YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Nothing has provoked national debate in recent times in Nigeria more than calls for re-structuring the country, usually in the direction of greater decentralization. Although there’s disagreement on the nature the re-structuring should take, there’s a general consensus that over-concentration of power isn’t good for Africa’s most populous nation.

“Most people in Nigeria agree that as it’s currently constituted, our country is simply not serving the development and self-realization of most of its citizens, and therefore needs to be revisited,’’ the Ibadan Province of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria said in a communiqué jointly signed by the President, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin and the Secretary General, Bishop John Oyejola.

The bishops said restructuring Nigeria is “an issue of justice,” but said they’re disturbed that it’s too often “subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest.”

The Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, argued that  only a return to what he calls “true federalism” will see Nigeria move on the desired path to development.

“Let me reiterate here that I still believe a major restructuring of this country to ensure true federalism, as both the name and the constitution of our country connote, is the right way to go.

“No meaningful progress can be expected as long as the current structure in which the constituent parts of the federation still subsist as if they were appendages of the federal government,” Martins said.

“Most of the states in the present configuration of the nation were a creation of military fiat, and depend on Abuja [the national capital] for monthly allocations. Notwithstanding the huge financial support they receive from federal government, many of them have not been able to pay workers’ salaries for months. How long will we force this unwilling donkey to drink from the river?” he asked.

The Catholic Church is not the only religious body articulating the need for a change in the structure of Nigeria’s government.

The Anglican Bishop of Calabar Diocese, Tunde Adeleye, has a rather stern warning for Nigeria, saying that the country will simply “crash” if it is not restructured.

Speaking to Punch Newspaper, the clergyman said that the over-centralization of power and resources are a perfect recipe for the disintegration of Nigeria.

“The governors go cap in hand to the center to get money, and you hear things like ‘bailout.’ A system of government allowing people to take care of certain things for themselves, is what will help us.  A situation where Abuja dictates education, health, police, and even the water that comes from your ground and not controlled by you, is not sustainable.”

Adeleye said true federalism can only evolve when Nigerians sit together at the dialogue table.

“The present constitution says, ‘We the people of Nigeria,’ but that’s a lie because we never sat down to discuss the country. This country is working together with an agreement and that is what is causing the problem,” he said.

A socio-political group called Afenifere that serves the country’s Yoruba population has also weighed in, describing Nigeria as a “dysfunctional state that is sliding towards the edge of the precipice,” and claiming that the country can only be saved through restructuring.

“Nigeria must move from a unitary constitutional arrangement to a federal constitutional arrangement as we had in the First Republic. Any other thing outside that is nothing from history,” said the spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin.

But not everyone agrees that Nigeria’s problems will vanish through restructuring. The Catholic bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo, has questioned the wisdom of restructuring without any change of heart.

Egbebo said corruption is one key cause of Nigeria’s woes, taking aim at corrupt church ministers for failing in their duty to preach by example.

“Nigerians have been so corrupt that, even if you put two brothers together, they will compromise each other because they are not placing God first,” he said.

“Church leaders are rich, and they don’t want to care about the poor people in their congregation,” Egbebo charged.

Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State said there was no need to restructure, although acknowledging that adjustments could be made, but these must be done within the ambits of the constitution.

“The constitution is there; the constitution needs a lot of amendments, the legislative list, for example, needs to be tinkered with for you to devolve power to the correct areas where such powers should go…there are areas of the constitution that we need to tinker, and I believe if we do it wholeheartedly we can answer the agitations of a lot of Nigerians.”

Nigeria is a country with 36 states, but the federal government wields overarching powers. Research analyst Nwamaka Ogbonna says that a “radical approach would see the existing political arrangement replaced by regional economic and administrative units with minimal federal government interference, emulating the system Nigeria had at independence.”

But he also thinks that there could be a better and more realistic approach which requires that “greater powers be devolved to Nigeria’s 36 states as a way of improving development, governance and economic performance.”

In July, the Nigerian Parliament came up with proposals in this direction, including giving states more powers in the region of power generation, railways and youth; ensuring the financial autonomy of state legislatures; and strengthening the transparency, administration and financing of Nigeria’s 774 local government authorities.

Critics of giving more power to states point out that money allocated to them by the federal government is frequently embezzled, leaving the people without basic services. According to UNICEF, for example, Nigeria has 10.5 million children of school age who are nevertheless not attending school.

Whichever side wins the argument, the Nigerian bishops clearly believe a first step should be taken, and that means organizing a form of national dialogue to chart a way forward.

Culled from :Here

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Tope Alabi
September 10, 2017

The Benue State Police Command have arrested a 49-year-old Nigerian man identified as Clement Silver has been arrested for faking his own kidnap in a bid to fraudulently obtain one million naira from his wife.

