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  • Delta ranks first in Criminal Justice Reforms, says Oborevwori

    Delta ranks first in Criminal Justice Reforms, says Oborevwori

    • Governor swears in three commissioners           

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said the state ranked first among others in the country in Criminal Justice Reforms.

    He said the feat followed passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 and Administration of Civil Justice Law 2022 by the House of Assembly under his leadership as Speaker.

    Oborevwori spoke during the swearing-in of three newly appointed commissioners in Asaba.

    They are Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, Commissioner for Information, and Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    The governor described the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, as a brilliant and capable lawyer schooled in the best traditions of legal practice.

    “Deep, driven and devoted to his craft, Mr. Ohwovoriole brings to the office almost 30 years of distinguished service at the Bar.”

    He challenged the new Attorney-General to sustain the state’s pace setter role in Criminal Justice Reforms, noting that state’s criminal justice laws are adjudged widely to be 21st century- compliant, especially with recourse to technology. 

    “The transition period of both laws ended on December, 22, 2023. So, both laws are now operational in all courts in Delta State.

    “The rigorous and successful implementation of these laws is, therefore, imperative for Delta State to maintain its leadership position.

    “Only recently, Attorneys-General of the Southeast states adopted the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 as their model, hailing it as “a unique framework for the administration of criminal justice.”

    Oborevwori described the new Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, as a tested hand and an avid communicator in the field of political communication and information management, having served meritoriously as the PDP state Publicity Secretary in the last eight years.

    “His appointment as Information Commissioner is well-deserved. Dr Osuoza, popularly known as Agenda, is a committed PDP member, a humble leader, an avid communicator and a relentless public commentator.

    “It is my earnest expectation that he will take the government’s information management machinery to a new level. I expect creativity and innovation in government communication in a way that ensures optimal, fact-based projection of the policies, programmes, achievements and activities of the government.

    “One major shift I will like to see in the Information Ministry is for it to go beyond the information arena and engage in positive citizen engagement and mobilisation.

    “It is my considered view that stakeholder perception audit must be integral in the operations of the Information Ministry.

    “It should serve in the best traditions as a sensor, gathering intelligence and inputs from the citizenry that will form the basis of the policies and programmes of the government.”

    The governor said the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou, is a grassroots politician of immense stature with extensive experience in local government administration.

    He said he expects nothing but excellence and exemplary performance from him, having served as Special Adviser on Local Government Affairs in the former administration.

    He urged the commissioners to lead by example by being role models in their  ministries.

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    Oborevwori said: “To the commissioners, I leave you with no charge other than the one I gave to your colleagues, and I quote.

    “As heads of Ministries, your personal example is the most powerful leadership tool you possess. You must be role models in punctuality, discipline, hard work, excellence, honesty, transparency and accountability. People will do what they see you do, not what you say. Hence, you must endeavour to match your words with actions.

    “Let fairness, equity and justice guide your actions, and you must give every citizen equal opportunity to benefit from our programmes and services. In this regard, you must shun ethnic politics and divisive tendencies. You are to maintain an open door policy in your ministries and be accessible to all and sundry.

    “I wish to reassure ‘Deltans’ that with the distraction of the court cases now behind us, this administration is poised to fully focus on the business of advancing Delta State through accelerated infrastructural development, more job opportunities, improved learning climate in our schools and better working conditions for workers in the public service.

    “What we have achieved in the last seven months will pale in comparison to what we are set to do in the months and years ahead. Rest assured, we are determined to make life richer, better and more fulfilling for all citizens.”

  • Controversy over billboard inscription in Delta council

    Controversy over billboard inscription in Delta council

    • Council boss, others declare Wado City ‘illegal’, demand arrest of promoters

    • Wado convener accuses council leadership of ‘misinformation’

    The erection of a billboard bearing ‘Agbarha Kingdom’ as address in Warri metropolis of Delta State, has been generating controversy in the past few weeks.

