TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ifeanyi Okowa

  • Okowa’s aide blows hot, draws battle line with Governor

    Okowa’s aide blows hot, draws battle line with Governor

    …I will resign if my requests are not met – Oghenesivbe

    Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Communications, Olorogun (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe seems has drawn a battle line with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, blowing hot and saying he will resign if his requests are not met.

    Oghenesivbe stressed that there were some greedy tribal bigots in the Okowa administration who have been influencing him [Okowa] to either pretend not to recognise his [Oghenesivbe] huge efforts in the discharge of assigned responsibilities or to ignore it completely.

    Okowa’s Eac made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with a national radio in Lagos on Sunday morning, 26th December, saying that resigning his appointment as Eacgovdelta will definitely come last if Okowa fail to do the needful by attending to his little and reasonable official requests tabled before the governor and the state government, wherein he copied appropriate senior government officials.

    Reflecting on his five years in Okowa administration as EACGOV, Oghenesivbe, a member of the International Communication Association, m.ica, and Rotary Club of Asaba Central Distinguished Service Award recipient, further disclosed that he helped a great deal in media management through repelling of critical media attacks on the governor and the government by deploying strategic political communication strategies which had enabled the governor to have the conducive environment and peace of mind to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Delta State, from 2017 till date and still counting.

    Oghenesivbe told his highly heterogeneous audiences nationwide via the national network radio interview that he had to reject an offer by President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC National Government in 2017, appointing him as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NITT, Zaria, so as to provide uncommon media management services that would enable the governor to govern the state with little or no media attacks from the major opposition party and his detractors.

    Lamenting his decision over the NITT juicy job, Oghenesivbe said Okowa failed to do for him what he did for his colleagues from Delta North Senatorial District, for deliberately refusing to elevate his official status being the only senior communication aide from Delta Central Senatorial District, maybe due to the negative influence of some tribal bigots who do not want a non Ika to dominate the media space in Okowa administration.

    He noted that the same envious tribal bigots senior government officials within the system prevented media aides of the governor from attending the State Government sponsored capacity building programme, Delcom 2021 organised by the office of EACGOVDELTA, adding that they refused to slow down in their collective efforts to silence him in Okowa administration.

    He said after four years of service, Okowa elevated his colleagues in the media, orientation and information units with juicy packages, but failed to elevate him after nearly five years of excellent service as Executive Assistant on Communications, taking all the media bullets and public insults for Okowa and the administration as a result of his unblemished loyalty, commitment and absolute dedication to duty and in the defense of government and the governor’s reputation.

    “My boss, His Excellency the governor of Delta State is a good man, but there are some envious and crooked tribal bigots around him, influencing his actions and inactions towards me despite the huge efforts that I have made to safeguard the media space for government and the governor through regular deployment of strategic political communication and information management strategies in the past five years.

    “As an active Eacgov and senior government official, I have no official car, no Secretary and no media assistants attached to my office, no driver. And no provision in my package to employ personal assistant, and I have to do everything all by myself but my other colleagues enjoys all of these facilities.

    “Two streets in my town of Kokori; Okpe street and Agbonmeyerin Street, which my boss, the governor agreed to construct and rehabilitate are left unattended to. The Scope for the roads have been done by Ministry of Works and long submitted for approval but all efforts made to commence work failed but other roads projects were approved and work have since commenced in other districts.

    “The Okpe street and Agbonmiyerin streets are very strategic in Kokori Town and my people will be very happy that in my time as EACGOVDELTA and in Okowa’s tenure, these two popular streets we tired, and the credit will go to the governor; but the file has been kept in view and I am not happy about it because I am aware of other developments elsewhere via some other appointees in the state. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

    “I introduced the Delta State Communication Capacity Building Workshop, (Delcom) to further train media appointees of government, media partners in the state, social media influencers and bloggers, and this strategic effort had converted over three hundred persons to support and project government programmes and achievements in the media space and still counting. I had to bring on board some notable media persons from the opposition parties to assist in projecting Okowa administration and the government.

    “I have been working under strange conditions which I do not want to mention here, and majority of the people believe that the governor has been funding my office heavily with millions of Naira, whereas the reverse is the case. I am really tired of peanuts here and there that won’t reduce stress in my official duties.

    “I do not want to speak negatively about a government I have laboured day and night to defend publicly, made enemies with people we had no personal misunderstanding except for doing my job to protect and sustain the integrity of the governor and government reputation, a rare loyalty feat that my colleagues could not offer the governor and the government.