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Delta State Police command have arrested one 49 year old Clement Silver from Tiv in Benue State  for allegedly arranging his own kidnap to fraudulently obtain money from his wife.

He was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Mr. Sunday Kibechukwu, 33, who acted as the kidnapper at his hideout beside Camelite Paint, Agbor, Delta state.

The suspect while confessing to the crime said his intention was to force his wife to pay his demand, adding that he needed the money to boost his lottery/betting business (Bet Naija).

He said he was retrenched as a security officer with UBA bank, Agbor, last year, and since then, he has been managing with the lottery/betting business while his wife deals in poultry business.

According to him;

“I connived with Sunday to frame my kidnap in order to collect money from my wife because I needed it to boost my business with the intention of paying her back after my business improves.

I chose not to ask my wife to loan me the money because I am very convinced that she will not give me the money and the only way for me to achieve this was to frame my kidnap.”

On his part, Sunday who hails from Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, noted that Silver lured him into involving in the crime with a promise to return the money and also give him N10, 000 to treat the injury he sustained while working at a bakery in Boji-Boji Owa.

It was gathered that the suspects after the kidnap had contacted Silver’s wife and demanded a ransom of N1million and directed that the money should be dropped along Benin/Asaba Expressway at Umunede.

In the course of negotiation, she pleaded to pay N300,0000 which they refused. But as fate would have it, Silver was sighted at his hideout and was reported to Agbor Gha-Ihun who quickly moved to arrest the culprits.

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(gistreel)

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THE Chairman, Delta State wing of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr. Titus Okotie, has said the union will continue to strive to bring back the lost glory of public schools while demanding for better welfare of its members from the state government.

Okotie spoke to newsmen, shortly after a thanksgiving mass for the newly-elected state executives of NUT, at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughell, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

He said salaries were the rights of every teacher, urging the state government to treat the issue with utmost concern to change the current trend, especially at the primary school level.

According to him, “the victory we celebrate today was given to us to liberate the teachers of Delta State and unite the union more in the discharge of our mandate,” adding that NUT will work closely with other relevant stakeholders to achieve the union’s goals.

Mr. Mike Okeme, the Senior Special Adviser on Labour and Industrial Relations to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who represented the governor at the event, assured that soon the backlog of teachers’ salaries at primary school level will cleared.

Also, the state Commissioner for Basic Education, represented by Dr. Edozie Godwin, and Mr. Jonathan Jemirieyigbe, both thanked the state governor for providing a level playing ground for all contestants, urging teachers to avail the union leaders with useful suggestions.

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By Egufe Yafugborhi

warri—His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwole, the Olu of Warri, has called for speedy completion of the Ifiekporo-Ubeji Road project, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, to avoid further destruction of property and threat to lives posed by the badly damaged road.

The Warri monarch, yesterday, made the appeal when he visited Ubeji to assess the damage and empathise with victims of Thursday’s fuel tanker which fell on a collapsed portion of the road, resulting in a wild fire which razed buildings and other property worth millions of naira.

The Olu, who assured that relief materials were underway to assist those who lost property to the inferno, commended Governor  Ifeanyi Okowa for swiftly sending a delegation to ascertain the extent of damage and restating government’s concern for better life for the people of Ubeji.

He said: “The loss of property is painful for those affected, particularly in these difficult times, but we thank God no life was lost in the accident which was most avoidable if the road was in good condition. I enjoin the contractor handling the road expansion project to expedite work to avoid reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.”

He commended Governor Okowa for re-awarding the road project to another contractor, stressing that when completed, it will open up other Itsekiri communities.

Culled from :Here

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The General Manager of Warri Wolves Football Club, Mr. Tony Rafua, has allegedly assaulted a Sports journalist with RayPower FM, Clarkson Ogo for reporting the Week 34 Game of the Nigerian National League, NNL where Warri Wolves defeated Bayelsa United 1-0, DAILY POST is reporting.

Tony Rafua, a former Chairman of Delta Force who was in the pitch while the match was ongoing left and climbed up to the media stand and slapped the journalist three times after he was informed of a photo report online showing him on the technical line, instructing players with a caption, ” Is the Wolves General Manager now the Coach?”

Tony Rafua also ordered thugs to throw the Sports journalist out of the stadium, boasting that nobody, not even the league body can do anything to him,” That is what we face in our away games.”

Rafua further threatened to ban the sports journalist from covering all Warri Wolves games, even as it took the intervention of his fellow colleagues, soccer fans and Chairmen of some clubs to stop him.

The Delta State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,NUJ,Comrade Michael Ikeogwu stated that the Union is still investigating and if the claims of Clarkson Ogo is true, the NUJ will not tolerate any attacks on its members, stressing that journalists should be protected and allowed to do their jobs freely.

Culled from :Here

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Fourteen years since her hit song, Milkshake, came out, Kelis is collaborating with Baileys liquors to tell us what exactly is in that famous milkshake. And her video is right on time for National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12.

