An advanced delegation of Senator Ned Nwoko senatorial team was at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge ( SAN) in a colourful reverence, Sunday after his historic coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.

Paying obeisance before the Asagba on behalf of the Senator representing Delta North at the National Assembly, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu informed the Royal Father that the delegation came as an advance party ahead of the imminent homage of distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko.

Also speaking, Delta North Elder, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, flanked by Head, Senator Nwoko senatorial office Asaba, High Chief Eze-Ugo Asibelua, and media veteran Comrade Norbert Chiazor, eulogized the iconic status of the matchless colossus who embraced the most glorious of royalty from a towering academic height.

From the pantheon of monarchy, the blessings of the Asagba rained and was savoured profoundly.

Long reign the Professor-king!

A 41-year-old Canadian lady, Adrienne Munju has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for importing large consignment of ‘Canadian Loud’, a strong strain of synthetic cannabis into Nigeria.

The suspect was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers on KLM airline flight from Canada at the terminal 1 of the Lagos airport last Thursday.

During a joint examination of her three bags, Adrienne who was coming to Nigeria for the first time was found with 74 parcels of the illicit substance weighing 35.2 kilogrammes stuffed in two of her three bags.

In her statement, she claimed she was recruited to traffic the consignment through an online platform for 10,000 Canadian dollars, which was to be paid upon successful delivery in Lagos.

She confessed the offer was taken because she needed the money to pay for her ongoing master’s degree programme in Canada.

In another arrest, NDLEA operatives at the Port Harcourt Ports, Onne, Rivers state intercepted 13,298,000 pills of opioids including Tramadol, Tramaking Quick Action Tramadol, Tamol-X, Royal Tapentadol and Carisoprodol as well as 338, 253 bottles of codeine based cough syrup, all worth over
N9 billion in street value.

The spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said the opioids were recovered in three containers coming from India, targeted by the NDLEA during a 100% joint examination of the cargoes with men of the Nigerian Customs and other port stakeholders last Wednesday and Thursday.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the Tincan seaport in Lagos last Thursday intercepted 100 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 50 kilogrammes. The consignment was packed in 20 parcels each in five jumbo bags concealed in a container with four units of imported vehicles that came from Canada.

Babafemi said though the container had earlier been cleared out of the ESS Libra Bonded Terminal in Ikorodu but based on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives were able to trace it to a warehouse in Ikorodu where the illicit consignments were discovered in one of the imported vehicles, a Toyota Sienna bus.

He added that a suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim has already been taken into custody in connection with the seizure.

In Taraba, NDLEA officers last Thursday intercepted a commercial bus marked JAL 198 YQ coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Jalingo. Large quantities of opioids: tramadol, rohypnol and codeine-based syrup concealed in body compartments of the vehicle were recovered when it was searched, while two suspects: Pako Thomas and Emmanuel Anyigor were arrested.

Also in Taraba, another suspect, Chibuzor Okafor was arrested at Wukari last Wednesday with 80 blocks of cannabis weighing 38 kilogrammes hidden in bags of garri.

In Lagos, a suspect Bolanle Ajenifuja was last Friday arrested at Afo – Media area of Ojo where 700 litres of skuchies, a mixture of local chapman and cocktail of illicit drugs were recovered from her, while three suspects: Ezekiel Akpele; Elijah Michael; and Goddard John, were nabbed same day when NDLEA operatives raided two cannabis farms located at bridge camp, a boundary community between Edo and Ondo states. Not less than 9,966.3 kilogrammes of the substance was destroyed on over three hectares of farmland with 48 kilogrammes of the already processed psychoactive substance recovered.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen.Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Tincan, PHPC, Lagos, Edo, and Taraba commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

 As Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge was on Saturday, October 5, 2024, coronated as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, one-time Delta State Commissioner for Information, Ogbueshi Chike Ogeah, Esq, has described his ascession to the throne of his forefathers as the dawn of a new era for the ancient kingdom of Asaba. 

In a goodwill message to Asagba Azinge, and and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Saturday, October 5, 2024, Ogbueshi Ogeah who is out of the country and unable to attend the ceremony, said he wholeheartedly congratulates the new Asagba.

According to him, “As an accomplished public servant and law teacher, Asaba is primed for a transformative era under His Royal Majesty, Asagba (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge. The people of Ahaba embraced his emergence as king with music and dancing and I am convinced he will lift Asaba to greater heights.

“I wish him excellent health and a long and peaceful reign on the throne of our forefathers. May the Most High God give him the grace and wherewithal to excel in the divine task of making Asaba kingdom greater”, Ogeah said in his congratulatory message. 

Prof. Azinge was formally coronated on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Asaba in a colourful ceremony at the royal palace. The event was witnessed by ndi Obi, Olinzeles, Ogbueshis, Okwulagwe, Umuada and the entire Ahaba community as well as top government officials.

…inaugurates projects in Ogulagha, Okerenkoko

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said his administration would continue to ensure even development of all parts of the state including riverine communities.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this at the inauguration of Model Secondary School, Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area of the state and inauguration of Faculty Building and Lecture Halls at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor appreciated riverine communities for the prevailing peace which had paved way for development of the communities, adding that peace was imperative in the development of any community.

He assured that his administration would continue to work for the progress and development of the state.

He said: “I applaud DESOPADEC for staying the course. The successful completion of this school is a proof that DESOPADEC is fulfilling its mandate of improving the infrastructure and economic fortunes of the oil producing communities.

“It is a worthy addition to the growing number of Secondary schools in Delta State. Our people love education, and this school will ensure that some of the children in the riverine communities will not be denied the benefit of quality secondary education.

“Let me emphasise once again that this administration is committed to the development of every part of the state.
As part of our vision for meaningful development, the Executive Council this week approved the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the 12.1 kilometre Odimodi-Okuntu-Ogulagha Road at a total cost of N5.2b. The contractor is expected to mobilise to site in the shortest possible time.

“The road is strategic to the economy of the communities around here, and when completed will eradicate the sufferings commuters are currently experiencing on the road. I assure all Deltans and residents in the state that the MORE agenda is on course.”

At Okerenkoko, Governor Oborevwori described the Nigerian Maritime University as one of a kind specialised institution established to produce graduates with unique skill sets, knowledge, and capacity to revolutionize Nigeria’s vast maritime sector.

“It has strong potentials for urbanisation, while providing employment and retail business opportunities in the host community and environs.

“The Lecture Hall we are commissioning today is a good example of what can happen when there is cooperation between the federal and state governments.

“So, I am proud that we can deploy our resources to build this lecture Hall even though it is a federal institution. This is consistent with our promise to provide meaningful development, which is the first pillar of the MORE agenda.

“As I have always said, peace is a prerequisite for meaningful development and I hope that going forward, the peace we are currently enjoying will be sustained so that the community can reap the full benefits of having a university of this nature”.

Governor Oborevwori who gave immediate approval for the construction of road to the University’s permanent site, said riverine communities were very dear to his adminstration hence he created the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development.

“I can assure you that there will continue to be enhanced peace and security across the state and once there is unity and peace development will surely come,” he added.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of DESOPADEC, Olorogun John Nani, said the completion and inauguration of the project was a clear demonstration of the fact that DESOPADEC was doing a lot for oil producing communities.

Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi commended Governor Oborevwori for demonstrating that riverine communities could be developed like their upland counterparts.

In his remark, immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Barr Kingsley Otuaro traced the establishment and development of the Maritime University to the Niger Delta agitation and commended the Delta State Government for its several interventions in the University.

