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Be Objective In Your Reportage, Information Commissioner Urges Media Practitioners

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta state commissioner for information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, has called on media practitioners to engage in objective and critical assessment of government policies and programs as opposed to criticisms laced with propaganda and misleading half-truths.

Dr. Osuoza made the call on Tuesday, 19 November, 2024, during the media training session organised by members of Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) at the conference room of the state ministry of information.

Represented by permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Theresa Aliko, Dr. Osuoza said members of the forum should give a chance to ministry officials to make input to reports that have bearing to the state government and its policies

The commissioner who appreciated members of the forum for informing Deltans and the global community on the activities of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, also commended the forum for showing willingness to publicise activities and programs of the Oborevwori’s government.

He told the online publishers that the government of Sheriff Oborevwori will always appreciate good journalism in accordance with best global practices, rather than cut-and-paste journalism that employ the services of artificial intelligence which encourages unethical misdemeanors.

Dr. Osuoza said the training session with the theme: “SEO, AI and Security in Online News Publishing: A Swiss Knife for Online Publishers,” is germane, given the emerging trend and sophistication in the online journalism business.

The information commissioner said that the engagement and application of Search Engine Optimisations (SEO) and AI platforms has become a crucial skill for ensuring that contents are packaged to give clarity and fluidity.

Amidst the benefits derivable from online journalism, the commissioner expressed sadness over the growth of libelous and deliberately misleading information as well as the contractual engagement of online practitioners to persecute and blackmail personalities.

He said “the evil in this unwholesome and nefarious type of journalism is that some online publishers, for reasons best known to them, are putting pressure on their readers by manipulating narratives to convince them to believe allegations as convictions, against those that these allegations are made against.

“The best ethical journalism practice forbids and opposes this and it is up to the professional journalists in the online publishing community to continue to serve as conventional watchdogs of society and protect the bastion of sound and responsible journalism that the founding fathers of the trade professed and left behind as a legacy by ensuring objectivity and factual reportage.”

The commissioner called on leadership of DOPF to “evolve ways of sanctioning members who are engaged in pedestrian, unprofessional practice, outright propaganda, and yellow journalism.”

The session featured special training on the application of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the use of artificial intelligence tools to boost clarity of language and enhance visibility on the global online space.

The training session was handled by Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, a renowned publisher of Quick News Africa, based in Lagos Nigeria.

Our Frustrations Over War Against Crude Oil Theft – Tompolo

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Accuses Nigerian Navy of Aiding, Abetting Crude Oil Theft

…NBA hails Tantita over attainment of 1.8mbpd, promises collaboration

Ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has accused the Nigerian Navy of frustrating the war against crude oil theft in the region.

Ekpemupolo fingered the Navy of aiding and abetting crude oil theft and other sharp practices associated with petrol products in the oil-rich rich region, adding that the Navy was collaborating and encouraging illegal oil barons to sabotage the nation’s economy.

Receiving the national executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its National President,.Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), at Oporoza, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Tuesday, Ekpemupolo, said the Navy was operating at cross-purpose with other state actors and private security outfit saddled with the surveillance over the nation’s economic assets in the Niger Delta.

He told his bewildered visitors that operatives of the Nigerian Navy were colluding with criminal elements to steal the nation’s oil wealth for pecuniary benefits.

Ekpemupolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), one of the private security outfits hired by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to curb the menace of crude oil theft, reeled out instances in which the operatives of the Navy had stalled the arrest of oil thieves at various creeks of the Niger Delta.

He said the operatives freely provide and offer security cover and protection for the oil thieves in the course of their nefarious activities.

He lamented that the operatives of the Nigerian Navy openly confronted their counterparts from other security agencies and men of the private security companies in desperation to secure passage for the oil thieves.

This development, he further lamented constituted a cog in the wheel of progress in the war against sabotage of the nation’s economic assets.

