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  • Why Southern Governors recommended national dialogue, true federalism – Okowa

    Why Southern Governors recommended national dialogue, true federalism – Okowa

    Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has explained why the Southern Governors’ Forum’s called for national dialogue.

    Southern Governors, in a communiqué after their meeting in Asaba in May, called for dialogue and true federalism.

    The call, he said, was to allow for frank discussions on challenges confronting the country.

    Okowa, who spoke in Asaba on Thursday, said the many agitations for secession were due to the perceived injustice in the polity.

    He said proposed national dialogue would discuss and resolve the agitations in the interest of unity.

    According to him: “We need to be able to accommodate those voices and that is why the Southern Governors’ Forum actually did call for a national dialogue because when people sit together to dialogue with themselves, they are able to speak their inner minds, they are able to find ways of resolving.

    “So, we truly believe that in the communication process there must be a space for people to air their views and we also advise that there is still a lot of room to talk; so, our people should not take up arms instead of talking with their voices.

    “We believe that in taking up arms, we are not doing any good to Nigeria and we are not doing any good to our individual communities.”

    He called on leaders across the country not to stifle the voice of the oppressed but urged them to build a consensus to ensure peace pervades the nooks and crannies of the country.

    “For those of us in the governance space, we also need to continue to hear the people and to give room for people to air their opinions on national issues.

    “We believe that if there is a national dialogue, obviously it will help to reduce the tension that we have today as a nation.

    “There is no doubt that we are stronger together as a nation and everything that is possible to keep us together as a nation, the better for us.

    “It is for us to be able to manage the current threats in the country in such a manner that we do not lose out at the end of the day.

    “There must be an approach that brings us together where we are able to talk freely to ourselves and we are able to ensure that at the end of the day there is justice, fairness and equity because it is the best for the nation.

    “In our communications, let us appeal to Nigerians to know that we are better together than going our individual ways, but I also believe that as a nation we need to talk to ourselves and be able to listen to the voices of those who feel challenged or oppressed,” the Governor stated.

  • Governor Okowa appoints new SSG

    Governor Okowa appoints new SSG

    Delta State Governor Sen Ifeanyi Okowa has appointed former Commissioner for Basis Education Chief Patrick Ukah as Secretary to the State Government.

    According to the head of service, Sir Reginald Bayoko, the swearing in for the new Secretary to the State Government and Chief Economic Adviser, Political Advisers and Special Advisers will hold 7th June 2021 by 9:30 am at Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Governor Okowa had two weeks ago fired his Chief of Staff, 25 Commissioners, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), chief strategist of the Government, all special advisers, the senior political adviser, and dissolved the State Executive Council.

    Okowa during a media interaction with journalists in Asaba said the decision to dissolve the cabinet was made to reduce the level of distraction in the governance of the State in his last two years in office.

    “At some point in time in the course of an administration, there are always reasons to take some actions. I’ve been in this administration in the past 6 years, but two years in this tenure. We have two years to go.

    “Obviously there have been a lot of distractions among some members of Exco. In the last two years we need to be able ensure that we reduce the level of distraction in governance.

    “If we do not take that action, I may have an Exco that stays permanently divided in the next two years, and that will not enable me to achieve my vision.

    “So, I thought that there was a need to rework the Exco in such a manner that we operate within the least stress, where those in Exco will know that their mind is fixated more at what we are able to achieve in the next two years, rather than in their private ambitions and beliefs.

    “That was the key factor. Otherwise the gentlemen that worked with me, which also includes the ladies, were very efficient. They worked hard, they meant well for the administration and I can’t really thank them enough for all they have done,” the governor said.

     

  • Sixth Anniversary: Okowa highlights significant progress in Delta State from 2015

    Sixth Anniversary: Okowa highlights significant progress in Delta State from 2015

