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Chelsea Wins, Narrows Gap to Liverpool in Thrilling Title Race

… Chelsea secures another Premier League win, defeating Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea entered the match trailing league leaders Liverpool by four points. However, due to Liverpool’s draw with Fulham, Chelsea achieved a favorable outcome, reducing the gap between them and Arne Slot’s team to just one point in the Premier League standings.

Despite the initial deficit, Chelsea achieved a positive outcome, closing the gap to league leaders Liverpool (managed by Arne Slot) to just one point.

To achieve this, Chelsea made three changes to their starting lineup compared to their previous victory against Tottenham, featuring Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Noni Madueke.

Brentford adjusted their lineup for this match, making two changes from the team that won 4-2 against Newcastle last weekend. Mikkel Damsgaard and Mads Roeslev were brought into the starting eleven.

Chelsea controlled the ball for much of the first half, but they didn’t score their first goal until the 43rd minute.

Noni Madueke delivered a cross from the right side of the field, and Marc Cucurella skillfully headed the ball into the net, concluding the first half with Chelsea leading.

Late in the second half, Nicolas Jackson received a pass from Enzo Fernandez and powerfully struck the ball past Mark Flekken, extending Chelsea’s lead to two goals.

Brentford mounted a late offensive, with Mbuemo scoring to narrow the deficit to 2-1. This goal injected pressure on Chelsea as the match entered seven minutes of added time.

Chelsea successfully maintained their lead until the final whistle, resulting in a crucial victory. This win moved them to within a single point of Liverpool, who lost two points in their previous match.

Nollywood Actress, Bimbo Ademoye Offers Touching Prayer For Her Father

…As She Shares Her Favorite Aspect About Christmas

Nollywood actress, Bimbo Ademoye has offered a heartfelt prayer for her aging father, imploring God to grant him a long and healthy life. Acknowledging her deep gratitude for him, she expressed the desire to repay his love and support.

“My father always reassured me that I could find refuge and solace in our home, regardless of the challenges I faced in the outside world. I recently incorporated this profound message into a film, and its impact on me was unexpectedly profound”.

The actress referring to her father as her ‘safe place, posted a photo of herself and him on her instagram page.

The actress shared that her father always reassured her that she could always return home, regardless of any challenges she faced. She recently incorporated this message into a film and found the experience particularly moving.

The actress has always been open about her deep love for her father. In June, she celebrated his birthday with heartfelt tributes.

The actress praised her father, acknowledging his profound influence on her character, career, and emotional well-being.

She humorously observed that her father had set such a high standard that she questioned whether any future husband could ever truly measure up.

She prayed, “please keep my daddy as he’s old and gray, ki iku ma pa daddy mi. There’s a lot I still have to do for him”.

Expressing her deep love for Christmas, Bimbo emphasized the profound distinction between a ‘home’ and a ‘house.’ She shared that her favorite aspect of December is returning to her father’s home and celebrating Christmas with him.

She further expressed that the presence of all her siblings at their Christmas gathering makes the holiday truly complete.

“A home Is more than just a house; it’s a place of love and belonging. My cherished December tradition is returning to my father’s home to celebrate Christmas with him. The joy is amplified when all my siblings join us, making the holiday truly complete”.

PROJECT TOURISM AFRICA: Senator Ned Nwoko Hosts Winners Of Maiden Tour Africa Lottery

In a landmark moment for the Tour Africa Lottery, Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of Project Tourism Africa and a prominent advocate for pan-African tourism and development, warmly welcomed the winners of the inaugural Visit Rwanda campaign at his residence in Abuja.

The event celebrated this visionary initiative, which seeks to highlight Africa’s vast tourism potential while positioning Nigeria as a gateway to global travel and cultural exchange.

Senator Nwoko commended the winners on their remarkable achievement and reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to advancing tourism as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation. “Tourism is not just a tool for economic growth; it is a means to connect people, promote cultural understanding, and foster regional unity. Through initiatives like Project Tourism, we are redefining Africa’s narrative and showcasing the continent as a premier destination on the global stage,” he remarked.

