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Isheagu Agog As Community Celebrate The Return Of Nze Festival

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

Isheagu is an agrarian community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. It borders Ewulu in the same Local Government Area and then Abala and Ossissa in Ndokwa East LGA.

The community can as well be referred to as a food basket, owing to her richness in yam, cassava and corn farming, as well as fishing.

Isheagu is a corruption from the name Isho-Agu which the community was originally known for since the inception of their existence by different migrants who constitute the community.

This community called Isheagu is made up of six distinct quarters starting from the most senior one which is Umueze Quarters, where the king of the town comes from. The next quarter is Ogbeonishe Quarters where the kingmakers come from.

Other quarters include Ogbe-Etiti, Isikiti, Umuenechi and Umuoma, making it up the six Quarters in the community. In all, Isheagu has always boasted of one paramount Traditional Ruler occupying the stool for as long as the gods please and then at passing, kingship authority is transfered to the first son. Presently, Isheagu is ruled by HRM Lt. Col. Obi Onyema 11 (Rtd), Obi of Isheagu Kingdom.

The Isheagu community is known for its rich cultural heritage; it is widely known with the Nze Festival which has remained exceptionally unique and celebrated annually. This festival appears weird in nature and only the lion hearted can muster the courage to watch it, let alone participating in it. It is one festival that prides in the excessive use of cutlasses to display and demonstrate the act that led to the institutionalisation of the festival. It is also celebrated with the rain; no matter how the weather appears to be bright and scorchy with the sun, as soon it is time for the festival to commence, rain must fall.

As guests, we personally witnessed these wonders, because as soon as our crew arrived Isheagu, the weather was very bright with no signs it was going to rain. However, as soon as we settled down and the different Quarters began to arrive to pay homage to the king, someone said it must rain, that never in history had this festival held without the rains. And true to his postulation, as soon as one of the main protagonists arrived the Obi’s Palace, the weather changed and the next thing was a heavy rain. What a unique and interesting outing!

The first indigene who narrated the historic background of the Nze/Ikenga Festival to us was the President General of the community and Chairman of the 2022 Nze Festival Committee, Mr. Stephen Uwafili.

According to Uwafili, “Isheagu is made up of six quarters starting from seniority which is the Obi’s quarters called Umueze, followed by Ogbeonishe, Ogbe-Etiti, Isikiti, Umuenechi and Umuoma in that order.

“Years back according to tradition, there was a monster terrifying people in Isheagu, making it impossible for them to access their farms. There was palpable fear in the land as the monster wouldn’t allow people move around without attacking them.

“A day came and God answered the prayers of the people. There was a certain warrior in the community called Odogwu Dagbue. Against the background of fear, even among the warriors of the community, Odogwu Dagbue was able to confront the monster and killed it. He brought back home the head of the monster from the bush and hanged it on tree at a particular position in the community. The community was thrown into jubilation to the effect that their worst fear was over.

“In honour of such heroic adventure by Odogwu Dagbue, the place where the monster’s head was hung was designated a sacred ground where sacrifices are made annually to give thanks to the forebears of Isheagu for saving them from the dreaded monster. Since then till date, that event has always been remembered in honour of the memory of the highly respected and revered Odogwu Dagbue. Based on this too, this festival is used to recognise warriors in the community for their exploits in the course of the season. In memory of Odogwu Dagbue, the community recognises the title of ‘Eze Igbu’ who on mandate of authority by the Traditional Ruler, announces the Nze Festival every year. So therefore, this festival is centred around Eze Igbu.

“Then there is another titled man called Owotor. The Owotor is the one who brings live animal during the festival, severes it into two in remembrance of how Odogwu Dagbue killed the monster.

“Our festival is unique in the sense that it represents the ancient act of killing the monster who attacked and put fear in the people of Isheagu. Because of the incident that happened years back, which caused serious dispute between various quarters of the community, the Nze festival was banned for 12 years now. It was just last year that peace returned and it was agreed to celebrate the Nze Festival this year as a final seal on the peace accord that was reached between the various quarters of the community.

“On this note, I want to sincerely advise the youths to celebrate with caution and not endanger their lives in the process. Of course, you know that cutlasses are used to mimick the act of the past, and we must do everything possible to jubilate in an atmosphere of safety and security”, Uwafili narrated.

From his own historic perspective, a prominent chief of the land and former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Joe Adigwe (Isoh 1 of Isheagu), affirmed that Isheagu is a community made up of over 25 migrants from Awka in Anambra State, who crossed over from the river to settle in this land called Isheagu, adding that their settlement brought about the six quarters of Isheagu today.

