Delta lawmakers ask Okowa to probe Ekpan, Ifiekporo naval killings

Lawmakers at the Delta state House of Assembly, Asaba this morning at plenary called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to urgently set up a public inquiry to investigate the killing of two youths at the reifinery jetty in Ekpan and Ifiekporo communities in Warri South 1 constituency.

Governor Okowa

The call was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance brought to the Assembly chambers by Honourable Efe Ofobruku, representing Uvwie constituency.

A a unanimous vote vote, after the question was put, the lawmakers passed the motion calling on Governor Okowa to urgently set up an inquiry to investigate the judicial killing of the harmless and unarmed youths by a trigger happy naval rating.

Raising the matter when called to debate, Ofobruku said: “It is with a broken heart that I rise to speak on the ordeal face by the people of my constituency in the killing of Chris Gbogidi and one other at the refinery jetty in Ekpan and Ifiekporo in Warri South 1.”

He said the people of the community had mandated the youths to make a case with the contractor to in a meeting for the purpose of employing some of the youths in executing the project. “At the end of the meeting, a trigger happy naval rating came out of the naval boat and opened fire on the harmless youths, felling two of them who died, and critically injuring several who are now in critical conditions battling for survival.

“Our security personnel are paid by the people through government. There is no security agent employed to kill Nigerians. I condemn this act; it is wicked and callous. Shall we keep quiet and allow security personnel to continue to kill our people?” Ofobruku declared.

Hon. Johnson Erijo, who made an amendment to the motion in his contribution said: “It is sad. We have read on the pages of newspaper of the terrible event that happened. There is no responsible government that will sit down while its citizens are being killed, and in this case unjustly, because of its extra judicial nature. The Governor should set up a judicial panel to investigate the extra judicial killing.”

Hon. Daniel Mayuku said in his contribution: “I rise to lend my voice in support of this motion. This matter is very urgent. The state government should do something to appease these people. The persons killed are not riffraffs, they are well educated youths with masters degrees.”

Hon. Izeze urged the House to send a strong message to the Armed Forces telling them that the right to life is sacrosanct. “The naval rating involved is a meddlesome interloper . He had no business in the matter that took him there, and so, his action is not justified,” Izeze said.

Princes (Mrs) Pat Ajudua (Oshimili North) said: “Mr. Speaker, I lend my voice against the wicked act of the naval rating. I speak as a mother , who have giving breast to suckling children and therefore understands the pain of losing to young handsome men with the potentials of becoming presidents, now being cut short in their primes.”

The Deputy Majority leader, lamenting the situation said: “You don’t just go and destroy life, because you cannot create life. Life is sacred before the state.  It is therefore wrong for a trigger happy naval rating to take laws into his hands,” he said, adding: “I support this motion and urge my colleagues to support it so that justice will be done.”

A lawmaker from Ughelli constituency said: :”The naval rating’s action was callous. We are not in a banana republic where security agent will take another person’s life.  They should be made to pay compensation to the families of those unjustly killed and pay compensation in addition to off=setting the hospital bills of those injured. 

INMC journalists urge DTSG to create legal frame work to guide road construction, maintenance

Journalists of the Indigenous Newspaper/Magazine Chapel (INMC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba this morning called on the Delta state Government to create a legal frame work to guide road construction and maintenance in the state.

Chairman of the INMC, Comrade Bartholomew Ozah made the call when he led members of the chapel on a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye.

Ozah who acknowledged and commended the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration for the impressive efforts engaged so far that has led to the completion of more than 50 roads across the State within two years of the administration providing a legal frame work to guide construction and maintenance of roads, said such a legal frame work should be judiciously followed by the Ministry of Works and road construction firms in the state.

He observing that well constructed roads add to the aesthetic value of the environment, Comrade Ozah said: “The construction companies should be compelled to use approved international standard of bitumen and asphalt to construct roads so as to avoid unwanted and unwarranted pot holes on our roads.

“The telecommunication companies cutting the roads to lay their cables should be directed to use durable materials to cover the spot defaced. Often times, they are interested in cutting the roads into two without proper covering of the spot open. In turn, that gradually leads to heavy pot holes that threaten the movement of cars on our roads.”

Besides, Ozah also argued that if Delta State must have durable and beautiful roads, those in the project monitoring department of the Ministry should not compromise standards on road construction. “In fact, Delta deserves good roads no matter the geographical location. Often times, it has been said that it is difficult and expensive to construct roads in the Delta region thereby inflating contracts of construction of roads. But the truth is that real specifications are not followed. There are areas that have worst terrains than Delta State in Nigeria, yet have the best roads,” Comrade Ozah said.

