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Tag: Ifeanyi Okowa

  • Ewu to Orere bridge in Delta ready by December – Project Manager

    Ewu to Orere bridge in Delta ready by December – Project Manager

    Engr Frank Uwuseba, Project Manager, Obakpor Engineering has disclosed that the all-important Ewu to Orere link bridge would be ready by December 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the multi-billion naira Orere bridge is one of the many legacy projects of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

    Speaking during a media tour of the bridge in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State, Engr Uwuseba said 200 longitudinal beams will carry the weight of the 500 meters long bridge.

    According to Uwuseba, the Ewu to Orere bridge, in its second year of construction, links 14 communities at the Orere side of the bridge.

    “Hitherto, people from the communities on the other side of the bridge use canoes to cross. They also use canoes to cross motorcycles but you see all these cars parked here, the owners have crossed without them. By the time this bridge is completed, they can cross with their vehicles.

    “When completed, road users can use the bridge to navigate to Bomadi and environs. No doubt the bridge will improve the livelihood of the people. By our estimation, the bridge should be completed by December 2023,” the Project Manager said.

    TNG reports the media tour also took journalists to many projects of the Governor Okowa administration; many of which are completed and some ongoing.

    The State government earmarked N111.4 billion for the Ministry of Works to undertake infrastructural development in 2023.

    The administration boasts of 883 ongoing and completed roads projects covering a total length of 1,932.14km of roads, drainage channels with a cumulative length of 1,035.95km in the last seven years.

    Notable among them are the Burutu, Okerenkoko and Benekrukru internal roads, as well as the 20.29km Obotobo 1- Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri Road in Burutu Local Government Area.

    Others are Access Road in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridges and Access Road Phase 1, Kwale-Beneku Bridge and Ayakoromor Bridge, dualisation of Ughelli-Asaba Road (Sectors A and C2) and the Okpanam Bypass, linking Okpanam to Benin-Asaba Expressway.

    Among those already completed are the Koka Flyover and Interchange in Asaba, Ovwor/Effurun-Otor Bridge in Ughelli South LGA, Oha/Orerokpe/Oviore Bridge in Okpe LGA, Agbarho/Orherhe Bridge, as well as bridges at rail crossing in Boji-Boji Urban.

  • How new State Secretariat is enhancing efficiency of civil servants in Delta

    How new State Secretariat is enhancing efficiency of civil servants in Delta

    The sprawling, ultra-modern Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex built by the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is enhancing the efficiency of civil servants in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the multi-billion naira state secretariat, located along Mariam Babangida Way in Asaba and named after the Asagba of Asaba, was inaugurated in 2021 after the ground-breaking ceremony in 2018.

    The 7-storey Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, laced with state-of-the-art facilities, houses 27 ministries of the 29 ministries in Delta State.

    For years, public establishments remained in rented buildings, a situation that continued to encumber the effective delivery of services by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    During a media tour of the ultra-modern secretariat, Mr Emmanuel Siakpere, Director, Special Project in the State, disclosed how the new secretariat has served for the efficiency of civil servants in the State.

    “This is Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat built two years ago by the State Government under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. It is a 7-storey building. It accommodates 27 ministries of the 29 ministries in Delta State.

    “It has saved the cost of paying for rent and bringing the business of the State government under one roof instead of moving from one place to another.

    “You have something to do in the Ministry of Justice and you have something to do in maybe Economic Planning, Finance; it does not take you everywhere. So, you just do everything under one roof,” Mr Siakpere said.

    TNG recalls when Delta State was created in 1991, the first secretariat complex popularly referred to as ‘Works’ was hurriedly put in place by the then military administrator, Group Captain Luke Ochulor.

    The complex barely accommodated the MDAs and the army of public servants relocated from Benin City, the capital of defunct Bendel State, where Delta was carved out from.

    While successive governments in the State constructed some office buildings in Asaba, so many public establishments continue to remain in rented buildings.

    Recognizing the deficit and determined to change the narrative, Governor Okowa on assumption of office in 2015 conceived the idea of the ultra-modern Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat complex.

    Developed from obscurity to an imposing and audacious edifice and occupying about 65,000 square metres, Mr Siakpere said the secretariat has enhanced the productivity of civil servants.

    “The State Secretariat has enhanced the productivity of civil servants. Workers come early to work and close late because the environment is so friendly and conducive. We have 24 hours power supply and there is Internet connectivity. All offices are connected to the Internet.

