Her Excellency Josephine Nonye Ezeanyeche Odueze, widely known as Great, Great Grandma Africa, will mark her 105th birthday on July 18, 2023. The celebration will be held at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja.

Josephine Nonye Ezeanyeche Odueze, the oldest presidential aspirant of 2023, is an icon of humanity and a living legend. Born on June 22, 1919, to Chief Peter and Lolo Maria Omambala in Agukwu Nri, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, she married the late High Chief Ichie, Dr. Livinus Afamefuna Ezeanyache, a legendary security icon. She is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, blessed with numerous descendants.

A distinguished veteran, Josephine Ezeanyeche is celebrated as the oldest and most active politician globally. She contested in the general election of 2022 and has a remarkable educational background, having obtained her General Certificate of Education (GCE) and Nursing Assistant Certificate from the American Red Cross USA at age 76. Her career spans catering, business, and volunteer work at old people’s homes in America.

Ezeanyeche is a passionate advocate for the elderly, women’s development, and youth advocacy. She has been a relentless activist, diplomat, lobbyist, peace ambassador, philanthropist, community promoter, and human rights advocate. Known for defending the rights of the elderly, women, youth, and children, she champions the full utilization of senior citizens’ experiences.

Her extensive involvement includes membership in various organizations such as the “ODU” Women Society (IYOM) in Igboland, Nwanyibuife Advocacy International, Rotary Club International, Mother’s Guild/Union Worldwide, VICAR Society International, and Igbo-ukwu Development Union. Her campaign, “NOT TOO OLD TO SERVE,” underscores her belief in the capabilities of senior citizens.

Ezeanyeche founded “The Voice of Senior Citizens of Nigeria (VOISCON)” and was the founding Chairman of Grand Mothers of Anambra State Association in America. She co-founded several organizations, including the “World Igbo Congress” in America, “Nigerians in Diaspora Organization,” “Nigeria Catholic and Anglican Churches,” and the “International Congress of Women of African Descent.”

As an Ada Anambra Ambassador, she tirelessly worked for peace and unity in Anambra State. Her skills in negotiation were pivotal in resolving the 15-year rivalry between Akukwa and Ngo villages, earning her the prestigious title of “IYOM” conferred by “EZE NRI” and ODU Society of Nri.

The celebration will feature a book presentation, the launch of an old people’s home project, and the VOISCON Awards. Her Excellency’s life and achievements continue to inspire many, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to humanity and the betterment of society.

As a Nationalist, she worked very hard to establish Associations for other ethnic groups such as:
1. Zumunta, an association of Northern Nigeria in America
2. Egbe Omo Yoruba National Association in America
3. Oron Development Union of South-South Region in America
4. World Igbo Congress of South East Region in America
5. Nigeria in Diaspora Organization (UNIDO) and many others.
6. Establishment of political parties in Nigeria such as; Peoples Democratic Party {PDP}, Alliance for Democracy {AD} and All Nigerian Peoples Party {ANPP}.
7. The establishment of Christian churches in Nigerian and USA such as; St James Anglican church Asokoro, Nigerian Anglican church Washington DC, Nigerian Roman catholic church Washington DC.

Mama Africa/Mother General (Ezinne Gburugburu) strongly believes that together we are stronger and that we are better in developing our respective communities in Nigeria. She encouraged Nigerians in Diaspora to invest in Nigeria (Think Home) Today Nigerians had sent billions of Dollars annually for various community developments in Nigeria. In Nigeria during her High days, she was a member of Strategic Patriotic Committee that organized the first Citizens to Citizens Peace Accord during the 2011 general election hosted by Nigerians in Diasporas Integration Agency (NIDIA)

As an Africanist, she fought Apartheid through the “international Congress of Women of African Descent (ICOWAD), a movement against South African Government in the 1990s. As a Queen Mother, she was a member of the Strategic Committee of Nigerians in Diaspora Integration Agency(NIDIA) that fought Africa xenophobic attacks on Nigeria that:
1. Prevented a reprisal attack on south Africans and their investments in Nigeria
2. Planned and executed successfully in signing “Citizens to Citizens Peace Accord between Nigerians in 2014
3. Sent and sponsored delegation to visit King Shaka Zulu of South Africa over the Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African Nationals in 2014
4. To negotiate Cease fire and peace between Nigerians, other African Nationals and South Africans in 2014. This peace mission yielded a long period of xenophobic free South Africa until recently.

