Monthly Archives: June 2021

Community, Events, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ohunmere Community, Okowa, Politics, Top News

Ohunmere Community passes vote of confidence on Governor Okowa

Ohunmere Community passes vote of confidence on Governor Okowa-Appeals for construction of roads in Ohunmere Community

Ohunmere Community, Agbor has passed a vote of confidence on the executive governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his developmental strides in Agbor and the state in general.

The community in a statement signed by Mr Ijedinma Johnson (Isiche, Ohunmere Community) and Igumbor Friday (General Secretary, Ohunmere Community) said “We express our hearty appreciation to you, the executive governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for the infrastructural developments your administration has extended to our community, especially as demonstrated in the renovation of Nosieri Primary School, Ime-Obi, Igumbor Otiku Secondary School,Agbor and naming it after one of our sons (Igumbor Otiku). And for the construction of streets in Ihogbe, Ogbenmudein, including the construction of Igumbor Street, Ohunmere.Your Excellency, we also write to remind you of our requests on the plight of our people in the area of road infrastructure which is lacking at the moment in our community.

We appeal to you to come to our rescue by approving the construction of the following roads in Ohunmere Community in order of preference.

The roads are:1.Ilekpo Road, Ohunmere2.Nmudein Road, Ohunmere3.Kelubia Street, Ohunmere.4.Sam Nwa-IgumborBoulevad, Ohunmere5.Osa Street, Ohunmere6.Sunny Ojougboh Street, Ohunmere.7.Ogbu Street, Ohunmere8.Nmorka Street, Ohunmere9.Nwange Ukpoma Street,Ohunmere and,10.Nwanweze Street, Ohunmere.

We make bold to say that our community’s response was characterized by our massive support during the build up to your re-election and subsequently in voting en masse for you as our own little way of projecting you as the “Ekwueme’ of the Universe” that you are and because Ohunmere Community people are part of your government.

Your Excellency, thank you for having the patience to read our request despite your busy schedules.

We wish you great success in your remaining years in office as the governor of Delta State.

We assure you of our continued support and loyalty to your administration while we remain in positive anticipation of your kind consideration.
The post Ohunmere Community passes vote of confidence on Governor Okowa appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Ohunmere Community passes vote of confidence on Governor Okowa

Editorial, Entertainment, Ika community, IKA CULTURAL, IKA PEOPLE, labour Ika, RELIGION

COMMUNAL LABOUR IN IKA CULTURE

An instance of Ika communal labour was the building of mud house (itun ulo/olo ejan). Annually, every Idumu in Ika community employed communal effort to build new houses for their kinsmen in need. Kinsmen then had reasons to build new houses. Some existing buildings might be cracking after some years and needed destruction in order to rebuild them. In other cases, some young men who were recently married would crave to have buildings of their own from those of their fathers. Hence in every year and from the months of June to September, when the rains fell, people willing to have new houses would indicate during their Idume gathering (ogwa) assembled for that purpose. During this period of the communal assignment, mud was dug and kneaded (izo ejan) towards the buildings while from the months of October to December or January, when the rains had ceased, the mud walls were raised (igbe ulo), and roofing (iwa ulo) came afterwards. Through the communal labour, every Idumu made houses affordable for their kinsmen.

Communal labour was often the assignment of all the age grades from the Ikoro to the young boys (Ikpele) led by the Okwa Ikoro age grade (the quin-quagenarians) between 51-60 years of age; and supervised by the lowest Ndichen age grade, Okwa Ikogbe/Ikoro-Uku (the sexagenarians) between 61-70 years of age (See chapter Four for the age grades and functions).

The reward for the communal labour of itun ulo ejan was not in cash payment, but the merriment which probably ended in local drinks especially palmwine, first on the commencement of the communal labour and the entertainment of sumptuous pounded yam and drinks on the day the house was roofed. On the occasion of this gathering, the elders of the supervising age grade would pray for the peaceful progress, for fertility of the new homes and uninterrupted continuation of communal labour for the kinsmen of their Idumu. The elders eventually supervised the formation of two groups to embark on the communal labour for the year on this day.

Each of the two groups was led by a respectable male in the Okwa Ikoro age grade. Then, each of the leaders was made to choose members in turns for their teams. These two teams would engage in competition to see which side was the more hardworking and dispersed at the end of year’s communal labour assignment.