    “For mothers, there is a place to cater for the needs of their children while they do their work. Workers bring their children here. There is a creche. They take good care of the children at the creche.

    “The new secretariat is so conducive for work so much that we even have to be pleading with workers to leave their offices after the close of business,” Siakpere said.

    On the maintenance of the secretariat, he said: “The Okowa administration has put measures in place for the maintenance of the State Secretariat. For instance, the landscape, every year, we clean. There are plans for re-painting of the secretariat every two years. So, there are measures for maintenance”.

    Earlier, Okowa had addressed concerns relating to the maintenance of the secretariat, stressing that alternative management service was being worked out to ensure that the secretariat complex stood the test of time.

    “We are already working up a process for a management service to ensure that the secretariat is being looked after in such a manner that several years to come, it will still be in a very functional state. We will make sure that before the inauguration, it will be put in place,” Okowa had said.

    The State Governor had also disclosed that the secretariat is powered 24 hours by the independent power plant of the state government, the same power source that serves the Government House and other government offices.

    Meanwhile, on the decision of the State government to name the edifice after Prof. Chike Edozien, Okowa had said the traditional ruler’s tenure brought remarkable peace and sustainable development to the State capital.

    He had emphasised that naming the secretariat after the Asagba of Asaba was part of tribute to him for his belief in the unity of the state.

    “I think he is very worthy of it not because he is a professor of medicine and one of the best we have had and it is not because he is the oldest professor of medicine we have today in this country.

    “But, as the Asagba of Asaba, it is during his time that we have witnessed some critical changes in the face of Asaba. In his time, we have witnessed a lot of developments in Asaba, and most importantly, peace.

    “We have seen a lot of movement of people from other places into Asaba and he has been able to administer the town in such a manner that it has accommodated strangers.

    “There is no better administration than that. So, we must give kudos to the man for being able to manage Asaba. He played a lot of role in what we have today as united people,” Okowa explained.

    TNG reports contract for the project was awarded in December 2016 to North China Construction Nigeria Limited, a Chinese company said to be a grade `A’ firm classified in the same category as Julius Berger Nigeria Limited. However, mobilization to the site was in November 2017.

    The project was funded under the Contractor-Financed model, which means that the contractor used its resources to build the secretariat, while the State will repay under an arrangement agreed by both parties.

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Okowa sues for peace, tolerance

    Eid-el-Fitr: Okowa sues for peace, tolerance

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of the 2023 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    In a statement on Friday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa urged all Muslim faithful to display the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which are love, peace and justice, in their daily living and through this, contribute nation-building.

    “I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.

    “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, it is my hope and prayer that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with us all for the benefit and greater glory of our dear nation.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid-el-Fitr in Delta State, Nigeria and around the world.

    “As we celebrate across Nigeria, it is important to remind us of the importance of respecting the faiths and beliefs of all.

    “I urge all Muslim faithful and every Nigerian to use the celebration for sober reflection and pray for peace, unity and progress of the nation as the country prepares for transition to new government at the centre and the states.

    “May the lessons and blessings of the Holy Month also permeate all our activities and positively influence our attitudes towards our fellow countrymen and women, irrespective of religion or place of origin; and promote greater commitment to the peace, unity and stability of the nation.

    “It is my hope that today brings joy to all homes, in Delta State, Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

  • Okowa constitutes handover committee, says membership not appointment

    Okowa constitutes handover committee, says membership not appointment

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has approved the constitution of Inauguration Committee to coordinate a smooth transition to the next administration in the state.

    Announcing the constitution of the Committee at a news conference in Asaba, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the Committee headed by Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, has the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, as Secretary.

    He, however, stated that membership of the committee and sub-committees was not an automatic qualification for appointment into the next administration in the state, advising against “entitlement mentality” being associated with membership of the committee.

    “You are very much aware that the Okowa administration is winding down and in about a month or couple of weeks, we will be heralding a new administration.

    “As it is customary, we have put up a Committee to carry out a number of activities to ensure a smooth transition.

    “What is trending in the Social Media is as if those who have been appointed into the main Committee and sub-committees have been given appointment in the new administration.

    “We want to make it very clear that those appointed into the committees have only been asked to come and work for the purpose of seeing a smooth transition from the Okowa administration to the next administration.

    “It does not mean that they are the ones that worked more than any other person. It does not also suggest that they are much more important than any other person.

