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OLEH MECHANIC VILLAGE: Artisans Decry Council’s Total Neglect, Lament Lack of Security, Light, Infrastructure

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Isoko Nation News
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By Clara Obialazor 

Serious concerns and condemnations have been expressed by artisans including both mechanics, welders, panel beaters and other stakeholders of the mechanic village, Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, over what they described as total neglect and abandonment of its infrastructural deplorable state by the Isoko South Local Government Council Authority.

Condemnations and concerns have continued to trail the high level of abandonment of the Oleh mechanic village, particularly in the areas of lack of security, streetlights and an incomplete perimeter fence, ramshackle workshop shades, and dilapidated structures that have made the environment unsafe.

A visit to the Oleh mechanic village by The Isoko Nation investigation team last Thursday October 30, 2025, in a chat with the Chairman of the Village, Mr George Orife, lamented that the mechanic village lacks security, streetlights and an incomplete perimeter fence, which he said have made the environment unsecured.

According to the Chairman “there is no security, no streetlight and the fencing project they started, they didn’t complete it,” he said.

“We have several times, both in the tenure of the past executives of the mechanics village and in this current tenure, complained in writing and orally, to the council about the situation but nothing happened .

“Yet when it’s time to collect revenue, they will come. We even had to employ our own security to protect the place “.

Meanwhile, another insider source, a Mechanic, Mr. Uzezi Eduzobe, stated that the only benefit they have received from the government is the uncompleted, shabbily constructed internal road in the mechanic village.

“Apart from that, nothing else; no drainage, no light”, he lamented.

Also speaking, another source who do not want his name on print said “the Council’s authority has totally neglected their responsibility towards the mechanic village; they are always interested in collecting revenue from the village and execution of cosmetic projects only inside the Council premises”

However, as at the time of filing this report, all efforts to reach the council officials for comments were not successful.

SAMUEL OGBUKU’s ARREST: Fake News, Speculative, Handiwork of Fifth Columnist – Kpokpogri

By
Isoko Nation News
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The Chairman of the Anti Corruption and Integrity Forum, and publisher of Integrity Watchdog Magazine, Comrade Prince Kpokpogri has called on the public to disregard the news that the Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku was arrested over failed plot to topple the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a fake news, speculative and handiwork of a fifth columnist.

Prince Kpokpogri gave this caution in a press release where he said he was speaking as a concerned citizen over the spate of falsehood being peddled by Nigerians without cross-checking or fact-checking information before getting involved.

He asked, “When has being interrogated amount to being arrested in a sane environment where people do not read meanings into the professional routine job of security agencies? When has it become a crime to answer questions as a friend to a suspect undergoing investigation?

He further asked, “Who is actually afraid of Samuel Ogbuku over the next Bayelsa State Governorship election that he has not even declared his intentions for?”

Comrade Kpokpogri, however, maintained that Samuel Ogbuku being close to Timipre Sylva does not in any way present him as having a hand in the coup plot for which Timipre Sylva had been allegedly fingered.

He added that the security agencies reserve the right to ask Timipre Sylva’s friends questions after raiding his house in Abuja, but that should not in any way be misconstrued to mean that the NDDC helmsman was arrested in connection to any coup plot.

His words, “Let it be noted that I am not speaking as a media aide or friend to Samuel Ogbuku. I am only speaking as a concerned citizen of Nigeria. My issue here basically, is the peddling of falsehood and capitalizing on a sad event at the national space to begin to denigrate and malign one of the most patriotic Nigerians and unarguably the best administrator Niger Deltans have ever had as MD of NDDC.

“Without mincing words, Samuel Ogbuku is the best that has happened to Niger Delta in recent times. When you check the history of the Niger Delta Development Commission since inception, Samuel Ogbuku is the only MD that has carried the people along, spread contracts to not a few and unqualified people; his performance is top-notch and achievements widely spread.

“Nobody should begin to use the circumstances of an allegation against his former boss to want to stain him. So far, he has proven the integrity and transparency that were needed to run an organisation such as NDDC”, Kpokpogri posited.