The communal labour for house building was always on Eken days within the period. The assignment began with determination of the source of mud and water. Towards these, each team broke into two or more sets. While the elders of the groups dug burrow pits in which enough tromped mud would be heaped (otobo) with digger and wooden shovels (oseken), the young ones went for water with which to mix the mud for easy tromping in many smaller pits to produce consistent blended mud which were stacked at the main burrows. In most cases, the workers chanted songs to ease the tension of hard work.

This was the case for three different times or days on which an Idumu would come to knead mud for any house builder. The tromped mud heaped in the two burrows were often deemed sufficient by experienced mud builders for any size of building required, whether it was a three or four bedroom house. Each team carefully covered their otobo with foliage to prevent hardening from the sun.

Apart from digging mud from the pits, there were cases where mud could be gotten from the ruins of old houses (nkpru). This ended the first stage of the communal labour towards mud building (itun ulo ejan).

When the mud had been dug and mixed, a gap was given for the rains to subside before the second stage of the communal house building which was the raising of the mud walls. Towards this, a building plan was set out at the building site. A master builder often from the supervising age grade ruled either with leg or guide ropes. Workers from the two groups went back to their otobo to mix, making sure that the mixture was soft enough. One set of a group used their wooden shovels while the other kneaded the mud by stomping on it, often amidst melodious songs which gingered the workers to work harder.

Each team having chosen which wing to wall, the lead person for each group surged forward and started laying large lumps of mud to start the Iyeto/mgba ejan, the first layer of the building. The members of each group had a duty. While some elders in a group would mould, one or two of the elders smoothened the molded walls with their wooden shovels; and others either draw water and carried for the mixture of mud in the burrows, some energetic ones prepare the mud in lumps for the younger ones to carry to the molders in their awiwo, a wooden palette, according to age and strength.

Layer after layer, the lumps of mud were laid from Iyeto/mgba ejan to mgbe ebuo/mgbenai to mgbawa/mgbe-eto and mgbe-eno/mgbedu, on four different Eken days or times after allowing the preceding layer to get well dried. At the mgbawa level, provisions were made for agba as the lintel board; and on these agba were moulded mgbedu/mgbe-eno, the last deck that finalized the construction of Igbe ulo ejan in Ika mud building culture.

The walls were ardoned with many fixtures while they were wet. For example, mgbawa level had holes (uvun) dug in the mud walls to provide saves; pegs (mkpukpo) were driven into the walls at different heights and ends of the parlor and rooms for hanging clothes and other materials; while shelves (okpukpen) were provided at some corners on which to place materials and things. Also, the ceiling of a house (ifiri) after roofing was decked on the mgbawa level with plank and mud.

On the tops of the mgbedu level, the last layer, were provided with nogs (mkpukpo) round the building on which the roof was firmly secured to the mud wall. The owner of the building made his arrangement to provide termite proof sticks or bamboo sticks which the structure of the roofing was made of. The broad leaves, mgbodo with which to roof the house were collectively cut by the assistance of the builder’s relations and friends. These broad leaves overleaping each other were tethered by the stem of the bamboo sticks which were used to do the nogging, while smaller bamboos were used for the purlines. Strong ropes were used to tie them firmly. Because this part of the construction was an art, it was reserved for the matured men usually between 35-45 years.

It is pertinent to note that throughout the communal labour building process, teams were encouraged to finish whatever they did in time. They would do so before nightfall on each day, and there were hardly any time when a team would abandon their work, especially during the laying of the mud walls levels. Everything was timed, punctuality being the key. Teams were traditionally the same all the time. If any member was late, he was thrown into the mud and his age mates would cover him with mud to embarrass him.

Itun ulo ejan, an age-old Ika tradition actually points to a long-lasting solution to the housing question in the olden days Ika culture. To be continued…
The post COMMUNAL LABOUR IN IKA CULTURE appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: COMMUNAL LABOUR IN IKA CULTURE

APC, APC Councillorship, APC leaders, Comr. Barr. Ifeanyi Aghaolor, Events, Ojougboh APC, Politics, Top News

Delta North APC holds Unity Conference

…Harps on more commitment, love, oneness

It was indeed a gathering of who is who of All Progressive Congress, APC leaders and members in Delta North Senatorial District, where mammoth crowd of members and leaders of the party converged to hammer on more commitment, loyalty, love and oneness, as this to them will foster unity and progress in the party.

