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Tag: Warri

  • BBNaija winner Efe, Olamide shoot musical video ‘Warri’

    BBNaija winner Efe, Olamide shoot musical video ‘Warri’

    Big Brother Naija 2017 winner Michel Ejeba aka Efe and top rapper Olamide aka Baddo, have shot the music video for the collaboration titled, ‘Warri,’ which was dropped late last year.

    The video shot by Avalon Okpe, featured King Baddo and Ef e, who both have ties to the hood hit the streets.

    Efe has never shied away from representing his area, `Warri’ further reiterated this on this new track alongside Baddo.

    The track was produced by no one else but the wickedest, Young Jonn.

    Read Also: Efe, winner BBNaija show shoots music video ‘Based on Logistics’

    Efe’s first official music video to his popular single, “Based on Logistics” was released in August, 2017.

    The track was produced by his friend and personal producer, Duktor Sett.

  • Itsekiri students call for speedy takeoff of maritime varsity

    Itsekiri students call for speedy takeoff of maritime varsity

    Students of Itsekiri extraction in Delta state have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently address issues delaying the takeoff of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Warri Southwest local government area of the state.

    The students, under the auspices of National Association of Itsekiri Students, described as unnecessary the controversy generated by the naming of the university’s site.

    NAIS, in a statement signed by Esimaje Richard Ejueyitsi and Iwerebor Oritsegbami Jeffrey, President and PRO respectively, urged the “Federal Government and the National Assembly to do with utmost urgency, what is necessary for the institution to kick-off.

    “We also join forces with advocacy groups and all stakeholders that have remain unrepentant in a bid to ensure the correct name of the institution should be Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenghigho, and not Okerenkoko, that is unknown to law.

    “It would be erroneous, in a lawful nation, as the case of our dear country Nigeria, to name an institution after legal tenants of a locality, instead of its legal owners that is the Itsekiri people of Omadino (Okerenghigho),” the statement added.

    They commended the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his memo to the National Assembly, which drew attention to the misnomer and sought the correction.

  • Delta Council polls: Voters comply with restriction order in Warri

    There was almost full compliance in Warri and environs with the restriction of movement order by the Delta Government as the council polls began on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only very few persons and vehicles on special duties were seen on the ever busy major roads in Warri and environs.

    However, there were security operatives stationed at strategic locations like the Refinery junction in Ekpan and Airport road to enforce compliance.

    Though shops were not opened for businesses, traders of food items in Okere market in Warri South were selling to customers.

    However, election materials started leaving the Delta Independent Electoral Commission’s (DESIEC) office in Warri South Local Government Area to the various wards  and units as at 8:24 a.m.

    The Electoral Officer in Warri South, Mr Tedeye Omagba, said the exercise had been very peaceful.

    “You can see the presence of heavy security men around.

    “The people have been very orderly and I assure you everything will end peacefully,” he said.

    Also, Mr Kelly Otuedon, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Uvwie Local Government Area, said the party had done a lot of grassroots campaign to guarantee the party’s victory at the poll.

    Otuedon, who is also the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Security Matters, dismissed the claim that the party imposed candidates on the people in the council.

    “We did not impose any candidate on the people, they chose their candidates and are ready to defend their choice today at the poll.

    “So far the exercise has been so peaceful,” he said.

    NAN reported that voting materials had not been evacuatef from the Uvwie Council as at 9:30 a.m.

    The DESIEC office in Ughelli North has, however, been reportedly set ablaze by suspected hoodlums.(NAN)

  • Mother abandons cerebral palsy child in Warri hospital

    Mother abandons cerebral palsy child in Warri hospital

    A 14-year-old boy, Steven Orode diagnosed of Cerebral palsy and acute malaria has allegedly been abandoned by his mother at the Central Hospital, Warri.

    The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Success Obere told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the teenager was admitted on December 12, 2017.

    According to her, the mother of the boy absconded shortly after the boy was diagnosed of the ailment at the hospital.

    Obere said the woman had told the nurses on duty that she was going home to get some things and detailed a friend who accompanied her to the hospital to look after the sick boy.

