Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has congratulated Comrade Sonia Unobunjo on her emergence as the 5th Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State chapter.
Unobunjo defeated her only opponent, Comrade Anthonia Mowah, in the election held in Asaba at the weekend, with 107 votes against Mowah’s 46 votes.
In the congratulatory message, Ifeajika wished the newly-elected NAWOJ chairperson and members of her executive a successful tenure.
He expressed optimism for a sustained cordial working relationship between his office and NAWOJ.
“On behalf of my colleagues in the Governor’s media team, I convey our hearty and warm felicitations to you on your election as the Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State chapter.
“I have followed your leadership trajectory and contributions to unionism in the journalism practice in Delta, and I’m not surprised that your colleagues in the state chapter of the association found you worthy to lead them.
“As a thorough professional, it’s expected that you will ensure that the tenets of journalism are upheld at all times by practitioners in the state.
“This, certainly, will protect the nobility and integrity of the profession and ensure that credibility is not compromised in any circumstance.
“May God Almighty guide you in your service to your members, the state and nation,” he stated.
In an effort to enhance effective service delivery and realisation of the stronger Delta vision of the state governor, the Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, has called for more collaboration from sister agencies in the state.
Asiuwhu gave the call when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Waste Management Board in Asaba, the state capital.
He charged other agencies under the Ministry, to come together and operate as one, adding that his success would not be possible without their support.
He urged members of the Board, to work in synergy with the Ministry and not contrary, adding that it would help actualise the objectives of the Ministry and ensuring a cleaner Delta State.
While commending members of the Board for their achievements across the state, he said evidences of their work, had proven that they were up to the task.
The Commissioner admonished them to pay much attention to sanitation as it was paramount, hence health was next to wealth.
On his part the Board Chairman, Hon Chinye Bazim assured the Commissioner of the Board’s collaboration, adding that they would make all support needed from the Board available to him.
Chinye expressed optimism, that the governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa would make all that was needed for a cleaner Delta, available him.
The need for collaboration with the Ministry also continued, when the Commissioner and his entourage visited the Chairman, Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation, Mr Sylvester Oromoni at his office.
Asiuwhu said the Taskforce office ought to collaborate with his office on how to promote the activities of the Ministry by ensuring a cleaner, greener and healthy environment that can attract business and tourism in the state, adding that he intends to ensure that sanitation exercise was observed twice or more in a month.
On his part, Oromoni promised to put him his best in making sure there was maximum cooperation with ministry of environment.
In another development, the Commissioner and his team inspected the Integrated Waste Facilities and Asaba Aggregation Hub/ Recycling Hub both in Asaba Oshimili South Local Government Area, where he commended the effort of the Recycling Hub for turning waste to wealth.
The Commissioner said that the Integrated Waste Facility had alot of challenges and the contractor said he will handover the facilities to the state government in August 2022.
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.
Adeleke, the candidate of the PDP was announced winner of the gubernatorial contest in the state by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 403,371 votes to defeat the incumbent, governor, Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 375,027 votes.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, on Sunday, Okowa described the election of Adeleke as “the affirmation of Osun people’s will” and called on Nigerians to always stand for good leaders with the interest of the people at heart as Osun people just did for Adeleke.
He stated that the electorate across the 30 local government areas of the state spoke loudly and very clearly in their affirmation of their choice of Adeleke as next governor.
He lauded former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Olu Alabi and other party leaders in the state for working together in the interest of PDP and Osun people.
Okowa noted that the election of Adeleke had signposted the reality of PDP’s determination to rescue Nigeria, saying “the mission has just begun”.
“Let me congratulate my brother, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the July 16 governorship election in Osun.
“It is heart-warming to see you emerge as Governor-elect of Osun against all odds and I am grateful to the electorate in Osun for shunning entreaties of retrogressive forces who were ostensibly resolved on subverting the wishes of the people through vote-buying and other rigging strategies.
“Let me also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for demonstrating true independence as required by the laws of our land and for improving on the logistics and conduct of the election.
“The most significant aspect of this victory is the peaceful outcome of the election as Osun people conducted themselves responsibly by ensuring that the election was devoid of violence,” he said.
The gôvernor also congratulated the PDP and the Chairman of the its National Campaign Council for Osun Governorship Election and Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri and other members of the campaign council for their efforts which culminated to the victory.
He said the brotherhood displayed by PDP governors and other party members towards the election of Adeleke was what the country needed currently to take the nation to greater heights in 2023.
