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Tag: okowa

  • Delta Assembly approves Okowa’s N20bn credit facility

    Delta Assembly approves Okowa’s N20bn credit facility

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday approved a request of N20 billion credit facility from Fidelity Bank PLC, sent to it by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

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

    According to the governor’s letter, the credit facility is to finance the State Government’s Investment of five per cent equity in UTM offshore Limited Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Project.

    The project is under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) real sector support Fund/differentiated cash reserve requirement window.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Chief Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the approval of the request.

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when put to a voice vote by the speaker, was seconded by the member representing Warri South West constituency, Mr Dennis Guwor.

    Similarly, the House, also at Tuesday’s Plenary, received a letter on a Bill for a Law to repeal the Delta State Passengers Welfare Scheme Law, 2002.

    The Bill was forwarded to the lawmakers by Okowa through a letter which was read at Tuesday’s Plenary by the Speaker.

    Motion for the approval of the Bill was read by the Majority Leader, just as it was also unanimously adopted by the House following a voice vote called by the Speaker.

    In the letter, the governor stated that the essence of the law enacted in 2002 was to create an insurance Trust Fund to indemnify passengers against road accidents.

    “By this, a prescribed fee was introduced and built into the transport fares of all passengers and afterwards, remitted to an appointed consultant.

    ” There is no doubt that in all, the intent and purposes, the passenger Welfare law 2002 was enacted for the good of the people.

    “However, the implementation of the scheme revealed that rather than protect them, it has created more hardship than benefits.

    “As a government that is committed to the welfare of its citizens vis-a-vis the advice of the Ministry of Justice, it has become imperative to abrogate the Passenger Welfare Law, 2002,” the governor said.

  • Why Okowa’s daughter is qualified to run in 2023 – Aniagwu

    Why Okowa’s daughter is qualified to run in 2023 – Aniagwu

    Delta Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, says Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola is qualified to run for any political office in the state in 2023.

    The commissioner, who stated this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Asaba, said that political agitators should rather address issues rather than attacking individuals for cheap political blackmail.

    ‘The governor’s daughter is a youth, and the youth have roles to play’

    He said that a certain section of Ika North East had, for 20 years, occupied the state political space, especially in the House of Assembly, adding that it would not be asking for too much for the other section to take its turn.

    “I am from the council area and I urge the agitators to address issues, and not attack individuals. Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s daughter is eminently qualified to run for House of Assembly election.

    “Gov. Okowa is reluctant, but people of the community and the LGA are pushing her, knowing her pedigree, competence, intelligence and creativity and that she has the ability to represent them.

    “If the governor’s daughter is qualified. So, why not? People of divergent views must not look for those to pull down, after all a particular section of the council area had been occupying the position in the past 20 years.

    “The governor’s daughter is a youth, and the youth have roles to play. Besides, we are towing the path of equity to allow persons from the other side of the council area to also feature, after 20 years.

    Okowa-Daramola is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Girl-Child Empowerment.

    On Okowa’s endorsement of any candidate, the commissioner said that all the politicians gunning for governorship in the state under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were eminently qualified.

    He, however, noted that the Okowa-led administration would finish strong despite distractions.

    “The governor will not ask anybody not to run for any position, if such a person approaches him. We are not going to stop or fight them for using the name of the governor to campaign.

    “The governor has integrity, and everybody wants to associate with him. We hope that all our members are able to play safe, with respect for one another and in the interest of peace.

  • Okowa mourns Senator Patrick Osakwe

    Okowa mourns Senator Patrick Osakwe

    Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday commiserated with the family of Senator Patrick Osakwe, who died on Tuesday at the age of 73.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in a statement in Asaba, said the governor received with deep sadness, the death of the Septuagenarian politician who represented Delta North Senatorial District between 1999 and 2011.

    He also extended his condolences to Ugiliamai community, Onitcha-Ukwuani clan and the entire Ndokwa nation over the loss of one of their pillars and elder statesman.

    Okowa recalled that Senator Osakwe was a vocal voice in the Senate between 1999 and 2011 and contributed immensely to the establishment of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    He also remarked that the deceased contributed meaningfully in the works of Senate Committees of Gas, Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Appropriation, Niger Delta and Senate Services where he served, and attracted some infrastructural development to Ndokwa land and the senatorial district.

