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Desist from Our Land, Ubulu-Okiti Indigenes Warns Utomi Family

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Hill Nigeria
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The people of Ogbe-Obi and Ogbe-Iyase in Ubulu-Okiti have appealed to the State government to compel Isah community in Ogwashi-Uku to desist from grabbing lands that belongs to Ubulu-Okiti.
The appeal arose from a tripartite meeting between the people of Ubulu-Okiti, Agidiehe Community in Ogwashi-Uku and Ani-Agbala Community in Ubulu-Uku over the alleged encroachment of Ubulu- Okiti land by Utomi family of Isah-Ogwashi in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Speaking after the meeting, all the parties unanimously agreed that the Utomi family of Isah-Ogwashi were Intruders as they do not own any portion of land within the area question.
Secretary to the Ubulu-Okiti Land Committee, Barrister Churchill Mafiana, and Chief Patrick Ofuani who spoke on behalf of the Ogbe-Obi in Ubulu-Okiti said the land grabbers have caused much havoc to the community as they have prevented Ubulu- Okiti people from farming on the land.
Similarly, a representative from Agidiehe Community in Ogwashi Uku Kingdom, Chief Uche Okocha attested that Isah-Ogwashi has no boundary with Ubulu- Okiti.
Chief Okocha noted that a joint committee of Ubulu-Okiti and Ogwashi-Uku as far back as 1914 established and graded the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Okiti and there is no dispute as to the boundaries of the communities.
On his part, Mr. Jerry Isichei also attested that Ani-Agbala Community and Ubulu- Okiti have no land dispute as they have always lived harmoniously.
The Communities resolved that the encroachment of the land by the Utomi family of Isah-Ogwashi was detrimental to the peace in the area and asked the State government and security agents to call the perpetrators to order so as not to breach the peace that has existed between the communities.
Others Chiefs present at the occasion were Chief Felix Monye, Chief Agafie Omo, Chief Peter Abunwa, Chief John Dumbili among others.

 

Ovie Omo-Agege: Like the Chichidodo

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Hill Nigeria
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By Fred Edoreh

In Ayi Kwei Armah’s “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born”, we come across a bird called Chichidodo. The interesting thing about it is that it hates excrement so much but it’s best food is the maggot which grows best in excreta.

Even when Chichidodo pollutes the air, it runs as if something else is pursuing it, forgetting that it cannot run away from itself.

The contradiction of the Chichidodo best describes the latest outburst of former Deputy Senate President and failed candidate of the APC in the Delta State Governorship election, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege.

Last week, his office issued a statement through one M.A. Egharhevwa, Esq, as published in Omo-Agege’s verified Facebook account, abusing the media aides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Their offence: That some Deltans dared ask about the N80 billion which he reportedly claimed to have secured approval of, for the reconstruction of the Benin-Warri and Sapele-Abraka-Agbor highways.

Omo-Agege argued that it was wrong to query him about the money and the roads, especially the Sapele-Abraka-Agbor section, since the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had explained, during an inspection visit, that the problem was that since 2014, when the FG awarded the contract, only N13 billion had been paid to the contractor, that the initial design by the FG was faulty, which accounted for the failure of the earlier construction, that the road needs to be redesigned with better features and that the cost of reconstruction is now very heavy for the FG to easily mobilise.

Agege therefore submitted that he has no questions to answer on the road, and those calling him out are unintelligent. However, that is only spinning the narrative to confuse the subject for which he is being called out.

First, he is of no concern to Governor Oborevwori’s media aides who are well aware that Deltans know him for who he is. Secondly, no one is after him. He is only being chased by his own shadow, his words coming back to find him, for as we know, the evil that men do lives after them.

How can Agege be agitated or angry that Deltans are calling him back to explain more about the N80 billion?
How could he have forgotten so soon how he claimed during the electioneering campaigns to have secured that approval of N80 billion for the reconstruction of the roads?

As widely reported by major national newspapers and online publications between 28 to 30 November, 2022, Agege made the claim at a campaign meeting with the Christian Council of Nigeria in Sapele.

The reports read: “This was disclosed by the Deputy President of the Senate and APC governorship candidate in Delta, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, during a meeting with members of the Christian Council of Nigeria which held in Sapele.”

