Feature

It is a taboo for Asaba natives to eat Ogbono soup

It is believed that their mother goddess, Onishe uses it for spiritual purification which in local parlance is known as ife-ahu.”

At the mouth of the River Niger is the sacred abode of the deity, Onishe, the spiritual mother who holds the destiny of Asaba people.

Apart from the serenity that pervades the entire enclave, there are big ogbono trees lining up both sides to the groove of the mother goddess.

The mystery behind these trees is the belief that for the past 250 years, neither the leaves nor the ogbono seeds have ever fallen on the ground.

This is indicative of the spiritual value of ogbono to Onishe, as she uses it for her spiritual functions.

Report says Onishe is as old as the city itself.

Everyday, every hour and every moment, Onishe faithful besiege her vicinity to seek spiritual help and protection.

But nobody goes to Onishe shrine with empty hands.

“If you must solicit Onishe’s assistance in whatever way, you visit her with either a full grown cock, a goat or even a cow depending on the financial capacity of the individual”, reveals Ogbueshi Nwosa Onwuegbuezie, the head custodian of Onishe.

For Asaba people, it is hard to seek Onishe’s help without corresponding result.

Though, for those adherents of the deity who are financially incapacitated, they are at liberty to pledge that upon the realisation of their desires, they will appease Onishe with whatever they can afford thereafter.

According to one of the custodians of the deity, Ogbueshi Nwosa, Onishe appears to her subjects in different forms.

Sometimes she could appear as a crocodile, particularly during festive periods, to accept whatever sacrifice that is being offered her.

At other times, she could appear as the mother she is, dressed in immaculate white wrapper and with her big long breasts exposed.

However, it is believed that those who see Onishe as mere absence of reality suffer consequences when they act in any way contradictory to what she stands for.

In addition, whoever wants to worship Onishe must abstain from sexual intercourse, at least a few days before the day of worship.


The worshipper is expected to dress in all-white attire, including underwears. Moreover, a woman in her period is not expected to visit the shrine.

Onishe is only worshipped on Eke day (day market). Whoever fails to keep to the rules of Onishe cannot go close to the shrine.

At the shrine of Onishe, it is a taboo to drink palm wine, hot drinks, beer or any other liquor.

The official and acceptable drink of Onishe are ogolo (a special brand of local brew) and Fanta.

Before Asaba people eat the new yam, they must first visit the Onishe shrine with the Asagba of Asaba, the traditional ruler.

The people must first appease Onishe with a cow slaughtered at the shrine, and enough food would be cooked for everyone present.

It is the tradition of the people of Asaba to pay homage to Onishe and solicit her help in the year ahead for a bountiful harvest as well as protection against any evil.

For ages, Asaba people have pledged their loyalty to Onishe, the deity that has been their mother both in times of war and peace.

The deity protects the people spiritually and physically from both external and internal aggressions.

Also, the deity alerts the people on any imminent danger threatening their existence.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Education

Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has given the state government Two weeks ultimatum to resolve issues of outstanding minimum wage payment and stagnation of graduate primary school teachers on Grade Level 14.

This is contained in a communique at the end of the Executive Council Meeting of the state Wing of NUT held at the Teachers’ House Asaba and signed by the NUT Chairman Mr Titus Okotie and the Secretary Mr Dan Basime.

The Chairman warned that the union would lead all primary school teachers across the twenty-five local governments of the state on a peaceful protest at the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum.

Mr Okotie also noted that the protest would herald the commencement of the shutdown of the primary school system in the state if their demands were not met.

The State Wing Executive Council of NUT however passed a vote of confidence on Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the continuation of the Annual Teachers’ Award and the establishment of Technical Colleges and the Teachers Professional Development Center in the state.

Lifestyle

Some children from parts of Delta State have expressed delight over receiving gift items from the wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa when she hosted the young ones to a Special Christmas party.

