Democracy Day: Cleric urges FG to tackle menace of herdsmen

 The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has urged the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos to mark the 2016 Democracy Day.

Martins said that the activities of the herdsmen needed to be addressed urgently.

According to him, government should give due attention to security of the lives in addition to preserving national unity.

``Democracy day brings to mind what we want our country to be and what we expect of our democratic setting that we have now.

``People do not commit acts with impunity anymore, there a bit more carefulness, so for that reason I think we must thank God for the last one year that we have had.

``But of course, there are so many more things that need to be done, there’s a lot of insecurity in the land particularly with regards to these Fulani herdsmen and the way they have been operating almost with impunity in the whole nation.

``So, I think it is necessary for government to really pay attention to that, otherwise it could really bring our nation into very serious deep waters.

`` President Buhari, in particular, needs to ensure that the concerns are addressed.

`` If we are talking about ranches or grazing routes, I believe that if government is to invest money in making ranches, it will first of all help to overcome whatever misgivings that may be there with regards to establishing grazing place all over the nation.

``And I think there is so much land up in the northern part of the country that these ranches can be established,

``Sambisa forest, for instance, is all leveled out and it could create enough grazing ground for people and I think government just needs to pay attention to that.’’ (NAN)

Okowa marks one year in office with praise, thanksgiving

IT was a gathering of who is who on Sunday (29/05/16) in Asaba as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State celebrated one year in office with a thanksgiving and praise to God.
Former Military Administrator of the state, Navy Captain Walter Feghabor, former Deputy Governors of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), elected and appointed political office holders; traditional rulers and lovers of democracy were among the guests at the occasion which took place at the Events Centre, Okpanam Road, Asaba.

Governor Okowa, 2nd right, his deputy, Otuaro, and their wives at the praise night.

Governor Okowa at the occasion which he attended accompanied by his wife, Edith; his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro and his wife, Ebi, thanked God for a successful one year in office and gave kudos to Deltans for their support.
"One year down the line, we have reasons to thank God; today is thanksgiving and praise day; the times are tough, very tough and we know that the situation is the same nationally, but, we are very troubled in Delta State because our pipelines are being blown up and kidnapping is high," the Governor observed, emphasizing, "I believe very strongly that God is with us; at these trying times, we are doing our best, projects are being executed everywhere; we will continue to impact on every community and those communities we have not gotten to should be patient with us."
He urged Deltans not to relent in their prayers for the state and his administration, noting, "if it is well with the government of Delta State, it shall be well with us."
The Governor admonished Deltans to always be of good behaviour as their actions will always impact on the state either positively or negatively.
According to him, "wherever you find yourself, realize that your actions will have implications to the government and people of Delta State, we thank you for your support."
Earlier in a sermon titled "His Glory Is Restored", the Guest Minister,  Rev. Chris Eruemulor admonished Nigerians to be patient as the nation would overcome its present challenges and its glory would be restored. He described Governor Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Otuaro as "gifts to Delta State and should always have the interest of the state at heart."
Shortly after the interdenominational thanksgiving service, renowned gospel musicians Iincluding Elijah Oyelade, Chioma Jesus, Buchi, Sammy Okposo, Frank Edwards, Akporaror and Paul Nams were led in the Praise session to sing praises to God at the ceremony.

Okowa charges Nigerians on protection of child’s rights

·        Appoints Anyafulu As SSA Child Rights Advocacy

 Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to respect the rights of the child and create an enabling environment to realise his or her potentials.

Speaking Friday [27-05-16] at the grand finale of the 2016 National Children’s Day Celebration in Asaba, Governor Okowa said that the Nigerian Child like his counterparts worldwide has an inalienable right to be protected from all forms of abuses and exploitation and inculcated with the right societal values and norms so as to realise his  potentials.

Governor Okowa receiving a bouquet of flowers from a child on arrival for the
Children's Day celebration at the cenotaph, Asaba

He said that “As spelt out by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Nigerian child, like his colleagues all over the world, has inalienable right “to survival, to develop to the fullest, to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life.” The Delta State Child’s Right Act has domesticated these principles”

“ All Nigerians, irrespective of background, should co-operate with the goal of making the country a place worth living in, with a clement environment that makes the realization of full potentials of our children attainable.”, he added.

The governor who described the theme of the celebration – Protect the Right of the Child in the Face of Violence and Insecurity: End all Forms of Abuses - as apt advanced the need “to re-orientate our parents, caregivers and all stakeholders, to respect the rights of children and help to make them what they are destined to be.”

