Kolokuma-Opokuma Monitor

Farewell to a Pioneering Doctor

2012-01-04T20:21:00.014+01:00

MB BS FRCS, FRCSE

November 1938 - January 2012

The Diriyai Family of Kaiama, the Kaiama Community and the entire people of Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area have been thrown into mourning by the death of their pioneer medical doctor, Dr Pianto Egberipou. Dr Egberipou died in an Indian hospital on Wednesday January 3 2012 aged 73 years.

By his death, Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and indeed Nigeria have lost an illustrious son and a pioneering surgeon.

Pianto was an alumnus of the famous Okrika Grammar School and he later he attended the University of Lagos Medical School obtaining his MB BS degrees. He then proceeded to do specialist training in surgery in Great Britain and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of both England and Scotland (FRCS and FRCSE).

He was a one-time chairman of the Health Management Board of Rivers State of Nigeria and a consultant surgeon at the Delta Specialist Clinic in Port Harcourt.

Dr Egberipou has been an outstanding son of Kolokuma Opokuma having worked assiduously to help the area in his calling principally as a medical practitioner, but also as a health administrator and as law maker. He represented the area as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives in the Second Republic.

Dr Egberipou will be greatly missed by his professional colleagues especially his current colleagues at the Okolobiri Teaching Hospital of the Niger Delta University, and all the numerous people whose lives he touched over more than four decades through his professional duties and his philanthropy.

He is survived by many children and grandchildren.

The body has been flown home and burial arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday, March 3 , 2012 after a funeral service in St Mark's Anglican Cathedral, Kaiama.

Opokuma's Latest Graduate

2011-12-22T23:46:00.017+01:00

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Cleary giving his address

Cross section of the convocation

Graduand and proud Dad

The Graduate

William with UBU Colleagues

On Thursday, December 08, 2011, Opokuma had the newest addition to its teeming population of university graduates. William Priye Obubo graduated joint honours Politics and Law from the renowned Department of Peace Studies of the University of Bradford, England.

William hails from Agadawari Compound of Igbainwari Town, Opokuma

William is currently engaged in the University of Bradford Students Union (UBU) in a sabbatical position as Sports and Societies Officer.

Celebrity World Magazine » Blog Archive » volume 1 no 31

2011-08-03T12:31:00.001+02:00

Celebrity World Magazine » Blog Archive » volume 1 no 31

Defections galore from Bayelsa PDP - Jonathan’s former Campaign Director, others defect to Labour Party

2011-01-13T17:04:00.001+01:00

Culled from: Vanguard Online Edition

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/01/jonathans-former-campaign-director-others-defect-to-labour-party/

Black Friday At Opokuma As Political Rally Is Attacked

2011-01-09T00:08:00.004+01:00

Alaibe unharmed in the Attack

Friday, 07 January was a black Friday for Opokuma as political thuggery reared its ugly head at the rally organised to welcome home Ndutimi Alaibe from Abuja after his tour of national duty as the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Amnesty Affairs. Mr Alaibe hails from Igbainwari town, Opokuma in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Mr Alaibe had resigned his appointment only a week earlier to contest as Governor of Bayelsa in the forthcoming elections. Mr Alaibe had hoped to use the event to formally announce his intention to run and to seek the blessing of his kinsmen. A large motorcade of supporters had accompanied Alaibe to his country home and subsequently a mammoth crowd had gathered. Alaibe will be contesting the elections in April as the Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State.

Assailants suspected to be political thugs attached the gathering wielding guns, machetes and clubs unleashed terror on the gathering. In the ensuing fracas, several persons were killed and injured. Some arrests have been made and the injured are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. Timi Alaibe survived the attack unscathed. It will be recalled that his country home was attacked with bombs in November 2010 by unknown assailants and in that incident a member of his security detail, a Police constable, was killed.

In an election that President Jonathan has vowed would be free and fair, certain evil political elements seem to be hell-bent on terrorising aspiring contestants to submission.

Despite these brazen acts of political intimidation, the activities reconvened on Saturday and Mr Alaibe assured his teeming supporters of his unflinching resolve to contest on the platform of the Labour Party of Nigeria and that he has what it takes to make significant improvements on the lives of Bayelsans with the resources at the disposal of the State.

Links to related stories:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/01/group-raises-alarm-over-allege-plot-to-frame-up-alaibe/

http://www.nigerianbestforum.com/blog/?p=74208

Fourth Legislative Assembly of KOLGA Inaugurated

2010-04-21T23:14:00.000+02:00

by Okpoitari Diongoli

The 4^th Legislative Assembly of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Council has been inaugurated.

The KOLGA Legislative Assembly has Mr. Waripamowei Surubo as Leader of the Assembly, Miss Wariegberi Kakatei as Deputy Leader. The Leader of the Assembly is the analogous position to the Speaker of the House at this tier of government. Other principal officers include Mr. Daubiri Samba as Chief Whip, Woyengipreye Waribagha as Majority Leader while Mr. Ilaye Ayawari is the Minority leader.

The Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Ukiye Buruboyefi administered the oath of office and allegiance on the Leader of the House Mr. Surubo. Mr Surubo in turn administered the oath of office on the Deputy Leader Miss Kakatei and the nine other councillors of the wards.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, the Leader promised that the House will enact bye-laws that will strengthen the Executive to move the area forward. Mr. Surubo pledged to make the council one of the best in the country and reiterated the commitment of the Councillors to the programmes and policies of the State and the local government.

Addressing the maiden session of the Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Council, Chief Ebikitin Diongoli espoused his vision to render quality service to the people.

House Leader Waripamowei Surubo

Miss Kakatei taking the oath of office

Councillors being sworn in

Chief Ebikitin Diongoli

KOLGA Press Corps at the Ceremony

DAY OF GLORY FOR OPOKUMA

2010-04-08T07:41:00.000+02:00

Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa addressing the gathering

Commissioner Victoria Denenu and Commissioner Dudafa at the event

Chief Ebikitin Diongoli arriving at the event

Wellwishers celebrate the Chairman's victory

Chief Diongoli and Commissioner Dudafa appreciate some wellwishers

Press Release - Okpoitari Diongoli
-THE DAY KOLGA STOOD STILL.
It was a day of glory for Opokuma as the chiefs and people gathered in their numbers at the U.P.E. Playground of Opokuma South, to honour the newly sworn in chairman of the council Chief Ebikitin Diongoli. This is the first time an Opokuma indigene has emerged as the elected chairman of the Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Council since the creation of this Local Government Area. Colourfully dressed women groups from all the eleven wards in the area along with the live band and other traditional groups made the ceremony which took place a grand one.

Speaking at the occasion, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Waripamowei Dudafa said the policy thrust of the present administration is for the local government system to be participatory governance which will involve all stakeholders at the grassroots.

Mr Dudafa said it is imperative for chairmen of the various local government councils to operate from their headquarters to enable them appreciate the challenges and provide solutions to the critical needs of the people they are expected to serve.
The commissioner explained that as a proactive step, a legal framework is being put together by the State House of Assembly in partnership with his ministry to check the negative trend, emphasizing that any chairman who violates the law will be sanctioned appropriately.

According to Mr Dudafa, the paradigm shift is for local government administration to focus on human capacity development stating that the ministry has already issued a directive to the councils to anchor their budget for this year on education, primary health care and agriculture.He said the administration of Chief Timipre Sylva is laying emphasis on education because it is the key to attaining sustainable development adding that education will be pursued side by side with agriculture to boost the internally generated revenue base of the councils.

Also speaking the Environment Commissioner, Mrs Victoria Denenu charged the chairmen to concentrate on projects that will improve on the living standard of the people at the rural areas. Mrs Denenu, who is also an Opokuma indigene, called for total support from all stakeholders to enable the chairmen deliver on their mandate to provide meaningful development at the grassroots. She commended Mr Waripamowei Dudafa whom she described as the political leader of the area for his visionary and selfless leadership style that have place KOLGA at a vantage position in the comity of local government councils in the country.

The Amananaowei of Odi, King Shine Apere spoke in kind words about Chief Diongoli noting that as Care Taker Committee Chairman, he constructed what the king described as the most magnificent council secretariat in the south-south geo-political zone.
The king urged the chairman to sustain the tempo now that the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma have given him their sacred mandate.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Council, Chief Ebikitin Diongoli promised to justify the confidence reposed in him and pledged to accord priority to proper administrative structure, health, education as well as boost internally generated revenue. Chief Diongoli announced that a Kolokuma/Opokuma Investment Corporation will be established through which the local economy will be diversified to generate revenue for the council to reduce over dependence on dwindling federal allocation.

He said the council will partner with some foreign development agencies and engage in intensive agriculture as well as promote cottage industries and upgrade the existing markets to international standards like Ariara, Balogun and Alaba markets.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including women and youth groups as well as special advisers, senior special assistants, the newly elected councillors of the eleven wards and traditional rulers from all the twenty towns in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Nigerian Embassy in Sweden honours the late King of Opokuma

2010-03-29T22:26:00.000+02:00

L-R King Ogionwo's children, Anna, Dag, Joachim & Elsa

L-R, Cyprian (King Ogionwo's lawyer) Ambassador Igali, Izonebi Rodger Obubo, Timi Alaibe

