TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • Voters registration: Delta State declares public holiday

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has declared Thursday 16 and Friday 17 August 2018 public holiday to ensure public servants in the state participate fully in the ongoing voters registration exercise.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports this was disclosed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Festus Agas.

    According to the statement, the declaration is informed by the fact that the ongoing voters registration exercise will terminate Friday 17th August 2018.

    “It is expected that public officers who have not registered before now will take advantage of the work free days to do so and ensure that they are not disenfranchised.

    “Similarly, officers that are yet to collect their permanent voters card should take advantage of the period to do so and conclude the important aspect of our political process,” the statement read.

     

  • Okowa to make NYSC permanent orientation camp a model

    Okowa to make NYSC permanent orientation camp a model

    The Delta Government has said that it will make the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in the state a model for others in the country.

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed this on Monday at Issele-uku during the closing ceremony of the 2018 Batch ‘B’ orientation course of 1,839 corps members.

    Okowa who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Jude Sinebe, said that the government was committed to the completion of all approved projects on the camp.

    The governor said that his administration was irrevocably committed to the welfare of corps members posted to the state as part of its responsibility to the NYSC.

    He,therefore, urged all local government chairmen and community leaders to always ensure that corps members posted to their places for primary assignments settle down fast.

    Okowa also said the community leaders should always provide conducive atmospheres for corps members to discharge their duties.

    Earlier, the state co-ordinator of the NYSC, Mr Benjamin Omotade, had appreciated the state government for its assistance and support to the NYSC in Delta.

    He said that the government’s support to the scheme had been tremendous since the inception of the current administration.

    Omotade said that the government’s vision of making the NYSC orientation camp in Delta a model was highly commendable and appreciated.

    He pledged the NYSC’s continued support to the state government’s policies and developmental initiatives.

    The coordinator said that the NYSC would continue to deploy corps members to places where their creativity would be best needed in the state.

    He said through that the corps members would be complementing the manpower needed for the overall good of Delta.

     

  • Stop sale of DSC assets, host communities warn Premium Steel

    Stop sale of DSC assets, host communities warn Premium Steel

    Host communities to the old Delta Steel Company, now Premium Steel and Mines Limited (PSML), Ovwian-Aladja, Delta State have warned the investors to stop the sales of assets of the company or face the wrath of the people.

    TheNewsGuru reports the community made the warning in a strong-worded letter addressed to the Managing Director and CEO of Premium Steel and Mines Limited.

    The letter was signed by the leadership of Udu host communities including Chief Matthew Uparan, President, Ovwian Community; Ellias Dogene, President, Aladja Community; Emmanuel Kpomanefe, President, Ekete Community; Victor Maveruo, President Orhuwhorun Community, as well as serving Councillors of Udu Local Government Council from the core-Host communities.

    The communities warned that PSML would face the full wrath of the communities if the sales of DSC assets by the current investors continue, stressing the safety of the staff of the company will not be guaranteed in Udu land.

    The host communities declared that it is now obvious that PSML lack the capacity to revive the company and bring it to production level.

    “Whereas Premium Steel and Mines Limited acquired the assets of the old DSC with the sole aim of revamping the moribund largest Steel Complex in Nigeria, but to our chagrin, for over three years of Premium Steel take-over of the plant, production has not began, rather, what we see is PSML is stripping of the assets of DSC to the disadvantage of Nigerians.

    “As host communities, our joy is to see the DSC plant producing and working to full capacity to provide gainful employment and empowerment to our teeming youths. But this hope has been dashed as PSML has embarked on massive sales of huge and invaluable assets of the company,” the communities declared in the letter.

    Declaring that they would not fold their hands to watch the huge federal government investment cannibalized under their watch, the communities argued that having cooperated with the company for three years, they were now convinced more than ever that PSML lacked the technical and financial muscle to revive the plant to full capacity.

    “After the misadventure of the former investors which open the doors for the current investors to come in, the company only started to operate the Rolling Mill which is the last in the chain of production only in 2018.

    “To sustain the skeletal production of rolled products, the company has had to rely on massive cannibalization of the other plants which they lack the capacity to operate.

    “We have weighty evidences with pictorial proof of heavy assets stripping going on in the plant and steel townships.

