Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday condoled with the Okumagba family on the the demise of the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Prof. Paul Oghenero Okumagba, Idama II.
The governor’s condolence was conveyed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu in Asaba.
The government condoled with the family and the people of Warri South Local Government Area of the state over the loss.
He also commiserated with the people of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and the Delta State University over the death of the traditional ruler, who was until his coronation in 2017 a Professor at the Sociology Department of the University.
He noted that HRM Idama II, was a renowned disciplinarian, who devoted his life and tenure of office to the promotion of peaceful co-existence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in Warri South LGA.
He described the deceased as a disciplinarian and a renowned academician, who fought against examination malpractice and other social vices at the Delta State University, when he served as a public servant.
“Apart from accepting to ascend the throne of his forefathers, the late Idama II, will be long remembered for his role in fighting examination malpractice and other social vices, which significantly contributed to the enhancement of educational standard of the University,” he said.
Okowa said that the monarch’s contributions to the peace and development, particularly his significant role in ensuring peaceful co-existence between the people of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and other tribes in the Warri metropolis would not be forgotten.
He prayed that the Almighty God would comfort the family and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Tag: okowa
-
Okowa mourns Delta monarch
-
Delta guber: Tribunal rejects Okowa’s pleas for more time
…as Ogboru close case
The Justice Suleiman Belgore- led Delta State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal Panel 1 has rejected an application for more time by Damain Dodo (SAN) lead counsel to 1st respondent, Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Dodo had argued for more time to study the petition following a closure of the petitioner’s case on Tuesday.
But Justice Belgore rejected the oral application and held that the 1st respondent’s defence has ten days for its defence commencing from 17th of July, 2019.
Great Ogboru and APC, having called about twenty (20) witnesses, closed their case.
The petitioners also tendered documents including voters’ registers and results from polling units level up to State level (EC8A’s to EC8E’s) in proof of their case.
Joined in the petition marked EPT/DT/GOV/01/2019 are Gov Ifeanyi Okowa as 1st respondent, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2nd respondent while Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 3rd respondent.
Dissatisfied with the victory of Delta Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa at the governorship polls, Ogboru had approached the tribunal seeking legal redress.
Amongst the petitioner’s prayers are that it be declared that the total votes for him should be 215,938 while that of the 1st respondent (Okowa) and 2nd respondent (PDP) should be 155,192 votes.
He is also seeking that the certificate of return issued to the 1st and 2nd respondents be declared null and void.
The petitioner wants to be returned having scored the highest number of lawful votes cast and that the 3rd respondent (INEC) should issue the petitioner’s with the certificate of return as duly elected Governor of Delta State.
Alternatively, the election to the office of Governor of Delta State held on March 9th be nullified and fresh election ordered.
Hearing for the defence of the 1st respondent comes up on Tuesday, 23rd of July, 2019. -
Gov. Okowa, others pay tribute to late Eddie Ugbomah at funeral
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday led others in the entertainment industry to pay glowing tributes to the late veteran filmmaker, Eddie Ugbomah on Friday.
They spoke at his funeral held at the National Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos, where they highlighted his contributions to the development of the movie industry in the country.
His remains were later interred at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi.
Okowa in his tribute to the veteran filmmaker said that Ugbomah’s death came as a shock to the people of Delta.
The governor was represented by Mr Friday Anaziah, Director of Culture, Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
The governor, however, said that the people were able to bear the sad news because of the achievements and impact the deceased made in his career during his lifetime.
“Delta State is proud of our late father in the movie industry because he was able to infuse worthiness in the minds of filmmakers.
“He believed that filmmakers, producers, actors and actresses were capable of becoming millionaires at a time when the society was looking down on them.
“He stayed and remained consistent in his chosen career.
“Today filmmakers and producers can put up proposals worth millions of naira unlike what obtained back in the days,” he said.
The governor advised the younger generation to emulate the resilient and dedicated qualities which the late Ugbomah possessed because such qualities made up the building blocks of any industry.
“What our late father did when he was alive in terms of resilience and dedication to work should serve as an example to the younger generation.
“Ugbomah believed and was consistent in his belief but today, what the younger generation believes in is committing suicide when things don’t work out as planned.
“‘If he had committed suicide then when things were difficult, we will not be here celebrating him,” Okowa said.
He said that late Ugbomah’s contributions to the movie industry should serve as a lesson for the younger generation to look up to and embrace such people as their role models.
Also, Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), said that the late Ugbomah spoke truth to power.
He said he was always in the vanguard of what was just and right in all circumstances.
