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Delta Agro-Industrial Park ready Nov

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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday, said the Agro-Industrial Park being executed by his administration at Aboh-Ogwashi, Aniocha South Local Government Area, would be ready for inauguration in November, 2022.

Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing works at the park, the governor, who said that the contracting firm had assured on the completion of the project, explained that the project was necessary to enhance development of the state’s agro potential.

He said that basic infrastructure were being put in place at the park to meet completion target, and lauded the host community for support and cooperation for the project “which holds a lot for mutual benefits for the community and investors”.

“Let me appreciate the level of cooperation we have had with the Ogwashi-Uku community because they gave us over 180 hectares of land for the Agro-Industrial Park.

“We thought the park was necessary because of the need to help develop our agricultural potential in this state and the Park is actually meant for agro-processing and we are using rice mill as the nucleus of the industrial production coming up in this place.

“But many other agro-industry processing facilities and industries are supposed to come in here and you can see that there are already mapped out commercial plots ready for allocation for companies that want to come in.

“The basic infrastructure at the centre is already being put in place not just for the rice mills; you have service quarters, warehouses and many other things that are going to come in, including the source of power.

“The most important thing about this park is the river which means that we are able to provide irrigation services all year round from that river.

“I have drawn their attention on the need to start the road development in the park because of the rainy season that is about to set in because that’s the only set back they are likely going to have.

“The contractor has promised to deliver the project towards the end of November which means if they start the road project now, they will still have time during the break in August and in the later part of October to finish with the road project,” Okowa said.

He pointed out that establishing rice factory in the park would help to encourage out-growers across the state to help feed the rice mill and engender direct positive impact on Deltans.

“The process of encouraging out-growers and giving them rice seedlings that are very high-yielding and with agricultural extension support services that will be provided to our people, will be definitely impact directly on the families that will be engaged in the rice farming.

“This will help to create jobs and multiply the family income of the communities around Ogwashi-Uku and even across the entire state.

“We are also expecting that many other agro-processing companies will come in place and that will begin to stir up developments in other areas beyond rice.

“The park is a community of its own where you have various agro-processing industries co-sharing common facilities for agro-indstrialisation in the state,” he stated.

On the Kwale Industrial Park, the governor said that it had suffered delay because of COVID-19 but expressed optimism on making it a free trade zone.

He said that the state government was working with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to designate the park as an Export Processing Zone.

“The Kwale Industrial Park is supposed to be a gas-based park and we had a lot of setback because of COVID-19.

“For two years we have not been able to progress because not many investors are ready at the moment to come invest as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We travelled to China and we had firm commitments concerning gas based industries but unfortunately, they were not in the mood to move our because as soon as we came back within two months the COVID-19 set in and till today they haven’t visited.

“We are also working with Minster of Trade and Investment with the Export Processing Zone to see how we can turn that whole area into a free trade zone.

“We are working on that at the moment and we are setting the ground work for the next administration to take off fully.

“We are doing the initial fencing and there is a lot of work ongoing and recently one of the companies in Delta have spoken to us to move to that area and we are working on giving them 20 hectares of land.

“Once we are able to attract one major company to that place it will stir up more companies to come,” he said.

In separate interview with journalists, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo ll and the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Mr Jude Chukwuwike, described the project as a landmark effort of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

While saying that the project would revolutionise the agro-potential of the state economy, they charged the contracting firm to redouble efforts with a view to delivering the project on time in line with contractual agreement.

The governor was conducted round the various departments of the Park by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Eric Eboh, and Project Consultant, Mr Kester Ifeadi.

The project sitting over 180 hecters of land on completion, will have a rice factory, warehouses, packing house, cold storage area, offices, laboratories, guide centre, gas station, garage, storage rooms, workers residential areas, water house, sewage treatment plant and other agro processing units.

Olu of Warri commends Edevbie’s presentation on Delta development

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His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has commended Olorogun David Edevbie’s presentation of his vision for the development of Delta State.

Atuwatse III made the commendation in his palace in Warri on Tuesday when the frontline PDP Governorship aspirant and his team visited him to seek his royal blessings.

Edevbie who has proposed a modernisation agenda for the state informed the Olu and his Chiefs that his key drivers towards engineering a robust state economy include the provision of 24 hours power supply, industrialisation, diversification of the state economic base, improvement of the security architecture, jobs and wealth creation, integrated social infrastructure development and public service reforms, amongst others.

He also emphasised the need to heighten the development and interconnectivity of riverine communities, recharge of operations at the Warri and other sea ports and creation of enabling environment to re-attract companies back to Warri and environs to increase employment and enterprise opportunities for the people.

Responding, Ogiame commended Edevbie, describing his presentation as “a lecture, a brilliant lecture”
on development.

