Rex Lawson Remembrance Day: 53 Years After, Rex Lawson Still Lives In Fans' Hearts

Among the musicians that dominated the music scene in Nigeria in the 1960’s, the late Cardinal Rex Lawson is believed to be the most outstanding

Erikosima Jim Lawson aka Rex Lawson or Cardinal Rex was born on 4 March 1938. He was a singer, trumpeter and bandleader from Buguma, Rivers State.

He was in his 20s when he took the highlife music scene by storm and virtually became a household name in Nigeria and the West African region

At the time he held sway, many were in awe at his ability to compose and sing in different dialects such as Efik, Kalabari/Izon, Igbo, some Ghanian languages and our own pidgin English.

He died on 16 January 1971 (aged 32).

Niger Delta Insider

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has apologised to former PDP Chairman in Rivers State, Felix Obuah, for not supporting his Governorship ambition

Wike made this disclosure at a thanksgiving service organised by Felix Obuah in Omoku, Rivers State.

Wike also took out time to commend the character of Obuah, praising himt for the contribution of Obuah to his political success, adding that Obuah was in a deserving position to be supported for Governor in 2023.

“If we did things based on your contribution or support Ground (Felix Obuah) should be among the first two people I should support.

“Today I will use this opportunity to commend the character of Felix Obuah. In 2023 I told him you would not run, and he said okay Sir, I would not. I know his capacity, I know if I had allowed that election, if I had allowed him to run some people would not be Governor today. I not only told him not to run I told him to go and be the Director General of the campaign.

“I want to use this opportunity to apologise to all of you, to Ogba, Egbema and Ndoni people for taking a decision that hurt you.”

Niger Delta Insider

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has approved the sum of N100 thousand as Christmas bonus for the State's civil servants

Gov. Fubara gave the approval on Tuesday for immediate implementation to enable the civil servants to have a wonderful yuletide celebration.

Niger Delta Insider

American Based Philanthropist, Nebimere Jennifer Borel Bags Chieftaincy Title In Kabowei Kingdom

American based Philanthropist and woman leader, Nebimere Jennifer Borel (Nee Tombri) has been conferred with a Chieftaincy title by the Pere of Kabowei kingdom (Delta/Bayelsa), HRH Barrister P. S. Erebulu Aduo III.

She was conferred with the title of "Izon Ebido-ara" meaning, a woman that is after the good of her people

Nebimere Jennifer Borel is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, women leader that is actively involved in the community and non-profitable organizations in Nigeria and United States of America. She is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, Minnesota, USA.

She hails from Osuo-ware Quarter and her mother is from Aven, both from Patani Local Govt Area, Delta State.

She graduated from the University of Science & Technology Port Harcourt and did her post graduate degree in Public Administration at the university of Lagos.

She has stayed in the United States of America, for two decades and is happily married to Mr. Michael Lawrence Borel.

Mrs Nebimere Jennifer Borel has been involved in various organizations in the need to promote good health and wellbeing of her people; which has been shown in the clean Water Solar Borehole at Aven, Zero Malaria Initiative at Patani from Abari to Aven towns.

Her contributions to the to development of kabowei kingdom has earned her this prestigious spot as a high chief in kabowei kingdom.

Niger Delta Insider

Popular Port Harcourt Photographer, Wildshot, Dies In Fatal Accident

The Port Harcourt entertainment and creative industry is presently grieving over the news of the death popular photographer, Michael Nwagugbo, CEO of Wildshot Studio.

Michael, whose birthday is in a few days had a fatal accident while driving on Friday night. He was immediately rushed to two different hospitals but was rejected.

He was then taken to Save a life Hospital where he was pronounced dead

Michael Nwagugbo, was among the few Photographers that redefined photography in Port Harcourt.

Niger Delta Insider

Young Virgins Initiated Into Womanhood In Ogu town, Rivers State

The people of Ogu kingdom in Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State on Saturday celebrated Iria, an ancient ceremony that marks the transition of girls who are usually virgins into womanhood

Young virgins were given certificates by the Ogu council of chiefs for passing through the test.

Iria, is considered a rite of passage for young girls as they reach puberty and begin to mature physically

To pass through the test, the girls must first be virgins which will be checked by women of the town, then they will be kept in a room where they will undergo training on womanhood

After passing through this process, the qualified girls will be given certificates showing that they are now adult ladies ready to marry.

