A deep-seated book chronicling his personal experience in the course of his journalism calling, authored by Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, The Pointer chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is to be publicly presented on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.
The event billed to commence at exactly 11:00am is expected to attract the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as Chief Guest of Honour and Prof Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), Deputy Governor of the state and Chief (Sir) Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor, Delta State, as special guests of honour.
Former military icon and Nigeria Civil War veteran and author, Brig. General Godwin Alabi-Isama, will be the Chairman of the occasion, while the presenter of the 866-page book “MEMOIRS OF A JOURNALIST IN GOVERNMENT MEDIA” will be high-visibility national law-maker, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, member of the House of Representatives. It will be reviewed by Barrister Jimmy Ojeh.
The book is made up of a collection of stories/reports, features and interviews written by the author over the period of his subsisting beat at the Government House, Asaba.
The book critically advances the development initiatives and policies of government, as well as the role played by individuals in national re-engineering in the course of governance.
The Delta State government has staunchly defended Mr. Harold Monu, an Aide of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, allegedly caught in the web of payroll fraud.
Although reports had revealed that Mr. Harold Monu, an assistant to the Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, on ICT was recently arrested by the police over the multi billion naira scam rocking the state’s payroll, the state government insists that Monu has helped to stamp out fraud in the state payroll.
The arrest of Monu, was reportedly made in Asaba, the Delta state capital, on Sunday for allegedly defrauding the government of billions of naira through the biometric update and automation of the state’s payroll initiated by the state government to cut down on its rising wage bill.
In a very staunch defence of the governor’s aide, the Delta State government absolved Mr. Monu of any wrong doing, describing him as a key anti-fraud crusader in the efforts of the state government to stem the tide of fraudulent practices in the e-payment biometric system of the state’s payroll.
A statement titled: “RE: GOVERNOR UDUAGHAN’S AIDE ARRESTED OVER MULTI-BILLION NAIRA SALARYFRAUD”, signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah and made available to Blank NEWS Online, reads thus:
“The attention of Government of Delta State has been drawn to a news story posted on* premiumtimesng.com *and other online journals on the above subject. The story is a complete distortion of the facts and it is imperative to state the facts here.
“His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, had identified the burgeoning state wage bill as a source of concern and constituted a committee to address it. The committee which had Dr.(Mrs.) Beatrice Omeni, a former Secretary to the (Delta) State Government (SSG), swung into action on February 12, 2012 by designing a three-pronged model to verify the wage bill and qualify only bonafide members of staff for the state’s payroll.
“The first part of the exercise was for all staff to physically present themselves for capture of their fingerprints and photographs which are stored in a biometric database. The second stage is for staff to present their original letters of employment, birth certificates/age declaration, letter of promotion and academic credentials which are scanned into a document management system database.
“The third step is to implement a biometric time and attendance system to compliment the other two parts. Right now, the biometrics and documents phases have been successfully completed with documented savings of over N362 million to date and over 400 “ghost workers” have been removed from the state’s payroll.
“The final phase which is the biometric time and attendance system will deliver even greater savings to the state. Contract for its execution has been awarded to a competent vendor who has a track record of success in a sister state. This phase involves a lot of funds as biometric time and attendance devices will be deployed in all government offices and schools across the state, hence the involvement of the private sector and at no cost to the government.
“The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Mr. Harold Monu, has been the spearhead of this campaign to stamp out fraud in the state payroll and has been documented to have prevented fraud right from the first month of his appointment in July 2011. He ensured a bank employee was arrested while trying to inject names into the payroll. More recently in June 2013, he discovered a fraud and alerted the banks thereby facilitating the arrest of two suspects trying to cash state fund illegally transferred to their accounts. They have been in the custody of the Delta State Police Command since July 2013.
“Even while Mr. Monu was on vacation, he was able to thwart another fraud attempt in the September 2013 payroll when upon being alerted via email by a bank employee to verify some unusual transactions, he instructed the banks to keep the suspects’ accounts frozen. Another suspect was also arrested and detained in the process.
“Mr. Monu was invited by the police on resumption of duty to give account of his knowledge of events as the head of the biometric unit and was subsequently released after making his statement. There was no financial loss to the state as this attempt was nipped in the bud through the efforts of Mr. Monu. The office of the Account General of the State which is in-charge of payments of salaries is heading its own investigations”, the statement concluded.
Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed deep condolences with the people and Government of Ondo State as well as families of victims
Thursday’s plane crash.
In a statement by Felix Ofou, his press secretary, the Governor noted that the crash occurred when the nation was still at its wits on how best to console the people and Government of Ondo State on the untimely death of former Governor Olusegun Agagu.
Dr Uduaghan said it was more painful that the corpse of the former governor and key members of the Agagu family and other sympathisers were involved in the said crash.
“How can anyone explain what has happened? How can we console those who have been thrown into another round of mourning? What of sympathizers who have become victims in the Crash?”, he asked.
The Delta Governor however said that instances such as these call for prayers from all, especially for the Agagu family and Ondo State in general.
“These are times when we must draw closer to God. It’s a time when we must come together to pray for the Agagu family, victims of the plane crash and Ondo State. We share in their Grief”, he added.
Uduaghan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the crash and that God should grant speedy recovery to the sirvivors.
Having heard so much about London -‘ebe oku na-enwu n’elu (where light shines from the top), I set out for this trip with so much excitement. This excitement which I can only compare with the one I felt when I first heard the life-changing cry of my daughter Munachimso, was so engulfing I couldn’t sleep on the eve of departure. I walked on the wind. I was so enthused I smiled at virtually everybody and everything.
Sunday September 22nd 2013, remains indelible in history as another group of 16 carefully selected Journalists in Delta State embarked on the second round of the training at the highly reputable Thomson Reuters Foundation in United Kingdom. The training which is the brain-child of the innovative Chairman of the state NUJ, Mr Norbert Chiazor, backed by the powerful vision of an intelligent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the magnanimity of the Commissioner for Information, Barr Chike Ogeah, can be compared to none in the career of every journalist. Bravo to Delta State.
I recall that 13 Journalists in Delta State were also flown to the UK last year for Reuters training, the first of its kind in the history of Journalism in the state. Except for Comrade Macaulay the SSG who laid the foundation as a pioneer chairman of the state NUJ, no tenure had impacted so positively on journalists in the state as much as Norbert Chiazor’s selfless leadership. Posterity will surely judge him fairly.
Little wonder why my big boss, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos Television, Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo, my Directors of News and Marketing, Messrs Ayo Agbesanwa & Hakeem Adewunmi and the Director of Admin, Mr Morakinyo Akinrinnade not only gave their permission at a very short notice but supported me immensely. As my superiors, they obviously knew the importance of the training to me as an individual and to the Station as a Corporate body.
Bearing this in mind, I set out with optimism that couldn’t be daunted by the turbulence on air enroute London. For me, it was only a lesson as I practically followed the map with the pilot all through the six hours flight. It was another Geography class but this time, advanced. On getting to Heathrow Airport, looking round at the parts of the facility that I went through, I saw and appreciated the classics of the Asaba International Airport which before now, was just beautiful to my then un-informed mind. I quickly pointed that out to a colleague who affirmed Dr Uduaghan is very intelligent, has travelled round, chose the best of what he saw, improved on it & came out with the Asaba Airport. The margin could only be spotted from the attitude of the staff there and the one here. There is always room for improvement.
Like the Biblical royal welcome for all true christians to the promised Paradise, amidst friends and relations who came to the airport to welcome us was His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. The first class chief whose son, Victor Efeizomor of Thisday Newspaper was on the team, gave us a royal welcome with his entourage. We were no strangers. His smiles and general warmth showed his support for Dr Uduaghan’s developmental strides. His dressing of jeans and sweaters was my first insight on what London does to class. I was so used to seeing this very respectable citizen in his full regalia as a king back home in Delta.
The next day was Monday, we are set for class. I noticed that in London everybody is in a haste. People trekked more than they rode. It was a classless society where everybody ran to catch the train & stood when the seats are occupied, no matter who you are. I also noticed that Londoners respond to greetings with artificial smiles unlike the warm African way of greeting. When they bothered with verbal replies, they were most times curt.
The cordial attitude of the people I met on the streets and in the trains gave me a mindset that was somewhat dis-abused by the warmth-infusing welcome I got from the Reuters staff. The Public Relations Officer of the foundation Belen Beccerra was at the reception amongst other members of staff, and of course our own amiable Chike Ogeah, to welcome us with joy & laughter. It couldn’t have been better.
The hull of the visit – the training on Investigative Reporting started in earnest with two very practical instructors – Melanie Cheary & Andrew Gray. My old school days came back so fast. The drilling by the duo, class work, homework & practicals ! Oh my God, you must achieve the objectives of the training at the end of the five days. We all forgot our positions as Correspondents, Reporters, Managers & even Permanent Secretary and became students. At one of the practicals, I was paired with Sir Austin Mowah who is the most senior staff of the State Ministry of Information. I saw the humility in him as we did our work together and waited for our scripts to be graded. I can recall how the General Manager of The Pointer Newspaper, Mr Bosah Iwobi bit his fingers when one of his assignment scripts was graded and he remembered something he would have written. I laughed at him like I would a classmate in secondary school. In that instance, the seriousness of the course gingerly walked past me, urging me to wake up and follow suit.
Outside the professional benefits I got from this training, I got to learn more about the people around me. I discovered them. We were like family & I strongly believe we will continue to be. The training fostered brotherliness amongst the participants. Looking back now, I realize this must be one of the aims of the abroad training. Considering the ethno-religious acrimony in the country today and the Transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Human Capital Development focus of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan will to a large extent be realised faster when the barriers of ethnicity & religion are overcome. This course strove to achieve that as all the participants lived as a family irrespective of tribe, religion, medium or societal position!
One fascinating aspect of my exposure is the efficiency of the transport system in London. If there’s anything perfect in life, this would be it. I was simply enthralled. You get your travel card, get on the train going your route & every stop was not only announced but you got verbal and written directions on where the stop takes you to. No abuse from the driver or the conductor nor haggling on the fare. There was no quarrel on where you would have alighted instead of the other. It was organised & orderly.
I remember getting off wrongly at a stop on my way from Paddington back to Stratford. There was need for me to get underground and join another train from Oxford Circus station. With the signs everywhere and polite directions from the attendants, I got back on course.
My experience wouldn’t have been complete if I had continued with the thinking that ‘oyibo’ has everything and so travelling abroad solves all one’s problems. The whites don’t have everything, they’re simply conservative. We have more and are freer than them. A classical illustration of this is Recycling. We bathe and throw away the water. A very informed friend who took me round, told me even the water from bathrooms are gathered, recycled-purified & brought back as good water! I was petrified & argued so but he took me to Tam Water where all these are done. The paperbags, containers, shoes etc are recycled and nothing is wasted at the end of the day.
I also learnt that their perceived stinginess is helping their economy. They don’t spend freely. Even electricity is rationed. The bulbs are sensory, going off automatically when nobody is around & coming alive when they sense human presence. Awesome way of saving energy!
I enjoyed their food quite well but longed for our own delicacies. My mouth watered countless times. In Nigeria we have loads of more nutritious, fresher and healthier foods unlike the ‘oyibos’ who depend so much on synthesized canned foods. With a small knowledge of medicine and the inherent diseases in synthesized foods, I kept thanking God I’m a Nigerian, the giant of Africa where Jesus Christ was sent to with all the good things of life. At a time, I couldn’t hold it anymore and so sought an African shop, bought the ingredients and cooked a large pot of okro soup which my friend will still savour for some weeks.
A notion which was deeply etched in me was rooted out. Its a long-standing myth in Nigeria that a news-room should be noisy. I was speechless on getting to the World’s large newsroom that’s only second to the BBC’s. If I had dropped a pin, I’m sure it would have been heard. Seeing & feeling the reflective quietness, I acknowledged journalism is a noble profession for the intelligentia, not low-lives. Its seriously academic because it leads and influences the opinion of right-thinking people. Journalists are meant to be opinion leaders and they can only do this when they are mentally balanced. A self-consciousness suddenly sprang to life in me as we toured the whole of the fourth flour of the towering, expansive building.
A visit to the Frontline Media Club which replicates our own NUJ further opened my eyes to what I profess. On coming out from the building, I saw St Mary’s Hospital where the late Warlord Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu died & where Prince Charles’ son was born. The Delta State Teaching Hospital Oghara with all the standard equipment came to my mind and in all, I muttered to myself, East or West, Home is the best. The nostalgia was so strong, pulling me home like the Northern wind.
Oh, I forgot to say that throughout my stay there, there was no power failure. Sub-consciously, I continually felt the need to iron my clothes & charge my devices before ‘these people will seize the light’ because my mind has been tuned to that but I was pleasantly disappointed. I have high hopes that one day, in this country, in our dear Delta State, with the PPPs and the IPPs, power challenge will be overcome. Vehicles did not blare their horns too. I can’t remember hearing any honking except the police cars’ sirens. It made the streets calmer. We’ll certainly get there.
I have the training, I love the experience & exposure, I appreciate what I learnt. God bless Delta State & Nigeria our dear country.
*IJEOMA UBA is the Delta State Correspondent for Lagos Television.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed that the state University Teaching Hospital, Oghara would start kidney transplant latest in February just as he acknowledged the tremendous increase in medical tourism to the State.
Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH)
Governor Uduaghan who stated this Tuesday night, October 01, 2013, during a Radio/Television Phone-in-Programme at the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, said that the state government was presently benefiting from its partnership with the University of Texas Teaching Hospital, Dallas with some of its doctors and nurses undergoing training on renal issues and treatment in Dallas.
“Hopefully by February next year, the Renal Unit of the State University Teaching Hospital will start kidney transplant in Oghara in conjunction with the Texas University Teaching Hospital”, he stated.
He said that there has been an increased medical tourism to the State due to the ultra-modern facilities at the State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
Dr. Uduaghan revealed that as a result f the pressure on the hospital facilities and personnel, an additional 300 bed-facility would soon be added to the University Teahcing Hospital, stressing that this would ease the pressure on the hospital for medical attention and reduce the waiting time for beds especially for surgical cases.
He explained that the various health programme in the state especially the Free Maternal and Rural Health Scheme have benefitted both Deltans and non-Deltans alike especially the poor and needy in the state, stating that “the programme is open to all Nigerians irrespective of states and tribes in the spirit of brotherliness and peaceful co-existence”.
“As a trained doctor, it will be harsh and inhuman for me to turn back a pregnant woman from the state Free Maternal programme because she is a non-Deltan. We are all Nigerians and we have to help ourselves in areas of need”.
Dr. Uduaghan explained that the state was paying more attention to primary healthcare in order to reduce the pressure on the secondary and tertiary healthcare levels.
