Okowa rounds-off project commissioning, pledges to fulfill campaign promises

·       Says Traditional Rulers Council to be reconstituted soon

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa rounded off a month-long commissioning of projects Friday, June 24th, 2016, an activity put together to mark the first year anniversary of his coming to power as Governor.

Governor Okowa commissioning the Abavo General Hospital.

 Speaking yesterday [24-06-16] at Owa-Oyibu after commissioning Abavo General Hospital and its Access Road and Palace Road, Owa-Oyibu in Ika South And North East Local Government Areas respectively, he restated his administration’s commitment to the delivery of infrastructural development to all Deltans in spite of the present economic challenges. He promised that government would continue to inject funds in developing critical infrastructure throughout the state in fulfillment of his campaign promises and to improve on the well-being of Deltans.

"My administration has resolved to place the interest of Deltans above all other interests; this is our driving force, and we are working together as a team to deliver all the projects. We will continue to do our best for Deltans to deliver democratic dividends. All we need is your support and prayers," he said, stressing that "This is just the beginning of good things to come for Deltans, and l know that we will do more as the economy improves."

Front view of the Abavo General Hospital.

He commended the traditional rulers in the state for their support and prayers for his administration and urged them to continue to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in their domains. "l thank the traditional institution in the state for the special role they are playing to ensure peace in their respective communities for development to thrive in the state. As we continue to seek for peace among communities, l want our royal fathers to meet and see how they can assist government in reducing communal crisis in the state especially the lgbide/Enwhe crisis and the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis." He disclosed that the state traditional council would be reconstituted within the next one week.

The Governor commended communities in Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas for their co-operation with the contractors handling government projects, urging other communities in the state to emulate them and support contractors working in their areas.

He charged private individuals to key into his administrations empowerment programmes by providing youths with starter packs after being trained by government in the Skill Training Entrepreneurial Programme (STEP) and Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme (YAGEP).

In a welcome address, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, Obi of Owa, thanked Governor Okowa for the great developmental strides of his administration across the state and pledged his people’s continuous support for the state government.

Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa also yesterday [24-06-16] commissioned the General Hospital, Abavo, in Ika South Local Government Area, where he stated that the state government was committed to the provision of quality healthcare to all Deltans especially in the rural areas.

“Despite the economic downturn in the country, government has committed funds and has been making genuine efforts to ensure that qualitative healthcare is made readily available to all Deltans across the State, therefore, we are commissioning this general hospital here at Azuowa-Abavo today, as another confirmation of the commitment of this administration to safeguarding the health of our citizens, especially in rural communities, where private healthcare services are scarce or non-existent.”

He called on Deltans to utilise the over 62 government owned hospitals and 430 primary health facilities in the state as “All the hospitals have been equipped and staffed adequately with qualified personnel to facilitate the provision of specialist healthcare”.

Earlier, The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, in his remarks, said that the hospital was equipped with modern facilities and has about 31 staff to provide accessible and affordable health care services to the community.

Okowa berates Levant for shoddy road work, to sanction wily supervising civil servant

·        Inspects, commissions projects in Patani LGA

Enraged Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa took a swipe at public servants who connive with contractors to do shoddy jobs with a pledge to sanction them accordingly.

Dr. Pius Sinebe commissioning the renovated water scheme in Patani
. Third right is Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

The governor’s concern followed protests by the Uduophori community against the shoddy road construction work done by Levant Construction company, the contractor in the Uduophori-Agoloma-Patani road project. The Governor was thus compelled to hear out the complaints of the protesters, and actually went with them to see the bad work done by the company.

Speaking on the situation of the bad quality of job done by the contractor, Governor Okowa said: “It is wrong to rush the work. If you think there is problem why not get back to the Ministry with your complaint? I think I need to see engineer who approved this work, and I think that engineer does not deserve to work for the state.”

Bishop Emameze being assisted by Governor Okowa 2nd right to commission the
Patani Hospital

The governor then directed the permanent secretary, Ministry of Works to ensure that the engineer from the Ministry that approved the shoddy work is queried and that the query should be routed through the office of the Head of service of the state.

He decried the shoddy work of the contractor, saying that he is cheating the people and the government of Delta state, and also spoiling the image of the state government, warning that he as governor has his name to protect.

