IYC will Continue to Promote Peace in N/Delta, Nigeria _Amb. Binebai

IYC will Continue to Promote Peace in N/Delta, Nigeria _Amb. Binebai

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

Press Statement 

21/09/2023

IYC Will Continue To Champion Peace In Niger Delta, Nigeria 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has promised to consolidate and fashion out more ways in preaching and championing peaceful initiatives in Niger Delta, Nigeria and the world at large. 

The Ijaw Youth Council as a critical group in Niger Delta, Nigeria and beyond, we know the importance of peace in the World, hence we will do everything within our powers by working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders in maintaining peace and tranquility in Nigeria and beyond. War is a scourge that must be resisted by all well meaning youths across the World. 

However, IYC will always resort to peaceful and legal means in demanding for justice, fairness and equity in the Nigerian State. Peace is indeed priceless as we must discourage violence under any guise. 

According to un.org, "The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire."

The main significance of celebrating the International Day of Peace Day or World Peace Day is to foster a culture of peace and non-violence across global communities. It creates awareness among people about the disastrous effects of conflicts, wars, and violence, thereby encouraging them to adopt cease-fire initiatives.

This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.

Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization."

If the World needs peace more than ever, the Ijaw Youth Council is saying that Niger Delta and Nigeria at large needs peace more than ever. We stand for a peaceful and united Nigeria.

Signed:

Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, Spokesman Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

N/Delta Group Hails Ndiomu for Reviving PAP Aviation Training Program

N/Delta Group Hails Ndiomu for Reviving PAP Aviation Training Program 

The Niger Delta Grand Initiative (NDGI) has hailed the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major-General Barry Ndiomu, for reviving the PAP’s Aviation Training Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, over eight years after it was first conceived.

The social pressure group maintained that Ndiomu’s administrative focus and revival of the stalled training programme is a testament of his dedication to the empowerment of Niger Delta ex-agitators in line with the vision and mission of the PAP as well as the recognition to build the capacity of the region and the people.

In a press statement following the flagging-off ceremony of the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers for ex-agitators of the Niger Delta in Lagos, the group said Ndiomu deserved to be celebrated as an icon for "capacity development" for accomplishing what his predecessors could not achieve even with the injection of greater funds into the PAP while they held sway.

"We are aware that the training is being provided by Alom Aviation Services Limited adjudged one of the best in the aviation training industry and we use this forum to align ourselves with the words of 

Ndiomu to those uninformed individuals who have been misinterpreting the Programme’s vision and mission" the group stated.

"We urge those pessimists to pay attention to both the Programme's short and long-term benefits especially now because the aviation sector is a significant touch-point for global commerce".

The training according to NDGI  presents a window into a future of greater benefits for the region  and the people and Nigeria at large.

The group argued that professional training such as the aviation scheme, would enhance regional skills of ex-agitators and youths which would in turn contribute to growth, bring peace to the Niger Delta as well as change the socio- economic narrative of the region.

The NDGI particularly agreed with Ndiomu on the issue of exportation of the trainees’ knowledge upon graduation in the pursuit of greener pastures since they would definitely add value to the Nigerian economy with their work abroad through foreign exchange remittance. 

"We therefore urge Niger Deltans to encourage and support Ndiomu for the initiatives being pursued in the PAP due to its huge benefits to the region and for his outstanding contributions  over the course of his one year in office" the statement emphasized.

The NDGI also enjoined the beneficiaries to maintain discipline during the training and remain focused on the greater objective for the collective good of the Niger Delta Region.

FG to Reclaim DSC Lands from illegal Occupants Soon, PSML Warns Developers

FG to Reclaim DSC Lands from illegal Occupants Soon, PSML Warns Developers 

Warri ____ Premium Steel and Mines Limited, current owners and operators of the defunct Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja, Delta State, has again cautioned land speculators and property developers to be wary of landed property acquired by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the purpose of developing the largest integrated steel complex in sub-Sahara Africa, adding that those making use of desperate vendors and building on federal government acquired lands risks losing their investments as the Federal Government can start to take action anytime.

The Director of Legal Affairs, Premium Steel and Mines Limited, Barr Emmanuel Agbaje, in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday, stated that all the land on both sides and around the expressway from Igbiki and NBTC Junction to the Steel Plant are for the Federal Government and the aim is to develop and expand the Delta Steel Company.

According to him, there are subsisting courts injunctions stopping land speculators from trespassing on the aforementioned property and very soon action shall be taken against those building on the land.

