By Obas Esiedesa  /  Senior Reporter, Abuja

All through last year, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe at various times declared that the 338km dual carriage East-West road project would be completed by the end of this year. But new “realities” have shown that the road that has so far cost about N250 billion would not be ready until next year at least.

The road that runs through the heart of the oil-rich Niger Delta begins from Effurun in Delta State, through Bayelsa and Rivers states, and terminates at Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

Divided into four sections, the road when completed is expected to boost economic activities in the region thereby creating the much-needed jobs for millions of unemployed youth.

Section 1 is (87.4km) from Effurun to Kaiama, section 2.1 is (101km) from Ahoada to Kaiama, Section2.2 is (99km) from Ahoada to Eket and section 4 is (51km) from Eket to Oron.

The designs of the road shows that 42 bridges ranging from 30m to 850m in length while about 756 culverts are needed for the road.

The project, which was first awarded in 2006 under the Federal Ministry of Works, was in 2009 transferred to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs following its creation in 2008 by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Since then work on the project has faced serious challenges ranging from the difficult terrain of the region, to militancy by the youth of the area which resulted in several cases of kidnap of expatriate and local engineers, to community issues, and most of all paucity of funds.

With most of the other challenges taken care off in the past one year, inadequate funding is said to have been the reason the project would not be completed this year.

But Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dickson Darius Ishaka, has in Abuja expressed optimism that the financial plan by the government would ensure availability of the remaining N100 billion needed to complete the project.

With this in mind, Ishaku assured that the road project that has become the flagship of the ministry would be completed before the end of the first quarter of next year.

He pointed out that with about $150 million coming from the African Development Bank (ADB) and additional funding from the SURE-P and Infrastructural Bank, government hopes to complete the critical road running through the heart of the region.

According to him, “From the ADB we have had a loan of $300 million of which $150 million have been accessed and we are hoping to access the balance this year. The SURE-P has allocated between 2012 and 2014 N93.9 billion and we have accessed that of 2012 and 2013; we are waiting to access that of 2014.

“The cost of the project is about N350 billion and so far over N250 billion has been disbursed and we have over N100 billion outstanding on the road.”

On the completion rate for the five sections of the road, the Minister explained that “dualisation of section 1, Warri – Kaiama, is 79 percent completed; section 2.2 Port Harcourt-Ahoada is 42 percent completed; section 2.1 which is Ahoada Kaima is 42 percent completed. All three sections are being handled by Setraco Ltd. The Port Harcourt-Eket being handled by RCC is 85 percent completed and people are already enjoying that section. Section 4, Eket to Oron handled by Gitto Construction Company is 68 percent completed.

“The date of completion of the road which we had earlier last year consistently said we would complete by December this year is not realistic. The reason is the funding, so we are looking at other areas of raising fund to bridge the funding gap.”

He stressed that the timing of fund release for the project was critical to its completion, noting that “you get the fund just before the setting of the dry season, you do a lot more work particularly in the Niger Delta area where you have almost nine months of rainy season. But if we get the funds during or at the onset of rainy season, then it means you have to wait for nine months before work can continue.

“We are hoping we will be able to access funds much earlier this year to be able to use the dry season and try to do a lot of the work. So to be optimistic the new completion date should be late in the first quarter of next year. We should be able to meet that, funding permitting. We are also looking into raising fund from the Infrastructural Development Bank. If we get additional funding, it will augment the funding gap that we have,” he added.

He explained that as at the time the ministry took over the project in 2009 it was barely 10 percent completed “but today, in spite of the major constraints of funding, and insecurity, the project has reached overall completion in the level of about 70 percent. Furthermore, it must be stressed that some of the sections of the road are already completed and the people of the region are already enjoying their usage.”

Ishaku stressed that besides the East-West Road, the ministry also has two other major projects in the nine states of the region: 40-unit housing scheme and the skills acquisition centres.

The housing scheme was originally designed to resettle persons displaced from crisis in the region especially in Bakassi in Cross River, Gbaramatu, Delta State and Odi in Bayelsa State.

The minister while giving update on the project which would cost the government about N405 million, said over all about 70.8 percent of the projects have been completed.

A breakdown indicated that the completion levels are as follows: Abia – 79.8%, Akwa-Ibom – 60.9%, Bayelsa – 66.5%, Cross River – 67.5%, Delta – 84.0%, Edo – 83.5%, Imo – 86.8%, Ondo – 65.0%, and Rivers – 43.8%.

Ishaku explained that government was yet to allocate the houses, noting that the intention of the ministry is to allocate the houses according to the needs of the communities.

“The first persons are the displaced members of the community; secondly we have widows and widowers; third priority are the disabled and aged persons in the communities; fourth we have married youth and those in difficulty; fifth we have members of the adjourning communities because we thought that for cordial relationship between the communities we should be to allocate some of these houses to neighbouring communities; and lastly the discretional allotment list that will enable the government to meet peculiar needs of the communities.

“The discretional list is also to correct any imbalance in the first five categories. The forms have been given out and none of the communities apart from Bakassi has complained about the process. And we are working on it.”

He assured that government would not allocate the houses until it is satisfied that the process meets the demands and aspirations of every stakeholder including the government that built the houses.

On the skills acquisition centres, he explained that works were going on at reasonable pace with the exception of the Edo State skills centre where the contract was revoked in 2012 due to non-performance.

According to him, the process of re-awarding the contract to another company has been completed and was awaiting the approval of the federal executive council.

He gave a breakdown of the projects as: “Abia – 55.2%, Akwa-Ibom – 62.3%, Bayelsa – 81.7%, Cross River – 60.2%, Delta – 63.7%, Edo – 0.0% (contract revoked), Imo – 53.5%, Ondo – 43.3%, Rivers – 45.0%.”

Speaking during a recent inspection of the project, some community leaders urged the federal government to make money available to complete the project given the economic importance of the road.

They noted that the terrain of the project meant most parts of the projects were in swampy areas, and risked being washed away by water.

They assured the government that they were working hard to check the activities of militant youth to ensure that the contractors have freedom to work and complete the projects.

According to Johnson Abiye, “the Ministry of Niger Delta is underfunded, practically speaking because what it takes to construct 100km of road in other parts of Nigeria will not be enough to construct 10km of road in the Niger Delta, if you know the terrain of what is called the Niger Delta. First of all, you have to evacuate to a reasonable extent, take away those areas and sand fill. The quantity of sand that is needed for piling, before you can now prime and lay asphalt is much.

“So if it takes two to three months to construct 100km of roads in other parts of the country, it will take you a much longer period to do a project of such magnitude in the Niger Delta. That is what I want people to understand but I want to tell you that a company like Setraco has the equipment to do this project. The problem is the funding, so the ministry needs to be properly funded.