Furthermore on the alleged #45 billion traced to Timipre Sylva’s account, Kpokpogri said, “If Timipre Sylva was allegedly paid as reported by the Punch Newspapers, I think the Management Board of the NDDC acted in good faith without allegedly knowing his agenda. He is a contractor to NDDC just like every other contractor working for the Commission; what he uses his money for, is strictly his own question to answer. He handles the Shoreline Protection project for the NDDC from my understanding, and he was allegedly paid from the NDDC account. The Commission is not administered by one person but a team that was constituted into a Management Board”, Kpokpogri added.

ANA/Lady Ejiro Umukoro Endownment Fund Supports Literary Talents with Prestigious Award

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Emeka Nwokocha 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the ANA Poetry Slam 2025, featuring a special category, the ANA/Lady Ejiro Umukoro Emerging Poet Award.

According to ANA, “This prestigious award is an endowment fund provided by Lady Ejiro Umukoro, Founder and CEO of LightRay Media, in support of emerging Nigerian poets.”

The ANA/Lady Ejiro Umukoro Emerging Poet Award carries a N100,000 cash prize and a certificate of award, and is designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding emerging griots in Nigeria.

“The award is a testament to Lady Umukoro’s commitment to promoting literary excellence and nurturing emerging literary talents across Nigeria’s creative economy,” ANA stated.

“We are proud to partner with Lady Umukoro in celebrating Nigeria’s emerging literary griots,” Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of ANA said in a statement.

“Her vision, passion, and generosity have inspired a new generation of Nigerian writers and poets, and we are confident that this prize will continue to promote literary excellence and creativity among our youth.”

Expressing her commitment to promoting emerging literary talents across Nigeria’s creative economy, Lady Ejiro Umukoro said, “Creatives must drive investment, sustainability and support for the creative industry, and more so in literary projects and publishing for it to thrive from one generation to another. In this global community, only countries who invest in literature will control the narrative and perception index.”

The ANA Poetry Slam 2025, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 1st November 2025, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape Rd, Abuja, promises to be an electrifying celebration of Nigerian literature.

Over the years, Lady Umukoro’s contribution to Nigerian literature has continued to be a shining example of literary leadership, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

More information on the ANA Poetry Slam 2025 is available on: anapoetryslam@gmail.com or via phone call to 09022303002 | 09035354517.

A Call to Action from the organisers reads: “Join the ANA Poetry Slam 2025 and be part of this exciting celebration of Nigerian literature. Bring your best lines, your loudest passion, and your boldest voice to the stage.”

About Lady Ejiro Umukoro:

Lady Ejiro Umukoro is a notable international multi award winning journalist, communications entrepreneur, trainer, mentor, and writer. She has severally been recognised for her contributions and impact across journalism, literature and the creative economy.

She’s the bestselling Author of the mental health true crime novel DISTORTION and her recent novel The Distortion of Hadassah emerged the Regional Winner for the TYB Young Adult Literature Prize.

Lady Ejiro Umukoro is the Founder & CEO of LightRay! Media, and a champion of Nigerian literature.

Her outstanding contribution to the country’s literary landscape has inspired a new generation of Nigerian poets and writers.

About ANA:

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is a leading literary organization dedicated to promoting Nigerian literature and celebrating the country’s rich literary heritage.

WORLD FOOD DAY 2025: ENVIRUMEDIC, MANR, AAN Organise “SWOFON Interactive Forum” to Promote Food Security in Nigeria

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Emeka Nwokocha

Foremost Food Right advocate in Nigeria, Environmental and Rural Mediation Centre (ENVIRUMEDIC), in collaboration with Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR), with support from ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), on Thursday 22 October, organised an impactful agriculture-centred discourse, tagged: “SWOFON Interactive Forum With MDAs,” at Orchid hotel, Asaba, to round off its activities in commemoration of 2025 World Food Day.

SWOFON Coordinator, Delta State, Mrs. Grace Osadjoku, presenting SWOFON Charter of Demand to Olomukoro Ajiri, General Manager, DAPA

The Senior Program Officer at ENVIRUMEDIC, Mr. Lucky Enegide, in his presentation on the overview and objective of the forum, said, “The forum will provide an avenue for smallholder women farmers to interact with duty bearers and key stakeholders in the agriculture sector and push for their participation and involvement in agriculture policies and programmes in Delta State; advocate for an increase in budgetary allocation to priority areas that support smallholder women farmers; and create space for Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) to present their demand to key government officials and policy makers.”