On the contributory pension scheme in the state, the governor disclosed that his administration has contributed over 15 Billion naira to the Scheme for Civil Servants in the state since 2007 explaining that the state government has not defaulted in its contributions to the scheme.
He said that government was looking into the challenges faced in the payment of Gratuity and Pension of retirees in the State since 2011 especially those in the transitional stages between the old and new pension scheme and would be sorted out soon.
His words: “This government has not faulted in its contribution to the scheme since 2007 when the contributory pension scheme started. We have not been able to pay for the gratuity and pension of all civil servants that retired since 2011 because there are issues that need to be sorted out before we commence payment. Very soon this will be done and we will pay the entire backlog.”
Delta state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this Tuesday night, during a Radio/Television Phone-in-Programme at the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, said that the Agro-Cargo section would enable the export of agro-produce from South-South and South-East regions of the country.
According to him, the” the Federal Government will also develop a green area behind the cargo terminal where it will grow vegetables all year round crops for export from the airport. This will encourage local farmers to increase their yields and export to viable markets abroad as well as improve the economy of the nation and the state in particular”.
Dr. Uduaghan opined that farmers in the state would benefit tremendously from the development of the agro-cargo section as they would utilise the airport to export their produce and also sell their produce at competitive rates.
He said that the state was working closely with the Ministry of Aviation to get full operational License for the Asaba International Airport stating that: “a technical team has been put together by the Ministry to collaborate with the state government to rectify gray areas and ensure the granting of the full operational license”.
On road construction, The Governor said that government would commence the construction of all ongoing road projects immediately after the rainy season and promised that they would be completed on schedule.
He also explained that the Asaba-Ughelli Road Dualisation project was on course and the state government would ensure the completion of the road project.
He noted that the topography of Asaba has placed a complex challenge on road and drainage construction in the city stressing that government was redesigning the Asaba Master Drain project Phase II to accommodate the volume and flow pattern of the flood water.
Dr. Uduaghan assured the people that most of the road projects in Asaba Metropolis would be completed during the dry season while Junction Improvement Work and Urban Renewal Work would be replicated at other junctions in Warri and environs.
The Governor informed Deltans that the contract for the dualisation of Okpanam Road has been awarded while the Enwhe Bridge would soon be reconstructed.
Dr. Uduaghan reminded Deltans that cleanliness is next to Godliness. He advised that Deltans should always keep their environment clean at all time and should not wait to be forced to keep their environment clean.
The Governor asked Deltans especially Asaba residents to be patient as plans were in top gear to improve the power situation in the state capital. He informed them that work was going on at the new 300KVA sub-station which would be fed from Okpai and Ivrogbo power plants.
From left: Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, his Enugu and Cross River State, Sullivan Chime and Liyel Imoke during a S,South / S. East Governors meeting held in Enugu.
South-South and South-East Governors have urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off their on-going industrial action in the interest of the Nigerian students and the nation.
The Governors made the call Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the end of the South-South/South-East Governors’ Forum meeting in Enugu.
They were of the view that the prolonged industrial action was affecting the development of the nation’s youths and the educational system and called for the resumption of academic activities while dialogue on contentious issues among all parties continue.
Governor Liyel Imoke, who gave a brief of the outcome of the meeting appealed to ASUU to put the interest of the nation and the youths ahead of other interests in their dialogue with government.
from left: Governors Theodore Orji, Abia, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta, Sullivan Chime, Enugu, Martin Elechi. Ebonyi, Peter Obi, Anambra, Liyel Imoke, Cross River, Godswill Akpabio, Akwa- Ibom and John Gborubigha, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
While commending the security agencies on its efforts to tackle the various security challenges in the country, the Governors called for continuing dialogue to resolve the various national issues to ensure the corporate existence of the country. They called for support for President Jonathan and urged him not to be distracted by emerging issues.
On the 2015 Presidency, The Governors said “that only the nigerian electorates have theright to decide who will lead the country according to democratic tenets” warning that “ the power of the electorates should not be usurped by any person or group”
The Governors also resolved to strengthen economic ties pursue the execution of projects already identified for the common good of their states and the zones.
The meeting was attended by Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta, Godswill Akpabio, Akwa-Ibom, Peter Obi, Anambra, Martins Elechi, Ebonyi, Theodore Orji, Abia, Sullivan Chima, Enugu and John Gborubigha, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
Blank NEWS Online reveals that the political gladiators from the area are confident that Chief Obielum will make positive changes in the governance of Delta State based on his experience in administration and security.
The politicians made their positions known at a meeting convened by the Delta Progressive Movement at the Kefas Park, Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chief Frank Oligbo specifically said, “Chief Obielum is a reliable man, a dependable Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) member, a man of the people, a bridge builder and since we want a true democrat to be our next Governor, we shoul all work for the emergence of Chief Obielum because, with him in Government House, we are sure that we have a capable hand as Governor.”
“Chief Obielum is accepted by all Deltans and we are confident that he will not betray our trust, he will improve on what he meets on ground, ensure speedy development of all parts of the state and also, improve on the security situation,” Chief Oligbo said, emphasizing, “this is not about politics, this is the time we should queue behind the person who will serve us and I can tell you that Chief Obielum is the person, a man who will consider the feelings of the poor man on the street, a true democrat.”
In her contributions during the meeting, Mrs Tina Odogwu emphasized that “Chief Godwill Obielum is our man, he plays politics without bitterness or exclusion and takes the masses into consideration and does not empower people because it is election period.”
She reiterated that there is no community in Delta State that has not felt the positive impact of Chief Godwill Obielum asserting, “we know him, he has helped women, he has helped our children, he has helped the youths, he has helped our men, not because of politics but because, he has a large heart and positively believes in the welfare of the people, we shall work for Chief Obielum to be our next Governor and we thank God that he is acceptable by all Deltans.”
Others who spoke at the meeting including Mrs Dorcas Umerah, she called on Deltans not to relent in their support for Chief Obielum stating that “he is the only candidate who is capable of carrying the people along without bias, Chief Obielum is an upright politician, a true member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we are confident that he will run an open door policy to move our state to the next level.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has described the judgment of the suit challenging Prince Oyinlola’s status as the PDP’s National Secretary as a “miscarriage of Justice”.
The factional PDP in a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka and made available to BlankNEWSOnline, said that the party learnt with shock of yesterday’s judgment by the Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati in the suit filed by the Ogun State chapter of PDP against PDP’s National Secretary, His Excellency, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State.
The breakaway PDP observed that in the judgment, Justice Abdul Kafarati ordered the PDP faction led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to swear in a new National Secretary for PDP and went ahead to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete Prince Oyinlola’s name from its records as PDP’s National Secretary.
The Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led PDP condemned what it described as “obvious and glaring miscarriage of justice” as the judgment was given in spite of the pendency of Prince Oyinlola’s suit over the subject matter at a superior court of competent jurisdiction – the Federal Court of Appeal Abuja.
The faction said it wish to inform Nigerians that Prince Oyinlola was never served any court processes before the judgment was delivered.
The splinter PDP went further to say that the judgment “unfortunately dishonours the Court of Appeal and His Lordship’s pronouncement” on the subject matter which negates procedures outlined in the Constitution of the PDP for the emergence of the party’s National Secretary.
The faction opined that the Judiciary was the last hope of the common man and a defender of the weak against the strong and appealed to the Judiciary not to indulge itself in anything that may tend to give a contrary impression.
The Baraji New PDP also appealed to its supporters and all PDP members to remain calm as arrangements are being made to appeal the judgment and ensure that justice is done in the matter.
Chairman of the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, has unequivocally condemned the rape of the country’s economy by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Administration.
Baraje led-New PDP stated this in a news release signed and issued in Abuja on the 26 of September 2013 by Mr Eze Chukwuemeka.
The statement said, “Despite claims to the contrary by the Administration in a futile bid to deceive Nigerians, the overwhelming evidence is that the Nigerian economy has been run aground by the present Administration and is now comatose. With the massive scale of officially-induced oil theft, the dwindling returns from oil and massive looting going on at the federal level, Nigeria is surely on the brink of economic collapse”.
The factional party buttressed its position base on the Federal Government’s inability to pay states their share of the Federal Allocation since July adding that the last time states were partly paid was in July.
“The arrears continue to mount by the day. As at today, the states are being owed N336 billion with the N75 billion being the balance of the July 2013 arrears, N121 billion from June augmentation and over N90 billion as July augmentation”.
The implication of this development according to party was that “the 36 states have become impoverished and unable to meet up with basic obligations, including the payment of workers’ monthly salaries, which many of the states have been unable to do due to lack of funds. Most states have also as a result been unable to meet their obligation to contractors. This dangerous scenario is complemented by the growing rate of unemployment, which presently hovers around 80 per cent”.
The rest of statement reads thus:
“Let us ponder this: If states cannot pay their contractors – not to talk of entering into new contracts – if states cannot pay their workers because there is no money to pay them, what could result is a huge social catastrophe that will add to the social, economic and political inferno already ravaging Nigeria today.
“All these portend very grave danger for our dear country as youth and labour restiveness appears imminent. Nigerians should expect further worsening of the unemployment situation and the loss of jobs, which is inevitable should the Federal Government continue with the present shoddy management of the economy which leaves much room for abuse.
“Ironically, while the masses suffer, Government officials continue to feed fat, using various guises to fritter away our common patrimony. They continue to enjoy a life of opulence, which has blinded them to the realities of the monumental suffering to which the masses are being subjected on a daily basis.
“The question to ask is: Where has all the money gone? For an instance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had revealed that the country earned a total of N1.05 trillion in July, but surprisingly, the minister had not been able to pay states their due statutory allocations. Where are the billions of dollars accruable from daily crude oil sales? Where are the billions of naira accruable from multiple taxation which is strangulating struggling businesses on a daily basis? And where are the billions of dollars which the Jonathan Administration claims to be saving from one so-called cost-saving measure or the other? Nigerians can no longer be deceived! The truth is that Nigeria is broke and it does that worse days are ahead under this inept and visionless Administration.
“PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje strongly condemns this unfortunate situation which indicates that the managers of the nation’s economy may be at their wits end. It is unacceptable for Nigerians to be subjected to this grand level of suffering even when their country is one of the world’s leading oil producers.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that includes the progressive G7 Governors of the authentic PDP recently raised the alarm, calling on the Finance Minister to resign in view of her shoddy running of the economy. As usual, the Minister, who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, denied that the economy is running on troubled waters, but events have since proved her wrong. Since nobody has a monopoly of wisdom, we wish to advise President Jonathan to humbly consider the NGF Report on the nation’s economy and see what he can borrow from it to take the country’s economy out of the woods.
“Mr. President must act fast to rescue the situation as there is a limit to which Nigerians can be pushed. Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy. A word is enough for the wise!
“In conclusion, not minding the abysmal failure of the defunct Tukur’s PDP to advise the Executive on how to run a PDP government based on the principles and vision of the founding fathers of the party; we sincerely thank Nigerians for their patience even in the face of poverty while in the midst of plenty bestowed on us by God as we have decided to keep this administration on its toes to ensure that dividends of democracy are rendered to Nigerians considering the massive votes that PDP received from them during the 2011 general elections”.
Delta state government has swiftly reacted in strong terms to an online publication, titled: “Controversy Trails Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan‘s Sponsorship Of Journalists To London Training, As NUJChairman Faces Impeachment”, allegedly published by Saharareporters.
The publication alleged that huge sum of money had been spent by the Delta State Government to sponsor 16 practicing journalists, mostly members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on week-long professional training programme at the Thomson Reuters Institute in London.
A statement signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah and made available to BlankNEWSOnline, has however hinged the training programme on the good intentions of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who recognizes the importance of developing the human capital in achieving developmental goals.
While describing the publication by Saharareporters as characterized by mischief, mental laziness, stagnation and narrow mindedness, the statement which is dated Thursday, September 26, 2013 affirmed that the special training programme for journalists practicing in Delta State is one that the administration of Dr. Uduaghan is proud of and will continue to support.
The statement tagged: Re: “Controversy Trails Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Sponsorship Of Journalists To London Training, As NUJ Chairman Faces Impeachment” reads:
“The attention of the Delta State Ministry of Information has been drawn to a publication by Saharareporters on its web journal entitled “Controversy Trails Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Sponsorship Of Journalists To London Training, As NUJ Chairman Faces Impeachment.”
“In the publication, Saharareporters alleged that the sum of N250 million was spent by the Delta State Government to sponsor 16 journalists based in the state on the on-going one-week professional training at the Thomson Reuters Institute in London, the United Kingdom.
“As outlandish as the report may seem, Saharareporters has ceased to amaze anybody with its fabled penchant for ridiculous armchair story writing. Even though Saharareporters willfully failed to crosscheck its story with the Delta State Ministry of Information, common sense dictates it could have easily contacted Thomson Reuters Institute for clarification on the training as the cost of such programmes are on the public domain.
“Obviously, telling the truth was not on the cards for Saharareporters. The fact that the story relates to a profession it purports to be a practitioner was not even enough for them to tread the path of honour and candour.
“First, the cost incurred by the Delta State Government in sponsoring the training programme is N15 million which included the visa fee, return air ticket, course fee, accommodation, transportation within London and allowance for the journalists. The total course fee paid to Thomson Reuters is 10,200 British pounds. Apparently, this was what Saharareporters may have interpreted as amounting to N250 million!
“In its haste to denigrate whatever has the imprint of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, CON, Governor of Delta State, Saharareporters resorted to attacking the noble profession that has brought honour to Nigeria. If any effort had been made to ascertain the truth, they would have known that the Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Information was not on the training tour but is in Asaba. Saharareporters is apparently angry that real journalists have been afforded the opportunity of updating their skill in the best institution in the world at minimal cost.
“It is only in the warped mind of the minders of Saharareporters that the training seemed “controversial”. Making up stories of fictitious discord within the ranks of the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) only reinforces the fact that the operators and reportorial crew of Saharareporters need training on the basics of journalism.
“The online journal is too enmeshed in its morbid desire to undermine the administration of Dr. Uduaghan that it has pitched itself against professionalism, good practice and excellence. When Saharareporters classifies the training of journalists in Delta State as a jamboree then the web journal is in trouble.
“Training and re-training of personnel are key to the success of every organization. Not too surprisingly, Saharareporters is still hostage to its early spell when readers were initially taken by the bizarre stories published on the web journal. It should know that Nigerians are now wiser.
“Dr. Uduaghan recognizes the importance of developing the human capital in achieving developmental goals. That is why university graduates of Delta State origin that pass with first class honours enjoy free masters degree programmes in any university of their choice worldwide. It is why secondary school students in public schools in Delta State have their final examination fees paid fully by the state government. It is the wisdom behind the free maternal and child health care for children up to five years. The free tuition and child care are being implemented without consideration to the state of origin of the children.
