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Tag: Aniagwu

  • Aniagwu reels out Oborevwori’s achievements in 19months

    Aniagwu reels out Oborevwori’s achievements in 19months

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr Charles Aniagwu, Monday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was not interested in fighting any political battles but would steadfastly continue to reply to critics with massive projects delivery ahead of 2027.

    Aniagwu, who was recently directed to oversee the State Information Ministry, spoke specifically on the state of affairs in the state at a press briefing in Asaba, the state capital.

    Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Commissioner said Governor Oborevwori was not interested in any political fight but was primed to responding to critics with the delivery of many more viable projects.

    “We have seen a whole lot of publications in different places, including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP.

    “Oborevwori is a very proud member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Today, Oborevwori is a clear leader amongst leaders of the party in Nigeria, and he is not in any way hungry to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party.”

    Aniagwu remarked that Governor Oborevwori had kept faith with the continuation and completion of inherited projects, while also initiating new ones.

    “Having continued with the numerous projects he inherited, he is currently advancing the state with completion of ongoing roads, while also initiating more projects.

    He listed some of the inherited, ongoing and completed projects to include the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass; Beneku bridge; Asaba /Ughelli dual carriageway, particularly sector C1 and C2, Sector A and with repairs in Sector B as well as the 6-story High Court Complex in Asaba.

    On initiating new projects, Aniagwu, said the Warri and Effurun skyline would never be the same again as Julius Berger was handling the laudable projects with three flyover bridges and road expansion works currently ongoing in the corridor.

    According to him, “other roads have been completed within Asaba and the capital territory, while in Delta South a lot of roads in Warri, Isoko North and Isoko South have also been completed, while new ones have also been initiated.

    “In Sapele and Okpe, a lot of road projects are ongoing, while some have been completed like the Ohorhor-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road, Ezesi Road dualisation in Orerokpe and other internal roads in Sapele.

    “In Delta North, Eweshi-Utagba-Uno and Ndemili-Utagba-Uno Road in Ndokwa West, Akumazi-Umuocha and Owere-Olubor roads have been completed, while the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road is currently ongoing.”

    Aniagwu also said Governor Oborevwori had been building bridges of possibilities, connecting communities and giving room for both business interaction and for people to also have some form of interaction with their kiths and kins in their neighbouring local government areas.

    “His business, at the moment, is governance and he is not going to lose sight of it.

    “Because of side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans.

    “He believes that every Deltan deserves the dividend of democracy and that is what he has concerned himself all about.

    “I also recall that in one of our outings at the UPU celebration at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the Governor asked his kinsmen and Deltans to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “He was very clear when he noted that the support for Tinubu also is equal to support for him, that is not politicking; that is governance because, the times we are in now is not for politics but governance.”

    In the Education sector, Aniagwu said the administration had established and operationalized a campus of the Southern Delta State University, at Orerokpe, as well as introduced a College of Health Sciences at the institution’s main campus in Ozoro.

    He said the administration had also upgraded facilities in several general hospitals and over 150 primary healthcare centres and provided substantial funding to numerous Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology, and established a College of Health Technology at Ovrode, which is now operational.

    On the housing sector, the Commissioner said, “the administration has commenced the building of 50 housing units made up of 30 three bedrooms and 20 two bedrooms in Ozoro, Kwale and Owa-Oyibu as a pilot scheme, while eight units of duplex are also being constructed to accommodate more Commissioners in the quarters.

    “As part of its efforts at diversifying the economy of the state, the administration has sealed a deal with UTM LNG for the harnessing of the huge reserves of natural gas in the state.

    On fiscal discipline and efficient resource allocation, Aniagwu said “over N200 billion has been paid to liquidate the state’s debt stock while contractors are being mobilised with new jobs with outstanding job certificates paid as they fall due.”

    He added, “just yesterday, the Governor drove round the entire city to identify many projects that require attention and I can assure you that he is also ready to revamp the state’s broadcast outfits in Asaba and Warri.

    “As part of breathing a new lease of life on the stations, the Governor has directed that I submit a report on the stations within the three weeks.”

