The measure of rapport and affinity between the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, and youths of Oshimili South Local Government Area, yesterday, crossed another threshold as the commissioner rededicated himself to the service of the youths.
He promised to continue to pursue the interest of the youths, especially in the area of appointment and empowerment.
This was upon a surprise birthday package in commemoration of the health commissioner’s birthday anniversary by the youths of Oshimili South, an avenue that heralded explosive testaments and encomiums from the youths, from youths’ groups that trouped to his residence to wish him happy birthday, yesterday morning, with trumpeter, birthday cake, music, ram, etc.
Elated by the auspicious gesture, Dr. Ononye seized the opportunity to appreciate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for giving him the enablement to engage the youths in the benefits of his administration.
‘’I rededicate myself to loving you (Oshimili South Youths); being a father, friend and colleague to you as God allows me. I recommit myself to the needs and aspirations of the youths of Oshimili South and we shall, God-willing, achieving together’’ he said.
Onward to the 2023 general elections, Dr. Ononye enjoined the youths to work together and support all torchbearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging them to shun divisive tendencies.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Barr. Ikechukwu Maduemezia, congratulated the health commissioner, even as he wished him many more fruitful and prosperous years in wisdom and health.
Other youths, who spoke at the propitious event, including Councilor representing Ward 10, Hon Chinedu Igwedinma and the PDP Youth Leader of Oshimili South, Hon Felix Eboh, described the commissioner as a God-sent destiny-helper and appreciated him for his leadership and mentorship.
Mr. Edozie Chukwurah, corroborating earlier speakers, drew the attention of the health commissioner on the need for more employment and empowerment opportunities for youths of Oshimili South Local Government Area.
He contended that the growth of youths in Oshimili South would curb crime in the area and further contribute to the development of the state in line with the visions of Governor Okowa for a stronger Delta.
Highlights of the birthday ceremony include prayer sessions, cutting of cake, testimonies, thanksgivings and merriment, which afforded the youths the opportunity to bond with themselves and the celebrant.
Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Minnie Oseji has charged Deltans to preserve their environment by disposing their waste properly.
Dr. Oseji gave the charge while addressing Journalist during the celebration of the World Environment Day, in Asaba, the state capital.
Oseji urged them to avoid things that would create flooding, reducing the mitigation of climate change through our activities and also planting trees.
She advised them to avoid illegal falling of tree, adding that if they have to pull down a tree, they should make effort to plant another one to replace it.
According to her, the theme of year 2022 World Environment Day, ‘Only One Earth’, focused on living sustainably in harmony with nature, adding that it required all humans to become change agents in adopting cleaner and greener lifestyle.
She added that planet Earth was their only home, hence they must be preserve their natural resources for future generations.
The Permanent Secretary said that the year’s World Environment Day marked the 50th years since the Stockholm Conference in Sweden in the year 1972, led to the designation of 5th June as World Environment Day.
Highlight of the annual event was a rally and road walk exercise to sensitize Deltans on the need to live sustainably in harmony with nature.
Some of the places visited were, Interbua junction, Konwea and Ogbeogono market and it’s environment where clean up exercises were monitored, fliers distributed and also was the distribution of refuse bags to promote bagging and proper disposal of waste.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Delta State, Isaiah Bozimo Esq (left), sitting next to the state Chief Judge, Theresa Diai during a visit to one of the correctional centres in the state.
By Onoriode Etatsemi
History was made on the 1st day of June 2022 in the Delta State Judiciary and possibly in the entire Nigerian Judiciary as Asaba High Court Commenced Virtual Sitting.
The first Virtual Court Hearing took place in High Court 1, Asaba with the Chief Judge, Honorable Justice T. O. Diai, presiding.
This was in a personal injury case, Suit No. A/176/2018: Mrs. Chika M. Orji And Akwa Ibom Transport Company Company Limited & Another.
The suit was commenced in the Asaba Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice, Delta State on the 25th day of October 2018.
