News From Nigeria
Barely one month after it won double Awards at the Transport Day and Champion Newspapers Awards ceremonies in Lagos, the country’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has bagged another set of double Awards.
While the Nigerian Academy of Engineering gave the company an Appreciation Award for all its professional and related support to the Academy in Lagos at its 2024 Academy Technology Dinner, Innovations Exhibition and Awards Night, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, gave Julius Berger a corporate Award in Professional Competence in Abuja.
In giving Julius Berger the Appreciation Award, the President of the Academy of Engineering, Prof Peter Onwualu said, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has been a useful partner in our journey thus far. The company has always been supportive and how else do we appreciate them if not by this novel Appreciation Award, even as he described the company as a corporate friend that is worth more than silver and gold.
Receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Head, Corporate Communications of the company, Mr. James Agama thanked the organisers for the honour on Julius Berger even as he wished them well in all their future endeavours.
The event night featured exhibitions of technological innovations like the Intrud Safety Device, locally made 380watts glass solar panel and Smart Irrigation technology among others.
Inside the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Thursday, at the Institute’s 60th anniversary celebrations, President of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, fnipr who personally handed over the Award certificate and plaque to Julius Berger’s representative and Human Resources Coordinator, Mohammed Nasiru said that the Julius Berger’s commitment and dedication to excellence in service delivery, in and outside government, has set a high standard for others to follow and significantly enhanced the reputation and practice of public relations as a leadership function.
He continued, we reflect on your achievements and we celebrate with you and acknowledge the impact you have made in the field of public relations, the nation and continent in general.
Speaking after he received the Award on behalf of the company, Mr Haruna said, it was a great honour to Julius Berger to be awarded this Excellence in Professional Compliance Award. As good corporate citizens, Julius Berger has always being and will continue to be compliant for the good of our country, the industry and the general society.
The Award event which had former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former First Lady of the country, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governors Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Umar Namadi, Jigawa State; Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State, former Information ministers, Prof. Jerry Gana and Labaran Maku as well as the incumbent, Mohammed Idris Malagi, fnipr and Chairman/CEO of Air Peace Limited, Chief Allen Onyema, CON as well as many others in attendance, overflowed into the lobby area of the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton venue of the event.
Established in 1963 and chartered by Decree 16 of June 1 1990 (now an Act of the National Assembly, cited as Cap. N114 Laws of the Federation, LFN 2024), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the sole regulator of public relations in Nigeria. Over the past 60 years, we have demonstrated faith and commitment to the nation and provided strategic support towards national development.
This milestone not only marks our enduring commitment to the field of public relations and deploying the profession as a critical element in nation-building but also provides an opportunity to honour those who have significantly contributed to its advancement, the NIPR President further said.
Team Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the Award event included, the Head, Media Relation Office, Emmanuel Isibor, Miss Bassey Ewan-Effiong, Mrs Happiness Moses and Miss Olivia Uzoma.
JULIUS BERGER’S 2024 INVESTOR FORUM: WE’RE A MAJOR PLAYER IN NIGERIA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, SAYS RICHTER
The Managing Director of leading engineerig construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter has declared that the company is a major player in the country’s construction sector, adding that, “it is hard not to reckon with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in the scheme of things despite the challenges posed by the Nigerian economy in 2023.”
The Managing Director who spoke at the recent edition of the company’s Investors Forum few days after its successful 54th Annual General Meeting, in answer to a question from an investor said, “we are still a major player in Nigeria’s construction industry. We have the brand and experience; we are not unaware of the rising competition; we remain a Tier 1 construction company. We have the funding power; we have the capacity in terms of manpower and experience, which many in the competition cannot really boast of.”
Richter, who was optimistic that the company will get new projects, moving forward said, “opportunities abound not only at the federal government level, in states like Abia, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom as well as the Republic of Benin, where the company currently has some projects ongoing, we are optimistic we will get new projects there and even from identified potential clients.”
In answer to another question, the Managing Director, said, “Julius Berger completed Phase 1 of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway last year.” Adding that, the project is ongoing, he said, “Phases 2 and 3 are under review with the government. The asphalt work there is okay. Right now, some minor repair works are being undertaken. We are ready to continue our work on the project, but it will depend on the government.”