They made their views known in Asaba when they converged at the Delta State Government House during the annual Dame Edith Okowa Children Christmas Party, organized under her pet project known as 05 Initiative.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that children representatives from all twenty-five local government areas in Delta State attended the Christmas party.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Lifestyle

The Delta State Civil Society Community has identified outstanding individuals for special recognition for their contribution to the development of the state and nation.

This was made known during a press conference in Asaba, the Delta State capital, to reveal the programme for the award presentations and posthumous recognitions.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the celebration is part of activities to mark the 5th Edition of Delta State Civil Society Day.

His report.

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Oghenero Eghweree

News

President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Comrade Anderson Ezeibe, has called on the federal government to deliver on agreements reached with the association, to improve the standard of education in the nation’s polytechnics.

Comrade Ezeibe stated this at the 16th National Delegates Conference of the organization hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, but held in Asaba, the Delta State Capital due to security reasons.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that ASUP also urges the federal government to address security concerns in parts of the country to ensure a conducive environment for learning.

His report:

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Oghenero Eghweree

Energy

Stakeholders in the liquefied petroleum gas sector have advocated the usage of cooking gas as a cleaner and healthier means of cooking, unlike the use of other resources like kerosene and firewood, which poses health and environmental dangers.

They made this known at a Two Day Sensitization Awareness Campaign in Asaba, the Delta State capital, held with the theme: Stimulating Delta State Socio-economic Growth through LPG Adoption and Expansion.

Oghenero Eghweree was there for Radio Nigeria.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Economy

The Delta State Government has committed the sum of six hundred million naira in counterpart funds to attract the same amount from the World Bank and United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, SDG.

Delta State Commissioner for Information Mr. Charlse Aniagwu, stated this at the Government House, Asaba, at the end of the State Executive Council meeting.

Mr. Aniagwu noted that the total of one point two billion naira would enable the state to implement key SDG programmes in the health and education sectors, including peace and security initiatives and gender equality.

The Commissioner for Information also mentioned the endorsement of over four hundred and fifty million naira promised to the state’s representatives at the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, with the aim to maintain its dominance in the sports sector.

He mentioned that the State Exco also approved a new policy for the siting of gas plants and petroleum stations in the state.

Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital have called on leaders across Nigeria to unite to enable the country to help her surmount current challenges and aid the harnessing of her full potentials.

They made the call at the Cenotaph in Asaba, during an event to commemorate the Sixty-First anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

Oghenero Eghweree reports.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Sport

The Chairman Delta State Sports Commission Mr. Tonobuk Okowa, has promised to replicate the successes achieved at Team Delta to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN as he guns for the leadership position of the body.

The sports promoter and administrator made this known in a statement in Asaba, signed by his Media Aide Mr. Jovial Agbagwu, on the forthcoming AFN Executive Elections slated for June 14.

Mr. Okowa who has orchestrated consecutive victories with Team Delta at recent National Sports Festivals and National Youth Games, assured athletes and officials of adequate welfare package, adding that homegrown talents would also have the opportunity to display their skills at national and continental levels.

On the issue of funding, He said he would create programmes that would attract private sector partnerships to provide funding for athletic schemes, which would reduce overdependence on the government for funding.

Chief Tonobuk Okowa also pledged to unite factions in the AFN and to chart a new dawn for the athletics federation.

Egweree Oghenero

Politics

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says the agency would conduct future elections with premium on the wellbeing of all participants, in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State Mr. Monday Udoh-Tom, disclosed this in Asaba, the state capital, during an Inter-agency Consultative Committee Summit on the forthcoming Isoko North State Constituency Bye-Election.
Mr. Udoh-Tom, noted the new measures tagged: Conducting Election in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic, would spell out the application of safety measures such as the use of personal protective equipment’s, PPE’s and general COVID-19 awareness.
Speaking on actions to ensure a non-violent electoral process, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, stressed that INEC has resolve to collaborate with security agencies to avert a repeat of the unfortunate incidents at the bye election in Ekiti, last week.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee such as the Nigeria Police, the Civil Defense and the Road Safety Corp at the ICCES meeting, pledge to mitigate any incident that could lead to violence at the Isoko North bye-election on the 10th of next month.