It's an Ijaw ceremony that dates back to the 17th century.

Niger Delta Insider

Tantita Security Service Issues Stern Warning To Chiefs And Community Leaders Involved In And Shielding Oil Thieves

The Bayelsa state coordinator of TANTITA Security Services Limited has issued a stern warning to chiefs and community leaders shielding illegal oil bunkerers in their domain.

The warning was contained in a statement personally signed by the Bayelsa state coordinator of TANTITA Security Services Great Joshua MacIver and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa.

According to Great Joshua, It has come to the notice of the Bayelsa state coordinator and management of TANTITA Security Services that some unscrupulous elements who are bent on tarnishing the image of the company's operation in Bayelsa state are organizing meetings in some communities in Southern Ijaw Constituency 3 and Constituency 4 to bring the efforts of the company to disrepute.

We wish to inform those involved, most especially the chiefs and leaders of the communities that we are well aware of their antics and involvement in illegal crude oil bunkering and would stop at naught to put an end to their operations.

We also wish to inform those involved that we are well aware of a meeting slated with the government of Bayelsa state in a bid to discredit the good works of the company in collaboration with the security agencies.

The public should be aware that chiefs and leaders from Igbomotoru Community in Bomo Kingdom, Constituency 3, Okpotuwari and Ondewari in Constituency 4 all in Southern Ijaw are major financiers and players of illegal oil bunkering, creating safe haven and sponsoring campaign of calumny against the frantic efforts of the surveillance company.

The coordinator and management of TANTITA hereby warns everyone involved to stop forthwith or be ready to face the full arm of the law.

Niger Delta Insider

Nigeria Maritime University Confers Honorary Doctorate Degree On Tompolo

Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), located in Okerenkoko, Delta State has conferred a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Honoris Causa) on High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo .

This happened on Saturday 25th of November 2023 when the university held its first convocation ceremony

Niger Delta Insider

Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs Recieves Prestigious Euroknowledge International Leadership Award in London

Businessman, Philanthropist and Politician, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has been awarded the Prestigious Euroknowledge International Leadership Award of the Year 2023

Chief Dumo who is Chairman of Platform Petroleum Limited, was bestowed this International Leadership Award at the, Euroknowdge Leadership and Philanthropy Forum 2023, held on the 24th Nov 2023, at the House of Lords, London.

Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs expressed sincere gratitude to the Euroknowledge Institution, for acknowledging him as a recipient of award among global leaders.

He said "It is truly a humbling experience and a true privilege to receive a leadership award from the Euroknowledge Institution committed to celebrating outstanding achievements in all sectors.

"I thank the Euroknowledge Institution for finding me worthy amongst leaders across the world for such Prestigious Award, this is truly an honor."

"Part of my Legacy commitment is to remind women that they are bold, capable and empowered. They just need to remember that the power is already available and theirs for the taking.

"You may get into a room and think that it’s too big, however, the moment you take a step, you will discover that the room is actual small enough for you to takeovee, Again, thank you Euroknowledge for the honor”

Niger Delta Insider

Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs Recieves Prestigious Euroknowledge International Leadership Award in London

Businessman, Philanthropist and Politician, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has been awarded the Prestigious Euroknowledge International Leadership Award of the Year 2023

Chief Dumo who is Chairman of Platform Petroleum Limited, was bestowed this International Leadership Award at the, Euroknowdge Leadership and Philanthropy Forum 2023, held on the 24th Nov 2023, at the House of Lords, London.

Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs expressed sincere gratitude to the Euroknowledge Institution, for acknowledging him as a recipient of award among global leaders.

He said "It is truly a humbling experience and a true privilege to receive a leadership award from the Euroknowledge Institution committed to celebrating outstanding achievements in all sectors.

"I thank the Euroknowledge Institution for finding me worthy amongst leaders across the world for such Prestigious Award, this is truly an honor."

"Part of my Legacy commitment is to remind women that they are bold, capable and empowered. They just need to remember that the power is already available and theirs for the taking.

"You may get into a room and think that it’s too big, however, the moment you take a step, you will discover that the room is actual small enough for you to takeovee, Again, thank you Euroknowledge for the honor”

Niger Delta Insider

The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has congratulated Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on his re-election.

Dr Ogbuku in a statement posted on Nation Newspaper urged the Governor to put the election politics behind and consolidate on the programmes and policies of his administration for the good of the Bayelsa people.

