Ika Weekly Newspaper

07/08/2026

Mercy Ojemeyi Celebrates Chief John Akugbe on His Birthday

As Chief John Akugbe, the Oza Furu Agbor of Agbor Kingdom, marks his birthday on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Mrs Mercy Chiamaka Ojemeyi has described the occasion as a moment to celebrate a man whose life reflects wisdom, dignity, integrity, and uncommon generosity.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of herself and her household, Mrs Ojemeyi praised the respected Agbor chief for his outstanding leadership qualities and the positive impact he has made on many lives through his kindness and benevolence.

She noted that Chief Akugbe has consistently distinguished himself through humility, honour, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others, adding that his conduct has earned him widespread admiration across the community.

Mrs Ojemeyi prayed that God would bless him with sound health, long life, peace, prosperity, and abundant grace in the years ahead.

She further wished that his new age would usher in greater joy, divine favour, and the fulfilment of all his aspirations.

According to her, the celebrant deserves every honour and recognition because genuine kindness is rare, and his birthday offers another opportunity for family, friends, and well-wishers to appreciate and celebrate the remarkable person he has become.

07/08/2026

05/08/2026

The Leadership of Agbor Gha-Ihun Is Not Maduma’s Birthright — Group Declares

Ika Weekly Newspaper

The leadership of the Agbor Gha-Ihun Security Outfit, under the Agbor Youth Association, has strongly condemned what it described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation allegedly sponsored through paid posts on TikTok and Facebook by Nwachukwu, Apostle of Men, and Mr. Gabriel Okoh to discredit the activities and achievements of the security outfit.

Speaking with newsmen, the security group's grand patron and the pioneer commander, Comrade Monday Alika, said it was deeply concerned over what it called "malicious and misleading publications" aimed at tarnishing the image of the security outfit and creating unnecessary tension within the Agbor community.

According to him, "I founded Agbor Gha-Ihun 23 years ago with the effort to establish a collective community security initiative for the protection of lives and property, and not as the personal entitlement or birthright of any individual or family, including the immediate past commander, Comrade Monday Kiyem, also known as Maduma, whom we believe sponsored the online media as part of his failed effort to return to office.

"The outfit has continued to work in collaboration with relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to curb crime, combat cultism, and the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, and ensure peace across Agbor Kingdom."

Comrade Alika alleged that the recent social media attacks were designed to undermine the confidence of the public in the outfit. "We will accept constructive criticism to beef up security and not for personal gains. Enough of such media posts; we will not take it lightly any further.

"In all, we will not be distracted by sponsored propaganda. The leadership of Agbor Gha-Ihun is not based on inheritance or personal claims.

"The man Maduma is the longest-serving commander of the security outfit for ten years and six months. Right from me, who founded the security outfit, we all made our track records in giving Agbor Gha-Ihun a good name before the public. Leadership is turn by turn. But in Maduma's turn, he sees it as his birthright or rather a monarchy system of leadership not to hand over. This has brought division and crisis, and our great monarch, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, the Dein of Agbor, took a stand by appointing a youth among his chiefs, in the person of Chief Sunday Solomon Ibude, to take over leadership.

"The same Maduma, rather than embracing the new leadership, betrayed it by recruiting non-indigenes for his security outfit called Eluri-Ihun. On our part, Agbor Gha-Ihun has not contested what Maduma is doing, but sponsoring a social media campaign to speak ill of Agbor Gha-Ihun, which is untrue, is what we will not take from him, nor from the individuals he is using.

"Without mincing words, Ibude has done well in his discharge of duties. On his assumption of office, the mandate given to him by the Dein to go against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and cultism, considering the health hazard to the youths, has earned him the enmity of many who see it as their source of income without having the conscience of how it has affected the youths badly.

"The new leadership of Agbor Gha-Ihun is doing very well. My advice to Maduma is to stop dreaming of returning as Chairman of Agbor Gha-Ihun, which is impossible. It is either he returns with an apology and humbles himself to serve as patron, being a past leader, or he better turns his face away from Agbor Gha-Ihun because no effort of intervention will bring him back. I will also advise him to venture into other businesses if security work is no longer paying him as he expected," he stressed.

