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Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) Has Attracted Increasing Criticism Over Time -Bozimo.

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Hill Nigeria
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By Onoriode Etatsemi.

The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Delta State, Mr Isaiah Bozimo has identified reasons which subjected the Criminal Procedure law to Criticism Over the past twenty years.

Mr Bozimo made this observation while delivering his speech on the occasion of the opening Ceremony of the 2022/2023 Legal year at the Ceremonial Hall, High Court of Justice, Asaba, Delta State.

The Honourable Attorney-General said that the principal statutes governing Criminal Procedure are excessively inflexible and have not achieved their intended purpose of improving the administration of criminal Justice.

Mr Bozimo maintained that the Criminal trial process remains protracted, and awaiting-trial inmates as opposed to convicted inmates constitute approximately 80 percent of the population in the Custodial Centres across the State.

He revealed that to address the criticism and as well improve public confidence in the Criminal Justice System, the Ministry of Justice embarked on an extensive consultative process with a call for memoranda in November 2021 which culminated in a one-day stakeholder engagement in May 12, 2022.

The Stakeholder engagement coalesced views from the Judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service,United Nations office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), amongst others.

“Based on the aforementioned, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State has presented the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2022, to the House of Assembly for legislative action”

“The bill has a single policy goal which was aimed at maximizing efficiency and fairness in the Criminal Justice System and to provide an integrated set of reforms such that ensures trial procedures are appropriate to the nature and seriousness of the alleged Offence, allocates cases between High Court and Magistrates’ Court more effectively for remand proceedings” he Stated.

Other set goals of the 2022 Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, according to the Attorney-General, are streamlined pre-trial procedure to remove unnecessary steps, assist with case management in the Court, provide adequate incentives and sanctions on parties to fulfill their obligation to progress cases and to ensure that criminal procedure is accessible and can adapt appropriately to a changing environment.

“The Governor of Delta has equally presented the Delta State Administration of Civil Justice Bill, 2022 to the House of Assembly for legislative action”. He added.

He explained that the Administration of Civil Justice bill provides the foundation for a comprehensive overhaul of civil Justice system in Delta State .

The Honourable Attorney-General stated further that in February this year, the Delta State Sex Offenders Register was opened and incorporated into the National Database of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person ( NAPTIP) which offers a system for monitoring and tracking sex offenders following their release into the community.

He affirmed that the Ministry of Justice through its Domestic Violence Unit, secured seven conviction between March and September this year, while details of each convict has been entered into the State Register and National Database.

He added that the Delta State Taskforce on Human Trafficking has in collaboration with NAPTIP , rescued fifteen victims of Trafficking and facilitated the arrest of four suspected traffickers just as they have referred 14 victims of traffickers for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Okowa Assures Judiciary of More Synergy

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, has assured the state judiciary of more collaboration from the state government.

Gov. Okowa gave the assurance during the  special court session held to mark the commencement of the 2022/2023 Legal Year of the state judiciary, in Asaba.

The governor who was represented by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, said the judiciary would receive the support of the state government, which would in turn enhance the dispensation of justice in the state.

He added that it would be extended to strengthen the judiciary in the state in the discharge of their statutory responsibility.

 He however commended the judiciary for striving to uphold their independence despite the challenges facing them.

He pointed out that the state government have done a lot to support the judiciary.

The governor expressed gratitude to the State Chief Judge and the judiciary for maintaining a robust relationship with the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

In her address, the state Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, said that the legal year celebration is rooted in the English Common Law tradition, of which Nigeria legal system is an off- shoot, adding that the church service which was held as part of the activities was in recognition of God’s preeminence as the ultimate judge who dispenses justice with fairness and without fear or favour.

 

Justice Diai disclosed that beyond the ceremonial formalities associated with the new legal year celebration, the  occasion  offers the judiciary opportunity for self appraisal, stock taking, dissemination of information to help the legal community and the general public with regards to its activities in the preceding year.

 

She highlighted some of the achievements of the state judiciary in the areas of infrastructural development, capacity building and staff welfare and promised that more improvement will be noticed in the year subject to availability of funds.