His words, “This 25 migrants constitute the six quarters of Isheagu with one Royal Dynasty which has continued to be hereditary from history. The Onishe Quarters produces the kingmakers and the oldest man from there is known as the Onishe who crowns the king, while the king in turn crowns him at the point of taking the Onishe Title. Basically, we are warriors who came from various riverine areas to settle here. We share boundaries with Abala and Ossissa in Ndokwa East, and others. Our closest neighbour is Ewulu and we share boundary with them at the Mgbalamgba end of Isheagu where I come from. We inter-marry with the people of Ewulu and over 60 percent of their population has inter-marriages with us.

“Nze Festival is used to cleanse the community of all criminalities to enable us enter properly into the bumper harvest of the new yam. It normally holds in August to early September, and it is usually celebrated with the rains. The Nze Festival marks a combination of honouring past heroes of Isheagu and welcoming the harvest of the new yam.

“Isheagu used to be a place where you misplace a personal belonging and come back to find it. We were not known for theft and lies in the community; our forefathers built the community on the fringes of integrity. That is why, to be a chief in Isheagu is not measured by the accumulation of wealth or status in the society, but by proven honesty and integrity. We are renowned in the farming of yam, cassava and corn, including occupational fishing. We thank God that we are back with what we are known for as a people. The interregnum orchestrated by the intra-community crisis was resolved last year, and the agitation by the youths to hold our festival again after 12 years, has yielded fruit”, Chief Adigwe explained.

Speaking to us also was Chief Peter Ebinim, the Ogbu-Nmor 1 of Isheagu, who told us that Nze Festival is a platform for pursuing bad spirits out of the community.

He equally corroborated the other interviewees’ historical narrations by affirming that the Isheagu forebears fought the spirit and severed his head.

Chief Ebinim who announces the annual Nze Festival as Eze Igbu, insisted that Nze Festival symbolises the celebration of the spirits (Igba Ekwensu), adding that the Festival is used to pursue the demon.

While admonishing the community to embrace peace and always pay reverence to the gods of the community, he noted that once sacrifices are not made in the period of the Festival, the Nze deity begins to disturb the community.

From the point of government, the two terms Councillor representing the community and Deputy Leader of Aniocha South Legislative Arm, Hon. Ugochukwu Kingsley Ikekwuni said that the government would continue to support the existence of the people and the essence of their culture.

Being part of the peace initiative that restored peace back to the community, the Councillor advised youths to continue to coexist within the ambit of peace and unity.

He however, commended Delta State Government under Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for coming to the rescue of the people by building the Isheagu/Ewulu Road to open up the two communities to commercial viability and development.

The 2022 Nze Festival was a fierce one but culturally interesting. At different periods of the day, various quarters led by their heads, came out in their numbers, and dancing to the Palace of the Traditional Ruler to pay homage.

The climax was the final assembling of all the quarters at the Obi’s Palace with fierce looking youths wielding their cutlasses and displaying all manners of show of power. At this point too, the cabinet chiefs gathered to take their traditional handshake with others and the king in that order.

The cynosure of all eyes was the heavily guarded fierce looking bare bodied man, known as the Owotor of Isheagu, Mr. Sylvester Nwachukwu a.k.a Aladuma.

4The Owotor is the only man empowered to carry the Nze sacrificial pot from the king into the final place of ritual in the bush. Once the sacrifice is done, there is usually a sign through the shooting of planted gunshots (Nkpolo-Ani), meaning that the sacrifice had been accepted by the gods, otherwise a sacrifice without a sign indicates rejection. The rejection is an evidence of the gods being angry with the community, and that would mean more sacrifice to appease the gods before signing off with the Festival for that year.

Shun Every Deceitful Distraction Artisan Chairman Tells Members

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Urges Newly Inaugurated Executive To Remain United


Special Adviser to the Delta State governor on Informal Sector Management and Chairman of Artisan Association in the state, Comr. Ifeanyi Abanum has advised craft men to ignore any misleading tactics from any political party.


Abanum gave the advise during the inauguration of executive members of the Association in Ughelli North Local Area of the state.


He urged them to remain faithful to the Peoples Democratic Party which recognised their relevance national in the state.


According to him, it was Okowa’s administration that brought empowerment and appointment to Artisans in the history of the country.


Abanum said it was unfortunate that the federal government had not considered them in any political position, rather they find them only useful when it was electioneering period.