    He added that the late distinguished senator was a great man, who served his country and humanity with all his strength and talent, noting that he was a worthy leader in Anioma nation.

    “We have lost a great leader and patriot whose contributions to the growth and development of Delta and Nigeria can best be described as inspirational and worthy of emulation.

    “The late Senator Patrick Osakwe was a reputable lawyer, distinguished politician, lawmaker par excellence, elder statesman and astute businessman, and will be remembered for redefining the place of service and patriotism in Delta and Nigeria.

    “He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he affected in many ways.

    “I, therefore, urge all who mourn the late Senator Osakwe to take solace in the fact that he lived a life of great accomplishments.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn with the family of the late distinguished Senator Patrick Enebeli Osakwe, the Ndokwa nation and Anioma people in general on the demise of their father and leader,” the governor said.

    He prayed God to grant his immediate family the strength to bear the rather huge loss.

  • Delta Assembly approves Okowa’s N12bn loan request

    Delta Assembly approves Okowa’s N12bn loan request

    The Delta House of Assembly has approved Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s request for N12 billion bridging finance facility for the state.

    The approval was sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Chief Ferguson Onwo, during plenary on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Okowa, through a letter read by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sherriff Oborevwori, requested for the approval of the Assembly for the facility.

    Okowa said the state was expecting a bridging finance credit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cushion the effect of resumption of repayment of the Federal Government’s intervention facilities on the expiration of the forbearance period.

    “This bridging finance sum is to be received in six equal consecutive monthly instalments of N3.037 billion.

    “The House may further note that in a bid to defray arrears of unpaid certificates earned by contractors with respect to completion of some critical ongoing legacy projects awarded by this administration.

    “This will also help the state take advantage of the subsisting dry season to galvanise contractors toward completing and achieving significant milestone in the ongoing projects.

    “This became necessary to secure bulk funds at minimal costs, pending complete receipts of the Federal Government Nigeria(FGN) bridging finance credits in May 2022,” Okowa said in the letter.

    He said the state’s Executive Council at its first meeting on Jan. 20, 2022, considered and approved the request of state government to obtain N12 billion bridging finance facility from Zenith Bank Plc, against the expected FGN-CBN monthly inflows.

    According to Okowa, the purpose of the letter is to seek authorisation of State House of Assembly, for the state government to accept and utilise the loan facility from Zenith Bank Plc with terms and conditions.

    Also, to issue an appropriate Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to defray the loan.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader moved a motion for the approval of the governor’s request and the motion was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker.

    Meanwhile, the Assembly on Tuesday received a bill for a law to provide for the collection and processing of data of persons commuting in public/commercial transport within, into and out of Delta.

    The House also received a bill for a law to repeal the Delta Development and Property Authority Law, 1960 and re-enact the Delta Development and Property Authority Law to exercise the functions of property development authorities.

    The bill for a law to repeal and re-enact the waterways tax, control and licensing of boats law was also received by the Assembly.

    The three bills were sent through a letter by Governor Okowa.

  • 2023: I have deep biological roots in Delta Central, Okowa’s Deputy, Otuaro reveals

    2023: I have deep biological roots in Delta Central, Okowa’s Deputy, Otuaro reveals

    As the 2023 guber race draws close, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro has revealed that he has deep biological Urhobo roots in Delta Central.

    Otuaro made this startling revelation when he visited the 8 Chairmen of the 8 local government areas in Delta Central Senatorial District.

    The peace and reconciliation expert while announcing his readiness to serve if elected governor noted that he will be fair to all Deltans.

    Otuaro appealed to the PDP chairmen from Uvwie, Sapele, Okpe, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Ethiope East, Ethiope West, and Udu council areas to give him the necessary support to emerge governor.

