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Tag: Delta State

  • Delta to empower 26,400 traders with N10,000 each

    The Delta State Government says it has concluded plans to empower 26,400 traders with the sum of N10,000 each.

    The state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Emu Kingsley disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Asaba.

    According to him, we have concluded plans to empower more than 26,400 traders especially women with the sum of N10,000 within the next few weeks.

    “The N10,000 which we tagged as Smart Money will be given specifically to petty traders and hawkers across the various Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state.

    “As I speak with you well over 26,400 people will benefit from the state government Smart Money. This will happen within the next two weeks,’’ Emu said.

    On the state micro-credit programme, he said that the programme is still on course, adding that the programme is doing pretty well.

    Emu said that government is doing everything possible to ensure that the programme is strengthened and sustained due to its economic viability.

    The commissioner said that rather than continue with the usual practice where loans were given to individuals, it now prefer to give loans to beneficiaries through their various clusters groups.

    “We are lending to desired and deserving areas; we are not politising it and we are no longer lending to individuals but clusters.

    “We have changed our operational modalities. When we lend to persons in clusters, the results are better.

    “So at present, we are focusing on associations such as motorcycle operators, fashion designers, butchers union, tricycle operators among others,’’ he said.

     

  • 2019: Governor Okowa sends New Year message to Deltans

    2019: Governor Okowa sends New Year message to Deltans

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called on the people of the state to remain united to the cause of developing the state irrespective of ethnic or party differences.

    Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, felicitated with all Deltans as they stepped into 2019 and expressed gratitude to God for the grace granted Delta and its citizens in 2018.

    Praying for the unity and peace in the state, which, he noted “is the bedrock of meaningful development in any given society,” he expressed the hope that 2019 will be a year of fulfilling a greater and stronger Delta.

    “Given our success story in the past three and half years in office, I have no doubt that with the same level of cooperation from the good people of Delta State, our government will achieve more in all facets of governance.

    “Our optimism is driven by the support we enjoy from our Youths, leaders, the legislature, the judiciary, the civil service, my team of political appointees, agencies of government, both at the federal and the state levels, as well multilateral donor agencies,” he said.

    Governor Okowa noted that, “as one of the first states to sign the 2019 budget, our government was prepared for the task of governance and provision of key infrastructure which made us to hit the ground running from day one.

    “I must emphasise that the consistent early passage of our state budget has given me and indeed the state the advantage of early starters, both in the appreciation of what Deltans expect from their government and in the development of solutions to meet such expectations”.

    The Governor stressed that, despite shortfall in revenue projections, his administration will continued to ensure that the developmental needs of the state are attended to by applying the level of prudence and ingenuity that the present challenges demand.

    He appealed to all Deltans to look up to the New Year with the same zeal of a people with a capacity to excel even in difficult situations and noted that “Delta people have always been identified for their creativity.”

    The Governor on behalf of his family and the state government wished Deltans a peaceful, more prosperous and a Stronger Delta in the New Year.

     

  • Breaking: Okowa signs 2019 appropriation bill into law

    Breaking: Okowa signs 2019 appropriation bill into law

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has signed the 2019 Appropriation Bill of 390.3 billion naira into law.

    The governor signed the bill on Thursday in Asaba, saying early signing of the bill into law will give his administration room to utilize the dry season to engage in construction works.

    According to the governor, “this is very important for governance, because, it gives us room to utilise the dry season to construct roads and provide other infrastructures before the commencement of the rainy season.”

    The 2019 Budget is made of a capital expenditure of 233.2 billion naira and a recurrent expenditure of 157.1 billion naira.

    He commended the Delta State House of Assembly for the early passage of the appropriation bill, describing the state legislature as great partners in the delivery of dividends of democracy to Deltans.

    “With the signing of the appropriation bill into law today, it means power has been given to the executive to start implementing the budget; we now have enough room to perform,” he asserted, adding, ” with the cooperation and partnership of the Delta State House of Assembly in the course of 2018, we have worked in harmony putting Delta State first; together in the last three years plus, we have been able to impact positively on infrastructure development, we have constructed roads, built a lot of schools, improved on the health facilities and provided a lot of jobs for Deltans.”

    He continued, “due to our achievements, there is peace in Delta State; we thank Deltans for the partnership, it has yielded great results and we are confident that as we are leaving office in 2023, we would have left a lot in the state that we would be proud of and Deltans will be happier.”