    “You know that if everybody who contributed to the success of the election were to be considered it means we will have a committee that will be more than a million,” he said.

    Aniagwu appealed to party faithful who felt agitated for not being appointed into the committees to know that their assignment is just to midwife the process of a smooth transition.

    “It doesn’t suggest that these persons who have been appointed have been automatically engaged by the new administration nor does it undermine the effort of every other person who did not see their names in the different committees.

    “There are individuals who contributed very immensely to the success of the election and I can assure you that both the outgoing and incoming administrations take very serious cognisance of those efforts and in due course, the good Lord will instigate a process where they will be rewarded.

    “Appointment into the Committee is just to midwife these processes that will culminate in the eventual handover to the next administration.

    “So we appeal to our brothers to note that the Committee will not work in isolation and they will be reaching out to a number of people to assist them carry out the task,” he explained.

    He urged Deltans to continue their support for the Okowa administration not only to May 29 but to the incoming Oborevwori administration adding that the success of Okowa will advance the state.

  • Okowa didn’t sign law on governors’ new pension benefits – Aniagwu

    Okowa didn’t sign law on governors’ new pension benefits – Aniagwu

    The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu says Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta did not sign any law to give governors new retirement benefits.

    Aniagwu, who was reacting to allegation from certain quarters, made the clarification at a news conference on Tuesday in Asaba.

    He said that the detractors and opposition political candidates also alleged that the Okowa led government sold the state Liaison Office in Lagos.

    He cautioned the detractors to stop pouring aspersion on the governor through their porous claims, adding that the incumbent would remain focused in delivering the promises made to the people until the last day in office.

    Aniagwu said, “they claimed the liaison office in Lagos has been sold, to who, for how much? You can’t sell the property of the state; no amount, no buyer.

    “We only engaged a developer to tap into the opportunities therein to build a 10 storey building as approved by Lagos Government, to make more money for the state and to house the liaison office on completion of the project, which is currently on rent.

    “Also, we did not sign any law to give governors new pension benefits. Those who say that we are going and that we have passed a new law to give governors a new benefit package, they know they are making lies.

    “We challenge them to tell us the date that the new law was passed, where it was passed and who signed the law?

    Aniagwu said elections had been concluded and had been won and lost, while advising the losers to pursue their cases in court and stop chasing shadows by maligning the governor who did not contest elections with them.

    Aniagwu thanked the people of Delta for their support to sustain the developmental trajectory of the Gov. Okowa led adminstration and for voting en masse for Chief Sheriff Oborevwori to deepen the development.

    “There was an election which was won and lost and we have extended an olive branch to our brothers who contested in that election because we recognised that it was their democratic right to contest.

    “On the account of our promises, we shall continue to deliver more projects to the people, and we are confident that we are handing over a viable state to competent governor -elect, Chief Oborevwori.

    “As governor-elect, Oborevwori will deepen the development in the state,” he said.

  • Why Okowa did not construct roads in Warri, environs – Aniagwu

    Why Okowa did not construct roads in Warri, environs – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has alluded to reasons why the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa did not construct roads in Warri and its environs.

    Mr Aniagwu made this known while briefing newsmen on some of the decisions reached during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor in Asaba on Tuesday.

    The Commissioner disclosed Governor Okowa urged the contractor and Warri/Uvwie Development Agency to fast-track work on flood control projects in the area.

    Aniagwu said that the government approved a number of road projects amongst others in line with its promise to continue to work till the end of the administration.

    He said that the completion of the storm water drainage in the Warri area had become necessary to enable the construction and rehabilitation of roads that were in dire need of construction.

    “A number of persons did not understand why we have not constructed some of the roads in Warri and its environs and we have tried to explain this many times.

    “This is because flood will end up destroying the roads and possibly ravage all the homes along that channel.

    “That is why we are investing huge sum of money to enable us control the flood in Warri and its environs by constructing the storm water drainage channel.

    “We have explained this before now that because a number of these areas are heavily built and individuals over the years built on water ways,” he said.

    The commissioner said it had become necessary to address the incursion along the natural waterways and also those who had undermined the town planning structure of Warri.

    “So, the contractors have been given notice to take the project seriously to enable us address this flood challenge in parts of Warri,” he said.

    Aniagwu further said that government awarded new roads contract and also approved upward review of some due to the prevailing rise in prices in the economy.