“If the ministry was properly funded the road would have been completed by now. You remember it was supposed to have been completed in 2010 but we are now in 2014 and only about 70 percent of the project has been completed. So I urge those responsible for bringing out the money for the project to do so without further delay. This is because delaying the project would only increase the cost of completing it,” he stressed.

By Idongesit Ashameri  /  Special Correspondent, Uyo 

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners has threatened to mobilise members running into millions to deliberate seriously on how to vote during the 2015 Presidential election if the present administration of Goodluck Jonathan fails to turn urgent attention to the plight of the union.

This position was made public during a nationwide press conference, Monday, at the South South geo-political zone by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) to sensitize government and the public on the plight of pensioners in the country.

In an address by the National President NUP, Dr. Abel Afolayan and presented by  Elder Tubonimi Sukuye, VP, South South, the pensioners accused some state governments of exhibiting non-challant attitude towards their plight and welfare and vowed to in addition to the presidential election, reflect deeply on which governorship candidate to vote for in all the states of the federation.

“Government should be told that Civil Pensioners in Nigeria (about five million) form a large voting block and to neglect us is not in the best interest of either the federal or state government. As law-abiding Nigerians, we will continue to dialogue, and if this press conference fails (God forbid) we shall involve NLC and TUC. With involvement of these two labour giants in the country, it is certain that Nigerian workers, who are praying to be pensioners would join us on sympathy ground in nationwide protest which may likely come in future”.

While calling on the Federal Government to address and resolve issues such as non-harmonisation of pension for most pensioners, ill-treatment of federal parastatals and private sector pensioners, irregularities with primary schools and local government pensioners and problems associated with contributory pension scheme resulting in non-deduction of check-off dues from pensioners in the scheme, the NUP National leadership said these issues if not properly addressed, would negatively affect future of the union.

NUP, which frowned at the non-prosecution of the identified culprits of pension fraud, called on the Federal Government to satisfactorily address the issue, which according to them, has damaged the image of Nigeria both nationally and internationally. “This situation,” the union said, “has negatively affected the funds ought to have been made available for genuine pensioners.”

The union considered as serious show of disregard, exclusion of NUP from participation in the ongoing National Conference despite efforts to be part of it.

Presenting situation report from some of the six states of the South South geo-political zone, the Akwa Ibom State Chapter Chairman of NUP, Elder Ettetor Uwah, expressed disappointment that though the state is known for its uncommon transformation, pensioners are dying in penury as every plight of the people as channeled to appropriate authorities, continually fell on deaf ears.

He regretted to announce to the gathering that the immediate past NUP Chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Cletus Ukoh, slumped and died while hanging on the arm of a chair, waiting almost a whole day to see the head of Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Umoessien, to further discuss the plight of pensioners in the state.

“Pensioners are really suffering in Akwa Ibom State, our late former chairman was constantly subjected to stress of having to wait for the people who should be attentive to our plight. After waiting in vain for the Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the governor without the simple courtesy of giving attention, we move to the Head of Service the next day, waited all day in an over-crowded office and due to discomfort and strong sense of disappointment, our chairman took ill, slumped and later died at the hospital”.

The state chapter said the state government has failed to harmonise pension in lieu of the minimum wage earn by workers, in payment of 6,15 and 33 percentages of 2003, 2007 and and 2009 respectively, failed to clear arrears of pension from 1991-2000, gratuity and pension to retired primary school teachers and local government pensioner  from 2011 and 2009 till date, respectively.

The Akwa Ibom pensioners also complained that despite claims of free medical treatment for the aged in the state, there has never been a time they go for treatment without paying for drugs as hospitals constantly complain of running out of stoke for drugs allocated for the aged.

Presenting a report on Cross River State,  the chapter  Chairman, NUP Mr Benjamin Eteh said the state Government is quite attentive and up to date with the need of pensioners in the state. Reporting that the issue of harmonisation has been increased to 91 per cent. He disclosed that the cross River State head of civil service has continued to maintain a cordial relationship with pensioners as evidence in the e-payment of March pension without any stress to the aged ones.

Delta state, as presented, though still having few issues to sort out, announced that the state government had recently released funds to address some Gray issues raised.

The State Chairman of River State chapter of NUP, Mr. Edward Abibo, described his state government as pension unfriendly as the government, according to him has bluntly refused to abide by the word of God and the constitution. Adding that no increase has been effected in river’s pension scheme between 2003 and date.

By Francis Onoiribholo  /  Bureau Chief Benin

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has revealed that the state records an average of N1.5 billon monthly from Internally Generated Revenue, admitting that the government must widen its scope of tax generation to sustain the pace of development in the state.

This is coming just as the State Internal Revenue Service recovered over N654 million from 23 corporate tax defaulters of the 1,536 charged to court in the state, last year.  At the commissioning of the new edifice housing the offices of the State Internal Revenue Service, on Monday  in Benin, Governor Oshiomhole said the government was now ready to give effect to the letter and spirit of the Land Use Charge to generate more tax for the government. “The challenge of government is not just to collect taxes but develop institutions. The character of a government is defined by its tax policies; who pay how much and who gets what.

“This is the only country where politicians can speak from all corners of their mouth about what they want to do even if they know they won’t do it and they get applause and go home to sleep”, he said. Oshiomhole declared, “In Edo State, we are clear that we will build institutions. Rather than allow tax collectors to collect our taxes and collect commissions, we decided to develop in-house capacity which government after government will build on. It is consistent with our determination that we will not hide under any guise to collect public money and share with anyone.

“When we collect public money in taxes, we use them judiciously. When I arrived here in November, 2018, the monthly receipt was hovering below N300million, sometimes, N280 million, sometimes N300 million and Edo State Government was paying commission to tax collectors out of that meagre amount. He said, “I just want to assure Edo people that when we grew the revenue receipt up to N2 billion, we did not pay commission to anybody, including the revenue board. It has now come to an average of N1. 5billion, but the good thing is that, we are not paying anybody out of it.

” Oshiomhole said, “having been given the honour to preside over the people, we must have the good heart to use the tax judiciously.

“We are getting results not because we have more money but because we are accountable to the people. We are delivering today on roads, we are delivering on education, we are delivering on rural boreholes, we are working everywhere. Benin is expanding very fast; many of our people are developing satellite towns and they have the right to have the facilities and all these are as a result of Edo Taxpayers’ money. “If we must sustain the pace of development, we must widen the bracket of tax collection and that is why we must give effect to the letter and spirit of the Land Use Charge. “Those who live in high density area, we are not going to disturb because they already have more on their plates, but those who occupy the middle income area must pay something and those who live in big land areas will pay according to the land that is used so that there is fairness, justice and resources to keep poor people happy so that the rich can sleep with their eyes closed.” Earlier, the Executive Chairman Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Chief Oseni Elamah said the administration of Comrade Oshiomhole since inception in November 2008 recognised the need to reposition and build a transparent, efficient, accountable and enduring tax system in line with global best practices. He enjoined all taxable adults in the state to pay their taxes and obtain their Tax Identification Number (TIN) in order to enhance the development agenda of the state government and taking Edo to the next level. The highpoint of the ceremony which was attended by top dignitaries including a former Minister of Defence, Maj-General Godwin Abbe (rtd), among others, was the commissioning of the Training School and the Corporate Headquarters of the Revenue Service.

