Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, charged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Delta State Senatorial District, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas to be magnanimous in victory, ensure fair and even distribution of projects across the District when elected in the forthcoming presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for February 25th, 2023.

Ogiame Atuwatse III, gave the charge Tuesday, when Hon. Joel-Onowakpo, an accomplished businessman, a chartered accountant and APC Delta South Senatorial District candidate accompanied with members of his campaign Council paid a consultative visit to the palace of the highly revered Monarch.

Olu of Warri while offering his Royal blessing to the foremost Delta South Senatorial District candidate, said, “Being called to leadership will expose one to all forms of insults and intrigues. Should you emerge as the senator representing me and Delta South, do not allow the results to determine where to develop. If the winner takes all and the losers be damned, we shall not be changed.”

“As you continue in this cause, may you not tire, stumble and fall. God will connect you to those that have been destined to help you and you will campaign in blessings,” Ogiame Atuwatse III, stated.

Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, in his well articulated presentation during the consultative visit, vowed to facilitate and influence massive developmental projects to Delta South when elected.

The APC candidate pledged to seek the construction of the East/West road, construction of Omadino and Excravos road, construction of Madangho Ajudaibo Ogidigben Shore Protection, construction of Arunton – Ugborodo – Canal Shore Protection, revamping of the Warri port and EPZ project for Ogidigben, amongst others.

“These are not mere political promises; these are words coming from a man who is tested and proven. If I, by God’s grace can accomplish all the things I did in Delta State Board of Internal Revenue with my colleagues in less than 6 years, then God will also empower me to do what is right and much more,” Joel-Onowakpo stated.

The foremost senatorial candidate appealed to the people of Delta South not to elect people who cannot make the right choices between service to the people and service to their pockets.

“In all my public service, I have chosen service to God and to my people. People who have occupied similar position in the past or currently, have made their choices and it is very clear to us.

“I have been tested and never found wanting, the track records of my performance is everywhere in the State despite the fact that my detractors may want to play down on them. I am not in short supply of ability to perform if given the opportunity.

“This is no time for further experiment, we should get it right; we are running out of time, we can’t afford to make any further mistakes. I therefore, in all humility urge Your Majesty, Ogiame to support me,” he stated.

Continuing, Joel-Onowakpo said, “Isoko man is before the good people of itshekiri to beg them to throw their weight behind me for quality and responsive representation. Historically, the Isoko people have always thrown their weight behind the aspirations of our neighbors in the Delta South Senatorial District.

“For example, the days leading to the 2007 general elections, the notable and highly reverred politicians like Chief Solomon Ogba, Chief Macaulay Ovuozorie and many more too numerous to mention were in the forefront of the campaign to elect your son and my father, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan as the governor of Delta State.”

“The Isoko at that time didn’t just decide to support your son and my father as governor because the Isoko people didn’t have a candidate who was interested in governorship. Many and significant among them was Late Chief Bar Young Igbrude of blessed memory, but the Isoko people at that time considered equity and brotherhood and gave their support wholeheartedly.”

“I am therefore here, to say, that I am not unaware of the fact that an Itsekiri man is also interested in contesting this position with me, but my sincere appeal is that, that spirit of brotherhood, fairness and equity which has existed among us in the time past where we as people of this senatorial district have come together to elect credible and very competent people to represent us in government should come to play.”

Joel-Onowakpo added, “it will be necessary for me to say at this point that I am a son to Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. My political life started with His Excellency in October 2007 when I was appointed as the Chairman, Isoko South LGA council.

“He later appointed me as the Executive Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue in 2009, a position I occupied till September 2015. Within the said period, the Board was known as one of the most innovatively, efficiently and effectively managed department of government driving yearly collection of IGR from N12bn to N53bn per annum.

“We succeeded in building Board of Internal Revenue headquarters in Warri and the headquarters Annex in Asaba, a Data Recovery centre in Koko and Board of Internal Revenue offices in all the 25 LGA of the State.”

The Ijaw Council of Traditional Rulers on Monday, January 9. 2023, offered royal blessings the Delta South Senatorial District Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the forthcoming general elections, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, describing him as the best suited for the position.

The prayers were offered by the monarchs at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of oil-rich Ogulagha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Elder Capt King Joseph I. Timiyan JP, in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, during a consultative visit by Joel-Onowakpo.

Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw monarchs, HRM Timiyan, who is the Chairman of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Council, described Joel-Onowakpo as a man with rich profil, adding that his personality speaks volume.

The Ogulagha monarch expressed confidence in the APC candidate in winning the election, saying it will be a good development to have another Ijaw-speaking Senator at the National Assembly after the expiration of Senator James Manager’s tenure. He therefore urged all Ijaw sons and daughters to support and vote Joel-Onowakpo come February 25th, 2023..

According to him, the Chartered Accountant cum politician has shown proficiency in time, human and resources management, noting that Delta South will take its rightful position when the APC candidate is elected to represent the district.

“Your kind is rare. Without looking at your profile and qualifications, your personality alone commands respect and your articulation shows good leadership qualities. I am happy and proud seeing you speak Ijaw so fluently. This means another Izon-speaking man will be at the senate after James Manager,” Timiyan said.

Earlier in his presentation, Joel-Onowakpo said he has served in three different spheres in his public life – a successful businessman, a public servant with track records and a civil servant who retired as an Assistant Director.

“I am not just here to tell you that I am an Ijaw man who speaks the Izon language fluently but to also inform you that I have vase experience and qualifications. No one on the ballot today is more qualified and competent than me. Therefore, I plead with you my royal fathers to support me as your son and the most qualified candidate so we can make Delta South great together,” Joel-Onowakpo stated.

The Isoko-Ijaw son and financial expert of international repute also chronicled his achievements in public and private sectors, especially at the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR). He said he will represent Delta South judiciously with fairness and equity to all its formation ethnic groups.

His Royal Majesty, Charles Botu, Pere of Seimbiri kingdom, who was in white costume to signify victory, offered the royal blessings to Joel-Onowakpo on behalf of all the Ijaw Monarchs.

Peter ObiDatti Predidential Global
Network, (PPGN) launches an Obidient App, named ‘Labour Party. Verify,’. The app is downloadable from GooglePlay for android phone users.

It is aimed to also be available in AppStore as soon as fund becomes available to list it on the AppStore for iPhone users.

The Global Coordinator of PPGN Dr Michael Chukwujekwu confirmed this in London UK on the 8th January 2023 amidst preparations for the global launching of the app.

He said that amongst other functions of the app which includes the Adopt polling units scheme, the app will help to monitor and sensitise the collection of PVC which is the National cry of Nigerians and the INEC currently.

The second phase of the launching of the app which has numerous functions and milestones will be coming up on the 15th of January 2023.

The Electioneering Obidient app he said has Labour Party structures, Obidient Groups, Verify Functions, Electoral intelligence, Donation Platforms, Incentives schemes, Voting intelligence and image capture, Location advantage and jurisdiction, Groups News updates.

The Chief Enterprise Architect Kingsley Ikem-Ifudu and his team of Developers said that further functions and milestones as requested by the PPNG will be continually added to the app as the election dates draw nearer.

PPGN in Synergy with all Obidient Support groups and Labour Party, requests all lovers of New Nigeria and good governance to download and use the app. This will make them be abreast of the Nigerian 2023 general election at the comfort of their respective locations globally.

Join the major global launch on zoom at 9:00pm Nigerian time on Sunday 15th January 2023.
https://tinyurl.com/2s43hkxh

ObiDatti wins Nigeria wins.

The Delta State South and Central Senatorial Districts chapter of the Pan-Igbo cultural group, Ohaneze Nd’Igbo, have declared their support for the emergence of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State in the 2023 election.

They made the declaration on Saturday when they paid him a courtesy visit at his Osubi home.

The delegation led by its Delta South/Central Districts President, Chief Chiedu Idama, in company with members of his executive committee, said they are most comfortable with Oborevwori following his history of cooperation and support for the Igbos in the area for several decades and they are sincerely convinced that they will enjoy even greater support with him as Governor of the state.

Speaking first, the Legal Adviser of the group, Chief Barr Oliver Eze, said “it has been ordained by God for Oborevwori to be Governor of Delta State and so shall it be.”

“We know you are the next Governor of Delta State. We have heard about you. We know you. We have followed you and we are pleased with your peacefulness, cooperation and support. Therefore, we are solidly behind you.