    “In all of these, I swallowed lots of insults and abuses from Okowa detractors and media team of the major opposition party, the APC, but my boss, the Governor, have not been able to find adequate time to do the needful by elevating my official status to balance the equation in line with the principles of equity, justice and good conscience.

    “A good governor should necessarily be the governor for all Deltans in words, in actions and inactions. I have no doubts in my mind that governor Okowa will finish strong, but in finishing strong he would need to do adequate justice, and apply good conscience to all concerned.

    “Resigning will be my last option and I pray and hope that the Holy Spirit and those who truly love the Governor as well as genuine Stakeholders in his administration will prevail on him to ignore the deceptive tactics of some tribal bigots and dirty schemers around him, and to use his God given Christian mind to positively consider my little and reasonable requests,” Oghenesivbe said.

  • Gov Okowa predicts outlook of year 2022

    Gov Okowa predicts outlook of year 2022

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday has predicted that 2022 will be a better year for Nigerians.

    Okowa made the prediction during the Delta State Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    Accompanied by his wife Dame Edith, the governor took the first lesson entitled “The fall of man” while his Deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, took the second reading.

    He said that 2021 was a challenging year for Nigerians but expressed the hope that 2022 would be a better year for the nation.

    He urged Christians to renew their hope in God as He alone could turn around the fortunes of the people.

    “Let me wish everyone here a merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance.

    “There is no doubt that the year has been very tough for so many Nigerians and the people of Delta are not excluded from the challenges of the nation.

    “But there is hope for tomorrow and all I pray and ask of you is to stay faithful in God and to realise that in Christ Jesus we have hope for tomorrow.

    “I thank you for coming to this event because in all things we have to give thanks to God and it is in an occasion like this that we appreciate God for our lives.

    “We must realise that in spite of the challenges of the year we are all alive to see today and it is my hope and prayer that God will bless all of us as we enter year 2022.

    “It is my hope that year 2022 will be better than year 2021 and may the Lord renew your strength and provide you all your needs,” Okowa prayed.

    The Guest Minister, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, in his exhortation urged Christians to show appreciation to God for his incredible love to humanity as demonstrated by his son, Jesus Christ.

    According to Aggrey, God never makes mistake because His word never fails, adding that nothing any man can do that will escape God’s judgment.

    The cleric commended Okowa for his tremendous support to the Christendom in the state.

    Present at the event were the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Christopher Ochor and Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Diai.

    Also the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso and other top government functionaries attended the ceremony.

  • Gov Okowa signs Delta 2022 Appropriation Bill of N479bn into law

    Gov Okowa signs Delta 2022 Appropriation Bill of N479bn into law

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday in Asaba, the State capital assented to the State’s 2022 Appropriation Bill of N479 billion.

    The governor also signed five other Bills, including Delta State House of Assembly Service Establishment Bill 2021, Delta State Registration of Community Development Associations Bill 2021, Delta State Debt Management Bill 2021, Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Bill 2021 and Asaba Specialist Hospital Bill, 2021.

    Signing the Appropriation Bill, Okowa assured Deltans that the state would strive to implement capital projects embedded in the 2022 budget as well as complete all ongoing projects before the end of his tenure.

    He commended the House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill, and said that his assenting to the Bill before end of December would avail the state government the opportunity to further plan towards its implementation from January, 2022.

    “You just witnessed the signing into law of six bills that were passed by the House of Assembly this last quarter of the year, 2021.

    “We thank God for the good work the House has done; the very important one is the Delta State Appropriation Bill 2022, now signed into law.

    “I must thank the House for giving speedy attention to the Bill because with the signing into law today, it will help us to plan and to start early in 2022.

    “I do know that it went through a full legislative process and I must thank the House for the great job that they did which enabled us to pass the Bill on the 30th of November.

    “I want to reassure Deltans that we will continue to do our best. We are very much aware that there are financial challenges in the country today, but we will continue to do our best within the limits of the resources available.

    “We are very much hopeful that there will be a turnaround in 2022, and I hope that we will be able to execute the capital projects that are contained in our budget, both the new ones and the ongoing before the end of our tenure,” he said.

    On the Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency Bill, Okowa said that the law would enable the government to tackle erosion and flooding issues in the state head-on.

    “I want to also appreciate you for the passage of the Delta State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency Bill, signed into law today.