Thomas said that the deceased was an activist for the true expression of humanity and an advocate for a people-driven democratic system.
“Though, death may have dimed your light, we know that your light has caused an inductive effect across generations.
“Your light rays will continue to beam through your vast array of protégés and treasured works,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), said that the late Ugbomah was not a coward because he represented the industry well by speaking the truth without caring whose ox was gored.
“I take solace in the fact that he had so many survivors and that others would build on the foundation he laid.
“That is the job of people like us to make sure that he did not work in vain because Ugbomah was a great source of inspiration to a lot of us,” Okoroji said.
Teemac Omatshola, a veteran musician, said that he was not impressed at the crowd of people that came for Ugbomah’s burial because he was a man of significant status.
“In any European country, a filmmaker of such status would attract the attention of the ‘movers and shakers’ of the movie industry.
“I had to fly in from abroad to be here because that is the kind of respect you give a colleague that had contributed to the development of an industry.
“People are yet to understand that all the bad publicity we have abroad are sometimes countered by good movies and films,” Omatshola said.
Mr Ndidi Ugbomah, the deceased’s son, said that he would always remember and appreciate the great moments he shared together with his late father.
“I am able to mourn yet celebrate you because you came, you saw and you conquered. You lived a full life and accomplished many things,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eddie Ugbomah was born on Dec.19, 1940 and died on May 11, 2019 at the age of 78. -
PDP, Tambuwal, Ihedioha, Ibori, others felicitate with Gov. Okowa at 60
…celebrates birthday with physically challenged persons
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some governors elected on its platform; Govs. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Emeka Ihedioha of Imo and Godwin Obaseki of Edo were among dignitaries that joined Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday, as he marked his 60th birthday in Asaba.
The party’s National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus was also present to felicitate with Okowa.
Okowa, to mark the day, had decided to celebrate with the physically-challenged persons in the state.
The governors and other dignitaries who came to felicitate with Okowa, poured encomiums on him, describing him as unique, humble, focused and patient.
Tambuwal said, ” Okowa will remain the humble servant of the people, a good husband and a father, a gentleman, very honest and unassuming.
“I congratulate the people of Delta for having him as Governor for a second term.
“His decision to celebrate the birthday with people with disabilities is in his character of giving hope to the hopeless.”
On his part, Ihedioha said: “Gov. Okowa is calm to a fault, but you can only underestimate him to your own peril.
”He is also a very humble man and we commend him for celebrating his birthday with people with disabilities.”
Obaseki said that Okowa’s achievements date back to his days as a student of the Edo College, Benin City.
Mr James Ibori, a former Delta governor, described Okowa as a prayerful personality who believed that he could not record success without God.
“I congratulate you Okowa; I thank God for your life; I thank God for your humility and we pray God will continue to uplift you because, I do know that you do everything with a clear conscience,” Ibori said.
Responding, Okowa thanked the dignitaries for making it a pleasant surprise.
He said that his intention was to celebrate the birthday solely with people living with disabilities
“I want to thank God for keeping me alive; my mother died at 43 and growing up to attain 60, I thank God,” the governor said.
While thanking his wife, Dame Edith and his children, he said that the decision to celebrate his 60th birthday with people with disabilities was to reassure them of his administration’s resolve to continue to pay special attention to their affairs. -
Obaseki, Okowa meet, finalise talks on establishment of Bendel Development Commission
…security, economic cooperation top talks
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Delta State counterpart, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, are putting finishing touches to the establishment of Bendel Development Commission, a joint body to aggregate and drive economic development efforts in the two states that formed the old Bendel State.
The two governors met on Wednesday to deliberate on the modalities for the establishment of the Commission at the Government House, Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Governor Obaseki said Edo State was strengthening ties with her sister state to deepen cooperation around developing an economic zone using the potential of the two states in oil and gas, human capital, agriculture and unique location.
He also said some of the efforts to be looked into include how the two states can work together to improve the impact of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the two states.
He called for the inauguration of the advisory committee of governors for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to improve the commission’s governance structure to enable it perform its duties better.
Obaseki said Edo and Delta states share the longest border and would both seek ways to improve security along the border communities. He urged the Deputy Governors of the two states to fast-track resolution of border disputes.
Obaseki said Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states, which are the four shareholder states in Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), intend to adopt a proactive approach to strengthen BEDC so the company can discharge its responsibility.
“The governments of the states under BEDC coverage area will be reviewing a proposal to see how we can jointly work together with the management of BEDC and all our shareholders to restructure the company to discharge its responsibility of providing power to the people of the states”.