“In every community in Delta South and Central, Ohaneze Nd’Igbo is the next largest in population to the indigenes. We have a loud voice in the political arena of Delta State. We gave our support to His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, not because he is an Igbo but because he is a good man. We know that you too as a good man and have what it takes to take Delta State to the promised land. During your administration as Speaker and Okowa as Governor, we enjoyed Delta State more than ever before. The relative peace in Delta State speaks volumes. We are happy we are living peacefully and we pray that we will enjoy more peace under your tenure.

“We are businessmen and we are in every street of Delta State. I have the instructions of my leader, the executives and entire members of Ohaneze to inform you that we will work to ensure your victory in the 2023 election. We are going to vote and defend our votes in your support.”

Calling on all Igbos in Delta State, especially in Delta South/Central to see Oborevwori as their own and vote massively for him, President of the chapter, Chief Idama revealed various personal encounters with him through the years, saying he has always been amazed at his humility and love for people.

“The bond of Warri brotherhood started long ago and we cannot have it better than now that we are talking about a Warri boy as Governor. We are in Warri and we don’t have any other choice. He (Oborevwori) is a friend. He is a brother.

“We the Igbos are chesting out. We are not hiding to support your ambition to become our next Governor. We are not here for people to say Ohaneze is playing politics. Ohaneze will play the politics when the politics is due and when it is proper. Delta State has always been PDP and because of the support we are getting from PDP government we are looking forward and working towards retaining the PDP in government. They say the devil you know is better than the angel you do not know.

“Sheriff will not remember this but in 2014, I was going to the UK with my wife. We were at the Murtala Mohammed Airport and the shuttle bus was already filled. Behold, there was Sheriff with a friend in the bus. He saw me and said, “Oga, you are here?” He stood up for me. His friend also stood up and my wife and I sat down. My wife asked me who he was and I said that is Sheriff. She said, “Dat na the Sheriff, na him stand up for us?” He will not remember but I will not forget. I am talking about his humility. He is down to earth. If he knows you, he knows you, he does not pretend.

“When I started my hotel, there was a time I was mounting sign board at PTI Junction and Uvwie boys came asking that I do this and do that. I never knew Sheriff was passing by. He stopped and asked, “wetin, wetin, wetin?” They said I must pay money. He gave them N10,000 and asked me to continue with my business. That was in 2006. So, how humble, kind and supportive would you expect somebody to be?

“If you are hearing Sheriff Sheriff Sheriff from distance, the Sheriff I know is about one of the best human beings you can find. If we invest in him we can never make a mistake. He knows us and we know him. He is unlike somebody who has not seen you before, who does not know you and if you say Ohaneze he does not know what you are saying. This one na our own. I will summarise by saying, my brother, Sheriff, carry go.”

Responding, Oborevwori said his joy was that members of the delegation are familiar faces, people he knows, many of whom are resident in Warri and various parts of Delta Central and South towns.

Calling on the Igbos to join hands with government to produce a new face for Warri, Sapele and other communities in the area, he thanked them for not running away at the times of crisis.

“Some people were afraid. Some lost their businesses but because you believe in the place, you decided to stay and I thank God that, today, you are enjoying peace.

“I am happy that you said you will extend the same support you have extended to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to me. I want to assure you that this visit will not be a waste because the man you have come to see is that same person you have known for over 30 years. Nothing will change me. Sheriff is the same Sheriff that you have known all these years. As pioneer community Chairman in Osubi, from 1996 to 2003, I never changed. I was Special Assistant, Senior Special Assistant, Special Adviser and member of the House of Assembly, I never changed. I became Speaker, the longest serving Speaker with the most peaceful tenure, I never changed, as a proper Warri boy. I thank His Excellency and all the stakeholders for making it possible for me to be the candidate of the PDP. I am a unifier.”

Extolling the Igbos for their contributions in the development of the state, he assured that they will be given maximum support to carry out their legitimate businesses.

“In my community, the Igbos were the first to bring development and we have named some streets after them. In Osubi here, an Igbo man is Chairman of a quarter. I am one person that do not discriminate. So, if I am elected as Governor, I will remain that same person. I know God will give us victory and what the Governor has done for Igbo people, by the special grace of God, I will do more. The peace we are enjoying, we will enjoy more. The development we have seen, there will be more in terms of infrastructure, human capital and inclusiveness.”

