House of Representatives Member-Elect for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu, has served notice on Mr. Nnabuife Anthony Elue, demanding an apology over what he described as the “vile, denigrating false and malicious publication” made by Mr. Elue against him and a comprehensive retraction of the said publication in several media outlets, failure of which a N1 billion lawsuit for damages, will be slammed on Mr. Elue subsequently.

The letter of demand for Apology and Retraction of the publication, as well as a notice of potential litigation on Mr. Nnabuife Anthony Elue, was written by the legal firm of A.C Okeibuno & Co, representing Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, which referenced the article titled: “HURUWA Drags Rep-Elect, Elumelu To IGP, NHRC For Threatening Man’s Life After Attempting To Snatch His Wife”.

The Law firm in the correspondence made available to Journalists, highlighted the specific grounds contained in the said publication on which the demand for apology was based, retraction of the said publication in specified national and online media platforms and the recourse to full blown legal action for defamation and damages to the tune of N1 billion, if the apology and retractions were not done within Seven days of the service of the letter, dated 23 May, 2019.

The letter titled, “DEMAND FOR APOLOGY, RETRATION FOR DEFAMATORY STATEMENT/PUBLICATION AGAINST AND CONCERNING THE PERSON OF RT.HON. NDUDI ELUMELU,” reads in part:

“It is our clients’ instruction that you, within Seven days of service of this letter, retract this false, malicious and defamatory publication, through six National Dailies circulating in Nigeria, the Internet, other social media platforms where the said publications were made and tender a written apology to our client.

“However, if our client’s humble request cannot be met, we have his further instructions to institute an action for defamation and N1, 000, 000, 000 (One billion naira) damages against you”

It will be recalled that Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu had, in the wake of the publication in the online news portal, Elombah.com, promptly and swiftly released a terse and comprehensive rejoinder, signed by the Director General of the Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization, Hon. Anene Chigbue, which denied the allegations of threat to life and wife snatching levelled against him by Mr. Nnabuife Anthony Elue, describing them as false, baseless, unfounded and the handiwork of persons who were using Nnabuife Elue to tarnish his image and reputation

From SUNNY A. DAVID / ONITSHA

About 10 persons were trapped while two people were rescued as three storey building under construction collapse in Onitsha.

The building collapse took place at about 1.30 pm on Tuesday when workers were busy carrying out construction work at building located at Ezenwa Street by Ogalanya Street junction Onitsha.

Hundreds of people gathered around the scene of the incident as rescue workers and sympathizers scramble to rescue the trapped people, one of whom is suspected to be the site engineer.

As at the time of filing this report rescue operation was still being done by manual labour as no government official that could provide excavating machine has visited the scene of the collapse building.

Even one hour after the incident occurred there was no equipment like excavator for the rescue operation, which elicited outrage by sympathizers against the government.

The visibly angry and frustrated Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society Prof. Peter Emeka Katchy who supervised the rescue of the two victims said that he has been taken to the intensive care unit of the General Hospital Onitsha.

However, Prof. Katchy who was very angry and frustrated that up till 4.30 pm, hours the building collapsed and he arrived with his men, there is no rescue equipment for excavation to bring out the remaining people trapped in the unfortunate building collapse.

He said that he has made several calls to respective government agencies for excavators to be provided without any fruitful result.

The Anambra State Emagency Management Agency, SEMA, Executive,  Director, Chief Cy Agupugo and the Executive Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on SEMA, Chief Emeka Obinwa were also at the scene of the incident making frantic efforts and calls to ensure rescue of the victims.

They were however handicapped by lack of equipment for the rescue mission they were however seen encouraging the youths engaged in the rescue activities.

However manual efforts was being used by some youths in the area for rescue operation, who were later joined by the officials Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra State, popularly known as OCHA, Brigade operatives. 

The efforts of both the youths and the OCHA Brigade was yet to yield any positive result towards rescuing the trapped people, as they have not been able to remove the debris which trapped the workers.

Some of the youth carrying the rescue operation said the handsets of the trapped workers were ringing but how to get to them was too difficult without an excavating machine.

The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Central Police Station, CPS Ifeanyi Iburu, said  he had called the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, to arrange for an excavator, saying that the manual effort would not take them anywhere in the rescue operations.

However, Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Patrick Aghamba who visited the scene of the incident at about 3pm immediately left to mobilize excavating machines was yet to return with any as of the time filing this report.

Hundreds of sympathizers were still gathered around the scene bemoaning the incident and condemning alleged greed by builders who want to build houses to heaven without proper and standard equipment.

The crowd of sympathizers at the scene of the incident kept increasing as the traders from the nearby markets, including Onitsha Main Market, Ose Okwodu Market, Marine Modern Market and Ochanja Central Market, closed for the day’s business and troop to the scene of the incident.

No help as regards the provision of excavating machines for the rescue operation had come as of the filing this report as youths were still making use of manual labour to carry out the rescue mission.

Some of the residents of the area especially women who thronged the place where wailing as rescue efforts were being delayed, while others found the situation as an opportunity to lash  for alleged incompetence and insensitivity to the people.

From SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA

Anambra State Government has banned the use of tinted windscreens, glasses and stickers on commercial buses, shuttles and tricycles with immediate effect.

Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Uchenna Okafor, gave this directive during a meeting with Transport Stakeholders across the state at the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Conference Hall, Government House, Awka.

Mr. Okafor observed that the back windscreen of some commercial tricycle popularly known as `keke’ are usually covered with party stickers, which could prevent people from seeing inside the keke.

“Not only that those keke that have party stickers covering their back windscreens, the front windscreen is also tinted.

“Some commercial buses, especially the shuttles also operate with tinted glasses, tinted windscreen and such will no longer be accepted in the state.

“If you want to put party stickers on your vehicle, it should be at the body of the vehicle not on the windscreens or side glasses,’’ the commissioner directed.

“Henceforth, every commercial buses, shuttles and keke across the state must not operate with tinted windscreen, glasses or stickers covering any part of the windscreens or glasses for security purposes’’, he said.

The commissioner urged them to be law abiding and adhere to government directives to ensure sanity, peace and security in the state.

Meanwhile, the commissioner also directed transport stakeholders to re-brand all commercial vehicles and tricycles by painting them in one uniform colour.

He said that all commercial vehicles and tricycles would be enumerated and allotted security codes and biometric data obtained from the operators.

Mr. Okafor urged the stakeholders to key into the new policy to ensure adequate security in the state and to avoid using commercial vehicles to commit crime in line with the vision of Gov. Willie Obiano.

He pledged to carry them along, so that they would always agree with government to enable state government to achieve their aim.

Those in attendance include Director of Transport, UNIZIK, Mr. Edwin Ogalanya Udoka, Mr. Patrick Dinchi (NANS), and Mr. Sheriff E.E Zedock.

They welcomed the new policy and agreed to key into the scheme. They also pleaded with the commissioner to consider the student buses. 

BIDS for the concessioining of the Asaba International Airporweas been opened.

The bids were opened on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 with two consortia, FIDMA/MA and AIMS becoming the favourite bidderAt

At the opening of the bids by the transaction adviser on the concessioning of the airport, HALCROW Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in a brief but interesting ceremony which saw representatives of the consortia in attendance, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated that his desire is to have an airport that is of international standards running effectively in Delta State.

According to Governor Okowa who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, “we are happy with the interest of various consortia for the Asaba Airport concession and want to reassure you that the bids will be diligently analysed by the transaction advisers.”

