Delta State Blackout Becomes Worrisome as BEDC, Government Remain Silent on Riverine Communities' Electrification — Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, By EgbemaVoice, The Niger Delta Youth Leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice), has expressed deep concern over the worsening electricity blackout across Delta State, describing the situation as unacceptable and particularly devastating for riverine communities. According to him, the prolonged power outage has crippled economic activities, increased the cost of living, and subjected residents to untold hardship, while both the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the Delta State Government have remained silent on lasting solutions. Comrade Ogumaka called on the Delta State Government to prioritize the development of riverine communities by including them in its electricity expansion and infrastructure plans. He lamented that Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area remains com...

Police Arrest Content Creator ‘Odogwu of Asaba’ Over Alleged Rape, Death of 20-Year-Old Woman By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri. The Delta State Police Command has arrested popular social media content creator, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, widely known as “Odogwu of Asaba,” over allegations of raping a 20-year-old woman, Favor Agbro, who later died after allegedly taking a toxic substance. The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe. According to the police, the arrest followed a petition alleging that the deceased travelled to Asaba on June 1, 2026, after the suspect reportedly invited her with a promise to train her in content creation, a programme he allegedly promoted on his social media platforms. Police said that upon her arrival in Asaba, the suspect allegedly lodged her in a hotel where he was accused of raping and physically assaulting her. The victim reportedly returned home traumatised and narrated the incident...

POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE 50,000 POLICE CONSTABLES: PSC RELEASES NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS INTO THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE The Police Service Commission (PSC) has released the names of successful applicants for the recruitment of 50,000 into the Nigeria Police Force as Police Constables. The release follows the successful conclusion of a comprehensive, inclusive, equitable and transparent recruitment exercise conducted in collaboration with major stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, States Career and Counseling Departments and the Police Community Relations Committee. The Commission advises all candidates who participated in the recently concluded written examination to login to the official recruitment portal: npfapplication.psc.gov.ng to check their recruitment status.  The portal will be opened by 12:00am, Thursday, 16th July, 2026. Successful candidates will also receive email and...

PenCom reveals its plan for police pensions, says exit from Contributory Pension Scheme not needed By EgbemaVoice  The National Pension Commission, PenCom, has moved to allay rising unrest among Nigeria Police personnel about remaining in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), saying it aims to secure improved retirement benefits for officers—not to back their withdrawal from the scheme.Africans & Diaspora Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, said on Tuesday that the police has not withdrawn from the CPS, contrary to widespread public perception, stressing that their grievance centred on the disparity between their retirement benefits and those enjoyed by members of the Armed Forces. Speaking at a media briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Oloworaran said PenCom has opened talks with relevant government authorities to address police personnel concerns by improving pension benefits. ExecutiveBranchLaw Enforcement According to her: “The police have not exited t...

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has moved to calm growing agitation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force over their continued participation in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), saying the commission is working to secure enhanced retirement benefits for officers rather than support their exit from the scheme. Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, on Tuesday said the police had not withdrawn from the CPS, contrary to widespread public perception, stressing that their grievance centred on the disparity between their retirement benefits and those enjoyed by members of the Armed Forces. Speaking during a media interaction at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, Oloworaran said PenCom had opened discussions with relevant government authorities to address the concerns of police personnel through improved pension benefits. “The police have not exited the Contributory Pension Scheme. They want to exit because they believe their benefits are too small. They compare their...

MULADE ANNOUNCES DELTA ETHNIC PEACE AND UNITY CUP 2026, By EgbemaVoice  Delta State is set to witness another landmark initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and grassroots sports development as renowned development and peace advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD, announced the readiness and commence preparedness for the *Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2026* The football competition, an initiative of the *Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ)* in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence and foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State through sports. The tournament, previously known as the *Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament,* was established following the Warri crisis as a strategic peace-building initiative to reduce ethnic tensions and encourage reconciliation between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people. Over the year...

‎Niger Delta's Problem Isn't Buhari, It's Our Own Appointees — HRM Whiskey  ‎Don’t scrap NDDC, return it to presidency, ‎…Law establishing NDDC has no space for sole administrator ‎By Levinus Nwabughiogu ‎His Royal Majesty, King Monday Obukowho Whiskey is the Udurhe 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Delta State. He made a presentation to the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB during the public hearing, last week and afterwards, spoke to Journalists on the state of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, among other issues. ‎ ‎On calls for scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and the appointment of a sole administrator by the President ‎ ‎ ‎The situation in the Niger Delta is, frankly speaking, giving the government the wrong impression that the security agencies and the few appointees can have their way. One of the first things that the government needs to do is to approach every situation in the Ni...

