Home Blog Page 116

Okowa Hands Over To Oborevwori

Immediate past Governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has officially handed over the reigns of leadership to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The brief handover ceremony took place at about 4pm at the Governor’s office at Government House, Asaba.

Okowa who prayed for the new Governor before the official handover, said he was confident Oborevwori would deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda for the people of the state.

The official handover ceremony featured signing of relevant handover documents and the official presentation to Oborevwori by Dr Okowa.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje.

 

Oborevwori Sworn-in As Delta Governor, Pledges Inclusive Devt.

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been sworn-in as the 5th elected Governor of Delta State with a pledge to do more in advancing the state to new heights in leadership and socio-economic development.

Oborevwori and his deputy, Sir John Onyeme were administered oath of office by the State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai at a ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

He thanked Deltans for the opportunity given to him and his deputy to serve and pledged to take the state to greater heights of economic development.

His words: “I accept with humility the responsibility which the good people of Delta State have bestowed upon me to serve as their governor for the next four years.

“I accept it with a resolve to do MORE to ADVANCE the State to new heights in leadership and socio-economic development.

“Today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centred policies, human capital development, and infrastructure renewal.

“With what has been achieved by the immediate past administration, the new government is poised to ADVANCE the state through the MORE agenda, which stands for: Meaningful development; Opportunities for all; Realistic reforms; and Enhanced peace and security.”

He said his administration will foster sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation; boost human capital; build an enabling infrastructure; enhance governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery; and strengthen public financial management.

“In furtherance of these objectives, the existing entrepreneurship development programmes will be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crime and anti-social activities among our vibrant youth population.

“We will also enhance the existing social investment programmes for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable groups, including widows and People Living with Disabilities, through microcredit, training, and business networking.

He said his administration will develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas.

“This administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure.  As you all know, government cannot do it alone. Hence, we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy.

“In the agricultural sector, we shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth.

“This administration will spare no effort to ensure that the development of agro-industrial parks is accelerated, given their potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security,” he said.

Oborevwori while paying tribute to his predecessors commended them for laying the foundation which he would build on assuring that “We will improve the quality of life of our people, build bridges of social cohesion, and give our people the hope of a better tomorrow, and accelerated development.

“I pledge to run an open and responsive government that meets the needs and aspirations of our people. I am committed to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for our people,” he stated.

Immediate past governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in his remarks, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve Deltans in the past eight years.

“It is with gratitude to God that I address you today, joy in terms of fulfillment that comes from achieving the goals that we set for ourselves in 2015, gratitude because we have the privilege of handing over to a worthy successor who will consolidate on our achievements.

“Today we leave with a lot of fond memories of our time as governor and deputy, memories of the months of brainstorming and strategizing, days of sleepless nights and countless hours on our desks and on the road about all I hope to deliver on our agenda.

“It has been 8years of trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies and of fighting and courage. However a day like this is not the day for me to recount our achievements, I leave that for posterity to judge,” Okowa stated.

ASUSS Chairman Urges Deltans To Support Oborevwori’s Administration

Delta State Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary School, (ASUSS) Comrade Kenneth Okoh, has called on Deltans to give the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori massive support to enhance good governance.

Okoh gave the call during the inauguration of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

He said that their corporation would lead to the successful administration of Oborevwori.

While expressing confidence in the governor, he said he is the man who the cap it and trust that he would deliver on his electioneering promises.

He urged him to emulate the achievement of his predecessors in the educational sector and to secondary school teachers in the state.

He also appealed to Rt. Hon. Oborevwori to ensure that their promotion arrears were paid.

Artisans Congratulate Oborevwori As Governor Of Delta State

Chairman, Artisan Association of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter and S.A to Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Informal Sector Matters, (Artisans), Chief. Ifeanyi Abanum, has felicitated with the State governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his successful inauguration.

Abanum in his congratulatory message sent on behalf of the leadership and members of the association, said he was proud to have him as governor of the state.