“As a government, we are committed to building an effective and efficient airport and to make the Asaba Airport a hub with support and cooperation of the private sector; I want to assure you that Delta State is ready and open for business,” the governor said.

FIDC/MA Consortium and AIMS Consortium led by Adanwimo Ezeife and Chief Onome Onokpasa respectively commended the transparency and fairness of the bidding process, stating that they look forward to the announcement of the results of the technical evaluation.

Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Okowa, Prof. Sylvester Monye had said the Delta State government has built a world-class airport and is interested in its effective operation.

While disclosing the modalities involved in the bidding process, Prof. Monye asserted, “building an airport is one thing running it effectively is another; what we have done is coming up with the idea of concessioning the airport to take it to the level we want it to be; we want it to be a win – win situation and decided to do a fast track by considering a model that will believe will work with a master concessionary and sub concessionary”.

From Mike SOGBOLA (Maiduguri):

Eighty (80) million people, representing over 40 percent of Nigeria’s population still defecate unhygienically, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented.

Speaking during a workshop to intimate journalists on the danger of open defecation in the country, Bioye Ogunjobi, a UNICEF Specialist quoted a recent report that showed that 47 millions people openly defecate in the country with additional 33 million using unimproved toilets.

Ogunjobi, who spoke to journalists selected across the North to sensitize them on the ongoing campaign by UNICEF and the European Union: “Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign”, lamented that Nigeria ranks second among countries practicing open defecation globally.

He revealed that open defecation has an economic, social and health impact on national development.

He lamented that Nigeria loses about 1.3% (N455 billion) of GDP annually due to poor sanitation and a third of this was as a result of open defecation.

He said: “You see the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with support from UNICEF Nigeria and other development partners, and in partnership with inter-ministerial agencies, civil society organisations, the media, the private sector and the people of Nigeria, is currently leading the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign to end open defecation by 2025 and achieve universal access to safely managed sanitation.”

He said: “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” is an ambitious behaviour-change campaign in Nigeria with a strong citizen engagement component. Leveraging on what is currently working (best practice) in states with Local Government Areas (LGAs) and communities certified as ODF, this campaign is a national movement hinged on policy advocacy, public advocacy, and private sector engagement.”

He therefore said that Nigeria need to add two million toilets per year between 2019 and 2025 to achieve the Universal Basic Sanitation target.

He then appeal to the media houses, traditional rulers as well as religious leaders to support the UNICEF and government agencies in advocating the uses of toilet and sanitation system.

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Hon Patrick Ukah, has stressed the need for information to be made available to the right audience in the right format and at the right time, as an integral part of good governance in constitutional democracy.
Ukah, who was a guest speaker at the 2019 strategic political communication workshop for information, media and communication persons in government of Delta State; organised by the office of the EA Communications to Gov Okowa, emphasised that the primary role of political communication is to bridge the gap between the leaders and the led; propagate government policies and programmes as well as achievements to the citizens while adhering strictly to professional ethics.
According to the Information Commissioner and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public  (F.NIPR), every strategic communication in governance must be beneficial to government in the sense that it would produce positive outcomes, meet set objectives identify trends, strength, save money and plan for the future, among others.
He expressed optimism that there were bright prospects for effective government information systems and collaboration among communication and media persons to build a Stronger Delta, owing to the enduring structures put in place by the government of Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.
Also speaking at the workshop, Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Mr Charles Aniagwu told participants that the primary assignment for all government media, information and communication persons is to make friends for the governor and government.
He noted that the non-confrontational political communication strategies and policies of Okowa administration is hinged on the need to build good friendship cross political divide and bridge the cap of communication among political gladiators on the one hand and the citizens on the other hand.
Aniagwu, a seasoned media manager and public affairs analysts commended the political communication strategies of the convener of the workshop and Executive Assistant on Communication to Gov Okowa, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, describing him as “a credible force to reckon with in media, information and communication profession” whose enviable contributions helped a great deal to positively shape the style of political communication in the state.
In a related development, the Executive Assistant to Gov Okowa on Orientation, Barr. Eugene Uzum said Delta State parades some of the best political communication experts and described Fred Oghenesivbe, EA Communications to Okowa as a man of multifaceted skills and that he brought to bear his wealth of experience to reinvigorate strategic political communication which to a large extent has bridged the perceived gap between government and the good people of Delta State, since his assumption of office in April 2017.
Top government functionaries who attended the event includes Secretary to Delta State Government and representative of the state governor, Hon Festus Ovie Agas, Delta State Head of Service, Hon Reginald Bayoko, Honourable commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Mrs Mary Iyasere, Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Kingsley Emu.
Others are; Honourable Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Hon Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje (ably represented), Chief Press Secretary to Gov Okowa, Hon Charles Aniagwu, EA Orientation to the Governor, Barr. Eugene Uzum, et al.
The three day workshop had Prof Godwin Oboh, a Professor of Mass Communication and Head of Department of Mass Communication at Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), as Chief Trainer and Tasks Coordinator. 
At the end of the intellectual brainstorming exercise on Friday May 17, 2019; participants numbering 120 from the three senatorial districts in the state, were presented with Certificate of Participation.

It’s a known fact that in politics, especially when it comes to our nation, Nigeria, within small organisations, there is always acrimony and distrust among the people and a member, which often leads to what, had derailed our political, economic and social growth over the years. Thus while other nations are growing, developing their systems to seamlessly move in the right direction, we found our on nation, state and organisations in a state of pulling down a structure, even at the beginning, or the end just to discredit the initiator or the team that is in charge.

This ugly attitude had greatly affected our thinking and behavior, that even within the media family we had become more destructive and blind to our callings, that many of us had chosen the part of finding faults, or creating alibis when non exists. And this is what just happened at the end of a success media interaction with the Honourable Commissioner for Information of Delta State, Chief Patrick Ukah, where reference was made in an article, Titled “Second Tenure State Executive Council: Why Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Must Not Reappoint Delta State Information Commissioner, Patrick Ukah Again..”

The above article would not been anything to the members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, the organisers of the FRONTLINE PROGRAMME, if not for

Paragraph 2 of the very article which is totally misleading, absolutely fabricated and overzealously contrived in bad faith and obviously intended to undermine the professional credibility and reputation of the seasoned and veteran journalists and publishers who were present at the interactive session with the Honourable Commissioner.

For starters, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli did not ‘passionately appeal to anybody not to be hard on the Commissioner with critical questions’. Those who were present at the parley will confirm that what he said was purely within the context of the rules of engagement and best professional practices all over the world, in any event that involves an interactive session. In summary, he advised participants to display a high sense of decency, decorum and factual articulation rather than speculative jibes and salacious misinformation, sourced from unconfirmed and unsubstantiated rumours, in their verbal engagements with the Commissioner. This can be verified from our video recordings.

It is indeed to the high credit of those who spoke, that virtually all the questions asked, were of high calibre, intellectually sound and delivered in clean and proper English, which were not only excellent as a modus for rating journalists in the state, but indeed required lengthy, detailed and concise answers from the Commissioner, to the contextual satisfaction of all present, except maybe those who were only in attendance to find something fishy to report, like the baseless allegation of ‘passionate appeal’ which is totally unfounded.

It is quite sad that people who did not attend an event will report copiously on that programme from the heresay of someone who probably shares the same skewed mindset with them about someone. This of course is very unprofessional and ethically unacceptable in Journalism and we must continue to challenge such pedestrian practices that tend to rubbish our profession.

