Zimbabwe legalises indian hemp

Zimbabwe has followed Lesotho by legalising the production of marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes, making it the second African country to turn the drug into a source of revenue.
However, recreational use of the drug known in the country as ‘mbanje or dagga’ remains illegal.
A government notice by the Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa, says individuals and corporations can apply for licenses to grow marijuana, whose production and possession had brought up to 12 years in prison.
Producers of mbanje must be licensed by the minister, reported Zimbabwe Herald.
The notice was contained in a Government Gazette Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018 (Dangerous Drugs – Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific Use Regulations).
“An application for the issue of a licence in terms of section 27 of the Act shall be made to the Minister, in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee and three copies of a plan of the site proposed to be licensed which shall comply with the requirement specified in these regulations.

“In case of an individual, proof of citizenship or proof of being ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe or proof of an exemption by the Minister (will be required),” reads the regulations.
“In the case of a company, proof of citizenship or proof of being ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe of the majority of directors or proof of an exemption by the Minister and proof of incorporation in Zimbabwe of the company; and a declaration, signed and dated by the proposed authorised person in charge, stating that the authorised person in charge, the proposed responsible person in charge and, if applicable, the proposed alternate responsible person in charge, are familiar with the provisions of the Act (will be required),” reads the regulations.
The application for the licence must also provide a detailed description of the method that the applicant proposes to use for keeping records.
The Minister has powers to audit the activities of the licensed producer with respect to cannabis.
“The application shall also contain the following – (a) if applicable, the maximum quantity expressed as net weight in grammes of fresh cannabis, dried cannabis, cannabis oil to be produced by the applicant under the licence and the production period . . . and the maximum number of cannabis plants to be sold or provided by the applicant under the licence and the period in which that quantity is to be sold or provided,” read the regulations.
In case of an application for a licence to sell or provide fresh cannabis or cannabis oil under, the applicant must provide the Minister before commencing to sell or provide the substance, with the dried cannabis equivalence factor determined under section 73 and the method that they used to determine it.
If an applicant intends to possess, produce, sell, provide, ship, deliver, transport or destroy cannabis at more than one site, a separate application must be submitted for each proposed site.
A licensed producer designate one authorised person in charge to have overall responsibility for management of the activities conducted by the licensed producer under their licence at their site who may, if appropriate, be licensed producer.
The latest move on marijuana by Zimbabwe is a marked shift from the traditionally tough stance in the largely conservative country.
The tiny nation of Lesotho last year became the first African country to issue a license for medical marijuana.
Countries including Malawi and Ghana are reportedly exploring ways to legalise the drug.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency continues to arrest people in possession of marijuana.
A South African court last year ruled that private use of marijuana was legal but the government appealed.

Night life on Allen avenue: the good, the bad and the ugly

Allen Avenue is known for its thriving night life; and booming commercial activities during the day.

Allen Avenue is one of the most famous places in Lagos. It is located in the state capital, Ikeja. There are no fewer than 20 commercial banks on the stretch. On a normal day, you are most likely to see currency dealers on both sides of the avenue trying to convince you to convert your foreign currency into Naira or vice-versa.

Allen Avenue has a heavy presence of companies, high brow shops, boutiques and fast food joints. For a fact, it is a business hub. The popular song by Weird MC, ‘Allen Avenue’ truly reflects the district. At night, the Nollywood movie, ‘Domitila’ comes to mind due to the heavy presence of Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) who ply their trade along the avenue.

On Allen, night life actually begins when normal commercial activities are over. The period is truly, a reflection of a mixed bag of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Regular restaurants close for business at night but for many night crawlers, there are alternatives as roadside tea brewers, known in local parlance as mai shai, Suya (meat kebab) and the noodles sellers make brisk business from dusk till dawn. Allen Avenue is indeed, a choice place for night crawlers.

Over the years, Allen has been both popular and notorious. While many will always remember it for the array of high profile businesses that are present there, the sex trade that thrives at sunset gives it a different image. The commercial sex workers come out in their numbers, hanging out on Allen and the connecting Aromire Avenue and Opebi street at both ends.

“This has been the way of Allen since the 1980s,” a suya seller who simply gave his name as Sule said. Sule, who has been living in Lagos since 1983, described Allen as “the home of prostitutes in Nigeria.”

At night, a good number of them converge in front of Peka Hotel. During the day, Peka, which is adjacent to Sweet Sensation at Opebi, just looks like an open space where anyone can go and have a drink. But at night, the place comes alive. In large numbers, fun seekers gather in the open bar to drink and patronise the suya spots around while the prostitutes prospect for customers. In different shapes, heights and sizes, these women of easy virtue adorn the streets. By the Opebi roundabout, there is usually a Police patrol vehicle stationed throughout the night.

The Next Edition gathered that some night guards within the area turn their security posts to temporary short time brothels at night. They take money from the commercial sex workers who in turn, take their solicitors to the usually small rooms.

A security guard at one of the banks on the avenue, who spoke to The Next Edition on the condition of anonymity said, “It is a common thing here. I am not the only one who uses my room for short time. Almost all the security men on Allen do the same.”

Does this happen only on Allen Avenue? The guard explained that “It happens in environments where prostitutes are on the streets. Sometimes, the prostitutes approach security men for the deal, and at other times, it is the other way round. The security men approach the prostitutes to tell them their rooms are available for short time.”

However, widespread as the practice appears to be, he said there has been no case of any security man being caught in the act by the owners of the property.