    “We are very much aware that there is a lot of devastation in the ecosystem in some parts of our state. This is following through the advice that was given to us by the World Bank.

    “We can now actually focus more in dealing with flood and erosion challenges across the state,’’ he said adding that the Delta State House of Assembly Service commission Amendment Bill was very important for the smooth running of the service of the House of Assembly.

    On Asaba Specialist Hospital Bill, the governor said that the law was very key to the effective management of the hospital to enhance universal health coverage in the state.

    “This law is very important to us because we have decided that there is a need to have a separate law governing the establishment of this hospital.

    “And, I can attest to the fact that there is a lot of decency and commitment in the management of the hospital.

    “There’s obviously a public-private-partnership in the management of the hospital and I know that it’s been helping our people a lot.

    “They have rendered quality services to the people since they opened for operation in 2020 and I thank God for the basic and specialist health services they have provided for Deltans and non-Deltans who live in the state.

    “One needs to visit the hospital and see the number of patients being attended to on daily basis; so, I want to thank the lawmakers for the passage of the Bill which has been signed into law,” he stated.

    Okowa said Delta State Debt Management Law seeks to regulate and manage the State’s borrowing and debt portfolio in line with international best practices, explaining that “It seeks to establish the Debt Management Department in the Ministry of Finance.

    “It is one of the requirements to ensure the functionality of the Ministry of Finance as it concerns the debt management of the state.

    “It is our hope that this particular department would be able to manage the debt of the state even beyond my tenure.”

    He lauded the Assembly for the prompt passage of the Bill to regulate the activities of community development associations in the state.

    “Another important bill is the one to regulate the activities, operations and leadership structures of development association in the state.

    “Like the Speaker had earlier said, there are many of our communities where people tend to ignore even the constitutions written by the communities and lord themselves over other persons in the community.

    “This bill will enable us have some levels of regulation over what happens in our community development associations.

    “To make them more functional and to ensure that these associations are tenured and that people will no longer lord themselves over others in the communities, even against the constitution that brought them into power.

    “I thank the House of Assembly by ensuring that these six bills were passed this end of year. You have done quite a lot for us,” he stated.

    Presenting the Bills, the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Sherrif Oborevwori, said that the Bill went through all legislative process before being passed.

    He said that with the timely presentation of the Appropriation Bill, 2022 and its subsequent passage by the House, the State was on a good start for year 2022.

    “I am confident that the budgetary provisions for 2022 will meet the yearnings of our people and the developmental needs of the State, because it is indeed a realistic budget,” he said.

    On the passage of Debt Management Bill, the speaker said the State had complied with the requirements of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme, and the World Bank Disbursement Linked Indicator 7.

  • Okowa seeks legislative backings to contain crude oil theft

    Okowa seeks legislative backings to contain crude oil theft

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday forwarded an executive Bill to the State House of Assembly for consideration of a Law to provide for the forfeiture of property used for illegal storage of crude oil.

    The bill is contained in a letter read during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sherriff Oborevwori.

    The Governor said: “I wish to intimate the House of the State Government’s desire to provide a Bill for a Law for the Delta State Forfeiture Law and other matters connected therewith.

    “Despite ongoing amnesty and other measures taken to address crude oil theft in the Niger-Delta region in addition to concerted efforts of the Federal and Oil-producing States in securing our pipelines, oil production challenges appear unabated as pipeline sabotage has continued to result in crude oil loses.”

    Okowa also stated that the losses and high cost of operation had hampered the nation’s earnings from oil which invariably is affecting the States, Delta inclusive.

    “Regrettably, experience has shown that the illegal Storage of crude oil are perpetuated using property such as premises, caravans, vehicles, vessels, aircraft and other forms of of containers.

    “It has therefore become necessary to nip this ugly trend in the bud by ensuring that those who use or provide their property to commit an offence are held liable.

    “For the purpose of this law, a property is said to have been used to commit such offence where an element of the acts which constitutes the offence took place on the property, or where the property has been used for the storage of crude oil.

    “In view of the socio-economic benefit of the Bill to the State, therefore, I wish to forward for the consideration of and passage of into law by the House, a Bill for a Law for the Delta State Forfeiture Law 2021 and any other matters connected therewith,” he said.

    Also at Tuesday’s plenary, the House received another bill from the governor for a Law to regulate the Manufacture and Use of Deep Canoes (Cotonou Boats) in Delta State and for purposes connected therewith.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the Assembly to receive both bills as proposed.

