Warri (Delta) – The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Wednesday donated over 150 safety jackets to boat operators in Warri, Delta.

The items were presented to the operators to mark the ’2014 Awareness Campaign on Maritime Safety,’ organised by the agency.

Capt. Kunle Olayiwola, a Master Mariner and Assistant Director in NIMASA, handed over the jackets to the boat operators at Ogolaha Jetty in Warri on behalf of the agency.

Olayiwola, who is also the District Surveyor, Eastern Zone of NIMASA, warned the beneficiaries against selling them, noting that proper use of the items would encourage the agency to provide more.

“Do not sell the life jackets because that is the only way you can encourage us to provide more.”

Olayiwola urged the operators to make proper use of the jackets and to also avoid speeding and over-loading for their safety.

He said that the sensitisation campaign was to educate the boat operators on the hazard of sailing without observing the rules, saying that they should always operate with optimum efficiency.

The director also advised the operators to ensure they carried the approved number of jackets and fire-fighting equipment on their boats.

“Boat operators must check the engine performance every morning and do necessary servicing regularly.

“Loaded boats must be properly balanced before embarking on any journey and also have a minimum of two lifebuoys on board.

“Boat or canoe drivers must have fire extinguishers and must shun night journey or low visibility to avoid falling prey to pirates,” he said.

The Warri Zonal Coordinator of NIMASA, Mr Akin Akinyosoye, said that the programme was to guarantee safety on the nation’s waterways.

He urged the operators to take advantage of the exercise to enhance their operations and promote safety.

The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union, Market Road in Warri, Mr Yakubu Biukeme, who spoke on behalf of the operators, commended NIMASA for the gesture.

Biukeme solicited for more jackets to enhance their activities.

Highlights of the programme include teaching on how to properly wear safety jackets. (NAN)

Culled from :Here

Entertainment of Tuesday, 24 June 2014

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On Sunday, 22nd June 2014, all roads led to 10 Degrees Events Centre in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos where the 5th City People Nigeria/Ghana Entertainment Awards, Nigeria’s biggest entertainment show, held in grand style.

From the guests to nominees and winners, all exuded class and sophistication. Anchored by VJ Adams, and Yvonne Ekwere, it will go down in Nigeria as the biggest entertainment event of 2014 which had not just the up-and-coming, but also rave-making and veteran Nigerian and Ghanaian artistes who were celebrated for their excellence and contributions to the development of entertainment (English, Yoruba Hause) in Africa’s showbiz capital, Nigeria.

By 3pm, guests stormed the black-carpet event which had national and international representation from all sectors of the media – print, broadcast, and online. The event kicked off with a beautiful rendition of Nigeria’s National Anthem which was taken by popular singer, Queen Ure.

This was followed by the Publisher, City People Magazine, Dr. Seye Kehinde’s welcome remarks. In his words, “The initiative is part of our support for Nigeria’s entertainment industry.”

The publisher’s address, which was met with a standing ovation, was followed with a series of presentation of awards, music interlude, and performances by upcoming and popular musicians, and comedians.

The roll call is a long one, but let’s quickly tell you that the 5th City People Nigeria/Ghana Entertainment Awards had in attendance Orits Wiliki, Shina Peters, K1, Pasuma, Obesere, Femi Kuti, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Yeni Kuti, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Rachael Oniga, Ngozi Nwosu, Grace Amah, Zaaki Azzay, Chika Okpala, Ernest Obi, Tiwa Savage, Efya, Dr. Sid, Phyno, Ali Nuhu, Ama K. Abebrese, Chantelle Asante, Juliet Ibrahim, Edem, Adjetey Annan, OJB Jezreel, Patoraking, Orezi, and a host of others.

Special recognition awards were also given to veterans whose works have contributed immensely to the growth of the showbiz industry.

Check out a list of Ghanaian winners as we compile the rest.