Chief Executive Officer of ENVIRUMEDIC, Chief Monday Itoghor making a presentation at the event

In his address and presentation, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ENVIRUMEDIC, Chief Monday Itoghor, spoke on the importance of World Food Day, globally commemorated on 16th October every year, stating that it aims to promote global unity and inspire is a collective action to achieve food security in line with goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Senior Program Officer at ENVIRUMEDIC, Mr. Lucky Enegide, making a presentation at the event

He said, “The theme of the World Food Day: emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in building a peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous food-secure future,” stressing the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders, including government, farmers, business, scientists, consumers, CSOs, and communities to ensure everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.

“To domesticate the theme of this year’s World Food Day, this forum is aimed to celebrate with stakeholders and build collaborations towards initiating innovations and creating awareness to promote food right by tackling the challenges besetting the agriculture sector,” Itoghor stated.

He added, “The interaction will provide solution to inherent challenges in the agriculture sector focusing on the gaps that makes people not to afford food; the gaps that make people not to have access to food rich in nutrients; and why it is difficult to process safe and healthy food.

According to Itoghor, solidarity and shared responsibility, sustainable agriculture, fair food distribution, responsible consumption, partnership and collaboration are key components of the theme of the World Food Day, adding that, “The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food; food systems are sustainable and equitable; communities can thrive; farmers can prosper; and the planet is protected for future generations.”

To achieve this goal, Itoghor recommended the need to promote knowledge around agroecology to stem the rising harmful practice in growing and preserving food such as use of chemicals, strengthen the role of government towards promoting food security and healthy farming practice.

He further stated the need to address post-harvest losses, increase budgetary allocations to agriculture, create storage facilities, and support small holders farmers and other cluster of farmers to improve their productivity through sustained provision of inputs, processing facilities and storage facilities.

In his goodwill remark, Mr. Kazeem Abdulazeez of Federal Ministry of Agriculture commended ENVIRUMEDIC and its partners for organising the session stating that when solutions are proffered, society would be better and Nigeria would move away from poverty and there would be food security.

Also, Mrs. Grace Osadjoku, Coordinator, SWOFON, Delta State commended ENVIRUMEDIC for organising the event, stating that members of SWOFON have benefitted in numerous ways from ENVIRUMEDIC’s programmes, advocacy and projects that promote small-holders women farmers’ productivity over the years.

Other stakeholders, Mr. Christopher Aghuno of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Mr. Conrad Ajeboh, Deputy Director, Agric Service Department, Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources (MANR), Mr. Ndubuisi Osy, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), and Mr. Conrad Ajeboh, Deputy Director, Agric Service Department, Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources (MANR), expressed the importance of collaboration among agriculture stakeholders in tackling food insecurity in Nigeria, even as they emphasized the need to strengthen government policies to promote desired growth and development in the agriculture sector towards achieving food security.

The highpoints of the event were a brainstorming section that articulated the challenges in the agriculture sector and proffered measures to address them, and presentation of Charter of Demand by SWOFON to critical government agencies in the agriculture sector.

The participants of the event were drawn drawn from critical stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including Mr. Ambrose Nwabuzor of Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ms. Olomukoro Ajiri, General Manager, DAPA Ltd, Ms. Abigail Eseadi, DTHA, Miss Patience Egiuwakpogere, Young Farmers Association, Evwreni, Mrs. Grace Osadjoku, Coordinator, SWOFON, Delta State, Mr. Christopher Aghuno, Nigeria Cassava Growers Association/All Farmers Association, Mr. Conrad Ajeboh, Deputy Director, Agric Service Department and Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources (MANR), Mr. Ndubuisi Osy,.

Others are Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mr. Charles Conweh, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, Executive Director of Bel Media Consult and publisher of Ndokwa Reporters Newspaper, Pst. Maxwell Unosha, Special Assistant (SA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Special Duties, Comrade Emeka Nwokocha, veteran journalist, Women Groups, and a host of other personalities.

PHCs: ACOMIN Visits Ughelli South, Warri South LGAs, Parleys Executive Secretaries on Delivery of Quality Healthcare Services

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Emeka Nwokocha

The Delta State Advocacy Team (SAT) of ACOMIN, has called on Executive Secretaries of Ughelli South and Warri South Local Government Health Authorities to address the recurring challenges hampering effective and efficient delivery of healthcare services to patients.