    The development, which has resulted in pockets of violence, The Nation learnt, had the Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Dr. Michael Tidi, calling for an emergency security meeting at the council secretariat.

    At the security meeting attended by aggrieved groups, including House of Assembly members representing Warri South Constituency 1 and 2, Austin Uroye and Benson Obire; Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro; Special Adviser to Delta Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Griftson Omatsuli, as well as security agents, it was decided that “anyone fomenting trouble in Warri, over the illegitimate and non-existent Wado City” be arrested.    

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    They condemned the proponents of Wado City, a name they described as “illegal,” as it relates to Warri metropolis, saying only billboards authorised by government should be mounted by any individual or organisations.

    It was also noted at the security meeting that there was nowhere kingdoms are inscribed in addresses of roads and streets across the country.

    But reacting to development, the convener of the Wado City Advocacy, Ejiro Imuere, wondered why Wado City was a subject of such a security meeting when the controversial billboard had no bearing of Wado City.

    Maintaining that the billboard had no affiliation to the Wado City Advocacy, a post on his verified Facebook page, late Monday, accused the council leadership of a “clever attempt to misinform” the public.

    “The U.P.U. billboard is not Wado City billboard. The current crisis is whether or not there is a legal existence of Agbarha kingdom at number 18, Okere Road, Warri South Local Government. That is the subject matter of this crisis. We should not digress.

    “No one has mounted Wado City billboard in Warri South Local Government. No one has mounted Wado City billboard even in any part of Urhobo land. Wado City ideology is still at the advocacy stage.

    “Wado City is not connected at all with the events that happened at number 18, Okere Road, Agbarha kingdom. That is purely a U.P.U. affair. We in Wado City are still consulting with our people. We have not even come with an official statement to that effect. Wado City is simply an Urhobo affair please,” parts of the post read.

    In a follow up statement made available to reporters in Warri, the local government chairman directed security agents to take action on defaulters of the decision, following the reported sighting of another controversial billboard overnight, at Urhobo Cultural Centre, along Okere Road.   

    According to the statement, the billboard with part inscription, ‘No. 18, Okere Road, Otovwodo, Agbarha Kingdom’, was purportedly mounted afresh.

    Dr. Tidi urged the people of Warri South Local Government to go about their legitimate businesses, assuring them of peace and security in the council             

    In a related development, Imuere raised the alarm of an alleged invasion of Odion/Sido area in Warri South, by unidentified arm-wielding youths.

    He claimed: “The chairman of the community reported the incident at the (Police) Area Command, but he was referred to the chairman of Warri South Local Government. He met the chairman, but he (Tidi) was not speaking straight.”

    He, therefore, decried that “there is a calculated attempt to cause unrest in Warri South Local Government” and blamed it on the ever peaceful Wado City Advocacy.

    “It is obvious that key stakeholders of the local government from one of the tribes are involved in this plot.”

    Delta State Police Command could “not confirm” the said invasion.

  • JUST IN: Four feared dead, many injured in Delta autocrash

    JUST IN: Four feared dead, many injured in Delta autocrash

    Four persons were on Thursday, January 25, feared dead in a fatal crash involving a truck, an eighteen seater bus and two motorbikes.

    The accident, which occurred on the Benin-onitsha expressway near Agbor, Ika South LGA, left several others with various injuries.

    The accident which occured at about 3:00 pm on Thursday, involved a heavy duty vehicle, an 18-seater passenger bus and two motorcycles.

    It was learnt some of the victims are in critical conditions at the Central Hospital, Agbor.

    The deceased were deposited at the Central Hospital mortuary in Agbor.

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    A source said the truck laden with merchandise lost control while descending slope by Orogodo River. 

    An eyewitnesses said: “As the driver struggled to control the truck, it crashed into a waiting bus which was parked by the roadside and the driver, scouting for passengers.

    “Aside the bus, the truck also crushed two motorcycles just as the operator of one of the motorcycles was crushed beyond recognition”.

