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Niger Delta

Controversy Trails Okowa’s Wife’s Convoy Attack

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7 years ago

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Controversy has continued to trail the alleged attack on the convoy of the wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, at Aladja Community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta.
Youths from the community some weeks ago had reportedly barricaded the road leading to Aladja from where they swooped on the advance team of the Governor’s wife, injuring some medical personal and vandalising vehicles in the convoy.
The advance team which comprised of medical personnel and other support staff of Delta State first lady, Dame Edith Okowa’s “O5” Initiative Healthcare programme were heading to Ogbe-Ijoh council in continuation of the programme in that part of the state when the incident occurred.
As a result of the attack; the 05 free medical initiatives which was to take place at Ogbe-Ijoh for the people of Warri South West Local Government Area was cancelled.
But Aladja community leaders have exonerated the community from the incident, saying that the fear for the safety of civilians coupled with ignorance, made the Aladja youths to resist the attempt by soldiers who escorted the medical personnel from passing through their community.
President of Aladja Community Council, Comrade Elias Dogene, Chief Photo Ogbe, Oghwuvwie-General, Oghwuvwie Traditional Council and Mr Asifor Samson, Aladja Welfare Movement Chairman denied the report that its youths attacked the convoy of the Governor’s wife.
“There was no attack at Aladja or any other place. The allegations in the report are “malicious” stressing that, “it is a prelude and an excuse to attack Aladja Community again.” It was a “misunderstanding” as well as show of bravado by the soldiers escorting the medical team to Ogbe-Ijaw, the leaders said.
“Two days earlier, the leadership of Aladja got intelligence report that the Ijaws wanted to ambush the medical team and make it look like it was Aladja that carried out the attacks.
“This was reported to the JTF and Police Station at Aladja. To confirm their preparedness to carry out such sinister act, there were several gunshots from Ogbe-Ijoh in the noon time around 2pm. The Military and the Police heard them’’.
“Few hours later, the advance team came and was to pass through. A few youths approached the Soldiers and expressed their fears about the safety of the team and advised the Security strength be increased in the event that the Ijaws carry out their plans.
“While the argument was going on between the youths and Soldiers, the vehicles carrying the civilians reversed and left the military men. Nobody was beaten nor molested.
Despite that, Ijaw Youth Council, lYC, Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Clan, condemned the attack in its entirety, describing Aladja Community as “lawless and dominated by criminal minded persons including the high level of leadership”.
IYC’s Clan Chairman, Comrade Smart Okosu, in a statement said, “It is unthinkable for members of any community within the state to attack the convoy of the wife of the Governor of the state”and that the attack on the convoy of the Governor’s wife is “an attack on the Governor of Delta State”.
“To demonstrate the complicity of the Aladja community leadership, the attack on the convoy of the first lady was led by the Councilor representing Aladja community in the Udu Local Government Legislative Arm who works directly under the Chairman of the Udu Council Area, Mr. Jite Brown”, the statement said.
They alleged that the council chairman, Mr. Brown “is using government fund to sponsor the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communal crisis and criminal elements in Aladja Community. The way and manner the Aladja Community is behaving is as if they are above the laws of this country. We state that no community or groups of people are above the laws of the country. The leaders of the Aladja community who masterminded the attack on the convoy of the wife of the Governor of Delta State, Dame Edit Okowa should be brought to justice’’.
Consequently, the IYC Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Clan has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Aladja Community leaders including Mr. Jite Brown; Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Chairman of Aladja Community; Elias Dogene, Chief T. C. Wiliki, Alhaji Dauda and other Aladja leaders who they claimed allegedly “sponsoring and encouraging the ongoing criminality in Aladja community.
“The Aladja community has become a criminal hideout with the active support of the leaders of the community and they must be brought to justice for the criminality to stop”, the statement.
The Governor’s wife and her team have in the past few weeks going round the 25 council areas of the state, dispensing free drugs and healthcare to rural communities with no record of security breach.

