Amnesty students demand upward review of PAP budget, commend Otuaro's achievements so far

Amnesty students demand upward review of PAP budget, commend Otuaro's achievements so far 

Earlier today 15th March 2025, the National Association Of the Presidential Amnesty Students Worldwide (NAPAS) visited the National president of the Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), Comrade Ozobo Austin at his Warri office.

The visit was led by its national president Comr Ebidouwei Miyenpirigha and the union's women leader Comr Embelakpo Emeka.

The PAP students' expressed gratitude to the administrator of the presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro for his uncommon achievements with the short time in office, adding that Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders should give him every necessary support to enable him do more for the amnesty programme.

The student's body during the visit, appealed to IPF to call the president Ahmed Bola Tinubu to increase the amnesty programme annual budget to enable the PAP administrator also increase the stipends of beneficiaries- including delegates monthly stipends, vocational training and scholarship students allowances.

Speaking during the visit, the students lamented that the economy situation of 2009 when the N65,000 monthly stipend was proposed for Amnesty delegates and the economy situation of now are not the same, citing that N65,000 can't provide anything in a home nowadays.

They emphasised, "Mr president should know that N90, 000, monthly vocational training allowance and N70,000 monthly scholarship students' up keep can't create a balance for the beneficiaries in the country today".

However, the visit was also to formally inform the IPF's president and invite him for the forthcoming PAP students' national convention in March 2025.

The amnesty students strongly appealed to the IPF to draw Mr. President's attention to the plights of the amnesty students, PAP delegates and vocational trainees with a view of increasing the PAP annual budget.

IPF's president, Ozobo in his response, appreciated the PAP students for finding him and IPF worthy to be visited. He promised to provide the needed support and reached out to necessary stakeholders to support their convention.

Ozobo, said IPF will lead the advocacy to appeal with Mr president to increase the PAP annual budget to create an enabling environment for the PAP delegates, students and vocational trainees.

Group Hails Tinubu, Otuaro for Development Programs in Niger Delta

Group Hails Tinubu, Otuaro for Development Programs in Niger Delta 

Leaders of the Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) have lauded President Bola Tinubu and Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator Dr. Dennis Bruto Otuaro for their commitment to developing the Niger Delta region.

The prominent youths group particularly cited the recent award of scholarships to over 1,700 students from the region as very commendable.

In a statement by the IYN President and Secretary, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, the group praised the President's decision to retain the PAP and his appointment of Dr. Otuaro, to lead the agency.

The duo described the President’s decision as a visionary move that has started to yield unprecedented results in peace sustenance in the region. 

They IYN particularly commended Otuaro for taking painstaking steps to ensure that the last scholarship exercise was transparent and fair across the region.

 

"President Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional wisdom not only by retaining the Presidential Amnesty Programme but by appointing Dr. Otuaro, an accomplished administrator whose leadership has brought remarkable progress to the programme," said Ebikabo and Ebiaridor in the statement. 

The IYN leaders emphasized the historic nature of the scholarship scheme, which includes opportunities for overseas master's degree studies. 

"The scale and transparency of this scholarship scheme, which provides comprehensive support including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing the fundamental challenges facing our region," they stated, 

They noted further that "had previous administrations shown similar sustained dedication to human capital development in the Niger Delta, our region might have avoided the path to militancy."

 

The Presidential Amnesty Programme recently deplored 1700 Niger Delta students on scholarships to local and foreign institutions, the first time such a large number of students would be chosen as beneficiaries of the programme. 

The IYN leadership highlighted several achievements under Dr. Otuaro's administration, including the deployment of four Niger Delta indigenes to South Africa for specialized aviation training and the training of 98 young men and women in maritime skills at the Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research.

"Dr. Otuaro has shown a deep understanding of the historical grievances that led to unrest in our region and is systematically taking bold and deliberate steps to implement these through well-thought-out initiatives," the president and secretary noted. 

However, they also called for increased funding for the programme. "While we commend these achievements, we respectfully appeal to President Tinubu to consider increasing the budgetary allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. 

Additional funding would enable the PAP to expand its reach and create an even more lasting impact in the Niger Delta region."

The IYN leaders concluded by reaffirming their support for President Tinubu's administration and Dr. Otuaro's leadership.

