By John Dugbe Special Correspondent, Ughelli

President of the Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities (FNDIC), Chief Bello Oboko, has appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of delta State to help project the re-election credentials of President Goodluck Jonathan who, he said, envisioned the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project to create millions of jobs and advance Nigeria’s economy.

Oboko said Uduaghan needs to assist Jonathan to act fast to save Okpeleama community, especially Gbaramatu Kingdom, from yet another avoidable inter-ethnic crisis, which the EPZ land/project was fast leading to.

“It may not be most complimentary for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan for the second time to postpone groundbreaking ceremony of the Escravos EPZ project.

“Worse still, the postponement is based on alleged consultations bedeviled by half-truths shared between Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who is said to be taken aback, and his kinsmen, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, threatening secession,” Oboko said.

Providing insight to what he meant by “half-truths”, Oboko hinted of different sets of land acquisitions by the state government that may not be generally known.

“The Governor has been saying the land size that he acquired for the project is 2700 hectares.

“Following notice of revocation of Rights of Occupancy duly signed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, November 11, 2013, the Kpokpo/Okpeleama land covering 335.554 hectares was acquired for the purposes of the EPZ project.

“If you subtract 335.554 hectares from 2,700 hectares claimed as the entire land acquired by Governor Uduaghan, it does not amount to 2,560 hectares the Itsekiri are claiming was acquired from their territory.

“The whole thing remains a chaotic mass which Governor Uduaghan, for peace, needs to clear up for the knowledge of his Itsekiri kinsmen and the world.

“Between the shroud of clouds on land acquisitions given the varying claims and shifts in groundbreaking ceremony, we cannot now categorically fix the root of alleged ethnicisation of the Escravos EPZ project,” Oboko noted.

Oboko, who had been advancing claims of Okpeleama-Ijaw community in the EPZ project, said it would be unfair for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to insinuate as alleged in some quarters that they were unaware of any Ijaw stake in the project.

Oboko said information on EPZ stake-holding of Okpeleama-Ijaw community was communicated via DHL to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in a letter received by one Mr. Paul Ebiloma on 06/08/14 while the letter to the NNPC headquarters was also sent via DHL and received by one Mr. Johnson on the same date.

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By John Dugbe Special Correspondent, Ughelli

TWO Urhobo traditional rulers, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Lucky Ararile, Avwaeke I, Ovie of Umiagwha-Abraka Kingdom, have both urged Urhobo to unite and form a common front to end all forms of marginalisation of Urhobo ethnic nationality in Nigeria. The Okpe monarch, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe kingdom, urged Urhobos to unite, adding that it was difficult to oppress people who are united, just as he called on them to respect their traditional rulers.

The Abraka monarch, Avwaeke I, Ovie of Umiagwhe-Abraka kingdom, on his part stressed that Urhobos are being marginaliged to the extent that they have nobody to run to at national level.

He added that Urhobos are facing marginalisation because they do not love themselves. Both the Orodje of Okpe and the Umiagwhe-Abraka kingdom monarchs spoke in their capacities as chairman, and panelist at the opening ceremony of plenary sessions of the 9th annual conference of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) at the Petroleum Training Institute conference hall, Effurun.  The Umiagwhe-Abraka monarch expressed sadness that hatred and rivalry among Urhobos are very prominent in the civil service, “where it is difficult to access your fellow Urhobo man”.

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By Isaac Olamikan Special Correspondent, Benin

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Patrick Aisowieren, who is now running for the House of Representatives, has spoken of his chain of achievements in his constituency that are going to put him in good stead to win the coming election.

Speaking at an interview with Daily Independent, the lawmaker, who is interested in representing the people of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode in the National Assembly, said his confidence that he would emerge as the choice of the people stems from his landmark achievement in the area of attracting quality projects to his locality coupled with his humane approach to the issue of lawmaking.

He said he has not disappointed his people in the area of quality representation since he assumed office almost eight years ago.

“I have kept to my promises to my constituents since they elected me as a lawmaker about eight years ago.

“If I had shown interest in returning to the position I would have secured their support. But I am moving up to make way for another vibrant politician to continue from where I stop.

“Also, I am desirous of doing more for my ever conscious and dedicated constituents and I am sure the movement to Abuja will afford me such an opportunity,” he stressed.

He listed over 10 road rehabilitation and construction projects that he has been instrumental in making the state government do in his locality.

Other projects he listed include building of classroom blocks.