He said, “While doing this work, we have stepped on a lot of toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. Most times, you see that Tantita Security Services now have engage in open confrontation with the Nigerian Navy, which has refused to cooperate with us in the war against crude oil theft. The Navy is working at cross purposes with other government and private security agencies saddled with the responsibility to curb illegal oil bunkering. The Navy is aiding and abetting these criminals to continue to sabotage the nation’s economy. In fact, the Nigerian Navy is frustrating us. The operatives of the Navy are colluding and collaborating with these criminals to swindle the nation. The operatives are neck deep in the menace of oil bunkering. They are making it difficult for us to win the war.”

“Just few days ago, men of Tantita Security Services intercepted a vessel carrying stolen crude oil in Port-Harcourt, the personnel of the Nigerian Navy provided escort duties onboard the vessel. The Navy personnel onboard the vessel and others speedily mobilised to the scene with gunboats and other equipment, opened fire on our men and officials of civil defence corp and DSS, who insisted that the vessel cannot sail further.”

The Naval personnel eventually prevailed due to their superior firepower, to secure passage for the vessel.”

“Similar situation occurred at Ovwian community in Delta State, recently, when Naval personnel also overpowered and subdued Tantita operatives to secure safe passage for another vessels carrying stolen crude. The cases of involvement of Naval personnel in oil theft are too many to recount here.”

“Every well-meaning Nigerian knows the function of Nigerian Navy and Tantita now, but nobody wants to come out to face the truth. The Nigerian Navy we support to safeguard the nation’s maritime assets has sacrificed its constitutional obligation for pecuniary benefits,” Ekpemupolo lamented.

Ekpomukpolo didn’t also spare the NBA, adding that its members make their services available to arrested oil thieves.

He added, “If we happen to arrest anybody now, we would get a lawyer from Abuja, Lagos or Ibadan, to deploy all legal nuances to secure freedom for the criminal.”

“We want to implore and beg members of NBA, you have a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, maybe we would not have money to do any reasonable thing. All of us here know that Nigeria is facing hardship.”

“We are going to do our part locally. But you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers would stand on the other side and this side. What I want to appeal is that you need to help us. If somebody is coming to load a vessel of 500 metric tonnes, in this community, nobody has that capacity to embark on such job here, the person comes from either Lagos or neighbouring countries or Abuja.”

“An hungry man here, who is serving as an errand boy to the barons, is the one that would be arrested.”

However, despite the challenges, Ekpemupolo assured that Tantita would collaborate with other patriotic bodies to ensure steady rise in the production of crude oil.

He congratulated all stakeholders who made the recent attachment of 1.8mbpd production of crude oil possible and assured that that Tantita would spare no efforts to ensure that 2mbpd of crude oil was attained by December, 2023.

In his response, Osigwe, hailed Tantita and other stakeholders on the attainment of 1.8m barrels of crude oil per day.

He promised that the NBA would collaborate with Tantita and other stakeholders to stamp out the menace of crude oil theft in the region.

Osigwe explained the mission
NBA in the area, adding that “our branches in the oil bearing areas should be interested in the issues of oil theft which goes on in many communities because it has affected our national economy and also impacted negatively in the ability of government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”

“It has also impacted negatively on our foreign reserves. It has adversely affected Nigeria’s ability to meet its minimum OPEC quarter for oil production. We felt that the matter should be taken seriously.”

“We thought that it would be a good place for us to come first to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought, and what the challenges approached, and how the fight has helped improve the Nigerian economic standing. And after our NEC meeting we heard the big announcement by the NNPCL CEO that oil production for the first time in many years, risen to 1.8mbpd with the hope of rising to about 2 million barrel per day by December. And we thought that this is very important because in the last few years, Nigeria has been borrowing to fund the budget, borrowing to pay salaries and execute projects”, he added.

According to him also; “And our understanding of the economy, is that if the country earns more from oil which we produce, we would be able to borrow less and the government will be able to do some of the developmental activities and put infrastructures in place as expected.

We also thought to take this visit as an opportunity to see the impact of oil exploration in the environment of the oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. And also see in what ways, these communities which form the wealth base of the nation have benefitted from oil exploration activities and how the oil exploration has negatively impacted these communities.”

