Friday, 2 January 2026

Aerodrome Certification Catalyst For Investors confidence at PH Int'l Airport

 By Bon Peters

 


Mrs. Lynda Ezike, South -South Regional Manager, Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) says Aerodrome Certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) could serve as a catalyst for investors’ confidence for Port Harcourt Int'l Airport Omagwa Rivers State.

 

 Ezike made the assertion on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state Capital while fielding questions from Newsmen.

 

She noted that the certification has also strategically positioned the facility for global recognition, thereby promoting the ease of doing business at the Airport.

 

Ezike who is also Manager of the airport and won the best Regional manager of the year 2025, reaffirmed determination  and commitment to leverage on the Certification awarded the airport to promote better services.

 

"We will continue to uphold all operational policies in the aviation sector," she said 

 

The Airport Boss explained that the certification was a confirmation that the facility fully met all global benchmarks.

 

According to her, the airport came tops in infrastructure, operational procedures and safety management.

 

She revealed that the NCAA as part of its drive to institutionalize global standards across Nigeria's airport networks recently issued Aerodrome Certificates to Kano and Port Harcourt Int'l Airports.

 

She commended the exercise emphasizing its importance to boosting investors’ confidence for airline operators, passengers and airport users.

 

"The certification officially presented on Dec. 19, 2025 followed a strict and rigorously structured regulatory processes jointly carried out by the NCAA and FAAN.

 

 

"This collaborative scrutiny underscores the importance of interagency collaboration towards safety and operational excellence across Nigeria's sectors," she said

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okpe Union Rebukes Urhobo Leaders, Lists Priorities

The Okpe Union has expressed concern over the nefarious activities of some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities.

 

“Some elements of the Itsekiri and Urhobo nationalities continue to constitute irritants to the Okpẹ Nation. The Urhobo via their nefarious WADO activities claim Okpẹ territories. We vehemently reject this as Okpẹ is not Urhobo and neither are we an appendage of any ethnic nationality.”

 

The union also stressed its historical mission of facilitating the independence of Okpẹ Nation.

 

“We shall continue to encourage the use of Okpẹ Language in worship and the translation of Church sermons. We shall use the Okpẹ language to enhance the Okpẹ identity and development strategy of Okpẹ Nation. We shall continue to intensify our strategic collaboration with other Okpẹ organizations, as well as with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State and Nigeria, in the realization of this noble historical imperative.”

 

The union in a New Year message to the public stressed the need for prominent Nigerians to be thorough and be armed with correct facts in the area of Okpe history, language and culture.

 

“While we reiterate our profound reverence for the Okpẹ Throne, we remain resolute in our defence of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpẹ Nation. We also reiterate our firm view that Okpẹ Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy where a monarch’s pronouncements are considered “final” even when they violate basic democratic norms. We recognize that to toe the path of truth is a difficult choice that only a small minority with sound social consciousness can embark on. Truth can be suppressed but can never be imprisoned.” 

 

The message delivered by the President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Prof Igho Natufe emphasized the strategic approach to position Okpẹ stakeholders in the pursuit of the recognition of Okpẹ as a distinct ethnic nationality in Delta State.

 

“This objective remains an existential challenge of the Okpẹ Nation which Okpẹ Union was established to attain. We shall intensify our collaboration with internal and external forces for a better appreciation of the benefits of Okpẹ Identity to all parties, including the Urhobo. The two local government councils in Okpẹ Nation, Sapele LGC and Okpẹ LGC, shall be encouraged to play a pivotal role in the Redemption of the Okpẹ Nation.”

 

The union called for cooperation and unity to enhance economic development of Okpẹ Nation.

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

 

 

Customs Bonded Terminal Operator, Mr. Chidera Oganuzor Marks One Year Death Anniversary of Late Mother

 ......Charges Children on Care for Parents 

 

 By Bon Peters 

 


The Chairman/ CEO of Odest Global Services Ltd,a customs Bonded Terminal Operator based in Port Harcourt,  Rivers state has on Sunday, December 28, 2025, marked the one year death remembrance anniversary of his late mother, Ogbuefi Azuka  Justina Oganuzor

 

The event which started at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Oguta, in Oguta Local Government  Area of Imo state, witnessed the gathering of bigwigs in the Maritime subsector of the economy including Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Shipping Companies,Bonded Terminal Operators among others.

 

Speaking to Newsmen on the sidelines of the event, Mr Chidera Oganuzor said they were celebrating and remembering a woman that gave birth to them first and a woman that gave her all to raise them up.

 

His words: "Today is a memorable day in our lives, as we are remembering and celebrating a woman that first gave birth to us. Apart from that, she gave her all to make sure we become successful in life “Oganuzor noted.

 

Oganuzor added “our father died earlier. In short I was 12 years old when he died. You can imagine what our Mother went through to see that we succeeded" 

 

"When she was alive we made sure we took care of her and even in death, we gave her a befitting burial. To us our mother is everything"

 

She used to call me "Nwa mere m Eze" meaning the son that Made me a Queen"

 

"Her memory will continue to remain indelible in our hearts." Oganuzor emphasized.

