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Tag: Isoko

  • Isoko agog as Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell [PHOTOS]

    Isoko agog as Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell [PHOTOS]

    Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State was agog at the weekend as the family of Late Chief Ovuakporie Agbodo bid their sister, Mrs Mercy Obuwhomero Ekwenuke, nee Ovuakporie final farewell at the weekend.

    The burial ceremony was attended by who is who in Isoko as the Iyasere of Isokoland, High Chief Enahoro Eta, Otota of Isokoland, Chief Macaulay Ovuzuorie, Prince Peters Ufuoma Ekperare, Isoko North Local Government Vice Chairman, Dr Evelyn Aluta and other prominent sons and daughters of Delta State graced the ceremony.

    Mrs Ekwenuke died aged 84 in Lagos State on May 17th, 2024 and was laid to rest in the Agbodo family compound at Eniyen Quarter, in Edhomoko on Saturday after church rites at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Owhelogbo.

    All through her life she was a devout Christian who resided in Lagos as a trader until her demise.

    She’s survived by a brother, Chief Owho Ovuakporie, a retired seasoned banker and immediate past President of Owhelogbo Community Development Union; two sisters, Mrs Monica Okpobrisi, Mrs Mary Awaro; three sons, Joy, Akpofure, Festus; two daughters, Lucky and Ogagaoghene, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    SEE PHOTOS BELOW:

    The Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell

    The Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell
    The Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell
    The Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell
    The Ovuakpories bid their daughter, Mrs Ekwenuke final farewell
  • Edigbe Emerges President, Isoko National Youth Congress

    Edigbe Emerges President, Isoko National Youth Congress

    A former Students’ Union Government, SUG, President of the defunct Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Comrade Abel Edigbe has been elected and inaugurated as President of the Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC) Worldwide.

    The new executive was inaugurated, weekend, by Grand Patron of INYC and Commissioner Representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Victor Egbo at the Stop n Chop Event Centre, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Egbo in his remarks, charged the youths to shun violence, cultism and other social vices and partner with various governments and development partners in their quest to provide human capital and infrastructural development for the youths and people of Isoko nation.

    Egbo, a former President of Isoko National Youth Assembly, INYA, commended the youths for a peaceful election and called for the cooperation of Isoko youths in the overall development of Isoko nation and Delta State in general.

    In his acceptance speech, Comrade Edigbe pledged to sustain the struggle for the growth and emancipation of the Isokoland from age-long neglect and thanked the stakeholders for electing him as President.

    According to him, “Today, we mark a new dawn and a new chapter in the history of Isoko National youth struggle. Let me begin by thanking God, Almighty, who made the contest possible for me to emerge as the National Youth President of Isoko National Youth Congress through your mandate.

    “I came into this contest with the sole objective to spread greatness to all youths of our great Isoko ethnic nationality through the office of National Youth Congress President of Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC).

    “A chapter written by us, the youth, who have been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping our future. We embrace this challenge with passion and determination.

    “We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, honouring their struggles and achievements. However, we also recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that our generation faces.”

    He said Isoko land accounts for the largest production of onshore crude oil in Delta State since 1958 when crude oil was discovered in large quantity in Uzere, Isoko South, Delta State.

    “Isoko is host to Agip, SPDC, NPDC, First Hydrocarbon, Heritage oil and a host of others. OML 26, 30, 60 and 61 are all in Isoko land. However, despite years of exploration of crude oil in Isokoland, no meaningful federal government projects have been executed in the area to make for the pollution and hazardous environment caused by such exploration activities.

    “Unlike other areas in Niger Delta where Federal government and her agencies execute mega projects, Isokoland is largely bereft of development and lack of projects. The few projects in Isokoland are either poorly executed or abandoned.

    “We promise to work tirelessly together to address the issues that matter most to us: Isoko unity, education, quality representation, empowerment, and economic development. We will run a youth administration that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Isoko youths.

    “This is the time to right the wrongs of the past. Hence, the Isoko National Youth Congress (INYC) will harness the power of technology, creativity, and innovation to drive youth progress and growth.

    “We will build bridges, not walls, and partner with governments, international NGOs, philanthropists, and businesses to achieve our goals.

    “Together, we will reshape the future of Isoko youth. This is our time and our moment. Let us seize it with courage, hope, and determination.” Edigbe stated.

    Director of Academic Planning, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Hilary Owamah in a lecture titled “Youth, Leadership and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” said the success and failure of any nation squarely lies on the kind of leadership it has.

    Prof. Owamah, an Engineer, further noted that among the determinant factors of the wellbeing of a nation present and future, is the level of the youths’ involvement in the governance of that nation.

    He, therefore, urged the youths of Isokoland to embrace politics and ensure good governance for its people.