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State says his administration made significant progress in the development of the state in spite of daunting challenges in the past six years.
    The governor, who made this known in a statewide broadcast to residents and the people of Delta on Monday, in Asaba, expressed gratitude to God for the achievements.
    ‘`Since 2015 when we came on board, this administration has been confronted with two major crises – the economic recession in 2016/2017 and the COVID-19 global pandemic that practically grounded the economies of the world.
    “With great joy and gratitude to God, I am pleased to report that we have made more progress than was thought possible.
    “Exactly six years ago, we began the journey of building a smart, strong, and resilient Delta State where every citizen is empowered to pursue his or her dreams of success and happiness,” he said.
    He said that his administration formulated the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan (2016-2019) which included policies and programme priorities designed to accelerate infrastructural development.
    Okowa said his government also prioritised policies to reduce youth unemployment and poverty as well as stimulate and sustain inclusive economic growth.
    He also said that the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan II (2020-2023) wass building on the foundation laid in the first term.
    Okowa said that the Plan was anchored on six strategic imperatives including the adoption of cross-sectoral, multi-pronged approach to job and wealth creation.
    He said that the Plan strongly emphasised on skills’ training and raising entrepreneurial leaders to combat youth restiveness, drive the economic diversification business and competitiveness of the State.
    The governor said that the Plan also promoted civic engagement in communities and created the peaceful atmosphere necessary for development to take place.
    He explained that his administration also made agriculture regain its pride of place in the economy through private-public sector partnership in the agricultural sector, and development of the agricultural value chain.ly
    Okowa said that his administration also provided the Universal Health Coverage and cutting-edge technology for broad-based and excellent service delivery essential for a healthy and productive populace.
    According to him, the administration has built “an educational system that will produce thinkers, innovators, leaders, and managers that will excel globally; and Partner with relevant stakeholders and investors to attract infrastructure funding”.
    He said that some of his achievements also built and transformed the over 10 years abandoned Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, within three years.
    “The Public Finance Management Bill and the Audit Bill, which are in the final stages of legislation are expected to solidify the regulatory foundations for sound public finance management in the State.
    “These instruments will help to achieve a more robust planning and budgeting system aligned to overall macro-economic framework, medium-term sector strategies, and performance-based budgeting,” he said.

    He said that his government also established the Technical and Vocational Education Board and created a Special Purpose Vehicle, the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer to drive Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development,

    Okowa said that the Technical and Vocational Education Board had been integrated into the new Ministry of Technical Education created by this administration.
    According to him, the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer is now known as the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau by Law of the government.
    “It is no longer news that the government recently established three new universities; the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Dennis Osadebey Univeristy, Anwai-Asaba, and University of Delta, Agbor.
    “The rationale for the establishment of these universities is simply to broaden access to university education for many of our bright students who, unfortunately, are unable to gain admission even when they are qualified.
    “To cite an example, in the 2019/2020 academic year 25,896 candidates from the State chose Delta State University as first choice. Out of this number, 22,358 qualified but only 4,854 candidates could be admitted,” he said.
    He said that the his administration embarked on a total of 799 road projects comprising 1,577.8 kilometres of roads and 908.8 kilometres of drainage channels.
    “As a result of the Asaba Storm Water Drainage project, residents of Asaba and the capital territory are enjoying the rainy season as the massive flooding that used to overwhelm the city is now a thing of the past.
    “Very soon, residents of Warri and Effurun metropolis will experience similar joy when the Storm Water Drainage Project in that axis is completed,” he said.
    “Our primary and secondary schools continue to receive priority attention with the construction, reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of 8,617 classroom blocks and administrative buildings.
    “In February 2016, we became the first State in the country to launch the Universal Health Coverage scheme with the birth of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
    “As at today, the scheme has 906,768 enrollees. Providing primary and secondary healthcare services under the scheme are 471 accredited public and private healthcare facilities.
    “In terms of health infrastructure, this administration has renovated and upgraded 209 Primary Healthcare Centres across the State,” Okowa said.
    He said that Delta also maintained its leadership role in Sports and congratulated the state contingent to the recently concluded National Sports Festival (Edo 2021) “for doing us proud”.
    “For the third consecutive time, Delta took the first position, thus cementing our leadership role in sports.”
    Okowa pledged to sustain his administration’s focus in the remaining two years of his tenure.
    “Of course, as we enter into the last lap of this administration, political activities are expected to heat up, but we shall endeavour to stay focused on our goals in order to leave the legacy of a Stronger Delta standing on the tripod of Prosperity, Peace, and Progress,” he said.
  • [VIDEO] Delta power rotation: I am very disappointed in Governor Okowa – Sen Nwaoboshi

    [VIDEO] Delta power rotation: I am very disappointed in Governor Okowa – Sen Nwaoboshi

    Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has said, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa remains the biggest beneficiary of power rotation.
    Nwaoboshi disclosed this in a trending video that has gone viral in the social media networks.
    Apparently reacting to a statement credited to Okowa that power shift is not sacrosanct, the Delta State born Federal Lawmaker said:
    “Okowa is a beneficiary of power shift because in 2006 when I observed that James Ibori was going to return power to Central, I kicked against it because there was an agreement that power will be rotated in the three Senatorial Districts.
    “I am truly disappointed in Okowa for making such a statement because he was part of the equity group that fought for power shift.
    Watch video Below:
  • May 29: Okowa cancels monthly environmental sanitation for sixth anniversary

    May 29: Okowa cancels monthly environmental sanitation for sixth anniversary

    The Delta Government has cancelled the monthly environmental sanitation for the month of May to enable it celebrate the sixth anniversary of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Friday in Asaba.

    According to the statement, the environmental sanitation has to be cancelled to allow for easy movement of persons and religious groups to the venue, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    Among the activities lined up for the day is Interdenominational praise and thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary.

    Ifeajika said that the government was mindful that besides residents of Asaba and its environs some people would travel from different places to the capital city to participate in the programme which would begin at 9 a.m.

    He urged the people to continue to be law-abiding and join in the prayers for the governor and his administration, and for enduring peace and sustained socio-economic growth of the state.

  • £4.2m Ibori loot: Deltans want to see positive changes with this money, APC begs Okowa

    £4.2m Ibori loot: Deltans want to see positive changes with this money, APC begs Okowa

    The Delta Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to make judicious use of the £4.2 million recovered from former Gov. James Ibori, for the good of the citizens of the state.
    The party’s State Publicity Secretary (Caretaker), Mr Sylvester Imonina, made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Asaba.
    He commended the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on ‘Assessment and Status of all Recovered loots; Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020,’ for effective and efficient management of the situation.
    He said “The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris, told members of the committee and Nigerians that the recovered 4.2 million pounds allegedly siphoned by former Delta Gov. Chief James Ibori, has been paid into the state government account.
    “This step is commendable. Indeed, we of the Delta APC want to appreciate the President Muhammadu Buhari for making sure that what was looted from Delta was brought back to the state for its development.
    “We are indeed grateful to Mr President for the fatherly disposition used in handling the circumstances and issues surrounding the recovery and the return of same to the state.
    “Compared to some states in Nigeria of today which receive less amount of monies from the federation account, there is no gainsaying the fact that the spirit of rapacity still exists in some government officials in Delta.
    “For the sake of our dear state, we call on the State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, not to allow this economic lifeline (monies) to go the way of the past.
    ” The people of the state want to see positive changes in their lives,” he said.
    Imonina urged the governor to be transparent in handling the recovered money and other monies accruing to the state.
    “As a matter of fact, we urge the governor to tie this money to specific projects in the state.
    “This will in no small measure bring joy to the people whenever they see the projects this money is used for,” he said.
    He, however, said the people still feared that the returned money would likely be re-looted by those in government.
    “To allay this fear, PDP led-government should be patriotic in its acts of governance.
    “The APC noted that in view of the happenings in the state, the yearnings of people should not be brushed aside.
    “On the other hand, the party calls on all citizens to be at alert and ask questions with follow-up actions on how what belongs to the state is expended by the Okowa led-government,” he said.
  • Okowa knocks Senate President over take on Southern Governors’ calls for restructuring, others

    Okowa knocks Senate President over take on Southern Governors’ calls for restructuring, others

    Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa on Saturday responded to Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan for saying that Southern Governors are not supposed to speak on the issues of restructuring and the need for a national dialogue.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Senate President while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, said he was not against those calling for restructuring but elected officials must not be among those advocating for such calls.

    He said: “The call for secession or the call for restructuring, many are genuine calls even though I never believe that someone who is calling for secession means well or is a misguided person.

    “But I believe that when somebody calls for improving the structure that we have is a genuine call.

    “But I want to advice here, I believe that as leaders those of us who were elected must not be at the forefront of calling for this kind of thing because even if you are a governor you are supposed to be working hard in your state to ensure that this restructuring you are calling for at the federal level you have done it in your state as well.

    “This is because what you may accuse the federal government of whatever it is, you may also be accused of the same thing in your state.