“Let me also congratulate our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Bayelsa, Senator Douye Diri and other members of the campaign Council for their efforts which led to the victory of the party in Osun.
“I must also thank my principal and Presidential Candidate of our great party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, for their attendance at the rally in Osun, an action that contributed immensely to the outcome of the election.
“Going forward as a nation, we can only develop further if the people are allowed to chose their leaders at all levels without any hindrance as has been exemplified in Osun.
“It’s therefore, a clarion call on INEC to strive to do the right thing as an unbiased umpire.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you my dear brother and friend, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on your successful election as Governor-elect of Osun.
“It is my prayer that God will grant you wisdom, knowledge and the needed resources to attend to your campaign promises of taking a away the darkness that pervades your state, Osun,” he added.
Former Caretaker, Credential Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Delta State Council, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, taken over the baton of leadership of the State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ).
Unobunjo, who contested for the state Chairman of the Association alongside Comrade Antonia Mowah, gained victory with a wide slide margin of 107,leaving her opponent with 46 votes and 1 void vote was declared winner and returned elected.
The election which took place at the Press Centre, Government House, had 154 accredited delegates members drawn from the 15 chapels which make up the Association.
Delivering her inaugural speech, Comrade Sonia said welfare of the members would be her priority, women advocacy, extend to children and that her administration would carry every female Journalist along in the scheme of affairs pertaining to the Association.
While thanking members of the Association for their support, she urged for more of their collaboration in taking the Association to greater height, adding that as a team player and bridge builder she would operate an open door policy.
The Credential Committee Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Imokhuede, commended the Journalists for their peaceful conduct in ensuring that the election was free and fair.
In her words, the National Secretary, Comrade Helen Udofa charged the female Journalists to continue to abide in love so as to sustain the Association in the state.
While advising the Journalists, the Vice President Zone F, South South, Comrade Uduak Okorn, urged them to keep up the spirit oneness which was evident in the outpour of excitement and jubilation on announcement of the result.
On her part the out gone Chairman, Comrade Patricia Gbemudu highlighted some of her achievements during her tenure as Chairman and urged members to avoid bitterness and leave in love.
Speaking shortly after the election, ,Comrade Caroline Ubini of Delta Broadcasting Service, (DBS), Asaba,
said she had no doubt that the new Chairman would make the Association get better than she met it, also Comrade Tessy Coker of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) said it was the beginning of a new face in the state NAWOJ.
Highlight of the event was the subscription to the oath of office which was administered by Barr. Franca Eke on the Chairman and her executive members.
The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu has lauded the effort of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), in reducing vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub- watersheds.
Asiuwhu gave the commendation when he paid an inspection visit to the three project sites completed by NEWMAP, in the state.
He expressed delight over the extent to which the job had been done in Midoma / Iwerebo- owanta, Obompka , Ukwu nzu gully erosion.
The Commissioner while accessing the job done by the contracting firms, said with the completion of the project at the various site visited which were all done with the world Bank specification, commissioning would take place, after which NEWMAP would hand over the facilities to the state government.
He said with the facilities put up by NEWMAP, it was left for beneficiaries to maintain the facilities.
The Commissioner advised members of the communities to take responsibility of the facilities by cleaning the drains so that it last for them, and in the case of any challenges they should report to the Ministry
Earlier, the Acting Project Cordinator, the state NEWMAP, Mr Benedict Nwokocha said the state did not get on the body earlier than other states and when NEWMAP came on board they had very little they could do.
Nwokocha said that with the space of time they had, the state was able to quickly execute three project sites.
He said with the standard that the state had met which the World Bank desired, there were open window for European Investment Bank to come and handle the remains two site, that is the Jesse and Ubulu uku gully erosion site.
While speaking on measures put in place to ensure that waste were not drop in the facilities, the acting Project Cordinator said, NEWMAP had carried out Environmental Management Plan by providing them with waste bins and also carry out evacuation by community interest groups using waste tricycles which NEWMAP had provided for them.
He added that when the community were in tandem with was been done, sustainability is sure.
Expressing delight, one of the beneficiaries of the facilities in Owanta, Chief Raphael Obianke (JP), said it was a big relief, as the one time deep gully which had caved in houses in the past, have taken a new look.
