By Francis Onoiribholo  /  Bureau Chief Benin

Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area, Hassan Kadiri, has charged the environmental department of the local government to educate the people in the locality on proper ways of disposing refuse.

The local government boss gave the charge at Auchi, the administrative headquarters of the local government, while monitoring the statewide monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the local government area.

Kadiri who frowned at the level of heaps of refuse on the streets whenever it rains, however warned residents to stop throwing refuse into the drainage system, saying it hinders free-flow of flood in the area.

According to him, “my administration is trying all it can to ensure that the local government becomes one of the cleanest local governments in the state”. He expressed hope that with the cooperation of the residents, he will achieve his set goal.

He called on the Environmental Committee in the council to live up to its responsibility by ensuring that its members monitor the level of compliance with sanitation laws.

The post LG boss tasks health officers on refuse disposal appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Sam Akadoro  / Special Correspondent, Sapele

Currently the Songhai Delta at Amukpe located in Sapele local government council, Sapele Delta State, is bouncing back to life, courtesy of the Delta State government. Established by the former Governor James Ibori administration, the farm cum hospitality industry had been degenerating for some years until the intervention of the state’s Deputy Governor Amos Utuama, who convinced Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan that revamping the Songhai farm, would contribute to the realisation of the “Delta Without Oil” vision.

When Utuama visited the agro-based industry recently, he expressed satisfaction to the managers of the facility for their professional handling of the farm. He inspected all the production units to ascertain that the production of agricultural products was being done efficiently.

Speaking at the event, the deputy governor said. “The Songhai Delta was established by the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for the purpose of creating employment for Delta State youths and thereby alleviating poverty among our people and also imparting our youths with skills in different departments of agriculture and by so doing you create a crop of leaders trained and disciplined youth in enterprises in agriculture and agriculture related skills. It is also to provide training in food storage.”

Speaking further, Utuama stated that when the present administration took over leadership in the state, the company’s fortunes were nose-diving and it was unable to carry out its mission.

“I decided to tell the governor, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, that something has to be done about the fortunes of the farm so that the government policy of Delta Beyond Oil will be achieved. Then the company was saddled with debt, indiscipline, and nothing seemed to work,” the deputy governor said.

He added that he remained undaunted and discussed the issue again with the governor that the farm they inherited must not be allowed to die.

He stated that the governor agreed with him that they must revamp the farm. He said the decision to revamp the farm reminded him of Dr. Theophilus Okpidi, adding that the governor directed him to get Okpidi to come so that he can discuss the modality of revamping the Songhai Delta with him. He said that when Okpidi came, he showed so much knowledge and enthusiasm on how to turn the farm around and he was engaged as an executive consultant to the company.

According to the Deputy Governor, “ Today we have come to witness the turn around of the Songhai-Amukpe; it is a complete turn around from what I can see, from the physical environment to the different units, one can say that Songhai Amukpe has come to occupy its proper place as a driver of the socio-economic programme of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the governor of Delta State.”

He added that the oil revenue should be used to develop the non-oil sectors of the economy, create employment for our youths and create wealth for all.

“ Today” he said, “ I can see the great Nigerian students, its not everyone of you that has this opportunity to be at Songhai Amukpe. If you position yourself well with the present opportunity, you will be part of the great story of Songhai Delta Amukpe. Nobody starts from the top, everybody starts from the button.”

He added that, “ Let us thank our executive consultant in a special way because without him we cannot be where we are today, so I immensely thank you and your management for your effort on behalf of the governor. I also use this opportunity to thank the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom whose domain the Songhai is located, also for our Lord Bishop for their prayer for the revival of the farm.”

In his speech, the executive consultant of the Songhai Delta Amukpe said, “We give God the glory for making the visit a reality. Songhai Delta Amukpe is an integrated agro-based company whose vision is aimed at production, poverty alleviation, incorporating an incubator of skills acquisition, leadership and entrepreneurial training, backed by strong philosophy of discipline and appreciation of the dignity of labour.”

He expressed gratitude for being called upon to serve as the executive consultant, adding that though its a highly cherished honour, it has been a great challenge. He said that patriotism has compelled him to embrace the challenge in order to share in the passions of the people of Delta State and more importantly to key into the giant strides of the Uduaghan administration to move Delta Beyond Oil. He said that the relevance of agriculture in the above agenda couldn’t be overemphasized.

Okpidi continued, “ As a farmer, a villager and first class rubber tapper, I am not good at long speeches. The onus is for you to judge our performance so far having gone round our facilities and seen our products.”

The executive consultant was full of gratitude and commendations to governor. Uduaghan and Deputy Governor Utuama and for their encouragement and timely release of funds for revamping the programme. He commended the immense contributions of Professor. Patrick Muoboghare and Hon. Michael Diden, Mr. J. Morka. He thanked His Grace Archbishop God-do-well Avwomakpa and the Anglican Bishops of Warri  and Sapele Diocese Rt. Rev. Christian Ide and Rt. Rev. Blessing Erifeta. Others he thanked included His Royal Majesty, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Peter Asagba, the district head of Amukpe community, Hon. Harrison Ekeleme, the president-general of Ovwore community, Mr. Emmanuel Atika, others were Mr. Austin Oghoro, Secretary Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Dr. Paul Okumagba and former chairman of the Board of Directors Engr. James B. Erhuero and his team and the management and staff of the company.

