Delta State Government has called on its residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) currently ravaging some West African countries from infiltrating the State.

In a statement released by the State Ministry of Health and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Saturday, August 2, 2014, the government hinted that the Ebola Virus infects humans through contact with some animals.

According to the statement, infected persons could transfer to other persons through physical contact with body fluids such as saliva, vomit, blood, faeces, sweat, and urine, adding it could also be transmitted from the dead bodies of those killed by the disease.

The statement described symptoms of the Ebola sickness as similar to malaria; listing them to include headache, fever, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea characterised by vomiting and stooling with blood, coughing of blood and skin swellings that contain blood, warning that family members and health workers are mostly at risk of being infected.

The statement further warned that while there is no known cure to the Ebola disease, residents in the state should abstain from touching with bare hands persons infected with the sickness, their urine, excreta, sweat, vomit, blood or any liquid from their bodies.

It added that caring for victims or handling of the corpses of Ebola victims with bare hands should be avoided, stressing that health workers and relations of infected persons should endeavour to put on protective kits such as clothing, glasses, caps, gloves and boots.

It also warned that for the time being, residents should abstain from touching or eating bush meat, fruit bats, monkeys, chimpanzees or food and fruits eaten by animals saying however that if their meat must be eaten, they must be handled with care and cook very well to kill any germ.

The statement advised residents to wash their hands thoroughly with soap always and avoid travelling to places where the disease is still spreading fast.

It also enjoined residents to promptly report any suspected sign of Ebola Virus Disease to the nearest hospital or health centre or call the Delta State Epidemiologist on 08063927202 or 07037120510 or 08037438829.

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare completed a Glasgow 2014 sprint double by winning the women’s 200m, finishing the race at 22.25 seconds to claim victory quite ahead of Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams, both English.

Okagbare, 25 had on Monday won the 100 meters finishing at 10.85 and setting a new Commonwealth record.

Meanwhile, a statement signed by Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq and made available to Blank NEWS Online says the African sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare has justified the support of oil wealthy Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The statement reads:

“Once again, African sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare, proved that the faith reposed in her by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, was not misplaced as she became only the 11th person and the first African to win the sprint double in a single Commonwealth Games in either men and women events.

“With her victory in the 200 metres at the ongoing 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Okagbare showed that the Nigerian spirit is limitless with adequate support which she got from Dr. Uduaghan through training grants over the years.

“The Delta State-born star athlete has emerged the most outstanding female athlete of the games with her sterling performance in a field of world class sprinters.

“Earlier, Okagbare had won the 100 metres event, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the process. She would have participated in the long jump, her main specialty, but for the timing that clashed with the 200 metres. Okagbare still has the opportunity to win a third gold medal when the sprint relays commence.

“From her humble beginning, Dr. Uduaghan had single handedly taken up her sponsorship which climaxed with the approval of a three-year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta-born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

“The governor was part of the over 80,000 spectators that witnessed the 100 metres final where Okagbare dusted a star-studded cast of sprinters. The support for Okagbare comes under the administration’s three-point agenda of which human capital development is a critical arm.

“Dr. Uduaghan will continue to support the sprint star who has already won the long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world athletics championships.”

The Nigerian military has initiated an enquiry into the recent shooting incident between its soldiers on routine patrol and members of the Shiite Islamic sect last Friday in Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Abuja, “the higher level of military enquiry is with a view to unmasking the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to identify anyone found culpable.”

The statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade on Friday, 1 August 2014 and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

“The need to calm the situation in Zaria city after the recent encounter between soldiers on routine patrol and members of Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria last Friday informed the initial taciturn posture of the Defence Headquarters on the issue. While not underplaying the significance of such incident, it was also necessary to ensure that sufficient information was obtained beginning from the unit level and other reliable sources at the location.

“A preliminary investigation was therefore initiated to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. An enquiry is subsequently ongoing at the Divisional level.

“Although the report of the preliminary investigation at the unit level has vehemently contradicted some of the issues raised by the leader of the group, in his statement, especially on the allegation of extra judicial killings, the higher Headquarters is conducting additional investigation on the incident to ascertain the claims in the preliminary reports from the unit level. In spite of the preliminary findings, the importance placed on the respect for Human Rights in all military operations, activities and interactions, has prompted the additional steps presently being taken to ascertain the true situation.

“Accordingly, the higher level of military enquiry is with a view to unmasking the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to identify anyone found culpable. Meanwhile, those apprehended during the incident are being interrogated.

“The Defence Headquarters deeply commiserates with the families of those that lost their lives in that unfortunate incident, especially the leader of the group who was reported to have lost his sons. Indeed, his present disposition is understandable as it is pathetic. No effort will be spared to ensure necessary justice on this matter.”

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of AIG Suleiman Abba as the new Inspector-General of Police to replace the outgoing IGP Mohammed Abubakar upon his statutory retirement after 35 years in service.

Abba’s appointment is with effect from Friday, August 1, 2014.

AIG Abba, currently the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger states is a lawyer and hails from Jigawa State and is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.

Positions previously held by him in the Police include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

The dreaded Ebola disease scare has led to the closure of an unnamed hospital and its workers and patients quarantined, Anambra state Commissioner of Health, Dr Josephat Akabuike has announced.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a viral haemorrhagic fever and one of the most virulent viral diseases known to humankind.

Briefing Journalists in Awka, Akabuike said the measure followed information received by the government that a man whose body was brought back from Liberia at the weekend, might have died of the killer disease.

He said that information available to the government indicated that the body was brought back from Liberia through Lagos and deposited in the mortuary at Nkwelle-Ezenaka in Oyi Local Government of the state.

“Part of the briefing is to tell you what we are doing to make sure we don’t allow the deadly virus to come into the state.

“What actually called for this is that we have a report that a corpse was brought through Lagos and the deceased was said to have been taken from Liberia where, of course, you know there are cases of the disease.

“The corpse was said to have been brought to Nigeria and deposited somewhere in Nkwelle-Ezunaka and the ministry was alerted and that is why we are taking all these measures’’.

The commissioner said that Governor Willie Obiano had already directed the Police Command in the state to cordon off the place until the necessary tests were carried out.

