UNITED States has condemned the banning of Twitter in Nigeria, stating that it is a violation of Nigerians’ fundamental rights.
The United States, in a statement by it’s Embassy in Nigeria on Saturday said: “Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.”
The statement added that: “Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity. #KeepitOn”
THE Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned, in its entirety, the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the Federal Government describing it as a clear violation of freedom of speech and other democratic rights and tenets as provided by the 1999 constitution.
The lawmakers, in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Saturday, described the suspension as “provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable”.
The caucus holds that the decision of the Federal Government in suspending Twitter “smacks of intolerance, insensitivity and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens, especially the youths, on matters of state.
“Our caucus rejects this thoughtless decision of the Federal Government which amounts to a clampdown and a direct infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free speech as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“It further shows the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration as one that is unwilling to listen to Nigerians but ready to use any means to suppress and subjugate its citizens.
“The Minority Caucus is further disturbed that the suspension of Twitter in the country came after the social media platform deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets.
“Such response by the Federal Government has further raised concerns on the APC-led administration’s disturbing rating on issues of political intolerance, abuse of rights and violation of rules in our country.
“The minority caucus cautions that the development is capable of leading to further restiveness among Nigerians and worsen the situation in the country.
“Moreover, this action of the Federal Government, coming at a time the National Assembly is conducting its public hearing towards the amendment of the constitution, may constitute a major setback capable of diminishing public confidence in the exercise as well as other processes genuine efforts by the legislature to strengthen democratic tenets in the country” the lawmakers stated.
THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) has promoted 19 senior officers that have stagnated on positions for over ten years.
Commandant-General, (CG), of the corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, during the decoration of the newly promoted officers, said the corps would henceforth ensure that all those who have not been promoted for years, are given their due in order to boost personnel morale and keep the ranks in order.
He said “When i came into office and took a look at the promotion list, I noticed that some people are suppose to be promoted but are not in the list while others who are not due for promotion have lobbied and their names where on the list so I immediately expunged them.
I am making effort to see that all those whose promotions have stagnated for many years get promoted according. Promotion is a privilege that comes from service so you all must reciprocate that through more dedication to service.”
Audi however warned that anyone found involved in any fraudulent activity that contravenes the aims of the corps, will be dealt with according to the law.
He said the era of viewing promotion as a jamboree, has passed and this would also put to an end the idea of “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop”.
“I hope to build a positive culture that will create a very unique identity for the corps within the security architecture of Nigeria.
I will base my decisions on three cardinal principles and that includes improved welfare, fighting fraudulent behaviour and the promotion of personnel as, at and when due,” he said.
In a congratulatory message, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, urged all those promoted to put in their best and see the promotion as a call to greater service to their fatherland.
Represented by Dr. Funsho Alabi, a director in the ministry, Belgore said “promotion is a call to service and we have seen a nimber of promotions across all the agencies under our ministry. This alone, is an indication of dedication by the minister, Rauf Aregbesola.”
Those promoted officers include six personnel who rose from Assistant Controller-Generals, (ACGs), to acting DCGs while 13 others who where promoted to the ranks of commandants after being stagnated for at least 10 years.
FAMILIES of 61 district heads killed by Boko Haram since the outbreak of insurgency in the Northeast in 2009 have received humanitarian intervention from both Victims Support Fund (VSF) and Borno State Government.
The VSF at an occasion, which has the Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi in attendance, presented economic empowerment packages to some of the 61 families.
The VSF, a public and private funded humanitarian body set up by the Presidency during the Jonathan administration, had after meetings with all the families to identify their livelihood needs, made available, variety of economic, social and educational empowerment items estimated at N61m, from which, each family got materials worth a million Naira.
Speaking at the occasion, Borno State Governor ordered the release of N12.2m as an addition to a need-based intervention of the Victims Support Fund (VSF), to families of 61 district heads killed by Boko Haram.
Speaking as special guest of honour for the intervention ceremony, held on Thursday at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum directed the release of N200,000 to each of the 61 families, making up N12.2m the State Government’s contribution.
He said the support was in view of the fact that most of the district heads were killed by insurgents because of their role in intelligence gathering through the mobilization of community members to provide information to security agencies.
The Governor thanked the slain district heads for their sacrifices to the people of Borno.
Earlier in her address, Executive Director of VSF, Prof. Nana Tanko explained that insurgents were in the habit of targeting traditional rulers such as the 61 district heads, in order to break resilience of communities given the fact most residents run to palaces for help in moments of crisis.
She noted that traditional rulers killed by insurgents had served their country and hence their families needed to be supported through an intervention covering education of their children, as well as equipping them with economic tools such as machines and agricultural items that will enable them sustain themselves, explaining that all interventions were based on the needs tabled by each of the 61 benefiting families.
The Executive Director noted that the intervention was on the request of the Shehu of Borno.
Nana also said VSF has been of assistance to victims of different crisis across the State in line with its mandate.
The Shehu of Borno expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum and the Victim Support Fund (VSF) for coming to the aid of families of the slain traditional rulers.
The Shehu also listed all the district heads killed and areas of their jurisdiction.
In his welcome address, commissioner for Local Governments and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai-Mele spoke elaborately on the critical roles played by traditional rulers on many developmental issues, particularly security at the community levels.
Highlight of the event was Governor Zulum’s ceremonial presentation of economic empowerment packages provided by the VSF, to some of the 61 families.
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has decried ongoing call for the dismemberment of the country, even as it rolled out planned to fortify the unity of Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday on the state of the nation and plans put in place for the success of the forthcoming NUJ Conference scheduled to hold between June 6 and 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo said: “The Union is perturbed that the national politics is seeking to divide the country and the Media should braced up to unite the country.”
He said terrorism and banditry should also be fought relentlessly and the Media must lead the fight against these evils.
He insisted that the responsibility of government is primarily to protect life and property of its citizens, noting that would however be disastrous to allow citizens to lose confidence in government’s ability to deal with the situation.
He said Nigeria’s ranking as one of the members of club of 10 top kidnapping countries in the world and a leading one in Africa is a source of concern for the NUJ especially as violence in the country has affected millions of Nigerians.
He lamented that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have so far crossed into neighboring West African countries as refugees, stressing that the situation is daily being aggravated by lack of adequate response from Government.
He equally decried that economic well-being of millions of Nigerians have been affected as agricultural activities have been suspended because of inadequate security, with clear and obvious risk of acute food insecurity in the country.
He said: “The thousands of Internally Displaced Persons especially in the North East and Central Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, even as these displaced Nigerians continue to compete for scarce resources such as water, land and food. There are protection concerns majorly for the vulnerable- women, children and the elderly, while water sanitation and hygiene have become priority needs in the affected areas.”
Isiguzo said the theme of the Conference: “The Media, Insecurity and National Unity” was timely because of the pivotal role of the media as an effective tool for addressing Issues of National Unity and Insecurity.
He said: “While we concede the fact that, the fight against terrorism and banditry are extremely difficult, we believe however that the media can contribute immensely in this regard. There is therefore the need to come together as professionals to look for how Government can be properly guided in creating an enabling environment for free press to thrive and serve as catalyst in influencing the right attitude by all Nigerians. This can minimize or even help in defeating terrorism and banditry in the country.”
He disclosed that the host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State will officially declare the Conference open while Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu will deliver the keynote address.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to speak on “Media Against Insecurity: Upholding Ethical Standards”, among other notable Speakers.
NUJ Decries Growing Call for Nigeria Break-Up, Rolls Out Plans for Unity
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Mike SOGBOLO:
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has decried ongoing call for the dismemberment of the country, even as it rolled out planned to fortify the unity of Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday on the state of the nation and plans put in place for the success of the forthcoming NUJ Conference scheduled to hold between June 6 and 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo said: “The Union is perturbed that the national politics is seeking to divide the country and the Media should braced up to unite the country.”
He said terrorism and banditry should also be fought relentlessly and the Media must lead the fight against these evils.
He insisted that the responsibility of government is primarily to protect life and property of its citizens, noting that would however be disastrous to allow citizens to lose confidence in government’s ability to deal with the situation.
He said Nigeria’s ranking as one of the members of club of 10 top kidnapping countries in the world and a leading one in Africa is a source of concern for the NUJ especially as violence in the country has affected millions of Nigerians.
He lamented that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have so far crossed into neighboring West African countries as refugees, stressing that the situation is daily being aggravated by lack of adequate response from Government.
He equally decried that economic well-being of millions of Nigerians have been affected as agricultural activities have been suspended because of inadequate security, with clear and obvious risk of acute food insecurity in the country.
He said: “The thousands of Internally Displaced Persons especially in the North East and Central Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, even as these displaced Nigerians continue to compete for scarce resources such as water, land and food. There are protection concerns majorly for the vulnerable- women, children and the elderly, while water sanitation and hygiene have become priority needs in the affected areas.”
Isiguzo said the theme of the Conference: “The Media, Insecurity and National Unity” was timely because of the pivotal role of the media as an effective tool for addressing Issues of National Unity and Insecurity.
He said: “While we concede the fact that, the fight against terrorism and banditry are extremely difficult, we believe however that the media can contribute immensely in this regard. There is therefore the need to come together as professionals to look for how Government can be properly guided in creating an enabling environment for free press to thrive and serve as catalyst in influencing the right attitude by all Nigerians. This can minimize or even help in defeating terrorism and banditry in the country.”
He disclosed that the host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State will officially declare the Conference open while Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu will deliver the keynote address.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to speak on “Media Against Insecurity: Upholding Ethical Standards”, among other notable Speakers.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, admission into full-time undergraduate programmes for the 2020/2021 academic session is in progress and closes its admission of eligible candidates in two weeks time.
The statement by the Registrar, Chief Mrs. R. A. Egborge, indicates that candidates with JAMB score of 160 can be admitted into all programmes of the Institution, except Law that requires score of 170.
She noted that all eligible candidates need not go through the stress of the next JAMB examination and admission problems, adding that the candidates can put an end to the stress by using the last year’s 2020 JAMB scores for admission into Edwin Clark University now before mid June,2021.
She further stated that the only requirements are 5 credits including Mathematics and English, emphasizing that for sciences and social sciences, two other credits in science and social science subjects are required while for Law, a credit in English Literature is required.
The statement added that candidates admitted now before 15th of June 2021, will complete the session with the present 100 level students with additional lectures during the summer season.
The Registrar maintained that programmes offered at Edwin Clark University include 10 different programmes in the Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, 8 different programmes in Faculty of Science, 7 programmes in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and 1 programme in the Faculty of Law.
According to Mrs. Egborge, all programmes offered for admission have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), stating that the school fees are quite moderate, just as the Institution is a fully residential private University in Nigeria.
For enquiries and contacts, send your information to the following email addresses or call their phone numbers. egborgerosalyn@yahoo.co.uk 08030553506 and 08023501229.
