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Missing Certificate: I Made Second Best Result In 1976 – Okowa

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Hill Nigeria
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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday debunked reports that he had no West Africa School Certificate (WASC) certificate, saying he made the second best result in his set in the country in 1976.

He said that the issue around the certificate was deliberate wrong perception and unnecessary politics, and explained that virtually all universities in the country offered him admission based on his outstanding performance in WASC and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination.

Okowa made this known while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area.

He said: “On the issue of my certificate, I think it is a misconception. People try to play politics with everything.

“Yes, I lost my WAEC certificate, but I have the print out from Edo College, Benin City, which clearly stated that I have distinction in all subjects.

“The Higher School Certificate was attached and it has been acknowledged by Edo College and the school put it out there that I made an ‘A’ `B’ `B’.

“I do not pride myself but it was very difficult to make such grade in higher school at that time.

“My high school result was the second best nationally in 1976, when I finished. So, many universities admitted me through Telegram as at that time, and I had to start making choices of which to accept.

“Of course, it’s very clear that I finished medical school at the University of Ibadan. I was 21years and some months; I was less than 22 years of age.’’

On the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the governor called on the Federal Government to expedite action in resolving the issues, adding that every government should be sincere enough to keep to promises and agreements at all times.

“We continue to sympathise with our students who have been at home for several months now rather than being in school.

“I use this opportunity to call on the Federal government to do something urgently to end the strike.

“It’s not a good thing for the children, parents and even education in general. It is unfortunate that the Federal government has not been able to attend to issues, as requested by ASUU.

“For every government, if promises are made, we must ensure that we keep to our promises and if there are things that cannot be done, you let people know,’’ he said.

Okowa remarked that lecturers were not on strike in the four universities owned by the state, “for us in Delta State, we are fulfilling all the requirements and that’s why you can see that this university and our three other universities are all active and in session because we do not have any issues with our lecturers.

“All our four universities are in session because we pay special attention to education in Delta State, and our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also assured that education occupies a prime position in our `Rescue Nigeria’ mission.’’

He expressed satisfaction with the Management of the university in Ozorro for successfully admitting 1,850 students in the first year, disclosing that no fewer than 3,000 applicants chose the university as first choice in the new session, starting in October.

“That over 3,000 applicants have chosen the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as first choice is very heart-warming and it goes to show that our decision to upgrade the Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology is a very good decision.’’

He also lauded the university for using the engineering students to execute some projects in the school.

“We walked through some concrete paved roads executed by the university with engineering students and it is very encouraging that they are putting their students to practice and their lecturers also have the opportunity to practicalise what they teach.

“You will recall in the same manner when the school was a polytechnic that they used their students and their engineering staff to build the stadium in the campus.

“This is very encouraging because it is important that we actually ensure that our students are not only groomed up in theory but also put to practice what they learn and that’s exactly what we look forward to,” the governor said..

Ubulu Uno Community Cries Out Over Herdsmen Attack

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Hill Nigeria
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Obi of Ubulu-Uno and second Vice Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Obi Kikachukwu Henry Afamefune.

 

…Regulate Their Movement, Monarch Tells Govt.

… Quit Our Community, PG Tells Herdsmen

By Christy Aboghe

Obi of Ubulu-Uno and second Vice Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty. Obi Kikachukwu Henry Afamefune has appealed to the state government to regulate the movement of herdsmen, as they are lynching attack on his people.

The Monarch made the plea while speaking with our reporter in Ubulu Uno, Delta State.

He said their actions were worrisome as his people could no longer go to their farms which have been taken over by the herdsmen and their cattle, hence they should stay away from the farmlands.

The Monarch charged security agencies to help put a stop to the odd movement of the Cattle rearer as it was becoming unbearable.

On his part, the President General and Owelle of the community, Chief Austin Ugbechie appealed to the herdsmen to leave the community.

Ugbechie said no land space was given to them for grazing of their cattle by the community, hence they should quit, adding that failure for them to leave would result to a protest by the people of Ubulu Uno.

