By Our Correspondent

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena on his coronation as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, urging him to use his vast personal experiences to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.

Speaking Saturday at the coronation ceremony of Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, the governor said the event was a historic occasion.

The governor said Alimikhena came to the throne with decades of experience in public service, including two terms as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance, and community development will surely be valuable in your new role.”

Governor Okpebholo, however, reminded the new monarch that traditional leadership carried a unique and sacred responsibility, urging him to govern with wisdom, humility, and fairness.

“However, traditional leadership carries a unique and sacred responsibility. As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all,” he said.

“I therefore urge Your Highness to govern with wisdom, humility, fairness, and an open heart. Please carry everyone along and ensure that no son or daughter of Uwanno feels left behind.”

The governor also called on the people of Uwanno Kingdom to support and cooperate with the new monarch, urging them to put aside their differences and work for the common good of the kingdom.

“I also call on every son and daughter of Uwanno to give His Highness their support, cooperation, and loyalty. Let us put aside our differences and unite around the common good of Uwanno Kingdom,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He said unity remained critical to the peace and development of the kingdom.

“The strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people. Where there is unity, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is progress,” he said.

Earlier, Senator representating Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, also commended him for all his development strides attracted by him to his people and state.

Oshiomhole prayed that may God continue to bless him and enrich him with wisdom to pilot his new responsibility as a traditional ruler.

Delivery his speech, the new traditional ruler, Alimikhena, said that today’s event marks a new beginning and a turning point for the people of Uwanno Kingdom.

“It is a new dawn, an era of peace, love, and development, I will establish a Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilizing resources for the ultimate
development of Uwanno Land,” he said.

By David Owei

Member representing Ughelli North Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Spencer Obokpare Ohwofa,Eqs, has congratulated Prof. Patrick Muoboghare on his appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, describing the appointment as meritorious, well-deserved and a fitting recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities, wealth of experience and commitment to education.

In a congratulatory message made available to the media today, Hon. Ohwofa described Prof. Muoboghare as a man of integrity, knowledge, experience and dedication to service. He said the appointment reflects the confidence reposed in the Uwheru-born academic’s capacity to provide purposeful, responsible and visionary leadership, noting that his wealth of experience would be invaluable in promoting good governance, academic excellence, research and innovation at the university.

According to Ohwofa, leading a university governing council requires wisdom, maturity, integrity and a clear vision for institutional growth. He expressed confidence that Prof. Muoboghare would provide effective leadership capable of strengthening Dennis Osadebay University and creating an enabling environment for students and staff to thrive.

“On behalf of my entire family and the great people of Ughelli North Constituency II, I heartily congratulate our leader and father, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, on this meritorious and well-deserved appointment,” Ohwofa said. He urged the university community and other stakeholders to give the Governing Council the necessary cooperation and support to succeed.

Ohwofa also appreciated His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for the confidence reposed in Prof. Muoboghare, expressing optimism that his outstanding leadership qualities would contribute significantly to the advancement of the education sector in line with the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda. He prayed that God would grant Prof. Muoboghare greater wisdom, strength and good health to excel in his new responsibility.

“Congratulations once again, our leader, on this meritorious appointment. May God guide and strengthen you, grant you wisdom and enable you to lead with distinction as you take Dennis Osadebay University to greater heights,” Ohwofa stated.

‎By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy of Yenagoa, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, came from two goals down to beat Uchenna Kanu Football Academy of Akwa Ibom State 3-2 in a Matchday One fixture of the ongoing Nationwide League One U-19 Youth League decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa on Sunday, 16th August, 2026.
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‎Starlets produced one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks to defeat the Akwa Ibom-based side, Uchenna Kanu FA. James Anthony put Uchenna Kanu FA in front from a close effort while Augustine Daniel doubled the lead for the visitors.
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‎Despite the scoreline, Starlets did not relent in their possessive style of play, mounting pressure on their opponents and their efforts paid off on 37 minutes with Jude Onisoya scoring from a 30 yard shot to make it 2-1, having failed to convert several scoring chances in the opening minutes of the game.
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‎Substitute Uduak Joel levelled the scoreline before half time, from Micah Kilete’s beautiful delivery.
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‎Kilete Micah on 71 minute made it 3-2 from Christopher James’ brilliant effort to slot in the ball. Up next, Bayelsa Starlets will be facing local rivals, Bayelsa United Feeders in their second fixture on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 at the Samson Siasia Stadium at 3.00pm.
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‎Dolphins ACA FC of Port Harcourt, in the second tie of the day white-washed Obago FA by five goals to one in what could best be described as a Port-Harcourt affair while Bayelsa United Feeders in the last encounter, played out a one-all draw with Benedi FC of Rivers State as Ayeke Godbless continues his brilliant form.
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‎Bayelsa Starlets Head Coach, Freeborn Onome in his post-match reaction, commended the lads for the team’s resilient spirit, pointing out that the attention of the team has moved to their next tie against Bayelsa United Feeders.
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‎Also, Uchenna Kanu FA Coach Adesola Ali, attributed their loss to the team’s lack of concentration when they took the lead, pointing out that the lads have learnt from their mistakes and would bounce back in their next fixture on Tuesday.