The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Olori Atuwatse III harps on importance of entrepreneurial skills among students

    Olori Atuwatse III harps on importance of entrepreneurial skills among students

    Her Royal Majesty Olori, the wife of Olu of Warri,  Ogiame Atuwatse III, has said  training of students on entrepreneurial skills will equip them for future challenges aside from boosting national economy through the small, medium and large scale businesses and investments.

    Speaking at the second day of the entrepreneurial training programme for students of selected schools in Warri South Council area on Tuesday ,Olori Atuwatse III, noted that the first phase of the process which is ‘Train-The Trainers’, commenced with the training of teachers of these schools who in turn trains students in their various schools.

    According to her, the Set4LYf project of Junior Achievement Nigeria l, in partnership with Royal Iwere Foundation is set to train thousands of young people for six months to enable them  have entrepreneurial skills to impact  positively on themselves and their  various communities.

     She said:” The programme  is poised to equip these young people who are the next set of leaders for leadership positions to  improve, build and develop their communities. With this training, they are prepared and set for global stage”.

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    According to her, in the next couple of years, with the training to these  young people, they would be able to compete with their counterparts in any part of the world in business, leadership and entrepreneurial Skills. 

    She said the teachers being trained by Junior Achievement Nigeria for  the day are those who volunteered to implement the training in different schools as it impossible to reach all the students in different schools across the  three  local  government areas of Warri: Warri South, North and  Warri Southwest, considering the number of students in different schools. 

    In her words: “This Junior Achievement Nigeria’s team train  the teachers who have volunteered to partner with us to be our implementation arm. As you are aware, dealing with over a thousand kids effectively, it means, we have to plug into already existing educational system and the teachers are the hearts for that. So, equipping the teachers is equipping the children is the best the foundation can do”.

    According to her, apart from the teachers, the foundation also has ad hoc volunteers  staff to partner them for the next six months who will be in  classroom, playground, among others to ensure the robust curriculum is achieved.

    Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III who was represented in the ceremony by Chief Operations Officer,.Royal Iwere Foundation – Humanitarian arm of Warri Kingdom Monarchy, Ogechukwu Abiago Ezeobiorah, charged the teachers for the training to take it seriously to enable them impact on the students just as she charged the students not to take the programme for granted but be serious while the programme lasted.

     Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Ugonna Achebe said the Set4LYf is a programme  to train young people have  entrepreneurial skills

    and develop entrepreneurial mindset where they are able to identify problems, find opportunity and create solutions that can build an economic sphere.

    According to him, they  make  their training more  practical as much as possible. He said,  the  teachers’  training for the day is focused on Ideathon and the teachers have responded accordingly. 

    He said:” Today, the trainees were exited, the response has been very encouraging. The teachers were active contributing, engaging. We make the programme  as practical as possible. We were able to identify a problem in a community and identified  the solution to the problem”.

    The Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria who was represented by the Assistant Programme  Manager, Oluwaseyi Hassan expressed hope that  the teachers would be able to put into practice by impacting the acquired skills on the students when  they go back to their various schools. 

    He charged the students that would be trained in the various schools to take their studies seriously to enable them  get the right knowledge and skills that would be bequeath on them for their future endeavours.

    The Set4LYf  training programme which started on Monday continues tomorrow.

  • Pa Clark an iconic statesman, fearless advocate for Justice – Dafinone

    Pa Clark an iconic statesman, fearless advocate for Justice – Dafinone

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has expressed sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing his demise as the end of an era of selfless service, wisdom and unwavering dedication to national unity and progress.

    In a tribute, Dafinone described Pa Clark as a pillar of strength for the Niger Delta people, a defender of minority rights, and a relentless advocate for equity, resource control, and good governance.

    He noted that Pa Clark’s contributions to national discourse and his steadfast commitment to the development of the Niger Delta would serve as a guiding light for generations to come.