He wrote: "My family and I heartily congratulate you on your re-election at the just-concluded Governorship Election in Bayelsa State. Even though the election was keenly contested, you fought a good fight and eventually emerged the winner.

"As the governor of our dear state, we are hopeful that you will consolidate on your programmes and policies.

"I believe that as a man known for his peaceful demeanor, you have put politics aside and focused on delivering democratic dividends to our people.

"May you remain magnanimous in your victory, run an all-inclusive government required to foster unity and drive the sustainable development of Bayelsa State."

Niger Delta Insider

New Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edision Ehiehas said he will continue to stand firm with the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and that no threat, intimidation, allegation can stop him

He said this when he held a press briefing concerning the recent attack on his compound by some armed men

Rt Hon.Edision Ehie, who represents Ahoada East Constituency 2 said, around 11pm Sunday 18th November 2023, Armed men some in mufty others in police uniform attempted gaining access into his premises, shooting sporadically with a possible plan of killing him.

“Yesterday around 11 pm, I had closed the engagement, I moved upstairs, and we had put the children to bed and I was interacting with my wife when we got alerted by security men attached to me that there was an attempted invasion by men in mufti and some in uniform.

“I quickly got up from the room and came downstairs, and not too long, we started hearing the noise of the attempt by these security men in their Hilux vehicles to forcefully gain entrance into this residence but they were repelled by the security personnel.

“To our greatest surprise, these security operatives, led by one SP Irefeike London and DSP Masarachi ordered their men and started shooting sporadically.

“You can confirm from the neighbours in this vicinity that nobody could sleep last night. But to the glory of God, the security operatives ably resisted them.

“Till now, my family is in shock. My wife and my two little children are still in shock. It is so painful that people can go to that level. My children cannot go to school; they did not sleep last night because of the shock.”

He said the invasion was connected to the ongoing political upheavals in the state, expressed shock that those after him were also trying to link him with the murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, the late SP Bako Angbanshin despite the fact that some of the killers have been captured and have also mentioned their sponsors to the Police.

Niger Delta Insider

Akwa Ibom chef, Hilda Bassey better known as Hilda Baci, on Thursday visited the Guinness World Records office in London, United Kingdom.

Niger Delta Insider

Rivers State Government Launches Free Internet Service in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has introduced free Internet Service for public areas.

With no passcode required, users can connect to the GovSim network through Wifi and enjoy free internet access.

The service is now available at Lagos bus stop and Old Port Harcourt Town axis. It will be introduced to more places soon.

Niger Delta Insider

This is Another major Industrialization milestone achieved for the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria at Large as Azikel Petroleum Refinery Signed funding deal with Afreximbank for the Hydro-skimming Refinery Project valued at USD 259 million.

The Azikel Petroleum Refinery has signed the debt funding facility with the African Export-Import Bank for the Azikel Refinery Project. The Azikel Refinery project is catalyzing the New industrialization in Nigeria. In a media statement released in Cairo Egypt,

The financial close reached between Afreximbank and the Azikel Petroleum Refinery was achieved at the intra-African Trade Fair 2023 which ended on the 15th of November 2023 in Cairo, Egypt.

The debt funding agreement was signed by the President of Azikel Group, who is also the Chairman of the Azikel Petroleum Refinery, Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR and the Director, Project and Asset Based Finance of Afreximbank, Helen Brume on behalf of Afriexim Bank.

Present to witness the agreement signing are the Presidents of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Vice President of Nigeria, Architect Nnamadi Sambo and the President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

The debt funding is the participation of AfrExim Bank in the construction, development and operation of the 12,000 bpd Azikel Hydro-skimming Refinery in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The Azikel Refinery Project is aimed to part relieving the challenges of refined petroleum products insufficiency in Nigeria.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr. Eruani CFR, reiterated his commitment to the development of Nigeria and the African continent by his unquenchable passion in guaranteeing the new industrialization of Nigeria, creating energy sufficiency and sustainable development.

He said further that Nigeria would be the hub of refined products and the abundance of clean energy which will be exported to the African continent and beyond. Dr. Eruani also shared the optimism that Africa would achieve energy sufficiency. Azikel Refinery is the First Private Hydro-skimming refinery in Nigeria and also the only Condensate Feedstock utilizing refinery in Africa will produced refined products of Euro V grade thereby ensuring cleaner energy and environmental protection.

