Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has distributed 432 bags of 50kg Urea fertilizers to farmers in the eight Local Government Areas of Delta South Senatorial District. The distribution took place on Monday at the Senatorial District Constituency Office along Emede-Oleh Road, Emede in Isoko South LGA of Delta State.
Joel-Onowakpo Thomas
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties/Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Andrew Egunoma, said that the fertilizers were crucial in boosting food production, improving soil fertility, enhancing food security, and promoting economic growth in the senatorial district and the country at large.
While urging the farmers to make good use of the fertilizers, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for releasing the items to members of the 10th National Assembly for distribution in their respective constituencies across the country.
“The distribution of these fertilizers is very important, considering the food shortage crisis being experienced today across the country. These fertilizers will provide essential nitrogen to crops, which will ultimately lead to increased yields and better quality produce.
Bags of fertilizers
“May I also inform you that the fertilizers will help maintain soil fertility and reduce the need for frequent soil replenishment. This will enhance food security and boost economic activities in our senatorial district as well as the country.
“I charge you not to take this gesture from Mr. President for granted. Our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is highly committed to enhancing food security in the country. I urge you to make good use of the fertilizers to achieve this agenda.
“Let me appreciate Mr. President for releasing the Urea fertilizers to legislators. This move will ensure that the fertilizers reach the grassroots across all constituencies in the country,” he said.
OMIWA on the news again as another massive outing with huge result recorded in Aniofu and Idumuje-Ugboko, agrarian Communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, in the Foundation’s free Medical Outreach.
OMIWA Foundation
The Communities stirringly received Foundation’s Medical Team who were there at Aniofu Primary Health Center, on Saturday, 20th July, 2024, to carry out a free Medical Outreach fully sponsored by OMIWA Foundation, a Non-Governmental organization (NGO) that’s supporting Government’s efforts through free health services.
The communities had adequately prepared for the health programme, having assembled themselves on hearing through the electronics media such as radio, social media and engaging the services of town criers to mobilize their indigenes and other residents to participate in the free medical programme.
OMIWA Foundation’s Medical Team recorded over 235 attendees as patients for Consultation and Counselling, Laboratory Tests (Blood Sugar, Hepatitis B), Drug Distribution, Eye Screening and Dispensing of Lenses, Health Talk on Nutrition and Disease Conditions, etc benefitted from the program.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after the program, a renowned medical practitioner and surgeon, Dr. Steve Ugbome, who led 21 medical personnel of the OMIWA Foundation to the program, noted that “this is an historical one because this is the first time Aniofu Community is experiencing this act of medical kindness.
Dr. Ugbome, who said he was impressed with the turnout of the people, assured the Communities of the Foundation’s readiness to do more for Anioma communities.
In his health talk message, Dr. Mike Ochonogor, who advised the people to always check their vitals, urged community dwellers to be visiting Health Centers regularly and stop self medication.
Beneficiaries
Also, the Assistant Supervisor for TB in Aniocha North Heath Authority, Mrs. Kate Nkonye, who was on ground as a supportive personnel, educated the people on symptoms of tuberculosis, test and vaccine.
The country Coordinator of OMIWA Foundation, Mr Tohan Okenyi said the exercise was part of the Foundation’s activities to support Government and to assist people in the rural areas.
While giving praises to God whom he said had continued to make the medical outreaches of the NGO fruitful and successful, Tohan Okenyi disclosed that “This is the 26th Medical Outreach being sponsored by the Foundation in Delta State and we are just getting started because we are going to carryout the same exercise in other Communities this year.”
He said the vision of OMIWA is to become that platform that bridges the gap of inaccessibility of rural communities to cheap, effective and adequate healthcare services.
Tohan Okenyi however, said that the only thing needed from the communities they are reaching out to, is to ensure that they come out en mass for treatment whenever the NGO comes for programmes.
Drugs dispensers
The Diokpas (Elders) of both communities were elated to welcome OMIWA Foundation’s medical team to their domains, rendered every assistance to ensure their task was seamlessly and effectively carried out.
The Diokpas who said they were impressed with the humanitarian services of OMIWA Foundation, remarked that the NGO’s deserves some accolades for the path it has taken to salvage the health challenges of rural Communities.
According to them “It’s a show of love to have and want to share with others. Every comfortable person must sincerely emulate this kind of love and we must at all times demonstrate this pure and selfless love to the world.”