Jubilation As IUANA Begins Installation of Solar Street Light Across Issele-Uku

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been thrown into jubilation as patriotic sons and daughters of the community, who are residents in the USA under the aegis of Issele-Uku Association of North America (IUANA), have begun the installation of solar street lights across various villages in Issele-Uku.

This is a commendable initiative and effort as Anioma Trust was in town to witness the take-off of the much talked about installation project.

Interacting with the Issele-Uku amiable monarch, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), he expressed optimum joy over what his subjects are doing to aid self-help developmental projects in the community.

Agbogidi Nduka said, he has never been disappointed by his people, both at home and abroad since ascending the throne of his forebears in eight years, thereby reverencing God for His grace and divine support towards him and those leading the community with him.

He further expressed the confidence that Issele-Uku remains one community amongst numerous others in Delta State where self-help in community effort and development has become increasingly monumental.

According to him, “I am the king who God has helped. I remain eternally grateful to Him and to our Great Ancestors for finding me worthy to superintend over great and illustrious subjects across the world. Issele-Uku Kingdom and her people have been a huge blessing to me, and I am thankful to God for such a privilege.

“Let it be known to our sons and daughters in IUANA that Issele-Uku people are grateful for this kind gesture of theirs, and I assure them that we will never take their kindness for granted. I pray that God and our Ancestors continue to keep them safe and secure in the foreign land, prosper them more and continue to grant them the wisdom and wherewithal to always give back to their community here in Nigeria”, Obi Nduka said.

For the Engineer in charge of the project and CEO of Datarack Technology, Engr. Uyi, he was ready to deliver on purpose, having been given the terms of reference and specification for the project.

Most parts of Issele-Uku will be lighted up this December and from the evidence on ground, Issele-Uku is capable of hosting any calibre of visitor or tourist who chooses the town for his or her holiday.

From the record, 160 panels of solar light are involved in this initial project phase, which are already being mounted at designated locations across Issele-Uku metropolis.

2024 DOPF Public Lecture: Professional Scholars Converge To Proffers Solution To Security Challenges

By
Hill Nigeria
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A distinguished panel of experts from journalism, peacebuilding, and academia is set to ignite a profound discourse on local security solutions at the 2024 Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF). Themed “Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution,” the event promises actionable strategies tailored to the unique challenges of the region.

Among the illustrious discussants is Mr Odita Sunday-Udemaguna, a veteran journalist and public relations strategist hailing from Boji-Boji Owa in Delta State. Renowned for his expertise in defence and national security reporting, Odita’s two-decade-long career, complemented by extensive international exposure and a deep commitment to community leadership, positions him to provide pragmatic solutions to pressing security issues.

The conversation will also feature Ambassador (Pastor) Edewor Egedegbe, an advocate for ethical leadership and peacebuilding. As the Founding Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Egedegbe has significantly influenced governance advocacy and grassroots conflict prevention across the Niger Delta. His insights into sustainable and inclusive development are anticipated to enrich the dialogue.

Adding further depth is Bridget Dominion Foh Affiah, South-South Coordinator for the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and a seasoned peacebuilding expert. With over 18 years of experience in conflict resolution and community empowerment, her expertise in integrating peacebuilding with economic and climate strategies will offer invaluable perspectives, especially her success in facilitating farmer-herder dialogues in Delta State.

From the academic front, Professor Odikasieme Emmanus Nonyenze of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) will share his extensive knowledge of safety and security management. A Certified Protection Professional, Nonyenze’s innovative approaches to advancing localised safety standards promise to bring cutting-edge ideas to the discussion.

Moderating this high-level dialogue will be Professor Kemi Emina, a scholar whose work explores the intersection of public discourse, civil society, and democratic values. Known for his engagement in academia and civic organisations, Emina’s leadership and research contributions make him an ideal facilitator for the event.

Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, will chair the occasion, lending his wealth of experience to the gathering. The keynote address will be delivered by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, whose insights into security management and public relations are expected to shape the day’s discussions.