As an International Legend, an acclaimed unassuming powerful strategist, a rare selfless servant and volunteer activist that planned several protests against inhumanity worldwide, such as profiling against Nigerians in America, execution of Nigerians in Indonesia, Sierra Leone War, Liberia unrest, Burundi and Rwanda war and Central African unrest, North and South Sudan unrest and other international crises not publicly made aware of. Gaining the release of our African Citizens stranded in
This special breed of a woman is proud to be part and parcel of the establishment of African/Caribbean Commission and African Commission in America, an achievement that will ever live with her until death and beyond. Mama strongly believes in developing human capacity building platform creativity, institutionalization and infrastructural development that stands the test of time and life long sustainable war against inhumanity, injustice and other vices in the world.
Honors and Awards

Great, Great, Grandma Africa has been recognized, honored and has received many awards for her humble selfless services and contributions to humanity, community and nation building, not only from Federal Republic of Nigeria, but globally. Some of the recent awards include:
1. Africa Peace Ambassador Awards (APAA) 2021 by the governing council of Africa Peace Ambassador
2. Life Time Excellence Achievement Award 2019 by Rotary Club International
3. The Royal Diadem Award 2019 by the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers FCT.
4. Mother General and Devoted Christian 2019 by Mothers Guild/Union International-St. James Catholic Church, Asokoro FCT.
5. Ambassador of Peace by Inter-religious and International Federation of World Peace.
6. Mother of Faith 2019 by VICAR Society International FCT
7. “Ezinne Gburugburu” by Igbos home and Diaspora and many others to mention a few. Mama is a gift to our beloved country Nigeria.

Humanitarian and Human Development Courses Mama Has Championed:
Women development initiative;
❖ She funded Congressional campaigns of women of African descent in America on her own
❖ She founded the “Grandmothers of Nigeria association” in America.
Youths development initiative;
❖ She believes and volunteered for many organizations, schools, and orphanages to reshape the young minds in the areas of morals, ethics, peace and reconciliation.
❖ She pushed young people to the wall on “not too young to run”.
Political and economic development;
❖ Brain behind approval of fund for AFMA from Africa- A perspective which her daughter executed perfectly and US Congress agreed.
❖ She prevented reprisal attacks on foreign investments in Nigeria.
❖ She was brain behind legislative summit in Washington represented by Stella Omu and Pius Anyim delegate.
❖ She was the brain behind Economic Summit between Nigeria and USA represented by Bamanga Turke and Minister Bello delegation.
❖ Brain behind resolution of war at Liberia, Burundi, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.
❖ Brain behind resolution of Apartheid and freedom of Nelson Mandela.

General humanitarian development;
1. She is a Nationalist and a detribalized icon. She visited both home/abroad; the poor and the rich and prayed for them. She constantly visited the church members and home of senior citizens.
2. She was the brain behind the mobilization of African countries on AGOA
3. She fed the multitude of the needy through her food restaurant establishment in biggest cities across the country.

The Boys have been separated from the men as there are only four teams standing out of the 200 sides that registered in the season six of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, Bayelsa Governor’s Cup Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.

Akassa side Kongho FC humbled Solid Star FC of Ogu 3-0 to progress to the last four in the tournament. Perfect Akimi drew the first blood for the Kongho FC on 57 minute from a range effort after a barren draw at halftime.

Prince Nackson on 77 minute doubled the lead for the Brass outfit through a left footed shot outside of the eight yard box. When it seemed Ogu side were going to respond, Ayibanua John on 84 minute added another to silence Solid Star FC fans.

Southern Ijaw champions, Ogboinbiri FC came from a goal down to beat Wodu FC 3-1 in a pulsating encounter. Bearman Paul put Wodu FC ahead ten minutes into the game from a goalkeeper’s blunder. The Ogboinbiri side restored parity on 48 minute from Paul Bekewei’s close range header having failed to convert their chances in the first half.

Daniel Godgift on 63 minute doubled the lead for coach Ayibakenimi Alpheaus tutored side. Dominic Claudius added another just before the final whistle to compound Wodu FC woes.

Earlier, Bayelsa United Feeders FC pummeled Southern Ijaw side, Adulama FC 3-0 to qualify for the semi finals of the tournament. Substitute Nathaniel Ojibare came from the bench to net his first hat trick of the competition tagged the “Prosperity Cup”

The Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa is expected to buzz again on Monday and Tuesday with football fireworks in both male and female tournaments as the last four teams battle to grab the five million naira (#5,000,000.00) prize for the champions in the competition which has a total prize sum of fifteen million naira (#15,000,000.00) including the Para Soccer tournament.

Semi finals pairing will witness an eastern battle between Nembe City FC and Kongho FC of Brass at the Samson Siasia Stadium while at 3pm in same venue will see Bayelsa United Feeders tango with Ogboinbiri FC as the tournament enters the home stretch.

Ogboinbiri coach, Ayibakenimi Alpheaus in a post match interview commended his lads for the show of determination, stating that their target is to win this year’s edition of the tournament.

Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe said this year’s tournament has been the best the competition has witnessed with the inclusion of the local government finals, coaching clinic and the refresher courses for the referees, pointing out he was impressed with the quality of football displayed so far.

According to him, five other players have been selected by the international scouts, stressing that the tournament was aimed at giving Bayelsa youths positive living through sports in order to curb crime, criminality and social vices in the state.

He explained that seventeen of the players that were selected during the international scouting exercise will be going to Lagos State in two weeks time for a program to determine the best that would be traveling abroad.

