Delta Peace and Unity Cup: Mulade Reaffirm Commitment As Grand Final Hold on Sunday December 8th, 2024 in Orerokpe

Delta Peace and Unity Cup: Mulade Reaffirm Commitment As Grand Final Hold on Sunday December 8th, 2024 in Orerokpe 

Warri ____ Delta State born renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, President of CEPEJ and initiator of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, has reaffirmed his commitment toward promoting peaceful co-existence and unity among the various ethnic groups in the state. Chief Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, announced the refund of N100,000 registration fees to all participating teams, demonstrating his dedication and commitment towards keeping his promises.

Mulade expressed appreciation for the support pledged by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), acknowledging the importance of collaboration for the tournament's success. The tournament Local Organizing Committee (LOC) had initially hoped for DESOPADEC's backing and support.

The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, December 8th, at Baptist High School Field in Orerokpe Town, featuring two thrilling matches.  Third-Place match will see Team Urhobo tackling Team Isoko at 12 noon while Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun Fc) will confront Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) at 2pm

Mulade extended an invitation to the general public, particularly Deltans, to attend the event with reception at the Africa 4 Peace Games-Village/Event Center at Ugolo near Osubi.

It is imperative to state that his desire to see a united and developed Delta State, as being demonstrated through the spirit of sportsmanship among the various ethnic groups. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering peace and harmony in the region, evident from his previous initiatives like the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football tournament, Rural/Riverine Educational Support Programme etc.

Marital Bliss: Tamsokunbiri and Timipere Set to Exchange Marital Vow on December 20, 2024 in Torugbene, Burutu LGA, Delta State

Marital Bliss: Tamsokunbiri and Timipere Set to Exchange Marital Vow on December 20, 2024 in Torugbene, Burutu LGA, Delta State 

...... Invite friends, colleagues and well wishers to celebrate with them 

Warri ____ Preparation is on top gear as Hon. Amb. Tamsokunbiri MMD, KpakamTV CEO and publisher Rich and Famous lnternational Magazine warms up to perform marital obligation according to the ljaw tradition and culture to his Torugbene born beauty goddess/ heartbeat of Esuku kingdom, Miss Timipere Mirabel Government on 20th December, 2024 at Chief. J.T. Government country home Torugbene Urban Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

According to the marriage invitation card details, stated dowry payment is taken place on 20th December, 2024 at Chief. J.T. Government Villa Torugbene in Burutu LGA, Delta State.

Time:  9:AM Prompt.

Reception/Traditional marriage ceremony proper follows immediately at same venue.

Music by John Envision and his highlife band of Africa.

Meanwhile, it will interest the public to note that the Bride, Miss Timipere Mirabel Government hailed from Torugbene and Peretoru communities in Burutu/Ekeremor LGAs of Delta and Bayelsa States. She is a daughter after the heart of the renowned Burutu born PDP influential politician in Delta State, High Chief. J.T. Government, the Olotu of Tuomo Kingdom and the Chairman Governing Council Delta State Polytechnic of Marine Technology, Burutu.

However, the couple used this medium to specially invite their loved ones, friends, colleagues, well wishers and the general public to join them celebrate on their day of joy, adding there would be a lot of merriment and gift items specially packaged for guests.

Just-ln: PAP Deploys 1,700 Amnesty Scholarship Students to University's, as Ribadu, Otuaro Urge them on Academic Excellence

Just-ln: PAP Deploys 1,700 Amnesty Scholarship Students to University's, as Ribadu, Otuaro Urge them on Academic Excellence 

Warri _____ The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Friday, challenged students under the Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship scheme to be shining examples in their universities of study.

He gave the charge in his remarks at the orientation programme for 1, 700 scholarship beneficiaries deployed in various Nigerian institutions by the PAP for the 2024/2025 academic session in Warri, Delta State.

