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Ezenyili Distributes Relief Materials To IDPs In Asaba Camps

By Patrick Ochei

The Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Kelvin Obi Ezenyili has distributed relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons in the two officially approved camps in Asaba and another unofficial one at the Bridge Head by the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The Chairman who was empathetic to the plights of the IDPs, encouraged them to keep hope alive, just as he said that flood disasters all over the world are usually natural and not any man’s fault.

Ezenyili who said even though the water was already receding while projecting the next one month to be rounding off the camp regime, assured them that Government would always provide as much for them to eat for as much they remained in the camps.

The Chairman also assured them of Government’s plans and commitments towards ensuring that the IDPs resume farming and life afresh immediately after their stay in the camps.

Meanwhile, the former Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services and PDP candidate for Delta State House of Assembly, Oshimili South Constituency, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu who was in the company of the Chairman, gave an understanding of the roles the Delta State Government, the Oshimili South Council and other critical agencies had played to ensure adequate evacuation and camping of the IDPs for survival, adding that arrangement was in the offing for post camp relief of the IDPs.

According to the Humanitarian expert, “When the flood came, we immediately swung into action and evacuated all the victims. They were all safely brought to the camps already prepared ahead of time.

“We separated the children in primary and secondary schools and attached them to schools around that are suitable for them. The women in the camps who are wives and mothers were made to cook and feed their husbands and children. Nobody does the cooking for them, but them for themselves.

“We are taking food and toiletries to them on a regular basis according to their needs. We have sick bays in all the camps to handle trauma and emerging ailments. We have followed the international best practices in matters of emergency, and I can assure you that Delta is ahead in emergency response and care in the whole of the federation. So, we are providing food, drugs and toiletries for everybody by the seconds. We are constantly checking through the camps to know and take record of things they don’t have to provide them with such immediately”, Anyafulu explained.

Asked if she was challenged by the emergency effect of being under pressure to meet the demanding needs of the IDPs, she insisted she had never been challenged about emergencies, adding that she had trained herself overtime on issues of humanitarian responses and services, and accordingly, there was no need to fret because the government was adequately responding and making the job easier.

She therefore called on individuals and corporate entities to support the government in bringing succour to the IDPs by providing them with necessary assistances.

Anyafulu further commended the Oshimili South Chairman for yet another gesture, maintaining that the issue of survival was key on the emergency radar of the State Government, and so everybody was made to gear up to regularly meet the target of constant supply of foods and medicines to the camps.

She noted that the State had gone far on emergency cases of evacuation, camping and need for post flood supports, hinting that proper assessment had been carried out on how to clean up the flood ravaged environments in line with adequate mechanism to resettle the victims.

The Oshimili South team visited the Ogbe-Afor IDPs Camp, the Oneh IDPs Camp and the 2nd Niger Bridge Head Camp where food items and other materials ranging from yam, plantain, garri, beans, noodles, onions, salt, diapers, antiseptics and more were delivered in abundance to the camps.

However, at the Ogbe-Afor IDPs Camp, the Camp Commandant, Mr. Okpor Daniel appreciated the humanitarian efforts of the chairman for the relief materials, thereby appealing to him to initiate the way forward for the IDPs to resume normal life after the flood.

In company of the Chairman was a former chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Chuks Obusom who received wide ovation from the IDPs who knew him well as a grassroots person.

Delta CJ Rounds off Prison Visit: Discharges 31 Inmates

 Delta State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Tessy Diai has rounded off tour of Custodial Centres across the state yesterday as she discharged 10 inmates at Ogwashi-Uku Centre, after reviewing 541 warrants.

At the conclusion of her tour to the five Custodial Centres in the State, Justice Diai stated that a total number of 31 inmates were discharged out of 1966 warrants reviewed.

Giving the breakdown, she disclosed that in Warri 639 warrants were reviewed and four discharged; Sapele, 242 reviewed and four released; 304 warrants reviewed in Kwale, five regained freedom; while in Agbor Custodial Centre 240 warrants was reviewed and eight were discharged.

Among the 10 inmates discharged on the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), at the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre was a 35 years old Mr. George Mubebeu arraigned at Magistrate Court Ezi, for murder.

Narrating the circumstances that brought him to custody, Mr. Mubebeu said that cattle had been destroying his crops and he had complained his bitter experience to the Alhaji who owned the cows. He continued that each time he reported the matter, the Alhaji took no action.

He said that on one fateful day he went to the farm only to discover to his shock that one cow had died in his farm. And to his consternation, the Alhaji used the Police to arrest him on allegation that he was responsible for its death

More shocking, according to him, the Police framed trumped up charge of murder against him and dumped him in prison where he had been in incarceration.

