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.
°Funding will be provided to the Red Cross to assist with ongoing disaster relief efforts °Builds upon previous $300,000 contribution following Cyclone Idai
IRVING, Texas— ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, said today that it is providing $100,000 to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in Mozambique following Cyclone Kenneth, which made landfall on April 25.
The $100,000 contribution will go to the American Red Cross, which will coordinate its assistance with the Mozambique government’s National Disasters Management Institute in support of ongoing rescue efforts and for food, shelter and comfort for the storm’s victims.
“We are deeply saddened by the impact of Cyclone Kenneth on Mozambique and surrounding countries,” said Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil & Gas Company. “The devastation from cyclones Idai and now Kenneth have been widespread, and this funding will help provide relief during a very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
ExxonMobil employees and contractors have been reported safe following the cyclone. Since Cyclone Idai, ExxonMobil has contributed more than $400,000 in support of recovery efforts in Mozambique.
In Mozambique, ExxonMobil holds an indirect 25 percent interest in Area 4 and will lead the construction and operation of onshore natural gas liquefaction plants. The company also holds 60 percent operating interest in the Angoche (A5-B) and Zambezi Delta (Z5-C and Z5-D) basins awarded during Mozambique’s fifth licensing round.
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.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 6, 2019: A leading innovative press release distribution company in Middle East and Africa, and RoadSafetyUAE, an initiative that ultimately aims to bring about safer roads in the region, cooperate once more in promoting the Road Safety Awareness Campaign for this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan.
This year’s campaign will build on the success achieved by the information drive done in 2018, which increased the awareness of motorists in overcoming the challenges posed by fasting like fatigue, exhaustion, impatience, and distraction. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE noted, “We are excited to have the Road Safety Awareness Campaign continue this year in light of the wide audience participation witnessed in 2018 as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure safer roads and contribute in reducing the number of traffic accidents in the region.”
He added, “Again, we will utilize AETOSWire’s vast news distribution networks to spread the word about the campaign and at the same time utilize social media to engage as many people as possible in spreading awareness about adopting safe driving behaviors during the Holy Month and ensure the safety of all road participants.”
The campaign shall use the hashtag “#HappyNotHastyRamadan” that should focus on educating motorists on the risk factors of fasting in the driving behavior. It should also give tips on the appropriate driving practices that must be adopted by all fasting and non-fasting drivers to ensure an accident-free Ramadan.
For his part, Mr. Tony AbiHanna, CEO of AETOSWire said, “The success achieved by #HappyNotHastyRamadan campaign in 2018 was our beacon to continue this endeavor in 2019. We have decided to expand the scope of this year’s campaign by using our news distribution network in reaching wider regional audiences.”
“Through our strategic partnership with RoadSafetyUAE, we aim to significantly participate in bringing down the number of traffic accidents and contribute to making safe-driving a habit for all motorists not just during Holy Month of Ramadan but hopefully all year round,” Mr. AbiHanna concluded.
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.
Abuja, Nigeria, 25 April, 2019 – At a meeting with the African Development Bank President in Abuja, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari commended the Bank for its successes and pledged Nigeria’s continuous support for the institution.
“I want to recognize the support that the African Development Bank has given Nigeria in recent times. I remember the Bank’s critical gesture in 2016 during the difficult period of economic recession through a US$600 million budget support facility. We appreciate this and assure you that we will continue to work towards a diversified Nigeria,” President Buhari, said at the meeting with Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, which was attended by some of the country’s Ministers and senior government officials.
President Buhari commended the Bank’s interventions in infrastructure and agriculture, and encouraged the institution to keep supporting countries like Nigeria to grow agriculture as a business through the promotion of agro-industrial zones in the country.
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina thanked President Buhari for his support to the Bank and pledged the Bank’s commitment to fast track Africa’s development.
Adesina also highlighted several reforms at the Bank and strategic efforts to move the Bank’s operations closer to countries.
“The African Development Bank’s robust operations in Nigeria have had significant results and impacts on the ground, and continue to accelerate the country’s economic transformation as well as improve the lives of millions.”
At the end of March 2019, the Bank’s active portfolio in Nigeria comprises 60 operations with total commitments of US$4.5 billion. These include 28 public sector operations with total commitments of US$1.7 billion (21 national and 7 regional); 34 non-sovereign operations with total commitments of US$2.8 billion.
Following Nigeria’s request to the African Development Bank, Adesina reported that the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has accepted to co-chair a multi-billion fund-raising session to revive the Lake Chad – a strategic effort that has major climate, economic, agricultural and employment implications for the region.
The Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] has said Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa deserves commendation for his tremendous support for the development of football in the country.
In a letter of appreciation signed by the Chairman of NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the national football body stated that Delta State government led by Governor Okowa has booked a special place in the annals of football history in the country with the successful hosting of various matches and events of the federation in the last few months.
According to him, “this letter is to express very deep appreciation of the Nigeria Football Federation for the unmatched support and encouragement that your good self and administration have been providing for the activities and events of the National Teams as well as other programs of the NFF; thank you so much, Your Excellency, for the unforgettable three days of international Football Feast that Your Excellency and administration hosted in Asaba between 22nd-26thMarch, 2019”
“Certainly Your Excellency, you have written your name and that of your administration in gold with these accomplishments during your tenure in Delta State Government House, and no book on Nigeria Football will ever be complete without a generous mention of your tremendous support and encouragement to the Supper eagles, the other National Teams generally and the Nigeria Football Federation”, he stated.
The NFF commended Governor Okowa for empowering the youths through sponsoring of various football clubs in all cadres of the domestic leagues stressing that “it was therefore not surprising to see the rousing standing ovation that Your Excellency received during the matches each time you came down for the ceremonial handshake with teams during the matches of the football feast”
CinePrime W2700 and W5700 Are Designed To Create Incredible Clarity In Short Distance Projection For Home Cinema
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The global leader in DLP projectors, BenQ, launched the first of its kind projector, CinePrime W2700 in the UAE. CinePrime W2700 is the world’s first 4K DLP projector with DCI-P3 colour designed for home theatres with short distance projection. BenQ also launched another model in the same series, W5700. This futuristic DLP projector offers flawless image quality with incredible colour performance and personalised customizability for top-notch home entertainment. Both these advanced projectors guarantee long-lasting CinematicColor with projector-optimised HDR-PRO™ support and individual factory colour calibration.
On the launch of their latest devices, W2700 and W5700 in the region, BenQ’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Turkey, Manish Bakshi said, “We are delighted to launch the products that we have carefully designed to enable our consumers to leap into the future of home cinema. Being the first projectors of their kind, W2700 and W5700 have put BenQ on the forefront of moving forward. It is such innovations that has made BenQ the No. 1 brand in 4K projector category in Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa with over 48.26% market share.”
BenQ now has a total of 10 4K models with 4 laser models within the 4K range, amplifying the brand’s leadership position in the 4K segment.
Equipped With Vivid UHD Premium 4K Resolution and DCI-P3 Color Gamut
Both the CinePrime models, W2700 and W5700 deliver true 4K performances with 3840×2160 resolution and 8.3 million distinct pixels for each frame. The projectors produce excellent clarity and definition by utilising a pristine 4K-optimized optical system with six structured groups of all-glass lens elements for brilliant light transmission.
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The unique projectors have been designed to breathe lifelike quality into 4K performances with proprietary HDR-PRO technology precisely optimised for projection. They support both HDR10 and HLG formats, so HDR-PRO incorporates auto colour and tone mapping techniques to offer superior brightness and contrast ranges as well as ideal image optimisation. This brings out stunning 4K clarity and depth for vividly original and realistic video quality to enhance home entertainment.
Immense Personalization With Advanced Adjustability and Installation Flexibility These latest projectors, W2700 and W5700 are perfect for those seeking sophisticated and customised cinema experiences. They are both equipped with BenQ proprietary CinemaMaster Video+ technology that brings commercial quality digital cinema experiences into living rooms with motion-adaptive 4K pixel enhancement and spectacular colour enhancement.
Both the projectors come in a modern, compact profile and are lightweight. The BenQ CinePrime projectors facilitate tailored AV personalisation with a versatile short throw, big zoom, and lens shift for a wide range of home cinema experiences. While the W5700 provides a generous 1.6X big zoom and 2D H/V lens shift, the W2700 features 1.3X big zoom, vertical lens shift, as well as CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 for powerful and convenient integrated audio to enhance your home theatre experience.
Powered by ultimately durable Digital Light Processing, the 2015 Academy Award of Merit Oscar® winning technology used in 90% of the world’s digital cinemas, both W5700 and W2700 deliver long-lasting picture quality with accurate colours and razor-sharp clarity without requiring maintenance or degrading.
As Christians all over the world mark the Easter festivals, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians and Deltans to show love for one another and be willing to make sacrifices for greater unity, peace, political stability and progress of our beloved country.
Governor Okowa, according to an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu in Asaba on Friday called on Nigerians and Deltans to seize the opportunity of the Easter holiday to reflect deeply on what more they need to do as a people, to ensure that they live peacefully with one another in our quest for a better future for all citizens and residents in the country.
“As Christians, we must reflect on the import of Easter celebrations in our dealings, not only with other Christians, but with people of other religions, stressing “we must eschew bitterness and all forms of violence, because the progress, peace and security of the nation is anchored on good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, adding “if we live peacefully with one another we will not be confronted with issues of armed banditry, herdsmen attacks, kidnapping and other vices threathening the soul of our great nation.
“I urge you all to let the significance of the celebration reflect in our relationship with one another both Christians and the people of other religions. There is no doubt that these are tough times in our country”, he stated.
He reminded Christians that having gone through forty days of fasting and praying, Easter was a better time for them to purge themselves of those weights that “have impeded our progress as a people over the years by demonstrating love in its fullness not only to one another but also to our society”.
