President General of Okpe Union, Professor Igho Natufe, on Sunday made a critical appraisal of the Nigerian State and concluded that restructuring of the Nigerian Federal System in accordance with the notion of federalism was inevitable.

“Our contribution to Nigerian development shall be influenced by the tenets of federalism. As a component of the Nigerian federation of ethnic nationalities, we endorse the call for restructuring the Nigerian federal system in accordance with the notion of federalism. In due course, after consulting with stakeholders in Okpe Nation and Okpe in the Diaspora, we shall announce the Okpe positions on key elements of the debate on restructuring” he said.

Natufe spoke at Okpe House, Lagos on Sunday.

In a paper entitled Internal Cohesion and Development in Okpe Nation, Natufe said that active participation of Okpe Union in Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination will encourage rapid development of Okpe kingdom. 

“Nigeria is a federation of ethnic nationalities. Okpe is one of the more than 350 ethnic nationalities that constitute this federation. Like all the other components of the Nigerian federation, there are opportunities and challenges that we must grapple with to move Okpe forward and firmly establish Okpe Union as a powerful voice for the Okpe Nation in the various communities of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria, including the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination.” 

He declared: “Okpe Union shall be an active participant in these organizations by promoting and defending Okpe interests as a distinct ethnic nationality. These interests shall be pursued at all fora, domestic and international, with inputs from all stakeholders in Okpeland and Okpe in the Diaspora. Towards this end, we shall establish and maintain strategic relationships with all ethnic organizations in Delta State and in Nigeria on the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect of the rights of each ethnic nationality to define and determine its own socio-economic and political development.” 

The renowned foreign policy expert hailed all the contestants, elders, delegates and observers that contributed to the success of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) and National Elections of the Okpe Union.

“Yesterday, a new National Executive Council (NEC) was elected to guide the affairs of the Okpe Union for the next four years. I congratulate all the contestants, elders, delegates and observers that contributed to the success of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) and National Elections. I commend and congratulate the Immediate Past President, Mr. Patrick Akpotor and members of the previous NEC for their stellar leadership in conducting the affairs of Okpe Union during their tenure. I also congratulate Mr. Igho Akeragha, Chair of the Electoral Committee and his committee members for their invaluable services to the Okpe Union. Be assured that every one of you shall have a role to play in Okpe Union as we move forward.”

The crucial role of the newly elected officers was equally addressed by Natufe. 

“Your unanimous vote for me to assume the portfolio as the President General of our great Union is an honour and privilege which I humbly accept. With the calibre we elected yesterday as members of NEC, I can assure you that a new dawn has arrived that is anchored on the provision of selfless leadership for the growth and development of our beloved Okpe Nation and Okpe Kingdom. The gender balance in the NEC demonstrates Okpe Union’s adherence to the concept of equity which we are going to champion in Okpeland.”

The former University of Benin lecturer noted that the success of the regeneration of the union which the present executive committee is committed would depend to a great extent on reconciliation, unity and progress. 

“Our immediate and foremost priority is to focus on Okpe reconciliation, unity and progress as we grapple with the challenges of youth and women empowerment in Okpeland. My dear Compatriots, I state very clearly and categorically that there is no division in our 91-year-old Union as, in fulfilment of our mandate, we have reviewed our Constitution to meet the needs and aspirations for the Okpe Nation and Okpe Kingdom in the 21^st Century. We in NEC shall count on all Okpe nationals at home and in the Diaspora to contribute their advice and knowledge to this historic imperative vis-à-vis the delivery of our 4-Year Agenda.” 

He commended the people for coming together and working for the progress of Okpe kingdom. 

“Today, Okpe in Nigeria and worldwide celebrate the 91^st Anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union, the oldest ethnic organization in Delta State. We salute the founders for their foresight in establishing the Okpe Union as an umbrella organization of Okpe nationals in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Founded in Lagos on May 16, 1930, the Okpe Union was technically a “near Diaspora” organization. By “near Diaspora” I am referring to Okpe residents in non Okpeland in Nigeria. It was well established in several Nigerian cities, including (in alphabetical order) Abeokuta, Abuja, Ibadan, Ilesha, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, etc. and in the “far Diaspora”, the United Kingdom and North America decades before a branch was stablished at home in Okpe Kingdom, in Sapele Local Government Area.” 

To effectively discharge their responsibilities, Natufe said members of the union must redefine their strategic approach to enable them grapple with contemporary challenges. 

“We are here because they were there. As we proudly celebrate our Founder’s Day and marvel at the successes and achievements of the Okpe Union in yesteryears, we must redefine our strategic approach to enable us grapple with contemporary challenges that confront us in Delta State and in Nigeria. I hereby provide a sketch of our agenda for the next four years. The task begins from building blocks for unity and development in Okpeland.”  