    Some of the sympathisers blamed members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, for parking illegally at the roadside, scouting for passengers.

    Delta State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Udeme Bassey Eshiet, confirmed that accident.

    He said four persons died in the auto crash.

  • Delta challenges boundary commission

    Delta challenges boundary commission

    Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme has urged members of the Committee to ensure quick intervention in boundary related issues, to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    He gave the advice yesterday in Asaba at the inaugural meeting of the Delta State Boundary Committee.

    Chief Onyeme said: “Boundary matters are very sensitive and require appropriate attention as they arise, so as to prevent such from escalating into full blown crisis that can lead to breakdown of law and order.

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    “Since assumption of office, a lot of communities in our state have requested for the intervention of the Boundary Committee in their boundary issues. This shows they have confidence in the ability of the government to proffer solution to their challenges and this made it such, that we must ensure quick intervention whenever such issues arise, to ensure there is peaceful co-existence in all parts of our state.”

    The deputy governor, who also serves as the chairman of the committee, told members about what is expected of them.

    He said the committee is “to deal with inter-local government boundary disputes within the state with a view to resolving them.”

  • Transforming Niger Delta‘s rural economy through farming

    Transforming Niger Delta‘s rural economy through farming

    In a quest to revive the economy through the non-oil sector, the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) came up with an initiative to transform the rural economy via agriculture in the Niger Delta region. JULIANA AGBO writes. 

    A griculture, which is the main economic activity of the rural areas, plays an important part in its development. 

     Farming contributes to rural development by supporting employment, ancillary businesses, and environmental services. 

    However, rural dwellers face a alot of challenges which are lack of productive infrastructure, low agricultural productivity, vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change, poor access to markets, inconsistent government policies, poor gender inclusion, lack of agricultural extension agents, unfavourable programmes, discontinuation of initiatives established by past governments, and outbreaks of pests and diseases. 

    Others are the migration of youths and women farmers from the rural to urban areas to search for greener pastures which is affecting the production of agro commodities such as cassava, rice, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, yam, beans as well as livestock such as cattle, goat poultry and fishery rearing which have the potential to boost the nation’s economy. 

    To bring succour to the rural dwellers which is aimed at ending extreme poverty, reducing inequalities, and addressing discriminatory barriers to prioritise the poor and improve the economy, the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) came up with an initiative called the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger- Delta (LIFE-ND) project. 

    The Nation reports that the LIFE-ND project is a 12-year project broken into two phases of six years each.

    It is an intervention that supports Nigeria’s green alternative roadmap for agriculture and the strategic framework for youth employment and job creation in the country. 

    In this project, LIFE-ND attaches the beneficiaries (Incubatees) to a trainer (Incubator) who is an expert in the business. 

     Participating states are Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo, with focus on seven commodities to include cassava, rice, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery. 

     The LIFE-ND project has a core mandate of empowering youths and women in the Niger Delta by employing the incubation model.This is an agri-entrepreneurship model that seeks to create entrepreneurship along the selected agri-commodity lines. 

     This is aimed at supporting the recovery of micro and small enterprises through financial assistance to restore the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable by catalysing growth and stimulating the agricultural value chains. 

    Key priority commodities were promoted in various states where the LIFE-ND project is being implemented. In Abia State, for example, priority commodities promoted include poultry, rice, oil palm processing and cassava. 

     In Bayelsa State, commodities promoted include poultry, fishery, plantain and cassava. In Cross River State poultry, fishery, rice and cassava. In Delta State, commodities promoted include poultry, fishery, oil palm processing and cassava, while in Edo State, poultry, fishery, rice and cassava were the priority commodities promoted. 

     Project goal and objective 

     The Nation learnt that the goal of LIFE-ND is to realise a transformed rural economy in which the rural population can derive prosperity and equal benefit.The project development objective is to enhance income, food security and job creation for rural youth and women through agri-enterprise development on a sustainable basis in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

      Targeted beneficiaries and jobs created 

    Speaking during a media tour in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the National Programme Coordinator of the project, Sanni Abiodun, said 32,500 people have been targeted, of which 25,500, which include women, youths and people living with disabilities had been reached. 

