The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Okowa congratulates Muslims, urges prayers for leader

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to put aside their religious and political differences to build a united country.

    He urged the Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.

    Okowa, in a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said Eid-el-Kabir was a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

    Okowa said, “I enjoin you to use the period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed.

    Read Also: CAA 2018: Okowa performs flag hoisting

    Continuing, “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation; and for all those in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country”.

    He assured the people of Delta State that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.

    While thanking the state Muslim community for the consistent support that they had always extended to his administration, Governor Okowa congratulated the Muslim community in Delta State on the Sallah celebration, assuring them that his administration would continue to partner them to move the state forward.

  • ‘Kofi Annan’s death, a loss to International community’

    Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has condoled with the Kofi Annan family, the United Nations, the government and people of the Republic of Ghana on the demise of former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Atta Annan.

    In a condolence message signed on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Okowa described the death of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work winner as “a great loss to the international community where he led efforts to finding peaceful solution to conflicts globally”.

    According to the statement, “We have lost a global statesman who was deeply committed to global peace and conflict resolution. The highly revered diplomat will be long remembered for his towering role and dedication to improving lives through peaceful coexistence among people of diverse race.

    Continuing,”Mr. Annan was bold and fearless as Secretary-General and told truth to power which led to his declaration of American invasion of Iraq in 2003 as “illegal” under international law. As UN Special Envoy to Syria, he proposed a six-point plan, which would have led to the early resolution of the crisis in Syria which was however not implemented by the Syrian government which led to his resignation as Special Envoy”.

    The Governor noted that Annan touched lives with his Kofi Annan Foundation that was committed to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights around the world.

    Read Also: We did not sack Delta Line workers – Okowa

    The statement further read, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, Governor Okowa extols Mr. Annan’s extraordinary and committed leadership at the United Nations where he emerged as the first black African to take up the role of the world’s top diplomat, serving from 1997 to 2006 and his exceptional stewardship that led to the successful war against the HIV/AIDS pandemic including the establishment of the social investment fund “The Global Fund” to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as the launching of the Millennium Development Goals.”

    Okowa expressed the hope that the international community and all those who mourn the late Kofi Annan will continue to honour his legacy of selfless service and commitment to human dignity and global peace.

    He prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family, well-wishers and the people of the Republic of Ghana in this period of loss and global mourning.

     

  • Political coalition in Delta rise against NASS minority leader

    Chairmen of registered political parties in Delta State on Friday lamented the under-development of Isoko Federal constituency and poor representation in government at the National Assembly.

    Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Leo Ogor presently represent Isoko federal constituency. He has been in the House since 2003, and is eying another term in next year’s election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Rising from a meeting in Asaba, the chairmen said despite the huge contribution of Isoko constituency to the wealth of the nation through oil and gas exploration, the area has nothing to show for it in terms of industries, adding that the area lacked steady electricity, potable water and basic infrastructure.

    Reading the resolution of the meeting, Dr. Clarke Mejebi of the Grassroots Party of Nigeria (GPN) stated that the party chairmen also noted with dismay that the area has not produced federal minister, ambassador or any other position of note since the return of democracy in 1999.

    As a result, Mejebi said the party chairmen resolved to support a former chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Joel Onowakpo-Thomas to realise his aspiration to represent Isoko Federal constituency in 2019 election, irrespective of the political party he intends to use for the election.

    Read Also: Delta monarchs seek extension of PVC registration

    Giving reasons for the endorsement, Mejebi said Onowakpor “has never been indicted for corruption in spite of so many sensitive positions he had held and still holding till today.

    “That Joel Onowakpor as chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue raised the revenue of Delta State by over 250% before he left and we believe this experience will be usefully deployed to represent the Isoko people in the House of Representatives as from 2019.

    “That Onowakpor’s credentials as a chartered accountant, business consultant, serial entrepreneur with interests in hotels and hospitality, financial services, commodity trading and other endeavours will be utilized for the benefit of the Isoko people if elected in 2019.

