by Clement Idoko, The Federal Government has inaugurated a 28-man inter-ministerial committee on activities to mark the celebration of the one year in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The committee is mandated to plan and implement activities to mark the first anniversary of the administration of President Tinubu. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, while inaugurating the Committee in his office, said the celebration would provide an opportunity to render accountability to Nigerians on the achievements of the present administration and to reassure them of its commitment to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. Akume said: “Distinguished members, the essence of this celebration is to render accountability to Nigerians by promoting the accomplishments of the present administration over the past year and also reassure our citizens that the government shall remain focused and committed to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for a positive impact

Frank Ikpefan, Abuja, Candidates in affected centres to be rescheduled – Registrar Candidates whose centres experienced glitches in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination would be rescheduled, Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Is-haq Oloyede has said.  The registrar appealed to the candidates to remain calm as they would be rescheduled to write the exam. Oloyede, who made the appeal while fielding questions from newsmen after monitoring the exam in Kogo-Bwari, Abuja, said, so far, the UTME had been going on smoothly as only a centre had been reported to have encountered issues. 1, 985, 642 registered for the examination which commenced yesterday. The UTME would end on April 25, 2024. The results are expected to be released in the coming days. Speaking with reporters, Oloyede said: “We appeal to the public to understand this, some centres will fail. I have heard of only one centre who has failed today. “By the end of today, I expect about 10 per c

*Urges enhanced diversification, tax reforms, insists on subsidy removal* By Nume Ekeghe, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has hailed the reform policies introduced by the Nigerian government, emphasising the need for economic diversification away from oil dependency and the importance of increasing non-oil revenue.The Director of African Department, IMF, Abebe Aemro Selassie, noted the low tax revenue to GDP ratio in Nigeria and advocated for its improvement to fund essential sectors like education and infrastructure.He also commended the attempt to remove fuel subsidy in Nigeria and stressed the need for its complete removal, maintaining that fuel subsidy mostly benefits the rich. Speaking at the Africa Department press briefing, at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, Selassie said: “The Nigerian government has been pursuing policies that we think are broadly in the right direction. We have provided advice in terms of what the ideal mix of policies would

_*-By Zik Gbemre Nothing to cheer in the release of Ewu Traditional Ruler. The arrest and detention of the Ewu king by the military was unlawful, unnecessary and uncalled for. Nothing to jubilate for when Okuama locals are still living in bushes like wild animals. Is it not shameful that Urhobo traditional rulers who ought to go to Abuja to protest the arrest of their co-traditional ruler are busy celebrating  with Gbaramatu King for his "Amaseikumor" traditional festival while Ewu traditional ruler was being unlawfully held by military.  What stops Urhobo traditional rulers from going to Abuja to meet with President Tinubu for the unlawful arrest and detention of one of them?  I am pleased for the release of the Ewu traditional ruler by military through the efforts of Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Ned Nwoko and many others,including Urhobo  Historical Society(UHS) and me. Do we thank President Tinubu and the military for the release? Of course no, because no crim

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited Okuama with an assurance for the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis over the killing of 17 officers and soldiers on March 14.  The Governor, who was accompanied by Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Unachukwu Ugochukwu, and top government officials, on a journey that took over one hour and twenty minutes from Warri, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.  Recall that the killings made the people of the community to flee for fear of being attacked.  Speaking to journalists at Okuama, Governor Oborevwori said: "We have followed due process in the whole incident. The people have been buried and the King that was detained has been released yesterday and today I am here to see what happened in Okuama community.  "The Okuama 17 is something that we didn't expect to happen because it

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has visited Okuama with an assurance for the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis of their safe return.  The Governor who was accompanied by some government officials, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.  Recall that 17 officers and soldiers were killed in Okuama community on the 14th of March, 2024. A development which made the people of the community to flee for fear of being attacked.  Details coming soon:

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated with the General Overseer of Christ's Missionaries Crusaders Church, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, on his 75th birth anniversary on April 20.  Governor Oborevwori congratulated Avwomakpa, a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and South South Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, for his outstanding and meritorious service in God's vineyard spanning over five decades.  In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor rejoiced with Archbishop Avwomakpa for his soul winning efforts as a fisher of men for God's kingdom and remarked that the renowned cleric has through his teachings, engendered positive change in individuals, homes and the society.  He extolled the virtues of Avwomakpa's brilliant mind, intense pastoral fervour, and compassion, all of which he had employed to preach the word of faith t