Aside this, he said the union must strive to reconcile contending views. 

“We recognize the imperative of unity within a society for it to move forward meaningfully by providing a conducive environment for its citizens to progress and develop. Our immediate action is to strive to reconcile contending views on this front in the Okpe Nation. This will be revealed after due consultation with all stakeholders in Okpeland.” 

Natufe pledged to use his wealth of experience and international connections to help Okpe kingdom. 

“Our focus shall be on the following, inter alia: Strive to align Okpe Union with the aspirations and consciousness of the Okpe man and woman, especially in the territory of the Okpe Kingdom. Liaise with Local Government Councils in Okpe Nation, District and community leaders on key issues affecting Okpe. Liaise with youth and women organizations in crafting developmental strategies for the Okpe Nation. Liaise with appropriate authorities to recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC. Enhance an appreciation of Okpe Identity by agitating for the teaching of Okpe Language, Okpe History and Culture in all educational institutions in Okpeland. Liaise with all religious places of worship in Okpe land for the use of Okpe Language in their sermons. Revive the Institute for Okpe Studies that was established by the OKPE VOICE INTERNATONAL in 2008. Host an International Conference on Okpe Society in collaboration with the Institute for Okpe Studies in 2022. Liaise with appropriate authorities for the naming and recognition of the Airport at Osubi as OSUBI AIRPORT.” 

While he admitted that the Okpe people are lacking behind several ethnic groups in educational attainment, Natufe called for the launching of a one Billion Naira Okpe Scholarship Trust Fund.  

“In recognition of the value of education in the development of a society, we are launching a ONE BILLION NAIRA OKPE SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND for the education of Okpe nationals in post-secondary institutions.    We shall establish a data base of Okpe nationals (teachers and students) in all post-secondary educational institutions in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.      Facilitate the establishment of a post-secondary educational institution in Okpe Nation.

“To facilitate growth and development in Okpeland, Natufe called for strategic alliances with domestic stakeholders and foreign partners in attracting and retaining investments in Okpeland.

“This will be achieved via consultation and collaboration with the two Local Government Councils (Okpe and Sapele LGCs) and chambers of commerce and industry in Okpe Nation.”

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, has reaffirmed government’s strong support for New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative’s Conditional Cash Transfer’s for routine immunization program in the State.

The Governor gave this indication while receiving advisors and staff of New Incentives who paid him a courtesy visit .

“Routine immunization is very important and critical in the life of a baby while growing up. Monetary incentive is very good and the N500 disbursed during every immunization session is very important for women in rural communities. The State Ministry of Health will continue to support you to do more,” he said.

On the appeal to champion conditional cash transfer for routine immunization, Governor Masari who accepted the challenge,  promised to speak to his counterparts in other States and the Minister of Health.

He advised New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative to ensure they engaged the Governors of Jigawa and Zamfara States where they also operate as well as the media and CSOs.

The Governor called for greater geographical spread of the program taking into consideration, the urban-poor.

In a remark, the State Commissioner for Health, Yakubu Nuhu Danja noted that the roles played by New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal Initiative have not only strengthened routine immunization, but also raised the immunization coverage in the State

Earlier, the National Coordinator of New Incentives, Dr. Obinna Ebirim, had thanked the governor for the support given to the programme since 2017 when it began operation in the State.

“We are proud to have a great partner in you in this journey to save the lives of Katsina children from vaccine-preventable deaths. Immunization is one of the most important public health interventions known to mankind, saving up to 3 million lives globally every year.

“Our program increases demand for routine childhood immunization through an evidence-based intervention that includes community mobilization, sensitization, conditional cash transfers, and defaulter tracking”, he reemphasised.

An independent impact assessment of the program from 2017 to 2020, according to the Coordinator, revealed that children in areas with the New Incentives’ intervention in Katsina State were 15 to 28 percentage points and more likely to have received vaccinations against deadly diseases, such as Measles, Tuberculosis, and Diphtheria, than children in control areas”.

Dr. Ebirim said the Initiative which has been operating the conditional cash transfers for routine immunization program in Katsina State since 2017, has so far  enrolled over 110,000 infants whose caregivers have received more than N320 million in direct verified cash disbursements .

This is in addition to New Incentives’ indirect investments in the state’s economy, such as the over N160 million spent in 2020 alone on disbursements, salaries, engagement of community helpers, support to government health agencies, and purchase from local markets , the Coordinator enumerated.

The program, Ebirim added, has led to a significant increase in the likelihood that a child in areas where the program operates will receive vaccinations against deadly diseases, or  fully immunized according to the national immunization schedule.

This is an incredibly important feat as North Western Nigeria, according to the Coordinator, has one of the lowest childhood immunization rates in Nigeria.

