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.
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Laura Ese Laura Oghene:
David Eyaguobor is the CEO of Daux Electrical Works & Parts. He enrolled and trained in Electrical Installation and Repairs in the 2017/2018 STEP cycle. He hails from Okpe LGA and is an SSCE holder. He is knowledgeable in electrical works having worked with the defunct NEPA. He believes that honesty and integrity are the keys to business success. He shares his experience after four years in business.
“I have been in the electrical field since 1996. STEP broadened my knowledge about electrical works. The business is competitive. I have my strategy. I give three quotations to my clients, offer professional advice and allow them to make their choice.
“I have lost count of electrical installation jobs, electrical poles, transformers I have handled. I am planning to diversify into sales of electrical poles. I have diversified into agriculture- poultry, snailery and cassava farming.
“Honesty and integrity in business are paramount. My clients trust me. I care for my family from the proceeds. My children’s education is my priority for now.”
Members of Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) Parliament have expressed deep concern regarding the unequal treatment of religious matters in political decisions by government of various countries in West Africa.
The Parliament therefore called on political and religious leaders from member states to ensure equity in the treatment of different religions existing within the community, as part of the efforts at addressing religious intolerance in the sub-region.
Besides, the parliamentarians also called for the establishment of the ECOWAS Communication charter on religious tolerance.
This came against the backdrop of religious crisis in the sub-region in recent times, which has led to killings and wanton destruction of properties, and gradually turning the Sahel into a theatre of war with the activities of various religious terrorist groups.
The concern was raised at the end of ECOWAS Parliament delocalised meeting of joint committees on Education, Science and Culture; Health ;Telecommunications and Information Technology , in Praia, Capital of Cape Verde, with the theme, “Religious Tolerance and Harmony: Essential factors for development, peace and stability in ECOWAS region”.
The draft report of the meeting which had many presentations from scholars and religious leaders was read by the meeting co-Chairman, Hon. Aime Assine, from Senegal.
The meeting noted that the challenges raised with regards to religious tolerance and harmony in the community space and therefore insisted on the need for them (Parliamentarians) to become more involved in the national education policy programmes of their states.
The meeting harped on the need for deliberate actions and funding for programmes and activities that would promote religious tolerance among the people in the community.
The meeting also stressed the need for ECOWAS parliamentarians to undertake sensitization, education and information activities for the benefit of the populations, particularly in rural areas.
The meeting further called on the parliamentarians to make legislative proposals or vote on bills which intend to promote a legislative framework relating to religious tolerance and harmony.
Other m recommendations put forward by the meeting include the promotion of structures that will ensure enforcement of laws and political will for religious tolerance amongst other far fetching recommendations put forward at the end of the meeting.
Member states were also charged to “Include in their curricular in schools, from primary to universities religious tolerance teachings in order to foster the culture of religious tolerance.
“Create a legal and formative framework that favours liberties to ensure religious tolerance culture in ECOWAS “Allocate massive government budget on religious General Education in ECOWAS centred on cultural and religious diversity for tolerance culture.
“Promote an ECOWAS-wide campaign sensitization for the promotion of tolerance culture.”
In his vote of thanks, a member of the joint Committee, Hon. Usman Idi Ango, from Niger Republic expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Cape Verde, Rt. Hon Ausrelino Tavares and the Cape Verdeans Delegation for the successful hosting of the event.
He also appreciated the Speaker of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis for his efficiency and commitment in executing his Mandate, support to the regional integration and his immense contribution to peace, democracy and solidarity in the ECOWAS region.
The release of the North East Masterplan by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has been described a big statement of the federal government’s plan to arrest the troubled region from the brink of destruction brought about by the over 12 years Boko Haram insurgency.
A statement on Saturday by the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) said the launching of the 10 years Northeast Masterplan by the North East Development Commission, a development agency of federal government of the troubled region, is highly commendable.
The statement signed by it’s National President, Khalil Bello said: “We the members of Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, hereby commend the North East Development Commission for the successful launching of a 10 year development master plan for the North East Region of Nigeria.
“As an active stakeholder in NEDC projects and programmes, we have never hesitated to appreciate and commend the commission for their good works. Obviously, the 10 year development plan is quite commendable as a strategic move to fast track the total and prompt achievement of the commission’s mandate of holistic rapid development of the region, as well as providing modern facilities for enriching the practice development of animal husbandry in the North East.
He noted that; “Since the inauguration of NEDC in 2017 by the federal government, the commission has been adequately visible and eloquent in the discharge of it’s mandate of delivering humanitarian services to the insurgency devastated North East region, without any equivocation. This is quite commendable.”
He highlighted some of the progress made so far made by the NEDC to include, construction of thousands of houses to accommodate the displaced persons in the region; provision of several water points for livestock and their owners, thus ameliorating the problem of acute water shortage, which always often forced our herders to unnecessarily move to many dangerous places in search of water and animal feeds; incorporating herders needs in all their plans, policies and programmes which has largely motivated KACRAN members to have a deep sense of belonging, thereby making them to feel proud as Nigerians, for receiving an equitable share of the commission’s humanitarian guestures and interventions.
He added that NEDC is said to have spent over N5.6 billion in carrying out 647 projects in agriculture, health and other sectoral projects that are key to nation building/development and also providing food security; has also trained several youths on acquisition of waste recycling skills in Gombe State; North East scavengers have also been trained on stove briquettes production; an education fund for training about 18,000 teachers has also been launched; provision has been made, through a special fund for awarding scholarships to North East students who want to advance their studies in universities and other higher institutions of learning,of which some of KACRAN members are beneficiaries; several roads and bridges have been constructed by the NEDC to link or reconnect towns and villages in the region; the commission is seriously assisting the North East Governors in various ways to enable them successfully shoulder the numerous responsibilities of rebuilding their states, from the ruins of insurgency activities and is always very busy in meaningful initiating various empowerment programmes and giving palliatives to hundreds and thousands of beneficiaries.
(12)It is heart warming and encouraging to note that the activities of the commission is quite visible, since they are always moving up and down, from one state, city, town or village to another, to ensure timely and urgent interventions in the resettlement of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
Mohammed said: “Also commendable is to launch a 30 year development master plan by the Buhari administration. About N31.05 trillion has been earmarked for developing the North East in a period of 30 years. hence the Commission for launching its 30 years development master plan for which about N31.05 trillion was earmarked, so as to successfully rebuild and develop the entire region.”
He said: “We in KACRAN are highly expectant that our needs and wants, will be adequately captured in this development agenda by the commission.”
Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has pledged commitment to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure a drug-free country.
The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff and President of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya made this pledge when she led a delegation of the executives of the association on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja at the weekend.
In her remarks, she commended Marwa for the extraordinary achievements recorded in the NDLEA under his watch and asked for collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs. She noted that NAOWA has been following the tremendous achievements recorded in the past 18 months and as a humanitarian organisation that is committed to capacity building and empowerment for its members and stakeholders, partnering with the NDLEA will be mutually beneficial as she plans to take the drug campaign to the barracks.
Among the areas of partnership sorted include the training of NAOWA members and staff in early detection and identification of substance abuse, as well as how to conduct drug prevention programmes. Others include measures to prevent drug trafficking and channels for reporting drug activities.
In his response, Marwa thanked the NAOWA president and her entourage for the visit. He commended the association for the laudable initiatives under the leadership of Mrs. Yahaya which have transformed the association.
Marwa noted the important role the association plays in ensuring the success of career military officers.
He stated that NAOWA’s support will be required in both drug demand and drug supply reduction activities, stressing that addiction does not discriminate and can afflict any family.
He encouraged NAOWA to leverage on the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll free helpline (080010203040) recently launched to assist drug-dependent persons seeking help without stigmatization, urging the president of NAOWA to facilitate the establishment of counseling centres in barracks across the country to cater to the needs of people suffering from drug use disorders.
He equally asked the organisation to join the agency in promoting drug test by intending couples before marriage. He added that fear of testing positive will deter potential drug users from getting involved with drugs.
He however promised to support NAOWA in its proposed drug enlightenment efforts through training.
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.
2.0THE CONCEPT OF OKOWANOMICS
Okowanomics 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.
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 6, September–A2022
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 JOB AND WEALTH CREATION EVIDENCE [REVISED AND UPDATED]
This edition of Okowanomics Fact Sheet is a revised and updated version of Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 1. The revision has taken into consideration other dimensions of job and wealth creation not included in Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 1.
Based on the revision and updates, Governor Okowa, has from 2015 to date:
A. Directly established 12,755 new youth entrepreneurs.
B. Indirectly supported 223, 905 persons in the areas of skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, microcredit, livelihood sustenance and jobs placement.
C. Created 1,325,750 indirect ancillary and multiplier-effect jobs from public infrastructure works, public private partnerships, community-level projects and youth empowerment programmes.
4.0DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EVIDENCE
The detailed break-down of the job and wealth creation evidence is as follows.
Direct Beneficiaries of Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship Development and Youth Empowerment Programmes – 12,755 persons. These are the NEW ENTREPRENEURS directly created under the various job creation and youth empowerment platforms, from 2015 to date, viz, STEP, YAGEP, GEEP, RYSA, GEST, ICT-YEP, WESAP & DESOPADEC.
Enrolment in Youth Skills Acquisition/Learning and Skills Upgrading Programmes of the State Government – 37,922 persons. These are beneficiaries of government support for technical colleges and vocational skills acquisition centres.
Direct Interventions in Support of Micro & Small Businesses and Enterprises and Livelihood Support – 62,821 persons. This
includes microcredit, grants, loan guarantees, training, working capital support, inputs subsidy, business linkages, market support, financial inclusion, etc.
Direct Public Service Employment and Related Job Appointments – 6,770 persons. This refers to public service recruitments by government ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] and other direct government-supportive job appointments.
Indirect Support for the Acquisition of Entrepreneurial and Vocational Skills by Students of State-Owned Tertiary Education Institutions – 116,392 persons. This includes all tertiary education students who have taken part in curriculum-embedded entrepreneurship courses and those who have acquired vocational skills during their course of study at the university, polytechnic or college of education.
Indirect and ancillaryJobs resulting from youth empowerment, enterprise support, community-level projects and public infrastructure works (construction of roads, bridges and drains, water projects, building of schools, health centres, markets, real estate, parks, etc.) – 1,325,750. This is the aggregate of various consequential jobs arising from indirect, primary and secondary outcomes of government programmes and projects in youth entrepreneurship, business enterprise support, livelihood support, agricultural intervention projects, community-level projects, and public infrastructure works.