On the company’s highly rated CSR scorecard, Richter said, “Julius Berger deliberately trains and employs unemployed youths at operational sites, where they have opportunities to become skilled and more useful to the society.” He continued, “we employ them in the sites. We dont employ only skilled workers there. We employ unemployed youths, train and equip them to work at our sites. We provide them with education too in our Academy. Indeed, we do a lot in the training of unemployed youths.”
Richter also said the company’s CSR efforts have continued to have positive impacts on targeted communities even as he disclosed that, “Julius Berger focusses on education, community development and philanthropy” adding that, “to ensure the sustainable efforts reach targeted beneficiaries, the company’s Community Liaison Officers, CLOs, in the operational communities send feedback to the relevant departments”, retorting that, “we have CLOs. They are effective liaison with the communities. We get feedback from them. So, we easily address our CSR complaints.”
Answering a question on diversification, Richter said, “the company has some key considerations in determining its options principal among which are the Food sector and the Healthcare sector apart from the regional diversification as being currently experienced in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.” Assuring potential investors on Julius Berger’s diversification efforts, Richter said, “we are mainly a construction company. On diversification efforts in Julius Berger, Jochen Stolle is there to look into our diversification plan. He is covering all the projects and sectors for diversification. It is a new field, and we are looking into B2B business on diversification… Food security is becoming a major problem; and we are already looking into how we can key in and be relevant.”
On the reported vandalization of sections of the newly constructed Second Niger Bridge, the Managing Director disclosed that, “the company is assisting the Federal Government to fix the vandalised project.” He said, “we have records of the vandalization. We are assisting the Federal Government on this. Our team has been there and only minor damage was done to the national asset. But nothing was done to the infrastructure.”
Richter said “Julius Berger is maintaining a positive outlook in every aspect of its operations. Our strategic framework prioritises sustainability, supports growth, leverages innovation and focuses on long term growth. We will continue to deliver high quality services to our client and despite the challenges, Julius Berger is on the road to innovation, sustainability, growth among other positive developments.”
The Financial Director, Christian Hausemann, who also spoke at the event was confident that the fortunes of the company are looking up.
The virtual Investors Forum, which had participants across the globe in attendance saw presentations by the Managing Director and the Financial Director and featured a Questions and Answers session.
The annual Julius Berger Investors Forum serves as a platform to illuminate the intricate tapestry of our business, operations, and financial achievements. The company uses the Forum to unveil the blueprint of ist acclaimed success while offering discerning investors and potential ones a comprehensive view of the company‘s journey, achievements, and aspirations.
The company holds that through a meticulous examination of its business model, operational prowess, and financial highlights, investors and potential ones will gain invaluable insights into the compelling investment opportunities that Julius Berger presents within the construction industry.
Greenville LNG Pays Courtesy Call on Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State
The Management of Nigeria’s leading domestic gas infrastructure development, gas liquefaction and distribution company, Greenville LNG has paid a courtesy call on the Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani last Friday. The Greenville LNG delegation to the meeting with the Governor was led by the company’s Director, Inter-governmental relations, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, the Board, and Management of Greenville LNG, Bayi thanked the Executive Governor, the State Government and the good people of Kaduna State for Kaduna State’s friendly cooperation and supportive disposition towards Greenville LNG since the company’s pioneering gas delivery, expansion and utilisation investments as well as its sister company’s (Gradient Bitumen’s) superior polymer-enhanced and super-grade bitumen production and distribution investments located in the State.
Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi thanked Governor Uba Sani, his Executive Council and the Kaduna People for providing a progressively conducive and safe environment for Greenville LNG to work in Kaduna State, pointedly ascribing the business-friendly situation to Governor Uba Sani’s well-rounded socio-political and economic management experience. Bayi hailed the Kaduna Governor’s visionary governance and effective leadership of the State, adding that with the clearly focused governance provided by the Governor, Kaduna State’s economic and industrial renaissance is well vested with a very proactive, purposeful, revivalist and developmental trajectory headed for good success.
