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  • Delta communities protest against oil firm, demand host status recognition

    Delta communities protest against oil firm, demand host status recognition

    Indigenes of Abigborodo and Obotie communities in Delta State’s Warri North and Sapele Local Government Areas have staged a peaceful protest, demanding recognition as host communities to Seplat Energy PLC. 

    The protesters, who converged on Thursday at a site reportedly being cleared by the company for operations, urged the federal and state governments to intervene immediately.

    The group, comprising men, women, and youths, insisted on recognition in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates oil companies operating within a five-kilometre radius of any community to identify and benefit such communities as hosts. 

    Speaking at the protest, Hon. Misan Ukubehinje, Chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, criticized Seplat Energy for allegedly disregarding the rights of the communities and failing to comply with the provisions of the PIA.

    “This protest is a way for us to express our grievances. We have repeatedly complained to Seplat Energy PLC. Abigborodo is a host community, and the ownership of this land has belonged to our people for generations.

    “Seplat is operating here without considering us or the people of Obotie. They have moved their operations dangerously close to our land—about two kilometres from here—and now they want to commence drilling activities, including clearing and dredging. Such actions will destroy our waterways and aquatic life, which our communities depend on for survival,” the community leader posited.

    He further accused Seplat of ignoring the investigative findings of a team comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oil and Gas, and other government agencies, stating: “The team visited our community and observed the situation firsthand, but since then, we have heard nothing. Meanwhile, Seplat has gone ahead to mobilize their equipment to the site, infringing on our rights”.

    He reiterated the communities’ position that they would not back down until they are formally recognized as host communities, as stipulated by the PIA.

    In the same vein, the Youth President of Abigborodo, Great Kpenosen, disclosed that the protest was a last resort after all negotiations with Seplat failed.

    “We have been marginalized by Seplat. This land belongs to our community, and we have tried to engage them in discussions, but they refused to listen. That is why we are here to stop their operations. If they don’t meet with us for a proper roundtable discussion, we will shut down their activities for weeks.”

    Similarly, the Youth President of Obotie, Oyewumi Victor, reechoed their decision to remain at the site and “peacefully demand recognition,” adding, “If they fail to do so, their work will not continue”.

    On their part, women leaders of both communities, Patience Ologho (Abigborodo) and Julie Ayone (Obotie) lamented the company’s position regarding their demands.

    Read Also: Ardova HPL: Delta Queens, Tojemarine  join winning train

     “We are mothers, and we know how this affects our people. If Seplat had listened to us, we wouldn’t be here today. We demand what is rightfully ours,” Mrs. Ologho said.

    While Mrs Ayone stated: “Our community is less than three kilometres away from the site, yet Seplat refuses to recognize us as a host community. We have been writing letters for six months with no response. This is why we are here today to stop their operations peacefully.”

    Others who spoke, the Youth Secretary of Obotie, Eyitoto Oritse, and Secretary of Abigborodo Community, Victor Atsephnuo, described the situation as “unacceptable,” vowing to continue the protest indefinitely.

    Though no official comments have been released by Seplat, a company source assured The Nation, Friday morning that a statement reacting to the protest, was underway. 

  • Delta N42bn investment in UTM FLNG wise decision

    Delta N42bn investment in UTM FLNG wise decision

    The investment and acquisition of 8%stake in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas plant by the Delta State government is adjudged as best and wise decision ever taken.

    This is so, because Delta State government will continue earn extra  revenue from the investment in UTM FLNG, which will further boost or solidify the financial base of the State.

     At it stands, the money or resources that comes from Federal Allocations and Internally Generated Revenue  appears not sufficient enough for Delta State government to run the State.

    The long-term investment in UTM FLNG will bring in sufficient money that will help the government embark on more rapid development across the state.

    It is a right and timely decision taken by the Delta State government by grabbing and utilizing that life-time opportunity to invest in UTM FLNG.