The post My achievements as Edo lawmaker, by aspirant to House of Rep appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Henry Oghenevwogaga Tietie is the national president of Delta Mega Forum. In this interview with Sam Akadoro Special Correspondent, Sapele, he speaks on how the organisation is mobilising grassroots support for credible candidates across the parties in the forthcoming elections in Delta State. He also speaks on the ambition of Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to go to from the State. He predicts that the Boko Haram insurgency in the country will soon be a thing of the past. Excerpts:

As the national leader of the Delta Mega Forum, how do you view Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s ambition to go to the Senate?

I am indeed in support of Governor Uduaghan’s declaration to contest for  Senate come 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Delta South Senatorial District. He recently made it known to his people that he is contesting for the Senate so that he can further serve his people.

Now that the Governor is going into the Senate, should Delta people support him?

Uduaghan, as a Governor for the eight years, has done more than enough for Deltans. He has tried his very best for the people especially in the area of health, transportation, construction of roads, education, infrastructure development, peace and security, employment, improved welfare of workers, etc. I believe he should be given kudos for what he has done so far. We pray that God should guide him because as he is going into the Senate, he will do more. He already has experience in governance. Since he has that experience, he can go to the National Assembly to do something good for his people.

Recently, Delta Mega Forum was inaugurated, what is the reason for the formation of this body?

Delta Mega Forum are people of like minds, who are working towards a better society. Delta Mega Forum members are building bridges of unity across the political and socio-cultural divides of Delta State. Delta State is blessed with a lot of human and natural resources, which must be harnessed for the good of the common man in the state. Delta Mega Forum is committed to good governance and tenets of democracy and will partner with the government in ensuring that resources are properly channelled and utilised for the good of the masses. Democracy means government of the people and Delta Mega Forum will mobilise grassroots support for viable candidates during elections by showcasing the credentials of good candidates. This no doubt that will close the gap between the government and when such candidates and party eventually emerge winners. Delta Mega Forum has great men and women of integrity, technocrats, business tycoons, politicians, civil servants and other experts of high repute, who can help government actualise its policies, programmes and aspirations. We believe in unity, oneness and social economic development of Delta State and Nigeria. Together we will build an enviable, strong, dynamic and united Delta State.

What is the major focus of Delta Mega Forum?

Delta Mega Forum is a social-political pressure group formed in Delta State and inaugurated at Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government Council. We are poised to building bridges of unity across the political and socio-cultural divides in Delta State. We will also establish contacts and relationships with other socio-political groups and relevant stakeholders in the state with a view to promoting a political climate which will enhance healthy and rapid development in the state.

What is the composition of the body; does it include a state chapter, local government areas and ward levels? Delta Mega Forum cuts across the three senatorial districts of Delta State. We mobilise grassroots support of the people across the state for any viable candidate  and showcase the credentials of such a candidate.

Do you have any advice for the numerous aspirants canvassing for different positions in the country?

Delta Mega Forum as I said has great men and women of integrity. We have technocrats, we have business tycoons, politicians, civil servants and other experts of high repute in their respective careers, helping government to actualise its policies and programmes. We believe in unity, oneness and social economic development of Delta State. Together we will build an enviable strong, dynamic and united Delta State. I am advising politicians to take things very calm and never to take it as a do-or-die affair. It is only one person that can occupy a particular sit at a time. Our advise is that the losers should support the winners to build a virile, peaceful and developed Delta State.

You see several persons vying for one seat in Delta State, example the Governorship position, is this a healthy development in our nescient democracy?

Democracy is a game of members. The good things in the world, you must struggle for them. Everybody is vying for the governorship position but God has ordained just one person for it. The governorship position in Delta State, I do not think we should do it as a do-or-die affair. There can be just one leader. In a home without a leader, that is no good home. We in Delta Mega Forum believe that anyone that God has ordained to be there, let it be; provided he can lead well. We will help to stabilise the government of whosoever that will be there for the common good of Deltans. We will partner with the government to ensure that resources are evenly distributed. We also use this medium to salute our patron, Hon. Ben Igbakpa, for his concern towards the growth of Delta Mega Forum. We appreciate the effort of Hon. Ben Igbakpa and Mrs. Pat Egere, who are there for us all the time.

How would you describe the activities of Ben Igbakpa in the Transport Ministry so far?

