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Tag: Ovuozourie Macaulay

  • Omo-Agege salutes Ovuozourie Macaulay at 64

    Omo-Agege salutes Ovuozourie Macaulay at 64

    Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, one-time Secretary to the Delta State Government and veteran labour leader, has been described as a dogged fighter who never wavered in ensuring that workers got fair treatment for their labour.

    Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Senate, gave the description in a birthday message to mark his 64th birthday, said: “When he led organised labour in Delta as chairman of the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), workers were at peace knowing they had entrusted their fortunes into the care of a man they know would not lie or shortchange them. Having earlier led the Delta State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was no mean fit. NUJ is a union without docile members being media managers.

    That he came out unscathed is a testament to his virtue of standing with the people,” Senator Omo-Agege noted that Macaulay brought the same attribute to bear as he continued to climb the leadership ladder that saw him become a Commissioner in two different ministries, Chief of Staff at Government House and eventually Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    “He commands huge respect within labour circle today just as the Isoko nation deservedly holds him in very high esteem. If today’s labour leaders will imbibe his attributes of honesty and integrity, workers will get their fare share without rancour,” the former Deputy Senate President who is also the Obarisi if Urhoboland said.

    He urged Macaulay to continue to mentor the younger generation of labour leaders along the lines of steadfast allegiance to ensuring that government remains committed to evolving policies that will empower workers and the generality of Nigerians.

    “May God reward him with excellent health for his years of sacrifice to organised labour and the people,” Omo-Agege stated.

  • Governor Okowa committed to commissioning of project before end of tenure

    Governor Okowa committed to commissioning of project before end of tenure

    The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is committed to the completion and commissioning of the Warri/Effurun Flood Control Measure projects, phase I and II handling by Levant Construction Company and CCECC.

    This was disclosed by the Director General, Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade. Ovuozourie Macaulay in Warri when visited by the Delta State Project Monitoring Commissioner and his team.

    He mentioned that he has told both Contractors handling the project to see to its completion by February 2023 as the Governor is determined to commission all projects, even as he maintained that the integrity of job must be protected.

    “The project though not yet completed but the impact has already been felt in the environment. In the last two years the cry of flooding has drastically reduced in most affected areas, as most of the areas experiencing flood when it rains heavily were not flooded as usual in the raining season due to the impact of the project ongoing in those areas ” he said.

    “The major cause of flooding in this environment is 80% man made as they have built across the waterways which is a serious challenge to Government, but the Governor is sensitive to the plight of the people and that is why he is determined to see all projects completed and commissioned before he leaves office next year.” he stated.

    In his response, the Honorable Commissioner, Project Monitoring,
    Chief. Tony Ofoni commended the efforts of the Director General, and stressed that he has known him for years as a result oriented leader, even as he expressed satisfaction knowing that most of the ministries are represented in the Agency to help achieve a good job.

    He stressed that the essence of inspecting projects in the state is to ensure that Contractors do a standard job as specification demand, as jobs that does not meet up to the expectation of the Governor will not be accepted.

    “The Governor does not take nonsense, he need result, and a lot of contracts has been invoked for not doing well. Final inspection will be carried out on every project in the State before payment will be made to ensure that project are well executed.” he said.

    The Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the level of work done so far when he visited some of the project sites in Warri and Uvwie, phase I and II respectively, and urged the contractors to put more effort in speeding up the work to ensure that they deliver as at when due.

    Some of the project sites visited by the Commissioner and his team are Eboh road, Okore road by the bridge,
    Ajamimogha link road and PTI Road Effurun.

  • Illegal Refineries: FG’s approach fast worsening environmental degradation – Fmr SSG, Macaulay

    Illegal Refineries: FG’s approach fast worsening environmental degradation – Fmr SSG, Macaulay

    A former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has blamed the Federal Government for the high level of pollution of the Niger Delta region.

    In particular, he said in an interview in Asaba, that the government’s approach to the challenge of illegal refineries was compounding the issues rather than solving them.

    “The system of operation of these so-called illegal refineries is such that when you dismantle or destroy them, in a few days they are back to business in another location. This is because they adopt the simple method that is akin to the one employed by the villagers in producing the local gin (ogogoro).

