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NCPC Boss Congratulates New SGF

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Hill Nigeria
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By Celestine Toruka

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 21st Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Rev Pam gave the congratulatory message when he paid a congratulatory visit to the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, HE, Senator George Akume at his office in Abuja his office in Abuja.

While congratulating him on his new appointment, the Executive Secretary said he was in his office to felicitate with him on his well- deserved appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the NCPC boss, ” I am convinced that you have what it takes to pilot the affairs of the policy direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria, especially in the realization of Mr President’s mantra of Renewed Hope.

In the words of Rev Pam, “over the years, you have been able to navigate smoothly through the waters of leadership at different levels of responsibilities in your political career in the service of your father land”.

He added, “you held sway as two term Governor of Benue state, as Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic and until recently, the Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter – Governmental Affairs.

Indeed, your pedigree speaks volume of your capacity and rich wealth of experience.

The NCPC boss further averred that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission is under the direct supervision of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, thus he pledged his loyalty and cooperation .

He prayed that the Good Lord will grant the SGF good health of mind and body, wisdom and knowledge to advance the cause of governance in Nigeria through effective Monitoring and implementation of federal government policies.

Nigeria Has So Much Illegality Says Dein of Agbor

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Hill Nigeria
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The Dein of Agbor kingdom in Delta State,  HRM Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba Has expressed displeasure over the level of corruption in Nigeria, despite the numerous mineral resources it is blessed with beyond oil and gas.

The Monarch gave the expression while playing host to members of the Indigenous Correspondent Chapel (ICC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalist at his palace in Agbor.

He said it was unfortunate that despite the rich resources owned by the country, Nigeria was heavily indebted to foreign country. Countries which he said holds Nigeria at high esteem because of her many natural resources which makes them comes to invest in.

The Monarch said for the country to get better, corruption has to be tackled and all our resources accounted for.

Speaking further on corruption he said Nigerians were too used to illegality which poses as a big problem to the country. The money belongs to all Nigerians and needs to be shared accordingly.”

He urged political leaders to emulates the rest of the world in terms of integrity and good leadership. Adding that in foreign countries harsh penalties were placed on public officials who indulge in stealing, unlike Nigeria which considers harsh penalties like death sentence for corrupt public office holders, to help reduce below average the unwavering issue of corruption evident in the nation.

DTHA Approves Oborevwori’s Request for Appointment of 20 Special Advisers

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State House of Assembly has given its approval to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s request for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers to serve the state Government.

The Governor’s request was conveyed in a message read at the plenary by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.

Oborevwori, in his message to the Assembly highlighted that the request aligns with sections 196, sub-sections one to three of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

While expressing gratitude for the Assembly’s prompt consideration of the request he emphasized that the Special Advisers would play a crucial role in advancing the administration’s development agenda.

In a separate session on Tuesday, the House conducted the screening and confirmation of nominees for appointment to the Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. These nominations were submitted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori last week. The Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, moved the motions for the screening and subsequent confirmation during the plenary presided over by Speaker Emomotimi Guwor.

 

OFAAC Honours DTSG, Jibunoh, Onu-Ika, Seaman’s For Supporting Anioma Cultural Festival

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Hill Nigeria
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… As Participants Eulogize Ifeadi For Sustaining OFAAC’s Vision

By Patrick Ochei

The culture umbrella of Anioma Nation, otherwise known as the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), has honoured the Delta State Government with an Award of Excellence, for her support towards the Anioma Cultural Festival.

The Organisation also honoured the Desert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, the Onu Ika of Nigeria and the Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps for their numerous supports to the advancement of Anioma Cultural Festival over the years.

In his speech during the OFAAC Award Day, which held at the Orchid Hotel Asaba, on Wednesday 5th July, 2023, the Founder/President of OFAAC, Arc. Kester Ifeadi appreciated the awardees for being pillars of support to the Organisation over the years.

Ifeadi specifically thanked the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for adopting the Anioma Cultural Festival as his own project even before becoming a Senator, thereby doing much more as a Governor.

He also appraised the ingenuity of Chief Jibunoh towards OFAAC as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Organisation since inception, adding that the octogenarian known as the Desert Warrior has continued to remain a beacon of hope to OFAAC.

For Onu Ika Socio-cultural Organisation, Ifeadi commended its President for sharing in the ideals behind the formation of OFAAC, maintaining that there are more milestones to cover with Onu Ika going forward in OFAAC’s quest towards building a virile legacy of trans-generational cultural identity for Anioma people.

