Deputy Senate President in the 9th assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described the passing of Chief E. K. Clark, as the end of an eventful era characterised by the distinguished role of some leaders who fought assiduously for the building of a Nigeria anchored on justice, fair play, equity and true federalism.

Reacting to the demise of the elder statesman, Omo-Agege said his life was a testimony to courage.
He said: “I received the news of the passing of our foremost leader and patron of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief E.K Clark, with profound pain and sorrow. Nigeria, nay, the Niger Delta has lost a leader whose voice for the good of all transcends boundaries, a bridge builder across political lines who struggled for the enthronement of a just and egalitarian society.

“Daddy’s principled voice, especially for the emancipation of the Niger Delta, will be deeply missed. A nationalist par excellence, we will miss his interventions and activism which have greatly enriched our political landscape and provided a well trodden path for future generations.

“Though we mourn his departure at the ripe age of 97, we wish that he stayed more for us to be continued to be guided by his vibrant and genuine intentions as we forge our democratic tendencies.

“He never wavered in his commitment to justice, especially the justice denied the people of Niger Delta when successive governments exploited crude oil, with only a class of people and areas overwhelmingly arrogating the resources to themselves while the Niger Delta was left in ruins through environmental degradation.

“Despite the injustice meted out to his people, Daddy Clark loved Nigeria and put her first. He only wanted fair treatment for the Niger Delta within a true federal system”, the former Deputy Senate President said, adding, “He was father to us all and continued to espouse the principles he held dearly.”

“According to the family, Daddy transitioned peacefully yesterday, May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty God grant his nuclear and extended family the fortitude to deal with this irreparable loss. Amen.”

Signed:

Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

By Ify Achugbue

The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, has commended the Aniocha North Local Government Area for its high level of environmental cleanliness, describing it as a model for waste management practices in the state.

Hon. Edema gave the commendation on Friday, February 7, 2025, when he led members of the Board on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, at his office in Issele-Uku, the administrative headquarters of the council area.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Edema praised the Local Government for its impressive environmental upkeep, noting that from the entrance of Issele-Uku to the Council premises and the Executive Council Chamber, there was clear evidence of a well-maintained and clean environment. He attributed this to the leadership and commitment of Hon. Chinye to environmental sustainability.

“We are not surprised because we know you have the capacity and the ability to drive environmental cleanliness and beauty in Aniocha North. Indeed, what we experience here is refreshing,” Hon. Edema stated.

The Waste Management Board Chairman reiterated the Board’s unwavering support for the Local Government’s efforts to implement Private Sector Participation (PSP) in waste management. He noted that Hon. Chinye’s experience and track record in waste management would be instrumental in successfully involving private stakeholders in the process.

Responding, Hon. Chinye reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing environmental cleanliness as part of his broader vision to rebuild Aniocha North. He expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the Waste Management Board to enhance waste disposal strategies, curb indiscriminate dumping, and eliminate illegal dumpsites in the area.

Hon. Chinye, a former two-time Chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board, appreciated Hon. Edema and his team for their continued efforts to uphold and improve waste management standards across the state. He assured them of the Council’s full support in achieving the Board’s mandate.

The visit further strengthened the partnership between the State Waste Management Board and Aniocha North Local Government, with both parties expressing optimism about the successful implementation of sustainable waste management initiatives in the region.

The death has been announced of Deaconess(Mrs) Rebecca Edjeren of Ivrogbo-Irri at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital on the 27th of January 2025 at the ripe age of 101 years.

Mrs. Rebecca Edjeren was born on 2nd of July, 1923 to David and Esther Ogbo, both education-loving and ardent Christians, in Ivrogbo-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State

She attended the then Teacher-Training College at Ebu- Owerri and graduated in 1943, at a time female education was a rarity. She got married to James Edjeren (James Warri) of Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, a prominent Urhobo educator, the same year.

Over a period of Thirty-Five years, she taught in Primary Schools in Warri, Enugu, Onitsha , Ughelli, Iluelogbo (Owhelogbo), Emevor, Uro and Oleh (Isoko Central School — ICS — where she retired)

She eventually relocated to Benin City where she became a major food contractor to the fledgling University of Benin. Her stay in Benin brought her in contact with Archbishop Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission International family where she worshipped and was later called to serve as a full time Matron of the Word of Faith Group of Schools.

Archbishop Benson Idahosa ordained her as deaconess in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the growth of the church. She undertook international trips with him as a dedicated member of (CWIFI) Christian Women International Fellowship. It is worthy to note that despite being advanced in age she was still a member of the church choir at the Faith Arena in Benin.
She finally retired back to her residence at Ugbowo and continued attending the local branch of the Church of God Mission there until the time of her death in 2025.

She was blessed with eight children:
Veteran broadcaster and public relations expert, Ray Austin Edjeren ;
Professeur Emery Edjeren; Ms Edna Edjeren (retired civil servant) Elder Florence Enejeta Mosheshe (aka Flora) (culinary doyen);
Dr. Mrs. Ufuoma Lamikanra (aka Gladys);
Associate Professor Felix Edjeren ;
Veteran journalist, broadcaster and media executive, Ignatius Ruke Edjeren and
ace broadcaster, Israel Edjeren.

She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren among whom are international figures like
Dr. Oluwatomi Lamikanra, and the internet preacher Joy Edjeren (daughter-in-law).

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Rest in peace, Rebecca Edjeren. All who knew and loved you will miss you very much.

Ray Austin Edjeren
For the family

A strong warning has been issued to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other companies operating in the Niger Delta: Do not engage with Takenane Abaka under any circumstances.

Lucky Tubotu, a youth leader and indigene of Bilabiri 1 Community, has cautioned that Abaka’s tenure as Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman has long expired. In a statement released in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Tubotu made it clear that any company conducting business with Abaka or his associates would be legitimizing an illegal regime.

“Abaka is an Imposter—He Must Be Arrested”

Tubotu did not mince words, labeling Abaka an imposter who should be removed and prosecuted. He insisted that peace would remain elusive in Bilabiri 1 Community until Abaka and his illegal executive are ousted.

He recalled the tragic killing of Frank B. Seide on April 1, 2021, a murder allegedly tied to the extension of the CDC chairmanship. Tubotu accused Abaka’s faction of using intimidation and violence to retain power, even after their tenure officially ended on December 15, 2024.

“Terror Reigns in Bilabiri 1 Community”

According to Tubotu, Abaka and his associates have terrorized the community, unleashing violence on those who oppose them. Reports indicate that individuals resisting his illegal rule have been beaten, injured, and had their phones confiscated. Fear now grips Bilabiri 1, with many residents too terrified to speak out.

“Their tenure expired on December 15, 2024, yet they continue to illegally parade themselves as the CDC executive. Worse still, their allies possess illegal firearms, threatening innocent citizens—particularly Ebimene Abaka, aka ‘Small Fire.’”

Companies Dealing with Abaka Do So at Their Own Risk

Tubotu has sent a clear message: any company or individual conducting business with Abaka and his team does so at their own peril. Any agreements made with his expired administration will be deemed null and void.

“Enough is Enough—Security Agencies Must Act”

Calling for immediate intervention, Tubotu urged security agencies to arrest Takenane Abaka, Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire), Ebike Adams, Aaron Douglas, Highness Soja Dede, Esopi Wilson, and Darius Wilson. He emphasized that their illegal possession of firearms and continuous oppression of the community pose a serious threat to peace and security.

The time for action is now. The people of Bilabiri 1 Community refuse to be held hostage any longer.