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, was seconded by the member representing Uvwie constituency in the state Assembly, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata.

  • Anti-open grazing: Delta gets livestock management committee

    Anti-open grazing: Delta gets livestock management committee

    Delta Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 19-member Livestock Management Committee as part of the provisions of the anti-open grazing law recently enacted in the state.

    Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Asaba, the governor charged the members to ensure that the law was effectively implemented in the best interest of citizens of the state.

    He said that Delta had been home to many diverse people living peacefully among the indigenes until the influx of criminal elements who had turned the bushes to den of criminality.

    “A few weeks ago the Delta State House of Assembly passed the Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill 2021.

    “I must thank them sincerely for putting a seal in the law which, was an Executive Bill following the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum which met in Asaba.

    “I want to use this medium to thank members who have accepted to serve in the committee.

    “There is no doubt that we have been living peacefully with our brothers from the North.

    “Unfortunately, over time we have a lot of persons who have come into our bushes and many times unknown to those whom our people relate with and they have turned our bushes into a den of criminality.

    “They have been involved in kidnapping, killings and raping of our women and also extorting people going about their legitimate businesses.

    “Some of them deliberately take their cattle to farms and consume crops belonging to farmers, and obviously, this is not acceptable. So, this law is put together to regulate livestock management in the state,’’ he said.

    Okowa explained that in constituting the committee the government ensured that there were representatives of the Delta State Cattle Rearers and Breeders Association and the Butchers Union in the committee.

    He said that the government was not also unmindful of those who went about their normal businesses of cattle-rearing without infringing on the rights of farmers, but added that there was need to be protective of farmers and to fish out every criminal element who had remained a security threat to the state.

    “It is my hope that this Committee will carry out its work with decency in such a manner that will be beneficial to the people of the state,’’ he stressed.

    The governor urged the chairman and members of the committee to work closely with traditional rulers, presidents-general of communities and other stakeholders to put all processes in place to execute the law to the best intent for which it was made.

    He further charged the committee to embark on serious advocacy to enlighten the people and livestock breeders on the need to obey the law, saying “there is need for lots of advocacy and you have to ensure that you execute the law to the best interest of the people.”

    Responding, Chairman of the Committee, who is Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources , Mr Julius Egbedi, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, assuring that the Committee will carry out the task in the best interest of the people.

    He stated that the Committee would work towards ensuring harmonious living between farmers and livestock breeders.

    Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Christopher Ochor and other top government functionaries witnessed the inauguration.

    The committee has Mr David Tonwe, Matthew Ossai, Christopher Owho, Otogo Samuel, Julius Omunizua, Dr Charles Diai as members.

    Others are CSP Austine Duru, Jonah Nwigwe, Victor Duruegbuso, Cletus Bebefaugha, Michael Esegba, Victor Okolie, Erhuvwu Akpoghene Esq,, Frank Aghara Esq., Christian Edhughoro, Alhaji Shuwa Adamu, Mr Chuks Acha and Dr Augustine Ojogbo, as Secretary.

  • Delta assembly approves Okowa’s request of N20bn loan

    Delta assembly approves Okowa’s request of N20bn loan

    The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the request by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for a N20 billion facility from Fidelity Bank Plc.

    The governor’s request is contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, during plenary of the assembly in Asaba.

    Okowa said the request was to finance the state government’s five per cent equity in the UTM offshore Limited Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) Project.

    He said the project is under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) real sector support Find/Differentiated cash reserve requirement window.

    ”The facility is in line with the state government’s intent of diversifying its strategic portfolio by investing in a floating Liquified Natural Gas plant project.

    ”Delta is expected to invest in the project through a five per cent share of the company,” he said.

    Okowa explained that the facility would not only boost employment for the teeming population and enhance local content for Delta, but would also secure future cash flow for the state.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the approval of the governor’s request.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by the house when put to a voice vote by the speaker.

    It was earlier seconded by the member representing Ika North East State Constituency, Mr Anthony Elekeokwuri.

  • UPU honours 56 prominent Urhobo sons, daughters [FULL LIST]

    UPU honours 56 prominent Urhobo sons, daughters [FULL LIST]

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) as part of activities to mark its 90th anniversary on Friday honoured a number of prominent sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation.

    Among those honoured at the 90th anniversary of the UPU are pioneer nationalists and icons of the Union; legends of industry, enterprise and other professions; legends in politics and public service, and pioneers and proprietors in education.

