The well coordinated initiative of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC and his dynamic executive management, to mitigate the effect of the raging flood across the mandate oil-bearing areas of the State has begun to yield results, due to the Commission’s swift response.
Having had first hand information on the raging flood that had been rightly predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, to affect no less than eighteen States of the federation, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC has, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment, commenced the establishment of camps for internally displaced persons, IDP to cater for their temporary shelter and allied needs.
The timely intervention by the Commission has seen the establishment of three locations at St. Michael’s College, Oleh in Isoko South LGA; Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Kwale, in Ndokwa West LGA and Bulou-Apebiri Community in Patani LGA, in the first instance, with others being planned in the coming days.
As at the time of filing this report, all three camps are being equipped with necessaries, including mattresses, newly drilled boreholes, toiletries, consumables, foodstuff in a well laundered environment, amongst others.
The Camp Commandants have equally committed to ensuring a very conducive environment in each of the locations, for these naturally displaced citizens.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, says the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) national honour award on the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is another iron-cast proof of his leadership asset to the nation.
Bashorun Askia noted that Okowa’s emergence as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections is an attestation of the premium leadership traits in nation-building process over the years.
He expressed confidence that Okowa’s determination for the PDP to take back the nation from its present anomie and atrophy is achievable.
A congratulatory statement signed by the DESOPADEC boss reads:
“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, I wish to register our delight at the pleasant news of the deserving conferment of a national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON on our pragmatic Governor, His Excellency Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa by the Federal Government on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Anniversary of our great nation, Nigeria on Tuesday October 11, 2022.
“This award is instantly an attestation of the premium leadership traits you have been endowed and identified with, over the years of your political odyssey in the nation-building process.
“That it did not go unnoticed speaks volume of the criteria used by the assessors in finding you worthy of this impetus-generating national honour, amongst a star-studded list of equally eminent Nigerians.
“For us who have believed irrevocably in your leadership capacity and credibility over time, it gives us that soothing breath of fresh air that, indeed, we have not been misdirected one bit, being your associates and trusted allies. It further emboldens our collective resolve like the legendary unicorn, to walk by your side, as you continue to navigate the tough tempest of nation building, alongside other great patriots in the land.
“Your Excellency, by this singular national honour, the message is getting distilled that it was by no means a fluke, as to you emerging the choice as Vice Presidential candidate of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to raise the hand of our Presidential standard bearer, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections and take back our nation from its present anomie and atrophy.
“As you embark on this noble national assignment of restoring the sinking ship of state from a disconnected leadership, rest assured of our unalloyed, unwavering and unimpeachable support, to enable you achieve this all time objective, in the overall interest of our people.
“We shall surely overcome the hurdles and pitched booby traps on the road and engender a new Nigeria, full of bountiful opportunities, justice, equity and implicit pride to once more be called Nigerians.
“May this national honour therefore become for you a propelling tonic for the great call to duty.
“Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, for being primus inter pares at the national level! Your rising is further rising!”
The Chairman of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Mr. Paul Nmah, has congratulated Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the conferment of the prestigious national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on him by President Mohammadu Buhari.
NMAH in a statement said that the national honour bestowed on the state governor was a clear indication of his numerous contributions to the development of the nation and humanity.
“As an administrator he had shown dexterity in bringing out people oriented policies and programmes.
“As a onetime law maker in the Senate, he was instrumental in the passing into law of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“Our dear Delta State is currently enjoying the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme under his administration as the Governor,” Mr. Nmah stated.
He described Governor Okowa as a politician who had remained an enigma and a force to reckon with, haven traversed the various levels of the political ladder from the grassroots to the national level.
Mr. Nmah said that he was convinced that the honour would further propel him to do more, when the PDP wins the Presidential Election in 2023 with OKowa as the Vice President of Nigeria.
On his part the Director General of the Agency, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru described Governor Okowa as a detribalised person who had ensured that he touched everyone positively, irrespective of tribe, religion and political inclinations.
He emphasised that the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate would be fair to all peoples in the country, irrespective of their tribes and religions, going by his well-known antecedents.
He said that he was not surprised that the governor was honoured with the award because hea had been at the forefront of promoting the health sector, both at the national and state levels.
The DIDA Director General commended the governor for ensuring that the investment climate in Delta State remained very conducive, thereby, making Delta State the preferred investment destination.
He prayed for more grace on the governor and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Amidst an unending crisis that has dangerously factionalised and fractionalised the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the Party still went ahead to flag off its campaign in Governor Emmanuel Udom’s city of Uyo on Monday.
And like a limping athlete, the PDP has chosen to go into the race with a major injury having failed to reconcile the Governor Wike faction who are hell-bent on removing the present chairman of the party to create room for equity and fairness in the sharing of key offices between the North and the South within the Party.
Some have argued that Governor Nyesom Wike is overbeating the drum of acrimony and that he should give peace a chance and let Iyorchia Ayu be. They added that winning the presidential election is more important than removing the Chairman and that they can always prevail on the Chairman to step down after the battle is won.
Some others have accused Nwike of bad sportsmanship and vindictiveness. After all, the same Nyesom Wike was instrumental to the emergence of Iyorchia Ayu as against Olagunsoye Oyinlola who was equally a strong contender.
No matter how one looks at it, it is sheer arrogance on the part of the leadership of the Party to choose to ignore five incumbent governors (four of which are from the South) no matter what and went ahead to flag off their campaigns. For the Presidential candidate, this is not a show of tact, acumen or capacity to resolve a family feud, as it were.
If I may ask: what does Atiku want? Is it the Presidency or the love for Ayu? Why is he attempting to sacrifice his hard-earned ticket for the love of selfish and primordial interests that may not allow his ambition to come to pass? What is difficult in telling his friend, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to step down given the circumstances? Who is urging him to continue on this road to infamy in a dire contest that is potentially too close to call already? This “umbrella” is truly in the storm!
How does the PDP hope to penetrate the South West without governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Bode George; the South East without governors Ikpeazu and Ugwanyi? How about capturing the South-South without Governor Wike and Chief Dan Orbih, the region’s party Vice- Chairman? The earlier this issue is resolved the better for the party. Going into the elections while ignoring the potential goodwill of five serving governors is like a bird flying with one wing.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Eze Livinus Chukwuma hails from Ukwuani Local Government Area. He is the CEO of Kiwi Farms. He enrolled into the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2020/2021 cycle as a Brown YAGEPreneur,through which he received farm inputs/support package to grow his business. Hear him.
“The support package of 350 point of lay birds and 70 bags of feeds increased my profit and grew my farm business. In spite of bird flu, I now have 700 laying birds. I harvest 7 crates of eggs daily. I have layer birdsall year round and broilers seasonally.
“I have expanded from having only two bird pens to five pens and a brooding house for day-old birds. My farm is on a rented land which I pay rent of ₦5,000.00monthly. From my profits, I acquired a 100 X 50 plot of land as my permanent site. I have one employee and a trainee.
“I am planning to get married. I have a rented apartment, furnished to my taste; I feed well and assist my family too. I am grateful to Governor Okowa for helping me grow my farm business.”
Residents of Airport View Estate of Asaba axis in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have today protested the blockage of what they called the only waterway channel, causing lack of access road into the area by a politician.
The politician identified as Anthony Anukwu, a member of the State ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bought a controversial piece of land and had erected a structure in the said land measuring 30fts by 200 blocking the waterways at Engr. Joseph Obi Street in Airport View Estate.
According to the protesters / residents, the PDP stalwart built on the waterways, blocking the only water leeway and causing heavy flow of erosion whenever it rains that has led to collapse of buildings and fences pulling down in the Airport View Estate.
The residents protesting, stormed streets in the Estate with placards inscribed with: “Okowa, Our Governor your politician have blocked our access road and waterways. Please help us; Senator Okowa come to our rescue by demolishing illegal structure blocking our roads now; Our lives are in danger we can’t sleep anymore because of erosion and insecurities; All fences have collapsed because of erosion.”
Other inscriptions were: “Okowa save us from being wash away by erosion; PDP man, don’t block the access road to over 3000 residents; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, please save us from impending danger from Anthony Anukwu, your PDP chieftain; no road no development, if you block the only access road, you will compound our plight.”
The access roads and erosion challenges were said to have started four years ago when some of the residents woke up to discover that the said politician was laying foundation for his project.
The aggrieved residents, led by the Chairman of Non-Indigenes Association in Delta State, Asaba branch, Chief Engr. Joseph Obi, the Executives of Airport View Estate Landlord Association were said to have written several letters to the Ministries of Lands and Survey, Environment, Information as well as other relevant government agencies, calling their attention to the dangers posed by the blockage. They appealed to the governor to remove the structure.
Consequently, officials of the Delta State Government were said to have visited and marked the structure for demolition. And that the then Commissioner for Lands and Survey even advised the politician as a fellow political Party man to remove the shanty to save endangered houses in the Estate but Anthony Anukwu refused and instead boasted that they were the ones that put Gov Okowa in power.
The residents also alleged that rather than obey the law, Anthony Anukwu was said to have allegedly boasted that being an aide to the Governor as SSA, he was ready to spend N30m to on any case the residents wants to institute stopping him from developing his land
Speaking to journalists at the protest venue, Chief Engr. Joseph Obi, a major landlord in the area who said he has lived in the area for years, stated that the disputed shanty / structure was the major waterways draining heavy flow of waters coming from Okpanam to the area whenever it rains heavily.
He disclosed that “we have written to relevant sectors of the Government number of times over the menace but it seems the State Government has actually neglected the residents of the area because of one politician of PDP member that bought our access road and every efforts to remove the shanty he put on the waterways proved abortive the Government and the police are behind him.
“Because of one man over 50 buildings have been washed away, fences pulled down, reported cases of children drowning time to time. Not long ago, a man died while trying to rescue his daughter from drowning in erosion waters in the area.” He added.
Some landlords in the area including Chief Edward Acha, a retired Civil Servant, Chief Fabian Chukwuma Okiah, BoT member of Airport View Estate and PDP Chieftain in the State, Chief Onobraekpeyan Edward and Chief Mrs. Gladys Ugberu, said the protest was to draw the attention of the State Government to the plights they were suffering in the area.
While appealing to the State Government to come to their aid that their properties were destroying, they revealed that they have several times taken self palliative measures that helped curtailed the erosion but it was now beyond them.
