Delta Families Laud Veronica Ekpera Ebireri, Preach Unity

Two respected families in the South-South geo-political zone on Monday highlighted the humble background, personality and contributions of Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri to the country.

“It is no gain-saying that Chief Veronica Ekpera was an epitome of kindness.”

The prominent Agbon and Okpe families in a statement entitled “The life and works of a pragmatic woman, transporter, saw miller, fish and rice dealer” highlighted Veronica Ebireri’s extraordinary life, pleasant upbringing of many and all she did to instill self-respect in her children.

“Throughout her sojourn, Mrs. Veronica Ebireri led an exemplary and worthy life. She gave her life serving others.”

The statement delivered on behalf of the families of Ebireri and Umukoro by Media and Political Consultant, Henry Ovie Ebireri applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for performing her duties as daughter, wife, mother and sister excellently.

 The statement recalled her words and the few times she raised her voice.

“When the Chief Executive Officer of Oghene-Ochuko Motors died, many people dropped tears. They felt the deep vacuum that her unfortunate death created.”

The modest and humble daughter of a proud Agbon parents, Chief Veronica Ebireri married a highly respected Niger Delta business tycoon, Chief Festus Omajemite Ebireri.

The statement applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for displaying great energy and zeal as a businesswoman.

“Mrs. Veronica Ebireri was ambitious, her eyes on the big chance for economic advancement.”

The statement praised her for shouldering the responsibilities of the Ebireri, Umukoro, Diegholo, Ochu and Erove families.

The statement emphasized moral integrity, her sense of responsibility towards the husband, sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren. as well as her contributions to her native Agbon Kingdom, problems and the tragedies after her demise.

The families also expressed shock at the recent legal action of cousins and grandchildren over the possessions of Veronica Ebireri and Oyavbewe Diegholo, describing the action of these people as another aspect of greed and madness.

 

 

 

 

Insecurity: Armed Herdsmen‘ve Taken Over Ogunmakin, Lawmaker Akande-Sadipe Raises Alarm

A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has raised the alarm that armed herdsmen have invaded Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities within the Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State.

The lawmaker, on Friday in Abuja, alleged that herdsmen have been destroying farm produce, intimidating local farmers, and using weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear in residents of Ogunmakin.

She noted that this has jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers, exacerbating the economic crises and food insecurity of the region.

Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency at the 10th Assembly, said she raised this concern in a matter of Urgent Public Importance in a Motion on the need to avert further loss of lives, humanitarian and food security crisis as a result of invasion of farmlands by armed herdsmen in Oluyole Federal constituency on the floor of the House earlier in the week.

She called on relevant arms of the Federal government and security agencies to intervene before the people are completely wiped out from their ancestral homes.

Akande-Sadipe who Chairs the House committee on Humanitarian Services further accused the armed herdsmen of “a deliberate agenda to destroy farm produce, intimidate local farmers, and using weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear, thereby jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers, exacerbating the economic crises and food insecurity of the region.”

She further noted that despite multiple reports to law enforcement agencies, no decisive action has been taken to address the situation, leaving farmers vulnerable and unprotected.

“The failure to act swiftly has emboldened the perpetrators, leading to increased attacks, destruction of crops, and threats to lives and property, with the risk of further escalation if immediate action is not taken”, she ascertained.

Tolulope Akande-Sadipe recalled the resolution of the igangan crisis in 2021, where decisive steps were taken to address similar issues, including the enforcement of anti-open grazing laws and the deployment of security forces to restore peace and protect farmers;

She called for an immediate investigation of the reported cases of intimidation, destruction of farmlands, and use of weapons by herdsmen in the area and ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others.

Akande-Sadipe asked the House to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to: Provide immediate relief materials and support to affected farmers and communities to mitigate the impact of the crisis on their livelihoods, enable them to recover from losses incurred, and resume agricultural activities.

The Lawmaker also begged for an immediate conduct of an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and environs and engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and community leaders, to develop a sustainable solution to the crisis.