Others are sohebilly@yahoo.com 08023344025 and sportingadol@gail.com 08063626868
MINISTER of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has warned both local and state government levels not to depend on the federal government for fire fighting in their domains.
Speaking at the commissioning of 20 newly procured of fire fighting equipment in Abuja on Tuesday, Aregbesola said fire fighting is under the current list and both state and local governments should not shy away from this responsibility
He said local and state governments should have capacity to fight fire as the Federal Fire Service is only to complement their provision.
He said “local government chairmen must procure equipment to fight fire as well as state governors.”
He said it is until this is done that we can have effective fire fighting in the country.
Aregbesola during the commissioning of 20 newly procure basic life support (BLS) modern ambulance buses, seven firefighting trucks, said: “The state should know that we are only complementing them, they should ensure adequate provision is made for fighting fire and the same provision should be supported at the local government level.”
On the latest procurement, Aregbesola said: “These equipment are part of the N10.4 billion infrastructure upgrade approved by the Federal Executive Council on March 3, comprising of 44 firefighting engines, 15 water tankers, 15 rapid intervention fire engines (not conventional ones) that can go into any nook and cranny to respond to distressed calls and 20 basic life support ambulances.”
The Minister said it is best to prevent fire, noting that: “This begins with buildings design and equipment. A lot of buildings, including public ones and high-rise structures, are not fire preventive and do not have fire fighting facilities. Many homes and vehicles would have been saved if the small mobile fire extinguishers have been handy when fire struck.”
He lamented that: “There is also the superstitious belief that fire incidents usher prosperity. This is callous and dangerous. Some people lost their life investments in fire from which they never recover while human lives lost to fire can never be brought back.”
Also speaking at the occasion which was also used to pull out newly retired senior officers of the FFS, the Controller General, Dr. Liman Ibrahim praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the investment in the nation’s firefighting equipment and development of personnel, insisting that Nigeria has never had it this good.
He said the equipment will be deployed to bring improvement in firefighting across the nation.
COMPTROLLER-GENERAL, (CG), of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, has ordered the closure of Abia State Passport Office as a result of attack on the facility by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The CG made this known yesterday while briefing the media on developments in the agency with regards to efforts made for the smooth introduction of a new passports regime and the clearance of backlog of applications.
Babandede who alleged that one of the senior staff was lost in the attack, said no passport was destroyed in the inferno.
He said the agency is collaborating with the Nigeria police and other security agencies to secure and protect passports offices across the country.
He said: “We are very sad that we have to closed down our passports office in Abia because it was attacked and part of the building was burned down.
This is very sad but we are lucky that the passports section was safe so all the passports produced are intact otherwise it would have been worse.”
Babandede while lamenting that the building was one of its newly built and commissioned offices, urged the protection of critical national infrastructure to avoid waste of national resources.
He said: “I have instructed our officers to defend and protect our fatherland because they have a duty to keep the stability and and integrity of our nation. We are also working with the police and other security agencies to tackle this challenge.”
Babandede while updating on progress made to ensure seamless passport registration, renewal and collection process, said the new passports regime which begins June 1st, has been extended by a week to enable applicants who are yet to collect their passports do so in compliance with COVID-19 protocols and to avoid overcrowding.
He explained that already, 230, 500 passports have been produced and distributed with 43, 350 yet to be collected by applicants.
He however urged all who received messages to endeavour to come and collect their passports as directed because the schedule is such that applicants are invited in batches of 50 to come for collection.
He said only few passports are left to be cleared and this will be done in the next few days.
OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have foiled attempts to export skunk and methamphetamine through Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to European countries of Turkey and Belgium.
A statement by the spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said operatives of the agency were able to arrest a 23-year-old secondary school leaver, Iwuyi Chukwuka and a Europe based Nigerian, Peter Mkwo while attempting to export nine kilogrammes of skunk and methamphetamine through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja to Turkey and Belgium respectively.
He said Peter Mkwo, 37, was arrested on Friday May 28, 2021 while trying to board an Ethiopian Airline 910 enroute Abuja-Addis Ababa- Brussels, Belgium.
He disclosed that when he was searched, 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was discovered stuffed in the lining of a false bottom of his luggage.
He said under interrogation, Mkwo claimed he has lived in Belgium for 15 years and worked as a forklift driver in an automobile company, where he earned €1,700 per month. He said he had traveled into Nigeria on 26th April, for the burial of his father who died in August, 2019 but buried on 30th April in Awka, Anambra State.
He said after spending two weeks in Awka, he traveled to Uyo for another week to see his sister and later to Lagos to see his girlfriend. He claimed he Lodged in a hotel at Amuwo Odofin in Lagos where he met two men while hanging at the bar by the hotels swimming pool where they made a proposal to him to carry the drug for onward delivery to Belgium.
He said the bag containing the drug was brought to him in the hotel by the two men on Friday 28th May before he took off to Abuja where he was to take his flight to Brussels.
He disclosed that he was promised €3,000 on successful delivery to one Ishmael, in Belgium, while claiming that he accepted the offer to deliver the drug to raise some fund to pay back the money he borrowed from friends during the burial of his father.
Twenty-three-year-old Iwuyi Chukwuka, who was arrested with 6.3 kilogrammes skunk concealed in cray fish and stuffed inside Golden Morn packs during an outward clearance of Turkish airline flight at the departure hall of the Abuja airport, during interrogation claimed he was travelling for a Diploma study in Tourism and Hotel Management at University of Mediterranean, Karpasia, North Cyprus.
In another arrest, a 27-year-old graduate of Accountancy from the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Zakaru Baba was arrested at the local wing of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano with 6 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa. The consignment was flown from Lagos to Kano on Saturday, 29th May via Max Air.
The suspect who turned up to claim the packaged drug was arrested and has since confessed ownership of the exhibit. This is the first time the Command has apprehended a suspect via the domestic wing of the Airport, as most arrests and seizures are usually made at the international wing.
In his reaction, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the NAIA Commander, Kabir Tsakuwa, and his MAKIA counterpart, Mohammed Ajiya, as well as the officers and men of the two Commands for their vigilance and commitment to the task of ridding the country of illicit substances. He charged them not to rest on their oars as the agency intensifies the war against dru
Re: Distressing State Of DESOPADEC Under The PDP-Led Government
When Facts Are Turned On Their Head By The Delta APC
In a bid to set the record straight on the steady and unhindered trajectory of interventions by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the Media and Public Affairs Unit of the Commission, has reacted to recent spurious and unfounded claims made by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
WE are constrained to respond with swift and responsive tenor to the hogwash being spewed in its surfeit by the opposition All Progressives Congress in Delta State, if not for anything, but to set the record straight on the steady and unhindered trajectory of interventions by the agency, ably steered by some of Delta State’s team of technocrats and leaders at the grassroots.
For a start, the noble objectives of the Commission have continued to inspire and guide every undertaking of the management since its establishment in 2007.
It needs reiterating here that, like every other agency of government, the operational ambiance has been of chequered nature, experiencing the pleasant, the hopeful, the contrived, and the challenged.
No doubt the Commission has recorded giant strides in critical infrastructure and indelible human capital development and this we have achieved with consummate passion over the years.
Since the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Executive Governor of Delta State, the Commission has been proactively reengineered along with a basic corporate template that coheres with international best practices.
We have stated severally that we operate a bottom-up approach whereby our mandate areas communities determine and request for prioritised projects which the Commission diligently grants and executes to the letter. This acclaimed practice has ensured that there are no abandoned projects throughout our mandate areas and a happy and fulfilled beneficiaries.
Let us state very clearly that the Governor does not interfere in the running of the Commission, instead his support and encouragement have been a tonic responsible for our modest successes.
The so called audit is an annual statutory function of the State Auditor-General, the report of which is submitted to the Delta State House of Assembly, our commission being an agency of government which cannot be above the law. The audit is actually targeted at the Management and not the staff since none is being screened. The audit is to ensure that Management is playing strictly by the rules, including a forensic look at our financial books and Payroll. Therefore, a normal statutory audit that every responsible corporate body should undergo at intervals, should not be cause for infantile innuendos.
In every sector that spans housing, education, power, water, land reclamation, transportation, health, and human capital development, the Commission has been minded to make an indelible impact in the mandate areas, all of which are well documented in print and electronic media. The APC should dare and be open-minded to watch our weekly flagship 30-minute television programme titled, “DESOPADEC WEEKLY” and also read our monthly newsmagazine, “DESOPADEC NEWS.”
At the risk of engaging in flatulent arguments and waste precious time to convince pundits with partisan bias, may we highlight some of our landmark projects and initiatives undertaken, amongst thousands of others.
Under a very difficult period occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic when most ministries, departments, and agencies of government were literarily in limbo, our management team was still able to brave the odds to deliver top-grade projects to our people.
Below is a slice of the intervention inventory of a people-based agency that is proudly Delta!
Concrete Landing Jetty at Ajigba, Warri South LGA
Ultra Modern Opute Hall, Ozoro, Isoko North LGA
Cottage Hospital, Agoloma-Patani, Patani LGA
Edion Hall, Orerokpe, Okpe LGA
1.85km Perimeter Fencing at Oliogo Secondary School, Oliogo Umuseti, Ndokwa West LGA
Complete transformation of the twin communities of Obaghoro/Utonlila in Warri North LGA, comprising 50 fully furnished 2-bedroom bungalows, concrete jetties, water scheme, town hall, cottage hospital, concrete paved roads, school, reinforced steel-concrete bridge, provision of motorized fishing boats and other economic boosters
Fully furnished 4 semi-detached 2-bedroom bungalows and donated to the management of the National Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South West LGA
Reinforced steel pedestrian bridge and concrete walkways at Tsekelewu, Warri North LGA
Fully furnished ultra-modern Civic Centre at Uzere, Isoko South LGA
Fully furnished visiting lecturers’ quarters, Faculty of Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Isoko South LGA
Modern Students’ Hall, Faculty of Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Isoko South LGA
Modern Civic Centre, Abalagada, Ndokwa East LGA
Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan ICT Centre, Obiaruku, Ukwuani LGA
Constructed Mission Road, Oghara, Ethiope West LGA
Constructed Famous Oborevwori Road, Okpe LGA
Renovation of Uzere Model Secondary School, Uzere, Isoko South LGA
Concrete Landing Jetty and walkway at Ugbege, Warri North LGA
Constructed Ogiedon, Ijomi and Water Board Roads, Jesse, Ethiope West LGA
Constructed block of classrooms, Principal’s residence, and Corpers’ Lodge at Aboh Grammar School, Ndokwa East LGA
Constructed facility at Divisional Police Post, Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA
Provision of 40,000 and 20,000 liters solar-powered water schemes at Obodo, Warri South LGA, Ebedei Uno, Ukwuani LGA, Uruto-Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, Uba-Egbelemeji, Koko, Warri North LGA,
Constructed, Onitsha, Ekane, and Egbabor Streets, Ozoro, Isoko North LGA; Ulohomuno, Eboh, Ogba Streets, Oleh, Isoko South LGA
Land reclamation at Izansa, Warri South West LGA
Constructed modern Doctor’s and Nurses’ Quarters at Naiforgbene, Warri South West LGA
Provision of welding and fabrication equipment at centre in Omadino, Warri South LGA
Constructed ultra-modern Obodo Civic Centre, Obodo, Warri South LGA
Construction of interlocked Mewe Omadeli Street, Swamp Road, Esisi GRA, Warri, Warri South
Constructed ultra-modern library facility and resource centre at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri South LGA
Completed Eight (8) Kilometers Obi-Anyima Abavo Road, Ika South Local Government Area.
