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Artisan Boss Lauds Gov. Okowa’s For Providing a Conducive Environment For Mechanics

 

By Christy Aboghe

Delta State Artisan Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Abanum has expressed gratitude to the state governor for approving a portion of land to  accommodate more mechanics in the state.

Abanum made this known during the commissioning of the Asaba Ultra- modern Mechanic Village in the state capital.

He said the governor has proven to be a promise keeper, by providing all their needs, even beyond their expectations.

The Chairman and also the number one automobile mechanic in the state said it would accommodate mechanic workshops  in the streets of the state capital and also provide more jobs for Deltans.

The Chairman while praying God to bless the Governor, whom he said has a destiny to fulfill in the country promised to continue  to work with him, because he has made them proud by delivering on all his electioneering promises.

In the same vein, the state Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Chief Michael Okah commended the governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for providing a one stop shop for the procurement of motor spare part shops and workshops for mechanics in the state.

He said the mechanic village would provide a one stop shop for the procurement of motor spare parts, repairs and maintenance of vehicles devoid of encumbrances having to travel long distances in procuring needed spare parts.

The Commissioner said the project which was developed by Re-homes property Development Company Limited under the Public private partnership model to build and sell the shop outrightly, is also meant to assembly all the clusters of auto mecahnics and spare parts shops scattered all over the Asaba metropolis so as to ensure the beautification of the state capital territory.

While commending the governor for his vision to embark on the laudable project as part of the `administration SMART agenda, he said the developing  of the Asaba Ultra-Modern Mechanic village included the construction of 900 units of spare parts  shops, 82 units of mechanic workshops, fire service building, police post, security building, perimeter fencing, internal drainage system, toilet facilities, portable water, asphalted roads, landscaping roads, union house, banking hall, restaurant and power generating set.

He said inspite of the challenge in the completion date, re-Homes Properties Development Company Limited had delivered 80 percent of the project. He also said the completion of the remaining facilities in the mechanic village have been time lined for December, 2024.

He however disclosed that out of the developer has completed 78 mechanic workshops and 704 spare parts shops out of which 77 mechanic workshop and 335 spare part shop have been sol, inclusive of the subsidized ones.

The Commissioner also commended the effort of the state governor, for the allocation of a portion of land to Nigeria Auto Technician Association, (NATA), for development as an annex mechanic workshop, describing it as one of the projects initiated and completed by the Okowa administration.

The Commissioner however urged NATA and the spare parts dealers Association to work in harmony with the developer for the smooth operation and maintenance of the Asaba Ultra-Modern mechanic village so as to ensure the beautification of the state capital.

Speaking, the Executive Assistant, Investment and Promotions and Chairman, DIDA, Hon Paul Nmah said he was impressed as after seven years the projects have been completed, occupied and ready for commissioning

Nmah said the 704 modern mechanic lockup shops, 78 workshops, amongst others which was the first of its kind in the entire south south states.

He commended the Chairman of Rehomes Property Development Company Limited for choosing to invest in Delta state where creating the enabling environment for business to thrive is the government’s priority.

He assured the Commissioner of the completion of the 15 to 20 PPP projects, based on the stringent proposal evaluation and due diligence processes, which he said have put in place to ensure that every potential investments are viable and sustainable before recommending them to the governor for approval.

Earlier the governor described the state as a hub for businesses in the last eight years.

He said the partnership between the government and private investors was yielding results and called for further investments in different sectors of the state economy.

International Museum Day: OFAAC Founder, Ifeadi, Honoured By National Museum For Promoting Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage

By Patrick Ochei

In commemoration of the International Museum Day, the Founder of the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) and Chief Executive Officer of the Contemporary Group Ltd, Arc. Kester Ifeadi has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in Asaba, Delta State.

He was honoured in recognition of his tireless effort in promoting Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage, by the Director General of National Museums and Monuments, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani, who was represented by the Curator, National Museum, Mungo Park House, Asaba, Elder Emeka Idika Kalu.

In the address of the DG, Ifeadi was eulogized for not just his architectural prowess with over 300 designs and projects all over the country in his over 35 years of practice, but for his inspirational cum professional contributions to the Restoration of the Mungo Park House, Asaba.

Historically, the Mungo Park House was built in 1886 as soon as the colonial masters disembarked by the River Niger through the Royal Niger Company that oversaw Nigeria on behalf of the British Government at the time. That means that, Nigeria was ruled by the colonial masters from Asaba way before places like Calabar and Lagos.