    According to Otuaro, he hails maternally from Emadadja Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Otuaro, who promised to be fair to all Deltans if elected, further noted that “he will strengthen the party in the state, give equal opportunities to all Deltans irrespective of ethnic diversity, promote continuity of projects, and consolidate on the Stronger Delta Agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by giving equal development to the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

    “I will also ensure that the entire economic sectors are revamped towards the promotion of Socio-economic development of the state,” Otuaro said.

    The Chairmen, in their response, commended Otuaro’s loyalty, saying he has earned their trust through his style of administration, expertise, and experience in leadership.

    They also promised to give him the needed support.
    “As party leaders and delegates in the forthcoming PDP primary election, everyone will vote according to the dictates of his or her conscience. We urge every Governorship Aspirants to work hard to test their popularities at the field on the primary election day.

    “We have noted your consultation with gratitude. We will give equal chances, good level playing ground to all aspirants and everyone will vote in line with the dictates of his or her hearts and to any candidate of their choice,” they said.

  • Boundary Dispute: Okowa advises warring communities to embrace peace

    Boundary Dispute: Okowa advises warring communities to embrace peace

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called on communities neck deep in boundary dispute, which has led to crises and loss of lives to embrace peace to pave way for meaningful development.

    The Governor made the call on Saturday at the funeral of late Professor Abednego Ekoko at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uzere in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that no land was worth the life of any individual and urged Isoko people to embrace peace in honour of late Ekoko who was an accomplished boundary scholar.

    According to him, all Isoko people can be united if you hold on to God and extend love and friendship among yourselves.

    Okowa said that Ekoko contributed immensely to the peaceful resolution of crises in many communities and therefore charge his people to end strife and tread the path of peace in memory of the deceased peacemaker.

    The governor recalled that Ekoko played vital role in the resolution of Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh crisis and other boundary issues in the state and across the country when he served as National Commissioner, National Boundaries Commission.

    He said “on behalf of my family and the government and people of Delta, I extend my condolences to the Ekoko family of Uzere on the passing of our father, brother and friend.

    “We thank God for what is happening today on the day a peaceful man is being laid to rest. Professor Ekoko achieved all that he truly needed to achieve and today we are celebrating his life of great accomplishments.

    “In everything he found himself doing he excelled and he taught my wife at the postgraduate level and has impacted directly on my family.

    “In the community, he rose to achieve the highest honour in the land and beyond serving God, he served Nigeria at our national governance and through various appointments in the state.

    “He was a special appointee of our state government as Executive Assistant (Boundary Matters).

    “He was indeed a boundary scholar and I can attest to the fact that he contributed immensely to the peace we have in Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh today.

    “As Isoko people, let us honour Ekoko at his death by embracing peace. There are a lot of boundary disputes and communal crises in Isoko which ought not to be.

    “In honour of the death of a boundary scholar that worked for peace in many communities, let us stop fighting and live peacefully.”

    He counselled the people to eschew bitterness, especially over land matters, saying “when you fight because of land and for the sake of land destroy lives, those lives you destroyed you cannot recreate them when you settle.

    “No land is worth the life of anyone and as leaders and elders, we ought to handover things that will connote peace and development and not crisis.

    “I hope that the sermon spoken to us today will touch our lives for a change in honour of the late Ekoko.”

    Okowa urged the leadership of Isoko Development Union and the Christian community to organise a collective prayer to rededicate Isokoland to God.

    “It is a time for us to examine our faith, a time for self-introspection and reconciliation, and we must realise that it’s only in love the Isoko nation can be built to a greater nation.

    “The charge from Christ is for us to reexamine ourselves and it is not too late to start,” he added.

    Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Oleh Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, said that late Professor Ekoko was a man who worked for peace across the country.

    He described him as a man who was an addicted singer and worshipper of God, adding that his death was a great loss to christendom.

    The bishop said that Ekoko worshipped God even through pains and sickness.

    He urged Christians to live in peace and shun the spirit of bitterness and acrimony which had pervaded the land in recent years.

    “As politicians, it is only when we are united that we can attract dividends of democracy to our land,” he said.

    The service which featured prayers for the cleansing of Isoko land, attracted numerous dignitaries from the academia and was also attended by Senator James Manager, Senator Stella Omu; former Minister of Works, Chief Mike Onolememen and Mr Victor Nwokolo of the House of Representatives among others.

