THE LANGUAGE THAT CROSSED THE OCEAN IN CHAINS How Kalabari Survived the Middle Passage, Built a New Tongue in South America, and Died Waiting for Us to Remember By Kio Amachree Letters from Stockholm STOCKHOLM — In March 2004, on a remote tributary of the Berbice River in Guyana, South America, a woman of one hundred and three years named Albertha Bell sat for an interview with a team of linguists from the University of the West Indies. When she died the following year, a language died with her. Its speakers had called it simply di lanshi — the language. Linguists call it Berbice Creole Dutch. But strip away the Dutch veneer and what lay beneath was something that should stop every Kalabari man and woman in their tracks. It was us. It was our tongue, carried across the Atlantic in the holds of slave ships three centuries earlier, still speaking. This is the story of the most extraordinary journey any Nigerian language has ever made. And it is a warning addressed directly to the Kalabar...

CHIEF (DR.) PEDRO TUWAYERIN BEKENAWEI, NDC CANDIDATE FOR WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, PROMOTES EDUCATION, DISTRIBUTES SCHOOL MATERIALS AT UWANGUE COLLEGE By EgbemaVoice, Uwangue, Warri South LGA, Delta State, In a continued demonstration of his commitment to educational development and youth empowerment, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr.) Pedro Tuwayerin Bekenawei, has donated exercise books and other essential learning materials to pupils and students of Uwangue College and other schools in Uwangue Town, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The educational support initiative forms part of the candidate's broader vision to improve access to quality education and provide practical assistance to students across the Warri Federal Constituency. Representing the candidate at the presentation ceremony, Hon. Dennis Soroaye, the NDC representative for Warri Federal Constituency, said the donation reflects ...

Man Died In Sapele After Wife Locked Him Outside  By EgbemaVoice, A trqgic incident reportedly occurred on Esiri Road, Ugbeyiyi, in Sapele and According to reports, the deceqsed, popularly known as Chuks, was an auto electrician at Ogbuefi Mechanic Yard along New Road by Shell Road Junction. It was gathered that when Chuks returned home on Thursday night, the compound gate was opened for him, but his wife allegedly refused to open the door to their apartment. Chuks reportedly explained that he had been busy preparing for his younger brother's wedding, which was scheduled for Saturday, and insisted that he had not been anywhere else. However, his wife allegedly did not believe him and told him to return to wherever he claimed he had come from. Unable to enter his home, Chuks reportedly spent the night sleeping inside his car. The following morning, he called one of the boys from his mechanic workshop to help him carry the chickens he had bought for his younger brother...

Ijaw Youths Shut Down Gelegele Flow Station for 24 Hours Over Viral Oil Ownership Claims By EgbemaVoice, GELEGELE, Edo State – Youths and leaders of Gelegele (Gbene) Community in Olodiama Kingdom, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday shut down the Gelegele Flow Station for 24 hours in protest over a viral video allegedly denying the community's ownership and host status of oil facilities. According to the community leadership, comr. Olu Derimo the Gbelegele community chairman said, the action followed a viral video attributed to Mr. Amos Osakwe and some Otedo youths, in which it was allegedly claimed that there are no oil wells or oil-producing facilities in Gelegele (Gbene) Community, but only in Ughoton. The Chairman and leadership of Gelegele Community described the statement as false, misleading, and provocative, saying it undermines the historical and legal status of the Ijaw community as a recognised oil-producing host community in Edo State. Speaking...

CHIEF (DR.) PEDRO TUWAYERIN BEKENAWEI CHAMPIONS EDUCATION, DONATES LEARNING MATERIALS TO IWERE COLLEGE, KOKO By EgbemaVoice, Koko, Warri North LGA, Delta State – In a demonstration of his commitment to educational development and youth empowerment, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr.) Pedro Tuwayerin Bekenawei, has donated exercise books and other essential writing materials to students of Iwere College, Koko, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. Speaking during the presentation, the NDC representative for Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Soroaye, said the donation reflects Chief Bekenawei's unwavering belief that education remains the foundation for sustainable development and national progress. According to Chief Bekenawei, the initiative is aimed at supporting learning, easing the burden on parents, and encouraging pupils and students to pursue acad...

OBITUARY , PANDEF GRIEVES THE LOSS OF ITS PRIMARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER AND FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PROF. TURNER T. ISOUN AT 87 The Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) with shock and grief, mourn the passing into glory of Nigeria’s former Minister of Science and Technology, globally renown scholar and one of its core founding members of the Board of Trustees, Professor Turner T Isoun. According to the family, Prof. Isoun died in Abuja on Wednesday 15th July, 2026 at the age of 87 years. He lived a greatly successful life of outstanding scientific scholarship in research and teaching all around the world and public service.  Among other things, he had served in Rivers State as Special Adviser to Governor on Science and Technology and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology which is now renamed Rivers State University, Portharcourt. During his time as Ministe...

