The Global Initiative Support Group for Sheriff 2027, has felicitated its patron, Evangelist Chief Johnbull Ejovi, on his 71st birthday, describing him as a man of faith, service, integrity and positive impact.

In a birthday message signed by its Chairman, Chief Josiah Ntekume and Secretary, Barrister Abednego Dikame, the group said Ejovi’s 71 years had been marked by sacrifice, wisdom and commitment to causes and people he believed in.

The group noted that his contributions as its patron had continued to inspire members in their pursuit of a united, inclusive and globally connected movement.

It said his counsel, encouragement and support had strengthened the group’s resolve, adding that his life exemplified the principle that meaningful leadership was measured not only by positions held but by lives touched and legacies created.

“At 71, we celebrate not merely the passage of time, but a remarkable journey of faith, wisdom, service, sacrifice and positive impact,” the statement said.

The group described Ejovi’s life journey as one that reflected “grace for the past, strength for the present and hope for the future”, while praying for renewed strength, sound health, joy and greater opportunities for him to continue contributing to humanity.

It also prayed that God would enlarge his territory, deepen his wisdom and grant him many more fruitful years in His service.

According to the group, Ejovi’s 71st birthday should be seen not as the end of a journey but as “another beautiful chapter in a life still filled with purpose.”
It added: “The best chapters are yet to be written.”

The group expressed appreciation to God for the life of the celebrant and wished him continued grace to age gracefully, live purposefully and leave an enduring legacy.

It congratulated Ejovi on his 71st birthday and reaffirmed its appreciation of his leadership, guidance and support to the organisation.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, has charged chairmen of the 32 Rural Development Authorities, (RDAs), to intensify efforts to complete all ongoing projects for inauguration and use to improve the living conditions of rural people in their respective areas.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, gave the charge while presiding over a meeting with the chairmen and principal officers of the various RDAs at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

Dr. Akpe, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, stressed the need for due diligence in terms of documentation and procurement in line with extant regulatory policies to ensure accountability and quality in project execution.

The Deputy Governor who commended the principal officers of the RDAs, including treasurers and directors for supporting their principals, however, urged the chairmen to attach premium to project delivery for the grassroots people to feel the impact of governance.

Dr. Akpe seized the opportunity to call on the chairmen and all workers in the various RDAs to participate fully in all the activities lined up for the Bayelsa at 30 Anniversary Celebration, which is expected to commence on the 28th of this month.

According to the Deputy Governor, some of the major activities to mark the anniversary include Ijaw Language awareness programme, sporting events, road flotilla from Igbogene to terminate at Oxbow Lake; boat regattas, musical concert, anniversary lecturer, state mega praise, anniversary dinner, among others.

He also reminded the RDA bosses and all political office holders that the Governor of the State, Senator Douye Diri, wields the highest political authority at the state level that must be obeyed and respected for the common good of the state.

While underscoring the importance of constructive criticism in governance, Dr Akpe, also urged them to propagate the good works of the Douye Diri-led Administration by acting as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.

His words: “We appreciate you for your support, and for playing your roles as chairmen and principal officers of our RDAs.

“But let me also use this opportunity to encourage you to speed up and complete all ongoing projects; follow up on your documentations and ensure that they are properly done in conformity with all procurement regulations.

“We need a compendium of all the projects you have done from the beginning of your appointment as chairmen. The projects you have done in pictures, soft and hardcopies, including the titles, and communities where the projects are located.

“Additionally, please ensure that you participate wholly in the forthcoming anniversary programme. The anniversary begins on the 28th with several activities lined up including an Ijaw Language awareness programme. Ensure that you are all part of it.

“Finally, we must all work and contribute to the system we belong to. We should be seen showing our support for the programmes of the administration. Propagate the good works of the government. If there is something that we need to do, then constructively critique it and get it across to us to address it.

“I always tell everybody that there is only one captain in the boat. As he directs, all of us follow. So do well to key into the administration’s ideas and ideologies.”

Some of the RDA chairmen who spoke at the meeting expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for the competence he has shown in the handling of local government and RDA affairs, and assured him of their preparedness to complete the ongoing projects in no distant time.

Highpoint of the meeting was presentation of a gift item to the Deputy Governor by the RDA Chairmen’s Forum led by its Leader, Sir Saturday Sikoki, in appreciation of his effective supervision of the RDAs.

The Anambra State Police Command has deployed personnel, sister security agencies and other stakeholders to schools and strategic locations across the state as pupils and students return for the new academic session.

The deployment, carried out under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, is part of the Command’s efforts to strengthen school security and implement the Inspector-General of Police’s Safe School Initiative.

The exercise is targeted at preventing security threats around schools, sensitising pupils and students on personal safety, assisting children with safe road crossing and ensuring effective policing around educational institutions.

The command said personnel had been deployed to maintain high-visibility presence around designated schools, particularly during peak arrival and closing periods.