    “After waiting patiently for the woman, the lady also left.

    “We have called all the contacts the women gave but she is not picking. We also called another line but the person denied knowing the woman or the boy.

    “We reported the issue at the “A” Division in Warri and the Divisional Police Officer assigned the Police Social Welfare Unit to handle the case.

    “The hospital attempted to admit the boy into the orphanage in Warri but he was rejected on the ground that he was seen as physically challenged,” she said.

    Obere however said the boy’s health was improving and appealed to the parent to come forward.

    Also, Mrs Bridget Achugbue, the nurse handling the patient said the boy had successfully been treated of malaria.

    NAN

  • Gunmen kill banker in Warri

    A banker in Warri, Delta State, Obaro Oji, was, on Tuesday night killed by suspected assassins around Ekpan Bridge.

    Although details of the incident were sketchy yesterday, sources said the deceased was cornered around the bridge, close to NNPC Housing Complex, between Warri South and Uvwie councils.

    They said the man was allegedly killed about 8 pm by the suspects, who reportedly chased him to the spot and shot him. They did not take his car.

    “The man was trailed there by the killers and on catching up with him, they just shot him dead and left him without taking anything from him or his car,” the source said.

    Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said the deceased had been reported missing.

    “He was initially declared missing by his family on that Tuesday because his family reported to the police that they were looking for him.

    “He was found in a pool of blood this morning (Wednesday) and the police contacted his family with the information. The family joined the police in the evacuation of his body,” Aniamaka

  • Queues resurface in Warri, environs

    Queues resurface in Warri, environs

    THE scarcity of products crept into Warri and environs yesterday, causing panic buying and hoarding of products by retailers.

    It was learnt that residents in Warri and Effurun had a similar experience during the festive season last year.

    The Nation investigation showed that the stations belonging to IPMAN members in Warri, Effurun and environs, had no products. Those owned by MOMAN operated at odd hours of the day to attend to desperate consumers.

    Although the scarcity has not resulted in fare hike, many commuters were stranded as only few commercial buses ply the roads.

    Hawkers were on streets selling petrol in plastic containers to consumers at above regulated pump price.

    IPMAN stations on holiday in Ilorin

    In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, IPMAN filling stations were on holiday. There were long queues at the few stations that had products to dispense.

  • Fire razes Warri market

    Fire razes Warri market

    Property and commodities, mainly fish, were late Tuesday destroyed in an inferno that once again swept through a part of the popular Ogbe-Ijoh Market in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    Tuesday night’s incident, which came barely a year after a similar incident destroyed shops and wares in the market, destroyed some 500 shops.

    Meanwhile, the Eric Omare-led faction of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has once again urged the Delta state government to quickly complete the construction of the ultramodern Ogbe-Ijoh Market, to finally put stop to the perennial fire incident.

    Warri market

    Though the real cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately, some victims of the incident who spoke to journalists on the site of the ruins left of the market traced it to a electricity power surge, while some others accused the vigilance team paid to watch over the market of complicity.

    The situation was further compounded for the grieving victims when urchins from the area stormed the market to and started looting the shops, defying the raging inferno.

    Commenting on the incident, leader of Ogbe-Ijoh Market Traders Women Union, Mrs Queen Ajemitolu, in pidgin said “I don tire for this market wey dey burn every time.

    “Na fish we dey sell here, because of no proper care, and temporary structure so the time people dey dry fish, or if NEPA light come, e dey cause fire,” she lamented.

    Speaking during his visit to the scene of the incident, the IYC President, Eric Omare, sympathized with traders over the unfortunate incident and bemoaned the persistent outbreak of fire in the Ogbe-Ijoh market while calling on Governor Ifeany Okowa to as a matter of urgency commence the construction of the market.

    Warri market

  • Tension in Gbaramatu as military deploy aircrafts, gunboats

    Tension in Gbaramatu as military deploy aircrafts, gunboats

    The mood was apprehensive around Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta state on Monday as residents and leaders sighted military aircrafts and gunboats around their communities.