    “Today, we have approved the construction of Alloy Agu Road; construction of Umudaie Road and Arewa St., from Ewulu Junction; all in Ika South Local Government Area of the state,” he said.

    He said that the council mandated the  Ministry of Works to ensure that the contractor handling construction of Sector C2 of the Ughelli/Asaba Express road which spanned through Ogwashi-Uku to Koka Junction in Asaba, complete the work for inauguration before May 29.

    Aniagwu noted that if not for the 2022 flood, the present administration would have completed the project from Asaba to Ughelli as planned initially.

    According to him, the 2022 flooding destroyed construction works and undermined the efforts of work that was put in before that time.

    “As such, we will continue with the entire project but we are optimistic that we will be able to deliver Sector C2 while Sector C1 and Sector A of the Ughelli/Asaba roads project may not proceed as fast because the rains are here,” he explained.

    The commissioner expressed confidence that a number of projects would be inaugurated before the exit of the incumbent.

    He, however, assured that the Governor-elect, Chief  Sheriff Oborevwori, who had been a critical factor in the incumbent government would complete the ongoing projects and do more for the state.

  • Delta Govt set to approach FG for refund of stamp duties backlog

    Delta Govt set to approach FG for refund of stamp duties backlog

    The Delta House of Assembly on  Tuesday approved Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s request to formally approach the Federal Government for the refund of backlog of stamp duties between January 2015 and December 2022.

    The approval followed a motion by the Majority Leader, Mr Ferguson Onwo, during the plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Christopher Ochor.

    Okowa had in a letter to the assembly asked for approval to submit relevant documents to the Governors’ Forum, on or before Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

    The letter read in part: ”the necessary documents to be submitted by the respective state governments regarding the Stamp Duties Recovery and Refund are a letter of consent from the deduction of consultancy fee at source, Resolutions/Approval of the State Executive Council and Resolution of the State House of Assembly.

    ”I wish to take the advantage of the window of opportunity, by actively pursuing the process of accessing funds which had hitherto been denied the state, which can be utilised for the significant developmental projects by the state.”

    After the letter was read, the majority leader moved a motion for the approval of the request.

    The Minority Leader, Mr Innocent Anidi, seconded the motion.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by the members, when it was put to a voice vote by the deputy speaker.

  • #JusticeforOnyeka: Governor Okowa calls for calm

    #JusticeforOnyeka: Governor Okowa calls for calm

    Delta Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called on the police to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of a young man by a police officer in Asaba on Wednesday.

    He decried the shooting of the deceased, Mr. Onyeka Ibe which was said to have occurred along Ugbolu- Illah Road by a member of stop -and-search police team on duty on the road.

    In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba, the governor sued for calm, and appealed to residents not to take laws into their hands but should allow the police to conduct an indepth probe into the circumstances that led to the sad incident.

    He confirmed that the police officer, an Inspector who allegedly fired the shot that killed Ibe was promptly arrested and currently being detained at the command Headquarters in Asaba.

    He advised citizens to go about their normal businesses and remain law-abiding, assuring that the law will take its course on the incident after a thorough investigation by the police.

    Okowa expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the resolve of the state government to ensure that the prevailing peace in the state endured.

  • Delta gets new Customary Court of Appeal President

    Delta gets new Customary Court of Appeal President

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday swore in Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere as the Acting President of the state Customary Court of Appeal.

    In a speech at the event in Asaba, Okowa said that his adminstration had provided the state judiciary with the right tools, personnel and conducive environment for ease of administering justice.

    He gave assurance that his outgoing administration would not cease to promote the growth and development of native laws and customs.

    “As this administration winds down, we can take pride in our modest efforts to provide the judiciary with the right tools, personnel and environment conducive to administer justice without any let or hindrance.

    “Overall, I believe we have fared well in improving the welfare and working conditions of the bench and the staff in the customary court system, within the limits of available resources,” he said.

    Okowa affirmed that Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), from which the Nigerian Judiciary derives its powers to administer justice, empowered District and Area Customary Courts to adjudicate in land disputes, marriage, succession, inheritance, guardianship and custody of children in rural communities.

    He said that those charged with the responsibility of administering justice under the customary court system “must be men and women of impeccable character”, free from selfishness, greed and covetousness.

    He further said that the judges must also be driven by the principles of natural justice, fair hearing, equity, common sense and good conscience, being the bedrock of the customary court system.

