Delta Speaker lists priorities of the 6th Assembly

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Monday Igbuya, Wednesday made a critical appraisal of the Delta State House of Assembly, describing the Sixth Assembly as “the most stable and promising.”

 Igbuya who spoke in Asaba on the occasion of the first anniversary celebration of the Sixth Assembly said the House received a total of twenty-three bills (23), fifty-three (53) motions and eighteen (18) reports.

Monday Igbuya, Delta Assembly speaker.

He listed the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Law (Amendment), 2015,  Delta State Contributory Health Commission Bill, 2015,  Delta State Bureau of Land Instrument Preparation Charges Bill, 2015,  Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, 2015,  Delta State Community Service Bill, 2015; 6) Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment) Bill, 2015, the Delta State Public Procurement Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Delta State Agency for Control of HIV and AIDS Bill, 2015, Appropriation Bill, 2016, Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency Bill, 2016 and Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2016 as bills received by the assembly.

The House, according to Igbuya, also received the Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016,  Delta State Anti-kidnapping Bill, 2016, Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Bill, 2016,  Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill, 2016,  Delta State Scholarship Board Bill, 2016, Delta State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill, 2016, Delta State Hotels and Restaurants Bill, 2016, Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016, Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidation (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Delta State Public Procurement Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

 Igbuya, in a joyous mood throughout the press conference, said “The governor has so far assented to the  Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Law (Amendment), 2015,  Appropriation Law, 2016, Delta State Contributory Health Commission Law 2015, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency Law, 2015; and Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board Law, 2015

“The Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Delta State Anti-kidnapping Bill, 2016, Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2016; and  Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016 have been forwarded to the state governor, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, for assent” he said.

Igbuya who spoke at length about the yearning of Deltans for quick delivery of the dividends of democracy, dwindling oil revenue and its negative impact on the economy and capacity of government to meet basic commitments, described Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a blessing to Delta State.

“In my inaugural address, I told the good people of the state that the legislature would maintain cordial working relationship with the Executive. The Assembly has since then enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the Executive, having so far approved several requests of the governor. It screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Government of Delta State and several other positions” he said.

Igbuya also spoke on the sanitization of some local governments in the state.

“We must also not forget the role of the Assembly in the sanitization of the Local Government system. In the light of great insecurity and evidence of financial fraud, occasioned by flagrant disregard for constituted authority, the House suspended the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area. It subsequently set up an adhoc committee to verify the authenticity of the various petitions levelled against him. On grounds of financial recklessness, fraud and diversion of funds, the House relieved the chairman of his duties as Executive Chairman and Accounting Officer of Uvwie LGA”.

He continued; “Sequel to the impeachment notice forwarded to the House by 12 of the 15 councilors of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, the committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the House suspended the Executive Chairman of the council. This was necessary to give the House the opportunity to carry out a thorough investigation into the issues raised. I am happy to inform you that sheis back to her seat”.

Focusing on accountability and responsibility to the electorate, Igbuya said “Here at the Delta State House of Assembly, the will of the people is speedily carried out”. 

“In the second year of the Sixth Assembly, we will focus on issues that will move us closer to the dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers. We will continue to offer the best representation to the people of Delta State. We will continue to support government’s effort at guaranteeing peace, security and welfare of all Deltans. We will strive to finish the work we have started. We will continue to put in longer hours in debating and making the laws that would move our state forward. We will welcome the battle of ideologies. We will encourage and engage in it, openly, honestly, and respectfully”

Amidst intermittent applause from Honourable members, staff of the assembly and journalists, Igbuya said members of the Assembly would closely monitor the implementation of the budget by providing effective oversight,

“We will continue to keep faith with our duties of Law making, Representation and Oversight functions of the Executive arm of government. We will continue to insist on probity, accountability and efficiency in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 2016 Budget” he said. 

He commended local and foreign journalists for their efforts in bringing to the spotlight the activities, deliberations, and resolutions of the House.