“We are proud of our record and achievements in the education sector, even as we strive to reduce the state’s relatively low figure of seven percent of children who are not in school. The recent launching of the Education Marshal (EduMarshal) programme is aimed at ensuring 100 percent school enrolment.
“We do not belong to the world of Saharareporters characterized by mischief, mental laziness, stagnation and narrow mindedness. The special training programme for journalists practicing in Delta State is one that the administration of Dr. Uduaghan is proud of and will continue to support.”
He said that while the disease can as well be traced to biological dysfunction on either couple, however, reaffirmed that there are medical cure for infertility.
“Some couple of months back, as the head of the department, we were able to carry out, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH) the first IVF conception and delivery successfully through the aid of this technology”, Prof. Orhue said.
While he admonished couple to make used of advance medical to solved problems associated with infertility and child bearing, the health expert advised government on the need to established institutions and centres dedicated exclusively to tackle cases of infertility in Nigeria.
Gov. Uduaghan (right) and his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) @ the traditional rulers’ council and chairmen of local transition committees meeting.
The governor of oil and gas rich Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan says he believes that the Special Task Force headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, would help resolve issues surrounding oil theft in the Nigeria.
He noted that the task-force was meant to overcome the challenges of jurisdiction and prosecution of suspects, adding that all oil theft suspects would now be effectively prosecuted since it was a federal offense.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke
He commended the Federal Government for the efforts taken to check oil theft in the country and opined that “until prosecution of all those caught in the vandalisation of pipelines and oil thefts is taken seriously no matter their status, we might not get to the end of this problem.”
Governor Uduaghan however argued that Delta State has the least incidents of crude oil theft in the country, acknowledging the drastic reduction in the spate of piracy and kidnapping in the state.
“Among all the states in the Niger/ Delta Region where there is crude oil theft, Delta State is the least affected. I am happy to say that security in the state has improved tremendously as kidnapping, piracy and oil theft has reduced.”
Cross-Section of Traditional Rulers during traditional rulers council and chairmen of local transition committees
He made the statement Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at a meeting with traditional rulers and Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen in Asaba, where he also urged all stakeholders to continue to cooperate with security agencies to ensure that security was maintained in the starte at all time.
The Governor charged the royal fathers and indigenes of the Niger-Delta Region to cooperate with government and security agencies to checkmate incidents of oil thefts as they were the worst hit by the effects of oil theft stating that “it is not the money being lost through oil theft that is the issue but the damage to the environment through pipiline vandalisation and sabotage. It is not in our interest as we bear the brunt of the physical damage associated with the oil theft especially the contamination of the air, water and food chain and the genetic mutations for years to come.”
He therefore enjoined them to do everything necessary to eradicate the incidents of pipeline vandalism so as to safeguard the environment and their communities.
Blank NEWS Onlinesource revealed that Ndokwa Volunteers had just concluded a two-day conference held in Asaba, tagged, “Repositioning Ndokwa Nation For Sustainable Development“. The event was held under the chairmanship of Chief Omordi Sunny Obi-Ijeoma.
In a press brief with the National Exco of the group, Hon. Comrade Ifeanyi Nwador Anyim, said “Ndokwa Nation needs a rescue team to help determine its priorities.
He however commended the efforts of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the initiative of “Delta Beyond Oil” as a means of empowering the people in different sectors.
He also passed a vote of confidence on the member representing Ukwuani Constituency at the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Alphonsus Ojo, saying that the legislator has done beyond expectations and deserves another tenure.
The National Secretary of the group, Onotu-Great Ifeanyi Ogwu-Otuya also supported and complimented the efforts of Hon. Alphonsus Ojo as a master of empowerment and community developer with his initiative on empowerment and community development.
Hon. Ifeanyi Nwador Anyim insists and called on the stakeholders and leadership of the Ndokwa National Union to call for Ndokwa National Conference to address issues of poor representation by Ndokwa political office holders.
He commended the efforts of the “Save Ndokwa Nation Group”, under the leadership of Comrade Marcus Enudi for effective representation.
Recall that the by-election is necessitated as a result of the sudden demise of Senator Pius Ewherido of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).
The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gesila Khan, who made the disclosure at a stakeholders forum in Ughelli, said that the election would be held in 1,263 polling units, 85 registration areas and eight local government areas in the senatorial district.
According to Khan, “The Senate has formally notified the commission of the vacancy in Delta Central senatorial district. Consequently, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC headquarters, has directed the Delta State office to commence the process of conducting a by- election into the senatorial district.
“The publication of personal particulars of candidates and last date for submission of names and addresses of party agents would be September 28, while publication of final list of candidates nominated for the election, will be September 30, 2013; last date of campaign, October 4, 2013 and possible run-off, October 9, 2013.
“In accordance with the proposed time table for the election, the last date of primaries by political parties for the nomination of their candidates and submission of the list of candidates for the election has been fixed for September 25 and 26, 2013 respectively.
“INEC is not unmindful of the publics’ high expectations. I, therefore, assure the people of Delta Central senatorial district that the commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure a free, fair and credible election. A situation where any of the participants would appear to foment trouble and constitute a cog in the wheel of peace and progress will not augur well for the system.
“The issue of electoral violence will also cease to flourish or reduce to the barest minimum when the political parties, their supporters and politicians in general shun the urge to recruit thugs to unleash terror during the election.”
The REC appealed to political parties to engage in elaborate and extensive voter education campaign, adding that “the parties have a dominant role to play towards achieving the desired free, fair and credible electoral process.”
Khan however condoled with the family of late Senator Ewherido, saying that “Senator Ewherido was a quintessential legislator, who left no one in doubt of his abilities, capabilities and passion to deliver on the mandate from his people during his tenure in the Senate.”
As Delta state government restates its commitment to clinch medals for Nigeria on the world stage, the Governor of the oil and gas wealthy state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has vowed to strengthen sports development through the provision of more sports facilities for effective training.
The Governor harped on the fact that athletes require facilities and constant training and exposure to excel at the international level and urged parents to support their children who have inclination for sports, just as he pledged to encourage the athletes.
“We are prepared to encourage young ones to achieve their maximum potentials in sports. In Delta State we take swimming seriously and it is part of our youth empowerment programme to channel their energies away from crime.’
The governor, however increased the prize for the competition from N15,000 to N150,000, as the Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba expressed delight, saying that the swimming competition was a way of training and ensuring the fitness of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy.
He called on all stakeholders and the Delta State Government to help raise the stakes in the swimming competition by discovering talents that would win laurels for the country in international events.
In his comments, the President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Mr. Babatunde Fatayi-Williams commended Delta State for her dominance in sports in the last few years and commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for making Delta State field athletes who have so far made Nigeria proud.
The Chairman of Delta State Sports commission, Mr. Amaju Pinnick while welcoming guests, swimmers and spectators to the three day swimming competition said the Olympic sized swimming pool in Oghara was the first of its kind in the country and revealed that a similar one will soon be commissioned at the Warri Stadium.
Mr. Pinnick expressed the hope that the facilities will encourage swimming and enable Delta State maintain her dominance in swimming.
Chike Ogeah Esq., Delta State Commissioner for Information, in this Exclusive Interview with Albert Ograka, Editor-In-Chief of Blank NEWS Online, unearths the strategies of effective governance in Delta state. He is blunt on the efforts and strides of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration and reveals more on its star projects, especially the Asaba International Airport.
Excerpts:
Blank NEWS Online: Of what importance is the Asaba International Airport to Delta state and It’s people?
Chike Ogeah: The story of that Airport is the most intriguing story I’ve ever heard or seen. The truth is that that Airport is the star project of this administration. That Airport is also the game changer in everything we are doing. We talk about the three-point agenda and of course, peace and security, human capital development, infrastructure development. That Airport in itself captures all three elements of that agenda, because in that Airport, we have the best infrastructure anywhere in Nigeria and now people are even saying anywhere in Africa.
In that Airport, we are developing massive human capital development because as we speak now, the Ministry of Education is providing some major scholarships for Delta indigenes that are training as Air pilots and other related aeronautic education activities.
Entrance to the Presidential Lounge of the Asaba International Airport
Of course, when people are meaningfully employed, like the kind of jobs the Airport is already creating for Deltans, and that means even if you just go there and see the kind of shuttle services of the taxis and other auxiliary activities that goes on; the trading, the cleaning and all that, you will see how many Deltans that have been employed already.
These are people that otherwise, would have been elsewhere, maybe committing crimes, especially the young men operating the taxi services there. So, that is why I say that Airport is a civil basic game changer in what we are trying to do and that is the three-point strategy. Now, the tactic to achieve that strategy is what we call “Delta Beyond Oil”.
Now, What can be better than the development of that Airport and all the ancillary activities that they come with to put in place of oil. As we go forward now, that Airport has been designated by the Federal Government as an Agricultural Cargo Airport.
Entrance to the Another section of the Presidential Lounge of the Asaba International Airport
So, aside from being an industrial cargo airport, where manufacturers can move their heavy equipments and all that; around that Airport, you are going to soon see the development of green house effects where we are going to start cultivating all kinds of cash crops that we have comparative advantages of here, like cassava, maize and all those kind of things. And what is going to happen is that they are going to enforce the kind of weather on those green house effects, where you can plant and harvest on almost same day basis and then instead of all our foods and crops that usually get rotten because you don’t have means of taking it to the last resort bias; these things would be put in a cargo and taken out of the country fresh. So that again is a different ball game when we get to that stage of things, because it’s just going to be agriculture meets aviation in perfect harmony and you can imagine the explosion for the economy. And that is why I say that that Airport is the singular greatest achievement anywhere, because though it is an activity in the Aviation industry but that activity has a multiplier effect on so many other sectors of the economy.
Entrance to the Revolving steps @ the Asaba International Airport
You see, that Airport is so strategic. It is located 10 minutes from the biggest market in Sub-Saharan African, the Onitsha market and maybe 15 minutes from the China/Taiwan of Africa which is in Nnewi where all kinds of metal fabrications and all that go on.
So you can imagine already the kind of use that that Airport is being put to and the way it is. I have a very strong background in Aviation like you all know. I have never seen an Airport grow potentially as that airport grow. Now even with the big Boeing planes that are coming in, if you don’t get your tickets on time when you are going to Abuja or Lagos, you will not even get a space. I’m aware that Aero is going to join in the next few days. Of course, you know Overland has upgraded their own planes, so we are going to have about three or four airlines already plying that airport.
And like we always say about aviation; an airport is a continues work of improvement. Its like a permanent construction site anywhere in the world because airport must meet the challenges of change and change is such a constant, especially in the aviation world. So if you build an airport even like we have done in 2010 or 2011, by 2015 you have to keep making major changes. You can imagine the airports that were built in the 70’s like Murtala Mohammed Airport, that is why they were almost going totally archaic until this Minister of Aviation came and started doing the kind of massive job you can see in the infrastructural renewal of those edifices.
So, like I was saying, this Airport in Asaba would continually be renewed to meet these challenges and you can see it is not just a straight passenger airport, it is also going to be a cargo airport.
Baggage Hall with dual carriage Conveyor Belts @ the Asaba International Airport
And the greatest benefit for Deltans, if you ask me, about his airport, is that instead of our people traveling so much, even the traders, especially the merchant who ship in things, going to Lagos, many of them die on the road in road accidents while going to convey their things from the airport, now they can be doing that with Asaba.
But more importantly is the fact that Delta state is going to be the only state that will have two airports at the end of its administration because we are also building a second airport in Osubi. Now the thinking is that the Warri axis which we refer to as our oil and gas economic zone, then we have the Asaba axis which is the headquarters of the state and also a major economic zone, basically with the provision of this same airport because this airport is what has opened up the whole place. From the airport all the way to Agbor, you cannot find a land to buy because most businesses have taken up all the land. It is affecting the hospitality business, very soon you will soon see a Protea, you will soon see a Hilton in Asaba, and industrial warehouses. They are all coming up and have taken over everywhere.
One of the Conveyor Belts @ the Asaba International AirportAnother section of the Conveyor BeltsConveyor Belts
So the whole idea is that with the condition of the Ughelli-Warri road dualization, though a Federal Government road which this administration is pursuing vigorously, then we can connect those two hubs and what that means is that goods and services can now be flowing both by land, by air and by the time the Warri Port is dredged, which is what the Federal Government has promised us to do, and by sea, then Delta state will already have an economy of its own that would be open to the world and Delta can start doing business with the world. That is the vision of this governor. That is why we keep saying it that this vision might be too big for a lot of people to comprehend and that is why the little criticism we get here and there, but with every successive day, the vision is coming together and I think it’s getting clearer to people what exactly this massive vision of this governor is. That is why those of us that are his vision helpers, all we can do is continue to propagate and try to explain on what this vision is, that it is a vision of Delta banishing poverty and embracing prosperity in an open economy that is about to explode….but you know people don’t realize it but you will see that happen very, very shortly.
Blank NEWS Online: Do you think that successive governments can sustain what you already have on ground?
Chike Ogeah: You see, Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) , Oghara, as you will recall, was started by the successive government but this government came in and took such a first class edifice to now world class level, gone beyond just the infrastructure and put in massive modern day equipment for everything. You can do knee replacement surgery there. You can do kidney dialysis treatment and many other things. The Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan went a step further by having direct relationship with one or two American Universities, where they are sending us first class medical professors as part of the Human Capital Development, who are coming over here.
Main Hall
Mind you, these Professors are Deltans who left Nigeria about 20 or 30 years ago and would have forgotten about Nigeria. We are using that facility to attract them back. And this administration has completed that hospital and delivered maybe the best Teaching Hospital in Nigeria now in Oghara. That is what governance is all about because governance is a continue. And it is our wish and prayer that because these projects are such massive projects, that any successive government, I don’t care from whichever party, would follow suit with a lot of these laudable projects.
Like you say, we don’t have projects in Delta, we have programmes because programmes are beyond projects. Projects are just what you see. How do you categorize what we are doing in health care for instance? Do you know the kind of billions that go into the free ante-natal, free 1-5, free delivery services for all our rural women, even the ambulance services and all what we takes into the rural communities to do all the eye checks and all that. How do you compute that kind of money or you don’t see it because it’s not quantifiable. That is why you see, like I said to you, we have programmes.
Asaba International Airport
The same thing in Education. Look at the massive renovations going on in schools. Okay that you can see. Schools free and like you know, we are going to talk about Education Marshall very soon. They are launching it because it’s a major programme where government officials from the Ministry of Education would be going round the villages, nooks and crannies and if they find any child of school bearing age that is not in school, that child will be taken straight to school. And if we find out that it’s because of some beliefs or the other that the parents are refusing to send that child to school, those parents would be prosecuted because the schools are free. So, why should children not have an education? So these are the things we are doing and that is why I say we have programmes.
