Unfolding the reality
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2026 INC Convention: Okaba Calls for Strategic Global Engagement in the ljaw Struggle and Territorial Mapping
Just-ln: Delta State Government to Commence Students Bursary Award Payment March 10th, 2026
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board is pleased to inform the general public, especially students of Delta State origin currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, that disbursement for the 2024/2025 Students Special Assistance Scheme (Bursary Award) will commence on 10th March 2026.
This payment is strictly for eligible Delta State students who have successfully completed the required registration and verification processes for the 2024/2025 Bursary Award.
The Board encourages all beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic pursuits and continue to uphold the pride, excellence, and integrity of Delta State in their respective institutions.
Dr. Godfrey O. Enita
Executive Secretary
Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board
Gov. Diri Advocates for More ljaw States Creation, Commends Prof. Okaba Led INC Executive for Enlisting ljaw Nation into United Nations' Organization
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to sustain the agitation for creation of more states, apart from Bayelsa.
Governor Diri stated this on Friday during the 2026 INC national convention at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
He implored his kinsmen not to relent on the demand for creation of two additional states out of the three the ethnic group originally agitated for.
Governor Diri restated his advocacy for the practice of true and fiscal federalism in the country, noting that the present lopsided structure could be best described as “unitary federalism.”
He contended that states, including Bayelsa, would be better developed if they controlled one hundred per cent of their resources and pay tax to the federal government.
"This is a struggle we must continue and if we cannot achieve it in our time, we will hand it over to our children. Our land and waters have nourished this nation and fuelled its economic activities and yet for too long we have borne the unfortunate environmental damage and social disadvantage.
He advised contestants for various positions in Saturday’s election to bear in mind that the major task ahead of them was the overriding interest of the ethnic nationality rather than their personal considerations.
He charged the incoming leadership to continue the task of reviving Ijaw cultural values and language and ensure that the dreams of the founding fathers were achieved.
He advocated for a shift from protest-driven advocacy to stronger global engagement, and described the gathering as a milestone for leadership renewal and a re-assessment of the organisation’s direction.
The INC President announced new strategic initiatives, including a Territorial Mapping Project aimed at digitally documenting Ijaw ancestral lands to support environmental monitoring and resource negotiations.
As part of efforts to strengthen unity, he said the INC has registered 15 affiliate groups to work together in amplifying the Ijaw voice on national and international platforms.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Niger Delta Resource Control Struggle: A Historic Debt to Our Fallen Heroes and Living Defenders,___ Mingo
Niger Delta Youth leader Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka has declared that, Niger Delta struggle for resource control, environmental justice, and true federalism in the Niger Delta did not emerge by chance, nor was it gifted by the Nigerian state. It was forced into national consciousness through decades of sacrifice, resistance, intellectual courage, and physical struggle by the sons and daughters of the Niger Delta.
At the forefront of this historic movement were late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (CON) of Kiagbodo, a towering voice of conscience; late His Royal Majesty Isaac A. Thikan, a custodian of tradition and defender of ancestral rights; and many other departed heroes whose names may not always appear in headlines but whose blood, sweat, and sacrifices shaped the destiny of the region. These leaders spoke truth to power at great personal cost, confronting oil multinationals and the Nigerian state over environmental devastation, economic exclusion, and political marginalisation.
The youth leader mingo revealed that the agitation for resource control was never an ethnic project. It was a regional survival struggle a collective demand by Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ogoni, Ibibio, Efik, Ibeno, Ilaje, and other ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta who share the same polluted rivers, devastated farmlands, and neglected communities.
It is in response to the unrelenting agitation of these leaders that the Federal Government established intervention frameworks such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Presidential Amnesty Programme, oil pipeline surveillance security arrangements, and the constitutional provision of 13% derivation for oil-producing states.
These structures were not acts of charity. They were concessions wrested from the Nigerian state by pressure, sacrifice, and resistance. They exist because the Niger Delta refused to remain silent while its wealth developed other regions and left its own people in poverty.