    “As former member of the Delta State economic council, he has acquired much experience that would impact positively on the lives of Isoko people if elected in 2019.

    “That Onowakpor believes in grassroots governance and development and was at a time chairman (mayor) of Isoko South Local Government Area (2007 – 2008) when he demonstrated leadership and executive capabilities.

    “Onowakpor who is currently coordinating Federal Inland Revenue Service for Edo, Delta and Rivers states will leverage on his humongous experience and vast contacts to grow the Isoko nation to prominence when elected to represent the ethnic nationality in the House of Representatives.

    “Our coalition notes that Onowakpor’s simplicity, accessibility and his philanthropic nature will definitely benefit the Isoko people whose men, women and youths he has vowed to empower when he us elected into the House of Representatives in 2019.”

    He called on Isoko political stakeholders opinion leaders and the electorate “to vote in this exceptional son of Isoko in 2019 in order to terminate the dark days that Isoko people have endured so far.”

    According to him, the coalition will support credible candidates with proven record of integrity and performance from the position of governor to members of House of Assembly in no distant time, adding that the case of Isoko Federal constituency is peculiar because of the lamentable level of under development.

  • HARRY IGHODAKPO still blazing the trail

    Harry Ighodakpo started with small businesses in Warri, Delta State, scrapping for livelihood until fortune smiled on him and the businesses, as many as ten, began to yield fruits of joy. With time, he simply outgrew the businesses and had to move further afield where his sails have set unto the international waters.

    Having gone to the business school of hard knocks, learning the ropes through hard work and perfecting his craft, he has narrowed down his main concerns to four portfolios of real estate, automobile, import and export and tourism. While automobile and import/export may just be subsisting businesses, real estate and tourism are his main pie that brings the goods home. In these areas, he may just be a czar sitting upon an empire. Little wonder he had to shift his base of operation to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he pulls the strings, while maintaining balance at home in Lagos.

    Despite his riches, the Delta State-born businessman is a family-oriented person, accessible and believes humility pays.

  • Delta monarchs seek one month extension of PVC’s

    Traditional Rulers in Delta State have called for a one month extension of the registration and collection Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to enable more eligible Nigerians participate in the exercise.

    According to them, the suspension of the exercise on August 17 being proposed by INEC might lead to the disenfranchisement of voters during the 2019 General Elections.

    In a five point communiqué issued on Friday at the end of the quarterly meeting of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in Asaba, the monarchs said “The voters card is key to the conduct of free, credible and transparent elections, and we want to say that the participation of a large percentage of the voting population in the electoral process will confer a measure of legitimacy and credibility to the process”,

    The communiqué also urged the state Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to convene a joint meeting of Local Government chairmen and the state council of Traditional Rulers to deliberate on issues of public importance to Deltans.

    The monarch said such a platform would enable stakeholders to interface on topical national issues as security, permanent voter’s card, national identity card and environmental sanitation.

    The royal fathers appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the excellent administration of the state which had translated to peaceful co-existence and harmony among Deltans and called on the people to continue to tread the part of peace in all their undertaking.

    The monarchs maintained that while peace, development and stability were prevailing in the state, the same could not be said of other states, adding that the bond of peace and unity should be advanced in every situation in the interest of the overall transformation of the state.

    Read Also: Group urges Lagosians to obtain PVC

    The Traditional Rulers commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the successful completion of the 30,000 capacity Stephen Keshi International Stadium Asaba.

    They also laudable the state government for the successful hosting of 52 African Countries  participating in the Senior Athletics Competition in Asaba and described the hosting of the tournament by Delta State as a great honour and pride to the Nation.

    “If not for anything else, the tournament will boost the economy of the state and promote the enviable achievements of the Okowa administration to the African continent and the International community at large”.

    They stressed the need for government to galvanize youths in the state to engage more in sporting activities as a way of diverting their attention from crime and other unproductive ventures.