With the aid of technology, the Claimant, Mrs. Chika Orji was able to testify from the comfort of her home in Lagos State, via Remote Hearing (Zoom).
Before now, the Claimant was unable to come down to Asaba as a result of injuries sustained in a road traffic accident that left her incapacitated – cause of action. The matter had therefore been delayed for some time for this reason.
The Claimant testified as if she was physically present in the open court. Led by her counsel, Mr. Caleb Ekene Onwe, where she identified and adopted her written statement on oath and also identified the documents referred to in her written statement remotely before they were admitted in evidence.
Upon conclusion of her evidence in-Chief, the counsel for the 1st Defendant, Goodnews N. Njoku cross-examined the Claimant. With the conclusion of the testimony of the Claimant, the case of the Claimant closed and the matter was then adjourned for Defence to open. The entire session took less than an hour.
This feat was however made possible through the I.T innovation introduced under the dynamic leadership of the Delta State Chief Judge, Hon . justice T.O. dial.
There is in the court a 50 inch smart TV, which enabled the participants in the court to view the claimant while giving her testimony. There is also a laptop used by the system administrator to store materials for the case and a desktop (All-in-one )used by the presiding Judge.
All these and more bought with funds approved by the Chief Judge , under the dynamic administration of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State.
At least, eight (8)participants were admitted Into this first session and able to watch history being made first hand.
In the development strides of the state chief Judge, there is also a second court in Asaba with the same capability to host remote hearings and with this issue of delay in any trail because a witness is unable to attend court or lives overseas is now a thing of the past. We can only expect more to happen in the nearest future with more court having the same capability to host remote hearings
Delta State judiciary is set to provide excellent service to the generality of the public in the state and beyond.
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and former minister of State for education, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, has charged Deltans to follow suit what happened in Anambra State.
He said that the Anambarians had demonstrated that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was their party and were determined to enthrone their own, adding that they had shown that they had no business with any other political party, expressing hope that same atmosphere would resonate in Delta State.
Gbagi urged them not to be allowed themselves to be misled as SDP was a Party to reckon with.
While assuring youths of job opportunities, Gbagi said he had what it takes to emancipate them as he had done in his private world of business.
The former minister of State for education, said when he becomes governor, he would engage the youths, no matter where they were and revive all the ailing industries that the state had lost and ensure that those industries that had left the state, returned.
The Governorship candidate assured Deltans of creating conducive security atmosphere for investors who want to invest their businesses in the state.
Gbagi also called on Deltans to register for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to enable them participate and to massively exercise their franchise in the 2023 elections.
Delta North Senatorial flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Kenneth Hon. Kenneth Gbandi has assured youths in his constituency of 4000 direct and 10,000 indirect job opportunities.
Gbandi gave the assurance shortly after he won the ticket to run the Senatorial seat for the Party, during the primary election for Senate and House of Representatives seat, which took place in Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North area of Delta State.
He said by the time the first legislative period in the red chamber is concluded youth in Delta North would have been engaged with job opportunities, adding that in the first four years in office as Senator, he would bring about change in his senatorial district.
Gbandi also promised them robust representation in the red chamber, adding that his impact would speak volume amongst other Senators in the Senate, given the opportunity to serve them in the coming election.
He admonished the people of Delta North to have their Permanent Voter’s Card, which he described as their power towards making his vision for them a reality.
The Party’s Presidential Aspirants, Mr Chukwuka Monye, said that in engaging millions of youths across the country, he would ensure that the economy of the country is transformed, and that Nigerians diversify from oil and gas to other sectors.
Monye said that in bringing relief to the yearnings of the youths, industries would be created, so that they would be proud to identify themselves as citizens of the country.
While frowning at the rate of insecurity, he said given a chance to led the country, he would see to it that the welfare of security personnel are attended to, thereby leading to their effectiveness to duty, adding that ADC is poised to right the wrongs in the country from the national to the local level.