Crucially, these intervention agencies and policies are meant to serve the entire Niger Delta region, not the Ijaw nation alone. They are regional instruments designed to address infrastructural decay, youth unemployment, environmental remediation, and economic inclusion across all Niger Delta ethnic nationalities.
The truth must be stated clearly: without the sacrifices of the past heroes, there would be no NDDC, no Amnesty Programme, no Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, no pipeline surveillance opportunities, and no meaningful derivation for oil-producing states. The relative peace and economic stability enjoyed today are built on the graves, imprisonments, exile, and persecution of Niger Delta patriots.
The Niger Delta therefore owes its fallen heroes more than ceremonial praise. It owes them vigilance, unity, accountability, and the protection of the ideals for which they fought. Their struggle was genuine, their sacrifices priceless, and their legacy non-negotiable.
Alapala Congratulates Guwor on Emergence as Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.
Hon. Alapala, while reacting to the development, described the emergence of Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor as well-deserved, noting that it is a clear case of a round peg in a round hole. He stressed that Mr Speaker’s leadership qualities, experience, and outstanding performance naturally earned him the confidence of his colleagues nationwide.
The former Minority Whip further commended Mr Speaker for once again placing Delta State and the Ijaw Nation prominently on the national map, describing him as a "Legislative Extraordinaire" whose visionary leadership has continued to define the success and remarkable achievements of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
President Tinubu Backs Gov. Fubara, Declares him as the Leader of APC in Rivers State
In an emerging trend, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had openly canvased support for the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on media and policy implementation, Daniel Bwala, the president said that Mr. Wike has been adequately compensated and cannot do more at the expense of interest of Nigeria.
The president also affirmed the Governor as the undisputed leader of the party in Rivers State, stating that nobody should stop the governor from discharging his duties as governor of Rivers State.
Mr. Timaya, the Undisputable Afro-Dancehall Genre King, his Birth and Music Career in the Past Two Decades
Inetimi Alfred Odon known professionally as Timaya, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records. Often referred to as "Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa," he is a pioneer of the Afro-dancehall genre, blending Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, reggae, and soca.
"Timaya" is derived from his childhood nickname "Timi," combined with the idea of "getting higher" or making progress.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 15 1980,but hails from Odi in Bayelsa State.
Timaya's solo career launched in 2005 with his breakout single "Dem Mama," which addressed the 1999 Odi m@ssacre in his home state of Bayelsa. Since then, he has released several successful albums and hit singles:
His discography includes 👇
* True Story (2007)
* Gift and Grace (2008), *De Rebirth (2010), *Upgrade (2012), *Epiphany (2014),
*Chulo Vibes (2019),
*Gratitude (2020), and Gladiator.
Notable tracks include "Plantain Boy," "Bum Bum," "Sanko," "I Can't K!ll Myself," "Cold Outside" (feat. Buju), and "Sweet Us"
He is one of Nigeria's most decorated artists, having won:
* Four Headies Awards.
* Two AFRIMMA Awards.
*A Nigeria Music Award and a NEA Award.
In late 2025 and early 2026, Timaya has continued releasing music, including the single "BIG MAN TING" and performing at events like "Timaya Day" in Abuja and Bayelsa.
As of late 2024, Timaya remained unm@rried, stating he preferred his indep£ndence while remaining a committed fäther to his chîldrêñ,despite having ¢hîldrêñ with three dîffèr£Ã±t wômen.
#fblifestyle
Engr. Yeigagha Lauds Delta State NULGE for Successful Hosting of 2025 Worker's Day in Grand Style
Francis Tayor
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Delta State, yesterday marked the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in a grand and colourful ceremony held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, the state capital. The event witnessed massive participation as workers from all the twenty-five (25) local government councils converged in Asaba to celebrate labour, resilience, and unity.
The historic event was chaired by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, and attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including labour leaders, government officials, and notable stakeholders, underscoring the significance of workers to the socio-economic development of Delta State.