    Recall that the Delta State government missed similar investment opportunity to acquire stake from the 45% shares of Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC, when the multi-national oil company divested some onshore assets in Delta State. 

    This happened sometime in the mid 2012. The international oil company, SPDC and Joint Venture partners  announced plan to move away from land operations and sold entire 45% stake in OMLs 30, 34, 26, 40, and 42, all located in Delta State.

    Imagine, if the Delta State Government in 2012, had acquired a minimum of 5% shares/stake in OMLs 30, 34, 26, 40, and 42. By now, the Delta State government would have been drawing or earning more resources from the investment in those crude oil assets.

    Unfortunately, that investment opportunity was lost because the Delta State government never contemplated or reasoned in that direction.

    This is why kudos must be given to Delta State government and  former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for acquiring 8% stake in the UTM FLNG.

    Such investment in UTM FLNG is for the benefit of Delta and will be generating extra resources for the state in the long run.

    Though, UTM FLNG operational base is in OML104, Akwa Ibom State, the Headquarters is in Warri, Delta State, that will create employment opportunities for Delta youths and women.

    It is an ideal decision that the UTM FLNG is sited in OML104, a field that has 2.2 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.

    Interestingly, it is expected that UTM FLNG will start  production in 2029 and will produce 2.8 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for export. This is huge and Delta State government investment will yield accruable dividends.

    Commendably, the 8% stake of Delta State government in UTM FLNG, is safe because the Group Managing Director, Mr. Julius Rone (OFR), is from Delta State.

    Contrary to wrong insinuation that the UTM FLNG will not be achieved, it is also worthy to know that the Nigerian Federal  Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company  Limited NNPCL, has  20% stake, which is why the project will succeed.

    The incumbent Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori deserved commendation for supporting the State investment in UTM FLNG.

    The people of Delta State must put away sentiment and look at the significance and future benefits of having an investment of  8% stake in UTM FLNG.

    Also Delta State Government Investment is over 200BN based on the current UTM FLNG Project Valuation based on PWC Investment report on the Project.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Five dead, one missing in Delta boat mishap

    Findings have revealed that other investors are buying into the UTM FLNG project because of the viability of the project.

    It is worthy to note that Delta State investment is over 450% as at today.

    Interestingly, the UTM Offshore Limited is the first indigenous private company in Nigeria, to build such a magnificent Floating Liquefied Natural Gas plant in the country.

    In conclusion, the Delta State government should also exploit more investment opportunities that will be of great future benefits to the state.

    Kudos to the Group Managing Director, Mr. Julius Rone (OFR), UTM Offshore Limited, for that wonderful vision on building UTM FLNG Plant and also thanking former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for saving for the future of Delta State and it’s citizens by acquiring 8% stake in UTM FLNG.

  • JUST IN: Five dead, one missing in Delta boat mishap

    JUST IN: Five dead, one missing in Delta boat mishap

    Five bodies, including that of a one-year-old child, have been recovered following a tragic boat accident near Benneth Island in the Warri Southwest council area of Delta State.

    The mishap, which occurred on Friday, involved passengers returning from a burial ceremony in Gbaramatu Kingdom. Nineteen individuals were rescued, while six others are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. One passenger remains unaccounted for. 

    Read Also: Nigeria’s waterways in crisis as boat mishaps surge

    A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the casualties, saying, “Five found dead, six persons injured and still receiving treatment, nineteen persons rescued, one still missing.” 

    Reports indicate that the speedboat collided with a submerged log, throwing passengers overboard. Many of them, unable to swim and lacking life jackets, were left vulnerable in the water.

  • Prove disputed Delta land belongs to you, group dares Okpanam indigenes

    Prove disputed Delta land belongs to you, group dares Okpanam indigenes

    A group, South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI), has challenged indigenes of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government area to visit Nigeria Police Force CID, Area 10 Abuja, to submit relevant documents relating to its ownership claim of the disputed land with Issele-Azagba people in Aniocha North Council area of Delta state.