The report quoted him as having explained that “…With the reconstitution of the NDDC board, Buhari ordered that N500 billion of the commission that was frozen be released for development projects and the sum of N80 billion was approved when he pleaded with the President to consider the Sapele-Benin road and the Amukpe-Agbor road.”

In fact, part of the report further quoted him as saying he hid the approval from the former Governor, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, ostensibly so that he would not take credit for the expected reconstruction of the road with the said approved fund.

Following Omo-Agege’s declarations, Deltans looked forward to action on the reconstruction of the roads, but it was not to be.

Rather the roads deteriorated the more and road users suffered greater hardship especially during that Yuletide season.

So far, the particularly difficult Ologbo section of the Benin-Warri road has been touched by the FG, while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has almost completed the reconstruction of the Old Umutu-Abraka-Eku road to provide alternative route for Deltans and travellers on that axis, pending when the FG will conclude its planned redesign and mobilisation of funds for the reconstruction.

Given this situation, it is reasonable and justified for Deltans to re-interrogate Agege. It is valid now, as yesterday, and will still be valid tomorrow, to ask him what has happened to the N80 billion approval he claimed, why the fund was not and has not been applied to the road and where now is the money?

He has a responsibility of honour to answer these questions. No matter how he spins the narrative, he cannot discharge the onus by hiding behind the Minister of Works. That is like hiding one’s face behind one finger.

He cannot also keep pretending to be angry when his earlier claim about having secured N80 billion approval is played back to him. That will be acting like the Chichidodo.

The need for him to answer is even more now, especially with the revelation by the Minister about the difficulty in mobilizing the required fund to embark on proper reconstruction of the road, whereas Omo-Agege had reportedly told us about a certain N80 billion approval he secured from the then President.

On the other hand, if he only told empty lies then, merely to deceive the people to vote for him, he can as well still simply redeem himself by owning up to his lies, by coming plain to confess that he lied.

Deltans would not be surprised that he lied, just as they are not surprised that, as Deputy Senate President, he could not muster the political influence to get the major highway to his constituency done but only returned home to campaign with lies.

The only remaining thing is just also to unlearn certain habits of conduct and style because, for instance, as he should know by now, lies don’t last, no matter how deceptively postured.

●Fred Edoreh is Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State.

Comedian Sworn In As Malawi’s Vice-President

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Hill Nigeria
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Renowned Comedian, Michael Usi has been sworn in as Vice President of Malawi.

The swearing in ceremony took place held in parliament in the capital, Lilongwe.

Earlier, when the Comedian declared his political intention, many misinterpreted it as one of his many jokes.

The swearing in of Usi as Vice President was following the death of Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this month, along with eight other people.

The Comedian turned politician, in inaugural speech, promised to honour his predecessor’s memory.

He appreciated President Lazarus Chakwera for believing in him, adding that he will not take the privilege to serve his people for granted.

DTSG Set To Fish Out Land Grabbers

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Hill Nigeria
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…As Govt Demolishes Illegal Structures

Chairman, Task force on recovery of government land, Chief Frank Omare has restated intention to hunt land grabbers and community leaders engaged in stealing of government lands.
Omare made this known while speaking with journalists during the demolition exercise at Camp 74 in Asaba.
He said government would not allow the land grabbers and some of the leaders who had misinformed the victims in the state by stealing government lands to go free as their actions was an offence.
While advising Deltans to always verify the authenticity of a land before acquiring it, he said the demolition was not about the governor, Rt. Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori, himself nor targetted at anybody but was the policy of the government.
He said the retrieval was following a court order earlier issued to them, notifying them to evacuate the area, adding that it was not an impromptu action as many of them claimed.
Frowning at the reactions of the victims, he said it was an oftence for them to request for compensation as their acts was criminal and calls for punishment by the government.
He said they were meant to pay government for possession of the lands which they have occupied for years, since the inception of kefas, adding that they had enjoyed it during Ibori, Uduaghan, Okowa’s tenure.
Omare said government would stop at nothing in acquiring it’s land in the hands of land grabbers, adding that in no distance time government land Ughelli, Warri, Isoko, Agbor, Kwale, Patani, Ibusa, and other parts of the state will be reclaimed.