The Governor enjoined Christian faithful and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Easter, which are love, peace, justice, sacrifice and kindness to their daily living, and through this contribute to the unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
“The major lesson of Easter is for us as Christians, to rethink the reality of our faith. As Christians, we should continue to uphold the principles of our faith as it relates to honesty, justice, integrity, accountability, compassion, selflessness and the pursuit of the common good,” he added.
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”.
The accused persons arrested for the alleged murder of Elozino Ogege, a 300 level Mass Communication Student of the Delta State University, Abraka have been arraigned before an Asaba High Court Wednesday, where they pleaded not guilty to the 8 count charge proffered against them by the Attorney-General of the State.
The defendants, Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Ojokojo Robinson Obajero, Nwosisi Benedict Uche and Enaike Onoriode who took their plea after the charges were read to them by the Court Registrar, pleaded not guilty to all the 8 count charge.
Meanwhile, the mother of Elozino who was also in court to observe proceedings, wept profusely, demanding for justice to prevail.
According to the statement of offence in charge No A/2c/2019, count IV of the charge reads “That you , Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro (m), Ojokojo Robinson Obajero (m), Nwosisi Benedict Uche (m) Enaike Onoriode (m) and one Emese Emudiaga Kelvin now deceased, on or about the 15th day of November, 2018 at Abraka, within the Sapele Criminal Division murdered one Elozino Joshualia Ogege, punishable under section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Law Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State 2006.”
Other charges contained in the information filed against the defendants include conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: kidnapping punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006,
The substantive offence of kidnapping punishable under section 4(1) of the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Hostage Taking Law, 2016, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and the substantial offence of armed robbery.
The accused persons according to the charge, robbed one Elozino Joshualia Ogege (f) of her Tecno K7 Mobile phone while armed with a knife and other weapons.
S.C. Okehielem Esq who announced appearance for the 1st and 2nd defendants made an oral application for the transfer of the case to Sapele Judicial Division on the ground that the alleged offence was committed at Abraka which falls within the Sapele Judicial division and cited Ibori Vs FRN, Nigeria Weekly Law Report, 2009.
Opposing the application, Omamuzo Erebe Esq., Director of Legal Drafting, who led other Lawyers from the Ministry of Justice including the Director of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence, Uche Akamagwuna Esq, urged the Court to dismiss the application that it was frivolous and inapplicable to the case.
He said the State acted under the provision of section 94 (2), section 99 and section 104 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017 adding that the Attorney-General of the State through the DPP had earlier made an application to the Chief Judge of the State for assumption of jurisdiction raising security concerns not only for prosecution witnesses but as well as for the accused persons and the application was granted by the CJ and the case assigned before the trial Judge to adjudicate.
Ruling on the application for transfer of the case to Sapele Judicial Division, the trial Judge, Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (Mrs.) dismissed the application saying that it was unmeritorious and held that the case is before a proper venue to entertain the matter.
She further ruled that the High Court of Delta State is one and that the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law which governs Criminal matters in the State has empowers the Chief Judge to transfer any case from one criminal division to other.
The matter was adjourned to 30th of April and 15th of May, 2019 for hearing.
MOTHER OF ELOZINO WEEPS PROFUSELY IN COURT
Meanwhile, the mother of Elozino who was also in court to observe proceedings refused to be consoled by the Director of Sexual Offences/Domestic Violence, Mrs Uche Akamagwuna and other sympathizers as she wept profusely in court and demanded for justice to prevail.
Elozino’s killers
She said God will avenged for the blood of her innocent daughter whose life was cut down in her prime.
The blaze, which burned through two-thirds of the French cathedral’s roof and destroyed its iconic spire, was especially distressing to Christians because it occurred during Holy Week, the most sacred period on the Christian calendar.
It is during this week that Christians commemorate the story of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Typically, staff at Notre Dame would have been preparing to display the cathedral’s holy relics to pilgrims, CNN reports.
Instead, fire crews were working to save what they could of the roughly 850-year-old Gothic cathedral. On Monday evening, French officials said that the structure of the building had been preserved, including its two front towers. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Hundreds gathered in the nearby streets of Paris to sing hymns and pray as they watched the fire. The Catholic archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, asked priests across France to ring their church bells to call people to pray for the cathedral.
The Vatican expressed shock and sadness over the “terrible fire” and described Notre Dame as a “symbol of Christianity in France and the world,” according to the Catholic news site Crux.
In the U.S., Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the bishops were also shocked and saddened by the fire. “It has long been a symbol of the transcendent human spirit as well as our longing for God,” he said in a statement.
The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor at large of the Catholic magazine America, wrote on Twitter that watching footage of the burning cathedral was “like watching a dear friend die.”
Notre Dame is one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris, receiving about 30,000 visitors every day and about 13 million per year, The New York Times reports.
On social media, many people ― the famous and the not-so-famous ― posted photos of their own trips to the cathedral. Others shared regret that they hadn’t visited the historic church before this destruction.
I’m no longer a practicing Catholic but I am a huge fan of art and culture. Watching this fire devastate this over 800 year old building made me cry. Regardless of what it represents its an architectural master peace and the fact that I may never see it in person breaks my heart1558:17 PM – Apr 15, 201949 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy
My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose—to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild.150K8:14 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy24K people are talking about this
Authorities said Monday night that the main structure of the building was saved, despite earlier concerns all was lost.
Authorities responded to a massive fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral on Monday that spread rapidly through the historic monument, toppling its spire and appearing to spread inside one of its two towers.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 7 p.m. local time on Monday, HuffPost France reported.
While authorities feared in the fire’s early hours that the entire historic monument could be destroyed, city officials confirmed around 11 p.m. local time that the main structure was “saved and preserved.”
By early Tuesday morning, Paris firefighters said in a tweet that it took nearly 400 firefighters more than nine hours to extinguish the blaze. Two police officers and a firefighter were slightly injured.
“The next hours will be difficult,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron said earlier in an address to the crowd gathered outside the cathedral. “But thanks to [the firefighters’] courage, the facade has not been damaged.”
He added that there will be a national effort toward making the repairs.
“We will rebuild Notre Dame, because it’s what the French people expect,” he said. “It’s what our history deserves. It’s our profound destiny.”
The gravity of the fire is still to be determined, but firefighters said the blaze began in the cathedral’s attic. About two-thirds of the building’s roof was destroyed.
A huge fire swept through the roof of the famed Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019, sending flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky.
The fire is “potentially linked” to renovation work in the building, firefighters told Agence France-Presse.
Several online videos captured the monument’s towering spire collapsing as onlookers gasped from down below. Later videos at the scene captured firefighters shooting water into one of the cathedral’s two front towers where flames appeared to be glowing inside.
As the religious monument burned into the night, Pierre Tremblay, a reporter withHuffPost France in Paris, described watching ashes fall from the sky over hundreds of people as they cried in silence.
Earlier, when the fire’s reach was still uncertain, a spokesperson for the cathedral expressed concern that the destruction would be beyond repair.
“Everything is burning. The framework, which dates from the 19th century on one side and the 13th century on the other, there will be nothing left,” the spokesman André Finot told Le Monde. “We have to see if the vault, which protects the cathedral, will be affected or not.”
Smoke rises around the altar inside Notre Dame.
Laurent Nuñez, secretary of state of the interior, told AFP at the time that it was “not a given” that they would be able to save Notre Dame.
“The firefighters are battling this fire with 18 fire hoses, from the outside and also the inside, to try to save this building, which at this time is not a given,” he said.
According to Le Monde, first deputy to the mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said on local station BFM TV that they have begun working “to try to save all the works of art that can be [saved.]”
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, said officials had saved several prominent artifacts from the cathedral’s collection that had been safeguarded for centuries. Hidalgo noted that the Crown of Thorns, a religious item referred to as Notre Dame’s “most revered object,” was rescued alongside the Tunic of Saint Louis and other treasures.
Merci aux @PompiersParis, aux policiers et aux agents municipaux qui ont réalisé ce soir une formidable chaîne humaine pour sauver les œuvres de #NotreDame. La couronne d’épines, la tunique de Saint Louis et plusieurs autres œuvres majeures sont à présent en lieu sûr. pic.twitter.com/cbrGWCbL2N— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) April 15, 2019
“Thanks to the @PompiersParis, the police and the municipal agents,” Hidalgo wrote, according to a translation of her tweet. “The Crown of Thorns, the Tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place.”
Macron postponed a major speech Monday evening due to the incident and arrived at the site in person. In a Twitter message, he said he shared the country’s emotions amid the flames.Subscribe to The Morning Email.Wake up to the day’s most important news.
“Like all our compatriots, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burning,” he stated.
Construction on the medieval Catholic cathedral, famous for its French Gothic architecture, began in 1163, making parts of it 856 years old, according to Notre Dame’s website.
The cathedral faced substantial damage and plunder during the French Revolution in the 1790s. In the 1800s, it underwent a 25-year restoration that recreated the original glass and sculptures and added a reconstruction of the original spire. That spire collapsed Monday.
In the 1900s, the cathedral again went through several rounds of restoration, including after World War II, to replace medieval glass damaged by bullets.
Approximately 13 million visitors per year visit the monument, which does not charge admission. Financial efforts to restore and preserve the church have been underway for some time amid concerns that it is eroding and crumbling.
Such restoration efforts led to last week’s removal of several copper statues representing the 12 apostles and four evangelists from the church’s spire. The statues were being sent to southwest France as part of a $6.8 million renovation project, The Associated Press reported.
Michel Picaud, president of the group Friends of Notre-Dame, which was behind philanthropic efforts to finance part of the renovations, told Le Monde that renovations on the church were expected to last about a decade and would be financed largely by the state for 150 million euros, or approximately $170 million.
