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DTSG Assures Tank Farmers Of Partnership.

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Government has assured tank farmers in the state that mutual relationship, that would lead to sustainable development in the state.

The Commissioner of Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu gave the assurance during a town hall meeting with oil company Operators in Warri.

Asiuwhu promised them of trainings that would not only be beneficial to them only but also to staff of the ministry.

In the same vein, the representative of the Permanent Secretary and Director of Sanitation in the Ministry, Mr Lucky Adah, urged to take responsibility of their environment by ensuring that they get in touch with the Private Sector Participant, (PSP) to help clear waste in their environment.

On his part, the HSSE Manager, Matrix Energy Group, Mr Fred Olomuro, he said he was hopeful that there would be a new beginning between them and the state government.

Olomuro commended the step taken by the Commissioner in creating an enabling environment for them to interface with the state state government, adding that he has develop a road map for him to achieve his goal.

Expressing optimism, the Terminal Manager, Parker Oil and Gas, Engr. Okafor Iyke said he believes the Commissioner  has the roadmap in solving the regulatory requirements and would end the lacuna in the area of who those what in compliance to environmental regulations.

Engr. Iyke said with the outcome of the meeting there would be harmonisation of what is happening at the federal level.

Also speaking, a representative of Cybernetic International Service Limited, Engr. Johnson Akinten said the Commissioner had started well and he believe that with his support an end would come to multiple taxation.

Commending the Commissioner, for the new initiative of relating with tank farmers in the state, a representative of Danmarna Petroleum Limited, Mr Simon Abuakidzu, pleaded that constant training be done for them as it is done in other countries abroad.

Okowa Congratulates New CAN President, Archbishop Okoh

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Most Revd. Daniel Okoh on his election as President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The General Assembly of the Association on Thursday formally validated the election of Okoh as its new President after garnering 100 per cent votes of the 259 delegates at the 12th general assembly of the association.

In the congratulatory message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Friday, Okowa also commended the Christian community in Nigeria for the peaceful conduct of the convention, saying that it reflected the promotion of peace and unity which they preached.

He noted that Nigerians were facing diverse economic and security challenges, and urged the new president of CAN to mobilise all citizens to collectively intercede “for our country as we take practical and actionable steps to #RescueNigeria”.

He called on Okoh to champion the crusade of religious tolerance in the country and build bridges in that regard.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Most Revd. Daniel Okoh on his election as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“We are pleased with your peaceful emergence as the number one leader of Christians in Nigeria.

“The task ahead is onerous and it is our prayer that, in your new position, God uses you to counsel and move the entire Christendom in Nigeria in the direction that you have been ordained to lead.

“I must also appreciate the role of the Church in promoting peaceful co-existence, education and social welfare in our state and country,’’ he said.

He also commended the immediate outgoing President of the association, Dr Samson Ayokunle, for successfully piloting the affairs of CAN during his tenure.

“As Deltans, we remain extremely proud of your illustrious contributions to the growth of the Christian faith in Nigeria,” Okowa added, and wished the new president God’s guidance and success at his new post.

Praise Opens Door To Victory- Chukwurah

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Hill Nigeria
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By Christy Aboghe

Commissioner designate, Hon. Nkechi Chukwurah, has charged all mankind to give God his place in thier lives.

Chukwurah gave the charge during the eight edition of Praise festival organised by her foundation.
She said obedience to that, would lead to their victorious emergence in all they do in life.
According to her, the annual event was In fulfilment of her covenant with God for his preservation of her life, to praise him and not herself nor anyone.
While recounting her ordeal in the hands of her security aide, who she said sparodically released 22 gun shots at very close range on alll her entire body, tearing her body apart, in an attempt to end her life, an act a which she said could had led to the end of  any victim’s life, but God in his mercies saved her.
She added that her speedy recovery without any complication or loss of blood  was evident that God was not done with her.
According to her the attack happened a year after the first edition of the Praise festival, yet she was not distracted as ta annual event had always taken place.
Chukurah said an evidence of God’s favour upon her life, was the fact that while preparation were ongoing for the event her attention was drawn to the announcement of her name as Commissioner designate which was followed by her successful screening.
She revealed that the annual festival has impacted her life positively in all ramification, adding that it gets better by the year.
The Commissioner designate thanked the governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for his support towards the programme since it’s inception.
Earlier, the Senior Special Adviser to the state governor on Religious Matters, Snr. Apostle Sylvanus Okoroteà, lauded the effort of the host for recognizing the greatness of God, adding that it was timely as praises alone would change every ugly situation in the country.
Okorote admonished all to always praise God, as it was one thing they can do that would cost them nothing, addl
On his part the senior Pastor of God’s Glory Evangelical International Ministry and Cordinator of Godly Widows Intercessory Prayer Network, Pastor Emmanuel Nwankwo  commended the host’s zeal to thank God of heaven for what he has done for her.
He urged others to emulate her love for God by giving him what their money can buy, as it was what the Country needed at times like this.
Pastor Emmanuel said that in putting smiles on the faces of the widows, they had accompanied him to felicitate with the host.