Amid all the escapades in the environment, fun seekers have Policemen on night duty to contend with. It was gathered that while the ladies of the night are out there for their business men of the Nigerian Police are also on the prowl in search of scapegoats to exploit.

It was learnt that the Police are usually out for night crawlers, especially those who patronize CSW. Sometimes, they hide in dark corners and take people by surprise whenever they see anyone trying to chat with the prostitutes by the roadside. In most cases, they demand money from the victims without any plans to take them to the station. Most solicitors would feel thoroughly embarrassed to be taken to the station on charges of soliciting for sex, so they will rather part with some money to regain their freedom. In rare cases where they are taken to the station and they end up spending the night there, they are most likely to be bailed the next morning at a higher cost.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Office, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, while responding to questions posed by The Next Edition, declared that two wrongs do not make a right. “It is wrong to solicit sex from prostitutes and also wrong for the police to take undue advantage of it. No one should be extorted. We as Police should obey the law in everything we do,” he said.

The Police spokesman further disclosed that much is being done to sanitise the force. “The Inspector General of Police is doing a campaign to assure everyone that bail is free. He has advised members of the public to report any station that collects money to free anyone via the citizen’s complaints numbers.” He also admitted that “there are bad eggs in the Police Force just like every other institution.”

Since night life on Allen Avenue is a blend of the good the bad and the ugly, fun seekers can only play safe if they consider the all-round implications of being caught on the wrong side of the law.

Oando Hero beer sponsors Emu-Ebendo cultural carnival

By

Kelvin Ohoror

The People of Emu-Ebendo Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area Delta State recently celebrated their cultural carnival tagged “Ebendo Day” was sponsored by Energia-Oando JVC and Hero Beer.

Unlike the Isoko ethnic group where oil companies has taken them for granted and does nothing to uplift and promote the cultural activities of the area. This kind of event should be an eye opener to the Isoko ethnic group and their communities to follow the footstep of what is happening in other ethnic groups in Delta State and beyond.

Speaking at the Emu-Ebendo community Mr. Friday Ozobeme asserted that, the celebration was born out of the community desire to showcase some of their cultural heritage and to thank God Almighty for his grace, support of the community in achieving developmental programmes.

According to him, the carnival celebration has become a house hold name in Ndokwa nation and beyond, noting that, the carnival is equally hinged on the community unity, cultural exposition and developmental strides over the years.

Mr. Ozobeme also hinted that Emu-Ebendo community has over the years constructed and commissioned notable projects in the community to the administration commitment to elevating the community from a small community to exemplary fast developing community.

The projects already commissioned are: phase one of 60 open market stored project construction of a modern Health Facility with a room to be upgraded to a modern hospital construction of 3.5km three access roads into the community, construction of the 2km main axial road in the community all with walk ways and construction of 6 blocks of flats with water and light facilities known as Ebendo Estate phase one respectively.

He further hinted that, in a few months from now they intend to lay a foundation for a modern ICT centre in the community for the community teaming youths to be ICT complaint saying that the community is expecting a support from DESOPADEC for a mini Town Hall project.

He therefore commended Energia-Oando JVC for maintaining the good working relationship that has existed between them and the community in promoting development in the communities.

He appreciated Hero Beer for their corroboration and sponsorship of some aspects of the carnival by providing the stage DJs and also for bringing a high breed Niger Delta Ambassador, Mr. Timaya.

The highlights of the ceremony were cultural dance and display from various groups.

2019: I want to represent my people effectively -Mulade

*Says he’s endorsed from Heaven

As the race for the 2019 election draws close, Warri South West House of Assembly forefront aspirant, comrade Sheriff Mulade has declared that he wants to give his people adequate and effective representative if elected to represent the people.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade a renowned Niger Delta environmentalist and National Coordinator Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) made the disclosure Monday April 23 during a media parley with  Journalists at his office at Ugolo-okpe, near Warri, Delta State.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade

He stressed the need for peaceful Coexistence among the two ethnic groups that make up the Constituency, noting that if there is peace in Warri South West, there is peace in Delta State, adding that if he emerges he will introduce Education empowerment to attract development to the area.

The Gbaramatu born environmental activist cum politician during the media parley quipped that his endorsement is from Heaven to contest the seat of Warri South-West at the Delta State House of Assembly, stating that he does not have any godfather nor godmother to go for the race.

Comrade Mulade promised to use his wealth of experience as past Kokodiagbene Community Chairman, exposure both within and outside Nigeria to bear in order to give the people much needed quality representation, assuring that peace building, healthcare, youth development through football competition will be his top focus at the Delta State Assembly.

He appealed for support from the Stakeholders in order for him to emerge victorious at the poll.

OML 30 host communities charge heritage energy to deal with new excos

Host Communities of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, has called on Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to only have dealings with its newly elected executive members. 

The Forum of Communities Executive of Flow Stations, in a letter signed by the chairman Hon. Emuobosa Victor and the secretary, Mr. Egho Francis, both respective president generals of Evwreni and Oweh communities' fields of OML 30, told the company that only elected persons are to represent the forum in future matters.

Further attached to the letter which was dated April 16, are names of the PGs of the communities of flow stations in OML 30, amongst whom are Pastor Blessing Agboro (Olomoro), Dr. Patrick Oboghor (Oroni), Mr. Victor Otumemmene (Afisiere), Chief James Obeuwou (Oleh), Barr. John Urete (Uzere), as well as Barr. Alfred Serumeh and Chief Patrick Odukuye (UPS/TFP).

The letter which was addressed to the managing director of the company, Mr. Naeem Isik-  described the individuals as "authentic and authorised executive members".

