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Thursday, May 7, 2026
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Isoko Chapel of NUJ Mourns Punch journalist

The Isoko Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State has received with shock and deep sorrow, the sudden passing of Comrade Matthew Ochei, member of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel.

His passing is a heavy blow to his family, the media space and all who value responsible journalism.

At this moment of immense grief, the Isoko Chapel of the NUJ stands in solidarity with the bereaved family, sharing in their sorrow and pain.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and pray that God, in His infinite mercy, grants the bereaved family and Asaba Correspondents Chapel the strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Oborevwori Felicitates Business Titan, Daniel Omoyibo At 57

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated a renowned business mogul and Managing Director of DANMOTECH Nigeria Limited, Chief Dr. Daniel Omoyibo, on the occasion of his 57th birth anniversary.

In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded the Oleh-Isoko-born entrepreneur as an accomplished industrialist and compassionate philanthropist whose impact transcends business, touching countless lives across Delta State and beyond.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate my dear brother and friend, Chief Dr. Daniel Omoyibo, on the celebration of his 57th birthday,” the Governor said.

Oborevwori noted that through strategic investments in the oil and gas sector as well as the hospitality industry, Omoyibo has significantly contributed to job creation, economic growth and wealth generation, providing platforms for many Deltans to harness their talents and build sustainable means of livelihood.

The Governor further commended the celebrant’s generosity, describing it as a defining trait that has earned him widespread admiration, loyalty and respect across Isoko Nation and the entire state.

“As a people and as a government, we deeply appreciate your selflessness and enduring commitment to humanity. Your goodwill and benevolence have endeared you to many and strengthened social cohesion in our communities.

“It is my earnest prayer that God grants you many more years in good health, greater accomplishments and renewed strength as you continue to uplift humanity and contribute meaningfully to societal progress,” Oborevwori added

U.S. Launches Military Strikes On Venezuela, Hits Military Installations

By Emeka Nwokocha 

Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, just as several explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in the early morning of Saturday in the country’s capital, Caracas.

Smoke rising near La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday. (Credit: Associated Press)

Rising Smoke from hangar of a military base in Caracas, an installation in the capital without power.

People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas.

“The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling. She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. “We felt like the air was hitting us.”

Venezuela’s government, in a statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets.

“People to the streets!” the statement said. “The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”

The statement added that President Nicolás Maduro had “ordered all national defense plans to be implemented” and declared “a state of external disturbance.”

This comes as the U.S. military has been targeting, in recent days, alleged drug-smuggling boats. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking.

Maduro also said in a pretaped interview aired Thursday that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.

Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S. The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels in what was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes on boats in September.
U.S. President Donald Trump for months had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land. The U.S. has also seized sanctioned oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, and Trump ordered a blockade of others in a move that seemed designed to put a tighter chokehold on the South American country’s economy.

The U.S. military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.

They followed a major buildup of American forces in the waters off South America, including the arrival in November of the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier, which added thousands more troops to what was already the largest military presence in the region in generations.

Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported on the explosions in Caracas on Saturday, showing images of the Venezuelan capital.

The Pentagon and White House have yet to respond to requests for comment. (Credit: Associated Press)

YULETIDE: Engr Ashakah Visits Elderly Women in Ozoro, Rekindles Hope, Joy With Presentation of Cash Gift, Bags of Rice, Wrappers

A renowned philanthropist, and a prominent son of Ozoro Kingdom, Engr Ashakah Uzuazomaro Orobosa, has this 1st January, 2025 rekindled the joy and hope of the elderly women in the five communities that make up the kingdom by his personal visitation to their abodes, leaving them with various gift items, including cash.

During the visit to the recipients from the communities, Engr Orobosa presented the gifts to the selected elderly women, five from each community receiving 10kg bag of rice, wrappers, and monetary gifts.

According to an anonymous source, “this gesture showcased his commitment to honoring the elderly and promoting unity as the recipients were overwhelmed with gratitude, praying for God’s blessings on Engr Orobosa and the community.

“The visit allowed Engr Orobosa to connect with the community’s senior matriarchs, seek their counsels, and an expression of respect for their wisdom and contributions, which the elderly women appreciated the recognition, and blessed him and the community”.

Another source who did not want his name on print, stated that “the gesture highlighted the importance of being close to the grassroot, the need for respect for elders, and giving back to the society as demonstrated by Engr. Orobosa should be emulated, as his action is a strong indication of his dedication to the Ozoro project, welfare and progress”.

The source insisted that “the good deeds of Hon. Ashakah are widely seen as reflections of approaching succour to Ozoro and Isoko North Local Government people as well as a testament to his rising profile in  community service”.

CRCEI Felicitates Nigerians on New Year, Calls for Unity Among Ethnic Groups to Promote National Cohesion

By Emeka Nwokocha

Citizens Rights Concern and Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI) also known as Human Rights Protection Congress (HRPC), has sent warm felicitations and congratulations to all Nigerians as they usher in the New Year 2026, assuring them that things would get better, saying, “The new year brings hopes and bountiful opportunities.”