    “Enough damages and pollution are being inflicted on the environment by the system. But the Federal Government is worsening it by destroying and setting them ablaze.

    “The government needs to harness these potentials; bring them together and register them, organize and standardize their procedures as well as improve their facilities. The government should also provide them crude oil and buy off the product at the end of the exercise.

    “This way the issue of environmental pollution is addressed, the operators are gainfully engaged, their economic wellbeing is enhanced and more revenue is accrued to the government,” he argued.

    Macaulay also spoke on the issue of power rotation in the State noting that it was a contentious matter which should be left for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) caucus led by the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to resolve in the interest of peace and stability of the polity.

  • Do not despair, Macaulay enjoins Deltans in New Year message

    Do not despair, Macaulay enjoins Deltans in New Year message

    A former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has charged Deltans to be hopeful in the new year as we look forward to a better year.

    However, he noted that the people have to be united, vigilant, prayerful and supportive of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the year to be fruitful and joyous for all.

    In a goodwill message issued in Asaba to mark the new year activities, he urged that Deltans must be peaceful, exhibit oneness and unity of purpose especially as the present administration enters a critical phase.

    Besides, Macaulay argued that the period was key and critical; and thus was an opportunity for the people to be expressive and participatory in the State’s governance for the government to finish well and strong.

    “We must as a deliberate act come together and rally behind the present administration with our prayers and collaboration to ensure that the government berths successfully at the end of the day.

    Also, ahead of the 2023 governorship elections, Macaulay charged politicians in the State to conduct themselves in a manner devoid of acrimony and bitterness.

    He enjoined governorship aspirants particularly within the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to show decorum in their campaigns stressing: “the time has come for issues to be addressed squarely; no more lies and campaign of calumny.

    “Attention must be on factors that will promote peace, unity and development of the State. Those not prepared to abandon the path of lies, must be discouraged, checked and shown the way out.

    “There is need for us to act as one family because upon the emergence of a candidate, we will need each other to achieve victory at the general elections.”

    He prayed that as Deltans rejoice over the new year, the mercy and grace of God Almighty would be sufficient to see the people throughout the year even as he wished the people a healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

    Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay
    Former SSG and Okiroro of Isoko Land. AFHSN

  • Warri/Effurun Master Drainage Project: Our efforts are yielding positive results, says Agency

    Warri/Effurun Master Drainage Project: Our efforts are yielding positive results, says Agency

    …first two phases to be completed in June

    The prospects of a cushioning of the flooding challenges faced by the residents of Warri and environs, is gradually coming to reality with Phase one and Phase two of the flood control measures embarked upon by the Delta State government becoming fruitful.

    Already, the intensity of the flooding menace has mellowed with appreciable progress achieved with the clearing of the canals, natural waterways and drains as well as the construction of huge underground drainages, culverts and tunnels.

    Noticeable impact has been made in different parts of Warri and Effurun especially around Alegbo to the extent that whenever it rains, the flood drains off within a short time.

    Though it is not yet uhuru as water still gathers in some places, the government is optimistic that no less than 40 per cent of the challenge would be resolved by the middle of next year.

    The Director General (DG) of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay disclosed that the first two phases out of the six phases’ project were likely to be completed in June next year.

    Speaking when the State Project Monitoring, Implementation and Evaluation team toured the project sites, Macaulay said that the flooding was gradually easing off particularly around the PTI road.

    “Hopefully, Phase one and Phase two of the master drainage project will be completed in June 2022. This will largely take care of over 40 per cent of the flooding challenges in the Warri/Uvwie axis.

    The leader of the monitoring team and Commissioner in charge of the State Project Monitoring, Implementation and Evaluation Bureau, Engr. Oviemuno Oghoore commended the progress made so far with the project.

    Earlier at a meeting in the WUEDA office, Oghoore hinted that the team was in Warri as part of its regular visit to projects to ensure that jobs were executed to specifications.

    Besides, the Commissioner said that the visit was to create a synergy between the Ministry and the supervisory agencies of projects to ensure that at the end of the day, there was value for money spent by the government.

