The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • 64 schools to compete for N10m prize in Olu of Warri’s quiz and debate

    64 schools to compete for N10m prize in Olu of Warri’s quiz and debate

    Sixty-four schools from Warri and neighboring kingdoms in Delta State are set to participate in the 2025 Ogiame Atuwatse III Intercollegiate Quiz and Debate Competition.

    The N10 million grand prize competition was announced last October by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III through his Sole Representative Liaison to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Prince Collins Edema.

    Speaking at a press conference held at Nana College, Warri, Edema emphasized that the maiden edition of the competition stems from the monarch’s vision to promote education among children in Warri Kingdom and Delta State.

    Flanked by project team members, including the Quiz Project Lead, Coker Tuoyo, Edema conveyed the monarch’s appreciation to educators and students for their enthusiasm and readiness to participate in the upcoming competition.

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    “I want to convey the heartfelt gratitude of His Majesty to all schools present here today, for being available to participate in this intercollegiate competition.

    “The education of the Warri child and of course, the Delta Child is dear to the heart of His Majesty. That is why we are having this competition,” the Olu of Warri’s Sole Representative stated.

    Hinting that the competition would explore science subjects and current affairs, he further disclosed that apart from the N10 million prize, participants would go home with other gift prizes.

    On his part, the Project Lead, Tuoyo, emphasized that the competition hopes to nurture young minds educationally.

    According to him, 64 schools divided into 16 groups are earmarked to partake in the competition which would be split into eight rounds beginfrom January to culminate in June 2025.

    He explained that the targeted participants are Senior Secondary School students drawn from public and private schools across seven Local Government Areas – Warri South, Warri Southwest, Warri North, Okpe, Uvwie, Udu, and Sapele LGAs.

  • Female self-kidnapper, accomplice arrested

    Female self-kidnapper, accomplice arrested

    The Police Command in Delta State has apprehended a female self-kidnapped suspect and her accomplice in Asaba.

    Spokesman of the command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe made this known in a  statement in Warri.

    Edafe said the suspects were arrested on Monday by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Labe Joseph following an intelligence-led investigation.

    He said the police operatives embarked on the investigation following a directive by the command’s

    Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda.

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    Edafe added that N2 million was recovered from the suspects.

    “On January 2, 2025, the command received a complaint from one Mrs Oliko Joy that her daughter Princess  left the house on December 30, 2024 and did not return.

    “That on December 31, the parents received a call that their daughter had been kidnapped and they demanded a ransom of N2 million.

  • ‘We want justice’

    ‘We want justice’

    Otokutu Community Descendants Union of Urhobo, Delta State, has condemned the kidnap and killing of Paulinus Okon.

    In a statement by the President, Peter Police, the union commiserated with the family.

    The statement was signed by Police; the eldest man, Orode Iroroje and George Gori.

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    It said weeks after the kidnap, the victim was killed despite ransom allegedly paid.

    “We condemn the killing of Mr Paulinus Okon over an alleged money transaction.

    “We console the family and pray God to grant it the fortitude to bear the loss,” it said.

    OCDU thanked the police and called for arrest and prosecution of suspects.

  • One allegedly shot, nine arrested over botched community conference

    One allegedly shot, nine arrested over botched community conference

    A botched annual conference has resulted in the alleged shooting of a man, John Ogedegbe, and arrest of eight community youths and a woman protesting against military takeover of their town hall at Okpare community in Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Thursday.

    This is even as over 100 women of the community protested to the palace of Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, condemning the deployment of military and other security agencies to stop the annual conference of the community.

    Ogedegbe was allegedly shot by a member of the Vigilante Group deployed to support military personnel earlier deployed to stop the conference from taking place

    Ogedegbe, who was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, was later arrested by policemen from Ekpan Police Division and is currently being detained.

    The President General of Okpare-Olomu, Mr. Okiemute Otaka, who disclosed the shooting of Ogedegbe and the protesters’ arrest said it was a peaceful protest against the military takeover of the community town hall, venue of the annual conference.

    The President General gave the names of those arrested to include David Ogodogu, Wealth, Ebruphiyo Alfred, Andrew Iruoga, Ogaga and Alex Orgi, currently being detained at the Otu-Jeremi Police Station.

    He added that Ogedegbe, who sustained a bullet injury, is being held at the Ekpan Police station.

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    Speaking at the conference, the President General denied reports that there was a court order stopping the annual conference, stressing that it was illegal to use security agencies to stop the highest decision-making body.

    “The annual conference is the highest-making body of Okpare-Olomu in the Olomu Kingdom. There’s no court cancelling the conference. It’s at the conference that we present our stewardship and achievements to the people.

    “Those against the conference are those who do not want us to give reports of community land illegally sold. This is the reason behind the crisis. We are after peace, and we’ll do everything to ensure we protect the interest of our people. The letter sent to me by the local government was not an order but a request letter,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, the chairman of Ughelli South LGA, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, has reacted to the crisis in the Okpare community.

