe, Ms. Efejuku Omasan, of National Orientation Agency, Warri-South LGA, and Ms. Adeosun Olabisi, of NDLEA, Delta Ports.

High point of the event was the released of a communiqué which highlighted measures for ending cultism, drug abuse, and violent criminalities.

The communique reads:

Parents must shoulder the responsibility of educating their children and wards, and the communities should be part of the process.

Youths should desist from cult activities or face the dire consequences of flouting the Delta State unlawful societies and cultism law now fully operational.Incidents of cult activities and other social vices should be reported to law enforcement agencies, including community leaders to ensure effective monitoring and policing of the society.Students are encouraged to take the message of peace to their schools and advise fellow students and peer groups to shun cultism, including educating them on the attendant consequences.

Teaching children about dangers of social vices and imparting good morals to them should start from childhood.Parents should be conscious of the programmes children watch on Television such as cartoons.

Cult activities and abuse of drugs happen everywhere, including our schools, our religious homes. 

Children sometimes pick items from schools and bring them home, of which some parents do not really bother about the habit, therefore, parents should be conscious and be on the alert to know what their children bring home and they should ask questions.

There is need for self-examination, as everyone is aware of the vices ravaging the society. The idea of somebody talking to somebody should be adopted.Surveillance should be activated in the communities so that children who want to buy drugs will be identified and stopped from indulging in the act. Also, patent medicine operators should be discouraged from selling drugs to youths.The youths are the future of our communities. They should be responsible for the building of the communities. There is no reason a youth should be involved in any form of social vices such as cult activities or getting addicted to drugs, and peer group influence is not a reason for partaking in social vices.Government should wake up to her responsibilities and do the needful to nip Cultism, drug abuse and various acts of criminalities in the bud.

It is the primary responsibility of parents and community leaders to be actively involved in handling, managing, and proffering solutions to drug related issues, such as drug abuse and cult activities.

Parents should be responsible for the welfare of their children and wards as most of the problems start from home, churches, and schools.The information, lessons and knowledge learned from the event should be transmitted to various homes and institutions.

ELEMA OF WARRI KINGDOM TO MARRY NATASHA AKPOTI MARCH 5TH

ELEMA OF WARRI KINGDOM TO MARRY NATASHA AKPOTI MARCH 5TH 

The Elema of Warri kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief Natasha Akpoti

ELEMA OF WARRI KINGDOM TO MARRY NATASHA AKPOTI MARCH 5TH 

Preparations are on top gear for the grand wedding ceremony of Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, a prominent and first class Chief of Warri kingdom and his heartthrob, Miss Natasha Akpoti.

The grandeur ceremony is billed to hold on Saturday March 5, 2022 at Ihima, in Kogi State.

Recall that Miss Natasha Akpoti is both a politician and a selfless giver who enjoys giving hope to the hopeless through her massive empowerment programmes and the construction of roads in her home town.

The beauty queen was one time Governorship Candidate under the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Kogi State.

Warri Voice Newspaper gathered from grapevine that the wedding ceremony would attract dignitaries from far and near.

Fuel Queues: NNPC Begins 24-Hours Distribution of Petrol, Reassures Nigerians of Products Sufficiency

 

Fuel Queues: NNPC Begins 24-Hour Distribution Of Petrol, Reassures Nigerians Of Product Sufficiency

 

In a bid to accelerate nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit which was earlier disrupted by the quarantine of methanol-blended petrol, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd has begun a 24 hour distribution of petrol across the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the NNPC reassured Nigerians that it has adequate stock of over one billion litres of certified PMS stock that is safe for use in vehicles and machineries.

 

The National Oil company explained that the quarantine of the methanol blended petrol was a necessary step to safeguard it’s customers from the potential impact of this PMS grade on vehicles and machineries.

As part of its strategy to restock, the NNPC stated that over 2.3 billion liters of PMS has been scheduled for delivery between now and end of February 2022.

This, the statement noted, will restore sufficiency level above the national target of 30 days.