This isn’t the first time Kelis has invited us into her kitchen. Just two years ago, she released her own cookbook, entitled, My Life on a Plate: Recipes from Around the World (Kyle Books, 2015). Maybe this is her new calling?

Anyway, here’s the original video for Milkshake, just for fun.

Read More – Brenda Fassie Gets Immortalized In A Comic Celebrating Iconic Women

Culled from :Here

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GOVERNORS of Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Nyesom Wike and Emmanuel Udom respectively have resolved to work for the interest of the nation.

Rising from a closed-door meeting, the three Governors stated that the meeting was in the interest of the nation and to boost economic activities in the South South region, stressing that it is important that the area is peaceful for economic growth.

Briefing the press after the meeting which took place at the Government House, Asaba, Governor Udom of Akwa Ibom State who was flanked by his colleagues disclosed that security of the region and the revival of the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, Delta) Commission were the main issues discussed at the meeting.

According to him, “we are principally here to discuss economic issues as it affects the region; on behalf of our colleagues in the South South states, we met to see how we can revive the BRACED Commission and boost security in the region.”

“There is the need for us to ensure that the area is safe, with the increase in the quantum of oil production, there is need to boost security in the region, in the interest of our region and the country,” he said.

He emphasised, “mainly, we looked at economic issues, how to revive the BRACED Commission and the issue of security in the region.”

Culled from :Here

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• Vow to revive the BRACED Commission

By Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Three governors in the South-south geopolitical region yesterday met in Asaba to deliberate on burning national issues with a vow to resuscitate the BRACED Commission which appeared dormant for some time now.

Host, Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike and Mr. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State at the end of a closed door meeting at the Government House, Asaba, expressed desire to work earnestly for the interest of the nation especially at this time of economic challenges.

The acronym, BRACED, stands for then special economic commission comprising the States of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta.

The three PDP governors, who attended the Asaba meeting, told newsmen that the modalities for the revival of the BRACED Commission as well as how to fortify the security machinery in the oil-rich region towards sustained oil production ranked top in the issues discussed.

Udom, who spoke on behalf of the three governors, stressed that the governors of the South-south region were passionate about reviving the hitherto docile BRACED Commission with a view to bringing to bear the lofty aim of its establishment few years ago.

The issue of insecurity also occupied front burner during the meeting, Udom noted, adding that the state executives in the region were looking at ways to fortify security to sustain oil production.

He noted that the governors did not meet to discuss issues relating to politics but rather dwelt on issues pertaining to security and economic development in the region and added that the PDP governors were excited about the progress of the party in the country.

Udom said: “On behalf of all our colleagues from the South-South region, we just came together to discuss few economic issues and how we can revive the BRACED commission. It is actually a very good economic platform for the entire region to look at those areas of common economic interest so that we can also foster economic growth in the region.

“And also, we looked at how we can try and fortify security network especially now that the oil prices are a little bit epileptic; we need to make sure that we maintain production. There is definitely the need for us to ensure that the area is safe, with the increase in the quantum of oil production, there is need to boost security in the region, in the interest of our region and the country.

Okowa had earlier received his Rivers and Akwa Ibom counterparts at the Asaba Airport, from where they drove in a motorcade to the Government House on Anwai Road, Asaba.

Culled from :Here

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Lagos – Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo was due in the troubled oil city of Warri on Friday to mediate in an ethnic dispute that has disrupted oil production, officials said.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer and the world’s fifth largest exporter of crude with a daily output of about two million barrels, much of which is from the restive Niger Delta region.

The delta is also the scene of regular violent clashes among the Itsekiris, Ijaws and Urhobos for the control of the port city of Warri.

“The president will be in Warri this morning. We have made necessary preparations for his welcome,” Sheddy Ozoene, spokesperson for Delta State Governor James Obori said.

“The president will meet the various ethnic leaders with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis,” he said.

He said Obasanjo will visit the troops sent in to keep the peace following frequent violence in the city.

A joint taskforce of army, navy, airforce and paramilitary police was last month deployed in Warri and the surrounding swamps to quell fighting between the rival Ijaw and Itsekiri groups.

Clashes between the factions have since March disrupted oil production, left scores dead and driven thousands of villagers from their homes.

Almost a third of the west African country’s daily oil output was halted when unrest forced oil majors out of the Warri region.

Production has been increased or diverted from domestic use to make up for the export shortfall, but oil operations in much of the western Delta region are still shut down. – Sapa-AFP

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By CHARLES KUMOLU

His Royal Majesty, Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII’s story presents an interesting result of turning missed opportunity into a success story. This, he was able to achieve by making the right choices, especially at a point when his major dream of becoming a soldier failed after being interviewed by a board headed by a former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), who was then a Brigadier General. The power of focus and persistence are brought to bear in his narrative. Today, apart from being a famous traditional ruler, he has achieved success in his endavours.