 

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Agatha Nonyelum Afoekelu, Honored by Imolites in Israel

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Hill Nigeria
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The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Agatha Nonyelum Afoekelu, was honored by Imo state indigenes in Israel last weekend.

In her remarks, she expressed gratitude to the Imolites for the recognition and pledged to continue serving all Nigerians in Israel with dignity and humility.

She implored Nigerians to be law abiding and emphasized the importance of unity, urging them to shun negative tendencies that could tarnish Nigeria’s image in Israel.

Mrs. Afoekelu commended the President of Imolites in Israel, Mr. Kingsley Ike, for his inclusive leadership and encouraged him to continue uniting Imolites in Israel.

She assured them that the Nigerian Embassy in Israel is a home for all and vowed to protect every Nigerian living in Israel diplomatically.

Earlier, Mr. Kingsley Ike, President of Imolites in Israel, explained that the honor was in recognition of Mrs. Afoekelu’s selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.

He praised her hospitable treatment of Nigerians in Israel, her indiscriminate relationship with Nigerians regardless of tribe or state of origin, and her participation in their cultural activities, which embodies the spirit of “one Nigeria”.

The event culminated in the presentation of an artwork representing Mrs. Afoekelu, the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, by the Imolites in Israel.

Scammers Impersonates Delta SSG, Defrauds Desperate Appointment Seekers, Contractors – Emu

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Hill Nigeria
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..Says beware of phone number 08085129491, Zenith Bank Acct No: 4235384296 Jonah Kumor

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq
#dsobpress

Office of the Secretary to Delta State Government has raised alarm over the criminal activities of fraudsters impersonating SSG Delta, and obtaining money by false pretense in exchange for nonexistent political appointments.

SSG Delta, Dr Kingsley Emu, in a statement on Thursday and made available to newsmen, disclosed that the gang of criminals and imposters are using phone number 08085129491 to send unsolicited scam messages to unsuspecting members of the public, urging them to pay specific amount of money into Zenith Bank Account Number: 4235384296, indicating one Mr Jonah Kumor as the account holder, in exchange for political appointments and juicy contracts from the state government.

He urged members of the public to disregard such messages either through WhatsApp or SMS, noting that the scammers uses his picture on the WhatsApp DP, to mischievously and criminally deceive desperate political appointment seekers and contractors.

According to the statement, all political appointments in Delta state is at the instance of the Executive Governor, free of charge, and without payment of any sum of money whatsoever, while contracts can only be awarded through laid down procedures and bid after meeting relevant requirements, not via SMS or WhatsApp messages.

“The attention of the Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) has again been drawn to the activities of some impostors who are using the name of his office to engage unsuspecting members of the public through phone number 08085129491 ( acct details: Jonah Kumor.4235384296.Zenith Bank).

“The criminal gang also used a fake WhatsApp account that has the picture of the SSG and with the clear intention of defrauding them by promising political appointments and also offering non-existing contract awards from the state government.

“The office of the Secretary to Delta State Government is issuing this disclaimer as a public alert, urging Deltans and Nigerians to disregard any message or phone call in the nature of a solicitation ,as neither the SSG nor his office works through such a process.

“It needs to be stated that security agencies have been notified of the fraudulent activities of these faceless groups, and investigation is ongoing to unravel those behind the scam.

“Therefore, it is in the interest of these groups of persons to desist from their unwholesome acts, as anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.

UNIDEL Records Bumper Accreditation Of Courses By NUC

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Hill Nigeria
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The National University Commission, (NUC), has given full accreditation to sixty – nine out of seventy-two courses at the University of Delta, Agbor ( UNIDEL), just as the remaining three courses were given interim accreditation.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof( Mrs) Stella Chiemeke who disclosed this while briefing the University Senate on the unprecedented development said it translated to ninety six percent success which was a remarkable achievement in the history of the University.

She attributed the outcome of the accreditation exercise, which took place in 2023 to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the academic staff as well as the UNIDEL community.

