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Tag: Warri

  • Buhari inaugurates Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line, directs construction of rail network to nation’s ports

    Buhari inaugurates Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line, directs construction of rail network to nation’s ports

    President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the 326 KM Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line for commercial operation as well as the ancillary facilities yard, at the recently named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta.

    Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the rail line linking Itakpe to Warri on Tuesday in Abuja, Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to link all the nation’s ports of origin and destination – Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, Onne, Calabar Ports- to the nation’s rail network.

    The president expressed optimism that the rail network project, when carried out, would significantly improve overall transportation and economic capacities.

    He declared that his administration recognised the importance of the railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development.

    ”Accordingly, I have approved the prioritization of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country’s trade and commerce.

    ”The Railway Infrastructure that I have the honour to commission today is the rail line from Itakpe via the steel town complex of Ajaokuta to Warri, and is an important link for the country’s economy as the central rail line.

    ”This Government has also approved to link this line further from Itakpe to Abuja, thereby, connecting the Northern Zone of the country and also extending southwards to link the Warri Ports,” he said.

    The president expressed confidence that the project, which serves as a vital link of South-South geopolitical zones of the country to the Northern zones, would be completed during the tenure of this administration.

    ”It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standards of living for our citizens,” he said.

    Buhari recalled that to further give recognition to Nigerian sons and daughters who had distinguished themselves at nation building and development, 11 railway stations and railway village were named after some deserving citizens.

    He listed them as follows: Adamu Attah Station, Itakpe; Abubakar Olusola Saraki Station, Ajaokuta; Augustus Aikhomu Station, Itogbo; George Innih Station, Agenebode; Anthony Enahoro Station, Uromi; Tom Ikimi Station, Ekehen and Samuel Ogbemudia Station, Igbanke.

    Others are Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex, Agbor, Owa-Oyibu; David Ejoor Station, Abraka; Michael Ibru Station, Opara; Alfred Rewane Station, Ujevwu; and Michael Akhigbe Railway Village, Agbor

    He enjoined all Nigerians in the transportation industry, especially the railway sub-sector, to continue to support Government in its stride to achieve other railway infrastructure projects.

    He also enlisted the support of all at realizing this milestone of a functional and full-fledged central railway, after more than 30 years during which the project had suffered several setbacks and false starts.

    ”I implore those who work on this line to uphold maintenance and safety culture necessary for long-lasting service in this difficult terrain.

    ”By the same token, I urge other sectors who will be primary beneficiaries of this transportation backbone, including, the iron and steel sector, stakeholders in agricultural and mining sectors on this corridor, as well as the host communities to protect and sustain this infrastructure and maximize the benefits that could be derived from it and which is readily available at their doorsteps.

    ”This project will increase the volume of their trade and kickstart and resuscitate the iron and steel complexes.

    ”All these, I hope will improve our industrial potentials and capacities as well as boost employment,’’ he said.

    Buhari said projections indicated that the commencement of operation of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail line would account for close to one million passengers annually and also unleash approximately 3.5 million tonnes capacity of freight annually that will service all off-takers on the corridor and beyond.

    While congratulating the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and his team on successfully completing the project, the president recognized the host communities on this corridor for their patience during the long wait of over 30 years for the realization of the project.

    He also commended the host communities for their cooperation during the completion works by the Federal Government.

    He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue, within available resources, to judiciously connect commercial and industrial hubs to boost trade, generate wealth and create employment.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta commended President Buhari’s bi-partisan approach to governance, saying ‘‘it is a thing of pride and joy that this rail line was completed under your watch.

    ”Deltans are excited that this day has come,’’ he said.

    According to him, the Ika nation is glad of the recognition accorded former President Goodluck Jonathan, in naming the railway complex in Agbor after him.

    Okowa urged the private sector to take advantage of the historic corridor by establishing investments that would create jobs for locals, curb youth restiveness and stem the tide of criminality.