To this end, He assured that the Azikel Hydro-skimming Refinery daily output would contribute significantly to the energy demand in Nigeria, but also exportation to the African continent.

Thank you Azikel Refinery for attracting more investments to the Niger Delta Region and we are confident that this Hydro-skimming Refinery will create jobs for our people.

Once again, Congratulations to the Azikel Refinery team and leadership.

Source : Prince E. A. Udo
Special Assistant to the Group President

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Meet Michael Udofot, a Nigerian from Akwa Ibom State that owns, Udofot Beer, the fastest growing Beer brand In Minnesota State, USA.

His Company, Udofot Global Premium Lager Beer, is a rapidly growing beer company located in Richfield, Minnesota, USA.

The beer is now available in over 200 liquor stores throughout Minnesota

Niger Delta Insider

Popular Port Harcourt based transgender, Daniel Nsikan, foldly called Jay Boogie, is presently having a complicated health issue after undergoing a Liposuction, a type of surgery that shapes the booty.

According to her, the surgery was done on her by Dr. Chidinma Akpa. After the surgery, the doctor told her she has developed Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury

She is begging for financial assistance for continues medical treatment in order to recover

Niger Delta Insider

why are you bothered about it.

NoahHadNoArk:
So many people bagged degrees today at uniport, why you create a thread to announce her own? What other market are you people selling?!😒



That Gender and their attention seeking skills no be here

Akwa Ibom Skin Care Expert and CEO of Jumella Empire, Stella Jumbo, has bagged a Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Uyo.

Congratulations to her

Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Seleye Fubara has come out to clear the air that she is not related to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

The actress said, when Siminalayi Fubara became Governor, lots of her colleagues in the movie industry congratulated her thinking the Governor is her brother

She said they are even calling her "Governor's sister" because she and the governor bear same surname

Speaking to publicist, Dave of Africa, The actress said she and Governor Fubara are not related and not even from same Local Government area in Rivers State, that she is from Asari Toru LGA while the Governor is from Opobo/Nkoro LGA.

"Lots of people think I and Governor Fubara are related, but the truth is we are not even from the same Local Government,

"We just bear same surname because we are both from Ijaw ethnic group, it's common for ijaw people that are not related or even from same state to have same surname"

She said anyone that wants to call her "Governor's sister" is free to do so, because the Governor is her Ijaw brother.

She also advised the Governor to look into the entertainment and tourism sector in Rivers State, that it can generate more revenue for the state.

NigerDelta Insider

Burna Boy Does Not Need Nigeria's Verdict - Publicist, Dave of Africa.

Port Harcourt based publicist, Dave Tuetara fondly called, Dave of Africa has weighed in on Burna Boy and his new album

The publicist said Burna boy does not need Nigeria's opinion because Nigerians are not the ones that made him successful, rather it was Europeans and Americans

He said Burna Boy was not appreciated and really struggled when he was doing music in Nigeria, that the singer had to got to Ghana, South Africa and the UK before he became successful

he said

"Burna Boy new album is out but he does not need Nigeria's opinion on it. His new album maybe be trash to Nigerians but he did not make it for Nigerians and it will still sell very well abroad.

"Burna Boy is successful today cos those in Europe, America and other places listens to his music and pay for it, not Nigerians. How much is he making from Nigeria, peanuts. The analytics is there on Spotify, Audiomack, Youtube and his tours. He is making music for those that really appreciate him and buy his music, not Nigerians.

"If it were only Nigerians, 'Last Last' wouldn't have been a global hit, Nigerians still dont like the song that much, If it were only for Nigerians, Burna Boy will still be an upcoming singer. Normally Nigerians prefer Wizkid and Davido kind of music which is still cool

"Burna boy was in Nigeria doing good music but did not go far, he had to go to Ghana, South Africa and UK before the world began taking notice, the world, not Nigerians. Nigerians only started appreciating Burna boy when the world began listening and paying for his songs

"If it wasn't for those living European and American, Burna boy wouldn't have gone far.

"Yes, Burna boy said truth, 80% of afro beats songs are trash, but Nigerians like trash, trash sells very well in Nigeria".