A socio-cultural group, Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, has congratulated the Executive Chairman, Ika North East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Hunkanma Odigwe, on his electoral victory at just concluded local council elections in Delta State and his successful swearing in.
The congratulation message is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, and made available to newsmen.
Comrade Ikeogwu described Hon. Odigwe”s victory and swearing in as a very welcome development to the group in particular, Ika North East people and Deltans in general.
He said that the group was convinced of Hon. Odigwe”s victory the day he emerged as Chairmanship candidate, just as it expressed gratitude to the leadership and critical stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ika North East Local Government Area for their choice of their son.
Comrade Ikeogwu noted that Hon. Odigwe”s track record as the Secretary of Concerned Ute-Okpu Elites, coupled with experience gathered as a public servant and community leader, were enough training for him to understand the terrain.
The group averred that it has implicit confidence in the ability of Hon. Odigwe to deliver quality dividend of democracy to the people of Ika North East Local Government Area.
According to the statement, “We are aware of the enormous challenges that have characterised local government administration particularly the issue of paucity of funds which understandably has impacted negatively on grassroots development.”
” We wish to use this opportunity to remind you that the recent judgement by the supreme court that has granted financial autonomy to the local council in Nigeria, has placed additional burden on the councils if the claim that state government sometimes argument council.allocations.”
” Armed with some of these obvious challenges that local councils face, it is therefore, expedient for you to hit the ground running by thinking out of the box on how you are going to diversify the revenue base of our local government.”
” In doing this Hon. Odigwe, you must avoid the pitfalls of pride and ego, research on why your predecessor couldn’t deliver on their political campaign promises, and embrace consultative style of leadership while implementing your blue print for the council area. ”
” Nevertheless, we have implicit confidence in your ability and capacity to deliver which were the Hallmark of your antecedent that endeared you to your party. We promise not to abandon you but to collaborate with you in actualizing unprecedented development that has never been seen since the creation of the council. Once again, congratulations.”
ASABA– National Orientation Agency Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (NOAFMCS), has held its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next one year.
Those elected includes Patricia Nkiru Umunna (Mrs), President, Florence Isioma Nwabuzo (Mrs), Vice President, Mr. Godfrey Ebruduagbor, Secretary, Sarah Owho Owhere (Mrs), Treasurer, Ngozi Onyema (Mrs) and Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma as Members.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Patricia Umunna, the President, stated that she was overwhelmed with joy for the support members of NOAFMCS gave her and for the confidence reposed in her by her re-election as President and for the election of other executive members of the cooperative society.
She expressed appreciation to members for making the AGM a successful one. “On my honour and on behalf of other elected officers, I assure you that by the end of our tenure, we would have taken the cooperative a step higher than what it is today”.
According to her, “our work starts from now and I have no illusion about the enormity of the task at hand, however, with your support, I have strong belief that our future is bright”.
On their part, the Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Michael Ogbechie, President of Oshimili 1 Cooperative Union, publicist and ace broadcaster of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba, PC Onome Tano, Mr. Andy Enwema and representatives of other Multipurpose Cooperative Societies admonished the public especially members of NOAFMCS to beware of online loan apps.
While saying that it’s dangerous to access immediate loan from the Internet loan apps because of the hidden danger surrounding it’s interest rate which they won’t disclose to borrower to know if it’s monthly or annually, they noted that the yearly organization of AGM by the Patricia Umunna’s-led NOAFMCS shows how united they are.
They urged members yet to upped their Thrift Savings to N50,000 to do so, adding that those owing to promptly pay their loan to enable others to also benefit.
Highlights of the AGM were the inauguration of the re-elected executives, distribution and payment of mouth-watering dividends to members and short lecture on the hidden dangers in Loan Apps.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 14, 2024.
Mrs. Walson-Jack was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several Ministries.
The new appointee will take over from the incumbent Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024.
President Tinubu, while thanking the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship, tasks the incoming Head of Service to discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.
In reaffirming the need to continue to ensure a clean and heathy environment in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, the State Taskforce on Environment, headed by Chief Godspower Asiuwhu JP, as Chairman, is set to prosecute indiscriminate refuse disposals in the State Capital Territory and environs.
Chief Godspower Asiuwhu
Asiuwhu disclosed this today in his office in Asaba during a Press briefing warning residents of Asaba that the attention of the Delta State Government had been drawn to the unwholesome practice where some Deltans and residents in the State, business organisations and passers-by dispose off refuse indiscriminately in the State Capital Territory, Asaba, and its environs.
