Mathew Tonlagha By Chukwuma Umeorah Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited chairman, Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, is set to publicly present a new book as part of activities marking his 50th birthday, with events scheduled to hold in Warri and Abuja in February 2026. Organisers said the programme will begin with a birthday praise day on February 2, 2026, in Warri, Delta State, before moving to Abuja on February 8, 2026, for the official public presentation of the book and a reception. According to a statement issued by the organisers, the praise event is planned as a thanksgiving gathering to mark what was described as a significant personal milestone. They noted that the Warri event will feature sessions of praise and thanksgiving led by gospel artistes from different parts of the country. They said the gathering is intended to provide a setting for reflection on Tonlagha’s life and career over the past five decades. “The celebration goes beyond a birthday ceremony,” the statement said, adding tha...

EGBEMAVOICE NEWS HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION High Chief Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria, EgbemaVoice News joins the people of the Niger Delta to celebrate a foremost regional leader, patriot, and security icon, High Chief Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, as he marks his birthday on 4th February. Widely regarded as a shining light of the Niger Delta, High Chief Pondi has distinguished himself through visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to peace and security, and an uncommon passion for the development of the region. His influence continues to inspire unity, hope, and progress across communities. Speaking on behalf of EgbemaVoice News, the General Manager, Comrade Gandi Wisdom Tanimawo, described High Chief Pondi as a detribalised Nigerian, an open-handed humanitarian, a man with a heart of gold, humble, God-fearing, and deeply committed to building hope and shaping a better future for the Niger D...

Edwin Smart Temile Congratulates King of Zion Independence Obegha on Ordination, By EgbemaVoice  The president Ibe seikumor firi kori about of Ajakurama clan Mr. Edwin Smart Temile has extended warm congratulations to the King of Zion Independence, Obegha, following his successful ordination ceremony, describing the event as a significant spiritual milestone for the church and the wider community. In his congratulatory message, Mr. Temile noted that the ordination of King of Zion Independence Obegha is a clear testament to divine calling, preparation, and faithfulness to the work of God. He described the newly ordained King as a chosen and anointed servant of God, whose ministry is poised to impact lives positively. According to Mr. Temile, the journey to ordination reflects years of dedication, humility, and commitment to spreading the gospel and uplifting humanity. He expressed confidence that the ordination would further strengthen the spiritual foundation of the ch...

By EgbemaVoice, The Burial Media and Publicity Committee of the late Distinguished Senator and legal luminary, Senator Barrister Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, has officially announced the programme of events for his final rites. This announcement follows a meeting of the committee held on Monday, 2nd February 2026, at the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) Conference Room, Asaba, Delta State. According to the released schedule, burial activities will span over two weeks and will commence on Thursday, 12th February 2026, with a Valedictory Session at the Senate Red Chambers of the National Assembly, Abuja, where serving and former lawmakers will pay glowing tributes to the late senator. On the same day, a Virgin Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. A Night of Tribute has been scheduled for Tuesday, 24th February 2026, at the Dome Event Centre, GRA, Asaba. The event will bring together dignitaries, political associates, f...

Oborevwori Hails Tonlagha At 50, Says His Life Exemplifies Service, Resilience, Gratitude By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday lauded the Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, for his life of service, resilience and generosity, describing the large turnout at his 50th birth anniversary celebration as a testament to a life that has positively impacted humanity. Speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony held in Warri, Governor Oborevwori said the testimonies shared at the event were lessons worthy of emulation, noting that the gathering reflected the many lives Tonlagha had touched over the years. “I am particularly happy for you because I know your story,. For ten good years, you could not walk. That is not a small period. But God sustained you, and He is still sustaining you. God will continue to reward your service to humanity,” he said.  The governor observed that the celebrant...

By EgbemaVoice, Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, will speak on the topic "Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria's Unity and Progress" at this year's edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture. The Secretary of the Maris Trust Council (MTC), organisers of the annual lecture series, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Asaba on Tuesday. According to him, positive reactions have trailed the announcement of Gen. Irabor as the keynote speaker.  He noted that, given the response, it is evident the public will likely have the opportunity to interact with key players from Nigeria’s theatre of war during the lecture. Egugbo said, "Insecurity is a topic that is often discussed in hushed tones, despite the fact that it is everyone’s responsibility. "As such, the Maris Trust Council (MTC) is pleased that the keynote speaker for this year's Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, Gen. Lucky Irabor, will speak on...