Speaking, Obianke said in ensuring that the corridor was kept clean so as not to cause blockage by refuse which could led to flood, the Obi of Owa had given a law and put up a fine and directed the Local Government to fish out any defaulter
Also speaking at Ukwu Nzu, the Chairman Ukwu Nzu NEWMAP Community Association, Mr Emmanuel Odogbo commended the NEWMAP and the state government for their contribution which had led to development of the community
Osogbo, capital of Osun, stood still on Thursday for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a mammoth crowd thronged the streets and the party’s Secretariat venue of it’s mega rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
The overwhelming turnout of Osun residents, who took over major streets and the venue was in spite of the refusal of the State Government to allow the party access to Osogbo Township Stadium and other public facilities in the state it applied to the government for.
In a carnival-like atmosphere, members of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Osun election, the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other leaders of the party were received with thunderous ovation as they drove through major roads in Osogbo enroute the party secretariat, venue of the rally.
The crowd, which sang and danced excitedly as they struggled to catch a glimpse of the campaign team, showered praises on the gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and surged to join the “train” for the grand finale of the campaign.
There was unprecedented human and vehicular traffic as people surged forward to the venue of the party secretariat as big screen projectors were strategically placed outside the premises of the party secretariat for people who could not gain entrance into the secretariat to watch what was happening inside.
Addressing the party faithful, the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, harped on the need for the people to return PDP to power in the state and at the national level even as he urged them to protect their votes at the poll.
He called on Osun people to be vigilant and avoid a repeat of the rigging that denied them victory four years ago.
He said “I have come here to tell you not to allow the APC steal your votes like they did four years ago.
“On our way coming we saw a lot of Osun people gathered to welcome us because PDP has brought light to Osun state.
“Come out in your numbers on Saturday to vote our party’s candidate Senator Ademola Adeleke as your governor and light will return to Osun,” he stated.
Also speaking at rally, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu said there was darkness in Osun State, adding that residents of the state were desirous of light that will illuminate the entire state for the collective good of all.
Ayu, therefore, urged residents of the state to be part of a progressive effort towards institutionalising a positive change in the country beginning with a resounding electoral victory in Osun state.
“There is darkness in Osun State and the people want light. I encourage every resident in the state to come out and vote massively for the PDP so as to realise the desired positive change in Osun State,” he said.
He urged the people to be part of a progressive effort towards institutionalising positive change in the country beginning from Osun state.
In his remarks, the former President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki urged the people to vote massively for the PDP and protect their votes to avoid a repeat of what happened in the state four years ago.
Responding, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke who expressed happiness over the large out of party supporters to the mega rally, said the time has come for the people of Osun State to reclaim the mandate stolen from them in 2018 by voting overwhelmingly for the PDP in the Saturday, July 16 governorship election in the state.
While assuring that he would grant autonomy to local government councils in the state if elected, he enjoined eligible voters in the state not to mortgage their votes, adding that they should vote wisely by voting for the PDP.
Governors of the party were led by its Chairman and Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Mr Godwin Obaseki (Edo) former Osun Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other leaders of the party attended the mega rally.
Music maestro Davido was on ground to electrify the atmosphere as he sang to his hit song “FEM”.
The newly appointed Commissioner in the Delta State Ministry of Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu has vowed to work in actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the state governor.
While assuring staff of the Ministry of his commitment to achieve a clean and green Delta State, he said that his administration would not underrate sanitation as he would ensure that the state get cleaner than he met it.
Asiuwhu made this known during his first familirisation visit to the Ministry in Asaba, the State capital.
The Commissioner said that he would ensure that excessive sanitation exercise take place in the state so as to achieve the vision.
He also appealed for their support in actualizing the drive, adding that their dedication and diligence to duty would make it a reality.
He commended the state governor, for giving him the priviledge to serve the state as a Commissioner, adding that he would not take the confidence of effective delivery reposed on him by the governor for granted.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Minnie Oseji, while recieving the New Commissioner, assured him of coperation from staff so as to achieve their objectives and take the state to greater heights.
The leaders of Peoples Democratic Party PDP Ward 3 in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta, on Sunday empowered no fewer than 300 persons with motorcycles and modern farming equipment.
The gesture by the leaders also included cash gifts ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 to 200 women, youths, villages and camps inhabited by non-indigenes.
The disbursement was done at an enlarged meeting of members of the Party drawn from the nine communities in the Ward.
Items given to beneficiaries were 10 motorcycles, 50 agro-chemical spraying machines, 50 cartons of herbicides, 50 cutlasses, and the cash gifts to no fewer than 300 party faithful.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika: Director-General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Andy Ilabor and PDP House of Assembly Candidate for the Local Government, Mr Frank Esenwa, said it was part of measures to reward party loyalists for their support over the years.
They said that Oshimili North was the home of PDP and pledged to give 100 per cent votes to the party in the 2023 general elections.