He further said that Federal Government had also sent medical experts from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, to Anambra to carry out the test at the hospital premises.

Meanwhile, Ebola has been blamed for 672 deaths in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organisation.

Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency and called in troops to quarantine epicentres of Ebola, joining Liberia in imposing tough controls to curb the worst ever outbreak of the virus amid fears it could spread beyond West Africa.

Meanwhile, a Liberian man, Patrick Sawyer was confirmed to have died from the virus in Lagos last Friday.

In a measure of rising international concern, Britain on Wednesday held a government meeting on Ebola, which it said was a threat it needed to respond to.

The outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever, for which there is no known cure, began in the forests of remote eastern Guinea in February, but Sierra Leone now has the highest number of cases.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), through its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Obua says it is maintaining strict screening of visitors at airports, seaports and border areas to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus into the country.

He said that the Service was collaborating with the Port Health Services and Plant Quarantine Services to screen visitors entering the country.

“All immigrants, including plants and animals, entering the country are screened for any form of disease that can cause harm to the health of Nigerian citizens.

“We, in collaboration with sister agencies, have always maintained tight security at the ports checking to ensure that anything or anyone entering the country is certified to do so’’, he said.

Obua said that Port Health Services officials were immediately alerted in cases where they encountered travelers with incomplete certificate of vaccination or obvious signs of ill-health.

He urged officers at the ports and border areas to take precautionary measures by wearing protective clothing to prevent contact with the virus.
He said that officers deployed to those areas always met with travelers; hence it was mandatory for them to wear face masks, hand gloves and other protective item.

Obua said the measure was to reduce the risk of contracting the virus as it was easily transmitted through physical contact and air.

“The Ministry of Health has alerted us not to have direct physical contact with any traveler, and to take precaution since we come in contact with people at the country’s entry and exit points.

“They have advised us to wear protective clothing like face masks and hand gloves”, he said.

Dear Chief Assam, We are in receipt of your letter dated July 22, 2014 on the above subject matter. We observed with utter dismay its inciting contents and the consequent wide publication of the letter in the press and in the Internet for apparent selfish political motives.

However, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a man of over 68 years of age, and an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one would have expected a certain level of civility and decorum in your conduct and communication – your antecedents not withstanding. One notes that, during the administration of Governor Victor Attah fourteen years ago, you used the occasion of your birthday to write a letter dripping with vitriol such as this to Obong Victor Attah.

We also noted that in a response personally signed by Obong Victor Attah on that occasion, he claimed that it was such unfortunate irascible nature of yours, which caused it to take so long, and such intense pressure from Government and others, for the relevant bodies to accord you recognition as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The reference here is not to disparage you but as you noted in your letter it is always good to consider the history of a matter in line with current developments.

Sir, you hid behind the guise of writing a Letter to the Secretary to the Government to disparage your former boss and benefactor, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who in his magnanimity appointed you first as Honorary Special Adviser, and later as Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He was also the one who recommended you for appointment as an Ambassador, despite all the efforts you made and petitions you wrote to stop his emergence as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007.

An analysis of your intention indicates that you perhaps have a persecution complex and sought to create a victim mentality in order to curry public sympathy. You, with all respect, regard and sincere apologies, sounded like a whining child who believes that by feigning tears, he could be given some toys or privileges. This, one must admit, is the only way to rationalize your responding to misrepresentations of what the Governor said in a few newspapers and stating with perplexing authority from Moscow, that it “was published in all the papers.” Haba, Ambassador!

But with respect to your office of Ambassador, you may wish to know that on the said occasion, Governor Godswill Akpabio used the story of Absalom in the Bible to illustrate that politicians should not seek to kill and destroy in order to attain to an office. He pointed out that Absalom sought to kill his father in order to attain the throne of kingship but he did not succeed. Of course, as a Christian, you should know that David did not kill Absalom, but what Absalom wished for David happened to Absalom himself – despite David’s attempts to protect Absalom and his sadness at Absalom’s death.

It was a timely admonition to all patriotic Akwa Ibom politicians and particularly, his political sons to seek their interests within the limits circumscribed by the constitution and decorum. They should not seek to destroy the Governor or his administration in order to get elected. They should not seek to use the back door (the back door in this context and in line with grammatical conventions, meaning underhand, crude and undemocratic tactics [like Absalom]) to achieve their ambitions. Furthermore, the reference was actually targeted at political sons of Governor Akpabio who are smearing his name in the guise of campaigning. Governor Akpabio, however, indicated his good faith by urging them to repent and turn from their evil ways so that they would be forgiven and would not suffer the fate of Absalom.

Sir, the constitution gives everyone the right to endorse whosoever he pleases for any office in the land. The idea behind the formation of parties in a democracy is for people of the same ideological leaning to cohere and collaborate for the good of the society. I am yet to declare for the office of Governor, though I must admit that the good people of Akwa Ibom State have come to me and declared that they find in me qualities, which make me a perfect fit for the Office of Governor. Having the endorsement of someone of the calibre of Governor Akpabio, given his uncommon transformation and visionary leadership of Akwa Ibom State, would be the dream of any aspirant in Akwa Ibom State and, if you were honest, you would admit that you crave it for yourself. That is why you euphemistically asked me to step out of what you called “Akpabio’s shadow” because you are afraid of Akpabio’s positive influence and mass support in Akwa Ibom State. His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is one of the best leaders to come out of Africa, he is a God-fearing man and pride to our State. This much you variously acknowledged until Governor Akpabio, it is believed, scorned your efforts to secure his endorsement for your aspiration – it does appear that hell has no fury like an Assam Assam scorned.

Do note, Mr. Ambassador, that in the 2008 American Presidential elections, war hero Collin Powell of the Republican Party, who himself was tipped to run as a Presidential candidate, openly endorsed Barack Obama of the Democratic Party. So why should any true democrat with a good intention be afraid of endorsements?