In his response, the Works Commissioner, Chief James Augoye, with whom was the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Fred Edafavour,  expressed gratitude to the grassroots journalists for the visit, pointing out especially that as a government, the importance of community media cannot be over-emphasised because they are the media that are closed to the people.

He commended the INMC chairman for the mention given to some of the road works done by the Okowa administration, saying: “For you to have accurately enumerated some of these projects shows how well informed you are.

Augoye acknowledged the importance of a legal framework to guide road construction and maintenance in Delta State, but pointed out that indeed, there is need for legislation, which is what the state government is working on currently. “The legal frame work is very key. Outside agreement there is no other legal instrument to use to enforce compliance,” the commissioner said.

Augoye also explained that in the absence legislation that the government has put in place measures it currently uses to enforce compliance by contractors road construction and maintenance standards, and bring an end to failed road projects in the state.

Some of the measures are that all contractors must work according to specifications, and that the Ministry officials engage in periodic inspection of the roads under construction or maintenance. “I also visit sites,” he said.

Second, contractor are directed that before laterite is laid, lab test must be conducted on the type of soil being used at the University of Benin. “The contractor for the Ukwunzu road project actually went to UNIBEN to do the test. We decided that laterite should be mixed with sharp sand, and this has been working,” Augoye said.

Third, he said: “For defaults on any road project, we sanction our staff supervising the project and the contractor when we notice cracks on the first layer of laterite. The measures are helping us.”

Besides, Augoye also said revealed that even Governor Okowa has decided that he would not pay a contractor unless he has done satisfactory work.

For telecommunication companies cutting the roads he said measures are being taken against them, but pleaded with the journalists to help disseminate information to call attention to places where telecommunication companies are cutting through roads and distorting them.  

Okowa not disturbed by 2017, says Aniagwu

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu says his boss is currently engrossed with the duty of fulfilling his campaign promises of prosperity for all Deltans and so, will not be disturbed by the talks about 2019.

Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu

Aniagwu who visited the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa Conference Hall of the Indigenous Newspaper/Magazine Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba on Monday, 3/4/2017, where he fielded questions from journalists said: “What we are concerned about is how to address the delivery of the Governor’s 5-point agenda. We have been able to provide jobs; the kind of job that does not require an applicant to write applications for employment.

“No! It is providing opportunity for people to be empowered to become entrepreneurs, and become employers of labour, and this is being done,” he said, pointing out that many persons are getting gainfully employed thereby.

He announced also that the Okowa government has been able to see to in collaboration with the Federal government brought about cessation of hostilities in the state by militants in the oil producing areas.

Aniagwu also called attention to the fact that relevant reforms in the educational institution is being carried out both in the tertiary, basic and secondary education sectors, and that everything is being done to upgrade the cottage hospitals and increase the medical staffs including doctors.

On Okpanam Road Asaba he said: “Okpanam Road is getting some improvement, although we are not yet where we should be, but we are no longer we were in terms of the terrible nature of that road.

“You can see that with the recent rain , the flood vanished within minutes after the rain. The governor is committed to the passion of making the state batter than he met it.” 

Okowa sets up Prerogative of Mercy panel

·       Harps On Rehabilitation Of Ex-inmates

Governor  Ifeanyi Okowa pf Delta State  has inaugurated a seven- man Advisory Council On The Prerogative Of Mercy with a charge to proffer ways of reintegrating  ex-inmates into the society.

Speaking in Asaba Thursday [30-03-17], the Governor said that the Advisory Council should ,apart from granting pardon to convicts, come up with a  workable plan for the rehabilitation of ex-inmates once they are released.

Governor Okowa in red cap, with members of Prerogative of Mercy panel.

Those inaugurated were Chief  Patrick Okpakpor [Chairman];  Dr. Samuel Efetobor; Barr. Kress Njuokuemeni; Hon. (Mrs.) Irene Imilar; John Okoriko Esq; Paulina Egbon, Representative, Nigerian Prisons Services [members], while Rosemary  Monye (Mrs.)would serve as  secretary.

According to him, “it is in line with the constitutional provision and consistent with our pursuit of a justice system that is fair and equitable that the Delta State Advisory Council On The Prerogative Of Mercy is being inaugurated. Beyond granting pardon to convicts, it is my hope and expectation that the Council will also come up with a template for the rehabilitation of this people once they are released, it is needful that we come up with a workable plan of how these ex-inmates can be engaged to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of society”

Okowa explained that “Over the years, the Prerogative of Mercy has helped to decongest our overcrowded prisons nationwide, currently, there are 3,442 inmates in our prisons in Agbor, Kwale, Ogwashi-Uku, Sapele and Warri, this figure includes convicted felons and those awaiting trial. An additional 1,000 plus persons were convicted by the Delta State Judiciary but serving their various sentences in prisons in other parts of the Federation”.

