Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Rev. Mrs. Omatsola Williams, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development hands over fishery starter packs to a PWD “The Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer of Delta State was created by Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as a special purpose vehicle for the actualisation of job and wealth creation under the S.M.A.R.T agenda. The job and wealth creation scheme has been tagged OkowaPlus for its potential to imbue the participants with life skills, develop their leadership qualities, increase personal effectiveness and productive potentials.”
In its determination to drive economic support for People With Disabilities (PWDs), Delta state government has continued to give a new lease of life to these class of citizens across the state, through the Youth Agricultural Enterpreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) established by the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
In continuation of the exercise, another Twenty Eight (28) persons living with various disabilities were given starter-packs to enable them set up different micro businesses through the office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh in Asaba on Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
The persons empowered at a brief ceremony held in Asaba, included visually impaired, the deaf, the dumb and the physically challenged. The beneficiaries, who were trained in different skills of their choice, were given starter packs in fish production (23), catering and confectionary (3) and craft/home care products production (2) respectively.
The starter-packs ranging from equipment for fish production as well as arts/craft, catering and confectionary were given after a training programme in various government-approved skill acquisition centres within and outside Delta State.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Mrs. Omatsola Williams, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, whose ministry takes responsibility for PWDs, charged the beneficiaries to put the items to good use, adding that the beneficiaries were drawn from among fifty PwDs who are the first set to be enrolled in the programme and selected from the twenty five local government areas of the state at the ratio of two per local government.
While saying that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration was committed to the well-being of all Deltans, including PWDs, the elated Commissioner admonished the beneficiaries against selling the items, adding that if the starter packs were properly utilized, the skills they had learnt would lift them above poverty level and also make them employers of labour.
Also,the Senior Political Adviser to the state governor, Chief Ochonogor praised the human capital development initiatives of the Governor Okowa administration, which he describe as a tip off the iceberg, considering the many good incentives and development projects that have been earmarked for Deltans.
The state Chief Job Creation Office, Prof. Eric Eboh, who presided over the presentation ceremony, noted that the exercise was the second in the series of starter-pack distribution targeting successful trainees living with disabilities.
Eboh, who noted that the Job Office was working in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs, revealed that other beneficiaries in the same category had earlier received starter-packs under the scheme.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Johnson EBIGIDE:
Dr. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), American Psychotherapist, stated in his theory on ‘’work and why people work’’ that work is a very important part of our lives to which we dedicate more than half of our whole time on earth’’ and that ‘’if you are unhappy with your work, you have lost one of the most important means of self-fulfillment.’’
The essence of work, therefore, is utilization of the inner drive of an individual towards the actualization of his aspirations in life. Apart from the urge to meet the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter, humans, unlike instinctive animals, crave recognition as being self fulfilled in the society. It is the aspiration of every sane human to be a force to reckon with in the society.
Normally, it is by working that such recognition is attained. However, different communities in the world have different canons with which to judge the greatness of an individual. While some communities rely heavily on the humanitarian uprightness of an individual in assessing greatness, some others hinge such judgments on material growth of individuals, resulting in the people in such a materialistic community striving at all costs to arrive the shores of greatness through devilish, capitalistic maneuvering, even at the detriment of the society itself.
In such a debased community, less importance is attached to the dignifying values of work; instead, people would be materialistic, corrupt, hard-hearted and generally devilish in their inter-personal relationships, thereby, making life unsafe and brutish. Their work philosophy would be ‘’Less effort, huge material gains’’. Indolence, mediocrity, and political appointments are embraced at the expense of industry, justified means of livelihood and commitment to the general well-being of one another. A sudden reversal of the work ethics of such people would result in most of them complaining of job dissatisfaction.
Nigeria at present can be said to have some taints of such a debased community. Why are most Nigerians dissatisfied with the work they do these days, particularly in the public service? Why is it that while some civil servants are unhappy with their job and working strenuously to retain their present offices, some others are dissatisfied with theirs and praying fervently for a possible immediate reversal of the status quo?
That is not far-fetched. It all borders on insincerity of those making the whole gamut of bureaucracy much more bottle-necked than expected. Why for example an office should be created and funded at all if its utmost goal is to serve as a dungeon for civil servants who are perceived to be deviants?. Why in the name of morality should staff of any ministry be segregated into first choice and second rate?
As a follow up from the above, the question of placement during posting exercises in the service is germane. Most Nigerians for obvious reasons prefer life in the glittering urban centres to that in the rustic rural scene. Posting such Nigerians to the sleeping rural enclaves would result almost immediately in the lost of interest in their job. Most times, however, such posting may not be ordinary, but simply a vindictive exercise to punish and possibly vanquish a perceived intransigent staff.
Again, internal deployments of staff within a ministry and from one government establishment to another can bring about job dissatisfaction of some staff. Some offices and establishments are definitely rosier and juicier than others. A deployment or posting from the former to the latter could suddenly remove the glamour of the job for most staff, resulting in their being dissatisfied with the routine of the new office. That explains why most civil servants go the extra miles to lobby and continually bribe the authorities concerned to ensure the consolidation of their rosy positions while those that are so morally upright as to ignore such corrupt authorities are continuously frisked from one drab office to another.
Another major source of job dissatisfaction and frustration is imposed idleness. This is common place in the civil service. Government is the largest employer of labour; most times, employing just to satisfy the political aspirations of the ruling party, even when there are no vacancies in the various ministries and establishments, resulting in unmanageable bloated public workforce. When this happens, too many staff in a department would be pursuing the same assignment at the same time. In such an instance, those staff that are closer to the departmental head owing to tribalism, favouritism, nepotism and other unwholesome relationships are more often scheduled to engage in rosy assignments, leaving tedious, gratuitous duties to some, and some others to merely browse through old discarded files. This can be very frustrating and demeaning!
Before now, it was thought that only the dead wood, those that could not cope with the rigour and fast pace of the private sector, chose to work in the public service, which was, therefore, seen as a kind of dumping ground for people with low academic and intelligent quotient. However, with the present high rate of unemployment in the country, the earlier perception and paradigm have shifted, as most recently employed civil servants in the country are not only geniuses, but vibrant staff burning to showcase their innate intellectual gifts but are being frustrated and tamed by the bureaucratic bottle-necks of the service. This in addition to constant frictions in most cases between some heads of departments and some of their subordinates, particularly the vibrant ones, is a cause of serious job dissatisfaction among the latter. In some instances, the cause of such unnecessary debilitating frictions is the conflicting points of view of the two groups. While some of the senior management officers are conservative, pedantic, adamant and uncompromising, most other officers are progressive, flexible and intelligently compromising in their attitude to work, making it nightmarish for the latter to work in tandem with the former.
The ever widening gap between the private and the public sectors, particularly in terms of emoluments in the different sectors, is another major problem. While employees in the private profit-oriented sector are invariably often highly remunerated with better working conditions and mouth-watering welfare packages, their counterparts in the public sector until lately were laughable species in this regards. Even now, some civil servants see the service as a mere launching pad to a better job in the private sector in the future, while taking solace in the job security being provided in the public service. Again, the nascent democracy where a fresh graduate from the university for example is catapulted through political appointment to head the affairs of a government establishment could also be a source of job dissatisfaction to some civil servants in the establishments; particularly when such an appointee is arrogant, dictatorial and disrespectful to those who are clearly far older than him or her.
Against this backdrop, it is necessary that the Nigerian society should help in installing job satisfaction into workers by institutionalising a reversal of canons of assessing those to be acclaimed successful in the society. Most Nigerians would start enjoying what they do for a living, even though menial but not demeaning, with the realization that societal inducements, such as chieftaincy titles, could be bestowed on those with the sparks of transparency, accountability, probity and total commitment to work, even though poor, rather than the present deleterious, putrid situation where the richest and highest bidder, corrupt and incorrigibly hedonistic is adorned with the regalia of the achiever and celebrated in the society.
It is also necessary to inform and advise dissatisfied Nigerian workers that they cannot be truly saddened with the thought of being idle, and so showcase their intellectual gifts one way or the other, even though the hard ways, in their job.Yes, ‘’Growth comes through pain and struggle, ‘’ says the Philosopher, Friedrich Hegel.
*Johnson Ebigide, a journalist, writes from Asaba, Delta State
The attention of the Publisher of Our Daily Manna and General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe has been drawn to various publications online on how Ohio Ojeagbase who is the publisher of Probitas Report, Barr. Uche Iloani and his former staff, Rita Ibeni were called blackmailers and extortionist following the arrest of Ohio and Uche over some burning issues which is before the court.
We however wish to state clearly that before the publications were made, Bishop Chris permission was never sought and therefore he could not have called Ohio or Uche blackmailers. As a revered Man of God known worldwide, it is his duty to lead such persons to Christ if they have wronged him and not to have them defamed on the pages of newspapers or online media.
We do not believe or have cause to believe that any of the above mentioned persons are blackmailers except declared so by the court(s) which has not been done. The publication we agree was done out of context and misunderstanding of the issue, which was not fully comprehended before going to press.
Bishop Chris will rather face the calling of winning souls for God than publications which his approval was not sought.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
THE Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC), Tuesday hailed Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited ( NAOC) for the development of the Niger Delta Region and implored other oil companies it accused of playing games with development of the Region to emulate the company.
Specifically, the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC showered praises on the Managing Director of the Company, Mr Massimo Insulla for being sensitive to the plight of the people of the Region.
In a press statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, the group commended the Managing Director for making the impact of the Company felt in its area of operations in the Region.
According to the group, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company has won it’s way to the hearts of the people of the Region, saying that the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was working wonders in the oil rich Niger Delta Region.
“We want to commend the Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr Massimo Insulla for his managerial skills. The Company has been able to eliminate poverty from the Niger Delta Region through its laudable Developmental and Empowerment Programmes. Jobs have been created for our army of unemployed youths by the Company. We have been watching the activities of the Company closely and we are impressed with its Managing Director for bringing Development, Employment and Empowerment to the oil rich Niger Delta Region”, the group said.
The group added that;”The management of the Company is very sensitive to the plight of our people in the Region. The Corporate Social Responsibility of the Company is real. Other oil companies are playing games with the development of the Region. Agip has shown that it is possible to eliminate poverty and insecurity from the Region. No oil Company can beat the records of Agip. We want these other multinational oil companies playing politics with the development and Empowerment of our people to emulate the good example of Agip”.
The oil monitoring group said that”Today, our people are having sense of belonging as a result of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Agip. Our people no longer feel neglected as they are being carried along by the Company. If other multinational oil companies can do what Agip is doing, the whole of the Region will be massively transformed. Our youths have been engaged meaningfully by the Company and no longer thinking of going back to the Creeks to destroy oil facilities”.
“The Managing Director of the Company should be commended for the wonderful things he is doing in the Region and we are not surprised when the Bayelsa State Government recently offered to provide land for the Company to build its corporate office and residential quarters in Yenagoa, the state capital. The Company is doing well in the Region and we enjoin the Managing Director to keep up with his good work”, the group stated.
According to the group also” So many Communities in the Region now want to be host to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited because there is no oil Company that can be compared to Agip. The Managing Director of the Company should be praised for the Empowerment of our people. The interest of our people is being well served by the Company. We are charging other multinational oil companies still shortchanging our people to emulate Agip in order to eliminate poverty totally from the Niger Delta Region”.
“We are using this medium to appeal to all Stakeholders where Agip is operating in the Region to support the Company. Agip ought to be known as Niger Delta Limited as it is the only known oil Company that is focusing on the development of the Region”.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
The internal crisis that bedevilled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now laid to rest with the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Senator Ahmed Makarfi as authentic National chairman did not affect existing structures in the states, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has said.
Aniagwu, who responded to questions on whether the impasse had affected the party structure in Delta state ahead of the 2019 governorship election told Blank NEWS Online that while the crisis lasted, the PDP states had duly elected structures because congresses were held at the ward, local government and state levels respectively.