    The group expressed concerns that the Okpanam Indigenes since the land dispute started about three years ago have not deemed it fit to visit the Force CID Area 10 Abuja to tender necessary documents to prove its ownership claim. 

    It said this smacked of cowardice that they failed to show up since the matter was transferred to Abuja. 

    Following an alleged bias of some senior police officers at the Delta Police Command, Asaba in handling the matter, some displeased stakeholders in the case petitioned the Force Headquarters and the matter was subsequently transferred to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun’s office.

    It was gathered that based on the violence and killings recorded over the disputed land, including the murder of two policemen three years ago and three youths early this year, IGP Egbetokun directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG CID), Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, to investigate the matter and bring to justice those responsible for the acts.

    Reacting to the alleged efforts by the Okpanam indigenes to frustrate the process of investigations by falling to appear before DIG Alabi at the Force CID Area 10 Abuja, SSPTI in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, noted it could be because the Okpanam indigenes do not have any document to prove their ownership case on the disputed land.

    Parts of the statement reads:“As a follow up to our earlier statement where we made it loud and clear that the Okpanam indigenes who had been the aggressor to the Issele-Azagba people of Aniocha North, over the land in question, do not have any document to prove their ownership, we have also discovered efforts by the same people to frustrate the ongoing investigations by not showing up at the Force CID, Area 10 Abuja.

    “We have carried out our independent investigations at the Police Headquarters, and find out that none of the key actors in Okpanam community laying claim to the disputed land have turned up at the place to present documents to back their claim so as to enable the investigating team led by DIG Alabi to carry out the mandate handed over to it by IGP Egbetokun”.

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    “While we find it difficult to understand why none Okpanam indigenes had appeared before the investigating panel in Abuja, we are also concerned how a kingdom that is laying claim to a disputed land cannot present documents to prove its ownership case beyond all reasonable doubts”.

    “We are therefore using this medium to call on the Okpanam community indigenes to be bold enough and come before the investigating panel and tender the documents relating to their ownership claim of the disputed land area so as to enable the team conclude of the assignment handed to it by the IGP Egbetokun”.

    “In a situation where they continue to evade appearing before the investigating panel, we want to urge the police to declare wanted the major actors both within and outside their community, as well as some of the senior police officers who had aided them to unleash series of terror that had claimed lives and bring them to justice.”

  • NAS offers free medical support to over 300 Delta residents

    NAS offers free medical support to over 300 Delta residents

    Over 300 hundred residents, including women and children of Egini, Ujewvu and other neighbouring communities in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, were beneficiaries of a free medical mission organised by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise called Pyrates at the weekend. 

    The outreach, which was part of NAS’s quarterly meetings at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Egini, offered eye care, dental care and other medical interventions.

    Chairman of Udu LGA, Hon. Vincent Oyibode, applauded NAS for the intervention and called on residents to avail themselves of the opportunity.

    “The Seadogs have not only provided free healthcare to Egini but extended services to the larger Udu community. This gesture is commendable and supports our local health facilities, which often struggle with resources,” he said. 

    Speaking to reporters, First Mate and Chief Administrative Officer of the NAS, Dr. Kenechukwu Eneli, said the initiative was aimed towards providing medical help to underserved communities, as well as advocate for improved healthcare access.

    “Today, we are here in Egini to bring healthcare directly to the people because our organization exists to assist those in need and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard. The outreach offered free diagnosis, treatment, and referrals, targeting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria,” the Texas-based medical doctor stated.

    Welcoming the turnout, he further urged other organisations to render such free healthcare to similar communities, stating: “We encourage other organisations to emulate what we are doing to help spread medical help to communities that don’t have it.

    NAS Second Mate, Chief Bart Akelemor, while restating the goal of the exercise, “to provide healthcare support to rural communities who do not usually have access to medical care,” lamented the lack of practitioners to cater to the sick.