He also called on Ohaneze to give full support for the Atiku/Okowa ticket in the Presidential election.

“Continue to support His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. He is an Igbo man. You live here. You don’t live in Anambra (and your other Eastern states.) You have lived here all your years. Maybe at your old age, when you retire, you may go home. But a man that you know, that you have lived with and they are giving him Vice President, has more value for you than any other person. This one is sure. The Atiku/Okowa ticket is over sure. So, continue to give him the support you have been giving to him and he will not disappoint you when he gets to the Presidency. When you get home, talk to your people that this man is good.

“We are all here. We will have to come together to get the face of a new Warri and keep building Delta State together. The three Senatorial Districts will be equally treated. I assure you no district shall be neglected.

“I won’t talk about somebody who is also contesting. You know him. He said he did some things but all he did are in his village. The person is wanting to go through the back door. He went through the back door to become Senator. He wants to do back door to become Governor. No way. Ohaneze Nd’Igbo also say no way. Nd’Igbo in Delta South and Central are also saying no way. You don’t know them. You know me, we have lived together here for decades. I will listen to you and we will do more and achieve more from this 2023.”

Other members of the delegation included, Chief Ifeanyi Obunseli, Deputy President; Nze Francis Onuora, SSA to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Chief Austin Okwunwa, Vice President; Chief Barr N.E. Nze, past President and current Chairman, Ohaneze Council of Chiefs, Delta South and Central; Chief Charles Iwuchykwu, former President, Imo Indigenes; Comrade Ben Mordi, Chief Security Adviser; Amb Amalili Stephen, PRO; Chief Chiedozie Rueben, Publicity Secretary; Lady Florence Ngozi Ngonadi, Women Leader; Lolo Rosemary Ego Ohaeri, Deputy Women Leader; Chief Paul Chuka Oputa, Chief Welfare Officer; Peter Ezeoke, President, Ebonyi indigenes; Chief Michael Chukwu, President, Enugu indigenes; Mr Mordi Cletus, Chairman, Anioma Chapter; Andy Onyema, Youth President; and Chibuzo Nwaehiri, PRO, Tools and Motor Parts, Effurun.

The Director General/ National Coordinator of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG), Dr Nasir Ladan, has expressed explicit confidence in the group’s ability and capacity to overwhelmingly deliver the All Progressives Congress APC at the 2023 general elections.

Dr Ladan made this known while appraising the group’s strength preparatory to the pending electoral exercises starting with the presidential election on February 25.

According to him “With President Muhammadu Buhari’s impressive accomplishments in developmental governance across Nigeria, and approximately one thousand four hundred and sixty-five recognised support groups within the APC political family, victory is more of low-hanging fruit for our great party.

He further revealed that the national working committee of the party has adopted the Amalgamated APC Support Groups as the coordinating body for all registered APC Support Groups.

He subsequently mandated the AASG’s to ‘Collate, manage, monitor and synergize the activities of all support groups across the thirty-six (36) states and FCT on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Leader and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP,  Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday, officially commissioned the House of Reps hopeful, Mr. Anthony Onochie Ochei’s Campaign Office, at Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state

The Ex governor of Kano state, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso has also said security of lives and property and education at all levels will top his agenda if he is elected as the next president of Nigeria come February, 2023 presidential, senate and house of reps elections.

Kwankwaso who made this statement during the official commissioning of the House of Reps candidate to represent Aniocha and Oshimili federal constituency Campaign Office under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Mr. Anthony Onochie Ochei, said the party is prepared to take mantle of leadership from the ruling APC government.

While thanking the people of Delta state for their massive supports and turnouts to welcome him, Kwankwaso said he has no doubt that the candidate of the party representing Aniocha and Oshimili federal constituency, Mr. Anthony Onochie Ochei will come out with a landslide victory at the poll during forthcoming elections with what he has seen on ground.

He said, “We have seen friends, we have seen supporters, we seen so many people who came out to see us as we arrive at the boarder between Edo state and Delta state, and we are particularly grateful to the Delta state Chairman of the party and the entire members of the executives at the state, local government and wards level.

