Niger Delta

Olu Of Warri’s Wife Makes Case For Healthcare Services

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2022

Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III, has urged the three tiers of government to provide adequate healthcare services to the people
The Olori made the plea, Friday, at the third edition of the “Wuwu Ore Initiative”, a medical outreach in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta.
The Tide’s source reports that “Wuwu Ore Initiative” (Mother’s Love) is a pep project of the wife of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The initiative was flagged-off on December 11, 2021 at Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South, with about 500 beneficiaries from the riverine communities.
The second edition was held at Ugbolokposo Community in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The third edition of the medical outreach was part of the activities lined up to mark the first Coronation anniversary of the traditional ruler, who was crowned on August 21, 2021 at Ode-Itsekiri.
She said the initiative was borne out of the desire to promote wellness and wellbeing of the people in the riverine areas where healthcare was not easily accessible.
The Olu of Warri’s wife also urged the government to begin to look toward the direction of providing healthcare services to Itsekiri nation.
“We decided to hold the third edition of the medical outreach to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of our king.
“We thought it is important to do it with a bit of difference.
“It is to my knowledge that most of our children do not have birth certificates, which is very important for their future.
“As part of Wuwu Ore Initiative, we are giving birth certificates to 600 of our children in Koko Community. We want to do that in all other communities we will visit.This is the first step to ensuring the Itsekiris have future and a voice under our great king Ogiame Atuwatse III.
“We are here to promote the future of Itsekiri, which is the future of our children,” Olori said.
In his remarks, Ogiame Atuwatse III urged the people to continue to sustain the existing peace in the kingdom, assuring them of more development initiatives.
The traditional ruler assured the people of more development, saying that growth could only be attained in an atmosphere of peace.
“We look beyond health; we are also looking at the social initiatives for our people. There is so much coming to the direction of Koko.
“I want you to continue with the peace. I know there are grievances, many feel hurt, assaulted and disrespected. I want to appeal that you embrace discussion,” Ogiame pleaded.
Responding, Mr Smart Asekutu, the Chairman, Warri North Local Government Area, thanked the Olu of Warri and his wife for the health initiative.
Asekutu prayed that God would continue to strengthen them in all directions.
The source reports that activities for the coronation anniversary, which commenced on Wednesday, was rounded up yesterday with thanksgiving at the Palace Church.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.