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Jonathan, Oborevwori, Diri, Ibori Mourn 104-Year-Old Prince Penawou
On Saturday, a distinguished assembly of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and community dignitaries gathered in Akugbene Town, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, to pay their final respects to the late Prince Isaac Firimokumo Penawou, who passed away at the age of 104. Among the mourners were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, and former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori. The funeral service served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Prince Penawou had on his family, community, and generations of associates.
The funeral ceremony drew an impressive turnout, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for the late prince. His son, Prince Kelly Penawou, serves as the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, while his other son, Chief Joseph Penawou, holds the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Marine Engineering Services Limited. The attendance of high-profile dignitaries underscored the Penawou family’s long-standing influence in the region, as well as the extensive networks cultivated by Prince Penawou and his descendants over decades.
The memorial service was attended by a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and social elite, each representing their respective roles in honoring the late prince’s legacy. Among the prominent figures present were:
Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Former Senator James Manager; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Tony Attah; Seplat Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon; Numerous other political leaders and public office holders.
The presence of these individuals highlighted the breadth of Prince Penawou’s influence, extending beyond his immediate family to encompass political, business, and community spheres. The gathering provided a platform for dignitaries, family members, and mourners to offer prayers, share condolences, and celebrate the life of a man whose journey spanned over a century.
The funeral rites were not merely a somber occasion but also a celebration of Prince Penawou’s remarkable life, marked by resilience, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to his community. Family members and dignitaries took turns to express their gratitude for having shared in his journey, reflecting on the lessons and values he imparted over his 104 years. The event served as a testament to the profound connections he forged with those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
As the funeral proceedings drew to a close, the legacy of Prince Isaac Firimokumo Penawou was firmly cemented in the annals of history. His passing marked the conclusion of a life well-lived, one that touched countless individuals and left an enduring imprint on his family, community, and beyond. The tributes paid during the service were a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified dedication, leadership, and an unwavering spirit that transcended generations.
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has taken delivery of five new helicopters as the Federal Government steps up efforts to modernise the country’s airpower capabilities and strengthen military operations against security threats.
The platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, the NAF said the three AW-109s, which are part of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, were received in Lagos on September 15, 2026, while the remaining seven are expected to be delivered before the end of the year. The two H-125 helicopters had been delivered earlier.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the new helicopters would increase aircraft availability and improve the NAF’s ability to support ongoing military operations.
“The arrival of these five helicopters provides greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” Aneke said.
He said the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters would enhance the NAF’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue, and other joint operations.
Aneke added that the H-125 helicopters would provide light helicopter support for various operational requirements.
The new platforms are undergoing post-delivery assembly and technical and crew-readiness processes ahead of their induction and operationalisation.
Aneke said the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen support for joint forces conducting operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He said the NAF would also prioritise maintenance and logistics support to ensure the new aircraft remain available for operations.
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, declaring that there will be “no vacancy” in the Presidential Villa, Abuja for the next four or five years.
Oba Akiolu gave the support when the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council on a courtesy visit to his palace in Lagos on Monday.
The monarch urged politicians to approach the 2027 General Elections with responsibility and ensure that the electoral process is peaceful and serves the interests of Nigerians.
Oba Akiolu cautioned members of the campaign council against actions capable of undermining the peace and stability of the country, even as he urged them to uphold honesty and shun the Machiavellian principle that the end justifies the means.
Speaking, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Yari, said the delegation was in Lagos to seek the monarch’s blessings, prayers and counsel as the council begins its nationwide campaign activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
Yari said the APC believed President Tinubu deserved a second term to consolidate his administration’s efforts in the areas of the economy, security and infrastructure.
The Campaign D-G, while acknowledging the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, appealed for continued support for the president, saying APC leaders from the North would work to secure strong backing for Tinubu’s re-election across the region.
Receiving the delegation, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the visit as significant, noting that the council had made the Oba’s palace one of its early stops following its engagement with the Sokoto Caliphate.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the visit underscored Lagos’ strategic importance to Nigeria’s political process, describing the state as the country’s commercial and economic nerve centre as well as a major political hub.
The visit was attended by Lagos APC leaders, local government chairmen, members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers and other party stakeholders.
Former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Alhaji Mohammed Mani, has been endorsed as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Niger state
Alhaji Mani replaces Abubakar Sulaiman, who was elected at the PDP primary last May.
Sulaiman voluntarily withdrawn from the position in the interest of the peace unity and progress of the party.
The endorsement of the former FIRS boss for the governorship contest was made by PDP stakeholders from across the state at the state party secretariat.
Addressing the stakeholders, Alhaji Mani promised to deliver the state to the PDP in next year’s election and solicited the support of party faithful for the realisation of the objective.
The new PDP candidate had earlier contested for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress(APC) which Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago got by “ consensus.”
He was among the APC aspirants who lost in the primary election and recently defected to the PDP.
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