“Even when the crisis was on, it did not affect us. Our political structures are still intact. It only affected the process of the national convention and who becomes national chairman. We had insisted that irrespective of the judgment of the Supreme court, that the party will not derail and that we would go back to rebuild our party.
“We are not disturbed about 2019 or anything else but the performance of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. We beleve that the people of Delta state will view our performance, particularly at a time we are going through a recessed economy and then judge us based on that performance.”
“We are committed to delivering on our promises as contained in our SMART agenda and prosperity to all mantra of carrying everybody along.”
Speaking on the impact of the ongoing Town Hall meetings on the average Deltan, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Delta state governor, explained that “the Town Hall meeting is for us to interface with the people. We are taking the power back to the people in line with the policy of the PDP’s “Power to the people”, because we believe that the power belongs to the people and the way to be transparent is to do it through the Town Hall meetings where everybody is free to speak and tell us what they feel and we also know what they are going through directly and they also know what we are going through and the steps we are taking to address issues that affects them directly.”
He however said “The town hall meeting is not a political gathering where praises are rendered. It has been effective. Deltans are very happy, they only need more and given the enabling environment, we are ready to give more. Every Deltan expects something good. So if it has not gotten to them, they have the right to be angry. Its not abnormal to see some genuinely aggrieved Deltans, their demands are genuine just as our pleas are also genuine.”
While commenting on the recent Supreme Court judgement, Aniagwu said,
“It is victory for Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is also victory for Ali Modu-Sherrif who took us to court because by testing the law court, he has also agreed that it is important to give strength to the rule of law.
“It is a win win situation for all of us. Now we can afford to say, the chicken has come home to roost. The leadership of the party must see it as victory for all. It is a no victor no vanquished situation because everybody is happy.
“Disputes is one of the ingredients of any political setting and the ability to settle it is what makes democracy very unique. This judgement has not only helped members of the PDP but Nigerians because the people now have a viable alternative. It has deepened democracy and its practices as well as the rule of law.
Aniagwu also posited that the impasse had become a reawakening to Nigerians who have now seen the need for a much more viable alternative to a better government at the centre since the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) who promised them change has only given them recession while under the PDP government, Nigeria had the strongest economy in Africa.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Senator Ahmed Makarfi-Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh (JP)
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, JP, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Supreme Court judgement, saying it was victory for democracy, justice and rule of law.
Hon Askia, who was highly elated with the verdict of the country’s apex court said it would futher bring cohesion and unity of purpose to the party, adding that the party is now determined to focus on winning back all lost positions including the presidency come 2019 since PDP is back in the right hands.
According to Bashorun Askia, ” The Supreme Court verdict is a case of ‘no victor and no vanquished”. We are now poised to work towards achieving greater political goals devoid of distraction and unnecessary litigation. We will move on beyond boundaries and break barriers until we once again recapture the Presidency to bring back hope to the people and glory to this great nation.”
“I must also commend the judiciary for the landmark judgement because it is a victory for justice, rule of law and democracy. This victory is not for only the PDP but for all Nigerians.”
“The PDP has shown tenacity and the ability to lead Nigeria as egalitarian society based on the rule of law. The party managed the affairs of Nigeria for 16 years, and during that period, democracy was deepened and the rule of law respected; things were done according to the dictates of democracy and rights of Nigerians. There was no form of infringement and violations of people’s rights”.
The PDP chieftain who noted that with the setting aside of the internal wranglings within the party, the Nigerian nation ca now move forward, insisted that it is only the PDP that can strengthen the country’s democracy and national economy which has been burgled and trampled upon by political novices.
“If you take a close look at the current situation in the country and justapose them with the past developments, you would see clearly the the PDP had a better understanding of the running of government, managerial efficiency of rhe economy, institutional strength, wisdom and the ability to cater for the people as citizens. Thank God for his mercies and I can assure you that what we may have lost in the past, we must regain.”
While praising the efforts of the founding leaders of the PDP who fought through the storm and kept faith with the party throughout the protracted leadership crisis that bedeviled the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa, Bashorun Askia emphasised that the process of genuine reconciliation and rebirth within the party has just begun despite the tortuous journey.
He attributed the party crises to external influence orchestrated by those who, according to him, were afraid of the soaring popularity of the PDP and advised those who decamped to return and be part of the rebuilding process.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
The Supreme Court has declared the Ahmed Makarfi Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as validly constituted.
The 3-man Supreme Court panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour in the judgement ruled that Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff ceases to be the party’s national chairman and ordered Ahmed Makarfi to take over the leadership of the party.
Both men have been at loggerheads since May 21 2016 when Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was purportedly removed at the party’s convention held in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Supreme Court judgement which was in their favour.
Reacting to the judgement in Asaba today (Wednesday, 12/07/17) shortly after the delivery of the judgement by the five-man panel of Justices of the apex court headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu lauded the Supreme Court for the sound ruling which has put to an end the protracted leadership crisis that has bedeviled the party, described as the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Governor said, “I on behalf of the good people of Delta State, home of the PDP, congratulate the Senator Markafi-led PDP for the victory recorded today at the Supreme Court. It has been a tortuous journey for the party but, I am glad that the Supreme Court has put the crisis to an end. I congratulate members of our great party particularly the National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and members of the National Caretaker Committee for this well deserved victory. It is a victory for the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum of the party, National Assembly Caucus, State Chairmen’s forum and other stakeholders.”
“This judgement is victory for Democracy because, the Judiciary had always proven their independence and wisdom, it is a reawakening for our great party to provide the much needed leadership for our country, Nigeria. It was a case of PDP Vs PDP, so, we should remain united and committed to the slogan of the PDP – power to the people.”
“As the biggest political party in Africa despite losing the Presidential elections in 2015, it is time for us to rebuild our house, remain united, accommodate those who are leaving other political parties to the party that is truly democratic and believes in the rule of law, a political party that has the interest of the common man on the street at heart and continue to ensure that the best is achieved for the country.”
“I commend the Judiciary for its commitment to setting precedence that will sustain Nigeria’s democracy; I commend all Nigerians for their prayers while the internal rumbling lasted and I give glory to God for ensuring that democratic tenets are consolidated in the country.”
Governor Okowa urged members of the party to be accommodating to any Nigerian who wishes to join the party, noting, “the umbrella is large enough to accommodate any Nigerian, it is a party Nigerians are happy to identify with.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori; Delta state House of Assembly and Mr. Otto Aghoghophia have been dragged before the Federal High Court, Asaba over the illegal appointment of the Deputy Clerk in violation of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Law of 2013.
It could be recalled that the erstwhile impeached Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Mr. Monday Igbuya had allegedly deliberately arm twisted the leadership of the legislature to undermine laid down laws by foisting one of his cronies and tribesman on the House, even when the said Otto Aghoghovia did not meet the requirements.
In a rude display of ethnocentric chauvinism by the impeached Speaker, the legislature unilaterally approved the appointment of Barr. Aghoghovia Otto as the new Deputy Clerk, amidst claims by the legislative staff that the appointee is inexperienced and not yet qualified to hold such office.
The confirmation of Aghoghovia followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owefere, seconded by Hon Oboroh Preyor and adopted.
The statement titled, Appointment as Deputy Clerk to the State Assembly, read in part: “I write to communicate to you the decision of the Assembly at its sitting on Tuesday March 28, 2017, approving your appointment as Deputy Clerk to the Delta State House of Assembly.”
In a suit No.: FHC/ASB/C8/56/2017, the plaintiffs, Barr. Ferdinand Okoh and Hon. Kema Augustine Egenu are challenging the appointment of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia (3rd defendant) as Deputy Clerk of the Delta state House of Assembly by the Speaker (1st defendant) and subsequent confirmation by the House of Assembly (2nd defendant) in total violation of Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013 which prescribes that the person to be appointed Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly shall not be less than 14 years working experience in the House and not below Salad Grade Level 14.
The suit, which is seeking an order of injunction restraining the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) from further parading himself in any manner whatsoever as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly is also praying the Court for an order to set aside his purported appointment and confirmation.
In the suit filed by the Plaintiffs’ Counsel, Simon Ngbakor Esq., the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) was allegedly employed as a staff of the House of Assembly on the 1st day of March, 2004 (13 years working experience), stating that the 1st defendant (Speaker) and the 2nd defendant (House of Assembly) acted in error and as such must act in compliance with the provisions of the law, since they are there as representatives.
It added that the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) is therefore not qualified to be appointed as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly, having not met the criteria as provided for in Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013.
Earlier, a letter titled: THE APPOINTMENT OF BARR. OTTO AGHOGHOPHIA AS THE DEPUTY CLERK OF DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN BREACH OF SECTION 13 (3) OF THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMISSION LAW, 2013/ CALL FOR URGENT REVERSAL OF SAME FOR OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST and addressed to the Speaker on 20th April, 2017, counsel to the plaintiffs, Ngbakor Simon Esq., had demanded for the reversal of the contentious appointment of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia as Deputy Speaker within 30 days, pending the filing of the suit.
However, the leadership of the state Assembly has bluntly refused to reverse the appointment and reneged to comply with the provision of the law made by the legislature after becoming aware that the appointment and confirmation of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly on Tuesday, 28th March, 2017 was in breach of the same law made by them.
According to Blank NEWS Online findings, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia’s first letter of “Offer Of Appointment” with Ref No: DTHA/SPK/SA/04/13/3, signed by Raymond Yavbieri (Deputy Clerk) on April 1, 2003 stipulated that the appointment takes effect fro 1st March, 2004.
The plaintiffs in their suit had argued that Mr. Otto Aghoghophia is unqualified, inexperienced and not competent to hold the office of the Deputy Clerk in respect of the qualification or criteria of would-be Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly.
They further hinted that the office of Deputy Clerk has been vacant since 2015, leading to public outcry for the vacant position to be filled for the effective running of the Delta state House of Assembly and for the interest of the general public.
The plaintiffs’ counsel in the originating summons filed at the Federal High Court, Asaba therefore urged the Court to declare that the actions of the 1st defendant (Speaker) in appointing the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) and the subsequent confirmation by the 2nd defendant (House of Assembly) as Deputy Clerk are ultra vires, illegal, null and void abinitio as same violates the clear provisions of Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has assured local government teachers in the state of the state legislature support in their quest for autonomy and viability.
He, in the same vein, dissuaded rife allegations that the state government had turned deaf ears to their plight stressing that the government would soon Marshall out modalities to ameliorate their issues.
The Speaker gave the assurance, Wednesday while addressing members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), during a nationwide mega rally led to the gates of the State Assembly Complex
Rt Hon. Oborevwori who broke security protocol by opening the gates of the State Assembly Complex to the rally, said no good government turn deaf ears to the issues confronting its people, adding that the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa led government is aware of the plights of the people and would address them when they are within his jurisdiction.
Earlier, while presenting their issues, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Jonathan Jemirieyigbe called on the state legislature to ensure that the payment of primary school teachers salaries be taken over by the state governments in order to prevent the education sub sector from imminent collapse.
He observed that primary school teachers are being owed salaries for months in a number of states with Delta State not excluded, adding that it not only affects the survival of teachers, but portends great danger for the future of under privileged children in the country.
Comrade Jemirieyigbe commended the Speaker for his humility and stated that the NUT is not totally against Local Government autonomy, but the Union is concerned about the likelihood of scrapping the State Joint Local Government Account which would mean taking primary education back to the dark pre-1994 era.
According to him, the Local Governments neither have the capacity nor the political will to fund and manage primary schools in the country stressing that any attempt as such is tantamount to consigning primary education to the abyss of total collapse.
In a similar development, the Delta State Government has disclosed that the payment of primary school teacher’s salaries is the responsibility of the local government based on the constitutional mandate of the different tiers of government.
The Delta State Acting Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro made the disclosure when the State Executive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and some primary school teachers staged a peaceful protest to government house, Asaba.
