Pipeline surveillance workers protest incomplete payment of allowances in Bayelsa

Pipeline surveillance workers protest  incomplete payment of allowances in Bayelsa

...... As aggrieved youths seize anti-crude oil theft Patrol boats in Nembe-Brass

Yenagoa_____ Angry Youths from the Nembe and Brass Local Government areas of Bayelsa State on Monday staged a protest against the incomplete payment of allowances by one of the Anti-crude oil theft surveillance contractors, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited, leading to the seizure of patrol boats belonging to the company in the area.

It was gathered that while over 2,000 youths engaged in Bayelsa state by the State Coordinator of the Tantita Security Services owned by the foremost Former Militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo, were paid N200,000 monthly allowance for the job, the aggrieved boys attached to Kojo Sam Logistics Limited were paid N50,000.

Investigations showed that despite the existing agreement between the Chief Executive Officer of Kojo Sam Logistics Limited, Chief Kojo Sam and the Youths over the payment of N100, 000 monthly in order to accommodate more youths in the NNPC crude oil pipeline surveillance job, the company paid them N50, 000 instead of the agreed N100,000.

The aggrieved Youths. Mainly from Okpoama town in Brass Local Government Area of the State, in a protest against the shortage of payments seized the boats and threatened to set them ablaze.

A close source told our reporter in Yenagoa that the angry youths, who are from the same community with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, accused Chief Kojo Sam of reneging on the existing agreement and short changed them in the monthly payment of their oil pipeline surveillance job.

One of the angry Youths, Miebi, 34 years old, however blamed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva of awarding the oil surveillance component for his own community to an outsider instead of an Okpoama person. “Each worker were to be paid N200, 000 but the youths had agreed with Kojo Sam Logistics Ltd to pay N100,000 each to be able to accommodate more youths in the community”.

“But instead of paying them the sum of N100, 000.00 as resolved, the company decided to pay N50, 000 a month to each of them” he allege.

The Youths has however dragged all the company boats to land, warning that nobody will touch the boats until the money is fully paid. The ugly development is threatening the peace and security in Okpoama community.

When newsmen contacted the Bayelsa Office of the Tantita Security Service, officials working with the Coordinator, Great Joshua Machiver declined comment. But a close source told newsmen that N200,000 was the minimum pay for per personnel in Tantita Security services as approved by Tompolo.

“the Tompolo’s owned Tantita Security Services (Bayelsa Operations) headed by Great Joshua Maciver has paid the sum of N200,000 each to about 2000 staff deployed to various units for Pipeline Surveillance and to also curb the activities of illegal oil refineries in Bayelsa State. 

Some coordinators smile home with five to Ten millions and Tantita is not owing any staff as recruitment into various units of the surveillance job is still ongoing as the work progresses.”

Several attempts to reach the management of the Kojo Sam Logistics failed as phone calls and text messages were not answered. But a close source told newsmen that attempts are being made to settle the issue of short changed payments.

Family Releases Funeral Rites For Sammie Okposo, as Tribute Night holds today

Just-ln: Family Releases Funeral Arrangements For Sammie Okposo

The family of famous Nigerian gospel artiste, Sammie Okposo has released funeral arrangements for the singer.

The singer was said to have died in his sleep on November 25, 2022 at the age of 51 years.

According to the funeral programme released on Monday, a tribute night will be held for him on Tuesday, December 13 in Lagos State.

The tribute night would be followed by a service of songs on Wednesday.

The funeral service for Okposo will take place on December 15 and will be a private affair, the statement added.

2023: Kelvin Appreciates Ward 7 PDP Leaders on Successful Campaign

2023: Kelvin Appreciates Ward 7 PDP Leaders on Successful Campaign 

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Chairman Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ward 7 Ayakoromo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Prince Kelvin Perekeme has extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Ward 7 leadership of PDP on the occasion of the successful hosting of the delegation of Delta South PDP campaign train as well as the various candidates vying for elective position in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to Ayakoromo on Monday.