While commending the chairman and members of the Council on their appointment, Okowa urged them to carry out their duty diligently as enshrined in the constitution.

Responding on behalf of the members, Chief Okpakpor thanked Governor Okowa for their appointment and assured him that they would give quality advice to him in the course of their duty.

Fallen Principals: DOPF mourns with Okowa, ANCOPSS

·     Describes demise of school heads as unfortunate

Asaba: The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has described the recent death of Three Secondary School Principals and a Vice Principal, as an unfortunate incident, even as they commiserate with the State Governor and the body of principals in the state, over the tragic loss.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and the Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, the Forum described the death of the teachers, as unfortunate, as they were on their way to finding a solution to the industrial action that led to suspension of academic activities in all public schools in the state.

“We commiserate with His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the entire body of Teachers and Principals in the State, over the demise of four secondary school principals in a ghastly motor accident along Benin/Sapele road on their way to a meeting in Kwale, Delta state, to resolve an industrial action, embarked upon by Primary/Secondary School teachers in the State.

"We also send our heartfelt condolences to the families and schools that lost their principals and vice principal, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary School (ANCOPSS), Delta State chapters and pray that those still in the hospital as a result of the accident be granted quick and divine recovery", the statement quoted.

DOPF, while commending Governor Okowa for his personal intervention to accelerate the resolution of the dispute, however, urged that Government should embark on urgent moves to secure the future of Nigerian education by providing the necessary materials and funding to ensure that the educational system in the state does not fail.

They equally charged the government to employ “Alternative Dispute Resolution” ADR, processes in resolving subsequent industrial actions, especially in the long drawn issue of primary schools teachers salaries and promotion arrears, by discussing with the relevant Federal agencies to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Solomon Okowa scores a hat-trick, set to launch 3 books

Movie producer, writer, publisher and business man, Mr. Solomon Okowa, younger brother of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will on Sunday, April 9^th, 2017 score a hat-trick as he places three solid books in the public domain for launch at the Orchid Hotel, DBS Road, Asaba.

Mr. Solomon Okowa

The books are: “The Mirror of God: This is Who I am”; “Saved for a purpose”, and “Tears f Power”. They were all written at different times, and form some of the about six books written by him.

Asked what inspired him to write the books, he said “The Mirror of God: This is Who I Am “is an expression of the experiences he went through in life, and by which he came to identify his DNA, encapsulated in Who I Am.

"Saved for a Purpose", one of the books for launch. 

He said the book is basically a true leadership book that is based on biblical perspective. It is a concept in which the author believes that leaders are meant to portray the quality of true leadership from examples set by the greatest leader of mankind, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mr. Okowa said “Saved For A Purpose,” is a summary of his true life story, which inspiration came from the motor accident he had, while “Tears of Power,” is a motivational book specially for women, children and politicians. “I was inspired to write the book by the situation I found our women in, in the society. It’s true life story of a woman in the United States of America who I felt that her story can motivate our women here in Nigeria to enhance their lives.

Solomon Okowa,  who holds a degree in Business Administration, associate degree in Business management and diploma in script writing, and  who hails from Owa Alero in Ika North East of Delta State said interestingly “Tears of Power” will soon come on cinema; it also has an audio version that comes in a CD that can be played in the car and at home.

Ambode inherited huge debt, performed well, yet does not make noise, says Tinubu

By Olaotan Falade

 -

Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had managed the resources of the state prudently despite having met a huge debt profile on assumption of office in 2015.

Tinubu, who also doubles as the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, stated that 22 months into his administration, Ambode had put up a “sterling performance.”

He spoke on Wednesday at the opening of some construction projects in the Alimosho area of Lagos State to commemorate his 65th birthday.

Tinubu, who inaugurated the projects in company of Ambode and other top executives of the state described the facilities – a network of roads, a link bridge and a health centre – as a reflection of Ambode’s performance.

In his words: “I was worried when you (Ambode) took over; not about your credibility, character or capacity, but because however wise or smart a man is, if there are no resources to back the ideas, production will be zero; progress will be zero.

“When you took over, I know  you inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high. I was wondering how you would reengineer and face the challenges to make progress.

“Today, I can see your report card; you have scored well, and you have shown prudency, especially in the judicious use of resources of the state.”

Tinubu also lauded the government’s plan to transform Oshodi into a world-class bus terminus from what used to be a haven for criminals.

“Oshodi used to be a den of robbers, but what is going on there now is developmental activities for the benefit of the entire country.

“Ambode is very quiet, very peaceful, not a noise maker; but he is delivering on the job. Today, you have given me a good birthday present. This is a great opportunity for me to be very proud again,” Tinubu said.