“Functions of the press transcend entertainment, education and mere information dissemination. Indeed, the role of the press in democratic dispensation and otherwise is to bring about real political change through robust discourse”.

He also praised his colleagues and the staff of the Assembly for their cooperation and contributions to the smooth running of the business of the House.

Okowa commissions road projects in Warri south, Ughelli North LGs

·        Attributes successes to early passage of budget

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has attributed the success recorded by his administration in the area of massive provision of infrastructure to the early passage of the budget by the state's House of Assembly.
Governor Okowa made the disclosure Wednesday (08/06/16) in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of the state during the commissioning of road projects.
He said: "It has not been easy since the last one year because of financial challenges facing the country but, by the grace of God, we have managed our resources to impact on the lives of our people.
"We made adequate plans and the early passage of our budget made us to take advantage of the dry season and now that the rain is coming, we have no regret; we will stay committed to our people."

Governor Okowa commissioning the Okere Urhobo community Road, Warri.

While noting that his administration has made remarkable progress in the areas of road construction, building of hospitals, the agricultural sector, job creation and empowerment programmes, the Governor used the occasion to passionately appeal to Deltans to shun any form of social vices, especially, bombing of oil facilities, observing that such activities do not portray the state in good light before investors who are eager to do business in the state.
"Recently, our revenue dropped remarkably as a result of the bombing of oil facilities; it is time for us to give peace a chance, we cannot continue to destroy ourselves in the course of our anger, we need to stop pipeline bombings, we need to stop all vices because, a lot of investors are coming to our state and we need conducive environment, peaceful environment to encourage them," he said.
The Otota (traditional Prime Minister) of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Warri, Chief Wilson Eboh in an address at the occasion, said, "today, history is made with the commissioning of Otor-Orere network of roads, our hearts are overwhelmed with joy, we are indeed grateful to Your Excellency for the construction of Ejiyere, Dederu and Akemu Streets, all in Okere Urhobo Kingdom within this short period of your administration; you have put our dear state on the path of progress and prosperity since your assumption of office."

In a related development, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned the multi-million naira Oteri road project at Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Okowa (2nd left) assisting as the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Oharisi the third,
commissions one of the road projects in his domain done by Okowa's administration.
 

The Governor at the occasion which was attended by the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Oharisi III assured Deltans that he will not relent in executing projects which will better the lives of the people.

According to him, his administration was committed to ensuring prosperity for all Deltans through different empowerment programmes.

The Ovie at the occasion, assured Governor Okowa of the unflinching support of his Kingdom noting that the Governor has not only shown love for his people by executing projects but has given key political appointments to sons and daughters of his Kingdom.
Governor Okowa also, inspected the Ughelli/Afiesere/Ofuoma road in Ughelli North local government area and the Olomu road in Ughelli South local government area where he expressed satisfaction at the level of work done.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya and Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, including other elected and appointed political office holders witnessed the events.
In all the places visited, excited Deltans came out, dancing and giving praise to God for giving the state, Senator Okowa as Governor.

Rt. Hon. OSANEBI: One year of sowing prosperity seeds in Ndokwa land

By Agbanashi Obinne

It's exactly one year today, that the  Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi was sworn in as Deputy Speaker,  Delta State House of  Assembly after he was reelected by the Ndokwa East people, to represent them in the State Assembly  for the second time, as his one good term deserved another.

Before now, the generality of Ndokwa East had wanted a consolidation of the good and people oriented representation of the Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, a first timer, that stunned everybody with his new order of representation- a paradigm shift from the rather oligarchic and plutocratic form of government that was the case of the Ndokwa East people, to a system of leadership that epitomized democracy via a youthful, humble, God fearing personality and egalitarian who feels the pulse of the people. 

Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, Deputy speaker, Delta State
 House of Assembly

He came out with a campaign slogan: ” if I win you win”; and immediately, the project was greeted with passion and enthusiasm leading to his being voted for massively the second time.

