SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. OKEME COUNSEL WORKERS OVER SALARY MATTERS

The Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on SERVICOM and Labour Relations, Comrade Mike Okeme, has appealed to Civil Servants on Salary Grade Levels 13 and above whose salaries for the month of June and August had been paid but either short paid to be patient as the state government is already taking a far reaching measures to rectify the anomalies, while calling on those overpaid to refund the money immediately.

Comrade Okeme, who gave the advice while briefing journalists on the issue of the errors arising from the salary that had just been paid where some civil servants were overpaid with others short-paid, said that the office of the Accountant General was doing everything possible to rectify the issues as well as restore further occurrence.

While advising those who were over-paid to desist from spending the money unnecessarily, Comrade Okeme restated that the office of the Accountant-General was collaborating with the banks through which such salary transactions were effected to recover the money.

The Special Adviser, however, disclosed that the anomalies were as result of computer errors, adding that this category of the state work force would receive the balance of their salary before the end of this week.

Comrade Okeme, also reiterated the state government’s determination to ensure that the welfare of it work force was given adequate and needed attention.

EXCO, OKERE URHOBO YOUTH TOLD TO BE DILIGENT

Okere Urhobo youths have pledged to work for the development of Okere Urhobo Kingdom and create an enabling environment to attract investors to the area. The Chairman of Okere Urhobo Development Movement Comrade Cyril Eboh made the pledge during the swearing in  ceremony of a 12 men executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement at the Palace of Oroseun Edjemudarho  Road by Cinema Site, Okumagba Avenue at the weekend.

Other members of the newly inaugurated executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement include: Comrade Brume Eyekpimi (Vice Chairman) Comrade Avwerosuo Jefferson Siakpere (Secretary), Samson Ogodo (Treasurer) Efe Opogen (Financial Secretary) Okpagoro Shayil (P.R.O.) and Oghagha Jessah (Cultural Officer) others are Ademola Akimughene (Sanitary Officer) Duke O. Eboh (Auditor) Okekeri Tabunor (Social Welfare/organizing Secretary) and Olaniyi Olasenshinole (Assistive Secretary).

Comrade Cyril Eboh who also  pledged to foster unity in the community and its neighbouring communities   promised to create an enabling environment for investors to come and invest in the area just as he vowed to improve on the achievements recorded on his first  tenure.

He however solicited for the support and prayers of the people of Okere Urhobo for  the newly inaugurated executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement  to succeed, expressing appreciation to the Oroseun in Council of Okere Urhobo Kingdom for the successive that brought the executives into office  and  for the peaceful inauguration of the executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement.

The Otota of Okere Urhobo Kingdom High Chief (Dr.) Wilson Omavowan Eboh (JP) had earlier in his written address charge the newly sworn executives of Okere Urhobo Development Movement that will serve 3 years  to discharge their duties to their best ability and to keep strictly to the constitution of the community “You must maintain high level of integrity, provide selfless services and above all, love God and man. The fear of God is said to be the beginning of wisdom”, the regent of Okere Urhobo Kingdom added.

High point of the coloured event was the swearing in of the new executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement by the Traditional Prime Minister of Okere Urhobo High Chief Wilson Eboh.

In a brief chat with newsmen  shortly after the inauguration of the new executive of Okere Urhobo Development Movement the President-General of Okere Urhobo Kingdom Chief (Sir) Emmanuel Ono Okumagba (JP) advised the executives of Okere Urhobo Development Movement to work as a team and carry everybody along just as he thanked the law  enforcement agencies particularly the Police and SSS and others who contributed to the success of the event.

On his part, the Chairman of National Youth Council Nigeria, Delta State Chapter Hon. Hope George in a chat with media men shortly after the inauguration of the newly executive committee of Okere Urhobo Development Movement expressed joy for the prevailing peace amongst the Okere Urhobo people as he noted that the people of Warri are one, “the Urhobos, the Itsekiris and Ijaws of Warri are one , We should  continue to see ourselves as one and the governor His Excellency Senator (Dr) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa will be happy for  it.

He however strongly advised youths in the area who are still involved in vices to have a change of attitude so as to attract investors to the area.

Governor Okowa was represented at the occasion by his political adviser Hon. Esquire Omimi.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, ADJOGBE APPOINTMENT IS A BLESSING – PROPHET AKPATA

A renowned clergy, Senior Prophet Augustine Akpata J.P the peace Ambassador has stated that the appointment of Engr. Samuel Adjogbe as Executive Project Director Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is divine and as such admonished those opposing the appointment to desist from their action.

The son of the founder of St. Akpata’s New Jerusalem Church of God Divine Order Inc. Worldwide late Arch Bishop J.O. Akpata J.P. (of blessed memory) who spoke to our reporter on the matter in a media chart in the church branch at 34 Amotoritse street, off Eboh Road, Warri at the weekend, warned that it is sinful to oppose what God has ordained for leaders are made by God. Psalm 75 vs 6 – 7 “promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge; he pulleth down one, and settleth up another”. That is why we must understand that fighting this appointment is fighting God."

He therefore advised those opposing the appointment to rescind their decision and appreciate God for using President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out his divine plan for Niger Delta Region through this appointment.

Senior Prophet Augustine Akpata J.P. A.P. also advised Nigerians particularly Niger Deltans to be law abiding and also see the appointment as a welcome development and be united to support the appointment in order to benefit from the abundant blessings of God for the region. Mark 3 vs 24 – 25 “And if a Kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand and if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand”. So we should unite and shun ethnicity and not be distracted about tribe or person that is appointed but be focused on the goal of achieving meaningful development in the long neglected Niger Delta Region.

He further advised Engr. Samuel Adjogbe to be God fearing and also see his appointment as God’s desire to develop every part of the Niger Delta and not be selective.

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment and also the governor of Delta State Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for all his good works and prayed that God should empower him the more and give him more wisdom to rule his people.

He finally called on all the clergies in the Niger Delta to always support the country government, newly appointees and the entire Niger Delta in prayers for success, peace and for meaningful development.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 ONUESOKE SLAMS PDP CRITICS

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has reiterated that members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has no justification to criticize the sixteen years administration of PDP.

Onuesoke who spoke recently to journalists  in Jos, plateau  state against  the back drop of  APC ascribing their inability to perform   to   PDP sixteen years wreckage of Nigeria,   described the ruling party  claim as  unfortunate and ‘pot calling kettle black’.

Ascribing their claim to that of a broken record, Onuesoke recalled that APC as a party is made of  ninety percent of PDP members  who decamped to ruling APC party because of their selfish reasons , just as he  queried  that beside Muhammadu Buhari, Ahmed Tinubu and a few of their leaders," who among those in the party today, has not been a member of the PDP and have not contributed to the damage of the country if really there were any?"

“Where should I start from? Is it from Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, or Adamawa State?  All the people in the party have been in the PDP, so, if the PDP ruined Nigeria, these people that defected to the APC in 2015 are those who ruined Nigeria.  That is the clear fact we must live with. It is wrong for somebody to say the PDP ruined Nigeria in the last 16 years while ninety per cent of those that have been in the PDP until 2015 are now in the APC.”

Defending PDP past administration, Onuesoke maintained that the PDP had performed creditably well in its sixteen years administration, stressing that APC failed woefully because their leadership lacked focus and how to manage the success of PDP in the last sixteen years.

He advised that the best thing for Nigerians to do  is to vote for  PDP enmass in 2019 general election so as to re-enact the benefit of PDP positive leadership which APC had deprived them with false lofty and deceptive  promises which they cannot execute.

LAW OFFICERS DESCRIBE MRAKPOR AS HARDWORKING

The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Peter Mrakpor Esq. has been described as a legal icon with a passion for hard work and excellence and a blessing to the State Ministry of Justice.

This was made known when Staff of the Ministry of Justice led by Senior Directors and Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria gave the State Attorney-General a surprise visit at his residence as early as 6am today to felicitate with him on his birthday.

