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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

 

Majority of Deltans are unanimous in their submissions that the name of
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a celebrated top civil servant and retired permanent secretary in Delta State Government House has been recorded in the good side of history.

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

As he clocked 60 today, family members, friends, associates and well wishers have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to a kind hearted and jolly good fellow.

 

Edwin, a scion of the famous Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, a family noted for producing top bureaucrats and influential public servants.

For 35 years until he retired in January 2024, he added values to Delta State civil service, deepening its positive nuances and was one of the people that nurtured the civil service of the young state upon creation in 1991 to its now enviable heights, setting it along with others on a trajectory that has made it one of the best in the country.

Gbegbaje’s story is far from the proverbial rags-to-riches . He was born into comfort and high society, but suddenly lost his affluent parents in his first and third years at the University of Jos, but with good counsel and guidance of relatives who were bureaucrats, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje made a career choice that saw him becoming a permanent secretary at 46, a very rare feat in those days.

In an interview conducted three years ago to celebrate his 57 years, he offered a glimpse into his life, challenges and triumph. “I come from the larger Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. We have quite several branches of the genealogical tree. We have the Abesan. The patriarch of the family is Chief Gbegbaje Dasone.

“We have Oloyo Gbegbaje and Ogidi Gbegbaje. My parents were civil servants like myself. My mum was a social welfare officer who rose through the ranks.During the late Ambrose Ali administration in Bendel State, she was appointed permanent secretary. My father was a medical doctor.

“He was the first radiologist in the defunct Bendel State and second in the country. My father was the chief consultant radiologist in Bendel State. I also have an uncle, Mr. K Gbegbaje who was a permanent secretary. When he retired, he became the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission. I have an uncle who was the first Accountant-General of Kwara State. He was in the northern civil service in the 60s.He later became Chairman of National Oil. I am from a family of bureaucrats. I attended Emotan Primary School in Benin.

“I proceeded to Edo College. When I left Edo College, I had the desire to leave Benin. Even when I was admitted into UNIBEN to study Economics and Statistics, I wasn’t enthusiastic. So, I got admission to study Political Science in Jos in 1981. Prof Emovon from UNIBEN was the Vice-Chancellor in Jos at the time. As I was entering, Jos ceased being a campus of the University of Ibadan. I was there from 1981 -1985. I graduated before my 21st birthday.

“Unfortunately, I lost my dad as I was entering the university in 1981. When I was just getting into my third year, I lost my mum.

It wasn’t easy being the eldest among my siblings. In fact, I was encouraged to come for Christmas holiday in Benin without knowing that the evening of my arrival in Benin was the period of my mum’s service of songs.

“I didn’t have an inkling that such a thing had happened. I didn’t even hear that she was ill. I was shocked when I saw canopies in my compound at Ovie Whiskey Avenue close to Ekhewan Campus. A prominent Jos-based businessman from Ughelli encouraged me to visit home for Christmas.

“I graduated in 1985 and taught at a secondary school in Iko-Eket, Cross River State. Just as I was finishing, there were some advertisements for jobs. I didn’t see the one for NNPC early enough.Towards the end of 1988, my uncle who was the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission, said since I couldn’t get a private sector job, I should participate in extended interviews, especially since I had sat for ASCON examination.

“He advised me to start a career in the civil service. By the end of 1988, letters of appointment were out. I wasn’t conscious of the fact that the person who resumes first becomes the senior in service. I didn’t resume early. My uncle said I was supposed to have resumed instead of waiting to resume in the New Year. A few of my friends who were conscious of it had resumed and they became my seniors in service. I resumed on January 3, 1989.

“That was how my career started. We were supposed to come in as administrative officers Grade 7, but at that time there was a decree. So, by the time we came in, we were designated as personnel officers. We were regarded as the special class.

“Upon the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, we all had to move to Asaba. In fact, the movement was swift.
We were all not fully prepared for the swift movement. There was a surge of human beings into Asaba with the state creation. A lot of us couldn’t get accommodation in Asaba when we came. In fact, I stayed in Ibusa for nine years. It was when I met my wife that we moved to Asaba. A lot of my colleagues were sleeping in the offices then.

On his retirement, the Delta State governor praised Gbegbaje’s contribution to the growth of the state.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the retirement thanks-giving service of Gbegbaje, urged civil servants in the state to emulate his virtues.

Speaking at a grand reception in honour of the celebrant at the Events Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an intelligent, humble, diligent, transparent, process driven, selfless, accountable and compassionate bureaucrat.

