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Tag: Delta

  • Delta approves N600m fund for SDGs

    Delta approves N600m fund for SDGs

    Delta Government has approved the release of N600 million counterpart fund for the implementation of the 2017 Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) cycle in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, who disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba, said it was part of the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Ukah said that the council also approved the construction and rehabilitation of more roads across the state to open up linkages between rural communities and urban centers.

    He also said that at the completion of the roads, agrarian communities would be encouraged to evacuate their produce to various markets in line with the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa agenda of prosperity for all Deltans.

    Also the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Vincent Uduaghan, who responded to questions on the state divestment of its 60 per cent share in Delta Line Transport Company, said the move was apt.

    Uduaghan said that the state transport company had degenerated to the extent that it could not pay salaries of its workers among other bills despite many years of government investments and support.

    According to the commissioner, Delta Line debt now stands at over N500 million.

    “Year in, year out, the record is there that government has invested in Delta Line but the expectation is not what happened.

    “So, in looking for a way forward, the state divesting 60 per cent of its share in Delta Line is the right way to ensure an effective, efficient and result oriented transport company for all Deltans and Nigerians to enjoy,” he said.

    Also, the Commissioner for Finance, David Edevwie, said that the 60 per cent share in the company amounted to about N160 million, adding that negotiation was on to ensure that most of the over 800 staff of Delta Line were retained.

    He said that though the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) with the preferred bidder, God is Good Motors; discussion was on to ensure that the right staff were recruited.

    According to Edevwie, the preferred bidder has the expertise and would introduce new technologies to make the transport company safer, accountable and viable.

    “To the best of my knowledge, I can count three times that government had pumped in millions into Delta Line and at the end there is no result to show for it.

    “The company cannot pay its workers salary, creditors, so the issue has been debated in the Council before we arrived at where we are today, which is the signing of MoU.

    “We have not completed the process, there is still going to be lots of discussion with union of Delta Line Company and I am sure at the end we will fare better than we have had over the past 17 years that the company had existed,” the commissioner said.

    Edevwie said that the new management would also shoulder the company’s liabilities of well over N500 million.

    The commissioner also spoke on the delay in completing the Multi-billion Naira Independent Power Plant (IPP) at Oghara, Ethiope East Local Government Area, saying it was due to paucity of fund.

    He said that government was considering to divest part of its share in the project, or sell it off, after a complete review of the project.

    Edevwie disclosed that the government had engaged an adviser on the way forward on the IPP project, adding that a definite decision would be taken before December.

  • Four killed in midnight terror attack in Delta

    A midnight gun attack on the Hausa community in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has left four persons dead.

    The Friday night attack by unknown people occurred at  Abraka market area of the city.

    The Nation gathered yesterday that the assailants who were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons stormed the settlement while residents were asleep, and started shooting indiscriminately.

    Dead were three men and a woman.

    Several other people were injured.

    A source who spoke to The Nation said the assailants also threw an explosive device into a mosque at Cable point.

    A resident was said to have picked up the bomb, and threw it into the river before it could explode.

    Witness said armed soldiers and policemen razed to the scene to give the invaders a chase.

    The security agents took the injured persons to the hospital for treatment and deposited the bodies of the dead at the mortuary.

    The State Police command confirmed the incident and said it had arrested two suspected IPOB members in connection with the incident.

    Police spokesman, DSP Andrew Aniamaka said detectives were on the trail of a third suspect simply known as “Last Burial”.

    Aniamaka said the suspects were arrested from their hiding place in the rafters of a major hotel in Abraka area in Asaba-the Delta State Capital.

    He said: “The Delta Police Command has in the early hours of Saturday, 16th September, 2017 arrested two suspects namely: Abraham Ndudi ‘m’, 24 years old from Kwale, Delta State and Okereke Ifeanyi ‘m’, 21 yrs from Ogbaru in Anambra State for their involvement in the dastardly shooting and killing of four persons at Abraka market, Asaba yesterday, Friday, September 15th, 2017 at about 10.45pm. The suspects, who were arrested from their hiding place on the ceiling of a major hotel in Abraka, Asaba, where they had fled into in their dire bid to escape arrest, are already helping the police in their investigation. Meanwhile, efforts are on top gear to arrest the third suspect, whose real name is yet unknown but simply identified as Last Burial”.