A view from Montparnasse Tower shows flames and smoke billowing from the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
“Our program of fundraising had 10 million euros in donations, of which 3.8 million were dedicated at the end of 2018 to renovate the spire. The whole world gives for Notre Dame, notably the Americans, who give practically as much as the French,” Picaud said.
In addition to the spire collapsing, the cathedral’s belfry, where the bells are housed, has been damaged. The condition of the bells was not immediately known, he said.
“Some works of art were able to be evacuated, but we’ll have to start everything over again, and that’s heartbreaking,” Picaud said. “We’re fighting to restore this magnificence, and all of our efforts were just destroyed in a few hours.”
Notre Dame Cathedral burning in Paris on Monday.
Gallet, the commander general of the Paris Fire Brigade, expressed particular concern about the cathedral’s massive bells to reporters at the scene.
“If the bell falls, it’s the tower that collapses. There are firefighters inside and outside. The next hour and a half will be crucial,” he said, according to CNN.
Audrey Azoulay, director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which designated the cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1991, said her organization is standing by to aid France amid the historical tragedy.
“UNESCO is closely monitoring the situation and is standing by France’s side to safeguard and restore this invaluable heritage,” she tweeted.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and first lady Melania Trump were among those expressing condolences on Twitter.
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
Notre Dame is an iconic symbol of faith to people all over the world – and it is heartbreaking to see a house of God in flames. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters on the scene and all the people of Paris. https://t.co/5Pecbf02em— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 15, 2019
My heart breaks for the people of Paris after seeing the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Praying for everyone’s safety.— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 15, 2019
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council has raised the alarm over the return of roadblocks mounted in Delta State by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammad Abubakar Adamu, to explain if Delta State is exempted from the ban on roadblocks on Nigerian highways.
The union in condemning the trend as ugly wondered if the ban on roadblocks by the Inspector Geneŕal of Police (IGP) exempted Delta State, stressing that the situation showcases the state as unsafe to visitors and would be investors.
According to a statement issued by the council, it described the roadblocks as instrument of extortion and harassment, adding that the practice had subjected Deltans and motorists plying roads in Delta State to untold hardship, intimidation and unwarranted delays, sometimes arrest.
The council, in the statement endorsed by its Chiarman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Secretary, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, accused the policè personnel on patrol of operating under the guise of staging nipping points for routine checks to mount road block.
” We are at a crossroad as to whether Delta State is exempted from the ban on road blocks. We cannot see why the police personnel under Delta Command will flagrantly flout the order of the IGP pretending to be staging nipping points for routine checks whereas what we see on ground are full blown roadblocks for distorting smooth flow of traffic, intimidation, extortion and unwarranted arrests” the statement said.
Continuing, the statement adds: “A journey from Warri to Agbor alone has over 10 road block. From Koko Junction to Effurun Roundabout we have over eight roadblocks. What are they all checking? It is uncalled for, they should fashion out better ways to track down criminals rather than subject innocent people to untold hardship continuously.”
“It is worrisome to say that police in Delta State now carry lower denominations of our currency to make change handy at checkpoints to facilitate the illegal acts and any attempt by motorists to disobey parting with stipulated amount, usually attracts intimidation, harassment, undue delay and possible arrest. This act also takes place in the capital city of Asaba where the Police Headquarters is situated.”
The council called on the State Commissioner of Police to put his officers on patrol in check before the trend snowballs into a crisis situation.
The Delta state governorship election tribunal petition against incumbent governor and governor-elect of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and it’s governorship candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru would be struck out easily.
An aide to the governor, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe said this following reports that the tribunal has granted Ogboru permission for substituted service.
He said that Ogboru lacks the “locus standi” in the first place to bring the petition against Okowa’s re-election.
The Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor hinged his argument on the subsisting court orders contained in the ruling of Justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court Asaba as well as the Victor Ochei instituted case by Justice Nnamdi Dimkpa, which nullified the 2019 primaries and election victory of candidates produced by the Jones Erue faction of the APC.
According to him,, “as it is today Ogboru is not known to law as the 2019 governorship candidate of APC in the state. The doors of the tribunal must be shut against the petitioner and all other candidates presented for elective positions by Erue’s faction.”
He contended that to have a “cause of action”, the legal rights must exist and the petitioner must establish that he or she is directly affected by the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so as to enjoy the legal principle of fair hearing.
“Therefore, Ogboru stand to be treated as a ‘political leper’ and ‘candidate not known to law’ by the election tribunal and reasonably deserves nothing but outright denial of right of fair hearing.
.”Its laughable for Ogboru to file petition at the tribunal challenging the results of the election after a court of competent jurisdiction nullified his candidacy occasioned by illegal primaries which was conducted by a non existent Erue party exco as clearly stated in the ruling of my Lord, Justice Adegoke.
“Ogboru’s candidacy is not known to law based on the Court subsisting orders declaring the Cyril Ogodo faction as the legitimate and authentic state exco of APC in Delta State, and subsequently declared the election victory of all candidates presented by Erue faction for the 2019 general elections null and void and of no effects whatsoever.
“It is the law that Ogboru lacks locus standi to file a petition referring to himself or APC referring to him as the 2019 governorship candidate of APC in Delta State, because the court orders contained in the judgment are valid and subsisting since no appeal has been filed, heard and determined in the matter”, the statement added.
The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2019 governorship election in Delta State has yet to serve the incumbent governor and governor-elect, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa with election petition.
The petition marked, EPT/DT/GOV/01/2019 was however delivered by a substituted service granted the 1st and 2nd petitioners, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru and the All Progressives Party, after series of alleged evasiveness by the first respondent, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to personally receive the petition as reported by the petitioners to the tribunal.
Chief Great Ogboru, Delta State APC gubernatorial candidate in the March 9, 2019 governorship election, is amongst others, challenging the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the election tribunal holden in Asaba.
The suit filled by the APC candidate has Governor Okowa as the 1st respondent while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC are the 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively.
The petition revealed that, the chairman of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state, Hon. Justice Suleiman Belgore granted an order for substituted service of the petitioner petition No. EPT/DT/GOV/01/2019 dated 25/3/19, filed on 31/3/19.
At the tribunal proceedings on Friday, April 12, 2019, upon reading the Motion Ex Parte and the Affidavit deposed to the court by a close associate of the APC gubernatorial candidate and after hearing the submissions of TieTie Esq. counsel to the Petitioners, Justice Suleiman Belgore ruled that, “It is hereby ordered that the 1st respondent, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa be served the petition and other processes by substituted means to wit: service through the secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (P.D.P), Delta State Chapter, Asaba or through any officer in his office.”
Meanwhile, Chief Obi Nzeteh, Secretary, Delta State PDP, could not confirm the status of the petition as he declined comments.
Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively report that the leadership of Otu Odu Ahaba, an all-female cultural society in Anioma area of Delta State, is currently enmeshed in crisis bordering on finance, intimidation and assault on members as police have waded into the matter with a view to bringing the leaders to book.
Police involvement followed a petition by one of the leading members and former member of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon (Mrs.) Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju, alleging that some of the members ganged up and molested her in the residence of their President, Chief (Mrs.) Theodora Giwa-Amu.
In the petition titled “Criminal Petition Against Mrs. Theodora Giwa-Amu, Mrs. Mariam Sampson and Mrs. Eva Nwanze”, dated March 6, 2019 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mrs. Olarewaju alleged that on February 19, 2019, Mrs. Nwanze called her on telephone to report at the president’s house on Jesus Saves Road, Asaba.
According to her, she rushed to the venue and met the trio only to be challenged for being too outspoken after a doctored tape allegedly bearing her voice was played, stressing that in the presence of the president; she was strangled and held hostage for almost three hours.
She explained that the president later passed a ruling directing her to apologize to those that attacked her.
“I realized that the president’s judgment did not follow the constitutional procedure of punishing erring members. She gave her judgment single handedly without bringing my offence before the whole house. Obviously, one can say this is jungle justice”, she stated.
She alleged that the same group had years ago lured her to unknowingly over pay for her installation fees which they allegedly later used to install two other persons without account, adding that recently she was singled out and unjustly fined N15, 000 for an alleged offence involving most of the members.
Mrs. Olarewaju called on the Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged criminal matter and bring all those involved in the matter to book.
A senior police officer at the command’s headquarters disclosed that the President of the group had reported and agreed to volunteer statement but two other members were on the run, adding that police have mounted manhunt for them.
When contacted, the acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Chuks Orisewezie, ASP, confirmed that operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), had commenced investigations into the matter and had extended invitation to defendants.
He confirmed that the president, had visited the investigating officers in the command but could not be interrogated due to her ill health, adding that she complained of knee cap problem whereby she cannot alight from the motor vehicle that brought her.
According to him, she was given time to go and treat herself and then appear at a later date to make statement on the allegation by the complainant.
In an interview with newsmen, Mrs. Olarewju, while calling on the police to expedite action on her petition, alleged that the president had been accusing her of spreading lies among the group members and using the police to harass the leadership, calling on the members to disregard such allegation and prevail on the alleged culprits to report on the police to answer their charges.
The wife of the Governor and Founder O5 Initiative has lauded the speaker and members of the Delta state House of Assembly for passing the Sickle cell bill into law.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the wife of the state Governor, Mrs Alicia Dominic-Okobi, Dame Okowa said the bill will spur the O5 Initiative to do more for Sickle Cell challenged persons and breaking the myth surrounding the sickle cell disorder.
The Governor’s wife said Sickle Cell is not a death sentence and enjoined those living with the disorder to remain positive as better days had come.
