FG scores Okowa high on PPP as Delta holds Economic/Investment Summit

The Federal Government has scored the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa high in partnering with the private sector to create wealth for Deltans.

The Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo being welcomed by Governor Okowa

Speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba on 26/08/16, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo observed that no society can grow without the private sector playing active roles.
"The governor of Delta State in his speech said his administration is partnering with the private sector to develop the state; there is no way we can create prosperity without the private sector because, the public sector does not have the resources to ensure speedy development," Prof Osinbajo stated.
According to him, "as a government, we have no choice but to create the environment for the private sector to thrive; I think the private sector must be a responsible partner, paying taxes and contribute to all manners of social activities that makes the society truly great."

A cross section of royal fathers at the economic summit

While congratulating the government and people of Delta State for celebrating 25 years of the state's creation, the Vice President observed that the greatest challenge facing governments at all levels in the country was having leaders who will have the courage and ability to stick to laid down plans.
"We are confronted today in our country with the challenge of leadership, we must take time to reflect on the type of leadership we have because, governments in Nigeria have never been short of good ideas and good plans, but the challenge is sticking to the plan and getting desired results," he said, adding, "time has come to get results, public officers must be held to account for their performances; time and resources are saved when qualified people are hired."
Prof. Osinbajo lauded Governor Okowa's administration for organizing the economic and investment summit.

Minister of state for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu exchanging pleasntries with Mr.
Chiedu Ebie, Basic  education commissioner. With them is Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo
of the House of Representatives.

He appealed to  those who are in positions of authority to build the trust of the people "and we must build that trust if we are trustworthy ourselves."
Governor Okowa at the summit, said, "our partnership with the private sector is of utmost priority with us and we are pursuing it with relentless vigour, adopting robust and flexible private public partnership models that guarantees a win-win for all."
'Beyond the pomp and pageantry of the silver jubilee celebration, it is also an occasion for the sober reflection; a time to pause, think deep and chart a new growth trajectory for the future of our great state," he stated, reiterating, "the need for foresight, careful planning, innovation and creativity has never been as it is today."

AIG Zone 5, Kola Sodipo, left, and Delta Compol, Zanna Ibrahim arriving
for the economic summit.

Governor Okowa disclosed that the summit was necessary because, "with the ever growing complexity, disruption and global competition of the 21st century, it is incumbent on us to build a strong, robust and resilient economy that is adaptable to the physical, social and technological changes that are a growing part of the age we live in; we must rise to the challenge now, or we lose out," assuring that his administration was committed to repositioning Delta State as preferred investors' destination.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Summit, Mr Jim Ovia, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, said, "Delta State is a land of infinite possibilities, we should start thinking outside the box, we should think about alternative to oil," while the guest lecturer at the occasion, Prof. Charles Soludo, former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria asserted that the state could be the economic cum tourism destination of the world, if its four sea ports, international airport, good road networks are well harnessed for the state to be accessed by sea, air and land.

Area Commander pleads for married women police officers over transfer

The Commander in charge of Warri Police Area Command ACP Muazu Usman Mohammed has appealed to the Police authorities to consider the plight of Police Women who are married to civilian men on the issue of transfer of personnel in the Police Force.

The Kano  State  born six footer crime buster who made the appeal in his address at a reception held in honour of the wife of Commissioner of Police, Delta State and Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association/Police Wives Association (POWA/PWA) Delta at Ekpan Police Station on Thursday August 25^th, 2016 noted painfully that the plights of young police women married to civilian men could threaten such marriages and as such urged the police authorities to consider the interest of police women who are married to civilian men on the issue of transfer personnel to the thunderous applaud of dozens of police women present at the colourful event.

ACP Muazu Mohammed in his thought provoking speech also complained about the deplorable condition of barracks in the area command.

He had earlier given a pat on the back of the August Visitor for her contributions towards the upliftment of POWA /PWA in the state just as he expressed appreciation to members of vigilante groups, community leaders and other stake holders in the area for always identifying with the command during the visit of a visitor.