The conference which was held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Royal Courtyard Hotel, Agbor, Delta State attracted the presence of the immediate past Acting Director of NDDC on Project, Chief Hon. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Delta North APC Chairman, Chief George Okafor, the state secretary of the party, Comr. Chidi Okonji and other dignitaries from all works of life.

In his welcome speech, the Delta North APC Chairman, Chief George Okafor said that he is very delighted to welcome everyone to the meeting.In his words, “This second unity conference of the party in the Senatorial District has proved our critics and detractors wrong in their notion that our district cannot forge a common front in the build up to the next level political dispensation. With the array of leaders and stakeholders drawn from the three federal constituencies and nine local government of our District, we are set in motion to deliver the district in elections at all levels come 2023.

To recast on our last resolutions, it becomes necessary to remind us that APC Delta North is seeking the understanding of our sister district to concede the APC Delta State chairmanship position to us. We therefore urge our college of leaders to reach out to others leaders and stakeholders in the South and Central Districts to actualize this aspiration.I want to state here that our unity in this district is immeasurable. We should all ensure that we rise above primordial sentiments and always put the overall interest of APC ahead of our personal ambitions. We should all resolve to enthrone internal democracy in preparation of the party for the polls in 2023″.

He therefore thanked college of leaders for their unrelenting efforts to see that the part move forward, noting that they could not have asked for a better set of political overseers for APC Delta North than them.Also speaking, the former lawmaker, Chief Hon. Dr. Cairo Ojougboh assured them that they have put heads together, so that everybody in the party will be carried along.

“We have been groomed and we can stand as a party. If another party gives you money in an election and you take it to betray your party. The other part will see you as a betrayal and you can not benefit anything from both parties.

Your starting point is your loyalty, commitment, faithfulness and love for your party. We must resolve to work for APC. No body can intimidate you. Knowingfully well that no external factors can distrust what we have organized. We are very determined and we will not quiet. If you respect us, we will respect you.

President Buhari is already addressing the issues of insecurities. So, we should not complicate things for him, rather we should behave ourselves well to make things easy for him.Our leaders must remain loyal to the party in all areas of life”, he affirmed.

Also speaking, the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Barr. Victor Ochei thanked the convener and other leaders for resolving that APC Delta North have come to stand and united.He noted that they are ready to work as a team, adding that they should not waste their time on people who do not understand why they are in positions.

He stated, “Meeting is the key to a political party success. Our congresses will soon commence, let us work together as a party to produce the next APC Delta State Chairman. This is the only position that can be zoned in accordance with the party’s constitution. We are desirous to produce the next APC Delta State Chairman. For we to get this, we must be united. If you want to join us, you are welcome but you must go your ward first to get registered.

If you are interested in any position, buy your form and start working now. You can come together in your ward to produce one person to avoid imposition of candidate. The congress will not divide us but make us stronger. We will give anyone who is representing Delta North a full support and better representation”.

In the same vein, the former APC candidate for Delta State House Assembly in Ika North East Constituency, Comr. Barr. Ifeanyi Williams Aghaolor maintained, “Today’s meeting is a successful one. For the time first, everybody was speaking their mind, where imposition of candidate was condemned. The turn up today shows that APC is taking over Delta state in 2023. This implies that we are formidable.

The level of indiscipline in this party should be stopped. It is a pity that some of our leaders will go to PDP and pledge their loyalty. This is called anti party. We should stick to APC.Our leaders should not be far from the members.There should be mentorship in our party to achieve the party’s ideologies”.

Comr. Barr. Ifeanyi Aghaolor

Chief Hon. Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh

Chief George Okafor

Some of the nine LG Chairmen

Cross section of the party’s faithful
The post Delta North APC holds Unity Conference appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Delta North APC holds Unity Conference

Agbor Kingdom, Community, Events, Politics, the Dein of Agbor kingdom, Top News

Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekwuzi 1

Press statement from the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekwuzi 1, after his meeting with his subjects today, June 16 at the his royal palace in Ime-Obi.

DEIN OF AGBOR APPEALS TO BOTH HIS PEOPLE OF AGBOR AND HIS PEOPLE OF HAUSA FULANI WHO HAVE MADE AGBOR THEIR HOMES FOR DECADES, FOR PEACE, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE…_ADDRESSING A MEETING INVOLVING THE AGBOR KINGDOM AND LATER THE HAUSA FULANI COMMUNITIES WHO RESIDE IN THE KINGDOM, THE DEIN STATED THAT HE WANTS AGBOR KINGDOM TO BE ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES THAT INDEED NIGERIA HAS WORKED IN TIMES PAST AND CAN STILL CONTINUE TO WORK.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY NOTED THAT NIGERIA MARCHED FORWARD WITH PRIDE UNDER OBASANJO AND THAT THE COUNTRY HAS HAD GREAT LEADERS IN DIFFERENT STATES SUCH AS FASHOLA OF LAGOS, OKOWA OF DELTA, WIKE OF RIVERS STATES, AND THE DEARLY DEPARTED FORMER EMIR BAYERO OF KANO.