But I think the critical thing is to let the people have ownership of these programmes. Let the people be the owners and they will defend it. So whichever government comes and say it is not going to continue with these programmes that is the people’s programme, it is the people they will have to contend with and not the out-going or out-gone administration that would have gone. I have no doubt in my mind that because these are people oriented programmes, they must be sustained by whatever successive administration is coming in.
Blank NEWS Online: Can you beat your chest to say that the facilities at the Asaba International Airport are effectively put to use?
Chike Ogeah: Well, like I said to you, an Airport is a permanent construction site and it’s always changing and improving to meet the challenges. The truth is that we are very lucky in Delta because things like airport, aviation generally are things that should really ordinarily be left to the private sector but Delta is blessed. We had the government come in to give us this fantastic push with that first class edifice.
VIP Lounge
Of course, the usage of that airport, if you ask me today, is maybe 1/3 or less. When we started, I remember I used to enter some planes and there would just be five of us there, at that time. That is how airport development is. It’s called route development, it’s called airport development. Everyday makes a different in that airport, in terms of the usage, in terms of the patronage and all that.
So, what have happened is that instead of building every other year, we have already put an edifice that would just be able to absolve and continue to expand in terms of usage and that is what you would be seeing. I can assure you this time next year, you would be telling a different story. You would be saying maybe we should add more conveyor belts or something. That is how airports work. Why I am optimistic about that is that this airport, actually is serving six states.
Another section of the VIP Lounge
I remember, I was talking to the Secretary to State Government (SSG) of Anambra state when he came over here for the Nigeria Guild of Editors meeting in Asaba and he said to me that “What we are thinking of in Awka now is how to develop a mono-rail from Awka to your airport. Why should we be thinking of building an airport”.
So those are the kind of things I’m talking about. We are serving Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Cross-Rivers states, though some of them even have airports but depending on the type of plane and flight schedule. So you can imagine and that is exactly what is going on.
Blank NEWS Online: Sir, considering the rate of development at the airport. When do we expect the arrival of Cargo planes at the Asaba International Airport?
Chike Ogeah: Well, you see, especially the Agricultural cargo aspect of it. Like I told you, it’s not even a Delta state initiative, it is a Federal Government initiative and I think they chose certain airports in the country of which Asaba just happens to be one of them, knowing the criteria they used and I think they want to start across board at the same time. I think between this year and next year, they will take-off.
And more importantly, for the overall Cargo which is an initiative of this government, i know work is also in progress with that and i might not be able to tell you this is the day they will start but work is still in progress.
Blank NEWS Online: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has concentrated more on infrastructure. Why?
Chike Ogeah: I don’t even know whether that is right to say. It’s because we have done so much in the infrastructure you can see, that is why you are coming to that conclusion. Otherwise, the invisible infrastructure, like what we doing in Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SME’s). We have the Central Bank Governor’s prize for over three years and we had to stop. And these are major programmes were we are creating a new class of people from the vulnerable and underprivileged people that were either physically disabled and all that, you now see them having their own businesses and employing people. In the middle of that, we are also building up strong Micro-Finance Banks because they provide these loans to them and these loans are being paid back. And you juxtapose that with the programmes we have in health, education, the ones you don’t see, the training.
So those things have been going on and a lot of money, of course, all the various scholarships. You know that any first class student in a first degree of Delta state set would be paid for to any level his or her abilities can take him or her to anywhere in the world. So we have a lot of those projects but they are not seen.
Passenger boarding bridgeInside entrance to the Avio or Boarding BridgeSide view of the Avio Bridge
But yet, it is important that we put infrastructure. For instance, what I am thrilled about personally are the level of renewal we are doing with our roads because that has been big challenge. And the truth is that since Delta state was created or even from when we were in Mid-West, I don’t think any administration had ever done drains in Delta. This is the first time drains are being done and that is why we are having these issues of flooding or no flooding. Even in a city or town like Asaba where we have a natural drain point in the River Niger. How to get those drains to get to the River Niger, because they are all under the ground, has been a big challenge. This government have to now taken it over. I grew up in this town. This government opened up this whole area. When we were growing up, this whole place was all massive forest. It opened up this area and started providing these kind of massive infrastructure you are seeing now in terms of drainage and by the time those drainage are completed because those are the main thing and not even the asphalting of the roads, and these roads are laid out and asphalted, then Deltans will begin to see the kind of work we are doing there.
You know in Delta, we keep saying its not like most of these states that you make intervention in one or two towns and they start shouting because the places are so small. But in Delta, anything you do in Asaba, you have fourteen, fifteen, sixteen other towns, like Asaba that you must do it and these things are happening simultaneously everywhere, because you know it’s politics and everybody, it’s all about their own self interest. The man in Warri would not sit down and just let you be doing this in Asaba; either would the man in Kwale, Obiaruku, Agbor, Patani, Burutu, Ughelli or Bomadi. Don’t forget we have riverine areas. Their own challenges are different and development in those areas are much more expensive because of their soil, degradation, pollution and all that. You have to contend with all that but yet you must attend to them. We thank God for our interventionist agency of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) also plays its role in that as well.
So those are the kind of things that are being done on daily basis to make sure we provide and don’t forget that this over meant has hinged its Infrastructural Development on some major five-star projects, like the airport we are focusing on, like the Oleri Leisure Park in Udu which is Private Public Partnership (PPP) because the government cannot go on that kind of project on its own, it doesn’t even have the resources. What the government has done is provide an enabling environment for a private firm to come and develop by reclaiming massive wasteland, almost, putting a bridge across the place because the place that was found suitable for that kind of thing has to be a picturesque place with that kind of topography and done what it should do for it and then the company’s going ahead. There are going to be five star hotels, shopping malls, you just name it.
The same thing, we are going to do with the Warri Industrial Business Park which is going to be a conglomeration of major massive manufacturing industries in one place.
If you go to the Asian and the emergent nations, these are how they have been able to transform their economy from developing, struggling economies between 20 to 30 years to world class developed economies.
Blank NEWS Online: What do you mean by the slogan of “Finishing Strong” by the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration?
Chike Ogeah: What we mean by that basically, is just as it says, “We Want To Finish Strong”. Its important. We are saying that we are not going to be distracted. Don’t forget that this administration has been the guinea pig, so to speak, of our democratic experiment. While this governor was winding down on his first term, getting ready for his re-election, a court judgement out of some Court of Appeal in Benin nullified his election, thereafter it was series of elections, we went for what they call re-run, then he had to do the general elections again, then after that it was series of litigation up to the Supreme Court. These are all major distractions, though we remained focused. Thank God for the strong leadership we had, but the truth is that those distractions were there because we were running to Abuja, running everywhere, going to court in Benin and all that.
So, some time was lost, now we we are saying that all that time that is lost, every minute, we count down in this administration now on these. We have planned what we are doing to almost days and hours. It’s that much, because we know exactly the time we have left, and we know we have tremendous work to still do. I told you that this is a big decision government and when you want to do big things, you must be prepared to make that extra sacrifice to be able to make it count.
So, therefore, we’ve all been asked by our leader, the Governor, to redouble our efforts and we must stay focused and know that this development agenda is still the number one priority. That is what “Finishing Strong” is all about.
Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State(left) Honoring Blessing Okagbare on her recent achievements at the International Athletics
As preparation hots up for the forthcoming 2016 Olympics, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of oil and gas wealthy Delta State has announced a three-year financial grant of $360,000 to Delta-born Africa’s fastest woman, Blessing Okagabare to support her preparation for the Olympics.
The governor, who made the announcement on Friday, September 13, 2013 during a state reception for the world celebrated athlethe at the Government House, Asaba, also enjoined politicians to desist from actions that could distract the athlete as she prepares for the 2016 Olympics.
Governor Uduaghan advised those who desire to appreciate Okagbare to do so quietly without politicizing her in order to insulate her for the set goal of gold medals in the 2016 Olympics.
Gov. Uduaghan (2nd left), Deputy Gov. Prof. Amos Utuama SAN (left), Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Victor Ochei and Blessing Okagbare
“All support for Blessing should be done privately and quietly, we should insulate her from politics, she is a role model, she is not a political model. Okagbare is a pride to Nigeria and a pride to us in Delta State.
“Her feat has shown that youths in the state have enormous potentials for greatness, which if harnessed positively will bring great successes and positive changes to the state and the nation.”
The governor, while reaffirming his administration’s desire to produce gold winning athletes for the country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, announced an annual training grant of $120,000 for three years to Miss Okagbare to support her preparation for the Olympics and reduce competetive distractions ahead of the Olympics Games.
Uduaghan further announced a cash gift of N2.5 million for Miss Blessing Okagbare, N2 million each to Mr. Daniel Etsebiminor, the local coach that discovered Blessing and Mr. Gabriel Okon, her Athletic Federation of Nigeria Coach as well as $20,000 to Mr. John Smith, her international coach.
From left>> Solomon Ogba, Prof. Amos Utuama, Barr. Chike Ogeah, Gov. Uduaghan & Blessing Okagbare
In addition, the Governor appointed Miss Okagbare the Youth Ambassador for the state, gave her a parcel of land in Asaba and announced the naming of a stadium in the state after her.
He also charged the State Sports Commission to identify four young potential athletes capable of winning medals that would be nurtured and groomed to represent the state and country in the 2016 Olymics Games in Brazil, promising to give them training grants for their preparations and exposure to international training facilities.
The governor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the honour done to Blessing Okagbare and commended the team, as well as other young athletes from the state who have won laurels in different competitions, especially at the last African Junior Athletics Competitions in Malawi promising that the state government would bestow deserving honour on them.
In his remarks, the President of the AFN, Evangelist Solomon Ogba lauded the Delta State government for encouraging field and track events development in the country, stating that such guesture has earned Delta the champion in sporting activities in the country, adding that Okagbare had placed Nigeria in the 19th position in world ranking.
RECEPTION: from left; President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, Prof. Amos Utuama, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Blessing Okagbera, Rt. Hon. Speaker, DTHA, Victor Ochie, Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Amaju Pinnic and Director General, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Victor Onogagamue during a State reception to honor Blessing Okagbera for making the state and Nigeria proud at the recent international Athletics meet.
Responding, Blessing Okagbare thanked Governor Uduaghan for playing important roles in her success story stating: “My career has grown from good to better but my best is yet to come.”
She appealed to the Federal and State Governments to support athletes by developing sports through funding and proper management, explaining that “proper and adequate funding, especially training grants to athletes will make them prepare properly for competitions and improve their performance.”
Blessing Okagbare displays her medal with Pastor Powell Ojogho on her right and Sunny Areh on her left.
She said that money spent on sports especially to support the training and preparation of athletes in track and field would determine the amount of laurels the country can win in competitions.
Delta state Sports Commission boss, Mr Pinnick Amaju, in his speech thanked Governor Uduaghan for his love for sports, assuring that the state would always excel in sporting activities.
Directorate of Special Infrastructure Commissioner, Orezi Esieo, (left) and Information Commissioner, Chike Ogeah during the ongoing mid-term media report @ Govt. House, Asaba
As the Delta state Mid-Term Reports of the members of the state executive council progresses, more facts have been unveiled on the unprecedented development strides of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan administration.
The Delta State Commissioner for Special Infrastructure, Barr. Orezi Esievo, during her mid-term report revealed that the state government has created over 5,000 new jobs, while her counterpart in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Barr. Richard Mofe-Damijo also disclosed during his session that his Ministry has opened new income streams for Delta state government in a bid to sustain the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.
Esievo, during the on-going mid-term report on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 said that the over 5,000 new jobs were achieved in the past 24 months, as part of the dedicated efforts of the MDA’s in the supporting the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of the Governor Uduaghan administration.
She added that the jobs were created by the contractors handling the various government projects across the state in areas including casual, skilled and unskilled labour, equally noted that the jobs are mainly in the social sectors of Health, Education and Housing where the Directorate has wholly renovated and rehabilitated key infrastructure across the state.
Barr. Esievo further affirmed that a total of 50 primary schools have been built, rehabilitated and renovated by the Directorate, with 10 additional schools already equipped with modern facilities built, adding that the Directorate had also been mandated to scope over 60 more schools across the state for the next phase of rehabilitation and renovation.
She confirmed that a host of key special Infrastructure projects in the areas of Health, Commerce and Industry, Housing and other sectors were executed, while work is still going on on some others across the state, even as she added that the projects have created employment for the teeming jobless populace which will in turn have a multiplier effect on the economy and eventually impact positively on the Delta Beyond Oil initiative.
According to her, “The State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan commenced the process of improving educational infrastructure by the construction/rehabilitation of 60 Primary/Secondary Schools across the State in 2011 at the total cost of N10, 459,251,716.85. Presently 90% of the school projects have been completed and are being commissioned”.
Other areas where the Directorate has made its impact felt include; remodeling and rehabilitation and equipping of Eku government baptist hospital, Eku, Construction and equipping of a 100-bed integrated mother and child care centres at central hospital, warri and general hospital, Ekpan, which is a 3 – storey building of 100 beds, Offices, Laboratories, Theatre, Delivery and Labour rooms, 2 holding bays for ante-natal programmes with consideration for physically challenged persons. It is also equipped with a ramp and a 21 – passenger capacity elevator as well as state-of-art furniture and equipment, which is at 90% practical completion stage and is costing the State Government a total sum of N1, 433,761,377.47, the construction of the Mother and Child Care Complex, Ekpan which is costing Government a total sum of N585,445,905.84 for its construction is progressing at a satisfactory pace.
The Special Projects Commissioner also confirmed the Construction of 30 bus shelters and 4 city bus terminals across the state as part of the State Government’s Urban Renewal Strategy in the transportation sector in the state, for the sum of N1, 163,671,492.01, and the
Junction improvement works, which the State Government awarded at the cost of N3, 175,773,182.66 zand mosthave already been completed in the major metropolisis.
Other projects include, the dualisation of ughelli – asaba road (sectors a, b and c) by the State Government and completion of the 149km Federal road from Asaba to Ughelli awarded to three contractors in November 2008 at the total cost of N59,360,265,337.77, Construction of the 11.575km Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridges and Access Roads with two (2) Nos bridges awarded by the State Government at a cost of N7,299,904,546.94; Construction Of Sapele-Abigborodo – Aruwon Road which is at 55% completion with N3,727,893,723.63 of the contract sum paid.
