Author: Emmanuel Obe

…take home N3.5m prize money Isoko National FC on Friday defeated Ogola FC 1-0 to win the 2026 Gbaramatu Football Championship decided at Oporoza Community field in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. The only goal of the match was scored in the first minute of the game by Mitchell to make it the fastest goal of the tournament. Both sides put in their best for the rest of the game, which was watched by a capacity crowd. But none was able to score again until the referee blew the final whistle. Gbaramatu Urban FC, who were…

The scheduling of the burials of the late King of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, and former Senator Barry Mpigi on the same day has drawn attention to the lingering political tension between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Observers say Governor Fubara should not be faulted for his absence at the service of songs and night of tributes held in honour of Senator Mpigi, as indications suggest he was not formally invited. Sources within the family reportedly opted for caution in order to…

The famous annual festival of Gbaraun Egbesu, Ibolomobo-ere and Amaseikumor is climaxing on Saturday, April 11 at the Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. Dignitaries are expected from all over the world including the Presidency, Ministers, state governors and traditional rulers from all over the country. This year’s edition commenced on Monday, April 6 with the celebration of Ibolomobo-ere, the Mother Deity. This was followed with the celebration of Gbaraun Egbesu Deity on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All the celebrations were done in the Temple. On Friday, the Black Masquerade is expected…

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for what it described as bold reforms, improved transparency and enhanced operational efficiency within his first year in office. PETROAN, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, said the leadership of Ojulari has recorded significant progress in governance, accountability and commercial discipline, thereby restoring stakeholder confidence in the operations of the national oil company. Speaking on behalf of the association, PETROAN National President, Dr. Billy…

…demands Amupitan’s Resignation The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, following the electoral body’s decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership. Addressing a world press conference titled “This Attack on Democracy Will Not Stand,” the National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark, said the party and other opposition groups were determined to resist what he described as a growing attempt to weaken democratic freedoms and impose a one-party state. Mark argued that although Nigeria has operated under democratic rule since 1999, recent developments suggest a reversal of democratic gains,…

Chief Joshua MacIver, Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Governorship election in Bayelsa has called for urgent steps to resolve internal imbalances to avoid exit of party loyalists. He called on party leaders to “look inwards” and address internal divisions following the conclusion of the party’s state congress. In a statement issued in Yenagoa, MacIver congratulated party leadership and members for a successful congress, while also extending best wishes to the newly elected state chairman, Warman Ogoriba, and his executive. However, the APC stalwart warned that unresolved internal imbalances could threaten the party’s cohesion…

The Safer Media Initiative (SMI) has trained 35 journalists in Edo State on the effective, responsible and safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of efforts to bridge emerging knowledge gaps in modern journalism practice. The training, held under the Artificial Intelligence and Media Project themed, “AI Tools for Journalists: Effective, Responsible and Safe Use,” drew participants from the print, electronic and online media sectors. Commenting, the Executive Director of SMI, Peter Iorter, said the initiative was designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to navigate rapid technological changes reshaping the media landscape. Iorter said journalism practice is…

Comrade Peremoboere Fanny Binaebi, the current Treasurer of Ijaw Youth Council has thrown her hatchet into the ring as she has declared to contest for the President of Ijaw national Council in the forthcoming national elections. And if she wins, Binaebi will become the first ever female President of the IYC. The council has been dominated by men since it was founded about three decades ago. Female leadership in Ijaw communities is however not strange. Ijaw women have been known through ages to provide leadership both at home and in the community. But modern leadership structures have tended to sideline…

At a time when national discourse is dominated by the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” amid widespread economic hardship, the story of a young woman from rural Rivers State offers a compelling, real-life example of how hope can emerge from unexpected quarters. Without political power, wealth, or official authority, Miss Ogadinma Uchechi has ignited change that is transforming her community and inspiring many beyond it. In many African societies, names carry deep meaning. They often reflect parental expectations or the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth, shaping both identity and aspiration. For Ogadinma, whose name in her local dialect means “it shall…

A prominent cleric, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has claimed that he played a significant role in helping the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, secure victory in the 2015 and 2019 Rivers State governorship elections. Ibiyeomie made the assertion in a statement on Monday, insisting that Wike received extensive support from different individuals during his political journey. According to the cleric, the former Rivers State governor benefited from financial, physical and spiritual backing from various people who stood by him during the electoral contests. “This Wike who tries to play god in the lives of people today was…