ON background      I am His Royal Majesty, Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII (JP), the Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom, Bomadi Local Government Area. I am the 2nd Vice-Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers. I was born in the mid-sixties in Akugbene town in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. I was educated at Awobu Primary School Akugbene, and Akugbene Grammar School, Akugbene.  Thereafter, I proceeded to Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Biology (Zoology). I have an M.Sc degree in Corporate Governance from the prestigious Leeds Metropolitan University, now Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom.

 Were there turning points at some point in your life and what are the relevant lessons you think can be drawn from them?

The turning point at the early stage of my life was the death of my father when I was eight years, and being the last child out of 11 children, it aroused my curiosity concerning my environment. It happened because I found myself as a child without a father. I also saw the need to go the extra mile to ensure that I become a better person in the future and the lessons from that event made me to become humble in the society and to also strive to work harder and become circumspect in my utterances and dealings with other kids.

There was also another event that happened when I was in Primary School where my mother had an altercation with my school teacher because of her inhuman treatment of the pupils in the class. Because of that, the teacher refused to attend to any of my issues in classes. Thus, her attitude towards me emboldened me to take my studies more seriously in order to get promoted to the next class. One other remarkable achievement in my primary school days was that when I was in Primary five, my exceptional good character and self-esteem endeared me to my Head Master, Mr. Omoni, who personally approached my mother to allow me to stay with him at the school staff quarters for the rest of my primary school. These events helped me to have that self-discipline and that propelled me to strive for excellence. These were some of the things that shaped my life.

While striving to become this significant, were there people who inspired you or yours is a self-made story? ?

My mother is one of those who inspired me. After the death of my father, my mother single-handedly raised me and also worked assiduously to mold me into becoming a great person in the future. And being a trader, she inculcated those virtues of entrepreneurship skills which were further put into use after my secondary school days. Also worthy of mention is Alawei Joseph Tubodei Penawou (JP), who as a childhood friend and schoolmate in both primary and secondary school. He played a significant role in my life and was a source of inspiration. When I ascended the throne in 1997, HRM Obi (DR.) Emmanuel Efeizomor OON (JP), the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Chairman Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers saw the uniqueness in me and drew me closer to himself and began the role of mentorship by creating the enabling environment for me to excel as a Traditional Ruler.  The present Governor of Delta State, his predecessors, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief James  Ibori also afforded me the platform to exhibit the leadership qualities in me by assigning responsibilities to me at the state level which enabled me to show my potentials.

What are the key standards of behaviour that brought you this far and how did you apply them?

They include hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity. All my life, I have always strived to be dedicated and committed to any responsibility assigned to me either as a group or as an individual. The urge to do the best has always been my source of inspiration. I am a goal getter, a bridge builder. As a result of my guiding principles I always strived to ensure that whenever responsibilities are handed to me, I try as much as possible to get the best out of me to achieve success. For me, failure is never an option.

Tell us about your journey to royalty

First, while growing up, I never knew I was going to be a traditional ruler someday. My desire in life had been to become a military officer and that propelled me to write the Nigerian Defence Academy exams in 1988 and 1989.  In 1989, I was shortlisted for the 42nd regular course interview by the Armed Forces selection board in Kaduna for the one-month selection process in July of that year. General Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Head of State, who was then a Brigadier, was the chairman of the selection board. At that time Navy Captain  Porbeni was also a member of that board.

I could not make the list at the final selection, hence I proceeded to the University in 1990. In 1995, my predecessor passed on to join his ancestors. Even then I never knew I was going to ascend the throne,  until 1997, when  Nicholas  Mutu, OFR, who was the then Chairman, Bomadi Local Government Area summoned the king makers in line with the Gazette and gave them a time frame  to select a successor to the throne.  I was undergoing my one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in Jigawa State when I was called upon to contest for the throne since it was the turn of my ruling house to produce the successor to the throne. It was on this premise that I indicated interest to contest and was subsequently selected to ascend to the throne as Pere Kalanama VIII.

Frankly speaking, the task of providing good leadership as a traditional ruler wasn’t an easy task because it was a different terrain altogether, but because I grew up in a village setting and more so I was actively involved in the traditional means of dispute resolution which was more or less a springboard to my success story. I would not have recorded so much success in my nearly 20 years of reign if not for the Almighty God who has imbued me with the wisdom of King Solomon. All glory and honour should be to the Almighty God. It was quite painful not joining the military because it had always been my dream. At that time I had relatives, who were in the military and I looked forward to joining them.

My elder brother, who was a Captain then retired as a Colonel. You know when you have a childhood dream which didn’t come true.  Since it did not work out, I accepted it that it was not God’s purpose for me.

