The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • CBN Anchor Borrowers: Okowa launches harvest, sales of fish in Delta

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa  on Wednesday launched the harvest and sales of fish under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme in Okelle Farms, Ugbisi, Udu Local Government area of the state.

    Okowa commended Mega Fish Farmers Co-operatives Union for keying into the programme known as “Private Window’’ in line with the states agenda.

    The governor said the agricultural sector suffered neglect over the years due to dependence on oil in spite of its potential to create jobs, food and develop the country.

    Okowa stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture because oil was no longer dependable.

    He urged people not to continue to depend on government alone for support and called on well meaning Nigerians and community leaders to support people to go into agriculture.

    The governor, who lauded the CBN for spending N1.2 billion so far on the programme, said the programme had succeeded in producing 2,046 tonnes of fish in four months.

    “We are happy when this window came and CBN, Bank of Agriculture supported us in rice, cassava and aquaculture (fish) production.

    “I am glad to hear that the Mega Fish Farmers have employed over 2,000 workers and currently training 300 youths.

    “I wish to thank you for embracing this programme and it is my hope that in the next five years, you will record more successes.”

    He advised the people to sustain atmosphere of peace to ensure security and development in the area and the state at large.

    The Branch Controller, CBN, Asaba, Mrs Elizabeth Agu, said that CBN had so far spent N1.2 billion on the Private Window of the programme, which has over 4,000 fish farmers.

    She commended the participating farmers for effectively utilising the funds made available to them for expansion as well as engaging more people in the scheme.

    Prince Niyi Akenzua, Executive Director, Finance and Risk, BOA said that the bank was committed to keeping its mandate of ensuring that the people were empowered through agriculture.

    Akenzua said the partnership between the state government and the farmers should be strengthened to ensure empowerment of the rural communities through agriculture.

    Mr Chris Egwuyenga, Chairman, Mega Fish Farmers Cooperatives Union, said with the support being given to the programme t the state would soon be placed on the map of fish cultivation in Nigeria and abroad.

    “It will interest you to know that Mega Fish Farmers with 682 profiled farmers for the first batch has turned out 2,046 tons of fish.

    “This translates to employment, generated directly and indirectly, of over 2000 workers in line with the state agenda and prosperity for all.

    “Still under the programme, about 300 youths are undergoing training with us to acquire fish farming skills.’’

    “Through this programme designed by CBN and with the support of the state government, we are optimistic that food security in terms of protein requirement of Deltans is assured,” Egwuyenga said.

  • Asaba-Ase is autonomous community, says President-General

    Asaba-Ase community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community which operates and runs her affairs independent of Ase-Kingdom, its President-General, Godfrey Nosike Anagbogu, has said.

    Anagbogu said  Ase as a kingdom has no general communal lands in Asaba-Ase, stating that all lands in Asaba-Ase are owned by individual families, “therefore Asaba-Ase community is not in any way under the control of Ase-kingdom.”

    Anagbogu said Asaba-Ase community has its President-General, Community Development Committee (CDC) and Elders-in-Council with her quarters’ chairmen and presidents.

    He said in the history of Asaba-Ase community, founded before Ase town, there has not been traditional titles called “Ornu-Ormu” and “Azu-Igwe” of Asaba- Ase, saying that insinuations, or newspaper publications to the effect that Ase kingdom has appointed new CDC members for Asaba-Ase and that Eka-Igwe sues for peace in Ase-kingdom, and all such related matters, are false and unfounded.

    Anagbogu said the community operates Agerotocratic system of leadership, whereby succession is by the eldest male child (Okpala-Uku).

    He stated that all lands’ transactions and proceeds in the community have been strictly between the individual land owners and the community leadership.

    He added that in the history of the defunct United African Company (UAC), Johnholt Company and Thomas Welch in Asaba-Ase, there was never a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the companies and Ase kingdom.

    He said the Igwe of Ase should steer off Asaba-Ase affairs.

    Anagbogu said Asaba-Ase community urged the  Delta State government, DESOPADEC, NNDC , AMT/OML26, and security agents  to disregard any insinuation to the contrary.

    The Chairman of Asaba-Ase  Community Development Committee (CDC), Chief Benson Opute,  agreed with  Anagbogu.

  • One dead, seven missing in another Ugborodo boat mishap

    One dead, seven missing in another Ugborodo boat mishap

    One person was confirmed dead at the weekend with seven others missing after a boat travelling from Ugborodo community in Warri South-West council area of Delta State capsized.