My name is Ambassador Mohammed Abdullahi Mabdul . I was born on October 10, 1961 in Makurdi, Benue State and married with children. I graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Arabic & Political Science) from Bayero University, Kano. I joined the Foreign Service in 1987 after my National Youth Service and I have served in various capacities both in the Ministry and some Nigerian Missions abroad. In the cause of my career, I served as the Counsellor in Charge of Consular/Visa at the Embassy in Algiers from 1995-1998, and Chief Protocol Officer, office of the Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2005. Also, I was the Deputy Director and Acting Director of Protocol, office of the Vice President (2005 — 2006 and 2006 — 2007, respectively. I was Director of Research in the Ministry from 2011 — 2014 and in addition, I served as the Consul in Nigerian Consulate, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 2015- 2018. Apart from my special diplomatic skills, I am a linguist and speak not less than four international languages which is a veritable and effective tool in relations with other nations in the diplomatic circle. I attended courses in Arabic, Portuguese and Management, both local and international. In addition to English, I speak Arabic, French, Portuguese, Hausa and Idoma languages. I like reading, travelling and sports.
Did you win any laurels as a sportsman?
I have won several sports medals. I won the gold medal in Table Tennis Junior Category, First Benue State Sports Festival in 1977. I got the silver and bronze medals in Table Tennis, Junior and Senior Categories at Bauchi State Sports Festival 1977. Furthermore, I represented Benue and Bauchi States in National Table Tennis Competitions 1977-1980. I won the First Edition of Head Masters Cup Football Tournament For all Primary Schools in Benue State in 1980. I was the highest goal scorer in the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Football Club, Sokoto State Division One League Season 1985-1986.
Tell us about your diplomatic experience
I attended the Foreign Service Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lagos 1987-1988. After this, I enrolled in the Advanced Arabic Course at International Language Institute, Cairo, Egypt 1989. I equally enrolled in the Advanced Management Course at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, 2002 and the Basic Portuguese Language Course at Portuguese Language institute, Lisbon, 2010.
You just ended your duty tour as Nigerian Ambassador to Algeria. In what ways did you add value to the relations between Nigeria and Algeria?
The state of bilateral relations between Algeria and Nigeria has always been strong, authentic, and mutually beneficial to both countries. Since the independence of the two countries, we have struck a very deep and friendly relationship with Algeria that has been sustained through all the regimes in the country. But it became much closer and more solid during the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007. The then-Algeria leader, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was a very close friend to Obasanjo. Obasanjo travelled to Algeria several times and Bouteflika reciprocate the visits. As a result of that, the relationship was very solid and when Nelson Mandela became the South African President, he also became very close to Obasanjo and Bouteflika and within the framework of the African Union, the three countries, joined by Ethiopia formed what was called G4. The four countries harmonised how they deal with issues within the African Union and at the United Nations. Most of the ambassadors that go to Algeria try to build relations based on this understanding. At the time I arrived in Algeria, nothing had changed except for the political actors.
What business opportunities are available in Algeria?
I discovered that aside from trade and investment aspects that will benefit each other, Algeria presents an alternative destination for tourism. Most of the cities in Algeria look like the ones in Europe. The advantage is that the cost of living is cheap. So, it will be a lot easier for Nigerians to travel for tourism in Algeria rather than go to Europe. It will offer the Algerians an opportunity to do business in return. Our businessmen need to take advantage of these business opportunities in Algeria.
Did you succeed in ensuring a direct flight between both countries?
I discovered that communication between Nigeria and Algeria is very important. Already, Nigeria signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, which means that each country is free to introduce airlines to each other. Unfortunately, that was not there on the ground. This has created a lot of problems for travellers even if it was an unofficial trip to Algeria. You have two routes that people take. You either go through Turkey and if you do that, it will take you nine hours to be in Algiers; you fly six hours to Istanbul and then fly for three hours to Algiers. The other viable route is Qatar Airways where you fly for six hours to Doha and another six hours to Algiers but if there is a direct connection, it is just fours from Abuja to Algiers. When I discovered this missing link, I worked hard to encourage their local airlines to fly to Nigeria. Luckily, they have expanded to some African countries like Senegal, Niger and Mali. I told them that if they can go to Niger, why can’t they extend it to Abuja and Lagos? Within the period of my stay, we were able to make a good case with the manager of Air Algerie. Before I left, I held a meeting with him in April this year and he agreed that before the end of this year, they will open 11 new routes and one of the routes that they will accommodate will be Algiers-Lagos-Johannesburg. Since that will be a commercial route, they will start with that. And if it becomes viable, they will extend to Abuja. So, this was on the card before I left.
What lessons can Nigeria learn from Algeria in terms of hydrocarbon resources utility?
I think the fact is that Nigeria, just like Algeria, is an oil and gas-producing country. What I can say is that Algeria has succeeded in the utilisation of these two commodities. In terms of gas, especially the ones we use for cooking, they have a network of over 2,500km of pipelines within the country. So, gas has been domesticated. Just like you have pipe-borne water going into your homes, that is how gas is sold. Just like in Europe where you do not need to go to the filling stations to buy gas, there are pipes here and there. The infrastructure is developed and channeled into your building and at the end of the month, you pay. So, Algerians utilised this very well, which has been there since the 90s and we are yet to achieve this. The close effort we are making now is AKK; the pipeline that is coming from the Niger Delta to Warri through Lokoja, coming to Abuja, Kaduna and Kano, where the gas will be passing and the infrastructure will be developed within the cities. It is coming through so that we can replicate what is happening in Algeria. In Nigeria, we are just starting whereas in Algeria, they have achieved that. Also, Algeria refined their oil products. So, they are self-sufficient in it.
What is your next plan after retirement?
I thank God I retired in good health and without any incident that could have affected my integrity over the 35 years of service which I have done, but there is still life after retirement. I have plans of participating in the political process. I just returned at a good time when political activities are starting, and I will be participating where my services may be needed in my community.
Akpoviri Emmanuel hails from Ethiope East Local Government Area. He enrolled in the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2015/2016 cycle and was trained and established in Poultry. He holds an HND in Mechanical Engineering. Seven years after, Emmanuel is still in business and is doing well. Hear him.
“I have been in poultry business in the past seven years. From 400 point of lay birds, 200 daily old broilers and 145 bags of bird feeds, I now have 1,200 layers, 600 poulets and 100 broilers. I harvest a minimum of 25 crates of eggs daily.
“I diversified into plantain, cassava and fresh pepper cultivation in commercial quantities. Though challenging, I enjoy it because I see future in it. I was one of the beneficiaries of Governor Okowa’s cash award to best performing STEP/YAGEP beneficiaries this year too.
“I am married with children; my family is not hungry. I have been able to conquer hunger through YAGEP. I bought a car to facilitate my business. I have an employee, three casual staff and two trainees. Clients consult me to help them establish their farms.”
Christians across the country have been enjoined to put their trust in God who only is our final peace and solutions.
The Associate Pastor of the Bethel Baptist church, Sapele Delta State Rev. E. Okpara gave this advice to his congregation on the occasion of the Bethel Baptist Soul Winning Band week long Activities with it’s theme ,” Peace Be Still” at the Church auditorium, Oghene Road Sapele.
The Renowned Preacher who dwell on the theme he titled “, Deeply” took his text from the scripture in the book of Mark chapter 4 verses 35-39.
The Cleric told the congregation that war, problems, troubles, sickness, barren and unpleasant experiences are typical examples of storms in humans life, emphasizing that storm is the absence of peace in the life of individual.
He urged believers in Christ to put their trust in God who he said with Him God, all things are possible, adding that” with Jesus in your boat, storm will give way and peace will be restored.
Rev Okpara admonished christians further to always call on Jesus Christ in any situation they are passing through, affirming that it is only Jesus name one can have peace if he allowed Him to come into the boat of their life.
The leader of the group, Evangelist Mrs Grace Egbedion, appreciated God for the success of this year,s Soul Winning Band week long celebration.
On his part, Evangelist Paul Osiohwemu, and member of the group, on behalf of all the members, appreciated Almighty God for the success of the years celebration.
The lauded every member of the church including the Resident Pastor, Rev London Ohwonigho, the Preacher Rev Okpara and other church leaders for their support and encouragement towards the successful completion of the week long celebration.
Eminent Men and women of God, such as Rev London Ohwonigho and his wife, Rev Okpara and his wife Rev Dr Mrs Onochie, Rev Mrs Igurudu, Deacon Igurudu, Barr. Fidelis Aragba, Mr Okoro Sunny and several others, were in attendance at the life changing event.
Maiduguri, 5 October 2022 – More than 1,600 people have been treated for cholera in the past three weeks by teams from international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, northeast Nigeria. Patient numbers at MSF’s cholera treatment centre increased from 50 per week in early September to more than 500 per week by the end of the month.
An MSF team set up the cholera treatment centre in Bolori II, a neighbourhood of Maiduguri, in late August as part of annual preparations for receiving cholera patients. Following a significant influx of the patients from mid-September, MSF expanded the centre’s capacity from 90 to 120 beds and opened an oral rehydration point near the epicentre of the outbreak.
“We expect other organisations also to scale up their activities by opening cholera treatment centres and oral hydration points to respond to the upsurge in cholera patients,” says MSF project coordinator Daniela Batista.
The Ministry of Health in Borno state declared the cholera outbreak on 14 September after cases were confirmed in seven local government areas. An estimated one million people are at risk in the affected areas. Following the declaration, the authorities sought support from aid organisations, including MSF, to treat and contain the disease.
MSF staff have admitted a total of 1,644 people with cholera to the treatment centre since 27 August. As cholera is highly transmissible, MSF teams are encouraging the local community to take protective measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“Cholera is characterised by a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea that can rapidly lead to dehydration and death if left untreated,” says MSF medical coordinator Dr Htet Aung Kyi. “People must adopt protective behaviour, including better sanitation, hygiene and clean drinking water. Patients must also be brought to treatment facilities at the earliest stage of the sickness.”
Children with cholera can easily become malnourished – a particular danger in a region where malnutrition is already a major issue. “We are deeply concerned about the possible negative impact of the cholera outbreak on the nutritional status of children under five,” says Dr Kyi. “Periodic outbreaks of disease, particularly cholera, measles and seasonal peaks of malaria, can further compound the malnutrition situation. At the same time, immunisation rates among children in Borno are low.” MSF’s nutrition centre in Maiduguri has seen unprecedented numbers of patients since May 2022. Some 4,400 malnourished children were admitted for inpatient care in the first eight months of this year, a 160 per cent increase on the same period time last year. More than 4,000 children were enrolled for outpatient care from January to August 2022, a 94 per cent increase on the same period in 2021. Cholera is an imminent threat to many thousands of people across Borno state. Combined with the worrying increase in the childhood malnutrition, there is a clear need for a more robust response to the current health crisis in Borno. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF has been constantly working in Nigeria since 1996, and currently provides medical care, free of charge, in 11 states across the country.