  • Oborevwori tackling governance in Delta – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori tackling governance in Delta – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu, has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was tackling governance in the state with all seriousness.

    Aniagwu disclosed that Governor Oborevwori was concentrating on delivering his campaign promises to Deltans as encapsulated in his MORE Agenda.

    The Commissioner stated this during a live National television programme monitored in Asaba where he noted that the Governor remained irrevocably committed to providing meaningful development for Deltans.

    Speaking on the ongoing infrastructural projects and its impact on the state, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori made some promises during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, adding that he was clear on the need to complete some ongoing projects while also initiating new ones.

    “He is building new bridges that cuts across the three senatorial districts and he recently inspected the Beneku bridge connecting Ndokwa West to Ndokwa East and they have largely completed the project.

    “However the Governor has directed that the contractor returns to site to address the aesthetics of the bridge to ensure proper finishing of the project so that bridge can look beautiful and a sight to behold.

    “In the course of that particular inspection, the Governor also went through the 139km Ughelli-Asaba dual carriage project which is also progressing speedily.”

    Aniagwu further said, “the 20km storm water drainage project in Osubi, Okuokoko and Ugolo-Okpe is to address the challenges of flooding in the area. Over the years Delta being a coastal state experiences some amount of flooding.

    “The project consists of over 4km underground sewer which will be buried several meters beneath the ground with manholes, there is also the trapezoidal drains and the surface drains that will link to the sewer for effective discharge of flood water into the sewer.

    “Flooding is hindering development in that area and the Governor has decided to deal with it by taking the flood water off through the Agbarho River and progress into the Atlantic ocean.

    “Once we are able to do that we would have largely enhanced the process of development in that area.

    “Governor Oborevwori is addressing issue of flood so that homes can be saved from being submerged during the raining season and to make more lands available for development.

    “Working with the consultants and the contractors we have seen the need to incorporate some other areas into the project for effective delivery.

    “We are happy with the progress of work going on in the gigantic project and same thing the Governor is replicating in other parts of the state. As I speak to you Governor Oborevwori’s love for all Deltans has also manifested in his speedy completion of similar gigantic storm water drainage project in Ika North East.

    “Governor Oborevwori is addressing issue of flood so that homes can be saved from being submerged during the raining season and to make more lands available for development.

    “Working with the consultants and the contractors we have seen the need to incorporate some other areas into the project for effective delivery.

    “We are happy with the progress of work going on in the gigantic project and same thing the Governor is replicating in parts of the state in terms of road construction.

    “The Governor is interested in governance at the moment and not politics and as such he will continue to initiate projects and policies that will help enhance the livelihood of Deltans especially as the people grapple to survive the present hardship bedeviling the country.”

  • Delta not among states owing new minimum wage – Aniagwu

    Delta not among states owing new minimum wage – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has said that the state was among the first to pay workers the new minimum wage.

    Speaking on a live television programme monitored in Asaba with theme “Developments within the sub-nationals year 2024 in retrospect”, Aniagwu said Delta was among the first state in the country to pay the new minimum wage as far back as October 2024.

    He said: “When the federal government agreed with labour on the need to implement a N70,000 Naira minimum wage. Our government made it very clear that as soon as that was settled, that we were going to proceed to begin implementation.

    “So we are not among those that are still procrastinating. We are not even implementing just N70,000. We are implementing far above that.

    “We are not saying we are going to implement because as for the salaries that were paid last month, our people have already received the minimum wage right from October. So we have started implementing.

    “So we are not among those that are having challenges with their workforce. We always have the cooperation of our labour force in Delta.

    “Governor Oborevwori who is very labour-friendly, has even before the argument around wage increase, because of the hardship that was triggered by certain pronouncements at the federal level already kick-started a number of policies aimed at ensuring that our workforce is taken care of and that the challenges triggered by some of those policies are mitigated.”

    On health care delivery, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration was working on over 150 health centres even as the 64 general hospitals in the state are receiving a facelift. This is in addition to the establishment of a new teaching hospital in Ozoro.

    “We have been able to get the National Universities Commission to accredit a number of programmes including the introduction of Medicine at the Delta State University of Science and Technology in Ozoro.