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 6, September-A 2022
This edition of Okowanomics Fact Sheet was developed through close collaboration between Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau and Office of the Chief Economic Adviser.
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Laura Ese Oghene:
Nwabuokei, Uche Festus is the CEO of Chubuokei Farms. He hails from Aniocha South Local Government. He studied Estate Management. He enrolled into the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2020/2021 cycle as a brown YAGEPreneur in fish production, but was supported in poultry production. Hear him.
“I was given 300 day old broilers and 65 bags of bird feeds. One year after establishment, business has been good and I am making progress. I currently have only 200 broilers and I have a shop where I sell chicken.
I have diversified into fish and meat processing and packaging for my farm produce as well as for clients. I take orders, process, package and deliver processed fish and chicken to clients far and near.
I bought two giant fish smoking kilns and a big industrial chicken defeather machine to make my work easy. I am married with two children. I can conveniently pay my rent and cater for my family.
I have three staff; one is on monthly salary while two are on daily payment. I rented an apartment for one of my workers close to my farm for proximity. I save one thousand naira monthly from the proceeds I get from the business.
“I am very grateful to God and to the state government for the opportunity given to me. I look forward to expanding my business by acquiring a personal land where I can establish a big poultry and fish farm.”
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:
Beneficiaries of the Delta state Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Training (STEP) have been called upon to take their vocational training seriously in order to adequately equip themselves to practise their chosen vocational skills.
The Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer and Head of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, Prof Eric Eboh, made the call when he paid an unscheduled visit to STEP trainees in Electrical Installation and Solar Works who were on field work with their trainer, Reignon International Company, in Asaba.
Prof Eboh expressed satisfaction with the efforts being put into training by the management of the company to ensure that the trainees receive valuable and practicable knowledge in electrical and solar works. This, he said, would prepare them for a life of self-employment after training.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to nurturing them into great entrepreneurs, leaders and business owners, tasking them to take their future in their hands by ensuring that they make maximum use of the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Reignon Int’l Company, Mr. Edewor Godspower, commended the state government for the job creation initiative which he said has empowered youths to create employment for themselves and others.
According to him, “The job creation programme is a good one, the first of its kind in Delta State. I currentlyhave 10 STEP trainees in my company where I train them in electrical and solar works, CCTV camerainstallation, fire alarm systems, intercoms and computer networking.
“STEP has trained and empowered many youths by making them business owners and entrepreneurs. I know so many boys who are now on their own. Five out of those I trained in the last cycle are doing well on their own while one of them works with me. The present set of trainees are enthusiastic and willing to learn too.”
Reacting on behalf of the trainees, Valentine Udugba, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to be trained and established with starter packs free of charge after six years of underemployment as a Mass Communication graduate.
“STEP is a milestone for us and a dream come true. With this, we are a step ahead. The programme has helped to break the barrier of high cost of apprenticeship and establishing a business for us,” he remarked.
The recent call by the youthful governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state for the resignation of the embattled Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP helped to tighten the noose Governor Wike threw at the neck of the former senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
That the PDP is engulfed in a hot crisis at this critical point in time is one that should draw the attention of every avowed political watcher and that of the power configuration within the party with a view to resolving the matter carefully and tactically without casualties.
But unfortunately, it has become a test of resolve for the party on one hand and an egoistic massage for the dramatis personae on the other. And this is weakening the grip of the party on the minds of the electorates come 2023.
Governor Wike and Makinde’s grouse with the party is fundamental as they are insisting that the Chairman and Presidential candidate of the party cannot come from the same region.
Atiku’s body language and response to Makinde’s demand seem to suggest that Dr Ayu is on his way to Golgotha. So many pundits have constantly thought that it is only a question of time before Ayu throws in the towel given the forces against him championed by the indefatigable governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike.
Even though Governor Wike’s call is being perceived in some quarters as a sheer vendetta borne out of egotistical greed and personal aggrandisement, it is pertinent to note that the present NWC as constituted today, contravenes the spirit and letter of the Party’s constitution as it was from the beginning.
The intrigue and the fierce power play before, during and immediately after the Presidential primaries of the PDP have left some bruises and scars on the back of some power blocs that are fighting for survival up until now. Besides, the hitherto rotational power configuration was wantonly rejigged to favour some forces against the usual and the familiar.
It is, therefore, in the interest of the presidential candidate, the Chairman and all stakeholders in the party to do the needful to put the house in order as the campaign kick-off time is drawing near. There’s just no position of any individual that is more important than the party’s collective desire to capture power at the polls next year. May Senator Ayu find a reason to listen to the voice of his conscience than that of his ego in a few days to come.
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has felicitated with the Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, as he celebrates 60th birth anniversary.
He said that Askia had had outstanding service to the state having served as Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council and Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa particularly extolled Bashorun Askia as a quintessential politician and bridge-builder and for his strategic contributions to successes of PDP in the state.
He acknowledged Askia’s grassroots followership, remarking that the Uzere-born political tactician had brought his wealth of experience to bear on his office as pioneer Executive Director(Finance & Accounts) and currently Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC.
He expressed hope that the best was yet to come for the politician and astute public administrator as he joined the league of elders in mentoring the young generation of youths in politics and public service.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I felicitate with an illustrious son of Delta, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary.
“As MD/CEO in DESOPADEC, you have contributed immensely to the rejuvenation of the interventionist agency for our oil-bearing communities.
“As a political ally, you were exceptionally committed to the course of my emergence as Governor and the successes of our administration,” the governor said.
He joined family, friends and associates in celebrating Askia, the quintessential gentleman, and prayed that the Almighty God would strengthen him and grant him good health in his continued service to the state and mankind.
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Laura Ese Oghene:
Omamode Omokra trained in Decoration and Event Management in the 2018/2018 STEP cycle of the Delta State Government’s Skills training and Entrepreneurship Training (STEP). He has an OND in Banking and Finance. She hails from Ughelli South LGA and is the CEO of Mamus Home of Celebrities & Event Management. STEP training exposed her to business opportunities she never thought she could explore. Hear her.
“I was jobless till I enrolled in STEP. Since establishment, I have enjoyed high patronage because I work hard to satisfy my clients. I have acquired more equipment such as a generator, a set of bridal chairsand tent, 300 expanded chair covers, flowers etc.
“I was skilled in hairdressing before STEP training; so, I combined my skill in hairdressing with decoration to establish what I enjoy today. I have diversified into renting of bridal gowns while I sell hair beauty products, bridal accessories such as bouquets and jewellery.
“So far, I have trained 10 persons and currently have three trainees. My life changed through STEP. I care for my parents and siblings adequately well. I acquired a plot of land and I am financially independent.”
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:
Rita Efijemueh, the CEO of Ritofex World, hails from Uvwie Local Government Area. Though a graduate of Mass Communication, she trained in Decoration and Event Management in the 2016/2017 cycle of Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Training (STEP), after seven years of unemployment.
She is passionate about what she does for a living as she unreservedly expressed her gratitude to the State Government for the job creation programme. Hear her.
“STEP has exposed me to people and places I have notmet and travelled to before. I am good in my job, so I get lots of referrals from clients. To increase my streams of income, I diversified into baking of cakes. Therefore, I specialize in decoration, cakes and rentals.
“I acquired five double canopies, a bridal canopy, 100 chairs, lots of fabrics in all colours, bouquets, chair and table covers etc. The income is good; I am already paying for a plot of land. My husband is happy and proud of me.
“I have trained seven persons who have graduated, remaining a trainee. STEP transformed my life from a liability to a provider.”
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:
Elohor Ekokogbe (2017/2018 cycle) has a B.Sc. in Business Administration and is the CEO of God’s Own Salon which she established after STEP training in Hairdressing and Makeover. She hails from Ethiope East LGA. She is four years in business as she shares her experience.
“I am naturally gifted in hair weaving. I continued with the practice after my study in the university when it became obvious that there was no white-collar job for me. I plaited hair for three years till I enrolled and received professional training through STEP.
“Since establishment, I have experienced lots of changes. First of all, I got a business name which increased my popularity in my environment. I have acquired more equipment such as a standing hair dryer, hair rollers, a hand dryer etc.
“I have also diversified into the sales of attachments, weavons, wool, hair beads, hair beauty products, body sprays and perfumes to satisfy customers’ demands. The returns for my investments are awesome. STEP is hope for the future.
“I have trained two persons and have four trainees at present. I contribute to the upkeep of my parents, support my husband and assist my siblings and other dependents. STEP made my life easier.”
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar has appointed the Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu as one of his spokesmen for the 2023 presidential campaign
A press statement signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe notes that Aniagwu’s appointment takes immediate effect, with the responsibility, among others, to keep the electorate up to speed with happenings in the presidential campaign.
Aniagwu is a veteran broadcaster with over two decades experience in the media industry.
He joins other appointees who had been announced earlier as spokespersons to the campaign.
Fifty-Three patients drawn from both the federal medical centre and Asaba Specialist Hospital have expressed appreciation to the wife of the Delta state governor, Dame Edith Okowa following the payment of their medical bills and that of their children to the tune of N11.2million.
Besides the medical bills of the patients settled by the governor’s wife, she also presented one million Naira to one Mr. Lucky Monday whose wife delivered a set of triplets and five hundred thousand Naira to another lady, one Ufuoma, a female tricycle rider who defied all odds and took to tricycle riding.
In the same vein, Dame Okowa visited eight leper settlements in Ossiomo, Eku, Ayakoromo, Ute-Elegu, Agbor Ogwash, Okwagbe, Jedo and Ibrede communities spread within the three senatorial districts of Delta state. The governor’s wife show of love to these Deltans was in commemoration of the 2022 International Day of Charity which holds annually on September 5.
The International Day of Charity was declared by the United Nations in 2012 to be celebrated September 5 every year. The prime purpose of the day is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity related activities all over the world.
It was established with the objective of mobilising and sensitizing people, NGOs and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.
The date of September 5 was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Theresa of Calcuta who received the noble prize of peace in 1979 for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty, and distress which constitute threat to peace.
The governor’s wife who commenced her visitation from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba through to Asaba Specialist Hospital before proceeding to other places, told the patients that God is using the 05 Initiative, her pet project as instrument to meet the needs of the patients who could not afford their bills after being discharged from the hospitals.
While presenting the cheques to the hospital management, she prayed for God to speed up the healings of all patients in the hospitals both those whose bills were paid and others.