Abanum said the craftmen were optimistic that he would bring his wealth of experience in leadership to bear in the state.

“Our confidence remains in the fact that with your M.O.R.E agenda and the unifier that you are, the state would experience more peace and unity”, he said.

“As we, Artisans would continue to synergise with your visions in this administration”.

“We have no doubt that you will continue in your goodwill of making the Delta State stronger and more developed”, he said.

Our goodwill message will not be complete, without appreciating our dear immediate past governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for all the love he showed to us and his leadership prowess.

Once again congratulations to the people’s governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.

We Recorded Success With Your Support, Okowa Tells Deltans

Outgoing Governor of Delta, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has thanked the people of the state for their support and collaboration which culminated in the successes recorded by his administration in past eight years.

Speaking on Sunday at the 2nd Session of the 8th Synod of Ika Diocese of Anglican Communion held at Christ Anglican Church, Umunede, Okowa noted that without the enabling peace in the state his administration couldn’t have delivered on his campaign promises to the people.

He remarked that the theme for the synod, “Christianity: The Cross and the Crown”, was germane and urged the church to continue hunting for souls for Christ even as the number of churches grew.

He lauded the Ika Bishop of the diocese for the massive achievements recorded in the past four years in charge of the diocese and urged the church to grow men of faith while also growing the number of churches.

“I am glad that I am here back home in this synod being the last Sunday as Governor of Delta State; what a coincidence. I told myself that I must be here today no matter what.

“I thank God that I am finishing as a governor in a home church; because any church in Ika land is a home church for me.

“I thank the people of Ika for all the support that they gave me this last eight years. I also thank the people of Delta state for the support given to me.

“Whatever we have achieved, is as a result of collaboration; thinking and working together in peace in order to achieve it. For which, I am very thankful to God and the people of Delta state,” the Governor who was accompanied to the service by his wife, Dame Edith, and political office holders said.

In a letter from the diocese to the governor read by Bishop Ifeanyi Ekpenisi, the church thanked the governor for a successful and remarkable eight years in office and for his contributions to the growth of the diocese.

Earlier in a sermon, Bishop of Western Izon Diocese, Rt. Revd. Victor Okporu had said, suffering, bearing pains and still trusting God was part of the cross, saying that whosoever does not bear His cross cannot be the disciple of Christ.

He said the cross was where the price for our redemption was paid and satan defeated while the crown was a reward of victory and a mark of honour and glory.

The Cleric urged Christians to work towards attaining the crown and glory after labouring for the cross.

 

Adingwupu Calls For More Peace, Unity In Aniocha South

… As He Plays Host To Party Leaders

Aniocha South, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Hon. Paul Adingwupu has stressed on the need for peace and unity that would lead to good governance in the state.
Adingwupu made this known while playing host to the Delta North PDP Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh and other Party leaders from the local government at his country home in Ubulu Unor.
He urged the party leaders in the local government to ensure they form a common front, that would support the incoming governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration and avoid any form of rancour that would distract his governance.

He said it was time for the leaders to work more with the incoming governor to ensure his M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans comes to fruition,

Adingwupu said the get together was in line with the peaceful drive of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who has always desired that the people of the state remains more united.
“It’s very insping that you bring your people together, today is the turn of the leaders of the Party in in Aniocha South and the Delta North leader, this just the beginning. We are also going to bring the youths and the women”, he said.
While commending, Elder Moses Iduh for unifying Deltans, Adingwupu said his uniqueness has fostered unity and that he has been very instrumental to the success of the Party in Delta North, having touched many lives.
The Party Chairman in Aniocha South, Hon. Mike Okwufulueze commended him for bringing his people together and  also described him as a political strategist, who worked tirelessly in the last election.
While thanking people of his constituency for the privilege given him to serve, the outgone, Aniocha South House of Assembly member, Hon. Austin Chikezie, urged Deltans to be appreciative to Sen. Okowa for the legacies he left and for finding Oborevwori worthy to serve as governor.
In his remark, the House of Assembly elect, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia thanks the people of Aniocha South for accepting him as their representative, adding that Adingwupu was one of those who made it possible.
Anwuzia assured Deltans that Oborevwori would do more and continue on the developmental strides of Okowa.
In his words, a leader in the LG, Chief Austin Okocha said, there is a new PDP, that the dividend of democracy would get to everyone.
While describing, Delta north as the pride of the nation, he urged the leaders to remain more united.
Highlight of the event was reconciliation amongst the leaders, wining and dining as they all danced to the glory of God.
The colourful reception had the Council Chairman, Hon (Pst) Chukwunwike Jude; Architect Kester Ifeadi, Chief Dr. Rita Daniel amongst others in attendance.

