Home Blog Page 150

31 Years Of Good Governance

By
Hill Nigeria
-

… Okowa A Blessing To Artisans- Abanum

By Christy Aboghe

Chairman, Delta State Artisan Association, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum has commended the Delta State government  for their magnanimity towards Artisans in the past 31 years of the state creation.

Abanum made this known while speaking with our reporter in Asaba the state capital.

He said they have experienced so much unity in the state, but the dividend of good governance got better during the Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, as artisan were opportuned to be given political appointments.

He said the governor made lives better for the artisans by approving land space for the remaining over 1300 automobile mechanics who were still doing their business on the streets of the state headquarter.

He added that Okowa also made it possible for artisans to get contracts and impacting over 31 trade groups of artisans by providing them land space for their Secretariat, grants, loans and ensured that they engage in constant training in which they were equipped with starter packs, an act that has never happened since the creation of the state.

He said the peace and security enjoyed in the state was as a result of his leadership style of the governor, which every Deltans look up to having him attain more heights politically.

The Chairman said he had no doubt that with his achievements in the state, artisans would get the best of him when he becomes Vice President.

Building Our Dream Nigeria Requires Collective Action, Says Okowa

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Governor of Delta, and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged all Nigerians to brace up for rebuilding of the country, saying the task required the collective role of every citizen.

He said that Nigerians had a great role to play in living peacefully in unity as no meaningful development could take place without peace.

The made the call while addressing traditional rulers in the state at the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat, on Thursday, in Asaba.

He commended the monarchs for ensuring that peace prevailed in their various kingdoms, and regretted that he had not been unable to meet them as regularly as he wished.

According to him, I have come before you to have a moment with you all because for some time I have found myself so busy, particularly this year that is an electioneering year.

He said “I must use this opportunity to thank all our royal fathers for the great role they play in their various kingdoms because I know that once it is well with all their kingdoms, it will be well with the entirety of Delta state.

“I always pride myself with the fact that Delta State is peaceful because our royal fathers are doing a great job in the state. Beyond the work that they do to keep their kingdoms as peaceful as possible, they have continued to pray for our state.

“I cannot ignore the role our Royal fathers have continued to play in ensuring peace in our state,” 

He lauded Delta monarchs for the bond that exists amongst them which according to him had translated to the peace that pervades the entire state.

“Your Majesties, you have continued to draw yourselves to each other and when you continue to bond amongst yourselves, you are actually bringing an everlasting bond amongst our people in Delta State.

“And to that extent, we have continued to stay together as a united people despite the differences in our languages. So I want to thank each and everyone of you for this role you have continued to play.

“Delta State is a mini-Nigeria but we are united and if our voices could be such that is closely knit together, I believe that Nigeria can actually be closely knit together.

“So I truly want to thank you for all that you have been doing to ensure peace and unity of our people because without the peace and unity, it will be difficult to develop our state.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate all our Royal fathers for the support that you have given me for almost seven and half years now,” he said.

The PDP Presidential running mate urged Nigerians to live in peace in order to help in the rebuilding trust in the nation.

“We had a very difficult beginning in the state but things have continued to improve even when we would have had more if the economy was good in our nation today.

“I want to urge and pray that we need to continue this spirit of oneness and I am sure that we would still be able to deliver the dividends of democracy until the last day in office.

“I see the brotherhood and love between the traditional institutions in this state and it gladdens my heart and I hope that every state is able to emulate this and that if we can come together as a people and stay on they part of Justice, we would be able to take ourselves out of where we are today.

“Every Nigerian should realise that we have individual and collective role to play in other to rebuild the foundations of our nation,” Okowa said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I, said traditional rulers in the state were grateful to Governor Okowa for his unparalleled support for the traditional institution in the state.

They pledged their continuous support towards the governor’s stronger Delta vision.

Building Our Dream Nigeria Requires Collective Action, Says Okowa

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Governor of Delta, and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged all Nigerians to brace up for rebuilding of the country, saying the task required the collective role of every citizen.

He said that Nigerians had a great role to play in living peacefully in unity as no meaningful development could take place without peace.

The made the call while addressing traditional rulers in the state at the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat, on Thursday, in Asaba.

