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Why We Reviewed Projects’ Costs – Okowa

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, said his administration reviewed cost of some ongoing projects in the state due to inflation and rising cost of construction materials.

Speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing construction of Isheagu-Ewulu road and bridge in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, Okowa said that current economic indices in the country had taken negative tolls on every segment of activities and therefore, made review of the contracts’ values inevitable.

He said that the road and bridge when completed, would serve two major agrarian communities of Isheagu and Ewulu.

The governor stated that contract for the project was awarded in January, 2021 and would be completed in December, 2022, adding that 4.7-kilometre Isheagu section already reconstructed.

He also said that from the bridge to Ewulu another fresh section of 4.4 kilometres of road would be constructed.

“With what is going on in Nigeria now, the inflation rate is very high and it is affecting every other thing, particularly construction of infrastructure.

“Most of our contractors are actually struggling, so we had no option than to review the rate because inflation has risen as much as 18.6 per cent and that is actually affecting every aspect of the life of the people.

“As regards the cost of construction, the high cost of diesel at the moment, asphalt has also gone suddenly very high and of course, to drive most of the motorised equipment you require for construction work, you need a lot of diesel. The cost of rod has also gone up and it’s going up by the day.

“Unfortunately, beyond the global tendencies of Russia-Ukraine war which has also devalued our naira and making it to depreciate on daily basis and this goes a long way to affect the original cost of contracts,” he said.

The governor, who was conducted round the project by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr Noel Omodon, explained that government was left with no option than to review the cost of the projects to ensure their timely completion amid biting inflation.

“Having looked at everything, we needed to save the budget and the earlier we find a pathway to completing the projects the better, otherwise the escalation continues even more on a daily basis.

“So, it’s quite difficult and we wished we didn’t get into the kind of difficulties we are in to, but we have no choice.

“We have started the projects and we have to complete them otherwise the contractors will move out of site and when they move out, to remobilise is at a higher cost and we don’t want to go through that route at all.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation we find ourselves; it distorts our budgeting and we just hope that we are able to continue realigning our budget to keep pace with the construction that we are undergoing.

“Beyond having the infrastructure in place, it also creates jobs for our young ones and we cannot afford to have the contractors move out of site because it will mean that you are going to take food off the table of families which is also not good for us.

“I have been informed that the project would be completed by the end of December, 2022.

“From what we are seeing, life is coming back to Isheagu from the excitement on the faces of the people because the road would help them to evacuate their farm produce,” he stated.

Okowa also inspected ongoing works at the Sector C1 of the Ughelli-Asaba road by Obo River where the contractor said the bridge construction would be completed in October while the road would be ready in December, 2022.

Protesting Pensioners Not Retirees of DTSG – Aniagwu

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Government has said protesting pensioners in the state were not retirees of the state government but primary school retirees under the local government councils.

 

Briefing journalists in Asaba, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated that the protests targeted at maligning and impugning the reputation of the state Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was politically motivated.

 

According to him, the leader of the protesting retirees who is the Delta North Woman Leader for the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Mrs Helen Ejie, misled the public on whose responsibility it was to pay the pensioners.

 

“We have it on good authority that the incessant protests emanating from a section of pensioners in the state have become politically motivated.

 

“The leader of the protesters is Mrs Helen Ejie, a retired teacher from Iyiatu Primary School, Utagba-Ogbe in Ndokwa West. She retired in 2016 and is the coordinator of APC women in Delta North”.

 

“We have seen some stage-managed protests by individuals who ordinarily are supposed to appreciate what the state government has done.

 

“It is public knowledge that primary schools are under the Local Government councils in terms of how they are remunerated and how they operate.

 

“Sometime last year, this same woman led a few persons contrary to the reality of what we are doing they come to Asaba, rub themselves on the ground, pour invectives on the governor in line with what those who have asked them to go and demonstrate.

 

“They will begin to shout and cast aspersions on the person and office of the Governor. I have never seen where somebody will work in UAC and proceed to LEVENTIS to receive salary.

 

“What we have always done is to assist them because we believe that they are Deltans and you can recall in 2015 when we came into office, we met over seven months salary arrears owed local government council staff and primary school teachers.

 

“We assisted them to clear up that arrears and even when we got bailout from the federal government we gave them a grant of N3billion which aided in clearing the backlog,” he said.

