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Ukodhiko Urges Isoko Nation To Unite Ahead Of 2023 Polls, Presents Scorecard

Immediate past Commissioner for Energy in Delta State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency in the forthcoming general election, Pastor Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has called on the Isoko nation to unite towards the emergence of credible candidates at the upcoming polls, while saying that his scorecard demonstrates that he has the capacity to engender laws that will address the developmental challenges of the area and attract the dividends of democracy.

Ukodhiko, who is the Founder of Joeny Holdings Group Limited and UJA Homes Incoporated, said that as a philanthropist, clergy man and lover of humanity, he has been in the earnest endeavour of impacting lives positively.

While pledging greater service to Isoko nation at the green Chambers in Abuja. He said, “God knows that I am out to serve my people. I don’t have any other ambition, rather than to serve my people. I did not wake up one morning and just decided to leave what I was doing.  By God’s grace, I have built companies and engaged in meaningful investments”.

On his plans to render quality service, as well as value-addition, he posited that, for him, politics should be devoid of self-serving pursuits or issues that are personal, but working and making sacrifices for the general good.

The Owhelogbo-born politician recalled his upbringing and character over the years, declaring that, “Jonathan Ukodhiko has not changed because I can never change; that is my nature.  I was groomed to render services to my people. I remember when I was in the village, I was a unifier amongst the youths”. 

On his ambition, he said, “when I look at what is happening in  Isoko nation, it is very, very painful because we are a wonderful nation that God  has blessed so much, so we have all it takes to achieve the desired development. I strongly believe that things can be changed. Ukodhiko, therefore urged his compatriots to eschew bitterness and divisiveness so as to move Isoko nation forward, while saying that the town hall meetings in every community is intended to heal wounds and to carry the people along as he marches on with his desire to represent Isoko nation at the Federal legislature.

Giving account of his stewardship as Commissioner, Ukodhiko said, “some people don’t know what I did within seven to eight months. Before I left office, I awarded the contract to fix areas that were not reached, such as Ofagbe and Oyede. The electricity supply to Kwale and Ogume was the same power that supplied Isoko. As a Commissioner, I removed Isoko from the whole of Kwale and merged it with Abraka  that has a lesser load, so that whenever there is power, Isoko people would be able to enjoy it.  I awarded that contract before I left office and work is ongoing, in ensuring regular power supply”.£

“When I came into office, the 132 KVA that was awarded to take power from DSC down to Isoko had been abandoned.  I wrote to the CBN through BEDC because there was an intervention fund that could be accessed to obtain the power facilities and by God’s grace, we were able to secure about N36 billion through that intervention fund. There are other facilities which needed to be upgraded, so through Effurun, they are going to upgrade through Obosi, also Delta North, Delta Central to Delta South; all of which were secured and work is ongoing. I also discussed with the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on proper activation, so by the time these projects are completed, it will be of great relief to our communities.”

“If you go to Ozoro right now, they are developing some low-cost houses, meaning that it is attracting development. When I came into office as Commissioner, I found out that electricity was an exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. I and the Delta State Ministry of Energy drew up a bill, worked with the House of Assembly and Governor Okowa signed it into law, thus empowering Deltans to generate, transmit and distribute power. I am one of the people that pushed for power to be removed from the exclusive list. I am setting up structures from the ward to unit level, so we can be engaging the people continuously, especially the youths and to give them the opportunity to owe this project.”, he said

He concluded by saying, ”I am very accessible and that will remain  part of my life”. Let us work together and push ahead with giving our people a sense of belonging, while Ukodhiko maintained that Isoko nation has no business with poverty, or needless crisis, but he promised to effect a new dawn through quality representation.

Your Vote Matters A Lot, Anyafulu Tells Non Indigenes

…As She Takes Campaign To Non Indigenes

By Christy Aboghe

Ahead of the forth coming election, the Oshimili South House of Assembly Candidate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Bridget Anyafulu, has called for support from Non Indigenes in the state.

Anyafulu gave the call when she paid a courtesy visit to  the local government executive members of the group in Asaba, Delta State.

She said her votes would be incomplete without them, hence the need of seeking their support, so as to get good results.

“Without their votes in every societies, you cannot say you have done well. I see  and call them Oshimili South people, because they speak my language more than I do”, She said.