And hundreds more completed and delivered projects that respond to the needs of the people in our mandate areas.
Add to these is the wave-making human capital empowerment of more than 1200 of our mandate areas women with the sum of N100,000.00 each to boost their economic trade during the COVID-19 lockdown.
We are elated to use this opportunity to let our traducers know that 160 citizens of our mandate areas will graduate next month from the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, after undergoing six months of intensive training in various skills and will become entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
What more, we are not given to vain and idle babbling. We have proofs cast in the concrete legacy of posterity. Again, we request our traducers to watch our giant strides on TV, read up our activities in print to be certain as to our irreducible commitment to our noble vision with ocean clear mission!
CHINA has explained her role in the blockade of Taiwan from attending recently held World Health Assembly.
A statement from the spokesman of Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhang Hang said China could have unilaterally blocked Taiwan from attending the United Nations organized function, insisting that the decision was taken by over 80 countries.
Zhang said the decision was taken by allies of China across the world who believe in a United China which include Taiwan.
Zhang, in the statement said: “I was caught by surprise to read in a local newspaper an article entitled “Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Assembly undermines global health” by Her Excellency Mary Beth Leonard, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, indicating China wrongfully blocked Taiwan from participating at the WHA.”
He said Nigerians and everyone else across the globe should be interested in what actually happened.
He said: “On May 24, The General Committee and the Plenary session of the 74th WHA respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of “inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer” submitted by certain countries. Can China succeed in doing this alone? No, actually among 194 members of World Health Organization, more than 150 countries, including Nigeria voiced their support for China, and more than 80 countries sent letters to WHO to express their commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan’s participation in the WHA.”
He asked: “Were all these countries wrong? Absolutely not.”
Zhang said: “WHO is an international organization only sovereign country can join. Taiwan is not a sovereign country, it is an inalienable part of China. The Resolution 2758 of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 1971 and the Resolution 25.1 of WHA in May 1972 had already provided the legal basis for the WHO to abide by the one-China principle, and recognized Taiwan as part of China.”
He further said: “One-China principle is an international consensus and adhered by 180 countries including the U.S.A.. Taiwan region’s participation in the WHA must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle and through cross-strait consultations. The incumbent authorities in the Taiwan region since 2016 obstinately adhered to the separatist position of “Taiwan independence” and refused to recognize that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. As a result, the political foundation for the Taiwan region to participate in WHA has ceased to exist.”
Zhang added that: “Based on the one-China principle, the Central Government of China has made appropriate arrangements for the Taiwan region’s participation in global health affairs. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Central Government of China has sent 260 notifications on COVID-19 to Taiwan region. Health experts in Taiwan region have participated in 16 WHO technical activities.
“The WHO Secretariat briefed health experts in Taiwan region several times on pandemic information. The so-called “international epidemic prevention gap” does not exist, nor do experts of Taiwan region lack channels and platforms to share response and control practices with others.”
He however said as COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage globally, it is high time for responsible international community members to show solidarity, instead of politicizing health issues and interfering with other countries’ internal affairs.
NIGERIAN government has been asked to increase the tax on tobacco to meet the Article 14 of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which pegged it at 75 percent.
Addressing a press conference to mark the World No Tobacco Day, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa lamented that the present tax of 20 percent on tobacco is too low to increase the price of cigarette and make it expensive for people to buy.
He said the federal government should copy the tax regime on tobacco in Europe which is as much as 70 percent to stop many Nigerians from purchasing the “poisonous” substance.
He said Nigeria needs to fully subscribe to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCT) cost effective measures for effective tobacco control known as MPOWER that include measures such as monitoring, protecting, offering, warning, enforcing bans and raising taxes on tobacco.
He said while Nigeria has put in place mechanisms for implementation of some of the FCTC measures, lamenting that unfortunately the measure of adopting cessation programmes designed to offer help for smokers to quit remains largely underutilized.
He decried that: “As the country continues to delay on implementation of cessation programmes, the tobacco industry is already miles ahead in investing massively in strategies and technology aimed at initiating young people to their products as they are eager to flood Nigeria and the rest of Africa with new products like e-cigarettes, misleading brandishing them as quit aids and harm reduction products.”
He called on government at all levels in Nigeria to invest in
promoting cessation, by developing evidence-based, cost-effective strategies and guidelines, and allocating adequate resources for programme’s implementation.
He said free counseling must be provided for those that are eager to quit and also for those that has quitted.
He decried that surveys have found that even though 80 percent of smokers would want like to quit smoking, less than five percent are able to quit on their own due to the highly addictive properties of nicotine
Musa revealed that over 1.3 billion people in the world use tobacco, and over 80 percent of this population live in low and middle income countries where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is very high.
He said data has shown that 18 billion cigarettes sold annually
and that 16,100 deaths arising from tobacco use annually in Nigeria.
MALI has been suspended from the West African regional bloc, Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) until the current military dictators vacant office and return the country to civil rule.
The decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the sub-region’s leaders in Accra, Ghana on Sunday.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs minister, Shirley Ayorko Botchwey told journalists that the Mali junta’s non-adherence to the mediatory role of ECOWAS necessistated the decision of ECOWAS leaders.
She added that the West Africa leaders gave a few days ultimatum to the Colonel Assimi Goitta-led junta to restore a civilian to the post of Prime Minister, so that the transition agreed to following the ouster of the democratically-elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August, is followed up to its February, 2022 terminal date.
ECOWAS envoy, former Nigerian president, Goodlluck Jonathan had briefed the meeting behind closed-doors of his mediatory trips to Mali last week.
The communique released after the meeting revealed that Extraordinary Summit was convened to review the prevailing socio-political crisis in Mali following the arrest, detention and subsequent resignations of the President and the Prime Minister of the Transition on 26th May 2021, as well as to determine the next line of action for the transition.
The communique read that after the presentation of the report by Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria and ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator to Mali, the Heads of State expressed strong and deep concerns over the present crisis in Mali, which is coming halfway to the end of the agreed transition period, in the context of the security challenges related to incessant terrorist attacks and the Covid-19 Pandemic with its dire socio-economic impacts.
The Heads of State subsequently demanded the immediate release of the former President and Prime Minister of the Transition who are kept under house arrest.
They also strongly condemned this recent Coup d’Etat, which they agreed was a violation of the decisions taken at the extraordinary Summit held at the Peduase Lodge, Aburi, Ghana on 15th September 2020 and a violation of the Transition Charter.
The Head of States after extensive discussions on the situation in Mali, also took the following decisions: they reaffirmed the importance and necessity of respecting the democratic process for ascending to power, in conformity with the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They particularly condemned all actions that led to ongoing instability in Mali, and its attendant consequences in the region.
They decided to suspend Mali from ECOWAS Institutions in line with ECOWAS provisions; and called for a new civilian Prime Minister to be nominated immediately.
They also demanded that a new inclusive government should be formed to proceed with the transition programme; while reaffirming the need to respect the transition period of 18 months decided in Accra. In this context, the date of 27th February 2022 already announced for the Presidential election should be absolutely main-tained. A monitoring Mechanism will be put in place to this effect.
They also reiterated the earlier decisions that the Head of the transition, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of the transition should not, under any circumstances, be candidates for the forthcoming Presidential election; even as they reaffirmed ECOWAS’ support to accompany the transition process in Mali, and urged all international partners (the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union) to continue to support Mali towards the successful implementation of the transition.
They however congratulated and encouraged the Mediator to persevere with his mediation efforts and remain seized of the situation in Mali through the Local Monitoring Committee, while calling for the immediate implementation of all the decisions in conformity with the transition timetable defined, and asked the Mediator to return to Mali within a week to engage stakeholders on these decisions.
HIS Royal Majesty, Ogurimerime Ukori I, Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, has lauded the Sterling qualities of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, for effectively using the Commission to deliver people oriented projects and services in oil bearing communities of the state.
The Royal father gave the commendation, when the MD and management team of the Commission paid him a courtesy call in the palace at Isiokolo, before proceeding to commission Two Blocks of eight classrooms at Ibruvwe Primary School, constructed by DESOPADEC, at Samagidi, Ethiope East Local Government Area, on Thursday, May 27, 2021.
He explained that since the inauguration of DESOPADEC in February, 2007 by the then Chief James Onanefe Ibori administration, the Commission, now led by Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has metamorphosed into a very great and commendable establishment, for the upliftment of the lives of the people in the oil producing communities of Delta state.
“Another important point I want to make with DESOPADEC is that I am one of those who stood by His Excellency Chief James Onanefe Ibori to set up DESOPADEC in February 2007. That shows how close I was to the pioneering stage of DESOPADEC, and I am happy that what we put together in 2007 has metamorphosed into a very great and commendable establishment, for the upliftment of the lives of our people, the oil producing communities of Delta state”, he emphasized.
The Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, further commended the weekly television programme, tagged DESOPADEC’s Giant Strides in developing the Oil Producing Areas of Delta State, to showcase the significant contributions of DESOPADEC to the building of a Stronger Delta under the good governance of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
The weekly programme is shown every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on AIT, NTA Asaba and DRTV Warri at 9.00am, 6.30pm and 6.00pm respectively.
According to the traditional ruler, “Those of us who are confined to the four walls of our rooms on daily bases, who do not go out from our rooms as traditional rulers, every Tuesday we always take time off to watch the activities of DESOPADEC and its always a story of successes, the stories of achievement , the stories of progress and the stories of happiness for the people of the oil producing communities, and it is not unconnected with the seriousness with which the Managing Director is handling his position.”
He said that since Bashorun Askia Ogieh took over as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer DESOPADEC, the Commission has experienced great manifestation of effective service delivery in both human and infrastructural development, adding that the executive directors and commissioners have also aided the recurring successes in the Commission.
“When Bashorun took over, and since he took over the sky has been the limit of his performance. He is always there at the commissioning, he will never delegate people, he will never sway round the civil chairs in his office, he is always in the sun and in the rain, both at inspection of projects and at commissioning of the several projects, so kudos to Bashorun Askia Ogieh. If we talk about the MD success or successes it is also not unconnected with the serious and astute support being giving to him by the executive directors and commissioners.”