    “So we are now building a College of Medicine that will be able to cater to the needs of the medical students that will have to attend that institution in Ozoro.

    “We have also taken a look at some of the other health needs such as increased medical personnel, the shortage of medical personnel no thanks to the japa syndrome.

    “So much has been done in the health sector, i had the privilege of  laying the foundation stone on behalf of my Governor for the College of Health Technology at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area.

    “This is to address the issue of medical personnel shortage so that we’re able to also train more in addition to those that will graduate from our university and those who also come in from outside the shores of our state for the purpose of advancing our healthcare.”

    Speaking on empowerment of Deltans, Aniagwu said over 220,000 have been trained and empowered through D-CARES and other MDAs.

    “In terms of empowerment being anchored by Ministry of Economic Planning, over 220,000 persons that are already empowered through the D-CARES programme where we advance some form of grants to these persons to be able to enhance their businesses.

    “In other instances some other persons are trained like what we had with the Ministry of Women Affairs two weeks ago where the governor had the opportunity to present starter packs to individuals that have been trained.”

    On enhancing peace and security, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori hosted the Inspector General of Police who was in the state on a working visit.

    “Governor Oborevwori donated over 33 Hilux vehicles to the police and other security agencies to enhance security in the state.

    “One thing that is working for us here in Delta by the grace of God is that our people are also seeing that the governor means well and is putting their money to where they expect it to be.

    “Hence we’re getting a whole lot of support from them which is why the amount of peace we enjoy today you need to go to Warri, you need to come to Asaba and see the amount of development that is taking place.

    “This can only be possible on the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, that peace and tranquility is one thing that exists in Delta. we have nightlife and many other persons are coming in because they believe that in Delta their investment is safe and so the return on investment in Delta today is something that will quadruple in a very short while.”

  • Delta opposition confounded by Oborevwori’s performance – Aniagwu

    Delta opposition confounded by Oborevwori’s performance – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu, says the opposition in the state were confused and perplexed by the amazing performances of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

    Aniagwu who disclosed this on a live television programme monitored in Asaba, said the opposition in the state used to be very vociferous but were now confounded by the outstanding accomplishments in infrastructural and human capital development of the Oborevwori administration.

    Speaking on “Developments within the sub-nationals year 2024 in retrospect”, Aniagwu remarked that 2024 was a great year for Deltans with the entire state witnessing construction works across all local government areas.

    He stated that Governor Oborevwori inherited 377 ongoing road projects spanning 1,052.4km and had introduced over 136 new road projects spanning 332km.

    According to him, the Oborevwori administration is running strong and you can see why the opposition in Delta have remained silent because they used to be very virile in the past.

    “Now they are quite confused that Oborevwori is running on the promises he made and we are comfortable where we are at the moment with the sterling performances of this administration”.

    “Governor Oborevwori is not only strong in the area of roads construction, we are also renovating a good number of our health centres and general hospitals.

    We are also having a lot of advancement in the area of rebuilding of our schools.

    “I am also happy to announce to you that even our 2025 budget has already been passed and that tells you how serious Governor Oborevwori takes the issue of early start.

    “So as far as we are concerned, on the 1st of January, our 2025 budget would have kicked in, because the Governor believed that we needed to take proactive actions and in this 2025 budget, he is budgeting well in excess of N250 billion to address issues of roads infrastructure.

    “But in terms of total capital budget, we are spending close to 60% of our budgetary provision, of N976 billion on the capital part of the budget.”

    He urged Deltans to assess Governor Oborevwori’s performances in line with the promises he made during the electioneering campaign adding that the Governor had kept faith with those promises.

    “Oborevwori is not only sustaining the temple of development, he is running very, very fast. Of course, bearing in mind that his agenda is a more agenda and for you to understand what Oborevwori is doing in this aspect, you need to look at what we call the marking scheme.

    “The marking scheme is called, the ‘MORE Agenda’ and that more is about meaningful development, opportunities for all the towns, realistic reforms in a number of areas and then of course, enhanced peace and security.”