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Niger Delta

Bishop Mocks Fake Prophecy Seekers … As Priests Relive Challenges At Ordination Ceremony

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8 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, has cautioned Christians against belief in fake prophecies and consultation of fake prophets for miracles.
He alleged that some clergy parading miracles in the name of the Lord were witch-doctors who stage-manage miracles to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with the intent to exploit them.
The Bishop gave the admonition at the weekend during the Priestly Ordination Ceremony of Rev. Fr. Mark Inedi which held at the Christ The King Catholic Church, Imiringi Deanery, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Tide, which monitored the ecclesiastical ceremony, reports that earlier in 2024, the newly ordained Priest having certified part of the requirements of the Church was ordained as a Deacon at the Diocesan headquarters in Bomadi, Delta State, paving way for him to be officially ordained as a Rev. Fr. on the 12th of July 2025 after certifying the remaining requirements of his formative years in the Major Seminaries.
“The Catholic Church gave the Holy Bible to Christendom. Christ never came with the Bible, though he was born of the Holy Blessed Virgin Mary. Christians should refrain from belief in fake prophets and miracles.
“Yes, they say the Catholic Church doesn’t perform miracles and doesn’t prophesy, but we’re the origin of Christianity, and we’re the early Church who still speak and use Latin to teach the word of God. Catholic is original.
“I don’t intend to ridicule any pastor or man of God, but pastors and Churches should stop deceiving people with fake prophecies and stage-managed miracles”, he said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his ‘Maiden Mass/Thanksgiving’, Rev. Fr. Inedi promised to discharge the duties of his calling with respect, obedience and humility to the Church and humanity in general.
The Priest thanked the Bishop of the Diocese, his colleagues, parents and others for the support given him through out his formative years in the seminaries, noting that it was a herculean task, but God made it possible for him to succeed in his vineyard which culminated in his ordination ceremony.
“By God’s grace I’ll try my very best as a Priest in the discharge of my Priestly duties to the Church and humanity. It was indeed challenging, but God enabled this day to become a reality.
“I want to thank and appreciate the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, His Lordship, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, for the encouragement and support. I also want to thank all my Senior Colleagues, my parents, relatives, family members, friends and classmates for their unrelenting support through out my formative years. May God continue to bless all of them”, he said.
In their separate remarks, the duo of the  Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, and the Priest in charge of the Imiringi Deanery,  Rev. Fr. Peter Ikuli, described the formative years of Priesthood as very challenging.
Opelema, who also doubles as Vicar-General of the Diocese, advised the newly ordained Priest to be steadfast, courageous and dedicated to the growth of the Church and progress of the larger society.
He emphasized that Catholic Priests were called to serve humanity and  exemplify the teachings of Christ in their conducts.
“The trajectory of increase in the number of indigenous Priest from and around the Imiringi Deanery and surrounding parishes was due to Opelema’s resilience and successful ordination as a Priest in 1994.
“If Joseph Opelema hadn’t succeeded as a Seminarian and ordained successfully, having been the first prist from this area, many of us wouldn’t have become priests today”, Rev. Fr. Ikuli said.
“Please kindly note that in line with the resolutions of our Extraordinary General Meeting held between Friday 20th and Wednesday
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Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Leverages On Extensive River Networks To Drive Blue Economy