In the area of promoting Commerce in the State, the Directorate has commenced Construction of the novel and ultra modern Ogheye Ultra Modern Concrete Floating Market Project, with the following facilities 1000 market stalls, 3 concrete stepways/pilling platforms/protective
barriers of 250 by 200 metres, warehouse and coldroom facilities, administrative building with banking hall, berthing facilities, fish processing unit,and other state-of-the-art facilities, at the cost of N3,006,316,012.60.
Esievo equally confirmed the expansion of Osubi Airport to increase the capacity from the existing 2.4km length by 30m width runway originally designed for small aircrafts, to the construction of a second runway of 4km by 60m width, taxiways, fire station, a modern
control tower, an Air force Base with a second apron as well as a hangar for a total cost of N40,076,134,537.23 out of which N10,019,033,633.50 has been paid as mobilisation to the contractor, even as she added that the preliminary work on some sites for the Construction Of Four (4) New State Polytechnics at Sapele, Bomadi, boh and Abigborodo at a cost of N4,400,000,000.00. of which a total f N2,113,784,215.32 has so far been paid. The construction work on thers will commence once the rainy season was over, the Commissioner said.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo (left), Information Commissioner, Chike Ogeah (middle) and the State Chairman of Nigeria Union Journalist (NUJ) Comrade Norbert Chiazor
In another development, Barr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, also disclosed during his session on Thursday, September 12, 2013, that his Ministry has opened new income streams for Delta state government in a bid to sustain the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.
Barr. Richard Mofe-Damijo espoused that through the promotion of the state’s cultural heritage, which has been on the front burner, by redirecting the energies of Deltans towards developing creative enterprises that will convert crafts to wealth.
Apart from the efforts to make Delta state the preferred tourism destination, where the state would become a hobnob of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, the Commissioner said that plans are underway for the provision of a symbiotic environment that will aid private sector driven initiatives that will greatly address issues of unemployment, poverty and youth restiveness.
He disclosed that the state government entered into a Public Private Partnership with Sarner PFM for the construction of a World Class Delta Leisure Park at Oleri, in Udu local government, explaining that the project has an initial foreign partners’ financiers to the tune of $250,000,000 Million.
The ongoing world class project is earmarked on a 500 acres of land provided by the state government which also forms the state government’s 10 per cent counterpart funding of the resort.
Senior Civil Servants in Delta State Civil Service has been charged to be shining examples to their subordinates especially in their attitude to work.
The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Mr. Tony Obuh who gave the charge today, Thursday, September 2013 during an In-House Training organised for workers in the Directorate in line with the State Government Agenda on Human Capital Development said that senior civil servants in the state should act as role model and guide their subordinates on the achievements of set goals.
The Permanent Secretary opined that senior civil servants in the state need to be diligent and upright in handling government business as they have an enormous responsibility to teach their subordinates the rudiments of the service.
He explained that the training would help sensitize civil servants on how best to improve on their attitude to work and educate them on the code of conduct and ethics of the service for effective service delivery.
His words “This training is an initiative for civil servants in the Directorate to be sensitized on the code of conduct and ethics of the service. This will enhance effective service delivery”.
In an opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Emmanuel Okafor said the topics for discussion in the seminar was apt because it was been organised at a time where there was need to rejuvenate the state civil service for effective performance.
He observed that the civil service had cherished values which needed to be upheld emphasising that “the programme is coming up at a time when there is interest in rejuvenating the service.”
He continued “The civil service have cherished values which have been relegated to the background by officers, that is why this topic on code of conduct and ethics is a welcomed development. The guest lecturers are capable hands, l know we will be enlightened by the end of this seminar.”
Mr. Okafor urged participants to take the seminar very seriously in order to be better equipped to discharge their duties diligently.
Delivering the first lecture titled “Code of Conduct and Ethics of the Civil Service” Mr Vincent Edema stated that code of conduct and ethics was important for civil servants explaining that they constituted the ingredients required for the success of the civil service.
He said that the code of conduct and ethics would promote the public image of the civil service and motivate civil servants to perform effectively in their duties.
According to him “ A well observed code of conduct and ethics will promote the goodwill of the civil service and give it a good public image.”
The second lecture delivered by Mr. Andrew Okoh on “Civil Service as a vital organ for service delivery” examined the role played by the civil service in enhancing effective service delivery.
He charged civil servants to see how best they can implement government policies above their personal interest for utmost performance.
His words “Reforms in the civil service are made to improve on the performance of civil servants. Civil servants should know that they have to support and implement government policies above their personal interest.”
Questions and comments were entertained from participants.
Delta state government has condemned the recent unprovoked and physical attack on the state Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), Professor Patrick Muoboghare, by hoodlums in the state.
The attack on the Commissioner has been greeted with wide condemnation from Deltans at home and in the Diaspora.
A statement signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah and dated September 9, 2013 described the incident as vicious and undesirable to the peace and security vision of the state government.
The statement made available to Blank NEWS Online, has also denied claims that the attacked member of the state executive council was in coma after the unprovoked attack which caused him severe bodily harm, adding that Prof. Muoboghare is recuperating and responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
A reliable police source has however revealed to Blank NEWS Online that some of the perpetrators of the dastardly act have been apprehended by the police who have vowed prosecute the alleged miscreants.
The statement reads:
“On Saturday, September 6, 2013, the Delta State Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), Professor Patrick Muoboghare, was viciously attacked by some elements among the youth at a meeting in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
“What was scheduled as a peaceful meeting among political groups in the area was hijacked by a few misguided youths that took advantage of the atmosphere of camaraderie to inflict bodily harm on Prof. Muoboghare.
“The commissioner was wounded from a knife attack, but thankfully, he was immediately taken to hospital where doctors attended to him. Prof. Muoboghare is stable, recuperating and responding to treatment. He is not and was never in coma.
“We unreservedly condemn the unprovoked attack on the commissioner. Arrests have been made by the police and perpetrators of the crime will face the full wrath of the law. At a time that Delta State has emerged as one of the most peaceful states in the country, the unfortunate incident belies the perception of the youth as the successor generation among the political class that should usher an era of tolerance in politics.
“We hereby urge Deltans, especially youth to eschew violence in all their conduct as attacks on persons under any guise is a criminal act punishable under Nigerian laws.”
Recall that Prof Patrick Muoboghare was on Saturday, August 07, 2013 attacked by youths during the inauguration of the Ughelli North local government ward executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party secretariat in Ughelli.
In his determination to entrench lasting peace in his kingdom, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has intervened in the internal crisis between the Itsekiri monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse II (Olu of Warri) and his people.
The Governor who hails from the Itsekiri minority tribe in Delta state, appealed to the men, women and youths of Itsekiri nation to remain calm and peaceful as “efforts were on top gear to ensure that reasons prevailed over the matter.”
Uduaghan, who addressed the aggrieved parties on Sunday, September 08, 2013 at the palace ground of the Olu of Warri, assured the people that “everything will come back to normal soon as all efforts were been made to address their grievances.”
Gov. Uduaghan & Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II
He informed them that he has already discussed with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, Chiefs and Youths and that all parties were willing to give peace a chance.
The Governor who has been described in many quarters as peace loving, thanked the youths for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner and urged them to remain peaceful and embrace the Peace and Security initiative of his administration.
The Leader of the Youths, Mr. Omolubi Newuwuni had appealed to the youths to hearken to the voice of the governor who has come to ensure that peace was maintained in the kingdom.
The PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Baraje has said it has asked its lawyers to press a contempt charge against Alhaji Bamanga Tukur for flouting the orders of a Lagos High Court which asked both sides to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case before it on who should lead the party.
A statement issued last night by the National Secretary of the the PDP under Baraje, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, condemned the press conference addressed by Tukur in Abuja on wednesday where he threatened to sack members of the National Assembly who have declared support for the Baraje faction and arrest its officers.
” We have asked our lawyers to press contempt charges against Tukur because his statement was made in clear contempt of the orders of Lagos High Court which three days ago asked both sides to maintain the status quo. We will ask the court to commit him to jail for his disdain for the law and the judicial system.
” We have always been saying it that Tukur represents everything that must not be seen in a democratic organisation. His statement demonstrates not just impunity but also lawlessness and crass ignorance of the tenets of the law and democratic ethos.
” Tukur displayed his disdain for law and order with his threat to order the arrest of law abiding persons in a democracy. We ask what powers he has under our laws to make that statement and what gave him the impression that Nigeria has become a police state where impunity reigns and citizens can be arrested at the whim of any power drunk tzar. Fortunately, our country is a democracy under the rule of law and not under the rule of man. The police and our other security agencies cannot be used to further such agenda as being nurtured in the dictatorial mind of Tukur.
” Again, we believe only an ignorant person would threaten to sack elected Senators and Representatives for staying on the side of truth, justice and fairness. Tukur needs be reminded that members of the National Assembly were elected by the people of Nigeria and are not his appointees who he could dismiss like the minions in his private residence.
” He called the Alhaji Baraje- led leadership of our party impostors and we ask him if he does not know that the endorsement of our cause by elected representatives of our people across all tiers of government has vindicated our position that what we represent in the party today is what the people want. We challenge him to call out those who are with him in his clear journey to perdition even as we add that Tukur should come to terms with the reality of the end of his reign of terror, impunity, dictatorship and lawlessness in our party,” the statement said.
“On our part, we assert our commitment to the consolidation of democracy, peace, love, unity, people centred development and above all, the rule of law in our march towards progress and development. More importantly, we assure our teeming associates and well wishers that we shall conduct our party’s business with patriotism, resourcefulness, truth, justice and fair play as demanded of a political Organisation with a vision and mission.”
INAUGURATION: Gov. Uduaghan congratulates Mrs. Roseline Amioku, one of the Board Chairmen, shortly after the inauguration of Board of Parastatals and Agencies in Delta State by the governor
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged newly inaugurated board members in the state that their primary responsibility is to contribute their quota to empower the people and develop their various wards, local government and the state.
Uduaghan, who announced that his administration has approved an additional 20 youths and women into the youth and women community empowerment programme in the 25 local government areas, observed that the appointment of the board chairmen had equal representation of men and women in affirmation to the 35% women representation in government.
The governor however, charged chairmen and members of the newly reconstituted Boards of government owned agencies and parastatals to use their wealth of experience in repositioning the establishments to impact meaningfully on the life of the people.
Dr. Uduaghan who gave the charge Thursday, September 05, 2013 in Asaba while inaugurating the Chairmen and members of Boards of 14 Parastatals and agencies in the state said that “members of the Boards have vast experience in various spheres of life and should bring their wealth of experience and knowledge to bear on the performance and achievements of the various agencies and pararstatals”.
“You should be able to reposition these agencies and parastatals so that they can achieve their set goals and objectives and impact meaningfully on the life of the people of the state”, he added.
INAUGURATION: from right: Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa
Governor Uduaghan called on them to maintain a harmonious working relationship with the management of the agencies and parastatals and avoid conflict stating that “his administration abhors any form of in-fighting between board members and management staff of their various agencies.”
The governor opined that everybody, whether Board members, Chief Executives, or the ministry have their roles and responsibilities in the achievement of the goals of the agencies and as such there should not be conflict of interest rather they should work in harmony for the progress of their establishments.
His words “The challenge we have been having with board members in the state is the conflict between them and their chief executives. I don’t want to have such problem again. I want you all to work in harmony with the Chief Executives of their different agencies.”
He continued “Everyone have a role to play to move the parastatals and agencies forward, so there should not be conflict of interest, you should all create a conducive working environment for the progress of your Board.”
The governor informed the inaugurated board members that they also have the responsibility of contributing their quota to the development of their wards stressing that it was their primary responsibility to empower the people.
Dr. Uduaghan announced that his administration has approved an additional twenty youths and women into the youth and women community empowerment programme in each of the local government area.
According to him “We have approved an additional 20 youths and women into our community empowerment programme in each of the Local Government area and we are paying them N50,000 each.”
He congratulated the newly appointed board members and observed that the appointment of the board chairmen was purposely skewed with equal representation of men and women and in affirmation to the 35% women representation in government.
The governor assured those PDP members not yet appointed to be patient saying “your time will soon come. We will appoint more board members.”
In a brief response, the state PDP chairman, Barrister Peter Nwaboshi commended the governor for the appointment and empowerment given to Deltans explaining that the responsibility was given to the party to appoint the board members.
He pledged the loyalty of the board members to the government and the party and promised that they would contribute their quota to the success of the Uduaghan’s administration.
“The appointees realize that this is a PDP government and will contribute their quota to the success of this administration. I am very grateful to you, Your Excellency and will continue to be grateful to you for the appointment you have given to party members. We will not fail you.”
Cross section of Chairmen and members
The appointees include: Lady (Mrs.) Roseline Amioku – Chairman, Delta State Institute of Continuous Education, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbomah -Chairman, Delta State Rural Development Agency, Barr. (Mrs.) Orode Imovbere- Chairman, Delta State Post Primary Education Board, Hon. Emeka Ukpe -Chairman, Delta State Library Board, Chief Lizzy Obukene -Chairman, Delta State Board of Adult and Non- Formal Education.
Others are: Hon. Efe Afe- Chairman, Delta State Tourism Board, Barr. Mrs. Felicia Ajagun- Chairman, Delta State Development and Planning Authority, Barr. Olivia Agbajor- Chairman, Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri; Barr. Theo Azinge -Chairman, Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba; Chief Willie Ashubu -Chairman, Delta State Arts Board; Hon. Omimi Esquire -Chairman, Land Allocation Committee; Elder Gabriel Lelekumo -Chairman, Rural Water Supply Agency; Mr. David Okpan- Chairman, Delta State Urban Water Board and Alhaji Yusuf Eregbene- Chairman, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
THE emergence of Chief Godwill Obielum as the Governor of Delta State in 2015 would be a blessing to the state, politicians in Oshimili South local government area have said.
At a meeting held at Umuagu quarters, Asaba, the politicians observed that it was a thing of joy that politics in the state has got to a stage where the people are speaking with one voice concerning who should govern them at the expiration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration in 2015.
“For once, we are speaking with one voice in Delta State that we want Chief Godwill Obielum to be our next Governor,” Chief Obidi Amagwulu said, stating, “all over the state, people are saying that Chief Obielum should be our next Governor, this is because, we know Chief Obielum to be a hardworking man, experienced and he does not hold grudges rather, he is a progressive man who believes in a united and progressive state.”
He stated that apart from politicians, especially those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), non-politicians also desire that Chief Obielum should come out to be the next Governor of the state.
According to him, “Chief Obielum has helped a lot of people, and he does not believe in where you are from, sample the opinion of the people, especially market women and the youths, they will tell you that their prayers is for Chief Obielum to become our next Governor.”