Pastor Olushola delivering the sermon

Ambassador Igali eulogizes King Ogionwo

King Ogionwo's family in Sweden

The activities marking the funeral of King William Waripamo Ogionwo came to a close on Saturday March 27 2010 with a memorial service in his honour organised at the Fiskgjusen Hall of Hilton Hotel in Malmö, Sweden not far from Lund where he had begun his academic career about five decades ago. The service was attended by his family in Sweden with their friends and sympathisers, members of the Nigerian Community in Sweden led by the Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden-Denmark-Norway and Finland, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali. After the service, guests were treated to a slide show of Opokuma, highlighting the coronation of the King William which took place only in August 2007.
Representatives of the King’s family in Igbainwari, Opokuma travelled from Nigeria and the Netherlands to Malmö to attend the service. The Gbaranbiri branch of the family was represented by Timi Alaibe, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria while the Gboluzigha branch was represented by Izonebi Rodger Obubo, Training Programmes Manager at the EU-ACP Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation in Wageningen, Netherlands and his wife Mairo and his son Julian.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Igali paid glowing tributes to the pioneering spirit of the late king. He recalled that the late king came to Lund in Sweden in 1961 at a time when the popular thing to do for most young Nigerians in search of the golden fleece was to go to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.. Young William thought differently and went to the uncharted waters in the University of Lund, the biggest academic institution in Sweden, where he made his mark and for which he will always be remembered. He was undeterred by the challenges and the obvious constraints that he faced in those unfamiliar circumstances. He was a courageous trail blazer and a very successful one at that. The ambassador concluded that King William’s achievements were an inspiration to many Nigerians
Also speaking at the occasion, Timi Alaibe formally reminded the late King’s children that they were princes and princesses of Opokuma in their own right and invited them to share in facing the development challenges at home in furtherance of their father’s legacy. They were invited to visit the family at home to get to know their relatives while they remain good ambassadors of Igbainwari in the Diaspora.
Founded in 1666, Lund is the second oldest Swedish university and one of the most prestigious. Lund also ranks as one of Scandinavia's largest institutions for education and research, frequently ranked among the world's top 100 universities. Having cut his teeth on such a solid academic background in Lund University, King William’s excellence in his professional life was guaranteed. It was therefore a befitting activity to remember the passing of the great man in Malmö, near the city of Lund, thus reemphasising his immense intellectual contribution to the academic world.
There were some emotional moments when the wife of his youth, Margarita and her two daughters, Anna and Elsa and his sons Dag and Joachim paid tributes to their famous dad they did not see enough of.
The service was conducted by Danford of the Redeemed Christian Church of God of the Nigerian Community in Denmark and Sweden. The sermon was delivered by Pastor Ade Olusola.

Follow this link to more photos of the memorial service.

King William Ogionwo's Funeral: Traditional Ceremonies End

2010-03-18T23:00:00.000+01:00

Tuesday, March 16 marked the end of the traditional post-burial ceremonies in honour of the late King. In a sombre ceremony close relatives shaved off the hair on their heads as a last mark of love and respect to the King.

Press Release: King William Ogionwo's Burial

2010-03-14T17:28:00.000+01:00

Press Release from the Publicity Committee (Special credit to Okpoitari Diongoli for draft text and photographs)

The remains of the Opokuma monarch, King William Ogionwo have been laid to rest in the premises his palace at Igbainwari town, Opokuma Clan in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. They include retired Vice-Admiral Mike Akhigbe who served as the Chief of Defence Staff and deputy Head of State during the General Abdusalam Abubakar-led military government. Admiral Akhigbe’s daughter got married one of the late king’s son just two weeks before the King’s death. The Vice-Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Jonathan Kubor, the first Military Administrator of old Rivers State and presently Amayanabo of Twon Brass King Alfred Diette Spiff and King Joshua Igbugburu X of Boma Clan led an array of First Class Traditional Rulers to the funeral. Also in attendance was the Chairperson Bayelsa State Elders Consultative Council, Chief Francis Doukpola.

The academic community was well represented though the presence of a strong contingent of erstwhile academic colleagues from the Universities of Ibadan and Port Harcourt and the former Minister of Science and Technology, also a former colleague at the University of Ibadan, Professor Turner Isoun and his wife Miriam.

Speaking at the occasion, Admiral Akhigbe extolled the sterling qualities King Ogionwo, highlighting his immense intellectual contribution to the academic world and invaluable contribution to the growth and development of his community, state and country in general. He challenged the bereaved family to immortalize the name of the late King who was a renowned Professor of Sociology and Social Psychology by emulating his footsteps. He condoled with the Ogionwo Family, the Chiefs and People of Opokuma Clan and Bayelsa State in general for the irreparable loss but urged all to take solace that the departed monarch lived a fulfilled life.

In his message at the open air church service, the General Overseer Royal House of Grace Church International Apostle Zilly Aggrey described death as a necessary end for all mortals. Apostle Aggrey stressed that what matters in life is not how long but how well an individual lives and what legacy the individual leaves behind, and prayed that God provides more illustrious sons for the Igbainwari community and Opokuma clan in general.

The major highlight at the ceremony was the announcement of the plan by the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden to hold a memorial service in honour of the late King in Malmo, Sweden on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The service will be attended by his family in Sweden with their friends and sympathisers, members of the Nigerian Community in Sweden led by the Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden-Denmark-Norway and Finland, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, and members of the King's old faculty in the University of Lund. The service is being organised under the auspices of the Nigerian Ambassador. The late King’s four older children are Swedish citizens.

Tears And Wails As King William Ogionwo Is Laid to Rest

2010-03-13T19:12:00.000+01:00

Saturday March 12 2010 was indeed a sad and sombre day at Igbainwari, Opokuma as King William Ogionwo was laid to rest in a beautifully constructed mausoleum in the palace premises amid wails and tears from his grieving subjects, family and friends from far and near. There was a paradoxical mixture of grief and gaiety as the people of Opokuma clan struggled between the pain of losing a dearly loved monarch and the cultural necessity to herald their king to the great beyond in pomp and pageantry.