When the concept to Restore the Mungo Park House to its original form was hatched as soon as the National Museums and Monuments commenced operation therein in 1997, Ifeadi was fully involved and indeed supervised the project, thereby restoring it to its original state as it were in 1886.

In view of the above, in addition to his numerous contributions to cultural renaissance and traditional rebirth in Nigeria, he was selected among many to be so honoured by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

In his address, Prof. Tijani recognised that “The world looks up to May 18 every year, as Museums and communities from all over the world come together to celebrate International Museum Day.

“Throuh the years, International Museum Day has become a veritable avenue to advocate for the role of Museums in society. This year, the theme for the World Museum Day celebration is ‘Museums, Sustainable Development and Well-being’.

“The theme of this year’s Museum Day has opened up huge possibilities for Museums and cultural organisations to engage with the health and well-being of society.

“The National Commission for Museums and Monuments as an agent of government charged with the responsibility of protection and promotion of the nation’s Heritage resources, has contributed and is still contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals; supporting climate action and fostering inclusivity, tackling social isolation, and improving mental health.

“As we join the global community to mark the 2023 International Museum Day, let us be conscious of our roles and the expectations of the people around us”, the DG posited.

Congratulating Ifeadi once more on his numerous contributions to the promotion of Culture and building of bridges across ethnic boundaries through professional architecture and philanthropy, the Curator of the National Museum Asaba, Elder Emeka Idika Kalu commended him for the huge support he has continued to render to the Mungo Park House.

He equally thanked the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on behalf of the DG, for his immense financial assistance to the Restoration of the Mungo Park House.

In his response to the Award, Arc. Kester Ifeadi said, though he was overwhelmed by the award, he would forever cherish it as a mark of appreciation.

He said he has received numerous Awards in the past, but sees this one as special to the effect that he would never regret his effort in the Mungo Park House project.

Arc. Ifeadi therefore, dedicated the award to God as the Giver of Talent and Grace, for how He has continued to make all things possible for him.

He also dedicated the award to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his commitment to tourism development, affirming that the Restoration of the Mungo Park House wouldn’t have been possible without the approval and funding of the Government under Governor Okowa. He sincerely appreciated him for monitoring all aspects of progress of the project until it was completed and put to use.

For Chief Philip Asiodu, Arc. Ifeadi thanked him for his efforts in National Conservation of Monuments and undisputed concept to the Restoration of the Mungo Park House, maintaining that the Mungo Park House is one of the most cherished projects in his over 35 years of practice as an Architect.

According to Ifeadi, “The National Commission for Museums and Monuments should endeavour to extract more information from the ethnic nationalities that make up the Lower Niger Basin, in order to make the Asaba Museum richer in quantity and quality.

“You need to do a proper history of the Mungo Park House while also expanding on the Exhibition to tell a richer story in order to showcase the underlying importance of the heritage.

“In all of these, the economic importance of Tourism cannot be overemphasised. Apart from Agriculture, Tourism is the next industry that puts money in everybody’s pocket. I once travelled to observe the Zanziba culture; their tourism potential is not as rich as that of Mungo Park, but they were able to package their culture well, to the effect that tourists regularly occupy their hotels from all over the world.

“We need more advocacy if we must advance, leveraging on the strategic importance of the Mungo Park House. The Traditional Rulers as custodians of culture and traditions must get involved to make the effort a sustainable venture. I suggest that they should begin by ensuring that the Gallery proposed for the Council of Traditional Rulers House, is fully implemented”, Ifeadi advised.

It was a huge honour done Ifeadi, as he was showered with accolades from dignitaries present while receiving the award alongside two other recipients.

Indeed, it was an entertaining day as there were cultural performances and other side attractions that made the event a befitting one.

MOSRA Energy Commissions Water Project For Ugboba Community, Begins Coal Mining Operation

By Patrick Ochei

Ugboba community, an agrarian locality in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, has been provided with potable water by a coal mining company, MOSRA Energy Limited.

In a well attended commissioning ceremony on Monday  May 15, 2023, the amiable Monarch of Ugboba Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nkebakwu Emmanuel Ezedimbu 111, appreciated MOSRA Energy for such a gesture, assuring them of the best of cooperation from the community in terms of fostering of cordial working relationship, as the mining operations continue to progress.

Obi Nkebakwu also commended the people of Ugboba for their unalloyed loyalty and support to his rulership, maintaining that the community had taken the best decision in the interest of the Energy development of Nigeria with the hope of ripple effect benefits to the community.

According to the UK trained Monarch, “I sincerely wish to appreciate MOSRA Energy for their kind gesture in ensuring that Ugboba gets potable water for drinking. This ceremony is not much but means so much to us.