“I also thank the gubernatorial candidate, national and state Houses of assembly and all stakeholders who have been working round the clock to ensure that this party is in every community, every house. We thank God we are not in PDP or APC as these two parties have finished their turn, dead and buried. I appeal to all to come out and support our Party for a new Nigeria.

“The old Nigeria we are, where the masses are suffering and no body talking about education, that is why in our manifesto we made it clear that we are going to change the educational system where everyone will have access to education for free. Children in the streets will begin to go to school, as we planning to build 500,000 class rooms, where there will not be payment for NECO, WAEC or Jamb.

On NNPP and LP alliance, Kwankwaso, expressed regret that the NNPP/LP alliance did not work, that if it had worked there would be current contemplation of run-off presidential poll in 2023 because he and Obi would have won by a landslide.

On insecurity, Kwankwaso lamented how insecurity has affected everything and both the economy, saying he would increase the number of police personnel from 230,000 to one million, and military from 250,000 to one million, adding that he is not opposed to restructuring and 13 percent derivation.

According to him, insecurity has reduced oil production to one million barrels per day from 2.2mbp; affected solid minerals mining, and harmed agricultural production, which he said he would tackle if elected to generate revenue to fix the economy, infrastructure, and education among others.

Also speaking, the Federal House of Reps candidate under the platform of NNPP, Mr. Anthony Onochie Ochei, at the commissioning of the Ochei’s Campaign Office assured Aniocha and Oshimili constituents of equal and quality representation if elected to represent them at the national assembly.

Ochei who is a Fellow of the Chartered Accountant of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria with over 20 years experience in public and private sectors, promise to attract meaningful development to his people if elected to serve at the national assembly.

Highlighting some of his top agenda and programmes, such as education, empowerment and skill acquisition, Ochei said he would run an open door policy where he will quarterly engage his people on interactive session to know how to address some of their immediate needs at the grassroot.

Ochei said he is contestinh on the platform of NNPP because the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have failed at the local government, state and at the national, because of bad leadership, but that NNPP has a developmental programmes that will enhance the living of the people.

He said, “I served as special assistant to Hon. Minister of Transport for four years. Also served as Internal Consultant to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for two years and equally consulted for numerous Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, several Ministries, Departments and Agencies at federal level.”

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians on the dawning of the New year, 2023, urging them to further unite, brace up and forge a formidable front in the determination to rescue Nigeria from oppressive forces.

In a statement Saturday December 31, 2022 by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Caucus said, Nigerians as a people, should step into the New Year with thanksgiving to God for the miracle of surviving the suffocating economic hardship, escalated insecurity and myriads of suppressive experiences occasioned by the misrule of the incompetent, insensitive and very corrupt All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The New year presents a fresh opportunity for us as Nigerians to rekindle our sense of patriotism, love, care and commitment to one another as we redirect our productive energies, collective ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness to reinvent our nation for the good of all.

“The year 2023 is therefore significant, being the year of the much-awaited general elections that will mark the end of eight years of asphyxiating regime of the APC, as Nigerians march to the polls to elect a new people-oriented leadership to commence the onerous task of rebuilding our nation.

“Our Caucus therefore urges Nigerians to set aside all parochial personal, group, sectional, ethnic and religious sentiments, focus on the larger national interest and firmly resist all selfish and anti-democratic forces that might attempt to distract or subvert their will in the elections.

“Against this backdrop, all democracy institutions and security agencies must deploy all necessary measures to guarantee a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process where Nigerians freely participate and in which all votes count at the end of the day.

“The Minority Caucus urges President Muhammadu Buhari to write his name in gold by ensuring that he leaves a lasting legacy of a leader that ensured free and fair election and hand over to whoever Nigerians genuinely elect in the forthcoming Presidential election irrespective of the party the individual belongs to.

“Furthermore, as the nation prepares for a new lease of life under a new Order, our Caucus demands in very strong terms that the APC administration should not continue to worsen the already perilous situation but use the turn of the year to end its unrestrained borrowing and reckless accumulation of debts with which it decimated our productive sectors and mortgaged the future of our nation.

“Nigerians earnestly desire a government that truly works in their interest and 2023 holds the promise,” the Caucus stated in the statement.

