TheNewsGuru

Tag: Warri

  • Pa Jemide played pivotal role to restore peace in Warri- Former SSG, Macaulay

    Pa Jemide played pivotal role to restore peace in Warri- Former SSG, Macaulay

    A former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has commiserated with the Jemide family of Warri over the death of their patriarch, Chief Isaac Jemide.

    Jemide, a prominent palace Chief, astute politician in his hay days, and an Itsekiri leader reportedly died on Sunday in Warri at the age of 88.
    The deceased was a prominent legal practitioner, member of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly as well as former Delta State representative in the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).
    Macaulay in a condolence message issued in Asaba, said that late Jemide lived a fulfilled life and renowned for making his mark at the different offices he occupied.
    “In particular, I recall that apart from being the spokesman for the Itsekiri group during the Warri crisis, he played prominent role in resolving the impasse and enthroning peace in Warri.
    “Pa Jemide was fiery and forthright politically, known for his steadfastness to collective goals, commitment to Itsekiri nation, wonderful family man and a role model to the younger generation.”
    Macaulay prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest as well as give the family, the friends and the Itsekiri nation, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Passengers influx: Warri-Itakpe Train Service to get additional coaches

    Passengers influx: Warri-Itakpe Train Service to get additional coaches

    The Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) will get additional coaches, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Coordinator of the WITS, Abdulganiyu Sanni made this known on Friday, while also confirming that the NRC would soon commence e-ticketing along the axis

    He said this was part of plans to manage the heavy influx of passengers and reduce the number of passengers that stand on board trains along the Warri-Itakpe route.

    Sanni made these known, following a series of passengers’ complaints along the Warri-Itakpe rail route.

    “I am not in Agbor right now, however, it is possible to have standing passengers on the train because the sales of ticket is manual. This will be curtailed with the introduction of e-ticketing which will come up soon.

    “The Head office has advertised for this and bids were submitted. The selection and award for the project is likely to be done this year.

    “We are also making efforts to strengthen the train with additional two coaches of 88 passengers per coach. This is expected to reduce the number of passengers without seats,” Sanni said.

    According to the coordinator, the coaches are already stationed in Agbor and will be added by the first week of December after mechanical check and satisfaction.

    In spite of the complaints by passengers, there is a video clip circulating in the media where passengers along the route were seen jam packed and standing in a train heading to Kogi.

    A passenger who was on board the train, Gloria Ali, expressed displeasure that passengers paid the same fare to be transported to a location only for a few to be seated while a majority were standing.

    “The train was full, some passengers were even standing at the door and you can imagine that everyone paid the same fare.

    “This is heartbreaking. And I’m sure some passengers using this medium for the first time today will have a horrible experience of the ride.

    “I pray the appropriate quarters will do something as soon as possible about this situation, as it calls for serious concern,” she said.

  • EFCC arrests nine internet fraudsters in Warri

    EFCC arrests nine internet fraudsters in Warri

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested nine alleged internet fraudsters in Warri, Delta State.

    Operatives of the EFCC, Benin Zonal Command made this known in a statement on Monday.

    The suspects were arrested at their hideout sequel to actionable intelligence.

    They were identified as Musa Shaka, Musa Dauda, Oghenekuwe Moses, Oghenekuwe Hezekiah, Akpan Bobby, Ilaya Godstime, Olemene Azubuike, Edevo Success and Atarhe Ochuko.

    The commission said it recovered a Lexus ES 350 and mobile phones from the suspects.

    It added that they have made useful statements and would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were completed.

  • Police kill Imomotimi armed robbery gang member in Warri

    Police kill Imomotimi armed robbery gang member in Warri

    The Police Command in Delta on Friday said it had shot a member of a notorious armed robbery gang on in its wanted list.

    The Acting Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, made the disclosure in a statement in Warri.

    He gave the gang’s name as Imomotimi group.

    Edafe said that the armed robber was shot on Thursday by the ‘A’ Division, Warri Rapid Respond Team, on observation and visibility patrol on the Warri-Sapele Road.

    He said that two other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.

