News

Senator Dafinone praises Kellyrae for exhibiting Urhobos resilient spirit

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2024

The Senator, Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone has congratulated Kingsley Sule, popularly know as Kellyrae, winner of the star prize of the Big Brother Nigeria Season 9 show which ended on Sunday.

Recall that Kellyrae was crowned the winner of the ninth season of Big Brother Naija, after ten weeks of intense drama, strategies, and games. He won against Wanni Danbaki, who came close second with a 3.47% vote difference and Onyeka emerged as the second runner-up at the BBNaija season 9 finale on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

The Delta Central lawmaker praised Kellyrae, a professional singer for demonstrating to Nigerian youths that you can achieve success through dedication and hard work without necessarily compromising your values and integrity.

Senator Dafinone in a statement to congratulate him said, “As the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae, on his remarkable victory in Season 9 of Big Brother Nigeria.

“Kellyrae’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a proud moment for the people of Delta Central, especially for Sapele, being a Sapele Boy. His dedication, resilience, and authentic representation of our values have earned him the admiration of millions of Nigerians and brought immense pride to our community.

“Born and raised in Sapele, Kellyrae’s journey reflects the story of many young people from our district who, despite humble beginnings, pursue their dreams with determination and integrity.

“From attending Ufuoma Primary School and Okotie Eboh Grammar School, to working at Homeboys Barbing Saloon, to furthering his education at Delta State University, Abraka, he has shown an unwavering commitment to self-development. His background resonates with so many of us who value hard work and self-belief as pillars of personal and collective progress.

“What sets Kellyrae apart is not only his talent and charisma but his consistent display of values and character throughout the show. He conducted himself with dignity, decency, and respect, embodying the moral standards and cultural pride that are at the heart of Urhobo identity.

In an environment where pressure to conform to societal trends can often lead to compromises, Kellyrae stayed true to himself and our shared values. This victory is a testament that success can be achieved without compromising integrity.

“Kellyrae’s victory sends a powerful message to our youth: that authenticity, resilience, and adherence to positive values are rewarded in the long run. His journey through the competition stands as an inspiration to young people in Sapele, Delta Central, and across Nigeria, reinforcing the belief that one can achieve greatness while upholding the core principles of humility, respect, and dedication that are hallmarks of the Urhobo people.

“On behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I once again congratulate Kellyrae on this well-deserved win. We celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make in his life and career.

May his success inspire future generations to honour their roots and work diligently toward their goals, knowing that they too can make a difference without compromising on their values.”

News

Benue LG chairman gives Fulanis 48hrs to leave all farmlands

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2025

ADMIN

The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.

This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.

The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.

He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.

Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.

“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.

The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.

The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.

Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.

Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.

News

Five suspected kidnappers eliminated by police in Delta

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2025

ADMIN

Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.

The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.

The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.

SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.

He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.

According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.

SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.

News

Francophone Ambassadors, Nigeria Unite To Fight Against Climate Change

Published

9 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria and President of the Francophone Ambassadors Group, Amb. Yanko Yordanov has reaffirmed the commitment of French-speaking countries to work closely with Nigeria in promoting environmental protection, democracy, and cultural exchange.

Speaking during the 2025 Francophonie celebration in Abuja, the Ambassador explained that although the International Day of La Francophonie is usually marked in March, they decided to hold the event in April to accommodate broader participation.

“This is a gathering that encompasses the meaning of La Francophonie. In French-speaking countries, the Francophone countries, we are uniting together to celebrate the diversity, our values, our mission, and, of course, to celebrate together with Nigeria. Because we are partners, we share the same values, and we have the same concerns,” he said.

Addressing the theme of the event, which includes environmental preservation and afforestation, the ambassador stressed that climate change is a shared challenge that must be tackled together.

“I think that it is a very important theme and La Francophonie has a lot to say and a lot to do in cooperation with countries, our partners like Nigeria, which are really equally affected by the climate change. So we want to raise the awareness of the importance of fighting the climate change in a way that benefits all nations, that mitigates really the climate change effect and that benefits the lives of all the citizens of all the worlds on the planet,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience leading the Francophone ambassadors in Nigeria, he said he was proud of the progress made in deepening ties between Nigeria and the Francophone community.

“I have been honoured to chair the informal group of the Francophone ambassadors in Nigeria for the past two years and I am proud of what we have achieved together in terms of making La Francophonie much more popular, much more understandable and much more visible in Nigeria,” he said.

He explained that the group, made up of over 25 ambassadors, has not only promoted Francophone culture in Nigeria but has also worked to showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage across Francophone countries Their joint efforts also span areas like trade, investment, political relations, and cultural exchanges.

“I think that the success of our group, which is very visible, is based on the cooperation with Nigeria, which is our partner, which shares our values and our mission, including in the area of the fight against climate change, which affects not only the Francophones, but also all the others, including Nigeria,” he added.

He emphasized that the partnership between Francophone nations and Nigeria is built on shared principles of humanity, democracy, and the rule of law.

“So we are very happy to cooperate with Nigeria in many directions, including the visibility of these problems and the visibility of the decisions and successes that we can achieve together in this area. I would like to say that the Francophones and Nigeria have the same mission. It is humanity. It is the promotion of democracy, of the rule of law. So we are very, very happy and proud to be able to cooperate with Nigeria,” the envoy stated.

Every year, the celebration of “La Francophonie” is an opportunity to highlight the richness of French-speaking cultures and linguistic diversity. It also pro ides an opportunity to promote the French language as a tool for solidarity and cooperation in tackling major challenges such as sustainable development.

This year, the celebrations planned as part of the Month of La Francophonie in Nigeria showcased how the French-speaking countries work together in the service of energy transition, the protection of fauna and flora and the development of new ecosystems.