“Those whose bills have been paid and others God will heal all of them. God will bless the caregivers, and health personnel. God will take care of all of them. God will meet all needs of the patients; the blood of Jesus will speak for everyone.
“There is every reason to praise God. Some people enter theatre but do not come out but all of you came out, it is God’s handwork. All of you must go to your homes. God will give all of you speedy healings. Trust God because he is able to take care of you. Leave your burden for God. God says all of you will rise,” the governor’s wife said.
Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peace Oseghe, commended the governor’s wife for her love for the less privileged in society. She said: “Her Excellency has passion for helping people. She has a track record of showing love to people. Everybody may not have the ability to do it at Her Excellency’s capacity but you can show love to someone next to you.
“Expressing concern for someone is another way of showing love and not necessarily giving money to somebody. I want to thank the governor’s wife for her kindness to people who are less privileged.
“She is under no obligation to do what she is doing. She goes out of her way to help people. I pray God will continue to bless her and as he blesses her she will do more for people in society.
“Charity is getting to show love to someone. It is a very important aspect of life, we should encourage people to show love, help the less privileged among us. It’s not only meant for the rich. Everybody can help at different capacities. You can’t say because you are poor you can’t help somebody. No matter how poor you are you are encouraged to show love to other people.”
She said the patients were selected based on their social status noting “We did not select patients who can afford their bills. We selected patients who cannot pay their bills.
“Over time we’ve seen that they don’t have the money to pay. On that basis we made selection. Some have been here for up to three months. They cut across those with legs cut off due to accident, fire burns, domestic accident, premature birth and kept in incubator for months.”
A mother of one of the babies, Mrs. Helen Nwabueze, expressed appreciation to the governor’s wife after paying bills for her child’s treatment. She told journalists that she never expected the good gesture of the governor’s wife.
She said: “I’m so happy and excited. Her Excellency came to the hospital and remembered me and my son. She paid our bills. I didn’t expect it to come like that. We came here August 12. My child has hole in the heart. We have been discharged but the money is so much for us to pay.
“Every one hour we spent was N1000 with oxygen. For her to remember me God will bless her. I’m from Enugu state, not a Deltan. I’m a corps member serving in Delta state in Oshimili south local government council. I like Delta state. I’ve never experienced this before. I don’t know whether my state is doing this but I want all states to emulate Delta state.”
The election into the position of 1st vice president of Olomoro Community Development Union, zoned to Ukoli quarters in Olomoro Community, Isoko South local government area, has degenerated into crisis as Hon. Chief Alex Izogo, former councilor Olomoro Community reject results of election and demanded for constitutional based election towards equity, Justice and transparent constitution of the new executives of Olomoro Community Development Union.
Speaking to newsmen at Oleh, Isoko South local government area during a peaceful protest, Alex Izogo, an aspirant contesting for the position of 1st vice president of Olomoro Community Development Union, barated the chairman of electoral committee Ukoli quarter, hon. Chief Kingsley Ologbo and chairman Ukoli quarters Olomoro Community Chief Festus Johnny, for secretly conducting the zoned Ukoli quarters election at Oleh stadium instead of the community Hall at Olomoro.
Izogo noted that, the community quarters election held on the 31st of August 2022, was adjourned to 1st September 2022 due to irregularities and ambiguous delegate lists. He lamented that while waiting for the adjourned election to hold at Ukoli hall Olomoro, some high profiled political leaders of the community connived with Kingsley Ologbo and Festus Johnny and secretly conducted the election at Oleh stadium while himself and Chief Philip Esalomi, one of the aspirant were absent.
The former councilor posited that it is unconditional for Olomoro Community Quarter election to have been secretly conducted outside the community and appealed to Delta State governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the local government chairman of Isoko South, hon. Victor Asasa to disragard any fictitious name forwarded for recognition.
Alex Izogo stated that, the adjourned election on 31st of August 2022, was in the presence of the Nigeria Police, Army and representatives of the local government council led by hon. Henry Edogho, supervisory councilor for health and environment, adding that to have conducted the election at Oleh stadium is contrary to Olomoro Community constitution and declared the election unacceptable.
For his part, Chief Philip Esalomi, one of the aspirant contesting for the position of 1st vice president of Olomoro Community Development Union, distant himself from the Oleh stadium election, noting that he was also deprived from participating in the Ukoli quarters election and appealed that the election be conducted at Olomoro under supervision of the president general of Olomoro Community Development Union, Chief Commander Samuel Edafewotu.
When contacted, the chairman of electoral committee, Chief Kingsley Ologbo and chairman Ukoli quarters Olomoro, Chief Festus Johnny, explained that the election was adjourned from 31st August 2022 to 1st September 2022 and shifted to Oleh stadium, to avoid crisis that could have resulted to destruction of properties and loss of lives due to threats and tension experienced.
They maintained that, letters were sent to the state government through the commissioner ministry of women affairs and social development, the chairman Isoko South local government area, hon. Victor Asasa and the Division Police Officer of Oleh station, stating that the 45 delegates billed for the election were 15 each from Enuru, Eviewho and Eteso streets respectively.
They further stated that, only the delegate lists from Enuru and Eviewho were received, which according to them was the subject of controversy that lead the adjournment of the election, adding that only Chief Godday Umah and Chief Amiri Jonathan, both aspirants participated in the Oleh stadium election.
Reacting to the development, the president general of Olomoro Community Development Union, Chief Commander Samuel Edafewotu said, only election results of Egbo and Uruabe quarters has been submitted to him, just as he appealed to all aspirants participating in the Ukoli quarters election to exercise restraint, maintain integrity and be peaceful in the conduct of the community zoned quarters election.
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:
Fatai Onifade is physically challenged, but a distinguished youth. He hails from Warri South Local Government Area. His story changed after he enrolled in the 2018/2019 STEP cycle of the Delta State Government in which he was trained in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Services. He is the CEO of FT Mike Bet. He shares four yearsexperience of business success.
“Before now, life wasn’t easy, but after my training and establishment, my life changed. I have diversified to bet business. I have one business center and two bet shops.
“I have five able-bodied employees on my payroll. I have trained four persons. I am married with children. I bought 14 laptops, two generators, a car and a land which I am already building on.
“By God’s grace, I assist some persons with disabilities (PwDs) and able-bodied people financially.”
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, has advised media practitioners to continue to exhibit core tenets of the profession anchored on objectivity, fairness and balance in their reportage as it was the only way to engender an egalitarian society.
Azagba of Asaba gave the advise in his palace in the capital city of Asaba, when the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council paid him a courtesy visit to intimate him of the upcoming 2022 NUJ Delta Press Week/Delta Icon Awards.
The highly reverend Monarch, described the media as a very critical sector in the socio-economic development and growth of every society, hence the need for practitioners to live above board.
He particularly hinged on thorough investigation and balancing of stories, adding that give every side the opportunity to present their case would only be fair and objective, which in turn enhances positive perception of the media by the public.
The erudite professor of medicine, commended members of the NUJ Delta State Council for effective coverage and reportage of activities within Asaba and beyond, assuring the union of his support towards the successful hosting of the 2022 NUJ Delta Press Week.
Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, expressed gratitude to the Azagba of Asaba for the warm reception accorded member of the union who were on the visit.
Comrade Ikeogwu commended the Azagba of Asaba for the innovations and leadership skills he has brought to bear into traditional institution not only in Asaba but the country in general since ascession of the throne of his forefathers 31 years ago, stressing that he remains a phenomenal Monarch that the younger traditional rulers look up to as a model.
The Charismatic union leader, said that the Azagba of Asaba remains a living legend, source of pride not only to Anioma nation but Nigeria in general, noting that his style of leadership has brought about the unprecedented transformation in the capital city of Asaba.
“Your Majesty, we are here to intimate you of our forthcoming 2022 NUJ Delta Press Week/ Icon Awards and to also solicit your blessing. As a father, we thought it wise to first of all inform you before we embark on this journey. Delta State clocked 31 this year and we want to use the opportunity of the week to honour some deserving Deltans.”
“It is important to draw your attention to the fact that the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has built a befitting Press Centre for our great union 31 years after the creation of the state. We will remain eternally grateful to the Governor and all those who contributed to the project.”
The National Ex-Officio of NUJ, Co rade Festus Ahon was part of the delegation which also included representatives of the Consultanting Firm, Mackjus Consultancy Services partnering with the union for the 2022 Press Week, led by Hon. Chugaby Onwuka.
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. 5,August–B 2022
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 5 focuses on Governor Okowa’s legacy of a better business and investment environment evidenced by the harvest of completed and ongoing public-private partnership [PPP] investments.
2.0THE 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.
3.0FACTORS UNDERLYING THE BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, on assumption of office on the 29th of May 2015, prioritized the attainment of a better business environment as a key strategy for job and wealth creation and prosperity for all Deltans.
Peace Building, Conflict Prevention and Security The proactive policy action in establishing the Advisory and Peace Building Council in August 2015 and Advocacy Committee Against Vandalism of Oil and Gas facilities in May 2016 has provided mechanisms and channels for continual constructive engagement with conflict-prone communities in the state. Also, the proper handling of the ethnic diversity of the state through inclusive, fair and equitable political and economic management has created an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and sense of belonging to diverse ethnic groups of the state.
PromotingPublic-Private Partnership Investments
Delta State Investment Development Agency [DIDA] was established in August 2017, with responsibility for facilitating public private partnerships for economic growth. The business environment
for private sector project execution has also been boosted by the Delta State Public and Private Property Protection Law, enacted in August 2018.
Massive Development of Roads State-Wide. Pursuant to ensuring ease of doing business, His Excellency, the Governor, has from 2015 to date, achieved road construction and rehabilitation totaling 1,932.14 km and drains totaling 1,035.95 km.
4.0EVIDENCE OF THE BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – HARVEST OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENTS
Remarkable evidence of better business environment is the harvest of public private partnership investments and projects, identified as follows.
[i] Concession of Asaba International Airport [ii] Leisure Park and Film Village [iii] Agro-Industrial Park, Aboh Ogwashi-Uku [iv] Norsworthy Farms and Agro-Allied Industries, Akwukwu-Igbo [v] Delta State Rest Park, Umunede [vi] Automobile Dealers and Mechanics Park, Asaba [vii] Warri Trailer Park [viii] Ogbe-Ogonogo Market, Asaba [ix] UTM Offshore Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Project, Warri [x] Stallion Tricycle Assembly Plant, Along Benin-Asaba Highway, Asaba [xi] Private-Public Ownership of Songhai Delta Agricultural Complex, Amukpe [xii] Virtual Gas CNG gas plant, Ebede, Ukwuani LGA [xiii] DELCOM CO-OP Oil Palm Development Initiative [xiv] Concession of Uvwie Fish Feed Mill to O-Secul Nigeria Ltd. and [xv] Kwale Industrial Park.