Also, Bayelsa based German and Youth developer, Mr. Dawari Empere said they will collaborate with the organizers of the “Prosperity Cup” for the youths in the state to be involved in a football scouting and mentorship program for youths in Accra Ghana by the end of this year.

…As Stardom Life FC, Igbogene Girls Beaten

The Samson Siasia Stadium on Friday, came alive quarter finals of Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, got underway.

Stardom Life FC and NDU Queens locked horns to decide which team will qualify for the semi-final, but NDU Queens showed superiority over their female counterparts beating them by three goals to two

Woyinilefie O. of Stardom Life FC in the tenth minute scored the first goal from the spot, sending her team into wild jubilation.

Their celebration didn’t last long as Mary of Niger Delta University Queens, skillfully netted her first goal in the seventeenth minute to level the game.

A. Mary came back three minutes later into the second half and made a second goal for her team, NDU Queens as the game became more tensed!

Stardom Life FC forward, Rejoice, restored parity in the forty sixth minute, and held onto the game with more attacks and creativity, and when it seems the game was heading towards the shootout, NDU Queens striker, Gloria pushed forward and shook the net of her opponents in the fifty nineth minute bringing the scores to 3 – 2.

The match eventually ended 3-2 in favour of NDU Queens, thereby booking their Semi-final spot at the ongoing “Prosperity Cup 2024.”

The other match between Afini Ladies vs Igbogene Girls saw Afini Ladies progress to the semifinals via the shootout.

Igbogene Queens scored in the tenth minute through Favour, while the Afini Ladies fought hard to equalise through O. Divine, in the forty-eighth minute.

With the match ending one all, Coach of Afini side had to substitute his goal keeperas both teams went into penalties!

Afini Ladies won 3 – 1 on penalties against Igbogene Girls as they moved on to the Semi finals.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to correct the years of neglect of the Niger Delta region through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024 held in Port Harcourt, the President, who was represented by the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said that the summit with the theme: “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region,” marked a turning point.

He said: “This administration brings renewed hope and prosperity and I believe this is the season we have been waiting for. It is our time to shine. To achieve lasting solutions, we must overcome disunity. Unity among the people of the Niger Delta and the entire nation is not just a choice but a necessity. Through our shared vision, we can overcome the obstacles before us.”

“Mr. President is deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta. The East-West Road will be a priority. The National Assembly, fully represented here today, will do everything in its power to ensure the completion of this crucial road.

Additionally, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project will not only commence from Lagos but will also start simultaneously from the Niger Delta, ensuring both ends meet to complete the project.”

“The Niger Delta can sustain itself with its agricultural resources, especially in rice production and fish farming. By focusing on rice production, we can ensure that the Niger Delta not only meets its own needs but also contributes to the nation’s food supply. We should not be solely defined by our oil reserves, but also by our agricultural achievements.

The Senate President gave kudos to the NDDC Board and Management for delivering impactful projects in the Niger Delta region, citing the commissioning of the 25.7 km Ogbia-Emakalakala-Akipelai-Etiama-Nembe Road with seven bridges and the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He noted that the NDDC also commissioned the Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road with a 800-metre Ibeno Bridge.
Akpabio said that despite the challenges of developing the Niger Delta region, the NDDC had risen to the challenge by executing projects that have improved the lives of the people. He said that President Tinubu was very pleased with the performance of the current leadership of the NDDC.

The Chairman of the occasion and former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, said that as an intervention agency for the oil producing states, the NDDC had the mandate to bring development closer to the people, to foster hope, peace and inclusive governance in the region.

He observed: “NDDC came as a child of necessity whose strategic role also includes to improve the environment, provide infrastructure, and enhance the livelihood of the people in the region.

“With the birth of this current leadership of NDDC, people from the Niger Delta have seen some rays of light. Therefore, I encourage the political class not to over stretch the NDDC for them to be able to perform optimally.”

Also speaking, the Minister for Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, said that the Niger delta region must diversify to reduce the reliance on fossil oil.

He reacted to the concerns raised about the deplorable state of some sections of the East West Road, stating that the NDDC had engaged a construction firm to carry out some remedial work, in order to reduce the suffering of road users in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Speaking earlier, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, lamented the bad condition of the East West Road and appealed to President Tinubu and the Federal Government to act swiftly to end the suffering of commuters at the Okogbe axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

Governor Diri, said he was stuck for more than two hours at the bad portion of the road on his way to the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt.

In his own remarks, the former Governor, Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, said that the stakeholders’ summit was a platform for a crucial reflection on the productivity of the populace in light of the abundance of hydrocarbons and vast gas reserves.

“However, it is imperative to prioritize the health and welfare of the people above all else. As an intervention agency, fostering collaboration with state governors is essential, and concerted efforts must be made to address the issue of abandoned projects that currently plague the region,” he said.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, assured participants at the summit that their recommendations would be followed studiously to change the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.