Some dignitaries that graced the ceremony included Chief Henry Ofa, a Commissioner of DESOPADEC, Chief Joe Omene, Acting President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Hon. Austin Ayemidejor the Special Project Adviser Asaba Airport, Asaba, Chief Peter Asagba, the District Head of Amukpe, who represented the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

The post How govt revamped Songhai Delta appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Felix Igbekoyi / Correspondent, Asaba  

PEACE may be returning to Delta communities as the running battle between authorities of the Gbaramatu, Egbema and Ogulagha Coastal Community Front is now being resolved following an emergency meeting held in Warri during the week.  Alleged lack of accountability, insensitivity to the plight of members of the three Ijaw kingdoms led to agitations.

In a resolution of the well attended meeting addressed to the Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), titled, ‘‘Suspension of 21 days ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited’’, they agreed to terminate the ultimatum and come together to resolve whatever issue concerning the Gbaramatu Egbema Ogulagha Coastal Communities front and Chevron Nigeria Limited. Comrade Mike J.K,Tiemo, secretary general of Gbaramatu Egbema and Ogulagha Communities Front, in the resolution signed by Comrade Isaac Gbenewei, Mobilization Officer Gbaramatu chapter, Frank Keniye Gbaramatu Chapter, Barry Mulade Chairman Disciplinary Committee Gbaramatu Chapter  also has Timi David, Chairman Disciplinary Committee Egbema Chapter, Major Atigbi, Adviser Egbema chapter while Clement Komboye signed as nember, Ogulagha chapter and Captain Alex Yalemu as Chairman, Disciplinary Committee, Ogulagha Chapter, all agreed to the resolution. The resolution dated September 20, 2014 copied the Police Area Commander Warri and also copied Hon. George Timinimi President GEOCCF and Comrade Mike J.K. Tiemo Secretary, GEOCCF reads: ‘‘Furthermore, we are calling on your reputable company to use its good office to play a fatherly role to settle this matter and equitably distribute all financial entitlement due to us. While expressing surprise that the Ilajes and Itsekiris get their financial entitlement promptly, they questioned why Chevron is holding the three Ijaws fund for over eight years, pleading that CNL as a responsible cooperate organization should ensure that every member is given a fair treatment irrespective of the role they played during the period of agitation.

The post Ijaw communities, Chevron resolve crisis appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Sam Akadoro  /  Special Correspondent Sapele

A governorship hopeful in Delta State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Gabriel Chukwuma Oyibode, has consulted the Delta State elders, leaders and stakeholders forum to solicit their support in the forthcoming governorship primaries ahead of the 2015 general election.

Consulting the elders at residence of the state forum leader, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo on his agenda for Deltans when elected, Oyibode vowed to carry the elders along in the scheme of things.

He said; “my decision to contest the 2015 gubernatorial seat of the state was divinely directed from God who had first revealed to me in a vision in 1984 before repeating it recently. Some people go into elective politics because they want to acquire massive wealth, power with the aim of siphoning the state treasury after being elected. But God called me to come and serve my people of Delta State and liberate them from the shackles of poverty.

“I am here to tell you my elders and mentors that vying for the position of governor of Delta State and that I am coming because I want to be a servant to my people since God has chosen me and has been using me to bless people. I have given over 200 scholarships to students, over 250 vehicles and many other empowerment over the years; little did I know that God was preparing me adequately for the gubernatorial seat of the state,”  Oyibode said.

The post Oyibode consults elders over governorship ambition appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Idongesit Ashameri  / Correspondent, Uyo 

Former Nigeria Ambassador to Russia and the Belarus, Chief Assam E. Assam (SAN), has rated Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, as the best governor in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure development.

Asam made the acknowledgement in a media interaction with newsmen in Eket.

He said Akpabio’s landmark infrastructure in all the nooks and crannies of the state would provide the solid foundation upon which the next government would massively industrialize the state.

The plethora of road network criss-crossing the state, the Ibom International airport, the flyovers, the Ibom Power Plant,  according to him, are major incentives for local and foreign investors in the state.

Assam, who is one of the major contenders for the office of governor in 2015, promised that voted  into the Hilltop Mansion next year, he would leverage on the infrastructure to attract massive investments in the agriculture and hydrocarbons.

He outlined the main thrust of his administration to include industrialization, education and job creation for the teeming unemployed, and stressed that his government would not be directly involved in the setting up of industries but the creation of the enabling environment for investments.

Describing Akpabio as a prudent manager of the state’s resources, the former diplomat disagreed with those who think the governor has not judiciously applied the finances of the state, adding that posterity would judge Akpabio fairly when he leaves office next year.

“Yes, it is true that so much money came into Akwa Ibom during Akpabio’s regime and some other persons could have spent such monies on frivolities without any thing to show for but Akpabio did

not do so, rather he went the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom state to plant developmental projects like roads, bridges, flyovers and many other quality projects of international repute.

