A $618 million Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme has been launched for the promotion of digital technology and creative industries in the country.

The Programme, according to a statement on Wednesday by the French Embassy was an initiative from the Federal Government of Nigeria and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industries.

According to the statement, The launching which took place on Wednesday was held at the State House in presence of the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, with co-financiers representatives in attendance.

The statement said I-DICE Programme is part of efforts to create jobs for young Nigerians and support the development of these fast-growing industries. It is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (AFD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) & the Bank of Industry (BOI) with respectively $170 million, €100 million (equivalent to $116 million), $70 million & $45 million in funding.

The statement added that the remaining financing is expected to come from the private sector and institutional investors. The funding will provide training, mentorship, and funding to young entrepreneurs and innovators in the digital technology and creative industries. The Implementing Agency, the Bank of Industry, will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project.
 
Speaking at the launch of the program at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the Vice President called on African governments and the private sector to do more to support the growth of innovation in the continent.

He said: “I think it is now imperative to commence a coordinated approach towards innovation on the continent, bringing together all stakeholders to coordinate efforts at scaling up investments and building programmes that provide the right enabling environment and produce talent pipelines that support the growth of innovation on the continent.”

 In his remarks, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am proud of the African Development Bank Group’s leading role in this initiative, which has the potential to generate millions of jobs for Nigeria’s youths.The urgency of leveraging the implementation of I-DICE sustainable job creation and economic transformation is now”
 
Speaking at the launch event, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann, underscored the importance of the digital technology and creative industries to the Nigerian economy. “The digital technology and creative industries have enormous potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in Nigeria,” she said. “The I-DICE program, co-financed by AFD, AfDB, IsDB & the BOI, is designed to support the young entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving these industries forward.”The launch event brought together representatives from the Nigerian government, the private sector, as well as young entrepreneurs and innovators from the digital technology and creative industries. The event featured presentations and networking opportunities, and highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing these industries in Nigeria.
 
With a focus on enhancing access to finance for start-ups in the digital and creative industry and job creation, the I-DICE Programme is poised to make is a significant impact on the lives of young Nigerians, helping to create sustainable employment opportunities and contributing to the development of the country’s economy. The commitment of the co-financiers to supporting this initiative underscores their recognition of the importance of these sectors in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria, the statement said.

The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi has ordered immediate commencement of the surgery required for one of his personnel involved in an accident while on official duty.

Audi gave the directive during a scheduled visit to National Hospital, Abuja to personally examine and assess the patient’s health condition as well as the progress made with their treatments so far.

Asc II Ibrahim Adam (40), is among the personnel of Lagos State Command involved in a fatal road crash which occurred at Giri junction, Abuja, on Friday 24th February 2023, a day before the Presidential and National Assembly elections that resulted in the death of one of the occupants shortly after take off from the Corps National Headquarters.

Affirming his commitment to the welfare of his personnel, the CG directed the Head of unit of the NSCDC Health and Medical Services, Dr Oba Jude (DCC), who was designated to monitor and coordinate the victim’s treatment, to make sure that the required attention is accorded the officer who was diagnosed to have spinal cord injury with multiple fractures.

The CG expressed delight at reports that the personnel is responding to treatment and assured again of his readiness to pay the bills incured for the treatments of the officers.

Audi reiterated that his major concern is to get the officers back on their feet again, noting that: “They are all dedicated and committed officers and my major concern is to get all of them treated and have them back on their feet again.

“I noticed that, there are signs and hope of more significant improvement when the proposed surgery is carried out.

“I am ready to pay the bills of the surgery and other associated treatments no matter how much it is going to cost.”

Audi encouraged the patient who was elated to see the CG by his bedside at the hospital to continue to believe in God who will heal him completely, praying that such an incident will not occur in the Corps again.

The CG consoled family members of the victims and urged them to remain prayerful for God to perfect their healing completely as the Corps plays its own part in caring for the victims.

Other five injured personnel in the accident had been discharged after significant improvements in their health conditions.

After four days of fierce competition, with 100 up-and-coming startups representing 53 countries, one has emerged the victor of the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC). 

White Helmet, a company that provides a platform to manage and monitor construction operations remotely, from anywhere and at any time, returns home with a US$300,000 share of the $1 million prize pot. 

Co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Monsha’at – the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority in Saudi Arabia – EWC is one of the world’s largest pitch competitions and startup support programs.  

Since launching in 2019, EWC has engaged more than 400,000 entrepreneurs from 200 countries and connected founders with over US$4 million in cash prizes and another US$266 million worth of perks and free support and services.

The competition attracted over 30,000 founders, with 100 of the top-performing countries invited to pitch to a panel of international judges at the Global Finals after several qualifying rounds. The final pitches were held at Biban 2023, the largest forum for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia.

Providing over 105,000 participants a platform to advance entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, the forum’s theme this year is “Attract-Connect-Achieve”.

In addition to the grand $300,000 prize, 10 startups from diverse countries received cash prizes of $25,000-$200,000 to take their innovative solutions to the next level. 

Sami Ibrahim Alhussaini, Governor of Monsha’at, said: “Saudi innovation and ingenuity has driven the advancement of the Kingdom’s startup and SME ecosystem forward over the past years. We are proud to have a Saudi company named the champion of the latest edition of the EWC. We hope this win will inspire more of our people to take that step forward and realize their entrepreneurial ambitions.”

“These founders and their companies are disrupting their industries and testing big ideas with potential to transform our world,” said Jonathan Ortmans, president of GEN. “GEN is proud to co-host the Entrepreneurship World Cup for the fourth year, giving promising companies the opportunity to connect to global markets and investment.”

The Entrepreneurship World Cup is supported by several national and global partners including One Valley, The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF), Entrepreneurs’ Organization, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and Startup Genome. The Misk Foundation is a founding partner. 

https://bibanglobal.sa/

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has accused members of the opposition party of using both old and doctored videos to blackmail him.

The Governor who spoke through his Press Secretary, Comrade Christian Aburime was reacting to two videos currently trending on the internet, where some youths, led by former Commissioner, Dr. Christian Madubuko made derogatory chants against APGA, and another where Prof. Soludo was purported to have said that he will not work with lawmakers from other political parties.

Comrade Aburime in his response to the first video said it was old, and was made during the regime of former administration, when he had squabbles with the administration.

The Press Secretary said: “The video is old. It was made to spite the last administration then, and was not against the APGA led by Governor Soludo. 

“Right now, the same Dr. Madubuko is a part of our government, and has even made a press release clarifying that the video was not made under Prof. Soludo government, and that he supports the Soludo government.”

Also reacting to the second video, Comrade Aburime said: “That video is heavily ‘doctored’ by members of the opposition party, just to spite the Governor.

“Everyone knows that the Governor is a pure democrat. He is ready to work with any member of the House of Assembly, even if they are elected from other political party, so that is not true.

“Members of the opposition have gone to high length to cause disaffection between the Governor and the people of Anambra State, but they will not succeed.

“Anambra is APGA State, and the people are happy with the performance of the Governor so far, and they are ready to vote for APGA candidates in the forthcoming election.”

A rehabilitated ex-fighter of Boko Haram terror group, Alayi Madu and the traditional ruler of Kajola, a border community between Ondo and Edo states, Baale Akinola Adebayo are among 37 persons arrested over 2.2 tonnes of illicit drugs seized by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and in raids across 12 states in the past week.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday said as part of ongoing operations to mop up illicit drugs across the country ahead of the next round of elections, NDLEA officers in the early hours of last Friday stormed Kajola forest in Kajola community, a border town between Edo and Ondo states where they destroyed three cannabis farms measuring 39.8 hectares.

He said the owner of the farms who claims to be the Ba’ale of Kajola, Akinola Adebayo, 35, was arrested on the farm at 2:30am, while two other suspects believed to be his workers: Arikuyeri Abdulrahman, 23 and Habibu Ologun, 25, were also nabbed in a hut near the farms.

Babafemi also revealed that a 26-year-old Alayi Madu, who was a Boko Haram fighter for 15 years before he surrendered to the Nigerian military in 2021 was intercepted by NDLEA operatives last Thursday along Abuja-Kaduna express road with 10 kilogrammes of skunk, which he said he bought in Ibadan, Oyo state and was taking the consignment concealed in a sack to Maiduguri, Borno state.

Madu, in his statement, said he is from Banki town, Borno State and joined the notorious terrorist organisation, in 2006 when he was just nine years old, but repented and surrendered to the military in 2021, after which he underwent rehabilitation and de-radicalisation processes at Umaru Shehu rehabilitation centre, Maiduguri and Malam Sidi de-radicalization centre, Gombe. He was subsequently discharged after spending six months and thereafter traveled to Ibadan, Oyo state where he worked as commercial motorcycle rider (Okada rider) before going into drug trafficking and his eventual arrest along Abuja-Kaduna express road.

Babafemi said at the Lagos airport in Ikeja, operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a consignment of 11.90 kilogrammes of heroin and 500 grammes of skunk concealed in deep freezers, which were part of a cargo that arrived from South Africa last Tuesday onboard Ethiopian airline via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said the agency’s sniffer dogs were deployed to locate where the illicit drugs were hidden in the cargo and in no time, identified the cartons packed in the deep freezers.

He added that a total of four suspects, Dairo Quam; Oluwaseun Ogunmene; Adeleke Abdulrasaq; Bamidele Adewale and Oluwafemi Ogunmeru. who played active roles in the movement of the drugs and a truck driver have been arrested so far in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives attached to the Gate C departure hall of the MMIA last Thursday intercepted a passenger, Aigbedion Philomena heading to Italy via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airline flight. He said when her bags containing body cream, hair attachments, drinks, and some food items were searched, a total of 1.2 kilogrammes tramadol capsules concealed inside gift wrapping sheet and covered with old daily newspapers were discovered.

At the Idiroko land border, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence last Thursday intercepted a commercial Toyota Camry Salon Car with reg. number JJJ 756 HB (Lagos) along Ilase-Akoko road, Idiroko with 34 compressed jumbo size wraps of imported skunk weighing 17 kilogrammes and concealed in two cooking gas cylinders. Two suspects in the car, Benjamin Ajose, 48 and Oluwatobiloba Ajayi, 37, were arrested.