While speaking he said the three mechanic village in the three senatorial districts had been handed over to the mechanics, adding that the governor had also fulfilled his promise of a land for a land given to the state artisans for their secretariat.


He charged them to remain steadfast with the government who stood behind them when they needed help as craftsmen.


The Chairman urged them to take their skills seriously and continue to remain relevant to their customers, adding that the certificate given to them was for them to remain united.


He charged them to continue in the unity that the association is known for as the Okowa’s administration has help in ensuring that they remain relevant in the society.


He urged them to take advantage of their voter’s card in uniting other artisans in the state.


In his words, the new LG Chairman, the Chairman Comr. Ochuko Agofure promised to carry every member of the association in the Local Government along.


Agofure while commending the state governor for giving them a voice in the state, promise to remain loyal, grateful and relevant to the Party, the state government and all Deltans.


The Ughelli North Secretary of the Association, Comr. Emmanuel Adolohor while harping on the importance of craftsmen in the society said they should understand that they play a great role in the society.


He said that they one association with the largest numbers that have lifted many youths out of unemployment.


On his part, representative of the Chairman of the event, Hon. Godfrey Onoriode, said that for the artisans to be relevant politically, they should have their PVC.


He urged them to use the office for the benefit of Artisans and serve their people and advised the newly inaugurated executive to remains united in sustaining the growth of the Association and also devoid themselves from acrimony, grudges and sentiment and work according to the law of the association.

Okowa’s Spokesman Commends NSCDC On Fight Against Economic Sabotage

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has charged officers and men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) top remain steadfast and committed to the fight against oil pipeline vandalism and associated crimes.

Ifeajika gave the charge when he received the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Delta State Command of the Corps, Mr Emeka Okwuechime, a Deputy Superintendent of the Corps (DSC), on a courtesy visit to him in his office at Government House, Asaba.

He said that officers of Corps were playing unique roles in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state, saying that he was impressed with the high level of professionalism of officers and men in the command.

He advised them to continue to abide with the discipline culture of the organization and distance themselves from corruption.

He disclosed that the NSCDC had over the years demonstrated strong capacity in delivering on its statutory responsibilities, recalling that when the corps came on board some years ago, many people didn’t believe that it would stand the test of time.

“At the risk of eulogising your service, when the NSCDC came on board, l am not sure that many people gave it a chance. That is the truth because many people thought that it will not stand the test of time.

“But today, I am sure that l am speaking the minds of many Nigerians that the service has stood out; it has demonstrated that it can walk its talk. The outfit is quite formidable.

“The remarkable feat that the NSCDC has achieved, particularly in the policing of oil facilities, not just policing them to make sure that things don’t go wrong but getting culprits arrested, is quite commendable.

“In the past years, the NSCDC has been in the news for doing very patriotic jobs in helping other security agencies in the country in mitigating criminality and l am sure that no government will overlook what the Corps is doing,” Ifeajika said.

The CPS said the task of securing the country and its critical infrastructure was everybody’s duty, adding that members of the public should give useful information to security agencies to enable them guarantee peace and security in Nigeria.

He said that the state government often supported security agencies in the state, adding that it was an issue that made the issue of devolution of powers and state police necessary.

While saying that the state government would sustain its robust relationship with NSCDC command, Ifeajika gave assurance that some of the requests made by the Corps would be channelled to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

Earlier, the PRO of the NSCDC Command, Mr Okwuechime, had said that the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the Corps.

He disclosed that so many arrests had been made in the fight against pipeline vandalism with some convictions secured, and assured that no effort would be spared in the performance of the NSCDC constitutional duties.

Under the safe schools initiative, Okwuechime said that NSCDC had structured a female combatant squad that would soon be deployed to schools in the state and other states of the federation.

He appealed to the state government to carry the Corps along in the scheme of things, even as he solicited for operational vehicles, safety jackets and boats among other logistics that would enhance its operational efficiency.

Pilgrimage Abscondment: NCPC Goes Tough On Guarantor

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC had vowed not to spear any pilgrim who absconds during Pilgrimage and to hold their guarantors liable.

This was made known in a press statement issued to our reporter and signed by Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka.

The Commission is committed to achieving zero abscondment of pilgrims during Pilgrimage, a feat which was achieved last year during its maiden pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.

Consequently, the Commission has marched words with action as it had secured the arrest of a guarantor, Mr Chidi Ogbuehi with the assistance of the  law enforcement agents, adding that his brother, Solomon Ogbuehi absconded during Pilgrimage in July, 2022 through the Lagos State contingent to Israel .