It also emphasized that they are to "represent and plot the affairs and also take decisions on behalf of the Forum of Communities Executive of Flow Stations in OML 30."

The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Shoreline Natural Resources were among other relevant authorities who received copies of the letter.

IDU women's wing donated food items to Orphanage homes

By

Kelvin Ohoror 

The Isoko Development Union (IDU) Women's Wing ,the umbrella body and mouth piece of Isoko ethnic nationality has recently donated food items such as rice, noodles, yams, detergents, groundnut oil etc. to Aruka Peace Foundation International Orphanage Home and Gilgal Revolutionary Centre Orphanage Home respectively. 

Apart from the IDU Women's Wing Asaba branch who some time ago donated various items to orphanage homes and Mosquito Nets to Central Hospital Isoko South and North respectively and this newly elected excos led by Mrs. Felicia Suleiman who have reach out to the less privilege, the Amb.Caroline Usikpedo led former excos did nothing rather than to show rascality and lack of respect to constituted authority. 

Speaking during the event, the president of the IDU Women's Mrs. Felicia Suleiman said that, the idea of visiting orphanage homes is because we are mothers, we thought it wise to start with the less privilege children's in our society, noting that, they want to show the love mothers like them have for children. 

Mrs. Suleiman also said that, the future of tomorrow belong to the children's, noting that, if they don't lay good foundation for them what will become their future, among them the future leaders  of this country and future wife of president's and governor's. 

She however promise that, the exercise of visiting orphanage homes will be a continuous one, urging other mothers in our society not to put outside children who are orphans in the society. "Be a mother to them not only your biological children are your children stretched hand of towards them because you don't know what they will become tomorrow”

She also commended the effort of the founders of both Aruka Peace Foundation International Orphanage Homes and Gilgal Revolutionary Orphanage Homes, noting that, some founders of ministry don't even remember children's, but you people thought it wise not to allow this children's destiny to waste. 

Meanwhile the proprietress of Aruka Peace Foundation International Orphanage Home Rev.Mrs.Aruka Peace Agbaka said that, she so excited that this wonderful women's of IDU sent by God came to lift her hands, saying that, anytime they felt what are going to eat today, God is always there and from nowhere somebody will come and provide for them. 

She therefore enjoined other women's group to emulate the kind gesture of the IDU Women's Wing so that together they can put smiles on the faces of the children. 

On his part the Founder of Gilgal Revolutionary Centre, Prophet Great Abraham also said that, he is elated, that this kind of gesture is a relief to them. 

When asked what brought about the idea of setting up the orphanage home, he pointed out that, the idea is what the Lord commanded is not actually what I wanted to do, God spoke to me, this is what you must do. And God has been our strength, his grace is sufficient for us. 

Prophet Abraham also hinted that, the orphanage home has been facing numerous challenges especially in the area of their academics, presently you go to their classroom, the place is conducive  for them to learn, noting that, if they can see some people who can support in this aspect we will be very happy. 

He also said that, the children's of the orphanage home are doing well academically, that about 15 of them are in the higher institution of learning, saying that, the orphanage home has been getting support from individuals who are government, for instance, the governor's wife Dame Mrs. Okowa, she has been wonderful, each time she has something to do with the orphans, she always reach out to us, also the local government chairman Hon. Constantine Itiako Ikpokpo he has also been assisting us. 

Killings: Pray for us, Osinbajo cries to churches

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday 24/04/2018 called on Churches for religious tolerance and prayers for those in government to overcome numerous challenges facing the nation.

Osinbajo, who made the remark at the inauguration of the Deeper Life Bible Church new Headquarters Auditorium, Gbagada, Lagos, said that governance was a spiritual warfare.

“It is the duty of the Church, as we are, that the Church prays for the government; that the Church upholds the hands of those in government, not by complaining but by supporting us with prayers.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

“Governance is a spiritual warfare, if anyone does not know that, I know. I ask the Church to pray for everyone of us in the position of authority in this land,” Osinbajo pleaded.

On the edifice, Osinbajo said: “This is one of the proudest moments for me as a Christian. This great edifice is for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Osinbajo, who commended the edifice for its modern amenities and technology, said its surroundings were investments in the community with a connecting bridge, street lights and greatly improved access roads.

The Vice President commended the Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, for his uncommon humility and commitment to the spread of the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ.

He urged the Church to accept that there would be resistance, saying “the devil is even more desperate and grievous as the end draws nearer”.

According to him, part of the resistance includes resistance to the building of churches, saying there are cases of this, which President Muhammadu Buhari, has saddled him with.

“The devil’s biggest agenda is stoke up a religious conflict in Nigeria, one that would make it impossible for anyone to preach the gospel while the security agencies continue to work relentlessly to wipe out the perpetrators of these evil acts.

“And to bring a permanent end to all of the killings going on in the name of herdsmen, Boko Haram or any other name, we as a body of Christ must not loose focus.

“We are called to bring men and women to salvation, even those who kill.

“The enemy wants us to stand on our pulpits and preach hate but we will obey the Lord Jesus Christ, who said we must love our enemy and pray even for those who persecute us.

“There is no person born or yet to be born that can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he added.

He decried killings of clerics and bombings of Mosques and Churches, saying it was the highest level of wickedness.

According to him, the right to freedom of worship is also a right to build places of worship.

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who described the project as spectacular achievement, commended the Church for the multi level car park and bridge constructed in the community.

Ambode, who was represented by Mrs Lola Akande, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  said that the edifice had impacted positively on the aesthetics of the state as a mega city.