In Akwa Ibom state,Mrs. Hope Iniobong , 42, was arrested with bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,112 kilogrammes (1.1 tonnes) in her house at Ediene Abak in Abak local government area, while operatives in Kogi state last Thursday recovered 25 cartons, containing 50,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 200 kilogrammes in a Toyota Hiace bus marked LAM 652 LG, Kogi, travelling from Lagos to Abuja.

In Ogun state, operatives arrested a female drug dealer, Bola Egbebi in Ota local government area, with different quantities of cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, tramadol 225, skuchies, molly and codeine cough syrup, while in Gombe state, another female drug dealer, Fatima Hassan (a.k.a Boss) was arrested last Saturday in her house at New Mile 3 area of Akko local government area with three and half blocks of skunk weighing 3.245 kilogrammes, two other female drug dealers: Folake Ladipo and Adeola Babatunde were arrested with 49.5 kilogrammes skunk last Friday in Mushin area of Lagos state.

In Kwara, operatives on patrol along Ilorin-Jebba highway last Tuesday arrested two suspects: Ismaila Saidu and Dahiru Abdullahi with 50 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 578 kilogrammes, while in the FCT Abuja, 15 suspects were transferred by the Nigerian Army with 35 bags of cannabis weighing 384.3 kilogrammes.

A 56-year-old suspect, Shinayemà Kelenku was arrested at Tse-kelenku village, Logo local government area of Benue State with 36.7 kilogrammes skunk, while in Delta state, operatives intercepted a suspect, Chimeze Ndukaire, 56, conveying psychotropic substances worth over N30 million in a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Lagos FST 279 XS coming from Onitsha to Warri. The vehicle was intercepted last Friday at G.S.M junction, Asaba based on a tip-off, and recovered from the bus include 267.3 litres of codeine (2,673 bottles); 25,110 pills of tramadol and other opioids.

In Kano state, NDLEA operatives last Saturday raided the Sabon-gari area of Kano where they arrested a suspect, Chukwuebuka Christopher and recovered from him 7,740 bottles of Codeine based syrup, measuring 774 litres, concealed inside 43 sacks of garlic.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers, men and women of MMIA, Idiroko, Edo, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Ogun, Gombe, Lagos, Kwara, FCT, Benue, Delta and Kano Commands of the agency for their diligence and commitment to work, however charged them and their compatriots across other commands not to rest on their oars.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have smashed two syndicates that specialize i criminal conspiracy, cheating, obtaining by trick (OBT) and production/distribution of counterfeited US Dollars (USD) and new Naira notes into the society.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu read that acting on credible Intelligence, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) in a clandestine operations, arrested two syndicates alleged to be involved in offences ranging from criminal conspiracy, cheating, obtaining by trick (OBT) and production/distribution of counterfeited US Dollars (USD) and new Naira notes into the society.

Odumosu said one of the groups arrested, which consisted of four male adults were caught in possession of $64,800 and N475,000 notes, while fake notes of N1.5 million was also seized from the second group consisting of five male adults

He revealed that the names of members of the syndicate arrested with the sum of N1.5m are ; Dantala Omale, 30 years, Musa Abdullahi, 24 years,, Audu Abdulazeez, 56 years, Umar Hassan 46 years and Mahammadu Yakubu, 30 years.

He disclosed that the arrest was effected when one Dantala Omale was lured to Nasarawa from Plateau state and picked up by the squad on the 22nd of February, 2023, with fake new naira notes of N412,000.

According to him, the arrested suspect confessed getting the fake notes from Musa Abdullahi, aka Baballe which led to the arrest of Abdullahi on 22nd of February, 2023 at Namu area of Quanpan local government area n Plateau state in possession of N49,650 old naira notes.

He said after a thorough interrogation, Abdullahi confessed that he usually gets his supply of fake currencies from one Audu Abdulazeez, aka Dan-Gombe, who the squad arrested on the 3rd of March 2023, at Plateau Express service motor park in Jos, Plateau State, at about 11:20 a.m with N350,000 fake newly redesigned Naira notes.

He said the effort of the squad to arrest all members of the syndicate paid off when Abdulazeez confessed to giving one Umar Hassan the fake notes. When Hassan was apprehended, he was in possession of N20,500 and he also confessed to his involvement in the crime and that he regularly transact with one Mohammadu Yakubu, who was also arrested close to the old CBN office in Lafia town, at about 3:10 p.m on March 5, 2023 with fake N2000 of the new Naira notes.

He said further investigation however, revealed that the group operated within and around Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi and Gombe states.

He said members of the second syndicate arrested with the exhibits of $64,800 and N475,000 are; Jonathan Dakogol, Abbas Ibrahim, Isa Ukashatu and Aminu Isa.

Isa Ukashatu and Jonathan Dakogol were arrested with fake $64,800 and N475,000 at Akurba of Lafia local government area in Nasarawa State after being lured to deliver the money to a client.

He said upon arrest, Dakogol volunteered and led the CG’s SIS operatives to Kurgwi area in Quaan’Pan local government area, Plateau State, where one Aminu Isa who was alleged to be a herbalist was also arrested.

Isa also led the Squad to the arrest of one 62 years old Abbas Ibrahim in Quaan’Pan local government area, Plateau State who had collected $30,000 fake US Dollars from him.

He said all suspects at the point of arrest were found in possession of fake dollars and the newly redesigned Naira notes ranging from N500 to N1000 denominations respectively and had also confessed to being involved in the business for over five years.

Meanwhile, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi has commended the CG’s SIS for a job well done and described the criminal gangs as economic saboteurs destroying the country through the perpetration of financial crimes and defrauding of innocent citizens.

He stated that their arrest is a good omen for the country because it helped to stop the distribution and influx of fake currencies into society which could have caused great setbacks to the economy.

He charged the squad leader, DCC Appollos Dandaura, and his team to intensify efforts for more arrests by launching their dragnet further into every nook and cranny of the country in order to fish out other dangerous criminal elements and syndicates perpetrating heinous financial crimes at the detriment of the nation.

He warned all criminal syndicates to desist from this venture and get other legitimate means of survival or face the wrath of the law because NSCDC and other security agencies will fish them out no matter their hiding places.

Odumosu said the arrested suspects are still assisting the Corps with useful information for further investigation and would be handed over to the appropriate authority for prosecution after the preliminary investigation is concluded.

He said a manhunt has been launched for other fleeing members of the syndicates.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, yesterday (Friday) paid visits to families of over 30 fishermen killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday at Mukdolo village in Ngala Local Government Area (LGA), some kilometers away from Dikwa.

Zulum was in Dikwa town where the fishermen lived and from where they went fishing at Mukdolo before they were ambushed. 

Dikwa town, headquarters of Dikwa Local Government Area is located within Borno Central. Dikwa was once occupied by Boko Haram around 2014 as a stronghold before it was liberated by the military, rebuilt by government and reoccupied.  

Governor Zulum met all bereaved families of the slain fishermen at the palace of the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi. 

“On behalf of the government and people, I am
here to extend our sympathy to you over the killing of our brothers who had gone to earn a living”, Zulum said.

He added, “I urge you to take solace from the Almighty Allah, as He alone can take life. We pray that their souls shall rest in eternal peace”. 

Governor Zulum presented relief materials to each of the deceased families to support them during the mourning period.

He assured of continuous assistance to the families left behind by the victims. 

The Shehu of Dikwa, on behalf of the families and bereaved communities, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the visit.

An initiative to reclaim and rebuild a grassroots peoples’ solidarity movement linking Africa and the USA- Farafina has been launched

According to a statement, Africans on the continent and in the diaspora can and must take the lead both for their own sake and for the future of humanity and the planet.

The statement also added that young people, women and artists making use of new technologies and innovative pathways for radical change must build on the work of earlier generations and mobilize broad intergenerational and transnational linkages.

It said: “The first step is dialogue which must be in person as well as through virtual communication channels. Phase 1 of the tour launches in March 2023. Phase 2 will be an in-person strategic retreat in the fall of 2023.”

Those on Farafina the black link 2023 Tour are Coumba Toure, Faya Rose Toure, Malika Fortier, Ainka Sanders, Nunu Kidane, Patricia Servant, Emira Woods, Marcia Thomas, Althea Anderson, Belvie Rooks, Ash lee Woodard Henderson, Ayesha Imam and many more.

Where to connect for Tour include: Selma, Alabama (March 1 to March 7, 2023); Oakland, California (March 8 to March 10, 2023): New Market, Tennessee (March 11 to March 13, 2023) Meeting with The Highlander Research and Education Center 1959 Highlander Way
New Market, TN 37820; Gastonia, North Carolina, (March 12, 2023). The Delegation will meet with Ayesha Imam, a panafricanist and founding director of
BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights in Nigeria, to discuss.

Others are in Washington, DC (March 14 to March 17, 2023); Celebrating Women’s History Month on March 16 at 4 pm at Howard University. Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building
2201 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, 20059; and New York, New York (March 18 – March 20, 2023).
The delegation will end the tour in New York City to meet and network with progressive organisations working toward strengthening solidarity between Africa and United States.

The tour is being package by Priority Africa Network (PAN, www.priorityafrica.org), an Oakland-based organisation with the mission to “build intergenerational bridges within the African diaspora to advance Pan-Africanism ideals that enable an inclusive and equitable society for all people.” And
Kuumbati.com, a Dakar based production house, which focus on stories for children, women and Africans.

Delta Government on Monday approved a new retirement age for teachers in the public service of the state. 

The teachers will henceforth retire at the attainment of 40 years of service or 65 years of age. The  same is applicable to non-academic staff of the state-owned Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. 

The approvals were part of the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba. 

Briefing newsmen on the resolutions, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said that the executive council gave the approval to enable the teachers and the tertiary institutions workers to contribute more to nation-building. 

According to Aniagwu, with the approval, teachers in the public service of Delta can be in the office up to 65 years of age and 40 years of service. 

“We did this because we have seen that even at 65, many have garnered lots of experience to be able to teach more and have a clearer understanding of their fields of study. 

“And, they can continue to contribute in moulding minds. Forty years of service is not also a bad idea because we have seen most times that they retire without getting tired. 