    It would be recalled that Governor Okowa had on 17 October, 2018, presented a budgetary proposal of N367 Billion to the Delta State House of Assembly.

    Presenting the approved bill to the governor for his signature, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, accompanied by the Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ochulor and other principal officers, disclosed that the bill as presented by the governor passed through rigorous process before it was approved.

    “The bill passed through all the processes as it was designed to consolidate on the achievements of the governor,” Rt. Hon. Oborevwori said.

     

  • Christmas: Delta Speaker urges Christians to show love to others

    The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Christians to show love to all Nigerian as they celebrate Christmas irrespective of their religious or political affiliation.

    Oborevwori made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu on Monday in Asaba.

    The speaker while felicitating with Christians as they mark the birth of Jesus Christ, urged them to reach out to the less privilege in the society.

    He said, “Jesus Christ made sacrifice for mankind through his love to the world and I want to urge Christians all over the world to also show love to the needy around them.

    “Let us also use the Yuletide season to show one another love in all that we do now and always. Let us be honest with one another and feel the pains of one another.

    “We should also use this occasion to reflect deeply on the teachings of the birth of Christ for truth and honesty to continue to reign in our hearts in this season and always.’’

     

  • Okowa urges Christians to reflect on Jesus Christ

    Okowa urges Christians to reflect on Jesus Christ

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Sunday urged Christians to reflect on the lessons of the birth of Jesus Christ as they celebrate the yuletide.

    The governor gave the charge on Sunday during the silver jubilee celebration and foundation laying ceremony of a pastorium at the Divine-Way Baptist Church, Asaba.

    He said that Jesus Christ came that the world would be saved from sin and called on Christians to intensify efforts at soul winning to bring man back to God.

    He said Christians should use the occasion to exhibit Godly virtues and render humanitarian services to mankind for the betterment of the nation and the sustenance of peace.

    Okowa reiterated his call for total reconciliation with God and man in line with the yuletide, adding that 2019 year would usher in more good tidings of love and unity in the country.

    He congratulated the Church on their 25th anniversary while urging them to deepen their love for Christ who had made the expansion possible.

    The Chairman on the occasion, former Governor James Ibori, said that he was happy with the rapid growth of the church and wished them many more fruitful years in serving God.

    He called on Christians not to be weary in well doing, especially in giving to the work of God in the church and for the propagation of the gospel.

    He said that there were immense blessings in serving God.

    The highpoint on the occasion was the foundation laying for the proposed twin pastorium of the church by the Okowa.

     

  • Patience Turtoe-Sanders’s late mother, Mary-Titi Akra burial arrangements announced

    Patience Turtoe-Sanders’s late mother, Mary-Titi Akra burial arrangements announced

    The burial arrangements for Late Princess (Madam) Mary-Titi Akra, mother of renowned televangelist and author, Patience Turtoe-Sanders, has been announced.

    The late mother of the founder of Celebrate Life International Ministry, a Christian group based in the United States of America, would be laid to rest this December.

    Late Madam Akra will lie in state with a service of songs on Thursday 27th December by 4 pm at her compound, behind old NEPA office, off Adeola road, Onakposigha lane in Sapele, Delta state.

    This would be followed by a funeral/interment service on Saturday 29th December beginning by 11 am at her residence in Ajagbodudu town, opposite Omateye College, Ajagbodudu, also in Delta state.

    Born January 1st 1926, Late Madam Akra is survived by Mrs. Nuway Esther Ogholaja, sister; Pastor Mrs. Elizabeth Okundaye, daughter; and Dr. Patience Turtoe-Sanders, daughter.

    She is also survived by Ms. Anita Menetie, daughter; Mr. Robinson Erebo, son; Mrs. Philomena Soetan, daughter; and Ms. Daisy Ayodele Umukoro, daughter.

    Also, Late Madam Akra, 92 years at death, is survived by 24 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

     

  • 2019: Delta Commissioner, Ogeh calls for tolerance

    2019: Delta Commissioner, Ogeh calls for tolerance

    Ahead of 2019 general elections, Commissioner for Housing in Delta State, Arch. Joseph Ogeh has urged Nigerians to be security conscious and avoid actions capable of causing disaffection in the polity.

    Arch. Ogeh made the call on Sunday while presenting Hilux van to the vigilante in Iyede community of Isoko North local government area of Delta State.