Speaking at the occasion, the National President of NULGE, Nigeria, Higj Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara and the Delta State President of NULGE, High Comrade Ogberititinor Obatarhe, commended the workaholic Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his responsiveness to the welfare needs of workers. They applauded the Governor for maintaining a cordial relationship with labour and for his prompt implementation of NULGE’s demands aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
Key achievements highlighted include the regular payment of workers’ salaries, the settlement of ₦40 billion covering six years’ arrears of pensioners’ gratuities, and the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage, among other worker-friendly initiatives.
The celebration featured an impressive march-past by the 25 local government councils, reflecting unity and solidarity among workers. The highlight of the event was the raffle draw, which produced a brand-new South African Toyota car as the star prize, alongside other items such as freezers, a 3.8 KVA generator, and a standing fan, all won by deserving workers.
In addition to the star prizes, consolation prizes were presented to staff who won raffle draws at their respective councils but did not emerge as star prize winners. Furthermore, the event recognised diligence and discipline with the presentation of consolation prizes to the most punctual staff in each of the 25 local government councils across the state, a gesture widely applauded by workers.
The event also witnessed the presentation of ₦200,000 cash awards each to twenty-five (25) recently retired local government staff across the state. The welfare gesture is part of a special retirement support scheme instituted by the Immediate Past State President of NULGE, Delta State, High Comrade Osita Ezeko Okwudi.
Also speaking, the Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Wilson Asekutu appealed to the state government to consider the provision of low-cost housing schemes for local government workers. Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, assured Labour that the government would look into the requests with a view to taking appropriate action.
At the close of the event, the Deputy State President of NULGE, Delta State, Comrade Cyril Ozegbe, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the Delta State Government, labour leaders, and workers for their support and active participation, which contributed immensely to the success of the celebration.
Commending the success of the event, Engr. Yeigagha Henry, Former Branch Chairman of NULGE, Burutu Chapter, expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing an enabling environment for labour harmony. He also lauded the NULGE Delta State Executive Council for the excellent organisation of the event and the Branch Chairmen across the councils for effective mobilisation of workers that ensured a massive turnout at the Cenotaph.
The NULGE Workers’ Day Celebration 2025 stands as a testament to effective collaboration between government and labour in advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening industrial peace in Delta State.
IPF Eleco Screens Aspirants as Forum Sets to Elect New Leadership January 30, 2026 in Warri
The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) National Electoral Committee (IPF N-ELECO) said that the electoral body has successfully screened some of the aspirants jostling to occupy executive leadership positions in the Forum whose election is scheduled to hold on Friday, January 30, 2026.
This was disclosed by the chairman of the IPF N-ELECO, Mr. Abai Francis, and Secretary, Elder Cletus Opukeme, after the conclusion of screening exercises at the Africa 4 Peace Center at Ugolo near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The IPF N-ELECO Chairman disclosed that the exercise was a fruitful one as all of the aspirants who showed up for the exercise met with the requirements and that they have been cleared for the forthcoming election on Friday in the same venue.
The IPF N-ELECO further disclosed that those who could not show up for the screening exercise due to unforeseen circumstances will be communicated on the alternative means online with a financial fine attached.
Speaking on the election earlier scheduled to hold on February 13, the IPF N-ELECO said the first schedule was reviewed and that the date was brought forward to give more room for the planning of the inauguration as the current IPF exco tenure elapses on February 29.
"The screening exercise was a successful one. Those who attended and scaled through have been cleared to contest as candidates for the various offices of their interest.
"For those who could not attend, we have already set in motion an alternative to give them room for them to undergo the screening, but with financial obligations attached as compensation for the incurring of additional costs on the IPF N-ELECO," Mr. Abai added.
The IPF N-ELECO called on candidates in the contest to abide by the rules guiding the electoral process while it assured of a fair and transparent process to bring in qualified exco members to pilot the affairs of the body.
