News From Nigeria
The Okpe Union on Friday advocated a better structure for Nigerian federalism which will reflect devolution of legislative and governmental powers in favour of the component units.
It also called for the establishment of state police to stem the security menace in most areas of the country’’
President General of Okpe Union, Prof Igho Natufe, in a State of the Union Address said the Union was in close collaboration with other indigenous ethnic nationalities and national organizations, including the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) in crafting a new path for the restoration of federalism and good governance in Nigeria.
‘’Okpe is one of the more than 400 indigenous ethnic nationalities that constitute the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These indigenous ethnic nationalities, including Okpe, are the core federating units of Nigeria. Thus, like other indigenous ethnic nationalities, Okpe has a voice in determining the future of Nigeria’’
The Union called for the creation of homogeneous federating states for the 15 most populous ethnic nationalities that have contiguous boundaries, respectively.
‘’These federating units will be 15 homogeneous ethnic-based states for the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Okpe, Tiv, etc.
It also called for the creation of a maximum of 15 heterogeneous (multi-ethnic) federating states for the other ethnic nationalities.
‘’An ethnic nationality occupying a defined contiguous boundary in a heterogeneous state shall constitute an autonomous region with due constitutional jurisdictions. It shall also have concurrent jurisdiction with the heterogeneous state over natural resources discovered in its territory; but shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction over primary and secondary education, culture, language, and traditional institutions, etc’’.
The Union further urged the Federal Government not to politicize the outcomes of the proposed National Population census
‘’Okpe Union calls for the proposed National Population Census to be conducted by employing best technology to avoid a repeat of the past where the outcomes were so politicized that many of the exercises did not command the confidence of many parts of the country and Nigerians as to their credibility’’.
The Okpe Union at the weekend called on politicians and persons who have been given the opportunity to occupy various political leadership positions all over the country to remember that their primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of the citizens and stability of the Nigerian polity.
The Union also urged elected government officials to face their roles squarely rather than being distracted or fixated on the next round of elections.
The position of the Okpe Union on the state of the Nigerian Nation was presented to the press by the President General of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe.
‘’There is no basis for the electorate to consider re-electing incumbents who do not deliver on the promises they have made to their constituents which constitute a social contract. It is with good governance which in turn translates to the improved well-being of the people that increases the confidence the people would have in the democratic process which we must acknowledge, has not been very high amongst the people of Nigeria in recent times.
The Union advised the National Assembly not to wait until close to the next General Elections before embarking on whatever electoral reforms for the polity.
‘’ In time past, whenever the tinkering of the Electoral Act is delayed and brought too close to another round of General Elections, political interests have created tensions which influence the review and amendment processes that the outcomes usually do not reflect the desire of the electorate for a template that ensures credibility of the Electoral Process’’
The Union further counseled the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work in synergy to ensure a timeous review of our Electoral Laws and regulations to ensure that the votes of Nigerians in all parts of the country truly count.
Founding Fathers of the Okpe Union were at the weekend praised for contributing immensely to the development of Nigeria and donating several years of their youth to the service of the Okpe Nation.
‘’Exactly 95 years ago , a group of young Okpe nationals, mostly cooks and stewards here in Lagos, had the consciousness to found the Okpe Union as the mouthpiece of the Okpe ethnic nationality’’
The Okpe Union at its 95th Anniversary applauded Thomas Ake, M. A. Ero, Chief Edeghhe and J. K. Ogodo for inspiring Okpe people and creating a paradigm shift in ethnic engagement in Nigeria.
‘’We are gathered here today, at the same spot and on the same day of the Founding of Okpe Union. The young Okpe nationals who bequeathed us Okpe Union had the vision to establish a vehicle for the articulation, promotion and defense of Okpe national interests in a multi-ethnic Nigerian mosaic. We are proud to be the beneficiaries of the trust placed on our shoulders to be the mouth piece of the Okpe Nation’’
In a statement issued by the Okpe Union President General (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe, the Union lauded the leadership qualities of Uweriavwe Ake, J. U. Igberiewe of Okuokpokpor, E. Uwerhievwe and J. E. Ewhiewhie
Particularly, the statement praised the Okpe Union Founding Fathers for the restoration of the Okpe monarchy.