They greeted Nigerians on the occasion of the New year and wished the nation many fruitful years ahead under a purposeful and caring leadership.

The first phase of the Dinner fund raising took place at The Raddison Blu Victoria Island Nigeria on 22nd December, 2022.

The event was aimed at gathering resources and materials for the grassroots mobilisation and awareness in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria by the Support Groups.

Patriotic and philanthropic lovers of Nigeria were specially invited to be part of the good work aimed to rebirth a new Nigeria.

During the event, Dr Michael Chukwujekwu the Global Coordinator of Peter Obi and Datti-Baba Ahmed, PPGN, in his speech, said that the journey to new Nigeria begins with commitment and empowering wilful ‘Obidient’ Nigerians into grassroots mobilisation mission.

He said that this is surely with unprecedented presence and awareness in all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Morse-so affirming the need for good governance that Nigeria needs at this time.

The first phase of this event he said, was aimed at triggering the dynamics of awareness with Synergy for the Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly and state assembly candidates of the new Nigeria project for good.

Such synergy becomes the enabler for involvement, community ownership and participation towards the new Nigeria destiny.

He ends by saying that Nigeria is under Labour to birth a new Nigeria, come February 2023.

Amongst the Special guests present during the event includes Prof. Akin Osuntokun, the current Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (DG LP PCC). In his peach, he emphasised on the need to encourage, motivate, empower and support the ObiDatti Support Groups with the needed materials and financial resources. This he said, is to assist them continue their good work and actualising the desired new Nigeria through HE Peter Obi and Senator Dr Yusuf Datti-Baba Ahmed using Labour Party to that Destination.

Onyeka Onwenu a globally recognised artist, in her passionate speech during the event emphasised that Nigeria is in a phase where candidates with antecedents and pedigree are needed to take the mantle of leadership and rescue Nigeria.
This she said, could only be possible when all Obidients and well meaning and lovers of Nigeria come out en-masse to support the ObiDatti presidential ticket and the Support Groups that are doing great job with unprecedented commitment for the goal of a new Nigeria.

The Distinguished guest of honour Captain Evarest Nnaji Odengene, a Gubernatorial Aspirant for Enugu state announced his support in financial and materials resources for the Support Groups through the Global Coordinator.

Other Special guests present during the event include: Sir Godwin Chijioke Nwobodo (Retired AIG) who chaired the event.
He stated that his commitment to ObiDatti movement and Support Groups will continue until a new Nigeria is birthed. He beckoned on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, tongue or religious affiliation to support and come on board this train to New Nigeria.

Many other Guests who spoke during the event include Mrs Ebere Obiesie the Convener of Women for Peter Obi, Mr Peter Egbule and others.

Most of the Special Guests and guests present made firm commitments to support the Support Groups with financial and material resources.

The National Coordinator Dr Chinelo Onwusi expressed PPGN’s profound gratitude to all the attendees and the ones who could not make it for some emergency reasons.

The second phase of the Fund raising for ObiDatti Support Groups comes virtually at 9:00pm Nigeria time, on 15th January 2023. Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/2s43hkxh22nd December, 2022

Peter Obi

One of the happiest moments of a man came on the horizon for the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of RichyGold Group of Companies, High Chief Richard Agbapuru on Wednesday when he gave his daughter, Nkiruka Yvonne Agbapuru; a foreign trained pharmacist to Francis Ikenna Aliakor as wife at a church wedding in Lagos.

The solemnisation which took place at the Catholic Church of the Visitation in FESTAC town was witnessed by family members, friends, business associates and other well wishers from different walks of life.

In his sermon, the officiating priest Rev. Fr. John Oke used the opportunity to remind all married men and women in Nigeria that every marriage has its own peculiar challenges. According to him, marriage should therefore not be seen as a temporary institution that has expiry date.

In his words, “marriage does not have expiry date. It is not for children but for mature people. With maturity, couples should be able to tolerate one another. Marriage is not a bed of roses as it comes with its challenges.”

Describing marriage as a mystery, the priest noted that even though it is an institution man and woman freely get into, it is a surprise that rather than the couple being seen as two, the institution from Christian perspective, mysteriously regards them as one, thereby defying the mathematical correctness of one plus one being equal to two.