    Since inception, Abiodun, who said the project covers 10 local governments per state and 100 communities in each state, added that over 12,000 jobs and 15,960 enterprises running across the six participating states of the region had been created. 

    The project coordinator noted that the project has been able to inject over $20 million to the rural economy. 

    He affimed that the LIFE-ND project is an initiative of the Federal Government, in collaborative effort of IFAD/NDDC as well as the state governments of the Niger Delta regions to ensure a sustainable agricultural development and improved income as well as job creation within the region among the youth and women. 

    Furthermore, he said the project has hit the 60 per cent mark as it approaches the fifth year of its implementation. 

    He, however, expressed optimism that by the end of this year, the project should achieve  100 per cent mark. 

    Communications Coordinator, LIFE-ND Project, Jerus Uvieghara, said  more youths would be engaged in the region to further boost the rural economy.

    “We are hoping before the first six years, which will terminate in 2025, that the second phase will start and we will reach out to more youths and women in Niger Delta

     How beneficiaries were supported in states

    In a Bayelsa State, it was observed that beneficiaries have their project in clusters, which is already yielding positive results to families. 

     A beneficiary of the project at Imiringi Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of state, Rita Iluma, an unemployed housewife, said the project has opened the eyes of the youth and women to the potential of livestock farming. 

     She said: “I moved from unemployed housewife seeking daily means to an incubatee of the project who now rear birds and make serious living out of it. 

     ”The programme has a positive influence on me and my family, this has brought so much succour to us.” 

     Another beneficiary, Moses Azibalua, who is physically challenged, said he was trained and given birds and bags of feeds for a start. 

     Azibalua, who said he gets two crates of egg daily, told The Nation he is not just feeding from the proceeds he sells daily, but also planning to extend his business. 

    He said as someone with a disability, who usually depends on people to feed, the programme has made him to be self-dependent. 

     In Delta State where commodities such as poultry, fishery, oil palm processing and cassava are prioritized, beneficiaries who spoke to The Nation said the LIFE-ND project has been a game changer since its inception in the state. 

     A beneficiary, Jekpu Oghene, in Ofuoma Community, Ughelli North local government in Delta State, who is into oil palm production and processing, said the project introduced processing machines which has eased their stress during processing of oil palm production and palm kernel breaking. 

     He said the project provided a palm kernel selector, working tools like rain boots and hand gloves for him to ease processing. The selector, he said, it’s used for separating the shaft from the kernel. 

     Oghene said five people were trained for about one month and half on how to operate the machine. He added that eight women and 10 men are currently working in the oil palm mill. 

      Another beneficiary, Sunday Kelvin, a physically challenged youth in the same community, said the project supported him with 1,000 fingerlings and 25 bags of fish feed to start up a pond. Kelvin, who said he was trained for four months by his Incubator, said the LIFE-ND project has given him self-empowerment. 

      ”I hope to expand my fish pond from the proceeds I get from this empowerment intervention”. In Jeddo Community of Okpe Local Government, Delta State, a fish feed producer, Mr Evidence Oki, whose facility produces a minimum of 250kg per hour, said the intervention given to him by the LIFE-ND project helps fish farmers to get feeds at lower cost. 

      Oki, who is also serving as an incubator (trainer) to youths learning fish feed production under the project said, he uses locally fabricated machines to produce the feeds. 

      The feed producer uses materials like blood from domestic animals, groundnut cake, cassava flour, scrap fish meal, soya meals, wheat, palm kernel cake, multivitamin booster, among others. 

     Due to the quality materials Oki uses to produce the feeds, he said fish farmers patronise him more than the branded feed in the market as it’s very expensive to buy. 

      He said: “The locally made feed has similar nutrients with the branded ones in the market”.    In Edo State, where commodities like poultry, fishery, rice and cassava were promoted, beneficiaries of the project have offered testimonies of how the intervention has impacted their lives.