The Acting Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, said the management of primary and secondary education had been the function of the state government adding that government had been augmenting salaries of primary school teachers even when it was not its duty to do so.
Barr Otuaro stated that government had not failed to pay workers salaries because it was its statutory role, adding that any insinuation that government was owing primary school teachers was not true.
He asserted that the agitation of the teachers as regard autonomy was a national and constitutional matter.
He expressed government sympathy with the primary school teachers due to inability of councils to pay them stressing that as soon as the depressed economy improves, state government would come to assist.
The Acting Governor lauded the union and teachers for their peaceful disposition and assured them that government had the interest of teachers at all levels at heart, assuring that government would look into their presentation and offer its necessary input at the national level to the benefit of all when the need arises.
The State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Jonathan Jemirieyegbe said the protest was to drum up support from the federal and state government that teachers’ salaries should be first line charge from the federation account.
Comrade Jemerieyegbe said primary school teachers were languishing because local government lacked the financial might to pay them adding that the issue was worrisome due to the fact that whatever affects education at the cradle could collapse the entire system.
He appealed to the appropriate quarters to further assist by taking the responsibility of paying teachers to the state government to avoid hindrance to the payment of the teachers.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
The effects of hyper inflation in Nigeria has led to increase in crimes in Ministries, Departments and Parastatals (MDA’s) in Data state, as activities in the full section of the Ministry of Information in the old state secretariat complex in Asaba has been dysfunctional due to the vandalization of electricity armoured cable by unknown persons.
The vandalization of the electricity amoured cables may have further demoralized staff of the Ministry of Information who were hitherto made redundant due to lack of state government patronage of the near moribund printing press.
The equipment and facilities at the state government printing press are fast becoming obsolete since the Ministry’s Commissioner has allegedly resorted to authorizing printing of state government periodicals, calendars, diaries, gazzettes among others in private establishments in a bid to make selfish and personal perofits.
This typical vandalization incident took place just as officials of the Delta state government are grappling with another incident where suspected armed robbers, last weekend, reportedly invaded the Commissioners quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, stealing huge sum of money and other valuables in the lodge.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has frowned at the security lapses inside the old secretariat complex in Asaba.
Ukah, who expressed surprise that such an evil act will be carried out without anyone seeing the perpetrators, bared his mind on July 3, 2017 when he visited the section of the Ministry of Information in the premises to inspect the vandalized armoured cable.
The Commissioner for Information in company of the functioning Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Paul Osahor, who were conducted round by the Director of Printing Press in the ministry, Mr. Lucky Omokri, however said that it was a thing of joy that the hoodlums were unable to take the cable away.
Similarly, suspected armed robbers had last weekend, Saturday, July 01, 2017 reportedly invaded the Commissioners quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, stealing hundreds of cash and other valuables in the lodge.
The suspected armed robbers were said to have robbed two apartment in the Commissioners quarters unhindered.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Omatshola Williams and her Science and Technology counterpart, Mr. Joyce Overah were however said to have been away when the suspected robbers stormed their apartments.
The armed men were said to have gained access to the apartment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology and carted away an undisclosed amount of money and some valuables.
“It was a terrible situation that Saturday night. it was a silent operation. Till now, we don’t know how these armed robbers managed to beat security to find their way into the commissioners’ quarters here in the Government House”, one of the commissioners residing in the lodge who preferred anonymity told our correspondent.
Reacting to reports of the robbery incident, Media Assistant to the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sam Ijeh, in a statement he issued in Asaba on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, said that what happened was a case of burglary in the commissioner’s quarters which was not successful.
He advised journalists to avoid reports capable of creating unnecessary tension, fear and atmosphere of insecurity, noting that the government of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is working assiduously with security agencies to ensure the protection of life and property of Deltans.
It could be recalled that sometime in August 2016, armed robbers invaded the Delta State Government House Annex in Warri and killed a driver who, in company with some staff of the Government House, had gone to the bank to make some withdrawals running into several millions of naira for officials of the Delta State Waterways Security Committee, who were holding a meeting at the Annex.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka could not confirm the incidents. He wondered why the state government officials have not officially reported incidents of such magnanimity to the police.
“The military is not all about war but also a key player in community development.” –Lt. Col. M. Maaji Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji distributing books and writing materials to ststudent
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Lucky ATU:
KOKO: Respite came to the people of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state on Thursday, July 06, 2017 when the 19 Battalion, Nigeria Army headed by the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. M. Maaji celebrated this year’s Nigerian Army Day with free medical outreach to the people of various Wards and communities in Warri North LGA.
Lt. Col. Maaji in his advise to the youths, opinion leaders, council of elders and chiefs present at the occassion, tasked everyone of the urgency to embrace peace.
According to him, “It is only in an atmosphere of peace that every government will provide the needed infrastructural development to his teaming population”, adding that “development is a profit from every atmosphere of peace.”
The Commanding Officer however said, “the various activities carried out by the 19 Battalion Tactical Command, Koko, which include the free medical outreach programme and distribution of books and writing materials to the various schools in Warri North LGA is a testimony that the military is not all about war but also a key player in community development.”
Lt. Col. Maaji, who thanked the gallant soldiers of the 19 Battalion for their professional display so far and commitments to combating militancy, kidnapping and youths restiveness in the Niger Delta region, disclosed that this year’s celebration was unique with different activities, like the Jumat prayers for peace in the nation and Church Thanksgiving service among others.
Speaking on behalf of the Community, Chairman of Koko Community Management Authority (KCMA), Engr. David Esimaje Oniyeburuthan thanked the koko Commanding Officer for the initiatives of the military which has brought succour to the people and provided a lifetime benefit on the need to embrace education rather than violence.
The high point of the occasion was the distribution of books and writing materials and the free medical outreach.
The Nigerian Army Day is an annual event typically held on 6 July in honour of members of the Nigerian Army, especially those that took part in the World War I and World War II as well as those that lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War and the current serving member of the Nigerian Army. Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji distributing books and writing materials to ststudent Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji with students of Ojomba, Aguarajo and other schools in koko, Warri North LGA Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji with members who came for medical check up.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Eyeball To Eyeball: Sir Moses Agboro, PG Emevor Community welcomes Dr Ogaga Ifowodo, NDDC Commissioner representing Delta state to Emevor Community.
The President General of Emevor community, Sir Moses Agboro has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in the areas of road construction, especially with the assurance of commencement of work on the Emevor/Orogun road.
The President General gave the commendation in a welcome address to the NDDC Commissioner representing Delta state, Dr Ogaga Ifowodo who was on Project Inspection Tour to the Emevor/Orogun road on Saturday, June 17, 2017.
Sir Agboro who acknowledged the “imposing presence of NDDC projects in the community” further said “the construction of the Emevor/Orogun road is one project that is dear to the heart of all Emevor people at home and in diaspora.”
While charging the commissioner for the speedy completion of the project once commenced, Sir Agboro said “you will agree with us that mere award of the project, even though it is a critical aspect of the process that will lead to the realisation of the project, except there is a deliberate decision by your commission to treat the project as a priority and fund it in view of our yearning, it can remain on-going as long as it can be. We therefore seriously pray you to use your good office to ensure speedy completion of this project.”
Speaking, the commissioner, Dr Ogaga Ifowodo said NDDC is committed to its mandate and would ensure that the project is delivered.
In his word he said “though this project has been awarded before I assumed office, the new board has resolved to ensure all ongoing projects, particularly those up to 60 percent gets 70 percent of the 2017 budget to ensure their completion, while those awarded and work has not commenced get the remaining 30 percent and subsequently ensured they are completed.”
He said though the contractor for the phase 3 and 4 has mobilised to site, he assured that as soon as the contract papers have been finalised, work would commence in the phase 2 and 3 and would be completed. Dr Ogaga Ifowodo (left) and Sir Moses Agboro inspecting the Emevor/Orogun Road
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – President Buhari
THE Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC), weekend said that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) was not playing ethnic politics.
It would be recalled that the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill recently accused the Board of being biased.
But the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC dismissed the accusation, describing the Board as transparent and serving the interests of all Nigerians and fingered Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards for being behind the accusation.
In a press statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, the group gave the Board a clean bill of health, saying that the Lagos based Contractors do not want anything good for the oil-rich Niger Delta Region.
According to the group, the Board is on course and had never deviated from the Federal Government’s policy on the development of local content.
“We want to express our disappointment with the recent accusation against the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) by the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill. The Board is on course with its mandate of developing Nigerian Content holistically. It is not true that the Board has aligned itself exclusively with certain private interests and not also championing the cause of one section of Nigeria to the detriment of all others. The Board is not being sectional, regional or promoting tribal interests to the detriment of other qualified parts or people of Nigeria. These are cheap blackmail, calculated to paint the Board in a bad light”, the group said.
The group added that;”The management of the Board is not playing ethnic politics by directing that companies in the sector move their operations to a particular region. We want to make the coordinator of 4BetaNija to know that it was the directive of the Federal Government to multinational oil companies to relocate to their host States and so it is wrong for the Board to be accused of carrying out tribal, ethnic or regional sentiments on the relocation of oil companies to their host States. This directive of the Federal Government must be enforced”.
According to the group also;”To the best of our knowledge, NCDMB has been transparent in the protection of all Nigerians and never for once favour a particular ethnic group or private investor. The activities of the Board are not partisan.The Board has been fair to all Nigerians and the records are there for all to see. The coordinator of 4BetaNija should not deceive Nigerians and should endeavor to get his facts right”.
The oil monitoring group said it was not true that the Board has taken over the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), adding that;” The Board is fulfilling it’s mandate of developing local content and not in any competition with the NDDC in the development of the Niger Delta region. We want to make it clear to the coordinator of 4BetaNija and his sponsors that the Board that we know very well is not biased in anyway”.
“The present Board appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a good job, the current Board is doing the right thing as being directed by the Minister of state for Petroleum.Those behind the accusation against the NCDMB are hired by very well known Lagos Contractors and they are doing all this because they have come to realised that President Buhari wants nothing but the best for the sector and doing everything possible to frustrate the efforts of the Federal Government.These Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards who do not want the good of the Niger Delta Region should be watched, they should be investigated properly”, the group stated.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Dennis Otu
A journalist per excellence, author and prominent reggae promoter, Mr. Dennis Otu has been appointed by the Delta state government, as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff Oborevwori (JP), MNIM.
Otu’s appointment takes effect from May 11, 2017, the anniversary day of Robert Nester “Bob” Marley and same day his boss, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff Oborevwori (JP), MNIM, became the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly in an unavoidable change in the Leadership of the state legislature.
An appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Festus Ovie Agas, dated June 15, 2017 and entitled; “Appointment As Chief Press Secretary” read thus:
“I am pleased to convey to you, your appointment as Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, (JP), MNIM, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, with effect from May 11, 2017. Your appointment, which is at the instance of the Speaker, is tied to his tenure”.
Until his appointment, Dennis Otu was the Warri Bureau Chief of The Delta State Government owned Newspaper, THE POINTER and the Vice Chairman, Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He bagged a bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from the Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State. He also attended the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Jos Campus, Plateau State and Institute of Journalism, Benin City, Edo State.
In a bid to further improve his professional credentials, he attended the famous Thompson Reuters Foundation, London where he did Writing and News Reporting.
At the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, he studied Advanced Writing And Reporting Skills at School of Media and Communication, as well as The Master Class In Oil and Gas Reporting.
Mr Otu who has since resumed duties is author of several books, including; Olivia Agbajoh: Portrait Of An Achiever; Dr Emmanuel Urhobo: Humanist And Legal Luminary; DORA and others.
He is married with three children and loves Reggae music, reading, writing and swimming.
Meanwhile, Speaker Oborevwori has also appointed Hon Okan Francis and Mr Freeborn Eghagha as Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the Speaker on ICT respectively.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
The Delta State Government has approved the completion of outstanding works and spectators stand/tartan track of Asaba Township Stadium, Asaba.