--
Olamilekan Olusada,

S.A Media & Publicity

We are solidly behind Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi Youths

 .....Task Tinubu on Gender Reform
 

Youths in Kogi State on Sunday described the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as crude and peremptory.

“The 10th Senate is heading in the wrong direction.”

They also reminded the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio of the dignity of his office.

In a statement to the press, the youths asked supporters of the Senate President not to drag down the reputation of the country.

They applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for refusing to do things which galled her sense of decency, marital status and political height.

The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement, Alhaji Mustapha Jato in Abuja tasked President Bola Tinubu on gender reforms in Nigeria.

It praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for touching and galvanizing the good people of Nigeria, especially Kogi Central.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a woman of charm and faith. She is also a hardworking, energetic woman and well respected by the people because of her genuine interest in their progress.”

The youths spoke well of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative, thoroughness and seriousness of purpose.

 They scolded a former aide to Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri and his co-travelers for deviating from the truth.

 “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an upright woman.”

The youths said those behind the campaign of calumny against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were lily-livered politicians out to cause disaffection in the country.

They lauded decent Nigerians for supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan and speaking out against an absurd action.

The youths urged political office holders in the country to maintain certain standards of behavior, character and morality.

They advised hired hoodlums, sly and shifty individuals not to mislead Akpabio about troubling feud with Akpoti-Uduaghan.
 
The statement emphasized truth, justice, poise and endurance.
 
It also denounced philandering, trivialization of allegations, back-biting and breaking of ranks.


 

Excitement as Akogate Engineers light up Abuja

Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is now aglow.

The smart leaf solar streetlight was installed in the Federal Capital Territory last week.

‘’The smart leaf solar streetlight has changed outdoor lighting in Abuja, particularly the Airport roundabout’’ a statement Friday said.

The statement issued by the Managing Director of Akogate Group, Mr. Felix Aganbi, stressed the efforts of the company to brighten Nigeria through high quality customized solar solutions.

Aganbi said the company got franchise from the SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited, the most professional and reliable solar LED lights manufacturer in the global market in 2025.

‘’Jinhua SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited is a Zhejiang based enterprise specialized in supplying solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind & solar hybrid lights, small & medium solar generating system, solar home lighting system and solar pump system’’.

He emphasized the gains of alternative sources of electricity supply, the features, benefits, and applications of Smart Leaf solar streetlights as well as the desire of Akogate Engineers to light all the
streets in the country.

He explained that streetlight was one of the priorities of the current administration.  

‘’We supply high quality solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind and solar hybrid lights, mobile solar lights towers and solar pump system’’

He also stressed on facilities for catching the rays of the sun and converting their energy to electrical power.

‘’Smart Leaf solar streetlights integrate advanced technology with sustainable design to offer superior performance and reliability in urban and rural settings.

Aganbi explained how these innovative lights leverage smart technology to optimize energy usage, enhance illumination, and improve overall functionality.

NOSDRA D-G commends Total Energies efforts to protect oil facilities

Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has commended Total Energies for its proactive steps towards ensuring effective surveillance and protection of oil facilities.

 

Woke stated this at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on Tuesday, while inspecting a West African Surveillance Platform (WASP) workshop for Total Energies' personnel.

 

WASP, an industry cooperative,  is an oil spill surveillance service for West and Central Africa, providing support such as oil spill consultancy, equipment hire, and wildlife services.

 

The event is part of a four-day Total Upstream Company of Nigeria's 2025 Large Scale Exercise aimed at activating the National Oil Spill Contingency plan.

 

The NOSDRA helmsman commended Total Energies for taking steps towards training its personnel on how to ensure adequate surveillance and security of oil facilities.

 

"This gesture is commendable, it will equip your personnel to ensure effective surveillance and protection of oil installations,'' he said.

 

He expressed the commitment of NOSDRA towards speedy detection of spill and swift response.

 

"We shall continue to actively collaborate with operators and other stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of our mandate

 

 "We shall continue to be proactive by ensuring speedy detection where there is spill, and to respond accordingly,'' he said

Oil and Gas Expert, Longinus Mbakwem Bags Doctorate Degree In Theology

.....Chargers FG On CNG Infrastructure.