1. Best Actor of the Year (Ghana): Frank Artus s 2. Best Actress of the Year (Ghana): Juliet Ibrahim

3. Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Ghana): Umar Krupp

4. Best Supporting Actress of the Year (Ghana): Kafui Danku

5. Entertainment Company of the Year: Empire Entertainment

6. Best New Actress of the Year (Ghana): Nana Akua Addo

7. Best Showbiz-friendly Company of the Year (Ghana): Ticketghana.com

8. Face of Ghana Movies Award: Yvonne Okoro

9. Best Movie of the Year (Ghana): Northern Affair

10. Ghana Musician of the Year (Male): Edem

11. Ghana Musician of the Year (Female): Efya

12. Hottest Ghanaian Actress in Nollywood: Emmanuella Mensah

13. TV Hostess of the Year (Ghana): Ama K. Abebrese

14. TV Station with Best Showbiz Content (Ghana): Viasat 1

15. Radio Station with Best Showbiz Content (Ghana): Peace FM

16. Showbiz Blogger/Online Writer of the Year (Ghana): Adeyemi Victor Adebayo (ghanaweb.com)

17. Best Movie Director of the Year (Ghana): Pascal Amanfo

18. Most Promising Actress of the Year (Ghana): Chichi Neblet

Culled from :Here

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Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has commendedthe state governor, Dr.  Emmanuel Uduaghan, for beautifying Uvwie, Udu and Warri Local Governments Areas and their environs.
The coouncil made the commendation at its meeting in Asaba, presided over by HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri.

They urged the governor to continue in his development strides, adding that God will help him finish strong.
In a statement, yester-day, the royal fathers promised to support the administration at all times and contribute to the peace and develop-ment of their kingdoms.

They added that Governor Uduaghan deserved to be supported as the three-point agenda of his administration has been instrumentral in turning the state around

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Culled from :Here

Bralirwa, a local brewer and soft drinks maker, has unveiled a hi-tech automated soft drinks production line worth euros 25m (about Rwf24b). The facility located in Gikondo, Kicukiro District also has supporting utilities for water purification, carbon dioxide, power generation and waste treatment.

While opening the plant, the Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, lauded the brewer, saying the new plant is testimony of the supportive business environment and the confidence investors have in the country.

“Other investors should take advantage of the favourable business atmosphere in the country and set up such facilities.

“This plant will improve the economy and boost tax collection. I congratulate Braliwa for the landmark achievement and pledge continuous government support to facilitate further economic development,” Habumuremyi added.

The new production line has the capacity to make 42,000 bottles per hour compared to the old line that used to produce 2,400 bottles per hour, according to Jonathan Hall, the Bralirwa managing director.

Bralirwa, which is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, makes Coca-cola, Fanta, Sprite and Krest tonic under licence from Coca-Cola, and its own brand, Vital’O, as well as beer brands – Primus, Mutzig, Amstel and Turbo King at the Gisenyi brewery. It also markets Heineken beer.

Hall said the plant will help improve capacity “to meet the growing demand and satisfy customers’ needs with quality products”.

He added that global brewer, Heineken invested in the plant, and urged other manufacturers to invest in the country.

“Over the past few years we have invested over euros 45m in establishing facilities at Gisenyi and Kicukiro. With these establishments, 200 new professional jobs have been created. As we mark the 40th anniversary of our business partnership with Coca-Cola, it is our hope that with this new facility, other investors will invest in Rwanda,” added Hall.

Pacal Karangwa, the Bralirwa technical director, said the company has been importing carbon dioxide in tanks. For safety measures, our new tanks have a capacity of up to 1,500 cubic centimetres, which will enable storage as well as improve safety. With the new plant, micro-biological safety of the water is guaranteed.

Culled from :Here

Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has commended the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for beautifying Uvwie, Udu and Warri Local Governments Areas and their environs.

The coouncil made the commendation at its meeting in Asaba, presided over by HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri.

They urged the governor to continue in his development strides, adding that God will help him finish strong.

In a statement, yesterday, the royal fathers promised to support the administration at all times and contribute to the peace and develop-ment of their kingdoms.

They added that Governor Uduaghan deserved to be supported as the three-point agenda of his administration has been instrumentral in turning the state around

Culled from :Here

Lagos – No fewer than 100 stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment industry met in Lagos, to discuss how to give the late gospel singer, Kefee a befitting burial.

Reports say that the meeting was at the instance of Pop-Gospel artist, Sammie Okposo, who provided his office premises at Surulere, Lagos for the meeting.