Mr. Mrakpor who was taken unawares by the staff of the Ministry at a time he was returning from his routine fitness walk was visibly overwhelmed by the rare show of love.

In their separate remarks, the Director of Legal Drafting, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe and the Effurun Zonal Head who is also the Chairman of the Delta State Law Officers Association, Mr. Patrick Mekako hailed the sterling leadership qualities of Mr. Mrakpor whom they described as an epitome of excellence, purposeful and visionary.

They averred that the Ministry had never had it so good in terms of provision of infrastructure, Legal Reforms, a befitting conducive working environment and the general welfare of staff. They also commended the Attorney-General for his openness and cordial working relationship with staff of the Ministry.

He was presented with two giant sized birthday cards, a birthday cake and drinks while the staff later joined the Mrakpor’s family in cutting the birthday cake.

The Attorney-General who was flanked by his wife, Hon. Evang. Mrs. Onyemachi Mrakpor, the Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and their triplets, in his response, thanked the staff for their show of love and solidarity, saying that their prayers and wishes will propel him to continue to do his best for the Ministry and the State.

 Prayers were later offered for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and protection for the celebrant and his family.

INDIGENES OF ETHIOPE WEST COMMEND GOV. OKOWA

The people of Ethiope West Local Government have identified the project executed by the Okowa’s administration in Ethiope West to include the construction of drainages from Jesse roundabout to Idjedaka village in Jesse and from Idjedaka to market road junction Jesse Town by the Jesse police station and the reconstruction of the Jesse Road Dualization project.

These projects according to them will enhance the standard of living of the people which implies the Okowa’s smart agenda is on course and that the people can now travel and go about their normal day to day activities easily.

The people of Ethiope West Local Government commended Dr. Okowa for his good work so far, and urged him to embark on more projects in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

OKOWA’S ADMINISTRATION COMMENDED OVER FREE MATERNAL HEALTH CARE.

The Okowa’s Administration has been commended as the free Maternal Health Care programme continues.

The commendation was made by some pregnant women in Oghara who have benefited from the programme.

Mrs. Okoro, one of the women who spoke on behalf of the others said, this present government has done a lot in improving the living standards of the people which implies that the Okowa SMART agenda is on course even as he thanked Hon. Eriatake Ibori for her efforts in renovating the Government Hospital in Oghara as the place now have a better look.

She also praised the government for making sure that staffs do their jobs irrespective of the free health care system.

Another woman who also spoke, Madam Felicia commended Governor Okowa as women no longer die during child bearing, explaining that women or families who could not pay for antenatal and delivery fees now come to the hospital because government has made it free for them thereby reducing death rate and making life more comfortable, adding that nurses and matron are now taking their job seriously.

She urged the government to continue with its good work and to put more effort in developing the Government Hospital Oghara, as the Maternal Ward in the hospital needs attention as some of the equipment needed for antenatal clinic is worn out.

GOVERNOR OKOWA AIDE APPLAUDS DELTA STATE DEVELOPMENT AT 25

Senior Special Assistant On Health Insurance Scheme, Hon. Solomon Ebinum, who was also a onetime secretary of Ukwuani Local Government Council, has giving thanks to God for the silver jubilee celebration of the creation of Delta State, describing the existence of the State as work in progress.

Hon. Ebinum who fielded questions from news men in Sapele explained that His Excellency, Gov. Okowa is already neck deep into the delivery of his election promises, moving from politics to governance.

He added that the abundant human and natural resources in our dear state is a thing of pride to Deltans,  “I think the steps taken so far by Gov. Okowa’s administration in harnessing and exploring the resources for optimal utilization are timely”  he said.

The Special Adviser also stressed the need for the people to be more united now to hasten speedy development in the advent of the present administration 'SMART Agenda.

He praised past leaders of the state, traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens generally for their cooperation and contribution to the development of the state in its 25-year existence, challenging all Deltans to be unrelenting in their prayers for the entrenchment of peace and security all over the country.

GOV. OKOWA MOURNS NIGERIA'S FOREMOST ENTREPRENEUR OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said he received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, news of the death of the patriarch of 1Ibru dynasty, and Nigeria's foremost entrepreneur, Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirhevbe Ibru, (OFR) who died at 86 years.

A statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, said the Governor expressed sadness over the news of the demise of Olorogun Michael Ibru whom he described as one of Nigeria's foremost industrialists.

According to Aniagwu, Governor Okowa said the late Ibru was an epitome of integrity in business who founded the famous Ibru Organization in 1956. The Governor recalled how the Ibru Organization has grown into a multi billion-dollar conglomerate with interests in shipping, agriculture, aviation, banking, brewery as well as oil and gas.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, i extend my sincere condolences to the entire Ibru dynasty of Agbarha-Otor, the Urhobo nation and Nigerians on the passage of the beloved, urbane, cerebral and quintessential businessman and industrialist whose contributions to the growth of commerce and industry in Nigeria remains indelible.

“Olorogun Michael Ibru was an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who built the Ibru dynasty to command the respect, trust and love of the entire country.

"Because of the successes recorded by the Ibru Organization in many areas, many Nigerians were encouraged to delve into several business interests which no doubt has contributed immensely to the growth of commerce in industry in Nigeria.

"As a state, we also recall with immense gratitude the role played by the late Olorogun Michael Ibru in the creation of our beloved Delta State. The Urhobo Nation and indeed Deltans have lost a great man who was indeed a pride to Deltans.

"He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in many several ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Olorogun Michael Ibru to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time."

According to the statement, Governor Okowa joins the family in mourning the great industrialist who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy contribution to the growth and development of his fatherland in several areas.

OKOWA TO ESTABLISH AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PARKS TO ENSURE PROSPERITY FOR ALL

YAs part of efforts to ensure prosperity for all Deltans, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said Agro-industrial parks would be established in the state.

Governor Okowa dropped the hint in Asaba while receiving a feasibility study on the establishment of industrial parks in the state by the committee on Agro-industrial parks.

"We have made promises and I want to reassure Deltans that we are still on course with our promises and we will gradually fulfil them; we will continue to do the best and in the course of time, the prosperity we promised the people will be achieved," the Governor said.

He added, "we hope that with partnership, we will establish viable industrial parks in Delta State to create wealth for our people because, we must progress from improved production to Agro businesses."

According to the governor, "I believe that the various activities in and around the Agro-industrial parks will generate a lot of works and employment for our people; we should give peace a chance because with peace, we will take the state to greater heights."

He commended the committee on the development of industrial parks for the speed with which they carried out their activities.

The Chairman of Mchimi Nigeria Limited, Mr Roy Tal while presenting the feasibility study on the Agro-industrial parks, disclosed that one of such parks was capable of creating 10, 000 direct employment and more than 100, 000 indirect jobs, assuring that apart from speedy industrialization of the state, jobs would be created for Deltans.

Earlier, the Chief Job Creation Officer in the state, Prof. Eric Eboh said the feasibility studies encompasses, technical, financial, management and everything that was required for sustainable industrial parks.

PRESIDENT, NULGE, DELTA STATE HARPS ON WORK ETHICS

The Staff of the Local Government Councils across Delta State had been charged to uphold the habit of punctuality to work in spite of the present economic situation.

President National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comr. David Ofoeyene stated this in a recent meeting bordering on the issue of Absenteeism and Truancy, held with the various NULGE chairmen, Heads of Personnel Management, and Heads of Department across the State.

The State NULGE President, Comr. David Ofoeyene, said that the Local Government Commission was poised to sanctioning, any Staff found wanting in the area of Absenteeism and unethical work practices.

Comr. David Ofoeyene also said that the Local Government Union at the State level would continue in the struggle of protecting the interest of the Workers, stressing that workers however, should be committed to their duties.

He reassured the Local Government workers that the Government would not relent in the payment of the outstanding Salaries, pointing out that it was just a matter of time.

CONSOLIDATE ON DEVELOPMENTAL LEGACIES: OBOREWORI TELLS DELTANS

Deltans has been charged to consolidate on the developmental legacies of the great men and women that have nurtured Delta State since it was created 25years ago...