Governor Okowa presenting a cheque to child for scholarship made
 available by Zenith Bank PLC.

He used the occasion to appoint a Senior Special Assistant, [Child Rights Advocacy] Ms Bridget Anyafulu to place emphasis on the protection of the rights of the child in our society.

Senator Okowa  reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth, welfare and development of the  Delta Child stressing that government would provide a conducive environment for the children to achieve his potentials, acquire education and technical skills, as the real asset for the growth of the State.

He appealed to all Deltans especially parents, and guardians to inculcate in the children “the values that distinguish us as a unique people so that our future would be insulated from the ravaging incursion of negative values threatening to corrode the foundation of our common heritage.”

Colorful Delta children in a match past at Children's day
 celebration in Asaba.

The celebration which featured colourful march past, dances, choreographic displays and drama has in attendance the state First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ebi Otuaro, Member Representing Oshimili/Aniocha Federal Constituency, Mrs. Joan Onyeamaechi Mrakpor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, Members of state House of Assembly and other Top Government Functionaries.

Children's Day: Okowa felicitates with Delta children

 Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has felicitated with children in Delta State on the occasion of the 2016 Children's day.

The Governor's message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu wherein the Governor charged children to be good ambassadors of their parents, shun vices and be of good behavior so that that they can have a brighter future.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

 The statement reads: "I felicitate with the children of Delta State and children all over the world on this auspicious occasion of Children’s Day celebration. Children's Day is an event celebrated in many places across the world. The day is simply set to honour children and minors. 

"The theme of this year's celebration "Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage” is quite apt in the face of terrible treatments being meted to children globally.

"I want to reassure our children that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our promise of a better and prosperous Delta for all of our people.

The statement further said: "Despite the current economic and funding challenges facing our state, the Okowa administration will continue to do all within its powers to achieve better living conditions and greater access to quality healthcare and education for all our children."

According to the Governor, the task of training up a child should not be left for parents alone because when a child becomes irresponsible, the child will become a problem not just for the parents but for the society at large.

OGBE-IJOH/ALADJA CRISIS: Okowa Inaugurates 8 Man Panel

…Decries effect of crisis on development

Worried by the perennial Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Communal clashes, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Wednesday [25-05-16] set up a high powered Panel of Inquiry with Professor Abednego Ekoko as Chairman with a charge that lasting solution must be found to communal clashes.

Other members are Mr. F.O. Osiawa, Surveyor General, Mr. J.N Ogabu, Asst. Surveyor-General, Barrister Ernest Edomwonyi, Legal Counsel/ Secretary, Chief Engr. Paulson Okobiebi and Elder Stephenson Lerhovwre [Aladja Community Representatives] and Hon. Denbofa Oweikpodor,  Mr. Franklyn Igangan  [ Ogbe-Ijaw Community Representatives]. 

Okowa with Prof. Ekoko, panel chairman.

                    

Senator Okowa while inaugurating the Panel of Inquiry at Government House, Asaba, decried the effect of boundary crisis not only on peace and security of the communities and the state but also on development, investments and the state's economy.

“This administration is always committed to the pursuit of peace and security in all communities, boundary crisis has continue to create hate among ourselves and our  youths who are now trained to see each other as enemies, we need to do the right thing which is to settle for peace, so as to allow development to take place”, he said.

“Boundary crisis is inimical to orderly development and also creates image problems for the State. Such acts contribute to frustration and disenchantment experienced by members of the society. Economically, it can scare away potential investors and the relocation of existing industries in our communities to other States, thereby creating avoidable economic challenges for our State.”, he added.

The Prof. Ekoko panel members

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in all communities in the state and urged them “to explore all available means of dialogue to settle their differences.”

Governor Okowa who charged the Panel of Inquiry to handle their responsibility with fairness, due diligence, transparency and impartiality reminded them that “ we have had two Panels of Inquiry in the past, the Justice Azinge’s Judiciary Commission in 1996 and Justice Frank Nwolu’s Panel Of Inquiry in 2009, both proffered solutions but unfortunately the crisis continued over time”

He listed the Panel’s Terms of Reference as to define, demarcate and survey the boundary between Udu and Warri South West local government areas; survey and demarcate the extent of the land in dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw communities; and recommend actions to be taken by Delta State Government to finally resolve the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw crisis and sustain mutual inter-communal relations.

Responding on behalf of the Panel, the Chairman, Prof. Ekoko assured Governor Okowa that they would carry out their assignment diligently and proffer lasting solutions to the boundary dispute.

