HOSTCOM charged on readiness to "fight"

... as new excos are sworn-in

Elo Edremoda and Martins Eduje 

The socio-pressure group, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), has been charged to "be ready to fight" for the interest of the Niger Delta people.

The Amanyanabo of Nembe Minge XII, His Eminence (Dr.) Edmund Daukoru gave the charge during the inauguration of its newly elected national executives on Thursday, July 26, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Uvwie local government area of Delta state.

The monarch who was chairman of the occasion while stating that HOSTCOM has a lot to do, identified lack of unity as a major setback for the Niger Delta.

(L-R): Chief Austin Ukuvwere, rep of host monarch, Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso; Dr. Benson O., rep of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu; The Amanyanabo of Nembe Minge Xll, Dr. Edmund Daukoru; Hon. Brisibee, rep of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa; Rep of TROMPCON chairman, Chief Ebikeme Clark, rep of Elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Clark and other members of the high table.

He stressed that having taken to dialogue, after unsuccessful agitations with arms, HOSTCOM must do well to achieve the task before it.

"HOSTCOM should be ready to fight the good fight. We will be begin you. The bane of the Niger Delta is disunity, too many wise people. Everyone wants to be number one, but no, this cannot be possible. You have to support the number one.

HOSTCOM national chairman, Chief B. Tamaranebi flanked by his vice, Evang. S. Ibinabobo and secretary, Elder P. Egedegbe, while taking the oath of office.

"We went from dialogue to militancy and taught militancy was the ultimate. We have played our hands, we weaponised our feelings and we didn't particularly succeed and we are back to dialogue. This time, we cannot possibly fail," the traditional ruler said.

Speaking on gas flare, he pointed out that oil bearing communities had for many years suffered the brunt of gas flaring and it is only reasonable that they get "a slice from" penalty fines paid the federal government.

Cross section of HOSTCOM members at the event

Mid-Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo (Delta state chairman & chairman of the inauguration committee), Prince M. Okareme (far right) and some inaugurated excos

Meanwhile, the governor of Delta state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by the Chief of Government House, Asaba, Hon. Tam Brisibee, said the state government is ready to partner with HOSTCOM anytime.

The newly sworn-in national chairman, Chief (Dr.) Benjamin Tamaranebi, in his inaugural speech, called on the presidency and federal  lawmakers to ensure the group's "views and positions are correctly reflected in the Host/Impacted Community Development Bill and in the Petroleum Industry Bill generally."

He also commended the late Chief Alfred Bubor, Chief (Dr.) Wellington Okrika, late Sen. Spanner Okopozo, Chief Sambara (died in active service) among others, who were pioneer leaders of the struggle.

The occasion was attended by notable oil and gas stakeholders across the oil region, including some royal fathers.


Persons inaugurated as national executives include (Evang.) Sanipe Ibinabobo, Vice Chairman; Dr. Peter Egedegbe, Secretary; Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Inter Governmental/IOCs liaison Officer; Elder Iduonibi Obagham, Financial Secretary; Dr. Inyang Dan Abia, Treasurer; Dr. Benson Eninkuomehin Esq, Research & Strategy Officer; Prince Thomas Edewor, Bot Member.

Others are Hon. Princess Lovinah  Enyekit-Itan, Publicity Secretary; Dr. Osasu Isibor, Organizing Secretary; Brig. Gen. Minemu Abel (Rtd), Security Adviser;
Princess Nomwengho Uhunmwangho, Women Leader; German Kebbi, Youth Leader, as well as their respective assistants.

Also sworn-in are Ex-officios namely, HRM Eze (Dr.) Ajie Ajumuokechukwu Gorden, Mr. Kesiena Adhe, Stanley Osayade, Hon. Chief Nwajiogoli Christopher, Pst. Ojajuni Edward and Ajobo Uni Edward.

APC guber aspirant calls to rescue, transform Delta state

Ahead of 2019 general elections, the governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Dr. Leroy Chuma Edozien said it is time to rescue and transform Delta State.

He faulted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led administration in the state for its inability to provide infrastructural development for the people of state.