“Also for the non-teaching staff of our Colleges of Education and Polytechnics, we have given them the advantage of remaining in service as non-teaching staff as much as 40 years. 

“They will also remain in service for as long as 65 years of age. So they now have extra five years added to their retirement age and service year,” he said. 

-By Sylvester Iloba:

Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) is an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) which was established by Delta State Law in 2016 and started operations in 2017, The Agency is charged with the responsibility of attracting investors to Delta State through several Business Models comprising various types of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) including concessions.

DIDA carries out its investment promotion and marketing activities by creating awareness about the abundant investment opportunities in the State. DIDA performs four core functions: investment promotion of Delta State as a preferred investment destination, facilitating establishment of investments, project management and aftercare services. 

DIDA does this by providing information about availability of raw materials and investment opportunities to investors; sectors where the state has comparative and competitive advantages, supporting useful statistical data and business information such as macroeconomic indicators (GNP, GDP, HDI, inflation, demographic information, labor productivity, average wages, attractive sectors of domestic economy; practical investment support like securing permits or completing other administrative obligations; and by administering the investment incentives in the State on behalf of Local and Foreign investors.

​

Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) in consonance with the key objectives of an IPA was established by His Excellency Sen. Dr. IfeanyiOkowa’s administration with the primary objectives to identify, promote, coordinate, regulate and implement Investment Projects and concessions in the State. Its operational strategy is hinged on harnessing available natural resources based comparative advantage to promote inflow of investments, diversify the economy away from over-dependence on petroleum revenues, generate employment and create wealth in line with the SMART Agenda and the achievement of the Stronger Delta Policy of the present administration 

The Agency has since inception been at the forefront of promoting and facilitating both Foreign and Domestic Direct Investments based on public private partnership business model in consonance with the mandate establishing it.

The following are among the key projects facilitated by the Agency:

BURUTU PORT, BURUTU –involves the development of the Port in three phases at the total cost of US$2.037million. The first phase comprises the development of the existing port costing US$ 68.2 million leading ultimately to the third Phase which involves the construction of an Inter-Continental Trans-shipment Port with the depth of 23 metres. Delta State Government has 5% equity stake in the Project which is planned to transform Burutu Port to become the trans-shipment centre for West and South West Africa as well as the hub of Nigeria’s Import – Export Trade involving the Outside World, South-South, Eastern and Northern Nigeria.

DIDA Management visit to the Burutu Port, Burutu 

ASABA ULTRA-MODERN MECHANIC VILLAGE AND AUTO PARTS, ASABA – the project was developed under PPP at the cost of N3.0 billion.

It has a total of 1,000 lock up stores and 200 mechanic workshops.

The Asaba Ultra Mordern Mechanic Village and Auto Part, Asaba

VIRTUAL GAS-POWER GAS, EBEDEI – was attracted to invest in Delta State to utilize the abundant natural gas available at Platform Petroleum to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) at the total project cost of US$20.0 million, construction works have since been 100% completed and the project has gone into full production. It is private sector driven.

DIDA Management visit to Virtual Gas-Power Gas, Ebedei

NEW TANKERS PARK AT EKPAN, UVWIE LGA – Is being constructed under PPP arrangement at the cost of N5.0 billion and project has achieved over 60% completion.

PHASE 2 OGBEOGONOGO MODERN MARKET, ASABA – involves the development of an ultra-modern market at the Asaba City Centre at the cost of about N4 billion and the project is nearing completion. It has a total of 1,000 lock up stores.

Phase 2 Ogbeogonogo Modern Market, Asaba

DELTA SONGHAI AMUKPE – The State government has concluded the negotiation to partner with investors, Adventium Global Inc. to fund and manage the farm in order to achieve the aims and objectives of setting up the facility as well as developing the Farm to become a successful Agribusiness Centre. The PPP arrangement involves the capital injection of about US$40.0 Million.

Delta Songhai Amukpe

DELFRASCO INDUSTRY LIMITED, ISSELE-UKU – involves the establishment of a Tower Manufacturing, Fabrication, Hot Deep Galvanizing, Research Testing and Training Centre at the total cost of about US$$40.0 million. Delta State government is de-risking the project by taking up 12.5% equity and has commenced disbursement of funds following the Ground Breaking ceremony of the project and work has commenced at the project site situated at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North L.G.A.

Delfrasco Industry Limited Tower Maufacturing Plant, Issele-Uku

FLNG PROJECT IN DELTA STATE – is being promoted by UTM Offshore Limited and involves the production of Liquefied Natural Gas aboard a Floating Vessel (FLNG) with the capacity of 1.5mmtpa at the setup cost of US$1.7billion which is being funded by mixture of debt and equity. The project’s operational Headquarters shall be in Delta State with the State taking up 5% equity alongside many notable other investors comprising, Vitol, NNPC, etc in addition to debt finance through Afrexim. 

DIDA Management Visit to the Flng Corporate Headquarters in Warri

DELTA REST PARK, UMUNEDE /EMUHU – Apart from the Trailer Park, there are many other planned businesses such as Hotels, Restaurants, Small Scale Industrial Clusters, Warehouses, Motor Vehicle Spare Parts Shops, Mechanic service bays, Fuel stations, etc. on land measuring over 176Ha. Delta State Government has executed an MOU to enable the Anchor Investor to commence the construction of the Trailer Park at the cost of N4.0 billion under Concession arrangement.

STALLION AUTO KEKE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN DELTA STATE – Delta State Government has approved the proposal by Stallion Group to establish an Auto Keke Manufacturing Plant in the State on PPP basis at the cost of 5billion Naira and the construction work in the Plant is on-going in the State. As incentive for Stallion Group to locate their Plant in the State, the State Government has provided 1.488 Ha of land with Factory Shed near Okpanam along Benin – Asaba Expressway as temporary location to ensure immediate take-off of the project; while the permanent factory location shall be on 10Ha of land at Delta State Rest Park.

Moreover, the State Government has approved the payment of 15% Subsidy on the price of each Auto Keke to de-risk the investment and to the benefit of Deltans.

DELTA WIRES INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Delta State Government has approved a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Eastern Metals Ltd to establish an ultra-modern manufacturing facility for collated nails, screws, flats, channels and angles steel to be located at the Delta State free trade Zone. DTSG will take a 10% equity share and also provide 20 hectares of land required for the project at Kwale Industrial Free Trade Zone. When this project is fully operational, it would create employment for teeming youths andincrease the IGR of the State.

DIDA’S FACILITATING AND MARKETING ROLE – In addition to actively developing and promoting investments, the Agency also supports other MDAs in carrying out project evaluation and analysis which are peculiar to their functions such as the CBN Oil Palm programme, Lander Brothers Anchorage project Asabaand Delta State Leisure Park, Asaba. The Agency also assists in marketing projects like the Delta State Agro-industrial Park at Aboh-Ogwshi Uku and KwaleIndustrial Park, to investors. 

ONE STOP SHOP AND BUSINESS FACILITATION – DIDA operates a One Stop Shop which enables the Agency to guide investors in obtaining reliable information, approvals as well as offering

services to investors when they have challenges with Security Agencies and all other sundry matters. Delta State has successfully inaugurated the Ease of Doing Business Reform Council in line with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) namely;

His Excellency the Governor, Chairman

ii.​Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Trade & Investments, Member

iii.​Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning, Member

iv.​Head of Service, Member

v.​Chief Economic Adviser, Member

vi.​Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Member

vii.​Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands & Surveys, Member

viii.​Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice, Member

ix.​Chairman Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Member

x.​Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Member

xi.​Chief Registrar State High Court of Justice, Member

xii.​President Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, ​Mines and Agriculture

xiii.​Director General Delta State Investments Development Agency, ​Member/Secretary

The Terms of Reference of the Ease of Doing Business Reform Council comprise the following;

i.​Remove bureaucratic constraints, trade encumbrance to doing business and ​make ​Delta State a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.

ii.​Strengthen the implementation of Business Environment Reforms and ​deepen collaboration among MDAs, using focal persons towards achieving ​Socio-Economic advancement.

iii.​Ensure transparency and efficiency in the business environment through the ​strengthening of the State website with critical and quality information on ​Government laws, policies and programmes to aid Business Owners and ​Investors.

iv.​Institute electronic filling of taxes and tax payment.

v.​Establish specialized/small courts for quick resolution of Trade/Business ​Disputes.

vi.​Ensure Delta State achieves  performance in result areas and meet eligibility ​criteria to access the World Bank backed funds of the 3years State Action on ​Business Enabling Reform ProgrammeSABER and

vii.​Constitute a Technical Committee consisting of SABER representatives from the listed World Bank disbursed linked indicators MDAs  as contained in the eligibility ​criteria matrix. 

The MDAs and their respective  Focal Persons are listed below:

⮚ Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources

⮚ Ministry of Lands and Survey

⮚ Ministry of Transport

⮚ Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service

⮚ Ministry of Trade and Investments

⮚ Ministry of Oil and Gas

⮚ Ministry of Energy

⮚ Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  Dev. Agency

⮚ Ministry of Environment

⮚ Ministry of Justice

⮚ Bureau for Job and Wealth Creation.

⮚ Ministry of Works

⮚ Delta State Judiciary

REFORMS AND INCENTIVES TO IMPROVE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN DELTA STATE

More than ever before the Delta State Government has created the environment for improved Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). The improved business friendly conditions in the State are as a result of deliberate measures and policies in the various broad spheres of business environment viz;

i) Good governance and political stability as the State has become more peaceful

ii) Sound economic management

Promotion of Public Private Partnership (PPP)

iii) Central Billing System of Taxes and Levies etc.

iv) Delta State Security Committee under the Chairmanship of the State Governor- for curbing crime and guaranteeing security law and order for businesses

v) Delta State Anti-Kidnapping Law 2016 – to curb incidence of kidnapping.

vi) Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law popularly known as “Deve”- to curb the incessant harassment of property developers.

vii) Delta State Multi Door Court for business resolution disputes.

viii) Setting up of the Delta State Ease of Doing Business Council and assigning of focal persons from relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies etc.