The Olu said he has always prayed that whoever will take over from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa should be someone who has the ideas and capacity to do the right thing to drive the development of the state.

“If you are that person, my prayers will get to you.”

He pointed out that the development of the Niger Delta which is led by Delta State will impact on the development of Nigeria as the Niger Delta is the gateway to the nation.

“When Delta State gets it right, Nigeria as a whole will feel the effect because Delta is critical to the entire nation,” Atuwatse III said.

Praying for good health, journey mercies and safety for Edevbie and his team, the Olu also asked God to grant him the wisdom and resources needed to prosecute the Governorship race, adding that God should make the resources not to have strings or conditions that could impede his implementation of his good vision.

On Edevbie we Stand: Group replies Delta Central PDP Chairmen

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Public Statement

*On Edevbie we Stand*
– Urhobo Grassroots Awareness Association

We have read with consternation the public statements by Delta Central PDP Executives and Local Government Council Chairmen appealing to the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to rescind their choice of Olorogun David Edevbie as the Urhobo consensus PDP candidate.

The decision of the UPU derived from its scrutiny of Urhobo aspirants at an interactive session in the month of March in which Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Olorogun David Edevbie participated.

Before the engagement, the UPU made it clear to the aspirants that given the current uncertainties in Delta political climate, especially the seeming repudiation of the rotation of power on district basis which also seems to be calculated to undermine the interest of the Urhobo nation to produce the next Governor, it was necessary for the Urhobo nation to not only present a common front to ensure that they do not enter the primaries divided, but also to present a candidate with the best capacity and exposure to perform on the job for the good of all Deltans.

The panel included various retired judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, top Academicians, top business executives, accomplished professionals in different fields and various other persons of high integrity and standing in Urhobo nation.

It is not the first time that the UPU is carrying out such an exercise. In 2014, they did the same thing from which same Edevbie was adjudged the best from a field of contenders which included the sitting Deputy Governor and SAN of long years standing, Prof Amos Utuama, the current Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and others.

Indeed, this time around, it was even Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who advised the UPU, at their 90th anniversary celebration last year, to prune down the number of aspirants from Delta Central.

For the avoidance of doubt, this was well reported in the New Telegraph and other newspapers on December 5, 2021 as follows:

“Governor Okowa, who spoke during the 90th anniversary of the UPU urged the President-General, Chief Moses Tiaga, to prune the aspirants and warned against pull-him-down consultations and campaigns of calumny.

“He said: “When there are too many sons and daughters in a race, it creates its own challenge. The elders understood this. There is a need to trim down and I believe that the time is now.” (End of quote).

It was pursuant to this that the DC-23 commenced the process which produced David Edevbie, Sheriff Oborevwori and Kenneth Gbagi.

Note that the advice by Okowa was to the UPU and it has only further acted to prune down to one consensus candidate in view of the current political exigency.

It was therefore strange that when the UPU published their verdict on Sunday morning there was a flurry of intimidation of Delta Central PDP leadership and LGA Council Chairmen by state government and top party officials to disclaim the position of the UPU and insult the leadership of Olorogun Moses Taiga.

We are aware that the first draft allegedly sent by Dr Michael Tidi, the Council Chairman of Warri South, was so vicious and insulting of the Urhobo cultural leadership that the Delta Central LGA Chairmen rejected it. Regardless, they proceeded to redraft it in more subtle and appealing tune and signed.

In signing such negation of the position of the leadership of the Urhobo nation, we can understand their dilemma and difficulties given the intimidation that informed the orchestration.

We are well aware that in their mind and spirit they agree with the judgement of the UPU but only lacked the courage to express so.

Unfortunately, their action amounts to a total betrayal of the Urhobo nation and the selling of their soul. They were told by strangers to insult their fathers and ancestry and they did just that.

We also sympathise with their poor understanding, poor sense of history and poor judgement in stating that, as a socio-cultural organisation, the UPU should not have involved itself in guiding the political direction and destiny of its people. Again, note that Okowa advised the UPU so.

If the topmost cultural body of any society does not care about the political future of its people, such organisation is not only unworthy of its call but such society is doomed.

We wish to remind them them that the so called Delta Central ALGON, if any such body exists, that they are an organ of the UPU and the UPU didn’t need to particularly consult them before taking a decision. The accommodates all political parties and it is therefore bigger and most important to all Urhobo sons and daughters than any single political party. They should also be reminded that the PDP was voted by Urhobo people whose cultural leadership they now seek to denigrate for immediate gains.

Perhaps the Delta Central PDP Exco, LGA Chairmen and Urhobo sons and daughters who have been employed to criticise the UPU ought also to have cast their minds back to 2014 when the Anioma Congress comprising Traditional Rulers, Opinion Leaders and Academicians under the leadership of our highly respected father of Delta State, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, endorsed Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as the best out of over 10 aspirants from Anioma nation.

