Bayelsa Govt collaborates with German organisation for youth’s empowerment

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Chief Collins Cocodia, has affirmed that the state government is collaborating with the African Tide Union (ATU) , an organization based in Germany for the empowerment of the youths by involving them in different training programme.
Cocodia who said no fewer than five thousand youths have been engaged under the various empowerment programmes in the last six years of the restoration government, disclosed that the German organization would provide 15 months training programme for 100 Bayelsa youths in the area of solar energy, completely funded by the German Government.
He stated this, while presenting the score card of his ministry alongside his Sports Development counterpart at the ongoing inter-ministerial briefings in Yenagoa.

Cocodia, who also oversees the Ministry of Labour, Productivity and Employment, said the state government was collaborating with the German government on a training programme for youths in the development of Smart Houses and other skills.
Under the partnership, he explained that, Bayelsa is expected to make available N102 million, while its foreign counterpart is to provide N278 million, noting that, the training programmes would take place in Bayelsa.
According to him, the German government is also providing 900,000 Euros for the complete funding of the solar energy training programme that will last 15 months.
Cocodia, therefore, stressed the need for the people to sustain the existing peace for the success of the training programmes.
The Commissioner said 500 youths have also been engaged under a tripartite training programme involving the state government, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN and Industrial Training Fund, ITF as well as National Directorate of Employment, NDE.
He said the state government is partnering the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, while arrangements have also been concluded to train some youths at the Aviation Training College in Kaduna and Kwara states this year.
Also speaking, the Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe, said the state government has commenced both academic and Sports Training activities at the State Sports Academy, Asoama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area.
According to him, the Academy, which was established by law in 2013, is expected to provide effective training for young, talented and potential sports men and women to ensure their successful participation in sports.
Hon. Buruboyefe noted that, the government has since completed the Nembe city stadium and provided the best artificial football pitch in the country at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, stating that, efforts are on to put in place a playback score board system, flood lights and other facilities in the next couple of weeks.

Man arraigned for bathing son with acid

The Ojo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on Friday 26/01/2018 arraigned a 78 year old man, Joeseph Adetunji, for allegedly bathing his son’s face with acid.
Adetunji who was remanded with his son-in-law, Abayomi Balogun, 60, is facing trial for conspiracy and assault for causing grievous harm.
The Prosecutor, Police Insp. Uche Simeon, told the court that the duo committed the offences on Aug. 29, 2015 at 6.00pm at 32 Road, A Close, Festac Town, Lagos.
Simeon said the accused conspired and sprayed acid on the face of Mr Adesoji Adetunji, son to the first accused (the septuagenarian) and brother-in-law to the second accused, following a family dispute.

“Your Lordship, I do not know the kind of dispute that will make a father to disfigure his son in this manner, the son has gone totally blind,” he said.
The offences contravened Sections 172 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to NAN, The accused, while pleading not guilty said he sprayed his son with acid out of self-defence.
Adetunji said, “My son, Adesoji, is the proverbial black sheep of the family, and on several occasions, he had attempted to kill me to take possession of his inheritance.
“I have trained all my children to the best of my ability, I sent them all to higher institutions, his brother is a lawyer and before the incident, he refused to work as he indulges in drinking alcohol.
“On the day in question, I was in my daughter’s house trying to help her and my son-in-law to repair their car.
“My son came to me and his sister’s husband with a broken bottle, demanding money and in self-defence, I sprayed battery acid on him.”
The Magistrate, Mr A. A. Adesanya, reprimanded the accused for taking laws into his hands, adding that he should have involved the police in resolving the matter.
Adesanya said, “Seeing that three of the complainant’s siblings are here to testify to his unruly behaviours toward their father is an indication that things were really not going right between father and son.
“The police should have been involved before it degenerated to this,” he said.
Adesanya granted the two accused N100,000 bail each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case until March 14.

Police arrest poly students for homosexual act

Two male students of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, have been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for alleged involvement in homosexual acts in Egor local government area of Edo State capital.

The suspects, Ebendu John and Okpara Imoh, aged between 26 and 30, all indigenes of Edo State, were said to be in a meeting when the police, acting on a tip-off swooped on them.

The duo, who owed up to the accusation said no law would stop them from loving themselves.

Recall that following the ban on homosexuality by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Police in February 10, 2016 arrested and prosecuted two male lovers at Egor local government area of Edo state over homosexuality.

Same sex relationship is outlawed in the country and the offence is punishable with 14 years imprisonment if suspects are found guilty.

Hawkers sell Obasanjo’s letter to Buhari in ‘traffic jam’

Nigerians have begun to sell the 13-page statement addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari by a former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in traffic in major cities around the country.
Our reporter observed on Wednesday 24^th January 2018 that in Lagos, copies of the ‘special statement’ printed and bound were being displayed and sold in traffic around major parts of the city.
Similarly, we gathered that the statement is equally being sold in major places in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

One of the hawkers who spoke to our correspondent in the Maryland area of Lagos Thursday morning attributed the development to the ingenuity of the Nigerian spirit.
“We have to sell and make money. People sold it too when Baba (Obasanjo) wrote a similar one to (Goodluck) Jonathan back then. Everyone wants to read it,” the hawker who identified himself simply as Joe, said.
Our correspondent gathered that the prices varied between N300 to N500 and more, depending on the seller.
Mr. Obasanjo himself has made the letter into a booklet which he has been distributing to friends and associates. An earlier report by our reported suggested an initial 1000 copies were ordered. An aide of the former president said reprints might be commissioned.
In the lengthy statement, Mr. Obasanjo excoriated Mr. Buhari, saying the president has performed poorly in the administration of the nation.
The former President also called for the emergence of a ‘Third Force’ to rescue the nation from destruction.