Ministry of Justice Honours Bozimo Describes Him As Asset To Delta Government

By Onoriode Etatsemi

Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo has been described as an uncommon asset to the State Government and the State Ministry of Justice.

The State Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Mr. Moses Agwere stated this in Asaba during a sendforth party / award ceremony organised by the association in honour of the Commissioner.

Mr. Agwere further described less than two years duration of the Mr. Bozimo as the Attorney-General as short but eventful, adding that under the time of Mr. Bozimo, law officers and non legal officers were effectively trained and equipped with working tool.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Solicitor-General of the State, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe stated that the Attorney-General had impacted several lives, stressing that under his watch, the Ministry purchased a brown new 30 seater coastal bus, carried out the capacity development of staff and equipping them with laptops for both legal and non legal officers.

Mr. Erebe, who noted that during the short period of time of Mr. Bozimo in the saddle of the Ministry, all zonal offices of the Ministry had been repositioned and described the outgoing Attorney-General as a true representation of Bozimo family.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director of Civil Litigation, Mr. Sunday Monye, the Head of the Public Offenders Unit ,Mr. Ernest Edowonyi , Head of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Miss Paulette Popo and Mrs. Juliet Ojefia a staff of the Department of legal drafting , appealed to the incoming administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to consider the re-appointment of Mr. Bozimo into the State Executive Council and returned him to the Ministry, explaining that he still had so much to offer to the State and Deltans.

They recalled that under Mr. Bozimo, the Ministry recorded landmark achievements in Justice delivery especially in the area of securing critical judgements for the State Government.

In an interview with the parents of the Attorney-General, Alawe Broderick Bozimo , who was former Minister for Police Affairs and a retired Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Roseline Bozimo, they asserted that their son would not have achieved the feats alone but with the support of the staff of the Ministry while appreciating them for their cooperation.

Responding, the outgoing Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo said that he was overwhelmed by the gesture and lauded the staff for the cordial working relationship he enjoyed from them and their support.

He said that under his watch, 16 convictions on sexual related Offences were secured as well as other high profile judgements for Delta State Government, adding that Delta was a leading State in the practice of the administration of criminal justice law .

Highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts and award of excellence to Mr. Bozimo for his effective coordination towards the growth of the Ministry as well as another award for Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the development of the law officers in the State which was received on his behalf by the outgoing Attorney-General.

Delta Orders Clampdown on Cultism in Schools

Delta State Government on Thursday ordered massive clampdown on cultism and cult related activities in schools across the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu who gave the directive at a news conference in Asaba, said the directive became necessary following rising cases of cult related activities in secondary and primary schools in the state.

He said the State Ministry of Education and relevant supervisory and regulatory authorities have been directed to ensure proper supervision of all schools to nip it in the bud.

According to him, a number of persons particularly the civil societies have emphasised the need for parents to up their game and for the society to have a rethink in the management of our youths and young ones.

“But unfortunately there are also a number of elders, parents who obviously have not also lived up to their bidding with respect to monitoring the behaviour and attitude of their children.

“As a government we have directed that teachers must step up their supervisory roles. Teachers are not only to impact knowledge by way of teaching the pupils or the students whatever is in the curricular.

