TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    The Edo and Delta governments on Tuesday called on the National Boundary Commission to urgently demarcate the disputed land between both states.

    The call was made in a communiqué issued after a meeting between the two states’ boundary committees led by their deputy governors at the Edo Government House in Benin.

    The meeting was called by the Edo government following series of attacks on border communities in Orionmwon and Esan South East Local Government in Edo and Ethiop East, Ika South East and Ukwani Local Governments of Delta.

    Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu and his Delta counterpart, Mr Kingsley Otuaro stressed the need for the National Boundary Commission to urgently carry out physical demarcation of the disputed areas.

    Shaibu harped on the need for both states to call on the commission to carry out the final demarcation of the boundary between Edo and Delta.

    He urged communities in the border areas of both states to embraced peace, while the commission should carry out the demarcation of the boundary between both states without further delay.

    Delta deputy governor said that there was need for both states to abide by the various decisions of past joint meetings of Edo and Delta as they relate to maintaining of status quo.

    He said that boundary meetings for dispute resolution could only be done with the active participation of the national boundary commission, hence the need to expedite action on the resolution of the boundary between both states.

    Both states reached an agreement during the meeting and constituted a joint committee comprising the attorney general, surveyor general, deputy chiefs of staff and commissioners of police of both states and local government chairmen of the disputed areas.

     

  • Delta govt. trains 200 youths in skills acquisition

    Mr Oghenekaro Ilolo, Commissioner for the Directorate of Youth Development in Delta, says that no fewer than 200 youths are undergoing training under the state government’s skills acquisition programme.

    Ilolo said this at a news briefing in Asaba on Monday, adding that the programme was designed to empower youths in the state.

    He said that the beneficiaries were being trained in cosmetology, tailoring and plumbering, among others to enable them to be self-employed.

    He said that the directorate was monitoring the activities of the trainees through its zonal officers.

    The commissioner charged the youths to embrace agriculture for wealth creation, saying that it would help to reduce youth restiveness in the state.

    He said that the directorate recently partnered the Delta State Youth Council to carry out a revalidation of voluntary organisations in the state.

    He said that the exercise was to ascertain the number of such bodies and ensure that their spread covered at least two-third of the local government areas of the state.

     

  • Asaba 2018: Delta hopes to spend N4bn on logistics

    Asaba 2018: Delta hopes to spend N4bn on logistics

    Delta Government says it hopes to spend about N4 billion in the hosting of the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships aimed at boosting the tourism potential of the state.

    The championships are scheduled to hold between Aug. 1 and Aug.5, in Asaba.

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, who made the disclosure at a fundraising dinner on Thursday in Asaba, said the amount represented the state government’s proposed estimate for general logistics of the event.

    “We are hosting this event not because Delta is awash with funds but because we believe the event will help to promote our tourism for revenue.

    “Tonight, we have gathered here to raise funds in support of our effort to meet the demands of a successful hosting of the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships, tagged, “Asaba 2018”.

    “As a government, we estimated up to N4 billion to cover major logistics for the successful organisation of the championships, which is taking place in our state.

    “It also has a purpose to reawaken young talents as well as promote sports development in our state and Nigeria, in general,” Okowa said.

    The governor said the championships which is taking place “in Nigeria for the second time, is historic in the sense that it is being hosted in Asaba, outside Lagos, the sports capital of Nigeria.’’

    He said the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, venue of the championships was nearing completion ahead of the continental competition.

    Okowa added that the Minister of Sports, Mr Stephen Dalung, who was in the state, had expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the stadium and level of our preparedness.

    He disclosed that Delta had over the years maintained a leading position in sports in Nigeria, which had culminated in the discovery of talents who had become international athletes, many of whom had represented Nigeria in world championships.

    Okowa called for the support of well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the state in its determination to hosting a successful event, saying that the fundraising became necessary becuase government could not do it alone.

    “The hosting of an international event like this is not the task of government alone that is why we have all gathered here tonight to raise funds for the event.

    “In hosting a championship of international standing, achieving success is a product of robust private-public partnership,” he said.

    Earlier, the chairman of the event, Mr Jim Ovia, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Nigeria Ltd., had lauded Delta government’s efforts in preparing for the championships.

    Ovia, who was represented by Mr Dennis Olisa, an Executive Director in the bank, restated the commitment of Zenith bank to sports development in Nigeria and pledged the bank’s support to the successful hosting.