There are some misconceptions about  traditional institution in the country. How are you ensuring that you make a better difference away from such misconceptions?

Misconceptions are all part of governance. It all depends on your perspective about the traditional institution. Yes, it is true that most traditional institutions are intertwined with idol worshipping and in most cases, they are occupied by native doctors, and so also, some have links with deities, but most traditional rulers today have changed that narrative by submitting their kingdoms to the Almighty God, and that accounts for the building of churches in most of the Palaces in the Southern part of the Country.

Take for instance, in my Palace, the 30th day of December every year is declared as an All Night of Prayers, praise and worship to God Almighty to herald us into the proceeding year. This is aside other Christian programs organised in the Palace within the year. Suffice to say that the modus operandi differs from one palace to another. Virtually, about 80 percent of traditional rulers in Delta State have all embraced God Almighty because He is the King of Kings.

This is one area that gladdened the immediate past Governor and also the present Governor, who in virtually every fora can barely subsume his excitement that the Traditional Rulers in the State have fully acknowledged Jesus Christ as the King of Kings.

Are there things about yourself which you have never told anyone that you may want to share with us?

Laughs. Absolutely none, because if there is anything about myself which I cannot share with my family, then there is no point sharing such with the public.

What do you consider your greatest achievements?

God has placed me in a position where I’m able to provide for the needy in the society. Particularly, the Palace yearly scholarship program for both junior and senior secondary school students in my Kingdom that was orchestrated and inaugurated in 2012 has been my most exciting achievement. The fact that I am providing quality leadership and good governance to my subjects is another achievement. As a Traditional Ruler, I now interact with most of the notable and highly respected Traditional Rulers in the country which I used to read about back then in my primary and secondary school days, for instance, King Jaja of Opobo, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oba Benin Kingdom, etc. This is yet another significant achievement for me. Due to my vibrancy, vision and constructive ideas which rise above chauvinism, I have been elected to hold some key positions. I was nominated to represent the Traditional Rulers in the WAEC Board between 2004-2006. I was also a member of the Federal Government Amnesty Programme between 2010 and 2011; Member of the Delta State Task Force on the Movement of Cattle and Cattle Rearers (2014-2015); Member, Delta State Boundary Adjustment Committee (2016); Member, South-South Monarchs Forum (2011 to date); Member National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN); Member Delta State Interim Advisory Committee of Traditional Rulers (2002-2006);Past National Secretary, Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and also past Secretary, Delta State Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum. In all these positions attained, my performance has been most remarkable. In the history of TROMPCON, no other past secretary recorded such success as I achieved.

Culled from :Here

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The Former President, Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA), Chief Uju Udeme, has applauded the gradual return to commercial agriculture by Nigerians, especially rice farming.

Uju, the Coordinator, Aniocha South Local Government Area Rice Farmers Association, and Vice Chairman, Okowa House to House Cooperative Society, made the commendation in a media chat in Asaba, at the weekend.

According to him, there is a need for Nigerians to sustain the current positive engagement in agriculture, and possibly expand it exponentially in view of its legion benefits, while urging government to continue to support the real farmers in order to sustain their interests in agricultural engagement.

Udeme argued that the quality of the locally produced rice is high compared to the imported ones, adding that it was important for Nigerians to continue to patronise not only locally produced rice, but also all other locally made goods and services in order to encourage the producers and attain self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, to ensure steady increase in food production, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on parents to encourage their children to be involved in agriculture.

Okowa made the call last week at the official flag-off of the harvest/sales of fish at the Mega Fish Farmers Cooperative Union at the Okelle Farms, Ugbisi, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

He expressed satisfaction that in such a short time, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through the Anchor Borrowers Programme, had created 682 fish farmers with staff strength of over 2,000 employees.He observed that due to wealth from oil, most Nigerians left agriculture in search of white collar jobs which he said led to a lot of persons being jobless,

“We are very glad that the number of our people engaged by this anchor programme has helped to swell up the number of entrepreneurs we have created in the last two years. When you add the 682 beneficiaries in the first batch of the anchor programme to the over 3,000 that we have through Youth Agriculture Empowerment Programme (YAGEP), you will indeed agree that our efforts at diversifying our economy through agriculture is on course,” the Governor said.

Okowa noted that the civil service cannot engage most of the jobless youths in the society, reiterating that agriculture will not only provide jobs for the teeming youths, but will ensure food sustainability in the country.

He emphasized that “the youths should be encouraged to be engaged in agriculture; our soil is fertile and from what I am seeing, in the next few years, we will be able to produce what we consume, process and be the destination for those seeking for agricultural produce.”

He therefore urged community leaders to make land available to encourage youths who wants to go into the cultivation of crops that they have comparative advantage, and also engage in cluster farming for easy access to agriculture extension service officers.