•Alleges insensitivity of govt, lack of infrastructure

 By Felix Igbekoyi  /  Correspondent, Asaba 

The people of Igbodo Kingdom, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, have protested government absence and its insensitivity to the residents of the area.

They said it is an affront on the psyche of the average mind and a slap on the faces of thousands of hardworking and long suffering residents of the community who have no tarred roads, their hospital not commissioned, abandoned boreholes and collapsed town hall.

The protesters who moved round the market with inscription on the placard such as, ‘‘Build a market for Igbodo kingdom,” “Commission Igbodo hospital as it has been completed,” “Governor Uduaghan deliver on your promises as 2015 beckons,” “Igbodo, Delta food basket has no market, we have no government presence in Igbodo,” “Save Igbodo from erosion menace’’ among others promised to repeat the agitation until their demands are met. Obi (King) Ikechukwu Osedume of the Kingdom, lamented that “there is no single government presence at all based on the numerous abandoned projects that litter the agrarian community.”

He claimed the residents are getting fed up with government insensitivity to the area despite its determination on the Delta Beyonf Oil claim. Represented by Chief Gilbert Nwajei, Oza/Ojifulueze of Igbodo Kingdom, said the market is in a deplete condition despite the cry to the three tiers of government without response, saying the most annoying aspect is the big pit near the market which was dug during the tarring of the road, causing great havoc to the traders. According to him, the governments do not care for the market in such a situation but they come every market day to exploit the traders who come from all over the country to collect revenue, not even bothering to cover the pit which now looks like a trap to the residents.

The Obi maintained that their situation looks like political persecution as there are many places where market is built but people do not occupy them while politicians always come to the community to seek for votes based on their population but abandon them once they get to power.

By Sam Akadoro 

Special Correspondent, Sapele

Indigenes of Oghara community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, especially students in different secondary schools in the area, have commended Henry Ofa, the Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe local government areas on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for his spirit of benevolence that has transformed them educationally.

One of the beneficiaries of the Ogheneochuko Ofa Foundation/ DESOPADEC, who spoke with journalists at the Ibori Primary School, Ogharefe, venue of Ofa foundation/ DESOPADEC extra moral classes, Temishare Oghenevwede, while appraising DESOPADEC and Ofa for initiating extra moral classes for all students in Oghara, said the laudable gesture of the Commissioner will go a long way in completely transforming all young children of school age in Oghara. He said the extra moral classes created by the commissioner have added more knowledge to them, which has gone a long way in developing their career.

Temishare charged other students like himself to take good advantage of the programme by attending classes promptly and avoid vices that are inimical to their educational pursuit and engage themselves very seriously in the programme, which is aimed at complementing their regular school programmes that are not enough for them, so that in no distant time, they would be better and well placed citizens of this country.

By Andrew Utulu

 Correspondent, Lagos

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, Tunde Ogunsakin, has expressed the readiness of the police in the state and the officials of Inspector General of Police Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism to end the incessant destruction of pipelines in the state.

The police commissioner thus warned those who engage on oil pipeline vandalism to desist or have themselves to blame.

The CP gave the warning during a courtesy call to the Rivers State Regional Office of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company.

The CP, who was received by a delegation led by Regional Manager, Bassey Emmanuel, stated that the era of turning  blind eyes to  the activities of pipeline vandals in Rivers  State was over.

Ogunsakin also warned unscrupulous members of the society, who indulge in “this act of economic sabotage” to desist from such or face the full wrath of the law.

The Rivers State police boss also stated that the police in the state are determined to protect human and other resources.

His words: “Nobody would be treated as a sacred cow, vowing that whoever is arrested in connection with any act of economic sabotage, especially in the area of pipeline vandalism , would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The PPMC Regional Manager, while speaking during the visit , decried the activities of vandals in the region and pointed out that pipeline vandalism has greatly affected petroleum supply in the region.

He stated that the region has had to “ unnecessarily spend huge amount of money on repairs as a result of the activities of pipeline vandals at all the depots under the region.

Emmanuel also condemned the series of attacks, suffered by officials of the company from heavily armed vandals, who, according to him, have constituted a major challenge to the petroleum industry in Nigeria.

The PPMC boss however expressed his confidence in the ability of the police in Rivers State under the leadership of Tunde Ogunsakin and promised that PPMC would also support the police .

By Sam Akadoro 

Special Correspondent, Sapele

His Royal Majesty, Erhiekevwe 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, has appealed to Ethiope West Council Chairman, Precious Ajaino, to assist the community in evacuating all debris dug from the drains by residents of Jesse town, the administrative headquarters of Idjerhe Kingdom, during the last monthly environmental sanitation exercise. This is just as he commended members of the environmental sanitation committee he appointed for that purpose for a job well done.

The Idjerhe monarch said he, having considered the issues of environmental sanitation exercise that has not been carried out in his domain for a long time, decided to set up a committee to build the consciousness into his people where he came up with the idea of supporting the environmental sanitation committee members with wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, brooms and other tools.

He added that on Sunday, after church service, he decided to go round Jesse town, but to his greatest surprise, he saw the wonderful job done by the committee members and the encomium showered on him by his subjects for the initiatives. The monarch thanked them for coming out en-mass during last sanitation exercise to do the much they did, hoping that they will continue in the same spirit by clearing their drains regularly before the rains start.

The traditional ruler appealed that the chairman of the council should come to their rescue as quickly as possible to remove the volume of debris remaining by the drains after the committee members and residents had exhausted their resources and energy on that day, saying if they are not removed and the rains comes, the debris would be wash back into the drains.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Amos Utuama, has warned that the state government is determined to put an end to all forms of environmental abuse going on in the state.

He stated this on Monday at Enerhen Junction, Uvwie Local Government Area when he led members of the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Sanitation to flag off the move by the state government to clean up three local government councils.

Utuama had at the weekend also led the team to visit royal fathers of Uvwie and Udu as part of the sensitisation efforts by the committee. The 21-member high-powered committee made up of members of the State Executive Council was set up last week to clean up the three local government areas of Uvwie, Udu and Warri South.

Speaking at the flag off, Utuama, who is the chairman of the working group, lamented the degree of filth in the three local government areas.  He warned that the committee would clinically execute its terms of reference without fear or favour. He enjoined residents to assist the committee in achieving its objectives and goals by cooperating with them.

