Opinion
There Was a Country – Ostia Chidoka.
Being a reflective thought of a PDP Chieftain, Ostia Chidoka.
“As I visited my Muslim friends and enjoyed sumptuous ram-themed dishes commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) in total obedience to God’s directive to sacrifice his son, I wondered why the two Abrahamic religions in Nigeria have not elicited obedience to rules as a matter of course. As I pondered, I remembered a story I heard recently that reminded me that we were not always a lawless country.
“I had to use Chinua Achebe’s book title to tell this story of a meeting I had with a Man a few days ago. He is from Yobe and in his 60s. In the course of our discussion, he mentioned that he spent one year at Nike Grammar School Enugu in 1976. I got curious. How did that happen? Was your father a federal civil servant or soldier? He answered in the negative.
“In the early 70s Borno state and Anambra state had a student exchange program that after the state common entrance examination those selected for the exchange program got two admission letters one to a school in Borno and the other to a school in Enugu.” I listened with rapt attention.
“In his case, he got admitted to a school in Maiduguri and Nike Grammar School in Enugu. His father, an uneducated man who lived in present-day Yobe, elected that he should go to Enugu. He was sad as this was a few years after the war, and he had grown up on a diet of widely held false notions fed by war propaganda about Igbo people.
“His father took him to Kano and put him on a Bus to Enugu. He was barely 12 years old. He cried most of the journey. An Igbo man seating next to him promised to take him to Nike Grammar School upon arrival at Enugu. He kept his promise.
“At Nike Grammar School, he was received warmly but was told he came a week early as the school had not resumed. The principal handed him over to a teacher and he stayed in his house for one week.
“On resumption, other Borno students arrived by a Bus provided by the Borno State Ministry of Education. All the Exchange program students stayed in school from the first term to the third term before going home. During the first and second term holidays, the school looked after them, provided meals, and ensured they were comfortable.
“At the end of the third term, the Anambra State government provided a Bus that took them to Maiduguri and handed all of them over to the Borno State Ministry of Education. It was an experience for him. To his regret, he changed schools to GSS Maiduguri without his father’s consent.
“Upon school resumption, he left home and resumed at GSS Maiduguri. When his father found out, he was disappointed. He asked him why he did not return to Enugu. The young man said it was far. He further asked him whether he was mistreated in Enugu. He answered in the negative and said he enjoyed it but the distance from home and the fact he had to spend a whole year before coming home was an issue for him.
“His father told him that he sent him to Enugu because he wanted him to be bigger and better than him and his mates around their home. He sent him because he believed that he had the capacity to withstand the difficulties which is why he did not send the sister. As a true Muslim, his father told him, he believed that he had not hurt anyone knowingly in his life, and as such no evil will befall his family no matter where they go. His father told him that those who have friends across Nigeria will be the leaders of the Nigeria of the future.
“At GSS Maiduguri, he bonded with the Anambra students on the Exchange Program, who was excited that he was at Enugu for one year.
“His one year in Enugu redefined his perception of Igbo people and framed his future interactions with other Nigerians. To this day, he maintained contact with his Igbo friends at Nike Grammar School. Three of them ended up as Lecturers and are still in touch with him. Some of the Igbo students at GSS Maiduguri are still in touch with him and consider him a brother. A few years back he got in touch with one of them, who is now a Pastor in Umuahia.
“I was sober as his narration ended. I had never heard of this student exchange program between States in the 1970s. The story was another sad testament to our failure as a nation. I thought can I send my 11-year-old son alone on a bus from Enugu to Maiduguri today even with mobile phones and GPS tracking? Can a government school in any part of the country be entrusted with students for one whole year without parental visits?
“Our bureaucracy is badly damaged almost irretrievably. As a nation, we took a wrong turn at some point and need to press the reset button NOW. The idea of a deliberate and intentional promotion of national integration should be pursued with renewed vigour. Unity in diversity should be a national aspiration and a measurable indicator of our journey to nationhood.