It is worrisome that you as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria would smell a rose flower and start looking for the cemetery. The scenarios you painted are figments of your imagination. Having worked with Governor Akpabio for the long time you did, you know that he contested in 2007 without anybody being in the least slightly injured.You know that in 2011, even in the face of extreme provocation when PDP members were killed in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, and President Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign office along with other houses owned by PDP members were burnt by the opposition ACN and over 500 carswere also burnt, he maintained the peace and did not exact revenge. It is therefore the height of mischief for you or any other political jobber to misquote Governor Akpabio and try to input that the life of anygubernatorial aspirant is under threat in Akwa Ibom State. It is sad that in your unrestrained political ambition you are willing to crucify the innocent. You fail to remember that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ did not stop God’s purpose in His life.

Perhaps the strangest claim in your delinquent treatise was the allusion to reaping where one did not sow and describing yourself as one of the owners of the house. Sir, I am aware that you have a practice in Calabar from where Governor Akpabio invited you to the State and appointed you Honorary Special Adviser, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and currently Nigerian Ambassador to Russia through the benevolence of our President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. Sir, you have not lived in Akwa Ibom State in the last four decades. It is on record that throughout the time you served as Honorary Special Adviser and Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, you lived in various hotels in Uyo. In your more than 45 years of legal practice and up to the time His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON nominated you for appointment as Nigerian Ambassador, you failed, refused, and/or neglected to sow in Akwa Ibom State by even building a bungalow in your State capital. We know for a fact that it is not for lack of money but for lack of love and believe in your State. So with all humility, what have you really sown in Akwa Ibom State? Dubious petitions against innocent persons?False and malicious publications or slanderous propaganda you are well known for? However, Akwa Ibom State citizens acknowledge yourhuge investment in real estates in Calabar, Cross River State though none in Uyo, your State capital. So if anyone has ever reaped where he did not sow, I beg to point out, Sir, that that person is Chief Assam E. Assam, SAN.

Finally you claim to be waiting for me at the rear door. Sir, with all apologies, you may have a long wait because all my life I have always used the front door. It was this attribute, which led to my meteoric rise in Corporate Nigeria and my proven track record in Corporate Governance and financial services across West Africa and Europe. If you ever repent and want to use the right door, I will meet you at the front door.

Do accept the assurances of my highest esteem.

*Udom G. Emmanuel
Secretary to the Government

After single-handedly nurturing African track queen, Blessing Okagbare, to international through the provision of training grants, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, was part of the 80,000 ecstatic crowd that witnessed the setting of a new Commonwealth sprint record by the Delta-born star athlete.

In addition to yearly training grants for Okagbare even before she burst into the national scene, Dr. Uduaghan last year approved a three-year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

The 25 year-old track queen, who won long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world championships, got off to a quick start in the women’s 100m and maintained her form throughout to clock a games record of 10.85secs.

Reveling in the joy of the moment, the governor who was at the stadium to witness Okagbare’s record breaking performance in a strong field of star sprinters enthused: “It was a great feeling today being at the stadium in Glasgow and watching Blessing Okagbare winning the 100m in grand style in the presence of over 80 thousand people.”

And there is still more to come from Okagbare as she will participate in the 200 meters, her major specialty, and the long jump where she equally has bright chances of overhauling the opposition.

Dr. Uduaghan had single handedly taken up the responsibility of nurturing Okagbare from her humble beginnings to her present status as an international athlete.

Speaking on the governor’s gesture, Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information, said it is a product of Dr. Uduaghan’s passion for developing human capital, a critical pivot of his administration’s three-point agenda.

Track Queen, Blessing Okagbare has once again shown her dominance in the 100m event in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 25 year old track queen, who won long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world championships, got off to a quick start in the women’s 100m and maintained her form throughout to clock a games record of 10.85secs.

“Execution and patience was key, I knew my time would come” said Okagbare. “I still have the 200m and the long jump and I’m looking forward to both of those events now”

It will be recalled that Governor Uduaghan of Delta State had last year, announced a three year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has sympathized with the worshippers of the Young Peoples Christian Fellowship at 8, Eziukwu Road, Aba, who became unconscious as a result of the inhalation of carbon monoxide poison from a generator set packed inside the church.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji said since the sad news was broken to him that he had been praying fervently for their quick recovery.

Governor Orji who expressed happiness over the prompt treatment given to victims to save their lives by some good Samaritans including medical experts, implored Abians to continue to be their brother’s keeper.

He said what the affected worshippers need most is our prayers to enable them recuperate fast adding that God Almighty who they had gone to seek His face would give them divine healing.

The governor also frowned at the unprofessional way a local radio station reported that 39 worshippers were confirmed dead in the incident.

He implored journalists to verify the source of their news before going ahead to feed the general public with such news, regretting that the said report from the local radio station caused panic in the entire state.

Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals based outside the State have been enjoined to take a critical look at the banking industry so that they can assist in establishing state- owned financial institution.

Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals based outside the State have been enjoined to take a critical look at the banking industry so that they can assist in establishing state- owned financial institution.

Governor Godswill Akpabio who made the call Friday when Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals, Lagos led by Mr. Udeme Ufot paid a courtesy call to him at Government House, Uyo, hinted that the Cooperative Development Bank earlier owned by the State government was acquired as a result of the banking reforms.

Akpabio further called on the professionals to assist government in the industrialization of the State, pledging “Professionals would be given responsibility irrespective of their political affiliation”.

Other area he wants the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to venture into was the establishment of a newspaper where they can tell their stories and have a voice in the country, saying the best thing the State government has done in the last seven years was to move the State forward by providing infrastructural foundation.

The Governor, who described the visit of Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the State as a glorious return, said the avalanche of criticisms of government from the professionals some years ago have gingered the administration to complete numerous projects adjudged today as world class.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Ufot, who commended Governor Akpabio for the quality of infrastructure provided in the State, explained that for the sustenance of the Uncommon Transformation of the State, some who has the required credentials should be the right successor to the Governor.

Mr. Ufot pledged the support of the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the Akpabio administration and appreciated the Governor for giving three of the Professionals opportunity to serve in the State.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Godswill has flayed media reports in the press and online insinuating that he said he will kill Governorship aspirants.

Reacting to the reports which he described as another smear campaign by traducers, through his Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, Chief Akpabio flayed comments made by the Nigeria Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam SAN, in a letter to the Secretary to Government, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Governor Akpabio stated that as a Christian, Chief Assam should ordinarily know that his use of the rebellious son of king David, Absalom, was merely an illustration to caution his political sons who are manifesting rebellious spirit, observing that, this was a fatherly warning to his political sons, who are following the bad example of Absalom with no malice.