He reassured the community that government will see to it that the proper thing is done but urged them to be peaceful in making their complaints, and urge them to always channel their grievances through their representatives in government.  

According to Governor Okowa, quality projects that will stand the test of time would not be compromised by his administration and the few resources available to the state must be spent on enduring projects.

Members of the Patani local government council of chiefs .

Inspection of the project was part of activities earmarked for the celebration of the Governor's one year in office.
Okowa said: "The engineer that supervised the job is not supposed to be an employee of the state government, we cannot afford to have failed projects within one year of execution, it is good that he has been queried but I will follow the case up as appropriate sanctions must be applied."

"You (the contractor handling the project) have embarrassed me with this type of shoddy job, we cannot push you to go beyond your pace, the first thing we want is quality job as my name matters a lot," the Governor said, adding, "we don't have to manage anything, the name of your company is at stake too, the financial situation is tough, so, we cannot afford to do one road twice."
The Governor also admonished communities to be involved in the supervision of projects in their areas, but should avoid taking laws into their hands and lay their complaint to appropriate quarters.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Donatus Umukoro said the Engineer who supervised the road project has been queried and the contractor ordered to raise the road which will require excavation of already executed project.
Governor Okowa also, commissioned the paediatric Ward at the General Hospital, Patani where he appealed to all Deltans to engage in peaceful attitude to encourage investors to the state.
According to the Governor, "Deltans are hardworking people, peace loving and prayerful people; we should not allow negative forces to tarnish our image but continue to encourage investors by engaging in good habit."
He assured Deltans that his administration would do more as resources improves and commended the people for coming out massively to receive him.
Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Pius Sinebe thanked Governor Okowa for his interest in providing democratic dividends in Patani Local Government Area while the PDP Chairman in the area, Mr Godspower Asiuwhu assured Governor Okowa that the people of the area would be involved in monitoring the pace of work to ensure that the right thing is done.
"We thank God that Governor Okowa has a heart to work for Deltans, he is a good manager of resources and what he deserves is our support to enable him do more," Mr Asiuwhu said.

Okowa Mourns Nikki Tobi, Salutes His Contributions to Law Practice

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed shock at the death of former Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Nikki Tobi. The Governor said the death was not only shocking but painful given his pedigree, capacity and contributions to the development of law profession in Nigeria.

Late Justice Niki Tobi

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Gov. Okowa said: “Justice Nikki Tobi was a man of many parts who excelled wherever he found himself leaving behind trails of credibility and integrity. I am shocked and pained by this death. A man of humility, credibility and high integrity has passed on.”

Governor Okowa noted that late Justice Tobi was a pride to the Ijaw Nation and Delta State, who has made the country proud through his contributions to the development of law practice in Nigeria. “Justice Tobi excelled in two difficult worlds. He was excellent in the academic world as a lecturer and became a reference point in the legal world.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Nikki Tobi family, the Ijaw nation and Nigerians on the demise of the erudite teacher and jurist Justice Nikki Tobi.

Gov. Okowa stated that Justice Tobi’s tenure at the Supreme Court was one of the best in the history of the court, stressing that the renowned jurist was a gift to the Niger Delta.

He prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family and all followers of the contributions of the former Supreme Court judge.

Ize-Iyamu emerges PDP candidate for Edo guber elections

·        Okowa, PDP governors pledge support

PDP delegates voting at the Edo guiber primary.

PASTOR Osagie Ize-Iyamu Monday (20/06/16) emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo State 2016 Gubernatorial Elections with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other PDP Governors assuring of the party's preparedness to win in the elections.
Okowa who spoke before and after the keenly contested elections at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, assured the people of Edo State that as members of one family, he will be involved in the PDP campaign that will usher in a progressive and development-oriented government in Edo State.

Governor Okowa congratulating Pastor Ize-Iyamu on his emergence as Edo PDP
governorship candidate. With them are Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State and Governor
Dankwambo of Gombe state.