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has commended the Nigerian Army for releasing our revered monarch, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. It is imperative to note that the good and peace loving people of Ewu Kingdom were thrown into confusion and devastating situation over the detention of their monarch who personally turned himself in following  his wanted declaration by the Nigerian military command over killing of 17 military officers in his kingdom. According to the activist, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, the military has shown professionalism and respect for traditional institution, saddled with the responsibility of promoting cultural and traditional heritage, sustainable security in their domain to compliment government security efforts. Speaking further, the renowned peace and environme

By EgbemaVoice, The ancient Oporoza community, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West of Delta State was at the centre of attraction as personalities, captain of industry, traditional rulers, ministers in the federal republic of Nigeria, National Assembly members, State Assembly Members and speakers, CEOs of oil multinational companies, members of the forth estate, traditional chiefs, and other top government functionaries graced the grand finale of the Amaseikumo 2024 annual festival on Wednesday in Delta State. The traditional event which was described as one of the widely celebrated festivals among Africans encompassed cultural entertainment, football, boat regatta, Ijaw cultural dance competition, wrestling, live music entertainment and others, this was followed by a grand civic reception and traditional rites performed by the Niger Delta living legend, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Egbesu Chief Priest.

By EgbemaVoice, It was gathered that the council made their decision to reject the installation of the said “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” known in a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled, “denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City”, and signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, on behalf of the BTC. The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) have rejected a plan to install one Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” by one Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu. It was gathered that the council made their decision to reject the installation of the said “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” known in a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled, “denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City”, and signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, on behalf of the BTC. Igbe in the letter addressed to the Edo State Director, Department of State Security (DSS), alleged that the said Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu described himself as “

By EgbemaVoice, The Nigerian Army today, released the detained monarch of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo, following the intervention Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South). Advocate.ng gathered that the monarch was released to Senator Ede Dafinone by the military authority at about 11am today with understanding that the senator will make the king available should his attention be needed. The Monarch who is in good spirit was surrounded by his wife and other family members as during the military briefing of journalist before his release. Recall that three Delta senators on Tuesday, had met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, seeking the release of the monarch, whom they believe may not be connected to the crisis that claimed the lives of the

“Before you decamp, I will deal with you,” Obaseki threatens Council chairmen ……Says Council Bosses have enough resources to enthrone Asue Ighodalo  Council chairmen in Edo State reportedly face severe threats and potential sanctions if any of them switch allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), it has emerged.  Besides, the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reportedly ordered the opening of council vaults across the 18 local government areas to secure whatever resources necessary to ensure his candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, wins the September 21st governorship election. The governor who met with the local government bosses at the Exco chambers in Government House penultimate week expressed disaffection on their attitude concerning the finances of their respective councils and their spending manner which he said would have negative impact on the candidate of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the election.  Obaseki was reported to have threatened that

By EgbemaVoice,  The coalition of Edo state Riverine Communities has congratulated Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen over his well deserved appointment as Director-General to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. congratulatory statement partly Reads.... Heartfelt Congratulations and Wholehearted From coalition of Riverine communities. We of the above body, happily say a big congratulations to Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen on your Appointment as the Director-General to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. Your appointment is an attestation to your outstanding capabilities, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service. We are confident that under your leadership, Dr. Ighodalo's campaign will be guided by vision, integrity, and inclusivity, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of our riverine communities in particular and the State in general. Your wealth of experience and

Delta Gov't improving students healthcare, hospitals infrastructure - Oborevwori's EAC ...As Orientation Bureau partners DELSU medical students on doctors beyond clinic project  By Omonigho Okotie  The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the state government is committed to the enhancement of students healthcare services, and upgrading facilities in government owned hospitals across the three senatorial districts. Oghenesivbe made the disclosure in Asaba, when he received on courtesy visit, the executive members of the Delta State University Medical Students Association, DUMSA, led by the President, Mr Gideon Kane Muemuifo, in his office, saying that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has in fulfilment of his electioneering campaigns promises commenced multifaceted healthcare programmes across board, and had also approved the release of over N3billion for hospital equipments and

Communique Issued at the end of the 98th Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Today, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great Party, at its 98th meeting today, Thursday, April 18, 2024, thoroughly assessed the State of affairs of the Nation and the Party and resolved as follows: 1. NEC commends all the Organs of the Party for their collective resilience, steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance of our great Party despite dauting challenges. 2. NEC also commends members of the PDP, with particular reference to the youths and women for their courage in resisting the antics of the divisive and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, its desperation to emasculate the opposition and foist a one-Party State on our nation. 3. NEC expresses concern over the ill-implemented policies of the insensitive APC administration, leading to worsening insecu