In his speech, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Emmanuel Adigio, lauded the governor for lending a hand of intervention to the institution through the construction of a faculty complex in the university.

Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON on his successful coronation ceremony as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.

In his message as made available by his media directorate, Senator Ned Nwoko acknowledged the deep responsibility that comes with the role of Asagba, describing the new Asagba as the “heart and soul” of Asaba. He noted that the Asagba’s position extends beyond the ceremonial, stating that His Royal Majesty will be looked upon as a beacon of wisdom, strength, and unity that will guide the people of Asaba through both prosperous and challenging times.

“It is with profound respect and great joy that I congratulate you on your coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. This is not just a moment of personal triumph for you, it is a historic moment in the life of our people. Your coronation marks the continuation of a cherished legacy, and with it comes the weight of history and the hope for a brighter future.

“As Asagba, you are now the heart and soul of Asaba, standing at the intersection of tradition and progress. The challenges you will face may be many, but so too are the opportunities for greatness. In moments of uncertainty, the people will look to you for clarity. In times of division, they will seek in you a bridge toward unity.”

The chairman, senate committee on reparations and repatriation further expressed confidence in His Royal Majesty. “The strength of your predecessors lies within you, but so too does the spirit of innovation required to lead in this modern era. We trust in your wisdom, knowing that you will lead with a heart open to the concerns of Ndi Ahaba and Ndi Anioma at large, a mind committed to fairness, and a spirit dedicated to their well-being. 

“As you take your place on this esteemed throne, may you find strength in the knowledge that you are not walking this path alone. The prayers, hopes, and loyalty of your people are with you, as is the legacy of the Asagbas who have come before. May your reign be one of wisdom, peace, and progress, as you usher Asaba into a new era of prosperity and pride. We stand with you, confident in your ability to lead with integrity and courage.”

Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas have jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents.

The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions.”

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Africa and the Americas are endowed with rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and profound historical connections. Yet, we recognize that due to multiple challenges—such as limited connectivity, regulatory and administrative barriers, and a lack of mutual market awareness—our cross-tourism relationship is not as strong as it could and should be.

Our goal today is to address these challenges head-on, fostering collaboration that will drive economic development, promote cultural exchange, and encourage sustainable practices benefiting all our communities.”

The Punta Cana Declaration set out a set of shared commitments for the development of tourism as a driver of inclusive development. Through the Declaration, tourism leaders from both regions recognize the important need to “intensify joint efforts to promote sustainable development” through tourism.

The signatories of the Declaration signalled their intention to “redouble their efforts”, most notably in:

• Strategic investments: To strengthen public-private partnerships, stimulate investments into the sector, and prioritize investments through effective policymaking. Also, to boost connectivity between the two regions, both in terms of improved air links as well as strengthened cultural exchange.
• Skills development and training: To prioritize investment in tourism education and training, to expand access to online and offline learning and to promote the use of innovation and new digital skills to enhance the knowledge of the tourism workforce.
• Innovation: To support competitions for start-up enterprises and entrepreneurs in both regions, to better support MSMEs, including in rural communities, and to promote innovative solutions focused on sustainability and climate action.
• Creative industries: To promote the role of the cultural and creative industries in the tourism sector, including through funding for projects with the potential to attract tourists and grow new and diverse destinations and cultural routes, and to ensure the benefits the sector delivers are focused on social and inclusive development.
• Inter-regional cooperation: To support market analysis and other research to identify potential areas of shared growth and opportunity, to develop shared strategies for tourism development, including through digital media, new products and international tourism trade fairs.

The Delta State Government has approved for a judicial commission to look into the land, security issues within Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. This stems from the problems identified by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and other community members as to the security challenges and land issues.

In the interim, the government has requested that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku take direct control of all boundary and satellite communities until the judicial commission completes its work within sixty days. The directive would affect the Okwabani’s who are Chiefs in the satellite communities as the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku would have to take direct control of those communities.

Commenting on the development, the Palace Secretary to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi welcomed the decision of the Delta State government and assured the governor of his full support to ensure implementation of the decision. The Palace Secretary warned all parties to stay away from land grabbing and stated that anyone who caused problems would be referred immediately to the police for investigation and prosecution.

Other areas the Judicial Commission would look into would be the contested Iyase Chieftaincy title.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said he would hold town hall meetings across local government areas in the state, as part of his administration’s strategic engagements with the people.

He also said his administration was working to ensure every local government benefited from massive road construction with the provision of no fewer than N1billion for roads in each LGA in the 2024 budget.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this when he received on courtesy visit, the State Executive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, at Government House, Asaba.

He lauded the leadership of CAN for the visit, adding that it was an eloquent testament to the strong partnership between the government and faith-based organisations in the state.

He also commended the fathers of faith for their steadfastness and the commitment of church leaders who had continued to uphold the government and Deltans in their prayers and supplications to God, saying; “the prayers of the Church have been a stabilising force for the government of Delta State.”

Governor Oborevwori, who was responding to calls for town hall meetings, said: “We know it is necessary and we are doing a lot to touch all the local government areas so that when we hold the town hall meetings, we have things to showcase to them.

“A lot of projects are going on across the state and in each local government area, we made the provision of not less than N1billion in the 2024 budget for road construction.”

On the issue of high cost of living, he said, “we have been doing a lot of empowerment programmes in the past few months. A few weeks ago, we did the MORE grant where we empowered 5,000 persons.

“A few days ago, too, we flagged off the distribution of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to over 6,000 persons in Delta State.

“The hard times we are facing now are not peculiar to Delta State, but when you compare what we are doing in Delta with other states and with our huge work force, you will see that we are doing our best.

“We are doing a lot of engagements because if we were not doing that, during the last End bad Governance protests, you would have seen something different.

“This is because Delta State was among the flash point states that was expected to have problems. We could see that there was no protest here yesterday because we are dialoguing and we believe in dialogue, rather than confrontation.

“I want to solicit again that you continue to put the government, both at the national and sub-national levels, in prayers because, prayers are very necessary for leaders to focus and think very well on how to provide good governance for the people.”

Earlier, the State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, who congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his victory at the 2023 gubernatorial poll and subsequent victories at various courts, told him that they were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

He disclosed that the Delta State Chapter of CAN had existed for many years, adding that the association had been making very useful contributions to the peace, progress, unity and the development of the state through her leadership structure.

According to him, Delta State Chapter of CAN would, by the special grace of God, continue to work towards promoting unity in the body of Christ in the state and throughout the country at large.

He applauded the governor for his administration’s urban renewal drive, especially through road construction and reconstruction, adding that members of the association were pleased with the infrastructural development initiative of his administration.

“We, also, like to acknowledge your administration’s peace building efforts, economic recovery and social safety nets and many other development in the state,” the Christian cleric said, even as he harped on the need for the governor to have town hall meetings in the three senatorial districts of the state to enable him feel the pulse of the people.

A bill sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, passed its first reading today, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in the Senate.

The bill, titled “A Bill for An Act to Alter the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap.F23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, and for Related Matters”, seeks to amend the existing legislation governing federal universities of technology.

The proposed amendment will alter section 1(1) of the Federal Universities of Technology Act by inserting a new subsection (f), which will officially establish the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, as one of Nigeria’s federal universities of technology.

The explanatory memorandum attached to the bill emphasizes that, by upgrading the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to a full-fledged university, the bill intends to expand its academic offerings and align it with the national objectives of promoting higher education in technology. It also explained that the bill’s primary aim is to enhance the role of the institution in advancing technological education and research.