 

The Delta state chief judge explained that some of the challenges facing the judiciary includes shortage of judges, lack of comfortable court halls, modern office furniture and equipment and dilapidated physical structures. She declared that shortage of judges affects the performance of serving judges but stated that the ongoing efforts to appoint five judges for the High court and two Customary court of Appeal have received approval from the governor.

She appealed to the Executive and Legislative arms responsible for the preparation and appropriation of funds to increase the budget provision of the judiciary to enable it carry out its constitutional duties. Stressing funding the judiciary has remained the single biggest challenge which has stiffled it’s development in many fronts.

Also speaking at the special court session, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Isaiah Bozimo, revealed that the Ministry have made efforts to strengthen its officers by  focusing on continuous training and development. He said that another area is the cross- training of legal officers to be familiar with all the practice areas.

Barr. Bozimo noted that in their capacity as public prosecutor, the ministry will continue with its long standing tradition of engaging closely with stakeholders particularly the private Bar and the Bench.

He emphasized that the ministry has a strong relationship with the Bar, which is aimed at improving the criminal justice system through the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee .

Earlier at the special thanksgiving mass held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic church Asaba, the Bishop of Issele- Uku Diocese, His Lordship, Most. Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue in his homily, told the congregation that the pursuit of peace is more than a wish but an obligation.

Bishop Elue maintained that the role of the judiciary in a democracy is to hold the hold the Executive and Legislative arms of government accountable and to protect the interest of the minority.

The Cleric appealed to jurists, intellectuals and people of good will to respect the rights to life, marriage and family life and to protect the vulnerable.

He prayed for the spirit of wisdom and honest judgement for the judiciary in the execution of their tasks .

Highlight of the event was the  inspection of guard of honor of officers and men of the  state Police Command, by state Chief Judge as part of the activities to mark the beginning of the 2022/2023 legal year in the state.

 

DTSG Distributes Oil Palm Seedlings To Farmers

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Godfrey Enita  has revealed that a total of 1.5 million oil palm seedlings have been distributed to 1500  small holder farmers in the state.

 

Enita made this known during the flag off of the distribution of oil palm seedlings to farmer in Asaba.

He said the distribution of the farm input has been possible since the Okowa’s administration for cultivating in 2700 hectares of land across the state.

 

The Commissioner said it shows the state governor’s commitment and desire to encourage small holder farmers in this category in oil palm growing.

 

Enita said the governor knowing the importance of oil palm and its value chain has encouraged oil palm farmers in the state.

 

He said distribution of the oil palm have commenced in all the three places where they have the nurseries, that is in Ejeme Unor, Aragba Okpe and Oleh.

 

While speaking on modalities put in place to help farmers in flooded area, he said effort are been made to ensure that they receive support from the state government.  

 

On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Ben Agamah, commended the farmers for their contribution towards food security.

 

The General Manager, Tree Crop, Mr Peter Tanno revealed that ahead of the event, oil palm seedlings has already been distributed to farmers in the state to ensure that all oil farmers in the state benefits from the gesture.

 

Speaking the Secretary, Oil Palm Association of Nigeria, Mr George Ajaboh expressed delight towards the offer from the state governor, adding that he was impressed to have a farmer friendly governor, who has shown concern towards farmers yearly. 

Ajaboh said oil palm was an investment for farmers that can stand the test of time as it was sustainable. 

 

Another oil palm farmer, Mr Anthony Tuwon Oloye, said with the empowerment given to them, he would be able to support farmers in ensuring that they eradicate hunger. 

 

He thanked the governor for his support and considering the small scale farmers  by techniques supply of seedlings and others.

Re: Residents Protest Lives Threatening Erosion Caused By PDP Stalwart In Asaba

By
Hill Nigeria
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It is unfortunate that someone would sponsor persons carrying placards to tarnish another’s image and then called it a protest. What was seen in that sponsored protest was a charade, intentionally planned to make a report to malign and discredit the person of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Anthony Anukwu.

This Rejoinder is to correct the misinformation churned out by no other person than the sponsor of the said biased protest and main culprit himself, Mr. Joseph Obi.

According to Hon. Anukwu, “This issue started in 2017 when petitions started flying up and down that my property which I acquired from the Ezechie’s family of Okpanam was on a road and claiming that it was also built on water channel. There was a building already in the land when I acquired it and in fact I have not even done anything therein.