Dame Okowa called on well meaning individuals, civil society groups and faith based organizations to remain supportive to parents and caregivers of Sickle Cell challenged persons and join in the fight against the disorder.
Recall that Dame Okowa, through her pet project, 05 Initiative, has established sickle cell clinics in nearly all local government area of Delta state.
The Delta State Election Petitions Tribunal, says it has received a total of fifty one petitions arising from the 2019 National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
The Tribunal Secretary, Barrister Ahmed Gusau, stated this in a chat with newsmen in Asaba.
Barrister Gusau said one petition was filed against the State Governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, by Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who was his major opponent in the election.
He disclosed that four petitions were filed for the senatorial election, two against Senator James Manager of the PDP, one against Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the APC and one against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.
The Tribunal Secretary added that nine petitions were filed for the House of Representatives election, while thirty seven came from House of Assembly candidates against the winners of the election.
MEMBERS of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have said the topic, MANAGING POST-ELECTION CHALLENGES: Nigeria As Case Study, chosen for discussion at the first Maris Annual Lecture is “apt, relevant to strengthen peace and unity of Delta State and Nigeria in general.”Chairman of the Asaba Correspondent Chapel of the Union, Comrade Paul Osuyi who assured members of Maris Trust Council, that Journalists will partner with them to give adequate publicity to the lecture, emphasised that it was important to take critical examination of how Nigeria can move on after the elections.Comrade Osuyi who spoke when he met with representatives of Maris Trust Council in Asaba today (01/04/19), said, “lecture of this kind is very relevant, topical and always welcomed as it will give Nigerians, especially, those who participated in the elections the opportunity to come together and discuss.”“As a union, we commend the Maris Trust Council for being proactive in organising an event that will strengthen our democracy, bring the people together to heal wounds ahead of the inauguration of new government on May 29, 2019,” Comrade Osuyi said.He added, “be rest assured that the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ will partner with Maris Trust Council in ensuring the success of the lecture; the topic is relevant; the Guest Lecturer, Chief Williams Makinde is well known in the political, media, academic and administrative cycles; the choice of the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nicholas Chizea, a respected Chief and credible personality is commendable; the Mother of the Day, Chief (Mrs) Josephine Ada Kachikwu was well selected; we know Maris with the Catholic doctrines, so, getting Very Rev. Father John Konyeke as Spiritual Father of the Day was expected.”“From the list of an array of personalities selected to discuss the topic, we are confident that you are bound to set agenda for Nigeria, especially those who conduct the elections and all of us who are involved in the electoral process; we shall be there to report the event because, it is a good partnership that will yield results; we commend all those who are involved in ensuring the success of the lecture and we pray that God will make it a success,” Comrade Osuyi stated.Earlier, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, Secretary of Maris Trust Council had told Comrade Osuyi and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ that it was important to unveil the lecture to them as they will be key partners in ensuring that the message gets to all Nigerians including those in the diaspora.According to Egugbo, “my dear colleagues, most of us are aware that the Maris Trust Council is organising the first Maris Annual Lecture; we are happy with the publicity given to the press release issued at the weekend.”“The 2019 general elections are over and as Nigerians, organisations, the question that came to mind was, what do we do before May 29? A meeting was held and the Chairman of the Trust Council, Chief Kenneth Olise Ph.D endorsed the topic for the annual lecture which is, MANAGING POST-ELECTION CHALLENGES: Nigeria As Case Study and commended the Governor of Delta State for providing the enabling environment for Deltans to develop their potentials and contribute to the growth of the state; the lecture was designed to calm frayed nerves, and engender a peaceful environment ahead of the inauguration of new government on May 29, 2019. The lecture will take place at the Orchid Hotel, Asaba from 12 noon,” Comrade Egugbo disclosed, adding, “we appreciate the roles Journalists play in ensuring stable polity; as colleagues, we are all aware of the story behind Maris; we give God the glory for giving us the strength, the means, including the right set of people like you to do what we are doing for Maris; we plead that you give us the necessary publicity as we move forward, because, this is the first lecture in the series that will be held annually by the grace of God.“
On February 23, 2019, Nigerians across various parts of the country trooped out in their numbers, to their different polling units, and elected a President and Lawmakers that will represent them in the 9th National Assembly. These lawmakers include 109 senators from 36 states each divided in 3 senatorial districts and one from the Federal Capital Territory. Also, 360 members of the House of Representatives representing Federal Constituencies from their States. Those elected will replace members of the outgoing 8th Assembly Senate and House of Representatives. A quick look into the 8th National Assembly, which is winding up gradually, particularly the Senate. This Assembly will be fondly remembered for its various controversies. Ranging from controversy that trailed the election of its principal officers, invasion of the Senate chamber by thugs who stole its mace allegedly led by Senator Omo-Agege, and mass defection of members to the opposition Party, including the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Corruption charges levied against members of the Senate; the dramas of the likes of Senator Dino Melaye and lots more. The better parts of their stay in the Senate was literally spent in frequenting courtrooms and being docked, while some of them were held in custody of law enforcement agencies, answering questions that bothered on their misdemeanour. The 9th Senate, might not be devoid of these controversies that trailed the 8th Assembly, as about 10% of of its members are still facing major corruption charges, with some already being prosecuted. The list includes former governors and other public officials. Away from all these, the tussle for the exalted seat of the Senate Presidency is getting intense, and gathering tumultuous momentum; the race is getting more competitive, contenders have left their marks and a lot of permutations, calculations and lobbying is being done by keenly interested parties. There is a forceful yet delicate ‘mad rush’ by several senators to possess the coveted seat, no doubt instigated by the prestige and incentives attached to it than the weighty encumbrances of loyalty and statesmanship it places on the occupant. No matter the race, one thing is clear, the Senate needs a presiding officer who has an extra-ordinary clout and virtues needed for its leadership. Not just this, the individual must be well respected and largely free from corruption charges. With a succession line of 13 former Presidents, the Red Chamber, as the Senate is fondly called must ensure the controversies that soiled the 8th Assembly, is ultimately avoided in the next gathering of 109 lawmakers that would be deliberating on behalf of the nation as a whole. The Senate Presidency, is undoubtedly next in line in our democracy to the exalted position of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as the zenith in the legislative arm of government. It is therefore logical that a lot of attention is being drawn to who would take-over from the President of the 8th Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki who lost his bid to return to the senate in the just concluded General elections. There is a compelling need for caution in deciding how this important position should be filled and who is most suitable among those jostling for recognition, against the despicable experience of bitterness coupled with betrayals of all sorts which virtually halted the reign of APC in the country. The President of the Senate is the presiding officer of the Senate, whose chief function is to guide and regulate the proceedings in the Senate. The Senate President is third in the Nigerian presidential line of succession. He is assisted by the Deputy President of the Senate. An indeed, coveted but uneasy position, not meant for lucky jesters or prank players, who found their way into the Senate. He must be devoid of corruption, must be loyal to our democracy and must possess all leadership qualities required to sail the ship to safe landing. Chief among these contenders, is the present Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, whose role in saving the Senate and indeed his party, All Progressive Congress, APC, from total disintegration will be difficult to ignore in considering candidates for the next senate presidency. He exhibited impressive pedigree as one of the most experienced top-ranking senators, with an impeccable record of service and high moral standing; little wonder his colleagues call him the “Legislative Encyclopaedia”. Political Analysts have said that Senator Ahmed Lawan will be a fit for the role of the Senate president, who can be compared to the spick-and-span President Buhari, who has no corruption charges against him. Truly, if the ultimate goal of the APC, in choosing Saraki’s successor, is to restore the Senate’s global and local respect, peace and harmonious relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, especially the Senate, and delivering good governance while upholding party supremacy, Ahmed Lawan comes highly recommended. He would prove himself as a loyalist and provide excellent leadership at the most difficult times without losing the respect of his colleagues or the APC party executives. The leadership qualities, experience and capacity acquired by Ahmed Lawan, who represents the All Progressive Congress in the Yobe North Constituency of Yobe State, since 2007 qualifies him highly for Presidency of the Senate. Additionally, considering Ahmed Lawan’s geo-political zone which delivered APC ‘s massive votes at the Presidential elections, it is only ethically right to promote Ahmed Lawan to the post of a senate president. Recall that, his excellent leadership qualities came to the fore during the trying times in the Senate, when he was nationally applauded as a bridge builder and most capable of restoring the dignity and repositioning the senate with the depth of his legislative knowledge and experience. While most of his colleagues are being tried by various law enforcement agencies, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who has been in the Red Chamber for 12 years now, has never been invited or tried in any court of law by any security or law enforcement agency for allegation of any corrupt practice. The senate should consider this, especially at a time that its public image is in its bleakest stage. With the advantage of age on his side, being neither too young nor too old to rule the Senate, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, born in 1959, received a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Maiduguri, a Master’s degree in Remote Sensing from Ahmadu Bello University and a Doctorate degree in Remote Sensing/GIS. from Cranfield University, UK, is known for his fearless roles in the Senate. Lawan, in August 2009, spoke against the proposed Kafin Zaki Dam. Truly, if the ninth Assembly would succeed in its primary duties, it will need a thorough sanitation by a highly experienced Legislator like Senator Lawan, who has not lost his confidence, respect and integrity in the course of National duty.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Delta State Chapter, has cautioned Professor Pat Utomi over his monotonous penchant for uttering unguarded and unsubstantiated comment concerning the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and advised him to instead concentrate his energies on extricating himself from the political quagmire which he and his co-travellers in the APC are endlessly embroiled. This admonition was contained in a terse press statement issued by the PDP and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, while reacting to comments credited to Prof. Utomi, where he made several misleading, obviously ignorant and unsubstantiated observations on the efforts of the Delta State Government to reposition the basic and secondary education sector, following the recent incident involving Okotie Eboh Primary School, Sapele. The PDP statement averred that the content of Pat Utomi’s publication portrayed him, not only as an absentee Deltan, who is completely out of touch with the realities on the ground in educational development of the State, but indeed as a paper tiger who would rather spew forth uncultured vituperations that belie the stereotyped intellect and status often associated with him. Setting the records straight, the PDP statement stated categorically that the contract for the first phase of the renovation of Okotie-Eboh Primary School 11, Sapele, had already been awarded by the State Government on November, 29, 2018 and work has since commenced and is ongoing; a fact which Prof. Utomi could have effortlessly confirmed if he had subjected his seeming high intellect to a little investigative enquiry before playing to the gallery with his mudslinging misinformation. The statement then went further to dismiss Prof. Utomi’s performance rant by listing some of the excellent and verifiable accomplishments of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the Education sector to include, but not limited to the following: construction of 1,113 classrooms by the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, (MOBSE) and 862 by State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); renovation of 1,783 classrooms by MOBSE and 860 by SUBEB; provision of 97,816 students’ furniture by MOBSE and 44,982 by SEBEB and provision of 15,394 teachers’ furniture by MOBSE and 7,354 by SUBEB among others. Furthermore, the statement noted that the performance analysis in West African Examination Council examinations by students from Delta State has risen progressively from: 39.1% in 2014; 62.22% in 2015; 62.22% in 2016 and 64.57% in2017, even as the analysis for 2018, which is expected to cross the 65% threshold is being awaited from the Chief Examiner’s Report to further consolidate the steady increase in the performance indices of Delta State Education success. According to the statement, with 1,125 public primary schools and 465 public secondary schools in the State, the Delta State Government is presently constructing a Teachers’ Professional Development Centre (TPDC) in the State, to enhance the retraining and development of teachers, in addition to the regular promotion of teachers as well as the introduction of the annual Teachers Award Incentive, where the sum of N7.5 million will be won by 12 teachers/school heads in four categories, every year. The Delta PDP then cautioned Prof. Utomi to exhibit a higher level of circumspection and introspection as befits his public persona and address the issues concerning developments in the State with established and accessible facts rather than allow himself to be overwhelmed by the mind bending influences of the APC which has unfortunately corrupted and disturbingly reduced highly regarded public intellectuals into shameless megaphones and purveyors of warped propaganda and blatant falsehoods. Finally, the PDP statement urged Prof. Pat Utomi, to refrain from continuously casting aspersions on the Development drive of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration, when he lacks necessary information on the subjects of his criticism and called on him to stop embarrassing his reputation by presenting himself as someone who lacks substance and depth in addressing the issues of governance not just in the State, but indeed as a touted governorship aspirant whose desire to govern Delta State has been so brutally exposed by his ignorance of happenings in the State.
