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Obi Nduka To Confer Chieftaincy Title On American Based Illustrious Issele-Uku Couple, Mr And Mrs Ufoegbune

By Patrick Ochei

Come December 30, 2024, Issele-Uku will spike up again with cultural funfair that will herald the installation of an American based couple, Mr. Onyeabor Ufoegbune and wife, Prof. (Mrs.) Veronica Ifechide Ufoegbune as chiefs of the Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom.

For some time now since the Obi performed the traditional rite of chalking the couple, the news of the Chieftaincy installation on these illustrious son and daughter of Issele-Uku has been the talk of the town.

While December is the month to host the reality of this traditional honour that will exhibit another cultural rendezvous in the town, the truth remains that the well revered monarch has always been guided in wisdom on those to be so honoured.

Mr. Onyeabor Ufoegbune, son of the late eventful Iyase of Issele-Uku, Chief Isikwei Umemezie Ufoegbune from Ogbeofu village, and wife, Prof. (Mrs) Veronica Ufoegbune, proud daughter of Issele-Uku from Ogboli village, have been great instruments of cooperation towards Issele-Uku community growth and development.

They have both been representing Issele-Uku in positive light in the Diaspora, and anything that has to do with project development, human capital empowerment and cultural advancement have remained a burning desire in their heart.

Specifically, Prof. Mrs. Veronica Ufoegbune has become a support system for most of the youths through her regular reach outs with ideas, suggestions and funds to home based youths who are eagerly making effort to overcome poverty.

Each time we carried out opinion sampling on our youths, the testimonies are always massive and encouraging, as many of them would become emotional in narrating how Prof. Ufoegbune has continued to help them financially and otherwise.

However, the evidence of the things that Prof. Veronica Ufoegbune has done are in the numerous local and international awards she has received, depicting her exploits in career, corporate accomplishments and humanitarian services. One of such areas she has also extended her services potentially, are in the areas of culture and community development.

Issele-Uku no doubt, has potentially felt her impacts from most, if not all of her forays in international project development efforts; and the monarch and our people are proud of her.

This honour in the form of Chieftaincy Title is very expedient in showing the gratitude of Issele-Uku Kingdom towards what she represents and continues to attract as her personality benefits to Issele-Uku community.

Oborevwori Approves Airlifting 250 Pilgrims To Israel, Jordan

…Screening of pilgrims slated for Monday 9 and 10 December

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved and released funds for the airlifting of 250 Delta pilgrims to Israel and Jordan.

Executive Secretary of Delta State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Very Rev Fr. Christopher Ekabo, made the disclosure on Saturday in a statement, saying that November 29, remain deadline for submission of application.

He said screening of the 2024 intending Pilgrims is scheduled to hold on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th December, 2024 by 9 am daily at the C.A.N Secretariat, Raph Uwache Road GRA Phase 1, off Okpanam Road, Asaba.

Ekabo commended governor Oborevwori for paying special attention to Christians pilgrimage to the Holy Land, assuring that while in Israel and Jordan, team Delta shall pray for sustained peace, security and more prosperity of the state.

“Our amiable governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has graciously approved the airlifting of 250 state sponsored pilgrims to the Holy Land, and we are very grateful to God, and to the Governor.

“With ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, there are strong indications that the 2014 pilgrimage to the Holy Land is possible.

“All intending pilgrims shall be screened on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th December, 2024 by 9am daily at the State C.A.N Secretariat in Asaba.

“The first set of pilgrims from Nigeria shall be airlifted on the 20th day of December, while Delta pilgrims are expected to depart Nigeria for Israel and Jordan upon confirmation of departure date by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Welfare Commission,” Ekabo said.

Port Harcourt Refinery Shut Down Three Days After Resumption

The Port Harcourt Refining Company, the refinery has abruptly shut down operations, three days after the resumption of activities.

This is as a result of claims from workers that the refinery was undergoing calibration.

It was revealed that the calibration will continue till next week.

He official who choose anonymous, said that the refinery was operating manually which cannot match the new digital pumps, hence the need for electronica operations.

The absence of many trucks at the refinery has left the workers and drivers idle

 

Peter Obi Salutes Okonjo-Iweala On Reappointment As World Trade Organisation

The 2023 Presidential candidate of The Labour Party, Peter Obi has congratulated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

He said, Iweala’s admirable character, impressive resume, and litany of achievements in public office stand her out as a competent leader for such a noble organization.

With her very visible contributions to our national development and the global community, she remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable human capital exports to the world, a symbol of hard work and excellence, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for the younger generation.

“Her rise to greatness through productive contribution to societal development stands as a lesson to us in Nigeria; first, as leaders, who must understand that leadership is a responsibility to care for the people; and then as a people, who must understand that our leadership recruitment process must be based on character, competence, capability and integrity”.

“As she is set to continue to pilot the affairs of this global organization for another 4- year tenure, I wish her more health, strength, and wisdom to continue to stand for what is right”, he said.

