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Ikantu, Zou-Alagha Communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom Get Road Project After Declaring They Are Gbaramatu laws
By IduwiniVoice News Service / July 22, 2025/ Asaba, Delta State
In a major infrastructural breakthrough for the riverine Communities of Gbaramatu kingdom, the Delta State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the construction of internal roads in lkantu and Zou-Alagha-two Communities in warri South-West Local Government Area.
The approval, announcement late Tuesday by Governor Oborevwori following the weekly EXCO meeting held at Government House, Asaba, marks a significant reward for the two Communities, which had recently reaffirmed their ancestral identity as part of the larger Gbaramatu ljaw nation.
The move is seen as both a political and developmental milestone, coming after the communities’bold declaration of their ethnic and cultural allegiance to the Gbaramatu kingdom. The declaration is believed to have paved the way for increased attention from the state government, which had previously been accused of neglecting remote riverine settlements.
This is a dream come true for our people,” said a jubilant youth leader from lkantu. “We’ve waited years for this kind of attention. Now that we’ve openly declared who we are-true Gbaramatu ljaws-the government has responded with a project that will change our lives.”
The construction of internal roads in lkantu and Zou-Alagha is among several key infrastructural projects approved by the Council in what is being described as Governor Oborevwori’smost ambitious development rollout yet. Other major projects approved including:
* Design and construction of a flyover bridge at Uromi Junction in Agbor, lka South LGA
* Flyover construction across Ughelli/Patani (East- West) Highway at Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli
Others include;
– Construction of Kolokolo/Tisun Road, Warri North Local Government Area
– Rehabilitation of Bomadi/Gbaregolor Road, Bomadi Local Government Area
– Completion of the construction of Bulu-Angiama Road, off Ughelli/Patani
– Completion of the construction of Ituru Road, Elume, Sapele Local Government Area
– Completion of the construction of Unoghovo Community Road from Benin Expressway to Ovade in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area
– Construction of internal roads in the College of Education, Mosogar (Phase I), Ethiope West Local Government Area
– Construction of internal roads in Jjaghala, Warri South-West Local Government Area
– Reconstruction and asphalt overlay of Emu-Obodeti-Abbi-Abraka Road (from Emu-Obodeti Junction to Abraka), Ndokwa West Local Government Area
– Construction of internal roads in Kantu, Warri South-West Local Government Area
– Construction of access roads leading to Model Technical College, Obiaruku, in Ukwuani Local Government Area (Phase II)
– Construction of flood control measures from Orikeze Avenue Junction through Obi, Enumah, and Uromi Roads to Orogodo River, Ika South Local Government Area
– Completion of the construction of Olikili Layout Roads (Mike Arinze Street, Ezeweani Way, Tony Bakasi Street, Trust in God Lane, Emeka Obiokolo Street with spur to two closes, off Ibusa Road), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area
– Reconstruction of Dual Carriageway Warri – Sapele Road (from the end of the U-turn at Spare Parts Market, Effurun, to after Ohore Junction, before Omenta Bridge) in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas
– Construction of Oko-Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala/Oko-Ogbele Road (Phase II), Oshimili South Local Government Area
– Construction of Okowa Crescent, off Ughelli/Patani Expressway, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area
– Construction of flood control measures on Summit Road through Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West End Mixed Secondary School, Uche Medua Igeh Close, Amilimocha Stream, Oshimili South Local Government Area.
According to the Governor, the projects are part of his administration’s “MORE Agenda” to deliver Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“We give God praise for this successful EXCO meeting toady,” Governor Oborevwori stated. “This government is committed doing MORE for All Deltans, especially those in undeserved communities.”
The recognition and inclusion of Ikatu and Zou-alagha (Jjaghala) in the state’s development plan is also being seen as a victory for traditional leaders and stakeholders in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, who have consistently pushed for the equitable distribution of government infrastructure across their communities.
It will be recalled that, Ikantu and Zou-alagha (Ijaghala) communities laid to to rest and age-long dispute on whether they were Itsekiri or Ijaw communities, by declaring in separate World Press Confidences that, they were Ijaw communities from the Gbaramatu Kingdom. These claims were backed by historical facts linking them to the Gbaramatu people rather than the Itsekiris who have sustained their own claims of these communities being part of the Itsekiri kingdom.
Community and kingdom elders and leaders have described the road projects as “a long-awaited token of justice” adding that the communities eventual declaration of their true identity may have ushered in ancestral blessings as prayed for during the press conferences. They further called on the government to ensure timely execution and local content participation.
With contractors expected to mobilize in the coming weeks or months the people of Ikantu and Zou-alagha are preparing to welcome a new era of mobility, commerce, and inclusion-a long strides from the days of abandonment, and a strong signal that truth, identity, and unity still matter in the politics of development.
Breaking
International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
Breaking
Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.