This was one of the decisions taken during the state Executive Council meeting held in Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The approval is in fulfilment of the pledge made by the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, that the stadium will host an international athletics competition next year.
Speaking after the meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that approval was also given for the renovation/reconstruction of infrastructural facilities at Urhobo College, Effurun, Uwvie Local Government Area, as well as the revalidation of contract approval and payment for additional works for the construction, furnishing and equipping of Model Primary School, Burutu, in Burutu Local Government Area.
The two approvals are a manifestation of the determination of the state government to give children of school age quality education in a conducive learning environment, Mr. Ukah revealed.
According to the Commissioner for Information, the council further approved the revalidation of the improvement and expansion works of the water supply scheme in Bomadi.
This is in addition to the approval of the construction of Trans Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Bridges and access roads (completion of 12.8 km main alignment) in a bid to link the riverine communities in that axis to the cities of Warri and Effurun, and the approval of the dualization of old Lagos-Asaba road from Emuhu junction to Agbor-Obi in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Hon. Julius Egbedi, flanked by Hon Frank Ebikeme (SA Agriculture Matters) and Hon Kelvin Ekenmili (SA Special Duties) making the presentation.
Seventy-nine successful Welding and Fabrication graduates in the Delta state government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), have been enjoined to complement the good gesture of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by putting their starter packs to effective use and engaging other youths who are yearning to be removed from the labour market.
The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Agriculture, Hon. Julius Egbedi, gave the cousel during the presentation of Welding and Fabrication equipment to the 79 beneficiaries of the programme on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in Asaba.
While informing them that welding and fabrication is a laudable enterprise, he urged them to use the opportunity in contributing to the economic development of Delta state and also become good ambassadors of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s unrelenting determination to create wealth for Deltans through entrepreneurial skills and self reliance.
According to him, “This is a milestone in job creation and you have been given a life time support and package. The only way you can show gratitude to the governor is by utilizing them effectively and being successful in your various endeavours.
“Today you have been removed from the labour market by being provided with this entrepreneurial task to become self sufficient. You will also need to assist others by engaging them in your enterprise.”
The beneficiaries were urged to prepare assiduously for the forthcoming business exhibition in the state, which would afford entrepreneurs opportunity in marketing and showcasing of finished products, services and new inventions to the global community.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Efe Okoro expressed gratitude to the state government for the great offer and promised that the starter packs would be put to good use for the betterment and economic development of their families, communities and Delta state.
Items received by beneficiaries include industrial diesel generators, welding machines and welding and fabrication tools as well as financial grants and allowances.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of starter packs to 79 beneficiaries by Hon. Julius Egbedi, who was supported by Hon Frank Ebikeme (SA Agriculture Matters) and Hon Kelvin Ekenmili (SA Special Duties).
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh making presentation
In line with his policy of “Strategic Wealth Creation and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans”, Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has encouraged the 101 successful graduands in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) to use their new profession as a boost to the emerging entrepreneurial economic development of the state.
The governor stated this while presenting starter packs to the 101 beneficiaries of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), engaged in Fashion Design and Tailoring and Electrical Installations and Repairs, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in Asaba.
Represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, Governor Okowa encouraged them to be innovative and creative in their entrepreneurial engagements, having intimated them of the forthcoming business exhibition in the state, which would afford entrepreneurs opportunity in marketing and showcasing of finished products, services and new inventions to the global community.
Overwhelmed with excitement, the 101 trainees of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), engaged in Fashion Design and Tailoring and Electrical Installations and Repairs, lauded the efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in creating a strong economic base for youths in Delta state.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries in the Fashion Design and Tailoring programme, Miss Sandra Uwaje, who appealed to Deltans to give Governor Okowa another opportunity to govern the state for another four year tenure, expressed gratitude to the state government for the great offer which she said they got on a platter of gold and appealed for continuity.
Also responding on behalf of beneficiaries in Electrical Installations and Repairs, Mr. Reuben Oji promised that the determination to put their starter packs to use have been given a boost by the youth empowerment and development gesture of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Items received by beneficiaries in Fashion Design and Tailoring include industrial weaving machines, generators, industrial sewing machines, cutting table, pressing iron as well as financial grants and allowances while beneficiaries in Electrical Installations and Repairs were given electric drilling machines, generators, adjustable aluminium ladder, electrical tools as well as financial grants and allowances.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of starter packs to 64 persons in Fashion Design/Tailoring and 37 persons in Electrical Installations and Repairs respectively by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori
THE Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has called on leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Sapele Local Government Area of the State to go back to their wards and units and more members for the party just as he appealed to them to live in unity and sustain the thriving peace in the area.
He made the call on Tuesday when he played host to members of Team Okowa Again 2019 from Sapele, led by Hon Austin Ayemidejor at the Press Centre of the State Assembly Complex.
According to the Speaker, despite the paucity of funds bedeviling the economy, the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has not reneged on bringing to fruition his campaign promises even as he assured Deltans of more as the government proceed through the second half of the dispensation.
The Speaker who was flanked by Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta, Hon Tim Owhefere, Hon. Pat Ajudua, Hon. Festus Okoh, Hon. Eric Oharisi, Hon Emeka Elekeokwuri and Hon Evance Ivwurie, commended the group for their dexterity and promised to support them, urging them to forgive and forget any grievance between them.
“On June 23, 2017, we are coming to Sapele for a mega rally. It is only in unity we can stand. We will continue to support this team. I am aware of what the Governor is doing in Sapele. We must continue to support him. I am amazed with the crowd. We must increase our quantum of political evangelism. We must go back to our wards and units to win more souls for our Party. If by 2019 the people that came here today work in their own area, they canvass in their area for votes, I believe that the result we got in 2015 will be a child’s play because 2019 will be something else.
“What we want is Peace, we have that peace in Sapele and we want to sustain that peace. I want us to live together. The kingdom is one, Okpe today is one, we have only one King and the people there live together and we love ourselves. We should sustain this unity.
“I am aware of what the state governor is doing in Sapele, the dualization and others. Some jobs are ongoing and some have also been completed and I believe that with what the Governor has achieved, what you have to pay him is to return him back in 2019, ” the Speaker reiterated.
Earlier, National Coordinator, Team Okowa, Hon Austin Ayemidejor, congratulated Rt Hon Oborevwori on his emergence as Speaker which he described as liberation to the people of Sapele and stressed that his emergence caused a monumental whirl wind of jubilation inSapele, adding that the group’s visit was to identify with his leadership and to declare their support
According to him, the group was formed on the fact that despite the huge economic setback Governor Okowa has defined himself as a leader who know his onions.
“We have come to pay solidarity visit to you and to celebrate you. You have always been with us, supported us, cooperated with us, lifted us up in your own way. Even before you became a member of the Assembly, as a Special Adviser, as a community leader, as the Ukodo of the Okpe kingdom. We are not here to bore you with speeches, but to let you know that you have our support”, he said.
” God in his infinite wisdom, he said, has elevated the Speaker at this critical time to liberate Deltans.
The leader of the group who praised the emergence of the speaker stated thus, “Your emergence caused a monumental whirlwind of celebration and jubilation across the length and breadth of Sapele. Your emergence can be likened to the fall of the walls of Jericho. We are not going to mince words, we will be very blunt, very courageous and bold.
“Let me re-echo that as you have contributed immensely to the transformation of Okpe kingdom, that you should also bring the wealth of experience to the state to assist the Governor in transforming Delta State.”
The group declared their total support for the second term ambition of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019 because his overwhelming achievements even in the face of scarce resources, should be appreciated by all.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Ejaife Odebala who was part of the delegation said that Team Okowa Again are people who are happy with Governor Okowa assuring that members of the Team will do their best to support the Governor always.
He reiterated that Sapele was excited on the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Speaker of the Delta Assembly and acknowledged his elevation as God’s design.
High point of the visit was the presentation of Team Okowa Again T-shirt and Face cap to the Speaker which he quickly put on in confirmation of his believe with the group’s vision.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
Following the Federal Government’s release of a state-by-state breakdown of the first tranche of Paris Club refunds paid to date, amounting to over N516.38 billion, facts have however emerged that Delta state ranked among five states that got the highest amount of refund from the Federal Government.
The details were contained in a statemeof issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Nai’Inna Salisu Dambatta.
The states are Rivers N34.92bn, Delta N27.6bn, Akwa Ibom N25.98bn, Bayelsa N24.89bn and Kano N21.7bn.
Analysis of the payment schedule showed that these five states got a total sum of N135.09bn representing 26.1 per cent of the entire amount refunded by the Federal Government to all the states.
This was followed by Lagos N16.74bn, Katsina N16.4bn, Kaduna N15.44bn, Borno N14.68bn, Jigawa N14.2bn, Imo N14.01bn, Niger N14.42bn, Bauchi N13.75bn, Sokoto N12.88bn and Osun N12.62bn.
Others are Cross River N12.15bn, Anambra N12.24bn, Edo N12.18bn, Kebbi N11.95bn, Kogi N11.05bn,Abia N11.43bn, Ogun N11.47bn, Plateau N11.28bn.
The rest are Adamawa N10.25bn, Benue N13.7bn, Ondo N14.01bn, Taraba N9.32bn and Federal Capital Territory N1.36bn.
According to Salisu Dambatta’s statement, the payments were made to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) upon the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari on November 21, 2016 in partial settlement of long-sanding claims by state governments relating to over-deductions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation for external debt service arising between 1995 and 2002.
It reads in part, “The funds were released to state government as part of the wider efforts to stimulate the economy and were specifically designed to support states in meeting salary and other obligations, thereby alleviating the challenges faced by workers.
“The releases were conditional upon a minimum of 50 per cent being applied to the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. The Federal Ministry of Finance is reviewing the impact of these releases on the level of arrears owed by state governments.”
Meanwhile, these details have been cleverly contained by government officials in Delta state, due to incessant clamouring and protests by aggrieved workers and pensioners over huge debts in arrears of salaries, pensions and other emoluments.
While some key stakeholders in the Delta state had sought for the effective utilization of the funds and called on the Federal Government to ensure proper supervision on how the states would use the first tranche of the Paris club refund, an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had argued that the Federal government is not supposed to dictate for the the States how to spend the money, hence the state is bound to define its priorities and apply these funds in line with its own priorities.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
The Delta State Government has approved the award of a contractor-financed road project to Mutual Commitment Company Limited, in addition to the award of contracts for seven other roads across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
The company is to handle the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Umunede/Otolokpo/Ute-Okpu/Ekuku-Agbor/Ndemili/Obeti/Umutu Road in Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani Local Government Areas.
This decision was taken on Tuesday during the State Executive Council meeting held in Government House, Asaba.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, the approvals are in fulfilment of the electioneering campaign promises made by the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The EXCO also approved the variation of the contract for the construction of Joseph Ebolo and Madonna School Road in Asaba because of additional work to be carried out by the contractor.
Other roads approved are the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Obutobo 1 – Obutobo 11 – Sokeboluo – Yokri Road in Burutu Local Government Area, rehabilitation of Jesse/Boboroku Road in Ethiope West and the rehabilitation of Issele – Uku (from Obi’s Palace junction) to Onicha Ugbo Road in Aniocha North.
Mr. Ukah further stated that the EXCO further approved the construction of Ovivi-Olomu/Egodo Road, Ughelli South, construction of Okwagbe/Otutuama/Esaba Road (Phase 1: from Okwagbe to first bridge) in Ughelli South and the construction of Okotomi Road/Obi Okonkwo Crescent/Pato Okonkwo Chukwuemeka Lane/part of Samuel Dietake Street/Diokpa Bishop Odu Street, off Okpanam Road, in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori during a press briefing to mark the Second anniversary of the Sixth Assembly on Thursday, June 7, 2017
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for inspiring the co-operative spirit existing between various arms of Government in Delta State.
Oborevwori who stated this during a press briefing to mark the Second anniversary of the Sixth Assembly on Thursday, June 7, 2017, promised that the legislature would reciprocate the benevolent and supportive attitude of the Executive arm by giving prompt attention to passage of bills.