Access to State Government facilities

ix) Intermediating between investors and the host communities.

x) Grant of waivers from payment of tenement rates, fees, levies and other charges for investors for up to 5years after commencement of business.

xi) Grant waivers regarding payment of charges and other related costs in respect of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy / Land Title documents to support investment partners in deserving cases. 

xii) Helping investors with appropriate pool of man power resources etc.

Both the Chairman, Mr. Paul Nmah and the Director General, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) speaking about the activities of the Agency said;

“ the Agency has produced Investment Promotion documents to guide investors in determining their project preferences and packaging their investment(s). 

“DIDA is also providing advisory services to Exporters in order to access the various lending windows available at CBN, NEXIM and other lending initiatives.

“The Agency is positioned to welcome investors into the State and provide the enabling environment forthem to invest in the State and grow their businesses.”

Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has approved a N500 million Agricultural loan to 4,000 teachers across the State.

According to a statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the governor, Mallam Mamman Mohammed, the loan is to be distributed in two phases is to equip the teachers to prepare and participate in the 2023 cropping season effectively.

He disclosed that each of the 4,000 teachers is to receive the sum of N120,000 to engage in agricultural production.

The governor advised the beneficiaries to use the support judiciously for the intended purpose.

The facility which is to be granted by the Yobe Microfinance Bank, is to be redeemed within 24 months through the Yobe State Ministry of Finance and, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Dr. Sheriff Al-Muhajir, Managing Director of Yobe Microfinance Bank, said the project is at the final stage and would be provided before the commencement of the rainy season.

He said: “We are prepared and working on the last stage before the disbursement of the loan.

“Let me re-emphasize the position and advice by His Excellency Gov. Mai Mala Buni, CON, that the beneficiaries of this loan should use it effectively to promote food security and sufficiency” Al-Muhajir said.

The leadership of the Isoko Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has congratulated Joel-Onowakpo Thomas on his victory as senator to represent Delta South Senatorial district in the fiercely contested election held on 25 February, 2023.

In a press statement signed by Comrade Mike Ilaya and Comrade Matthew Unyove, the Chapel Chairman and Secretary respectively, noted that Onowakpo’s purposeful aspiration to redirect politics in Delta state saw him navigating to victory from a diverse base of support across board in the senatorial district, which include Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and part of Urhobo indigenes.

The statement added that “knowing the undisputable professional quality and capacity of Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, our Delta South Senatorial district has charted the right pact to development.”

It further stated that: “Joel-Onowakpo who is a grassroot person over the years garnering adequate and balanced experience from working both in the private and public sector thus has what it takes for an effective representation for our Senatorial District.”

The Isoko NUJ charged the Senator to “be magnanimous in victory by being equitable in the distribution of dividends to all the people of the Delta South Senatorial District without fear or favour” adding that the collective statement of people of the district should not be overlooked.

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has published its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Financing Framework, signalling its commitment to sustainable development and green financing of key projects in priority sectors.

The Framework, which has received a positive assessment from ISS Corporate Solutions, will play a crucial role in linking EBID’s resource mobilization strategy with its objectives of promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth in its member states.

A statement from the bank quoted it’s President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Agyekum Donkor as saying: “We are thrilled to launch our ESG Financing Framework and receive this positive assessment from ISS ESG Solutions,” he added that: “EBID is committed to leading the charge for green financing in the ECOWAS region and fostering the emergence of an economically strong, industrialized, and prosperous West Africa. This Framework will allow us to structure and execute ESG-related funding transactions that support the deployment of capital outlined in our Strategic Plan 2021-2025.”

According to him, “EBID’s ESG Financing Framework includes four green project categories and seven social project categories, all of which have been assessed as generating a positive contribution to sustainability”, with no project categories assessed as having “no net impact” or having a lower assessment.

The ISS Second-Party Opinion, published alongside the Framework, highlights the Bank’s commitment to the Sustainability and Development Goals (SDGs) and its objectives of promoting economic integration, healthcare delivery, social protection, and climate resilience.

The publication of the ISS Second-Party Opinion demonstrates EBID’s commitment to sustainable development and provides greater transparency on the actions it is taking to foster sustainable growth in its member states. With its balance sheet size set to increase by 80% over the next five years, EBID is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the ECOWAS region and become the leading regional investment and development bank in West Africa.

Donkor said: “We are proud to play a role in supporting EBID’s ESG initiatives and the positive impact they will have on the ECOWAS region,” said ISS Corporate Solutions. “This Framework is a testament to EBID’s commitment to sustainable development and demonstrates their position as a leader in green financing in the region.”

The statement said EBID was advised by Rothschild & Co on the structuring of the Sustainable Finance Framework and on the Second Party Opinion review process.

EBID is a leading regional investment and development bank, owned by the fifteen (15) ECOWAS Member States, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. EBID intervenes through long, medium, and short-term loans, equity participation, lines of credit, refinancing, financial engineering operations and related services.

-By Sylvester Iloba:

Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) is an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) which was established by Delta State Law in 2016 and started operations in 2017, The Agency is charged with the responsibility of attracting investors to Delta State through several Business Models comprising various types of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) including concessions.

DIDA carries out its investment promotion and marketing activities by creating awareness about the abundant investment opportunities in the State. DIDA performs four core functions: investment promotion of Delta State as a preferred investment destination, facilitating establishment of investments, project management and aftercare services. 

DIDA does this by providing information about availability of raw materials and investment opportunities to investors; sectors where the state has comparative and competitive advantages, supporting useful statistical data and business information such as macroeconomic indicators (GNP, GDP, HDI, inflation, demographic information, labor productivity, average wages, attractive sectors of domestic economy; practical investment support like securing permits or completing other administrative obligations; and by administering the investment incentives in the State on behalf of Local and Foreign investors.

​

Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) in consonance with the key objectives of an IPA was established by His Excellency Sen. Dr. IfeanyiOkowa’s administration with the primary objectives to identify, promote, coordinate, regulate and implement Investment Projects and concessions in the State. Its operational strategy is hinged on harnessing available natural resources based comparative advantage to promote inflow of investments, diversify the economy away from over-dependence on petroleum revenues, generate employment and create wealth in line with the SMART Agenda and the achievement of the Stronger Delta Policy of the present administration 

The Agency has since inception been at the forefront of promoting and facilitating both Foreign and Domestic Direct Investments based on public private partnership business model in consonance with the mandate establishing it.

The following are among the key projects facilitated by the Agency:

BURUTU PORT, BURUTU –involves the development of the Port in three phases at the total cost of US$2.037million. The first phase comprises the development of the existing port costing US$ 68.2 million leading ultimately to the third Phase which involves the construction of an Inter-Continental Trans-shipment Port with the depth of 23 metres. Delta State Government has 5% equity stake in the Project which is planned to transform Burutu Port to become the trans-shipment centre for West and South West Africa as well as the hub of Nigeria’s Import – Export Trade involving the Outside World, South-South, Eastern and Northern Nigeria.

DIDA Management visit to the Burutu Port, Burutu 

ASABA ULTRA-MODERN MECHANIC VILLAGE AND AUTO PARTS, ASABA – the project was developed under PPP at the cost of N3.0 billion.

It has a total of 1,000 lock up stores and 200 mechanic workshops.

The Asaba Ultra Mordern Mechanic Village and Auto Part, Asaba

VIRTUAL GAS-POWER GAS, EBEDEI – was attracted to invest in Delta State to utilize the abundant natural gas available at Platform Petroleum to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) at the total project cost of US$20.0 million, construction works have since been 100% completed and the project has gone into full production. It is private sector driven.

DIDA Management visit to Virtual Gas-Power Gas, Ebedei

NEW TANKERS PARK AT EKPAN, UVWIE LGA – Is being constructed under PPP arrangement at the cost of N5.0 billion and project has achieved over 60% completion.

PHASE 2 OGBEOGONOGO MODERN MARKET, ASABA – involves the development of an ultra-modern market at the Asaba City Centre at the cost of about N4 billion and the project is nearing completion. It has a total of 1,000 lock up stores.

Phase 2 Ogbeogonogo Modern Market, Asaba

DELTA SONGHAI AMUKPE – The State government has concluded the negotiation to partner with investors, Adventium Global Inc. to fund and manage the farm in order to achieve the aims and objectives of setting up the facility as well as developing the Farm to become a successful Agribusiness Centre. The PPP arrangement involves the capital injection of about US$40.0 Million.

Delta Songhai Amukpe

DELFRASCO INDUSTRY LIMITED, ISSELE-UKU – involves the establishment of a Tower Manufacturing, Fabrication, Hot Deep Galvanizing, Research Testing and Training Centre at the total cost of about US$$40.0 million. Delta State government is de-risking the project by taking up 12.5% equity and has commenced disbursement of funds following the Ground Breaking ceremony of the project and work has commenced at the project site situated at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North L.G.A.

Delfrasco Industry Limited Tower Maufacturing Plant, Issele-Uku

FLNG PROJECT IN DELTA STATE – is being promoted by UTM Offshore Limited and involves the production of Liquefied Natural Gas aboard a Floating Vessel (FLNG) with the capacity of 1.5mmtpa at the setup cost of US$1.7billion which is being funded by mixture of debt and equity. The project’s operational Headquarters shall be in Delta State with the State taking up 5% equity alongside many notable other investors comprising, Vitol, NNPC, etc in addition to debt finance through Afrexim. 

DIDA Management Visit to the Flng Corporate Headquarters in Warri

DELTA REST PARK, UMUNEDE /EMUHU – Apart from the Trailer Park, there are many other planned businesses such as Hotels, Restaurants, Small Scale Industrial Clusters, Warehouses, Motor Vehicle Spare Parts Shops, Mechanic service bays, Fuel stations, etc. on land measuring over 176Ha. Delta State Government has executed an MOU to enable the Anchor Investor to commence the construction of the Trailer Park at the cost of N4.0 billion under Concession arrangement.

STALLION AUTO KEKE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN DELTA STATE – Delta State Government has approved the proposal by Stallion Group to establish an Auto Keke Manufacturing Plant in the State on PPP basis at the cost of 5billion Naira and the construction work in the Plant is on-going in the State. As incentive for Stallion Group to locate their Plant in the State, the State Government has provided 1.488 Ha of land with Factory Shed near Okpanam along Benin – Asaba Expressway as temporary location to ensure immediate take-off of the project; while the permanent factory location shall be on 10Ha of land at Delta State Rest Park. Moreover, the State Government has approved the payment of 15% Subsidy on the price of each Auto Keke to de-risk the investment and to the benefit of Deltans.  