At the briefing, the Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environment, gave one week ultimatum for everyone to keep their surroundings clean in the State Capital Territory and environs.
While admonishing everyone to intensify more effort in managing their waste properly by disposing such through the Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to government approved dumpsites, Asiuwhu stated that “In view of this, the State Taskforce on Environment and other stakeholders in the sustainability of the environment in the State will set up a mobile court to prosecute offenders.”
He appealed to the Press to intensify effort in disseminating the information to the public.
Advising residents, Government offices, hotels and other business owners to keep their surroundings clean, the Delta State Taskforce Chairman asserted that “private and public schools should keep their toilets system clean, and to prevent flooding by cutting over grown weeds, desilting drains, removing illegal structures, avoiding illegal parking of tippers carrying sand and ensuring that such tipper loads of sand were properly covered from spilling on the roads, passengers in commercial transports should desist from throwing refuse from such vehicles.”
On climate change, Asiuwhu noted that human emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary drive of climate change today, therefore, gaseous carbon from plants in business areas, residential houses, and road vehicles should be controlled if not there will be sanctions from his Committee.
The Distinguished Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has stated that successive federal governments have been unfair to Delta South Senatorial District in terms of infrastructural development, human capital development, and inclusiveness in governance.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo made this statement on Monday at Emede, Isoko South LGA of Delta State, while delivering a keynote address during a Strategic Leadership Retreat organised for his legislative aides.
According to him, Delta South Senatorial District is one of the largest producers of crude oil and gas in the country, yet past federal administrations have shown little or no interest in the development of the area and the empowerment of the people.
“Whenever I think about what Delta South is contributing in terms of crude oil production and look at the deprivation that our people are subjected to, my heart bleeds. Delta South Senatorial District gives her all for this country, but successive governments have been largely unfair to us.
“There is hardly the presence of government in Delta South, and this is really alarming. The pollution we experience, the environmental degradation, the lack of infrastructural and human capital development, the little or no inclusivity in governance, etc., are all indicators showing how unfair governments have been to us for contributing so much,” he said.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, however, expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President can and will change the ugly narrative.
“However, I have strong confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he shall do his best to salvage Delta South. I trust the President that he shall look at critical issues affecting our Senatorial District, such as environmental pollution and degradation, erosion and flooding, lack of development, poor inclusiveness in government, as well as empowerment of our people,” Joel-Onowakpo said.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo
While inaugurating over 180 Legislative Aides that he has appointed, the Senator said, “As you are aware, the office of a Senator is officially entitled to only five Aides. However, I have gone a step further to make over 180 appointments simply to accommodate all interests and to ensure that the people of Delta South get the best from my representation. This is a huge burden on me, but I have no option than to accommodate our people until government looks our way.”
He urged the legislative aides to make good use of the office to change their political fortune by working effectively to serve Delta South Constituents.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of appointment letters to all the Legislative Aides by the Distinguished Senator.
Speaking on behalf of the Aides, the Senior Legislative Aide, Raymos Guanah, appreciated Senator Joel-Onowakpo for giving them the opportunity to serve. He noted that the Senator has set an unbeatable record with the appointment, remarking, “This is the first time this is happening in our Senatorial District since our return to democracy in 1999. We shall not take this opportunity for granted.”
The Legislative Aides promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Senator. They also pledged to support the Senator in his efforts to attract development to Delta South Senatorial District.
The event was attended by prominent leaders and stakeholders from the Senatorial District, who came to show their support for the Senator and the newly appointed Legislative Aides.
By Chijioke Ugbolue, Patrick Ochei, Chukwudi Abiandu, Abel Johngold
Delta State, yesterday, Saturday 13th July, 2024, held the Local Government election across the 25 council areas of the State amidst commendations over the peaceful conduct.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu
Monitoring the election in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State, some select journalists sought the opinions of some political leaders with regards to the election, where they particularly commended the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for living up to expectations.
The immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who voted at the Kanidinma Primary School Onicha-Uku, under Ward One, said the turnout of voters was impressive.
He acknowledged the enormous role of DSIEC in the area of voter education and of course, its proactive arrangement for security.
Elumelu further conformed the impressive nature of the election to the character, capacity and competence of the PDP Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Emma Chinye, whom he said was massively supported by all leaders in the LGA.