“The politicians in Oshimili South local government area are committed to working for Chief Obielum, he is a true party man who has ensured that the PDP remains strong in our area and we believe that his emergence as Governor will only make the party to be stronger in the state and in Nigeria,” the PDP chieftain said.
Madam Ifeanyi Awana in her contribution said, “this is not politics of deceit, we know Chief Obielum, he also know us, we shall work for him and the good thing is that everybody is working for him to be the next Governor, he is so humble, intelligent and carries the people along.”
She stated, “we, the supporters of Chief Obielum, the progressive minds in the PDP have formed the Delta Progressive Movement (DPM), an umbrella body for progressive people within the PDP to ensure that nothing stops Chief Obielum to become the next Governor of Delta State.
“Chief Obielum is a peaceful man, a man who will not disappoint us as party men and women, he is a man that every Deltan would vote for across party lines,” she added.
Others who spoke at the occasion including Mr. Benjamin Ogugua and Hon. Afam Uzor stated that the era of some politicians coming to deceive them with rice, salt and cash is over, adding, “we will take it from them and still vote for the real person we want after all its our money they are re-circulating.”
While Mr. Ogugua said, “we are committed to working for Chief Obielum, not because of the money, rice or salt but because, he will be a Governor that all of us would be proud of,” Hon. Uzor said, “the era of using money to deceive us is over, this is the time we will support people, beg people we know that are qualified to hold elective positions and I can tell you that God has blessed Chief Godwill Obielum with many good qualities and we want him to be our next Governor.The campaign for Chief Obielum to be our next Governor is a movement based on conscience and the future of our state, not because of what we stand to gain today.”
CHAIRMAN of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Delta State Council, Comrade (Chief) Ifeanyi Obi has pledged unalloyed support to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan administration, urging Deltans to rally round him in his to successful governance.
Comrade Obi who was speaking in Asaba, described Governor Uduaghan as a good leader who is working with the interest of the people at heart, reiterating that to enable him succeed, the people of the state should support and pray for him.
“We need to pray for our Governor, he is doing very well in every part of the state and for us at the National Union of Road Transport Workers, we are happy with him, he has helped us a lot and we shall continue to support his administration.”
He used the opportunity to urge members of the Union to remain law abiding and shun any action that is capable of causing the breach of peace.
“Our members are carrying out their duties peacefully, but, we have observed that there are also, few of them that are not working genuinely in the interest of our Union, we have asked them to retrace their steps and ensure that they are not engaged in any negative action because, we are not going to protect any of our members who flouts the law,” Chief Obi said.
Comrade Obi disclosed that as an individual and the chairman of the NURTW, some persons have tried to blackmail him, stating, “some people have circulated text messages that is not favourable using my name, some have done certain things that are not also too good using my name but that is the burden of leadership, we are entrenching a new union where the members believes in the rule of law and obeys the constitution, it is not easy, but we thank God that we are succeeding.”
He said Governor Uduaghan has good programmes for the people of the state, stating, “our Governor has done a lot for us, all that we need to do is to be patient and pray for him to always succeed.”
Blank NEWS Online can reveal that the oil exploration activities of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company has been cut short by aggrieved youths in Utagba-Ogbe, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The youths of the community were reported to have shut down the flare and drilling rig of the company on Wednesday, September 04, 2013.
Blank NEWS Online investigations proved that six blue chip companies: Midwestern Oil and Gas, Energia, Pillar Gas, Agip, Sterling Global and Platform Petroleum produce “over 159 barrels of crude oil per day from our land, and we lack development, we are not feeling the positive effects of these companies in our community.”
President of Umusadege Youth Forum, Mr Emmanuel Ejechi, said the closure of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company was a signal to other oil companies operating in the area to implement the MoU they signed with the community.
According to Ejechi, “the shutting down of the activities of the oil company has become necessary due to the company’s failure to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the company with the community before it started its operations.
“Every day, we see the oil companies, especially Midwestern Oil trucking crude oil out of Kwale, our farmlands are devastated, the soil can no longer sustain agriculture, our rivers are drying up, and yet the companies do not care about us.”
“The company is not ready for negotiation, we are ready to negotiate with them and we shall continue to be peaceful because, we are peace-loving, we only asked the workers to leave their premises and shut down the place, which they did without any violence,” Mr Ejechi said, adding, “we want development, government should come to our aid and make the oil companies to employ our youths and develop our community.”
Profile of Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited:
Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited commenced operations in 2001 and upstream activities in 2005. The Company is owned by the Delta State Government and a group of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
In 2003 the Company was awarded 70% interest in Umusadege Field located in OML 56 which is situated at the northern area of Delta State, Nigeria. Midwestern is the operator of the field in a strategic alliance with Suntrust Oil Company Nigeria Limited and Mart Energy Services Limited.
Sequel to field activities, first oil was achieved by the stakeholders of Umusadege field in April, 2008 at flow rates of around 3,000bopd from re-entry of the Umusadege-1 well. This has been rapidly increased to approximately 15,000bopd through additional development drilling.
The Management of Warri Wolves FC has appealed against the decision of the League Management Company which applied part of the law governing the round leather game by ordering for a re-play of the week 29 match between Kwara United and Warri Wolves.
According to a letter signed by the Scribe, Lawrence Omowho and sent to the Nigeria Football Federation, Warri Wolves condemned the decision by refering to articles 3.7(1), 3.7 (20 3.7(3) and 4.3(10) to support their claims that Kwara United have erred and should face the music hundred percent.
According to the letter, Warri Wolves said the rules which was given to every club at the beginning of the season serves as the arbiter that governs the league and should not be set aside in what they described as selective justice.
Warri Wolves claimed in the said match, it was glaring that the match officials were beaten by the home fans just like what happened between Elkanemi Football Club and Wikki Tourist and at the end, the same body awarded three points and three goals to Elkanemi.
The letter further said whereas the LMC applied section 3.7(1) of the rule by asking Kwara to pay five Million Naira, what happened to the remaining two sections which says the team will forfeit three points and three goals?
The letter also stated that Warri Wolves is only fighting for the interest of the League as it could happen to any Club, hence they regard it as their rights to fight this injustice.
The Management has therefore siad in view of the overwhelming evidence against Kwara United, it would be difficult for the Club to honour the match and called on the Nigeria Football Federation to set up a new body to treat this case.
In recent times the crime wave in Delta have been alarming ; series of criminal activities ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, dispute between oil and gas bearing communities and international/indigenous oil and gas company in Delta state, today the crime reduction has been improved effectively in Delta state.
This commendation is contained in a fact finding mission which was disclosed in a statement issued to Blank NEWS Online by the project director, Mission for Peace and Security in Nigeria Initiative (MPSNI), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwador Anyim.
According to him, “Delta police commissioner and team deserves awards from the rank and file to the superiors”.
He further disclosed that comprehensive plans and efforts are on going by the Mission for Peace and Security in Nigeria Initiative to hold a two days symposium tagged: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNICATION NETWORK IN COMBATING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES to mark their annual end of year conference/award ceremony.
The award recipients, according to the statement, will cut across the police from the rank and file to the superior officers which will include political leaders who have contributed their effort in ensuring peace and security in their various communities.
He also described the CP Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba as a combatant, unbeatable, result oriented, intelligent and a man victor and merits the 2013 peace and security super cop award of the year along side his team led by DCP Taiwo Lakanu 2nd in command Delta state police.
He commended the effort of the IGP MD Abubakar via Ikechukwu Aduba in the recent approval of album launch of former PPRO Delta ASP Famous Ajieh: Titled “POLICE AND TEACHERS”.
Comrade Ifeanyi Nwador Anyim after a brief interactive session with ACP Famous Ajieh and editor Jide Castro of Great Achiever Magazine/Bulletin at the police Head quarters, Asaba, stated that the approval of the album launch by the IG is a welcome development to the Nigeria Police Force and a means of educating, enlightening and promoting the Image of the Force.
Right Of Reply: SarnerPFM Resorts Limited Rejoinder to the Publication by Sahara Reporters titled, “Governor Uduaghan Accused Of Using Multi-Billion Naira Oleri Leisure Park As Conduit Pipe, Awards Contract To Daughter”
Setting The Record Straight
Introduction:
The attention of Management of SarnerPFM Resorts Limited in Delta State of Nigeria has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters of Thursday August 29, 2013 as regards the Delta Leisure Resorts. The misguided, mischievous reporter claimed to have gathered his baseless and unsubstantiated allegations from sources, among them an unidentified self proclaimed former commissioner in the current Governor of Delta State cabinet. We wish to state in clear terms that the said publication be disregarded in its entirety as the information contained therein is not only false, misleading but lacking in merit.
Having observed with keen interest the completely self serving spirited attempts to comprehensively misrepresent the true situation with respect to the project, it has become imperative and timely that the unsuspecting public be informed of the true situation of the park, hence this rejoinder.
Regarding the allegation that the sitting governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has sunk several billion naira on the Project as a conduit for looting state funds.
The allegation that the sitting governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has sunk several billion nairas on the Project as a conduit for looting state funds is totally false, baseless, malicious and libelous to the person of the Governor, the project and stake holders to project. The Delta Leisure Resorts is a Public Private Partnership Project. The sitting Governor of Delta State has not release any kobo to the project apart from providing infrastructure facilities such as a bridge which not only provide access to the park, but access for 3 villages which has been cut off for years, beautification of main roads in the cities to prevent it from looking like a slump where people are currently causing environment hazards by dumping their rubbish on the middle of the road and cars driving through the road median knocking down pedestrian.
These support Projects are not carried out by SarnerPFM Resorts Limited but duly appointed and reputable contractors, such as FAK Construction company and Dismpro for Oleri Bridge, FAK for beautification and Nigeria Westminster Dredging and Marine for reclamation. All these projects are funded directly by SarnerPFM with government subsequently refund upon issuance of certificates duly signed by all stake holders. The contractors are paid directly by the bank and the accounts are available for all to verify.
Delta State government does not mobilize or award any contract directly to SarnerPFM Resorts Limited outside the signed MOU with the government. SarnerPFM Resorts Limited does not take or received any funds from contractors for project awarded.
Regarding the state of construction on the project
There are works currently on-going on the park itself. The staff-quarters are near 60% completion, the directors’ quarters are 30% completion, the staff quarters in Asaba 95% completion. Intensive construction work is about to commence on the self catering villas, hotels, sport village infrastructure, retail villa, earth work at both sites from September 2013. Over 70% of the specialist work on the theme park are being done overseas and have been procured. 95% of top name operating brands for the park have been signed and contracted with license fees paid.
The Supporting Infrastructure Projects has a lot to show for money that has been expended on it as several construction works has reached their final stage of completion. The Oleri-Aladja Bridge connecting over three communities as well as providing access road to the park has reached 70% completion, the beautification and casting of the road median is well advancing, the insti casting is 90% completion and electrification 90% completed. Reclamation Project is 70% completion. These on-going projects are not only visible to the blind but audible to the deaf. The design stage of the parks which is the most difficult stage in the development of a resort of this magnitude has reached completion. Only mischief makers and people bereaved of basic knowledge of resorts development will deny this fact. To keep pace with the state of development in the park, kindly visit: http://www.deltaleisurepark.com/.
Delta State government has revealed plans to airlift pilgrims from the Asaba International Airport, located in the state capital, to the holy lands overseas.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said his administration would collaborate with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) to ensure that there were no hitches in the airlifting of the pilgrims, stating that neigbouring states would also be allowed to make use of the airport to travel on pilgrimages.
Uduaghan made the disclosure in Warri today, Tuesday, August 27, 2013, when a team of the NCPC led by its Executive Secretary, Revd. John Kennedy Opara, paid him a courtesy visit, the Governor observed that the use of the Asaba International Airport to airlift pilgrims is a welcome development.
While lauding the NCPC for living up to expectations with recorded successes as pilgrims from Delta State to the different holy lands do not abscond but use such trips for spiritual and moral reasons, the governor revealed that his administration has mapped out programs for pilgrims to also study the agriculture programme of the places like Israel during pilgrimage.
“We have introduced a system where Deltans are allowed to study the nature of agriculture of the people of Israel while on pilgrimage, so, it is not only for spiritual benefit. Nigeria has more fertile land than Israel but the agriculture sector of that country is thriving more.”
He urged the NCPC to have a laid-down procedure for intending pilgrims who wished to sponsor themselves, to do so with ease, assuring that the state government would meet up with its quota of sending 1, 500 pilgrims to the holy land this year.
The NCPC Executive Secretary, Revd. Opara lauded Governor Uduaghan for the massive development in Delta State, confirming that 1, 500 slots have been allocated to Delta State for the next pilgrimage, stating that plans were on for the pilgrims to be airlifted from the Asaba International Airport.
GOV. EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN (L) PRESENTING A PROTOTYPE OT THE ASABA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO THE AVIATION MINISTER, PRINCESS STELLA ODUA DURING THE MINISTER’S INSPECTION VISIT.
Recall that the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah had in July last year expressed satisfaction with the high standard of facilities at the Asaba International Airport, noting that the airport met global specification and standard.
Oduah remarked, while on an inspection visit to the airport in Asaba that, “I am very very excited over this airport. It is very very wonderful and has met global standard”.
Delta Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah
In a bid to transform Delta state beyond complete dependence on oil, the state government has initiated five key areas to sustain it in the future.
This is just as the state government has allocated and granted Certificates of Occupancy for 6,000 hectares, equivalent to 14,826,000 Acres of land to boost cassava production in the state alongside a processing plant for the international market.
The Delta state Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah, revealed that the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration has concluded plans to sustain its economy with these key capacity building initiative, which is part of government’s drive to move the state beyond oil.
Ogeah said in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online that the five key areas are Small and Medium scale enterprises, tourism, sports, Information and communication technology and agriculture.
While mentioning that countries like Brazil, China, South Africa, Malaysia and India built their economies in these areas and had been doing well for the people, Ogeah affirmed that Delta state government has decided to use these same key initiatives to develop the state beyond total dependence on oil, which has become the mainstay of the economy.
“What we are saying is that those resources we are earning today, which we might not continue to earn, let us use it to build capacity in the other major areas that we can have comparative advantage.
“And basically in Delta, we have found about five of those key areas most countries have used to make the quantum leap from under developed, to developing and developed countries in within twenty-thirty years.
“We are talking about bricks countries, and I will give the names of those. Countries like India, like you know, Brazil , Russia, South Africa China, this is what they have used to make that quantum leap.
“The Malaysians came and took palm seedlings from here in the seventies, see what they have done, see how they have diversified their economy. Most of those Asian tigers, that was what they used.
He however said that since some Asian countries used the SME’s to build small businesses, created employment, used micro finance banks to create big multinational banks, “for us in Delta, we will also grow on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) which are the five critical areas and great catalyst for sustainable growth.”