Highlight of the event was song ministration by Minister Chinyere Udoma; Africa queen of praise, Minister Nkechi Chukwurah; the choir from Redeemed Christian Church, Region 34; amongst others.

DTSG Assures NLC, ASUU Of Intervention To End Strike

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Hill Nigeria
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By Christy Aboghe

Delta State government has assured members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU of the Federal government intervention in the protracted strike.

The governor, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the state Secretary, Chief Patrick Ukah gave the call when members of the Union embarked on a protest to government House in Asaba.

Commending their peaceful disposition, he said their protest was not out of place as he would ensure that their request were met.

The first Vice Chairman, NLC, Comr. Zico Okwudi called for the state government intervention in ensuring that students and lecturers return back to School.

He said he was optimistic that with the support of the state governor, students would return back to school, as their long stay at home was no longer pleasant.

He urged the governor who he described as a proactive leader to come to their aid, adding that any attempt by the federal government not to do that which they have resolved with the tertiary union would lead to a shut down the economy.

The labour leader said  the protest was aimed at ensuring that the students get quality education and that the student returned back to school.

On his part, the Chairman, DELSU ASUU, Chairman, Prof. Godwin Demaki, frowned at the negligence of the government on the education of the students, adding that it had also led to starvation of the lecturers whom have not been paid in long while.

Also speaking the state Secretary, Non Academic Staff Union (NASU),  Comr Amobi Oluchi, asked that the federal government meet the demands of ASUU by coming to a round table.

Other union leaders who gave their voices to the plea, requested that an end be brought to the prolonged strike, as he student were suffering depression as a result of idleness, while others were indulging in crime.

The exercise took off from the Labour House in Okpanam to government House in Asaba, had protesters carrying placards with the inscription, “education is a right, not a privilege;  “save Nigeria Tertiary institution”

Aljazeera Documentary: No Nation Can Grow In Isolation Of Women – Omu Anioma

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Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

The cerebral and widely celebrated Omu Anioma and Nneoha, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu has said that no nation can grow in isolation of women, advising that societies should endeavour to train women as instruments for the advancement of nationhood.

She made this assertion during a documentary interview with the Aljazeera media crew who had visited to do an exclusive on the Omu Institution vis-a-vis Anioma Culture.

Omu Dunkwu appraised the dexterity of women for standing up for what they believe in, especially Anioma women who have proven their freedom and independence in achieving their God given purpose on earth.

She said Anioma women are freer and more independent than western women, because of the foresightedness of their forebears who created the institution of the Omu about 822 years ago, thereby putting them ahead in women’s inclusion over and above their western counterparts.

Earlier, the well vast Omu Dunkwu had taken time to narrate the history of the Omu Institution including the efforts she had put in to promote, project and propagate the institution to the world.

Overwhelmed with joy, the Leader of the International Media Network’s crew, Miss Chisom Ifeakandu engaged Omu in series of questions bordering on the Omu Institution, the challenges, prospects and the institution’s contributions to the development of Anioma culture and value system.

The documentary which was carried out in two segments, had the crew featuring Omu Dunkwu while taking them on a guided tour of the Palace, making prayers at Ani (Sacred Ground) and water temple on the first day.

The documentary also featured the Omu of Obior, HRH Omu Onyebuchibe Okonkwo, Ochendo Omu of Ogwashi-Uku, Madam Edith Rafua, Aka-Omu of Okpanam, Chief Cecilia Ofuani, Omu Anioma’s Praise Singer, Mrs. Asoya, Traditional Assistant to Omu Anioma, Mrs. Rita Nwanze, Secretary to Omu Anioma, Mrs. Gloria Nnabuife, Media Consultant to Omu Anioma, Comrade Patrick Ochei and others.

Odutemu Charges Christian Pilgrims On New Nigeria

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Hill Nigeria
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By Christy Aboghe

Chairman, Delta State Christian Welfare Board, Archbishop Cyril Odutemu has encouraged intending pilgrims to be determined to achieve the New Nigeria they desire through their prayers.

Odutemu gave the admonition while speaking with our Correspondent during the screening exercise of intending pilgrims in Asaba.