    On his part, Macaulay solicited for cooperation and collaboration with the team, as well as advised the monitoring team to guard against witch-hunting.

  • Macaulay mourns Prof. Ekoko’s demise

    Macaulay mourns Prof. Ekoko’s demise

    A former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has expressed grief over the death of renowned historian, Prof. Abednego Ekoko.

    Ekoko, a former commissioner for Education and an erstwhile Sole Administrator of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), during the military era, died at the weekend at the age of 79.

    In a condolence statement issued in Asaba, Macaulay lamented the passing on of the historian who made his mark at DELSU noting that he contributed his quota to the growth and development of the State, and Isoko in particular.

    “Even at his age, Prof. Ekoko’s death is still a great loss to the State and we the Isoko. He was a major pillar in the History Department at DELSU.

    “His wealth of knowledge was brought to bear as a member of the National Boundary Commission and in the resolution of boundary issues in the State particularly the Ogbe Ijaw / Aladja land dispute. We will surely miss him.”

    Macaulay prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest as well as give the family, the friends and the Isoko, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Feschrift in honour of Prof Sam Aghalino for launch October 21

    Feschrift in honour of Prof Sam Aghalino for launch October 21

    A book titled History And The Niger Delta Oil, Politics And Culture, a Feschrift in honour of erudite Professor of History, Sam Aghalino has been scheduled for launch on October 21 in Asaba, Delta State.

    The book which is a collectivity of eggheads in the academia with vast historical backgrounds on the Niger Delta and its people across major universities in Nigeria was edited by Dr Chukwuma Osakwe and Dr Lemueh Odey.

    The book launch is being put together by Prof Sam Aghalino’s Committee of friends, the Okiroro of Isoko land, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay is the chief host and other powerful friends of the great historian.

  • Delta former SSG, Macaulay loses mum

    Delta former SSG, Macaulay loses mum

    Former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has lost his mother, Mrs Hannah Macaulay to the cold hands of death.

    In a statement issued and signed personally by the former Delta State SSG, Mrs Macaulay passed on in the early hours of Friday in Owhelogbo, her hometown in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The statement reads: “It is with utmost gratitude to God and total submission to His will that I announce the passing onto glory of our Mother and Matriarch, Mama Hannah Macaulay.

    “She transited this morning at her home, Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State at the age of 88.

    “Further details will be made available by the family in due course”.

  • Former Delta SSG mourns passing of Omovie

    Former Delta SSG mourns passing of Omovie

    Former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a former member of the State House of Assembly, Chief Dennis Omovie.

    Reacting to the demise of Omovie, Macaulay said it was one death too many, stressing that it calls for a closer relationship with God.

    According to him, it was shocking and saddening for the former legislator to die so suddenly even without obvious signs of sickness.

    The former SSG who shared the same office premises with Omovie in Warri noted that he was a bubbling and resourceful young man.

    “Personally, his death is quite painful and touching. Someone that was up, hale and hearty one moment, the next moment he is gone.

    “He was a grassroots and community mobilzer who learnt and applied the rudiments of politics speedily for the benefits of his people.

    Macaulay prayed to God Almighty to grant the family, his community, political associates and friends, the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Your towering figure is ennobling – Macaulay says of Ibori at 63

    Your towering figure is ennobling – Macaulay says of Ibori at 63

    A former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has rejoiced with a former Governor of the State, Chief James Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary.

    In a congratulatory message, Macaulay eulogized the virtues of the former Governor saying that Ibori’s leadership quality has remained impactful in the State.

    According to him, the former Governor’s towering figure in the polity has made him a source of inspiration, a rallying point as well as for peace and unity in the State and beyond.

    “I celebrate you, my leader. Your towering figure is ennobling, you are a source of inspiration and a continuous rallying point.

    “You are a spring of unity and peace in the multi-ethnic Delta,” he stated, adding that Ibori’s knack and commitment to the people was consummate which endeared him to the people.

    Macaulay wished the former Governor many more fruitful years ahead and prayed to God Almighty to keep him in divine health as well as grant him the strength to continue to serve his people and humanity in general.