According to him, “This is the first time that all the leaders are coming together and speaking in one voice over Emma Chinye’s candidacy. It clearly shows that he is a man that has capacity and a man ready to pilot the affairs of the Council.
“I must also commend my people for their resilient commitment to the PDP in line with our leadership disposition and style. For this election, I have no doubt they will deliver in favour of the PDP”, Elumelu posited.
At Issele-uku in Ward Eight, Unit Four, the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi said there is no opposition as far as PDP is concerned.
Hon. Emeka Nwaobi
He affirmed that it was not possible for any other party to win in the election, because while PDP was campaigning vigorously, they were busy finding fault with the election.
He therefore scored DSIEC very high for not only conducting the LG election as scheduled in their guidelines, but also ensuring that the security of the candidates and voters is assured.
At Ward 3, Obomkpa, the veteran politician and Mother of Government, Chief Nkem Okwuofu ascribed the victory she envisaged to hard work by the PDP.
Chief Dame Nkem Okwuofu
She said PDP has done well and deserves victory at all levels of the contest.
Additionally, she scored DSIEC high for conducting an election that has been rated by all and sundry as peaceful in all ramifications.
Meanwhile, the man in the eyes of the election and chairmanship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Emma Chinye expressed confidence that he would win the election based on his vigorous campaigns and feelers at his disposal.
He appreciated the people of Aniocha North for choosing him to administer the Council, promising he would not disappoint them when he eventually emerges as the Chairman.
Also, the political Leader of Issele-Mkpitime under Ward Five, voting at Unit Six and former Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Krees Njiokwuemeni lauded his people for coming out en masse to vote in the election, describing the turnout as victory for PDP.
Hon. Krees Njiokwuemeni
His words, “This community is for the PDP. We have one Councillor that is contesting unopposed, yet we are just voting to comply with the rules of DSIEC. In today’s election, people have been voting and going home, unlike before when we used to keep them till after voting. Only those of us supervising and managing the election are the ones waiting here. It was peaceful, we commenced voting as early as 8:30am, and since then, it has been seamless”, he maintained.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza who voted at Nkeze Primary School, Idumuje-Ugboko was in high spirit and confident of victory for the PDP.
Hon. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, PhD
He said, “The election has been so peaceful and very credible. As at 6:30am all eligible voters had come out in anticipation of the election. Thank God DSIEC came early too. This is also to thank the Governor for the MORE Agenda performances so far.
“Interestingly, feelers are already hinging victory to PDP. The opposition parties know their limit, they should oppose with common sense and not just hoping for victory when they are not bringing anything to the table.
“Those that are coming in elected should work to meet up with the expectation of the Governor and the yearnings of the people. Thank God for the Local Government Financial Autonomy; it is very good but don’t forget that Delta State has always augmented the local government funds.
“Once again, I commend DSIEC for a good job. The process is seamless and nobody can fault it because of the level of transparency”, Osuoza explained.
Equally, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Daniel Odinigwe Odigie appreciated the people of Obomkpa for their peaceful nature, and by extension Aniocha North people for supporting PDP massively to continue to govern Delta across all levels of Government.
Another vibrant youth who has made credible mark in politics and governance is the State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga.
While speaking to newsmen at his polling unit in Ogbe-Utu Primary School, Issele-uku, he acknowledged the tasking function of DSIEC and how they exceeded the expectation of the people by raising the bar in the conduct of the latest Local Government election.
He added, “I commend DSIEC for their promptness in spite of the early morning rain. Everything went peacefully. I can rate their activity 99%.
“It is time for us to rebuild Aniocha North, which is clearly the vision of Hon. Emma Chinye. It’s not a one man show, all hands must be on deck to achieve the task. The gains of democracy is popular mandate, which is what the people have given to Hon. Emma Chinye by this election”, Egwunyenga submitted.
Also at Martin Primary School, Issele-uku voting centre, the Director General of the PDP campaign organization in Aniocha North and former Council Chairman, Hon. Jaunty Okwudi said PDP campaigned with all seriousness and deserved the victory that they expected.
He said there is no opposition, because all of them in the opposition parties are supporting and voting PDP candidates in the election.
On a final note at Idumuogo where the youths and women came out massively to support PDP, their leader, Deacon Roy Umunna commended DSIEC for being professional and proactive; confirming that the election was concluded peacefully.
The local government financial autonomy bill passed since March 2022 has survived plans to make it not to see the light of the day by series of litigations which was put paid by a landmark decision of the Supreme Court yesterday the 11th day of July 2024.