The DEIN ENJOINED NIGERIANS TO WORK HAND IN HAND TO HARNESS THE ENORMOUS RESOURCES THAT GOD HAS SO OBVIOUSLY BLESSED THE NATION WITH.

HIS MAJESTY SPOKE OF NAMIBIA THAT, JUST LAST YEAR , 2020, STARTED EXPORTING BEEF TO THE US AND OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND WONDERED WHY WE COULD NOT USE OUR FULANI HERDSMEN TO DO THE SAME, NOTING THAT IT WOULD BE OF GREAT ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO THE COUNTRY.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY IS CONFIDENT THAT ALL THESE CAN BE CREATIVELY WORKED UPON TO BRING BENEFIT TO THE NATION INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT TEARS, STRIFE, AND DISCONTENT THAT APPEARS TO PERVADE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY AT PRESENT.

WHILE APPEALING TO HIS PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY TO PULL THEMSELVES BACK FROM THE DANGEROUS PRECIPICE AT WHICH PRESENTLY STAND, THE MONARCH STILL ADVISED THE FEDERAL, STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO RISE TO THE SERIOUS TASK OF DEFENDING THE UNITY OF THE COUNTRY, AND THAT ALL SHOULD IMBIBE TRUTH, HONESTY, JUSTICE AND DIGNITY FOR ALL, WHETHER FULANI, YORUBA, IGBO, TIV, OR NIGER DELTA.

HE STATED THAT WE ALL COME FROM THE FIRST HUMANS ON EARTH, EMPHASISING THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALL ONE BLOOD, AND THAT WE SHOULD CEASE THE ABUSING OF ONE ANOTHER WHILE WE ALL SIT DOWN TO DIALOGUE AND HEAL OUR WOUNDS; AND NOT CREATE NEW ONES…

Dein Keagborekwuzi 1 flanked by his Chiefs

Hausa Community Leaders in Agbor at the meeting
The post Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekwuzi 1 appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekwuzi 1

Community, Events, Government Area Of Edo State, marriage ceremony, Top News

Jane & Wisdom Say “I Do”

Saturday, June 12, 2021, will remain evergreen not only in the minds of Late Mr. Augustine Uzebor families of Igbanke, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area Of Edo State and the families of Late Mr. John Wezukwe Nwaebi of Idumebor Quarters, Owa-Alero, in Ika North East Local Government Area Of Delta State, but also to their friends and well wishers who came in their large numbers from all walks of life to witness the joining of Jane Uzebor and Wisdom Uche Nwaebi, in Holy Matrimony at Living Saint Faith Assembly, situated at Alanke/Amordi Street, Boji Boji Owa, Delta State.

The epic event began on Thursday, June 10, 2021, with the traditional marriage ceremony at the residence of the bride’s father Late Mr. Augustine Uzebor. The ceremony which presented an opportunity for both families to showcase their rich culture, saw the groom’s family from the great Owa Kingdom, successfully fulfilling all the marriage requirements of the bride’s kinsmen/family and Igbanke community.The officiating minister who presided over the Holy Solemnization service in his sermon advised the couple to abide by the tenets and spiritual principles of the marriage institution as ordained by God.

The reception party which took place at the prestigious hall of Trinity Event Centre, located along Owa-Ekei Road, Opposite Mountain Of Fire And Miracle Ministries, Boji Boji Owa, was Chaired by Mr. Christian Ezenduka, the Proprietor of Rock Of Ages Group Of Schools, Boji Boji Owa. In a brief remark, Mr. Ezenduka, while thanking God for the success of the day’s event advised the couple to avoid third party in their marriage, emphasizing that once they are able to adhere to the above instruction, their marital union will be very successful. Admonishing the couple, he enjoined them to take any issue which might be difficult for them to handle to their Pastor for God’s divine intervention, noting that there is no condition which the Almighty God cannot handle through Prayers.The Amiable School Proprietor, Prayed God to bless and prosper the couple exceedingly in Jesus Christ Mighty Name, Amen.