According to him, reports of their activities, such as molesting people, raping their women and other countless atrocities in the community become unbearable.

Expressing displeasure over the gruesome act of the herdsmen, one of the Indigene of the Community, Barr. Godwin Okoh called on the State Government to come to his aid as their calmness was been taken for granted.

Okoh said the herdsmen had also destroyed his establishment, the Ubulu Unor Secondary School fence, scaring students out of the school premises during school hours with the presence of their cows.

He said their disastrous act was overwhelming and if not curtailed could lead to crisis.

The victim, Mr Francis Ngele

Narrating his ordeal, the victim, Mr Francis Ngele said, upon asking the herder who was on his farmland to graze his cattle to move the animals away while he work, unknown to him the herder lynched  him with a cutlass when he turn to clear his farm.

 

Delta State Police Boss Assures Ika Residents and Rail Passengers Of Safety

By
Hill Nigeria
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Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Ari Mohammed Ali has assured residents of Ika South,  Ika North east Local Government Area and other citizens who travels to and from the state via the railway station located at Agbor of adequate security and safety.

CP Ari Muhammed Ali gave the assurance when he visited the Railway Station at Owa Ewere in Ika North East LGA in company of the Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, ACP Sa’ad Ibrahim, the Area Commander Agbor, ACP Friday Idachaba, and the Commanding officer Army 181 Aphibions Agbor, for an ‘on the spot’ assessment of the security situation in the area.

He said that all modalities have been put in place to ensure that the ugly trend was brought to a halt so that residents and passengers boarding the train to and from Delta State will be adequately protected.

 

The first point of call by the CP was the railway crossing byq1qqq Emuhu in Ika-South, Benin-Asaba express way where these hoodlums sometimes kidnapped their victims and take them to the bush, other places visited by the CP were the third power line by Boji-Boji Owa, Idumuesah in Owa Alero road, and  the Agbor Railway Station.

The CP after assessing the security situation and arrangements paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Obi Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor II (JP) the Obi of Owa-Oyibu and also to the Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchuku (Keagborekuzi I).

 

During the courtesy visits, issues bothering on the kidnapping trend within their Kingdoms were discussed and solutions were proffered.

On his part, HRM Obi Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor noted that the Government and the Police should support and empower the local vigilantes as the Police cannot be everywhere at the same time.

 

The Monarch also noted that series of meetings were ongoing with a view to fishing out the moles in the community that were conspiring with the hoodlums.

 

The CP assured the two Monarchs that the Command is working in close synergy with the military and other security agencies.

Okowa Hails Obaseki At 65

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his Edo counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on his 65th birth anniversary.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, said that Obaseki deserved to be celebrated on this occasion for his dependability and outstanding accomplishments in Edo.

He lauded Obaseki for his ingenuity and untiring effort which he had brought to bear in stimulating governance in his state.

Okowa said that the Edo governor had continued to demonstrate patriotism and unrelenting service to his state and the nation, and prayed to God to grant him long life, good health and wisdom as he continued to serve his people and Nigeria.

“My dear brother, since you were elected as Gôvernor by your people of Edo, you have remained irrevocably committed to the development of the state through policy formulations in infrastructure and human-capacity development.

“As a politician, you have been a great voice on national and contemporary issues facing our great country, and Edo people can attest to your outspokenness, commitment and steadfastness in building the state, and indeed, nation-building.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with my brother governor, an outstanding professional, reputable politician and seasoned administrator, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, on his 65th birth anniversary.

“It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with robust health and wisdom to lead your people to more glorious days,” Okowa stated.

2023: Atiku-Okowa Presidency Will Truly Rescue Nigeria – Aniagwu

By
Hill Nigeria
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Nigerians have been assured that the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar-Ifeanyi Okowa presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections will truly rescue Nigeria with a pragmatic approach to the mission.

