The Delta state government has responded sharply to media reports, which alleged that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Rivers state counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi walked out of the South-South Special Zonal Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
A statement signed by Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Monday, March 18, 2013 described the said publication as absolutely untrue, saying that the meeting which was called at the instance of the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga was devoid of any disagreement to elicit a walk.

The Statement Reads:

“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to reports in sections of the press on the outcome of the South-South Special Zonal Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and presided over by the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“Some newspapers, notably The Punch, Daily Champion, People’s Daily and Daily Newswatch reported that the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, walked out of the meeting alongside the host governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. This is absolutely untrue.

“On arrival in Port Harcourt, Dr. Uduaghan had informed Alhaji Tukur of his desire to return to Asaba same day. Given that Asaba Airport closes to air traffic by 5pm, the Governor had sought the permission of the chairman to exit the meeting whenever it gets to the threshold of arriving Asaba Airport ahead of its closure to air traffic.

“Alhaji Tukur had graciously agreed to let Governor Uduaghan leave to enable him return to Asaba on time. When eventually it was time to leave for the return flight to Asaba, Dr. Uduaghan again notified the chairman who wished him a safe flight.

“Governor Amaechi, as the host governor, had to see Dr. Uduaghan off.

“At no time was there any disagreement to elicit a walk out by anybody. Alhaji Tukur had conducted the meeting in an atmosphere of candour and camaraderie and before Dr. Uduaghan left the meeting, all the parties present had addressed the meeting.”

The statement further recalled that while “speaking earlier at the meeting, Governor Uduaghan had advised that whatever differences members of the party may have, they should come together in the interest of the party.

“He (Governor Uduaghan) also called on the leadership of the PDP to endeavour to empower its members to engender greater commitment towards strengthening the party.

“He said alongside providing requisite infrastructure and a clement environment for businesses to grow, the leadership should evolve measures to empower the party’s faithful.

“He commended the leadership of the party, especially the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for his commitment to foster unity in the party, observing that the Governors who emerged on the PDP platform in the South South zone were delivering practical dividends of democracy to the people.

“Dr. Uduaghan noted that apart from the provision of infrastructure, it was also important for the electorate to be empowered, asserting that “we are committed to ensuring that the PDP will continue to have its stronghold in the South South”.

“Also speaking on behalf of Chairmen of the PDP in different states in the zone, the Delta State Chairman of the party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, thanked Alhaji Tukur for playing a fatherly role for the party, noting that the PDP will always emerge victorious in elections.

“The Governor of Delta State is a loyal member of the PDP and holds the office and person of the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Tukur in high esteem.

“We want to assume that the journalists who misrepresented the events may have genuinely misunderstood the early departure of Governor Uduaghan who was accompanied to the airport by Governor Amaechi.

“However, to have reached a serious conclusion as their reports did in stating that the two governors walked out of the meeting required more diligence.  It is obvious that no official from any state could have suggested such interpretation to the press as no such thing happened. In effect, it is important that arm chair interpretations must be eschewed by the press in reporting events of national significance.

“As every other political group, the PDP also has challenges to contend with. But has been the hallmark of the party, every issue is always resolved amicably.

“Governor Uduaghan is a leader that has distinguished himself in the exercise of democratic principles and will never engage in acts that do not bind or unite. Besides, a platform was, in the spirit of reconciliation and progress of the party, provided for all to air their views”, the statement dated March 18, 2013 affirmed.

The Comptroller General of Nigerian Prison Service, Mr. Zakari Ibrahim, has charge officers and men of the Nigerian Prison not to be deterred by what befell their colleagues at the Warri Prison, saying that it was part of the hazards of the job.

He said security agencies are on the trail of the four inmates that left with the kidnap gang (attackers), assuring that the service will remain pro-active in the discharge of the statutory responsibilities in spite of the fact that some of these challenges come up unexpectedly.
Mr. Ibrahim made the observation at a private hospital in Warri where he visited one of the warders that sustained injury during last Wednesday attack on the prison wardens by daredevil kidnap gang.

He was at the hospital to see for himself the degree of injury meted out on his men, shortly after visiting the Warri Prisons on Friday.

“In the first place, these are part of the challenges especially when it comes to security work. Immediately you put on uniform you have put on the uniform to serve this country and we are also praying always for God to help us as we continue to put our lives in danger. But you know when we have this type of incident so many people will be touched.

“Like the family for example, I have just gone to visit the family of the deceased man and the wife was just telling me that the responsibility that rest on her came without notice, the children, the school and what have you. But we thank God that some of the staff were spared and I have come to visit one of the staff here in the hospital. And for those who lost their beloved ones, we pray that God will continue to console them, God will continue to give them the comfort, God will continue to cover the gap.

“On our own part the government have also made some provisions for this type of situation and we are going to tap on this situation so that the benefits that accrued will be paid quickly. We also want to encourage the staff for performing their duties because many people before us have laid their lives for this country. And we too we are in the process of working to ensure that this country will develop and move forward. In the course of this there will be accidents such as this.

“It is our prayer also that those who are responsible for this may have a change of mind.
Going about killing people is not a good thing and we want to believe too that law is there. For those who are contemplating on joining these type of people, it does not pay. And for those who are in it, we are praying that they should change their mind and change for the better”, the Prisons boss said.

Ibrahim explained that although the Prisons is proactive, there could be still be shortfalls during some challenges.

“Can you tell me any organization that does not experience this type of incidents. All over the world, even the army, police and what have you, things like these happen. You know that society is dynamic and whenever things like this happen, we go back to the drawing board and try to re-strategize.”

While confirming the number of inmates released and efforts being made to re-arrest those at large, he said “Out of eight, for are already around and four are still at large. But like I tell you, investigation going on with the police and other security agents effort are on to ensure that the rest are apprehended.

“A lot of things are taken into consideration,like the distance and the number of people you are taking and since the court was just 200 kilometers away, the security arrangement was adequate. We have seven of our men taking nine inmates to court which I think was adequate considering the distance but it is just that it was just unfortunate. There are times that we ask for their help when it is considered necessary and they have been obliging.”

The much talked about reconstruction of a second Niger Bridge would start very soon, just as the Minister of Works,Arc. Mike Onolememen and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State have met to resolve grey issues ahead of the take-off of the project execution.

The Minister disclosed during a courtesy call on Governor Uduaghan on Friday, March 2013 in Asaba, that work on the bridge would start shortly, saying that the contract for the construction of the bridge has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.