The colourful ceremony was a tale of glamour and royalty as invited guests were treated to a lavish entertainment of sumptuous meals and choice drinks.

In a chat with Ika Mirror Newspaper reporter, Mr. Wisdom Uche Nwaebi, the Groom, on behalf of himself and his beautiful wife, thanked God for making their dreams come true, he appreciated members of both families and their invited guests for their presence and support which he noted made the event a huge success. He Prayed God to bless them and grant them journey mercies back to their various destinations.

In the same vein, Mrs. Henrietta Morka, the Elder Sister to the Groom, disclosed that she was very happy witnessing the wedding ceremony of her younger brother and his heartthrob. She Prayed God to bless and grant the couple good health, peace, prosperity and make them fruitful in all ramifications in Jesus Name, Amen. She also Prayed God to grant everyone who graced the occasion their heart desires and lead them safely to their various destinations.

The couple with Mr. & Mrs. Christian Ezenduka

The couple with the Groom’s Mother (l)and siblings
The post Jane & Wisdom Say “I Do” appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Jane & Wisdom Say “I Do”

Alienation Of Igbanke Community, Community, Editorial, EDO STATE, Igbanke community, Top News

Alienation Of Igbanke Community Is One Too Many – Usiagwu

Engr. Usiagwu Arthur Osaretin is the President General of Igbanke General Union (IGU) Worldwide. In this interview with ISAAC ASABOR, he spoke on what drives his philanthropic disposition towards community development, and appealed to other well-meaning sons and daughters of Igbanke Community to join hands in moving the community forward, even as he called on the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to complete the abandoned 8.5km road network in the community. In the same vein, he urged the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to accord due recognition to Igbanke community as a member of the Nigeria Delta region.

You have been involved in the realisation of more dozens of projects in Igbanke, and have been passionate about seeing Nigeria have constant electricity which you recently demonstrated with what can in this parley be called “Operation Light Up Igbanke”. Can you throw insight to the philanthropic move?

Nigeria is a very large country and on daily basis the resources available can no longer cope with the challenges it is faced with. Therefore, the need to look inwards and develop a local framework required to solving our immediate problem has become more imperative than ever.The electricity problem in Nigeria has become hydra headed! I feel we need to think outside the box to help government in addressing this huge deficit. We can make fifty percent of our energy need off grid. I have canvassed in different fora that there is need for Government to apply the energy mix approach as well as the embedded generation option in solving our electricity issues across the country. As a result of the epileptic electricity supply to my community, we decided to look inwards to address the continuous darkness across the streets of Igbanke. The town is an urban community with all the trappings of an emerging big city.

Today, through self-help, we are strategically changing the landscape and turning the Community into a big city through solar intervention across all major streets and government facilities across the community. The General hospital is now a beneficiary just like the divisional Police headquarters.

Some of our traditional institutions are already having a fair share of this infrastructural metamorphosis. Some of our well-meaning Igbanke sons and daughters are aligning with me to achieve our set target. It is my hope that others will follow in this drive to change the face of community.In my own little way, I recently built and furnished a block of two classrooms in my alma mater, Igbontor Primary School, Igbontor-Igbanke and in turn donated the project to Edo State Government.

The facility was commissioned by the Executive Governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who was ably represented by the deputy speaker of Edo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Roland Asoro. I thank God that my philanthropic disposition, as you described it, is been applauded by prominent members of the community. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Coordinator and an Igbanke leader, Elder Benjamin Oghumu and Chief Jimmy Emefiele Ehi, the Abakiku of Igbanke land and a host of other leaders graced my golden jubilee celebration a couple of weeks ago. What drives my philanthropic disposition towards community building is my desire to give back to my society. Owing to scarcity of funds, it has become quite imperative for kind hearted individuals to complement government initiative in bringing basic infrastructure to the people and this singular act is one of them.

Let me use this opportunity to appeal to my brothers and sisters to come in and join us in this our resolve to move Igbanke development to the next level.

Did you ever picture yourself becoming a community leader, and given the fact that being one is no easy feat, and what have been some of the challenges you encountered along the line?