‘’Following the assassination of HRM Esezi l in 1779 (reign: 1770-1779), Okpe Nation experienced an interregnum for 166 years before a new monarch was crowned on January 1, 1945, thanks to the Okpe Union. It is instructive to note that, there were then several Okpe leaders who voiced serious trepidation about the restoration of the Okpe monarchy, fearing that it could lead to another dictatorship like the reign of Esezi l. It was only after this trepidation was addressed in 1942 that the leaders of Okpe Union continued with their advocacy for the restoration of the Okpe monarchy.
The Union listed His Royal Majesty, Esezi ll, (1945-1966), His Royal Majesty Orhorho l, (1972-2004) and His Royal Majesty, Orhue l (since 2006) as the three occupants of the throne.
‘’While the reigns of HRM Esezi ll and HRM Orhorho l ushered in a period of democratic development, peace and harmony in their relationships with Okpe Union, the reign of HRM Orhue l has been drifting systematically towards the dictatorship like that of HRM Esezi l’’.
The Orodje of Okpe, Orhue 1, on Friday drew flak from Okpe Union leaders who described his Urhobo agenda as a betrayal of the Okpe Nation.
‘’There are two contending trends in contemporary Okpe polity. Okpe Union represents the first trend that agitates for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality and not a sub-group of any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria. The second trend, currently championed by HRM Orhue l (after he opted to abandon his earlier position), regards Okpe as Urhobo.
The President General, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe commented on the contending trends in Okpe polity during the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union.
‘’This is a reflection of the current position of HRM Orhue l, which, for selfish reasons reverted to the British colonial policy that classified “Okpe as Urhobo”, in order to secure the support of the Urhobos in his aspiration to be the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council’’.
The Union took a swipe at Orhue 1, accusing him of working against the campaign of Okpe as a distinct ethnic group.
‘’While we are here today in Okpe House, Obalende, Lagos, the officially recognized Registered Office and headquarters of the Okpe Union, celebrating the 95th Anniversary Celebrations of the Okpe Union, a pack of renegades are said to be in Udogun Hall, the Palace of Okpe Kingdom, claiming to be celebrating the 95th Anniversary of the Okpe Union, but are in reality, according to their own posters, celebrating Okpe as “the largest Urhobo Ethnic Nationality”.
The Union recollected an encounter of the Arc. Ralph Karieren-led National Executive Council of the Okpe Union in 2010 with His Royal Majesty where Orhue 1 wanted the Union to retract a statement published by the Okpe Union that Okpe was a distinct Ethnic Nationality.
‘’The union then had published that position so as to prepare the ground for a demand for the Delta State Government to recognize Okpe as a distinct Ethnic Nationality under the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). But that dream was truncated as HRM Orhue I got the then Unu Okpe to sign a counter publication in the Vanguard Newspapers to the effect that Okpe was Urhobo. To put it bluntly, this position is a betrayal of Okpe Identity and a betrayal of the Okpe Nation’’.
The Okpe Union vowed to continue its advocacy of Okpe Identity, irrespective of the internal and external hostile forces.
‘’We count on the resilience and steadfastness of our members across the several branches in Nigeria and in the Diaspora as well as various Okpe groups which identify with the struggle for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct Ethnic Nationality and language. The panic that enveloped the Palace in the past couple of days regarding the listing of our Keynote Speaker demonstrates the hollowness of the renegades’’.
Renowned education consultant, Dr Evans Igho Akpo, Friday emphasized the critical role of transformational leadership in bringing about institutional and social change in Nigeria.
He also called for the rediscovery of the collaborative spirit that once made Okpe kingdom a model in regional governance.
‘’There is an urge for a strategic repositioning of leadership values, practices, and unity among the Okpe people’’
Akpo spoke in Lagos while delivering a paper entitled ‘’Transformative leadership for Okpe Nation: Shaping a future-ready community.
He identified the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Okpe Nation today.
‘’The Okpe Nation today faces a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities across various fronts, all of which underscore the urgent need for transformative leadership to chart a prosperous and sustainable future.