Close family and kinsmen could not hold back their tears as the casket was lowered to its final resting place. Men struggled to stay calm to show masculine stoicism but for some the pressure was all too much to bear as they saw wailing women and girls. They broke down too and there were quite a few soaked handkerchiefs. Such was the love they had for their King.

The calamity that befell the people of Opokuma on that fateful morning of Tuesday, January 5, 2010 when death snatched their King from them was now replayed it all its stark reality – the day’s events marked in formal terms, the finality of a great life. Death’s sting has done its worst and the great hope that was heralded in August 2007 when William Ogionwo was crowned King of the Opokuma was dashed in just 29 short months. The servant-King (a term he used to describe his royal role during his coronation) was no more. No more would they drink from the great fountain of wisdom that held such a potent promise for development of the community. Alas they were left to say only tearful Adieus.

His burial ceremony was graced by people from all walks of life – kings, professors, top military and government functionaries. The graveside eulogies expressed from diverse perspectives drew tears of grief and as well as nods of satisfaction and pride for Opokuma for a life well spent in the service of humanity. As they saw the tumultuous crowd of Nigeria’s Who is Who from a wide spectrum of interest groups – the academia (his primary constituency), richly adorned monarchs from the various Ijaw nationalities, top government functionaries, the people of Opokuma could only but smile and agree in unison “This indeed was a man!!”

King William is gone but his legacy of an exemplary life full of achievements lives on for his subjects especially the youth to emulate.

King William Ogionwo's Final Home Coming

2010-03-12T11:45:00.000+01:00

Today the body will lie in state at the traditional rulers council secretariat Yenagoa and later at the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Secretariat before a Christian and social wake at his home town, Igbainwari, Opokuma.

Yesterday at the Chief Ebitimi Banigo Hall of the University of Port Harcourt, it was tributes galore as speaker after speaker extolled the sterling’s qualities of the renowned Professor of sociology.

Speaking at a public lecture in his honour, the head of department of Sociology University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Steve Okoroduwa called on State Government and the Ogionwo family to immortalize the late revered Professor of sociology at the University.

Dr. Okoroduwa said in partnership with the bereaved family, the department would accept and house the books of the professor in a library to be named after the Opokuma monarch. He described the deceased as a man of exceptional qualities who related with all as equals.

In his paper titled "Leadership And The Niger Delta Crisis" the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Dr. Atuboyedia Obianemi, blamed the Niger Delta crisis on institutional failure. He said, the political, social-economic and judicial system has failed the citizens, noting that it is a result of planlessness and lack of vision of policy initiators and implementers.

The INC President recommended that for the Niger Delta crisis to be resolved, the Federal Government should create two more states for Ijaws along homogeneity and contiguity, so that the people can define their destiny and develop according to their pace as well as control of their resources.

The INC President said the pan-Ijaw social organization has adopted a new philosophy known as the ‘New Kaiama Declaration’ in its pursuit of the realization of the Ijaw struggle. This is a paradigm shift from violence and confrontation that the organisation was associated with, to the principles of intellectualism and diplomacy.
He stressed that justice and equity as well as a post-amnesty programme that focuses on areas where the people of the Niger Delta have comparative advantage such as marine and Oil/Gas were critical towards achieving lasting peace in the region.

Professor Emeritus Ebiegberi Alagoa chaired the event which had Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu and Professor Nelson Brambaifa in attendance.

Press Release by the Publicity Committee

King William Ogionwo:Funeral Programme

2010-03-01T15:56:00.000+01:00

Programme of Activities For The Burial of King William Waripamo OGIONWO

Wednesday, 10th March 2010:- Service of songs at his residence, Ogionwo Close, GRA Phase 1, Port Harcourt - opposite Salvation Ministries [behind Presidential Hotel]

Thursday, 11th March 2010 :- Public Lecture titled Leadership & the Niger Delta Crisis to be delivered by: Dr. Atuboyedia Obianemi (President Ijaw National Congress). Venue: Ebitimi Banigo Hall, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt. Time: 1100 hours.

Friday, 12th March 2010:- Body leaves Shell Mortuary, Port Harcourt

Funeral cortege arrives Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariat Yenagoa for lying in state.

Funeral cortege departs Yenagoa, for KOLGA Secretariat, Kaiama for a brief ceremony. [Kolokuma- Opokuma Council of Chiefs].

Funeral cortege leaves KOLGA in a motorcade and will make brief stopovers in all the ten towns of Opokuma clan before final lying in state in his palace at Igbainwari

Highlights:
(i) Cross country race
(ii) Traditional Wrestling Match
(iii) Cultural dance
(iv) King Robert Ebizimor (b) Pereama Freetown and his young choppers band, (c) DJ Kemelite and the you-too-much crew from Radio Bayelsa (d) Christian wake

Saturday 13th March 2010:- Open Air Service and Interment in the Palace premises.