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     During a visit to the cassava processing facility at Obiogba Community in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State where the LIFE-ND project intervention empowered both men and women, beneficiaries showcased their skills learnt on the operation of machinery at the facilities  visited.

     A beneficiary of the project, Arimokwu Philomina, who is an NCE holder said, the project intervention has brought a lot of positive change to the life of her family.

     Philomina, who is into cassava production said the LIFE-ND project trained her on cassava  standardisation, measurement, weight.

     The young farmer who said she is currently harvesting her two hectares of farm land said the training has helped her especially in the measurement of cassava without  being cheated. 

     Speaking on other support obtained from the project, she said she was supported with a working capital which she used in renting her farm land, clearing, planting and weeding.

     She said: “I’m into cassava production, I have two hectares of farm land. This programme has done so much for me, it has created a great impact on my family”.

     Another beneficiary, Tyson Idahosa, who is a poultry farmer, said he has been able to build himself since the project started.

     Idahosa noted that the financial support, rain boots, jackets, birds, feeds and other poultry items given to them, life has been encouraging.

     A beneficiary of the project, Ernest Iduwoye, said he has always dreamt of being a poultry farmer before getting the opportunity to work under the LIFE-ND project.

     Iduwoye said since he started the project which he was supported with drinkers, chicks, and feeds, his financial strength has grown from the lowest level to being an independent man. 

     He said: “I have always dreamt of being a poultry farmer until this project came”.

     Speaking on the impact of the intervention, Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND in Edo State, 

    Mr. John Omoruyi, said it has boosted the rural economy through employment opportunities.

     Omoruyi said 2,215 have been engaged in the project so far. He added that it has also addressed the issue of youthful unrest in the state.

     “The core objective of the lifend project is to check youths unrest among the Niger Delta State also employment and overall promote rural economy via agric prenuer and agri-business. 

     “This involves youths across 10 local governments in each state and 100 communities in each state”.

  • Delta, NDLEA to tackle illicit drug use among youths

    Delta, NDLEA to tackle illicit drug use among youths

    Delta Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has voiced concerns over rising cases of illicit drug use among youths in the state.

    He said his administration aims to curb the menace in the state through campaigns and rehabilitation strategies, including the reintegration into society via wealth and job creation programmes under the administration’s MORE agenda.

    Oborevwori who spoke, yesterday, in a Delta Broadcasting Service live radio programme, said he is committed to the wellbeing of citizens, and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of illegal drugs in the state.

    Speaking through an aide, Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe disclosed that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has officially indicated interest to partner with the State Orientation Bureau.

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    He added that the synergy shall, to a large extent, reduce the menace, if not completely eradicate it from the state.

    Oghenesivbe assured that the Bureau’s campaign shall cut across the three senatorial districts; Delta Central, Delta North and Delta South, and that the anti-drug agency’s personnel would expose the dangers of use of illicit drugs and the legal implications.

    He said the state government under the social security and citizens welfare programmes will rehabilitate drug addicts and enrol them into the wealth and job creation programmes, as they willingly or voluntarily submit themselves for government assistance during and after the Bureau’s joint sensitisation exercise with NDLEA.

    He said, “I can tell you for free that the state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, takes the issue of substance abuse and use of illegal drugs very seriously.

    “Campaign against drug abuse and use of illegal drugs shall be given prime attention. And am happy to inform you and Deltans that the Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially indicated interest to partner with Delta State Orientation Bureau, in the area of sensitisation to reduce or eradicate the unfortunate menace.

    “We are targeting Colleges and Institutions of higher learning in the state. We shall be on ground at various campuses with NDLEA officials to articulate the dangers of illicit drugs and substance abuse, as well as the criminal elements and prosecution associated with the crime.”

    It is obviously a crime to use illegal drugs. The laws are there and very potent.