Speaking, the winner of the Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency seat, in the House of Representatives seat under the Party, Nixon Odimbu who defeated Architect Chukwudumebi Ugboh after getting 15 votes, out of the 20 votes cast, commended the electoral process, describing it as peaceful and orderly, adding that he would carry everyone along and bring dividends of democracy to his constituency.
On her part, the Director General of Gbandi’s campaign organisation, Mrs Nkechi Rosemary Eke (JP), said the senatorial flag bearer would provide the change desired by the people of Delta North Senatorial District.
According to the state Chairman, Barr. Emma Dibia, it was a new dispensation as the Party would change the narrative of the country.
He urged all members of the Party to ensure that they obtain their PVC, so as to vote in the leaders that would correct all the anomaly taking place in the country.
The election which was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, had the ADC National Vice Chairman South South, Elder Festus Igbinoba, as the returning officer.
… Set To Kick Start ‘Operation Show me your PVC’
…Seeks More Propagation Of PDP Ahead Of General Election.
By Christy Aboghe
Following the alleged anti- party activities by five members of the Delta State Association of Non-Indigenes, have been suspended from the Association.
This was made known in a letter signed by the state Chairman, Sir Bernard Agazuma and issued to our reporter in Asaba, the state capital.
The suspension of the state Secretary of the Association, Mr Charles Iwuchukwu, Mr Gabriel Akoh, Mr Solomon Edem, Mrs Nneka Ewelu and Mr John Ezechi from the association which commenced with immediate effect was a disciplinary action to curtail their misdeeds, which the Chairman described as a sign of disloyalty, anti-union and ingratitude to the authorities that have given them so much hospitality in the state.
The Chairman also stated that a committee headed by Barr. Okpetu Sylvanus, Abdul Ahmed as secretary, with Chief Patrick Abulimhen, Mrs Sarah Atsuko and Bode Oduola, as members, had been set up to investigate the offences leading to the suspension.
In a related development, the Vice Chairman, (Hausa), Alhaji Lawal Imam during a meeting with executive members of the association, urged members to be more united and not to be distracted by the recent happenings.
Lawal charged the Vice Chairman (Igbo), Mr Festus Ukeje also known as June 12, to call Charles Iwuchukwu to order, as his actions could affect him politically in the future.
Speaking, Ukeje advised members, as ‘evangelist’ to canvass for all flag bearers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the coming election.
He added that a time would come when the strength and performance of the executives in their various Local Government Areas across the state would be assessed.
While commending the state government for his appointment in the state’s Advisory and Peace Building and Council, the Chairman, assured members of his unalloying support towards PDP and urged them to work towards it’s success in the general election.
Agazuma said the Association would embark on ‘operation show your PVC’ across the 25 Local Government Areas in the state.
He also charged members who were yet to obtain their PVC to endeavour to get it, as in it lies their power.
Being proactive enough to prevent and forestall the unexpected is far better than any professional prescription to cure, rescue or ameliorate any unfortunate circumstances. These were the words and advice from the stable of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun gave the advise during a Peace Summit in Asaba the state capital.
Akinsaya said that the NSCDC, was widely known for its proactive nature both on security matters and National Interests.
In early warnings, the Commandant posited that powers belongs to God and he gives power to who ever he wishes irrespective of tribe, religion, social status or background. He advised politicians not to heat up the polity in order not to breach the security apparatus in the state.
The NSCDC Boss further warns and discourage money politics, adding that it is only empty vessel politicians that present or offers money in place of merit, competence and professionalism. He noted that those who have something to offer in order to rescue the country, do not offer money but offers ideas and solutions to the problems facing Nigeria.
Akinsanya who frowned bitterly on money politics, warned politicians that the command under his watch will not tolerate money politics nor vote buying which is inimical to the socio-political and economic well being of the country.