To ensure that Nigerians have access to legal services regardless of their financial or social status, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), is supporting the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in providing free legal advice and services to residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

As part of a sensitisation walk to commemorate this year’s Independence Day on October 1st, the NBA Ikorodu branch is partnering with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) to raise awareness about human rights issues, particularly those related to domestic violence, child rights, disability rights, and general human rights provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

The EU, through its Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, implemented by IIDEA, is ensuring that volunteer lawyers from both the public and private sectors can provide these free legal aid services. The initiative also aims to protect citizens’ rights while advocating for good governance, accountability, and a corrupt-free government structure.

Speaking about the sensitisation walk, Bayo Akinlade, Convener of the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN), explained that, aside from participating in the walk, volunteer lawyers visited police detention facilities in the Ikorodu community, and spoke with inmates, offering free legal services to those in need.

He said, “Nigeria is 64, and because access to justice remains out of reach for most Nigerians, we as legal practitioners in Ikorodu believe that education and enlightenment are fundamental tools to help people understand how to access justice. In giving back to the community, we sought support from the European Union through IIDEA to deliver this service.”

“We also visited suspects who had been arrested by the police for various reasons. We will be providing them with free legal services to secure their bail or ensure that they are arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction within the constitutional time frames.”

Akinlade described the initiative as a “great opportunity” to provide free legal services, especially to those in the lowest levels of society who cannot afford professional legal advice.

“It is very important that lawyers have support to undertake this kind of walk. I am glad that the EU and IIDEA have stepped in.”

Speaking about the initiative, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, State Project Coordinator, RoLAC, said, “RoLAC is dedicated to making justice accessible to the most vulnerable in society, including women, children, juveniles, persons with disabilities, and victims of sexual and gender-based violence. We strive to ensure that every individual can seek and receive justice without barriers.

“Today, we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to remove legal and institutional barriers that prevent vulnerable groups from accessing justice, ensuring they have equal opportunities to be heard and protected.”

According to Olawumi Adeola, Chairperson of the NBA, Ikorodu branch, “For six years now, we have been involved in promoting the rights of the vulnerable and less privileged in the society. We move from one community to another, and carry out outreaches in market places to ensure that we sensitise the public on their rights, and also lead them on how they can achieve justice, rather than taking justice into their own hands.

“In situations where we feel that their case requires an immediate intervention, we refer them to our committees in the branch. We have the legal aid committee and the committee on domestic violence, child rights, and persons with disabilities. They sit on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week in our High Court. We ensure that we see those matters to a logical conclusion.”

Speaking about the impact that the support from the European Union has on their outreach to residents of Ikorodu, Adeola added, “The partnership with the European Union has helped us to reach out to a broader base. Sometimes, we do what we can with our limited resources. Therefore, partnership with an organisation like the European Union helps us to be able to cover a larger part of the society, and this is what we hope that we will be able to continue to do.”

Iyabo Akingbade, State Coordinator, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, explained that her organisation, which is an establishment set up by the Federal Government, provides free legal aid services and grants access to justice to the vulnerable people. “This programme is actually important for us to render our services in line with the mandate of the Council to the vulnerable people; to educate them on their rights, to educate them on the dangers of domestic violence, to educate them on the dangers dangers of trafficking in person, to let them know the rights of children, and to help suspects in police custody to gain their freedom.

“That is why we are partnering with this programme today to ensure that the rights of vulnerable people, whether as suspects or victims of domestic violence, are protected, and if they need free legal services for anything, even beyond legal advice, if it is something that involves filing a matter in court or defending them in court, we are ready to provide free legal services,” she said.

A landlord and beneficiary of the initiative, Taiwo Abiola, said, “I am very happy with this initiative because it has enlightened me on how to apply the rule of law to seek and get justice for myself. I currently have an issue with one of my tenants who has refused to leave my property after I have given him a notice of eviction because he has refused to pay his rent for a long period of time.

“Today, a lawyer has advised that I should not take the law into my own hands but report the case to the court to get justice. I also urge other landlords like myself to always follow the line of the law and not take laws into their own hands.”

The government of Saudi Arabia has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria Independence Day Celebration.

A statement by the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday read: “The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince/Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, extended the Kingdom’s heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The statement added that: “In a formal cable, the King Salman and Prince conveyed their best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of President Tinubu. They also expressed their hopes for ongoing progress and prosperity for the Nigerian government and its people.”

The statement claimed that: “The gesture further cements the diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, reflecting mutual respect and a shared vision for development.

“The Crown Prince’s message shows the importance of fostering strong international relations and the commitment to supporting Nigeria’s growth and success on the global stage.”

According to the statement, Nigeria, which gained independence on October 1, 1960, is celebrating its 64th anniversary this year. The occasion marks a significant moment for the nation as it continues to build on its rich history and pursue economic and social progress.

Senator Ned Nwoko has called on the federal government and fellow legislators to take actions that would make Nigerians enjoy the dividends of independence.

Senator  Nwoko made the call in his independence message released in Abuja today.

He argued that true independence for Nigerians should mean to save them from the shackles of perpetual dependency, hunger and poverty.

The senator also  called on the federal government to stop using the American dollars as means of selling crude oil to Dangote Refinery and paying foreign professionals.

Nwoko said that it was against the nation interest and security to be using two currencies in the country.

 He commended the steps of the federal government to start selling crude oil in Naira to Dangote and other local refineries.

He also said  that all domiciliary accounts in the country should be converted into Naira so that the accounts could not be used as conduit pipe.

The senator called for the creation of social security agency to replace the current Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, adding that the poor and hungry Nigerians should be included in that social security network.

On the foreign scene,  the senator renewed his call for the payments of reparations  by Europe to Africa, making a strong case that the next secretary general of Commonwealth of Nations to come from Africa.

He made a strong case for a single currency in Africa to avoid foreign manipulation of various African countries currency.

Below is the full independence statement 

Nigeria @64: The Imperative for Economic Sovereignty and National Social Safety Net 

As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, I find myself reflecting on the nation’s journey having been born in the same year. Approaching my 64th birthday this December, I cannot help but question whether this is the Nigeria those who fought for its independence envisioned, or indeed, the Nigeria we ought to have achieved by now. Sixty-four years is more than sufficient time for a nation to lay solid foundations, build enduring structures, and craft a vision that serves both its people and posterity. While we have undoubtedly made progress in certain areas, the gaps in our development, particularly in critical sectors, are glaring.

The failure to meet these expectations stems largely from internal contradictions and external pressures—both of which we, as a nation, have either enabled or aggravated. Neocolonialism and the lack of a robust national social safety net remain two of the most formidable barriers to our progress. If we can address these twin challenges, I believe Nigeria can reclaim its potential as a truly independent and thriving nation.

For over six decades, Nigeria has been shackled by the vestiges of neocolonialism. In the wake of political independence, we have continued to grapple with a form of subjugation that is perhaps even more insidious: the economic, political, and cultural dependency that continues to tie us to external forces. Neocolonialism manifests itself through unfair trade practices, external political interference, and the persistent exploitation of our resources. More concerning, we have often been complicit in our subjugation—consciously or unconsciously enabling this dependency through policy choices that prioritize foreign interests over national sovereignty. Why, after 64 years of independence, do we continue to rely so heavily on the West? Why have we allowed ourselves to remain consumers, rather than becoming producers? Why have we surrendered control over the value of our currency, and by extension, our economic sovereignty?

At 64, Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, remains in a state of perilous decline. The persistent depreciation of the Naira against major global currencies, particularly the dollar, is compounded by our misguided practice of paying for professional services in foreign currencies. This has become a drain on our economy, and it must be stopped. One of the critical gaps in our regulatory framework is the absence of an explicit prohibition against the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, particularly in payment for services. This loophole in the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and the Foreign Exchange Act has allowed exploitative practices to persist unchecked. It was in recognition of this that I presented “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, No. 7, to Prohibit the Discriminatory Use of Foreign Currency for Remuneration and for Matters Connected Therewith.”