    The statement named those killed as Usman Abdullahi ‘m’, aged 45yrs, Ali Sidi ‘m’, aged 70yrs, Ibrahim Zubairu’m’ aged 30yrs and Hauwa (surname unknown), aged 22yrs.

    It said five injured victims are currently recuperating at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba

    The Police urged the public not “to panic or even contemplate any reprisal action as the law will surely take its course’.

     

  • Blast: Four killed in midnight attack in Delta

    Four persons have been killed in Abraka market area in Asaba, the Delta State capital following an attack by yet unknown assailants.

    The assailants, who invaded the Hausa/Fulani settlement at about 12pm on Friday night at the market within the Asaba metropolis, killed three men, one woman and left several others with injuries.

     Armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, the suspected killers shot sporadically into where the people were sleeping.

    A source who spoke to The Nation said the assailants also threw  an explosive device into their Mosque at Cable point, adding that a man picked up the bomb and threw it into the river before it could explode.

    The source who pleaded anonymity at press time, said armed soldiers and policemen came to their rescue, chasing the suspected invaders away.

    He said the security agents took the injured persons to the hospital for treatment and deposited the corpses of the deceased at the mortuary.  He lamented that they did not sleep all through the night.

     Delta State Police Commissioner ,Ibrahim Zanna confirmed the incident, but said no arrest has been made yet.

  • One suspected ritualist killed in Delta

    One suspected ritualist was killed yesterday and two others, including a female herbalist, were arrested in Sapele in Delta State.

        This followed information linking them to the death of a commercial motorcyclist.

    The suspects were alleged to have removed the private part of the motorcyclist before dumping his body on Warri/Sapele Road.

    A source said the deceased was killed at Amukpe, a surburb of Sapele, where two of the suspects asked him to take them to.

    A police source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, alleged that the suspects operated at Adeje/Elume junction and Ibada/Elume, where they robbed motorcyclists, killed them before cutting off their parts.

    He said they were arrested by soldiers of 19 Battalion, Koko, following a tip-off by members of Amukpe Vigilance Group.

    The source said one of them was killed and others were taken to Sapele Police Station.

    A member of the gang,  a herbalist, Mr. Victor Moses, is giving the police information.

    Calls made and text messages sent to police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka to confirm the incident were not responded to.

  • Edo, Delta, Cross River fish farmers get equipment

    The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), in partnership  with the United States  Agency for International Development (USAID), yesterday empowered eight fish farmers cooperative groups with fish smoking equipment.

    The farmers were drawn from Cross River, Delta, Ondo and Edo.

    Speaking at the presentation in Ibadan, Mrs Abimbola Okoya, executive director of BATNF, said foundation seek to support small holder farmers in venturing into  commercial farming.

    Okoya said the fish farmers were trained on how to use the equipment, adding that this  will add value to their business in preservation and  packaging.

    She said there were many unhealthy smoked fish in the market as a result of poor preservation and the use of unconsumable chemicals.

    “I encourage you to make effective use of this equipment and train other members of your community.

    “We would continue to monitor everyone to ensure that you make use of the equipment effectively,’’ she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Kayode Faleti, the southern coordinator of  USAID, urged beneficiaries to be diligent in carrying out their farming business.

    Faleti said the foundation would reduce the  post-harvest losses  of farmers  and increase  their income through value addition.

    “With this smoking equipment,  you can determine when to sell your product and when to keep them instead of hurrying to sell at a loss for fear of the fish getting spoilt.

  • Edo, Delta, Cross River fish farmers get equipment

    The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), in partnership  with the United States  Agency for International Development (USAID), yesterday empowered eight fish farmers cooperative groups with fish smoking equipment.

    The farmers were drawn from Cross River, Delta, Ondo and Edo.

    Speaking at the presentation in Ibadan, Mrs Abimbola Okoya, executive director of BATNF, said foundation seek to support small holder farmers in venturing into  commercial farming.

    Okoya said the fish farmers were trained on how to use the equipment, adding that this  will add value to their business in preservation and  packaging.

    She said there were many unhealthy smoked fish in the market as a result of poor preservation and the use of unconsumable chemicals.

