Category: Events

BY IGBOTAKO  NOWINTA History was made in Oghara, on Friday October 17th, 2025, when Oghara Declaration became a reality, during the Commemoration of the 2025 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which was jointly hosted by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the Akora & Agnes Ugolor Foundation, and the Western Delta University. The epochal event which was held at the Western Delta University, Oghara, had the theme:”Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment by Ensuring Respect and Effective Support for Families”. In his welcome address, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, said the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, was a global event which comes up every October 17, and that It was a powerful reminder that poverty remains one of humanity’s greatest injustices, one that continues to deprive individuals and families of their rights, voice, and potential. Rev. David Ugolor stressed that despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources, millions of citizens, particularly in the Niger Delta region, continued to live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to basic education, quality healthcare, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods. The frontline environmental and human rights activist, posited that, to pursue sustainable poverty eradication, Nigerians must embrace the opportunities that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present for transforming communities. According to him:” When applied responsibly, AI can help local governments and development actors improve data collection, track social protection delivery, and predict community needs with greater accuracy. It can empower small holder farmers with real-time information on weather and markets, support financial inclusion through digital platforms, and enhance transparency by monitoring public spending. For communities like Oghara, integrating AI into social and economic planning can bridge information gaps, expand access to services, and amplify citizen voices in decision-making ensuring that technology becomes a tool for inclusion, not exclusion”. He added that “poverty is not merely the absence of income; it is the product of institutional neglect, social exclusion, and structural inequalities that deny people their dignity and basic rights. For families already burdened by economic hardship, these systemic failures often translate into intergenerational cycles of deprivation”. The participants, which were drawn from diversity of stakeholders: government agencies and academia, to civil society organizations, community leaders, youth and women leaders, and the media, engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions, keynote presentations, and a documentary screening, all designed to deepen understanding of poverty’s many dimensions and identify practical solutions tailored to local context, and came out with the adoption of the “Oghara Declaration on Action Against Poverty,” a document that captured not only the commitments, strategies, and community-driven actions, but will serve as a roadmap for policy engagement in Delta State, and inspire similar initiatives across Nigeria and Africa. ANEEJ’s work over the years has centered on advancing economic justice, social inclusion, and accountable governance. Through initiatives in asset recovery, social protection, anti-corruption, and environmental justice, ANEEJ has consistently championed the rights of poor and marginalized populations. The organization’s commitment aligns strongly with this year’s theme, ensuring that systems and institutions serve the people they were created for, and that families receive the support they need to thrive.

  A prominent Nigerian social critic, serial author, and international conflict resolution expert, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, has congratulated a United States based couple: Mr Mitarho Akpoyoware and his beautiful wife – Mrs Laura Akpoyoware, on the occasion of their birthday, which comes up on Wednesday September 16th, 2025. Comrade Nowinta, who is also Executive Director, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC), disclosed  this in congratulatory message, when he spoke to PEOPLE’S STANDARD. He said Mr and Mrs Akpoyoware have shown that “Super marriage or relationship is a reflection of the care and energy, that couple invest in; a testament that two imperfect souls can craft a successful marital story that is beautiful and infectious” Mr and Mrs Akooyoware shares the same birthday; they came to this world on September 16th. According to Nowinta, ” As l savour the soul – affirming wonder of everyday life, being provided mercifully by the Supreme Being (God Almighty), l hereby use this medium to congratulate Mr Mitarho Akpoyoware and Mrs Laura Akpoyoware – who came to this world on September 16th” “The Akpoyowares are like stones in the same river, their ripples meet, and reminds me that we are a family connected sacredly, most especially as bross Mitty is my blood – senior – brother”. “Mr and Mrs Akpoyoware have shown clearly that super marriage or relationship is a reflection of care and energy, that couple invest in; a testament that two imperfect souls can craft a successful marital story that is beautiful and infectious” “In the Akpoyowares, l have seen some connection between clever minds and the human hearts, fantastic responsibility, love and compassion. Firstly, Mama Laura Akpoyoware has proved that a woman with an extraordinary deeper inner strength, sacrifices for the good of her home, while bros Mitty is a classic example of a disciplined forward – thinking man; a steady performer in the wilderness of matrimony”. For me and my family, the Akpoyowares are like soft sunlight slipping through the curtains. This couple remains an inspiration to me; knowing convincingly that, the best of humanity shines brightest when we chose to feel and care for others. On this occasion of your birthday anniversary, even as time bends every fire into embers, may your secret prayers transform into triumphant stories soonest; and may the universe blesses you two with more generational blessings, divine security in the years to come, amen! “On behalf of my wife and children, this is celebrating and congratulating an amazing spectacular couple. Happy super day to the Akpoyowares. Super congratulations!!”.