While congratulating the retired Permanent Secretary for his diligent and patriotic service to the state, Oborevwori said Ogidi-Gbegbaje was very helpful in the last seven months of his administration.

According to him, “a lot has been said about Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje and I also have a personal experience about him while I was Speaker and in the last seven months as Governor of Delta State, we have worked very closely and he helped me to settle down quickly.

“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje played his role very well, he is diligent in his duties and was always giving good and useful advise wherever he worked.

“Your service to humanity is something worth emulating and I must say that I enjoyed working with you. I congratulate you for 35 years of unblemished and meritorious service to the government and people of Delta State.

“We are going to miss you, the civil service will miss you, the machinery of government will miss you, you are retired but you are not tired, and your service is still needed.

“I want other civil servants to emulate your commitment to duty. So my message to other civil servants is that they should emulate Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje.

“If you look at his journey in the civil service from Bendel to Delta, you see his commitment to duty. Today, he has finished strong and we rejoice with him and his family”.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated the celebrant for a successful retirement from service and urged other civil servants to emulate his kind virtues and commitment to duty.

From all indications, Edwin Ogidi-Gbagbaje is worth celebrating, he has touched numerous lives in the last six decades.

At the cusp of his 60th anniversary, the social and the civil service landscapes pulse with milestones he has achieved thus reasserting his worth as a rare force of nature. As family and friends join him in celebrating his 60th birthday, the image that pops into head is that of his genius and the passionate intensity he possesses, literally squizing water from stone as far as the public service is concerned. His brilliant performance as a permanent secretary, Delta State Government House, has earned him another appointment. He is currently the Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pension and has been giving a splendid account of himself.

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Sexual Allegations: Dr. Chris Okafor’s Image Remains Unblemished

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Sexual Allegations: Dr. Chris Okafor’s Image Remains Unblemished ...Doris Ogala’s Attempts Have Failed, and Will Continue to Fail By Christopher David

Sexual Allegations: Dr. Chris Okafor’s Image Remains Unblemished

…Doris Ogala’s Attempts Have Failed, and Will Continue to Fail

By Christopher David

For some times now I have been contemplating the sexual allegations made by Doris Ogala against Dr Chris Okafor, a Man of God from the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, also known as Liberation City. This is an allegation that continues to elicit heated debates in Nigeria’s media landscape, with social media platforms being a major hub for these discussions. The media frenzy has raised substantial dust, resulting in confusion about the direction of our society. Without a doubt, the media has devoted considerable attention to Doris, an actress whose fame had waned.

However, much more is required to bring the entire situation to a logical conclusion. For various reasons, I have refrained from responding to alleviate the already damaging media frenzy that could exacerbate Doris Ogala’s false and malicious allegations against the anointed man of God

To say the least, it is equally important to educate the public, church members, and online followers, thereby preventing Doris’s numerous false statements from tarnishing the reputation of the man of God. It is currently unnecessary to recount the numerous false statements made by Doris, who has been utilizing her social media platform to make spurious claims against Dr. Chris Okafor, a respected spiritual leader, by falsely alleging to have had a sexual relationship with him, despite the fact that a substantial amount of information has already been made public on this topic; nonetheless, the truth must ultimately be revealed.

Let’s examine the allegation in question. The actress in question claims to have had a sexual encounter with the religious leader, but where exactly did this occur? Was it at his residence, which is consistently staffed by over 15 domestic workers and security personnel, or did it happen in a hotel room? How credible is this assertion?. Throughout my brief life experience, I have developed an understanding of the considerable obstacles that must be overcome to gain entry into this respected man of God’s inner sanctum, or even to cultivate intimate connections or relationships, which are exclusively permissible within the bounds of matrimony

Does it not defy sound judgment that a ‘Jezebel’ known as Doris Ogala previously found to have deceived other men of God would engage in a sexual relationship with Dr. Chris Okafor and display no apparent guilt, addressing him as “My father in the Lord” while worship in his church some years back. Indeed, I lack the requisite grammatical proficiency to substantiate the alleged sexual intercourse that this lady claimed and ranted about on her social media page; rather, I regard it as a malicious allegation, completely unfounded and emanating from a deceitful and evil-minded source, as manifest in the incoherence of such allegations.

I do not intend to diminish the value of social media, particularly its potential to reach a broad audience; however, many Nigerians engage with social media content on an emotional and sentimental level. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc., do not function as courts of law; hence, grievances must be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, encompassing both criminal and civil proceedings.