DELTA WIRES INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Delta State Government has approved a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Eastern Metals Ltd to establish an ultra-modern manufacturing facility for collated nails, screws, flats, channels and angles steel to be located at the Delta State free trade Zone. DTSG will take a 10% equity share and also provide 20 hectares of land required for the project at Kwale Industrial Free Trade Zone. When this project is fully operational, it would create employment for teeming youths andincrease the IGR of the State.

DIDA’S FACILITATING AND MARKETING ROLE – In addition to actively developing and promoting investments, the Agency also supports other MDAs in carrying out project evaluation and analysis which are peculiar to their functions such as the CBN Oil Palm programme, Lander Brothers Anchorage project Asabaand Delta State Leisure Park, Asaba. The Agency also assists in marketing projects like the Delta State Agro-industrial Park at Aboh-Ogwshi Uku and KwaleIndustrial Park, to investors. 

ONE STOP SHOP AND BUSINESS FACILITATION – DIDA operates a One Stop Shop which enables the Agency to guide investors in obtaining reliable information, approvals as well as offering services to investors when they have challenges with Security Agencies and all other sundry matters. Delta State has successfully inaugurated the Ease of Doing Business Reform Council in line with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) namely;

His Excellency the Governor, Chairman

ii.​Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Trade & Investments, Member

iii.​Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning, Member

iv.​Head of Service, Member

v.​Chief Economic Adviser, Member

vi.​Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Member

vii.​Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands & Surveys, Member

viii.​Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice, Member

ix.​Chairman Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Member

x.​Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Member

xi.​Chief Registrar State High Court of Justice, Member

xii.​President Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, ​Mines and Agriculture

xiii.​Director General Delta State Investments Development Agency, ​Member/Secretary

The Terms of Reference of the Ease of Doing Business Reform Council comprise the following;

i.​Remove bureaucratic constraints, trade encumbrance to doing business and ​make ​Delta State a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.

ii.​Strengthen the implementation of Business Environment Reforms and ​deepen collaboration among MDAs, using focal persons towards achieving ​Socio-Economic advancement.

iii.​Ensure transparency and efficiency in the business environment through the ​strengthening of the State website with critical and quality information on ​Government laws, policies and programmes to aid Business Owners and ​Investors.

iv.​Institute electronic filling of taxes and tax payment.

v.​Establish specialized/small courts for quick resolution of Trade/Business ​Disputes.

vi.​Ensure Delta State achieves  performance in result areas and meet eligibility ​criteria to access the World Bank backed funds of the 3years State Action on ​Business Enabling Reform ProgrammeSABER and

vii.​Constitute a Technical Committee consisting of SABER representatives from the listed World Bank disbursed linked indicators MDAs  as contained in the eligibility ​criteria matrix. 

The MDAs and their respective  Focal Persons are listed below:

⮚ Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources

⮚ Ministry of Lands and Survey

⮚ Ministry of Transport

⮚ Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service

⮚ Ministry of Trade and Investments

⮚ Ministry of Oil and Gas

⮚ Ministry of Energy

⮚ Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  Dev. Agency

⮚ Ministry of Environment

⮚ Ministry of Justice

⮚ Bureau for Job and Wealth Creation.

⮚ Ministry of Works

⮚ Delta State Judiciary

REFORMS AND INCENTIVES TO IMPROVE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN DELTA STATE

More than ever before the Delta State Government has created the environment for improved Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). The improved business friendly conditions in the State are as a result of deliberate measures and policies in the various broad spheres of business environment viz;

i) Good governance and political stability as the State has become more peaceful

ii) Sound economic management

Promotion of Public Private Partnership (PPP)

iii) Central Billing System of Taxes and Levies etc.

iv) Delta State Security Committee under the Chairmanship of the State Governor- for curbing crime and guaranteeing security law and order for businesses

v) Delta State Anti-Kidnapping Law 2016 – to curb incidence of kidnapping.

vi) Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law popularly known as “Deve”- to curb the incessant harassment of property developers.

vii) Delta State Multi Door Court for business resolution disputes.

viii) Setting up of the Delta State Ease of Doing Business Council and assigning of focal persons from relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies etc.

Access to State Government facilities

ix) Intermediating between investors and the host communities.

x) Grant of waivers from payment of tenement rates, fees, levies and other charges for investors for up to 5years after commencement of business.

xi) Grant waivers regarding payment of charges and other related costs in respect of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy / Land Title documents to support investment partners in deserving cases. 

xii) Helping investors with appropriate pool of man power resources etc.

Both the Chairman, Mr. Paul Nmah and the Director General, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) speaking about the activities of the Agency said;

“ the Agency has produced Investment Promotion documents to guide investors in determining their project preferences and packaging their investment(s). 

“DIDA is also providing advisory services to Exporters in order to access the various lending windows available at CBN, NEXIM and other lending initiatives.

“The Agency is positioned to welcome investors into the State and provide the enabling environment forthem to invest in the State and grow their businesses.”.

• Sylvester Iloba is a Public Relations Officer at DIDA.

-By Austen Akhagbeme:

Let’s give it to them, the youths who saw tomorrow. In a country where the outcome of an election is determined by those who count and collate results and not the voters themselves, nobody gave them the chance.

Everyone who voted for Peter Obi and his Labour Party is a winner and should henceforth chin up, chest out and step out with a gait reminiscent of a victor because nobody gave you the chance.

From being dismissed as just four helpless youths tweeting from a room, you have demonstrated capacity, resilience and determination to turn the tide against retrogressive forces of oppression even in places angels dread to trend.

The struggle has just begun. From your much-publicised “structurelessness”, you have built a structure in the mind of Nigerians, especially the youths that the old cyclical elites are not invincible after all. This is a solid foundation to build upon in years to come beginning from now.

The battle for the soul of Nigeria lies in your hands. Those energetic hands they couldn’t subdue but suffocated in Lagos, Plateau, Nassarrawa, Edo, Delta and the South East. So many jinxes and mental strongholds were broken and overthrown by your relentless effort to prove that a new Nigeria is possible.

The truth and the whole truth will soon be unfolded about the real fight with the beasts in the jungle: the voting, the unvoting, the overvoting, the ballot box destruction and snatching, the manipulation of results, the tribal and religious tantrum, the intimidation and threats. And above all, the BIVAS debacle.

All of these were not unexpected, except that the magnitude was overwhelming. The compromises were from strange quarters and the Octopus saddled with the responsibility of a smoother sail couldn’t be trusted to deliver after gulping a financial budget that equals one-quarter of the entire budget of Ghana.

Back to the youths and patriotic Nigerians who took our legendary pain upon themselves to demand a change, I say kudos once again. The struggle has just begun. They will never forget Papa, Mama and Pickin!

• Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

From SUNNY A. DAVID:

Reports on the 2023 general elections says that as at nine twenty-three on Saturday morning accreditation of voters and voting is yet to commence in polling unit 019 at Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka.

As at the time of this report, there were no INEC officials and election materials at the polling unit.

Many eligible voters who came to exercise their franchise were seen waiting patiently for the commencement of the exercise.

In his reaction, Mr. John Okonkwo who told our correspondent that he came to the polling unit at seven-thirty in the morning to cast his ballot regretted that nothing is happening there but maintained that he will wait until voting starts to enable him vote for candidates of his choice.

Another eligible voter, Maryrose Chukwuka who said that she had waited for about two hours, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to the Nation by starting the exercise to enable her to exercise her franchise.

At Nanka ward one and two in Orumba North Local Government Area there was a report of late arrival of INEC officials and materials.

Speaking to our correspondent on the development, a community leader in the area, Chief Emeka Ezenwa said that INEC officials arrived at the area with materials around twelve noon for the exercise which was supposed to commence by half past eight in the morning.

Chief Ezenwa who said that the exercise in the area is peaceful and orderly called on Nigerians to pray for the emergency of God-fearing leaders that will improve the living standards of the people.

There were reports of non-functioning of BIVAS machine in some polling centers across the State.

Meanwhile, a former Senator that represented Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Ben Ndi-Obi has adjudged Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections as peaceful.

Senator Ndi-Obi who spoke to Journalists after casting his vote in polling unit 007 at Oye Market Square, Umuogbu Awka observed that the exercise went on peacefully without rancour.

He commended the level of professionalism put in place by INEC officials and security agencies at the pooling unit and expressed the hope that the result of the elections will reflect the people’s wish.

Senator Ndi-Obi said even though voting started around 12:15pm in the area, the exercise went on seamlessly and commended the massive turnout of eligible voters during the exercise.

-From Harrison Akamule: 

2023 ELECTIONS: Senator James Manager, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu , Hon. Oboro Preyor, Barr. Newworld Safugha and Others of Bomadi LGA urges Nigerians to take it easy and behave in the manner in the Presidential and National Assemblies elections that would promote the course of democratic process in the Country, saying every Election, a winner will certainly emerged.

Speaking by phone interview from their various Communities ,  they asked Nigerians to  display maturity by peacefully voting the person of their choice , and that,  elections were not do or die affairs. 

They pointed out that their vote would determine what will become of the Country. 

They commended  the three tiers of government and agencies working for Nigerians in  unionism, welled organized and prepared election that brought electoral materials to the units of various wards.

According to them, the elections were peaceful and well conducted. They expressed satisfaction, saying the people’s wishes should prevail.

From SUNNY A. DAVID:

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed the home and polling unit of the presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi.

The officials who came in an unmarked white Toyota Hiace Bus arrived Obi’s house, but the candidate was absent. They proceeded to Amatutu ward two, polling unit 019 at exactly 10:25am.

They however declined interview from journalists.

The leader of the team had a brief chat with the leadership of INEC in the unit, urging him to call the commission’s helpline if they sought help of any kind.

The leader also had a brief chat with Obi who was coming back from what our correspondent learnt was a tour of the village.

The team has however left the polling unit, promising to come back soon.

