Niger Delta

Okuama: Police Hand Over Delta Monarch To Military

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2024

The Delta State Police Command on Friday confirmed that it had handed over the traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, to the military barely few hours after turning himself in for investigation.
It was gathered that the monarch was flown to Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja moment after he was handed to military authority in Asaba, the state capital.
HRM Ikolo was one of the eight persons including a Professor that were declared wanted by the military over their alleged involvement in the killing of 17 soldiers by unknown gunmen around Okuama Community in Ughelli South LGA.
The Tide’s source reports that the royal father presented himself to Commissioner of Police in Delta few hours after he was declared wanted on Thursday.
Okuama, an Urhobo community, is one of the over 40 communities under the lordship of the monarch in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
Ikolo has been living in London, United Kingdom, before he was recently selected and crowned as Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo.
The spokesperson of the state police command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the monarch had been handed to the military on Friday.
According to the police image-maker, “Confirmed. He has been handed over to the military this morning”.
The monarch had earlier told journalists, “I am really very surprised and taken aback that my name as the monarch of the Kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons.
“I have no hands in killing, I have no hands in encouraging anybody to kill anybody. It is against my philosophy as a human being and faith as a Catholic, it is against it.
“This is a serious crime against humanity and I think they need to look at the appropriate places. They need to do a thorough investigation to know those who have committed this and bring them to book, let justice prevail. I am not a party to this, like I said earlier, the state government is aware.
“They know the turbulence I have been going through even up till now. As we speak, an arrangement was made by the government to invite the opponents, to invite those who are fighting me in the Kingdom to a meeting to reconcile whatever differences so that they can allow me go into the Kingdom and start to rule as the monarch of the place.
“I have not been able to set up anything. I haven’t been able to set up my traditional council; I have done nothing in the Kingdom. So, I barely know anything right now, I have no information, I know nothing.
“I am only just in the process to set up a structure to enable me rule in the Kingdom before this whole thing happened”.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

17 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

17 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

17 hours ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.