 

By Bon Peters

 

An oil and gas expert Dr. Longinus Chinedu Mbakwem has bagged a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) in   Ministerial Counseling from Evangelical Bible college and Seminary, Greenacres, Florida USA an affiliate  of Calvary College of Theology,  Rivers state Nigeria.

 

The occasion which witnessed the gathering of creme de la creme  in the religion and other fields of human endeavour, in Port Harcourt, weekend was a stocktaking  event for Christains who used the opportunity to x-ray their faith in God and espouse how a  real Christian ought to be.

 

Speaking, to Newsmen on the sideline of the event, Dr Longinus Chinedu Mbakwem, who said he ventured into Theology as a result of God's calling, said "no matter what you are and the level of your profession you must be able at all times  answer God's calling, noting that God's calling supersedes every other thing that one is doing in this World", even as he used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to develop CNG Infrastructures   in various parts of Nigeria so as to achieve the Presidential Compressed Natural  Gas  initiative of the government.

 

Dr. Mbakwem, a versatile business professional with over 24 years of post-graduate extensive experience in the downstream Oil & Gas sector, said that his expertise include  sales and operations management of Bitumen, Lubricants,  white petroleum products-Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),   Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Propane, Liquid Nitrogen, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Condensate, insisted that he has a strong track record in strategic marketing management, negotiation, inventory management, and sales forecasting among others and have worked in many oil and gas companies in various management capabilities.

 

Mbakwem, an Imo State born Oil expert, said " This is my Sixth Degree and am still working towards acquiring the 7th very soon." Even as he listed the following, as  his educational  Background   BSc. (Hon.) in Botany - University of Jos, Nigeria

 

MBA in Project Management Technology - Federal University of Technology, Owerri

 

M.Sc. in Corporate Governance - Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, U.K.

 

BA, M.Th., in Theology-Evangelical Bible college and Seminary, Greenacres, Florida USA

 

Ph.D. in Ministerial Counseling - Evangelical Bible college and Seminary, Greenacres, Florida USA and a Ph.D. (in view) in Energy Economy-- Emerald Institute-University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

Some of his Professional Membership according to him include, Associate Member -Nigerian Gas

Association, Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Fellow, Institute of Management Consultant, Associate Member-Nigeria institute of management, Member National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria among others.

 

Continuing, he said where he works, the company started the sale of LNG for a long time now but has also ventured into CNG.  Giving reasons for preference for CNG, he reiterated  that pollutant from the CNG is lesser than the PMS and more environmentally friendly, adding that  "this country can harness the natural Gas as according to him Nigeria is sitting on Natural Gas .

 

On the availability of CNG  he said that Nigeria should embark on massive provision of Compressed Natural Gas infrastructure. " What we see now is Premium Motor, Spirits PMS (Filling Stations,). The Federal Government should make CNG available for people to use."

 

 "Though, I can say that the federal government is trying but they should motivate many companies to start building infrastructure on CNG. What we have mainly is filling stations. They should incorporate the CNG in various filling stations so that people can access the product.

 

"The price is less and it reduces the cost of fueling your vehicle and the pollutant is equally less than the PMS and AGO". He advised.

 

Speaking further, he asserted. "Though we have some conversion Centres here in Port Harcourt whereby you  go and convert your Petrol  or Diesel Engine to compressed Natural Gas but the stations are not enough. And people should be trained on how to service the CNG vehicles as obtained in PMS and AGO."

 

Dr Mbakwem who said he is currently engaged in initiatives related to gas-to-power projects aimed at reducing pollution and enhancing energy efficiency added that he is  also passionate about energy economy and sustainability even as he is actively seeking innovative solutions to contemporary energy challenges.

 

On his own, the Acting president  Calvary College  of Theology Rev. Dr Noble Obinna Madu expressed satisfaction on the success of the 38  matriculation and 35 convocation of  his school.

 

He admonished that those imparting the word of God should come for training  insisting that the trend now is  for some people to jump  out as men and women of God, and start  teaching the Gospel and claim they know it all without going through the appropriate Theological training school even as he observed such is affecting the christaindom negatively.

