A newly appointed member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Commission (EDSOPADEC), Uwa Lawrence Okah, has expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo over his appointment.
In a statement, Okah conveyed his appreciation to the governor and several individuals who may have played a key role in his appointment.
Among those he recognised was the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku including leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and members of the APC especially in the Oredo local government area.
He also acknowledged the influence of the Benin traditional institution on his journey, extending his gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for his unwavering commitment to preserving Benin culture and promoting stability in governance.
While celebrating his appointment, he outlined a robust three-point agenda that he intends to pursue vigorously as a board member: to reinforce community development through the provision of essential amenities; enhance the socio-economic empowerment of oil-bearing host communities through skill acquisition, capacity building, environmental protection, and sustainability; and, advocate for legislative reforms in the oil and gas sector through the state assembly.
He also identified various issues that have hindered the Commission’s impact on host communities and are determined to improve project evaluation, monitoring, environmental impact assessments, and collaboration with government bodies and stakeholders.
As the representative of Edo South’s interests on the EDSOPADEC board, Okah is well-positioned to effectively lead the Commission in the oil and gas sector. Engr. Okah appears dedicated to these objectives and is committed to operating with integrity and fairness toward all communities.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has reaffirmed the commitment to the existing zoning arrangement in Delta North Senatorial District, declaring that it is the turn of the Ndokwa Nation to produce the next senator in 2027.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, the seasoned politician and former Delta State PDP chairman emphasized the need for fairness, equity, and adherence to the established rotational framework.
According to Nwaoboshi, the senatorial seat in Delta North has historically rotated among the Ndokwa, Ika, and Aniocha-Oshimili blocs, each serving for 12 years.
“With Aniocha-Oshimili completing its term, equity demands that Ndokwa Nation takes its turn. I was part of the team that upheld this arrangement in the past, and I remain committed to ensuring its continuity,” he stated.
Tracing the history of power rotation in Delta North, Nwaoboshi recalled that the late Senator Patrick Osakwe of Ndokwa Nation served three terms from 1999 to 2015 before stepping aside to allow Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of the Ika bloc to emerge.
Okowa served in the Senate before becoming governor for eight years, further solidifying the rotational arrangement.
“The principle of equity guided our decisions in the past, ensuring that every bloc had its turn. This arrangement has brought stability to Delta North politics, and it must be upheld,” Nwaoboshi said.
He reiterated his commitment to respecting the zoning agreement, adding that it would be morally wrong for any bloc to seek to retain the position after completing its turn.
Addressing the internal crisis in the Delta APC, Nwaoboshi criticized the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee, accusing it of creating further divisions within the party.
He described proposals such as the creation of a “Leadership Council” and a co-chair arrangement between Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and a serving minister as unconstitutional and counterproductive.
“The party must adhere to its constitution. Creating structures outside the constitution is a recipe for chaos. The proposal to have Senator Omo-Agege co-chair with a minister is illogical and undermines the party’s hierarchy,” he said.
Nwaoboshi urged party members to prioritize unity and fairness, emphasizing the need for Delta North to produce the next APC state chairman following Delta South’s tenure.
“Equity must prevail within the APC. Denying Delta North this right will only deepen divisions,” he warned.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Nwaoboshi underscored the importance of zoning in fostering inclusivity and stability in Delta North politics, calling on party members to uphold fairness and work collectively to strengthen the APC in Delta State.
“If we must build a stronger APC, we must set aside personal interests and focus on equity, unity, and the party’s collective success,” he concluded.
A group, National Advocate for Good Governance has commended the 10th Senate for confirming the appointments of the executive management and board members of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The group specifically hailed the appointment of Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as Executive Director, Corporate Services of the Commission.
The confirmation followed a thorough screening process conducted by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Regional Development Commissions, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, alongside other distinguished members of the committee.
In a statement, the National Coordinator of the group Dansiraj Muhammed, said Okonkwo’s groundswell of experience will contribute massively to the development of the Commission.
He commended the Senate for confirming his nomination, while assuring that Okonkwo will discharge his duties effectively in the overall interest of the South East region.