    Read Also: Fubara, Wike and the Niger Delta threat

    Chief Akelemor also identified “cost anxiety,” as one reason people seek alternative healthcare, explaining thus: “Because of the high cost of accessing care, people don’t go to the hospital. 

    “They tend to want to go to one chemist native healer for their treatment, so the idea was to provide care to indigent citizens who cannot afford medical care, as well as use that as an advocacy project to government. 

    A member of NAS’s medical team, Odoemena Chiazor, disclosed that some patients were treated for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, typhoid among others.

    Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude to the organisation for the free medical mission. 

    A community leader, Dolor Patrick noted that the outreach brought quality care to their doorstep.

     “To access care at the General Hospital costs around N600 just for transport. NAS’s presence here saves us that expense,” he said. 

    Similarly, Joy Onogharefe, a local who was treated for typhoid and malaria, said “the treatment was free, thanks to NAS. I was previously asked to pay ₦25,000 elsewhere, but today I got it all here without charge.”

  • Delta Chief Judge begins prison visitations

    Delta Chief Judge begins prison visitations

    Delta State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai, will on Monday November 4, begin her 3rd quarter visit to Custodial Centres in the State, The Nation has learnt.

    According to the itinerary, Chief Justice Diai, will commence the routine appointment with the Warri Custodial Centre, from Monday November 4 to Tuesday November 5 by 10.00 a.m. daily.

    A statement signed by the Director, Public Communication/Functioning Permanent Secretary of Delta State Ministry of Information, Theresa Adiabua Oliko, announced the detailed schedule as follows:

    Read Also: Stop assigning police escorts to questionable characters, CDHR urges IGP Egbetokun

    “Sapele Custodial Centre – Wednesday 6th November, 2024. “Remand Home Sapele – Wednesday, 6th November, 2024. “Kwale Custodial Centre – Monday 11th November, 2024. “Agbor Custodial Centre – Tuesday, 12h November, 2024 and “Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre – Monday,18h November – Tuesday 19th November,2024.”

  • Anxiety as kingship tussle tears Delta community apart

    Anxiety as kingship tussle tears Delta community apart

    There is a looming crisis in Aboh Kingdom, Ndokwa East LGA, Delta state, over the choice of Obi Gregory Oputa (111) as king.

    The enthronement of the new monarch has caused sharp division among prominent indigenes of the community.

    The four quarters that produce the king are Umu Ogwezi, Umu Ossai, Umu Obi and Umu Ojugbele.

    The new monarch, Prince Gregory Oputa, was enthroned as the 20th Obi of Aboh on September 15, 2024.

    The Nation gathered that the crisis has pitted Hon Olise Imegwu, former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Ajieh Ogwu, President General, Aboh community and the four quarters that make up the kingdom against the new king and some prominent traditional title holders in the community.

    But the group backing the new monarch including Chief Paul Esumei, Ndanike of Aboh, Chief Ifeanyi Odili, Iyasele of Aboh, Chief Kenneth Odili, Ozeh of Aboh, and Isagba Ajieh of Aboh,  Chief Chris Ogwu, in a statement yesterday, threatened legal action against any individual or group misinforming the public or casting aspersion on the new monarch.

    They urged Aboh indigenes to support the new monarch.

    According to them, “it is a thing of joy that His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III has emerged in the person of Prince Gregory Oputa and it is our duty as indigenes of Aboh to accord him the respect he deserves as his subjects.

    Continuing, “there is no dispute arising from the emergence of the new King, Prince Gregory Oputa as due process was followed before he was crowned as the King amid jubilation by the people of Aboh Kingdom.”

    “Those who were interested in becoming the King should know that traditionally, the stool is no longer vacant as all the rites have been performed and it is impossible for us to have two Kings in Aboh Kingdom at the same time.

