Ahead of the opening ceremony of the National Youth Games hosted in Delta State, the state Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori today visited the Stephen Keshi Stadium, in Asaba.
Oborevwori who was at the Stadium for an on the spot assessment of preparations towards the ceremony was received with a sounding ovation.
The Governor visited the swimming pool, the indoor sports hall and other facilities in the stadium.
Following the arrival of state contingents and in preparation for the commencement of competitions in the 8th National Youth Games, the Organizing Committee is set for the eligibility screening of athletes.
The exercise which will be conducted today, September 11, is to be conducted in three batches, at different times of the day.
According to the release by the MOC, the exercise will commence at 9 a.m to 11a.m for Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, Deaf Athletics and Tennis.
The second batch which will be from 12noon to 2 p.m will take on Fives, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Kungfu, Traditional Sports (Abula) and remaining Volleyball teams.
The screening will be concluded with Para-Athletics, Para-Table Tennis, Rugby 7, Scrabble, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Traditional Sports (Kokowa and Ayo), Weightlifting and Wrestling which will conducted between 3 p.m and 5 p.m.
The 8th edition of National Youth Games is for Under-15 athletes.
Delta State, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Harry ThankGod Trakiriowei has charged the group to always report the activities of the Ministry as at when due.
Trakiriowei made the call when delegates of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Delta State Chapter, paid him courtesy visit at his office in Asaba.
He said prompt reportage would equip the youths with information capable of aligning them with the policies and programs of the Ministry.
The Commissioner said, synergy with the group would bring youths in the rural areas closer to the Ministry through prompt dissemination of the Ministry’s activities.
He urged the Community Newspaper Publishers, in the state to always disseminate the activities, policies and programs of the Ministry to the grass root.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Association, Mr Dike Awana, promised to partner with the Ministry in driving the MORE AGENDA of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the rural communities.
He assured the Commissioner of the Publishers dissemination of government programs and policies through the Print Media.
The Delta State Government has announced the implementation of an existing law requiring owners of public places to install smart surveillance cameras to support crime control efforts.
The law, which became operative in July 2020, mandates owners of public places such as shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, and schools to install specified surveillance cameras.
The order is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and made available to newsmen in Asaba
The government has specified the required camera specifications for outdoor and indoor use, including 4k resolution, night vision, and weather-proof features.
Failure to comply with the law attracts a 2-year imprisonment term, a fine of N500,000, and the sealing of the affected premises until compliance is achieved.
The government assures residents of its commitment to protecting them but emphasizes the need for collective effort to support security agencies in keeping everyone safe and businesses functional.
This initiative aims to enhance security in public places, deter crime, and provide valuable evidence for investigations.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Wali Yakubu have called on athletes representing the state in the eight edition of the National Youth Games to be courageous and do a better job that will make the state proud during the competition.
The Commissioner made the call at the Denis Osadebay University Needs Assessment Hostel in Asaba, Delta State venue of Adamawa state camp
While thanking God for mercy journey, he encouraged the athletes to be full of courage which will unable them compete and do a better job.
The Commissioner later inspected the hostel facilities where Adamawa athletes were camped.
Earlier speaking the member representing Lamurde consistency in Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon Bauna Myadasa reiterated the need for each athlete to participate and return with a good name.
The member also thanked the government of Adamawa under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for releasing funds in time.
He urge athletes to be more courageous and determine as future leaders .
Ahead of the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games scheduled for September 12, the Delta State Government has said it is fully ready for a hitch-free hosting of the event holding in the state capital, Asaba.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, after an inspection visit of various facilities for the competition.
He assured that while the facilities, including competition venues, accommodation facilities and arrangement for transportation are satisfactory, the state has also placed high premium and put adequate measures in place for the security and safety of participants.
The facilities visited include the main bowl, the three indoor sports halls, the swimming pool and the VVIP and VIP lounges at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, the Cenotaph, part of which has been turned to a sports centre with two volleyball and two handball courts, the ultra modern hockey pitch and its adjoining sports hostel, and the the hostel facilities at the Dennis Osadebey University which is expected to accommodate about 70 percent of the athletes.
While at the Dennis Osadebey University hostels, Dr Emu inspected the beddings, toilet facilities, electricity and water supply systems, and also took time to taste the food being provided for the athletes.
Flowing from his observations, he said he was satisfied with the preparedness of the state.
“Delta is always ready. First of all, we have the facilities, very well put together facilities, and the maintenance is top notch. We have been to the hockey ground at Okpanam. We have had a tour of most of the activity places and I can boldly say that we are ready.
We can even start the competition today,” he declared.
“I am here on account of His Excellency’s directive to, at least, take a cursory look at what they (the Local Organizing Committee) are doing and I am going to go back to him to tell him that we will make him proud.
“We know that he will be coming here before that day but we will let him know that we are ready. Although we still have a few areas to touch up. Those are details which must come up but can be sorted out in 24 hours before the competition begins.
On Security, he said even while Delta is safe, the government is taking extra measures to ensure greater safety of participants.
“Delta does not rank high in insecurity, but we recognize that there is widespread insecurity across the country. The police are part of the LOC and yesterday in my office we had a wide conversation with the Chairman of the LOC and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and they are ‘dead’ ready to handle whatever challenges.
“We are also technologically ready because modern security is more of technology than physical. I can tell you that everywhere here is wired. I can tell you that we are ready and by the special grace of God we would not have any insecurity challenge. As man, we can say we are 95 or even 99 percent sure, but we are not God and by God’s grace, we would not have any incident that we cannot control.”
He assured that athletes, officials and spectators at the games would have a wonderful time.
“Asaba has metamorphosed into a hospitality place. We have hosted too many international events. The Youth Games is huge but it is nothing compared to the major ones we have held in Africa.