Other confirmed executive management and board members includes
“Dr. Emeka Worgu – Chairman,
Hon. Mark C. Okoye – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Nasiru Usman – Member, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo – Member,
Edward David Onoja – Member, Orure Kufre Inima – Member,
Daniel Akwari – Member
Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma – Member.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during the screening process emphasised the critical role of the SEDC in addressing the developmental challenges of the South East region.
He urged the nominees to uphold the trust placed in them by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, South Easterners, as well as the Nigerian people.
“You are the face of this Commission. Do not engage in any act that could tarnish the President’s or the Commission’s image. The Senate will not hesitate to recommend your removal if you fail to deliver,” Kalu stated.
The SEDC is mandated to address the socio-economic challenges facing the South East region by facilitating rapid and sustainable development. The Commission aims to transform the region into an economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative, and politically peaceful zone through strategic policies, projects, and partnerships.
The confirmation of the SEDC Executive Management and Board members by the Senate marks a significant milestone in addressing the developmental needs of the South East region. The Commission is expected to commence operations upon its inauguration. Its primary focus will no doubt be on sustainable infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and regional collaboration to create a stable and prosperous South East.
The Arochukwu Kingdom hosted a historic awards ceremony on December 26, 2024, recognising 79 of its distinguished sons and daughters for their outstanding contributions to the community.
The event, held a day after Christmas, saw an unprecedented number of recipients, making it the most significant awards ceremony in the Kingdom’s history.
The ceremony was hosted by His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, who used the occasion to call for unity and collective efforts toward the development of Arochukwu.
Addressing the awardees, Eze Oji urged them to leverage their individual opportunities to serve the Kingdom.
“Join hands with me and Ndi Eze, Eze Ibom Isii, and Eze Agwu. Let’s unite and develop our community. Offer yourself to serve. The Kingdom needs you more than you need it,” he said.
The awards included the prestigious Ugwuaro, Ikemba, and Adaukwu titles, which were conferred following a rigorous and merit-based selection process.
The monarch charged the recipients to remain committed to the progress of the community.
Governor Alex Otti’s Commitment to Infrastructure
The event also featured Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti as the special guest of honour.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure across the state, particularly in Arochukwu.
He highlighted the ongoing Ohafia-Arochukwu road project, which aims to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity to the Local Government Area.
Governor Otti also announced plans to retrofit schools and reopen the State Hospital for public use, emphasizing his administration’s focus on empowering citizens.
“We aim to empower people to become self-sufficient; we want to give you the means to earn, not just provide you with food,” he said.
The governor lauded Eze Dr. Oji for his commitment to the Kingdom’s development and encouraged him to continue advancing the community’s interests.
The ceremony was enlivened by the performance of renowned Igbo musician Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, who thrilled the audience with his hit tracks.
Seventy-nine individuals received honors: Ugwuaro Title (30 recipients) recognizing exemplary community service, Ikemba Aro Title (31 recipients) celebrating exceptional leadership.
Adaukwu Title (18 recipients) acknowledging distinguished contributions by women.
Notable honorees included Mazi Orie Oji, Engr. Dr. Obioha Fubara Okoroafor, and Mazi Ikechukwu Jonah Okafor, among others.
Recipients included Rev. Clinton Ikechukwu Okoro, Hon. Chimereze Isaac Okoro, and Dr. Onyema Steven Edward, among others.
The ceremony underscored the spirit of unity, excellence, and dedication that continues to define the Arochukwu Kingdom.
The awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also inspired collective efforts to drive the community forward.
Adaukwu Aro awards were given to Lady Paulina Goddy Ijeomah, Lady Ijeoma Nnennaya Udensi, Lady Ann Ike-Okoronkwo, Ezinne Eucharia Chinatu Oti, Adamazi Chinyere Odinakachi, Dr Nnennaya Chisom Duke, Nneoma Commy Ukpabio, Dr Mrs Sandra Ifeyinwa Madubuonwu, Adaukwu Mrs Queeneth Ogechi Bialose, Adamazi Edith Nnebumadu, Dr Mrs Catherine Nkechi Ukoha, Adamazi Ely Umeham, Adamazi Veronica Ijeoma Olugu, Mrs Celestina Chibor Alicho Onyebuchi, Dr Mrs Theodora Chidiebere Nwosu, Mrs Gift JK Onwuchekwa, Nwamazi Ngwanma Nnadozie, and Adamazi Nne Nwafor.