The Chief Judge who commanded the team of Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Registrar and magistrates for their efficient performance during the exercise, directed court registrars to go ahead and file matters in court even where nominal witnesses refused to depose to affidavit.

The Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre, Sunday Enakhe Oyakhire, asserted that their cordial relationship with the courts has resulted to regular production of inmates awaiting trial in courts.

He revealed that the suspension of producing inmates in court by the Centre sometimes in April this year following intelligence report of hoodlums planning attack on them while conveying inmates to courts has been lifted, stating that they have resumed producing defendants to courts.

Delta State Chief Judge Discharges Eight Inmates in Agbor Custodial Centre

By Agbaragu Timothy

Five defendants charged for possession of Firearms and Single Barrel were among the eight inmates discharged today by the Delta State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Diai from the Agbor Custodial Centre, Agbor in the Ika South Local Government Area.

The freed accused persons, four in their twenties and one  teenager arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 Agbor on September 14, 2022 for possession of firearm, were set free based on the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) to the effect that they were innocent of the offence preferred against.

The five who jumped out of the hall shouting, ” Jehovah, Jehovah” narrated the circumstances that brought them to the custody, saying that they were all neighbours at Alihame, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Relating their sad experience to the press, they said they were sitting at their compound on one fateful day when the Police raided the area and took all of them to Police Station. 

They continued that even when the Police searched their homes and found nothing incriminating they were still charged with an offence they knew nothing about. They thanked God, the Chief Judge and DPP for exonerating them.

Justice Diai who reviewed 240 warrants, equally discharged three others based on DPP advice, even as she enjoined magistrates to accelerate trial of defendants granted bail, but could not find surety to guarantee them.

In a welcome address, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Agbor Custodial Centre, Mr. Donatus Ezugwu, appreciated the Chief Judge for the priority given to custody cases which has resulted to quick dispensation of justice.

While expressing gratitude to the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the quick intervention in rebuilding the parameter wall of the Centre that collapsed sometime due to torrential down pour, Mr. Ezugwu appealed to the Chief Judge to assist in providing more vehicles to enable officers convey inmates to courts as at when due.

He appealed to the Chief Judge,  on behalf of one critically ill inmate, Chinedu Kelvin Abiamuwe , to be granted bail to enable him attend court from home while receiving treatment.

” My Lord, I wish to make a passionate appeal on behalf of one Awaiting Trial Male, Chinedu Kelvin Abiamuwe ( charged for Conspiracy &Murder ) who was admitted at the Central Hospital, Agbor for more than a month now. He was diagnosed of Heart failure and severe anemia, and over five (5) pants of blood had been transfused as at yesterday ( 25/10/2022 ) and the percentage is still below 25%. I am appealing that he should be granted bail so that he will be attending court from home if he survives the illness, ” he stated.

40 Years Old Man in Two Years Custody Without Trial Regains Freedom

By Agbaragu Timothy

Paul Dumbi was among five inmates who the Delta State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Tessy Diai discharged from the Kwale Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service, yesterday.

The 40 years old man had been in custody since 2020 on allegation of armed robbery and arson even  without the fact that there had been no information filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) or any witness deposition against him.

Discharging the Defendant, Justice Diai stated that she saw no justification for the inmate’s continued stay in custody when DPP has averred that all efforts to get witnesses to depose to affidavit to enable them render legal opinion has been futile.

Mr. Paul Dumbi expressed joy that his innocence has been proved even as he thanked God and the Chief Judge for facilitating his release. 

The Chief Judge also released Aziakpono Igirigi, Joel Emmanuel (23), Ejita Osunde (23) and Destiny Goodluck (20) who despite that their cases had been struck out by various magistrate courts since 2020 were still held in custody for no a operant reasons.

Justice Diai who reviewed 304 warrants of inmates awaiting trial at the Kwale Custodial Center in continuation of prison tour across the state queried the rationale for keeping defendants in custody whose cases had been struck out by court of competent jurisdiction.

She enjoined magistrates to hands off any matter which does not fall within their geographical jurisdiction except, they have letter of approval from the Chief Registrar to assume jurisdiction, even as they were reminded to be conscious of time limit in handling custody matters.

So far, the Chief Judge has released 15 inmates awaiting trial at Warri, Sapele, Kwale custodial centres and the Sapele Remand Home since October 18 when she embarked on visit to custodial centres across the state.