In its New Year goodwill message signed by the National Coordinator, Amb. Monday Enudi, CRCEI called for unity among the diverse Nigerian ethnic groups, charging them to eschew ethnic, religious and political bickering in the interest of peace, development and national cohesion.

“Our diversity remains our greatest strength. When we choose love over division and hope over despair, we lay a solid foundation to foster a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria,” CRCEI stated.

The organisation passionately called on Nigerian political leaders to lead with empathy and a sense of responsibility in the new year, stressing that good governance should be prioritised at all levels of government to frontally and timeously address the myriad of socio-economic challenges besetting the country with attendant harm to the citizens.

CRCEI noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources that could catalyse socio-economic prosperity among the citizens, if the resources are prudently harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.

CRCEI stated, “Let this New Year inspire us to uplift one another, extend a helping hand to the vulnerable, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our communities and our nation and leave no one behind.”

CRCEI pledged unwavering commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of the citizens, particularly the vulnerable segment of the society, urging the government of Nigeria to ensure every citizen has equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law.

Furthermore, CRCEI called on Nigerian government to protect social order founded on the ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice, while praying for peace, economic stability and renewed confidence in the country.

“We wish all Nigerians a New Year filled with hope, good health, and shared prosperity. Together, we can build a progressive Nigeria we all desire,” CRCEI stated.

2027 ELECTION: Engr. Ashakah hosting Ashakah Orobosa Political Women Forum in Ozoro not a ceremonial visit, but a grassroot endorsement in motion – Beckly Ilaya

The road to 2027 electioneering campaign took a decisive turn in Ozoro, Wednesday 31 December, 2025 as a mammoth crowd of women gathered at the country home of Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazormaro, Managing Director Maro-Kana group of companies, sending a clear and unmistakable message across the political landscape in Isoko Nation, particularly Isoko North Local Government Area, that the women are ready, and they have chosen their leader who they will follow and obey all his political instructions.

This was not a ceremonial visit, but it was a grassroots endorsement in motion, from market women to professionals, mothers to young women leaders, the turnout reflecting a deep and growing trust in a man whose philanthropist nature and leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusion, empathy, and real development.
As the founder Ashakah Orobosa women political Forum, he reaffirmed his unwavering belief that women are the backbone of any successful political movement and electioneering victories as their ‘Yes’ is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ is ‘No’.

He has also emphasized that 2027 must usher in a new era, where women are not only mobilized for election campaigns and votes, but fully empowered to sit at the table where decisions are made.

His message was clear and deliberate to the effect that a government that only remembers women at election time, and ignores them altogether cannot deliver genuine progress, therefore a better alternative should be explored.

He has pledged to prioritize women-focused empowerment, economic inclusion, healthcare access, education for the girl-child, and the protection of families as core pillars of his political vision.

Beyond local leadership, Engr. Ashakah Orobosa also used the occasion to call for political unity and strategic participation ahead of 2027.

He urged the women to vote massively and mobilize across their wards and communities to return His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while also rallying solid support for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to continue as Governor of Delta State.

According to him, continuity at both federal and state levels is critical to consolidating development, stability, and inclusive governance.

The women, in turn, spoke with one voice through chants, solidarity songs, and organized commitment, declared their readiness to mobilize ward by ward, street by street, and community by community, standing firmly behind a shared vision for progressive and rapid infrastructural development.

Their numbers transformed the gathering into a powerful signal that the grassroots are aligning early, strongly, and strategically ready for the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Governor of Delta State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As 2027 approaches, one truth is becoming impossible to ignore, a movement powered by women cannot be stopped.

Isoko North has spoken.
The women have risen.
The momentum is real.
2027 is not just coming, it is calling.
Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazormaro is ready to serve his people.

Umuakpo Hosts Yuletide Party, Distributes Rice, Cash to Over 1,000 in Isoko North

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Education Monitoring, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, has hosted members of his political family and supporters across Isoko North Local Government Area to a colourful Christmas party, where food items and cash gifts were distributed to beneficiaries.

The Yuletide celebration, held in Aradhe, his hometown, witnessed the distribution of 10kg bags of rice and cash gifts to about 1,000 persons, cutting across various wards and communities.

In addition, Comrade Umuakpo donated 150 wrappers to members of his female support group, in appreciation of their loyalty and commitment.

The event attracted a large gathering of political stakeholders, including members of the APC and PDP caretaker committees from the 13 wards and the local government, members of the Oghenewegba Political Movement (OPM), the Isoko Patriots, Ovie Ladies Forum (OLF), as well as beneficiaries drawn from Ellu, Aradhe and Ovrode wards.

Speaking at the ceremony, Comrade Umuakpo expressed gratitude to God for His grace and blessings, describing the season as a time for sharing and unity.

He also appreciated Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for retaining him in office despite political realignments in the state, noting that the Governor has continued to demonstrate inclusive leadership and commitment to the development of Delta State.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as giant strides across the state and urged his supporters to continue to support the Governor to enable him deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

The Executive Assistant also paid tribute to his friend and ally, Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazomaro, for his consistent support, and called on his supporters to rally behind Uzuazomaro’s aspiration to represent Isoko North in the Delta State House of Assembly in 2027.