Edozien disclosed this in Asaba while addressing his teeming supporters, stressing that the time has come to wrestle power from the People’s Democratic Party because Asaba has not been given its place as a state capital for 18 years PDP has clinched power.

According to the Asaba born politician who is a medical doctor and a doctor of law, maintained that those in the corridors of power in Delta State have failed to provide the citizens with basic infrastructural development.

Investigations revealed that Leroy Chuma Edozien who is the son of Chief Gilbert Edozien, nephew to His Royal Majesty, Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba, had his primary education at Ibadan, Lagos and Nsuka, Secondary education at Afikpo, Ibadan and Lagos, holds degrees in Basic Science, Medicine and Law from the universities of Ibadan, London and Glasgow.

Dr. Leroy Edozien who is the founder of the African Forum for Quality in Healthcare (AFRIQHER) and initiator, campaign Promoting Thrombosis Awareness in Nigeria (PROTRIN), noted that if given the mandate to become the governor of Delta come 2019, he will make education, health, transportation, security, employment, industry among others top priority in his administration.

He further revealed that his coming into politics and governorship race of Delta State is to serve his people as his primary responsibility and correct the anomalies in the state by the ruling People’s Democratic Party.

It was learnt that the outcome of his consultations has shown that if given the mandate to rule his people, he will perform credibly well.

Sources revealed that his vision and insight has inspired the people of Delta State to thrown their weight behind him and gain their trust since he has been chosen as a better representative come 2019.

The positive responses during his consultation across the state show that Deltans are looking forward to have him as their governor because of his visionary leadership disposition.

It was gathered that Leroy Edozien served as medico-legal expert in courts in the UK, Ireland and Australia, held positions of leadership in national and international medical bodies.

He also had distinguished careers as a gynecologist, received a UK National Clinical Excellence Award in 2008, medical students honored him as an “Exceptional Role Model” in 2009.

The governorship aspirant for All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Leroy Chuma Edozien stated “service to our country, Nigeria the Edozien family have excelled in various walks of life and served Nigeria with distinction”.

Patriarch chief Osikilo celebrates 80th birthday in grand style

By Simeon Okworide

The 27^th of May 2018 will remain evergreen in the minds of Oskilo family as Kilo area of Surulere witnessed a large crowd of visitors, including captains of industries, people from all walks of life, friends and well-wishers trouped in to celebrate with the chairman/CEO of Kilo group of hotels limited, chief Jonah Ekeloma Osikilo on his 80^th birthday.

Chief J.E. Osikilo being assisted by wife and children to cut his 80th birthday cake.

The ceremony started with a mass service presided over by Rev. Fr.Kingsley Njoku held at St. Anthony Catholic church, Gbaja, Surulere while the cutting of the 80^th birthday cake and reception took place at his residence where food and drinks were served to the satisfaction of everyone present.

The celebrant, chief J.E.Osikilo who spoke to Isoko mirror, he expressed satisfaction and joy over the success of the event, noting that, God almighty just gave him the honour and privilege to make the day possible.

Chief J.E. Osikilo, wife, son, professor Saliba Mukoro and other well wishers dancing to the glory of God to the Altar during mass service.

“I am honoured and privileged to be among you today, but one thing I want to say to every one of us here today is very clear.

I urge you all to always give thanks and glory to almighty God, Our creator for his infinite mercies upon us. I pray God to protect and guide you all as you return to your various destinations. God will grant you all journey mercies” he said.

chief J.E. Osikilo (middle) flanked by well wisher at the occassion.

The officiating priest of St; Anthony Catholic church, Gbaja, Rev. Fr.Kingsley Njoku officiating the mass service in honour of Chief J.E. Osikilo 80th birthday.

The popular Urhobo musician in Lagos, popularly called “Oyibo” thrilled the guests with Urhobo lyrics at the reception while some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion includes professor and Mrs. Saliba Mukoro, Dr. Mitieh Paul DPO of Aguda police station, Sp(Mrs) Binta Onoja, Dominus Ojero, chairman CMO of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja and others.

Chief J.E. Osikilo and wife taking the holy communion.

