The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Okowa

  • Okowa to Uduaghan: show your legacy projects

    Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged his predecessor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, to show the legacy projects he left behind in his eight years as governor.

    He described Uduaghan’s eight-year rule as “uneventful”.

    Okowa noted that Deltans are impressed with the developmental efforts of the PDP, and will return him for a second term.

    Uduaghan had alleged that the present administration is on a vindictive mission to bulldose his legacy.

    But in a swift reaction, Information Commissioner Patrick Ukah, in a briefing yesterday in Asaba, the capital,  urged Uduaghan to stop dragging the Okowa-led administration “into his dwindling political fortune just to deceive the public and possibly score cheap political points”.

    Ukah challenged Uduaghan to show the world the legacy he left behind, which he alleged the Okowa administration has destroyed.

    According to Ukah, the Uduaghan administration’s free health care programme, with a yearly budget of N700 million providing health care  neglected rural communities where the “real people that need free health care resides”.

    He said Uduaghan’s free health care was limited and had no provision for referrals of serious cases, adding that no records of those receiving the services were kept.

    In contrast, Ukah said the present administration’s free health care had been expanded to include PHCs and expectant mothers and under five children.

    He derided Uduaghan’s inability to vie for the Senate as a sitting governor boasting about leading a mission to unseat Okowa.

    ”A man who couldn’t summon the courage to vie for a senatorial election as a sitting governor is here boasting about leading a failed mission to unseat a hardworking governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who is committed to cleaning up the mess he left behind in his uneventful and sad era as governor.”

  • Okowa signs DESOPADEC bill, other into law

    Delta State governor,Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday,  assented to a bill to outlaw illegal and forceful entry into landed properties.

    The practice is known as “deve” in local parlance.

    Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, accompanied by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, and other principal officers presented the bill known as, “Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Bill 2018 to the governor for assent at Government House, Asaba.

    Okowa also assented to a bill to amend the Delta State Oil Producing Area Developmental Commission (DESOPADEC) law.

    The governor at the occasion, promised to assent to other bills that have been passed by the Delta State House of Assembly.

    Okowa said that harassment of property developers in the name of “deve” had chased away a lot of developers.

    He expressed confidence that with the signing into law of the bill prohibiting illegal and forceful entry into development sites, the state will witness speedy development.

    He said, “we will collaborate with the Delta State House of Assembly to ensure that laws are passed to impact positively on the lives of our people.  I am glad that this bill to prohibit the forceful entry into public and private properties has been passed into law as it will stop youths from trespassing into property development sites in the state and make investment to thrive. This prohibition will impact on the lives of our people and bring investment sanity into the state.”

    On the DESOPADEC amendment bill, the governor explained that the amendment was meant to ensure that no vacuum was created in the leadership of the commission as government can now extend the tenure of the board under given circumstances.

    He commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their cordial relationship with the executive arm in bringing development to the people and impacting on the lives of Deltans.

  • Okowa, Falilat, Okagbare, Ikhuoria sparkle at NOC Awards

    Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa,  Sir Awoture Eleyae, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, Blessing Okagbare-Igoteguonor, Sir Isaac Ikhuoria were among the Stars honoured by the Nigeria Olympic Committee at the weekend with the NOC Merit Award at the Events Centre, Asaba.

    It was a night of glamour laced with comedy, musical entertainment, coupled with high profile dignitaries from all over the world who appreciated the winners for their outstanding performances that raised Nigeria’s flag to flutter at World meets.

    Other winners of the glorious night included Sir Adetokunbo Ademola (posthumous), Late Babayo Shehu, Ruth Ogbeifo-Balogun, Mariam Usman, Lucy Ejike, Adeoye Ajibola (late), and Monday Emoghavwe.

    And a glittering array of stars from the sports galaxy in Africa descended on the Palatial Events Centre, Asaba to honour those whom the cap fits for meritorious services to humanity.

    They included former CAF President Issa Hayatou, Sports Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, NOC President Engr Habu Gumel(host), CAA Officials attending the Africa Athletics fiesta in Asaba, NFF President Amaju Pinnick and the Governor of Delta State with his retinue of officials among others.