Onolememen explained that the 40 Kilometre six-lane approach roads and bridge would link the Onitsha- Owerri and Onitsha-Enugu dual carriage roads without passing through the ever busy Onitsha Town.

he revealed that Julius Berger would soon commence the preliminary processes that would lead to the construction of the bridge and called for co-operation from the state government and other stakeholders to facilitate the removal of impediments that would affect the early completion of the project.

Requesting the Delta State Government to facilitate the acquisition of land and ‘ Right of Way’ for the project,  he said construction work would be delayed unless the State Government promptly intervene  in this process.

“We are here today (Friday, 15/03/13) to seek your co-operation with the contracting firm, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd in the acquisition of “Right of Way’ and Land for the project and to help remove all encumbrances that will delay the early construction of the project.”

Promising that the new bridge when completed would link the South-East and South-South States, the Minister disclosed that the bridge would promote the socio economic development of the two geo-political zones and develop the frontiers of Asaba and Onitsha.

In his remarks, Governor Uduaghan said the award of the Second Niger Bridge contract was a welcomed development as it will reduce tension and traffic hazards in the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the old bridge especially during festive periods.

Uduaghan said the second Niger Bridge was long overdue and expressed the determination of his administration to render the required assistance to enable the project to be completed on schedule.

While promising to provide security as well as other logistic assistance, he said that “The construction of the second Niger Bridge is long overdue especially as traffic gridlocks during the festive periods extend over 5 kilometres at the Asaba end of the present Niger Bridge.”

“The second Niger Bridge is so important to the people of the South-South and South-East Zones as it is a vital link between Western Nigeria and the Eastern and Northern Nigeria.’

Uduaghan called on the officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to liaise with the State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development on the ‘Right of Way’ and Land acquisition so as to ensure a seamless construction of the project.

He however appealed to the Minister to help fast track the payment of the State claims on money spent on Federal Roads in the State over the years so that the state would continue to render further assistance.

A team of Counter Terrorist Squad, from Area Commanders Office Warri, killed a member of the kidnapping gang that attacked Prison Officers from the Warri Prison who were taking suspects to High Court Warri, Delta State.

The unlucky member of the gang, according to reports, met his waterloo at Isiokolo, Head Quarters of Ethiope West Local Area after several rounds of exchange of gun fire which started from Warri.

The body of the killed kidnapper has since been deposited at Warri Central Hospital Morgue.

Recall that a kidnap gang on Wednesday attacked Warri Prison Officers on their way to Warri High Court with some suspected kidnappers, killing two warders and a suspect on the spot and made away with their colleagues they came to release.

Sources say that nine suspects were being taken to court before the ugly incident took place at Esisi Road Junction along the ever busy Okere Road. Out of the nine suspects, four suspects have already been brought  back to the prison. Three of them were arrested by the public while one voluntarily returned by himself. Four are said to still be at large.

According to the Area Commander Warri, Husseini Rabiu, (ACP), men of the Counter Terrorist Squad gave the kidnap gang a  hot chase which lasted for several hours until they were able to hold them to a stand still leading to the death of a member of the gang while the rest escaped into the bush. All the police men in the team came back unhurt.

The police source said two of the kidnap suspects simply called Francis and Rufus who were taken from the prison van may have sustained serious injuries as a result of the bloody shoot out.

He said that the jeep in which members kidnap gang were running away to their hideout which they abandoned when they could not withstand the superior power of the police, a Honda Pilot Jeep with Registration Number:GQ646LND, was recovered at Isiokolo.

On how the kidnappers managed to beat all the road blocs mounted by the military at strategic junctions, the ACP disclosed that the gang took the Otokutu Community road to UsiEffurun area and came at at Agbarho where they were able to negotiate towards Isiokolo thereby avoiding the road blocs.

It was reliably gathered that the owner of the Honda Jeep was in the vehicle while the shooting was going on. He was rescued without sustaining an injury in spite of the fact the the car was riddled with bullet.

A security source disclosed to Blank NEWS Online that as a result of the sporadic shooting during the exchange of gun fire, a taxi driver was hit by stray bullet on Ogunu Bridge.

The driver is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri while another victim of stray bullet along the NPA Express near Army Barracks Effurun was not very lucky as the man died on the spot.

Palpable fear has however gripped Delta State following the invasion of Warri by gunmen who killed at least seven officials of the Nigeria Prisons Service.

Sources said that four of the prisons officials were killed on the spot when the gunmen suddenly opened fire on their vehicle. Three other officials were said to be lying critically hurt in an undisclosed hospital in the area following gunshot wounds they received during their gun battle with the attackers.

Police authorities revealed that the gunmen laid an ambush for the court-bound van, operating with two vehicles parked in about 200 meters from the Warri Prison at the ever-busy roundabout and unknown to the prison officials.

According to Mr. Rabiu, three other prison officials who were shot were being treated in an undisclosed hospital. He further stated that three of the prison inmates who fled with the attackers after the encounter had been re-arrested by the police and handed over to the Prisons Department in Warri.

Meanwhile fresh reports say that a prison warden simply identified as Mr Oche, driver of the van that was attacked by the kidnappers, has passed on, bringing the number of casualties to six.

Nine detainees awaiting trial escaped from the prison vehicle just as the police in Delta state said they have recaptured two of the escapees.

One of the escaped inmates was killed in a shoot out while a fourth one had been delivered to the police by his pastor.

Five of the suspects remain at large and they are all armed and dangerous.

The Technical Adviser of Warri Wolves, Solomon Ogbeide has assured the teeming fans of the Warri based Club that they will get it right after losing in a controversial manner to Sharks Football Club in Port Harcourt last week.

According to a statement made available to the Blank NEWS Online by the Media Officer of the Club, Etu Moses, “Ogbeide has told the players to put that loss behind them and focus on the next match.”

The statement reveled that Ogbeide, a former Akwa United gaffer had expressed happiness with the way the players responded to the defeat, declaring that it is the end that matters and not the way you start.

Ogbeide who was said to be visibly angry with the level of officiating after the match vowed to get it right as the season progresses.

“This is our first match and an away one for that matter. I am happy with the way the players responded and from the look of things, vengeance is on their mind. I want to assure all our fans that there is no cause for alarm. We have learnt our lesson from the first match. The officiating was not in our favour but we will surely get it right. I have the boys that can deliver and they are roaring to go.”

Ogbeide also declared that the medical Doctors are working on assistant captain, Uche  Ossai who sustained injury in the match against Sharks but said they have a good replacement

Speaking on Goalkeeper Okiemute Odah who was absent in that match, Ogbeide said his papers came late for him to be selected but stressed that it a good thing to have four good goalkeepers.

“The Doctors are working on Uche Ossai who sustained injury in that match while, Okiemute Odah’s papers came late for him to be available but I am happy that I have four good goalkeepers and any of them could be in goal.”

Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected the 266th pope, making him the leader of the 1.2 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church and the first Latin American and first Jesuit to lead Catholic Church taking name pope Francis.

The choice of Bergoglio, who is the first Latin American and first Jesuit pope, was announced by French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran with the Latin words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope.”)

Francis was elected on Wednesday on the second day of the conclave in Vatican City, after receiving the required two-thirds majority, or at least 77 votes of the 115 cardinal electors from 48 countries.

The 76-year-old from Buenos Aires is also the first Jesuit and the first non-European pontiff in the church history.

The Jesuit order, which was founded in the 16th century, has a strong educational focus and takes vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to Christ and the pope.

Pope Francis appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica just over an hour after white smoke poured from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to signal his election.

“Pray for me,” the new pontiff, dressed in the white robes of a pope for the first time, urged the crowd.

The news of announcement was met with cheers from hundreds of thousands of crowd gathered under the rain at St Peter’s Square in Rome.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the protodeacon, made the announcement with the Latin words, Habemus papam, meaning “We have a pope”.

Francis succeeds Benedict XVI, who stepped down on February 28, the first pontiff to do so in 598 years.

The Vatican said his inaugural mass would be held on March 19.

As a sign of the election of a new pope, the Vatican also reactivated the Twitter account @Pontifex.

Francis spoke by phone with Benedict XVI after his election and plans to see him in the coming days, the Vatican said.

Jubilant Argentines poured into churches, some crying and praying, after the announcement at the Vatican.

“This is a blessing for Argentina,” one woman shouted on a Buenos Aires street.

“I hope he changes all the luxury that exists in the Vatican, that he steers the church in a more humble direction, something closer to the gospel,” Jorge Andres Lobato, a 73-year-old retired state prosecutor, said.

“Noboby expected him to become pope. People here are crying”, said an observer.

CHALLENGES AHEAD:

Father Robert Gahl of Holy Cross University told Al Jazeera that the name Francis was “indicative of something historical”.

Gahl described as “striking” the reaction to the new pope, which he said is “way superior to what occured eight years ago, which may be a surprise to some”.

Barack Obama, the US president, said the election of Francis “speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world”.

With the election of the new pope, Vatican now faces several key challenges.

Experts said the new pope’s response to those will give us a significant indication of what Catholics can expect from his time as the head of the church.

One key priority is reaching out to his flock of 1.2 billion Catholics and rebuilding the relationship between the Vatican and churches around the globe.

“Much was made about whether the new pope would be one who focused on pastoral care – speaking to the faithful around the world or would he be one who tries to reform the Vatican,” Jack Valero, director of the Catholic Voices organisation said.

“In reality, he needs to do both.”

Although a conservative theologically, Francis is known for his concern for the poor and is expected to bring a radical change of style to the Church leadership, indicated by his choice for the first time of the name of St Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 after living a life of poverty and simplicity.

He immediately showed the difference from his predecessor Benedict, an aloof theologian, with a gesture of humility, asking the waiting crowd to bless him before he blessed them.

Bergoglio shunned the papal limousine after his appearance on the balcony and chose to take a shuttle bus with other cardinals back to the Vatican residence where they are staying, for an evening meal.

Bergoglio is known as a humble man who leads an austere and sober life without ostentation, travelling by public transport and living in a small apartment outside Buenos Aires.

He is willing to challenge powerful interests and is deeply concerned about the social inequalities in Argentina and elsewhere in Latin America. He has had a sometimes difficult relationship with President Cristina Fernandez and her late husband and predecessor Nestor Kirchner.

Francis has spoken out strongly against gay marriage, denouncing it in 2010 as “an attempt to destroy God’s plan”.

ARGENTINES JUBILANT:

Jubilant Argentines poured into churches, some crying and praying, after the announcement at the Vatican. “This is a blessing for Argentina,” one woman shouted on a Buenos Aires street.

“I hope he changes all the luxury that exists in the Vatican, that he steers the church in a more humble direction, something closer to the gospel,” said Jorge Andres Lobato, a 73-year-old retired state prosecutor.

The election was enthusiastically welcomed elsewhere in Latin America too.

“We’re happy because we have a new pope and because the choice of a Latin American shows that the Church is opening, is now focused on the entire Church. It’s not just a church only focused on Europe,” said Leonardo Steiner, general secretary of the national conference of Brazilian bishops.

Francis was not among the small group of front runners identified before the election. The Jesuit order to which he belongs was founded in the 16th century to serve the pope. It is best known for its work in education and the intellectual prowess of its members.

The monks at the convent of St. Francis in Assisi were overjoyed at the election of Bergoglio and his decision to take the name Francis for a pontiff for the first time.

“St. Francis still points to the path of humility and evangelical simplicity,” said the abbot, Father Mauro Gambetti.

Italian theologian Massimo Faggioli told Reuters: “I don’t expect him to change on doctrine, but he is a more pastoral person. It seems that this pope will be more aware of what life is all about.”

Faggioli, a professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, added: “He will have more room to make his message heard than Benedict did. The papacy needs to have an audience more open to listen to what the pope says. He is not an outsider. He didn’t present himself as a reformer with hatchet in hand.”

Bergoglio was born into a middle-class family of seven, his father an Italian immigrant railway worker and his mother a housewife.

Replacing Pope Benedict, who resigned last month, he overturned one of the main assumptions before the election, that the new pope would be relatively young.

Bergoglio is the oldest of most of the possible candidates and was barely mentioned in feverish speculation about the top contenders before the conclave.

He is the first non-European pope since Syrian-born Gregory III in the eighth century, and the third successive non-Italian pontiff.

“PRAY FOR BENEDICT”:

In brief remarks from the balcony of St. Peter’s, Francis called on the faithful to pray for Benedict and said the Church was setting off on a “journey of fraternity, of love, of trust”.

It seemed the cardinal electors “went to the end of the world” to find him, he said.

Thousands of people sheltering from heavy rain under a sea of umbrellas had occupied the square all day to await the decision and the crowd swelled as soon as the white smoke emerged.

They cheered wildly and raced towards the basilica as the smoke billowed from a narrow makeshift chimney and St Peter’s bells rang.

The tens of thousands in the square cheered even more loudly when Francis appeared, the first pontiff to take that name. “Viva il Papa (pope),” they chanted.

Front runners at the conclave had included Brazilian Odilo Scherer, and Italy’s Angelo Scola, who would have returned the papacy to traditional Italian hands after 35 years of the German Benedict XVI and Polish John Paul II.

The decision by cardinal electors sequestered in a secret conclave in the Sistine Chapel came sooner than many experts expected because there were several front runners before the vote to replace Pope Benedict.