    He urged the Clark family of Kiagbodo, the Ijaw Nation, the Urhobo people, and the entire Niger Delta people to take solace in the remarkable legacy Pa Clark has left behind, stating that his impact on governance, leadership, and advocacy for justice will never be forgotten.

    According to him: “I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, an iconic statesman, a fearless advocate for justice, and an unwavering voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. His death marks the end of an era of selfless service, wisdom, and dedication to the unity and progress of our nation.

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    ”Pa Clark was not just an elder statesman; he was a pillar of strength for the Niger Delta, a defender of minority rights, and a relentless advocate for equity, resource control, and good governance. 

    ”His immense contributions to national discourse, as well as his unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, will forever remain a guiding light for generations to come.

    ”I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Clark family of Kiagbodo, the Ijaw Nation, the Urhobo people, and the entire Niger Delta region on this irreparable loss. 

    ”May his legacy of truth, courage, and service to humanity continue to inspire us all. I pray that the Almighty grants his family, friends, and associates the strength to bear this loss and that his soul finds eternal rest.”

  • Ogoniland youths set conditions for oil production resumption

    Ogoniland youths set conditions for oil production resumption

    Youths from Ogoniland in Rivers State have expressed willingness to accept the proposed resumption of oil production in their area, provided that all stakeholders are included in the negotiation process. 

    Under the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), the youths also urged the federal government to exonerate the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and others who were unjustly executed as a key precondition for restarting crude oil drilling. 

    NYCOP President, Barinuazor Emmanuel, stated this after a meeting in the Yeghe community, insisting that Saro-Wiwa and his comrades were innocent of the charges that led to their execution.

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    He also emphasized that NYCOP remains united following a reconciliation effort led by King Solomon Ndigbara, the Gbenemene Bua-Bori.

    Speaking after the meeting, King Solomon urged the Federal Government to engage directly with the Ogoni people rather than politicians, questioning the sincerity of politicians involved in the ongoing discussions.

    He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the University of Environment in Ogoniland and called for unity among the Ogoni people, warning that a divided house cannot stand. 

    During the meeting, NYCOP members passed a vote of confidence in their President, Emmanuel Barinuazor, pledging full support for his leadership.

  • Ikhilor: Okpebholo’s square peg in a square hole

    Ikhilor: Okpebholo’s square peg in a square hole

    By John Mayaki 

    When Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo appointed Barr. Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), three months ago, many were left wondering. His name wasn’t one that resonated loudly in Edo State’s political circles, yet he was entrusted with the engine room of the administration. Now, as the governor marks his first 100 days in office, it has become abundantly clear – Okpebholo got this appointment absolutely right.

    For those who doubted his political sagacity and relevance, his administrative capacity and know-how, Ikhilor recently proved why he is the right man for the job. He stepped forward to defend his boss and the administration, making two commanding television appearances – first on Channels Television, then on TVC. Both outings can be described as nothing short of superlative. His depth of understanding, clarity of thought, eloquence, and composure were on full display.

    I took note, particularly, when Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV attempted to steer him off course, Ikhilor stood his ground. He exposed how Obaseki’s administration ran Edo State aground and showcased the remarkable increase in internally generated revenue under Okpebholo’s leadership. He revealed that upon assuming office, the administration was operating blindly until an asset verification team uncovered Obaseki’s can of worms. 

    He mentioned the scam that is now Radisson Blue Hotel, where government spent money on the project but Obaseki willed the shares to a company that was recently registered just a month before the expiration of the administration. It’s a must watched interview with huge revelations. 

    For the first time in a long while, Edo people saw an SSG who was not just a figurehead but a defender of the administration’s vision and policies. His commanding media presence and detailed breakdown of governance realities made Edo people proud. Unsurprisingly, his two TV appearances have since gone viral.

    When Ikhilor was first appointed, many questioned the rationale behind his selection. Now, let me say this – I am not sure he would be happy that I’m revealing this, but the truth must be told. Ikhilor was not just another political appointee; he was a key strategist, who worked behind the scenes as part of Okpebholo’s inner circle long before the election was won.