    ”It is imperative that the Federal Government in collaboration with the States provide adequate security cover for this rail line corridor,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo congratulated the president on the feat of completing the project, saying “it is quite fortuitous that few days to the country’s 60th independence celebration, the president has achieved the completion of this critical infrastructure.

    ”For us in Edo State we are excited that we have a few stops that have been completed and we are going to be working with you to utilise this infrastructure.’’

    The governor appealed to the minister of transportation to extend the rail line to the industrial park in Benin City to facilitate the movement of goods to the northern part of the country.

    Earlier, the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi had revealed that the project was fully funded by the Nigerian government, adding that eight of the ten stations are in the Niger-Delta/ South South region of the country.

    ”There is no loan on this project, it was funded from the budget and I had the directive of the President to go and revive it and complete it as soon as possible,’’ he said.

    According to the Minister, the project started under the military era in 1987 but ‘‘underwent protracted hiccups, prolonged abandonment and massive vandalisation,’’ before it was resuscitated by the Buhari administration.

  • Delta Govt to change slum status of Warri, Uvwie, environs

    Delta Govt to change slum status of Warri, Uvwie, environs

    As part of measures to change the narratives which put the tag of slum on Warri/Uvwie and environs, due to decades of infrastructure decay, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has approved various projects for execution to give the axis a facelift.

    Besides, the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA) charged with the development of the area is putting a taskforce in place to sustain the tempo of work.

    The Director General of WUEDA, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay disclosed this at a press briefing in Warri, to mark the first year anniversary of the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Agency.

    He said that within the short period of the Agency’s existence various projects including Flood Control Measures in Effurun/Warri and Environs (Phase I), Flood Control Measures in Effurun/Warri and Environs (Phase II), Construction of Access Road to Federal Housing Estate, Ugboroke, Uvwie LGA, Rehabilitation of First Marine Gate Road in Warri South LGA, Rehabilitation of Odibo Street in Warri South LGA, Construction of Atse Olu Community Road in Warri South LGA etc., have been approved for execution.

    “Most of the projects already awarded are at various stages of completion while in some others, we are waiting for the raining season to subside to mobilize for work,” Macaulay who is a former SSG to the state Government, added.

    He affirmed that the modest milestones achieved so far with the execution of some of the projects has made tremendous impact on the environment and residents of the environs, as the menace of flooding and dirt was gradually disappearing.

    The DG noted that in order to sustain the tempo and mileage already achieved within this short period and to put an end to the cycle of unhygienic behavior by some of the residents, as well as regularly clear resurfaced overgrown weeds and grasses, the Agency is to put in place a taskforce and other necessary measures.

    “I assure you that necessary steps are being taken by the Agency to keep the axis clean with a proposed initiative to engage ad-hoc staff of sweepers, monitors, environmental marshals and taskforce to carry out follow-up maintenance works in the Agency’s mandate areas,” he stated.

    He expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, community leaders and the residents for their cooperation, and commended Governor Okowa for the approvals and support for the Agency.

  • Warri master drainage project on track, says Macaulay

    The Director General, Warri/Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has affirmed that the master drainage project for the axis was going on as scheduled.

    Macaulay, a former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) who fielded questions from journalists in Warri, after a visit to the project sites said that the work done so far was encouraging.

    The project sites visited include Ugbolokposo, Alegbo, Uti, Apala, NPA Expressway and Edjeba in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas where he expressed satisfaction and commended the contractors – Levant Construction Limited and CCECC for their efforts in spite the rains and the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

    “When you go round the area where these jobs are going on now, you will see the excitement in the faces of the people. For once we are not having any problem with the Communities because they are happy, they see the job as their own. Nobody is really disturbing the job we are doing today.

    “The areas worked are no longer suffering the flooding issue. The communities are happy because most of them are already benefiting from it,” he stated.

    According to him, phases one and two are billed to be completed between 18 and 24 months, adding that there is hope for the people of Warri/Uvwie axis that in the next three to five years they may not be talking of flood.