The post Ex-envoy ranks Akpabio best in provision of infrastructure appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Sam Akadoro  /  Special Correspondent, Sapele 

The people of Ibada-Elume and Ugborhen Communities in Okpe Local Government Areas of Delta State have passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Henry Ofa, Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) because his activities as one of the best performing commissioners who have impacted positively on the lives of the people in his mandate areas.

The people of both communities, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Adagboyerin – Oghara duing separate visits, commended him for his love for his people, describing him as their hero who has represented them very well since his appointment, by completely transforming his mandate areas.

The people of both communities remarked that they were always comfortable and at peace whenever they are with the Commissioner, who they said operates an open door policy, expressing satisfaction that the Commissioner has kept faith with all the promises he made to them at the time of his appointment, and during his familiarization visits to communities under his mandate areas.

The people maintained that if they have the power, they would make him the next chairman of the board to represent the entire Urhobo people’s interest and Delta State at large, since, adding that he is a detribalized personality whose interest is the betterment of humanity.

The secretary of Ugborhen Community, Comrade Odjuwuederhie Samuel Odafe, who spoke on behalf of his people, said the Commissioner has done well and their visit to his office was to tell him that he has done well for his people and for him to know that his people appreciate all that he has been doing for them. He harped on skill acquisition programme for his people, especially the youths, who could be trained in the repair of solar streetlights at a minimal cost effect to the board of DESOPADEC. This way, he said the youths are the beneficiaries that could be engaged by the government to repair the streetlights whenever they are bad.

Odjuwuederhie, while applauding the sterling qualities of the Commissioner further, he revealed to him that despite the fact that his community has about 18 oil wells fully operational, DESOPADEC presence was still lavishly felt in the area with more projects still coming in by the day, a situation which he said the community never experienced in the past.

Responding to the speech of the people, the Commissioner appreciated the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom for the prevailing peace in Okpe land, stressing that the peace in Okpe land was remarkable, which he attributed to the wisdom of the monarch in ruling his people that has aided his operation, noting that if the youths in the community had been restive, there was little or nothing he could achieve.

He prayed for more long life and wisdom from God for the monarch to rule Okpe Kingdom to the promise land, as he reminded the people of all the good plans the Monarch has for Ugborhen community and indeed the entire Okpe Kingdom and the Hostcom Chairman Okpe Local Government Area Mr. Kwame Odah who emphasized that Ugborhen Community must be developed just as he told them that he is aware of the chunk of oil deposition in that community as the economic hub of the Okpe Kingdom and Delta State in particular.

He told them that Ugborhen has a right to demand projects but not a privilege since they are critical stakeholders in Hostcom, which agitated for the creation of DESOPADEC; assuring Ugborhen Community that he will do everything within his powers to ensure that what is due for them comes to them.

The Commissioner enumerated some of the ongoing projects in the area to the youths and as well as assuring them that some would soon be commissioned in due cause.

He requested both communities to put in writing in form o documentation their priority projects which DESOPADEC will keep in their database and subsequently they will be channeled accordingly to the year’s budgetary provision, promising that he (Ofa) as a youth will never disappoint them but to perform better for other Commissioners after him will emulate.

He commended Ugborhen youths for their peaceful disposition, adding that even though they have several oil wells, it never gone in them and carried away by misbehaving but they choose to remain calm, gentle always unlike some other communities, appealing to them to always sustain that kind of peaceful relationship between the community, DESOPADEC contractors and other government agencies contractors including the oil companies and that they should not ever confront government even though they are from an oil community rather, “you should dialogue with them even though it take time, yet at the end of the day it pays”.

Ofa reminded them of the inherent danger associated with confrontation with government or oil companies, which he said in most cases could result in death and those who lost their lives in the process could not be brought back to life, urging the people continue to dialogue and at the end of the day God will reward them.

He thanked them for recognizing his good works, while referring them to some of the projects, which he has completed in the area since he assumed office, including the DESOPADEC office built in the three local government areas of his mandate areas. While listing some of his challenges to include the blockage of the Sapele DESOPADEC office road by a lady with a gigantic underground fuel tank which prevented the contractor handling the project from continuing with his work.

Ofa told them their mode of operation, which is a bottom top approach, where communities suggest their own projects but not DESOPADEC determining their projects anymore, assuring them that he will always be there for them at any given time. He assured the governor of the state that he will not disappoint him and the people, adding that he will deliver on his mandate, as he pleaded with them to always support the governor’s programmes at all time.

The post Day Ibada-Elume, Ugborhen communities passed confidence in son appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By John Dugbe  / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

AS THE nation moves towards the 2015 general elections, an aspirant warming up for the Delta State House of Assembly on the platform of the Labour Party, Ethiope East State constituency, Ransome Oghenenyerovwo Akweda, has assured the people of the area of his preparedness to give the local government full representation. Akweda who gave this assurance while speaking to newsmen, said he decided to run for the Delta State House of Assembly to bring government closer to his people and to ensure that his people at the grassroots enjoy dividends of democracy. On his choice of Labour Party to run for the Delta State House of Assembly election, Akweda pointed out that he was a member of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) before they moved to Labour Party and that he has had no other intension to contest in any other political party apart from the party his leader, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, belongs.

