The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Asaba

  • Tradermoni fundamentally flawed, says Atiku

    Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar on Friday dismissed the Federal Government’s social investment programme, especially the Tradermoni scheme as fundamentally flawed.

    According to him the beneficiaries are” untrained, untraceable and funding inadequate”.

    Atuku, who was represented by his running mate Peter Obi, spoke at a two- day job creation exhibition in Asaba, Delta State.

    According to him, unemployment can only be solved by promoting micro, small and medium enterprises, urging the federal government to understudy the Delta State government’s scheme.

    His words: “The focus of every government is to create employment and you can’t solve unemployment anywhere in the world without promoting micro, small and medium enterprises.

    “So, what Governor Okowa is doing through the job creation office, training people and giving them the funding to start their businesses.

    “When you compare it with the Trader Moni initiative by the F.G, I really don’t want to compare them, but how can you give people N10, 000 without training?

    “Who do we even know that they are giving the money? How would they collect the money?

    “Here we train them and support them with funding. This is happening only in Delta.

    “Other government should come and learn from Okowa. So the Federal Government should come to Delta State and learn.”

    Read Also: Obi blasts federal government “tradermoni”

    Okowa said the economic downturn that heralded his assumption of office threatened to derail his campaign promise of prosperity for all Deltans, adding “our novel job creation scheme, geared at nurturing, supporting, supporting and promoting micro, small and medium scale enterprises is triggering off a new wave of economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development.”

    He said 4,253 unemployed youths have become business owners across various skill areas since his administration came on board.

    Okowa listed the areas of job training to include ICT, catering, event management, beauty services, agricultural production and agricultural processing.

    He said the job creation scheme has been endorsed by the World Bank/European Union State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) for funding support.

  • Christmas: Price of chicken increases by 66% in Asaba

    Price of Chicken has increased by 66 per cent in Asaba and its environs due to the Christmas festivities, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A survey by a NAN correspondent showed that the price of parent cock which was sold for N6,000 in 2017 now sells for between N9,000 and N10,000 in Asaba and its environs.

    The survey also showed that the price of a big size of broiler which was sold for between N3,000 and N3,500 in the preceding year now sells for between N5,000 and N6,000.

    Some of the chicken sellers who spoke with NAN attributed the increase in to the increase in the price of feeds and cost of labour.

    They also said that that the increase was necessary to enable them to realise their capital as well as make small profit.

    Mrs Grace Okorie of Feed Well Poultry in Asaba, said ‘‘We sold parent cock last year at the rate of N6,000 but as at today (Tuesday) we are selling at N9,000 and N10,000 depending on the weight and size.

    ‘‘For big size of boilers which we sold for N3,000 and N3,500 last year, as at today we are selling them for N5,000 and N6,000.

    ‘‘We did not plan to increase the price of chicken on our own but the increase is due to the increase in the cost of feeding them,” Okorie said.

    Also, Mr Vincent Ograka of Unique Poultry Farm in Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state, said: ‘‘If we really want to go with the way we spend money on feeding the chicken this year, we will not sell a boiler less than N7000.

    ‘‘The cost of feeds has increased and the stress of managing the poultry is much; managing chicken from starter stage to finishing stage is a big job, ” Ograka said.

    NAN also reports that the hike did not only affect the price of chicken but also the prices of killing and processing of the chicken.

    The price of processing a big size chicken is now between N200 and N250 as against N150 in the previous year.

    According to Jude Ikenna who processes chicken at Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba, “we have to increase the price of killing and processing chicken because the pressure and demand for the service have also increased.

    ‘‘On a normal day, we collect N100and N150, depending on the size, but because of the season we have increased our charges to N200 and N250,’’ he said.

  • Arik Air notifies passengers of flight disruptions

    The management of Arik Air says there will be slight disruption of flights during the Yuletide, due to  operational issues and adverse weather conditions.

    In a statement signed by the airline’s media consultant, Mr Simon Tumba on Thursday in Lagos, the airline said the adverse weather would affect coastal areas, especially Benin, Enugu, Asaba and Warri.