Dignitaries at the event included Engr. Ashakah Orobosa Uzuazomaro, Chief Security Officer of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Sir Blessing Obomovo, a frontline aspirant for Isoko North and South Federal Constituency; Chief Edward Efekpokpo, President General of Aradhe Community, among other prominent personalities.

The ceremony was marked by goodwill messages, cultural displays and a renewed call for unity and sustained grassroots support for progressive leadership in Isoko North and Delta State at large.

CHIEFTAINCY: Ikpokpo Bestowed With ‘OBRUTHE’ Title of Ozoro Kingdom

By Kelvin Ohoror

Foremost political and community leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has been conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of ‘Obruthe’ (Peacemaker) of Ozoro Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom.

The conferment ceremony, which took place on Saturday, December 27, was a major highlight of the three-day activities marking the Ozoro Kingdom Day celebration.

Sir Ikpokpo, fondly known as Malik, is the Managing Director of Dunamis Group and the Clan Otota of Irri Kingdom.

A day earlier, on December 26, he had paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, accompanied by Chiefs and Associates.

During the visit, Sir Ikpokpo congratulated the Monarch and the people of Ozoro Kingdom on the successful hosting of Ozoro Day and expressed deep appreciation to His Royal Majesty for considering him worthy of the prestigious chieftaincy honour.

In his remarks, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo described Sir Ikpokpo as a man of integrity and a long-standing, trusted friend of both the monarch and Ozoro Kingdom.

He explained that the decision to bestow the revered title was based on Sir Ikpokpo’s exceptional leadership qualities and his consistent commitment to peace, unity and development in Ozoro Kingdom and the wider Isoko Nation.

The Monarch further commended Sir Ikpokpo’s notable contributions during and after his tenure as Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, stressing that his actions have continued to foster harmony and progress across the region.

Ovie of Aviara Honours Onowotu, Wife with Chieftaincy Titles

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Ovie of Aviara Kingdom HRM Michael Efereaduo Ebobo, Imoh 1, has honoured Dr. Ralf Uzezi Onowotu, erstwhile President General of Enhwe Kingdom and his wife, Mrs. Onowotu Uzezi Uwouezi Doris as the Agbogidi and Esi of Aviara Kingdom respectively.

The colourful event was held Tuesday 30th December, 2025 at the Palace of Aviara Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking to journalists immediately after the conferment of the chieftaincy title, Chief Onowotu said that, “I am highly elated, I feel love to be honoured by HRM Michael Efereaduo Ebobo, Imoh 1”.

According to him, it is also as a result of my contributions toward the advancement and development of the kingdom.

He asserted that, the people of Aviara Kingdom are peace loving, accommodating and caring.

He admonished the sons and daughters of Aviara Kingdom to always remember home and contribute their own quota for the development of the kingdom.

The Agbogidi title is traditionally bestowed on individual who is highly respected.

Chief Ralf Uzezi Onowotu also hold the title of Itsekure of Enhwe Kingdom that was also conferred on him by the Ovie of Enhwe Kingdom, HRM Anthony Onomuefe Efekodha, Ejuzi 11.

The event attracted traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Delta State, including the Odiologbo of Irri Kingdom, HRM Simon Wajutome, Igbogidi 1 and HRM Agbabe Felix Omavuewere (JP), the Ovie of Okpe Isoko Kingdom as well as cultural leaders and other prominent figures.

I Will Contribute to the Development of Ozoro Kingdom as a Chief – Judge Oletu

By Michael Ekokoruwe

High Chief (Dr.) Judge Oletu Oscar says, he will contribute to the development of Ozoro Kingdom as a gazetted Chief of the area.

Oletu made the statement while fielding questions from journalists at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State after he was conferred a chieftaincy award (the Okioto of Ozoro Kingdom), meaning an investigator at the weekend.

Judge Oletu, a businessman and philanthropist was honored with the chieftaincy award by HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo Ibuka 1, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom for his humanitarian services to the people of the area.

Part of his notable philanthrophism that earned him the award included creation of  opportunities for the Isoko people, supported livelihoods and contributed to the economic growth of the Isoko land, just as he owns Joul Link International Hotel, Joul Link Farms, warehouse and provides estate management services to the people of the area.

Oletu visibly elated by the honor, commended the Royal Majesty for the recognition, even as other chieftaincy awards were given to him from other Isoko communities such as the Atanaru of Owhe kingdom, the Igbunu of Oleh kingdom and the Onaghogho of Emevor kingdom.

He promised to ensure that absolute peace reigns in Ozoro and other Isoko communities as a revered Chief of the area, emphasizing that the chieftaincy award (Okioto of Ozoro Kingdom) will propel him to assist in finding solutions to any situation in the area.

Oletu also commended his immediate and extended family members which according to him are deeply rooted in the traditional values and norms of Isoko land.

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