Hon. Igbakpa is a Commissioner in the Ministry of Transport, who has done so well. We thank Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for his appointment also and the opportunity to carry on. If you look at the Transport Ministry in Delta State, you will agree with me that we enjoy transportation more than other states in the country. Hon. Ben Igbakpa has made transportation in Delta State so cheap for the masses who are enjoying just because of Hon. Ben Igbakpa. He is everywhere to make sure the buses are truly for the masses but not_ for individuals. He is working tirelessly in his ministry to ensure those buses are properly organised for all routes in the state for the maximum use of the less privileged as well as the privileged ones in society.  We thank God for the strength given to him to operate. We give him kudos for a job well done.

Do you have any confidence in the ability of Hon. Solomon Golley, Ethiope West Council boss to deliver successfully at the end of histenure?

I thank God, he has been sworn in as the Chairman of the council. I believe he will take Ethiope West to the next level. We have confidence in him that those things we want in the local government area will be provided as the grassroots government. He will reach out to nearly everybody in the local government area. All will enjoy his government by given us good roads and others by adding to what Chief James Ibori did in the entire Ethiope West.  Ethiope West will enjoy the best under his leadership. By God’s grace, he is taking us to the next highest level of transformation.

Boko Haram insurgents are still troubling this nation; can you_ proffer solutions to this recurring problem? 

Boko Haram issue is almost becoming the issue of the past. I believe President Goodluck Jonathan is working tirelessly because nobody is happy about the killings of our brothers and sisters everyday in the Northern parts of the country. Nigeria is one irrespective of where you come from. By the special grace of God by the hand work of Mr. President and prayers of Nigerians, it will soon become a thing of the past.

Elections are around the corner and people are jostling for one position or the other, what is your advice to Nigerians at this critical moment? 

The advice to Nigerians who are clamouring to be in different positions, I believe that it should never be a do-or-die battle. They should do the one they can do and leave the rest for God because it is only one man that will be the President at a time. If God has ordained you when it is your time to go, no one can stop you. This is the reason why Delta Mega Forum came into being to build bridges of unity in Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

The post How Delta Mega Forum is building bridges, by Tietie appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Sam Akadoro  /  Special Correspondent, Sapele 

President-General of Ughievwen Union and Ekakpamre  community leader, Chief Mike Akponokan Oghenemine, has lamented what he described as “total and wicked” neglect of the Ekakpamre community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Delta State Oil Producing Area Development commission (DESOPADEC).

Ekakpamre is a major oil producing community of Delta State.

Oghenemine spoke while conducting journalist round the community to see things for themselves.

According to him, all efforts to make the two oil commissions reason with the oil rich community in its areas of need failed to yield result.

He was sad particularly with DESOPADEC because the commissioner representing Ughelli South and Udu Local Government areas showed no interest in the matter after long discussions with him except to make “empty promises”.

He wondered if Ekakpamre oil community was different, noting that NDDC and DESOPADEC were establish to carter for the oil producing communities to minimise youths and communal restiveness occasioned by poor or none provision of essential amenities and projects.

Ekakpamre is an oil producing community since 1962 to date where, due to major oil spillage and other oil and air pollution, has brought hardship to the people.

This is in addition to hunger and starvation visited on the people, as their major means of livelihood, farming and fishing, were totally destroyed by oil pollution.

The community leader bemoaned the fact that his people have nothing to show for the resources that are being exploited from their soil, adding, “Instead all they got is hardship, fake and failed promises, empty assurances; but how long can people endure?”

He warned that there is a limit to the extent the elders and community leaders could go in pacifying the youth to keep the peace and continued suffering in the midst of plenty while those who do not deserve it are enjoying it.

Oghenemine urged government to intervene fast before it becomes too late.

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By John Dugbe / Special Correspondent, Ughelli

Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief Political Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Monday Igbuya, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, have apologised to the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) following the recent ban placed on them by the UPU for betraying the Urhobo interest ahead of the 2015 election.

The ban forbids them from contesting elective positions, getting any appointment or performing in any Urhobo functions. But the duo have apologised to the Urhobo people through the apex body, UPU, for forgiveness.

The close door meeting where they tendered the apology was held at the residence of the UPU President General, Chief Joe Omene.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, led the delegation to assist them in pleading for mercy and softening the minds of UPU.

A source who briefed journalists immediately after meeting said: “They came to actually apologise to Urhobo nation through UPU for the wrongs they have done against Urhobo and negative comments made in recent past on pages of newspapers, thereby trying to reduce the strength of UPU in pursuing the governorship ticket to a logical conclusion.

“After much begging, they were asked to return the next day for further instruction thereafter,” the source said.