Chief Akpabio regretted that, Chief Assam would resort to a deliberate misrepresentation of his comments during the Ground Breaking ceremony for the Permanent PDP Secretariat, pointing out that, he did so out of mischief and to score cheap political points.

The Governor added that, every Bible student is well aware that King David neither ordered nor planned to kill Absalom even though he grieved over the rebellion of his son.

Governor Akpabio also opined that, Chief Assam who occupies the high office of Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to, in his words, “… exercise restraint, decorum and high sense of responsibility in his conduct at all times.”

While reiterating his commitment to a peaceful transition, Governor Akpabio expressed confidence that, God will answer the collective prayers of the people o Akwa Ibom State for His will to be done again in 2015.

He subsequently advised politicians to engage in constructive ideas, which is what will build society and desist from destructive machinations, inciting the people to disaffection, fanning the embers of disunity and strife with a view to curry favour and advance selfish or narrow political objectives.

Chief Akpabio further charged those who feel they have what it takes to step forward and run in 2015.

He also pointed out that, smearing the name of the governor and attacking him on pages of newspaper and on the internet will do little or nothing to help any aspirant’s fortune.

Chief Akpabio who drummed support for President Goodluck Jonathan enjoined the people to be vigilant and watchful so as not to be deceived or hoodwinked by the antics of desperate politicians.

Wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has said that most of Nigeria’s social problems are traceable to the loss of moral values at the family level.

The governor’s wife was speaking to executive members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) when they paid a courtesy visit to her on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Government House, Uyo.

“Some of the challenges we are facing as a country today is because we have lost our family values” she said. “We have neglected our children for too long, that is why they sometimes rebel. I believe that God is not happy with us as mothers because we indulge our children too much. Every problem should not be on the head of the president. We have to do our own part as mothers, wives and sisters at home. We must not forget that when the family is not stable, the society cannot be stable.”

She commended NAOWA for their interest in the welfare of their members who had lost their husbands to wars and the ongoing insurgency in the country and urged them to always protect the welfare of widows in their midst. She however identified with their noble charity service to widows and vulnerable children saying she is always passionate about issues concerning the vulnerable groups in the nation because of her experience with such.

She reminded members of the delegation that charity begins at home and urged each one of them to look within their families and communities for people in need whom they could assist at an individual level. Mrs. Akpabio also enjoined the group to always pray for our leaders, especially the President and the security forces who are sacrificing a lot to protect our lives and property. Mrs. Akpabio donated the sum of two million naira and 100 wrappers to the association in support of their efforts to rehabilitate widows of fallen heroes.

Speaking earlier, the wife of the Chief of Army Staff and National President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Mrs. Felly Minimah, commended the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, on her exemplary commitment to widows and other vulnerable persons in the state.

Minimah said NAOWA was on a tour of military formations around the country to visit and empower widows and children of fallen heroes, adding that they had found it fit to extend a hand of partnership to the governor’s wife because of her proven commitment to empowering widows and vulnerable children, expressing the group’s hope that she would lend a helping hand to victims of insurgency in the country. She also commended the state governor for his unflinching support to the Nigerian army and thanked Mrs. Akpabio for her generous support to the Association.

Also present at the event were the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Lady Ime Udo Kerian, wife of the secretary to state government, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, wife of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Ann Enoidem, Wife of the Special Adviser, Bureau of Technical Matters Mrs. Nse Etido Inyang and Chairman Okobo LGA, Princess Felicia Bassey.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has condemned the recent bomb blasts in Kaduna which claimed the lives of over 100 people.

He also thanked God for saving the lives of the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who narrowly escaped being killed in the bomb blasts which occurred at Alkali Road and Kawo area of Kaduna metropolis.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji who said that he was devastated by the news of the twin blasts, described the act as devilish and barbaric.

The governor who condoled with his Kaduna State counterpart, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, families of the dead and the injured on the recent terror attacks in Kaduna masterminded by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, asked the Federal Government to stop at nothing in making sure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice at the end of the day.

The Governor, who asked Nigerian not to live fear over the growing rate of insurgency, maintained that the security agencies in the country have the adequate manpower and equipment to contain insurgency and terrorism in the country.

Governor Orji, who called on Nigerians to be very conscious of their environment, implored them to report suspicious any movement within their domain to the Police and other law enforcement agencies for quick action to be taken before it’s too late.

He said that Nigeria would come out of the present security challenges more united more than ever before.

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described as exemplary the working relationship between Chevron Nigeria Limited, government and its host communities.

Speaking when the outgoing Chairman/Managing Director, of Chevron, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop paid him a farewell courtesy call at the Government House annex, Warri, Dr Uduaghan stated that the oil prospecting company had a good working relationship with government and its host communities.

He therefore recommended the Chevron’s template of memoranda of understanding with the government and host communities to other oil majors and corporate organizations.

Governor Uduaghan described the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) project as a clear example of Delta State being safe for investment, noting that it succeeded largely because of good understanding between Chevron and government as well as between Chevron and its host communities.

“I have always recommended the good working relationship between Chevron and government and with its host communities as a yardstick for other companies to operate effortlessly,” the governor said, adding: “We achieved results with Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) because of the approach of Chevron.”

He emphasised that the state was very safe for investment asserting: “Any investment you make here will succeed.”

The governor described Mr Fawthrop as a good administrator.

“For us, it is sad that you are living, but, you deserve the rest,” Dr Uduaghan said, adding, “on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State I say a big thank you for the relationship between Chevron and government and between Chevron and the host communities.”

Earlier, Mr. Fawthrop said he was retiring based on his age and thanked Governor Uduaghan for creating an enabling environment for business activities to thrive.

While saying that he enjoyed personal relationship with the governor, Mr. Fawthrop stated that the governor brought innovation to the act of governance.

Fawthrop, a 1973 graduate of Geology and Chemistry from the University of London with a Master’s degree in Marine Earth Science, joined Chevron Corporation in 1977 as a Geophysicist.