    “We should also bear in mind that it is the exclusive responsibility of the King makers to select who becomes a King in Aboh and they have discharged their functions diligently according to the criteria based on age-long custom and tradition of Aboh Kingdom.

    “We have implicit confidence in Obi Oputa III in his ability to take Aboh to greater heights; we are also praying that his reign will usher in a more peaceful and prosperous Aboh Kingdom for us to take our pride of place once again as a revered Kingdom in the world.

    Read Also: Tantita Security to N/Delta communities: diversify income sources away from crude oil pipelines

    “For the few persons who are not residing in Aboh but are committed to sending out messages that there is crisis in Aboh over the Kingship, we advise that you should make efforts to visit home and see the joy on the faces of our people, and also, enjoy the peace that now pervades Aboh Kingdom.

    “We also advise those few individuals, their cronies, media houses, including social media influencers, to stop all forms of actions that will cause disaffection in the Kingdom or project our King negatively before the world.

    “From now on, legal processes would be instituted against any individual, or organisation that misinforms the public or casts aspersions on our revered Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III.

    It will be recalled that Dr Olise Imegwu led a protest to Asaba, Delta state capital, denouncing what he described as the imposition of the new king on Aboh indigenes.

    Imegwu said due process was not observed in the crowning of the new monarch and challenged the new king to show the world the video of his crowning and who performed the ceremony.

  • Delta North APC reaffirms support for Omo-Agege, seeks post-election review

    Delta North APC reaffirms support for Omo-Agege, seeks post-election review

    Delta North All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have reaffirmed support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, urging unity under his leadership to build on the 2023 general election achievements.

    This commitment comes as the Delta All APC sets its sights on claiming the governorship in the 2027 elections.

    At a recent public hearing of the Secretariat Subcommittee of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee for Delta North at the Maryam Babangida Centre in Asaba, stakeholders presented memorandums advocating for party unity and focus under Omo-Agege’s leadership.

    By reaffirming their support for Omo-Agege, Delta North APC leaders demonstrated determination to reclaim the governorship and strengthen the party’s presence in the state.

    Notable stakeholders, including Barr. Ambrose Egwunatum (Ukwuani LGA), Mr. Churchill Edem (APC Chairman, Ukwuani LGA), Ogbueshi Kris Oputa (APC Chairman, Ndokwa East LGA), and Chief Gregory Dike Onah (APC Chairman, Ndokwa West LGA), Hon. Dr. Olisa Imegwu (former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly), Justice Azuka Odanike, Tony Ndanenu, Chief Dennis Okoh, Kingsley Saliye, Mrs. Omolara Eke, and Onotu Henry Okechukwu, emphasized the need to strengthen the party’s existing structure and make it more formidable.

    They also called for a thorough postmortem analysis of the 2023 governorship election to identify areas of improvement. The stakeholders further urged the party leadership to sanction members involved in anti-party activities, stressing that discipline is crucial for the party’s success in future elections.

    The APC’s renewed commitment is significant, given the party’s performance in the 2023 elections. Although the PDP won the governorship, the APC made gains in the senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections.

    Chief Kris Oputa, APC Chairman for Ndokwa East LGA, emphasised: “The party boasts a solid foundation in this region,” and expressed confidence in future electoral successes, citing Senator Omo-Agege and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi’s role in establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Ndokwa.

    Chief Dennis Okoh reflected on the 2023 governorship election, saying, “Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Hon. Friday Osanebi’s tireless campaigns would have secured our victory, but for acts of betrayal and other factors.” He condemned party members’ betrayal and stressed the need for discipline. “Let’s identify and discipline the moles among us,” he urged. “How can a leader nominate supporters for appointments in the opposing Sheriff government?” Okoh asked, highlighting the need for loyalty.

    High Chief Gregory Onah, Chairman of Ndokwa West LGA, is optimistic about the APC’s future prospects, thanks to the foundation laid by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. Their efforts have positioned the APC as a strong contender in upcoming elections.

