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Subsidy Removal : How Oborevwori Lifted The Spirits Of Delta Workers

BY DENNIS OTU

They were expectant. They longed for a relief. They had gone on borrowing here and there to make ends meet. Going to work every day had become a major problem to many of them, no thanks to the untold hardship brought upon them by the removal of fuel subsidy by the APC led Federal Government and suddenly they got more than what they ever bargained for. And they are elated that he came to their rescue at the right time. They cannot stop singing the praises of the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to high heavens for lifting their spirits to another planet.

“I am pleased to report that this administration has taken decisive steps to improve the welfare of our workers, which is an integral part of the MORE agenda.  To cushion the hardship our people are facing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and the downward spiral of the naira against the dollar, I have approved the payment of Ten Thousand (N10, 000.00) naira to the fifty thousand, one hundred and ninety-six workers (50,196) in the state public service for the next three months starting from August.  The staff figure includes employees of the ten higher institutions in the state”, those were the words of the  State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori at the Swearing-in ceremony of Commissioners.

The words of the Governor touched the hearts of the workers, coming at a very bleak time in their lives  when feeding in most homes has become unbearable. To the workers, they have seen poverty walking with four legs in their lives since President Bola Tinubu without a second thought decided to flush fuel subsidy down the drain. But Governor Oborevwori who expressed concern about the spiral effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the people has taken bold steps to wipe away the endless cries of the workers and now they are happy for it. Their tears were wiped away when the Governor said that  they are now to run shifts. This is apart from the #10, 000 that they are to be receiving from August, 2023. Indeed, celebration time is here for the workers.

“Furthermore, I have approved that workers from salary grade Levels 1-14 should run shifts as follows: First Batch: (Monday – Wednesday) Second Batch:  (Thursday – Friday). This schedule will be implemented on a rotational basis. Those who work from Monday-Wednesday in one week will work Thursday to Friday the following week to ensure fairness and equity.  The schedule for officers from salary grade Levels 15 and above is to be worked out by the various MDAs as it is suitable for them. However, staff on essential services must be on duty while working remotely is also encouraged. The other arms of government – the judiciary and legislature – are to work out their modalities as they deem fit”, the Governor said.

Governor Oborevwori also used the opportunity to say that; “As you are aware, local government workers are not under the administration of the state.  However, we have held consultations with the leadership of ALGON and it is our earnest expectation that ALGON will implement the same palliative measures for its workers”.

“In line with my electoral promise, I recently approved the payment of outstanding promotion arrears to twenty-three thousand, eight hundred and eighty-seven (23,887) workers in the state public service. The total amount payable is five billion, five hundred and twenty-two million, six hundred and thirty-seven thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight naira, and five kobo (N5, 522,637, 848.05). The payment commences from this month of August and will be made in four tranches as follows: Ministries: Judiciary, Parastatals, (August), Hospital Management (September), Higher Institutions ( October), Post Primary Education Board ( November)”, he said

” To the glory of God, the thorny issue of unpaid local government pensions is nearing final resolution. My administration helped to secure legislative approval for the local government councils to obtain a N40b bank loan to enable them liquidate their backlog of pension liabilities. The loan, which is guaranteed by the state government, is payable over a five-year period, and will be deducted from the accounts of the local government councils. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the payment of the pensions should commence soon.

“I have also given the nod for the local government councils to recruit teaching and non-teaching staff to fill up existing vacancies. At least 2,000 persons will be gainfully employed through this process. In due course, we shall carry out comprehensive audit of physical infrastructure in our primary and secondary schools to enable us know where there are gaps and respond accordingly. My administration will spare no expense in providing the conducive climate essential for high quality learning experiences in our schools”, Governor Oborevwori said.

These are really difficult  times for the workers and with succour given to them by the Governor who knows their pains, they cannot but continue to pray for him and his administration and truly they cannot forget in a jiffy that beautiful Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 when Governor Oborevwori gave them breath of fresh air that lifted their already battered spirits. Now they have bounced back to life, thanks to Governor Oborevwori who feels their pains.

DENNIS OTU IS THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT (MEDIA) TO THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE.

Odinigwe Calls For Teamwork As He Assumes Office

BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/CHIKA KWAMBA

Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Daniel Odinigwe, reiterated the essential role of teamwork in realizing the MORE agenda under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

Hon. Odinigwe made this assertion while addressing members and staff of his ministry at the Chile Edozien Secretariat in Asaba during his assumption of office yesterday.

He expressed his contentment and appreciation for everyone in attendance, emphasizing his commitment to collaborate with all, irrespective of their positions.