    “Apart from the heavy equipment in the plants being moved out by the current investors, other support units of the company are not being spared.

    “One of such unit is the Siemens telephone exchange unit in both the plant and Steel Township. Two units of 4MVA Transformers in the plant have been sold and may have been moved out already.

    “With what PSML is doing presently, when they eventually disappear just like their brother, GHIL, only the carcass of DSC, the pioneer steel company in Nigeria, would be left.

    “We therefore call on government to intervene to halt the massive assets stripping presently going on,” the letter read.

    The communities also threatened to confiscate any truck carrying scraps from the company, saying PSML has failed to invest in the purchase of billets or source for scraps from outside for use of the rolling mill.

    The communities, therefore, issued stern warning to management staff of the company to properly advise the investors to do the right thing or face the wrath of the people.

    “We can no longer fold our hands to watch the company being sold off like scraps. At the point of sale to the current investors, DSC was valued at well over 185billion dollars.

    “We cannot allow any unserious investor toy with this huge asset. PSML must revive DSC or pack and go for a more serious investor to take over,” the Udu people declared.

     

  • State of the nation: Urhobo nation takes stand with PANDEF, present demands [Statement]

    Gentlemen of the press, I welcome you all to this briefing to discuss with you issues pertaining to the welfare of the Urhobo People in the context of the progress of Nigeria.

    First, however, let me introduce to you the Urhobo Nation and its principal cultural agency, Urhobo Progress Union, which I currently head as President-General.

    Founded in 1931 to meet the development needs of the Urhobo people, who represent the fourth (4th) largest ethnic nationality of our country, Urhobo Progress Union is arguably the oldest socio-cultural organization in Nigeria. UPU has spearheaded the campaign for the progress of the Urhobo people from British Colonial Times to the present time, including the founding of the famous Urhobo College, Effurun, in 1948. That campaign for progress has continued to the present time as my administration of the UPU strives to build an Urhobo University and introduce a micro-finance bank into Urhoboland.

    We are aware that there are aspects of the welfare needs of the Nigerian People that can only be handled by Constitutional changes. However, we are equally aware that the President of Nigeria is empowered by the Constitution to make necessary changes and introduce policies for the welfare and good governance of our beloved Country. It is in the context of that awareness that we address the following issues to your attention in respect of the Urhobo people:

    1. Restructuring of Nigeria

    There has been a great deal of discussions and contributions by various Nigerian Communities to the need to restructure our constitutional form of governance. What the Urhobo Nation, like the rest of the South South is asking for is restructuring, politically and economically to have a true federation. I stand with PANDEF on the implementation of the 16 point demand of the Niger Delta people, which was presented to President Buhari in 2016. Wealsotold President Buharithis muchwhen he granted audience to the Urhobo Progress Union and Urhobo Traditional Rulers last month. The Urhobo people have on their own prepared a paper titled “Urhobo Positon on Restructuring Nigeria” on this subject. We attach it to this address.

    Meanwhile, we urge the Federal Government to honour the principle of Federal Character, which respects the unique needs of Nigerian Peoples. We fear that the principle of federal character has not been fairly applied to the Urhobo people. For instance, we think it is wholly unfair that in the Government of more than 30 Ministers there is not a single Urhobo appointee as a Minister – despite the fact that Urhobo must be counted as one of the principal ethnic nationalities of Nigeria, in terms of its contributions in scholarship, commerce, industry, sports and entertainment. We believe we have excellent candidates who will serve faithfully and competently in the Government as Ministers. We urge the government to consider this matter urgently.

    2. Oil Industry

    There is little doubt whatsoever that Urhoboland has been one of the major contributors to Nigeria’s oil wealth. Urhobo is the largest onshore producer of Oil and Gas in the Nation. Despite that fact, it is distressing that no Urhobo person owns a marginal field, or has been appointed into the Board of NNPC. We ask the President to use his good offices in appointing an Urhobo man to the Board of NNPC, as well as allocating marginal fields to competent Urhobo oil businessmen.

    3. Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE)

    We believe that the establishment of FUPRE in Uvwie in Urhoboland is a wise venture. It is the only Petroleum University in the whole of Africa. We thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for locating it in our land.