On the aspect of sponsorship, the OFAAC visioneer profoundly appreciated the Grand Oak Company, makers of Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps for their outstanding support to the Anioma Cultural Festival, especially the unique way it marketed the 18th edition of the Festival this year.

According to Ifeadi, “Today is a special day for all of us in OFAAC. It is very significant, because the journey of OFAAC is a journey of 19 years; which started like a joke. Over 19 years ago, we came together to put an end to Anioma identity crisis, and today, it has paid off through the instrumentality of Anioma Cultural Festival.

“We have had tremendous support over the years from various stakeholders. For this, OFAAC has become a culture umbrella of Anioma people by the support of our traditional rulers and other major stakeholders like Chief Newton Jibunoh as chairman of the Board of Trustees and other members like Late Pa Fortune Ebie, Prof. Pat Utomi, etc., including the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

“Today, OFAAC can boast of over 1000 members, including volunteers. The government seeing what we are doing, has chosen OFAAC as a model for other ethnic groups to emulate. The last edition of Anioma Cultural Festival was a huge success and that is why today, we are honouring the winners who participated in the event.

“We are proud to say that OFAAC is a rallying centre for Anioma people. We have a micro credit facility for members, and gladly, they have remitted back over 90% of the fund. There is the health insurance scheme for members too, making it possible for our people to access medical treatments with less or no burdens”, said OFAAC President.

In their separate goodwill messages, Chief Newton Jibunoh, Chairman of Board of Trustees of OFAAC and Mr. Dan Osifo, President, Collective Leadership, Onu Ika commended Ifeadi for birthing a vision for Anioma Cultural Identity and sustaining it in the past two decades.

While Jibunoh narrated the story of how he promoted Anioma and made friends through flaunting of the Akwa Ocha in UK, Mr. Osifo craved for synergy between OFAAC and Onu Ika to grow and produce flute (Akpele), in order to use it to influence the younger generation into cultivating a cultural identity and unity for themselves.

Furthermore, certificates and cheques were presented to the winners of the various categories of prizes from the last edition of Anioma Cultural Festival on Easter Monday, which was the 18th edition.

The first runner up, Okiti Mixed Secondary School, Ubulu-Okiti got a cheque of #200,000, the second runner up, Egwuoma Dance Group of Ibusa, got #300,000, and the overall winner, Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Kwale got #400,000.

Meanwhile, consolation prizes were also given to the following: Contemporary Dance Group of Ubulu-Okiti, Egwu-Oshushu, Umu Anioma Solidarity Group of Asaba, Anglican Girls Grammar School Asaba, Egwu Amala Dance Group of Isheagu, Aguba Royal Dance of Asaba, Ihuoma Dance Group of Agbor, including the Ogbu-Akpele.

The event which was colourfully organised, was graced by the following personalities, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, who received an award on behalf of Delta State Government, Mrs. Umukoro, the Desert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, the President of Onu Ika, Mr. Dan Osifo, Seaman’s Sales Rep, Mr. Efe, the Traditional Ruler of Ubulu-Uno, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu, the Traditional Ruler of Ukala, HRM Obi Clement Ejiofor, the Traditional Ruler of Akumazi, HRM Obi Henry Jegbefume, OFAAC Vice President, Mr. Paddy Ugboh, Zonal chairmen of OFAAC and others too numerous to mention.

Delta ALGON Clarifies N40bn Loan For Pension

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Hill Nigeria
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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State chapter, has clarified reports published in a section of the media as regards the N40 billion borrowed to pay accrued rights owed primary school and local government pensioners in the State.

The State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Victor Ebonka, who gave the clarification after a meeting of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) in Asaba, said it was not the State Government that was borrowing the funds.

Flanked by his colleagues, Ebonka said it was the statutory duty of Local Governments to pay pensions to its retirees as well as Local Education Authority (primary school retirees).

He said the problem arose due to error in the enrollment of the workers into the contributory pension scheme.

According to Ebonka, “in this Country constitutionally, we have three tiers of government;  the Federal, the State and the Local Governments. We all have separate responsibilities.

“It is our constitutional responsibility to pay the Local Government staff and primary school teachers salaries.

“And we are not unmindful of the lingering problems that we have with regards to the pension benefits of the Local Government staff and that of the primary school teachers.

“This problem was inherited from the two previous administrations and it has to do with an error in the enrollment into the contributory pension scheme.

“And for this short comings, we have found ourselves owing their accrued rights from 2016 to date. The past administration set a machinery in motion and has tried to ensure that the debt is liquidated by giving several grants totaling about N5 billion and increased statutory contribution from N200 million a month to N500 million.

