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Nigeria’s First Lady Visits Delta, Advocates Free Treatment For HIV/AIDS

Nigeria’s First Lady and wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advocated free treatment programmes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS patients in the country.

Speaking during a visit  to Delta State Traditional Rulers Council in Asaba, she highlighted the impact of HIV/AIDS, especially among young people.

She encouraged traditional rulers to help spread awareness and advocate for health issues, including the elimination of female genital mutilation.

Tinubu said; “additionally, there is an education-focused campaign called ‘Flow with Confidence’, which provides free sanitary pads to girls in rural areas to prevent school absences during menstruation.

The First Lady said she had secured significant funding for tuberculosis treatment and emphasizes her commitment to giving back to society through donations and advocacy.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the country’s First Lady was in Delta to present 10,000 professional kits (Crocs and Scrubs) to midwives in the South-South region, as part of the health programme of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Oborevwori said; “This laudable programme has been implemented in the North-Central and North-West geo-political zones of the country.

“Today is the turn of the South-South, and the First lady has chosen Delta State as the place to flag-off the programme for the Niger Delta region.

“Also, tomorrow, Her Excellency, will, in conjunction with the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, flag-off the Free-to-Shine initiative (South-South region), an enlightenment campaign to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and other public health challenges confronting women of reproductive age.

“Known for her compassionate and humble nature, Her Excellency thought GOVT.HOUSEit wise to meet with our esteemed traditional rulers as part of her engagements with critical stakeholders in the state.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo,  lauded the President’s wife for the visit.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing construction of several road projects in the state including the Benin-Asaba Expressway, Benin-Warri Expressway and the construction of the Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge.

He said: “We are proud of you that you are a virtuous woman who stood by your husband to be able to navigate the political contours of this nation to emerge President.

“I can assure you that we Deltans we respect our in-laws. Just yesterday, one of us here, Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge told us when he visited Mr. President that Mr. President described our governor as a progressive governor.

“That shows that Mr. President is following closely with the activities of our governor.

“In the same venue, the Honorable Minister for Works, Excellency, Senator David Umahi, also described Governor Oborevwori as hardworking Governor. He said that Governor Oborevwori has turned the whole of Delta State to a huge construction site.

“Having done this, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves a second term, because we don’t want all these projects to be abandoned.

“I want to also thank you for your care for Nigeria women especially the young ones. We have followed closely with what you have been doing and we are very proud of you.”

Governor Oborevwori and his wife, his Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme and numerous Deltans had earlier received Mrs Tinubu and her delegation at the Asaba International Airport.

Delta State Ministry Of Environment Organises Training the Trainers on Food Hygiene

By Eminabo Ben-Whyte

The Commissioner for Delta State Ministry Of Environment, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro has harped on the impact of food hygiene on the well being of all Deltans.

Jamani made this known during a One Day Training of Trainers on Food Hygiene in collaboration with Rholuck Services Nigeria Limited, at the Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr (Mrs) Minnie Oseji said food though a fundamental part of human’s lives, provides sustenance and energy is a potential source of harm if not handled and prepared with care.

He said the training was essential in educating the participants on devastating consequences that comes with food borne illnesses, adding that it can cause widespread suffering and even death.

The training according to him was also designed to train the ministry accredited consultants to carry out training on food hygiene for all food handlers in hotels and eaterings across the state.

Speaking on the relevance of the training, he said it can lead to significant economic losses, including healthcare costs, lost productivity and damage to businesses, adding that by learning about food safety and hygiene, they can protect themselves and their loved ones from these risks.

He urged them to implement good practices, by ensuring that the food they consume was safe, nutritious and free from harmful contaminants.

On her part, the Director Sanitation and Waste Management, Mrs. Francisca Atigan spoke on the need for Government Agencies to be intentional about the health and hygiene of the people.

According to her the training will teach and equip food handlers in various hotels and food businesses within the state on safety food hygiene.

She also said the Ministry of Environment will be embarking on training of Staff and personnel every six months that will educate the public on good food hygiene to reduce food disease to the population.

Delivering a lecture on Food Safety Standards and Ministries/Agencies on that are Responsible For Food Safety in Nigeria, the Lead Consultant of the Rholuck Services Nigeria Limited and an Occupational, Health and Safety Environmental Specialist, Dr. Lucky Oderhowho taught the participants on food safety hazards and how to prevent it.

He also highlighted some basic improper food storage practices.

Highlight of the event was presenting of certificates to qualified trainees and their Organization, through the Delta State Tourism Board, showing the list of approved food handlers by Ministry of Environment.