The process then, just like the UPU’s, was quite elaborate as the then aspirants of Delta North extraction submitted themselves to same procedures of scrutinisation that even took them to Lagos to be evaluated by a Committee headed by the respected Chief Phillip Asiodu who then submitted their findings to the Asagba led Anioma Congress for declaration.

Again, for the avoidance of doubt, the involvement of Anioma Congress in the selection of the best candidate from Delta North was also well captured in the December 14, 2014, report of the Vanguard and other newspapers as follows and public for anybody cares to confirm:

The report read:
“Dr. Okowa emerged tops in the screening organized by Anioma Congress to trim the number of aspirants from Delta North. He was followed by Hon. Victor Ochei and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu… The Secretary General of Anioma Congress, Sir Dan Okenyi told Saturday Vanguard that “the victory of Dr. Okowa is a vindication of the work of Anioma Congress.” Sir Okenyi said even Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has called the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, to commend the foresight of the Anioma Congress.” (End of quote)

The question therefore is what makes the action of Urhobo Progress Union different now? If Anioma Congress, being a socio-cultural body, did the same thing in Delta North in 2014 from which Governor Okowa emerged, why is the UPU being castigated, blackmailed and insulted for doing just the same with their own people?

Sadly, a number of the stooges from Delta Central today who now occupy some form of political office are either too hungry or too timid to stand in defence of their Urhobo nation or were too young then and not familiar with the Anioma Congress endorsement.

It appears also that the current Delta State PDP leadership is either not informed that the Anioma Congress took the same process to put present their best who became Dr Okowa or have chosen to be duplicitous.

What is more annoying however is the deployment of the party machinery to insult and desecrate Urhobo land to satisfy the bidding of his master to saddle Deltans with a puppet that lacks the intellect, managerial and administrative capacity to govern the state and represent Delta in both the national and international comity.

Worse still is the attempt to create division and conflict among the various brother kingdoms of Urhobo land to promote their own narrow political interest.

On this, we call on all Urhobo and brother Deltan ethnic nationalities to be vigilant against ongoing evil attempts to destroy our collective cultural unity for the political gains of a few terrible people.

While we forgive the saboteurs who have colluded with external agents to bring Urhobo nation and its leadership to public disrepute, we call on all Urhobo sons and daughters to disregard their statement of dissent and stand up for Urhobo and with the UPU to protect the rights and integrity of our ancestry.

We also especially urge the delegates of the PDP to be bold to rise up for Delta and to defend the PDP slogan of “Power to the People” rather than submit themselves to be enslaved by a few individuals whose interest is only selfish.

Long live Delta State!

Peace unto all our ethnic nationalities!

Signed:
Oghenedoro Erhue
President, Urhobo Grassroots Awareness Association

Okowa Urges OFAAC To Sustain Bridge Building, Unity Efforts Through Cultural Festivals

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By Patrick Ochei

Governor of Delta State and Special Guest of Honour to the 17th edition of Anioma Cultural Festival, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the organisers of the annual cultural fiesta – the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) to continue to sustain its bridge building and unity efforts across Delta North Senatorial District (Anioma Nation) and even beyond.

He made this assertion on Easter Monday, 18th April, 2022, at the Oshimili North Arcade, Asaba, venue of the 17th edition of Anioma Cultural Festival.

The Governor who was ably represented by the Secretary to Delta State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah affirmed that OFAAC has aided the advancement of the State through the preservation of the Anioma Culture and tourism.

He commended the Organisation for its sense of unity as often canvassed using the instrumentality of culture, while adding that it has indeed helped in building bridges of love, peace and unity of Anioma people.

Okowa implored OFAAC not to ever relent in its effort of propagating Anioma culture and heritages, insisting that the journey it has embarked over 17 years ago is a progressive one and should be on steady drive.

While also commending the brain behind the birthing and successes of OFAAC in the person of Arc. Kester Ifeadi, Okowa further called on all well meaning sons and daughters of Anioma to join hands in the growth and development of Anioma people and communities.

He eulogized Ifeadi for keeping the Anioma Festival spirit alive while also urging him to continue to keep faith with the project, maintaining that it has given Anioma people of all statuses a sense of pride and identity.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Arc. Kester Ifeadi, Founder and President of OFAAC had appreciated the Patrons of OFAAC, Board of Directors, Traditional Rulers, Omus and over 3000 volunteer members of the Organisation for their untiring belief in the vision and projects of OFAAC.

He commended the Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa whom he said had been of immense support to the Organisation in the past 17 years, maintaining that even at the last edition where he had already sent the Deputy Governor to represent him, he still flew in from outside the State engagement to attend the programme as a true son of Anioma.