“Despite all these grants from the State Government, we have not been able to clear the outstanding arrears and this made the immediate past administration to set up a Committee comprising of myself the ALGON Chairman, the Head of Service and other stakeholders.

“The Committee went to the bond market to get a facility but was not successful because the cost of funds was quite expensive. So we approached the commercial bank to get the facility and we can say that Zenith Bank has agreed to afford us N40 billion out of the N51 billion indebted to the pensioners”.

He said the State Government did not borrow N40 billion as reported in some quarters, adding that the only role played by the State Government was to give approval and forward same to the State Assembly for ratification.

“So it is exclusively the Local Government Councils that are borrowing this money. You know that by law, we need the approval of the State Government and the ratification of the State Assembly and that was sort for and it was granted by the Governor and approved by the State House of Assembly.

“So any moment from now, the pensioners will smile home. We also want to state that no penny from the N40 billion is going to the coffers of the Local Governments.

“We are going to cover about ninety percent of the accrued rights from this money, all of the monies will be paid directly to the pensioners,” he said.

On environmental sanitation across the Council areas, the ALGON boss appealed to residents to abide by relevant laws, adding that mobile courts would soon be set up to try offenders.

NNL Super 8: We Hope The Best Team Wins To Sustain NPL Title

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Ogo Clarkson

Stakeholders has declared that the best team that can sustain the tittle of the Premier title should win the Nigeria National League,NNL, title.

Chief Opereating Officer, Emmanuel Adeseyan which all eight participating team a level playing ground but which the best team to win the playoff.

While Chairman of the Nigeria National League Chairman forum, Mr Chidi Okonkwo said the winner of the league should be the best that will not return back to the lower league after one season.

He made refered to teams like Bendel Insurance, Doma Fc, Bayelsa United who were able to sustain the title and even contest for continental title.

Also Chairman of Delta state Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa advised against any form of hooliganism and warned that as host, it will not be condole as he made referee to the dramatic 2018 FA Cup final in the male category between Kano Pillars and Ranger. Also this year (2023) female finals between Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens where the players and the fans were unruly and unsportsmanlike.

However, after the press briefing and draws held at the VIP lounge of the Stephen Keshi Conference hall, Matchday One fixture had Kano Pillars versus Efcc by 9am, DMD against Katsina United by 11am in the Northern Conference group.

In the Southern Conference group, Sporting Lagos will battle Fc One Rocket in an explosive encounter by 2:00pm, while Stormers and Heartland game will wrap up the Opening day actions.

Babagero, Muktar Calls For More Peace, Unity

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Hill Nigeria
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The Seriki of Hausa community in Delta State, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagero has called for fervent prayers for a peaceful Nigeria.

Alhaji Babagero gave the call while speaking with our correspondent at his palace in Asaba.

He said for Nigerians to experience peace and progress they must indulge in prayer.

Commending the bond of unity between the Muslim and Christians in the state, he said that was a proof of love which other states ought to emulate.

Speaking the Former Senior Special Assistant to the immediate past governor of Delta State, Alhaji Murktar Usman urged Muslim faithful to surrender to God with all sincerity and pray for the new government adding that for Nigerians to experience good governance they must submit to God in prayers.

According to him, eid l Kabir which was the biggest Salah celebrated by Islam around the world was also the pillar of the religion, that when fulfilled qualifies one to be a bonafide Muslim.

Describing the religion as a simple one, he said Muslim faithful in the country would also be doing same prayers with those in Mecca for Hajj.

 

Nwaobi Emerges Majority Leader of Delta Assembly, Appreciates PDP, Aniocha North For Support

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

The member representing Aniocha North Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi has emerged the Majority Leader of the State Assembly through the nomination of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

At the resumption of plenary on Tuesday 27th June, 2023, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor read a letter from the leadership of the PDP, nominating Hon. Nwaobi as the Majority Leader of the House.

The Speaker congratulated him, and charged him to defend the interest of the House at all times as the Leader of the majority party and Spokesman of the House, as well as the intermediary between the Legislature and the Executive in terms of handling all Executive Bills on transmission to the Legislature.

“Let me commend you for your hardwork and loyalty to our great Party, as well as your dexterity for diligent Legislative duty. As a Ranking member, the other members have a lot to learn from you as the Leader of the House.

“Once again, I congratulate you as well as others so nominated as principal officers of the House. We expect you to hold the House together by your experience and knowledge in Legislative matters”, Guwor said.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Nwaobi appreciated the PDP for finding him worthy to occupy such an exalted position of the Majority Leader of the House.

He promised never to let them down, while asking God for the wisdom and Knowledge to function effectively in the capacity of his new office.