JUDICIARY IS NIGERIANS GREATEST PROBLEM-ONUESOKE

Delta State Peoples Democratic PDP, Chieftain and Delta State PDP Governorship aspirant in 2007 election, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has stated that the judiciary is the greatest problem of Nigerian democracy.

Speaking in Port- Harcourt, Rivers State while reacting to Police sealing up of PDP convention venue in Port Harcourt as a result of Abuja Court order, Onuesoke said he was blaming the judiciary for the confusion because "a situation where a court in Port Harcourt has giving approval for the convention to hold another court of similar power will over rule it is abnormal."

According to him, “The judiciary is confusing issues. Port Harcourt court had giving an order last week for the convention to be held, while the Abuja order was given only on Monday this week.  Why must an Abuja court give an order to stop the convention, when a similar court had already approved the convention? This is why I said the judiciary is the greatest problem of Nigerian democracy.”

Onuesoke, the South South PDP strongman  alleged that the action of the Abuja court had giving those who are interested in the disorganization and fall of the PDP to use their power to obstruct the holding of the convention wondering what business the  police has to do with party convention.

“The duty of police is to maintain peace and order and not to seal up party convention venue like the one we just experienced in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Why do we not take a cue from America where Donald Trump is abusing the seating President Obama and things are still going on as scheduled,” Onuesoke quarried.

Onuesoke who alleged that it is obvious that political gladiators in the opposition are manipulating the judiciary against PDP, argued that what is happening negate the period of former President Goodluck Jonathan  where he always encourage people to obey  court order,  noting further that  under  this present administration  impunity is growing by the day, and it will get to a point where people would arm themselves with judgments from their favourite judges.

NIGER DELTA CRISIS: OKOWA SUES FOR PEACE, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND ADVOCACY

Efforts to restore peace to oil-rich Niger Delta region continued in Effurun with the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa calling for cessation of any form of hostilities in the region, saying more would be achieved through dialogue and advocacy.

Addressing delegates at a one-day stakeholders' consultative meeting of Niger Delta Coastal States convened by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State, Governor Okowa said "there is need to agitate but, it should be agitation based on dialogue and advocacy."

While commending the convener of the meeting for giving room for the people of the Niger Delta region to talk, Governor Okowa stated that more would be achieved when the people of the region have credible people speaking on their behalf rather than persons who will claim to be speaking for the people whereas they were looking for personal gains.

"Are we ready to be a true voice of the people? Today, we are talking about dialogue but it is important that we have those who can represent us, not the Governors, because, with Governors it will be viewed at as political, and I know that if we have a well selected stakeholders to go to Abuja to speak for us, the President will listen because those people will not be seen as speaking for their pockets," the Governor said, reiterating, "we should stop all forms of violence, with violence, we are taking actions that are destroying our land, our waters in anger."

He emphasized, "our traditional rulers and our leaders should let the youths know that they should stop violence, with a firm assurance that the elders will speak for us; we know that fiscal federalism, restructuring of the country are important but, we should look at what we can benefit from President Buhari's administration as a people."

The Governor disclosed that plans are on to reopen the Maritime University, and that when the gas revolution project comes on stream, the Escravos sand bar would be dredged.

"We should be peaceful, please let us give peace a chance, we need to create the enabling environment, we need to be ready to accommodate investors because, the gas revolution project will cost in excess of 15 billion dollars and the process of dredging the Escravos bar is part of the bargain," he stated, disclosing that Chinese investors were already sourcing for funds to finance the project.
Governor Okowa used the occasion to inform Deltans that the Ugborodo community have embraced dialogue as the best form of resolving crisis rather than occupying the premises of Chevron.

In his opening remarks, Chief Clark said, the meeting was convened because of the tension building in the six coastal states of the Niger Delta as a result of high presence of military men.

Those who spoke at the occasion, including the youths and women, called for the demilitarization of the Niger Delta region, re-opening of the Maritime University, dialogue with President Buhari, restructuring of Nigeria as ways of ensuring enduring peace in the region.

SEMINAR ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE HOLDS IN AGBOR

Nigerian society has been described as sitting on a dangerous time bomb due to the high rate of incessant child sexual abuse that has continued to take place in all parts of the country.

The Executive Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Fred Ofume disclosed this during a one day sensitization seminar tagged, ‘Stop Sexual Child Abuse Now’, in Agbor recently, organized by Information Action Centre, Ika South to create awareness on the incessant Child Sexual Abuse going on in our society.

Hon. Fred Ofume  who disclosed that based on the rate of child sexual abuse going on in the country that tomorrow might become too dangerous, posited that  those who are supposed to take care of the children are the ones abusing them.

The Chairman pointed out that due to the current situation in the country, parents have left their duty of taking care of their children while hustling for money and other cares of the world, thereby allowing some group of adult to take advantage of their children and abuse them sexually.

He further averred that we will be richly blessed if we are able to take good care of our children whose upbringing will definitely affect the society negatively or positively because when children learn good values the society at large benefits.

Resource person of the seminar, Nkemakonam Linda Ijeh, the Director of a non-governmental organization (NGO) that deals with issue relating to child sexual abuse, revealed that 300, 000 children are abused sexually in Nigeria every year.

She said that when one opens pages of newspapers every day, one continues to read different cases of child sexual abuse which are always perpetuated by the children’s caregivers or even relatives or people who are well known to the families of the victims.

She further disclosed that many of the cases of the child abuse are not reported by parents due to the fear of stigmatization while children continue to grow up with such horrible experience.

She advised parents not to keep quite in cases of sexual abuse of their children because it does not help the society and the victims who may not receive the necessary counselling he/she needs in such situation.

She further disclosed that adults can stop this abuse by curtailing the early signs while reiterating that adults will be held responsible for the offense if they notice the early signs and decide to keep quite.

Describing sexual abuse, she said, “all sexual touching between an adult and a child is sexual abuse, sexual touching between children can also be sexual abuse when there is a significant age difference between the children or if the children are very different developmentally.”

She further revealed that sexual abuse does not have to involve penetration, force, pain or even touching rather that if an adult engages in any sexual behaviour (looking, showing or touching), with a child to meet the adult interest of sexual needs, it is sexual abuse while positing that this include the production, distribution and viewing of child pornography.

She also advised parents to take note of the child various protection laws that are in Nigeria and apply them while always seeking the services of NGOs and other relevant agencies in cases of child abuse

PHILANTHOLOPIST DONATES TRACTOR TO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AGBOR

A brand new tractor and slasher has been donated to College of Education, Agbor, in response to the fervent appeal earlier made by the Provost of the Institution, Dr. Joseph Onyesi Ukadike, to individuals, private organisations and others to come to the aid of the institution in terms of infrastructural development of the institution.

The Provost who disclosed that the tractor and slasher was donated by an Ika indigene who pleaded to remain anonymous said that the special committee on the physical development of the College which he inaugurated to go all out to attract donors have started yielding dividends as more donors are already indicating interest to come and write their names in gold and marble at the college.

Addressing the press, the Provost called on more people, organizations to join in answering this call of developing the College of Education, Agbor while stressing that government alone cannot do it.

Acknowledging the receipt of the tractor/slasher, he averred that although the donor told them not to mention his name that he must not fail to express his profound gratitude to him while praying God to continue to shower his blessing upon him.

He further disclosed that the tractor/slasher is what the Institution needed at this auspicious time when weeds are continuously growing unabated.

He also use the medium to call on others whom the Institution has written letters to respond while as well urging those individuals and organization that the Institution might not have remembered to write to, to come to the aid of the school while pointing out that nothing is too small or too big.

He said that the Institution needs help in the areas of more lecture halls, school buses, offices and other infrastructures.

The highpoint of the occasion was the official driving of the tractor by the Provost who dedicated it to the Almighty God who made it possible.

Some principal staff of the College who were on hand to witness the ceremony include, a onetime Provost of the Institution, Dr. Emmanuel Tibi, the acting registrar of the Institution and others.