He commended the monarchs for ensuring that peace prevailed in their various kingdoms, and regretted that he had not been unable to meet them as regularly as he wished.

According to him, I have come before you to have a moment with you all because for some time I have found myself so busy, particularly this year that is an electioneering year.

He said “I must use this opportunity to thank all our royal fathers for the great role they play in their various kingdoms because I know that once it is well with all their kingdoms, it will be well with the entirety of Delta state.

“I always pride myself with the fact that Delta State is peaceful because our royal fathers are doing a great job in the state. Beyond the work that they do to keep their kingdoms as peaceful as possible, they have continued to pray for our state.

“I cannot ignore the role our Royal fathers have continued to play in ensuring peace in our state,” 

He lauded Delta monarchs for the bond that exists amongst them which according to him had translated to the peace that pervades the entire state.

“Your Majesties, you have continued to draw yourselves to each other and when you continue to bond amongst yourselves, you are actually bringing an everlasting bond amongst our people in Delta State.

“And to that extent, we have continued to stay together as a united people despite the differences in our languages. So I want to thank each and everyone of you for this role you have continued to play.

“Delta State is a mini-Nigeria but we are united and if our voices could be such that is closely knit together, I believe that Nigeria can actually be closely knit together.

“So I truly want to thank you for all that you have been doing to ensure peace and unity of our people because without the peace and unity, it will be difficult to develop our state.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate all our Royal fathers for the support that you have given me for almost seven and half years now,” he said.

The PDP Presidential running mate urged Nigerians to live in peace in order to help in the rebuilding trust in the nation.

“We had a very difficult beginning in the state but things have continued to improve even when we would have had more if the economy was good in our nation today.

“I want to urge and pray that we need to continue this spirit of oneness and I am sure that we would still be able to deliver the dividends of democracy until the last day in office.

“I see the brotherhood and love between the traditional institutions in this state and it gladdens my heart and I hope that every state is able to emulate this and that if we can come together as a people and stay on they part of Justice, we would be able to take ourselves out of where we are today.

“Every Nigerian should realise that we have individual and collective role to play in other to rebuild the foundations of our nation,” Okowa said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I, said traditional rulers in the state were grateful to Governor Okowa for his unparalleled support for the traditional institution in the state.

They pledged their continuous support towards the governor’s stronger Delta vision.

You Have Been Very Exceptional In Your Conduct Rev Pam Tells Pilgrims

By
Hill Nigeria
-


The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has said that the eight batch of pilgrims in the Holy land were exceptional in their conduct.
The NCPC boss stated this during the Jerusalem and Jordan Pilgrimage ceremony held in Amman, Jordan.
The NCPC helmsman who spoke through a member of the Board of the Commission Mr John Attah stated, “you have been very exceptional in your conduct, you were always your brothers keeper”, he said.
He averred that the pilgrims clearly demonstrated the spirit of brotherhood and love for one another.
The NCPC Chief Executive stressed that Pilgrimage would continue to remain a spiritual exercise and was delighted by the deep spiritual content of the Pilgrimage.
He thanked the board and the entire management of the Commission for ensuring a hitch free and successful Pilgrimage exercise.
He charged them to replicate the spiritual gains of the Pilgrimage back home by living exemplary life.
He further tasked the pilgrims to learn from the advanced technology and infrastructural development of Israel and Jordan by having a positive mentality on how to contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear nation .
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Borno state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Gaji Genesis affirmed that the eight batch of pilgrims did excellently well. Gaji thanked the pilgrims for praying fervently for peace in Nigeria and for the success of the 2023 general election.
In his remarks, the President of Tabar Tours , Mr Joseph Tabar thanked the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for providing leadership by ensuring a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise.
He explained that Tabar Tour being one of the leading Ground Handlers in Israel would stop at nothing to ensure that pilgrims always experience spiritual encounter during Pilgrimage.
He congratulated them for the attainment of the title of Jerusalem and Jordan pilgrims, more importantly as Jesus people. He urged them to be good ambassadors of Christ.
Also speaking, the Head of Operations NCPC, Mr Abu Okpanachi commended the pilgrims for being good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Gaji thanked the pilgrims for praying fervently for peace in Nigeria and for the success of the 2023 general election.
In his remarks, the President of Tabar Tours , Mr Joseph Tabar thanked the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for providing leadership by ensuring a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise.
He explained that Tabar Tour being one of the leading Ground Handlers in Israel would stop at nothing to ensure that pilgrims always experience spiritual encounter during Pilgrimage.
He congratulated them for the attainment of the title of Jerusalem and Jordan pilgrims, more importantly as Jesus people. He urged them to be good ambassadors of Christ.
Also speaking, the Head of Operations NCPC, Mr Abu Okpanachi commended the pilgrims for being good ambassadors of Nigeria.

