General News
OKPE UNION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RECOGNITION AS DISTINCT ETHNIC NATIONALITY
The National Executive Council of the Okpe Union has restated its unwavering commitment to the recognition of the Okpe people as a distinct ethnic nationality. This follows a recent public declaration by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, which the union states could create misunderstanding about Okpe origins.
In a statement signed by its leadership, the union reviewed the monarch’s comments and presented historical references supporting an independent Okpe identity. The NEC noted that its position is based on long-standing records and research emphasizing Okpe’s unique history, language, and cultural heritage.
The union expressed concern over the recent statement but also recounted the Orodje’s earlier role as an advocate for Okpe identity. It referenced instances where His Royal Majesty encouraged initiatives promoting Okpe culture and language, including participation in major conferences and approving resolutions championing Okpe self-identification. Speeches delivered by the Orodje between 2006 and 2007 were cited, in which he described Okpe as a “unique ethnic nationality” with deep historical ties to the Benin Kingdom but distinct in language, customs, and traditions.
The statement reiterated that several historical studies, including those commissioned during the Orodje’s reign, describe Okpe as an autonomous group. These studies maintain a lineage tracing back to Okpe, the progenitor whose four sons—Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi—founded the present kingdom, affirming Okpe autonomy.
The union recalled documented migratory waves from the Benin Kingdom into the Delta Central Senatorial District, emphasizing that Okpe migration occurred later than earlier settlements commonly associated with Urhobo groups. This, they argue, strengthens the claim of separate origins and independent development.
Colonial administrative decisions that grouped different ethnic nationalities under broader labels were also addressed. The union argued this contributed to long-term misconceptions, noting similar historical classifications of other groups like the Isoko, who later reclaimed distinct recognition.
Affirming the uniqueness of the Okpe Nation, the statement explained that its people share a common ancestry, language, culture, and traditions, aligning with established characteristics of ethnic nationalities. It emphasized that the Okpe Kingdom possesses a defined territory, a functioning traditional institution, and a cohesive population historically tied to its founding families.
Calling for unity, the Union urged all Okpe people worldwide to remain committed to the ongoing advocacy for formal recognition. It stressed the importance of preserving cultural and historical values handed down by the founding ancestors and maintaining the role of the Okpe monarchy as a symbol of collective unity and heritage.
The statement was signed by Prof. O. Igho Natufe, President General; Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, General Secretary; and Barrister Victor Oruno, National Publicity Secretary of the Okpe Union.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has introduced an urgent, coordinated strategy to safeguard food security across West Africa and the Sahel, as global economic disruptions and rising oil prices continue to threaten agricultural production.
The decision followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Agriculture held on March 23, 2026, where regional leaders assessed the growing risks to food systems.
The high-level meeting, convened by the ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture under Commissioner Kalilou Sylla, brought together key regional institutions, development partners, and financial stakeholders.
Participants—including representatives from the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel—reviewed the impact of rising fertiliser costs, driven by global market volatility and increasing energy prices, on agricultural productivity across the region.
Deliberations resulted in the adoption of a medium- to long-term operational framework aimed at strengthening food sovereignty and building resilience within regional food systems.
Key measures outlined in the plan include the immediate establishment of regional agreements to secure strategic fertiliser supplies, as well as the creation of emergency reserves to cushion the effects of future price shocks.
The ministers also approved the introduction of liquidity swap mechanisms through central banks to address foreign exchange constraints faced by importers—an intervention expected to improve access to critical agricultural inputs.
“Our collective response underscores the urgency of safeguarding food security in the face of external shocks,” Sylla said, noting that enhanced regional coordination and targeted interventions would help sustain agricultural production and protect vulnerable populations.
The initiative highlights ECOWAS’ commitment to deepening regional cooperation and implementing sustainable solutions to emerging threats to food security across West Africa and the Sahel.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday paid a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
The visit formed part of activities marking the Sallah celebrations, as top government officials and political leaders paid courtesy calls to the President.
During the meeting, President Tinubu also received members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, a key political body in Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council
The engagements provided an opportunity for discussions on national issues and strengthened ties between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The Sallah homage is a long-standing tradition in Nigeria, where political leaders and stakeholders visit the President and other top officials during major Islamic festivities.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the reported arrest of a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi said he was informed that the cleric was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday. He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” warning that it reflects a growing pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissenting voices in the country.
Obi noted that such actions, if confirmed, undermine fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and movement, which he said are essential pillars of any democratic society.
He further stressed that harassment or persecution of citizens based on perceived political affiliations must not be tolerated, urging the government to uphold the rule of law in its dealings with Nigerians.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society,” Obi stated, adding that suppression and intimidation of dissent have no place in a functioning democracy.
The former Anambra State governor called on authorities and all relevant actors to refrain from actions capable of weakening the nation’s already fragile democratic system.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the alleged arrest.