STATE GOVERNMENT PLACES MEASURES TO COMBAT SPREED OF LASSA FEVER DISEASE

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge on Wednessday 24th 2016 has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly disease caused by Lassa fever as one person has been confirmed dead from the disease in Delta State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge made the revelation today in his office during a press briefing on the outbreak of the disease in the State.

He said the victim who is a male, hailed from Anambra State and was a medical practitioner resident at Umuaji Quarters, Asaba where his private clinic was also situated.

According to the Commissioner, the late victim was taken to El – Comfort Hospital located somewhere at Bonsac, Asaba  with a two weeks history of fever, weakness and drowsiness for treatment but was later referred to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State where his condition deteriorated and he later passed on after 3 hours on admission.

He said that a blood sample earlier collected from the victim was confirmed positive for Lassa fever at the Institute of Lassa fever, Irrua, Edo State.

Dr. Azinge assured Deltans and residents that his Ministry is on top of the matter as the state’s Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Team is coordinating the State’s response to contain the spread of the disease.

He said a blood sample was taken and tested from the late victim’s wife and it came out negative at the Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo State, adding that a total of thirty-two (32) persons have been placed on surveillance, explaining that this numbers includes eleven (11) persons from the immediate family of the diseased, eighteen (18) persons who were at El- Comfort Hospital while the victim was there for treatment and 3 persons at General Hospital, Ibusa that conveyed him to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State.

The Commissioner said that two (2) Local Government Areas (LGA) Disease Surveillance Officers in Oshimili South and Oshimili North are actively involved as part of the State response team, stressing that they have been monitoring the temperature of those under surveillance, and this will be done for a period of 21 days as the two hospitals the victim passed through in Asaba have been temporarily shut down and fumigated to check the spread of the disease.

He said that his Ministry is collaborating with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi (NAUTH) officials, the Institute of Lassa fever, Irrua, Edo State, the Anambra State Ministry of Health and the State Nigerian Medical Association on the disease as events unfold.

Dr. Azinge said the State has reactivated the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Team while sensitization of Health workers in the State is ongoing for them to have a high index of suspicion and take preventive measures when managing infectious cases.

According to him, awareness creation through the various mass media will commence immediately so that the general public can understand how the disease is transmitted and therefore take preventive measures to forestall its spread.

In addition, the Commissioner stated that outbreak prevention materials have been pre-positioned in high risk disease outbreak Local government Areas (LGAs) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), non-contact thermometers and other items have been distributed to the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all of the 25 Local government (LGAs) in the State by the State Ministry of Health. The Lassa fever drug - Rivabirin has been procured for immediate case management.

He advised residents to make efforts to keep their environment clean, keep their food away from the reach of rats, and exterminate rats in their environment as they are the main carrier of the disease. He further counselled that those who had formed the habits of drying food stuff outside should discontinue that habit so that rats do not have access to human consumables. He used the opportunity to thank the Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa for his efforts in providing the necessary support and logistics towards the containment of the disease and assured the general public not to panic since the situation is under control.

RESEARCH ON ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INSTEAD OF OIL, ONUESOKE ADVISES FG

People democratic party(PDP) Chieftain and  Delta State  PDP Governorship aspirant in 2007 general election, Chief Sunny Onuesoke on Wednessday 24th has advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to intensify  research on establishment of alternative energy instead of spending funds in researching for discovery of oil in the Northern part of the country.

Giving the advise while reacting to Federal Government directive to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to embark on exploration on discovery of oil in the Northern part of the country, Onuesoke said it is a waste of fund  conducting  exploration for the  discovery of oil in the Northern part of the country that has no oil, when other countries are diversifying to less expensive and pollution effect  source of energy like sugar ethanol, solar energy and  electricity driven cars and airplane.

The PDP Chieftain argued that when other countries are saving money by conducting research on discovery of alternative energy,   it is now Nigeria is capitalizing on exploring oil as source of energy and revenue.

“Nigeria has abundant sources of alternative energy such as solar energy, biomass, as well as wind energy. The only problem is that the country does not have the equipment to convert these forms of energy into power.  If that be the case, fund expended in conducting research for exploration should be diverted in procuring equipment for the aforementioned sources of alternative energy that is abundant in the country,” Onuesoke suggested.

 He advised that   funds   budgeted  on  searching for oil  that is no more marketable should be channel to research on  alternative  energy  like solar energy,  sugar ethanol  and electricity source of energy.

“The money government is spending on researching for oil in the North is a waste. They should channel such fund on research for alternative energy.  We should emulate countries like   Mauritius that has been using sugar ethanol  as source of energy   to power electricity for the past  30 years, America  using solar energy to power unmanned plane and  Germany which using  electric power gas,” he disclosed.

Onuesoke who pointed out that  most countries are now using   electric powered energy, said Nigeria  should   research on technology    of how  to convert  its  flared gas for  powering of   turbine  for the supply of electricity  energy instead of  wasting the flared of gas.

He disclosed that the world is turning against production of oil because the pollutant effect of production of oil and high cost of exploration of petroleum, adding that petroleum gas flaring as pronounced in Kyoto declaration is against the policy of climate change.

TRIGGER HAPPY MOBILE POLICE SHOOTS APPRENTICE

A bizarre incident occurred at Effurun when an apprentice to a tipper driver who was affecting repairs in his principal's tipper opposite a popular motor park was allegedly shot on one of his foot by a trigger happy mobile police man attached to the said ever busy motor park on the afternoon of Tuesday 16^th August, 2016.

It was gathered that a commercial bus driver who parked at the front of the said motor in an attempt to pick up a passenger was apprehended by a tout in the motor park who together with other workers of the motor park allegedly beat up the commercial bus driver to a pulp destroying the wind screen of his vehicle in the process, to the annoyance of passersby and even travellers in the motor park.

Trouble started for the said apprentice who was affecting repairs on his principal's tipper at the opposite side of motor park when he was said to have condemned the alleged manhandling of the commercial bus driver by the workers of the motor park like others as he was said to have asked that if it is an offense for a vehicle to park at the front of a motor park to the hearing and annoyance of the trigger happy mobile police man who cocked his gun and allegedly went to the tipper at the opposite side of the motor park and fired a bullet at one of the foots of the harmless apprentice 'for opening his mouth too wide on the matter' to the annoyance of motorists and on lookers who witnessed the bizarre incident which consequently triggered  a public protest in the area.

It was also gathered that it was the intervention of soldiers attached to a tent close to the motor park who were said to have also condemned the act of the trigger happy mobile policeman and an Uvwie born patriot Hon Collins Igharakpata that brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile the injured apprentice was said to have been receiving treatment at a nearby military hospital and the matter was reported to the police, as at the time of filling this report.

DELTA @ 25 GRAND CELEBRATIONS BEGIN AUGUST 24

The organizing committee charged with the responsibility of putting in place worthwhile activities for the silver jubilee celebration of the creation of Delta State has released the programme for the event. 

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, who is also the Chairman of Publicity sub-committee for the ceremony, in a statement, disclosed that the week-long activities will begin with a children’s party to be hosted by the wife of the state Governor and Founder, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, on Wednesday 24th August, 2016 at The Event Centre, Asaba, by 10 am.

This will be followed by a Cultural Parade on Thursday 25th August, 2016 at the Cenotaph, Asaba.

The high point of the celebration will be the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit scheduled to hold on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August 2016 at the Event Centre, Asaba, from 9:00am each day.

A Grand Gala and Awards Night will also take place on Saturday 27th August 2016 at Event Centre, Asaba, by 5:00pm.

According to the statement, the milestone celebration will be concluded with a thanksgiving service at St. Phillip's Anglican Church, West End, Asaba, on Sunday 28th August 2016 by 10:00am.

Mr. Ukah urged all Deltans and non Deltans alike to be part of celebrations of 25 years of tremendous progress and prosperity.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 DELTA @ 25 GRAND CELEBRATIONS BEGIN AUGUST 24

The organizing committee charged with the responsibility of putting in place worthwhile activities for the silver jubilee celebration of the creation of Delta State has released the programme for the event. 