He admonished them to take home all the experiences garnered in the Holy land and impact positively on their immediate environment at home and the society at large.
The eight batch of pilgrims were made up of Borno pilgrims, Yobe and consular officers. The pilgrims during their Pilgrimage experience visited strategic Holy Sites in Israel and Jordan.

AJA DAY: Asaba Community Celebrates The Joy Of New Yam

By
Hill Nigeria
-

By Patrick Ochei

It is often said that a people without culture are naked; because culture is the totality of human existence in behaviour and ways of life. Part of the activities of human communities is the celebration of seasons, being times when the living acknowledges the omnipotence of God in giving life to things that humans do, especially the plants that go into the ground as seeds which eventually brings forth fruits or produce in harvest time.

 

In the year 2022, precisely on August 25, the people of Asaba in Anioma Nation of Delta State, celebrated the Aja Festival which is symbolic in the sharing of joy with the arrival of the new yam and corn, especially the yam being the staple food of the people. And so they gave thanks to the god of the land and their Ancestors who made it possible for them to experience the farming season and also experience the harvest season.

 

The Inland Town Media Network crew moved round Asaba town to observe the happiness being exhibited by the people in celebrating this unique way of appreciating God and making of sacrifices by the people. One specific place visited was the Palace (Ogwa) of the Iyase and Diokpa of Idumuojei village, Umuezei Quarters of Asaba, Obi Patrick Isioma Goodluck Onyeobi to witness how he does the Aja Festival and he has these to say:

 

“The first of the annual festivals is the Aja Festival which comes up in the month of August. Our Traditional society was agrarian and most of our festivals revolve around the farming season. The Aja Festival, which falls in August,  marks the beginning of the new yam festival and leads to Iwaji (New Yam Festival proper) in September and ends with the ‘Ine’ in October. It is an annual event.

 

“The Aja Festival celebrates the arrival of the new corn and yam – yam being the staple food of our people. The new yams being harvested at this time of the year (July – August) come mainly from the alluvial plains of the River Niger and before they are eaten, the Aja Festival is celebrated to thank the Almighty God and ancestral gods for giving us a bountiful harvest. It is a ceremony of offering and sharing, and it is performed mainly by the Red Cap Chiefs (Obis) and some other chiefs and indigenes who can do so too, particularly farmers who have been blessed with rich yam harvest. But Red Cap Chiefs and Traditional Chiefs do not eat the new yam until Iwaji proper.

 

“It involves the slaughtering of cocks and goats as appropriate. The new yam is pounded and eaten with pepper soup. It is a Festival of communion and joy – a Festival of giving and sharing.

 

“Aja is usually celebrated on Eke day and on that day, no one goes to the farm or enters any farm road. It is preceded by ‘Nkwo Aja’ when farmers go to their farms to harvest the new yams to be used for Aja.

 

“Wrestling events are also staged to mark the festival.  This is known as ‘Mgba Aja’ and they are unique moments for our people”, Onyeobi narrated.

Pilgrimage Exercise Commendable and Enriching– Federal Commissioner FCC

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State in the Federal Character Commission, Hon. James Daniya has described Christian Pilgrimage exercise to the Holy land as commendable and enriching.

He stated this recently in Amman, Jordan during the ongoing Christian Pilgrimage exercise.
He explained that Pilgrimage is an experience which allows pilgrims to visit, see and pray at the Holy Sites where the prophets of old passed through and the land where our Lord Jesus Christ lived, died and resurrected for the salvation of the world.
In his words,” I thank God that we have been able to see many Holy Sites in Israel and Jordan”.
Hon.Daniya urged the government at all levels to continue to encourage Pilgrimage because it helps to increase the faith of believers; stressing that prayer is the key to everything in life.