Billionaire Prophet Fufeyin Splashes Five Million Naira On IDPS, Donates Food Materials, Medicals Others To Ten Thousand Displaced Persons

…Sets up additional IDPs camp for affected communities with millions of cash support

Delta Born Televangelist and Billionaire Prophet/President Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries Worldwide, CMDM, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin has splashed Five Million Naira cash on the Internally Displaced Persons , IDPs currently camped in his Church in Effurun- Warri, Delta State.

The cash gift presentation was made Thursday October 27, 2022 by Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Rescue Team led by the Man of God under Prophet Omoto Fufeyin Foundation, JOFF, to rescue victims of the ravaging floods across States in Nigeria in order to cushion their sufferings.

Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Rescue Team and Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Foundation is also providing food materials, medicals and other domestic supports to the flood victims in the facility.

According to Prophet Fufeyin, JOFF is taking care of over Ten Thousand Flood displaced persons in the established IDPs Camp by the Church, accommodating those whose homes were submerged from Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kogi IMO and affected people across Nigeria, he noted that the rescue mission embarked upon is as a result of the instruction of the Holy spirit and not by his power.

Meanwhile Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin swim the flood to rescue the affected flood victims in Delta also with his team had earlier arranged speed boats and palliatives as well as provision of of over 4.5 millions Naira cash to the victim’s at the spot.

Prophet Fufeyin also donated different items to the affected communities while visiting the affected flooded ravaged communities in the country.

The Billionaire Prophet and Founder Christ Mercy land Deliverance Ministries, Papa J Fufeyin assured the rescued flood impacted communities victims that the Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Foundation will continue to carter for them till the flood rescinds, he promised them that they will never experience suffering again in their lives with God intervention in their affairs.

He called on churches other clergies to come to the rescue of those suffering in their midst in order to alleviate their pains especially in situation like the flood and other natural future happenings beyond human control.

In a chat with newsmen, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin said he decided to rescue the flood victims because of the promise he made to God Almighty.

He stated thus: “I promise God that if He blesses me, I will also remember the children of God. Those who are in need. So, what make me to now go for this rescue is because of love. Because the bible says, you have to love one another. Love your neighbor as yourself. So, when they’re I. trouble, we have to. The bible says, when he’s in prison, nobody visited. When they’re in sick bed, nobody visited them. So, today, I am here to try my best to come to their aid.”

Prophet Fufeyin noted that the flood victims are being fed three times daily courtesy of the Jeremiah Omoto Funfeyin Rescue Team an arm under Jeremaiah Omoto Funfeyin Foundation.

“We don’t ask for help from anywhere here. But the foundation is ready. That’s what God sent me to do. So, am ready to now take care of them until the flood dry up.”

While noting that it is the government that ensures the protection of lives and properties, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin also called on Christian Clerics in the Country to assist the Federal and State Governments in critical times such as this.

He stressed that the governments have tried their best possible for its citizens. “So, we also need need to now come to their aid. That’s what we are doing right now.”

Our Correspondent who was at the event reports that there was jubilation amongst the flood victims when the cleric arrived the IDP Camp to have fellowship and dinner with them yesterday evening. The flood victims danced and entertained Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin with a local wrestling competition among other games.

Josephine Jos, preye Faith both mothers of twins rescued by the team from Ayakoromo in Burutu LGA commended Prophet Fufeyin for his fatherly love and care given them to alive and escape from the ravaging flood across their homes.

Other beneficiaries Joy Reuben from Kogi State, Michael Glory, from Oleh in Delta State, Enegarenbenabo Tei Aperebo from Peretorogbene , Bayelsa as well as those from Gbekebor, Obotebe, Rivers and Anambra States hailed Prophet Fufeyin for his support and identification with the internally displaced persons especially in their time of need , they expressed delight that the Man of God has demonstrated the biblical injunctions of showing compassion to people just as Jesus Christ did while on earth ministering God word, they prayed for him for more anointing to continue soaring in his ministry.

Artisan Chairman Garners Support For Okowa, PDP Candidates

By Christy Aboghe

Chairman,  Association of Artisan, Delta State, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum has called on artisans in the state to give their massive support to the Vice Presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and state governor,  Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and all candidates of the party in the state.

Abanum gave the advise during the Aniocha South Local Government Artisan’s Day celebration in Ogwashi-uku.

He said it was in appreciation of his love and support towards artisans in the state, since his inception as governor of the state.

He noted that Sen. Okowa in fulfilment of his promise to the craftsmen had provided them with a land and about to disburse grants to them so as to help boost their businesses.

He urged them to take their handwork seriously by developing their skill .

On his part, the LG Party Chairman, Hon. Prince Mike Okwufulueze commend them, said they were the reason why the country was united, due to their importance in the society.