    He appealed to organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the hosting of the event, saying that sports had remained a unifying factor among nations of the world.

    “Today, we have all come here to support and raise funds for the success of the African Senior Athletics Championship taking place in Delta state.

    “I appeal to everyone here to give in support of the task ahead. We are not giving to Delta state, but we are giving to promote sports development in the state and Nigeria in general,” Ovia said.

    The Zenith bank boss announced a donation of N300 million in support of the hosting of the championship.

    Various organisations, captains of industries, companies, groups and individuals also made donations.

     

  • Asaba 2018 athletics championship gets over N500m support

    Asaba 2018 athletics championship gets over N500m support

    More than N500 million was realised at a fundraising dinner for the forthcoming African Senior Athletics Championship billed to take place in Asaba from August 1 to August 5th, 2018.

    TheNewsGuru reports Zenith Bank Plc led the donors at the event with the sum of N300 million while Bube Dan gave N20 million, Levant Construction N20 million, Gomene N11 million, Delta State House of Assembly N7 million, Federal Ministry of Sports N5 million among others.

    Some other corporate organisations and individuals present at the fund raising ceremony made their donations anonymously.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, his wife, Dame Okowa, Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Gusau, among numerous others attended the fundraising ceremony which took place at the Grand Hotel, Asaba Thursday night.

    “In less than three weeks from today, athletes from 47 African countries, as well as officials will begin to converge in Asaba for this historic event; it is historic in the sense that though this is the second time Nigeria will be hosting this event, this is the first to be held outside Lagos, Nigeria’s sporting capital because in 1989, Lagos was the venue for the sixth edition of the competition,” Governor Okowa said at the occasion.

    He disclosed that he accepted for Delta State to host the tournament being organised by the Confederation of African Atheletics (CAA) in conjunction with the NAF, saying, the championship provides “glorious opportunity to further our agenda to regain Delta’s frontline status in sports by hosting this event.”

    “Apart from being a dominant force in the National Sports Festival in the years gone by. Delta State has produced foremost international athletes such as Tony Urhobo, Maria Usifor, Violet Odogwu-Nwajei, Sunday Uti, Blessing Okagbare and many others; however, in recent times, it does seem like athletics is taking a backseat, hence, our young ones do not see much hope in pursuing a career in athletics; we believe this event has the strong potentials to reawaken the interest and consciousness of the upcoming generation and motivate them to strive for greatness in athletics,” the governor said.

    He continued, “on our own, we have delivered on our promise; the Stephen Keshi Stadium is ready for the event; it was tough but, we got it done and the stadium is actually a beauty to behold.”

    Minister for Sports, had in a speech, described Governor Okowa as a performer who saved Nigeria the shame of failing to host the tournament.

    “If this type of stadium is replicated in every part of Nigeria, no Nigerian will pass through the Sahara to look for greener pasture because, they will be engaged; Asaba in future may host world championship because of the quality of facilities at the stadium,” Barr. Dalung said, adding, “Governor Okowa is a performer, in 2019, people who have not performed should be booted out of office, Nigerians assess elected officers based on performance; political parties should not be used as launching pad and I will always support anybody who invest in sports development.”

    President of AFN in an address described Governor Okowa as “a blessing to Delta State, from the date you (Governor Okowa) accepted to host this event, I know how much that has came into Asaba, in this 2018, there is no one that hosted a bigger athletics competition than you in our country, Delta will never be the same again

    Delta has changed, Delta will continue to change, this is a blessing to Delta through you, we received 48 countries indicating interest to come to Asaba and with what you have on ground, Asaba can host the world.”

     

  • Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa: Your word should be your bond

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa: Your word should be your bond

    By Bayagbon Daniel

    History has occupied a gold platter with you in the saddle of leadership as the Executive Governor of Delta State. Your good works since inception as the Governor of Delta State reared its head amidst paucity of funds. What a herculean start it was for you, Your Excellency.

    The hurdles though challenging, served as a stepping stone for you to consolidate on your giant strides.

    No doubt sir, your clear-cut vision has taken the State further in terms of infrastructural development, human and capacity building, contributory health scheme, the education and agricultural sectors. An indelible mark you have put forward for the 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State to continue to leverage on.