They expressed their commitment to partnering with the federal government in fostering sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta.

Opinion: Gbemre's Envy and Falsehoods: Tantita a Vital Partner in Nigeria Oil Industry_By Prince Perez .B, CEO lduwiniVoice

Opinion: Gbemre's Envy and Falsehoods: Tantita a Vital Partner in Nigeria Oil Industry_By Prince Perez .B, CEO lduwiniVoice 

In recent times, certain individuals have launched a smear campaign against Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services, a company entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure. This wave of criticism is baseless and driven by self-serving interests, aimed at discrediting one of the country’s most effective security partners. It is imperative to set the record straight and present the facts.

Nigeria’s oil sector remains the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, with the Niger Delta region at its core. Given the high stakes, securing the country’s oil facilities is paramount to preserving the national economy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) recognized this and, after a thorough assessment, awarded pipeline surveillance contracts to private firms, including Tantita Security.

The process leading to Tantita's contract was transparent. The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and NNPC Limited CEO, Mele Kyari, secured the necessary approvals from then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Their decision was grounded in the need for a capable partner to tackle the endemic problem of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Tantita Security, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, exceeded expectations. The company swiftly curbed oil theft, boosted Nigeria’s production quota, and restored investor confidence in the country’s oil sector. Despite these successes, detractors like Zik Gbemre and his allies continue to spread malicious misinformation, and tribal bigotry.

These critics, fueled by envy and vested interests, hoped for Tantita’s failure. Instead, the company’s achievements under Tompolo’s leadership left them scrambling to discredit its work. Their tactics include fabricated protests and unfounded allegations, but their efforts have been futile and shall continue to remain so.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizing Tantita’s indispensable role, renewed the company’s contract. His decision is backed by stakeholders across the Niger Delta, who witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Tompolo’s operations. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths across the region have lauded Tantita’s approach, which emphasizes community-based  security strategy and widespread job creation.

It's worth noting that critics like Gbemre, Ariyo, and Gbaboyor have personal agendas. They selectively forget that previous contracts were awarded without community consultation or employment benefits. Yet, Tompolo’s approach has been inclusive, ensuring that all ethnic groups in the region benefit from the surveillance contract. The company has also been exceptional in their Social Responsibilities, by hello the needy, mending broken roads, partnering NGOs in campaigns again Social Vices such as thuggery, armed robbery, drug and substances abuse, and supporting anything that promotes growth, economic, and cultural empowerment.

Attempts to paint the contract renewal as an ethnic issue are misguided. The pipeline surveillance is a national security priority. Tompolo’s expertise in navigating the creeks and his understanding of the region’s complexities make Tantita Security the best choice for this task.

The facts speak for themselves. Tantita Security Services has made astonishing contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, and any attempt to undermine its work is a disservice to the nation. President Tinubu’s administration, alongside well-meaning Nigerians, supports Tompolo’s mission to secure the country’s oil assets. The detractors would do well to channel their energies toward constructive contributions rather than baseless agitation.

Just-ln: IPF Vibrates Over FG Plans on Drilling More Oil in Niger Delta

Just-ln: IPF Vibrates Over FG Plans on Drilling More Oil in Niger Delta

A leading professional media group, the Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has asked the federal government to stop nursing the ambition to drill more oil wells in Niger Delta,following the increase in demand for more crude supply in the country.

It would be recalled that, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in a special report on Thisday newspaper on 4th January 2025 said following the resumption of oil refining by Dangote, Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, the country needs 123.48 million barrels for the nine Nigerian refineries in the first quarter (H1) 2025, with Dangote receiving the highest share, suggesting that the country needs to undergo drilling of more oil to meet both foreign and domestic demands.

The Ijaw apex media organization in a statement signed by its National President Comrade Ozobo Austin which was made available to media houses, said following the abject poverty and unspeakable underdevelopment meted for Niger Delta People, the region would no longer allow the Nigerian federal government to drilling more oil in the area. "We are saying it very unequivocally that Niger Delta will no longer wants the federal government to continue to drill more oil wells in the Niger Delta, except there should be a dialogue for the oil ownership in Niger Delta'',the group added.