Upon assuming office, Odinigwe conducted a comprehensive tour of the ministry’s parastatals. Among these was the Delta State Caption Data Center, responsible for collecting biometric data of Civil Servants, NYSC personnel, and Nurses. He also visited the incubation center, which he mentioned required some improvements to become fully operational.

He stated, “Initiating this office with a tour, I realized that we must all work together as a team before embarking on any projects. Our next step is to visit the ICT hub, which is already functioning well. I’m pleased to see young individuals engaging in various programs, such as robotics coding and other ICT-related activities. Let’s collaborate with like-minded individuals to deliver the MORE agenda to the people of Delta State, including advancements in science, technology, and ICT.”

The Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mr. Rocky Ighoyota, welcomed the Commissioner to the ministry and guided him on inspections of key facilities, including the Delta State Innovation Hub along DBS road, the Data Caption Centre at Government House, the Technology Incubation Centre along Cenotaph, and project E-Delta at the State Secretariat, accompanied by other directors.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr.Daniel Odinigwe, provided the Commissioner with an overview of the various departments and their responsibilities.

He congratulated Hon. Odinigwe on his new appointment and assured him of the ministry’s support, pledging to ensure the successful fulfillment of the MORE agenda. “We have faith in your capacity, and we promise to support and assist you in achieving the goals of the MORE agenda,” he affirmed.

Jamani Visits Parastatal Under Ministry Of Environment 

In it’s determination to achieve the mandate of the state on cleaner environment, Delta State Ministry of Environment and it’s Agencies, have developed plans of action in mitigating operational constraints.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr Jamani Tommy Ejiro made this statement when he paid an scheduled visit to the agencies and Board under the ministry, he was accompanied by the permanent secretary of the ministry Dr. Mrs Minnie Oseji and other staff of the ministry.
The visit was aimed at getting a first hand information about the activities of the agencies and to see how to improve on the already existing programs in order to advance environmental sector.

The first point of call was the Delta State Environmental Protection Agency.

The Honourable Commissioner, directed that a comprehensive reports of the agency’s activities and accompanying requests should put into writing .

The Commissioner was conducted round by the General Manager Mr Victor Chuks Okolie the General Manager, Delta State Environmental Protection Agency (DELSEPA) welcomed the Honourable Commissioner with his entourage, then highlighted the activities of the agency and the need to address some of the challenges and their prospects.
Before leaving, the Honourable commissioner took time to address the staff,. Urging them to be proactive and give their best in the interest of the State.

Other agencies visited include, NEWMAP which is set up to handle erosion in the state.
Mr Jamani stressed that the agency is critical to Government because of their role. he directed the project coordinator Mr Benedict Nwaokocha to brief him about the state of the office in writing to enable him take necessary actions going forward .

At the Delta State Waste Management Board, the Honourable Commissioner and his team was received by Mr Steve Idogun director Admin said they should ensure that the waste managers were well dressed for safety and maintain good personal hygiene.
Thanking the staff for their warm reception, the Honourable Commissioner called for a more coordinated management of Private Sector Participants (PSPs) within the state.
Mr Steve Idogun the most senior director Delta State Wast Management Board briefed the Commissioner on the activities and functions of the Board, to ensure a clean, hygiene and healthy environment to avoid incidence of epidemic in the state.

The scheduled visits came to it climax when the Honourable commissioner visited the Integrated Waste Management Facility along Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government in Delta state.
He called for collaboration with waste managers in the state .
He stated that there is need for the Facility to help in actualising fund for the state.
Accessing the Integrated facility at Ibusa, he
said there were quite some challenges, which he believe that the government and the operator can identify those challenges and come up with way forward so that the facility could be put into more use, to enable final proper disposal of waste in the state.
Adding that there was need to look at the sources of funding so as to sustain it.
The Ministry also need to create more awareness by sensitizing the general public for them to know that the facility is available”.
Speaking on the way forward he said that the Ministry would sit with the authorities and come up with action plan on how to move it forward.
Further stated that there is need to articulate where and how government can come in.
Responding, Sir. Victor Chuks Okolie the General Manager, Delta State Environmental Protection Agency (DELSEPA) welcomed the Honourable Commissioner with his entourage, then highlighted the activities of the agency and the need to address some of the challenges and their prospects.

Key Into Oborevwori’s Agenda, Senior POLAD Tells Group

Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State governor, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo  has charged Deltans to consolidate on the victory of the governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Aguariavwodo  gave the charge while playing host to executives of a political group, Sheriffied Better Delta 2023, at his office in Asaba.

He  urged them to mobilise people to rally behind  the governor so as to enable him achieve his agenda.