    “On meaningful development, i can tell you authoritatively that over 377 roads spanning as much as 1,052.4 kilometers were inherited from the last administration.

    “Beyond inheriting and working on those he inherited, Oborevwori has also initiated over 136 new road projects spanning over 332 kilometers. He is not only running fast on these projects, he is also ensuring that the ones he inherited are also being worked upon.

    “You recall the different changes that were triggered by the changes in costs on account of certain policies of the federal government.

    “We are reviewing a number of these projects, ensuring that some of the contractors are back on site so that at the end of the day, we do not have anybody having to shortchange the state on account of a change in a cost.

    “We are moving smoothly and we’re comfortable the way we are running with some of these projects today and as I speak to you, there are a number of projects we have completed, we did not even have the time to commission them in our first year in office in June, a number of milestones projects were completed.”

    The Works Commissioner further said Governor Oborevwori introduced a novel approach to budgeting by providing for internal roads in the 25 local government areas.

    “In the course of the 2024 budget, we introduced a novel approach to budgeting for our local government areas. We provided for the 25 local government areas so that every local government have a head and the course of this year we provided just N1 billion as intervention per local government.

    “That is not the entire budget, that is for every local government, internal roads within a particular local government.

    “But having seen the miracles and milestones we have recorded using that approach this year, we tried to increase it. We have for 2025 taken it above N2 billion per local government to provide for ongoing and completed projects.” Aniagwu added.

  • Allegations of fund diversion against Okowa politically orchestrated – Aniagwu

    Allegations of fund diversion against Okowa politically orchestrated – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has weighed-in on allegations of funds diversion against former Governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, describing it as politically orchestrated to smear his reputation.

    Aniagwu who was Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information under Okowa administration, challenged the accusers to show proof of the alleged funds diversion, warning that they would stop at nothing to sue those involved.

    Aniagwu disclosed this on a national television programme monitored in Asaba.

    According to him, I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility to address certain issues and set the record straight regarding the administration of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa during his eight years as Governor of Delta State.

    “As someone who served as Commissioner for Information and as Chief Press Secretary under that administration, I speak not from hearsay but from firsthand experience.

    “Governor Okowa’s administration received approximately N2.6 trillion naira over its eight years. This sum was prudently allocated to salaries, pensions, capital projects, and critical interventions.

    “To be specific, over N628billion naira went to salaries and wages. Around N249 billion naira was used to settle pensions and emoluments and grants. More than N729 billion naira was invested in transformative capital projects, reshaping the state’s infrastructure.

    Additionally, N221 billion naira was allocated to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for targeted development and approximately N490 billion went towards debt servicing and deductions.

    “These allocations clearly show transparency in the administration’s financial management. Claims of misappropriation or “diversion” of funds are baseless and those making such allegations must provide evidence.

    “Accusations that 1.3 trillion naira was “diverted” lacks merit. Where was it diverted to? It is not enough to make vague claims without proof.

    “Under Okowa’s leadership, Delta State witnessed unprecedented growth. Over 2,000 kilometers of roads were constructed, opening up communities and enhancing commerce.

    “The capital city, Asaba, emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities, thanks to strategic investments like the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park. These achievements were well-documented by reputable media houses during his tenure.”

    On allegations of owning a bank, hotels and other properties in Asaba, Aniagwu described them as false, saying that the owners of the bank and hotels were well known individuals which could be verified from the regulatory agencies.

    “They claim that Senator Okowa owns 80% of the capital strength of a particular bank, and we made it very, very clear, and up to today, that once you want to know the owners of a bank, you can go to the Corporate Affairs Commission or you can visit the CBN.

    “These two bodies will be able to tell you whether remotely or directly those who own the bank, the board of directors, and how the funds came about.

    “Now, they claim that Senator Okowa owns two hotels in Asaba.
    Most of these hotels are very well known. One of the hotels has been built as far back as 2015, even before he became a governor.

    “The other one was built by a very strong businessman who came in from Lagos, and we encouraged him, I personally encouraged him, because I know him, to simply come and invest in Asaba, because Asaba is the fastest growing city in Nigeria and he did.