In the appreciation note released on Tuesday 13th December, 2022 at Ward 7 headquarters Ayakoromo community, Prince Kelvin Perekeme specially acknowledge the frantic efforts of Dr. Braduce Angozi, Hon. Richard Tuedon, Hon. Godwin Edumogiren, Hon. Kofee Amasuomo, Hon. Paul Kurugbe, Hon. Prince Sunday Feke, Hon. Sunny Perekeme, Chief. Dauyebo Kitua, Mr. Matthew Apiakise, Mr. Monday Akarama, Mr. Eric Saibakumo, Edwin Omoroun, Evang. Desmond Edumogiren, Comr. Oyinbi Onduku, Mr. Wilson Zipamo, Engr. James Ebis Biayeibo, Thomson Tambou, Akeme Angola, Longsoul Tuedon, Mr. Asiayei Enaibo, Mr. Ekanpou Enewaredideke, Timiebi Angodideke, Albert Edumogiren, Godbless Enekorogha, Anthony Demebide, Alaowei Cleric, Barr. Norbeth Ayabotu, lmmaculate Brialade, Field Eyenanaotu, Hon. Ayabotu Otoro, Hon. Izonwei Soja, Hon. Cyril Suokumo, Ayakoromo community, Ayakoromo youths, the women, elders, security and the media for their contributions to ensure a successful PDP Ward to Ward campaign.

It would be recall that on Monday 12th December, 2022, the leadership of Delta South PDP campaign train and the various candidates vying for elective position under PDP, including the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Julius Pondi, PDP Delta South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Michael Diden alias Ejele, PDP House of Representative Warri Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, PDP candidate for Delta State House of Assembly Burutu North, Hon. Asupa Forteta, Hon. Peres Oloye, PDP candidate Delta State House of Assembly Burutu South, DG 2023 Delta State PDP Campaign Committee, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Chairman PDP Delta South, Chief. Julius Takeme, Wing Cmdr. P.Y. Biakpara, former members Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Yingi, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Chairman Burutu LGA, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, Dr. Shedrack Agediga, ED PRS DESOPADEC, Chief. Promise Lawuru and his supporters for Sheriff Oborevwori, Mrs. Unice Angozi, Chief. Boro Opudu, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, Hon. Trust Edumogiren, Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi, Evang. Desmond Edumogiren were among other numerous dignitaries that stormed Ayakoromo for the remarkable 2023 PDP Ward-to-Ward campaigns in Burutu Local Government Area.

In his message to the masses, Prince Kelvin Perekeme passionately appealed to ward 7 Ayakoromo community in their usual way to vote for all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

He noted that Ayakoromo community is for PDP and they will deliver all the party candidates at the poll comes February 2023. 

He therefore, urged all the eligible voters who have undergo voters registration exercise to come out in mass to collect their permanent voters cards, adding that their PVCs is their right and power to make correct decision at the polls come 2023 general elections.

REX JIM LAWSON, His Early Life, Career and Death

REX JIM LAWSON, His Early Life, Career and Death 

He was a singer, trumpeter and bandleader from Buguma, Nigeria. He became one of the best-known highlife musicians of the 1960s in Africa when Cardinal and his band dominated Nigeria's highlife scene.

Early life :

Rex Lawson was born in 1938 in Buguma, Nigeria to a Kalabari chieftain father and an Igbo mother from Owerri. He was given the name Erekeosima which translates to "do not name this one" due to his father's belief that he would not live past infancy. He was the fourth child to his parents, the others having died of illnesses. At a young age, Lawson was afflicted with a severe case of small pox. While his mother brought him to various medicine men outside of Kalabari for treatment, his father feared he would die and lost interest in raising him. Lawson later sued his father for neglect while he was at school. He won the case, but his father cursed him in return, and the two did not communicate with one another until Lawson began his musical career.

Musical career:

Rex Lawson began his career in Port Harcourt as a bandboy for Lord Eddyson's Starlight Melody Orchestra. He later played with Sammy Obot, Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, Chris Ajilo, and other Ghanaian and Nigerian musicians and bands. His greatest success came as the leader of the Majors Band (also called the Rivers Men in later years); their recorded hits include "So ala teme", "Yellow Sisi", "Gowon Special", and "Jolly Papa".

By 1965 Lawson had written more than 100 songs. In July 1970 he traveled to the United Kingdom, where from then until September he recorded an album, Rex Lawson in London.