“The mandate of the committee is to clear these three local governments of all forms of filth and environmental abuse, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse, conversion of walkways to markets and stalls and reckless parking of cars by drivers who pick passengers without consideration for other road users. The Enerhen Juction, which government spent huge sums of money on as part of its urban renewal and beautification programme, has been so bastardised that you can hardly recognise it again. This is unacceptable and government is determined to tackle this environmental abuse head on”, he said.

Utuama said the committee would set what he called “minimum acceptable environmental standard” in the three council areas and make others to take a cue from them.

By Francis Onoiribholo

 Bureau Chief, Benin

Edo State House of Assembly has passed the Bill for a law to make provisions for the establishment of Edo State University of Science and Technology, Uzairue into law.

The passage of the bill followed the Clause –by-Clause consideration of the bill at the committee of the whole in which certain sessions of the bill were amended.

The clause-by clause consideration provided for the consideration of schedules 1, to 4 in which the schedule 1, 3 and 4 were adopted with amendment and schedule 2 adopted wholly.

The title of the bill, enactment clause, citation and commencement clause were also amended during the clause –by clause consideration.

The Edo State University of Science and Technology, Uzairue, which will operate as Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative fee- paying university will be self-sustaining and charge economic fee necessary to sustain competitive international standards with the vice-chancellor serving on a single five-year tenure.

Clean copies of the bill had been forwarded to the State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, for ascent.

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Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

By Sam Akadoro Special 

Correspondent, Sapele

Following the state government’s continuous effort to enhance quality healthcare delivery for sick neonates, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has promised to provide more life–saving machines for Delta State University Teaching Hospital’s neonatal unit.

The governor made the assertion during his visit to DELSUTH to lunch neonatal initiative network, where he commissioned telephone handsets, new CPAP and RET cam machines that were delivered to DELSUTH’s Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) recently by the state government.

Similarly, the head of Paediatric Department, DELSUTH, Blessing Okperi, while briefing the governor on the reason that birthed the neonatal network initiative, said the Delta State University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Unit is well equipped to level three stages to serve the entire state. Blessing added that having discovered that to ensure the hospital delivers dividend of neonatal service to the state, the hospital has to go beyond receiving patients with critical cases that are sent to them.

His words: “we saw that there is a lot of pressure on the neonatal unit and we decided we must afford the inspection of neonatal care across the state where all hospitals, both public and private in the state, will have a communication network”.

Okperi further stated that it has been observed in recent times that hospitals don’t have good working relationship with each other, saying an environment devoid of good harmony will not reduce the rate of mortality in the neonates.

In the same vein, the governor, while launching mobile phones provided for the hospital to aid efficient and effective communication, stated that during the planning of the hospital, one of the specialist areas that was strategically developed, was the neonatology unit, hence the unit was able to get the equipment. Uduaghan, therefore, advised that the facilities be used, especially the mobile phones, because with the use of mobile phones, effective communication can be made concerning infants with challenges at the point of birth and other related health matters.

Godspower Amraibure, president of Power Skill Acquisition Foundation, has won many awards on youth empowerment and leadership style. In this interview with Special Correspondent Sam Akadoro, he speaks on Governor Uduaghan’s scorecard, unemployment in the state, and why the Urhobo should be made the Minister of Niger Delta, among other issues.   Excerpts:

As a youth leader in the Niger Delta, how do you see the empowerment system in Delta State?

The empowerment system in Delta State so far is about 75% and we are expecting more performance from the federal government.

Considering your numerous empowerment programmes for youths of the state and beyond, why have you not ventured into politics?

I believe that everybody in this country is a politician, we are all politicians in our own little way. However, narrowing it down to political party lines, it does not necessarily mean that you must be a politician before you can be a great man in the society. But one way or the other we work with politicians, assist and advise them, we create room for them to work in a good atmosphere. So I am not in politics and have no intention to vie for any political position in 2015.

How would you assess the construction of overhead bridge at Effurun and Asaba by the Delta State government?

Well, I live in Warri metropolis and I believe what I am seeing now in Warri is because there is peace in Warri; that is why these projects could take place. You know when your house is not settled you won’t have any time to do any job. For instance, if your children are hungry and you do not have money to feed them, you cannot then give to outsiders when your home is not in other. So what the state government is doing today, mostly at Effurun roundabout, is very good; it is a massive project. People may wonder why all these projects are coming at the last lap of this regime’s tenure. I believe it is because of the court cases Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had to contend with in previous years which distracted his focus. Governor Uduaghan and his deputy Prof. Amos Utuama have not settled down ever since. But now the court cases are over, Deltans are very happy about his performance and ongoing transformations. His house is now in order and he is putting all machinery in place to ensure that he finishes strong before 2015. I want to also commend the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and youths of Effurun for bringing peace to the areas. Today, Effurun youths have become those you can work with because they are peace-loving. The Shoprite project is also one of the good things in Effurun. Effurun people are peace-loving people and that is why you can see many projects coming to the area. I commend the governor and his deputy for bringing development to the state and I want all Deltans to join hands together and work with them.

Now that Uduaghan is about completing his eight years tenure as governor, who should he anoint as his successor?

The governor should communicate with God so that God can direct him on who will succeed him as the next governor of Delta State. He may pick someone today but that person may not be the choice of the people. Let him chose but allow the masses to vote for their choice candidate come 2015. Those who are jostling for the governorship seat in Delta State should go and pray to God, beg for forgiveness and seek his direction. We pray that God will direct Dr Uduaghan to make the right choice and I pray that God will further uplift him to national level because I want him to grow politically. We pray that God will continue to guide him and his family and that anybody coming to take over from him in 2015 will continue from where he stops.

From feelers, it seems that some Delta North governorship aspirants are so desperate to pick the governorship ticket. Do you think it is a good omen for our modern day polity?

Anybody too desperate to be the governor of Delta State must end up falling into trouble. Because if you are too desperate over power, saying you must become the next governor for it is your turn or the turn of your senatorial district whereas Almighty God doesn’t want you to be there, you can never be the governor. Rather you may fall into more troubles. In 2015, God is going to make a right choice for this country Nigeria and for Delta State. If you follow evil powers in the process of your struggle to rule Delta State, the Lord will definitely strike you. He will never allow you to get it. I appeal to every politician to play politics without bitterness, hatred of one another, politics of fairness, and don’t follow the path of violence. Let’s do the right thing and seek the face of God because revolution is drawing near.

On the issue of National Confab, Urhobo feel shortchanged despite the ongoing process. What is your advice to Federal Government?

As a Nigerian, I will like the federal government to be fair with all tribes. If you know what should  rightfully accrue to a tribe, why not give it to them? I believe the national confab was set up to broker peace and unity, and not for tribal sentiment. Delta is one of the states where there is no war or crises.

On ministerial appointment, Urhobo feel shortchanged by President Goodluck Jonathan. What is your take on this?