While harping on their importance as craftmen, whose impacts were felt by the people in their communities due to the shut down of their business in the LG, he said there was need for them to be more dedicated to work.

Speaking the  Ogwashi Uku Area Commander of Nigeria Police Force, ACP Dauda Lamba appreciated the leadership and members for the coordination of the group.

He urged them to carry on the peaceful disposition in their homes and business places.

He also advised political leaders to advise their supporters to embrace peace as they work towards the coming election and also give chance to opposition parties for their campaigns

Speaking the  Local Government Artisan Chairman, Mr Sunday Ogwu called on political leaders and members of the society to see them a vital and productive members of the society who have the objective of promoting the economic life and development of the society.

Ogwu said artisans played key roles in the society as their importance can not be underestimated.

Ogwu said through their various units, they represent the technical bank of knowledge and manpower in which the economy of the state and nation is built and developed

Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificate to the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Isaac Anwuzia as their patron, and also to Hon. Okwufulueze and ACP Lamba in recognition of their enormous contribution and good works to artisans in the state.

 

 

Press Freedom: Okowa Lauds Media’s Role In Strengthening Democracy

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called on governments at all levels and other agencies to protect the freedom of the Press to enable it play its role of contributing to strengthening democracy and good governance in the country.

Okowa made the call at the inauguration of the Secretariat of Delta State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Asaba on Friday.

According to him, the independence of the Press is very important in a growing society and it is something that we must practice. I also urge the Press that in the face of all pressures, they must try as much as possible to inform, and inform appropriately.

He said that “the media must ensure that the information that gets out there to our people is the right information and that information is justiceable at every point in time.

“The Press can always stand their ground. Sometimes, politicians or other people can put you under pressure but I believe that the Press can always stand their ground as long as you know that you have done your investigation and that what you are speaking about is actually true”. 

The governor commended the media for adequate reporting of government activities and for appropriately informing the public on the activities.

He expressed appreciation to the NUJ in the state for the cordial relationship between it and the state government, saying “we have had a reasonable level of cooperation and they know that we do not gag them; we work as friends.

“This building is seated on very prime land and I thank God for that because the Press deserves that. The more you inform the people, the more educated the people are, and the more functional our democracy.”

He said his administration had done well in transforming the state in spite of criticisms from the opposition.

According to him, there is no doubt that we have done a lot in the last seven years, except for those who still want to doubt even while they can see. These are people who do not want to speak the truth because of politics.

“Recently, I heard one of our top politicians in the state who ought to know, say that we have done nothing in Asaba, the state capital and I began to wonder why people who are highly placed, speak in that manner and try to deceive the people.

“It’s very insulting to the people and not to me, because they know what Asaba was before. We know what has been done to ensure that we are able to control the storm water that we had in this state.

“You may not see all the drains because it’s not on the surface. But, we know how many billions of naira it cost us to ensure that people have livable homes.

“The State Secretariat that we see today did not cost one billion naira. When I was building that, the same party had its people criticise it. But today, I think the civil servants know that it’s a place conducive for them to work.

“We know how the road network was and we know how it is today. There is a university in this place today – the former Anwai Campus of Delta State University now turned into a full university.

“If you go in there, you will see lots of development. And by God’s grace, by the time we leave in May, the Deputy Governor and I will be proud that we were here in government for eight years,” Okowa stated.

Speaking earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, lauded Governor Okowa for encouraging Press Freedom by improving the working condition of journalists in the state.

He said that a free press, independent, vibrant, objective and nationalistic was critical pre-condition for good governance in a democracy.

“In most countries of Africa, especially in Nigeria, in the past years, the greatest advertisement for the democratic dispensation is the free climate of dialogue and debate (free expression) that has been initiated and sustained by the media.

“The existence of an unfettered and independent press is necessary for democracy to flourish. The right to freedom of expression, thought and association will strengthen and encourage accountability of governments to all citizens,” Isiguzo said.

He said government officials were expected to be honest, responsible, transparent, accountable and efficient in administration and service delivery.

“Where any of these is lacking or is deliberately subverted, it is the responsibility of the media to raise alarm,” Isiguzo stated.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the State Council of the union, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, commended Governor Okowa for breaking the 31-year jinx by completing and inaugurating the press centre since the state was created.

“You have given us a name and identity; you have taken us out of Egypt to our promised land. You have put an unquenchable smile on the faces of members and defeated the imagination of naysayers praying that we continue to wander as nomads.

“That you completed the building project would have given us enough reason to celebrate, but going ahead to tastefully furnish the centre is another monumental achievement that must be counted for your administration,” he stated.