The Nigerian government in its reply on Wednesday 24^th January 2018 thanked the former President and highlighted the various achievements of Mr. Buhari.
A statement by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, however said the Buhari administration will look into other areas of defect identified by Mr. Obasanjo.
Mr. Obasanjo had in 2013 written a similar letter to Mr. Jonathan after he fell out with the ex-president. 

Ambode’s Aide, Deji Tinubu dies while playing football

The newly-redeployed Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce and Industry, Deji Tinubu, is dead.
Tinubu who is the nephew of APC leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was recently moved in a cabinet shake up by Ambode from Special Adviser on Sports to Commerce and Industry.
He was before then the Director of the Lagos State Sports Council.
Information available to or source has it that Tinubu died in Epe where the State Executive Council was holding a retreat.

Tinubu is the one with some spot of red on his jersey in a icture taking before the match at Epe

He was said to be engaged in a game of football when he slumped and died.
According to our source, “He died right there on the field.”
There had been no official statement on the development as at press time.
So also did the spokespersons of the government not pick calls to their mobile numbers.
In the group photograph accompanying this story, which was taken before the commencement of the football game in Epe on Thursday, Tinubu is the one with some spot of red on his jersey.

Fela Son, slams Obasanjo, says he should be in jail for corruption

Seun Kuti, son of late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has condemned a statement credited to former president Olusegun Obasanjo over poor governance in Nigeria.
The former president had on Tuesday (23/01/2018) given several reasons Buhari should not seek re-election in 2019.

Seun Kuti

Reacting, Seun on his Instagram page said Obasanjo who should be in jail for his corrupt practices has no right to speak for Nigerians.
He lamented the level of corruption and injustice perpetrated by military leaders without prosecution.
He wrote, “When black people have no code how can we develop our culture? How many letters did u write to abacha? If there was justice in this land, na only civilians dey corrupt? When will there be justice against the military elites at the top of the gangster corruption machine called Nigeria.
“When will Obasanjo. IBB. Buhari. T.Y. Danjuma and the rest of them face justice for their atrocities?
“I mean people who should be inside the darkest part of jail are bold enough to speak for the people? A people they have robbed and maimed and killed for sixty years. #oneday!”

ENCOUNTER

Esievo should not contest, Okowa put your house in order-Prophet Okobri

Prophet Armstrong A. Okobri is the General Superintendent of, The Love of Christ Christian Ministry, a.k.a The Land Of Power, Old Ozoro/Oleh Road, Okpaivie.

In this interview with Isoko Mirror Regional Editor, Kelvin Ohoror, the cleric speaks on some salient issues.

Prophet Okobri

Excerpts

Can we meet you Sir?

I am Prophet Armstrong A. Okobri the General Superintendent, The Love of Christ Christian Ministry located at Old Ozoro/Oleh road, Okpaivie. I am also a native of Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

When did you start your Ministry?

I started the ministry about three years ago and God has been speaking to me for the past 3 months about Isoko South Constituency I concerning the present House of Assembly member, Hon. Erezi Esievo. The Lord told me that I should warn her not to contest 2019 House of Assembly election that if she contest, she will fail woefully. The Lord also spoke to me that the next House of Assembly member from Constituency I will come from Oleh and he is going to be a man, not a woman. If she like, let her go to other pastors and Bishops and if she is been deceived, she will waste her money. 2019 is not for her, her own is gone, that is what the Lord told me.

I don’t know her and I have not seen her once. In 2015, the Lord also spoke to me about Hon. Ferguson Onwo.

Are you in touch with Hon. Erezi Esievo regarding this message from God?

No, I am a kind of Prophet who doesn’t go to people. I am not a politician and I don’t belong to any political party. I am only using this medium to reach out to her, so that, she will not waste her money.

Did God reveal the person that will win the House of Assembly in Constituency I come 2019?

The person is very young, vibrant and intelligent and he is a man. I will talk to the press again to reveal the person and I will also call the result of the general election immediately after the various party primaries.

The Lord also spoke to me that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will scale through in Delta State and President Buhari will fail come 2019. But Okowa should put his house in order.

What did God told you about Hon. Ferguson Onwo in 2015?

The Lord spoke to me then, that Hon. Ferguson Onwo has sold his mandate to Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo and he was arguing with me and I decided to leave him to his fate.

I told him I saw Hon. Erijo in a white apparent and was handling his mandate to Hon. Erijo. He refused to ask on what to do and he lost it all. He told me then, that Aviara, Uzere, Igbide are all with him, that there is no way he is going lose yet he lost.

He was speaking carnally and I was speaking spiritually because a carnal man doesn’t understand spiritual things, one thing we should know on earth is that the spirit force is stronger than the physical and if you are going through the physical you are wasting your time.

At the end of the day, when he failed, he was running helter-skelter and he told me I should pray and I laughed at him and I told him that it is over. Even before the announcement of the result between Hon. Ferguson and Hon. Erijo I told people that the result is already with me because God has called the result for me.

Hon. Ferguson Onwo might contest in 2019, is God revealing anything to you about him?