He further urged members of the public to disregard what they described as false narratives circulating on social media and advised those behind the publications to channel their grievances through lawful and constructive means rather than engaging in character assassination.

On his part, the current Chief Security Officer of Agbor Gha-Ihun, who doubles as Mebuzorsome Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Chief Sunday Solomon Ibude, declared that he would not shy away from constructive criticism that would make the Agbor Gha-Ihun security outfit stronger. According to him, "Only the blind would say I am not doing well, nor would those affected by our good work try to stop us through backdoor ills campaigns. And this is the plan of Maduma and his gang to stop me.

"I want to thank our revered royal father, the Dein, on whose mandate I have become the leader of Agbor Gha-Ihun. The initiative of the Dein to begin work with the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and cultism remains a laudable one owing to the alarming, dangerous effects on the youths. Many dreams and aspirations of the youths have been cut short by alarming illicit drug intake. Also, it is a basis for all crime after consumption. The desire of our Dein for Agbor Kingdom to get rid of the sale and intake of illicit drugs is to save the youths and the future of Agbor, which lies in the hands of the youths.

"It may interest you to know that on my resumption of office to rescue Agbor Gha-Ihun, faced with a leadership problem, I met only one partially functional vehicle as the rest had broken down. Despite the shortcomings, we began operations patrolling all the nooks and crannies of Agbor Kingdom.

"We fought, and we are still fighting against the sale and use of illicit drugs. Many have been brought to book and, without compromise, handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to face the wrath of the law if found guilty.

"This effort has compelled drug barons (sellers) to leave Agbor Kingdom. It has also made me an enemy of the illicit drug dealers who felt that I am taking their source of income without considering the drastic effect it has on our youths, both boys and girls, who are their customers. Maduma and these drug barons are the enemies of Agbor Kingdom for fighting the good works we are doing. Illicit drug intake controls the level of criminality. Anyone with a clear eye of conscience has fear of indulging in evil things.

"My courage comes from the several calls of appreciation from Agbor people both home and abroad over the fight against illicit drugs in Agbor Kingdom as my primary assignment. I have equally intensified efforts by opening more units of the Agbor Gha-Ihun Vigilante in Alisimie, Ekuku-Agbor, Obi Agbor, Agbor Alidinma, and Ihu-Iyase, comprising nine communities for more hands to be engaged in the security work.

"In all, we are not relenting in our efforts to assist the police and other security agencies in the fight against crime in Agbor. To be candid, the rate of crime in Agbor is reducing to the barest minimum.

"My call to Agbor people is to join hands with us in the clarion call of our Dein to end the sale and use of illicit drugs in Agbor Kingdom. This is a passionate appeal for other Ika monarchs to borrow a leaf from the wonderful initiative of the Dein to get the Ika nation rid of illicit drugs for zero crime.

"Help us with information. For this, those who can help us with finance to restore our broken-down vehicle and purchase a new one should do so. Agbor Kingdom is at peace. Just like the police, army, and other security operatives, we cannot be everywhere at one time to prevent a crime, but with early information, we can apprehend the hoodlums before they succeed in carrying out a crime."

By Patrick Gbuchanye

05/08/2026

UPU Leadership, Olotus Chart Course for Unity and Sustainable Development in Umunede Kingdom
Ika Weekly Newspaper
As part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts, the President General of the Umunede Progressive Union (UPU), Mrs. Gertrude Akawo, alongside members of the Executive Council, during the week held a strategic consultative meeting with the Olotus(Warlords) of Obi, Oba, and Ile-Nobu Quarters to deliberate on key issues affecting Umunede Kingdom.
The meeting focused on identifying practical and sustainable strategies to accelerate the growth and development of the kingdom.
Deliberations underscored the need to strengthen unity, sustain peace, deepen collaboration, and promote initiatives that will advance the collective progress and prosperity of Umunede Kingdom.
The engagement reaffirmed the UPU leadership’s unwavering commitment to working closely with traditional institutions and community stakeholders to build consensus and drive sustainable development across Umunede Kingdom.
Speaking during the meeting, the UPU President-General, Mrs. Gertrude Akawo, emphasized the important role of the Olotus (Warlords) in supporting the traditional institution and safeguarding the customs and cultural heritage of Umunede.
She noted that the responsibility of the Olotus extends beyond preserving the kingdom’s rich traditions to contributing ideas and initiatives that will foster meaningful growth and development.
According to her, every son and daughter of Umunede has a collective responsibility to support initiatives that promote peace, unity, and lasting progress in their homeland.
Responding in their separate remarks, the Olotus commended the UPU Executive Council for its inclusive leadership and commitment to the advancement of Umunede Kingdom.
They pledged their continued support in promoting unity, peace, and love within the community, stressing that collective effort and shared responsibility are essential to achieving greater development and elevating the status of Umunede.