    The incident, which occurred just three days after an intra-community fracas that claimed two lives in the oil-rich Itsekiri community of Ugborodo, was however said to be a natural accident.

    Two persons died last Tuesday when a group of community youths led by their president, Ofe Penda, allegedly mounted an armed resistance against a team of over 300 community indigenes led by leaders and members of the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) on their way to attend a meeting.

    Although some persons in the community tried to link mishap to the leadership crisis in the community involving the Austin Oborogbeyi-led Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC) and the Jolomi Metseagharun-led Ugborodo Administrative Committee (UAC), the Delta State Police command said the two situations had nothing to do with each other.

    The Warri Area Commander of the Delta State Police Command, ACP Mohammad Shaba, told our correspondent the boat incident was a natural accident, which had nothing to do with any attack.

    “It was a natural mishap, no attack or anything. Only one person died, nobody mentioned anything about missing persons. Just a natural accident, no attack,” Shaba said.

    Speaking for the first time on the resurgence of the leadership crisis in Ugborodo community, the chairman of the Ugborodo Administrative Committee, Jolomi Metseagharun, said the community had nothing to do with the unfortunate incident, which claimed two lives.

    He described the entire development as a despicable act of desperation of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to foist its leadership on the people of Ugborodo who are predominantly members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said: “How can a group claimed to be representing a community interest and when its members are coming to brief their people, they had to hire over 200 mobile policemen as escort to their community?

    “This is a clear indication that they are not on ground and are only out desperately to impose themselves on the people of Ugborodo in line with the ruling PDP agenda.”

  • Incest: Man on the run after impregnating daughter in Warri

    Incest: Man on the run after impregnating daughter in Warri

    One Lucky Akuna, a man in his mid-40s, is now on the run, along with one of his unnamed sons, for allegedly sleeping with one of his daughters; 14-year old Elizabeth Akuna, and getting her pregnant.

    The Nation gathered that Akuna who is also known as Orutebe, an indigene of Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu council area of Delta state, had admitted being responsible for his daughter’s pregnancy, having been held and interrogated by the leaders of Ugboroke community, where he is resident.

    The lid was let off when neighbours started observing that Elizabeth was showing signs of pregnancy. It was gathered that the girl told those on the inquest that he had been impregnated by her father, who had slept with her a couple of times.

    Confirming the development to the Nation, a community source, who wished his identity to be kept anonymous, said this would not be the first time the husband of two wives would be involved in ugly incest issues, citing cases where he had been accused of sleeping with and impregnating his niece.

    “This is not the first time he is indulging in such act as he also impregnated his niece on two separate occasions. The girl upon further interrogation also revealed that aside her father, her elder brother from another mother who is also on the run, deflowered her and had also been sleeping with her”, he said.

    Also confirming the incident, a source at the Warri ‘B’ Division where the case was reported, disclosed that one of the wives of the suspect, Grace Akuna was arrested in connection with the incident.

    “The wife has since been released following intervention by an Ijaw monarch. But we are still looking for the man and his son,” the source added.

  • Kachikwu denies campaign posters

    Kachikwu denies campaign posters

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu Monday dissociated himself from his 2019 governorship election campaign posters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He denied halving any knowledge of the poster, stressing that he has not indicated interest in running for any elective position in Delta State.

    The Director Press, Mr. Idang Alibi, in a rejoinder noted that “our attention has been drawn to fake campaign posters of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu for the 2019 governorship elections in Delta State pasted by unknown persons across the Federal Capital Territory.”

    Kachikwu, according to the rejoinder, is focused on delivering on the reforms currently being implemented in the petroleum sector under the leadership of President Buhari and Ag President Osinbajo in line with his duties as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Chair of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    It added that the minister is committed to effectively representing his state of origin, Delta State in the federal cabinet to institutionalise transparency, accountability and productivity in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

    It is gratifying that, despite challenges, measurable progress has been made in achieving important milestones under Kachikwu‘s watch and today, the petroleum sector is more transparent and contributes more to the national coffers. Consolidating on this progress remains the priority of Dr.Kachikwu and he refuses to be distracted from this focus.

    Kachikwu urged stakeholders in both the Oil and Gas sector and indeed the general public to discountenance these unfounded speculations.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources assured all Nigerians of his and Government’s continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of the citizenry, while thanking them for usual cooperation and collaboration towards achieving the lofty dreams of a thriving Oil and Gas sector for Nigeria.