“Today, we have come to witness the commissioning of the water project built for us by MOSRA Energy and also to take delivery of the two motorcycles donated to the vigilance group to advance security in the community.

“The world is today, also aware of the commencement of mining activities in Ugboba. This community has eventually etched her name in the history of mineral deposits communities contributing their own quota to the development of Energy sources in Nigeria.

“Our country Nigeria is predominantly gas producing in Energy source. Coal is one of the main sources of energy in China, ranking about 50 percent of their energy source.

“It is in our own best interest to look inward and give what we have for the Energy development of our country. We want to change the industrial sector, we want to contribute to power sector and we want to be happy as a people. For this, I commend Ugboba people for their understanding, and, I urge them to keep the unity of Ugboba in tact. We will definitely achieve our aim of a better Ugboba when we coexist together in peace, unity and love.

“MOSRA Energy has provided Potable Water for Ugboba people as part of their commitment in the Community Development Agreement (CDA). Ours is to remain peaceful and law-abiding as mining operations begin in earnest. We are delighted for what God is doing and we will not take this privileged opportunity for granted.

“Let me emphasise to prove naysayers wrong in their ignorant attempt to cast aspersions on the mining project. There is no difference in what MOSRA Energy is doing here from what Coal mining is all about in other developed climes like Germany, where 16-30 percent of their coal mining is Lignite. There is no harmful effect with regards to the ongoing Lignite Coal mining in Ugboba and other Coal deposits communities around it.

“In this kind of mining, the company is using Open Cast system to excavate. This is a method where the soil is opened in a shallow form and the Coal taken away, afterwhich the deep is covered with the same soil. We even have forest with enough capacity to curtail any environmental effects like dust. They also have equipment that wets the environment with water.

“We must realise that Energy sufficiency is the bedrock of any development. If we don’t mine, we cannot enjoy developmental infrastructures like road and electricity.

“In Nigeria as a country, we do not have diversified sources of energy. India and China have about 40 and 45 energy sources. We want to start using what God has given us to start living well. With this Lignite Coal, Ugboba will be paying her own due in developing Nigeria and helping to provide energy source for Nigeria. By the Paris Convention on coal mining regulations, the world is aware of the mining project in Ugboba. It is not hidden and we must do everything humanly possible to achieve success in our Energy sufficiency agenda for Nigeria, and in particular, the accruing developmental benefits to our community”, Obi Ugboba explained.

Meanwhile, the Federal Mines Officer, Delta State, representing the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Engr. Golden-Okpataku Fatima thanked the King and people of Ugboba for supporting the mining efforts of the Federal Government in the community.

Her words, “I thank God for making it possible for us to witness this laudable event. I congratulate His Royal Majesty, Obi of Ugboba for ensuring that this monumental project is taking place in his time.

“I plead with Ugboba people to continue to support the king because of his tireless effort to make this project a reality. He has a good heart towards the development of the community.

“For MOSRA Energy, please do your best to treat the community well. We will ensure that this exploration project is environmentally sustainable. The Minister is passionate about this project, he wants this particular mining experience better than what we have in Kogi State. Remember that Johannesburg was a community like this in time past, but today, it is a big city with enormous development that brings tourists from all over the world on vacation in the city. It is my prayer that this community will see better development for the good of the indigenes and those of her neighbouring communities”, the Federal Mines Officer stated.

Speaking on behalf of the MD of MOSRA Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos, the Site Geologist, Mr. Ishola Emmanuel affirmed that MOSRA Energy Limited is doing its own part of the bargain to ensure that Ugboba gets her own fair share of development as a host community.

He confirmed that the company is doing various road networks towards making movements of equipment and materials easy in the community.

Speaking further, he said, “I have been on ground since 2015 when we came in here to start exploration. We have bonded with the community all these years, and they have taken time to understand our mission. Everything we told them we would do, we have been doing and there is no cause for alarm.

“We use the open cast in this mining, where we remove the overburden and cover back with the soil. We have proffered solution with the soil which is the bone of contention with some persons. We have water tankers for the wetting of the ground to mitigate the effect of dust. But you can attest to the fact that the environment is not harmful, that people are here working without even masking, that people are farming around and that people are going to be living around the Facility Site.

“The truth is that, Ugboba community has given us peaceful atmosphere to operate and we in turn have been reciprocating their kind gestures. It’s a win-win for all of us and there is nothing to worry about”, he concluded.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the commissioning of the water project by the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh.

Cutting the tape, the SLG appreciated MOSRA Energy for their effort in locating the mining site for their mining operations in Ugboba.

