Reps Minority Leader set to appoint 84 youths, women as personal assistants

Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader, House of Reps.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has concluded arrangement to unveil the appointment of eighty four constituents as Personal Assistants.

Hon. Elumelu speaking with Journalists on Monday in Asaba said that the Personal Assistants will comprise of forty two youths and forty two women, two each from the 42 wards within the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, saying that the forty two youths will be appointed as Personal Assistants on Youth affairs, while Forty-two women will be appointed Personal Assistants on Women affairs in each of the various wards.

He said that the appointment will be in consonance with his determination to carry everybody, including the youths and the women along in the onerous task of representing the People of the federal constituency at the National Assembly.

‘Yes, the mandate has been given to me, but I cannot do it alone and as you know, I cannot be everywhere. There is the need for me to select and appoint competent hands to assist me in the area of the development of the youths as well as the women. The selection has been done and in a few days, those appointed will be unveil,” the minority leader stated.

He noted that his actions is also in line with his campaign promises to ensure the empowerment of the critical segment of the society, saying that the Youths and the women will continue to be the focus of his agenda which he stated is in agreement with the Stronger Delta Agenda of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

The Minority leader commended the Governor of Delta State for his effort in the development of the youths in the state, and said that the effective development of the youth and even the women is critical to nation building, while promising to continue to do his best towards empowering them.

Delta to spend over N381m on 2018/2019 bursary scheme

Mr. Aniagwu with Mr. Olise Ifeajika at the post-EXCO press briefing.

The Government of Delta State has approved the sum of N381 million for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for students in higher institutions.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Asaba.

Aniagwu, who was in company with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika said that the state government approved that over 17,000 students benefit from the assistance.

“Government has approved the sum of 381 million naira for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for students of Delta State origin in higher institutions in the country. Over 17,000 students will benefit from this scheme from the over 24,000 students that applied.

He disclosed that government has also approved the recertification of all co-operative societies in the state to ensure that they meet best practices and they truly reflect the yearnings and aspirations of their members.

Aniagwu also disclosed that EXCO has approved the reorganization of the Ministry of Oil and Gas with the creation of additional six departments to ensure that the Ministry meet up its mandate of monitoring the activities of the oil sector in the state.

While expressing government’s concern on environmental cleaning, the commissioner said that government would soon embark on the clearance of illegal structures on our highways to ensure safety of motorists and other Deltans on these roads.

On the palliative measures on ‘federal roads, he said that the state government would continue to carry out the repairs of the roads as they impact more on the state economy and the lives of Deltans.

‘I did not receive money for 05 Initiative’, says Delta First Lady; declares no MoU signed, no financial commitment made

Wife of Delta State Governor and Founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa
addressing journalists in Asaba. With her is the State Commissioner of
Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.

The wife of Governor of Delta State, and Founder 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa  today, Wednesday, October 2, 2019 said her Non-Governmental Organisation did not receive any money and that no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with any organization and no commitment has been made.

Addressing a press conference in Asaba, where she expressed gratitude to the media for giving support to the 05 Initiative in the last four years, and helping to create awareness of the programmes and activities, which has attracted national and international attention to her NGO, she spoke obviously to put the record straight about a news report that states in its headline that “Delta First Lady gets N3.5bn grant to fight sickle cell.”

The report had stated: “The Initiative for Global Development (IGD), a U.S.-based nonprofit organisation, has announced the donation of 10 million dollars (N3.5 billion) for the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Delta.

The Agency report had also stated that the money is coming through 05 Initiative, the pet project of Mrs Edith Okowa, wife of the state Governor.

Excerpts from the Agency report reads:“Leila Ndiaye, the Chief Executive Officer of IGD, made the announcement at a sickle cell sensitisation forum organised by 05 Initiative in New York on Thursday.

“The event, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, was part of the funding and partnership drive of 05 Initiative, a nongovernmental organisation.

“Ndiaye said the money was meant for the digitisation of sickle cell centres established by 05 Initiative across the state to provide care for patients.

“According to her, the gesture was inspired by Mrs Okowa’s commitment to the fight against the disease, which is widespread in Nigeria.