 

On the issue of pensions, Aniagwu said the state government didn’t employ the staff, but assisting because the local government councils were not in a financial position to do so at the moment.

 

“In the area of pensions we have also assisted them to pay, as at when we came they were getting N150m to tackle pensions and we upscaled it to N300m and to fastrack it further, we increased it to N500m monthly.

 

“We have so far cleared Local Government Pensions to early 2018 and Primary School Teachers owed several years of arrears of pension to August 2016.

 

“We have said that in addition to the N500m monthly grant, when we access the N150billion bridging finance we will release the sum of N10billion as grant to offset part of the pensions owed these pensioners by the local government councils.” he said.

 

On the constant attacks on the governor by a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Evance Ivwurie, the Information Commissioner said it was a mere politics of bitterness and hatred.

 

He said Ivwurie failed to return to the State Assembly on account of not being popular among his people and had since resorted to insulting the governor for no just cause.

 

“He went about alleging that several funds have been taken and misappropriated but let me put it on record that all the loans we obtained are properly directed to areas they were meant for.

 

“As a government we will remain steadfast and stay on course in delivering our promises to Deltans,”

 

Aniagwu also took a swipe on Minister of State For Labour and Employment, Chief Festus Keyamo over an uncharitable comment on the state-of-affairs in the state.

 

He reminded Keyamo that students who were supposed to be in school are still at home because of lingering ASUU strike that the federal government failed to resolve.

 

“We need to remind Festus Keyamo that in Delta, our universities are working while the ones that belong to the Federal government are still at home.

 

“We remind Festus Keyamo that our children who are supposed to be in school are still at home and we urge him to work seriously with his senior colleague to ensure that the issues raised by ASUU are resolved as soon as possible,” he stated.

 

 

 

Okpanam Baby Factory: Police To Handover Three Pregnant Trafficked Baby Manufacturers To DTSG  For Safe Keeping

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force is making arrangements to hand over the three pregnant ladies rescued from a baby manufacturing factory at Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State to the Government of Delta State through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Delta State Child’s Rights Implementation Committee.

This was made known after the press briefing of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Mohammed Ali on 18th July, 2022, where suspects including the three rescued women from the baby factory were paraded alongside other suspects arrested in connection with various crimes and criminality.

The Police Commissioner said that acting on credible intelligence that there was a baby factory located somewhere at Obodogba in Okpanam community, the operatives of the State Investigative Department stormed the area on the 10th of July, 2022, where they rescued three pregnant women and arrested two suspects, namely; Promise Ejogu who is a brother to the ring leader of the syndicate group and Aruna Suleiman who is a security guard in the compound.

The ring leader of the syndicate group who engages the women in sexual activities to get them pregnant and thereafter, sell the babies for pecuniary gains is currently at large while his 25 year old brother who watches over the women for him was arrested.

The security guard, also an okada rider in town, who appears innocent was made complicit for feigning ignorance to the activities of the syndicate group by not alerting the police or the landlord of the clandestine activities of his tenants after about one year living with them in the compound.

While investigations and efforts to arrest the fleeing ring leader are still on, the Secretary of Delta NUJ and member of the State Child’s Rights Implementation Committee, Comrade Patrick Ochei engaged the Commissioner of Police after the press conference on what needs to be done for the safety of the women and the children in their wombs who are innocent.

Right there and then, the CP ordered the DC SCID to write to the appropriate government authorities to release the women to them for safe keeping, pending deliveries.

Working in synergy within the Police Headquarters, the duo of Comrade Patrick Ochei and former Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu made contacts and secured a Christian orphanage where the three women will be kept and nurtured until deliveries.

This effort was borne out of the fact that the Delta State Child’s Rights Law frowns at abuse and inhuman treatments of children from 0 to 18 years, and therefore committed to ensuring the proper care and development of any child born and living in Delta State.

It is also instructive to note that the women were trafficked to Delta State where their phones were destroyed to bar any access to them from their family members before they were subjected to making babies for their master.

While efforts are also on to locate their families for possible reunion after their safe deliveries in a conducive environment other than Police cell, the Police had equally promised to rid the State of all forms of human trafficking, gender based violence and child abuses.

Ifeajika Congratulates Unobunjo, Delta NAWOJ Chairperson

By
Hill Nigeria
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Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has congratulated Comrade Sonia Unobunjo on her emergence as the 5th Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State chapter.

Unobunjo defeated her only opponent, Comrade Anthonia Mowah, in the election held in Asaba at the weekend, with 107 votes against Mowah’s 46 votes.

