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Group Celebrates Ikwerre Cultural Day In PH

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The Ikwerre Day celebration organised by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide last Saturday, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, was successfully held and was declared open with a short prayer by Bishop Boms Chuks, the President of Ikwerre Gospel Ministers Fellowship.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Eze Mike Elechi, the Chief Executive Officer of Vintage Farms and Products Limited, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Head of Organised Private Sector in Rivers State, ably represented by Prince Charles Beke, appreciated members of Ogbakor Ikwerre for continuing the dreams of their fore-fathers in keeping their heritage intact.
He thanked everybody for maintaining the identity which speaks about the character of Ikwerre people, and urged the body to focus more on the economic visibility of the people and encourage entrepreneurship development by turning it into an economic hub where people can be trained to be economically viable. Eze Elechi advised Ogbakor Ikwerre to continue to be neutral in politics and that they will assist the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre to build another befitting Obiri Ikwerre.
The President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, in his welcome address, described Ikwerre Day as “a bi-annual institutionalised cultural fiesta” and “a period of home-coming, cultural reflection and renewal among others, essentially designed to sustain and showcase our rich cultural heritage, identity and core values.” He also said that “it is intended to tell the world who we are, what we do, where we are, etc to ensure that we are relevant in the comity of ethnic nationalities.” He welcomed everyone to the epoch-making occasion, especially the “Ochi Ohnas” and other prominent sons of Ikwerre present.
In recognition of his contributions in Ikwerre land, Eze Onuekwa adopted one of the awardees, Prof. Allswell Osini Muzan, as an Ikwerre son.
The immediate past President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, Prof. Emenike Wami was honoured with the position of Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIV. In his acceptance speech, he promised to be a good ambassador of Iwhuruohna people and urged everybody to work harmoniously and support the current PG, Eze Godspower Onuekwa.
Among those honoured with awards were Rt Rev Blessing Enyindah; Barrister Emmanuel Mark; Miss Mary Kekwaru; Queen Immaculate Chimzi Osai; Amb. Goodnews Igali; and Prof Allswell Osini Muzan.
There was march past by the branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre and their cultural groups, except Esila branch that was very few in number and they did not come with any cultural group.
The occasion was also garnished with a wrestling competition. Idris Assor Kelachi, Ndubuisi Ogbonda and Godpower Dimkpa took the first, second and third positions respectively during the wrestling competition among the four branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre.
The Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who was represented by Engr. Emeka Woke, thanked Ikwerre people for their support when he was the Governor of Rivers State. He also appreciated them for their support during the 2023 general elections and promised to have a heart-to-heart discussion with members of Ogbakor Ikwerre very soon.
The President and members of Tiv community in Rivers State also sent their warmest greeting to Iwhuruohna people, expressing gratitude for the relationship between Tiv people of Benue State and the Ikwerre people of Rivers State which started many years ago. They maintained that they will continue to be peace-loving people and also sustain the relationship between them and Ikwerre people. As their name implies (the food basket of the nation), they donated 100 big yams to the occasion and thanked God for the success of the occasion.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Port Harcourt; Prof. Aaron Ojule, former Chief Medical Director of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner of Education; CP Peter Wagbara (rtd), Nye Nwe Ali Elele-Alimini; Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara IV; the Chairman, Supreme Council of Government recognised Ikwerre Traditional Rulers; Emeritus Prof. Otonti Nduka, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XI; Prof. Augustine Onyeozu, Ochi Ohna Ikwerre XIII, and others.
In his closing remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prince Charles Beke condemned the absence of prominent Ikwerre sons and daughters at the Ikwerre Day celebration. He advised Iwhuruohna people not to put all their eggs in one basket and that they should not bring their brothers down in the name of politics.
The memorable event ended with several cultural displays from different groups.

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Niger Delta

Diri To Deliver UNIPORT’s 35th Convocation Lecture July 25th … As UNIPORT’s Mgt Visits Bayelsa 