While expressing joy over the project, Okoh affirmed that he was sure that the partnership of the mining company and that of its host coal community would lead to utilising part of the generated profit to advance development in the community.

He however, advised MOSRA Energy to ensure to productively engage not only Ugboba indigenes but Aniocha North people in their workforce.

Okoh pledged the partnership of the Local Government towards enabling the company’s mining activities to success, and at the same time, a worthwhile and profitable venture for the benefit of all parties involved.

He turned on the tap and served water to the President General of Ugboba Development Union, Mr. Nnabuife Ikechukwu and also drank; thereby sparking up an overwhelming applause and jubilation from those watching the action.

A colleague Monarch and Oloza of Ugbodu Kingdom, HRM Obi Ayo Isinyemeze who was present to witness the water project commissioning ceremony and official take-off of mining operations in Ugboba, was given the opportunity to officially commission the two motor bikes that were donated to Ugboba Vigilante Group for their use in mounting security surveillance in and around the community.

The keys to the motor bikes were handed over by Engr. Golden-Okpataku Fatima to the beneficiaries.The atmosphere in Ugboba on Monday May 15, 2023, was not one that required the telling of soothsayers that the people were happy, just as they sang, danced and eulogized their king to the admiration of the visitors.

Artisan Boss Laud Gov. Okowa’s For Providing a Conducive Environment For Mechanics

By Christy Aboghe

Delta State Artisan Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Abanum has expressed gratitude to the state governor for approving a portion of land to  accommodate more mechanics in the state.

Abanum made this known during the commissioning of the Asaba Ultra- modern Mechanic Village in the state capital.

He said the governor has proven to be a promise keeper, by providing all their needs, even beyond their expectations.

The Chairman and also the number one automobile mechanic in the state said it would accommodate mechanic workshops  in the streets of the state capital and also provide more jobs for Deltans.

The Chairman while praying God to bless the Governor, whom he said has a destiny to fulfill in the country promised to continue  to work with him, because he has made them proud by delivering on all his electioneering promises.

In the same vein, the state Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Chief Michael Okah commended the governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for providing a one stop shop for the procurement of motor spare part shops and workshops for mechanics in the state.

He said the mechanic village would provide a one stop shop for the procurement of motor spare parts, repairs and maintenance of vehicles devoid of encumbrances having to travel long distances in procuring needed spare parts.

The Commissioner said the project which was developed by Re-homes property Development Company Limited under the Public private partnership model to build and sell the shop outrightly, is also meant to assembly all the clusters of auto mecahnics and spare parts shops scattered all over the Asaba metropolis so as to ensure the beautification of the state capital territory.

While commending the governor for his vision to embark on the laudable project as part of the `administration SMART agenda, he said the developing  of the Asaba Ultra-Modern Mechanic village included the construction of 900 units of spare parts  shops, 82 units of mechanic workshops, fire service building, police post, security building, perimeter fencing, internal drainage system, toilet facilities, portable water, asphalted roads, landscaping roads, union house, bank9ing hall, restaurant and power generating set.

He said inspite of the challenge in the completion date, re-Homes Properties Development Company Limited had delivered 80 percent of the project. He also said the completion of the remaining facilities in the mechanic village have been time lined for December, 2024.

He however disclosed that out of the developer has completed 78 mechanic workshops and 704 spare parts shops out of which 77 mechanic workshop and 335 spare part shop have been sol, inclusive of the subsidized ones.

The Commissioner also commended the effort of the state governor, for the allocation of a portion of land to Nigeria Auto Technician Association, (NATA), for development as an annex mechanic workshop, describing it as one of the projects initiated and completed by the Okowa administration.

The Commissioner however urged NATA and the spare parts dealers Association to work in harmony with the developer for the smooth operation and maintenance of the Asaba Ultra-Modern mechanic village so as to ensure the beautification of the state capital.

Speaking, the Executive Assistant, Investment and Promotions and Chairman, DIDA, Hon Paul Nmah said he was impressed as after seven years the projects have been completed, occupied and ready for commissioning

Nmah said the 704 modern mechanic lockup shops, 78 workshops, amongst others which was the first of its kind in the entire south south states.

He commended the Chairman of Rehomes Property Development Company Limited for choosing to invest in Delta state where creating the enabling environment for business to thrive is the government’s priority.

He assured the Commissioner of the completion of the 15 to 20 PPP projects, based on the stringent proposal evaluation and due diligence processes, which he said have put in place to ensure that every potential investments are viable and sustainable before recommending them to the governor for approval.