The officers are also expected to monitor activities within and around school environments, assist pupils and students, and respond promptly to security concerns.

The police said the operation would further strengthen collaboration among security agencies, school authorities, teachers, parents, guardians, host communities and other stakeholders in identifying and preventing threats to schools.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, said the safety of pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community remained a priority of the command.

Oji Ama urged school authorities, parents, guardians and students to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, activities and emerging security concerns to the police or other appropriate security agencies.

The CP also called for stronger communication between schools and security agencies, stressing that timely and credible information remained critical to preventing security incidents.

He assured residents that the command would sustain security visibility, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and proactive response around schools across the state.

The command wished pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community a safe, peaceful and successful academic session.

Ozele, who died at the age of 60, was described by Dafinone as a dedicated priest whose ministry, counsel and service to God and humanity touched many lives across Delta State.

In a condolence message, Dafinone said he was deeply saddened by the death of the clergyman, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, his parishioners and the wider community.

He said, “Fr Ozele was a committed priest who devoted his life to the service of the Church and the spiritual and social wellbeing of his flock.

“His years of pastoral service and leadership touched many lives, and his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt by the Catholic faithful, his fellow priests and the wider community.”

The senator commiserated with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious leaders, parishioners and the entire Catholic community over the loss.

Dafinone also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased priest, as well as his friends, colleagues and all those who mourned his passing.

He urged the Catholic faithful to draw strength from the life of dedicated service lived by Ozele and the positive impact he made during his priestly ministry.

The senator prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, the Diocese of Warri, parishioners, fellow priests and friends the strength to bear the loss.

He added, “May the legacy of Fr Anthony Mario Ozele continue to inspire faith, service and compassion in all who knew him.“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has facilitated with former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Stephen Orishe Oru, on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

Dafinone, in a congratulatory message issued to mark the anniversary, described Oru as a distinguished son of Delta State, accomplished public servant, respected politician and elder statesman whose years of service have contributed to the development of the state and Nigeria.

The senator, who extended his goodwill on behalf of his family and the people of Delta Central, commended Oru for his contributions to public service, particularly in the areas of education, human capital development and national advancement.

He noted that Oru’s service as chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, demonstrated his commitment to strengthening education and developing the nation’s human resources.

Dafinone further acknowledged the former minister’s contributions to the Niger Delta during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, stressing that Oru brought his wealth of experience and knowledge to bear in serving the region and the country.

According to him, the 79th birthday provides an opportunity to celebrate Oru’s life of service, leadership and contributions to society.

He prayed that God would grant the former minister many more years of good health, happiness and fulfilment.

“Happy 79th birthday, Sir. May the years ahead be filled with greater joy, good health and continued blessings,” Dafinone stated.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Ejovi as a visionary leader and distinguished son of Ethiope East, whose contributions to community development, business and philanthropy had extended beyond Delta State.

Oborevwori said he joined the people of Ethiope East, the Urhobo nation and well-wishers across the country to celebrate Ejovi, whom he described as a man of wisdom, mentor and pillar of support to many.

“Chief Johnbull Ejovi’s legacy of selfless service and philanthropy continues to inspire generations,” the governor said.

He commended the celebrant’s business acumen, leadership qualities and commitment to the development of Agbon Kingdom and Delta State, saying his contributions had left lasting marks on the growth and unity of so many communities.

The governor said Ejovi’s 71st birthday was a milestone worthy of celebration, given his years of service to humanity and contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the entire people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate our dear elder statesman and leader on this remarkable milestone.

“We pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with good health, strength and many more fruitful years,” Oborevwori added.

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has mourned the death of veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, describing him as a “legend” whose presence, guidance and impact shaped her journey in the Nigerian film industry.

Mercy, in an emotional tribute, recalled her memorable moments with the late actor on set, saying the experiences were filled with laughter, joy and “plenty of corrections.”

She wrote, “Rest well, Uncle Olu. I could never forget our moments on set, truly precious memories, filled with so much laughter, joy, and, of course, plenty of corrections.”

The actress said those moments would remain special to her, adding that Jacobs was more than a veteran actor.

“You were more than just veteran, you are a legend and you were someone whose presence, guidance, and impact became part of my journey,” she said.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie said reflecting on their time together had made her appreciate how valuable those moments were, noting that the veteran’s memory would continue to live on through the lives he touched.

“You will be deeply missed, Uncle Olu, but your memories and the lives you touched will continue to speak for you,” she added.

She also extended her condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and the entire family, praying that God would grant them strength and comfort during the difficult period.

“My heartfelt condolences to Mummy Joke Silver and the entire family. May God comfort you, strengthen you, and grant you peace during this difficult time,” Mercy stated.

She concluded her tribute with a poignant farewell: “Rest peacefully, Legend.”

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, commiserated with the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Christian faithful over the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Episcopal Vicar of Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.

Fr Ozele, who was aged 60, died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after an illness.

In a condolence message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described the death of the priest as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, his parishioners and the people of Delta State.