I have found myself in leadership position since I left secondary school. I was the Student Union President of my community years back. I also became the secretary of our Club, Igbontor Dynamic Club, during which time we made tremendous progress in pushing the agenda to develop Igbontor community. This was in my schooldays. In the same club, I held the position of the Vice President for two terms. At our elite club, Association of Igbanke Professionals, I have also held all the most important positions. From Assistant Chief Scribe to the Chief Scribe, Vice President for two terms as well as President for two terms. My life has always been that of service to my community. I believe members of my community saw this progression and became resolute that I am the right person to lead the community as the President General of Igbanke General Union worldwide (IGU Worldwide).

Sincerely, it comes with its challenges. Sometimes I have to be up at nights responding to issues facing the community. Also to manage the divergent views of our people and arriving at a consensus, and these are usually herculean. You know Igbanke community boasts of over 45 Professors both within and in Diaspora, galvanising all opinions and pushing same for a commonly acceptable position is not always an easy task. The joy is that my community trusts in my ability to make wide consultations before major decisions are made. I must say that I have been enjoying tremendous support from my people since I mounted the saddle of leadership. It has been a wonderful experienceWhat is your take on how Igbanke people are been neglected from benefiting from NDDC’s developmental efforts?

As you are aware, Igbanke is a community in Orhionmwon Local government which is an oil producing local council.

Sincerely, I am at sea on why the developmental initiative of NDDC is not visible in the community. In our local government, Igbanke is one of the top urban settlements and despite that, its continuous neglect has become very worrisome. For instance, no Igbanke man is on the board of NDDC. I think there is no plan yet on the part of NDDC to push developmental project to my community. This alienation is one too many. I want to appeal to the management of NDDC to include Igbanke community in their map for project that will transform the lives of the people of Igbanke. This neglect is actually becoming unbecoming and we are quite optimistic that this position will change for better.

As the President General of Igbanke General Union (IGU) Worldwide, and also an affiliate of other development organisations, such as Igbanke professionals, is there any plan in the pipeline towards drawing the attention of Edo state government or the leadership of NDDC to the abject neglect of Igbanke in terms of infrastructural development?

We made concerted moves to visit our governor before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea was to draw His Excellency’s attention to some abandoned project in my community. Remember the 8.5km road network graciously given to Igbanke land by the past administration. Our amiable governor did promise to complete the remaining internal section of this project. Over the years, this aspect of the road is yet to be attended to.

I appeal to our governor to help fulfill this promise to Igbanke people to give us a sense of belonging. This aspect of the project is long overdue and it is my expectation that our governor will do something quickly about it.Our general hospital has become a shadow of itself. As a community, we have done tremendously within our capacity to upgrade the facilities in the hospital. Few years ago, Association of Igbanke Professionals donated fans, matrasses, air conditionals chairs and benches for out -patients receiving section. Igbanke Union in the United States also recently brought in ultra-modem facilities needed to improve the status of the hospital.

The major challenge facing the hospital is manning. We have visited the Edo State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) in Benin-city but to no avail. My appeal in this parley to the executive governor of Edo state is to urge him to help my community with qualified staff to man this facility for efficient service delivery to my people. I am confident he will address these areas.

Credit: Independent Newspapers
The post Alienation Of Igbanke Community Is One Too Many – Usiagwu appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Alienation Of Igbanke Community Is One Too Many – Usiagwu

Editorial, Entertainment, Nma, Nma Ewere, Once a upon a time

ONCE UPON A TIME, EVERY CASTLE HAD ITS HUNTED PAST

Set in the 16th century when countries were divided into city states and minor kingdoms, existed a castle…And she was left all alone in this room.Locked up…

They never cared about her.And on this fateful day.She was starved and locked up in a room…Then she ate her flesh…

Savoring the taste of her flesh and blood…And she left…Her soul left her body.Roaming about in the castle.She hunted them.In their sleeps and in broad daylight.She hunted them…And she cursed!

One hundred years later,A hunted castle chronicles the life of Aliya.And I walked back home, on this lonely night.The night was cold, as the black clouds obscured the stars and moon.And a fierce breeze whistled through the quiet street.Using the back door, I sneaked into the houseIt is then I notice something I haven’t probably noticed on till now.

The room!The stench!Then I opened the room…Edgings of this room seemed to have completely fallen away.Ivy had spread on the bed, patchily dead.It hung on the mirror like a tangled rat tail.And on the other side of the wall was colour.‘Blood red’Suddenly, I hear the creaking of the door.And a shadow passed by the mirror.Everywhere becomes dead silent.The room becomes frosty, and I can barely see anything.And I see a figure.

I walk towards it, but it is only a mirage…Or my imagination.And it becomes silent again.As I retrace my steps…The windows fly open.