The statement reads, “NNPC Ltd wishes to reassure Nigerians that it has put adequate measures in place to accelerate nationwide distribution of PMS earlier disrupted by the quarantine of methanol-blended petrol.

“The quarantine was a necessary step to safeguard our customers from the potential impact of this PMS grade on vehicles and machineries.

“As of today, NNPC has over one billion litres of certified PMS stock that is safe for use in vehicles and machineries.

“In order to accelerate distribution across the country, we have commenced 24-hour operations at our Depots and Retail outlets.

“As part of NNPC’s strategic restocking, over 2.3 billion liters of PMS is scheduled for delivery between now and end of February 2022, which will restore sufficiency level above the national target of 30 days.”

The NNPC stated further that the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot Owners and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria have also commenced 24-hour loading and dispensing activities in some of their designated outlets.

“Furthermore, NNPC’s monitoring team is collaborating with the Authority (Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Petroluem Authority) and other security agencies to ensure smooth distribution of PMS nationwide.

“NNPC implores Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is sufficient volume of PMS in-country and effort is being made to accelerate distribution to all filling stations,” the statement concluded.

 

 

 

Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

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Host Communities backs OMS Operations, cautions Presidency over re_organization of Security, Maintenance of Pipeline Contract in Delta

Host Communities of Trans- Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos-Warri Refinery Pipeline have unequivocally passed a vote of confidence on the outstanding performance of Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited in Partnering with the host Communities in line with the Federal Government mandate to eradicate Pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and sabotage in the state, just as they cautioned the Presidency over rumoured re-organization of security and maintenance of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos-Warri Refinery Pipeline Contract in Delta State.

They made the declaration in a Press briefing held on Monday February 7, 2022 in Warri.

Parts of the Press statement which was read by Dr.Jeffrey Wilkie and signed by other host community Leaders read thus;

 

"We thank you specifically for your noble initiative by considering Ocean Marine Solutions for the Security and Maintenance Contracts of Trans Forcados Pipeline, OML-40 Export Pipeline and Escravos Warri Refinery Pipeline in Delta State, especially having cognisance of the fact that the essence of this courageous decision was to stop the menance of Pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and sabotage which had taken an unprecedented dimension with the attendant environmental pollution and loss of revenue to government"

"While your intervention has brought so much relief and comfort to the host communities of these critical national assets in Delta State, we heard it on good authority that there is a planned reorganisation to surreptitiously disengage Ocean Marine Solutions in order to serve some selfish interests"

 

"In view of the foregoing, we advice the Federal Government to discountenance such plans by those who profit from Niger Delta instability, as considering same will be counterproductive not only to the interest of the host communities but also the Federal Government that continues to rely on crude oil as a major source of revenue"

"The peaceful coexistence between OMS and the communities have boosted the local economy due to income from youth employment and the multiplier effect from same”

“The current state of near zero Pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities have saved the communities from further environmental pollution and the associated health hazards they pose to indigenes”

“The employment of three thousand youths who hitherto roamed the streets and creeks of Delta State has drastically decreased sea piracy and other forms of crime that were rampant before the engagement of Ocean Marine Solutions”

“The uninterrupted operations on the pipeline has resulted in increase oil production and attendant increase in government revenue thus, ranking Delta State the highest Oil Producing State which has further guaranteed provision of more social amenities to the host communities”

“To this end, we pass a vote of confidence on Ocean Marine Solutions Limited for being most community friendly in the discharge of its corporate social responsibility and also urge your Excellency to properly investigate the allegations and bring to book those unpatriotic elements who are desperate to undermine the peace and stability of Delta State in particular and the Niger Delta in general”.

Speaking to Newsmen shortly after the Press briefing, Ocean Marine Solutions Coordinator, Ekpan Community, Dr. Innocent Adjenughure,  said that since the commencement of the Pipeline Surveillance job by OMS, the rate of vandalism has drastically dropped, just as he appealed to the Federal Government to continue the Pipeline projects with OMS because the company has performed excellently well.

