The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Okowa

  • Justice summit to honour Mahmoud, Bello, Okowa, other jurists

    The Nigerian Bar Association NBA) Criminal Justice Reform Committee has unveiled plans to honour leading jurists and other stakeholders, who have distinguished themselves in promoting criminal justice reform in Nigeria.

    Among those to receive the awards at the forthcoming NBA Criminal Justice Reform Conference in Asaba are all past chairmen of the NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee, including NBA President, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN).

    A statement by the Head of Publicity Sub-committee, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, listed the honorees to include Justice Ishaq Bello, Chief Judge of FCT High Court and Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee; former NBA President, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), and Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN).

    Others are renowned criminal justice reform advocates including Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, Prof Deji Adekunle (SAN), Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), Mr. Chino Obiagwu, and frontline prison reform activist and Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) Dr. Uju Agomoh.

    Also to be bestowed with the awards are Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, MacArthur Foundation as well as the Yar’Adua Foundation for their support to criminal justice reform initiatives in the country. Delta State is hosting the criminal justice reform conference for an unprecedented second time. The state is also hosting the dinner for conferees. The dinner/awards will draw the curtains on the conference scheduled to hold at the Asaba Convention Centre between April 24 and 27, 2018.

    The theme is: Criminal justice reforms in Nigeria: The journey so far. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is expected to deliver the keynote address, while leading jurist and former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) will deliver the dinner speech.

    Other dignitaries expected at the ICLE-certified conference are Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki; House of Representatives Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), among other jurists.

    The criminal justice committee had unveiled the official website (https://www.nba-cjrc.org) for the conference. The portal incorporates a payment platform for potential conferees to register.

    While young lawyers of between 1-7 years post-call will pay N5,000, non-lawyers and mid-level lawyers of eight years and above post-call will pay N15,000.

    Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Benchers and Judges will register with N50, 000.

  • Okowa urges wealthy Deltans to invest in state

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has advised wealthy individuals to bring home the less privileged.

    The governor spoke yesterday while performing the groundbreaking of Sports, Technology Arts and Research Sciences (STARS) University, Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Jude Sinebe, said: ”This groundbreaking event is a call to service. Let those who are blessed in our various communities in Nigeria come back home.

    “Let us bring our investments back home to develop our communities so that those who cannot afford to travel around can have the benefits of such facilities back home.’’

    The governor noted that ‘’this Sports University would be the first in sub-Saharan Africa, when completed.

    “Though we have a School of Physical Education, Mosoga, this is a university for sports and will be first in sub-Saharan Africa.

    “We wish to commend the founder, Prince Ned Nwoko, for this initiative and contributions to humanity.

    He noted that the university has become important, given the position of sports as a unifying factor and called on  the people to support the project.

    Chairman of the occasion Joseph Okubor, who cut the tape urged everyone to support the project.

    He lauded the founder for the initiative, adding that the university will impact on the country, particularly the host community.

    The founder, Nwoko, thanked all for coming and recalled how John Fashanu, Chioma Ajunwa, among others, had done the country proud in their sport exploits.

    He said Fashunu and Ajunwa remained his friends because they were sources of inspiration to him.

    “Many Nigerians are out there representing this country in various fields of sports, we have the raw talents, characters and we have children that we have to train.

    He said the university would concentrate on sports and conventional courses, adding that students will be admitted into any discipline of their choice with sports as joint honours.

    “This university is peculiar and it will open up various opportunities, it is called STARS (Sports, Technology Arts and Research Sciences) University.

    Fashanu called for support for the university, hoping that its location will profit youths in the community and the state.

  • Okowa: my re-election bid is guaranteed

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday said his 2019 re-election bid was guaranteed.

    Okowa, who addressed reporters at a quarterly media briefing in Asaba, said he would return as governor with his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro.

    He said: “The first thing is that by the grace of God, I am coming back. I will come back with my deputy.”

    Okowa said the secretariat would be completed next year, hoping that the contractor handling it will expedite action “so that it will be inaugurated before I take the oath of office for the second term.”

    He said: “Before the end of my first tenure, the project would have been almost completed with the way they are going about it. They are right on course. The consultant supervising the project briefs us regularly. By the projection of the contractor, it is due for completion in 2019; it may not be before May 29.

    “So there will be no question of that project will be abandoned. This will not happen. But I am praying that they will work a little faster to see if I can inaugurate it before I start my second tenure.”

