By Hezekiah Ovedhe

The Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko is set to confer an Honourary Doctoral degree on Ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo Alias Tompolo and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom in Bayelsa, HRM. King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff for their positive contributions towards the growth and development of the school as it holds its first convocation ceremony tomorrow Saturday, November 25.

The event will commence at about 10am in the school’s premises in Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

PEBNEWS report that, the event will be streamed live by Channels TV and Arise Television.

In a telephone chat with the Secretary, Tompolo Foundation, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo congratulated Tompolo and the traditional ruler who doubles as the Chairman of Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals Producing Communities ahead of the event.

He said the award is a call for Tompolo and the Traditional ruler of Bayesla State to do more for the university.

Dr. Bebenimibo congratulated Tompolo and the first military governor of Rivers State for adding another feather to their caps.

In his words; “Tompolo will continue to do more for the Nigerian Maritime University. He likes education and does not play with it. He encourages youths to enroll in the school. He provides them with scholarships to succeed in their educational pursuit. He has been contributing in no small measure to the Nigerian Maritime University in terms of providing infrastructures, endowment funds and so on. He will continue to do more for the institution.”

Dr. Bebenimibo said prominent Nigerians are by this report invited to grace the occasion with Tompolo and the reverred monarch.

By Moses Omovevah

In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, Bishop Harrison Obiogho’s unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the teachings of Christ has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals.

With unwavering faith and a deep commitment to spreading the message of Christ’s love, Bishop Harrison Obiogho, the presiding bishop of the Light of the World Mission, has dedicated himself to organizing weekly/monthly all night programs that aim to win souls for Christ, provide healing, and witness extraordinary miracles.

Through his tireless efforts, he has touched countless lives and brought about remarkable transformations.

This story delves into the remarkable journey of Bishop Obiogho and the positive impact his programs have had on the lives of those seeking spiritual solace and divine intervention.

Bishop Harrison Obiogho’s own spiritual journey is one of transformation and divine calling. Raised in a humble background, he experienced a life-altering encounter with Christ at an early age that ignited a fervent desire within him to serve God and humanity.

Following this calling, he embarked on a path of deep theological study under the tutelage of Archbishop Ejiroghene Jackson Emake, General Overseer of the Light of the World Mission Church, a faith-based organization committed to spreading the love and teachings of Christ.

At the heart of Bishop Obiogho’s administrative prowess, are the weekly/monthly all night programs designed to create an atmosphere of faith, healing, and miracles.

These gatherings bring together a diverse congregation of people, united by their shared quest for spiritual enlightenment and an encounter with the divine.

Through powerful sermons, worship sessions, and fervent prayers, Bishop Obiogho guides attendees on a transformative spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful life rooted in faith and love.

Bishop Obiogho’s commitment to winning souls for Christ is evident in every aspect of the Light of the World Mission church. His weekly/monthly all night programs are meticulously designed to serve as a platform for evangelism, reaching out to individuals from all walks of life with the message of salvation.

Through captivating sermons and teachings, he shares the transformative message of God’s love and salvation, inspiring individuals to embrace Christianity and embark on a personal relationship with Christ.

Many testimonies bear witness to the impact of his ministry, as numerous attendees have experienced radical conversions and found a renewed purpose in life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bishop Obiogho’s weekly/monthly all night programs is the manifestation of healings and miracles. Attendees of the weekly/monthly programs have witnessed remarkable instances of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Countless individuals have shared their personal testimonies of miraculous recoveries from illnesses, deliverance from addictions, restoration of broken relationships, and how their lives were transformed through God’s intervention during these programs. These extraordinary occurrences serve as tangible evidence of God’s presence and love.

Beyond the weekly/monthly all night programs, Bishop Obiogho and the Light of the World Mission church are actively engaged in community outreach and humanitarian initiatives to support the underprivileged and marginalized.

From organizing medical missions to providing educational opportunities and humanitarian aid, the Light of the World Mission church, strives to address the holistic needs of the community.