Pipeline vandalism is affecting our finances, economy, environment, Okowa cries out

Delta Sate Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has appealed to Deltans to protect oil facilities in their communities as pipeline vandalism impacts negatively on the community’s environment and the state economy.

Okowa who made the appeal Tuesday (24-5-16) during his maiden  radio phone-in programme at Delta Broadcasting Service [DBS], Asaba, as part of activities marking his first year in office said the incessant pipeline vandalism impacted negatively on the environment of the Niger/Delta region and the economy of the state.

He said:"We have been doing a lot of sensitisation and advocacy on ensuring peace and secured environment for our communities. We need to protect government facilities in our areas, the vandalism of pipelines affects our environment and the economy and development of the state more than the Federal Government. l plead with Deltans to learn to protect oil facilities in their communities because the damage causes pain to the immediate environment and to the state.

“If vandalism stops, there will be improvement to our economic growth and we will be able to carry out infrastructural development”, he added.

Dr. Okowa

Okowa explained that the present economic challenge in the state was as a result of the dwindling resources saying, " l just learnt from the Accountant General of the state that this month’s allocation is about  N3billion, this cannot even pay the wage bill of workers put at over N7billion. The low allocation is as a result of the recent pipeline vandalism in the state, this will also affect our allocation up to the month of August. This criminal act is destroying our state and preventing Deltans from enjoying the dividends of democracy to the fullest."

The governor noted that his administration has done its best in the last one year to meet up with the campaign promises made to Deltans through infrastructural development, youth empowerment and actualizing the SMART agenda and assured Deltans of more dividends of democracy in his second year in office.

He said that his administration has put strategies in place to diversify the state economy and expand the tax base of the state in order to boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) for government to meet up its responsibility to the citizens.

While commending Deltans for their support, Senator Okowa urged them to fulfill their tax obligations to the state stressing: "Please let us continue to support government by paying our taxes as when you pay your tax you make good citizens and government will meet your needs.”

He called on Deltans especially pensioners and civil servants to be patient with government, as infrastructural development would get to them.

The governor explained that the state was grappling with the management of its over 12 higher institutions and would not embark on the building of more polytechnics given the present financial straits in the country, assuring that in the future if the need arose, it would give priority to the proposed four new polytechnics approved by the last administration.

Okowa partners investors to develop Asaba

DESPITE the tough economic situation of the country, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa says his administration is partnering with private investors to ensure speedy development of Asaba as a befitting state capital.

The Governor made the disclosure Thursday (26/05/16) shortly after commissioning four roads and inspecting some of the on-going projects in Asaba.

Governor Okowa commissioning the FMC link road, Asaba. 

Roads that were commissioned include extension of access road to the Orthopaedic Surgical Ward and the Doctors’ quarters at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC); Usonia Road, access road to Christ Embassy Church and Esenwa Street, all in Asaba as well as the inspection of the Cable Point Road dualization and the Okpanam Road dualization.

The Governor who spoke at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, said his administration was partnering with investors to develop the Delta Commercial City and the Delta SMART City, disclosing that the projects when completed would boost the socio-economic life of the people.

“I want to reassure Your Royal Majesty that we are going to remain focused; we are partnering with some investors to see how we can develop Asaba to become a befitting state capital; we have signed some MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) on housing development while others are in the works,” he said.

Okowa  with Oshimili South Local Government Chairman,
 Pastor Chuks Cbusom at the FMC road commissioning venue

He further stressed that his administration is developing the Delta Commercial City at the bridge head.

"We have resolved all the issues hindering the construction and soon, work will begin on this project, we will start the development of the Delta SMART City when we find the right partners to see it to fruition; the projects were part of the requests made by the Asagba-in-Council and the construction of road at the FMC was based on the fact that many Deltans make use of the facilities in the hospital,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Asagba, the Iyase of Asaba, Chief Patrick Onyeobi commended the developmental strides of Governor Okowa within his one year in office, describing him as a man who came into governance with a mind-set of what he will do for the people.

The Christ Embassy access road commissioned by Governor Okowa.

At the FMC where Governor Okowa commenced the commissioning of projects, mammoth crowd came out to receive him, singing his praises, saying that from his days as the Senator representing Delta North, his passion for the provision of adequate facilities at the FMC knew no bounds.

Chief Nicholas Chizea who spoke on behalf of the Asagba of Asaba at the venue said, “God endorsed what the Governor is doing that is why they are going on smoothly; the paucity of funds have not deterred the Governor from working for the development of the state.”