The Asaba Branch comptroller of CBN, in a brief speech, said the CBN spent N1.2billion on the initiative and urged the private sector to reduce their demands from government, observing that Governor Okowa’s administration has been very supportive of CBN Anchor programme, which has led to success stories in Delta State.

The Chairman, Mega Fish Farmers Cooperative Union, Comrade Christopher Egwuyenga, said the farmers have turned out 2,046 tonnes of fish in its first batch of fish production, which will be processed and branded ‘Delta Fish’ to increase its shelf life.

Culled from :Here

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•As NGO donates school kits to indigent pupils

A former member of the House of Representatives, Prince Ned Nwoko has called on government at all levels to pursue quality education for children, youths to safeguard the nation’s future.

He stated this during a Back-to-School Programme organised at Onicha-Ugbo  in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State by a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO),  Anioma Youths Network for Development (AYND).

Nwoko, who was represented by Chike Okolo noted that education was the most powerful tool to change the world, adding that there must be a deliberate effort towards providing empowerment for the youths through education.

He said he would continue to support the education of the less-privileged in the society, urging other influential Nigerians to do same.

Earlier, the NGO’s founder, Odita Sunday said it has the youths as its centre-piece, adding that he intended to advance issues that affect their lives.

Sunday said the programme was strategically planned to take place at a time primary and secondary schools were resuming for the 2017/2018 academic year.

Sunday said: “It is a period parents are usually under pressure to pay school fees and buy all the necessary books and materials for their children and wards.  We are very much aware of the fact that there are some children in our communities whose parents are not well placed to cater for their needs at this time of resumption. Hence, we have chosen to lend some support, no matter how small.”

Sunday said at least 130 pupils from primary and secondary schools in Onicha-Ugbo, Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, Obior, Igbodo all in Anioma area (Delta North Senatorial District) received school bags, note books, mathematical sets, pens and other accessories to aid their learning.

Culled from :Here

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Revd. Francis Ejiroghene Waive is the General Overseer of Church of the Anointing, Warri, Delta State and Executive Director Riverine Communities Health Organization (RIVCHO) an NGO. In this interview with Sunday Apah, he spoke on the recent call by members of the Committee of Graduates of Ambrose Ali University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State for him to contest for the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, the activities of RIVCHO as it affects the Niger Delta communities and other issues of public interest. Excerpts:

There are agitations from some quarters for restructuring of Nigeria as the solution to the country’s present predicament, what is your take on this?

Restructuring the country along the lines of true fiscal federalism is inevitable. As someone from a minority tribe I know that division of the nation is not in our collective interest. War is also not an option. We must continue to dialogue until we achieve justice and equity.

See also: Those Against Restructuring Are Enemies Of Nigeria

Some persons see President Muhammadu Buhari as not capable to rule Nigeria, hence the hardship ravaging the country, do you subscribe to this?

Age and health are not on the side of Mr. President. He should do the needful. Those using his position despite the obvious situation do not love this country and should be sanctioned.

What do suggest as the way out of the present recession?

Better economic management of scarce resources. The present team managing our economy has failed. We need a team that is bipartisan, knowledgeable and truly patriotic.

A group, Committee of Graduates of Ambrose Ali University has been on the news urging you to contest for the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, what is your response to this call?

I am in prayers about this and presently consulting leaders in the three local government areas that make up the constituency. I will not hesitate to heed the call if this process confirms the need. I am grateful that our people find me worth of service.

How do you intend to combine both politics and clergy work, knowing fully well that politics is a dirty game?

I am not aware that politics is a dirty game. I only know that the present players in Nigeria play it dirty.  To me being a clergyman is community service hence my ministry has impacted thousands of lives with the gospel, education, health care, business and through my NGO Riverine Communities Health Organization (RIVCHO).

So I see no challenge in marrying two community service vehicles. I am called to serve my people and that is what I will do. I will do politics differently from what people are used to. We shall set a standard that shall become a benchmark. And when we get to office, transparency will be such that we will need no marketing.

Is RIVCHO your brainchild and what brought about its formation?

It was formed by the Church of the Anointing not mine because as a church we started reaching out to people with medications and try to plant churches where there are no churches because we believe the gospel is the only solution to the Niger Delta problems. So as a church we were using medical mission to reach the Niger Delta and in the process we realize that we need to do separate accounting from that of the church. That was why we registered the Riverine Communities Health Organization with the aim of reaching out to the Niger Delta on medications, capacity building workshops, community development and so on. So it came out of the church.

What are your achievements so far?

We have reach out to so many communities in Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states. In Delta we have reached out to every community in Gbaramatu and Mein Kingdom, in Bayelsa state we have gone to Ekeremor, Torugbere, Peretorou, Angala-Biri and others. Today we are known all over the riverine communities. In some of those communities we put rain water harvesting system and they are all in operation.