Death:

Lawson died on 18 January 1971 in a car accident at the Urhamigbe corner  on the Asaba–Benin Road while on his way to Warri, Nigeria, for a performance. He was 32 years old. After his death, his band continued as the Professional Seagulls.Lawson was married to Chief (Mrs.) Regina Rex Lawson who died in October 2008.

Just-ln: DIPM Postpones 10, 000 Youths March as Omo-Agege Visits Bomadi today

Just-ln: DIPM Postpones 10, 000 Youths March as Omo-Agege Visits Bomadi today

Warri _____ lnformation just reaching our news desk that the Delta ljaw People's Mandate, DIPM Ten thousand youths, men and women march earlier proposed to hold today 12th December, 2022 in Bomadi Town has been postponed due to the visit of the Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Delta State APC governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, distinguished Senator (Barr.) Ovie Omo-Agege to Bomadi today.

According to the National President of the Delta ljaw peoples interest advocate group, High Chief. (Alhaji) Yusuf Eregbene, the Obaseki of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom stated that a new date would be disclose to the public in a due time.

He deeply regretted for any inconveniences that bedeviled our teeming members, followers and supporters across Burutu, Patani, Warri South, Warri South-West, Warri North and Bomadi LGAs as result of the new development.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Yusuf had noted that a new date for the all important Ten thousand youths, men and women march would be communicated to the general public in the shortest possible time, he stated.

Sir Coded Buku End of Year Party to Hold December 11, in Warri

Sir Coded Buku End of Year Party to Hold December 11, in Warri

..........As Mamamu, Smooth, Para, Tonlagha, Bebenemibo, Atigbi, Tesu, others set to storm the occasion

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A Warri based famous ljaw owigiri highlife music star who goes by the name Sir Coded Buku Tubor, popularly known as the Technical Guitarist has invited friends, love ones, Niger Delta ljaw leaders, fans and the general public to join him on Sunday 11th December, 2022  by 1:pm at the popular Peabody Hotels, located along DSC express way in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, as he marks the End of Year party of his musical organization.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Warri and signed by the multi-talented ljaw owigiri highlife music Taliban, Buku noted that the essence of the end of year party is an annual event specifically put together by the Young Stars Band of Africa in order to specially appreciate his supporters, admirers, fans and loved ones over the years of patronage.

Coded noted that from January to December he had been touring from one show to the other across the Niger Delta, and it is wise that he use this avenue to identify, appreciate and celebrate the festive season with his true fans, clients, supporters and leaders for their undying show of love towards him.

He stressed that the event will also feature financial donation (support) from his highly respected leaders, friends and well wishers.

Other activities line up for the day is the official inauguration of the second executive members of Sir Coded Musical Organization Worldwide as well as owigiri dance challenge till mama's call.

Meanwhile, Buku reiterated that the National President of Niger Delta Youths, Amb. Comr. Bene Youkere Mamamu, fondly called young Chief shall be the Chairman of the occasion while Chief Barrister S. Smooth, the Paddle of Africa shall be the musical father of the day. 

While the quiet renowned Niger Delta born silent achiever and his adorable wife, Mr/Mrs Capt. Alfred Ebikeseye Para, popularly known as Big Fredo would be the Father and Mother of the day respectively.

Other expected special guests of honour at the occasion include; Hon. Victor Tonlagha, Hon (Chief.) Simeon Bebenemibo, Dr. Bernard Atigbi, Madam Tesu among others.

Speaking further, Sir Coded Buku confided to our reporter that all Warri based ljaw talented owigiri highlife music stars shall perform live one after the other at the event.

While MC Abioka, popularly known as the Niger Delta Prince of talk, MC Tony Demebide, alias MC Akpolokpolo, MC Be D Light and MC Oweyor shall be the official Masters of Ceremony at the occasion.

However, Sir Coded Buku Tubor, has used this medium to specially invite lovers of his brand of music, his fans worldwide, ljaw illustrious sons and daughters as well as the general public to come and celebrate with him, adding that there shall be alot of entertainment musically and otherwise to the listening and viewing pleasure of every participants at the occasion, the statement added.

Why Pst. Ayo Terminates his Marriage to Helen After 25 Years

Why Pst. Ayo Terminates his Marriage to Helen After 25 Years

Former president of  the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, and his wife Helen have reportedly separated after 25 years in marriage.