Secondly, it is absolutely annoying and insulting to a ‘proper’ journalist to even suggest that he was compelled to indulge, censor and limit himself and his professional curiosity because of a ‘passionate appeal’ for him not to ask critical questions. That such a situation was even mentioned in the first place is not only an insult to the professional reputation of those journalists present at the session with the Commissioner, but a degrading insult on the sensibilities of every journalist in Delta state. Every journalist worth his salt, will ask whatever question he desires to ask, irrespective of whatever rules of engagement are suggested by the moderators. The problem we have noticed at interactive sessions like this, is the challenge of spoken English and incoherent tenses, which often rears their ugly heads and breaks forth embarrassingly, either in written stories or in the course of asking questions by some of our ‘colleagues’; a sad reflection of a particular professional decay in the evolution of our practice over the years.

Thirdly, the Commissioner did not quote any figures during the interactive session with publishers, but it is also important to state here too that he was also very clear and precise in listing the achievements of the Ministry during his tenure, all of which are verifiable.

Any journalist worth his salt and is keen on establishing the veracity of his claims, will do proper investigative journalism to ascertain if indeed the achievements the Commissioner has listed as accomplished under his watch are truly on ground and verifiable. Then one can further investigate whether the figures quoted are true and overall reflection of the amount expended on listed activities, successfully delivered.

Finally, the intention and mandate of the Online Publishers FRONTLINE programme, is to provide a platform and opportunity for the critical segments of the society to share views, create awareness for their programmes, initiatives and activities, and by so doing meet the yearnings of members of the public who seek neutral platforms to make their views known and contribute to the state and national discourse.

To therefore suggest as the writer of this referenced article did in the same paragraph 2, that the Commissioner ‘declined’ to answer questions on how much was expended on the projects, is dubiously uncharitable and economical with the truth, as those who were physically present at the interactive session will confirm that such a question was not even posed to him to elicit his disinclination to respond or not. This can further be verified with video recording of the event.

The FRONTLINE Programme provided the Honourable Commissioner with the veritable platform to once again enumerate his achievements, challenges, visions and how far and well his expectations were realized. The FRONTLINE event is neither an inquest nor an Inquisition or even a truth and reconciliation tribunal.

Hon. Patrick Ukah, the Delta state Commissioner for Information, was very eloquent, lucid, concise, unruffled and uncluttered in presenting the scorecard of his stewardship and critical contributions as a solid pillar in the actualization of the SMART Agenda of the administration of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta state. His answers to the questions posed to him were clear, precise, unambiguous and, and at a point he had to refer to one or two members of the Ministry of Information and DBS staff, who were present, to corroborate some of his claims.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, does not deal in speculations, rumours, propaganda or here say. We have provided the platform with our FRONTLINE programme for the Commissioner to state his claims, list his achievements and provide critical insight and explanation to some of the things that happened and the processes engaged to achieve and resolve several inherited conflicting and controversial situations, which many did not even know about until he said it during the interactive session.

We have heard him and the onus is now on us, as professional Journalists to set the investigative machinery in process to unravel, substantiate or debunk some or all of his claims, with verifiable, empirical, incontrovertible evidence and figures.

We also suggest the same approach to every Journalist who is keen on this matter, rather than relying on rumours, here say and unsubstantiated statements and figures, as reason to describe or qualify his claims as lies.

There surely ought to be some high level of ethical, professional standards to be maintained and upheld in this practice, before we willfully and maliciously destroy this beautiful Journalism profession for us, by ourselves.

It is our hope and expectation that this rejoinder will be read dispassionately and with professional understanding and comprehension. It is so very easy for some people in this profession to give labels and branding, once the writing does not conform to their world view or mindset.

Thanks,

Emmanuel Enebeli

Chairman,

Delta Online Publishers Forum,

(DOPF)

16/05/2019

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, May 16, 2019 signed six bills into law, stating that with the cooperation of all arms of government a stronger state would be built.

The governor who spoke after signing the six bills into law, observed that it was a collective responsibility for all Deltans to contribute towards building a virile state that will be the pride of all.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who was accompanied by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi and other principal officers of the legislature, presented the bills to the governor.

One of the bills which has now become law is the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development  Agency bill. 

According to the Governor, “The Warri/Uvie and environs development agency law was initiated following the successes recorded with the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency. The law was borne out of the positive impact we have made in the development of the state capital using the Capital Territory Development Agency; in 2015, we saw the need for a special agency to handle the development of the capital territory, three years after, we have seen the positive impact this has made in Asaba and its environs”.

He continued, “I believe that from the beginning of my second tenure, we will pay special attention to the development of Warri, Uvwie and environs as I promised the people; this agency will ensure the maintenance of existing infrastructure and improvement of general infrastructure in the area,” he stated.

Other bills that were signed into law includes Bill to provide for the establishment of the Delta State Urban Water Corporation, Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, The State Water Sector Regulatory Commission; Bill to Regulate the Registration, Establishment, Operations, Conduct, Monitoring and Inspection of Private Health Care Facilities in Delta State and other matters incidental thereto; Bill to Amend Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency; Bill to provide for the Audit of Public Accounts of the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Local Governments and other Matters Connected therewith; and the Bill to Establish the Customary Courts and to provide for the Composition and Appointment of Chairman and Members, Structure and Administration, Jurisdiction and other Matters Connected thereto.

The governor commended the Delta State House of Assembly for being great partners in his administration’s efforts to develop the state, took time to explain the importance of the bills that were signed into law, commended the Delta State House of Assembly “for spending time to do your job thoroughly; you have done a lot to impact on our people,  and we will continue to need the cooperation of the House of Assembly to develop our state; as we work and partner with the rest of the state and the Judiciary, we have course to smile as we build the Delta of our dreams, a stronger Delta State.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori while presenting the bills before they were signed into law, took time to extol Governor Okowa’s administration for working for the interest of the people of the state, disclosing that the bills passed through all the processes required in making laws.

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is billed to commission the multi-million naira world class hotel, DANTINAJO GOLD RESORT LTD at Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State on 18th May, 2019.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of DANTINAJO GOLD RESORT LTD, Engineer Daniel Omoyibo, the three story edifice with automated system, consisting of 85 standard rooms and suites, will be commissioned under the Chairmanship of Hon. Eta Enahoro, Chief Executive Officer of Skyward Resources Ltd with Prophet T. B. Joshua as Spiritual Father of the Day.

Also to grace the occasion as the Royal Father of the Day is His Royal Majesty, A. W. O Ovrawa, Omogha 1, the Odiiologbo of Oleh Kingdom.

Speaking further, he noted that the foundation of the idea which has materialized was muted in 2016 and that it was meant to prove a point that something good can equally emanate from the village, not only in the cities.He added that that apart from the provision of hospitality, the resort will equally create employment opportunities for the teeming youths and therefore called upon all Isoko sons and daughters in diaspora to return home to collectively develop Isoko nation by investing in the land.

Dignitaries expected at the commissioning are Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, all Isoko Traditional Rulers, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Chairmen of the two Isoko local government councils, Hon. Egbabor Emmanuel and Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo respectively.

Also expected are Sen. James Manager, Hon. Barr. (Mrs) Orezi Esievo, Hon. Prince Erijo, Hon. (Barr.) Tim Owhefere among other dignitaries from all walks of life

The apex sociocultural umbrella body of Ozoro kingdom, Ozoro Progress Union (OPU), on Saturday, 20 April, 2019 held its annual general conference at Opute hall, Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko north local government area of Delta state.

The annual general conference, a biennial gathering of Ozoro sons and daughters living at home and in diaspora, was held to elect new officers into the executive office of OPU, following the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent executive. 