    However, this institution is facingfundingproblems that only theFederal Government can resolve. The underfunding of FUPRE is crippling the development of the University. We strongly urge His Excellency to quickly intervene in this matter so that this vital institution will rise to its mission. Any considerations for including the financial needs of FUPRE in a Supplementary Budget will be most welcome and appreciated by the Urhobo people. This issue was raised with the President during our courtesy visit to the Villa, last month.

    4. Representation in the Federal House of Representatives

    We wish to bring to the attention of the President the disturbing fact that Urhobo is under-represented at the Federal House of Representatives. In comparison with other Constituencies in Eastern and Western Niger Delta, Urhobo’s representation by three members is unfair. In terms of population per constituency, Urhobo should be represented by not less than six members of the House of Representatives.

    We understand that the President cannot change this by himself; but we urge that the President should take this imbalance into account in addressing the ills against the Urhobo Nation, and in allocating resources.

    5. Proposed Riverine Bill

    Urhobo Progress Union understands that there is a Riverine Bill that is being consideredintheParliament. Wewish toemphasiseto thePresident that manyNiger Delta Rivers flow through Urhoboland into the Atlantic Ocean. Any riverine policies on Nigeria’s Upland Rivers will ultimately affect the well-being of our people.

    We, therefore, ask that our leaders should be closely consulted on any bill that will affect the waterways flowing through Urhoboland. We ask that the President and Parliament should note our interest in this matter.

    6. Unused Military Lands in Urhoboland

    Urhobo people have been generous in allocating lands for use by the Nigeria Armed Forces, particularly in Uvwie Okpe and Oghara Kingdoms. A good amount of lands that were so allocated have not been used by the Armed Forces.We understand that in many instances parcels of lands allocated for use of the Armed Forces have now been converted for private and commercial use.

    Urhobo Progress Union believes that this is wrong practice. We urge thatany unused land should be returned to the Community which donated it to the Armed Forces. We await the immediate intervention of the President in this matter; as he promised us last month, at the Villa visit.

    7. Herdsmen Menace

    This thorny issue of herdsmen’s cattle grazing on farmlands – especially in Uwheru, Avwraka (Abraka), Ughelli and Eku Communities; has become a matter of major concern to Urhobo Progress Union and Urhobo Leadership, in large part because it has resulted in many instances of the killing of innocent farmers. This is of course a broader problem affectingmany communities inSouthern Nigeria. SomeStates have enacted their own Legislation against uncontrolled grazing in farmlands.

    While it is true that the livelihood of the herdsmen should be a factorto be considered by theFederalGovernment, wewish to makeit clear that thelivelihoodof our farmers are now under threat from this uncontrolled grazing that has involved the deliberate killings of farmers who have done nothing wrong but to go to their farms. We believe that it is the obligation of the Federal Government to protect farmers who ply their livelihood in their farms from armed killers, whether they are from inside or outside Nigeria. In the long run, uncontrolled grazing in farmlands is unsustainable. We urge the Federal Government to find a solution to this problem.

    Meanwhile, as a matter of urgency, we ask that these Urhobo farmers and their farmlands should be protected from the ravages of uncontrolled grazing and its associated violence. As a consequence, in many of these Urhobo communities,

    villagers now live in hunger, fear and total intimidation — leading to unnecessary food crisis.

    8. UPU TAKE ON THE PROPOSED REFINERY IN KATSINA

    I do not grudge the president or the government for proposing a refinery in Katsina or any other place forthat matter. Butthe Urhobo Nation wants the Refinery in Ekpan to function optimally. We also want modular refineries to come on stream in Urhobo land. We want the gas plant and other companies located in Urhobo and environs to function to improve the local economy. Also, other existing refineries should be made to function optimally before government thinks of building new ones. But ideally, I feel the government should such huge projects to the private sector and only act as an enabler, especially in this era of privatization and private sector-driven economy.

    9. THE LOCK DOWN OF LAGOS

    During our visit to the president, we requested for the Nigerian Navy to surrender nine-tenth of the Sapele Port, which is currently idle for commercial activities. The Sapele Port was handed over to the Nigerian Navy some time ago, it is currently using only 10 percent of the Port. If the Sapele, Warri and Koko are made functional, the pressure on Lagos ports will be less. The economy of Delta State will also be boosted with employment being generated for thousands of our people. The chain impact will be much.