    His commitment to the project cannot be wished away just as everyone who worked for Okpebholo’s victory, and his investment in the administration’s success came at great personal cost – sacrifices I may not be at liberty to disclose.

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    What makes Ikhilor different from many before him is that he is not just occupying an office – he is making real impact. Unlike the conventional politicians who see the position of SSG as a ceremonial role, Ikhilor has approached it with the seriousness of a technocrat, with the foresight of a strategist, and the diligence of an administrator.

    A Muslim appointed by a Christian governor – to tell you how this appointment further unite our people – Ikhilor’s appointment also tells of  Okpebholo’s commitment to competence over religious or political affiliations. Ikhilor has shown himself as a seasoned legal expert, with a rich history in legislative drafting and parliamentary affairs. He built his career as a respected lawyer and became widely recognized in the National Assembly as one of the most reliable hands in the art of bill drafting and legislative processes. His expertise is a rare asset, and Edo State is already reaping the benefits.

    With the first 100 days successfully in the bag, the real work of governance begins. Ikhilor has already shown that he is not just a silent bureaucrat but an active player in shaping policy and governance. His deep knowledge of legislative processes could prove invaluable in drafting and implementing new reforms that will drive Edo’s progress.

    One thing is now clear and certain, Governor Okpebholo made the right choice, and Edo State is better for it. As the SSG continues to play his role in the administration, Edo people should expect to see more structure, more policy direction, and a more coordinated government. If his first 100 days are anything to go by, then the best is yet to come.

  • NGO hosts colloquium on Okpebholo’s 100 days in office 

    NGO hosts colloquium on Okpebholo’s 100 days in office 

    As Edo State marks 100 days under Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa is set to host a colloquium to assess and highlight his administration’s early achievements.

    The event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders, political analysts, and media professionals to discuss the impact of Governor Okpebholo’s policies within this short but significant period.

    With the theme: “Tracking the Achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s First 100 Days in Office,” the colloquium will provide a platform for a critical and objective review of governance under the new administration.

    The event will be held under the chairmanship of Professor Abiodun Adeniyi

    Professor of Communication, Baze University, Abuja. 

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    Scheduled to take place at the Practical Governance Hall, Edo State Liaison Office, Edo House, Abuja, the gathering will serve as an interactive forum for Edo media practitioners and governance experts based in Abuja.

    As part of the program, the Coalition will also launch a special magazine, documenting Governor Okpebholo’s achievements across key sectors during his first 100 days in office.

    This initiative reflects the importance of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in governance. As the administration moves forward, such discussions will play a crucial role in shaping expectations and setting the tone for the next phase of leadership in Edo State.

  • Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    By John Mayaki

      The recent testimonies before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal have provided critical insights into the conduct of the election, particularly regarding incidents of over-voting.

      Witnesses, including collation and polling agents from various political parties, have corroborated a singular fact: whenever over-voting was detected, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took decisive action by canceling the affected results. This meticulous decision of the electoral umpire is commendable – being a commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that no political party derived undue advantage from irregularities.

      From Esan North East to Akoko Edo, Oredo, and Owan West, testimonies from party agents and independent monitors consistently indicate that INEC enforced strict adherence to its electoral guidelines. Afuda Theophilus Idemudia, who monitored the election in Esan North East, confirmed that despite the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent signing the election results, the discovery of over-voting led to their outright cancellation. This immediate nullification of compromised results prevented any party from unfairly benefiting from electoral discrepancies.

      Similarly, in Oredo LGA, the APC’s Collation Agent, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, testified that no political party raised objections to the election’s conduct. However, when over-voting was detected in Polling Unit 8, Ward 10, INEC officials invalidated the results at the Ward Collation Center. This proactive measure reinforces the fact that over-voting was addressed impartially, irrespective of the political party involved.