The ACOMIN State Secretary, Chief Peter Anighoro, made this call last Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 October, 2025 respectively, during a routine visits to the Executive Secretaries of Ughelli South and Warri South Local Government Health Authorities with a view to ensure ways are proffered in addressing recurring challenges hampering effective and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Speaking also to the Executive Secretary of Ughelli South Health Authority, Dr. Eravwoke Onomire, ACOMIN Delta State Programme  Officer, Sir Austin Uwede, particularly called on Delta State government and stakeholders in the public health sector to support the operation of primary healthcare facilities to address severe shortages of health professional, equipment, furniture and other essentials in order to ensure delivery of quality healthcare services.

Continuing, Uwede, outlined the roles ACOMIN plays in the ongoing Global Fund sponsored free malaria/HIV/Tuberculosis treatment in designated primary health facilities in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

He said, “As a crucial part of our routine activities, we visit the healthcare facilities where the Global Fund sponsored free Malaria/HIV/Tuberculosis treatments are provided, to ensure the medical services run seamlessly.

He added, “When we observe minor challenges in the facilities such as shortage of chairs, we call on the communities to provide help. But when the facilities have bigger challenges, we call on the government to fix the challenges.

Stating further, Uwede pointed out the challenges in the facilities in Ughelli South to include shortage of nurses, and bad refrigerators for the storage of vaccines, adding that most of the facilities visited do not have functional refrigerators for the storage and preservation of vaccines.

Responding, Dr. Eravwoke Onomine thanked ACOMIN for its continuous role to ensure quality healthcare services are provided to patients and the medical service runs without any hitch.

He emphasized the vital role clinical staff play in effective operation of healthcare facilities and provision of quality and regular services to patients, adding that regular monitoring and supervision of clinical staff are essential for the delivery of quality services to patients.

Speaking further, he said that funding is a major challenge besetting the health sector, assuring that crucial steps would be taken to address the challenges.

Also, Uwede when talking to Dr Tosan Sagay, Executive Secretary, Warri South Local Government Health Authority, brought to her knowledge challenges in some of the health facilities which include broken sewage at Ifie kporo facility; shortage of staff; and casualisation of staff.

He commended Dr. Sagay for making good her promise to deploy a nurse to Ifie Primary Health Centre (PHC) to ease the pressure on the staff on ground.

Responding, Dr. Sagay commended ACOMIN for its commitment to quality healthcare services, assuring that some of the challenges in the health facilities will be addressed, as soon as possible.

The Delta State Advocacy Team (SAT) of ACOMIN comprised Chief Peter Anighoro, State Secretary, Sir Austin Uwede, State Program Officer, and representatives of CBOs implementing various programmes in the LGAs.

OPU NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE: Responsible, Effective Leadership is a powerful tool for economic development and empowerment of a people – Steve Omanufame

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Michael Ilaya

The Guest Speaker and Managing Director of the Independent Newspapers Limited, Mr. Steve Omanufame, interrogating the lecture topic for the conference, ‘Purposeful Leadership: A Tool for Economic Empowerment and Political Advancement’ has said responsible , effective leadership is a powerful tool for economic development and empowerment of a people. as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of communities.

Speaking further during the Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) National Delegates Annual Conference held between 24th – 25th October, 2025 in Mercy Hall, CMD Off Shangisha/Magodo, Opposite Motoways by Tollgate Bus Stop, Ikosi , Lagos , Mr. Omanufame emphasized that apart from the benefits of purposeful leadership playing a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of communities, it also creates a vision, establishes stable institutions, and invests in human capital, which together build a foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“Effective leadership has proven to translate resources into opportunities, thereby enabling individuals and communities to improve their financial well-being”

Citing the case of Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore pragmatism, Omanufame , insisted Leadership could contribute to economic emancipation, as leadership provide direction, enhances entrepreneurship, citizenship empowerment that is driven by team work, adding that “The development of modern Singapore is attributed to his pragmatic leadership. Lee was a stern advocate of pragmatism, stating that he was not enamoured with ideology but instead with what works”.

“For Lee ‘the ultimate test of the value of a political system was ‘whether it helps that society to establish conditions which improve the standard of living for the majority of it’s people”

The guest speaker, Omanufame, catalogued the challenges confronting Ozoro as a kingdom to include lack of power supply, perennial flooding, mixing kingdom leadership with politics among other banes against the development of the kingdom.