The cardinals faced a thorny task in finding a leader capable of overcoming crises caused by priestly child abuse and a leak of secret papal documents that uncovered corruption and rivalry inside the Church government or Curia.

Francis will head a Church also shaken by rivalry from other churches, the advance of secularism, especially in its European heartland, and allegations of scandal at the Vatican bank.

The series of crises is thought to have contributed to Benedict’s decision to become the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate.

RIVAL TO RATZINGER IN 2005:

Bergoglio was a moderate rival candidate at the 2005 conclave to the conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who went on to become Benedict.

Italian media say he impressed cardinals in pre-conclave meetings where they discussed the Church’s problems.

Reserved and humble, Francis does not fit the profile of an active preacher that many cardinals had previously said they were seeking. He studied chemistry before joining the priesthood nearly a decade after losing a lung to respiratory illness.

The secret conclave began on Tuesday night with a first ballot and four ballots were held on Wednesday. Francis obtained the required two thirds majority in the fifth ballot.

The previous four popes were all elected within two or three days.

In preparatory meetings before the conclave, the cardinals seemed divided between those who believe the new pontiff must be a strong manager to get the dysfunctional bureaucracy under control and others who are looking more for a proven pastoral figure to revitalize their faith across the globe.

Apart from Brazil’s Scherer and Italy’s Scola, a host of other candidates from numerous nations had also been mentioned as potential popes – including U.S. cardinals Timothy Dolan and Sean O’Malley, Canada’s Marc Ouellet and Argentina’s Leonardo Sandri.

But the front runners’ list never mentioned Bergoglio.

• (With Agency Reports From Al Jazeera/Reuters)

Former Miss Onyiye Makuechukwu Obi, Secretary to the Deputy Bursar at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba will on Saturday March 30, 2013 say “I Do” to Mr. Amos Azuka Attah.

The wedding ceremony will take place at the Chosen Generation Int’l Assembly, 14, Dr. Chris C. Obi Street in Asaba, Delta state capital, while a grand reception for the marriage has been scheduled to hold at the Hall of Celebration, Okpanam road, also in Asaba.

According to Onyiye Makuechukwu, she has found true love, hope and trust in Amos Azuka Attah.

The Deputy Bursar at the College, Mr. Aidaghese told Blank NEWS Online that the christian couple are God-loving and are immensely favoured by God, advising them to remain steadfast in their Christian faith and let understanding, peace and eternal love dwell within their household in their marital lives.

Onyiye Makuechukwu Obi and Mr. Amos Azuka Attah hails from Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta state.

Blank NEWS Online wishes them an eventful and fruitful marriage!!!

Thomson Reuters has signed a three-year deal with the ECB to roll out Thomson Reuters Eikon desktops across the ECB and 18 participating national central banks.

Thomson Reuters, named one of Ethisphere’s 2013 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for fifth successive year and voted as best global Investor Relations Services Provider by IR Magazine 2012 Global IRO Survey, has earned itself the largest market data purchasing initiative managed by the Eurosystem Procurement Coordination Office (EPCO) which has a role to foster the participation of the ECB and the national central banks in joint procurement actions.

A statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by Tarek S. Fleihan, Manager, External Communications/PR Middle East, Africa and Russia, disclosed that, “Thomson Reuters Eikon is designed to provide a powerful and intuitive next-generation solution for consuming real-time and historical data, connecting with the financial markets community and executing financial markets transactions across asset classes such as foreign exchange (FX), fixed income, commodities, equities and derivatives.

“It realizes Thomson Reuters vision for a financial markets desktop that is intelligent, simple and social. Driven by powerful search engine technology, Eikon carries real-time data, news, charts, insightful commentary, analytics and trade execution tools through views that can be customized to individual user preferences and workflow.”

Also Peter Moss, managing director of Trading, Thomson Reuters said, “Thomson Reuters is incredibly proud to form this long-term partnership with the European Central Bank in order to roll-out Eikon desktops across many of Europe’s central banks.

“We are getting great feedback from our customers regarding usability and performance in Eikon as well as excitement around innovations we are making in areas such as search and visualization. Our customers recognize how simple we have made it to navigate and analyze the unrivalled depth of content we have which alongside key social tools and advanced analytics makes for a very powerful one-stop solution.”

Speaking further on the new deal, Mora Golding from the European Central Banks’s market data management said: “The European Central Bank is always looking for ways to improve access to market information, encourage collaboration and increase cost efficiencies for its members. We appreciate Thomson Reuters Eikon as a powerful financial markets desktop that makes it easy for our users to find and analyze the information they need and connect with their peers, both at their desk and through mobile devices.”

The 18 participating national central banks are Nationale Bank Van Belgie, Deutsche Bundesbank, Central Bank of Ireland, Bank of Greece, Banco de España, Banque de France, Banca d’Italia, Central Bank of Cyprus, Banque centrale du Luxembourg, Magyar Nemzeti Bank, Central Bank of Malta, De Nederlandsche Bank, Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Banco de Portugal, Banka Slovenije, Narodna Banka Slovenska, National Bank of Romania and Suomen Pankki-Finlands Bank.

Recall that Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals which combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization.

It has its headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, with approximately 60,000 people in its employ and operating in over 100 countries.

The Delta state House of Assembly, at its sitting on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, suspended one of its members, Hon. Rufus Edoja Akpodiete, representing Ughelli North II for violating Section 24 of the Legislative Privileges Act.

Hon. Rufus Edoja Akpodiete, whose indefinite suspension was later reverted to a one month suspension from the House sittings and other legislative activities, including privileges, was said to have also violated the House Rule 68, Paragraph 8.

The lawmaker was alleged to have challenged the position of the House in an already concluded matter being handled by the state legislature and brought it to public domain.

A dependable Assembly source told Blank NEWS Online that the House had debated and concluded on issues bothering on the laws establishing the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), but to their chagrin, the suspended member went ahead to challenge the decision of the state Assembly in the media.

The earlier indefinite suspension of Hon. Rufus Edoja Akpodiete followed a unanimous decision of all members present during the House sitting, but the Speaker, Hon. Victor Ochei pleaded in his behalf before it was reverted to one month suspension.

Attempts made by Blank NEWS Online to speak with Hon. Rufus Edoja Akpodiete on his suspension however proved abortive.

Meanwhile, the Board and Management of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC have been charged to monitor their projects to ensure proper execution.

The State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan gave the charge Tuesday in Warri when he paid a visit to the office of the Commission stressed that their duty was mainly in the field.

According to him, as an interventionist agency, DESOPADEC contracts awards must be backed by commensurate supervision to enable the various communities feel the impact of the government.