Also, he said he has been with Chief Great Ogboru from the time of Alliance for Democracy (AD) to Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and now Labour Party, saying that he has never deviated, expressing confidence that he will contest and win his election under Labour Party where Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru is running. While calling on the people of Ethiope East to support his aspiration for the Delta State House of Assembly, Akweda explained that he is a grassroots politician who had worked for the party since 1999 till date, assuring his party members of delivering to the party if given the ticket to represent the party to run for the Delta State House of Assembly.

The post Delta Assembly: Akweda assures Ethiope East of effective representation appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By John Dugbe  /  Special Correspondent, Ughelli

THE Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, has expressed appreciation to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan over the rapid transformation of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State in execution of projects.

The traditional ruler who was speaking during the opening of Uvwie Modern Market Ugbolokposo in Uvwie Local Government Area, hailed the governor for the beautification projects in Enerhen Junction and Jakpa Junction as well as the ongoing construction of the fly-over project in the ever busy Effurun Roundabout.

The Uvwie monarch whose speech was presented by Chief Markdolnald Ugbewanku (JP), president general of Uvwie General Improvement Union, however, asked for the execution of more projects in the area.

The governor represented by his deputy governor, Prof Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), in his speech, disclosed that the project was among the ones inherited from former Governor James Ibori even as he assured that such projects will be completed before the end of his tenure.

Dr Uduaghan also noted that the new market with 1,000 shops and other state-of-the-art facilities will serve to decongest the Warri-Effurun metropolis and free it from choking strain of city life imposed by illegal erection of shops which he noted has given rise to environmental nuisance just as he commended the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom for the successful completion of the project which was built at the sum of N768 million.

The post Monarch commends Uduaghan over development of Uvwie appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

 By John Dugbe / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

OVWORHOKPOKPOR community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State has sworn in new executive to pilot the affairs of the community for the next three years, with task on them to engage in ventures that will bring development to the community. Those sworn in include, Evang. Francis O. Poko-Appah, President General, Mr. Edward Gbekebor, Vice President General, Comrade Felix Ogami, Secretary General, Mr. Alfred Akpovogbeta, Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Kwagbe Amos, Spokesman, Mr. Ojarikre Thompson, Treasurer, Mr. Godspower Governor, Financial Secretary and Mr. Peter Ogheneror, Public Relations Officer. Chairman of the ceremony, Chief Steve Sokoh, President General, Union of Udu Communities who was represented by High Chief Tene Omadide, in his speech stated that the executive were selected based on their qualities. He advised them to be transparent and diligent in their various offices.

He further advised them against embezzlement, stressing, instead they should device the leadership strategy of former military governor of the defunct.

Mid-West State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia whom he said embarked on developmental projects which are still in existence.

The executive were officially sworn in through an oath read by former President General of Ovworhokpokpor community, Chief Lucky Dibofu, and the executive in the oath promised to abide by the constitution of Ovworhokpokpor community and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the cause of discharging their duties. The Oldest Man of Ovworhokpokpor community, Pa. Moto Oghenevwakpor, while praying for the new executive stated that all he needed in the community was peace and prosperity, advising members of the community to give the executive the needed support to enable them perform in an atmosphere devoid of rancour. In his speech after the swearing in, Evang Francis Poko-Appah, President General of Ovworhokpokpor community, said, since the inception of the community, it was the first time the inauguration of new executive was well celebrated amid notable dignitaries and executive of neighbouring communities. He added, “since it was a first move, God guided us to ensure that the day came to reality because Ovworhokpokpor as a community has no source of income except engagement in subsistence farming by members of the community”. He lamented that the major road of the community, running from Udu-ECN Express road to the community was not motorable.

“It is on this note that I, on behalf of the community, appeal to the Delta State Government, DESOPADEC, NDDC and Udu Local Government Council to assist us by including it in their budget to enable it to be tarred so that business activities can be improved on”.

He appealed for the co-operation of members of the community. According to him, the development of the community cannot rest only in the hands of the leaders alone but everyone in and outside the community. Those also in attendance where Wisdom Gheghere, APC chairmanship candidate, Udu Local Government Area and his vice, Chief Patrick Diamond Egbeta, Chief Alfred Orugbo, Okugbe of Uvwie kingdom, Rev. Richard Shakoro, Elder Samson Dibofu, Elder Gabriel Okotete, Mr. Sagana Lakpa, Chief Joshua Yarhere, Chief Isaac Lafua who represented the Ovie of Udu kingdom, Lt. Omini Ambrose (rtd), Chief Kpoma, and representatives of Egini, Ujevwu, Iwhrekan, Owhrode, Erhiephiyor, Oghior and Otor-Udu communities.

The post Ovworhokpokpor community swears in new executive appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By John Dugbe  /   Special Correspondent, Ughelli

A political pressure group on the platform of Ethiope East Realistic and Actualization Movement, has debunked a report on Lovette Idisi’s recent defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the rumour has been running for the past two years.

The group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Anthony Akpobome, made the statement while reacting to a report published in a local tabloid, where their principal was reported as having recently defected to PDP in Eku.

