By Favour Bibaikefie

WARRI — The Common Men Assembly (CMA) planning committee for the homecoming reception of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, has secured the endorsement of Amb. (Dr.) Shadrack Agediga, for their forthcoming Homecoming Reception in honour of the bewly elected National President of the Ijaw Youth Council.

This was happened when the committee paid a courtesy visit last Friday as part of its engagement with Ijaw leaders and stakeholders ahead of the November 18 reception in Warri.

Speaking for the delegation, committee chairman Comrade Napoleon Kenerekedi said CMA was preparing to honour Okotete as one of its founding members who had risen to lead the IYC Worldwide. He urged Agediga to attend, saying his presence would mean a great deal to the organisers.

Kenerekedi also noted the close ties between the two men, describing Okotete as Agediga’s younger brother and saying they come from the same kingdom.

Agediga thanked the committee for the invitation and welcomed the decision to celebrate Okotete’s achievement. He said recognising people who have served in leadership could bring communities together and encourage younger generations.

The visit is one of several engagements being undertaken by the committee ahead of the reception. CMA earlier inaugurated the committee under the leadership of Chief Jude Angodideke. Kenerekedi serves as committee chairman, with Mr. Rueben Tubotu as vice chairman, Engr. Duopayo-ebiyo Akemotubo as secretary, and Pastor Arex Akemotubo as publicity and media officer.

The reception will hold Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Chief Tunde Playground, Bulouama, NPA, Warri, Delta State. CMA has invited community leaders, Ijaw youths, friends and associates to join the celebration.

With shock and deepest pain, the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan Delta Forum (PANDEF) has received notice from the family of the passing of our leader and father, Chief Patrick Dele Cole, in the early hours of today, 17th October, 2026. Chief PDC as he was often called died in London after a brief illness just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.

A foremost national leader and statesman, Pa Cole was an ace educationist, journalist, civil servant, diplomat and politician. Some of his career high points include very impactful role as Editor-in-Chief of then national newspaper Daily Times of Nigeria, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Presidential Candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Member, BOT (PDP), etc.

He was a key figure and brougt on board his robust intellectual forte in the various socio-cultural and socio-political bodies of the Niger Delta, especially PANDEF at the time of its formation and till his demise. He was also a strong Christian Leader and an exponetor of Nigeria’s cultural legacies, especially of the peoples of the South-South.

PANDEF conveys special commiserations to his son Rt Hon Tonye Cole and the rest of the Cole Family, the people of Abonnena town in Kalabari Kingdom where he was a High Chief, the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State and the entire Nigerian country on this irreplaceable loss. We urge all to take solace in the gift of a worthy and distinguished life which he had.

All chapters of PANDEF in Nigeria and Diaspora are hereby directed to put on hold all officials activities of social nature for seven days with effect from Monday, 18th October, 2026 to mourn his loss. During the period, all PANDEF media platforms should carry his image.

May his soul rest in peace.

Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON

National Chairman

By Favour Bibaikefie

Hon. Pastor Dennis Yeinbiri Bibaikefie and his newly wedded wife Mrs. Progress Ebiakpor Bibaikefie, have expressed profound gratitude to their church, family members, friends and well-wishers who turned out in large numbers to celebrate their marriage, describing the outpouring of love and support as memorable.

“We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out in large numbers to celebrate with us,” Hon. Bibaikefie said on behalf of the couple.

The clergyman made the remarks during a telephone conversation with the IduwiniVoice News Desk while conveying the couple’s appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of their wedding.

“We sincerely appreciate your prayers, financial contributions, kind gestures and physical presence. Your love and support made the occasion truly memorable,” he said.

The marriage activities began with the payment of the bride price on Thursday, September 10, at Obotebe Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The celebration continued with the solemnisation of the couple’s holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Chapel Area Headquarters, Warri.

Thereafter, members of both the Redeemed Christian Church of Gob and the Word of Life Bible Church, family members, friends, and well-wishers joined the newlyweds at a colourful, carnival-like reception held at the NNPC Junior Staff Club, DDPA Housing Estate, Ugborikoko, Effurun, Delta State.

The couple, overwhelmed by the prayers, goodwill and support received throughout the celebration, prayed for everyone who honoured them with their time, presence and resources.

“May God richly bless you and do for you whatever you cannot do for yourselves, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen,” they prayed.

“We are deeply grateful. Once again, thank you all for celebrating with us,” the couple concluded.