    Others are distinguished scholars and writers; outstanding Urhobo sportsmen and women; arts, music and media; young pacesetters and innovators; distinguished daughters of Urhobo, and Governors of Urhobo extraction (elected and appointed).

    Speaking during the award ceremony that held at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa commended the UPU for the honour done to the illustrious sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation.

    Governor Okowa, while showering praises on the people of Urhobo nation for their immense support and contributions to the development of the State in particular and the country at large, said the award would help in encouraging others to put in their best in the growth and development of the nation.

    He stressed that the UPU had, as a socio-cultural group and through its human resources, played a remarkable role in the development of the state and Nigeria in the 90 years of its existence.

    According to him, UPU has played a major role in the advancement of not just the Urhobo nation but the advancement of Delta and Nigeria.

    The Governor thanked the leadership of the union for using its relationship with the people to ensure peace and organise them for purposeful development and being of great assistance to any government in power in the state.

    “I know the role the UPU has been playing in helping to build peace in Urhoboland and in trying also to extend hand of friendship to other ethnic groups across the state.

    “By the time our people in Delta State relate as one, then you would have helped government to solve its problems because once you have been able to establish peace it becomes much easier to develop the state,” he said.

    Okowa acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Urhobos and their neighbours, and said that a hand of friendship was very important “because he who extends hand of friendship wants to have a friend.”

    “I don’t believe that we must fight everything through; sometimes a kind word or a conversation can help you to get to where you want to be,” he said.

    He admonished governorship aspirants to exercise restraints in their consultations and campaigns.

    “I want to appeal to our sons and daughters who seek to be governor. It is usually best when you approach it on the basis of friendship. It is usually best that we are choosy on the kind of words that we use in public so that we don’t start any round of fights.

    “No matter how provoked, any person aspiring to the position of leadership must learn to control his anger and speak peacefully to people because in so doing, he attracts friends to himself,” he said.

    He called on Urhobo people to prune down the number of aspirants in the governorship race, advising that it was in their best interest to reduce the numbers.

    “When there are too many sons and daughters in a race, it creates its own challenge and I believe that the elders have understood this. There is a need to trim down and I believe that the time is now,” Okowa added.

    Meanwhile, the President-General of the UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said that UPU was celebrating 90 years, a decade short of a century, adding that the union was Nigeria’s oldest surviving socio-cultural organisation.

    He said that UPU saw education as the light that would illuminate Urhoboland and liberate its people assuring that UPU was working on bequeathing an economic legacy to future generations with the proposed establishment of Okugbe Microfinance Bank which was awaiting operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Taiga said that the Urhobos would build alliances with other ethnic nationalities in the South-south and beyond to proffer a new destiny for Nigeria as the nation tottered to a new beginning.

    “While we do not support secessionist agitations, we align with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria in line with the tenets of federalism. We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta and the call for election results to be transmitted electronically.

    “Urhobos are in support of states’ collection of Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great again,” he stated.

    LIST OF UPU @ 90 AWARDEES

    CATEGORY 1: PIONEER NATIONALISTS AND UPU ICONS

    1. Chief Ovedje Sadjere
    2. HRM Onajite Igere Adjara III
    3. Hon Justice Joseph Akpovi
    4. HRM Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom
    5. Mr. George Akaghoro
    6. Chief Ogheneakpobo Adjekughele

    CATEGORY 2: LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROFESSIONS

    1. Chief Patrick Gbinije
    2. AIG Dickson Sanomi
    3. Chief Edward Esiso
    4. Chief W. T. Odibo

    CATEGORY 3: LEGENDS IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE

    1. Deacon Gamaliel Onosode
    2. Engr. Damrere Dede
    3. Chief G. N. O. Sefia
    4. Major General Felix Mujakperuo
    5. Chief Richard Oduaran

    CATEGORY 4: PIONEERS AND PROPRIETORS IN EDUCATION

    1. Ezekiel Igho
    2. Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey
    3. Dr. Mayirue Kolagbodi
    4. Professor F. M. A. Ukoli
    5. Chief A. T. Rerri
    6. Chief Johnson Barovbe

    CATEGORY 5: DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS AND WRITERS

    1. Professor Onigu Otite
    2. Professor Peter Ekeh
    3. Professor David Okpako
    4. Professor Isidore Okpewho
    5. Chief Daniel Obiomah
    6. Professor Tanure Ojaide