The Delta State Government has said that it regretted embarrassments that the delay on the NYSC National Orientation Camp Road Project work at Issele-Uku have caused the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, particularly the people of Issele-Uku, and Onicha-Uku.
The State commissioner for works (Urban and Highways) Mr. Noel Omodon made the State Government position known in an exclusive interview with two online Newspapers, cshowcasenews.com and Banneronlinenews.com in his office in Asaba, Delta State capital.
Omodon said that the delay was partly due to the need to correct a technical defect on the road noticed by the contractor when he initially commenced work on the road, pointing out that he drew the attention of the State Government to it and there was the need to review the contract to accommodate the correction.
He revealed that the correction entails channeling the flood water at the lowest part of the road through Captain Nwosu Street down to a channel by Issele-Uku/Idumuje-Unor road. He also stated that the contracting firm, Neodede Construction Company, was to be partly blamed for not trusting the State Government’s commitment towards taking care of all his fears in the review.
“We want to really appreciate the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. He is a very strong and supportive person. He has been very supportive. He is not the kind of person that sits down and waits until a miracle happens. He will always reach out. All the work he has been doing in that area, we are quite appreciative and we want to assure him that we will not let our garbs down.
“Rt. Hon. Elumelu has been very assertive about getting the problem sorted out and he has done a lot, very frankly, but we just feel that we are letting him down because the contracting firm was not following up with his pace. But I hope we are not causing him too much embarrassment.
“We shall definitely catch up with him. We regret the embarrassments it must have caused him, but it is very unfair for the people not to realize that he is doing a lot for them.”
He condemned in strong terms what happened at Idumu-Ogo and said that it is sad and unfair for those people to fail to appreciate all the good works the Minority Leader has been doing.
Omodon further revealed that the contractor has gone back to site on Wednesday last week and that construction of drains along Captain Nwosu Street has commenced in earnest.
The commissioner stated that all that is needed for the road project is being provided for the contractor, adding that sharp sand was approved for sand filling instead of laterite because of the rain. He however, said that the contractor is confident now and that the work is being done according to specifications.
“We are going to try very hard to ensure that we deliver all the roads including the palliative work the State Government is doing at the Onicha-Ugbo/ Idumuje-Ugboko Road. It is a Federal Government road, but we are working on it.
He said in order to tackle the challenge of vehicle movement on the road as work progresses on the NYSC National Orientation Camp Road, moves are being made to activate and open up the ongoing Onicha-Ugbo /Idumuje-Ugboko Road with a view to allowing traffic from Idumuje-Ugboko down to the Benin/Asaba Express Road and there through Onicha-Ugbo down to Idumuje-Ugboko.
“Our problem is that they are shifting all the traffic to Issele-Uku and that is not fair. Our roads there are not meant for such heavy traffic where heavy duty vehicles ply the road often. We are discussing with our contractors handling the Onicha-Ugbo-Idumuje-Ugboko Road palliative work for them to bring in boulders and granites for us to seal off the bad portion along the ongoing project and allow movement of vehicles.
“It is going to cost us much, but we are committed to doing it! Thank God we have gotten a partner, a company that is in the quarry business, their business is being affected and they have agreed to supply the granites. So in no distant time , we are going to bring back all traffic back to Onicha-Ugbo from there, they hit the express and not our roads.
“We are very sympathetic with the pains the people of Aniocha North, particularly the people of Issele-Uku and Onicha-Uku, have to go through as a result of the road.
“Everybody is embarrassed about it and I hope to get all the heavy duty vehicles out of Issele-Uku in the shortest possible time”, he said.
The commissioner assured that moves are on the way to present a memo to the State Executive Council on the need to rehabilitate some of the damaged roads, occasioned by the influx of heavy duty vehicles passing through the Issele-Uku metropolis to access the Benin/Asaba/Onitcha Expressway, particularly, the Ogbeofu Road.
The Legislative Arm of the Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State has condemned in strong terms two disgruntled elements from Idumu-Ogo for misleading the public and causing aspersion and disrepute to the person of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu through a Viral Online Video.
This is sequel to a matter of urgent public importance brought to the House on Tuesday plenary by the Councillor for ward 1, Onicha-Uku, Hon Chinyere Nkabu, seconded by the Councillor ward 3, Obomkpa, Hon. Queen Ndubukwu. In a unanimous endorsement of the matter, the House noted that the two persons, Ebele Sedenu and Chiedu Adigwu deliberately made the video and posted it online purposely to mislead the general public and caused unwarranted embarrassment to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
The House noted that the people of Idumu-Ogo where the leader of the legislative arm Hon. Paul Chukwuwike Okonkwo comes from, do not have anything against Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, neither do the youths of the community have any bases to harass, embarrass or prevent him from assessing the Onich-Uku/Idumu-Ogo link road.
They further noted that the people of Idumu-Ogo through their traditional ruler and the Youth Leader, Akwudiunor Chigozia, are immensely grateful to the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for constructing the Onich-Uku Idumu-Ogo link road and at the same time building an ultramodern community hall for them, apart from other benefits from his numerous empowerment programmes.
The legislative Arm noted that from interrections and investigations, the youth of Idumu-Ogo was on a routine watch to prevent vehicular movements, especially heavy duty vehicles, on the ongoing Onich-Uku/Idumu-Ogo road project when the convey of the Minority Leader approached from the Onich-Uku axis and the youth not knowing immediately that it was the Minority Leader, stopped the convoy and some other vehicles. It was when they were trying to find out who he was that Adigwe, recognizing the convoy, immediately shot the video with a misleading narrative that the Youths are preventing the Minority Leader from assessing the road.
They noted further that Adigwe posted the video on the Community WhatsApp platform where Ebele Sedenu copied it and pasted it on her wall on Facebook before the video went viral.
The House therefore apologized on behalf of the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, particularly, the people of Idumu-Ogo, for the embarrassment the said viral video must have caused the Minority Leader, even as they called for a punitive measures on Ebele Sedenu who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the ward and a Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Women Development.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the International Criminal Police Organization, popularly known as Interpol, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU that will enable the anti-narcotics agency contribute to the pool of global criminal data and also access such records of 195 countries around the world for its use. Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) signed for the Agency while the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the National Central Bureau and Vice President, Interpol Africa, Garba Baba Umar, endorsed the document on behalf of the global body. Speaking at a brief ceremony at the NCB secretariat, Force Headquarters Abuja on Wednesday,5th October 2022, Gen. Marwa reminded the audience that drug business is international in scope while the scourge of drug abuse has continued to destroy lives, youths, families and communities, stressing that it also fuels criminalities because perpetrators either consume illicit substances or use proceeds to fund their nefarious criminal activities. “As we are after the drug cartels and barons, we are not under the illusion that they won’t be after us but we are always steps ahead of them. This is why all security agencies must collaborate to fight the cartels, whether in Nigeria or anywhere in the world. We are therefore happy that the signing of this MoU allows us access to contribute and benefit from criminal data records of 195 countries globally”, the NDLEA boss stated. He commended the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman for providing good leadership for the Nigeria Police and his commitment to partner with NDLEA in the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria, citing the IGP’s memo to all police formations across the country to always transfer drug cases to NDLEA across the states for investigation and prosecution, as a mark of such collaboration. Speaking earlier, AIG Garba Umar commended Marwa for transforming NDLEA to a ground breaking agency within a short time of his assumption of office. He called for more support for the anti-narcotics agency from all relevant stakeholders especially security agencies. He highlighted the significance of the MoU to the success of NDLEA operations and assured of the full support of Interpol at all times.
Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja Wednesday 5th October 2022
Photo caption 1: Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) and the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the National Central Bureau and Vice President, Interpol Africa, Garba Baba Umar (m) flanked by Directors of the anti-narcotics agency and top Interpol officials after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the two organisations in Abuja on Wednesday 5th October 2022. 2: Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the National Central Bureau and Vice President, Interpol Africa, Garba Baba Umar (l) presenting a signed copy of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between NDLEA and Interpol to the Chairman/Chief Executive of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja on Wednesday 5th October 2022.
Nigeria and Qatar enjoy close affinity since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Nigeria is committed to enhancing trade and investment relations with Qatar, Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar HE Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed has said.
According to a Press Statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Embassy of Nigeria, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ambassador made the statement while speaking at a reception held to celebrate the 62nd Independence Day of Nigeria at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The event was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, who represented the host Government; the Director of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, members of the Diplomatic Corps; captains of Industry, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Qatar and friends of the Embassy.
The Nigerian envoy said that both the countries have continued to enjoy cordial relations and support each other at both bilateral and multilateral fora occasioned by the openness, warmth and support of the government and people of Qatar under the wise leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The envoy said that the relations between the two countries have resulted in several high-level visits from both sides, the peak of which was the February 2016 state visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to Qatar and the visit by the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Nigeria in April 2019.
He said the embassy is working on several programmes in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to showcase the cultural diversity of Nigeria through arts and artefacts.
He thanked Qatar’s leadership and humanitarian institutions, especially Qatar Charity, Qatar Foundation and Education Above All for their support towards Nigeria’s healthcare, shelter, potable water and education sectors.
He also praised Qatar for its role in promoting global peace and harmony.
Talking on hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022, Ahmed said, “From today, it is barely 49 days away the world’s greatest football tournament, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. All eyes and minds of fans are now on Qatar. With the sense of dedication, energy and resources invested in the preparatory process, I believe Qatar is adequately ready to host the world.”
He said many Nigerian fans will add colour to the historic sports fiesta.
He thanked the leadership as well as the people and government of Qatar for providing opportunities to the Nigerian expatriates to play their role in the continuous development of Qatar.
A High Court in Delta State sitting at Asaba, has convicted and sentenced one Daniel Godwin Etong (m) to life imprisonment for the defilement of a 7 year old girl.
A statement issued Mrs Patricia Uche Akamagwuna, Director, Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and Child Rights Unit, Ministry of Justice Asaba, Delta State, stated that the Convict has consequently been registered in the Delta State Sexual Offenders Register with his details uploaded in the National Database.