Ribadu, represented by his Special Assistant on Niger Delta, Mr Goodluck Ebelo, urged the undergraduates to take full advantage of their sponsorship to acquire higher education and contribute to national growth and development after graduation.

The NSA further told the students that expectations concerning their academic journey were very high as he advised them to be well-behaved throughout the duration of their courses of study.

He said, “With this scholarship given to you, you have a huge opportunity to excel in your studies. Please, be shining lights in your different institutions of study and the expectation is that you will be very good students of this country.”

In his keynote address, the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, noted that the deployment of the beneficiaries signified a consolidation of the Niger Delta human resources base through the scholarship scheme.

Otuaro said formal education was a critical component of the PAP’s intervention aimed at creating opportunities for the youths of the region, particularly indigent students from impacted communities, to achieve their dream of getting university education.

He said, “By sponsoring you for undergraduate studies, the PAP has taken a bold step to strategically deepen the Niger Delta formal education trajectory of bridging the human capital development gap to foster the region’s social-economic status. In fact, this is my desire and vision for our people.

“The selection process for the award of scholarship to beneficiaries for the 2024/2025 academic session was open, transparent and thorough and I take responsibility for the process.  We have, as a result, deployed about 1,700 students for this academic session. My leadership would always maintain high standards and work hard to ensure everyone was fairly treated in the selection process.”

He urged the students to be peace ambassadors of the Niger Delta expected to focus on their studies,  shun cultism and other social vices, while respecting the laws of their schools in order for them “to be found worthy in character and in learning” at graduation.

Otuaro said that President Bola Tinubu was very delighted at the incredible academic progress that PAP scholarship beneficiaries were making in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for their tremendous support for the programme and avowed commitment to peace, human capital development, and economic growth of the region via the renewed hope agenda.

While reiterating his pledge to do his best to implement the programme’s objectives in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the region, the PAP helmsman, again, thanked the president for giving him the opportunity to serve the people.

Earlier, the PAP’s Head of Formal Education, Dr Charles Ariye, had urged the beneficiaries to realise that the scholarship award was more than a monetary award because it represented their dedication to their personal progress, development and success.

He, therefore, encouraged them to use this opportunity to better themselves by learning from their academic mentors and also contribute to their academic communities.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom and first Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King S. P Luke; and the Founder of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, Pastor Reuben Wilson, admonished the students to avoid shortcuts to academic success.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Blessing Appollos (Bayelsa State, Igbinedion University); Fyneman John-Pere (Edo State, Edwin Clark University) and Ezekiel Appeal, (Delta State, Novena University), thanked the PAP Administrator for granting them the scholarship, saying the gesture would help them a great deal in their studies.

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Finals: Team Ndokwa to faces Team Itsekiri on 8 December, at Orerokpe

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Finals: Team Ndokwa to faces Team Itsekiri on 8 December, at Orerokpe

Warri_____ The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament has climax to the final stage after the semifinals matches of the Peace and Unity Cup have concluded in thrilling fashion. The results are as follows:

At the Ogor Technical College, Ughelli Center, Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) played a goalless draw against Team Isoko (Winsome FC) but won 4-3 on penalty shootout.

At the Oleh Township Stadium Center, Team Urhobo (Udu United FC) lost 2-4 to Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) on penalty shootout after a 2:2 regulation time draw.

The stage is now set for the final match between Team Itsekiri and Team Ndokwa. Meanwhile, Team Urhobo and Team Isoko will compete for third place.

The final and third-place matches will take place on Sunday, 8th December 2024, at 2 pm prompt at the Baptist High School Field, Orerokpe Town.

According to Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the initiator of the tournament and President of CEPEJ, a reception will be held after the event to host all who contributed to the tournament's success. The reception will take place at the Africa for Peace Games-Village/Event Center, Ugolo near Osubi Airport, Okpe LGA of Delta State.