Earlier, the General Council of the organization has announced her reappointment which takes effect from 1 September 2025.

NAFDAC Sends Public Alert On Fake Combiart Dispersible Tablet

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has informed the public of the circulation of counterfeit Combiart dispersible tablets 20/120mg in the country.

The product manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India was discovered in FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities by NAFDAC.

The Laboratory report of the analysis carried out on the product revealed that it contained Zero APIs. The product was also observed to have two different date markings.

The NAFDAC database has confirmed that the product license has expired and the NAFDAC Reg Number on it is wrong and not for the product.

The product with the brand name Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg and the generic name, Artemether + Lumefantrine 20/120mg Dispersible Tablet has batch No: 7225119 and NAFDAC Reg No: A11-0299 with June 2023 and Feb 2023 as the manufacturing date and May 2026 and June 2026 Expiry Date.

The Agency advised Healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

NCPC To Commence Airlift of Intending Pilgrims December 22

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is set to commence the airlift of intending pilgrims to the Holy Land on 22nd December 2024.

The Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this during a meeting of the Conference of States, comprising States Chairmen and Secretaries of Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards and FCT in Abuja.

Bishop Adegbite charged members of the Conference of States to continue to look up to God because their help would come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He urged them to learn how to serve the people and should know that God who has called them would grant them the grace to do what is right.

He reiterated that the essence of the meeting was essentially to deliberate on how to move Christian Pilgrimage forward. “We must be a good example of getting it right in Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Bishop Adegbite applauded President Bola Tinubu for his efforts at ensuring that Nigeria is back on track. He explained that despite the challenges, Nigeria is still moving to the desired destination.

He reaffirmed his stance on zero abscondment of pilgrims and zero corruption policy.

The Chairman of the Conference of States, Bishop David Moradeyo, thanked the NCPC boss for the effective leadership he has brought to bear in the Commission. He further appreciated him for the meeting which would serve as a platform for robust discussion with regard to the December pilgrimage exercise.

Bishop Moradeyo intimated that the Conference of States directed their members to fast and uphold NCPC in prayer for smooth Pilgrimage operations.

NDA Admission: Apply To Join Military, Oghenesivbe Tells Delta Youths

By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh

Qualified Delta youths have been charged to apply into the 77 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA.)

The Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while speaking at a live radio programme, “Orientation Panorama,” at the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba.

Dr. Oghenesivbe disclosed that interested Deltans are encouraged by the NDA and the Delta State Government to apply for recruitment into any regiment of their choice in the military.

He said the application and admission process will be on till 30th April, 2025, adding that successful candidates after four years of academic programme and one year military training would be commissioned as flying officers into either the Army, Navy or Air force.

He explained that only interested applicants who satisfy a minimum of 210 points for Engineering Courses and 180 points for Arts and Social Sciences in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are eligible to apply.

He stated that the training is both military and academic and would last for five years; the first four years for the degree, while the fifth year is for military training.

He added that the sum of ₦7,000 only is needed as remittal fee to enable prospective candidates apply online through NDA Website: ndaapplication.net, advising applicants to make NDA their first choice.

“This sensitization has become very necessary to make Delta youths develop interest in enrolling into the military and paramilitary organizations. We have been short changing ourselves for so long. When the roll call of Generals, Major-Generals, Inspector-Generals etc. are called, Delta will not be there.

“These are the reasons His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, set up a state committee to create awareness to reorientate Delta youths on the need to join the military and other paramilitary organizations of government for even representation. The military wrote to the state that we are not taking up our quota.

“It is important we change the narrative and that we take up our quota and slot. The military is a pensionable service. In the past one year of the present administration, 450 Deltans are off the labour market. They have been recruited into the military. If we continue like this, we could have up to 2,000 personnel in the military in the next two years,” he enthused.

The Orientation DG stated that the programme is for male and female, encouraging young Delta girls to also apply and grow to the pinnacle of their career.

He said that successful candidates will be invited for screening exercise on the 24th of May, 2024 at Army Day Secondary School, Nigerian School of Transport and Support, Ugbowo, Benin City in Edo State.

Ebosa Condemns Attack On Chevron Facilities

A prominent politician from Warri North Local Government Area of oil rich Delta State,Mr Godwin Ebosa has strongly condemned the recent attack on Chevron’s Olero/Dibi flow line, imploring security agencies to fish out and prosecute perpetrators.

According to him, the recent attack and vandalization of the OLERO/DIBI/ABITEYE Crude Flow line operated by the American energy giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Delta State was a very sad development.

Mr Godwin Ebosa, former chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of oil rich Delta State, said that it was a premeditated incident, adding that it it was meant to wreak havoc on the nation’s economy, and stop its emergence from the present recession.

In a Press Statement on Wednesday, he stated that the attack was uncalled for, saying it was clear that it was a deliberate act of sabotage to the national interest and said that those responsible for the heinous crime must be brought to face the full weight of the law.