“Let me reassure everyone of our commitment to ensure  harmonious relationship among all residents in the state.

“We will continue to uphold and respect the rights of every citizen to freedom of worship  and ensure that other people’s rights are not infringed upon,” Ambode said.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo of  the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) said that ultra-modern facility was a prophecy being fulfilled, that “Nigeria would be great again”.

Okonkwo prayed for the nation to overcome the challenges facing it, saying unless God helped the country, there was nothing anyone could do.

“We shall see the Nigeria of our dream, our children will no longer die in the desert. Nigeria shall be great again,” the cleric said.

He urged Christians to continue to pray for the nation and politicians across all levels of governance to end the socio-economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Earlier in his address, Pastor Kumuyi, who said that the vision commenced in 2005, thanked God for seeing the Church through the project.

“We thank God for His uncommon faithfulness for seeing us through this great endeavour. When the project began in 2005, we knew that we were taking a leap of faith.

“For us, we trusted the Lord that he would not only provide all we needed but direct and steer the project to a successful completion,” he said.

Kumuyi, who said the edifice was due to many sacrifices of the Church members within and outside the country, prayed God to continue to reward and bless His people.

The cleric, who also commended the Lagos State Government and residents of Gbagada for support, said that the Church was not unmindful of its social responsibilities to the community.

The  Church also unveiled its new logo at the event attended by several dignitaries across all walks of life and Church members.

Renowned clerics and women leaders from Nigeria, Africa, Europe and the U.S. were in attendance to grace the occasion and commended the vision of Kumuyi.

The participants were thrilled by renditions from the Church’s children, youth, campus and adult choir with musical instrument.

The ultra-modern auditorium, with about 30,000-seat capacity, has a big main bowl and four galleries with state-of-the-art gadgets

Police indicted of collecting bribe from Offa bank robbers

Policemen attached to the Divisional Police Station in Offa, Kwara State have been accused of collecting N400,000 bribe from the robbers who hit five banks in the town, killing nine policemen and eight civilians in the process, Vanguard newspaper is reporting.
According to the report, the owner of Xontec Hotel on Igosun Road, Offa, where the suspects stayed before hitting the banks, Kadir Surajudeen, had reported to the police that there were suspicious people lodging there before the operation.
Surajudeen was said to have told the Divisional Police Officer of the discovery of some incriminating materials as the robbers checked into the hotel.
The DPO and the Divisional Crime Officer were said to have sent some officers to the hotel.
Newsmen said it learnt that instead of arresting the suspects, the policemen negotiated with them and were offered N400,000.

On their return to the station, they reportedly told the DPO and DCO that those Surajudeen reported were Yahoo boys and not robbers.
Vanguard quoted a source as having told it: “It was not surprising that the robbers visited the police station the following day and killed about nine policemen in retaliation for collecting N400,000 from them.”
Surajudeen, who has since been arraigned for harbouring the armed robbers alongside some of his state has challenged the DPO and DCO in Offa to deny if he did not informe them about the development.
In a related development, Vanguard said the robbers were arrested through the tracking of mobile phones the robbers collected from their victims.
Vanguard said it gathered that after the robbery operation, the suspects took away the handsets of the victims, which they later gave out to their girlfriends.
Officials of the robbed banks were also said to have given the Police all handsets found within their premises after the robbery.
Vanguard said the interrogation of the girlfriends with whom the phones were found led to the arrest of the suspects in Ibadan, Oyo State; Lagos State; and Abeokuta, Ogun State.
It said further checks revealed that the suspects had been in and out of jail several times and that they regrouped for that operation.

Court remands Delta senator in Ikoyi prison

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday remanded a People’s Democratic Party’s Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, in Ikoyi Prison pending ruling on his bail application.

He is to remain behind bars until April 27, the court ruled.

Nwaoboshi was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over multiple offences.

The senator representing Delta North was arraigned on two counts of money laundering and fraud alongside two
companies — Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd.

He had entered a plea of ‘not guilty’.

Arguing his bail application before the court, the defence counsel, Dr V. J. O. Azinge (SAN), urged the court to grant the accused bail on self-recognizance as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the bail application brought pursuant to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as well as 1999 Constitution, Azinge told the court: “Where it is not inclined to granting bail on recognizance, then bail should be made on liberal terms.

Among other grounds for the application, Azinge informed the court that the accused was a cardiac patient, who required constant health checks.

She also argued that as a Senator and senior citizen, the accused sits at the Upper Legislative Chambers and has a mandatory requirement to represent his constituency.

According to the defence counsel, the charge against the accused had lingered since 2017 and noted that the accused was granted administrative bail by the commission, he never jumped bail.

She added that the accused is a qualified lawyer of 28 years experience and described him as an “Oracle and a man of integrity”.

She urged the court to grant the bail application.

But the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr M. S. Abubakar, opposed the application and urged the court to refuse bail and order the remand of the accused.

He said it was not the duty of the defence counsel to dictate to the court the manner it will undertake proceedings, adding it is purely the court’s discretion.

News Agency of Nigeria report sourced from the PUNCH says, after listening to the arguments of both counsel, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the case until April 27 for ruling on the application.

Defence counsel urged the court to allow the accused to remain in the EFCC custody where he had been, pending the ruling.

But in opposition, the prosecutor said: “My Lord, the matter is out of the jurisdiction of the EFCC and now before the court; the defence had argued that the defendant’s health deteriorated while in our custody, so we do not want his health to further deteriorate.”