Other important issues bothering on security, infrastructure, education, land disputes, electricity, town planning, and overall development of Ozoro kingdom were also discussed at  the conference.

The traditional ruler of Ozoro kingdom, H.R.M, (Barr.) Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, (JP), graced the occasion. 

He commended the political leaders of Ozoro kingdom, including the leadership of Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) for working assiduously for the wellbeing of Ozoro people in recent times. 

Continuing, the monarch charged the people of Ozoro kingdom to shun acts that could jeopardise peace and progress in the kingdom.

The conference was charged with a thunderous ovation as the Hon. Nicholas Areh led incumbent executive of OPU was unanimously declared unopposed and automatically given the mandate to pilot the affairs of the Ozoro kingdom for another two years. 

In his speech, the excited president- general of OPU, Hon. Nicholas Areh, thanked God and the people of Ozoro kingdom for their collective decision to give him and other members of the executive another opportunity to run the affairs of the kingdom for another tenure of two years.

He promised to do his best to justify the trust and confidence reposed on him and the entire executive, saying that the infrastructural challenges and other matters raised at the conference will be addressed headlong.

The executive officers of Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) comprise Hon. Nicholas Areh, President-General; Mr. Emmanuel Omogwarien, Vice-president; Mr. Fredrick Egbabor,  Secretary; Princess (Mrs.) Christy Ichofu, PRO; Mr. Lucky Ogoli, Treasurer; and others. 

From Mike SOGBOLA:

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai on Tuesday admitted that the Nigerian Army has had occasional hitches in the ongoing war against terrorism in the North East.

He however said that despite this, under his leadership the task at hand would be done and his men would never be deterred.

The COAS made this declaration at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery, Maiduguri, Borno State while laying to rest the remains of the officer and two soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice while on clearance operations along Mauli-Borgozo axis on Monday.

The late Lieutenant Colonel Yusuf Ibrahim Aminu was the Commanding Officer (CO), of 154 Task Force Battalion Borgozo, was on a clearance operation along Mauli- Borgozo when his vehicle climbed on a buried Improvised Explosive Device which detonated, killing him and two other soldiers with many others wounded.

The COAS, who commiserated with the family of the deceased, used the opportunity to again commend the efforts of the entire troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the war on terror and charged them to remain steadfast, more committed and professional for the sake of Nigeria.

The sacrifices of all the deceased officers and soldiers of the NA is no doubt painful to all, but that will further ginger the serving gallant troops to do more to ensure that the nation remains secure and peaceful, Buratai said.

Present at the solemn occasion were the Chief of Training and Operations ‘Army’, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, Theatre Commander OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, Corp Commander Engineers, Major General John Malu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brig Gen Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, Corps Commander Supply and Transport, Major General Victor Offiong, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Theatre Command and HQ 7 Division amongst others.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oando Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous energy companies, Mr. Wale Tinubu on Tuesday said the humanitarian needs of crisis ridden North East is beyond the Nigerian government and any international agencies.

Tinubu, who led other top chief executives to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the birthplace of Boko Haram, said: “This initiative is about Nigerians helping Nigerians. Today I have witnessed some of the most vulnerable people; women and children in the most dire circumstances. Having seen the magnitude of their humanitarian needs, it is obvious that it is not a task that the Government or any one agency can take on alone.”

He added that: “The onus is on us to use our position to repair, nurture, build and sustain our society and pave a path for a truly inclusive economy.”

Also in the delegation to see how the nation’s business community could assist in the planned reconstruction of Borno State and aid assistance to two other states of Adamawa and Yobe affected by the decade old crisis, are Access Bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, and former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Mr. Kyari Bukar, among other private sector leaders, who joined the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon.

They paid a visit to two IDP camps in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with other UN representatives and met people whose lives have been uprooted by the ongoing crisis.

Also speaking during the visit, Kallon said: “The humanitarian community has been working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, health care and other basic needs to families who have been left with little or nothing. To see CEOs of banks and energy companies show compassion for the mothers and fathers, daughters and sons affected by this crisis brings a new beacon of hope for people who have endured too much.

“Together with the leading business minds in Nigeria, there is so much more we can do for Nigeria’s most vulnerable people.”

He noted that the visit was part of the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund-Private Sector Initiative (NHF-PSI), a groundbreaking global initiative created in Nigeria that will see companies join donor countries in pooling donations and resources together.

The platform aims to create a more collaborative and effective response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has affected over 7 million people in Nigeria’s north-east, 80 percent of whom are women and children.

While in Maiduguri, the delegation also met with the Executive Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who welcomed this unique partnership.

Shettima said: “I am very glad that the Nigerian private sector, a very vibrant sector, is at the vanguard of driving this programme. In the UN, Nigeria’s private sector has found a partner that has the integrity to truly make things work.”

Fourteen of the biggest companies in Nigeria signed up to the initiative launched in Lagos in November 2018, which will harness their financial resources, innovative capacity and entrepreneurial drive in support of the humanitarian response in the affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. The NHF-PSI offers a measurable and accountable platform for companies to pool their resources together to more effectively transform the lives of millions of their fellow Nigerians.

To date, the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund has raised $83 million in contributions and pledges, thanks to the generous support of seventeen donor countries. Nigeria boasts one of Africa’s largest economies with an emerging and thriving private sector globally.

The United Nations and founding private sector members of the initiative are urging more businesses to come together and collaborate under the platform of the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund-Private Sector Initiative.

We wish to, as a matter of urgency draw the attention of the general public to a ploy by some disgruntled political elements and persons deliberately to smear the name of the Delta North Senator Elect and Anioma Star Prince Ned Nwoko, in the mud.

We have noticed with disbelief, that people of no importance and without the interest of the electorates at heart, have resorted to regularly dragging his name into issues that does not concern him. The Anioma Star Prince is totally and completely unaware of all uncomplimentary incidences that he is always been linked with.

These political jobbers and evil thinkers should stop this distraction and let Prince Ned Nwoko be focused ahead of the many enomous responsibilities that the people of Delta Notrh Senatorial District has placed on his shoulders by massively voting for him to represent them at the Senate.

The recent incidents where some persons, Pension Emelue and Ugo Nwagbono were allegedly engaged in farm land issues leading to the unfortunate death of one Mr. Ugo Nwagbono following alleged attack by Chibueze Onwochie(a.k.a. Badoo) and his group from Idumuje-Ugboko community and subsequent attack of Onicha-Ugbo youth on Pension Emelue and Okwuchi Chiazor is an issue that is been handled by the law enforcement agency.

Any attempts by some paid disgruntled elements to begin to insinuate in their sub-conscious minds that because the Anioma Star Prince hails from one of the communities, Idumuje-Ugboko, then he must be dragged into the issue is a failed calculation that must be resisted.

That the Delta North Senator Elect and Anioma Star Prince Ned Nwoko is a peace-loving, humane gentleman, a philanthropist and respecter of the rule of law should not be seen as his weak point and mischief makers should not think that they can thrive there.

Please let the Delta North Senator Elect and Anioma Star Prince Ned Nwoko be. Mischief makers beware.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

In a bid to further strengthen the trust of Deltans on the initiatives enshrined in the SMART agenda, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has donated truck-load of desks, tables and chairs to Umeh Secondary School, Umeh in Isoko South local government area of Delta state.

The rare gesture which comprised of 100 School Desks, 10 tables and chairs for Teaching Staffs, among other instructional materials was a testimony of the many development and empowerment projects of the Bashorun Askia Foundation in complementing the massive infrastructure efforts of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

Bashorun Askia, who is also the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), in recognition of his numerous humanitarian services had earlier been conferred with the title of “ADIKIHEKEGBA” of Umeh Kingdom.