    “I encourage you to make effective use of this equipment and train other members of your community.

    “We would continue to monitor everyone to ensure that you make use of the equipment effectively,’’ she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Kayode Faleti, the southern coordinator of  USAID, urged beneficiaries to be diligent in carrying out their farming business.

    Faleti said the foundation would reduce the  post-harvest losses  of farmers  and increase  their income through value addition.

    “With this smoking equipment,  you can determine when to sell your product and when to keep them instead of hurrying to sell at a loss for fear of the fish getting spoilt.

  • Delta youth body alleges marginalisation of lsoko nation

    The umbrella body of lsoko youth groups, Isoko National Youth Assembly, at the weekend, lamented ‘’the gross marginalisation’’ of the Isoko nation by successive governments and multi-national companies.

    Speaking at a news conference in Aradhe, Isoko North Local Government Area, its national president, Comrade Ovie Omuakpo, said Isoko nation was backward in all spheres of life.

    He said: “The Federal Government should open talks with Isoko elders and youth leaders, with a view to enrolling into the Amnesty programme, and discard the notion that communities can only benefit only when they take to violent or strong agitation.

    “As a youth group, we embarked on massive campaigns to discourage our youth from violence as a means for development.

    ‘’We also condemned the poor maintenance of oil facilities owned by Nigeria Petroleum Development Company that led to spillage at Ogini flow station recently.

    “We give NPDC the next few weeks to clean up the oil spillage in Ogini flow station or be ready to face the wrath of the Isoko nation as they may have no other option than to shut down its operations on Isoko land.

    “OML 30 ,which covers 1,095 Sqkm and 11 oil fields with Isoko communities making up 60 per cent, is of concern to Isoko nation, and we were shocked that the Community Development Board (CDB), constituted by Heritage Energy, the operator, was lopsided and does not reflect the true position of equities of the resources being contributed to the setup as no one from the Isoko extraction is at the managerial cadre.”

  • BEDC, Thames Energy, Delta seal 20Mw plant deal

    Efforts at ensuring that over 200 commercial entities in Ozoro Local Government Area of Delta State benefit from power supply have got a boost as the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thames Energy Limited and the Delta State Government on the construction of 20megawatts (Mw) power plant.

    The MoU signing ceremony, which took place at BEDC head office in Benin, Edo State capital, signaled a tripartite partnership that is expected to galvanize the potentials of several commercial entities in addition to rejuvenating the economy of the Isoko people, as well as make the area an economic hub for Delta State.

    BEDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, according to a statement from the company, said the company was poised to make the project a reality with a view to improving on the socio-economic development of the Isoko people and Delta State.

    Mrs Osibodu stated that no urban renewal or development would be complete without power supply, adding that BEDC’s involvement in the deal was necessitated by the quest and commitment to improve the quality of life of customers through the provision of reliable and stable electricity supply.

    The firm’s Executive Director, Commercial, Dr. Abu Ejoor, also commended the people of Ozoro for creating a peaceful and friendly environment for the project to take off. He said the project when completed will improve the lots of the people, create jobs, reduce poverty and create enterprise.

    Also, Thames Energy Limited Managing Director, Mr. Akpovi Oyo, assured that the power plant project would be completed within 18 months, saying that power was one of the biggest industries which required tapping into to enable sustenance of the economy.

    According to him, the rationale for the project is to ginger the state to improve the lot of people, create jobs and reduce poverty, explaining that “it is an off-grid project where 20mw of electricity will be installed in the first phase, while the second, third and fourth phases will come be based on demand.

    “In a couple of weeks, a ground breaking ceremony will be held for construction to kick off immediately,” he said, adding that Delta State required five of such power plants in key areas.”

    The Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Hon. Ilolo Oghenekaro, commended BEDC for its display of professionalism in the packaging of the project, noting that the government was committed to the development of key infrastructure that will improve the economy.

    He said: “You cannot renew any urban centre without critical infrastructure like power, hence the basis for the Delta State Government’s partnership with BEDC and Thames Energy on the project.

    “Power is one of the biggest industries that is emerging out of the 21st industry, which will be bigger than telecoms and there is need to key in into the sector in such a way that it will help everybody. Delta State is willing to provide any form of assistance to make this project a success.”