5.0CONCLUSION
Governor Okowa, has by his excellent leadership, illustrated how improving the business environment can bring about growth of the private sector and the overall economy. The lesson of Delta State success story is that achieving a better business and investment environment entails a multidimensional policy approach covering social, infrastructural, regulatory and public service improvements. This shining example of good governance should be emulated by other states and replicated at the national level.
Acknowledgement
The provision of data and information by Delta State Investment Development Agency [DIDA] for this edition of Okowanomics Fact Sheet is duly acknowledged and appreciated.
Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 5,August–B 2022
The Series is developed and published by Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Bureau, using verified information and data from Ministries, Departments andAgencies (MDAs)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Sunday Ohiagu, alleged to be the lead of a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said Ohiagu was nabbed last Tuesday following the arrest of an intending passenger on Air Peace flight to Dubai, UAE, Obinna Osita who was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25 kilogrammes concealed in cassava product, gari and crayfish.
Babafemi said one other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect.
He said investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited 42-year old Obinna, to traffic the drugs and equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.
He said the drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of Viju and Fearless energy drinks used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday 15th Aug of which a freight agent has already been arrested in connection with the seizure.
The spokesman also revealed that an attempt by a syndicate to export illicit drugs through the Lagos airport last Wednesday was foiled during an outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline to Oman via Addis Ababa.
He said a suspect Jonah Chukwuemeka was arrested with a total of 1,995 tramadol tablets with a gross weight of 900 grammes hidden in locust beans in his luggage. The bag containing the illicit substance was handed over to him at the airport by one Olagunju Abbas who was promptly arrested.
Also packs of tramadol 225mg containing 119,500 capsules were last Thursday transferred to NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs, cargo wing of MMIA. The consignment had come in through Ethiopian Airline from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Saturday raided a car shop, Bolak Motors at Ewela bus stop, Oshodi where bags of 615.2 kilogrammes cannabis were recovered along with nine vehicles. Efforts are ongoing to track the car dealer, Alhaji Ismail who is currently at large.
Babafemi said no fewer than eight suspects were arrested and bags of illicit drugs seized from them when Akerele area of Agege, Shogunle and Mafoluku areas of Oshodi, Fagba area of Ogba, Ipodo area of Ikeja and Iyana Ipaja park were raided in Lagos state.
In Yobe state, two suspected fake security agents taking 14kg cannabis to Maiduguri, Borno state were intercepted along Potiskum- Damaturu road. While Adetula Olarenwaju was arrested with four blocks of the substance last Thursday on his way from Lagos, Sadiq Garba returning from Gombe was nabbed with 22 blocks of the substance on Saturday.
In Edo, Abu Sunday was arrested with 48.4 kilogrammes cannabis at Idk quarter, Ibilo, while Rosemary Afekhuai was caught with 1,130 tramadol caps, among others at Oluma quarters, Otuo, Owan East local government area.
In Delta, Mustapha Isah, was arrested at Oko Market with 9, 800 tramadol caps weighing 6.4 kilogrammes while NDLEA operatives in Kaduna also nabbed Chinedu Onnuka, at Narayi Kaduna with 33,000 tablets of Bromazepam.
He said no fewer than 80 blocks of cannabis sativa were recovered from an abandoned tricycle with reg. no: BAU 70 WL while 25,000 tablets of exol-5 were seized from a dealer, Usman Muhammed who was nabbed along Bauchi-Gombe road.
He said a raid operation at a market in Mubi, Adamawa state last Wednesday 24th led to the seizure of 62,360 tablets of tramadol, diazepam and exol-5 while two suspects, Sirajo Idris and Anas Abubakar were arrested same day with 107 pallets of cannabis at Kamba, a border town in Kebbi State. The skunk weighing 90 kilogrammes was smuggled in from Benin Republic.
In Kano, a drug dealer Lawal Adamu, 31, was arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora, with 203 blocks of cannabis weighing 136 kilogrammes, while another suspect, Taheer Abdullahi was nabbed on Friday 26th Aug. at Gadar Tamburawa, with 3000 ampules of tramadol injection.
A raid operation at Kara Masaka, back of Mararaba market and Zamani estate on Saturday 27th Aug. led to the arrest of 26 suspects, while 25.7 kilogrammes cannabis, 4.5kg codeine and 300 tablets of rohypnol tablets were seized from the drug joints raided. In Sokoto state, the village head of Ruga, Shagari local government area, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed (aka Danbala), a notorious drug dealer who was arrested last will be facing charges any moment from now.
He said before his recent arrest during which 436.381 kilogrammes cannabis and 1 kilogramme diazepam were recovered from his house, an earlier raid on his home on July 20th 2022 had led to the seizure of 11.5 kilogrammes cannabis, 2.259 kilogrammes exol5 and 500 grammes of diazepam.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Delta and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures. He however charged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has performed the ground breaking ceremony of 550 housing scheme in Sokoto State for its officers and men.
A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu said the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi represented by the Deputy Commandant General, Administration, Zakari Ningi, at the occasion in Sokoto reiterated his commitment towards improving the welfare of personnel, which housing forms part of it.
He noted that: “The mass housing project, which spanned 31.070 Hectares of land, at Milgoma Community, in Bodinga LGA opposite the runway of the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport Sokoto will contain 550 units of befitting accommodation to ameliorate the housing challenge being faced by officers and men of the Sokoto State Command.”
He emphasized that a well motivated staff is usually an asset to any organisation and the Corps Management under his leadership will continue to upscale staff welfare through various life changing projects as motivation for efficient service delivery at all times.
He said: “What we are witnessing today is in furtherance of my vision to prioritize the ywelfare of officers and men of the Corps.
“It also forms part of my vision to address the housing deficit in the Corps by making house ownership more accessible and affordable to personnel of the Corps with an easy and convenient payment plan.
“The Corps’ leadership and administration under my watch has put in place an integrated development plans/programmes towards addressing the housing needs of staff across board.
“Let me therefore assure you that this is a phased project which will be replicated in all State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory in our deliberate attempt to further enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
“In an attempt to bring this vision to fruition, the Corps has engaged Messrs. Tunkey Projects Limited, a reputable developer and project consultants for the construction of 550 Housing Units to ameliorate the housing challenge being faced by officers and men of the Sokoto State Command.”
The CG expressed optimism that when completed, the project will be an additional boost to the morale of staff to deliver on the Corps’ mandate.
He appreciated the uncommon kind gesture of Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto State, for his magnanimity and express approval given for the allocation of hectares of land at Milgoma Community, in Bodinga local government area including waiver of the payment of compensation on the land.
The CG while commending the governor for being physically present at the groundbreaking ceremony, said: “These gesture goes further to prove His Excellency’s commitment and determination towards enhancement of peace and security in Sokoto State, by constantly supporting activities and operations of Security Agencies, particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the State.
“Let me use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency for his magnanimity as well as his continued support and assistance to the growth, development and operational efficiency of the Corps in the State
“Let me assure your Excellency that the Corps will continue to support the lofty programmes and efforts by your Government to keep Sokoto State safe and secure.
“Permit me to use this medium to reiterate the Corps’ commitment to the enhancement of peace and security to engender socio-economic development of our dear Country.
“To this end, the Corps has continued to ensure effective synergy with the Military, Police and other Sister Agencies to bring to an end, the spate of insecurity occasioned, by the nefarious activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, farmers/herders clashes, ethno-religious crises, etc.
“We remain steadfast in our collective resolve to address the prevailing security situation in the Country.”
… Targets 7,000 children in first phase … Orders more hostel, staff quarters for Fed Poly
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, traveled to Monguno on Sunday where he led the enrollment of 4,229 school-aged children, amongst them were many orphans whose parents were killed during the Boko Haram insurgency in parts of Northern Borno.
The exercise which led to the enrollment of 4,229 on Sunday, the first day, is targeting 7,000 children by the end Monday, under the first phase.
The children, aged between 6 and 13 years were enrolled into primary and junior secondary schools, depending on their academic statuses before they were displaced by insurgents from communities in Monguno, Kukawa, Guzamala and Marte Local Government Areas, all in northern Borno.
After numerous attacks on communities in the aforementioned LGAs since 2014, residents including thousands of children escaped to Monguno town to live in IDP camps for years, with many children missing school as a result.
“Today we are here in Monguno for only one purpose, to enroll your wards to schools”, Zulum told guardians and parents of wards and children enrolled.
The governor applauded parents and guardians for the large turnout to present their children and wards for the mass enrollment.
Sunday’s enrollment was the third mass admission of displaced children in Monguno town by the Zulum administration.
Similar exercise took place in other parts of Borno State.
… Orders more hostel, staff quarters for Fed Poly
Amid leading enrollment of children into basic schools, Governor Zulum took time to visit and assess ongoing construction and renovation works at a site he had approved for the Federal Polytechnic in Monguno.
Zulum inspected lecture halls, offices for principal officers and staff quarters.
The Governor directed the construction of additional hostel, staff quarters and admin block at the Federal Polytechnic.
Zulum had previously approved and released N100m to enable the school to take-off soon after it was approved by President Buhari in January, 2021.
Meanwhile, visiting the polytechnic, the Governor rounded up Sunday’s inspection at an ongoing construction of zonal office of a newly created monitoring and evaluation unit from which some trained officials will be monitoring government establishments such as schools and hospitals.
Monguno’s zonal office which is to coordinate oversights of the 10 LGAs in northern Borno senatorial district was at 95% level of completion when Zulum visited on Sunday.
Similar zonal offices are being established in Biu for the seven LGAs in Southern Borno senatorial district and in Maiduguri for the eight LGAs Borno central senatorial district.
Governor Zulum traveled to Monguno in company of Barrister Mohammed Tahir Monguno who is the Chief Whip of the House of Reps and APC’s senatorial candidate for northern Borno.
Other members of the Governor’s delegation included Commissioner of Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Member Representing Marte at the Borno State House of Assembly, Commissioner Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Engr Mustapha Gubio; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs Sugun Mai Male, the Executive Secretary, Borno State Education Trust Fund, Alh. Maina Yaumi, and members of a committee set up by the Governor on mass enrollment of out of school children from four LGAs gathered at IDP camps in Monguno.