    “Therefore some flights may either be rescheduled or cancelled, subject to aircraft and airport closure time constraints.

    “We regret the inconveniences this disruption will cause our customers and want to assure them of our sincere efforts to reducing the impact to the barest minimum.

    “Our staff shall contact customers affected by this disruption, making alternative arrangements for them or refunds as the case may be,” Tumba said.

    He assured passengers that the airline considered their safety and that of its crew as paramount, adding that the airline would only operate safe and secure flights.

    Tumba said all hands are also on deck to make all flight experiences pleasurable.

    Read Also: Arik Air resumes Warri flights

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had on Nov. 25 issued an Advisory Circular to all pilots and airline operators to take certain precautions, due to the adverse weather conditions.

    The circular, signed by the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, urged them to adhere to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) during flight operations in adverse weather conditions.

  • Buhari Mourns Sunny Odogwu

    President uhammadu Buhari has described the late Ide Ahaba of Asaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu as an accomplished business man and industrialist whose contribution to nation development serves as a source of inspiration to several Nigerians.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said the President is pained by the exit of Chief Odogwu and commiserated with the Odogwu family on the death of Chief Sunny Odogwu.

    The President also extended his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Asaba and the Government of Delta State on the passage of their illustrious son and respected elder statesman.

    Read Also: Policeman found dead in pit in Delta

    The Presidenr sais he also joined the and the people of Delta State in honouring the memory of the versatile businessman, who remarkably contributed to the socio-economic development of his immediate community, state and the nation, drawing from his extensive experience as an accomplished industrialist, entrepreneur, publisher and philanthropist.

    The President affirmed that through his vast business networks, range of skills and perspectives, the late Chief Odogwu demonstrated deep understanding and commitment in empowering indigenous businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians.

    He prayed the almighty God to comfort the family, friends and business associates of the deceased, and grant his soul eternal rest.

  • Death of professions

    Last week, this column was about saving journalism as a profession based on the threat of technology and corruption highlighted by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his speech at the annual conference of the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Asaba, Delta State.

    His message for journalists was clear: wake up to the reality of new media and get rid of the bad eggs giving the profession a bad name or get swept aside by non-professionals.

    “When a threat is existential, the response must be radical, otherwise we really may not have a profession, we may just be presiding over what we think exists when it has simply disappeared,” Osinbajo stated.

    However, the VP’s admonition was not only for journalists, but other professionals like lawyers, accountants and others whose jobs are being redefined by technology.

    He quoted a friend who teaches law and technology at a British university. Osinbajo noted that there are now applications and more sophisticated ones being made that would offer legal advice accurately, comprehensively, and objectively, and with Artificial Intelligence, they can even analyse data and make predictions about the outcomes of legal proceedings perhaps more accurately and definitely more objectively than humans.

    Just like law, the friend added that the job of financial advisors would be done electronically, as financial models could be developed digitally; the best advice could be given with the benefit of artificial intelligence. Even for complicated health issues, there are new devices for automated diagnosis.

    While the technological developments in various professions may not necessarily mean that professionals will not be needed to do what they have been doing for ages, the message is that every professional must be alive to the changes and acquire the needed knowledge to remain relevant.

    I am compelled to stress this issue about being technologically knowledgeable due to the dismissive attitude of many to the changes technology has brought to how many things are now supposed to be done to maximum impact and efficiency.

    Those who claim to be too old to learn about technological changes need to know that their days are limited in whatever profession or trade they are engaged in now. Not only have professional practices changed, the way to get customers for any endeavour is now much more than using personal and traditional channels.

    A tailor who used to sow clothe for a young boy is trying hard to understand how the boy, now a fashion designer,  have more customers than him, far beyond the shores of the country from a room in the outskirt of Lagos. The answer is the ability of the young man to utilise new sewing equipment and access global platforms to get customers. In a technology-driven world, it is no longer enough to hire a shop for any business; one can now sell worldwide, thanks to the Internet.

    In view of these developments, there is need for computer literacy awareness and education for all. Curriculums in educational institutions need to be updated in line with new technology.

    The kinds of graduates needed now are not those who know how things used to be done, but those who can improve on them and utilise new tools.