In a related development, the Ezinneoma Social Club has presented food, cash and clothing gifts to the elderly in the spirit of the Yuletide. At a Mass Rally and the launch of the Ezinneoma Social Club of Arochukwu Kingdom at Aggrey Primary School in Ibom Arochukwu, the group said it has decided to support the aged in society, knowing how vulnerable they are, especially in times of emergency.
Speaking on the matter, His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji urged the elderly to live with hope, as none will be forgotten or forsaken, as long as he is the Eze Aro.
The monarch also commended the Club for their generosity toward those in need, especially the elderly.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of Ugoeze Nneoma Oji, the wife of His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, as the Ezinneoma of Arochukwu Kingdom, while the mother of Eze Aro, Dr Doris Ekenma Oji received the Grand Patron award.
The impact of Arochukwu women continued to be felt during the celebrations as Nzuko Aro Women, UK Branch decided to surprise the community by donating a completed community hall to the kingdom to be used during different events. The hall came with a skills acquisition centre, which, if fully utilized, would employ hundreds if not thousands of young people in the community.
Speaking at the presentation of the building to Eze Aro in Council and Nzuko Aro Worldwide, the President of the United Kingdom branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, Dr Ely Umeham, called for increased support for women to build more sustainable structures within the community.
She stated that all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom are stakeholders in the development of the community.
“We are all stakeholders in the Arochukwu project, so let’s come together to support the Light Up Project launched by Eze Aro,” she stated.
The commissioning and handing over Hall took place on December 30, 2024, at Ugwuavo, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State.
She noted that the women have more projects planned and urged all sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom to offer their support.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, commended the UK branch of the Women’s Wing of Nzuko Aro Worldwide for establishing the Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, highlighting the importance of supporting women in society.
He remarked that since the emergence of His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the community has seen significant improvements. He also acknowledged the President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Women’s Wing, Mrs. Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, for her leadership and statesmanship.
“I want to thank Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere for her leadership, as well as the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for their role in commissioning this remarkable structure. I also appreciate the President General of Nzuko Aro, Mazi Nnadozie Udensi, for his dedication to strengthening the ties and leadership that elevate UmuAro to great heights,” he said.
President Inyom Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere also spoke, stating that establishing the structure in less than two years was a significant achievement. She expressed gratitude to the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for the new facility, which will serve the women of Arochukwu for various events.
“We brought our needs to the Women’s Wing of all branches, and the UK Branch answered the call, completing the construction in just two years. It was flagged off in August 2023, and today, December 30, 2024, we are commissioning it. This hall gives us a venue for our meetings and events, eliminating the need to rent spaces. We have chairs donated by the USA branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing. Thank you all for celebrating with us,” she said.
After the opening ceremony of the Women’s Skills Acquisition Center in Ugwuavo, His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji thanked the women for constructing the facility, emphasizing that a grateful heart attracts more good fortune. He encouraged the community to continue supporting the women, who have demonstrated exceptional management skills in handling entrusted funds.
In response, Dr. Ely Umeham, President of the UK branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing, presented the structure to the sons and daughters of UmuAro and urged everyone to invest in the project for the community’s development.
“We appreciate your presence and support for our newly built structure. We have more projects to complete, including starting a borehole and restroom facilities. We still have much work to do for the development of Arochukwu Kingdom,” she said.
Among those present were Eze Ibom Isii Mazi Amos Ngwu Okoro, President General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Sir Nnadozie Udensi, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, Secretary General of Nzuko Aro Worldwide Dr Friday Uche, Mazi Chris Onyeador, Executive President, All Aro USA, President Inyom Aro Ezinne Olaedo Chibuzor Onyekwere, President Okennachi Mazi Udo Chijioke, Mazi Ernie Onwumere, Pastor Chi Lancaster Okoro, and many other notable personalities.