Well, I have not heard from him or anybody that he is going to contest. But in the spiritual realm I am seeing that he is working hard, but his house is not in order, what has happened to him in 2015 will repeat itself. He is neglecting God, he is playing the game on the wrong side and when you neglect God, you can’t win.

Which party did God reveal to you that will win in 2019 Presidential election?

God has not reveal to me who will replace President Buhari come 2019, not even the party, but as for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, he will scale through.

The local government election is coming-up January 6^th, did God reveal anything?

Well, I told a politician who came to my house that Sir Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo is going to win the local government election, although there is going to be uproar, confusion, but he will scale through.

What is your New Year message for Christian especially in Isoko?

I am urging Christians to emulate the lifestyle of Christ, they should love one another. In Isoko I found out Christians are dragging leadership position, leadership is not by power, it is a gift from the Almighty God.

FEATURES

HRM DUKU: An exceptional Monarch

By Martins Eduje

Isoko Mirror team recently visited Effurun – Otor and was opportune to chart with HRM King Duku II at his palace.

His Royal Majesty Johnson Enemmadia Yovwino Duku, Duku II (JP) the Orovworere of Effurun  - Otor Kingdom holds B.Sc (Hons) Ibadan, M.sc Lagos, MBA Aston Briminghan, Uk. He is a royal father with a difference. He has passion for farming and medical research despite the fact that he is a political scientist and a business Administrator by training. He has authored many books and manuscripts.

HRM King Duku

Looking at his style of his administration since he became the monarch of the community, it is believe that his wealth of experience has brought calmness to youth restiveness in Effurun-Otor kingdom and it is on record that, he is the first Christian to be crowned as king in the annals of Effurun-Otor-kingdom.

Currently, he is the CEO/MD of ISIO printing and Publishing Company, and ISIO Majestic Quality Foods.

At the presentation of staff of office to His Majesty King Duku II (JP) by his Excellency, the Governor of Delta State Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the monarch promised: “Effurun – Otor shall be great again” and he has really displayed it by transforming Effurun –Otor, since then.

Empowerment:

His Royal Majesty was able to draw the attention of the Community Youths to the need of self-employment by introducing skill acquisition programme In the community by bringing experts from outside which was first of its kind since the existence of the community, the youths were trained in their various field of specialization such as:, Hairdressing, fashion designing, welding and fabrications. To ensure that the training was not in vain, the best three (3) persons were selected from each of the groups with money and starter packs to open their workshops or business shops immediately by King Duku II.

His Royal Majesty has been able to train people in the community on rearing of Grass-cuter farming, Snairlry, Fish farming, Piggery and Poultry.

He has also put in place scholarship programme for all Effurun –Otor youth who are ready to study medicine, engineering and computer science. With this programme in place, there is Zero tolerance to cultism, Pipeline Vandalism, and Zero tolerance to all forms of criminality including kidnapping, drugs sales and consumption. Anyone involved in any of the above mentioned matters are handed over to the relevant security agency as government property.

He has been able to instill discipline and sanity into the kingdom by imposing fines for fighting and stealing. These offences attracts penalty of dancing naked round the community and a fine of N250, 000.

No wonder His Royal Majesty said EFFURUN – OTOR KINGDOM SHALL BE GREAT AGAIN. These laws has brought sanity to the kingdom.

Religion:

HRM King Duku II is a dedicated and committed Christian, as the first Christian to be crowned a monarch in the history of Effurun – Otor Kingdom, during the presentation of staff of office to him, he quoted some bible verses “ the name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous runneth into it and are safe” (proverbs 18 vs 10) and Exodus 14:14 “ thy shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace” . The Monarch uses 15^th November every year to praise, worship and pray with other members of the kingdom for peace and progress in the land to mark his coronation anniversary, He believes that it is only God that can give abundance peace.

Passion for Development:

The monarch who expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far in his community said, he has always lead by example.” I lead by example, last year I went into poultry farming, which was a success. It doesn’t have to be very big, just add passion and it becomes a success.

My mini factory is under construction where about 20 youths and women will be employed. We will be processing packaged Garri known as (sokies). Garri packaged with Sugar and Groundnut  ready for eating bottled Cashew nuts, Pea nuts, pop corns and plantain chips. Others are polythene packaging and lots more. We are registered with NAFDAC and our brand name is ISIO Majestic  Quality Foods” he said.

Advise to other leaders:

HRM King Duku II advised other leaders to develop their Kingdom by training and empowering their youths, noting nobody will come to develop their kingdom for them.” Teach the youths on how to fish instead of giving them fish”. Monies should not be stock outside your town rather invest in your community for no one will do it for you.

HOSTCOM urges FG to deal directly with Host communities on pipeline surveillance

The Host communities, producing oil and Gas association of Nigeria (Hostcom) held their annual General meeting (AGM) on the 11^th January 2018 at Cyprian Hotel ltd in Ekpan Delta state to deliberate on why the federal government of Nigeria should deal directly with the host communities.

Evang Gabriel Isibelue presenting HOSTCOM constitution to the  acting national chairman chief Dr.B.Taramanebi Style while prince Miakpobi and others look with interest

In a communique issued by the association signed by national acting chairman, high chief Dr Style Benjamin and national secretary Evang Ibinabobo Sanipe and made available to the press specifically stated that, seven (7) out of nine (9) states attended the AGM.