According to him, "I thank God that I witnessed this primaries today, the organizers of the primaries promised free and fair elections, I am so glad because a candidate has emerged through a very acceptable process and it will make the work easier.
"For the government and all of us in Delta State, we promise you our support; with the one spirit I am seeing in us today, we will win the elections come September," Governor Okowa said.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi who was the chairman of the panel for the primary elections said, Pastor Ize-Iyamu polled 584 votes to beat his closest rival, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen who got 91 votes while Dr. Solomon Edebiri scored 38 votes.
"We have every course to thank God for the grace He showered on us; we were very transparent and very honest and I congratulate the winner and aspirants; I thank the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the security agencies and all those who played different roles for the success of this primary elections," the Panel Chairman said, disclosing, "total number of accredited delegates, 713, total number of delegates 751, because, 38 delegates did not come for accreditation, there was no invalid vote."
Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dakwambo stated, "let me seize this opportunity to congratulate the great people of Edo State, I have never seen an election that is so transparent and conducted as a family, there was no invalid vote and I want all of us to support the declared winner."
Pastor Ize-Iyamu commended those who contested against him for their show of love and promised a new dawn for Edo State when he emerges as the Governor.

Attribute your success to God, not man, Says Okowa

... As Esiso, Delta PDP chairman,  gives thanks to God

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa says success can only come from God,  and that man should not take credit for what God has done.
Speaking last Sunday (19/06/16) at a thanksgiving service by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Esiso at the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Sapele, Governor Okowa observed that nobody can take credit for the success of another man other than God.

L-R: Governor Okowa, Barrister Esiso and wife at the thanksgiving sercvice.

"In everything we do, it is important that we recognize the fact that it is only God that can make it happen," he said, noting that the book of Psalms made it clear that help comes from God.
"No man can help you unless God has ordained it, so, always give credit to God for everything," the Governor emphasized.
While congratulating Barr. Esiso for emerging as the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Governor Okowa urged him to brace up for future challenges, stating that he should be prayerful for God to enable him surmount challenges that come with such positions.
"You can only get strength from God; if not for The Lord who is on your side, you will not be where you are today, it is not about Governor Okowa," he stated, adding, "give thanks to God, trust in Him and His grace will come abundantly on you because, If you trust Him, He will be able to do a lot of things for you."
He used the occasion to thank Deltans for their support, and urged them to extend same to all political office holders.

A cross-section of dignitaries at the thanksgiving service.

The Governor said, "we are in a very critical time as a nation and we should pray for our leaders rather than curse them; from the Presidency, the Governor to the lowest leader, learn to pray for them because, I believe that as the church prays, the Lord will heal our land."
Esiso at the occasion said he deserved to thank God for His blessings  and traced his relationship with Governor Okowa to 11 years ago and that since then, he has every reason to thank God.
"I am here to say God, thank you, I am here to appreciate God Almighty for His goodness in my life and the life of my family; when God speaks to you, listen because, my God told me that when there is no way, God will open a way for you," he said, disclosing, "about 11 years ago, I was in my house in Sapele when Dr, Okowa called me to meet him in Commissioners quarters in Asaba, then, he was the Commissioner for Health; he said, Kingsley, please, come and work with me, you will not be working for me but, you will be working for yourself, I keyed very seriously, commitedly and efficiently to my Governor, he is a promise keeper."
He added, "I want to appreciate every member of our party, the PDP for your support, if God can do it for me today, He can do it for you and I am also thanking God for the numerous things He is doing in my life."
Earlier, Pastor Israel Olajide, District Pastor, Sapele has urged Christians to rely on "God's favour, you will not labour in vain, you need Jesus to have rest, with Jesus, peace will come to you."
Eminent personalities from the state and beyond attended the ceremony.

Why Okowa is on project commissioning spree, by Ukah

DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah has described the project Commissioning activities of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as good for Deltans and democracy.

Mr. Patrick Ukah, Delta's information
 commissioner.

Speaking with journalists at Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State during the commissioning of some projects executed by Governor Okowa as part of activities to mark his one year in office, Mr Ukah said, the projects were clear testimonies that democracy was working with the one year administration of Dr Okowa.

 "Ordinarily, Governor Okowa would have just celebrated the one year of his administration in Asaba, but, you can see the beauty of democracy when all the local government areas of the state have at least one project to be commissioned by the Governor or be inspected.
"Just for one year, he has done so much, imagine another three years or seven years, Delta State will be transformed," Mr Ukah said, pointing out that "but for this commissioning exercise, the world would not have known that the Governor has done so much within one year because of his disposition to issues,"
The Commissioner continued, "you know, our Governor does not believe in playing to the gallery but, we cannot remove the fact that within one year, he has done so much, he cannot even commission all the projects within this period."