Kulen Allah Cattle Rearer Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to sheathe their swords and find immediately solution to the prolong strike by the latter in the interest of Nigeria’s development.
The association in a press statement signed by it’s National President, Khalil Bello said the industrial action which began February this year is no more healthy and is doing no one any good.
Mohammed said: “We members of Kulen Allah Cattle Rearer Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) wish to join many well meaning Nigerians who are persistently calling on federal government and ASUU to settle their differences and end the ongoing strike.”
He said: “Our Clarion call/passionate appeal is based on the following points: We strongly believe that, education is the bedrock for nation building and our Universities are the Pinnacle of learning where people will advance their studies for country’s economic development.
“The major concern is that, if the strike is allow to continue unchecked, the nation’s educational system will be seriously affected negatively or shall collapsed in totality, because according to many indicators, many professional Lecturers who government had spent so much money on their training will annoyingly relinquish their active services and move to Europe or other developed countries where they hope to get higher renumeration.”
He insisted that: “The movement of thousands medical doctors/ health professionals to England and other countries looking for better employment at this time when country is seriously facing the problem of shortage of health workers to the extent of which a doctor is expected to look after 5000 people as published in some of our national dailies is a clear example of what we are talking about.
“It will weaken the federal and state universities and give more strength to private universities.”
He lamented that: “This is happening when government is still approving the creation of many more private universities and higher institutions at the time when most of our state owned universities are lacking professional lecturers to the extent that they heavily relied on visiting lecturers for their accreditation by NUC/survival as higher institutions of learning.”
He decried that both federal government and our university lecturers are losing heavily in many ways due to the ongoing strike as it brings more harm to the students, parents and the nation than good and would drastically reduce the value of Nigerian university certificates in the world labour market.
He equally stated that there is a tendency of some of our students due to frustration and anger may be found in the acts of criminality at the time when government is doing its best to calm down the levels of criminality bedeviling the country.
He also explained that the ongoing strike shall create more stiff competition in our universities during admission of new students as multiple numbers of students now have passed their previous years UTME Exams might like to be admitted during single session.
“It will also results to shortage of corps members in their places of primary assignments or their over crowd at our NYSC Camps during orientation excercise and in the ministries, private schools/companies and other working places where they will be posted after orientation exercise, with corps member facing rejections at their places of primary assignments because of upsurge in their number the strike shall cause. The rejections may demoralize some of them and make them feel unwanted by the larger society which will make them become unfriendly to all after there services,” he said.
Mohammed said: “In view of the aforementioned ugly consequences associated with the ongoing ASUU strike on our university, students, parents and the nation at large, we of KACRAN are passionately appealing to ASUU and federal governmentt as a matter of utmost importance/urgency to hurriedly return to their collective bargaining meeting and make some sacrifices/adjustment on their demands with a view to arrive at acceptable stand and end the ongoing strike please.”
The federal government has commissioned eight gunboats to fight crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the country to a logical end.
A press statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu on Tuesday said “in her resolve to end the menace of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the nation, the Federal Government through the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has commissioned eight NSCDC gunboats to wage a full scale war against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
He noted that the move became necessary to strengthen the combative capacity of NSCDC Anti Vandalism Squad in stemming the tide of huge revenue loss to the Federal Government in the oil sector.
Aregbesola, while performing the official inauguration of the gunboats in Port Harcourt, described the incidences of oil theft as an organized crime ridding the nation of accrued revenue running to million of dollars annually.
The Minister of Interior, said the country in recent past had recorded various occurrences of crude oil theft and reports has shown that the country loses million of dollars daily such that, of the 141 million barrels of oil produced in the 1st quarter of year 2022, only 132 million barrels of oil were received at export terminals; the aftermath results further reveal that over 9 million barrels of oil was lost to crude oil theft.
He decried the negative impacts of crude oil theft and oil pipeline vandalism in the nation.
He however called on all security agencies to shun Inter-agency rivalries and synergize by supporting the fight against oil theft in order to salvage and rid the nation’s economy of saboteurs.
The Minister further maintained that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as the lead agency in Safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure is mandated to use the available logistics provided by the Government to reduce crime rate and by extension take the war against crude oil theft to the camp of the enemies.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, while extolling the role of Government in the provision of necessary logistics to enhance the fight against oil pipeline vandalism across the nation, affirmed that the eight newly commissioned gunboats will boost the morale of the Corps in combating the menace of crude oil theft along the waterways.
He said: “The NSCDC is generally expected to effectively safeguard Critical Infrastructure and oil installations which are very central and vital to the socio-economic development of the nation.
“The Corps is saddled with the mandate to guard against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering through the provision of physical security to oil pipelines against vandalism.
“Therefore, any threat to the oil and gas sector is automatically considered as a high security concern owing to the debilitating effects it has on national development.”
He added that: “It also constitute environmental degradation, pollution, destruction of land and aquatic life, loss of means of livehood and drastic reduction in the inflow of foreign exchange needed to bolster the economy of the nation.”
He affirmed that a marching order has been issued to all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Heads of Antivandal Unit across formations to be battle ready with a renewed vigour to stamp out oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the nation.
The CG reiterated the Corps’ determination and unwavering commitment to the war against illegal oil bunkering and assured the Government and the entire nation that the Gunboats would be distributed to states in the coastal region as the corps continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies.
He enjoined Nigerians to assist security agencies in winning the war against the enemies of the nation by volunteering credible Intelligence and Information that could lead to possible arrest and prosecution of oil pipeline vandals and saboteurs of the nation’s economy.
Experts from the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) worked with 14 officers from all three Nigerian military branches August 15-18 on issues involving human rights, the law of armed conflict, and the protection of civilians.
Through group discussions and presentations, participants explored ways to expand the role of military legal advisors beyond their traditional military justice roles. For example, legal advisors can assist in the planning of operations to reduce the risk of unintentionally harming civilians. In addition, participants discussed ways to enhance the Nigerian military’s investigation, tracking, and public reporting of incidents where civilians are unintentionally harmed.
DIILS is the lead United States Department of Defense resource for global legal engagement and capacity-building with international defense sector officials. This four-day engagement in Abuja was led by U.S. lawyers and military members with years of experience in operational law and military justice. They built on similar, ongoing DIILS institutional capacity building efforts since September 2021. Through these engagements, the U.S. and Nigeria aim to further develop the Nigerian military’s capability to ensure the protection of civilians during military operations and to respond in a timely way to incidents of civilian harm during such operations. The United States looks forward to continuing these engagements with the Nigerian military in the future.
Nigerians are to have the pleasure of having electronic motorbikes as Isreali and Japanese tech companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with NASENI PAN to assemble them in the country by the first quarter of 2023.
The Isreali Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman at the official launch and signing of the MoU on the introduction of electronic motorcycles into the Nigerian market by 2023 on Thursday in Abuja, said: “Today we are launching a real exciting project, a project that is a partnership between isreali and Japanese companies taking place in Nigeria.
“The project is timely because it will create a project that will work for Nigeria. We are talking bringing in electric motorcycles into Nigeria which will be a programme of green environment, cheaper way of transport, safer way of transport, it even has within it a technology that can help ensure that the motorcycles are only used for legal and appropriate means.
“Launching of electronic mobile motor cycles with devices that can detect illegal activities. Here we have isreali and Japanese tech companies with Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
The Executive Vice Chairman NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna said, “We are the technology house of Nigeria, in the past, attempts to domesticate certain technologies in this country especially the automobile industry has not worked.
“NASENI has come into this partnership; Nigeria will not just be consuming this technology; we are here to ensure that we domesticate, produce and manufacture in Nigeria. We are Nigerians that after this collaboration the automobile industry will never be the same again.”
Chairman PAN, Ahmed Aliyu, said, “This day is historic and memorable because NASSENI has set the ball rolling, technically NASENI has been ingenious. It has opened up the technological environment in Nigeria. And this partnership between Israel, Japan, NASENI with PAN as a facility where the assembling will be done.
The Chief Executive Officer of Wichtec, Chido Nwankwo, “If you look at what is happening all over the world right now you see that energy has become an issue. And this technology will go a long way to ease off the cost of movement and our duty is to take it to other parts of Africa.”
Chief Innovating Officer, Musashi Seimitsu, Toshihisa Otsika, “We been working for automobiles for the past 40 decades and we want to contribute to the African economy. What we want to achieve is to make Africa self sustainable through our product.”
Director of Paramera, Ayul Faz, “We believe this is going to change so many things in Nigeria, it will improve transportation, greener energy and create jobs because we are going to build and assembly plant here in Nigeria”
Collins Igwe, a representative of Heritage bank said, “We are very happy that they are bringing a technology that is not currently in this part of the world and we are very happy and hopeful that it will create jobs.”
Deputy CEO of SIXAI, Sasi Shilo, in his contribution said, “Our vision is to solve problems in the technology ecosystems. We plan to bring technology that will improve the finance service and reduce air pollution in Africa.”
BLESSING MAILE hails from Ika North East Local Government Area. He holds an SSCE and enrolled under Green YAGEP in the 2015/2016 Cycle in Poultry Production. Like his counterparts in the pioneer set, she was established in YAGEP Farm Cluster, Owa-Alero with a buffer starter pack, comprising 400 point of lay birds, 200 day old broiler birds, 145 bags of feeds, a well-equipped poultry pen and other technical support. Six years after, she has grown her business beyond her starter stock. Hear her.
“YAGEP has been so helpful to me and my family. My business is growing. I have 700 layers and 100 broilers at present. I have diversified to Crop production. I produce cassava, maize, vegetable, pepper and tomato in commercial quantities. I have a staff whom I pay ₦8,000.00 monthly.
“I am happy being a YAGEPreneur; if not I would have been at home as a full-time homemaker. I use the proceeds from my farm to support my husband. My family is feeding well. I have a motor bike which I bought from the proceeds. I look forward to expanding my farm.”
The centenary celebration of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, has ended with a call for the sustenance of the uncommon legacies of the founder of the Mission, Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin.
Grand finale of the week-long event was held on Saturday August 27, 2022 at the Pilgrim Baptist Cathedral, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
It was the gathering of eminent personalities across the globe who, one way or the other benefitted from the Mission works of the late founder.
Conference President and Spiritual Leader of the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Friday Paul Anyasi delivered the Centenary Lecture with the theme, “One Hundred Years of Pilgrim Baptist Mission: Celebrating The Life and Times of Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin, at the event that had the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in attendance.
Also in attendance was the member representing Aniocha North State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, the traditional ruler of Issele-Uku, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, Old Boys and Girls of the various schools of the Mission as well as eminent Sons and Daughters of Issele-uku that included Mr Bazim Sally.