By Igbotako Nowinta The Women Wing of the Jesus In The House Ministry, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, has described their Pastor, Eric Ehiabor, as a wonderful instrument in the hands of God Almighty. This view was contained in a tribute signed by Mrs Eunice Parker, on behalf of the Women Wing of the church, which was given to journalists on Wednesday August 6th, 2025, in Agbor, Delta State. Mrs Eunice Parker said they were excited to identify with Pastor Eric Ehiabor, on the occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary, saying for Pastor Ehiabor to make it to sixty years on this earth, was a thing of tremendous joy to the Women’s Wing of the church. Eulogising the man of God, Mrs Eunice Parker maintained :”Your unwavering commitment to spreading the Good News and nurturing our faith is a testament to your enduring passion and devotion. May this special occasion be a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. May your years of ministry continue to bear fruit, and may you remain a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who know you” Mrs Parker stressed further in prayers for the man of God: “May the Lord grant you many more years of fruitful ministry, good health, and happiness.Your dedication to spreading the Gospel inspires us all. Thank you for your tireless service. We’re grateful for your leadership and guidance. May God continue to use you mightily”. Pastor Eric Ehiabor, who is celebrating his diamond anniversary with a special service on August 10th, 2025, is of the Jesus In The House Ministry @ Johnson/Williams Junction, Agbor.

CHUKS OKOH, To ensure more Nigerian women are economically independent and contribute to the nation’s development, Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) women wing has called for collective action to empower them. EDCU women wing made the call during a fund raising for women empowerment and awards ceremonies in Lagos, urging every Nigerian woman to be more focused in order to take the lead in helping their families adjust to new realities and challenges as well as contribute to the nation’s development. Speaking during the event  which  held in Lagos under the theme” Empower a woman, empower a society”, president Enugwu -Ukwu Community  Development Union (ECDU) women wing, Felicia Agubata  affirmed that when women are empowered, they would be more absorbed, economically independence and have the right mind set to live a meaningful life. On the event which was organised by ECDU women wing, she said: “We are not just here to raise funds; we are empowering women, girls, communities and indeed a nation. We are investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that will have a multiplier impact on the human ecosystem. “To the men and women we are honoring today, I say, your stories, resilience, and determination will continue to inspire current and subsequent generations. “To the women we are empowering through this programme, we are committed to providing you the resources and support you need to pull yourselves out of extreme poverty and joblessness. “Our effort is an acknowledgement that communities and societies must find creative ways to support the government of the day to alleviate hardship, rekindle hope and advance human civilization through concrete action steps.” Agubata who is an engineer recalled that during the past 2 years and 9 months of her tenure as the president of the women arm of ECDU, that her team has consistently developed the capacity of their women and community through various programmes such as; support one indigent scheme; voluntary welfare contributions for their members in need; digital marketing training for women and a host of others. However, she appealed to her members to work together so as to create a brighter future and advance human civilization, adding. ”We must support the government at community, state and national levels to make the difference in people’s lives’’. Speaking earlier, Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha emphasised the  need for women empowerment, adding that a woman passes through a lot when she does not have anything to do. According to her, “it is not that these women are lazy, it is not that they do not want to do anything, but something would have happened along the line and they didn’t find their feet, so to get them back to their feet again they need empowerment,  the government cannot do everything all alone’’ Also speaking at the event, Igwe Ralph  Obumnemeh Ekpeh who was represented by the Enugwu-Ukwu Cultural Minister Ozonkpu, Jude Ekwunife defined the fund raising and the empowerment ceremonies as a step in the right direction. On his part, a member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency Jesse Oke-Joe Onuakalusi    described women as the engine of any nation adding, “  when you train a woman you train a nation, so it is always an opportunity to empower women’’. Joe Onuakalusi  also stressed the need to empower the boys and encourage them to go school, saying   if a well -trained girl married  a man that who was not properly trained as a boy , such union cannot work, so there should be a balance”. One of the awardees, who also spoke during the event, Awele Nwabunike lauded the organisers  for  recorgnising her, adding that the award she received would  definitely encourage her to contribute more to the economic empowerment of women in the society. While commending the EDCU women wing for organising the event, chairman of the occasion Benito Mac Ozigbo, described the ceremony as a heart-warming programme which according to him would go a long way in supporting the indigenes of Enukwu-Ukwu. Similarly, president of ECDU, Lagos Branch Sopulu Steve Nwakaeze, applauded the women wing, saying that they have continuously played a vital role in the development their community.