He added that the two states would also work towards engaging the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) towards the restructuring of the company to provide more electricity for the people of both states towards enhanced economic fortunes.
Noting that they will also work together to deal with security threats in the two states, Obaseki said efforts will be strengthened towards tackling issues of kidnappings and banditry perpetrated with the cover of the forests in the two states.
Governor Okowa, who expressed delight at the visit, said the bond between the two states, which was broken from the old Bendel State, was stronger than the difference as a result of political leanings.
“Edo and Delta states are from Bendel State and the Bendel tie is a stronger bond than the political parties we belong. We want to build on this tie and leverage on it to address greater economic issues, which will be of great benefit to the people.”
The Edo State governor was accompanied by the Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Solicitor General of the state, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency, Isoken Omo, Special Advisers and other aides.
-
I will celebrate my 60th birthday with the physically challenged – Okowa
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has said that he will mark his 60th birthday with the physically challenged persons in the state.
The governor stated this on Saturday while inaugurating the Sickle Cell referral centre in Asaba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sickle cell centre is a pet project of the wife of the governor, Mrs Edith Okowa, and her “05′ Initiative” a Non- Governmental Organisation.
The referral centre in the General Hospital Asaba is the 13th centre in Central and General Hospitals spread across the state which were fully equipped by the initiative.
According to the governor, the inauguration is to celebrate the first lady’s birthday with those suffering from sickle cell disease.
He called on Nigerians to impact the lives of the poor and the less privileged in the society in line with the motto of the initiative, “Impact the world by helping one person at a time”.
The governor said that his wife had touched many lives with pet projects, adding that with the referral centre, there was hope for victims.
“The facility, which is well equipped, is donated to the state by the 05 Initiative, a non-governmental organisation founded by the wife of the Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa.
“I am glad that the 05 Initiative was founded and committed to helping one individual at a time.
“As Nigerians, if we impact on the life of one person positively, that person will go ahead to impact on the life of another person, and within a short period, we will have a country where the people will be willing at all times to help one another.
“This commissioning exercise is coinciding with the birthday celebration of my wife. While I say, happy birthday to her, I am glad that every year she celebrates her birthday touching the lives of other people.
“I will be celebrating my 60th birthday which will be coming up in the month of July with the physically challenged and the less privileged,” he said.
He thanked his wife for having the vision to assist people with sickle cell disorder and assist the hopeless in the society.
The governor also thanked all who supported the initiative, particularly private individuals.
He thanked them for touching lives and for giving hope to those suffering from sickle cell that the disease was no longer a death sentence.
The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, in an opening remark, scored 05 Initiative high in meeting up with its vision.
“Activities of 05 initiative have blossomed tremendously; the scorecard is impressive; 05 Initiative is giving hope to the hopeless.
“This Sickle Cell Centre is the second of its kind in Nigeria and I congratulate and commend the founder of 05 initiative, Dame Okowa for her commitment to leaving a legacy that will endure for all time.
” This will reduce high mortality rate in persons dealing with sickle cell disorder and I urge every good- spirited individual and agency to sponsor the programme,” he said.
NAN also reports that Mrs Betsy Obaseki and Mrs Martha Udom, wives of Governors of Edo State and Akwa Ibom States respectively, were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony
-
Okowa, others pay glowing tributes to Late Major General David Ejoor
Delta State Governor, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa joined other well-meaning Nigerians to pay tributes to the late Major General (Olorogun) David Akpode Ejoor (Rtd), GCON, OFR, who died on February 10.
They extolled the sterling qualities of Major General Akpode Ejoor while paying tributes during a service of songs held in his honour in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, said he felt greatly touched by the news of his transition because “he was a respected senior citizen, a strong pillar and a leader in the Urhobo nation, the state and indeed our dear country.
We have no doubt, lost a great, honest, straight forward and patriotic citizen”, he said.
He described the late General as a “detribalized elder statesman who stood for the unity of the state and indeed Nigeria throughout his life time. He was dependable. He exhibited astonishing intelligence in handling issues. He was always on the side of peace. We should be inspired by his legacies”, he said, adding, “he was one of the finest officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces”.
The night of Tributes anchored by the Military Chaplain marked the beginning of week-long obsequies for the late General as announced by his family. It was attended by an array of Military officers, top dignitaries from the Urhobo nation, members of his famous Old Boys Association of Government College Ughelli (GCUOBA) and a host of others.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Burutai, who was represented by Maj Gen Martins O Enendu, Deputy Commandant, NAFRC, said though by tradition, the Army keeps its tribute till the graveside ceremonies, nevertheless “if we have inherited an Army that is solid, it is because of the foundation laid by fathers like the late Gen Ejoor ”.