According to Alhaji Bayi, “…Your Excellency, since the advent of Greenville LNG Company Limited in Kaduna State, and the commissioning of its huge LNG and CNG Hub Station and ancillary workshops, and first-of-its-kind Drivers’ Training Academy in Kakau, Kaduna in October last year, the company has not experienced any incidents of beach of the peace. Your Excellency, we can ascribe this healthy situation to your effective leadership of the State, and we sincerely thank you for your worthy efforts and credible governance.”
Bayi added that during the construction of the Greenville LNG facilities in Kaduna, the company engaged over 500 workers amongst whom were over 250 Kaduna indigenes. “Your Excellency, with the acquisition of additional hectares of land for our superior quality Gradient Polymer and Bitumen plant in Kaduna, we are set to also generate even more employment for more of the hardworking and productive people of Kaduna State,” said Bayi.
Greenville LNG’s investments across Nigeria, according to Bayi, also seek to assist its host states to embark on prudent and commercially viable independent power generation projects. Greenville LNG’s projects also activates to enhance internally generated revenue to further assist its host states to develop more of their needed infrastructure.
Greenville LNG, Bayi said, seeks the continued support of the Kaduna State Government and its people in the company’s determination to provide readily available, cleaner, environmentally friendly, more affordable and more sustainable energy, and superior bitumen offerings as well as employment for Kaduna’s industrial renaissance and progressive development.
While responding to the remarks of the Greenville LNG’s delegation leader, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani thanked the Greenville LNG corporation for its well vested business interest in Kaduna State. The Governor emphasised his recognition that “there is an inescapable nexus between effective leadership, a conducive and business-friendly environment and successful investment promotion.” His administration, the Governor said, is committed to creating and sustaining a conducive environment that makes Kaduna State every serious investor’s destination of choice in Nigeria.
He called Greenville LNG’s presence in Kaduna State positively historic, and informed the company’s delegation that the Kaduna State Government has indeed purchased and brought into the country a good number of CNG transportation buses in pursuit of the State Government’s gas expansion and utilisation agenda.
Governor Uba Sani commended Greenville for its advent and expansion of its business investments in Kaduna State and requested that the company expand its operations across the length and breadth of Kaduna state and help to generate employment for more people across the state.
The Executive Governor, His Excellency Uba Sani an engineer by profession, who was at different times in the past Advisor to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Public Affairs, Special Adviser, Political and intergovernmental affairs in Kaduna State, Senator for Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the 9th Nigerian Senate, promised to committedly do all in his power and office to provide every lawful support and encouragement to attract and sustain businesses invested in Kaduna State such as Greenville LNG and Gradient Bitumen. He prayed for the success of Greenville LNG’s businesses in Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Government’s team that accompanied Governor Sani Uba to the meeting with Greenville LNG included, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Abdulkadir Muazu Maiyere; Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed; the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo; Special Adviser, Investment Promotion, Sabiu Sani; Executive Secretary, Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency, Sadiq Mohammed; General Manager, Kaduna Agriculture Development Agency, Muhammad Rili, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Legal and Legislative Matters Kaduna State Government, Dr. Mustapha Musa.
The Greenville LNG delegation also included Sajit Pillai and Nilanjan Chikraborty of Gradient Bitumen; Tusha Shirore of the LNG team, Hamza Saidu of Greenville’s IT works, and the company’s head of Communications, Media, PR and Strategic Liaison, Prince Moses G. Duku.
Nigeria’s pioneer and leading organised private sector Gas Infrastructure development, production and distribution company, Greenville LNG has been announced the winner of Nigeria’s “Most Reliable Domestic Gas Distributing Company of the Year” Award. Greenville LNG won the highly coveted award at the keenly vetted, robustly competitive and worthily anticipated annual transportation awards ceremony of the country’s media flagship of the Transportation sector, the TransportDay Media organisation.
The Ceremony which has become an annual landmark event that defines best transportation and safety standards and practices in Nigeria, was attended by the who is who in the regulatory and transportation industry as well as executives from other industrial corporations with huge logistical operations across the country. The exciting ceremony held last Thursday at the iconic Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.
The publisher and editor-in-chief of the TransportDay Media Organisation, Frank Kintum kickstarted proceedings at this year’s ceremony which marked the tenth anniversary of the TransportDay Lecture and Awards with a welcome address which celebrated the resilience, progressive improvements and achievements recorded year-on-year in a proactive, determined and patriotic pushback against otherwise manifest operational challenges in the transportation sector, particularly in terms of infrastructure, regulation and funding.
Participants at the event included the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), and the Honourable Commissioner of Transportation in Lagos State; all of whom presented papers at the Lecture session of the event.
Others who attended and also received different categories of awards at the ceremony included Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Toyota, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Infinity Tyres, Kaduna Dry Port, etc.
This year’s TranportDay Media Lecture and awards ceremony was themed ‘Transportation Safety in Nigeria – The Way Forward’.
Greenville LNG is Nigeria’s private sector’s pioneer and flagship producer and distributor of LNG and CNG for the domestic market. With the company’s efficient virtual pipeline system consisting of about 600 specialized LNG-powered gas delivery trucks capable of driving about 1,200 kilometres to 1,800 kilometres without the need to refuel, Grenville from its Rumuji Gas Plant and its Gas hubs, delivers sustainable and reliable LNG and CNG energy supplies to every part of Nigeria. With Gas Stations in Rumuji, Benin, Shagamu, Koton-Karfe and Kaduna, and with Lafia station about to be commissioned into service and Enugu station being progressively developed, Greenville LNG is working actively to open 25 Hubs to enable the delivery of cost-cutting and more affordable, cleaner, and more dependable LNG and CNG fuels for homes, industry, and uninterrupted power plants across the country.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday received praise for his exceptional commitment and outstanding performance.
‘’The picture in Delta State is different. It has been eleven months of development and clear evidence of competence. The good people of Delta State are happy with the state of infrastructure and improvement in the quality of government services’’ Okakuro Godwin Atose said.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain spoke in a positive way about what the governor is doing in the oil rich state.
‘’His Excellency has consistently given the people of Delta State what they need. He deserves titanic admiration for his fiscal discipline, spending on the right economic priorities, encouragement of private sector investment and provision of basic services’’
Speaking at a meeting organized by Sapele PDP Stakeholders, Atose praised Oborevwori for pursuing with vigour and determination the MORE agenda of the current administration.
He commended Oborevwori for raising the standard of living of the people through road development, bridges, education and health-care delivery.
He applauded Oborevwori for encouraging economic prosperity, enhancing the political empowerment of women and youths, carrying out the business of governance in an open, participatory and transparent atmosphere and improving the standard of living of the people.
‘’Delta State is moving in the right direction’’.
Atose who spoke on behalf of Sapele PDP Stakeholders, said the Sapele PDP Movement passed confidence vote on Governor Oborevwori for his well-known vision, aggressive health policies, fiscal responsibility and infrastructure.
The stakeholders also passed confidence vote on the Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Perkins Umukoro.
They praised Umukoro for quality representation, deep knowledge of the legislative process and the bringing of a much-needed perspective to the Delta State House of Assembly.
At the well-attended gathering, the group vowed to play an active and constructive part in the victory of the ruling party in 2027.
The stakeholders kicked against political neophyte as the next chairman of Sapele Local Government.
‘We need a man of impeccable credentials and reputation, an excellent organizer, the embodiment of good temper and affability. We need someone that can renew the spirit of patriotism in Sapele, consider the public needs and opinions, provide stability and institute massive amounts of change in Sapele’’ the group, sensitizing the people on government policies and the major achievements of the governor, said.
‘’The next chairman of Sapele Local Government should be a consummate administrator, visionary leader, thoroughbred democrat and prudent manager of human and material resources’’ the PDP Followers in Sapele added.OBOREVWORI, A TRULY GIFTED LEADER, SAYS OKAKURO ATOSE
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday received praise for his exceptional commitment and outstanding performance.
‘’The picture in Delta State is different. It has been eleven months of development and clear evidence of competence. The good people of Delta State are happy with the state of infrastructure and improvement in the quality of government services’’ Okakuro Godwin Atose said.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain spoke in a positive way about what the governor is doing in the oil rich state.