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, who is also the Chairman of Publicity sub-committee for the ceremony, in a statement, disclosed that the week-long activities will begin with a children’s party to be hosted by the wife of the state Governor and Founder, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, on Wednesday 24th August, 2016 at The Event Centre, Asaba, by 10 am.

This will be followed by a Cultural Parade on Thursday 25th August, 2016 at the Cenotaph, Asaba.

The high point of the celebration will be the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit scheduled to hold on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August 2016 at the Event Centre, Asaba, from 9:00am each day.

A Grand Gala and Awards Night will also take place on Saturday 27th August 2016 at Event Centre, Asaba, by 5:00pm.

According to the statement, the milestone celebration will be concluded with a thanksgiving service at St. Phillip's Anglican Church, West End, Asaba, on Sunday 28th August 2016 by 10:00am.

Mr. Ukah urged all Deltans and non Deltans alike to be part of celebrations of 25 years of tremendous progress and prosperity.

THE CRIES OF NDOKWA NATIONS

The present Nigeria is full of hope, because the Nation was blessed by heaven, a lot of natural resources that is capable of sustaining the Nation,  generation upon generation, enough to develop the Nation infrastructure and develop her citizen to the highest level.

Therefore, the fall of oil today, should not be seen as the fall of the Nation, while there is still enough quantum of Gas,  we should all note that the Nation her selves, knows the best for her citizens, and would not allow us to be enslaved by hunger.

Which was the more reason while we chose to start our diversification with No constant electricity supply, no good live.
And it is imperatives to state it categorically clear with the page, that we are beginning to see some elements of tricks, on the process of the discussions of the internal mechanism that was constituted to extensively deliberate on the subject matter referred to as "step it down or shut it down".

Titled the electrification of Ndokwa Nation, from the independent power plant, at which the good people of Ndokwa Nation today remains the host, to such magnificent facility well protected by the people, by the said (IPP) KWALE/OKPIA POWER PLANT. And they also supply the needed Gas, used in generating the constant power output of 480MW to the National grid and by right deserved to enjoy from the proposed facilities, why denying us the National cake?

And we the agitators, would also not forget, to acknowledge/appreciates all the effort and support been rendered by the Nigeria police force, with the help of the former police boss, the person of IGP, Solomon Arese retired, his DIG, and the police AIG FORCE HEADQUARTERS, commissioner of police FCT, for their total contribution/dedication throughout their tenour of moderating the discussion's within Federal government, and the people of UKWANI over electrifying our ethnicity Ndokwa Nation to enable us  diversify with ease.

And we won't be afraid to speak of the present situation of the discussion within the nominated personal from different ministries, that makes up the technical committee, that was brought together to look into the possibilities of the said project, #lightingupNdokwa.

And we therefore, urge the present police boss to raise an ultimatum latter to these concerned ministries, urging them to report back their outcome with immediate effect to the appropriate venue, where the discussion its been holding, since the beginning of the negotiations over the electrification project of our ethnic.

Please dear Ndokwa Son's and daughters, lend us your voice, by liking and sharing until it gets to our father, uncle, big brother, the police boss.

HON. ISREAL A. SIRKEKE MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Hon Isreal A. Sirkeke who through his enormous contributions towards humanity especially the youths has drawn many applauses across the state.

Known for his dexterity and doggedness towards political issues an astute politician, a member of the people Democratic party (P D P) and a former aspirant of the P.D.P, he has engineered many constituency projects that has brought employment to the masses especially the youth in his local government area of isoko north. He was unanimously voted as the Governor of oyede clan youth and the Governor general of isoko National youth movement during the tenure of comrade Zino onaimor as a result of his unalloyed support for the well-being of the isoko youths. his versatility and flexibility in adapting to all weather has made him to work in different places and department in recognition of his philanthropic and generous service to humanity and organisation, he was given a recognition award for his services to humanity by the NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS.

His detribalised nature has made him re-unite with his long time friend His excellency Yahaya Bello, (the Governor of kogi state ) who he always visit at government house lokoja. He a philanthropist, a husband, father, brother, uncle and a pace-setter

2016 CAPITAL PROJECT: RE-DEFINING KOGI STATE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT.

Pss consulting international institution a strategic and sustainable managrment system experts has louded the 2016 capital project of Kogi State.

In a statement issued to smartnews online by the managing patner Pss consuting, Praise Ifeniyi, SSMP, he states,  following of the ascending of the year 2016 capital project by His Excellency, the executive governor of kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The kogi state 2016 capital project have been vetted and described as sustainability oriented, and enmploy the state government to embrace a performance strategy and sustainability management oriented conference in the state to applured the president Buhari's sustainability and developemental initiatives.

CROSS SECTION OF DELTANS SPEAK ON 25 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

Pastor Dr Gloria Bank Onephronjire: "I want to talk as a mother Delta state was given birth to 25yrs ago. It is not easy to nurture a baby to adult especially when the we are talking about here now. 'Delta state' was nurtured by different fathers. A child brought up by different fathers may find it difficult to do well.

Based on the above fact, we can say that Delta state has tried to some extent in terms of development because the people that have ruled the state for these 25yrs have different ideas and policies without continuity. When one goes the second one coming will begin from a different platform instead of continuing with the program and policies of the previous government. This has affected the rate of development in the state. In this regards Delta state has tried.

However, if you look at it from the angle of adulthood a child of 25yrs should be able to fend for his or herself and this regard Delta state has not tried and this is tied to the leaders. The leaders are responsible for the slow pace of development in the state. They should be held responsible and any corrupt one should be probed irrespective of political affiliations. For example China became developed when corrupt leaders were being killed that put fears in the minds of those coming to rule. Also the women and youths should be empowered. There is the saying, that if you empower a woman you empower a nation, while the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. So the women and youths should be empowered for rapid development of the state".

 2) Comrade Edariese Peter A., President General Oviri-Olomu Community. "If we look at the development of Delta state, one can say that Delta state is moving at a very slow pace judging from the fact that Delta state is an oil producing state with revenue accruing to it from the federation account, Derivation and NDDC. What is saying is that Delta state has not received the development that is can measure or equal to the revenue accruing to it since this 25yrs of creation.

Delta state is supposed to be one of the most developed States by today. If we are to look at Warri for example, a city that has been known for years in Delta state, the roads are in squalor, in shambles, and not assessable. If you are going into Warri, the road leading to it is in a very bad shape with potholes everywhere and still a one lane road when it is supposed to be dualized. If Delta state life is to be judged by Warri as a known city then one can say that Delta state is highly underdeveloped.

I want to advised that only those who have interest in the development of Delta state should be allowed to govern the state while past corrupt leaders should be probed irrespective of their position",

3) Bishop Dr Diamond Emuobor, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ughelli North LGA."First, I want to thank God for the creation of Delta state which was realized after much agitation by Deltans on August 27th 1991. It brought happiness to the extent that we fill we can now develop to became the hub of industrialization in Nigeria because we are favored by God as we have all that is required to develop. We have the seas, the rubber and to cap it up the crude oil as well as a formidable human resources. Delta state is also a Christian state. So, the state was godly design to be envied by other States of the federation.

But what we find today is opposite because of wrong foundation from the creation to the appointment of an administrator They appointed an administrator who was a non indigene who was only interested in enriching himself and so were others who came to govern the state. They went away with our money if not the development of the state would have been higher than this by now.

Then when politics came, the politics of senatorial district became another problem. Instead of joining hand to develop the state, we became acrimonious to one another because of senatorial politics. Huge finance of the state has been wasted in court cases which have also affected the development of the state. We should support whoever that wins the election so that our state can develop.

Today there are roads that have not been tarred, schools without fence and benches, communities without pipe borne water in the state. All these are signs that our development is low. Look at what Ogbemudia did in the then Bendel state. The politics of partisan has not helped us; we should put party aside when it comes to developing our God given state.

 For this present regime, our governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is a politician who started politics from the grassroots, as local government chairman, a commissioner, secretary to the state government, a senator and now a governor is very sure he will do well despite the financial position of the state. He has started well so he will end well by the grace of God."