Similarly, in her brief speech the wife of the Commander Warri Police Area Command Hajiya Muazu Mohammed and Chairperson of POWA/PWA in Warri Police Area Command Commended the visiting wife of the Delta State police boss for putting smile on the faces of members of POWA/PWA across the state, just as she expressed appreciation to her darling husband for making her what she is in the group.

In her address the chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association/Police Wives Association Delta State Hajiya Sadiya Zanna Ibrahim explained that the visit was to familiarize herself with POWA/PWA members in the command, to inspect the barracks in the area “and to enlighten us on the need to live in a neat and healthy environment and also live peacefully with our neighbours.”

The wife of commissioner of Police Delta State who expressed appreciation to the Warri Police Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Police Officers in the command for the support given to her husband since he assumed office in the state solicited for a synergy and cooperation from law abiding Deltans to assist the police in giving relevant and credible information on the activities of criminals hideouts “so as to ease the work of police and to ensure a safe environment for peaceful coexistence and for business to strive in the state”.

Accompanied by the Warri Police Area Commander and legion of DPOs in the command she inspected the Ekpan barracks.

High point of the event was the presentation of a gift to her by the DPO in change of Warri A Divisional Police Headquarters on behalf of the command.

In a brief chat with newsmen at the event, a special guest at the occasion and leader of Arewa Community in Uvwie Local Government Area Alhaji Suleiman Jauro and member Delta State Pilgrim and Welfare Board commended the wife of commissioner of Police Delta State for the visit and for uplifting POWA/PWA.

Speaking in the same vain an Urhobo born adviser to Arewa Community in Uvwie Local Government Area Alhaji (Prince) Haruna Voke commanded the Warri Police Area Commander Alhaji ACP Muazu Usman Mohammed for the huge success of the event that was richly attended by distinguished non-police guests from the nooks and crannies in the area command.

The members of Emah Urhobo royal cultural dance gave a good account of themselves as they did what they know best to the satisfaction of the August visitor and others present at the very impressive occasion.

Cultural displays herald Delta at 25 celebrations

* Excited Okowa Says, "Delta on progressive part"

IT was a display of unity on 25/08/16 as different cultural groups in Delta State thrilled an excited audience as the state celebrates 25 years of existence with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa saying that despite the economic situation of the country, the state is on a progressive part.

R-L, Governor Okowa, his deputy, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro and DTHA Speaker,
Rt.Hon. Monday Igbuya at the cultural fiesta.

The cultural parade which took place in Asaba was part of events lined up to celebrate 25 years anniversary of the creation of Delta State.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okowa who wore traditional attire befitting the occasion, disclosed that the events for the anniversary which climaxed on Friday, 26/08/16 with economic and investment summit were wholly sponsored by the private sector.
"At 25 years, there is reason to celebrate Delta State, one thing that I know is that Delta is a land of peace, a land where love flows; though, tongue may differ, we are united and with what I have seen this afternoon, I am convinced that I am leading a set of people with strong will to succeed, we are on a progressive part," the governor said, observing, "there is hunger out there but there is hope for tomorrow, be prayerful - pray for our state and our country, we need to embrace peace and ensure that that peace is sustained, we need to return to the good old days when Delta was the greatest producer of oil and gas in the country."

Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor and his Akugbene-Mein counterpart,
 Pere Luke Kalanama.

He added, "I want to thank the organizers and sponsors of this celebration, collectively, they have been able to sponsor the entire programme, we are very grateful."
Thrilled by the display of culture at the occasion which was attended by traditional rulers, leaders of thoughts including former Military Administrator of the state,   Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (rtd), Governor Okowa said, he hopes the state would organize a cultural extravaganza  that will last for three days which will attract people from different parts of the world at a later date.

A group doing their cultural display at the fiesta.