    He maintained that this is the first time the State Government has taken deliberate measures to tackle the issue of flooding in the area and commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his commitment to solving this challenge of the people.

    However, Macaulay disclosed that those whose buildings and structures are located on the waterways have been notified, and that towards the end of August, the Agency will commence the removal of such illegal structures.

    Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Levant Construction Limited, Engr. Ghassan Fadel hinted that they would soon stop major works due to the heavy downpour, stressing that the swampy nature of the area aggravated by the heavy rains have been a hindrance to their speed and set target.

  • Warri Bishop charged with rape, victim in coma for days

    Warri Bishop charged with rape, victim in coma for days

    Delta state police command has arrested a popular Warri cleric, Bishop Elijah, over alleged rape of a 19-year-old girl, identified as Miracle.

    Miracle was said to have gone to his church, off Apalla in the heart of Warri South council area, for spiritual deliverance when the incident happened.

    Briefing newsmen over the arrest, the Warri Area Commander, ACP Mohammed Muktar Garba, said the suspect who is the founder/general overseer of a popular prayer ministry was traced to where he hid and was arrested last Friday.

    According to him, the suspect is currently being detained at the “A Division’” police station.

    He disclosed that the arrest was effected following a complaint by the mother of the victim.

    He said the mother took the daughter to the church for deliverance to avert sudden death based on revelations of the pastor who has been her spiritual father for many years.

    ACP Garba said, “she said the pastor had a dream that death was hovering over their house and for peace to reign, she should bring her daughter, Miracle, for prayers (deliverance).

    “The woman brought the lady to the church. I think what really happened is that the pastor May have drugged that lady and raped her. I personally took the lady to the hospital because she was in coma for two days.

    “We have been looking for this pastor for the past three weeks. Later on I used my detectives to trace where he hid and I got him arrested and I am charging him to court now. This is somebody that I arrested since Friday. He has been in cell since Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today Monday, I am charging him to court.”

    While noting that the police would ensure full-scale investigations into the matter, ACP Garba acknowledged that, “we have prophets that are good. We have churches that are very good. But I cannot imagine a pastor raping his member inside the church premises.

    “And it is this same pastor that’s making allegation that the police are looking for money to release him. He has a right to say whatever he wants to say. But as far as I’m concerned and as far as I remain the Area Commander, this man is going to court and he must be charged to court.”

    ACP Garba added that: “We have evidence to prove rape and we have established that this pastor raped that girl.

    “We have pictures. We have examined her. I took her to the doctor. He has examined her private parts and we have everything to charge this man to court.”

    ACP Garba also denied allegations of collecting money from the suspect to release him or suppress the matter.

    He said, “I did not demand a dime from him and I will not collect a dime from him. He must face the wrath of the law.”

    However, the suspect, Bishop Elijah denied the allegations leveled against him.

    The cleric who spoke with newsmen on his way out of the police station to the court said: “I did not rape her.”

    “she came to church on that faithful day on the 20th of May. The mother brought her to the church for deliverance and I prayed for her in front of the altar in the presence of three people. Immediately, after the prayer, she left the church …. She came back 5 ‘o’clock with policemen and the crowd saying this is the man. I did not rape her.”

    Narrating her side of the story bebefore newsmen, the victim said she was a member of the church from cradle before she stopped.

    She said the suspect saw a vision and asked her mother to bring her for deliverance.

    The victim pointed out that the cleric said she (victim) slept with a suspected internet fraudster (Yahoo Boy) and that they cleaned her up with a handkerchief with an intention to use her for ritual.

    The victim claimed that the cleric gave her olive oil to insert in her private part just as he also gave her more to drink before asking her to strip naked and lie down on a mat in the church with the sliding windows and doors closed.

    “He started f**king me through the back. That was all I could remember. There were sperm all over my body. I shouted. He even said I should come again.

    “I want to be the last he will do this to.”