“The reasons given by the faceless perpetrators, particularly that they were not provided jobs by Chevron multinational, was a worthless reason to destroy the pipelines.
It is puerile and unacceptable. It is clear that there is more to the attack than meets the eye, hence a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the actual reason for the vandalism” he said.

He added that, “In the area where the incident happened, there is a structured leadership in place. We have responsible leaders such as Chief Sunny Omatseye, Mr. Tony Aderojo, Mr. David Odeli and Mr. Mike Odeli, among others, who have been living up to their responsibility as leaders of their people.
These leaders have been taking up the challenges facing their people. If the perpetrators were honest with the reason given, it wouldn’t have been necessary to go that far. They should have intimated their leaders of such grievances. It is unfortunate that a few rascals have resorted to destructive tendencies, rather than employ constitutional and lawful means to ventilate their anger.
Our youths, particularly those in the oil-producing areas, must shun violence and vandalism of government facilities”.

He also said that; “They should protect oil pipelines located in their localities and present their grievances to known leaders, who would then forward such demands to the oil companies and authorities concerned for action.It is the only way to ensure that grievances are heard and addressed without resorting to violence or other unwholesome actions”.

According to the statement also; “Anything outside the foregoing has criminal connotations. And it is against the law.
In conclusion, I make bold to say that the attack on the Olero/Dibi Flow line is outrightly despicable and unpatriotic.
We urge security agencies to take immediate action to unravel the incident, uncover the identities of the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
It will serve as a deterrent to those who want to commit such crimes in the future.
All hands must be on deck to fight this barbarism. The people of the region must join forces to fight this malaise.
Crude oil is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, and therefrom, our state is given 13% derivation fund for development.
We mustn’t fold our hands and pretend that all is well.
Let us go all out against the common enemy”.

PDP Oshimili South Pays Condolence Visit To Late Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezia’s Family

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of late Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezia, the former party chairman of PDP in Oshimili South LGA.

The condolence visit was led by the Chairman of PDP in Oshimili South, Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu, accompanied by the current Council Chairman, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili. Also present was the immediate past Commissioner for health in Delta State in the person of Dr. Mordi Ononye, the incumbent treasurer of Delta State exco of PDP in the person of Ogbueshi Chibuzor Uwaje, the immediate past woman leader of PDP in Delta State and members of Oshimili South Legislative Arm, led by their leader, Hon. Michael Okonji, aides to Delta State Governor, party leaders and other notable faithful of PDP in Oshimili South LGA who joined in solidarity to comfort the family.

The visit provided a platform for prayers, words of comfort to the widow and family of the deceased, and a reaffirmation of the PDP’s support for Ebielim Maduemezia’s family during this difficult time.

The party pledged to uphold the legacy of their former chairman while continuing to foster unity and development in Oshimili South PDP.

Late Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezia will be remembered fondly for his efforts in ensuring growth of the party. His passing leaves a significant void, but his memory and impact will continue to inspire party faithful.

~Oshimili South PDP Media Support Group ~

President Tinubu Assures Of Greater Economic Output, Welcomes Third Quarter GDP Growth Figure

By Sunday Dare

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of better economic output as the economy continues to expand following the newly released third quarter Gross Domestic Product report by the National Bureau of Statistics.

According to the NBS, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.46%, compared to the 3.19% growth recorded in the second quarter.

The growth in GDP shows that President Tinubu’s quest for a more robust boost in the economy and, by extension, a better standard of living for all Nigerians is on course.

The 3.46% growth indicates Nigeria is recovering from the reforms’ unintended effects.

President Tinubu said his administration has not and will never forget his promise of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He assured that once the economy is rebased by early 2025 to capture its dynamism and record significant changes that have occurred in different sectors, the country will be on its way to shared prosperity.

The latest GDP growth in the third quarter is driven by key sectors such as Agriculture, Transport, Education, Health, Real Estate, Finance and Insurance, ICT, Trade, and Manufacturing.

This performance once again shows that the reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration to reposition the economy and ensure better fiscal management are beginning to yield fruits.

The proposed tax reforms also indicate the administration’s resolve to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and spread prosperity to the poor. The new Tax regime seeks to promote equity by reducing what is known as the headquarters effect—a situation where states where company headquarters are based get more benefits because their taxes for the whole nation are remitted—in favour of spatial and demographic equity.

President Tinubu said, “I am excited by the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics that our economy grew in the third quarter more than last quarter and even beyond projected estimates. While I welcome this development, the latest figure also shows the much work that needs to be done. We won’t rest until Nigerians feel the positive impacts in their pockets and experience a better living standard. My administration remains committed to the welfare of our people.”

The top contributing sectors to GDP in Q3 2024 are Agriculture 28.65%, ICT 16.35%, Trade 14.78%, Manufacturing 8.21%, Crude Oil 5.57%, Finance & Insurance 5.51% and Real Estate 5.43%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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