“The man who told me this story is today the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, former Nigerian Ambassador to Romania. He wished he finished at Nike Grammar School, and I wish his father was alive to see how his vision for his son turned out.
“There was indeed a country!”
* As Group Gears Up to Endorse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027
By: Divine Perezide
Ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually inches closer, the political terain have seen a lot of endorsements at various levels. In Delta, there have been reports of a planned endorsement of governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate by a group of Delta Ijaws. This has however, triggered reactions from many stakeholders, including a prominent Ijaw leader, peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, who has declared that Ijaw votes in 2027 would be determined by projects allocated, adequately funded to completion in the 2026 budget.
The renowned human and environmental rights activist made the declaration at a press briefing after an expanded stakeholders meeting in Warri on behalf of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the state.
According to the Ibe Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, the adequate inclusion and funding of projects in the riverine areas will serve as critical consideration for political support, and riverine communities predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
While he commended the infrastructural development stride by governor Oborevwori in the upland areas, Mulade however lamented the absence of such infrastructural revolution in the riverine areas of the state despite the population density and huge revenue contributions to the state as host to multinational oil and gas companies.
He said, “I want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural development, which I described as infrastructural revolution in the state, particularly in the upland, and your proposed commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi-Ogulagha road earlier constructed by SPDC in the 1980’s for their operational convenience and community residents.
“It is imperative to state that some Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, Ojobo etc. are more densely populated than some local government headquarters in the upland, but they are deliberately deprived of development because of the so-called claim of terrain challenges.
“These communities host multinational oil and gas companies contributing immensely to the state revenue, but without any significant projects,” he lamented.
The Ibe-Sorimowei who reminded the governor of how the Ijaws adopted, supported and stood by him all through the election season, also gave the assurance of massive Ijaw votes come 2027, but one that must be backed by the governor’s commitment to development through massive projects inclusion for the area.
“We (the Ijaws) have created a conducive atmosphere to boost oil and gas production, making Delta the richest state; support security, douse restiveness and support economic stability. It is time for the governor to reciprocate through the 2026 budget with tangible legacy projects,” he asserted.
Speaking further he said, “Your Excellency, permit me to draw your attention to some expected critical projects that must be considered for the Delta Ijaw nation: the Ayakoromo bridge, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Road, Ojobo-Torugbene road, among others.
“Build a first class Health Centre/General Hospital in riverine community, particularly at Ogulagha Town, to compensate the people for their huge contributions to the state revenue.
On education, he appealed that, “It is worthy of note that every ethnic group in Delta State hosts state university except the Ijaws and the Itsekiris. I want to strongly and sincerely appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori once again, to consider the upgrading of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, which is a moribund polytechnic, to a campus of the Delta State University, Abraka. This will position the state to explore the blue economy opportunities. Equally too, the state government should, without delay, build a campus of Dennis Osadebe University at Koko to give sense of belonging to the Itsekiris with a special focus on agriculture for Deltans.
“The above mentioned projects constitutes significant live-wire for the Delta Ijaw, and will translate into votes come 2027. We can assure His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, of 100 percent of the entire Ijaw votes come 2027.
“The consideration of revolutionary projects in the riverine areas in the 2026 budget will give a sense of belonging to the people for their huge contributions. Moreover, your commitment to development will write your name in gold, not just seeking their votes during elections.”
“Tompolo: A Movement of Transformation” – Prof. Binebai,
IduwiniVoice
Renowned Delta-born Professor of Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and an Auratorial god, Prof. Benedict Binebai has yet described High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo as ‘A Movement of Transformation”
In his words, “Tompolo is a multifaceted entity, a veritable institution that defies categorisation, embodying a dynamic force that permeates various aspects of society. As an agency, it represents a powerful catalyst for change, driving progress and innovation in its wake. As a model, Tompolo exemplifies excellence, demonstrating a paradigm of leadership that is at once inspiring and aspirational. His influence extends far beyond the realm of politics, permeating the cultural, religious, and spiritual spheres, where he fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“As a movement, Tompolo is a seismic force, shaking the foundations of complacency and stagnation, and galvanising individuals to strive for a brighter future. His impact is felt across generations, as he empowers young and old alike to become agents of positive change in their communities. In the realm of politics, Tompolo’s leadership has been characterised by a commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of the marginalised. His vision for a more equitable society has inspired countless individuals to work towards a common goal, forging a sense of solidarity and shared humanity.