By EgbemaVoice, The Nigeria Police Force has promoted its Badagry-born Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. The promotion was approved following the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in recognition of Hundeyin’s professionalism, integrity and outstanding performance in police communication and public engagement. Hundeyin was appointed Force Public Relations Officer in 2025 as a Chief Superintendent of Police, taking over from Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Since assuming office, he has been at the forefront of efforts to reshape the public image of the Nigeria Police Force, driving initiatives aimed at rebuilding public trust, strengthening accountability and modernising police communication, particularly through digital platforms. A seasoned police administrator and communicator, Hundeyin holds a Bachelor’s degree in E...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has joined family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers to celebrate High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, on the occasion of his birthday. In a congratulatory statement signed by the National President of the Forum, Comrade Ozobo Austin, on Tuesday in Warri, and made available to newsmen, the IPF described Engr. Pondi as a “man of the people” whose exemplary leadership style, humility, and unwavering commitment to service have earned him widespread respect across the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. According to the Forum, High Chief Pondi is widely admired for his kindness, generosity, and strong passion for Niger Delta development and preservation of the nation's oil wealth.  The statement adds that Kestin Pondi has consistently deployed his influence and resources toward promoting peace, empowering youths, and supporting gras...

By EgbemaVoice,  The Youth Leader, ENGR. Maya Tamaraugagbemi Wisdom, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the King of Zion Independence, Obegha, on the occasion of his successful ordination ceremony held at his church auditorium,  Ajakurama Town. Ovia south west local Government Area of Edo state, In his congratulatory message, Engr. Maya described King Obegha as a God-sent and anointed man of God, whose calling and ordination mark a significant spiritual milestone not only for the ministry but also for the people of Zion mission of Ajakurama and the wider Egbema Kingdom. According to him, the emergence of King Obegha into ordained ministry is a clear manifestation of divine purpose, noting that his leadership, humility, and commitment to the work of God have prepared him for greater responsibility in advancing the gospel. Engr. Maya further prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom, and strength upon the newly ordained King of Zion Independence...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has joined well-wishers across Delta State and the Niger Delta region to celebrate the Executive Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, on the occasion of his birthday. In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday and signed by the President of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum described Hon. Oromoni is a quintessential personality and exemplary grassroots leader whose administration has continued to record notable progress in governance and community development. According to the statement, the IPF commended the Warri South-West Council boss for his leadership style, which it said has strengthened local governance, promoted peace, and enhanced service delivery across communities within the local government area. “Today marks a special day in the life of a leader whose impact has been deeply felt in the lives of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta at large. Hon...

Seimbiri Kingdom: Edegbene Ruling House Favoured to Produce Next Monarch as Stakeholders Commend Traditional Council’s Strict Adherence to Gazette, By EgbemaVoice Bomadi, Delta State — The Seimbiri Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State is approaching a defining moment in its traditional leadership succession following the passing of its revered monarch. With the throne now vacant, attention has shifted to the kingdom’s gazetted rotational kingship structure, which places the Edegbene ruling house next in line to produce the new king. Stakeholders across the kingdom have commended the Head of the Seimbiri Traditional Council, High Chief M. T. Douglas, PhD, for his principled leadership and strict adherence to the gazette and established Ijaw customs. Members of the Edegbene ruling house have expressed confidence in the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, applauding its unity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to ...

By EgbemaVoice, The Deputy President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Freedom Atigbi, PhD, has formally declared his intention to contest the presidency of the council ahead of the 2026 elections. Atigbi made the declaration in Benin City, Edo State, during a strategic meeting with his kinsmen drawn across the five clans, alongside their respective chairmen and key stakeholders.  At the meeting, he solicited their unwavering support, describing the moment as critical for the future of the Ijaw nation. According to him, “We are at a defining moment in the Ijaw struggle. I consider it necessary to step into this race to consolidate the gains of the outgoing National Executive Council, led by Sir, Jonathan Lokpobiri snr while learning from and improving on any shortcomings identified." He further pledged to intensify engagement with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and government institutions to press home the collective demands of...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) joined the global community in celebrating a milestone birthday of one of its own, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, as he marks his 50th birthday!, marking a Golden Jubilee milestone.  In a special tribute, the Forum' described Engr. Matthew Tonlagha as a special gift from God to the Ijaw nation, adding that he is a pathfinder of the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta. "Matthew has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to many, and his contributions to the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region are immeasurable," it added. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin and spokesman, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel on Sunday. The statement reads, "Engr. Tonlagha's dedication to public service, community development, peace, security, and nation-building has earned him respect and admiration across the Niger Delta. His leadership and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact o...