Chief J.E. Osikilo and wife in a group photograph with children

Chief J.E. Osikilo exchanging pleasantries with wife during mass service held at St; Anthony Catholic church Gbaja, Surulere.

Chief J.E. Osikilo exchanging pleasantries with professor Saliba Mukoro at the mass service held at St; Anthony Catholic church Gbaja-Surulere.

Chief priest to Ogwugwu deity: pastors come to me to receive healing powers

Not in his wildest imagination did Mr Leonard Okolido foresaw he would forsake his auto spare parts trade to become the chief priest of a local shrine. From his childhood, through adulthood, Okolido had aspired to be a successful auto spare parts dealer. However, fate has destined him to be the leader of the dreaded deity in his village.

Okolido’s auto spare parts shop was gaining enough patronage in the Lawanson market, at Surulere, Lagos State, when he suddenly learnt that he has been ordered to come down to his village to coordinate activities of the dreaded powerful deity – Ogwugwu Umuhu Ukpor.

According to Okolido, the information from the shrine frightened him, but he tried to ignore the messages. “I specialized in sales of Volkswagen motor spare parts in Lawanson when I heard that I’ve been summoned at the shrine in my village,” he told Sunday Sun.

From Christianity and to deity worship

“I thought it was some sick joke. I was born in a Christian home. Plus, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Lagos city; I speak Yoruba fluently. So, it was very difficult to imagine how I could switch from the Christian faith, and the glitz of city lifestyle, to become chief priest in a local shrine in the village.

“So, I ignored the news and continued in my trading. But, my business became shaky and fruitless. Although, my trading company was very popular all over Lawanson, every trader there knew me, and nicknamed me 50:50; they all believed that I was a rich man because influential customers troop to buy spare parts from my shop.

But I noticed that all my efforts and focus were becoming futile. I would make much money from sales of goods yet I can’t discern how and where all the monies are. I struggled to feed my family. All kinds of strange things began to happen to me. But I refused to answer the deity.

“Rather, I went to different prayer houses in my bid to wade off the call from Ogwugwu, and the strange things happening to me. All was to no avail. Even my family raised huge money to see if they could bail me from the call. But Ogwugwu was adamant.”

Terrified Okolido chose to stay far away from the shrine, until something mysterious happened to him.

Hear him: “I kept running until in September 2016, when I suddenly found myself inside the Ogwugwu shrine in my village. I can’t explain how I came or who brought me into the shrine. The last thing I remembered was coming down for an event in my village. Then suddenly, I looked around and found myself inside the Ogwugwu. Till now, I still don’t know how I came here. It is a mystery to me.”

At that point he gave in, saying “when I realized that I couldn’t run away from Ogwugwu. I made up my mind to embrace the call. I appealed to be given sometime to go back to Lagos to say my good bye, organize myself and then pack my belongings. And I was given only seven days to do that. I made up my mind to embrace my fate, and take up the role of the chief priest. That same September, I was formally ordained chief priest of the Ogwugwu Umuhu Ukpor deity.”

Ogwugwu is about truth, justice, blessing

The Obi Ogwugwu Umuhu Ukpor is also know as ‘Obi Eziokwu bu Ndu, Asi bu Onwu’ which literally means – “the place where you say the truth and live, but you tell lies, you die”. And it is one of the most feared deities in the Southeastern part of Nigeria and beyond. The shrine, which is located in Umuhu community, Ukpor town, Nnewi-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, is situated merely a stone throw away from the Nnewi-South Local Government Secretariat.

According myths, no one knows exactly the origin of the deity, though it is traced to have existed since over a century ago.

Also the deity is said to be a goddess, and wife to the god – Urasi – another deity. The goddess, reputed to abhor lies and any form of injustice, is dreaded and renowned for her swiftness in discerning, and striking to death any guilty party in any matter brought before her.

It is because of this believed powers, plus credibility and accessibility of the Ogwugwu Umuhu Ukpor, that make the shrine, not just a hub where people come to seek the goddess’ favour, but also a favorite place where individuals from different regions and even religions, come for oath taking, and to lay complaints over any kind of civil disputes.