    At the event, which took place at Atebo Primary School, Oghara-Iyede, the Commissioner also presented gift items to more than 4,000 women, stating that such was in line with the celebration of Christmas as a season of giving selflessly.

    The Hilux Van and gift items were donated by the Arc. Joseph Ogeh Foundation.

    “Christmas is a period to show love, with love, we can live in peace with one another; this is also campaign period for the 2019 general elections, we should avoid any action that can cause crisis,” Ogeh said.

    He disclosed that the Hilux van will assist the vigilante in patrolling the area, adding that they should work in harmony with the Police and other security agencies to ensure that there is no break down of law and order.

    “Beyond these gift items, we have done several empowerments in the past but we are planning a major one for the youths and the men soon.

    “We will encourage our youths to learn skills and establish them to become entrepreneurs in line with the smart agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa,” he said

    Majority Leader Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Tim Owhefere thanked Ogeh Foundation for the gesture assuring that with the large turn out of women for the ceremony, PDP will coast home to victory in 2019.

    Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Isoko North local government area, Prince Godwin Ogorugba at the ceremony, urged the women to vote massively for all the PDP candidates in the 2019 general elections as such will attract more development and empowerment to Iyede and Isoko people.

    Mrs Elizabeth Okpako, Women Leader, Uruosuo Community, Iyede kingdom who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for finding their son worthy to be appointed as the Commissioner for Housing, assuring Arch. Ogeh that all the women in Iyede kingdom are for PDP and will vote for PDP in 2019 general election.

    Some dignitaries present at the occasion include; Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, pioneer Speaker DTHA, Hon. Ovie Oghoore, Commissioner DESOPADEC, Prof. Saliba Mukoro; Dcn. Prince Godwin Ogorugba, PDP Chairman Isoko North, and Delta State Director of AtikuObi Vanguard Mr. Jonathan Umukoro.

    Others are Delta IPMAN Chairman Comr. Zino Onaemor; Mr. Komon Austin, Sir Patrick Akporuno, Hon. Emaziye Peter, Barr. Vote Umukoro, Hon. Sunday Akpomeda, Chief Mrs. Tobore Majire Brown among others.

     

  • Breaking: Okowa bags special honours award

    Breaking: Okowa bags special honours award

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Sunday received a special honours award at the closing ceremony of the 19th National Sports Festival holding in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the special honours award was presented to the Governor for promoting track and field athletics in the African continent.

    Governor Okowa, who arrived at the National Stadium Abuja for the closing ceremony of the 19th National Sports Festival, joined Team Delta as they received the Victory Cup.

    Team Delta as defending champions, continued to show dominance in the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF) hauling 256 medals.

    According to the medal table released on Saturday in Abuja, Delta topped with 132 gold, 57 silver and 67 bronze.

    Rivers placed second with 149 medals, which consist of 54 gold, 46 silver and 49 bronze, while Edo came third with 97 medals, comprising 30 gold, 29 silver and 38 bronze.

    Akwa Ibom moved to the fourth position from fifth with 23 gold, 19 silver and 25 bronze while Lagos came fifth with 20 gold, 26 silver and 54 bronze.

    Bayelsa is sixth with 19 gold, 45 silver and 34 bronze, and Kano seventh with 18 gold, 22 silver and 20 bronze,.while the host, FCT, is on rhe eight position with 14 gold, six silver and 16 bronze.

    Oyo followed with 12 gold, 27 silver and 31 bronze, and Abia trailing with nine gold, six silver and 24 bronze.

    However, Team Delta extended their lead on medals table as the sports festival entered the last day on Sunday.

    19th National Sports Festival medals table

     

  • Concession of Asaba Airport will create more jobs, not job loss – Project Manager

    Chief Austin Ayemidejor, Project Manager, Asaba Airport, says the state government’s plan to concession the airport will create more jobs and not lead to job loss.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the project manager stated this in an interview with NAN on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Recall that Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa had at various fora announced that the airport would be privatised or commercialized to enable the private sector to drive the project and make it more profitable.

    Ayemidejor, noted that government really had no business running a business but its focus should be to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    He said that the concession would expand the activities in the airport and attract more investments such as hospitality industry and its subsidiaries, like the airport cab operators.

    The project manager noted that the airport currently had about 100 staff, adding that the workers were well trained for the job they do at the airport.
    He said that most of the departments were specialized department such that the concessioner must work with them.