He described the report as misinformation that should be discarded.

The group said, “Our principal, Lovette Idisi, defected about two years ago at the PDP secretariat, Isiokolo, headquarter of Ethiope East in the presence of the state Chairman, Peter Nwanboshi, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Bernard Edewor, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, Ethiope East Council Chairman, Sunday Onoriode and a host of others, so how could he have defected again to the same party?

“As a member of the party it is expected that our principal, Barr. Lovette Idisi, will always attend meetings of the party when he is around and that was what the reporter, who hadn’t the idea that he is a member of the party, joined him among Chief Philip Eyagomare and others who just defected to the party.”

The group advised journalists to always confirm their stories and details before going to the press, saying that their principal is an old not a new member as reported in the story.

The post Group denies defection of ldisi to PDP appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Felix Igbekoyi Correspondent, Asaba 

Delta State government has announced  its approval for the establishment of 40 new schools in the state, majority of them in the riverine communities.

Prof Patrick Muoboghare, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, who announced this at an emergency meeting with Chief Inspectors of Education and Principals of public secondary schools in the state said there would be free education there once they commences. He said the gesture would also check the problem of constant lobby by teachers for only schools located in urban areas, recruitment of teachers in the state would now be based on location vacancies.

He expressed worry that while many schools in rural communities lack teachers, few in urban areas were over crowded, maintaining that future employment of teachers would only be for schools where there are vacancies.

He said all strategies adopted in the past by government t to check teachers drift to urban schools had failed to solve the problem, saying that once a teacher was employed for a school, he or she remains there until retirement.

Muoboghare said the free and compulsory computer training for teachers in the state was successful and commended the commitment of teachers that participated in the exercise, saying that those that did not participate would be penalised.

The post Delta to set up 40 new schools in riverine areas appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Felix Igbekoyi Correspondent, Asaba 

Monarch of Owa kingdom,  Dr.Emmanuel Efeizomor II (JP), Owa-Oyibu, Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State has said the ban on the use of commercial motorcycles (okada) was a slap on the integrity of the traditional rulers, the law enforcement agents and the military in the area.

He stated that the ban of commercial motorcycles (okada) should not have been the state government’s priority for the people, calling on the state government to call town hall meeting where Okada riders would be present, to find solution for crime commission in the areas.

Obi Efeizomor, addressing the newsmen who called on him on the resumption of the ban on motorcycle operation, wondered if the ban on Okada the manifestoes of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), bemoaning the ugly situation where the task force went into shops and people’s premises to carry motorcycles simply because Okada operation is banned.

While calling on all elected political representatives of Ika Nation at the state and national assemblies to reverse the ban on motorcycles, ‘Okada’ in Ika nation, Obi Efeizomor, flanked by Dame Margret Obaigbena, mother of This Day Newspaper’s proprietor, queried what yardstick the state government used that showed that crime is more in Ika nation than any other ethnic nationality.

The post Owa monarch faults ban on Okada appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Felix Igbekoyi Correspondent, Asaba 

As primary and secondary schools in Delta State resume academic works, the state government t has mandated all heads of public primary and secondary schools across the state to continue with the basic hand washing.

Prof Patrick Muoboghare, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, who announced this at an emergency meeting with Chief Inspectors of Education and Principals of public secondary schools in the state, said it was part of government’s preventive measures against the deadly Ebola virus.

Muoboghare said hand washing has been made compulsory in schools, saying that basic hygiene was necessary in the war against Ebola virus.

The commissioner  stated that efforts were on to get the facilities to all the schools as quick as possible, maintaining that one of the wisdom of facing resumption of schools by the state government was to get the teachers trained on the control of the deadly virus.

He charged the school heads to ensure total compliance on hand washing as well as parents and guardians to be a part of sanitary culture being inculcated on the pupils and wards.

Muoboghare commended the Federal Government and the Delta State Ministry of Health for the control of the virus, expressing optimism that Nigeria will continue to be Ebola-free nation.

The post Basic hand washing must continue in Delta schools – Muoboghare appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Engr. Etido Inyang is the Special Adviser, Bureau of Technical Matters, Akwa Ibom State. The bureau is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring ongoing projects in the state to ensure strict adherence to quality and timely delivery. In this interview with CORRESPONDENT, Idongesit Ashameri, Inyang speaks on the achievements of the Godswill Akpabio administration, project quality and monitoring in Akwa Ibom State, and the desire by the present administration to complete most of the ongoing projects among other issues. Excerpts.

Inyang

You have been a part of this administration from its inception; can you appraise its achievements in the last seven years?