    “For us in Ndokwa Nation, we are glad that through their excellent representation and particularly the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Ndokwa land, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi have made our work very easy, he said.

    Kingsley Saliye, another leader from Ndokwa West LGA, raised concerns about the party’s loss in the last election, suggesting internal sabotage as a possible cause. He advocated for a thorough review of the 2023 election and encouraged leaders to collaborate with Omo-Agege and Nwaoboshi to fortify the party’s presence in Delta North.

    Rt. Hon. Dr. Olisa Imegwu, a respected APC chieftain from Ndokwa East and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, voiced his discontent with the ongoing neglect of the Ndokwa nation by successive APC federal governments. He highlighted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s exceptional efforts in bringing development and empowerment to Ndokwa through his Senate office.

    However, Imegwu criticized the Minister for Aviation and Airspace Development for failing to engage with the Ndokwa people, disregarding their needs despite serving under Presidents Buhari and Tinubu. “It’s alarming that the Minister seeks party leadership without connecting with the people,” Imegwu emphasized, urging Delta’s political appointees to positively impact APC members in the state.

    Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, a prominent APC chieftain from Aniocha North Local Government Area, condemned the actions of certain party leaders in Delta North who allegedly undermined the party during the 2023 governorship election. He advocated for sanctions against these leaders to prevent future anti-party activities.

    Specifically, Nkeweshe cited the cases of a former Delta State House of Assembly speaker and a former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) chairman, who allegedly worked against the party due to grievances against Senator Omo-Agege.

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    Nkeweshe alleged that the former NDDC chairman distributed dollars to influence voters against the APC during the governorship election, until his supporters chased them away from the polling units. Furthermore, he claimed that the former speaker, who received funds for the elections in Delta North, failed to show up until election day morning, and the funds were not utilized.

    Chief Nkeweshe also revealed that the then-Governor of Delta State and Senator Ned Nwoko consulted with the former speaker in their respective homes, while he was working tirelessly to deliver the party’s victory. “Without my effort, we wouldn’t have won my ward,” he emphasized, calling for sanctions against party leaders who worked against the party.

    Hon. Promise Ogumu, a former Ika North East House of Assembly Aspirant, echoed Nkeweshe’s sentiments, stressing the importance of enforcing discipline within the party and holding accountable those who engage in anti-party activities. Ogumu commended Senator Omo-Agege’s efforts in the last election and urged the party to build on the foundation laid during the 2023 polls.

    A petition signed By Michael Ukasare, Esq. (Delta Central), Ambrose O. Egwunatum, Esq. (Delta North) Gabriel O. Yabaka, Esq (Delta South), presented by Barr. Egwunatum questioned the legitimacy of the Reconciliation Committee led by Olorogun Otega Emerhor, arguing that it lacked a clear mandate. They called for a comprehensive review of the 2023 governorship election instead of rushing into reconciliation.

    The petitioners emphasized that a post-mortem analysis is essential for the party’s success in future elections. They noted that Senator Omo-Agege’s leadership had brought unprecedented successes to the Delta APC and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in 2027.

    According to them, “A thorough post-mortem analysis is crucial for redemption and party success. We expect the Committee to consider our concerns, wind up its activities and recommend to the party to set up a post-mortem committee to unravel why we lost an election we should have won.

    “Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was well positioned to clinch victory at that election for the Party in Delta State. The successes recorded under his leadership of the Delta State APC are unprecedented. We are yet to see any viable alternative to his strategic leadership of the party as it was under his guidance, the party experienced significant milestones.” They urged the party to build on the foundation laid during the 2023 polls.

    Elder Godsday Orubebe, while addressing journalists after the meeting, corroborated the positions of the different speakers, noting that the party worked very hard for victory in the 2023 governorship election and that minor and avoidable mistakes prevented the party from taking over Delta for APC.