Earlier the governor described the state as a hub for businesses in the last eight years.

He said the partnership between the government and private investors was yielding results and called for further investments in different sectors of the state economy.

Omu Anioma Hosts Face Of Anioma Diaspora, Describes Akwa Ocha As A Symbol Of Spirituality

By Patrick Ochei

The Royal Mother of Anioma Nation, Mother To All and Mother Without Borders, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu (Omu Anioma/Nneoha), has described Akwa Ocha, the local fabric of Anioma people as a symbol of spirituality, adding that it is identifiable only to Anioma people all over the world.

She made this assertion while playing host to the ‘Face of Anioma’, a Diasporan brand that was created in America to integrate the Aniomas at home into the global mainstream of indigenous cultures that are knowledge and technology driven to promote values and productivity amongst the younger generation of Anioma Nation.

Omu Dunkwu started by sharing information on the historical origin of Omu Institution with the management team of the ‘Face of Anioma’, the challenges and the prospects of the institution in the past 822 years, and of course, the role she had played since becoming an Omu, by way of ensuring a cutlural reawakening and renaissance amongst the communities and peoples of Anioma Nation.

The highly cerebral traditional leader who was elated that the Anioma people all over the world are taking over the awareness of our values to the world in line with the promotional efforts made thus far by her, commended the Face of Anioma Diaspora, a brand concept of an America based Issele-Uku indigene, Mr. Jude Banor for the initiative to showcase Anioma to the world while at the same time training our children in different skills and empowering them to become productively engaged.

Her words, “There is no art to find the mind’s construction on the face. I want to use this quote by Shakespeare to express how happy I am that my efforts all these years to propagate the Anioma Identity, is not in vain. We are already handing over the baton of leadership, knowing that the future is in your hands as youths, to take us to the next positive level.

“I support your project in all totality. We must know and appreciate who we are like the Americans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Indians and other culturally established Nations of the world. This is because the world accepts you at your estimate of yourself.

“What is killing Africa is the limitation of knowledge. As Africans, we must be proud of who God has made us to be, love and cherish our culture, values and those things that are identifiable to us. God has blessed us with unique land, culture and language in Anioma; our land is devoid of natural disasters, we are peaceful and hospitable, and our children are doing well in various fields of endeavours. Education should not make us subservient to others, but it should be able to bring out the best of us in us, to showcase to the world that we are a special breed of people.

“I am an incurable optimist to the fact that we must get to our promised land. I am not one of those that believes that Anioma is finished, that Nigeria is finished or that there is nothing good about Africa. I came back home after studying in England and America, having seen them suffered too and how they were always determined to build their country. I decided that somebody must also build our own country, and I am part of those to build it; if not for me but for the future generations of our young ones.

“Let me tell you that the future of Anioma and by extension Nigeria, is in the hands of the youths. I don’t believe that our youths are failing, it’s just a matter of time, you will see a different breed of youths. It is our leaders that have failed them, and of course the mothers who had to abandon their motherly duties of inculcating sound societal values in their children to focus on some frivolities. All we need is retrace our steps as leaders, train the women who are the actual trainers of the children, to be able to train our children well as our future leaders.

“I want to sincerely appreciate you for this gesture. It is good to sensitize our people on what you are doing and why everybody must key in, starting with the traditional institutions. Most importantly, if this project can redirect the focus of our youths, reengineer their minds towards innovative technology to accept productive skills cum engagement, and reorientate them on our value system in the interest of building a virile society; then you must have done noble that generations of Anioma will never forget. Thank you and more grace for all your efforts”, Omu Anioma said.

Meanwhile, earlier in the programme, the facilitator of the advocacy visit and media practitioner with the NTA Asaba, Mrs. Helen Dunkwu took time to introduce the Project ‘Face of Anioma’ to Omu Anioma, explaining its essence and benefits to Anioma people at home and in the Diaspora.

According to her, “The Face of Anioma is all about creating platforms for the teaching of Anioma language, culture and values to our children, especially those living abroad.

“We intend to use this vision to inculcate sound moral values in our children as well as introduce them to more productive skills that will earn them genuine incomes other than Yahoo Yahoo that some of them are engaged in. The women will also play key role in the aspect of gender development and inclusion. This project is knowledge, value and technology driven to expose Anioma Nation as an entity to the world, bearing in mind our highly cherished cultural heritage and natural dignity.

“This initiative was conceptualised to have a symbiotic connection between our people at home and those resident abroad, in a manner that brings about unity of purpose and striving towards a common goal of showcasing the best of who we are to the world”, Dunkwu explained.