The Odio-Ologbo of UMEH, H.R.M. Ambrose Odiri Owhe, the Council Of Chiefs and the people listed a number of gains attracted to UMEH Community by the Senior High Chief Bashorun Askia Ogieh and solicited for more people oriented projects from the state government.

Bashorun Askia, the “ADIKIHEKEGBA” of UMEH, who expressed appreciation to the Odio-Ologbo and the entire UMEH indigenes, promised to work in synergy with them, having become a full fledged member of UMEH Community.

He also thanked them for successfully re-electing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to continue on his good works in all the communities across the state.

He was accompanied to the conferment by the D.G Hope Alive, Chief (Hon) Obaro Godspower, Chief (Hon) Prosper Edo, Chief Engr. Lawrence Edus, Barr Hon Rosy Uwubiti Ogbemudia, Amb Immortal Efi, Barr Mrs Peace ESE Ogum, Hon Pius Ogbokor, Elder Idibra Benjamin, Mrs Oghale Akakiye, Othameta Francis, Prince Mzee Iraroraina Obokpaino, Hon Patrick Obegba, Charles Elohor Elohor, Amb Eriega Edoja James and other Party faithfuls.

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the Federal Government to ensure that reports from studies, especially, those from the National Institutes of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru are made available to respective states of the country for implementation.

Governor Okowa made the call when members of Executive Course 41 of NIPSS paid him a courtesy call on Monday in Asaba.

According to the governor, “the NIPSS over the years have changed the narrative of governance of this country including the state and local governments through its numerous research and studies; it is good to hear that a lot of studies still take place in our nation and both the states and local governments will benefit and utilize the reports if the Federal Government can make the reports available to them.”

“I know that the input of participants who are from diverse background will enrich reports from NIPSS and the reports will be very beneficial to states where the studies took place,” the governor stated.

While lauding the theme of study, ‘funding universal healthcare in Nigeria,” Governor Okowa observed that to achieve universal health coverage, there should be adequate manpower, training and proper funding for the primary healthcare sector.

He noted that medical tourism can only be curbed when the primary healthcare sector is effective which will give rise to functional tertiary health sector that will reduce medical tourism.

Governor Okowa used the occasion to call for full implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme Act 2004 so as to increase health care coverage across the country, noting that it was sad that Nigeria has 12 per cent health insurance coverage fifteen years after the Act was signed into law.

Earlier the Director-General of NIPSS and leader of the study team, Mr Jonathan Juma had in his speech, lauded the contributions of Governor Okowa to the development of the country, disclosing that they were on study tour of Delta State.

PRESS RELEASE

CLEARANCE OPERATIONS: TROOPS RESCUE 29 WOMEN & 25 CHILDREN FROM BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN BORNO STATE 

Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with local vigilantes have continued moving into the hinterland on clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists. Consequently, on the 11th of May 2019, troops effectively cleared Ma’allasuwa and Yaga – Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram terrorists was made as they run away before troops’ arrival leaving behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims. Out of the number, 29 are grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sex. They have all been rescued.

Similarly, at Zari – Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 145 Battalion Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance operation discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics vehicles. Deserted BHTs make up shift accommodation was also destroyed.

Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John – Personal Number – PNo 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu road in possession of 2 magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and one round of Anti Aircraft Gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State.

Recall that on the 10th of May 2019, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, arrested 14NA7113208 Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle at the same N’jimtilo check point.

Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other forms of insecurities across the country, and reiterate its appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information about suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen hibernating in Nigeria.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
13 May 2019

From Mike Sogbola-

American and German companies have donated mobility carts to people living in disabilities affected by the Boko Haram crisis in Borno State.

The companies, Gildan GmbH (German) and Med Shares (American) through a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) registered in both Germany and Nigeria, Bruderhilfe Social Development Initiative (BSDI) donated 100 mobility carts to the people living in disabilities in troubled Borno on Saturday.

Speaking during the donation of the items in Maiduguri, the BDSI president, Mary Bamigbe-Bruder said the mobility carts are for people living with disabilities in Borno state that are now residents of internally displaced persons camps.

Bamigbe-Bruder, who noted that her sponsor in Germany and America are also planning on assisting the physically challenged living in IDP camps in Borno with skill acquisition and investment plan, said the programme is aimed at bringing succour to people suffering from disabilities in camps and communities affected by insurgency.

She said: “We are committed to alleviating the suffering of people living with disabilities in camps and host communities, to ensure that their disability does not impede their movement both within and outside the IDP camps.

She promised that: “An empowerment scheme for people living in disabilities will be flagged off for registered people living with disabilities in camps and host communities of Borno state.”

She said her NGO, Bruderhilfe, is highly indebted to Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Federal Republic of Germany for his enviable role in ensuring that the project becomes a resounding success.

She said: “We at Bruderlife will continue to count on his leadership and exemplary role in supporting Nigerians in the Diaspora to succeed in their endeavours and in promoting cooperation among the private sector players of both Nigeria and Germany.”

Speaking while receiving the mobility carts (modernized wheelchairs), the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajiya Yabawa Kolo said the donation signifies the passion to serve humanity; with spirits of brotherhood assisting people afflicted by trials and tribulations.

She said the gesture has rekindled hopes for the disabled; both living in camps and host communities of Bama, Monguno, Dikwa, Damboa, Gwoza and Gamboru, a border town with Cameroon.

She said: “This is the second time, we will be distributing wheel chairs to people living with disabilities in recent time.”

She said the carts will be distributed to disabled persons, selected by a joint National Association of Persons (NAP) living with disabilities.

She lamented that some people became disabled as a result of sporadic gunshots and bomb blasts that at a time was recurrent decimal in Borno

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has expressed fears that the best candidates and the runner-up in the 2019 UTME might not secure admission in 2019 window.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), on Saturday, revealed that 15 year old Ezenala Ekene Franklin, from Imo state, is the best candidate for the 2019 UTME with 347 points and University of Lagos (UniLag) as first choice institution.

16 year old Igbam Emmanuel Chidiebube, from Abia state, followed closely with 346 points and also UniLag as first choice of institution, while Olowu Isaac Olamilekan from Osun state, scored 345 points to place third with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) as choice of institution.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who announced the names in Abuja, however, expressed fears that the best candidates and the runner-up might not secure admission in 2019 window if they failed to quickly change their choice of institution.

He said both candidates chose UniLag, “but unfortunately, UniLag does not admit candidates below the age of 18. UniLag sees them as underage candidates. The UniLag Senate took that decision years ago and they still maintain it. JAMB has no power to compel them to change their decision.”

The JAMB Registrar said: “The candidates might not be aware of the law but that is not an excuse. They should quickly make some changes, particularly in institution of choice, so they could stand a better chance of securing admission.”

Oloyede said other candidates that had outstanding performance in the 2019 UTME include 16 year old Odo Kingsley Obinna from Enugu state who scored 344 points, with University of Nigeria (UNN) as first choice institution.

He said 18 year old Olisakwe David Chukwuebuka from Imo state and 16 year old Okezie Emmanuel from Abia state, scored 343 points each, while Okeke Franklin Ikechukwu, from Anambra state scored 342.

Professor Oloyede also announced that 18 year old Shuaibu Abdullahi Maje, from Yobe state scored 342 points to occupy the eight position on the table.

He thanked everyone involved in the conduct of the examination and urged those bent on discrediting the effort of the Board to desist from such acts.