When Sunday Sun visited the shrine recently, about 15 adherents and complainants gathered around, and seated quietly inside the dingy shrine.

On the walls hung numerous pictures of different persons – men and women, old and young – said to have been struck dead after coming short, and sparking the wrath of Ogwugwu.

Inside the shrine there are two main parts divided with plain white clothes that hang loosely on a rope. Coming from outside, the first section is where visitors and worshippers stay. Two rows of seats are molded on each side of the wall to make members sit and facing each other. While the other part of the shrine is the sanctuary from where the chief sits to listen to supplications from visitors, and then offer prayers and sacrifices to the goddess.

Sunday Sun observed that some of the adherents came from neighbouring towns and villages, while others came from farther locations like Abia and Imo states.

To make a plea to Ogwugwu, you stand in front of the sanctuary and in the center of the shrine with kola nuts, a bottle of hot drink and some money. Some of the adherents came to seek Ogwugwu’s protection, blessings, fruit of the womb, help to find a missing relation, good luck. Others pointedly came to report civil matters, mentioning the names of their oppressors, and calling the Ogwugwu to go and avenge for them.

Asked how Ogwugwu operates, Okolido retorted: “We don’t perform rituals here. All you need is to stand in front of Ogwugwu and pray to her. That’s all. Ogwugwu is very kind and generous with her blessings. And that attracts people from different areas to come and pray to her. When someone offends or intimidates you, and you want Ogwugwu to intervene in the matter, all you need is just to stand with your kolanuts and call on Ogwugwu to be the judge. Simple! Ogwugwu knows the hearts of men and would rise to answer your pleas for justice. People come from all the world to this shrine to pray for success, safe journey, good health, fruit of the womb. Anything you want, once you cry to Ogwugwu, she would do it for you”.

Pastors come for blessings, healing powers too

When Sunday Sun asked Okolido whether overzealous Christians have ever made moves to come the shrine to win him back to Christianity, he and some of his adherents simultaneously burst into laughter, saying “that can’t happen; the lands where these churches are built belong to the deity, Ani. It was Ani that gave the lands.

“Christians come here to pray to Ogwugwu. Even pastors come here to seek blessings of Ogwugwu for their churches to flourish. I pray for many of them and they use Ogwugwu to work and perform healings in their churches. Ogwugwu has a water she blessed, pastors from different regions come to fetch this water for their own tasks at their churches. They pray with the water and get results.

When Ogwugwu strikes

How exactly can one know who the deity has struck? Okolido answered: “When Ogwugwu strikes in a family the signs are there; strange occurrences and deaths will continue to plague the person’s family until they begin to make inquiries about their situation. And once it’s confirmed that Ogwugwu is involved in the family’s problems, the deity would list out conditions for appeasement. Once that is done peace and normalcy would return to the family.”

Being the Chief Priest

For Okolido being the chief priest has opened his eyes to a lot of things. And one of them is being able to now recognize why Ogwugwu chose him to lead her shrine.

“My father died when I was a child. But as I became chief priest, and my eyes opened and I realized that my father must have made a pledge to Ogwugwu that one of his sons would serve in her shrine if she solved his problems. I learnt my father needed sons. His first wife had only a son. He went on to marry a second wife, which is my mother. So, it must have been at that point that he came to pray
for children, with a vow that one of the children would come back to serve her.

“Also, all through my life, even before I came to be priest, I strive to be straight forward in all I do. That is probably why Ogwugwu chose me. Because she would have struck me dead if I was radical. Many craved to be chief priest but Ogwugwu rejected, and cancelled their ordinations.

“I am very comfortable and happy being chief priest. I don’t nurse any iota of regret at all, because I’ve gained back all that I’ve lost. I only regret not answering the call sooner. Because when I was younger, I got hints that my father made a vow to Ogwugwu, but I felt I could escape it because of my Christian background. I lived my life and gave money to my elderly uncles to go and do whatever for the deity to leave me alone. Also my family was even trying to know what it would take to bail me out of the call but all to no avail. That’s how Ogwugwu acts. Once you’re called, you must answer no matter who or wherever you are, whether in Lagos or London, you must come to her,” he said.