It is instructive to state that the Commission in its Pilgrim form which every intending pilgrim must fill before undergoing  screening exercise conducted by the Commission, makes provision where  a guarantor must attest to the character of the intending pilgrim and specify in writing and duly signed that he or she would take full responsibility in the event that the Pilgrim absconds in the Holy land.

Mr Chidi Ogbuehi, who claimed to be an official of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN and a Lecturer with Anchor University, Ipaja, Lagos was arrested by  the law enforcement  agents  on 1st August, 2022, for aiding his brother, Solomon Ogbuehi to abscond in Israel during Pilgrimage exercise, having committed himself by attestation and by accepting full responsibility.

Mr Solomon Ogbuehi, the abscondee, traveled to Israel as  a self – sponsored Pilgrim with the Lagos State contingent and claimed to be an Evangelist with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, MFM.

On the expiration of his Pilgrimage exercise, Mr Solomon Ogbuehi could not return to the country having absconded in Israel. His guarantor, Mr Chidi Ogbuehi failed to produce him based on the fact that he was the one who guaranteed him and promised to be held responsible for the pilgrim’s action.

NCPC will leave no stone unturned to make sure that Mr Chidi Ogbuehi pays for aiding his brother to abscond during Pilgrimage,  except he produces him  as this would serve as a deterrent to other would-be guarantors and potential abscondees.

Asiuwhu Grants Ofoni Audience, Calls For Close Minist Of Projects In Delta State

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Anita Uche Ugbejie- Chukwuma

Delta State Commissioner For Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, has granted audience to Chief Anthony Ofoni, Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Audit in his office in Asaba.

Ashiuwhu congratulated Chief Ofoni on his appointment, describing him as a man of integrity.

He encouraged Ofoni to take the job of project monitoring very seriously, even as he opined that all hands must be on deck to help Governor Ifeanyi Okowa finish strong.

The Environment Commissioner further informed Ofoni that he was free to visit any of the project sites under the Ministry of Environment without notice.

Responding, Chief Ofoni reaffirmed Chief Asiuwhu’s administrative astuteness and commitment to ensuring the actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the OKowa Administration in the state.

Appeal Court Victory: Oborevwori Gives Thanks To God

By
Hill Nigeria
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A special thanksgiving service was on Monday, held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, to celebrate the victory of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

Oborevwori had approached the Court of Appeal praying the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court which nullified his governorship candidacy of the PDP in the state.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the wife of the state Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, members of the state executive council, chieftains of the PDP in the state, members of the State House of Assembly and supporters of the party (PDP) among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori who is also the Speaker of the state legislature, said he had come to the chapel to appreciate God for giving him victory.

He said that it was the Almighty God that gave him the victory at the Court, pointing out that the victory was for everybody in the state.

According to him, it is God that gives power, stressing that nobody can upturn what God had ordained.

While saying that Delta State is one, Oborevwori who is the man of the moment, said “by the grace of God, in 2023, we shall come here again (Government House Chapel) to give thanks to God.

“We have come here to give thanks to God for giving us victory. The victory is for everybody; it is God that gives power and nobody can upturn what God had ordained.

“When we came to the chapel to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the creation of Delta State last Saturday, I promised God that if He gives me victory at the Appeal Court, l shall come to the chapel to give thanks to Him,” he added.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate expressed profound appreciation to the governor’s wife for her strong support through prayers and for being solidly behind her husband.

At the ceremony, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Venerable Charles Osemenam harped on the importance of thanksgiving to God, even as he prayed for sustained peace and unity in the state.

Highlight of the ceremony was thanksgiving to God by Sheriff Oborevwori who was accompanied by the governor’s wife, Dame Edith Okowa as well as other dignitaries as they all danced gloriously to the altar of God for the thanksgiving.

Asiuwhu Alerts Fish Farmers On Coming Flood

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Charges Them To Take Precautions

By Christy Aboghe

In a bid to mitigate the effect of flooding in Delta State, the  Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chief Godspower Asiuwhu has advised fish farmers to be prepared for flooding.

Asiuwhu gave the advise during a town hall meeting with Camp 74 Fish Farmers, Dennis Osadebay Cluster fish farmers and Akapko Fish farmers on the sensitisation of flood prone communities on the prevention and management of flood disaster in Asaba.

He urged them to help by clearing the block drainage so as to allow easy flow of water and protect their fishes from effect the flood.

