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EBEDEI-UKWUANI SCHOLARSHIP: ESSOSA’s Grand Patron, Godbless Ijeoma donates handsomely for WAEC enrolment of 20 students, harps on performance in academics

By: Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma

The Grand Patron of Ebedei Secondary School Old Students Association (ESSOSA), Odogwu Godbless Ik Ijeoma once again rose to the occasion in the 2025 WAEC registration of 20 best performing students of Ebedei Secondary School Ebedei, during the maiden edition of the Alma Mater’s Alumni annual get-together held on the 28th day of December 2024.

The event which took place in the school premises was graced by plethora of dignitaries from within and outside Ebedei community comprising the council of chiefs, local vigilante groups, PTA executives and Patrons to the Association.

The Grand Patron, who is a native of Umueziogoli Ebedei community expressed appreciation to ESSOSA and her Trustees Chairman, Tgst. Emmanuel Onwubolu for bringing critical stakeholders of education together to chart a better way forward towards restoring the past glory of the school.

Speaking further, Odogwu Godbless Ijeoma, who is a former Bank Manager with First Bank Plc and presently a Senior Public Servant with the Federal Government of Nigeria, underscored the importance of education particularly primary and secondary education as foundational and fundamental, adding that education is a veritable tool for national growth and development as leaders are made from these institutions.

In his usual gesture of philanthropy, the Odogwu #OnyeEbedei, the Odogwu karini Odogwu, as fondly called by his kinsmen, donated handsomely for the scholarship of 20 students in 2025 WAEC registration valued at over N40,000 per student, while graciously supporting ESSOSA’s logistics for the event with the sum of N200,000.

This was not the first time Godbless is assisting the school. It is on records that Ebedei Secondary School students have been beneficiaries of his benevolence in 2020/2021 when there was global recession as a result of Covid-19, as he visited the school to donate over N200,000 for WAEC Registration of 5 students selected from across the 5 quarters of Ebedei.

The people’s Odogwu was never far from his people. Godbless has invested his time and resources to restore peace and unity in both Adonishaka and Umueziogoli Ebedei communities where the secondary school is domiciled, and also family units, friends and relatives in Umueziogoli Ebedei community and beyond have benefited from his goodwill in cash and in kind.

The Grand Patron in the occasion renewed his commitment to supporting the school and Ebedei community in general for excellence, growth and development. While announcing his donation, he charged the school and ESSOSA to display a high sense of meritocracy in the selection process. “There should be no tribalism; let it be performance-driven”; the former Bank Manager warned as he gave strict instruction on the modalities for selection. Furthermore, the Ebedei-born philanthropist who was the Chairman of the occasion donated the sum of N200,000 for ESSOSA’s logistics.

The school Principal, Mrs. Oluronke Ugbe was overwhelmed as she thanked ESSOSA’s Grand Patron for his unparalleled gesture to the school, and promised to do her best to move the school forward to its rightful place.

In a vote of thanks, the Trustees Vice Chairman of ESSOSA, Nwanasor Rita Mmor thanked the Grand Patron for his magnanimity and benevolence to the students of Ebedei secondary school and especially to the Association, and prayed God to continue to uplift him as well as the Association and her Alma Mater to an enviable height.

In another correspondence addressed to ESSOSA’s Grand Patron, Odogwu Godbless Ijeoma, Trustees Secretary, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, thanked the Grand Patron for his benevolence and recognized his invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Ebedei Secondary School in particular, and Ebedei/Umueziogoli communities in general.

Highpoints of the occasion were Presentation of Kolanut, Chairman’s opening remarks, ESSOSA’s Trustees Chairman’s Address, Ebedei Secondary Schools Principal’s Address, Remarks from the Grand Patron and other invited guests/donations, Presentation of Award to the Principal of the School by ESSOSA’s Grand Patron and Group Photographs.

Hon. Gloria Okolugbo Criticizes PDP, Describes Party as a “Lifeless Carcass”

PDP

In a sharp critique of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, Director of Communications for Senator Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has described the once-dominant political party as a “lifeless carcass.”