The communique clearly stated that the 2010 Hostcom constitution has been finally amended and adopted by member states present at the AGM in accordance to the by-laws guiding the association.

The meeting agreed that, henceforth, the Federal government should deal directly with the host communities producing oil and gas on issues relating to pipeline surveillance.

The communique further stated that after exhaustive deliberations on the issues of electoral committee and nomination of members of the board of trustees, the AGM in a unanimous decision pushed forward the nomination of trustees and constitution of electoral committee to the next meeting.

what a man did to a female police inspector who invited him for questioning

A man who got angry with a female police inspector for inviting him for questioning, has reacted in a dramatic way.

Kazeem Balogun, a 41-year-old man, who allegedly beat up a female inspector attempting to invite him for questioning, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the police charged Balogun with a threat to life, assault and damage to property, but the accused pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused, who resides at Sogunle, Lagos State, beat up Insp. Airat Ajayi, who came to his residence to invite him for questioning for beating up his neighbour.

“The complainant (Ajayi) was sent to invite the accused for beating up and dragging his female neighbour, Mrs Eniola Awawu on the floor.”

“When the complainant asked him to follow her to the station, the accused refused and descended on her through beating.”

“In the process, he damaged her recommended eyeglasses valued at N15,0000,” the prosecutor said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 56,174 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(revised).

The Magistrate, Mr J.A. Adigun granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum.

Adigun directed that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Jan. 31 for the mention.

Aghogho cooperative:

Treasurer allegedly accused the chairman of N9m misappropriation

By Our Reporter

The embattled treasurer of Aghogho multi-purpose cooperative, Mr. Aguwax Sharppillo has accused the chairman of the cooperative, Mr. Goodluck Orie for allegedly misappropriating about N9million belonging to the cooperative and in his effort to cover up, the police connived with him to recover all financial documents with him as the treasurer.

Mr. Sharppillo, while speaking to some selected journalists, he narrated that he was suspended unjustly without following due process because he was not present at that meeting and wondered why such a key decision would be taken without his consent as a founding member. He noted that the witch-hunting started by the chairman in connivance with others as soon as he raised the issue of misappropriation by the chairman.

“I noted that all monthly contributions were no longer coming to me on time as the treasurer and I raised the issue in one of our meeting, there we discovered that the chairman is with the money not knowing that the financial secretary was handing over money to him instead of the treasurer and this did not go down well with the chairman, since then, he started plotting my removal without going by the by laws of Lagos state guiding cooperatives.”

Mr. Aguwax further narrated that after receiving a suspension letter allegedly masterminded by the chairman in a Kangaroo meeting, on the 7^th of December, the chairman, Mr. Orie came with the police from Ajeromi station to arrest him and forcefully collected all financial documents from him without obtaining statement from him (meaning the DPO was not aware of his arrest) noting that, those tactics were used so as to frustrate him from not having any evidence for him to indict the chairman stressing that he remains the treasurer of the cooperative because he cannot be suspended in a Kangaroo meeting presided over by the chairman in connivance with some unfaithful members of the cooperative.

Meanwhile, in a swift reaction to the allegations raised by Mr. Sharppillo, the chairman Mr. Goodluck Orie stressed that Mr. Sharppillo suspension follows due process because he was sent a text message to attend the meeting to have an apple opportunity to defend himself but he choose the other way round hence the police was called upon to officially invite him to surrender all financial documents with him pending when his suspension will elapse because he was suspended for a period of six months due to some anomalies discovered in the financial books where money received by him were not deposited at the bank.

Cattle colonies: List of 16 states that have volunteered land

Sixteen Nigerian states have agreed to the establishment of cattle colonies proposed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh as a solution to the incessant herdsmen crisis.

It was gathered that some 16 states, all in the North, have volunteered land for the establishment of cattle colonies in their domain.

The states include: Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Nasarawa and Plateau.

Others are Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Niger, Kogi and Kwara states.

According to The Punch, all the 16 states have agreed to volunteer 5,000 hectares of land each.

However, Benue and Taraba experiencing herdsmen attacks have rejected the cattle colonies.

All the 17 states of Southern Nigeria have also refused to volunteer land for the cattle colonies.

Governor Ayo Fayose had vowed not to give Ekiti land for cattle colonies.

Similarly, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) rejected Federal Government’s plan to establish ‘cattle colonies,’ in South-Western states.

Pinnick offers Oruma job in national team

Distressed former Super Eagles midfielder, Wilson Oruma who has been battling emotional disorder after being defrauded N2 billion by fake oil businessmen has been offered a job as assistant coach in one of the national teams.

Oruma

The cheery news was given by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Melvin Amaju Pinnick who has picked all the former Nigeria international’s hospital bills and relocated him to a better equipped one. ‘’By next week, Oruma will move into my house before they finish furnishing the three bedroom flat where he would stay’’, the NFF President confirmed to us. His story is a pathetic one and we cannot allow him to die. I am rendering this help to him from one Warri man to another. We are Warri Ambassadors’’. Pinnick said that the former Golden Eaglets’ 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning captain was recovering well. ‘’All we need to do is to show him love. I ate with him. He’s stable. The NFF will include him to play a role in our award ceremony coming up soon. Thereafter, we’ll include him in the U-20 national team. Come June, we’ll also include him in the contingent to Russia to cheer the Super Eagles’’. I’m still talking with some of the clubs he played for to allow him come and do a coaching course with them’’. Pinnick’s personal Foundation are footing the bills for his rehabilitation. Oruma featured for Nigeria’s U-17, U-23 and the senior national team, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the Olympic gold in 1996 and two bronze medals at the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2006. At club level, he starred for RC Lens, Nancy, Samsunspor, Nimes, Servette, Sochaux, Marseille and Guingamp, and Kavala FC of Greece before he retired on November 26, 2010. The NFF President who led members of his exco in another landmark agreement with WAPIC Insurance prayed that Super Eagles players could maximise the benefits of having WAPIC to have a better future through proper pension fund. ‘’ On the World Cup preparation, Amaju showered praises on Sports Minister Dalung and the Federal Government for their massive support and creating an enabling environment for football stability and prosperity in Nigeria