In his lecture, while calling for the sustenance of the legacies of the Mission, Rev.Dr. Paul Anyasi, x-rayed the achievements of late Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin, and said that the founder of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission employed a tripartite approach of evangelism, education and health care to leave a lasting impact on the lives of people around him.
He stated that Martin handled proceedings in the Mission with strong missionary dedication until death came calling.
“Rev Martin pioneered the Pilgrim Baptist Mission and built it with every sense of dedication, passion and spirituality. His sense of commitment was never in doubt and he never drifted in his mission. He was deliberate not only in the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ among his people, he was as well deliberate in contributing to the socio-economic emancipation of many persons. Some of these persons are still living while some have gone into eternity.
“Martin was Passionate about everything he committed his hands to doing. He built a great Mission which has remained ever appreciated in the minds of those who value lasting legacies. It can be adequately assumed that the life of Samuel Martin is synonymous with the history and development of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission,” the Baptist Minister stated.
He described Rev Dr. S. W. Martin in relation to his works, as an Evangelist, Mission Frontier and Church Planter, an Education Enthusiast, a Vocational Mobiliser, and as a Healthy Life Crusader, saying that he was a man of great empathy, which he noted to be a useful attribute of a servant leader.
“Martin’s primary motive was the evangelization of his people. Every other step of development he engaged was all in a bid to strengthen, enlighten and empower his converts and the rest of the society who embraced these other social actions,” Dr. Anyasi continued.
He noted that within a period of about fifty years, Martin founded and built about thirty-seven churches and declared that his efforts were unprecedented considering the difficulties of that time.
“He founded over forty institutions of learning across many towns and villages in the Midwestern part of Nigeria. These schools cover elementary (primary), secondary (High Schools) and an adequately equipped Teacher Training College at Issele-Uku.
“In his philanthropic and godly gestures, Rev Samuel Martin awarded scholarship grants to very many persons from elementary to the highest level of study. His schools are found in Asaba and all the locations where he established his mission assemblies,” Rev. Dr. Anyasi said and lamented that many beneficiaries of his scholarship grants and other gestures abandoned him even before his death.
He further noted that Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin was equipped with positive minds to help humanity come to terms with modern commerce and indigenous self-support.
“Martin realised that one of the ways African natives could be able to live improved lives is when they are engaged in activities that may earn them improved living standards. He established three Technical Colleges at Issele-Uku, Uromi in Edo State and at Ofagbe in the Isoko region of Delta State.
“He introduced some improved varieties of fruits and species of food crops. For instance, he established a palm plantation at Issele-Uku. Some of the people who knew him well attest that the oil proceeds from this palm plantation were being used to feed students of the Teacher Training College at Issele-Uku.
“He opened a maternity centre at Issele-Uku community. He nursed a vision of a full-scale hospital in 1961 and by 1965; a large Pilgrim Baptist Hospital equipped with modern medical facilities was opened in Issele-uku as well.
“This hospital served the health needs of many people from both far and near. Within a few years after his death, the mission hospital collapsed and eventually ceased to function due to the inability to sustain his vision by his successors, Today, health care services had resumed at some levels in that hospital, Dr. Anyasi noted and appreciated the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for his input in 2018 towards the resuscitation of the hospital.
Dr Anyasi therefore, called on Nigerians to draw great lessons from the life and times of Rev. Dr.S.W. Martin, and said that in adopting his lifestyle, emphasis should be on charismatic and transformational leadership, sacrifice and passion for the well-being of others, trust and integrity, even as he called on those who have benefitted from the Mission works of the late sage and other good-spirited individuals at large to rise and keep the spirit and vision of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission sustained.
In his remarks, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who was represented by the former commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services in Delta State, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, congratulated the Mission and appreciated them for using the centennial event to honour and celebrate the life and times of Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin.
Elumelu commended the Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. P.F. Anyasi for doing a thorough x-ray on the life and times of Rev Dr Martin and said that the lesson drawn from the life and Mission work of the founder of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission remains worthy of emulation by leaders at all levels of human endervour.
“As a people, there is no doubt that we have benefited immensely from the fountain of this great Missionary and Iconic Spiritual Leader and we will continue to build on the solid foundation that he laid,” the Minority Leader assured.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Moderator of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, Rev. Moses Ekene Okolie, said that the gathering was to remember and honour the life of a sage, an iconic leader and a trailblazer who in his life time yielded himself completely to the service of God and humanity.
“The development drive of our late Dr. Martin was indeed geared towards liberating our people from the shackles of unimaginable illiteracy that had hitherto blunted their spiritual, psychological, emotional and intellectual development.
“We are very delighted to say that our Father, Rev. Dr. Martin, was a Man who believed in human capital development. Time will fail us to enumerate his numerous achievements but permit me to say that he was a great Man, love personified, a selfless being,” the Moderator stated and pledged the resolve of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission to carry on with his legacies.
Rev. Ekene used the occasion to appreciate the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for donating towards the sustenance of the work of the Mission few years ago.
“I have the honour and privilege to inform you that the fund has been judiciously expended. The Pilgrim Baptist Hospital, Issele-Uku has been resuscitated, renovated and is today functioning to its full capacity while a block of Six classrooms with modern facilities is conspicuously sitting in the Rev.Dr. S.W. Martin Memorial Mixed Secondary School,” he revealed.
Highlights at the highly successful event were the impressive presentations of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission Mass Choir, the hymn rendition by the Old Boys of Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Issele-Uku and the unveiling and presentation of the repackaged autobiography of Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin by Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who led other dignitaries to lunch the highly regarded book.
The Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) in line with its mandate of attracting investments to the State had finalized the process for operations to commence at the Stallion Auto Keke Ltd Plant in Delta State.
The duo of the Chairman DIDA Mr. Paul Nmah and the Director General, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omorugave this revelation at a joint project inspection between managements of DIDA and Stallion Auto Keke Ltd at the Bajaj Auto Keke Assembly Plant on Asaba/Benin Express way, Delta State.
The DIDA Chairman and DG represented by Mr. Peter Okolie the Senior Investment Analyst DIDA/Special Project Director said that the main essence of the visit was to perfect the plant handover before a formal opening ceremony would be done.
“Well technically what we are doing here today is to perfect the handing over process and thereafter there may be a ceremonial aspect of the handover to it.
“You know that before we do the ceremonial hand over a few things would be tidied up, the factory machines etc. would be put in place, after that there would be a ceremonial handover. But right now we are giving them access to the factory to begin to do their own work.’ He stated.
According to him the agreement between the DTSG and the Stallion Auto Keke Ltd was for the State Government to provide a shade and conduciveenvironment for their business to takeoff.
Mr. Okolie emphasized that Delta State Government had met their own side of the MoU adding that they had equally provided 10 hectares of land to the investors at the Delta Rest Park to start off their permanent factory in due time in Delta State.
Speaking on the benefits of the investment to the State, Mr. Okolie said that it is going to enhance the State’s business activities.
“As an assembly plant where over 100 tricycles would be assembled daily, it would create employment because it is the youths who would be engaged in the assembly process on a daily basis
“Also it would have a huge multiplier effect, for example the transporters would benefit due to large human and commodity traffic, food vendors will sell and many individuals would become marketers and distributors. So there are lots of opportunities that would accrue.
“Even the State Government would generate IGR in the form of levies and taxes that would be paid. Mr. Okolie stated.
He commended the host community for their cooperation noting that the relationship had been very cordial.
Mr. Okolie thanked His Excellency Sen. Dr. IfeanyiOkowa for supporting investments in the State, stating that with the robust economic policies put in place, he is finishing strong.
Speaking earlier Mr. Sam Singh Banga, the General Manager Projects, Stallion Auto Keke Ltd said that their company had put everything in place in order to commence operations of their Bajaj Keke SKD Tricycle Plant in Delta State soonest.
Mr. Sam Singh noted that the investment climate in Delta State was conducive and Government had been quite supportive.
Speaking on their investment in Delta State, he said that it would be in phases.
“We are going to develop our Plant in phases. The first phase would be the Plant for the assembling of tricycles and we would then later expand our business. Mr. Sam Sighn said.
According to him the Tricycle Plant would create employment and also there would be the transfer of skills and expertise as people would be gradually trained on the repair and maintenance of the KekeBajaj.
Mr. Sam Singh commended the Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the support he gave to them to invest in Delta State.
Also present at the visit were Mr. Felix NwamumuDPRS DIDA, Mr. Pai Govdhan, Factory Manager Stallion Auto Keke Ltd, Mr. Edward OparaugoManager Civil Engr. Dept., Mr. Alfred Oforbuike, Assistant Manager Mech. Engr. Dept., Mr. SaheedAhmed Electrical Dept.
The Delta State Caucus in the House of Representatives has appreciated the unity, peace and progress that are evident in Delta State since its creation 31 years ago, despite obvious diversity in culture, linguistic, and politics.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudu Elumelu and the Chairman of the Delta Caucus in the House, Rt. Hon. Victor Nwaokolo, the caucus maintained that despite the diversities, the founding fathers and leaders that followed till date, has been able to manage the affairs of the State and brought about peace, unity and progress.
“On behalf of the Delta State Caucus in the House of Representatives, we sincerely and heartily congratulate our dear Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), H.E. Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governors, founding fathers, all leaders in the state and indeed all Deltans on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of Delta State.
“We are particularly grateful to the former Military President, H.E. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, GCON, whom God used as an instrument in the creation of our dear State 31 years ago.
“We revel the peace, unity and progress in our State since its creation despite the obvious diversity in culture, language and political affiliations; deriving from the brotherly love and big-heartedness of Deltans, the vision of our founding fathers and the commitment of successive leaders in managing the affairs of the State,” the Caucus said.
While commending the incumbent Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for working assiduously in fostering greater love, unity and progress amongst the various ethnic nationalities in the State through the administration’s TEAM SMART and STRONGER DELTA agenda, the caucus was of the view that the Governor’s developmental strides in all areas across the State, in the last seven and half years has remained indelible, unprecedented and a formidable boost to the foundation laid by the State founding Fathers.
“We celebrate the efforts of the Governor and other distinguished sons and daughters of Delta State for their commitment and patriotic efforts in projecting our State in good light in all areas of human endervour both at the national and international arena.
“Since its creation, Delta State has continued to produce great minds who excel with tremendous accomplishments in business, politics, medicine, economy, science and technology, the arts, music, hospitality among others.