    Finally, we do want to subscribe to the President’s higher principles of governance that involve fighting corruption and terrorism in our Country. Both of these vices eat up the fabric of public morality and eventually weaken a nation’s capability to survive major crises in its history.

    We understand that the business of government is hard. We pledge that the Urhobo people and their cultural agency, Urhobo Progress Union, will assist any government of Nigeria that upholds the higher these principles. We pray that God will protect the country.

    Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long Live Urhobo Progress Union!!

    OLOROGUN (DR.) MOSES OGHENERUME TAIGA, JP

    President-General, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU

  • Nigeria descending into autocracy – PDP Chieftain

    Delta state Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Barr Kingsley Esiso has condemned the recent impeachment galore and what the party termed repression of the opposition in the country describing it as an assault on the nation’s democracy.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Asaba during the PDP stakeholders’ meeting attended by top government functionaries including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, National and State Houses of Assembly members, Political office holders and top party stalwarts, Barr. Esiso said that the country was descending into full blown autocracy.

    “PDP has become the party of choice for Nigerians as the Federal Government through its actions has decided to turn democracy on its head and descend into autocracy, more defections are coming even in Delta State,” he said, adding that the fever is catching up with the opposition in the state.

    Chief Esiso informed the party faithful that PDP National Executive Council has approved the process for the party primaries and national convention beginning from August through October, 2018.

    He stated that there would not be any imposition of candidates for any position, and assured party faithful that there would be free and fair party primaries at all levels.

    “As a party, we will conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable primaries. We want to win in every constituency, we will field only popular candidates who will emerge through free fair primaries,” he said.

    The party chairman appealed to aspirants to ensure a peaceful violent-free process leading to the primaries stating that aspirants should be sure of their chances before joining the race.

     

  • Asaba 2018: African contingent stranded in Lagos

    The contingent from various African countries billed for the African Senior Athletics Championships are stranded in Lagos due to flight to Asaba, venue of the competition being unavailable.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ones who managed to reach Asaba had spent at least a night in Lagos and many without their luggage.

    An International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) observer for the event beginning on Wednesday, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) anonymously that he arrived in Lagos on Sunday but could not get a flight to Asaba.

    “A lot of us had to pass the night in Lagos and at about 4 p.m. the following day, we boarded a local flight to Asaba,’’ he told NAN on Tuesday in Asaba.

    “By this time, the African contingent have increased in number and only limited spaces in the flight, so, a few had to stay back in Lagos.

    “As I speak to you, my luggage hasn’t arrived in Asaba. We were told to go to the Asaba International Airport later in the day to see if they have brought them.

    “I am still on the same clothes since yesterday. It is just a terrible situation,’’ he said.

    Abdoulaye Thiam, a Senegalese journalist, currently stranded in Lagos, told NAN via a social media platform that he had arrived on Monday but remained in Lagos due to same issue.

    “All the Senegalese contingent as well as countries like Kenya, Morocco and Congo are still in Lagos. We have yet to get information if flights are scheduled this morning to Asaba.

    “We are just patient and hopeful, and believe we all will have to going batches because we are increasing in number and all stranded,’’ he said.

    Efforts by NAN to reach Olukayode Thomas and Ameachi Akawo, Head of Media and Secretary Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition respectively failed as they could not answer their calls.

    The event is scheduled for Aug 1 to Aug. 5, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

     

  • Gov. Okowa commissions Eagle-Net Special Squad office

    Delta state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has called for the support of all stakeholders for the security agencies so as to ensure peace and security in the society.

    TheNewsGuru reports, while speaking on Monday in Asaba during the commissioning of Police Eagle-Net Special Squad Office and operational vehicles, Gov. Okowa said the task of ensuring peace and security of the society should not be left for government alone.

    “We cannot continue to leave the affairs of security just to the government alone; individuals who are blessed, corporate organizations 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 realize 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 stressed.

    Okowa commended the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Delta State Security Trust Fund for the building project and the operational vehicles.