“As claimed by the said Joseph Obi that they had written severally to the Government of Delta State through the Ministry of Lands, I have as well been going to defend the land, in fact with the family that sold it to me. The Ministry of Land has said times without number that I never built on the road nor blocked the waterways.

“Having brought the Land’s map to ascertain the cause of the erosion in the area, it was actually confirmed that the said Joseph Obi who bought a land meant to be a road, built on it and closed the road, which today serves as Joseph Obi Street, Airport View Estate.

“The said Joseph Obi is not an indigene of this area neither was he involved in the plotting of the land in the area. He is a co-tenant like me. So how is he now the one determining where a road or waterways should be?”, Hon. Anukwu questioned.

From all indications and verifiable authorities, Joseph Obi bought the land meant for road which he built on and eventually closed the road. Following an on the spot assessment of the erosion ravaged road, it was clear that water must definitely find its way.

Now water usually comes from the other street to join the T-Junction road which is now the Joseph Obi Street and meant to flow down through where the house of the said Joseph Obi is. Unfortunately, he had built on the road and blocked it with his house, denying water its natural access.

However, what Joseph Obi did when he noticed that flood was ravaging the area as a result of the blockage caused by his house, he now blocked the erosion half way into the road again and channeled it into another road created as a result of the erosion.

As a result of the effect of the erosion which couldn’t abate, Joseph Obi then allegedly turned back to start accusing Hon. Anukwu of blocking the waterways using the media, when in actual sense his property had nothing to do with the water channel.

It is evident that water will always find its route, which from the physical assessment of the area indicated no sign at all that the flood water in the area was meant to pass through Hon. Anukwu’s land or property.

As earlier confirmed, “the new owners of the area – the Umuodafe village of Ibusa, led by Chief Fred Ajudua had been here to verify the cause of the erosion and they gave their verdict that Joseph Obi’s house should be demolished for being on the road and blocking the waterways. What more do we need to ascertain that he is the actual culprit causing untold hardship on residents, as occasioned by his blockage of the waterways in the area?”, Anukwu had asked.

In addition, Anukwu continued, “I find Joseph Obi’s outbursts against me as a case of a thief being pursued and while running, he kept on shouting thief, thief. Those who came out to assist with the arrest of the thief could not know who exactly was the actual thief.

“On this note, for maligning, discrediting and denigrating my hard earned name and image, I have briefed my lawyers to activate a legal action against Joseph Obi, except he retracts his unfounded and fabricated story against me and apologises in seven days”.

“I, Hon. Anthony Anukwu unequivocally demand that Joseph Obi must apologise for misinforming the public about my person or face the full weight of the law”, he posited.

DTSG Assures Farmers Of More Support.

By
Hill Nigeria
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… As Agric Commissioner Visit Beneficiaries Of DCARES Result Area 2

Delta State,  Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Godfrey Enitan has assured farmers in the state of more support from the state government.

Enitan gave the assurance during a joint monitoring visit to sub project sites of beneficiaries of Delta State Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic stimulus (D-CARES) Programme under Result Area 2 being implemented by the State FADAMA Co-ordination Office (SFCO) in Igbodo and Obinomba respectively.

He said it would help improve food security in the state.

He said the state Government was ready and committed to support small, medium and large scale farmers in the State by providing them with agricultural inputs and other necessary supports, having come to get a firsthand information of their problems and challenges.

While commending the beneficiaries he promised them of the unrelenting and co-ordinated support of the Ministry in achieving food security in the State, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture has a crop of very seasoned and experienced staff who were ever ready and willing to help when consulted.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Ben Agamah thanked the farmers for being committed to the successful use of all the Agricultural inputs and assets given to them and for managing their farms.

He commended the farmers for remaining steadfast in their business despite the challenges of getting feed for their pigs.

He advised the pig farmers, who had earlier complained about the high cost of feeds, to learn to use alternative and cheaper sources of feed such as cassava peels and vegetables as substitutes so as to reduce the effect of the rising cost of feeds, he also advised the farmers to team up and order for feeds at the same time from major distributors so as to reduce cost.