    Your Excellency sir, as an astute supporter and a Delta State PDP faithful, I appeal to you sir to stand by your words of giving all aspirants a level playing field to test their popularity in the forthcoming electoral primaries.

    This is a moment of trial as the majority of aspirants are tied to you and they expect that your ties with them will make their electoral dreams a reality.

    It is pertinent to note that the forthcoming electoral primaries will be a true test of your wisdom and integrity to steer the ship of this State prior to and after the electoral primaries because it can either make or mar the chances of your second tenure as the Governor of Delta State.

    Distinguished Excellency Sir, do not be deceived to let loose of your guard that 2019 will be a landslide victory for you because of a skewed notion that majority of Deltans are by your side. No sir! The outcome of the primary elections will fish out the chameleon in the PDP should you decide to take sides with any aspirants.

    Your resolve to giving a level playing field to test the popularity of all aspirants that has been applauded by all should be sacrosanct. You are the “Road Master”, a name you have acquired through diligent effort in the saddle of governance. Do not allow sentimental attachment derail the bright chances of your second tenure.

    It is a known fact that you have raised the bar in electoral conduct at the State and Federal levels, as you have applied fairness and equity to reawaken political cum electoral integrity. Aspirants without political value, prowess, clout and doggedness often rely on governors for a soft landing. To forestall internal bickering and imbalance in the party, dogged political clouts should be allowed to earn their vote freely without political favouritism.

    The political terrain is like a global village sharing the bracelet of change. There are some staunch politicians and aspirants with secret intentions to pitch tent with other political parties should the outcome of the primary elections become unfavourable to achieve their political goals.

    Your Excellency sir, should you stand by your word of giving all aspirants a level playing field, you would have thwarted the intentions of some politicians desiring to decamp to other political parties because political integrity and party confidence will naturally erode excuses of fleeing to the next party. The losers will be convinced that they lost gallantly. This will foster sportsmanship as losers will queue behind winners of the primaries thus solidly repositioning Delta State PDP party for the 2019 electoral landslide victory.

    Conclusively, our amiable indefatigable Governor of Delta state, the ambition of these aspirants are not worth your hard earned integrity, reputation and your second tenure as Governor should you sway to their antics. The vast majority of Deltans and I are looking forward to seeing your word become your bond.

     

  • Asaba 2018: Dalong inspects Stephen Keshi stadium

    Asaba 2018: Dalong inspects Stephen Keshi stadium

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has said the facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba are of high standard capable of hosting world tournaments.

    Barr. Dalung made the statement on Thursday in a chat with newsmen shortly after inspecting facilities at the stadium which will host the 2018 edition of African Senior Athletics Championship.

    According to the Sports Minister who was taken round facilities at the stadium by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the event, Chief Solomon Ogba, “there has been great and massive improvement on the stadium from the last time i came here.”

    “I can confidently assert that with what I have seen here, our capacity to even host world championships is possible and this is because apart from the infrastructure, the equipment that has been installed and are being installed can serve and host the world,” he said, emphasising, “I must again, commend the government of Delta state for not only taking responsibility to host, but for this massive and durable legacy which the governor has invested; the sports community will live to remember him and his legacy and I am indeed impressed.”

    He added, “this championship is an African championship and Nigeria is hosting, so, there is already existing partnership between the federal government and Delta State government.”

    Explaining the nature of the championship, the Minister of Sports, stated, “this championship is a Senior African Championship, meaning that participants are professionals, so, they are coming here to either defend their titles or to upturn existing titles and make newer records and those who will emerge victorious here will emerge as African champions and they are going to take us to the next level.”

    He also, clarified his roles in the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) saying, “in democracy, the tool and the weapon for every individual is to express his discontent, so, that should not be magnified to be a crisis.”

     

  • Road construction: Okowa urges Deltans to be patient

    Delta State Governor Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called for patience and understanding by the people whose movement have been restricted as a result of several road construction and drainage projects going on in different parts of the state.

    TheNewsGuru reports Governor Okowa made the call on Monday while inspecting the service drain project along Summit Road, Asaba.

    According to the governor who was represented by the Commissioner For Works, Chief James Augoye, “the construction works going on in our state, no doubt, have restricted the movement of some persons, we regret such and appeal to them to be patient, the projects are designed for the comfort of all when completed and we are confident that in the next couple of days, the roads will be free for easy movement.”