The event had the Director Climate Change, Mrs. Vivian Briggs; Rholuck Lead Consultant, Dr. Lucky Oderhowho and staff of the Ministry in attendance.

Ejinyere Applauds Gov Oborevwori For Supporting Agency’s Mandate In Oil City

The Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme has led a team of Service Compact for All Nigerians, SERVICOM, to the office of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency, WUEDA, Effurun, to explain to the Management and Staff of the Agency that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed its re-introduction as an integral component for the execution and success of his MORE Agenda.

Hon. Funkekeme added that he had already begun the exercise in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs in the State, stressing that SERVICOM was introduced in 2008 through an executive order by a former Governor of the State. He said, “Servicom is new to WUEDA, so we have come to introduce it to the Agency. Each past Governor had his Agenda, and each of the agendas had its peculiar service characteristics, and it is important that we migrate from one to another,” he asserted.

According to the Senior Policy Adviser, “the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is very germane, so agents of service delivery must be carried along by telling them the tenets of acceptable service delivery.” He said understanding its mandate helps the Agency to perform better.

“This helps you to know whether you have covered all the environs of Warri and Uvwie; whether you are transparent, honest, and effective in the discharge of your duties; and whether you are meeting your targets.”

Describing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s promise to do More for Deltans as a huge assignment, he said “we must all account collectively by adding value. The Governor promised to bring back the lost glory of Warri and its environs and that he would not abandon ongoing projects. So, we are going round all MDAs in the State to ensure that all civil servants are carried along.”

He said WUEDA has a big duty to be fair and balanced in carrying out its assignment in its mandate areas. “All staff should avoid service failure. A SERVICOM unit should be set up in WUEDA without delay. The Agency should have a Charter such as signboards, and stickers that will help announce its purpose and help to create awareness,” he averred.

He said Deltans could only add value to the More Agenda of Governor Oborevwori by completing their official tasks on a daily basis. And every Agency must have a SERVICOM unit, as monitoring of staff would help to identify those who are impediments to good service delivery, and such staff should be warned or shown the way out if found culpable.

Hon. Solomon urged civil servants to imbibe the virtues of diligence, timeliness, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties and provision of services. He said, “Service is only meaningful when delivered with passion, respect and responsibility, and that all MDAs are required to compile a charter of their functions and responsibilities and post the same through public notices at the entrances to their offices.”

The idea, he said, “is to make the public know where they can obtain the services they desire without having to seek the same in the wrong offices.”

Responding, the Director General of WUEDA, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere thanked the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor for taking out time to enlighten the Agency’s Staff and Management about the purpose of SERVICOM.

Prince Ejinyere said he would collaborate with the Director of Admin and Finance of WUEDA to set up a SERVICOM unit in the Agency without delay.

He assured the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor that Staff and Management of WUEDA would take advantage of the SERVICOM unit that would be created, to up their games and add value to service delivery, towards achieving the More Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The WUEDA DG then applauded the state governor for supporting the Agency’s mandate to make the Oil City great again since he assumed office as Governor of Delta State.

Prince Ejinyere particularly commended the Governor for the gigantic flyovers and roads, as well as medium and massive flood control projects currently being executed in parts of Warri and Uvwie Metropolis.

He said Rome was not built in a day, so it would take time for the Agency to take its interventionist works to all its mandate areas, and appealed to residents of the Oil City to exercise some patience, as no area would be left out by the More Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The highlight of the SERVICOM visit was the presentation of important SERVICOM documents to the DG by the Senior Policy Adviser.

Principal officers of WUEDA, including the Director of Administration and Finance, Mr. Simon Esi, and the Director of Project and Works, Engr. Ofoeyeno Bemigho, were present during the SERVICOM visit.

Breaking: Rita Daniels Appointed As Delta Woman Leader Of Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates

By Lucy Ezeliora

Popular Nollywood actress, Chief Hon. Rita Daniels Chukwuji has been appointed politically by the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA) as Delta State Woman Leader

 

In a statement, issued by the Grand Patron, Sen. George Akume, fnim CON The (SGF) of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates(NTCA) her appointment was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC)

 

The appointment which took effect from 20th of March 2025, is in recognition of her many years of experience as a Political Mobiliser, which are in line with the requirements for the appointments into the Great Movement of making Nigeria safe and great again.

 

 

Rita Daniels who recently bagged degree in law has over the years remained consistence in advancing the welfare and development of women in the country.