The post Amori, Igbuya beg for UPU forgiveness   appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Emma Arubi / Snr. Correspondent, Warri

The Miekoromo Family of Ayakoromo community in the Burutu Local Government area of Delta State has petitioned the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Warri, over alleged ostracism of its members by the community through the influence of 10 indigenes (names withheld) of the community

The petition was forwarded by their lawyers to the Area Commander and made available to the press.In the petition, Jones Miekoromo, Cyril Aremenbibolokaimi and Eseri Tuasinghan on behalf of the Miekoromo Family alleged that the entire members of their family were ostracised and excommunicated by the community through the influence of the said indigenes of the community for getting an order from a Federal High Court in Warri restraining the said indigenes and a company operating in the area for paying compensation/entitlement to the said indigenes pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction on the case.

The petitioners again alleged that rather than obey the court order, members of Miekoromo Family were excommunicated and ostracised by the community and that the action of the community has caused untold hardship to members of Miekoromo Family.

This is because any member of the community that contravenes the ostracism and excommunication order against the Miekoromos will be liable to N70,000 payment as fine, the petition added.

The post Family petitions police over ostracism by Ayakoromo community appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

A bloody crash over market boundary dispute between Ekiugbo and Otor-Iwhreko communities both in Ughelli North Local Government Area of _Delta State was averted by the timely intervention of security operatives from the 222 Army, Agbarha- Otor and policemen from Delta Central Area Police Command, Ughelli.

In the wake of the aborted bloody crash, Ekiugbo community leaders issued a communiqué calling on the Delta State government to intervene in order to resolve the boundary issue, which has been lingering for a long time between them and Iwherko community.

Ekiugbo community leaders alleged that Ughelli river had been serving as thenatural boundary between Ekiugbo and Otor-Iwherko communities until some years back when youths in Otor-Iwherko started crossing over to th other side of the river, which belongs to Ekiugbo people, to collect of daily levies from the food market and some streets stores in Ekiugbo land.

Secretary General of Ekiugbo community, Friday Erhude, said his community would not allow anybody or groups of persons, including Iwherko, community to trespassing on their land.

He said all peaceful moves to stop Iwherko people from encroaching into Ekiugbo land for the purpose of levy collections failed, adding that several peaceful protests to the traditional ruler of the kingdom and council chairman as well as the security operatives in the area did not also help the issue as Iwherko community youthsfailed to stop violent entry into the Ekiugbo community land.      Ekiugbo community further alleged that court and government agencies that are looking into the matter ordered or directed that no one should collect any form of levy from the foodstuff market until a decision is made by the court, the Iwherko community youths still go into the market on daily basis to harass the market women and other traders including Ekiugbo  people to extort money from them.

He said Ekiugbo community youths, therefore, organised a peaceful protest and mounted a signpost by the market bridge at the side of Ekiugbo land, adding that Otor-Iwherko youths on seeing the signboard started chanting war songs in preparation to fight Ekiugbo people.

He said Ekiugbo people have since removed the signboard as pleaded by the O/C222 Battalion, Agbarha Otor, but appealed to the government and other relevant authorities to intervene before it is too late, noting that Ekiugbo is a peace loving community but would not continue to fold her hands and watch strangers taking what is rightfully belongs to her.

Stating their own side of the story, Otor-Iwhreko claimed  that Ughelli main market and food stuff market separated by the river are one and both belonged to them. They further alleged that their forefathers collected such levies from both sides of the river unchallenged. Iwhreko community explained that they were aggrieved when they woke up to see a signboard on the side of Ekiugbo community by the bank of the river indicating that where the signboard is standing was the boundary between the two communities while the matter is still pending in the court of law and no judgement to their knowledge has been delivered, wondering how such signpost be there.

Iwherko community while speaking through Iwhreko Community Electoral Committee  chairman, Roy Anthony, denied going to the market to collect any levy following the standing order of a court, alleging that the issue has taken the life of one their sons from late Chief Odugbo family during the reign of Late Oke of Ekiugbo.

He there, therefore, called for urgent intervention by the state government in order to end the issue and save the situation from escalating.

The post Resolving border dispute between Ekiugbo, Otor-Iwhreko communities appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

DELTA State Commissioner for Youth Development, Omolubi Newuwumi, has declared that the congresses held outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Sapele are null and void.

He cautioned politicians on the need to always play the game of politics according to the rules. The commissioner said such congresses may lead the youths to violent confrontations.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recent PDP primaries for the House of Assembly candidates in Sapele, noting that the party and its aspirants must insist on strict adherence to party guidelines.