    He stated that when completed, the project would boost business activities and create jobs, adding that it is a watershed. He expressed hope that the partnership will bear fruit.

    Isoko nation President-General, High Chief Iduh Amadhe praised  BEDC’s commitment to Isoko nation assuring that they will create an enabling environment for the project to succeed.

  • Kidnapping is on downward trend – Okowa

    Kidnapping is on downward trend – Okowa

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday said the spate of kidnapping and other security challenges were on the downward trend in the state.

    Okowa made the the remark shortly after the State Security Council meeting in Warri.

    The meeting was held with the heads of security agents in the state.

    Addressing newsmen, the governor said the synergy between the state and the security agencies, especially in information sharing had helped to reduce crimes and promoted peace in the state.

    “Every two weeks, we sit with security chiefs to analyse security situation in the state.

    “Today, it is heartwarming to note that issues of kidnapping and other security challenges came up, it was discovered that they are on downward trend.

    “I assure that this administration will continue to encourage the good working relationship with the security agencies,” he said.

    Okowa commended traditional and other community leaders for the effective collaboration with the state government to engage the youth to embrace peace.

    He, however, expressed displeasure that the issue of illegal oil bunkering still persisted in spite of several measures adopted by the security agents to halt the menace.

    Okowa said that the Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro had been mandated to go on advocacy visit to areas like the Ogulagha Community where there were threat to oil facilities.

  • Killing of PDP chieftain sparks protest in Delta community

    Killing of PDP chieftain sparks protest in Delta community

    •We’ve arrested three suspects -Police

    Protest rocked Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State last Friday, following the killing of a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, Mr Felix Okugbeni, by unidentified gunmen.

    Until his death, Okugbeni was the chairman of the party in Ward 4, Ughwagba community in Okpe Local Government Area.

    It was learnt that Okugbeni was shot dead on his way home shortly after he and other party chieftains held a meeting with a politician in the state.

    Sources said that the politician was riding in his tricycle (keke Marwa) with a lady, identified as Gloria, when the gunmen shot him.

    It was gathered that the tricycle was riddled with bullets while the lady also suffered gunshot wounds and she is now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

    “The ward chairman was shot severally in the abdomen and chest by the gunmen until they were sure that he was dead before they fled the scene. The lady riding with him was also shot, but she did not die and is now being treated in a private hospital in an unknown location,” an impeccable source told our reporter.

    The incident, The Nation learnt ignited protests  in the community, which according to sources, is battling with a lingering leadership tussle in a local youth association.

    Several houses were razed by a mob as residents fled the community for fear of being attacked or killed.

    Another source said:’’ Okugbeni, after the visit of the politician, left the community on his tricycle and it was on his return home to his house in company of a lady that he was shot by suspected gunmen on his arrival, while the lady sustained bullet wounds.

    “What l cannot confirm now is whether the attack was as a result of the visit of the politician or because of the lingering youth leadership tussle that has been on over time, but it coincided with the visit of the politician to the ward; that is why it has left tongues wagging on possible political undertone.

    “There has been issue of youth leadership tussle in Ughwagba community, where some highly placed persons were trying to impose someone suspected to be a cultist on the community. The move was opposed by the deceased, who insisted that Ughwagba is a peaceful community and they cannot allow a cultist to take the leadership of the youth  but whether that was what led to this killing is what I cannot say.

    “We also believe that there are some highly placed persons in the community that we feel might be behind the incident and we are calling on the police to do a thorough investigation, so that the culprits and those still on the run are brought to book.

    “What sparked the destruction and burning of houses by angry mobs was when the rumour filtered into town that the ward chairman had been killed, and probably the community youths suspected some persons who may have committed the crime.”

    It was however gathered that the Orerokpe Police Division arrested some suspects in connection with the incident.

    Police sources said the suspects were later transferred to the State’s Police Command headquarters, Asaba while manhunt has been launched for other suspects on the run.

    Meanwhile, members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, led by Chief Dick Gberevbie and Mr. Adolor Gberevbie, have paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family of the slain politician.

    Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Delta State Police Command, Andrew Aniamaka, said some suspects have been arrested, adding that the case is being investigated by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba.