Ika Weekly Newspaper

10/10/2026

Noble Ignatius Jeremiah Ohu (KSJI) Passes On at the age of 94.

A native of Idumuesah in Ika North East LGA of Delta State. He was Noble of Knights of St. John international, Ezinna of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, a retired Principal of Owerre-Olubor Grammar School and Pioneer Vice Principal of St John's College, Alihagu

10/10/2026

09/10/2026

Ute-Ogbeje Monarch Charges Subjects to Preserve Cultural Heritage

Ika Weekly Newspaper

The traditional ruler of Ute-Ogbeje Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Gabriel Chukwuma Jikeme 1, has called on his subjects to remain committed to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of the kingdom.
The monarch made the call on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at his palace during the celebration of his New Yam Festival, describing the annual event as an important occasion for expressing gratitude to God for life, a successful farming season and the abundance of harvest.
While performing the ceremonial cutting of the roasted yam presented to him, Obi Jikeme stressed the importance of the festival in promoting unity, love and a strong sense of communal identity among his people.
He urged indigenes of Ute-Ogbeje, both at home and in the diaspora, to maintain close ties with their ancestral roots, noting that the cultural heritage of the kingdom remained a source of pride that must be preserved for generations yet unborn.
According to him, the New Yam Festival goes beyond celebrating the harvest, as it provides an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their history and reinforce values such as love, kindness, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The celebration attracted dignitaries and people from different walks of life, including traditional rulers in and outside Ika nation, Chief David Igbodo AIG (rtd), sos and daughters of Ute-Ogbeje and other notable guests.
Expressing appreciation to the guests and well-wishers who joined him and the people of Ute-Ogbeje for the celebration, Obi Jikeme thanked them for their support and prayed to God to bless and protect them as they returned to their respective destinations.
Some participants who spoke with an Ika Weekly Newspaper reporter after the event described the New Yam Festival as a significant cultural gathering that brings the people together and strengthens their bonds.
They commended Obi Jikeme for his efforts in sustaining the cultural values and traditions of Ute-Ogbeje Kingdom, describing him as a monarch they were proud of.
They described the celebration as more than a traditional event, stressing that it represents love, togetherness and the preservation of the cultural identity of the Ute-Ogbeje people, urging indigenes, particularly those living outside the community, to continue supporting and participating in the festival.
They said the festival provides an avenue for people from different backgrounds and generations to reconnect with their roots, noting that such gatherings are important for passing
cultural values and traditions from older generations to younger members of the community.
According to them, the spirit of love and unity demonstrated during the festival should extend beyond the celebration itself.
They called on indigenes to work together in promoting peace, development and the welfare of the community.
The participants also emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to appreciate their cultural heritage, saying that active participation by the younger generation would help ensure that the traditions associated with the New Yam Festival are preserved for future generations.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival also served as a platform for social interaction, with families, friends and community members using the occasion to renew relationships and celebrate their shared identity.

By Amos Chukwuekwu

09/10/2026

Any Empowerment Done Now, Vote Buying In Disguise- Political Analyst

Declares Politicians Should Campaign With What They Have Achieved Or Intend To Do For The People

Chief Yomi Oduselu Hassan the Ekwueme 1 of Akumazi kingdom has described the wave of empowerment programmes now being rolled out by politicians as vote buying in disguise, urging aspirants and office holders to campaign on their records and their plans rather than on handouts.

Speaking in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Hassan said the timing and manner of many so-called empowerment schemes leave little doubt about their real purpose.

"Any empowerment now is vote buying in disguise," he said. "When a politician who has been silent for years suddenly starts distributing items as elections draw near, the people should ask what is behind it."

He said politicians in power should present what they have achieved in office and let the electorate judge them on that basis. Those not in power, he added, should tell the people what they intend to do if elected, with clear and workable plans.

"If you are in office, campaign with what you have done. If you are not, campaign with what you intend to do for the people. Do not campaign with vote buying in the name of empowerment," Hassan declared.

He argued that genuine empowerment is a sustained effort that builds skills, creates jobs and strengthens communities, not a one-off giveaway timed to the election calendar. According to him, such gestures leave beneficiaries no better off once the votes have been counted, while undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

Hassan also called on voters to reject inducements and hold politicians accountable for their promises. He said the electorate holds the power to change the quality of leadership by insisting that candidates earn their mandate through service and credible programmes.

He urged political parties, traditional institutions, community leaders and the media to help enlighten the public on the dangers of vote buying, stressing that it erodes trust in government and rewards those with the most money rather than the best ideas.