Justice Idris consequently ordered that the accused should be remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending the determination of his bail.

The EFCC alleged that the accused committed the offences between May and June 2014 in Lagos.

Nwaoboshi was said to have acquired a property described as Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for the sum of N805 million “when he reasonably ought to have known that N322 million out of the purchase sum, formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act”.

The sum was said to have been transferred to the vendors by order of Suiming Electrical Ltd.

Suiming Electrical was said to have on May 14, 2014, aided Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch to commit money laundering.

The offences contravened the provisions of sections 15(2), (d) , 15 (3) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 201.

Tidi 100 days in office: Socio-economic, infrastructural developments, tops his achievements

Socio-economic policy which is embedded in the proper declination of shops in the three major markets in Warri, improving access to the markets, installation of solar powered street lights at Igbudu Market as well as the planned Warri South Economic Summit and fixing of failed roads in parts of Warri, aside the renovation of the Council Main Secretariat, are top achievements of the Hon. Michael Tidi led administration of Warri South Local Government in its first 100 days in office.

Chief Emmanuel Okumagba making a remark, while others listen

Addressing stakeholders, leaders and media practitioners on April 18 2018, at the Warri South Council Main Secretariat during a parley organized to mark 100 days in office of his administration, Hon. Tidi explained that the forthcoming economic summit which will feature prominent Deltans as resource persons, will result in the assemblage of a blue print for “the actualization of the Warri South Local Government Area of our dream”.

Cross Section of Council staffers & guests (front row) from right: Mr. Sunday Otighi, Mrs. Remi Omatsuli, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba, Mr. Johnson Agbeyegbe, Pa. Dandy Idudun (extreme left) (back row) from right: Hon. Augustine Tete, Mr. Okpako Elvis Eboh, Mr. Shegue Gbeneso & others during the celebration

While stressing that his administration is expanding the daily clean-up exercise in Warri Urban to the rural and riverine areas of the council, the Warri South Council Boss noted that the introduction of technology-driven method of collecting internally generated revenue is aimed at blocking revenue leakages, ensure probity as well as free up funds to enable the council meet up its daunting obligations to the people of Warri South, particularly in terms of community-driven development projects.

 He appealed to community and political leaders to carry on advocacy to the grassroots on the need for residential property owners in Warri South Local Government to pay their tenement rate and other revenues accruing to the council.

From left: Hon. Kingsley Edafiajebre, Hon. Michael Tidi, his pretty wife, Juliet Tidi & Hon. (Mrs.) Divine Ann Iniovosa during the 100 days in office event

On capacity building, Hon. Tidi disclosed that his administration is in talks with the State Government to send some youths of Warri South to the Youth Training Center at Egbokodo to acquire technical skills, just as he averred that the council was ready to partner with ideology-driven organizations geared towards capacity building, because “we strongly believe that the best resources in any society is human resources”.

The President-General of Okere-Urhobo Warri, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba, an elder in Okere Town, Pa. Dandy Idudun, Senior Special Assistant  to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Political Matters, Mr. Matthew Poko Opuoru and Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Youth Development, Mr. Roland Yomere, were among community and political leaders that attended the media/stakeholders parley.

Lack of "political will" fueling waste pollution in Delta - environmentalists

...Urges govt. ban on plastic production

Elo Edremoda

Environmentalists have identified lack of "political will" among others, as a problem in curbing plastic, as well as other wastes pollution across Delta state.

This was asserted at a seminar organised by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) Delta State Chapter, to mark the World Earth Day 2018 with theme "End Plastic Pollution", held at the Uvwie LGA council secretariat, at the weekend.

Speaking at the event, immediate past chairman of NES Delta state chapter, Dr. (Mrs) Tudararo Aherobo, lamented the poor response of government to issues bordering on the environment, pointing out that government's dive into waste management will create wealth and health for all.

NES Delta Chapter. Chairman Mr. Solomon Awani. Immediate past Chairman, Dr (Mrs) Lauretta Tudaruro. PRO, Mr. Joseph Gbegbake. Asst. Sec. Mr. Kessiena. Mr. Bawo. Mr. Jevi Eduzuka. Ms Efemena Tadjere. Ms. Jumoke Alale. Mr. Hope Idundun PSP Chairman, Warri South LGA and others. World Earth Day 2018 Seminar at Uvwie LGA Hall. 21st Apr 2018. END PLASTIC POLLUTION

Recalling several unfruitful attempts to draw government's attention to discuss ways to manage and rid the state of wastes, Dr. Aherobo revealed that some operators of the PSP have affiliations with top politicians who prevent necessary sanctions when jobs are done poorly.

She stressed thus: "The political will to ensure waste is managed well is a big challenge in Delta state. Government should declare a state of emergency on waste management; government is supposed to provide engineered landfill dumpsites, subsidise the interest on loans given to them (refuse collectors) and provide recycling machineries for wastes."

The chairman, Mr. Solomon Awani had earlier called for the need to reduce, reuse and stop plastic production.

Officials of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Delta State Chapter; Delta State Waste Management Board; Uvwie Council Health Officers; Executive members of the Effurun Market as well as some Traders at the market secretariat.

"The best solution is simply to use much less plastic especially in throwaway items and to pressurize elected officials to ban the use of plastic products for which other less harmful alternatives are available.

"A reusable string bag can be used to carry groceries and other purchases to avoid the use of throwaway plastic bags which are environmentally harmful even if they are recycled. Cloth or canvas bags can also be used," he emphasized.

