Uduaghan Warns Orodje Against Communal Crisis

.....Urges Him To Confine His Activities To 510 Acres Granted In The W.A.C.A Judgement

 

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‎.....Refutes Okpe's Claim Over Sapele

 

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‎..... Insists Sapele Not Exclusive Town of Okpe People

 

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The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Saturday urged the Orodje of Okpe to restrict his authority and confine his activities to the said 510 acres granted in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A).

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‎"I sincerely hope that the said proposed foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace by the Orodje of Okpe is within the said 510 acres granted to the Okpes in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A), as anything outside this will be far reaching and would be an invitation to communal crisis by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and this will be resisted by every legal means possible."

 

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‎In response to the foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Uduaghan said that the issue of the ownership of Sapele by the Itsekiri Nation has been corroborated by the Intelligence Report of the Colonial Authority as far back as 1930 on the Okpe Sobo Clan wherein they listed all Okpe villages, sub-clans and communities.

 

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‎"The Intelligence Report by L.E.A. Fellows listed the notable Okpe villages to be Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe and Gbukurusu."

 

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‎Uduaghan who is the administrator of Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere, Ajimele, Aji Dore, Irakpa and other notable Itsekiri communities within Sapele under the over lordship of the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse 111 said the judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) that the Okpe often rely on to claim the ownership of Sapele does not confer ownership of Sapele on the Okpes.

 

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‎‘"The judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) did not grant the ownership of Sapele to the Okpes; rather it granted 510 acres of land to the Okpes. The area of land granted is well known."

 

‎"Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people. Sapele from the time immemorial belongs to the Itsekiri people" he added

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

Delta South: Orette Throws Hat in the Ring

....Vows to Act as a Vehicle for the Aspiration of His People 

Family medicine physician in Houston, Texas, Dr Austin Orette, on Friday made up his mind to run for the 2027 National Assembly election in Delta South Senatorial District.

“Our politics should be a battle of ideas that will move our people and our nation forward. Great nations utilize ideas to empower the people. The people are equipped with the necessary knowledge to push the frontiers of progress. For every child that is not educated, there is an idea that was not implemented. For every youth that is unemployed, there is an idea that was never implemented. For every elderly person living in poverty, it represents an idea that was never taken. The lack of electricity in the country is as a result of lack of ideas. No modern society can function without electrical power. I would like to participate in the contest of ideas that will solve our perennial problems. I am humbly asking the citizens of Delta-South to join me in this quest. I will represent them well and be the guild post for their aspiration. Let us begin to ask the questions that will define us as a people.’’

“In a strongly worded statement, Orette assured individuals and organizations working vigorously for his senatorial ambition that he will contest in 2027.

“I am running because I want to use my skills to create opportunities for my people.’’

The renowned medical expert stated unequivocally that the touted senatorial ambition was to create enlightened citizenry who will use their knowledge to solve the prevailing problems in the country, particularly Delta South Senatorial District.

“The leadership in Nigeria has always seen the people as the problem. I see the people as solutions. If the people are appropriately equipped, they will provide solutions to the myriads of problems.’’

 Orette asserted that the people have a stake in their country.

“The people will reject the current office holders. They will be made to understand through my pronouncements that the present leaders are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’’

He reasoned that by focusing on education, health care, legal reforms and active citizenship, concrete development could be achieved in the country.

 “My town hall meeting is to reintroduce myself to the people. We have to make people acquire skills for the jobs of tomorrow. What is happening now is underemployment. The present crop of leaders doesn't know how to utilize labour so we have a lot of unemployment issues. We will teach the youth how to be job creators by assisting them to set up businesses."

 

 

Dr. Austin Orette graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1985 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Memorial Hermann Health System between 1992 and 1995. 

He is also a frequent contributor of opinion pieces to various Nigerian publications.

‎His writings often focus on Nigerian politics, national security, democracy, and ethnic relations

 

 

Abuja residents back Wike, caution APC leaders

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday described the calls for the resignation of Chief Nyesom Wike as foolish, childish and irrational.

 

“The so-called APC members and leaders are off the rails. They are the most pronounced foes of President Bola Tinubu.”

 

They also described Wike’s performance as wonderful.

 

“Nyesom Wike’s contributions to the development of the FCT, Rivers State and the country are impossible to estimate.”

 

The residents under the auspices of All Abuja Residents Forum (AARF) applauded Wike for contributing to the progress of the country, bringing about deep and profound changes in the Federal Capital Territory and placing premium on service, integrity and efficiency.

 

The stance of the residents was articulated by AARF President, Alhaji Tanko Abubakar during a protest in Abuja.

 

The residents rebuked the APC chieftains and groups for confusing the public on the Rivers State issue.

 

They described the recent comments of the APC National Secretary as distasteful and provocative.

 

The residents underscored the minister’s service to humanity, sense of duty and responsibility.

 

They urged Wike not to allow the negative attitude of some individuals to crush his spirit.

 

“Since his appointment, Nyesom Wike has been alive to his duty to the residents. He has worked assiduously to transform the nation’s capital.”

 

Particularly, the residents commended Wike for tackling thorny issues, stimulating Tinubu’s imagination to new visions of things to be done in the Federal Capital Territory and handling problems with general skill and efficiency.

 

“Chief Nyesom Wike is an honest and highly effective leader. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years. He deserves the biggest thanks for ensuring the development of the Federal Capital Territory and stability of Nigeria” they added

 

Credit: MacDonald Irondu

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.