* Source: The News Guru

Senate summons Itse Sagay over comments on NASS

By Olaotan Falade

The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, over his comments that the upper chamber was full of people with questionable characters.

TheNewsGuru.com reports that Sagay had on Tuesday while reacting to the Senate’s refusal to confirm the 27 Resident Electoral Committees (REC) nominees sent by President Muhammadu Buhari said the upper chamber was full of ‘childish and irresponsible’ people.

Enraged by the comment, the Deputy Senate Leader Bala ibn Na’allah, during Wednesday’s plenary raised a Point of Order, calling the attention of senators to comments in a national daily credited to  the Sagay.

The however unanimously agreed to invite Sagay over the said comments questioning the character of National Assembly (Senate) members.

Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stated that Buhari would not be cowed by the Senate’s action, which he described as an affront on the Presidency.

He said: “That action is childish and irresponsible. Do they think Buhari is a man that can easily be threatened? My God! How can people of such character occupy the highest legislative office in the country? Nigeria is finished.

“It is a great mistake and they will regret it.”

Asked what appropriate action Buhari could take, Sagay explained that the President could continue to appoint people in acting capacity where necessary.

He said the refusal to confirm the RECs was of no effect since officials of the INEC had been acting as RECs for over a year.

Sagay added: “Where the Senate is required to approve a person for a particular position and they refuse to do it, the person could continue to act depending on the nature of the appointment.

“However, if the nominee is coming from another sector, just like in the case of the RECs, it means they cannot act. However, people below that rank in INEC can continue to act as RECs all over the country as it has been done.

“What this action means is that the Senate is being occupied by the most unserious set of Nigerians in history. Nigeria is currently at its lowest level because we have people who have no sense of responsibility, who have no feeling and are there for just vanity and are ready to bring down the country in order to feel important, it is the worst case of abuse ever.

“Let them do what they want, they will regret it.”

·         Source: The News Guru

Anti-corruption: PDP slams EFCC for inviting Oshiomhole to talk about holiness

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for inviting former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as a guest speaker to the National Anti-Corruption Stakeholders’ Summit.

Adams Oshiomhole

According to the PDP, the invitation of Oshiomhole showed that the country had a long way to go in the fight against corruption, Daily Post reports. PDP slams EFCC for inviting Oshiomhole to talk about.

 In a statement by Chris Nehikhare, Edo PDP publicity secretary, the party wondered why Oshiomhole, who has over 15 pending petitions against him was invited “to give a talk on holiness and sainthood”. Nehikhare said the PDP is ready to tender relevant documents to prove its case against Oshiomhole if EFCC commenced investigation.

He said: “Oshiomhole has till this moment not told Edo people about the $54m he collected from the federal government in December 2014. Edo people and Nigerians only got to hear of that money because NNPC books were audited. The only good thing that can come out of the just concluded seminar is for Oshiomhole to submit himself for full scale investigation.

 ”There can be no better way to start the anti-corruption war than inviting Oshiomhole to answer for his financial crime against the state. We join others to urge EFFC to swing into action. No need for glamorous talk shows of anti-corruption with tainted characters. God help Nigeria.”

 Meanwhile, NAIJ.com has gathered that Oshiomhole recently gave reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari will be conveniently re-elected, if he seeks for a second term in office when the 2019 elections come around. He said the Buhari-led administration would have further consolidated on its numerous giant strides by 2019.

·         Source: Naij.com 

Establish true federalism, save Nigeria from imminent disintegration, Victor Attah warns

Nigeria is currently not having the best of times economically, while the country's leaders must act fast to save the country from collapse, Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom state, has said.

Victor Attah hinted that Nigeria will soon disintegrate, warning that the only solution is for the country to immediately commence the practice of true federalism. He says only true fiscal federalism can save Nigeria.

 Attah, who is the co-chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), reportedly spoke on a private radio station in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, The Sun reports him as saying: “Under a fiscal regime, as it were in the days of the regions, states, would contribute 50 percent of their resources to the central government and use 50 percent for development of their territories, such that multiplier effects would douse 90 percent of tensions in the country.”

Attah, a former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, was governor between 1999 and 2007, and has been fighting for resource control. He believes that some states are not viable and that if granted true federalism, they would look inwards to generate revenue.

NAIJ.com learnt that he argued that Nigeria would have achieved more significant development if the country was practising true fiscal federalism. Many other Nigerians have also argued in the same line. The former governor also advocated for the adoption of two-party system urging parties with similar ideologies to merge.

“Two major political parties are good for this country, so that when one is not doing well, the people should have a choice to vote the other,” he said, even as he urged Nigerians to defend their votes in every election and demand for accountability from their governors at every point in time. He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his achievements so far.