  • Tribute to Madam Mary Omafuakpore Agbonifo

    Her death on July 26th, 2013 took her loved ones, members of her immediate and larger family by surprise and left everybody downcast. Tears flowed! Those who witnessed her burial ceremony when she was lowered to the grave at her compound in Kokori knew that a great woman departed this world. And four years after her demise, we are still recovering from the shock of her unexpected departure.

    Chief (Mrs.) Mary Omafuakpore Agbonifo was born into the family of Chief Ogogo Ogbevire of Urhuokpe Quarters and Madam Iroroevu Ogbevire (Nee Akpojotor) of Ekrudu Quarters; both of Kokori Town in Ethiope East LGA Delta State.

    She started her primary school education  at Baptist Primary School, Samagidi-Kokori and then to Cavegina Catholic Primary School, Okere and completed her primary education at Girls School Igbudu-Warri. After her Standard School Education, Mary was basically literate and thus, adequately prepared to take on the prospects/challenges of the next level. She followed her heart and got married in 1952 to Chief Johnson Jebimiye Okene of Eku, in Agbon Kingdom.

    In 1962, Chief Mrs. Agbonifo started the buying and hawking of frozen fish around Eku town and did eventually developed to the level of a Sub-Distributor at the Warri main depot of the IbruSea Foods- covering Eku, Kokori, Oha, Abraka, Umutu,Obiaruku and environs. Through her proven track record, IbruSea foods gave her a wooden Coldroom at Eku, to promptly meet the needs of the Retailers and Consumers. Right from then, her volume and turnover grew in leaps and bounds.

    As mentioned earlier, Chief  (Mrs.) Agbonifo’s business empire was now getting too big for her already choked-up territory, Eku and environs. She took a bold step and relocated her headquarters to Warri City, to keep abreast with the ever-dynamic times. She first cited her  Big Cold Store at the popularIgbudu Market. As the business increased in size, she registered JOMA Frozen Foods Products Limited.

    Indeed moving over to Warri was divine for Chief (Mrs.) Mary Omafuakpore Agbonifo and her family. This was because various lofty business opportunities beckoned on her to make a choice. A Gifted Woman with the Midas touch and one Destined for greatness, she sought the face of God and He led her aright in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) segment; Transport; Real Estate; Oil & Gas (Downstream); Imports of Frozen Sea Foods; etc. These respective sectors metamorphosed into Mega Business through mutual beneficial transactions with reputable Multinational Conglomerates.

    Chief (Mrs.) Agbonifo registered separate and distinct companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission to transact business exclusively with each of these esteemed Conglomerates; for accountability, dedication and focus: In FMCG segment, her Magulf Global Company transacts with Nigerian Breweries Plc. Also in the FMCG segment, another of her company, Omovo Nigeria Limited, deals exclusively with Guinness Plc. Malco Limited is the transport arm, co-founded with her husband, Chief Godspower Agbonifo and was specifically registered to complement the FMCG business for prompt haulage of their products, to Distributors and Retail Out-lets across the country. Magulf Fishing Company is involved in the importation of Frozen Sea Foods from overseas, aside from huge purchases within Nigeria from Ibru Sea Foods; MoshesheFisheries; Fiogret Limited etc. In Oil & Gas, she established Magson Filling Stations, to meet the daily needs of commuters (petrol and diesel) as well as (kerosene for home use). HerMalco Trucks are always able to deliver products across the country.

    In Real Estate, she doggedly went into this segment purposely to save emormous costs of renting properties for her Mega Businesses. Therefore she bought and also built Vast Estates, Guest Houses, Shopping Complexes and Massive Warehouses, master cold rooms in Warri and Port Harcourt. Choice houses inWarri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, United Kingdom and United States of America.

    Chief (Mrs.) Agbonifo in her life time was a colossus and she was deservedly sought after and given numerous awards across board for distinguishing herself meritoriously.

    Her surviving children, Paul Okene; Efe Okene; Andrew Okene; Godwin Okene; Ochuko Okene; Juliet Agbonifo; VivianAgbonifo;  many grand children; brothers; sisters; Nieces; Nephews will always miss her but we take solace in the enviable legacies she left behind.

    May her soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

  • UBEC, SUBEBs harp on need for effective textbook policy

    UBEC, SUBEBs harp on need for effective textbook policy

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) have stressed the need for education stakeholders to support efforts toward developing and sustaining a viable book policy.

    Mr Ossom Ossom, the UBEC Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that they expressed their view during the 19th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with the Executive Chairmen SUBEBs held in Asaba, Delta State.