By EgbemaVoice, The Education for Empowerment (E4E) Mandate Campaign, led by Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has resumed its laptop distribution drive for students under the PAP Scholarship Scheme.  The E4E Mandate Campaign team led by officials of PAP on 30th January 2026 visited the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, to distribute laptops to beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme. According to the team led by Engr. Sokoto Ebikonde Victor to NMU, the initiative is part of the PAP's core mandate to empower youths in the Niger Delta through education, enhancing their learning capacity and overall productivity.  "However, the Dr. Dennis Otuaro-led administration remains committed to this goal, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the region", the team added. The statement noted that the E4E Mandate Campaign team will be visiting more schools in t...

By EgbemaVoice, The late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was on Friday laid to rest at his country home in Ofoni Federated Communities, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.  President Bola Tinubu represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas represented by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, were among the dignitaries that graced the funeral service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni. Speaking during the service, President Tinubu said Ewhrudjakpo’s demise was a huge loss not only to the state but to the country at large given his legacy of service.  The President stated that the late deputy governor left an indelible mark on the sands of time a...

IPF Elects New Leadership for Two-Year Tenure, Commends Dr Otuaro  By EgbemaVoice, The apex Ijaw media body, the Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), has elected a new leadership to pilot the affairs of the forum for the next two years, following a peaceful and transparent national election. The election was held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Africa 4 Peace Center, Ugolo, near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. At the end of the exercise, Comrade Ozobo Austin of Congress News emerged as President, while Oyinbi Nduku of Niger Delta Mirror was elected Vice President. Also elected were Tare Magbei of Daily Report Nigeria as Secretary-General and Ezekiel Kagbala of FocalPoint Reports as Spokesperson. Other members of the new executive include comrade Mingo T. Friday of EgbemaVoice News as treasurer, Comrade Ekpegha Tamaraupreye of South South Daily as Welfare Officer and Mr. Kanjo Joseph as Financial Secretary, alongside other officials to serve in various c...

By EgbemaVoice  A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS), helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities. Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to “destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.” An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings. Faced wit...

ELECTION DAY SPEECH – IPF TREASURER CONTEST___ MINGO FRIDAY,  By EgbemaVoice, Distinguished leaders of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, Respected elders, comrades, colleagues, and fellow publishers, I greet you all. With humility and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as Comrade Mingo T. Friday, a grassroots member and contestant for the position of Treasurer of our great Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF). The Ijaw Publishers Forum was founded for a clear and historic purpose: to document, preserve, and project the true history, culture, struggles, and aspirations of the Ijaw people. IPF is not just an association—it is the professional press house and collective voice of the Ijaw nation. For years, IPF has stood for truth, responsible journalism, and accurate documentation of our story. As a committed and founding member, I have upheld these ideals, and I firmly believe that for this vision to endure, financial integrity, transparency, and accountability must...

Dignitaries Grace Traditional Marriage Ceremony of Merit Eghwubare and Gandi Wisdom Tanimaw in Oghara, By Egbemavoice  The traditional marriage ceremony of the General Manager of Egbemavoice News, Mrs. Merit Eghwubare, and her husband, Gandi Wisdom Tanimaw, was held at Mission Lane, Ogharaeki, off Udurhie Primary School, Oghara Town, drawing dignitaries from across the Niger Delta and beyond. The culturally rich ceremony attracted prominent personalities from Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, and Ondo States, who gathered to witness the union. The groom, Gandi Wisdom Tanimaw, a renowned youth leader and media executive, is a former Senate member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) 5th Mobile Parliament, former Speaker of the Egbema Youth Council, and the General Manager of Egbemavoice News. In fulfillment of Urhobo traditional requirements, the groom formally paid the bride price of the Oghara-born bride, Merit Eghwubare, thereby sealing the union in ...