Some of them we give free medical care to them. While some of them we involved them in capacity building workshop. We also provided water borehole in some communities like, Ukpokiti and Oteghelle communities in Warri South Local Government Area. We built public toilets in places like Bikorogha community in Burutu Local Government Area and many other communities in Patani Local Government Area.

Under which party do you intend to contest and what is your relationship with leaders of the party?

I am still in prayers and consultations about the political platform. But I can assure you that I relate well with all across the political divide. My election shall be such that party loyalty will not be an issue as people from all political parties will vote for me.

See also: Restructuring: Which Way For Nigeria?

If you win, what do you intend to do for your constituents?

First, all my constituents will have unfettered access to me and these programmes and activities of the federal government. Secondly, I will attend sittings without fail. My people will see me in the House, hear my voice clear and loud, and have me champion their causes both those of individuals, communities and the entire constituency. The era when no one speaks for us will be over with my presence in the house.

Thirdly, I will provide my constituents, consistently the linkage with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government for employment and business. Fourthly I will capture the infrastructural needs of my people and ensure they are listed in the budget even before it is presented yearly on the floor of the house.

I will lobby the executive arm of government to achieve this and then my colleagues to ensure my projects are passed. Fifth, I will be sponsoring relevant bills that will improve the life of my people. Sixth my constituency projects will be traceable, visible, valuable and useful to our people. I can go on and on. I am passionate about whatever I do. I will not fail our people.

Culled from :Here

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By Vera Opene

UGHELLI—THE 2015 governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has reassured members of the party that in 2019, his political ambition will not stop the party from unseating Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Emerhor, who addressed party members at Evwereni, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, during the inauguration of executives of the Mainstream Delta APC, a pressure group within the party, also denied claims that he had been picked as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2019 governorship election, saying “Olorogun Emerhor is not a governorship candidate yet.”

His words: “My ambition cannot stop us from going to Asaba. If the governor thinks we are senseless, he is wrong.

“When it comes to this matter, there is no Ijaw, Urhobo, Ibo, Isoko or Itsekiri man, but only an APC and we must drive Okowa out of Government House and that is what we want to do.”

Culled from :Here

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The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa are among the dignitaries expected at the forthcoming national annual dinner of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA).

The event, the sixth in the series of the rotational dinner that started in 2012 in Asaba, Delta State, will hold on October 7 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Briefing journalists in Lagos, the acting President-General Worldwide, Charles Majoroh, said the dinner is to bring the old boys together in celebration and to honour some of its deserving members. He said the event would also witness the launch of the 2017 edition of the association’s annual magazine called ‘The Mariner’.

According to him, the dinner would be chaired by Ambassador Christopher Kolade, a one-time teacher at the school in the early days and that the Coordinating Chairman, Council for West African Information Technology Professionals, Dr. Chris Uwaje would deliver the keynote address.

Majoroh added that the dinner would also enable the members to discuss the state of affairs of their old school and to look at ways of carrying out infrastructural development projects in the college.

He said the association believes that it cannot afford to toy with the future of its children; hence the need to provide an environment conducive for human habitation and learning is a priority. The acting president added that the old boys plan to provide an e-library for staff and students, rehabilitate the wood and metal workshops.

“Emphasis on our interface with the school is largely on the cherished culture and traditions that built the reputation of the school and the character of the students that went through its portals.”

At the event, he said iconic alumni would be conferred with lifetime achievement awards. Those to be honoured are: Amb. Daniel Omatsone (class of 1948, Jan), Amb. Edward Martins (1948, Sep), Mr. Frank Longe (1948 Sep), Prof. Olu Akinyanju (1949), Chief Amos Olaniyan (1949), Engr. Guy Otobo (1950), Prof. Obaro Ikime (1950) and Dr. Titus Okereke (1951).

The alumni that will be honoured posthumously are Mr. Ignatius Atigbi (pioneer class of 1945), Chief Gray Longe (1945), Mr. Emmanuel Awala (1947), Mr. Samuel Okudu (1947), Mr. Meshack Akpe (1947), Mr. Sam Akpe (1949), Prof. Alfred Opubor (1950) and Senator Fred Brume (1955).

Culled from :Here

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Activities have been lined up to mark the 50th anniversary of the massacre of unarmed Asaba people during Nigeria, Biafra civil war on October 5, 1957. The victims had trooped out to welcome Nigerian soldiers that had reclaimed the vital town of Asaba in Midwestern Nigeria from Biafran troops.

According to a statement by Alban Ofili-Okonkwo, chairman of the Asaba October 7 Memorial Group, the programme would span four days with the theme “Remembrance Forgiveness.”

He disclosed that all the activities designed to commemorate this year’s landmark anniversary would revolve around the theme, adding that the group will embark on sensitisation and citizen engagement programmes in order to achieve healing and closure which will “signal the collective resolve of Asaba indigenes to leave behind the memories of their tragic past and walk resolutely into a more promising future.“ He also event is aimed at galvanising Asaba people towards rebirth and healing.