    The ceremony was attended by Member representing Isoko North Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bernard Odior, his Isoko South 1 counterpart, Hon. Bino Obowomano, Chairmanship candidate of Isoko South Local Government Council, Comrade Warri Ovoke Friday and Chairman of the occasion Hon. Kennedy Obodo, among others.

  • Isoko youths laud WAEC’s adoption of CBT mode for its exams

    Isoko youths laud WAEC’s adoption of CBT mode for its exams

    The Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has hailed the decision of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on the planned migration of its West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from the “Paper Pencil Test” to Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

    In a statement released by INYA, the President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun said the decision aligns perfectly with global best practices and the need to adopt technology in engineering speed and efficiency as well as driving transparency and credibility especially in the educational sector.

    “As of today, all levels of our educational sector are in dire need of one form of reform or another and the adoption of technology for efficient and enhanced service delivery is most welcomed.

    WAEC as a body has a major responsibility to deal with issues of credibility that have challenged the authenticity of some of the results from some part of the country they have released in recent times and the adoption of technology to restore confidence and trust of Nigerians in their process is most welcomed”.

    According to Mr. Orogun, most Nigerians are wondering why anyone including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum would kick against an initiative as laudable as this in any guise.

    “We are baffled that instead of wholeheartedly embracing this innovative thinking like every other Nigerians, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum is wiping up unsubstantiated sentiments that attempt to associate mass failure with CBT mode of conducting exams. Why should anyone be afraid of credibility? Or why should a few states attempt to slow down the wheel of national progress? CBT mode of conducting exams is not novel in Nigeria. Its deployment is in fact, long overdue at the WASSCE level as CBT has been effectively deployed to conduct JAMB UTME and ICAN exams.

    If computer skills are not taught in public schools in some states in the North as they have alleged, the proper thing to do is to call on the government of those states to create the enabling environment for its delivery, rather than reject this laudable initiative.

    We know that our students are very studious and any mode of conducting the examination will not affect their performance except for those who want to get results through the back door”.

    They therefore called on relevant stakeholders to maintain the momentum and continue with the plan of integrating CBT mode into their examination process from February this year as they have proposed.

  • PHOTOS: Isoko Development Union Abuja branch pays courtesy visit to Senator Onowakpo-Thomas

    PHOTOS: Isoko Development Union Abuja branch pays courtesy visit to Senator Onowakpo-Thomas

    The Executive Of IDU Abuja Branch, Women wing of IDU, Leaders and Elders paid Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas a courtesy visit.

    The group led by its President, Simon Enajedu presented a portrait to the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District at the weekend.

    After the usual banters the Senator promised to work with his counterpart in the HoR to help solve the issue of power failure in Isoko land.

    SEE photos below:

  • PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE: Pressure mounts on Tinubu over Isoko quota

    PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE: Pressure mounts on Tinubu over Isoko quota

    Conveners of the Coalition of Isoko Youth Groups and Ex-Agitators have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Isoko Nation its pride of place in the new award or pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta.

    The Coalition’s Conveners, Mr Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe and Mr Karo Edor, in a statement after a meeting with stakeholders in Oleh, Isoko South Local Area, appealed to President Tinubu to implement the Senate’s recommendation for Isoko Youths to be separately engaged by the federal government in the pipeline surveillance contract.

    The group stressed that although the previous contract was awarded after series of considerations, it became obvious to the government that it was awarded with limited information available to the government at the time

    According to the group, “sometime in August 2022 a contract for the surveillance of oil pipeline in the entire region was awarded to Tantita Security owned by the family of Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) an Ijaw from Oporoza in Niger Delta, without recourse to any Isoko or Urhobo representation, body or council.

    “Again without consultations a subcontract to cover for the pipelines in Urhobo Nation was awarded to Zane Energy Limited owned by the Family of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who are Urhobos. However, this contract was awarded with a spur into the Isoko axis.

    “This move was interpreted in its entirety to be a total disregard of Isoko Nation and its vibrant youths in their capacity to man surveillance on crude oil facilities in the area.

    “In view of the awards of these subcontracts, eleven Isoko Youth Groups came together in a coalition to exhaust all legal channels to press home demands germane to the perceived marginalization.

    “As part of our engagements, several letters were written to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly amongst others.

    “Following our efforts, the Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Sen. Ayo Akinyulere, on instructions of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, held on January 28, 2023 on the issues raised. The hearing was attended by the conveners of Coalition of Isoko Youths, President Generals of Isoko Communities in Bayelsa State, representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva and others.

    “The Senate committee recommended at the end of the hearing, the need for the NNPC and the Federal Government to engage Isoko youths and stakeholders for keeping the peace and protecting crude oil installations in their areas ever since the beginning of exploration till date.

    The coalition urged the Federal Government to encourage the peaceful demeanor of Isoko Nation and to reward their legal agitations for sustenance of peace and order in the region.