My advice to President Goodluck Jonathan is that he should remember where he is coming from. We all live like brothers and sisters, so nobody should be shortchanged. What is due to the Urhobo should be given to them. If other people have ministerial appointments, the Urhobo should equally be given because we are the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. For instance the office of Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, which is now vacant, should be given to an Urhobo man because we deserve it. So the federal government should critically look into this issue and find a solution because we Urhobo are not happy with the way President Jonathan is treating us in his administration. Now that there is a room for President Jonathan to appoint a Niger Delta Minister, he should pick from Urhobo nation. The Urhobo have played major roles in this country right from the Okotiebors, the Ejoors, Azizas, Ibrus, Ogumas, Amraibures, Onosodes and many others. The Urhobo people have fought tirelessly for this country and should be well recognized and given their rightful position in the presidency. I am pleading on behalf of the Urhobo for the federal government to do something concerning this issue because it is not good. Most Urhobo youths are very unhappy about the situation because it’s like the federal government has forgotten the people. What have we done to the federal government? We are producing oil and gas like other oil-producing states. Come to Urhobo land today, the areas are not being developed because we lack federal government representation. If not for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who is trying his best transforming the areas, tarring our roads even federal roads. We are overdue for the ministerial position.

Recently, Governor Uduaghan flagged off polio immunization in Sapele. How do you see this development?

I commend the governor for commencing polio immunization, but I must say it came a little late in the first quarter. I expected it would have started first week of February. In the second quarter, he should begin on the first week, so that there would be enough time to begin the job.

Is there something about the project or anything not to your liking?

Yes, I was so annoyed when I heard on radio that some Sapele women came to protest their exclusion from microcredit scheme on that day. I also learnt that the team leader of that protest works in the government. I felt so bad because the governor is trying so hard to transform our dear state and some group of persons are trying to thwart his effort. He is eradicating polio and also giving free maternal care to children of 0-5 years among other major things. I will plead that the governor to have mercy on the woman who led the protest by tempering justice with mercy. He should not sack them. He should forget about what the woman did and continue with the polio immunization programme. And my NGO known as Power Skill Acquisition Foundation will even love to work with the governor on the immunization programme. I urge all multinational companies, hotels and banks working in Delta State to also key into Uduaghan’s agenda on polio immunization to better the lives of Deltans. I want the governor to set up committee that will take charge of this.

What is your comment on the issue of employment in Delta State?

I would want the governor to be directly involved and ensure a transparent exercise of providing jobs. During campaigns that eventually brought him into power, he promised the youths of Delta State that he would provide employment opportunities. So the governor owes the youths empowerment and good jobs; although the governor is trying his best but the people he put in place are the ones causing problems for him. If anything should happen in the state, they will point fingers at the governor. The governor cannot be everywhere so a committee should also be set up to look into the civil service job so that Deltans can be gainfully employed. Graduates can also learn skill jobs to boost themselves especially in this era where there are no jobs. I know our amiable governor always listens to youths. So I will advise the youths of Delta State to stay calm for the governor will ensure that this employment issue is trashed.

Talking about empowerment, you are the president of Power Skill Acquisition Foundation. How far have you gone in the empowerment sensitization?

We have begun awareness campaign in areas in the Niger Delta and are now coming into Delta State. We would partner Delta State government to work because of the agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, even since he was Secretary to the State Government. The governor hates unemployment, which is always why he fights unemployment in the state. And that is why we intend to partner the state governor because I cannot come from Delta State and favour other people from different states without favouring my own people. I am from Eruemukowhoayen community in Ughelli North Local government area. So in regard to our empowerment programme, it is the major problem of what is happening in our society today; somebody will go to school and graduate for six good years but no available job. Delta youths need jobs and we have a lot of companies in the state, but most of our youths are not being employed. The awareness campaign we are embarking on today is to tell the youths that they can be self-employed in other for them to be self-reliant. You can be self-employed by inculcating vocational skills. There is the saying that ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop’. So you can learn any vocational skills: be it carpentry, mechanical or electrical work, fashion and design among others. If I have my way, I would assist youths in Delta State to learn free. I have trained over 50 youths on scholarship and other vocations and skill acquisition. If I have support, I would do more.  So youths should help themselves. I also want the federal government to encourage skill workers by patronizing our people.

I urge the state government to improve in the area of microcredit scheme and checkmate the officers in charge to ensure that it touches every nook and cranny of the state. We want the Nigerian Union of Journalists to also come out and assist Power Skill Acquisition Foundation to begin this unemployment campaign and peace initiative in Delta and Nigeria.

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By Bassey Inyang

Correspondent, Calabar

Cross River State Community and Social Development Agency has disbursed N1.459,094,350 to communities in the state  for the implementation of projects.

The figures as contained in the agency’s report also show that the transport sector which has 68 micro projects received N119,760,388, Socio-Economic sector with 38 MPs to its credit received N130,946,153 while Rural Electrification with three projects got N8,144,153.

The report of the agency showing status of CDPs/Micro Projects implementation by councils during the same period revealed that Obubra tops the list with 29 Community Development Plans (CDPs) to its credit being closely followed by Yala, Boki and Obudu with 23 CDPs each.

Others are Abi and Bekwara 11 each, Akamkpa, seven; Akpabuyo and Bakassi, two each; Biase, 12; Ikom and Obanliku, 16 each; Odukpani, six; Ogoja five, and Yakurr, four.

The report shows that education with 139 micro-projects, MPs received the highest disbursement with N630,538,122 while the environment sector with 119 MPs got N113,501 million.

Further Sectoral distribution reveals that water sector with 81 micro projects gulped a total of N168,291,353 while the Health Sector with 83 MPs got N287,912,013 as at February 28, 2014.

On the achievements of the project, a former Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Dr. Emmanuel Ikwen, said the sectoral strides recorded by the project have made the agency the fulcrum of community development in the state.

Ikwen described the agency as a life saving that assisted his administration to record huge success in Obudu during his tenure.

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Lady Judith

By Sam Akadoro

Special Correspondent, Sapele

The ancient city of Sapele has once again produced another top music artiste to add to its increasing number of national and international sports women and musicians.

Sapele, still struggling to regain its pre-independence time prominence, has in this generation produced the likes of Ojokolo, Okagbare, Kefe and Lady Judith, all young and vibrant sports women and musicians.

It was, therefore, not surprising when Judith Akpomejevwe Nwachukwu (alias Lady Judith) called a press conference to announce her forthcoming album entitled, “You are the one” to a select audience.

The album also has accompanying videos.

Lady Judith, a graduate of medical laboratory science of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and daughter of the late Sir Samuel Deniran of Jesse Kingdom worked, for a decade at the Medical Department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lagos.

