PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE FEDERAL COMMISSIONER I COMMEND THE HISTORIC JUDGMENT ON KIDNAPPERS - A TRIUMPH FOR THE PEOPLE OF EDO STATE Esteemed citizens of Edo State, It is with immense joy and a profound sense of justice that I, *Rt. Hon. Engr. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror*, Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Edo State at the Federal Character Commission, express my support for the landmark judgment delivered today, September 29, 2026, by the Edo State Special Criminal Court. The court, presided over by Justice Terry Momodu Aigbona, has rendered a death sentence by hanging for the four kidnappers—Marvelous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael, and Gift Raphael—convicted for the heinous kidnapping of our sister at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City. This ruling serves as a decisive message that *Edo State is no longer a refuge for criminals.* I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our dedicated Governor, *H.E. Sen. Monday O...

AJAKURAMA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE CELEBRATES WOMEN LEADER, COMRADE DOUYE ROMAN EJEMI, ON BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY Leadership Commends Her Commitment to Community Development, Women Empowerment and Service to Humanity By EgbemaVoice  The leadership and entire membership of the Ajakurama Development Initiative (ADI) heartily felicitate with the organisation's esteemed Women Leader, Comrade Douye Roman Ejemi, Chief Executive Officer of Douye Media TV, on the joyous occasion of her birthday anniversary. Today, the leadership of ADI joins her family, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers in celebrating another remarkable milestone in her life and appreciating her contributions to the growth and development of the Ajakurama community. Comrade Douye Roman Ejemi is widely recognised within her circle of service for her commitment, dedication and passion for community affairs. As the Women Leader of the Ajakurama Development Initiative, she has continued to demonstrate the...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, has felicitated with High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, JP, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In a congratulatory message jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin and National Secretary, Mr Tare Magbei, the Forum celebrated the Ijaw leader's service and contributions to the region. The statement said IPF “heartily felicitates with High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, JP, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.” It noted that the Forum “celebrates your uncommon service, exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large.” According to IPF, “Your commitment to truth, justice and the advancement of our people remains inspiring and worthy of emulation.” The publishers added: “On this special day, we join your family, friends, traditional leaders and numerous well-wishers to wish you good health, greater strength, renewed wisdom...

By EgbemaVoice, Lagos — September 26, 2026: A police officer attached to an Anti-Crime Patrol team has reportedly died after he was allegedly hit and dragged underneath a Lexus ES 350 during a stop-and-search operation along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, Lagos. According to a police situation report, the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while the Anti-Crime Patrol team was conducting stop-and-search duties in the area. The report stated that one of the officers, Sergeant Johnson Okediji, signalled a Lexus ES 350 saloon car with registration number FKJ 223 KX to stop. The vehicle was reportedly driven by Olumide Olusola, aged 21, of Tiwatayo Street, Egbeda, Lagos. According to the report, the driver initially stopped briefly. However, as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver's side of the vehicle, the driver allegedly accelerated suddenly, hitting the officer and dragging him underneath the vehicle for some distance. The report further stated that de...

EGBEMA KINGDOM IN DARKNESS DESPITE DECADES OF OIL WEALTH — MINGO RAISES ALARM OVER PERSISTENT NEGLECT By EgbemaVoice  Niger Delta Youth Leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, popularly known as KingdomVoice, has raised a fresh alarm over what he describes as the prolonged infrastructural neglect and developmental marginalisation of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. Mingo expressed deep concern that communities within Egbema Kingdom continue to grapple with inadequate electricity, poor road and bridge infrastructure, limited healthcare and educational facilities, flooding and other basic developmental challenges despite the enormous natural resources extracted from the Niger Delta region. According to him, Egbema Kingdom has remained in darkness for decades, with several communities still without reliable access to electricity from the national grid. He particularly cited communities in the Asigborodor and Awanba axis,...

Mingo Condemns Alleged Killing of Delta State Civil Servant, Calls for Immediate Investigation By EgbemaVoice, Comrade Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka has condemned the reported death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. According to reports circulating in the public domain, Mr. Adeda allegedly died after an incident at the Prof. Chike Edosien Secretariat in Asaba on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Reports have made serious allegations involving the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, his orderly and other individuals. The allegations are grave and must not be dismissed or settled through conflicting narratives. At the same time, every person accused must be given due process, while the family of the deceased deserves truth, justice and accountability. Comr...

By EgbemaVoice  The tragic death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, is not merely a loss of life—it is a damning indictment of a state government that has become synonymous with unchecked power, brutality, and a callous disregard for the very citizens it claims to serve. The facts, as reported by multiple credible sources including SaharaReporters, are as harrowing as they are familiar. On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Mr. Adeda was allegedly beaten to death within the hallowed confines of the state secretariat in Asaba. The alleged perpetrators? Not unknown thugs, but the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, his police orderly, and his driver. The narrative emerging from the ministry is one of grotesque abuse of power. According to accounts from ministry staff, Mr. Adeda was involved in a disagreement with the Director of Examinations. The Director then called...

Lagos Police Identify Officer in Viral Video, Launch Disciplinary Action By EgbemaVoice  The Lagos State Police Command has identified the police officer captured in a viral video making what authorities described as careless, inappropriate and uncultured remarks while travelling in a public transport vehicle. The Command confirmed that the officer is Inspector Osumah Frank and announced that disciplinary proceedings have commenced against him in line with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force. According to a statement issued by the Command, the comments made by the officer were expressed in his personal capacity and do not represent the official position, views or disposition of either the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force. Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and respect for members of the public. He emphasized that polic...

DEMAND BY THE INC FOR THREE HOMOGENOUS IJAW STATES WITH CORRESPONDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS. Compiled By; Perekebena Okoyen , As Documented by Dr. Amba Ambaowei & Other Founding Fathers.  The Ijaw National Congress, INC brought together all the different interests of the founding fathers after taking cognizance of the three factions of request for different State undersigned on behalf of the entire Twelve Million Ijaw people of Nigeria, after due consultations with our people made demand for the creation of THREE HOMOGENOUS IJAW STATES AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS from the territory of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, from Arogbo in the West to Andoni in the East, presently balkanised into Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. The proposed States and Boundary Adjustments are as follows: 1. TORU-IBE STATE with Capital at BURUTU. 2. BAYELSA STATE with Capital at KAIAMA. 3. RIVERS STATE with Capital at PORT HARCOURT. 4. Boundary Adjustment along Akwa Ib...

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...