    “We wish to appeal again to President Bola Tinubu to give Isoko Nation its rightful place in the next award of the Pipeline surveillance contracts.” The statement read.

  • Isoko nation loses rare gem as Gov Oborevwori mourns Dr Eleyae

    Isoko nation loses rare gem as Gov Oborevwori mourns Dr Eleyae

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has sent condolences to the family of the late Dr. Awoture Eleyae, a former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa.

    Pa Eleyae, who died at the age of 96, hailed from Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

    Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Eleyae as a sports scholar and administrator par excellence, whose contributions to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria and Africa would not be forgotten.

    Oborevwori commended Eleyae for his role in strengthening sports administration in the country, saying that he left behind an indelible mark on the trajectory of the development of the country.

    He said that Eleyae, who designed the National Institute for Sports (NIS), became its first Principal from 1975 to 1984.

    “As National Chief Track and Athletics Coach, the late Eleyae captained the Nigerian Basketball Team to the first All African Games in 1965 and led the Nigerian team as athletics coach to several Olympics.

    “He was Acting Director-General, National Sports Commission, and later became the Chairman, Bendel State Sports Council, and Chairman, National Sports Award Committee.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I condole the entire Eleyae Family, the people of Uzere Kingdom, Isoko Nation and the global sports community on the passing of the legendary Dr Awoture Eleyae.

    “The Dr Awoture Eleyae Athletics Championship in Delta State, instituted in his honour, has continued to produce great athletes, including Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru, Usheoritse Itsekiri and Raymond Ekevwo, among others,” the governor said.

    Oborevwori prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and for his family, the Uzere people and Isoko Nation, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Reps adopt Ukodhiko’s motion compelling oil and gas coys to provide electricity for Isoko communities

    Reps adopt Ukodhiko’s motion compelling oil and gas coys to provide electricity for Isoko communities

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Federal Ministries of Power, Petroleum Resources and other relevant Agencies to compel all Oil and Gas companies engaged in flaring gas within the Isoko North and South Federal Constituency as a matter of urgency to convert gas flared converted into electricity for the benefit of the host communities in compliance with the PIA Act and the deadline for the stoppage of gas flaring in Nigeria.

    The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance when constituted to ensure the implementation of the motion.

    The House made the call at plenary following the unanimous adoption promoted by member representing Isoko North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko and seconded by member representing Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr) Anthony Adebayo Adekpoju from Oyo State.

    In the motion titled “Need to Compel Oil and Gas Companies to Stop Gas Flaring and Convert same to provide 24-hour Electricity to Isoko Communities and Environs”, Ukodhiko called on the House to direct relevant Federal Government Ministries and agencies to enforce the implementation of the prayers in the motion to convert gas flared to consummable electricity for the communities to curb pollution, drive economic development, prevent environmental hazards, observing that the volume of gas being flared has devasting effects on the lives and properties of the Isoko people and Deltans.

    He said inspite of the huge contributions made by the Isoko Host Communities to the oil and gas wealth of the nation with its attendant environmental and health hazards, Isoko Federal Constituency has been in a total blackout without electricity that can be easily tapped from the wasted gas resources.

    Ukodhiko said the motion had become imperative especially as staff of these International Oil Companies and other oil and production companies working in Isoko land live in extravagant comfort with 24 hours electricity generated internally for operational bases and residential areas while the host communities and their environs live in squalor, watching helplessly the opulent lifestyle of the companies with their only offence being host communities to their oppressors- the oil companies.

    Expressing concern at the deliberate refusal by the oil and gas companies and the successive administrations to permanently tackle the infrastructural deficit like electricity which could have been easily generated from the wasted gases have over the years, he explained this made Isoko land as well as other communities in the Niger Delta become a hot bed region for protests and agitations that have sometimes crippled the economy and loss of precious human lives.

    While an amendment, raised by Babajide Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos), requested the need to set up investigative hearing why gas is flared instead of it being converted to electricity.

    Olumide Osoba Abeokuta North/ Obafemi- Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency claims it was a duplication of a previous motion into gas flaring

    But the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, in a swift response, clearly stated that the motion moved by Hon. Ukodhiko was a very serious issue specific to the Isoko Federal Constituency and its communities.

    When Hon. Ukodhiko was asked by the Speaker if he would stand down and go along with the previous adhoc committee set up on gas flaring, Hon. Ukodhiko said it does not stop the adhoc committee from carrying out its assignment adding that the matter on the motion directly affects his constituents whom he represents, and so, therefore, standing it down will be injustice to the Isoko community.

    The House adopted the motion with an amendment to include Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and referred the matter to the Committee on Legislative Compliance, in addition to Gas, Power and Environment Committee for compliance and implementation.

