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Tag: okowa

  • Jonathan greets Okowa in isolation

    Jonathan greets Okowa in isolation

    Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has written a goodwill message to the Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

    Jonathan felicitated with the governor whom he described as a patriotic leader.

    Governor Okowa turns 61 today 8 July 2020.

    In the message he personally signed, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan commended Okowa for “the efforts he is making towards providing good governance for the people of the state.”

    The former President also acknowledged Governor Okowa’s effort in managing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic in Delta State.

    He prayed to God to restore the governor’s health and the health of members of his team who recently tested positive for Covid-19.

    “On behalf of my family, I congratulate you on the occasion of your 61st birthday. You are a patriotic leader, who has been diligent in the acts of public service and nation-building.

    “As the Governor of Delta State, you have been striving to provide good governance and deliver on the aspirations and development needs of the good people of the State.

    “I appreciate your effort in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in your State, as it has been a challenging time for you and members of your cabinet.

    “May God give you the grace to overcome these challenges, shield you with His love and restore sound health to your team and others in the State.

    “I join your family, friends, and well-wishers and the People of Delta State to wish you more years of glory and honour”, Jonathan said.

  • Okowa, Ijaw forum, others celebrate Edwin Clark at 93

    Okowa, Ijaw forum, others celebrate Edwin Clark at 93

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Lagos State chapter of Ijaw Elders’ Forum (IEF) have hailed foremost Niger Delta and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, for his contributions to the development of the country.

    Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, turns 93 today.

    In a statement on Sunday in Asaba, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor described the nonagenarian as “a fearless and patriotic leader” who cares for the interests of his people and the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.

    “In the past 93 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfilment, you have not only served our nation at different levels but with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, to its peace and unity,” he said.

    In a joint statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Chief Bukazi Etete and Pastor Efiye Bribena, the IEF lauded Clark’s contributions to peace and unity of the country.

    Also, a former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Gbagi, described Chief Clark as a nationalist and an elder-statesman committed to the unity of Nigerian.

    In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Gbagi recalled that Clark, while serving as Minister of Information under Yakubu Gowon’s administration in 1975, spearheaded the drive to create the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to other countries in the West African region.

    “Without mincing words, he is a blessing to our nation, given his immense contributions as a nationalist and elder-statesman towards ensuring the unity of Nigeria,” he said.

  • 2023: Okowa bars political appointees from early campaigns, consultations

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has barred members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially political appointees, from constituting consultation groups ahead of 2023 general elections.

    He cautioned that such early consultations were capable of causing distraction in governance and polarisation among State Executive Council members.

    The governor’s admonition was contained in a statement by the Senior Political Adviser, Chief Funkekeme Solomon, on Monday in Asaba.

    The statement said that such early politicking was hasty, premature and capable of undermining the unity of purpose of the Okowa administration.

    It would be recalled that the governor had earlier cautioned members of government to exercise restraint in pursuing matters concerning 2023 now, but observed that some top government officials, particularly State Executive Council members, had continued to disregard the directive.

    According to the statement, the government officials have been found accompanying their colleagues – top and contemporary – on the consultations in furtherance of their 2023 political ambitions.

    It said that such actions no doubt, was a distraction and was totally unacceptable as it was dividing members of the executive council.

    It stressed that the governor had directed that members of government were forbidden from accompanying anyone with political ambitions for any consultations forthwith as punitive measures await anyone who defied the directive.

    “Sequel to my earlier Press Release on Political Activities ahead of 2023 – A Call for Caution – wherein it was clearly noticed that barely nine months into the second term of this administration that:

    “Some members in position of responsibility in this administration have begun consultations on their political ambition for 2023 general elections.

    “Such early politicking is hasty, premature and is capable of undermining the unity of purpose of this administration.

    “Following from the above, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has cautioned members of government to exercise restraint.

    “Consequently, the Governor has prohibited forthwith, senior officials of government from accompanying anyone with political ambition on any consultations till further notice.

    “It is to be emphasized that appropriate sanctions await anyone that flouts this directive.”

  • Okowa condoles with Buhari, Abba Kyari’s family

    Okowa condoles with Buhari, Abba Kyari’s family

    Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday, condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

    Okowa, in a statement authored via his verified Twitter account, said Kyari’s death remains a great loss.