Recalling challenges faced by the Commission, the Governor said he would soon visit some of the projects being executed by the commission.

Chairman of the DESOPADEC board, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho in his remarks, restated their readiness to key into the ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ policy of the government to serve the state better.

Mr. Kpogho said some projects already completed would require formal commissioning by the Governor soon, just as some other key projects will have to be inaugurated.

This is the Governor’s first visit to the DESOPADEC office in a renewed zeal to accomplish much for Deltans before the end of his second tenure in office.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has decried the injustice being suffered by the people of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at Silverbird ‘Man of the Year 2012’ award held Thursday night in Lagos, where two Deltans bagged awards, Governor Uduaghan said it was unfortunate that decades after a Niger Delta activist, Isaac Adaka Boro brought to the consciousness of the world the injustice being suffered by the people of the Niger Delta region, the situation was yet to be resolved.

Minister of Finance, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Deltan bagged the ‘Man of the Year’ award while Chief Newton Jibunor, also a Deltan reputed for his campaign against desert encroachment, was rewarded for his crusade against desertification in Africa.

Others who were also given award at the well attended ceremony include Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Sergeant Georgeta Y., a Traffic Officer with the Nigerian Police; while post-humus awards went to late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; late political icon, Mallam Aminu Kano; and Niger Delta activist, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.

Presenting an award to one of the siblings of Boro, Governor Uduaghan stated that the late Isaac Boro “died fighting for fairness and justice in the Niger-Delta,” stressing that “today, we have not achieved fairness and justice in the Niger Delta.”

While praying that the award should lead to the entrenchment of justice and fairness in the oil-rich region, Governor Uduaghan commended Silverbird for organizing the award which recognized the inputs of Nigerians to the nation’s development.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said she felt humbled with the award and called on all Nigerians to be committed in working for the country to achieve greatness, while Chief Jibunor said: “this award is a great honour, it is an honour for me to serve Nigeria more.”

Other recipients of the award expressed joy that their contributions to the nation’s development are being recognized, assuring that they will continue to work in the interest of the country.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and former federal Minister, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) described the award as “coveted public tribute to Nigeria,” adding: “this is an award to a person who has affected the Nigerian public in a most profound way in the year given.”

In attendance at the award ceremony where the Governors of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; that of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi; Kano State, Kwakwanso; Bauchi State, Alhaji Isa Yaguda; representatives of some state governors; Ide Ahaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Ministers, industrialists, among others.

The Federal High Court, sitting in Asaba, has sacked the Hon. Alphonsus Ojo, member representing Ukwuani constituency at the Delta state House of Assembly, directing that the seat be henceforth declared vacant, pending a fresh election.

Recall that Hon. Ojo who was elected to represent his constituency at the April 26, 2011 election on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP later dumped it for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2012.

But the DPP and Mr. Chukwuma Dafikpaku dragged the lawmaker before the court, claiming that his action was against the provisions of Section 109 (1) g and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and prayed the court to declare the seat vacant.

The court presided over by Justice C. M. A. Olatoregun-Isiola therefore on Friday, 01, 2013 declared that the seat presently occupied by Hon. Alphonsus Ojo (1st Defendant) in a suit (FHC/ASB/CS/129/12) brought before it by one Mr. Chukwuma Dafikpaku (Plaintiff).

The Delta State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the House and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also joined as defendants in the suit.

Justice Olatoregun-Isiola therefore directed the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei (2nd defendant) to declare the seat vacant under mandatory responsibility and in pursuant to Section 109 (1g) and (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

In his reaction to the judgement, Hon. Ojo said he remained the bonafide, elected representative of his constituent, and urged the people of Ukwuani constituency to remain calm, adding that appropriate legal actions would be taken in due course.

The court also directed the 4th defendant (INEC) to immediately commence the process of conducting fresh elections into the Ukwuani constituency seat at the Delta State House of Assembly.

“My team of legal experts are reviewing the judgement and advise on the appropriate step to take regarding appealing the judgement.”

According to him, the ruling would not distract him from performing his legitimate legislative duties, adding that the verdict would be appealed.

As Delta State Government hinges on deploying a multi-pronged security strategy, the State Police Command says it is also on the verge introducing a new intruder, alarm and security management security alert system aimed at curbing cases of insecurity and other violent crimes in the state.

The Delta state police commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba, PSC, JP., who made the diclosure in an interview with Blank NEWS Online in Asaba, though expressed worry over the increasing level of poverty which now stands at 70 percent, according to experts report and thereby encouraging criminality and Youth restiveness, said the Command is also engaged in underground intelligence gathering.

Aduba revealed that every information given to the police and leading to the arrest of any kidnapper in the state now attracts the sum N500,000 to the informants, since  it has fully declared war against kidnappers and armed robbers in the state, appealing for total support to enable the force succeed in the onerous task.

CP Aduba said that some persons have aready received  the award, disclosing that the Delta State Government recently released N2.5m to complement the efforts of the command in information gathering on criminals.

On his relationship with other security outfits and agencies in ensuring sustainable peace and security of lives and property in the state, the police commissioner hinted that “There is also an existing synergy between the police, State Security Service, military and other operational security agencies in Delta state.”

While complaining that insider factors had made kidnap cases complex, he affirmed that with the existing synergy between the police, other security agencies and community vigilance groups in the state, their efforts have been strengthened for greater efficiency.

He further disclosed that the Police Command had also been engaged in dialogue with traditional rulers in the state for collaboration, even as he  blamed criminality mainly on lack of parental control, just as he commended the effort of the the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar for championing grassroots policing.

The Delta police boss, however confirmed that Police remains the foremost internal security agency in the country, saying, “…..it is understood that there are cracks in all sectors of government but there is increasing discipline in the police force today…We have always been proactive in responding to kidnap cases. We usually track them (kidnappers) up in Delta and in the neighbouring states.”

He explained that although the force has lost some of its officers in the course of fighting crime, officers who have also been found wanting in their call to duty have been made to face severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal, adding that the Inspector General of police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar has fully restored discipline and courage into the force.

Speaking on the state government’s support to the police in fighting crime and restoring adequate security of lives and property, CP Aduba said the role of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his administration in crime control has been very impressive but appealed for more assistance in the areas of operational vehicles and modern security gadgets and devices.

Meanwhile, Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has unveiled an infrastructure and evolving programmes that will engage youths to make crime and restiveness unattractive.

The steps, according to the governor, include the installation of hybrid communication equipment at the State Police Headquarters, which enables the various security agencies to link up with each other during emergencies.