Fawthrop has put in over 36 years in Chevron’s Upstream and Commercial operations, and has held numerous technical and management positions of increasing responsibility around the world, is retiring as the Chairman/Managing Director of Chevron.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said athletes from the state would do Nigeria proud at the on-going Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland.

The Governor stated this at the Warri Township Stadium Warri, while speaking at the 6th Chief of the Naval Staff Swimming Championship organised by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy and the Delta State government.

According to the Governor, the former Military Administrator of Bendel State, General Samuel Ogbemudia set the pace for Delta and Edo State to emerge victorious in sporting contests, disclosing that swimming is one competition that Deltans has won laurels for the country.

Governor Uduaghan who also, commissioned the Olympic Size Swimming Pool before the commencement of the championship said, “swimming for us is very important, we have been winning in all the swimming competitions.’

“We discover the swimmers at their different communities, take them to the swimming stretch at Obiaruku before we bring them to the swimming pools for more exposure,” the Governor said, adding, “we have one Olympic Size Swimming Pool at the Oghara Stadium and very soon, we will commission the one at Asaba so that, we can have three standard swimming pools in Delta State.”

Continuing, he said, “for us as a state, we take sports seriously, we invest in sports because it makes a lot of people to be positively engaged, General Ogbemudia is the god-father of sports in Delta and Edo States, what we are doing now is a continuation of the legacy of Ogbemudia and I am very confident that Deltans who are participating in the Commonwealth Games will do Nigerians proud.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Pinnick Amaju thanked Governor Uduaghan for his interest in sports development, noting that Delta State has remained the number one state of the federation due to the Governor’s commitment to sports development.

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the death of Mr. Moses Solomon as one of the losses in human lives that the nation has witnessed as a result of the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Dr Uduaghan who was speaking when he paid a condolence visit on the Commissioner for Works in Delta State, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, elder brother to the deceased in Warri, said it was important for the NMA to call off the strike action while the Federal Government look at the issues at stake.

Late Moses Solomon a civil servant in the Delta State Civil Service died at the age of 49 year.

According to the Governor, the death of Mr. Solomon was a sad reminder of the number of people who are dying as a result of the NMA strike action, stressing that some of the deaths were avoidable if the Doctors were to be on duty.

“The circumstance behind his death is part of the reasons we are appealing to my professional colleagues (you know I am a medical doctor) to suspend the strike. If Doctors were not on strike, it is possible he would have been alive, because we are losing lives unnecessarily as a result of the strike,” Dr Uduaghan said, adding: “We know there are challenges and a lot is been done to deal with them.”

Furthermore, he said, “a life that is lost cannot be recovered, so, I appeal to them (Doctors) to suspend this strike while government deals with the issues because to me, this is one loss as a result of the strike action.”

He commiserated with the families of Hon. Solomon saying, “on behalf of my family and the people of Delta State, we express our condolences on the death of your younger brother.”

“In life, we pray to live till old age but, it is only God that knows why your brother left at such age because, even your mother is still looking young, we cannot question God, it has happened,” he said, adding, “Mama is there, his children are there and we pray that God will give all of you the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Responding, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon thanked Governor Uduaghan for being in the vanguard for Doctors to call of strike noting that private hospitals do not have enough space for the sick.

He also, thanked the governor for identifying with the family in their period of grief and pledged to continue to work for the governor to finish strong in 2015.

Blank NEWS Online can report that the embattled President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),

has been impeached, through eight votes to five of the 13-man Executive Committee.

Maigari’s impeachment came shortly after members of the NFF reconvened to review Nigeria’s participation at the just concluded World Cup in Brazil.

Chief Mike Umeh ( 1st Vice President) has been asked to act as NFF President, pending a fresh election in August.

A communiqué issued by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Muazu Suleyman and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Thursday, 24th July, 2014 to review situation after the vacation of Court Injunction as well as the resultant lifting of suspension by FIFA, and resolved as follows:

1) The Committee expressed deep and very sincere appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR as a person, and the Federal Government as a body, for massive and continued support to the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams.

2) After thorough and exhaustive deliberations on the uncalled-for secrecy surrounding all financial dealings of the Federation and failure to call meeting of the Executive Committee for the past eight (8) months, during which so many weighty decisions on Nigeria football had been taken by a small cabal within the Board, the Executive Committee passed a vote of no confidence on the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

3) In view of the above, the Committee approved the immediate dismissal of Alhaji Aminu Maigari, from the NFF Executive Committee on grounds of financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration.

4) The Committee resolved to mandate the 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh as Acting President, to preside over the affairs of the Federation, pending the composition of the new NFF Executive Committee after the elections of Tuesday, 26th August, 2014.

5) The Executive Committee commended world football –governing body, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for its keen interest in the development of Nigeria football and pledged that the country will continue to abide by the dictates of FIFA and CAF Statutes and the FIFA –approved NFF Statutes.

6) Executive Committee thanked Nigerians from far and near for their patience and understanding during the crisis period and reiterated that concerted efforts are geared towards the development of football in Nigeria.

IN ATTENDANCE: Alh. Aminu Maigari (President); Chief Mike Umeh (Vice President); Chief Emeka Inyama (Member); Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member); Alh. Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member); Chief Effiong Johnson (Member); Barr. Christopher Green (Member); Hon. Shehu Adamu (Member); Alh. Muazu Suleyman (Member); Mr. Ayodeji Tinubu (Member); Alh. Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member). Secretary, Musa Amadu, also in attendance.

Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, has won a competitive process to provide currency benchmarks for three of Africa’s most vibrant and dynamic economies – Kenya, Ghana and Zambia.

Starting this week, Thomson Reuters Benchmark Services Ltd will operate currency benchmarks for the Kenyan shilling, Ghanaian cedi and Zambian kwacha, beginning a process which will see the benchmarks move from a manual telephone-based system to a state-of-the-art automated analysis, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the rates.

“These three global-standard benchmarks are integral to the development of three of Africa’s most exciting economies,” said Sneha Shah, head of Financial & Risk, Africa, Thomson Reuters. “Kenya is the major trading hub for east Africa, Ghana is growing in the west and Zambia is a country to watch in the south with exciting developments in its commodities and derivatives markets.

“Of the key benchmarks globally for which we are the official calculator, 22 are on the African continent. Now there are 25, contributing to the seamless and efficient flow of currencies among the African countries and their global trading partners.”