  • CSR: Lager Beer to Empower Consumers in Asaba

    Life Continental lager beer will be taking its flagship CSR initiative, Life Progress Booster, to the capital city of Delta State.

    To be part of the initiative, interested participants are required to submit their business proposals at designated drop points or visit Life Continental Beer website – life-nigeria.com to send in their entries.

    Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to pitch their existing businesses to a team of business experts and judges including Chief Technologist, Enugu State University, Dr Ferdinand Ozoani, a member of Customary Court Enugu, Mr Michael Ndubuisi, and amongst others in the panel of judges. Successful candidates across the catchment zones get to receive grants to enliven their businesses.

    Under this scheme, the brand plan to toke up those core attributes of enterprise, hard work and ingenuity of the Igbo man and still make life fun, the brand has said.

    Life Continental Lager Beer is a beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc made from the choicest grains, hop extract and the purest of waters.  It is brewed to give that rich, crisp distinctive taste and well-rounded aroma in true quality fashion of the master brewers.

    In this fourth edition of the initiative, the brand will be reaching out to the Igbo community in the seven states of Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta and Rivers where Life Continental lager beer is the beer of choice and market leader in the mainstream lager beers.

    In Asaba, a city strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger Bridge, the Life Progress team will visit Ogbegonogo market to boost the awareness for the programme which produced Godwin Nkechinyere, a barber and Okoye Amarachukwu, a spare part dealer, as beneficiaries of N300,000 each at the last live show in Ekwulobia, Anambra state.

  • Pilot canvasses public private partnership as solution to infrastructure deficit

    Governorship Aspirant in Borno State under the Labour Party and Chief Executive of WestLink Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia,  has said that Public Private Partnership  (PPP), if handled transparently is a lofty idea and would help the nation  improve on infrastructure deficit.

    Mshelia who is chairman at the National Union of Air a Transport Employees (NUATE) 10th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference holding in Asaba, Delta State made this known when he gave the opening address.

    The aspirant however said the concept is not catching on in Nigeria due largely to shoddy and lopsided agreements that have stalled the development of the arrangement from the controversies that bedeviled Maevis to the one generated in the BiCourtney agreement.

    Mshelia said, “On the surface, this is a very lofty idea. If done transparently, we all should encourage it because that is the modern practice in all fast growing economies across the world. ”

    “However, the PPP seems not to be walking on the fast lane in the Nigerian aviation sector. This is largely due to shoddy and lopsided packages that oftentimes constitute grave and lethal therapy for the growth of the sector. ”

    “Examples fresh in our minds today are the controversies that bedevil the Maevis and Bicortney contracts. There is no gain saying that the sector can only succeed in the drive towards PPP when we have a government that is answerable to the people in place. ”

    Read Also: Senator advocates private, public partnership in ICT

    According to him, a Public Private Partnership  (PPP) arrangement involves the private sector  in aspects  of  the  provision  of infrastructure assets and or Services, new or existing that have traditionally been provided by the government.

    Stating that through such private engagements, governments broaden their options  for  delivering  better  services to its people and  increase  the  economic  multiplier effects while the private sector provides finance and  expertise to  ease  fiscal  constraints  and  increase efficiency .

    He further called on the unions to begin marking out plans to make their umbrella party, the Labour Party (LP) great by working to instal a responsive, responsible, intellectual and worker friendly government, stating that’s why he entered the fray for Borno State Governorship.

    He said,”The upcoming election is around the corner. We need to begin to mark out plans and back them with actions to ensure we grow our own party, The Labour Party (LP), to relevance, so that through that platform we can install a government that will be responsive, responsible and workers friendly. ”

    “Sequel to this drive, I want to implore that as we are looking unto NUATE to turn out a new set of leaders to pilot the affairs of the aviation workers for another four years from this assembly, we must not also loose focus on the ultimate goal of installing our own government and marshal our programs towards that target.”

    “Some of us have already begun the move by taking the bold step to creating the change that we all desire. I am happy to inform you, as my first constituency, that I will be contesting to be the Executive Governor of Borno State under our party, the Labour Party come 2019.”