The Senator also charged the winners to remain focused on the goals of the trip, which include fostering cultural exchange, appreciating Africa’s natural beauty, and bringing back valuable lessons.

During an interactive session, he delved into critical topics such as global warming, climate change, and the rich cultural identities of African peoples.

He stressed the urgent need to preserve these identities in post-colonial Africa, noting their significance to the continent’s heritage. Furthermore, Senator Nwoko drew attention to a growing continental awareness, underscoring the recent pushback by African states against cultural and policy impositions by external forces. This, he remarked, signals a renewed era of pride, self-determination, and the safeguarding of Africa’s traditions and values.

The Senator was joined by Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, his Director of Communications, who extended her congratulations to the winners. She urged them to embrace their role as ambassadors for Nigeria, to immerse themselves in the experience, and to bring back lessons and insights that could inspire and inform future tourism development initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, Project Director of Tour Africa, praised the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign in bridging gaps between African nations and inspiring exploration of the continent’s unparalleled beauty.

“This campaign underscores the transformative power of tourism. It connects people, cultures, and economies in profound ways. What we are witnessing today is just the beginning of Project Tourism Africa’s vision to amplify Africa’s voice on the global tourism map,” he stated.

The winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign, who are set to embark on an exciting journey to Rwanda from December 15–20, 2024, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.

They lauded the Tour Africa Lottery for creating a platform that encourages pan-African exploration and fosters cultural appreciation. The trip, coordinated by East Africa Regional Representative for Project Tourism, Ms. Anita Soina, will showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant heritage, and world-renowned hospitality.

The winners of this maiden edition were, Ezirim Linda Chioma, Christiana Sanni, Juliet Ezeugbo, Hope Omale and Ifeoma Okparajiego

The Tour Africa Lottery, proudly sponsored by Linas International and supported by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), represents a bold initiative to promote pan-African tourism and regional integration.

For more information on the Tour Africa Lottery and upcoming campaigns, visit www.tourafricalottery.com.

By: Gloria Okolugbo

DSTG Rewards Woman Erroneously Accused Of Child Abuse

By Patrick Ochei

Delta State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development – the Ministry supervising the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, has rewarded a woman erroneously accused of mistreating a nine year old niece living with her in Asaba, Delta State.

The woman was given financial support to aid her business as an assistance to enable her properly take care of the little girl under her custody.

The presentation was done by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Chairman of Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas during the December meeting of the Committee.

The idea of including the woman in the list of those to benefit from Government was discussed during the celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence at one of the previous meetings of the Committee where the need to not only punish offenders of child rights law but to also celebrate and present gifts to those who are making efforts to give care to vulnerable and needy children in the society.

It could be recalled that a video report of a small girl fetching water with a big iron bucket was sent to a Committee member, Barr. Awele Ideal, with a claim that the child was going through abuse and needed to be rescued.

Just immediately, Barr. Awele in collaboration with a field colleague, Comrade Patrick Ochei swung into action to unravel the mystery behind the report.

The investigation revealed that the girl was not doing what was reported as a matter of child abuse, but she chose that part just to make her portion of the domestic work easier after she had broken the small rubber bucket assigned to her for fetching of water.

Further investigation revealed that the struggling guardian and her petty trading husband had even made efforts to put the little girl in the same school with their own children while they also eat, bath and sleep together as one family.

Meanwhile, it was after the thorough investigation was reported by the Committee members that the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Agas decided that such a woman should be supported in her business no matter how small, to enable her continue to do her best for her immediate family and the little uncle’s daughter she is helping to take care of.

Of course the little girl then confirmed to the investigators how good the mother had been (as she fondly calls her), and even refused to be taken back home when the proposal was put before her.

NCPC Gears Up For The Flag Off Of 2024 Main Pilgrimage Exercise To Israel, Jordan

Preparatory to the commencement of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise to the Holy Land, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite recently undertook a state of readiness visit to Israel and Jordan to ensure smooth operations for this year’s Pilgrimage exercise scheduled to commence on 22nd December, 2024.