    “Government cherishes the life of every Deltans, and is very much interested to see the consistent progress of our youth across the three senatorial districts. It’s a good and wise investment to talk our youth out of drug abuse and use of illegal drugs.

     “More importantly, the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, neither smokes nor drinks alcohol. In that respect, he would do anything lawful and reasonable to help drive the campaign to a logical conclusion.

    “That’s what Advancing Delta is all about. It’s about saving lives, about the prosperity and wellbeing of Deltans. It’s about good governance in all ramifications.”

  • Alleged hijack: N’Delta ex-militants petition FG, threaten to shutdown gas plant

    Alleged hijack: N’Delta ex-militants petition FG, threaten to shutdown gas plant

    • From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

    The Chairmen of the Delta and Edo States Phase 2 Ex-Agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, weekend, petitioned President Bola Tinubu and the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu (retd), over N320 million alleged to have been hijacked by six Ex-agitators from Ekianwuru camp in Bayelsa State.

    The Phase 2 Ex-Agitators who had also threatened to shut down the Utorogun Gas Plant if after two weeks of this publication, the N320 million is not submitted for sharing among the Niger Delta states Ex-Agitators, accused the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu (Retd) of poor handling of affairs of the Ex-Agitators in the region.

    In a press briefing held in Warri by the Delta State Chairman, Gen. Solomon Adu, the Edo State Chairman, Gen. London Gbuke and Gen Julius Belemu from Bayelsa said the N320 million alleged to have been hijacked by few ex militants from Bayelsa is meant for the entire phase 2 Ex-Agitators in the Niger Delta region.

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    They said the N320 million cannot be hijacked by few persons from Bayelsa in the name of Ekianwuru Ex-Agitators Camp because they are at the forefront of struggle for the money and the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu is not saying or doing anything about it.

    Expressing their displeasure, the Phase ll Ex-Agitators had said that whether the Six Ex-Agitators were the ones who went to court to fight for the money or not, that it is not enough reason for such money to be hijacked N320 million belonging to the Niger Delta Phase 2 Ex-Agitators.

    The Niger Delta Phase 2 Ex-Agitators have given strong threat that they will not hesitate to carry out their action if now and the next 14 days the issue is not addressed or given immediate attention by the led administration of Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu (retd) to avoid issues in the region.

  • Reps urge inclusion of Delta coastal road construction in 2024 budget estimates

    Reps urge inclusion of Delta coastal road construction in 2024 budget estimates

    The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to include the construction of Oko-Abala Osunili-Utchi-Okpai- Abala Agada-Aboh-Umolu-Onyia-Osafo road through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the 2024 budget estimates.

    It also urged the Federal Ministries of Works, Niger-Delta Affairs, Delta State Government, and Niger–Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate with private investors, and local communities to ensure implementation of the infrastructure project.

    The Committees on Niger-Delta Development Commission, Works and Appropriations were mandated to ensure compliance.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Construct Coastal Road to Connect Communities in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency” moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.

    The House noted that the transportation challenges experienced by residents of the River Niger Coastal Communities, spanning from Asaba-Oko in Oshimili South Local Government Area to Abala osumili-Utchi-Okpai-Abalagada-Aboh-Umolu-Onyia-Osafo in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, approximately 102 kilometres.

    The House also noted that the proposed road will pass through Nigeria’s major oil and gas-producing communities, which are home to the largest natural gas reserve in the West African subregion.

    The House said it was aware that the longstanding plea for a coastal road in Ndokwa East Local Government Area is needed to bridge the gap with urban areas, particularly the capital city of Asaba to improve accessibility to essential services like quality healthcare, social amenities and job opportunities.

    The House said it was also aware that the proposed coastal road will enhance connectivity, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural development in Ndokwa’s coastal communities, improving overall living standards and addressing limited accessibility.

    It recognised that Ndokwa East Coastal Communities are comprised of agricultural settlements renowned for producing farm produce such as yams, cassavas, and plantains, but, the absence of proper

    transportation infrastructure hampers accessibility to markets thus, impedes economic progress.