“As usual, the kids would have fun. I went round today and I can tell you that they themselves are marveled at the kind of facilities we have. We have had to shut down some major institutions just to make sure that we can guarantee the comfort and safety of the kids. Well over 70 or 80 percent of them were accommodated at the Dennis Osadebey University which is an enclosed place. And their movement would come with a lot of security. The facilities are well policed. Infant Jesus can even be better, so we promise the athletes a good time throughout their stay.
“Spectators who are coming in would have a good time at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park if they desire additional visitation and we have good hotels with Delta cuisines served in all of them, and of course Deltans are naturally a hospitable people. I can assure you that they would be fine here.”
Dr Emu was accompanied on the inspection by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, the Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Festus Owhojero, Chairman of the Facilities Sub-Committee, Victor Onogagamue, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Harrison Ocholor, the Head of Operations, Media and Publicity, Hon Fred Edoreh, and a number of other members of the LOC.
The former Legal Adviser in Bomadi Local Government Area and former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Newworld Safugha has felicitates with the newly elected state Chairman of the Political Party, Mr. Solomon Arenyeka on his well-deserved election.
In his Congratulatory message Safugha said the electoral victory of the Party Chairman, was an affirmation of his political sagacity, good leadership qualities, integrity and commitment to the noble visions of their great party, the PDP.
He said he was optimistic of Arenyeka fostering unity, peace and taking the Party to greater level.
Safugha assured the Chairman of his total support towards moving the Party and the state to the promised land.
He also commended the state governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, our immediate past governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and other party leaders for ensuring the emergence of credible persons like; Mr. Solomon Arenyeka and other party executive members to pilot the affairs of the party in the state at this critical time in our history.
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has announced its 2024 Annual Lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, and Thursday, November 21.
The lecture will focus on addressing security challenges in Delta State and across Nigeria with a theme, “Security Challenges: Finding Local Implementable Solutions.”
In a statement signed by DOPF Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary Shedrack Onitsha, the forum emphasized the need for practical, community-driven approaches to enhance security. The event aims to ignite discussions on developing sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of local communities.
“The lecture will tackle pressing security issues in Delta State and Nigeria, emphasizing community-based strategies for tackling crime and improving safety,” the statement said.
The two-day event will open with a training session for members on leadership and management, followed by the main lecture on the second day. Security experts, community leaders, policymakers, and civil society groups are expected to participate, contributing to strategies that reflect the existing social and cultural realities. The discussions will focus on practical, sustainable approaches to these challenges.
DOPF expressed optimism that the lecture will strengthen community bonds and foster a safer environment conducive to economic growth and social development in Delta State, and Nigeria.
A key aspect of the discussions will be the impact of security threats, such as herdsmen attacks, on agriculture and food production. Experts will address how insecurity has led to displaced farmers and contributed to food shortages, offering insights into the root causes and broader economic effects of these challenges.
To ensure the smooth execution of the event, a planning committee chaired by Mr. Abel Johngold and 12 other members has been set up.
The 2024 DOPF Annual Lecture is expected to serve as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and formulating actionable solutions to security challenges in Delta State and beyond. The statement concluded.
Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, has described governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a good leader with a heart of gold.
He made the assertion on Sunday in Asaba, during the Thanksgiving Service at the Regional Headquarters of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, to celebrate his elevation to the position of Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, at the instance of governor Oborevwori.
Oghenesivbe said that God used the governor to break the persistent yoke of stagnancy in his political career in Delta state government, spanning nearly one decade, noting that what God cannot do does not exist.
He further disclosed that it got to a point he became frustrated, and had to consult his spiritual father at MFM who recommended deliverance service and intense prayers, adding that finally God showed up by using Oborevwori to put a smile on his face, signaling a new dawn in his political career.
The Orientation and Communications Bureau DG, said for nearly eight years he served as Executive Assistant to the State governor; 7 years in the previous administration and less than a year in Oborevwori administration, some persons got promoted twice and others thrice, until 19th August, 2024, when Governor Oborevwori struck the right cord, and removed the EA tag, and replaced it with DG status.
He expressed gratitude to God, gave Him all the glory for his elevation, and in the same token thanked governor Oborevwori again and again for the great honour, while assuring his Boss of absolute loyalty, dedication to duty and service above self.
“God used Governor Oborevwori to sagaciously break the yoke of career stagnancy in my life. It brought inestimable joy.
“God has prepared a table before me in the presence of my detractors who rejoiced over career stagnancy crafted from the pit of hell. Governor Oborevwori got it right, and the media community went Agog. Thank you, Your Excellency.
*At a point, I had to consult my spiritual father at MFM, and he said God will do it.
“We commenced intense prayers, and the yoke bursted into flames to the Glory of God. Governor Oborevwori is a good man. I have known him for over 48 years and counting.
“He encouraged me in 2016 to join politics in Delta State. And am very honoured and privileged to serve in his administration,” Oghenesivbe said.
Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe at the reception held after the Church Service, appealed to Journalists in the state, more particularly editors and publishers to always cross check facts and figures before going to press.
He noted that there had been spurious allegations in recent times which ought not to have been published. The publications turned out to be fake news and total misinformation. To balance a story, you need to hear from both sides, the accused and the accuser.
“As gatekeepers, editors and sub-editors must verify stories. Let’s get things done professionally without any trace of bias. Constructive criticism is good. It enables the government and the governor to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
‘Again, am appealing to my friends, media partners and colleagues to support governor Oborevwori’s administration. He’s executing so many solid infrastructure projects in the state, and Deltans have good stories to tell in this administration.
“Again, I say, governor Oborevwori is a good man with a good heart. Let’s continue to pray for him and support him to do more,” Oghenesivbe added.