The 2024 DOPF Lecture Series underscores the forum’s commitment to fostering critical conversations that address societal challenges. By bringing together such accomplished individuals, the event aspires to craft implementable solutions that resonate with the realities of Delta State and its environs.

Scheduled to be an intellectually stimulating event, this lecture not only aims to deepen understanding of local security challenges but also to inspire transformative change for communities across the region.

Aliyu Bin Abbas Expresses Disappointment In Nigeria Leaders

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Says Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb

…As National Youth Alliance Passes Vote of No Confidence on Nigeria Politicians

The National Youth Alliance (NYA), has expressed displeasure in the leadership of Nigeria.

The National Chairman of NYA, Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas made this known while speaking with Journalists during the Southern Youth Summit of the group with the theme, ‘birthing a new Nigeria in Asaba, Delta State.

Expressing disappointment in the politicians, he said the masses cannot allow people with wicked, selfish interest lead them again, hence the vote of no confidence passed on them.

According to him, the NYA which comprises of youths from different political parties, who have lost confidence in the political leaders of Nigeria.

“We are not happy, we are very angry and very aggrieved, we are not against governments, we are not against the people in power, but we are against the system, as Nigeria is not working.

While calling on the masses for the rebirthing of a new Nigeria, Abbas said those people in power have over the years held the nation to their selves.

He said, Nigeria is bleeding, sinking and disintegrating, which was never the prayers of our founding fathers.

“Our leaders of today have forgotten that there are people that sacrificed their own in order to see the country called Nigeria exist”.

The National Chairman said 2027 was youth o’clock, as it is going to be the turn of youths to take over political leadership.

“The National Youth Alliance is not a pro-government organization, it is not an anti-government organization, it is just a neutral organization, a group of like-minds, young people that came together from different political parties, from the PDP, APC, Labour Party, APGA, NNPP, PRP, in order to build a new Nigeria for all”.

Abbas said they are law-abiding citizens, that is out to speak to the minds of Nigerians, particularly the younger generation and women.

“We are so much concerned about the future of this country. Nigeria is such a beautiful and blessed country, but unfortunately we kept on producing selfish, wicked, and self-centered leaders that only concentrate on their personal and selfish interests, they don’t care about the country”.

“ I think it is high time for us as young people that truly believe in the cause of this country to come out and then salvage Nigeria, save Nigeria from our current state of mess”.

While questioning the office of the president, he said it was wrong for Nigeria as a country with over 250 million citizens to produce a president with less than nine million votes, adding that it was more of an appointment.

He said it was time for Nigerians to have a national dialogue and discourse about this country, as the nation is on a time bomb, which will affect everybody if it explodes.

On his part the Deputy National Chairman South, Osinachi Mbaoma called on Nigerian youths to arise and take possession of thier country, and not allow the politicians have their way in misleading the masses.

He urged them not to be deterred by the happenings of the 2023 general election, adding that their discouragement would given the political gladiators the will power to take over leadership in the next election.

He enjoined them not to be intimidated by leaving the political space for the politicians who are eager to return to power without any challenges

Encomium Pour in for NNPCL, Tantita, Others as Crude Oil Production Hit 1.8 Million bpd, Gas’ 7. 4 Billion scfd

By
Hill Nigeria
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…We remain committed to attainment of over 2million bpd – Tantita

Encomiums have been pouring in for Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as the nation’s crude oil production hit 1.8 millions barrels per day (1.8m bpd)

The board and management of NNPCL, which announced the feat on Thursday, also disclosed that gas production has also risen to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (7.4bscfd).

Stakeholders have hailed NNPCL and private security agencies hired to safeguard the nation’s economic assets, especially Tantita, for achieving the feat.

Tantita has lately led a relentless war against crude oil theft and pipelines’ vandalism, pursing oil thieves out of the nation’s coastal environment as well as seizing and confiscating their equipment of illicit trade.

It was gathered that most of the oil thieves abandoned the nefarious business in the wake of the onslaught and ceaseless heat by the operatives of Tantita security services positioned in the coastal axis of the Niger Delta.

These collaborative efforts with other state actors significantly contributed to the latest rise in the quantum of production of crude and gas resources.

