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STATE GOVT JEEPS FOR DELTA NASS MEMBERS: HOW NOT TO FUEL MISGOVERNMENT

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By Zik Gbemre

The frenzy, spearheaded by Rev Francis Waive, among serving Delta State’s National Assembly (NASS) members over Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s puerile gift of jeeps to them is the height of glorification of insensitive governance induced by extreme greed and shamelessness.

Since March 14th, a rubber-stamp Delta State House of Assembly, playing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s script has suspended Hon Matthew Omonade, member representing Ughelli North Constituency 1, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The victim’s offense was protesting that the Governor has plagiarized his intellectual property. A bill he (Omonade) conceived, presented for the House for hearing was swept under the carpet by Speaker Emotimi Guwor. Same Speaker would read same bill, word for word, to the Assembly as Executive Bill.

Not only is the intimidated lawmaker a constituent of Reps Waive, but Omonade got his state assembly seat on same platform as Waive got his NASS seat.

Waive cannot claim ignorance of the trials of Omonade. As informed and self-righteous as Waiva, he doesn’t need to be reminded that as a key opposition leader in PDP ruling Delta state, he and his party, the APC should come hard on Governor Oborevwori for unjustly punishing until now strongest opposition voice in the state assembly.

No, conceited Waive and his Delta APC has been mute on the tyrany against Omonade. Of all the gratitude from the beneficiaries over Oborevwori self-glorifying Greek Gift to Delta NASS members, it was holy Waive that lost his emotions the most.

He sang, “You have done what has never been done in our history by extending the kind gesture to ALL irrespective of political party affiliation. Today I received mine and all of us in the Delta caucus of the 10th National Assembly appreciate you.

“You have demonstrated again and again that you are Governor of all Deltans. And posterity will not forget you. This is a new dawn in our polity. Please keep carrying
every one along. I pray the Almighty God bless you and reward you by himself”. God have mercy on Delta.

Of what benefit is the donation of SUV Jeeps to Waive and fellow Delta NASS members from a local champion whose misgovernment has become the pain and shame of a state?

Recently the media was awash with public curses and condemnation on federal lawmakers restocking their official vehicle fleets with 360 SUVs estimated at N57.6Billion. Three young members of the national assembly rejected theirs saying it was not needed by them.

Waive who had benefited that new jeep is now excited at receiving another one from a kindergarten Governor Oborevwori who has not completed any project since taking reigns of power but transforming Delta on the media and imagination of hired praise singers and only visible at the funerals, birthday parties and marriages of political associates while populace suffers.

Days ago, Oborevwori invited Goodluck Jonathan to commission a building housing High Courts in Asaba to mark a year in office in smokescreen For the records, the high court building was started in the administration of Chief James Ibori who was known for shoddy jobs. His cousin, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan resumed work on it and
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa completed it and allowed it for use by partially without full painting and furnishing.

What incumbent Oborevwori did in that high court building was to paint and provide furniture and do a few finishing touches and as always, he is crazy about claiming vain glory by inviting former President Jonathan to make a big show of nothing.

Oborevwori who was in Rivers state days before should tell Deltans the luxuriant Customary Court he saw there and the kind of projects he was invited by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as Special Guests. The Governor of Lagos state just commissioned another 270 housing units in Egan-Igando.

Kingergarten Governor, Oborevwori, with evident lack of capacity to lead a state is busy setting misplaced, egoistic priorities having no bearing on the common man, setting new tone in misgovernment. And it is Waive, a sanctimonious APC Reps member who should be constructively criticising the local champion governor that has assumed Oborevwori’s chief cheerleader, because of a car gift at the expense of the majority neglected Deltans.

Few days ago, I re-echoed the sorry state of Orhowhe Primary School Iwhrekan-Edjophe in Ughelli South LGA, with dilapidated buildings, leaking roofs with no chairs, tables and desks for teachers and pupils. Ughelli South LGA is one of the three LGAs Waive is representing in NASS.

Okuama, a constituent community under Waive, needs urgent humanitarian aids and rebuilding after the Nigerian Military due to Oborevwori’s puerile handling of the situation, leveled all living structures except a church, in ruthless vengeful occupation of the community over killing of some solders.