    “On Sept. 16, 2021, about 1:20 p.m., the DPO, ‘A’ Division, Warri, CSP Tanko Mahmud, led the Divisional Rapid Respond Team on observation/visibility patrol on the Warri-Sapele Road by Warri Club.

    “Information got to the DPO that a three-man armed robbery gang had robbed an unknown victim and was operating in a Black Toyota Corolla with registration number RBC 218 BL.

    “The team extended its patrol with a view to arresting the gang. The robbers, on sighting the police, opened fire at them.

    “During the gun duel, one of the armed robbers sustained a serious gunshot injury while the two others escaped with bullet wounds,” he said.

    The acting police spokesman said that the injured suspect was rushed to a hospital but died while receiving treatment.

    “Before he died, he gave his name as Andrew and admitted to be a member of the dreaded ‘Imomotimi group’, a dare-devil gang that has been on the command’s wanted list,” he said.

    Edafe said that one locally-made pistol loaded with a live cartridge, N130,000, a Nokia phone and a Toyota Corolla were recovered from the gang.

    He said that the command had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.

  • Kogi Deputy Governor narrates experience after using Warri-Itakpe train service

    Kogi Deputy Governor narrates experience after using Warri-Itakpe train service

    The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja has opened up and narrated his experience after using the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS).

    After experiencing the WITS, Onoja said the standard gauge rail line should be prioritised by the government, stressing that this is because the route links the Northern and the Southern States of the country.

    Onoja, who spoke after boarding the Warri-Itakpe train in Itakpe, Kogi, commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of Transport for the invaluable infrastructural feat.

    “My experience was a pleasant one, though with hitches here and there, but pleasant in the sense that by comparison, moving from Itakpe to Warri with the only option, which is by road.

    “This by far outweighs it, in the area of comfort, risk level and by all standards, the Kogi government has done a lot by attracting infrastructural development to the State.

    “The rail line is strictly a federal government infrastructural project, the proximity between Lokoja, the State Capital of Kogi and the Federal Capital is less than 200km.

    “Which eventually, linking Warri, and the entire South South to the federal capital, should not be something the State Government should be pursuing, it should be a priority for the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

    “It should not be something that should be lobbied for, it should be a priority,” Onoja said.

    The Deputy Governor stated that Lokoja was the gateway to the North and South, adding, “Gov. Yahaya Bello has made the State secure, which is a good platform for investments.

    “Kogi is a good investment destination, Lokoja is closer to FCT, where the whole world comes to.

    “Therefore, it is key to link it by rail and it should ordinarily be as a baseline and priority to the minister of transport, which he already said he would close that gap, the distance is less than 200km, it is not a 1,000km project.

    “The challenges I can see here might be the River Niger, which needs to be crossed. But, even the Itakpe rail line also crossed some rivers as you move to Warri, so crossing river is not the major challenge and the issue of land allocation for the stations within the state will not be an issue.

    “Connecting virtually every state capital to the railway system in Nigeria, is a long time effect, it will take pressure off the road, which ultimately reduces the number of lives lost due to reckless driving.”

    Onoja however, called for proper maintenance of the Warri-Itakpe rail operations.

    “My tickets were hand written, while e-payments were not accepted. I paid cash.

    “The coaches were overcrowded with over 100 passengers in a coach, while the digital announcement board was not functional, among other observed hitches,” he said.

  • Omawumi performs national anthem at Olu of Warri’s coronation

    Omawumi performs national anthem at Olu of Warri’s coronation

    Nigerian songstress, Omawumi Megbele, performed the national anthem at the coronation of the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    The singer with the melodious voice, who is a daughter of Itsekiri Kingdom in Delta State, gave the special rendition on Saturday.

    The coronation ceremony is currently taking place at the Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiris, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    At the ceremonial event monitored by our TheNewsGuru, the ‘In the music’ crooner was praised by her people as the Pride of Iwerre.

    The coronation of the 21st Olu of Warri was attended by distinguished guests who visited the Warri Kingdom for the grand occasion.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that about 1,000 police personnel had been deployed to ensure watertight security before, during, and after the coronation.