  • Delta Govt charges Big Warri road contractor to increase pace of work

    Delta Govt charges Big Warri road contractor to increase pace of work

    The Delta State Government has charged Setraco, the contractor handling the Big Warri road project and bridges to increase the pace of work to ensure that the project is delivered on time as agreed with the contractor.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye gave the charge on Wednesday in the company of the Special Director of the project, Chief Otimeyin Adams during an inspection tour of the multi-billion naira road that will link Ubeji in Warri South Local Government Area to Ode-Itsekiri when completed.

    Augoye commended the contractor for the level of work done so far, stressing the quality of work done so far was very high. He said the project is about 25.8 kilometers long with 19 bridges and about 4 spurs leading to other communities.

    He said the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa was doing everything possible to ensure that he finances the project to conclusion, while acknowledging the challenges being faced in terms of financing of the project.

    “This is one of the projects inherited by this administration. This project was actually awarded on the 22nd of August 2006, but the contractor was mobilized to site on the 10th of September 2007.

    “As you can see, the work is a very long one, about 25.8 kilometers with 19 bridges. Of course, there are other spurs, about 4 spurs leading to other communities. At the moment this administration decided that we should concentrate on the main alignment, i.e. the Ubeji down to Ode Itsekiri.

    “Like the contractor said, they have done about 14 bridges; they have 5 more. Once those ones are completed, they will now continue with the road work and get it finished to Ode Itsekiri.

    “The quality of work here is very high. I must commend them for their efforts. I want to appeal to them to increase the pace of work to ensure that this work is completed by the end of next year, as earlier agreed with the contractor.

    “Of course, I know also they have challenges in terms of financing of the project. We are all aware of the State of our country’s economy, and it is also biting hard on Delta State. His Excellency, the Governor is doing everything possible to ensure that he finance this project to conclusion.

    Speaking on the importance of the road to the State, Augoye said, “As you can see, the road has not been completed, yet it has opened up the other side of the river to much economic activities. Before now the private depots were not there, but as soon as we completed the first 5 kilometers up to the river jetty, you can see that they have taken over the whole of that place.

    “If this side of the river is completed, it means that more industries would be opened in this side of the river. And of course, it would create economic activities and employment for our people around this area.

    Meanwhile, Area Manager of Setraco, Delta Region, Mr Joseph Helby contractor assured that his company was determined to complete the project by the end of 2021.

    “If all the parameters in the country go well, we supposed to finish this work by the end of 2021. The main alignment has 19 bridges. 14 are fully completed, remaining only 5 bridges. As we are moving gradually, the entire road will be motorable up to Ode Itsekiri,” Helby said.

    On his part, Chief Adams, who also spoke on the importance of the road to the people, said, “If you are coming from Ubeji, you will see that the road has opened up the rural areas. If you were here in 2006, you will know what I am talking about. The Ifie, Ajaetan, the spurs on this side of the river have been upgraded and there is life.

    “There are six tank farms in this area, which have provided employment for our youths and the social life of the people in this area has improved. 10 communities would be affected by this road. Already we have accessed 5 communities, remaining 5. We have Ubeji, we have Ifie, we have Ajaetan, we have Ijala, we have Igbodede, we have Ajegba, we have Usele, we have Uronyin, we have Orugbo and we have Ode Itsekiri.

    “This road would have long been completed if not for finances. And since he [Okowa] came on board, he has done within his best to reduce the debt profile of about N9 billion to N3 billion. And you can see the contractor, if not for COVID-19 and the economic setback, you be surprised to see the level of work. Like the Commissioner said, by 2021, all things being equal, if there is adequate funding, which we are appealing to the Governor for, we will get to Ode Itsekiri”.

  • NUJ Chairman confirms release of 4 journalists arrested by Police in Delta

    Chairman of the Warri chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Okies Vicky has confirmed the release of four journalists arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr. Vicky made the confirmation, saying the four journalists were released after Police detectives obtained statements from them.

    The Police detectives had stormed the Press Centre of the Warri Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ to arrest the Correspondent of Daily Post Online, Mr. Matthew Omonigho.