Mr. Timaya, the Undisputable Afro-Dancehall Genre King, his Birth and Music Career in the Past Two Decades
Inetimi Alfred Odon known professionally as Timaya, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records. Often referred to as "Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa," he is a pioneer of the Afro-dancehall genre, blending Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, reggae, and soca.
"Timaya" is derived from his childhood nickname "Timi," combined with the idea of "getting higher" or making progress.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 15 1980,but hails from Odi in Bayelsa State.
Timaya's solo career launched in 2005 with his breakout single "Dem Mama," which addressed the 1999 Odi m@ssacre in his home state of Bayelsa. Since then, he has released several successful albums and hit singles:
His discography includes 👇
* True Story (2007)
* Gift and Grace (2008), *De Rebirth (2010), *Upgrade (2012), *Epiphany (2014),
*Chulo Vibes (2019),
*Gratitude (2020), and Gladiator.
Notable tracks include "Plantain Boy," "Bum Bum," "Sanko," "I Can't K!ll Myself," "Cold Outside" (feat. Buju), and "Sweet Us"
He is one of Nigeria's most decorated artists, having won:
* Four Headies Awards.
* Two AFRIMMA Awards.
*A Nigeria Music Award and a NEA Award.
In late 2025 and early 2026, Timaya has continued releasing music, including the single "BIG MAN TING" and performing at events like "Timaya Day" in Abuja and Bayelsa.
As of late 2024, Timaya remained unm@rried, stating he preferred his indep£ndence while remaining a committed fäther to his chîldrêñ,despite having ¢hîldrêñ with three dîffèr£Ã±t wômen.
#fblifestyle
Friday, January 23, 2026
Opinion: Governor Oborevwori as the Award Winner in the University of Governance_By: Dr. Enewaridideke Ekanpou
Every university has a best graduating student identified in every convocation ceremony. In the University of Governance the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been identified as the best graduating student. This is purely based on his spectacular and superfragilisticexpialidocious performance in courses GLS 101 Infrastructural Development, GLS 102 Bursary and scholarship, GLS 103 Peace-building and Conflict Resolution, GLS 104 Pension and Gratuity Clearanc and other courses. These highlighted courses are the major courses which have marked Governor Oborevwori out as a prodigy of erudition. In the University of Governance this remarkable performance goes with an academic award that entitles the award-winning student to lecture in the University as long as he wishes until his retirement age arrives.
The fact that Governor Oborevwori is the best graduating student in the University of Governance demands celebration in Delta State. To achieve this in a university with a population of over 200 million students attests to Oborevwori's academic commitment and genius. For me it is a pointer to a developmental transformation waiting for Deltans in cyclic spirals.
Matriculation of students at the University of Governance is strictly an annual ritual. Oborevwori was matriculated in 2023. Shortly after his matriculation with the required o' level credentials that had 'A' (excellent) in the five key subjects demanded for his admission, petitions from some self-acclaimed aggrieved persons to the school authority sought the invalidation of Oborevwori's admission on the ground that his papers were forged. The school authority immediately empanelled a committee of ten professors to investigate the matter. Before the ten-man committee could conclude their findings, it was emblazoned all over the media space that Oborevwori had been withdrawn from the University of Governance for falsification of admission credentials. The intensity of this withdrawal news was such that the committee was forced to publicly refute this propaganda as a deliberate plot of enemies to tarnish the image of the student.
In every home the propaganda of Oborevwori's withdrawal from the University of Governance takes exaggerated dimensions that are rhetorically embellished despite the public denunciation and refutation of it by the ten-man committee. The mind of the public has been wrongly poisoned against Oborevwori. On account of this mind-poisoning the waiting public becomes intensely interested in the outcome of the committee. At last the report of the investigative committee was published upon a meticulous investigation.
The admission credentials of Oborevwori were found authentic and flawless. He was asked to pursue his beloved academic dream with vigour, insensitive to 'laboured' distractions. Based on the credentials before them, the committee was quite optimistic and categorical that Oborevwori had the needed intellectual bandwidth to accomplish his course of study without extension at the University of Governance. It was a jubilation galore for the core believers of Oborevwori when the report of the committee flooded the media space.