    He prayed that God grant the family of Mallam Abba Kyari and Presidency the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that I, my family, the government and people of Delta State commiserate with President Buhari, the Kyari family and the entire Presidency on the passing away of former Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

    “Mallam Abba Kyari’s death remains a great loss — given his coordinating responsibilities in the Presidency. At this critical time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May Almighty God give them the fortitude to bear this loss. Amen.”

  • Okowa, Omo-Agege, others condemn killing of civilian by soldiers

    Okowa, Omo-Agege, others condemn killing of civilian by soldiers

    The Delta State Government has called for an investigation into the circumstances which led to the killing 28 years old Joseph Pessu, allegedly shot dead by armed soldiers who were out to enforce the ‘sit at home’ order issued by the State Government as part of the effort towards containing the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

    The boy who was reportedly shot at about 10 am at the Ogunu flyover bridge in Warri for allegedly refusing to stop for a check, was said to be driving towards the Warri NPA from Ubeji when he was accosted by soldiers enforcing the lockdown order.

    According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the government was worried about the report of an alleged killing of a 28-year old man in Warri by security agencies on regular patrol duty.

    The state government also sent a delegation to the deceased family to condole with them over the loss of their son. While the statement said the military authorities have been contacted to carry out an investigation into what led to the killing of the young boy.

    While urging the people to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands, he said the government would conduct an investigation into the killing.

    Aniagwu thanked Deltans for their cooperation so far by remaining indoors, suing for further cooperation with the State Government in the best interest of Deltans.

    In the same vein, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for thorough investigation of the alleged killing of Joseph Pessu, an Itshekiri youth by men of the Nigerian Army enforcing the COVID-19 stay at home order of the Delta State Government.

    Describing the incident as extra-judicial killing, the Deputy Senate President called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprit (s) to serve as deterrent to others.

    Omo-Agege, while calling on all citizens of the state to desist from taking the laws into their hands as being reported in some quarters added that he has tasked the authorities to fish out those responsible and punish them in accordance with the laws of the land.

    According to him, even if the deceased had flouted the order of the state government to stay at home, the best approach was to apprehend and hand him over to the police for prosecution.

    While calling on security personnel to always maintain the rules of engagement as they enforce the lockdown order, he called on youths to exercise utmost restraint.

    Also, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi has berated some men of the Nigerian Army over the maltreatment, torture and human rights violations of people of his constituency, especially Warri indigenes and others in their efforts to enforce the lock-down directives of the state government.

  • Okowa declares total shutdown in Delta after three suspected Coronavirus cases surface

    Okowa declares total shutdown in Delta after three suspected Coronavirus cases surface

    Delta State on Tuesday evening confirmed three suspected cases of the novel coronavirus [COVID-19].

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed this on Tuesday in a statewide broadcast.

    The governor however noted that samples of the three suspected cases have been sent to the Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, adding that the state was expecting the results.

    By the same token, the governor has ordered a total shutdown of activities within the state for 14 days with effect from tomorrow Wednesday, April 01, 2020.

    “Foodstuff sellers are permitted to conduct their businesses within the precinct of their homes and will be monitored to ensure they adhere strictly to the social distancing rules.”

    “Markets for ONLY the sales of food items and water will be organized in designated Primary/Secondary Schools in each Local Government Area of the State; they will be coordinated and supervised by the Local Government Chairmen and their teams to ensure compliance with the rules on social distancing.”

    The governor proscribed the inflation of cost of goods and services within the state during this period of emergency adding that those found in contravention of this order may have such essential goods seized or forfeited to the State as stipulated in the relevant Laws.

    Meanwhile, Okowa said the restriction of movement would not apply to persons involved in the transportation of essential supplies such as food, water, petroleum products, pharmaceutical products, medical/ emergency supplies or other essential supplies.

    These persons include; “Security; Healthcare (Pharmacies are to remain open); Water Supply; Fire Service; Power Supply; Essential Departments of Media Houses, Essential Departments of Telecommunications companies; Livestock farmers (poultry, piggery) and fish farmers are to be allowed into their farms; Banks are to remain open but only for skeletal services; All persons that fall under the category of exemption must carry valid identification tags to ensure easy identification and smooth passage as there will be increased security presence during this period.”