By extending compassion and practical assistance, Bishop Obiogho exemplifies the teachings of Jesus and encourages his followers to do the same.

Bishop Harrison Obiogho’s weekly/monthly programs have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless individuals seeking spiritual guidance, healing, and miracles.

Through his unwavering faith, dedication, and commitment to winning souls for Christ, Bishop Obiogho continues to illuminate lives and reshape communities.

The Light of the World Mission church which he preside over stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and serves as a reminder that miracles are always possible when we open our hearts to God’s love.

By Hezekiah Ovedhe

Miffed by incessant kidnapping, killing, raping, stealing, and other social vices in Ughelli kingdom, the newly elected President General of Ughelli Descendant Union (UDU), Chief Samuel Akpimegi Jp, today organized a one-day security summit.

The summit with the theme, “State of Security in Ughelli Kingdom: A Call to Duty”, is aimed at making the kingdom and Delta State as a whole a crime-free state.

The summit charged the local vigilante group of the kingdom with incessant killing, kidnapping, and other social vices in the kingdom.

While constituting an eight-man coordinating committee of members of the local vigilante of the kingdom headed by the commandant of Vigilante Group of Nigeria Delta State chapter, Comrade Monday Ohwesiri, Akpimegi charged the vigilante members to flush out all criminals from the kingdom.

“You must make Ughelli kingdom an unsafe place for criminals to dwell.

“If you caught any criminal with evidence and any person no matter how highly placed in the kingdom call you to release the criminal(s) go after the person”.

Earlier in his speech, the President General of Ughelli Descendant Union (UDU),Chief Samuel Akpimegi Jp, emphasized the importance of security to lives and properties.

In his words, “My dear people, nobody here needs to be reminded of the far-reaching strategic importance of security.

“Let me preface this by saying that every citizenry of Ughelli kingdom is entitled to adequate security from the leadership of UDU and government for their lives and livelihoods, UDU and government may slip into that responsibility often in the past but I must say never deliberately.

“But to successfully fight insecurity in our kingdom, local government area, and the state as a whole we need all hands to be desk to match our ambition.

“This very important security summit is an important part of the ongoing engagements with stakeholders on the security concerns of our kingdom.

The Summit is important because it will take into account the several security challenges our communities have faced over the years and currently still facing.

“I think the most important commitment that we here can all make at the end of this summit is to know that the security of lives and properties is paramount and is every man’s business”.

Let me close by summarizing some policy objectives that we need further work on, some of which will benefit from both the UDU Executive member’s and community leaders’ cooperation.

While stressing on the news to partner with other neighboring communities to fight crime he said, “Securing the Ughelli kingdom and its immediate neighboring communities and its dense populations requires far more men and materials than we have at the moment. It also requires a continual re-engineering of our security architecture and strategies. This has to be a dynamic process.

” We must intensify existing collaboration with our neighbors in the neighboring communities/kingdoms, especially border communities to prevent the movement of small arms and disarm armed pastoralists and bandits who go through our borders day after day”.

By Hezekiah Ovedhe.

The umbrella body of Youths ethnic nationality, under the auspices of Isoko Development Union Youth Wing has congratulated the newly inaugurated Niger Delta Development Commission Board Chairman, Barr. Chiedu Ebie on his inauguration.

In a statement signed by Mzee Fidelis Obokpaino, President and Comrade David Igbe, Secretary, which was made available to newsmen, the group expressed optimistic that Barr Ebie will deliver as NDDC Board Chairman.

They noted that, the appointment and inauguration stands as one of the best decisions the federal government has made in recent times because Ebie’s antecedents both in private and public life stands him out as an experienced and resourceful administrator who will ensure equitable representation of and rapid development of the Niger Delta region.

According to the Youth Leaders, Ebie who hails from Agbor-Alidinma in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State is a humble, intelligent and highly resourceful politician.

The statement reads in part; “On behalf of Youths of Isoko Nation under, the auspices of Isoko Development Union Youth Wing, we wish to congratulate Barr Chiedu Ebie on his recent appointment and inauguration as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Your appointment to this exalted position is well-deserved considering your past antecedents in your service to the government of Delta state as one-time Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and Secretary to the State Government of Delta State.