He stated that one of the panaceas to improving the leadership in Ozoro include tapping on the experiences and expertise of the sons and daughters of kingdom and to shun politicizing the Ozoro developmental issues.

He added that “In our community we have had our own Lekuan Yews. Indeed we have had a couple of them like Ovie Orokpokpor who contributed to the human capital development of our community by attracting the establishment of a secondary school, Notre Dame College in 1957”.

“In the political sphere, Chief Francis Spanner Okpozo stands out. Though a deputy speaker in the then Bendel State House of Assembly, he was able to bring tertiary education to Isoko land by the establishment of Bendel State Polytechnic Ozoro, which has now transformed to a University – Southern Delta University, Ozoro”.

“Mr. Frank Ogeh, who worked with the then Midwest on the Water Board was also said to have attracted establishment of the Water Board in Ozoro, making the community to be the first in Isoko land to have pipe-borne water”

“For us to realize the innate potential of our community and it’s people, there should be an effective leadership that can navigate challenges and inspire transformative challenges”, and that the leaders should embrace strategic vision and planning for economic and infrastructural development and investing in quality education, training and healthcare, which will in turn creates a more robust and skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and productivity.

The guest lecturer stated how leadership provide sustainable development to include infrastructural development, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, effective governance and accountability, and that “weak or self serving leadership can hinder economic empowerment and contribute to a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment”.

Highlighting the related consequences , Omanufame stated that poor leadership will always lead to poor governance, adding that “lack of vision can lead to economic instability and ultimately hamper development efforts”.

Earlier, declaring the conference open, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, Ovie of Ozoro kingdom commended the host for the high level of hospitality, sued for the rein of love, peace and unity.

Furthermore, the Ozoro Monarch while expressing his desire for a fruitful outcome of the conference, enjoined delegates to be truthful in their deliberations in interrogating issues.

In his opening address, the President General of Ozoro Kingdom, Odio Berkeley Eloviano Asiafa firstly saluted the resilience of the delegates for their sustainable efforts in building bridges of unity and peace, particularly the overwhelming attendance to the conference in Lagos.

He noted that the achievements made so far in his administration, especially in security in Ozoro kingdom is due to the collaborative efforts of all the organs, including the security outfits in the kingdom.

“On the security situation in Ozoro, I’m proud to inform you that our kingdom is very peaceful. This was achieve through the proper coordination and synergy that now exists among the various security outfits, both local and national”.

The PG, Asiafa therefore sued for peaceful coexistence amongst indigenes of Ozoro in both at home and in diaspora adding that “Today we are here gathered as an indivisible and formidable people, with common identity , heritage, destiny and unity of purpose”.

Speaking also at the event, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, enjoined Ozoro and isoko people to galvanise the spirit of oneness.

He expressed his reservation against the bane of underdevelopment the isoko has been subjected and still undergoing, attributable to the worrisome trend of backbiting and pull-him-down syndrome among the isoko people .

Highlights of the event include the conduct of election wherein the sitting Chairman of Chairmen, Mr. Francis Ogba and the Secretary, Adm. Owigho Onomuere J. were returned unopposed while the election of other executive members was kept on hold.

Others include the issuance of awards to deserving personalities including HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, Odio Berkeley Asiafa, the President General of Ozoro kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, the Chairman of the event, Mr. Francis Ogba, the Chairman of Chairmen of the delegates body, and a cultural dance that entertained the delegates.

Present at the conference were all the representatives of the 69 branches of the delegates body, all the past Presidents-General of the OPU, all the past Chairmen of the delegates body, OPU Women group from Lagos branches among other dignitaries.

EDITORIAL: Delayed Isoko 133KV Line, Uzere-Umeh-Patani Road: NDDC Marginalisation Or Wickedness?

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Ekebe Emmanuel

Around June/July this year, a high powered Isoko delegation was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where they met with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr.Samuel Ogbuku and his team over the two projects that are very dear to the Isoko people.

From the report of that historical meeting, it was reaffirmed as it were, that these key projects which started over a decade ago but abandoned by the NDDC were reactivated back on stream very quickly.