IPF explained that the Ijaw riverine communities with countless oil wells being explored and exploited over five decades have nothing to show for it, rather there is sad reality of rejection, infrastructure decay, pollution, total darkness and untimely death of both infants and adults as a result of oil exploration/ exploitation activities by oil multinationals.

The IPF president added that should the federal government nurse the ambition to drill more oil wells to increase the daily oil production output in Niger Delta and the Ijaw areas, there should be a roundtable negotiation to review the extant laws of oil and gas ownership in the Niger Delta before such ideas could be considered.

He noted that if such roundtable negotiation is not done, the federal government should look for somewhere else to look for its oil to increase its daily output and not the Niger Delta territory.

The Ijaw media council argued that in the future when the entire oil and gas are exhausted without commensurate benefits, the Ijaw area will be left abandoned like a ghost city, citing Oloibiri town as a reference point.

The IPF expressed disappointment that up till now natural resources like gold and bitumen in Zamfara and other northern states are regarded as private resources for the indigenes despite its high economic values.

They argued that if gold, iron ore, lithium, coal, granite and other natural resources in Zamfara and other northern states belong to the indigenes, then Oil and Gas resources in Niger Delta belong to the aboriginal people of the Niger Delta.

IPF called on Niger Delta States governors, federal lawmakers, rights bodies, traditional rulers and other well meaning stakeholders in Niger Delta to educate the federal government to jettison the idea of drilling more oil wells in Niger Delta region for the overall interest of both parties.

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF calls on parties to cooperate with Victor Attah-led peace and reconciliation committee to restore peace

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF calls on parties to cooperate with Victor Attah-led peace and reconciliation committee to restore peace 

Portharcourt ___ The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Apex Socio-Political voice of the South-South people has reiterated its calls on all parties involved in the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024 in order to restore peace between the two political interests in the state.

While expressing implicit confidence in members of the Peace and Reconciliation members led by the former governor of Akwa Ibom, PANDEF observed with sadness the recent media war characterized by unfounded aspersions, falsehoods, and fueling of the already tensed atmosphere.

According to PANDEF national Chairman, Amb. Dr. Bolade lgali noted that the recent media war is a calculative attempt aimed at diverting the focus of the Committee and defeating the good purpose behind the peace & reconciliation effort.

PANDEF urged all stakeholders, not only to support the Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the already tense situation.

“We call on all stakeholders in Rivers State not only to support Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the already tense situation.

“All parties involved should be mindful and restrain themselves from utterances capable of igniting the crisis but should enable an environment that will pave way for peace to return to the State for the sake of the citizens of the State, the region, and the Nation at large.”

It would be recalled that PANDEF, in its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024 in Port-Harcourt, set up a “Peace and Reconciliation Committee” made of Obong Victor Attah, Senator Roland Owie, Sen. (Engr.) Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Chief (Mrs.) Sen. Stella Omu, Col. Peter Asam Mbu Ogar, Admiral John Jonah, and Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Stella Dorgu to look and bring lasting solutions to the political crisis in River State and other states of the South-South region.

34 years after, late Janet Onduku children remembers their lovely mother, to hold thanksgiving mass at Annunciation catholic church Ogunu warri, on sunday 12th January, 2025

34 years after, late Janet Onduku children remembers their lovely mother, to hold thanksgiving mass at Annunciation catholic church Ogunu warri, on sunday 12th January, 2025

The children of late Mrs. Janet Keneghan Onduku of Ayakoromo (Nee- Bozimo) of Ezebiri in Burutu and Bomadi Local Government Areas of Delta State, has announced to mark the thirty four years anniversary of their beloved departed mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was born in 1937 and slept in the Lord on the 9th January, 1991 at the early age of 54 years.

According to the statement released on Thursday by her eldest son Barr. Preye Onduku in warri, noted that there would be thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 12th January, 2025 at the Annunciation Catholic Church Ogunu, warri by 8:30AM Mass.

Friends, relatives and well wishers are hereby invited to join them at the thanksgiving Mass service on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Late Janet Onduku was a renowned caterer, fashion designer and a contractor with Burutu Local Government Council during Elder Godsday Orubebe tenure as council chairman. She was married to late. Chief. Thomas Omette Onduku, former Olotu of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom, an educationist and progenitor of the lzon language.