The Management of Delta Force Football Club of Asaba will tomorrow unveil its players to the media and the public ahead of its debut in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Delta Ambassadors who are expected to make their debut on Sunday at the Steven Keshi International Stadium when they tackle visiting Go-Round Football Club of Omoku, Rivers State will be unveiling the players at three in the afternoon at the Media Center, Steven Keshi International Stadium before unveiling the team to the public at the main bowl of the Steven Keshi Stadium Asaba.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Club, Mr. Emanuel Chidi-Okonkwo said the team will be playing under flood light as the match against Go-Round will kick off at six in the evening with the gates thrown open to football fans in the capital city and environs.
Mr. Chidi-Okonkwo said the team which is currently placed fifth believes in the power of the twelfth man therefore has urged the teeming football fans within and outside Asaba to turn out in their numbers to cheer the Delta Ambassadors to victory.
He assured fans of exciting football display as Olympic Eagles invitee, and diminutive winger Anayo Iwuala, defence stalwarts Fabian Okorie, Pascal Eze, former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and veteran Nigeria Professional Football League campaigner, Zaka among other players have assured that they would give the fans something to cheer even as they go for the maximum three points.
Mr. Chidi-Okonkwo also urged the fans to support the team in their quest to retain their Nigeria Professional Football League status asserting that the team was still work in progress and will be aiming to bring continental football to the capital city next season.
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificate of return to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro who was his running mate in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.
Governor Okowa while receiving the certificate of return at INEC office in Asaba today (27/03/19) thanked Deltans, the INEC, security agencies and all those who played different roles during the elections, observing, “the election was adjudged as very peaceful in Delta State.”
He called on all Deltans to actively participate in governance in the next four years starting from May 29, stating, “we cannot do the job alone; with collaborative efforts, partnership, the job will be easier and to the satisfaction of all.”
“In the next four years, we will do much more than we have done in the last four years; in 2023, people will judge us based on our performance and we are committed to be accountable to God and our people,” he said.
Governor Okowa who was accompanied to the INEC office by his wife, Dame Edith and a retinue of political office holders, used the occasion to urge Nigerians to be committed to democracy, noting that Nigeria will be better when things are done right.
“There is room for growth in our democracy; we must conduct elections in such a manner that will be appreciated by the world as such will boost the confidence of the people and attract investors to our country; politicians should realize that election is noble and should go out and campaign for votes and ensure that elections are devoid of avoidable deaths,” he said.
INEC National Commissioner, Dr Mohammed Lecky who presented the certificate of returns to Governor Okowa and his Deputy respectively had in an address, congratulated the Governor and all those who won in the elections, stating, “today’s event is the highpoint of one of the legal requirements on the journey to assumption of office, after being elected.”
“Section 75 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides for the issuance of certificate of return to elected candidates by the INEC and by this event, the Commission has complied with the requirement of law in this regard,” Dr Lecky said.
Do you think we are enveloped by what professor Wole Soynika called a cloud of sadness by the death of our loving Icon. No. Certainly not at the ripe age of ninety seven when he has emptied himself into our minds. Todd Henry, the author of Die Empity would have added Gabriel Okara to the list of those who died empty. Gabriel Okara died emptying all that God gave to him on us before he took a triumphant bow Okara did not live a modern life in which we fill our days with activities that do not bloom, prattling on our electronic devices all days without any definite deadline being met. He utilized his life leaving with us a huge body of work. Our tomorrow will always be aglow with the flame of his work and the light that they emit.
“ Tell the truth and stand by it” That was what Gabriel Okara’s Father told him in the town of Bomadi on the bank of the River nun- the famed river that became one of his sources of his writings. It was this truth that became his guiding philosophy. He pursued truth, stood by truth and was ready to die for truth as his father told him to do. But there are many words that will make us unleash our best every day in our lives, that the renowned poet, novelist and play write have for us the living. He said “if you want anything good in life trust God to guide you. Work as God directs you. If evil tries to make an entrance just kick it out like a football” He told Kim Shippey, a senior Writer of Christian Science Sentinel in 2011 “There is only one way to go – upward” His optimism about life was in infectious even at his ripe age. He was about ninety when he said there is still up to go. A class taught Christian scientist, his devotion to God was unbending, he does not belong to the class of writers who worship their intellects. He said “I depend on God to direct my thinking and outcome God is around me always at the back of my consciousness. Before I write a line I pause to remind myself that God is the source of all good, all wisdom, all excellence, so whatever I am doing I know that the inspiration comes direct from him. The bible for Okara has been an invaluable source of inspiration. For him the bible gives one the discipline and breath that makes your crush the stubborn illusion that we are impregnable in our robust intellect. That is not to say that he has no other influence. Naturally he has a big library which he said he lost during the Nigerian civil war (1967 – 70). He said “I felt the loss, yes but spiritually not at all. For him spirituality is a key to life. It does not mean that a spiritual premise discount what is real in life but it promotes discernment that makes you have a better perception and sense of clarity. Okara wrote and published many books of friction, including his volume of poetry. He was a man committed to literature and intense interest made him to mentor so many people. He said of literature “its just bubbling every where- among boys and girls, they can’t wait to be poets and novelist. Take a sample of one of his poems “once upon a time” “I have learned to laugh with only my teeth And shake hands without my heart I have also learned to say “Goodbye” When I mean Good riddance To say Glad to meet you Without being glad and to say “ it’s been nice talking to you after being bored’ In his poems, novels, plays and other form of his writings, all sort of wise nuggets bristled, enriching our minds and making the most tremendous impact. We have courageous word of defiance that makes the timorous to pick up the gaunt let for battle. He has lines that comfort the grief and verse that the cripple will read and his muscles will come alive. Felix Houphouet- Boigny, former president of Code’voir (former Ivory Coast) may have said “ Man has gone to the moon, but he does not yet know how to make a flower, a tree, or a bird song’ But he should know that writers may have not created tree but they write words, song, poetry, stories that give life. Gabriels Okara did with his writing. He has written in all the genere of literature but most remember him for his novels the voice which has remain a classic and would continue to commend and elicit commendation and critical praise. Some have argued that it is his poetry that has made the most impact. You are free to pick and choose. Event at ninety-six, last year, he took time off to come to Yenagoe to join Prof Wole Soyinka and J P Clerk-Bekedereme when the Beyelsa Government hosted Wole Soyinka- in spite of his abridge mobility and fragile health he climbed the platform, helped by Wole Soyinka and other guest who were anxious to see him. When your work goes beyond you in great acclaim, you will carry the burden in spite of your age to come and meet audiences when they itch to see you flesh and blood – if nothing to see the being that crafted what they enjoy in the privacy of their rooms. The readers do not care about their dying heroes for they will prefer to witness his death is one celebratory convocation. Gabriel Okara is for me one of the greatest writers the world has ever produced because of his literature that has morality as eternal plank. We celebrate his passage. He has fought a good fight in the battle field of the world with his literary work. Our memory and history, he has enriched ,our literature he has made alive and has equipped us to fight on as he departs
*Azua Alonu is Vice Chairman, Delta Literary Forum Asaba
Professor Benjamin Okaba, Director Institute of Foundation Studies Federal University, Otuoke Bayelsa State, has dismissed online report by Sahara reporters alleging that ‘Governing Council sacks, slams DELSU provost with 5 months suspension over financial misappropriation and assault’.