Oghenero Eghweree

Economy

The Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the Federal Government for the equitable selection of beneficiaries for the Special Public Works Programme and the launch of the initiative tagged 774,000 Jobs.

Governor Okowa stated this at the Official Flag off of the ESPW Scheme at the Federal Secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Judiciary

The Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa says his administration has renovated the High Court Complex in Asaba, which was torched during the EndSARS protest in parts of the nation, in addition to other projects to enhance the process of jurisprudence in the state.

Governor Okowa stated this during a Special Thanksgiving Mass at the Emmanuel The Savior Catholic Church in Asaba, to celebrate the beginning of the 2020/2021 Legal Year in the state.

Oghenero Eghweree completes the report

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Oghenero

Sport

Stakeholders in the sports sector have expressed relief over the return of sporting activities in the nation describing the situation as a welcome development.

They made this known at the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa One-Day Post-COVID-19 Athletics Meet, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Security

The 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba, Delta State, has introduced six military canines to assist the Army in its operations across the state.

The Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ibrahim Jallo, disclosed this during the commissioning of projects at the Brigade headquarters in Asaba, as part of events to celebrate the 2020 Army Day.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the theme of the event is: “Nigeria Territorial Defense and Sovereignty: Imperatives for Nigerian Army’s Sustained Training and Operations”.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Lifestyle

Traders affected by fire disaster at Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba, Delta State have commended the Federal Government and Delta State Government for coming to their aid, following an inferno that ravished the market on May 26, this year.

They made this known during a presentation of relief assistance to over four hundred merchants affected by fire disaster by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in Collaboration with Delta State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that Delta State Government also provided a token to assist those affected by the fire disaster.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

Delta State Government says the Asaba International Airport will be closed to traffic for a period of two weeks with effect from today, Friday 26th of March, and has slated the 29 March for the shutting of borders in and out of the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa issued the orders in Asaba while giving an update on decisions reached by Delta State Central Committee on containing the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

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Dr Okowa listed other resolutions by the committee to include a Stay-at-Home directive to residents from Wednesday 1st of April, while businesses such as supermarkets and shops are to shut down activities the same date.

Dr Okowa also charged food sellers to conduct their businesses within their homes and to adhere strictly to social distancing rules.

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He added that there would be an increase in security presence on the streets and land borders to ensure compliance to the new directives while urging resident to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to address the challenges occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Oghenero Eghweree

Sport

The Torch of Unity has landed in Delta State in a tour ahead of the commencement of Edo 2020 National Sports Festival which begins from the 22nd of March.

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who received the flaming torch at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, noted his administration was committed to youth empowerment through sports and has built facilities to maintain the state’s dominance in national sporting events.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the occasion coincided with the Grand Finale of Delta State Schools Sports Festival.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Security

Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai says Delta State is strategic to the security architecture of the nation while stressing the need to collaborate with other security agencies to give the area complete protection.

General Buratai stated this in Asaba, where he led senior officers of the Nigerian Army to commission the Headquarters complex of the 63 Brigade built with the support of Delta State Government.

He commended the state government for the facility which he said was vital to the operations of the 6 Division of the Nigeria Army and the brigade area in general.

Delta State Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in a remark stated that although the state is relatively peaceful there have been incidents of farmers/herders clashes in the past few weeks and expressed the hope that the commencement of operations of the brigade will help in addressing the security situation.

He added that other security issues such as kidnapping have reduced in the state, but noted a lot still needed to be achieved by security agencies to ensure an acceptable level of security on the state. 

Governor Okowa also commended the Army headquarters for signing the approval of the 81 Battalion in Agbor, which emphasised would assist in improving security in the area. 

Oghenero Eghweree

Environment

Asaba the capital of Delta State suffered the problem of indiscriminate waste disposal by residents especially along major streets like Okpanan and Nnebisi roads in the heart of the city, where traders literally dump their refuse in the middle of the road.