“I want to commend His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State for his support to the Sixth Assembly. I promise that the Legislature would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm of Government.”
He also noted that the legislature’s vision for Deltans is to ensure that the Assembly is on one page by making laws and performing oversight functions for the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of the state, insisting that “The House is one and intact.”
The Speaker stated that as members of the Sixth Assembly, they will continue to keep faith with their core duty of law making which is aimed at promoting order and good governance in Delta State, adding that the Sixth Assembly of the State is determined to improve on its performances as it enters the Third Legislative year.
“In the next parliamentary years, the House will ensure that it retains its focus. It will engage in deliberations and matters that would improve the fortune of Deltans.
“We are aware that Deltans are looking forward to the delivery of more dividends of democracy, and it is in our place to make that happen. Despite the harsh economic situation which has affected service delivery, the House remains committed to providing effective representation to our constituencies. We cannot afford to fail our people. We will continue to do that which is expected of us as lawmakers.”
He said that the House, under his leadership has continued to move on against all odds despite a few legislative challenges, which had been put to rest.
” I want to state here that as an arm of Government, the House has undergone some challenges. But by God’s grace, we have scaled the hurdles. Despite the May 11, 2017 unavoidable change in the Leadership of the House, Deltans should be rest assured that Members are united more than ever to take on the task ahead.”
Highlighting the achievements of the House within its Second legislative year, the Speaker disclosed that the House received a total of 34 Bills with 12 of the Bills already assented to and 6 awaiting the Governor’s assent.
“I wish to place on record that the Sixth assembly has performed credibly well by all standards. The house received a total of Thirty-Four (34) bills, of which, Ten (10) were Executive and twenty-Four (24) were Private Member Bills. A total of Twelve (12) Bills have been assented to while Six (6) Bills are awaiting assent; and Seventeen (17) Bills are at committee stage.”
The Bills Assented to during the Second year include; Delta State Economic planning Council (Amendment) Law, 2015; Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Law, 2016; Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law, 2016; Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Hostage Taking law, 2016; Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism law, 2016 and Delta State Scholarship Board law, 2016.
Others are, Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement agency Law, 2015; Delta State Public procurement Commission Agency Law, 2015; Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs (Amendment) Law, 2016; Delta State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2016; Delta State Appropriation Law, 2017 and Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency (Amendment) Law 2017.
A SPEECH BY THE SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. (CHIEF) SHERIFF F. O. OBOREVWORI (JP) MNIM, AT THE PRESS BRIEFING TO MARK THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE 6TH ASSEMBLYOF THE DELTA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017.
Gentlemen of the Press,
On behalf of my distinguished colleagues, I gladly welcome you to this press briefing on the activities of the House in the past one year as we mark the second anniversary of the Sixth (6th) assembly.
Let me start by appreciating your role as members of the fourth estate of the realm in promoting the activities and deliberations of the House.
The role of the press in a democratic dispensation cannot be over emphasized; that is why the Legislative arm of Government holds the media in a very high esteem. I want to express our gratitude to the media for their coverage of the activities of the House. We, however,enjoin our vibrant journalists in Delta State to shun speculative stories that would erode their credibility. Let me implore our gentlemen of the Press to always cross-check their facts from our offices which are indeed open to them before going to Press.
I want to state here that as an arm of Government, the House has
undergone some challenges. But by God’s grace, we have scaled the hurdles. Despite the May 11, 2017 unavoidable change in the
Leadership of the House, Deltans should be rest assured that Members are united more than ever to take on the task ahead.
As members of the Sixth Assembly, we will continue to keep faith with our duties of law making aimed at promoting order and good
governance in Delta State. �
It is in pursuant of our role as lawmakers and representatives of our people, I wish to place on record that the Sixth Assembly has performed credibly well by all standards. I now present our score card during the period under review:
1. The House received a total of thirty four (34) bills, of which, ten
(10) were Executive and twenty four (24) were Private Member
Bills.
2. A total of Twelve (12) Bills have been assented to
3. Six (6) Bills are awaiting assent; and
4. Seventeen (17) Bills are at committee stage.
Bills Assented to include
1. Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment ) Law, 2015;
2. Delta State Advisory council on the Prerogative of Mercy Law,
2016;
3. Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment ) Law; 2016
4. Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Hostage Taking Law, 2016;
5. Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Law, 2016;
6. Delta State Scholarship Board Law, 2016;
7. Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law,
2015;
8. Delta State Public Procurement Commission Agency Law, 2015;
9. Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs (Amendment) Law, 2016;
10. Delta State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2016;
11. Delta State Appropriation Law, 2017
12. Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency
(Amendment )Law 2017�
The Following Bills Are Awaiting Assent:
1. Delta State Bureau for Lands Instrument Preparation Charges Bill,
2015
2. Delta State Agency for Control of HIV/AIDS Bill, 2016
3. Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill, 2016
4. Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority
(Amendment) Bill, 2017
5. Delta State College of Education Mosogar Bill, 2016
6. Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016
Bills At Committee Stages are:
1. Delta State Collection of Metal/Steel Scraps fees Bill, 2015
2. Delta State Consumer Rights Protection Agency Bill, 2016
3. Delta State Illegal and Unauthorised Collection of Levy and
Extortion (Prohibition) Bill, 2016
4. Delta State Centre for Rural and Social Development Studies
Otorho, Abraka, Bill, 2017
5. Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Bill, 2016
6. Delta State Regulatory Committee for the Registration of all
Equipment Leases Bill, 2017
7. Delta State Bureau for Statistics Bill, 2017
8. Delta State Hotels and Restaurants Bill, 2016
9. Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated (Amendment) Bill,
2016
10. Delta State Special Offences Court Bill, 2016
11. Delta State Forestry Development (Private Participation) and
Forestry Trust Fund Bill, 2016
12. Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill, 2016
13. Delta State Water Bill, 2016�
14. Delta State Private Education Institution Bill, 2016
15. Delta State Environmental Management Bill, 2016
16. Delta State Regulation of Smoking in Public Places Bill, 2016
17. Delta State Consumption Tax Bill, 2017
Other Bills are at various stages, either in first or second reading.
Two (2) bills were withdrawn by leave of the House while one (1)
failed at first reading.
Gentlemen of the Press, the House of Assembly is aware that Deltans are looking forward to the delivery of more dividends of democracy, and it is in our place to make that happen. Despite the harsh economic situation which has affected service delivery, the House remains committed to providing effective representation to our constituencies. We cannot afford to fail our people. We will continue to do that which is expected of us as lawmakers.
I want to commend His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi
Okowa, the Governor of Delta State for his support to the Sixth
Assembly. His favourable disposition towards the progress of this House is essentially inspired by the co-operative spirit existing between various arms of government in Delta State. On our part, we will continue to reciprocate the benevolent attitude of the Executive arm by giving prompt attention to passage of bills. In a speech I delivered after my emergence as Speaker, I promised that the Legislature would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm of Government. I restate that promise here today.
We are determined more than ever to improve on our performance
as we enter into the third legislative year. �
In the next parliamentary years, the House will ensure that it retains its focus. It will engage in deliberations and matters that would improve the fortune of Deltans.
Finally, let me thank my distinguished colleagues for their
unflinching support and perseverance in the way they have
conducted themselves as we march towards the attainment of our
laid down goals. In the same vein, I want to extend gratitude to the Clerk and Staff of the Assembly for their wonderful cooperation. We will remain resolute in our collective goal of providing effective representation. We will continue to engage and consult with our people to allow them participate fully in the legislative process.
Distinguished gentlemen of the Press, permit me to once again thank you for the support given to the House during the year under review.
This unique support by the Press has been steady and unconditional, and we encourage you to always assist the House to play its constitutional role.
God Bless Delta State House of Assembly
God Bless Delta State
God Bless Nigeria
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
It is no longer news that Delta state government, under the governance of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is grappling with the premonition on how to either assist or pay up salaries of local government workers. What is news now is how would the SMART governor achieve this under the current economic meltdown and attendant recession in the state and country.
Meanwhile, most staff of local governments in the state have developed angst against the government for initiating this plot to downsize workers, even as they point accusing fingers at the governor, who had vehemently urged them to carry their own cross.
A statement sstatement signed by Mr. Paul Osahor, Director of information in Delta state give details on how to achieve this feat:
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public particularly staff of the Unified Local Government Service and Local Government Education Authorities in Delta State, that in continuation of the ongoing Staff Verification Exercise in Local Government Councils and Local Government Education Authorities across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, the Delta State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have commenced the Electronic Attendance Register (Clock-in and clock-out) for Staff of Local Government Councils and Local Government Education Authorities in the State.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance effective, accurate and timely record keeping in the State Unified Local Government Service Local Government Education Authority and not to witch hunt or victimize the staff of the Local Government Councils nor the primary school teachers.
All staff are expected in this new system, to clock in with thick finger print upon resumption of duty in the morning, after the long break and clock out at the close of work.
The Delta State Civil Service Commission shall monitor the exercise and ensure compliance in the various Local Government Councils, while the State Universal Education (SUBEB) will monitor and ensure compliance in the Local Government Education Authorities.
Accordingly, staff and stakeholders in the State Unified Local Government Service and the Local Government Education Authorities are by this announcement enjoined to abide by this directive and to work closely with relevant authorities for the successful implementation of the new system in order to actualise the government’s commitment to ensure efficiency in the local government Service and Local Government Education Authorities.”
LECTURERS in the three polytechnics in Delta State, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, have begun an indefinite strike action over unresolved labour issues with the state government.
The lectures are also accusing the state government of unduly dismissing the ASUP chairman of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghwashi-Uku, Tobechukwu Ogidi. The union, in a statement by the President and Public Relations Officer of the state polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Collins Oniyemofe and Nyore Mowarin respectively, said: “The purpose of the strike is to drive home our demands with the state government over unresolved labour disputes. “At this latitude, the union has directed its members to withdraw their services.”
The demands, according to the union, include the non- implementation of the Revised Scheme of Service for Polytechnics and other similar tertiary institutions in Nigeria and resumption of promotion from CONTESS 11 to 13 that was abruptly stopped without recourse. Others are the non- implementation of Migration of Technologists on CONTISS 12 and above since 2009, non implementation of Migration of staff on CONTISS 11 and below, non-payment of promotion arrears since 2014, unlawful withholding of cooperative cheques and union dues as well as the acquisition of Ph.D as prerequisite for promotion to the post of chief lecturer even without prior notice. *Courtesy: Vanguard
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Chief Job Creation Officer presents starter packs to beneficiaries
In continuation of the handing out of starter packs to beneficiaries of its job creation programmes, the Delta State Government has established STEPreneurs trained in Plumbing; Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Services and Furniture & Upholstery in their enterprises.
The 83 beneficiaries all youths were trained for six months by the State Government under its Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP).
Presenting the starter packs to the beneficiaries, the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated them for the successful completion of their trainings in different training centres across the state.
Governor Okowa said the various successes recorded in the job creation programmes are indications of a promise fulfilled, pointing out that the programme is well thought out right from the inception of his administration. He said the programme is built on integrity and discipline.