“The country is said to have one of the highest incidences of the blood disorder in the world, with about 40 million carriers.”

Obviously making the issue clear, Delta First Lady said: “A major outcome of our UN presentation is the expressed desire of The Initiative for Global Development to partner with 05 Initiative. Their interest is centred on digitizing our sickle cell clinics across the state. This will generate critical data that will aid in the management of sickle cell patients. I would like to state categorically that no memorandum of understanding has been signed and no financial commitment has been made.”

Answering a Reporter’s question on whether she was given money or her organization for the project, Mrs. Okowa reiterated: “No money was given to 05 Initiative.”

Speaking on the work being done by her NGO, Dame Okowa said: “05 Initiative, as you may be aware, is a Non-Governmental Organization inspired by the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:35-36. Our mission is to:

·        Feed the hungry

·        Provide shelter for the homeless

·        Clothe the poor

·        Care for the sick and

·        Visit the prisoners.”

The prison welfare programme of 05 Initiative has seen the organization distributing free medication to the five prisons across Delta state. “We have constructed water supply systems in all the prisons, distributed toiletries to prisoners, helped to pay fines to secure the release of prisoners who were unable to pay them and have also conducted free medical outreaches for the prisoners.

“We have also focused on orphans. We house them in suitable accommodations across the state and pay tuition for some of them. Every second Monday in November is World Orphans Day, which we commemorate by distributing food and provisions to every registered orphanage in the state, thus giving these children a sense of belonging.

“Women empowerment is one of our cardinal programmes through which we financially assist indigent women. 05 Initiative has produced lock-up stores for women who desired to trade and also created opportunities for women and young girls who showed interest in acquiring a skill. Every year we provide welfare packages such as food items to 2,500 women across the three senatorial districts of the state.”

Mrs. Okowa continued: “In 2018, you may recall that we held a massive grassroots medical outreach in the state where we attended to 26,304 patients, distributed 15,811 eyeglasses, dispensed 9,380 eye drops and performed surgery on 2,241 patients. In the past four years, we have paid hospital bills for indigent patients to the tune of nearly N14million majority through our World Charity Day celebrated on the 5^th of September every year.

“Perhaps our most visible achievement to date is our contribution to the treatment and management of sickle cell disorder. Towards this end, we have so far established 12 sickle cell centres in government-owned hospitals in Agbor, Oleh, Sapele, Kwale, Okpe, Ughelli, Out-Jeremi, Umunede, Issele-Uku, Patani, Eku and Koko where we have put modern laboratory equipment, genetic counselors and medical doctors to attend to these ‘warriors’ who are determined to survive in spite of all odds.

“All these activities formed part of our presentation at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly. To the glory of God, our modest efforts in tackling the sickle cell disorder caught the interest of organizations and individuals who were motivated to do same in their respective countries. This has always been our yearning; that each and every one of us will contribute our quota in order to change the world, one person at a time,” Mrs. Okowa said.

Auchi Poly Mass Comm Students Class 93 holds reunion, honors Aniagwu

Commissioner for Information, Delta State being honoured by class mates.

Delta Chapter of the Auchi Polytechnic Mass Communication Students, Class 93, has honored their classmate , who is also the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu with an award in appreciation of his commitment to the growth of the alumni body.

The award was presented to Aniagwu in his office in Asaba by the Vice Chairman of the group, Mr Emeke Ikemefune, flanked by the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke and three other members of the Delta Chapter of the association.

Mr Ikemefune who stood in for the Chairman of the Delta State Chapter, Mr. Boniface Onyedi, said the award was in recognition of Mr Aniagwu’s contributions to the programmes of the Auchi Polytechnic Mass Communication Students, Class 93 both in the state and national levels.

Mr Ikemefune disclosed that the award was to be presented to him at the reunion party held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 and attended by members and their spouses, but for his absence.

He assured Mr Aniagwu of their unflinching support.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the body, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke, while felicitating with Mr Aniagwu on the award, informed the Information Commissioner of the election of a seven member executive to run the affairs of the Delta State Chapter of the association. 