In the congratulatory message, Ifeajika wished the newly-elected NAWOJ chairperson and members of her executive a successful tenure.

He expressed optimism for a sustained cordial working relationship between his office and NAWOJ.

“On behalf of my colleagues in the Governor’s media team, I convey our hearty and warm felicitations to you on your election as the Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State chapter.

“I have followed your leadership trajectory and contributions to unionism in the journalism practice in Delta, and I’m not surprised that your colleagues in the state chapter of the association found you worthy to lead them.

“As a thorough professional, it’s expected that you will ensure that the tenets of journalism are upheld at all times by practitioners in the state.

“This, certainly, will protect the nobility and integrity of the profession and ensure that credibility is not compromised in any circumstance.

“May God Almighty guide you in your service to your members, the state and nation,” he stated.

Asiuwhu Solicits For Collaboration From Agencies

By
Hill Nigeria
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In an effort to enhance effective service delivery and realisation of the stronger Delta vision of the state governor, the Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, has called for more collaboration from sister agencies in the state.

Asiuwhu gave the call when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Waste Management Board in Asaba, the state capital.

He charged other agencies under the Ministry, to come together and operate as one, adding that his success would not be possible without  their support.

He urged members of the Board, to work in synergy with the Ministry and not contrary, adding that it would help actualise the objectives of the Ministry and ensuring a cleaner Delta State.

While commending members of the Board for their achievements across the state, he said evidences of their work, had proven that they were up to the task.

The Commissioner admonished them to pay much attention to sanitation as it was paramount, hence health was next to wealth.

On his part the Board Chairman, Hon Chinye Bazim assured the Commissioner of the Board’s collaboration, adding that they would make all support needed from the Board available to him.

Chinye expressed optimism, that the governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa would make all that was needed for a cleaner Delta, available him.

The need for collaboration with the Ministry also continued, when the Commissioner and his entourage visited the Chairman, Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation, Mr Sylvester Oromoni at his office.

Asiuwhu  said the Taskforce office ought to collaborate with his office on how to promote the activities of the Ministry  by ensuring a cleaner, greener  and healthy environment that can attract business and tourism in the state, adding that he intends to ensure that sanitation exercise was observed twice or more in a month.

On his part, Oromoni promised to put him his best in making sure there was maximum cooperation with ministry of environment.

In another development,  the Commissioner and his team inspected the Integrated Waste  Facilities  and Asaba  Aggregation Hub/ Recycling Hub both in Asaba Oshimili South Local Government Area, where he commended the effort of the Recycling  Hub for turning waste to wealth.

The Commissioner said that the Integrated Waste Facility had alot of challenges and the contractor said he will handover the facilities to the state government in August 2022.

Continue

Osun 2022: Okowa Congratulates Adeleke On His Eection

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.

Adeleke, the candidate of the PDP was announced winner of the gubernatorial contest in the state by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 403,371 votes to defeat the incumbent, governor, Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 375,027 votes.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, on Sunday, Okowa described the election of Adeleke as “the affirmation of Osun people’s will” and called on Nigerians to always stand for good leaders with the interest of the people at heart as Osun people just did for Adeleke.

He stated that the electorate across the 30 local government areas of the state spoke loudly and very clearly in their affirmation of their choice of Adeleke as next governor.

He lauded former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Olu Alabi and other party leaders in the state for working together in the interest of PDP and Osun people.

Okowa noted that the election of Adeleke had signposted the reality of PDP’s determination to rescue Nigeria, saying “the mission has just begun”.

“Let me congratulate my brother, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the July 16 governorship election in Osun.

“It is heart-warming to see you emerge as Governor-elect of Osun against all odds and I am grateful to the electorate in Osun for shunning entreaties of retrogressive forces who were ostensibly resolved on subverting the wishes of the people through vote-buying and other rigging strategies.

“Let me also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for demonstrating true independence as required by the laws of our land and for improving on the logistics and conduct of the election.

“The most significant aspect of this victory is the peaceful outcome of the election as Osun people conducted themselves responsibly by ensuring that the election was devoid of violence,” he said.

The gôvernor also congratulated the PDP and the Chairman of the its National Campaign Council for Osun Governorship Election and Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri and other members of the campaign council for their efforts which culminated to the victory.

He said the brotherhood displayed by PDP governors and other party members towards the election of Adeleke was what the country needed currently to take the nation to greater heights in 2023.