According to reports, the popular Pentecostal pastor parted ways with his wife over a protracted and bitter misunderstanding.

It was said that the Niger Delta-based self-styled ‘Bishop of Godism’, Ufuoma Bernard, Helen in a WhatsApp message earlier in 2022 accused the estranged husband of wanting her dead.

She’s rumoured to be in a sizzling romance with a man for 10 years.

“Helen reportedly moved out of the matrimonial home and relocated to Britain with the kids and Pastor Oritsejafor has moved back to the house after abandoning it for almost a year,” Bernard said.

Oritsejafor is the founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, located in Warri, Delta State.

He became the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on 7 February 2005, a position he held for five years.

In July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the apex body of all Christians in the country. In doing so he became the first Pentecostal leader to hold the position.

Indonesian Govt Enact New Laws to Punish Sex Before Marriage

Indonesian Govt Enact New Laws to Punish Sex Before Marriage 

The world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia has cleared a sweeping overhaul of its criminal code on Tuesday, outlawing sex outside of marriage, defamation of the president and sharply expanding its laws against blasphemy.

The new rules, which also apply to foreigners in the country, have drawn criticism from human rights activists, businesspeople and students who warned of the risks posed to the L.G.B.T. community and religious minorities. Opponents also said that the rules threatened the global reputation that Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, has built as a tolerant, widely secular nation.

Indonesian officials say upgrading the existing criminal code, which dates back to 1918 when Indonesia was a Dutch colony, was long overdue. Among the raft of new laws, penalties around consensual sex outside marriage have drawn the most criticism.

According to the new law, unmarried couples who “live together as a husband and wife” could be jailed for six months or face a maximum fine of 10 million rupiah ($710).

Sex outside of marriage, cohabitation and extra-marital affairs are now all illegal acts in Indonesia punishable by jail terms, after the country’s parliament passed controversial revisions to their criminal code.

Journos/social media enthusiasts also in crosshairs: Broadcasting or publishing “fake news” punishable by up to six years in jail if it causes a riot, 4 years if it doesn’t, while broadcasting/publishing info considered “uncertain and excessive” attracts max 2 years jail

The good news is minimum jail terms for corruption offenders reduced from 4 to 2 years.

Bomadi APC Youth Leader, Ogori Drums Support for Omo-Agege, Tinubu, others

Bomadi APC Youth Leader, Ogori Canvases for votes for Omo-Agege, Tinubu, others

.......Warns PDP to stay clear from Bomadi LGA, says it's APC time to rule with conscience

Warri_____ Ahead of the forthcoming 2023 elections, the Youth Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Comr. Alex Ogori in his second  successful leadership youth wing meeting at Bomadi has sent a thunderous warning to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and to all its  candidates contesting for various positions to stay clear from Bomadi LGA because they mean no good to the LGA over the years. 

The meeting which was held at APC Chieftain's compound, Dr. Felix Tuodolor registered the presence of all ward youth leaders, past youth leaders, and stakeholders that made up the leadership in the youth wing.

In his opening speech, the youngest LGA youth leader, Alex Ogori, at first thanked those that leave their chores, businesses, families to ply speedboats and the terrible roads constructed by the "no good mean PDP leaders to be presence in the meeting. He fumed over  the undervelopments and the cruel anticipation of bad governance in the PDP reign, since 1999 till date in the region as it portends evil politicking.

According to him, said:

" The essence of politics have been adulterated by the PDP led government in the Bomadi LGA and to  wider view, in Delta State.  Politics according to Tony Ayatedor's Leadership explained it to be a 'way to organize people to do together what they would or could not do alone.' But the case of PDP, they do not respect  this principal, whereas they seek political office with what Oyadetor related as 'it is my way or no way at all'. Bomadi LGA does not deserve to be in one man hand neither an oligarchs homeland."

However, Alex described Bomadi LGA as one of the best in the Ijaw terrain as it has everything to make a well developed and structured LGA. He  faulted PDP for feeding undervelopment to the headquarters of Ijaw Nation, Bomadi.  

" When we were unwise, the PDP led government came in like a thief, okayed and  imposed inept and wicked leaders to rule us. Now that our eyes have been open, it's the right time to vote out, sweep out bad leadership. Speaking further, he said Bomadi LGA who has the longest serving Senator, House of Rep Member, and House of Assembly member, is still yet to be connected to the national grid electricity power, yet to have higher institutions, and other necessity to better the lives of the people.