He emphasized that the present cost of transportation of goods was another factor affecting the cost of feeds and disclosed to them that the State Government under Governor Okowa had graciously established three feed mills, one at Expan, Warri South LGA, which is currently operational, another at Owanta in Ika North East LGA which had been completed before it was vandalized.

He however said that the consultant had been asked to go back to site and that the mill would soon be operational before the end of the year.

The Technical Head D-CARES Result Area 2 Mrs Judith Kayode, while addressing the farmers told them that the Hon. Commissioner and the PS were on inspection tour so as to confirm the activities of D-CARES RA2 and report back to the State Government.[

In another development, the benefiting farmers at Igbodo community, speaking through their Chairman Mr. Celestine Ofuokwu complained of insecurity and very ugly menace of herdsmen, saying that many of their crops farms were subjected to regular attacks and destruction by herdsmen and their cattle.

They therefore pleaded for government intervention to save them from imminent hunger and scarcity.

On his part, The President General of Igbodo Community Mr. Igah Peter thanked the State Government for the programme, saying that the intervention had taken the community to another level of agricultural production and food security.

At Obinomba Community in Ukwuani LGA, the farmers again thanked the State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for keying into the CARES programme and that as beneficiaries, the programme has in no small way helped them to bounce back into agricultural production after the devastating effect of the Covid-19 pandemic 

 

Okowa Extol teachers Role In Nation Building.

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Christy Aboghe

Delta State governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the major role played by teachers in nation building.

Governor Okowa who was represented by the Commissioner for Secondary Education Mrs Rose Ezewu, gave the commendation during the 2022 Teacher’s Day Celebration, with the theme ‘Transformation of Education Begins With Teachers’, at Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital.

The Commissioner Secondary Education affirmed governor Okowa’s support to the educational sector, in ensuring more effective service delivery.

The Commissioner  Basic Education, Hon Sunday Onoriode and his counterpart, Technical Education,  Mrs Diabor felicitated with teachers in the state and encouraged them to put in their best in the discharge of their duties with a view to transforming the educational sector.

On his part, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Mr  Titus Okotie  called on the State governor, to accord  teachers their pride of place in the social economic development of the state, and also recruit more teachers among  other demands.

Mr Okotie noted that salaries were being delayed, as a result of the inclusion of  minimum wage by the government to Teacher’s salaries.

In a lecture delivered by Mr Sunday  Efago  said the  theme “Transformation of education begins with teachers” was apt as it had become necessary to ensure the  prompt  payment of  Teacher’s salaries  to enable them deliver on their professional mandates, as well as the payment of their pensions after retirement.

He also advised teachers to opt their game in their chosen profession to enable them build a solid educational background for pupils and student

While speaking with Journalists, the  state Secretary of the union, Mr  Dan Basime acknowledged that teachers were the engine to the educational system, and re echo the need for them to be provided with opportunities, that would motivate them to embrace the challenges of the 21 century.

Highlight of the event was the match pass by the teachers in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

PDP Concerned Youths And Stakeholders Urge Dan Orbih To Step Down Or ….

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Rose Ofolomah

The Chairman, Concerned PDP Youths, Comrade Palson Arusuayine has called for peace amongst the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

Arusuayine gave the advice during a peaceful rally, organised by the group in Asaba, Delta State.

He urged Hon. Dan Orbih to step down  as the Party’s  South South Chairman as it has caused chaos amongst party faithful in  the region, particularly in his home state, Edo State.

Orbih said, the only way peace can be restored to the South-South, was for Orbih to vacate the position, adding that failure to step down, they would call on the National Working Committee of the Party to use the powers given to it by NEC k suspend him, until it is proven that he is born again politically.

According to him, Orbih is said to be very distracted, uncoordinated and lack the qualities of a good leader. It was also mentioned that worst still, he is always absent at critical meetings held which is not good for the Party. More irritating is his pronouncement that he will sabotage the PDP 2023 presidential campaign.

He said, “Orbih’s decisions were jeered towards self, his countenance towards the affairs of the Party would bring evil and bad luck if quick actions are not taken and measures put in place”.

The Concerned PDP youths said reverse would be the case if PDP as a Party remains silent about the matter, adding that it was a danger sign and the earlier the matter is contained the better.