The hundreds of millions of naira the ‘money-miss-road’ governor wasted on gratifying Waiwe and colleagues would have gone a long way in renovating Orhowhe Primary School Iwhrekan-Edjophe and starting meaningful interventions at rehabilitating and resettling Okuama people.

Instead the governor is making promises to rebuilt school and health center for the community, when he is supposed to have commenced action like as soon as the military withdrew from Okuama. Sen Ede Dafinone visited and made same empty promises. Now Waive is cheering to new jeep while Okuame people need urgent help.

I ask Waive, how many of his church members can eat three healthy square meals a day? How many can afford WAEC registration fees for their children without struggle? I have said it many times, the problem with this country is not leadership. Once a person is elected or appointed in public office he/she loses moral conscience and begins to destroy the very society he is entrusted to transform.

The Nigerian populace continue living in abject poverty, including the Soldiers, Police and DSS guarding the officeholders and politicians who continue to flow in wealth of the people forcefully taken from them. There is always a day for the thief. We have seen some suffer kamal before.

Zik Gbemre
June 8, 2024

We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes

ACCESSING QUALITY HEALTH-CARE: Akpoveta calls for ‘Collective Responsibility’ of supporting the needy

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By Pat Gbemudu
The Director-General/ CEO of Delta State Contributory Health Commission ( DSCHC), Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has called on all Deltans of means, nationally or in the diaspora, to please imbibe the concept of Collective Responsibility especially by adopting indigents and vulnerable persons in Delta State, and purchase health insurance card of the DSCHS for them.
Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta
The  D-G made the assertion at the Flagging-Off of registration of 1,000 Indigents Adopted for enrollment into the DSCHC Insurance Scheme by the Akpoveta family at Ofuoma Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday.
In his speech titled “ADOPTING AND CARING FOR INDIGENTS: Supporting the Needy – The Beauty of Collective Responsibility”, Dr. Akpoveta, who noted that Good health is the very first need of humans, disclosed that he and his immediate family nationally and in diaspora decided to enrich the lives of vulnerable and indigent persons in and around his community of Ofuoma and its neighboring communities of Odovie, Emeragha, Ogbowan, Afiesere and Ughelli Town as a way of supporting the needy.
According to him “Supporting others and embracing the concept of Collective Responsibility creates a powerful and positive impact on individuals and communities alike. The  registration is just at a subsidized rate of N7,000 only per person for a whole year of accessible and quality health care.
“With the insurance card they will receive quality healthcare services from any Health care facility of their choice for one year. This will surely enrich their lives, as Good Health is WEALTH, as the saying goes.
” This is what the Akpoveta family has demonstrated by adopting and enrolling 1000 indigents.”
Dr. Akpoveta, flanked by a representative of World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. David Kojovo, the President General (P-G) of Ofuoma Community, Comrade Godfrey Etabuko, Delta State Chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN/TUC, Comrade Bolum Martins Nwachukwu, stirringly asserted that “Embracing collective responsibility transforms communities, making them more resilient, inclusive, and compassionate. It highlights the interconnectedness of human experiences and the importance of working together to create a better world for everyone.”
Highlighting the beauty of Collective Responsibility in his speech, the Director General of DSCHC opined that ‘Fostering Unity and Cooperation’ was crucial to the rescue.
He said collective responsibility encourages people to work together towards common goals, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
“This can strengthen community bonds and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included. WHEN YOU VALUE PEOPLE, PEOPLE VALUE YOU”. Akpoveta added.
The D-G also harped on ‘Empowering Individuals’ noting that when people know they have the support of others, they feel more empowered to take risks, pursue their goals, and overcome challenges. That such collective backing can boost confidence and resilience.
Other points raised and suggested by Dr. Akpoveta in supporting the needy includes ‘Enhances Well-being’, where he said a community that practices collective responsibility tends to have higher levels of well-being. That people feel more secure and less isolated when they know they are part of a network that looks out for one another.
He charged Nigerians to Promote Social Justice. That by sharing responsibilities and resources, communities can address inequalities and ensure that everyone had access to opportunities and support. This can lead to more equitable outcomes and a fairer society.
The D-G also encouraged people to ‘Builds Trust’ that it’s only when individuals consistently support each other, trust within the community grows.
According to Dr. Akpoveta, “Trust is a critical component of strong relationships and effective collaboration, making collective efforts more successful.
“Another point is ‘Inspire Positive Change’. Collective responsibility can drive social change by mobilizing groups to take action on important issues. When people come together to support a cause, they can create significant and lasting impact.
“We must ‘Encourage Altruism’. Supporting others encourages altruistic behavior, which can be deeply fulfilling. Helping others not only benefits the recipients but also brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction to the helpers.
“Altruism is the principle and practice of concern for the well-being and/or happiness of other humans or animals above oneself.”
Commending the Delta State Government which he said has and still supporting the scheme haven paid billions of naira especially for the vulnerable (maternal and children under 5 years), Dr. Akpoveta said the totality of the concept of Collective Responsibility is what is encapsulated in the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s Administration.
M: Meaningful Development
O: Opportunity for All
R: Realistic Reforms
E: Enhance Peace and Security
According to him “More especially Collective Responsibly creates Opportunity for All and it Enhance Peace and Security of Communities where it is practiced deliberately.
“The Delta State Contributory Health Commission was established to run a Social Health Insurance Scheme with several plans: Equity Plan; Formal Plan; Informal Plan and Private Plan. It also runs Initiatives: Indigent Enrollee.
“Adoption Initiative: Artisans Enrollee Adoption Initiative; Access To Finance Initiative and the TISSHIP.
“With these plans and initiatives we have enrolled over 2milion residents of Delta State with over 7million encounters since inception of the schemes about 8 years ago.”