Some of the notable faces at the meeting were, Nikki Laoye, Anny Ibrahim, Tosin Martins, DJ Gosporella, Emem Ema, Wamilele, Princess, Tee-Y Mix, Perry Martins and Praise Machine.

Others were Mudi, Righteousman, Nene Soul Diva, Victor Gospogroove, Gordons and representatives from Kefee’s family.

Sammie said that the death of Kefee had affected the Nigerian entertainment industry and the world in general, and not just the gospel music community in Nigeria.

“Kefee was a major contributor to the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria and the industry will be there for her even in death.

“We are going to bury her as a queen and it would be nice for us to work together to make her burial a grand affair.

“It would also be nice to use this opportunity to get our acts together as gospel artists and entertainers in general because that is what Kefee would love,” he said.

Also speaking, Tosin Martins said that celebrating Kefee should be an annual memorial event which could be expressed via an entertainment symposium.

Martins said this would ensure that pertinent issues in the entertainment industry were discussed for the development of a foundation in her memory.

Reports indicate that a committee known as Kefee Memorial Committee (KMC) was constituted to plan the various events which would hold in Lagos and Sapele, the hometown of the late singer.

The members of the committee are Sammie Okposo, Nikki Laoye, Comrade Rex Anighoro, Momodu Inu Noah, Tosin Martins, Anny Ibrahim, Joan Paul, Aity Dennis-Inyang and Emem Ema.

Others are Gbenga Akintokun, Tee-Y Mix, Tim Tehilla, DJ Gosporella, Praise Machine, Victor Gospogroove, Princess, Perry Martins, DJ Direal and Chilee Agunanna, a journalist, who was Kefee’s publicist.

The committee will plan befitting burial events in Lagos and Sapele which includes a symposium and service of songs tagged: “An Evening with Kefee’’ in Lagos.

There will also be a documentary of the singer’s life and times; performances of her songs by other artists; Kefee memorial merchandise and a tribute concert in Sapele.

Kefee’s husband, Teddy Don-Momoh, monitored the proceedings of the meeting from the U.S. where he is preparing to fly home the body of his wife.

Don-Momoh pleaded for the privacy of the family to be respected in these trying times.

He observed that most of the stories written about Kefee since her death were mostly untrue, especially the reports “of a pregnancy that didn’t exist’’ and the story that her body had been flown home as very insensitive and mischievous.

Don-Momoh said that customarily, he would have to return home to Nigeria first, in order to be on ground to receive the body of his wife.

According to him, he is finalising the required paper works before Kefee’s body can be flown from the U.S. to Nigeria, after which more details of the burial proceedings will be released.

He stated that Kefee’s family had requested that she be buried in Okpara-Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area, with a celebratory service in Sapele afterwards.

Don-Momoh said that he was comfortable with the decision of his wife’s family, adding that these were the only definite arrangements for his wife’s burial so far.

Reports indicate that Kefee whose name was Irikefe Don-Momoh (nee Obareki), was a well-liked Pop-Gospel artist who had been active in the entertainment industry for the past 10 years.

She was born on February 5, 1980 in Sapele in Delta and was popularly known as the “Branama Queen”, in reference to her debut hit track and album, ‘Branama’.

She also scored a hit with the track, ‘Kokoroko’, featuring Timaya and had four albums to her credit, Branama’ (2003), ‘Branama 2’ (2005), ‘A Piece of Me’ (2009) and ‘Chorus Leader’ in 2013.

Meanwhile, a condolence register had been opened for the singer at her restaurant, Branama Kitchen, at 11 Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.

Culled from :Here

 Police logo

Victor Efeizomor 
Five policemen and eight civilians were yesterday shot dead by armed robbers that attacked a bullion van at Ubulu-Okiti,  along Benin-Onitsha Expressway.

The robbers, numbering about 20 and wielding AK45 riffles,  succeeded in carting away large sums of money after breaking into the save compartment of the bullion van.

The robbers who were dressed mostly  in red attire and  face cap  and  operated in a Siena  bus and a Prado jeep were said to have been  trailing  the bullion van  from Benin to Agbor before  intercepting the  bullion van at Ubulu-Okiti, in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

THISDAY gathered that the trigger happy men who shot sporadically with their sophisticated weapons,  killed five policemen  on the spot,  who were escorting the bullion van, while eight other civilians who were travelling along that direction  were also killed.