“Culturally, Tompolo has been a luminary, celebrating the rich diversity of Nigerian heritage while promoting a sense of national identity and pride. His influence has helped to preserve traditional values while embracing modernity, creating a unique blend of old and new. Spiritually, Tompolo’s message of hope and redemption has resonated with people from all walks of life, offering a sense of solace and comfort in times of uncertainty. His leadership has embodied a sense of compassion and empathy, inspiring a new generation of spiritual leaders to follow in his footsteps.
“In every sense, Tompolo is a transformative force, a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the greater good. He is an impeccable movement because his philosophy, his love for society, his cultural activism, his religiosity and leadership grace and skill which is human centered is attracting a large followership, particularly in the Nigerian Delta, where his impact is deeply felt.”
This assertions resonates well with popular sentiments held not just across the Delta of Nigeria but far beyond. Tompolo’s increasing popularity waxes stronger on the pillars of his dedication to homemade ijaw naturality, largeheartedness, stern capability in securing critical national economic assets and the environment, and above all, a detribalized collaborative efforts with other critical stakeholders within and outside the Niger Delta for peace, stability, infrastructural development, and economic process.
(c) IduwiniVoice
* Pushes for Riverine Infrastructural Revolution In 2026 Budget
By: Divine Perezide
Renowned Delta-born peace, development, and environmental advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D, has praised His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State for the infrastructural revolution in the state.
Thus contained in a statement issued by the renowned activist and business tycoon in his office at the Africa4Peace Centre, Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area, wherein he stated: “It is imperative to state that, the governor has won the heart of Deltans for his developmental strides, irrespective of political affiliation.”
“Let me specifically appreciate the governor once again for using construction giant Julius Berger Plc for the three flyovers situated in Uvwie Local Government Area around Warri axis of the State and the proposed Ughelli and Agbor flyovers to ease traffic flow in those areas”, he added.
“Governor Oborevwori has equally embarked on stormwater drainages and several roads construction projects in the state, which are very impressive demonstration of determine and dedicated governor efforts towards his people.
“However, I wish to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to consider and give deep sense of belonging to the riverine communities dominated by Ijaw and Itsekiri to equally enjoy the dividend of infrastructural revolution being embarked upon by his administration.
“It is pertinent to remind the governor that Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contributes over 60 percent of the state economy through oil and gas resources and the blue econom, which make the state the richest in Nigeria and there is no significant projects in this area worthy of note, inspite of their huge contributions to the revenue base of the state, Mulade quipped.
“Let me use this opportunity to sincerely appeal on behalf of the good and peace loving people of Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities that the 2026 Delta State budget must give critical consideration to the people by accommodating the Ayakoromo bridge, Torugbene-Ojobo road project, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene- Escravos Road etc. These areas deserves development beyond just elections and vote-seeking in 2027 and beyond.
“Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that the riverine areas are tired of 1 or 2km concrete walk-ways in their communities regarded as roads rather we need the coastal communities/areas to be connected to the upland for economy viability and growth”, he emphasized.
“It is worthy of note that, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has done very well in terms of stormwater drainages and road projects and same gesture should be extended to the economy sources by deploying Julius Berger to handle such projects for durability, thereby writing his name in gold and sink his identity in the heart of riverine people like His Excellency, Chief James Onanafe Ibori, former governor who boldly achieved Bomadi and Omadino bridges that as linked those areas to upland in the state,” Mulade asserted.