“They must also encourage these students to participate in extracurricular activities like games that will promote camaraderie among students and pupils,”

“We have directed that the Ministry of Education particularly the departments responsible for the supervision of schools be it private or public to also intensify efforts,” he said.

The Information Commissioner said schools must deal decisively with devious behavior among students to bring law and order in our schools.

He further remarked that any school where such activities takes place risks being closed down by the government.

“If there is any child behaving in a manner that is not expected of him particularly in the primary and secondary schools, we have emphasised that beyond the need to sensitise, drastic actions need to be taken.

“If any school is found to have wards in cult and nothing is being done about it, government will come down heavily on such schools.

“If you have children in your school and you are looking at them critically you will understand their behaviour and not knowing that they belong to some groups will amount to negligence.

“If you have children who gang up to beat up a teacher you must look beyond the immediate cause of that attack on that teacher to interrogate what must have emboldened them to work as a group to attack a teacher.

“You must also take actions that will make the parents know that they too have not done well.

“It’s quite disheartening and it is the responsibility of everybody to take this as a matter of urgent state and national importance because we do know that cultism is pervasive across the length and breadth of this country.

“Any school where such thing is found to be in existence, the authorities in that school will have to answer and it could lead to closing down of such schools.

“If any school discovers that children under their tutelage are behaving in a manner not expected of children of that age, it behooves on them to know that the responsibility of bringing up those children goes beyond teaching in the classroom to also monitor their behaviour including how they dress.”

Mr Aniagwu further said, “the right to do certain things does not extend to children, children of certain age are not free to engage in certain actions otherwise those actions would be termed anti-social.

“If you have children who gang up at the age of 12, 13, to attack a teacher, you know that there must be something behind it.

“Where ordinarily will they summon such guts or courage?, so if a child does that, the school must first take concrete action including expelling that child and taking up the parents.

“These children would take over from us tomorrow as leaders so we must not fail in our duty to bring up children of sane minds.

“What we are suffering today largely stems from failures of the parents of the past and so parents of today cannot afford to fail more because it will lead to the doom of tomorrow,” the Commissioner stated.

Okowa Salutes Emma Ogidi at 67

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated erstwhile National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, on his 67th birth anniversary.

The outgoing governor, who showered encomiums on the renowned politician, commended him for his dedication, loyalty and commitment to the unity and growth of the party.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor joined family members, friends and political associates to celebrate the political tactician for his remarkable service to PDP and Delta State.

He noted that Ogidi’s exemplary conduct in leadership, contributed to the party’s winning streak, particularly when he held sway as Chairman of the party in Delta between 2005 and 2008.

The governor affirmed that Ogidi also made notable contributions to the development of the state as Commissioner representing Delta on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2009 and 2011.

“Elder Emmanuel Ogidi has been a key stakeholder in Delta, and has contributed his quota to the growth and development of the state in various capacities.

“On behalf of my family,  the government and people of Delta, i join his family, friends and political associates across the country in celebrating his very remarkable life of service to his people and country as he clocks 67 years.

“Ogidi has continued to exhibit exemplary patriotism, selflessness and dedication to the progress and well-being of our party and country through immeasurable service.

“As an esteemed leader, his contributions to the victorious outings of our party at various times in the state remain unforgettable,” he said.

Okowa thanked the Ellu-born amiable leader for supporting his administration in the past eight years, and urged him to continue promoting the ideals that will further unify the party, especially in the state and region.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant Elder Ogidi continued good health and more years of worthy contributions to national development.

Don’t Impose Projects On Communities, Okowa Charges DESOPADEC Board

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has charged the newly constituted board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC to allow communities decide projects of their choice.

Okowa who gave the charge on Friday while inaugurating the Chairman and members of the Board in Asaba said their appointments were well-deserved.

Members of the newly constituted Board are
Olorogun John Nani-Chairman, Chief Festus Ochonogor – Managing Director; Mr. Efele Eyewu Nicholas-Executive Director; Mr. Favour Izoukumor – Executive Director; Chief Taleb A. O. Tebite-Executive Director and Mr. Oghenekome Okpobor  Executive Director.