The robbery operation, according to an eyewitness account, lasted between  1:45p.m. 2p.m., as unsuspecting travellers and passersby were forced to scamper for safety for fear of been hit by stray bullet.
It was also gathered that several cars somersaulted while others ran into the bush in an attempt to escape from the rampaging robbers.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer , DSP Celestina  Kalu, while confirming the incident  to journalists, said the bullion van  conveyed money from  the bank in Agbor to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Asaba when it was attacked  by the robbers.

Kalu  said some policemen on the escort team were wounded during a gun dwell with the robbers, adding that the robbers succeeded in carding away some money during the operation.
She said the police was on the trail of the flying robbers as investigation into the incident had since commenced.
  

Culled from :Here

BENIN CITY – The Diocese of Esan, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Ecclesiastical province of Bendel has honoured the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele with an Episcopal Award.

The Episcopal Award to Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele, Edo State Head of Service was given to him by the Archbishop of Esan Diocese most Reverend Friday John lmaekhai on the occasion of the third session of the fourth synod held at St. Matthews Anglican Church, Ebelle.

Speaking on the occasion, the Archbishop, Most Reverend lmakhai stated that the choice of Mr. Igbaekemen Obazele was informed by his antecedent as a humble loyal and dedicated civil servant who has contributed immensely to the growth of the civil service in Edo State.

The Archbishop stated further that the Church has found the Head of Service to be a God fearing man and hoped that the Award will spur him to further promote the work of evangelization.

Mr. Obazele was described as a quintessential lay faithful who embraced Christ and the Anglican faith at an earlier age and has remained resolute till date, and was encouraged to keep the faith.

The Archbishop prayed the Almighty God to keep all who attended the synod close to Himself.

He charged the lay faithful and the clergy alike to follow the divine direction of the Holy Spirit.

The Guest Speaker, Right Reverend Cyril Odutemu, Bishop, Diocese of Ughelli who dwelt on the theme ‘Divine Direction” called on participant to focus their mind on the Lord Jesus.

He emphasized that the trials and temptation of this world should not discourage believers, but to enable them to come close to the grace of God.

Responding, the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. lgbaekemen Jerry Obazele thanked the Diocese of Esan for finding him worthy for the Award.

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Women Affairs, Barr. Augustine Akhuemhuen pledged to always support the
Church.

Other Awardees included Commissioner for Establishment and Special Duties, Comrade Didi Adodo, Dr. Cecelia Oma Obianwu and Venerable Samson Uduokhai.

Culled from :Here

Police logo

Victor Efeizomor
The Chief Security officer  of  Zenith Bank, and three other members of staff  are currently in police  custody  at the head quarters of the  Delta State Police Command over  the Bullion van  robbery incident  that occurred   along Asaba/ Onitsha Express way.  

THISDAY reliably gathered that the driver of the ill-fated bullion van, an in-house   security officer and a senior management staff of the bank that escorted the van are currently telling the police all they know about the robbery incident.

Armed gun men on Monday intercepted a bullion van conveying large sums of money from Zenith bank, Agbor branch to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and  made  away yet to be ascertained huge sums of money after killing some policemen and civilians   during the operation.

The robbers were alleged to have used sophisticated weapons to overpower the    security men on the  escort   team of the bullion van   before going  pouncing  on their loot at Ubulu-Okiti, in Oshimili South local government area of the state.  

A source who pleaded anonymity told THISDAY that the police are working on the theory that the robbery operation must have been an inside job, hence the arrest of the bank officers.
Details to follow

Culled from :Here

Godfrey Wasswa joined Lacolombiere in November, 2013 as headmaster. He was charged with the duty to transform the school from Francophone to Anglophone, a target he has almost hit. His students speak English confidently and fluently which explains why Lacolombiere did not register any failures in the last national examinations.

When Wasswa joined Lacolombiere, he introduced interviews for students before admission with the aim of identifying each one’s abilities.