    Okowa poured encomium on Ojugbana-Orishedere, saying that she had demonstrated a high standard of professionalism and ethical conduct that would enable her to succeed in her new position.

    According to the governor, her appointment was on merit and well-deserved.

    He said that Ojugbana-Orishedere’s appointment followed Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze’s retirement on Monday upon her attainment of the mandatory 65 years.

    “Today’s swearing-in of Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere is in line with the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which stipulates that the highest-ranking judge in the Customary Court of Appeal will act as President, pending its confirmation by the National Judicial Council.

    “I note with delight that Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere comes prepared for the office having served in various capacities in the customary court system as Assistant Chief Registrar, Deputy Chief Registrar, Accounting Officer, Chief Registrar and judge,” Okowa said.

    He described Ojugbana-Orishedere as an erudite jurist, versatile academic, experienced administrator and dedicated public servant, who presided over Area Customary Courts in Kwale, Ogharefe and Koko at different times in her distinguished career.

    The governor urged her to redouble her efforts by being a good example of hard work, transparency, accountability, fairness and justice.

    Responding, Ojugbana-Orishedere said that she was humbled by her appointment and thanked the governor for finding her worthy to serve.

    She also thanked the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai, for the part she played in her appointment and her continued support to judges in the progress of the judiciary.

    She paid special tribute to her predecessor, Elumeze, for her inspiring role in the dispensation of justice in the state.

  • Gov. Okowa assures of enduring legacy in education sector

    Gov. Okowa assures of enduring legacy in education sector

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday reiterated his administration’s resolve to leave an enduring legacy in the education and other sectors in the state.

    The governor gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the Faculty of Agriculture buildings, lecture theatres and Halls of Residence at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

    He noted that his administration had done so much in upgrading facilities in the three new universities since they were established by the state government over a year ago.

    He said that the upgrade of facilities in the institutions was in line with his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state.

    Okowa said that the upgrade was necessary, especially by bridging the hitherto admission gap for students of the state.

    “We have inspected the Agriculture Faculty and the auditoriums at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The 500-seater and the twin 250-seater auditoriums are having a great work done.

    “We have been informed that by the end of April, the contractor would be off site, along with the furnishing; so we hope that we should be able to inaugurate the project in May, this year.

    “We found there that they are already painting and soon the furnishing will begin.

    “We also inspected the hostels in the university; the external work is being done and from what I was told, the hostel is about 95 per cent completed,” he said.

    According to him, there are lots of projects going on within the Dennis Osadebay University and I think it’s beginning to wear the look of a university now.

    He said, “The only one that is slow is one of the faculty buildings that we just saw along the road now and we have asked that the project be determined, so that another contractor can take it over.

    “Within the last one year that we started putting up the infrastructure in the university, I think we have done something almost magical.”

    The governor said that Dennis Osadebay University was in a more critical state due to the dearth of infrastructure on the campus, saying his administration would change the narrative.

    “If you truly look through the Dennis Osadebay University, you will see that it was in more critical need of new projects because what was on ground was not just sufficient.

    “That was why they have less courses accredited than the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; and University of Delta, Agbor. This is because those ones have more facilities on ground.

    “But as to whether we are achieving what we intended, yes we are. The universities have gone through their first academic session and the second one has also started,” Okowa said.

    According to him, the purpose is to bridge the gap of the number of students who usually do not find a space at the end of the year in our universities.

    “In the first year, I am told that they have admitted no fewer than 650 students.

    “The University of Agbor had 2,000 and that of Ozoro is 1,800. I am sure that this second set will likely have the same number and in another two to three years, they would have upscaled the number,” he said.

    Okowa, who also inspected ongoing works at the International Conference Centre, Asaba, said on completion, the project would provide conferencing facilities for the state.

    “I am glad with what I see here at the International Conference Centre. This is my first time to be here.

    “I just drove pass all the while and because it is walled. You can’t anticipate the level of work here within a short while that the project started.

    “I believe that the next administration will complete the project because it is a worthy project because what we normally call event centre is doubling as conference centre.

    “What we have at Dome is only good enough as an event centre as it is called. Here is actually built to provide facility for a conference centre.

    What we have here is a 1,500-seater auditorium; we have another one that can take 1,000 people. I am told that we have 11 conference rooms of various capacities,’’ he said.

    The governor noted that the next administration would complete the conference centre; more so, being a friendly administration.