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8 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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Delta State Government has said it will utilise its unique geographical assets and aquatic wealth to chart an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this while outlining the state’s transformational blueprint at a ministerial joint briefing in Asaba, the State capital.
The briefing was with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired DIG Adeleye Oyebade.
The theme was, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s role as a national pacesetter in harnessing inland and coastal water resources to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Aniagwu was in the company of the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani; and Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Peter Uviejitobor, and others.
He described Delta’s extensive river networks, over 500 kilometres of navigable waterways, and Atlantic coastline as a “strategic advantage” that remain underutilized.
According to him, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration was determined to drive this trend through deliberate, multi-sectoral investments that would bring rural and riverine communities into the mainstream of economic development.
Aniagwu said the blue economy goes beyond traditional sectors like fisheries and tourism, saying it is a framework for building climate resilience, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic participation.
He emphasized that the state’s approach was to treat rural roads, jetties, cold-chain logistics, and digital access as interconnected pillars capable of unlocking the full spectrum of aquatic-based opportunities.
“Among the key efforts underway are major road construction and rehabilitation projects in traditionally marginalized areas.
“These include the Ogheye Floating Market and access roads in Warri North, Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor Road in Bomadi, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network, which incorporates 15 bridges.
“The ongoing construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Local Government and rigid pavement roads in Warri South-West are also cited as critical arteries meant to connect hinterland communities with market hubs.
“In addition to road networks, the state has significantly invested in water transport infrastructure, including the building and upgrading of jetties.
“These moves are designed to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mobility across Delta’s waterways, which remain the primary means of transportation for many rural dwellers”, Aniagwu said.
The commissioner further said the government’s approach was not limited to physical infrastructure.
“It is also focused on empowering people, particularly youth and women, through capacity-building in aquaculture, tourism, logistics, and marine services.
“By strengthening cooperatives, enhancing ICT access, and integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered cold storage, the state is helping small-scale producers to scale their operations and connect with broader markets”, he said.
He noted that Delta’s vision aligns with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which prioritizes Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security.
Aniagwu explained that the integrated rural infrastructure strategy was expected to yield far-reaching impacts.
“Economically, it will increase trade in fish and agricultural products, lower transportation costs, attract private investment, and reduce rural unemployment.
“Socially, it will foster community ownership, promote women’s participation in fisheries and trade, and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
“Environmentally, the shift to clean energy transport, mangrove restoration, and sustainable resource management will protect fragile ecosystems while enhancing community resilience”, he said.
The commissioner called for greater national coordination and proposed the designation of Delta state as a pilot “Blue Corridor” beginning in 2026 to test integrated blue economy initiatives.
Aniagwu also advocated for federal support in the deployment of cleaner transport technologies, inland waterway dredging, and cold-chain logistics development.
He recommended a dedicated Blue Economy and Inland Water Transport Taskforce to synchronize efforts across federal and state lines.
He assured of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to turn its aquatic riches into engines of sustainable development.
He said:  “Our waterways must become drivers of opportunity, prosperity, and environmental sustainability, not barriers to progress.
“With strategic planning, inclusive policies, and coordinated infrastructure investment, Delta is positioning itself not just as a hub of blue economic activity, but as a replicable model for coastal and riverine development across Nigeria.”
On his part, the Leader, Course 47 Team, Oyebade, commended the Delta government for establishing the Ogheye Floating Market and urged the state to attract more investments in the blue economy by leveraging its rich Atlantic coastline resources.
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Niger Delta

C’River Hands Over Rubber Plantation to Private Company

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8 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Cross River State government has officially handed over the defunct Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL) to Biase Plantations Limited, describing it as a symbol of renewal and economic transformation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Uyangha, Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) last Tuesday, Governor Bassey said the state regained control of 8, 521 hectare rubber estate through a high court judgement.
Represented by Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Otu explained that a High Court in Calabar issued the consent judgment on the estate.
He described the move as ‘’a major step towards reviving the state’s agricultural sector’’ and thanked all the parties involved, especially the state Attorney General and the legal teams, for facilitating the smooth transition.
He said the new operators planed to turn the estate into a large-scale oil palm plantation, generate jobs, boost rural economies, and increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He urged Biase Plantations to prioritise local employment, uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and maintain peaceful relationship with host communities.
In his remarks, Mr. Arumugam Ananth, General Manager of Biase Plantations Ltd, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, said  it had renamed the rubber estate to ‘’Uyangha Oil Palm Estate.’’
He appreciated the state’s trust and pledged to restore the estate, while announcing plans to reopen the estate’s school, establish a training center, and create jobs for the locals.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor  Ebani, lauded the initiative while calling on the company to fulfill its promises.
Some of the community leaders, youth and women’s representatives, who spoke to newsmen, expressed hope that the rebranded estate would usher in a new era of growth and opportunity.
Earlier, a formal asset transfer meeting was held in Calabar, where legal documents were passed from Enghaut Nigeria Ltd. to the Ministry of Agriculture, overseen by officials from both parties.
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