TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • Delta Govt. to mark Okowa’s 3rd anniversary in grand style

    As part of the activities to mark the third anniversary of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, Delta State Government would hold an inter-denominational praise and worship programme in Asaba.

    Chairman of the organising committee for the anniversary celebration, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, in a statement, said that the programme which is billed to hold on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the Event Centre, Asaba from 9.00am will feature eminent preachers, and renowned gospel singers.

    According to him, “Deltans have a lot of reasons to celebrate; it is celebration of peace, unity, positive development in terms of landmark infrastructure. This year’s celebration is unique, we are celebrating three years of God’s goodness on Deltans through the instrumentality of Governor Okowa’s administration”.

    He enjoined Deltans and lovers of democracy to come and celebrate God’s goodness to the state through praise and thanksgiving,

    Artistes expected to perform at the event, according to him, include Chioma Jesus, Sammy Okposo, Prosper Ochimana, David G, Samsong, Elijah Oyelade, and Onyekan Dunsin.

    Prominent Deltans from all walks of life including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Deacon Burutu Otuaro is expected to grace the Thanksgiving Event.

     

  • Breaking: Cyril Ogodo emerges Delta APC chairman

    Olorogun Cyril Ogodo, former Deputy Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged as the new state chairman of the party.

    TheNewsGuru reports Ogodo emerged the state party chairman after a keenly contested congress election on Monday.

    Ogodo, who hails from Sapele in Delta Central Senatorial District, defeated his close rival, Fred Obe, who hails from Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta South.

    Aside from the chairmanship position which was contested, other positions were returned unopposed after a voice confirmation by the delegates.

    While Ogodo scored 731 votes, Obe scored 99 votes. Thirteen votes were voided.

    The Congress, which was held under tight security, was generally peaceful, as delegates from the 25 local government areas of the state filed out to elect the new State Executive Committee.

    The exercise, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, was conducted by the Eugine Udoh-led State Congress Committee approved by the APC National Working Committee.

     

  • Delta state govt to legislate on job creation programmes

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said his government is collaborating with the State House of Assembly to institutionalize the job and wealth creation scheme of his administration.

    Governor Okowa made the disclosure at the induction ceremony for the 2017/2018 beneficiaries of the state government’s job creation programme, the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in Asaba.

    The inductees numbering 745 beneficiaries included 209 Brown STEP, 347 Green STEP, 159 YAGEP and 30 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the third cycle of the programme.

    “Plans are on to present a bill before the State House of Assembly for the establishment of a Job and Wealth Creation Empowerment Law. I hope that the programme continues in government even when I have left office. If we continue with it as a state, after 10 years the multiplier effect will be felt,” Okowa said.

    He advised the beneficiaries to network among themselves with the view of building a web of young entrepreneurs to drive the economy of the state.

    He called on the private sector and financial institutions to partner with the state government and the beneficiaries for the growth of the enterprises, stressing “We have done three cycles and we should be able to partner with the private sector and financial institutions. The partnership with World Bank through SEEFOR with the state government came to be because of trust. I am grateful to the beneficiaries of the first and second cycles for making us proud. I hope that the third will do better”.

    While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on the 4th Programme Cycle of the STEP/YAGEP Programmes, he charged them to be disciplined, honest, innovative, resourceful and hardworking, committed and determined in order to succeed in their various enterprises.

    He also enjoined them to be role models for youths in their communities and to remain good ambassadors of the programme by training other youths to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

    According to him, “As a government, I urge you to stay in the realization that you stand out among youths as many will look up to you, you are a role model to other youths in the society, you have to put in a lot of commitment through hard work and honesty, stay patriotic to yourself and Delta State and you will succeed. Challenges will come but if you stay committed, you will be successful.”

    “I congratulate you on the successful completion of your training programme, you are privileged to be ambassadors of this programme, once you step out, the world looks out for what you will become, and do with yourself; you should be an embodiment of the programme in character and deed”, he added.

    The Governor prayed for their success and officially inducted them into the programme stating: “I am a role model of youths in the state. I will try to make a positive impact on Delta State, God helping me.”