Barr Agbaje disclosed that Premium Steel and Mines Limited have always warned land speculators from encroaching on those lands as they belong to the federal government and whoever refuses to listen to these warnings will soon face problems.

He said: “As we stated in our earlier warnings, the Federal Government which acquired those land did not at any time release the land to anybody for sale to land speculators.

“Those running from one court to the other in search of judicial pronouncement to back their sinister activities should understand that when the Federal Government bulldozers start pulling down those structures, PSML should not be blamed for the loss of their investment. They shall surely reap the whirlwind in due course.

“We are repeating these warnings so nobody would blame us when things start happening. Our newspaper publications and advertorials at huge cost to us will stand as witnesses against the trespassers. Nobody is above the law. However good your case is, if you flout valid court orders there must be consequences.

“It can take five, ten or even twenty years for the government to act. Act they must someday and when the bulldozers start coming, ignorance of the real owner (Federal Government of Nigeria) will not spare the illegally acquired property from the bulldozers.

“Government is already aware of the situation and it may act anytime soon. Buildings as tall as ten-storey edifices have been brought down by government bulldozers in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country.

“Let me repeat for the umpteenth time, stay away from DSC lands in and around the steel plant and other locations in Delta state so as not to lose your investments. Government is aware of the dubious activities of those encroaching on the lands and very soon, the federal government will come and take over that which they already acquired many years ago.”

PAP: Group blasts N/Deltans over incessant attacks on Ndiomu, warns against PHD syndrome

PAP: Group blasts N/Deltans over incessant attacks on Ndiomu, warns against PHD syndrome 

 

Yenagoa ____ A pressure group, the Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) has expressed concern over the pervading culture of the pull him down syndrome among some groups in the Niger Delta, saying the trend if not checked, will impact the region’s overall development as those charged with the responsibility of driving growth in the region could be discouraged from performing optimally.

Arising from a meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital to proffer ways for an inclusive participation of all ethnic groups in the affairs of the region, they frowned at the role of some groups whose incessant protests, agitations, petition writing and negative media appearances was demarketing the Niger Delta and setting the people backwards.

In a statement signed by Ebitimi Kurowei, Chairman and Ekpe Ekpe-Ekere, Publicity Secretary, they noted in particular the unwarranted, uncultured and unconstructive attacks against the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu who from our observation has repositioned the Programme in line with the ideals of the founding fathers.

Since assumption of office a year ago as Interim Administrator, the NDPA says it is aware that General Ndiomu has recorded milestones successes in managing the PAP with added value in the reintegration process to build the capacity of ex-agitators and youths as part of the ongoing action to grow the economy and provide different skill-sets for people in the region.

The statement noted that “In this part of the world people are known to applaud the good works of their sons and daughters in public offices but regrettably, we find it unsettling and disturbing that despite the recorded milestones, the facetious petitions against the Interim Administrator are orchestrated by people from a particular ethnic group from two states in the region who share some affinity with him”.

‘’It is therefore surprising that the petitions and criticisms notwithstanding, the Presidential Amnesty Programme under General Ndiomu has recorded landmark successes with the PAP Cooperative Society legacy project, a well thought out scheme to provide financial empowerment through loans for those ex-agitators who are expected to apply for funds to enable them to grow and manage their personal businesses instead of building their futures around a meagre monthly stipend” it stated.

The Niger Delta Peace Advocates described those critics of General Ndiomu as selfish, greedy and unsatiated ingrates who see the Presidential Amnesty Programme as a cash cow and expects any chief executive officer to play ball with them in the spirit of business as usual or be disparaged and denigrated through public trial using the press, particularly the online media and bloggers as attack tools.

They flayed the culture of entitlement among some ethnic groups within the Niger Delta arguing that the mentality encourages indolence, unproductivity and in the long run hinders socio-economic growth in the region.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established with a clear mandate to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate ex-agitators and it has run for more than fourteen years and if past chief executive officers who had huge resources had taken the initiatives introduced now by General Ndiomu, the majority of ex-agitators would have been successful drivers of the Niger Delta economy” the statement emphasized.

The Niger Delta Peace Advocates condemned the persistent, consistent and continuing campaigns of calumny against General Ndiomu who has however remained resolute in his resolve to do what is right and good for the ex-agitators while at the same time restoring the integrity and dignity of the PAP. “While we encourage him to excel and condemn those promoting the pull him down syndrome, we will not also hesitate to be critical of him though constructively, if he steps out of line” the statement added...