From Mike Sogbola-

European Union as part of it’s plan to bring stability to Northeast Nigeria has targeted 600,000 individuals in Borno State alone, being the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Union, which through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) execute the programmes in the North East, has four core areas of interventions, which include infrastructure, livelihood, social cohesion and peace building, and local governance.

The EU programme of assistance,which started in December 2017 in the troubled region, recorded another success on Friday with 200 youths and women graduating from a three-month training in various vocational skills in the field agriculture from the Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture, Maiduguri.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Maiduguri, Muhammad Khan, the Emergency Livelihoods Specialist at the UNDP who represented the Head of Maiduguri Sub-Office, Mizuho Yokoi said the United Nations Agency would continue to support stabilization and early recovery of Borno State.

He revealed that 600,000 persons are targeted under the EU support programmes with 15,000 households to benefit, out of which 2,400 persons would undergo vocational training and another 4,682 would be assisted in agriculture and 1,200 in non-agriculture scheme.

Khan told the graduates that: “”Graduation is one of the important phases of life. After graduation you must be part of a more practical world.

“In this era of practical work, you have to become a symbol of success for others. Your skills should be like the candle who enlightens many more candles, so you have the responsibility not to practice this acquired skills for yourself but also to train the other vulnerable youths.

“We know the demand for vocational skills trainings is high and available resources are limited and government or INGOs or UN agencies cannot address al the needs, so you must join hands for the accomplishment of this task of sustainable livelihoods and resilient nation.”

He said: “After graduation UNDP plans to support the qualified beneficiaries with start-up business grants so that you can practice and establish business as per your acquired skills.”

Also speaking at the graduation, the Provost of Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture, Mukhtar Alkalli said the beneficiaries have conducted themselves in a very responsible way in spite of the challenges they have to go through.

He added that their zeal to acquire the required skills was commendable.

From Mike Sogbola-

As part of efforts to end the use of children in armed conflict in Northeast Nigeria, 894 children were released from the rank of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State.

Of the total released children, 106 were girls with the rest being boys under the age of 18 years.

The CJTF is a local militia that helps the Nigerian security forces in the fight against insurgency in north-east Nigeria. It was formed in 2013, with the aim of protecting communities from attack.

The latest released brings the total number of children to have been released from the CJTF to 1727 since over a year ago when a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the international community, government and the CJTF

Speaking at an occasion to mark the release of the children in Maiduguri on Friday, Mohamed Fall, Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria and the Co-chair of United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on Grave Child Rights Violations (CTFMR), said: “Any commitment for children that is matched with action is a step in the right direction for the protection of children’s rights and must be recognised and encouraged.”

He added that: “Children of north-east Nigeria have borne the brunt of this conflict. They have been used by armed groups in combatant and non-combatant roles and witnessed death, killing and violence. This participation in the conflict has had serious implications for their physical and emotional well-being.”

He noted that since September 2017, when the CJTF signed an action plan committing to put measures in place to end and prevent recruitment and use of children, 1,727 children and young people have been released. Since then, there has been no new recruitment of children by the CJTF.

He disclosed that the children and young people released will benefit from reintegration programmes to help them return to civilian life, seize new opportunities for their own development, and contribute to bringing lasting peace in Nigeria, as productive citizens of their country.

He said: “Without this support, many of the children released from armed groups struggle to fit into civilian life, as most are not educated and have no vocational skills.”

He lamented that in the ongoing armed conflict in north-east Nigeria, more than 3,500 children were recruited and used by non-state armed groups between 2013 and 2017. Others have been abducted, maimed, raped and killed.

Fall said: “We cannot give up the fight for the children, as long as children are still affected by the fighting. We will continue until there is no child left in the ranks of all armed groups in Nigeria.”

He promised that UNICEF will continue to work closely with state authorities and partners to support the implementation of reintegration programmes for all children released from armed groups, as well as others affected by the ongoing conflict.

He noted that the gender and age-appropriate community-based reintegration support interventions include an initial assessment of their well-being, psychosocial support, education, vocational training, informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve livelihoods.

He disclosed that not less than 9,800 people formerly associated with armed groups, as well as vulnerable children in communities, have accessed such services between 2017 and 2018.

THE internal crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) on Wednesday blew open as members of the State Working Committee (SWC) sacked the chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Afam Enemokwu.

The SWC members accused Enemokwu of not diverting the party’s money into private but also misappropriating such funds to the detriment of the party.

Besides, they accused the embattled state party chairman of high handedness as well as failure to account for the various funds accruing to the party since ha assumed office as chairman in 2015.

In Enemokwu’s place, the SWC members at a crucial meeting in Asaba, adopted vice chairman of the party (Delta North), Rev. Princewill Nwachukwu as chairman in acting capacity.

But in a swift reaction, Mr. Enemokwu said he remained the authentic chairman of APGA in Delta State, insisting that the SWC lacked powers to remove a sitting chairman.

Enemokwu denied the allegations of financial malfeasance and high handedness levelled against him, saying that those who purportedly removed him were already losing in “the ongoing congresses of the party” in the state.

Regardless, the SWC members, in their deliberation paper which was made available to our correspondent, Mr. Tony Okoh moved the motion for the removal of Enemokwu, and his motion was seconded by Mrs. Felicia Ajudua.

Speaking with our correspondent, the acting chairman, Nwachukwu alleged that Enemokwu failed to convene a meeting where he would have given account of party funds deployed for the last general election.

He said an ultimatum was issued to him, in line with APGA constitution, alleging that the embattled chairman failed to respond as at when the ultimatum expired

“So we have no option than to follow the constitution and remove him. He is too autocratic, and has uncontrollable temperament.

“Every year, we get grants from the state government but for the past four years since Enemokwu assumed office, we have not seen that money. And grants were given, yet he has not brought anyone to the SWC. 

“Besides, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) gave money which was also not accounted for. Before the elections, candidates were asked to pay N200,000 each. These monies were paid but he also cornered it,” he alleged.

The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the award of Torch Bearer of Press Freedom on Mr. Felix Ofou, Senior Special Assistant (Civil Society) to Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.

Ofou’s emergence as the award winner came after NUJ’s Awards Selection Committee sifted through nominations made by journalists and members of the public, Shuaibu Usman Leman, national secretary of NUJ, stated in the letter conveying the award to Ofou.

The award was conferred on him during the Union’s celebration of the 2019 World Press Freedom Day in Abuja on May 6.

Ofou is the last chairman of the Punch Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). He resigned as acting Head of Politics of the Punch newspaper in 2000. Before his exit, he proactively engaged the management of the newspaper and initiated policies that ensured a radical review of the salary of workers, a standard that has made the Punch one of the best paying in the industry today.

Before his appointment as acting Head of Politics, Ofou had gained a reputation as a fiery journalist. For about a decade, he churned out exclusives and investigative news stories and feature articles that stood him out as one of the outstanding reporters/correspondents in the stable.

But, his tenure as State Correspondent of the Punch in Imo remains indelible as he was a thorn to successive governments, military and civilian. Yet, he was respected for his unbiased and objective reportage of issues, events and personalities.

However, Ofou is best remembered for his role in galvanizing progressive forces against bad governance, injustice, corruption and dictatorial rule in Imo State. Whether as Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel, State Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) or as board member of Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Ofou ensured that institutions of government, politicians and the elite were made accountable to the people.