    On his part, the Chairman, Job Creation Steering Committee and the Hon. Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Kingsley Emu, represented by the Hon Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Oghenekaro Ilolo, said that the job creation scheme was hinged on sustainability and development through monitoring and mentoring.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh, explained that the third programme cycle of 2017/2018 had 745 beneficiaries including 30 PwDs, pointing out that their training and starter packs were funded by the World Bank/European Union assisted State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) projects.

    Prof Eboh recalled that among the 30 PwDs were five sisters from Ibusa who were enrolled into the programme at the instance of Governor Okowa when he encountered them at the Town Hall Meeting at Akwukwu-Igbo last year.

    The ceremony featured cultural dance and choir ministrations by the beneficiaries.

    Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and other top government functionaries.

     

  • Delta: INEC receives 168,402 PVCs for collection

    Delta: INEC receives 168,402 PVCs for collection

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta said it has received 168,402 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for collection by residents of the state.

    Mrs Rose Orianran-Anthony, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Delta, said that the figures included those that applied for transfer within the state and outside.

    She said that the commission had fixed May 21 for the collection of the PVCs for those who registered in the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

    Orianran-Anthony said that the commission was not distributing PVCs but people were to come forward to collect.

    She, however, said that the commission had a total of 152,239 uncollected PVCs in the state.

    She expressed her displeasure over the uncollected PVCs stressing that INEC had to overcome several challenges before the PVCs could be produced.

    Orianran-Anthony said that it was discouraging that after going through the process the PVCs were left unclaimed.

    She appealed to the residents of the state to come forward for their PVCs, adding that it was their power to vote and they should use it wisely.

    The Administrative Secretary also said that 30 new machines had been deployed in the state to enhance the registration process.

    She said that 2019 election was exactly 274 days away from now and the commission was already in election mood as numerous pre-election activities had commenced.

     

  • 2019: Gov. Okowa gets VoC from traditional rulers

    Traditional rulers from Delta Central Senatorial District have passed a vote of confidence (VoC) on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, expressing satisfaction with his administration’s delivery of dividends of democracy.

    The traditional rulers met with the Governor on Thursday at the Palace of the Orodje Okpe, HRM Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) in Okpe local government area of Delta State.

    Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM (Engr.) Mike Omeru Ogurimerime Ukori I, in moving the motion for vote of confidence, commended Governor Okowa for the respect he has for the traditional institution in Delta State.

    “For the first time in the history of Delta State, we have a Governor who relates well with the traditional rulers to brief them about what his administration is doing. We raised some issues which he addressed to our satisfaction,” he said.

    “We are with you (Governor Okowa), come rain, come shine, and I, HRM Mike Omeru Ogurimerime Ukori I, move that we pass a vote of implicit confidence on the administration of Governor Okowa,” the Agbon King added.

    The motion was seconded by the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II and was endorsed by the more than 18 traditional rulers in Urhobo land who attended the meeting.

    The Orodje Okpẹ, in a brief speech, described Governor Okowa as a performer, noting that the deliberation at the meeting was good.

    In his response, Governor Okowa expressed satisfaction that the traditional rulers appreciated what his administration was doing to transform Delta State.

    “I came to brief the traditional rulers about what we have been doing as a government and to thank them for keeping their kingdoms peaceful.

    “I am here to also thank them for their support for my administration, there is no event that we have had without the presence of the traditional rulers, they have encouraged my administration in so many ways, through their efforts, Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes did not escalate and the peaceful environment provided the opportunity for us to work in the state,” the Governor said.

     

  • Warri Economic Summit: Warri Port to function optimally again

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, have said machineries are in motion for the dredging of the Forcados River which will lead to full operations of the Warri Port.

    The duo spoke at the maiden edition of Warri Economic Summit held in Warri, Warri South local government area of Delta State.

    According to the Governor, “it is our sincere hope that with the anticipated dredging of the Escravos bar, bigger ships can berth at the Warri port and this should lead more businesses to return to Warri, the industrial hub of Delta State.”

    “Let me use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Port Authority for awarding the contract for the dredging of the Escravos channel; this project is necessary for the port to regain its pivotal role in the economy and it is my belief that we can use the port as a platform to promote the growth and transformation of the State and national economies,” the Governor said.