Refreshments

Tuesday, 16th March, 2010: Post burial rites

Chairman, Publicity Committee
Announcer

Sad Day for Opokuma as King William joins his Ancestors

2010-01-05T21:01:00.000+01:00

The Opuokun of Opokuma Clan, King William Ogionwo, retired professor of Sociology and Social Psychology, erstwhile Secretary to Government of the first civilian administration of RiversState of Nigeria under Governor Melford Okilo died this morning in Port Harcourt after a brief illness. Born on 8^th September 1937, King Ogionwo was crowned the paramount ruler of Opokuma Clan on the 11^th of August 2007 after a meritorious professional life in academia and the public service. His unexpected death has thrown the whole Opokuma community into mourning.

The late Professor William Waripamo Ogionwo was born in Igbainwari Town, Opokuma in the present day Kolokuma -Opokuma Local Area of Bayelsa State. The late King distinguished himself in academics. He was a holder of two PhD degrees from the universities of Lund, Sweden and Leeds, England respectively. On leaving Europe, he went to the University of Ibadan to teach sociology and social psychology when he had the unique reputation of being the only staff of the university to hold two PhD degrees and from very from reputable academic institutions in Europe.

He was a very prolific academic - publishing scholarly papers in well-respected academic journals all over the world. He also authored several books, prominent among which are: Innovative behavior and personal attitudes : a case study of social change in Nigeria; Migrant families in an African City- A case Study of Port Harcourt; An introduction to sociological studies (jointly with Otite Onigu,) and Agricultural modernization: The adoption of agricultural innovations among cocoa, oilpalm [sic], rice and rubber farmers in S Nigeria.The title, Innovative behavior and personal attitudes is a very popular reference materials for sociology researchers, scholars and students all over the world.

Apart from academics, he made his mark in the public service by becoming the first Secretary to Government {SG} of the initial civilian administration of the Rivers State of Nigeria under late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo, the Governor at that time. In recognition of his services to the nation, he was awarded the national honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006.

On August 11, 2007, he was crowned Opuokun of Opokuma and a became a member of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council as HM King Prof. William Waripamo Ogionwo, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan. He will be sorely missed by his peers in the council. At his coronation, he espoused the philosophy of servant king to emphasise his mission to serve his people and be a catalyst for development in the clan.

He is the father of several children and grand children. It was only on Boxing Day December 26 2009 that one of his sons, Prince Douye Olamire Ogionwo married Ochuwa Itsemehekhone, the second daughter of Vice Admiral Okhai Akhigbe rtd. His death is a big blow to his immediate family and all sons and daughters of Opokuma at home and in the diaspora.

A very special day - Clocking 21112

2009-06-20T09:22:00.000+02:00

Today, Saturday June 20 2009 is a very special day for me - a lover of palindromes. I have clocked 21112 days of life. Interesting figures indeed!!

Melford Okilo's Legacy - Opokuma's Contribution

2009-05-01T11:15:00.000+02:00

The late Senator Melford Obiene Okilo, first civilian Governor of the old Rivers State who died in July 2008 will finally be laid to rest at his home town Amakalakala, Ogbia, in Bayelsa State this weekend. May God grant this great fighter for the emancipation of the Ijaw nation, eternal rest.

Melford Okilo became a member of parliament for Brass South in the National Assembly under the banner of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) party during the First Republic. Due to the alliance of the party with the Northern Peoples Congress in parliamentary Melford was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the late Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the head of the NPC government. That government came to an abrupt end when the military took over government in January 1966.

Later Chief Melford Okilo played a key role as a Commissioner for Education in the first government of old Rivers State headed by Commander (now Chief) Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff. After the return to civil rule he subsequently became the first civilian governor of Rivers state (1979-1983). His service to his people continued when he was elected to the senate to represent Brass Senatorial District (1999-2003).

Chief Okilo was launched on the national scene after his unexpected victory at the 1959 Federal elections when he defeated the NCNC candidate to emerge winner for Brass South in the federal parliament.

It will be of great interest for the people of Opokuma to note that the key to that victory was his political comrade and head of his campaign team, Rodger William Obubo of Igbainwari, Opokuma. Without the untiring efforts of Rodger William Obubo who had hitherto been a Secretary-General of the Ijaw State Union and a seasoned community organiser, it was doubtful that Melford Okolo would have won that election. Having served as the first Secretary-General of the Ijaw State Union, Mr. Obubo knew the Ijaw terrain very well and used this unique knowledge to great advantage in the election campaign. Completely out-resourced by NCNC, the dominant party in Eastern Nigeria, in terms of campaign funding, they had to devise strategies to capture the soul of the Ijaw nation, through inspiring speeches and songs. Because of the belief they had in the cause of the Ijaw nation and the need for the Ijaw people to resist subjugation in Eastern Nigeria, they shunned the temptation to join the dominant party to win easy victories.Thankfully those were the days when guns and ballot box grabbing had not come to play a deciding role in winning elections. They were helped in this task by the late singer Chief Sondu of Sampou who helped to electrify the crowds with his melodious and inspiring music of traditional balads before the speeches began at every political gathering during the campaign. Against all odds, the NDC and its candidate, Melford Obiene Okilo, stunned the NCNC by winning the Brass South parliamentary seat.