    On the January 6, local government election, the governor said the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) spent N720 million to conduct the poll.

    He said the government initially released N700 million to the commission, additional N20 million was later released for the re-scheduled election in Ughelli North and Ethiope East.

    Okowa hailed the electoral commission, saying the money released for the election was prudently utilised.

    “I want to believe that they were very prudent in spending, considering the fact that the bulk of the money was for payment of ad hoc workers. We have over 3,000 polling units, and each unit was manned by a polling officer and two polling clerks, who are ad hoc workers. That is quite huge, besides payment for other engaged workers and security operatives.”

    On the alarm raised by him following threats by herdsmen in Uwheru, Ughelli North, the governor said the Police had briefed him on plans to check the situation.

    He said due to insecurity, oil companies had left the state, resulting in low internally generated revenue.

    Okowa said on average, the state earned about N2 million to N4 billion monthly.

    He said the three storm water drainage projects in Asaba would cost about N11 billion, adding that major storm drain project on Nnebisi road would be completed in May.

    “The other two projects will be delivered next February.”

    The governor assured Asaba residents that they will experience relief from flood next year.

    He warned youths to desist from acts inimical to investments, saying an executive bill to the lawmakers was on to check their excesses.

    On the feud between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities over land dispute, Okowa said his administration would implement the White Paper on recommendations of the five-member panel, headed by Prof Abednego Ekoko.

  • APC, Okowa, Kalu greet ex-president

    APC, Okowa, Kalu greet ex-president

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu have felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

    A birthday message to the former President signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Obasanjo has inspired good governance in Nigeria and Africa.

    The APC described Obasanjo as a true Nigerian patriot and statesman, who has over the years built solid bridges across political divides in the country, on the African continent and the world at large.

    According to Kalu, the former President’s contributions to the country’s social, economic and political development are worthy of commendation.

    A statement personally signed by the former governor, extolled the qualities of the former President, adding that the ex-general played a significant role in the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

    Okowa described him as a true nationalist.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, eulogised the octogenarian for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the nation.

    He called the ex-president an “outstanding patriot, a committed leader and a man of courage, whose gargantuan contributions towards the development, stability and growth of the country is legendary”.

    He wished Obasanjo a very well deserved 81st birthday.

  • Okowa greets Obasanjo at 81

    Okowa greets Obasanjo at 81

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 81st birthday. He described him as “a true nationalist”.

    Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, eulogised the octogenarian for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country, calling him an “outstanding patriot, a committed leader and a man of courage, whose contributions towards the development, stability and growth of the country is legendary”.

    The statement reads: “On the occasion of your 81st birthday, I write to rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta State.

    “In the last 81 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfilment, you have served our country at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, and also ensured peace and unity when you fought to keep Nigeria one.

    “Till date, you have continued to give yourself in the service of our fatherland through your nationalistic ideals.

    “I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank God for your life, and pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with His continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision.”

  • Delta is investment haven, says Okowa as multi-billion naira refinery set to take off

    Delta is investment haven, says Okowa as multi-billion naira refinery set to take off

    DELTA State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday described the State as the bride of investors considering its huge oil and gas resources. Okowa attributed the high inflow of investments into the State to its peaceful atmosphere. He spoke in Asaba, the Delta State capital when the Managing Director of Shepha Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, Dr. Wilson Agha paid him a courtesy visit Okowa said: “A lot of companies are coming to Delta State because, the state is largely peaceful and we are doing a lot to maintain that peace, with the oil and gas that we have, Delta State is the place to invest. We like investors, we know the important roles they play in the lives of our people and we will continue to encourage them in whatever way possible for them to succeed.”

    He congratulated the management of Shepha Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited for concluding the process for the ground-breaking ceremony of the company in the state, stating, “Isoko nation is peaceful but, I want to assure you that we take matters of security very serious in the state.”

    Continuing, the governor said: “Everything seems to be set in the right track of success, there is no doubt that the more the investment, a lot of our youths will be engaged, it will also bring about an expanded economy which interests us as a state: it is a win-win situation for everybody.” Earlier, Dr. Agha asked for security as the company will perform its ground breaking ceremony for the refinery in May, 2018. He said: “The refinery will produce 60, 000 barrels per day, it is a vertically integrated refinery that will capture all carbon dioxide emitting from the refinery, there will be no pollution in the air and it will cost 2.5 billion dollar.”