    The Governor disclosed that to ensure hitch free movement to the Warri Port, his administration has secured more than 50 hectares of land through the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom for the construction of tankers’ park.

    While asserting that his administration was committed to providing a congenial atmosphere for private enterprises to flourish by proving peace and the building of strategic infrastructures across the State, the Governor stated, “the theme for this summit: Warri Rising is most appropriate, Warri is no doubt the economic nerve center of the State and also the most populated; it is that, which makes this summit critical to our overall vision to develop the State; Warri began trading with Europe more than 500 years ago.”

    Governor Okowa urged the people to remain peaceful and avoid criminal activities.

    To former Governor Uduaghan, “the youths must accept that the Warri Port must work, this whole exercise is about the youths, their future and I congratulate Hon. Tidi for organising this event.”

    He noted that efforts are on for the dredging of the Forcados River adding that blame game should stop and the people should take responsibilities for their actions.

    Former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Prince Raymond Temisan Omatseye, said, Warri Port cannot function with collaborative efforts with other local government areas.

    He emphasised that the Escravos Bar will be dredged for the Koko and Warri Ports to be functional and called on the youths to ensure peaceful environment for development projects to take place.

    Chairman of Warri South local government area, Hon. Michael Tidi had in an address, said the economic summit was important because, “Warri needs to regain her pride of place as a business hub in Nigeria and in West Africa and the 2-day summit is to rebrand Warri away from negative connotations of the last decade or two, identify sector Warri can be number 1 or 2 in business within the next 3 years and identify what can be done to revive maritime trade in Warri within the next 6-12 months.”

     

  • Omo-Agege: Taiga congratulates Urhobo nation

    The President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, has rejoiced with the Urhobo nation over resumption of duties of the Senator representing the Urhobo nation in the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    In a press release, Olorogun Taiga said while the suspension of Omo-Agege lasted, it was the Urhobo nation that suffered because it was robbed of his voice in the Senate.

    He reiterated his call on the Senate leadership to stop further appeal on the matter and face more urgent matters of national importance.

    “We have many problems in Nigeria to keep the Senate busy and it should refrain from chasing shadows.

    “The rejection by the court of the Senate’s plea of stay-of-execution of the earlier judgment declaring Senator Omo-Agege’s suspension illegal further attests to the futility of the Senate’s continuous pursuit of the case,” Olorogun Taiga asserted.

    Olorogun Taiga used the opportunity to urge Senator Omo-Agege to redouble his efforts in his service to his fatherland, especially the Urhobo nation that sent him to the senate.

     

  • Herdsmen attack: 17 persons injured at Ughelli Government College

    No fewer than seventeen persons were injured as herdsmen invaded the Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, the Principal of the College. Mr. Godspower Odenema, has revealed.

    TheNewsGuru reports Mr. Odenema raised the alarm over herdsmen attack on students and staff of the school while speaking with newsmen in Ughelli.

    “My school has been invaded by herdsmen, security agents should come to my rescue. The students and staff of Ughelli Government College in Delta State are living in fear following the attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen,” he said.

    He revealed that his staffs were attacked on Monday on their way home from school by herdsmen with seven of them sustaining injury.

    The Principal described the activities of the herdsmen as “hell fire”, alleging that their constant incursion to the school premises in an attempt to look for grass for their herds has destroyed many of the school’s facilities.

    While appealing to the Delta state government for the construction of a perimeter fence around the school’s athletic field, as well as the deployment of security staff to always be on guard, and prevent the herdsmen from coming to the school’s compound, the principal said, “We have suffered lots in the hands of the herdsmen, our injured staffers are still lying critically ill in the hospital over their injuries. Thank God they were not killed”.

    He explained that since a portion of the school fence was broken, hoodlums including herdsmen activities have continued to unsettle members of the school community.

    Police Spokesman in the State, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the development and said, “We are investigating the act, though no arrest has been made, but the police will do everything possible to bring the herdsmen to book”.

    Sources said that the frequent “wicked activities of herdsmen” in Ughelli, Abraka and its environs, have created sleepless nights for the residents who “currently sleep with their two eyes open”.