Unlike his predecessor, Elder Emma Ogidi who worked tirelessly to bring winnings back to the party while peace and conflicts were resolved, Dan Orbih is the exact opposite as he has felt unconcerned, nonchalant and above all proven to be the black sheep of the party.

Based on the aforementioned, their plea to Orbih who is too busy to take up his responsibilities and ensure winnings for the party come next year, to either quietly step down for the interest of peace or that the NWC of the party should kindly suspend him so the party can have peace.

They however noted that a house divided amongst itself cannot stand so he should allow Elder Emma Ogidi come back to put the house in order and ensure winnings for the party in the South South which is very crucial for the upcoming elections.

Okonji Chides ‘Obi-dients’ For Uncivil Parade In Asaba

By
Hill Nigeria
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BY PATRICK MGBODO

The Oshimili South Local Government Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, yesterday, reproved supporters of the Labor Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to be courteous in their political parade.

Ogbueshi Okonji’s admonition came on the heels of the procession of Mr. Obi’s supporters in Asaba, which disrupted vehicular traffic and caused inconveniences to motorists and pedestrians of the Delta State capital.

The supporters, had also on Saturday and Monday, used youths numbering less than 500, from neighbouring states to undertake parades and disruption of traffic and other social lives of the citizens in the state capital, Asaba.

Ogbueshi Okonji condemned the uncivil and discourteous approach of the crusaders, known as ‘Obi-dients’, who littered the environment, harassed, extorted motorists and snatched handsets from people, urging them to abide by the tenets of peaceful demonstration and procession.

While he admitted that it was within the political and fundamental rights of Nigerians to associate with any group, Ogbueshi Okonji charged them to see reasons for supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2023 general elections.

According to Ogbueshi Okonji, only the PDP had the experience, expertise, and structure to reclaim Nigeria from the woes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government maladministration, adding that the party was non-violent and endemic in the state and Oshimili South local government area, in particular.

The PDP chieftain further contended that every true Deltan would support the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said that Governor Okowa, in the last seven years of his administration, had positively transformed the state with verifiable evidence of good governance in all sectors of communal life.

In addition, Ogbueshi Okonji challenged other political parties to show Nigerians their codified manifestos and blueprints for salvaging Nigeria in the years ahead as the PDP had done.

Ogbueshi Okonji implored the youths and other well-meaning Nigerians to be rational in their deciding their fate and not be swayed by emotions or other petty feelings in their disposition.

Int’l Day Of The Older Persons: Mma Sunshine Recognises Omu Anioma For Her Contributions To Humanity

By
Hill Nigeria
-

By Patrick Ochei

In celebration of the International Day of the Older Persons, which is marked annually on October 1, a social media influencer, Ms. Chidimma Oramali with the Facebook name ‘Mma Sunshine’ was at the Omu Anioma Palace in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, to identify with Her Royal Majesty Obi Martha Dunkwu, in recognition of her numerous humanitarian achievements, including the mentoring of the Girl Child.

Mma Sunshine who idolised Omu Anioma and Nneoha by calling her an impeccable and angelic role model to her and many of her fans, affirmed it was a rare privilege to have finally met her.

Ascribing her the name “Nwanyi bu ife”, she stated that Omu Dunkwu represents the totality of womanhood which was captured in the 2022 theme of the International Day of the Older Persons with regards to the Resilience of Women and their Contributions in a Changing World.

The elated Omu Dunkwu appreciated Mma Sunshine for the honour, while encouraging women never to deter nor give up because of oppositions and obstacles in their way.

“If we give up, our nation will entirely collapse, because the future of humanity is in the hands of women. And one of the ways you can remain strong and fulfilling is to acquire education and stay focused on your dreams. I assure you, you will definitely find and fulfill your purpose in creation when you are educated as a woman”, Omu Dunkwu advised.

The UN is marking IDOP by encouraging countries to draw attention to and challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing, and to enable older persons to realize their potentials.

The overall umbrella theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons in 2022 is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.” This theme will be celebrated by the NGO Committees on Ageing in New York, Geneva and Vienna – each with a unique and complementary approach to the overall theme.

Nma Sunshine visited with her crew which included her friend and Omu’s special daughter, First Lady Akwaugo 1 of WAZOBIA FM, Ndubuisi Piety a.k.a Fiona and Francis Onyekachi.