He however appealed to the Commission to sustain the good works they have been doing in the mandate oil and gas producing communities in the state and called on them to execute more projects in his kingdom.
“With the commissioning of two blocks of eight classrooms for our pupils, after this I hope you will come again to commission more projects, apart from that also to commission something in the palace.”
THE House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review will hold its South South zonal public hearing in Asaba, Delta State.
According to statement signed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Special Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chairman, South South Public Hearing, Asaba Centre, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, the public hearing comes up on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th June, 2021.
The statement said that the public hearing is part of House of Representatives efforts in ensuring wide participation of Nigerians and other critical stakeholders in the process of altering the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It further stated that the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu will be leading five other Honourable members of the committee, two consultants and three secretariat staff to the event that has been scheduled to hold at the Delta State Event Centre, Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta State.
The Committee therefore, has invited the State Governors that make up the Asaba South South zonal centre, namely Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States, to present position papers during the public hearing.
Also invited to present position papers are: representatives of Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States Houses of Assembly, representatives of traditional institutions in Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States, civil society organizations, political parties, NUJ, NLC, NUT, Ethnic Nationalities in the three States, as well as other critical stakeholders.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mchael J. EKOKORUWE:
THE student of Bellarks Polytechnic Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State, have been urged to acquire the necessary Skills that promote self reliance, towards addressing Nigeria’s unemployment problem.
The Rector of Bellarks Polytechnic, Dr. Egbule A. C. Solomon, gave the charge during the institution’s first matriculation/induction ceremony, held at Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State.
While urging the students to make good use of the chances provided for them by parents, guardians and sponsors, Dr. Egbule charged the students to be punctual in class, avoid distractions and all types of deviant behavior and vices.
He maintained that Bellarks Polytechnic have Zero tolerance for any sort of wrongdoing and will not hesitate to discipline violators.
Egbule urged the students to respect their colleagues and employers of the polytechnic in other to be fruitful, noting that modesty, decency and other rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook must be obeyed.
The Rector stated that Bellarks polytechnic’s inaugural matriculation/induction ceremony was to formally admit deserving and qualified candidates who have been offered admission to the institution.
He added that students of the institution will receive Certificates for National Diploma (ND) in their numerous fields of study, just as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTC) and the Delta State government has fully accredited the polytechnic’s program through the ministry of Higher Education.
Dr. Egbule maintained that over 80 students have been inducted into the polytechnic’s five departments, the Departments of Business Administration and Management, the Department of Computer Engineering, the Department of Electronic / Electrical Engineering, the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics.
The Rector further stated that over 80 students inducted into various departments are the first sets of students to be admitted into the institution, stressing that the polytechnic is a world – class polytechnic with commercial model standards.
On his part, the Registrar of Bellarks Polytechnic, Mr. Ayotade Ayeni stated that the institution has been positioned to give the students best academic requirements and expressed satisfaction over the matriculation / induction ceremony, which according to him is the first activity for students admission in preparation for best academic excellence.
He noted that the institution has commenced full academic activities, just as practicals / laboratory lectures are ongoing and commended Bellarks Polytechnic Proprietor, Mr Joseph Ebinum for the high standard institution in Kwale, Ndowa West local government area of Delta State.
Ayeni urged the state government to support individuals and private school owners to achieve the goals of technical education for self reliance and reduce unemployment through human capital development and subsequent increase in employment of labour.
THE escalating security situation in South Eastern Nigeria is getting to a fearsome crescendo.
And from the way things are going, the mystery of the “unknown gunmen” need to be quickly unravelled and permanently addressed.
It is obvious that those who wants to cause mayhem that will engulf the nation in a cyclical but geographical distribution are taking it too fast.
There are those who think that the late Ahmed Gulak was a victim of political vendetta by those he ‘denied’ the crisis ridden APC’s Governorship primaries’ ticket in Imo state sometimes back.
And that the former Political adviser should have been mindful of that instead of opting to walk through a “minefield” ignorantly. This angle is the same perspective IPOB is brandishing, too. They have irritantly asked that the embattled Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo state should look inward within his political family than to point accusing fingers at anywhere else.
The late Ahmed Gulak is not a Fulani nor an Hausa man; he’s of a minority tribe in Adamawa state, North Eastern Nigeria. But this is one gruesome murder too painful and capable of eliciting inter-ethnic aggression and hate if not handled with care and tact. Those who are accusing IPOB are too sure as they seems to match their modus operandi with the gestapo move that saw to the demise of Ahmed Gulak in the early hours of Sunday.
It has become so, such that IPOB has become the prime suspect in anything untoward within the South East in recent times; this owed partly to their avowed knack for notoriety and their naturally susceptible demeanor to violence.
President Buhari, through his Spokesman expressed displeasure over the incident while some youth group in the North has given an ultimatum to Governor Uzodima to fish out Gulak’s killers or expect a reprisal attack. This is the reason why tempers must not rise beyond reason and tact in handling this potentially combustible issue.
It was the late Dele Giwa who said that one life taken in a cold blood is as gruesome as many lost in a pogrom. Ahmed Gulak’s life was taken in a cold blood; let the authorities do everything to unravel this painful puzzle and serve the late politician some justice.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
THE Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has commended the steadfastness of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, in bringing about rapid and sustainable overall developments across the State.
In a congratulatory message to the Governor on Saturday 29th May, 2021, on his administration’s 6th anniversary, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu described Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as a God-sent Governor to the people of Delta State, saying that his administration has done excellently well in bringing about a Stronger Delta State that all are proud off.
Hon. Elumelu, who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also appreciated the people of the State for their support and cooperation with the Okowa- led administration.
He noted that the people, across the three senatorial districts of the state, have continued to demonstrate love and gratitude to the Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the peace, unity and progress in the State.
“On behalf of the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and Deltans in general, I heartily rejoice with and congratulate you, our God-sent Governor, Your Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on this auspicious occasion of your 6th anniversary in the saddle of our dear State.
“You have done excellently well in bringing about a Stronger Delta State that we all are proud of. Indeed, we have never had it so good.
“We wish you more glorious and impactful achievements and pray for divine wisdom, guidance and protection as you work towards finishing Strong in the remaining years of your administration.
“God Bless our dear Governor Okowa; God bless Delta State,” the Minority Leader prayed.
GOVERNOR Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state, has suggested that to fulfill the stipulated Constitutional review of the revenue sharing formula, members of the RMAFC should be appointed by their respective states to remain detached from the control of the Presidency.
He said unless that is done, the revenue sharing formula of the Federation would be hard to untangle since there has been no transparency in the way and manner it is derived, assembled and disbursed.
He disclosed that the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), is seemingly weak and unable to function optimally because its operations and overseers, that are supposed to be state representatives, are tied to the apron string of the Federal Government, thus making the body unable to fulfill its constitutionally stipulated half a decade statutory review of the sharing formula.
Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state made this known to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment led by Senator Adamu Aleiro, which paid him a courtesy call in Sokoto on Thursday.
According to him, unless the members of the RMAFC are nominated, screened and appointed by their respective states; and remain detached from the control of the Presidency, the fulfillment of the stipulated Constitutional review of the revenue sharing formula would continue to encounter stalemate.
Apart from this novel, yet legitimate way of deriving a workable revenue formula at the RMAFC, the governor suggested the same process should be applied to the running of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the National Population Commission (NPC) “and all Commissions at the Center that are having state representation.”
“That will give them (the representatives) some courage and moral high ground to go and represent their states, unlike what we have today,” he opined.
“It is very important that we do not only review the revenue formula but we make the revenue sources, collection and distribution very transparent. Unfortunately for us, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, and ironically under President Muhammadu Buhari, NNPC declared zero allocation to FAAC.
“This is, obviously, due to lack of transparency. So, we need to unbundle the finances of the Federation and make their pooling, collection and distribution as transparent as possible.
“That can only be possible when you have an independent Accountant-General of the Federation seperate from the Accountant-General of the Federal Government; which is part of what we submitted as a people from Sokoto Center.
“That would also happen if you have a strong, virile Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, whereby states nominate Commissioners to that Commission and they are screened by the states House of Assembly. So, they will be strong enough to go and represent their states; not the situation we have now that the President will seat in Abuja and nominate for each state and they will be screened by the Senate. They are not representing states but those who nominated them. It is a very sour thing,” he emphasized.
Going down memory lane, Gov. Tambuwal said previous efforts to review the revenue sharing formula failed “because the RMAFC has to wait for the President to be ready, then they will send (the proposed review)” to him; and he would pass it on to the National Assembly.
He objected to this and stated that “the RMAFC, which is for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” should “draft a review every five years as required by the Constitution and send it to the National Assembly.
“Let the President and the governments of the states, that are the Federating units, go and battle it on the floor of the National Assembly, where you have representatives of the states and the President. So, they will compete favorably.
“As it is, that is skewed in favor of the Federal Government. That is why Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’adua, Jonathan and Buhari were not able to change that,”
He submitted that instead of the subsisting rigmarole that has shrouded the revenue sharing in secrecy, if the half-a-decade review “is sent to the National Assembly, you won’t have all these struggles.”
He appealed to the Senate and the Presidency, both of which he said Sokoto state has working partnership with for better service delivery to the people of the country, to make the suggestions presented by his state workable in order to “unbundle the financial sector for the Federation and allow it to be more transparent.”
THE Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, led administration in the Country has failed on all fronts in the last six years.
In a Statement signed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Friday 28th May, 2021, the Caucus said, “as the Nation observe the May 29 government anniversary, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has taken stock of the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration and posits that the government is a failure.
“We hold that with its failure to check worsening insecurity and mass killing of citizens; its intrinsic corruption, mismanagement of our national economy, as well as the unrelenting assault on our national diversity, the APC administration at the center has failed on all fronts in the last six years.
“As lawmakers, our caucus is worried that exclusionist tendencies, trade restrictions, nepotism in government appointments, disregard to rule law, relegation of constitutional order and principles of separation of powers; abuse of human rights, electoral malpractices, harassment of opposition and arrogant insensitivity to the sensibilities of the Nigerian people by the APC administration have occasioned instability, economic crisis and avoidable acrimony that are threatening our corporate existence as a country.
“Poor policies by the APC administration have stifled the economy and put the nation in dire strait with a disturbing 33.3 percent unemployment rate, a scary 18.12 percent inflation rate, over N32.9 trillion accumulated debt burden, a progressively devalued currency and collapsed infrastructure.
“Failure of the government to address escalated insecurity challenges has crippled the agricultural sector and disorganized commercial activities leading to imminent food crisis with cost of food and other necessities of life skyrocketing beyond the reach of Nigerians.