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, will deliver the 35th convocation lecture of the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State on July 25, 2025.
The State’s Chief Executive gave his consent during the courtesy visit of the institution’s management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, to Government House, Yenagoa, last Friday.
Prof. Georgewill said the institution was proud to have the Governor as an alumnus, stating that the State under Governor Diri was experiencing rapid transformation as virtually all sectors of its economy had been positively affected by his administration.
The VC also said the institution was pleased to be associated with the Governor and that it was a huge privilege having him as a product of the school.
He appealed to the Governor to consider a legacy project as a way of giving back to the institution, which he noted will also help it cope with the rising number of students and staff.
While accepting the offer, Governor Douye Diri said as an alumnus, he was bound to be part of the institution’s activities.
He commended the UNIPORT management for maintaining excellence in the institution, stressing that education was crucial to development of society.
The Bayelsa number one citizen noted that leaders who fail to invest in education would have to deal with the consequences of crime and criminality, restating his administration’s commitment to developing the sector, noting that society would not progress without education.
The State’s helmsman explained that Bayelsa had shifted focus from paper qualification to science, technical and vocational education, and that the government had already completed tuition-free technical colleges in six out of the eight Local Government Areas, with the contract for the other two awarded.
“If you ignore education, then you have to build more prisons because crime will soar. For us as a government, education is a priority.
“Those of us that had the opportunity must provide space for others. In Bayelsa, we are moving from paper qualification to science and technical education so our people can have skills to be employers of labour rather than being thrown into the labour market.
“We are building science and vocational colleges in every local government area as a policy of this government. School fees, feeding and accommodation are all free. Our educational curriculum needs to meet the needs of our society.
“Coming to your requests, I will be happy to deliver the convocation lecture. If I did it in other institutions, UNIPORT’s should not be different. I also approve your request for a legacy infrastructure in our institution”, he said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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C’River Commences Inquiry Into NDDC’s Project Inauguration Disruption 

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The Cross River State Government has constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the alleged disruption of the inauguration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sponsored project in Calabar.
The five-member commission, which has Justice Emilia Ibok as Chairman, was mandated to ascertain the truth from the divergent narratives in the public domain regarding the disruption.
It has two weeks to submit its report.
The Tide’s source reports that the incident had sparked off intense faceoff between Sen. Asukwo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River Senatorial District, and the State Government over the ownership of some projects in Calabar metropolis.
The acrimony, however, took a dramatic turn, when some youths, allegedly on the orders of the State Government, disrupted the inauguration of one of the projects slated to be performed by the Minister of Regional Development, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, last Friday.
The fracas that ensued pitched Ekpenyong’s supporters against those of the State Government.
Meanwhile, Ekpenyong has blamed the State Government for the ugly incident.
Reacting to the accusation, the State Government quickly announced the constitution of a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the issue.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, said that “following a deluge of allegations of disruption of some projects unveiling hosted by the NDDC, the Governor had constituted a judicial commission of inquiry.
“The commission shall identify the perpetrators and make appropriate recommendations for further disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings to be pursued against identified perpetrators.
“The commission is to conclude its inquiry and submit a report on or before July, 1,” Owan-Enoh said.
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FG Lauds Oborevwori’s Bold Initiatives In Delta 

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The Federal Government has praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what it described as his proactive approach and bold steps in facilitating key infrastructural projects across the state.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who stated this during an inspection of the Second Niger Bridge access road, commended Governor Oborevwori for his support in the successful realization of the Second Niger Bridge access road and other critical infrastructure developments in the State.
Speaking to journalists in Asaba during the inspection, Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, lauded Governor Oborevwori for gazetting the right-of-way for the Second Niger Bridge access road extending to Issele-Azagba, and for personally overseeing the revocation and compensation processes related to affected properties.
“Let me commend, very, very highly, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, because he has gazetted the right-of-way for the Second Niger Bridge access road to Issele-Azagba.
“He has revoked the necessary properties and he is paying compensation himself”, Umahi stated.
The Minister urged other governors in the country to emulate Governor Oborevwori’s collaborative approach, noting that state-level support could accelerate federal projects and deliver quicker results to local communities.
He said: “I also want to appreciate the synergy between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government on ongoing projects in the state. The proactive approach by the Delta State Government in taking over the payment of compensation to affected individuals has been instrumental in fast-tracking these projects.
“I am confident this collaboration will yield positive results, and I assure the state government that the Federal Ministry of Works will honor its commitments”.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing construction of three flyovers and road expansion projects in Effurun, describing them as “very beautiful” and praising their unique design.
“I love the curves, and I have stolen that design and I am going to use it”, he said, highlighting the innovative flair seen in the projects.
Describing Oborevwori as a man of vision and progress, Umahi said, “he (Oborevwori) has a very large heart and a very progressive mind. No wonder he is with us now. So, I commend him very highly.”
Earlier, during a visit to the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road, Umahi expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Effurun-Sapele section and urged the contractors to increase their speed to meet the project deadlines.
“Timely completion is crucial, and I expect all contractors to work diligently towards achieving this goal”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership and ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government.
He commended the Federal Government for the 17.6km access road from the Second Niger Bridge linking Delta State, and the proposed concrete rehabilitation of the four-lane, 5km road from Summit Junction to the bridgehead.
Emu emphasized that the economic impact of these projects, once completed, cannot be overstated, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their commitment to delivering them.
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