Their union was blessed with six children amongst whom are, Barr. Preye Onduku, a legal practitioner of the Warri Bar, Ebitimi Onduku (late), Dinemi Onduku (late), Mrs. Ayanemibo Lyon, Ayaebi Onduku and Oyinbi Onduku respectively.

Speaking further, Barr. Preye Onduku reiterated that his late mother Janet Onduku- Nee Bozimo was lovely and a cheerful giver (Philanthropist) while she was alive. She loved her family and children so much that she will do anything to assist her sibbings, especially the likes of William Zideke Bozimo (alive),  Bomadibeke Bozimo, England Bozimo and Forcados of blessed memories. 

She was equally loved by her other family members as she was very much close to her elder sister, Mama Sylver Bomor- Nee Bozimo of blessed memory. " Infact mummy Sylver nurtured her in her early life.

And her elder brother, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo who has so much fun memories of her and usually tells us such memories. He extends such love towards her children.

"May the Perpetual light of God shine upon her soul through Christ our Lord, Amen", the statement added.

Fondly remembered by her children:

Barr. Preye Onduku, 

Ayaebi Onduku, 

Mrs. Ayanemibo Lyon, 

Oyinbi Onduku &

numerous grand children, great-grand children and other family members.

IPF celebrates Asu Beks at 71, appreciates his contributions in media industry

IPF celebrates Asu Beks at 71, appreciates his contributions in media industry

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has congratulated a remarkable personality, Elder Asu Beks, CEO of Maritime Media Ltd on his 71st birth anniversary. 

He was one of the award recipients of the Ernest Ikoli's Personality awards in the Ijaw Media Conference 2024 which was held in Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa Dec 11.

It was gathered that Elder Asu Beks has spent over three decades advocating for truth, fairness, and equity in Maritime Journalism. His dedication had earned him the reputation as the Doyen of Maritime Journalism in Nigeria.

The birthday message was signed on behalf of the group by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin on Wednesday.

IPF described Elder Asu Beks as a shining light, a role model and a worthy personality in the Niger Delta region, citing that his works have created a base for the government at all levels in the marine economy in Nigeria.

However, Beks' impressive career spans various roles, including Information Officer of the Old Western Ijaw Division, City Editor of The Nigerian Tide, and Bureau Chief of the Guardian in Port Harcourt and more. His fearless reporting had led to significant impacts, such as exposing the anomaly of the School to Land Program in Port Harcourt in then military administration.

The IPF acknowledges Asu Beks' passion for the project of Nigeria, particularly his commitment to the Ijaw Nation. His leadership roles in various organizations, including the League of Maritime Editors and the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, demonstrate his expertise and influence in the industry.

Asu Beks' contributions to Maritime Journalism have been recognized through his publication, Shipping World, which had been in circulation since June 1997. 

Meantime, IPF is honoured to celebrate this remarkable 71st birthday and acknowledges his enduring legacy in Maritime Journalism.

The Apex Ijaw Media Council, wished him more celebrations in good health and prosperity, stating that the Ijaw nation is proud of him.

Congratulations!

Delta DG on Orientation, Latimore exposes Gov. Sheriff failed Government with blatant lies, as lPF tackles 2025 N979B State Budget

Delta DG on Orientation, Latimore exposes Gov. Sheriff failed Government with blatant lies, as lPF tackles 2025 N979B State Budget 

.....Tasks Delta govt to publish projects allocated to Ijaw communities in 2025 N979B budget 

Warri _____ The Ijaw Publishers' Forum, (IPF), the apex Ijaw media council has frowned at the statement by the Delta state governor's aide, Director General on Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe who stated at Lagos radio programme that the 2025 budget of N979billion contained massive projects for the Ijaw riverine communities and as well the Oborevwori administration had empowered over 250,000 entrepreneurs through the ministry of women affairs and State Bureau for Wealth and Job creation.

Speaking at the radio public affairs network programme, the Delta State Director General on Orientation and Communication, Latimore stated that "the improved and renewal rural and riverine mega roads and other infrastructural projects that would open intra and inter-trade opportunities are captured in the 2025 approved budget''.