Isoko United Club of Nigeria Holds Annual General Meeting/Investiture Ceremony

Gives Bursary Award to Isoko Indigenes Students

By

Kelvin Ohoror

Isoko United Club of Nigeria recently held its annual general meeting/investiture ceremony, gives bursary award to Isoko indigene students and also presented new executive to run the affairs of the club for the next three years.

Members of Isoko United Club of Nigeria in a group photograph with their new president, Chief Francis Amadhe after the Annual general meeting/Bursary award ceremony

The new executive of Isoko United Club of Nigeria are;

Mr. Francis Amadhe -President, Mr. Fred Okpeva-Vice-President, Mr. Mike Etoh- General Secretary, Mr. Samuel Udori - Asst. General Secretary, Mr. Julius Edore - Financial Secretary, Dr. Wilson Edefiadhe- Treasurer, Mr. Dennis Amata- Social Secretary/P.R.O, Mr. Osie Efetie -Asst. Social Secretary/P.R.O., Mr. Mike Onobiokor-Protocol, Barr. Charles Ekpewonye- Legal Adviser, Chief Amos Okoro - Immediate Past President

The new excos of Isoko United Club of Nigeria taking oath of office during the event

In his acceptance speech, the new president of Isoko United Club of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Amadhe asserted that, “I am drawn to IUCN due to its cardinal objectives which amongst others are to cultivate the spirit of oneness, well-being and good will amongst its members, create a forum for a mutual exchange of ideas identify itself with the problems and progress of members and the Isoko nation and to encourage investment in profitable activities that would benefit the club and Isoko nation in general”

Chief Paul Eriri exchanging pleasantries with former House of Assembly member, Hon. Benjamin Essien Okiemute

According to him “ My vision and dream is that one day Isoko United Club of Nigeria shall stand as a colossus, a force to reckon with, a hub of idealism, a social vehicle to bring together Isoko sons and daughters, a pivot of development and a pace setter.

He reiterated that, he will review the club constitution and bring it into a smaller size, and also lunch a webpage so that Isoko sons and daughters that are not living in Isoko can now browse and see Isoko United Club of Nigeria as a vehicle of social integration, emphasizing that with the requirement of the club, he intend to strengthen, maintain and sustain the bursary award initiative and also increase membership by 10 percent.

Recipents of the Isoko United Club bursary award displaying their cheques with Joy

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo stated that, given bursary award to indigene students of Isoko nation, it shows how responsible Isoko United club of Nigeria are to the social needs of the people, noting that any club or people whose social responsibility is the welfare of the people has his support.

The chairman of the occasion, Sir Constantine Itiako Ikpopo, presenting a cheque to one of the recipients of the Isoko United Club of Nigeria bursary award

Sir, Ikpokpo also said that, Isoko as an ethnic group is on the right track, becoming more United, discipline, saying that the focus is to empower the people to ensure they are able to sustain themselves.

The Isoko South newly elected Chairman however urges other club to emulate what Isoko United Club of Nigeria is doing in order to ensure sustainability of human capital development in Isoko nation.

The immediate past president of Isoko United Club of Nigeria, Chief Amos Okoro decorating the new president, Mr. Francis Amadhe

The highlight of the event was a bursary award of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each to 20 indigenes students from 20 clans of the Isoko ethnic group.

Ikogba now heads HOSTCOM Isoko chapter,

Urges Delta government to obey rule of law

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Host communities, producing oil and gas, Isoko chapter has inaugurated a new executive headed by chief smart Ikogba at Olomoro civic centre, Isoko south local government area of Delta state. Hostcom urges the Delta state government led by senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to obey rule of law.

Those inaugurated alongside with chief smart Ikogba includes: Mr. Unuafe Believe – Vice Chairman, Mr. Ebase Pius – Secretary,  Rev. Dr. Okriko Jonah – Asst. Dec, Dr. Aloy Okpelogbo – Treasurer, Prince Agah Michael – Fin. Sec, Mr. Ambrose Efedoma – Asst. Fin Sec, Mr. Agadaemor Gift – Auditor, Mrs. Joyce Uduareghe – Woman Leader, Mrs. Victoria Udoma – Asst. Woman Leader, Mr. Arauwou Great Steve – P.R.O, Mr. Odeh Salome – C.L.O, Comr. Reuben Okpowe – Organizing. Secretary, Mr. Akpomuka Ezekiel – C.S.O, Mr. Onowotu Obedient – Chief Whip, Mr. Kelvin Ovri Emuh - Youth Leader, Mr. Umugo Monday Asst. Youth, Pureheart Okeoghenemaro Kpeji – Publicity Sec/Media.