While disclosing that the state government has donated patrol vehicles and communication equipment to the Police and other security agencies, including paramilitary bodies, Governor Uduaghan noted that, “this is part of measures designed to fight the scourge of crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery, adding that traditional and religious leaders, chiefs, youth leaders, market women and security agencies are being engaged in conflict resolution and promotion of peace.”

THE ground breaking ceremony to signal commencement of work at the Warri Industrial Business Park (WIBP) would take place in the second quarter of 2013, Chairman of the Delta State Economic Advisory team, Mr. Bismark Rewane has said.

Rewane, at a meeting of the team in Lagos which had Governor Uduaghan in attendance, stated that all arrangements have been put in place to ensure the commencement of work at the park.

He disclosed that the location of the park has made it such that a lot of economic activities would take place at the area in line with the Delta Beyond Oil policy of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

He observed that Governor Uduaghan’s administration has about two and half years to go and as such, all hands must be on deck to ensure that his vision of positioning the state for prosperous years beyond oil was achieved.

Rewane who was flanked by the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah and his Economic Planning counterpart, Mr Kenneth Okpara threw light on the outcome of the meeting saying, “the meeting was very constructive, we evaluated where we stand and we are satisfied that the team is working hard to achieve our goals.”

“The concept of Delta Beyond Oil is something that remains solid in our vision and we shall plan and execute projects to achieve such,” Rewane said, adding, “the ground breaking ceremony for the Warri Industrial Business Park would take place by the second quarter of this year.”

He stated that the WIBP which has the potential to create 50,000 jobs within five years is a massive investment that “involves a significant commitment from the government and the private sector,” noting that telecommunication, office blocks, industries, among others would be at the park.

“I can assure you that we will have a power plant, we will have a broadband internet access, we are close to the Warri port and have access roads to the park,” he stated, noting that efforts are also on to ensure that moribund companies in the state are revived to boost employment and economic activities.

On how to revive the ailing companies, Rewane said, “it is a long term strategy and know too that the companies belong to private individuals, but, what we are doing is to encourage them to open up their business by providing infrastructure.”

He assured that most of the projects being executed by Governor Uduahgan’s administration would be completed before the end of his tenure, stating that the few that would not be completed “must have gotten to a point of irreversibility because we are looking at Delta State’s interest in perpetuity.”

In her remarks, the Managing Director of  Bank of Industry,  Evelyn Oputu, who is also, a member of the Advisory Team said the Bank of Industry is working closely with the Delta state government because, the state  “has a lot of comparative advantage for industrialization,” asserting, “so, we are working closely with the state government to achieve such.”

Among those who attended the meeting were the chairman of ThisDAY newspapers, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, the state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Kingsley Eze Emu.

Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has bagged the prestigious Thisday Award for his feat in improving school teachers’ welfare and exposing them to professional stardom.

Receiving the award from former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton who was Special Guest at the occasion of the 18th annual Thisday Awards in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Governor Uduaghan expressed gratitude for the award, assuring that his administration would continue motivate teachers.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that teachers are in good state of mind to teach their students while also providing conducive environment for work.

“We will continue to pay our teachers well and provide them standard working environment.”

Meanwhile, a Delta State-born educationist, Chief D.B.E. Ossai also bagged an award at the occasion.

Chief Ossai was among 15 teachers who got cash award of N2 million each for their contributions towards the growth of education.   Ossai,  a 1968 English graduate from the University of Lagos, has taught English at Essi College, Warri, St. Thomas’ College, Ibusa, and St. George’s Grammar School Obinomba.

He also taught English literature and was the Principal of Ibru College, Ughelli, Delta State and University Secondary School Ekpoma, Delta State. He was nominated for his oratory skills and for being “a teacher par-excellence, charismatic, unforgettable and an accomplished gentleman”.

Speaking on the development, Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah stated that more than one Deltan deserved to be honored going by the track records of teachers in the state, emphasizing that, “I am happy that Deltans are being rewarded for their inputs to the nation’s development.”

“These people that are being honored are of different era, we are a very educated people and Chief Ossai belongs to the generations that have produced grand children; and the award for our Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan is well deserved”.

“The Governor is doing a lot to revamp our schools, he is training and retraining teachers to enable them do their job as well as giving out scholarships across the board which is part of the Human Capital Development agenda.”

Also, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare stated: “Delta is an education-loving state, so, I am not surprised that a teacher from the state was selected for the award and my Governor, Dr Uduaghan has done a lot for the education sector in the state.”

He emphasized that, “if there is any Governor that should be given award for his passion for the education sector and welfare of teachers, that person is Dr Uduaghan.”

To the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, the award would encourage the Governor to do more, adding that “when you excel and you are recognized, it encourages you to work harder.

“We are also, very proud of Chief Ossai who has been a teacher for many years and has taught in Edo and Delta States, that he was honoured was also, an honour for the state.”

Chief Ossai who attended the event in company of his wife and relatives acknowledged that rewarding teachers would spur them to do more since they mould the lives of future leaders.

He commended Governor Uduaghan for his commitment to the education sector which was one of the reasons he bagged the prestigious Thisday award.

Fifteen teachers; Mrs. Victoria Jolayemi, Mrs. Dorothy Ugwu, Mrs. Christie Ade-Ajayi, Rev. Father Angus Fraser, Chief D.B.E. Ossai, Mr. Yakubu S. Dimka, Chief Reuben Majekodunmi, Chief Dotun Oyewole, Mr. John O.B. Adeaga, Bawa Mohammed Faskari, Hadiza Thani Mohammed; Prof. Iya Abubakar, Prof. Frank Ugiomoh, Prof. Michael Obadan, Prof. Eunice Nkiruka Uzodike bagged award, just as Mr Oba Otudeko, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, HRH Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, Chief Eazak Okoya among others bagged ‘Life Achievers Award’.

The occasion which attracted dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria was also attended by former Nigerian President, Chied Olusegun Obasanjo and the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The long drawn swords between Warrri Wolves FC and Rangers FC over the ownership of Sunday Mba is yet to abate, as the management of the oil city wolves took a swipe at the management of the Enugu soccer club for daring to lay claim to the Super Eagles’ goal whiz-kid at the African Cup of Nations.

Comrade Etu Moses, Media Officer of Warrri Wolves FC, in a Press statement dated February 24, 2013 and made available to Blank NEWS Online, alleged that the Rangers FC has casted aspersions on the integrity of the oil city wolves for continually claiming ownership of Sunday Mba and other players, rumoured to be in the camp of Enugu Rangers.

The statement said, “Following the latest out burst of Management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu casting aspersions on the integrity of well managed Warri Wolves Football Club claiming the ownership of Sunday Mba and numerous enquiries from journalists and well wishers, we are forced once again to come out and clarify the situation.

