Burutu council chair, Takeme, Delta commissioner for Housing, Angele inspect burial arena of Pa E.K. Clark slated for May 13, at Kiagbodo

Kiakegha Peter

The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Akiagbodo.

The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well-organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, commending the efforts of the organising team and workers  on site.

Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of those involved in the preparations. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.

Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.

Mike Edoukumor Appreciates Friends, Well Wishers Over Condolence Visit of Father's Death

I extend my sincerest gratitude for your thoughtful condolences upon the loss of my father, Pa  Stephen Edoukumor, on the 5th May, 2025.

Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated. And I am touched by the compassion and love shown during this challenging time. 

Your presence and the eloquent words of condolences have brought solace to me and the family. Once again, we say thank you for your heartfelt Sympathies. 

Thanks,

SME.

King Pereama Freetown Condoles with Snr. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Funfeyin Over Death of his Mother

Hard to say goodbye. This condolence message is never thought of because everything that happened still appears like a dream. 

Well, such is life as much as we desired that our loved ones remain with us for as long. No one can determine how long they stay. 

Death comes like a thief and takes our beloved ones at will. May my condolence message and prayer bring comfort to the family of FUFEYIN. May Her Loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. 

104 years well spent on Earth, it's also a call for celebrations here on Earth and in Heaven.

You've gone out of our sight MAMA ASETU FUFEYIN  but you remain forever in our hearts.

FLY HIGH IN BETTER PLACE.... NO MORE SUFFERING,😭 NO MORE PAIN.😭

REST IN PEACE🙏 MAMA ASETU FUFEYIN. 

Signed:

King Pereama Freetown (JP), Numoupere ll of lzon-lbe.

American born cardinal Robert Francis emerges new Pope of the Catholic Church, his early life and background

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., is an American-born prelate who has recently been elected as the new Pope, becoming the first American to hold this position in the history of the Catholic Church.  

Early Life and Education

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost comes from a family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University and later earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also holds a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.   

Religious Life and Missionary Work

In 1977, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary journey took him to Peru in 1985, where he served in various capacities, including as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas and later as director of formation and professor in Trujillo. His deep connection with Peru led to his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.    

Leadership Roles

Prevost’s leadership within the Church is notable. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and subsequently as its bishop in 2015. His tenure in Peru was marked by pastoral care and administrative leadership.    

Vatican Appointment and Cardinalate

In January 2023, Prevost was appointed by Pope Francis as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant role responsible for overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in September 2023, receiving the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica.  

Election as Pope

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Prevost was elected as the new Pope, marking a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election reflects his extensive experience, cross-cultural pastoral work, and alignment with the vision of Pope Francis.  

Pope Prevost is known for his humility, missionary zeal, and commitment to serving marginalized communities, embodying the qualities of servant leadership that are central to the

IYC Western Zone to Mark 57th Boro Day Celebration May 16, in Warri

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, proudly announces the 57th edition of the Boro Day Celebration, set to take place in the city of Warri, Delta State.

Event Details:

Theme: The Genesis of the 12 Days Revolution Struggle: Our Pains and Gains in Retrospect

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025.

Venue: Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State

Activities Include:

A vibrant procession showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Ijaw people together with an insightful symposium reflecting on the legacy 

  the 12 Days Revolution

Join the IYC Western Zone (Delta, Edo & Ondo States) as we honour the life and legacy of Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, remembering the sacrifices and celebrating the enduring struggle for justice and equity.

#BoroDay2025 #IjawYouthCouncil #IYC

*Announcer*

Tare Magbei

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone/Secretary 2025 Boro Day Committee.

2027: Stop distracting Tinubu with mischievous endorsement, Mulade tells political jobbers

Niger Delta, born human rights activist and development advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on political job seekers to stop distracting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors from focusing on good governance to Nigerians.

The renowned peace and environmental justice advocate made the appeal at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, recently told Nigerians, particularly highly influenced individuals whom he alleged were doing so for their selfish interests to protect their political positions.

He said, "I appeal to highly placed Nigerians to stop distracting the President and Governors over 2027 general elections that is still over two years away, because of their selfish interest to protect their positions and contracts, to the detriment of our development.'

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area of Delta state, noted that President Tinubu has only done less than two years in office and is yet to deliver on his mandate, noting that such mischievous endorsements from political jobbers are not helping the President but only serving as source of distraction which he, Tinubu, does not need now.

"It is imperative to state that the President is barely about two years in office, and has not delivered on his electioneering promises, but he is being distracted by persons who are promoting their selfish interest rather than the good of the masses," he added.

The peace ambassador, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above personal gains and to beware of actions that are detrimental to the well-being of the masses and the country.

He urged President Tinubu to be wary of eye service supporters and praise singers, and to beam his focus on the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration to end insecurity, hunger, bad governance, oppression of the masses and bad economy in Nigeria. It is worthy of note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR does not need these distractive and mischievous political endorsements to be re-elected if he delivers on his promises to Nigerians.