    NOC President Engr Gumel emphasised that the NOC Merit Award was living up to its name of MERIT as all the winners merited deserving accolades for their exemplary leadership in their various fields of endeavour.

    Delta State Governor Dr Okowa who received an award for good governance and turning Delta State to a Mecca of Sports, praised the NOC for its transparency that included recognition to Paralympic athletes. He said that Delta was still in the vanguard of Sports development and giving youths more opportunity to excel in sports.

    With all federation Presidents present at the Awards, NOC Scribe Hon Tunde Popoola could not but describe it as the best Awards “I’ve seen in recent times”.

  • Gombe gov visits Stephen Keshi Stadium, commends Okowa

    Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo was at the Stephen Keshi Stadium yesterday to inspect the newly built edifice in company of the Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    The Gombe number one citizen who was invited to Asaba by Okowa was conducted round the stadium by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CAA Asaba 2018, Chief Solomon Ogba.

    The first point of call was the equipment room where the Head of Technical for the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship, Yussuf Alli showed the visiting governor and his entourage the world-class equipment acquired for the championship.

    After a tour of the stadium, the Gombe Governor expressed great delight at the architectural masterpiece.

    He, however, stated that he was by no means surprised having known Okowa over the years as a silent achiever who allows his works to speak for him.

    Governor Dankwambo also admitted that the good deeds of the Delta State Governor is worth emulating; hence he will also try his best to put up something as befitting as the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Gombe.

    In his own remark, Gov Okowa thanked his Gombe State counterpart for the visit, while he also commended the chairman of the Asaba 2018 LOC chairman for speeding up work and delivering on his promise to supervise and deliver a world-class stadium.

    Okowa said he was happy to see the level of commitment being put in to ensure that Delta State host an enviable African Championship that would raise the bar on the continent.

    Fifty-four African countries are expected at the 21st African Senior Athletics Championship that would take place August 1 to 5.

  • 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 market in Burutu Local Government Area. 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.

    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, Okowa commended the people for keeping the peace which has made it possible for developmental 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

  • ‘Okowa has done nothing to get our votes’

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa does not deserve their votes.

    In a statement in Warri yesterday by its president, Oweilaemi Pereotubo, said Burutu council area alone gave the third largest votes that saw the governor’s emergence in 2015, yet it has neither infrastructure nor human capital development to show as reward.

    He opined that this was why the governor is yet to visit any of the Ijaw local government areas for town hall meetings, as he had done to nearly 21 others.

    The statement reads: “The question that readily comes to my mind as an Ijaw man, and leader of the teeming Ijaw youths world wide, is what has Okowa done in terms of development in Ijaw land to merit our votes? The answer to this mind-boggling question is practically nothing, just nothing. Yet Burutu Local Government Area alone gave Dr. Okowa the third highest votes in 2015. The reward for this bulk vote from the people is lack of infrastructural and human capital development.

    “Okowa has gone round nearly all the twenty-one local council areas in Delta State holding town hall meetings and commissioning projects. The sad story is that he has not been to any of the Ijaw local council to hold town hall meetings because the people will look at him eyeball to eyeball to go out to commission projects if he has any. He has therefore completely avoided going to these areas.

    “Our reward from Okowa is abandonment in all facets of his administration. If Okowa and his apologists are disputing our claims, we challenge him to convene a town hall meeting to tell the people the projects he has done in Ijaw land.  Most of the projects he has been using to deceive the people are just on paper. There’s no visible work going on anywhere including the much publicised Ayakoromo bridge project.

    “Instead of adding to us, Governor Okowa takes away from the Ijaw nation. The only higher institution in Ijaw, the School of Maritime Technology, Burutu has since been fragmented into bits of campuses to the extent that the students population which was once exploding in Burutu is now depleted.”

     

  • UPU disclaims award to Okowa

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the umbrella body of the Urhobo, has disclaimed the award of the title of Ochuko of Urhoboland  to  Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State by  Olorogun Moses Taiga.

    The President General of the UPU,Chief Joe Omene, said in a statement that  Taiga who gave out the award is “not the President General of the UPU,” and has no authority whatsoever to confer any title on anyone in the name of the union.