 

She has served as the former Woman leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing and played a pivotal role in rallying support among women in Delta State and the Nation as a whole.

The woman leader who is a strong advocate for women’s rights has craved a niche for herself in every capacity of Women Mobilization

 

Her appointment is seen as a testament to her dedication to advancing the well-being and progress of women. As a seasoned technocrat, it is expected that she will leverage her years of experience to provide effective service in her new role.

 

Additionally, she enjoys substantial support among women in Delta State and has a significant presence in all Igbo-speaking states, owing to her close association with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as their former Woman leader.

 

Rita has expressed her deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu on her Instagram page for recognizing her as a fitting candidate for this strategic position and has pledged to give her utmost to promote the Nation in every capacity.

EFCC Arrests Bauchi Accountant Over Alleged N70bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has arrested the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over alleged fraud worth N70 billion.

This was contained in a statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale yesterday.

Oyewale said Jaja was arrested in Abuja alongside an alleged unlicensed bureau de change, BDC operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, Aliyu Abubakar, and a Point of Sale, (PoS) operator, Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo.

It was stated that the arrests were connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.

The anti-graft agency was also investigating the state Governor, Bala Mohammed in connection with the matter.

“The investigation has revealed that cash withdrawals amounting to N59 billion were made through various bank accounts operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The funds were allegedly moved to Aliyu Abubakar and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, who subsequently made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor,” he said.

The EFCC spokesman further revealed that Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, had been rearrested.

“We are committed to tracing and recovering the diverted funds, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Oyewale added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tanker Explosion Rocks Abuja

…As Many Feared Dead, Cars Burnt

A petrol tanker has exploded at Karu Bridge, near Nyanya, along the Abuja-Keffi Road, Abuja.

It was revealed that the vehicle carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lost control and crashed on the bridge, igniting a fire that rapidly spread to nearby vehicles.

There are concerns over multiple casualties, as rescue operations were ongoing with the presence of military personnel and emergency responders at the scene.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, the Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation, Mark Nyam, it stated that the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck lost control on the bridge, thereby running into other motorists and causing an explosion

 

 

 

 

Just In: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State 

…Suspends Fubara for six months

President Bola Tinubu has declared a statement of emergency in Rivers State.

Tinubu made this pronouncement in a nationwide broadcast.

This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

He said , he was greatly disturbed about the political crisis in the state and accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building.

Tinubu said having made an evaluation of the situation, he has decided to “declare a state of emergency from March 18”.

He announced Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

“I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis”.

“Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis”.

“I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them”.

“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines”.

“With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security”.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months”.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate”.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole

Tompolo Foundation Launches Training Programme For Delta State Corps Members

Over fifty corps members in Warri zonal Area on Tuesday participated in a training programme launch on enhancing the pedagogical skills of corps members organized by Tompolo foundation in Partnership with Delta State National youth service Corps.

Speaking during the official launch of the training programme,the chairman and founder of Tompolo foundation,CHIEF GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO stated that the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to initiatives that promote quality education.

In his opening remarks the chairman of Tompolo foundation,High Chief Government Ekpomupolo who noted that
Education remains the foundation of social transformation, stressed that teachers play a crucial role in shaping society’s future.

He revealed that growing up in the creeks of the Niger Delta and now serving as Chairman of the Tompolo Foundation he has witnessed firsthand challenges being faced by corps members in effectively teaching students particularly in rural and riverine communities in Delta State .

The chairman of Tompolo foundation said Corps members bridged the gap of insufficient teachers in the rural and riverine areas but lack the basic pedagogical skills needed to carry out the teaching business effectively,adding that was the reason for the foundation to partner with Delta State NYSC to equip the corps members serving as teachers with the basic skills to engage the students effectively and inspire critical thinking among the learners.
Chief Ekpomupolo who was represented by Dr Paul Bebenimibo added that the Tompolo foundation has been assisting corps members with stipends ,accommodations and other incentives to encourage those of them teaching in the riverine and rural areas .

Chief Ekpomupolo stated that
well-trained corps members will leave a lasting impact on the students they teach, fostering a generation that is better equipped for the future.

The founder of Tompolo foundation revealed that by addressing the pedagogical gaps among corps members will enhance their quality of teaching, strengthening the broader education system, and contributing to national development.

He added that Tompolo Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to initiatives that promote quality education.

Earlier the Commissioner for Basic secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu while commending the Tompolo foundation and Delta NYSC for the official launch of the training programme enjoined other stakeholders to emulate the foundation .