In his subtle vote of thanks to Her Royal Majesty the Omu Anioma, one of the lead delegates to the Palace, Prince Awele Idaboh, appreciated Obi Martha Dunkwu for the warm reception given to the delegation.

He eulogized the excellency of her public image and open heartedness, describing everything she had helped to put together in the shortest available time as unprecedented.

Idaboh on behalf of the ‘Face of Anioma’, presented an Akwa Ocha and exotic drink gifts to Omu Anioma, and also did same to Omu of Obior in appreciation for the enormous work they are doing in Anioma.

The courtesy visit ceremony was a huge success which changed the atmosphere of Okpanam community, making it agog with entertaining beats and sounds from the Omu Anioma Palace. Different sets of Anioma women were gaitly dressed and adorned in the Akwa Ocha attire, a dance group from Asaba (Egwu Amala) also put in their best show with a renowned Anioma flutist (Ogbu Akpele) doing justice to the traditional dance.

More interesting was an Akwa Ocha Exhibition stand, set up by world renowned Akwa Ocha Maker, Mrs. Precious Patrick Adigwe, CEO of Precypat Designers – dealers in Akwa Ocha, Akwa Oma, coral beads, red caps, Otulaka and all traditional costumes that make Anioma people who they are and identifiable anywhere in the world. She equally made a presentation of beautifully made customised Akwa Ocha to Omu Anioma.

The highpoint of the visit was the tour of the Palace ground, as Omu Dunkwu took her visitors to various arms of the Palace for their viewing pleasure. Part of the places visited include: the two buildings she donated to the Obi Martha Dunkwu Foundation and the Centre for Omuship and Women Development Initiative, Omu’s Water Temple, the Ani Ground and the Obi Martha Dunkwu Castle (a six bedroom Duplex built for her by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Constituency Project of the Minority Leader and member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu).

Some of the personalities with Omu Anioma during the visit were; HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo, Omu of Obior, Comrade Patrick Ochei, Media Consultant to Omu Anioma, Ms. Rita Nwanze, Traditional Assistant to Omu Anioma and others too numerous to mention.

FG Trains 160 Maize, Tomatoes Farmers In Delta State

In an effort to upgrade the capacity of farmers in Delta State, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has trained 80 maize farmers and 80 tomatoes farmers in the state.

Speaking today during the emergency training and demonstration of climate resilient practices in maize production in the south east , south south and south west regions organized by Fadza multi concept limited for the Federal  Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development at the Delta State ADP office, Asaba, the Programme Manager, Delta Agricultural and Rural Development Agency, (DARDA) Dr. Julius Omonizua said the farmers upon their training would receive support from the federal government to help them in their farm business.

According to him, the two -day training which is aimed at empowering farmers in maize and tomatoes training would help them gain knowledge in planting their crops irrespective of the climate change in weather.

On his part, the state Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr John Onowroke, said the training was geared towards giving the farmers early warning as it relates with climate change in the country which cannot be taken for granted.

Onowroke said with the time bound on agricultural enterprises, there is the need to embark on the training.

Speaking the representative from FMARD and Senior Agric officer in the ministry, Mr Chris Oviro, said the training would help them improve their capacity in growing grains and other vegetable crops.

He said there was need for farmers in the state to diversify attention to other food chains, and also be trained on how to create resilient value chain that can withstand any climatic weather condition.

Oviro said aside developing capacity in the maize and tomatoes value chains, it would help them grow their business and make a living out of it.


While educating maize farmers on how to make their crops healthy, the resource person, Mr Dennis Abuga advised that they allow their farm lands to be fallow so to enable nutrient into the soil.

Mr Abuga warned that they avoid planting their maize in a flood prone area and to always look out for good seeds when planting.

He advised farmers to do zero tillage and not to be in a rush to plant their crops, rather to observe the weather before going to plant their maize seed.

The resource person also spoke on how to ensure that climate change does not affect maize crops, water management, land management, fertilizer and manure application and on the need for farmers to conduct germination test on their crops, adding that treatment of their seeds is good for the farmers so as to yield more profit.

Appreciating the federal government on behalf of other participants, for the opportunity given to them, Mr Leon Owenz said they would put in so much attention so as to achieve the objectives of the training which he said would be of great benefit to him and other farmers.

NCPC Boss Flags Off 2023 Easter Pilgrimage Exercise With Intending Imo Pilgrims

The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has flagged off the 2023 Easter pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan in Owerri, Imo state capital.

The event which took place on 28th April, 2023 at the Government House Chapel, Owerri attracted high profile personalities and major stakeholders, especially the clergy and the Christian community.

