Edo Ijaw kingdoms Raises Alarm: As Soron Ibe demands an end to marginalisation, deprivation and balkanisation of Egbema, Olodiama, Okomu, Gbaraun and Furupagha Threat to Peaceful Coexistence: A Recipe for Inter-Ethnic Tension By EgbemaVoice,  On behalf of the Traditional Rulers, Chiefs, Amaokosuabu (Community Heads), community leaders and the good people of the Egbema, Olodiama, Okomu, Gbaraun and Furupagha Kingdoms of Edo State, representing hundreds of communities spread across Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas, we wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government, Edo State Government, relevant authorities, civil society organisations and the international community to issues which, in our view, require urgent attention. The Soron Ibe Ijaw Kingdoms of Edo State have remained peaceful and responsible stakeholders in the development of Edo State and Nigeria. However, we are increasingly concerned about what we perceive as persis...

HON. OSIA DAVID CELEBRATES HIGH CHIEF FELIX EDEKU, PINAKAWЕI OF THE IJAW NATION, ON BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY By EgbemaVoice, The former Aide to the Governor of Edo State, Hon. Osia David, has felicitated with High Chief Felix Edeku, the Pinakawei of the Ijaw Nation, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. In a congratulatory message, Hon. Osia David described High Chief Felix Edeku as a distinguished Ijaw leader whose contributions to the advancement of the Ijaw people, promotion of unity, peace, cultural identity and community development continue to command respect across the Niger Delta. Hon. Osia David noted that the birthday anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate not only the personality of High Chief Felix Edeku, but also his years of service, leadership and commitment to the collective aspirations of the Ijaw Nation. According to him, High Chief Edeku's position as the Pinakawei of the Ijaw Nation carries significant responsibility, particu...

THE FAMILY TREE OF LATE PERE-ABU Founder of Pere-abu-Gbene, Ajakurama Clan, Egbema Kingdom, Late Pere-abu the foremost founding father and respected patriarchs of Pere-abu-Gbene in Ajakurama Clan, Egbema Kingdom. Edo and Delta states, A renowned fisherman, community builder, and an iconic Ijaw elder, he was widely known for his hard work, wisdom, and commitment to the growth of his people. He hailed from Fon-Ware (House), Tububiri Quarter, Ajakurama Town, ovia South West LGA of Edo state. Although he joined his ancestors many decades ago, his legacy remains deeply rooted across the Western Ijaw communities. Through his industrious lifestyle and large family, the descendants of Late Pere-abu are today spread across the three indigenous Western Ijaw states of Delta State, Edo State, and Ondo State, where they continue to contribute to community development and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. Late Pere-abu was blessed with three wives, namely: Kenefe (F...

GENERAL SIEMENS NISOR BEKES CELEBRATES HIGH CHIEF DR. DENNIS BURUTU OTUARO AT 50 Describes PAP Administrator as a New Chapter in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Commends Human Capital Development, Empowerment and Peacebuilding Initiatives By EgbemaVoice, The Edo State Niger Delta Ex-Agitator General, Chief (Hon.) Siemens Nisor Bekes, has felicitated with the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary, describing the milestone as a celebration of a man whose leadership has opened a new chapter in the history of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. In a goodwill message marking the birthday, General Siemens Nisor Bekes congratulated Dr. Otuaro for attaining the golden age of 50 and commended his contributions to the advancement of human capital development, education, youth empowerment, stakeholder engagement and peacebuilding across the Niger Delta. According to him, Dr. ...

By EgbemaVoice  Hotel operators in Nigeria have called for urgent government intervention to address multiple taxation, high operating costs and inadequate electricity supply, warning that the challenges are threatening investment, jobs and the sustainability of the hospitality industry. The National Secretary of the Nigerian Hotels Association (NHA), Prince Amos Uyo, made the call while speaking on the hospitality and tourism sector on DOTT TV in Asaba, Delta State. Uyo said hotels were already major contributors to employment and government revenue through taxes and levies at the federal, state and local government levels, but were being weighed down by what he described as excessive and duplicative charges from different government agencies. According to him, hotel operators currently contend with more than 25 different taxes, levies, rates and regulatory charges, imposed by the three tiers of government and, in some cases, non-governmental organisations. He listed s...