·         Source: Naij.com

DSTG to address shortage of pharmacists

The Delta state Government has expressed its readiness to address the issue of shortage of Pharmacists in the State as part of measure to boost health care delivery in the state.

The secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Festus Agas, made this known in Asaba when members of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria Delta State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit.

Agas noted that the Okowa-led administration placed a high premium on human capital development and assured the group that the government would look into their appeal objectively with a view to proffering a lasting solution.

He said payment of workers’ salary in the state was no longer easy to the present administration but pledged that the Government would take the challenges of the Pharmacists in the state seriously. He thanked the group for the visit and enjoyed them to continue to do their best in their profession.

The leader of the group Dr. Kenneth Otene said they were in the SSG's office to congratulate him on his appointment as the secretary to the state Government and to solicit the state Government's support towards alleviating the plight of the Pharmacists in the state.

Dr. Otene who noted that the Pharmacist was involved in many activities to enhance the well being of the individual patient said Delta state in the past had about 78 pharmacists which had now reduced to 58 due to retirements and death, adding that Delta state has over 62 hospitals under the Hospital management Board. He pointed the challenges facing the Association to include shortage of Pharmacists and appealed to the state Government to take the issue of employing more Pharmacists in the state seriously.

In a related development, the secretary to the state Government has affirmed government’s commitment towards eradicating malnutrition in the state. The Secretary to State Government, Hon. Festus Agas gave the affirmation when members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition SCFN Advocacy team paid him an advocacy visit in Asaba.

Hon. Agas said the state Government has been doing its best to eradicate the menace and pledged its continued support in the operations of the body. While commending the group for the advocacy visit, He said the state Government would always release the intervention funds to the group as at when due.

Earlier in her address, the team leader of the group Mrs. Millie Amitaye said they were with the SSG to advocate the need for quality nutrition for children, adding that malnutrition is becoming a serious threat to the effective growth and development of children. She solicited Government support and urged all hands to be on deck in order to tackle the menace.

She further said the SMART Agenda is in tandem with the goal of the SDG but urged Government to do further to rid the state of malnutrition. She commended Govt. for free maternal health care and other health care policies, adding that malnutrition needs to be kicked out totally like polio melitis

DSTG SET TO EMPOWER WOMEN WITH STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT

In a bid to accelerate the industrialization of the state through the SMART agenda of the present administration, the Delta State Government has concluded plans for the empowerment of over two hundred women with state of the art equipment in the weaving of Akwa-Ocha.

                      

The move by the State Government which is as a result of the cry for financial assistance to facilitate access to modern Akwa-Ocha production technique by the Akwa-Ocha weavers in the state, has led to the purchase and planned installation of ten of those equipment at the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Centre, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Mrs. Shimite Bello disclosed that the empowerment packages will come in batches of 65 persons at a time after which each of the beneficiaries will be given a machine that will be paid within a stipulated period of time.

The Mrs. Shimite Bello stated that the sensitization programme was necessitated because of the discovery of new weaving equipment which is easy to operate and produces faster as against the commonly found one that is tedious to operate and produces one wrapper for a month.

The women while expressing their appreciation to the state Governor for the gesture prayed that God will guide and sustain him as well as give him the zeal to continually touch the lifes of Deltans positively through its programmes and policy.  

OKOWA FLAGs OFF 2017 NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PLUS DAY

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has flagged-off the 2017 National Immunization Plus Day (NIPD), campaign for the eradication of Polio with a promise to ensure ‘Prosperity for All Deltans.”

Governor Okowa gave this commitment in Ewu-Urhobo, in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge stated that the people oriented programmes of the present administration is on course to providing Prosperity for All Deltans through the Universal Health Care (UHC) and the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme programme, saying that his government will pilot the one Primary Health Care per Ward strategy and strengthen the Primary Health Care (PHC) under One Roof System.

He lamented the re-listing of Nigeria among the Polio Endemic Countries of the World after the reported four confirmed cases of Wild Polio Virus disease from Borno State in the North East, saying that it is not only a set-back for Nigeria but for the global community in the eradication of polio.

“Delta State has come a long way since the start, let us finish strong and end polio now” I have learnt to look at anything impossible and that includes, especially, the eradication of polio” the Governor stated.

He urged parents, guardians and caregivers to have their children and wards within the target age of 0 – 59 months vaccinated irrespective of previous immunization status of the child, saying that the vaccine is safe and will immunity on the child against the polio disease.

Speaking, the Chairman, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Richard Kofi advised the parents and guardians to availed themselves of the March 2017 National Immunization Campaign to immunize their children against the dreaded disease, polio virus, saying that it is for the benefit of the children and the parents.