While congratulating them for their struggle in the last election, the Senior Political Adviser, advised them to support the visions of the governor, by sensitizing those around them on the need to help keep a cleaner environment so as to project the  good image of the governor.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Comrade Austin Nwaza expressed gratitude to the governor on his choice of a political adviser.

Nwaza while speaking on behalf of the group, he called for empowerment, appointment and their inclusiveness in training programs by the state government.

Osubi Water Project Rehabilitation To Be Completed Soon- Wilkie

Osubi Water Project Rehabilitation To Be Completed Soon- Wilkie

By Ifeanyi Uwagwu/Jumai Nwachukwu

The State Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Dr Tosan Wilkie, has assured residents of Osubi, that the rehabilitation of the Osubi water project would be completed soon.

He made this promise, yesterday, when he visited the water project at Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of the state,, as part of his inspection tour to ascertain the state of water projects across the State.

While assessing the project, which is still ongoing, he tasked the contractor handling the project to do a job that the community and all Deltans would be proud of.

“I want to use this opportunity to ask the contractor handling this project to not just bring back this project to completion, but to ensure that it is a project that everyone, not just the residents but Deltans would be proud of. We have a standard in Delta State and that standard is quality. That would make Deltans know that this administration is taking them seriously in finding lasting solutions to the different issues they may face”, he said

He also made some observations to the contractor, such as the need to increase the height of the well-head, to prevent it from being submerged during flooding, while also paying attention to the sanitary aspect of the project.

Wilkie then called for the observation of the Bill of Quantity (BOQ) of the project, so as to ensure that all conditions of the project as stipulated are delivered by the contractor, while assuring that the stop work order placed on the project due to environmental assessment and relocation plans would be resolved, in order to deliver the project in no time.

DTSG Committed To Improving Water Supply

By Ifeanyi Uwagwu

The Delta State Government is taking significant strides to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG), which centers on ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.

This commitment was reaffirmed by Dr. Tosan Wilkie, the State Commissioner for Water Resources Development, during his inspection tour of water projects across the State, yesterday.

Dr. Wilkie emphasized the importance of this tour as a preparatory step for the task ahead. He aimed to gauge the current status of water projects in the state and their compliance with key performance indicators.

He remarked, “Since my recent assumption of office, it is imperative to assess the existing water projects to equip myself for the upcoming responsibilities and ensure efficient results delivery, aligning with the expectations of the people of Delta State.”

During his assessments, Dr. Wilkie expressed contentment with the progress of the projects inspected. He assured that the government would take sustainable measures to eliminate water scarcity, making it a thing of the past in the state.

He called upon communities to take ownership of these water projects within their respective areas to prevent vandalism and damage. He stressed that this  collaborative effort would ensure that the government remains motivated to further assist these communities, in accordance with the M.O.R.E Agenda set forth by the Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration.

Additionally, Dr. Wilkie advocated for educating the beneficiaries of these water projects about their rights and privileges, including their ability to extend water lines to their homes.

The inspected water projects included the Evwreni Water project, Ovwodokpokpor Water Project, and Otovwodo Water Projects, all located in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Additionally, the Osubi Water project in Okpe Local Government Area and the Obodougwa Sanitary Project in Ndokwa West Local Government Area were assessed.

Accompanying Dr. Wilkie on this inspection were key members of the team, including Dr. Charles Diai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Engr. Tony Unuafe, General Manager of Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA); and Engr. Clement Adiotomre, responsible for rural and urban projects within the state.

Remain Peaceful To Attract Devt, Aguariavwodo Charges Youths

The Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State governor, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has charged youths in the state to remain peaceful so as attract development in their communities.

Aguariavwodo gave the charge when he received executives of the Urhobo National Youth Movement (UNYM) at his office in Asaba.

He said embracing peace, was the way to enhance meaningful development, which the MORE Agenda of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori would deliver to all Deltans.

While assuring them of government support, the Senior POLAD admonished them to be expectant of more development from the Oborevwori’s administration.

Speaking the Chairman of the socio cultural group, Hon. Chief James Majomi appealed for consideration of appointment for members of the group.

Majomi requested that the group which was highly recognized by the state ministry of youth, be involved in all youth related activities in the state.

He also demanded that a forum be created for youths in the state to meet so as to ensure peaceful co- existence and development in the state.

The Chairman also appealed that the state government considers dolling out palliative measures that would directly impact youths in the state.

Group Knocks Rivers Governor, Fubara Over Pipelines Surveillance Contract to “One Man”

An oil and gas monitoring group, the Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change (NDIMRC) has rained heavy knocks on the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara for saying it was wrong to award such the pipelines Surveillance contract to ‘one man’.