The Ijaw media professionals in a press statement by the group's national President Comrade Ozobo Austin on Tuesday tackled the Delta state government over marginalisation of the oil rich-riverine Ijaw communities in the state, stating that ''the government runs on lies and propaganda and that a responsible government feels in the pains of the people and not to do a disservice which may add more injury to the unbearable pains of the people with audio projects. 

The group emphasised that Delta Ijaw riverine communities have been victims of such beautiful lies of fake (audio) projects over the years, adding that the Ayakoromo bridge project had over the years suffered such lies.

However, Latimore also remarks on the same radio programme that ''governor Oborevwori had empowered over 250,000 Entrepreneurs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)  through D-CARES programme ministry of women affairs and State Bureau for Wealth and Job creation'', but IPF was miffed at such remarks and viewed it as a scam against the Delta State people, stressing that Ijaw riverine communities and its group with over 30 registered media enterprises not aware of such opportunities.

While challenging the director General Latimore to publish and name numbers and location of such projects and benefiting enterprises and businesses, the group viewed the remarks as a recurrent decimal to defraud the Delta Ijaws by successive administrations in the state. 

IPF noted, ''We will not take such media charades any longer, seeing audio projects beautifully crafted by media engineers like Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe who is good at propaganda, playing politics with the Ijaw development in the state.''

IPF described the political propaganda of Latimore as a great disservice to the Ijaw nation by telling lies to boost the ego and image of his pay master, while the Delta Ijaw riverine communities are suffering with no tangible development to count on, from the time of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Okowa administrations.

The statement reads in part, ''We want the Governor Chief Sheriff Oborevwori led administration to publish names of projects allocated for the Delta Ijaw riverine communities per local government area and money allocated for the Ayakoromo bridge project in the 2025 N979 billion approved budget. We also challenge the governor and his aide to publish the names of entrepreneurs and amount of materials or money given to those who benefited from the Ijaw riverine communities in his over 250,000 entrepreneurs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)  through D-CARES programme ministry of women affairs and the State Bureau for Wealth and Job creation under his administration''.

HRM Kalanama Vlll Confers Ebipade Ayabotu Chieftaincy Title"lzonegberigbaowei"of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom

HRM Kalanama Vlll Confers Ebipade Ayabotu Chieftaincy Title"lzonegberigbaowei"of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom 

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri ____ The paramount ruler of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom, HRM Pere S.P. Luke (JP) Kalanama Vlll in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, has conferred a prestigious chieftaincy title on the Egberigide of Niger Delta, Chief. Ebipade Victor Ayabotu as the "Izonegberigbaowei" of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom.

Presenting the reverend title on the 30th of December, 2024 at the palace of the Pere of Akugbene Mein kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama Vlll, who is the first Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, noted that the conferment signifies the Kingdom's acknowledgement of Ebipade Ayabotu's contributions in projecting, preserving and promoting the ljaw language and culture in  Delta Broadcasting Services (DBS) Warri over the years. 

His Royal Majesty stressed that as a leader and advocate for promoting the ljaw language and culture, Ebipade Ayabotu's recognition by the traditional leadership of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom is a testament to his dedication and influence towards the growth and development of ljaw language.

In his reaction to the honour bestowed on him, Chief. Ebipade Ayabotu, the lzonegberigbaowei of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life to witness the historic event.

He further appreciated HRM Pere Luke Kalanama Vlll for the great honour bestowed on him, while reaffirming his commitment to advancing the ljaw language and culture in the future, the statement added.

Birthday Wishes to a Worthy Patriarch, High Chief. Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore

Birthday Wishes to a Worthy Patriarch, High Chief. Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore 

Happy birthday to an amazing father and husband! Your love, wisdom and strength inspire us every day.

We are grateful for the countless memories we have had together and all the laughter's shared.

May this your new age usher you into another awesome dimension of strength and perfect health. We earnestly pray that God grant you the wherewithal to continually live life to the fullest and impact your generation.

You deserve all the happiness in the world. Thank you for being our guiding light and a constant source of support. Here is to celebrating you today and always.

We love you so much!

Signed:

Wives and Children.