“Nigeria, under the APC administration has now become the poverty capital of the world, ranking 98th out of 107 in Global Hunger Index, with 22.95 food inflation rate and increasing morbidity and mortality rates.
“As representatives of the people, the minority caucus is worried that our nation is heading towards a failed state. We therefore urge President Muhammadu Buhari to buckle up and use the occasion of May 29 to address the failures of his administration by taking urgent steps to tackle insecurity, ensure respect for rule of law, end corruption in his government, adopt a more inclusive approach to governance and engage better hands to manage our economy.
“Nevertheless, our caucus commends the commitment of the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in giving hope to our nation through their excellent performance in key sectors of our national life, despite the daunting challenges.
“These governors have displayed unmatched leadership competence in developing their states through economic empowerment of citizens and massive infrastructural investments in key sectors of agriculture, education, healthcare, transportation, water resources, industrialization, aviation, road infrastructure, security among others.
“Indeed, the performance of the governors elected on the platform of the PDP has further demonstrated that with the right type of leadership and ideological drive of a pan-Nigeria political party, such as the PDP, our nation will obviously come out of the woods of misrule,” the Federal Lawmakers stated.
They therefore called on Nigerians to remain focused and not lose sight of the potentials and promises that “ our nation holds despite the challenges we face today.”
THE Organizing Committee of the 2021 Delta State Praise and Thanksgiving Day in commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa administration has announced that some roads leading to the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, venue of the event, will be closed to traffic on May 29, 2021 from 8am to 5pm.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the ceremony, Mr. Patrick Ukah, in a statement in Asaba today said that the roads are entrance to Nnebisi Road from SLOT, Studio 24 Road, Ebenuwa Street, MFM Road, behind stadium, and Tom Halim Street.
Others are entrance to Nnebisi Road from Gallant Chi Chi Drive, Nwokobia Street, Nwabueze Lane and Austin Iyeh Lane all around AGGS area.
Mr. Ukah stated that the closure of the roads is to allow for a hitch free ceremony as very important dignitaries are expected to attend the event.
He advised motorists and other road users to make use of alternative routes in the town as all relevant security and traffic control departments will be mobilized that day to ensure strict compliance with the closure.
The Chairman apologized for the inconveniences the closure of the roads will cause members of the public, just as he asked for their cooperation to make the ceremony a success.
The ceremony is in fulfilment of a solemn promise made by Senator Okowa on the day of his inauguration as Governor of the state to always acknowledge the hand of the Almighty God in the affairs of Delta State.
Notable local and international gospel artists such as Mercy Chinwo, Paul Nams, Sinachi, Nkechi Chukwura, Chioma Jesus, Tim Godfrey, Testimony Jaga and Sonnie Badu will join in offering worthy praise to God.
NIGERIA’S President Mohamadu Buhari has on Thursday, May 27, 2021 appointed Major-General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff to replace Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in an air crash I. Kaduna on Friday, 21st of May 2021.
Major-General Yahaya, who hails from Zamfara State is of Regular Course 37 of the Nigerian Defence Academy and prior to his appointment, was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East code named Operation HADIN KAI, formerly known as Operation Lafiya Dole.
Yahaya took over from Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, who was redeployed to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre as Senior Research Fellow.
He was also formerly General Officer Commanding Officer of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Yahaya was also the Commander of 4 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army.
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has congratulated children as they celebrate the 2021 Children’s Day.
A statement signed by the NUJ Chairman, Delta State Council. Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and his Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei reads:
“We are indeed happy with our children knowing that every May 27 brings memories that stick for a longer time, thereby creating room for mental remembrance. It is our prayer that the international reason to mark a day for our children find expressions of positivity in their lives.
“It is on this note that we charge parents to give them the requisite love and treat that will remain indelible in their memoirs.
“It is unfortunate that most parents these days have abdicated their duties to their children and the outcome has not been palatable in terms of the quality of upbringing we now have in our society. Gone are the days when respect and moral uprightness of children was something to cherish.
“On this note, we urge parents to reevaluate and reintroduce those trainings of the old that made children outstanding in soundness of morals, respect and duty.
“As a result of the failures of parenthood, our culture and values have been debased, leaving moral decadence and juvenile delinquency to take the centre stage in the life of our children. These days, children no longer have need for education; instead, they want to get rich quick. This syndrome has assisted the increase in Yahoo Yahoo mindset and all manner of crimes in our society.
“The government has not also helped issues. There has been the bane of honest, focused and capable leadership, which ordinarily should have created regenerational policies that are supposed to sustain children’s positive development and moral upstanding.
“We are of the opinion that if parents and government can go back to basis to create enabling environment for the development of children, more would be achieved in sustaining a saner society.
“The parents should teach their children love, hardwork and diligence; while the government should provide quality education, teach nationalism and provide employment for our teeming youths.
“Above all, the children must understand that only hardwork can take them higher in life. If you cannot afford to go to school, please learn a trade in your own interest and future security.
THE Federal government through the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of Utensils under the National Home Grown School Programme in the North Central Zone.
In a release by Nneka Ikem Anibeze the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, the occasion took place at LEA primary school Jabi, where the Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq presented 15,750 utensils including stainless plates and cutlery sets as well as 1,000 aprons to the FCT which is a balance of the 73,060 utensils and 1555 aprons earlier presented in 2020 .
In her remarks, the minister stated that the impact of the School feeding initiative has been enormous.
“I am happy to report that we have so far, recorded feeding nearly 10 million pupils, and engaged over One Hundred Thousand Cooks. Also massive employment opportunities are being created within the school feeding ecosystem in sectors of transportation, agriculture, energy supply and food materials packaging”.
The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme being one of the Social Investment Programmes under the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration is in fulfilment of ensuring that school pupils have the best experience of integrity, hygiene and safety during consumption of the free meals provided by the federal government.
It is targeted at increasing enrollment of children in schools, boost their nutrition and encourage entrepreneurship, enhance agricultural production and generate millions of rural jobs in the country is a collaboration between the Federal and the State Governments.
Umar Farouq said that the government is totally committed to the initiative which has prompted a nationwide resumption after the Covid-19 pandemic break. She explained that the Federal government is responsible for funding, policy and guidelines formulations as well as conduct of close monitoring, while the States carry out the day-to-day implementation including procurement of food items, selection of cooks and vendors who would prepare, cook and serve the meals to the pupils.
According to her, the Federal Government under the directives of President Buhari adopted the social protection mechanisms to tackle the social and economic challenges occassioned by the pandemic.
“Part of these was the deployment of take-home rations initiative to Lagos, FCT and Ogun states, where over 127,000 households of pupils on the program were targeted to receive a food basket comprising of uncooked materials including rice, beans, palm oil, eggs etc.
“This was specifically selected for the nutritional benefits of the children. We recorded tremendous success in this intervention that brought succor to the lives of many Nigerians who are at the bottom of the pyramid”, Umar Farouq said.
The Minister is convinced that the school feeding program is an integral part of President Buhari’s administration policy to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.
As at the last count, 9,196,823 pulpils had been captured nationwide across 54,619 schools with 100,000 farmers and 103,028 cooks actively employed.
Umar Farouq promised that the ministry will continue to roll our policies and strategies capable of strengthening, sustaining and scaling up the program as well as all the other social investment programs under its stable.
Earlier, the focal person representing the FCT Chinwendu Eteyen Amba thanked the federal government for the school feeding program initiative.
“We thank the Minister and the Federal government for what you’re doing in the FCT using the Social Investment Programmes. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the robust relationship you have with the FCT”.
The Minister later inspected the school feeding session in the LEA Primary School to ascertain the quantity and quality of the food given to the children.
ONE of the leading mortgage financial institutions in Nigeria, the Cooperative Mortgage Bank, in grand style, Wednesday, opened a new contact centre in Asaba, the Delta state capital.
The branch is expected to provide an all-inclusive home ownership services for residents in the state, other than cooperators who are the main beneficiaries.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at the new centre at Plot 147, Okpanam road within Asaba metropolis was graced by dignitaries and members of various cooperative societies.
At the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Kabir Tukur, said the bank has broken the jinx of not having a cooperative bank in the oil rich Delta state, despite that the state has one of the most viable cooperative federation in the country.
He said, “Though our coming into Delta might seem late due to the expectancy, but it’s better late than never because we’re here to provide value in terms of houses for cooperators, ensuring cooperative savings, among others.
‘’As one of the first steps, we are partnership with Family Homes Funds Limited on the 200 units of houses under Locke Homes initiative.
‘’I want to assure you that housing is here, and not with high cost of mortgage but the lowest.
‘’We have been here for over 27 years. We were initially in the Southwest but now moving to South-South and Asaba is the 18th centre we’re opening across the country. Our next centres would be in Minna, Kano and Lokoja”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary at the Delta State Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Pat Isiechi who applauded the approach of CMB at the ceremony, described the feat as ‘a welcome development”, amd maintained that it would help residents of the state in their quest for home ownership.
‘’To be apt, CMB has hit the ground running already. I want to assure the MD that Delta is a state that is proud of investment. We have all the conducive environment for cooperators and whatever is invested in them.
‘’Delta state is in front in sport and others and we appreciate the MD of CMB for finding Delta worthy of this honour. With these good intentions, CMB will thrive here.”
The President of the Delta Cooperative Federation, Mr Larry Onyeche, commended the bank on behalf of other members for adding value to the existing financial institutions in the state, as according to him, the promise of launching a contact centre has become a dream come true.
He assured the Director of Cooperative, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Chuks Onyekpe, his deputy, Mr Frank Aghara, the Director of Commerce, Mr Felix Oseji, the Director of Planning, Reasearch and Statistics, Mr Tabowei Jerry and top management team of CMB in attendance, including, the Deputy Managing Director, Mr Yusuf Abubakar, the Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs Anthonia Nnaebue, the Regional Manager (South), Mrs Amen Osagie, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Mrs Olufunmilayo Afolabi, and Asaba centre Business Development Manager, Mr Feyisayo Adedipe, among others, that the federation will partner with the bank to ensure that adequate number of members benefit from the core mission of the bank.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Editor’s DESK:
THE Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has reacted to recurring media report on the £4.2m Ibori Loot.
An official Press Release made available to Blank NEWS Online on Wednesday, May 26, 2021and signed by the Director (Information, Press and Public Relations), Henshaw Ogubike, explained the true position.
OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION
Press Release
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
RE: £4.2m IBORI LOOT: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) wishes to put the records straight regarding the widely circulated media report on the £4.2m Ibori Loot.
The issue of the £4.2m Ibori Loot has not been properly resolved. The money is still being awaited, after which the issues around it will be resolved before further action is taken. For now, no money has been returned to Delta State.
This explanation is without prejudice to the proceedings at the public hearing that took place yesterday during which the AGF was only making general comments about recoveries relating to State Governments.