    “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,” he stated.

    While congratulating the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Muhammed Mustafa for the leadership qualities in bringing out the best in his subordinates, the governor 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.

    In his welcome address, the State Police Commissioner, CP Muhammed Mustafa appreciated Governor Okowa for his numerous support to the state Police Command and DESOPADEC for the partnership and the projects.

    He commended DSP Dimka for initiating and completing the projects for the benefit of the Nigeria Police especially members of his squad.

    In his brief remarks, DSP Dimka said that 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.

     

  • ASAC 2018: Delta announces road closures

    The Delta Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Monday announced roads closure and traffic diversions from Aug. 1 to Aug. 5, for easy vehicular movement during the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Rindom Kunvem, said in Asaba that the closure became necessary as part of the strategy to make the competition organised by the Africa Athletics Confederation (CAA) hitch-free.

    He said that motorists should use alternatives route to get to their destinations.

    “Motorists coming from Inter Bau Roundabout, Old Anwai Road and Federal Medical Center roundabout to link Ibusa road shall be diverted through Kanene Azinge Street (by Konwea Plaza), following the diverted traffic sign, turn right onto Jesus Saves street to link Summit road.

    “Motorists from Anwai, Government House Road and Okpanam Road can link Ibusa Road through Direct Labour Agency Road or Benin-Asaba Expressway.

    “Motorists coming from Ogbogonogo Modern Market shall be diverted left through Ibusa Road. Follow the diverted traffic signs to turn right onto Direct Labour Agency Road or follow the road ahead to join the Benin-Asaba Expressway to link Summit Road,” Kunvem said in statement.

    He said that during the competition, the following areas had been designated as “Park and Ride’’: Arcade; Uzoigwe Primary School; St Patrick’s College and Westend Mixed Secondary School, with clear directions to these locations.

    The sector commander added that all adjoining streets and feeder roads to Nnebisi Road and around the Stephen Keshi Stadium would be temporarily closed to ensure the safety and security of officials, participants and spectators.

    He said the FRSC, Traffic Police Officers and other security personnel would be at all strategic points and junctions to control and manage traffic to reduce travel time, congestions and delays.

    Kunvem said that on-street parking was prohibited on the roads and streets mentioned.

    He advised motorists and pedestrians to cooperate and comply with traffic rules and regulations during the championships and at all times.

    He apologised for any inconvenience the championships might cause as a result of road closures and diversions.

     

  • AGAP set to take over Delta as party inaugurates exco

    AGAP set to take over Delta as party inaugurates exco

    The All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP) has said all is set to take over the Delta state government house, Asaba after the party inaugurated its State executives at the State capital, Asaba on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports the State Chairman of AGAP, Prince Alex Oyoro, who said the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is a monumental failure, said the AGAP is now prepared to give Delta state a new lease of life.

    Alex disclosed that the State executives inaugurated is made up of trusted and tested hands in the State, saying “we are set to make Delta State among the five major economies in Africa”.

    Continuing he said the PDP and the APC in the State are only concern about power and not the welfare of the people.

    “We are tired of them and want them out by 2019,” he stated.

     

  • ASAC 2018: Delta ready to host – Okowa

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Championship (ASAC) tagged “Asaba 2018’’.

    The competition will hold from Aug. 1 to Aug. 5.

    Okowa, just back from a two-week vacation, gave the assurance while inspecting ongoing work at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, venue of the event.

    He expressed delight that all major works at the stadium had been completed and assured that all necessary facilities would be in place before the opening of the competition on Sunday.

    “We are ready to host the African Senior Athletics Championship; most of the facilities are ready and by Sunday, few days from now, all the facilities will be ready for the opening.

    “I was happy that we had a successful African trials as it showed our preparedness to host the whole of Africa,” Okowa said.

    He, however, urged the people of the state in particular and Nigerians, to turn up en masse to watch the competition.

    He said “as Deltans, we should be proud that we are hosting the whole of Africa; we should be proud and we expect Nigerians to turn up and cheer the athletes.”

    The governor was conducted round the facilities by the championship’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Chief Solomon Ogba.

    The governor had earlier inspected the drainage project at Summit Road and expressed satisfaction at the pace and quality of work.