PDP CONVENTION: PDP EXTENDS MAKARFI’S TENURE, AS OKOWA EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN THE UNITY OF THE PARTY

The National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the tenure of the caretaker committee of the party led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi by another twelve months.

The resolution was reached at the convention which took place at the PDP Secretariat, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the decision of party delegates from different parts of the country to amend the agenda of the convention.

Senator Makarfi had earlier inaugurated the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in a meeting held at the Rivers State Government House.

In all the activities, delegates of the party from Delta State led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa played active roles in the decision-making processes.

Senator Makarfi, in a briefing said, in the absence of elected national officers, members of the caretaker committee of the party would be members of NEC which comprises PDP Governors, National Assembly Caucus , Board of Trustees, National Caucus, 36 State PDP chairmen and national officers of the Party.
In an interview with journalists, Governor Okowa described what was going on in the PDP as the beauty of democracy, noting that the party was becoming stronger and more united.

The governor, adorning an attire designed with PDP colors and logo, stated that the party has structures that were laid to stand the test of time and expressed satisfaction with the large turn-out of delegates, including former governors, former chairmen of the party at the convention.

EKIUGBO COMMUNITY SAYS GOV. OKOWA IS A PURPOSEFUL AND VISIONARY LEADER

The people of Ekiugbo Community in Ughelli North Local Government area of the state have described Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as a purposeful and visionary leader whose administration’s policies are strategic towards enhancing the living standard of Deltans.

A member of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board and the President of the Ekiugbo Community Development Union (EDU), Hon. Orishedere Sunny, who stated this in Ekiugbo while speaking on the achievements of the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the 25 years anniversary of the creation of the state, said a lot had been achieved, especially in the area of infrastructures such as road construction, empowerment and job creation aimed at making the teeming youth self-reliant.

Speaking shortly after the first entry visit embarked upon by the officials of the Community-Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU), led by its Project Director, Mrs. A.A Orubu, Hon. Orishedere Sunny, however, commended Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the payment of the state counterpart contribution for the World Bank and European Union assisted scheme, stressing that the initiative had provided the framework for rural Communities in the state to benefit from the programme.

He disclosed that the decision to attract the project to his country home, Ekiugbo  was borne out of the love he had for his people and to develop the Community, while calling on well meaning individuals in the society to take advantage of the scheme to enhance the socio-economic well-being of their localities.

Hon. Orishedere Sunny, who is a Ph.D holder in Information and Communication Technology, harped on the need for government at all levels and good spirited individuals to shift focus to ICT, adding that approach would have overbearing impact on all spheres of human endeavours.

The board member called on Deltans from all walks of life to always support the administration of Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in its determination to continue to develop all nooks and crannies of the state despite the lean resources accruing to the state.

Earlier, the Project Director of the Community-Driven Development Social Implementation Unit (CDDSIU), Mrs. A.A Orubu said that the Community-Driven development, Community members were at the drivers’ seat, adding that the scheme was a paradigm shift from contract-driving approach.

Mrs. Orubu said for the rural Communities to benefit from the project, each Community was expected to pay ten percent counterpart contribution either in cash or kind depending on the nature of the micro-project it had chosen while the state government in collaboration with the World Bank and the European Union would provide the remaining ninety percent amounting to ten million naira for two or three micro-projects.

The Project Director emphasized that during the second entry visit to the Community, different groups including the elders, men, women/ vulnerable and the youths would identify and prioritize the projects of their choice as well as elect eight-member project management committee through option A4, noting that the Community would produce their Community Development Plan that would capture the bill of quantity for their projects to be forwarded to the World Bank for approval.

She further disclosed that after the Community had secured approval of her Community Development Plan, the eight member committee, the Chairman, secretary, treasurer of the Community Development Association as well as the sub -committee members would be trained on the best ways to carry out the execution and management of the project in tandem with the World Bank standard and called on rural Communities in the state to key into the project.

CONSULTANT SCORES DELTA STATE HIGH ON MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS PROJECT

The Federal Government Consultant on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Projects in Delta State,  Architect Femi Fakolade, has scored Delta State high in the ongoing execution of projects of the 2014/2015 State cycle of MDGs-CGS projects.

Speaking with newsmen after a Monitoring and Evaluation exercise of projects being executed by the Directorate of MDGs/SDGs across the Three (3) Senatorial Zones of the state, Architect Fakolade said that the quality of work at the various project sites such as the Agbor-Obi Maternity/Labour Ward of the Primary Healthcare Centre in Ika South Local Government, the Solar Powered Borehole projects at the Umutu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ukwuani Local Government, the Primary Health Care Centre at Osubi inside the Trade Fair Complex in Okpe LGA, Emede in Isoko South as well as the two (2) Bedroom bungalow self contained Medical Staff Quarters of the Primary Healthcare Centre Ewu in Ughelli South LGA, spoke volumes of the level of project execution compliance of the contractors handling the projects.

The Federal Government MDGs Consultant stated that the quality of work is impressive and lauded the project contractors for their high level of compliance with the time lines of Eight (8) weeks completion date, describing the feat not only to the dexterity of the Management and Staff of the Dr. Andy Ilabor led Directorate of MDGs/SDGs, but also to the impressive synergy between the FG and Delta State in the area of Counterpart funding for the project.

In his remark, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on MDGs/SDGs, Dr. Andy Ilabor attributed the success rate of project execution to the Commitment of the contracting firms, who, in spite of challenges, put all machinery into place to key into the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa  ‘’SMART’’ agenda.

Dr. Ilabor said, ‘’ it is astounding that in spite of the fact that the Contractors have not been mobilized, they put in their expertise and achieved the milestones we are witnessing in the Bill of Quantities they received.

We use this opportunity to thank His Excellency the ‘’SMART’’ Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for creating the enabling environment to attar the counterpart funds in order to match the Federal Government Grants for the successful implementation of these pro-poor projects in Delta State’’.

Respondents, such as the Deputy Director of Nursing Services of the Agbor-Obi Primary Healthcare Centre, Mrs. Uche Ogwu, the contractor handling the Maternity ward project, Sir Emma Ogbebor, the Umutu PHC Solar Borehole contractor, Engr. Oduah Joseph, the Osubi PHC Solar Powered Borehole project  contractor, Vicniro Ventures as well as hi Emede in Isoko South counterpart, lauded Governor Okowa for enabling them key into the ‘’SMART’’ agenda of his administration through delivery of people oriented projects.

On hand to receive the Project Monitoring and Evaluation team led by the SSA (MDGS/SDGs), Dr. Andy Ilabor were community representatives and youth leaders who pledged to sustain the projects.

IBB, A TOWERING NATIONALIST @ 75 - OKOW

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described former Nigeria's President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) as a nationalist whose legacy as the eight Nigeria's Head of State will always stand him out as a towering nationalist.

Governor Okowa in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu to commemorate General Babangida's 75th birthday stated that the world, especially, Deltans deserve to join IBB in celebration.

According to him, "IBB is an icon, a nationalist whose impact as President is still being felt in the country and in the diasporas, he occupies a special place in the hearts of government and people of Delta State because, but for his interest to enthroning an egalitarian society, where love for the nation supersedes personal interest, Deltans would have still been agitating for their own state."

"IBB created Delta State in 1991 and as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of our dear state, we remember his astute and sagacious contributions towards the realization of our dream state. 

"As a State, a lot has been achieved since its creation and as we showcase our achievements to the world while working towards harnessing our potentials as a people, we owe you, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida a great deal of appreciation for making this dream a reality.

We are happy that as a worthy son-in-law of our state, his 75th birthday is coinciding with our rolling out of drums to celebrate 25 years of a progressive Delta State," the governor said, adding, "the Government and people of Delta State wish to use this medium to congratulate Gen. Babangida as he celebrates 75 eventful, historical years on earth; we wish him happy more years of active contribution to the growth of our dear country, Nigeria and development of humanity."