Chairman of Cluster 10, OML-30 on the Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TFP), representing the Urhobo Ethnic Nationality, Mr. Ibuje Joseph  averred that since the engagement of OMS on the TFP project, host communities have benefitted tremendously, saying that "I do not see anybody coming to secure what is in our place better than us". 

He called on the Federal Government to continue with Ocean Marine Solutions who has come to the grassroots for the first time to engage them even as he enjoined the Federal Government to increase the scope of OMS in order to avert future reoccurrence of the recent  Pipeline explosion on the Escravos sea.

Speaking in the same vein, Public Relations Officer of Ologbo community, Mr. Tsola Wilkie stated categorically that OMS  Limited is the most peaceful company that has operated the Pipeline project and has been able to drastically reduce all forms of vandalism in the area by engaging the host communities directly in terms of security, jobs, contract, etc.

Mr. Wilkie further advised the Federal Government not to take the surveillance Contract from OMS Company who have successfully build a friendly and working relationship with the communities, saying that "Any attempt from another company to come and take over their operations, I am afraid because I can not guarantee the security of lives and properties in the environment". 

On his part, Commissioner representing the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in DESOPADEC, NNPC and its Subsidiaries, Hon. Griftson Timeyin Omatsuli opined that the only solution to Niger Delta problems as well as increments in Oil production, is when there is a clear cut agreement with the host communities and other Stakeholders to work together to achieve development of which he pointed out to be the strategy of OMS Company for over five years.

“We have never seen such a wonderful establishment like Ocean Marine Solutions in the Niger Delta Region with a perfect Corporate Social Responsibility. OMS success story started from its grassroots mobilization and engagement of the people who are directly involved and that is why, we will continue to support them”, he added.

Hon. Omatsuli stated further that “Let the Federal Government continue to work with OMS Company because it will be difficult for them to achieve 20% of Oil exploration without these Pipelines been vandalized”.

Give your children the best Education to secure their future - Olori Atuwatse III

Give your children the best Education to  secure their future - Olori Atuwatse III 

R-L: Olori Atuwatse III & Mr. Zion Oshiobugie, Founder of Clever Minds Educational Foundation

Olori Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has charged parents to give their children the best education in order to secure their future, just as she encouraged everyone to urgently support the underprivileged children, noting that they are the future Leaders of our Nation.

Her Majesty made the call recently when she paid a courtesy visit to Clever Minds Primary School, a free Primary School for Orphans and underprivileged Children  in Iyara, a slum community located in Warri South L.G.A. of Delta State.

 Olori Atuwase III disclosed further that her visit was symbolic, emphasizing the need for Parents, Government and all Stakeholders to do everything possible to give children across the continent the best of education.

“Children are no doubt the living messages we send to a time we will not see and as such, it is our responsibility to equip them for the mission ahead,” She stated.

Olori Atuwatse III averred further that, “Watching these innocent children gives me an assurance that the future of Warri and by extension the future of Nigeria looks really good.”

Olori Atuwatse III who was accompanied by Prophet Tomi Arayomi and Tahmar Arayomi, encouraged, and prayed for the children, sending them into their God-ordained destiny.

Earlier in his speech, founder of Clever Minds Educational Foundation, Mr. Zion Oshiobugie, thanked Olori Atuwatse III for finding it necessary to identify with the pupils in the slum community as well as build hope in them of a better future.

Oshiobugie stated further that the School, which is one of the Educational Initiatives of Clever-Minds Educational Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization, has made history being the first free Private School built primarily to give free education to those who cannot afford it.

Highpoint of the day was Her Majesty’s visit to the Foundation’s ongoing STEM Hub Construction Project, followed by several outstanding performances by the pupils in appreciation of the Royal visit to the school.

