News
DELTA OIL & GAS PROTEST: Host community kicks against registration of AMU-HCDT, warns Chevron
By: Staff Correspondent
In a strong-worded protest lettr, the people of oil rich Kokodiagbene Community, host to the Otunana (Utulala) field, has warned Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, to desist henceforth from its usual strategy of divide-and-rule tactics by it allegedly conniving with the Itsekiri ethnic group to register the above field under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, at the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, as “Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana (AMU-HCDT) for Itsekiri benefiting communities.”
The warning is contained in a protest letter addressed to the General Manager, PGPA, Lagos; the Area Manager, Warri; and the Operations Manager, Escravos; and that was signed by Comrade Ark Selegha and Gabriel Ukuli, Chairman and General Secretary of Kokodiagbene Community, respectively, on13th June 2025.
The host community of Kokodiagbene said they own the field which is located in the community and is less than 300 km from the main town, and added further that the original name, Utulala field, had been corrupted over time by the Itsekiri as Otunana field.
The letter reads in part: “The people of oil rich Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, write, in a strong-worded protest petition, against as well as reject the ongoing registration of Otunana (Utulala) field by the Itsekiri ethnic group, facilitated by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana (AMU-HCDT) for Itsekiri benefiting communities.
“It will interest CNL’s management and the general public to know that Kokodiagbene Community is the rightful owner of Utulala now being referred to as Otunana flowstation, situated in the community, less than 5km from the main town of the community.”
The people of Kokodiagbene in the protest letter also alleged that the fraudulent registration of the AMU-HCDT by Chevron is a ploy by the Itsekiri to falsely solidify their claim on the field, and warned that should Chevron fail to stop forthwith with the registration, it will lead to a total shut down of the flowstation permanently.
“It is imperative to send this warning and caution against any purported attempt by CNL, in connivance with some top Itsekiri management staff, to register the flowstation in an attempt to buttress their fraudulent fictitious claim.
“This serves as a last warning against CNL to desist from its old strategy of adopting divide-and-rule tactics by instigating ethnic conflict to enable them employ and deploy their kins men from outside their area of operations.
“We warn again, that we will not condone this evil act which will no longer be tolerated and allowed to continue, and to avoid a total shut down of Chevron operations in the area, as we condemn in strong terms this anomaly and injustice meted on the good and peace loving people of Kokodiagbene Community.”
“We therefore ask that Chevron stops forthwith with any further registration process as it concerns Otunana (Utulala) field. A stitch in time, they say, saves Nine,” they warned.
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