She said  “the fact that the non Indigenes living in the Local Government are also Deltans cannot be disputed as many of them were born and breed here”.

She added that as Nigerians they had found peace in the state and have participated in all activities in the state, hence they have to be involved in the elections, as in partnering with her, their ideas would help progress the constituency.

On his part, the Chairman of the Association, Sir Bernard Agazuma assured her of massive support from the non indigenes adding that they would not only vote for her, but for all members of the Party.

Agazuma said all that they expect from her was her swearing in invitation to them, in celebration of her victory at the poll.

Monarch Commends Governor Okowa For Building Secretariat For Journalists In Delta

By Patrick Ochei

The revered 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and King of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi (Dr) Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State and PDP Vice Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming general elections, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for building a befitting Secretariat for the members of the fourth estate of the realm in the State.

He gave this commendation when he visited the Press Centre to felicitate with the Council Executive for the new year, and he was taken on a guided tour of the edifice by the NUJ Chairman and other members of the State Working Committee.

Obi Kikachukwu said it could only take a media friendly Governor to take up the project and complete it tastefully to enhance the performance of Journalists in their statutory assignments.

He urged Journalists in the State through the NUJ, to endeavour to cultivate the virtue of gratitude by building on more cordiality with the Government as a way of reciprocating the unprecedented gestures of the Governor.

He therefore prayed for the Governor to receive the reward of God for the favour done the NUJ and for his numerous accomplishments in the State, adding that he has seen good days, he would see better days going forward in his personal eandeavours and political career.

He also prayed for the Union to receive the grace to do its job of Watchdog to the pleasing of God and satisfaction of humanity.

The amiable Monarch commended the Chairman for holding the union together since his inception of office, particularly his second inauguration which has seen good things coming to the union.

His words, “Your tenure couldn’t have come at a better time than now. We were all happy at your emergence and we thank God for the bar that has been raised so far.

“The journalism profession is noble in creating awareness for the proper information, education and entertainment of its audiences. These functions are key for societal advancement and development.

“I will suggest that the leadership of NUJ finds a way to meet with the Council of Traditional Rulers in the interest of building working synergy. Our roles as Traditional Rulers and yours as Media are tailored towards passing the verdict of peace, sound values and security of our society towards sustainable development.

“We are not partisan in politics, but our duty is to ensure safe, peaceful and serene environment to practice politics and administer good governance. So there is need for us to meet and activate this partnership in the interest of a better society, anchored on positive behavioural patterns for human and economic advancement”, the Royal Father admonished.

In his response, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu appreciated the Monarch for being the first to ever visit the Press Centre to greet and engage the Council members.

According to him, “We will not take this royal visit for granted; and coming earlier in the year means that God has sanctioned it to bring us good things for the year.

“We have keenly observed your person Your Majesty, and there is no mincing words to say that you are a thoroughbred custodian of our people’s culture and traditions. No wonder your personality and fame is towering within the traditional institution across the country, and, also based on the services you have rendered and still rendering to Nigeria as a renowned statistician.

“We are proud of you in the media, because you are one traditional ruler that has distinguished himself in conduct, humility, peace and conflict resolution and preservation of culture and traditions in our dear State.

“We have taken note of all the points you have advanced here with us, they are all germaine to the partnership we need to build in our desire to take our State to the next positive level. For identifying with us, we will give your visit the deserved publicity in order to encourage other well meaning Deltans to equally seek friendship and partnership with the NUJ in the State.

“By your vantage position in the society Your Majesty, we are also soliciting your assistance to canvass for us, issues that will benefit the media in the State. Thank you Your Majesty for this awesome Royal visit”, Ikeogwu appreciated.

In his vote of thanks to the academically accomplished traditional ruler, the Secretary of the NUJ in the State, Deacon (Comrade) Patrick Ochei assured the Obi of Ubulu-Uno of the readiness of the NUJ to partner the traditional rulers to advance the State and nation in the right direction going forward.

He also assured the Royal Father that the media would continue to canvass constitutional role for the traditional institution as a way of galvanising them to assist the Government in curbing insecurity from the community levels.

Ochei thanked the Monarch for visiting and promised to follow up on the resolutions reached during the engagement.