" After the military reign, and after PDP took over power from 1999 till date, Bomadi LGA has never blink any form of electricity national  supply. The helpless masses have been living in the comatose of darkness for decades, but the PDP led government feel nonchalant to the plea and cries of the masses. The issue of siting higher institutions, stadium and other needed necessity to fixed in Bomadi LGA  has been a tug-of-war for the PDP led government"

He thus tasked all ward youth leaders to be proactive and work tirelessly to make sure the hopes of Bomadi LGA is kept alive under the purposeful and mean-business candidates from APC. 

" We've the best candidates in the political market, and we should be proud to work tirelessly for them. Our President incoming, Jagaban; Our Governor incoming, Sen. Ovie Omoagege; Delta South senatorial candidate, Joel Onowakpoto; House of Representatives for Bomadi/Patani federal constituency candidate, Hon. Tam Obriki; House of Assembly candidate, Amb. Kingsley Muturu are all good shot in the political market. We all should go to our various wards and units, to mobilised and canvassed seriously for all our principals to achieve our targeted 5/5 victory come 2023," the statement added.

PDP Ward Campaign: Kalafiugbene Angry at Sheriff over Ward 5 Boycott

PDP Ward Campaign: Kalafiugbene Angry at Sheriff over Ward 5 Boycott

....... Vows to work against PDP in Bomadi LGA if 

Francis Tayor

Warri ________ A group of youths under the aegis of Kalafiugbene, Ekamta and Elohim City Community Volunteer SSS working with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the fight against Boko-Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest, has expressed displeasure and anger against the Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP family for Boycotting Ward 5 Kalafiugbene, in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state in their ward to ward campaign ahead 2023 general elections.

The aggrieved youths of ward 5 Bomadi LGA has vowed to work against Oborevwori and the PDP family in the forthcoming elections if only Sheriff and the party reschedule date to visit ward 5 in order to remorselessly appeal to the party faithfuls as well as the people for forgiveness in their recent display of embarrassment meted against them by the Delta State PDP.

The aggrieved ward 5 Bomadi PDP youths disclosed this on Monday in Bomadi through their leader, Gen. Frank Agbai during a meeting with one of their leaders in Kalafiugbene ward, High Chief. Yusuf Eregbene JP, the Obaseki of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom stated that they will use what they have to fight against PDP if their demand is not responded to immediately by the Guber candidate and the party.

The aggrieved youths said with their over Twelve (12) thousand registered voters spread across the fifteen (15) units in the Ward which is the forth largest voting strength in the entire LGA, they will shock PDP at the polls if their peaceful request is taken for granted.

In his reaction, the former Board Chairman of Delta State Muslim Pilgrims, Alhaji Yusuf Eregbene noted that he was also angry at the action took by the PDP family and some selfish Bomadi politicians for labelling the peaceful ward 5 Communities as unsafe for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to visit the people in order to see things by himself.

Eregbene stated that if Sheriff was allowed to visit Kalafiugbene, Ekamta and Elohim City Community that make up ward 5, he would have get first hand information about the problems faced by the people as well as their needs during one on one interaction with the grassroot.

He accused some self acclaimed political leaders from Kalafiugbene ward 5 and Bomadi LGA for embezzling the funds meant for mobilization of the campaign train to visit the people at the grassroot, thereby lying to the PDP Governorship Candidate in the guise of security threat in the area.

He however, appealed to the aggrieved PDP Ward 5 youths to calm down, adding that he will liase with other trustworthy leaders from the ward so as to communicate their grievances to the PDP governorship candidate, the statement added.

2023: Uduaghan to Sheriff, You Are The Next Governor of Delta State

2023: Uduaghan to Sheriff, You Are The Next Governor of Delta State

Warri_____The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has declared that the State PDP Governorship Candidate and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is the next Governor of the State just as the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the State has said that Dr Uduaghan will be remembered by history for a long time to come.