“People should understand that the party’s guidelines are bye-laws which forms the party constitution and therefore must be respected by all irrespective of persons,” he noted.

While warning that Sapele should not be made as a point of violence, Omolubi stated that as a stakeholder in Sapele, having headed the vigilante group that brought peace to the people of the town, aspiring politicians should conduct themselves to avoid a breach of the existing peace.

Omolubi, who frowned at the parallel congress held with the connivance of one of the party aspirants at the party secretariat, noted that the Sapele Township Stadium was the duly scheduled venue for the congress and therefore any election held there at the party secretariat was null and void.

“It is the right of the party executives at the local government area to recommend venue for party primaries; in Sapele, the stadium was the venue recommended by the party LGA and the state upheld, so any primary held outside the stadium is null and void.

“Our party and the good people of Sapele should know that the duly certified Returning Officer was there at the stadium.

“He has the mandate to conduct and announce the election but one of the aspirants left and went to the party secretariat to hold a parallel congress, which I think was going too far and might have led to violence.

“One person cannot cause violence in Sapele and our youth should not be used as tools for perpetrating one,” he said

He also urged the youths of Delta State to be well informed of the happenings around them in order for them not be misled in any given situation.

The post ‘Congresses held in Sapele PDP secretariat null, void’ appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Author of the Christian, ‘Our Daily Manna’, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, has described the developmental strides of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State as phenomenal.

The cleric said this when the Governor went to commiserate with him on the death of his father, Stephen Kwakpovwe, at Ughelli in the Ughelli North Local Government area of the state.

“You (Dr Uduaghan) are one of the most hardworking Governors in Nigeria,” Kwakpovwe said, adding: “We are proud of your achievements, the development in Delta State is obvious even to your critics.”

Kwakpovwe, whose father died at the age of 90 years, also described Uduaghan as a humble man who should be emulated by other Nigerian leaders.

He urged those working with the Governor to always be loyal and committed to their job.

Uduaghan, accompanied by members of his Executive Council, had commiserated with Kwakpovwe on the demise of his father whose death, he said, deserved to be celebrated for living till 90 years and having the Bishop as son. The Governor commended the Bishop for “impacting positively on the lives of the people”.

He noted that Delta State is a great beneficiary of the programmes and prayers of the cleric.

The post Cleric commends development stride of Uduaghan appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Emma Arubi  / Snr. Correspondent, Warri

The one-week ultimatum handed down to Itsekiri and Ijaw leaders to resolve the issues hampering President Goodluck Jonathan from performing the ground breaking ceremony of the $16 billion Delta Gas City project at Ogidigben in the Warri South-West Local Government area of Delta State has been described as unfair, unjust and oppressive to the Itsekiri people.

President of Ekuomagbe Social Club, Warri, Emoefe Omorhowhovvo, said it was wrong for the Minister of Petroleum Resources to give such ultimatum knowing full well that the government acquired the EPZ land from the Itsekiri people.

According to him, the Ijaws of Gbaramatu should have made all the protest during the land acquisition period as required by government published notices, noting that the whole process was advertised for the public to see and act accordingly.

Omorhowhovvo, who said his son attended Ogididgben Grammar School in the olden days, restated that the town belongs to the Ugborodo Itsekiri people and that was why when the headquarters of the Warri South-West was sited at Ogidigben, the Ijaws protested and even burnt down the community.

They did similar thing to Kantu community and even Kpokpo, which they claimed to belong to them.

He condemned the recent abduction of 14 journalists on legitimate duties and called for a probe of the incident, as some persons of Gbaramatu extraction were said to have spoken with the abducted journalists right inside the community where they were taken to and tortured.

He berated the Ijaw leader, Chief Bare Itolor, for insisting that the Itsekiri should forget court judgment in their favour, saying it is the height irresponsibility to advise people with genuine ownership claim to a property to forfeit same to some other persons because they have chosen the path of violence. “I took my son to Ogidigben to school there. It is an Itsekiri community. How can the Ijaws of Gbaramatu come to lay claim to the land because a project has been sited there.  “If they want to be incorporated in the project, it should be by negotiation and not violence. This violence by the Ijaws is taking a new dimension entirely.

“Very soon every tribe would acquire guns to defend themselves. This action by the Federal Government is purely against the Itsekiri interest and it is inhuman and oppressive by all standards,” he maintained.