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu gave the assurance on Friday while speaking on a live television programme “Focus Today” on African Independent Television (AIT).

He said that PDP Federal Government would leverage on the acknowledged experience and capacity of its flag-bearer in redeeming the country, especially in addressing the dwindling economy, unabating insecurity, unemployment and poverty.

He said that Nigerians were eager for a change in governance in the country because they had gone through very frustrating experience, particularly in the key sectors that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) promised to deal with in the last seven years, but had failed abysmally.

According to him, the issues of security, building the economy and the anti-corruption war has heightened the expectations of Nigerians and now the people expect that there will be changes because the APC failed to deliver on their campaign promises.

“Beyond members of our party, Nigerians believe that the PDP should get it right as the major option for the people ahead of the 2023 general election.

“Our economy is at its lowest ebb, corruption and the need to curb it and the issue of hunger, poverty and unemployment as people are no longer sure of where their next meal will come from.

These are some of the issues that leaders must interrogate as we move closer to the 2023 general elections.

“It will no longer be business as usual, it is not enough to identify these challenges, leaders must tell Nigerians how they intend to address them.

“I am confident that the PDP candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta have articulated the issues they want to tackle and how they intend to rescue the country,”

The Delta Information Commissioner said Atiku was instrumental to the growth of the economy during the Obasanjo regime, adding that Governor Okowa has brought his administrative and political sagacity to bear on the economy of Delta in the last seven years.

He said the Atiku-Okowa ticket will return the party to winning ways and the country to the path of development which had eluded the country in the last seven years.

“The Atiku-Okowa ticket have the needed experience to turn things around for this country because Nigeria is like a patient in an emergency room, you need a doctor who is well equipped to go and carry out the operation to rescue the country,” he stated.

Aniagwu further said the party has commenced a hunt for credible Nigerians across political, religious or ethnic sentiments to give strength to its recovery plan for Nigeria.

“What Atiku and Okowa want to do is not what you are used to. They want to look at the elements in the youths; that vibrancy…. The Atiku/Okowa ticket will return power to the youths and appreciate the role and position of women”.

On the capacity of Governor Okowa to galvanize votes for the PDP, Aniagwu said that beyond Okowa’s acceptability, he valued consensus and does not run a one-man show.

‘’This means that Okowa will work with other leaders in the south and across the country to galvanize the voters. He believes that to have an inroad in Rivers State, for example, he will need leaders led by Wike to get the votes.

‘’Okowa will work with Wike very well. Okowa will also reach out to our brothers and sisters in the South-west and in the South-east which is already happening. The challenge at hand is not a one-man show’’ he said.

Responding to the northern/southern dichotomy in the emergence of Nigeria’s next president, Mr Aniagwu enjoined Nigerians to move away from such divisive tendencies as purportedly encouraged by the current Federal Government.

‘’We agree that the Buhari administration has not been able to open up our system for us to appreciate our diversity rather, they took advantage of this diversity in the wrong way. Atiku and Okowa will make this diversity work for us positively.

‘’Everybody knows Atiku as a man who is much detribalized and Okowa as a man who believes that everybody has a role to play irrespective of tribe. When you have these two individuals who are open and believe in the strength of everybody, it is an advantage.

‘’Development-wise, what we have done in Delta State and what Atiku did with former President Olusegun Obasanjo is enough for them to know that there is something new that is coming on the horizon” he said.

NSCDC Arrests Boat Containing Illegal Refined Petroleum Product

By
Hill Nigeria
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Men of the newly inaugurated Commandant General Special Anti Vandal Monitoring Unit led by the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil  Defence Corps (NSCDC), DCC Brah have arrested a boat containing about 100,000 thousand litres of petroleum product suspected to be Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

This was made known by the, Public Relations Officer of the Corps,  DSC. Emeka Peters Okwechime in Asaba.

According to him, It was revealed that the Oil thieves took their heels upon sighting men of the NSCDC Special Squad.

The said boat was arrested at the Pessu Water Side in Delta State.