    CATEGORY 6: OUTSTANDING SPORTS MEN AND WOMEN

    1. Professor Ajovi Scot-Emuakpor
    2. Toni Urhobo
    3. Blessing Okagbare
    4. Ese Brume

    CATEGORY 7: ARTS, MUSIC AND MEDIA

    1. Dr. Alex Ibru
    2. Andy Akporugo
    3. Dr. Peter Igho
    4. Chief Ogute Ottan
    5. Mr. Ted Mukoro
    6. Daniel Iriferi (Sally Young)

    CATEGORY 8: YOUNG PACE SETTERS AND INNOVATORS

    1. Clement Mudiaga Enajemo
    2. Benson Uwheru

    CATEGORY 9: DISTIGUISHED DAUGHTERS OF URHOBO

    1. Mrs. Joan Ibuje
    2. Mrs. Mary Lakeru (nee Mowoe)
    3. Chief (Mrs) Lady Agbaza
    4. Chief (Mrs) Christiana Siakpere
    5. Chief (Mrs) Victoria Agodo
    6. Chief (Mrs) Margaret Unukegwo
    7. Professor (Mrs) Rose Aziza

    CATEGORY 10: GOVERNORS OF URHOBO EXTRACTION (ELECTED AND APPOINTED)

    1. Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere (Midwest)
    2. Major General David Ejoor (Midwest)
    3. Brigadier Harris Eghagha (Ogun)
    4. Olorogun Felix Ibru (Delta)
    5. Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Abia)
    6. Major General Patrick Aziza (Kebbi)
    7. Navy Commodore Temi Ejoor (Abia and Enugu)
    8. Colonel Mike Torey (Ondo)
    9. Brigadier Dominic Oneya (Benue and Kano)
    10. Chief James Ibori (Delta)
  • BREAKING: Delta Assembly passes State 2022 budget

    BREAKING: Delta Assembly passes State 2022 budget

    The Delta State House of Assembly has passed into law the State’s 2022 appropriation bill, being the 2022 budget of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 2022 budget was passed into law after passing third reading on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

    The State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa christened the budget as “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Accelerated Development”.

    The House passed the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N478.9 billion, indicating an increase of N9.5 billion from N469.4 billion earlier presented by Governor Okowa.

    The passage of the appropriation bill was sequel to a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, during plenary of the assembly in Asaba.

    Presenting the report of the committee, Ibori-Suenu said that the total proposed budgetary estimate presented to the assembly by Okowa was N469.4 billion.

    “The breakdown includes N185.3 billion for recurrent expenditure, while N284.1 billion was for capital expenditure.

    “However, after a careful evaluation of the submissions of the various Sub-committee and provisions in the various heads and sub-heads, the Finance and Appropriation Committee wishes to humbly return a total budget size of N478.9 billion only.

    “This is made up of a total Recurrent Expenditure estimate of N188.2 billion and Capital Expenditure estimate of N290.7 billion only,” she said.

    Ibori-Suenu noted that the 2022 budget which was presented by the governor showed a clear path for fiscal consolidation, recovery, growth and economic opportunity for all the people of the state.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the bill.

    The motion was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Sherriff Oborevwori, was seconded by Mr Augustine Uroye, representing Warri South 1 Constituency.

    In his remarks, the speaker said, “my dear colleagues, you will recall that on Oct. 21, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa presented the year 2022 budget to this House for legislative processing, scrutiny and passage in line with the provisions of Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I am delighted this morning because we have successfully discharged this key function of authorising the government expenditures for year 2022.

    “And I sincerely thank all of you for a job well done. From the first reading of this bill to its final passage, you diligently brought your wealth of knowledge and experience to bear.

    “Your commitment to the success of this bill is truly amazing and I thank you.

    “There is no doubt in my mind that by the timely passage of this bill, Delta is on a good start to year 2022.

    “I strongly believe that this bill will greatly impact the lives of the people of the state and will bring about massive infrastructure and human capital development in our dear state.

    ”So, let me at this juncture thank the governor for his well-timed presentation of the year 2022 Appropriation Bill in line with international best practices,” he said.

  • Buhari snubs Atiku as Okowa, PDP celebrate former Vice President @75

    Buhari snubs Atiku as Okowa, PDP celebrate former Vice President @75

    As Atiku Abubakar marks his 75th birthday today, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has snubbed the former Vice President.

    Notwithstanding, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and a host of other high profile Nigerians have celebrated with Atiku.