The ward 3 Chairman of the PDP, Mr Nelson Okonma, said the money used for the procurement of the items and cash given to beneficiaries were gotten from the proceeds from delegates from the ward who participated in the recent primaries of the party and contributions from party leaders in the Ward.
The trio called on members of the party to redouble support to enable the town deliver all candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections.
Other speakers lauded the leadership and stakeholders of the party for spreading the empowerment to all parts of the ward and advised other wards and local governments in the state to emulate Ward 3.
At the event, some members of the APC from the ward, including a former councillorship candidate, Mr Anthony Dibia, defected to the PDP.
Receiving the decampees, the Assistant State Organising Secretary of the PDP, Mr Uche Egbuche, said that the party was big enough to accommodate all, and assured them of fair treatment in the scheme of things.
He equally commended the party leadership in Illah for the empowerment of party members, saying it would boost the fortunes of the party in the area.
The leader of the decampees, Dibia, said the achievements of Governor Okowa and his emergence as Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP and Esenwa who is candidate for Oshimili North State Constituency contributed immensely to their decision to defect from their former party.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the items to beneficiaries, including the motorcycles won through balloting.
In a bid to help combat crime in the society, the General Commander, Delta State Vigilante ‘B’ Division unit, Engr. Tony Olisa, has called for support from the state government
Olisa gave the call during the commissioning of the Vigilante’s office in Achalla Ibusa Road, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Asaba, the state capital.
He said there was need for the security outfit to be empowered with mobility, security gadget and finance, to aid their jobs, as it would assist the Police in the fight against insecurity.
He added that with the provision of vehicles and motorcycles officers of the Vigilante group would be able to apprehend criminals in the rural area.
While highlighting some of their achievements, the Commander said the vigilante group had caught armed robbers and criminals, which they had presented to the police to actions.
According to him, the erection of the building was his sole effort, hence the need for more support from the state government.
In his speech the Commissioner of Police who was represented by CSP Danjuma Ocheje, advised the officers to work in synergy with the Police Force as their were working today’s same goal.
He urged them not to take laws into their hands whenever they apprehend criminals, rather they should hand them over to the Police.
He also assured them of support in the discharge of their duties.
On his part, the Chairman Board of Trustee, Uda Layout, Hon. Charles Okoye, commended the effort of the Vigilante Group, adding that their presence in the community had led to the maximum peace residence had enjoyed.
Okoye urged them to keep up with their job as they had always done.
While assuring them of his support, he admonished the state government to look into their plight, as their effort had not only helped fight insecurity but had also reduced unemployment in the society.
Speaking the Chairman of Uda Layout Landlord Association, Ikechukwu Anene, appealed to the state government to support the Vigilante Group which had young youth, so as not to indulge in social vices as a result of denial of their need.
Anene advised the group to collaborate with the police for effective service delivery.
Highlight of the event was presentation of the officers before the CP and cutting of the commissioning tape by the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Obi Ezeyili
Present at the ceremony were the Chairman of Uda Layout Landlord Association, Ikechukwu Anene; members of the Association, Chief Ude Ekene, Chief Chidi Ozodinobi, Hon. Ken Nwobu, Chief Okwuelilo Chukwudi, Chief Ogbueshi Okwachie, representative of the DPO, SUPOL Friday Okhiria; DCO 1 ‘B’ Division; DSP Charles Izukwe amongst others.
Coordinator, Coalition of South – South and South – East Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP) Youths, Hon. Eziwomano Ighoegwo Ogboru, has extended goodwill message on behalf of the group to the Delta State Governor and PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Sen.Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on the occasion of his 63rd birth anniversary.
Ogboru, said at 63 Governor Okowa had proven to be a true leader, reasons why he has attracted so much national recognition, which resulted in his choice as Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP.
He commended Okowa’s transformational achievements in the state, with emphasis on youth empowerment, adding that the governor was one every leader should emulate.
While congratulating the Governor as the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, the group urged the party to take urgent steps to resolve all issues arising from the selection process.
The group promised to mobilize its members to garner more support for the Atiku/Okowa presidential ticket and also to resist any attempt to replace the Governor with another candidate, insisting that he eminently merited his choice by the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who reserved the right to choose whoever he felt comfortable with from the three names shortlisted for the position.
The Coalition restated its earlier support for Okowa in the vice presidential race and appealed to those aggrieved by his choice to sheathe their swords and embrace the reconciliatory efforts of the Party in the interest of peace and unity, so as to defeat opposition Parties.