“The Caucus is overjoyed in celebration and urges all Deltans at home and in the Diaspora to continue in their patriotic spirit and in supporting Governor Okowa and other leaders at various levels so that the State can achieve its full potential in line with the visions of the founding fathers.
“We sincerely pray that God who brought us together in love will continue to strengthen us to achieve greater unity and prosperity as a State under His Divine Grace,” the Caucus concluded.
-By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene
Paul Eruvwededehails from Patani LGA and has a B.Sc. in Physics. He is the CEO of Talux Paints, producer of all kinds of high-quality paints. Paul enrolled under Brown STEP and trained in Paint Manufacturing in the 2018/2019 cycle. He shares his success story after four years.
“I am a Brown STEPreneur. Because I needed a good foundation to start-up, I enrolled in STEP. My start-up package gave me the platform to begin production. Before, I produced paints based on demand by shops and sites, but now I produce paints for people to buy. It saved me the stress of rushing to get jobs done. The demand for paints is on daily basis.
“I engage in general painting services, wall screeding, PoP casting and installation, wall designs and general interior decoration. I am a facilitator of paints manufacturing for the State Government-RYSA and for NYSC. I have trained two persons and currently have three RYSA trainees.
“I am working hard to acquire a giant paint mixing machine capable of mixing 100 buckets in a single production and to get a bigger space. I have acquired few plots of land, majorly for permanent business premises. I am developing one as my permanent residential building. I got married after STEP training and I am blessed with children.
“My five years plan is to have my paints in every shop in Delta State. STEP sharpened my entrepreneurial dreams of becoming my own boss.”
THE EPISTLE OF PERSONAL BITTERNESS AND IGNORANCE BY AGENTS OF THE GROSSLY INCOMPETENT APC LED ADMINISTRATION
The attention of Labour party was drawn to the coordinated attacked launched by agents, miscreants and misfits political characters loyal to the would soon defunct APC led administration.
Labour Party wouldn’t have dignified this false publication lace with deliberately falsehood or considered it necessary to react to such an epistle of personal bitterness ,ignorance and complete unintelligent outburst but for the benefit of the few in the public who may innocently be mis informed by this ethically rusty and morally depraved social misfit and miscreants known as ” Unknown Source ” who claimed that allies of the Presidential Candidate of the Party, Mr. Peter Obi, have sidelined the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, and Professor Pat Utomi, who were earlier listed as signatories to the Labour Party’s campaign donation account which necessitated one Benji Uba, who is a loyal ally of Peter Obi, to forced his hand as the only signatory to the account, which has raised concerns of unrest within the party.
According to the said unknown source, he went further to assert that the squabble over who should be in charge of campaign funds, as well as Professor Utomi’s distrust of Benji Uba, prompted the creation of an alternative fund-raising platform, “tagged” FUND40MB, as inaugurated recently by Prof Pat Utomi .
The Labour party hereby states as follows
1
The National Chairman of our great Party Bar Julius ABURE, the presidential candidate of Labour party Mr Peter Gregory Obi and Prof Pat Utomi are one united , indivisible political families that enjoys cordial relationship that aimed to extinct the present clueless administration of President Buhari led APC and confined them to dust bin of history
2
That the National Chairman Bar Julius ABURE has not convene any meeting of the National Working committee or National Executive Council where the formation of Peter obi/Datti Campaign Council would be formally discussed before inauguration
3 There was never any Labour Party’s campaign donation account in existence nor an alternative fund-raising platform, tagged FUND40MB that was known to Labour party
4 Mr. Peter Obi has never instigated any war through proxies in Labour party as he was busy with how to fixed Nigeria from a consuming Nation to a productive one where Nigerians will take back their country from the present administration that has put our country on Autopilot
Having set the record straight , it is important that this long empty epistle of calumny written here by this “unknown source” is a manifestation that he substantially lacks the capacity to correctly understand the complexities in rational thinking needed to be a responsible public commentator .
Such an unintelligent epistle usually comes from a programed puppet with a wholesome bitter and ignorant mind that is poisonous to the society because on what basis did he arrive at this warped opinion ?. On any scale and in any measure he came to this level of peddling absolute distortion
People like this unintelligent Fellow wanting to re – write history are cancers that should be completely isolated in any decent Society.
For the information and education of the lilliputian political paw and puppet known as “unknown source “and his ilk , it must be clearly emphasised that Labour Party National Chairman Bar Julius ABURE , our President Candidate Mr Peter Obi and Prof Pat Utomi are already in the class of responsible and reliable leaders who will not only take the people to where they want to go but far much further to where they don’t know they have to be ,but ought to be .
Finally the tasked of rescuing Our country and her people from the hand of oppressors , economy strangulators and decimators is our presence pre occupation and we hereby advise the outgoing APC administration to prepared their hand over note to the Incoming president Mr Peter Gregory Obi come may 29th 2023 rather engaging miscreants to peddle rumors that has no source
Thank you
Comrade Arabambi Abayomi
National Publicity Secretary Abuja 24th August 2022
*** As DYC Boss Lauds FG’s Engagement Of Tompolo In Pipelines Surveillance
A Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups has thrown its support behind the Federal Government over the crude oil surveillance contract awarded to Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) through the NNPC.
The coalotion made its position known through its spokesman Mallam Aminu Abbas at a press conference held at the Arewa House Kaduna on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022.
It faulted the condemnation of the contract award by “a faceless Arewa Group”, saying that President Muhammedu Buhari should be commended for taking the right decision because “our national asset will be secured even more by engaging the host communities.”
“High Chief Expemuoplo is a son of the soil and he has all it takes to bring about the significant, visible improvement in that particular tasks. So therefore, we commend President Muhammedu Buhari for his approval and we equally pass a vote of confidence on the state minister of petroleum resources and the GMD of NNPC limited for following due process in awarding of the said contract.
“The transparent and due process followed before the award of the said contract further proves to us that they are for the interest and development of our country,” the coalition said.
DYC Boss Lauds FG’s Engagement Of Tompolo In Pipelines Surveillance
Meanwhile, President General of Delta Youth Coalition (DYC), a frontline political pressure group in Nigeria, Mr. Chibuzor Agunwa (aka Mr. Dash), has lauded the move by the federal government to award surveillance contract to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, saying his engagement will further enhance the enabling environment needed for accelerated national economic growth.
Mr. Chibuzor Agunwa, described High Chief Government Ekpemupolo as a reputable leader in the Niger Delta region who thinks of the people before himself, adding that the former warlord has invested a lot in human, capital and infrastructure developments towards attaining peace and stability in the region and the country in general.
He mentioned that the engagement of Niger Deltans to protect oil facilities will reduce oil theft to the lowest level and also create a greater level of involvement of the people in the management of natural resources accruing from their region.
“I sincerely wish to thank the Federal Government for awarding the pipeline surveillance contract of protecting oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta to Tompolo.”
He assured that the Delta Youth Coalition will continue to support good governance, saying that DYC will sustain its proactive efforts and support in ensuring that the right people are put into the right positions for the benefit of all.
Mr. Dash explained that DYC has been established in the 25 local government areas of Delta state to ensure good governance.
He said that the vision of DYC was to fill the yawning gap between the leaders and the electorate by forming alignment of bringing political benefits, dividend of democracy to the grass root.
According to him, the mission of Delta Youth Coalition (DYC) is “Promoting community activities by collaborating with different organization to promote peace and harmony among citizens in the state, through joint action that will benefit the people and their communities by way of initiating programs for youth empowerment.”
The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Power of Nigeria, will host the 7th Edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2022) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, Nigeria from the 31 October to 1st November, 2022.
The Forum, which is expected to be declared opened by President Muhammadu Buhari, has the theme: “Achieving Sustainable Energy Targets in the ECOWAS Region: Moving from Resilience to Transition.”
ECREEE is the specialized agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with a mandate for promoting sustainable energy markets in the West Africa region. ECREEE instituted the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) in 2016 to mobilize investment in the region’s sustainable energy sector. The forum has since become the largest sustainable energy gathering in the West African region, providing a veritable platform for collaboration and transformative progress towards achieving the region’s sustainable energy targets.
The two-day event will bring together diverse group of stakeholders from within and outside the region. The expected participants include high-level representatives from government, regional and international development partners/donors, regional and international private sector companies, financial institutions, academia and research and civil society representatives to discuss and proffer solutions to the challenges hampering the development of a regional sustainable energy market, examine policies needed to improve energy security and achieve Sustainable Development goal (SDG 7) and what is needed to transition to a low-carbon energy trajectory in the region.
This year’s ESEF is notable in many ways. It will be the first face-to-face event since the COVID-19 pandemic; be hosted for the first time in the city of Abuja, the headquarters of the ECOWAS Commission; and will be featured as part of the International Energy Transition Week (IETW), which also includes the IRENA West African Investment Forum and the annual International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC) from the 2ND to 4TH November.
The event will also feature an exhibition for organizations looking to showcase their products and services. The exhibition is open to all actors across the sustainable energy value chain (manufacturers, EPC contractors, financing institutions, distributors, suppliers, etc.). ESEF2022 will also host an innovative Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking to serve as an avenue to foster partnerships, business development and investment.
ESEF2022 is being organized in collaboration with a host of reputable partners, including the Ministry of Power of Nigeria, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the World Bank Group, the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), the Government of the Netherlands, the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), amongst others.
Nigeria and India have inaugurated the Nigeria India Business Council (NIBC) to serve as a fulcrum for the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries in new areas such as fintech, Artificial intelligence, renewable energy and technology among others.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who inaugurated the platform in Abuja on Tuesday said that the NIBC will bring about mutually beneficial economic exchange.
Speaking on the theme “Expanding Trade and Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and India” the Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said “both countries have dynamic business environments which provide opportunities for trade and investment in addition to our common aspiration for promoting growth and improving the welfare and material conditions of our people.
“Nigeria and India have a shared interest in successfully tacking the challenges facing the global economy such as climate change, global public health emergencies like COVID-19 and the fallout of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There are many areas in which both countries can build the already active bilateral relationship. These include education, creative industry, the digital economy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas and I am certain that such ties will continue to blossom.
“Indeed I expect the NIBC will be an active vehicle to further strengthen and consolidate our relations and also serve as a platform to coordinate and facilitate investment and business interactions,” he said.
He noted that in the area of security both countries are collaborating on defense to curb the scourge of insecurity in Nigeria.
He however called for more collaboration in the areas of entrepreneurship and vocational training, stressing that India has been able to use entrepreneurship to bring its unemployment level to around 7% while that of Nigeria is quite high at about 35%.