Yes, it has been a wonderful seven years of fruitfulness, high performances and God’s blessings to Akwa Ibom people through Godswill Akpabio, the Governor of the state. It has been a challenging period for all of us working with him to be able to meet up with his giant strides in infrastructural development. He is a qualitative man that requires high level of performance. Sitting back after seven years to look at how it all evolves you will see that he is a man of vision and he is focused. When he started this administration, his first level of challenge was when he was taken to court for various electioneering issues but he was never deterred. He went straight to awarding contracts and made sure that he was focused on his vision and in less than two years Akwa Ibom state started recording projects of high standards. Another major thing was bringing in the Bureau of Technical Matters and as a habitué; we have various arms of project implementation; we have the FGPC to award the contract, the ministry of works to execute the contract and the Bureau of Technical Matters to see to standards and prescriptions and to ensure timely delivery of projects. This has really been the vane of the success of this administration. No other administration has ever done this. That is why even the federal government had to borrow that aspect of evaluation and monitoring on federal projects. I want to say that all of the projects coming up; from the airport that was like a miracle and in no time brought about economy development of the state, the opening up of road network, with over 2000km of roads including over 300km of federal roads crest crossing the state which has opened the state up for visitors and investors. The infrastructural renaissance in the state has affected the country as a whole; it started like a nucleus in Akwa Ibom when people came in to see the magnitude of projects that were being commissioned and the state governors who were not performing were confronted by their citizens. So many things were written on the pages of newspapers that attracted the sympathy of any state governor, who was not performing, to carry out infrastructural development in their respective states. I want also to state that in his seven years, Akpabio has constructed projects in the state that would have been done in 32 years. Why am I saying this? Projects are completed on time; contractors are forced to complete qualitative projects within two years. Projects that would have been completed in five years are done in two years; those that would have been completed in seven years considering the magnitude are completed in say for years. Look at the stadium, we had a contract of three years to complete the stadium but is done in two years. When we put all these together and then consider the magnitude of roads in the Niger Delta that is full of rain; definitely, it is serious achievement and a thing of pride. At 27, Akwa Ibom has every reason to be jubilant because we are in the world map; we have come to where people talk about us in the committee of states. It was not like that when we came in at 20. The gap is so visible in all aspects of the polity and that is why everybody is struggling to be governor in 2015.

We know that in the cause of your duty, the activities of your bureau must have saved the state some cost; can you talk about this?

I would not want to state specifics but you will agree with me that we are involved with concept and design; from the concept we go to the foundation, the economic value, the execution and the monitoring so all of the finished product have gone through an engineering analysis so you can imagine; if you are not supervising to nip the failure in the bud, you will realize at completion that you have a defected foundation and you will end up having uncompleted product.  That is why from structure that we have in Akwa Ibom State, with evaluation and monitoring team we are able to go through all the projects and that is why projects are completed on time, projects are completed qualitatively and of cause; we have saved the state a lot of money because for example, if at the completion of the stadium, FIFA would say you did not meet the standard because you did not go through the real analysis then we would have to repeat the process. But we ensure that we sit down with the contractors and tell them this is what we want; both economically and the physical structure and we design it through with the contractor especially if it is design and build. Where there are excesses; for example stopping improper foundation, we have done that in a couple of places and save government a lot of money.

At what stages of completion are these projects; especially the ones directly under your supervision?

We have gone very far, some are completed and some of them are waiting for Mr. President’s commissioning. That is why some of them like the Abak Bridge, the international stadium and a few others were not commissioned during the state’s anniversary, they are projects for commissioning by Mr. President as wished by the Governor and of cause the president has made a commitment that he is coming to commission them. So many other projects lined up for commissioning just as the Governor has said that he will keep commissioning projects until he leaves office on May 2015 and that is what we are working on.

You have remarkable wealth of experience as far as project management is concerned, how do you bring it to bear when confronted with issues that challenge your managerial ability in the course of relating with construction companies handling various projects in the state?

You don’t have one tool to handle all the issues, you have different tools to handle different issues, we have people with different attitudes, and so we need to know what to do. You must know what scenario you act hostile, scenario to act calm. You have people who are not willing to be adjusted or be serious about their jobs and you need to know which approach and which wisdom to apply to be able to get them to give you maximum result. God has been helping and that is what we have been doing.

Do you foresee any project being left for the next administration for completion?

I don’t foresee that, but even if any project is left, government is a continuum and you know that projects have life span; if a project was awarded one year ago and it has a life span of three years; there is no way it can be completed within one year. That is what a lot of people need to know.

The post Akpabio has revolutinised infrastructure in Akwa Ibom –Inyang appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Francis Onoiribholo  / Bureau Chief Benin

The House Standing Committee on Health of the Edo State House of Assembly has brought respite to the management of the state Hospital Management Board when it donated the sum of N100,000 to the authorities of the Central Hospital to revamp the children ward which has not been in use for several months.

The donation by the committee was informed by the disheartening accounts of Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, a member of the Committee on Health, who recently brought her mother for treatment at the Central Hospital but was surprised when she noticed the hospital was rejecting patients and (referring them to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital owing to paucity of funds) to fix some structural and plumbing problems currently affecting the provision of quality services at the Hospital.

The members of the House Committee on Health on an unscheduled visit to the Central Hospital to obtain first hand information on the problems mitigating against the operations of the Hospital, were taken on an inspection tour round all the wards in the hospital from the Female Ward which is the only functional ward to the abandoned children ward and the male medical ward which is no longer in use owing to the threats of the structure caving in based on the report of the Engineer handling structural defects at the Hospital.