Mrs Ezewu who was represented by Chief Ejiroghene Erifevieme stated that she look forward to seeing the impact the training on pedagogical skills will have on the NYSC members and schools .

Also speaking Chief MacDonald Igbaduwei commended the Tompolo foundation for training corps members posted to rural areas .

He noted that the gesture will enhance and sharpened their teaching skills thereby making learning interesting for the pupils and students .

A lecture titled Pedagogical skills: A key imperative for Enhancing quality education in Nigeria by Dr Oghenevwede Oyovwi x-rays the importance of training corps members posted to both public and private schools in the riverine and rural areas .

Dr Oyovwi thanked Tompolo foundation and Delta State NYSC for the initive ,saying after the training the corps members will be enhanced with the necessary skills to teach the learners in their various mandate areas .
He listed the benefits of enhancing pedagogical skills to include increased confidence and effectiveness,Better classroom management,improved community engagement amongst others .
The Director of Education Projects Tompolo foundation,Dr Job Bebenimibo revealed that the training programme will kick off officially on Wednesday March 19, 2025 with the training of 50 corps members in the first batch .

National youth service corps NYSC was established on May 22,1973 by the Nigerian government during the military regime of head of state ,Yakubu Gowon to promote national unity, self-reliance and community development.

Ijaw Women Block Road, Protest Wike Event in Rivers

Following the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s visit today to Rivers State, a group of Ijaw women have blocked the road in Asari Toru LGA of state to stop him from attending an event organised to honour him.

The act was in solidarity with the Ijaw people following Wike’s statement against the ethnic group located in the Niger Delta region.

Fubara and Wike have been locked in a supremacy battle over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift has led to the polarisation of various interest groups in the state.

Recently, Wike reportedly referred to the Ijaw people as “minority of minorities in Rivers and other south-south states except Bayelsa.”

Earlier, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) had appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call Wike to order over his comments on the Ijaw.

“We will maintain peace and stability as we call on President Tinubu to caution him and redirect his focus to his ministerial duties,” the group said.

“The INC remains committed to preserving the harmony enjoyed by all in the Niger Delta region.

“We have taken note of the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”

The women were dressed in black attire with white scarf came out early today , blocked the road leading to Abalama with the intention of denying the Minister access to the community.

Some of their placards read, “Kalabari take your stand now!”, “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?”

Southernvoicenews Publisher, Godwin Utuedoye Appeal To Ughelli North Council Boss, Jaro Egbo To Prioritize Farming On Behalf Of Local Govt

With the economic hardship facing the nation, Publisher of Southernvoicenews.com, an Online Newspaper base in Ughelli Delta State, Comrade Godwin-Maria Utuedoye, has appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, to venture into farming on behalf of the local government.

He urged Hon. Jaro Egbo to consider the agricultural potential in Ughelli North Local Government Area and how it can be utilized for the benefit of the people, noting that by investing in farming on behalf of the local government, the council can not only generate revenue but also provide food security for the residents.

Comrade Utuedoye, a renowned Delta Journalist, was reacting to a video of the local government chairman on Facebook were he was displaying his hectares of cassava farm and fish ponds at his compound.

Comrade Utuedoye emphasized the importance of leadership focusing on the needs of the people and using available resources to improve their well-being. According to the Publisher, it is not a bad idea to diversify into farming, but as a public figure and leader, his primary concern should first be for his people other than his personal interest.

He urged the chairman to take proactive measures in utilizing the agricultural opportunities in the area for the greater good of the community.

“It is not a bad idea to encourage people to go into farming, but you as the number citizen of the local government should also do something on behalf of all the citizens.

“Local Government can go into farming in the name of the council and generate funds yearly through such innovations. The council can also subsidized their agricultural produce for the citizens and peoples”.

Continuing, Comrade Utuedoye noted that, if the council can channel some of its funds into cassava farming, then Garri as one of the most common foods in this area can then be subsidized for the and it will go along way to help the people. He said, though the chairman has the right to invest in farming, but his priority should first be the well being of the people.

While citing Burkina Faso as example, the Journalist urged the local government boss to emulate the revolution going on in that country as the military government is bringing hope to citizens and displaying self sustenance.

The Publisher of Southernvoicenews.com called on Hon. Jaro Egbo to prioritize the agricultural development of Ughelli North Local Government and explore ways to leverage farming for the benefit of the people, expressing optimism that with proper planning and execution, farming initiatives can contribute significantly to the growth and prosperity of the local government area.

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