    “So, we are supposed to ensure that we have a complete and total way of ensuring that our systems at the federal, state and even local government work for the people, and that we allow people to participate in governance so that whoever feels that he has something to offer to make Nigeria better does so freely without any hindrance,’’ the Senate President said.

    However, in a swift response, Governor Okowa who spoke at an empowerment Programme sponsored by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu in Asaba said the Senate President take on the Southern Governors restructuring call was unfortunate.

    The governor said what the southern governors said was not new as such positions has variously been canvassed by Nigerians including the APC and PDP.

    He said “unfortunately, I read in the paper somebody saying that we ought not to speak on certain things because we are elected people. If you cannot echo the voice of your people, then you are not worthy of that position you are holding.

    “All those things that we said in our communique are not new. They have been spoken by our people and what we did was just echo their wishes,” Okowa said.

  • Okowa mourns ex-minister Aisha Alhassan

    Okowa mourns ex-minister Aisha Alhassan

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has expressed condolence over the death of former Minister of Women Affairs, Sen. Aisha Alhassan.
    This is contained in a condolence massage signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.
    Okowa said that the deceased was a courageous and outspoken politician.
    He said that the late politician, who represented Taraba North in the senate from 2011 to 2015 was a great mobiliser of people, especially women.
    “I learnt of the passing of Sen. Aisha Alhassan with shock and disbelief.
    “She was my colleague at the senate from 2011 to 2015 and was a great politician and patriotic Nigerian who also served the nation as Minister of Women Affairs between 2015 and 2018.
    “She will be remembered for her contributions to the Nigerian polity, particularly her advocacy and campaign on the empowerment of women and the challenges they face.
    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I extend my profound condolences to the Alhassan family, the people of Taraba North and the Peoples Democratic Party.
    “It is my prayer that God will comfort all those who mourn her exit, and make her good soul repose in His bosom,” Okowa said.
  • Okowa condoles Adeboye over son’s death

    Okowa condoles Adeboye over son’s death

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye over the death of his son, Pastor Dare Adeboye.

    Okowa’s condolence message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Friday in Asaba.

    He said that the news of the untimely passing of Dare came as a great shock.

    The governor described the incident as “real tragedy’’, and urged the Adeboyes to be strong as no one could question God.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I send my profound condolences to Papa Adeboye and family as well as the RCCG members.

    “The news of the very sad incident came as a terrible shock and has left us bewildered.

    “We send our love and support to his family and the entire RCCG family at this difficult time, and join in supplication to God Almighty for succour to the family.

    “May Dare’s soul rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord and may He grant fortitude to the loved ones he left behind,’’ Okowa said.

  • Tambuwal, Okowa, Ugwuanyi storm Cross River over Ayade’s alleged defection plans to APC

    Tambuwal, Okowa, Ugwuanyi storm Cross River over Ayade’s alleged defection plans to APC

    Some governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have visited Cross River to resolve the crisis in the state chapter of the party.

    Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, led his colleagues in Delta and Enugu States, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to meet with their Cross River counterpart, Ben Ayade.

    The meeting which held on Wednesday at the Government House in Calabar, the state capital focused on issues bordering on the party’s unity in Cross River and lasted about two hours.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that there had been reports of Governor Ayade’s possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the controversial congress held in the state.

    Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Governor Tambuwal described the discussion as a fruitful, peaceful, and productive engagement with party stakeholders in the state.

    He said, “We are here on the mandate of the PDP Governors’ Forum which was sanctioned by the National Working Committee (NWC) to come and engage with our dear brother and colleague, Professor Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State, and the stakeholders of our party here in Cross River on the issues of the congresses held in the state that became contentious.

    “We have engaged with (them) and the feeler we have is that by the grace of God, we will soon resolve these issues and the party will bounce back as one.”

    “There were lots of concerns about how the congresses went and every one of us is interested that we restore normalcy to ensure that the family is brought back together and work together for the common interest of Cross River State,” the governor added.

    He noted that their report would be presented at a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum and the NWC for examination, deliberation, and action.

    After the meeting, the three visiting governors were led by Governor Ayade to the state’s Industrial Park comprising a frozen chicken line popularly called Calachika, Cross River State Instant Noodles branded KISIMIE Instant Noodles and the feed mill.

    They were delighted with the performance of their host whom they said has done well in job creation and diversification of the state’s economy.