SAPELE OKPE COMMUNITY GETS NEW EXECUTIVE

Public condemnations by indigenes of Sapele-Okpe have continued to trail the court suit instituted by the erstwhile Caretaker Committee Chairman, Sapele Okpe Community, Mr. Moses Ogodo against the traditional ruler of Okpe kingdom- HRM, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom following the recent removal of the community leader from office.

A cross section of stakeholders in Sapele Okpe community and executive of the Sapele Okpe Land Trust Association, while giving their approval to the new executive of the community and fully backing the action of the Okpe monarch, stated that the unguided recourse of the former care taker committee chairman is a sacrilege, most unfortunate and an insult to the integrity of the traditional stool of Okpe kingdom by a subject.

The condemnation of the action of the former Sapele-Okpe community chairman came at a reception organised by members of the Sapele Okpe Land Trust Association under the leadership of Chief Ede Dafinone while recognizing and giving full approval to the newly sworn-in members of Sapele Okpe community led by its interim chairman, Mr. Anthony America Ayomanor.

While defending the action of the Okpe monarch for removal and appointments of executive and members into Sapele Okpe community, Chief Ede Dafinone stated that the Orodje took the decision following avalanche of protests from different quarters of the community on the overstay in office and other allegations against the Moses Ogodo led interim administration.

Chief Dafinone explained that the decision by the Orodje was taken in order to avert another crisis in the community, especially the clamour by the protesters calling for a change in the interim executive, after five years in office, apart from lingering issues from previous court cases which the out-gone leadership failed to address.

The former Senate aspirant disclosed that the swearing-in process of the new executive of the community was performed by the Orodje, who is the chief custodian of Okpe tradition and was observed by members of the four quarters of Sapele-Okpe community with relevant security agents, including members of the Nigeria Armed Forces, the Police, the Navy and the State Security Services- SSS present at the ceremony.

He pointed out that it is the oversight function of Sapele Okpe Land Trust Association to supervise the role of Sapele Okpe community and it was on the strength of the endorsement of the new team by the Orodje that the Land Trust is giving its blessing and support to the newly elected team of the community.

Chief Dafinone, charged them to be good ambassadors and be conscious of the mandate assigned to them, stressing that in order to foster peace, progress and development in the community, the new executive should strive to reconcile all aggrieved persons and groups back to the centre, thereby allowing the community to function as one.

According to the Okakuro, ensure that the four quarters of the community are brought to the center and work towards conducting a free and fair election within the one year tenure of your administration.

Among those who lend their supports for the new team were, Prince Ogodo, who berated the action of his brother- Moses, describing it as an insult by a son on his father, however pleaded that plans are on the way to appease the monarch by calling the offender to render unreserved apology to the king, in the process of purging him of his wrong doings.

Also, Chief Geoffrey Dafinone chastised the action by the former community chairman. describing it as a sacrilege by an ungrateful subject insulting his king after benefiting much by his overstay in office, while the Financial Secretary of the new team, Mr. Victor Abeke equally condemned the action against the monarch by the erstwhile community chairman
 
According to Mr. Abeke, Moses ought not to allow power and greed to becloud his respect for the monarch, advising the he ought to have mellowed down and start thinking of working with the new executive towards achieving a common goal of peace, prosperity and development of the community.

Nobody actually allowed him to stay that long in office and his overstay was occasioned by the lingering court action by a former elected chairman, Mr. Michael Egbejule, advising the new Exco to ensure that they carry everyone along in the activities of the community and resolve all pending issues.

Earlier, the new chairman, Sapele Okpe Community, Mr. Anthony America Ayomanor (AAA) pledged to work according  to the mandate assigned them as he  promised not to disappoint the Orodje and the entire quarters that form the community.

He promised to be fair and just, by uniting all interest groups and to ensure peace and progress, stressing “just now, we are going to move Sapele forward and usher in peace, progress and development”.

Several efforts through phone calls made in attempt to get Mr.  Ogodo comment were abortive, as he refused to pick calls, however in a current edition of the Urhobo Voice newspaper, he averred that he remains the Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community.

GOVERNOR OKOWA'S GOVERNMENT AN OPEN BLESSING TO DELTANS. HON. UZUM EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO GOVERNOR OKOWA ON NATIONAL ORIENTATION. IN A BRIEF INTRODUCTORY SESSION/COURTESY CALL BY SMARTNEWS/NOLLYHUB TV CREW IN HIS OFFICE.

The smart Government of of Okowa is over one(1) year,  How would you assess his performnce? 

The smart Government lead by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a government that came with the vission, purpose and plan for the developement of Delta State,  before even his campaingn, he knew what Deltans wanted and he is determine to deliver to the people of this State what is required of an emergineg State like Delta. Having served the grassroot as secretary to Ika local government, chairman of the council, secretary to the State government, a senator in the national assembly and now a Governor: my personal assessment even internationally, Governor Okowa has deliever in every aspect of it in terms of human capital developement in Delta State, health,  education, transforming the capital city mention it. In tourism he has succeded in turning the State into a nolywood destination and i think we are ready to compete with other State internationally.

In a statement issued by the Governors aide as we mark 25th aniversary of the creation of Delta State on the 27th of August 2016, the infectious joy of our anivasary celebration is hinged on the excellent performance of the smart Governor. He has in a period of one year in office shown what even group or groups cannot achieve in a year or more positively to affect the futunes of people
Whose lives had long been falorn.

Governor Okowa is an open blessing to Deltans; he further more stated that " in spite of the country dwindling resources, the governor has been able to change the face of Delta State. " He has left his foot print of developement to improve the standard of living of people, particulaly in the areas of infrastructure and human capital developement by introducing the smart agenda which have empowered thousands of youth in a period of one year in office in various skills and aquization across 25 local government of Delta State.

The smart govenment has demostrated abountantly that he cannot be distracted. Governor Okowa came into the office with a vission, plan and road map to leap frog the State into unprecedented developement in the shortest possible time. Hence he remain focus and leaves above the distraction of the idle and the faint-hearted. The governors aide also comended the governors effort for introducing the the Delta State trafic management board (DESTMA), the STEP and YAGEP programme which has served as a means of improving lives of people in various aspect of their lives in Delta State.

Why most States can't pay salaries of workers and the many ills of our economy.* THIS IS AN ASSESSMENT ON AN INSTITUTION WITH ALL POLITICAL PARTIES. *NOT A DISCUSSION ON ANY POLITICAL PARTY.*

21 senators currently receive pensions from government as ex-governors and deputy governors.

The current senators who once served as governors are *Bukola Saraki* of Kwara, *Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso* of Kano, *Kabiru Gaya* of Kano, *Godswill Akpabio* of Akwa Ibom, *Theodore Orji* of Abia, *Abdullahi Adamu* of Nasarawa, *Sam Egwu* of Ebonyi, *Shaaba Lafiagi* of Kwara, *Joshua Dariye* of Plateau *Jonah Jang* of Plateau, *Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko* of Sokoto, *Ahmed Sani Yarima* of Zamfara, *Danjuma Goje* of Gombe, *Bukar Abba Ibrahim* of Yobe, *Adamu Aliero* of Kebbi, *George Akume* of Benue and *Isiaka Adeleke* of Osun.

*The  former deputy governors in the Senate*
are *Ms Biodun Olujimi* of Ekiti and *Enyinaya Harcourt Abaribe* of Abia. *Danladi Abubakar Sani* served as the acting governor of Taraba state.

Many *former governors* are also in Buhari's Cabinet as Ministers. This includes: *Ngige, Fayemi, Amaechi and Fashola (SAN)*

In Akwa Ibom State, the law provides that ex governors and deputy governors receive pension equivalent to the salaries of the incumbent. The package also includes a new official car and a utility vehicle every four years; one personal aide; a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5 million per month and N2.5 million for his deputy governor.

In Rivers, the law provides 100 percent of annual basic salaries for the ex-governor and deputy, one residential house for the former governor “anywhere of his choice in Nigeria”; one residential house anywhere in Rivers for the deputy, three cars for the ex-governor every four years and two cars for the deputy every four years.

