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Tag: Ifeanyi Okowa

  • Delta to establish Army Brigade in Asaba

    The Delta Government says an Army Brigade would soon be established in the state capital, Asaba.

    The Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba.

    He said that it was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Ukah said that the council approved the purchase of a landed property to fast track the establishment of the brigade.

    According to the commissioner, the decision to purchase an existing property, as opposed to erecting a new structure, is to facilitate the establishment of the Brigade.

    He said that the Brigade would be located at Kilometre 2, Anwai-Illah Road, opposite the Government House.

    Read Also: Delta Assembly extends tenure of DESOPADEC board by six months

    “With the brigade in place, security in Asaba and environs will be beefed up to ensure safety of lives and property,’’ Ukah said.

    He also said that the council approved the Delta State Economic and Fiscal Update, a Fiscal Strategy Paper and a Budget Policy Framework, 2019-2021.

    “With this approval, the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, can now present the 2019 budget to the State House of Assembly in September, with a view to getting the budget passed by January 2019,’’ he said.

    Ukah said that the council also approved the construction of an access road from the NPA Expressway by former Protea Hotel in Warri to the Warri refinery.

  • Okowa urge action to check youth’s restiveness, criminality

    Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged concerted efforts to get the youths engaged to check restiveness and criminality in the country.

    Governor Okowa made the call on Wednesday in Asaba when he received a team of World Bank, European Union and Federal Government officials who were in the state to assess the level of implementation of State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) projects.

    According to the governor, “We thank the World Bank for the efforts, but, there are still very big gaps in our country and we know that partnering with the private sector as a state, we would be able to find other means to attend to the gaps that are still existing in the area of youths unemployment because, once we are able to do that, we would be able to achieve and sustain the security and peace that we have in the state.”

    Okowa disclosed that getting the youths engaged was in line with his administration’s commitment to making the youth’s job creators through the different youth’s employment and wealth creation programmes of his administration.

    Read Also: Okowa decries high number of IDPs

    His words, “We are happy with the partnership between World Bank and the European Union, we are happy that the youth empowerment components is working in Delta State as over 700 youths have been trained and empowered through this partnership and they are on their own,” he said, adding, “we hope that this collaboration will continue to improve by the day.”

    While noting that his administration has spent a lot of money to ensure the empowerment of youths, Governor Okowa, stated that the youths are also working hard to achieve results as “the price of hard work is to continue to work harder.”

    The team leader, Mr. Brar Parminder lauded Governor Okowa’s administration for ensuring that the SEEFOR projects are succeeding in the state, disclosing that they were impressed with the success stories of the SEEFOR programmes in the 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.

     

  • New home for Delta police special squad

    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 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.

     

  • 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.

     

  • Okowa denies backing Atiku’s Presidential ambition

    Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has denied backing PDP presidential aspirant Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on his presidential ambition in the 2019 general elections.

    He said as a Governor he is not expected to endorse any presidential aspirant.

    Okowa said although the former vice president made statements that have endeared him to many Deltans, delegates from Delta State at the forthcoming PDP convention “will be allowed to exercise their discretion in their vote”.

    He said, “When he talked to Deltans, it was obvious that he made a lot of statements that interested our people and as I did say he is a friend of the state and if his programmes continue to interest the people,I will not be able to hold back the hands of the people.”

    Okowa who spoke at an interactive session with reporters on Wednesday in Asaba- the Delta State Capital said another PDP presidential aspirant Sule Lamido who visited the State recently was also well received, adding that Lamido has many loyalists in the State

    He said he hoped all PDP presidential aspirants will begin to talk to each other as not all of them will get into the final stages.

    Read Also: ‘Okowa has done nothing to get our votes’

    On the statement credited to new APC chairman, Adams Oshiomhole that his major task is to destroy PDP, Okowa cautioned politicians to exercise decorum, adding that he does not like grandstanding.

    He said,” Everybody has the right to play politics but they have to be very careful with the choice of words they use. The people want to hear what will please them and nothing else”.

    On the alleged sack of Delta Line workers, Okowa, said they were not sacked but relieved of their work after all incentives and benefits were being paid to them.

    He said, “Delta Line is a commercial venture and it is supposed to make money for itself but overtime the government has been pouring money into it but the return is millions of debts.”

    Continuing, “The only workable vehicles were only 80 and the rest were at different mechanic workshops across the state. And a situation were 5 drivers are attached to one vehicle is not acceptable.”

    “We all agreed that Delta Line workers should be relieved and they left with what is entitled to them. They are being owed 8 months and gradually, we are paying them all and the new management will retain about 120 workers.

    On rumor that 500 DESOPADEC workers have being deployed to the Delta State Traffic Management Agency, DESTMA, Okowa have denied knowledge of such deployment, adding that he was only aware of some of staff of DESOPADEC who were not working but were deployed to Post Primary schools for teaching

    He expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the section A of Ughelli/Isoko/Asaba road by the contractor  handling the project, adding  that the work will recommence during the dry season

  • Okowa commissions multi-million Naira market in Delta creeks

    Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned several projects in the riverine communities including the Burutu multi million naira markets in Burutu L.G.A.

    The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro and top government functionaries, at a town hall meeting in Burutu ,  stated that his administration was committed to executing developmental projects in the riverine communities of the state.

    Some of the projects he commissioned and inspected during the visit include, Burutu township roads, Obotobo-Sokebulou road, Burutu ultra-modern market, among others.

    “There is a lot of challenges associated in constructing roads in this area, the contractor handling the 18.9 kilometre Obotobo/Yokri road had to get a mobile asphalt plant and with the pace of work, we hope to come back very soon for commissioning,” the Governor said, adding, “I will like to be remembered for the commitment of my administration to developing riverine communities.”

    Read Also: Okowa Calls for private-public partnership

    Continuing, “It is my hope to bring people at the federal level to commission projects at the riverine areas.”

    Okowa decried calls for the establishment of more institutions of higher learning in the state, disclosing that he was committed to ensuring full accreditation of courses offered by the existing institutions in the state for the benefits of the students and Deltans in general.

    While commending the high turn-out of people for the town hall meeting despite the difficult terrain of the area, Governor Okowa commended the people for keeping the peace which has made it possible for development activities to take place.

    Chairman of the local government council, Hon. Godknows Angele  said the people of the area will reciprocate Governor Okowa’s commitment to developing the area by re-electing him in  2019 to continue with his good works.

    Others who spoke at the occasion thanked the Governor for attracting development to the area which was hitherto, avoided because of its difficult terrain.

    Earlier, the Governor and his entourage paid a courtesy visit on the traditional ruler of Ogulagha kingdom Carp. Joseph Timiyan.

    The traditional ruler thanked Governor Okowa for initiating several people oriented projects in Burutu.