The event’s highlight was the official opening of the hall by His Eminence Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji and his entourage. Recognition was given to women by the Calabar Branch of Nzuko Aro Women’s Wing for their outstanding contributions to Arochukwu Kingdom. Awards were presented to Secretary-General Nzuko Iyom Aro Elder Mrs Kate N. Ijeomah as Oji Nkpisi Turu Ugoeze 1, Evangelist Mrs Chinyere Okoro Lancaster as Ezinneoma Aha 1, the President for Home Branch Mrs Blessing Okoro Ezinne Aro Ji Aga Mba, Ezinne Mazi Chinenye N. Nwaka as Ugo Gbuzuo 1, Mrs Ngozi Chidi Uche as Ezinne di Aro Nma, Mrs. Ugozamba Cecilia Ijoma as Oji Ugo 1, Ezinne Beauty Okoronkwo, and Elder Mrs. Egosi for their contributions to the ancient Kingdom of Arochukwu.
Nigerian socialite and businessman Obi Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has urged Oba indigenes worldwide to rally behind the new monarch, Igwe Augustine Chinedu Emelobe, Eze Okpoko II, in a bid to elevate the Oba community to greater heights.
Cubana also appealed to aggrieved members of the community to set aside differences for the overall development of the Oba Kingdom.
He made this plea during a New Year homage to the monarch, accompanied by his brother, politician Ikenna Iyiegbu, alongside Tochukwu Adimora and Hon. Uche Mmaduekwe.
Obi Cubana joined numerous individuals, groups, and organizations that have visited Igwe Emelobe’s residence to pay homage and extend their congratulations.
Igwe Emelobe, who was elected as the new monarch in December 2024 and crowned by Oba elders later that month, has continued to receive goodwill messages and support from various quarters.
He said: “We have gathered in the name of God and selected an Igwe. God has approved of him, and we stand behind him. If anyone is aggrieved, he should forgive. Oba has to move forward, Oba must move forward, anyone feeling aggrieved should forgive, let’s move on. Oba is greater than these pockets of fights that have been ongoing, and Oba needs to develop.
“By this time next year, Oba will be a rallying point and others will come here to admire our community, our people, our traditions and culture, our food, our carnivals, our Ifejioku, our hotels. Oba is going to be great again,” he enthused.
Earlier, the business mogul, who is a son of Oba, had told the monarch that he came to show unbridled and unflinching support for his emergence so that Oba may take its place and pride in the affairs of Anambra communities.
He noted: “But the special grace of God, every son and daughter of Oba are proud of this land. Our brothers and sisters chose you to bring back some certain values of our land. This is a land that one shows pride in.
“I was in Ozubulu yesterday and there were some things that young people like us were instituting in the community, and I said to myself, this should be Oba. We should be tied to certain kinds of developments. There were roads, lock-up shops, and competition for development. Our neighbouring towns are competing to outdo one another on developments; we can’t let ourselves be held down. Let the young people of good parenting be part of what you are doing. Let whatever is tied to you be good in terms of truthfulness, let them be people who speak and whose opinions are respected, and let them be role models.
“We need to measure with some of these towns. When I went to one town’s convention in Houston, no one was trying to show off their doctorate and level in life but donned their traditional regalia. It’s only our place that it seems only old men are ichies and chiefs.
“Let the young ones get these titles and let them get it based on character, and let the world know the terms that were used to attain it.
“I trust you in terms of capacity to bring the kind of development worthy of emulation to our people, if you could do it in the oil sector, then you can do it for us.
“Oba has everything that can be galvanized to make it the envy of every other town in not just Anambra, but in all of Igboland. We have the manpower, we have the raw materials, men who think positively. The important thing is that, in the selection of these things, character is number one, before any other thing.
Also in his speech, Ikenna Iyiegbu told the monarch that although the town was an object of mockery in the past, the story has changed now, after his election into office as Igwe.
“People used to mock Oba, that we don’t have an Igwe, but the other day, it came up at a meeting where I met the governor and I told them that the situation has changed, that today, we have an Igwe. For the past six years, Oba has had no representation in terms of Igwe, and when other monarchs are invited to Awka, we are ashamed because Oba has no representation. It’s a thing of joy today that it has changed.
“I have not been too happy about what I have seen in the media. Let’s reconcile. The losers or winners, we are all brothers and we should inculcate everyone. What can we do for our Oba that will attract the great and mighty across Anambra State? What admirable action can we take that the whole state will hear and be in awe?
In his response, the monarch thanked the visitors for their support and pledged to give the community the best in terms of quality service as a leader.