I recall very vividly that Chief Melford Okilo publicly declared at the eulogy he delivered at Mr. Obubo's funeral in 1992 that the impact of Mr. R. W. Obubo's campaign strategy that saw him through to the Federal House and also revealed that that singular act was instrumental to the appointment of another illustrious Opokuma son, Professor William Ogionwo (now King William, the Opuokun of Opokuma) as the first Secretary to Government of the civilian government headed by Chief Melford Okilo.

Some Hope for Curbing the Militancy

2009-03-13T16:36:00.000+01:00

Glad to know that kidnapped Lebanese Engineer, Mr. David has been released.

In Kolokuma Opokuma LGA, we were all relieved to hear of the safe release of the kidnapped Lebanese Construction Engineer who was abducted from his work site near Sabagreia. The construction of this strategic road that links our LGA directly with the State capital without the need to go through another state can hopefully resume. The hapless perpetrators have been apprehended and are now helping the police.

It is with hope and great expectation that we read the following story about the renewed efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to bring militancy and criminal activity in the Niger Delta region under effective check. We pray that they will succeed so that the pace of development can be quickened.

FG merges Military Forces In N-Delta
Culled fron The Vanguard
Written by Kingsley Omonobi
Thursday, 12 March 2009

In a renewed effort to contain militants’ attacks on oil platforms, hostage-taking and piracy among others in the Niger Delta, the Federal Government yesterday announced a major reorganisation of the joint military task forces operating in the oil-rich region, merging Operation Restore Hope in Warri with "Operation Flush Out III" in Port Harcourt.

With the merger, initiated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, and approved by President Umaru Yar'Adua, there will now be one single Joint Task Force known as ‘Operation Restore Hope' with headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Further, the task force will now be commanded by a two-star general who will have a deputy while there will be Sector Commanders in Warri and Port Harcourt.Maj-Gen Yakin Bello heads new outfit. Named as Commander of Operation Restore Hope is Major-General Sarkin Yakin Bello. General Bello, promoted to the two-star rank last December was former Commander of Operation Flush Out III, in Port Harcourt. He is to be assisted at the headquarters in Yenagoa by Brigadier-General Nanvem Rintip, the former Commander of Operation Restore Hope in Warri.

Confirming the development in Abuja yesterday, Director of Defence Information, Colonel Chris Jemitola noted that “obviously, the new Joint Task Force will have a new mandate for the Niger Delta", adding that the mandate is being worked out by the Chief of Defence Staff and would be made public at an appropriate time.
Explaining that one of the purposes of the merger was to make for better command and control, logistics support and to maximize the synergy of efforts from the three services, the Director of Defence Information said that General Bello will report directly to the CDS.

Joint Military exercise to hold in Ondo
The merger is taking place just as the Defence Headquarters will this month carry out the first Joint Operations Exercise nicknamed "Ologun Meta" which in Yoruba, means ‘The Three Warriors', around Ori Oke Iwamema, Okitipupa, along the coastal area of Ondo State.

The training exercise which would involve the Army, Navy and Air Force, is to practice and test the planning and execution of the Tri-Service joint operation and inter-operability of equipment in the armed forces.

"Other areas of training are beach landing, and special operations to include military operations other than war in phases of a limited war", Col. Jemitola said, adding "there will be large number of troops as well as military hardware in that area and as such, members of the general public are advised not to panic as this is just a military exercise. Locals of the exercise area will be adequately alerted before the exercise commences as armoured vehicles, fighter jets and naval gunships will be deployed" he added.

The Bane of Underdevelopment in Bayelsa

2009-03-08T02:08:00.000+01:00

The embarrassing activities of militants appear to have been resuscitated in Bayelsa State with the recent attack at the construction site of Elite Construction Company. Heavily armed gunmen struck at Sabagriea in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area, abducting a Lebanese construction engineer whose name was given as Mr. David to an unknown destination.
Mr David who works for Elite Construction Company, was kidnapped in the afterrnoon of Wednesday March 4 2009. Eye witnesses said the suspected gunmen were heavily armed and sped off in a speed boat with their hostage through Igbedi Creek.. Elite Construction Company is handling the construction of the Polaku/Sabagriea road project under the auspices of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). A bridge linking the two sides of the road is currently under construction and was expected to be completed within the next 6 months. This abduction can prolong the expected completion dates by months if not carefully handled..
Security agencies are reported to be spreading their intelligence drag net in the area to secure the release of Mr. David.
The issue of kidnaps of development workers has been a source of shame and embarrassment to all well-meaning Bayelsans. To the the people of Kolokuma-Opokuma, this parfticular incident is asetback. The road under construction will help to bring Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area closer to the seat of government in Yenagoa as the new road bypasses the East -West highway and Mbiama and makes travel to Yenagoa very direct and much shorter.
The Bayelsa State Government must embark on a social campaign to educate these ignorant and sick enemies of development that their economic prosperity can never be secured by criminal and selfish acts of hostage taking and ransoms. They are pulling Bayelsa State back and attempting to make it a pariah state that nobody would want to take a risk to live in or work in.