While fielding questions from journalists, Lady Judith said it has not been all a bed of roses, but she gave thanks to God for making ambition a reality. She said that God saw her through many of the challenges on her path to her present status stating, “the challenges were numerous but God made it possible; in 1998, I was still working at the NNPC. I made my first album entitled, ‘There is a Name’. Because of my passion for music in 2007, I was voted as second vice president of the Practising Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and in 2009 I did the theme song of the Delta State “Finger of God”, which had in attendance of its launching the Governor of Delta State as well as other distinguish personalities.”

She said that singing has been in her blood since she was in the school, adding that she had sang in the UK, U.S.A. and many other Western countries. She said that even when she was 10 years old, she would sing in the bathroom and her daddy would tell her “no, no”, that he wanted her to do more useful profession like medicine because she was good in sciences even though her passion was for music.

She stated that though her parents prodded her to seek a medical career, but said music was still burning in her and she just subdued it, went as far as the parents wanted but given the degree of her love for music, she came back to it.

On the founding of the Association of Female Musicians in Nigeria (AFEMN), which she co-founded with other stars, she said she did everything to enlighten other budding musicians about the association’s usefulness, saying the association had its challenges. She, however, said the association gave birth to a lot of female artistes, who stormed the musical arena and contributed to the development of the Nigerian music industry.

Lady Judith said gospel music is about the substance of worshiping and praising the Lord, adding that through music, she has been able to mentor and be a role model to many women in society.

“I mentor people through email, telephone and you don’t have to be physically in contact with people to influence them because action speaks more volumes than mere talk,” stating that she plans to establish a centre for women affairs.

On class segmentation, Lady Judith stated that she was not a class-conscious person, pointing on that she has come come down to the level of the ordinary woman.

According to her, “Some people say that because I am the second vice president of PMAN, I should show some element of air but I disagree because all this about God and God Almighty does not condone arrogance and pride and unnecessary showmanship”.

She said that she is a star but that does not make her to talk on people.

On PMAN, she prayed that God will empower the leaders to stabilise the body, adding that taking up a responsibility in PMAN would disrupt her other functions as a family woman, running her company.

In her profile entitled ‘’Lady Judith’s profile,’ it was stated thus, “In a world of diverse personalities, the life of certain people speaks for them. This is true of this great woman of many parts with high intellectual capacity, who has carved a niche for herself in the academic, social and economic strata of the modern world, a woman who stands for peace, justice and equity, a rationally minded personality, a rare gem in the class of womanhood, an egalitarian, a vivacious, elegant, eloquent and a disciplined administrator and community leader.”

According to the statement, Lady Judith hails from Jesse in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State and was born into the family of the late Samuel Deniran about four decades ago. It added that after her elementary and secondary school education, she attended the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, specialising in haemathology and blood serology.

After her graduation, she had a strut in the Medical Department of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lagos for 10 years. Her passion made her to pursue an active career in music where she produced a gospel album entitled “There is name” in 1998. She co-founded the Association of the Female Musicians in Nigeria (AFEMN) with other stars, including the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, Esse Agasse and Salawatu  Abeni.

She was chosen as the lead singer at the epoch making Benny Hinn mega crusade entitled “Heal our land”, and that of Reinhard Bonke both in 2005.

Some of the songs in her album are “Value for life” and “Thank you” which hit the airwaves in 2007.

Lady Judith’s achievements were recognised and she was elected second vice president of the Practising Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 2007. added that with the period As PMAN’s vice president, she used her position to achieve a feat which her predecessors  could not achieve when she successfully brought under one roof all the Nigerian female artistes to discuss among themselves crucial matters and challenges facing female musicians in Nigeria.

She also featured as a soloist with Ovation Red Carol Night organised by Dele Momodu in 2007 as well as the NTA World Music Day organised by PMAN and NTA in Lagos in 2008. She sang at the Goldman Sach dinner for 10,000 women in Nigeria at the Pan African University and led prominent musicians across Nigeria to the burial ceremony of the mother of the governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha. Lady Judith has organised so many shows and had hosted dignitaries, captains of industry, governors and she is a source of inspiration to many women.

Lady Judith did the theme song of Delta State “The finger of God”, which had in attendance the governor of Delta State as well as other dignitaries. In 2008, she attended the prestigious Lagos Business

School of the Pan African University where she obtained a certificate in entrepreneurship and in 2012 she incorporated Judith Nigeria Limited, which is one of the fastest growing energy, oil and gas firms in Nigeria.

Lady Judith is married with two children.

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By Idongesit Ashameri 

Special Correspondent, Uyo 

For defaming  the character of its client, Mr. Paul Owo; Samuel Ikpo and Company, Barrister and Solicitors of the Supreme Court, has demanded the payment of N50 million to assuage the damages suffered by him.

The demand by the legal firm was contained in a letter sent to the defendant, dated March 31, 2014 and made available to our Correspondent, with the title, RE: Defamation of the character of Hon. Paul Owo and endorsed by, Inimfon Eddie Esq.

The letter stated that the client had informed the chamber that a local weekly publication on or about March 17, 2014 had falsely and maliciously published concerning him on page two, volume 21 of its publication.

An extract from the said article, according to the letter reads: “The Ukwok born politician is said to have engaged in mass falsification of his credentials, including his certificate of origin and had since sworn false affidavit to ascertain his origin from Ikono, which he believes as a necessary tool that could add credence to his ambition” Providing a  legal interpretation to the extract; Eddie said his client had been accused of having forged several documents including his certificate of origin, saying that such has tarnished Owo’s image and rendered him not fit to associate with the decent people in the society as well as not fit to be a member of the state House of Assembly nor aspire for other political offices in the state or country.

Demands by the solicitors, operating at Zion Chambers, 26 Oron Road Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital are that; a retraction of the said publication be published on the same newspaper, at the front page and the sum of N50 million be paid to the chambers for onward transmission to its client.

The amount, according to the letter, was to assuage the damages suffered by him as a result of the offending publication within seven days upon the receipt of the letter or be compelled to seek redress in court and claim damages.

In a private interaction with our correspondent; the defamed;  Paul Owo, who is a two-term member representing Ini state constituency in the state House of Assembly wondered how he will go about seeking a new certificate of origin, when he already used one to win elections as the council chairman of Ini LGA and as a two-term member representing Ini people in the state House of Assembly respectively.

Owo who said he is yet to declare his ambition to contest for any political office in 2015 retorted: “Everybody knows that Paul Owo is from Ini Local Government Area. I have been a council chairman of Ini.

I have represented the people of Ini for two terms now; so if I’m seeking election, I do not need any other document nor another certificate of origin from any other local government. I am eligible to contest for that post.

“If I’m going for House of Reps, it is open for anybody who feels he or she is qualified in Ikono or Ini local government areas so I don’t need to claim any other local government to be qualified. This is the most annoying part of the whole write up and I have asked my lawyer to write to them.

Let them not come begging me, I want this to serve as deterrent to others.

“When I’m ready to contest election into the federal House to represent Ikono/Ini federal constituency, I shall not need another certificate of origin because I already had one”.