But that is not the case today as the city is wearing a new look devoid of dirt and illegal structures.

It all began when the State Capital Territory Development Agency led by the Director General Mrs. Onyeeachi Mrakpor in September 2019, began a sensitization drive to clean the city with a 3 weeks ultimatum for owners of illegal shops and structures to vacate the streets, while government offices and private homes were directed to paint their buildings.

After the ultimatum elapsed the agency began a massive demolition exercise which led to the destruction of many illegal shops and businesses, while the agency built the new Delta Delicacies and Fruit arenas in strategic locations where those affected were relocated.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility at Okpanam road Mrs. Blessing Chidiebere, described the early period of the exercise as tough, but said things are getting better.

At the fruits arena along NTA road, Ms Ngozi Odinaka, said she had operated illegally at the same spot before the cleanup process, observing the new arrangement was suitable for business.

A painter who Mr. Patrick Usabor who spared precious time to speak with us whilst on duty said he has not had an idle day since the operation-paint-your-surroundings began, noting he earn up to four thousand naira on daily basis.

Radio Nigeria also caught up with Mrs. Onyemeachi Mrakpor at her office where she revealed the secret to the successful cleanup of the state capital and why residents of Asaba are complying with her methods. Some residents of Asaba also expressed their views on the development they say the development has created a healthier environment and eased traffic in the capital city.

They also pointed the economic hardship meted on others affected by the demolitions and relocation of trading centers, while urging the capital territory agency to make efforts to ameliorate their plights.

Oghenero Eghweree

Crime

Members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Delta State numbering over one thousand have stormed strategic streets in Asaba, as part of a nationwide campaign against corruption organized by the NYSC in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Oghenero Eghweree who witnessed the event for Radio Nigeria, reports that the corps members in full-service outfits left the Federal Secretariat in Asaba at 8:45 am, and marched through the popular Okpanam road in the sensitization walk against corruption.

His report.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Health

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says over one trillion naira worth of counterfeit products were destroyed by the agency in the past two years, including the destruction of goods worth one point two billion naira in December 2019.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this at the Government House in Asaba, whilst on a courtesy visit to the state to discuss measures to strengthen collaboration between the government and the agency.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Environment

The Delta State Government says it has approved financial compensation for one hundred and thirty victims of natural disaster in the state in line with its commitment to ensuring the welfare of all Deltans.

The State Commissioner Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Omamofe Pirah stated this in Asaba, during the presentation of relief assistance to victims of market fire disaster in Ogwashi-Uku, and those affected by flash floods at Igbodo in Ika North East area of the state.

Oghenero Eghweree completes the report.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Entertainment

Delta State Government says the state broadcasting service in Warri and Asaba, would commence 24 hours service by the end of the second quarter of 2020.

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this known in Asaba, at a conference with the heads of the state information agencies to establish the agenda for the New Year.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that the commissioner also directed the agencies to ensure a monthly statement of account to reflect financial flows to avoid illegal deductions.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Security

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has sued for unity and peace between communities in Delta State as a panacea for development in the area, noting no society can achieve meaningful progress in an atmosphere of rancour.

The Zone G Commander of the NSCDC, Commander Bassy Bassy, stated this in Asaba during a Peace and Security Summit organised by the state command of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with Delta State Government.

Radio Nigeria’s Oghenero Eghweree reports that the event was attended by representatives of security and civilian establishments including traditional rulers.

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Oghenero Eghweree

Education

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has promised to double the reward for award-winning teachers in the state, who won prizes ranging between five hundred thousand naira and one million naira.

The governor stated this in Asaba, during the maiden edition of the state Teachers Awards for Excellence, where he also promised a car gift to the winners of the Best Principal and Best Head Teacher categories.

Radio Nigeria’s Oghenero Eghweree reports that other categories of the awards are, Best Primary School Teacher and Best Secondary School Teacher.

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Oghenero Eghweree