Mr. Obi is still being expected at his Amatutu ward two, polling unit 019, where he will cast his vote.

-By Michael J. Ekokoruwe:

The 2023 conduct of election in Isoko South and North local government area of Delta State, has been adjudged to be the most peaceful as electorates turned out en mass and voted for the candidates of their choice.

Situation reports while monitoring the elections in some communities of Isoko South and North local government areas revealed that the people came out massively to exercise their franchise with the determination of changing the narrative with the power of their permanent voter’s cards.

In most of the wards and units visited in the area, material’s for the election arrived late, just as voting commenced at between 10.30am and 11.am respectfully.

At Irri Ward 11 unit 16 hon. Dickson Ebegbare, candidate for Federal House of Representatives under Social Democratic Party voted at 11.am and commended INEC for the BIVAS machines that worked perfectly.

At Oyede Ward 12 unit 5, the chairman of Isoko North local government area, hon. Christian Iteire, commended the electorates that were at the polling unit before 8.am and endured late arrival of materials, even as voting commenced at 11.am

He disclosed that the anxiety created tension as the people were under the sun, but was later resolved and commended the massive turnout of electorates in the area.

Speaking to Journalists at Eni primary school Uzere, Isoko South local government area Ward 4, the M.D / C.E.O of DESOPADEC Odio Bashorun Askia Ogieh, condemned skirmishes that disrupted election at Enwhe community, noting that the era of fighting and ballot snatching is over.

He urged the people to be peaceful, hopeful, steadfast and be determined to bring out peaceful electoral process that will enable government at all levels reset the country.

However, at Otor – Igho Ward 13 unit 3, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for Federal House of Representatives, Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko and the chairman of the party in Isoko North local government area, Dcn. Godwin Ogorugba, urged INEC to improve on the BIVAS machines and manpower as one electorate was accredited for about 6 minutes before voting, which left the people frustrated in long queues under the sun.

They commended the massive turnout of the people and the determination to elect good leaders, just as they expect improvement in the governorship and state assembly elections.

Other areas visited were Emede Ward 5, Oleh Ward 1 and 2, Ivrogbo Irri Ward 11 and Irri Ward 10 among others.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have stormed the Ujiogba Forest Reserve in Esan West local government area of Edo State where they destroyed 7,286 kilogrammes (72.86 tons) of warehoused skunk and five hectares of its plantation.

A statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the special operation was carried out on Wednesday following credible intelligence that some cartels had warehoused hundreds of jumbo bags of the illicit substance inside the thick forest of the reserve for distribution to some states ahead of the general elections.

He revealed that the operation could however not go on immediately until after several road blocks set up by armed guards of the drug lords were cleared and they were overpowered by the superior firepower of Strike Force officers of the agency in a gun duel.

He noted that after the initial resistance, two rifles, spent cartridges of short guns and an empty shell of AK47 rifle were recovered while a 24-year-old suspect, Calvary Essien, was arrested.

He said that after the gun fight, the NDLEA operatives in their numbers successfully descended on a big warehouse constructed with wood and zinc containing: 100 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 3.2 tons; 5,000 bags of cannabis weighing 65 tons; and 137 bags of cannabis seeds weighing 4.66 tons, totaling 72.86 tons.

He further revealed that seven bags of cannabis and one bag of its seeds were subsequently taken out of the warehouse for further investigation and prosecution of suspects while the rest was set ablaze.

Babafemi said: “This is coming on the heels of a similar operation on Wednesday 18th January in the Opuje forest in Owan West Local Government Area of the state where massive warehouses and tents storing over 317,417 kilograms (317.4 metric tons) of the psychoactive substance were destroyed and set ablaze in a two-day operation.”

He said a police impersonator, Omoruan Theophilus, 37, who was parading as a Police Inspector to convey the drugs from the forests to the cities and three others: Aigberuan Jacob, 42; Ekeinde Anthony, 53, and Naomi Patience, 42, were arrested in connection with the drugs.

Meanwhile, in his reaction to the latest operation in Ujiogba forest, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended all the officers involved in the effort and all the almost 10,000 officers, men and women deployed across the country in the pre-election renewed offensive action to clear every part of the country of illicit substances for use by thugs and miscreants before, during and after the elections.

He said taking the battle to the doorsteps of the cartels deep in the forests is to attack the menace of drug supply from the source and to also send the right message to the barons that there is no safe haven for them and their investments anywhere in Nigeria.

ASABA/Nigeria: Nigerians, especially Deltans have been called see the forthcoming elections in the country, especially the presidential election as that of one family, and they need to conduct themselves with dignity, love and peace, during and after the election.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF made this call in a statement signed by the Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and the Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, on Thursday, February 23, 2023 in Asaba.

The statement reminded Nigerians, especially Deltans of past elections, which was mared with violence, stating that should not be, and warning that the war of wards that had trailed the campaigns is not necessary.

“In a few days, on February 25, 2023, the General Election will begin, which will usher in a new president, Governors of some states, and representatives at the national and state assemblies.”

“We are cognizant of our past, and especially the profound effects of the violent aftermath of past elections, the chaos and violence that characterized the recent political party campaigns. We must not take this into the elections.”

“We urge our political leaders to desist from inflammatory utterances that could incite fellow citizens during and after the election. Political parties and party leaders must control the conduct of their supporters, at the polling stations to avoid any crises.”

“And as Nigerians, we call on every electorate to conduct themselves with dignity, peace and love. We are brothers and sisters. We are all Nigerians before the elections, and we will remain Nigerians after the elections. Let us go to the poll, and cast our votes for a better and strong nation, Nigeria.”

“Vote consciously to secure the future of our country. While important, opinion polls should not be taken as conclusive indicators of the election results. It is only your vote that counts. Vote!”

While pointing out the importance of election in the country and in Delta, it reminded the youths of their place in nation development, and admonished them not to be used as political tools during and after the elcetions.

“The youth hold the future of this country. This is the time to make a difference by choosing the right leaders. You must desist from being used as political tools of violence against each other. We urge you to preach peace and influence positive change for our country.”

“Elections are important for our state Delta and the nation is bigger than each of us. There will be Nigeria after February 25, 2023, and March 11, 2023. Let peace reign in every heart, in every homestead and in every corner of our country.”

Ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, more groups in Delta State have endorsed the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu for re-election.

Groups including highly influential Artisan Association of Nigeria, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) among others in Delta State unanimously adopted Elumelu for re-election at the National Assembly election scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2023.

The Minority Leader who represents Aniocha/Oshimi Federal Constituency of Delta State was on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Asaba, Delta State Capital, endorsed by the groups along with the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, Chief Monday Onyeme and all other candidates of the Party in the State.

It would be recalled that Elumelu had continued to receive the endorsement of groups and communities in his Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency ahead of the elections.

Speaking at the event, the Minority Leader thanked the groups for their support and urged Nigerians to vote massively for the PDP at the elections, noting that the Party’s antecedents were clear indication that it was the Party of choice.

Elumelu who is PDP House of Representatives Candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency noted that the endorsement was significant coming from non-partisan Nigerians.

According to Elumelu, “This particular endorsement of our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, our own dear humble, visionary and performing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as well as other candidates of our Party, including my humble self, is significant coming from non-partisan Nigerians who are driven by sheer patriotism in recognition of the leadership qualities; experience, integrity, capacity and of course, the achievements of the PDP candidates.

“Your unanimous support at this time is, therefore, heartwarming and points to the inevitable sweeping victory for our Party at all levels of the 2023 general elections in Delta State and Nigeria at large.

“I have also been made aware that your decision in endorsing the PDP Candidates reflects the direction of millions of your comrades in other states of the federation, particularly for the Atiku/Okowa ticket.

“The endorsement, however, does not come to me as a surprise, given the ability of patriotic Nigerians as yourselves to sieve and make the right decision in the overall interest of our nation at this critical time. 

“The PDP Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a very humble, affectionate, honest and selfless Pan Nigeria leader has over the years distinguished himself as a statesman with the ready blueprint, capacity, required experience, broadmindedness and readiness to lead, unify and return our nation on the path of peace, national cohesion and economic prosperity.

“In the same vein, our Vice-Presidential Candidate, our own Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has also distinguished himself as a seasoned administrator with unprecedented achievements in massive infrastructural, human capital development and citizen empowerment in all spheres of life.

“This endorsement by the Association of Artisans, I believe, is in further appreciation of Governor Okowa’s efforts in retooling skill acquisition system in Delta state which led to the unprecedented burst of thousands of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) benefiting millions of citizens across our State and beyond.

“In a similar vein, our Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates, our governorship candidate, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, his running mate, Hon. Monday Onyeme, as well as PDP “Delta State House of Assembly Candidates, have distinguished themselves as patriots who are committed to selfless service for the wellbeing of the people at our various levels of leadership engagements.

“It is, therefore, our firm belief that with the duo of Atiku Abubakar and Sen. Dr. Okowa, in the presidency and other PDP candidates in their various positions, Nigerians will experience a new lease of life of peace and economic prosperity.”

The lawmaker insisted that PDP had shown the capacity to rescue Nigeria from its current ugly state, stressing that the Party had in the past led the nation from abyss to glory until the APC came, reversed the milestones achieved by the PDP and put the nation in the current abysmal state. 

He lamented that the APC brought untold hardship to the country and urged Nigerians to use the elections to redeem the nation by voting in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.

Others who spoke including the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission and a renowned Political Leader in the State, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, enjoined them to take the message to every nook and cranny of the State adding that the PDP was ready to redirect the nation’s economy.   

While commending the Vice-presidential candidate of the Party and the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his commitment to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which according to him has been of immense benefit to the Association, the Chairman of the Artisans Association, Ifeanyi Abinum, appreciated Hon. Elumelu for his excellent representation in the National Assembly.

He assured that members of the association across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State are ready to vote for all PDP candidates in the elections.

Elumelu, ahead of the weekend’s election also engaged and secured the overwhelming endorsements of members of CAN, as well as workers in MDAs, NUT and NULGE in the four Local Government Areas of the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

He also met with non-indigenes in the Federal Constituency as well as Landlord Associations where he had meaningful interactions and also intervened on their urgent and immediate needs.