The dedicated 133KV line designed to bring a new lease to electricity supply to Isoko land was to be completed and that some of the project’s equipment stuck in the Ports were to be secured for the project to get to fruition soonest.

Recall that the project which runs from Delta IV Power Station to Ozoro had not only suffered several delays but also subjected to very sad narratives including litigation, bulk passing, community issues, arrest/abduction etc.over the years.

On the Uzere – Umeh – Patani road, the story is almost the same. It has been awarded twice but also bedeviled by bulk passing, consultant/contractor conflict, changes in management as well as the devastating 2022 massive flooding among other factors.

The Commission’s promise on this road as gathered from the interface was that the contractual status was to be determined and thereafter re-awarded.

The common denomination here is that both projects which are less than 35% completion have the billions invested so far tied down and wasting away.

But equally painful is that the Isoko people as critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta project who should be the first line beneficiaries of these projects when completed are left dejected and hopeless like orphans in the mist of the humongous wealth of their late parents.

Yet these two star projects are not comparable in cost and magnitude to the mega projects being executed by the NDDC in several parts of the region .

It is equally disheartening that the major funds for the NDDC are sourced from the several oil fields and wells that dot the Isoko land scope.

When completed, the 133KV line will have multiple effects on the socio-economic lives of the people while the Uzere – Patani road will not only directly link the Isoko Nation to the East – West Road in a shorter travel time, but will equally open up the economic potentials locked up along that axis.

In addition, Erohwa and Umeh, the Isoko communities on that flank will be easily connected to their kits and kin and Oleh the Isoko South headquarters in less than 20 minutes without rigorous sojourn through Patani, Ughelli south and north.

Of course, it is not only the Isoko people that will reap the benefits but neighbouring communities, Deltans and indeed all residents and travellers through this area.

It is obvious that the numerous advantages of the projects are not hidden from the powers that be; but why the lukewarm attitude is what is confounding.

Is NDDC just out to marginalize and malign the Isoko ethnic nationality or outright wickedness or worst still; is it because we don’t bark nor bite?

The interrogation of these seemingly implied assumptions or queries to me lies with our representatives at the National Assembly since letters, reminders meetings and pushing are no longer producing desired results.

Joel Onowakpo and Pastor Ajiroghene Ukodhiko need to step up their game as it concerns these two projects.

Why can’t both of them move motions of urgent public importance simultaneously to compel NDDC to put these projects on the front burners?

Why can’t they lobby their colleagues in the NDDC Committee or that of the Niger Delta to ensure that the projects are funded and driven to fruition?

Can’t the IDU be reminding these representatives, say on monthly basis until they wake up to the challenges confronting the Isoko nation?

What about the South-South Development Commission?

So many questions indeed, but the truth is that time is ticking and as we approach 2027, the people are fed up with rhetorics and promises. They want tangible results so that it will be well with Isoko land.

From whom much is taken, much should be given in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.

May God bless our land.

Activist Ejumudo Hails Senate for Approving Life Imprisonment for Child Defilement

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Emeka Nwokocha

A renowned human rights defender and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on human rights, Activist Kelvin Ejumudo, has commended the Nigerian Senate for approving life sentence for child defilement in the ongoing amendment of the Criminal Code Act.

Activist Ejumudo made the commendation while speaking to journalists in Warri, on the passage of the Child Defilement Bill, saying, “It’s a landmark achievement and bold step towards curbing the prevalence of child defilement across the country,” stressing that crime become emboldened in society when the government lacks the political will to take crucial steps to strengthen its laws.

“I strongly commend the Nigerian Senate for approving the amendments to the Criminal Code Act that prescribes life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor and also removed the option of fines,” he said.

Activist Ejumudo, who plays a frontal role in protection of the rights of girls and facilitating prosecution of persons arrested for defiling minors, charged members of the green chamber to give the bill an expeditious passage in order to put a final seal on the Child Defilement bill.

Ejumudo noted that life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor is a huge success in the ongoing amendment of the Criminal Code Act.

“The approval of life sentence for child defilement is timely,” he stated, adding that the repeated calls by Civil Society Organisations, and good spirited Nigerians for an amendment of the Criminal Code Act is yielding the desired result.

Activist Ejumudo added, “I also commend other critical stakeholders especially the media for working assiduously to ensure the amendment of the bill sees the light of the day.’’