Okaba while reacting to the online publication said, “I left the Delta State University Abraka to Federal University Otuoke, in January 2017 voluntarily with my salary pay slips up to the time I left the services of DELSU”. He noted that DELSU registrar’s report on his voluntary withdrawer/transfer of service bears eloquent testimony that he was never sacked as wrongly stated by the online publication.
He maintained that, there was no case of sexual harassment or assault of Mr. Ezekiel Otuye that was made against him, emphasizing that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Security Services (S.S.S) carried out full scale investigation into the allegation of financial impropriety for which he was relieved of administrative appointment as the provost of Oleh campus in November 2015, found him not guilty.
Okaba said, a circular referenced ICPC/BO/INV/T.A/24 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission completely exonerated him of all the allegations of fraud/financial impropriety as provost of Oleh campus Delta State University, Abraka. According to Okaba, other false accusation of having offered a Ph.D admission to one Mrs. Mukuro of the Department of Nursing, Delta State University Abraka was wrong.
Professor Okaba explained that, he was also wrongfully accused of having awarded a contract to an ex – councilor of Isoko South local government area when he was provost of Oleh campus, noting that a panel headed by professor D.F.Tom dismissed the false allegation when he ascertained that at the time when Mrs. Mukoro admission was being processed in 2009, he was not a staff of DELSU.
He urged Sahara reporters to cross check facts on the above explanation and make appropriate correction as he will not seek the downfall of people or organization no matter the level of provocation, adding that he is currently enjoying the peace of the Lord at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
In what many described as display of compassion and love, wife of Delta state governor, Dame Edith Okowa, has received the quintuplet born on January 28, 2019 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
The five babies who are all girls according to seniority are Chibuzor, Chioma, Chidinma, Chineye and Chinelo. At birth they weighed 1.15, 0.9, 1.25, 1.1 and 1.2 respectively and at date of discharge they weighed 2.2, 2.05, 2.5, 2.15 and 2.1 respectively.
The mother of the children, Mrs Pascaline Onyejekwu, who was rushed to the FMC from Nnewi, Anambra state, was immediately wheeled to the theatre where a caesarian session was carried out, but she gave up the ghost after the babies were delivered safely.
The deseased mother of the quintuplet is an indigene of Enugu state while the husband is an indigene of Imo state and both resident in Nnewi, Anambra state. The woman, Pascaline Onyejekwu, was a clothes seller at Onitsha market while the husband is an electrician.
Chief medical director of the hospital, Victor Osiatuma, who revealed that the babies were in the hospital for 54 days, noted that through divine intervention, the governor’s wife took over the welfare of the children without a mother.
“From January 28 to March 22, 2019, the children were in the hospital being taken care of by the hospital nurses while the bill was in the hands of the governor’s wife. They were in the hospital for 54 days before they were discharged on Friday, March 22.”
Dame Okowa, who while commending the management of FMC, said: “I like the management of this hospital. They took the woman without a dine paid. God will bless FMC. Today, we are doing God’s will. The children are leaving to where we built for them until their father is ready to pick them.”
She pleaded with the hospital management to send, on a daily basis, a nurse, to take care of the children at the home furnished for them by the 05 Initiative, assuring that “The children will grow and have favour with God because they have come into the hands of God.”
The governor’s wife paid over N600, 000 before the children were discharged from the hospital.
Father of the quintuplets, a 29 years old Kingsley Onyejekwu, an electrician in Onitsha, who lamented the demise of his young wife was thankful to God for using Dame Edith Okowa to bless and bring succor to them.
The children’s mother, according to medical sources, may have died due to lack of antenatal care.
Findings revealed that the children would be taken care of for five years as enshrined in the programme of 05 Initiative.
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has commended Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for extending the tenure of the current DESOPADEC Board till 28th May, 2019.
According to him, “since the emergence of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta state in 2015, the oil bearing communities have gained a lot in terms of fast-tracked infrastructural and human capital development projects being embarked upon by DESOPADEC, aside myriad of state government mega projects dotting the nooks and crannies of the state.”
It would be recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly, during plenary on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 granted the approval, following the expiration of an earlier extension of the board’s tenure which elapsed on February 29, 2019.
Bashorun Askia, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state, who had congratulated Governor Okowa for his successful re-election and the victory of almost all PDP candidates in the last general elections, called for total support of the state government to sustain the transformational growth of all sectors of the state economy.
He observed that the results polled in the state for PDP during the 2019 Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State House of Assembly elections which were basically free, fair, credible and transparent was a reflection of the confidence reposed in Governor Okowa by all Deltans at home and in the Diaspora, adding that “it was obviously a testimony of the peoples faith in the governor.”
He further said the overwhelming endorsement and eventual re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by Deltans across political divides, lends credence to the reality that the equitable rotation of the governance of Delta State among the three (Central, South and North) senatorial districts have been established.
Bashorun Askia, particularly thanked the entire Isoko Nation for hearkening to his frequent appeals for the re-election of Governor Okowa and election of all PDP candidates, which according him has resulted in the landslide victory witnessed during the general elections.
He therefore appealed to Deltans to ensure that all hands are on deck to support the Smart Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to achieve a full blown ‘Greater Delta’ through the SMART agenda.
ACCRA, Ghana–Forbes and BusyInternet today announced the availability of Forbes8, a digital network that features more than 2,000 videos designed to inspire every aspect of an entrepreneur’s journey. BusyInternet has for the past 18 years built a strong heritage of empowering its customers and supporting businesses – particularly small-and medium-sized businesses – to grow and fully optimize their potentials. Forbes8’s strategic partnership with BusyInternet will help drive focus in further detail and add new dimensions. Forbes8 offers information, tips, advice and tools to help entrepreneurs get their start and accelerate their growth. Leveraging Forbes’ editorial expertise in championing entrepreneurial capitalism, Forbes8 features video spotlighting the best minds in business – all categorized into four distinct themes: Inspire, Launch, Grow and Impact. Intelligent machine-learning/artificial intelligence capabilities deliver a personalized experience at scale, creating custom playlists based on an individual’s on-boarding needs and preferences. “Entrepreneurialism is as much a mind-set as it is a type of business,” said Thomas Brien-Mensah, Head of Marketing at BusyInternet. “While there are important local nuances, there are so many global commonalities business owners face, and Forbes8 helps bridge the gap and partner with entrepreneurs every step of the way. We’re excited to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs with this new service.” “Forbes consistently champions those who have made it and those who aspire to make it, and our content will resonate with the burgeoning community of entrepreneurs across Ghana,” said Forbes Chief Growth Officer Tom Davis. “Ghana’s growing community of entrepreneurs, with the help of the government’s National Entrepreneurial and Innovation Plan (NEIP), means there is a tremendous need for a business-advice on-demand network. Forbes8 fills that void while also providing a sense of community with others on the same journey.” Forbes8 is a global partnership between Forbes and AW3 Media, whose founder, Amos Winbush III, is a noted serial entrepreneur and visionary having built several technology platforms that culminated in building dozens of partnerships with telecom companies on a global scale. Most importantly, he is leveraging his expertise and knowledge as a successful entrepreneur to create experiences, services and products like Forbes8 to help people achieve their personal and professional dreams. “BusyInternet is the right strategic partner for the launch of Forbes8 because it shares in our mission of helping promote entrepreneurial growth and access to opportunities across the region,” Winbush said. “Forbes8 features perspectives from the best minds in business across Ghana and the world that are applicable to every aspect of an entrepreneur, business leader or small business owner’s journey. I’ve created several multi-national companies over the last ten years and from my experience innovating can be a lonely, scary, isolating yet exciting and fulfilling journey. And for this reason, we built Forbes8 to help support, equip and resource innovators and the players around them. It’s truly inspirational and invaluable.” *Source: AETOSWire
Facebok users have roundly condemned Rex Anighoro for engaging in a campaign of calumny against the Hon Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie.
In a Facebook post titled ‘Urhobo Governorship 2023’, the said Rex Anighoro said he would not support the governorship ambition of David Edevbie because the Hon Commissioner “raises his shoulders” and disrespected him when he visited his office and therefore named the likes of Ovie Omo Agege, Senator James Manager as options that suit his appetite, threatening that he would mobilize against the candidacy of David Edevbie for election as Governor of Delta state in 2023.
But in swift reactions to the post, Urhobo sons and interest groups across the state in their responses lambasted Rex Anighoro saying the post exposed the low level he could go to satisfy his greed for material acquisition, his unstable and unreliable character and personal value that could be cheaply purchased and used as a tool to pull down the reputation of public figures for favour from his contractors, summating that he (Rex) lacks integrity and authority to speak on issues of public interest to the Urhobo people and Delta state at large.
A Facebook User, Mr Mukoro Godwin demanded from Rex, an explanation of his mission to the office of the Hon Commissioner of Finance. He recalled that Rex had leveled a compendium of criminal allegations against Sen Ovie Omo-Agege in recent past and asked Rex to state at what point his alleged suspect, Ovie Omo-Agege cleared all the criminal cases he leveled against him in the past to warrant being tipped for governor.
Mukoro informed that Olorogun David Edevbie is an intelligent, honest and straight forward Urhobo son who Rex needed to be proud of if he had reached him for a good reason.
He cautioned Rex Anighoro to forthwith, stop the way he went about attacking Urhobo sons for personal gains saying that Activism and Politics do not make a good mixture.