Forecasting flood in the state, he urged them to relocate if it becomes overwhelming so as not to be affected.

While sympathizing with those who loss their fishes as a result of the challenges they face in the farm, he assured them of the state government support in ensuring  a permanent solution to their plights.

The Commissioner commended the farmers for their cooperation in ensuring that food was made available to Deltans despite their difficulty in business.

In the same vein the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs Minnie Oseji, sympathized with the affected fish farmers over their loss.

Oseji encouraged them to send a written information of their challenges and expectation to the Ministry who would in turn help  communicate their demands to the governor.

She assured them of intervention that would help curb the anomaly and bring the long protracted challenges to an end.

On his part, the Chairman of Camp 74 Fish Farm, Pst Diyen Friday lamented on the challenges of the farm, adding that it was a long time problem which farmers had been experiencing.

Diyen said lack of water as a result of the constant dredging had lead to low production of fishes and also reduced the number of fish farmers.

He said as a result of the challenges, the no of fish farmers reduced and that affected their production.

The Chairman, said in controlling flood in previous times they had end up using poor materials which turns out to be unfavourable to the farmers.

He noted that one of the threat to their unity, was the constant collection of money from the farmers for supply.…ing water to the various ponds, which many of the farmers are not comfortable with and if the challenge is not resolved could affect their membership strength and increase cost of their production.

Speaking, Head of Dennis Osadebay Cluster fish farm, Mr Loveday Takim said he was hopeful that with the Intervention of the governor through the Ministry, their plight would come to an end.

Some of the fish farmers who spoke , Mrs Akaeze Onyinye from Akapo fish Farm, said their challenge was the loss of fishes which had affected their business, while Uche Ossai said it makes it difficult  for them to access their farm to feed their fishes and resulted in poor harvest and loss of money.

Speaking the  Chairman of Akapko Fish Farm, Mr  Nwamana  Joseph appealed to the state government to come to their aid as they could not produce more fishes despite all effort to control the flood.

Nwamana said with the coming flood, many of them were already going out of business as they have experience so much loss.

He said prior to the time they cage their farm with iron net, during the flood and that some of them have gone out of business till after the flooding.

While intimating the Commissioner of their challenges in business, the head of water rehabilitation committee, Mr Sunny Governor said they hardly get the expected result of their fishes as a result their losses.

Mr Sunny appealed that the engineer help channel water to the ponds, adding that if it was entering there would not be pollution.

2023: Delta Core Comrades Drums Support For Omo-Agege.

By
Hill Nigeria
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A youth group, Delta State Core Comrades (DSCC) for OVIENEBI with an over three hundred thousand membership strength across the nation and beyond, in and out of school campuses and alumni, encapsulating old, new and upcoming comrades, has in its unwavering tenacity taken a stand with the delta state APC gubernatorial duo ticket with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Rt Hon Friday Osanebi names on it.

According to the Convener, now National Coordinator, Comrade Esiri Kotor during the Inauguration of the National Executive, Senatorial Coordinators and the 25 Local Government Coordinators and unveiling of DSCC ambassadors in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, “The group threw it’s weight behind the Duo ticket of Omo-Agege and Osanebi because of their individual contribution to the advancement of the state and Nigeria in extension, then imagine what they would collectively do when they take over the Osadebe house”

Speaking further, Comr Esiri who hinted that ” We are particularly excited because Rt Hon Friday Osanebi is young, brilliant, resourceful, energetic and a round peg in a round hole, who would add developmental values to Delta State.” also assured Sen Ovie Omo-Agege of an impeccable massive mobilization of real voters from all the nook and crannies of Delta State to deliver Omo-Agege and Osanebi ticket 100 percent during the election come 2023.

Also Speaking was the chairman of the occasion who also administered the oath to the Executive members of DSCC, Senior Comrade Progress Omo-Agege popularly called (KOP) king of politics who stated that ” People now respect people with Permanent Voters Card (PVC), and that this is the first time a house of assembly candidate is attending an event of comrades, also hinted that “Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Rt Hon Friday Osanebi are members of the comrade community, hence they will not and cannot forget the comrade Community for their commitment.”

Also speaking was Olorogun (Dr) John Oyibokwifi, the APC Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) hopefull candidate for Ughelli South who stated that “we are sure of Senator Ovie Omo-Ageges competence, capacity and track record of achievements as a Senator and deputy Senate President (DSP) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Polytechnic In Orogun, speaks for itself loud and clear amongst others” also assured the group of his total support and commitment, while stressing on the need for each of the youth as canvassers, to go back to their respective polling unit and kick-start a door to door engagement with prospective voters about the party and it’s candidates at all levels in preparation for the 2023 elections.