    The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, announced on Wednesday that the measure was part of the Command’s usual proactive ways to ensure hitch-free security at such ceremonies.

     

  • JUST IN: FG approves $1.4bn for rehabilitation of Warri, Kaduna Refineries

    JUST IN: FG approves $1.4bn for rehabilitation of Warri, Kaduna Refineries

    The Federal Executive Council has approved contracts for the rehabilitation of Warri and Kaduna refineries at a cost of $1.4 billion.

    The breakdown shows that $897 million is earmarked for the Warri refinery and $586 million for Kaduna refinery.

    Nigeria has four refineries – including two in Port Harcourt – but all have struggled to function optimally as the country continues to import petroleum products.

    The rehabilitation is expected to turn around the refineries and set them up to meet local oil demands.

  • Ologbotsere of Warri: Ayiri vows to challenge suspension in court

    Ologbotsere of Warri: Ayiri vows to challenge suspension in court

    Chief Ayiri Emami will challenge his suspension as Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom in court, spokesman of the Ologbotsere Descendants worldwide, Mr Alex Eyengho has said.

    Mr Eyengho, who disclosed this on Friday while speaking with newsmen in Warri, said plans to challenge the suspension in court had already been concluded.

    According to Eyengho, Chief Emami was taking the decision to challenge the suspension after painstaking wide consultations with critical stakeholders on the matter both home and abroad.

    He further stated that the Ologbotsere’s prayers in court “shall be seamlessly simple, straightforward and from the point of extant laws”.

    Eyengho said: “I am sure that the general public must have noticed the dignified deafening silence of Ologbotsere Ayiri Emami since his purported suspension by a section of the Ginuwa I Ruling House.

    “This silence is certainly not a mark of weakness but an opportunity to give those involved enough time to retrace their steps, swallow their prides, apologise to him and the Itsekiri for their illegal action, in the overall interest of the Itsekiri and as the only sure way forward.

    “The Ologbotsere will simply be asking the court to interpret within the framework of the 1979 Edict as it concerns Warri Kingdom and other relevant extant laws whether the Ginuwa I Ruling House has the power whatsoever to suspend any or the least Chief of Warri Kingdom not to talk of the number one Chief in terms of hierarchy, the Ologbotsere of Warri.

    “He will also ask the court to determine whether the same Ginuwa I Ruling House has the power to empower the current Iyatsere of Warri and number two in the hierarchy, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe or any other Chief for that matter to perform any or all the functions of the Ologbotsere, while he is still alive, hale and hearty.

    “These are some of the basic questions Ologbotsere Ayiri Emami shall be asking the court for interpretations and definite pronouncements”.

    He went further to say: “May it also be put on record that we are not unaware of the new trend of hired armed thugs and hoodlums invading court sittings in Warri and chasing out judges, lawyers etc from court premises.

    “Because of the nature of this impending case, we are not ruling out the possibility of the same set of thugs storming the court in an even more violent manner when we appear.

    “It is then we shall know whether the police, DSS and other security agencies are all on AWOL (Absent Without Leave) to the detriment of law abiding citizens, particularly those whose only offense is seeking justice in the law court.

    “Specifically, may we seize this opportunity to call on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to beef up security around the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami for obvious reasons.

    “We cannot afford to take chances or underestimate the extent to which those against extant laws can go in achieving their targets.

    “The Itsekiri are people known to follow the law at all times. We rely on the law and decided cases in all our internal and external issues. The Itsekiri have never been known to be part of illegality of any kind.

    “Therefore, we cannot afford to approbate and reprobate on this and other matters. This is the stand of the current Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami whose only crime was to err on the side of the law by advising ab initio that the extant law (1979 Edict) as it concerns the successor of the 20th Warri monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, be followed, stricto senso.

    “However, we take solace in the fact that at the end of the day, the truth can never be buried in perpetuity and justice shall prevail in this matter”.

     

  • BREAKING: Osubi airport resumes commercial flights operations

    BREAKING: Osubi airport resumes commercial flights operations

    Osubi airport, located in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta has resumed commercial flights operations to serve the people of Warri.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the federal government approved reopening of the Osubi airport for daylight operations in March, 2021.