LETTER OF APPRECIATION 14th July, 2026 With a heart full of gratitude and deep appreciation to God Almighty, I wish to sincerely thank every individual and group who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the just concluded Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide National Convention and Election held on 11th July, 2026, which culminated in the emergence of Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete as the 10th President-Elect of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide. This victory is not the achievement of one person but the product of collective sacrifice, unwavering commitment, and a shared vision for a united and progressive Ijaw Nation. I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his fatherly leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to peace. Your decisive role in fostering reconciliation and ensuring unity between the two factions of the Ijaw Youth Council before the election laid the foundation for a pe...

5 Years of Amplifying the Niger Delta: Congress Newspaper Celebrates July 16 • It is “5 Years of Excellence, Commitment, Courage and Service”-Management LAGOS – A fast growing newspaper, in the heart of Niger Delta has concluded plans to mark a grand five year anniversary celebration on the 16th July, 2026 in WARRI, Delta State Nigeria. The Management of congressng.com made the clarification in a press statement signed and forwarded to newsmen on Tuesday, with a series of events lining up to celebrate five years of excellence, impact, courage, commitment and service, guided by its motto: True, Fearless and Credibility. The congressng.com management said the commemoration is aimed at reflecting on the paper’s journey, honouring its contributors, and reaffirming its commitment to credible reporting and creating a speaking space for the minority's voice in Nigeria and beyond. It was gathered that since its launch in the year 2022, the paper has positioned itse...

THE 2026 IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) NATIONAL ELECTION HAS COME AND GONE! To God be all the glory! Today, we celebrate not merely an electoral victory, but the triumph of unity, peace, democracy, and the collective will of the Ijaw people. Indeed, this is a victory for the entire Ijaw Nation. With profound humility and a heart filled with gratitude, I sincerely thank the 117 delegates across all chapters and every supporter who believed in our shared vision and stood firmly with us throughout this journey. I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me to serve as the President-Elect of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, alongside the distinguished members of the 10th National Executive Council (NEC). I wish to express my deepest appreciation to our revered fathers and leaders whose guidance, encouragement, and unwavering commitment ensured the peaceful conduct and success of this historic election. In particular, I acknowledge: * His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri,...

ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE ENUGU POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR BUS DRIVER, CONDUCTOR OVER SERIOUS ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICERS, ATTEMPTED MURDER, SNATCHING OF A POLICE RIFLE The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus for the offences of conspiracy, serious assault on police officers, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and the snatching of a Police rifle. The incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on July 9, 2026, at All Saints Roundabout, along Abakaliki Road, Enugu. Acting on information received from the Command's Control Room that the driver and conductor had assaulted a traffic police officer on duty, operatives of the Command's Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted and flagged down the vehicle. However, instead of submitting to arrest, the driver deceptively slowed down before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to escape. In the process, he knocked down one of the operatives and dragge...

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, under the leadership of Comrade Nicholas Tamara-denyefa Igarama led executive warmly congratulates Comrade (Dr.) Doubra Collins Okotete on his election as the 10th President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, alongside the distinguished members - elect of the 10th National Executive Council, following the successful conclusion of the IYC Worldwide National electioneering process. Your emergence is a resounding testament to the confidence and trust reposed in your leadership, vision, competence, and unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and sustainable development of the Ijaw nation.  We are confident that your administration will provide purposeful and visionary leadership, uphold the core ideals upon which the Ijaw Youth Council was founded, and effectively champion the collective aspirations of Ijaw youths across the globe. As you prepare to assume this important ...

OBOTOBO 1, COMMUNITY CONGRATULATES COMR. DR. DOUBRA OKOTETE COLLINS ON EMERGENCE AS 10TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WORLDWIDE___ LEADER EBIWARE OWOLO (AGBALAKOKO)  By Egbemavoice  A prominent Niger Delta ex-agitator, respected community leader, and Executive Chairman of Obotobo I Federated Community in Ogulagha Kingdom, Leader Ebiware Owolo aka (Agbalakoko), on behalf of the community has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Comr. Dr. Doubra Okotete Collins following his emergence as the 10th National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide. In a congratulatory message made available to EgbemaVoice News, Leader Owolo described the emergence of Comr. Dr. Collins as a divine act of God and a well-deserved victory for the entire Ijaw nation. According to him, the outcome of the election reflects the confidence and trust reposed in the new president by Ijaw youths across the globe. Leader Owolo stated that Co...

After 23 Years, Oborevwori Moves to Rescue Abandoned DELSU Senate Building …Invites Bids for Completion, Rolls Out Major Projects Across Delta  By EgbemaVoice  Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has moved to end the 23-year abandonment of the Senate/Administrative Building of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, with the state government formally inviting qualified contractors to bid for its completion.  The decisive move follows the Governor’s earlier revocation of the long-stalled contract to pave the way for its re-award to a competent contractor capable of delivering the landmark project.  Governor Oborevwori had, during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of DELSU, expressed concern over the prolonged abandonment of the project and declared that his administration would take concrete steps to ensure its swift completion.  Making good on that pledge, the Delta State Tenders Board has now listed the completion of the Senate/Admini...