In a related development, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Ughelli South Division, on the 13th June, 2022,  on a  tip off were taken by men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Niger Delta Freedom Fighter, and the Nigeria Army to Avocados creek where suspected vandals were said to be vandalising  Shell pipes.

He said that a local boat containing about 41 pieces of  pipes was intercepted at Okologba community in Patani Local Government on the above date while suspects were at large.

As at the time of filing this report, investigations were still on going.

Okwechime also said that an illegal dump site where over 80,000 liters of petroleum product suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gasoline Oil were hidden in under tanks, in Udu LGA of the state was also raided by the Commandant General Special Anti Vandal Monitoring Unit, adding that investigations were in speed gears to arrest those behind the crimes.

 

NED NWOKO SALUTES DEIN OF AGBOR AT 45.

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Chancellor of Sports university Idumuje Ugboko, Aniocha North local government area of Delta state,Hon.Prince Ned Nwoko has paid glowing tribute to the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I on his 45th birthday anniversary.

Prince Nwoko whose goodwill message is contained in a statement issued at Abuja described the the traditional ruler as an iconic king with great history.

According to him, the Agbor paramount ruler enjoys peculiar glory having been crowned as the youngest king in the world four decades ago.

Nwoko, former member of House of Representatives thanked God for the phenomenal life of Keagborekuzi I and noted that his reign had been impactful.

He expressed delight that Agbor had grown from an old community to a peaceful prosperous kingdom,robed in urbanization since the coming of the monarch.

Prince Nwoko, foremost philanthropist and PDP Delta North senatorial candidate for the 2023 elections said the first class king has brought value and dignity to the traditional institution in Nigeria.

“The Dein of Agbor is a remarkable king. He is a symbol of peace,progress and honour which Nigeria earnestly needs to excel as a nation.

“On behalf of myself,family and associates,I wholeheartedly rejoice with the Dein on his 45th birthday. Wishing our beloved king long life,good health and divine wisdom on the throne”
Nwoko stated.

DTSG Approves N400m Grant To 40 Missionary Schools

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Approves Rehabilitation of Federal Roads

 

In an effort to boost the quality of the educational sector, the Delta State Government approved a N400 Million grant to 40 missionary schools across the state for the upgrade of educational facilities.

 

Disclosing the information to Journalists shortly after an Exco meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Commissioner of Information; Mr Charles Aniagwu  mentioned that the grant had become imperative due to the value added by the missionaries’ schools to the educational sector in the state.

He said there was need to assist them to upgrade their facilities and boost human capital which will dovetail into improved learning condition for our children.

He added that the approved  grant of N400 million to 40 missionaries schools was to enable them to improve on their facilities.

“The issue of consideration of the number of schools that would return to the missionaries, we have been considering how we can assist them after we have returned them to the missionaries. We believe that a number of those children in these schools are Deltans.” he said.

According to him, “In the last seven years, we have taken a whole lot of time and effort to upgrade a whole number of schools that are under the state government but since the return of a number of these schools to the missionaries, we have hoped that they should be able to cope fully. However, the need for increasing infrastructural development due to the influx of students has given rise for the state governments support”.

While noting the approval of several roads within Asaba metropolis, he mentioned that Exco gave its approval for the reconstruction of the Old Lagos/ Asaba road.

The Commissioner said though the road was a federal road, but Deltans traverse the road, hence the need to make the road safe for the sake of the people, adding that the first phase of the reconstruction of the road would start from Umunede in Ika North East to Obior in Aniocha Norh”.

He expressed optimism over the completion of the second phase of the road project in the penultimate budget of the state Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa saying that the last part of the road which is from Obior to Ogwashi-uku would be under the next budget.

 

He further disclosed the approval of 480 bed space in the Dennis Osadebey, after the games it would automatically be the facility of the school where students of school would use during the upcoming academic session.