Gov Diri Mourns Tragic Death Of Ofoni Paramount Ruler in Ghastly Motor Accident

Gov Diri Mourns Tragic Death Of Ofoni Paramount Ruler in Ghastly Motor Accident 

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, is deeply saddened over the fatal accident that claimed the life of the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, on Friday.

The sad incident occurred along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road as the vehicle conveying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers somersaulted and skidded off the road into the bush around Sagbama community.

The occupants of the vehicle were rescued and taken to the Sagbama General Hospital where the injured were administered first aid while those with more serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri.

Unfortunately, the Ofoni monarch, who was part the Bayelsa West delegation on the New Year visit of the immediate past governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, to Governor Diri at his country home, Sampou, passed on.

Immediately the governor was informed about the incident and loss of life, he directed that the event be cancelled.

Governor Diri has been briefed by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also hails from Ofoni, and on behalf of the state government expresses sincere condolences to the paramount ruler’s family and the people of Ofoni Federated Community.

He also extends his sympathies and that of the government to the other victims of the accident and their families just as he prays for their quick recovery.

The governor equally commiserates with his predecessor, Senator Dickson, who was leader of the delegation.

Daniel Alabrah,

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bayelsa State  

Friday, January 3, 2025.

Barrister Smooth Showers Love on Delta ljaw MCs with Bags of Rice, Vegetable Oil, Cash Gifts for New Year Celebration

Barrister Smooth Showers Love on Delta ljaw MCs with Bags of Rice, Vegetable Oil, Cash Gifts for New Year Celebration

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri ______ ljaw highlife music maestro and the king of South-South highlife music, Chief. Barrister Sojawei Smooth, popularly known as the paddle of Niger Delta has doled out bags of rice, vegetable oil and a whooping sum of cash gift to the Delta ljaw Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) and comedians to celebrate the new year.

Presenting the items to the ljaw professional masters of ceremonies on Saturday at his private residence along refinery road, Effurun Warri, the South-South highlife music king, Barrister Smooth noted that the ljaw MCs are doing great in promoting and preserving the ljaw culture and language during occasions.

He stressed that encouragement is a strength booster hence his desire to reach out to them who took pleasure to make other people happy in the talking business in the society.

This is following the philanthropic kind gesture the ljaw music giant demonstrated to his colleagues in the music industry during the 2024 yuletide season.

Chief Barrister Smooth is known for his kindness over the years in touching lives over death. He believes in the life philosophy of live and let's live in peace, love and harmony.

Recalled that Chief Barrister Smooth had demonstrated thesame love to late Nigeria evergreen highlife music kingpin Echo Toikumo of Arogbo-lbe ljaw, late Numoupere 1 of lzon-lbe, King Dr. Robert Ebizimo, late Bestman Doupere, late Agbeotu Teiyebo, late shedrack Fineman and many others while they were alive before they passed on to the other world.

Chief. Barrister Smooth believes in united ljaw nation and music industry. He had paved ways to most of the present ljaw owigiri music artists who are making waves in the society.

His desire for a batter ljaw nation development and the growth of the ljaw musicians is a top notch. That was why the late ljaw music King Dr. Robert Ebizimo called him the "Master Planner".

Meanwhile, responding on behalf of the Ijaw MCs/Comedians that were present, Akpolokpolo The Creek MC lauded Chief Barrister S. Smooth for the heartwarming show of love and encouragement, that such charity of a 50KG Bag of Rice and N50k Cash Gift wasn’t expected from the father (in the industry).

Stressing further, the 3-In-1 MC Akpolokpolo noted that this is the first in history such benevolence is shown to the Ijaw MCs/Comedians during Yuletide celebrations; calling Ijaw MCs in their numbers to gift them rice, vegetable oil and cash gifts. This is not say that others have not been appreciating Ijaw MCs/Comedians especial at events.

The beneficiaries prayed for their benefactor, the Paddle of Africa more of God’s blessings and years in the entertainment industry as he guides even younger brands to achieve their dreams, the statement added.

Late Barr. Benjamin Yeigagha for Burial on March 8, 2025 at Ayakoromo in Delta

Late Barr. Benjamin Yeigagha for Burial on March 8, 2025 at Ayakoromo in Delta 

The family of Late Chief Barrister Benjamin Founkoro Yeigagha has announced that the burial ceremony of their beloved patriarch will take place on March 8th, 2025.