Like, the dictum,  “he’s tested and trusted”, the massive vote for PDP from Ndokwa East in the last general election, was triggered by the obvious testimonial of Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi whose first time leadership was characterized with human capital empowerment, palpable dividends of democracy, social empowerment, women empowerment, youth empowerment , scholarships and vibrant representation in the State House of Assembly.

Before April 11,2015, the Friday Osanebi Campaign team with her principal, went round all the communities in Ndokwa East, with the campaign manifesto of hope, advancement and prosperity. He made promises irrespective of economic challenges ravaging the country. He hasn’t held this as a yardstick not to fulfill his promises to his people. Just a year into his second return to the house of assembly, he has fulfilled almost all his campaign promises and he has not relented in raising the bar, each passing day.

Osanebi has become a phenomenon that must be reckoned with, as his rescue and empowerment mission remains a fortified force within the polity.

From ‘If I win you win’; it’s now,  “If I enjoy, you enjoy”, in Ndokwa East. Within a year, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, has reasonably changed the game and has raised the standard that will be difficult for any house member or politician within and around Ndokwa nation to beat.

He started with harmonizing the leadership of Ndokwa nation, synchronizing all divides and views in the trado-political leadership of Ndokwa East and Ndokwa nation in general. Because of his passion for youth empowerment and positive engagement, Osanebi has instituted a youth empowerment cum involvement strategy, which gives every youth a sense of belonging. Osanebi has been able to harmonize Ndokwa youths, irrespective of their divergent opinions and views about life and government.

Within a year, the “Empowerment Master” as he is now fondly called, has facilitated the appointment of young men and women into positions of influence and affluence, within and outside the political terrain of Delta State.

Because of his passion for human capital development, he has institutionalized a process of ensuring academic excellence in order to raise Giants in various strata of human life, through his foundation, The Friday Osanebi Foundation (FOF), which gave out over N10 million to students of Anioma origin just recently in Asaba. Among other things, the intent and purpose of this noble gesture was to empower the students economically in order to pay their fees, get books and be comfortable while studying. Besides, the Youngest Deputy Speaker in Nigeria has said, that he is using this platform to ensure academic excellence of his people, because renewal and continual enlistment in the scholarship scheme was predicated on the student’s return of yearly academic report of not less than an upper credit.

In a bid to consolidate on the educational wellbeing of Ndokwa East, Osanebi in addition to the schools he built in the ten wards of Ndokwa East in his first missionary journey to Delta State House of Assembly; within a year – from June 8,  2015 to June 8, 2016, Osanebi has completed another set of six class room blocks in six wards of Ndokwa East.

Different Contracting firms are already in some of our roads, and just last week, the Delta State Executive Council approved the reconstruction and widening of the Beneku road in Ndokwa East.

Because of his passion and desire for the holistic empowerment of his people, within one year, Osanebi has doled out over N5 million to market women in his locality to boost small and medium scale enterprises. For the records, within 12 months in office, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi has delivered  an eleven point report card, in all of these, the people remain the central focus.

1. N5 million Empowerment for market women to boost small and medium scale enterprises.

2. Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Ibrede primary school, Ibrede.

3.  Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Iselegu Primary School , Iselegu.

4. Direct employment  of over 50 youths in the oil sector 

5. Employment of over 20 men and women into the public service ( political appointment and other related engagements )

6. Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Umueze Primary School, Ossissa.

7. Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Niger Primary School, Asaba-Ase.

8. Trained and Empowered 25 youth in conjunction with AGIP, through skill acquisition with starter packs. 

9. Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Mixed Secondary School, Okpai-Oluchi.

10. Construction of 6 classroom blocks in Aboh Grammar School, Aboh.

11. Ten Million Naira, Scholarship Award to Anioma  Students, through  his foundation, The Friday Osanebi Foundation ( FOF ).

Osanebi has demonstrated capacity within a year and has raised the standard for his serving and yet to be colleagues in the State House of Assembly.