“Barrister Chiedu Ebie is a humble, intelligent and highly resourceful politician. We pray God Almighty to protect and guide you throughout your tenure.”

By Hezekiah Ovedhe.

Leadership and members of the Federated Movement Of Urhobo Youth Leaders FMUYL, led by Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon JP, have expressed confidence over the representation of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone.

Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon, JP, the Coordinator of the group stated this while fielding questions from journalists recently, saying that the Federated Movement of Urhobo Youth Leaders are fully convinced, judging from the pedigrees of the Senator representing Delta Central in the 10th Senate, his agendas, initiatives and policies put in place so far.

The youth leader and philanthropist maintained that, Senator Dafinone’s programs so far, even in the midst of his detractors in the opposition party, that took him to elections tribunal and appeal court, he still had the best people oriented initiatives.

He said recently, Delta Central constituents received with overwhelming joy Senator Ede Dafinone Database Model Initiative which came in five different categories.

The group said, the initiative will afford every Delta Central indigenes the opportunity to benefit from jobs and other empowerment programmes which will better the lives of the people. They said with the exposures of Senator Dafinone and his intellectual prowess, they are very much optimistic that Delta Central will like the 8th and 9th senate, benefit immensely from his programs.

While describing him as a well grounded intellectual and a chartered accountant, Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon noted that he believed that he will use his connections in the business word to attract great things to the senatorial district.

“He is a responsive lawmaker whose interest is on his people, but not on his pocket. Look at his petition concerning the federal commissioner position which he drew the attention of other senators to in the house as well as a bill he sponsor to stop and investigate the nefarious crude oil theft in the region, it is a testament that he is indeed a man who knew why he was voted, the group affirmed”.

The Federated Movement of Urhobo Youth Leaders however called on Senator Dafinone to be careful with selfish politicians who may come around him with inordinate intentions of cornering everything to themselves alone.

By Hezekiah Ovedhe.

Ahead of the 2024 ‘Centre Executive Officers’ election of a Delta community, Ekiugbo-Ughelli in Ughelli north local government area, Comrade Bernard Baker, weekend at the instance of the community’s elders and leader constituted and inaugurated an electoral committee for the community with Barr. Erhire Brorhie as chairman.

While performing the inauguration ceremony, the President General, charged the newly inaugurated electoral members to work in line with the community constitution.

His words, “You are saddled with the responsibility of putting credible and worthy people to govern the community for the next four years effective from March next year.

” The community’s constitution has stated the condition to be voted and voted for therefore let the constitution guard the committee in all your dealings.

“Any aspirant for any position must be thoroughly screened and all credentials must be subject to scrutiny and defended by the holder to avoid the mistake of the past.

” Your committee must organize a press conference where all aspirants will give their manifesto”, he charged the committee.

Other members of the electoral committee are; Mr. Emmanuel Tefuel- Secretary, Hon. Sunday Udin- member, Elder David Omovo- member, Mr. Eruemu Happy- Member, Comrade Akpobome Umukoro- member, Mr. Mathew Onakpoma – member, Mr. Efekpeti Ahwotu – member and Mr. Stephen Erhibohwo member.

In his acceptance speech, Barr. Erhire Brorhie promises to uphold the constitution of the community and ensure free and fair elections.

By Our Correspondent.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as he clocks 66 years.

In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the former Nigerian leader for his indubitable accomplishments in peace and international mediations.

According to him, Jonathan’s growing stature in global diplomacy and the promotion of democracy and peace throughout Africa is both significant and inspiring for him and Nigeria.

He said that the former president’s excellent and praiseworthy role as the ECOWAS peace envoy in Mali had persisted.

The Governor stressed that Jonathan’s selfless behaviour and calm demeanour, coupled with his leadership by example, contributed to the improvement of elections and the institutionalisation of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate our leader and statesman, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as he celebrates his 66th birth anniversary.