Protecting the rights of children

                                                                                                                                                    FEATURES

By Naomi Sharang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Unarguably, abuse, abduction, molestation and other vices against the child are prevailing infractions to child’s fundamental human rights in recent times, especially in developing countries.

Sociologists observe that vulnerable children face significant barriers to their rights and there should be methods of checking the trend.

They express worry that such children are often denied access to basic services such as health and education while they are exposed to discrimination, sexual, physical and psychological violence.

Worried by this, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development recently stated that the Nigerian society ``is currently battling with high incidence of violence against children.’’

But Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Aisha Alhassan said that efforts to end violence should start with the protection of young ones.

``Governments at all levels are making spirited efforts to ensure that this ugly phenomenon is brought to an end.

``There is the need to consolidate on the present momentum and redouble efforts to guarantee children’s rights to freedom from violence everywhere and at all times,’’ she said.

The minister lauded state governments that had made efforts in domesticating and articulating the Child Rights Act (CRA) in ensuring that children’s rights were protected.

She also said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has inaugurated an intra-ministerial committee on preventing violence against children.

Similarly, Mrs Binta Bello, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that there was the need for stakeholders to evaluate policies targeted at child development in the country.

``This is critical in view of the alarming cases of violence against children in recent times.

``We must pause and ask, does it mean that our policy responses are not well designed, are we not putting enough resources into the security sector?

``Are the key interventions not well implemented, are the planning, strategies not well targeted, is the awareness, sensitisation programme not directed at the right people?’’, she asked.

In his opinion, Mr Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman, Governing Council National Human Rights Commission, called for the review of sexual offence laws and policies to ensure the protection of children from violence.

According to him, sex abuse of children in schools is the most serious crime that requires strict punishment.

``This climate of impunity for sexual violence against children generally and in schools in particular is not a fate ordained by an unaccountable deity.

``It is a policy choice, we can change it and this will require concerted action by the government at multiple levels.

``Age of sexual consent is what is not clear under the law and many states willfully resist the implementation of the CRA.

``We need to re-examine our Victorian laws of sexual offences, foremost among which is the crime of rape; the distinction between rape and defilement must be eliminated,’’ he said.

Odinkalu said that the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act which was currently being operational in the FCT required to be spread across the country.

According to him, the National Assembly can do better with the bill on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary institutions currently under consideration before it.

He also said that the government needed to strictly prioritise accountability for sexual violence against children as a policing and law enforcement measure.

``There are few policing assets available for sexual violence and violence against children is generally viewed as a domestic issue and not a matter for rigorous application of laws.

``All that is required is the will and very limited skill to put the perpetrators away and make them face the consequences of their conduct,’’ he said.

In the same vein, a senior lecturer with the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Mr Uchechukwu Ozughalu, said that poverty had deprived not less 70 per cent of children in the country of their fundamental human rights.

``Children are highly deprived of their rights in the areas of health, proper nutrition, education, water and sanitation,’’ he said.

He solicited more child-friendly process among other interventions required by the government to alleviate the plight of children.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Jan Vandemoortele, an independent researcher, said that the implementation and consolidation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would ensure poverty reduction.

He observed that countries within west and central Africa lacked the sustainability of child- friendly policies.

According to him, poverty is about insufficiency while inequality is about hierarchy which leads to exclusion and marginalisation of some sectors of the populace.

Vandemoortele, however, said that efforts by countries within the region would ensure achieving the goals of SDGs.

As part of efforts to ensure that the right of child is protected, Save the Children, a non-governmental organisation, recently inaugurated a three-year campaign, tagged: ``Every Last Child’’ to reach excluded children in the society.

The Country Director of the organisation, Mr Ben Foot, said the campaign would focus on the children left behind from the progress made by the Millennium Development Goals.

He said that the programme would also aim at reducing the number of children out of school and early marriages that had exposed young mothers to violence, lack of healthcare and education.

All the same, human rights activists insist that the task of safeguarding the rights of children should be collective effort of all stakeholders.(NANFeatures)