APC liars and propagandists are at their trade again

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Asue Ighodalo

By George Etakibuebu

An African adage says “No man ever acknowledges that his opponent’s hunting dog is capable of killing a huge grasscutter (a delicious animal).” It is, therefore, not surprising that All Progressives Congress (APC) children of anger, who go by the moniker of Akpakomiza Media Strikers (what a name) whose stock in trade is nothing other than peddle lies and propaganda, are at it again.

Still reeling from the debilitating fallout of their principal, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s disastrous outing with Akoko-Edo Development Association, where he was caught pants down “giraffing” what to say, and even at that still made a very poor and calamitous showing of it, the APC urchins managed to crawl out of their hiding on Friday afternoon with their usual lies and propaganda.

High-flying Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election, had stormed Uwesan, Esan Central Local Government Area, where a mammoth crowd of organic supporters in a carnival-like manner received him. Unable to stomach the spontaneous and overwhelmingly successful endorsement of Ighodalo in Okpebholo’s community, the e-rats went to town with their outlandish lie and propaganda that Hon Paul Iyoha, Executive Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, hired the huge and intimidating crowd that warmly and enthusiastically welcomed Ighodalo to the community. How many people can one hire? How do you hire that huge number of enthusiastic crowds? This is another lie from the pit of hell. And it is typical of the APC in the state. I enjoin the good people of Edo to disregard their funny story. They have nothing to offer.

For the APC and Akpakomiza Media Strikers, it is one day, one lie and one propaganda. It is their stock in trade. They are children of Joseph Goebbels, the Propagandist in Chief of Nazi Germany during the 2nd World War. Watch out, they have another lie and propaganda well packaged for tomorrow. For them, they are not concerned with their incompetent principal, who despite being coached on what to say during a virtual interactive session, still managed to mess up spectacularly.

I wish to remind these people who know nothing other than peddling lies, that Asue Ighodalo is an Edo Project. His candidacy is gaining wide acceptance on a daily basis and it will continue in the weeks and months to come.

He has made it clear that his vision is to make Edo State a first world sub-national state in Nigeria and he will not be distracted by some rogue and half-baked peddlers of lies and propaganda who are pretending to be journalists.