The Chairman advised that they should go to the Holy land to tap into spiritual fountains and come back home with blessings.

While speaking he said the determination of the past pilgrims to pray resulted in a zero abscondment in the state and blessings recorded to the country.

He said the intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan should be understand that going to the Holy Land was not a means of absconding from the country, but an opportunity to intercede for the  blessing of God which they believe in and they would come back to enjoy.

Odutemu said the Holyland, though not heaven, but then they could only tap blessings from there to  improve their territory.

The Chairman, advised them as good ambassadors of the state not to go to the pilgrimage and bring shame to the state and the Church of Jesus Christ.

On his part the Executive Secretary, Apostle Samuel Okoh has said that the platform of embarking on pilgrimage should not be used to bring shame on the state government.

Okoh said with a zero record of abscondment by the Pilgrims during the previous pilgrimage, he was optimistic that the year’s pilgrimage would add colour to the previous success recorded in the state.

Okoh said, all has been put in place to ensure zero absconding, as every intending pilgrims have been tasked to be his or her brother’s keeper with the duty of guiding each other against acting contrary to the objectives of the pilgrimage.

According to the ES, the screening would enable the federal and state government know how genuine the intending pilgrims were, as  complete presentation of International Passport, evidence of acquired vaccination, state of origin amongst other documents, would qualify them to be partakers of the pilgrimage.

While commending the state governor for availing Christians the opportunity to be part of the pilgrimage, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Snr. Apostle Sylvanus Okorote urged intending pilgrims not to see it as a jamboree, picnic, or opportunity for abscondment rather they should be spiritual sensitive for greater impartation.

Okorote described pilgrimage as a spiritual retreat for spiritual revival and renewal, adding that they should take advantage of every site they would visit, to seek God’s face and not for picture taking.

 

Project Star In Conjunction With Joedaka Farms Hold a One Day Demand Stimulation On Improved Seeds, Land Mechanization USAID Training In Aniocha North 

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Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

No fewer than 600 farmers from across the 18 communities of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, were gathered in a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) training programme tagged “Demand Stimulation On Improved Seeds and Land Mechanization”, organised by the Project Star and Joedaka Farms at the Onicha-Ugbo Club House, Onicha-Ugbo on the 15th July, 2022.

The one day training session was centred around equipping the participating farmers with the right knowledge of Agri-business in order to join the chain of contributors towards food sufficiency and sustained development of agriculture for the benefit of the farmers, the society and global economy.

Experts from USAID who mostly focused their lectures on the USAID programme “FeedFuture”, submitted that to solve food problems there must be lots of activities to be engaged in. They said only seven States were selected in Nigeria for the programme, four in the North and three in the South. For the South, Delta and Cross River States were chosen from the South-South while Ebonyi State was chosen from the South East.

Meanwhile, in Delta State, Aniocha North was selected for the training because of the engaging collaboration of the Project Star and Joedaka Farms over the time with USAID activities.

The USAID programme in Nigeria according to the experts, focuses on the production of Maize, Soya Beans, Rice, Cowpea and Aquaculture based on the Most Impactful Practice (MIP).

The experts took time to lecture the participants on how to source their raw materials locally, growing products from the mentality of Agriculture to Agribusiness, difference between grain and seed, land preparation and access to finance.

In narrowing down to the agricultural peculiarity of Delta State, the USAID expert said Aquaculture and Maize production were chosen, however, for the purpose of the training to Aniocha North farmers, the focus was on Maize production because it is a high breed seed.

In a nutshell, the USAID Feed Future training is targeted on productivity, increase and livelihood which summarises the essence of farming to increase the food chain and grow wealth.

Another resource person and one of the biggest poultry farmers in Nigeria, Chief Ike Odoe was on ground to engage the farmers, where he encouraged them to form a Suppliers Market for their products.

He said his farm alone consumes 108 trailers of maize in one year and the entire Delta State Maize farmers do not have the capacity to produce that quantity for him; so he gets his supplies from the North.

He therefore, urged the participating farmers to form a synergy to seriously go into Maize farming, believing that they already have a market with him around to always buy off the produce from them.

The retired Federal Director turned farmer, again, urged the participants to form a formidable alliance to be able to approach the bank for a bit soft loan, adding that government could equally be engaged to subsidise the prices of farm implements and help with the land preparations. He added that in the North, it is the local governments that prepare land with tractors for the farmers.

In her assessment of the programme, one of the organising farmers and Chief Executive Officer of Joedaka Farms, Barr. Josephine Ada Kachikwu expressed satisfaction with the turn out of the participants and quality of training, adding that Agriculture is the way to go for a sustained development.

