News
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.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.