By EgbemaVoice  The Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as sole candidates while declaring support for all other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was made on Wednesday, when the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, representing the state governor, the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Solomon Igrakpata and the State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode and visited the forum’s secretariat at Effurun, Delta State.  Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the forum, Chief Monday Arawore, said the Presidents-General were committed to working with the government in power to protect the interests of their communities and ensure that their people benefited from government programmes. “As Presidents-General, our position is...

First Niger Bridge Won’t Reopen Until Major Repairs Are Completed - Umahi By EgbemaVoice  The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said the First Niger Bridge will not be reopened to traffic until critical structural rehabilitation works on the facility are completed. Umahi spoke on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head shortly after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge linking Anambra and Delta states. The Federal Government had closed the bridge to traffic for emergency rehabilitation, following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork. The closure, initially scheduled to end on September 21, has been extended by one week because of persistent rainfall.  Umahi, who commended the contractor, SKECC, for the progress recorded, said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint that was stolen had been manufactured and flown i...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE TINUBU WELCOMES $12 MILLION ABUJA ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA’S MSME ECOSYSTEM   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the construction of the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, saying the project will strengthen Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and help more businesses grow, create jobs and expand economic activity.   The Centre, funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA, is being developed at the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre in Idu, Abuja, in partnership with the Federal Government through SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme.   ACE will support the wider MSME and entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing facilities, technology, training and enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses, with an initial target of 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.   About $5.9 million will go into construction, while $...

*CONSTITUTION OF THE UMIYEN DESCENDANTS GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL REVIEW PLATFORM WORLDWIDE*   *PREAMBLE*  We, the descendants of UMIYEN, united by our ancestral heritage, oral traditions, genealogical records, documented research, and common historical identity, hereby establish this Constitution to preserve, protect, teach, verify, and transmit the history and heritage of the Umiyen lineage across generations and throughout the world. We acknowledge that our heritage is a collective inheritance entrusted to us by our ancestors and that every descendant has a responsibility to protect its authenticity, dignity, unity, and continuity. We therefore commit ourselves to truth, mutual respect, responsible scholarship, peaceful dialogue, historical accountability, and the preservation of the indivisible identity of UMIYEN.  *ARTICLE 1 — NAME AND IDENTITY*  The platform shall be known as: UMIYEN DESCENDANTS GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL REVIEW PLATFORM WORLDWIDE T...

M.O.R.E AGENDA: Hon. Hossanah Perepate Fetimi Empowers 200 constituents in Ward 20 Warri North, ...... Representative Delivers Cash Empowerment Initiative to Constituents at Okifamba, By EgbemaVoice  The Councillor representing Ward 20 in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Hossanah Perepate Fetimi, has empowered 200 constituents as part of efforts to provide direct economic support and strengthen the well-being of residents at the grassroots. The empowerment programme, held at Okifamba, attracted beneficiaries and residents from across the ward, who gathered to receive the cash support. The atmosphere was marked by excitement and appreciation as beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative. According to Hon. Fetimi, the empowerment programme is being implemented in line with the development-oriented vision of the Delta State Government under His Excellency Governor Elder Rt Hon. Sheriff Francis ...