While regretting the two years break in activities (2020 and 2021) as a result of Covid-19, Ifeadi praised God for the opportunity to initiate more concepts into the annual festival.

He said that, to showcase more of Anioma uniqueness, the Organisation would be launching an Anioma Cultural Troupe to espouse the character of the annual festival in dances, music, costumes, cuisine, and folklore.

The renowned Architect and passionate culture enthusiast recalled the supportive role of one of the Organisation’s Directors (Welfare), Mrs. Stella Nwabueze who had passed on, thereby calling on his audience to observe a minute of silence in her memory and honour.

Ifeadi in a nutshell, felt proud of the crowd and array of personalities that attended the 2022 edition of the programme, insisting that he and his team wouldn’t have done anything this past 17 years without the solid support of Anioma people.

It is worthy of note to state that this edition of the Anioma Cultural Festival came out the best, both in the attendance and watertight activities with different prizes won in dancing, wrestling and fluting competitions.

For the record, the Egwu Anioma Group came out the overall best for 2022, while the Okiti Mixed Secondary School, Ubulu-Okiti won the Star Price in school category.

This edition was themed “Culture As A Tool For Unity”, buttressing the reason a Cultural Troupe was launched as instrument of advancing peace and unity of Anioma people going forward.

The attendance of Anioma personalities ranging from the Traditional Rulers who were led by the Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu (Obi of Ubulu-Uno), the Omus led by the Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Dessert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, the DG of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Mrs. Onyemaechi Joan, the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, Hon. Jude Chukwunweike Ugbah, Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Chief Okenmor Tilije, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor, the DG of the Skills Acquisition Centre Issele-Uku, Chief Mrs. Shimite Bello, the Chief Messenger of Anioma Voice, Comrade Akamesike Manuel O’coney, former Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, Secretary of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Patrick Ochei, Publisher of the Karifest Magazine, Barr. Onyeka, SSG’s wife, Barr. (Mrs) Perpetual Ukah, former Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Chief Isaac Anwuzia, the Ozoma of Onicha-Olona, Chief Austen Elumelu, veteran politician, Chief Giwa Amu, DELSU Anioma Group led by Prof. Nwanne and others made this year’s event a spectacular one.

On the treacherous rants over UPU adoption of Edevbie

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Urhobo Map

By Oghenekaro Umukoro

Deltans never take Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe seriously. He seems, comically, to speak first before reasoning which explains the ease with which he probates and reprobates at the same time on any issue.

His latest dabble is on the adoption of Olorogun David Edevbie by Urhobo Progress Union as their best and preferred choice for the Delta PDP Governorship ticket.

As usual, he has come out with superfluous unreason and illogic, holding on straw.

For a brief background: After the rotation of Governorship position had gone first circle across the three senatorial districts of Delta State, it was generally expected that it will restart from Delta Central. Following a curious suggestion in high quarters that the rotation might not continue on district basis again, the Delta Central PDP formed DC-23 to lobby political groups and traditional rulers across the state to keep faith with the district zoning which should have Delta Central produce the next Governor.

Oghenesivbe was initially part of the group but he resigned midway. Some say it was because he was denied appointment as the group’s Media Officer by the members who purportedly described him as “unstable and corrosive.” He reportedly said he was asked to jettison the Urhobo lobby group by Governor Okowa, suggesting that the Governor was not disposed to the pursuit of the Urhobos. Why the Governor possibly is against the Urhobos is still a wonder.

Whilst out, Oghenesivbe kept abusing the DC-23, describing it as a contraption of Chief James Ibori, accusing the members of having ulterior selfish motives and justifying rotation by ethnicity.

The elders, knowing that the political interest of the Urhobo nation was at stake, kept focus on their diplomatic mission by which they have been able to build understanding and acceptance across the state, save for those madly intent on undoing the Urhobo nation.

Part of DC-23 mandate, by the advice of the Governor, although doubtfully honest, and the UPU, was to prune down the number of Delta Central Governorship aspirants.

When Oborevwori scaled through the first round of pruning from 12 aspirants to 5, and the second round from 5 to 3 which saw the elimination of other aspirants, Oghenesivbe and the Oborevwori camp hailed the process.

While some of those eliminated accepted the outcome and others are still insisting on running, more new aspirants from Delta Central have been sponsored into the race, possibly to undermine the efforts of DC-23 in holding the district together.

As they say, elders cannot stand by while the she-goat suffers the labour of birth on the leash. Given that the direction of power rotation has not been clearly redefined, the large number of Delta Central aspirants, if left so, would sure undo the Urhobos at the primaries.

Enter the UPU, the socio-cultural governing body of Urhobo nation.

They called the various aspirants for scrutinisation with a view to seeking out the most qualified and best prepared in order to present not just a common front but to ensure that Delta Central provides Deltans a Governor that can perform.