One hundred days of the abduction of students of Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect was marked by the Delta State Government with a solemn assembly where prayers were offered for their safe release.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at whose instance the service was held at the Government House Annex, Warri on Tuesday, July22, 2014 used the occasion to call for prayers against drum beats of war in the country.

Dr Uduaghan cautioned against acts and utterances that have the potential to plunge the country into crisis and war, warning that war in Nigeria could throw the entire West Africa region into serious humanitarian crisis.

“What we should not do is to politicise what is happening in the country today because if there is crisis in Nigeria, a country of more than one hundred and fifty million people, it will affect the whole of West Africa. We must never pray for war, we must never encourage those who are at war against us,” Dr Uduaghan said.

He decried some reactions trailing activities of Boko Haram sect noting, “Nigeria is a place where almost everybody is an expert in every field. Please, we should manage our expertise in the best way to check Boko Haram.”

The Governor urged Nigerians to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan, stating, “You might not understand what it means to be in leadership position in the time of crisis until you are in such position.”

“We should always use Psalm 23 to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan and we should ask, Boko Haram, what do they want?” the Governor Uduaghan said.

Revd. Justin Okoroji in a sermon called for prayers for peace by Nigerians rather than criticism, adding that with humility of heart by the citizenry, God would hear their prayers and the abducted Chibok girls would be released.

“The government of Nigeria should do everything to check unguarded and inciting utterances,” Revd. Okoroji said, adding, “God is interested in the peace of this nation and today we call on God to liberate these girls, we call on God to liberate our nation.”

At the Solemn Assembly which was attended by the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Senators, members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, politicians and the general public, prayers were offered for Nigeria, Delta State, President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and for the speedy release of the abducted girls.

Nigerians have been advised to persevere in prayer for the safety of the Chibok girls and for divine guidance for President Goodluck Jonathan and the armed forces as they work to secure their release.

The call was made by the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio at a solemn assembly organised by the state government to mark 100 days after the abduction of more than 250 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

Addressing a group of girls who attended the prayer session from various schools across the state, the governor’s wife said: “Just thinking about them and their situation brings tears to our eyes. They are young people like you and I know as innocent children, God will hear your prayers and bring your friends back to their parents.

“It is a difficult time for our nation. We must persevere in prayer for the safety of those young girls. But we must not also stop praying for Mr. President and our security agencies, for God to give them the courage and wisdom they need to deal with this challenge. Only God can reward the wonderful, self-sacrificing work of our security forces. We must keep praying for them, because if we stop praying for them they will make mistakes.”

The governor’s wife also used the occasion to warn the school children to be on guard against child trafficking and baby factory syndicates who specialise in abducting or enticing young girls with gifts only to lure them into prostitution and baby factories where they are forced to have babies who are later sold.

She advised the children to take full advantage of the state’s free education programme and to watch out for predators whose aim is to truncate their education and ruin their future.

“I will give all of you my phone number after this event. Call me directly any time you feel you are in trouble or if anyone tries to take advantage of you” she told the children.

The event which featured prayer, benediction and praise sessions was attended by the state’s Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe, the Secretary to the State Government, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, members of the state executive council and girls from some secondary schools in the state.

The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, has appealed to parents and guardians to always accompany their children to school and church, as a way of creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Mrs Akpabio made the call on Sunday at the General Headquarters of Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, in Etim Ekpo local government area, as part of her senstization visit to churches in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun, to campaign for the protection of the rights of the child.

Describing children as the greatest assets of any nation, she said when a child is protected, the future of a nation is also protected.

According to her, children cannot be expected to take full responsibility of their safety, hence, those looking after them, must keep a close watch on children, and those that come in contact with them, as some pepertrators of child abuse could either be family members or friends.

Mrs Akpabio reminded parents that just as it was important for them to make money, it was equally imperative to pay adequate attention to the welfare of their chidren, by spending quality time with their kids at home.

She expressed commitment to fight for the rights of children, in every nook and cranny of the State, as well as ensure that perpetrators of child abuse, including trafficking, labour and theft are made to face the full weight of the law.

As part of her contribution to the development of the church, the Governor’s wife donated two million naira to the Christ Faith Church.

The wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, who accompanied the first Lady, commended Governor Akpabio, for his holistic approach to the protection of children in Akwa Ibom State, by signing the Child Rights Law.

She called on parents to inculcate moral values in their children, so that they can become responsible citizens in their families and communities.

From the Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, Mrs Akpabio and her entourage went to Qua Iboe Church, Ikpe Attai also in Etim Ekpo, where she led the congregation in singing praises to God, after prayer were offered for the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Governor and his wife, as well as for peace and stability in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

For the members of the Church, 20th of July, 2014, would remain evergreen in their memory, as the visit by the First Lady, was the first of its kind.

The Church Secretary, Elder Okon Udo, while describing Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio as a caring mother, appreciated her, especially for supporting the church with five hundred thousand naira.

The last port of call for the Governor’s wife was the Area Headquarters of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Ikot Akpan Nkuk in Ukanafun local government, where she donated one million naira for the completion of the church building project.

Apart from the cash donations, Mrs Akpabio also presented financial support and wrappers to women and widows, in all the churches she visited.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet and her counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Dr. Glory Edet, were among government officials, who also accompanied the First Lady on the visit.

A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on a training mission, on Monday July 21, 2014 crashed due to technical fault at a location South of Bama, Borno state.

A statement from the Defence Headquarters, signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade and made available to Blank NEWS Online had revealed.

The statement read:

“A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on a training mission this afternoon, crashed due to technical fault at a location South of Bama. Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident.

“Meanwhile, it is established that the crash is not as a result of any enemy action. Further details on the crash will be made known as soon as the investigation is progresses.

“You are please requested to disseminate this information through your mass medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual cooperation.”

Blank NEWS Online can disclose that Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, has this morning in Austria, passed on at the age of 76.

Rilwanu Lukman was born in Zaria, Kaduna State on August 26, 1933.

Nigerian president late Umaru Yar’Adua appointed him a Minister on 18 December 2008 an left office on 17 March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

He served as Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from January 01, 1995 to December 18, 2000 and has held several ministerial positions in the Nigerian Federal government.