Sabbath Keepers Women Association Calls For Support To Less Privileged Persons

By
Hill Nigeria
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In a bid to ameliorate the challenges posed with vulnerability, the Chairperson of Sabbath Keepers Women Association, Pastor (Mrs) Claribel Chuks -Okonta has called on well meaning Nigerians to support the less privileged persons in the society.

Pst. Claribel gave the call when she led a delegation of executive members of the Association to St. Barnabas orphanage in Asaba, Delta State.

She said the fact that the children where without parents was enough for any one to show concern towards their welfare.

“In other to put smiles on the faces of the children, we had to take the bold step of visiting them, so as to make them have a sense of belongings”, she said.

According to her when members of the society endeavour to extend charity to the orphans, it helps ease the agony the vacuum created by the absence of their parent.

While frowning at the manner in which the economy resources were been lavished, she said there was need for the consideration of the welfare of the vulnerable.

While receiving the team, on behalf of the Chaplain, the Orphanage Supervisor, Chioma Ikechukwu, commended the gesture and prayed God to  grant them all their heart desires.

SDCC Reiterates Commitment Towards Eradicating Drug Abuse

By
Hill Nigeria
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…As NDLEA, NPF, Others Join Campaign Against Drug, Substance Abuse

 

Chairperson, Delta State Drug Control Committee, (SDCC),  Pharm. Mrs Helen Orie, has reiterated commitment to ensure that drug abuse is brought to the bearest minimum in the state.

Orie made this known during the commemoration of the 2022 International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking with the theme, ‘addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crisis’ in Asaba, the state capital.

She said that with the support of the state government excessive abuse of drug and the users would be clamped down so as to achieve a better life and society.

On his part, the state Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Barr. Tunde John urged parents to watch the company their children keeps so as not to be exposed to drug abuse.

Tunde also called on the media to help in providing information of persons involved in drug abuse.

While giving an overview of drug situation  in the state, Barr. Tunde said the  Committee was a replica of what was attainable in the federal level, adding that so far has been achieved in eradicating narcotic drugs in the country and the state.

According to him, with the laudable programmes of the state Governor targeted at reducing the menace of drug abuse, the narrative had changed in the state, adding that a lot of success have been recorded in the fight against drug abuse.

He said the NDLEA were in the forefront of the fight which has recorded so much successes from January till date as they have arrested 104 suspects.

He said the emerging trend of female inclusiveness in drug abuse had led to the intervention of the office of the wife of the state governor.

While speaking on behalf of the wife of the governor, Dame Edith Okowa, the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Ann Ochor Ochor advised parents, teachers, clerics to be at the forefront of the campaign against drug abuse, by keeping an eye on the children

She also admonished them not to relent in talking to their children on the danger it poses to the users, so as to raise a healthier society.

Dame Okowa said her office would ensure that they stop drug abuse and reduce the decay caused by it’s after effect.

In his words the Commissioner of Health, Dr Mordi Ononye said the menace was not a fight for only the state government but for all to be inclusive in the war against drug abuse.

Ononye said as part of effort to tackling the menace, the State government has continued to fund the state drug control Committee so as to help increase the awareness of drug abuse problems and creating a demand reduction.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the state had also help provided support system to help the drug addicts come out of the addiction.

On his part the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Ado Ibrahim, spoke on the after effects of drug abuse.

He said the force has always ensure they tackle it by arresting, raiding and later hand the perpetrators of the crime to NDLEA to rehabilitate them.

He urged the stakeholders to synergise by  taking the fight to a greater height.

Advising the students, the DCC Uju Igwueze, representing the state Comptroller of Correctional Service, said all social vices were as a result of the effect of drug abuse, hence they should do away from it.

She said say they should do away with any relationship that would leading them to taking drugs as it could ruin their future.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Sir Ede Oghoro promised to synergy with other stakeholders in the state to end the incident of drug abuse in Nigeria so as to be sure of a better society.

Highlight of the programme was a lecture by the deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Benin,  Prof. Ray Ozolua.

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