    The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja on Thursday, said it was proud of Abubakar.

    The PDP described him as an irrepressible democrat, who remains untiring in his efforts and sacrifices toward the unity, stability and development of the nation.

    “Abubakar is a remarkably committed leader, a strong epitome of our national cohesiveness, a statesman to the core and an excellent administrator, who spared nothing, as a leader and businessman, in the pursuit of the overall good of the nation.

    “Indeed, the overwhelming support and solidarity he received from Nigerians across the divide in the 2019 general election is a resounding testimony of the confidence the people have in him as a leader.

    “Moreover, the outcome of that election did not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians have on him and the PDP,” the statement reads.

    The party prayed God to grant Abubakar many more years in good health to His glory and service of humanity.

    In the same vein, Governor Okowa has congratulated Atiku

    In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor lauded the former Vice President for his remarkable commitment to the unity and progress of the nation through his remarkable economic and political activities.

    Okowa said Atiku’s wise and consistent admonitions on national issues had been outstanding and impactful.

    He commended the ex-Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections for his inspiring role in the defence and promotion of democracy in Nigeria.

    He stated that the Wazirin Adamawa was a detribalised Nigerian, whose benevolence had impacted many lives beyond tribe, religion, gender, social status and partisan frontiers.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our great leader and patriot, former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, as he celebrates his 75th birth anniversary.

    “As a respectable leader and elder statesman, you have genuinely provided opportunities for people to eke out a living from their God-given potential with your massive investments in education, agriculture, media, hospitality, water and oil and gas.

    “You have made outstanding contributions to the socio-economic and political growth of Nigeria and we will continue to be inspired by your patriotism and love for this great country.

    “Over the years, you have remained a large-hearted, philanthropist and a people’s leader with mass followership across the country.

    “You bestrode Nigeria’s political landscape like a colossus and as you clock 75 years today, it is my prayer and that of millions of Deltans and every Nigerians that God will continue to strengthen you in your service to God and humanity,” he said.

    Also, the Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his 75th birthday.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the former Vice President is an accomplished politician, businessman and a philanthropist who has used his opportunities in life to serve the nation and assist people in need.

    He said the Forum recognises and appreciates his contributions to resolving some of the nation’s challenges including those peculiar to the northern region such as illiteracy, poverty, insecurity, unemployment and lack of unity.

    While wishing the elderstatesman many more years of peace and good health, the Forum urged him to continue to serve the people and also avail the region and Nigeria as a whole, his experience, wisdom and goodwill.

  • Gov Okowa, Orodje Okpe, UPU President, Augoye for Catholic church JDPC week

    Gov Okowa, Orodje Okpe, UPU President, Augoye for Catholic church JDPC week

    Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Orodje Okpe, HRM Felix Mujakperuo (Orhue I) have been invited to grace the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) week of the Catholic Diocese of Warri.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Okowa and the Orodje Okpe were invited to the Catholic Diocese of Warri JDPC week 2021 where the State immediate past Commissioner for Works and governorship hopeful, Chief James Augoye is expected to grace the occasion as Guest Speaker.

    According to a statement by Rev. Fr. Emma Obadjere, host of the Catholic Diocese of Warri JDPC week 2021, while the State Governor will grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, the Orodje Okpe will grace the occasion as Royal Father of the Day alongside HRM Emmanuel Sideso (Abe I), the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.

    Other Royal Fathers of the Day billed to grace the JDPC week 2021 are HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom and HRM Charles Ayemi Botu, Pere of Seimbiri Kingdom.

    TNG reports the JDPC week 2021 will be held on Friday 26th November 2021 at the Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre, Effurun with the theme: A Nation in Search of Direction: Political and Economic Imperatives.

    According to the statement by Rev. Fr. Obadjere, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor (VC), Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka will deliver the keynote address, a good governance lecture on Setting a New Agenda for Integral Development in Nigeria: Matching Policies with Action.

    TNG gathers that the President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, who is a foremost industrialist, CEO, NBTC will chair the occasion, while His Grace, Rt. Revd. Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, and His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide, Bishop of Warri Diocese, Anglican Communion will serve as Spiritual Fathers of the Day.

    The Chief Host of the JDPC week 2021 is Most Rev. Dr. John Okeoghene Afareha, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri; Barr. Miakpo Emiaso is the Chairman Planning Committee and Barr. John-Larry Ojukoko is the Secretary of the Planning Committee.