NigerDelta Insider

Wene Port Harcourt Gets Plot Of Land As Gift From Hamrex Properties Limited

Port Harcourt fast rising real estate and construction company; Hamrex properties limited have given a plot of land as gift to the Lagos to Port Harcourt Marathon runner, Wene Port Harcourt

The CEO, Amadi Harry Excellent said they acknowledges the extraordinary feat accomplished by Wene Port Harcourt who trekked from Lagos to Port Harcourt in a bid to break the Guinness World Record.

Statement from the Company

"In recognition of this remarkable achievement and as a token of our appreciation, we gave him a plot of land to build his dream home.

"We believe that this gesture not only honors Wene Port Harcourt’s hard work but also sends a powerful message to all young people – that relentless effort and determination lead to extraordinary outcomes.

"Hamrex Properties and Construction Limited remains committed to supporting and encouraging endeavors that inspire and empower our youth. We hope that this act of recognition will serve as a beacon of motivation for others, demonstrating that hard work truly pays off."

Recall that few days ago Hamrex Properties won an award as the most impactful real estate brand of the year

Owner of Niger Delta Insider, Dave of Africa was also present to witness it.

NigerDelta Insider

Bayelsa State APC Governorship Candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva has promised to empower the entertainment sector in Bayelsa State when made a Governor

Chief Timipre Sylva said his visions for Bayelsa State is to create a homogenous Ijaw movie hub (Jawllywood) that would give budding talented young persons the platform to exhibit their craft and earn decent wages.

He said this when Nollywood superstar, Ramsey Nouah alongside bayelsa filmmaker, Iprite Jackson paid him a visit

NigerDelta Insider

Court of Appeal in Lagos Dismiss Appeal Filed Against Rivers Lawmaker, Hon Lolo Isaiah Opuende

The case was dismissed for lack of merit and inability to provide evidence

The Apeal was filed by the APC candidate Omuboye Sukubo

Hon. Lolo Isaiah Opuende polled 3,027 votes to win his re-election for Akuku - Toru consistency II during the Rivers 2023 polls, while Sukubo Omuboye of APC who was his closest rival polled 1,518 votes

Niger Delta Insider

Philanthropist and founder of DP Foundation, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, has been honoured as The 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa 2023.

The convener, Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe said Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu was honoured because of the so many work he has done in the grassroot, including providing medical and financial assistance to those living in poverty

NigerDelta Insider

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has been honoured as "The 100 Most Notable Peace Icons" in Africa 2023.

The convener, Ambassador Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, said Goodluck Jonathan was honoured because of his selfless sacrifices in promoting peace across Africa

"How can we describe a man who sacrifices for the peace we enjoy today in Nigeria. We can not forget your contribution towards education, empowerment, and peaceful society.

'Honouring you as a symbol of peace has given rise to a possible future for young leaders in Africa. Join us to celebrate the Nigeria Former President His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as one of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa Africa 2023. Congratulations"

NigerDelta Insider

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Founder of Miss Polo International, Ibife Alufohai, Attends Father's Burial In Rivers State.

Ibife Eugene Alufohai, the Founder of Global Paegent Brand, Miss Polo International, was in Abonnema, Rivers State for the funeral of her late dad, Elder Eugene Omubo Peters

Elder Eugene, a Prominent societal leader and Nigerian civil war veteran, was buried in Abonnema on Saturday 23rd September, 2023 at a ceremony attended by family member and associates

He was honoured with a lying in state and gun salute by the Nigerian army.

Ibife Alufohai who flew in from the UK for the funeral said she will always remember her father because he was a man who loved, took care of his children and others around him

In her Tribute she wrote

"If I knew it would be the last time I would see you walk out that door, I would have held you tight and never let you go

"If I knew it would be the last time I would hear your voice over the phone when you said 'Afang Soup' I will have recorded it to play it over and over again

"You are forever my hero, I am glad I am your daughter, your egg, you titi (like you fondly call me). My love for you is eternal, You will forever be in my heart"

NigerDelta Insider

25 Years Old Event Planner, Sharon Meyiwa Wins 6th Edition of The Delta Queen Pageant

Sharon Meyina, a native of Ode-itsekiri in Warri-South LGA, Delta State has won the 6th edition of The Deltan Queen Pageant

She beat 15 other finalist to emerge winner.

The event was held at Fiesta Dome Event centre in Ughelli, Delta State on 30th September 2023

Sharon is a pro makeup artist, event planner and a graduate of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti

Congratulations to her

Niger Delta Insider