Akpo, an Associate Dean, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas, spoke at the 95th founders’ day celebration of the Okpe Union.
‘’Although Rwanda’s tragedy is of a different magnitude, there are unsettling parallels within the Okpe Kingdom. Beneath the surface lie silent struggles and a gradual erosion of cultural values: unity, honor, and communal strength that once defined the people. These issues often go unnoticed, unspoken, and unresolved. There is an urgent need to confront these realities through open and honest dialogue, to address the cracks in the community’s foundation and work toward healing and renewal’’.
The Okpe Union North America General Secretary emphasized arbitrary boundaries, imposed structures and how they influence the way we identify, divide, and engage with each other.
With poverty, inequality, uneven access to basic necessities, environmental degradation and unemployment especially among the youth as major challenges in Okpe Nation and the Niger Delta, Akpo said the situation required increased budgetary allocations for education, investing in modern resources, fostering public-private partnerships and diaspora engagement.
‘Education in Okpe Nation faces issues like inadequate funding and infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and outdated curricula. Engaging youth is challenging due to limited opportunities and disconnect from cultural heritage. Infrastructure deficiencies in roads, power, water, sanitation, and communication hinder development. Globalization threatens Okpe language and traditions, requiring efforts to preserve cultural identity.
He called for decisive action against inadequate educational infrastructure, lack of learning resources and scarcity of tertiary institutions in Okpe Kingdom.
The world class scholar advised political leaders in Delta State to champion curriculum reform to integrate vocational skills, critical thinking, digital literacy, and the preservation of Okpe language and culture
‘’The Okpe people’s strong cultural identity and traditions can foster unity, pride, and economic opportunities like cultural tourism. Initiatives such as the “No Okpe Girl Left Behind” mission and the Ehensiri Foundation’s work in promoting the Okpe language showcase the potential of human capital, which can be further enhanced by engaging the diaspora. Natural resources in the region offer economic development possibilities, if managed sustainably for the benefit of the Okpe people. Global connectivity and technology can improve education, communication, and business opportunities while preserving culture online’’.
Particularly, Akpo advised Okpe indigenes in Nigeria and abroad to learn to forgive those who openly opposed them.
‘’As Okpe people, we must remember the wisdom of our fathers: whether Orhue, Orhorho, Evreke, and Esezi. Our houses may differ in names, faces, and challenges, but like every loving father with many children, unity and tactful affection are keys to keeping the family together. As we reflect on our journey, let us learn to forgive, not just those who openly opposed us, but even those who, in silence or distance, subtly undermined the cause we believe in so deeply. Forgiveness is our highest position, and it is the true strength of leadership’’.
The former Dean of Graduate, Professional and Online Programs at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon noted that language was a critical component of ethnic identity.
‘’The Okpe Union provides a platform for collaboration and resource sharing. Increased global awareness of indigenous rights offers opportunities for partnerships in cultural preservation. Language is a critical component of ethnic identity’’
He also made fresh case for transformational leadership in Nigeria and positioning of monarchs as catalysts for cultural revitalization, ethical governance, youth empowerment, and socioeconomic development.
‘’In a rapidly evolving world—driven by technological innovation and artificial intelligence— leaders are increasingly expected to respond with agility and efficiency. The pace of change demands adaptive leadership that embraces innovation, leverages digital tools, and fosters resilience in navigating complex challenges’’.
The education consultant to institutions and organizations said the myriad of problems bedeviling the kingdom are consequences of failure to practice transformational leadership.
‘’The question here applies to transformational leadership: How can we achieve systemic change in Okpe without undermining heritage? Can traditional legitimacy be blended with forward-thinking governance? What models of leadership best serve the evolving needs of the people? These reflections aim to spark deeper dialogue—not merely about leadership titles or ceremonial functions—but about impact, legacy, and the future being shaped.
He urged leaders to adopt a future-ready stance.
‘’A compelling vision for the future of the Okpe Nation must be aspirational and grounded in its core values and traditions. This vision, to be effective, should be transformational in nature’’.
The US don stressed the need for ethical role models.