In addition, more tributes came in from his family members and GCU Old Boys Association. The Late General was variously described as a man who led an exemplary life, a disciplinarian, role model, peace loving, intelligent, a great golfer and above all, a lover of God, who never allowed his achievements to becloud his love and commitment to God.
Among the dignitaries present were Olorogun Dr Moses O Taiga, the President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Arc Charles Majoroh, the President General of GCUOBA, Vanguard Publisher, Sam Amuka, Ambassador B. A Clarke, former Nigerian Permanent Rep to the UN, Engr Alfred Okoigun, GMD/Founder Arco Plc and Maj Gen Adekunle Shodunke, Chief of Army Standard & Evaluation among others.
Born in 1932 in Ovu, Delta State, Ejoor had his secondary education at the famous Government College Ughelli where he was the School Prefect and Captain of Athletics. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1953 at its beginning; he was in the first set of Cadets and among the first dozen officers to train at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England. In 1960, then Captain Ejoor, he commanded the Army Guards at the Flag-Raising Ceremony on Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1, 1960. He was the first indigenous Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy. He was the first Military Governor of Midwest Region, now Edo and Delta states. And later served as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He retired from the Army in 1975 at age 43 and thereafter became the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).
-
I will reclaim my stolen mandate from Okowa —Ogboru
The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Chief Great Ogboru, on Wednesday claimed that his mandate was stolen by Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said he would soon reclaim the mandate.
Ogboru spoke at a press conference in his Abraka country home, in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
He assured the people of the state that he would reclaim the mandate.
He said, “As we all have seen, the ruling party in the state was not prepared for the election and they made it impossible for the mandate of the people to be properly declared.
“I promised you a few weeks ago that we shall be in the proper arena to address the issues.
“We have since the past few days filed our petitions to challenge the illegalities committed by the PDP and its leaders in Delta State on March 9, 2019, and we believe that with God on our side, that situation will surely be reversed.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell all Deltans that hope is not lost, they should not entertain any form of fear but they should be in fervent prayers because with God, all things are possible.
“This is one injustice that we think will not stand. And by the Grace of God, it will not stand.
“Deltans must begin to search their conscience and begin to ask themselves questions. A situation where a few communities in the riverine areas continue to determine the fate of the people of Delta State is one that should begin to make us know that something is not right in this state.”
-
Gov. Okowa receives certificate of return as INEC withholds four others
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wednesday presented certificate of return to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and withheld certificates of return of four assembly constituencies due to pending court cases.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of the 29 constituencies in the assembly, four constituencies were not issued certificate of return due to pending cases in court.
The four constituencies denied certificate of return were: Ethiope East (APC); Ughelli North I (APC); Ughelli North II (APC); and Ukwuani Constituency (PDP).
At the presentation ceremony in Asaba, the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of South-South, Dr. Mohammed Lecky, urged politicians to place the nation above self even in time of victory.
“This is the only way the dividends of democracy for which many have paid the supreme price can truly be within the reach of voters, majority of who went through enormous troubles to exercise their franchise,’’ he said.
Lecky, while congratulating the governor-elect and the state assembly members, said, “Section 75(10) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended provides for the issuance of certificate of return to elected candidates by the chairman of INEC’’.
In his address, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, commended security agencies who worked tirelessly to tackle threat to peace and security in the course of the election.
Omorogbe, however, regretted the loss of lives and destruction of property that accompanied the exercise in some voting centres in the state.
According to him, we share in the grief of families and friends of the deceased and those who lost property.
-
Okowa reveals second term agenda
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has promised that he will surpass his first term’s achievements in the next four years.
Okowa stated this on Tuesday when he received members of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress at the Government House in Asaba.
He said, “In the last four years, we received a lot of accolades for our achievements.
“We had no doubt that we would emerge victorious.
“The elections are over. It is time for reconciliation. It is time to build. I have greater challenges in my second term and it is my desire to surpass the things we did in our first tenure.
“I will like to leave office in 2023 happier because Deltans are happier, more united and we have a stronger state.”
Okowa commended the state chapters of CAN and the NLC for the roles played in stabilising his administration and ensuring his victory at the polls.
He sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in building the state.
The Chairman of CAN in the state, Sylvanus Okorote, and the Deputy National President of the NLC, Amaechi Asuguni, said Okowa’s achievements in the first term were remarkable.
They said the achievements led to the governor’s electoral victory.