Even with his delight being chief priest, Okolido was quick to point out that the role is no tea party because one must deny oneself a lot of things, be well comported and careful not to abuse the office and attract the anger of the deity.

“As the chief priest, I must respect women and not sleep around with them. I’m allowed to marry as many wives as I desire and bound to remain faithful to my wife. I must never leave my wife to sleep with other women or another man’s wife. Also I don’t shake hands, or eat and drink with people. I don’t eat fufu or any food made with cassava. I can eat pounded yam,” he said.

Changing the negative narratives

The Christian and Muslim faiths are two religions that overshadow, and often marginalize adherents of traditional religions. Hence not all Nigerians accept that freedom of religion extends to indigenous religious sects as well.

In Nollywood movies, for example, traditional worshippers are often depicted as satanic and diabolical. But Okolido, as the chief priest of a deity is out to keep the old gods, and even change that impression. “There’s a lot of ignorance surrounding the deity. Many erroneously think that it’s where people, human sacrifices take place. But that’s not true. I want the world to know and understand that Ogwugwu Umuhu Ukpor deity represents justice and fairness.

“It is the only deity that opens everyday to receive peoples’ supplications, unlike most deities that are opened only on special periods or particular market days. Ogwugwu is for justice and truth, and that is why people from different places like Lagos, Jos, Maiduguri, Ijebu Ode and oversea countries come to pray to her. When you come to this shrine you must be prepared to say the truth. Because you would be digging your own grave to stand before the deity and tell a lie.

Ras Kimono for burial August 25

The family of late reggae musician Ras Kimono has slated August 25, 2018 for his burial. This was made known in a statement released on Sunday by Afam Ugah on behalf on the fammily. However, other funeral details will be made later.

“The family of Ras Kimono Onwubuya wishes to inform the general public that the Burial Ceremony has been slated for the 25th day of August, 2018,” the statement read.

Ras Kimono

“The program of the events leading to the funeral will be made available in due course. We wish to thank everyone who has individually and collectively supported us during these trying times and we pray the Almighty God to guide and protect us all.”

Born on May 9, 1958, Ras Kimono, whose real name is Ekeleke Elumelu Onwubuya, rose to fame in 1989 with his album, ‘Under pressure’ which launched him to stardom. It set the tone as he released more songs and started touring Africa, Europe and the U.S.A. He also won several awards, including the Nigerian Music Awards, and Fame Music Awards.

Learnfast academy holds 2018 graduation and prize giving ceremony

Learnfast academy held their 2018 graduation and prize giving ceremony on the 14^th July 2018, at the school premises located at No 9 Maxwell street, Ilemba Hausa community, Ajangbaji in Ojo local government area of Lagos state as dignitaries from across the state were in attendance to witness the august occasion.

From (L) Pastor G.I.T Udofot, the proprietor of Learnfast, Overseer Andrew Olokor, PTA chairman, Mr.Uche and Deputy editor of Isoko Mirror watching the performances of the students during the ocassion.

In the opening speech by the proprietor of the school, overseer Andrew O.Olokor, he dedicated the day to the glory of God almighty for giving the school management headed by him the strength to smoothly manage the affairs of the school and make today is event possible inspite of challenges, noting that the school is waxing stronger the more.

From (L) Engr. Eric as most dedicated teacher pose with a colleague with the vice princpal, Mrs. Uka Ijeoma

Olokor, while expressing joy and satisfaction with the progress of the school so far, he appealed to parents and guardians to always pay the fees of their children and wards on time as that will also contribute to the excellent performance of the school. He used the medium to inform parents and guardians, including the invitees that “Learnfast Academy” remains one of the best school and leading other schools in the area in terms of academic performances.

“I want to thank God almighty for giving us the strength to effectively manage the school affairs inspite of challenges. It gladdened my heart to inform you that Learnfast academy is progressively doing well and we have been commended for it because we lead other schools in the area interms of academic performances.

Finally, I pray God almighty to grant you all journey mercies back to your various destinations “in Jesus name” he said.