It was gathered that Tantita has initiated clampdown measures to keep the oil thieves at bay with a view to realising 2 million bpd of crude oil production by the end of December, in conjunction with other industry stakeholders.

NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), who announced this at a press briefing on Thursday, said the feat was achieved in compliance with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kyari congratulated the Production War Room Team that anchored the production recovery process.

“The team has done a great job in driving this project of not just production recovery but also escalating production to expected levels that are in the short and long terms acceptable to our shareholders based on the mandates that we have from the President, the Honourable Minister, and the Board,” Kyari stated.

Giving details of the efforts of the Production War Room, the Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lawal Musa, said the feat was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract partners, the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as government and private security agencies.

He said the interventions that led to the recovery of production cut across every segment of the production chain, with security agencies closely monitoring the pipelines.

He stressed that when the Production War Room team was inaugurated on the 25th of June 2024, production was at 1.430 mbpd, but the team swung into action, culminating in it sustaining the production recovery to 1.7 mbpd in August and hitting the current 1.808 mbpd in November.

“We are confident that with this same momentum and with the active collaboration of all stakeholders, especially on the security front, we can see the possibility of getting to 2MBPD by the end of the year,” he added.

It will be recalled that the Chairman of TSSNL, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo,
while speaking during an award bestowed on him by the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), promised to ensure that the daily crude oil production output continued to increase and boost the nation’s revenue.

“The only place I have to call my country is Nigeria, so I will do everything within my powers to see that crude oil production increases.”

Reacting to the latest feat yesterday, Tompolo, said he was excited to be part of the success story.

Tompolo, who spoke through his Special Adviser Media and Public Communication, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, said Tantita was committed to the realisation of 2mbp by December as directed by President Tinubu.

Tompolo said, “This milestone, as you know, was achieved in collaboration with NNPCL, security forces and of course, Tantita, which has been at the forefront of oil pipelines protection in the Niger Delta . We are determined to take it to 2mbpd before the year runs out as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“All the needed machinery has been put in place to ensure that the target is achieved. No effort will be spared to ensure that the economy of Nigeria is galvanised.”
“This will lead to a boost in government’s revenue, thereby making more funds available for the President and his team to run the country effectively. I am assuring you that we are not going to rest on our oars until the target is achieved and even exceeded.”

“New technologies were being deployed to monitor the facilities with a view to ensuring that there won’t be any disruption and that the theft of Nigeria’s commonwealth is halted.”

“So the 1.8mbpd that it has got to, certainly by the end of the year, by God’s grace, we will work to get it to 2mbpd and even exceed. We are working towards that,” Tompolo assured through Bebenimibo.

Stakeholders Hail NNPCL’s Board Over Eyesan, Ajiya Sack, Says Sack Long Over Due

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Says Eyesan, Ajiya Sack, good radiance to bad rubbish

There was unusual jubilation at the headquarters of Nigeria National Petroleum Company limited ( NNPCL), on Thursday, over the sack of the Executive Vice President(Upstream ) Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya.

The Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Wednesday night, expelled the duo in a management shake- up and consequently appointed their replacements.

The sacked officers have roundly been accused of being a clog in the wheel of progress and believed to be antagonistic to the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Mele Kyari .

The staffers of NNPCL, who, were seen discussing the development in groups noted that the board acted swiftly to save the company from the antics of the sacked officers.

It will be recalled that the sacked officers had been on a collision course with Kyari, in what was seen as power tussle .

Eyesan and Ajiya were engaged in unholy moves to unseat and replace Kyari.

Rather than working collaboratively to achieve the set goals of the company, Eyesan and Ajiya engaged in unsavoury activities to sabotage and discredit Kyari in grandplan to plot his disgraceful exit from office.

The new appointment, according to NNPCL’s spokesman Olufemi Soneye, was to reflect the continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

In the new dispensation as announced by Soneye, Mr. Adedapo Segun replaced Ajiya while Udobong Ntia, was appointed to succeed the embattled Eyesan.

Many employees of NNPCL were in joyous mood on Thursday when the report of the sack of duo was made public.