Oborevwori Bags PTI Leadership Award, Reaffirms Delta’s Commitment to Responsible Oil & Gas Devt

By
Isoko Nation News
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been conferred with an Award of Excellence in Leadership by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The award was presented during the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) held at the PTDF Towers, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, the governor said he was deeply humbled by the recognition, describing it as a tribute not to him alone but to the resilience and enterprise of the people of Delta State, whose land and waters had sustained Nigeria’s energy wealth for decades.

Oborevwori said: “To be recognised by an institution of PTI’s stature, the foremost centre for human capacity development in the hydrocarbon sector, is not just a personal honour but a collective one. I accept this award on behalf of our resilient people whose sacrifice and faith continue to drive our development agenda”.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance,” Governor Oborevwori said the paradox of wealth and deprivation in the Niger Delta must give way to an era of inclusive growth, environmental justice, and institutional reform.

He reaffirmed that his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda was designed to correct historical imbalances and usher in a new order of sustainable progress.

He noted that peace and security had been prioritised as the bedrock for sustainable investment, while proactive engagement with community leaders and industry operators had fostered stability and trust.

“We are ensuring that Deltans are not bystanders but participants in the oil and gas value chain. Through partnerships with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and institutions like PTI, we are equipping our people with the skills to seize emerging opportunities in the evolving energy landscape,” he said.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s focus on environmental remediation and accountability, insisting that oil operations in the state must conform to global best practices to protect fragile ecosystems.

He insisted that; “A healthy environment is essential to the survival of both our people and the industry. PTI is not just our neighbour; it is a strategic partner in building a responsible and inclusive hydrocarbon economy.”

He expressed appreciation to the PTI Governing Council and management for the honour, describing it as motivation to do more for the state and the Niger Delta region.

“This recognition strengthens our resolve to deepen collaboration with PTI and all regulatory agencies to build a sector that powers today’s economy while securing a diversified energy future for Nigeria and Africa,” he concluded.

In his welcome address, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the conference was a vital platform for dialogue on Africa’s energy future as the world navigates an evolving energy transition.

He reaffirmed PTI’s role as the continent’s foremost centre for training, research, and technical capacity development, having produced over 55,000 skilled professionals since inception.

Dr. Onoji lauded Governor Oborevwori for his support to the Institute, noting that the Delta State Government recently donated operational vehicles to enhance PTI’s logistics and field operations.

Governor Oborevwori’s recognition by PTI, observers noted, reinforces his administration’s growing national profile as a champion of responsible governance, environmental protection, and inclusive growth in the oil and gas industry.

Fostering Hopes Foundation Leverages on the International Day of the Girl Child; Adopts 4 FGGC Students for Scholarship

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Patrick Ochei

Fostering Hopes Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization with a core mandate to promote the protection and holistic development of every child for a stronger, more value-driven society, has adopted four girl students of the Federal Government Girls College, FGGC Ibusa for scholarships until they are done with their secondary education.

The benefiting students – Samson Testimony Oghenekome (JSS2), Aminu Monsurat (JSS2) and Ben Egba Rebecca (SS3) had their school fees for the first term already paid, while the fourth student, Obumse Obiananma will be fully enlisted into the scholarship programme by next term.

The Executive Director of Fostering Hopes Foundation, Nkechi Ukome in her transmitted goodwill message from Canada, has indicated the need for all and sundry to engage in Girl-Child education in the best interest of national growth and development.

As an old student of FGGC Ibusa herself, she urged the students to never be deterred by life’s circumstances, but instead, work hard to defeat every failing pattern that limits others.

The school management, headed by the Director/Principal, Mrs. Helen Chukwudi-Mbakwe was pleased with Nkechi Ukome for giving back to her alma mater in a way that will encourage serious minded vulnerable students and relieve their parents or guardians from the financial load of their school fees.

She expressed the optimism that God would definitely reward Nkechi Ukome, while equally praying for God’s grace to continue to abide with her and her team in their quest to enlarge their coast beyond human imagination.

The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child which was celebrated on the 11th of October is, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

The above theme is not different from what Fostering Hopes Foundation stands for in the lives of Nigerian children, especially the girl child in this instance. This is because, the story of the Nigerian girl is no longer one of silence; it is a story of capacity, inner strength, and resilience.

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