The time has come for all domiciliary accounts in the country to be converted into Naira. These accounts have become a conduit for speculation and arbitrage, further eroding the value of the Naira. Many use them to purchase dollars in the parallel market, hedge against inflation, or hoard foreign currency until the Naira depreciates to a favorable level. This speculative behavior largely accelerates the devaluation of our currency. Besides, funds held in Naira are far more likely to be reinvested into the domestic economy. 

Bureau de Change (BDC) operators should return to their original role of facilitating currency exchange for foreigners, while promoting the use of the Naira for all domestic transactions. The value of a nation’s currency is intrinsically linked to its sovereignty. If we do not take decisive steps to enhance the demand for the Naira, we cannot expect others to respect it, let alone trade with it. Sixty-four years is more than enough time for us to assert our economic independence.

I must commend the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for introducing and adopting several measures to enhance the value of the Naira. These include compelling banks and IMTOs to disburse diaspora remittances in Naira, issuing new guidelines for BDCs to declare the source of FX and electronically transmit over 70% of FX sales, and the EFCC circular warning businesses against charging for services in foreign currencies. Most recently, the approval to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in Naira instead of Dollars was another critical step. 

Many of these actions reflect the recommendations I outlined in my January press statement, titled “Urgent Call for the Use of Naira as the Only Legal Currency in Nigeria and to End Other Policies That Unfairly Disadvantage the Naira.” While I commend these efforts, I urge the federal government to adopt a comprehensive strategy by implementing all proposed policies in their entirety as they have proven effective. Adopting them piecemeal will only diminish their overall impact.

As we commemorate Nigeria at 64, it is imperative that we shine a spotlight on the nation’s social safety net. We must ask ourselves: how are our most vulnerable populations surviving? The pervasive issues of poverty and the societal decay it engenders have escalated to a level of urgency that can no longer be overlooked. I articulated this concern in an open letter to the President a few weeks ago, titled “Reimagining Nigeria’s Social Safety Net: A Call to Replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency Under the Office of the President.”

Social security must be acknowledged not merely as an act of benevolence but as a fundamental right of citizens. The agency would “target and address the needs of the vulnerable population through a more efficient and sustainable system, one that truly empowers rather than pities, one that upholds the dignity and respect every Nigerian deserves. A system that ensures citizens feel truly secure, confident that no matter the circumstances, their basic needs for food and shelter will be met, a system that will provide the government with the necessary space to focus on other critical aspects of governance, free from unprovoked backlash due to perceived neglect or lack of support.”

The issues of neocolonialism and social safety net deficiencies are not unique to Nigeria; they threaten the future of Africa as a whole. Neocolonialism continues to impede the full realization of sovereignty and self-determination for African nations. There is a growing call for African countries to unite and break free from these chains to forge a path toward true independence. The adoption of a common currency – a potent symbol of economic unity, can largely reduce external interference and strengthen intra-African trade. This common currency will not only serve as a shield against currency manipulation but also as a defense against foreign economic pressure. To integrate Africa, our common language must be a common currency and common trade.

True independence for Nigeria and Africa is inextricably linked to the issue of reparations. It is impossible to discuss genuine independence for Nigeria and Africa without addressing the issue of reparations. Discussing independence necessitates an earnest examination of the issue of reparations. I chronicled this in a motion titled “Urgent Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustice and Mitigation of Neocolonialism in Nigeria and African Nations.” I am hopeful that the the next decade of the Commonwealth would be dominated by discussions of reparations for the atrocities of slavery and colonization, particularly with the potential for the organization to be led by an African Secretary-General. Notably, the three candidates vying for the position have all articulated their support for reparations for nations impacted by slavery and colonization.

As we celebrate our dear Nigeria at 64, I call on the federal government and my fellow legislators to take action and sponsor policies that will yield true independence and loosen us from the shackles of perpetual dependency.

_ Senator Ned Munir Nwoko

Senator, Delta North Senatorial District

Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 64th Independence anniversary, but charged them to work in unity to surmount the economic and security challenges facing the country. 

In a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori admonished Nigerians to work in unison, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic diversities, to ensure the nation overcame its present challenges. 

Governor Oborevwori, who sent warm felicitations to President Bola Tinubu, Deltans and other Nigerians on this year’s Independence anniversary, urged the citizens to support the government’s efforts at salvaging the nation from insecurity and economic downturn. 

The Governor said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate Nigerians as we celebrate the 64th anniversary of our country’s independence. 

“As a country, we have been privileged to enjoy uninterrupted democracy since 1999 and it is imperative we continue to work hard in building on the gains of the last 25 years of unbroken democratic rule. 

“October 1st is a day to celebrate and pay tribute to our country men and women who sacrificed so that we can celebrate this day; we should never forget the sacrifices of our heroes past. 

“At 64, Nigeria has come a long way despite economic, security and political setbacks; it is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith in God and our nation’s leaders at this critical period of economic and security challenges. 

“As an administration, it is on record that we have recorded significant strides in the implementation of our MORE Agenda aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans since we came on board on 29th May, 2023. 

“As we celebrate this year’s independence anniversary, be assured that we will remain focused on delivering our M.O.R.E Agenda to Deltans.”

Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a total of 3,500 personnel to provide security in the FCT for Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations which may likely be greeted by protest.

A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the NSCDC FCT Command, Samuel A Idoko read: “The deployment is to ensure public safety, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, protection of public and private properties and ensure that there is no form of unrest in the Federal Capital during the celebrations.”

He also disclosed that deployed are special squads including Armed Squad, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), Female Strike Force, Anti-Counter Terrorism Squad, Agro Rangers and undercover personnel.

He said officers and men have also been strategically deployed to cover all the nooks and crannies of the FCT including all the Area Councils as well as the city centre.

He noted that the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu while addressing personnel at the Muster parade charged all personnel to ensure the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as well as safety of residents of FCT during the independence celebrations.

He said, “the government and residents of the FCT expect so much from the corps in order to have a peaceful celebration. The Command must ensure the safety of public and private properties in Federal Capital.

“FCT being the seat of power and the host to diplomatic headquarters of countries of the world, means the Corps must be highly professional in the discharge of thier duty to avoid any form of infraction.” Odumosu noted.

He insisted that NSCDC’s Standard Opertional Procedure(SOP) must be followed by all officers and men of the Command and that 24 hours surveillance of Critical National Assets must be a top priority.

He charged all personnel deployed to work in synergy with other sister security agencies.

The National Human Right Commission has urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.

The advised was given on Monday in Abuja, following Twarnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by Civil Society Organisations.

Speaking at a press conference, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the Federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.

Ojukwu asked the Federal Government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warmed against any form of barriers during the protest.

He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.

He said: “We call on the federal and state government to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.”
He also added that both federal and state government and their institutions are obliged to facilitate peaceful assemblies.

“This includes ensuring safety, providing necessary infrastructure, and taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures.

“Government must put in place effective Accountability Mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests. This includes investigating incidents where excessive force was used or where protesters were unlawfully detained.

“Government must deploy its apparatus for the protection of private and public properties as well as the lives of protesters and non-protesters before, during and after the protests.”

He insisted that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at national level.

He noted that “In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.

“Furthermore, article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.

“The right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone stone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting the values of democracy and good governance. Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfactions and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”

He stressed that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Human Rights Council have put in place a set of principles which should guide the promotion and protection of the right to peaceful assembly.