Mrs Akamagwuna stated that the judgement, is a pointer to the fact that the fight against perpetrators of Sexual Offences in the State was winnable. She said that judgement ensured that one more Sexual Offender was off the street and would not be able to prey on defenceless children and women. She stated that the conviction and sentence will help to deter others from committing similar Offences.
Emmanuel Sylvanus is one of the persons living with disabilities (PwDs), trained and established by the Delta State Government through its Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP.) He is visually impaired and has an HND in Mass Communication. Emmanuel is a YAGEPreneur in Fish Production in the 2016/2017 cycle. He shares his story.
“Being in the YAGEP programme is laudable. I have gained attention in public through YAGEP because I am doing well and I have something to offer. I now have three tarpaulin fish tanks and five concrete tanks.
“I have diversified to sale of foodstuffs and provision. I am a point of sales (POS) agent with two banks and I am in partnership with a furniture company in Lagos which yields good monthly income. I have one employee. My children attend the best private school in Abavo. I also bought a motorcycle to facilitate my movement.
“It was unusual with previous administrations to give opportunity to PwDs to become business owners, rather we were given hand-outs and left as liabilities. The present government has helped to reduce the level of stigmatization on us through the job creation programme.”
Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau is pleased to publish the latest [new] edition of the twice-a-month Okowanomics Fact Sheet Series.
The purpose of the Series is to widely disseminate Governor Okowa’s outstanding governance achievements and exemplary leadership performance in Delta State to key stakeholders and the public at the state and national levels.
This edition is titled “The Legacy of A Transformed Educational System”. It spotlights facts and figures of Governor Okowa’s superb landmarks in the educational transformation of Delta State.
Please, read and share the Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 7, September-B 2022, attached as follows. Thanks.
THELEGACY OF A TRANSFORMED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 7, September–B 2022
1.0Introduction
Okowanomics Scorecard Series is a semi-monthly [twice-a-month] bulletin of evidence-based “Fact Sheets” showing Governor Okowa’s spectacular achievements in the social, infrastructural and economic development of Delta State. The Scorecard Series is a “book of chronicles” of Governor Okowa’s legacies and footprints in the geopolitical entity of Delta State. It is a tracker dashboard that mirrors real-time the unique developmental strides in Delta State under the leadership of Governor Okowa.
The Series is developed and published by Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Bureau, using verified information and data from the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 7 spotlights Governor Okowa’slegacy of a transformed educational system. The evidence spans the development of school infrastructure at the primary, secondary and tertiary education levels, enhanced adequacy and quality of teachers, improved access to education and the phenomenal growth of technical education and tertiary education, particularly, universities.
2.0 THE CONCEPT OF OKOWANOMICS
Okowanonics is the brand identity representing the gamut of Governor Okowa’s political sagacity, developmental philosophy and governance ideology defined by his people-centred policies, mission-oriented approach, economic prudence and social intelligence.
Underlying Okowanomics is Governor Okowa’s exceptional assortment of personality and character virtues notably critical thinking, clear foresight, sound planning, clever coordination, effective execution, humility, self-discipline, people skills and executive intelligence. These sterling qualities and attributes are manifest in the excellent leadership and exemplary governance of Delta State from 29th of May 2015 to date.
3.0THE EDUCATION FACTOR IN ECONOMY
AND SOCIETY
Education is key to human capital development in any society. It is widely acknowledged that education generates direct benefits to the individual as well as indirect [multiplier] impacts on the social and economic development of any country. Development economics provides ample evidence of positive private and social returns to investment in education, with returns varying from basic to tertiary education.
In essence, the education system [its relevance, content and quality] is fundamental to the transmission, application and growth of knowledge, skills and technology in the country. Also, the quality and functionality of the educational system determines, to a large extent, the competitiveness of the economy. Consistent with this universal truth, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, since assumption of office on the 29th of May 2022, prioritized the development of education in the SMART Agenda and Delta State Medium Term Development Plans 2016-2019 and 2020-2023.
4.0 REFORM OF THE EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM
As an early sign of the priority attention to educational development, Governor Okowa convened an educational summit which rallied all the educational stakeholders to address the sector’s challenges and chart a roadmap for education system reforms. The education summit was held from 25-26 January 2016 with the aim of refocusing the educational curriculum in the state to equip students with the requisite knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for business, trade, commerce and industry. The summit addressed issues ranging from access, infrastructure, curriculum, functionality, costs, teaching, quality and parental involvement.
5.0THE EVIDENCE IN PERSPECTIVE
Arising from the summit, several transformative reforms have been designed and implemented in the state’s educational system. The Okowanomics scorecard on various educational sector development indicators is illustrated in the following table.
Table 1. Okowanomics Scorecard on Educational
Sector Transformation
6.0CONCLUSION
The evident transformation at all levels of Delta State educational sector since 2015 is the result of Governor Okowa’s prioritization of policies and excellent planning matched with faithful execution, judicious resource management and effective leadership. These good governance qualities are the hallmarks of Okowanomics – a developmental philosophy and governance ideology worthy of emulation by other states and replication at the national level.
This edition of Okowanomics Fact Sheet was developed using data and information provided by Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Technical Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education Board.
Something is happening already in our body politic that some have quietly and ignorantly dismissed as a flash in the pan; it is the nearly unsolicited support and passion for Gregory Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour party in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.
From Bauchi to Auchi, Zaria to Lagos and Asaba to Uyo, the desire, love and passion for the Agulu-Anambra state-born politician knows no bounds as people voluntarily took to the streets on Nigeria’s independence day anniversary to show their support.
This is quite unprecedented and not too many people are overly conscious enough to want to see it as it is. It is delusional for anyone to think that a Nigerian politician can attract such massive public acceptance based on mere partisanship and deft politicking alone.
The Peter Obi phenomenon has obviously and certainly gone beyond party, tribe and religious affiliations and the accompanying negative nuances that held the nation on her jugular from time immemorial. It is a new level of the collective reawakening of a people deceived, pauperised and bamboozled within the geographical space they call their Country. And this is tragic.
Few political changes spectacularly take place in a row as being witnessed presently in Nigeria. First, an organic party powered by a people’s will is gradually emerging to douse the fire of discontent raised by the old, inorganic, bestial and undemocratic political parties that held sway since the dawn of the fourth Republic.
Secondly and for a long time, Nigerians seem to collectively and almost unanimously believe in a man assumed to be a representative and representation of their collective hope and desire as a nation. And this is epic.
There seems to be a likely shift from the predatory politics of money to that of conscience and love for the country. When you are looking for hope in Nigeria today, it may not likely be found in the known and familiar political corners and enclaves. The hope for the nation is probably hiding away in Peter Obi’s orbit.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested an ex-footballer, Okafor Emmanuel Junior at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on his arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa.
Okafor who was arrested last Monday on board an Ethiopian airlines flight had 1.40 crack cocaine concealed in his bags.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the 33-year-old was arrested after anti-narcotic officers discovered he concealed the illicit substance in the handles of his bags and padded the top edges of same with the class A drug.
Babafemi said during preliminary interrogation, Okafor disclosed that he was an ex-footballer with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH Enugu FC, where he played for four seasons before leaving for Sri Lanka in 2014. He further stated that he moved to Brazil from Sri Lanka after playing for two seasons but could not advance his football career in Brazil due to lack of official documents.
The spokesman also revealed that another Brazilian returnee, Ibeh Chinedu was arrested same day upon his arrival at the Lagos airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Ethiopian airlines flight. Ibeh was found to have concealed 3.2 kilogrammes black cocaine popularly known as ‘Lucci’ in false bottoms of his two bags.
According to Babafemi, Ibeh in his statement, said he was to be paid N3.1 million on successful delivery of the drug in Nigeria.
In the same vein, attempt by a 32-year-old businesswoman, Mrs. Pamela Odin to traffic 2.15 kilogrammes tablets of rohypnol through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Istanbul, Turkey has been thwarted by NDLEA operatives.
Odin, the mother of one was arrested on Friday 23rd Sept. while attempting to board a Turkish airline flight with the drug concealed inside pepper and packed among foodstuff.
She disclosed to operatives that she operates a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey but came to Nigeria to see her relatives and buy food items for her restaurant business.
Meanwhile, two Malians: Mohammed Demoele, 38 and Coulibaly Maliki, 56, have been arrested by officers of the Marine Unit of NDLEA at Ebute Ero jetty in Lagos for attempting to export 34.2 kilogrammes bottles of new psychoactive substance, Akuskura to Mali through Cotonou, Benin Republic.
In Taraba state, operatives last Thursday intercepted 100 compressed blocks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 73.5 kilogrammes concealed inside animal feeds, while their counterparts in Ogun state last Saturday arrested a physically challenged drug dealer, Abdulraham Mohammed, with 104 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis sativa recovered from him. Another suspect, Ms. Safiya Bello, was also arrested in Shagamu area of the state with 27 kilogrammes of the psychotropic substance.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of Seaports Operations, MMIA, Ogun, and Taraba Commands for their resilience, while charging them and others across the country to intensify ongoing offensive action against drug cartels and traffickers wherever they may be located in any part of Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN congratulates Nigerians on the 62nd independent anniversary celebration as he pledges the Commissions commitment to tackle human rights violations and seek appropriate redress for victims.
Chief Ojukwu who made this pledge in his message of commemoration of Nigeria’s independence, said that so many people are going through one form of human rights violation or the other, and that the Commission is determined to put smiles on their faces by assisting them to address the myriad of complaints it receives every day.
He noted that violation of rights is a global issue occasioned by a lot of reasons, “the world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation, and these situations are breeding grounds for human rights violations that occur in different forms”.
In Nigeria, we have to contend with violations perpetrated by security forces, insurgency and counter insurgency operations, cases of sexual and gender based violence, domestic violence, violation of the rights of the child (e. g child hawking and begging, out of school children) etc.
“However, we are assuring all citizens and foreigners living in Nigeria that the Commission will strive to promote, protect and enforce their fundamental human rights at all times, despite the obvious challenges”, the NHRC Boss added.
Ojukwu reiterated the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead for the country which according to him can only be achieved with hard work both individually and collectively as patriotic citizens.
He further stated that the Commission now has offices across the federation and can be assessed by every person, “with this we are bringing our services to the door steps of Nigerians for free, in order that we may wipe the tears of the violated”
He advised citizens to invest their time in productive ventures that could aid development especially as we are preparing for the 2023 general elections. “election period are periods where rights are easily violated through hate speech, dis-enfranchisement, physical violence etc. we should be wary of all these, we have the population of over 200 million people endowed with talents which must not be put to waste in unproductive ventures, we must begin to get it right by respecting each other’s rights, this is key to any development” he added.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the human rights challenges facing the nation and the role individuals can play in addressing them. The fight for human rights is the fight for all.