This is the true position as regards the £4.2m Ibori Loot.
Henshaw Ogubike mnipr Director (Information, Press and Public Relations)
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will be holding it’s 2021 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament from 27 May to 12 June 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The session, which will be holding at the headquarters of the Institution in Abuja will have President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo, who is the current Chairman of the Authority of Heads and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the Guest of Honour.
The Ghanaian President is expected to address the entire Community Parliamentarians on 27 May 2021, where issues of major fight against terrorism and COVID-19, regional integration, democratic governance, climate change, among others are to be discussed.
A statement by ECOWAS Parliament on Wednesday said Akufo-Addo is also expected to deliver a strong solidarity message to the regional elected representatives, centred on the value of their commitment and self-sacrifice for the Community cause.
The statement also revealed that the Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Cianeh Howard-Taylor, is to be presented at the formal opening ceremony of the Session.
According to the statement, one of the highlights of the session will be the presentation of the report on the state of the Community by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean Claude Kassi Brou.
The statement said: “He will have to conform to this exercise pursuant to article 32 of the Supplementary Act enhancing the powers of the Parliament, which stipulates that: At each ordinary session of Parliament, the President of the Commission shall present a general report on the status of implementation of the Community work programme.”
BORNO State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has effected a ‘minor’ cabinet reshuffle with the redeployment three commissioners.
The decision is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Danjuma Ali.
Ali said the Commissioner for Animal Resources and Fisheries Development, Juliana Bitrus has been moved to the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Lawan Walama is now to be in charge of the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development.
Ali also disclosed that the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Kaka-Shehu Lawan has an additional role of overseeing the Ministry of Environment.
In another development, Gov. Zulum has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Borno Primary Health Care Development Agency with the appointment of Ahmed Tijani as Chairman.
Ali, said that Gov. Zulum also approved the appointments of Dr Joseph Jatau as Chairman of the Borno Hospital Management Board with immediate effect and Abubakar Suleiman as Acting General Manager of Borno Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).
According to Ali, the governor in accordance with Section 9 Subsection 1 of Borno Primary Health Care Development Agency Law, 2013, has approved the appointment of Dr Abba Goni as Executive Director, State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
In another development, Zulum, has ordered the immediate deployment of the newly acquired N1.4 billion worth of construction machinery into road and drainage construction in the state
The state government recently took delivery of 18 heavy duty road construction machinery which include four excavators, two pilling machines, eight driving rollers and graders, and two bulldozers imported to boost the capacity of it’s resident engineers.
Zulum, who was on Monday evening at an asphalt factory located along Maiduguri-Bama road to inspect the newly acquired machinery, directed immediate deployment of the machines to accelerate ongoing construction works at different locations across the state.
The Governor charged the state’s Ministry of Works, which is custodian of the machines, to ensure proper maintenance such that the equipment remain functional.
Commissioner of Works, Arch. Yerima Saleh, who received Zulum at the asphalt plant, said the newly acquired machines would significantly enhance the capacity of engineers both at the ministry of works and at the state Road Maintenance Agency to deliver ongoing projects on time without compromising quality.
He noted that the equipment are suitable for high level infrastructure.
NIGERIAN government has asked from the immediate release of Malian Interim President and Prime Minister, Bah Ndaw and Moctar Ouane, reportedly detained by soldiers.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns in strong terms the detention of the duo of interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane of Mali.”
The two key officials in the transitional government of Mali were reportedly taken by Soldiers to the Kati Military Camp near the Capital, Bamako on Monday 24, May 2021.
The statement said: “The action is totally unacceptable and might derail the peace building efforts and time table for the return of democratic governance in Mali.”
“The Federal Government of Nigeria therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained President and Prime Minister. The key actors and perpetrators of the condemnable act should be aware of the fact that stakeholders in the region and friends of Mali rejects any act of coercion of the detained officials, including forced resignations,” the statement further said.
THE Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) beneficiaries in the 2020/2021 Crop Production Cycle have been given support packages to sustain their entrepreneurship endeavorus.
The beneficiaries of the farm inputs who are all youth farmers, have been trained by the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau to excel in their agricultural enterprises by becoming employers of labour and to boost food security in the state.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer of the bureau, Prof Eric Eboh, said the support package was in line with the vision of the State government to offer training, create jobs and wealth, and to support youths to become successful and gainfully self-employed entrepreneurs.
“Yesterday, you were participants at the Orientation and Farm Enterprise Training organized for you by the bureau. Today, the farm enterprise training workshop is being followed with provision of support packages to you. Depending on the type of farm enterprise, the support package includes critical production inputs such as fertilizer, crop agrochemicals, and cash for land preparation, seedlings, weeding and harvesting,” he remarked.
He assured them that they would be exposed to and tutored in best agricultural practices in farm enterprise management, innovative production technologies and profitable agribusiness throughout the production cycle.
On his part, the YAGEP Programme Supervisor, Mr Sam Ndikanwu, advised the beneficiaries on the proper methods of application of the farm inputs such as the fertilizers and agro-chemicals.
He pointed out that they were receiving the first tranche of input comprising five to 12 bags of fertilizers such as NPK 15:15:15; Urea; Mariate of Potash and Single Super Phosphate and Pre-Emergence and Post-Emergence Agro-chemicals each based on their agricultural enterprise.
While emphasizing that 30 beneficiaries in Asaba and its environs were receiving the inputs in Asaba, he said other beneficiaries would receive theirs in centers nearest to them either in Agbor, Kwale, Ughelli or in Warri Centers.
According to him, “The Brown YAGEPreneurs are not freshers; they are used to application of agro-chemicals and have received adequate training on the application of these fertilizers. Agriculture is time specific, hence we are giving out these inputs during the raining season. Our crops are rain feed and this is the planting season. We are doing this now to get good yield in order to boost food security in the state.”
Onwudike Stephen (Oshimili North LGA) in Plantain Production while expressing gratitude to the State Government for the kind gesture, said he received 14 bags of fertilizers and 5 agro-chemicals to be followed by a cash component as his support package.
“These will help me to expand my farm enterprise, boost my production capacity and to engage more youths to work with me. I advise youths to go into agriculture because agriculture is key to food security, employment and national development” he enthused.
Also, Uwadia Stephanie (Ndokwa West LGA) in Cassava Production affirmed that the orientation and training coupled with the support package by the bureau had improved her mentality about farming, adding that she was motivated to improve her farming technique.
DELTA State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau has commenced its Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) with OFET for already existing youth farmers in Crop Production.
Addressing the 158 YAGEP beneficiaries in Crop Production at Unity Hall, Government House, venue of the Orientation Training, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, pointed out that YAGEP was aimed at creating jobs and wealth by training, establishing and supporting youths to become agricultural entrepreneurs who would because gainfully self-employed and employers of labour.
He explained that the Orientation and Farm Enterprise Training (OFET) was organized to enrol and familiarize them with the principles and methods of YAGEP with special reference to key management topics and issues such as critical success factors in farm enterprise management, farm records and accounts, managing risks and uncertainties in agricultural production and agricultural insurance by Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation.
He listed the categories of YAGEP as Green YAGEP and Brown YAGEP, explaining that Green YAGEP are youths who are freshers in agricultural enterprises but required training in a chosen agricultural skill followed with provision of facilities, materials and financial support to start-up and run an agricultural enterprise, while Brown YAGEP referred to youths who already had agricultural skills and own agricultural enterprises but needed refresher training in practical and managerial skills plus support packages to grow and sustain their existing enterprises.
He disclosed that YAGEP has run five successful cycles with a total of number of 1,174 YAGEP beneficiaries who were trained, established and supported in various agricultural enterprises including poultry, crop production, piggery, fish production, agro-processing and agribusiness, from 2015 to 2020, adding that YAGEP is in its sixth cycle and that 400 beneficiaries would be enrolled in Fish Production, Poultry, Piggery and Crop Production out of which only 158 of them in Crop Production were present for the first batch of OFET.
“The 2020-2021 cycle is the 6th consecutive run of the programme. Specifically, it will cover a total of 400 youth agricultural entrepreneurs in the Brown YAGEP category. The programme commences with Orientation and Farm Enterprise Training (OFET) for 2020/2021 Brown YAGEP beneficiaries (1st Batch) holding today 25th of May 2021. The enterprises covered in the 2020-2021 programme cycle are poultry, piggery, fish production and cultivation of arable crops including cassava, yam, maize, rice, tomato, okra, watermelon, pumpkin and plantain,” he recounted.
He said the farm enterprise training workshop would be followed with provision of support packages to the beneficiaries such as fertilizer; animal feeds; crop agrochemicals; livestock vaccination; cash to pay for critical farm labour in land preparation; weeding; animal husbandry and harvesting; innovative production technologies and profitable agribusiness depending on the type of farm enterprise.
On the success rate of YAGEP, he remarked, “YAGEP is contributing significantly to agricultural outputs and overall growth of the agricultural sector in Delta State. Estimates show that, from 2015-2020, YAGEP beneficiaries have produced 1,689.87 metric tonnes of poultry, 61,358,690 eggs and 4,977.98 metric tonnes of fish. In addition, YAGEP outputs include 1,706.91 metric tonnes of pig, 1,109.23 metric tonnes of casava roots, 1,339.58 metric tonnes of grains, 477.70 metric tonnes of plantain and 1,753.87 metric tonnes of vegetables namely tomatoes, watermelon and cucumber. Recent survey shows that the success rate among YAGEP beneficiaries averages about 71% across the various agricultural enterprises.”
On his part, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Mr. Edward Mekwunye, admonished the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity given them by the State Government to become great entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
He emphasized that the State Government has made lots of investments in the programme, enjoining them to work hard to ensure that the success recorded in the programme is sustained, assuring them that the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring would continue to monitor and mentor them.
Speaking separately, Omenogor Azuka (Ndokwa East) in Plantain Farming and Abiaka Henry (Ethiope East) in Cassava Production appreciated the State Government for the initiative. They said they were hopeful that the support package would help them to expand their farm enterprises from levels of subsistence to commercial farming.
Present at the event were the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Job and Wealth Creation Messers Jerry Ossai; Prince Charles Abutoh; Emmanuel Osazuwa and Frank Ebikefe and the Resource Persons, Mr Francis Aninye and Miss Emmanuella Clinton.
THE Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated a celebrated nationalist and former minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark as he celebrate his 94th birthday anniversary
According to a Statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Caucus said that Chief Edwin Clark has remained a leading light, fearless democrat and forthright leader, who has continued to demonstrate an undiminished commitment towards the entrenchment of good governance elements of fairness, rule of law, justice and equity in our national polity.
“His unrelenting quest towards national stability through the establishment of constitutional federalism and recognition of the rights, privilege, aspirations and sensibilities of coalescing entities, distinguishes him as an insightful leader, who understands the nuances of our nation and the solution for the challenges we face.