Miss Learnfast 2018, Miss Usieh Oghale Faith

The chairman of the parents teachers association (PTA) Mr. Uche corroborated the statement of the proprietor, he observed that Learnfast has come a long way, noting that the positive achievements in the academic performance of the school is as result of high level of discipline instill in the school system and high level of teachers engaged has contributed immensely to the kind of progress being experience in the recent time.

The Vice principal of the school Mrs. Uka Ijeoma, while receiving gifts on behalf of the school from the graduands, she admonished the graduands to be good ambassador by projecting the positive image of Learfeast academy to showcase to others that, there are good private schools doing creditably well in accordance to government policy on education.

The Vice principal Mrs. Uka Ijeoma receiving a gift on behalf of the school from the graduands Rep., (R) while the group photograph of the graduands (L) The Vice principal Mrs. Uka Ijeoma receiving a gift on behalf of the school from the graduands Rep., (R) while the group photograph of the graduands (L)

Some of the highlights of the occasion includes giving prizes to the best performing students in academic and best class captains, while teachers also got prizes and the most dedicated teacher prize went to Engr. Eric, while Miss Usieh Oghale Faith from Isoko South local government area of Delta state won Miss Learnfast 2018 at the Learnfast beauty pageant contest.

13 years after burial, body of herbalist allegedly refuse to decay

Audu Kwaghtamen, a native doctor who hailed from Yelwater, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states inhabited mainly by the Tiv, died and was buried by the roadside on March 11, 2004. But residents of the sleepy town were shocked to find his body fresh and intact, 13 years after.

Strange find

Bulldozers owned by PW Nigeria Limited, a construction firm presently working on a road project, which cuts across his graveyard, recently excavated Audu’s remains, throwing residents of the area in awe. It was a stunning discovery, which they described as a miracle.

While the wooden coffin in which he was buried had rotted, his body was removed fresh and the black clothes he adorned, still new. It was as if he had just been buried and exhumed, as the corpse neither decayed nor emitted an offensive odour.  

Expectedly, news of the strange find spread across the town and neighbouring communities like wild fire as residents trooped to the scene to catch a glimpse of the body. But younger brother of the deceased, Abraham Kwaghtamen, who was among those who buried him 13 years ago and monitored the excavation, was not willing to delay his reburial, as the corpse turned a museum. Unable to contend with the large crowd, he hurriedly prepared another wooden coffin and reburied him in another location.

The man Audu

“So when he died, we buried him by the roadside, oblivious of the fact that someday, the state government would construct a road here. He also told us to bury him a day after he dies and that his corpse should not be treated. That was exactly what we did. On the day he died, he wasn’t sick; he woke up that day complaining of waist pain and died in the afternoon. We adhered to his wish and buried him the next day”.

Abraham said while growing up, Audu was a reserved person who lived in isolation, and was a great hunter especially at night. Audu became popular as an herbalist within 10 years of his return from Oyo State, and plied his trade in the village. Though childless, he was said to be generous, especially to children.

Community leader, pastor wade in

Before his death, Audu, who dropped out of Community Secondary School Makurdi, Benue State in Form Four, sojourned to the hinterland in Oyo State, where he engaged in commercial farming and later turned an herbalist. He lived there for about 33 years before returning to his ancestral home to ply his new trade.

Back home, he was variously known as African astrologer, numerologist, among others, and was patronized by people from all walks of life across age divides, including male and female from far and near. He made predictions and was reputed to have resolved confounding challenges bothering on health, infertility, marriage, and financial with precision.

Abraham, his younger brother, said he was the most powerful herbalist within his community and neighbouring villages, and proffered solutions to virtually all challenges that came his way.

“It does not matter the distance of the person with the problems or situation. All you have to do is believe in him; he offered services to those in need of spiritual assistance, not minding the severity of your situation or distance as long as water, sea, ocean, lake, river, sand etc are nearby, your problems would be controlled under your foot”.

Source of power

He disclosed that Audu derived his mystic powers from Oyo State, where he grew up and spent the greater part of his life before returning home as an herbalist.  He wasn’t married in his lifetime and had told them not to bury him close to any residential building. He asked his relatives to bury him by a roadside whenever he died.