    The Royal fathers described sports a potent weapon for the promotion of internal and external peace and economic development in any society.

  • Excitement as Okowa inaugurates police special squad office in Delta

    Recently, the headquarters of the Delta State Police Command was agog with excitement as men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in their numbers witnessed the commissioning of the ultra- modern office of the Eagle-Net Special Squad and observatory post/transit camp within the premises of the Delta State Police Command by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    In addition to the harvest of infrastructural projects, 20 operational Siena mini vans with specially fabricated cell facilities for detention of suspects were also presented.

    It was a carnival atmosphere as scores of policemen and women in freshly starched uniforms beaming with smiles walked smartly, barely able to contain their excitement. It was joy unconfined.

    The buildings and operational vehicles were a jointly funded project by State oil interventionist agency, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Delta State Security Trust Fund.

    Although the project was initiated by AIG Alkali Baba Usman during his tenure as the State Police Commissioner in 2016, it was brought to fruition by the newly appointed CP Muhammad Mustafa, who has renovated the facilities at the Delta State Police Command in record time.

    The inauguration of the edifices mark an end to the sordid and harsh living conditions many policemen were subjected to  in the course of duty;  no longer will policemen live in makeshift  cramp quarters , exposed to the elements, but  these long suffering policemen and women  will enjoy the   cozy well apportioned buildings with modern facilities.

    Okowa  appealed for the support of all stakeholders for the security agencies so as to ensure peace and security in the society.

    According to Okowa, the task of ensuring peace and security of our society should not be left for government alone, stressing that “we cannot continue to leave the affairs of security just to the government alone; individuals who are blessed, corporate organisations ought to and should continue to support police in their work so that they can have the best in delivering their duties because when they have the best working environment they are likely to be more civil in your duties.

    “As a country and as a people we must realise that we require the partnership of the police and we ought to be their partners if we want things to work, the private sector should support the security agencies to ensure peace and security in the country.”

    He commended the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Delta State Security Trust Fund for the building projects and operational vehicles stating: “I  must also thank the management of DESOPADEC and the management of the Delta state Security Trust Fund for their collaboration with the police, starting first with the Eagle Net Squad and the Transit camp for the women that was built, we need to partner with Police Force to provide conducive working environment for its officers and members, so  as to get the best out of them.”

    While congratulating Police Commissioner Muhammad Mustafa for his leadership qualities in bringing out the best in his subordinates, Okowa eulogised the initiator of the projects, DSP Usman Dimka, O/C Eagle-Net Special Squad, Asaba, for his initiative in building the office and transit camp and urged others to emulate him.

    Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Police Commissioner, CP Muhammad Mustafa appreciated Governor Okowa for his support to the state Police Command and DESOPADEC for the partnership and the projects.

    Mustafa said the building projects will boost the morale of his men who will undoubtedly redouble their efforts at crime fighting, adding that the Eagle Net Special Squad with its over 100 personnel will “complement the efforts of other existing operational outfits such as the Quick Response Squad (QRS), the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squads (SAKCCS), the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), the Dragon and Safer Highways outfits”.

    He praised DSP Dimka for initiating and completing the projects for the benefit of the Nigeria Police.

    He said:“ You have best exemplified the message which has been my watchword since my assumption of office as Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command which is: “leave the Command or any place you find yourself, better than you met it”. By building this ultra-modern office, along with its accompanying Women Police Transit Camp/Public Toilet and Bathroom, you have bequeathed a worthwhile legacy to generations of policemen and women and even those yet unborn who one day will serve in this Command.”

    DSP Dimka said the projects were in fulfillment of his vision of what the future police station should look like and providing conducive working environment for his colleagues.

     

  • Defections, indication opposition is set to rescue Nigeria – Okowa

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has said the gale of defections from the ruling All Progressive Congress to the opposition PDP is an indication that the party is prepared to rescue Nigeria from the present state of affairs.