The principles he said include: “Non-discrimination: All individuals should be able to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly without discrimination based on race, gender, political affiliation, or any other status.

“Legitimate Restrictions: While freedom of association and assembly is fundamental, it can be subject to restrictions. However, such restrictions must be lawful, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the aim pursued. This means that any limitations imposed by Nigerian authorities must not infringe upon the essence of these rights.

“Protection from Violence: The state has an obligation to protect individuals exercising their rights from violence or intimidation by third parties. This includes ensuring that protests can occur without fear of repression, prosecution or violent backlash.

“Notification Requirements: Requirements for pre-notification of law enforcement should not serve as barriers but rather facilitate peaceful protests. Notification requirement should not be burdensome and not hinder the exercise of this right.

“Use of Force: Any use of force by law enforcement during protests must adhere strictly to principles of necessity and proportionality. Excessive use of force against protesters, including shooting or the deployment of tear gas is a violation of human rights and dignity.”

He said: “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
“Avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, this is detrimental to nation building, the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to our development.

“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.

“Refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.
“Respect the rights of others, including those who may hold differing opinions, that is the beauty of democracy.

“Ensure that your actions do not infringe on the rights of non-protesters, as everybody must not be on the street protesting.

He promised that the NHRC will be monitoring the protests across Nigeria and will ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protests and other associated human rights will be held accountable.

For the security operatives, Ojukwu urged them to “Respect the rights of protesters to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and other Regional and International Instruments that Nigeria is a Party to.

“Avoid excessive force and ensure proportionate response to situations, do no harm and do not force the protesters to react in a manner that is riotious.
“Protect journalists and media personnel from harassment, allow them to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government and as enshrined in the constitution.

“Facilitate dialogue between protesters and relevant stakeholders, this will rather assist you in discharging your role seamlessly, do not look at them as your enemies.
“Ensure that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with the law and not because you merely want to deal with people.

“Provide necessary assistance and support to vulnerable individuals, do not overlook any opportunity to render help.”

By Wang Ke, People’s Daily

In the Jingyuetan scenic spot in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin province, a fountain show captivated many tourists. In the center of a square, Chen Jiamin, a tourist from Heilongjiang province, which neighbors Jilin, was posing for photos with the performers of the fountain show.

“Every few steps, there’s a new activity to experience. I’m so immersed in the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere here,” Chen said.

Focusing on traditional customs and creating immersive experiences, various regions across China actively introduced new cultural and tourism products, models, and consumption scenes during the recent Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, to better meet the diverse needs of consumers.

According to data from the Ministry of Transport, on Sept. 15, the first day of the holiday, Some 215.92 million passenger trips were handled by China’s transportation sectors, up 37.9 percent year on year.

This year, China’s tourism market has steadily rebounded, with immersive experiences powered by smart technology becoming a new trend. Leveraging diverse settings like scenic spots, museums, and pedestrians, and incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence, holography, and augmented reality, immersive tourism has introduced new products, scenes, and experiences, enriching people’s travel options and contributing to the high-quality development of the tourism industry.

In a smart tourism immersive experience hall at a tech and art museum in Pingyao ancient city, north China’s Shanxi province, a light show is staged to present the charm of traditional culture to visitors. The light show employs 16 projectors, which project historical scenes onto a massive hemispherical screen, creating a “time travel” experience for visitors and “transporting” them to historical sites and ancient trade routes where camel bells ring.

The “Land of Dramas” immersive theater complex in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province saw over 4 million visits this summer. With 56 chessboard-like courtyards, 21 sub-theaters and 6,500 plays, it presented a cultural feast to tourists.

“There is always something different here. Every visit brings new feelings and experiences,” said Li Yi, a local resident in Zhengzhou.

Chen Hong, deputy director of the Key Laboratory of Interactive Technology and Experience System under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, noted that compared to conventional static displays, immersive tourism, enhanced by technology, provides a more comprehensive interpretation and expression of culture. This better satisfies the evolving needs of tourists for cultural experience while opening up new market opportunities, Chen added.

This summer, immersive experience programs incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology have blossomed across the country. According to statistics released by on-demand local services provider Meituan, the number of orders for VR experience programs during the summer surged by 144 percent year on year, and the search volume for “immersive experiences” saw a significant rise, with consumers under 30 accounting for more than half of the demand.

An immersive party event hosted at the Yellow Crane Tower, a renowned historical site in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province, has attracted a number of foreign visitors. The party features a unique cultural blend of Eastern and Western music, clothing, crafts, and cuisines, creating a vibrant cultural feast that builds a bridge of friendship between East and West.

Zeng Bowei, a professor at Beijing Union University, divides the current immersive experience programs in the cultural and tourism market into two types.

The first includes independently operated immersive products, such as Sleep No More Shanghai, which blends theater with immersive experience.

The second type enhances visitors’ immersive experiences by integrating new technologies with performances, facilities, and activities at scenic spots, such as a light show at Slender West Lake in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, and the Flight Theater in Changbai Mountain, Jilin province, which simulates a flight over the mountain.

According to the Specialized Committee of Immersive Smart Tourism of the China Culture and Entertainment Industry Association, immersive tourism experiences characterized by high-tech and creative content, as well as strong interaction, are particularly popular with tourists, especially the younger generation. These immersive programs have become a new hotspot in China’s cultural and tourism consumption market.

An expert stressed that while technology is a tool, it is the inherent resources and cultural appeal of a destination or activity that are key to retaining visitors. Tailoring digital technology to align with local cultural and tourism resources is crucial for creating successful immersive products, the expert added.

An immersive Tang-style cultural block in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi province has launched several cultural and tourism activities this summer, including a carnival co-launched with popular online game Westward Journey, which attracted significant attention from tourists, especially younger audiences. With these events, the cultural block saw over 7,000 visits per day this summer.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained unequivocally committed to the cause of delivering people-oriented projects to citizens and residents of the state.

Izeze disclosed this to journalists after inspecting several projects in Warri and Ughelli on Monday.

The projects inspected included additional works and flood control measures around Warri Central Hospital Road, Edo Guest House Road in Ekpan, failed portions of the ECN Road, Okogbe Road and Edo Street in Ughelli.

At the Warri Central Hospital Road, the Commissioner directed the contractor who appeared to have tried to cut corners, to replace the 8mm rods with 10mm originally provided for in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, BEME.

He said the Oborevwori administration had sounded it several times that it had zero tolerance for shoddy jobs, adding that he would visit the project again unannounced to ensure full compliance.

On the Edo Guest House Road, Izeze commended the contractor for the quality of work done which had checked the annual flooding that afflicted residents of the area in the past.

Specifically on the Warri Central Hospital Road, the Commissioner said, “so far, from what we saw there today, it is clear that the contractor, in his desire to cut corners, reduced the size of the reinforcement roads from the 10mm that is in the Bill of Quantities; he decided to use 8mm.

“We were able to discover that because we went with our vernier caliper and incidentally the site engineer had already brought that to their attention and had written to them to take off those rods but some of these contractors are recalcitrant.

“Having come down personally and instructed them to take them off, they will do that and I intend to come back unannounced to ensure that they have carried out that instruction.

“The essence is to ensure that Deltans get value for their money because Governor Oborevwori had always insisted that no job should be certified if it does not meet the requirements of the Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation and the Bills of Quantities.

“This is why we have continued to go round to supervise what is being done on the ground.”

On Edo Street in Ughelli, Comrade Izeze expressed appreciation to the Governor for approving the road meant to divert traffic from Otovwodo junction, describing it as one of the most important roads in the area.

