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Ogulagha Ultramodern Secondary School and Classroom Block at NMU are Clear Testaments of Okpoye’s Works – EFG
** Calls for Unity in Defense of Commissioner Okpoye Amid Criticism
By Divine Perezide
In response to escalating tensions and criticisms, the Egbema Focus Group (EFG) has urged for restraint and an end to divisive rhetoric directed at Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye, the commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationalities on the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) board. The group’s call for unity follows sharp criticism from Comrade Williams Ayoromiegha Junior, a youth leader from the Ogulagha Kingdom, who has questioned Okpoye’s contributions and leadership.
The EFG, in its defense, has expressed concern that the attacks on Okpoye are rooted in inter-kingdom biases rather than merit-based evaluation. The group emphasized that Okpoye has made significant strides during his tenure, notably highlighted by the recent commissioning of the Ogulagha Ultramodern Secondary School and a classroom block at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, by Delta State Governor Rt. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Comrade Williams, who serves as the Publicity Secretary for the Ogulagha Kingdom, previously criticized the endorsement of Okpoye by three pan-Ijaw groups, calling it premature and unfounded. He argued that the Ogulagha Kingdom has not seen the positive impact of DESOPADEC under Okpoye’s leadership and urged for endorsements to be based solely on measurable achievements.
In response, a leader of the EFG, Comrade Mingo Meshach Saya Ogumaka, also known as KingdomVoice, cautioned against kingdom-based rivalries and urged for a broader focus. He stressed that criticisms should be directed towards higher authorities, such as the federal government or Delta State, for failing to appoint an Ogulagha indigene to significant positions like Minister of Petroleum or Commissioner for Oil and Gas. Mingo warned that ongoing internal conflicts within the Ijaw ethnic group would only hinder progress.
Mingo further argued that officials should be judged by their overall performance and contributions to the community, rather than being attacked based on tribal or kingdom affiliations. He called for unity among the various Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State and beyond, highlighting that such conflicts were impeding collective development.
The EFG denounced the recent criticism as unhelpful and counterproductive, reaffirming its support for Okpoye and his work for the Ijaw people through DESOPADEC. They emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration across Ijaw youth groups to advance the interests of the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality.
Furthermore, the EFG argued that the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council, which had previously endorsed Okpoye, has maintained its support, citing his dedication and achievements. This The EFG believe was because Okpoye Completed projects left by sons of Ogulagha Kingdom who had served our their tenures. The council noted that Okpoye has made significant contributions to community development and has effectively represented the Ijaw ethnic groups on the DESOPADEC board. The EFG highlighted the need for unity and cooperation among Ijaw leaders to continue fostering progress and development for all Ijaw communities.
In the face of growing internal divisions, the EGF and other groups have called for merit-based recognition and issue-based criticism, emphasizing the need for unity among the Ijaw people to ensure continued development and representation within DESOPADEC and beyond.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice