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NCPC To Wear New Look, Says Bishop Adegbite

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Hill Nigeria
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The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is set to undergo a transformation under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite. He made this known during a courtesy visit by the Magdala Unity Foundation, a Christian women’s organization, at the NCPC headquarters in Abuja this weekend.

Bishop Adegbite declared that NCPC has declared this year as the “Year of Renewed Hope and Satisfaction” and has adopted a new corporate slogan, “Service and Satisfaction.” He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to providing excellent services to pilgrims, engaging youths and women strategically, and leveraging Israel’s agricultural technology and skill acquisition for Nigerian youths.

The NCPC boss expressed optimism about the country’s progress under President Bola Tinubu’s tenure and called for understanding in the ongoing negotiation on national minimum wage between labour and the government. He praised the President of Magdala Unity Foundation, Deaconess Bola Ihesiulor, for her impeccable character and commended her organization’s objectives, which align with NCPC’s goals.

Deaconess Ihesiulor congratulated Bishop Adegbite on his appointment and commended his leadership style. She sought collaboration between the two organizations in areas such as agriculture, skill acquisition, and pilgrimage awareness.

Ned Nwoko Proposes Bill For Creation Of Anioma State

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Hill Nigeria
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The Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Hon. Ned Nwoko has proposed a bill for the creation of Anioma State.

The bill which was presented before lawmakers at the 10th National Assembly is meant to balance representation in the South East.

The Senator said, the creation of Anioma state was both urgent and compelling.

Nwoko said the proposal addresses the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria.

According to him, the South East geopolitical zone currently has five states, unlike its counterparts, except for the North West, which has seven states.

“This disparity results in an imbalance of representation and resources, with the South East having only 15 lawmakers compared to the 18 lawmakers of other zones in the senate.”.

He said the inequity affects legislative representation and the distribution of national resources, perpetuating a longstanding injustice, hence the need to propose the bill for Anima State.

“I am presenting a bill for the creation of Anioma state to correct this historical oversight. Anioma is composed of nine local government areas, six of which are rich in oil and gas resources”.

The region, he said also boasts significant human capital, making it a viable and sustainable candidate for statehood, adding that creating Anioma state is not just about increasing the number of states; it is about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the South East.

He said, the call for Anioma state has widespread support from various stakeholders. The Anioma socio-cultural group, Izu Anioma, and the Pan Igbo cultural organization, Ohanaeze Indi Igbo, have both been vocal in their advocacy for this cause.

He added that the political class in Anioma, including traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, have also consistently supported the creation of Anioma state. They have held numerous meetings, including discussions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to voice their consensus.

The creation of Anioma state is a crucial step towards achieving justice and equity for the South East. With the majority of stakeholders in agreement, it is time to act and bring Anioma state into existence, correct the past imbalances and ensure fair representation in national affairs, he said.

Delta Enjoying Peace, Progress In Hard Times – Oborevwori

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said the state was enjoying peace and progress in hard times despite not borrowing in the one year of his administration.

Governor Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the first Anniversary thanksgiving service of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarter, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

He said that the state was making impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic hard times bedeviling the country, adding that the state has not borrowed a dime to fund projects.

Governor Oborevwori said: “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying, we are enjoying peace and progress.

“There is also abundance, for us to be in this hard times in Nigeria, Delta State has not borrowed in the last one year.

“You can see that members of the State House of Assembly are shining and I have told them that whatever other states are doing and we are not doing we will do it for them because they are great partners in the administration of the state”.

He urged members of the House to continue serving the people with the fear of God adding that God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the Assembly was thanking God for His infinite mercy over all the members of the State House of Assembly and for the one year anniversary of the 8th Assembly which was inaugurated June 13, 2023.

Guwor said the 8th Assembly was unique because it has one of it’s own and former presiding officer of the House as Governor.

He said; “Governor Oborevwori understands perfectly the workings of the State House of Assembly hence we have enjoyed robust partnership with the Executive.

“My colleagues respect the leadership of the House and there has been lots of cooperation among members and I thank them for their support and partnership.”

The Speaker commended Deltans for selecting the best out of the state to represent them in the 8th Assembly, adding that, “we received have 18 bills both Executive and Private member bills out of which nine has been passed and three assented to already.”

He lauded Deltans for the confidence reposed in the House, assuring that they would not let them down.

In a Sermon, the Region 34 Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Asaba, Pastor Olufemi Olumide said thanksgiving has the key to open all doors and commended the 8th House of Assembly for appreciating God with a thanksgiving.

Pastor Olumide said the 8th Assembly was unique as it represented a new beginning in the affairs of the State legislature, saying the occasion has created accommodation for Christ to be at the centre of the affairs of the State.

The thanksgiving service was attended by wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kingsley Esiso, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi of the House of Representatives.

Others include State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, High Chief Tunde Smooth, MD of Tantita Security Services, Chief Keston Pondi, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Maj-Gen Felix Mujakperuo Orhue I among other dignitaries.

Delta Govt Ban On Iron Condemn Scavengers In Force – Bureau Chief

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Hill Nigeria
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…Says Ministry of Environment didn’t grant permit, special uniforms to imposters

Activities of Iron Condemn scavengers remained banned in all twenty five local government areas of Delta State and offenders shall be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to deviants and those contemplating breaking laws and regulations.

Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reaffirmed the state government’s position on Saturday in swift reaction to numerous reports of alleged persisting activities of Iron Condemn scavengers in some parts of the state.

He said some persons who are determined to break the law decided to illegally produce branded uniforms/muffler, and inscribed on them “Ministry of Environment” so as to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with a view to litigimizing their illegal operations in some parts of the state.

Oghenesivbe, further disclosed during a public affairs talkshow on radio, that the Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ejiro Jamani confirmed in a telephone conversation that there was never a time his ministry issued permits or branded uniforms to Iron Condemn scavengers to operate in any part of the state, and urged members of the public to promptly report any iron condemn scavenger in their area or community to the police, local vigilantes or the state taskforce on environment for arrest and criminal prosecution.

The State Orientation Bureau Chief assured that the state government and law enforcement agents shall intensify efforts to ensure total compliance, pointing out that the activities of Iron Condemn scavengers remained a major threat to privacy, peace and security in the state, and that government will do everything lawful to completely eradicate their illegal operations.

He confirmed that security reports from across the state indicated that the Iron Condemn Scavengers vandalized properties, encroached on properties, trespassed unauthorized areas, stole gas cylinders, security lights, children bicycles, raped and assaulted their victims, which was why government outlawed their criminal activities in the state.

“His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to his vision of enhanced peace and security in the state. He has the political willpower and the good conscience to fulfill his electioneering campaigns promises to the people, support and ensure the enforcement of subsisting laws and regulations.

“Iron Condemn Scavengers remained banned in all parts of Delta State, in line with subsisting laws and regulations. The state government has directed law enforcement agents and the state taskforce on environment to intensify compliance, arrest and prosecute deviants and offenders.

“Penalty for breaking the law regarding iron condemn activities ranges from fine to terms of imprisonment or both. Any scavenger caught operating under the guise of a registered operator by the State Ministry of Environment shall be prosecuted and jailed.

“Delta State Ministry of Environment confirmed to the State Orientation and Communications Bureau that the ban on Iron Condemn is in full force in the state.

“The State Ministry of Environment did not issue permit to any scavenger, and didn’t authorize the use of special uniforms or branded mufflers. There are no authorized or licensed or recognized iron condemn scavengers in Delta State. Their operations remain banned,” Oghenesivbe affirmed.

One Year In Office: Ekabo Extols Gov Oborevwori’s Visionary Leadership

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Urges Christians to pray for sustainable development, spiritual growth

Executive Secretary of Delta State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev Fr. Christopher Ekabo, has described governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a consummate leader and prudent manager of state resources who came prepared to serve the people, and had achieved so much within one year in office, and counting.

He made the assertion in his goodwill message to the Governor on the occasion of his one year in office, and commissioning of the Delta State High Court mega complex by former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, saying that the governor is indeed fulfilling his electioneering campaigns promises to the people as encapsulated in his MORE agenda.

Rev Fr. Ekabo, whose message was transmitted from the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan, where is currently on official pilgrimage preparation pre-visit and inspection of facilities, noted that governor Oborevwori has embarked on mega infrastructure development projects including; three flyovers and underground water tunnels across the three senatorial districts, and that upon completion the projects would fast track commercial activities and solve problems of erosion which had over the years destroyed property worth millions of Naira.

The State Pilgrims Welfare Board Executive Secretary thanked governor Oborevwori for his selfless service to the good people of Delta State, and for completing several projects initiated by his predecessor, including the five storey building State High Court Complex, which was commissioned on Tuesday June 4, by Nigeria’s former President and father of Democracy in Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.

Rev Fr Ekabo, said the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Ejiro Terry, Chairman, Delta State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Apostle Dr Sylvanus Okorote, and few other government officials are currently in the Holy Land of Israel and Jordan, on the instruction of the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to engage relevant officials in those countries in preparation for the 2023/2024 holy pilgrimage.

He urged Christians and members of other religious organizations in the state, to continue to pray for the governor and members of the state executive council as they work round the clock to Advance Delta in this dispensation, adding that God will continue to protect, direct and inspire governor Oborevwori as he sets enviable standards in good governance and selfless service to the people.

“I congratulate our workaholic and indefatigable peoples governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as he celebrate one year in office, as well as the official commissioning of the State High Court mega complex and presentation of 20 official Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to High Court Judges.

“It is crystal clear that you are fulfilling your electioneering campaigns promises as encapsulated in your MORE agenda. The State Pilgrims Welfare Board is proud of your superlative achievements in just one year in office. You are in good standing.

“Your Excellency, you have turn Delta State to construction sites, while the Ughelli-Asaba dualization roads projects is being fast tracked under your pragmatic leadership. Welldone!

“You are indeed, God sent, and we are praying fervently for God to continually soar the financial resources of the state, to enable you do MORE for the state and our people across the three senatorial districts; Delta Central, Delta North and Delta South, respectfully.

“As we progress in our holy assignment here in the Holy land of Israel and Jordan, prayers are frequently offered to God, so as to make your administration the best, and to accomplish monumental socioeconomic and infrastructure development like never before since the creation of Delta State.

“May God Almighty continue to grant you good health, longevity and prosperity as you continue to serve our dear state and people without blemish,” Ekabo added.

Hon Commissioner for Special Duties Delta State Mr Ejiro Terry, the Executive Secretary of Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Very Rev Fr Chris Ekabo and the Chairman Apostle Dr Sylvanus Okorote in the Delta State delegation to Republic of Jordan and the State of Israel on previsit, seminar on agriculture and retreat.

We Have Changed The Orientation Of Pilgrimage In Nigeria, NCPC Boss Tells Pilgrimage Leaders In Israel

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said that the orientation of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria has changed under the current leadership in NCPC alongside with the critical stakeholders.
He made this disclosure at the Nigerian House in TEL- AVIV, Israel on 4th June 2024 during a meeting at the Embassy of Nigeria in Israel with state Pilgrimage leaders and private Christian tour operators.
” We have changed the orientation of Pilgrimage in Nigeria”.
He averred that God has prepared NCPC for rebranding and thus a new Corporate Slogan, ” Service and Satisfaction has become the new mantra and of the Commission.
He reiterated that with the caliber of the Chairman of the board of the Commission and the members of board, it is a new dawn for Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
BIshop Adegbite said the Commission had keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and would ensure that it is satisfaction all the way.
He commended the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu for exceptional leadership.
He emphasized the fact that leaders are called to served and not to be served.
He affirmed that he would ensure that they identify with the Embassy of Nigeria of any country they go to on Pilgrimage.
He reaffirmed that it is a new beginning, and all hands must be on deck to make Christian Pilgrimage thrive in Nigeria.
He thanked Mr President for considering him and the Chairman of NCPC worthy of their appointments.
Earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu further reiterated that it is a new dawn and a new beginning in NCPC and the Christian pilgrimage sub – sector.
He commended the NCPC boss for being a Star superlative Executive Secretary who matches words with action.
She stressed the need to replicate the Israeli Agricultural technology in Nigeria.
” We need to bring something beneficial home”
She explained that in collaboration with the Federal and state Governments start ups would be encouraged and developed so that the young people could begin to do some reasonable things for themselves after acquiring sustainable skills and the Government would provide the needed support to enable them stabilize.
She explained that the reason why the Embassy exist is to make our nation work.
” We are here for you; we are doing well with our people here, they are admiring our leadership”.
Speaking, the Chairman of NCPC, Rt.Rev ( Prof) Msg Cletus Gotan appreciated members of the board for their spirit of them work.
He described the Nigerian House as a miniature Nigeria in the Embassy.
The Chairman was optimistic that peace would reign in Nigeria and Israel.
He emphasized the need for every stakeholder to work as one so that together they could bail out Christian Pilgrimage by lifting it to a level where it would be.
The Pre- Visit and Retreat for the NCPC board, management, State Pilgrimage Leaders and Private Christian Pilgrimage Operators began on 31st June and would come to a successful denouement on 6th June , 2024.

 

Pilgrimage In Nigeria Has Reached A New Dimension – Bishop Adegbite

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has said that pilgrimage in Nigeria has reached a new dimension.

He made this assertion on June 1, 2024, in Nazareth, Israel, while delivering his charge at the NCPC joint Pre-Visit and Retreat programme for the NCPC board, State Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers, as well as the Christian Pilgrimage Operators.

He maintained that for the people of God, Christian pilgrimage would be the champion. He averred that the Commission would not compromise but “we will do the right thing”. He noted that pilgrimage is not something you do without a passion; you must be committed and have faith in it.

He explained that the fact that we come to see where Jesus was born, where he lived, died, and resurrected is enough to strengthen our faith in God.

The NCPC boss charged the pilgrimage leaders to always be their brother’s keeper. According to him, “being our brother’s keeper is very important”. “We must be our brother’s keeper, board members, service providers, state pilgrimage leaders, and Christian pilgrimage operators”.

He reiterated that the Commission’s corporate slogan is Service and Satisfaction. He vehemently affirmed that never again would NCPC cheat any service providers, and never again would service providers cheat NCPC and Nigerian pilgrims.

He disclosed that measurable goals would be set for management and staff of the Commission. “We will not encourage eye service; my door is open to all; justice will not be sacrificed on the altar of friendship”.

He assured them that under his leadership, the Commission would encourage training and retraining of staff and encourage personal development.

Bishop Adegbite emphasized that Nigerians coming to the holy land must be treated with dignity. His words, “we must fight for our right; we have the intellect, the dexterity; you must earn our trust”.

He commended the stance of Mr. President, who has promised that no religion in Nigeria would be treated above others. He promised to help the disadvantaged states, especially in the North, to have the opportunity to go to the holy land.

The Executive Secretary also affirmed that abscondment of pilgrims during pilgrimage would no longer be treated with levity; there must be zero abscondment, stating that legal action would be taken against the guarantor and the pilgrim. “If you doubt the integrity of any person, do not bring them on board”.

He charged the Christian pilgrimage operators to see the Commission as a regulator playing a complementary role to the services they render and not competitor. “It is a new dawn, a new beginning. It is a new dawn with our relationship with you”.

The Executive Secretary further acknowledged that the sustaining grace we have in Nigeria is prayer, and it is prayer that is sustaining Israel. He cautioned against double standards and unhealthy practices, stating that the forthcoming Easter pilgrimage would be a litmus test.

He hinted that the Nigerian Embassy in Israel would be encouraged and work closely with the Commission in order to be on the same page. He promised that the Commission would ensure prompt payment of all verified claims of the service providers within 72 hours.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rt. Rev. (Prof) Msg Cletus Gotan, urged the pilgrimage leaders to internalize all the takeaways at the retreat so as to replicate them at home.

He harped on the need for unity of purpose and further charged the pilgrimage leaders to work closely with the Commission for effective service delivery.

Okada Ban in Delta: Osuoza, Oghenesivbe Explains Govt decision, Exceptions

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Says Gov Oborevwori committed to enhanced security, peaceful coexistence

Honourable Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza has said that ban on Okada as means of commercial transportation was for the best interest of the greater number of citizens in the state.

The Commissioner made the clarification while speaking as a guest of Sleek FM Radio Agbor on Saturday, saying that security reports indicated that eight local government areas, comprising Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie and Warri South, are worst hit by criminal activities traced to Okada riders.

Osuoza also disclosed that government officials held several meetings with leaders of Okada Riders Association with the view to tackling the menace of criminal activities of some of their members, but that all efforts failed woefully, hence the outright ban of Okada for commercial transportation in the affected eight local government areas in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information however pointed out that the ban does not affect use of motorbikes for corporate services; such as courier services and delivery of products ordered online, as well as security personnel on duty who sometimes use their personal motor bikes to get to their places of primary assignments, or for surveillance without using same for commercial activities while on mufti.

He assured that the State Orientation Bureau will do the needful by sensitizing the people, widely publicize the local government areas affected and the routes, as well as the exceptions for the use of motorbikes in the affected areas, while stating that Iron Condemn business is banned throughout the 25 local government areas of the state.

In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, Olorogun Latimore Oghenesivbe, said the ban on Okada commercial transportation in the state, is in tandem with constitutional provisions mandating governments at state and federal levels to protect life and property.

Oghenesivbe who spoke on Sunday as Guest of Crown FM in Asaba, said the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is fully committed to the enhancement of peace and security in the state, as encapsulated in his MORE agenda.

He disclosed that governor Oborevwori was reluctant to support the ban on commercial motorcycles, but that the rising wave of criminal activities linked to majority of Okada riders in the state encouraged him to take the Bull by the horn via the instrumentality of the State Regulation on Okada as means of commercial transportation.

Oghenesivbe who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor, assured that governor Oborevwori will continue to invest heavily on road infrastructure to connect various towns, cities and communities, so as to enable vehicles, Keke and other means of transportation to convey passengers, goods and services without difficulties.

“The ban on Okada as means of commercial transportation in Delta State is real, and has come to stay. And it is not directed at any tribe or ethnic nationality. The governor is detribalised.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised enhanced peace and security in his MORE Agenda, and he’s committed to protect life and property in compliance with constitutional provisions. The ban is essentially to upscale security measures in the state.

“The decision to ban Okada as a means of commercial transportation is for the best interest of the greater number of Deltans, and within a reasonable time, government will provide alternative means of transportation, to ease stress currently experienced by commuters in the affected eight local government areas in the state,” Oghenesivbe assured.

#dsobpress

Gov Oborevwori, Ibori and Politics Of Mutuality

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq

#dsobpress

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has consistently exhibited uncommon humility despite the fact that he is the number one citizen of the state. He’s a deep thinker and very unassuming. You can’t fault his uncompromising respect for elders. Take it or leave it, Oborevwori is always conscious of everything around him at any time and place.

When former NUPENG Secretary General and chieftain of the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Frank Kokori, was bedridden and the news got to him, governor Oborevwori immediately visited the elder statesman at the hospital in Warri, sat beside the great unionist in his sick bed, and spent quality time with him before returning to Government House Asaba.

The governor paid all medical bills for the period Chief Kokori was at the hospital before his demise, and the governor personally attended the memorial mass in honour of the late illustrious son of Urhobo nation and great unionist, assisted members of the family one way or the other. That’s governor Oborevwori for you. He’s humanist and philanthropist.

Governor Oborevwori recently displayed another uncommon strength of character and humility during the inauguration ceremony of some board members and Special Advisers at the Unity Hall, Government House. After the oath of office, the new appointees including General Ogomudia where to come to the high table for a handshake with the governor, but volunteered to rise from the exalted high table to have handshakes with each and every one of them, and consistently referred to General Ogomudia as our dear father and elder statesman.

And on Friday May 31, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori also accorded former governors of the State, including Chief James Ibori, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and other dignitaries the maximum respect they deserved during the memorial mass in honour of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof Joseph Chike Edozien.

It follows that Governor Oborevwori’s street credibility and excessive local content connotes originality, integrity, humility, high sense of rumour, respect for elders and constituted authorities. He is highly meticulous, and blessed great foresight.

It is therefore, not true, that governor Oborevwori disrespected Chief Ibori at the memorial mass by not standing up to exchange pleasantries with Chief James Ibori, a founding member of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who governor Oborevwori served as an appointee between 1999 and 2007. He will never disrespect his former Bosses, not now, not foreseeable.

Chief Ibori is unarguably a unique leader with multifaceted political connections across the six geopolitical zones. It’s foreseeable that the Odidigborigbo will soon tangle with H.E Oborevwori to Advance Delta under the MORE Agenda, through the instrumentality of his vast political connections and solid contacts across board.

Promoters of politics of bitterness and practitioners of sensational cum junk journalism should repent and join hands with our indefatigable leader and governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to Advance Delta State beyond 2027. What’s in vogue right now is Peace and Developmental Journalism that would Advance Delta in all ramifications.

Deltans are done with needless political squabbles, and those who are threatening our people with false alarm and media propaganda should have a rethink. Stop hustling for resident permits in foreign land. Home is home. They should return home and join the moving train of progress in Delta under the visionary and pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, JP.

Maximum respect for Chief James Ibori, the Odidigborigbo of the Universe!

Ned Nwoko Vows To Unite Oil Coys, Host Communities

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Senator representing Delta North, Hon. Ned Nwoko emphasized the need for a balance between Pan Ocean Oil Corporation’s OML 147 Flow Station and its host communities.

Nwoko during a familiarisation and inspection visit to Pan Ocean Oil Corporation’s OML 147 Flow Station in Owa-Alidinma, Ika North-East Local Government Area.

Assuring the people of the community where the oil company reside,  he said it was paramount  for the oil company operating in their locality to fulfilling its responsibilities to the host communities.

The senator said the tour to International Oil Companies (IOCs) facilities in Delta North was to ensure the companies operate safely, comply with Nigerian laws, and fulfill their responsibilities to host communities.

The senator specifically enquired on how they manage water obtained after the separation process to prevent spills and avoid environmental and health hazards, given its high acidity, and how its being controlled.

Responding, the Operations Superintendent, Emomotimi Oru  who guided the tour and explained how the flow station operates, said  that the company treats the water to 15 parts per million (ppm) and stores it in a 6,000-barrel tank. He added that there are plans to treat the water further to 0.5 ppm, making it usable.

Oru said OML-147 is an oil and gas production facility capable of producing 20,000 barrels of crude oil and 70 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas daily.

“The crude oil is processed and stored in tanks before being exported to Ovade, from where it is shipped to the Forcados terminal. The gas is compressed and sent to the gas processing facility at Ovade-Oghara through pipelines”, he added.

On his part, the Host Communities’ Chairman, Obiaha Amechi, expressed his grievance towards the Company’s inability to fulfill their cooperate social responsibility,

Obiaha said, the company does not have any senior staff from the community, no empowerment, no environmental impact assessment, and no trust fund as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act, adding that they claim they pay royalties to DESOPADEC and NNPC, and referring them to go there to collect what belongs to them.

He expressed satisfaction with the Senator’s visit to the community as it was the first of its kind and that they were hopeful of his swift intervention to their plight.

Highlight of the visit was a tour to various facility sections, including the inlet arrival Manifold section, separation sections, and compression section.

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