The oldest man in the community, Angbela Agena, 90, described the recent discovery after the excavation of Audu’s body as strange. “It showed he was a very powerful spiritualist; he died and was buried 13 years ago, but his body didn’t decompose. Maybe, he died against the wish of his God”.

Pastor Dennis Nyam of the Redeemed Church of Christ also expressed surprise. “Everybody is surprised because the man wasn’t a Christian. If he was a committed Christian, I would have described his body as sainthood in Christianity. It’s happening all over the world to people who actually did what God wanted; to those people, termites, insects have no power over their bodies when they die”.

Warri IDU, holds mid-year conference, raised

.8m to complete Isoko cultural house

By Jenny Akporero

The Isoko Development Union IDU Warri branch held its mid-year conference on the 8^th July 2018 at the uncompleted Isoko cultural house.

The president of the branch, prince Agbakara Ovueferie Gregory, in his address, he noted that the maiden mid-year conference became imperative considering his six point Agenda he promised during his election in 2015 which included lack of fund for the completion of the Isoko cultural house, lack of scholarship/edownment fund for the Isoko youths and indigent students, lack of respect for opinion leaders, farmers/herdsmen clashes, persistent eruption of crises in Isoko and strain relationship

(M) HRM regent of Aviara kingdom Prince U.H.Emaviwe flanked by Bishop E. Emiaso, IDU PG, Warri IDU president and vice, women IDU PG and other guest after the event

between IDU and the political class prince Agbakara recalled that he came into office on the 11^th January 2015 and met the Isoko cultural house at the decking level, stressing that the construction of the building has lasted for over 31 years, yet uncompleted due to lack of fund. However, he give glory to God for giving his administration the strength to raise fund to roof the building.

Cross selection of IDU clans representative and  women national Exco at the event

“Today, we have been able to raise and roof it through internally generated fund and the help of few philanthropists. I remained grateful to Hon. Enaharo Eta, Surveyor Peter Akarogbe, Barr. (Chief) Agbama, Engr. Idodo Snr. IDU women wing Warri, Bishop Pius Odioko, Bishop Eric Emiaso, Chief Hon. Beatrice Igogo Oyibotha and others”. He added

Cross selection of IDU clans representatives at the event

In his response to the 6 points raised by the Agbakara led exco, the IDU president General high chief Iduh Amaidhe said, non completion of the IDU warri cultural house is a big shame to the Isoko nation, saying well-meaning Isoko sons and daughters in Warri and environs should give a helping hand in order for the project to be completed and he kick started by promising to paint the down floor of the building while chief Agbama promised to scree down the floor before painting.

Speaking further, Iduh assured the house that the crises in Isoko has been brought under control except that of Ibrede community which Bishop Igbakpa had taken over after all IDU efforts failed.

On the issues raised on the Oil companies, while IDU is making effort to sign MoU with the Oil companies, some president general of communities are saying they want to be in charge as they have a forum, adding that in due course he believes thing will be settled.

He stated that governor Okowa has given directives to DESOPADEC to provide 25KVA generator to Isoko unity house while his administration will build a befitting shopping mall at the IDU unity house. The PG also mentioned that Isoko now has 21 clans instead of 19 clans as it was.

Over 800,000 thousand was realized toward the completion of the building. Those who donated include Hon. Fegerson Onwo, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Chief Jerry Okokowa, Bishop Eric Emiaso, HRM prince Uzuazomaro Emaviwe (Aviara regent), national body of IDU women’s wings, IDU warri, women wing, Mr. James Uturu, Hon. Malik Ikpokpo, Chief Odede, Engr. Oghale, Chief Nicholas and others.

Present at the occasion include, Dr (Mrs) Agbada, Mr. Edegbo Sammy, Dr. Francis Ofoh among others. The IDU Warri men and women danced round the house in joy of the achievements.