 

"Many so-called men and women of God jump into the  ministry  without being trained.  You can't be a Doctor or a Lawyer without adequately being trained. " he emphasized.

 

Admonishing the graduands, he said they should be worthy ambassadors of the school and the world is expecting them to shine while advising that the new intakes should  read their books and thrust in God and do whatever they are asked to do so as to succeed.

 

Rev, Dr Madu said despite challenges such as financial, infrastructural among others, God has been helping him to navigate even as he beckoned on well meaning individuals and government to come to the aid of the school.

 

Also Speaking, the chairman of the governing Council and General Superintendent of the school, Rev Dr Aaron Ajere said the business of the school is training of church leaders for the dissemination of the Gospel. "Many General Overseers in Nigeria and some abroad are trained here at Calvary College of Theology. " I charge those graduating today,  that they should not go and  contribute to the  problems we are already having in  Christianity which are traceable to the pulpit."

 

They should preach the truth and holiness which is at the Centre of what we are doing here. They should be Biblical in whatever they are doing both healing or prophecy should be biblical as the deviation is what is causing the problem in the church and society today” he emphasized.

South-South women call Akpoti-Uduaghan hero

 .....Urge Senate Committee not to plunge Nigeria into tragedy

South-South women on Friday advised the leadership of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics not to plunge the country into pain and tragedy.

They also applauded the Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage, boldness and contribution to nation-building.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an hero and a source of permanent and daily inspiration in Nigeria and on the continent.”

The women in a statement in Asaba, capital of Delta State, urged the Senate Ethics Committee not to recommend decisions which have been decided by special interests.

“The Ethics Committee should identify and diagnose the crisis and its roots. We are not expecting banal and destructive recommendations on this issue.”

Entitled ‘’Alienation of Women politicians in Nigeria, fatal misunderstanding, bullying, the rule of conduct in the Senate, abuse of power and precarious authority, the women condemned the threat of illegal actions, discrimination, victimization and other forms of segregation based purely on gender.

“One of the most popular and leading labels often put on responsible and successful women by the detractors is that they are rude. That label certainly does not apply in the case of the recent incident. Even if male politicians and their female lackeys in Nigeria were to shout from the rooftops in an attempt to make the label stick, the facts of the incident will not allow it.”

The statement issued by the Chairman of South-South Women in Politics, Chief Rita Okonji urged the principal officers and members of the Senate to treat themselves like brothers and sisters and not shy away from the central contention in the recent event.

“Don’t resist the voice of honour and reason. Don’t insult the intelligence of the Nigerian woman. Don’t make your colleagues objects of ridicule in the eyes of the world for selfish interests. Don’t be too bitter against one another, no matter the differences.”

Specifically, the women called for complete change in attitude and drastic reorganization of thinking habits as well as in the relationship between male and female politicians in the country.

“Our dignity and survival are seriously being jeopardized through conscious and deliberate actions by the male politicians in the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent action is very healthy and provides the beginning for a genuine change in male’s attitude to women in the country. We hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action will accelerate the efforts to achieve strong voice and respect for women.”

They urged male politicians in the country to dedicate themselves to the precepts and practice of democracy.

“Another matter relating to the state of our nation today which we have to be vigilant about is the moves to shut women out of the system. The dangerous aspect of this is the country’s drift into becoming a government of only men.”

The statement while emphasizing compromises and persuasions urged bootlickers of a divisive and evil system to move away from attitudes and appearances detrimental to women’s progress in the country.

“How can we be led to believe that individuals full of self-hatred and contempt for women in Nigeria can suddenly become defenders of our interests?  The male politicians in the country lack any substantive reasons to give for the recent incident. They simply beat about the bush with meaningless phrases.”

The women reaffirmed that they will support Akpoti-Uduaghan and other female politicians in whatever difficulties they may face in the country.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a good woman, and an upright and virtuous patriot. We bear malice or ill will to none and our reaction is solely in support of gender understanding and human love.”