“Furthermore, Chief Edwin Clark’s innumerable contributions towards the development of our nation, including the establishment of the Edwin Clark University in his hometown as well as his role towards the establishment of the University of Benin offers a glimpse into his commitment for the future of our nation.
“The Minority Caucus celebrates Chief Clark on this auspicious occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health,” the Caucus prayed in the Statement.
THE managing director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has described Pa Edwin K. Clark as the bastion of justice, fairness and integrity.
In a message to the elder statesman on his 94th birthday, Bashorun Askia Ogieh said that as Nigeria seeks a new direction to true nationhood, Clark’s wisdom is invaluable.
“It is with a heart full of pride and thankfulness to God Almighty that I celebrate you on your 94th birthday. I give Him all the glory for giving you a very robust good health and the wisdom that have guided you all these very fruitful years”, the DESOPADEC boss stated in his message.
Askia said that as the nation is facing huge challenges with the institution of true federal system as the enduring solution, his wisdom and direction borne out of his sterling contribution to the birth of the Independence Constitution are critical to getting Nigeria out of the precipice.
“Gogorogo, you are very deep, so when you call to the deep, the deep quivers. The very reason those of us who are your political children are never tired of drinking from your very deep well of knowledge and political sagacity.
“Your towering presence in the affairs of the nation, especially those concerning our dear Niger Delta, has been a source of strength to all those you have faithfully mentored.
“You are an Elder statesman and nationalist who have variously deprived himself personal comfort for the sake of humanity, which has endeared you to the hearts of all who have been fortunate to cross your path.
Askia congratulated him on his 94th birthday, saying “I join all your well wishers to pray to the Almighty God to continue to shower you with his blessings, give you continuous good health and to guard and guide you always.”
THE Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has congratulated Justice Theresa Diai, on her swearing-in As the Acting Chief Judge of Delta State.
In a Statement, Elumelu expressed delight over her appointment and said it was a great thing of joy having Justice Diai as the head of the Judiciary in the State, considering her wealth of experience and her excellent track record as one of the most outstanding and distinguished Judicial officers in the land.
Hon Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described Justice Diai as an illustrious daughter of Aniocha North Local Government area of Delta State, who has contributed immensely to the development of jurisprudence in Nigeria and brought huge credibility to the legal profession, both at the Bar and Bench.
The Minority Leader said Justice Diai’s elevation as the Acting Chief Judge of the State was a higher call for service to father land, and while adding that the people of Aniocha/Oshimili and Deltans in General are happy with her achievements at the Judiciary, assured that they will continue to uphold her in prayers.
The Federal Lawmaker called on Justice Diai to use the opportunity of her appointment to the exalted position, to ensure the sanctity of the independence of the judiciary, noting that with the deepening of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, the likes of Justice Diai are much needed to further enhance and consolidate the reputation of the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
“Let me on behalf of the People of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and indeed Deltans, felicitate with Your Lordship on your well deserved appointment as the Acting ChiefJudge of our Dear Delta State.
“You have contributed immensely to the legal system in Nigeria and with this elevation; it is another opportunity for you to do more for your Father Land.
“May the Good Lord Be with you as you discharge your duties, even as we anticipate your eventual confirmation as the substantive Chief Judge of Delta State with full confidence and unwavering conviction, the Minority Leader prayed.
THE Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has said that it has noted with desmay the moves by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “witch-hunt and pry into the books of the leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even when it lacks statutory powers to do so.”
The lawmakers, who assures that the party will come out clean, as it has nothing to hide, however charged the EFCC to commence similar action on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and invite its leaders over plethora of petitions and reports of clear cases of high scale corruption involving APC leaders.
The caucus in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Monday, also charged the EFCC to focus on its statutory duties by taking on the officials of the APC Federal Government, who have already been indicted in corruption cases in ministries, departments and agencies of government.
According to the lawmakers, “we have noted the moves by the EFCC to pry into the internal administration of the PDP, a political party, contrary to the crystal-clear provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended), particularly Sections 225 and 226, which vest the scrutiny of party finances in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Nevertheless, we have no doubts that the PDP will come out clean because they have nothing to hide.
“However, now that the EFCC is busying itself to probe the PDP, we demand forthwith that it also invite the officials of the APC and commence an inquest into the books of the APC. This is more so as the APC is the party that has access to federal government funds, and as such has questions to answer, particularly in the face of volumes of allegations in the public domain towards that direction.
“The EFCC must not invent any form of excuse or show any hesitation in inviting APC leaders and making them answer for the humongous corruption allegedly being perpetuated in the APC.
“We charge the EFCC to end its hesitation and immediately take on officials of the APC administration, who as ministers, presidential aides and heads of agencies have been indicted over alleged pillaging of trillions of naira from the coffers of various agencies of government” the caucus insisted.
The lawmakers stressed that EFCC attitude was tantamount to chasing shadows in the PDP, albeit unconstitutionally, while romancing corruption in the APC and APC-led Federal Government.
THE Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is rolling out Rapid Response Register (RRR), an intervention to assist those in the urban and semi-urban areas that are economically impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic.
A statement from the Communication Desk Office of the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), who coordinate the activities of the federal ministry in Delta State, domicile in the State Ministry of Economic Planning, stated that the target group would include the urban poor and vulnerable population not yet supported through the existing National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP), non-traditional poor in urban and peri-urban high-density locations and/or slums impacted by COVID-19.
The statement also said the low-income earners involved in the informal sector who may have lost their income opportunities would be eligible for registration into the Rapid Response Register.
According to the the statement, the Rapid Response Register is an intervention by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, centred on urban and semi-urban areas that are economically impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic.
Those who fall into the register targets include small businesses owners, street vendors, petty traders, hospitality industry workers, low wage employees and families including daily wage- based labourers,
Others are the Urban poor and destitute – Person with Disabilities, vulnerable families in slum areas affected by the pandemic.
It revealed that at the very least, one million households total of million across the 36 states and the FCT will be targeted and enrolled through this new COVID-19 Rapid Response Registry of beneficiary with a focus in urban and semi-urban areas.
Those eligible for the RRR intervention are previously self-sustaining low income/daily wage earners many of whom have lost their stream of income because of the economic shocks of the pandemic.
It explained that the RRR is a short-term shock response measure linked to Covid-19 while the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme is a longer-term investment to graduate households out of extreme poverty
The statement indicated that every household captured in the register will be paid N5,000 monthly for an initial period of period of 6 months and that beneficiary’s six months start upon receipt of their first monthly stipend after they can no longer benefit from the project once they have been paid their monthly stipends for the stipulated project periods.
The statement further stated that, Geographical Satellite Remote Sensing Technology (GSRST) was deployed to locate urban poor wards and communities, indicating that this technology approach is integrated with the National Living Standard Survey assessments and big data analysis platform to enhance accuracy and precision.
According to the statement, 10 local government areas are selected in Delta State to participate in the Covid-19 RRR intervention. The LGAs are Bomadi, Ethiope West, Ika North East, and Ndokwa East. Others are Oshimili North, Patani, Udu, Ugheli South, Warri North and Warri South Local Government Areas. Also, a total of 10 Wards were selected from the LGAs, with a projected number of 104 communities.
The statement stated that for every identified community, bulk SMS/USSD will be disseminated to subscribers in that area to apply for the programme. The SMS will provide a clear guidance on how people can apply to be registered in few simple steps. . The statement also indicated that there is no payment involved whatsoever. Those targeted for the RRR will register free of charge and are not required to pay any fee at any point and that to qualify for the government’s intervention each individual/household head must have passed validation checks that establish the impact of the pandemic on their means of sustenance.
The statement also said that, with the phased approach beginning on the 24th May, 2021, two states each per geo-political zone will first rollout the registration, with Delta and Bayelsa States from South Soith Zone commencing from 24th – 31st May.
The statement read in parts:“Those selected in these communities will then receive a text messages with USSD codes that would be sent to them that would allow them to register, so as to be considered for the Federal Government’s Covid-19 Cash Assistance”.
While calling on the people from the selected communities to avail themselves the opportunity to be registered in the exercise, the state coordination officer also solicits the assistance of elites within these communities to further enlighten the potential beneficiaries by not rejecting the offer due fear of fraudsters.
It called on the public to support the intervention, and said individual could call the Delta State SOCU unit of the State Ministry of Economic Planning, with telephone number 07048487142 to channel all inquiries.
THE Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has applauded the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for signing the Judiciary Autonomy Law as passed by the State House of Assembly granting full operational autonomy to the state judiciary.
In a Statement on Saturday May 22, 2021, Hon Elumelu described the Governor’s action as a laudable development, saying it has further distinguished him as a democrat, who is always at the forefront in efforts to entrench statutory practices of rule of law for good governance, not only in Delta state but also the nation at large.
“It is imperative to state that the swift signing of the judiciary autonomy law by Governor Okowa is a sure step, within the context of statutory separation of powers, towards strengthening the judiciary to guarantee efficient, speedy and unconstrained dispensation of justice in Delta state.
“His Excellency is therefore applauded for not hesitating in signing the law, in keeping with his avowal to assent to the legislation immediately it’s passed and transmitted to him.
“Equally commendable is the effort of the Delta state House of Assembly in firming up the fundamental governance elements of justice as embodied in a free and unrestricted judiciary; a development that had set the pace for other state legislative houses across the country to follow.
“With this attainment of full statutory autonomy, the Delta state judiciary is urged to redouble its effort in guaranteeing speedy and efficient dispensation of justice in the state”, Hon. Elumelu stated.
SINCE his inauguration into the 9th National Assembly about two years ago, as Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has continued to demonstrate his love and passion for the people, which to him is the basis for representative democracy at any level.
His belief and commitment to the people is exceptional, inspiring and assuring; bringing to bear the age-long definition of democracy as the government of the people for the people in the social contract he entered with his people.
Indeed, like he noted in his speech on Saturday 15th May, 2021, during one of his empowerment programmes at Asaba, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu insisted that the people remain the focal point in all of his activities and actions in the National Assembly.
“With all sense of responsibility, I have been committed to empowering, developing and uplifting the living standard of our people through robust representation,” Rt. Hon. Elumelu stated in his speech that day and that is not by anyway far from the truth.
All his struggles, his contacts, his motions and bills moved at the floor of the Green chamber, his cordial relationship with his colleagues at the two chambers of the National Assembly as well as the executive arm of the Federal Government are geared towards empowerment of his people.
Just after his inauguration as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Elumelu opened the floodgate of his passion for the people when in September 2019, he facilitated the training of over 200 budding entrepreneurs from the Four Local Government Areas that comprises the Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta state.
The training by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) conferred certificates to participants which guaranteed each of them a low interest CBN loan up to the tune of N10 million without collateral.
