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Alabo: Amaechi Knocks Wike, Bayelsa, Govt Fill Void With Large Contingent At Funeral

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…Dame Jonathan, Diri, Science Minister, Sara-Igbe, Others Pay Last Respect

…TOG An Incredible Gift To Ijaw, Nigeria – Diri

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, could not hide his displeasure over the indifference of Governor Nyesom Wike and the Rivers state government to the funeral of Alabo Tamunotenyim Omubo Graham-Douglas (TOG) as the four times federal minister who died at 83 was laid to rest Saturday in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Governor Wike, his Deputy and daughter of Kalabari Kingdom, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo were conspicuously absent and no representation announced for the Rivers State Government as activities marking the burial of TOG of climaxed at his home town with a requiem service before his remains were interred.

Amaechi, Wike’s predecessor, in his moment to remark among other dignitaries on the eventful life and times of Alabo Graham-Douglas (TOG) said by his immense contributions to nation building, Rivers in particular, TOG, Head of Orubibi Douglas War Canoe House deserved a state burial.

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He said, “When I became governor, he (TOG) was one of the first key figures and leaders I visited. Alabo and I spoke on ends on how to move the state forward.

“Indeed going by the contributions he made to the state, I was thinking that the state would take responsibility for everything concerning Alabo. You don’t need to be Governor to be recognised.

READ ALSO:Gas Leaks Rock Rivers Community, Residents Flee

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“Alabo played a very important role in making Rufus Ada George governor of Rivers. We came to thank him here in Abonnema when Ada George became governor. And he (TOG) was arguably one of the best dressed Rivers man until his death.”

Whatever imagined void created by absence of the Rivers State Government was, however, filled by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen Douyi Diri who let a large contingent from his state to “celebrate greatness” in TOG in the words of Diri.

Diri said, “TOG was a colossus. We are all here to pay our last respect to this incredible man. We are not here to mourn, but to celebrate greatness. I’m deeply honoured to be part of the gathering.

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“TOG represents the very important symbol and voice, highlighting the issues and importance of our corporate existence as a country and as an ethnic (Ijaw) nationality.

“Myself and the Government of Bayelsa thank the Graham-Douglas family and the people of Abonnema for the incredible gift that TOG was to the Ijaw nation and to Nigeria at large. It is remarkable to note that throughout his service to the nation, he left indelible imprint as an administrative and innovative genius.

“Whereas he is a staunch and patriotic Nigerian, he will wear the Ijaw ethnic identity with great pride. And what defines a people, their language and mode of dressing. Today I dress, though lowly, like Alabo Graham-Douglas, representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality. We would always remember him as a man of integrity who embodied the principals and values of our forbearers.”

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Prof Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), celebrated TOG as, “A man who stood out from the crowd, a crusader for Ijaw Kingdom with an impeccable record of excellence. Ijaw nation is mourning because we are passing through perilous times and we needed Alabo to be with us at this time. Alabo is somebody we need to study. He was a leader of Ijaw nation.”

READ ALSO: South-South Chiefs Move To End ‘Autocracy’ In Rivers

The International Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge in the funeral sermon, themed, ‘Why Do We Have Life’ said “the essence was to follow the word of God and to please Him, urging the congregation to keep commitment to at all times to liviing aright before their maker as everyone who bid farewell to life on earth.”

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Among others present to pay last respect were Rtd Maj Gen Ike Nwachukwu, former Petroleum Minister, Odein Ajumogoba (SAN), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, former 1st Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, widow of TOG, Muriel Graham-Douglas and Ikechukwu Ikoh Minister of Science and Technology.

Semabo Graham-Douglas, eldest son, was thankful to dignitaries from far and near who graced the occasion.

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Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

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The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

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“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

READ ALSO:How Wike Rescued Me From Political Oblivion — Oshiomhole

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

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According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

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READ ALSO: He Can’t Fix His Party Let Alone Nigeria – Oshiomhole Blasts Atiku

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

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He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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