    Omene  also said Taiga lacks authority to endorse anyone  on behalf of the Urhobo people “including any candidate seeking elective office in 2019.”

    He said the disclaimer is “not about the person of the governor that I have personal respect for and the office he holds,” but to draw the governor’s attention to “errors of judgement instigated by failure of due diligence that may bring the office of the governor  to public ridicule.”

  • Okowa decries high number of IDPs

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has decried high number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), caused by attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    He urged Christians to be politically-motivated.

    Okowa advised them to back their prayers with actions, saying: “It is time for Christians to pray and equip themselves for future.

    ‘’Most times, Christians don’t arm themselves for future challenges. It is good to pray, but we should ensure we collect our permanent voter cards and vote on election days. We have a right to determine our future through the ballot box.”

    He spoke at the 3rd Session of the 14th Synod of Asaba Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, at St. Philips Anglican Church, Asaba.

    The governor enjoined churches to invest, saying it would reduce burden on members and boost evangelism.

    He said: “I’m glad that some churches are looking at alternative ways of generating funds. These investments will fund church activities, thereby removing financial pressure on members. It will encourage evangelism and create jobs.”

    Speaking on the synod’s theme: “The Lord of Hosts, Mighty in Battle,” Okowa urged Christians to live a life of faith, trust, loyalty and accountability, using every challenge as an opportunity to exercise their faith like the biblical David.

    He said David was ready to sacrifice his life for a sheep in his flock, adding: “If every Christian should live the way David lived and trusted in God, I believe we will go a long way as Christians. At this very trying time, if God be for us, who can be against us?

    “There is nothing the Lord cannot do if only we can trust him and work in his ways.”

    The Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Justus Mogekwu, hailed the Okowa administration for providing an enabling environment for investments to thrive.

    Bishop Nathaniel Inyom of Diocese of Makurdi, in his sermon, advised Christians to be vigilant, focused and utilise their numerical strength in voting for candidates who have the interest of Christians at heart.

    He condemned the high number of IDPs occasioned by attacks from suspected herdsmen and advised Christians to be politically-motivated.

  • Okowa gets second term nod

    Leaders of legislative arms across the 25 councils in Delta State have adopted Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term.

    They endorsed Okowa at a meeting, hosted by Goru Karo, leader of the legislative arm at Udu Local Government.

    Addressing reporters, Chairman of Delta State Councillors Forum Victor Ofobrukueta said their endorsement followed Okowa’s infrastructural transformation and smart agenda.

    He said 465 councillors resolved to campaign for Okowa, adding that they will buy his nomination form.

    Biakpara said Okowa fulfilled his promise of conducting a free and fair council election.

    They passed a vote of confidence in the governor and his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro.

  • Okowa orders demolition of illegal structures

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has ordered the demolition of privately-owned homes sited within the perimeter fencing of Asaba Airport.

    He spoke while inspecting resurfacing of the runway and other ancillary work, to ensure the contractors delivered as promised in May.

    Okowa said owners of such buildings with relevant documents would be compensated, adding that the focus is to ensure safety at the airport.

    He said: “We need to determine the perimeter of the airport to know where our land ends.

    “We need to look at the buildings close to the airport if they have approvals and if they have no approvals, the buildings will be demolished.

    “I have asked the commissioner for Lands and Survey to take inventories for us to take action.

    “If the owners of the buildings have documents, they will be compensated because, what is foremost in our mind is safety.”

    The governor hailed the  work done at the airport, saying the contractor was working to beat the five-week deadline.

    “The contractor is right on course. He will deliver before the deadline.

    “We are concentrating on the runway, which must be of international standard. We are confident that we will get one of the best in the country.

    “I’m happy with the pace of work,” he said.

    The Project Manager, Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Jihad Yaghi, thanked the governor for encouraging the company to speed up delivery of the project.

    He noted that everybody is ensuring that the job is completed on schedule and according to specification.

    The Airport Special Project Director, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor, who took the governor and his team round the site, said the contractor would deliver the project before the deadline and to specification.