    He welcomed the defection of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and All Progressive Congress (APC) lawmakers to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),

    In a statement in Asaba, on Thursday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Gov. Okowa congratulated the National Chairman and leadership of the PDP for the proactive steps taken so far in repositioning the party.

    According to the Governor: “I congratulate members and leaders of the PDP on the defections and abandonment of the APC by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the members of the National Assembly.

    “The defections have clearly shown to the entire world that the APC lack the capacity to manage a political party, and indeed a government and this explains why the people now look up to the PDP to rescue the country and put it on the path of good governance for our people.

    Governor Okowa commended the defectors for the courage they have exhibited in abandoning “the sinking ship.”  He stressed that the defections signify a vote of no confidence in the APC-led government and that the 2019 election will be a referendum of how the APC shattered the expectations of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Okowa denies backing Atiku’s Presidential ambition

    He added: “The decision of a significant number of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to leave the APC and decamp into the PDP clearly indicates that there is hope that the country will be rescued from the misrule of the APC government.

    The Governor congratulated the PDP for positioning itself as a suitable alternative for the defectors. He emphasized that the choice of the PDP as a preferred destination for them is an affirmation of the kind of leadership the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has provided since assuming office.

    Okowa further encouraged other Governors, lawmakers to consider joining the PDP as the party is set on a mission to rescue Nigeria.

     

  • Reconciliation: APC to harmonize Delta State exco

    As part of efforts to reconcile the warring parties in the Delta state chapter of the Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is to harmonize the State Executive Committee in Delta state to accommodate the interest of all the contending forces in the state.

    National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who spoke at a reconciliatory meeting between the warring parties on Tuesday night said however that Prophet Jones Ode Erue, remains the state chairman, while other positions in the state executive will be harmonized.

    The meeting was attended by the Minister of State Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, Chief Great Ogboru, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Cairo Ojougbou, Victor Ochei, Olorogun Cyril Abeye Ogodo, Dr Miriam Nneamaka Ogoh Ali, Comrade Frank Kokori among others.

    Chief Press Secretary to Oshiomhole, Simon Ebegbulem quoted Oshiomhole as asking the party leaders to embrace the Prophet Erue led leadership in moving the party forward.

    He condemned what he described as unwarranted attacks on social media and newspapers on his person and the National Working Committee of the party by some party members in Delta state, admonishing them to rather make comments that will reconcile the party and not one that will further inflame the crisis.

    Oshiomhole expressed his resolve to ensure that the party win the elections in Delta State, admonished the leaders not to allow the ambitions over-ride the general interest of the party stressing that the issue of the governorship candidate of the party must not be allowed to destroy the party in the state.

    Read Also: Ortom finally dumps APC for PDP

    According to him, “I have said it before that I have interest in Delta state because Edo and Delta is one. And we must ensure that Delta join Edo state in APC through democratic means.

    “I know that we all can do it if we can reconcile our differences and confront the real enemy, which is the PDP. And whatever we are doing, I believe we should think about the interest of Delta people who have been denied of good governance by the PDP administration over the years.

    “Only one person can be governor at a time and before you know it eight years is over and another person takes over. So we must not see it as a do or die affair. We must all work together make concessions and go back to work immediately because we have no time. We are going to confront an incumbent who is desperate to return but we will mobilize Delta people to stop Dr Ifeanyi Okowa” he stated.

    Some of the leaders who spoke at the meet8 g expressed their views commended Comrade Oshiomhole for finding solution to the protracted crisis rocking the party in the state and expressed their willingness to work with the national leadership of the party to ensure victory for the party.

    Prophet Erue who appealed for calm, promised to work with all the stakeholders and appealed for cooperation to enable him succed.

    The Minister of State Petroleum, Dr Kachukwu, in his vote of thanks, urged the party leaders to abide by the decision of the National leadership of the party and ensure that peace returns to Delta State.

    “I commend you Mr Chairman for this effort and other efforts you have been making to ensure unity in our party in states where we have crisis. I want to urge our party leaders to embrace peace so we can achieve victory for the party come 2019”

  • Immunization – DSPHCDA boss allege extortion of nursing mothers in Delta

    Chairman, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Isioma Okobah has alleged extortion of mothers and care givers during routine immunization.