They described their sack “as long overdue.”

“The Executive Vice President (Upstream), NNPCL, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and the Chief Financial officer of the company, Umar Ajiya, have long constituted a nuisance in the wheel of progress of NNPCL. Instead of them to work in synergy with other board members to achieve the goals set for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they are pre-oocupied with intrigues to ease out the GCEO, Engineer Mele Kyari and take over from him.”

“They are not interested in the discharge of the duties of their offices but daily engage in activities to bring Mele Kyari into disrepute and pull down the roof. Two of them are just after Kyari’s office, which has not been declared vacant by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who solely has the power to hire and fire our GCEO.”

“They opposed major policy decisions aimed at achieving far-reaching results at the board meeting just to ensure that the board and management of the company fail in their endeavours. So, it’s a good development that they have been asked to go eventually.”

“We thank the board for this courageous and bold move, which would consequently generate positive outcome. We are excited about their disgraceful exit, which is long overdue. It’s a good radiance to bad rubbish.”

“We are overjoyed. The company can now move forward in all its patriotic endeavours in aid of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” one of the elated workers of NNPCL excited stated in Abuja on Thursday.

Similarly, Niger Delta and industry stakeholders have also welcomed the exit of Eyesan and Ajiya from the board of NNPCL.

With their exit, various stakeholders were unanimous that NNPCL’s could henceforth move in steady progression to achieve set goals and objectives.

They lamented the delay in booting out the duo from the board of the strategic board.

A senior member of staff in one International Oil Company (IOC), who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned in print, said, “We applaud the removal of these guys from the board of NNPCL. Their sack would ensure ease of doing business in the oil industry.”

“These two guys have negatively impacted the board because of their antagonistic tendencies and deliberate attempts to pull down the roof. With their presence on the board, NNPCL find it difficult to push through in vital business decisions. It’s a good thing that they have been pushed out. The board of NNPCL can heave a sigh of relief and move forward with the new numbers of the board, who are expected to tow progressive path,” the oil worker, who didn’t want his name in print, stated.

In their reactions, various Niger Delta stakeholders and groups, also hailed the board of NNPCL for weeding out Eyesan and Ajiya.

Spokesman of Niger Delta Consultative Assembly (NDCA), Sylvester Utuedon, described the sack of Eyesan and Ajiya as “bold and courageous.”

NCWS Delta State President Pledges To Promote Girl Child, Women, Persons With Disability

By
Hill Nigeria
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The New President of National Council of Women Society, Delta State chapter, Mrs Margaret Jokoh- Abugewa has promised promoted the girl child, women and less privileged persons in the society.

Jokoh- Abugewa made this known to journalists shortly after her inauguration at the indoor sports hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

She said her long time passion for the female gender and persons with disabilities would come alive as she would put in her best to support their growth and success in the society.

Speaking on her drive to correct the many ills amongst the female folks in the society, she said she would take the sensitization campaign to all nooks and crannies in the state, adding that the rural areas would not be left behind.

She said her administration is ready to take the awareness of decency to schools across the state.

The State President of the Council advised parents to help model their children in the right way so that they would live a God fearing life in future and not bring shame and reproach to their families

Expressing gratitude, she called on all women to support her in ensuring that she deliver on her assignment, thereby attaining greater height as a body.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Pat Ajudua urged the women to work in synergy with the Jokoh- Abugewa’s led administration.

While commending them for their love, she assured them of an end to every form of disunity.

The Commissioner admonished the members of the Council to work with the state government so as to achieve more peace and progress.

On her part the immediate past president, Mrs Helen Bob- Manuel advised the new president to remain focus and not be distracted.

While congratulating the new state President, the Oshimili South President of NCWS, Mrs Allanah Theresa PhD, expressed optimism in her delivery of the course of the National Council of Women Society.

Mrs Allanah prayed God to grant her wisdom to lead and take the women group to an enviable height.

Present at the event was the National President of the Council, Mrs Geraldine Etuk.

The event which was well attended by delegates from across the state also witnessed presentation of award.