The UNIDEL Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Higher Education, the chairman and members of the Governing Council as well as the University Management and Unions for their steadfast support and guidance which were instrumental to the remarkable success recorded during the accreditation exercise.

” I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Visitor, His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Delta State, for the steadfast support and visionary leadership you have provided to the UNIDEL Project. Your unwavering commitment to the education sector in Delta State has been instrumental in propelling UNIDEL to these iconic successes.”.

” This achievement is a testament to the quality of our staff and the robust quality assurance measures implemented at various levels of institutional governance.lt is a true reflection of the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of the UNIDEL staff”.

She disclosed that the NUC also approved the establishment of the full-time mode of undergraduate programmes in Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Biochemistry, Radiography, and Radiation Science with effect from the 2024/2025 academic session.

The courses accredited are in the Faculty of Administration, Architecture, Arts, Communication and Media Studies, Computing, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Law , Science, and Social Science.

Otirhue Reiterates Commitment Towards Training LGSC Staff

By
Hill Nigeria
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In fulfillment of its pledge towards training and retraining of staff, the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, has trained 72 budget officers across the unified Local Government Service in the state.
Speaking during the opening of a two day workshop on Fundamentals of Local Government Budgeting, organized by Western Hall Consulting in Asaba, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Dcn Joseph Otirhue said the Commission was not going back on its mandate of equipping the staff intellectually.


He said for them to excel in their duties since budgeting is a core financial planning function, it was paramount they go through the training process.
The Chairman said the workshop was designed to equip participants with the knowledge required to effectively carry out bugetting and budgetary control functions in the system, as budget was an important tool for organizational effectiveness and service delivery that calls for appropriate techniques and competences.
According to the Chairman, series of training programmes have been staged towards engaging and improving all sectors of the workforce in the unified Local Government Service of the state.
He said the workshop, which has team of experts to mull the budgeting topics, is intended to mark up the participants intellect and re- energies into giving their best to their local government areas.
According to the consultant, Mr Samuel Fejiokwu said the workshop organised for budget officers in the local government areas across the state, which is in line with the core agenda of the present administration, which is opportunity for all.
Fejiokwu added that the workshop would help improve their productivity in accounting at their various Local Government areas.
One of the participants who spoke, Mrs Victoria Anazia thanked the Chairman for his leadership prowess and for giving them the opportunity to improve their knowledge in their careers.

Joel- Onowakpo Appoints 23 Advisers

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Hill Nigeria
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The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has appointed 23 Advisers to oversee different portfolios.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State.

He said it was part of the fulfilment of his electoral promises to accommodate the interests of diverse groups, that represents the great people of Delta South effectively and to bring governance closer to the people,

According to him, it was also in fulfillment of his campaign promises to carry his constituents along in taking decisions on how to bring the dividend of democracy to them.

Those appointed were, Prophet Jones Ode Erue, Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters, Rear Admiral John Onoriode Kpokpogri (Rtd), Senior Special Adviser on Defence, Dr. Andrew Egunoma, Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties, Social Welfare & Poverty Alleviation, High Chief Augustine O. Seibi (JP), Senior Special Adviser on Conflicts Resolution, Hon. (Chief) Uyouyou Edhekpo, Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Chief Dillion Oyuwe, Senior Special Adviser on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chief Miller Akpoili, Senior Special Adviser on HOSTCOM.

Others were, Mr. Paul Emumena Michael, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity/Information & National Orientation, Chief Gabriel Yabaka, Senior Special Adviser on Chieftaincy, Cultural and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Ogbegbe Misan, Special Adviser on Local Content, Chief (Mrs) Rita Avberovba, Special Adviser on Women Mobilisation, Dr. Yabrade Moses, Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs & Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), Mr. Ese Azakaza, Special Adviser on Gas, Mr. Victor Omuno, Special Adviser on Science and Technology, Mr. Cheke Emiko, Special Adviser on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, Apostle Liberty Usiayo, Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Mr. Tonye Karowa, Special Adviser on Upstream Petroleum and Mr. Ofehe Goodie, Special Adviser on Police Affairs.