HOSTCOM Isoko nation executive and the state chairman after their Inauguration

Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration, the newly elected chairman of Hostcom Isoko chapter, chief Ikogba, he expressed satisfaction over the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded the election that brought them in and promised to work assiduously with his executive so as to achieve the main aims and objectives of HOSTCOM.

On non-recognition of their faction by the state Government, Chief Ikogba stated that, this whole thing is political. “We are duly recognized by Corporate Affair Commission, so they cannot say we are not recognized, the Federal Government recognized our group”.

He also reiterated that, the other faction is illegal body, the court made it clear and the court judgment is there for us to see.

The state chairman of HOSTCOM HON. Benjamin Iwetan, Primate Moses Ogbodogbo and others during and others during the Inaguration of HOSTCOM Isoko nation

Also speaking, the state chairman Hon. Benjamin Iwetan said that, “It is quite unfortunate that the government of the day is lopsided dealing with HOSTCOM, I believe the government does not believe in illegality, but I am so surprise those who are impersonating, are the same people the government is dealing with”

Hon. Iwetan also noted that, the whole issue concerning HOSTCOM is being politicized by people in government, saying that the state government should respect the rule of law by recognizing the court Judgment that made the group led by him the authentic one in the state.

Media chat

Cleanliness is next to Godliness-Mrs. Eduzuka

In a chart with selected media houses, the newly appointed public relation officer of Delta central taskforce on clean environment, Delta State Waste Management Board, Mrs Onajite Monica Eduzuka stressed the importance of hygienic environment and while people should keep to rules and regulations regulating the PSP establishment.

Mrs. Eduzuka

In this media chat, she charges the community newspapers and other media organizations to help educate the people on the need to be self-hygienic and dumping refuse at the approved sites.

Excerpt:

What will you say has been the major challenge faced by the WM board taskforce in the performance of its task?
There are very major challenges in the way of the Taskforce in achieving her lofty goals. These include the lack of awareness and cooperation of the residents, who, actively decided to dump waste indiscriminately and refused to patronize authorized PSPs. Also, getting good dumpsite and maintenance of these dumpsites, and roads has been a major challenge that the DS-WMB has tried to solve. The Taskforce also needs to have enough personnel to go round to enforce compliance of environmental cleanliness, in conjunction with the Judiciary and Police, who have been very cooperative. Getting the cooperation and buy-in of the Local Governments was another great challenge.

As PRO of the DS-WMB Delta central taskforce, how would you describe your relationship with the media?
We have just been appointed to this office in January 2018. We are reaching out to the media for support in creating the necessary awareness by all citizens to maintain a clean environment. We intend to visit all radio and television stations, speak with churches, clubs, associations, town meetings, market associations, NGOs, etc, to pass the message down to all residents of Delta Central on the need to maintain a clean and beautiful environment, and to cooperate with the DS-WMB.

How do you intend to enforce environmental cleanliness?

The Taskforce personnel will be sent round to ensure that all buildings have authorized PSPs that they are working with, and if they are not working with any authorized PSP, they will be charged to court. We will also patrol illegal dumping grounds, and stop people from dumping refuse on the roads, or turning any empty space into a dumping ground. Mobile Court sessions will be held in different spots within delta central, and any individual, market, or corporate body that are not participating in the scheme with authorized PSPs will have to answer to the courts, just as it is in Akwar-Ibom, Edo and Lagos states.

What is your advice to citizens to ensure a clean environment?
We will advise all our citizens to cooperate with us so we can have a clean environment. You can read and see states and countries in the newspapers and television, or for those who have travelled abroad. The streets are clean. It is the action of the citizens cooperating with the relevant government agencies that make those places clean and beautiful. Let us all join hands to get a clean environment. Clean your homes. Register with the authorized PSP in your zone for them to collect the waste and send to government approved dumpsites. Where residents have any issues with the PSP, they can reach us and we try to resolve these issues amicably. We are all working towards the same goal to achieve environmental cleanliness. The government is doing so much to support environmental cleanliness programmers.

Areas we can have improvement in environmental cleanliness?
I will recommend increased education of the citizens on the need to maintain a high level of hygiene. Don’t throw wastes, pure water sachets, everywhere, in gutters, on the streets, illegal dumpsites, and so on. This should stop. Also, they should patronize government approved PSPs who will collect and dispose the waste.  Government in conjunction with banks and big firms in the private sector can also assist the PSPs, in the provision of equipment, trucks, and well maintained dumpsites. The Taskforce will increase its activities on public enlightenment and enforcement. We will appreciate the support of community newspapers and all other media organizations in propagating the ideals of a clean environment. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Therefore, let us clean our environment, especially our markets to avoid health hazards and diseases. 

Unlawful account freezing: Media firm sues Access bank N200m

An Abuja-based media firm, Image Merchants Promotion Limited, and its promoter, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, have slammed a N200 million suit against Access Bank Plc over an alleged unlawful freezing of their four different accounts with the bank in the past two years.
The bank was dragged before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by the two plaintiffs, claiming damages for the hardships inflicted on them by the Bank with the freezing.
In the suit, No. FCT/HC/CV/0657/2018, filed on their behalf by Yunus Abdulsalam, the plaintiffs are praying the Court to declare that freezing of their accounts by the bank as unlawful and a clear breach of the duty of care owed them by the bank.
They are also praying for an order of the Court directing the bank to unfreeze their Private, Salary, Operational and Domiciliary Accounts of the Company and its Promoter with Access Bank Plc.