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, drawing parallels to the historic surrender of Biafra to the federal government on January 13, 1970, which ended the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement marking the 53rd anniversary of the Biafra surrender, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, emphasized the need to honor the peace agreement that prioritized reconciliation and national unity.
Hamzat, a human rights ambassador, criticized IPOB’s violent approach, stating it contradicts the peaceful resolution adopted by Biafran leaders over five decades ago.
He urged IPOB to choose dialogue as a pathway to addressing grievances and fostering national harmony.
The organisation reminded IPOB that the declaration of “No Victor, No Vanquished” by the Federal Government laid the foundation for rebuilding and reintegration.
“The continued pursuit of violence by IPOB dishonors the memory of those who chose peace to stop further bloodshed in the South East during the Biafra war,” the statement said.
It condemned calls for the unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu without a commitment to peace, describing it as a misguided approach that cannot achieve lasting stability or development.
“True peace and progress require acknowledgment of mistakes and a change in approach. IPOB’s violent activities have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and devastated the economy of the Southeast,” the statement noted.
The organisation called on IPOB to recognise that sustainable peace is built on non-violent advocacy and peaceful negotiation, aligning with democratic principles and respect for human life.
It said that despite the factionalisation of IPOB and attempt by various factions to denounce the other, both factions cannot be exonerated from the crisis in South East, especially with the activities of the unknown gunmen and both factions must unite to take responsibility and work with federal government to end insecurity in the region.
The organisation therefore urged the federal government to remain committed to inclusive dialogue, justice, and equity, ensuring that grievances are addressed within the framework of national unity.
“As the country reflects on the lessons of the civil war, PeacePro reaffirmed its resolve to promote peace, demilitarisation, and reconciliation across Nigeria, highlighting that dialogue, not conflict, is the path to a prosperous and united nation,” the statement added.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ahamba has lamented the killing of Umuobor, Akaeze people of Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state, in a land tussle with their neighboring community.
The Legal Luminary also alleged that 9 persons are still missing in the recent clashes which broke out between the people of Umuobor and their neighbouring Ogwor community in Ishiagu town.
Ahamba, who is the legal representative of Umuobor community, made the call in a petition to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state.
He called on the state government and the Police in the state to arrest the killers of some members of the community in the land tussle between them and their Ogwor neighbors in the local government.
Umuobor and Ogwor communities have been at war for over five decades over a vast fertile land known as Elueke which has claimed many lives with properties worth billions of naira destroyed.
Various courts judgement including that of the nation”s apex court which ruled that the Elueke land belongs to Umuobor village, ought to have ended the crisis.
But the crisis took a more bloody twist last year when many killings, destructions and abductions on both parties were recorded.
Angered by the killings Governor Francis Nwifuru, convened a meeting of both parties where he threatened that government will take over the dispute land and declared it a buffer zone.
The governor at the stakeholders meeting set up committee with a view to resolving the crisis.
Ahamba, in the letter listed some members of the community killed in the crisis as John Chukwueke, Okaru Okoro and Sunday Eleke.
He urged the state Commissioner of Police to investigate their killings and prosecute those behind the dastardly act.
He called on the governor for to enforce the ruling of the supreme. Court which ruled that the disputed Elueke land belongs to the Umuobor people.
While noting that Mr Nwifuru is a law graduate, Mr Ahamba warned that failure to emforce te judgement will set a very nasty precedent for the future..
The petition reads in parts “Your Excellency, many people have in recent days been killed with nine people missing and feared dead. Some of the people confirmed killed are ; John Chukwueke, Okaru Okoro and Sunday Eleke.
“Your Excellency, why the perpetrators of these heinous acts of disobedience culminating in multiple acts of murders are not arrested by the police, is beyond my understanding.
“My very humble request is that you use your good offices to impress it on the security agencies in your state, and Chairman of the local government of the need to get Ogwor people to appreciate that the dispute has ended by the Supreme court decision instead of sharing of the land their point of settlement.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides in Section 287(1) this: “The decision of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by Courts of subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.
“Your Excellency, your government is one such authority in that State. Fortunately, you are a Lawyer.
“It is also very necessary that you call on the Commissioner of Police to be very proactive in these circumstances. Failure to enforce this judgement by due process, will set a very nasty precedent for the future”.