In all of these, what does he have to say ? ” we thank God who has taken us thus far” . Very simple and straight to the point you would say, but Osanebi attributes all he has recorded and all he’s got, to God.

He has done wonderfully well- Obielum

For Chief Godswill Obielum, leader of the Ndokwa East political family, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi has done wonderfully well, in just one year.

Chief  Godswill Obielum

He said this as he was fielding questions from news men. He said: Osanebi has been able to reach out to every segment of his constituency,  and has effectively reached out to leaders, elders,  traditional rulers, youths and women", pointing out that the Deputy Speaker has proven that he can do more and better in any form engagement. "Let me speak on Ndokwa East first. He has done so much in the area of constituency projects and I know he often goes out to inspect them to see that all is effectively done. That is an excellent score. His educational scholarship programmme that cuts across Delta North and beyond is a very big score . He has done very, very, well," Obielum said.

He has done beyond our expectation - Ezechi

Commissioner representing Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission ( DESOPADEC). Comr. Nnamdi Ezechi in his reaction said Osanebi has surprised all with his giant strides in the last twelve months. He noted that with the Deputy Speaker's delivery on infrastructure and empowerment, he has done beyond the people's expectation, judging by the prevailing economic crisis ravaging the nation. He called on public office holders to emulate the leadership and empowerment philosophy of Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi so that prosperity can speedily reach the people.

Stephen Keshi: Great patriot, achiever, says Gov. Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described the sudden demise of former Super Eagles Player and Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi as tragic and a monumental loss to football in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.

The Governor in a tribute and condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, extolled the leadership qualities and sterling contributions of the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach to the growth and development of football in Nigeria and Africa.

Late Stephen Keshi

According to Governor Okowa, the sterling contributions of Stephen Keshi to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa is legendary, commendable and worthy of emulation as a great patriot and achiever having led Nigeria to win the African Nations Cup twice as a player and Coach.

Okowa said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and the entire football loving fans in Nigeria over the demise of the late Super Eagles former Captain and Coach.

"The remarkable achievements recorded by the Nigeria Super Eagles in 1994 and 2013 were unarguably due to his indefatigable role as the Captain and Coach of the Super Eagles in those glorious years culminating in the winning of the African Nations Cup.

"Delta State and indeed Nigerians has lost a great man whose contributions to the football world can best be described as legendary".

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

Football Supporters Club wants stadium named after Keshi

Dr Rafiu Oladipo, President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has suggested the naming of a stadium in the country after the late Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi.

Keshi, a former Captain the Super Eagles, died in the early hours of Wednesday in Benin during a brief illness.

Oladipo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that naming a stadium after Keshi would serve as a ``befitting honour for the player who won the Nations Cup for Nigeria as a captain and as a coach.

Keshi being decorated by former President Goodluck Jonathan..

``Keshi achieved the same feat as Clement Westerhoff who won the Nations Cup for the first time for Nigeria as the Super Eagles Coach
in 1994 in Tunisia.

``Keshi as the Super Eagles Captain in 1994 recorded another glorious feat for Nigeria, winning the Nations Cup for Nigeria as coach in South Africa in 2013,’’ he said.

The president-general, who said he did not want to sound political for mentioning the stadium to be named after Keshi, said that the gesture would immortalise him.

Oladipo who is also the President-General, African Football and Other Sports Supporters Club (AFOSSU), added that naming a stadium after Keshi would be a morale booster for other Nigerian coaches.

``Imagine, he just lost his wife, Kate last year December and suddenly, he too died without any sign of ailment. His untimely death is shocking.

``When I heard of his death, it baffled me because he showed no sign of any sickness. Nobody knows or heard that he was sick.

Keshi being carried during one of victorious outings.

``We learnt of his death this morning, it’s a very big loss to Nigerian football, a very big loss to Nigerian sports and to Nigerians.