According to the information provided by the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. (Mrs.) Edith Kayode Iyasere and the Permanent Secretary to the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ofure Eboreme, the problems mitigating against effective operations of the hospital were roofed in the bureaucratic bottlenecks in obtaining funds to fix plumbing problems at the children and female ward which each required forty-one thousand naira (N41,000.00) and Eighty-one thousand naira as the

Hospital according to the Medical-Director does not receive overhead impress to effect immediate repairs.

The post Edo Assembly donates to Central Hospital appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Franc is Onoiribholo  /  Bureau Chief Benin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Julius Aloye, has celebrated his  82rd birthday.

Chief Aloye, who is the Etsako Central Local Government Central Area leader of the APC celebrated the birthday with a thanksgiving church service at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, Fugar, which was followed with a grand reception at his Fugar residence.

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have continued to flood the residence of the octogenarian, who is also the Osese of Avhianwu Clan, the latest being that of the APC Committee of Ward Leaders.

The post Aloye clocks 82 appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

PAULICAP Eseoghene Okpara has at different served as supervisory councilor for Finance, Works and Environment and later Health. He hails from Eku and had his first degree from the Delta State University, Abraka in Business

PAULICAP Eseoghene Okpara

Administration. In this interview with SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, John Dugbe, the astute politician bares his mind on variety of issues ranging from what Eku community has benefited so far from Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration for the past seven years and other issues as it bothers on local and state government.  Excerpts:

There was a solidarity rally held in Eku community, what would you say led to that rally?

The solidarity rally held in Eku recently was to show to the general public and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP that Eku community is a home of PDP. We embark on that rally to also show our commitment and appreciation for the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan that we are appreciative of the numerous developmental projects he has brought to Eku community and to assure him that the community is strongly behind his administration.

Can you highlight on some of these projects that his government had done that had necessitated this massive rally for the Uduaghan’s administration?

Let me tell you that we have never had it so good before now but by the divine grace of God, Eku has started seeing the beauty of democracy through the administration of our amiable government, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Before now Eku hospital was being run by the missionary and after the missionary had left, the hospital started depreciating in terms of manpower and performance, so the community decided to take over the running but they could not do anything until they cried to the state government who listen to their cry and came for rescue and today the Eku hospital has bounced back to its former glory with medical doctors, nurses and other health workers and all these were the handwork of His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Again, about thirty years ago there is this Ethiope River that demarcated Eku from Edo state because Eku people are predominantly peasant farmers they have to cross to the other side of the river to fetch what they eat and for commercial purposes and in one of their crossing, the boat they were crossing with capsized and killed over fifty persons, since then it has been a big challenge to our people on how to find solution until the community again cried to the listening governor who immediately approved the construction.

As we are talking now the project is ongoing and by the grace of God the bridge that linked Eku and across the other Eku villages is about 70 percent completed and most of the food stuff comes from the across Eku villages to the market, so you can see the benefit the bridge will give to Eku and its surrounding communities because the Eku market serves as the major market in the whole area. A lot of people in Ethiope East, not only Eku people are also beneficiary of the bridge construction because a lot of people from other part of Ethiope East are employed since the commencement of the construction work and this wouldn’t have bee possible if the state government had not approved the construction of the bridge. Also, the PDP government had also engaged good numbers of Ethiope East people in the cleaning of their communities and other special work across their local government area as a way of empowering them through the State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) and it is quite clear that the SEEFOR workers are drawn from across the local government for the empowerment exercise. Also before now all our primary and secondary school buildings are in dilapidated state but since the assumption of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, we can testify to the fact that numerous construction and rehabilitation work in some of these primary and secondary schools have been completed while some are ongoing. If you take a look at Aganbi primary and secondary schools, you will see that both are wearing new face and this has added a face lift to both schools, so, you will not hesitate to appreciate the Delta State Governor for a good work. Another primary school called Madedor is presently under construction and also, Iweh primary school has been awarded and all these were from the Delta State government and these are things we have not experienced before, so we are appreciative of government presence in Eku. Eku before now had not had good road network but as we speak now all parts of Eku community have been tarred by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration and these roads are major link to all parts of the state. And also recently the state government took this micro credit scheme to our door step in Eku community to boost the welfare of the people without monthly interest. It was this same government who made one of our own Chief Kenneth Okpara as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, first time in the history of Eku community that our own is in the state executive where decisions are being taken. This is a position that almost every community in Ethiope East has at one time or the other had but in Uduaghan’s government that we were given such cabinet position and wouldn’t have any option than to say a big thank you to the man that has raised us to this enviable height. I want to make bold to say that Eku community has become the  envy of other towns in Ethiope East, trying to paint the community in a bad light and peddling unnecessary rumour in and around Eku by some persons and other political parties that Eku is not a PDP community but we have that explicit confidence on the administration of Uduaghan’s government and this will show during the forthcoming local government election that Eku community is a home of PDP and they should stop this unnecessary rumour of pull him down syndrome.

There is this rumour that the Labour Party is waxing stronger in Eku community, how true will you confirm this? 