On his own part, the Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Evang. Paul Etega, while thanking the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his immense efforts to ensure prosperity for All Deltans, stated that in spite of the peculiarities of Ughelli South Local Government where 52% of the inhabitants live in the riverine area which are difficult to reach the Local Government has ensure the provision of assistance by way of logistics and other inputs to ensure effective coverage.

Evang. Etega appealed to parents and guardians to come out en mass to immunize their children and wards.

Highpoint of the flag-off was the immunization of little children by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, Chairman DSPHCDA, Dr. Kofi, Ughelli South Local Government Area Evang. Paul Etega among others.

Delta Govt to provide enabling environment for investment, says Aniagwu

·       Meets with Community Newspaper Publishers

The Chief Press Secretary (C.P.S) to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu has assured that  the state government would provide the needed enabling environment for investment to thrive in the state.

Speaking at a meeting with Community Newspaper Publishers in the state Tuesday (28/3/17) in Asaba, Mr. Charles Aniagwu said government was partnering with private investors and organizations to create more jobs for Deltans.

Aniagwu, in a group photograph with the publishers.

According to him "The business of government is to create enabling environment for private investors to employ more people, that is the way to tackle unemployment because government alone cannot employ all the unemployed in the state, when government empowers you through advertisements in your newspapers it will enable you expand your outfit and employ more hands, with this you have created jobs for the people."   

He noted that the great role played by the community newspapers during the campaign of Senator Okowa  in sensitizing the grassroots would not be forgotten and charged them to continue to inform the people of government achievements within the state

Aniagwu  explained that government was committed to improving the welfare of community newspaper publishers in the state despite the current recession in the country promising more patronage of their outfits by government

"The recession has also affected our ability to address the welfare of journalists in the state effectively through adverts, l hope that the economy will improve, so that we can patronise you more"

He expressed his joy on the peace and harmony existing among the publishers saying " The harmony that now exist among you (publishers) is a welcome development, you can now speak with one voice and work in unity for the progress of this forum."

ln a brief remark, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Orientation, Barrister Eugene Uzum, charged the publishers not to relent in doing their job as they are the conscience of the grassroots and that the government appreciates the good work they are doing " The synergy we have with you today will go a long way in communicating government’s progranmmes and policies more to the grassroots”

In a welcome address, the Chairman Community Newspaper Publishers, Prince Orhomonokpaye, said their mission was to solicit for patronage from the government through advertisements and improved welfare package " we have always supported this administration, we have projected the policies and programmes of government to the grass roots and need to benefit from government." 

Save us from soldiers’ brutality, harassment, DELSU students cry out

By Austin Oyibode

Students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, are angry over the manner members of the 222 Battalion of the Nigeria Army allegedly brutalise students of the university over unnecessary issues in the university town of Delta state.

Soldiers carrying out the brutalization acts on a student.

 In a statement by President of Faculty of Social Sciences, Comrade Tomi Akporoghene, the students condemned the action of the 222 Battalion under the operation codenamed ‘Operation Delta Safe.’ Soldiers abdicate duties, harass, brutalise students in Delta state university.

The students alleged that the soldiers who are paid to protect lives of students have abandoned their duties to public intimidation of unarmed students whose freedom of movement is guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

The statement said rather than focus on the marauding Fulani herdsmen who are killing Nigerians daily, the soldiers are dealing with innocent students who are no threat to public peace.

The statement reads in part: “On Wednesday, 22nd March, 2017, two female students were unnecessarily harassed for putting on shorts by men of the Nigerian Army. It still bothers student leaders, human rights activists, security conscious Deltans and lawyers alike that men of the Nigerian army attached to the 222 Battalion serving in Abraka are no longer bothered about the security of Nigerians, but about what they wear. Nigerian Army harass female students, brutalise others in Delta.

 “We want to know when it became illegal for ladies to wear shorts to reduce the impact of the heat from the scorching sun. The following day, another student, Mr. Emmanuel, was publicly brutalized for not stepping on the breaks of his car when they wanted him to. “Later in the evening of the same day, another student, was flogged mercilessly for returning home a few minutes past 10pm after charging his phone in a friend's house.

“Without any successful arrest of those actually perpetuating evil in the students town, the men of the Nigerian Army have recorded huge successes in the violation of the fundamental human rights of the greatest Nigerian students which should not be so. As student leaders, we openly condemn this act, it is not only uncalled for but a total violation of the internationally approved rules of engagements.”

The students called on Delta state government, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Senate and the Delta state house of assembly to investigate the alleged violation of the rights of the students by members of the Nigerian army in Abraka.