``Keshi, was a good player, a very a dependable captain of the Super Eagles and that standard he continued with as a coach of the Super Eagles,’’ Oladipo said.

Meanwhile, Chris Giwa, the proprietor of Giwa FC of Jos, has joined other Nigerians in mourning Keshi.

``When I heard the news, I thought it was a stupid joke, when it was confirmed, I was alarmed; May God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ Giwa said.

NAN reports that Keshi had his appointment terminated by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as Head Coach sometime last year due to the lingering crises rocking the federation. (NAN)

Stephen Keshi: Nigeria’s football legend dies aged 54

·        His last moments before death

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is dead. He died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in Benin City, Edo state capital following complains of pain in the leg.

Easily one of Africa’s best known football figures, and a great soccer inspiration to many younger soccer players and fans, he was fondly called the “Big Boss” by admirers. A onetime Super Eagles captain, Kehi was one of only two men to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach.

Late Stephen Keshi

Acclaimed as a football legend given his enviable record as player and coach, Keshi was captain of the Nigeria team that won the Nations Cup in 1994 before narrowly missing out on a World Cup quarter-final place the same year.

He was coach of the Super Eagles on three occasions, leading them to the 2013 Nations Cup title in South Africa and the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup.

His contract was not renewed after the Brazil tournament but he returned on a match-by-match deal following the team's failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup finals.

He was then sacked as caretaker coach but reinstated following intervention from the former Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan.

Keshi, who lost his wife to cancer late last year, was then sacked for a final time last July.

The Chairman of the Edo State Football Association (EFA), Frank Ilaboya, confirmed on Wednesday that the remains of former Super Eagle’s coach, Stephen Keshi, had been moved to a mortuary in Benin.

The privately-owned mortuary, Faith Mediplex, is located on the Benin Airport road in the Edo State capital.

Mr. Ilaboya quoted Mr. Keshi’s family member, Ricky Aburimen, as saying the Eagle’s former coach only complained of a leg ailment while holidaying at his Airport Road home in Benin before he passed away.

He said Mr. Keshi died on the way to the hospital at about 3am.

The ex- international lost his wife, Nkem Kate Keshi only last December. They had been married for more than 30 years. She died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Mr. Keshi is survived by four children and his mother.

Meanwhile, a statement on the coaches death had been released by Emmanuel Ado, brother and aide to the late Mr. Keshi, said: “With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi’.

“Our son, brother, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem ), Mrs. Kate Keshi, who passed on on the 9th December 2015.

“Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today (Wednesday) before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest.”

(NAN)

Ukah Calls On Nigerians To Key Into 05 Initiative

THE Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has urged Nigerians  to key into the pet project of the wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, the 05 Initiative.
Mr Ukah dropped the hint in Asaba while speaking at the public presentation of 05 Initiative, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that is the pet project of Dame Okowa.

Patrick Ukah

According to him, activities of 05 Initiative has singled it out as a determined organization to cater for the needy in the society, noting that such NGO should be appreciated by all and sundry.
"Within one year of setting up this NGO, you can see a credible organization that is working hard to make the less privileged in the society happy," the Commissioner said.
He added, "As you can see, 05 Initiative has provided water and other facilities for prisoners, facilitated the release of more than forty inmates suffering in prisons because of their inability to pay their options of fines; the organization has paid hospital bills of those who could not afford such bills; paid school fees for indigent students.
"What can be more heart-touching than setting up sickle cell centres in different hospitals?  We all need to support 05 Initiative in these ventures, if you don't have money, pray for them to succeed. The wealthy in the society and other NGOs deserve to partner with 05 Initiative because, we have a credible woman, Dame Okowa at the helm of affairs and don't forget the activities of 05 Initiative were backed by Biblical injunctions."
He lauded the large turn out of people for the event, especially, women, observing that the lectures delivered at the occasion were eye openers for parents on how to prevent sickle cell disorder, and manage it when it happens.