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, January 22, 2025, in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Okolugbo did not hold back in highlighting the party’s perceived failures. She accused the PDP of losing touch with its foundational principles and the Nigerian people, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among both prominent members and the public.

In her words:
**“What you think you are carrying, and you think is a structure for PDP, is a carcass. Sooner or later, it will be evident that it’s a carcass. Is there any time you go into an uncompleted building and feel like it’s a mansion?

“It’s a duplex, but it is a carcass. It has been stripped of everything—it has nothing. Where there used to be air conditioning, there is none. Where there used to be beds, there are no beds. You may go into the carcass of a duplex and sleep on the floor, but it will feel like you are sleeping in the forest. Unfortunately, what remains is just a carcass.”

Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, PhD

Okolugbo expressed pain over the party’s decline, noting that those who helped build the PDP are now disillusioned. She criticized some individuals who, she claimed, had previously aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) but are now enjoying the benefits of government.

“For some of us, it is very painful because we built the PDP. When some of the people currently enjoying government benefits were busy collecting names for the APC, we were working hard to build this party. It’s not a good feeling for us,” she lamented.

Okolugbo added that Senator Nwoko’s recent decisions regarding the PDP were not made lightly. “It wasn’t an easy or careless decision for the distinguished senator. It was a carefully considered one, and he has been going through the process of re-evaluating his stance.”

Her comments reflect a growing narrative of discontent within the party and among its former loyalists.

Hold Jarrett Tenebe Accountable for Any Breakdown of Law and Order in Edo

Jarrett Tenebe

By  Omorodion Omoregie

A viral social media post has alleged that the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, proposed a plan during a recent secret APC meeting to break into the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and seize documents belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

During the meeting, the APC’s legal counsel reportedly advised against such an action, citing the presence of security agents. However, Tenebe allegedly dismissed these concerns, reportedly asking, “Who be the person? Which security?”

Adding to the tension, another controversial figure within the Edo APC, Eboh Stone, reportedly declared that no security force could stop them from entering the tribunal, claiming their weapons were superior.

This alleged contempt for security forces highlights the worrying state of law enforcement in Edo State. The perceived inaction of security personnel in Benin City has emboldened individuals like Jarrett Tenebe and his associates, allowing them to operate with apparent impunity and disdain for the rule of law.

When a party chairman openly questions the ability of security forces to maintain order, it raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in upholding democracy and public safety.

The alleged complicity or passivity of security agencies in Edo State has undermined public trust and emboldened attempts to destabilize the state’s democratic processes. While recent improvements in police performance following the invasion of the PDP secretariat are commendable, much more needs to be done to restore public confidence.

Jarrett Tenebe

Accountability is critical. Edo State citizens deserve a security apparatus that protects lives, property, and democracy, rather than enabling lawlessness. Should there be any breakdown of law and order in Edo, Jarrett Tenebe and his associates must be held responsible.

The time to act is now. Enough is enough.

…Omoregie, a public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City.

DSWMB and Police Join Forces to Curb Illegal Dumping

By Abel Johngold, MNIR

In a significant move to promote environmental cleanliness in Delta State, the Executive Chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB), Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, has announced a collaborative effort with the Delta State Police Command to enforce waste management laws and tackle illegal dumping.

Hon. Edema led a delegation, including Hon. Cosmas Igbinije, the member representing Delta North in the Waste Management Board, and senior management staff, to the Delta State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba. The visit aimed to seek the support of the police in arresting and prosecuting offenders who violate waste disposal regulations.

Speaking during the meeting with the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, Hon. Edema highlighted the need for a robust enforcement framework to address environmental challenges in the state. “Our mission is to ensure a cleaner, healthier Delta State. This partnership with the Nigeria Police Force is critical in enforcing compliance with waste disposal laws and deterring illegal dumping,” he said.

Responding to the Board’s request, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda pledged the full support of the police. He commended the Waste Management Board’s efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable and clean environment for the state’s residents.