The newly appointed Executive Director of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Natural Resources for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Clifford Ogbede, has described the commission’s establishment as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s deep love and concern for the South East region.
Speaking at his Umuekwune, Obiangwu country home in Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State, during a congratulatory visit by the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum, Ogbede highlighted the historic significance of the commission.
He noted that the creation of the SEDC addresses a challenge lingering since the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War over 50 years ago, an issue past administrations failed to resolve despite sustained agitations.
“For President Tinubu to brave the odds and establish the commission shows his noble intentions for the South East,” Ogbede said, praising the president’s political and moral will to end the perceived marginalization of the zone.
He emphasized that the commission will accelerate development in the region, reduce tensions, and address long-standing grievances.
Ogbede also commended Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his pivotal role in the commission’s creation, as well as members of the 10th National Assembly for their collaborative efforts with the president to bring the SEDC to fruition.
Regarding his appointment, Ogbede expressed gratitude and described it as a call to serve God and humanity.
He pledged to fulfill his responsibilities with integrity, humility, and a commitment to the people of the South East.
He also called on members of the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum to partner with the SEDC, emphasizing the vital role of media professionals in supporting the commission’s mission.
“As opinion molders from the zone, your partnership will greatly enhance the commission’s ability to deliver on its mandates,” he said.
Ogbede concluded by expressing confidence in the team of experienced leaders appointed to oversee the SEDC, assuring that its objectives would be achieved under their leadership.
Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, has felicitated with marine, construction cum oil magnate, and Chairman of De-Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Emomena Wayles Egukawhore as he turns 59years.
In a statement, the House of Representatives member praised the businessman for his tenacity, entrepreneurial ingenuity, and philanthropy which has positively benefited many lives.
He said: “On behalf of the leaders and people of Isoko Federal Constituency, I heartily rejoice with a business-guru, investor, philanthropist, and administrator per excellence, High Chief (Dr.) Emomena Victor Wayles Egukawhore from Enhwe, on the auspicious occasion of his 59th birth anniversary.
“As a consummate businessman and strategic investor of foresight and great accomplishments, Chief Egukawhore crashed all records of daring and innovative enterprises to emerge as a frontline owner of maritime company with massive investment in civil construction and oil and gas in Delta and Nigeria.
“Through his De-Wayles Group of Companies, he has contributed enormously to the economic development of Nigeria just as he has also provided jobs for hundreds of youths in his various chains of businesses in the country.”
Hon Ukodhiko appreciated Chief Egukawhore for his unwavering support, saying, “he has been a supportive elder brother and inspiring mentor since his secondary days at James Welch Grammar School in Emevor.
“I’ll continue to leverage my collaboration with other entrepreneurs including Chief Egukawhore in engendering a business hub in our federal Constituency for economic growth and provision of job opportunities for our teeming youths of Isoko “
The Isoko federal lawmaker, Hon. Ukodhiko prayed and wished Chief Victor Egukawhore good health, sound mind in his service to Isoko-nation and humanity in general.
The town of Oba in Anambra State was abuzz with celebrations on Monday as residents gathered to honour their newly elected monarch, HRM Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe.
The ceremony marked his emergence as the Igwe-elect of the ancient town.
The solemn traditional rites were conducted by elders and kingmakers, led by the elder of Urueze, also known as ‘Aka ji Ofo Oba,’ along with elders from the town’s nine villages.
They presented the Igwe-elect with a new Ọfọ Oba, the town’s highest staff of authority and spirituality, symbolising the community’s trust and confidence in his leadership.
The event took place at the community’s ancient shrine in Urueze, the oldest settlement in Oba.
Following the traditional rites, the new monarch proceeded to St. Bethel Anglican Church, also in Urueze, where he dedicated his crown and leadership to God.
The ceremony attracted prominent figures from Oba and was steeped in the town’s rich traditions and customs. Music, dance, and a variety of local delicacies added to the festive atmosphere.
Traditional music groups and bands showcased their talents, adding vibrancy to the occasion.
The journey to this moment began on December 21, when Oba residents held a well-attended and peaceful election, widely covered by the media and shared across social media platforms.
The process was supervised by security agencies, including the police.
At the conclusion of the election, Engr. Augustine Chinedu Emelobe emerged as the Igwe of Oba and Eze Okpoko II, ushering in a new era of leadership for the community.