Access bank

The global award-winning media outfit and its promoter are the publishers of Economic Confidential Magazine and PRNigeria, a public relations firm.
They claimed that they have tried to no avail with the bank to unfreeze their accounts.
They said the efforts met brick walls each time and later metamorphosed to their solicitors writing the final letter to the bank.
In the suit, Shuaib said the inexplicable freezing of his account has kept him struggling to meet up with his responsibilities as the breadwinner of his family, thereby putting his four children, wife and aged parents into a state of avoidable hardship.
Also due to the inexplicable freezing of the accounts, the company claimed that its businesses have suffered the following catastrophic developments: Over 20 employees and volunteers in the payroll resigned their employment because of the inability of the company to access its salary account for the purpose of paying monthly salary; and the company has also lost patronage as it can no longer advice clients to pay into the operational accounts knowing fully well no withdrawal could be made to execute the job of its clients.
In addition, the media outfit said the freezing of its Domiciliary Account prevented its financial obligations to foreign partners, subscriptions to products, services and professional membership fees.
It also added that for the first time since inception, the company’s monthly print edition of the Economic Confidential Magazine could not see the light of the day.
Their solicitors had written a letter dated December 21, 2017 and addressed to the Branch Manager, Access Bank Plc, Plot 1244, Samuel Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki 2, Abuja, and received same day, in which the bank was informed that failure to unfreeze the accounts within seven days will result in a court action as there has been no official explanation by the bank.
The plaintiffs further claimed that since “the absence of their clients from the public service, Mallam Yushau Shuaib has been the alter ego of Image Merchants Promotions Limited, the publisher of the widely read Economic Confidential Magazine and whose subsidiary is a leading and multi-international award-winning PR firm, PRNigeria.
They claimed that from the record of accounts in question, it was clear that the firm has been carrying out legitimate business of PR consultancy with a vast clientele base, especially from the security and financial sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Plaintiffs claimed that they asked for an explanation from their mutual account officer as to the lawful justification upon which their accounts were frozen by the bank and that the response was rather evasive, opaque and vague.
Therefore, the Plaintiffs applied for an order of the Court in directing the defendant to unfreeze the four accounts and also sought for an order of the Court in awarding the sum of N200 million only being general and exemplary damages against the bank for unlawful freezing of their account and breach of duty of care owed to them by the bank.
In addition, the plaintiffs demanded another sum of N1 million against the bank being the cost of the suit.
They also sought payment of 10 per cent of the judgment sum from the date of delivery of judgment until the entire sum is liquidated.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing

Kanu Nwankwo cries out over plans to sell his hotel under secret arrangement

Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has alerted to plans to take over his Hardley Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said although the matter is in court, an agency is about to “forcibly seize” the property.A statement yesterday by Kanu, the initiator of the Kanu Heart Foundation, lamented that the property, which is a growing concern in the hospitality industry, was put under the temporary possession of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) by an ex-parte order on account of a purported indebtedness which is yet to be proved. The statement claimed that there were plans to sell the hotel under a secret arrangement.”

Kanu and hotel

Kanu said: “While I remain resolute in my decision to respect the sanctity of our law courts, I am however constrained to issue this statement to call on well-meaning Nigerians and all men/women of good conscience around the globe to prevail on AMCON to do same. This has become necessary in the light of some bizarre actions of self-help embarked upon by AMCON in vandalising/stripping the assets, under the guise of renovations, but ostensibly with a clandestine design to brazenly sell or hand it to a third party under secret terms and thus complicate/further stall this matter.”
Kanu said he felt pained that his prized possession was at the risk of being taken away. He said funding for surgery and treatment of many heart victims by the Kanu Heart Foundation had come from his earnings at the Hardley Apartments.
The matter will come up for hearing before a Federal High Court on February 14.

Pasuma finally meets blind boy who sings like him on the street

Pasunma and Basit

Luck has found its way to the abode of a young blind boy who was discovered on a street in Ibadan few days ago, passionately singing the song of popular Fuji musician Alabi Pasuma.
The video recording of the boy who is identified as Basit, hit the internet and went viral instantly as well wishers trended the video online in order to catch the attention of the Fuji singer. Pasuma eventually got a hold of the video and sent words out about finding the location of the boy, he wrote: “I woke up to this…despite his disability this young man has earned my love and respect not only because he sings my song with passion but also because he displays raw talent beyond my expectations, he sends waves running down my spine and I can’t stop watching this video… whoever has his contact should please reach out to me…” However, the search is over as the superstar musician has found the boy and is set to record a song with the young talent whom he described as his new friend in an Instagram post.

Facts about Wilson Oruma's alleged madness

Controversial media personality, Daddy Freeze, has reacted to report of the duping of Former Super Eagles midfielder, Wilson Oruma, who was duped by a pastor.

it was reported that the ex-super eagles midfielder is suffering from mental disorder as a result of how he was reportedly duped by an unknown pastor.

Freeze

Reacting to the news, Freeze alongside a picture of the ex football star took to his Instagram to attack Nigerian pastors.

He wrote, “At the rate at which many of these ‘pastors’ are going there won’t be any work left for the real yahoo boys!

“The attitude of most Nigerian pastors can never breed true Christianity.

“Nigerians really have the gift of wealth creation, despite their poverty they have created the richest pastors on earth. #FreeTheSheeple.”