Judiciary: Bozimo, Falana’s wife, Okorotie, 66 others make SAN’s list

Judiciary: Bozimo, Falana’s wife, Okorotie, 66 others make SAN’s list 

Abuja____ The immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta State, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo; Mrs. Folashade Alli, daughter of renowned legal giant, Chief Afe Babalola and wife of rights activist, Femi Falana, Funmi are among lawyers that have been shortlisted for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria by Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).

Bozimo is the eldest son of a former Chief Judge of Delta State and former Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Mrs. Rosaline Irorefe Bozimo. His father, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, was a former Nigerian Minister of Police Affairs.

Also shortlisted by the LPPC for the SAN rank are popular constitutional lawyer, Dr. Kayode Ajulo; Felix Tamara Udenke Mefa Okorotie; Bomo Agbebi; Daniel Uruakpa; Felix Offia; Lawrence Falade and Kingsley Obamogie.

The list of those recommended for consideration was released in a statement issued by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) on Thursday.

“Also, after the independent appeals hearing and chambers inspection, preparatory to the interview stage in the process for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the successful Applicants for the year 2023.

“All qualified shortlisted applicants are graded under two-category systems by the LPPC, namely advocates and academic applicants respectively.”

SEE FULL LIST BELOW:

Shortlisted Advocate Applicants In Order Of Seniority At The Bar

1 Felix Ota Offia, Esq

2 Lawrence Bankole Falade, Esq

3 Kingsley Osabuohein Obamogie, Esq

4 Folashade Abosede Alli, Esq

5 Abiola Isiaq Oyebanji, Esq

Bomo Olakunle Agbebi, Esq

Daniel Osinach Uruakpa, Esq

Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe, Esq

Babatund E Adeoye, Esq

Babseyi Sigismund Joseph, Esq

Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, Esq

Kehinde Olufemi Aina, Esq

Ngozi Chido Olehi, Esq

Aaron Chileokwu Okoroma, Esq

Ibrahim Dalhatu Angulu, Esq

Olayiwola Emmanue L Afolabi, Esq

Sule Shu’aibu,Esq

Abiodun Olanrewaju Olaleru, Esq

Alfred Olufemi Atteh, Esq

Kazeem Adekunl E Sobaloju, Esq

Shehu Wadaabdullahi, Esq

Bamidele Ibironke Olawoye,Esq

Oluwaseyilayo Akinkunmi Ojo, Esq

Funmi Falana, Esq

Felix Tamara Udenke Mefa Okorotie, Esq

Oluwagbenga Seun Ajayi, Esq

Friday Ramses Aku Onoja, Esq

John Agada Elachi, Esq

Bola Razaq Gold, Esq

Paul Kasimanu Wamad Uemene, Esq

Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, Esq

Oluwole Aladedoye, Esq

Paul Yn Osobhase Abhulimen, Esq

Jonathan Taidi Gunu, Esq

Tochukwu Jude Onyiuke, Esq

Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Esq

Christpher Adapar Umar , Esq

Chibueze Ogechi Ogbonna,Esq

Yemi Adewale M’sbaudeen Adesina, Esq

Omoyemi Lateef Akangbe, Esq

Olumide Akin Wale Olujinmi , Esq

Musa Adamu Aliyu, Esq

Fidelis Chuk Wunonye Mbadugha, Esq

Onyemaechi Chkwudi Adiukwu, Esq

Ikechukwu Philip Onuoma, Esq

Yakubu Philemon, Esq

Johnny Ugwugwaye Agim, Esq

Aliyu Lemu Ibrahim, Esq

49 . Isaiah Bozimo, Esq

Prisca Ozoiloesike, Esq

Yahaya Dan’asabe Dangana, Esq

Adeola Oluwaseun Adedipe, Esq

Adedayo Samue Ladedeji, Esq

Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Esq

Musaahmed Attah, Esq

Ayotunde Foluso Ogunleye, Esq

Olayemi Badewole, Esq

Shortlisted Academic Applicants In Order Of Seniority At The Bar

Prof. John Alewo Agbonika

Prof. Osy Chukwu Chukwunyere Nwebo

Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule

Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri

Prof. Mohammed Lawal Ahmadu

Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion

Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo

Prof. Babatunde Adetunji Oni

Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu

Prof. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke

Prof. Benedicta Lopez Daudu

Prof. Omoniyi Bukola Akintola.