One month later, on Friday October 25, 2019, Rt. Hon. Elumelu, directly employed 150 members of his constituency as Personal Assistants on youths and women affairs with monthly salary and other allowances for the period he remains the representative of the people in the House of Representative.
Rt. Hon. Elumelu has been instrumental to the payment of school fees of over 200 constituents in various Universities, Polytechnic, Private Secondary and Primary Schools. He has also been instrumental to the payment of over 300 house rents of distressed constituents as well as assisting in payment of hospital bills of uncountable loving members of his constituency.
A total of 346 members of his constituency were empowered through a CBN Special loan facilitated by Rt. Hon. Elumelu, even as he facilitated the conditional Cash transfer Scheme for a total of 337 persons, 251 persons for the N-power program, 79 persons for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Empowerment program, 335 persons for the Household feeding programme and 30 persons benefiting from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Scheme.
Rt. Hon. Elumelu, in keeping with his social contract with his people has been able to also influence verifiable projects that have directly impacted on the wellbeing of his people in Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency.
These projects and initiatives include:
Facilitation of ICT centers in Ogwashi Uku and Akukwu-Igbo
Facilitation of vocational centers in Ubulu-Unor and Asaba
Facilitation of civic centers for Ogwuashi- uku, Ubulu-uku, Obomkpa and Ibusa
Facilitation of Town Halls for Obior, Ubulu-Okiti, Ewulu and Ugbodu
Facilitation of the construction of drainage in Ogboli Road Ibusa
Facilitation of the construction of the Onicha-uku-Idumuje-Unor Road.
Construction of staff quarters are on-going at FMC Asaba Annex and will very soon be commissioned.
Provision and installations of 820 stands of solar street lights which were distributed across communities in the four local government Areas within Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
Facilitation of the construction of new staff quarters for the DSS in Asaba as well as the renovation of the DSS compound in Issele-Uku and converted the former DSS head office in Asaba to DSS clinic which is now functional and the Facilitation of the rehabilitation of the government hospital at Onicha- Olona.
Again, Rt. Hon. Elumelu in line with the needs of the people, facilitated the employment of over 40 members of his constituency in different federal ministries, agencies and parastatals as well as recommended over 200 candidates for employment thereby attesting to his cordial relationship with the executive arm of government.
Not relenting in his drive in empowering the people, Rt. Hon. Elumelu again in November, 2020, organized a capacity training programme for over 200 youth and women in rice and cassava production.
At the end of the five-day capacity training programme which was held in Asaba the beneficiaries were given starter packs to enable them commence their own cassava and rice farms.
Rt. Hon. Elumelu demonstrated his love, compassion and commitment to the people during the lockdown occasioned by the global Covid-19 pandemic, when he mobilized over N100 million naira, which was used to provide comprehensive palliatives to the people of Aniocha Oshimili thereby reducing the negative impact of the lockdown.
This is apart, from his massive sensitisation of the people on the mass media, on the need for them to adhere strictly to all protocols on Covid-19, while facilitating CBN sponsored monetary empowerment programmes for them.
In his determination to help ensure efficient leadership for the government at the grassroot level, Rt. Hon. Elumelu sponsored a four-day capacity building training for local government chairmen, their deputies and 80 councillors from his Federal Constituency in Abuja.
Still making the people the center of his representation, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Saturday 15th May, 2021, again, gathered his constituents in a well-organized ceremony, where he empowered a total number of 456 members of his constituency with items worth over N300 million.
The ceremony which was attended by the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Author Okowa, witnessed the presentation of 107 tricycles, 148 motor cycles, 90 deep freezers and 111 electricity generating sets to these 456 members of his constituency.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Elumelu noted that, “the idea is to make the beneficiaries small business owners who will eventually help in creating jobs and reducing poverty in their immediate communities.”
“I urge the beneficiaries to be passionate in putting these items into proper use and to see this as an opportunity to climb to an enviable level of prosperity which is before you today”, he said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, a renowned political leader in Delta State, Dame Nkem Okwuofu, who is also the Chairman of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Empowerment Programmes Committee, commended the lawmaker for his effort.
Dame Okwuofu also explained the criteria for the selection of the 456 beneficiaries in the May 2021 Empowerment programme, noting that the beneficiaries were selected on the bases of the fact that they are constituents of the Rt. Hon. Elumelu.
She also affirmed that the people who benefited are those on the poverty ladder and still part of the lower status in the society irrespective of the fact that they are party officials at the grassroots. She also dispelled the insinuations that well-to-do leaders were given the empowerment items instead of the downtrodden in the society.
Dame Okwuofu, who is a member of the National Executive Committee of the PDP and the Chairman of Delta State Civil Service Commission, affirmed renowned leaders of the Federal Constituency were carried along by way of presenting the empowerment items to them for onward presentation to indigent constituents. She explained that none of such leaders were given the items for their personnel use.
“It will be unfair to say that Rt. Hon. Elumelu empowered the top people, instead of the lowly. This is because they don’t know the criteria. As Dame Nkem Okwuofu, I cannot today go and start driving motorcycle, neither can I go and start driving Keke. Because of the fundamentals and of Ndudi’s intent to reach out to the grassroots, things were also done in that way by going through our leaders to get the empowerment items to the downtrodden.
“The criteria that was used was to the best interest of the people and our party. However, in whatever you do, you don’t expect everybody to be satisfied. Some persons must complain and unfortunately some of the complaints we get came from the higher ups who are being accused now of having taken everything.
“Now we started from the lowest ward chairman, all ward chairmen, of course you know, there is no big person among them, the ward chairmen, I mean with all due respect to them they are big men in their own way, but the type of big men they are referring to now is these people at the grassroots who are ward chairmen, and they are not big men.
“These are people we are nurturing, teaching, encouraging, and building up. So all ward chairmen of the four local governments were selected, all youth leaders of the four local government, all women leaders, in fact all the executives at the ward and LGA were selected and these are no big people as they are insinuating.
“So, this one is not the end; it is a continuous process. I just want to urge them to be patient with us and with our beloved son, Rt. Hon. Elumelu. He means well for the people. In other words, if any one has any observation to make, let the person make it and it should be noted. In the next one, the person who has not been given will be considered.
“But what do we owe him? We owe him prayers and we owe him encouragement, Dame Okwuofu explained.
Okwuofu also stressed that the gesture by the Minority leader is not politically motivated but borne out of the passion for the people.
“Whatever, Rt. Hon. Elumelu did, he has done it to empower members of his constituency. Whatever translations anybody gives, the challenge will be for the person to go back there and do better than Ndudi Elumelu,” the renowned political leader stated.
She also called on the people to continue to support the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s led administration in Delta State as well as remain steadfast in the PDP.
“I urge them to continue to pray for our governor, he needs prayers, we owe it to him. Ndudi needs our prayers, we owe it to him. Ndudi for example is speaking in the House of Representatives and he is saying things that many people are not convenient to say and so he needs our prayers.
“I have been telling him openly and secretly that he is not pleasing people, he should please his God. He should always pray and listen to the voice of God before doing anything. Insinuation will come, but please don’t let that dampened your spirit, and let people know that you have your help in your God. When you do that, you overcome every other thing the world.”
Dame Okwuofu urged Hon. Elumelu not to be deterred but continue in protecting the interest of his constituents as well as his programmes to uplift their living standard in all spheres of life.
MANAGING Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA has described the National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Dame Onome Adewuyi, as a woman who has added value to corporate governance, considering her attainments in the financial world, to standards craved all over the world.
The DESOPADEC henchman made the observation during the commissioning of Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi ICAN Resource Centre in Warri, Delta State on Thursday, May 20, 2021.
He acknowledged that Dame Onome Adewuyi has been universally acknowledged as a top gun in the financial world.
According to him, “the event is special to me and to every Deltan here, but more importantly and if I may crave a special privilege as Guest of Honour here, our Daughter beholden from the Isoko Nation.
“To call her a Sister in the Accountancy profession is a privilege, since this will encourage our girl children to emulate a model of excellence. I have a short time to say what I have to say, so my encomiums should be permitted and limited, if I just let all of us know that she has been universally acknowledged as a top gun in the financial world.”
While urging members of the Institute to use the Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi ICAN Resource Centre and similar centres elsewhere to drive the introduction of a new order in accountancy, he advocated for effective Corporate Governance, with adequate inputs of professional accountants.
He explained that to effectively curb the corruption of the management of public funds, every critical stage in the management of public finance should be automated through the adoption of new technologies and processes to give the resultant insulation of the system to manipulation.
“We need to adopt strategies that will reduce the human element in the accounting process. When every critical stage in the management of public finance is automated through the adoption of new technologies and processes, the resultant insulation of the system to manipulation by the human element will effectively curb the corruption of the management of public funds.
“One of the issues that have remained intractable is evolving a fool-proof accounting system in the public sector. The truth is that no matter the depth of commitment any government may espouse to curb corruption and wastage in the conduct of governance, only a system that reduces the human element in management of public funds and public procurement will effectively check corrupt tendencies.”
Bashorun Askia, said that DESOPADEC is committed to improving the fund management system and ensuring that the people get value for the resources deployed by this intervention agency, adding that the Commission will always collaborate with the ICAN venture.
IT has become very obvious that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the diminutive governor of Kaduna state, do not know how to choose his fights.
When he’s not up ‘in arms’ against his Southern Kaduna people, or bragging about his defiance against the rampaging bandits by refusing to pay ransom even though he is without a solution in sight, he will be in a hot chase of ” ghost” workers everywhere.
Where arrogance of governance holds sway, the people’s goodwill dissipates and takes the backdoor. This is the story of Mallam El’ Rufai of Kaduna State.
His audacious but ill- informed move to declare the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the TUC wanted and a ‘price tag’ placed on them speaks volumes of a confused Emperor overstepping his boundaries.
Which government, in her sanity, will sack 7000 workers and threatened to show many more others the door all in the name of cleansing the system? Whatever good intention this Quantity Surveyor may have, his lack of appeal to peoples sensibilities have make mockery of his declared war against underdevelopment in his embattled state.
The governor, only, cannot be right all the time while the impoverished civil servants, nurses, parents of kidnapped students, victims of Fulani herdsmen’s mayhem and university lecturers, wrong.
While we call on Labour to trend softly and take advantage of any opened window for negotiation so as not to prolong the suffering of the already victimized populace, the Emperor must listen to the loud voice of reason and come down from his high throne to dialogue with his people. Kaduna people are already being attacked from all flanks by the daredevil herdsmen and bandits. They cannot afford another official “attack” from within by the same leadership voted to protect them.
It is not every time we win some battles. Sometimes, you let others win while preparing for the next one. This roforofo fights all the time is putting Kaduna state on the spotlight for the wrong reason. The Governor may not win this battle; let him put his sword back in its plowshare.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