·         Source:Naij.com

Okowa charges Immigration on accurate data of expatriates

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged the Nigerian Immigration Service to provide accurate data of expatriates to check loss of revenue.

Okowa in a group photograph with Immigration officers at Government
House, Asaba.

Governor Okowa made the call today (28/03/17) when the Comptroller, Immigration Services, Delta State Command, Mr. Baba Ali Zakari led officials of the agency to pay him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

The Governor who expressed surprise that the Immigration Service had accurate records of expatriates in Delta State observed that such should be made available to the state Board of Internal Revenue Service to ensure that revenue accruing to the state and the country is not lost.

“I am glad that we are monitoring and supervising the expatriates quota in the state because, sometimes, we hear about them (expatriates) coming in; they work and live here and because proper records are not kept on them, the state and nation loses in terms of revenue that is derivable from taxes that are supposed to be paid by them; so, I am glad that you (Immigration Service) have given us the number of expatriates in the state at the moment and the Board of Internal Revenue will look into its records to ensure that it correlates with your records and if it does, we can take it up immediately because, we know that there are sharp practices by some of our companies that are involved in the oil sector,” Governor Okowa said.

Governor Okowa also used the occasion to state that with active immigration service, crime rates would be reduced, especially in Delta State where the Police have noticed that most of the crime committed in the state were by foreigners.

According to him, “we are very much aware that there is a lot of work for you (Immigration) to do and that there is greater need to continue to monitor immigrants who are within the various localities in the state; so, I am glad to hear that you have officers distributed through the local government areas because, we know that crime rate is increasing now and it is time for us to become more cautious about allowing people come into our states.”

“We know that the law in Nigeria allows us to move freely but, it is important that the people who come into our state are properly documented because, only recently, some criminals that were caught, some of them are foreigners as the Commissioner of Police did report to me,” he said, stating,  “we have to be proactive in continuously monitoring the people that come in, sometimes some of these people do not stay in hotels, they stay in all sort of slums  and places we do not expect them to be, and that is a challenge especially when we have to deal with the issues of kidnapping; it is important that we continue to work along with our sister institutions to monitor this.”

The Governor also, charged Immigration to step up its activities on checking human trafficking in the country, noting, “we have begun to see a lot of human trafficking and children being sold; though many of the children are sold within the country; they may also be moved out of the country, so, there is need for collaboration between the various security agencies in the monitoring of what goes on and I thought this had to be brought to the fore.”

Earlier, Mr Zakari said the visit was to brief the Governor and members of the state executive council of the activities of the Immigration Service in the state.

He thanked Governor Okowa’s administration for its numerous assistance to the agency especially, the construction of access roads to the Immigration Office in the state and also, the Governor’s commitment to ensuring security of lives and property in the state, disclosing that the Immigration Service was not relenting in repatriating illegal immigrants in the state.

APC’s very much on ground across Delta State, says party chieftain

·      Nwadiaju praises Ochei’s emergence as party’s South-South Caucus scribe

A bigwig of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta state has praised the former Speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Onyekachi Ochei for emerging as the secretary of the party’s South-South caucus, declaring that the party is very much on ground across Delta State.  

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC national chairman

Mr. Steve Nwadiaju, APC chairman, Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State told Banner Media Network enthusiastically that he was aware of Ochei’s emergence as APC South-South caucus secretary, saying: “I am aware of it. It’s a position that is due for he to whom honour is due. It’s a welcome position, and we ae happy about it”

Nwadiaju said the position will bring about unity in the party in the State, more recognition to him as a tested politician having risen to the No. three citizenship position in Delta State, which is the apogee of political navigation. This is talking about pitfalls, intrigues, banana pitfalls, horse trading, etc. that Ochei has passed through.

“We expect that the position will afford him quantum experience to strengthen the confidence of APC members in the Delta State,” the party chairman said.

Engr. Victor Ochei

Pointing out that the APC is united and that there is no division in the state, he debunked insinuations that APC is not on ground in Delta State. And reaching into his bag of proverbs, Nwadiaju declared: “ A silent cricked is busy digging its hole. When the auspicious time for shrilling comes the cricket will be heard. In other words, the seeming apparent silence of the party is more of an incubation effort that will bring forth a dynamic, pragmatic, prolific and progressive offspring that will avail Deltans the necessary change they have been clamouring for.”

Reminded that many Nigerians believe that APC popularity is weak because the APC government at the centre is not doing well to improve the lots of Nigerians, Nwaiaju retorted, saying: “I controvert that statement. For instance, the state governments have been receiving statutory monthly allocations. And most recently Delta State got N14.5 billion refund from the London Paris Club debt management. How logical? It defies logic to postulate that the Federal Government should be held responsible for the lethargic administration in Delta State.