Represented by the State Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, Governor Okowa stated that the STEPreneurs trained for three months have all received their starter packs to begin their enterprises, stressing that the handing out of starter packs to those in Plumbing, Upholstery and ICT Services marks the establishment of those trained for six months. Furniture and Upholstery kits
According to him, “This is a turning point for you, the end of a phase and the beginning of another phase. It is hoped that this phase will trigger you to the place we want you to be, which is the place of success”
While stating that their starter packs are of two components, namely a Non-Repayable Job Creation Grant and a Repayable Microcredit, he said 65 STEPreneurs in ICT Services were established with a HP Laptop; a Sumec Firman 2900 Generator; a Printer LaserJet HP 130A; a Micro Workstation Tool Kit; a #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
15 STEPreneurs in Plumbing received a Threading Dice and Accessories; Drilling Machine; Standing Vice”; Shifting Spanner (12”); Hack Saw (Iron Head); Saw Blade (Sandflex Roll); Big Trowel; Head Pan; Hammer; Chisel; Tapping Hammer; Spade (Elephant); Plumbs; Pipe Range, 2 pieces; #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
In the same vein, the starter packs for 3 STEPreneurs in Furniture and Upholstery were a Sewing Machine (Protes Brand for Leather); a Sumec Firman 2900 Generator; a Drilling Machine (Bosch, 13mm); Screwing Machine (Raider); Manual Spray Machine GX 160 5HP; Hand Held Plaining Machine=Iron Jack RSI Plane No 4); Hand Saw; Hammer; 25ft Tape; 12” G-Clamp; 10” Tirman Snip Scissors; Chisel, Pinches; #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
He disclosed that the Office of the Chief Job creation officer in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring would organize a world class fair for YAGEPreneurs and STEPreneurs to showcase their products, challenging them to be innovative and creative so as to market their products and services to the world.
Also, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. (Mrs) Mary Iyasere, admonished the beneficiaries to make good use of their starter packs in order to sustain and grow their business to become great entrepreneurs.Plumbing
She said the State Government has fulfilled his promise to them, urging them to play their own role well by justifying the confidence reposed in them and to satisfy their customers which according to her is the secret of business success.
On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and a member of the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwueyenga likened them to the Biblical profitable servants, advising them to work hard to double their capital investment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adjohwenyo Igho, who hails from Ethiope East Local Government Area and was trained in ICT Services, expressed their profound gratitude to the State Government and all relevant stakeholders who made the programme a success, with a pledge to work hard to grow their enterprises and to contribute meaningfully to the development of Delta State.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Dame Edith Okowa
The wife of the governor of Delta state and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, on Thursday, June 01, 2017 celebrated her 56th birthday anniversary with inmates of the five Prisons in the state.
The governor’s wife also paid to secure the release of the Prisons inmate who were unable to afford payment for court fines.
At the Kwale Prisons in Ndokwa West local government area, Dame Edith Okowa who lamented the high number of youths in the prison, urged the youths to surrender their lives to Christ as God loved them.
She disclosed that the essense of celebrating with the inmates was to help in converting them to become Christians, hence the increasing love for money, position and fame had been a societal problem, mostly among youths.
Meanwhile, the Delta state Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Sam Iyeora who was represented by Mr. Eugene Nwanze said the state Prison Command appreciates the charitable works of Dame Okowa to the prisons through the 05 Initiative project by paying fines for inmates, the expanded water project, medical supplies, electricity generating sets, among others.
At the Kwale Prison, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Charles Ogwude congratulated the Governor’s wife on her 56th birthday while Dame Okowa later presented food items, clothing, toiletries and bibles after she had paid court fines for the release of some inmates which was culminated with cutting of the birthday cake.
Earlier, the governor’s wife was honoured by staff of her office with a surprise birthday party where she advised Delans to yield completely to Jesus Christ, adding that she enjoys impacting positively on peoples lives.
While the Chaplain, Government House Chapel, Asaba, Rev. Charles Osemene urged more persons to become ambassadors of Christ, the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje; elder brother to the governor’s wife, Mr. Edward Mekwunye and the sister-in-law, Ezinne Ebegboni, among other dignitaries described Dame Okowa as compassionate, humble, accommodating and God fearing.
The further urged her not to relent in her efforts at giving succour to the less privileged in the state.
Recall that the Governor of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has accompanied his wife, Dame Edith Okowa to the morning service at the Government House Chapel for prayers and thanksgiving.
The Wives of Delta State House of Assembly Members Led by the wife of the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs Tobore Sheriff Oborevworiri had also visited The wife of the Delta State Governor Dame Edith Okowa at the State Government House Asaba to celebrate her 56th Birthday.DAME EDITH OKOWA DEDICATES BIRTHDAY TO GOD.
HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA, CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH IMATES AT KWALE PRISONS, GRANTS FIVE IMATES FREEDOM. DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE ORPHANAGE HOME ASABA.DELTA LAWMAKERS WIVES CELEBRATES DELTA FIRST LADY DAME EDITH OKOWA 56TH BIRTHDAY AMIDST EXCITEMENT AT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE ASABA.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY WITH O5 INITIATIVE KITCHEN
It was funfare for Children in Delta State, as Wife of Delta State Governor and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, turned “Chef” by personally cooking and serving food at the 2017 National Children’s Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Saturday, May 27, 2017.
Dame Edith Okowa, who used her pet programme, O5 Initiative to provide food and refreshment for the children, said her service to humanity is borne out of the desire to advocate for the Right of the African Child to education, health care and protection as leaders of tomorrow.
She said the International Children’s Day is a reminder for renewed commitment towards the welfare and protection of children and teaching them to live by good ideals and Godly counselling.
“Children’s Day reminds us of the rights of children because they are the leaders of tomorrow who deserve much respect, special care, affordable education, good health care and protection from parents and guardians.”
The governor’s wife who personally served food and drinks to the children from various schools, noted that her pet project, 05 Initiative is also engaged in providing health care services through establishment of sickle cell clinics, visits to prison inmates, assisting orphans in orphanage homes, providing for less privileged women and clothing the naked, especially in public schools across the state.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa also reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to provide conducive teaching and learning environment for children in the state.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said children needed to be armed with the relevant technical and vocational skills, stressing that good education remained one of the greatest assets that could be bequeathed to them.
He described education as the best protection for the future of children, saying they represented a sound and strong nation, adding: “Today’s children are responsible citizens of tomorrow, especially as foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes are laid in this responsible period.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration “Child Protection and Sustainable Development Goals and Opportunities” Governor Okowa said that it did not only address the role of adults towards children but brought to mind the sacred duties parents and guardian owed their children and wards.
He said the Day was also meant for the sick, challenged and deprived children. “On this occasion, we should also remember those children who are sick, disabled, abused and unhappy. We should not only spare thoughts for these ones, we should take bold steps towards alleviating their suffering, protecting and making necessary sacrifice for their comfort. They deserve special care and attention”, the governor stated.
The high points of the celebration were the match past, cultural displays and award of prizes to schools that came tops. The awards were presented by Mr. Chiedu Ebie (Commissioner for Education), Mr. Vincent Uduaghan (Commissioner for Transport), Mr. Patrick Ukah (Commissioner for Information), Mr. Kingsley Emu (Economic Planning) and Mr. Mofe Pirah respectively. DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY WITH O5 INITIATIVE KITCHEN DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY WITH O5 INITIATIVE KITCHEN DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY WITH O5 INITIATIVE KITCHEN
Following the violent attacks on citizens of Idumuje-Ugboko community in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu, has averred that the panacea for peace to return in the crisis-ridden community is for a meeting of stakeholders to resolve the feud.
The feud is revolving round the death of the monarch, Obi Albert Nwoko 111, the choice of his successor, the ejection of two wives of the late Obi from the palace and rape of 15-year old princess in the palace.
Addressing a press conference in Asaba on Thursday, May 25, 2017, Chief Ogwu, who was supported by former President-General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union (IUDU), Prince Walter Eziashi, the Secretary of the Land Committee, Chief Kennedy Iloh and one of the wives of the late Obi, Mrs. Faith Okwukwe Nwoko, said that one person has been killed and several people wounded and property destroyed.
He revealed that all meetings summoned before now to mediate on the crises were rebuffed by Crown Prince Nonso Nwoko, adding that once he agrees for a meeting, the matter will be resolved to the satisfaction of all.
Chief Ogwu reminded the crown Prince that instead of opposing genuine ideas, he should realize that it is his people that he wants to rule and should agree to a round table talk to resolve the impasse.
He said that the climax of the crises that had been brewing in the community began since on Sunday when mercenaries, allegedly hired by the palace, invaded the community and unleashed mayhem on the people.
According to him, the hoodlums who were suspected to be hired, attacked the elders, youths and members of the community vigilante groups, stressing that they identified those who were out spoken to condemn the activities of the crowned Prince, were targeted.
Chief Ogwu said he was beaten up in his residence, his car vandalized and property looted. He told Journalists that Chief Iloh was the first to be attacked on Sunday evening when the hoodlums stormed his house and abducted him to the palace where he was beaten and tied up before his reuse by some indigenes.
The Iyase said that the community is almost on a standstill as markets and schools had been closed and residents forced to remain indoors for fear of attack.
He said that in the interim, police should move into the community and arrest those perpetrating the crimes and bring them to book, so that peace will be restored to the village.
According to him, police had not lived up to expectation and they only visited and stopped at the police station without moving in to arrest the rampaging cultists.
Also speaking, Prince Eziashi attributed the reason for the subsisting crises to traditional breach on the successor to the king and rape of the 15-yer old Princess, which he raised the alarm and police are investigating.
He said that no community will agree to crown a man facing criminal cases in the court, adding that cause of the matter in the community is purely traditional.
Prince Eziashi, while answering questions, declared that it was diversionary to link Prince Ned Nwoko, former member of House of Representatives and Delta North Senatorial aspirant, to the feud because he is an innocent citizen who desires development of the community and well being of its people.
He also called on security agents to visit the community and make necessary arrests to forestall the on-going mayhem, adding that the invaders were also attacking youths of Idumuje-Ugboko.
In his comment, Chief Iloh confirmed he was abducted and beaten by the invaders before he was reused, adding that those perceived to be loyal to Prince Ned Nwoko were singled out for the attack.
He said that he had petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, mentioning names of those behind that attack on him, but no arrest had been made, adding that the community has been on fire since the past few days.
According to him, the youths who invaded the community seized the chairman of the Vigilante Group, Mr. Peter Bama, and forced him to identify all the members, who were also attacked and their operational guns seized from them.
He said that the rampaging cultists also invaded the secondary school in the town and forced students to go home, stressing that since then, children and youths have not been going to school.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: DELTA FIRST LADY, HER EXCELLENCY, DAME EDITH OKOWA, FOUNDER O5 INITIATIVE, COMMISSIONS SICKLE CELL CLINIC AND LABOUR ROOM FACILITY, GENERAL HOSPITAL OTU-JEREMI, UGHELLI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE.
Wife of the governor of Delta state and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has lauded sons and daughters of Ughelli South local government area for their contribution towards the successful establishment of the Sickle Cell clinic at the General Hospital in Otu-Jeremi.
Dame Edith Okowa, who said her determination to contribute to the well being of the society as a result of her passion for people with sickle cell anaemia, also expressed confidence on the level of sensitization and education of Deltans by the 05 Initiative, which have yielded impressive results.
Speaking shortly after the commissioning and handing over of the Sickle Cell Clinic to the Delta state government on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South local government area, the First Lady emphasized on the need to halt all forms of discriminatory acts towards people living with the disorder.
“They are geniuses and should not be left without proper education. I have passion for sickle cell anaemic disorder.”
According to her, the areas of help by the 05 Initiative include visits to prisons, orphanage homes, the less privileged women and clothing the naked”, adding the that “There is the need to sow seed to save lives and be remembered for such good.”
In her welcome address, the Director General of 05 Initiative, Mrs. Kevwe Agas, who appealed to men and women of goodwill to support the project, disclosed that the office of Her Excellency does not have a budget but have devised means to ensure that the campaign to curb Sickle Cell disorder prevalence in the state is sustained.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge in his goodwill message revealed that the Sickle Cell Foundation through its National Director, Dr. Annette Akinsete has hatched out plans to train health workers in public and private health facilities on prevention and management of sicle cell disorders in Delta state, which he said “will boost the quality of care our clients would receive at the commissioned clinics.”
According to him, “Medical science has cleared the air conclusively that SCD is not as a result of incarnation of evil spirit but a genetic disorder that can be managed medically to a high degree of effectiveness.”