The NCPC boss in his remarks affirmed that the Commission has a policy of ensuring that flag off events of the Commission are held in the state with the highest number of pilgrims, hence the Easter pilgrimage flag off was  brought to Owerri as the Imo state government sponsored the highest number of pilgrims in this exercise.

He described the gesture of the Executive Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma as unprecedented for having sponsored the highest number of pilgrims in recent time, thereby declaring Imo state as the first in the federation.

The highly excited Executive Secretary of NCPC said he was happy to identify with the governor whom he described as the “Chief Mobilizer of pilgrims”for the Commission.,

He averred that NCPC encourages sponsorship of pilgrims and the pilgrimage activities of the Commission helps to  encourage spiritual growth and promote national unity.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for advancing the cause of pilgrimage in Nigeria for both Christian pilgrimage and Hajj..

He urged the intending Pilgrims to pray for the state and the country in the Holy land while admonishing  them to ensure they come back to the country after their pilgrimage experience as the Commission would not tolerate any case of abscondment.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr Gilbert Alaribe thanked the Executive Governor  of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his generousity  in sponsoring 1000 intending Pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.

He explained that since 2014 Imo State had not sponsored christians to the Holy land, stating that no past administration in the state had ever sponsored these number of christians to the Holy land.

The Chairman disclosed that the Governor directed him to reach out to the less privileged christians in all the rural areas in the state to include them in the pilgrimage exercise.

He urged the intending Pilgrims to pray for the Governor, for his good health and for lasting peace in the state.

In his address at the event, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma stated that since his assumption of office he promised he would continue to support evangelism and Christian pilgrimage activities because according to him, ” without God nothing works”.

He thanked God Almighty for the opportunity given to his people to visit the Holy land, he stressed that the Holy land had a way of affecting the lives of the people positively.

Governor Uzodinma said the intending Pilgrims were representatives of the people as such they  were expected to go to the Holy land of Israel on behalf of the people of the state. His words, ” you are going as a representative of the people”.

He urged the intending Pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria by conducting themselves well in Israel.

He cautioned the intending Pilgrims to shun abscondment and ensure they come back to the country. His words,” you must come back with others so that you do not  spoil our record, because what we say is what we do”.

The first batch of intending Pilgrims of Imo State made up of about 300 were airlifted through the Port Harcourt International Airport direct to Amman, kingdom of Jordan where they are expected to spend three nights before proceeding to Israel.

NUJ Honours Council Secretary, Ochei With Award Of Excellence

The Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel, Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has honoured one of her own and State Secretary of NUJ, Comrade (Deacon) Patrick Ochei with an award of excellence and exemplary leadership in the State and beyond.

The award was presented during the Congress of the chapel by the chairman, Comrade Kenneth Orusi on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Asaba.

Orusi on handing over the plaque, said the award is in recognition of Deacon Patrick Ochei’s role to the development of journalism in the State and beyond, including his leadership prowess and peace building stance in the union.

He also said that, by the award, Ochei remains the Life Leader of the chapel, thereby calling on him never to stop assisting it to grow and maintain its leading recognition as the Most Democratic Chapel within the Delta State Council of NUJ.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade (Deacon) Patrick Ochei said he was overwhelmed by the ambush on him with an award of this magnitude.

Never the less, he accepted the award with every sense of humility and responsibility, promising to double effort in doing that which delights the chapel members and colleagues in Delta State Council of NUJ.

He pledged to continue to offer his passionate services to the growth of the chapel, and particularly doing all that it takes to raise the bar in journalism practice in the State.

He recalled how he passed through the tutelage of some senior colleagues like David Diai, Late Stella Akpomughe-Egberenede, Chief Gabriel Awodeha and others who left the chapel for him and Comrade Spence Friday Idighri to pilot to stability.

The dutiful Congress Secretary however, elatedly reported that so far, the chapel had earned its name as a strong and formidable chapel among the comity of chapels in the State Council.

His words, “I dedicate this award to God Almighty, my greatest source of inspiration. I also dedicate it to my family who has continued to give me the peace that is required to be a diligent and tenacious journalist.

“Again, I dedicate this award to my chapel for the great support and cooperation I have enjoyed from them over the years leading to my election into the State Council. I feel proud of the majority of Journalists in the State, who have continued to believe in my humble person and have continued to support me.

“This is a great honour to me over and above every other award I had received in the past. I cherish it with every sense of responsibility and humility. And I pledge to continue to do my best to serve in the journalism profession that has brought all of us together. Thank you and God bless”, Ochei appreciated.