Opokuma's First Billionaire

2009-02-26T21:48:00.000+01:00

Wednesday February 25 will go down in history as the day when for the very first time an indigene of Opokuma became a billionaire. Thanks to a friendship struck up with a Zimbabwean professor, I was twenty billionaire dollars richer.
Such is the value of the Zimbabwean dollar that I cannot secure for myself even a simple lunch with all of my new wealth.

A Professorial Welcome

2009-02-22T21:43:00.000+01:00

Today I had the task of two meetings at the University of Nairobi and ICRAF.
The day started early as I got up a lot earlier that usual on a Sunday at 0445 hours only to realise that I was in Nairobi and it was actually 0645 hours.
I had a good breakfast - breakfast at the Nairobi Hiton is always full of a big variety of delicious items. Unfortunately for me I took on some cold fruits and spent the last five minutes of the breakfast sneezing. I gave up on the breakfast to restore my personal dignity as my usual antidotes did not work this morning. Even hot maize meal did not do the trick.

President Yar'Adua Consoles Timi Alaibe at Alaere's Funeral

2009-02-13T22:24:00.000+01:00

Culled from the Niger Delta Standard

Igoniko Oduma, Yenagoa and Olawale Lamina, PH.

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was among prominent personalities who yesterday honoured late Mrs. Alaere Alaibe, wife of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe at her funeral service. The funeral service was held at the Alaibe's compound in Igbainwari community in Opokuma clan, Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa state.

President Yar'Adua, who was represented by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, remarked that Alaere lived an enterprising life of dedication to service and humanity. He noted that Mrs. Alaibe, while on earth touched many was inspiring to her numerous admirers. President Yar'Adua enjoined Timi Alaibe and members of the family to be encouraged by the fact that his late wife had gone to be with God Almighty after her good works on earth. "My heart goes out to you, the entire members of your family and the very many people whose lives were touched by Alaere in the course of her short-lived but inspiring and fulfilled sojourn on earth. "In the midst of death, grief and pain which you must feel, given the magnitude of the loss, you must take solace from the fact that your wife has gone to be with the Almighty Lord after an enterprising life of dedication to service and humanity. "On behalf of the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and my behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to you and pray for Almighty God's strength and understanding and wisdom on you and the children at this time. "May her soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen", the President said. Speaking in his capacity as the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan said life was not about how long people lived, but how people impact positively the environment around them. The Vice President added that though Alaere lived a very short life, like a good actor, she left the stage when the ovation was loudest, stressing she played her role very well."The basic truth about life is not really how long you lived, but how you impact positively the environment and those around you. How you change your immediate family, your larger family, your community, the local government area, the state and the Federal Government where you have the opportunity", he noted. Jonathan, who was accompanied by his wife Dame Patience, said Alaere would be missed by her family, the larger family, the Niger Delta region and the entire Nigeria, urging that she should not be mourned as her life was eventful and meaningful. "We join others to console the family but say that they should not mourn. My dear brother, Timi Alaibe, the children and members of the immediate family, we say our sister has left us. We should not mourn", the Vice President said.

Governors Timipre Sylva, Ikedi Ohakim, Theodore Orji, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Liyel Imoke of Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Edo and Cross Rivers States, respectively, showered encomiums on Alaere. The governors, who described death as a necessary end and would come when it would, noted that Alaibe's wife, through her non-governmental organization, Family Re-Orientation, Education and Empowerment (FREE) touched numerous lives. They however, prayed that God would grant Alaibe, the children and the family the fortitude to bear what they described as the "irreparable loss" of Alaere.

Also giving a tribute on behalf of the board and management of the NDDC, the chairman Mr. Dan Abia extolled the virtues of Alaere, saying she had a clear vision that endeared her to all manner of people. Dan noted as a woman of substance, Alaere provided emotional stability to her husband and changed many lives for better through FREE and defended the weak and the poor.

In his response, the husband of the deceased, Chief Timi Alaibe said the death of his wife, Alaere, was a burden too heavy for him. He said Alaere was his friend, wife and mother, adding that she was not only a pillar of support to him and his career but a servant to humanity. Alaibe told the crowd of sympathizers that their presence at the funeral service was enough support to him and his family, saying they were all encouraged. While expressing profound appreciation to all and sundry, Alaibe assured that the legacies of his late wife would continue ceaselessly.

Other dignitaries at the funeral service conducted by Reverend Father Matthew Hassan-Kukah included deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Peremobowei Ebebi, Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Werinipre Seibarugu, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, Ambassador Boladei Igali, Secretary to Government of Bayelsa State, Mr. Gideon Ekeuwei.

Igoniko Oduma, Yenagoa and Olawale Lamina, PH.