Other members of the Board are Chief Julius Egbedi; Mr. Sylvester Ovbije; Mr. Goru Jonathan Oghenekaro; Mr. Azuka Enebeli; Dr. Charles Olisa; Mrs. Cordelia N. Anyangwu; Mr. Sonny Ofe; Chief Victor Egbo and Mr. Spencer Okpoye.

He said the new board was a good blend of youth and experience, saying it is gratifying to note that the members are grassroots politicians who have served our party and the government in various capacities.

He advised the board to consult widely with communities to ensure that their needs were met.

“I advise that you adopt a bottom-up approach when it comes to the nature and choice of projects that should be embarked upon; involving the host communities in your decision-making process is imperative to avoid contention and distrust.

“In this regard, the charge I gave to the previous Board is worth restating here. There must be specificity in planning; projects must be fit-to-purpose. They should be conceived based on real, not felt, needs.

“The communities should determine the projects they want in their areas. Commissioners are to draw up the project needs and environmental concerns of their communities and present to the Board for consideration, approval, and execution.”

“This governance paradigm must be complemented with strategic thinking, prudent spending, and stringent projects execution.

” It is important that you hold regular stakeholder meetings as a way of getting valuable feedback on your operations and performance.

“You must also embrace effective communication as an indispensable tool of management. Let the people know what you are doing, explain the rationale to them, and ensure that you are properly understood.

“Your appointments are not only based on merit and competence, they are also in recognition of your consistency, faith, and belief in our vision for a Stronger Delta. I trust that you will continue to do us proud in this new assignment.

He expressed appreciation to the immediate past board led by Hon. Michael Diden saying they performed creditably in the provision of community projects such as roads, classroom blocks, markets, and other physical infrastructure to host communitiies.

He lauded the Commission for its Skills Acquisition programme which had provided relevant training and empowerment for Youths of oil producing communities in the state.

“The icing on the cake for me was the establishment of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, in line with the administration’s youth entrepreneurship development programmes.

“Through the Academy, the agency was able to train and empower many of our youths to become self-employed and wealth creators. Once again, I convey my pleasure and appreciation to the old Board.

“The phenomenal success of DESOPADEC in the last eight years owes largely to the new corporate governance structure that we put in place on assumption of office in 2015.

“By amending the law establishing the agency, we created five new directorates to be headed by Executive Directors, in addition to the Managing Director, to ensure that the organization is managed in line with global best practices, as opposed to the pre-2015 arrangement where the Executive Chairman operated more like a Sole Administrator.

“The new structure was initially greeted with protests and skepticism but today we can all reap the benefits of the restructuring.”

He expressed optimism that the new board would surpass the achievements of their predecessors given their wealth of experience both in the private and public sector.

“Given the antecedents of the members of the new Board, I am confident that you will not only consolidate on the current achievements but will also chart new territories and break new grounds.

“That is the only way you can justify the confidence that has been reposed in you. Thankfully, the Chairman of the new Board, Olorogun John Nani was in the old Board, which guarantees know-how and continuity.

“I charge you be to be mindful of the weight of responsibility that lies on your shoulders with this appointment. It is a call to higher service. For you to succeed you must shun in-fighting, nepotism, and greed. I urge you to embrace the time-tested principles of team work, transparency, and collective responsibility.

“This is imperative for the synergy essential for the stability of the organisation, long-term socio-economic development, and the general well-being of the people you have been called to serve.”

He urged all stakeholders, especially the youth, in the host communities to give the new Board a chance to succeed in their quest to accelerate development in our oil-producing communities.

“Let me once again emphasise that no meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace. I, therefore, urge all to refrain from actions and utterances capable of breaching the peace in our communities.” Okowa stated.

Responding on behalf of the board, Chief Nani thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve assuring that they would work for the overall interest of the state and the oil-producing communities.

MOST READ

LATEST STORIES