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Leaders Laud Dr. Julius Takeme’s Visionary Leadership at a Grand Birthday Celebration
By Clement Iyebo, January, 26,2025
Burutu______________The birthday celebration of Dr. Julius Takeme, Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government January 25, attracted thousands of well-wishers to the event yesterday, where numerous prominent figures in Burutu local government and beyond turned out to honor the leader.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Godknows Angele, Commissioner for Housing, Delta State; Chief Emma Amgbaduba, Chairman of the PDP in Delta South Senatorial District, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructural Development and Hon. Asupa Forteta, former Member representing Burutu North in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Other key figures present included High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Obotebe Kingdom; Captain Ziko, Captain Aratan; and several captains and chiefs that graced the occasion.
In his remarks, Hon. Julius Pondi praised Dr. Takeme as a hardworking and visionary leader, expressing the confidence that Burutu would flourish under his stewardship. Hon. Angele, who also commended the council chairman for his leadership, pledged his full support, acknowledging the challenges of the role from his own experience as a former council chairman.
Chief Emma Amgbaduba, speaking on behalf of the PDP, expressed his delight in celebrating Dr. Takeme, who had previously entrusted him with the leadership of the party in Delta South. He congratulated the council chairman on his achievements thus far. Similarly, Hon. Asupa Forteta lauded Dr. Takeme as a builder and pace-setter, emphasizing his dedication to progress.
High Chief Tunde Smooth, in his address, hailed Dr. Takeme’s performance and urged him to continue with his good works. Dr. Tam Odogwu, Chairman of the PDP in Burutu Local Government, also praised the council chairman for his sincere leadership, noting that his administration reflected the wishes of the people.
The leadership of the Burutu Legislative Arm, led by Rt. Hon. Edafe Ekereke, presented Dr. Takeme with a portrait, commending his intelligence and dynamic leadership. According to Hon. Ekereke, Dr. Takeme is one of the best leaders to work with.
The leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Burutu, led by Comrade Andrew Ombe, described Dr. Takeme as a supportive and understanding leader, emphasizing his care for workers. NULGE members also presented the council chairman with a gift as part of their appreciation.
Other groups, including the Julius Takeme Political Vanguard, Julius Takeme Volunteer Force, and the Supervisory Councillors, also presented tokens of goodwill to Dr. Takeme.
In his response, Dr. Takeme expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event and honored him. He attributed the success of the celebration to his wife, Pastor Mrs. Juliet Takeme, thanking her for the wonderful party and the thoughtful gifts received. Dr. Takeme’s remarks reflected his deep appreciation for the support he received from leaders, colleagues and the people of Burutu local government vowing to continue serving the people with dedication and commitment.
By Divine Perezide
Renowned Nigerian elder statesman and respected southern and middlebelt leader, Chief, Sen. (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
This announcement was made on Saturday by Penaowei Clark, the first son of the late Chief Clark, during a press briefing held at the family’s Kiagbodo residence. He was joined by prominent family members and traditional rulers, including the Pere of Ngbilebiri-Mien Kingdom, HRM Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu (Ogiogio II), Professor Collins Clark, and Chief Ebikeme Clark, Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure and Development.
The burial programme, which will span over a week, will commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with a public lecture at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja, starting at 11 a.m. According to the family, the series of events are designed to honour the legacy of the late national icon and will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Chief Clark, born on May 25, 1927, in Erhuwaren, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was widely recognized for his lifelong advocacy for justice, equity, and development, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Remembered as a tenacious leader and a statesman of remarkable stature, his influence extended across political and socio-economic spheres.
The itinerary of the burial events includes a valedictory session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, May 8, and a day of tributes at the NAF Conference Centre on Friday, May 9, at 3 p.m. On Saturday, May 10, a wrestling contest will take place in Yenagoa, alongside a service of songs at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 11, will feature cultural festivities such as a boat regatta and masquerade performances in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa. A candlelight memorial is also scheduled for that evening in both Abuja and Kiagbodo.
On Monday, May 12, a commendation service will be held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, followed by a valedictory court session at the High Court of Justice in Warri. Later that day, the late elder statesman’s body will be flown to Yenagoa for another commendation at Ijaw House, before heading to Warri for a lying-in-state and onward journey to Kiagbodo for a night vigil.
The final funeral rites will be conducted on Tuesday, May 13, beginning with a lying-in-state and commendation service at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo. This will be followed by the funeral service, interment, and a reception.
The burial programme will come to a close with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, in honour of a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people and country.
By Divine Perezide
As the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most esteemed elder statesmen, Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, members of the INC National Burial Committee saddled with the responsibility to coordinate burial burial ceremony have intensified efforts to ensure a dignified send-off. On Friday, April 4, 2025, the committee, led by High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and the INC President, Prof. BenjaminOgeleOkaba, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The visit took place at the governor’s private residence in Port Harcourt, where the committee briefed him on the arrangements being put in place to honour the late Ijaw nationalist. High Chief Lulu-Briggs, serving as Chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of unity and support from regional leaders to give the late icon a burial befitting his stature.
Accompanying him on the visit were Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), and other prominent figures from the Ijaw community. The engagement forms part of a broader series of consultations and collaborations with stakeholders aimed at mobilizing support for the funeral rites.
Pa Clark, whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the Ijaw Nation and Nigeria as a whole, is being celebrated not just for his political activism, but also for his lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and national unity.
The burial committee is expected to continue its outreach efforts in the coming weeks as the countdown to the final rites begins.
#IduwiniVoiceTv #PaClark #IjawNation #BurialCommittee
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Federal University Otuoke to Host Public Lecture on Political Economy and National Integration
By Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State – The Faculty of Social Sciences at the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) is set to host a one-day public lecture on the pressing issues of local government council and state creation, as well as resource control in Nigeria. The event, themed “The Political Economy of Local Government Council/State Creation and Resource Control: Implications for National Integration in Nigeria,” is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
The venue for the event is the Prof Seth Accra Jaja School of Postgraduate Studies Conference Hall at FUO, and it promises to be a platform for robust discussions on governance, economic policy, and national unity.
The lecture will be graced by distinguished academics and experts in political economy. The Vice-Chancellor of FUO, Prof. Teddy Charles Adias, will serve as the Chief Host, while Prof. Francis A. Oluleye, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, will be the Host. The keynote speaker for the event is Prof. Benjamin Okaba, a renowned scholar and the President of the Ijaw National Congress.
This public lecture aims to provide insights into the socio-economic and political dynamics of state and local government administration in Nigeria. It will also explore how resource control impacts national integration, a subject of great significance in Nigeria’s federal system.
Academics, students, policymakers, and members of the public interested in governance and national development are encouraged to attend.
For further inquiries, interested participants can contact Dr. Anthony C. Okoye (08060101369) or Dr. Gboyega K. Oyeniran (08033872053).
Stay tuned for more updates on this event and other academic engagements at Federal University Otuoke.