The fierce breeze blowing in pieces of paper“And in that day when the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.I shall be awakened.

I shall be you, and you shall be me.I shall live through you, and you shall obey my command.Every breath, every action will be ours.And you will never depart from me”As I read it, I felt this kind of new energy surge into every part of my body…

I felt reborn.I retraced my steps back to the door.And I caught a glimpse of something.My reflection in the mirror.

Never in the annals of the world did I ever think I would see a sight so disgusting.Piercing green eyes.

A smirk at the corner of my lips.Bloody nose.Inky black hair with blood dripping down it.But…Fleshless skin.Maggot seeping bones.

A reflection that wore darkness like girls wear little black dresses.A reflection that didn’t choose darkness, but was chosen by darkness.A reflection that changed my life forever.

©Nma Ewere
The post ONCE UPON A TIME, EVERY CASTLE HAD ITS HUNTED PAST appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: ONCE UPON A TIME, EVERY CASTLE HAD ITS HUNTED PAST

Agbor, Community, Fulani threat, Governor Okowa, Hausa Community in Agbor, Politics, Top News

Hausa Community in Agbor disassociates from alleged Fulani threat, supports Gov. Okowa’s efforts on peaceful Delta

The Hausa Community in Agbor, Delta State, has disassociated itself from the alleged threat by Fulani herdsmen to attack Agbor in retaliation to the recent resolution on grazing by South South governors, the meeting which was held at the instance of the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

In a joint statement by the Sarki, Hausa Community in Agbor, Alhaji Ibrahim Ghali, Chairman, Agbor Cattle Market, Alhaji Bashir Uba Hassan, Chairman, Arewa Progressive Union, Ika Chapter, Alhaji Jubrin Usman and Sarki, Cattle Market, Agbor, Alhaji Abba Sheik Jidda, the group said, “Our attention has been drawn to a viral online publication by Fulani herdsmen on a planned arrangement to attack Agbor. We want to state here that Hausa Community in Agbor has disassociated itself from the said publication. We are not part and we will never be part of the said publication. We support every effort by the Delta State Government to build peace,unity and progress in the state. We are one hundred percent in support of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration and we will continue to do so until he leaves office.

“We were born and brought up in Agbor. We have no other home apart from Agbor. Our families and businesses are in Agbor. Any time we travel to the North,our people call us “Nyan mirin” because they see us as bonafide people of Agbor. We are sad and heartbroken with the development , hence, we are stating our position publicly on this issue.

Whatever that will promote peace and enhance security in Agbor and Delta State in general is our top priority. We have directed our people to be law abiding and they have no option than to key in. We are therefore using this medium to pledge our total support for peace and security in Delta State.

“We will work wholeheartedly with the revered monarch of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekwuzi 1 and the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.”

Hausa Community leaders in Agbor in a group photograph
The post Hausa Community in Agbor disassociates from alleged Fulani threat, supports Gov. Okowa’s efforts on peaceful Delta appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Hausa Community in Agbor disassociates from alleged Fulani threat, supports Gov. Okowa’s efforts on peaceful Delta

Agbor, Community, Police Officer, Politics, Top News

Agbor DPO leads security patrol round Ika South communities

The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Agbor Police Headquarters, CSP Rex Enweliku, has led men of the various security outfits in Agbor to patrol communities in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.The exercise which was held on Saturday being June 12, 2021, according to the police boss was a swift response to the order of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, to ensure that no faceless sponsored protest was held in the area considering the End SARS saga where miscreants hijacked the process.

CSP Enweliku said his mission was to keep the local government peaceful, adding that the division was very ready to combat crime and to make sure that the peace being enjoyed by residents of Ika South is sustained.While reiterating his commitment to duty, he further stressed that the security of the area was sacrosanct and would not allow any criminal(s) to disrupt the already existing peace in the land,hence, the dogged patrol towards ensuring that no iota of protest was held.

“The CP has issued an order against the planned protest on June 12 and we are fully on ground to enforce it,” he said.The DPO used the medium to appreciate other sister security agencies and volunteer groups for their maximum cooperation towards the success of the exercise.

The exercise which was described as commendable was also joined by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Comr. Solomon Ehondor and Hon. Marvin Nwagbogwu,popularly known as, Yankee.