‘’His Excellency has consistently given the people of Delta State what they need. He deserves titanic admiration for his fiscal discipline, spending on the right economic priorities, encouragement of private sector investment and provision of basic services’’
Speaking at a meeting organized by Sapele PDP Stakeholders, Atose praised Oborevwori for pursuing with vigour and determination the MORE agenda of the current administration.
He commended Oborevwori for raising the standard of living of the people through road development, bridges, education and health-care delivery.
He applauded Oborevwori for encouraging economic prosperity, enhancing the political empowerment of women and youths, carrying out the business of governance in an open, participatory and transparent atmosphere and improving the standard of living of the people.
‘’Delta State is moving in the right direction’’.
Atose who spoke on behalf of PDP Recovery Movement, said the group passed confidence vote on Governor Oborevwori for his well-known vision, aggressive health policies, fiscal responsibility and infrastructure.
The stakeholders also passed confidence vote on the Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Perkins Umukoro.
They praised Umukoro for quality representation, deep knowledge of the legislative process and the bringing of a much-needed perspective to the Delta State House of Assembly.
At the well-attended gathering, the group vowed to play an active and constructive part in the victory of the ruling party in 2027.
The stakeholders kicked against political neophyte as the next chairman of Sapele Local Government.
‘We need a man of impeccable credentials and reputation, an excellent organizer, the embodiment of good temper and affability. We need someone that can renew the spirit of patriotism in Sapele, consider the public needs and opinions, provide stability and institute massive amounts of change in Sapele’’ the group, sensitizing the people on government policies and the major achievements of the governor, said.
‘’The next chairman of Sapele Local Government should be a consummate administrator, visionary leader, thoroughbred democrat and prudent manager of human and material resources’’ the PDP Recovery Movement added.
Nigeria’s construction industry leader, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has launched a novel Vocational Support Programme to empower Nigerian youths for better employability amongst other direct and indirect benefits.
The programme which the company said would open new vistas in the lives of teeming Nigerian youths is a Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR initiative of the company designed to empower Nigerian youths with technical skills and certificates for better employability and socio-economic progress.
According to the official Julius Berger announcement on the development, the maiden edition of the programme includes a 10-month technical training stint in automotive repair services considering the fast evolving nature of the country’s burgeoning automotive industry.
The company has carefully designed the curricula for the programme in the following technical expertise to enable beneficiaries learn a skill that will remain commercially viable for the forseeable future: Auto Mechanic and Battery Services, Vulcanising, Alignment and Wheel Balancing as well as auto Diagnostics, a statement by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc said.
The company requires that for any applicant to qualify to be admitted into the programme, the person must be an adult Nigerian, resident in Abuja, must possess a School Leaving Certifuicate, SSCE and should be able to read and write.
The statement added that women seeking opportunities in the areas of technical expertise are highly encouraged to apply even as persons within disadvantaged groups, PWDs and IDPs are equally highly encouraged to apply.
Beside its numero uno position in the country’s construction sector, Julius Berger has recorded several firsts in top CSR efforts in its operational communities from building and donating classrooms and health facilities through unique efforts in educational sector to related fields.
The current effort at supporting the vocational skills of willing Nigerian youths is already receiving rave reviews in the social media.
*MAY 8, 2024.*
Dear Esteemed Okpe Leaders,
I am coming to you on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, and members of the Union in Nigeria and the Diaspora. The purpose of this Open Letter is to seek your intervention in the ongoing schism between HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, and the democratically elected leadership of the Okpe Union. Some of you may be familiar with certain portions of this Open Letter, whose inclusion is for the benefit of those seeing them for the first time.