Nwaeke told Mr Aniagwu that he emerged as ex-officio one of the body, which has Mr Boniface Onyedi as Chairman, Emeke Ikemefune, Vice Chairman, Bertrand Ojeh, Secretary, Comfort Folunsho, Treasurer, Nkem Nwaeke, PRO and Joseph Ikupa as ex-officio two.

Addressing the delegation, the Information Commissioner regretted his inability to make it to the reunion party despite efforts made to be there, but promised to be present at future gathering of the group, stressing that he had looked forward to the gathering of classmates after 26 years.

Mr Aniagwu expressed gratitude to have been so honored by his peers and solicited their continued support in building a stronger Delta as envisioned by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. 

He also enjoined them to intensify the campaign against societal ills, and pledged to give his maximum support towards the advancement of society through the activities of the group, even as he urged the members to move in one direction to achieve greater goals. 

The PRO of the alumni body, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke had earlier in a statement, said the then representative of the class, Mr Joseph Ikupa and the Delta State Chairman of the group, Mr Boniface Onyedi, had during the reunion party, expressed gratitude to God for the grace of meeting again after twenty six years and for the life attainments most members.

They congratulated two classmates, Mr Charles Aniagwu who is the Commissioner for Information, Delta State and Mr Sunday Aghaeze, Personal Assistant to President Mohammed Buhari on Photography for their appointments, even as they urged the duo to remain good ambassador of Auchi Polytechnic Mass Comm Students Class 93.

Ikupa and Onyedi stressed the need to embark on programs that will impact positively to the society, particularly the alma mata.

The high point of the event was the exchange of gifts.

NIGERIA @ 59: Rekindle hope in the nation, Okowa urges citizens

 

Governor Okowa stepping out to take salute at the match past.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to rekindle hope in the nation as they celebrate its 59th Independence anniversary.

He made the call on Tuesday at the celebration in Asaba.

According to the governor, all over the world, countries are facing different challenges; we should therefore, face these challenges squarely and not allow them defeat us as a people.

He said: “Let us rekindle our hope, redouble our fervent prayers and supplication to God to see us through the numerous trials and unite us more than ever before.

Okowa exchanging pleasantries with Minority Leader of the House of Reps,
Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.

"Our declarations should be positive both for leaders and the country; that way, we will have positive confirmation that the heavenly Father will grant our prayers.

“I appeal to all Deltans and indeed, all Nigerians, to rekindle their faith in a united country and in the continuous protection of democracy as the only viable system of governance, which is already bringing sustainable development to our nation in spite of obvious challenges.

"I wish to assure Deltans that government will not shirk its responsibilities to its citizens as we shall at all times, conscientiously pursue what is in the best interest of the State and according to the provisions of our Constitution.

“At 59, if we are to make further progress and follow the speed of sustainable development across the globe as a united people, we need to check our emphasis on regional, ethnic and religious divides."

Match past at the independence anniversary celebration in Asaba.

Okowa called for concerted effort by all to foster growth and development in every part of the country.

He said that Nigerians let us look at themselves and share a sense of belonging as members of one family.

"Fifty-nine years in the life of any human being or entity is a remarkable point to acknowledge and take stock.

"I, therefore, salute our past and present leaders whose foresight and sacrifice brought us the independence, which we are celebrating.

"I also salute our people, especially Deltans, who over the years, made sacrifices to ensure that our country remains united and committed to the path of democracy.

“As a government, we have maintained a steady focus on the economy of the State with a view to promoting prosperity and public- private-partnership in economic development.

"The State government has expended considerable resources towards improving basic infrastructure notably roads, drainages, healthcare, electricity, schools, bridges, housing, urban renewal and portable water supply.

"This administration is determined to sustain this trend.  It is however, doubtful if government alone can do all.

"Accordingly, this administration is exploring private sector participation in the overall development of the State.

“So far, we have laid the foundation for a critical mass of skills for entrepreneurship and business development.

" Over 20,000 persons benefited from our flagship Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and similar programmes undertaken by Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Commerce and Industry, Women Affairs, including Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency," the governor said.

He appealled to beneficiaries of the schemes to avoid selling off the empowerment tools handed over to them by the government at the end of their trainings.

According to him, such an act defeats the purpose of creating a group of determined SME operators who will turn the State’s and country’s economies around.