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      The testimonies of these witnesses has further thrown more light on the unusual but significant aspect of the election: broad agreement among political parties on the fairness of INEC’s process.

      Hon. Frank David, APC’s Collation Agent for Owan West LGA, confirmed that neither he nor any other party agent – including those representing PDP and Labour Party – contested the final results. The fact that agents from opposing political parties signed off on the result sheets is a strong endorsement of the credibility of INEC’s collation process.

      Moreover, Kamarudeen Coker Bello, the APC’s Local Government agent in Akoko Edo, corroborated that election results were canceled in cases where over-voting was detected, reinforcing the non-partisan application of electoral rules. These cancellations ensured that no party, including the then ruling led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki or the then opposition APC, gained an unfair advantage due to compromised vote counts.

      The consistent and non-discriminatory approach taken by INEC in invalidating results affected by over-voting simply speaks to institutional safeguards against electoral fraud. The electoral body’s reliance on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has further strengthened the transparency of the process, making it easier to detect and rectify irregularities. In this election, over-voting did not translate into a gain for any party, as INEC ensured that all such cases were expunged from the final vote tally.

      Let me add that, the absence of formal complaints from party agents at the collation centers demonstrates a level of consensus rarely seen in contentious elections. It suggests that the process was conducted in a manner that inspired confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing public trust in the electoral system.

      The testimonies before the tribunal have painted a clear picture of an election where INEC upheld its mandate to conduct a free, fair, and credible process. By systematically identifying and canceling results tainted by over-voting, INEC ensured that no political party unfairly benefited from irregularities. The absence of complaints from party agents at critical collation points, coupled with their willingness to sign off on final results, further affirms the credibility of the process that led to the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo state.

      While electoral systems are never perfect, the Edo election stands as a case study in how an electoral body can mitigate irregularities without partisan bias. The tribunal proceedings have, if anything, reinforced the fact that the election’s outcome was determined not by electoral fraud but by the democratic will of the people.

    • Why nobody can ban tradition

      Why nobody can ban tradition

      By HRH Dr. Sunday Azavonya Otaru (JP)

      The attention of the Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra has been drawn to a voiceless online video and some publications in the media that Otaru Adeche Saiki purportedly suspended the annual Ekuochi Festivals of Igarra because of a clash between the supporters of two Ekuechichi masquerades during this year’s edition of the festival. 

      The Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra, currently under my chairmanship as His Royal Highness, The Oshemdase of Igarra, hereby clarifies to the entire public that Igarra has five  traditional heads all of whom have coordinate status and authority by Igarra ancestral tradition and custom, and they are;  The Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra, the Oshidu of Igarra, the Otu of Igarra, the Oshemi of Igarra and the Otaru of Igarra. 

      The native festivals of Igarra are of two categories namely, the custodial and non-custodial. 

      A custodial festival in Igarra is that which is entirely owned and controlled by a particular clan or group of clans under one of the aforementioned traditional heads hence only that head may ban or suspend the custodial festival owned and controlled by his clan.   Examples of custodial festivals are Aba, Arido, Ochionine, Afuofu, etc. 

      A non-custodial festival in Igarra is that which is not under the control or ownership of any particular clan but celebrated by groups or individuals at anytime of the year and for any purpose for which they may wish to do so, and therefore need no permission from anyone by Igarra ancestral custom and tradition. Examples are Echetete, Ekuochi,  Echori, Ekuechichi festivals, Ori, etc. 

      However, when it becomes desirable to ban or suspend a non-custodial festival,  the five aforementioned traditional heads must, on behalf of their respective subjects and representatives of the Opoze Age group all meet, discuss the reasons, facilitate investigations accordingly, and if they find it necessary, unanimously agree to the suggested ban or suspension, and in modern times put it in writing and jointly append their signatures before announcing such to the public for it to be enforceable. 

      In Igarra, Ekuochi Festivals are  non-custodial.  Therefore the decision by any individual or group to celebrate it needs no permission from anyone whosoever. 