“Let me also congratulate our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri and other members of the campaign Council for their efforts which led to the victory of the party in Osun.

“I must also thank my principal and Presidential Candidate of our great party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, for their attendance at the rally in Osun, an action that contributed immensely to the outcome of the election.

“Going forward as a nation, we can only develop further if the people are allowed to chose their leaders at all levels without any hindrance as has been exemplified in Osun.

“It’s therefore, a clarion call on INEC to strive to do the right thing as an unbiased umpire.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you my dear brother and friend, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on your successful election as Governor-elect of Osun.

“It is my prayer that God will grant you wisdom, knowledge and the needed resources to attend to your campaign promises of taking a away the darkness that pervades your state, Osun,” he added.

Sonia Unobunjo Emerges As Delta NAWOJ Chairman

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Promises An All  Inclusive Leadership

By Christy Aboghe

Former Caretaker, Credential Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Delta State Council, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, taken over the baton of leadership of the State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ).

Unobunjo, who contested for the state Chairman of the Association  alongside Comrade Antonia Mowah, gained victory with a wide slide margin of 107,leaving her opponent with 46 votes and 1 void vote was declared winner and returned elected.

 The election which took place at the Press Centre, Government House, had 154 accredited delegates members drawn from the 15 chapels which make up the Association.

Delivering her inaugural speech, Comrade Sonia   said welfare of the members would be her priority, women advocacy, extend to children and that her administration would carry every female Journalist along in the scheme of affairs pertaining to the Association.

While thanking members of the Association for their support, she urged for more of their collaboration in taking the Association to greater height, adding that as a team player and bridge builder she would operate an open door policy.

The Credential Committee Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Imokhuede, commended the Journalists for their peaceful conduct in ensuring that the election was free and fair.

In her words, the National Secretary, Comrade Helen Udofa charged the female Journalists to continue to abide in love so as to sustain the Association in the state.

While advising the Journalists, the Vice President Zone F, South South, Comrade Uduak  Okorn, urged them to keep up the spirit oneness which was evident in the outpour of excitement and jubilation on announcement of the result.

On her part the out gone Chairman, Comrade Patricia Gbemudu highlighted some of her achievements during her tenure as Chairman and urged members to avoid bitterness and leave in love.

Speaking shortly after the election, ,Comrade Caroline Ubini of Delta Broadcasting Service, (DBS), Asaba,

  said she had no doubt that  the new Chairman would make the Association get better than she met it, also Comrade Tessy Coker of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) said it was the beginning of a new face in the state NAWOJ.

Highlight of the event was the subscription to the oath of office which was administered by Barr. Franca Eke on the Chairman and her executive members.

 

 

Asiuwhu Lauds NEWMAP Site Projects In Delta State

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Commissioner for Environment, Chief  Godspower Asiuwhu has lauded the effort of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), in reducing vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub- watersheds.

Asiuwhu gave the commendation when he paid an inspection visit to the three project sites completed by NEWMAP, in the state.

He expressed delight over the extent to which the job had been done in Midoma / Iwerebo- owanta, Obompka , Ukwu nzu gully erosion.

The Commissioner while accessing the job done by the contracting firms, said with the completion of the project at the various site visited which were all done with the world Bank specification, commissioning would take place, after which NEWMAP would hand over the facilities to the state government.

He said with the facilities put up by NEWMAP, it was left for beneficiaries to maintain the facilities.

The Commissioner advised members of the communities to take responsibility of the facilities by cleaning the drains so that it last for them, and in the case of any challenges they should report to the Ministry

 

Earlier, the Acting Project Cordinator, the state NEWMAP, Mr Benedict Nwokocha  said the state did not get on the body earlier than other states and when NEWMAP came on board they had very little they could do.

Nwokocha said that with the space of time they had, the state was able to quickly execute three project sites.

He said with the standard that the state had met which the World Bank desired, there were open window for European Investment Bank to come and handle the remains two site, that is the Jesse and Ubulu uku gully erosion site.

While speaking on measures put in place to ensure that waste were not drop in the facilities, the acting Project Cordinator said, NEWMAP had carried out Environmental Management Plan by providing them with waste bins and also carry out evacuation by community interest groups using waste tricycles which NEWMAP had provided for them.

He added that when the community were in tandem with was been done, sustainability is sure.