She said she had been organising youths and the elderly who are into farming to get serious and use it to create wealth for themselves instead of hoping on handouts from politicians.

When asked where she got the inspiration of farming, she said she learnt it from her parents and her husband’s family too. “My elder brother, Chief Ike Odoe is a big time farmer who is known internationally; and that is why I impressed it on him to come. I have been a big time pig farmer too and people from various places in the State used to come to buy pigs from my farm.

“I have organised a successful farmers cooperative society here in Onicha-Ugbo. I have done well in farming; every available space of land around me is converted into a farm. That is why we need to train and open up the next generation of our farmers to opportunities. In this kind of training, nobody promises to give anybody money; we only impart the requisite knowledge in the farmers and give them clue on how best to access raw materials and finance for their productions”, Kachikwu hinted.

Why We Reviewed Projects’ Costs – Okowa

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, said his administration reviewed cost of some ongoing projects in the state due to inflation and rising cost of construction materials.

Speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing construction of Isheagu-Ewulu road and bridge in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, Okowa said that current economic indices in the country had taken negative tolls on every segment of activities and therefore, made review of the contracts’ values inevitable.

He said that the road and bridge when completed, would serve two major agrarian communities of Isheagu and Ewulu.

The governor stated that contract for the project was awarded in January, 2021 and would be completed in December, 2022, adding that 4.7-kilometre Isheagu section already reconstructed.

He also said that from the bridge to Ewulu another fresh section of 4.4 kilometres of road would be constructed.

“With what is going on in Nigeria now, the inflation rate is very high and it is affecting every other thing, particularly construction of infrastructure.

“Most of our contractors are actually struggling, so we had no option than to review the rate because inflation has risen as much as 18.6 per cent and that is actually affecting every aspect of the life of the people.

“As regards the cost of construction, the high cost of diesel at the moment, asphalt has also gone suddenly very high and of course, to drive most of the motorised equipment you require for construction work, you need a lot of diesel. The cost of rod has also gone up and it’s going up by the day.

“Unfortunately, beyond the global tendencies of Russia-Ukraine war which has also devalued our naira and making it to depreciate on daily basis and this goes a long way to affect the original cost of contracts,” he said.

The governor, who was conducted round the project by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr Noel Omodon, explained that government was left with no option than to review the cost of the projects to ensure their timely completion amid biting inflation.

“Having looked at everything, we needed to save the budget and the earlier we find a pathway to completing the projects the better, otherwise the escalation continues even more on a daily basis.

“So, it’s quite difficult and we wished we didn’t get into the kind of difficulties we are in to, but we have no choice.

“We have started the projects and we have to complete them otherwise the contractors will move out of site and when they move out, to remobilise is at a higher cost and we don’t want to go through that route at all.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation we find ourselves; it distorts our budgeting and we just hope that we are able to continue realigning our budget to keep pace with the construction that we are undergoing.

“Beyond having the infrastructure in place, it also creates jobs for our young ones and we cannot afford to have the contractors move out of site because it will mean that you are going to take food off the table of families which is also not good for us.

“I have been informed that the project would be completed by the end of December, 2022.

“From what we are seeing, life is coming back to Isheagu from the excitement on the faces of the people because the road would help them to evacuate their farm produce,” he stated.

Okowa also inspected ongoing works at the Sector C1 of the Ughelli-Asaba road by Obo River where the contractor said the bridge construction would be completed in October while the road would be ready in December, 2022.

Protesting Pensioners Not Retirees of DTSG – Aniagwu

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Government has said protesting pensioners in the state were not retirees of the state government but primary school retirees under the local government councils.

 

Briefing journalists in Asaba, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated that the protests targeted at maligning and impugning the reputation of the state Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was politically motivated.

 

According to him, the leader of the protesting retirees who is the Delta North Woman Leader for the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Mrs Helen Ejie, misled the public on whose responsibility it was to pay the pensioners.

 

“We have it on good authority that the incessant protests emanating from a section of pensioners in the state have become politically motivated.

 

“The leader of the protesters is Mrs Helen Ejie, a retired teacher from Iyiatu Primary School, Utagba-Ogbe in Ndokwa West. She retired in 2016 and is the coordinator of APC women in Delta North”.

 

“We have seen some stage-managed protests by individuals who ordinarily are supposed to appreciate what the state government has done.

 

“It is public knowledge that primary schools are under the Local Government councils in terms of how they are remunerated and how they operate.

 

“Sometime last year, this same woman led a few persons contrary to the reality of what we are doing they come to Asaba, rub themselves on the ground, pour invectives on the governor in line with what those who have asked them to go and demonstrate.