According to him,” I will love Pilgrimage to be improved for massive participation.
The Hon Commissioner further affirmed that it is the fervent prayer of the people that had kept the country together, according to him,”what has been happening in Nigeria if it happens else where they cannot survive it”, he said.
He further stated,” prayers work effectively, especially during Pilgrimage exercise as we gather to pray for the peace and security of our nation “.
He admonished the pilgrims to continue to demonstrate every sense of responsibility at all times.
Hon Daniya further prayed that God would grant the pilgrims the wisdom to put into practice the teachings in the Holy Bible.
Hon Daniya is among the participating Consulars who are supervising the activities of the 8th batch of Christian pilgrims in Israel and Jordan.

States Should Be Encouraged To Sponsor Pilgrimage — NCPC Chairman

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yomi Kasali has said that states should be encouraged to sponsor Pilgrimage.
He disclosed this recently in Bethlehem during the ongoing Christian Pilgrimage in Israel and Jordan.

He explained that though some may argue that states should not be involved in Pilgrimage sponsorship, but he posited that the amount of resources being deployed in Pilgrimage is too insignificant considering the spiritual importance of Pilgrimage in national development.

Rev Kasali explained that Pilgrimage provides an opportunity for the less privileged Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy especially those who treasure their faith.
He described the ongoing Christian Pilgrimage in Israel and Jordan as “wonderful, great and quiet refreshing”.
He advised pilgrims to use this Pilgrimage exercise to reflect on national issues.
He further admonished them to ensure they make Nigeria proud; and not to use Pilgrimage as an outlet to abscond.
The Chairman is the leader of the 8th batch of Christian pilgrims currently in Israel and Jordan, made up of Yobe and Borno pilgrims, including pilgrims who are on consular assignment.

Visit To Ned Nwoko Resort, Experience I’ll Live To Cherish – Emir Of Kano

By
Hill Nigeria
-

By Patrick Ochei

The Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty, Aminu Ado Bayero has said that his visit to Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko at the Mount Ned Resort, Idumuje-Ugboko was one he would live to cherish, as a centre of culture and civilization.

The Emir stated this while speaking to newsmen about his experience in Delta State, with a royal tour of Mount Ned tourism hub and Sports university, accompanied by the Dein of Agbor, HRM Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi 1.

According to Emir, “There is no difference between us as a people; from North to South. We are Nigerians who value relationships, greatness and togetherness of our nation.

“I must confess that the hospitality given to us by Prince Ned Nwoko was awesome and wonderful; and I will always remember this experience”, Ado Bayero recounted.

Reflecting on the Sports University Idumuje-Ugboko, which he earlier inspected from Nwoko’s Palatial Castle, the 15th Emir of Kano commended the philanthropist for his foresight and patriotism in establishing the first Sports University in Sub Saharan Africa.

The monarch noted that Nwoko had shown passion and commitment for education and advancement of sports in Nigeria, maintaining that such act of service would never be forgotten in history.

Also speaking, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Keagborekuzi 1, said he accompanied the Emir of Kano to visit his brother and friend, Prince Ned Nwoko for cultural integration and promotion of national unity.

He affirmed that they discussed what is needed and best for Nigeria, counselling that it was important for Nigerians to see themselves as one people.

“Ned Nwoko is an enigmatic person who has the larger interest of Nigeria at heart. And of course, he will be our Senator come 2023. We need to be closer to him more than ever before, because he has the capacity and honesty to do well as a Senator. He is equally very close to the North, meaning that he is better positioned to be among those that would continue to champion Nigeria’s unity in diversity for peace and progress of the whole Nation.

“As traditional rulers and custodians of the land, we love Nigeria and because of that love, we shall continue to seek synergies and partnerships with those in secular leadership who will help to foster the relationships that are capable of bringing our nation together.

In his welcome remarks, Prince Nwoko appreciated the Emir of Kano for the royal visit.

Nwoko also eulogized the Dein of Agbor for standing by him always and assisting in making the right decisions as a proud son of Anioma.

He pledged never to let the traditional institution down in the collective quest to build a new Nigeria that would be beneficial to the present and future generations.

Assemblies Of God Church Elect New Leadership

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Cleric Harps On Reality Of Rapture

In ensuring that men live godly lives, the guest speaker, Revd Dr. Paul Aji has stressed on the reality of rapture.