Expressing delight, one of the beneficiaries of the facilities in Owanta, Chief Raphael Obianke (JP), said it was a big relief, as the one time deep gully which had caved in houses in the past, have taken a new look.

Speaking, Obianke said in ensuring that the corridor was kept clean so as not to cause blockage by refuse which could led to flood, the Obi of Owa had given a law and put up a fine and directed the Local Government to fish out any defaulter

Also speaking at Ukwu Nzu, the Chairman Ukwu Nzu NEWMAP Community Association, Mr Emmanuel Odogbo commended the NEWMAP and the state government for their contribution which had led to development of the community

Guber Poll: Osogbo Stands Still As PDP Holds Mega Rally

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Osogbo, capital of Osun, stood still on Thursday for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a mammoth crowd thronged the streets and the party’s Secretariat venue of it’s mega rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The overwhelming turnout of Osun residents, who took over major streets and the venue was in spite of the refusal of the State Government to allow the party access to Osogbo Township Stadium and other public facilities in the state it applied to the government for.

In a carnival-like atmosphere, members of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Osun election, the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other leaders of the party were received with thunderous ovation as they drove through major roads in Osogbo enroute the party secretariat, venue of the rally.

The crowd, which sang and danced excitedly as they struggled to catch a glimpse of the campaign team, showered praises on the gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and surged to join the “train” for the grand finale of the campaign.

There was unprecedented human and vehicular traffic as people surged forward to the venue of the party secretariat as big screen projectors were strategically placed outside the premises of the party secretariat for people who could not gain entrance into the secretariat to watch what was happening inside.

Addressing the party faithful, the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, harped on the need for the people to return PDP to power in the state and at the national level even as he urged them to protect their votes at the poll.

He called on Osun people to be vigilant and avoid a repeat of the rigging that denied them victory four years ago.

He said “I have come here to tell you not to allow the APC steal your votes like they did four years ago.

“On our way coming we saw a lot of Osun people gathered to welcome us because PDP has brought light to Osun state.

“Come out in your numbers on Saturday to vote our party’s candidate Senator Ademola Adeleke as your governor and light will return to Osun,” he stated.

Also speaking at rally, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu said there was darkness in Osun State, adding that residents of the state were desirous of light that will illuminate the entire state for the collective good of all.

Ayu, therefore, urged residents of the state to be part of a progressive effort towards institutionalising a positive change in the country beginning with a resounding electoral victory in Osun state.

“There is darkness in Osun State and the people want light. I encourage every resident in the state to come out and vote massively for the PDP so as to realise the desired positive change in Osun State,” he said.

He urged the people to be part of a progressive effort towards institutionalising positive change in the country beginning from Osun state.

In his remarks, the former President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki urged the people to vote massively for the PDP and protect their votes to avoid a repeat of what happened in the state four years ago.

Responding, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke who expressed happiness over the large out of party supporters to the mega rally, said the time has come for the people of Osun State to reclaim the mandate stolen from them in 2018 by voting overwhelmingly for the PDP in the Saturday, July 16 governorship election in the state.

While assuring that he would grant autonomy to local government councils in the state if elected, he enjoined eligible voters in the state not to mortgage their votes, adding that they should vote wisely by voting for the PDP.

Governors of the party were led by its Chairman and Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Mr Godwin Obaseki (Edo) former Osun Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other leaders of the party attended the mega rally.

Music maestro Davido was on ground to electrify the atmosphere as he sang to his hit song “FEM”.

Environment Commissioner Seeks Synergy With Staff

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The newly appointed Commissioner in the Delta State Ministry of Environment,     Chief Godspower Asiuwhu has vowed to work in actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the state governor.

While assuring staff of the Ministry of his commitment to  achieve a clean and green Delta State, he said that his administration would not underrate sanitation as he would ensure that the state get cleaner than he met it.

Asiuwhu made this known during his first familirisation visit to the Ministry in Asaba, the State capital.

The Commissioner said that he would ensure that excessive sanitation exercise take place in the state so as to achieve the
vision.

He also appealed for their support in actualizing the drive, adding that their dedication and diligence to duty would make it a reality.

He commended the state governor, for giving him the priviledge to serve the state as a Commissioner, adding that he would not take the confidence of effective delivery reposed on him by the governor for granted.

 

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Minnie Oseji, while recieving the New Commissioner, assured him of  coperation from staff so as to achieve their objectives and take the state to greater heights.

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