“It gives me great pleasure to honour you, Your Excellency, for your outstanding contribution to the growth of democracy in both our beloved nation and Africa at large.

“As President of Nigeria, you oversaw an administration that respected the rule of law and protected the right to free expression.

“As our beloved former President clocks 66 years old today, it is my prayer and that of all Deltans and Nigerians that God continue to strengthen him in his devotion to ensuring better peace, good governance, and long-lasting democracy in Africa.

“It is also our prayer that Almighty God grants him excellent health and long life so that he can continue to serve humanity to the fullest,” he said.

*******as Joel-Onowakpo highlights its importance to blue economy, and Niger Deltans*

Oviri Kelvin, Abuja

The Bill for an Act of establishment of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, has scaled through third reading in the hallowed chamber of the Senate and will be forwarded for concurrence to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

The Bill sponsored on Tuesday, 1 August, 2023, by distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas representing the good people of Delta South scaled through the second and third reading on 16 and 17 November, 2023, due to its importance to the people of Niger Delta and to the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector.

In the debate by Senator Joel-Onowakpo, he highlighted the merits involved in the passage of the Bill not excluding the growth of Nigeria Blue economy, access of constituents living in the creeks to quality education and lack of such standard institution in the oil-rich region of southern Delta State despite the humongous revenue the region generates to the coffers for national development since 1957.

According to the exceptional first timer in the Red Chamber, if the Bill is signed into law, the institution will save the federal government huge foreign exchange by refining, training and producing the needed manpower, expertise and technical know-how required by the Nigerian maritime sector to compete with other key players in the industry.

Recall that the Bill was first sponsored in the 9th national assembly but was unable to be assented to before the terminal date on May 29, 2023 of the immediate past administration by President Muhammadu Buhari, despite the existence of the institution since 2014, nine years ago.

However, the Emede-born tax expert of international repute during his campaigns, had promised the good people of Delta South of his desire to ensure the Act of Establishment of the institution sited in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State comes to fruition and that he is walking the talk.

He said, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, my name is Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing the good people of Delta South Senatorial District. Mr. President, permit me to lead the debate of this important Bill for the establishment of Nigerian Maritime University of Okerenkoko.

“The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Tuesday, 1 August, 2023. Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it is important to note that this Bill being re-presented today, for second reading, was passed by both chambers towards the end of the 9th assembly. Unfortunately, the President was unable to assent to it before May 29, 2023, the terminal date of the last administration.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the Nigerian Maritime University was established following the groundbreaking ceremony on the 10th May, 2014 by the former president of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at Okerenkoko of Delta State, in the creeks of the Niger Delta, to cub youth restiveness and to bridge the educational gap.

“The Bill is a bold step towards not only addressing the educational backwardness of the people of the difficult Niger Delta terrain, but also for joining the leagues of countries like the United States of America, South Korea, India, China, Britain, Panama, Canada, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Ghana, as countries with such universities as platform for the training of topmost, top class manpower for the maritime industry,” Joel-Onowakpo explained during the debate.

Notwithstanding, he underscored that the present existence of a maritime institution in Oron, Akwa-Ibom state, cannot provide the manpower needed for the fully functional and nonfunctional ports in the country but with the establishment of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, the shortfalls experienced in the sector will be ameliorated.

He continued: “It is noteworthy that as at today, there is a Maritime Academy at Oron, Akwa-Ibom state. However, with the level activities in the maritime sector, such as the ongoing work at the Lekki Deep Seaport, Badagry port, the existing Sapele, Burutu, Koko ports that are yet to be explored and developed, which require huge manpower, the Maritime University of Oron alone may not be able to meet up with providing the required manpower for the sector hence the original decision to set up this one.