    Ossom said in the statement that the issue of book policy was the focus of the deliberations.

    He said that the meeting provided the opportunity for the basic education sub-sector managers to share their experiences, particularly on the theme “Textbooks Policy: An Effective Tool for Enhancing Delivery of Qualitative Basic Education in Nigeria”.

    He said there were strategic presentations on the theme and discussions centred on the challenges associated with the provision, distribution and utilisation of instructional materials.

    ‘’There was also a discussion on the need for certification of recommended textbooks by Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), toward improving and sustaining the required quality and standard in basic education.

    “The meeting recommended among other things, that UBEC, NERDC, SUBEBs and other key stakeholders should review guidelines for assuring quality in instructional materials deployed for the UBE programme.

    “It was also recommended that other states should emulate the initiative of Benue State in translating textbooks in core subjects into indigenous languages in liaison with publishers and relevant agencies.’’

    He said that the two-day meeting was declared opened by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, who was represented by Mr Chiedu Ebie, the state Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education.

    He said that the meeting had in attendance Prof. Anthony Anwukah, Minister of State for Education, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, UBEC Executive Secretary, and Prof. Ismail Junaidu, Executive Secretary, NERDC.

    Others were UBEC Deputy Executive Secretaries (Technical and Services), Dr Sharon ‘Rowo Oriero-Oviemuno, and Dr Yakubu Gambo, respectively.

    UBEC Management and other Executive Chairmen from the 36 SUBEBs and the FCT also attended.
    The participants paid a courtesy visit to Okowa, the Asagba of Asaba and later inspected selected UBE projects in Delta State.

  • Imbibe culture of group operation, Naval Chief charges officers

    Imbibe culture of group operation, Naval Chief charges officers

    The Flag Officer Commanding Logistic Command, Oghara, Ethiope West local government area of Delta State, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo, has charged Navy officers to imbibe the culture of group movement in the discharge of their duty.

    Ibe-Enwo who gave this charge during his handing over ceremony held at the Naval base, Oghara, said moving in group in any assignment will prevent any of them falling into the hands of perceived enemies in the course of their duty.

    While advising them to always ensure good working relationship with the Nigeria police, Ibe-Enwo explained that working effectively with the police will further enhance their job in the discharge of their professional duty.

    Ibe-Enwo who commended the officers for their support and loyalty which he said contributed to his success story during his one and half year stay in Delta State, urged them to also transfer same to the new Flag Officer Command, FOC, Rear Admiral Peter Onaji, taking over from him to succeed.

    Speaking further, he said he was particularly impressed that in line with the Commands’ motto: ‘Support for Efficiency’, Naval officers at the command were able to imbibe the good virtues which he inculcated in them.

    He assured them that he will continue to be their in his new area assignment, appealing that they extended the same cooperation to other sister agencies like the Army, Air force and the police for a peaceful and a better developed country.

    Receiving the handing over note, the new Flag Officer Commanding Logistic Command, Rear Admiral Peter Onaji commended his predecessor, Rear Admiral Ibe-Enwo for effectively piloting the activities of the command, and appealed to the officers to extend same cooperation to him.

  • Delta State needs urgent help

    IR: Tom Huddleston once opined that – ‘‘we all have two lives. The second one starts when we realize we only have one.’’

    Delta State was carved out of  the former Bendel State on August  27,  1991. The state was created following agitations for the  creation  of  separate  distinct  state  by  the Urhobos and Anioma regions.

    Delta State has had the privilege of having governors from Chief James Ibori in May 1999-2007; Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan  2007 – 2015,  to  the  present, Dr  Ifeanyi  Okowa  May  2015  till  date.

    Without  mincing  words,  we  the great people of Delta State  have  been  the  worse off,  as she  is grappling  a  huge  debt burden  of  over  N 600 billion  owing  to  the 18 years of PDP maladministration.

    The  lavish,  wasteful  spending  and  massive  borrowing  have  plunged  the  state  to  a  sorry  state  of  disrepair, backwardness  in spite  of  her  huge  resources  and  economic  diversity.

    When  it  comes  to  development,  three  main  factors  call  to  mind:  accumulation  of  capital,  productive  labour  input  and  technological  advancement.

    From  the  Federation  Account,  Delta  State  receives  about  N300  billion annually, hence can boast of available  funds. For  productive  manpower,  the  state  ranks  as the 12th  most  populated  state  with  a  population  of  above  four  million,  so  it is blessed with  the  requisite manpower  to  prosecute  a  great  economic  agenda.  And  as  for  technological  advancement,  it  is  generally  assumed  that technological  advancement  is  even  more  important  than  capital  formation  which  is  limited,  for  a  state  that  spends  more  on  science  and  research  will  tend  to  grow  faster than  those  in  pursuit  of  capital.