This partnership represents a key milestone in the fight against environmental offenses in Delta State. By combining the enforcement capabilities of the police with the regulatory authority of the DSWMB, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce illegal dumping and promote proper waste disposal practices.

The collaboration underscores the shared responsibility of government agencies, law enforcement, and the public in creating a cleaner, healthier Delta State for future generations.

Political Tsunami Hits Delta PDP as Ned Nwoko defects to APC

Prince Ned Nwoko

By Abel Johngold 

Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has commenced consultations with his constituents to discuss his planned defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which has stirred significant political interest, aims to ensure grassroots support before the official transition.

Speaking on Saturday, January 18, 2025, during an AriseTV News broadcast monitored by Spade Nigeria News, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, Director of Communications in Senator Nwoko’s office, confirmed the senator’s intent to join the ruling party.

“Today, Senator Ned held a consultative meeting with his constituents to inform them of his interest to defect from the PDP,” Okolugbo said. She highlighted internal challenges within the PDP, including factionalization and a lack of internal democracy, as key reasons behind the senator’s decision.

Challenges and Rationale for Defection

Okolugbo emphasized that the senator’s defection is motivated by a desire to fulfill his promises of development and representational democracy. She pointed to stalled projects and poor governance at the state level, particularly in areas such as electricity, water supply, and agricultural infrastructure.

“For instance, Delta North generates 980 megawatts of power, but the people do not benefit due to political bottlenecks. Similarly, the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, which could provide water for over 60 communities and support agriculture, remains untapped,” Okolugbo stated.

She also criticized tokenistic empowerment programs, such as distributing tricycles and sewing machines, which she argued fail to address the root causes of poverty. Senator Nwoko, according to Okolugbo, is determined to implement sustainable solutions, including public-private partnerships for critical infrastructure.

Decision to Join APC

Okolugbo revealed that Senator Nwoko’s engagement with APC aligns with his commitment to delivering on his electoral promises. She cited the senator’s constructive suggestions to the federal government, which have been well-received by the president, as further motivation for his move.

“Senator Nwoko believes he can achieve more for his constituents by aligning with the president’s party. His defection is not just about politics; it is about ensuring development and accountability,” Okolugbo explained.

While the formal announcement of his defection is still pending, Saturday’s consultation indicates that Senator Nwoko is taking deliberate steps to ensure the transition reflects the will of his constituents.

Impact on Delta Politics

Nwoko’s defection, if finalized, is expected to alter the political landscape in Delta State and beyond. The move could strengthen APC’s foothold in Delta North, a traditionally PDP-dominated region. It also underscores the growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers over internal party dynamics and governance challenges.

As Senator Nwoko prepares to finalize his decision, all eyes are on Delta North, where his constituents’ input will ultimately shape the next chapter of his political journey.

Delta Waste Management Board Overhauls Fleet to Drive Cleaner Environment Under M.O.R.E Agenda

By Abel Johngold Orheruata, mnir

In line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda for a cleaner and healthier Delta State, the Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB) has commenced the maintenance and repair of its fleet of trucks and bulldozers.

The initiative, critical to ensuring efficient waste management operations, is being personally supervised by the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, alongside other members of the board.

Waste Management Board DSWMB

Hon. Edema underscored the importance of maintaining waste management equipment to sustain smooth operations and improve waste collection and disposal across the state. He noted, “The proper functioning of our trucks and bulldozers is vital to achieving Governor Oborevwori’s vision for a cleaner Delta under the M.O.R.E Agenda. We are committed to ensuring consistent service delivery and enhanced environmental sanitation in all local government areas.”

The repair project focuses on overhauling the fleet to meet operational demands while reducing downtime caused by mechanical issues. According to Hon. Edema, qualified technicians are handling the repairs to guarantee durability and optimal performance.

Board members have remained actively involved in overseeing the maintenance process, reflecting their dedication to realizing the state government’s environmental goals. They also reassured residents of the administration’s commitment to tackling waste management challenges effectively.

Residents of Delta State have expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that well-maintained equipment will significantly boost waste collection efficiency, particularly in densely populated areas.