Oborevwori Presents N936bn 2025 Budget To Delta Assembly 

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, today, presented a N936,078,818,719 billion Appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

Governor Oborevwori said the budget christened, ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,’ was made up of recurrent expenditure of N348,717,758,635 billion representing 37.25 per cent and capital expenditure of N587,361,060,084 representing 62.75 per cent of the total budget.

He said the 2025 budget is N211bn more than the 2024 approved sum of N725bn, indicating an increase of 29%.

The Governor attributed the increase to the realignment of the exchange rate which resulted in higher FAAC allocations and associated revenues. He said: “This is in addition to a corresponding improvement in our Internally Generated Revenues in the year.

“The 2025 budget contains several initiatives planned to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on our people and all the attendant economic challenges it has brought upon us.

“These include deliberate provisions to strengthen our social protection interventions and safety nets, basic rural infrastructure, agriculture and food security, agro value chain, and MSMEs.

“The 2025 Budget focuses on continued provision of physical infrastructure, human capital development, job creation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction in our dear state.

“The state government intends to achieve these through prudent management of our resources and prioritizing expenditures on health, education, agriculture, water resources, environment, housing as well as women and youth empowerment programmes.

“In 2025, we propose to spend N230 billion on Road Infrastructure; N67.42 billion on Education; Health will gulp N30.55 billion; Water Resources N11.03 billion and Agriculture, N7 billion.”

Government Oborevwori appealed for the speedy passage of the appropriation bill by the lawmakers.

In his remarks, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the state had witnessed unprecedented development due to the Governor’s pragmatic style of governance and commended the Governor for continuing and completing inherited projects from previous administration.

He lauded Governor Oborevwori for his fiscal discipline and ensuring value for money which he epitomised in returning over N500m to the state coffers while serving as Speaker and for saving over N14bn for Local Government Councils across the state.

He called on the Governor to institutionalise pre-budget planning parley between the Executive and the Legislature to help balance priorities within available resources.

The Speaker urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to cooperate with the Committees of the House during the budget defence sessions to ensure seamless consideration and timely passage of the budget.

Motion for adoption of the budget was moved by House Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and seconded by Member Representing Ika North East Constituency, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.

The budget presentation was witnessed by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere amongst others.

Oseji Calls For Actualisation of Zero Waste In Delta State

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Mrs Minnie Oseji has called on all Deltans to join in the campaign of zero waste in Delta State

Oseji gave the call during a consultative forum with Head of Environment department of the nine Local Government Areaa across Delta North senatorial districts, private sector participants (PSPs), Recyclers, Government Relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Landlord Associations.

While encouraging every household to key into the actualization of zero waste initiative, she said it would be of great pride to them, the state government and the state at large.

The Permanent Secretary while frowning at the risk scavengers were faced with at the dumpsite said it is unhealthy as it exposes them to infectious diseases which they in turn transfer back to their families and friends thereby leading to outbreak.

She urged them to stop going to the dumpsite to pick the rubbish, rather the waste should be separate at source and taken to the recycling point.

The Permanent Secretary said in determining the success of the project, the ministry will be visiting the dumpsite across the state to ensure that are zero scavengers at the dumpsite.

On his part, the Managing Director of Solid Chemicals, Mr Francis Uchechukwu Nnachi said the end to end recycling company helps to reduce the amount of waste in the society.

Expressing delight over the initiative which he said was timely and will help in reducing the amount of waste that are generated and goes into the drain.

He said with the awareness it will bring in more recyclers and create more jobs for the teeming youths.

According to him, the scavengers rather than been left jobless would be profiled and function as truck drivers that can be at the collection centres to scale the waste and still make money.

He said with the value added to waste, Deltans will understand that there is nothing like waste but recyclables which they can make money from.

Speaking on behalf of the state Chairman of Private Sector Participant (PSP), Mr Samson Osuware, the financial Secretary of Association of Waste Managers PSP, Mr Adeniyi Osawaru said forum was timely, as there is need for will power from well meaning Deltans for waste to wealth and zero waste environment to be achievable.

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