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       From the foregoing therefore, none of the aforementioned traditional heads in Igarra has the power to unilaterally suspend or ban any Ekuochi festival being a non-custodial festival in Igarra. 

      In 2004 when a ban of the same Ekuochi Festival was muted, all the above traditional heads of Igarra met, carried out investigations and in the end unanimously agreed to it, put it in writing and jointly signed it. Here is a copy of the document to that effect. 

      Otaru Adeche Saiki’s present attempt to arrogate such powers to himself through videos and publications of him issuing a purported suspension of the festival this time around reeks of an attempt to seek  ostensible and contrived electronic and documentary evidences with the objective to mislead the court before which the suit against the 2003 gazette is currently pending concerning the unresolved Igarra Kingship Dispute. 

      On the 15th of January, 2014,  some youths who tried to celebrate the Ekuechichi festival were attacked with gun shots and sustained bullet wounds by boys who allegedly belong to the five clans loyal to Otaru but Otaru did not issue any such purported ban or suspension obviously because the victims of the gunshots were not of the clans loyal to him.

      To further buttress that Otaru is merely seeking evidence for the ongoing Igarra Kingship Dispute court case and not genuinely concerned about stemming violent tendencies in Igarra, I shall go down memory lane as follows: 

      In 2013,  Okomayin Suru Akpata a very active and prominent politician of the Second, Third and Fourth Republics, got missing from Igarra amidst some background rancour within his group of clans, and has not been found either dead or alive till today. 

      In 2017, Mr. Aiyetobi Uwaishevo too  mysteriously disappeared and has not been found dead or alive till date. 

      But curiously, Otaru Adeche Saiki has never issued an official statement on either of these two incidents despite that both Okomanyi Suru Akpata and Aiyetobi Uwaishevo are loyal to him. 

      It is on record that on January 18, 2021 during the celebrations of Ekuechichi festival, Mr. Larcomb Emah was gruesomely murdered with gunshots. The murder case is still pending at the AIG zone 5, Benin City. Otaru Adeche Saiki did not see the need to consider a suspension of the festival. 

       Rather, some members of the five clans were seen openly celebrating, following the release of the suspects despite overwhelming evidence including eye witnesses. They threw parties which were tagged victory parties during which foods and drinks were shared. Emmanuel Adeche Saiki had no word of caution or reprimand for them. 

      I, the Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra, shall on behalf of The Eziobe Traditional Council of Igarra which I currently head, I make it clear to men of the press here present, the security agencies here present, and the general public that the Nine clans which we the four other traditional heads control in Igarra are peace loving and law abiding. Our subjects have never been liable for instigating violence in Igarra. 

      Based on the report of a committee set up by the ETC to investigate the fracas and the remote cause between the  *ONCHERE and SARS masquerades*, the two masquerades are hereby recommended  for suspension for two years, to serve as a deterrent to others.

       All the remaining Ekuechichi masquerades in Uffa and Utua should henceforth be coming out every other day alternately. 

      All the masquerades in Ugbogbo quarters have so far been very peaceful and orderly. So there is no point suspending the festival activities there. 

      Finally and very importantly, the night Ekuochi festivals in  Ugbogbo, Utua and Uffa quarters which started from November 2024 to January 2025 were very peaceful, orderly and entertaining.

      They are free to continue to celebrate the festivals but are admonished to continue to be peaceful and orderly in all their activities.

       In the recent past, some boys from the Eziezu group of clans under Otaru Emmanuel Adeche Saiki’s headship waylaid the convoy of His Royal Highness The Otu of Igarra in 2022 on his way to the venue of his coronation and began to smash the screens of vehicles claiming that only Otaru has the power to install an Otu. This was in spite of an existing court judgement against such a claim. They were however rounded up and apprehended by the police that day. 