    The Osubi airport was closed in February 2020, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the airport over alleged debt and mismanagement.

    Following the approval given by the FG for the airport to resume operation, the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had said his government has had fruitful discussions with the management of United Nigeria airlines to commence full operations at the airport.

    TNG reports the Osubi airport resumed commercial flights operations with the landing of an Air Peace commercial flight on Friday. It was not immediately clear why United Nigeria airlines had refused to operate the airport.

    Present as the airport resumes operations are the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Orodje Okpe, HRM Felix Mujakperuo.

    Others are the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, the Chairman of Okpe LGA, Mr Isaiah Esiovwa, and amongst other dignitaries.

    Meanwhile, in his remarks, Oborevwori expressed happiness over the re-opening of the Osubi airport.

    The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly revealed that the Osubi airport was now under the purview of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Oborevwori, who represents Okpe State Constituency in the State House of Assembly said: “Today is one of my happiest days and indeed a great pleasure to make this remarks”.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are here to witness the re-making of history. I say this because on the 17th of April, 1999 when the Osubi Airport was commissioned, it was first of its kind in the State. It attracted headlines as a major breakthrough in air transportation in the State.

    “Unfortunately, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the Airport, it was closed in February, 2020.

    “One year after the shutdown, we are here gathered to witness the reopening of the Osubi Airport by the Federal Government. To me, this is a milestone for the State and Okpe Local Government Area in particular.

    “The strategic importance of the Airport to the oil and gas operations, and other commercial activities in the State cannot be over emphasized.

    “In 2015, the number of passengers movements into the Airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Sector Reports, was 187,630 (one hundred and eighty seven thousand, six hundred and thirty).

    “I believe this figure would be more as at the date the Airport was shutdown.

    “The implication of the above is that these passengers along with all the economic benefits were taken elsewhere. The loss of revenue to the State and the host community during this period cannot be quantified. Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the Airport is being reopened today for business”.

    Oborevwori seized the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate some persons, who he said contributed towards the re-opening of the airport.

    “First and foremost, I wish to thank our Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for making the reopening of the Airport a priority by engaging the Federal Government on the need to reopen the Airport.

    “In keeping with his promise of the reopening without delay, His Excellency provided and installed all the safety requirements which include all procedures, practices and Covid – 19 protocols.

    “His Excellency also provided an ambulance and made provisions for maintenance for the take off of the reopening of the Airport. Your Excellency sir, we are grateful to you.

    “Our special appreciation also goes to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for granting the approval for the reopening,” he said.

    He also appreciated the very strategic role of the royal fathers, saying that: “My Special thanks to His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.

    “In the same vein, I also wish to express my gratitude to my good friend and brother, Alfred Temile, for providing support for the first clearing of grasses in the Airport and maintenance of the fire truck. Thank you for your love and kindness.

    “Furthermore, I wish to thank the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and their Management, which now have the management of the Airport under their purview.

    “In the same manner, I also wish to thank and urge the NNPC, NAPIMS and all the regulators to ensure the smooth running of the Airport. Finally, I am grateful to everyone that contributed in one way or the other for the approval of the reopening of the Airport,” Oborevwori said.

  • Itakpe-Warri railway line is in operation – Official

    Itakpe-Warri railway line is in operation – Official

    An official of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said the Itakpe-Warri rail line is in operation.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the official who asked not to be named made this known on the telephone on Thursday.

    The official confirmed that some unknown persons vandalized a section of the Itakpe-Warri rail line.

    However, the NRC official said the line vandalized was not the line currently used to service the Itakpe-Warri route.

    Recall that a trending video emerged online showing the Itakpe-Warri rail line that is putting smiles in the faces of Southern Nigeria travelers already sabotaged by hoodlums.

    Meanwhile, the NRC official told TNG that the Itakpe-Warri rail line is in full operation despite the ugly development.

    “We are working. Even now, we are at the office. The tracks at some sections were vandalized, but it has not affected our operations. It is on our line but not the line that we are using,” the official said.

    TNG reports the Itakpe-Warri rail line, which started operations in 2019, was revamped by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.