This cannot be true, you see, how can you mention Labour Party in Eku when it does not exist because before now we use to have what we called DPP but it is already dead, which all its members had left for PDP, though there could be one person or the other just making noise and that is what they are now mistaken for Labour Party and we don’t have such members of another party in Eku. The few we know of that parading themselves as Labour Party are not from Eku community, they came from other community like Okpe to come and destroy the community for us and we will not be ready to accommodate such people and we shall prove it during election.

How would you score Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan since his inception of office seven years ago?

You see, nobody doubts things you see with your naked eyes and those are the practical things the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has had on ground if you take time to go round the state, you will see a lot of massive infrastructural developmental projects and as l speak if you visit Asaba and Warri, you will not be told before you start appreciating the administration of the government. Is it from the health sector, education, security, empowerment or where, the Uduaghan’s administration has done much that he should be given kudos for his land stride developmental projects, mostly if you come to think of his recent initiative of Delta Beyond Oil. He has performed wonderfully and if l have to score him like you have said, l will not hesitate to give him 99 percent, though to some people, l may be wrong but quiet what l have seen, l don’t have any doubt about him and his achievements so far across a complex state like Delta. The Delta State Government’s initiative of Delta Beyond Oil if l must tell you is taking us somewhere through as it has made a lot of Deltans self employed instead of relying on government to do everything.

The post Uduaghan has brought development to Delta communities appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

The people  of Otegbene community in Warri South West council of Delta State have applauded the leadership of Christ Embassy, Warri zone, for providing them with a solar powered water project.

The community rolled out the drum at the commissioning of the project by Pastor Irikefe Ofuma and Pastor Benjamin Olele, accompanied by other members of the project team.

Chairman Otegbene community, Boro Danpolo,  while expressing gratitude to the church for the gesture, disclosed that people from the coastal community  had been drinking from the sea before now.The sea water, he decried made them sick , expressing joy that the church has put smiles on their faces by providing them with potable water.‘’I want to thank Christ Embassy for providing us with this project. Normally, we drink water from the river and because of the bad water, we fall sick easily. When the team came, they noticed that the water we were drinking was bad and decided to provide us with this water. So, we thank them for this gesture’’, he said. Corroborating him, a community leader, Borikiri Jonathan, said: ‘’everybody in this community is happy for the project because we now have good drinking water. We are so happy as the church has remembered the community to do this project’’. In his speech, Pastor Ofuma, said the church was out to impact lives apart from the gospel, by providing infrastructure to the communities.

The post Otegbene community lauds Christ Embassy for water project appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Francis Onoiribholo  / Bureau Chief Benin

Some members of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) community have petitioned the screening committee for the Vice Chancellorship position, calling on the committee to carry out proper investigation to ascertain the integrity of some of the applicants presenting themselves for the position.

One of the petitioners, Dr. Emmanuel Irabor, of the Department of Chemistry, alleged that certain persons presenting themselves for the Vice Chancellorship should be out rightly disqualified.

Irabor, in his petition entitled: “Re: vacancy for the post of Vice Chancellor: A call for the investigation and disqualification of two of the candidates for forgery, falsification of official document and gross misconduct”, alleged that the said candidates while as dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, “forged and falsified the information contained in a promotion document submitted by the then head of Department of Chemistry to secure favourable consideration from the university appointments and promotions board to the post of associate professor.”

The petitioner claimed, however that one of the professors who at the time the faculty appointments and promotions board’s meeting was held was not the Vice Chancellor’s representative who fabricated the fraud committed by the professor by endorsing the forged and falsified document.

Irabor further claimed that the same professor arbitrarily awarded scores to some students in disputed CHM412 results of the Department of Chemistry in 2004/2005 session contrary to the directive of the vice chancellor.

According to him, the vice chancellor had directed the addition of fifteen (15) marks across board to all the students but this Professor exceeded his brief by awarding arbitrarily and discriminatory marks to

some students in a course he did not teach.

“It is my considered opinion that this dark page of the university history has to be closed by subjecting the action of these two Professors to the regulation of the University of Benin.

“The determination of the vice chancellor, Prof. O.G Oshodin to deal a decisive blow on corruption and the well document aversion of his administration to corruption and other unethical conduct has instigated me to bring this situation to your attention”, Dr. Irabor maintained.

The post Crisis brews in UNIBEN over appointment of VC appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By John Dugbe  / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

An aspirant to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Lovette Idisi, has assured the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency of government presence if given the opportunity to represent the area.

Idisi, who spoke to newsmen at Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government area of the state on a private visit to one of the political stalwarts, said good representation goes with government presence, assuring the people of constituency projects due to the area if elected.

Idisi explained that his intention to go to the House was to serve the people, promising that he would always operate an open door policy where he would be meeting with his constituents from time to time to discuss issue affecting the area.

While calling for total support of Ethiope Federal Constituency for his ambition, Idisi noted that he has empowered people in his private capacity, and promised to do more.

He also pledged to attract development to the area if he was given the chance to serve at the National Assembly.

Assuring the people of his commitment to serve, ldisi said his representation will give room for constructive criticism at all times to redirect and correct those things that were not well handled in the past.

He said the leaders of the party must meet quarterly to discuss and affirm decisions when necessary.

The post Aspirant to Ethiope Federal Constituency seat pledges govt presence if … appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.