“The stone base is completed; we are just waiting for them to stabilise. Thereafter, the concrete rigid pavement will start and ultimately we will return again to see that the contractors meet the required specification and standard.

“What we have seen today, especially the residents of Edo Guest House Road in Ekpan, the road was flooded at a time and the residents were agitated at that time.

“Today,the story has changed with the same residents expressing appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for addressing that challenge.

“They were excited and that is what governance is all about- satisfying the needs of the people.

“The welfare and security of the people is the whole essence of governance as provided in our Constitution and I can say it unequivocally that the Oborevwori administration is committed to ensuring that projects that are delivered are people-oriented.

“It is also our commitment to ensuring that they are delivered according to the specifications provided in the Bills and that they are delivered according to the timeline in the contractual agreement.

The Commissioner, who also inspected the failing ECN Road, commended Obakpor Engineering, the contracting firm, for quickly poroviding the palliative measures on ground.

He cautioned residents of Okogbe Road in Ughelli to observe environmental sanitation by ensure they desilt their drains and avoid throwing wastes into the newly constructed drains.

“The community had not paid attention to sanitation; government’s job is to provide infrastructure but the community has a civic and said I should tell Governor Oborevwori that his second term is guaranteed to ensure that they don’t take actions that would undermine government’s effort.

“They should not dump wastes in the drainages and when drains are silted they should do their part to desilt the drainages because it is not the responsibility of government to desilt drains that is in their neighbourhood.”

The first edition of the Jada Tennis Tournament (JTT), was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Ogunu Tennis Club in Warri, Delta State, with Spencer Umoren Aniekan emerging overall champion.

In the male category, Aniekan won the top prize of Refrigerator to defeat Okobiebi Esiri who won sound system followed by Jackson Junior – Microwave; George Emmanuel -Toaster; Charles Onwuka- Electric kettle and Tonwe Kelvin – Solar light.

In the female category, Precious Ahwin, won washing machine to emerge champion after defeating Akata Princess who won – Gas cooker; Akin Ejoke came third with -Blender; followed by Adenike Akinyemi – Toaster; Becca Pirita- Electric kettle and Annabel Ese – Solar light.

Speaking at the event, sponsor of the tournament, Dr Charles Ukeagu, said the tournament was inspired by his daughter, Jada, who is preparing to join the Tennis club and also as a way of giving back to the club that accommodated him.

Dr Ukeagu who joined the Ogunu Tennis club last year, said tennis is a way of bringing people together, not just for recreational activities, but also a way of networking with reputable people to  make meaningful contributions to society.

Aside the awards won by the players, Ukeagu said ten awards were also given to club members who had made tremendous contributions to the growth of the Ogunu Tennis club section.

Captain of the Tennis Section of Ogunu Golf Resort, Mr Ben Ifeta commended Dr Ukeagu for the sponsorship, adding that the club had been in existence since the inception of Shell BP in Ogunu.

He said: “The tennis club which is about sporting activities, is used a as platform to eliminate pain and maximize fun.

“Apart from playing tennis, it is also a platform for moulding the character of members through discipline. However, membership is open to all who have interest in playing tennis.

“Intending applicants go through a screening process to ensure men and women of good character are admitted as members of the Ogunu Tennis club.

“The Ogunu Tennis section, usually organize other tournaments, like the American double and ladder tournament to evaluate the strength of the players both the weak and strong play together,” Ifeta said.

… says tough times don’t last

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and not be overwhelmed by the present economic challenges bedeviling the nation.

Rather, he urged them to remain positive, noting that tough times don’t last, but tough people do by effectively surmounting challenges facing them.

Governor Oborevwori made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Asaba, to mark the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

The Governor, who paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the country, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, adding that a new phase of prosperity, peace, unity and progress would soon envelop the country.

Oborevwori said: “It goes without saying that there is hunger and despair in the land because of the high cost of living caused by inflation.

“There are not enough words to describe the pain and suffering many people are going through because of the ongoing fiscal and economic reforms.

“However, I want to say that these, too, shall come to pass. Every problem has an expiry date and this will not be an exception.

“So, I urge Deltans and residents in the state to refuse to give up. Tough times never last but tough people do.

“The situation we are in calls for creativity, innovation, determination, patience, and resilience on the part of everybody – the leaders and the governed. These are the qualities we need to stay afloat in a turbulent economy, and overcome the challenges facing us.

“We should never stop praying for Nigeria, no matter the situation, because God’s will is for us to pray and we must also match our prayers with the right confession. We can pray right but if we speak wrongly, we nullify our prayers.

“We should, therefore, stop speaking negatively about our country. We should use our mouths to pray for the peace, unity and development of our country. Decision determines destiny. Once we make up our minds to speak positively about our country, we will be surprised by the results.”

While reacting to the Bishop’s commendation on ensuring quality projects delivery in the state, Governor Oborevwori said; “we have carefully listened to our Bishop and he said something about the quality of jobs; they know that I am ready for those who are not ready to do the right job.

“If you are given a job, you are well paid and paid as and when due and you do a substandard job, Sheriff will not take it. They know I will not take it.”

He stressed, “my Lord, it will interest you to know that last week, I called a meeting of Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of MDAs; where I told them that there is nothing they need that I have not done.

“A state that has a work force of over 55,0000 and they are paid as and when due, yet, contractors will be given jobs and Site Engineers will go and take sub-jobs to go and do a job they are supervising. You see the challenges we are facing?.

“The problems we face are not just from the contractors but also from the Site Engineers who issue certificates for jobs that are not properly done.

“If you do your job well as a Civil Servant, and as a Site Engineer, you inspect your job very well, the contractors can’t get certificates for jobs not properly done.”

Oborevwori pleaded, “I urge the House of Assembly members to do their oversight work. Very soon, I am going to get a hotline where I will be getting direct information from the public.

“I have also told the Accountant -General and the Commissioner for Finance that I want to be paying the workers of this state on or before the 26th of every month.”

Earlier, the Bishop of Asaba, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, had, in a sermon titled “In all things, give thanks”, said it was difficult to give thanks in the current situation of the country, but urged Nigerians not to be discouraged, and instead, give thanks to God because “it is the will of God for all men.”

By Dr. Michael Nwoko

The wind of progress is blowing through Anioma, driven by the relentless commitment of our most Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko. His vision for the people has translated into tangible projects that promise to uplift and transform the senatorial district.

Anyone with a sense of fairness can see that he takes his mandate to heart. Even from afar, it’s clear to see his dedication. Having the privilege of working closely with him, I can attest to it even more. He seizes every opportunity to raise the needs and aspirations of his constituents, whether on the Senate floor, in committee meetings, or during oversight hearings. He does not simply wait for opportunities to arise before speaking and taking action; he actively creates them.

The Senator meticulously follows up on each of his projects within various ministries and agencies. He actively engages with ministers and heads of federal government agencies in order to attract people oriented projects for Delta North Senatorial District. He also fosters a conducive environment for more projects to be included in future budgets.

Just recently, in his typical proactive manner, the Senator met with the Managing Director and CEO of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to voice his concerns over the deteriorating state of the Lagos-Asaba Expressway, especially treacherous stretch between Alifekide and Asaba Bridge end, of which he was assured that prompt action would be taken to address the deteriorated sections of the road. This proactive approach is typical of him, as he regularly intervenes, even with little prior notice.

The most Distinguished Senator is working tirelessly, and the evidence is unmistakable. Even amidst the tumultuous political landscape of the state, he has resolutely refused to allow personal vendettas to impede crucial developmental programs and initiatives. For a senator so deeply committed to the welfare of his constituents, all he requires is robust support from the people and grassroots representatives to continue making strides for their betterment.