    “You can see the quality of work going on at this drainage project, it will channel water from the Summit road, to the Amilimocha river, we believe that once these projects are completed the flooding being experienced in Asaba will be a thing of the past and we are happy with the quality of work at the projects and the contractors are working with speed to ensure early delivery”.

    Governor Okowa reiterated his administration’s commitment to constructing roads and checking flood in major cities and towns of the state through the construction of drainage and sewers.

    “With good roads, functional drainage system, the state will be more attractive to investors and more comfortable to those of us who live here,” he emphasized.

    He commended the determination of the contractors to beat deadlines, emphasizing, “making Asaba free of flood is a task the Governor is determined to actualize and bearing in mind the fact that the state is playing host to international athletics competition in the next few days has made it imperative for the projects to be completed early enough.”

     

  • Former Senate President talks of Gov. Okowa as Worthy Ambassador

    Former Senate President talks of Gov. Okowa as Worthy Ambassador

    Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has described Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as a worthy ambassador of the upper legislative chamber.

    TheNewsGuru reports Senator Mark noted that Okowa’s silent revolution in terms of infrastructural development in Delta state is a testimony that he is effectively combining legislative and executive experiences to develop the oil rich state.

    Senator Mark in a congratulatory message to Okowa on his 59th birthday noted that “Okowa is a focused and result oriented administrator.

    “The number of projects so far executed by the Okowa’s administration in Delta state, the peace and unity on account of equity and justice to all gives me a sense of pride that his Senate experience is paying off”.

    “I can only add that you (Okowa) sustain and indeed improve on these giant strides in Delta state. The people deserve nothing less,” Mark further stated.

    He noted that Okowa is upholding tenaciously the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which the governor translated to “prosperity for all Deltans”.

    Senator Mark recalled that Okowa cannot afford to do less judging from his experiences as secretary to local government, council chairman, commissioner, secretary to the state government, Senator of the Federal Republic and now a governor.

    “He has wealth of experiences in leadership and administration which he is bringing to bear. Okowa is an asset and I am sure the people of Delta are proud of him”, Senator Mark added.

    TheNewsGuru reports Senator Mark was the President of the 7th Senate during which Okowa served as chairman Senate Committee on health.

     

  • Delta women leader brands Gov. Okowa roadmaster

    Delta women leader brands Gov. Okowa roadmaster

    Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Delta central women leader, Mrs. Dora Sakpaide has poured encomium on Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, describing the Governor as roadmaster and ochuko of Urhobo land.

    Dora, who eulogized Governor Okowa in a goodwill message to mark the Governor’s 59th birthday, said “His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is God sent Governor”.

    “He is ochuko of Urhobo land, ekwueme of the universe, road master, and talk and do Governor,” the Delta women leader added.

    She prayed “God’s hands of protection always be upon” the Governor.

    In the same vein, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Osanebi Ossai Friday, has hailed Governor Okowa.

    He said that the Governor has done all within his capacity even in the face of nothing to make sure that the State is in good condition and at such, he needs to be celebrated.

    In a brief remark the Deputy Speaker said “It is a great day for Deltans and Nigerians as I urge all to celebrate the EKWUEME 1 of Delta State.

    “He is an outstanding Governor that has brought developments, youth empowerments, training from all kinds of skills for the youths, construction of roads and many more.

    “I pray that he will live in wisdom, good health as he is on a mission to bring prosperity to all Deltans”.

     

  • National task: Predecessor prays wisdom for Gov. Okowa

    National task: Predecessor prays wisdom for Gov. Okowa

    Given certain national political burden on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has prayed for wisdom to direct the Delta State Governor.

    Former Governor Uduaghan said the prayers in a goodwill message to mark the 59th birthday of Governor Okowa.

    “You are celebrating your birthday this year at a very critical period in the history of our dear country, Nigeria.

    “A period in which multiple security challenges have become a source of concern. A period in which religious harmony has become a challenge. A period of build up in political activities that will eventually lead to elections.

    “As the Governor of Delta State, and a leading member of the main opposition party, the PDP, you are going to be involved in critical decisions and activities that will stabilise this nation.

    “It is my sincere prayers that the Grace and Mercy of God will give you the wisdom, critical mind, knowledge, patience & the spirit of discernment to be a major contributor in seeing the nation through.

    “May God also equip you with a lot of wisdom to lead Delta State through this period,” Uduaghan prayed.