Perhaps of greater significance was the historic role played by Ofou in the civil insurrection that took place in Imo State, known as the Otokoto saga. Apart from rejecting N350,000 bribe, his fearless disposition to ensure justice was achieved made him a target for elimination by those who saw him as a threat. He escaped death twice in the hands of agents who helped to perpetrate the infamous ritual killings in Imo State at that time.

As an Assistant Editor of the Sunday Sun, Group Politics Editor of the Independent, Editor of the Sunday Independent and later, Assistant Managing Editor of the Independent, his articles and columns portrayed a consistent commitment to the advancement of freedoms in Nigeria, Africa and the world, especially during the struggle and battle for the enthronement of democratic rule in the country following the infamous scuttling of the transition to democratic rule that culminated in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

On leaving the newsroom in 2007, Ofou was appointed Press Secretary to the former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. He is a member, Delta State Task Force on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration through which he continues to advance and advocate for expansion of civil liberties and freedoms as well as a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

From Mike Sogbola-

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned stakeholders in the humanitarian aid support to the North East against duplicating interventions.

The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihaja told a meeting of the stakeholders on Wednesday in Maiduguri that there should be strong coordinator of humanitarian activities in the troubled region with an eye to neutralizing duplication of aids.

Speaking at the emergency stakeholders and humanitarian coordination forum meeting; Maihaja noted that the forum was to strengthen the coordination mechanism for humanitarian activities in Borno state in particular and northeast in general.

He said the forum will also ensure harmonious working relationship with all stakeholders and humanitarian actors.

Maihaja who was represented by a director in the agency, Kayode Fagbemi, said: “Today’s forum will forge a united front in our humanitarian intervention, share information of all sector plans and activities to avoid duplication efforts.

“It will also strengthen inter-agency collaboration and mobilize support towards the gaps that are being faced by a population of 2.8 million.

“We will harmonize national efforts with our partners and international actors.”

He promised that the agency will continue to support Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) and strengthen their resilience with livelihoods interventions.

He further disclosed that 12,000 farmers in Borno state, will receive seed and farm inputs this planting season through federal government emergency agricultural intervention fund.

Later in an interview with journalists, Fagbemi, said “so many humanitarian actors in the region are doing things they (NEMA) are not aware of.”

“As the intervention is ongoing, they are a lot of duplications and gaps, despite the enormous resources of humanitarian agencies,” Fagbemi said.

He said instead of having these duplications; their resources should be used to cover the identified humanitarian gaps.

He said: “What we intend to do, is to put our capital and human resources on the table, and ask; what do you have; what can they cover and which areas the resources can cover?”

He said that instead, of the humanitarian agencies use their resources they want; NEMA should take control of where the resources are employed.

He said the agency is enhancing cooperation and collaboration to ensure that humanitarian agencies do what is needed in region.

Speaking on agencies’ duplication, he lamented that: “The same person getting cash intervention from an agency are also getting food from another agency; but other people are not benefiting.

“Let us know who is doing what; where and when they do it. This is what the emergency stakeholders and humanitarian coordination forum meeting in to achieve.”

He said Nigeria has the capacity to say; “No, don’t operate and respond there to ensure cooperation and collaboration of humanitarian assistance to IDPs.”

From Mike Sogbola-

Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima on Wednesday warned politicians against criticizing his successor in his presence.
He said he would not only chase away such critics but go ahead to expose them to his successor, Prof. Babagana Umara, who is expected to be swore in on May 29, 2019.
Shettima sounded the warning ‎at the swearing-in of caretaker chairmen for the 27 local government areas of Borno State, which held at the Government House, Maiduguri on Wednesday.
He said: ‎”I will like to sound a strong warning to all of us gathered here. My tenure of office, ends in just 21 days. Let no caretaker chairman or anyone for that matter, expect that proximity to me will be license to go overboard before and after May 29. I will not support anyone against my successor. I will not allow anyone undermine the authority of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and Usman Kadafur. Insha’ Allah.
“I shall always be on the side of my successor. Perhaps, I should use this forum to announce that the worst act anybody will exhibit is to make the slightest attempt of criticizing Professor Zulum within fifty meters around me. I will not tolerate anyone (no matter who that person might be) that attempts to come before me and say anything bad about the Governor-elect and his Deputy. 
“Discussing them negatively will be a no-go- area. If anyone attempts it, I will not only send that person away but I will make sure I inform the Governor. I believe this step is the surest way to bar mischief makers from coming to destabilize our peace, our unity and continuity of progress” Shettima said.
The Governor ‎also told the new chairmen whose appointment is for six months tenure to prepare their minds for a new chief executive within the next one month. 
“I will like to remind caretaker chairmen that while you have just been administered oath of office, the most part of your tenure will be served under my successor. This will require each and everyone of you to prepare your minds in reporting to a new chief executive and in bracing up for the challenges that will come with his vision, focus, mindset, goals and aspiration. I am absolutely sure that my successor, Professor Zulum is more than capable of making sure caretaker chairmen do far more. The incoming Governor is tougher than I am and whoever underestimates him may do so at his own peril” the Governor said.
Shettima, while reminding everyone that he was presiding over swearing-in of caretaker chairmen for the last time as Governor of Borno State, urged the chairmen to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“‎You are expected to live up to your responsibilities and to justify the confidence reposed in you.  For those reappointed, I believe you earned it. For those freshly appointed, consider this as a test phase. In both categories, I urge all of you to prove to us that we took the right decisions in appointing each of you,” the outgoing governor tasked.
He said: “Governance is a collective responsibility and we must strive hard to work as a team so that our projects and programmes of all developmental needs are achieved without delays. I also urge all Chairmen to work in consultation with all stakeholders in the affairs of their communities and to ensure prudence in managing scarce resources. I will urge us to sustain passion for development both in the coming days to May 29 and in the aftermath of my tenure” Shettima said.

-Health Editor:

The Delta State Government, through its Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other partners, including Society for Family Health (SHF) and Catholic Relief Services (CRF), will distribute over 3.5 million free long lasting insecticidal mosquito treated nets to Deltans across the 25 Local Government Areas as part of efforts to eradicate malaria.

Speaking at a Media Orientation workshop, ahead of the exercise in Asaba, the State Malaria Elimination Program officer, Dr Francis Onojeta said that in combating malaria, the use of treated mosquito nets had been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most effective and efficient measure to tackle the sickness, stressing that the state would commence its flagship on 7th June, 2019 while local governments flag-off would be on 8th June, 2019 and the program would end on 16th June 2019

He said that the campaign which started in 2013 and intended to be renewed after 3 years witnessed some challenges, explaining that unlike previous campaigns, the use of Cash and Asset Technology (CAT) would be deployed to ensure transparency and accountability.

He revealed that over 17, 000 ad-hoc personnel had been trained and deployed to issue net-cards to residents which he said would be used to access the mosquito nets.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Paul Osahor, urged media practitioners to utilize their channels in sensitizing the public on the eradication of malaria, adding that it required concerted effort to combat the dreaded disease.

In a lecture on the objectives and expectations of the campaign, Dr Onojeta said that malaria was caused by a parasite known as plasmodium and transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito, stressing that the exercise was to prevent a contact between man and the vector.

Dr Onojeta added that the nets have been chemically treated and can last for three years if handled under the appropriate conditions, adding that the nets should not only be acquired but used as prescribed to avoid mosquito bites, even as he warned that pregnant women and children are more vulnerable to malaria and should take measures to protect themselves by sleeping under treated nets.

He lamented that 70 percent of global deaths caused by malaria occur in Africa of which Nigeria and three other countries account for a large chunk.