Mr Egbagbara Blessing who is the Secretary to the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ughelli North LGA rebuked Rex for casting such aspersion on the person of the Hon Commissioner of Finance and asked if Rex expected everybody to live an unprincipled life as he was known to unrestrainedly display.
“Olorogun David Edevbie is a fine gentleman on whose supervision Delta state will be safe and strong” Egbagbara said adding that the making of Olorogun David Edevbie as successor to Gov Okowa in 2023 was a done deal and therefore, Rex’s support or no support is inconsequential because he has no electoral value.
“I see this as an insult on the person of David Edevbie. You have no reason whatsoever to bring him on the streets of Facebook to wash his personal ego down the way you have just done. It takes pride to see pride in others. You have lots on your person than you have thrown at David” Pastor Efe Simeon told Rex.
In a clear disregard of the message Rex attempted to send across, Olorogun Emmanuel Shikaleke spewed Rex out of his mouth, telling him that enough was enough of his gimmicks of attacking public figures of Urhobo scion just for pecuniary motives.
“People are beginning to know the kind of person you are. Edevbie is a complete gentleman who may not be liked by you and your ilk.” He said.
In its reaction, a civic awareness and enlightenment group, Stronger Delta Advocates (SDA) described Rex Anighoro’s post as the chirpings of a circuit clown that has an insatiable desire for personal gains and who could sell his mother for a piece of meal when his stomach aches. Never known a man so unbridled” John Paul, the group’s President said.
It is on record that Rex Anighoro had in the past insulted Chief James Ibori calling him all unprintable names. Among other victims of his verbal venom were Chief Great Ogboru, Chief Ighoyota Amori and even Gov Okowa who he is now waxing lyrical about was once insulted by Rex Anoghoro.
A source close to the Hon Commissioner of Finance told our reporter that it was likely that Rex went to the Hon Commissioner’s office looking for contract, “ but it is a well known fact by everyone that Olorogun David Edevbie does not engage in such” the source said.
The cricketer visited the healthcare facility for an in-depth assessment of his health, fitness, functionality and performance capabilities
Cricketer Kieron Pollard, who plays for the Peshawar Zalmi Team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), visited nanoM Healthcare, an Emirates Healthcare company, earlier this month.
Pollard underwent a variety of health assessments at nanoM, the Dubai-based state-of-the-art sports and human performance facility, including an ECG, a BodPod test, 3D biomechanical analysis of his bowling and batting and a V02 max test – which determines the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during physical activity.
Pollard, who also had consultations with nanoM’s expert doctors, said, “nanoM is very impressive; they have all the equipment and technology to assess sports professionals under one roof.”
Dr Jennifer Walsh, Head of Sports and Human Performance at nanoM, said, “We were pleased to host Kieron Pollard at our facility, which is designed for athletes who want to enhance their performances, address existing sports injuries and prevent potential injuries. In line with Dubai’s aim of becoming a hub for medical tourism, nanoM is at least a decade ahead of its time.”
nanoM performs comprehensive assessments for amateur and professional athletes that play a variety of sports, including football, golf, cricket, tennis and mixed martial arts.
Nemesis reportedly caught up with a woman and her daughter who tried to outsmart each other in their illicit relationship with the same man as they went into fisticuffs on Wednesday in the lover-boy’s apartment at Nkutaku Layout in Okpoko, a suburb in Onitsha in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State.
According to report, the man who is in his early 30s, is a boyfriend to the woman and usually patronize her restaurant at Ochanja Market, Onitsha where her daughter also assist her mother to attend to customers.
According to a neighbor who had been following the dramatic battle for the lover boy, trouble started when the young lady in her early twenties began to succumb to love advances from the friendly customer simply identified as ‘Oga Dubai’.
“She did not know that her mother and Oga Dubai were already dating secretly before he decided to switch to her”, the source who did not want his name mentioned, said.
“He continued: “The mother kept her calm initially thinking that it was mere friendly play. But, trouble started when on one of the man’s visit to the restaurant, the daughter rushed to him and embraced and kissed him.
Angered by her daughter’s provocative action, the mother warned her to behave herself in a good manner, but the daughter fired back that she was old enough to choose whom to love and that she love Oga Dubai and would like to marry him if he eventually propose to her. After a brief exchange of words, the duo kept their cool and went home as if nothing happened.
Not ready to surrender her lover to her daughter, the woman decided to play the spoiler game on them. Days later when the man invited her daughter to his house at Nkutaku layout Okpoko, her mother was already tipped off and she trailed her to the rendezvous for a showdown.
“The daughter did not know that her mother was a regular visitor to the house and as such very familiar with co-tenants to the man. So after about three hours after her daughter went to the man’s house, she decided to pay an unscheduled visit to the man. On arrival, she made straight to the man’s apartment without greeting the co-tenants as usual whenever she came calling, ostensibly to get them in action.
“After knocking, she pushed the door open and saw both Unclad, with the daughter’s hand bag hung on the wall. The woman kept her calm and managed to hold herself until the man told her that ‘you are suppose to wait for someone to come and open the door for you before you come in”.
According to the witness, this infuriated the woman who raised her voice, accusing the man of sleeping with mother and daughter, swearing that she has cut their relationship and that the girl will not return to her house again but will remain there in the man’s house.
“As heated argument ensued between the man and the mother, the daughter tried to sneak away but unfortunately for her the mother rushed outside and held her, dragging her back to the man’s house.
As the girl was trying to resist her mother, the mother started beating her up and calling her lover- boy snatcher. As the beating became unbearable, the girl fought back and tore her mother’s clothes into shred, exposing her unclothedness”.
The timely intervention of on-lookers who rushed and separated them saved the situation and both headed home from different directions while abusing each other, calling themselves ‘ashewo’.
A man who claimed to be one of the co-tenants of the loverboy also disclosed that the mother of the girl usually visit the man regularly and that that day was the first they saw the young girl.
“The woman comes to our yard steady, we even think she is the wife to the man. Sometimes she will cook and fetch water and wash the man’s clothes”, he said.
No fewer than seven persons were on Wednesday evening crushed to death and several others seriously injured at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State.
A tanker loaded with kerosene coming from Enugu axis towards Onitsha lost control and skidded off the road and crashed at a nearby motor park.
The accident also crushed goods and wares worth millions of naira.
Eye witness account told our correspondent that the driver of the tanker after the incident disappeared from the scene as angry mobs gathered to set the vehicle and the driver ablaze.
The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Prof. Peter Katchy confirmed that seven persons died instantly.
He said three persons who sustained serious injuries were rushed to Pieter Specialist Hospital and to the Toronto Hospital, while one of the dead persons was beheaded completely.
As at the time of filling this report, our correspondent visited Toronto Hospital, most of the dead persons have been deposited in the hospital morgue while the headless body of the young man of about 30 years was still lying at the compound of the hospital.
Doctors at the Toronto Hospital were seen battling to save the lives of the survivors.
It would be recalled that sometime in May, 2015 a similar accident took place at the same area where over 70 people were roasted alive.
This is the fourth time such similar accident is happening in the same area.
All efforts made by the Anambra State government to stop loading and offloading of passengers in the area had always failed as transporters plying Onitsha-Asaba route have always defiled government efforts.
The members of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police who patrols through these areas seems not to be helping matters as these touts hold sway on daily basis.
Journalists in Abuja gather on March 9 during Nigeria’s gubernatorial and state assembly elections to report on a press briefing at the Civil Society Situation Room, which collected information from thousands of election observers, including on attacks against the press. (Jonathan Rozen/CPJ)
Abuja, Nigeria, March 13, 2019 — Nigerian authorities should investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the detention, harassment, and assault of journalists nationwide during the March 9 gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Journalists covering the elections told CPJ they were detained and harassed by security services or other armed individuals, denied access to report on polling stations, forced to delete photographs, and assaulted.
“The freedom and fairness of any election requires that journalists are permitted to work unimpeded and without fear,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa program coordinator, in New York. “Nigeria must act to ensure journalists can work safely during elections, and the first step is to hold responsible those who attacked or impeded the media during the recent polls.”
Nonso Isiguzo, a news editor with the privately owned Nigeria Info radio station, told CPJ that he was traveling on election day between polling stations to report on elections in the Ahoada West local government area in Rivers state when armed men, some wearing camouflage uniforms, stopped their Nigeria Info-branded car, told Isiguzo and his driver, Sunday Isiitu, to get out, and took their car keys. Shortly afterwards, a second car carrying five others whom Isiguzo identified as journalists with accredited press tags was also stopped at the same point on the road, he said.
“I said, ‘I’m a journalist. I’m just here to monitor the election’,” Isiguzo told CPJ. But the armed men told Isiguzo, without elaborating, that their “boss” was being held by the military and the journalists would only be released once the boss was free.
The men released Isiguzo, Isiitu, and the other journalists after holding them on the side of the road for two hours, after which Isiguzo did not continue reporting in the area, he told CPJ.
CPJ could not immediately determine the identities of the five people from the second car.
On March 10, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission suspended all election processes in Rivers due to “widespread disruption,” including violence and hostage taking, according to a statement posted on the official election administration body’s verified Twitter account.
Also on election day, Segun Adewale, a local politician known as “Aeroland” and a member of the People’s Democratic Party, hit and shoved BBC reporter Ajoke Ulohotse in Nigeria’s southwestern Lagos-Abeokuta area, according to a report by BBC Pidgin, which included video of the incident, and a BBC statement emailed to CPJ.
“We will be notifying the police in due course following an incident involving a BBC reporter in Lagos-Abeokuta on 9 March,” the BBC statement said.
Adewale claimed the BBC “lied” and he did not “beat up a lady,” in a tweet from a social media account linked to his official webpage. CPJ emailed Adewale for comment but received an error message stating that his account was no longer active.