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government has also made plans to use tourism to make Asaba the capital of Nollywood and home for entertainment, adding that the Asaba International Airport would have a green house zone, where agricultural product would be processed and exported without problems.
“We keep saying that our beyond oil is a journey , it is not a destination,’’ he said.
Minister Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
In another development, the Delta state government has decided to lead the drive to boost cassava production in Nigeria for export as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, CON has allocated 25 hectares for the establishment of a processing plant in Abraka and an additional 6,000 hectares for the development of commercial cassava farms to supply the plant.
In a statement signed by the Delta Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq., and made available to Blank NEWS Online, discosed that the Minister Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, praised the efforts of the state government for being the only state to have provided land for the plant with additional land for commercial cultivation.
“The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the two locations have been issued to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture by the Delta State Government and Delta remains the only state to have provided land for the plant with additional land for commercial cultivation”, Adesina had said.
According to Adesina, “18 large-scale cassava processing plants each with 72,000 metric tonnes processing capacity are to be established in various parts of the country under the programme aimed at having Nigeria make an in-road in the global cassava market.”
Adesina commended Dr. Uduaghan for his concerted efforts at revolutionizing agriculture in Delta State, noting that by promptly allocating land for the cassava project, the governor has laid the foundation for the state to emerge as the cassava basket for the country.
“I was pleasantly delighted when I arrived to receive the news that the Governor of Delta State has already allocated 25 hectares of land for the establishment of the plant and an additional 6,000 hectares for the development of commercial cassava farms to supply the plant. I have the C of Os for theses with me right here”, Adesina stated, thanking Uduaghan for “showing patriotism and supporting your cassava farmers.”
The agriculture minister who spoke at the 9th All Nigerian Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Asaba said Delta’s prompt intervention in cassava programme will fast track Nigeria’s quest to reduce the N127 billion import bill on wheat flour through the incorporation of 20 percent high quality cassava flour into the production of composite flour with wheat to produce bread.
To complete the value chain for the production of cassava bread, Adesina said President Goodluck Jonathan has established a N10 billion cassava bread fund. The fund will support nation-wide training of 5,000 master bakers, expand the production of cassava and support flour processors to produce more cassava flour at lower cost. The fund will also enable corporate bakers to expand as well as intensify social marketing of cassava bread.
The minister said Nigeria has secured contracts to supply 3.2 million metric tones of cassava chips to China and arrangement are underway for the Africa Export-Import Bank to provide a loan facility of $40 million to cassava chip exporters. Nigeria expects to earn over $800 million from meeting the supply contracts to China.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has called for the reduction in high cost of governance in the country through the immediate diversification of the economy and control of the number of political appointments.
This is just as the state Commissioner overseeing the Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara says Delta is the leading light on the “Beyond Oil Initiative” campaign which formed the theme of the just concluded Executive Session of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ 9th All Nigerian Editors Conference in held in Asaba.
According to Governor Uduaghan, “the cost of governance is high because everybody now depends on government for business, we need to develop other sectors of the economy so as to create job opportunities independent of government.
“We cannot just embark on the reduction of the number of the workforce in order to reduce the cost of governance but we can reduce and control political appointments especially those that we don’t really need. There should be a limit to political appointments.”
Dr. Uduaghan appealed to the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Media to study and propagate the Nigeria beyond oil initiative and elevate economic issues to the front burners. He charged them to publicize developmental and economic issues that would help create employment and industrialization in the country rather just political issues.
While stating that the “Beyond Oil Initiative” should be comprehensive and integrated he decried the high level of soil and environmental pollution in the Niger-Delta region which would prevent development of agriculture and called for the regeneration of the damaged areas to enable agriculture and agro- allied businesses to strive.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state
The governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Fayemi Kayode, in his comments called for the diversification of the economy from mono-product based to a knowledge based one. He urged the nation to embrace full financial federalism that would make states develop their vast resources and improve their internally generated revenue.
Fayemi noted that to diversify the economy, there is the need for skilled based education among Nigerian youths with a well developed curriculum that would propel the Nigeria beyond oil initiative and called for fiscal discipline and a more accountable government to reduce corruption and the impunity that accompanies it in the country.
Also speaking, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State who said that oil was to be blamed for the high cost of governance in Nigeria advocated for an economic growth that would create jobs and bring about industrialization. He said, “ We should fight greed which is beyond corruption as it kills enterprenship, professionalism and hard work. If we diversify our economy, Nigeria will become a more creative country with hard working and enterprising people.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Finace, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara has described the state as a leading light in achieving the “Beyond Oil Initiative”, saying that the campaign championed by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration has towered to national and global acceptance.
Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Delta Commissioner for Finance/Economic Planning
Okpara, who made the disclosure during a chat with BlankNEWSOnline in his office, said the theme of the 9th All Nigerian Editors Conference in Asaba, tagged, “Nigeria Beyond Oil: Role of the Editor” was apt and critical to resolving immediated national development and economic issues.
While reaffirming that the idea was initiated in Delta State and has now transcended the state to become a national issue, he said it has also proven that the vision and progressive thinking of Governor Uduaghan has formed an agenda of national public importance for the overall good of Nigerians.
Okpara said; “I feel very elated in the sense that an idea which was initiated by Delta State State is now being taken to the national level with the decision of the Nigeria Guild of Editors to make it the theme of its 9th All Nigerian Editors conference in Asaba. It shows that Delta is a leader and is indeed leading in helping to define the future of the Nigerian economy in tandem with the Transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
The Delta Finance Commissioner, who also oversees the Economic Planning Ministry where he was recently in charge, said that the fact that the Journalists adopted the state’s economic initiative as the theme for its Editors Conference is a clear indication that they belive in what Delta is doing and this will no doubt help to boost the image of the state nationally.
Olorogun Okpara further averred that this national recognition has justified the need to be creative and to pursue the vision of exploring new ways to ensure the provision of greater democracy dividends to the people, adding that the recognition of an idea originated by Delta has given him joy and the satisfaction that it was a worthy cause to champion.
According to him, the objective of the ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative is to create more jobs for Deltans and move the economy forward and the Delta State government was poised to build on this national recognition to drive the initiative more vigourously.
“Of course this national recognition will definitely put more pressure on us to now work harder in our efforts, sustain the the idea going forward and ultimately improve on it to achieve more success and establish a solid platform and structure for our economy to thrive in the future,” he said.
Chief Godwill Obielum (left) and Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state (right).
As Deltans clamour for a successful successor to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial poll, prominent politicians in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State has called on Chief Godwill Obielum to contest for the governorship position of the state in 2015.
Chief Hon. Mike Eku at a meeting of Delta Progressive Movement (DPM), Ika South Local Government Chapter held at Abavo said, he has come out to campaign for the emergence of Chief Obielum as the Governor of Delta State in 2015.
According to him, “as a politician, as a Deltan, I have seen that Chief Obielum is a credible and matured person to govern Delta State and we want him to contest for the position which he vied for in 2007.”
“Since 2007, Chief Obielum has been involved in the building of our party, the People’s Democratic Party, he has been involved in the development of our state and despite what happened in 2007, you cannot see desperation in him, he is matured and organized and capable of leading our state in 2015,” Chief Hon. Mike Eku said.
He emphasized that notable politicians in Ika South Local Government Area are working for the emergence of Chief Godwill Obielum as Governor in 2015, stating, “Chief Obielum has no option, he should come out to contest for the governorship position, he is a nice man, very intelligent and with his security background, he is an asset to our state.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Mrs Franca Ojebor said, “DPM is made of people of like minds, progressive people who believes that Chief Obielum should be the next Governor of Delta State on the PDP platform, this is a movement and nobody is being forced to join us and I can tell you that everyday, our membership is increasing because, Chief Obielum is a good product to market, there is no ward or village in the state that his good works have not been felt either through his personal attention or through the Obielum Foundation.”
“I join in the call for Chief Obielum to contest for the governorship position of our state and I can tell you that most Deltans are calling on him to contest for the position and his emergence as governor will give a boost to our party, the PDP and our great state, Delta,” Mrs Franca Ojebor .
Others who spoke at the meeting which witnessed a huge attendance said it was important for Chief Obielum to emerge as the next Governor of Delta State assuring that they will work with people from different parts of the state for them to see reasons to support Chief Obielum.
Recall that notable politicians in Ika North East local government area of Delta state had earlier given their full support to Chief Obielum as a result of his political contributions and unique endearment to the people.
King Ozomo’s Quest –A Play written by Joseph Nwamana to be launched soon.
The new book, a must read, which has gained prominence in the literary industry, according literary critics, writers and playwrights, is an uncommon work of a brilliant playwright.
The Playwright, Joseph Nwamana hails from Aboh, Ndokwa East local government area in Delta state, Nigeria where he had his early education before proceeding to the Federal School of Arts and Sciences, Lagos.
It was there in creative works, woven from historical recreation, began to manifest.
He later studied English and Literature at the University of Benin, essentially buoyed by his quest for the acquisition of requisite skills in his foreseeable art in creativity.
Nwamana’s talent is also evident in poetry, films and drama. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and married with children.
His earlier book, “Sacrifice To The Dumb God”, attained global readership and acceptance.
No doubt, the instructive biblical story of Joseph’s coat of many colours is known to many people both Christian believers and non-believers. But how many truly know the import of the story? One thing that is clear about the story though is the fact that it stresses the importance of contentment, originality, consistency and sure-footedness in the face of daunting challenges.
More, significant however, is the story’s similarity with the story of the Delta Democratic Peoples Party, DPP. The exciting story sits very well with the heart-warming legend of the DPP in Delta. It illustrates DPP’s very humble beginning as a fearless tiny group of Delta patriots to become, not just a household name in Delta, but a formidable gigantic platform for Delta progressives. This is no mean achievement if one considers the peculiar violent nature of politics in the region. The party had emerged against all odds to challenge the insidious status quo that celebrated and nurtured an unyielding and yet very powerful political dynasty.
The story of the coat of many colours is a very interesting one that has been told many times. But the story was made much more popular particularly to non-Christians by the legendary country singer, the delectable American Dolly Parton. The Dolly Parton’s version is more intriguing and pleasant given the singer’s unique sonorous and soothing voice as well as a wonderful singing ability that readily tickles emotions and .takes the listener on a very rewarding spiritual journey of some sort.
In the song, Dolly relates her story as a poor young girl growing up in the capitalist America. She was poverty-stricken and the story of her poor background will resonate with many people in today’s Nigeria. The song relates to her lowly life as a young innocent girl whose parents could not afford to buy a coat for her to wear in the deadly cold winter. But thanks to Dolly’s loving mum who sewed her a colourful coat made from a collection of rags that someone gave her. Dolly reveals how happy she was that her mother “made my coat of many colours that I was so proud of”.
“As she sewed, she told a story from the bible she had read about a coat of many colours Joseph wore and then said… perhaps this coat will bring you good luck and happiness. And I just couldn’t wait to wear it. My coat of many colours that momma made for me, made only from rags but I wore it proudly. Although we had no money, I was rich as I could be,” so the lyrics go.
The coat was not perfect, but Dolly wore it proudly to the school. There were patches on her britches and there were holes in the shoes, but the character still wore the coat to school and was very proud of it. At school, other students laughed at her and some even sympathised with her poor condition. But she paid no attention to the jokes from her detractors. Imbued with a can-do and revolutionary spirit, Dolly walked regally to school to meet other students who scoffed on seeing the coat of many colours.
She did not betray any sign of sadness. Instead, she held her head high because she considered herself luckier than her peers. She felt sorry for her bantering mates who didn’t have a loving mother to sew such colours. Dolly took the jokes with remarkable stoicism delighting instead in the motherly love that informed the making of the coat.
“Oh I couldn’t understand it (the mockery)for I felt I was rich and I told them of the love my momma sewed in every stitch and I told them all the story momma told me while she sewed and how my coat of many colours was worth more than all their clothes. But they didn’t understand it and I tried to make them see that one is only poor only if they choose to be. Now I know we had no money but I was rich as I could be in my coat of many colours my momma made for me … made just for me,” sings Dolly.
This song and the story of coat of many colours capture the essence of the DPP in Delta State. Though relatively small and not financially buoyant like the PDP and the newly registered APC, the DPP is a party whose emergence was informed by a deep love for the state. Right from the beginning, the party has managed to be self-sufficient and has picked as members, ordinary Deltans who seek the best for the state.
When Ogboru returned from exile in 2002, he had set for himself, the task of bringing progressive Deltans together on a common platform to find ways to change the politics of the state for good. He, together with concerned Deltans, formed an umbrella organisation, the South South Rainbow Coalition, SSRC, before eventually moving as a group to the Alliance for Democracy, AD. The group took part in the 2003 elections using the AD platform.
By 2007, however, the group had metamorphosed into DPP which like the AD was national. But the 2007 election was not to be as Uduaghan was fraudulently declared the winner of the bogus election. But eventually, Uduaghan was removed by the courts and a re-run election was held in January 2011. There was also the April general election that became as controversial as any other election the PDP has won in the state.
But events leading to 2015, have betrayed lack of good understanding of the party by some of its members, especially the new ones. While many have kept faith with the party, others have had to jump ship. Many too have accepted willy nilly the bogus claim by the party’s self-seeking detractors who want the world to believe that the DPP is too small to govern the state. Their idea of being big, obviously, is to have big financial strength, intimidating media power, and to be a past master in political thuggery. To them, APC or PDP represents the utopia that must of necessity consume every other political party in the country.
The reality today, however, is that the DPP is the proverbial coat of many colours in Delta State. It is the party of the people and it is the party to consume other parties. It has welcome into its fold , particularly since 2010, numerous people from the other parties. Who then says that DPP, in Delta, is not the coat of many colours.
Gov. Uduaghan, Femi Adesina (President NGE) and Chike Ogeah Esq. (Delta Commissioner for Information)
Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has called for the immediate diversification of the nation’s economy, just as he charged the media to educate Nigerians on the Nigeria Beyond Oil Initiative and its immense benefits.
The governor who stated this on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ 9th Annual Nigerian Editors’ Conference in Asaba said there was the need to diversify the nation’s economy so as to cushion the likely effects of the decline in oil revenue. He explained that the nation’s over reliance on a mono-economy and rising food imports have led to high youth unemployment and high population growth which have negative effects on the economy.
“High population leads to deeper poverty and deeper poverty leads to high fertility.” he said, stating that “It is a vicious circle which should have no place in our economy”.
He called on the media to sensitize Nigerians on being supportive and patient with government on the actualisation of the benefits of the economic diversification initiative, stating that the Guild of Editors have a great role to play in educating the public on the “Nigeria Beyond Oil” Initiative as it requires a long term investment on infrastructure.