Hon. Edema further called on citizens to complement the government’s efforts by adhering to proper waste disposal practices and cooperating with waste management authorities.

This maintenance and repair drive reaffirms Governor Oborevwori’s resolve to uphold sustainable development and environmental protection as key components of the M.O.R.E Agenda. The initiative is expected to transform the state’s environmental outlook while promoting public health and safety.

 

Delta State Waste Management Board Launches Cleanup of Illegal Dumps Along Asaba/Benin Expressway in Agbor

By Ify Achugbue

Agbor, Delta State – January 15, 2015 – The Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB) has initiated the removal of illegal waste dumps along the Asaba/Benin Expressway, specifically near Dr. Whyte Street in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The cleanup, which began today at the Agbor field office, is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Under the leadership of Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, the Board has received commendation for its consistent efforts to improve public health and maintain a cleaner Delta State.

This project aims to reduce environmental hazards and improve the visual appeal of Agbor and nearby communities. The Board has also expanded its waste evacuation efforts to the Warri area as part of its broader environmental protection strategy.

 

Delta Waste Management Board Begins Evacuation of Illegal Dumps Along Asaba/Benin Expressway in Agbor

Delta State

By Ify Achugbue

Agbor, Delta State – Wednesday, 15th January 2015 – The Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB) has commenced the evacuation of illegal solid waste dumps along the Asaba/Benin expressway near Dr. Whyte Street in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The initiative, launched today at the Agbor field office, is part of ongoing efforts to maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the state.

The Board’s leadership, under the guidance of Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, has been lauded for its continuous commitment to keeping Delta State clean and improving public health standards.

The evacuation project is expected to mitigate environmental hazards and enhance the aesthetic of the area, particularly in Agbor and its surrounding communities.

EFCC Raids PDP Witnesses’ Hotel Amid Alleged Meeting with Okpebholo, Sparking Tensions Ahead of Tribunal Hearing

EFCC

Ahead of the resume sitting by the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Tuesday stormed the hotel where witnesses of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP lodged in Benin City . This comes amidst allegation of a clandestine meeting between Governor Monday Okpebholo and the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, in Abuja.

The said meeting allegedly took place just hours before the dramatic raid by EFCC operatives.

EFCC operatives

The timing of the alleged meeting has raised eyebrows, particularly as it occurred when lawyers to Senator Okpebholo successfully pleaded for an adjournment of the Election Petition Tribunal commencement date from Monday, the 13th, to Wednesday, the 15th. The EFCC raid on the hotel unfolded less than 24 hours before proceedings were set to begin.

The said meeting has set tongues wagging in the state by agitated indigenes even though details of the said emeeting remain unknown. This is all the more so given the public threats by the Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

Tenebe had in a chilling remark, threatened that anyone who dared to come out to testify on behalf of the PDP candidate would be framed for the murder of a police officer and be arrested.

The EFCC raid, which played out in dramatic fashion, saw plainclothes operatives storm the hotel and attempt to whisk away a witness. Chaos ensued when the witness raised an alarm, prompting intervention from other hotel guests. Eyewitnesses report that the operatives refused to identify themselves, leading to tensions that nearly spiraled out of control.

It took the personal intervention of the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo, and his lead counsel, Barrister Ken Mozia SAN, who were both at the hotel at the time, to calm the situation.

A video of the incident, now viral on social media, shows Ighodalo urging restraint and de-escalation even as tensions flared.

Senior EFCC officers in their signature red vests eventually arrived at the scene, only to abruptly leave with their team after claiming they had no intention of harassing or intimidating witnesses; calling it an unfortunate coincidence. However, the timing of the raid and the absence of any formal explanation for their actions has sparked widespread condemnation and accusations of political interference by the Edo State Government.

Critics have pointed out that the raid is part of a pattern of intimidation tactics deployed against the PDP candidate.