      In November 2024,  Otaru Emmanuel Adeche Saiki attempted to ridicule some stools within our Council by  purportedly conferring some of our exclusive titles to some of his loyalists 

      unlawfully. The Igarra Police Area Command can testify that we only reported that illegality to the police and not a single person from our Eziobe group of clans

       went to the venue let alone try to disrupt the illegal event as they would have done if roles were reversed. We only filed a court action against them. 

      The security agencies should note that the Eziobe group of clans make up the majority of Igarra and our superior numerical strength gives us a physical advantage in any combat but as peace loving and law abiding citizens, we do not believe in abusing that numerical strength for violence and provocation because we own custodianship of nearly all the custodial festivals in Igarra thus we own and control the customs and traditions of Igarra, and so we naturally eschew violence because we have everything to lose if Igarra is destroyed as against the others who have no custodianship over any concrete element of our culture.

      *We hereby dissociate ourselves from the purported blanket and unilateral suspension of the festivals* 

       Finally, we advise Otaru Adeche Saiki to desist henceforth from his repeated attempts to preempt the courts with respect to the ongoing suits against the 2003 gazette.

       We call on the Edo State Government to facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the unresolved Igarra Kingship Dispute through a Commission of Inquiry or otherwise towards finding out the truth and making recommendations accordingly.

      Thank you all and God bless.

      HRH Dr. Sunday Azavonya Otaru (JP) is the Oshemdase Ooreyin of Igarra.

    • Delta government misleading citizens on financial strength – New Delta Coalition

      Delta government misleading citizens on financial strength – New Delta Coalition

      The New Delta Coalition (NDC) has criticised Delta Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, over his claim that Delta is the strongest financially, describing it as “a blatant falsehood” to deceive the people and cover up the state’s financial struggles.

      In a statement by Mr Godwin Anaughe on behalf of the New Delta Coalition (NDC), the group argued that Tilije’s assertion contradicts verifiable economic data, stressing that Delta State lags behind several others in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and financial sustainability.

      “This egregious lie is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Delta State and a desperate attempt to conceal the state’s dire financial situation,” the statement reads.

      Citing statistics, the coalition pointed out that Lagos State leads with a GDP of ₦41.17 trillion, while Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo States have GDPs of ₦7.96 trillion, ₦7.77 trillion, and ₦7.68 trillion, respectively. In contrast, Delta State’s GDP stands at ₦6.19 trillion, making Tilije’s claim laughable and misleading.

      The NDC further argued  despite being the highest recipient of FAAC allocations in Nigeria, Delta State has failed to translate its financial inflow into meaningful economic growth. The coalition noted that if the state’s resources had been properly managed, its GDP should be at least three times higher than its current level.

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      “If Delta State’s financial resources were judiciously managed, its GDP should be more than triple its current level. This glaring disparity between the state’s potential and actual performance is a clear indication of the government’s mismanagement and lack of accountability,” the group asserted.

      Comparing Delta’s financial management with neighbouring States, the NDC highlighted that Edo and Anambra States had demonstrated fiscal discipline, generating sufficient IGR to cover their operating expenses. Anambra State, for instance, generated ₦42.04 billion in IGR, surpassing its recurrent expenditure of ₦20.67 billion while Abia State generated ₦33.14 billion against its operating cost of ₦24.74 billion.

      On the other hand, Delta State continues to rely heavily on FAAC allocations, with a budgeted IGR of ₦134.09 billion against a massive recurrent expenditure of ₦348.77 billion for 2025, leaving it with an IGR-to-operating-expense ratio of only 38.4%. The coalition described this as financial recklessness and a sign of economic failure.

      “After 25 years of PDP governance, Delta State remains unable to cover its personnel costs of ₦185.75 billion without relying heavily on federal allocations. This is a clear indication of financial mismanagement and a lack of economic growth,” the statement emphasised.

      The coalition accused the Delta State Government of gross mismanagement, reckless spending, corruption, and a lack of transparency, which it said has resulted in stunted infrastructure development, poor healthcare, failing education, and rising unemployment.