    Governor Okowa solicited the support, patience and cooperation of all residents in complying the directives.

    “We are aware of the inconveniences these restrictions will bring but we must realise that we are in an emergency. Life has no duplicate and people have to be alive to be able to work or do business. So far, the only way to stop or contain the spread of this disease is to prevent further transmission.” He stressed.

  • Okowa congratulates new ICAN President, Onome Adewuyi

    Okowa congratulates new ICAN President, Onome Adewuyi

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday congratulated Mrs Onome Adewuyi on her election as the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    Adewuyi, a Deltan from Emevor in Isoko North Local Government Area, was elected at an ICAN Council meeting held on Thursday, March 26.

    Prior to her emergence as President, Adewuyi served as Vice President of ICAN and member of the Governing Council of the apex body for accounting professionals in the country since 2007.

    Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, described Mrs Adewuyi as an illustrious daughter of Delta who has brought honour and glory to the state.

    He said that Delta was proud of her sterling accomplishments in a career spanning over 35 years.

    The governor noted that all the positions Adewuyi had held in ICAN prepared her for the current big task.

    “I am glad to hear that she has held several positions in the Institute, including Chair of the Membership Affairs, Staff and Organizing, and Investigation Panel Committees.

    “I am also aware that her previous services to ICAN include three terms as Treasurer, Chair, Professional Examinations Committee, 2017 and Chair, IT and Image and Publicity Committees and President, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (2013-2015).

    “All these positions no doubt prepared her for the task of leading the great Institute in the years ahead.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our illustrious daughter and renowned accounting professional, Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi, on her election as the 56th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    “It is my prayer that God will grant you wisdom and knowledge to lead the Institute to greater heights,” he said. Also reacting to her election, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi said that ICAN is truly fortunate to have Mrs. Adewuyi as her president at this point in her history. Mrs. Adewuyi was Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer in Fidelity, while Ihejiahi was CEO. According to him, “Onome is a sound professional and it is a blessing for a person of such quality to lead such an important professional body”.

  • Soldiers backed herdsmen in killing of eight persons in Delta – Okowa

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has condemnerd the fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen in Avwon, Agadama, Ohoror, and other communities of Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

    According to Okowa, suspected herdsmen accompanied by unidentified armed personnel attacked the communities in what has become an annual routine, killing over eight persons and injuring many others.

    He said the crisis started on Thursday and as of Saturday, lives, and property, including farms, had perished.

    The governor said, “The unwarranted attacks and killing of innocent locals in Avwon, Agadama and Ohoror communities of Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area and the wickedness of suspected herdsmen alleged to be aided by unidentified military personnel are mindless.

    “I, however, appeal to the affected communities to remain calm and peaceful. I commiserate with the communities and families on the unfortunate loss of their loved ones.

    “I have directed the Commissioner of Police and the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, to rise to the occasion and bring the culprits to justice.

    “As a state, our people have been very receptive to herdsmen and other visitors, but our hospitality and welcoming disposition should not be taken as an act of cowardice.

    “The state government will continue to encourage peaceful and harmonious relations between Deltans and their visitors but will not watch outsiders attack and kill our people any longer.”

  • Okowa emerges South-South Governors Forum Chair

    Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has emerged the Chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum.

    Okowa was reportedly selected after elaborate consultations to take over from the outgoing Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who concluded his two-term in office on Friday, February 14.

    A statement by Dickson’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, congratulated Okowa and called on the governors to extend the same cooperation the outgoing governor enjoyed to Okowa.

    He noted that the forum could only collectively proffer solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the South-South region if the governors worked as a team.

  • Just in: Supreme Court affirms Okowa, Bello, Ikpeazu’s elections

    The Supreme Court has just affirmed the election of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State.

    It dismissed the appeal of Great Ogboru and the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

    Similarly, the apex court upheld the elections of governors of Abia, Niger and Taraba states.

    The Supreme Court has A five-member panel of justices, on Wednesday, said Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State, PDP); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta, PDP), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger, APC); and Darius Ishaku (Taraba, PDP) were duly elected.

    In Niger, Governor Abubakar Bello’s election was also reaffirmed as the apex court in dismissed the appeal of Mohammed Nasko of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).