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Wife of Delta State governor, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan (left), presenting farm input to the chairperson of Ukwani Local Government Area, Mrs. Annah Ochor, during the distribution of farm inputs to rural women farmers in the 25 local government areas of Delta State in Asaba at the weekend. Photo: Goddy Umukoro

By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief Benin 

Edo State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the people of Iguomon Community to stop the destruction of lives and property, as any such reported case shall be prosecuted henceforth.

The adoption of the resolution was sequel to the consideration of the report of the House Standing Committee on Lands Survey and Housing on a petition to the House.

The petition is against Jolly Agbontaen, Sunday Odiaye, Sunday Agbontaen and Peter Omoregie on threat to life, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and damage to property

Parliament, during the deliberations of the report approved the two-point recommendations which were based on a 10-point findings.

The findings included that boundary dispute between Iguomon and Ikhuenobo communities started in 1987 terminating at the Supreme Court which judgment could not be enforced as a way to avert chaos in both communities.

The findings further indicated that though there is no known natural boundary between the two communities, the court ruled in favour of Iguomon which was resisted by Ikhuenobo for over seven years

Also included is that to avert chaos and protect Benin tradition, the Benin Monarch opted for out-of-court settlement by passing judgment which was flouted by the people of Iguomon often demonstrated through destruction of properties and houses in the guise of taking possession.

The resolution of the parliament also through the approved two point-recommendations of the committee resolved that the Benin Bye-pass should be the boundary between the two communities in the interest of peace, justice and equity.

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Clik here to view.What is your assessment of the quality of work that the Uduaghan administration in Delta State?

I want to use this opportunity to say that those who are involved with contracting in the region should do quality jobs. That is why at an award ceremony we were very encouraged that the bishop that was invited raised the issue of quality of contracts in the area. He said when government gives contracts to build infrastructure in Oghara kingdom; they should give it to competent hands. For example, government asked you to build road in Oghara, you should build a quality road; you do not use money meant for building road to build mansions for yourself; it is a curse, not you just cursed alone, your children yet unborn will be cursed and that is what the bishop was saying on that very day we were honoured.

Are you satisfied with of works done in the area? When you see the quality of roads that was ongoing in Oghara, they are not up to standard and I want to appeal to Uduaghan to make sure that quality work is done in the kingdom. So, my call to Uduaghan is that he should tread carefully, particularly in Oghara, where most government job that have been given out, the roads particularly have not been properly done; the projects that are being implemented by DESOPADEC, because on the day of reckoning I am sure they will not be happy with themselves because it is not fair. Government gives you a job to carry out road construction, if you do not have the capacity; you look for a competent company to execute the project. It is out of greed, if government gives you a contract and you are not able to implement it and you spend the money and this is the same community you live in. Your children will be told the story and that is not good for your name and for any family.

So, my take on this is that government should continue to give major infrastructure projects to competent contractors so that they can do quality jobs.

Then beyond that, I want to appeal to Uduaghan that the teaching hospital will be in danger if particularly Oghara junction is not properly planned to direct traffic to the hospital as an international health institution. You cannot build such a multi-billion Naira teaching hospital and side-by-side you allow a condition like Oghara junction that looks like a ‘shanty town’ with such a multi-billion teaching hospital and you want it to be a centre of excellence. I want to encourage Uduaghan to at least because of that multi-billion investment in the teaching hospital, the polytechnic and other investments, even private investors that are coming they are all putting investments like the tanker farm. Now it is a disaster that is waiting to happen. You saw what happened in Lagos, what the tanker farms had done, the damage they had done to the community. As a matter of fact because of those multi-billion investments in the tanker farm in Ogharefe, there is need for modern fire-fighting station in Ogharefe, so should there be a disaster in Ogharefe you can imagine, what happened to Jesse that will be a small thing.

I want to appeal to the governor to quickly build a modern fire station to Ogharefe. It is very important because I know that those tanker farms pay tax to the state government and if they pay tax to the state government, the regulatory procedure to follow is that we must look into the risk that is associated with such investment and the risk associated with it is better not imagined.

If you look at those roads that pass through the community those tanks followed, if those tankers mistakenly fall and explode, the whole Ogharefe will be consumed; that is not good for the government.

And then that shanty community they call Oghara junction that is side by side the teaching hospital needs to be reviewed. I am not saying that he should build the entire community again, but there are things he can just do to give it a face-lift

How would you describe the award given to you recently at Oghara?

This is my Nobel Prize, especially when you receive such an award alongside people of high calibre, including the governor of the state, so you can imagine how grateful I am to everybody who considered me as their son particularly against the backdrop of what I went through in Edo State. The last 20 years I have been working as a human rights activist in the country and suddenly I had that problem where the Nigerian government through the police framed me up for what I did not do and I have been vindicated. I have been awarded costs. You know today, justice in Nigeria is a scarce commodity. If the governor was crying in the council chambers of the President, “I need justice for my aide that was killed and assassinated” and, the comrade governor with all his power; with all his network; with all his contacts both within and outside the country cannot have justice, I, David Ugolo, was able to be freed by the court; that simply was by His grace.

That is the reason why I value this award and this award, is as far as I am concerned, my Nobel Prize.

Who have I been talking to?

You have been talking with Rev. David Ugholo, the convener of the Oghara Study Group, a socio-cultural, intellectual think tank based in Oghara and I am also the executive director of African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, a very foremost human rights and environmental organisation based in Benin City with advocacy that stretches up to Abuja and by His grace in the last 20 years I have been involved in a number of struggles.

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By Sunday Apah 

Special Correspondent, Ughelli

Elders and leaders of Udu, Ughelli North and Ughelli South Federal Constituency of Delta State have been advised to always brief their people of the positive things Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is doing for the state.

Simon Mudi, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is popularly known as Mr. Temple, gave the advice at his Effurun residence while playing host to elders and leaders of Udu, Ughelli North and Ughelli South Federal Constituency, said the people at the grassroots will only be abreast of government’s strides if elders and leaders brief them.

Mudi said: “Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s construction of Ughelli township roads, Olomu bridge, Udu, Ekakpamre, ECN road, amongst others, are testimonies of his giant strides in the federal constituency. I want to urge all of you to always brief our people at home and in the Diaspora what the state government is doing for us.

“With my assessment so far, I am convinced that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has contributed up to 100 per cent of what we needed.

The elders and leaders should be the ones to champion what the governor is doing for the grassroots because, as an elder, you need to carry the people in your area along by informing them”.

According to Mudi, who is also the Special Assistant to Uduaghan on Youth Matters, everything should not be left for the state government alone. As an elder and leader, we need to carry the people along to show that the party is working at the grassroots.

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By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief Benin

The Clem Agba Foundation (TCAF) has lamented the scourge of Hepatitis among Nigerians and the alarming low level of awareness, saying that not less than 23 million Nigerians live with the dreaded diseases.