Those who also made the list were, Chief Solomon Akpotu, Special Adviser on Agriculture Production, Services and Rural Development, Chief Kenneth Ogbe, Special Adviser on Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Beauty Warejuowei, Special Adviser on Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Kenneth Rawlings Okah, Special Adviser on Aviation and Ms Christabel Egbaniyon, Special Adviser on Health.

The appointments which according to Senator Joel-Onowakpo takes immediate effect, were carefully considered and made with the overall aim of making his office more efficient, service-oriented and accessible to his constituents, adding that more appointments shall be made as the need arises.

“While congratulating the appointees, I appeal to all Delta South constituents and the general public to give them all necessary cooperation and support, so that we can grow our beloved Senatorial District and nation together in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.”

Asaba Waterfront City ‘ll Revolutionise Tourism, Urban Renewal – Delta Govt

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Government, yesterday, said the move to develop the Asaba Waterfront was geared towards effective urban renewal and boosting the tourism potentials of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed this shortly after a meeting with representatives of the host communities of the Asaba Waterfront Development project and the project consultants.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Dr. Emu said the Asaba Waterfront City project, which was initiated three years ago and located along the banks of the River Niger, was designed to be Africa’s newest upscale, smart and tech-driven city.

He said the project is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) venture, between Delta State Government, which owns 15 per cent, Asaba communities which have five per cent and private investors, who hold 80 per cent, adding that the project is to be financed through a combination of equity and debt capital, in addition to pre-sales financing.

He said: “About three years ago, we started this journey of Asaba Waterfront Development Project. We acquired about a 1,000 hectares of land and they were broken up into two: one was given to North China and another section was given to Falkland.

“The whole idea is a PPP. For me, the people wanted to, on their own, start giving out the land and they started going into private arrangements and agreements with some developers.

“We figured out that it was going to cause a lot of urban slum and create a lot of security issues for us, especially during the allocation. So, we sat down and decided that we should acquire that entire 1,000 hectares of land.

“In compliance with the Land Use Act, we allowed everybody who had interest in that area, published in critical newspapers, to come over and express their interest through a memorandum.

“We got a lot from dufferent people and we sat back and identified all the communities involved. We moved in to call in consultants to come and look at the entire area and scoop for compensation, and ensure that all the parties involved, remotely or otherwise, must be captured.

“The compensation sum was determined. Shorty before then, was election and that was halted for this. But before then, in our process of engagement, we told the communities that there are three parties to the business.

“First, is the developers who are very formidable and have a pedigree. They are to have 80 per cent of the entire investment. Government was to have 15 per cent and the community was to have 5 per cent.

“Here is the logic; it is a modern city and part of our urban renewal plan. So, what we needed to do in that area is to sand fill; take out all the rubbish, and fill them, allow them to settle and build a world- class infrastructure.”

According to Emu, Delta State Government was making lots of sacrifices to ensure the project came on stream to ensure real urban renewal in the area.

“For government, 15 per cent sounds big but absolutely nothing to what government should ordinarily get. In the first instance, government should earn C of O fees, and future ground rent from all that.

“The C of O in that area should cost about N5 billion and government has forfeited that. More so, government has gone ahead to start payment of compensation.

“Government is also constructing a six-lane road to separate the North China and Falkland end and take it straight to the shore; that would create the ambience and convey the seriousness that government truly wants to have an urban renewal. And that will cost us approximately, N5 billion. In all of these, government is spending money.

“So, we do know that if we had allowed the old game that the locals wanted play out, it would cost us more than N10 billion to manage security challenges. But today, with these urban renewal arrangements and with all the parties involved agreeing to work together, we have in our hands, a new city.

“If we have a 1,000 hectares in that corridor, it is going to be a tourist attraction and bring in a lot of revenue to all the parties. And government does not have any hand in managing that asset. People who have that responsibility is the private sector.

“So, they are going to create infrastructure that will inter-link the entire 1,000 hectares and that will be the beginning of major urban renewal development in Asaba.

“We are happy and it is part of the continuity arrangements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; to continue to do valuable things that he met on ground and this is one. The Asaba people would be eternally grateful for this major intervention.

“And with the dredging of the River Niger, which is just along the shore line, it would be a massive tourist attraction. So, that is the short story about Asaba Waterfront City,” the SSG added.

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