He noted that the current security challenges has further underscored the need for us to be more united so as to frontally confront our common enemy .
“Realization of independence and celebrating nationhood are not enough if we do not collaboratively as individuals and ethnic groups pursue a common goal of human rights protection and socioeconomic emancipation”, he advised.
Therefore, the celebration should be a wake-up call for us as citizens to eschewed ethnicity, tribalism, religious bigotry and embrace the time honoured principle of unity in diversity, even in the face of daunting challenges, occasioned by insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping, hate speech and sexual and gender based violence, just to mention but a few.
The National Headquarters of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been thrown into mourning state following a fatal accident which claimed the life of Commandant General’s lead outrider, Assistant Superintendent of Corps 1 (Asc 1), Dickson Dike who was loved by many.
The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday 27th September, 2022 in Abuja at about 19.30 hours.
Dickson’s death left many personnel of the Corps, his admirers, colleagues, including top management staff and the CG in rude shock and disbelief that the officer is no more.
Expressing sadness at the demise of the outrider during a condolence visit to his family, Dr Ahmed Audi, mni, described Dickson as a very intelligent, dedicated, hardworking, loyal and committed officer who occupied a very special place in his heart.
“Dickson was a very fine officer, he was dedicated and never said no to work anytime he was called upon, he loved his powerbike, he had passion for the job and he would be greatly missed.
“His humility, dedication and loyalty gave him a very special place in my heart, he was very close to my family, so, if there is anyone that is deeply touched by his death, its me”, the CG expressed.
Audi added that Dickson’s death dealt a very painful blow on the entire NSCDC family but he is consoled by the fact that his good nature and humble personality will ultimately guarantee him a place in the blossom of the Lord.
He consoled the wife, children and siblings of the deceased during the visit and prayed for the repose of his soul and God’s guidance and protection to those he left behind.
“Madam, please take heart, your husband was a good man, we will try our best, we will not leave you alone but assist you during this trying period.
“My office is ready to shoulder all the burial expenses and also ensure that his life Insurance and burial benefits are paid as quickly as possible.
“I championed the payment of insurance benefits to personnel when I came on board as the Commandant General in 2021 and Dickson’s case will not be an exception”, the CG assured.
He described Dickson as a Hero who died in active service and offered his wife, Mrs Peace Adaeze Dickson an opportunity to replace and refill the void left by her husband. “Dickson was a very proud and committed Civil defender who didn’t joke with his job during his lifetime.
“He was a true Hero and he died in active service, only God knows why he took him, nonetheless, we are with you in this struggle.
“We will take care of you and the children, we will extend our gestures to you to give you solace.
“I will ensure that his space is not left vacant, you are going to replace him and this will help you to continously fend for yourself and the children”, Audi promised.
In the same vein, the President of Civil Defence Officer’s Wives Association (CDOWA), Hajia Aishat Audi who accompanied her husband comforted the widow of the deceased and assured her of the association’s support.
She said “I know how it feels to loose a loved one, talkless of a husband, I want to encourage you to be strong because of these beautiful children and God will see you through.
“It is painful that he left this sinful world at a time when you need him most but rest assured that we will keep you and the children in mind.
“We will not be far from you and I will make sure we support you in our own little way.
Responding on behalf of the family, Pastor Olumuyi Adebayo of SafeHill Prophetic Assembly, Mararaba, thanked the CG and his team for coming personally to comfort the family.
He appreciated the prayers, words of encouragement, moral and financial support and love shown by the Corps to the family.
He described him as a good Christian and dedicated member of their church when he was alive.
He assured of intimating the Corps with burial arrangements once a decision is taken by the family.
Mrs Peace Adaeze Dickson, wife of the deceased expressed appreciation to the CG, President of CDOWA and the entire Corps for the condolence visit and love shown to her husband even in death .
She said that the death of her husband has created a huge vacuum in the family and life can never be the same without him.
Born on the 23rd of October, 1989, Asc 1 Dickson Dike hailed from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and survived by his wife and two lovely children.
Signed: DCC Olusola Odumosu Director Public Relations NSCDC NHQ, Abuja.
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it would shut the doors against the use of foreign migrants from neighbouring countries in next year’s election.
The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) Isah Idris made the pledge on Thursday at a meeting with top management staff of the Service, Zonal Coordinators and Comptrollers of Commands/Formations at the Service Headquarters in Abuja where operational briefing was given as part of preparatory activities for the forthcoming general elections in 2023.
A press statement by the spokesman of the NIS, Amos Okpu said during the meeting, the CGI reiterated government’s commitment to a free and fair electoral process for the 2023 general elections and charged Heads of Commands and Formations across the country to upscale surveillance activities in all locations including Border Crossing Points to ensure successful elections.
He directed the activation and deployment of all the migration management and border security assets of the Service with a view to ensuring that ineligible persons particularly migrants are not allowed to participate in the nation’s electoral process.
The CGI said: “To this end, I hereby direct that regular meetings with all the migrants’ communities in the country be intensified to sensitize them on the need for them to stay away from participating in the nation’s electoral process for the 2023 general elections.
“Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOs) across the 774 Local Councils in the country have been directed to deepen surveillance and engagements with the migrant communities in their areas to ensure that no migrant gets involved in the elections.”
He however revealed that the Service has recently intercepted and confiscated some voter cards from certain migrants, warning that stiff sanctions await any migrant who attempts to participate in the nation’s electoral process.
Idris while stressing the Service’s ethical obligation and commitment to maintain political neutrality in the discharge of statutory duties, said “as Para-military Officers, we are prohibited from political partisanship before, during and after the elections. Therefore, the Service is seizing the opportunity to sensitize its Personnel through their respective Comptrollers on the need for them to remain apolitical before, during and after the elections as members of the Service.”
He enjoined all personnel to be alive to their responsibilities, warning that any infractions or unprofessional conducts before, during and after the elections will attract severe sanctions.
The CGI further called for constructive and patriotic engagements among all agencies, stressing that synergy and collaboration with stakeholders is an essential ingredient needed to optimally discharge responsibility toward building a better Nigeria of our collective dreams.
According to the statement, the CGI had earlier led top management to the foundation laying and ground breaking ceremony of the Head Office of the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NIMCOS) at the NIS Headquarters, Abuja, where he charged the executive of the association to live up to its ideals of improving the welfare of officers and men in line with the welfare thrust of his administration.
The building on completion will serve as the administrative office of the Cooperative Society.
In pursuance of its drive towards making Delta State conducive for investments to thrive, the Delta State Government had inaugurated the Council on Ease of Doing Business.
The Delta State Council on Ease of Doing Business was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government Chief Patrick Ukah in a brief ceremony at the Office of the SSG, Asaba.
The SSG who represented His Excellency Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa said the Governor is the Chairman of the Council and listed the members to include; Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Trade & Investments, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning, Head of Service, Chief Economic Adviser, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Finance, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands & Surveys.
* 4th from left Secretary to Delta State Government Chief Patrick Ukah representing His Excellency Sen. EDr. Ifeanyi Okowa Gov. of Delta State and Chairman Ease of Doing Business Council with other members of the Council at the ceremony of the inauguration of the Delta State Ease of Doing Business Council at Asaba *
According to him other members include; Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice, Chairman Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Registrar State High Court of Justice, President Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Director General Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Member/Secretary
“We are here to formally inaugurate the Delta State Council on Ease of Doing Business which is under the aegis Of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) with Mr. Vice President as the Chairman.” He said.
He noted that both at the Federal and State levels the overall objective of the Councils is to remove critical bottlenecks and bureaucratic constraints to ease of doing business.
“In line with the Federal Government directive and to enhance the business climate in the State , the Terms of Reference of the Delta State Council have been broken down to include 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 achieve performance in result areas and meet eligibility criteria to access the World Bank backed funds of the 3years State Action on Business Enabling Reform Programme SABER and
vii.Constitute a Technical Committee consisting of SABER representatives from the listed World Bank disbursed linked indicators as contained in the eligibility criteria matrix.
He called on members to study the SABER report with a view to making significant effective contributions towards creating a more friendly and productive business environment in Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of other members of the Council, the Honouable Commissioner for Economic Planning Mr. Barry Gbe thanked His Excellency The Governor for finding them fit to serve in the Delta State Council on Ease of Doing Business.
He emphasized that the members possessed the requisite capacity to deliver on the assignment given to them and promised that they would ensure that they lay down a good business environment that subsequent administration could build on.
Speaking earlier the Chairman Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) Mr. Paul Nmah said that at the commencement of operations at DIDA the Agency had been at the forefront of driving investments in the State.
He said that DIDA has a department called the One State Shop for Investors which mandate is to ensure that investors coming into the State carry out their business without hassles.
“DIDA has been championing the ease of doing business programme and has through its machinery attracted a lot of investments into Delta State.” Mr. Nmah said.
On his part the Director General (DIDA) OlorogunLucky Oghene-Omoru said that a lot of initial preparatory works had been done by the Agency through setting up of the Ease of Doing Business Committee comprising the relevant DTSG MDAs and representatives of the Private Sector in accordance with PEBEC guidelines and coordinating their activities to ensure that Delta State keyed into the World Bank Ease of Doing Business programme.
He noted that Delta State Ease of Doing Business Committee had been working hard since inception with the relevant Agencies of Government and the Private Sector to ensure that the Delta State Government achieves the laudable objectives of PEBEC to create a conducive Ease of Doing Business environment in the State.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Coalition for Good Governance, has condemned in strong terms the anti-party activities of the Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman (South West), Olasoji Adagunodo National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa and the National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Affah-Attoe.
In a statement by the Group National Coordinator; Muhammad Suleman, General Secretary; Owolabi Adebola and National Publicity Secretary; Ephraim Obinna, made available to Jounalists,the group expressed their displeasure over the attempt by the officers of the party through an orchestrated and deliberate move to bring the name of the party to great public disrepute and truncate the fortune of the party in the 2023 general elections.
The statement reads in part:
“In the bid to foist a negative storyline on the Party, these apparently compromised National Officers, yielded to the enemies of the Party by falsely presenting their Housing Allowances, their legitimate entitlement duly approved and paid to national officials and staff of the Party to the public as bribe.
“We have been reliably informed that this is part of the well-funded furtive scheme targeted not at the National Chairman, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu but to destabilize the PDP, derail its Presidential Campaign and frustrate the deserving victory of our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections.
“We have also received information of how huge sums of money exchanged hands to prosecute to bring the PDP to public opprobrium a day after the inauguration of the Party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
“The action of these National Officers amounts to serious betrayal of trust, gross misconduct, abuse of office and unpardonable anti-Party activity in violation of Section 58 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP, 2017 (as amended).
“This is especially as these National Officers are part of the National Working Committee which approved the funds in line with the already established Terms and Conditions of Service of staff and Principal officers of the Party.
“In this regard, we call for the immediate investigation into the financial activities of these officials following allegations that they were heavily bribed to execute such a despicable scheme against the Party and our Presidential Candidate.
“We call for a scrutiny of their bank records following findings that they received their Housing Allowances since September 14, 2022 and utilized it for the designated purpose. An investigation should ascertain who raise the funds they returned after spending their Housing Allowances.
“This is especially given allegations that these Party officials disclaimed and returned the Housing Allowance after huge sums exceeding the Housing Allowances were reportedly paid into their accounts by agents of a particular state governor to work against the Party.
“Consequently, we call for immediate resignation, suspension and investigation of these National Officers of our Party for anti-party activity and attempt to scuttle our Presidential Campaign.
“Moreover, since his election as Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja has taken no steps to unite and stabilize the Party in the South. Rather he allowed disunity to fester in such a manner that threatens the existence of the Party in the region. He is a huge liability to our Party and having been exposed should resign forthwith.
“In the same vein the National Vice Chairman, (South South) Dan Orbih has continued to demonstrate serious disloyalty and lack of capacity for leadership. He has reduced his office to an annex of a particular State Governor. He has not demonstrated desired qualities of a leader and as such should resign.
“Similarly, the National Woman Leader, Prof. Affah-Attoe has notà demonstrated the desired capacity to mobilize our women for the 2023 general elections. She lacks vision and cannot command the support and loyalty of the women. She should therefore resign and allow a more vibrant person to provide leadership for our women.
“Finally, we call on all members and teeming supporters of our Party to remain focused and not allow our Party to be distracted by sponsored antics by such unpatriotic individuals,” the group stated in the statement.
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Laura Ese Oghene:
2022 trainees enrolled in the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) have lauded the Delta State Government’s for its job creation programme, describing it as the surest way out of poverty.
They made the commendations during the first series of Personal Effectiveness and Leadership Development (PELD) workshop held for them in Government House, Asaba.
The workshop tagged Leadership Class 101 was attended by 525 STEP trainees enrolled in the 2022 cycle who are on diverse vocational skills training in training centres across the state.
In his remark, Emitonye Tega enrolled in Electrical Installation and Solar Works, expressed satisfaction with the experience gained at his training centre in the past one month.
According to him, “Training has been good. It has changed my life. The skill and knowledge from PELD will equip me with life skills to make me self-employed. I studied Accountancy, graduated in 2020, but could not get a job. With STEP, I now see a bright future. Goodbye to poverty.”
He described STEP as a sustainable way of earning a living, pledging to work hard to market his brand in order to attract more clients to patronize his services.
For Eucharia Urhobocha in Catering and Confectionery, she said she was under-employed for two years after her university education till she enrolled in the 2022 STEP cycle.
To her, “STEP is a great opportunity for me to harness my passion for baking. I have learnt a lot. I hope to have a shop where I can render catering services to clients, train and employ other youths. I have registered my business, Ukraine’s Cakes and Snacks.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, in his opening remark, disclosed that PELD is an innovation to expose them to life skills in four lecture series such as Leadership Class 101, Leadership Class 201, Leadership Class 301 and Leadership Class 401.
He underscored the importance of the monthlyleadership training which according to him would help the trainees to have the foundation of entrepreneurship and business success; learn how to lead themselves so as to lead others; support them in personal development, self-management, life skills, and help them to become complete STEP graduands.
He harped on discipline throughout the training period, saying that the Job Creation Bureau has zero tolerance to absenteeism, miscount and truancy, pointing out that 14 STEP trainees have been expelled from the programme and two trainers disengaged.
On his part, the Hon Commissioner for Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, re-emphasized the importance of discipline in the job creation programme. “Apply discipline to help you realize your potentials and to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners,” he admonished.
Also, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Kingsley Emu, in his remark, reiterated that the state government’s entrepreneurship development and job creation programmes have reduced unemployment in the state far below what is obtainable in other states.
He charged them to make good use of the opportunity to acquire leadership skills and mindset change to reposition themselves for a brighter future.
He advised, “Your destiny is in your hands. Use choice, chance, change to harness your potentials in order to become STEP ambassadors.”
Beneficiaries of the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) enrolled into the 2022 cycle has received orientation with a call on them to use knowledge acquired to boost their farm enterprises.
The Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, made the call during the Orientation and Farm Enterprise Training (OFET) in Asaba for cassava farmers enrolled in the 2022 YAGEP cycle in Asaba.
The one-day OFET was attended by 145 already existing cassava farmers with a view to making them agricultural entrepreneurs, better managers of resources in more successful and sustainable agricultural businesses.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, pointed out that the 2022 cycle is the seventh cycle after six successive cycles since the inception of the Okowa-led administration.
He reaffirmed that the Delta State Government has since 2015 trained and established 6,075 youths in various businesses of their choice through its Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and the Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP.)
He emphasized that 1,520 youth farmers have been established or supported through YAGEP in the past seven years, adding that the 2022 cycle was targeted at over 800 beneficiaries, out of which 300 Brown YAGEP beneficiaries would be enrolled into the programme, including this first batch of 145 YAGEPreneurs in cassava production.
He said, “Since 2015, YAGEP has run six cycles as follows: 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021. Altogether, 1,520 YAGEP beneficiaries have been trained, established and supported in various agricultural enterprises including poultry, crop production, piggery, fish production, agro-processing and agribusiness, from 2015 to 2021.”
He listed the purpose of the OFET to include the enrolment and documentation of the new beneficiaries in the 2022 YAGEP cycle; to familiarize the beneficiaries with YAGEP principles and modalities; and to give training and advice for efficient farm management and best agricultural practices.
He disclosed that the farm enterprise training workshop would be followed with provision of support packages to the beneficiaries such as fertilizer, animal feeds, crop agrochemicals, livestock vaccination and othersdepending on the type of farm enterprise.
He added that the beneficiaries would be supported with money to pay for critical farm labour in land preparation, weeding, animal husbandry and harvestingas well as tuition in best agricultural practices in farm enterprise management, innovative production technologies and profitable agribusiness.
On his part, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Mr. Edward Mekwunye, assured the beneficiaries of his agency’s follow-up and mentorship to ensure the success of their enterprises.
Speaking separately, the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Job and Wealth Creation, Mr. Gerry Osai, Barr. Tony Omonemu, Engr. Chukwuka Osumiliand Prince Charles Abutoh tasked them to apply professionalism into their farm enterprises in terms of marketing, management and cultivation.
Lectures as “Best Practices in Cassava Cultivation, Marketing and Farm Record-Keeping” and “How to Benefit from Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Scheme” were delivered by YAGEP Project Coordinator, Mr. Sam Ndikanwu and the Resource Person from the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Company, Mr. Patrick Ejeteh respectively.
Juliet Onomeis the CEO of Judos Clothing, a beneficiary of Fashion Design and Tailoring in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2015/2016 cycle.
She hails from Okpe LGA and is a graduate of Botany, but was jobless for three years till she enrolled in STEP. She works from home, receives lots of referrals and has trained two persons. She shares her story after six years.
“After training, I went for upgrade in a fashion school before I began business officially in 2018. STEP saved me from unemployment. These four years have been good. I can now fend for myself without depending on anyone.
“I am my own model. I have lots of referrals from family and friends. I have trained two persons, acquired a stoning machine, two industrial sewing machines, an industrial iron and a big generator.”
The Isoko APC Grassroots Movement for a new Delta, a political support movement of men and women of Isoko extraction has paid a courtesy visit and pledged its support to the leadership of the All Progressive Congress in Delta state.
In a statement read by Mr. Alex Ovie, Secretary of the group, he elucidated on the glorious and laudable achievements of Hon. Ovie Omo-Agege as the nation’s Deputy Senate President in the upper chamber.
The Isoko APC Grassroots Movement for a mew Delta, led by the Coordinator, Mr. Richard Ogbage, made the call during a courtesy visit on the APC state party chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie in Asaba
They hailed the landslide victory of the APC candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and other numerous party’s flag bearers at the Delta APC primary,.
According to the Secretary, “the forum is a political support movement made up of progressive men and women of the Isoko extraction who have volunteered to put their resources,ideas, strategies and social contacts together with a mandate to equip and galvanize other political groups to ensure the victory of Ovie Omo-Agege and the APC in the 2023 elections.”
“As enlightened and patriotic Deltans, members of the group re concerned about the story of the present Delta state, which is a tale of bad governance.
“Delta state needs quality leadership.
The progress of any state rests on the quality of its leadership and after an exhaustive evaluation. We pledge our unalloyed support to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and expressed the group’s readiness to work for the landslide victory at the forthcoming 2023 polls.”
Meanwhile, the APC State Chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie espoused on the legacies of Ahmed Tinubu as a believer and defender of democracy, adding that Tinubu’s achievements surpasses those of his contemporaries.
He noted that leaders are known by their successors, explaining that Tinubu’s successors in the governance of Lagos state sustained his legacies.
He lamented and berated the successor choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as the no release of details of the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to Deltans.
In attendance were Comrade Evawere Orahemo, youth leader and Mr. Innocent Omowhaire.
The United States Trains Nigeria on Enhancing Capabilities to Investigate Chemical and Biological Weapons-Contaminated Crime Scenes
The United States conducted a training workshop in Abuja, Nigeria September 19-23, 2022, with partners from Nigerian domestic security services, law enforcement, and first responders, aimed at enhancing their ability to investigate terrorist plots involving chemical and biological weapons (CBW). This is part of a series of trainings the Department of State is sponsoring across Africa.
Recent events in the Middle East have demonstrated the real threat of terrorist acquisition and use of chemical and biological weapons on the battlefield or in ungoverned spaces. These attacks have highlighted the need for countries to have effective national responses, particularly a strong investigative framework and established communication channels among technical experts, law enforcement, and national security stakeholders. As part of the training in Nigeria, U.S. technical experts provided local officials with guidance and information to establish universally adopted crime scene management protocols to ensure that any evidence collected at a CBW crime scene can be used in a court of law and ultimately bring the perpetrator to justice. Local officials had the opportunity to navigate a simulated CBW crime scene in full personal protective equipment, practice documenting a crime scene, and conduct proper decontamination procedures.
The engagement between U.S. and Nigerian experts also involved sharing best practices and lessons learned, resulting in an increased level of preparedness against potential CBW terrorism plots or attacks.
The United States is committed to working with allies and partners to counter the threat posed by CBW terrorism.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders has called for the inclusion of Northwest Nigeria in the United Nations’ Humanitarian Plan, insisting that this would enable a broader and more sustained response in the region which has been bedeviled by banditry.
A statement on Tuesday by MSF read that: “As the malnutrition crisis in northwest Nigeria continues at catastrophic levels, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for the humanitarian community to respond to the emergency needs of people in the region, and for northwest Nigeria to be included in the UN’s humanitarian response plan, enabling a broader and more sustained response.”
The statement further read that: “Since the beginning of 2022, MSF teams have witnessed extraordinarily high numbers of children with malnutrition in MSF’s programmes located in five states across northwest Nigeria. Multiple factors have led to a sharp increase in malnutrition in the region over last year.”
The MSF country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Simba Tirima was quoted to have said that: “With increasing insecurity, climate change and global inflation of food prices in a post-pandemic world, we can only imagine this crisis getting worse,” adding that: “The Nigerian authorities need support to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. This must include emergency humanitarian funding now for organisations able to respond and a commitment to include northwest Nigeria in the UN’s humanitarian response plan for 2023.”
He revealed that since January, MSF teams working in collaboration with the Nigerian health authorities have treated close to 100,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in 34 outpatient facilities and admitted about 17,000 children requiring hospital care in 10 inpatient centres in Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He noted that in Zamfara state, one of the areas most affected by ongoing violence and banditry, “we recorded a 64 percent increase in the numbers of severely malnourished children treated in the outpatient nutritional departments supported by MSF from January to August 2022 when compared to January to August 2021.”
According to the statement, the MSF’s nutritional surveys have also underlined the severity of the crisis, including in areas that are less affected by violence and insecurity. In Mashi local government area, in Katsina state, MSF found a 27,4% rate of global acute malnutrition and a 7,1% rate of severe acute malnutrition in June, even though the community has been relatively spared from violence and forced displacement. These rates indicate a critical emergency.
The statement added that the UN’s current humanitarian response plan for Nigeria focuses on the critical situation in the country’s northeast region, excluding the northwest. Unlike MSF, which is not funded by the humanitarian response plan, many organisations are currently unable to respond to the acute needs in the northwest because they rely on it for funding.
The MSF head of mission in Nigeria, Froukje Pelsma said: “We understand the United Nations, donors and other stakeholders are increasingly aware of the extent of the crisis in the northwest, but there is a need to go beyond discussions,”insisting that: “It’s essential that the northwest is included in the next Nigeria humanitarian response plan for 2023, because this plays a key role in mobilising the resources to save lives.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has set ablaze 1.8 tonnes of cocaine recovered last week from a warehouse in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) during the burning of the illicit drugs, promised that tougher time awaits drug barons and cartels operating in the country if they fail to back out of their criminal trade and embrace legitimate ventures.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA had in a well-coordinated and intelligence led operation that lasted two days last week stormed a hidden warehouse at 6 Olukunola street, Solebo estate, Ikorodu where 1.8 tonnes of cocaine were recovered and five suspects including a Jamaican were arrested.
He said following the historical seizure, which is the largest in the agency’s history, an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos was obtained for the public destruction of the consignment.
Speaking at the venue of the public destruction in Badagry area of Lagos on Tuesday, Marwa who was represented by the agency’s Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN Sunday Joseph, said the sheer volume of the drug haul, with street value put at $278,250,000 equivalent N194,775,000,000, speaks volume about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.
He said this has made it imperative for Nigerians to continue to support NDLEA in the renewed war against illicit drugs.
He said out of the 1.8-tonnes seizure, 1,828 blocks of the cocaine will be crushed and set ablaze while the remnant will be secured for purpose of prosecution of the suspects who were brought to witness the procedure and sign the certificate of destruction.
The NDLEA boss disclosed that “the agency is proceeding with the prosecution of those arrested in connection with this consignment. On this, the public can rest assured that NDLEA shall pursue the trial to a logical conclusion. Since January 25, 2021, when we commenced our offensive action against drug traffickers, the Agency has secured record convictions. Presently, 2, 904 drug offenders are serving various jail terms, while other cases are ongoing in court, which we are confident will end in positive results too.”
He said “the bust of the syndicate responsible for the cocaine warehoused in Ikorodu is a message to drug cartels that their investments in the illicit drug trade will go up in flames as you are about to witness while they also risk losing their freedom because the present NDLEA is committed to arresting, prosecuting and ensuring the conviction of those involved in illicit drugs. That is not all, we now also go after their assets acquired with the proceeds of the criminal trade.”
Marwa said the fact that the Ikorodu operation was conducted clinically without any skirmish or bloodshed is further testimony to the evolution of the NDLEA and its new capabilities, and a pointer to the fact that the game has changed in the war against illicit drugs.
He expressed appreciation to the agency’s international partners, especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) that supported the cocaine syndicate bust and the Nigerian military that provided additional firepower during the operation, as well as other law enforcement agencies that have been supporting efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.
Marwa while soliciting for more support for the Agency’s work, reiterated that “the safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us and every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the agency to clean up our communities and cities by joining our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)”
He however insisted that “together, we can make this country secure.”
Just a few days from now, the longest campaign period in recent time, before a general election, in Nigeria will commence.
It has always been a shorter period than it is now. This unprecedented latitude will help to differentiate the endurance level of the long-distance runner from that of the dash.
Tactics and ploys will be deployed wisely to ensure the sustainability of the campaign tempo and the consistency of her grip on the electorates by the various political parties.
Monies will be aggressively raised and ‘recklessly’ spent by the political parties all in a bid to outrun each other in terms of garnering support for the d-day. These are interesting times, indeed.
However, one thing that must not escape our curiosity is the content and kernel of the campaign. We must not allow it to be hinged on the mundane instead of the real issues bedevilling our polity.
Any electioneering campaign in Nigeria today that ignores our current level of disunity among ethnic groups, insecurity of life and property, power generation, oil production and theft, unemployment, Education and incessant teachers’ strikes, debt management and dependency and above all, inflation must not be taken seriously.
This is the reason we must all raise our antennas to pick the right signals from the multiplicity of promises that will be birthed by our desperate politicians such that we are always able to pin them down on the real issues instead of the mundane.
There will be the intrigue of affronts and the often manufactured truths and half-truths about the various leading candidates, no doubt. But we must not be deceived by such cannon fodder not to ask the pertinent question of capacity, temerity and strength of character, on the part of the aspirants to bring Nigeria out of the woods.
There will be a play and display of the ethnic cards and the attempt to deliberately manipulate our native affiliations and natural sentiments; yet, we must never forget to ask for assuring antecedents and reassuring hope hinged on past performances and not on the commonality or proximity of vernacular.
When push comes to shove, Faith-based chants of a common deity or Celestial deification will be dangled at your face by these daring politicians. Do not forget to listen to your spirit and make your choice based on what will be of benefit to a greater number than the many selfish religious nuances thrown at your face by those who are bent on getting your vote.
This is the season of truth; the time to vote for the truth and to be the change that you have always been looking for. Nigeria must be rescued this time around.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
MebaghanjeMuyiwa is the CEO of Finger Integrated Farm. She hails from Warri South Local Government Area. She studied Business Administration and enrolled into the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2019/2020 cycle as a Brown YAGEPreneur in Piggery. She shares her story.
‘’I was into pig farming for three years, but mybusiness was not growing because I had challenges like feeding the pigs. I enrolled into Brown YAGEP and God used the programme togrow and expand my business.
Three years after establishment, I have grown from having 10 pigs in three pens to having 25 pigs in 10 pens. I now feed them without stress.
I have made lots of sales. I save ₦150,000 whenever I sell my pigs. I have one employee. Iam married with children and I conveniently support my family.
I have diversified into pawpaw farming on arented plot of land. People buy pawpaw from me on a daily basis. I wish to acquire a personal land for expansion. I thank God and the state government for the opportunity and for helpingmy business to grow.
A 75-year-old grandpa, Usman Bajama is among 22 suspects arrested in operations across seven states by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the last one week during which over a million bottles/capsules of banned new psychoactive substance, Akuskura and tramadol as well as 2,536 kilogrammes of cannabis were seized.
During the operations over 10 hectares of farms were destroyed in Edo and Adamawa states.
The septuagenarian, whose alias is Clemen, according to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi was arrested in the early hours of last Tuesday at Anguwan Sate, Mararraban Tola, Mayo Belwa council area of Adamawa State where he had a cannabis plantation from where 49 kilogrammes of the illicit substance was recovered.
Babafemi said in Kwara state, at least 19,878 bottles of the banned new psychoactive substance, Akuskura were intercepted by NDLEA operatives along Ilorin-Jebba highway last Wednesday and two suspects: Oladokun Oluwaseun, 49, and Ibrahim Jimoh,27, arrested.
He said they both claimed the consignment packed in 35 jumbo sacks was loaded in Ibadan, Oyo state, and meant for distribution in Jos, Plateau state.
Earlier, two suspects: Ukoro Ifeanyi, 46, and Idowu Toyosi, 20, were arrested with 2,290 capsules of tramadol and 100 bottles of codeine-based syrup at Mararaba park, Ilorin. The drugs were brought in from Onitsha, Anambra state.
He said in Lagos state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a Volvo truck loaded with 2,146 kilogrammes of cannabis at Sangotedo area of Ajah and three suspects: Abdulazeez Rasheed; Afeez Raheem and Moshood Suleiman were arrested, adding that at least, 979,119 capsules of expired pregabalin weighing 733 kilogrammes were recovered from Musbahu Ya’u, 28, and five others at Dansarai area of Kano state, while in Enugu state, 197.8 kilogrammes cannabis was recovered in a store at new market, Enugu last Tuesday
In the same vein, 117.7 kilogrammes of the psychoactive substance was intercepted along Okene-Abuja expressway in a truck coming from Lagos to Abuja.