Itsekiri Leaders of Thought Secretary, Mr. Edward Ekpoko, told Daily Independence in a telephone interview that the ultimatum is blackmail against the Itsekiri and that it was intended to make the Itsekiri succumb to the Ijaw threat to share their land with them, noting that they would not accept it.

The post FG unfair to Itsekiri, Ijaw over EPZ tussle, says Urhobo group appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Daniel Abia  / Snr Correspondent, Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off another round of its popular Free Health Care Medical Programme.

The programme covers different communities in the Niger Delta region as part of the commission’s commitment to enhance better healthcare delivery to the people.

Flagging off the free health programme, Managing Director of the NDDC, Bassey Dan-Abia, said over one million people have benefitted from it in the last 10 years.

He said: “Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has empowered us in the NDDC to bridge the gap in healthcare in the Niger Delta region by bringing qualitative healthcare to the good people of the region, close to where they live, work and play.”

In his address at the flag-off ceremony of the weeklong free healthcare programme which the NDDC organised in conjunction with Global Hands Medicare Foundation, Dan-Abia said it was meant to bring healthcare to the door-steps of rural dwellers and communities.

The NDDC MD, who was represented by Dr. Solomon Ita, NDDC Acting Director, Education, Health and Social Services, said no less than 900,000 people have benefited from the free medical services for various health issues since the programme started 14 years ago.

He stated that the commission was determined to make a difference in the health sector through the engagement of relevant partners such as Global Hand Medicare Foundation, Goldspin Healthcare, Total Health-Minders Foundation and others.

According to the MD, “It is time to say farewell to endemic disease and ignorance, a time to embrace healthcare brought to our doorsteps, free of charge.

“The NDDC in partnership with Total Health Minders Foundation mission came to look into those health issues that have become endemic burdens to you.”

The NDDC boss said at the end of the free health mission, “the sick shall be healed, the visually impaired will see and given a new lease of life because sight is life.

“Women with fibroid and men with hernia will be given succor from these ailments. By the time this exercise is over, we would have left you a healthier and happier people.”

Coordinator of Total Health Foundation, Dr. Hyginus Onyejiuwa, said the NDDC-sponsored free medical mission made it possible for her organisation to assemble medical experts in different areas of specialisation to attend to the needs of people who may not otherwise have access to such highly qualified medical personnel.

She said 282 patients were tested for HIV/AIDS and 16 of them were found to be positive to the HIV virus.

According to Prof. Ejele, 1,479 cases were treated, including 21 surgeries, 108 dental cases and 365 laboratory investigations.

He said 156 patients were screened for HIV/AIDS and only two persons were found to be positive. “Fortunately, Ebola is not here yet and we pray that it will never get here,” he said.

Chairman of the Odukpani Local government area, Bassey Eyo, commended the NDDC for bringing the free medical programme to his locality, noting that the council was always ready to collaborate with agencies and organisations of the Federal Government that provide needed services to the rural areas.

In another development, over 1,177 people have received free treatment for sight, dental and other ailments following collaboration between the NDDC and Universal Medicare Foundation.

They were treated in the course of a free medical programme at Enyiogugu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government area of Imo State.

Coordinator of Global Hands Foundation, Etim Onukak, lauded the NDDC for providing the free health mission for the rural people. According to him, over 1,177 general outpatient cases have been undertaken by the team.

In his response, paramount ruler of Ezigaragu autonomous community, Eze Ezinna Madu, thanked the Federal Government for the gesture.

He noted that the health programme came at a time many people in the villages were finding it difficult to access healthcare facilities.

“We deeply appreciate this programme,” the monarch added.

The post NDDC begins free healthcare in N’Delta communities appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Francis Onoiribholo /  Bureau Chief, Benin

A five-year vision of action plan aimed at deepening and strengthening the focus of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) on academic content, quality and excellence has been approved by the Board of Trustees of the fund.

Executive Secretary of the fund, Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro, disclosed this at a South  South capacity building workshop on Entrepreneurship Development in Public Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, which took place at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi,  Edo State.

Bogoro said the five-year period would span from 2014 to 2019, assuring that TETFUND would continue to play its role towards ensuring positive transformation in the education sector in order to key into the overall transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

The Executive Secretary, who spoke through Corporate Affairs Officer, Mrs. Joy Anenih, recalled that the approval of N100 million by President Jonathan in 2011 for the establishment of entrepreneurship centres in each federal and state universities across the country was a demonstration of his commitment towards promoting entrepreneurship education in Nigeria.