Senate should note now that the country is set to make the blue economy as a major revenue earning window with the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy by Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The passage of this Bill to enable the university to provide the needed manpower cannot be overemphasised.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it is important to note that Delta state contributes more than 30% of the total oil and gas revenue of the federation and more specifically, it was in Uzere, in Isoko South Local Government in Delta state and Delta South Senatorial District specifically, that started the first exploration of oil in 1957. Till Today, it is the largest petroleum producing community in Nigeria.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it will interest you to know that there is no government institution of this calibre in the entire area, thus forcing the youths from the region to seek for university education very far outside their region. When fully functional, the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko will provide accessible education to most of the young constituents in the southern part of Delta State, thereby reducing the chances of youth restiveness and illiteracy level.

“The objectives for which this university was established among others are: To encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, greed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring higher education in maritime technology. To develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, technical, maintenance, developmental and productive skills in the engineering, scientific and allied professional disciplines relating to maritime resources with the aim of producing socially matured men and women with capability not only to understand rules and adapt technologies in the maritime industry but also to improve on them and develop new ones.

“To act as an agent and catalyst through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilisation, exploitation, conservation of the country’s maritime resources. To offer to the general public, particularly the maritime industry as a form of public service, the results of training, research and to foster the practical application of these results. To establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involving training, research and development of deployment of technologies in the maritime sector.

“To identify the technological problems and the needs of the maritime industry, and to find solution to them within the context of overall national development. To provide and promote sound basic scientific training as a foundation for the development of maritime technology and applied science taking into account indigenous cultures and the need to enhance national unity and finally to undertake any other activities appropriate for a maritime university of the highest standards.

“Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, the maritime sector of our economy has very high potentials, and it requires high level of technical scientific acquisitive skills to drive it. The sector today. is dominated by foreign interests. A very few of such kind of professionals were trained abroad. This university, when fully operational will save the federal government huge foreign exchange currently deployed to capacity building abroad. Mr. President, distinguished colleagues the enactment of this Bill will help in transforming educational fortunes in Nigeria in producing the desired manpower and expertise for the maritime industry now that Nigeria is yearning for local content in the industry following the passage of the Content Development Bill into law.

“In line with our Order 76(3), the compendium of financial implication is hereby attached. This bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the Nigerian Maritime University which started off on the 10th of May 2014 and functional using a befitting temporary site at Okerenkoko. Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill for the second reading I so move, thank you,” Senator Joel-Onowakpo concluded.

It is noteworthy that should the Bill be signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the institution will be backed by law while earning a global and international recognition including its certified graduands, courses and awarded degrees.

By Our Correspondent

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, called on political officer holders to continue serving the people with humility to the glory of God.

Governor Oborevwori spoke at the thanksgiving service in honour of Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, at St Paul’s Catholic Cathedral Church, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State.

The Governor, who described the celebrant, Emeka Nwaobi, as a good man, urged him to continue serving God with humility.

He urged him to use his position to bring the people of Aniocha North together for the good of the local government area and called on the people to continue thanking God for His good deeds upon their lives.

“As were coming here this morning, we passed through the Ogwashi-Uku stadium where we came for PDP Governorship primaries in 2006.

“I passed through that as a delegate then and today I passed through it as Governor of Delta State. It is only God that can do a thing like that and it is good to give thanks to Him for whatever happens because if Okowa had become Governor in 2007 perhaps I wouldn’t have been Governor today.”

In his remark, Hon. Nwaobi expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and the party leadership for finding him worthy to serve as Majority Leader of the House.

He pledged his unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the Speaker and members of the House and urged his Aniocha North constituents, particularly, Issele-Uku kingdom, to continue supporting the PDP for more dividends of democracy.

Earlier in his teaching on “The Parable of Christ to His disciples, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue said God gives to man according to their abilities and urged Christians to excel with the talents given to them by God.

He said every talent and ability endowed unto man must be used to render service to the glory of God and in furtherance of God’s kingdom.

The Bishop added that God rewards abundantly those who use their God-given talent for the service of God and His kingdom.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor of the State Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife Edith, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and his wife, Timiebi; Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and wife, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olorogun Kingsley Esiso; and members of the State House of Assembly.

Also in attendance were; former Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Benjamin Elue, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo; Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; members of the State Executive Council, Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, top government functionaries, amongst others.