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Delta Ijaw Leadership Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

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By Divine Perezide

The leadership of the Delta State Ijaw Ethnic Nationality paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, at the Government House in Asaba on October 30, 2023. The delegation expressed their appreciation and pledged ongoing support for the Governor’s administration.

Led by Elder Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, a respected leader of the Ijaw Elders Forum and former Minister of Police Affairs, the group, which included several high-profile government officials and stakeholders, praised the Governor for his commitment to the Ijaw community. Elder Bozimo highlighted the numerous appointments, developmental, and infrastructural projects that have been dedicated to the Ijaw people since Governor Oborevwori assumed office on May 29, 2023.

The elder statesman also expressed gratitude for the Governor’s initiative to bring the German construction company, Julius Berger, to Delta State. Julius Berger is currently working on major infrastructure projects, including flyover bridges and dual carriageways in the Warri-Effurun area and other development projects across the state.

Bozimo stated, “The Ukodo has happened,” commending the Governor’s swift progress and expressing confidence that he will continue to do more for the Ijaw people. Bozimo and his delegation presented a list of specific project requests for the Governor’s consideration and advocated for additional appointments for Ijaw individuals, likening the request to “Oliver Twist asking for more.”

In his response, Governor Oborevwori first extended his condolences to Elder Bozimo for the recent loss of his daughter, aged 61, and offered prayers for strength for the family. He thanked the Ijaw people and the Delta South Senatorial District for their unwavering support for the PDP since 1999, noting that the party has consistently won governorship elections in the district.

The Governor commended the Ijaw nation’s political unity, applauding Elder Bozimo’s leadership and calling it exemplary. He also promised to review the presented list of projects and consider the Ijaw people’s requests. Emphasizing the importance of unity, the Governor urged other ethnic groups to learn from the solidarity demonstrated by the Ijaw people.

According to Engr. Akpi Michael Asiayei, Special Assistant Political to the Governor, the delegation included prominent figures from the Ijaw community, such as Rt. Hon. Emomotimi D. Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief J.T. Government, and Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, among others.

This visit signifies continued cooperation and mutual commitment between the Ijaw nation and Governor Oborevwori’s administration, as both work toward sustainable development in Delta State.

Attendees included: Elder Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo – Leader, Delta Ijaw Elders Forum; Rt. Hon. Momotimi D. Guwor – Speaker, DTHA; Wing Comd. P. Y. Biakpara (Retired); Chief J.T. Government; Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Emman Amgbaduba JP; Hon. (Engr.) Preyor K. Oboro; Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Sinebe; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye; and Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele

Others included Hon. Kelly Pinawou; Barr. Funyei Manager; Chief Ebikeme Clark; Barr. ThankGod Tarakiriowei; Mr. Reginald Bayoko; Barr. Mrs. Lyna Aliyah Ocholor Esq.; Hon. Asupa Forteta; Chief Frank Omare; Chief Sylvester Oromoni; Hon. Isaac Aguana; Chief Mrs. Georgina Evah; Mrs. Eunice Angozi; Mrs. Bekes Powe; Chief Boro Opudu; Sir (Engr.)Jude Sinebe; Bishop Sunny Jero; and Hon. Smart Asekutu.

Also in attendance was Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana; Elder Progress Dimaro; Chief Vero Tangbowei; Chief Godbless Omonighan; Hon. Amafini Akemotubo; Godwin Edumogren; Paul Kurugbe; Amb. Dr. Shadrack Agediga; Simeon Deregha; Pst. Arex Akemotubo; Godbless Keneke; Mrs. Eunice Tailor; Chief Mrs. Stella Agidi; Chief ThankGod Seibi; Barr. Newworld Safugha; Engr. Michael Akpi; David Bozimo; Bekeakpobo Fedekefe; and Hon. Adidi Preboye.

The courtesy call underscores the Ijaw nation’s dedication to promoting growth and unity within Delta State.