    Orubebe further explained that the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate had a better vision and plans to transform Delta’s fortunes. With the current reconciliation efforts aiming to unify aggrieved members and leaders, he is optimistic that the APC will gain power in the next elections.

  • Delta holds festival on culture, sustainability

    Delta holds festival on culture, sustainability

    By Oluwashindara Oso, Samiat Oyedeji, Elizabeth Adeoye

    The Indigenous Arts Festival (IAF) is set to begin in Delta state capital, Asaba. Asaba will come alive with vibrant cultural activities as the first edition of the four-day festival begins from Thursday September 26 to 29.

    The festival will feature vibrant cultural displays, workshops, and performances that highlight indigenous traditions and sustainability.

    The cultural carnival is themed: “Ecosystem Sustainability Through Indigenous knowledge and Practices”. The event promises a thrilling experience of the magic of traditional knowledge through immersive cultural encounters amid nature’s tranquility, according to the festival director, Uba Chukwuemeke Washington.

    He said; “The purpose for the Indigenous Arts Festival is to create awareness and revive our cultural heritage through different indigenous art styles and techniques including, visual arts, dance, drama, music, poetry etc. Through this event, those who have Indigenous knowledge in different fields of art will share their experiences/expertise with the younger generation. The event is a veritable platform for networking with like minds. Attendees and cultural enthusiasts will experience the rhythm of traditional music, enjoy arts in various forms. It will also offer them the opportunity join the lively riel dancing, partake in moving ceremonies and relive childhood memories of gathering ’round the fireplace for storytelling that will transport you through time.”

    Artist/performance poet Evelyn Osagie is taking her poetic and fabric art campaigns for environmental sustainability to the state. Known on stage as Evelyn D’POET, Osagie is the festival’s guest poet.

    Read Also: Korean film festival returns to Nigeria after COVID-19 break

    She will also lead a Textile Workshop on tie-and-dye techniques, promoting slow, sustainable fashion. She would be showcasing various design practices and her fabric artworks, driven by the idea of sustainable lifestyle. The attendees will engage with the style, and immerse themselves in practical activities where they will create their own version of ‘sustainability’fabrics.

    Widely celebrated actor, Soibofae Dokubo, will be anchoring a session on storytelling. He’ll be taking guests into the imaginative world of African storytelling under the moonlight.

    Also, as part of its environmental sustainability campaign, the Woman Editor, Sun Newspaper/ Co-founder, One Million Tree Initiative, Josfyn Uba will also lead the Green Workshop. The Green Workshop which is in partnership with One Million Tree Initiative is devoted to students in Primary and Secondary schools will engage young students on environmental issues such as climate action, encouraging them to think sustainability.

    The ICC Youth Creative Club, partnering with Afro-art studio, will also offer an art and crafts workshop to nurture creativity among the youths

  • IG orders redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers, Delta, FCT

    IG orders redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers, Delta, FCT

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate redeployment of police commissioners for Rivers and Delta states’ commands and that of the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The police boss said the redeployment was part of effort to reorganise the force for efficient and effective policing.

    The redeployment moved the Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu to the FCT; his Delta State counterpart, Abaniwonda Olufemi, to Rivers State, and the FCT Police Commissioner Peter Opara to Delta State.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “Following the approval of the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four CPs as Commissioners of Police for Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom states’ commands.

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    “The deployment includes the posting of CP Danladi Nda to Abia State Command; CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale to Lagos State Command; CP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc to Ebonyi State Command and CP Festus Eribo to Akwa Ibom State Command.

    “The posting of these strategic managers reflects the mission of the Inspector-General of Police to strategically reposition the Police Force and ensure maximum utilisation of human resources available to the Force.

    “The IGP has, however, urged the new CPs of State Commands to ensure diligence in the discharge of their lawful duties and adopt innovations that could mitigate security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility.

    “He further encouraged them to key into the police reform plans, which will help the progress of the Nigeria Police Force and the growth of the country in general.”