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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.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
A tragic road accident involving Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua has reportedly claimed two lives in Ogun State, sparking concern across the country.
The incident occurred on Monday around the Makun axis of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle conveying the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a collision with another car, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emeraina.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emerging.
Sources close to the development said Joshua survived the accident, but officials are yet to release a comprehensive statement on his condition or the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the collision, as motorists were advised to exercise caution while plying the expressway.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has long been notorious for road accidents, often linked to speeding, congestion, and poor visibility, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures.
By: Doubra Stanley
ABUJA, Nigeria – December 26, 2025
The United States military launched coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, confirming a significant escalation in international counter-terrorism cooperation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, saying U.S. forces had carried out “powerful and deadly” strikes against militants linked to Islamic State in Sokoto State.
According to official statements, the strikes were ordered at the direction of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief and carried out with the support of Nigerian authorities, CBS News reported.
The U.S. Department of War released video footage showing munitions being launched toward militant positions, underscoring Washington’s commitment to confronting extremist groups in West Africa. U.S. Africa Command, which oversees American military operations on the continent, said the initial assessment pointed to the death of several ISIS fighters, Fox News reported.
In a social media post, President Trump framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to halt attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where extremist violence has surged.
Nigerian officials described the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation, emphasizing shared intelligence and strategic planning to counter persistent threats from extremist factions.
The operation marks one of the most visible U.S. military actions in Nigeria in 2025, reflecting deepening ties between Abuja and Washington in addressing the complex security landscape marked by Islamist insurgencies and criminal violence. Nigerian authorities reiterated that the fight against terrorism transcends religious lines, stressing that violent groups have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities in recent years, Reuters added.
Security analysts say the strikes may signal further foreign involvement in countering extremist networks in the region, even as Nigerian forces continue domestic operations against multiple militant groups.
© IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
IduwiniVoice