"The people must know that their votes are not for sale," he said. "Our democracy can only grow when leaders are chosen on the strength of their ideas and achievements."

09/10/2026

PHOTO NEWS OF THE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE BETWEEN PHARM. NICE ISIOMA OHUZO AND IFEANYI UZOR MD/CEO REALUCK HOTEL & SUITES HELD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026 AT OSIAN BY EFIEZOMOR, BOJI BOJI OWA, DELTA STATE.

09/10/2026

His Majesty, Dr. Ezeagwu Ezenwali Agadagidi, JP
The Obi of Umunede Kingdom

Your Majesty,

The National Executive Council of the Umunede Progressive Union (NEC-UPU) joins your family, the good people of Umunede Kingdom, and well-wishers across the world to most heartily felicitate with Your Majesty on this historic and joyous occasion of your Three-in-One Celebration – Your Coronation Anniversary, Birthday Anniversary and Marriage Anniversary.

Your Majesty, this triple celebration is a testament to God's abundant grace, mercy and favour upon your life and reign. Since your ascension to the highly revered throne of your forefathers, you have reigned with wisdom, peace, humility and uncommon commitment to the unity, progress and development of Umunede Kingdom.

Your reign has brought honour to our land and has been a source of pride to all sons and daughters of Umunede both at home and in the diaspora. Your exemplary family life and enduring marriage remain a shining inspiration to our generation.

As you celebrate these great milestones, we pray that Almighty God continues to grant you good health, longer life, greater wisdom and divine strength to continue to lead our dear Kingdom to greater heights.

May your throne never lack a worthy heir, and may your reign be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Congratulations, Agadagidi!
Congratulations, our beloved Royal Father!

Long Live His Majesty!
Long Live Umunede Kingdom!
Long Live Umunede Progressive Union!

Yours in service to Umunede,

For and on behalf of the National Executive Council of the Umunede Progressive Union (NEC-UPU)

Signed:

Dcns. Mrs. Getrude Ngozi Akawo
President General,
Umunede Progressive Union (UPU)

09/10/2026

UPU Abuja Branch Celebrates Umunede Monarch on Triple Anniversary Milestones

Ika Weekly Newspaper

The Abuja Branch of the Umunede Progressive Union (UPU) has congratulated the monarch of Umunede Kingdom, HRM Dr Ezeagwu Ezenwali 1 JP, on the attainment of three significant anniversary milestones, describing the occasion as a moment of celebration, gratitude and reflection on his reign and contributions to the kingdom.
In a congratulatory message issued by the branch and signed by its President, Surv Chief Nsiagwai Clement Onyeka, the union commended the traditional ruler for his dedication to the growth, unity and cultural advancement of Umunede Kingdom.
The Abuja branch noted that the three milestones represent significant landmarks in the history of the monarch and the kingdom, providing an opportunity for the people of Umunede to celebrate his achievements and reflect on the progress recorded under his leadership.
According to the union, the milestones also underscore the enduring importance of traditional institutions in preserving the cultural heritage, values and identity of the Umunede people, particularly at a time when communities are seeking to strengthen unity, promote peace and accelerate development.
The branch further acknowledged the monarch’s role in providing purposeful traditional leadership and fostering peace, harmony and cohesion among his subjects.
It expressed confidence that the celebrations would further strengthen the bond between the traditional institution and the people of Umunede, both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.
The UPU Abuja Branch said the occasion offers sons and daughters of Umunede an opportunity to honour their monarch while renewing their collective commitment to the progress, unity and development of the kingdom.
The union extended its warm congratulations and best wishes to the monarch, his family, the chiefs and the entire people of Umunede, praying for continued wisdom, good health, peace and success as he carries out his responsibilities as the traditional ruler of the kingdom.
It also called on Umunede indigenes in Abuja, other parts of the country and the diaspora to remain united and actively support initiatives that promote the cultural, social and economic advancement of their community.
In its message to the monarch, the Abuja branch stated: “On this auspicious occasion, we honour your steadfast dedication, profound wisdom and the enduring legacy of your reign. Your grace and leadership continue to inspire and uplift the entire Umunede Kingdom and beyond. May you be blessed with continued good health, joy and many more years of distinguished royal service.”
The UPU Abuja Branch concluded by expressing optimism that the three anniversary milestones—birthday, coronation and marriage anniversaries—would herald even greater accomplishments for the monarch and usher in a new chapter of progress, unity and prosperity for the entire Umunede Kingdom.
By Amos Chukwuekwu