"The unity that I saw here today is more than enough to make us a great state," the governor reiterated, disclosing that as part of efforts to diversify the economy of the state, his administration was encouraging Deltans through empowerment programmes to return to agriculture.
He said, "it is time for us to return to the agricultural sector, we will stimulate our people to have better farms, we will continue to consistently support our farmers through Farmers Support Programme, Youth Agricultural Entrepreneur Programme and others to enable them succeed.
Those who spoke at the occasion, including the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr, Ernest Ogwezzy, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, traditional rulers, politicians, among others commended Governor Okowa for his commitment to a peaceful and progressive Delta State.
The occasion featured cultural parade along major streets of Asaba which culminated in display of different dances and cultural display at the cenotaph. 

Issele-Uku Royal couple hold thanksgiving service

The Oligbo Royal Couple, HRM Engr. Nduka Ezeagwuna and his wife, Chukwudumebi Rosemary were at the Baptist Church, Issele-Uku to thank and appreciate God for His wonders in their life, and for the success of their royal marriage, Saturday, 27th August, 2016.

Crown Prince of Issele-Uku, HRM Nduka Ezeagwuna with his wife at the
 thanksgiving service in Issele-Uku 

The event threw Issele-Uku town into a festive mood, with the Oligbo Royal Palace is besieged by visitors and well wishers calling to felicitate with the newest royal couple.

The sermon was instructive, coming from Rev. Mokogwu of Ogbeofu quarters. He titled his topic: "Ask Me What U Want Me Do For U", and took his reference point from King Solomon who reigned from his youth and made enormous success because God endowed him with Wisdom.

He averred that Solomon took a wife from Egypt, the home of Pharaoh, but decided to keep her in the city of David until he was able to build a house for himself and for God; and then brought her in. He said God loved him for this reason and asked him to name anything he would want Him do for him.

The Issele-Uku royal couple, left.

He submitted that Solomon, instead asked for a heart of understanding to be able to rule the great people of Israel and be directed on how to go in and come out. He said Solomon however ruled with great success, but the son brought division among the people.

He advised Crown Prince Nduka Ezeagwuna to rule with the fear of God, stating that there is nothing wrong in building a palace chapel for worship unto God.

Mokogwu affirmed that Ezeagwuna had done what is proper by bringing his wife to present to God, adding that equally marrying the daughter of a priest is a pointer that he would never lack good counsel. He hinted that Moses succeeded in leading his people because his father-in-law gave him good counsels. He appealed to Ezeagwuna's father in-law, Rev. S.S. Ejiogwu to ensure that he advises the king to be in an honest way that will aid him in ruling properly.

The Thanksgiving Service was graced by prominent Issele-Uku people, including the Regent, Prince Dominick Egbune, Chief Moses Chidi (the Onei-Nwe Ofia), the Omu of Onicha-Uku, Mr. Onyeisi Mokogwu, Engr. Frank Mordi, Prince Akeh and others too numerous to mention.

The royal couple.

The Oligbo Royal Couple, HRM Engr. Nduka Ezeagwuna and his wife, Chukwudumebi Rosemary were at the Baptist Church, Issele-Uku to thank and appreciate God for His wonders in their life, and for the success of their royal marriage, Saturday, 27th August, 2016.

The event threw Issele-Uku town into a festive mood, with the Oligbo Royal Palace is besieged by visitors and well wishers calling to felicitate with the newest royal couple.

The sermon was instructive, coming from Rev. Mokogwu of Ogbeofu quarters. He titled his topic: "Ask Me What U Want Me Do For U", and took his reference point from King Solomon who reigned from his youth and made enormous success because God endowed him with Wisdom.

He averred that Solomon took a wife from Egypt, the home of Pharaoh, but decided to keep her in the city of David until he was able to build a house for himself and for God; and then brought her in. He said God loved him for this reason and asked him to name anything he would want Him do for him.

He submitted that Solomon, instead asked for a heart of understanding to be able to rule the great people of Israel and be directed on how to go in and come out. He said Solomon however ruled with great success, but the son brought division among the people.