The degradation of individuals, organisations, homes, governments and institutions on social media is a worrisome trend. Some social media crusaders exploit this phenomenon as a publicity stunt. Additionally, does Doris Ogala possess evidence to corroborate the purported sexual allegation? This, in most cases, remains obscure to the general public

Regarding Delilah and the satanic angel Doris and her accomplices, reports emerged that Doris made claims on social media last year about Dr. Chris Okafor owing her money. According to her, the money was given to her by an unidentified individual through him. However, a prompt response questioned the logic of an unnamed individual choosing to pay for her services through Pastor Chris, rather than directly to her. This exchange has sparked allegations of dishonesty against Doris Ogala, an actress whose career has experienced a decline. Does Doris realize she may be being manipulated as a social media stooge? Where are her online supporters, who are supposed to be cheering her on and providing encouragement on social media?

I guess the infamous actress is totally broke and out of her mind, thinking she can use the same tricks used on some men of God in the past to extort Dr. Chris Okafor, fondly called the ‘Oracle’. Guess Doris might have forgotten Dr. Chris Okafor’s petition and the ongoing court case against her, which is still before the honorable Court of law?

If I may inquire, have her Instagram and Facebook followers taken her seriously again, given the numerous unsubstantiated claims?. I would advise against aligning oneself with individuals who refer to Doris’ recent allegation as a challenge to the Church, although it may appear that way. However, it seems that Doris is navigating a precarious path. The onus is on her to promptly rectify the situation, as her actions have been widely criticized by supporters of Liberation City, both in Nigeria and globally. Doris Ogala’s recent allegations have left many speechless, wondering if she was intentionally trying to tarnish the reputation of the great prophet of God

As she transitioned from “Okafor owes me a huge amount and I’m ready to collect my money” to “we had sexual intercourse together”, it appears she may require medical attention because nobody in their right mind would continue to fabricate lies in a similar manner, showing reasons why she was separated from her marriage due to childlessness four years ago with her Igbo partner.

In conclusion, Doris Ogala appears to necessitate professional intervention, as it seems she may be experiencing memory loss or repercussions from past conflicts. I doubt whether Doris Ogala can circumvent consequences this time, no as her actions may have serious repercussions.

Watch for part 2, which will reveal men of God against whom she has previously made false accusations.
Church members submit anonymous writings against the evil plotter lady known as Doris Ogala.

 

Written by
Christopher David
Austria

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Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)

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Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)

Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)

Nigeria fuji icon, Saheed Akorede popularly known as Osupa, on Tuesday prevented the re-arrest of Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable after another petition surfaced against him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that legendary Fuji musician discontinued his case against Portable on Tuesday following an appeal by prominent Nigerians to settle the matter out of court.

 

In a new development, Mr Yemi George, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, told NAN on Tuesday that Osupa prevailed on him not to re-arrest Portable after collecting the sum of N6.3m for a show that he did not perform.

Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)
“I have obtained every necessary documents to re-arrest him today in order to refund my money but out of respect for the legendary fuji musician (Osupa) , he prevailed on me not to.

“My company, Starwood Hotels O2 Arena in collaboration with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) put an event together for Portable to perform but he never did” George said.

According to a document obtained by NAN, titled Petition for fraudulent and obtaining by false pretense the sum of N6.3m, the petitioners said they entered agreement with Portable on July 22, 2024, which he never respected.

According to the petition, Portable was paid N6.3m to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ on September 29, 2024, but failed to appear on stage at the agreed-upon time.

Despite arriving over 16 hours late, he allegedly sneaked out of his hotel lodging without fulfilling his promise to perform.

The petitioners claim that Portable’s actions caused significant financial loss and distress, and they are seeking a thorough investigation, prosecution, and restitution of the N6,300,000 allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.

The petition was signed by Chief Olu Amusan, Governor, TAMPAN and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwogd Hotels 02 Arena

NAN recalls that the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kwara command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, had in a statement on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Portable following a petition received from Osupa.

The petition borders on serious allegations which includes criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.

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H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek

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H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek

Opinion/Letter to the Editor

H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek

 

Out of sheer curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of Nigeria’s military history, yesterday I decided to engage with the AI application known as Deepseek, posing a question about what it knows concerning Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. My intention was not only to test the depth of the intelligence capabilities of this innovative AI tool but also to acquire a neutral and unbiased report or profile of the former general—something that would be entirely devoid of any flattery or vindictive vilification of his character. What I received from Deepseek as feedback was a detailed and well-structured overview that encapsulated General Buratai’s significant military career.