He trained as a mining engineer at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Zaria (now Ahmadu Bello University), and then at Imperial College, London. He earned a higher degree in mining engineering from the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Leoben, Austria (1967–1968).

After returning to Nigeria, Lukman was appointed an Inspector of Mines, later Senior Inspector and then Acting Assistant Chief Inspector in the Federal Ministry of Mines & Power in Jos, Plateau State (1964–1970).

‎Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has asked newly elected executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to brace up to defend the country’s democracy and uphold the rule of law.

In a congratulatory statement issued in Lagos by Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, the Governor noted that the election of the new NBA executive took place at a time when men of goodwill must be ready to ward off threats to Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

“There is no doubt that forces of evil in the form of terrorists and unpatriotic politicians are congregating against our democracy and seeking to destroy the nation. The election of the new NBA leadership was therefore coming at a time when good men must stand up to resist their ominous desire to decimate the country”, he said.

Uduaghan particularly congratulated the new NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) for his overwhelming victory during the election, a feat, he says, demonstrates the wide acceptance of the executive across the country.

The governor therefore asked the new President to use his wide‎ acceptance to galvanise lawyers for the enthronement of the rule of law at all levels, warning that a lethargic or divided NBA was likely to pose great danger to the polity.

In this season of politicking as the nation gears up for the 2015 general elections politicians would characteristically employ every imaginable method to achieve their goals. There would be kite flying, innuendoes, intrigues, blackmails, false allegations and even blatant lies. To this category of persons, especially the most desperate of the desperadoes, the end justifies the means hence nothing is sacrosanct so long as it would feather their nests. This brand of politics is not only played in the field but also in the media. It suffused in a fictitious day dreaming article passed off as news story entitled ‘2015: Orji’s selection panel creates crisis in Abia PDP’ published in the Daily Newswatch edition of Thursday, July 17, 2014, page 9.

We, the united family of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State are utterly appalled and exasperated over this satanic piece of irresponsible journalism. Maxwell Oditta, who wrote the so called story threw every journalistic ethics to the wind and dwelt on fiction, concoction and blatant lies to achieve the goal of the sponsor of the ill-fated story. It was dead even before it was put to bed. That was why Oditta in his desperation to satisfy the whims of the person who used him to plant the fiction started by committing a grievous error of facts. He wrote in the very first paragraph that “barely 48 hours after the Abia State Commissioner for information died of gun shot wounds from unknown assassins; there is growing disquiet in the state not associated with Ken Nwosu’s death.” Oditta, the journalist could not grasp the facts of an unfortunate incident that left the people of Abia in mourning mood. For his information, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, is hale and hearty. It is his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Kenneth Nwosu that passed on following attack by evil doers. That suffices for a journalist who does not crosscheck his fact before rushing to the press.

To put the records straight, the Governor of Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji has not set up any committee for the purpose of choosing the next governor. He is a democrat and has never arrogated to himself the autocratic power of lording it over others. Our amiable Governor has said it publicly for the umpteenth time that he would not dictate to the state the person that would succeed him. For this reason, he has maintained that only God and the party would decide the governorship candidate of the PDP in Abia. He has not reneged on this solemn promise. Governor T.A. Orji neither prevaricates nor equivocates. He is a man of his words and we don’t have any reason to doubt him. The party leadership in Abia would in due course set in motion the process of choosing the person to carry the party flag in 2015 through the party primary. We don’t know of any selection committee. It does not exist in Abia. It only exists in the dubious imagination of Oditta and the person who used him to plant the story in Daily Newswatch.

The reporter’s desperation railroaded him to link notable Abia PDP elders to his non-existing selection committee. Obviously, he was hell bent on making his concoction palatable. But it didn’t jell. The fiction writer failed to recognize the democratic credentials of the people he disrespectfully mentioned their names in his fallacious story. He should have known that Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, whom he branded as the chairman of the selection committee, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, and Senator Ike Nwachukwu are not the run of the mill politicians. These respected Abians and other mentioned as members of the fictitious committee are men of integrity who will not lend themselves to be used as tools to achieve any sinister political objective.

Oditta regaled his readers with quotes from fictitious “sources” that supplied him with what happened at a meeting that never took place. The recourse to hide under fictitious sources is the trademark of mischievous journalists like Oditta. It’s all part of adding seasoning to his fallacious concoction. What a pity for a writer who strives hard to pass a work of fiction as a factual work. It doesn’t work out that way and it leaves the floundering in self-pity. It would do the nation a lot of good if journalists could separate facts from fiction. They need to be circumspect in accepting to do the bidding of desperate politicians, who are wont to use them to plant stories to damage their opponents.

Let it be known that Abia State PDP is strong, peaceful and united. The party owes its strength to the exemplary leadership of Governor T.A. Orji. It was our governor, who through his inclusive leadership style, humility, believe in equity and fairness brought together all the disparate tendencies in the party. We make bold to say that today Abia PDP is the most peaceful in the country. There is no “disquiet” in the party and our high flying Governor has done nothing to create such situation as purported by the pedestrian journalist that goes by the name of Maxwell Oditta. If only he knows the man in charge of God’s Own State he would have known that Chief T.A. Orji is not one to pull down the house he has built. Not even for any political expedient would he drag the party into crisis. If that is the wish of Oditta and his sponsor it would never come to pass. The PDP would remain strong and united as we march on to yet another resounding victory in Abia State come 2015.

We therefore assure all Abians that the Abia PDP as a party of democrats, led by the Icon of Democracy, Chief T.A. Orji would ensure that the success process is rancor free and conducted in accordance with democratic principles. We understand that as a party of Abia people the PDP is held in high esteem and there is equally high expectation from Abia people that the party would by popular choice give them a fitting successor to Governor Orji. Abians want a person who would continue the legacy of unprecedented development that the Ochendo era has brought to Abia. The PDP would not disappoint the people. Democratic principles would be our guiding principle in the choice of our gubernatorial candidate as well as candidates for other elective positions in Abia. There will be level playing field for every aspirant.