‘’Inspirational motivation is evident when leaders communicate a shared vision that inspires commitment and unity among followers. This form of leadership is vital in promoting team spirit and a collective sense of purpose. In the Okpe context, a leader might ask, “Can we be one and find better ways to resolve our differences? Let us focus on what makes us stronger and brings out the best in us.” Such language rallies followers around a common identity and long-term goals
Akpo noted that the success of the regeneration of the kingdom would depend to a great extent on how effectively followers challenge assumptions and consider new perspectives.
‘’Transformational leaders stimulate creativity and innovation by encouraging followers to challenge assumptions and consider new perspectives. In the Okpe Nation, intellectual stimulation might involve posing critical questions such as: Who are we as a people? What role do we play in national development? This kind of leadership promotes problem-solving and innovative thinking, encouraging Okpe people to find unique, culturally rooted solutions to social and communal challenges.
He called for a shift in mindset and the development of individuals through mentorship.
‘’One of the foundational elements of transformative action in the Okpe context is the mindset of the average Okpe man and woman. Before external changes can be realized, there must first be a transformation in thinking. Unity must not only be embraced internally but also expressed deliberately and consistently. The belief that “Okpe is one” must be a shared conviction, intentionally nurtured and communicated across all spheres of the community.
According to him, Okpe can chart a path towards sustainable progress only through mindset rooted in cultural identity, mutual respect, and shared vision.
‘’It is essential to recognize the inherent value and goodness within the Okpe people. In a world often dominated by narratives of division and negativity, it is easy to overlook the many quiet acts of empathy, resilience, and community spirit that define the collective character. Recognizing and nurturing this goodness is not a form of naive optimism; rather, it is a pragmatic step toward cultivating understanding, collaboration, and a more cohesive society. By focusing on the positive threads within shared experiences, the best in each individual and the community at large can be empowered, thus lighting the way toward a more harmonious and thriving Okpe nation’’.
He advised government to engage the youth as future leaders.
In addition, Akpo called for the integration of diaspora talents into national development plans.
‘’The Okpe Nation requires the collective effort and commitment of its entire people, guided by transformative leadership principles. One key tenet of transformational leadership is a call to action in our culture, a call to ethics and morals.
Dr Akpo earned his doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership from Houston Christian University in Texas. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Webster University in St Louis, Missouri.
. You remain the best in all you do for Nigeria – NUJ to company
. Kaita: This is testimony to the innovative impact we’ve made
Frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC weekend clinched the prestigious Construction Company of the Year Award amidst pomp as journalists celebrate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
According to the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya who presented the Award plaque to Julius Berger at the well attended event, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC deserves the Award having being at the frontline of several landmark projects across the country.
We have observed during the year under review that the company has remained the best in all the construction works they have undertaken and the ones that are currently Work-In-Progress. Name it, from Eko Bridge, Lagos built in 1965, through the Second Niger Bridge to the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road, Julius Berger is excelling. We must state that you are deserving of this Award and more, the NUJ President declared amidst applause.
Speaking after receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Director, Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita thanked the NUJ for the Award saying that it is a most unique gesture coming same day with the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.
This honour, especially coming in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, carries a deep and symbolic significance for us, the Director said.
Noting that the Day was set aside to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom worldwide, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, Kaita added that, the United Nations underscored the Day to highlight the importance of a free press.
Thus, as a company, we are elated to be so honoured with this Award on this Day when the world is acknowledging the contributions of members of the fourth estate to worldwide development, he further said, adding, this recognition is not only a testament to the innovative impact we have made in the construction industry, but also a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainable development in Nigeria. At Julius Berger, we believe that innovation is not merely an option—it is a responsibility we owe to the future of infrastructure and to the communities we serve.
He said that at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, innovation is at the heart of everything. From pioneering cold recycling technology for more sustainable road construction, to deploying advanced digital tools in project management and engineering design, to setting benchmarks with ISO 9001 quality assurance standards and ISO 45001 occupational safety practices, Kaita declared that the company has consistently raised the bar in Nigeria’s construction landscape.
He therefore concluded that, through these innovations, Julius Berger is not only building infrastructure, we are building trust, empowering local talent, and driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.