He therefore called on those aspiring to get married to ensure that they undergo all recommended tests and counseling before marriage. He also called on mothers who have “success children” (SS) to avail themselves to the facilities for effective management of their child and wards. He added that the state Ministry of Health is currently monitoring the performance of the clinics since commissioning.
In their counsel, Medical Director, Dr. Ojo, Dr. Tuoyo, Retired Nurse Emechete and Mr. Anderson Igho who respectively spoke on the importance of nutrition, prevention and types of laboratory tests for sickle cell cell disorders emphasized on the need for the children with disorders to always eat food that contains protein, calcium, vitamins as well as vegetables, fruits, regular drinking of water, exposure to Vitamin D and avoid meat with fat.
They also pointed out that knowing ones genotype before marital engagements would help to curtail the prevalence of the disorder, which they say the founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa is presently tackling with the establishment of sickle cell clinics in various hospitals across the state.
Preliminary data of number of persons registered in the commissioned sickle cell clinics:
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –Albert OGRAKA: Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi
CHAIRMAN, Governing Council, School of Health Technology, Ofuoma (DESCOHTECH), Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi, may have run into troubled waters, following the ongoing massive protest by students over an alleged tuition hike.
Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively report that the aggrieved students thronged out in the early hours of Wednesday, May 24, 2017 demanding for a reverse in the 100 percent increase of the school charges, aside other fees.
The students, who had securely locked the gates of the school have also mounted a barricade to bar the school authorities from gaining entrance into the school premises while those who are already in the school compound are locked in.
They have also lamended the ordeal they have been plunged into by the education policies of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, claiming that the policies does not reflect the “prosperity for all” slogan of the state government.
A protesting student told Blank NEWS Online that, “The state government has unilaterally increased our school fees from N17, 000 to N35, 000. How do they want us to cope.”
Several attempts made by Blank NEWS Online to contact the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Mr. Nelson Ejakpovi between 09:00am and 09:30am proved abortive as his phones were switched off.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Jude Sinebe could not also be reached for comments but when contacted at 11:11am he said issues at the institution were at the purview of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge.
When contacted Dr. Azinge said he was at a meeting with the state governor, adding to talk later.
Meanwhile, the Provost of the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli, Dr. (Mrs.) Agnes Olojoba has appealed for calm among the students. She addressed them at about 09:45 am while lecturers and staffs of the institution are still outside the school gate.
However, Chairman Governing Council, School of Health Technology, Ofuoma (DESCOHTECH), Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi told Blank NEWS Online at 10:00am that:
“The situation is receiving attention, I don’t think it’s much to worry about. It was all bothered on communication breakdown. Thanks a lot.”
However, Chairman, Governing Council, School of Health Technology, Ofuoma (DESCOHTECH), Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi,at 10: 00am told Blank NEWS Online that:
“The situation is receiving attention, I don’t think it’s much to worry about. It was all bothered on communication breakdown. Thanks a lot.”
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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka*News *Literati* Adverts
The former governor of Edo State Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Governor of the State Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Secretary to the Edo State Government Barr. Osarodion Ogie and other leaders of the State have distanced themselves from the political travail of one Blessing Agbomere who has taken to the media to criticize the leadership of the state with sundry allegations.
Rising from an enlarged meeting today in Auchi, the Edo North Political Forum has vowed to give their backing and support to the current leadership of the State, despite the ongoing campaign of calumny by the said Agbomhere . The group frowned at Politicization of personal ambition against the overall interest of the people of Edo State. “Blessing Agbomhere has no political profile and therefore cannot be given underserved attention because of his capacity to tell lies.”
In a communique signed by the Secretary of the Forum Benjamin Atu, the group accused Mr. Blessing Agbomhere of endangering the unity, peace and progress of the state and will be made to answer questions from relevant security agencies of government in due time. They also condemned the protest led by Agbomhere against the former Governor of the State Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Incumbent Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu in Auchi.
“By virtue of the fact that he is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and a former aspirant, he ought to be a peace builder. It is ironical that a political office seeker who ought to be a justice of peace will twist facts, lead an illegal protest knowing the security implications, just to score a selfish political point. Expecting him to exhibit decorum, the leaders warned that they would not allow the selfish ambition of some foreign politicians to derail the development of of the state.
Wondering why the good name of Adams Oshiomhole, Philip Shaibu and Barr. Osarodion Ogie Should be tarnished to justify personal satisfaction Benjamin Atu advised critics of Philip Shaibu to define the objectives and strategies of their struggles more clearly than degenerating into abuses, lies and wild allegations against the best Legislator which Edo State has ever produced since the creation of the state. He cautioned them to sharpen their pen for proper research and investigation about the above personalities before yielding themselves to cheap black mail.
The Statement describe the Publication with the tittle “Why Oshiomhole, Shaibu and Ogie Want Blessing Agbomhere Dead ” as a reckless utterance and ridiculous. What relevance is Blessing Agbomhere to the people of Edo State that made him feel so important? Adams Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu became popular in Nigeria as freedom fighters and will be wrong for any one to described them as tormentors of the oppress despite their political track record which has revolutionized the entire State”.
“He is therefore expected to withdrew his words and apologise to the leadership of the state over his reckless utterances and be of good character with respect for constituted authority. This publication therefore also serve as an invitation to Blessing Agbomhere and his group on a two weeks crash program on cooperate respect and leadership course under the office of the Deputy Governor of the State.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Prof. Eric Eboh, presenting tarter parks
In continuation of the on-going handing out of starter packs to the beneficiaries of the 2016 Cycle of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), STEPreneurs trained in Catering and Confectionery have received theirs to establish their enterprises.
Presenting the starter packs to 87 beneficiaries at Asaba, the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, charged them to make judicious use of the starter packs so as to run a viable enterprise that could make them self-reliant and employers of labour.
Represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, Governor Okowa, congratulated the beneficiaries for the successful completion of their training in different training centres across the state.
He said it was his expectation that the state witnessed through them a ‘’harvest of entrepreneurial ambassadors. We hope to succeed with you. What we expect is nothing less than success”.
He listed the items in the starter pack to include two components- Job Creation Grant and Microcredit (repayable). The Job Creation Grant component included a Master Chef electrical mixer, a Hoffner 9 litres chaffing dish and a deep freezer.
The Microcredit component were a fabricated gas oven with one cooker, a 12kg gas cylinder, a fabricated double burner cooker; a 35 gallons cast pot; a 7 litres cast frying pan; a giant Iceman food warmer; a potato cutter; a non-sticky frying pan; a kitchen scale; a cash allowance of #123,000.00 and a monthly stipend of #10,000.00 for three months.
He also said the State Government had made provision for transport allowance to enable them to convey their starter packs to their respective destinations.
Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr Mary Iyasere, admonished the beneficiaries on tips to business success in the catering enterprise.
She advised them to maintain cleanliness and good hygiene, to be polite and to maintain a healthy working relationship with their workers as well as their customers to ensure business growth.
While urging them to be committed to their enterprises by being physically present to supervise their workers at all times at every ceremony, she advised them to plough back their profits to ensure business growth.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Mr Edward Mekwunye, tasked the beneficiaries to work hard to succeed, stressing that, ‘’success not sustained is void.”
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Vivian Abamba and Eloho Linda Ogolosi expressed their gratitude to the Delta State Government for its commitment to tackling youth unemployment through its job creation programmes.
They advised other youths to take advantage of the programmes to become entrepreneurs and job creators instead of searching endlessly for non-existent white collar jobs.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Prince Ned Nwoko
Anioma Youth Forum (AYF), has thrown its weight behind the establishment of the proposed Stars University and Golf Course in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha LGA, by a philanthropist Prince Ned Nwoko, noting that the projects will not only transform the socio-economic lives of the people but will also boost the image of Delta State when completed.
In a press statement issued in Asaba, the Delta State Capital and signed by Mr. Felix Ifejiokwu and Barth Inneh, the National President and Secretary respectively, AYF called on a section of Idumuje-Ugboko people and their sponsores to stop their opposition towards the establishment of the projects.
While condemning the impression being peddled by a clique that the Stars University and Golf Course are meant to deprive the people of Idumuje-Ugboko of their land, the group noted that the vision to establish the projects dates back to 2011 with the aims of leaving a legacy for human capital development that will harness the physical and intellectual capabilites of the young ones.
The statement added that the projects would further help to develop sports as a worthy heritage of Deltans, as well as to expose the tourism potentials of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom to the international community.
“In other climes, this kind of projects are craved for, projects that have already been estimated to employ over 2000 locals with its multiplier effect should not only to be embraced by all, but should be supported by all people of Idumuje-Ugboko in particular, the entire Anioma and Delta in general. Today, Ogwashi-Uku, Abraka, Auchi, Ekpoma to mention a few, are bubbling with socio-economic activities because of the Polytheistic and Universities sited in their domain.”
“Prince Ned Nwoko, the brain behind the projects, is a positive, calm, well-defined gentleman, a world renowned philanthropist and detribalised personality, devoid of sentiments, a man that attends to myriad of complaints from people of various communities, as he usually deploys his personal resources to improve their conditions. A man that is imbued with wisdom, determination and with the courage needed to succeed in his endeavour, often time fashion out possible ways to help the people who throng to his residence whenever he visits home.”
Anioma Youth Forum therefore, call for cessation of all propaganda by a handful of Idumuje-Ugboko persons and their sponsores, rather they should channel their energies and resources into making sure that the Stars University and Golf Course materialise, so as to open another vistas of hopes for the teaming youths of Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Dame Okowa full of praises to God
The 2017 Couples’ Forum, organizd by the 05 Initiative, a pet project of the wife of Delta state governor, Dame Edith Okowa has held in Asaba, with a call on couples to adhere strictly to the counsel of God in strengthening marriages.
The counselling programme tagged, Couples’ Forum with the theme: “Contemporary Family Issues And God’s Counsel For Marriage” which held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba on Monday, May 15, 2017 was attended by the Governor of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, members of the state executive council, the legislature as well as top government functionaries with their better halves.
Giving the first biblical talk from passages drawn from the books of Psalms 127:3, Psalms 11:3, Matthew 6:23 and Genesis 8:22, Rev. Ejebe Eme who enjoined couples to always set their priorities right by sowing the right seed for good harvest and expounding in wisdom, which accordijg to him is pivotal in marriage, said the bane of marriage breakups is default value system, lack of trust and less time for children upbringing.
Evangelist Nnamdi Eze, who gave the second talk from Hebrew 13:4, Malachi 2:13-14, Genesis 2:18,25 and Ephesians 5:21-23, advised couples not to neglect God’s counsel for marriage because faithful companionship built on Godly foundation cannot be faulted.
While encouraging couples to always exhibit the culture of openness and transparency in their marriage, the marriage counselor extolled the virtues set out by God for man and woman, saying it is the only standard for a successful union.
He further revealed that God’s charge to couples include keeping marriage vows, fear of God by not hurting one’s partner, celebrating strength of partners by tolerating each other’s weaknesses, giving attention to one’s family and giving adequate attention to children for posterity.
Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Wife Dame Edith Okowa, Wife of the Deputy Governor Mrs Ebierin Otuaro , Secretary to the State Government Hon Festus Agas and Wife Kevwe Agas, Head Of Service Sir Reginald Bayoko, Chief Of Staff Hon Tam Brisibe, Delta State Lawmakers, State Executive Council Members and others attended 05 Initiative 2017 Couples Forum Organized by Delta First Lady Dame Edith Okowa.
Highlight of the colourful and well attended event was praise and worship, hymnal rendition, interactive session as well as prayers for families, government and people of Delta state.
The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba Chapter, has registered a protest against the maltreatment of it’s Union members by Officials of Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, over non payment of their outstanding entitlements.
In a protest letter, addressed to the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, with attention to the Director, Presidential Initiative On Continuous Audit (PICA), Abuja, the leader of the group, Comrade Akinlaye Davidson expressed concern that while health workers in FMC Asaba are being owed salaries and promotion arrears, other health institutions in the same ministry have been paid these monies till date.