    A  week  ago,  militants  told  the  governor, Ifeanyi  Okowa  to  account  for  the  13%  derivation  fund  accrued  to  the  oil -producing areas  which  amounts  to  an  average  of  N4  billion  monthly  from  the  federal  government ,  totalling  N48 billion  in  12 calendar  months,  yet  Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has been starved of funds, with no meaningful  projects  in  the  oil producing  areas;  meanwhile the state is  indebted  to  workers, pensioners  whom  have  given  their  productive  years  in  the  service of the  state are  being  left  out  in  the  cold.

    This isn’t the leadership we deserve. The state is in need of urgent transformation and help.

    It  is  in  times  like these that  the  words  of  Publilius  Syrus  becomes  apt  ‘’ from  the  errors  of  others,  a  wise  man corrects  his  own’’.

     

    • Wonder O. Akpeki,

    Sapele,  Delta  State.

  • Delta, private firm, sign MoU for $20m oil palm project

    Delta, private firm, sign MoU for $20m oil palm project

    The Delta Government has signed a 20 million dollars Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norsworthy Investment Limited, a private firm, for the cultivation of 3,000 acres of oil palm and processing plant project.

    The MoU for the project which would be sited at Akwukwu-Igbo community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state, was signed in Asaba on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Festus Agas.

    Agas reiterated the commitment of the state government to provide the needed support for investment towards developing every sector of the state economy.

    He said: “Upon the inception of this present administration in the state, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed his commitment to create an enabling environment for investement to thrive.

    “The governor is committed to creating jobs and as such ensure a massive investment drive to grow our economy.

    He pointed out that Okowa’s administration placed high premium on agriculture, saying that agriculture remains the mainstay of the state economy.

    He lauded the management of Norsworthy Investment for its interest in developing the state, assuring the firm that the state government would provide every necessary support to make the project a success.

    “In my opinion, I think this is most strategic MoU we have signed with a private firm so far.

    “I want to say here that it is a laudable move that will not only create jobs, but also bring development to the area.”

    Agas called on other investors both local and foreign to emulate Norsworthy and take advantage of the enabling investment environment in the state to help grow the state economy.

    Also, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Kingsley Emu, said the signing of the agreement marked the highpoint of a business plan hatched over eight months ago by both parties.

    According to him, what we are witnessing today is the highpoint of a meeting held about eight months ago between the state government and Norsworthy Limited.

    “Sometime ago, the company approached the Delta state government requesting for three thousand acres of land to enable them grow oil palm plantation for agricultural value chain development.

    Emu said following the request, the state government approached the people of Akwukwu-Igbo community and the community volunteered to provide the needed land.

    According to Emu, the people of Akwukwu-Igbo, led by their monarch, Chief Obi David Azuka,  have provided the three thousand acres of land, which have been inspected and ready for the take of the project.

    The commissioner said that the land provided was highly productive considering its richness in agricultural production, and expressed the hope that the investment would be of mutual benefit to the state and the company.

    “It is our believe that this strategic move by Norsworthy will open up the area and create jobs for our people,” Emu said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Norsworthy Investment Limited, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, expressed the determination of the company to contribute its quota in the development of Delta.

    Ogbechie said: “We are very passionate when it comes to investment, not only in Delta but elsewhere because investment brings development to the people and grows the economy of its area of operation.

    “I want to commend Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for his vision and commitment to bring development to the state, and we are ready to bring our own contribution to growing the Delta economy.”

    Ogbechie, who is also the chairman of Rainoil Nigeria Limited, a leading player in the nation’s petroleum industry, said Nigeria was blessed with veritable agricultural land that should be utilised to improve the fortunes of the nation.

    He said with the signing of the MoU, the company would be moving to site as early as possible to commence clearing work so that the project could start in the shortest possible time.

    “As a company, we are going to inject an initial 20 million dollars into the project to take off, and as we move on, more funds will be inject to expand and grow the investment.

    “Also, I see this project creating over five thousand jobs for our people. I can assure the people of this state that this project is going to improve the economy of Delta state,” Ogbechie said.

    NAN reports that the occasion was attended by some members of the Delta Executive Council, management team of Norsworthy Investment Limited and a representative of Akwukwu-Igbo community, Dr Ben Iwezu.