  • Delta PDP Campaign rally storms Isoko North, Dec. 21

    Delta PDP Campaign rally storms Isoko North, Dec. 21

    The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Train for the 2023 General Elections would berth at Isoko North Local Government Area on Wednesday, December 21, 2023.

    A statement signed by the Isoko North Campaign Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Dr Emmanuel Okoro says the rally would hold at Ekwerigbe Primary School, Ozoro at 12noon.

    He said that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP would lead top party executives, including State Chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso and Director-General of the State Campaign Council, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon.

    The party invites all candidates and their supporters, people of the local government, stakeholders and the general public to attend the rally.

    A leader of the party in the area and former National Vice Chairman of the party, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi also enjoined the people of the local government to turn out enmasse to welcome the governor and his entourage.

  • 2023: Uduaghan’s peace moves hits Isoko, meets critical stakeholders

    2023: Uduaghan’s peace moves hits Isoko, meets critical stakeholders

     

    The peace moves to reconcile all aggrieved PDP critical stakeholders as Ex-Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan meets Chief Solomon Ogba, Askia Ogieh, Pastor Jonathan Ukodhiko and other aggrieved Isoko PDP leaders.

    Recall that before this recent move the former number one citizen had hosted all PDP stalwarts in his country home where he bared his mind on the way forward.

    Uduaghan, on Sunday met with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Isoko North and South Local Government Areas of the state over the disagreement among leaders of the party in the area.

    Uduaghan, who called for unity and peace among party leaders in the area, stressed that PDP needs a united house as the party go into the 2023 general elections in the state.

    The peace meeting was held at the residence of the former governor and was attended by prominent leaders of the party including the PDP House of Representatives’ candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko and development activist, Afahokor Akpovienehe Duncan.

    Other PDP leaders at the meeting include former Commissioner of Sports, Chief Solomon Ogba; former Delta PDP chairman, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi; Delta South PDP Chairman, Chief Julius Takeme; former chairman of Isoko North, Elder Emmanuel Egbabor and Dr. Paul Oweh.

    Also in attendance were Bernard Odior Esq., Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, Dr. Evelyn Aluta Esq., Hon. Christian Itire, Isoko North LGA chairman, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Hon Victor Asasa, Isoko South LGA Chairman and a host of others.

    Also recall that after the conduct of the PDP primaries, the party in Isoko Nation had been factionalised along interest lines with some aggrieved leaders vowing not to work for the party’s victory in next year’s elections.

    However, Uduaghan confirmed holding the peace meeting in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Assistant, Monoyo Edon.

    The statement said the former governor invited leaders from both sides across the two LGAs to chart a way forward to resolving the crisis in Isokoland, admonishing that the party cannot go into the forthcoming election with a divided house.

    According to the statement, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, the Immediate Past Governor of Delta State and Chieftain of the PDP earlier today (Sunday) at his Warri GRA residence hosted PDP leaders of Isoko extraction as part of his recent move to unite aggrieved leaders and stakeholders of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “The leaders had expressed confidence in the capacity of the two-term former Governor to resolve the issues not just in Isoko but also across the state and urged him not to be discouraged.

    “Dr. Uduaghan pledged to host subsequent meetings with the leaders with a view to seeing thatthe leadership crises is resolved completely ahead of the 2023 elections.”

  • Floods: Ijaw slams Humanitarian Affairs Minister’s comment, demands apology

    Floods: Ijaw slams Humanitarian Affairs Minister’s comment, demands apology

     

    The Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, on Friday, slammed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mrs Sadiya Farouq that “Bayelsa State is not among 10 worst hit states affected by flood disaster, describing the remark as reckless and provocative.

    Recall that the Minister had said Bayelsa State, which is reeling under floods, was not among the 10 most hit states.

    She also said Jigawa State, which recorded the highest number of deaths and number one of the states was most affected by the disaster.

    But in a swift reaction by the coordinator of IMG, Mr Joseph Evah, the ijaw demanded an apology from the Federal Government without delay over the Minister’s comment.

    The statement reads: “If we were In a fair and just country, Bayelsa State should be number one among the 10 worst hit states because 99 percent of the state was submerged and the state capital was the only state capital that was cut-off from the rest of Nigeria. We wish to remind the minister that gone are the days when the Niger-Delta oil money will be used to find solution to the country’s problems, while the source of the funds are neglected with excuses.

    “The reason the minister, who made this provocative and embarrassing statement, in a federation has not been sacked within 72 hours is unacceptable.

    ” We expected what happened in advanced countries to happen here when a minister misbehaves in public.”

    He stated that since the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the people of Niger-Delta has not felt the impact of the ministry “because of the hostile attitude of the leadership of the ministry.”

    In addition, Eva said: “The National Assembly members from the Niger Delta should, as a matter of urgency, request for the sack of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs on the floor of Parliament for insulting our region and its people.”

    Source: Vanguard