On the issue of thuggery, with respect to 2023 general elections, the NSCDC Commandant, said, that the Command through its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit in collaboration with the state government, NGOs, Private bodies, the Traditional institutions and Religious Bodies have mapped out plans and programmes to sensitise the teeming youths on the dangers of thuggery or being used as thugs before, during and after the elections.
Akinsanya said that 2023 to all lovers of Nigeria should be an opportunity to vote for true leaders and not for politicians. He maintained that when true leaders rule, the people will rejoice, adding that the nation security challenges will be resolved and the country will bounce back again.
The State Commandant stressed the need for all eligible voters to rush down to the INEC office to register, revalidate and perfect every necessary steps of having a valid PVC in order not to be disenfranchised in the forthcoming general election and to vote in the new set of leaders that will transform our dear country Nigeria.
It is in the resolve of the NSCDC to protect life and properties in addition to assist in maintaining peace and order as enshrined in Section 3, sub-section 1a of the NSCDC Act of 2007 as amended, the Commandant said.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has called for a national health research summit of all medical practitioners to draw up solutions to the crisis rocking the healthcare delivery sector.
Suggested at the maiden annual scientific conference organized by the Delta State branch of MLSN, which held in Asaba, the proposed national summit would afford stakeholders to appraise the challenges plaguing the health sector.
Among other issues raised in its communique issued at the end of the conference, AMLSN observed that the emergence of COVID-19 had exposed the need for professionals in the health sector to work as a team to overcome the virus challenge and any other challenge which might be faced in the future.
Stakeholders also advocated that for future pandemic preparedness, there was the need for a broad view of Global Health Security that incorporated universal health coverage, NCDs, sustainable development and human rights, to address multiple societal aims.
‘’Conference agreed that there is need for an annual research summit for all stakeholders in the health sector to take stock of challenges in the sector with a view to proffering solutions to these challenges”, they stated.
While noting that preparedness and response to pandemic touch many ethical issues, they proposed a more stable funding commitment and financing mechanism for both efficient emergency response and long-term preparedness.
They commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for the employment of medical laboratory scientists and other health workers into the state public service, and setting up PCR in the state’s tertiary health institutions.
In the same vein, they identified the need to develop a rapid and comprehensive research ecosystem and strengthened mechanisms for evidence-based policy-making that could handle uncertainty.
However, they lamented the non-creation of the Directorate of Medical Laboratory Service in the State Ministry of health, stating that such negatively affected medical laboratory practice in the state.
The Stand-Up For Women Society, Delta State Chapter, a group renowned for its promotion of societal advancement and public good especially for women, has made good its promise to assist INEC in sensitizing women and mobilising them from all walks of life to register to obtain the Permanent Voter Card from the ongoing Voter Registration exercise and thereby participate to vote in the forthcoming general elections.
In collaboration with INEC, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) was on Tuesday 31st May, 2022, flagged off during their Market Outreach/Sensitization at Ogbogonogo in Asaba, Delta State.
Sensitizing the Leaders and Coordinators of Market Women and Men Association, the Chairperson of Stand-Up For Women Society, Mrs. Stella Macaulay said it had become imperative and pertinent to bring the message of Voter Registration to the market in view of the criticality and prevailing need for all eligible persons to participate in changing the system of leadership in our country through voting with their PVCs during the general elections.
She affirmed that only the PVC could guarantee that opportunity, which was why the SWS had taken the initiative to come to the market women and men to raise their consciousness in the electioneering processes by making it easier for them to register to participate in taking the decision of how our leadership should look in the next dispensation and going forward.
Macaulay who immensely appreciated the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner and his management team for the opportunity given them to carry out the campaign, said, “Enough is enough with what is going on in our country. We can no longer continue to sit on the fence only to complain when the wrong people are already in positions of power and authority. We must not continue to complain and not do anything. We must do something but only when we have the power, and that can only come with our Permanent Voter Card.
“I am glad that the INEC leadership in the State is here, which makes it easy for you to interact with them and get first hand information to guide you through the registration process and beyond. I feel pleased because these are patriotic men and women who are interested in the project Nigeria, and I have no doubt in my mind what they are capable of doing to make this country better for all.