As is well known by all of you, the Okpe Union was established by a group of young Okpe nationals based in Lagos, on May 16, 1930. It is the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945. From its inception in 1930, the Okpe Union launched a campaign for the restoration of the Okpe Kingdom, irrespective of the opposition of several influential Okpe leaders who were apprehensive about the likelihood of our having another dictatorship akin to the rule of HRM Esezi l. It was not until 1943 that these apprehensive Okpe leaders acquiesced to the demands of the Okpe Union for the resuscitation of the Okpe monarchy, after the Sapele land case which got to the West African Court of Appeal (WACA). It is an incontrovertible fact that the Okpe Union birthed the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era that produced HRM Esezi ll (1945 – 1966); HRM Orhoro l (1972-2004); and HRM Orhue l (2006 – present). Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Monarchy was restored in January 1945 after an interregnum of almost 200 years. Since its inception the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the socio-economic and political development of the Okpe Nation. It is the umbrella organization and mouth piece of the Okpe people. Its role at the coronation of HRM Orhue l is well documented.
*Introduction.*
The Okpe Union is a membership based organization with a Constitution that defines its administration and autonomy. It relies on membership dues, fees, and donations to execute its projects for the benefit of the Okpe Nation. The Okpe Union has provided a voice for the Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria.
Like most organizations, the Constitution of the Okpe Union contains mechanisms for conflict resolution, without the interference of a non-member. Though the Orodje of Okpe is considered a Patron of the Okpe Union by tradition, he possesses neither the power nor authority to interfere in or seize the administration of the Okpe Union. This has been the recognized rule observed by all Orodjes since 1945, including HRM Orhue l, until the latter purportedly dissolved the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union led by Okakuro Robert Onome on October 3, 2020, and appointed an illegal interim national executive of 9 members, led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor. It is significant to note that the purported dissolution occurred barely 42 days to the Annual General Assembly, as scheduled by NEC, to take place on November 14, 2020 at the Okpe Hall, Sapele. The Palace instructed the leadership of the Sapele Okpe Community to deny the Okpe Union access to the Okpe Hall.
*Attempts at a Peaceful Resolution.*
Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions.
Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdrew the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged and withdrew the case accordingly. However, immediately we withdrew the case from court, the Palace wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the illegal Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC recognition. It was therefore obvious that the intention of the Orodje-imposed illegal Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to de-recognise the democratically elected NEC and the legitimate Okpe Union leadership. Faced with this treachery, and having before us a subsisting resolution of the General Assembly of the Okpe Union that the NEC should seek legal redress if mediation fails, we elected to lodge a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos. HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as joint defendants in the case.
To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja to appoint an illegal Board of Trustees, without disclosing to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High Court on the same subject. Furthermore, we had already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with a similar prayer much earlier known to the CAC, the Orodje and the illegal Interim Executive Committee. They surreptitiously acquired a new certificate of incorporation for the Okpe Union with the Board of Trustees which they got through the back door; an issue that we dealt with immediately.
Regarding our substantive case that was lodged in the Federal High Court, Lagos, the Judge, on January 19, 2023, declared the imposed interim Executive Council led by Prof. Emurobome Idolor illegal and ordered a perpetual injunction restraining them, their privies and those who derive any powers from them from acting or parading themselves as the national leadership of the Okpe Union. The Judgement affirmed the autonomy of the Okpe Union, and declared that the Orodje has no authority to interfere in the administration of the Okpe Union.
On April 30, 2024, the Federal High Court, Abuja vacated its earlier order granted to the illegal Interim executive of the Okpe Union to appoint its Board of Trustees, that organized the election of Okakuro Joseph Aboze’s illegal executive that succeeded Prof. Idolor’s illegal interim executive. The ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja effectively nullified the pretence of the Okakuro Aboze led illegal executive committee. We recognize the lamentation of Okakuro Aboze and his cohorts, when he disclosed at the Okakuro Oghenevworo Jemikalajah Peace Meeting of August 9, 2023, that his illegal executive had presented to the Palace their resolution that they would abide by the judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos of January 19, 2023, and step aside, which the Orodje rejected by promising them that the Palace had the resources to pursue an appeal to its logical conclusion. We question the strategic intent of the Palace to want to elongate the court process instead of lending support to the Okpe Union in building a united Okpe Nation to benefit the Okpe people.
*Consequences of Continued Schism.*
Okpe Nation is renowned as an organised and law abiding people. A disregard for the Rule of Law is injurious to the socio-economic and political development of any society, including the Okpe Nation. This can lead to a break-down of law and order and intra-communal confrontations.