A member of NES and PRO of Delta State Chapter, Mr. Joseph Gbagbeke, described the menace of plastic pollution as "detrimental to human existence. He noted that unlike in developed countries where plastics are recycled as provided by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) laws by plastic producers or the use of alternative products in packaging, the case is the reverse with developing nations. 


Earlier, the NES Internal Auditor, Mr. Jevi Eduzuka, in a welcome address, expressed the Society's determination to reach all stakeholders, both waste generators and managers, so as to end plastic pollution and ensure good environmental practices by all stakeholders.

Others personalities present include chairmen of Warri South and Udu council areas PSP, Mr. Hope Idundun and Mr. Godspower Duwara respectively. They both called for government support for the PSP by providing dump location and providing support and an enabling environment for PSP to function properly. NES was advised to increase it's advocacy for better environmental management and synchronize all stakeholders for smooth cooperation.

It will be recalled that on Thursday 19th, the NES embarked on a Cleanup and Awareness exercise at the popular Effurun Market in the Uvwie council area, to enlighten people on how to dispose plastic waste. The Society cleared the waste in the market and segregated plastic waste which were sent to the recycling company.

Court orders police, security agents to probe Osanebi

The police and security operatives have been ordered to investigate and prosecute the deputy speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly, Friday Osanebi, for lying under oath and alleged falsification of documents. A Delta State High Court sitting in Kwale had in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice V.I. Ofesi stated that the issues raised and proved in the court against Osanebi should spur security agencies to probe the source of his purported B.Sc Engineering certificate and NYSC discharge certificate, stressing: 

Osanebi

“if I have me way, I will recommend that those documents be properly investigated.” Delivering the judgment, Justice Ofesi said Osanebi who is representing Ndokwa east constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, provided false information concerning his educational qualification and certificates in INEC form CF001 of 2014 and 2011. The court ordered that Mr. Lawrence Ozegbe, was the rightful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the election as Osanebi was invalidly nominated and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return earlier issued to Osanebi and issue same to Mr. Ozegbe as the rightful candidate of PDP and winner of the said election. Osanebi in a prompt press release signed by his special assistant, media and publicity, Agbanashi Obinne, said:  “We admonish our teeming supporters to remain calm and relaxed, for there is no cause for alarm, the judgment has since been appealed and the deputy speaker is not distracted either.” The statement by Osanebi elicited response from the public who saw it as an affront and an attack on the sensibilities of Deltans. Chief Ossai Ndubueze, in his reaction, said: “How could Osanebi be misinforming the public and ridiculing the judiciary? “How can he say he has appealed a judgment before it was delivered? Did he see the judgment in the coven before it was delivered? “How could Osanebi say he appealed the judgment when there is no notice of appeal in the High Court?  It obviously shows that Osanebi is deceptive and hoodwinking the electorates.” Barrister Chiejine Ndukwu stated: “Hon. Osanebi may go to jail if he is found guilty of lying under oath and falsifying his documents,  it is a serious crime.”

Shocking details emerge after king’s son was found dead in police custody

More shocking details have emerged as regards the story of Prince Kelechi Ineke, the son of Abaomege king who died in a tragic manner while in police custody in Abaomege, Onicha L.G.A of Ebonyi state after being arrested for fighting with a police officer’s son.

Earlier this month, Prince Kelechi Ineke, the son of HRH Eze Gabriel Ineke a.k.a Echemugo 1 of Abaomege was reportedly arrested for fighting with Ufem Umet Ekwe, son of inspector Umet Ekwe serving in the community.

It was also reported that Kelechi was arrested, detained, tortured, denied bail and starved to death by the police.

king son

The mystery surrounding his death is yet to be unraveled as a rope was found round his neck like someone who committed suicide in the police cell…

According to Daily Crimes Nigeria, a youth from the community who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the police inspector and the DCO were able to carry out this heinous act because the king is very old, sick and bedridden for a long time now and has not been around in the community.

“The king has been very sick for a long time, he is even in the hospital right now, you know he is very old.” a community member said.

According to reports, the police DCO, Eze Brendan Ikechukwu from Nsukka area of Enugu state is said to have been in contest with the late Kelechi over a girl (name withheld) from Abaomege.

So when the prince was arrested, he reportedly took advantage of that to deal with his rival, the late Kelechi

According to late Kelechi’s friend, “This man has been disturbing us in this community, he has been going after Kelechi’s girl friend and Kelechi had on several occasions pleaded with him to stay away from his girlfriend.

When Kelechi was arrested he hijacked the case just to get his pound of flesh.

He refused to grant him bail even to give him food. Like play like play it was four days.”

When one of the community youths was approached with the question, ‘Why didn’t the youths protest at the police station during the four days in custody before the untimely death of the prince’.

He said; “we didn’t see this as a case or a problem. Even Prince Nnamdi did not inform Abaomege youths because we didn’t see this as case enough to inform the youths.”

However, Ebonyi State commissioner of police, Mr Titus Lamorde in the company of Onicha LGA Chairman , Eng. Ogbonnaya Igboke and SSA to Ebonyi state governor on security, Mr Ken Ugbala had yesterday 2nd April visited Abaomege for fact finding.

Meanwhile, all the police officers involved including the inspector’s son have been arrested and taken to Abakaliki, the state capital in cuffs by the commissioner of police.

The Ebonyi state House of Assembly has also constituted a committee to investigate the incident

Police discover herbalist’s wife’s corpse in car he uses for hawking herbal mixture

The Police in Kwara have arrested a herbal mixture seller, Raji Mufutau. Policemen on stop-and-search operations at Osere Junction around Eid Road in Ilorin, had found the corpse of his late wife in the vehicle he uses in hawking his products.