He advised Crown Prince Nduka Ezeagwuna to rule with the fear of God, stating that there is nothing wrong in building a palace chapel for worship unto God.

Mokogwu affirmed that Ezeagwuna had done what is proper by bringing his wife to present to God, adding that equally marrying the daughter of a priest is a pointer that he would never lack good counsel. He hinted that Moses succeeded in leading his people because his father-in-law gave him good counsels. He appealed to Ezeagwuna's father in-law, Rev. S.S. Ejiogwu to ensure that he advises the king to be in an honest way that will aid him in ruling properly.

The Thanksgiving Service was graced by prominent Issele-Uku people, including the Regent, Prince Dominick Egbune, Chief Moses Chidi (the Onei-Nwe Ofia), the Omu of Onicha-Uku, Mr. Onyeisi Mokogwu, Engr. Frank Mordi, Prince Akeh and others too numerous to mention.

Osinbajo, Soludo, Kachiku, Adeosun for Delta @ 25 economic/investment summit

Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will on Friday, August 26, 2016 declare open the Delta State economic cum investment summit in Asaba as part of activities to mark 25 years of the state’s existence.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, in a press briefing to signal the commencement of activities lined up to celebrate the event shortly after the state executive council meeting held in Asaba and presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

According to Mr. Ukah, the state executive council meeting, they were briefed about the activities marking the 25th anniversary of the state creation, which has as its major event, an economic and investment summit which will hold on Friday the 26th of August, 2016.

Ukah, who was accompanied by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. George Orogun said that; “The economic and investment is the main event of ete Delta @ 25 celebrations and the summit is purely private sector-driven and we have been able to realize good sums of money to sponsor the event as we will work with what we have.”

Speaking further on the Economic and Investment Summit, the Commissioners affirmed that former Governor of The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, would deliver the key note address of the Summit, which has been sub-divided into 5 key segments. Minister for Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, is expected to moderate the Financial segment of the Summit, while Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State, Ministry of Petroleum, has been billed to moderate the Oil and Gas Segment.

Also expected to grace the summit, are the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele as well as major financial and investment gurus in the country and abroad.

Mr. Ukah, who praised the sponsors oof the Delta @25 Anniversary celebration, including Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, Rain Oil, Fidelity Bank and other notable corporate organizations and individuals, further disclosed that the celebration would commence today (Wednesday) with the state’s First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa hosting children and the less privileged in a party, at the prestigious Event Centre, Asaba.

He also stated that a cultural festival to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state would hold on Thursday, August 25, 2016, with the three Senatorial zones led in a cultural procession from the different axis of the state capital, by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro heading the Delta South procession, while the Speaker of The Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.onday Igbuya is expected to head the Delta Central process.

A Gala-Night colourful Gala nite has been scheduled for Friday, August 26, 2016 where awards would be given to prominent Deltans who have contributed their quota to the growth of the state/country and the new brand identity of the state logo would be unveiled on Saturday, August 27, 2016, while a thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba.

The commissioner who also hinted that other side attractions to hallmark the Delta @25 Anniversary will include a drama presentation, a beauty pageant, a vigil cocktail to usher in the 27^th Anniversary, as well as a book presentation showcasing and chronicling the intrigues and personalities that contributed to the creation of Delta State and shaped the evolution of the state in the past 25 years.

Source: Flashpoint

Delta puts measures in place to combat spread of Lassa fever disease

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly disease caused by Lassa fever as one person has been confirmed dead from the disease in Delta State.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge made the revelation in his office during a press briefing on the outbreak of the disease in the State.

He said the victim who is a male, hailed from Anambra State and was a medical practitioner resident at Umuaji Quarters, Asaba where his private clinic was also situated.

According to the Commissioner, the late victim was taken to El – Comfort Hospital located somewhere at Bonsac, Asaba  with a two weeks history of fever, weakness and drowsiness for treatment but was later referred to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State where his condition deteriorated and he later passed on after 3 hours on admission.