BY EgbemaVoice  For years, Nigerians have heard about “ghost workers” in government. But when the Nigeria Police Force went through a full biometric payroll check, the numbers were bigger than anyone expected. 1. HOW IT WAS FOUND:  THE IPPIS CHECK As part of a federal cleanup, all 42 Police commands were asked to move to IPPIS — the government’s centralized payroll system that pays salaries directly to verified staff using BVN.   Before IPPIS: Reported strength was about 371,800 personnel.   After biometric verification: 291,685 officers were actually confirmed.   Gap found: 80,115 names that couldn’t be verified. Those unverified names included fake entries, plus people who had retired, resigned, or passed away but were still on the payroll. 2. WHY IT MATTERS Money: Billions of Naira were being paid monthly to accounts linked to those unverified names.   Security: It also meant Nigeria’s actual number of active police office...

CHIEF (DR.) PEDRO TUWAYERIN BEKENAWEI, NDC CANDIDATE FOR WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, PROMOTES EDUCATION By EgbemaVoice  Chief (Dr.) Pedro Tuwayerin Bekenawei, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency, has donated exercise books and other writing materials to pupils and students across primary and secondary schools in the constituency. The initiative is aimed at supporting learning and encouraging academic excellence among young people in the area. According to Chief Bekenawei, "Education is the key and the bedrock of every progressive society." He reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the future of the constituency by supporting educational development and empowering the next generation through quality learning opportunities.

Spain End Argentina’s Title Defence, Win 2026 FIFA World Cup By EgbemaVoice  Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense final decided in extra time. After 90 minutes of intense action ended goalless, Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title. Both sides created chances during regulation time but failed to find the breakthrough as two of the tournament’s strongest teams cancelled each other out. ifeanyi-Okowa-delta Argentina’s frustrations were evident throughout the encounter, with Lisandro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández and Cristian Romero all receiving yellow cards. The Albiceleste’s hopes of forcing a comeback suffered a major setback in stoppage time of normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card and subsequently sent off, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to p...

Niger Delta Leaders, PANDEF, INC Join Congress Newspaper to Celebrate Five Years of Media Excellence By EgbemaVoice  Prominent leaders, statesmen, traditional Chiefs and public office holders from across the Niger Delta have extended warm congratulations to the management and staff of Congress TV/Newspaper as the media organisation marks its fifth anniversary, attributing the milestone to resilience, consistency, institutional growth and an unwavering commitment to professional journalism. Among those who sent goodwill messages are the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief (Barr.) Macdonald Igbadiwei, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP),former Chairman of the Egbema/Gbaramatu Development Foundation who chaired the most talked about ceremony,  Wing Commander Peter Yerindi Biakpara (Rtd.) former Nigerian Air Force officer, and ex-commissioner of Agriculture in De...

Mrs. Umutor Agbomu Passes On at 61, Ajakurama Mourns By EgbemaVoice  The Ajakurama Development Initiative (ADI), Ajakurama Clan, Edo and Delta States, has announced with deep sorrow and total submission to the will of Almighty God the passing of Mrs. Umutor Agbomu (Nee Arubere). According to the Ajakurama Development Initiative, the bereaved family announced her passing to the Ajakurama community on Friday, 17th July 2026. She peacefully departed this life in Benin City, Edo State, at the age of 61 years. Late Mrs. Agbomu was a devoted Christian, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and a respected daughter of Ajakurama Community. She will be fondly remembered for her humility, kindness, unwavering faith, and selfless service to her family, church, and community. The Ajakurama Development Initiative extends its heartfelt condolences to the Agbomu family and prays that Almighty God grants them the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. May her g...

Oborevwori Approves Appointment of Commissioners, DESOPADEC Board Member, Judicial Service Commission Members By EgbemaVoice  The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt.Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has approved the appointment of the following persons as Honourable Commissioners and members of the Delta State Executive Council: Mr.Brave Oyinkoro Enodeh Mr.Ogodo Emokiniovo Moses Similarly, His Excellency has approved the appointment of Mr. Cosmas Igbenije as Member of the Governing Board,Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission(DESOPADEC). Furthermore, His Exellency has approved the appointment of the following persons as Members of the Judicial Service Commission: Joseph Obiananma Ojobu,Esq Chief James Omanudhowho Obeowou Barr.Fun-Ebi Edonyabo According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, the newly appointed Commissioners will be sworn-in on Tuesday 21st July 2026 by 10.am along with the ot...