The foundation therefore urged relevant government agencies and departments to create more awareness to tackle the menace.

Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Clem Agba, made the appeal when he formally launched the foundation to mark his 50th birthday. He regretted that majority of the 23 million Nigerians are not aware of their status as regards the ailment that is said to have become more deadly than HIV/AIDS.

Agba, who had earlier embarked on free medical tests and treatments in Edo North Senatorial District while speaking at the solemn ceremony, said he decided to set up the Foundation with special focus on hepatitis largely because he lost two close persons, his mother, Mrs. Philomena Agba, and brother-in-law, Victor Okpako, whom he said, both succumbed to cancer which was caused by Hepatitis C and B, respectively.

According to the Edo State Commissioner for Environment, “My mission transcends political, ethnic, religious and other differences.

“It is about creating awareness about the neglected killer – hepatitis and instituting a foundation to engage in public awareness campaigns, evidence-based data for action, prevention of the causative virus’ transmission, as well as screening, counseling, care and providing further treatment. Hepatitis is a silent global epidemic that has infected 370 million people and responsible for almost one million deaths annually. “Recent statistics indicate that not less than 23 million Nigerians are estimated to be infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest incidence of HBV infection in the world.

“Most of the people who are infected are unaware of their infection and this has resulted in the silent hepatitis infection becoming one of the biggest threats to the health of the world. HBV is about 10 times more prevalent than HIV infection worldwide and the general perception is that HIV is very infectious and contagious. However, Hepatitis B Virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV.”

He said loss of his loved ones sparked his interest in the disease and the idea of the Foundation to create the awareness “and do all we can to eliminate this disease.”

He said the Foundation would help to fill in the gap for those who may not be able to assess government provisions in the health sector and that it would “also be used to train professionals and undertake research on hepatitis.

“We will also seek ways to collaborate and synergize with like-minded organizations and individuals to help in the advocacy, treatment and alternative medicine approach to put a permanent end to this scourge that is ravaging not only Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa, but several other places around the world.”

By Francis Onoiribholo 

Bureau Chief Benin

The Clem Agba Foundation (TCAF) has lamented the scourge of Hepatitis among Nigerians and the alarming low level of awareness, saying that not less than 23 million Nigerians live with the dreaded diseases.

The foundation therefore urged relevant government agencies and departments to create more awareness to tackle the menace.

Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Clem Agba, made the appeal when he formally launched the foundation to mark his 50th birthday. He regretted that majority of the 23 million Nigerians are not aware of their status as regards the ailment that is said to have become more deadly than HIV/AIDS.

Agba, who had earlier embarked on free medical tests and treatments in Edo North Senatorial District while speaking at the solemn ceremony, said he decided to set up the Foundation with special focus on hepatitis largely because he lost two close persons, his mother, Mrs. Philomena Agba, and brother-in-law, Victor Okpako, whom he said, both succumbed to cancer which was caused by Hepatitis C and B, respectively.

According to the Edo State Commissioner for Environment, “My mission transcends political, ethnic, religious and other differences.

“It is about creating awareness about the neglected killer – hepatitis and instituting a foundation to engage in public awareness campaigns, evidence-based data for action, prevention of the causative virus’ transmission, as well as screening, counseling, care and providing further treatment. Hepatitis is a silent global epidemic that has infected 370 million people and responsible for almost one million deaths annually. “Recent statistics indicate that not less than 23 million Nigerians are estimated to be infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest incidence of HBV infection in the world.

“Most of the people who are infected are unaware of their infection and this has resulted in the silent hepatitis infection becoming one of the biggest threats to the health of the world. HBV is about 10 times more prevalent than HIV infection worldwide and the general perception is that HIV is very infectious and contagious. However, Hepatitis B Virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV.”

He said loss of his loved ones sparked his interest in the disease and the idea of the Foundation to create the awareness “and do all we can to eliminate this disease.”

He said the Foundation would help to fill in the gap for those who may not be able to assess government provisions in the health sector and that it would “also be used to train professionals and undertake research on hepatitis.

“We will also seek ways to collaborate and synergize with like-minded organizations and individuals to help in the advocacy, treatment and alternative medicine approach to put a permanent end to this scourge that is ravaging not only Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa, but several other places around the world.”

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By Sunday Apah

Special Correspondent, Ughelli

The ultra modern Ugbolokposo Market, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area will be commissioned by Governor Emmanuel Uduagan very soon.

Deputy Governor Amos Utuama gave the cheering news in his speech during the courtesy visit of the Adhoc Committee on Environmental Sanitation in Warri and its environs to HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, at his temporary palace, along Jakpa Road, Effurun, over the weekend.

Utuama, who said works that will enhance the opening of the market have been completed, disclosed that the governor has given a directive that the market should be opened in the next ten days and that those traders to whom the stores were allocated should be informed to take their stores. “To ensure that this happened in the next few days, we are going to have a meeting here (the temporary palace of the Ovie).

“We will look at the previous allocations, revalidate them and invite the allotees to take up their respective stores”

The deputy governor had earlier recalled that the market was to be commissioned about ten years ago but for certain reasons which he said the audiences were aware of.

He also gladly informed the highly respect traditional ruler that in no distance time, Delta State will have its own independent power plant in order to boost power generation in the state.

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By Bassey Inyang

Correspondent, Calabar 

The Cross River State government will soon enact a law to regulate the use of grants and other forms of financial support from donor agencies and international organisations to the state.

To ensure the policy is put in place, a Bill for a law to establish the Counterpart Fund Account and other related matters had been presented to the state House of Assembly.

The bill is sponsored by the member representing Abi State Constituency, John-Gaul Lebo, with member representing Ikom I State Constituency, Agbiji M. Agbiji, as co-sponsor.

The bill states that the account shall be managed by the State Counterpart Fund Account Committee which function shall include providing a Counter Fund Account for the state.

It also provides the expected committee the primary duty and responsibility for the management of the Counterpart Fund Account and facilitates the turning of foreign aids into reserves of domestic currency.

If enacted into law, the proposed legislation is expected to  promote initiative with socio-economy priority requirement, liaise with donor agencies for monetary contributions to the account.

The law, when operational, would support the attainment of developmental objectives and aspirations of government to achieve the strategic annual sector priorities, promote the account of government, receive and pay into the account and ensure that the State Counterpart Fund operates within the provisions of its mandate.

According to the bill, when passed into law the Account Committee shall consist of a chairman who shall be the governor, a secretary who shall be deployed from the civil service, the Commissioner for Finance, Health, Education and Water Resources and the Special Adviser in charge of the Department of International Development Co-operations.

It stated further that the members of the Account Committee shall serve on a part time bases and shall be paid such allowances as are applicable in the State Civil Service and shall seat in sessions of at list four times in a year and as necessary in situations of Complex State emergencies involving government.

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