This schism has halted the implementation of several projects designed to benefit Okpe nationals and Okpe Nation. It has also diminished the status of Okpe Nation in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria. The proclamation of Okpe as the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State is rendered obsolete without a powerful Okpe Union to articulate and defend Okpe interests at state and national levels. Okpe Identity is the obvious victim in this prolonged schism.
*Concluding Remarks.*
We believe in a bright future for Okpe Nation; a future with great opportunities for growth and development that will benefit Okpe nationals. We believe that this can be facilitated by a united front of the Okpe Nation ably represented by a powerful Okpe Union and a ceremonial fatherly role of the Orodje. We therefore appeal to you all to persuade HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe, to dissolve the factional executive led by Okakuro Joseph Aboze and withdraw from the court cases. As stated in our letter to the Orodje immediately after the May 15, 2021 election that produced the current National Executive Council of the Okpe Union that I am privileged to lead, we are ready to cooperate with the Udogun Okpe and HRM Orhue I to have a way out of the differences based on the Rule of Law and the autonomy of the Okpe Union.
*Long live the Okpe Nation!*
*Long live the Okpe Union!*
*Long live the Orodje of Okpe!*
6th May, 2024.
RESPONSE OF ABOZE TO THE ABUJA FHC RULING NULLIFYING THE BACKDOOR BOT FOR THE OKPE UNION: LET THE ILLEGAL FACTION STOP DISGRACING THE OKPE NATION.*
*PRESS RELEASE*
The National Executive Council of the Okpe Union was seized this morning (being 6th of May, 2024) of the response of Okakuro Joseph Aboze (who still illegally parades himself as President General of the Okpe Union) to the Federal High Court Ruling vacating its earlier order which effectively nullified the Dick Gberevbie and Austin Ayemidejor led illegal Board of Trustees. Aboze’s response was titled “RE: ABUJA FEDERAL HIGH COURT RULING VACATING AN ORDER GRANTED THE INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE OKPE UNION”.
We shall quote verbatim below part of Okakuro Aboze’s reaction signed by him so as to lay it bare for an objective analysis. Hear Aboze on behalf of the illegal faction below:
“… The court in its ruling says, that “the pleadings at the Federal High Court Abuja are the same as what has been pleaded at the Federal High Court Lagos”.
He continues: “This ruling comes after the ruling in Lagos that had been appealed since 2023. It is crucial to note that the Orodje In Council did not and never dissolved the Executive Committee of the Okpe Union led by Prof. Igho Natufe. This clarification became necessary because the case which is on appeal came up as a result of misunderstanding of how the system works…”
The legitimate National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe hereby responds as follows to Joseph Aboze’s most uninformed position quoted above.
*Conclusion*
How can any sane persons accept the lawlessness being displayed by Messrs Joseph Aboze, Kings Iriri, Jackson Amererhorone and their allies who still illegally parade themselves as the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union? The stay of execution application which the losers at the Federal High Court, Lagos filed is yet to be heard by the court yet they continue parading themselves unlawfully.
It is time for stakeholders of the Okpe Nation to call these persons to order. Contempt of court sanctions are not a panacea for law and order and good governance in any polity. Let Aboze and his gang stop disgracing the Okpe Nation.
Long live the Okpe Nation!
Long live the Okpe Union!
Long live the Orodje of Okpe!
*Signed:*
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.*, General Secretary, Okpe Union.
…………………………………………………………………………
Dear Okpe Compatriots,
On behalf of a group of dedicated Okpe Nationals, I am pleased to inform you of the establishment of the *_CENTRE FOR OKPE STUDIES LTD/GTE_*, which has been duly registered and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to undertake the following functions, inter alia:
A Management Committee shall handle the affairs of the *_Centre_* while an Editorial Board shall oversee the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*. They will contribute their personal resources and seek external funds for the execution of the projects of the Centre. The activities of the Centre include the hosting of an annual or biennial conference on *_OKPE HISTORY AND SOCIETY_*, the publication of its quarterly *_Journal of Okpe Studies_*, and the
+ organization of workshops and seminars on topical issues of Okpe History, Language, Culture, and Economic Development, etc. In due course members of both the Management Committee of the *_Centre_* and the Editorial Board of the *_Journal of Okpe Studies_* shall be announced.
