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.