The Governor commiserated with the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, priests, religious leaders and the entire Catholic community, urging them to draw strength from the deceased priest’s life of dedicated service to God and humanity.

He also expressed sympathy with the immediate family of the deceased, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

By Andrew Darah

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has lost a giant. The Diocese has announced with profound sorrow the passing unto glory of one of its most revered and charismatic priests, *Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele*, fondly called *”Papa T”*.

In an official notification dated Tuesday, September 15, 2026, signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jude Nwabuokei on the directive of Bishop,Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Diocese stated that Fr. Ozele was called to eternal rest in the early hours of today after _“bearing his illness with exemplary faith and courageous resignation to the will of God.” He was aged 60.

Until his death, he served as Episcopal Vicar of Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.

A PRIEST, A SCHOLAR, A MOVEMENT

Fr. Ozele was not just a priest; he was an institution of evangelization.

Ordained on *December 12, 1992* at the Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul, Ibadan, he served in parishes like *St. Joseph’s, Aragba-Orogun* and *Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri*, before proceeding to the United States where he earned a *Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry and Church Leadership in 2006.*

He returned to become:

– Chairman, New Evangelization Commission, Warri Diocese

– Director, Catholic World Evangelical Outreach and Founder of *Streams of Love*

– A pioneer of Charismatic Catholic spirituality in the Niger Delta

– An international missionary who took the Gospel to America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

On *December 28, 2025*, during his 60th birthday, he testified how God healed him from stage 4 cancer – a testimony that shook the faithful.

*TESTIMONY: THE FATHER AT MY FRIEND’S BROTHER’S FUNERAL*

The true measure of Fr. Ozele was not in titles, but in the lives he touched quietly. One such testimony comes from *Johnson Egbemudia Dudu, PhD*, who met him in Okpare-Olomu:

> _”The passing of my friend’s eldest brother brought a cloud of sorrow to Okpare-Olomu… It was during this solemn occasion that I first saw Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele. I watched as community men and women surged forward, bringing bottles of water, eager to receive his prayers. I asked, ‘Who is that Father everyone is pushing to see?’ The answer was, ‘That is Rev. Fr. Ozele.’_

>

> _I met a young man who lived with him who took me to his study… He gave me an 8-page form to fill out before he invited me into his prayer room. We spent intense moments praying together. He handed me Psalms to read and urged me to fast every Wednesday. He continued to follow up, inviting me to join his Saturday prayer meetings._

>

> _Thanks to his spiritual guidance and the power of prayer, the personal challenge I faced was eventually overcome… Rev. Fr. Ozele was a dedicated servant of God, using his calling to minister with faith, humility, and compassion.”_

That was Papa T – prayerful, disciplined, and relentlessly following up on souls.

*GOING HOME*

Fr. Ozele’s life was a testament to the power of prayer and unwavering trust in God. As Dr. Dudu wrote in his tribute: _”Although it is painful to know we have lost him physically, heaven celebrates his homecoming as a saint. Rest in peace, Man of God.”_

The Diocese has commended his soul to the mercy of God and asked all priests, religious and laity to pray for him. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

_May his priestly soul, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. Amen._

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has pledged to sustain investment in human and intellectual capacity development as part of efforts to grow Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector.

The pledge was made at the 5th edition of its Book Reading Programme held at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The edition featured a review of The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal, authored by journalist and public policy analyst, Mr. Paul C. Nwabuikwu, who served as media aide to former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said sustainable local content development goes beyond technical competence.

“It requires knowledge, critical thinking, creativity and continuous learning.”

Ezeobi noted that the book reading series started small but has grown significantly and is now streamed live to NCDMB offices and other audiences globally.

“We bring authors of repute with thematic books that speak to different areas of life and development that concern not just the oil and gas industry, but Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

He added that the real test of progress is how policies and opportunities affect the lives of citizens.

In his response, the author, Mr. Nwabuikwu, thanked the Board for sustaining the initiative and promoting a culture of reading.

He said the book, a collection of insights drawn from journalism, public service and personal encounters, interrogates leadership, citizenship and nation-building.

He urged young Nigerians to document their experiences, noting that every lived experience is useful for nation-building.

The programme, moderated by Mr. Lishman Onisodemuya, included an interactive session with the author, a question-and-answer segment, book signing, spoken word performance and violin rendition.

On his part, the General Manager, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Engr. Dokubo Obongo, said the book draws attention to Nigeria’s diversity and dark history, including the civil war, and stressed the need for youths to learn from history and promote peace despite divisions.

“The lesson is that we must stand together as a united nation, harness our potential and build a prosperous nation,” he said.

Also speaking, former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Bayelsa State chapter, Hon. Laye Julius, described the book as engaging, humorous and rich in description.

He said the book educates readers on Nigeria’s peacekeeping operations, such as ECOMOG in Liberia, and will inspire young writers.

The programme was attended by NCDMB management and staff, academics, members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), journalists and students.