During the visit, the NCPC boss had strategic meetings with relevant stakeholders in Israel which includes officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Border control.

As part of his engagement in Israel, the Executive Secretary also visited the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where he prayed fervently for the nation, for the well-being of Mr. President, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the success of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise, for Board members of the Commission and Staff.

It is also instructive to affirm that the Executive Secretary also had strategic meetings with the Duputy Prime Minister of Israel, Yariv Levin, the Israel Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, and the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu.

The first batch of Christian pilgrims for the 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise will depart Lagos on 22nd December with intending Pilgrims from Lagos State.

Int’l Human Rights Commission Honors Sen Nwoko With Global Leadership Award

Special Monitoring Mission of the Transnational Intergovernmental Organization – International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria, has honored Distinguished Senator Prince (Dr.) Ned Nwoko with Global Leadership Award – a prestigious recognition that honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership on a global scale.

While making the presentation at the National Assembly, the National Coordinator for the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu conveyed the commendation of IHRC’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, underscoring his antecedents in the 10th National Assembly.

He stated that Senator Ned Nwoko has sponsored several bills at the Nigerian Senate, focusing on key areas that impact the nation’s growth and development, some of these bills cover economic development, social welfare, and healthcare reform”, he said.

In the same context, Fidelis Onakpoma, IHRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, in his remarks, said Senator Nwoko’s distinguished reputation, charismatic leadership, and youth-oriented approach have earned him significant acclaim and support from Nigerian youths, both within the country and internationally.

He implored the Senator for a collective actions with his counterparts in the 10th Senate to assist President Bola Tinubu’s administration in implementing comprehensive police reforms, stressing the need for strengthened community policing initiatives to promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities, to combat torture, extortion, harassment, extrajudicial killings, and civilian hostility.

While responding, Senator Nwoko highlighted efforts of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs towards strengthening police initiatives and reiterated its unwavering dedication to promoting cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities.

He acknowledged the Global Leadership Recognition bestowed on him, and reaffirmed his commitment to partner with the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC in achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accolades Pour In As Oshimili South LGA Council Chairman Reaches New Heights.

In a well attended meeting held at the instance of Oshimili South Local Government Area Council Chairman in the person of Chief Hon.  Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, senior political figures within Oshimili South LGA where ever present to witness first hand, the development strides achieved by the administration of Chief Honourable Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili .

The inauguration of Oshimili South Advisory Council Committee was carried out by the Council Chairman were he read out the names of members such as Ogbueshi Ejiofor Onyia who is a  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) BOT member and was inaugurated as the Patron of the newly inaugurated Oshimili South LGA Advisory Council Committee. Others are Doctor Mordi Ononye who emerged as the new chairman, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji as the vice chairman, Pastor Greatman Chukwuka as secretary, amongst others.

Prior to the inauguration, the Council Chairman announced the dissolution of the previous advisory council committee in Oshimili South LGA.
The Council Chairman equally used the opportunity to inform all those present about achievements so far which include payment of arrears to Civil defence officers , road rehabilitation works, infrastructural developmental works to mention but a few.

Political leaders took turns to appreciate the Council Chairman as Dr. Mordi Ononye gave an appreciation speech while Oshimili South PDP party chairman, Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu gave the vote of thanks.

Upon the conclusion of the inauguration of the advisory committee, Chief Honourable Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili in company of the entire members of the advisory committee, serving Councillors amongst others,embarked on the ground breaking ceremony of the councils new administrative complex.

Notable political big wigs present on the day are: Chief Edwin Uzor, Chief Chinedu Ezenyili , Ogbueshi Chibuzor Uwaje, Ogbueshi Ejiofor Onyia, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu, Honourable Ify Ogbogu, Sir. Tobechukwu Okonkwo, Honourable Chinye Uso, Barrister Ikechukwu Maduemezia just to mention a few

The ground breaking ceremony was performed by Dr. Mordi Ononye as he remained positive that the project will be commissioned in no distance time. At the close of the events, Ogbueshi Ejiofor Onyia showered praises on the Council Chairman for leading by example as he commended him for being prudent with resources and displaying capacity . All guests where treated to satisfaction as the meeting/event of the day ended with prayers by Bishop Okonta.