Newsmen reports that the foul odour from the remains made the Police search the vehicle, when the herbalist was stopped.
A Police source said: “The suspect was said to have been consistently using chemicals to spray the corpse in the vehicle to prevent it from decomposing, while he went about hawking his herbal mixture drugs.
“The heavy odour of the chemical, which oozed out from the vehicle when it was stopped for search by the Police prompted the Police to peep into the vehicle, where they discovered the corpse.”
The source added that when he was asked about the deceased, the suspect said it was that of his wife and that he didn’t want to bury her because he was afraid of what her relations would say.
The suspect was taken to the Police station for further interrogation, while the corpse was taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Three roasted alive in C/Rivers for allegedly stealing ‘okada’

Three persons were burnt to death on Sunday in Abuochichie junction in Bekwarra LGA of Cross River State for allegedly stealing motorcycles and robbing people in the area.

DAILY POST investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly specialized in stealing motorcycles, terrorizing and robbing the people in the area and its environs.
An eyewitness who gave his name as Oiong Kelvin said that the trio met their waterloo after several years of the criminal act.
“They were caught in the act by villagers who brought them to the popular junction and set them ablaze,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Andrew Okpeche, said the trio were members of a syndicate who specialized in stealing motorcycles and re-selling them to spare parts dealers in Ogoja, and Ikom in Cross River and Vandikia in Benue.
He said “Ironman, Ogar and Olom have been in the ugly trade for long and they have made quite a fortune from the illicit trade over the years but luck ran out on them on Sunday when they were caught in the act.
“They also rob people at gun point on the road, especially during market days because a lot of people come from far and wide to buy yams and garri from the market.
“They have information about the traders.
“Two of them are from Bekwarra while the third person is from Obudu. One of them is a father of three but we know him as a notorious criminal because he started robbing market women years back.
“The people of Abuochichie have warned them severally to desist from such trade but they refused, that was why the angry mob burnt them to death,” he stated.
When contacted, the Commissioner of Police CP Mohammed Inuwa Hafix said he was yet to be informed.
“Not yet informed,” he said.

N74bn judgment: Ogoni community urges court to jail first bank chairman, Awosika

Members of Ejama Community in Ogoniland have urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to jail the Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, over the bank’s alleged failure to pay them a judgment sum of N74bn.

The community members had in 2010 got judgment against Shell Petroleum Development Company in an oil spillage lawsuit, with the court awarding N74bn in their favour.
According to the community, while going on appeal and seeking an order staying the judgment execution, First Bank had stood as the guarantor for the oil company.
The oil company, however, lost the appeal.
Counsel for the Ogoni community, Chief Rafiu Lawal-Rabana (SAN), contended that despite the court judgment awarding N74bn in favour of his clients since 2010, First Bank had refused to obey the court judgment.
He, therefore, filed applications for contempt proceedings, seeking the imprisonment of the bank’s chairman.

At the Wednesday’s hearing before Justice Ibrahim Buba, Lawal-Rabana, however, lamented the absence of the bank’s chairman, despite being summoned.
“I have observed that the 2nd and 3rd contemnors are not in court. By the nature of this application and proceedings, they are bound to be in court because they were summoned to be in court to show cause why they will not be charged for contempt.
“As it is now, no proceedings can be conducted. Though, I do know that the second and third contemnors are highly placed people, there is no immunity for them.
“It is our prayer that the contemnors must be in court before proceedings can commence,” Lawal-Rabana said.
But counsel for First Bank, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said his clients had already filed a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the contempt proceedings.
He argued that until the preliminary objection was decided by the court, his clients were not mandated to be in court.
In a short ruling, Justice Buba upheld Olanipekun’s argument that the bank’s chairman’s presence in court was not necessary until the court decides the application challenging its jurisdiction.
The judge, therefore, adjourned till May 14, 2018 to hear the defendants’ preliminary objection.

FG Tasked on waste disposal laws

as Environmental group marks 'World Earth Day' with plastic disposal campaign
Elo Edremoda

The federal government has been tasked to provide laws that will ensure proper disposal of wastes in order to protect the environment.

Speaking during a cleanup/awareness exercise tagged 'End Plastic Pollution' at Effurun Market, Uvwie local government area on Thursday, 19 April, the Delta state chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), in collaboration with the state's Waste Management Board and health officers of the council, explained that with such laws in place, Nigeria, in few years, will attain the level of the western world in terms of environmental conditions.

Addressing officials of the market, the vice chairman of NES while noting that the exercise is to commemorate the 2018 World Earth Day, stated thus: "The clothes, food and other things we use come from the earth. NES is saying we should care for the environment so that it can take care of us.

"We want to tell the federal government to pass laws to guide waste disposal so that in the next 10 years we will reach the level at which they are in the western world."

In a related development, the director of Sonnesmann Waste, a plastic recycling company, Solomon Nnadozie, has urged people to dispose plastic properly instead of throwing them everywhere.

According to him, plastics and pet wastes which comprise chairs, cream cups, buckets, water bottles and so on, when not well disposed, cause lots of harm such as blockage of drainage.

However, when recycled, "these wastes (plastics and pet bottles) are turned into fiber foams and jerseys internationally," Nnadozie disclosed.

Adding her voice, a Health Officer, Sanitarian (Mrs.) Eloho Eyione explained how wastes should be disposed.