High point at the event was the
Champion of Conditional Cash Transfer for Routine Immunization Award presented to the Governor by All Babies Are Equal Initiative

The occasion was attended by the  Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Deputy Governor, Grand Khadi of Katsina State, Commissioners as well as
representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning who were in the State for a monitoring visit of NI-ABAE program.

The Executive Secretary of Katsina State Primary Health Agency, Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya and the Stakeholder Relations Director of NI-ABAE, Mr Nura Muhammad were also in attendance.

.

Borno State acting Governor, Umar Usman kadafur resumed the State leadership following Governor Zulum’s request to the State Assembly seeking to transmit power to his Deputy during his 21 days vacation.

According to accounts, Kadafur is the first Deputy to be legislatively given the constitutional powers to act as Governor.

Since then, Umar Kadafur has been piloting the State affairs from security co-ordination, Sallah activities among others.

Unlike other parts of the northern Nigerian States, Borno is the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade. With the rise in attacks around communities and villages, the acting Governor however perfectly coordinated security for peaceful and hitch free Sallah celebrations.

On the 13th of May 2021, Borno’s acting Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur led top Government officials and other Muslim faithful for a two Rak’at Eid prayer at Ramat square in Maiduguri.

The acting Governor after the prayers extended greetings to the people of Borno State while commending the security operatives for maintaining law and order, and for their sacrifices towards the fight against insurgency.

In the same day, the acting Governor as part of tradition received members of the State’s Executive Council and other Government officials for lunch at the Government House.

He also recieved the Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi who paid the acting Governor a Sallah homage.
It is a usual tradition where monarchs pay visit to the sitting Governor to facilitate successful Sallah celebrations.

The acting Governor during the visit made assurances of improved security and welfare of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
He was also at Biu between Thursday and Saturday attending to several Sallah activities.

The Embassy of Israel in Nigeria  recently donated some food items to support some Muslim families during the Ramadan fasting in the country.

Yotam Kreiman, Charge d’ Affairs of Israel to Nigeria, who presented the items in Abuja, said that the items worth 260,000 meals was to support about 1,800 families.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the items donated included some bags of rice, beans, maize, groundnut oil, pasta among others.

The envoy said that the items were put together to further deepen ties between Israel and Nigeria.

Mr Kreiman said that lessons from the Holy Books during month of Ramadan often reminded people of their needs to always be kind, helpful and thoughtful, especially as the world slowly recovered and battled with COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, it is important to lend helping hands and lead by showing good example, as enshrined in the Holy Books.

“We want to strengthen Israel-Nigeria relationship, not that existing one is not great, we are marking 60-years of wonderful diplomatic friendship and we have more to do together.

“More chances to grow, whether it is in the field of innovation, security or even assistance to those in need and this is what we are doing here today,” he said.

According to him, towards the end of this Ramadan month and at the end of COVID-19, which is a difficult time worldwide, we find opportunities to give and to donate.

“This is why there is growth in the numbers of food items, when compared to the previous year.

“We are joined together by organisations from Europe and of course the embassy and Chabad without which the donation would not have been possible,” he said.

He said that the gesture was in furtherance of the good works by the National Mosque on support to families in need, therefore the choice of Muslim community.

He noted that more would be done in terms of sustaining its ongoing programmes on innovation, establishment of e-learning centres and ecosystems, to deepen diplomatic relations between Israel and Nigeria.

Receiving the food items, an Imam from Abuja National Mosque, Dr Muhammad Adam, expressed appreciation to Israel for the gesture.

“On behalf of Nigerian Muslims I will like to thank Israel, especially those who are living with us here in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a friendly country and we are friends to the entire world; we receive everybody regardless of his or her belief, tradition or geographical location.

“These will go a long way to providing avenues for peace and mutual understanding and to continue a peaceful approach to doing this is much better than violence,” Adam said.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Israel Uzan, Rabbi of Israel to Nigeria, stressed that there was the need for people to live in accordance with the dictates of the Holy Books.

He noted that by so doing children learn to imbibe importance of mutual co-existence, saying when we live in peace together, we will find solution to everything in life.

“We have to educate our children to learn to imbibe mutual co-existence together; when we live in peace together, we will find a solution to everything.

“It is only through peace that the world can best be developed and sustained in unity,” Uzan said.

The items were put together by Israeli embassy in collaboration with ChabadAid, King of Kings, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Alliance of Rabbis in Muslim States, RCC, BEX, MAG Technologies and Heritage Bank.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that ChabadAid is a humanitarian programme of the Jewish community

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Southern governors irrevocable decision on open grazing and others issues must be respected.

He said those opposed to resolutions taken by Southern governors in Asaba, Delta State, should realise that no section of the country is inferior to others.