     

  • Resource control: We shall demand 100% derivation from FG – James Ibori

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has changed the tone for resource control by declaring the Niger Delta region will no longer make demands for 30% derivation from the federal government (FG), but that the region will soon begin demanding 100% derivation.

    TheNewsGuru reports Ibori made the declaration at the Colloquium/Book Presentation in honour of Professor Godini Gabriel Darah which held on Wednesday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun.

    Prof. G. G. Darah at the Colloquium/Book Presentation
    Prof. G. G. Darah at the Colloquium/Book Presentation

    “We shall no longer demand 30% derivation from the FG but 100%,” the former Delta State Governor stated in his remarks at the Colloquium/Book Presentation, while also stressing that the Niger Delta region has suffered enough neglect.

    At the event, Ibori described Prof. Darah , who recently retired from Delta State University, Abraka, on the attainment of the retirement age of 70, as an astute academic, and said the Ogberianrien contributed immensely to the success of his administration as Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007.

    Chief Ibori and other dignitaries at the event
    Chief Ibori and other dignitaries at the event

    He urged the Ogberianrien (Prof. Darah) not to rest on his oars, but channel his wealth of experience to address the numerous challenges facing the Niger Delta region. Ibori identified a major problem of the region to be unemployment and said it is the reason the illicit business of oil bunkering was flourishing.

    “Prof. Darah, I challenge you that the job is not done yet. The other time I was in Oloibiri in Rivers, people cannot breathe well because of the activities of both legal and illegal oil activities.

    “We have generic solutions to the problem and one of it is unemployment. So we need to go into the region and find a way to deal with the problems. It is a serious problem, we need to talk to our people to find a way to deal with it, if not, we pray that we will have a population that grows and not deplete,” he said.

    Cross-section of guests seated at the Colloquium/Book Presentation
    Cross-section of guests seated at the Colloquium/Book Presentation

    TheNewsGuru reports the Colloquium/Book Presentation was chaired by the former Delta State Governor, while the incumbent governors of Delta and Bayelsa States, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon. Seriake Dickson, were ably represented as special guests of honour.

    Chief Ibori, Prof. Darah and guests seated at the event
    Chief Ibori, Prof. Darah and guests seated at the event

    The book titled Scholarship and Commitment: Essays in Honour of G. G. Darah was edited by the trio of Sunny Awhefeada, Enajite Ojaruega and Peter Omoko, and published by Lagos-based publishing outfit, Malthouse.

    Poet and political essayist, Mr. Odia Ofeimun reviewed the book, while Professor Sunny Akpotor, Dr. William Ehwarieme and Yinka Odumakin served as colloquium discussants.

    Udje performers entertaining guests at the event
    Udje performers entertaining guests at the event
    Udje performers throwing dance steps
    Udje performers throwing dance steps

    Other dignitaries present at the event included former deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, the academia and traditional rulers, among others.

     

  • Maritime University portends good omen for Niger Delta – Okowa

    Maritime University portends good omen for Niger Delta – Okowa

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has described the commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as good omen that will consolidate the existing peace and sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

    The Governor stated this on Tuesday when the Governing Council of the University led by former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva who is the Chairman of the Council, paid him a courtesy call in Asaba.

    “I am glad that academic activities have commenced, we thank God for the successful start off of the Maritime University which will consolidate on the peace in the Niger Delta and attract sustainable development to the area.

    “We are aware that the terrain is very difficult for the execution of projects and this is what the Governing Council will experience in defending its budget, the cost of executing projects in that area triples what it takes to execute similar projects in the upland,” he said.

    He continued, “as a state government, we will continue to assist the much we can within the limit of resources to develop the university.

    “The Maritime University is the first of its kind in Nigeria, we hope you (the Governing Council) develop it to internationally acceptable standards,” he stated while congratulating Chief Sylva and members of the Governing Council for their appointments.

    Sylva had told the Governor that the Governing Council was inaugurated on March 22, 2018 and commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its contributions to the development of the University, disclosing that more than 300 students are currently studying in the institution.

    “We have visited Okerenkoko, Kuritie and other riverine communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom and we have seen the great works you have done as well as the cash grant you gave to the University,” Silva told Okowa.