"The wastes, plastics, papers and foods, should be disposed separately," she stated.

A member of the state's Waste Management Board, Sir Igho Akpojotor said, "Our campaign is 'sort out the waste'. Plastic is a major aspect that defecates our environment because it cannot decompose, so it has to be managed.

"Plastic waste should be sorted out and taken to the appropriate dumpsite from where they would be processed by recycling companies and made useful items. It is part of creating wealth out of waste."

Speaking at the end of the exercise, some NES officials who had earlier embarked on a plastic cleanup of the market commended the traders for their compliance.

A NES official, Mr. Jevi, who had also made available his truck for the cleanup of the market advised the market men and women to learn to throwaway plastic right.

"Your plastic waste is wealth. Separate your waste and our environment will be clean," Jevi emphasized.

Meanwhile, the executive members of the Effurun market including the chairman, Mike Agaren and Supervisory Councilorfor Environment, Teddy Mawe, have commended the NES and other collaborating agencies for the gesture.

Stating that the gesture is a welcomed development, Agaren expressed hope that the development will be sustained

"It is a good one. I hope they keep this up and come from time to time."

Earlier, he had asked to know the benefits to be derived from the gathering of plastic waste.

CAROLINE USIKPEDO OMONIYE an Ambassador Indeed

Note: 

She told our reporter that Isoko Mirror is biased, and ran to Quest FM. We are biased yet we didn’t publish everything in the petition, like i.e. selling of rice given to the women by DESOPADEC.

She has been owing Isoko Mirror N100, 000 for publication since 2006. In 2007 the publisher called her to remind her of debt to the outfit, she wrote a petition against the publisher to the police claiming the publisher wants to “tarnish her image”.

Usikpedo Caroline

The publisher reported at the police station in Lagos to tender all copies of the Isoko Mirror publications. Police confirmed the claims of the publisher and when she was confronted if she has paid, her response was “I thought it is free”. The police therefore advise her to pay the publisher, till date she had refused to pay. When she was elected in 2015 we were invited and published all activities regarding her tenure as IDU president women’s wing till her tenure elapsed in 2017, we were not biased. Now that she was voted out due to tenure elongation, we are now biased because we are doing our job.  CAROLINE USIKPEDO you are really an ambassador Indeed!

OUR RESPONSE

Monarch prides Abraka as best producers of garri in Nigeria

By Debra Akudo

The monarch of Umraghwa Oria Abraka kingdom, (Rtd) has told members of the Community Newspaper publishers that, Abraka his kingdom produces the best garri in the country.

He made this revelation recently when the publishers paid him a courtesy visit to know more about the cassava mechanized farming going on in Abraka. The monarch pride that Abraka is a semi urban and semi-rural community mainly into agriculture and mainly into cassava farming. “The quality of garri in Nigeria is measured by the Abraka garri standard, it is the best in the country and we are proud of it”

Ovie of Abraka kingdom, HRM AVM Lucky Ochuko Ararile

we have been eating it for centuries and after ascending the throne I realized that we needed some form of productive activity that will engage the youths, because unemployment is fundamental to the meeting youth restiveness if you don’t provide job an don’t get the youths engaged there is nothing you can do, they will be restive, sometimes I put myself in their shoes thinking if at thirty for example I wasn’t employed and I had a degree what would I have  become because in trying to solve a problem you must first of all put yourself in the person’s shoes, so when I thought about that I said what can I do, I don’t have that kind of money to set up industries here so I attracted the attention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the fact that we have vast arable land in Umiaghwa that can be used for cassava cultivation and it was a partnership between the community, the federal ministry of Agriculture  and the Delta State government,  somehow the fed government got disinterested probably because at the time the agreement was made it was during the time of  Jonathan’s administration when APC came into power we tried to reengage with the new government, I went to Abuja saw the minister for Agriculture, chief Audu Ogbeh and we agreed that the project should continue, as part of the agreement the federal agreement outsourced the implementation part of the project to a private company, a concessionaire  and the idea was to get sufficient cassava to run a cassava  mill , the plan was for a 240 metric tons per day cassava processing mill now part of the problem we ran into, after starting when we planted the first 400 hectares.

So we have that project there which is what relatively has brought some measure of peace because the youth are engaged and majorly the women are engaged, my strategy actually is to engage the women more because if the women are employed and they can provide food in the home there will be food for the family, you know if you empower the men first they may end up marrying more wives and keep the wives hungry, so my concentration is actually on the women. On a daily basis we are harvesting, there is a company, Ereghwa Farms who is the actual owner of the farms, they are the ones doing the planting, it is because of the problem concerning the land.

Specking further, he said the original plan was to plant 2000 hectares directly by the company then an additional 1000 hectares out growers scheme, the company will assist farmers based on their capacity they will provide seedlings, fertilizers and clearing the farmers are just to maintain and when it is harvest time, they will harvest and sell to the company at an agreed market price but all those things are now in abeyance, they  can’t bring in the plant because we have not been able to guarantee them the land to plant 2000 hectares, so far they have done about 450 hectares which they are harvesting now, and because the plant is not available they are not actually making profit because they have to harvest the cassava and take the cassava to Lagos where there are plants that mill the cassava and each of the 30 tons trailer is about 150,000 naira per trip to  Lagos so if the plant was here you can imagine the savings per transportation cost so that is a major problem the sooner we sort out this land encroachment issue the better it will be,  with the guarantee of the plant within nine months being operational in this kingdom .

Specking on the herdsmen killing, “We have also been able to manage the Herdsmen Crisis in this kingdom”