Omu Obior Celebrates Ilochi Festival In Grandstyle

By
Hill Nigeria
-

By Patrick Ochei

The uniqueness of the Ilochi Ikpala in Obior Kingdom, which took place on the 29th September, 2022, was further enhanced by the mother of the community, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo during her own celebration.

Ilochi Ikpala which means the celebration of the forebears of Obior is celebrated by titled men in the community; and Omu being a man by virtue of coronation must carry out her own activities of the day as an Okpala and Omu put together.

Obior is an Ezechima community with deep track record in culture and traditions of her forebears. And so being a day of celebration of the Ancestors, the Omu was at her best, dressed in red regalia as of a Royal Princess, her appearance on the stage of celebration was greeted with over 100 canon shots (mkpolo-ani).

She felt elated by the crowd and calibre of personalities that visited to felicitate with her. Thanking God for a successful day and ability to celebrate her Ancestors in such a unique way, she pledged to continue to carry out her traditional duties with diligence and strict adherence to the rules of the Kingdom.

Omu Okonkwo stated that Ilochi Omu signifies a day set aside to celebrate the forebears of Obior for their protection, provision and direction from season to season with incremental progress.

Her words, “I am happy. I feel honoured, especially with the people who have come to be with me. I thank my king and father, Obi of Obior Kingdom, our Anioma mother and my mentor, Omu Anioma, Chief Baje from Idumuje-Unor Kingdom and many others. May God richly bless you for your presence, assistance and support”, said Omu Obior.

In his goodwill message to the celebrant, the Obior Monarch, HRM Obi Kingsley Ofuokwu 111 eulogized the Omu as a mother in whom he was well pleased, adding “Omu is my mother, Obi only has a mother and doesn’t have a father; and so I have come to celebrate my mother because I am proud of her”.

Breaking the Kolanuts, he prayed for the kingdom of Obior to continue to experience the hand of God in all her affairs. He blessed the land to continue to yield increase season after season.

He also prayed for the Omus Council being coordinated by Her Royal Majesty Obi Martha Dunkwu, asking God to continue to strengthen them in capacity and wisdom as they play their roles towards the traditional growth and development of the various communities in Anioma Nation.

Addressing newsmen, Obi Ofuokwu said, the Ilochi Ikpala is a day of merry making in preparation for the Ogbanigbe Obior which climaxes on the 7th and 8th of October, 2022.

He affirmed that Omu has enormous traditional responsibility to the community in terms of ensuring peace and order in the land.

In addition, he said the Ogbanigbe symbolises how the offsprings of Ezechima evolved, maintaining that as they go into the week of peace, Omu has the onerous task of moving round the community for cleansing and to ensure peace ahead of the awesome Ogbanigbe cultural festival.

Meanwhile, the delectable Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu was exceedingly glad to associate with the Omu of Obior whom she has high regard for as one Omu that has carried herself with dignity and respect for the institution of Omu.

She prayed for Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo, the Obi and the kingdom of Obior to continue to exist progressively in traditions and customs of their forebears.

Omu Dunkwu affirmed she was pleased with the synergy and cordiality that exist between Obi Ofuokwu and Omu Okonkwo, adding that such an awesome relationship is worthy of emulation.

She therefore called on all traditional rulers in Anioma Nation to emulate such virtues between the father and the mother of the community of Obior in the interest of peace, unity and progress of the various kingdoms in Anioma.

The Ilochi Omu Obior was well attended by friends and well wishers from across Anioma and beyond. Some of the personalities that graced the festival were Chief Dr. Baje, Chief Dr. Ikenga a.k.a Oracle Money, Dr. Kido Nwanji, Dr. Ugo Awucha, Chief Innocent (Iyase of Ekwuoma), Chief Darlington Igheghe JP, Chief Olotu from Warri, Chief Nwanbor Anuka, Dr. Sabo from Owa, SA Nwamama from Umunede, Mr. Ubaka Biose and others too numerous to mention.

The Omu Obior 2022 Ilochi festival witnessed awesome traditional beats and sounds that reverberated from Okanga dancers and Otu Ifechukwude Dance Group of Idumuje-Unor to the admiration of guests of Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo.

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