Unknown assailants kill Ughelli youth leader, stab wife’s private part

Unknown assailants were reported to have killed Mr. Ejiro Ikpikpini, a youth chairman in Otor-Iwhre-Community, a suburb of Ughelli, Delta State.
The assailants were also reported to have made attempt to rape his wife but could not and ended up stabbing her private part.
Our source revealed that Ejiro Ikpikpini was gruesomely murdered in the early hours of Sunday, July 22, by yet to be identified persons at his residence in Oguori Street, Uloho-Venue, Ughelli a day after he was appointed by elders and leaders of the community to oversee the collection of proceeds from revenues paid by traders trading at the Ughelli main market, hence those previously in charge could not be trusted due to poor remittance of proceeds to the community treasury.

Ejiro Ikpikpini

Our source who alleged that his murder may not be unconnected with his recent appointment said on that faithful night, the bandits assessed the deceased youth chairman apartment through a tiny opening created by the assailants by cutting and bending some rods in the metal protector of his bathroom window.
“After gaining entrance into his apartment, they tied him up before clubbing and stabbing him severally until he gave up the ghost,” our source revealed, adding that the dare-devil assassins also made attempt to rape the victim’s wife, whom they stripped naked before changing their minds but not sparing her as she was stabbed in her private parts.
Meanwhile, the police in Ughelli has swung into action and some arrests has already been made.

Nigeria, others to witness ‘total lunar eclipse’, on friday says NASRDA

NIGERIA, like most part of Africa, Middle East, Southern Asia and Indian Ocean region, will witness total lunar eclipse on Friday 27-07-18, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said yesterday.

In a statement, NASRDA Head, Media and Corporate Communications Dr. Felix Ale said the eclipse in Nigeria will start around 6:44pm as partial eclipse and developed into a total eclipse around 7:30pm.

The eclipse is expected to reach its peak around 9:21pm and wane from then until it ends around 12:30am on Saturday.

According to the statement, the total eclipse will last for about one hour and 43 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century.

Ale explained that no other lunar eclipse in the century will be as long as the one expected on Friday, saying the moon is expected to turn reddish as against the familiar whitish appearance in the period of totality. “Hence the appellation of ‘Blood Moon’, he said.

The NASRDA’s spokesman explained that a “blood moon” happens when earth’s moon is in full eclipse and has no special astronomical significance.

The view in the sky is striking as the usually whitish moon becomes red or ruddy-brown, Ale said.

According to him, the moon orbits around the earth, while earth orbits around the sun. The moon takes about 27 days to orbit Earth and goes through regular phases in a 29.5-day cycle. Lunar eclipses can only occur during a full moon when the sun fully illuminates the surface.

Ale explained that not all full moon has eclipse because the moon orbits in a slightly different plane than the Earth and the Sun.

He noted that when the planes coincide and the earth passes in between the Moon and the Sun, it cut off the sun rays from reaching the moon directly and thereby causing an eclipse.

If earth partially blocks the sun, and the darkest part of its shadow falls across the moon’s surface, it is called a partial eclipse. Hence a black shadow will be seen taking a bite out of the moon. Sometimes, the moon passes through the lighter part of Earth’s shadow, causing a penumbral eclipse and total eclipse occur when the earth completely block Sun rays from reaching the Moon.

The next total lunar eclipse that will be visible in Nigeria, the statement added, will occur on January 21, 2019

How houseboy sold jeep worth N10m for N 50,000

Officials of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a houseboy called Mayowa Ogunmola, who confessed selling his master’s N10m Toyota Prado Land Cruiser for N50,000. 

His master, Femi Mayaki, of Wiliam Care Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, had on the 18/07/2018 at about 11:30hrs petitioned the Commissioner of Police Lagos State.

In the petition, he reported that his houseboy made away with his Toyota Prado Land Cruiser Jeep containing personal documents.

Based on the report, FSARS Operatives were directed to fish out the suspect. The suspect was eventually arrested at Ikorodu, Lagos, where he took refuge. During the interrogation, he confessed to the crime.

He later took detectives to Ijeba-Ota, Ogun State where he claimed he gave the stolen car to one Femi Ayoade whom he asked to get a buyer for it.

Femi, according to the police, was subsequently arrested and he confessed he sold the car to one Azeez Ibrahim, at the rate of N 50,000 and led the Operatives to arrest Azeez Ibrahim and the stolen car was eventually recovered from him. All the three suspects in the case are now in Police custody.