Equally, Nwaobi appreciated the good people of Aniocha North State Constituency, who voted him to represent them a third time in the House, adding that the appreciation for the new office must of necessity and profoundly go to them.

Later on in his office where he addressed the House Press Corps, the Majority Leader pledged to function creditably in his capacity as Majority Leader.

In response to questions posed to him, he said, “I thank profoundly my constituents for their unalloyed support to my political journey of representing them in the House. I want to assure them that by God’s Grace, we shall all have testimonies to share for what the Lord has done.

“It is my prayer that God grants me the wisdom to perform the functions of my office effectively and efficiently, with a view to doing the needful in terms of democratic good to a vast majority of our people.

“I knew that the position of the Majority Leader was going to come to Delta North, but I never envisaged my nomination before now. In fact, when some persons were calling me and referring to me as Majority Leader, I used to decline answering it. This is because that responsibility lies with the party to choose who becomes a principal officer of the House. And that is why I most respectfully appreciate the leadership of the PDP for this honour done me.

“As rightly mentioned by the Speaker, one of my core duties is to represent the party and the Governor as a Spokesperson. These functions are sacrosanct to me as the Leader of the House, to ensure cohesion and bring adequate representation to bear.

“Let me on this note, by my unalloyed loyalty, commend and appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for believing in me and finding me worthy to occupy the office of the Majority Leader of the State Assembly. I owe him my regard any time and any day as my most dependable principal in whom I am well pleased. We shall all support His Excellency to give more to Deltans in terms of good governance anchored on sustainable development.

“Obviously, I see the 8th Assembly retaining the position of the Most Vibrant House in the country. We were one of the Most Vibrant Houses in Nigeria during the 7th Assembly, we will retain and surpass that feat in the 8th Assembly.

“As regards projects delivery and oversight, we will engage in quality oversight functions. You remember that Asaba Airport is functioning today because of quality oversight function that we brought to bear during the 6th Assembly. We will continue in that stead by doing more in the interest of Deltans”, Nwaobi posited.

Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC Deploy 101 Officers, 488 Marshals, Others To Curb Road Crashes In Delta State

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Hill Nigeria
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Court Orders Eight Intruders To Desist From Obstructing Utomi Access To His Farm Land

By
Hill Nigeria
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BY INNOCENT OSAKWE

The Aniocha South Area Customary Court holding at Ogwashi-uku has directed the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, the Ogwashi-uku Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ogwashi-uku Police Division to enforce an interim order barring one William Akeke, Chukwuma Abua, Monday Abua and five others from obstructing, interfering, obstructing one Francis Utomi, his workers or any other person deriving its consent from the plaintiff from engaging in his farm activities at the disputed land located at Isah-Ogwashi.

Also barred from the land situate at the said land are agents, privies, servants or otherwise of the defendants from the said acts pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

Delivering her ruling on the experte motion brought by counsel to the plaintiff, Bar. Larry Olisa, the presiding president of the Area Customary Court, Mrs. Maria Ogbeifuni in the suit marked ASACC/69/2023, said the plaintiff has fulfilled the requirements to enable the court exercise its discretion to grant the application.

According to the president of the Area Customary Court, the plaintiff has shown that there is urgency in bringing the experte motion as evidence shows that the plaintiff standa the risk of lossing over forty million naira and an additional fifteen million naira if the wanton destruction of the plaintiff’s crops by the defendants are not restrained.

The court also held that the interim order is justified as the plaintiff has a legal right to protect following the allegations that the defendants have destroyed his farm crops and are making moves to sell his land.

Sighting various authorities to buttress the position of the court, Mrs. Ogbeifun, emphasized that the plaintiff has satisfied the requirements of the law for the interim order to be granted and further urged the requisite law enforcement agents to give effect to the pronouncement of the court in line with its urgency.

Recall that the plaintiff, Mr. Francis Utomi had raised alarm over the incursion into his farmland located at No: 1 Ubulu-Uku – Isah-Ogwashi-Uku road, Isah-Ogwashi-Uku by the defendants.

In a 36 paragraph affidavit supporting the motion experte, the plaintiff had disclosed that he has been in peaceful occupation of the said land in dispute for over 50 years as the land has been in possession of his family.

According to the affidavit, it was sometimes on the 22nd of May, 2023 the defendants alongside their agents numbering over 40 invaded the farmland, interrupted farm activities and further destroyed several crops planted by the plaintiff valued at several millions of naira.

Utomi had therefore urged the court to urgently intervene in the matter to forestall break down of law and order as the said defendants are unemployed youths roaming the bush in search of land to sell illegally.

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