By Amos Chukwuekwu

05/08/2026

RE-CONSTRUCT AGBOR-AMUKPE ROAD IF ABAVO PEOPLE WILL VOTE IN 2027, Baba Fire Faces Nigerian Government

Ika Weekly Newspaper

A popular Prophet of God and President, Wind of Change Deliverance Ministry, Aka Liberation City, Agbor, Delta State, Apst. Dr. Okenye Chuks Elisha, Aka Baba Fire, has advised the Nigerian Government to reconstruct Agbor-Amukpe Road in Above, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State if they are expecting votes from the people come 2027.
Baba Fire made this call while sharing the experience he had on the Agbor-Amukpe Road during his visit to Abavo Community, his hometown in Ika South.
Speaking further, he said, "Enough is Enough. I want use this opportunity to advise the Nigerian Government, particularly the Federal Government whose responsibility is to maintain the Federal roads, to as a matter of urgency, reconstruct our Agbor-Amukpe Road if they want the people of Abavo Community to cast their votes come 2027, because we are really suffering.
"Because of the deplorable state of this Agbor-Amukpe Road, our popular Oyoko Market is no more functioning like before due to the fact that those customers who used to visit the market from Warri, Calabar, Lagos and other parts of the country are no longer coming and they are afraid of being kidnapped on the road.
"I am calling on all people political leaders in Abavo Community to wake up from their slumbering. Abavo Community has no single road, they should stop deceiving us with their fake campaign promises and do the needful by helping to draw the attentions of the State and Federal Government to our Agbor-Amukpe Road.
"They should coming campaigning for any party's candidates until the governments give us good roads, in fact, they should not expect us to come out and vote during the general elections in 2027, until the roads are done, " he said.
Continuing, he advised the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor of Delta State, Elder Francis Sheriff Oborevwori to come to the aid of Abavo Community by making the Agbor-Amukpe Road a motorable one, saying without they will not record a single vote from the entire community in 2027.
He noted that the only thing that will make Abavo people happy to come out enmass to cast their votes come 2027 is to the Agbor-Amukpe Road and others in the community being constructed and reconstructed. He encouraged all eligible voters who have not gotten their Permanent Voter's Cards (PVC) to try and get it, as it is their weapon to vote out incredible leadership and elect the credible and progressive government.
Speaking on the other hand, the importance of education in any society, Baba Fire who doubles as the Founder, De Great Pillars Day Care, Creche, Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Nationwide advised pupils/students to be serious with their studies, as it is the only way they can achieve their set goals of becoming great in life.
He noted that his school, De Great Pillars which is located at Azihen by Abeye, Agbor Ika South Local Government Area of Delta, is currently admitting learners for new Academic Session into Babies and Toddlers, Pre-Nursery, KG 1-3, and Basic 1-6 Secondary respectively.
He concluded by encouraging parents who desire better life and learning environment for their children to register their children with De Great Pillars.
By Sunday Memeh

05/08/2026

Ihuyase Chiefs Back Ogor Tony-Obuh’s Political Ambition

Agboje Chuks

The political momentum of Mrs. Ogor Tony-Obuh, the candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Ika South House of Assembly, yesterday received a major boost as the chiefs of the Ihuyase community officially rallied behind her candidacy.