He noted that the current global trend indicated that entrepreneurship has become a major component of economic growth, adding that a developing country like Nigeria with huge population could not afford _to lag behind, a situation according to him, necessitated the need to promote agriculture, service industry, metal and non-mental fabrication and chemical /allied ventures development in educational institutions to achieve self-sufficiency.

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By Francis Onoiribholo /  Bureau Chief, Benin

The year 2014 intending Christian pilgrims in Edo State have been advised to conduct themselves in a manner that is morally and _spiritually upright, while in Rome and Israel.

Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, gave the advice in Benin City at a pre-pilgrimage retreat. The retreat has as its theme: “Pilgrimage: A tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth”.

Maigida stated that the journey to the holy land gives opportunity for Christians to develop a new mindset and conduct themselves in a manner that is Christ-like.

She, however, stressed that the purpose of pilgrimage is to seek spirituality and not for commercial purpose.

Delivering a paper entitled: “Pilgrimage, A Spiritual Exercise”,Chairman of the state Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board,  Rt. Rev. Peter Imasuen, emphasised that the spiritual benefits of holy pilgrimage are numerous. Imasuen, who is also the Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Benin, however, admonished the Christian pilgrims to believe and hope that at the pilgrimage they will experience spiritual renewal and testimonies will abound.

On his part, Secretary of the soard, Sir Patrick Ihayere, who also delivered a paper on the theme: “Using Pilgrimage as a Tool for Moral and Spiritual Rebirth,” admonished the intending pilgrims to be thankful to God, prayerful and seek His face for solutions in whatsoever challenges they face.

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By Emma Arubi  /  Snr. Correspondent, Warri

Youths in Ugborodo community under the aegis of Ugborodo Graduates Association (UGA), have charged a retired military officer, Satchie Etoromi, to respect the rule of law and stop calling judgment of court of competent jurisdiction fraudulent.

The UGA also congratulated Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Dieziani Alison- Madueke on her recent election as the OPEC President.

The body, which frowned at statement from some persons over the EPZ issue, expressed regret that the likes of Etoromi were allegedly misleading the youths to take actions that are not in line with civilised behaviour.

Etoromi allegedly stated that the judgment got by the Itsekiri against the Gbaramatu Ijaw was obtained fraudulently, thus bringing the judiciary into disrepute, according to the body.

The group, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Esiategiwa Mino, and Peter Olowu, Publicity secretary, stated that land is not owned by words of mouth but by historical and legal documents, saying that by all facts of law and history, the EPZ land belongs to the Itsekiri Ugborodo people and that the court records are there for everybody to verify them.

UGA further charged President Goodluck Jonathan to fix another a date for the ground breaking ceremony for the EPZ project, saying the threat of violence by a section of the Ijaw of Gbaramatu should not be enough reason to abandon such economically viable project that would create jobs for thousands of youths across the nation.

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By Francis Onoiribholo  / Bureau Chief, Benin

President of Virtuous Touch International Initiative, Mrs. Joy Onofurho, has re-affirmed her resolve to empower women in Nigeria.

She disclosed this at the organisation’s 12th year anniversary ceremony in Benin City.  Pastor Onofurho stated that many lives had been transformed by the educative, enlightenment and empowerment programmes of the organisation, adding that initiatives were sponsored by the group since its establishment.

She, however, noted that, the group is committed to raising a formidable team of women who would transform Nigeria and the world as well as give solace to needy women and those who have been sexually, physically, emotionally and mentally abused.

Listing some of the achievements of the group, the cleric said that over 500 women have so far benefited from training programmes in catering, management and craft organised across 27 states where it has chapters.

She said the group also distributed items, including cash, house equipment, working equipment and food stuff to alleviate the suffering of the needy in society. Pastor Onofurho told newsmen that her passion to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian women and make them independent motivated her to create a channel through which she contributes her quota to put smiles on women faces.

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By Francis Onoiribholo  / Bureau, Chief Benin

Executive Director, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, has bagged an award as the Best Graduating Student of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

The Tony Elumehi Foundation conferred the award on him during the convocation ceremony of the university.

Speaking on the award, Idogun, who described it as, “very significant,” said that despite the tedious activities associated with his official duties while studying for the master’s programme, he was_ able to emerge the best graduating masters student in business_ administration.

He thanked the Tony Elumehi Foundation for the honour done him, saying, “I dedicate the award to God, my employer, the Comrade Governor of Edo State and my daughter.”