For further information on the *_Centre_*, please contact Dr. Lucky Akpere at: luckyakpere@okpeunionng.net
God bless the Okpe Nation.
God bless the Okpe Union.
God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom
Prof. O. Igho Natufe
May 5, 2024
UTOPIA FREE TRADE ZONE ESTABLISHMENT ATTENDEES
The Managing Director of Nasarawa State Investment Development Authority, Alhaji Ibrahim and Representative of the Governor of Nasarawa State, H.E. Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the CEO of Utopia Free Trade Zone, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, Mr Liu Tom Qinpeng, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Iya Loja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr (Mrs) Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr Shehu Cindo Yamusa III, the Representative of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON, Jessica Anuna, CEO/Founder of Kasla International Payment System; and Mr. Dimitri van den Broeke, the Representative of the Chairman of Greenville LNG, Eddy van den Broeke at the Investment Summit and Utopia Free Trade Zone Establishment Ceremony at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Nigeria last Saturday.
A conference of Okpe leaders in different parts of the world will take place in Lagos on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
‘’About 300 delegates from Okpe Union branches in Asia, North and South America, Africa, Europe and Australia will attend the Okpe Union General Assembly at Okpe House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende..
Secretary General of the Okpe Union, Barrister Kingsley Akpederin who announced this on Sunday in Lagos said: ‘’the Okpe Union Conference comes at a critical time for Okpe leaders throughout the world. We must rub minds and devise pro-active and creative ways to promote lasting development and ensure better quality of life for our people’’.
A statement from Okpe Union headquarters Sunday morning stated that the delegates would examine the condition of the Okpe Union, discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Delta State.
The statement listed international standards of good governance, socio-economic development and means of advancing Okpe interests as important matters to be considered by delegates from all over the world.
‘’State of the Union address by the President General, reports from branches and regions of the Okpe Union and the State of the Nigerian Nation and Delta State are three points which will receive greatest attention of the delegates’’.
The statement said the men and women of action from Nigeria and abroad would think in larger terms, act on a wider plane of ideas and arrive at positive conclusions which will give a new impetus to Okpe Union and Delta State’.
The conference, planned for 10.00 am on the 15th of May, 2024 will take place in an atmosphere of complete frankness and cordiality.
‘’The Okpe Union, a socio-cultural group, is the mouthpiece of all the people of the Okpe nation and the oldest registered ethnic union in Nigeria’’ the statement added.
Business Mogul, Feli Aganbi, on Tuesday commended Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for demonstrating exemplary leadership, living above board and for serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside Warri Kingdom kingdom.
‘’His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, is an intelligent, straightforward, courageous, selfless, amiable and committed patriot’’.
He also praised the Warri monarch for playing significant roles in the promotion of harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among diverse peoples.
‘’The current peace, progress and prosperity in the Warri Kingdom can be attributed to his wise and benevolent leadership” he said.
Aganbi in a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North, praised Ogiame Atuwatse 111 for serving the kingdom with unerring grace, dignity and decency.
Aganbi, Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Water and Ajimele Oil, praised the monarch for stimulating harmony and development in Delta State, Keeping Itsekiri firmly on the road to development and uplifting the fortunes of Warri Kingdom.
Particularly, he lauded His Royal Majesty for utilizing his boundless energy, robust intellect, uncommon courage and tenacity of purpose to motivate members of the traditional council and prominent leaders for the highest ideals of governance, unity and development in Warri Kingdom.
“Ogiame Atuwatse 111, CFR is a man of impeccable character, a man of dignity, wisdom and compassion” he said.
The statement highlighted the monarch’s visionary leadership and selfless service to humanity.
“May the Good Lord, who has blessed Warri Kingdom, grant you good health, wisdom and strength”.
Ending the statement, Aganbi said “Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and warmest congratulations on occasion of your 40th birthday’’