  • ‘Delta Ethnic Cup fostering unity, discovering talents’

    ‘Delta Ethnic Cup fostering unity, discovering talents’

    The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup goes beyond fostering peace and unity, to providing a platform for football talents hunt, Niger Delta activist and initiator of the tournament, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has said.

    In a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Mulade who is also the National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), called for more partnership to ensure sustainable peace in the area.

    The finals of the tournament had seen Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) knock out Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) 3 goals to 1, at Orerokpe town, with the former clinching the championship title with a grand prize of N2 million cash, a trophy, and gold medals for the players.

    While the runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC) got N1.5m million cash prize, and silver medals for the players, the third and fourth-place winners (Team Urhobo, Udu United FC and  Team Isoko (Winsome FC) received N1 million cash prize, and bronze medals for the players and N500,000 and consolation prizes, respectively. However, Team Isoko was disqualified and banned from participating in the next edition for breaching guidelines.

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    Emphasizing the essence of the competition, which he said was “fostering unity and celebrating sporting excellence among ethnic groups in Delta State,” Mulade revealed that “the success of the 2024 tournament has paved the way for the next (6th) edition”.

    “Plans are underway to expand participation, introduce new categories, and ensure that the event remains the cornerstone of Delta State’s sports calendar,” he revealed.

    Recalling the just concluded tournament,  the environmentalist noted the significance of the special novelty match to flag-off the tournament at Ode-Itsekiri, with Itsekiri/Ijaw team on one side, against other ethnic groups, as part of efforts to drive home the objectives of the competition.

    “It is imperative to state that since the ethnic conflict that engulfed Delta State over 20 years ago, particularly Warri and environs, this is the first time the Ijaws and Itsekiris are united by forming a unity team to play against other ethnic groups in the state,” he stated.

  • Two die over revenue collection

    Two die over revenue collection

    Two persons have been shot dead in a renewed clash allegedly over control of revenue collection in Ughelli Main Market, Delta state.

    It was gathered that the clash which occurred Monday, was between Ekiugbo and Iwhreko communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

    The two communities have had a longstanding dispute over the market revenue collection rights.

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    One of the victims, Onome, popularly known as Oyibo, was shot while collecting payments from petty traders at the Ughelli Main Market, while the second victim, identified simply as Nathaniel, sustained severe bullet wounds and was rushed to the Ughelli Central Hospital, where he later died.

    According to a witness, “Oyibo was busy collecting levies when some unidentified men approached him. There was a brief commotion, and just as it seemed resolved, gunshots suddenly rang out. People initially thought it was just fireworks, but then everyone started fleeing when they saw Oyibo’s lifeless body by the former EcoBank area.”

    It was also learnt that Nathaniel was assisted by three women and two men who rushed him to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

  • Omu Resort unveils second edition of ‘Christmas in Delta’

    Omu Resort unveils second edition of ‘Christmas in Delta’

    The organizers of “Christmas in Delta”, Africa’s most anticipated Christmas festival, have unveiled the lineup for the second edition of this vibrant 45-day celebration, set to take place in Delta State.

    Following its debut in 2023, which captivated attendees and positioned Delta as a premier holiday destination in Nigeria, this year’s “Christmas in Delta” will run from December 1, 2024, to January 14, 2025. With over a million visitors expected, the event is set to further elevate the state’s tourism profile.

    The event is orchestrated by Omu Resort, a prominent player in the entertainment and theme park industry, known for delivering world-class events and family experiences. With a packed schedule, attendees can look forward to an exciting array of festivities, all beginning with a dazzling Christmas light-up ceremony at Asaba’s Christmas Village, graced by the Delta State Governor, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori.

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    Focused on promoting tourism, culture, and commerce, “Christmas in Delta” is projected to drive economic growth and contribute significantly to the state’s GDP. Key attractions this year include a thrilling novelty soccer match featuring Super Eagles players of Delta origin versus Delta Nollywood stars, and the “Asaba Art Exhibition”, showcasing the best of regional art.

    Other highlights include a high-energy “Car Drifting Show” with top national drifters, the “Warri City Carnival” on December 22, and the immersive “Warri Christmas Experience”, which will feature the lively “Shekere Praise & Worship” on December 24. The festivities will peak with a grand fireworks display across all Delta State local government areas on “Delta Fireworks Display Night”.

    Attendees can also enjoy the vibrant “DJ Rave” and the high-energy “Osubi End-of-Year Concert” to conclude the celebration.

  • NDLEA has abandoned us, family of toddler shot lament

    NDLEA has abandoned us, family of toddler shot lament

    The family of a two-year old Eromonsele Omhonria who was shot in the eye by the men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State, has cried out that he has not received any treatment since then.