“In the words of Niyi Osundare, the truth will one day set itself free after a twisted journey and with all the lies coming out of Rangers which they are not afraid to tell not minding their image, we have therefore decided to expose them once and for all albeit to advise them to thread the path of honour.

“As a professional Club, Warri Wolves have always abide by the rules and this can be attested to by the way we have gone about the illegal and stupid way Management of Rangers Football Club have been trying to lure players into their fold all in the name of playing in the CAF Champions League.

“It is on record that so many Clubs like the well respected 3sc Stars of Ibadan have at one time or the other cried out to the World on the way Rangers FC went about luring their goalkeeper to Enugu without recourse to lay down rules.

“However, in Warri Wolves, they have met the masters in the way a professional Club should be run, hence, we have always stand up to their antics.

“The players in their fold particularly Sunday Mba was duly cleared and registered to play for Warri Wolves and it is an open secret that he signed for two years.

“At the end of last season, Sunday Mba went on holiday and the rumour which later turned out to be true has it that he was in the camp of Rangers FC  and the story was that they were interested in him.

“After the confirmation of the rumour and knowing the antics of the local traders saddled with the responsibility of running the once revered Club, we came out with a press release threatening to report them to the appropriate authority.

“It was after this that they wrote to us indicating interest in three of our players namely Chigozie Agbim, Sunday Mba and Lazarus Chukwu leaving out Uruemu Egbeta whom we laboured to secure his international transfer certificate. His own story is left for another day.

“Today, I am happy to inform you that the Nigerian Premier League who are in charge of running day to day affairs of the league have duly sent a reply to our petition and with that, we are firmly in a position to decide the fate of Sun day Mba and others who presently looking for greener pastures.

“The letter from the Nigeria Premier League which was duly signed by the Secretary, Tunji Babalola reads and is hereby published unedited.

“We are in receipt of your correspondence on the above subject. From our records, it is established that Chigozie Agbim and Sunday Mba are bonafide players of Warri Wolves FC.

“Consequently, the ownership of the players is not subject to any controversy and any Club that require their services should contact the Management of Warri Wolves”

“When Sunday Mba visited Asaba with other members of the victorious Super Eagles, he did not object to the largesse given to Warri Wolves Players by the Sports loving Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan but it is unfortunate that some unscrupulous people are trying to re-write the history of Football.

“Gentlemen of the press, we have taking pains to explain all these to you and to once again appeal to the local traders managing Rangers FC to thread the path of honour and stop embarrassing the image of this great country as if we are all the same.

“We also want to advise Sunday Mba not to destroy his career and shun the advise of those who are using the CAF Champions League as a yardstick to lure him away. The likes of Eyimba International, Dolphin have all played in the CAF Champions League but they never behaved like this, going through the back door to lure players illegally.

“We want to assure all our players that we shall not and I repeat, stop any player who wishes to try his luck elsewhere but such move must be sanctioned by the Management and well documented.”

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said that he was committed to the development of the state with state NLC boss, Comrade Williams Akporehe describing him as a good family man, ruling Delta with the fear of God.

The NLC Chairman implored Deltans not to relent in their support for Governor Uduaghan, saying he means well for the state.

At a thanksgiving service held at the First Baptist Church in Warri to mark the 25th anniversary of his marriage, the Governor assured Deltans that he will still do more for them before the end of his tenure in 2015.

At the well attended church thanksgiving service including Chief E.K. Clark, the Olu of Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and host of others, Governor Uduaghan said that the challenges of leadership were enormous, but that he was determined to leave a lasting legacy behind.

He said: “I am committed to the development of the state. There is no way one government can do everything, but since we are still around, we will do our best for Deltans before we leave office in 2015. Developing all parts of the state is not easy, but I want to remain focus and committed to good governance in the state. We have done a lot in these past years and we are still ready to do more for the remaining two years.”

While urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religion bodies to continue to pray for peace in Delta State and the country in general, the Governor said there is no position of authority one holds in the country that was easy.

“Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should pray for President Goodluck Jonathan. No position that you hold in Nigeria is easy. The President requires prayers from all of us; he means well for the country. There are a lot of challenges you are confronted with as a leader. The President requires our support,” he said.

The Host Pastor, Rev. Challenge Ugbede while preaching on the topic; “Why We Pray,” said that people who pray daily get answers from God speadily.

“Prayer is the duty of all human beings. Many people needs peace, but do not ask for it, until you ask for it, God will not do it. Prayer is a continuous action for the believers. We need to pray for kidnappers to stop what they are doing and prayers will disgrace all those who are feeding fat on pensioners’ money. Prayers will bring out transparent civil service reform. It will make the church to be what it should be. It will change our theological understanding,” he said.

Meanwhile, NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade Williams Akporehe has described Governor Uduaghan as a good family man.

Speaking to newsmen at the venue of the thanksgiving service, the Delta State NLC Chairman said that it takes a committed, loyal and faithful family man to run a state like Delta.

“I want to say that the Governor is committed to the development of the state. He is a committed family man, a good husband and a good leader hence he has been able to achieve so much for the state so far. Governor Uduaghan is a God fearing man and has the interest of the state at heart always. He is also labour-friendly and we cannot help but to use this medium to congratulate him and his wife on their 25th marriage anniversary.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel  Uduaghan has expressed unflinching support for the ongoing National Good Governance Tour of projects and programmes of all tiers of government across the country.

He made his position known in Asaba when the delegation of the National Good Governance Tour led by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, paid him a courtesy visit to flag-off the programme in the state.

He said the tour is necessary at this point in the nation’s history and confirmed that all 36 State Governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum had agreed to be part of it. “To confirm and reaffirm that we all collectively agreed on this programme which I believe on a personal note that it’s very very necessary at this time of the history of Nigeria.

“Like you said a lot of issues take the front burner in the media but issues that have to do with development, especially when they are positive are put away in one small corner in the media, which I think it’s not encouraging and might not help us to move forward.

“As a state government, we are very very supportive of this programme,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan therefore urged the Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku not to be discouraged and that he should remain focus in the objective of the tour.

“I want to appreciate what you are doing and to say you should not be discouraged. The hallmark of leadership is that you hear the good, the bad, the ugly and let the ugly not discourage you from your focus.”

He reiterated that the National Good Governance Tour was not a Federal Government project, and thanked Mr. President for releasing the Information Minister to pilot the programme. According to the Governor, in releasing the Minister, it shows that Mr. President is open and has nothing to hide.

Earlier, Information Minister, Labaran Maku, reiterated that the tour is a national programme which is aimed at starting a national discourse that will aid in the country’s development.