MANIFEST 2023: Pastor Igioh Makes Stunning Revelation On The Rain Of Glory

By Patrick Ochei

The Day 2 of the MANIFEST programme of the Heroes Family Church, Okpanam has further opened the spiritual eyes of members to the realities of God’s Word as the Guest Minister, Rev. Leonard Igioh made some astounding revelations on the person of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Igioh who was introduced as one of the special sons of Pastor Elvis Peters Uto, Senior Pastor of the Heroes Family Church, taught the congregation on what it takes to receive the Rain of Glory.

Dwelling on the scriptural understanding of Ephesians 2:1-2, Pastor Igioh affirmed that we were originally from God and only adopted by the Satan, adding that we can only return to our original source, which is God at reconciliation or redemption.

His words, “We were not children of disobedience, neither were we born of Satan but of God”.

Using Jeremiah as an illustration, he posited further that “Before we were born, we had been saved for eternity. We were not of Adam’s nature, God long ago gave that right to Abraham by making him father of many nations. For that reason, those righteous people that died in the old bible days before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, were in Abraham’s Bosom before Christ conquered the Satan and opened the gate of heaven for the saints.

“The Finished Work of Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary ended every nature of sin; we are now born of Christ into righteousness. We are sitted with Christ in Glory far above all principalities. That is the Rain of Glory, far above the heavenly.

“Our nature abhors sin, we cannot do wrong. We are spirit and spirit has more relevance on earth than the physical body that is living. Once a course is settled at the immortality, the mortality has no choice but to align. Being saved is not by your works or by keeping commandments; it’s by faith.

“However, faith is a free gift of God. Except you don’t know who you are in Christ Jesus or you are among those still enmeshed in ignorance, you may continue to suffer the things that are not meant for you. If you envision wealth in the spirit realm, there is no way you can’t be wealthy. In the same vein, when you think of poverty, definitely the rain of poverty will fall”, Pastor Igioh posited.

In conclusion, Pastor Igioh quoted 2 Timothy chapter one verses nine through 10 to buttress his point while charging the congregation to come alive and take their place in destiny by faith.

It was a night of wonders as the Okpanam Light House Generation gave a superb presentation while the Victorious Dance Group won the first stage of the Heroes One Mic Dancing competition.

Rain Of Power As Heroes Family Church Kick-Starts 15th Anniversary Programme

By Patrick Ochei

It was a rain of power as signs and wonders were evident at the commencement of the Heroes Aglow Gospel Ministry a.k.a Heroes Family Church 15th MANIFEST, on Wednesday 26th April, 2023, at the Church’s headquarters in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

The service commenced with different activities after the Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Elvis Peters Uto had given his opening benediction, backed with testimonies of what the Lord is doing in Heroes Family Church in the past 15 years.

The Guest Speaker who is also a foundation member of Heroes Family, Pastor Ambrose Umondia took the stage and anchored his preaching on “Hope That Makes The Rain Fall”.

He started by praising God for the life of the Senior Pastor, Bishop Elvis Peters Uto whom he said, picked him from nowhere, paid his school and accommodation  fees throughout his years in the University until he became somebody.

Pastor Ambrose Umondia defined Hope as an anticipation to make things happen; while describing hopelessness as a tyre which when deflated, cannot move again.

Quoting the book of Colossians chapter one verse 27 which talks about Christ in us the hope of glory; he assured that God is ever mobile to bring our hope to fruition and reality.

He further posited that the conclusion of men is not the submission of God, thereby advising the congregants to always honour their pastors, maintaining that “Your prophet is your profit”.

The firebrand man of God gave three thematic guarantees for the rain of God; the sovereignty of God, the integrity of God’s word and the reality of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, Pastor Umondia said three things symbolise the rain of hope, in the sense that it brings evidence of refreshment, evidence of joy and evidence of water.

Different performances were staged to bring out the anticipated awesomeness of the programme, including a bar raised dance by the Okpanam Glory House Generation and Heroes One Mic competition that featured five singles in the singing contest category for the first phase.

Being a reunion anniversary, the Vice President of Heroes International, Pastor John Paul Idemudia, whose birthday was yesterday, was celebrated as he joined the Church virtually from Dallas, United States of America.

Heroes Family anniversary tagged ‘MANIFEST’, is celebrated this year with the theme “Let The Rain Fall”.

From the evidence of the Day 1 of the programme which is billed to run through Wednesday 26th to Sunday 30th, there is hopefully going to be evidence of abundance of spiritual and physical rain on participants.

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