Polobubor Welfare Association and Polobubor/Tsekelewu Blocks of Communities Leadership Commends Hon. Emmanuel Omoko for Resolving Constitutional Differences By EgbemaVoice The leadership of the Polobubor Welfare Association and the Polobubor/Tsekelewu Blocks of Communities has commended the Bolowei of Egbema Kingdom, Hon. Emmanuel Omoko, popularly known as Alhaji, for his timely intervention in resolving constitutional differences and restoring peace, unity and understanding within the Polobubor community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The commendation was contained in a joint statement issued by the President of the Polobubor Welfare Association, Comrade Pastor Mavis Tebeke-emi Ofiyai, and the President of the Polobubor/Tsekelewu Blocks of Communities, Comrade Paul Toruwei JP, following the successful resolution of the misunderstanding that had arisen between the youths of Polobuboh community, According to the two leaders, the interventio...

MULАDE SEEKS OLU OF WARRI’S ROYAL BLESSING AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION NDP Warri Federal Constituency Candidate Pledges Development, Unity and Peace By EgbemaVoice, Chief Sheriff Blessing Mulade, the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, has paid a consultation visit to the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, seeking the monarch’s royal blessings and support for his political aspiration. Mulade, who is the Ibesorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and a UN Peace Ambassador, said his ambition to represent the people of Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly was driven by his commitment to promoting development, unity and peaceful coexistence across the constituency. Speaking during the visit, the NDP candidate pledged to pursue initiatives aimed at accelerating economic development and infrastructure renewal in the area if elected. Among his priorities, he identified the revival and completio...

State Orientation Bureau, NDLEA Take Drug-Free Delta Campaign to Delta South Schools ...Govt Urges Students to Protect Their Future, Stay Clear of Illicit Drugs By Omonigho Okotie The second phase of the Drug-Free Delta Campaign has intensified its statewide sensitisation drive, taking the anti-drug message to schools in Delta South and engaging students on the dangers of illicit drug use and its potential consequences for their education, aspirations and future. The campaign, which commenced on Monday, September 21, 2026, with engagements in selected schools in Delta North, is being implemented by the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The sensitisation team visited Aradhe Grammar School, Aradhe; Owelogbo Secondary School, Owelogbo; and Emore Grammar School, Oleh, where students participated in interactive sessions on drug abuse, prevention and responsible decision-making. The Director-G...

..... Celebrating the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, on the Occasion of His Birthday Anniversary By EgbemaVoice The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) heartily celebrates by offering our congratulations to a visionary and innovative leader—the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D., on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. We give thanks to Almighty God for gifting the Niger Delta region with a visionary, purposeful and compassionate leader whose stewardship of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has continued to deepen peace, foster unity and create sustainable opportunities for the people of the region. Since assuming leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Otuaro has continued to contribute to the implementation of programmes aimed at human capital development, education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and the empowerment of beneficiaries. These interventions remain important ...

Alisimie Forest: Agbor Police Launches Fresh Offensive Towards Edo Border Ika Weekly Newspaper  The Agbor Police Division has taken its anti-kidnapping operation deep into the forests of Alisimie, with the Division Police Officer (DPO), CSP Sunmonu Joseph, personally leading a joint security team towards the Edo State border. The operation, conducted during the week, saw the security team penetrate difficult forest terrain stretching from Alisimie in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State towards Igbanke in neighbouring Edo State. The move is part of renewed efforts to deny kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements the opportunity to use the forest corridors around Agbor as hideouts or operational bases. CSP Joseph, accompanied by security personnel and local security commanders, led the team on an extensive foot patrol through sections of the forest, combing suspected areas and searching for possible criminal camps and hideouts. Security sources said the operation fo...

Wike’s Rainbow Coalition: Niger Delta Youth Leader Knocks APC Governors Over Political Tensions Says Political Differences Should Be Resolved Within the Framework of Law, Democracy and Electoral Competition By EgbemaVoice News A Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, has criticised the growing confrontation between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 general elections. Comrade Mingo, while reacting to the controversy, said political actors should exercise restraint and allow Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral framework to determine the limits of political participation, alliances and electoral competition. The controversy intensified after the APC Governors’ Forum declared that its members would not support any political arrangement capable of weakening the APC or adversely affecting ...