Diamond Jubilee: Deaconess Olutayo Samuel; A Woman Of Productivity And Service – Pastor Olusola

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

The State Pastor of the Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel in Oshogbo, Pastor Michael Olusola has described the immediate past NYSC Delta State Coordinator, Deaconess (Mrs) Olutayo Olufunke Samuel as a woman of productivity and service.

The description was made when the man of God who claimed to have known Samuel for over 25 years was delivering his benediction at the 60th birth anniversary of the dynamic and amiable retired NYSC official.

Olusola said the days of a man in life are measured by Duration and by Donation.

To buttress, he said man is destined to live 70 years and above, maintaining that the highest years to live on earth is 120; however, one can desire more and still have it.

Inferring to the Diamond Anniversary of the celebrant, the servant of God defined 60 as meaning support, perfection and rest; confirming that Olutayo Samuel had come to the level where she would operate from the platform of rest without struggle.

He said while we desire to live more years on earth, we should define our purpose so that our case would not be like that of Methuselah who lived 969 years on earth with nothing mentioned about him except having children.

Talking about Donation in life, Pastor Olusola affirmed that Olutayo Samuel was someone that had donated her life to the service of God and humanity.

He gave a good account of her, especially as it pertains to the Gospel of Christ, describing her as a dangerous soul winner.

The man of God gave a testimony of how Deaconess Samuel followed up a Muslim woman who gave her life to God in sickness. He stated that against all odds, she nurtured the woman in faith, sponsored her treatment and kept her in faith.

In conclusion of the testimony, the servant of God said as a pastor, he would never wish to lose such a member, which was why in spite of his very tight schedules, he still didn’t miss the occasion.

Daddy Olusola noted that knowing Mrs. Samuel was more than joy and pride to him, testifying that in spite of all the trials and tribulations she had been through, she kept to her faith in working hard responsibly and serving God and humanity in the most honest way.

According to Pa Olusola, one of the things I knew Deaconess Samuel about, is her always rejoicing, celebrating and dancing in thanksgiving before the Lord.

“For 25 years that I have known her through my wife, she has not changed but remained faithful in the service of God and humanity. God kept her for a purpose and that is what she is doing in her service to God and humanity. She is a woman of productivity and service”, said Pastor Olusola.

In praying for the amiable celebrant, Pastor Olusola declared that she would never get discouraged but continue in the service of God until the last day of her life.

He described Deaconess Samuel as a living epistle of Psalm 23, maintaining that in the natural life, man depreciates by age while in the kingdom of God, the more one ages the more productive one gets. He therefore, proclaimed that God would keep her strong and healthy as she ages in fulfillment of her divine purpose on earth and the word of God in Psalm 23.

In a nutshell, the celebrant who was glittering and full of life, told her story and appreciated God for how He kept her strong, chaste and preserved from trials, evils and unrighteousness.

She pledged never to abandon God, because He never abandoned her when she desperately needed His interventions in all the trials she faced.

The occasion which held at the Peacock Hall, Providence Hotel and Event Centre, along MKO Abiola Way, Abeokuta, was fun filled with classic activities in honour of the celebrant.

High profile dignitaries from across the country, including Hon. Fred Martins of the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Patrick Ochei of the Delta State Council of NUJ, a veteran broadcaster Mr. Yemi Shodimu and a lot others were present.

Delta @ 31: Unprecedented Peace, Progress Amongst Deltans- Otirhue

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Chairman, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Dcn. Joseph Otirhue has described the past 31 years of the state’s creation as one filled with unprecedented peace and progress.

 

Otirhue made this known in a chat with our Correspondent in Asaba, the state capital.

 

He said every sector of the state had enjoyed so much peace, that even non Indigenes had find solace in the state.

 

According to the Chairman, as a result of the unity between Deltans and the state government, the state has experience developmental strides in the area of infrastructural development, construction of good roads, equipping of the health sector, provision of more academic institutions and empowering of farmers in the state.

 

While felicitating with the state government, he commended the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for the facelift given to the state and the dividend of democracy which his administration has delivered to Deltans.

 

He added that his impact on development has been felt in all the Local Government Areas across the state.

 

He also thanked Deltans for their contribution towards making the state a place for abode for non Deltans

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