“The National Good Governance Tour, contrary to some comments usually that will go along with a programme like this, is not a Federal Government Programme. It is a national programme supported by all the 36 Governors and the Federal Government.”

He stated that when the programme was designed along with the National Planning Commission and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Performance Monitoring, it received the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the National Economic Council.

Mr. Maku added that in order to factor in the input and observation of the Governors, the Nigerian Governors Forum set up a special committee headed by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Godswill Akpabio to take a second look at the programme and agreed on a common template for the tour.

“It’s important to explain this because as we go round sometimes you hear comments that it is a Federal Government Programme. It’s not and if you look at all the people that are seated here, they come from all (segments) of society. So what we are doing is to simply lead the path to show them what is it the governments are doing.”

Mr. Maku said though progress is seen to be made in all the states visited by the team so far, there is still room for improvement.

“Progress and challenges are not at the same level because resources are not at the same level either; some states are as old as Nigeria itself. We cannot say progress has not been made but we know that we can do better to achieve greater results”.

In his comment, the President of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists, Comrade Mohammed Garba said the Information Minister discussed the concept and modality of the tour with the union before they accepted to participate.

“We were invited by the Minister. He discussed the concept and the modality. The concept of course we agreed that it’s part of our responsibility ordinarily without even the Good Governance Tour for the media to round and look at the progress in this democracy.

“In terms of modalities, we have also discussed. Part of the issue which I think we agreed was that we have to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, which I think we have been agitating for quite a while. And I want to believe that throughout the states we have visited so far that freedom has been guaranteed.”

The National Good Governance Tour is a non-partisan tour involving the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists;  (NUJ) the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU); leaders of women and youth organisations; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); National Council of Women Societies (NCWS); leaders of non-governmental organisations; operatives of security agencies; representative(s) of the Nigeria Governors Forum Secretariat; and reporters from the nation’s print and electronic media houses.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late veteran Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri (MON), as an epitome of commitment, excellence and creativity.

The President reiterated his belief that Nollywood actors have carved a positive image for Nigeria in the eyes of the international community, saying that the late Esiri, contributed in no small measure to the creation and sustenance of that image.

He said that he believes that the Nigerian movie industry and the country as a whole will greatly miss the popular actor who came to national limelight with his acclaimed performance in the popular television series, Village Headmaster, and other movies.

He extended his commiserations to the Esiri family, the government and people of Delta State and all fans of the revered actor.

President Jonathan also condoles with the Nollywood Family on the passage of a notable member, mentor, pioneer and inspiring actor, and enjoins the younger members to keep Justus Esiri’s legacy alive by promoting higher standards in their movies.

He prays God Almighty will grant the soul of the departed actor peaceful repose.

The veteran actor and father of Mavin artiste and pop star, Dr. Sid, passed on Tuesday night after a short-time battle with an undisclosed ailment in his hometown, just as the Nigerian entertainment industry is still mourning the passing away of Goldie Harvey.

Late Mr Esiri is survived by wife, Omiete and six children, one of them being popular artiste Dr SID.

Recall that Justice Esiri, was popular for his role as ‘Head Master’ in the popular 80′s sitcom, Village Head Master.

FORMER General Secretary of Nigerian Baptist Conference, Rev. Ademola Ishola, on Wednesday in Warri, gave Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state and his wife, Roli Nere, a pat on the back for coming back to God after 25 years of marriage to thank Him.

Speaking at the First Baptist church, Warri during the 25th marriage anniversary of the governor and his wife, the clergy man showered praises on the governor for being a married politician with a difference.

In his message titled ‘Setting Your Marriage Aglow’, Rev Ishola held that it was hard for politicians to do what the governor did by coming back to God, after 25 years of marriage to express gratitude to the Lord.

”It is hard for politicians to do what governor Uduaghan is doing here today and what the governor and his wife, Roli have done today is very commendable. This is a test case for all our politicians and all those gathered here today in this church where the governor and his wife married 25 years ago.”

While saying that marriage is a long journey, the clergy man charged all married couples to sustain their love for each other.

”Do not get rid of each other; enjoy your marriage till you are separated by death. Divorce is not the answer and it may not really help you. Marriage is set aglow through sexual intercourse between the husband and the wife. Sex should not be shared with strangers, but between the husband and the wife and marriage is also set aglow by keeping oneself attractive.”

Speaking, governor Uduaghan said God has done so many things for them in their 25 years of marriage and lauded his wife for being a big pillar for the family, especially when things were so rough and tough for them.

”God has done so many things for us and 25 years of marriage is not easy and we give glory to God. We achieved these 25 years of marriage by God’s grace and God gave us the determination to make our marriage work.”

Governor Uduaghan, who said that they had never told each other in the last 25 years that they were no longer interested in the marriage, said that temptation must always come in marriage.

“People have tried to separate our marriage with terrible stories and text messages; but the more stories they tell about us, the more our love for each other gets stronger. The more you keep to your wife, the more God will be with you. Women should always pray for their husband too.”

The wife of the governor, Deaconess (Mrs) Roli Nere Uduaghan advised women to always be patient with their husbands even when things are not going well.

She also implored them to be prayerful and be there for each other.

The governor and his wife dressed like couple getting married for the first time, walked to the altar, renewed their marriage vows; exchange rings and cut their wedding cake just as they did in 1988 at the same First Baptist Church, Warri.

Delta State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU ) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to establish a shoe manufacturing and leather works production and training centre in the Asaba.

The Centre which would be spread across 2.6 hectres of land will provide a minimum of 2,000 jobs on completion.

The State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this shortly after signing the MoU, said that the land has been made available while the 820,000 US dollars state counterpart funding has been released for collection by UNIDO.

“The land is in place and the money is ready for collection by UNIDO. Everything is set and the beauty of it all is that it would be managed by UNIDO”, he stated.

He lauded the UNIDO for partnering with the Delta State government, noting that it was part of the measures being put in place to achieve the mantra of ‘Delta Beyond Oil’, assuring that his administration would provide necessary logistics to make the programme a success.

Essentially, he said that it was geared towards providing employment for the youths, declaring that the State was extend the partnership with UNIDO to areas of renewable energy and wastes to wealth projects.

Earlier, the representative of UNIDO in Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Korma said that the partnership would change the face of production of foot wares and leather materials in Nigeria.

He stressed that the project which would be a “centre of excellence for leather works in Nigeria”, will reduce poverty in the country.

He commended Governor Uduaghan for working towards enthroning a state that would depend less on oil revenues with the Delta Beyond Oil policy.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation in Delta State, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu said the state was passionate about the programme and was determined to do all it would take to alleviate poverty in the State.