Robbers seals 89yr-old woman mouth with super glue

Two suspects have been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly using super glue to seal the mouth of an 89 year woman, Imasogbonre Enahoro, to prevent her for shouting for help.
The suspects  also allegedly glued the mouth of her daughter, Marylyn Ajibola, and proceeded to steal  valuables and a Toyota Camry car from the victim’s’ residence at Igueben villagen,near Benin.
A third suspect is said to be on the run.

Madam Enahoro

They allegedly stormed Madam Enahoro residence on November 20 and first tied up their victims.
But when mother and daughter kept shouting for help, the unwanted guests decided to use super glue to shut them up.
After searching the house and finding no money the robbers made away with a Toyota Camry car which they drove to Osun State.
Marylyn identified one of the suspects at the police headquarters as the person who slapped her mother and applied super glue to shut her mouth.
She said the incident happened at about 5pm and that it was her husband that eventually untied them on his return from work.
Kingsley, one of the suspects who claimed to be a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, said it was Tosin that brought the robbery plan.
“When we got to Mama’s place, she had no money to give to us. Two of us were outside and Tosin went inside. We found only N7,200 inside the car.
“I did not know that this Mama’s mouth was glued because I waited outside. We have not sold the car. Tosin said he wants to use the car but we told him there is no way we can stay with him in Osun State. I couldn’t stay in his father’s house without doing anything. The car is still in Osun State.”
Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Benue killing: Oyedepo reveals what will happen to Fulani herdsmen

Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has placed a curse on Fulani herdsmen allegedly killing Nigerians in the country.

Oyedepo, while condemning the killings by Fulani herdsmen stated that Nigeria is in a ‘state of slumber.Addressing members of his church during the

Bishop Oyedepo

‘One night with the King’ telecast across the nation, on Saturday in Otta, Ogun State, Oyedepo declared that the ”perpetrators of the killings and their unborn children will not see peace.”

According to the cleric, although the country is not at war, there are some disgruntled elements bent on destabilising Nigeria.

His words, “Where are the security agents? You mean they can’t get the herdsmen arrested?”

”Those Fulani herdsmen and their unborn children will not see peace.’

“I saw this coming, documented it because God confided in me. I saw it in May 23, 1982.

”Nigeria is in a state of slumber and the politicians won’t say anything. They (politicians) are always looking for the next election whether people are dying or not.”

Police recovers slain inspector's head from village head's shrine

The Police Command in Cross River State has recovered from a village shrine the head of a slain Police officer, Inspector Michael James, now late, who was killed on Christmas day in Uyanga village in Akamkpa Local Government Area in the state.

The Village Head of Uyanga, who is also the Chief Priest of the shrine where the slain head of the late inspector was found, Ophot Valentine Ebani, 54, has been arrested along with seven other suspects connected to the crime and they are all in the custody of the Police Command in Cross River state.

Police arrest suspected killers of Inspector Michael James

Briefing newsmen in Calabar while parading the eight suspects along with 43 others, the State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, explained that slain Police Inspector was attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Enugu and was on a visit with his family to his in-laws at Ojor village, neighbouring village to Uyanga. While buying fuel, Uyanga youths without provocation, attacked, killed and beheaded him.

He said: “While the body is yet to be seen, his severed head was later recovered at Uyanga Shrine,” Inuwa said, adding that the violent youths also seized the late inspector’s AK-47 rifle with double magazines and set ablaze his Sienna vehicle with Reg. Number Enu 683 NK.

The two communities of Uyanga and Ojor have been engaged in a communal clash over a period in recent time and the December 25th 2017 attack on the late inspector was one incident of violence out many in the area.

Other suspects arrested along with the Village Head are Isaac James Akpan, 20; Benjamin Philip Abakum, 22; Patrick Effiong Edet, 22; Famous Mfon Archibong, 20; Effiong Peter Odu, 22; Ndifon Arong, 45 and Wisdom Bassey Inok, 19.

The State Police Command paraded all the suspects on Thursday afternoon along with a horde of other suspects alleged to have carried out criminal activities in the state during the Yuletide season.

A total of 51 suspects said to have been arrested for various criminal activities including armed robbery, murder, kidnappings, vandalisation of public facilities, murder, arson, defilement among others.

Also paraded were weapons and ammunition used by the suspects to perpetuate the crimes, which include had 234 assorted guns including pump action riffles, barrette pistols, English pump action riffles, double barrel guns were recovered from them.

Inuwa, who paraded the suspects said: “A huge success has been recorded within the period in the run up to the Christmas celebration and first few days of this month of this year with a lot of persons arrested for various offences and lots of evidence recovered from them.

“We also recovered 23 plasma television sets, three ATM cards, three air conditioners, fourteen 14 refrigerators, one dry human skull, four machetes, charms, Indian hemp, Ash-coloured Toyota, one DAF truck, a trailer load of textbooks.”

The Police Commissioner said five persons were arrested for breaking into the hotel of a former Senator, Greg Ngaji at the GRA Ogoja and destroying 21 foreign doors and making away with six refrigerators, three plasma television sets, 21, rug carpets and several other items,

He said the suspects arrested for the stealing include Francis Mowang, Taiwo Abang and Fredrick Aleji.

He warned that the Command is determined more than ever to surmount all forms of criminality, burst criminal hideouts and expose all criminal elements operating within the state.