In Edo state, six cannabis farmers were arrested when NDLEA operatives stormed their farms at Chigbite, Utese forest in Ovia North East local government area and Ekudo forest, Uhunmonde local government area, where over 10 hectares of cannabis plantation were destroyed and more than 193 kilogrammes of the processed illicit substance seized. Those arrested include: David Hanson; Ufuoma Progress; Marvelous Armstrong; Marvelous Efe; Joshua Abubakar and Elijah Abubakar.
Meanwhile, anti-narcotics officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos have arrested two freight agents over attempts to smuggle 26.20 kilogrammes cannabis concealed in cereal packs through the SAHCO shed for export to Dubai, UAE. He said the consignment was abandoned at the shed before the airport security transferred it to NDLEA.
Babafemi said further investigation by the agency led to the arrest last Friday of Olatunbosun Abimbola, 34, who works at Ashadox Logistics Services, a cargo company. He said Abimbola confessed to the crime but stated that he acted on the instructions of his Managing Director, Oloyede Abiola, who was promptly arrested.
According to him, the 40-year-old stated that due to the strict security measures put in place by the NDLEA, he was forced to abandon the cargo to avoid being detected.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of Adamawa, Kwara, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Kogi, Edo and MMIA Commands for their resilience, charged them and others across the country to remain vigilant and committed to the collective goal of saving Nigeria from the drug scourge.
As part of efforts to improve the capacities of personnel for enhanced performance, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Igbinedion University, Okada, have agreed on a partnership to provide strategic training, research needs and scholarship for its members.
The partnership was sealed when NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, played host to Board Members of Buratai Centre for Security and Contemporary Affairs, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemoye.
Ezemoye said the Centre is poised towards responding to manpower training needs of security agencies in the country, stating that the board deemed it imperative to strengthen partnership and collaboration with NSCDC in view of the significant contributions of the Corps to National Security.
He explained that the centre was established in 2015 for the purpose of training, certification and response to all training requirements of security agencies.
Responding, the Commandant General pledged to extend his hands of fellowship to the institution and support the centre in achieving its objectives.
He added that his vision is to make the Corps a knowledge driven service that will continue to discharge its duties in line with international best practices.
The CG reiterated that as an agency saddled with the responsibilities of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, regulation of Private Guards Companies, Disaster Management and other ad-hoc duties, the personnel will function more effectively and efficiently when exposed to adequate trainings.
He used the opportunity of the visit to call for more support for the Corps in furthering its mandate.
He hinted that the Corps is recording success in the fight against vandals and oil thieves as evident in the destruction of over 50 illegal refineries, impoundment of more than 200 trucks, arrest of over 400 suspects and prosecutions/convictions of more than 50 of them in the last one year.
Signed: DCC Olusola Odumosu Director, Public Relations NSCDC NHQ, Abuja.
*Police appeal judgment on constables recruitment after two years
Three former Inspectors-General of Police and a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police are currently lobbying to replace ex-IGP Musiliu Smith as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
The former police chiefs, according to sources, have solicited the assistance of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and other top Presidential aides for consideration for the top job.
Smith, who assumed office on July 25, 2018, alongside other commissioners, was supposed to complete his five-year tenure in July, 2023, but he resigned on health grounds about two weeks ago.
His tenure was however marred by a face-off with the police authorities over the recruitment of police constables.
A retired Supreme Court Justice who is Commissioner 1 in the commission, Clara Ogunbiyi, has since taken over in acting capacity.
A senior official said, ‘’There is intense lobbying for the position of PSC chairman. The candidates have been soliciting the support of the AGF, SGF and other top government officials in the Presidency. But the odds favour the DIG who has the ears of the AGF.”
‘The source added that: “As we speak, one of the candidates is in New York to meet with President Buhari where the deal would be sealed. On his return to the country, the retired police officer may be announced as the new chairman of the commission. The development is causing tension among the PSC workers because they fear that the situation that pervaded the agency under Smith would continue if another retired IG is appointed as the chairman.’’
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has listed for hearing the police appeal against the Court of Appeal judgment which affirmed the PSC’s constitutional mandate to recruit constables.
It was learnt that the case which had been abandoned for about two years has been dusted up and is now slated for hearing at the Supreme Court early next month.
In a unanimous judgment on September 30, 2020, a three-man panel of the appellate court led by Justice Olabisi Ige, held that the IGP lacked the power to make the recruitment for the police force. The court held that the power to carry out the recruitment was exclusively that of the Police Service Commission.
The judgment overturned the December 2, 2019 verdict of a Federal High court in Abuja which upheld the powers of the IGP to carry out the recruitment of 10,000 constables.
The PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the development, adding that the police appeal would be heard in October.
It was gathered that the acting PSC chairman, Ogunbiyi recently attempted to meet with IG Usman Baba and the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi to resolve the recruitment crisis.
A source told our correspondent that: ‘’The retired justice wrote a letter to the IGP to ask for a meeting so that the legal issues around the constables recruitment could be ironed out but the police boss in his reply said the date she suggested for the meeting was not convenient, but he did not propose alternative dates as expected.
‘’What is playing out is that the police authorities did not want to subject themselves to civilian supervision and control; they don’t want to be accountable and that is why the commission workers are against the appointment of another retired IG as chairman.”
There has been consistently violation by successive administrations to align to the recommendation of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms which admonished the government to ‘’appoint only civilians with non-police and non-military background as the commission chairman to avoid the risk of conflict of interest.’’
Edo Cultural Association in Massachusett, United States, has successfully registered 140 Nigerians for the National Identity Number (NIN). An online newspaper, saharareporters in its report alleged that the organiser, had turned the exercise which ought to be free to a merchandise, charging the sum $70 for the registration. Speaking on the exercise which ended on Sunday 18th September 2022, the contacted person for the Association said they were able to register 102 persons online and about 38 others did work in and all were successfully attended to, fingerprinted and captured their photos. He added that about eight of registrants came from three neighbouring states of New York, Connecticut, and Rhonda Island. “They were indeed very appreciative and thanked us for the great job and gestures shown them. Many aged men and women that came Poured out their hearts of thanksgiving and prayers for the coordinator in particular. “The vendor ‘Knowledge Square LLC” did excellently well as their professionalism was seen and commended by registrants. “Indeed, the exercise was a huge success and the registrants were very happy not just because of prestigious hotel where the registration was done, but for the fact that they were attended to at their scheduled time and the orderliness with which the coordinator/the contact person handled everything,” he said. The contact person also added that the government approved agency that handled the registration in Boston said they were amazed to see such effective and capable Cultural Association like the Edo Cultural Association and praised her for good job of elevating the Nigerians in Massachusetts from the pains, stress, time and money by having it done so easily and cheaply.”
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have busted a major warehouse in a secluded estate in Ikorodu area of Lagos where 1.8 tonnes (1,855 kilogrammes) of cocaine with street value of $278,250,000 (approximately $278.3 million) or N194,775,000,000 (approximately N194.8 billion) were seized.
A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi revealed that the seized drug is perhaps the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of the country.
According to the statement, at least four drug barons including a Jamaican and the warehouse manager have been arrested in the well coordinated and intelligence led operation that lasted two days across different locations in Lagos state.
Babafemi said kingpins of the cocaine cartel in custody include: Messrs Soji Jibril, 69; Emmanuel Chukwu, 65; Wasiu Akinade, 53; Sunday Oguntelure, 53, and Kelvin Smith, 42, a native of Kingston, Jamaica.
He said they are all members of an international drug syndicate that the agency has been trailing since 2018.
He revealed that the warehouse located at 6 Olukuola crescent, Solebo estate, Ikorodu, was raided last Sunday while the barons were picked from hotels and their hideouts in different parts of Lagos between Sunday night and yesterday.
He said preliminary investigation revealed the class A drugs were warehoused in the residential estate from where the cartel was trying to sell them to buyers in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. They were stored in 10 travel bags and 13 drums.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending all the officers and men of the agency involved in the extensive investigation including those of the American Drug Enforcement Administration, (US-DEA), said the bust is a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they will all go down if they fail to realise that the game has changed.
Senior Management Staff of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau have been charged to deplore knowledge acquired during training to improve their performance in their duties.
The Director-General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD, Abuja, Mr. Brutus Chonoko, gave the charge while declaring open a three-day training for eight members of staff from the Bureau in Abuja.
The CMD boss represented by the Deputy Director in his office, Mr. Uche Nwani advised the participants to be focused during training in order to receive value for money invested in the training and for more effective and efficient service delivery in the Bureau.
According to him, “You should all have take-home to impact on your colleagues and in your organization. I can see that you are all senior management staff and should be able to demonstrate to your junior colleagues lessons learnt to enable your organization to sponsor you or others for further training.”
Responding on behalf of the participants, the Programme Coordinator of the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Mr. Onyeisi Nkenchor, expressed gratitude to the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer and the Head of the Bureau, Prof Eric Eboh, sending his staff for the training.
“We are here to develop our knowledge, skills and abilities for improved service delivery in our state. We thank the DG and the entire management of CMD. We look forward to the outcome of the training and hopefully we are ready to deploy the same to improve our performance in our jobs and the Bureau will be better for it,” he added.
Director General (DG) Of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, has reiterated her call for security measures to be put in place by car wash operators in the Asaba capital Territory.
The Director General made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing car wash operators within Asaba Capital Territory in her office in Asaba.
He harped on the need to ensure that security measures are optimally put in place in their respective business environment.
“I urge you to operate your businesses in accordance with the modern shop design that would befit the status of the state capital”, she said.
She decried the current proliferation of car wash businesses, saying that “if the practices are not standardized, it would set the stage for security challenges and affect the aesthetic beauty of the Capital Territory.”
Hon. Onyemaechi emphasized that the meeting was necessitated by the need to curb the security challenges among car wash operators and the building of modern shop design to enhance the aesthetic of the capital territory.
She therefore called on the car wash owners to be very vigilant about the type of persons they employ, adding that they should always do proper documentations of their employees by taking their personal records, including their sureties and summiting same to the police.
The DG pledge to sustain the exercise, just as she advised those who want to venture into car wash businesses to seek information on necessary operational guidelines.
Hon. Onyemaechi stressed that the agency would continue to sanction car wash operators whose facilities violate the Delta State Capital Territory Development standards and laws through contravention and seal.
Some of the car wash owners suggested that operators should install CCTV cameras in their shops to enhance effective security checks, adding that the urgent need for a union is also necessary to guide and regulate the activities of car wash operators.