“Having ended the individual online registration, the E-Registration commences from 1st June to the end of June at various centres. You must take advantage of this window of opportunity to register. Our message here today is, that you are in the market does not mean you cannot create time for you to go register.
“This is the time for every eligible voter to register or correct whatever error or fault in their PVC. We are not here to tell you what political party to work for or individual to vote for in an election. We are all adult Nigerians who have been observing the leadership situation in our country. So, it is imperative that you get your PVC, then you can possess the power go out to vote your choice of leaders during the general elections in 2023.
“Please note that you don’t register and leave your PVC with INEC, otherwise it becomes their property. But when you register and go back to collect your PVC, it becomes your own property which gives you the power to effect the desired change we have all been yearning for. I will tell you for free that your PVC will provide employment for your unemployed graduate children, provide healthy and conducive environment in addition to ensuring that poverty is reduced to the barest minimum with a booming and vibrant economy, if only you can use your PVC well.
“My sisters and brothers, we must stop complaining of bad leadership and make effort to do the needful to change the narratives. Your effort can pay off this time if only you can make sacrifice with your time by going to register to have your PVC”, Macaulay appealed.
The INEC Commissioner, Rev. Monday Udoh Tom was pleased with the campaign exercise and strongly commended the Stand-Up For Women Society for taking the initiative to bring them to Ogbogonogo Market as the first pot of call in the ongoing INEC Flag Off of CVR Market Outreach/Sensitization in Delta State in Collaboration with the Stand-Up For Women Society.
In answering various questions and listening to the requests made during the interactive session with the market women and men, the REC promised to make the BVAS machine available for registration inside Ogbogonogo Market from Wednesday 8th June through to Friday 10th June, 2022.
He took time to explain to them all that they needed to know about the registration while discouraging double registration, except that they want to replace their cards, transfer their voting locations or update the information in their cards.
Rev. Tom however, urged the market women and men to also disseminate the registration message to their churches, families and other associations for the benefit of capturing more eligible voters in their database.
He noted that INEC commenced this window of Continuous Voter Registration on 28th June, 2021, which is due to elapse by the end of June 2022.
The REC therefore, admonished every Nigerian to register and possess the PVC to help them secure a better future for them and Nigeria at large.
It was a worthwhile venture as Leaders and Coordinators of various markets in Oshimili South LGA took turn to speak and make suggestions on the best approach to adopt in ensuring that majority of their members register and participate in the electioneering processes.
Some of the market leaders in attendance included the Secretary, Market Women and Men Association, Delta State Chapter, Pastor Cyril; Coordinator, Market Women and Men Association, Oshimili South and Leader Ogbogonogo Market, Mrs. Adigwe Lilian; Coordinator, Ogbogonogo Market, Mrs. Nelly Obi and others too numerous to mention.
Director General, Ned Nwoko Campaign Organisation, Hon Pascal Adigwe, has said that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was fully prepared to rescue Nigeria from the hands of wrong leaders.
Adigwe made this known while speaking with our reporter in Asaba, Delta State.
He said going by the way the Buhari- led administration was leading the country which could be compared to a sinking ship, there was no doubt that only the intervention of the PDP can bring about lasting solution towards rescuing the country from the sinking ship and redirecting the voyage.
According to him, the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the Party’s Presidential flag bearer, was a clear testament to the fact that Nigerians were indeed running for the best.
He said “PDP has what it takes to win the general election”, adding that, “other considerations, would have favoured other candidates especially those from the southern region but the situation at hand and the calamity we are in now seems to be bigger than just a zone or consideration for zonal interest
He urged other aspirants to work with the Party’s Presidential flag bearer in redeeming the country, adding that democracy was not going to die in the country
While congratulating Atiku on his victory, he urged him to immediately commence healing and reconciliation with all the people who have left the party in anger, as it lies on him to bring them back.