Dora Akunyili’s Daughter Announced As Chief Medical Officer Of US Hospital

First daughter of the late Dora Akunyili, former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex-minister of information, Ijeoma Akunyili has been announced as the new chief medical officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, a RWJBarnabas health facility in the United States.

This was made known in statement on Wednesday,   January 11, 2023.

“In her most recent role, Dr. Akunyili served as the Regional Medical Director for TeamHealth, Northeast Group, where she had strategic, operational, and clinical oversight of nearly twenty emergency departments, critical care, and hospitalist service lines in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania,” the statement reads.

“She led an unprecedented fourfold expansion of service lines with a specific focus on medical services and access to care for underserved populations.

“Previously, Dr. Akunyili served as the chair of emergency medicine at Waterbury Hospital, a Level II trauma teaching hospital. There she was the change agent who led a dynamic team in dramatically reducing the lengths of stay, improving overall performance across multiple patient-centered metrics, and increasing physician staffing.

“She was awarded the 2019 Medical Director of the Year Award for the impressive turnaround of the Waterbury Hospital Emergency Department.

“In addition to her executive experience, Dr. Akunyili has vast leadership and advocacy experience, and is currently serving as the President of the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians (CCEP).

“Prior, she served for several years on the board of directors of Texas and Connecticut Colleges of Emergency Physicians. She was an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, and she is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale University.”

Speaking on the appointment, Akunyili expressed gratitude to the hospital, adding that she remains committed to ensuring quality service delivery.

“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the residents of Hudson County and continuing to provide safe, innovative, efficient, and equitable care,” she was quoted as saying.

“It is a true privilege to lead the clinical effort at Jersey City Medical Center and to create sustainable health outcomes for our community.”

Adigwe Takes Her ‘Basic Education for All Outreach’ To Grassroots

…Sponsors 100 pupils for Primary Six exam in Aniocha-South LGA

The Vice Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Amaka Raechel Adigwe, today took her “Basic Education for All Outreach” to primary schools in the council.

The outreach was flagged off by sponsoring the registration of First School Leaving Certificate Examination (F.S.L.C.E) for 100 pupils drawn from over ten primary schools.

Hon. Adigwe, who graduated with a First Class in Information Technology from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Ghana, took up the initiative after noting that most brilliant students especially the girl-child drop out of school due to lack of support and motivation during basic education.

Addressing journalists who accompanied her to cover the epoch making event, Hon. Adigwe said:

“I believe that students especially the girl-child will excel more if there is enough motivation during their foundational education.

“My journey towards academic success stems from the solid foundation I got from my primary school day.”

She also took time to express her gratitude to her boss, the executive chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, for his continued support and guidance through her political journey.

Speaking to headmasters and headmistresses of the various schools she visited, the Vice Chairman hinted that the programme which benefited 100 pupils is just a pilot scheme and will be replicated in secondary and tertiary institutions with time.

The beneficiaries include pupils from Umomi Primary School, Ewulu; Isikiti Primary School, Isheagu; Mgbalamgba Primary School, Isheagu and Enede Primary School, Nsukwa.

Others are Obiezeamaka Primary School, Nsukwa; Ekelieke Primary School Ashama; Aniga Primary School, Adonte; Igwe Primary School, Ukwu-Oba, Ulogwe Primary School, Umute, ILLOH Primary School, Egbudu Akah, Ejeme Aniogor Primary School, Ejeme Unor Primary School and Dugbo Primary School Obidugbo.

2023 Election: CYSGI Chieftain Drums Support For PDP

Following the mal administrations of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC), the Delta State Coordinator of Coalition of Youth Support Group Initiative 4 Atiku/Okowa (CYSGI), Mr. Emeka Okafor has called on all youths and citizens of Nigerians to rise from their indolence and take the bull by the horns in order to hit the ground running.

Speaking during an interview with our reporter, in his home country Ogwash-Uku, the CYSGI Chieftain, stressed the need for Nigerians to come together in one spirit and vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in all ramifications in this forthcoming elections, so as to displace the All Progressive Congress (APC),  the present ruling party and end their upheavals in the country.

Mr Okafor advised  youths and Nigerians, to vote massively for PDP across the 36 states of the country so that power can shift in the hands of credible PDP candidates.

Mr Okafor has through his pressure group been campaigning for the holder of PDP Presidential candidate (Atiku/Okowa) and all other credible candidates of the party,  in the State, Local Government and down to the grass root of the 25 Local Government of Delta State.