The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, fumed over the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services led by former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemepulo (aka Tompolo) by the Federal Government.

The governor said in Port Harcourt that it was wrong to award such a contract to ‘one man’.

He said the decision would not achieve the objective it was meant to serve because,in his view, an individual should not have control over the assets in another’s territory.

Though the Governor failed to mention a name, he told a high powered Federal Government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, that “Security of pipeline should not be given to one man or one person.”

The team also comprises Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources, Ekperipe Ekpo; Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

He said: “How can someone from Kalabari be controlling the pipeline in Ogoni? There is no way it will work. We must look at bringing all the key people in the various communities.

But the oil and gas monitoring group, (NDIMRC), said that the Governor was not being fair to the people of the Niger Delta Region and other stakeholders and implored President Bola Tinubu to be wary of the Governor and also call him to order now for interest of peace.

In an open letter to President Tinubu, the group expressed shock over the ultrances of the Rivers State Governor, saying that his words were capable of disrupting the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta Region, saying that since the pipelines Surveillance Contract was awarded by the administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari to Tompolo, the region has known peace and crude oil thieves milking the nation dry put under control.

Nelly Emma, John Sailor, and Stanley Mukoro, President, Secretary, and Public Relations Officers respectively of NDIMRC, said in the open letter to the President that while illegal oil dealers are enemies of the country, mischief-makers and crude oil thieves are actively working to prevent renewal of the contract because it has crumbled their illicit empires, saying that; “We hate to believe that the Governor of Rivers is encouraging these enemies of the nation who are stealing our crude oil for selfish reasons”.

They wrote; “Mr President, we must say that we were shocked by the ultrances of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 when he played host to high powered Federal Government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. His words are capable of generating bad blood among the peace loving people of the Niger Delta Region. We have been wondering since he said such things if the Rivers State Governor is a beneficiary of crude oil thieves in the Region because it is only those romancing with crude oil thieves and enemies of the country could have made such a very sensitive statement at a time when Tompolo through his company, Tantita has been able to chase away crude oil thieves from our Creeks. It should be made clear that Tantita is just a coordinator of the good job that Tompolo is doing as every community handle their own job and Mr President, this has brought peace to everyone and we are not going to allow the Rivers State Governor to cause bad blood among the people”.

They also wrote that; ” The Rivers State Governor MUST not be allowed to destroy the good work of the Federal Government. The Governor of Rivers State know very well that before Tantita, people were unable to dry their clothes openly in Rivers state as a result of the activities of crude oil thieves, but all that has been checked and changed by Tompolo and Tantita. Let it be known that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is one of the beneficiaries of Tantita, the records are there for all to see. Before the contract was awarded to Tompolo, the current governor of Rivers State and other stakeholders were aware of it and commended it. Why is the Governor singing a different song now? Has the Governor compromised his conscience to oil crude thieves in the Region? The Governor should be grateful to Tantita and he should also be happy that he was visited on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 by the Federal Government team even though he was RUDE to members of the team.
Please, Mr President, encourage the National Security Adviser (NSA), Ribadu and the Department of State Services (DSS) to name and shame those behind the illicit oil deals in the region”.

They said that; “We are by this open letter to Mr President tasking the NNPCL and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to reveal the names of those behind illegal oil bunkering, because it is the only drastic and decisive measures by the government would deter operators of the illegal industry. When the current NSA was the Chairman of the EFCC, he did very well in the fight against corruption and so we are expecting him to support NNPCL fully in fighting corruption in the oil sector for our production to go up and the common man will benefit greatly,” it stated.

“We want to let the President and the whole world know that Tompolo means well for our nation and those kicking against the renewal of his pipeline surveillance contract are out to frustrate the efforts of a selfless man who is opposed to the selfish interests of a few as against the general interests of the nation and the people,” they said.

They further wrote that; “Some disgruntled ex-militants who are opposed to the contract awarded by former President Buhari are working hand-in-hand with those stealing our oil and they have vowed to ensure that the pipeline contract to Tompolo is not renewed. Mr. President, these people do not mean well for your administration and the Nigerian people, and we are pleading with you not to listen to them”.

“Mr President, the former militant groups who are urging you against renewing the contract for Tompolo do not mean well for your administration. Oil production data has shown that renewing the contract for Tompolo is in the interest of the country’s economy. We want to commend how Tompolo-led Tantita has helped to beat oil bunkerers to their own game, because oil production has gone up and more money has been generated by the Federal Government, thanks to the relentless efforts of Tompolo. The pipeline surveillance contract is also germane to growing peace that has engendered unhindered oil exploration and exploitation activities across the areas. We are satisfied with his protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure, eradication of oil bunkering, and increased generation of internal revenue and therefore the Federal Government should go ahead and renew his pipelines surveillance contract and the likes of the Rivers state Governor who are entitled to their rights and opinions should not be listened to”, they wrote in the open letter.