World Cane Day: Remain Focus Alanta Advises Persons With Sight Impairment

By Christy Aboghe/ Rose Afolomah

Commissioner for Woman Affairs Community and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Flora Alanta has charge persons with sight impairment to remain focused and not see their situation as the end of the world.

 The Commissioner who was represented by the Director in the Ministry, Mr Peter Okocha made this known during the during the celebration of the International White Cane Day in Asaba, the state capital.

She advised them to see it as a condition that would prepare them to do better, to enable them contributes to the betterment of the society.

She commended the state government for what they have been doing for persons with disability, by training their members annually at the Lagos school for the blind, adding that they undergo for one year program in the school where their school fees are being paid by the state government, they acquire skills, are provided with training materials, are also given monthly stipends, and are empowered to the skill at  the end of their program.

Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind Delta State Chapter, Mr Edere Edison, called for the passage of the bill to disability act of 2018.

He said the event which was celebrated annually was in commemoration of their white cane, which he said was an aid for people with visual disability.

He said the white cane has helped them to navigate around their environment to identify if there were obstruction on their way or not,

While speaking on the choice of the year’s theme, he said it was to search out some of the dirts, obstacles, open drainage without lids and blocked drainage in their immediate environment and hazard to people with blind defect.

The Chairman called on various agencies to help keep the environment clean, so as to enhance safety  and productivity of the blind.

In her lecture, Mrs Isioma Edozie said according to the World Health Organisation  in 2018, that two million persons are affected with the challenge.

Edozie said there was need to support them, by developing design or facilities such as organizations that they can benefit from.

DTSG To Synergise With Hauwei Educational Solutions

Delta State government has affirmed readiness  to synergise with Hauwei Educational Solutions in using digital technology to advance education in the state.

The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Anthony Nwokolobia  made this known during an interactive session with educational stakeholder in Asaba, the state capital.

He said as part of the globalisation idea for educational sector, it would help promote quality education.

According to him, his ministry, the ministry of Science and technology, the executive Assistant to the state Governor on ICT and educational stakeholders in the state would be part of the Committee to drive the project.

On his part, the programme initiator, Barr. Felix Okonti said with Hauwei Educational Solution, the socio economic problem of the country would be solved, thereby reducing the amount of foreign exchange spent on student traveling abroad for studies, adding that it would help upskill the student in terms of learning environment.

Okonti said the problem of network issues faced by the micro school portals would be corrected.

Okonti noted that the project would later be extended to college of education, polytechnics, Secondary and primary schools in the state.

While speaking, the consultant, Mr Charles Omordia said the Central Bank of Nigeria was fully ready to fund the project.

Omordia stated that the project would be of great benefit to student in both private and secondary institution.

Fed. Govt Responsible for Correctional Centres, Delta CJ

By Agbaragu Timothy

Delta State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Tessy Diai has reinstated that the Nigerian Correctional Service is under the exclusive list of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended ) and therefore was the responsibility of the Federal Government.

That notwithstanding, according to her, the state government was doing all it could to ameliorate the challenges faced by custodial centres across the state within the limited available resources.

Justice Diai who released five inmates yesterday stated this at the Kwale Custodial Centre, Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area in her continuation of tour of prisons across the state in the last quarter of the year.

Responding to an appeal by the officer in charge of the Centre on provision of vehicles, the Chief Judge stated that the issue has been brought to the attention of the State Government, pointing out that she was very sure the government was doing something  to address the challenge.

She restated that the purpose of the visit to custodial centres was to make sure that every inmate was in lawful custody, and that none was kept more than the number of years he would have served if convicted, even as she sued for cooperation between officers of NCS and the courts to produce inmates early in court so that custody cases could be given priority for their early return to the centres. 

Justice Diai who has visited Warri, Sapele and Kwale custodial centres so far in the ongoing jail delivery exercise, debunked unfounded media report that she had visited Kwale centre before yesterday.

“I Was surprised to read in one of the reports that I had visited Kwale prison and that the inmates were crying because none of them was released. 

” I do not know where that information came from; at least all of us here know that this is the first time I am coming here in the course of this third quarter visit. So I do not know where the press got their reports from, ” she queried.

The number one Judicial Officer in the state charged journalists to verify and crosscheck fats before rushing to the press to avoid refraction of their professional ethics.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Kwale Custodial Center, S. A. Anekwe implored the Chief Judge to use her good offices to influence the Delta State Government to provide logistics in performing their duties.

The DCC who revealed that the Custodial Centre built in1906 with capacity of 262 inmates asserted that it has current capacity of 323 inmates, even as he decried the situation where only one functional vehicle convey defendants to 32 courts spread over four local governments.

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