IPF Condoles with Warri South-West Council Chairman, Oromoni Over Wife's Death

IPF Condoles with Warri South-West Council Chairman, Oromoni Over Wife's Death

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has condoled with Chief Sylvester Oromoni, Chairman Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State over the demise of his wife, Mrs Rosemary Oromoni.

Mrs Oromoni died on Monday, November 25, 2024, following a protracted ailment.

In a condolence visit on Monday, the IPF delegation led by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the group prayed God to comfort the bereaved Oromoni and his family.

According to Mr Oromoni, the emotional toll of losing her son two years ago deeply affected her health.

“Despite medical care and the unwavering support from her family, she struggled to recover. The death of my son, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, really had a lasting effect on her," Oromoni said.

Burial arrangements will be announced by the family in a later date.

Clarification: AGF’s Audit Report not for the Current PAP Administration_ Amnesty Office

Clarification: AGF’s Audit Report not for the Current PAP Administration_ Amnesty Office 

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has issued a statement clarifying that the Auditor-General of the Federation's audit report, which highlighted alleged infractions in managing funds, does not relate to the current administration.

The report, which was published by Sahara Reporters and some other media organizations noted that the Presidential Amnesty Programme had illegally withdrawn over N6 billion and paid tuition for students without records. 

However, the PAP has stated that the audit findings and reports predate the appointment of the current Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

The PAP’s clarification was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme Mr Igoniko Oduma on Monday.

Dr. Otuaro was appointed in March 2024, while the audit findings were for alleged infractions that took place between 2020 and 2021, three years before his appointment. 

The PAP has assured that since Dr. Otuaro assumed office, he has diligently followed all extant rules and regulations regarding financial transactions, implementing strict financial controls and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.

The statement reads: 

‘’We have become aware of a story published by Sahara Reporters with the headline, “How the Presidential Amnesty Programme illegally withdrew over N6 billion and paid tuition for students without records.” Similar stories were also published by other media organizations, notably Channelstv.com.

‘’The news stories were based on the Auditor-General of the Federation’s audit report, which noted alleged infractions in managing funds for the Presidential Amnesty Programme between 2020 and 2021. 

‘’We'd like to clarify that the audit findings and reports have nothing to do with the current Administrator of the Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as they predate his appointment as the head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. 

 

‘’Dr Otuaro was appointed in March 2024, while the audit findings were for alleged infractions that took place between 2020 and 2021, clear three years before Otuaro’s appointment as the Amnesty boss. 

‘’Since assuming office, Otuaro has diligently followed all extant rules and regulations regarding financial transactions at the PAP office, implementing strict financial controls and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of financial management.

‘’As Administrator of the Programme, Otuaro has initiated a comprehensive review of the PAP's operations, focusing on streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery, all of which have yielded significant positive results.

‘’We appeal to our media friends to be circumspect in publishing reports such as the one referenced above, and ensure that they get the facts right, in order not to incite stakeholders against the management of the Programme, or disrupt the peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.”

ljaw Unity/Development takes center stage as Oporomor, Binebai, Otuaro, Pondi, Smooth, Ellington, Ekeremor, others bagged 2024 PRINMA Award

ljaw Unity/Development takes center stage as Oporomor, Binebai, Otuaro, Pondi, Smooth, Ellington, Ekeremor, others bagged 2024 PRINMA Award

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa ______ The 8th Edition of Proudly ljaw National Merit Award, PRINMA Symposium 2024 was successfully held on Sunday 1st December, 2024 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital with many dignitaries in attendance from all walks of life across ljaw nation, South-South Nigeria.

The event with the Theme:' ljaw Unity, Cultural Heritage And Leadership Development' was chaired by the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Fred Agbedi.

Delivering his opening speech, the organizer/CEO PRINMA Award Symposium, the proudly ljaw Ambassador, Hon. TamsOkunbiri MMD, thanked and appreciated ljaw people, especially those that graced the 8th edition of PRINMA Award 2024.

He stressed that the aims of PRINMA Award Symposium is to advocate for ljaw unity, good governance, ljaw nation development and the wayforward.