  • Okowa: Asaba Airport to begin operation in July

    Okowa: Asaba Airport to begin operation in July

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday said full commercial activities would commence at the Asaba International Airport in July.

    The governor spoke during an inspection visit to the airport.

    He commended the contractor, “Setraco” for the reconstruction work on the runway.

    “It took two years for ULO (the former contractor) to construct 900 metres of the runway, but it gladdens my heart that in just three weeks, Setraco has done 1.1km of the runway.

    “From the work programme, it may be possible for Setraco to complete the project in three and half months.

    “The speed with which they mobilise to site is wonderful,” he said, expressing optimism that in another four months, bigger planes would land at the airport.

    Mr Jihad Yahgi, area manager, Setraco, who explained the level of work, said that the company would soon complete water channels at the airport.

    He promised that the work will be completed on schedule and in line with specifications.

  • Achuzia’s death: Obiano commiserates with Okowa

    Achuzia’s death: Obiano commiserates with Okowa

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has commiserated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the death of the ex-Biafran warlord, Ogbueshi Joe (Hannibal) Achuzia.

    A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy described Achuzia’s death as a monumental loss to Igbo and Delta State.

    The statement reads: “Governor Willie Obiano learnt with regret and emotion, the news of the passing of Ogbueshi Joseph (Hannibal) Achuzia, Ikemba Asaba, after a bout of illness.

    “This is the passing of a legend and a patriot of the highest order. A man of service and deep convictions whose exploits in the sands of time can never be forgotten by our people.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Anambra State, Governor Obiano commiserates with his brother Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, the Asagba-in-Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians on this monumental loss.”

  • Achuzia’s death: Obiano commiserates with Okowa

    Achuzia’s death: Obiano commiserates with Okowa

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has commiserated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the death of the ex-Biafran warlord, Ogbueshi Joe (Hannibal) Achuzia.

    A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy described Achuzia’s death as a monumental loss to Igbo and Delta State.

    The late Achuzia died on Monday and was aged 90 The statement reads: “Governor Willie Obiano learnt with regret and emotion, the news of the passing of Ogbueshi Joseph (Hannibal) Achuzia, Ikemba Asaba, after a bout of illness.

    “This is the passing of a legend and a patriot of the highest order. A man of service and deep convictions whose exploits in the sands of time can never be forgotten by our people.”On behalf of the people and government of Anambra State, Governor Obiano commiserates with his brother Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, the Asagba-in-Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Nigerians on this monumental loss.”

     

     

     

  • Okowa launches health insurance scheme

    Okowa launches health insurance scheme

    Delta State government has launched a Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in Oshimili South Local Government.

    Over 5,000 widows will benefit from the programme.

    It was a carnival-like event, as women in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regalia thronged the cultural pavilion to celebrate the gesture of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration.

    Civil servants are benefiting from the scheme, but widows hailed the government for including them.

    Besides, the widows will be paid get N5,000 monthly.

    The Political Adviser to the governor, Mr. Festus Ochonogor, said the programme was in two parts, namely enrolment of selected widows and the payment of stipend.

    He said the scheme would ameliorate the suffering of widows and give them a sense of belonging.

    The aide said insurance premium would be paid by Governor Okowa, adding that the widows will get stipend to assist them attend hospital of their choice in the state.

    He said the widows would be paid in their wards.

    Ochonogor said coordinators in the 25 councils would move from ward to ward to pay them.

    He said the programme was designed to spread prosperity to Deltans, adding that the widows will receive the stipend from January 31.

    Governor Okowa, represented by Health Commissioner Dr. Nick Azinge, said 5,555 widows had been enrolled.

    He said 20 widows from 270 wards would receive N5,000  in addition to free medical care.

    Okowa said the scheme was to alleviate the financial and health burden of widows.

    He said the scheme would accommodate vulnerable groups, including the physically challenged

    The governor added that free medical treatment will be given to children under five years and expectant mothers.

    The Director-General, Delta Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Ben Nkechika, said the scheme was not new, adding that it was introduced “to ensure that residents have access to quality medical care.”

    A widow, Mrs. Susan Nwanchie, 63, hailed the Okowa administration, saying the scheme will enable them have access to quality health care.

    Praising the programme, another beneficiary, Mrs. Catherine Ijeoma, 58, said she had been finding it difficult to attend to her health needs in the last 10 years since she lost her husband.