    “I greet all of you here with the message of hope, optimism and change that can be brought about by purposeful and focused leadership. That is what you and I are offering to our nation. I have this strong conviction that the Nigerian workers have all it takes to drive the country away from this track of perdition.”

  • Okowa loses aide to suspected gunmen

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday mourned the demise of his Special Adviser on Investments, Mr Sunday Ozege, who was killed on Tuesday by suspected gunmen along the Benin bypass in Edo.

    The governor’s condolence was issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba.

    Okowa commiserated with the Ozege family of Ogume in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, describing the deceased as a very hard working and easy-going man.

    The governor said that Ozege, who had served the state in various committees, was a strong pillar of support to his administration.

    Read Also:Buhari has done well in Delta State more than Jonathan – Emerhor

    “I was shocked to hear of the tragic death of Mr Sunday Ozege in the hands of suspected gunmen along the Benin bypass in Edo State.

    “He will be missed by thousands of people whom he had assisted in one way or the other.

    “His role in politics and the development of his community and state will remain an inspiration for other political actors.

    “My condolences to his family, members of the State Executive Council, close associates and the people of Ogume Community,” Okowa said.

  • Delta APC adopts direct primaries to pick candidates

    The State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state has adopted direct primaries as the means through which all candidates for the 2019 elections will emerge.

    The party’s SWC, led by party chairman, Chief Cyril Ogodo, adopted the resolution on Thursday in Asaba, the state capital, during an expanded State Executive Committee meeting.

    The meeting, which was attended by members of the SWC, 25 LGA chairmen, secretaries, youth leaders and the about 270 ward chairmen, also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as well as other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for making the choice of the direct primaries.

    The party, in a communique issued and signed by the state party Chairman Chief Cyril Ogodo, Secretary Barr Silas Buowe, members of SWC and over 300 others resolved as followed:

    “Arising from an expanded State Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Delta State Chapter led by Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo, held on the 6th day of September 2018, the following resolutions were reached.

    “To commend His Excellency, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomohle – National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party on their recent decision to entrench internal democracy in the Party through the approval for the use of direct primaries in choosing our flag bearers.

    Read Also: Group picks nomination form for ex-Oyo Governor, Akala

    “To commend the President and the Commander – in Chief – of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic – Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for repositioning Nigeria to greatness. The Delta State APC is excited like many other Nigerians across the nation that Mr President’s leadership style has rekindled our hope in democracy.

    “That the Delta state APC hereby adopts and affirms the use of direct primaries for choosing all our flag bearers.

    “The above decision affirms our party’s disposition and desire to make our elections in 2019 and beyond truly reflect the will of the people as there cannot be democracy without the people’s participation”, the communiqué said

  • Suspected herdsmen kill doctor in Delta

    A medical doctor (name withheld) with the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba has been killed by suspected herdsmen.

    The Nation gathered that two friends travelling with victim were abducted along Obomkpa road, Aniocha North L.G.A.

    The Nation gathered that the victims were travelling when they ran into the hoodlums who murdered the doctor and abducted his friends.

    Read Also:50 security operatives killed by herdsmen since January, says Ortom

    It was gathered that the abducted friends were released after an undisclosed ransom was paid.

    The Nation learnt that the doctor hails from Ndokwa East, while his friends hail from Onicha Olona and Ogwashi-Uku.

    In a related development, a police sergeant has been arrested for allegedly stabbing to death for flirting with his wife.

    The incident occurred in Oteri community,Ughelli North L.G.A.

    It was gathered that the suspect had a misunderstanding with his wife and were separated.

    The victim allegedly slept with the woman despite entreaties by the policeman to the victim to leave his wife.

    The policeman who had been away, returned for a visit found the victim with his wife.

    A source told The Nation that the policeman broke a bottle and stabbed the victim repeatedly and escaped.

    The victim died before medical assistance could reach him.

    Delta Police image- maker, DSP Andrew Animals confirmed the incident and arrest of the policeman.

    He said, “The matter was reported, the officer has been arrested while investigation has commenced.”