Long Live His Excellency, Sir T. A. Orji (Ochendo)
Long Live PDP
Long Live Abia State

Signed:
Hon. Chief Ogbuka Uchechi (JP)
State Publicity Secretary

The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has on Friday, 18 July 2014, lifted the suspension that was imposed on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 9 July 2014 on account of interference.

FIFA has noted that the court proceedings and order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football that prompted the suspension have been withdrawn.

As statutory order has been reinstated at the NFF and the legitimate bodies reinstalled, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension as of today, Friday 18 July 2014.

The lifting of the suspension means that all rights of the NFF as a FIFA member as defined in article 12 of the FIFA Statutes are reinstated.

*Courtesy: African Press Organization (APO)

Delta State has been assured of support by stakeholders including United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) in its strive for investment components of its Delta Beyond Oil policy which seeks to exploit non oil resources for economic empowerment of the people.

They gave the assurance Thursday, when the Governor of the State Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan gave a detailed presentation of the State’s export potentials, to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja.

Explaining efforts aimed at encouraging small and medium scale entrepreneurs to produce and export goods and services as well as attract funding to them, Uduaghan said a conducive atmosphere awaited prospective investors adding that the presentation tagged “Dialogue on Delta Beyond Oil was for Delta State to partner with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

The Governor said he has intensified efforts to expand industrialization in Delta State, taking advantage of support of local and international development organizations particularly the United Nations Industrial development organization, UNIDO and the World Bank.

Governor Uduaghan stated that Delta State had been exporting non – oil products to drive development and youth empowerment stressing that investors were needed to explore the development of exportable products including solid minerals.

The State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, who is also the Chairman of the Delta State Economic Planning Management Team, Chief Kenneth Okpara also made a detail presentation of the State’s economic growth and efforts to attract investors and promote export.

According to him, Delta State recorded an impressive eight point five (8.5% ) economic growth last year, a feat he noted was achieved through Governor Uduaghan’s astute management of resources.

He said government had encouraged industrialization through the support of the World Bank and the Bank of Industry as well as the recruitment of technocrats to achieve professionalism particularly in the management of human capital resources.

Chief Okpara appealed for support in developing solid mineral resources, technical expertise in products processing and standardization training and participation in export production village’s activities.

The UNIDO Country Representative, Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Kormawa noted Delta State’s commitment to their partnership which has promoted industrialization particularly in the growth of leather and shoe making enterprises.

He commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the Delta Beyond Oil Vision and pledged his support.

In her contribution the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Saratu Umar pledged the support of her organization in attracting foreign direct investment to Delta State.

The Director of Project Development, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Henry Otowo in a presentation on non-oil Export potentials and opportunities in Delta State advised Delta State to setup its committee on export promotion and identify the product it has comparative advantage as well as export production village for palm oil and its derivatives.

Mr. Otowo applauded governor Uduaghan for being the first governor in the country to look beyond oil for her economic development.

He advised that the Delta State Micro- Credit Programme operational scope be expanded to include functional export cooperative adding that the abundant entertainment on the tourism potentials of the State be developed for export.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Mr. Olusegun Awolowo said Delta State’s development of non – oil resources and provision of infrastructure to attract investors was in consonance with his organization’s vision of promoting the development and export of non –oil resources,.

He urged Delta State to conduct supply based study of her exportable products.

Highlight of the occasion, was the presentation of some of the state’s exportable products including plantain flour, food spices and hand woven akwa –ocha clothes to the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, by the State Governor.

A frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Godwill Obielum, has said his desire to be the next Governor is to render selfless service to Deltans.

Obielum made the declaration while addressing Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths and PDP Stakeholders at the Oshimili South PDP secretariat, Asaba.

“I intend to run for the governorship position as a true representative of the people, thereby taking Delta State to the next level,” he said, adding, “we believe that we will build on successes recorded by previous administrations, explore new areas of development in other to attain greater heights for Deltans.”

He noted that the grammar of politics is hollow without the people and as such, his desire to becoming the governor come 2015 is hinged on total cooperation and support of all Deltans.

“I will work for the interest of Deltans to enable us achieve our collective dream of building a greater, virile and better developed state to the benefit of all Deltans and to the glory of God.”

Speaking at the occasion, the PDP, Oshimili South local government Chairman, Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezia, commended the efforts of the governorship aspirant, describing him as a man who can be trusted, who listens to the aspirations and yearnings of the people, a true Deltan who does not discriminate and sees the whole of Delta as one big family.

He said, “evidence of Chief Obielum’s works through the Obielum Foundation are very visible, he is a honest and accessible person, and that is the reason for the support he is getting from all Deltans, God willing just as his name implies, he will be our next Governor in 2015.”

“The simple plea of Chief Obielum is that we support him to be our next Governor, you have heard from him, so let us support him,” he added.

The Chairman of the Elders and Leaders Council in the local government, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka and others who spoke at the occasion lauded Chief Obielum’s ability to govern Delta State.

According to Chief Eluaka, ” Chief Obielum is a household name in Delta state, he is a distinguished Deltan and we are happy that he is contesting, we will support him, and we are praying for him to win.”

In a related development, the people in different communities and groups Chief Obielum had visited were happy that Chief Obielum is in the race for the governorship seat citing his wealth of experience in security matters, a detribalised Deltan and his concern for youth and women empowerment, developmental initiatives, among others.

A PDP chieftain in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State, Chief Benard Edewor thanked Chief Obielum for his wide consultations, peaceful and matured way he is relating with the people, stating that it is a proof that he will make a good governor.

According to him, Chief Obielum’s visit to Ethiope East and other parts of Delta State has distinguished the gubernatorial aspirant as a grassroots politician who believes in the people.

He emphasised that Chief Obielum has an enviable track record and is in a position to take Delta State to lofty heights while another PDP leader in the state, Hon. Cairo Ojougboh described Chief Obielum as a very popular, and credible person to occupy Government House, Asaba in 2015.

Hon. Ojougboh who spoke when Chief Obielum visited Elders, Leaders, Women, Youths and stakeholders of the PDP in Ika South local government area of the state, urged Chief Obielum to continue with his consultation visits and not to relent in his quest to govern Delta State in 2015.

At all the places visited, Chief Obielum thanked the people for their support and assured them that their interest will be well represented when he emerges as governor.