He said that a blood sample earlier collected from the victim was confirmed positive for Lassa fever at the Institute of Lassa fever, Irrua, Edo State.

Dr. Azinge assured Deltans and residents that his Ministry is on top of the matter as the state’s Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Team is coordinating the State’s response to contain the spread of the disease.

He said a blood sample was taken and tested from the late victim’s wife and it came out negative at the Institute of Lassa Fever, Irrua, Edo State, adding that a total of thirty-two (32) persons have been placed on surveillance, explaining that this numbers includes eleven (11) persons from the immediate family of the diseased, eighteen (18) persons who were at El- Comfort Hospital while the victim was there for treatment and 3 persons at General Hospital, Ibusa that conveyed him to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State.

The Commissioner said that two (2) Local Government Areas (LGA) Disease Surveillance Officers in Oshimili South and Oshimili North are actively involved as part of the State response team, stressing that they have been monitoring the temperature of those under surveillance, and this will be done for a period of 21 days as the two hospitals the victim passed through in Asaba have been temporarily shut down and fumigated to check the spread of the disease.

He said that his Ministry is collaborating with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi (NAUTH) officials, the Institute of Lassa fever, Irrua, Edo State, the Anambra State Ministry of Health and the State Nigerian Medical Association on the disease as events unfold.

Dr. Azinge said the State has reactivated the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Team while sensitization of Health workers in the State is ongoing for them to have a high index of suspicion and take preventive measures when managing infectious cases.

According to him, awareness creation through the various mass media will commence immediately so that the general public can understand how the disease is transmitted and therefore take preventive measures to forestall its spread.

In addition, the Commissioner stated that outbreak prevention materials have been pre-positioned in high risk disease outbreak Local government Areas (LGAs) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), non-contact thermometers and other items have been distributed to the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all of the 25 Local government (LGAs) in the State by the State Ministry of Health. The Lassa fever drug - Rivabirin has been procured for immediate case management.

He advised residents to make efforts to keep their environment clean, keep their food away from the reach of rats, and exterminate rats in their environment as they are the main carrier of the disease. He further counselled that those who had formed the habits of drying food stuff outside should discontinue that habit so that rats do not have access to human consumables. He used the opportunity to thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his efforts in providing the necessary support and logistics towards the containment of the disease and assured the general public not to panic since the situation is under control.

TRIGGER HAPPY MOBILE POLICEMAN SHOOTS APPRENTICE

A bizarre incident occurred at Effurun when an apprentice to a tipper driver who was affecting repairs in his principal's tipper opposite a popular motor park was allegedly shot on one of his foot by a trigger happy mobile police man attached to the said ever busy motor park on the afternoon of Tuesday 16^th August, 2016.

It was gathered that a commercial bus driver who parked at the front of the said motor in an attempt to pick up a passenger was apprehended by a tout in the motor park who together with other workers of the motor park allegedly beat up the commercial bus driver to a pulp destroying the wind screen of his vehicle in the process, to the annoyance of passersby and even travelers in the motor park.

Trouble started for the said apprentice who was effecting repairs on his principal's tipper at the opposite side of motor park when he was said to have condemned the alleged manhandling of the commercial bus driver by the workers of the motor park like others as he was said to have asked that if it is an offense for a vehicle to park at the front of a motor park to the hearing and annoyance of the trigger happy mobile police man who cocked his gun and allegedly went to the tipper at the opposite side of the motor park and fired a bullet at one of the foots of the harmless apprentice 'for opening his mouth too wide on the matter' to the annoyance of motorists and on lookers who witnessed the bizarre incident which consequently triggered  a public protest in the area.

It was also gathered that it was the intervention of soldiers attached to a tent close to the motor park who were said to have also condemned the act of the trigger happy mobile policeman and an Uvwie born patriot Hon Collins Igharakpata that brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile the injured apprentice is said to be receiving treatment at a nearby military hospital and the matter was reported to the police, at as the time of filling this report.