Given the pressing need for infrastructural development in Aniocha North and the broader Delta North Senatorial District, it is paramount that all tiers of government collaborate effectively to guarantee the successful execution of public projects. However, the recent and lamentable decision by the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Emma Chinye, to halt the commencement of the mini sports facility at the council secretariat—a Federal Government capital project facilitated by the Senator—reveals a shocking level of disrespect and undermines the Senator’s efforts on behalf of the LGA.

Emma Chinye’s decision, borne out of unjustified personal vendetta, is not only unexpected but profoundly regrettable as it stands in stark opposition to the best interests of the people of Aniocha North and the Anioma nation at large. Prior to the site visit, he had reached out to the Senator, confirming the availability of the land and assuring him of the council’s full support for the project. The abrupt reversal of the chairman’s commitment not only undermines the Senator’s integrity and dedication but also threatens to derail a project that promises substantial benefits for the LGA. Such actions suggest an alarming level of self-importance on the part of the chairman, who seems to overlook the collective aspirations of his constituents in favour of personal grievances. This action is a rude shock, as it could hamper the progress that the people of Aniocha North deserve and expect from their leaders.

I would like to acknowledge and commend the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly and the member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, for his timely intervention in facilitating the use of the Issele-Uku stadium premises through the Delta State Sports Commission as an alternative site for the sports facility project.

Beyond this specific project, the Distinguished Senator has continued to attract critical developments and landmark projects within the span of just one year, including but not limited to;

* Construction of Ogwashi-Ukwu regional water supply scheme, Aniocha South, Delta State.

* Construction of administrative block for Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.

* Maintenance of Ogwashi Uku earth Dam.

* Construction of Idumuje-Ugboko earth dam: pre-feasibility studies

* Construction of Onicha Olona/Ezi water supply project in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State.

* Construction of mini sports stadium for youths in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State.

*Supply and installation of solar-powered street lights in Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State.

* Construction of water supply scheme at Ibusa, Oshimili North, Delta State.

* Installation of 3 boreholes and reticulations in Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency.

* Installation of solar-powered street lights in selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District

* Construction of jetty in Ebu, Oshimili North LGA.

* Construction of perimeter fence for Umu Ekum Primary School, Amai, Ukwuani LGA, Delta State.

* Supply of chairs and computers to Utagba Ogbe Grammar School and Utagha Ogbe Girls Grammar School.

* Construction of Umuebu-Obiaruku Road

* Construction of Aboh internal roads (Ogbe Agidigbo, Ogbe Ndokwa East, Ogonogo, and Ogbe Odua)

* Construction of Ushie internal road

Proposed Ndemili Civic Centre, Ndokwa West.

* Construction of Umutu/Akaoku Road

Construction of Asaba-Oko-Abala-Utchi-Okpai-Aboh-Ase-Abari-Patani Coastal Road and Bridge.

* Reconstruction of Onu-Obiukwu/Owessei in Kwale Ndokwa/Ukwuani LGA, Delta State.

* Construction of 1.5 km road with drainage in Etua-Ukpo, Utagbu-Uno, Ndokwa West LGA.

* Construction of 2 km road at Aboh.

* Construction of Okpala-Uku Palace, Ndokwa West

* Construction of Emu-Obodeti radial roads, Emu-Obedeti

* Completion of Aballa-Uno Road Project in Ndokwa East LGA, Delta State.

* Construction of 15 km Umusedeli Road

Construction of Express-Abah Unor (Ogwashi-Ukwu/Kwale Ndokwa West Express Road Abah).

* Construction of Express-Abah Unor (Ogwashi-Ukwu/Kwale Ndokwa West Express Road Abah Unor), Ika North LGA, Delta State.

* Construction of Ogume-Abbi Road, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State.

Construction of Ogume-Abi Road, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State.

* Skill acquisition for women and youths at Ika South, Delta State.

* Provision of solar-powered motorized boreholes with booster station in Ashaka town.

* Fencing of Government Boys Secondary School, Ibusa, Delta State.

* Training and empowerment programs for women, youths, and farmers in Delta North Senatorial District.

* Medical outreach program across the 9 LGAs in Delta North Senatorial District.

* Provision of solar-powered borehole in Aniocha North LGA, Delta North Senatorial District

* Construction of 2 km farm road in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State.

* Fencing, renovation, and furnishing of police station in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State.

* Completion of the Second Niger Bridge bypass, Delta North Senatorial District.

* Rehabilitation of Benin-Agbor-Asaba road, Delta North Senatorial District.

Ecological projects and more.

These projects stand as proof of what can be achieved when leadership is driven by the genuine desire to serve the people.

Senator Ned Nwoko remains firmly in his commitment to his mandate. However, he will not tolerate any interference from any office that actively or indirectly hinders the execution of federal projects he has painstakingly facilitated for his constituents. Any attempt to obstruct these projects constitutes an open declaration of hostility against the well-being of those he represents.

The essence of representation is to shoulder the burdens of constituents as though they are your own, dedicating every effort to finding solutions, as the Distinguished Senator has consistently demonstrated. Representation is not an opportunity to prove loyalty to superiors; rather, the needs of the people must always come first.

I call upon public officers from all tiers of government, leaders, party faithful and the good people of Delta North Senatorial District to join hands with Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko in order to foster socio-economic development in the area and ultimately make life meaningful for the people. 

Dr. Michael Nwoko

Chief of Staff to Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko,

Delta North Senatorial District

As President Bola Tinubu has made his intention to reshuffle his cabinet in order for service delivery and success, a group, Mandate Protection Vanguard (MPV), has said that there is urgent need for him to consider experienced and highly skillful personnel as ministers in the coming cabinet.

The group, in a statement signed by its co-ordinator, Comrade Gbenga Soloki and made available to the media on Thursday, said that there is no doubt that, several egg heads abound across the six geo-political zones that can add value and acceptability to the government

Soloki in the statement, said: “While no one is begrudging Mr. President for appointing politicians and close allies as ministers and ministers of state, there are several other qualified Nigerians who have excelled in both private and public services, while some have served at the state level, others have been privileged to operate at the federal level

“The present economic challenges in the country deserve the services of credible and economically savvy ministers, who can deliver on their core areas of competence in order to make the programmes and projects of the administration popular and to achieve far reaching end result that will ultimately rescue the country out of the present quagmire.

“Firstly on the list of would- be candidates for the new appointment is one time minister of power in Nigeria, Prof Bart Nnaji. No doubt, Bart Nnaji is a seasoned administrator, who is also experienced in power generation sector.

“He is a professor of Electrical Engineering, who was minister of power, special adviser on power to the president and was the Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“Another candidate is Ojo Samuel Olukunle, a seasoned technocrat, public servant, well experienced in public policy formulation & implementation. He is Harvard -certified public administrator, well experienced in general administration, public finance & budgeting.

“He was a permanent secretary for years in Lagos State Governor’s Office from where He was subsequently appointed a Chief of Staff to the state governor human capital development and this was one of his key legacies he left behind in that office. He is a competent administrator and expert in finance,” the statement read.

The group also suggested Senator Adeleke Mamora, a medical doctor, a former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a senator and former minister in the Buhari regime.

According to the statement, Dr. Mamora is a cool headed professional medical doctor with vast experience and considerable attachment to his callings.

Also suggested was Mallam El Rufai, who the group described as a cerebral politician from the northern part of the country, saying that though trained as a quantity surveyor, he obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.

“He was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of Federal Capital Territory and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.”