The European Union and the British Council have urged Civil Society organisations in Nigeria to collaborate with the government in mapping out an enabling environment for the sector.

The National Programme Manager, Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) Programme, Damilare Babalola said the European Union and the British Council through the ACT programme aim to facilitate the relationship between government, CSOs, and regulatory agencies to promote mutual understanding, enabling environment and sustainable development programmes across the country

The European Union-funded ACT Programme was inaugurated in Nigeria on September 24, 2019, to contribute to inclusive, effective, responsible, and gender-responsive development in the country.

Babalola said this on Thursday in Abuja during a knowledge share fair with the theme: “ Nigerian CSOs Translating Knowledge to Capacity and Impact.”

While lamenting the gap in the nongovernmental organizations, NGOs, he said: “There are misconceptions that civil organisations are not regulated but the fact is that they are well regulated but there are issues around compliance but ACT seeks to promote compliance “

He also explained that: “We also notice weak capacity in some CSOs. Civil society is part of the mechanism used to drive sustainable development globally. They are involved in policy advocacy and policy engagement at different levels hence we need them to have a strengthened capacity. They need to put the internal governance in place, HR policies, account policy to aid their functionalities.”

He said the government needs to understand the space before setting laws and regulations.

“Regulatory agencies should come out and sensitize civil society organizations on the need for regulations. The FIRS should come out and enlighten CSOs more about the taxes and the consequences of not complying. PENCOM should enlighten actors in CSOs the government shouldn’t make laws on assumption,” he noted.

In his remarks, Executive Director, of Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Oyebisi Oluseyi said CSOs are interested in regulations that enable smooth operations but kick against those that shrink civic space and stand against them performing social responsibilities to the communities they are meant to reach

He said: “We don’t want laws that will not allow us to do our work effectively. There’s a myth that nonprofit organizations are not regulated, but experience from what we have done showed that there are 54 existing laws that guide our operations.

We don’t want a law that will not allow us to help the common man. If government policy is not working and we spark up, we don’t want a situation where the law will be used to arrest us. We also want to carry out projects in communities without government shrinking resources meant for community development projects.”

Senior Director for Advocacy, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, The Hague, Netherlands Udo Ilo,, said CSOs must focus on sustainable programs, in line with the government policies, and will impact the Nigerian community.

He emphasized the need for CSOs to strengthen internal governance and control for accountability, public confidence, and trust. He also urged Civil societies to engage with the government for more understanding.

While commending the European Union and the British Council for the ACT Program, Mina Ogbanga, chief operations officer, of Rivers Network of NGOs said Regulatory agencies should make policies easy for compliance and not make processes unnecessarily cumbersome especially when it comes to registration.

-By Austen Akhagbeme:

It is amazingly interesting to know that every Nigerian, home and abroad, knows the problems of Nigeria. This is because the pain of bad governance and the effects of a malfunctioning society is naturally felt by all no matter how we may try to play the ostrich.

It is in light of the above observation that the need for sober reflection and unbiased introspective soul-searching by all becomes necessary, especially in moments such as we are now if we must move forward as a nation.

Nigeria as a sovereign state has gone around this mountain of despair and hopelessness for so long that any attempt at maintaining the status quo in terms of her leadership recruitment frost with the known and the familiar nuances, will spell doom for the nation: God forbid.

The present political situation has thrown up a uniquely different scenario. For the first time in a long while, three leading candidates are involved in the slugfest. While two are descendants of the anachronistic order that has kept us bound and bowed as a nation, the third is a rising dawn after the darkest night; sanity after long years of madness and confusion.

Peter Gregory Obi represents the totality of hope for a people wallowing in endless despair and swimming in hopelessness untoward. He represents the unbiased and altruistic determination of every Nigerian to witness the great dawn of hope for a nation eaten up by her greedy political elites in our lifetime.

This is the time to close our dimming eyes and itching ears to tribal and religious lullabies to embrace the true music of hope and change that has the people in mind always. Let us throw away the old rags that remind us of endless slavery, poverty and squalor to embrace the newness of hope and a new way of doing things such as Peter Obi represents.

As we go to the polls a few days from now, let us remember the past and its players and compare them with the future we desire for ourselves and our children yet unborn. This is no time for emotive decisions based on frivolous and temporary satisfaction.

It is the time to queue up behind a man like Peter Obi whose fame and acceptance have gone beyond ethnic, regional and religious boundaries to trigger hope alive again in the heart of despondent citizens and their ailing nation. Do not vote “wisely”, vote for Peter Obi. He is the Joker in the pack.

• Austen Akhagbeme:is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Chairman of Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Mr. Paul Nmah, has urged both local and international investors to avail themselves of the enabling business environment created for them by Delta state government to invest in the state.

Nmah made the call while declaring open a one-day engagement meeting on ease of doing business with the organized private sector and other stakeholders, held on Thursday February 17, 2023 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Nmah said that all the factors inhibiting businesses have been identified and were being addressed to enhance the ease of doing business in the state.

He affirmed that DIDA under the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led administration had attracted many investments into the state.

He mentioned that the Agro-Industrial Park, Ogwashi-Uku and the Kwale Industrial Hub which were being marketed by DIDA for investors, would have Independent Power Plant (IPP) and other ancillary facilities that would ensure ease of doing business.

“We know all the issues and we are working hard to resolve them. So, investors should be patient with us,” he said.

He said that DIDA as an investment facilitation Agency has been at the forefront of driving the investment thrust of the state from over reliance on Oil and Gas to other sectors of the economy.

“Some of the investments have been completed while others are nearing completion or undergoing the process of implementations.

” As the Chairman of DIDA,  I have made it a priority to always interface with the organised private sector towards ensuring that Delta remains the preferred investors’ haven.

“I wish to encourage and invite both local and foreign investors to avail themselves of the conducive business environment we have created for them to invest in the state,” Nmah said.

Meanwhile, DIDA Director-General, , Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru, disclosed that the engagement with private sectors has become  necessary now that the country was facing economic and social challenges which had adversely impacted the performance of most businesses.

According to Oghene-Omoru, the ease of doing business of the  World Bank programme has 10 parameters designed to remove bottlenecks that endanger the performance of businesses within the state and the country.

“The parameters are briefly;  starting a business, dealing with construction permit, registering property, enforcing contract, paying taxes, resolving insolvency, obtaining credit, getting electricity, trading across borders and protecting minority investors.

“In DIDA, we have the One-Stop-Shop Department which is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the ease of doing business in the state, guiding and advising investors with respect to the investment and programmes of the state government.

“Delta government has inaugurated the State Ease of Doing Business Council,  which together with DIDA and other relevant state Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) are working together to achieve the World Bank reforms on ease of doing business.”

Oghene-Omoru, urged the stakeholders to bare their minds on issues that affect their businesses for consideration and the attention of the governor.

He, however, said that the recent ranking that placed Delta as the 35 position out of 37 in the country on the ease of doing business was not a true reflection of the reality on ground.

He said that the evaluators should use indices from Asaba, the state capital as done in other states instead of using Warri, adding that businesses in Asaba has maintained a steady and rapid growth over the years.

The President, Delta State Association of Chambers of  Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA), Chief Anthony Idigbe, represented by Mrs Onyinye Molokwu, urged the state to reflect on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council publications (PEBEC).

According to him, the PEBEC report which published the KPMG Nigeria rankings of the States in the country, placed Delta as 35 out of 37 States and FCT on the ease of doing business.

Also, the Chairman, National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr Prince will Ojei and his counterpart with Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria (MAN), Edo/Delta, Dr Udensi Okwara stressed the need for power and energy and grants to support small businesses in the state.

While representatives of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and  Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Corporate Affairs Commission  (CAC) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) urges collaboration with DIDA to deepen support to SMEs in the state.

From Harrison Akamule:

The flag bearer of the Labour Party for the Delta State House of Assembly in Bomadi State  Constituency, Engr. Poweide Foburuku has said that the Obedient movement Rally recently held in Bomadi Local Government Area was to create awareness and to sensitize the electorate on the need to vote for the Party, as it symbol of the nation’s freedom. 

Engr. Foburuku who made this statement during rally, said the Labour Party was the leeway out of the crushing economic hardship bequeathed to Nigerians by the current APC government.

His words “The current economic realities are so harsh, so biting that everyone feels the heat of it. Peter Obi and his team is the only solution.The pain of the suffering masses is our motivation and fuels my zeal to contest.”

“I implore you to come out en mass to vote wholely for the Labour Party in the forth coming elections as it is the pathway to the land of freedom for our dear nation” he said.

Addressing the mammoth crowd ,he further dismissed the claim of some political quarters that the Labour Party has no structure and maintained that the grassroot movement is the structure of the Labour Party.

Engr. Foburuku also gave a very strong promise that the welfare of people would be top priority in his bid to offer a quality representation of the people of Bomadi Local Government Area in the Delta State House of Assembly.

According to him, ” I may not have money to give or throw around like other contestants, but, I have a good character to offer myself as a Messenger With Humility and Integrity to deliver quality service predicated within the principle of democracy, so that my constituents would have sense of belonging better than the way it is now “

He called on the people to come out massively to vote for him and other candidates of the Labour Party come 25th and 11th of February and March 2023 respectively.

It was a carnival of sorts in communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday, February 17, 2023, when the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu visited the Communities in conclusion of his Town Hall meeting engagements with his people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

Elumelu, who represents the Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in the cause of the engagements, visited 38 communities in the four Local Government Areas of the Federal Constituency, ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency comprises Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South Local Government Areas.

The Minority Leader had commenced the Town Hall meetings on Monday, February 5, 2023 with communities in Oshimili South and ended on Thursday, February 17, 2023 in Aniocha North communities.

Earlier on Wednesday, February 16, Hon. Elumelu, along with his massive entourage was in nine Aniocha North communities that included Ogodu, Ezi, Onicha-Olona, Issele-Mkpitime, Ubulubu, Ugboba, Obomkpa, Idumu-Ogo and Issele-Uku.

The Aniocha North engagement however continued the following day with stakeholders in the remaining communities of Issele-Asagba, Obior, Onich-Ugbo, Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniofu, Idumuje-Unor, Ugbodu, Nkwu-Nzu and Onicha-Uku, his home town where he was given a heroic welcome with 21 gun salutes.