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Deacon Kingsley Otuaro Celebrates Tompolo at 54, Calls Him a Rare Gem

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Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as he marks his 54th birthday.

In a personally signed message released to the press on Saturday morning, Deacon Otuaro, speaking on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” praised Tompolo’s unwavering dedication to justice and his selfless leadership in the Niger Delta region.

The birthday message, titled “BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPOMUPLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO),” reads in part:

> “On this special day, on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” I join the good people of the Niger Delta and well-meaning Nigerians across the globe to celebrate a rare gem, my brother — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.

“You are not just a leader by title, but by sacrifice. You have consistently stood for justice, for equity, and for the liberation of our people in the Niger Delta. Your voice has been a shield, your actions a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ijaw spirit.

“As you add another year, I thank God for preserving you. I pray that His wisdom, strength, and protection continue to abound in your life. May He bless you with long life, good health, and greater influence to keep championing the cause of justice and development for our land.

“Today, we celebrate more than just your birthday — we celebrate your unwavering love for your people and your courage to always do what is right, no matter the cost.

“Happy Birthday, High Chief!
Continue to shine as a beacon of hope and a pillar of truth.”

“Signed with brotherly affection,
H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro
The immediate past, Deputy Governor of Delta State”

Deacon Otuaro’s tribute highlights Tompolo’s enduring influence and acknowledges his role as a symbol of hope and integrity within the Niger Delta and beyond.

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Shame of Neglect: Delta Students Forced to Take Exams on Bare Floor

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By Favour Bibaikefie

At Enekorogha Grammar School in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria-an oil-rich state known for federal wealth-the condition education paints a deeply disturbing picture.

Students at school secondary school were recently captured writing their second-term exams while seated on the bare floor. Some leaned against broken concrete blocks-no desks, no chairs, and no proper classrooms in sight. Teachers also struggle without offices or basic teaching tools, working unde appalling conditions.

Founded in the early 1980s, the school has barely received any attention from the government since it’s establishment. Instead of being maintained or upgraded, most of its current structures were either community-built or donated by concerned individuals. The school lacks perimeter fencing, which leaves students and teachers vulnerable, while reptiles roam freely around the premises.

When journalists sought a reaction from the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, she refused to comment-even when approached in her office-raising serious concerns about the state government’s accountability.

According to Mr. Peter Ganagana, the Chairman of the Enekorogha Education committee, the Delta State government has never contributed a single building to the school. “The only six-classroom bock was built by a private individual,” he explained. “Other parts were put together by the community with little resources. Yet, over 80% of our students don’t have desks to sit on.”

Despite now having a students population of over 350, the school one has six government appointed teachers and one principal. To make up for the shortfall, local residents pay stipends to volunteer teachers who are helping to keep Education going in the face of government abandonment.

“The students are writing their second-term exams now” Mr. Ganagana noted, “and many are doing so sitting on the floor. The only desks in the school were donated by a kind old student-just 50 in total. That’s all we have.”

Multiple appeals and complaints have been sent to both the Post-primary Education Board and the Ministry of Education, but so far, there has been no meaningful response. Officials have visited for inspection, but their words have led to no real change.

The buildings themselves are in a dangerous state-ceilings are falling in, roofs have been blown off, windows and doors are missing, and some classrooms can no longer be used at all. That such a learning environment exists in a state with massive federal allocations and oil revenue is nothing short of disgraceful.

Attempts to contact the principal were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. Teachers also declined to comment, citing restrictions on speaking to the press.

This situation is a devastating indictment of the Delta State Governor and government’s priorities. In a state blessed with immense natural wealth, children who eager to learn are being denied even the most basic conditions for education. It is not only a betrayal of their rights- it is a failure of leadership.

The silence from the officials, especially from those tasked with overseeing Education, is both telling and unacceptable. The government must act urgently. The lives and future of these students should not continue to be disregarded because of negligence and bureaucratic indifference.

Source: Golden Nation Multimedia

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28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo

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By Divine Perezide

High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.

Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.

“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”

The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.

The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.

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