Consequent to the inefficiency and incompetence of the ruling party to curb and ameliorate the evils and crimes prevalent in Nigeria, the CYSGI Coordinator has further lamented his dissatisfaction, and urged all Nigerians to nip in the bud so that sanity can return back to the country, saying that non participation of youths in this forthcoming elections may worsen the conditions of the country to a state of anarchy.

The CYSGI Coordinator addressed the state of insecurity and killings in Nigeria as vicious to peace and order, and hampers human rights, particularly right to life and freedom of movement, condemning the ruling party’s silence to remedy the grievous breach on citizens to exercise their human rights and described such act as contributory negligence.   

Owing on the credibility and accountability of past administration of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar in promoting democracy, and providing scholarships to students, as well as his agricultural projects in the past and currently on going which will improve the lives of Nigerians, the CYSGI Chieftain described Atiku/Okowa as the best men for the job in 2023

In his determination to ensure victory for the Party, Mr. Okafor has sacrificed a lot of his personal resources, financially and otherwise to create awareness to Nigerians in order for them to vote conscientiously in the next elections, he achieved this using various mediums, such as printing of T-shirts and caps for members of his group and intending ones, the internet, Whatsapp platforms, Newspapers, Facebook, PDP rallies etc,

Gbagi Shutdown Issele-Uku, Gives Free Fuel To Okada Riders

The Delta State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), for the 2023 elections, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON, has  on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 rolled out his free fuel scheme geared at liberating Deltans for motorcycle operators otherwise known as Okada riders.

The Gubernatorial candidate and his entourage first visited the ancient Oligbo Palace in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, before storming Afor market which no politician in history since 1280 AD, over 800 years has entered for campaign.

They later visited the  RainOil Fuel Station, in Issele-Uku where motorcycle riders were gifted with free  Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) where motorcycle riders were gifted with the fuel product.

The beneficiaries which were large in number extending to adjoining roads, hailed the philanthropic gesture of the SDP candidate, as indigenes of Issele-Uku turned out in their hundreds, to partake of the free fuel.

Some of the beneficiaries prayed God to bless his governorship dream just as they called on Deltans to massively vote him to liberate Delta State.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Joy Ojubekwa, said: “Since I was born, I have never seen this kind of gesture in my life. My prayers for him, is that God will give him the position he is going for”.

“We need someone that would give us good governance. I call on Deltans to vote for him, because I myself will vote for him”.

Another motorcycle owner, Mrs. Hyacinth Blessing, from Umunede, Ika north east LGA, said “Gbagi, is a good man, I will vote for him and his Deputy because we need a man that will bring a change to our state”.

“We have suffered enough in Delta State, we need a change, we need somebody that will bring good governance, we don’t want to suffer anymore and we need change for our unborn children”, she said.

“I want Deltans to vote for him so that we can enjoy the benefits”, she added.

An indigene of Issele-Uku and a cyclist, Mr Ifeanyi Egbunam prayed “God should lead him so that what he is looking for, he will find it”.

Mr. Ifeanyi who equally spoke after receiving a full tank, said: “Gbagi, is a good man. I know that when he gets there, he will do the mind of the people. All Deltans should vote for SDP”.

Also, Cynthia, a female motorcycle owner, thanked him and called on Deltans to cast their votes for him.

Prominent among those in his entourage is the Director General of Gbagi Campaign Council, Prof. Jiff Mokobia, Deputy Director General, Prof. Augustus Atubi, the Deputy governorship candidate, Chief Mrs Oshilim Ishioma Rosemary and a large number of teeming supporters.

Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, An Epitome Of Beauty And Sound Moral Values – Omu Anioma

By Patrick Ochei

The cerebral mother of Anioma Nation and an advocate of proper womanhood, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu (Omu Okpanam/Omu Anioma/Nneoha) has described the Delta State Governor’s daughter and PDP candidate for Ika North East Constituency seat, Barr. (Mrs.) Marilyn Okowa-Daramola as an epitome of beauty and sound moral values.

The Omu Anioma sent these fine words as statement to the media, to qualify the person of Mrs. Okowa-Daramola as she felicitates with her on her birthday, which is marked today, 11th January, 2023.