It is alledged that in Lagos, a former governor will get two houses, one in Lagos and another in Abuja, estimated at N500 million in Lagos and N700 million in Abuja. He also receives six new cars to be replaced every three years; a furniture allowance of 300 percent of annual salary to be paid every two years, and a N30 million pension annually for life.

This is the reality for all the 21 ex govenors and deputy governors who are currently serving as senators. This same is also true of ex governors who are now serving as Ministers.

NOW I ASK:
How many years did these guys serve their states as governors and deputy governors? Is it more than 8years? Is that a reason to be entitled to these *bogus and mind bugling* pensions for life? Even if they are entitled to pension for life, must it be so outrageous? Do they have two heads? A man puts in 35years of his life in service, he ends up with a fraction of his earnings as pension. Some politician does 8years and for life he doesn't have to work again.

As if that is not enough: HOW on earth can any public servant with conscience collect salaries and allowances as a senator or minister, and still have the audacity to claim pensions equivalent to the salaries of a serving governor in Nigeria?

IT ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE......

Once you are elected a senator or appointed a minister, *you must forfeit any pension accruing to you from government at any level until you vacate office.* This should also apply to senators collecting military pensions like former Senate President *David Mark.*
Yet these senators are in the Senate that is inviting the current finance minister to discuss the recession of Nigeria's economy. *A senator pockets approximately 30 million naira monthly as salary and allowances.* Our so called *"honourables"* are *NOT* interested in making laws that could restructure our country into economically autonomous federating States/Regions to save the country from sectional agitations that is threatening to destroy Nigeria. Why should they? They are feeding fat the way things are now. The sad and hopeless situation is that the rest of Nigerians are busy arguing based on party, and ethnic affiliations while these enemies of state continue to rape us.

Do you know that it costs tax payers *290m Naira yearly to maintain each member of our National Assembly* in a country where nothing works & 80% of the population earn below 300 Naira a day? A *working day earning* of a senator is MORE than a yearly income of a doctor; it's more than the salary of 42 Army generals or 48 professors or 70 commissioners of police or more than twice the pay of the US president or 9times the salary of US congressmen.

Please say NO to this looting of Nigeria in the name of democracy by sending this text to at least 5 others.

*I believe this country must have a referendum on salaries of all our law makers.*

NIGERIA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET...

Padded budget....

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Vol 1 No 1
HOW OKOWA IS RE INVENTING DELTA THROUGH HIS SMART PROJECTS:

SPECIAL EDITION

NOLLY HUB INTRODUCING NOLLY HUB TV FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.

Hon. FIDELIS OKENMOR TILIJE...

Hon. Fidelis Okemor Tilije the political journey of a man of the people...

CHANGING THE CHANGE! PDP RESTRUCTURE AHEAD OF 2019 AS GOVERNOR OKAWA'S SMART PROJECT CHANGE THE FACE OF DELTA! BY NWADOR IFEANYI.

Ahead of 2019: The party leadership of the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have re-strategized in restructuring the party from the national to the grassroot, the just concluded PDP National Congress have give birth to leaders who's challenge are to take advantage of the APC failed change mission which was term change the change!

In a statement released during a meeting held in Abuja by the board of trustees "(BOT)" with staff of the PDP at the National Secretariat Abuja. The chairman board of trustees Senator Wahid Jibrin commented the effort of the party stakeholders for their various contributions towards the success of the just concluded convention. The BOT secretary Amb. Chief Ojo Maduekwe who spoke and commented members of the staff for their co-operation and urged them to continue remaining calm and united irrespective of the current leadership crisis in the party.

In the struggle for socio, political sustainability, Governor Okowa of Delta State through his smart agenda programme has uplifted the lives of Deltan in various aspect of their lives. The yagep  and step programme was a smart idea of the Executive Governor. Smart Agenda has a comprehensive scope to clock around the sectors. The smart project have really given Delta State a new face since Okowa's inception on office! The smart agenda is been seen as a very brilliant and visionary development road map that will bring about the establishment of a new Delta State.

Govrrnor Okowa's Smart Agendar has proved itself as Delta celebrate Democracy Day and one year in office. The smart programme has affected lives of thousands of youths in the State. Governor Okowa has used the Democracy celebration to pass a message to those behind the vandals of oil facilities within the State to stop. He has also set up committee to that effect. He also condemned the killing of military personnel's in a house boat in Warri South Local Government Area. 

Nollywood Regina Daniel's celebrate children's day in a grand style. By Nwador Ifeanyi.

It was a colourful event at the capital city Asaba when Regina Daniel celebrate children's day with kids, the event was tagged! Regina Daniel's and the kids, the exclusive event took place at the cenotaph event centre high court road Asaba Delta State the May 27th the event was first of his kind in the history of children fun fare on Nigeria.

Regina Daniel in the quest of promoting the child right act and her interest in the educational, socio economic development and welfare of the children has given birth to Regina Daniel's foundation as her pet project. Regina Daniel's foundation in collaboration with the office if the executive assistant to the Delta State Governor on event management have exclusively organized this year children's day event.

The Delta State born actress was thanked by (2) two thousand kids., who celebrated with her! It was fun fare for the kids. Lots of side attractions! Miky mouse, Ben 10 spider man,bouncing castle, etc was at the event. DJ miky trilled the kids with lots of songs, game show several socio cultural presentation where display by various group from various schools across the nation.

Madona international college presented a group dance which was exclusive to cheer the kids. Regina Daniel who's love and passion for children and orphans also gave relief to orphans and (2) pupil of Zapa secondary school Asaba. Who where enlisted for a professional scholarship exams. She advice the kids at the celebration on the need to go to school as future leaders. Personalities from all works of life includes Hon. Humphery Uzuakpundu, Executive Assistant to the Governor Delta State, Mr Muphy (Dgn) member Actors Guide of Nigeria board of trustee, Mrs. Kaizer, Hon Rita Daniel Agn Delta State chairman who happens to be the mother of the host Regina Daniel. Also at the event was Mamus degreat  a prolific writer and Agn Delta tax chairman etc. Lots of nollywood actors and actress where present at the event.

In a media chat with Regina Daniel she disclosed her plans to partner with the government in support with international NGO's to achieve her aims and objectives of her foundation which she term as her pet project. She also use the medium to promote child right act with interest in children welfare in Africa.

The fast nollywood children celebrity Regina Daniel stated how she will unravel her blue print programme for the year to mark her foundation end of the year annual Yuletide season. She explains how her incoming programmes will use the children to showcase the cultural heritage of Nigeria as a nation with common identity.

Lots of photo shorts were taken at the event with Regina Daniel and fans! In a thank you for coming gift packages for kids which includes school bags, exercise books, pencils etc. It was a dream come true for children.

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UZUM AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP TO DESERVING IKA STUDENTS *EXTOLS OKOWA @ 57

The Executive Assistant (Directorate of Orientation) to Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and the OKOWABILITY PROGENITOR, Barr Eugene Azuka Uzum has awarded scholarship to Master IBEH CHRISTIAN UCHE, an ND 1 student of the department of Mass Communication, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.

Uzum, announced the award amidst fanfare during the Ika day celebration by students of National Association of Ika Students (NAIS), Ogwashi-Uku chapter.

Master Ibeh who is 19 years of age, a native of Alihiame Town in Ika South local government area of Delta State has dancing and singing as his hobby .According to Master Ibeh, “I used to hear Angels and Destiny helpers lives on earth but I never knew I will meet one in my entire life in the person of Hon Barr Eugene Uzum.

God will Bless him.”

Earlier, Barr. Uzum extolled Governor Okowa on his 57th year birthday describing him as a divine gift to the State.

Uzum who described Governor Arthur Okowa as a living legend and an achiever per excellence, said “Your people oriented policies, human and infrastructural development in the wake of the harsh economic crunch distinguished you as the best Governor in Nigeria.

 

“Deltans, Nigerians and indeed friends of the Okowability family, join me to wish our SMART GOVERNOR a happy birthday with more of Divine Favour, Long Life and PROSPERITY in Jesus Name, Amen.”