Also, Aminu Murtala and John Ocholi of the Society for Family Health, said the determination is to help in the overall reduction of malaria spread through effective media advocacy and information dissemination throughout the household distribution exercise of free long lasting insecticidal mosquito treated nets.

In the same vein, a demand creation officer, Mrs. Hope Obokoh said “The use of long lasting insecticidal nets is an effective tool for malaria control” adding that “when properly implemented; it will contribute remarkably to the overall reduction of malaria prevalence in the country.”

According to her, each household is entitled to a maximum of four mosquito nets while the deficit for larger homes were expected to be bought, adding that the nets should be spread for 24 hours under shade before use and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

While soliciting the support of the media, she said that the campaign was intended to achieve 100 per cent ownership and corresponding utilization by individuals.

The Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah will on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, be guest at the FRONTLINE, a talk show programme of the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF),  a CAC certified corporate body of seasoned professional journalists that have taken to online media practice.

FRONTLINE is a platform designed to provide the opportunity for the critical segments of the society to share views, create awareness for their programmes, initiatives and activities, and by so doing meet the yearnings of members of the public who seek neutral platforms to make their views known and contribute to the state and national discourse.

Therefore, Chief Ukah, is being invited to the programme as commissioner for Information in the past four years, handling a finicky ministry, that supervises the well-being of the various information disseminating organs of the Delta state government.

He will be speaking on the topic: “My stewardship in the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa SMART Agenda.”

Venue is the DOPF Office, No. 7, Havillah Street, by Calabar Kitchen, off Summit Road, Asaba at 11 am.

During the programme, Chief Ukah will also field questions from the online journalists after speaking on the subject matter.

AS workers all over the world mark Workers’ Day, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has described labour unions as great defenders of the welfare of workers.

The governor who addressed members of the organized labour under the auspices of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the May Day celebration Wednesday, May 01, 2019 in Asaba said that “the efforts of the trade unions towards the promotion of the interests of Nigerian workers have not gone unnoticed and I wish to reiterate the determination of the state government to pay workers the N30, 000 new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.”

“I therefore, call on workers in the state to re-dedicate themselves to the service of our beloved state for the benefit of all,” the governor stated, adding, “the prevailing cordial industrial relations in the state have encouraged government to sustain its welfare and training programme; we have consistently paid salaries as at when due; let me assure you all of this administration’s policy of investment in the wellbeing and professional growth of workers through training and exposure to modern techniques.”

Governor Okowa disclosed at the occasion that to tackle the issue of unemployment, his administration is making efforts to recall some of the employees that were dropped and is “determined to open up more skill acquisition opportunities for the absorption of our youths to train in various fields and trades for self-employment.”

“I commend the labour unions for consistently defending and advancing the political, economic and social rights of Nigerian workers; your efforts towards promoting the interests of Nigerian workers have not gone unnoticed and as as partners in progress, I enjoin you (labour) to continue your hard work, resilience and commitment because, we are partners in this undertaking of governance and together, we will succeed in building a greater Delta State,” he emphasized.

Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of a brand new car by Governor Okowa to a civil servants, Mr Benson Ekotor who was erroneously paid the sum of N53 million which he returned to the state government coffers.

Chairman of TUC in the state, Comrade Michael Nwobodo and his NLC counterpart, Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku had in their speeches, thanked Governor Okowa for being labour-friendly listing some of his administration’s activities to include prompt payment of salaries.

-BY MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:
Isoko women in their numbers from Isoko communities clusters of OML 30 community Development Board (CDB), has stage a peaceful protest against Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited at Oleh / Olomoro flow station, Uzere flow station, Igbide flow station and Owhe flow station for Isoko OML 30 CDB and GMoU, Isoko South and North local government area of Delta state.

The women displaying placards with various inscriptions as “Give us our 65% share”, Isoko nation can manage it under our (CDB), “It’s the turn of Isoko people CDB, give Isoko people their own GMoU now”, matched to the flow station gates to register their protest and were resisted by the Nigeria army from 222 battalion, Agbaro-otor unit command at Oleh / Olomoro flow station.

Inspector Adesuloye Samson while addressing the women, urged the women to be calm and present their grievances peacefully. He noted that the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited will speak to them shortly. Speaking on behalf of the women at Oleh / Olomoro flow station, Mrs Ibiedhe Bernice Chief Mrs. Igbevia Erube said, Isoko want their own OML 30 Community Development Board (CDB) and GMoU.

She noted that the struggle for Isoko board began since two years ago, even as letters were sent to the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services limited and the Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa over the request.

Mrs Ibiedhe said, the state governor promised to look into the request after the election and have not done anything up till now. She noted that Isoko can no longer stay with Urhobo people again because of marginalization.

According to Mrs Ibiedhe, Isoko need light, water, employment for its graduates, welfare of the women and contract slots for the men. She stressed that Isoko nation have 65% while Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri have 35% of the total crude output of OML 30. At Uzere flow station, Mr. Akote Avurake and Mr. Uze Owhede speaking on behalf of the women, stated that Isoko need their separate board and cannot work with Urhobo again. They noted that last week, Urhobo protest to the state government and the Attorney General said the CDB fund should be released to Urhobo people which according to them is against Isoko people 65% equity crude output.

They request the state governor to give 65% to Isoko and 35% of crude fund to Urhobo for equity, fairness and justice, saying Isoko people say no, and will resort to shutting down of operation in all the flow stations in Isoko South and North if their request is not granted.

The protesters at Igbide and Owhe flow station said, Isoko people can manage the board because the oil belong to them, noting that the progress of Isoko land depends on allowing Isoko people to control their own CDB . They noted that Isoko is a peace loving nation and demand total control of their own GMoU, stressing that Isoko is no more comfortable with Urhobo common CDB and GMoU.

Responding on behalf of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Mr Olamiyi, a member of the oil firm management who address the women in front of the company’s office said, management have been informed of the protest. He urged the women to be calm as management will soon respond to their demand.

Also, Mr Monday Oletu, cluster coordinator and community liaison officer of Owhe flow station commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition, noting that the GMoU and request for total control of Isoko CDB has been sent to the management . He added that Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited administration manager has noted the request and will soon respond.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has sued for peaceful co-existence, tolerance  and personal sacrifice among Nigerians.

In his  Easter Message,  the Speaker said that Jesus Christ laid down his life for mankind and urged  Nigerians to emulate his  exemplary life. 

In a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu,  the Speaker harped on the need for peaceful co-existence, tolerance,  love, forgiveness  and sacrifice among all  Nigerians. 

According to him, there was no sacrifice too much for Nigerians to make for  the peaceful coexistence and   unity of the country.

While  felicitating   with Christians on the Easter celebration,  he  appealed to all to sustain the prevailing peace in the country, saying no meaningful development could take place where there was no peace.

“May the celebration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ bring total renewal of God’s favour, grace and blessings in our lives and the nation. We  should continue to live in harmony with one another. Let us  leave our comfort zone and make personal sacrifices for others. We just have to tolerate each other for the betterment of our society”, he said. 

The Speaker who used  the  opportunity of the Easter celebration by Christians all over the world to call on Nigerians to sustain the prevailing peace in the country to attract more dividends of democracy, said that; “As a people, we must protect the interest of the state and the country always. We should always shun violence and try as much as possible to tolerate one another for the love of our dear state and country”.

“Let us continue to make sacrifices for one another just as Jesus Christ did, who is the reason for this season. Let us spread love and forgiveness. Let us emulate the examplary life of our Lord and Saviour”.

“As we mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is my prayer that there should be peace in all parts of the state and our dear nation”.