Dialogue is the Ultimate to Conflict Resolution - Dr. David Udofia

Dialogue is the  Ultimate to Conflict Resolution - Dr. David Udofia

Group photograph of some Stakeholders of Warri MSP including  Peace-building Programme Manager of the Partnership Initiative for Niger Delta(PIND), Dr. David Udofia(6th: L-R) & High Chief Lawal Africas, the Partners for Peace Network Coordinator & Warri MSP Facilitator

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By Tetsoma Neyin

Dialogue is the  Ultimate to Conflict Resolution - Dr. David Udofia

Peace-building Programme Manager of the Partnership Initiative for Niger Delta(PIND), Dr. David Udofia has declared that dialogue is the ultimate to conflict resolution which has to do with identification of stakeholders within the localities.

Dr. David Udofia whose portfolio covers the entire Niger Delta region made the declaration during the Warri MSP 2021 end of year get together party held on Saturday January 22nd, 2022 at the famous G.T Guest House, in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.

High Chief Lawal Africas & Dr. David Udofia

The Peace Builder Expert, Dr. David Udofia averred that "No matter the level of conflict, no matter the resources committed into management of conflict, if you do not head back to dialogue, you cannot completely resolve that conflict, because dialogue gives people the opportunity to express their views and talk with some level of criticism, as well as find solutions within themselves to address the conflict.

He stated further that, Warri MSP which is a brain child of PIND foundation, founded three years ago has been able to live up to expectations of PIND’s core values of partnering with stakeholders within the localities to resolve crisis based on the report of peace and unity coming from the Itsekiris and the Ijaws domiciling within the three Warri Local Government Areas.

Earlier in his opening speech , Co-Chairman of Warri Multi-Stakeholders Platform, Dr. Jeffery Wilkie, thanked members of Warri MSP for their relentless efforts in driving the peace building initiative of Warri MSP across the three Warri Local Government Areas, even as he encouraged everyone to give in their best so as to achieve greater success this new year. 

Other key Stakeholders of Warri MSP who remarked on how the various Leadership trainings organized by Warri MSP have impact positively on their leadership decisions in resolving conflicts in their communities are; Chief Mike Odeli, Hon. Eboh Okpako Elvis(Pioneer Secretary General of Warri MSP), and Apostle Dennis Ebiwoni amongst others.

Speaking to Warri Voice Newspaper shortly after the ceremony,  High Chief Lawal Africas, the Partners for Peace Network Coordinator and the Warri MSP Facilitator said that their major focus for 2022  which is the year that critical election decisions would be taken, is to work continually in ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta Region live in peace and harmony especially in the three Warri Local Government Areas even as he looked forward in getting the support of the people.

High point of the ceremony was a beautiful poem presented by Ayola Mabiaku which centered on the need for peaceful co-existence amongst the Itsekiris and Ijaws which was further translated in Pidgin English, Itsekiri and Ijaw dialects by members of Warri MSP.

Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Scholarship Portal to open February 1st

Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Scholarship Portal to open February 1st

President of Ugbajo Itsekiri U.S.A, Mr. Jemine Okotie-Yesin

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Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Scholarship Portal to open February 1st

Itsekiri Sons and Daughters in the United States of America under the aegis of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA have concluded plans to commence this year’s Tertiary Institution Scholarship Programme for indigent Itsekiri undergraduate students.

According to a memo sent to Warri Voice Newspaper through the Chairman of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Scholarship Committee, Mr. Lucky Omiretsuli Mayor, who is currently the Vice President of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, said that the scholarship portal will be officially open for students to fill and submit the scholarship form from February 1, through March 31, 2022, from their website; www.ugbajoitsekiriusa.org.  

Mr. Mayor averred that the date for the examination will be sent to the phone numbers and email addresses which will be submitted by the students during the course of filling the scholarship forms, saying that publications would also be made to that effect.

In a telephone chat with Warri Voice Newspaper, President of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, Mr. Jemine Okotie-Yesin urged Itsekiri sons and daughters who are eligible to take advantage of the opportunity before them, even as he assured that they are always happy to assist their people back home.

Mr. Okotie-Yesin further referred prospective applicants to contact their proactive scholarship Consultant, Mr. A.S. Mene on 08023380127, founder of Solid Education Centre who is fully on ground to give them all necessary information and support they might need.