    The Nation gathered that military aircrafts were seen hovering around the palace of the Gbaramatu paramount ruler in Oporoza, just as many gunboats were seen in different communities across the kingdom on Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, military sources on monday evening told The Nation that there was no cause for alarm as the hardware seen were only meant for routine patrol of the Escravos and Trans-Forcados Pipeline and not any special operation targeting specific communities.

    Speaking on the development, the spokesman of the Gbaramatu Council of Chiefs, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, expressed worry of what he described as fresh deployment of military equipment and personnel to Gbaramatu, a situation which he feared might negatively affect efforts currently being made to persuade the dreaded Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to let down its guards.

    “Some few hours ago, military aircraft was roving round our palace and there were troops with gun boats all over Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    “While we are appealing to the Niger Delta Avengers to sheathe their sword, we don’t know the rationale behind, and why the deployment of troops and gun boats.

    “Gbaramatu people are not at war with the Nigeria government, why is it that anytime there is crisis anywhere; something happens in Bayelsa, or Rivers state,the first place of call is Gbaramatu?

    “We don’t want what happened in 2009 and 2016 to happen again. So let the military restrain itself and we are still appealing to the Avengers to sheathe their swords.

    Read Also: FG urges Niger Delta militants to remain calm

    “The Avengers that were operating in 2016 that would say something, the next day they take drastic action are same people still operating but somehow they are now listening to us including the traditional ruler that they should sheathe their sword and give government sometime.

    “And thank God nothing has happened since the renewed threat so why the deployment? Military presence in Gbaramatu and other part of Niger Delta region is capable of escalating the crisis.

    “Let the military back down. We are also appealing to agitators to sheathe their sword. While we still appealing to the agitators, the military should back down so that we can sustain the peace while the federal government embark on one or two projects in the region.

    However, explaining the development, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, said what had been misconstrued to be a military assault was a routine patrol exercise in the area, saying the hardware seen were not deployed to harass any community or any person.

    “What they are speculating as military deployment is routine patrol along Escravos and the Trans Forcados Pipeline. Once we sense any security concern on that line, our men usually move in to patrol the area. Nobody is deploying any gunboat or jets to specific communities. It is a normal patrol”, Dewu explained.

  • Ayomike buried in Warri

    Ayomike buried in Warri

    The remains of Itsekiri national leader and renowned historian, Pa Johnson Oritsegbubemi Sunday Ayomike, were on Friday laid to rest in his Warri home.
    The interment and the preceding requiem service, held at the First Baptist Church, Mission Road, Warri, followed up on the Service of
    Songs, which was held in his home on Thursday. The ceremonies would be rounded off with a Thanksgiving Service on Saturday at the First Baptist Church.
    Delivering the requiem message on Friday, the guest preacher, Dr Ayodele Gbode, reflected on the uniqueness of the life of the
    deceased, whom he noted to have excelled in fields that were not his areas of professional training and how he imparted the world he found
    himself positively.
    “Health Commissioners today must be medical doctors, but they can’t even build hospitals. Papa also served as Information Commissioner and left indelible marks like everywhere else he served.
    “Pa Ayomike was no less outstanding and kept faith with being a man of integrity and achievements as an Information Commissioner. He returned back to work in the corporate world because the company knew he kept his dignity in public service and had immense value to offer. Today’s Commissioners for Information are thoroughly bread to tell lies,” he said.
    On the lessons the living could learn from the exemplary life of Pa Ayomike, Gbode cautioned the Ayomikes and guests on the occasion to
    realize that “No condition is permanent. Only a few have the value to live a good life, prepare for the time to die and join their maker as
    Papa has done.”
    “No one has the power to elude death. No cult, no power can elude death. When you die, life goes on after you, no matter how valuable
    you are.Naked we came, naked we shall return. You can’t live earth without any wealth or belonging.
    “Only your relationship with God can determine where you go after death. After death, no one can return to make amends. Pa Ayomike
    fought the good fight indeed. He knew it Nd five hours to his death, he was still praying, breath his last not owing anyone, angry with no
    one.
    “Don’t get to death before you know there is judgment after death. Death is not the end of things in life. It cannot end the consequences
    of your actions while you lived. The consequences lay in the grave with you till you meet judgment with the Lord,” the clergy said.
    Speaking to the Nation after the service, the Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), Chief Edward Ekpoko, said he would miss the departed leader more than most people mourning him today, noting that he was about the closest to him, asides from his immediate family members.
    Ekpoko, who took over the mantle of leadership of the ILoT from Pa. Ayomike and who was known as his closest disciple, said the impacts of
    the departed leader would remain irremovable in the psyche of, not just Itsekiri people, but the whole of the Niger Delta and the Nigerian nation, owing to his immense contributions to society.
    The Acting Governor of Delta state, Kingsley Otuaro, who led other functionaries of the state government to the ceremony on Friday, also
    offered condolences to the Ayomike family on behalf of the state, praying God to grant the family the fortitude to “bear the irreparable
    loss.”
    Other dignitaries present at the service were, former Delta governors, James Ibori, his successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, his wife, who is a
    niece of the deceased, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, Sen. James Manager, as well as the Publisher of the Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Sam Amuka.
    Also present to pay last respect were NFF President and CAF Committee member, Amaju Pinnick, Rep. member, Daniel Reyenieju, Delta Assembly Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori, newly installed Ologbotsere of Warri, Ayiri Emami, Chief Great Ogboru, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Joseph Ayomike, younger brother to J.O.S and current head of the Ayomike
  • Villagers flee as Soldiers invade Ijaw community