"It is expected that the progress they make can and should be the envy of those who opt for white collar jobs.”

The celebration featured match past by the military, paramilitary agencies, students and pupils of public and private schools.

Find below text of Governor Okowa’s speech

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DR. IFEANYI ARTHUR OKOWA, THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, TO DELTANS ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, AT THE CENOTAPH, ASABA, ON TUESDAY, 01 OCTOBER, 2019

Dear Deltans

 I bring you warm greetings on this unique occasion of the celebration of the 59^th Independence Anniversary of our great and beloved country, Nigeria.  Fifty-nine years in the life of any human being or entity is a remarkable point in time to acknowledge and take stock.  I therefore salute our past and present leaders whose foresight and sacrifice brought us the independence, which we are celebrating. I also salute our people, especially Deltans, who over the years, made sacrifices to ensure that our country remains united and committed to the path of democracy.

2.       At fifty nine, if we are to make further progress and follow the speed of sustainable development across the globe as a united people, we need to check our emphasis on regional, ethnic and religious divides.  We should all work as a united people to foster growth and development in every part of the country. Let us look at ourselves and share a sense of belonging as members of one family. 

3.       There is no gainsaying the fact that our country is facing serious challenges in many spheres. But this is not peculiar to Nigeria. Every country in the world is facing various challenges too. We should therefore face these challenges squarely and not allow them define us as a people. Let us rekindle our hope, redouble our fervent prayers and supplication to God to see us through the numerous trials and unite us more than ever before. Our declarations should be positive both for leaders and the country. That way, we will have positive confirmation that the heavenly father will grant our prayer.   

   

4.       I, therefore, appeal to all Deltans and indeed all Nigerians, to rekindle their faith in a united country and in the continuous protection of democracy as the only viable system of governance, which is already bringing sustainable development to our nation in spite of obvious challenges. I wish to assure Deltans that government will not shirk its responsibilities to its citizens as we shall at all times, conscientiously pursue what is in the best interest of the State and according to the provisions of our Constitution.

5.       I am delighted that the development profile of Delta State is on the rise.  I reaffirm the commitment of this administration to the completion of all on-going projects.  Government has maintained a steady focus on the economy of the State with a view to promoting prosperity and public private partnership in economic development.  The State government has expended considerable resources towards improving basic infrastructures notably roads, drainages, healthcare, electricity, schools, bridges, housing, urban renewal and portable water supply.  This administration is determined to sustain this trend.  It is however, doubtful if government alone can do all.  Accordingly, this administration is exploring private sector participation in the overall development of the State.

6.       In the public sector, government is determined to plug all areas of wastages.  We must all join hands to ensure that the syndrome of abandoned and shoddy contract execution become a thing of the past. Let me assure you that the State government is fully determined to ensure the good use of its resources for the provision of infrastructure and overall development of the State. This insistence might not be popular but the overall interest of both the State and its people are at the centre of our resolve. Most of those who complain are people who stand to benefit from a lopsided and warped utilization of the State’s resources to benefit only a handful.

7.       The issue of unemployment, especially among our youths has reached alarming proportions. Previously, government held a dominant position with the State economy as a major employer of labour and producer of goods and services. Since opportunities for direct employment in the public sector are limited, unemployment has been on the increase and has become an issue of great concern.  This is why early in the life of this administration, energy was directed towards creating opportunity that will improve quality of life for Deltans by job and wealth creation through skills acquisition. No doubt, the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development is a life changing model. The philosophy here is to create a pool of active players in the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises –SMEs.

8.       So far, we have laid the foundation for a critical mass of skills for entrepreneurship and business development. Over 20,000 persons benefited from our flagship Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and similar programmes undertaken by the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Commerce and Industry, Women Affairs, including Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency. My sincere appeal to beneficiaries is to avoid selling off the empowerment tools handed over to them. Such an act defeats the purpose of creating a group of determined SME operators who will turn the State’s and country’s economies around. It is expected that the progress they make can and should be the envy of those who opt for white collar jobs.

9.       Progress is deficient in a society that cannot feed itself, so we need to go back to the land but this cannot be done by government alone.  It is on this basis that the Agricultural Development Programme – ADP - has been restructured into Delta Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.  We are making conscious efforts to revamp and revitalize the agricultural sector and setting up related activities to absorb the teeming number of the unemployed youths in our midst. Various opportunities have been opened by the State government, the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and other agencies to encourage farmers at all levels. I urge our people to key into these avenues for the expansion of their production. 

10.     However, the issue of unemployment among our youths should not be a reason for moral decadence, armed robbery, indiscipline and kidnapping, which are becoming worrisome across the country. Let me make it abundantly clear that as much as we believe that kidnapping and moral decadence among our youths could be manifestations of the prevailing economic situation in the country, we cannot fold our arms and allow youths to abandon the time honoured virtues, which constitute a source of pride and uniqueness to our people.  More than ever before, there is the dire need for all patriots to join hands to check these manifestations of societal decay in the nation to avoid bequeathing to our children, a bleak future.

11.     Fellow Deltans, I like to use this opportunity to sympathize with communities and individuals, particularly those who are suffering various degrees of setbacks following consistent flooding these past few years during rainy season.  I need to re-emphasize that those still in flood prone areas should relocate to higher grounds. We are committed to checking future occurrences through the institution of modern planning regimes for cities and the construction of drainage systems and embankment in the riverine areas of the State. I therefore, appeal to all residents to avoid building houses and kiosks in unauthorized places to avoid blockage of natural water-ways, with its attendant disasters. We are coming to a point where those who deliberately build on water channels will be denied compensation if their structures are pulled down.

12.     We should, at all times, remember our gallant officers – men and women – on the frontlines fighting against terrorists, especially in the north eastern parts of the country. Families of fallen heroes and heroines should also feature regularly in our prayers as we ask God to protect and strengthen them.

13.     I am pleased and proud to acknowledge the contributions of our traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, youths, workers, security agencies, legislators, the judiciary, the press and indeed, every resident of Delta State towards building a State of our dreams.  Delta State will continue to maintain cordial relationship with neighboring States and indeed, all Nigerians in the true philosophy of being a shining example of love towards all.

14.     On this occasion of the 59^th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I implore all Deltans to renew their spirit of brotherhood, love and peaceful co-existence for the progress of the State and country.  We reaffirm that the present administration shall not deviate from its commitments to equity, fairness and justice in all its actions.  The challenges ahead are great, but with your continued goodwill, love and support, we will build a State that guarantees economic prosperity, political stability and security.

15.     I wish you all, happy independence celebrations.

Long live Delta State!

 Long live Nigeria!!

16.     Thank you and may God bless us all.

Office of the Governor

Government House,

Asaba

    October, 2019

Nigeria @ 59: Elumelu congratulates Nigerians, urges all to shun acts inimical to nation’s growth

Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader, House of Representatives.

The Minority Leader of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 59^th independence anniversary of the Country.

In a statement issued from the office of the Minority Leader, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Hon Elumelu said that the country and its people have in so many ways thrived despite obvious challenges, but that God has continued to show himself strong and faithful in their affairs.

The Minority leader appreciated the people for believing in the country over the years, and expressed his firm belief in the ability and capacity of the people of the country to work in unity to surmount the challenges.

Elumelu is certain that with the blessing and love of God the country would be able to overcome her problems, and urged that Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and gender should shun every form of sentiments, divisive tendencies and come together as one indivisible entity.

The youth friendly Federal Legislator particularly called on the youths to shun anything that will question the country’s integrity as a nation, saying that youths being the future leaders of the country, should channel their mind set towards engaging in endeavours that will add value and ensure economic growth in the overall interest of the building of the nation. “God has been faithful in the affairs of Nigeria and the good people of Nigeria. It has not been easy but I believe that we are in the right direction.

“All I ask is that God should continually bestow upon us selfless leaders that are committed to our national unity, good governance, security of people and properties and above all a God fearing Leader,” He prayed, while appreciating Nigerians for choosing them to represent their interest.

“I ask for their continued support in prayers so that with the fear of God in us we shall make good laws that will promote good governance and prosperity for all citizenry,” the Minority Leader pleaded.