  Benin City, the Edo State capital and a cradle of Black African culture and civilization, played host, during the weekend, to the burial ceremony of Pa Edwin Nosakhare Obasohan, a likeable scion of the extended Obasohan’s family of Ikpoba Hill Quarters in Oredo, the epic- centre Local Government Area (LGA) of the metropolis, in the midwestern-state of Edo. During the Social Dance, held at United Baptist Church, on Mission Road, in the centre of the city, children and other offsprings, with members of the dynasty, were joined by friends and flocks of the Baptist Church. At the occasion, the late Obasohan’s second son, Amb. (Dr) Kingsley Obasohan, as well as other children of the departed octogenarian, intimated with the teeming attendees that came from within and African and European countries, to lay their father to rest. Dr. Obasohan, who is Director General, European-African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Philomena Obasohan, during the ceremony. The late Pa Obasohan, an 86 years old community leader and longtime devotee of the Baptist Church, was said to be a selfless and discipline man, who greatly impacted his children, the Church and his society.

Opening ceremony of the 2 Day Human Rights Workshop for Niger Delta Church Leaders & Partners in Abuja on the theme” Understanding United Nations Human Rights System: Strengthening Local & International Advocacy For Niger Delta Church Leaders & Partners facilitated by World Council of Churches ( WCC). The 2 Day Workshop was declared open by the Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba. ANEEJ is represented by the Executive Director, David Ugolor who is also co-facilitating the workshop. He is joined by Paul Odokara at the Workshop.

Nigerian leader and President of the most populous black nation in the world, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been congratulated on his 73th birthday anniversary, admist numerous other tributes, he has been receiving from fellow world leaders, political associates, well-wishers and the public. The salutation was through a press statement, made available to journalists by Mr. Goddy Francis Okoyo, a Canadian based Chartered Accountant, Management Consultant, and Behavioural Scientist, who is also a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from Ughoha Ward of Esan South East local government area of Edo State. Mr. Okoyo, a philanthropist and one of the pillars of APC Diaspora, who is more known in the enlightened circles as GFO, an acronym, regarded Tinubu, the number one citizen as a true Nigerian patriot and nationalist, who had fought gallantly for the entrenchment of democracy and the rule of law, thereby voicing out his optimism that he was going to be real father of a modern-day Nigeria, with his current policies that are geared towards taking the country and the people from economic, social and political doldrums. “Rome was not built in a day and most of the prosperous nations of the world, that we see today, had gone through similar initial problems, that Nigeria is currently facing, before they became what they currently are”. Thinking rightly, Mr. Okoyo, who further urged Nigerians to brace up amidst the difficult situations, which he said they will overcome, maintained that “a man cannot make the omelette without breaking the eggs”. Okoyo, a natural grassroots mobilizer and strong campaigner, who had served variously as a member of medical sub-committee of the 2023 APC National Convention, Media Committee of the 2023 APC Edo State Presidential Campaign Council and others, including a Director of Diaspora on the 2024 Governorship Campaign Council of the party, wished the President the realisation of his lifetime ambition and struggle for the unity of all Nigerians and making the country a more prosperous may nation, that would be the envy of the world.