Reverend Oke went ahead to charge Christians especially married ones to show good example to the younger generation by always doing the right. He expressed dismay that in contemporary times, many Christians relish in ungodly things and have come to see issues concerning God as being secondary in their lives. He gave example with those who would like to come late to Church service but would be punctual in their places of work or other social engagements. He called for a change of attitude as God comes first in every situation.

He urged couples to allow Christ to be the centre of their marriage, explaining that with Christ, they would always overcome their challenges.

The solemnisation of the marriage was climaxed with a big party that took place in the massive hall of ICAN event center located in Lake View Estate, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

At the colourful reception, over 1000 guests from different walks of life were in attendance and were well entertained. They included businessmen, captains of industries, traditional title holders, academics, social club members, friends of groom and bride’s families, well wishers and other dignitaries.

The event which was anchored by a popular Lagos-based Master of Ceremony simply known as MC Kwekwe was made more lively with some comic relief that continuously stoked laughter from the audience. There was no dull moment as there was enough to eat and drink, even as the Disc Jockey known as DJ Steve selectively played trending musical tracks that literally electrified the ambience.

It was a joyous day for the bride’s family in particular as High Chief Agbapuru spent time moving from table to table with a view to ensuring that guests were well entertained by the various caterers engaged to provide different cuisines.

Members of his Ugomba Social Club were large in attendance and were up and doing in showing love to Agbapuru who was their pioneer President. They love him and practically showed it with their attendance and gyration on the floor each time the RichyGold boss was up to dance.

Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event at ICAN centre, the bride said she was very happy to have been joined in marriage with Francis Ikenna Aliakor; a businessman dealing in automobile, whom she described as “a very wonderful person.”

The pharmacist was full of appreciation to the teaming guests who graced the occasion in spite of other engagements.

The apex socio-cultural umbrella of the Isoko nation, Isoko Development Union (IDU), has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Delta South Senatorial District, , Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas as the candidate to vote for in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

President of IDU, Prof Christopher Akpotu led the endorsement ceremony on behalf of the Union’s Executive, Isoko Traditional Rulers Council, all Clan President Generals, Isoko Branches Council (IBC), Clergymen and all Isoko people at the Annual General Conference of IDU, held at Isoko House, Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof Akpotu said the Isoko people have resolved to support their own for equity and natural justice as they had before now supported their Itsekiri counterparts for two terms as Governor of Delta State and Ijaws for 20 years at the Senate as well as two terms as Deputy Governor.

He argued that it was only reasonable, just and fair for Isoko to be supported for senate by all Delta South’s ethnic groups, just as he observed that the Isoko Nation has been marginalised for so long.

The renowned Academia therefore charged all Isoko sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to take full ownership of the senatorial candidacy of Hon. Joel-Onowakpo of the APC as Isoko project irrespective of their political leaning.

While describing Hin. Joel-Onowakpo as a “noble, credible and humble Isoko son who is eminently qualified in all ramifications to represent the Delta South people at the Red Chamber,” Prof. Akpotu tasked the electorate to choose only credible leaders.

“A sure mix of your functional conscience and your thumb will do the magic of electing service oriented leaders and not ‘mafiosaic’ leaders who will not have anything to do with his electors after declaring them winners.

“Our peace must not be mortgaged for the desperate behaviour of any politician. In other words, no space should be left for political militants rather a ground for rationale, objective and civilized democratic behavior that solely lies on the thumb and not in fisticuffs,” Akpotu stated.

In his endorsement prayers for Joel-Onowakpo, the Chairman of the Isoko Traditional Rulers Council and Odio-Ologbo of Oleh Kingdom, HRM A.W.O Ovrawah declared that the entire Isoko nation has unanimously agreed to elect Joel-Onowakpo.

While appreciating the Isoko people for standing by him, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo assured that he shall serve Delta South with the fear of God. He urged the Isoko people to be firm, resolute and stay true to their resolve.

He stressed that supporting him is not just to correct the age-long marginalisation of the Isoko people, but to send the most qualified person on the ballot in terms of qualification, public service experience, competence, track record and business acumen to represent Delta South.

The APC candidate said jobs, empowerment and development will be massively created while ensuring that Delta South takes the center stage at the National Assembly.