    Three other journalists the leadership of the Chapel sent to know the crime Omonigho committed were reportedly arrested and detained by the operatives.

    The detained journalists are Mr Edeki Egafe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Francis Sadhere of Business Day and Mr Christopher Odamah, a freelance journalist.

    The incident happened on Tuesday. However, no reason was given for the arrest of the Daily Post reporter and the other three journalists.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the journalists were freed following the intervention of the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa and the Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Michael Ikeagwu.

    TNG, however, has not been able to reach the newsmen on why they were arrested.

  • BREAKING: Police storm press centre, arrest 4 journalists in Delta

    Police detectives on Tuesday stormed the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and arrested Mr. Matthew Omonigho, a journalist with the Daily Post Online.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) the police detectives also took hold of three members of the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Delta State Council of the NUJ.

    The arrested journalists are Mr. Matthew Omonigho of the Daily Post Online, Mr Edeki Egafe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Francis Sadhere of Business Day and Mr Christopher Odomhe, a freelance journalist.

    The reason for the arrest of the journalists was not disclosed.

    It was learnt that the police operatives had stormed the Press Centre of the Warri NUJ along Gbiaye Street in Warri at about 3:45pm to pick Omonigho for undisclosed reasons.

    Following Omonigho’s arrest, the leadership of the NUJ in Warri immediately dispatched Edeki, Sadhere and Christopher to visit the Warri Area Command to ascertain the offence for which Omonigho was arrested.

    On getting there, the officers detained the three journalists who had visited the station to clarify issues relating to the arrest of the Daily Post’s reporter.

    The mobile sets of the four journalists were alleged to have been confiscated by the operatives.

    It was gathered that the detectives were from the Force Headquarters. They declined to give reasons for the arrest of the four journalists.

    The chairman of the Warri NUJ, Mr. Okies Vicky, was not allowed to see the four arrested journalists till 9pm when this report was being filed.

  • FG to name Warri railway station after Goodluck Jonathan – Amaechi

    FG to name Warri railway station after Goodluck Jonathan – Amaechi

    The federal government has revealed its decision to name the Warri Rail Station after former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi made the revelation during an Instagram Live video with ace journalist, Dele Momodu.

    He said the Itapke-Warri rail line having been completed is due for commissioning by President Muhammdu Buhari but for the emergence of COVID-19.

    The rail service has 12 stations with two located between Itakpe, Ajaokuta and Warri; Itakpe; Eganiy; Adogbe; Itogbo; Aghenebode; Uromi; Egehen; Igbanke; Agbor; Abraka; Okpara and Ujewu stations

    The line, which was started in 1987, was built to move iron ore from mines around Itakpe to the steelworks at Ajaokuta but was abandoned for many years before construction resumed during Buhari’s first term in office.

    Amaechi said there is a plan to construct a yard at the Warri Rail Station where trail equipments can be fabricated and produced.

    He also said 1000 housing units are being constructed at the Warri yard for Nigerian Railway workers.

    The Minister of Transportation explained that the FG has resolved to name the Warri Yard station after former President Jonathan because of his administration’s immense contribution to the project.

    According to Amaechi, “When I was appointed the minister for transportation, the president warned ‘do not start new contracts, go and complete old ones’.

    “We met Itakpe-Warri rail line which had been in existence for 34 years uncompleted; it would have been the first standard gauge line in Africa if it was completed.

    “Based on the president’s instruction, I did a memo; I thought we will borrow money from China but the president refused. He said we should use our internal funds to execute the project.

    “Now the project is ready for Commissioning but because of Coronavirus everything is on hold. And you know the President is a shy person. He doesn’t like public show.

    “What he said is that let’s just focus on our achievements and by the time we leave office people will see what we have done but some of us are insisting that we commission some of our projects. We have decided to name it after former President Goodluck Jonathan.