A woman casts her votes during the gubernatorial and state house assembly elections at a polling center in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 9, 2019. (Sunday Alamba/AP)
In Damatuzu, a local government area in Nigeria’s northeastern Yobe state, members of the Nigerian military detained for over an hour journalists Musa Mingyi, with the privately owned Blueprint newspaper, and Hamisu Kabir Matazu, of the privately owned Daily Trust newspaper, according to Mingyi and the Daily Trust.
“We told them we are journalists and we are covering [the] election,” Mingyi told CPJ. “They did not harm us, but they denied us access to go do our rightful duties.”
A statement issued on the Nigerian army’s Facebook page by Njoka Irabor, the army’s acting assistant director of public relations, said “no journalist was held hostage” and the journalists’ car was stopped as part of “routine checks on vehicles as part of security measures during the elections.”
CPJ called Irabor repeatedly for comment and was disconnected; texts to his number were not immediately returned.
Kunle Sanni, a reporter for the privately owned Premium Times news website, told CPJ he was held for nearly 30 minutes in the Shendam local government area of Plateau state and forced by three men who identified themselves as “farmers” to delete photos of what he believed were underage voters.
After witnessing Sanni photograph children holding voting cards, the men took him aside, charged his phone because it had died, searched through his apps (including his social media accounts), and deleted images, Sanni said.
“They [even] went into the Google backup and deleted [photos],” Sanni said, but added he had already managed to send several photos to his editor.
A man raises a ballot paper during the counting of governorship and state assembly election results in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 9, 2019. (Adelaja Temilade/Reuters)
Collin Ossai, a broadcast reporter with the privately owned Channels TV station, told CPJ that he, his cameraperson, and a radio journalist with Speed FM were blocked from reporting at a polling station in the Esan Central local government area in Edo state.
Ossai said a man identifying himself as a state assembly candidate blocked their car from approaching the polling station at around 7:35 a.m., as the journalists were trying to see if election materials had arrived on time.
Ossai told CPJ that he exited the car and tried negotiate passage with the candidate. But about 10 men surrounded the car and began pushing him and telling him he could not enter the polling station, he said. The journalists left without gaining access, and Ossai said that “big guys” intimidated him into not bringing his camera out while trying to cover several other polling stations in the area.
In Kaduna state, a group of more than 20 men attacked Shinzong Bala, a reporter with the publicly funded Radio Nigeria station, and Amos Tauna, a reporter with the privately owned Daily Post newspaper, while they were investigating alleged election-related arrests and burning cars around the town of Zonkwa’s police station, Bala and Tauna told CPJ.
“We tried to identify ourselves… we were even wearing media vests that were given to us by INEC [the Independent National Electoral Commission],” Bala told CPJ.
The men attacked the journalists with stones and wooden sticks, took Bala’s phone, recorder, and car keys, as well as Tauna’s press pass, the journalists said.
Bala managed to retrieve his belongings after paying the men, but said his clothes were ripped and his body was bruised in the attack. Tauna said his pass was not returned.
CPJ contacted Yakubu Soba, a public relations officer for the Nigerian police in Kaduna, via WhatsApp for comment. Soba requested more specifics about the incident for the police to be able to follow up, which CPJ provided.
The National President of Isoko National Youth Council (INYC), Comrade Utomudo Fidelis Obokparo, has described the victories recorded by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent elections as heartwarming.
The youth President felicitated with the Delta state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on his successful re-election. He also congratulated all elected PDP candidates from the Isoko nation which include Hon. Leo Ogor Okuweh (House of Representative -Isoko Federal Constituency), Hon. Tim Owhefere (House of Assembly -Isoko North State Constituency), Kenneth Ogba (House of Assembly -Isoko South 1 State Constituency), Ferguson Onwo (House of Assembly -Isoko South 11 State Constituency) on their successes at the February 23 and March 9 polls respectively.
The INYC National President, further commended all youths of Isoko nation for adhering to his appeal to come out enmasse to re-elect Governor Okowa and all Isoko PDP candidates, assuring that the infrastructural development process of youth engagement and empowerment in Isoko nation would be sustained throughout the next four years.
Comrade Utomudo Fidelis Obokparo, who noted that the INYC is a peaceful body of youths with positive and growth attitude aimed at ensuring peaceful environment for development in Isoko land, will continue to support the PDP led government of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Recall that ahead of the general elections, the Isoko National Youth Council (INYC), a body of Isoko youths at home and in the Diaspora had endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term in office and its members were vigorously engaged in youth enlightenment as well as participated in all political campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.
The PDP in Ughelli North LGA performed brilliantly in the March 9, Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Delta state beating the APC hands down in ward 3/7
An analysis of the performance of the party in the ward indicates that the PDP trounced the APC despite the fact that Ughelli North LGA is the traditional home of opposition in Delta state and a place that the PDP has not won since the advent of the present day democratic dispensation (1999-date).
The performance of ward 3/7 in the March 9, election is considered even more remarkable because it is the only ward in Ughelli North LGA, where the PDP won convincingly as the tsunami of the APC broom swept the other nine wards in the local government area except Uwheru ward 09, in which PDP secured 54 per cent of the votes casted compared to APC’s 46 per cent in the Governorship election and 52 to 48 per cent of votes casted for the House of Assembly seat.
Ward 3/7 falls within the delineation of Ughelli constituency 2, which comprises Ughelli ward 1-5, 2-6 and 3-7 spread among: Ughelli township, Agbarho, Uwheru and Afiesere axis. Besides ward 3/7, PDP lost both Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the other wards.
Specifically, Ughelli ward 3/7 has 17 Polling Units (PU) spread over Ogbovwan, Afiesere, Ohwaro, Ododegho, Ujode and Eruemukowharien communities.
Despite the cancellation of votes in four PDP strong hold polling units, for the House of Assembly (Ughelli Constituency 2) election, in ward 3/7, the PDP polled a total of 2,159 votes (61.8 per cent) while the APC polled a total of 1,337 votes (38.2 per cent). And for the governorship election, the PDP polled 2,245 votes (62.1 per cent) and APC polled 1,373 votes (37.9).
Sources attributed the brilliant performance of the PDP in Ughelli ward 3/7 to the influence of the Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie, a native of Afiesere whose positive impact on indigenes of the communities in the ward dwarfed those of the over bearing influence of the multitude of the APC members and leaders in the area.
Like they say in common parlance, all politics is local and from the performance of the PDP in ward 3/7 in the March 9 Governorship andHouse of Assembly election Olorogun David Edevbie has proven once again that he is very much in touch with the grassroots in his locality.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has won 24 of the 30 seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won six of the seats, leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC and other political parties in the state without any seat. The duo of the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and the Senator representing Anambra South Zone and State Chairman President Buhari campaign council, Senator Andy Uba failed to win any seat for the APC. Senator Dr. Ngige and Senator Uba lost their state constituencies to candidates of the APGA. The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu who is of APGA however in a surprise twist failed to win back her seat as she was defeated by the candidate of the PDP. Rt. Hon. Maduagwu had earlier lost the ticket of the party during the APGA primary elections, but the leaders of the party had allegedly foisted her on the people as the candidate. Meanwhile, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi delivered his state constituency to his party as Hon. Ebele Ejiofor; thale party’s candidate was said to have been declared winner of the Anaocha 1 state constituency. PDP also added Ogbaru I, Ogbaru II, Ekwusigo, Onitsha North 1 and Nnewi South 11 state constituencies to their seats, while all the others were won by the APGA. Prior to the election, rumour had gone round that PDP was angling to win greater number of seats, in the hope to use the state assembly members to remove Governor Willie Obiano who was widely acknowledged to have worked against the party during the presidential election. This had forced Governor Obiano to double strength, leading to his holding a mega rally to urge for votes for candidates of the APGA, insisting that anything to the contrary would breed trouble in the state. Meanwhile, some of the law makers who were re-elected include Hon. Obinna Emenaka of Anambra East, Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu of Dunukofia, Hon. Beverley Nkemdiche of Onitsha South One constituency, and Hon. Edward Ibuzo of Onitsha North Two constituency. Some second time lawmakers also include Hon. Uchenna Okafor of Ayamelum constituency, Hon. Paschal Agbodike of Ihiala Two and Hon. Chuka Ezenwunne of Idemili South constituency.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and incumbent Governor of Delta State has been declared winner of the 2019 governorship election held on Saturday March 9, 2019.
INEC’s State collation officer, Prof. Serth Accra Jaja after the signing of results sheets formally declared Okowa winner of the keenly contested governorship election at about 12:30pm.
He was formally declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after trouncing his key opponent, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate with 925, 274 votes.
PDP polled a total of 925,274 votes while APC scored 215,938, according to the final scores as collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The state collation officer, Prof. Serth Accra Jaja said the state has a total of 2,831,205 registered voters, with 1,188,784 accredited for the election while a total of 1,178,335 votes were cast, out of which 1,154,188 votes were valid while 24,147 were rejected.
The various political parties agents signed the result sheet before the formal declaration of winner.
At a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel in Asaba, and atended by former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Governor Okowa who dedicated his victory to God commended INEC for being very fair in spite of pressures.
While thanking party leaders, members and Deltans for being there for him throughout the election, the governor-eoect disclosed that people were allegedly paid to burn down 12 INEC offices in Delta state but had a change of heart and the attempts by the nation’s rulling party to make the election in conclusive failed.
He declared that It was a victory for justice and fairness, adding that “There is no loser. The victory is for us all. We must join hands to move Delta state ahead. I seek for your cooperation and prayers. We must keep hope alive and think about the larger Delta. I reassure Deltans that I will improve on a better Delta state with the commitment of all.”