Oborevwori was first to appear at the UPU interactive session on March 17 while Olorogun David Edevbie also presented himself on a later date.

Reporting the event and it’s objective by himself, Oghenesivbe informed us that the President General, Olorogun Moses Taiga, and the UPU Executives made it clear that they intended to scrutinise and sieve the aspirants.

Wrote Latimore:
“He said UPU is father to all sons and daughters of Urhobo nation across the political divide, adding that the union will always be apolitical, neutral in political affairs BUT want the best among equals to govern the state, and AS SUCH the union will do the needful by scrutinizing the presentations and pedigree of all aspirants with open heart and mind.”

So, clearly, the purpose and objective of the interaction and the possible outcome of settling for the best was never in doubt.

Continuing his report, Oghenesivbe wrote:
“Oborevwori commended the leadership of the union under Olorogun Moses Taiga, saying that UPU’s 90th anniversary was a huge success BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY OF LEADERS currently PILOTING THE AFFAIRS OF URHOBO socio-cultural organization. He assured UPU of a brighter future for Delta State, Deltans, and Urhobo nation, and urged PG Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, and the union to support his governorship aspirations to win the 2023 governorship election with a wide margin.”

Oghenesivbe quoted Oborevwori himself to have said as follows at the interaction:

“I am humbled by this invitation to interact and cross-fertilize ideas with the leadership of UPU Worldwide represented by the executives of the union. I am your loyal and humble son and I have enormous respect for our Urhobo leaders and this great union. You sent me to the House of Assembly in 2015 where I became speaker of the House with your recommendation and influence.” (End of quote)

At the completion of the interactive and scrutinisation sessions which the aspirants, especially including Oborevwori and Edevbie, freely subscribed to, the UPU finally came up with their verdict. They adopted Olorogun David Edevbie as their best choice.

It was just as it happened with DC-23 in which Oborevwori succeeded through two sessions to emerge along with Edevbie and Chief Kenneth Gbagi. This time with the UPU, he didn’t scale through and all hell is lose.

Against Oborevwori’s earlier acknowledgment and commendations of “the quality of leadership of the great union,” they want Deltans to believe that UPU’s verdict was commercial. Like the butterfly feeling like a bird, he is again insulting the UPU like he earlier insulted DC-23.

Ironically, as quoted above, Oborevwori testified that the UPU supported him to the House of Assembly where he became the Speaker also by their “recommendation and influence.” His very words as reported by Oghenesivbe.

Obviously the process can only be right when it favours them and never good when it does not favour them.

The UPU is racing against time to ensure that the Urhobos and Delta Central do not undo themselves with multiple aspirants at the PDP primaries, given the lack of clarity on rotation and obvious hard stand, manipulation of the process and the intimidation of delegates and LG party officials, elders and leaders by Governor Okowa, State PDP Chairman Kingsley Esiso, and some principal officers of the State Working Committee.

With due respect to Oborevwori, Deltans know a bad market and they are already saying so. They have been indeed terrified about the future of the state by suggestions that Okowa was backing Oborevwori who himself says his best credentials is his “Street Credibility” and records of not allowing the police to enter Alaka because of his street prowess.

These sound bites have been disturbing to Deltans and all well meaning and responsible members of the PDP who care for the life and future of the state.

In fact, it could be in acknowledgment of this poverty of integrity that there were suggestions that those toying with Oborevwori for Governor may have dumped him and clandestinely raised another ghastly move aspirant whom they are still veiling.

It could not have been any surprise, therefore, that the UPU settled for Edevbie who is well reputed for his high qualification, experience, capacity and track records of performance in both private and public service.

They is an ocean of difference between Oborevwori and Edevbie and Deltans know that. Okowa and Kingsley Esiso also know that. Why they are doing what they are doing is still a mystery to Deltans.

We must praise the UPU for standing up not only for the Urhobos and Central District but for all Deltans by pointing us to the best direction.

The rest of the rants would remain mere childish talks. As we say, where elders see sitting, children can’t see standing.

2023: DECO APPLAUDS UPU’s ENDORSEMENT OF DAVID EDEVBIE AS PREFERRED AND SOLE CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNORSHIP SEAT

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David Edevbie

By News View

David Edevbie Campaign Organization, DECO has welcomed and applauded the Urhobo people of Delta Central for adopting Olorogun David Edevbie as their preferred and sole PDP candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the State.

The group made the commendation in a Press Statement released on Sunday and made available to newsmen in Asaba.

David Edevbie

The DECO statement was signed by Chief Clement Ofuani, Director General, Olorogun David Edevbie Campaign Organization.