He also introduced a policy that seeks to bridge the gap between teachers and students. Between 4:30pm and 5:15pm students discuss the day’s problems with teachers and administrators and a solution is quickly found.

For 30 years now, Wasswa has been teaching biology and when he joined Lacolombiere, he emphasised the integration of subjects with other disciplines.

During his lessons, Wasswa spares some time to link biology to entreprenuership although it is not part of the curriculum. He will for instance teach students poultry farming, or how to deal with parasites affecting your cows to enable students cope with the real world.

Culled from :Here

Okpe Grammar School, Sapele, Delta State, has won the 2014 edition of the Ejele Mathematics Competition.

The annual event was instituted by the commissioner representing Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Michael Diden, in honour of the minister of finance in the first republic, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh.

The competition was designed for senior secondary students in the state and is expected to move from Sapele Local Government Area to other parts of the state and the country at large.

Okpe Grammar school won the competition, in which 32 public and private schools participated in the Sapele region. A private school, Excellence School of Science and Technology came second while International High School came third.

The competition which was coordinated by Eferiofe Education Services had the final event held at the Christ Foundation Ministry International, aka, Ejele Chapel, Sapele, founded by Diden, and was keenly contested by the students of Sapele Grammar School and Excellence School of Science and Technology. Three students represented each of the schools at the final.

The competition was also initiated as part of the programmes to mark the 5th anniversary of the Christ Foundation Ministry, a charity and evangelism outreach, with branches in Agbor, Ughelli, Koko and Warri.

The finalists were given different prizes, including desk top computers, laptops, Ipads, school bags, notebooks as well as cash prizes to the teachers.

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Culled from :Here

The communities that make up the $16 billion Ogidigben Gas City (Export Processing Zone) have resolved to stop further acrimony and inciting actions to ensure that the project is peacefully executed.

At a town hall meeting on Thursday in Government House, Asaba, presided over by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the communities resolved to stop all negative publications against the Ogidigben Gas City project and continue to live peacefully among themselves.

Speaking at the parley, Governor Uduaghan said it was important for the people of the area to see the gas city project as a project which will not only be beneficial to the host communities, the state, and the nation, but also of great importance to the international community.

He observed that all efforts have been made to ensure that the host communities are comfortable with the project, but decried situation where some persons still express their grievances on the pages of newspapers as against roundtable talk.

The governor, who commended the host communities for agreeing to stop all forms of hostilities, set up a fact-finding committee headed by his deputy, Amos Utuama (SAN), to consolidate on the resolutions reached at the town hall meeting

Culled from :Here

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (Rura) on Wednesday awarded best performing public transport companies.

In Kigali, City Centre Transport Co-operative (CCTC) topped with about 84.3 per cent, followed by Remera Transport co-operative with 81.3 per cent.

In upcountry routes, Omega Car company emerged the best with 79 per cent, followed by Volcano Express with 78.7 per cent.

Emmanuel Katabarwa Asaba, the in charge of transport at Rura, said safety, comfort, mechanical condition of vehicles and adherence to existing rules and regulations were some of the aspects considered during the assessment of service delivery.

Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, the State Minister in charge of Transport, said awarding top performers had ignited competition in the transport sector

He added that delays had reduced significantly following the introduction of a new transport system in Kigali last September.

“We are optimistic the problem will reduce further, when new 35-seat capacity buses get on the road before the end of next month.”

He congratulated the winners, but challenged them to maintain the standards.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, expressed optimism that the 80km ring road around Kigali that is in the offing would help eliminate traffic jam.

He pledged continued government support to the public transport sector.

Thacien Hakizimana, the operations manager of Omega Car company, commended the awards.

“Respecting public transport rules and regulations has always been our priority, so rewarding us makes us glad,” he said.

Culled from :Here

Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has secured a Rwf4b line of credit from the Fund for Environment and Climate Change (Fonerwa) to finance private sector investments that promote sustainable green economic growth.

“This funding will greatly promote green growth among the private sector players and further strengthen the government commitment to sustainable development and a green economy,” Caroline Kayonga, the Ministry of Natural Resources Permanent Secretary, said.

Kayonga was speaking at the signing of a memorandun of understanding (MOU) between Fonerwa, which is under the natural resources ministry, and BRD at the bank’s head offices in Kigali yesterday. The deal aims increasing lending to private sector projects that are environmentally-friendly and promote sustainable means of production and business operations.