NBA SECURES LANDMARK JUDGMENT ON THE STATUS OF LAWYERS IN THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to formally inform all members of our dear association of the landmark judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, on 10 July 2026 in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/264/2025: Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Police Service Commission & 5 Ors. This public interest action was instituted by the Nigerian Bar Association through the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) to seek judicial interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, particularly as they relate to the status, functions, and deployment of legal practitioners serving within the Nigeria Police Force. In a well-considered judgment, the Court upheld substantial aspects of the NBA’s claims and made important declarations and consequential...

According to the association, several police officers recruited as General Duty Officers later obtained law degrees and were called to the Nigerian Bar but were never formally converted to the Specialist Legal Cadre as required by law.  Despite this, they allegedly continued to provide legal services and represent the Nigeria Police in civil cases. The NBA argued that the practice violates Rule 8 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which restricts lawyers in salaried employment from appearing in court for their employers unless they are employed as legal officers within a government department or agency.  Among the reliefs sought were orders compelling the conversion of qualified police lawyers currently performing legal duties into the Specialist Legal Cadre and directing the deployment of police lawyers to every police division in line with Section 66(3) of the Police Act 2020.  Before addressing the substantive issues, the court dismissed a preliminary ob...

EGBEMAVOICE NEWS AND CREWS CELEBRATE GENERAL MANAGER, COMR. GANDY WISDOM TANIMAWO, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BIRTHDAY The Management, Editorial Board, News Crew, and the entire EgbemaVoice family heartily felicitate with our esteemed General Manager, Comr. Gandy Wisdom Tanimawo, as he marks another remarkable year of God's faithfulness, grace, and accomplishments. Today, we celebrate a visionary leader whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have contributed immensely to the growth and success of EgbemaVoice. Your exemplary leadership, humility, integrity, and passion for excellence continue to inspire the entire team and countless people within and beyond our community. As you celebrate this special milestone, we pray that Almighty God grants you long life, sound health, divine wisdom, greater achievements, and abundant blessings. May this new chapter of your life usher in greater opportunities, remarkable successes, and lasting fulfillment in all you...

PRESS STATEMENT NIGER DELTA YOUTH LEADER, COMRADE MINGO FRIDAY SAYAMI OGUMAKA, CONGRATULATES COMRADE DR. DOUBRA COLLINS OKOTETE ON HIS EMERGENCE AS THE 10TH NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WORLDWIDE The Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka, popularly known as KingdomVoice and widely recognized as the "IYC Defend Minister," has extended his warm congratulations to Comrade Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete on his emergence as the 10th National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide. In a congratulatory statement, Comrade Mingo described Dr. Okotete's emergence as a well-deserved victory for the Ijaw nation and the younger generation, noting that his years of dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and selfless service to the Ijaw struggle have prepared him for the enormous responsibility of leading the foremost Ijaw youth organization. According to him, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete has distinguished himself ...

From Midwestern Province to Bendel, the Journey of Delta State at a Glance By EgbemaVoice  Did you know that Delta State on creation started with 12 local government areas (LGAs) and that the city of Warri is the biggest commercial city in the state? Delta state was formally a part of the Mid-Western Region, which was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991 before it was renamed as Bendel state in 1976. The Mid-Western Region was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, and its capital was Benin City. It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces were split up into several states, it remained territoriality intact, becoming a state. During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces invaded the new Mid-Western state, en route to Lagos, in an attempt to force a quick end to the war. While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared the "Republic of Benin". As Nigerian forces retook the region, the republic collapse...

Page Header Logo International Journal of Culture and History  Vol 6, No 2 (2019) > Itua Succession Under Customary Law in Nigeria.  The Rule of Primogeniture versus the Deposition of a Traditional Ruler (Onojie) in Edo State: A critique of the Provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edicts No 16 of 1979 Paul Okhaide Itua Abstract Before the advent of colonial administration in the area, which is presently known as Nigeria, there existed a people occupying vast areas of territories, which were traditionally dominated by highly diverse ethnic groups with highly sophisticated language systems. Apart from the variation in the languages, there also exist shape differences in terms of customs and traditions. However, with the amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorate by Lord Frederick Lugard the former Governor-General of Nigeria in 1914 these territories were brought together for the convenience of British Colonial Administration. The new territory was call...

By Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka Niger Delta Youth Leader The continued complaints by several indigenous ethnic nationalities in Edo State over issues relating to traditional administration, political representation and cultural identity deserve urgent attention from both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. For decades, many minority ethnic nationalities, particularly the Ijaw people in Edo South Senatorial District, have expressed concerns over what they describe as political marginalization, unequal treatment and attempts to impose traditional structures that they believe are inconsistent with their history, customs and identity. It is alleged that successive administrations in Edo State have, through government policies and recognition processes, favoured one ethnic nationality above others, thereby creating an atmosphere of inequality and deepening ethnic tension. These concerns have repeatedly been raised by affected communities, who ...