Addressing members of the communities, the Minority Leader commended them for their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adding that the engagement was to get more information to enable him effectively work with the Presidency and Delta State Government to give the people the needed infrastructural and human capital development.

He said the Town Hall meeting was initiated by the Presidential candidate of the PDP,  Atiku Abubakar who wants to hit the ground running upon election and assumption of office, by the grace of God and the power of the people come, May 29, 2023

While appreciating the communities for resolving to re-elect him to the House of Representatives, Hon Elumelu urged the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency to give the PDP the much needed support by voting massively as never before by way of block votes for Atiku/Okowa Presidency, Oborevwori/Onyeme for Governor, Ned Nwoko for Senate and all PDP House of Assembly Candidates in the Four local Government Areas. 

Elumelu maintained that Atiku/Okowa Presidency and Oborevwori/Onyeme in the Delta State Government House will be of immense benefit for the people of Aniocha North and Delta State adding that block votes for PDP from the communities means more trust, more infrastructure and more human capital development for the people of the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

The various communities had appreciated Elumelu for his humility in service and for making the Communities feel, in many ways, the impact of the Federal Government through his quality and proactive representation in the National Assembly.

In all the communities, Minority Leader visited the traditional institutions, where he devoted quality time, listening and consulting with the traditional rulers as well as the Youths, women and men as they make presentations with people-orientated requests on him, Atiku/Okowa Presidency Oborevwori/Onyeme governorship as well as Sen. Ned Nwoko.

Speaking in an interview, the Minority Leader said he was satisfied with the outcome of the Town Hall meetings assuring that the requests of the communities would be properly documented to enable him and other representatives to serve them better.

Hon. Elumelu advised politicians to imbibe the spirit of humility, patience and have a listening ears to the people they are representing to enable them serve them well.

He appealed to the people not to allow the current situation in the country to push them to boycott the 2023 general elections stressing that a vote for the PDP is a vote for good governance and the rebirth of a new Nigeria.

He urged them to come out on election days in their numbers to cast their vote for the PDP.

Some Stakeholders who spoke at the various events described Hon. Elumelu as a leader of great repute, who always have the interest of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili at heart.

They expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the forthcoming general elections for the betterment of the Federal Constituency and Delta State in general.

Communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have restated their commitment to re-elect the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, saying that has been proactive and sincere in representing them in the House of Representatives 

Hon. Elumelu secured the commitment of the Communities on Wednesday February 15, 2022 when he led his entourage to nine of the communities in continuation of his grassroots engagement in Town Hall meeting with his constituents, ahead of the February 25 and March 11, 2023 elections.

The communities visited include; Ogodo, Ezi, Onicha-Olona, Issele-Mpkitime, Ubulubu, Ugboba, Obomka, Idumo-ogo and Issele-uku.

The communities also affirmed their resolve to deliver an overwhelming block vote to the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his running mate, Chief Monday Onyeme as well as all the Candidates of the PDP in the 2023 general election.

In each community visited, Elumelu’s arrival was heralded by an resounding ovation, dancing and singing by the people in colorful ceremonies that were graced by all segments of the Communities including PDP supporters, community leaders and notable stakeholders.

Elumelu, in consonance to his high regard, respect and honour to the traditional institution, paid homage to the Obis in their palace in these communities after which he and his team headed to the town halls meeting where he was received by jubilant crowds.

The communities visited took turns to appreciate Hon. Elumelu for his numerous developmental projects including connection to the national electricity grid, provision of solar street lights, water, healthcare, educational projects, construction of roads, Civic centers, Community Town Halls and economic empowerment of citizens in various spheres of endeavour.

The communities also commended Hon. Elumelu for his efforts in securing job placements for their children in State and Federal Government agencies, banks and oil companies; admission into universities and other institutions of learning as well as building of Palaces for their traditional rulers among others.

They also used the opportunity to urge the Minority Leader to register demands for intervention in some areas of need.

Responding, the Minority Leader disclosed that the town hall meetings were an opportunity for him to collate the needs of the people which he noted would form part of the policy direction of the PDP administration when elected at the Centre.

He however made instant interventions including reactivation of boreholes, provision of electricity transformers, renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated market structures, empowerment of some youths among others. 

The Minority Leader commended  the communities for their resolve to re-elect him to the National Assembly and emphasized the importance of massive and block vote for Atiku Abubakar and Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as President and Vice president respectively.

He also stressed that Aniocha North being the home of PDP should in the same vein deliver a total vote for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Chief Monday Onyeme as Governor and Deputy Governor, Hon. Ned Nwoko for Senate and Hon Emeka Nwaobi for House of Assembly.

Elumelu assured that he will work with Atiku/Okowa Presidency, Oborevwori and Onyeme in Delta State Government House, Ned Nwoko and Nwaobi to bring more development to the grassroots, even as he promised to build more Town Halls, Obi Palaces, roads as well as open and lockup shops in the various communities.

While giving assurance for more empowerment for the people in the various communities, Elumelu gave his words to restructure the mode of distribution of his empowerment items to include more youths, adding that more beneficiaries will enjoy Federal Government macro credit facilities to enable them improve their trade and farming.

He said that the town hall meetings should not be misconstrued for a political campaign, but rather to engage the communities on their basic needs and give reports to the appropriate quarters.

He also harped on the need to foster peace and eschew violence during the forthcoming general elections.

By Austen Akhagbeme:

The diminutive governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, seems to be leading the pack, being the most vociferous of them all. He is firing from all cylinders to assert that the ongoing cash policy of the Buhari-led administration has a sinister motive other than what we were told.

And he’s quite emotive about it, the reason he went on air to counter the position of the nation’s President on the matter shortly after his nationwide broadcast. This is quite daring and audacious on the part of El-Rufai who until recently, was seen as a member of the Aso Rock cabal and the President’s kitchen cabinet.

The issue at stake has two main tributaries to it: those that seem to oppose the position of the apex court of the land that called for the redesigned Naira notes to be used alongside the old notes pending when the motion on notice is decided (on whose side the President belongs) and those that insist that the position of the Supreme Court is a subsisting order that must be respected.

This knotty issue has brought to the fore the deep crack within the APC top echelon and it is threatening to further aggravate and erode the relative peace within the party since the completion of her controversial primaries last year.

There seems to be a novelty of error and bad precedence being set in all of these. That sitting state executives can brazenly issue statements that are at variance with that of the President and commander-in-chief on a policy issue before the Supreme Court, such as was the case with Kaduna and Jigawa state, is one.

That a political party can be so uncompromisingly divided into interest camps, factions and fractions within itself and go across to another opposition political party in search of solidarity, all in the name of frustrating an uncomfortable policy, is another.

There’s the legal angle to it; whether or not the President, himself, has not dishonoured the supreme court by his decision to stop the use of the N500 and N1000 notes as legal tender when the supreme court has stated otherwise. There is a legal argument, too, that questions the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on this matter since the case is not directly between the federal government and the state but that of an institution–the Central Bank.

Whether we like it or not, the ruling party is overheating the system and this is not good for an electoral year. This is why so many people doubt the ability and willingness of the government to deliver an election in a free and fair manner come next week.

In all of these, there must be a convergence of opinions, decisions and intentions on the part of all parties involved in this crisis in the best interest of all Nigerians.

The safety of our nascent democracy and the continued existence in peace as a nation must be considered above party or personal interests. Let APC put their house in order and stop playing politics with people’s well-being. This cash policy has truly brought untold hardship to almost everyone. And most importantly, the world is expecting us to conduct our elections next week. To every Nigerian, this is sacrosanct.

• Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

The European Union and the British Council have urged Civil Society organisations in Nigeria to collaborate with the government in mapping out an enabling environment for the sector.

The National Programme Manager, Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT) Programme, Damilare Babalola said the European Union and the British Council through the ACT programme aim to facilitate the relationship between government, CSOs, and regulatory agencies to promote mutual understanding, enabling environment and sustainable development programmes across the country

The European Union-funded ACT Programme was inaugurated in Nigeria on September 24, 2019, to contribute to inclusive, effective, responsible, and gender-responsive development in the country.

Babalola said this on Thursday in Abuja during a knowledge share fair with the theme: “ Nigerian CSOs Translating Knowledge to Capacity and Impact.”

While lamenting the gap in the nongovernmental organizations, NGOs, he said: “There are misconceptions that civil organisations are not regulated but the fact is that they are well regulated but there are issues around compliance but ACT seeks to promote compliance “

He also explained that: “We also notice weak capacity in some CSOs. Civil society is part of the mechanism used to drive sustainable development globally. They are involved in policy advocacy and policy engagement at different levels hence we need them to have a strengthened capacity. They need to put the internal governance in place, HR policies, account policy to aid their functionalities.”

He said the government needs to understand the space before setting laws and regulations.

“Regulatory agencies should come out and sensitize civil society organizations on the need for regulations. The FIRS should come out and enlighten CSOs more about the taxes and the consequences of not complying. PENCOM should enlighten actors in CSOs the government shouldn’t make laws on assumption,” he noted.

In his remarks, Executive Director, of Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Oyebisi Oluseyi said CSOs are interested in regulations that enable smooth operations but kick against those that shrink civic space and stand against them performing social responsibilities to the communities they are meant to reach

He said: “We don’t want laws that will not allow us to do our work effectively. There’s a myth that nonprofit organizations are not regulated, but experience from what we have done showed that there are 54 existing laws that guide our operations.

We don’t want a law that will not allow us to help the common man. If government policy is not working and we spark up, we don’t want a situation where the law will be used to arrest us. We also want to carry out projects in communities without government shrinking resources meant for community development projects.”

Senior Director for Advocacy, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, The Hague, Netherlands Udo Ilo,, said CSOs must focus on sustainable programs, in line with the government policies, and will impact the Nigerian community.

He emphasized the need for CSOs to strengthen internal governance and control for accountability, public confidence, and trust. He also urged Civil societies to engage with the government for more understanding.

While commending the European Union and the British Council for the ACT Program, Mina Ogbanga, chief operations officer, of Rivers Network of NGOs said Regulatory agencies should make policies easy for compliance and not make processes unnecessarily cumbersome especially when it comes to registration.