“We want to let the President and the whole world know that Tompolo means well for our nation and those kicking against the renewal of his pipeline surveillance contract are out to frustrate the efforts of a selfless man who is opposed to the selfish interests of a few as against the general interests of the nation and the people. Some disgruntled ex-militants who are opposed to the contract awarded by former President Buhari are working hand-in-hand with those stealing our oil and they have vowed to ensure that the pipeline contract to Tompolo is not renewed. Mr. President, these people do not mean well for your administration and the Nigerian people, and we are pleading with you not to listen to them and in the same vien, be wary of the Rivers State Governor and do not fail to call him to order and the time to do that is NOW! He was not friendly at all to the Federal Government delegation to Rivers State on Saturday”, they also wrote.

In their words also; “Mr President, the former militant groups who are urging you against renewing the contract for Tompolo do not mean well for your administration. Oil production data has shown that renewing the contract for Tompolo is in the interest of the country’s economy. We want to commend how Tompolo-led Tantita has helped to beat oil bunkerers to their own game, because oil production has gone up and more money has been generated by the Federal Government, thanks to the relentless efforts of Tompolo. The pipeline surveillance contract is also germane to growing peace that has engendered unhindered oil exploration and exploitation activities across the areas. We are satisfied with his protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure, eradication of oil bunkering, and increased generation of internal revenue and therefore the Federal Government should go ahead and renew his pipelines surveillance contract and the likes of the Rivers state Governor who are entitled to their rights and opinions should not be listened to”.

“Finally, Mr President, all the Tank Farms visited by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Ribadu and his team on Saturday in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State should be investigated properly. We have our reasons for saying that the searchlight should be beamed on them. Also, the Ship loaded with crude oil and recently freed by the Navy should be probed. We do not want these matters that we have raised to be swept under the carpet, otherwise, we will be forced to publish what we have at our disposal in foreign media and the whole world will know that this administration is not serious in the fight against corruption. Mr President, thanks for your attention and hoping you will do the needful for the interest of the nation and the people”, they told President Tinubu.

Expect More Foreign Investors in Delta State, Aguariavwodo Assures Deltans

The Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State governor, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has assured Deltans of the presence of more foreign investors in the state.

Aguariavwodo gave the assurance while speaking with Journalists during the state anniversary thanksgiving at St. Peter Catholic Church in Asaba, the state capital.
He said with the many development that would kick start in the current administration, Deltans should be expectant of more investment from foreign investors, adding that in no distance time they would make the state their destination.
The Senior Political Adviser said the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda is focused on providing more empowerment programme youths, more infrastructural development and more industries that would help create jobs for Deltans.
While recounting the tremendous growth of the state 32 years after creation, he said there have been land stride developments in the state, more peace and unity in the past years.
According to him the state secretariat for civil servants in the state, was one of the best edifice that was hard to come by in some states across the country.
He said, aside the infrastructural development in the state, Deltans has enjoyed so much peace and unity in the past years.

Nasarawa Female Basketball Team, Amazons, Optimistic Of Finishing High In Zenith Bank Basketball League As First Phase Ends In Jos

By Eche Amos

Players and officials of Nasarawa State women’s Basketball Team, Nasarawa Amazons, are unperturbed with the outcome of the first phase of the ongoing 2023 Zenith Bank Female Basketball League.

In the first phase of the Savannah Conference games played at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, the Amazons finished 5th position behind The Nigeria Customs, Air Warriors, Plateau Rocks, and Nigeria Army after recording one win in five games.

The win came against Kada Angels of Kaduna in their second match.

However, the ladies are still optimistic of turning things around when the second phase of the competition holds in Lafia, between 18th-24th September, 2023, at the rechristened Lafia Sports Arena.

Nasarawa Amazons will need to win three games in the second phase to guarantee a place in the first four teams stage where they will participate in the super eight competition in Lagos State later in the year to determine the eventual Champions of the League.

Four teams will also qualify from the Atlantic Conference category to lock horns with the first four teams from the Savannah Conference.

The Amazons are basking in the euphoria of home advantage and the spectators vociferously standing by them throughout the second phase of the Competition.

It is the first time that the NBBF (Nigeria Basketball Federation) Zenith Elite Women’s Basketball Savannah Conference League will be holding in the State.

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