The ceremony is scheduled to hold at Ayakoromo Federated Community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Recalls that the respected member of the legal community from Akugbene and Ayakoromo communities died in a fatal accident that occurred around 7pm on Monday, November 18, 2024.

The accident happened while Barr. Yeigagha was returning home from court, and his vehicle was hit by another car. Despite efforts to save his life, he sadly passed away at 4:17am while being rushed to Lily Clinic in Warri.

The family invites friends, relatives, and well-wishers to join them as they bid farewell to their dear father and son, Chief Barr. B.F Yeigagha.

According to Engr. Henry Yeigagha, brother to the deceased, "all are welcome to attend and pay their respects to the memory of Late Chief Barr. Benjamin Founkoro Yeigagha."

The burial ceremony promises to be a celebration of the life and legacy of the late Chief Barrister, who will be deeply missed by his loved ones and the communities.

Just-ln: Otuaro Bags Award of Excellence on Outstanding Performance at Amnesty Office

Just-ln: Otuaro Bags Award of Excellence on Outstanding Performance at Amnesty Office 

The youth leaders of Okerenkoko Federated Communities in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have added their voices to the accolades highlighting the remarkable achievements of the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, since assuming office.

They have, therefore, unanimously acknowledged Otuaro's giant strides in quality service delivery at the PAP through its robust educational and vocational schemes, stakeholders' engagement and peace-building processes, and policy of inclusivity, among others.

They stated this while honouring Otuaro with an 'Outstanding Excellence Award' in recognition of his "commitment to providing outstanding service to the Niger Delta" at Okerenkoko during the New Year celebrations.

The community youth leaders, including Famous Ololobou, Ijoukumor Oturubo and Samuel Ijeleba, who spoke separately, urged Otuaro to continue to do his best for the growth and development of the region, despite the unnecessary distractions by his detractors.

According to them, those working against Otuaro were undermining President Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda which the PAP helmsman was implementing through the programme to foster sustainable peace, stability and security in the region.

They advised anti-Niger Delta elements to stop their ill-advised activities and allow peace to reign in the region.

Receiving the award, Otuaro expressed appreciation to the youth leaders of the Okerenkoko Federated Communities for recognising his modest contribution to sustainable peace and development of the region, adding that it would spur him to work harder.

While noting that his only interest was to serve the people of the region, he urged the youths to remain committed to peace-building and progress in the region as well as reject being used by merchants of instability and chaos.

Otuaro said the PAP, under his leadership, would not relent in carrying out the programme's mandate for the growth and development of the region in line with the president's renewed hope agenda.

He said: "I want to thank you for honouring me with an award in recognition of my service to the people of the Niger Delta. For me, it's all about service to our people, and that's what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, wants.

"I urge you to always work for the peace, security and stability of our region. We need peace in the region. The Niger Delta is our region, we have no other region. 

"So, you have a duty to safeguard the region from disruptive elements who are out cause destabilisation. I'm grateful for your gesture."

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma,

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

04/01/2025.

Barrister Smooth Mourns Death of Top Fan Clement Hamo, Pays Condolence Visit to Family at Agbere

Barrister Smooth Mourns Death of Top Fan Clement Hamo, Pays Condolence Visit to Family at Agbere

The most frightening aspect of life isn't the certainty of death, but rather the profound pain of losing those we hold dear. It becomes even more agonizing when the

circumstances surrounding their departure feel unjust or senseless. Each cherished memory transforms into a bittersweet reminder of what once was, making the journey forward incredibly challenging. The weight of such loss can be overwhelming, leaving us to grapple with an emptiness that is hard to fill.

In the depths of my sorrow, I, Barrister Smooth, mourn the tragic loss of my beloved brother and dear friend, Mr. CLEMENT HAMO

The pain is unbearable, a constant reminder of how cruel and unjust life can be. Each moment without him feels like an eternity, and the ache in my heart is a testament to the bond we shared. Rest in peace, dear brother.

Your memory will forever linger in my soul, a bittersweet reminder of love and loss.

~ CHIEF BARRISTER S. SMOOTH

Pictures from our Condolence visit to the family of Mr. Clement Hamo at Agbere community