 

The DECO Press Statement read “We read the news about the endorsement from a communique issued on Sunday, April 17, 2022, by Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the umbrella body of Urhobo Nation, and signed by Olorogun Moses Taiga, President General and other principal officers of the UPU. The choice of Olorogun David Edevbie by UPU is a clear validation of the position of DECO that the stakes in this election are so high that only the best is required by Delta State. And Olorogun David Edevbie is that best for Governor of Delta State.

“It gladdens our heart to know that the decision of the UPU was based not only on the need for Urhobo Nation to present a common front to ensure that Delta Central produces the next Governor of the State but that the Candidate is the best positioned to drive Delta’s development for the benefit of all Deltans.

David Edevbie

“The UPU’s choice of Olorogun Edevbie as the best after a rigorous engagement with all Delta Central PDP guber aspirants, confirms our stand that Olorogun Edevbie is the best person for the job of Governor at this critical time of Delta State, as he has the requisite public sector experience at the State, Federal and international levels”.

The DECO statement also added that “Olorogun Edevbie’s campaign team supports the UPU in its appeal to other Urhobo Guber aspirants that they should accept the UPU’s consensus choice for the collective interest of Urhobo Nation. We believe that the action of the UPU will also help to defend, protect and safeguard the interest of the Urhobo Nation, and also promote unity and good relations with other ethnic groups in Delta State.

“We thank Urhobo people for their readiness to act as sureties for Olorogun David Edevbie while in office, if he becomes Governor in 2023. This is an eloquent testimony to their conviction that Olorogun Edevbie is a credible candidate who can be trusted to keep his promises.

David Edevbie

“We also appreciate the UPU for their commitment to the principle and practice of rotation of power among our Senatorial Districts. We thank all stakeholders in the State – Royal Fathers, political and opinion leaders for their commitment to the rotational policy on senatorial basis which has brought peace and progress to our State and mutual respect among our peoples.

“We agree with the UPU that the policy should continue and be sustained in our State.

“_Olorogun David Edevbie for Governor, Let the best do it._ “. Ofuani noted in the DECO Press Statement.

Delta Central LGA party and Council Chairmen set to betray Urhobo nation

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By Prince Isire

It has been uncovered that following the decision of Urhobo Progress Union to present a common united front to ensure that the Urhobo nation secures the Governorship ticket of the PDP, the Chairman of the State PDP, Kingsley Esiso, in league with other external forces, is putting pressure on the eight (8) Local Government Council and PDP LG Party Chairmen in Delta Central to write a disclaimer against the UPU endorsement of Olorogun David EDEVBIE.

We must warn that such a dangerous move is tantamount to betraying the socio-cultural leadership of the Urhobo nation.

As the UPU pointed out, these are very trying times, given that the sequence of rotation of power by senatorial districts is seemingly being subverted.

While DC-23, Urhobo traditional rulers and the UPU worked hard and are still working hard to build understanding across various districts and groups of the state to keep faith with the district rotation, it is obvious that the external forces are surreptitiously sponsoring and urging on a multiplicity of Urhobo and Delta Central Governorship aspirants to create a situation where Delta Central will be divided and possibly lose at the primaries.

Under this situation, the apex nationalist government of the Urhobo nation cannot just fold its hands and see the turn of Delta Central slip away. This underscores the imperative of seeking to present a common front while also still seeking the cooperation of our brothers in Delta North and South and still appealing to His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for his understanding.

Having said this, we wonder why Kingsley Esiso would want to stand against the government of Urhobo nation in their mandate to guide their people and protect the interest of the Urhobo nation.

We must warn that, having been charitable enough to allow Esiso an Itsekiri man to usurp the slot of the Urhobos to emerge Chairman of the PDP, the Urhobos will not accept his continued orchestration to undo the Urhobos and deny Delta Central its rightful turn in the rotation of power to serve the selfish interest of himself and his group.

Esiso must know that while the Urhobo’s continue to accommodate him, there comes a time when enough is enough.

To our Delta Central LGA Party and Council Chairmen, we urge you to reason twice and not be used for the desolation of your land and the Uhrobo Nation.

Urhobo wadoo!!!

Signed:
Prince Isire, President,
Urhobo Defence Vanguard

URHOBO SOLIDARITY FRONT HAIL UPU ON CHOICE OF EDEVBIE

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David Edevbie

By News View

Prominent Urhobo socio-political organisation, Urhobo Solidarity Front (USF), has hailed the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide for their wisdom and courage in endorsing Olorogun David Edevbie as the consensus candidate of the Urhobo nation for the Delta 2023 Governorship race.

Olorogun David Edevbie

The USF made the declaration on Sunday, April 17, following the public statement by the leadership of UPU announcing their adoption of Olorogun David Edevbie as their best and preferred choice from Urhobo land and Delta Central Senatorial District.