    It was cognizant of the limitations in transporting agricultural produce from Ndokwa’s coastal communities to

    market.

    It was also cognizant that constructing the coastal road will establish a direct and reliable route, facilitating the transportation of commuters and distribution of agricultural products.

    The House noted the tremendous economic potentials of agriculture and connectivity The study highlights the economic potential of agriculture and the connectivity benefits of a coastal road and the Asaba�Onitsha bridge, which connect coastal communities.

    The House said it was aware of the economic potential of agriculture and the benefits of a coastal road and the Asaba-Onitsha Bridge, which when connected to neighbouring communities will boost commerce and transportation

    efficiency, thus creating opportunities for regional trade and enhancing overall nation’s overall economic development.

    The House also recognize the importance of linking Asaba and the Second Niger Bridge to the vibrant Onitsha market, the largest market in West Africa will unlock immense economic opportunities, promoting trade,

    and commerce, and attracting investments to the region.

    The lawmaker also submitted a petition against result withholding and JAMB regularization hurdles at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State. 

    “I also submitted a petition on behalf of a student concerning the Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State. The grievance pertains to the Rector’s alleged withholding of backlog results and the obstruction of students from participating in JAMB regularization exercises, a privilege enjoyed by their counterparts in other institutions and thus extending their due graduation date,” he said.

  • Delta trains 110 facilitatorsfor Fed Govt’s scheme

    Delta trains 110 facilitatorsfor Fed Govt’s scheme

    No fewer than 110 facilitators in Delta State have begun training aimed at enrolment of beneficiaries into the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

    The cash transfer programme is a partnership between the World Bank, federal and state governments targeted at uplifting 15 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

    Delta State Head of the Cash Transfer Unit, Mrs. Modupe Osharode, spoke in Asaba during a one day workshop for cash transfer facilitators from the 25 local governments.

    She said the beneficiaries were expected to receive a monthly stipend of N25,000 for a three-month period.

    Osharode said: “The part the state plays is to facilitate enrolment of the beneficiaries, but the Federal Government pays the money.

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    “They (facilitators) know their local governments, they know their communities, they know their terrain very well, so they work as foot soldiers.

    “What I want to tell the communities is that the register is credible, our duty is just to disclose the list so that they will come out and check if their names are there.”

    She said the focus of the exercise were the over 60,000 unbanked households in the state social register.

    “Most times, we target the adult female in the household. She is the person that comes out for the household, but the money is for the use of the household.

    “What we are set to do is to go and look for the unbanked ones, so that they can open accounts for them.”

    Some of the facilitators expressed readiness to accomplish the task of enumerating beneficiaries, following the training by the state Cash Transfer Unit.

  • Delta govt, NNPCL, UTM to develop floating LNG project 

    Delta govt, NNPCL, UTM to develop floating LNG project 

    Delta State Government says it has signed an agreement for the development of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and a private investor, UTM Offshore Ltd.

    A statement yesterday by Chief Press Secretary to Delta Governor, Festus Again, quoted the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, as signing on behalf of the state government, while the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari and Group Managing Director, Julius Rone, signed for NNPC Limited and UTM Offshore.

    The statement said Delta State Government would own eight per cent share of the project, NNPC Ltd, 20 per cent and UTM Offshore, 72 per cent.

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    The ceremony was held in Abuja.

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said his government took eight per cent in floating LNG project because of its conviction of the strategic importance of the project to the national economy.

    He added that with 40 per cent of Nigeria’s proven gas reserves in the state, it was a worthy investment. 

    Kyari hailed Oborevwori for not just being a promoter of gas development in the country, but for also investing in gas projects.

    Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekprikpe Ekpo, noted that it was time for the country to begin the monetisation of its huge gas reserves for the development of the economy.  

    UTM Group Managing Director, Mr. Rone, said the signing ceremony marked another significant milestone in actualising Nigeria’s first indigenous FLNG.