  • Okowa tasks Nigerians on humility, honesty in nation-building

    Okowa tasks Nigerians on humility, honesty in nation-building

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of humility, honesty, diligence and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
    Okowa gave the charge on Friday at the funeral service for late Chief Isaac Jemide, an ex Lawmaker and Commissioner in the defunct Bendel.
    The ceremony was held at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
    Okowa said that imbibing the virtues of humility, honesty, diligence and integrity would help to enhance productivity and strengthened nation-building.
    He described the late Jemide, an octogenarian, as a courageous man who spoke truth to power at all times.
    Okowa added that his type was the kind of people who could re-shape the community and the nation.
    The governor urged the children of the deceased and Nigerians to emulate the virtues of humility, courage and integrity which the elder statesman exhibited.
    “He was a man I didn’t meet so frequently. But the few times I met him, I truly fell in love with him because he was a man of strength on the inside.
    “Though very humble, he was a man that was very courageous and spoke truth to power at all times and those are the kind of people that can shape a nation and a community.
    “I do know that he has impacted very strongly on our society, the Itsekiri nation and Delta as a whole because he was truly a leader.
    “In the church, he played his role and rose to become a Papal Knight.
    “Not so many people get to that level and I know that he was a very strong voice for the Itsekiri nation that we must continue to appreciate.
    “He was a godly man, with godly integrity. Not the integrity now that appears to be on the face, his own was from the inside and it is something I believe and pray that many of our leaders should try to emulate.
    “His role in the community was enormous. He served in various capacities, both as employment and appointment. But more importantly, as an elected legislator,” Okowa said.
    Earlier, Rev. Fr. Peter Medugu in his sermon admonished Christians not to be afraid of death if they live a righteous life, describing death as the gateway to eternity.
    “Man should learn to live right and see life as a preparation for eternity.
    “Late Jemide was a great community leader and an epitome of humility,” he said.
    The cleric commended the deceased for his humility and commitment to humanity and urged the children to emulate and sustain the legacies of their late father.
    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Jemide was a lawyer and former member of House of Assembly in the defunct Bendel State. He was also a prominent Itsekiri leader of thought.
    He was also a former Commissioner in the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), representing Delta.
    The deceased passed away on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Warri, at 88.
    Among the dignitaries who came to the ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Delta, Kingsley Otuaro; former Governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire and others.
  • Okowa sends 7 nominees to Delta Assembly for approval as House of Assembly service commission members

    Okowa sends 7 nominees to Delta Assembly for approval as House of Assembly service commission members

    Delta Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa has forwarded seven names of nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Commission to the legislature for approval.

    The names of the nominees which are contained in a letter were read during plenary of the Assembly by the Speaker, Chief Sherriff Oborevwori on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Okowa said reconstitution of the commission was sequel to the expiration of the tenure of its former chairman and members.

    ”In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 4, subsection (4) of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission (Establishment) Law, 2021, I wish to present the following persons for confirmation by the House.

    ”Mrs Cordelia Anyangwu as chairman, Chief Philomena Oyearone, Chief Timothy Umukoro, Mrs Mowoe Fou, Mr Sunday Ebireri, Chief Innocent Okofu and Sir Andrew Ukavwe as members of the commission.

    ”It would be greatly appreciated if the names of the nominees are presented before the House for consideration and confirmation, to enable me to effect their appointments in line with the law,” the letter said.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Chief Ferguson Onwo, moved a motion for the Assembly to receive the letter from the governor.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers when put to a voice vote by the speaker, after it was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Photo Preyor.

    The nominees are expected to appear before the Assembly for screening on Thursday.

  • Delta building collapse: Okowa sets up 7-member panel of inquiry into incident

    Delta building collapse: Okowa sets up 7-member panel of inquiry into incident

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has set up a Panel of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the collapse of the Salvation Ministries building in Okpanam, near Asaba.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

    The governor expressed shock and sadness over the incident, which occured on Tuesday.

    According to the statement, the State Government also suspended the processing and approval of building plans for Core Area ll, until the conclusion of the panel’s assignment.