“We are pleased to partner with BRD, which will help us achieve our goal of promoting green growth that is in line with the objectives of the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II), Kayonga said.

Speaking at the event, Alex Kanyankole, the BRD chief executive officer, said Fonerwa will contribute 70 per cent (Rwf4b) of the funds and the bank 30 per cent (Rwf1.7b) of the total credit.

“The funds will target private sector projects that focus on clean technology and environmental sustainability, including sustainable energy projects such as hydropower generation, solar and biogas, which will be a huge relief on energy needed by industries and households.”

Kanyankole said borrowers would access the money at 11.5 per cent interest rate per annum.

“The rate is lower than what commercial banks offer to enable more people to take up these loans to undertake green projects,” he said.

Kayonga said the joint contribution will enable the setting up of a revolving credit facility to promote green investment.

“This funding is mainly for promotion of private sector projects that are environmentally-safe and can propel the economy forward,” Kayonga noted.

Culled from :Here

Four persons have been arrested by the police over their alleged involvement in last Tuesday’s bullion van robbery at Ubulu-Okiti in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Those arrested, investigation revealed, were the chief security officer of the affected new generation bank, the driver of the ill-fated bullion van as well as two senior management staff of the bank that escorted the van.

A security source, who pleaded anonymity, informed that the security agencies were working on the theory that the robbery operation must be an inside job, hence, the arrest of the bank officers.

He said investigation showed that the robbers might have switched plans to attack the bullion van as there were security reports that the robbers had concluded plans to attack banks in Agbor, which prompted all the banks to close shop on the fateful day.

However, Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Celestina Kalu, in a statement, did not confirm any arrest, stating that investigation has been intensified to bring the perpetrators to book.

DSP Kalu noted that the police were not ruling the possibility of insider connection in the robbery operation in which the gunmen numbering about 15 made away with undisclosed sum of money.

“Investigation into the matter has been stepped up. The possibility of insider action is also being looked into. A Toyota Highlander Jeep and a Camry Saloon car used by the hoodlums were abandoned and recovered at Idumuje-Ugboko village.

“Items recovered at the scene are one empty bullion van marked PF 3183 SPY, two Hilux pick-up vans marked FR 985 LSR and PF 1628 SPY, 343 expended AK 47 ammunitions, two magazines with 60 rounds of AK 47 live ammunitions,” she stated.

The spokespersons added that the hoodlums snatched a Sienna space bus marked JJJ 16 XJ as a getaway car and used the medium to appeal to the general public to help the command with useful information that would aid investigation.

Culled from :Here

AS the compelling and compulsive dateline 2015 begins to wear the apron of approximated immediacy and predictive reality, our politicians are no doubt building all manner of bridges and alliances.

Far reaching consultations and diverse forms of horse trading are currently on-going across the country.

With the political dust raised in the Ekiti State governorship election beginning to settle, the focus no doubt is already being directed at Delta State both for the October 25 local council election and the countdown to who emerges as successor to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan come May 29, 2015.

From Akwukwu Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area to Burutu on the Atlantic seaboard and fromOghara in Ethiope West bordering Edo State to Bomadi, criss-crossing the Warris, Delta Central Senatorial District, Isokos and all of Delta North Senatorial District, there is no doubt that Delta presents a vast peculiarity in developmental and integrative exigencies.

Traversing the nooks and crannies of this mini-Nigeria, one thing stands out evidently and incontrovertibly clear, and that is the mounting yearnings of the people to have demonstrable practical involvement in the leadership emergence process both in the oncoming local Council elections and the 2015 governorship elections.

Engaging the people at the grassroots, you feel a palpable surrender to the grip of hopelessness arising from a perception fuelled by experience that the process of leadership emergence has been prone to ‘the oga at the top said’ syndrome. They readily identify character, service pedigree and integrity or lack of it in the aspirants that come their way.

They also can identify those who are ready to hit the ground running from the very first day in office as against those who will start another learning process.

It is also not out of place that invested with the expected practical democratic rights, the minimum of which is to participate in the process that culminates in the emergence of the leadership that is to determine the direction of their lives and that of society, the people at the grassroots have a clear picture of the kind of people they would want to lead them.