Governor Wike stated these during a grand reception held in his honour by Ogoni nationality in Bori, Khana Local Government Area on Saturday.

The governor declared that he has taken further steps to fulfill the resolutions reached by Southern Governors in Asaba.

“We have taken a position and no going back. Enough is enough. We are not second class citizens of this country. We also own this country.”

Not impressed with slow pace of the Ogoni environmental remediation, the governor charged the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), which is saddled with the responsibility of the cleanup of polluted sites in Ogoni, to relocate its operational office from Port Harcourt to Bori, the headquarters of the Ogoni people.

“You cannot talk of cleaning up a place and keep your office in another area. Bring your office from Port Harcourt and come and stay in Bori, So that you can hear and appreciate the feelings of the people.”

Governor Wike recalled that when he launched his quest to govern Rivers State in 2014, he received tremendous support from Ogoni nationality. And in appreciation, his administration has graciously fulfilled the promise to dualise the Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road and has gone further awarded contract for the phase two of the project from Bori to Kono valued at N14 Billion.

Governor Wike acknowledged that the people of Ogoni nationality have remained steadfast in their support of his administration.

The governor directed the Commissioner of Power and in coming chairman of Khana Local Government Area to ensure the electrification of all communities in the council that are not connected to the national grid within the next five months.

He charged the incoming chairmen Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme to endeavour to initiate and implement projects that will enhance the wellbeing of their people.

Governor Wike noted that Ogoni is an important integrate part of the State and Nigeria, and urged their leaders to fight against the menace of cultism and other related acts of criminality.

The Rivers State governor, who was conferred with the title: Mene Kwalenu 1st of Ogoni, (a benevolent king) by the President of Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, King G.N.K Giniwa, assured that his administration will continue to ensure even development of every part of the State.

President of Kagote, Emmanuel Deeyah, said the reception was organised in honour of the governor because Ogoni people are beneficiaries of the unprecedented infrastructural developments witnessed in the State since he assumed office.

“In this light we respectfully place on record our gratitude for the various appointments and elective offices that came to our sons and
daughters through your singular effort. Due to several infrastructural development programs and projects that you have executed in our Local Government Areas both completed and some ongoing are scattered all over the place.”

Similarly, Senator Magnus Abe, lauded the governor for improving infrastructure in Ogoni land.

“This is not a gathering of the Ogoni people from which any Ogoni man that is proud to be an Ogoni man can afford to be absent.

The good politician is not the one that has the most number of enemies, it is the one that has the most number of friends.”

Former president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee, said Ogoni people will remain eternally grateful to Governor Wike for his developmental strides in Ogoni.

Mitee explained that during his reign as MOSOP president, he had appealed to all past Rivers State governors to dualise the Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road but none except Governor Wike harkened to him and other Ogoni leaders.

Present at the event were Minister of State for Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, Senator Barry Mpigi, Honourable Dumnamene Dekor , the Speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon . Ikuinyi O. Ibani, and leaders of the Ogoni nationality.

Member Representing Albasu, Gaya and Ajingi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya has said that  contrary to many people’s expectations, main duties of parliamentarians  are to introduce bills and resolutions for their constituency’s well being and the nation at large.

He made the statement while receiving Gaya local government leadership and party stakeholders who paid him Sallah homage in his residence.

Hon Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya  enumerated achievements made so far, since their  inaugurated  in areas,  such as  infrastructure, education, health, agriculture,
empowerment with  adequate welfarism of constituents among others, saying thesev have been achieved as result of their unflinching support to him in addressing Gaya local government’ problems.

He explained that he was able to construct 3 blocks of classrooms each in 23 out 30 wards in the constituency, Constructing 23 motorized boreholes with overhead water tanks at various wards of the constituency, installed 163 solar street light provided  across the constituency and rehabilitated many healthcare facilities across the three local government areas.

“You are witnessing that I have touched  the lives of many especially  downtrodden who benefited from  various economic empowerment.”

Commenting on the acute shortage of drinking water in the area, Gaya said providing  such services is for the State and local government saying that both were doing  everything possible to end the problems “You knows that for long time Gaya local government has been facing serious acute shortage of drinking water but on my part I have been doing all what it takes to bring you a sucour during the just past Fasting period I provided 40, 000 litre Tankers to provide water in the area throughout the Ramadan. ”

Hon Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya thanked them for according  him with such honour with their unflinching suppot and promised them that he would do everything possible for the overall  benefit of  the Constituents.

Many stakeholders spoken at Sallah’s homage including Gaya local government chairman, Kano South interim Vice chairman of  Progressives Congress (APC), local government party interim leadership, elected, appointed councillors, advisers and other stakeholders

Hon Abdullahi Gaya urged the  people of his constituency  and the country in general to be more vigilant and  security conscious by reporting any suspicious movement to security agencies.