Other winners at the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 organised by the NUJ included the Governors of Kaduna, and Kebbi States as well as the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Nigeria National Petroleuim Company Ltd; Dirtector General National Senior Citizens Centre and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.
Delegates from the seven continents of the world have started arriving in Lagos for the 95th anniversary of the Okpe Union.
‘’The National leadership of the Okpe Union calls on all Okpe Nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation to roll out their drums on the 16th of May, 2025 to celebrate the 95th Founders Day Anniversary of the Okpe Union’’ a statement by the General Secretary, Okpe Union (Worldwide), Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin said Thursday.
Okpe Union is designed to project the concept of Okpe personality, forge closer link of friendship, brotherhood, collaboration and unity among Okpe people.
According to the statement, the Okpe House, Lagos will be the centre of the celebrations.
‘’All branches of the Okpe Union the world over are expected to do their bit in celebrating the day’’ the statement said.
The statement entitled call for unity and support by all well-meaning Okpe nationals and friends of the Okpe Nation as Okpe Union clocks 95 announced the date of elections into all the offices of the Okpe Union National Executive Council.
‘’The union holds elections into all the offices of the National Executive Council on the 15th of May, 2025 at its registered office and birthplace, 65, Moshalashi Street, Obalende’’
The statement issued in Lagos emphasized nationalistic feeling among the people, continuous prayers and support.
‘’The national leadership of the Okpe Union headed by Prof. Igho Natufe again calls for the sustenance of the solidarity of all Okpe nationals and members of various branches of the Okpe Union’’.
The statement enjoined all who cannot physically be present at the Okpe House, Lagos, to employ modern communication technologies to follow the national elections and Founders’ Day activities on the 15th and 16th of May, 2025, respectively, virtually.
‘’Let us take pride in celebrating the establishment of the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria.
The Okpe Union Founders Day, a re-awakening of the Okpe spirit, promotes Okpe culture and the relevance of Okpe language to children. It ensures better quality of life for our people and bring the development challenges of the Okpe Nation to the attention of the global community.
‘’Okpe Union Day exists to raise awareness and celebrate what makes Okpe culture unique. Since its inception in 1930, Okpe Union Day has been celebrated through major activities. At 95, this milestone offers us the unique opportunity to acknowledge the tireless effort of our founders while celebrating the achievements of the union’’.
The Okpe Union Day brings together around 1,000 notable leaders and intelligentsia from across the world to discuss political, social and cultural problems and recommend practical steps for implementing development strategies in Nigeria, particularly Delta State.
‘‘A number of high-profile political leaders, including local, state and federal officials will be treated to some of the finest Okpe dance steps and delicious meals in Lagos’’ the statement added.
Kogi youths on Thursday applauded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for the quality of her thought and purification of the country’s politics.
They also denounced the massive lies, hypocrisy and masquerading of the Immediate Past Chairman of Nigeria-America Public Affairs Committee, Mr. Ike Chidolue
‘’This is not competent public relations. Ike Chidolue is just supercilious’’
The youths in a statement in Okene urged the US President, Donald Trump and the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott to be wary of people working against the interest of democracy and good governance in Nigeria
The youths also asked South-East people in America to keep their distance from Prof Mgbeke and Chidolue.
They described Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a good woman and an upright and virtuous patriot.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a great potential and a bright future. We feel strongly about that’’
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement (KCYM), Alhaji Mustapha Jato criticized the Senate leadership for resisting the voice of honour and reason.
The youths denounced Chidolue and Dr Sandra Duru for dishing out nonsense, spreading dubious claims and distorting the basic issue and situation.
The statement emphasized ferocious spirit of despotism, public posturing in pompous dress and ways of restoring patriotism and morality in the senate.
‘’These are trying times for true democrats to fight these repressive tendencies’’
The youths called Duru and Chidolue debased slaves and dump robots.
‘’The Igbo Nation is very strict with precise ideas about manners and beliefs proper to men and women”
They mocked Duru and Chidolue for bringing America and the South-East geo-political zone into disrepute and ridicule.
The youths further denounced the Senate leadership for the overwhelming demonstration of wickedness.
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
‘’It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women’’
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
‘’The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
‘’Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.