Speaking on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of the State when the State PDP Governorship Candidate played host to him, the former Governor who was accompanied by Delta South PDP officials and candidates in the 2023 general elections, including the Senatorial Candidate, Hon Evangelist Michael Diden, aka Ejele and Hon Nicholas Mutu, said the visit was to further show his support for Rt. Hon. Oborevwori candidacy as well as to put to rest whatever rumour making the rounds that he and former Governor Chief James Ibori are at war over his latest show of solidarity for Rt Hon Oborevwori.

In his words; “I was not under any form of compulsion to support you. I am at a stage in my life where I do things based on my conviction. The Supreme Court has ratified your candidacy and gave you the go-ahead to campaign. So we are all out to support you. You are the candidate who has been subjected to court processes the most in Delta. I was the sitting Governor who had been taken to court the most. So we share something in common. I declare today again to stand behind you and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections”.

But the immediate past governor of the state quickly warned that there are landmines ahead which the State PDP Governorship for the 2023 governorship Election should be cautious about.

Hear him; “There is still a lot to be done before the elections. You need to pass through the heat you are passing through now in order to be Governor. God has blessed you, but do not take Him for granted. Hold Him close because there are bumpier hurdles ahead.”

The former Governor also said that; “Chief Ibori and I are not quarreling over this matter. He has accepted my latest decision to support you. He may publicly declare his stance soon and I know he loves the party more than all of us.”

Dr Uduaghan told party faithful that; “If you say you are behind somebody, stay there. If you think you will remain in the PDP and be working for a candidate of another party, in no time, you will be found out. You will not be trusted by those whom you betrayed your party for. Please if you are here, stay here because politics is a very slippery venture.”

He charged everyone to support the Atiku/Okowa Presidential ticket even more vigorously as they support Rt Hon Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

“I want to plead that the issue of our party’s Presidential ticket be taken seriously like the Governorship. The Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is the first person from our state who has achieved this feat. Hate him or like him, he is a Deltan. Let us support him. His emergence will be to all of our interests”, the former Governor said.

Responding, an elated Rt Hon Oborevwori expressed gratitude to Dr. Uduaghan for the support and great show of love.

According to him; “Your Excellency, Your name has been trending in the media because of your recent decision. Another move that struck my heart was when you went to your LGA and Ward to campaign 5/5 for us. This is very dear to me. I am happy that you’re campaigning for your brother, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. I am not the most qualified but I believe it is the will of God. My life’s story is like that of David in the Bible. I appreciate you for believing in our 5/5 and also reaching out to people to ensure that the party puts up a united front ahead of the elections”.

He also said that; “I am a man with excessive local content. That was one of the reasons you appointed me Special Adviser in your administration. I have said this severally but let me say it before you sir. Raising the hand of someone who contested against your daughter is very moving to me. You have shown us that we should not sacrifice the general interest of the party for personal interest. You will be remembered by history for a long long time”.“My M.O.R.E Agenda is my social contract with Deltans. Amongst all the candidates, I am the one that is in-tune with the ordinary people. I don’t believe in talking too much but I will do what will directly impact the lives of the people. I am a Warri man to the core. I live amongst the ordinary people and so I know their pains very well. I want to be a servant leader. We are very happy having you with us sir. I will certainly reciprocate your visit with PDP leaders from the three Senatorial districts, and to consult you whenever the need arises,” he said.

Personalities in attendance includes; Senator Ighoyota Amori, Senator Emmanuel Agwariavwodo, Chief John Oguma, Chief Barr John Nani, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, Hon. Austin Uroye JP, Hon. Pullah Ekpotuyerin Ebipade, Chief Sunday Onoriode, Dr Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, Hon Kelly Panawou, Hon Mofe Pira, Hon (Dr) Julius Takeme (JP), Barrister Ada Val Arenyeka, Chief Boro Opudu and others.

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace Cup: Kolokolo FC trashes Kurutie 4-2 to Clinch Trophy

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace Cup: Kolokolo FC trashes Kurutie 4-2 to Clinch Trophy

...... As Mulade called on well meaning Deltans, government, multi-national oil companies, other NGOs to partner with CEPEJ in sustaining the football tournament 

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri____ The third edition of Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity cup, also known as Comrade Sheriff Mulade Peace and Unity football tournament came to an end in a very colourful manner on the 3rd December, 2022 at Ugborodo Community pitch in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State with Kolokolo FC beaten Kurutie FC 4-2 in a penalty shoot out to clinched the trophy.