 

“They will begin to shout and cast aspersions on the person and office of the Governor. I have never seen where somebody will work in UAC and proceed to LEVENTIS to receive salary.

 

“What we have always done is to assist them because we believe that they are Deltans and you can recall in 2015 when we came into office, we met over seven months salary arrears owed local government council staff and primary school teachers.

 

“We assisted them to clear up that arrears and even when we got bailout from the federal government we gave them a grant of N3billion which aided in clearing the backlog,” he said.

 

On the issue of pensions, Aniagwu said the state government didn’t employ the staff, but assisting because the local government councils were not in a financial position to do so at the moment.

 

“In the area of pensions we have also assisted them to pay, as at when we came they were getting N150m to tackle pensions and we upscaled it to N300m and to fastrack it further, we increased it to N500m monthly.

 

“We have so far cleared Local Government Pensions to early 2018 and Primary School Teachers owed several years of arrears of pension to August 2016.

 

“We have said that in addition to the N500m monthly grant, when we access the N150billion bridging finance we will release the sum of N10billion as grant to offset part of the pensions owed these pensioners by the local government councils.” he said.

 

On the constant attacks on the governor by a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Evance Ivwurie, the Information Commissioner said it was a mere politics of bitterness and hatred.

 

He said Ivwurie failed to return to the State Assembly on account of not being popular among his people and had since resorted to insulting the governor for no just cause.

 

“He went about alleging that several funds have been taken and misappropriated but let me put it on record that all the loans we obtained are properly directed to areas they were meant for.

 

“As a government we will remain steadfast and stay on course in delivering our promises to Deltans,”

 

Aniagwu also took a swipe on Minister of State For Labour and Employment, Chief Festus Keyamo over an uncharitable comment on the state-of-affairs in the state.

 

He reminded Keyamo that students who were supposed to be in school are still at home because of lingering ASUU strike that the federal government failed to resolve.

 

“We need to remind Festus Keyamo that in Delta, our universities are working while the ones that belong to the Federal government are still at home.

 

“We remind Festus Keyamo that our children who are supposed to be in school are still at home and we urge him to work seriously with his senior colleague to ensure that the issues raised by ASUU are resolved as soon as possible,” he stated.

 

 

 

Okpanam Baby Factory: Police To Handover Three Pregnant Trafficked Baby Manufacturers To DTSG  For Safe Keeping

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force is making arrangements to hand over the three pregnant ladies rescued from a baby manufacturing factory at Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State to the Government of Delta State through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Delta State Child’s Rights Implementation Committee.

This was made known after the press briefing of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Mohammed Ali on 18th July, 2022, where suspects including the three rescued women from the baby factory were paraded alongside other suspects arrested in connection with various crimes and criminality.

The Police Commissioner said that acting on credible intelligence that there was a baby factory located somewhere at Obodogba in Okpanam community, the operatives of the State Investigative Department stormed the area on the 10th of July, 2022, where they rescued three pregnant women and arrested two suspects, namely; Promise Ejogu who is a brother to the ring leader of the syndicate group and Aruna Suleiman who is a security guard in the compound.

The ring leader of the syndicate group who engages the women in sexual activities to get them pregnant and thereafter, sell the babies for pecuniary gains is currently at large while his 25 year old brother who watches over the women for him was arrested.

The security guard, also an okada rider in town, who appears innocent was made complicit for feigning ignorance to the activities of the syndicate group by not alerting the police or the landlord of the clandestine activities of his tenants after about one year living with them in the compound.

While investigations and efforts to arrest the fleeing ring leader are still on, the Secretary of Delta NUJ and member of the State Child’s Rights Implementation Committee, Comrade Patrick Ochei engaged the Commissioner of Police after the press conference on what needs to be done for the safety of the women and the children in their wombs who are innocent.

Right there and then, the CP ordered the DC SCID to write to the appropriate government authorities to release the women to them for safe keeping, pending deliveries.

Working in synergy within the Police Headquarters, the duo of Comrade Patrick Ochei and former Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu made contacts and secured a Christian orphanage where the three women will be kept and nurtured until deliveries.

This effort was borne out of the fact that the Delta State Child’s Rights Law frowns at abuse and inhuman treatments of children from 0 to 18 years, and therefore committed to ensuring the proper care and development of any child born and living in Delta State.

It is also instructive to note that the women were trafficked to Delta State where their phones were destroyed to bar any access to them from their family members before they were subjected to making babies for their master.

While efforts are also on to locate their families for possible reunion after their safe deliveries in a conducive environment other than Police cell, the Police had equally promised to rid the State of all forms of human trafficking, gender based violence and child abuses.

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