      “The consequences of this mismanagement are far-reaching, resulting in a lack of funds for critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This has led to widespread poverty and unemployment, causing immense suffering for the people of Delta State,” the NDC lamented.

      Calling for transparency and accountability, the group urged Deltans to demand the truth and hold the government accountable for its failures.

      “Chief Tilije’s attempt to deceive the public is a desperate bid to deflect attention from the government’s failures and maintain a veneer of credibility,” the coalition stated.

      It further warned that the administration’s persistent falsehoods about the state’s financial position are an affront to the people’s trust and evidence that the government is more interested in propaganda than solving Delta’s economic challenges.

      The group also called on Deltans to support a new era of transparency, responsible governance, and financial prudence in Delta State, urging the government to focus on real economic growth rather than misleading statistics.

    • Okpebholo: Governor for the “mekunus”, “ndi-ogbenyes”, “talakawas” 

      Okpebholo: Governor for the “mekunus”, “ndi-ogbenyes”, “talakawas” 

      By John Mayaki 

      In Yoruba, they are called “mekunus”. In Igbo, they are known as “ndi-ogbenye”, and in Hausa, they are referred to as the “talakawas”. These are the poor masses, the have-nots, the hoi polloi, the proletariat, the downtrodden – the very people whom Governor Monday Okpebholo has become a father and defender. 

      Let’s not forget, so hurriedly too, how for the past 8 years, Edo state was governed by an administration that was more interested in impressing the elites, the well-heeled, the fixed, the well-off, the well-situated, the well-to-do and the prosperous, rather than addressing the suffering of ordinary citizens. 

      Former Governor Godwin Obaseki ran a government where consultants, private firms, and political aristocrats took centre stage, while civil servants, market women, farmers, and artisans were left to fend for themselves. It was a government that spoke the language of the wealthy and turned its back on the “mekunus”, the “ndi-ogbenyes” and the “talakawas”. 

      Thankfully though, Governor Okpebholo is rewriting and changing the narratives – since assuming office, he has championed policies and programs that directly benefits the people. For instance, his administration’s budget for health, agriculture, education, roads and infrastructure – the core areas that touches on the life of the ordinary man attests to his love for the poor. 

      The budgetary allocation for agriculture is somewhere around N70 billion – which of course is a clear indication of his drive towards the mekunus, the farmers, the talakawas and ndi-ogbenye. Unlike Obaseki, who was more fascinated with boardroom politics and slides presentations to deceive the people – Okpebholo is more interested in actual governance and real results. 

      Okpebholo’s agricultural funding is already doing wonders and empowering farmers and subsequently ensuring food affordability – if the funds are well managed by government and the beneficiaries. This is one aspect Obaseki failed to do, especially with his infamous “agriprenuer millionaire scheme” in Sobe and other parts of the state where the funds were simply embezzled. 

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      To further tell us of how Okpebholo is reinforcing his pro-people agenda, he has already disbursed N500 million to farmers and since approved the sum of N1.5 billion for farmers scheme within his three months in office. These are not the privileged elites among us that was picked as beneficiaries; they are the hardworking farmers, the backbone of our economy, and those whom Obaseki neglected and relegated.

      One of Okpebholo’s most decisive interventions was in market regulations. He took on the extortionist trade unions that had long exploited traders and consumers alike. After banning these groups, food prices dropped, and this immediately benefited the mekunus, the ndi-ogbenyes and talakawas. This is in contrast to the previous administration of Obaseki, which allowed cartels to flourish while the common man – the hoi polloi suffered.

      But perhaps Okpebholo’s boldest move yet was his reversal of the Central Hospital travesty. Under Obaseki, this all-important healthcare facility was converted into a museum – a playground for the well-heeled, a symbol of governance that prioritized aesthetics over human lives. Okpebholo, however, has restored the hospital to its rightful purpose: treating the sick, not showcasing relics to satisfy the vanity of the well-heeled. 