Defection: "We are ready to receive your resignation letters"_Burutu PDP interim chairman, Agbor tells defectors

By Osaro Michael, Benin 

The Interim chairman of the People's Democratic Party, Burutu local government Area, Comrade Jackson Agbor has asked all defecting PDP members to the All Progressives Congress, APC to submit their letters of resignation at his Warri Secretariat, Delta State within this week.

The interim chairman, in a statement signed by himself in which a copy was sent to newsmen in Warri on Monday said the party attention was drawn to a defection by some leaders of the party, after enjoying all dividends of the party.

He said, "we understand that everyone has the right to make their own political choices, and we respect that.

However, we would like to remind our former party members that the PDP has been a home for many of us for years, and we have worked together to build a strong and united party. We are disappointed that some have chosen to leave.

"As a party, we are prepared to receive your resignation letters. We will process them accordingly and officially remove your names from our party's membership list. We thank you for your service and contributions to the PDP, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the people of Burutu. We will continue to work hard to improve the lives of our people and provide them with the necessary support and resources.

"Our party remains strong, and we will not waver in our efforts to uphold the values and principles that guide us.

To our remaining party members, we urge you to stay united and focused. Let us use this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our party and continue moving forward together. The PDP in Burutu is a family, and together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way.

"Thank you once again to all our former members, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors," he added.

PDP is not just a political party but a movement for better governance in Delta -ex-Gov Okowa's aide, Austin Ozobo

By Monday Peters,  Abuja 

A prominent stakeholder of the People's Democratic Party, PDP and ex-aide to governor Ifeanyi Okowa on political matters in Delta State, Comrade Ozobo Austin has urged party members to reinforce their dedication to the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State as they navigate the complexities of the current political landscape in the state. He emphasised that unity and resilience are essential for meaningful progress, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the recent mass defections in the state.

This was contained in a statement which was signed by himself and a copy was sent to newsmen in Warri on Sunday.

The statement reads, “As we face an uncertain political climate, it is crucial for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to the PDP in Delta State. Our party has a rich history of championing the welfare of the people, and we must continue to uphold those values,"

Ozobo stated passionately, drawing from his extensive background as a former Special Adviser to the Delta State governor, he articulated that his experiences equip him with a deep understanding of governance and the pressing issues that afflict ordinary citizens in the country.

Ozobo pointedly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that their policies have not only failed to alleviate suffering but have exacerbated economic hardships and increased poverty levels across the nation. “The APC’s reign has seen a rise in unemployment, inflation, and social disarray. The citizens are struggling, and it is clear that the APC does not possess the requisite solutions to these critical challenges," he asserted.

He called on PDP members to engage actively with the activities of the party in Delta State in the building process of the party in the state.  “We must be the voice of the voiceless and stand as advocates for justice and equity. Our party must lead the charge in presenting tangible solutions that resonate with the daily realities faced by the people of Delta State,” he urged.

Ozobo also highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization, encouraging party members to partake in outreach initiatives to reinforce support at the local level. He noted that the PDP’s vision for Delta State includes strategies aimed at economic growth, improved healthcare, education, and security, all sectors that have suffered under the current APC led administration.

He concluded by urging party members to remain hopeful and proactive, “Together, we have the power to bring about the change that our people desperately need. The PDP is not just a political party; it is a movement for better governance. Let us stand together and forge a path towards a brighter future for our state and for Nigeria.”

His call to action resonated deeply as party members acknowledged their collective responsibility in working towards a more just and prosperous society in the face of the recent defection.

THE YORUBAS ARE MASTERS OF POLITICS IN RELIGION_By: Anthony Dauyebo

To me, the Yorubas truly understand the politics among Nigerian religions. While other ethnic groups are bickering over whether African Tradition or Christianity or Islam is better than the other, the Yorubas quietly shuffled themselves with prominent personalities among those religions in a manner to encourage religious harmony.

For example, high-profile personalities like traditional rulers, Obafemi Awolowo, Wole Soyinka, the Kutis, Herbert Ogunde and others took charge of the African Tradition.

The likes of M.K.O Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others strategically organised themselves in the Islamic faith.

Then, Enoch Adeboye, William Kumuyi, David Oyedepo, Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, Tunde Bakare dominate the country's Christianity. These were the people who tacitly preached the sermon of "Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Presidential Ambition" long before the Muslim man (Tinubu) formally declared his intention.

As we prepare for the next general elections, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, accompanied by Gods of the Yorubas, has begun playing his role to ensure the reelection of their son, President Tinubu, though a Muslim. He just visited former President Goodluck Jonathan, probably to prevail on him to discard his rumoured ambition for Aso Rock.

For you to win any election in Nigeria that involves other ethnic groups, you must have a minimum of 80% of support from your ethnic group. That is how the Yorubas programmed themselves. I doubt if other ethnic groups in southern Nigeria have such cooperation.

ANTHONY E. DAUYEBO

4th May, 2025