 

The Odest Global Services Ltd, boss, thanked the Almighty God for protecting his family even in the absence of their loved mother. "We are equally happy today because since her death, we have never heard any bad news or evil befall any of us, we thank God for that" He said.

 

On the issue of children abandoning their parents especially during their old age and moment of trials, the Maritime chief, insisted that such behaviour was bad. 

 

"There are benefits attached to you when you're taking care of your parents. As I said earlier, my mother enjoyed her stay here while alive, she prayed for me  telling me son you have not seen anything yet, you will prosper even  more and I believe that prayer is still working for me and the entire family till today " he hinted.

 

Continuing, he reiterated, "Children should imbibe the culture of taking care of their parents especially when they put in their best to make sure they succeed, please don't abandon your  parents when they need you most " he admonished.

 

He therefore used the opportunity to wish all his friends and associates who came from far and near to grace the occasion well, employing God to grant them journey mercies as they go back to their  various destinations.

 

Also speaking, the Parish priest, Sacred Heart Catholic Church,  Oguta, Rev Father. Basil Timothy Nze, extolled the virtues of the late Ogbuefi  Mrs.  Justina  Azuka Oganuzor who was born in 1956 and died  in the year 2024 at the age of 68.

 

Rev, Father Nze noted that when someone died, there must be that pain of loss but if the family members remembered the good life the person lived on earth, it gave them a sense of consolation.

 

Hear him " When it has to do with death, there is always that pain but when you remember a dear one lived a Pius and Christian life, you feel excited that your beloved one is in the hands of God and such gives you consolation."

 

He continued, "You see as they are remembering her and celebrating today, it is natural some are in tears. Such is an emotional expression of sadness and the same time joy that their mother  is being remembered today and she lived a good life worthy of emulation." He added.

 

He however, enjoined them to continue the legacy that their mother had left behind insisting that God Almighty required them to do that.

 

Some of the Oganuzor's  friends who graced the occasion advised that the family should continue to live in harmony and always speak with one voice despite the vacuum created by their mother's death. 

 

They applauded Mr Oganuzor for his open mindedness in business, philanthropy and his ability to strictly adhere to the Federal Government fiscal policy especially in cargo clearance procedures even as they wished him and his family well in the year 2026.

 

High point of the event was the unveiling of the monument of late (Diamond Mother) Ogbuefi Mrs Justina Azuka Oganuzor.

 

There was music performance and lavish entertainment marking the end of the Thanksgiving service which started at the Sacred Heart Catholic church Oguta, Imo state.

Monday, 22 December 2025

Okpe Industrialists, Technocrats, Others Assemble In Lagos


Thousands of Okpe indigenes in the South-West geo-political zone will assemble in Lagos on Sunday, December, 28, 2025 to promote Okpe civilization, history, language and culture.

 

“The 2025 Okpe Union end of year festivity is designed to present Okpe civilization, culture and humanism to the global community’’ a statement by the South-West Deputy President General of Okpe Union, Engineer Francis Redemi said. 

 

The statement issued in Lagos stressed on the values of the Okpe people and the unity of Okpe kingdom.

 

“The people of Okpe today and particularly its leaders have a duty to their ancestors and to their descendants. We consider it our responsibility to provide bursary to Okpe indigenes in Nigeria.”

 

The event promoting a full and brotherly cooperation between Okpe indigenes in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo according to Redemi, promises to be a display of Okpe heritage.

 

“We are concerned about the past, what is taking place today, what should take place tomorrow and what should make the future of Okpe Kingdom more happy and prosperous.” 

 

Scheduled to begin from 3:00 PM at Okpe Union House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende, the statement emphasized the high priority which must be given to the education of the youths and the role of the union in giving Okpe sons and daughters the opportunity to enjoy a full and satisfying life. 

 

“Okpe children want a good education. We must plan for the future. We must act on a wider plane of ideas.”

 

Particularly, the statement highlighted respect for the character and institutions of Okpe Kingdom, positive thought, constructive action and the effort of Okpe leaders to uplifting Okpe students in tertiary institutions. 

 

“This year’s ceremony echoes the region’s commitment to maintaining ancestral identity, encouraging academic excellence, supporting the next generation of Okpe leaders in their educational pursuits and proclaiming unity among ourselves’’ the statement added.

 

 Credit: Henry Ovie

 

 

 

Friday, 19 December 2025

Wike: The Price of Loyalty and the burden of Sacrifice

Written by Oby Ndukwe

 


There's no use pretending not to know what's going on within the kitchen cabinet of the President and Grand Leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda which has given birth to the Campaign body- the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. I have tried not to write or speak considering that many on this App are just too biased, yet they still wait for me to drop something.