    Villagers flee as Soldiers invade Ijaw community

    We only cleared militants’ camps

     

    Residents in Akakurama community in Ovia South West local government area have fled their houses following invasion of the community by troops serving in Operation Crocodile Smile 11.

    The soldiers were said to have stormed the community in nine gunboats and several speed boats in search of suspected kidnappers and criminals.

    Some of the fleeing villagers said more than 15 houses allegedly belonging to militants were razed in the community by the

    A source said the soldiers were called into Ajakurama community on Monday at about 8:00am by an ex-militant identified as Ejuene Peres to settle old scores against those perceived to be his arch enemies.

    The source claimed that trouble started when a community leader in the community was killed and his body found in the river after a few days.

    It was learnt that family members of the slain community leader took his corpse to the residential family building of Mr. Peres and allowed the corpse stayed there for some days.

    A truce called by elders and residents of the community made the family to bury the corpse even when the case was still pending at the office of the AIG Zone 5 in Benin.

    The source who pleaded anonymity said Peres used the military invasion to settle old scores he had with some persons in the community who fingered his family over the death of the community leader.

    “He (Peres) brought in military men to invade the community of some selected persons. They came in 9 gunboats and several speed boats. People started running helter skater for their lives. He was with the soldiers pointing at houses while the soldiers set houses ablaze”

    “He listed among other victims whose houses were affected as Chief Godwin Namu, Baba Agbuke, aka Zion and all Ex-militant leaders.”

    But Peres in his reaction denied inviting soldiers to the community and that he only petitioned some persons in the community before the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris who referred the matter to the AIG Zone 5, Benin for proper investigation over alleged destruction of his house.

    Read: Soldiers threaten to beat up VIO boss

     He said, “I did not invite any soldiers, I didn’t not make any arrangement with any soldier to enter into Ajakurama. Ajakurama is a community on its own. It is a Nigerian community. Soldiers can go to Ajakurama for any of their investigation.

    “If soldiers went to Ajakurama community they should not call me. I did not invite soldiers to Ajakurama. People who offended me and I wrote a petition to the IGP and the IGP recommended the petition to the AIG. The AIG invited them, so they should go and answer the AIG who is still waiting for them.

    “If anything happens to them, I don’t know where they have put their hands, I have no hands in Ajakurama matter. They should ask the federal government how soldiers came to Ajakurama. They should ask Abuja, they should ask Zone 5. They should ask Operation Crocdile in Warri why they are in Ajakurama.”

    Army Public Relations Officer for 4 Brigade Command, Captain Muhammed Maidawa confirmed that soldiers carried out an operation in the area following credible information.

    Captain Maidawa said the operation was to clear militant camps in the community.

    He said he was not aware whether any Peres invited soldiers to the community to settle scores.