“Similarly through entrepreneurship, India has been able to boost its export of goods and services to about $546 billion, while that of Nigeria is only at $70 billion.
“There is also the need for emphasis on skill acquisition and capacity building, which puts large number of young people at work place as well as boost the nation’s capacity in innovation and technology and contributing to the nation’s economic growth,” he added.
Visiting India’ Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, in his remarks said Nigeria has always been a favourite investment destination for Indian businesses. He added that there are around 135 Indian companies in Nigeria which are estimated to have invested over US$ 20 billion in Nigeria.
“It is also a matter of pride that companies owned by Indians or persons of Indian origin are reputed to be the second largest providers of employment in Nigeria. The large and growing population of Nigeria, its talented youth, the abundance of natural resources, a democratic and business-friendly Government and very strong cultural bonds between our peoples have all fuelled the rising economic engagement between both countries.
“But there is still great potential to enhance our economic cooperation and, with the pandemic behind us, both countries must look to vigorously make up for opportunities lost during the last two years,” he said.
On the Trade front, the Minister said Nigeria has been India’s largest trading partner in Africa and a very valuable energy partner. He stressed that bilateral trade between both countries in the year 2021-22 had risen substantially over the previous year to touch US$ 14.95 billion.
Nigeria’s Minister of State For Foreign Affair, Zubairu Dada, in his remarks, said both countries will strive hard to strengthen the bilateral cooperation even as he assured that the government will continue to provide the enabling environment for investors.
Nigerian High Commissioner to India Ahmed Sule, said the NIBC is a platform to identify potential business partners and provide the opportunity to leverage on them. He implored the delegates to interact with their Nigerian counterparts to explore the potential of the country.
High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Gangadharan Balasubramanian, said that about 135 indian companies in diverse fields are in Nigeria providing thousands of jobs.
He stressed the need for more investment in manufacturing, Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, green agriculture, renewable energy and Information and Communications Technology.
The United Kingdom (UK) said she will be spending £15 million of emergency humanitarian funding to provide vital food and nutrition assistance for vulnerable people in North-East Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the money will fund the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver life-saving activities to respond to crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity and malnutrition for vulnerable people, including malnourished women and children.
The statement revealed that this food assistance funding is part of the UK’s wider commitment to prioritise life-saving humanitarian aid to communities around the world who are most vulnerable due to the ongoing combination of crises.
Speaking on the intervention, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson said: “As conflict continues, 4.1 million people are facing a food crisis in North-East Nigeria. Through this emergency funding, the UK has allocated £15 million of humanitarian assistance to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition among the region’s most vulnerable people, including women and children.
“This life-saving aid will help stave off starvation and support people to become more resilient.”
She said the UK is proud to be supporting the work of our delivery partners – the World Food Programme and UNICEF – whose aid workers put themselves at great risk in order to reach those suffering most.
Atkinson noted that this emergency funding supports the UK’s work alongside the Nigerian government to build security in the face of growing instability in the north of the country.
The envoy added that UK has also announced further humanitarian funding to several West African countries in the Sahel region today, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger. When combined with the £15 million funding allocated to North-East Nigeria, this humanitarian funding totals £37.65 million.
The Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford on her part said: “Millions of people across the Sahel and West Africa are unimaginably suffering with hunger and malnutrition.
“That’s why the UK will step up with an urgent £38 million of humanitarian funding, reaching those most vulnerable and saving lives across the region.
“The number of people facing starvation is at their worst for a decade. Whilst this UK funding is a necessity, it has to be part of a bigger international effort. We are calling on international partners to enhance our collective support and scale-up intervention to halt this humanitarian catastrophe.”
Yobe State Government has promised to unravel those behind the killing of an Islamic cleric, Shiek Goni Aisami.
Aishami was gruesome killed last Friday near Gashua, one of the major towns in Yobe State.
He was alleged to have been killed by two suspected military personnels.
The suspects have been arrested by the police while the Military has announced that it has launched investigation into the matter to unveil all details and anyone found wanting, would face the law.
The governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni on Tuesday while directing automatic employment to two sons of the late Islamic cleric, assured that government will ensure investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of the cleric.
The governor made the promise when members of the family visited him to express their gratitude for his personal concern to the family.
Buni assured that government will continue to support the family as it has lost its bread winner.
Malam Ibrahim Aisami, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation for the message of condolence and visitation by a high-powered government delegation to commiserate with the family.
He said the employment would cushion hardships the family may suffer following the demise of the cleric.
President General of Delta Youth Coalition (DYC), a frontline political pressure group in Nigeria, Mr. Chibuzor Agunwa (aka Mr. Dash), has lauded the move by the federal government to award surveillance contract to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, saying his engagement will further enhance the enabling environment needed for accelerated national economic growth.
Mr. Chibuzor Agunwa, described High Chief Government Ekpemupolo as a reputable leader in the Niger Delta region who thinks of the people before himself, adding that the former warlord has invested a lot in human, capital and infrastructure developments towards attaining peace and stability in the region and the country in general.
He mentioned that the engagement of Niger Deltans to protect oil facilities will reduce oil theft to the lowest level and also create a greater level of involvement of the people in the management of natural resources accruing from their region.
“I sincerely wish to thank the Federal Government for awarding the pipeline surveillance contract of protecting oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta to Tompolo.”
He assured that the Delta Youth Coalition will continue to support good governance, saying that DYC will sustain its proactive efforts and support in ensuring that the right people are put into the right positions for the benefit of all.
Mr. Dash explained that DYC has been established in the 25 local government areas of Delta state to ensure good governance.
He said that the vision of DYC was to fill the yawning gap between the leaders and the electorate by forming alignment of bringing political benefits, dividend of democracy to the grass root.
According to him, the mission of Delta Youth Coalition (DYC) is “Promoting community activities by collaborating with different organization to promote peace and harmony among citizens in the state, through joint action that will benefit the people and their communities by way of initiating programs for youth empowerment.”
There is no denying the fact that the popularity and peculiarity of the Peter Obi phenomenon are fast becoming a metaphor, reminiscent of the Marxist-Leninist real class struggle between the haves and the have not, the rulers and the oppressed, the establishment and its victims, the old order and the new culminating in the classical struggle between the bourgeoisie as represented by the present ruling elites and the proletariat as represented by the teeming masses of suffering and discontented Nigerians.
A cursory look at the fabric and factum of the Peter Obi movement vis-a-vis her driving philosophy, her stated objectives and the vigorous way the adherents are up and about it shows a rare commitment of a people yearning and yawning for not just a change but a paradigm shift, a deletion of an old suffocating order for a new reassuring one.
It may be indiscernible to many minds that this movement is far becoming a platform for the rightful expression of discontentment with the past and the present and a chance to alter the rhythm of the future amidst so many distrustful assurances coming from a failed status quo.
The people are angry, no doubt about that. But they are tired of being angry and therefore are determined to take the bull by the horns to establish a lasting change for the future. This is the mindset of every follower of the Peter Obi movement and it is remarkable.
It is against this backdrop that one can have a deciphering conclusion that this “struggle” as it were, is far beyond the Peter Obi persona and his Labour Party. It is a struggle for class dominance; a struggle between reactionary forces of retrogression and the progressive vibe of change.
This is the reason the movement is gaining adhesion with the poor and lonely, as well as the rich but disillusioned, who felt they deserve a better deal from this faulty amalgam. To ignore this fact by any serious-minded Nigerian or lover of Nigeria is to play the Ostrich.
In the Peter Obi movement, Nigerians seem to have woken up to see beyond the politics of personalities and identity to that of issues and the rebirth of egalitarianism and purposeful governance amid crass maladministration that has plagued us over time.
The die is cast. The face of the struggle may be that of the esteemed candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Gregory Obi. But the kernel of the people’s desire is rooted in the need for Nigeria and Nigerians to have a home called peace where everyone can aspire to any limitless horizon without inhibition by the rich against the poor or by the state, through her faulty structures. May the overwhelming wishes of the majority of Nigerians come to pass.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:
In preparation for the smooth take-off of the of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) 2022 cycle, a workshop has been organized for STEP trainers.
The Trainers’ Workshop which took place in Asaba was attended by 135 verified trainers selected by the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau.
Addressing the participants, The Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer and the Head of the Bureau, Prof Eric Eboh, stated that the workshop was to help the trainers familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations and code of conduct guiding the training of STEP beneficiaries.
CJWCO, Prof Eric Eboh, addressing STEP trainers He also stated that the workshop would perfect the documentation of selected STEP trainers before the onset of the training exercise and to obtain their commitment in the training process.
He listed six categories of skills available in the 2022 STEP cycle as Catering and Confectionery; Tiling and Interlocking; Hairdressing and Braiding; Audio-Visual-Services; Electrical and Solar works, and PoP, Screed-Making and Painting, adding that the training duration for the skills would be within a period of four to five months.
He emphasized that the State Government has in the past seven years trained and established 6,075 youths through STEP and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP.)
“Allow and guide the trainees to use your facilities to learn and to practise; provide qualified and well-motivated instructors during training exercise; follow the training manual, but add useful supplementary methods to help the trainees; inspect and sign the daily activity logbook; uphold the integrity of the programme which has been sustained since 2015, and report any irregular or troublesome trainee to the job creation bureau,” he charged them.
He commended the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the political support given to the programme to ensure that it is sustained from inception till date, stressing that the 2022 STEP cycle is the seventh cycle in the series.
On his part, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Mr. Edward Mekwunye, harped on the importance of the trainers as partners in the job creation success story.
EA to Gov on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring addressing the participants
While emphasizing that the role of the Directorate of the Youth Monitoring and Mentoring (DYMM) is to ensure the success of the job creation and empowerment programmes of the State Government, he tasked them to put in their best to ensure that the training process is successful.
Some Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Job and Wealth Creation in the Bureau, Prince Charles Abutoh, Hon Emmanuel Osazuwa and Hon Leonard Esegbue, commended the State Governor for his commitment to creating job and wealth for the teeming unemployed youths in the state, appealing to the trainers to tap from their wealth of experience and to impact knowledge on the trainees to help them to realize the goals of the State Governor.
Responding, Mrs. Nora Mcwhite, the CEO of Obooboo Bubble Integrated Services, a female trainer in PoP, Screed-Making and Painting, lauded the STEP programme.
“STEP is a job creation programme for real people, real stories and real success stories. STEP is an applaudable programme and I am happy to be part of it,” she concluded.
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