The statement said: “Another person is Senator Shehu Sanni, who is one of the few characters from the northern part of the country that joined forces with pro-democracy Activists to fight for the restoration of democratic rule in the country.

“He, alongside the incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, was part of the people who chased away the military from the corridors of power in the country. His stint in the senate witnessed several developmental interventions, bills and motions. He understands the problems plaguing this nation and he can also proffer the needed solutions where necessary.”

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has again expressed worries over the seeming reluctance of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic to return to ECOWAS despite the many entreaties of leaders of the regional bloc.

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this during the induction training for members of the 6th Legislature at the ongoing 2024 Third Extraordinary Session and Second Parliamentary Seminar of the legislative body in Lome, Togo on Wednesday.

The Speaker noted that the countries, which announced their exit from the 15-member ECOWAS in January 2024, following disagreements over military takeover of governments in the three countries, have not responded to calls for their return to the region’s most important organisation.

“We have taken a lot of initiatives at the level of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Council of Ministers and at all levels. We have written to the three countries but they have not responded.”

She however said despite this, West African leaders will continue to reach out to them for reconciliation.

A member of the Parliament, Hon. Shiaka Musa Sama from Sierra Leone had raised concerns over the continued absence of the three countries and the implications for the citizens of the countries, calling for more efforts to reconcile with the estranged countries and bring them back.

ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on the three countries after the military takeover but had gone a step further, threatening military intervention to restore democracy in Niger.

This initiated camaraderie in the three countries who subsequently pulled out from the regional bloc, forming instead confederation of Sahel states.

The leaders of the three countries had announced at a Summit early this year, that: “This summit marks a decisive step for the future of our common space. Together, we will consolidate the foundations of our true independence, a guarantee of true peace and sustainable development through the creation of the ‘Alliance of Sahel States’ Confederation,’” Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, wrote on X.

“The AES (Alliance of Sahel States) is full of enormous natural potential which, if properly exploited, will guarantee a better future for the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso,” Traore added.

Earlier this September, the three leaders said they will introduce new biometric passports as part of their withdrawal from ECOWAS in favour of a new Sahel alliance.

Also in September Burkina Faso had threatened to launch new passports without the ECOWAS logo.

“In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area and facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world”, Malian junta leader Assimi Goita had announced .

Following the ongoing debates on whether Anioma State should be created or not, a Chieftain of the Labour Party and candidate of the party in the 2023 National Assembly elections, in Ika Federal Constituency, Chief Utomi Nwanne,has given his nod to the creation of Anioma State. 

The Ika born politician noted that if created, Anioma State will promote freedom, efficiency, among other things that will be of immense benefits to the people of Anioma.

Utomi, who stated that the agitations and struggles for the actualization of Anioma State should be wholeheartedly supported by every well meaning Anioma son or daughter disclosed that the benefits are enormous and permanent.

Hear him, “Recently, we have seen several debates on the proposal to the National Assembly for the creation of Anioma State. As a concerned and proud son of Anioma nation, I’m making an open appeal to our people both home and abroad to fully support every positive effort aimed at actualizing the creation of Anioma State.This appeal has become necessary because Anioma State will bring a lot to the table, respectively.

“Anioma State will fastrack development in our area, it will bring better job opportunities, better quality of work, easy management of financial and material 

resources, including the maximization of the energy/power sector.

He pointed out that if Anioma State is created there will be fewer regulations and less intervention in personal lives, thereby, allowing individuals greater autonomy and corresponding decrease in taxes.  

He added, “A new State like Anioma will reduce bureaucracy and streamlining processes, which can lead to quicker decision-making, enhances economic growth as small government can foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation”. 

The Labour Party leader concluded by saying that the effectiveness of a smaller government as it relates to Nigeria depends on the context and the specific needs of the population it serves.

” It will certainly promote freedom and efficiency”, Utomi claimed.

• Source: Ika Mirror

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has said its resolve to sustain partnership with Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF) is unshaken.

Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, also reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to enacting laws aimed at improving the well-being of citizens across the state. 

He made this pledge during a meeting with members of the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF) at the Assembly complex in Asaba on Wednesday, 25th September 2024.

Guwor commended the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum for its role in the state’s development, calling the media a crucial pillar of democracy. 

He stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the Assembly and the media to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of legislative activities.

Guwor, who, underscored the Legislature’s critical role as the core of democracy, noted that it is the only government arm comprised of elected representatives entrusted with making laws to ensure peace, order, and good governance. 

He however, highlighted that under his leadership, the current Assembly has passed several key bills, many of which have already been signed into law by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He assured that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, is actively ensuring these laws are effectively implemented.

Speaking on contemporary challenges such as housing, transportation, and the rising cost of living, the Speaker clarified that these matters largely fall under the Executive’s jurisdiction and expressed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with other arms of government to address these pressing issues.

According to him, “We encourage the media to seek clarifications on legislative matters directly from the Assembly to prevent misinformation and stop the spread of fake news,.”

The Speaker also reassured the DOPF of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the needs of Delta residents and praised the media’s efforts in fostering balanced and transparent reportage of legislative processes.

Speaking on the DOPF’s forthcoming Annual Lecture, themed “Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution,” scheduled for 20th November 2024, the Speaker posited that the forum’s commitment to working with the Assembly to create a more secure and prosperous Delta State was commendable.

Earlier, the Chairman of the DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, praised Guwor’s dynamic leadership during the first year of the 8th Assembly, commending the legislative strides made and the smooth cooperation with other government bodies, particularly in advancing the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Enebeli also lauded the Assembly’s efforts to address security concerns, specifically the farmer-herder clashes impacting farming communities, but he urged more action on this front.

“The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have disrupted agricultural activities and worsened food insecurity in several parts of the state. While we appreciate the Assembly’s efforts, more needs to be done to ensure farmers can access their lands safely, especially in areas like Ughelli North, Ethiope East, Ukwuani, and Ika South Local Government Areas,” he remarked.

He also called for the activation of the Delta State Community Security Agency law, which was passed in 2020, to bolster security in rural communities. 

The Forum, urged the Assembly to enact laws compelling local government authorities to prioritise waste management, as improper disposal and blocked drainage systems continue to pose serious environmental risks.

Addressing the housing crisis in Asaba, the DOPF Chairman called for legislative action to regulate exorbitant rent prices, which have become a significant burden on residents. He emphasised the importance of affordable housing solutions for both locals and potential investors. 

Enebeli also touched on transportation issues, advocating for the introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses and tricycles to lower commuting costs for residents.

The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Ned Munir Nwoko, has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the Lagos-Asaba Expressway,.

Nwoko who met separately with the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engineer Chukwuemeka Agbasi  and the Minister of Works, David Umahi,  on Tuesday, September 24, following the Senate’s resumption after its eight-week recess, raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the Lagos-Asaba Expressway, specifically the stretch between Alifekide and Asaba Bridge End, which he said has become hazardous and has resulted in numerous fatalities. 

Recall that Senator Nwoko, had in a post on X Tuesday evening, hinted that earlier in the day, he spoke with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who confirmed the situation and assured that contractors would be mobilized to the site without further delays. 

During his meeting with the FERMA boss, the Senator  stressed that the road’s poor condition continues to endanger both lives and properties, affecting surrounding communities and road users. 

The lawmaker, however urged Engineer Agbasi to give urgent attention to this particular federal road.

In response, Engineer Agbasi assured the Senator that prompt action would be taken to address the deteriorated sections of the road.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend all ministers, MD/CEOs, Heads of Departments, and other government officials who are diligently fulfilling their responsibilities,” he wrote.