    “The concession of the airport will create more jobs and not in any way lead to job loss because it is structured in a manner that it will not in any way affect the current numerical strength of staff.

    “I don’t also have the feelings that any concessioner will just come and lay off the entire staff of Asaba airport because they need them; aviation needs a lot of training and retraining.

    “For instance, you cannot just lay-off the fire fighters, aviation security personnel.
    “The second thing is that there are departments that you must mandatorily work with. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Metrological staff and others,” Ayemidejor said.

    He said that work on the airport perimeter fencing had reached 80 per cent completion and that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport would become fully operational in few weeks.
    Ayemidejor said that in preparation for the Yuletide, Nigeria’s premier carrier, Air Peace Airline would deploy boeing 737 and other aircrafts to take the pressure of passengers during the period.

    According to him the construction work at the airport started in 2008 while flight operations commenced in July 2011.

    “This airport apart from the 100 workers it directly employs has created lots of indirect employment and since then it has made life easier as people take flights out and into Asaba.

    “This has also attracted a lot of investment. Within the airport area we have a lot of cab operators, business centers springing up which directly and indirectly creating jobs and impacting on economic activities of Asaba.

    “This Yuletide, we have discussed with Air Peace to deploy Boeing 737 and other aircraft to take passengers from Lagos and Abuja to Asaba.

    “Besides, the Aero Contractor, and Overland are on and we are talking with Arik to commence operations,” he said.

    The project manager who reacted to some issues arising from the cab operators association at the airport, said that he was not aware of any fresh squabble among them.

    He said though there had been some misunderstanding among the cab operators, the situation had been taken care off.

    Mr Mejeli Chukwuemeka, Secretary, Asaba Airport Cab and Haulage Services, an affiliate of Airport Car Hire Services of Nigeria (ACHAN) confirmed that since the upgrade of the airport flight operations have reasonably improved.

    He, however, appealed to the airport management to streamline the cab operations by bringing all operators under one union to avoid the rowdy session which preceded any arrival of flight, as members scrabble for passengers.

    “Like it is done in other airports, all cab operators register and belong to one association and they take their turns whenever flight arrives, but the case is different here.

    “We are also appealing to management to build a make-shift structure, a resting place for the cab operators to avoid loitering around the airport premises while waiting for flight arrivals,” chukwuemeka said.

     

  • Breaking: Delta Assembly passes 2019 Appropriation Bill of N390.3b

    The Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the state 2019 Appropriation Bill of N390.3 billion.

    The bill which was passed during the plenary of the assembly in Asaba showed an increase of N23.3 billion to the initial budget proposal earlier presented to the assembly by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa on Oct. 17.

    The passage of the appropriation bill followed a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

    Presenting the report, Ibori-Suenu said that Okowa had earlier presented the proposed budget of N367 billion to the assembly with N209 billion for capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure of N157 billion.

    She said that after careful evaluation of the submissions of the various sub-committees of the assembly and the budget defence of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the appropriation committee had to return a budget size of N390.3 billion.

    Ibori-Suenu said that with the increase of the budget size, the capital expenditure now stood at N233.2 billion while the recurrent expenditure remained at N157 billion.

    She said that the committee observed that the appropriation bill took into consideration the new account code in compliance with the current International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

    It also included the necessary macro-economic framework with national inflation, oil production benchmark, international exchange rate and the medium term expenditure framework.

    “The 2019 Appropriation Bill was also carefully planned to improve inter and intra sector resources allocation by prioritising expenditures and dictating resources only to the most important activities with a view to ensuring overall fiscal discipline,’’ he said.

    Ibori-Suenu said that the bill would address critical areas to ensure the growth that was common to all sectors.

    The Majority Leader of the assembly, Mr Tim Owhefere moved a motion for the House to receive the report which was unanimously adopted by the assembly and seconded by the member representing Udu constituency, Mr Peter Uviejetobor.

    Owhefere also moved a motion for the Assembly to suspend “Order 12, 77, 78, 79 and 90’’ to enable the assembly take the third reading and pass the bill.

    The Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, thanked the lawmakers for their commitment to the passage of the Appropriation Bill, describing it as a `milestone’.

    Oborevwori said that Delta was among the first states to pass the 2019 Appropriation Bill, adding that the members’ dedication and commitment to duty was worthy of note.