      On infrastructure, the difference is night and day. While Obaseki wasted years blaming the federal government for bad roads, Okpebholo rolled up his sleeves and got to work. The same roads Obaseki told Edo people to “manage” and be “patient” and to “bear with him”, are now being fixed – not for the rich who fly over potholes in their SUVs, but for the common man who commutes daily. Not for the prosperous few who fly from the Benin airport to Maitama in Abuja but for the hoi polloi who endure the gallops and dangers of the terrible roads under Obaseki to Gwagwalada in Abuja. 

      Okpebholo has also dismantled the consultant-driven governance model that drained state resources. He has disengaged all external consultants who operated as middlemen siphoning funds, returning control to the civil service. Even more significantly, he has converted casual sweepers who Obaseki kept in job insecurity for eight years into permanent civil servants and would now earn the minimum wage. 

      In education, Okpebholo’s increase in subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma was not a favor to the elite but a direct relief to struggling students and their parents. Contrast this with Obaseki’s obsession to punish the poor students and university by reducing their subvention to N40 million but Okpebholo has increased it to over N500 million. 

      Another defining trait of Okpebholo’s “governance of the poor, by the poor and for the poor” is his commitment to homegrown leadership. Unlike Obaseki, who had a penchant for importing strangers into government – technocrats who neither understood nor cared for Edo people; Okpebholo has appointed commissioners who are true sons and daughters of the state. These are people who have lived with us, worked with us, and understand our struggles.

      Governor Okpebholo is not just running a government; he is leading a movement – the one that places the talakawas, the mekunus, and the ndi-ogbenye at the heart of governance.

      His brand of politics is not about cocktail parties and elite conferences; it is about real governance, real policies, and the real people. He breathes politics, eats politics, acts politics, dances politics, speaks politics, and practices politics – but all in service of the common man.

      For eight years, Edo State endured a government of the wealthy, for the wealthy, and by the wealthy. Today, under Okpebholo, we finally have a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.

    • Group hails fight against insurgents, others 

      Group hails fight against insurgents, others 

      The Redemption Youth for Good Governance (TRYGOG) has commended the fight against insurgency in the north and oil theft in the Niger Delta. 

      The group commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa for leading the renewed campaign targeted at ensuring stability and economic growth in the country. 

      National President of TRYGOG, Isaac Owoicho, gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. 

      The group said the defence chief had since his appointment on June 23, demonstrated a high level of professionalism and competence in the discharge of his duties.

      The statement read in part: “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa who has been leading this renewed campaign targeted at ensuring stability and economic growth is leaving no stone unturned.

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      “In the Niger Delta, oil theft has been a persistent issue, significantly impacting Nigeria’s economy.

      “The government, under President Bola Tinubu, has launched initiatives to combat this problem, aiming to increase oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2025. Operations such as Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and involving the Nigerian Navy and the petroleum ministry, have been intensified to curb oil theft.

      “These measures include deploying advanced military resources like armed drones and attack helicopters. Crushing Oil Theft and Economic Sabotage in the Niger Delta

      “Oil theft has posed a significant challenge to Nigeria’s economy, leading to revenue losses amounting to billions of dollars annually.

      “Recognising the urgency of the situation, General Musa has intensified military action through Operation Delta Sanity (OPDS) and Defence Monitoring Team– a mission aimed at eradicating crude oil theft, illegal refineries, and pipeline vandalism.

      “Insurgency in the northeastern region has received the heavy blow of the Nigerian military as the intensified operations against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has led to the elimination of key insurgent leaders and numerous fighters, contributing to a decline in such nefarious activity. These efforts have also resulted in the arrest of suspected militants and the release of numerous hostages.

      “Since his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in June 2023, General Christopher Musa has remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s fight against crime, oil theft, insurgency, and other forms of criminality.

      “His proactive leadership has strengthened military operations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved national security efforts, reaffirming the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding lives and national assets.

      “As a body we are impressed with the military while we still admonish them not to relent as there are more grounds to be covered.”