He explained that the initiative would take time to yield its fruits but Nigerians should learn to wait and contribute their quota to the success of the initiative.
His words “the actualisation of the “Beyond Oil Economy” would take time especially as some of the infrastructure required to attract investors to other areas of the economy are expensive and take quite some time to actualise. …Therefore the editors and by extension the media should help to educate the people and guide them to be patient in the realisation of the benefits of the Nigeria Beyond Oil Initiative”.
Labaran Maku (Minister of Information), Segun Osoba (Former Ogun state Governor), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (SGF) & Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state
Governor Uduaghan stated that Delta State government have been committed to the economy diversification initiative through the “Delta Beyond Oil” programme since the inception of his administration and as such have attracted investments that would develop other sectors of the economy apart from oil.
He explained that his administration had invested in agriculture to help improve food production to support the rapid population growth and create employment for youths in the state.
While explaining that the present growth and dependence on food imports were inimical to economic growth, Dr Uduaghan called on the Federal Government to invest massively in the agricultural and industrialisation sectors so that Nigeria could feed its citizens and create employment for the youths.
The governor also harped on the importance of investments in infrastructure to help expand the economy beyond oil explaining that various achievements have been made in the educational, health, transport and micro credit sectors in the state.
Speaking further he said “Our industrial programme is anchored on setting up special economic zones and construction of industrial parks to help improve on the economic well being of Deltans and attract huge investment to the state”.
He continued “Our agricultural programme is driven to help improve on the food production in the state and create employment for our teeming youths. While our health and educational programmes is aimed at improving the lives of Deltans”.
Cross-Section of NGE members
In a brief remark, The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim called journalists to strictly comply with the ethics of the profession so as not to lose the trust of the society.
While explaining that the media was the anchor to promoting the Nigeria beyond Oil Initiative, Senator Anyim stated that the media as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian state, has a vital role to shape the thoughts and stimulate ideas of nigerians as well as build up ideals that Nigerians would follow.
He described the Conference as the first forum organised to openly and publicly discuss the realisation of the “Nigeria beyond Oil” initiative and commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for providing a platform to discuss critical national issues that affected the nation’s economy.
He said that the greatest role of the Guild of Editors was to aspire to remain patriots of the nation and ensuring the stability of democracy.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku stated that Nigeria should not depend solely on oil for its revenue explaining that other sectors of the economy should be explored.
He charged the media to give more time to the issues of the economy and highlight government’s efforts in transforming the economy as “ it is the driving factor in the development of the country”
Mr Maku said that the Nigeria Press Council was not meant to gag the press explaining that Nigeria has the freest press in the whole of Africa. He opined that the Council was a means to ensure that the ethics of the profession were upheld and objectivity was maintained.
In his welcome address, the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors Mr Femi Adesina said the conference was for the editors to brainstorm on how to contribute their quota in the diversification of other sectors of the economy.
Mr Adesina explained that the country’s overdependence on oil if not checked, would spell doom for the nation in the future and there was therefore a need to deliberate on the way forward.
He stated that the conference would also afford them the opportunity to discuss on the germane issues about the Nigeria Press Council and how to use the media to promote the initiative of “Nigeria Beyond Oil”.
Giving a keynote address titled “Nigeria Beyond Oil: Role Of The Editor” President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote stated Industrialisation was the key to the nation’s economic prosperity.
Alhaji Dangote who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makoju said that Federal government should deliberately use the resources derived from crude oil revenue to drive industrialization in the country.
Anyim, Uduaghan, Adesina & Ogeah
While urging on the Federal government to develop the vast local market to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported goods, he called for value reorientation in the country so that Nigerians would purchase locally produced goods.
Alhaji Dangote said the biggest challenge to the nation’s industrialisation was not funds but lack of highly trained manpower to drive the industrialisation and called for the immediate manpower development programmes in the country.
He informed the participants that Dangote Group would soon embark on the building of a 9 billion dollars petro-chemical refinery in Olokola as part of its commitment to the industrialisation of the nation.
Alhaji Dangote commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for making the theme of diversification a major focus of the conference stating that the outcome of the deliberations would help raise awareness for the Nigeria beyond Oil initiative.
Earlier during a courtesy call on the the state governor by members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Governor Uduaghan charged them to use their position to strengthen and sustain the country’s democracy, adding that as stakeholders, they should help in deepening the country’s democracy and ensure a free and fair elections in 2015.
Uduaghan explained that the editors have a big role to play in the sustenance of the country’s democracy and called on them to use the to brainstorm on measures to be taken to achieve a successful election in 2015.
He commended the Guild for the decorum displayed in their election process saying “the process of choosing leadership in the Guild has finally stabilized and I want to enjoin all electoral bodies to learn from the free and fair methods in picking leaders of the Guild”.
The Governor urged them to use the opportunity of the conference in Asaba to undertake facility visits of the infrastructure and developmental projects and programmes of his administration throughout the state.
In a brief address, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adeshina commended the state government for the massive development going on in the state and its warm hospitality to members of the Guild.
He informed the governor that the guild was in Asaba for its 9th annual All Nigerian Editors Conference and commended him for all the state has put in place for the success of the conference.
According to him, “We appreciate the hospitality Delta State has shown us since our arrival for the conference. We thank Governor Uduaghan for your kind gesture to put everything in place to ensure the success of our conference”.
Delta state Commissioner for Education (Basic/Secondary), Prof. Patrick Muoboghare (2nd left) on the hot seat @ the ongoing Mid-Term briefing in Asaba. On his left is Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq. & Norbert Chiazor (Delta NUJ Chairman) on the far left, while the Permanent Secretary (Education) is on Muoboghare’s right.
Delta State has concluded arrangements to enhance the remuneration and welfare of Teachers, particularly in the riverine areas of the State, even as the state government has pledged to support the effective take-off of the schools handed over to Missions in the state.
This disclosure was made by the Delta state Commissioner for Education (Basic/Secondary), Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, while briefing journalists during the on-going Mid-Term ministerial press briefing held in Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.
According to the Commissioner, the state government implemented the 27.5% Teachers’ Salary Scale (TSS) as well as the 15% basic allowance to special needs teachers, even as he added that teachers posted to the riverine areas of the state, particularly, English, Mathematics and Games Teachers will receive special percentage increment to their salaries and automatic accommodation in the communities where they have been posted.
The Commissioner also noted that the state Government has augmented the salaries of primary school teachers, ensured regular payment of the UBEC counterpart fund, resuscitated sporting activities in schools and ensured Zero-tolerance to all forms of malpractice, including examination malpractice and illegal collection of fees in public schools in the State.
Prof. Muoboghare noted that the state government has so far expended the sum of N3,687,155,963.09 (three billion, six hundred and eighty seven million, one hundred and fifty five thousand, nine hundred and sixty three naira, nine kobo) on examinations in the period under review and this has led to remarkable improvement by students in external examinations conducted by WAEC in the past three years.
According to him “This magnanimous step taken by the State Government has resulted in remarkable improvement by students in external examinations conducted by WAEC in the past three years. There has been steady improvement with candidates having five credits and above, including Mathematics and English Language as evident in the progressive performance of students. In 2010 we had 36.34% and in 2011, it was 38.72% while in 2012 the performance was 49.1%. We are awaiting the analysis of 2013 result.”
Speaking on the return of schools to Missionaries, Prof. Muoboghare affirmed that 41 secondary schools have been handed over to their original owners in the state with the payment of an initial sum of N5m each to them as take-off grant, adding that the state government was poised to assist in the full take-off schools and equally support parents financially for successful students if and when the need arises.
Speaking further on the achievements of his Ministry, Prof. Muoboghare listed the closure of 662 illegal/ramshackle schools, enthronement of seniority in the appointment of Principals, merger of multiple secondary schools located in one compound, monitoring of examinations in collaboration with Delta State University, Abraka, steady improvement in external examination results and improved performance by teachers, as some of the laudable milestones of the Ministry in the period under review.
Other achievements, according to the Delta Education Commissioner include, improved conditions of service for teachers such that teachers earn more than their counterparts in the Civil Service, augmentation of primary school teachers salaries
Massive infrastructural development, establishment of new secondary schools and technical colleges, increase in school enrollment, regular payment of teachers salaries, absolute free education in primary and secondary school levels and “De-stagnation” in the primary schools amongst others.
Prof. Muoboghare equally affirmed that Delta state has garnered Laurels in external academic and sports competitions which include, NNPC/Shell Petroleum Development Company football and Basketball national competitions in 2012; 2013 National Sports Competition in Port-Harcourt where the state emerged 2nd position with 81 Gold, 85 Silver and 65 Bronze medals; winner of Channels Kids Football Competition by Ogedegbe Primary School, Warri held in Lagos in May 2013.
Other sports laurels include the 2013 Governor’s Cup Competition won by Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi-Uku which carted home a brand new 30-seater coaster bus, a cash prize of N2m and a play tour to Europe; Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun which clinched the 2nd position with a brand new coaster bus and cash of N1m, and Edjekota Secondary School which came 3rd with a brand new coaster bus and a cash prize of N500,000.00.
In the area of academic laurels, Prof. Muoboghare listed the Workshop for the African Regional Centre for space Science and Technology (South South zone) where Delta state took 1st position with Space Technology Kit and cash prize of N167,960.00 and numerous victories in other National Science and Mathematics Competitions in the period under review.
The Delta Education Commissioner further noted that “Since 2008/2009 academic session, the State Government has been responsible for the payment of all levies and examination fees for all pupils/students in public primary and post-primary schools in the State”, adding that “Within the period under review, the Ministry was allocated the sum of N59,574,201,893.20 for capital projects.”
The Commissioner also said that the Ministry has achieved giant strides in the areas of special education, public private partnership initiative, adult and non-formal education and the provision of accommodation facilities, furniture, Instructional Materials/ equipment and other infrastructural facilities for schools in the state.
Highlighting the challenges,Prof. Muoboghare said “There are challenges in the areas of access by children in the riverine communities and other areas with difficult terrains, existence of miracle centres for examinations and the role of parents, uncooperative attitude of some teachers deployed to the riverine/rural areas and lack of commitment of some parents to the education of their children security in our schools”, even as he assured that the Ministry was determined to move Basic and Secondary Education in the State to the next level.
From right; The Deputy Provost,Mr. I. C. Iyama, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha and Acting Provost, Mr. Sylvester Ebisine at the 19th Convocation ceremony of College of Education, Warri
In a bid to ensure a desirable learning environment in higher institutions in Delta state, the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has pledged his administration’s determination to build befitting hostels for the College of Education, Warri.
He also iterated that all illegal structures defacing the environment in the state would be pulled down to achieve the the state government‘s on-going cleanliness campaign.
Governor Uduaghan, who during the 19th Convocation Ceremony of the College of Education, Warri, decried students‘ present living condition in shanty-like hostels, commended the State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare for the prompt removal of caravans and other illegal structures in Edjeba where the College is located.
He however enjoined the private sector to cooperate with government to achieve this as, according to him “government alone cannot do it” but expressed government’s determination to build befitting hostels for the students before the end of his tenure.
“I feel sad that students of this college are living in shanties, human beings should not live in such places because they are breeding ground for armed robbery and prostitution and that is not what we want for our students. Government will build hostels for students and private individuals should also help. My administration will build some hostels for the College of Education, Warri before we leave office and move the students out of these shanty-like hostels.
“Recently, when I passed through Edjeba, I was not pleased with what I saw and I told the Commissioner to rid the area of the caravans and other illegal structures defacing the environment in the area and as I was coming into the College today, I am very happy with what I saw.”
Dr. Uduaghan who urged owners of caravans and other illegal structures in the state to remove them immediately in their own interest said “the state government will not spare anybody defacing the environment, we will prosecute you if you fail to remove these illegal structures and if we have to remove them on our own, you will be fined by the state government, so do not allow government to remove them for you.”
CONVOCATION: Cross section of graduating students @ the 19th Convocation ceremony of College of Education, Warri
While stressing the need for quality teacher education in the country, Governor Uduaghan said that; “Teacher education is the key to the success of any educational system and the state government will continue to encourage quality teacher education as part of our human capital development. Whatever we are spending on education in the state is not wasted.”
He therefore assured workers in the state who were experiencing difficulties in getting their salaries that they would soon smile as the challenges were being tackled and would soon be resolved.
Ahead of the 2015 governorship election in Delta state and the need for a generally accepted candidate with people oriented initiatives, notable politicians in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state have described Chief Godwill Obielum as a leader who is detribalized and believes in collective approach to governance.
The politicians who met under the auspices of Delta Progressive Movement (DPM), Ika North-East Local Government Area chapter stated that Chief Obielum’s leadership qualities have made it obvious for Deltans to support him to emerge as the Governor of the state in the 2015 gubernatorial elections.
Those who spoke at the meeting which took place at Umunede include the coordinator of DPM in the area, Hon. Sunday Ihieme; Mr. Chuks Okolie; Mr. Godwin Obaigbena and Mrs. Anthonia Anyaeze.
They stated that they had to convene the meeting which witnessed a large turnout of people to make Deltans know that the people of Ika North East LGA are fully in support of Chief Godwill Obielum to emerge as the next Governor of Delta State after Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s tenure has ended.
Hon. Ihieme specifically said, “Chief Obielum is well known to us, he is not a new person in Delta State politics, we know how he has empowered Deltans no matter where you are from through the Obielum Foundation and we know that the man have the ability to move Delta State to the next level.”
“Every ethnic group in the state are supporting Chief Obielum and we want to also, let him know that we believe in him, we want him to be our next Governor and we are happy with him as a person,” Hon. Ihieme said, adding, “Delta Progressive Movement is for progressive minds who are in the PDP because Chief Obielum is a progressive person who believes in carrying everybody along in his activities, that is the man we want to be our next Governor and we are working for him.”
While Mr. Obaigbena said, “with Chief Godwill Obielum, Obielumani (my mind is at rest) is the will of God for Delta people and Delta State, because he would provide good leadership,” Mr. Okolie emphasized, “this is not about politics, this is a movement, though we are all in the PDP but I can tell you that those who are not politicians are also, members of DPM and we believe that because of our support for Chief Obielum, people in opposition political parties will leave their parties and join us, we all like Chief Obielum because he is matured, experienced, an achiever and God fearing, he will be a good Governor.”
In her contribution, Mrs. Anyaeze stated that women would be mobilized to work for Chief Obielum because, he empowers women and youths and also has good knowledge of security, asserting, “Chief Obielum is a blessing for Delta State and we want to continue to share in that blessing, that is why we must work for him to be the next Governor of our state.”
A deep-seated book chronicling his personal experience in the course of his journalism calling, authored by Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, The Pointer chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is to be publicly presented on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.