In the statement signed by USF Secretary, Oghenekaro Umukoro, the body reiterated the need for Delta Central and Urhobo nation to present a single consensus candidate at the PDP primaries on May 21 to ensure that the Urhobos don’t get to the congress to divide their delegate votes, a situation which if not handled with caution could make Delta Central lose the PDP Governorship ticket.

David Edevbie

The group said it had uncovered plans by some agents of disunity in Urhobo land to counter the decision of the UPU which it noted can also sell out the Urhobo nation and play into the hands of external forces bent on undermining the interest of the Urhobo nation.

Olorogun David Edevbie

“We hail the national leadership of UPU Worldwide for coming out boldly to declare a consensus candidate from Urhobo land. As all Urhobo sons and daughters can see, there has been an attempt to undermine the emergence of an Urhobo indigene as Governor of Delta State in 2023 and there was an urgent need for Urhobo leadership to take steps to defend the interest of the Urhobo nation and Delta Central,” the statement began.

“We all saw how DC-23 led by Urhobo sons and daughters in the PDP responsibly embarked on a lobby across various groups in the state and successfully ensured their support for the sustenance of the peaceful district rotation process for which it is now the turn of Delta Central.

“We have also seen that in the failure to stop the rotation by districts, those external forces and the saboteurs among us have gone on to sponsor a multiplicity of aspirants across Urhobo land with the objective of having Delta Central split our delegate votes to the advantage of other ethnic groups.

“It is for this reason that we commend the UPU Worldwide for coming out to decide on a consensus candidate to ensure that Urhobos go into the primaries with one voice and come out successful to produce the next Governor.

“We must state that Delta Central is an important district of Delta, the Urhobo nation is the most homogeneous cultural group of the state and we cannot allow external forces to place us on the slaughter slab nor dictate a choice for us when it is our turn, as we can obviously see some persons and groups trying to do.

“We are also especially satisfied with the UPU Worldwide choice of Olorogun David Edevbie who is known and widely accepted by all Deltans as the most qualified, most competent and best prepared, going by his high educational background, experience in the private sector in top corporations, both locally and internationally, and public service in support of various administrations of Delta State and the Presidency, to carry on the development of Delta State from where His Excellency, Governor Okowa will end.

“We have been reliably informed that an insignificant group sponsored by political detractors of the Urhobo nation inside and outside government have concluded plans to release a statement criticising, countering and discrediting the UPU for taking the decision to ensure that Urhobo acts in one accord. We warn such persons, especially their members who are Urhobos, to retrace their steps and desist as their collusion with such outside forces is to the detriment of the overall interest of Urhobo nation and Delta Central at this time. A word is enough for the wise.

Pointing out that the present political climate in Delta State is strange, the Urhobo Solidarity Front called for vigilance, sacrifice and greater unity among Urhobo sons and daughters to weather the present political situation and ensure that Delta Central retains its respect in Delta State.

Delta 2023: Urhobo Nation Adopts David Edevbie as Sole PDP Candidate

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David Edevbie

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The people of Urhobo, Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, have adopted Olorogun David Edevbie as their preferred and sole Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Delta State Governorship election.

This was contained in a communique issued on Sunday, April 17, by the supreme governing body of Urhobo nation, Urhobo Progressive Union, and signed by Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Oghenerume Taiga, President-Genaral, Chief Capt. (Dr.) Anthony Onoharigho, 1st Deputy President-General, Chief Godwin Notoma, Chairman, Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms, Dame Chief (Mrs.) Christy Siakpere, President, UPU Women Wing and Comrade Ovie Ebireri, President, UPU Youth Wing.

David Edevbie

Stressing the need for Urhobo nation to present a common front to ensure that Delta Central produces the next Governor of the state, the UPU said the other aspirants are also qualified and fit persons but pleaded with them to consider the collective interest of the Urhobo nation above personal ambitions and support the decision, pointing out that, ultimately, only one person will occupy the position.

The UPU also apologised and pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to forgive Edevbie for any wrong for which he may have been angry with him and allow the Urhobo nation to present their best and preferred choice in the overall interest of the development of the state.

In the statement titled “Delta State Governorship 2023: Our Stand; Our Choice,” the UPU said the choice of Edevbie was based on a rigorous engagement with all Delta Central PDP aspirants for the Governorship position from which Edevbie emerged as the best.

“After thoroughly examining and analysing all the aspirants, we have, however, reached the consensus that Olorogun David Edevbie is the best person for the job at this time. Over time he has acquired impressive public sector experience, both locally in Delta State and Federal Governments, and prior outstanding international development finance experience,” the statement said.

“We hereby sincerely plead with all our sons and prevail on them all to support and collaborate with the consensus choice of UPU Worldwide for the collective interest of our dear Urhobo Nation. We ask for their understanding at this critical and trying time in the history of the Urhobo Nation.”