 

I was close to the man in the eye of the storm while we both fought for the mandate of Rotimi Amaechi from the build up of the PDP primaries in 2006 to the K-leg saga and subsequent 10-month legal battle in 2007! Until he left as Minister of State, Education, our relationship remained tight. Unfortunately, some friends dived a dagger in the wheel of our friendship.

 

Many found it strange when I decided to take a walk from the Amaechi political family. Anyway, that's a story for another day, if it is even necessary.

 

 Let’s go to the actual topic for today:  When it wasn't fashionable to support Asiwaju’s ambition, Nyesom Wike showed a resilient spirit as he has always been known for. Even though some say it was because he was not picked as Atiku's running mate after his loss at the PDP presidential primaries.  Let's continue.  While many of today’s "loyalists" were hiding in their shells, afraid to speak up, especially with the issue of Muslim - Muslim ticket and the tag of "Emilokan"( my turn), Wike was in the trenches!  He didn't just talk; he walked the walk— rallying the G-5(Five Governors and their followers), funding the movement under the "Enye Nde ebea, Enye Nde ebea"- power rotation and balance and insisting that for the sake of equity, the South must produce the President. Of course, every politician must take advantage of every moment to show strength to win. That Wike did even though it may be against popular opinion.

 

 Fast track to his appointment as FCT Minister, his record speaks for itself—he is a man on a mission to deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda even though he remains a PDP Chieftain. And let's not forget the political masterstroke: the depopulation of the PDP into the APC is largely his handiwork- rightly or wrongly!

 

 To those whispering that Wike should be sidelined for 2027 or after, it is not out of place considering that failure is an orphan but victory has many friends. The Tinubu political family is bigger now but old firewoods still burn better.  President Tinubu is a master of the game who knows the value of a battle-tested ally and he knows you don’t discard a General who helped you win the war just to please soldiers who only showed up for the victory parade.

 

 As for the rumours and the political chess which are currently going on in the Villa, it's all part of the game.

 

Wike  isn’t leaving in a hurry because he has a lot of unfinished business beyond the votes of Rivers State. For the first time, the Votes of the FCT will not go to the opposition.

 

 Loyalty not coerced pays, and Jagaban knows this game!

 

-Oby Ndukwe

MediaFBI

Customs Port Harcourt Area I Command Honours Agencies At Its Maiden Stakeholders Get-together

By Bon Peters




The Nigeria Customs service, Port Harcourt Area I Command says it has  on Thursday,  December 18, 2025, held its maiden Stakeholders Get-Together at the Command's Training Room in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.

‎This was contained in a press release issued, signed and made available to journalists and online news platforms on Friday, by the Command's Public relations officer, Barilule Aanee, an  Assistant Superintendent of Customs I.


‎The statement described the event as a historic engagement  which was organized to appreciate Stakeholders who worked closely with the Command throughout the year and contributed to its operational, revenue, and compliance achievements.

‎Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, noted that the gathering was a platform to formally acknowledge the vital roles of Stakeholders in the successes recorded by the Command adding  that the achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, cargo clearance, and enforcement were made possible through sustained compliance, cooperation, and constructive engagement with Stakeholders.

‎The customs Area 1,  boss  further emphasized that the Stakeholders Get-Together was conceived to strengthen mutual trust, promote dialogue, and reinforce the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and fairness.

‎She  however,  acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his  Management team ,whose policy direction and initiatives have enhanced ease of doing business and improved Customs-Stakeholder relations.

‎In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, Customs Zone C, Headquarters Port Harcourt, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Kamal Mohammed, who was at the event, commended the Command for organizing the maiden engagement even as he described the initiative  as timely and commendable  insisting that continuous interaction between Customs and Stakeholders remained critical to effective Customs operations and national economic growth.

‎Goodwill messages were also delivered by Some of the Stakeholders, including the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Area I Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Okoh, the Chairman, ANLCA Airport Chapter, Mr. Charles Onyema, the Vice President,  Eastern Zone Nigeria Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) chief. Ngozi Uzohuo,  and the Chief Executive Officer of JFDOR International Ltd, Dr. Femi Otunba.

‎The speakers applauded the Command for its openness, improved engagement, and professional handling of Customs operations.

‎The event also reflected the collaborative spirit between the Command and its Stakeholders beyond core Customs operations.

‎The statement emphasized that Comptroller Atuluku highlighted that Stakeholder support contributed to the successful execution of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project at Model Primary School Orominike I and II, D-Line, Port Harcourt, where pupils received donations of school uniform materials, Customs-customized books, and school bags.

‎A major highlight of the  maiden Stakeholders Get-Together according to the statement was presentation of awards to Stakeholders who actively worked with the Command throughout the year.

‎Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Customs Zone C Headquarters Port Harcourt, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs  (ACG) Kamal Mohammed, received an award in recognition of his guidance and support to the Command, while the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, was honoured with a Social Impact Pioneer award by the Command Management Team for her leadership and initiative in driving the successful execution of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project at Model Primary School Orominike I and II even as the Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain engagement and build stronger partnerships in the years ahead.