~ Oshimili South Media Support Group ~

Mulade Sheriff  Call For More Partnership For Sustainable Peace In Delta State

…The Success Story of the 2024 Edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition

The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup competition ended on a high note, fostering unity and celebrating sporting excellence among ethnic groups in Delta State.

Novelty Match

A special novelty match was played at Ode-Itsekiri between team Itsekiri/Ijaw on one side and the other ethnic groups on the other side to flag-off the tournament and also to mark this year’s World Tolerance Day.

During the opening ceremony match at Ode-Itsekiri, the initiator and renowned global peace ambassador Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, members of the LOC, some retired ex-international and Nigeria Super Eagles players such as Sam Sodje, Edema Fuludu, etc, travelled to Ode-itsekiri in the Creek to witness the curtain-raiser, to ensure that the objectives of the tournament (promoting inter-ethnic peace, unity and friendly competition) was met, to also ensure that the organisation of the event met global standard.

It is imperative to state that since the ethnic conflict that engulfed Delta State over 20 yeas ago, particularly Warri and environs, this is the first time the Ijaw’s & Itsekiri’s are united by forming a unity team to play against other ethnic groups in the state.

The journey of this year’s tournament started on November 16, and climaxed on December 8, 2024, featuring teams that represented different ethnic groups.

The Ethnic Group Stage

Preliminary matches took place in 6 ethnic group centres across Delta State, including:

1). Isoko Ethnic: Oleh Township Stadium.
2). Ndokwa Ethnic: Kwale Township Stadium.
3). Itsekiri Ethnic: Nana Model College Stadium.
4). Ijaw Ethnic: Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School field.
5). Urhobo Ethnic: Agharho Primary School
6). Ika Ethnic: Obiaruku Secondary School Field.

These matches revealed team spirit, determination, and sportsmanship among the players from various ethnic groups.

Knockout Stage and Finals

The knockout stage led to the thrilling grand finale between Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) and Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) at Orerokpe town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where team Itsekiri-Ugbomarun FC emerged winners by 3 goals to 1, claiming the championship title. The quarter final matches were played at Obiaruku Secondary School Field, in Ukwani LGA, and Ogbe Primary School Field, Effurun, in Uvwie LGA, leading to the semifinals that were played at Oleh Township Stadium, in Isoko South LGA, and Ogor Technical College, Ughelli North LGA.

Awards and Prizes

Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC): ₦2 million cash prize, a trophy, and gold medals for the players.

Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC): ₦1.5m million cash prize, and silver medals for the players.

Third-place winner (Team Urhobo, Udu United FC) N1 million cash prize, and bronze medals for the players.

Fourth-place team*:#500,000 and consolation prizes. However, Team Isoko, (Winsome FC) who were supposed to be fourth place winners, were disqualified and banned from participating in the next edition for breaching guidelines.

Grand Finale

It is worthy of note that the three (3) Senatorial District of Delta State fully participate in this year’s edition, miraculously through divine arrangement, Team Ndokwa from Delta North while Team Itsekiri from Delta South and the Final was played at Orerokpe Town in Okpe LGA, Delta Central. This showcase the bond of unity in Delta State.

According to the organiser, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, the purpose goes beyond just playing for Peace and unity but the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup achieved its primary objectives by fostering unity and promoting peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in the state. “This tournament has strengthened our bond and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Delta State,” we do not just play for peace and building bridges of unity but equally hunting and discovery talents for Posterity. The LOC Chairman and immediate past chairman, Delta State Football Association (DFA) also collaborated the assertion by the sponsor, Delta State born renowned environmental rights activist. Comrade Mulade Sheriff.

Future Prospects

The success of the 2024 tournament has paved the way for the next (6th) edition of the competition. Plans are underway to expand participation, introduce new categories, and ensure that the event remains the cornerstone of Delta State’s sports calendar.