During a consultative visit, Mrs. Tony-Obuh formally declared her ambition to the traditional leaders, emphasizing the importance of their guidance and prayers to her campaign.

Warmly receiving the candidate, the Iyase of Agbor Kingdom together with the chiefs offered prayers and pledged their steadfast support.

They emphasized that, they were ready to support her political ambition, stating that they supported her late husband during the Governorship election in 2015, and would do same in 2027

Thanking the chiefs for their blessing and hospitality, the Okibali of Oki expressed confidence that with the community’s backing, victory is guaranteed.

05/08/2026

IKA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION USA BIENNIAL CONVENTION
‎HELD IN DALLAS TEXAS ON SATURDAY AUGUST 1ST, 2026.


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05/08/2026

UNIDEL VC Challenges Graduates to Think Beyond Certificates

Ika Weekly Newspaper

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, has urged graduates to move beyond academic certificates and equip themselves with the digital, entrepreneurial, and social skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive global economy.

Prof. Eboh made the call on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when the Acting Director of the University’s Career Development and Counseling Centre (CDCC), Dr. Olufunke Chenube, alongside career development experts Mr. Peter Adeyemi and Ms. Dorothy Lameed, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Vice-Chancellor maintained that universities should focus on producing transformational leaders with practical abilities, innovative thinking, and strong social relevance rather than merely awarding certificates.

"Our universities should build human beings, not merely certificate holders,” he said.

The visit was attended by the Registrar, Dr. Esther Akpojuvie, and the Secretary of the CDCC, Mr. Rufus Omafuagbaru.
Later the same day, the Career Development and Counseling Centre organized a career workshop titled “Unboxing the Future: From Campus to Career and Venture – A Day with Jobred & Cubbes” at the University’s 1,000-Capacity Hall, drawing a large number of newly graduated students.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor at the event, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Florence Omumu, stressed that academic qualifications alone can no longer guarantee success in the modern workplace.

“A degree alone is no longer enough,” she stated while declaring the workshop open.

In her welcome address, Dr. Chenube described the workshop as a practical expression of the Vice-Chancellor’s RAISE strategy, which places emphasis on career readiness and graduate employability.

She encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunities provided, noting that the future is shaped by intentional preparation rather than chance.

Speaking on “From CV to Career: How to Position Yourself for Top Opportunities,” Jobred Consultant Group Co-founder, Ms. Dorothy Lameed, advised graduates to develop strong personal brands, improve their digital communication skills, and make strategic use of social media to access global career opportunities.

In another presentation titled “From Problems to Possibilities: Building Ventures that Solve Real Problems,” the Chief Executive Officer of Cubbes Digital Platform, Mr. Peter Adeyemi, challenged graduates to embrace artificial intelligence, continuous learning, and innovation as essential tools for future success.

The workshop featured practical training sessions and interactive discussions on career development, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and emerging opportunities in the global economy.

Among those present were the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okoh; the Head of the Department of Educational Foundations, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Asabor; members of the Career Development and Counseling Centre; other university staff; and many graduating students.

Patrick Gbuchanye

05/08/2026

ECONOMIC SUMMIT: Delta, First-Order Investment Destination - Shettima
..As Oborevwori Unveils $100m Fund To De-risk Investments In Delta

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Monday called on local and foreign investors to take advantage of Nigeria's improved economic outlook, declaring that Delta State is strategically positioned to emerge as one of the country's foremost investment destinations.

He said the Federal Government's economic reforms continue to restore investor confidence.

Speaking at the opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima said the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu's administration had strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved Nigeria's global credit profile and created the right environment for long-term investments.

He said: "Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity".

According to him, increased federal allocations arising from ongoing fiscal reforms have empowered state governments to pursue ambitious development programmes, while recent upgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody's reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria's economy.

"These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive," he added.

Shettima described Delta as a first-order investment destination, noting that beyond its oil wealth, the state's deliberate commitment to economic diversification was its greatest strength.

He identified Delta's strategic coastline, ports, natural gas reserves, refining assets, vast agricultural potential, blue economy opportunities and rich deposits of solid minerals as key assets capable of transforming the state into a major industrial and commercial hub.

Commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for convening the summit, Shettima said the Federal Government would continue working with sub-national governments to eliminate barriers to enterprise and support credible investments.

"We are co-travellers on the road from promise to production, from allocation to transformation, and from potential to prosperity," he said.

Earlier in his address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced that the state government had set aside US $100 million as Viability Gap Funding to de-risk strategic private sector investments, describing the initiative as a major step towards converting investment commitments into bankable projects.

He said the summit was conceived to move beyond discussions and deliver measurable investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

Oborevwori explained that the initiative followed investment promotion missions undertaken by the state to China and Brazil in 2025, aimed at attracting strategic global partnerships.

The governor said Delta, with an estimated economy valued at about ₦17 trillion, remained one of Nigeria's most attractive investment destinations because of its abundant natural resources, improving infrastructure, sound fiscal management and investor-friendly policies.

He disclosed that the state had introduced tax incentives, including waivers on tenement rates, levies and other charges for up to five years, while establishing an Ease of Doing Business Council to simplify investment processes.

According to him, over 12,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for commercial agriculture, while the state's 163-kilometre coastline road presents enormous opportunities in the blue economy.

Oborevwori also highlighted investment prospects in gas-fired power plants, renewable energy, solar farms and mini-grid infrastructure, assuring investors that Delta remained financially stable, secure and debt-free under his administration.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources had recognised Delta as Nigeria's Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in 2024.

In her keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged Delta State to leverage on global supply chain realignments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria's economic reforms to position itself as the country's next industrial growth hub.

Saying that she is "a Delta State optimist", she said the state's natural gas reserves, seaports, rail connectivity, fertile agricultural land, skilled workforce and fiscal discipline placed it in a strong position to compete with established commercial centres.

Okonjo-Iweala advised the state government to concentrate investments in strategic sectors, including the Delta Special Economic Zone, agro-processing, blue economy, oil and gas value addition, marine logistics and digital infrastructure, while investing in artificial intelligence and digital connectivity to prepare young people for the future.

Also speaking, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, said Nigeria's macroeconomic fundamentals had improved considerably, noting that the country had moved from capital flight in 2023 to a more stable and predictable exchange rate environment in 2026.

He advocated stronger economic collaboration between Delta and Anambra States and urged governments to make investment promotion a continuous process rather than an occasional event.

Renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, challenged African governments and investors to have greater confidence in the continent's economic potential, insisting that Africa possessed the resources, talent and entrepreneurial capacity to drive sustainable development.

He urged African investors to channel more investments into the continent, arguing that increased intra-African investment would accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign capital.

Minister of Finance, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, said the Tinubu administration's reforms, including subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation, had significantly increased revenues available to states and local governments for development.

He described Delta as a natural powerhouse of the blue economy and encouraged investors to see both the state and Nigeria as leading investment destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Chairman of Transcorp Power Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, pledged the company's readiness to partner with the Delta State Government to provide reliable electricity for industries and households across the state.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, disclosed that Delta possesses over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ukunzu and surrounding communities, while Chief Executive Officer UTM Gas Limited, Julius Rone, revealed that Delta State's ₦42 billion investment for an eight per cent equity stake in the company in 2022 is now valued at about ₦200 billion.

Rone also announced that UTM Gas would establish its corporate headquarters in Warri when its operations commence fully in 2030, further strengthening Delta's position as a major energy investment destination.

04/08/2026

Oborevwori Celebrates James Ibori At 68

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday, describing him as a dynamic leader whose contributions to the growth and development of the state remain significant.

In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor praised Ibori for his leadership during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007, saying he inspired many through his vision, resilience and commitment to public service.

Oborevwori described the former governor as a great motivator and an inspirational leader who laid important foundations for the development of Delta State, adding that his impact continues to be appreciated by many across the state and beyond.

The Governor said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dynamic and inspirational leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State on his 68th birth anniversary."

He prayed for God's continued blessings, good health and long life for the former governor as he celebrates his 68th birthday on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

"May your special day be filled with joy and pleasant memories. Congratulations," Oborevwori said.