 

General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 2015 to 2021, is widely recognized for his transformative leadership and significant contributions to the Nigerian Army. Below is a synthesis of his key achievements, supported by context from the provided search results:

H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek

1. Counterinsurgency and National Security

 

Buratai spearheaded Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, drastically reducing their territorial control. Under his command:

 

– 75% reduction in attacks within five months of his appointment (2015), and a 90% decline in suicide bombings by 2017.

 

– He introduced innovative military strategies, such as the Super Camp Maneuver Concept and Mobile Strike Teams, which disrupted terrorist operations.

 

– The northeast became safer, enabling the 2019 general elections to proceed peacefully in previously insecure regions.

 

2. Institutional Reforms and Training

 

Buratai prioritized professionalism and capacity-building:

 

– Established the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to address strategic defense gaps and foster research.

 

– Revived training exercises like Python Dance, Crocodile Smile, and Ayam Akpatuma, enhancing troops’ readiness for internal security operations.

 

– Expanded foreign training opportunities for officers and soldiers, improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in international military engagements.

 

3. Infrastructure and Welfare Development

 

His tenure saw unprecedented infrastructural growth:

 

– Founded Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), Africa’s first Army university, focusing on technological and military education. The institution expanded rapidly, with 75% of admissions reserved for civilians.

 

– Upgraded barracks, hospitals (e.g., Level 4 facilities), and housing projects nationwide, significantly boosting troop morale.

 

– Launched initiatives like Army Farms and Ranches and Barracks Investment Programme to improve soldiers’ welfare and self-sufficiency.

 

4. Technological and Operational Innovations

 

Buratai modernized the Army’s capabilities:

 

– Created the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to combat digital threats.

 

– Commissioned indigenous Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, reducing reliance on foreign equipment.

 

– Established specialized units like the Motorcycle Battalion and Special Forces Command for terrain-specific operations.

 

5. Leadership and Diplomacy

 

– Personal involvement in combat: Buratai frequently led troops on frontline missions, such as the 2020 Limankara hills operation, inspiring soldiers.

 

– Post-retirement, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, strengthening bilateral ties and curbing cross-border crime.

 

– Promoted physical fitness within the Army, instituting policies like the Body Mass Index standard and completing a 60km run at age 60 to set an example.

 

6. Awards and Legacy

 

Buratai received numerous honors, including:

 

– Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

 

– Traditional titles like Betara of Biu Emirate and Jagunmolu of Saki Land.

 

– A Doctor of Letters (DLitt) honoris causa from NAUB.

 

Conclusion

 

General Buratai’s tenure reshaped the Nigerian Army into a more professional, technologically adept, and responsive institution. His legacy spans counterterrorism victories, educational advancements, and infrastructural development, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most impactful military leaders.

 

For further details, refer to the cited sources.

As I wrote earlier, the information provided above is sourced from Deepseek, and it is a raw, unedited account of the current state of affairs. I firmly believe that it is crucial for Nigerians to learn the importance of acknowledging and commending leaders who are performing well or making significant positive contributions to the country, rather than indulging in the spreading of falsehoods, rumors, and smear campaigns simply because certain insecure individuals feel threatened by the rising prominence of others. This tendency to “kill their prophets” is detrimental to our collective progress.

 

For instance, take a closer look at the troubling situation in the North-East today; observe the morale of the troops, the quality of their training and kitting, and the overall leadership structure. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated significantly. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, even placing his own life on the line and facing numerous life-threatening situations.

 

In stark contrast, we now witness a disheartening trend where current commanders seem reluctant to lead from the front lines. The theaters of war in both the North-East and North-West regions have ceased to serve as bastions of operational strength or secondary offices for the Service Chiefs. I am aware of several nearby villages to Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) that are under constant threat, with terrorists freely roaming about and yet, tragically, no one appears ready or willing to confront them. It is no surprise that our great nation is currently in a state of turmoil and unrest.

 

Securing a complex and diverse society like Nigeria is not a task for the faint of heart; it requires immense dedication, strategic planning, and REAL HARD WORK. I strongly believe that we must address these challenges head-on, with a united front and a renewed sense of purpose, if we are to restore peace and stability to our beloved country.

MS Abubakar writes from Maiduguri

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