    Okobah, who made this allegation in Asaba 0n Friday during the state social mobilization meeting, said immunization is free.

    According to her there were several reports from Issele-Uku, Issele-Azagba, Patani ,Oshimili South and other places, saying that nurses and midwives were extorting mothers before administering routine immunization to their children.

    She warned that dire consequences awaited anyone caught, adding that the agency has put mechanisms in place to check such unsavoury acts.

    Read Also: Catching them young in the Niger Delta

    Okobah said the state government has made all provisions required in procuring vaccines and other facilities to ensure that vaccination is free.

    She said the purpose of making vaccination free is to ensure no child misses out on account of cost, adding immunization is aimed at protecting children from childhood killer diseases and curb under-five mortality.

    A nurse who spoke on condition of anonymity said extortion will continue except government regularly pays salaries and fund the cost of transportation to cold chain centres to collect vaccines.

     

  • Edo, Delta govts urge border communities on peaceful coexistence

    …tasks Boundary Commission to expedite action on demarcation

     

    The Edo and Delta state governments have called on border communities in both states to sheath their swords and live harmoniously pending the determination of boundaries by the National Boundary Commission.

    The advice was contained in a communique issued after a joint inter-state boundary meeting between Edo and Delta states at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The two states committed to prevailing on the NBC to expedite action on final demarcation and survey of the disputed boundaries between the two states, noting, “A committee has been set up to look into legal and boundaries issues relating to the two states.

    Read Also:IGP orders probe of Edo policemen’s killing

    “The committee will comprise of the Attorney General of each state, Commissioner of Police of both states; Chairmen of Orhionmwon and Esan South East local government areas of Edo State and Ethiope East, Ukwani and Ika South local government areas in Delta State. Other members include Surveyor General of each state and the deputy chief of staff of Edo State.”

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu called on border communities in Edo and Delta states to sheath their swords over claims and counterclaims of land ownership, stressing that efforts are in top gear to resolve the dispute with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) leading the charge.

    Shaibu, who stressed that the two states ought not to have such issues as they made up the defunct Bendel State and share historical and cultural ties, he said there was need to maintain the strong bond and not allow disagreement on boundary divide them.

    He expressed appreciation to officials of the two states, noting that “despite the boundary dispute, we are still brothers. We were carved out of the old Bendel State and our history can be traced to Bendel. We should remain indivisible.”

    Explaining that the dispute by border communities started shortly after the creation of the two states in 1991, he said, “In 2001, the Federal Government waded into the crises by directing the NBC to undertake the provisional demarcation of the boundary between the two states.

    Shaibu urged the NBC to take urgent steps on the final demarcation of the boundary, as it will lay to rest the lingering tension and agitation between border communities of the two states.

    “This Inter-state boundary meeting is convened to douse the mounting tension in the border communities of our states.”

    Shaibu appealed to all communities in the border areas of Edo and Delta states to embrace peace, as the NBC and governments of Edo and Delta states intensify effort at ensure the demarcation of the boundary between the two states without further delay.

    Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, said Delta and Edo states are sister-states and share common experiences and historical antecedents.

    He noted that the boundary meeting for dispute resolution is held with the active participation and guidance of officials of NBC and the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.

    “It is pertinent to recall that from the series of communique issued after various joint meetings held with the NBC, both states were always enjoined to maintain the status quo in areas of dispute, as a means of sustaining peace, pending the completion of the process.”

    He said a committee has been set up to ensure that law and order is maintained, pending the conclusion of the demarcation process by NBC.

    Commissioner of Police Edo State, Mr. Jonhson Kokumo appealed to the boundary communities to stop the attack on law enforcement agencies, especially the police as such act will no longer be tolerated.

    “Law enforcement agencies have been attacked severally while performing their constitutional role of maintaining law and order”.