Ofili-Okonkwo explained that the primary objective of the Asaba October Memorial is to signal the rebirth of Asaba from the psychological and emotional devastation of the massacre. He said Asaba indigenes have lined up a series of activities to celebrate the victims of the massacre with a focus on forgiveness.

According to him, the landmark memorial “is expected to symbolise remembrance and forgiveness as the ultimate healer as encapsulated in the phrase ‘Asaba, Obodo gbayaliba’ – a land without malice.

He called on men and women of goodwill from across the nation to join in “erecting a befitting monument in memory of the dead where new life will be delivered, nurtured and celebrated as a symbol of our shared humanity”.

Ofili-Okonkwo disclosed that the commemorative activities will commence on October 5 with a one-minute silence for the Asaba martyrs at noon, saying that it was on that day 50 years ago that federal troops stormed Asaba, ransacked homes and killed civilians, who they claimed were Biafra sympathisers. He also added two days later, Asaba people who paraded the town with “One Nigeria” banners in support of the Nigerian government were separated into men, teenage boys, women and young children, stating that the men and teenage boys were shot at an open square in Ogbeosowa by federal troops.

According to him, in all, 700 men and boys were reportedly killed, some as young as 12 years old in the attack, in addition to many more killed in the preceding days.

Ofili-Okonkwo said other commemorative activities include media briefing, canon shots heralding traditional burial rites for the dead (known in Asaba culture as egwu ota). Also planned, he said, are service of songs and candle light procession to Ogbeosawa grave site for tributes to the dead, interdenominational service, exhibition of artefacts, documentary and presentation of awards to honourees.

A major highlight of the anniversary, he further disclosed, would be the presentation of a book on the carnage entitled “The Asaba Massacre – Trauma, Memories, and the Nigerian Civil War” written by renowned anthropologist, Prof. S. Elizabeth Bird and co-written by distinguished historian, Prof. Fraser M. Ottanelli, both of the University of South Florida. The book in its scholarly exertion is bound to unearth novel facts that will bring to fore new insights about the horrific event.

He said the book presentation will be preceded by the hosting of a colloquium on the Asaba Massacre, with the theme: “In Pursuit of Rebirth”, adding that eminent scholars, statesmen, renowned industrialists and other distinguished citizens of the world are expected to attend the activities marking this year’s anniversary.

He said the activities will be rounded off on Sunday, October 8 with thanksgiving service in churches all over the world.

It would be recalled the incident was one of the ugliest episodes of the Nigerian civil war, which attracted international condemnation of the Nigerian authorities.

Culled from :Here

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By Emma Amaize

ASABA—DETECTIVES of Delta State Police Command investigating the September 5 ambush of bank officials and policemen on the Benin-Asaba Expressway by bandits, who carted away N25 million from a bullion van, have apprehended and detained an Inspector and three other policemen, said to be on illegal escort duty.

Police Public Relations Officer of Delta Command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the arrest and detention of the policemen to Vanguard in Asaba, said Police have released two officials of the bank earlier arrested, while investigations were ongoing.

He revealed that the fifth policeman on the illegal escort was shot dead by the bandits, noting that some officials of the bank had earlier approached the Operations Department of the Command for escort men, but that the request was turned down on the grounds that the bank did not have a serviceable van required for such operations.

According to him, “in a bid to cut corners, the bank officials illegally picked the police officers from different locations and engaged them on an illegal escort for the conveyance of N25 million from its branch in Agbor to Asaba, without using a serviceable and secure armoured bullion van as required by law.”

A police source told Vanguard: “The state Commi-ssioner of Police, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, is unhappy not just at the consistent flouting of the rule by the banks, but even by police officers, who illegally accepted to go on the escort.

“He has decided to use the latest incident to teach those flouting the rules that it is meant to be obeyed. That is why he has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and is determined to punish all those cutting corners, especially within the Command.”

A memorandum

Meanwhile, since 2015, the Commissioner of Police, Asaba, had raised an internal memorandum to Commanders of Mopols 31, Asaba, Oghara and Operations Officer, Asaba, warning about the habit of bank managers in Asaba, especially the operations managers, involvement in the current incident, “picking your men deployed for guard duties within Asaba for specie escort.

“This practice is unethical and negates the principle of specie movement. A situation where five policemen are picked to escort money within and outside Asaba instead of the minimum of 15 men as directed by the Inspector General of Police is suicidal.

“In the event of attack by hoodlums, the five men cannot in anyway repel the attack, thereby embarrassing the Command.

“You are, therefore, directed to warn your men responsible for this anomalous act to desist, as the monitoring team has been directed to arrest them whenever seen performing this illegal duty and other supervising officers will be queried.”

Culled from :Here

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