Gov. Diri congratulate Lokpobiri, 9th NEC, vows continue support for IYC

Gov. Diri congratulate Lokpobiri, 9th NEC, vows continue support for IYC

.....As President Jonathan promises stronger Ijaw Youth Council

Binebai Princewill

Yenagoa _____ His Excellency, The Governor of Bayelsa State, also known as the Governor general of Ijaw Nation, Sen. Douye Diri has congratulated the 9th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and its President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri. The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide can report.

The Governor while congratulating the new national officers of the Ijaw Youth Council had also vowed to stand by the IYC to continue his support for council.

Governor Douye Diri made the remark at his mansion in Esampou, Bayelsa State while receiving the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) national executive Council, founding fathers, leadership of parliament, former Presidents of council, Zonal structures, elders Council, clan structures and other critical stakeholders of council.

However, Sen. Douye Diri had particularly charged President Jonathan Lokpobiri and members of the 9th NEC never to compromise the Ijaw struggle, stressing that the IYC and its parent body, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) are the most powerful organs that should always speak to defend the sanctity of the Ijaw people in the Nigerian State.

His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State had tasked President Jonathan Lokpobiri and the 9th NEC to prioritise the unity of Ijaw Nation, stressing that in unity lies the strength of a better Ijaw nation in the Nigerian State.

The Governor who spoke passionately about the critical nature of the Ijaw Youth Council to the Ijaw people had also charged President Lokpobiri and the 9th NEC to demand for the creation of more states for the Ijaws in the Nigerian State, adding that the Ijaws bulkernized into some of the states are really suffering as minorities.

Diri also called on the IYC to maintain its apolitical nature, stressing that council must not be partisan as it must be firm and bold to demand from the Federal Government of Nigeria what is due the Ijaw people.

According to him, the Ijaw people must participate and benefit from their resources that sustains the nation’s economy.

“As the Governor of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation, I charge you all to continue to promote the great ideals of the Ijaw struggle in demands for justice and fairness in the development of Ijaw Nation.

“I am also calling on our youths to join hands in ensuring that the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State is peaceful.” Governor Diri stated.

Earlier, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, popularly known as the crown prince of Ijaw Nation had appreciated the Governor for the audience, the neutral role he played during the election as well as ensuring a peaceful transition process.

Jonathan Lokpobiri had assured the Bayelsa State Governor that the Ijaw Youth Council under his watch will make Ijaw nation proud by negotiating a better deal for the Ijaw people in the Nigerian State.

Lokpobiri also used the medium to unveil his plan to build a secretariat for the Ijaw Youth Council in Yenagoa with a request from the Governor to provide the land for the edifice.

Meanwhile, the crown prince of Ijaw nation had promised to carry everyone along, stressing that he will continue to uphold the ideals of the Ijaw struggle.

It was learnt that a total of one hundred and twenty three (123) persons made the IYC delegation that went to visit the Governor at his country home, Esampou in Bayelsa State yesterday.

Sokebolou Anglican Church Salutes Hon Julius Pondi on Tribunal Victory

Sokebolou Anglican Church Salutes Hon Julius Pondi on Tribunal Victory

Francis Tayor

Warri______ Members of St. Michael's Anglican Church, Sokebolou Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, has joined other well wishers to felicitate and send a heartily congratulatory message to the honourable member representing the good people of Burutu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi over his recent victory at the election tribunal sitting in Asaba.

In a statement released on Sunday and jointly signed by the Vicar, Revd. Stephen O.T. Yerinbide and the Secretary, Sis. Ebi Oleh noted that Hon. Julius Pondi's victory at the election tribunal is as a result of his good works to the church of God and that of the Constituency people he represents.

Revd. Yerinbide stressed that Pondi's good deeds towards the church of God will always speak for him, praying more Grace and God"s peace upon the life of the honourable member and his entire family, the statement added.

Read below full details of the congratulatory message:

CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGE:

We the Vicar, PCC and Members of St Michael's Anglican Church, Sokebolou in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, heartily rejoice and congratulates Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, the member representing Burutu Federal Constitucy at the National Assembly, Abuja on the occasion of his recent victory at the election tribunal. It is the work of God so we felicitate with you. 

Isaiah 45:1-2:

"Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the lions of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut.

"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:"

Your good works towards the church of God will always speak for you. Congratulations, more Grace and God's peace, the statement added.

Signed:

Revd. Stephen OT & Evang/Mrs. Vera O Yerinbide ( Vicar and wife).

Sis. Ebi Oleh, (Secretary).