Idogun praised the development strides of Governor Oshiomhole, which he said culminated in transformation of the education and health sectors as well as development of road infrastructure across the nooks and crannies of the state, while noting that the era of political propaganda was over in the state,.

Idogun pointed out that the revolution in Edo State speaks volumes about the All Progressives Party (APC) achievements in Edo State, adding that remains the party to beat at elections. He assured that the state governor, would leave no stone unturned towards completing all projects before the expiration of his tenure.

Idogun attended Holy Trinity Primary School where he obtained his first leaving certificate in 1974 before leaving for St_ George’s Grammar School, Obinomba, where he obtained his West African_ School Certificate in 198.__ He took up employment with the Bendel Cement Company, Okpella, before proceeding to the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma, where he _obtained his degree in economics beside emerging the best graduating student with Second Class Upper.

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Bayelsa State Government has met with the management of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in a bid to resolve a number of issues bordering on crude oil production output within the state and the country generally, as well as the challenges being faced by the company.

A statement by Daniel Iworiso-Markson,

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, said other issues raised at the meeting presided over by Governor Seriake Dickson, included the broken down power plant, provided by Agip that has been supplying electricity to the three communities on the Brass Island in Brass local government area of the state, which are Ewoama, Okpoama and Twon Brass.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting with officials of the state government and that of AGIP in Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, urged Nigerian Agip Oil Company to consider utilising local content in the repair of some of its facilities.

Expressing confidence in the capabilities of local technicians, the Deputy Governor underscored the need for the oil company to utilise them in order to build their potential.

According to him, the problem of power outage on the Brass Island has been a recurrent issue during Executive Council meetings, as it was hampering socioeconomic activities in the area.

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By Jude Ehebha  / Special Correspondent, Ekpoma

A state High Court sitting in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State has delivered judgment in favour of Anglican Church _in a land dispute between the church and Onogie of Uromi, HRH Zaiki Anslem Aidenojie.

Delivering judgment, Justice A. Oyakhilome held that Anglican Church is the rightful owner of the land, measuring 3735.678 square meters, situated at the junction of Uromi/Ubiaja Road, having obtained an absolute grant from the great-grand father of the monarch (defendant) in 1930. The court consequently granted the church’s claim and awarded damages of N1 million and legal cost of N15,000 against the defendant.

The judgment is the second legal victory recorded by the church in eight years on same land, as one Gregory Okpere had laid claim to the same land, leading to court action, at the end of which judgment was delivered in church’s favour by Justice D. I. Okungbowa on October 17, 2006.

The learned judge ruled that there were credible evidence before the court, based on exhibits provided by the claimant, that the church is the rightful owner, and dismissed the claim by the defendant that the church was a customary tenant. He said the defendant could not provide the court with credible evidence, saying that his claims were mere ‘hear say’, as evidenced by his testimonies before court, during which he only said his father told him the land belonged to the palace of Uromi.

The judge also held that the nonchallenge of the church’s occupation of the land for 83 years was at variance with “common sense”, adding that there was evidence that the claimant was in total possession of the land before the defendant’s invasion on January 2, 2014.

The judge also frowned at the behaviour of the monarch while testifying before the court, during which he feigned ignorance of the existence of Anglican Church in Uromi, an act the judge viewed as a proof of his bias against Anglican faith.

Diocese of Esan, Anglican Communion had through it counsel, Gabriel Giwa-Amu, in a suit number HCU/1/2014 dragged the monarch before the court for trespass on its land and obtained an injunction restraining the monarch, his servants, agents or privies from entering and/or in anyway trespassing and interferring with the claimant’s entire land in dispute till the determination of the case.

The claimant had alleged that the defendant had without his permission on January, 2 brought in traitors and commenced building of commercial stores on the said land, and had demanded N5 million as damages.

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Rev. Franklin Iheme of African Episcopal Methodist Zion Church (AEMZC) has urged Nigerians to unite and always show love to one another for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt.

Iheme, who spoke against the backdrop of the insurgency problem ravaging the North East, said that with love and understanding, every evil was surmountable.

The cleric condemned the killings and spate of bomb blasts in the North East, stressing that “love and understanding can heal wounds and transform the nation into an enviable position.

“Our problem to a larger extent is not the leadership but us, if we can love ourselves, violence will be a thing of the past.

“What we require to put an end to this madness of hatred and bloodletting is to embrace love and see ourselves as sisters and brothers.’’

He wondered how a blessed country like Nigeria could not forge ahead with one love, adding that love was the panacea to all kinds of violence.

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