Aniagwu reels out Oborevwori’s achievements in 19months …Says Delta Governor will reply critics with more projects

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr Charles Aniagwu, Monday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was not interested in fighting any political battles but would steadfastly continue to reply to critics with massive projects delivery ahead of 2027.
Aniagwu, who was recently directed to oversee the State Information Ministry, spoke specifically on the state of affairs in the state at a press briefing in Asaba, the state capital.Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Commissioner said  Governor Oborevwori was not interested in any political fight but was primed to responding to critics with the delivery of many more viable projects.

“We have seen a whole lot of publications in different places, including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP.

“Oborevwori is a very proud member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Today, Oborevwori is a clear leader amongst leaders of the party in Nigeria, and he is not in any way hungry to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Aniagwu remarked that Governor Oborevwori had kept faith with the continuation and completion of inherited projects, while also initiating new ones.

“Having continued with the numerous projects he inherited, he is currently advancing the state with completion of ongoing roads, while also initiating more projects.

He listed some of the inherited, ongoing and completed projects to include the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass; Beneku bridge; Asaba /Ughelli dual carriageway, particularly sector C1 and C2, Sector A and with repairs in Sector B as well as the 6-story High Court Complex in Asaba.

On initiating new projects, Aniagwu, said the Warri and Effurun skyline would never be the same again as Julius Berger was handling the laudable projects with three flyover bridges and road expansion works currently ongoing in the corridor.

According to him, “other roads have been completed within Asaba and the capital territory, while in Delta South a lot of roads in Warri, Isoko North and Isoko South have also been completed, while new ones have also been initiated.

“In Sapele and Okpe, a lot of road projects are ongoing, while some have been completed like the Ohorhor-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road, Ezesi Road dualisation in Orerokpe and other internal roads in Sapele.

“In Delta North, Eweshi-Utagba-Uno and Ndemili-Utagba-Uno Road in Ndokwa West, Akumazi-Umuocha and Owere-Olubor roads have been completed, while the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road is currently ongoing.”

Aniagwu also said Governor Oborevwori had been building bridges of possibilities, connecting communities and giving room for both business interaction and for people to also have some form of interaction with their kiths and kins in their neighbouring local government areas.

“His business, at the moment, is governance and he is not going to lose sight of it.

“Because of side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans.

“He believes that every Deltan deserves the dividend of democracy and that is what he has concerned himself all about.

“I also recall that in one of our outings at the UPU celebration at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the Governor asked his kinsmen and Deltans to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“He was very clear when he noted that the support for Tinubu also is equal to support for him, that is not politicking; that is governance because, the times we are in now is not for politics but governance.”

In the Education sector, Aniagwu said the administration had established and operationalized a campus of the Southern Delta State University, at Orerokpe, as well as introduced a College of Health Sciences at the institution’s main campus in Ozoro.

He said the administration had also upgraded facilities in several general hospitals and over 150 primary healthcare centres and provided substantial funding to numerous Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology, and established a College of Health Technology at Ovrode, which is now operational.

On the housing sector, the Commissioner said, “the administration has commenced the building of 50 housing units made up of 30 three bedrooms and 20 two bedrooms in Ozoro, Kwale and Owa-Oyibu as a pilot scheme, while eight units of duplex are also being constructed to accommodate more Commissioners in the quarters.

“As part of its efforts at diversifying the economy of the state, the administration has sealed a deal with UTM LNG for the harnessing of the huge reserves of natural gas in the state.

On fiscal discipline and efficient resource allocation, Aniagwu said “over N200 billion has been paid to liquidate the state’s debt stock while contractors are being mobilised with new jobs with outstanding job certificates paid as they fall due.”

He added, “just yesterday, the Governor drove round the entire city to identify many projects that require attention and I can assure you that he is also ready to revamp the state’s broadcast outfits in Asaba and Warri.

“As part of breathing a new lease of life on the stations, the Governor has directed that I submit a report on the stations within the three weeks.”

Pix:
The Commissioner for Works (Rural  Roads and  Public  Information ), Mr  Charles Aniagwu, flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon (right) and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika (left), while addressing journalists in Asaba on Monday.

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