Comrade Akinlaye also listed some of the entitlements owed the workers to include October 2016 salary, illegal deductions made in December, 2014 salary, promotion arrears for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, in addition to other maltreatments as reasons for the protest.
In a protest letter by the Union, titled: PROTEST AGAINST MALTREATMENT OF WORKERS AT FMC ASABA DELTA STATE BY OFFICIALS OF FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE ABUJA and dated Monday, 15th May, 2017, the aggrieved workers called for speedy intervention to prevent breakdown of the industrial harmony existing in FMC Asaba.
Part of the protest letter reads: “In view of these developments, we the workers of Federal Medical Center Asaba under the umbrella of Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU), register our displeasure but remain peaceful and resolute on the believe that The Honourable Minister, Director, Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) and all concerned’s attention will be drawn to this and take speedy actions to mitigate the sufferings of our members due to nonpayment of these monies.
“It is our firm believe that the government of change is not about short-changing any particular institution. ”What is sauce for the goose is also good for the gander.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: *Patrick Ukah
The Town Hall meetings currently going on between the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire people of the state and the commissioning and inspection of projects are fulfilment of a campaign promise that he will come at midterm to meet with the electorate.
Giving this clarification in Asaba over the weekend, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that the government was not cajoled into arranging the Town Hall meetings but packaged them as fulfilment of a campaign promise.
He revealed that the two meetings held so far at Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas provided a perfect platform for Dr. Okowa to meet with critical stakeholders and cross fertilized ideas targeted at fashioning out ways of improving on the gains made by the state as at the midterm of the government.
Mr. Ukah disclosed that the meetings are already achieving the objectives of its arrangement as the people expressed satisfaction because the projects commissioned were direct fulfilment of the campaign promises made by the Governor.
The Commissioner for Information revealed that there was nothing wrong in arranging the Town Hall meetings because in the corporate world, they hold their Annual General Meetings to appraise their performances and work out ways of doing things better in the future.
The Town Hall meetings and commissioning and inspection of projects will continue in Sapele and Ethiope West Local Government Areas on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 16 and 17, 2017.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (middle) during the Town Hall meeting held in Oleh, Isoko South LGA.
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, JP, has lauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the on going Town Hall meetings which affords the people at the grassroots level the opportunity to interact with government for proper understanding of its policies and dividends to the people. Gov. Okowa (left) and Bashorun Askia (right) during inspection of Emore Grammar School, Oleh ahead of the Town Hall Meeting.
Bashorun Askia, who made the commendation during the meetings held in Ozoro and Oleh, headquarters of Isoko North and Isoko South local government areas respectively, noted that the parley gave room for the people of Isoko Nation to appraise the government’s impact on the people and make necessary demands.
According to him, “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa felt there is the need for direct connect with the people. It goes to show that he believes in the electorates, having made promises during his campaigns, he has decided to re-examine the level his policies has impacted on the people and where necessary, make possible development impact in the case of infrastructure growth and appointments.”
He also commended the Isoko people for coming out enmasse to throw their overwhelming support behind the governor in a bid to solidify the sustainable development, peace and unity among Deltans.
He however assured that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration is determined to take an immediate action on the various demands with an aim to improve the lives of the people in terms of job creation, appointments and to build trust between government and the people.
While praising the governor for not restricting the interactive sessions to only members of the ruling party in the state, he said it was a pointer to the fact that Governor Okowa is non partisan, detribalized and humble in his approach to effective governance of the state.
Bashorun Askia therefore encouraged the people of Isoko South and Isoko North not to relent in their support, saying “The turnout of our people has proven that the Governor is doing his very best despite the glaring financial challenges being faced in terms of dwindling allocations from the Federal government and poor internally generated revenue receipts.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: †Barr. E. A. Uzum The Executive Director to the Delta State Governor, on Orientation and Convener, Ika Village Square, IVS, Barr Eugene Azukaego Uzum, has said that the forthcoming Ika Economic Summit that has been scheduled to take place in June at Ika National Hall, Agbor, will attract both local and foreign investors to Ika Land. The IVS Convener, flanked by other IVS members, who include, the first member, Post Primary Education Board, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbomah and Mr. Alex Okunbor, disclosed this on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, during a press conference organized by IVS at Eagle Square Hotels and Suite, Asaba, ahead of the Ika Economic Summit. According to the Orientation Boss, the summit which is the first in the history of Ika nation promises to be an epoch making event.
Below is the excerpt from the press interview.
SIR COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US WHAT IKA VILLAGE SQUARE STANDS FOR AND ALSO, THE REASON FOR THE IKA ECONOMIC SUMMIT.
Thank you very much. Ika Village Square, IVS,is an online forum created for all persons of Ika ethnic extraction. It is a socio-cultural group, out to articulate, propel, promote and sustain the interest of Ika nation in Nigeria’s political system. It is a forum where ideas on the growth and development of Ika nation are shared. It’s membership comprises all Ika sons and daughters, both home and abroad. It started about a year ago and has since inception, embarked on a tour (Tour D’Ika) of all communities and towns that make up Ika nation. The essence of the tour is for us to identify with our people and the natural resources our land is blessed with. The forum is private sector driven and her aim is purely for the advancement of Ika nation. For the record, Ika nation is blessed with both human and natural resources. There is no community in Ika nation that is not blessed with one natural resources or the other. In Ika Land, we have kaolin, granite, petroleum, potash, bitumen, palm-wine, palm-oil, fertile land, forest reserves, rivers, laterite and other resources. The quantity of the agricultural produce in Ika Land can feed a large number of Nigerians. Also, in Ika Land, we have the source of the Orogodo River in Mbiri, a tourist site, the proposed Umunede Rest Park, Otolokpo Power Plant, among other places of tourist attraction. Ika Land is also a gateway and the potential heart beat of Nigeria as you cannot access the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western parts of Nigeria without going through Ika Land. Therefore, the reason for this press conference is to announce the forthcoming Ika Economic Summit with the theme, “Harnessing the Economic Potentials of Ika Nation Through Strategic Partnership. “The economic summit is not to veer off the economic plan of the Delta State Government, but, to show our potentials and rich cultural heritage to the world, in order to attract private investors to our land. We are also going to partner with government to see how the economic potentials in Ika Land can be well harnessed. The summit is going to feature the display of those natural resources our land is endowed with and resource persons who have excelled in different fields of human endeavors. We are also going to take a look at the socio-cultural ties that bind us together as a people. For the record, Ika nation has two local government areas in Delta State and four in Edo State. The population of our people if well harnessed can make a political statement in Nigeria. Apart from the natural resources Ika nation is blessed with, the area has sons who have excelled in the banking, media, political, religious, agriculture, advertising, judiciary and other sectors. For the avoidance of doubt, we have notable Ika sons such as; Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank PLC, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, of Thisday Newspaper, Steve Omojafor of the advertising agency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive Governor of Delta State, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, His Eminence, Rt Revd Dr Nicholas N. Okoh, Primate of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, Prof Sam Ukala, SAN, Chairman, Governing Council, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, General Lucky Irabor Theatre Commander, Operation Lafia Dole, among others, including the names of our legends of blessed memories like: Dr Okah Orewa, Chief Anuku, Chief Vincent Egbarin (The Orikeze of Agbor), and others too numerous to mention. We are therefore welcoming the whole world to the Ika Economic Summit taking place in June this year at Ika National Hall, Agbor. The date of the summit will be announced soon.
HOW IS THE IKA ECONOMIC SUMMIT GOING TO ASSIST THE SMART AGENDA OF THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT?
Our executive governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, in our judgment is the Chief custodian of prosperity in the state. His policies as governor are all people-oriented. One of the aims of the summit is to partner with the state government by keying into her programs, particularly, on job creation and agriculture. Ika Village Square perfectly understands the SMART Agenda of the state government towards the overall development of the state and will always support the efforts to better the state.
YOU SAID THE IKA ECONOMIC SUMMIT WILL BE PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN, HOW DOES IVS INTEND TO ACHIEVE THAT IN THIS PERIOD OF ECONOMIC RECESSION?
Thank you. The journey of a thousand miles they say begins with a step. IVS has redefined that statement by saying that the journey of a thousand miles starts with a mere understanding that you have a journey to embark on and when to move. So, you can even be on your bed and start the journey. Our people are determined to contribute resources towards the success of the economic summit. We successfully did it during the tour of the different communities and towns in Ika Land, so that of the summit will not be different. According to our local adage, “Onu kokome Ogbu Ofifi,” meaning, if a mouth is closed together it will blow whistle. I am therefore, on behalf of IVS, using this medium to call on our dear people of Ika nation both home and abroad to work towards the success of this economic summit which is out to promote our land among other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (midle); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right) and Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.
The 6th Delta State Sports Festival ended on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Ozoro with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa promising his administration’s commitment to ensure that the state will continue to excel in national sports events.
Speaking when he declared the festival closed, Governor Okowa asserted, “it is an open secret that the constant successes achieved by Delta State in national competitions is largely due to this grassroots support for sports.”
He reiterated government’s determination to ensure that the State continues to play a leading role in the development of sports in the country, promising to make the Sports Festival a yearly event, and providing more avenues for youths to productively engage in sporting activities.From right: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Honorable Minister for Youths and Sports, Comrade Solomon Dalung
At the closing ceremony, Warri North local government area clinched the first position with 39 gold medals to beat its closest rival, Oshimili South local government area which got 30 gold medals, while Ukwuani local government area got 29 gold medals.
While commending the various local government areas who contributed to the promotion of sports at the grassroots, the Governor observed, ” sporting activities are vital areas where our young men and women can be meaningfully engaged; they keep the young ones busy and away from delinquent behaviours and youth restiveness in all its ramifications; besides, it also gives opportunity to develop their talents on their way to national and international prominence.”
While promising to support sports development through the reintroduction of the School Sports Competition, the Governor commended the Sports Commission and the athletes for their contributions to sports development. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (right) Chairman, Delta State Sport Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.
The Minister of Sports, Honourable Solomon Dalung, who was the Special Guest of Honour, in his speech, acknowledged the contributions of Delta State in taking Nigeria to greater heights through sports development, asserting that the state has produced quality sportsmen and women who have represented the country in major sporting events in Africa and other parts of the world.
He commended Governor Okowa for his commitment to sports development, noting that sports had contributed immensely to the sustenance of peace in the state.
The Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission Chief Tonobok Okowa said talents which were discovered during the festival would be assets to the State in future National and International sporting activities.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: CP Delta Police Command, Zanna Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively report that tension has enveloped parts of Delta state as youths in Ossissa, Ndokwa East local government area of the state have taken up arms in protest against Fulani herdsmen for allegedly killing six persons in the community.
A source at Ossissa disclosed that the incident of the killing, allegedly carried out by the Fulani herdsmen took place on Thursday, May 11, 2017, which spurred youths in the peace loving community to come all out in search for the armed Fulani herdsmen, who launched a surprise attack on unsuspecting members of the community.
As at the time of filing this report, the Ossissa end of the Asaba-Ughelli express road was partially barricaded while vehicles were searched to fish out herdsmen who may be hiding in any of the vehicles, but under the watch of Military and police personnel as well as other security operatives drafted to the scene to restore normalcy.
A number of private and commercial vehicles were stuck at the Nsukwa junction, having heard of the blockade while others plied alternative routes to their various destinations, yet in fear.
When Blank NEWS Online visited the scene of the barricade at 10:45 am, a number of security personnel were on ground to ward off any form of mayhem on innocent travellers.
Many of the aggrieved youths who expressed their dismay at the handling of the nefarious activities of the deadly herdsmen by governments were armed with clubs and cutlasses as they conducted a stop and search on vehicles for hiding herdsmen.
When contacted on phone, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Aniamaka said he was awaiting detailed report from the DCO Ashaka Division, adding the the AC Operations was already on ground in Ossissa with his men to ensure normalcy.
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