The cultural like carnival  grand finale football tournament attracted great personalities both from ltsekiri and ljaw ethnic nationality, representatives from the Pere of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom, the Olu of Warri, the Pere of Gbaramantu kingdom, Delta State Sports Commission, ex-Nigeria football internationals, Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, DSS, including the Executive Director of PIND Foundation, Mr. Tunji Idowu, who was ably represented by High Chief. Lawal Africas,  Traditional Chiefs, Civil Society groups and other dignitaries too numerous to mentioned.

It also featured cultural dance display from both the ljaw and ltsekiri ethnic nationality as well as fast growing upcoming ljaw born Hip-hop stars such as Dollar girl, Zion man among others to spice up the grand finale ceremony to be enjoyable by spectators.

However, Uboghoro FC defeated Ogbe-ljoh FC 1-0 to emerged third position and go home with the sum of five hundred thousand naira. While Kolokolo FC trashed Kurutie FC 4-2 in a penalty shoot out to clinched the first position  with one million naira alongside other consolation prizes. And the second position goes to Kurutie FC with the sum of seven hundred thousand naira cash gift respectively.

Meanwhile, Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom FC emerged the well behaved team in this year's edition and they where rewarded awesomely with undisclosed sum of cash gift by the organizer of the tournament.

Speaking to the press shortly after the competition, the sponsor of the tournament, Comrade (Chief). Mulade Sheriff, who is the lbe-sorimowei of Gbaramantu kingdom congratulated the winners Kolokolo FC, Kurutie FC and Uboghoro FC. He thanked God for a successful tournament, as well as charged those from the area to always turn up for such very important programme.

According to Mulade, said: " The ljaw and the ltsekiri communities are the economic life wire of Delta State because of the natural resources, especially crude oil and gas deposited in their land. And by implication, if there is crisis between these two ethnic groups, the economy of the state in particular, and Nigeria in general would be at stake and greatly affected.

" I want to use this medium to call on well meaning Deltans, critical stakeholders, multi-national oil companies operating in the region, NGOs and others to partner with CEPEJ to sustain this very important annual football tournament in order to ensure a sustainable peace between the ljaws and ltsekiris in the state."

Mulade further called on NFA to look into the ljaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity football tournament beyond local competition and pick best players from the tournament to play in the Nigeria National team, the statement added.

On his part, the representative of the Executive Director of PIND Foundation, Mr. Tunji Idowu hailed Comrade Sheriff Mulade for organizing the Peace and Unity football tournament in uniting the ljaws and Itsekiris in Warri South-West LGA. He said PIND Foundation is elated seeing one of its member Mulade doing great project in preaching peace and unity through football tournament amongst the ljaws and ltsekiris in Delta State, Chief Lawal Africas stated.

In his reaction, ex-Nigeria football international, Mr. Bright commended Mulade for his selfless services to humanity. He called on the Delta State government for the sustenance of the tournament in order to ensure lasting peace between the ljaws and ltsekiris in Warri South-West.

Dignitaries to Storm Excravos Tomr 3rd for ljaw/Itsekiri Peace Cup Finals

Dignitaries to Storm Excravos Tomr 3rd for ljaw/Itsekiri Peace Cup Finals 

Warri_____ Deltans are set to storm Ugborodo Town, Escarvos in Warri South West LGA of the State for the grand finale of Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Cup tournament also know as Comrade Mulade Sheriff Peace and unity carnival fixturing football and cultural entertainment 

A renowned human and environmental justice advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff disclosed this to newsmen in Warri, adding that dignitaries from all walks of life are expected including ex international football stars.

According to Chief Mulade, the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaran the II, Aketekpe, Agadagba; the Pere Ama Okusu of Ogbe Ijoh Warri Kingdom; as well as the Pere of Egbema Kingdom, Agadagba; and a host of others, will be the Royal Fathers of the Day at the ceremony.    

The peace advocate called on well-meaning Deltans, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, to mobilize enmass to the event by showing commitment towards deepening and sustaining peaceful coexistence between both ethnic groups.

Chief Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, assured all participating communities that CEPEJ would remain committed and supportive towards deepening the unity, as Ijaw and Itsekiri are the economic live wires of Delta State and the Niger Delta Region.