Opokuma Prepares to say Adieu to An Illustrious Daughter

2009-02-10T23:00:00.000+01:00

An announcement from the court of the King of Opokuma HRH (Prof) William Ogionwo has given the details of the activities that will mark the furneral ceremonies of our beloved daughter Alaere Augustina Alaibe. The Opokuma Kingdom is deeply appreciative of the life and contributions to the social development of Opokuma of this remarkable lady.
Wednesday Feb 11 2009 - Service of songs at Timi Alaibe Residence, Igbainwari
Thursday Feb 12 2009 - Traditional Wake keeping Timi Alaibe Residence, Igbainwari

A well-deserved honour

2009-02-08T22:25:00.000+01:00

The body of Mrs Alaere Alaibe arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe International on Friday morning aboard a British Airways plane, and was received by a large crowd of mourners. Sympathisers included former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu, former Speaker of the House, Austin Opara, former Transportation Minister, Abiye Sekibo among others.

Alaere's body was subsequently airlifted from Abuja to Port Harcourt later on Friday and met by large crowd of grief-stricken sympathizers and well-wishers at the Port Harcourt Airforce Base. Most of the sympathisers could not hold back the tears as it dawned on them that Alaere was really gone. Bayelsa women groups and a large number of Alaere's close friends and associates and dignitaries associated with her husband, the Managing Drector of the NDDC, Mr. Timi Alaibe, lined up the tarmac to pay their respects to their beloved friend who succumbed to cancer in a London hospital. The body was quickly transferred to a waiting ambulance which was driven to a private hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt.

In life she changed the lots of many in the Niger Delta and beyond. She was a true proponent of the Niger Delta component of the President YarAdua's 7-point agenda . In fact she acted way ahead of the pack. Alaere particularly touched the lives of youths and rural women through her projects in the FREE Foundation. Grateful Nigerians burdened by the grief of her premature exit came to pay their respects.

Alaere will be buried at Trofani, her home town in Sagbama local council, after traditional wake keeping at Igbainwari, Opokuma in line with Ijaw culture. Thursday/Friday February 12/13, 2009.

Adieu Alaere Alaibe: Opokuma has lost a gem

2009-02-02T07:24:00.000+01:00

On Saturday January 31 2009, the cold hands of death snatched away from us an illustrous daughter, Mrs Alaere Augustina Timi Alaibe. She was literally snatched from the arms of her dear husband in a London hospital. Alaere, a native of Trofani in Sagbama Local Government Area became one of the most loved daughter of Opokuma, her new home by marriage to Ndutimi Alaibe the Managing Director of the NDDC.

Mrs. Alaere Alaibe, founder of the international award-winning non-governmental organisation, Family Reorientation Education and Empowerment (FREE) was born in Lagos in 1964. Alaere is a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance and a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) both from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. Rivers State, Nigeria.

Between 1988 and 1990, she worked as an Accountant with Elekrint Nigeria Limited, Lagos and Ashland Oil Company, Port Harcourt. Still in pursuit of her dreams, she left her lucrative position and in 1994 to set up Pretty Woman Nigeria Limited, a health and beauty company to redefine the emerging face and consciousness of the modern Nigerian woman with poise and confidence.

In 2000, Alaere initiated the Family Reorientation Education and Empowerment (FREE) to help the women of the Niger Delta region resolve the developmental dilemmas confronting them, and in addition help them become literate and empowered.

In July 2005, FREE was officially registered as a not- for-profit NGO with emphasis on women and the girl child. FREE is a member of the Non Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) with a vision to reduce the high levels of ignorance, alphabetic illiteracy,the collapse of family values and general underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region.

No other daughter of Opokuma has done so much work to change the Opokuma landscape. Alaere was an apostle for the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Through the FREE project, she touched the lives of the people of Opokuma Clan as no other woman had done in the Clan's history. Projects ranging from adult literacy to public health were established to support the Opokuma community.

In agreement with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in pursuance of FREE’s core objective of restoring dignity to the women folk of the Niger Delta, Mrs. Alaere Alaibe has established more Adult & Non Formal Community Education Centres in the Niger Delta, bringing the number in less than a decade from less than 15 to 28.

By dint of hard work her foundation received many awards from different parts of the world. The most notable of these was the Confucious Prize for Literacy 2007 awarded by UNESCO. It was the first time the Confucious Prize was ever given to any Nigerian organisation or government. In the award citation, FREE was applauded for creating a network of learning centres to provide literacy skills to adults, especially to women and out-of-school girls. The women of Opokuma who became empowered through these centres will never forget her.

It was her personal initiative that started the project with the creation in 2002 of the first Pioneer Adult and Non-Formal Study Centre at Trofani. Another was soon created at Opokuma. The number of centres grew to 16, spanning 12 communities, after FREE became fully operational in 2005. This remarkable educational project now numbers 28 centres that provide literacy training to some 700 learners and it is spreading to more communities.

In 2006, FREE built the Support for Africa Health Centre in Igbainwari Town, Opokuma Clan in Bayelsa State, in partnership with the UK-based Support for Africa Foundation of Nigerian-born singer, Patti Boulaye. FREE also organizes education and health seminars and a large number of activities, including free eye tests and the distribution of spectacles to students.

The people of Opokuma in particular and the Niger Delta in general will greatly miss the devoted love of this wonderful lady. She was an embodiment of philanthropy. Maybe it is true what the Romans said that "Those whom the gods love die young".

Adieu Alaere!!