Its action, the UPU said, is in fulfilment of defending, protecting and safeguarding the interests of the Urhobo nation while promoting unity and good relations with other parts of Delta State.

“We need to take note of the current political atmosphere in Delta State and the seeming attempt to deliberately undermine the interest of the Urhobo people in the 2023 Governorship race. In this regard, the Government of the Urhobo Nation, the UPU, is under obligation, at all times and in all circumstances, to defend, protect and promote the interest of the Urhobo Nation and her people. The UPU is unequivocally committed to the emergence of an Urhobo person as the next Governor of Delta State in 2023.”

Explaining the selection process, the body said all the aspirants were taken into confidence on the need to promote a common front and commended them on the friendliness and peacefulness in which they have conducted their consultations.

“To present a united front in the forthcoming primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the UPU had a brainstorming session with each of the Urhobo aspirants. All the aspirants who presented themselves before the UPU in the four-day interactive session performed brilliantly. We acknowledge that they are all eminently qualified and suitable for the job, and each has what it takes to occupy the office of the Governor.

‘We wish to recall admonishing each of the aspirants in the cause of our meeting with them that “the UPU will, in conjunction with all stakeholders, ensure that the Urhobo Nation produces the Governor in 2023. We shall be firm on this and 2023. Be also assured that we shall be fair and just to all the aspirants because we know that you all are eminently qualified for the office. It is just that only one person can go per time.”

The choice of David Edevbie is consistent with their position in the 2014 primaries in which they also endorsed him as their best and sole candidate.

The UPU particularly pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to accept their choice of David Edevbie, assuring him of their continued mutual friendship and brotherhood.

“We want to appeal to our Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to forgive Olorogun David Edevbie for any perceived transgression. To forgive is divine. No individual is perfect.

“Your Excellency, we also urge you to allow the Urhobo Nation to choose the candidate of its preference please. We can assure Your Excellency that if considered necessary, we, as Urhobos, will act as sureties of Olorogun David Edevbie while in the office if, by the grace of God, he wins the Governorship general elections in 2023.”

Restating it’s belief in the rotation of power by senatorial districts, the thanked various stakeholders of the state especially the traditional rulers and leading political class for keeping with the arrangement.

“The UPU commends all our Royal Fathers across the State and all well-meaning Deltans who have given their support to the rotational policy on Senatorial basis, as against ethnic nationality.

“The UPU has absolute faith in the rotation of the Governorship position among the three Senatorial Districts of the State, which, of course, has gone round, having started with Central in 1999 and rounding up now with the North. This rotational policy has brought about peace, mutual respect among the diverse ethnic groups and tranquility to the State in the last 22 years, paving way for the growth and development, that have been witnessed so far in the State. The policy must, therefore, be encouraged and sustained by all the ethnic nationalities in the State to guarantee the prevailing peace, and prevent the unnecessary rancour, acrimony and violence often associated with campaigns and elections.”

The decision of the UPU, we gathered, was not only ensure that the Urhobo Nation does not go into the primaries to divide their votes but, most importantly, to ensure that they present a candidate who will reinforce Governor Okowa’s performance to heighten the development of Delta State for the wellbeing and pride of the citizens.

Isheagu residents of Delta State receive free medical care courtesy Ambrose Modebe Foundation.

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By Eunice Emeyazia.

Over 100 persons benefitted from the free medical tests organised by the Ambrose Modebe Foundation, in memory of the late Pa Ambrose Modebe, who died 30 years ago.

The event which held at Isheagu in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, also featured the formal launch of the Foundation.

The Foundation provided residents of Isheagu community, free medical counselling and tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria and weight, while also giving the people free treatments according to their diagnosis, from a range of drugs, including, antihypertensives, antimalarials, antibiotics, vitamins, and analgesics.

The Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Austin Modebe said the exercise would be carried out regularly, to enhance the living standards of the people, and solicited the support of all in ensuring sustained empowerment and medical support for the needy and vulnerable persons.

The board of the Ambrose Modebe Foundation consists of the seven children of the late Pa Modebe, of Umudigbe in Umuozoma, Ogbetiti-Isheagu, who was a devout Catholic, medical staff, social Patriot, and advocate against injustice.
Dignitaries at the event commended the children of the late Pa Modebe for keeping their father’s memory alive.

The Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Pa Ambrose Modebe Foundation for the free medical care and for creating awareness on the silent killer ailments.
The event featured a brief exhortation, and prayer session, as well as a health talk on how to avoid diabetes, high blood pressure and other related ailments.

The late Pa Ambrose Modebe died on the 5th of April, 1992 from heart failure.
In his memory, his children established a Foundation after his name to contribute to the work of saving humanity from heart related attacks and high blood pressure, and to reach out to the less privileged, in a most significant way.

Eunice Emeyazia.

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