    The elder brother of the victim, Ivan, was killed in the incident by the bullets of the NDLEA officers.

    The NDLEA officers were said to be conducting a raid nearby on July 13 before the children were hit by stray bullets.

    Ivan was two and Eromonsele was one at the time of the incident.

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    The parents of the children on Tuesday said they had been abandoned by the NDLEA.

     Omhonria’ father, Fidelis told the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions yesterday.

    The family lawyer, Mathew Edaghese, said whenever the little boy cries, blood comes out from his eye and mixes with the tears.

    The family said following the incident the hospital in Delta State referred them to an eye specialist hospital in Lagos, which further referred them to a hospital in the United States.

  • Delta APC women get rewards for loyalty at summit

    Delta APC women get rewards for loyalty at summit

    Women of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State were rewarded for their loyalty in Asaba at a summit hosted by former National Women Leader, Stella Okotete.

    Ejieh Helen (Delta North); Mrs Rita Ogagarojor (Delta South); Mrs Queen Ogedengbe (Delta Central) got N1 million each, while Roseline Akamakowe, Endurance Akoka, Edewor Rose, Lizzy Unurhoro and Mercy Ochei got N500,000 each, among others

    Okotete extolled virtues of the women, who stood by the party during the election, which led to the victory of two senators, Representatives and seven Assembly members.

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    Special guest, National Women Leader, Mary Idele, described Okotete as a consistent, loyal and steadfast leader.

    State Women Leader, Mrs Tina Okwudili, said over 500 women traders joined APC.

    She unveiled Delta State Progressives Cooperative and Agricultural Farmers schemes, o empower APC women.

    Okotete received commendations from state Chair, Elder Omeni Sobotie, represented by his wife, noting the impact of Okotete who she referred to as the Lioness of Niger Delta.

  • Recurring disaster

    Recurring disaster

    •Urgent measures needed to make the Majiya tanker explosion that killed over 150 the last

    Since the Jesse, Delta State, pipeline explosion of October 18, 1998, in which 1,082 persons were killed, one would have thought that Nigerians had learnt enough lesson not just to run but flee from scenes of fuel leakages or explosions. This is so, given the sheer number of casualties of the tragedy, especially with graphic pictures of their burnt bodies. People who wanted to learn would have said never again to such experience, no matter the temptation.

    Unfortunately, we have recorded many similar incidents with varying casualties from several other fuel explosions in several parts of the country.

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said there were more than 1,500 such accidents of fuel tankers overturning, resulting in 535 deaths in 2020 alone.

    The most recent incident of tanker explosion in which scores also died while scooping up fuel from a tanker that overturned occurred at Majiya Village in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State early on Wednesday morning. As at the time of writing this editorial, at least 153 victims had reportedly been buried and about 100 hospitalised due to injuries they sustained.

    Jigawa State Police Command spokesman DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams who confirmed the incident in a statement said: “Today (Wednesday) a petrol tanker from Port Harcourt going to Nguru in Yobe State reached Majiya village of Taura Local Government Area at around 12:30 am., the driver lost control at Majiya and falls down.

    “The content in the tanker flooded gutters and drainages in village. The villagers started fetching the fuel” when suddenly the petrol burst into flames and the tanker exploded.

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    It is unfortunate that 153 lives were lost to this yet avoidable tragedy that nothing can justify. Not even poverty that some people adduce as the cause. Things are hard, no doubt. But some people had been engaging in this act ever before things became tough in the country. Yet, there is nobody that does not know that life has no duplicate. Those who died from the incident can no longer be revived, even as life cannot be the same again for some of those who sustained injuries.

    It is bad enough that articulated vehicles continue to fall on our roads due to a lot of reasons that ordinarily should worry us. For instance, what is the state of many of these vehicles? Are they roadworthy in the first place? Are their drivers having enough rest? And what about the roads, are they in good shape? There is no doubt that many of what we pass for roads in several parts of the country are death traps. Moreover, some of the drivers of the articulated vehicles, like their other counterparts, take all manner of drugs and alcoholic drinks before beginning their journeys, or on the road. All of these require the attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies responsible for safety on our roads.

    How about our fire services that should move swiftly to the scene when tragedies occur? This is as good as dead in many states. Just as emergency responders are either non-existent or inadequate in many parts of the country. In other places where they seem to exist, they have been reduced to sharing of relief materials. Perhaps the casualties in these incidents would have been far less if all of these agencies were functioning well.

    While we commiserate with the families of the victims, we call on the appropriate agencies and governments to be more alive to their responsibilities. It is high time the government considered seriously ending fuel transportation by road. It is in our collective interest to do the needful in this regard because accidents or tragedies do not give notice. They just happen, and when they occur, they do not discriminate. Just anybody could become victim.