Omu Dunkwu further acknowledged in her statement that, she has seen and interacted with children of big men in her years in corporate business but has found something different and spectacular about Mrs. Okowa-Daramola in character, conduct and consummate interpersonal relationship with people she comes in contact with.

Her words, “Many dread to come close to us as if we come from a different planet as Omus. But one thing was striking the very first day I met this awesome lady. I had just noticed that someone ran and knelt down to greet me. She was full of candour and respectability, exuding the aura of proper home grooming. She said she had seen me at various events from afar and she had heard me speak and she was proud of a mother that I am. All this while that the drama lasted, I was just looking and wondering what manner of a lady could this be. In the end, the introduction came and I was like ‘No Wonder’.

“My No Wonder came from a point of keen observation. I have specifically and carefully studied the First Lady of the State, Dame Edith Okowa and honestly, she is different from other good First Ladies I have known and interacted with.

“My No Wonder was no wonder, this is where the semblance and moral values came from. While the mother is doing so much mentoring women in the State and empowering them, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola has devoted so much time and energy in mentoring and empowering the girl children in skills development and entrepreneurship empowerment as the then SSA to the Governor on Girl Child.

“I am proud of her. Since that first encounter, I have taken usual notice of her activities. And I am happy that she is in the race to represent her people in the State House of Assembly. She will make us proud as a woman; her types are earnestly needed in politics, to make a difference, particularly for women.

“Today is a special day for you dear Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; I celebrate you. Happy birthday to you dear and many blissful returns. I pray that respect will not be far from you and that your desire to change the course of women will be actualized. I look forward to celebrating more of you on the day of your swearing-in by the grace of God, when you shall have emerged as the next Member representing your Constituency in the State Parliament”, Omu Dunkwu wished the celebrant.

Barr. (Mrs.) Marilyn Okowa-Daramola was a former SSA to the Governor on Girl Child, currently vying for the House of Assembly seat of her Ika North East Constituency and today is her birthday.

I’ld Stop Killings, Start Healing Of Nigeria, Peter Obi Tells Deltan

The Presidential candidate for Labour Party, (LP)  Peter Obi has revealed his plans for Nigerians after the 2023 general election.

Obi disclosed this to teeming Nigerians during his Presidential Rally at Arcade in Asaba.

He said he and his Vice Yusuf Datti has chosen to build, secure and unite a new Nigeria and ensure they make it work for masses.

Obi said given the opportunity to lead the country, he would ensure that insecurity comes to an end and also harassment of youths by men of the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that he would move the  country from consumption to production so to help create wealth whereby the various ports in the country would be opened up.

Speaking on the constant strike embarked by the universities in the country, he assured them of bringing an end to Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) strike.

He urged Nigerians to collect any form of bribe given to them by any opposition  Party but ensure that they vote their conscience.

According to him, the losers for the coming election already know themselves, adding that  they are busy talking about structure which they cannot use to fix the country.

“The election is as good as won, as we would stop the killing and start the healing  of Nigeria, stop the stealing and start giving to Nigeria”, he said.

Hundreds Of APC Members Defects To PDP In Akumazi

…As Aniagwu Empowers Party Faithful

The All Progressives Congress,( APC) has witnessed a great loss recently with the defection of members from the Party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing the decampees, during a meeting with ward 7, members in Akumazi,  and party faithful from Ekwuoma and Owerre Olubo all in Ika North East Local Government Area.

Speaking, the leader of the Ward and Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the defection was as a result of the good works of the state Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa towards the state.

While commending them for their decisions to join PDP, he urged them and other party faithful to vote massively for all Party candidate at the poll in the coming elections, adding that it was the only way to attract more development and empowerment to the community.

Receiving the defectors, the Party Chairman in the LG, Hon. Chukwudi Agbomah, assured them of hospitality from the Party and urged them to get involved with the activities of the Party.

Agbomah advised the Party members to ensure they get their Permanent Voter’s Cards so as to be able to vote for PDP in the coming elections.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Ogoh Ikechukwu expressed regret over the wasted years in APC.

Ikechukwu said they were impressed with the developmental projects of the state governor and the Party and that led to their decision of defecting, adding that they would always remain loyal to the Party for accepting them.

Highlight of the event was the empowerment of 276 party faithful  by the Commissioner, in appreciation for their dedication towards the Party.

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