Another propaganda stormed the media space not too long after the admission credentials of Oborevwori had been validated and certified by the ten-man committee. For the masterminds of credentials-falsification propaganda, the report of the committee was a product of manipulation. For the masterminds and non-believers of Oborevwori, his subsequent performance in his chosen field of study from 100 level to 400 level would tell the true story of his admission credentials. In the eyes of the public Oborevwori was being watched and monitored from every corner of the world to see if his academic performance would be a matching reflection of his excellent admission credentials. With this
awaiting pressure he was further compelled to be more hardworking in his chosen field of study.
At the University of Governance the 100 level, 200 level and 300-level results are the most reliable determinant of a student's projected performance at the time of graduation. Specifically, when the results of Oborevwori in 100, 200 and 300 levels were collated, he had excellent in GLS 101 Infrastructural Development, GLS 102 Bursary and Scholarship, GLS 103 Peace-building and Conflict Resolution, GLS 104 Pension and Gratuity Clearance. He also had excellent in GLS 105 Public Administration, GLS 106 Ethnic Harmony and Integration and GLS 106 Historiography and History of Ethnic Symmetry, which are electives from the departments of Political Science and Nigerian History. Over the years any student with excellent performance in these highlighted courses right from 100 level to 300 level is usually projected as the best graduating student in the University of Governance. By the age-long tradition of academic projection, Governor Oborevwori has become the best graduating student in the University. This is a development that deserves deafening applause from all Deltans.
In the history of the University of Governance no student has had an unbroken GPA of 5.000 from 100 level to 300 level without retreat by the smallest step in the yearly academic record but Oborevwori has just done it. By the projection and opinion polls of the university, Oborevwori is the best graduating student in 2026. The projected performance of Oborevwori in 2026 will never fall below his performance in the previous levels. Core demand of the best graduating student award is the retention of the student to teach in the university so that the school tap the academic resources of the awardee. However, the awardee is at liberty to turn down the retention demand if he or she does not like it.
It has come to stay as a general acknowledgement that Governor Oborevwori is the best graduating student in the University of Governance. The traditional demand of this honour is the retention of the awardee as a lecturer in the university. With the projected earth-shaking performance of Oborevwori in the University of Governance, he may be tempted by alluring offers from oil companies within and without, to leave the country in the pursuit of greener pastures. We are Deltans; as Deltans, let us entice Governor Oborevwori with irresistible incentives to remain in the University of Governance as a lecturer after graduation.
Oborevwori is a genius and geniuses are a rarity in every generation. Let all Deltans prayerfully appeal to Oborevwori to remain and irrigate the University of Governance with his widely acclaimed knowledge after his projected graduation in 2026. If we are lucky to retain Governor Oborevwori after his graduation, his genius shall be enjoyed in Delta State from now till 2031 since the University of Governance is located in Delta State.
Dear Governor Oborevwori, we know that you have activated an award to be given annually to the best graduating student in any of the universities in Delta state; however, we shall be glad to retain you as a lecturer in the University of Governance after your graduation in 2026 because we need you administratively as a prodigy of erudition from 2026 till 2031 - a time by which you must have produced proteges to walk on your surveyed path without distraction and deflection.
Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State
Rivers Chief Judge Declines Assembly’s Request to Probe Gov. Fubara, Deputy
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined a request by the Rivers State House of Assembly to constitute a panel to probe Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
This decision was conveyed in a letter personally signed by the Chief Judge and addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
Justice Amadi acknowledged receipt of the House resolution requesting the establishment of a seven-man investigative panel but stated that he is restrained from acting due to a subsisting court order.
He further disclosed that an appeal filed by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, against the interim order is currently before the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, and that he has been duly served with the relevant court processes.
According to the Chief Judge, the existence of the interim injunction and the pending appeal legally prevents him from exercising his constitutional responsibility under Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in the matter.
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