    The panel has Dr Helen Anazia, as Chairperson, with Messrs S. A. Aghagba and Rex Orhe, the Director and Deputy Director, Ministry of Works, respectively, as members.

    Other members include Orerhime Iduseri, Ministry of Housing, Isichei Ekene, Ministry of Housing and Mr Moses Agwere, an Assistant Director, Ministry of Justice.

    An Assistant Director, Office of the SSG, Mr Igho Eduvie, is to serve as Secretary to the panel, which has two weeks to conclude its assignment.

    Its terms of reference included to inquire and report on events surrounding the incident, the number and identity of the casualties.

    The panel is also expected to, among other things, ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident, the scope and adequacy of extant legislation, regulations, policies, and processes concerning the safety of buildings for public use.

    Furthermore, it should determine whether the legislation, regulations, policies and processes were complied with in the case of the affected building.

    The panel is to identify any person or institution allegedly culpable in that regard.

    It is also to establish the scope and adequacy of current legislation, regulations, policies and processes, concerning the emergency management response to the incident.

    It is expected to make recommendations for “measures necessary or desirable to prevent or minimise the collapse of buildings” in the state.

    NAN reports that Deputy Gov. Kingsley Otuaro had earlier visited the scene of the incident to ascertain the extent of the damage.

    Otuaro had also visited the survivors at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, where they were receiving medical attention.

    He confirmed to newsmen that four persons lost their lives in the incident.

    He said he was grateful to God that the casualty figure was low, considering the magnitude of the incident.

    “In my inspection visit, we found out that it could have been worse. What I saw was almost a total collapse.

    “We had many children upstairs, when the building came down completely,” he said.

    Otuaro lauded the coordinated responses of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in the rescue operation.

    “The quick and coordinated responses led to the rescue of many people alive from the rubble with minimal casualty.

    “From what I saw, the patients are responding well and we hope that in no distant time, so many of them will be discharged.

    “As for the bills, we are a responsible government. So, we are going to be an integral part of all that has happened.

    “We are going to do all in our powers to ensure that all is well with the affected families,” the deputy governor said.

  • Leisure park, film village will change Asaba landscape – Okowa

    Leisure park, film village will change Asaba landscape – Okowa

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, on Thursday, said the ongoing Leisure Park and Film Village project would, when completed, change the landscape of Asaba.

    The governor spoke to newsmen after inspecting the twin projects and expressed optimism that the projects would be completed in February 2022.

    He stated that equipment for the leisure park and film village had arrived at Lagos seaports and would be installed before end of February.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and announced that he would visit the site to ensure that deadline is met.

    According to him, “this is my first assignment in the course of this year, 2022, because of the importance that I attach to the twin project of the leisure park and the film village.

    “We have gone round and obviously a lot of work has been done. There is no doubt that there might be a little delay or the other but definitely a lot of progress has been made.

    “I have been reassured by the contractors that civil works will be completed by the end of February.

    “The civil works will be through by the end of February from what I see but some environmental works are still going on, the issue of greenery of the area.

    “As we walked round we saw some of the trees that are being nursed for the purpose of planting and I am told that many more are also coming in.

    “So, we look forward to the completion of the civil works and the greenery of the area by the end of February.

    “He has also informed us that the equipment that will be required for the leisure park and the games are all already at the port in Lagos and that before the end of January the equipment will start arriving at the site and by February they would have started installations.

    “I want to hold them to their word but obviously I can see some improvement here and it is my desire that we should be able to give life to this twin project by the Easter season which is just only a month and a week by February ending”.

    Okowa said the project was crucial to his Stronger Delta vision and would continue to receive funding in spite of financial challenges due to dwindling revenue.

    “I will be here again in mid February to access the progress of work but generally I am satisfied by the progress of work going on, considering the difficulties that we have now with funding and other challenges.

    “We are looking very enthusiastically to the completion of this project because i know obviously that it is going to change the face of Asaba.

    “The project which has an artificial lake and an observation tower among other facilities will be better appreciated when everything is fully completed.

    “We all look forward to the fun that families will get from this park in the next few months,” the governor said.