Commissioner For Local Governent Affairs Scores Ajede High On Project Execution

The Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government, Hon (Barr) C.S Possible Ajede, today, played host to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. (Prince) Kelly Kalamana Penawou, and his team of Directors from the Directorate for Local Government Affairs, Asaba, who visited the LGA for projects supervision.

In his encapsulated speech, the Ukwuani Council Boss briefed the Honourable Commissioner on some of the projects embarked on since he resumed office in July 2024 even as he highlighted the importance of these novel projects to the Ukwuani people and the communities.

He noted that, the projects were direct answers to the requests made by the Ukwuani people during his THANK YOU VISIT round Ukwuani communities shortly after his re-election. He explained that, the #DoMoreAgenda working document is a strategic developmental framework that is designed to give the Ukwuani people MORE in line with the MORE Agenda of the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

During the visit, the #DoMoreAgenda Torchbearer conducted the Honourable Commissioner around the ongoing legacy projects: the construction of an Ultra-Modern ICT Hub, the construction of Okpala-Uku Palace in Umuebu, the construction of Ada Palace also in Umuebu, and the already commissioned Ukwuani Mobile Clinics.

In his speech, Hon. Kelly Penawou appraised Barr. Ajede for truly serving the Ukwuani people and epitomizing democracy in his administration by embarking on people-oriented projects.

At the various project sites visited, the Honourable Commissioner applauded the Ukwuani Council Chairman for listening to his people and addressing their demands as requested.

At Umuebu Kingdom, where the project supervision team stopped at the Palace of HRM Amb. Donald Ekeruche, the Ebu of Umuebu, the revered monarch welcomed the team to Umuebu and took out time to expressed his gratitude to Barr Ajede, whom he described as “doing fantastically well.”

“During his thank-you visit to the kingdom, I specifically requested for the construction of the Okpala-Uku Palace for many reasons, and I am surprised at the speed at which the project is being executed. It is as if it’s a movie, and we are grateful,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oborevwori’s Legacy Projects Already Manifesting in Delta – Works Commissioner

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been commended for his numerous legacy infrastructural projects already manifesting across the state.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the commendation during the inspection of  Edo Road, off Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, Ughelli on Wednesday.

Izeze said the project was one of the new roads conceived by the Oborevwori’s administration to decongest traffic at the busy Otowodo junction in Ughelli.

He expressed delight with the quality of work done by the contractor,  adding that over the years Obakpor Engineering Limited had developed to become a reference point for indigenous engineering firms in the state.

According to him, “this is the third time we are coming to inspect this project and I must say, the quality of the finishing that has been done on the rigid pavement so far is actually very, very good.

“I love the aesthetics of what I have seen, considering the fact that I was here earlier on when the reinforcements were being laid.

“I can affirm that the reinforcements were to specification as provided in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and of course, are also in tandem with what was provided in the Bill of Quantities.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, the unusual governor of the state, the Omorotomo of the Urhobo nation, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for using Obakpor Engineering as a point of reference.

“This is a point of reference to our indigenous contractors and to now tell them they can come to Obakpor Engineering to come and understudy how they have been able to migrate from the ‘cut and nail’ firm that was alleged in the past to this quality professional engineering firm that is leaving aesthetics and, of course, structures of this quality.

“We thank the people of Ughelli, particularly our very energetic youths for the cooperation that they have shown to the Oborevwori’s administration thus far, particularly with respect to the roads that are under the supervision of the Department of Highways and Urban Roads and the Delta State Ministry of Works.

“We thank them for the peace that has been enjoyed in the course of this project and we ask our people to continually show patience understanding and support for the Oborevwori’s administration as we walk towards delivering the MORE Agenda covenanted by the Governor.

Representative of the contracting firm, Mr Oghenero Oguma said the project was expected to be completed by the end of December, 2024.

The Commissioner also inspected the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli where he told the Ministry Engineers to intensify its supervisory role on the projects.

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