Agbor DPO, CSP Rex Enweliku in a group photograph withsome members of vigilante groups

Security men during the exercise

Security men in their patrol van during the exercise
The post Agbor DPO leads security patrol round Ika South communities appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: Agbor DPO leads security patrol round Ika South communities

Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel U. Tibi Ph.D, Community, Events, Prof. Anthony Afemikhe, School of Languages, Top News, University of Delta Agbor

School of Languages Hold 3rd National Annual Conference

It was indeed an eye opener and mind blowing event, as the School of Languages, College of Education, Agbor, now University of Delta, Agbor held her 3rd National Annual Conference tagged, “Language, Literature and Conflict Management and was Chaired by Prof. Anthony Afemikhe.The 3rd national conference which took place on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 attracted the presence of high profile personalities among who were, Prof. Tony Afejuku, of University of Benin, Benin, Edo State as the keynote address presenter and Prof. Jude Agho of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma as the leader paper presenter. Others include, men and women of substance both within and outside Delta State.

While addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Anthony Afemikhe. pointed out that Language and Literature are tools used for conflicts management. He said several other approaches can be used in other to manage or resolve conflicts.

He disclosed that he was honoured been the Chairman of the occasion, adding that in life, people acquire more knowledge on daily basis and that during the occasion he learnt so many new things.The National Annual Conference featured awards of excellence to reputable men and women of the society who have contributed immensely to the growth of education.

Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel U. Tibi Ph.D who led the park of the awardees was described in his profile as a man of honour who have received meritorious awards as the best provost in Nigeria by Nigeria Students League in collaboration with Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) .

According to Tibi’s profile, he , during his tenure as provost of the then College of Education, Agbor, established College of Education, Agbor affiliation Degree Programme of Delta State University, Abraka which just matriculated the last academic session.

Others who followed on the list of the awardees where; Prof. Felix Ebhodaghe Okieimen, Prof. (Engr) Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Dr. Israel Imide, Provost, Delta State College of Physical and Health Education,Mosogar, Prof . (Mrs.) Mary Olire Edema, Dr. Adeyemi Oladokun, High Chief(Comr.) Joe Ajaero, Mr. Uchechukwu Sholokwu, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kaliku, Mr. Bagh Ekrebe and others made the list of the honourable men and women of the occasion.

The awardees in their separate remarks appreciated the School of Languages for the honour bestowed on them. They noted that little did they know they had in impacted positively in the area of education and other fields of human endeavors.

They urged the students not to feel inferior in the midst of University students, encouraging them to have a humble begining, be focused with their studies and should aim high to become good ambassadors of the institution.

They applauded Dr. Clement Idegwu led planning committee for a successful planning and execution. They equally appreciated the Provost, Dr. Joseph Ukadike, who they said worked tirelessly in achieving the up grade of the Institution.

Also, the Dean of School of Languages, Mr. Innocent C. Odoemene welcomed all to the 3rd and last Conference which was supposed to be held in 2020 but was shifted to 2021 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that choosing the theme for the conference was indeed a challenge, but with a critical observation of the current situation of the world, they chose “Language, Literature and Conflicts and Management”.In his speech, the Provost, Dr. Joseph Ukadike ably represented by his deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Omumu, could not withhold his accolades to the Dean of Languages and staff for their efforts towards the 3rd conference and for the theme which according to him was not just relevant to the academic field, but also to the present situation of the world.

She said that conflicts is a predominant feature in Man’s life which she noted language and Literature complement each other in resolution of conflicts.

According to the lead paper presenter, Prof. Agho and keynote address presenter, Prof. Afejuku , who noted that Language, Literature and Conflicts can be brought about by changes in the expansion of the social system when there is language contact between different languages.They pointed out that failure to understand one’s language brings about conflict between individuals, communities, state’s and the country at large.

Furthermore, they made it known that Language and Literature are therefore, very crucial in the management and resolution of conflicts or disputes between the two parties in conflicts.“As important as Language and Literature they are in conflict resolutions, they complement each other.

However, they pointed out that these two words are veritable tools in modern day conflict management.

While bidding all safe journey back to their various destinations, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Clement Dikewonsi appreciated all who made the occasion a success. He equally appreciated members of his committee for their efforts during the planning and execution of the occasion, saying that he could not have done it all alone, without them.

Lecturers of School of Languages at the occasion

Students of School of Languages at the
The post School of Languages Hold 3rd National Annual Conference appeared first on IKA Mirror Newspaper Online.
Source: Ika News Agbor
Ika News: School of Languages Hold 3rd National Annual Conference