This epoch-making evolution of the “common” people’s government at the grassroots into a financially autonomous entity marks the end of the clandestine posture of local government with respect to their former paymaster the state government.
This development would without doubt deepen our democracy at local government level and make the council positions more competitive and participatory. The financial autonomy bill awarded to local governments holds better promises and a beacons of hope for people at the grassroots in view of a more impactful and prosperous democratic government where citizens would have a deep sense of belonging and leaders more accountable.
Nevertheless, accountability comes with responsibility and in this case financial responsibility. As the rider right put, a child who grows a big tooth must grow longer lips to cover it. That is to say, the local government Chairmen have just weaned off the State Governors and it now behoves on them to see that local communities develop with little or no recourse to state or federal government. The people are now aware that they would hold the local government chairmen responsible and accountable for under-development or otherwise in the dispensation of democratic dividends.
The President, reacting to the Supreme Court verdict, praised the bravery of the apex court above the whims and caprises of some state players who wanted to strangulate the bill, adding that the onus is now on local council chairmen to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of local governments. The President further stated that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.
This monster has just been defeated, and we look forward to seeing how the local government chairmen would evolve and brace up to the challenge of financial responsibility.
Stakeholders from the three Federal Constituencies of Delta North Senatorial District, have backed the proposed bill seeking for creation of Anioma state.
The stakeholders declared the total support yesterday in Asaba, at an interactive session to enlighten the public comprised of community representatives, civil society organizations, journalists and other interest groups on the creation of Anioma State from the territory of the present Delta State.
Ned Nwoko
Speaking at the interactive session, the National Coordinator of Ukpe Anioma, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, represented by the Ebubedike of Igbodo Kingdom, Chief Fred Obuseh, Ugo Anioma Movement, former Dean of Novena University, Ogume, Delta, Dr. Godwin Ossai, former Delta State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Tourism, Hon. Dan Okenyi including others expressed a form of appreciation to Senator Ned Nwoko for resurrecting the issue of Anioma state which had been in abeyance for decades since the time of Dennis Osadebey. Noting that it was kind of put to rest when Delta State was created, and not that it was totally forgotten.
While saying that there was no doubt that people of Delta North were in position to benefit from the creation of Anioma State, the interactive session admitted that, similarly, the people from Delta central and South were also in position to benefit from its creation because what use to come as one package would now be two packages with all the dividends that come from it.
In their separate positions on the viability and size of the geographical areas, Senior Special Assistant to Senator Ned Nwoko, High Chief Ugo Asibelua, Convener of Ugo Anioma Movement, Apostle Victor Sorokwu and renowned academic, Dr. Godwin Ossai aligned with the notion that Anioma has the landmass, the population, we have the intellectual capabilities to drive the economy, human and physical resources to become a viable State. And there is a general acceptance of its creation.
While cautioning that having the State created was better than expressing fear of marginalisation from the core South Easterners, Dr. Ossai appealed to the media and evey other persons to help disseminate and build consensus, truth, and commitment among the constituents of Delta-North’s to manage emerging distractions.
He noted that the whole purpose of state creation was to bring the government closer to to the people. insisting that there was need for it, there was benefit for having Anioma State.
“Let’s face the more controversial aspect of it, and that’s the State to be in South-East zone. We have to be pragmatic about it, you can’t say because we don’t want to be in South-East, therefore, we can’t have Anioma State.
“For those who have strong feeling against it being in South East, it is not a South-East government, it is a zone and not even constitutional but just for political convenience arrangement to help to bring people together to collaborate.”
In his contributions, Hon. Chief Dan Okenyi noted that the agitation for the creation of Anioma state dated back many years ago, then, as a movement, that it was disappointing to hear certain persons kicking against its creation.
He stated that he was pained to hear people agitating against the creation of Anioma state, that the State they were asking was for the nine Local Government Areas in Delta-North and no other town or community in the South-East is to be added to the proposed Anioma State.
Okenyi disclosed that the two Senators from Delta-South and Delta-Central senatorial districts are supporting the creation of Anioma State.
“This agitation is not about Senator Ned Nwoko; yes, it is true that God is using him to champion the project.” He added.
Concluding, the Convener of the stakeholders interactive session on the creation of Anioma State, Apostle Victor Sorokwu, hinted that the agitation for Anioma State dates back to the period of regional government in the country and should not be seen as an embodiment of one man.