Aji  made this known during the first triennial council meeting and inauguration of Assemblies of God Church, Anioma West District  in Asaba, Delta State.

He advised them to be careful of the things they do as rapture would soon take place.

He encouraged Christians who are into politics not to indulge in evil act, while seeking power and positions.

The Cleric advised Nigerians to endeavour to get their Permanent Voters Cars so as to vote on the right leaders.

Speaking, the newly elected Superintendent of the District, Rev.Dr. Amb. Emmanuel Ehiwarior said with the directives of God he would shepherd the Church.

Ehiwarior, advised members to be ready to serve to God with all their hearts, so as to make heaven on the last day.

While praying for the newly elected leaders, the Chairman Electoral Committee, Rev Joseph Ojale Rtd,  advised the newly elected leaders to take up their responsibility with the fear of God and be true disciples of Jesus.

On his part, the Esu of Dutse Alhaji, His Royal Highness, James Shawo  commended the humility and dedication of Rev.Ehiwarior, adding that, it was what led to his elevation in the vineyard of God.

The Monarch advised him to continue to stand on the truth and also urged the followers to follow Him, with all honesty.

Amongst those who were elected into leadership positions were Assistant District Superintendent, Rev. Chuks Eluemunor; District Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel Ikekhua; District Treasurer, Rev. John Ikeogwu amongst others

Okowa Deplores Rising Insecurity In Nigeria

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has deplored the rising insecurity in Nigeria, saying the country was better secured in the past.

Okowa, who spoke at the funeral mass in honour of late Senator Patrick Osakwe at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State, said Nigeria was a better country when PDP held sway at the centre.

Recalling his political engagements with the late Osakwe, Okowa said he used to travel at nights to visit him and returned same night without anything to worry about as far as security was concerned.

He regretted that Nigerians were no longer safe to travel in the day time talkless of embarking on night travels.

“I remember in those days when I was the Director-General of his ( Senator Osakwe) campaign organisation, I use to leave Asaba at 1a.m. and arrive Ugiliamai at about 2a.m.

“I will finish discussions with him and leave again same night either back to Asaba or Boji-Boji Agbor. Those were the good old days when we could move around without fear,” he said.

The governor extolled the deceased for his outstanding accomplishments at the Senate and for his contributions to the growth and development of his Senatorial District and Delta in general.

He urged the family and followers of the late senator to trust in God and take solace in the fact that their patriarch lived a life of great accomplishments as an astute businessman and politician of repute.

“We have come here, though we mourn, but to celebrate not just a true son of Ugiliamai or Ndokwa nation but of Delta state and Nigeria.

“We know that our departed father and brother, Sen. Patrick Osakwe is a household name in our nation Nigeria.

“As a little boy, I heard about him because he truly worked very hard and he started from a humble beginning but rose in hardwork to the top.

“We are told of his exploits in business and his philanthropy to people. We know about the things he has done here and in Delta State.

“When he was to run for the office of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, I was the Director-General of his Campaign.

“I was privileged to replace him in the Senate after he served his people very well for 12 years (1999-2011).

“He was a great politician and even ran election under another party and still won landslide.

“God knows why he has chosen to take him at this time that we all need him, especially, his immediate family. He was a father figure to a lot of people politically.

“Having done 12 years in active political service for the people of Delta North, he willingly stepped aside because he thought I should run for the Senate at that time.

“It takes a strong politician to run for elections and win three times. Senator Osakwe had very difficult and turbulent primaries but he still won landslide and that is the hallmark of great men.

“As friends of the late Senator, we know that he has played his role very well and it is time for us to truly thank God because he came and made positive impact on humanity.

“He lived his life not just for humanity but also to the glory of God,” Okowa stated.

Earlier in his homily, Rev’d Father Barnabas Esegine described the late Senator Osakwe as an enigma who didn’t live for himself but for others.

He urged Christians to live their life with eternity in view, adding that the late Senator Osakwe would be remembered for the lasting legacies he built for God and humanity.

The funeral service was attended by former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator James Manager, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Ossai Ossai, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso among other dignitaries.

1...149150151...165Page 150 of 165

MOST READ

LATEST STORIES

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2022 - The Hill Nigeria