The people of Delta desire a leadership that can be trusted to take the State to the next level of economic and infrastructural development and create employment opportunities to soak up the army of unemployed and currently demobilized youths across the State. The people want a leadership with vision and a practical roadmap to sustainable and integrated development, piloted by men and women of character and integrity.

Culled from :Here

Yenagoa — Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, on Thursday, held a valedictory session in Yenagoa for the state correspondent of National Mirror Newspapers, late Emma Gbemudu, who died on April 19, 2014.

In a sermon, Evangelist Walter Orji, who quoted copiously from 1Corithians 15:53-55 and Ecc. 3:1-8, spoke on the inevitability of death and advised the solemn gathering to fear God and live a life of love.

In his tribute, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Markson Fefegha, described Gbemudu as a fine and vibrant journalist who was dedicated to the journalism profession.

Fefegha, who remarked that death was inevitable, noted that the battle of life begins from the day one was born, adding that the departed reporter had played his part in life.

He prayed that God would give the Gbemudu’s family, the Chapel and the NUJ the fortitude to bear the loss.

For the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Gbemudu was a wonderful and resourceful journalist who went about his job with diligence.

He said the death of the former correspondent of Daily Independent was shocking, painful and unfortunate.

Iworiso-Markson also asked that God would grant the family of the deceased the strength and courage to bear the grief.

Also in their separate tributes, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, represented by the joint media coordinator, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, and the state Chairman of the NUJ, Tarinyo Akono, said Gbemudu was a professional journalist who lived a peaceful life.

The remains of Gbemudu, who won Journalist of the Year 2011 Award of the state Council of the NUJ, would be buried at his hometown, Ilah, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, next week.

Culled from :Here

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The senator representing Delta North in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment at ensuring that projects are completed within stipulated time frame and to specification.

Dr. Okowa gave the assurance during an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site of the multi-billion naira NCC Digital Bridge Institute, located at Ugbolu, near Anwai, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, which he facilitated.

The lawmaker, while expressing satisfaction with the pace and level of work so far done, noted that the institute when completed and put into use, would boost the manpower requirement in the Nigerian communications industry.

“We are hopeful that when completed and eventually operational, the NCC Digital Bridge Institute, will not only train needed manpower for the country’s communications industry, it will also create employment for our people as well as increase social and economic activities in the host community and its environs, thereby bringing a lot of benefits to our people,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the terrain on which the institute was being built was challenging, he, however, maintained that the seeming undulating topography would help in accentuating and giving a better aesthetic beauty to the institution when completed.

The architect-in-charge of the project, Chima Okigbo, and the site engineer, Williams Egbele, while briefing the senator on the level of job so far done, assured that the project, being handled by Azaka Nigeria Limited, would be completed within stipulated time, and that quality job would be delivered.

They however, disclosed that they were able to overcome the initial challenge of dealing with a difficult terrain, but noted that having passed that stage the job was moving on smoothly, adding that they were optimistic of completing the project on schedule.

They noted that, “ For Delta State to have an institute of such magnitude and significant national importance is a big plus to the state and the people.”

Other areas inspected by Senator Okowa, included the administrative block, auditorium, classrooms, laboratories, clubhouse, students’ hostels, canteen and maintenance block among other structures.

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UGHELLI—Some staff of College of Education, Warri, Delta State and some civil rights organisations, Centre for Human Rights Defense and Allied Matters Service, CHURDAMS and Coalition of Human Rights Lawyers, COHURIL, have given  a two-week ultimatum to Delta State Government and the Provost of the institution, Mr. Sylvester Ebisene, to release the N200 million accumulated arrears of the staff’s withheld salaries since February 2013 or face legal action.

The workers and the rights groups, in a statement by CHURDAMS’ National President, Mr. Andrew Onosivwe, said: “If the state governor, Commissioner for Higher Education and the Provost of the College fail/refuse/neglect to heed to the demand for the release of the seized salaries within the period of two weeks, we will set the appropriate legal machinery in motion and exploit all lawful means to protect the workers’ rights to their salaries.”

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Funsho Arogundade

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