    “From day one, these persons who cannot even find any of such properties linked to Okowa, because the man operated, from the point of transparency and accountability, they could not find any genuine investment of his, hence hey are now trying to give other people’s property to him and claim that it belongs to him. When the EFCCC invited him, of course we do not have any challenge with the invitation by the EFCC at the time he was out of the country, for a vacation and that was the first time he has travelled since he left office, he has been in this country,

    “Those persons who are spinning this information in the media, claim that he was already arrested, because that was their intention.

    “They were even pressurising the EFCC to go and arrest him and the question is, how do you proceed to arrest a man you have not invited?

    “But the EFCC was reasonable enough to say no, we have to invite him, to come and look at the allegations you have raised, we cannot just arrest somebody.

    “He went and responded to the issues, and how I wish the EFCC needed to also bring those people, who wrote the petition, so that if you are not able to substantiate any of your petitions, you too, you become liable.

    “So I can tell you authoritatively that what is at play is politics and I can also assure you that it is going to be more than that, because we can see many things they are throwing out.

    “These properties belong to individuals or entities entirely unrelated to him. The EFCC rightfully invited him for clarification, and he responded in good faith, demonstrating his commitment to due process.

    “The allegations are nothing but political ploys to tarnish his image and disrupt the cordial relationship between the current administration and the immediate past one.

    “Delta State remains a beacon of political stability, with a seamless transition from Sen. Okowa to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who continues to build on his predecessor’s legacy. This unity poses a threat to those who seek to divide and weaken our state for their gain.

    “You recall in June last year, just barely a month after he left office, these allegations came up because it was contained in a petition written by some persons who wanted to play some dirty politics, either because they were not happy as a result of the turnout of political events in the state.

    “All they feel is that their problem will be the very credible stand of Senator Okowa and that he needed to have been ruined politically in Delta, either at the level of the Senatorial district, which is Delta North where Governor Okowa is from or in the entire state, they will need to find one way or the other to smear his image.”

    “We call on those spreading falsehoods to focus on serving the electorate instead of engaging in smear campaigns, let them win the hearts of the people through performance and integrity. Let us remember that governance is about service to the people, not political machinations.

    “Delta State remains strong, united, and committed to progress. The achievements of Sen. Okowa’s administration and the current leadership’s strides are proof that we are on the right path. Let us rise above distractions and focus on building the Delta State of our dreams.”

  • Why Okowa’s daughter is qualified to run in 2023 – Aniagwu

    Why Okowa’s daughter is qualified to run in 2023 – Aniagwu

    Delta Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, says Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola is qualified to run for any political office in the state in 2023.

    The commissioner, who stated this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Asaba, said that political agitators should rather address issues rather than attacking individuals for cheap political blackmail.

    ‘The governor’s daughter is a youth, and the youth have roles to play’

    He said that a certain section of Ika North East had, for 20 years, occupied the state political space, especially in the House of Assembly, adding that it would not be asking for too much for the other section to take its turn.

    “I am from the council area and I urge the agitators to address issues, and not attack individuals. Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s daughter is eminently qualified to run for House of Assembly election.

    “Gov. Okowa is reluctant, but people of the community and the LGA are pushing her, knowing her pedigree, competence, intelligence and creativity and that she has the ability to represent them.

    “If the governor’s daughter is qualified. So, why not? People of divergent views must not look for those to pull down, after all a particular section of the council area had been occupying the position in the past 20 years.

    “The governor’s daughter is a youth, and the youth have roles to play. Besides, we are towing the path of equity to allow persons from the other side of the council area to also feature, after 20 years.

    Okowa-Daramola is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Girl-Child Empowerment.

    On Okowa’s endorsement of any candidate, the commissioner said that all the politicians gunning for governorship in the state under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were eminently qualified.

    He, however, noted that the Okowa-led administration would finish strong despite distractions.

    “The governor will not ask anybody not to run for any position, if such a person approaches him. We are not going to stop or fight them for using the name of the governor to campaign.

    “The governor has integrity, and everybody wants to associate with him. We hope that all our members are able to play safe, with respect for one another and in the interest of peace.