Tamsokunbiri reiterated that ljaw nation is richly blessed with abundance natural resources of oil and gas but disunity and bad leadership had brought underdevelopment to the region.

He noted that the pains of ljaw nation underdevelopment and disunity spured him to come up with PRINMA to unite us together as ljaw people, as well as to discuss the wayforward for ljaw nation development.

He noted that Proudly ljaw National Merit Award, PRINMA was also packaged to recognize and appreciate illustrious sons and daughters of ljaw nation who had rendered selfless humanitarian services to the society as well as contributed immensely towards the development of ljaw nation.

2024 PRINMA Award keynote Speakers are, Prof. Ben Binebai, Comr. Morris Alagoa,

Arch. Alaere Raine,

Comr. Edmund Opori and Mr. Enoch Azigbeotu.

Representative of the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri who was the Chief Host, HRH. Godspower Oporomor, the Commissioner for ljaw National Affairs in his opening remarks thanked the organizer of the event and urged ljaw nation to support and promote activities that will promote ljaw nation.

Comr Morris Alagoa in his keynote address on environmental justice lamented how some ljaw greedy stakeholders support shell and Chevron to sold out the bunga oil field environmental pollution case against our people.

He noted that if ljaw nation keep fighting ourselves for peanut given to them by the enemies of ljaw people, it will be difficult for ljaw nation to move forward.

He urged the ljaws to be united in fighting environmental justice for the sake of our future generations.

In his keynote speech, Comr. Edmund Ebiware Opori talks on the Genesis of the ljaw liberation struggle starting from Dappa Biriye, Maj. Issac Adaka Boro, Ken Saro-Wiwa, King Jaja of Opobo down to Tompolo, Ateke Tom amongst others.

He recalled his ordeal in DSS detention for over 11 years due to the ljaw cause of speaking the truth to authority, while charging the present crops of ljaw youths to keep projecting and promoting ljaw nation at all cause despite the intimidations, adding that the innocent ones fears no false accusation.

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ben Binebai speaks on the ljaw liberation struggle and cultural heritage noted that the ljaw struggle has been in course for over one thousand twenty years  ago starting from the days of King Williams Koko of Nembe, Dappa Biriye, King Jaja of Opobo, Adaka Boro and the present day Tompolo, Asari Dokubo etc.

He noted that ljaw unity and harmony is sacrosanct for even  development in our territory. He said a nation without unity leads to destruction, stressing that unity guarantees ljaw nation survival.

He therefore, call on ljaw  political leaders and other critical stakeholders to agitate for additional state creation, economic revolution and cultural development in ljaw territories.

Prof. Binebai concluded by calling on ljaws, both the business and political class to be united devoid of political party's in order to attract even development to ljaw nation.

The lecture was immediately followed by presentation of awards to various recipients by the CEO PRINMA, Hon. Tamsokunbiri in recognition of their selfless services to humanity as well as ljaw nation development.

Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Kareowei Ellington Bakumo appreciated the organizer of PRINMA, Hon. Tamsokunbiri MMD for the good work he is doing for ljaw nation. 

He further urged ljaw illustrious sons and daughters to continue do their best for the over all development of ljaw nation, adding that one day God will reward them for their sacrifice.

He dedicated his award to his boss, Sir. Godfrey Tare Pondi, GM Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for given him the platform to be recognized as a critical stakeholder in the development of ljaw nation.

However, amongst the awardees include; HRH. Godspower Oporomor, Prof. Ben Binebai, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Engr. Kestin Pondi, Chief. Barrister Smooth, Se-Alabo Nengi James, Chief. Benjamin Ekeremor, Kareowei Ellington Bakumo, Dr. Macaulay Denghan, Engr. Michael Tonlagha, Comr. Edmund Ebiware Opori, Comr. Austin Ozobo, Mr. Jakes Abai, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni and many others.