Nigeria making steady progress under Buhari, says Oyegun

By Olaotan Falade

 -Despite the seeming unending controversies dogging its administration, the APC-led Federal Government is making sure and steady progress whose impact will continue to steer the nation towards growth and stability, the ruling party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said.

President Buhari

Speaking Monday in Kuru, Plateau State, at the opening of a 4-Day retreat organised for members of the Sokoto State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and Directors-General in the state civil service, Oyegun said President Buhari has not deviated from the goals he set for himself during the campaign.

“We were firm with our pledge to fight corruption, tackle insecurity and steer the economy towards growth. On these points, we have not deviated. What the critics have failed to acknowledge is that our country is making positive progress.

“Forget the arguments about (Customs DG’s refusal to wear) uniforms and (Senator Dino Melaye)’s certificates currently raging in Abuja. The truth of the matter is that we inherited a bad economy but steadily we’ve progressed. We are at a point where we are taking the turn to consolidate on economic growth in our nation,” he stated.

Oyegun said the Buhari administration has achieved a lot in the agricultural sector, and these achievements have now ensured the country becoming self-sufficient in rice and other key crops.

He said the impact will be felt most when the country begins to export these products to other countries.

While commending Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his firm and dedicated leadership in Sokoto State, Oyegun said by prioritising education, and especially girl-child education, work on Sokoto’s future has started in earnest.

In his remarks, Tambuwal said Sokoto State is 100 percent in support of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment towards economic diversification using agriculture as the vehicle for sustainable development.

“We will continue to pursue policy framework and compliment all efforts that will guarantee growth and economic viability. We will create the required enabling environment and support investors willing to invest in our State,” he added.

He said the retreat was organised to explore potentials towards enhancing capacity of public officers and promote harmonious working relationship among civil servants and political appointees for the betterment of Sokoto State.

“It will dwell on fundamental issues that have to do with leadership, democracy, good governance, justice and security. The presentations will prioritize key areas like agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, women and youth empowerment and development of the solid mineral subsector,” Tambuwal added.

On his part, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau commended the Sokoto state government for considering his state as venue to host the retreat.

“This shows that peace has returned to our state and we are working assiduously to sustain it,” he added.

Speaking in the same vein, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, said historical ties between Sokoto and Plateau states have made it imperative for the leaders to work towards communal harmony and integration of the populace.

According to him, Sokoto has set the pace in peaceful coexistence among different groups of Nigerians residing in the state. “You don’t discriminate against indigenes and residents in your schools. This is highly commendable,” he added.

The theme of the retreat is “Consolidation of achievements and new strategies for efficient service delivery in Sokoto State.”

·         Source: The News Guru

Pharmacists get land for medicinal plants in Delta

Pharmacists under the aegis of Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), National

Body have taken delivery of a parcel of land donated to her by the Omu Anioma,

HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, for the purposes of Pharmacognosis (The Study of

Medicinal Plants).

The MoU for the land was presented to the National Chairman of ALPS, Pharm.

Hajia Zainab Sharrif during the organization’s Business Summit, held recently in

Asaba, Delta State Capital.

According to the ALPs National Chairman, Zainab Sharrif, “The land as graciously

donated to ALPs by the Mother of ALPs, will be judiciously used for

Pharmacognosis – the study of medicinal plants as a means of promoting the

federal government’s initiative on herbs”.

Earlier that day, the body had visited with the First Lady of Delta State, Her

Excellency Dame Edith Okowa to intimate her of the activities of ALPs with

regards to going back to nature and processing herbs into medicine for the

treatment of various health challenges.

During the Business Summit of the group, lectures bordering on planting of

medicinal herbs, producing them 100 percent natural and promoting their use for

the benefit of humanity, were delivered by several experts in the fields of

Pharmacology and Medicine.

Okowa condoles Delta NUT, ANCOPSS over death of principals

 Delta State Governor, Senator  Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT Delta State and All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools in the state over Friday's death of three Secondary School Principals and one Vice Principal in a fatal road traffic accident while on their way for an official assignment in Kwale.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu in Asaba on Sunday, Governor Okowa said he received with sadness the news of their tragic and untimely death with great shock.

“This is indeed a sad story especially as they died in their prime. On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State I commiserate with Delta State NUT, ANCOPSS, and the families, colleagues and students of the deceased Principals.

“The deceased officers who died in active service were dedicated in their service to the State and the Nation and will be missed for their outstanding patriotism and dedication to duty."

Okowa who also declared Monday, 27th March, 2017 as a day of mourning in all public schools in the state as a mark of honour to the dedicated officers, commiserates with the bereaved families, colleagues, students, loved ones and prays God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and a full and speedy recovery to those recuperating in hospital.