  • COVID-19: ‘It is extremely dangerous Warri people continue to doubt disease’ – Medical Director

    COVID-19: ‘It is extremely dangerous Warri people continue to doubt disease’ – Medical Director

    The Chief Medical Director of Central Hospital, Warri, Dr Paul Okubor has said it is extremely dangerous that people continue to doubt the reality of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Okubor, who disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Warri also said that the hospital’s isolation centre for the treatment of COVID-19 patients is ready.

    He further stated that the treatment centre could take14 patients and that the hospital had all the basic requirements needed to treat any infected persons.

    “The treatment centre in Central Hospital, Warri, is up and running and we are ready to receive patients. The centre can take up to 14 patients.

    “We have all the basic equipment needed to treat anybody that comes. Our various caregivers have received adequate training and are ready to take any patient,” he said.

    Okubor expressed worry over the attitude of some individuals who still doubt the existence of COVID-19 pandemic.

    According to him, such persons are likely the ones flouting the directives of the lockdown order by the state government thereby endangering their lives and that of others.

    Recall that Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa had ordered the lockdown on the state with effect from April 1 as a measure to tackle spread of the global pandemic.

    “Some people still feel that COVID-19 is a scam, it is very unfortunate.

    “I want to appeal to those still doubting, that it is extremely dangerous for them to continue to doubt.

    “If you are still doubting, it means you have not taken the necessary precautions to protect yourselves against the pandemic,” he said.

    He commended Okowa for the proactive measures taken to tackle the spread of the rampaging scourge.

    “Gov. Okowahas done so well, we have four treatment centres in Delta with well trained personnel.

    “He has also tried to contain the spread of the pandemic through the stay-at-home order and ensure that the people are safe.

    “We all have to be alert and for us to stay at alert, we need to take all the necessary precautions.

    “You also have to abide by the rules and regulations in the hospital, wear your face mask, especially with regards to COVID-19, it is very important,” he said.

    The medical expert also advised people on regular washing of hands with soap and running water or used alcohol-based sanitiser.

    “Maintain social distance and if you must cough, cough into you elbow, wash your hands regularly with soap and running water or use hand sanitiser,” he said.

    Okubor said that the facilities to test everybody was not available in the hospital at the moment.

    “However, those who have the need to be tested, especially those who have significant contact with Covid-19 patients will be tested.

    “It is not everybody that is being tested for now,” he said.

  • COVID-19: RCCG parish throws out pews, puts food packs in place for the needy [PHOTOS]

    COVID-19: RCCG parish throws out pews, puts food packs in place for the needy [PHOTOS]

    A Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Warri, Delta State, where security operatives killed a 28-year-old man named Joseph Pessu on Thursday, has set its pews aside and neatly arranged food packs in place.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the RCCG parish is the Champions Cathedral parish in Warri Province 5, and the food packs are for onward distribution to members, and neighbours of the church, who are in need.

    Food packs replace pews at Champions Cathedral
    Caretakers watch over the food packs at Champions Cathedral
    Caretakers watch over the food packs at Champions Cathedral
    A prayer session before distribution of the food packs at Champions Cathedral
    Church workers package the foodstuffs at Champions Cathedral
    Packaging of the foodstuffs at Champions Cathedral
    Distribution of the food packs at Champions Cathedral
    Distribution of the food packs at Champions Cathedral
    Beneficiaries leaving RCCG parish happy
    Some beneficiaries don’t mind a pose for the camera

    According to sources, the church has always carried out this goodwill back to back, but that this time around, the church is doing it to ameliorate the effects of the government stay at home order in the face of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Recall that COVID-19 broke out in the country in late February and governments at all levels, including the Delta State Government, put containment measures in place.

    As part of the containment measures, the government closed all borders to avoid more imported cases of COVID-19. Also, citizens were advised to stay at home to avoid community transmission.

    The government has also banned large gatherings, leaving pews empty, as churches now find new ways to hold programmes.

    However, with the stay at home orders being enforced across States of the federation, there are attendant consequences. Many Nigerians have complained of lack of power supply and hunger.

    While the government is distributing cash to the vulnerable, and individuals are donating funds for the poor in the society, churches are not left out.