Edo Ijaw Blast Gov. Monday Okpebholo, Allege Systematic Marginalisation of Ijaw, Esan and Igbanke Traditional Institutions, Call for Legal Challenge to Chieftaincy Law, By EgbemaVoice News Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Sayami Ogumaka, has called on the Ijaw people of Edo State, alongside the Esan, Igbanke and other ethnic nationalities, to seek judicial interpretation of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of Bendel State, 1979, as applicable in Edo State. Ogumaka argued that the implementation of traditional institution policies in Edo State has, over the years, generated controversy regarding the recognition, powers and representation of traditional rulers from different ethnic nationalities. 51st Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, His Royal Majesty The Bini Pere IV, The Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, Before the establishment of British colonial rule, the territory now known as Nigeria consisted of numerous independent ethnic...

 By EgbemaVoice  Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled a centralised Smart Advertising Management Platform for the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESSAA), aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the regulation of outdoor advertising across the state.   The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, unveiled the digital platform on Thursday in Asaba, describing it as a major step in the state's drive to leverage technology to strengthen public service delivery and revenue administration.   Oborevwori said the platform would modernise the management of outdoor advertising by promoting transparency, operational efficiency and accountability, while warning that his administration would not tolerate fraud or unethical practices in the sector.   He described DESSAA as a key revenue-generating agency and urged advertisers and other stakeholders to compl...

APC Delta Mandate Passes Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu, Oborevwori ...Sues For Sustained Unity, Intensifies 2027 Mobilisation  By EgbemaVoice  Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta Mandate have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, commending their inspiring, purposeful and transformational leadership. The motion, moved by the Pioneer Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, and seconded by the member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, was unanimously adopted through a voice vote conducted by the National President of the group, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, during a meeting held at the official residence of Hon. Onwo in the Legislative Quarters, Asaba. Earlier, National President of APC Delta Mandate, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, charged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and consolidate support for all APC candidates ahea...

By EgbemaVoice  The President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, has described President Bola Tinubu's assent to the bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Oleh, Delta State, as a historic milestone that ends decades of perceived federal neglect of the Isoko people. Speaking on AIT's Kaakaki programme on Thursday, Akpotu said the approval of the FMC had given the Isoko nation a renewed sense of belonging in the Nigerian federation after years of lacking meaningful federal presence. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, saying the gesture had restored hope among the people of Delta South Senatorial District, particularly the Isoko ethnic nationality. "This is one moment the people of Delta South Senatorial District, especially the Isoko people, will continue to celebrate because it reflects our long history of deprivation," he said. "For once, we have been made to believe that...

Mary Habila's Death: *Northern Youth Council Gives Minister Umahi Seven-Day Ultimatum To Resign, Threatens Nationwide Protests* Amid the controversy, the Northern Youth Council is reported to have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Minister Umahi to resign, threatening to mobilize nationwide protests if he does not step down. The group argues that the death of a young woman in the residence of a serving minister demands exceptional openness. The council warned that failure by the Federal Government to act within seven days would trigger coordinated nationwide protests in Abuja, Kaduna, Ebonyi State and other parts of the country. It said the demonstrations would continue until its demands for what it described as an independent and credible investigation are addressed. The NYCN maintained that the case deserves full transparency, insisting that public confidence can only be restored through an impartial investigation conducted without interference. At the time of the state...

CONGRATULATIONS…!! ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide hereby announces the constitution of the Transition Committee to oversee and coordinate the organization's transition process. The committee is constituted as follows: Hon. Alfred Kemepado – Chairman Dr. Freedom Atigbi – Co-Chairman Rt. Hon. Allen Gabriel Tomoni – Member Dr. Charles Ikimi – Member Perekosufa Ineife – Member Prince Iwefa Aganaba – Member Doubra Wuruyai – Member Hon. Abi Morris Bako – Member Johnmartins Ijere – Member Bright Egelu – Secretary Ms. Ebiere Keyagha – Member Kalizibe Joseph – Member The committee is expected to carry out its assignment with diligence, transparency, and commitment, while liaising with the National Executive Council (NEC) at all times to ensure a smooth and successful transition. At its inaugural meeting, the committee shall constitute the necessary sub-committees to facilitate the effective discharge of its responsibilities. We congratulate t...

CAUSES OF THE LINGERING COLD AGITATION IN EDO STATE A Historical, Constitutional, Political and Developmental Analysis By EgbemaVoice Research Desk Abstract The lingering "cold agitation" in Edo State, particularly among the Egbema Ijaw communities of Ovia South-West Local Government Area and neighbouring riverine communities, represents a prolonged expression of constitutional, political, socio-economic and cultural grievances. Unlike violent conflicts witnessed in parts of the Niger Delta, this agitation has largely remained peaceful, finding expression through advocacy, legal engagement, petitions, public enlightenment, media campaigns, stakeholder dialogue and democratic participation. This publication examines the historical foundations, constitutional dimensions, governance issues, developmental challenges and socio-cultural concerns that continue to shape the agitation, while highlighting pathways towards lasting peace, equity and sustainable development. Introduction ...