 

Etakibuebu writes from Benin City

Women Gulf Day engage females in charitable cause with global impact from local level – Ugbegu

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The Lady Captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Igho Ugbegu said the 2024 Women Golf Day as instituted by several bodies including the Royal St. Andrew’s as well as the Professional Golf Association, was aimed at creating a network to support girls and women through golf as well as continuing golf no matter what skill level.

The Lady Captain said that the project was also to engage women and girls in charitable cause with global impact from a local level while making the game of golf fun and accessible to women and girls around the world.

The Captain of the Club Chief Patrick Ukah represented by his Vice Captain, Alex Joe described the 2024 Women Golf Day Kitty as a superb tournament which had continued to showcase the power of women in national development.

According to Chief Ukah the 2024 Women Golf Day was apt as it had helped the world to remember to celebrate those women who have proven themselves in various fields of endeavour asserting that women golfers had made their marks across the world.

Others who spoke described the Kitty as a welcomed development as it had also helped in engendering unity and a better health for members as the four hour golf kitty had increased the competitiveness of golfers globally.

 

Ijeoma Popo emerged winner of the 2024 Women Golf Day Kitty at the Ibori Golf and Country Club Asaba organized by the Lady captain of the club, Igho Ugbegu.

 

Ijeona swung in 67 Gross in Nine holes within four hours to beat Rita Izoje and Ruebth Iro-Awa to second and third place.

 

Chukwuka Achonye hit 53 gross to beat Henry Onianwa and Sunny Okorie to second and third place in the Men’s Category.

The Kitty featured a shotgun, a clinic for children as well as the presentation of prizes to the winners and the cutting of Cake to commemorate the 2024 Women Golf Day

NOA Delta State Director, Tracy Ikolomi (Mrs) with her Team on Orientation Half-Hour with Belushi Nwa Mama of Trends 100.9 FM

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See links

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q1YPpWJbO-0aNrrpM7nqvUjmKVu5RKrB/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c8G2luo5aun1PxDgYshZivAZKPXiokl7/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Minimum Wage: At last, Labour, Federal Govt Reach A Fragile Truce

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Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership of the National Assembly intervened on 2nd June, 2024. The Organised Labour declared nationwide strike on Monday, 3rd June, 2024 to drive home its demands.

2. The Federal Government, in the National interest, convened a meeting with Labour held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday 3rd June, with a view to ending the strike action.

3. After exhaustive deliberation and engagement by both parties, the following resolutions were reached:

1. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;

II. Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

III. Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and

IV. No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.

Done in Abuja on the 3rd of June, 2024.

Signed

For the Federal Government of Nigeria:

1. Mohammed Idris

03/08/24

Minister of Information and National Orientation
2. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

Minister of State for Labour and Employment

For the Organised Labour:

1. Joe Ajaero
President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

2. Festus Osifo
President, Trade Union Congress (TUC)

Continue

ASABA: ANRPM Inaugurates Niger-Delta Comptroller 1 and State Chairmen; Advocates Zero-Tolerance to All Forms of Petroleum Products Illegalities

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By: Wilbet Ijeoma

The Association of Nigeria Refineries Petroleum Marketers (ANRPM) unveiled its Zonal Comptroller 1/ States Chairmen in a strategic forum with Pressmen today the 3rd day of June 2024 in Asaba, Delta State. The event which took place at Ofimaks Hotel, Asaba was presided by the Zonal Comptroller 1 Operations of the Niger-Delta States, Dr. Edison C. Nwadiaro and roundly attended by executives and staff members of the Association from the different states of Niger-Delta Zone.


The Comptroller 1 Operations of the Niger-Delta States who doubles as the Acting National Coordinator of ANRPM, underscored the mandate of the Association which is Say No to all forms of petroleum products illegalities such as bunkering, dubious middlemen, artificial scarcity of petroleum products and adulteration of petroleum products, amongst others. He revealed diversion of products as a consequential bane to the supply of the product in Nigeria as some distributors divert products to neighbouring countries thereby inducing artificial scarcity and price hike of the products.

Giving credence to his appointment, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro read his appointment letter from the National Office of ANRPM under the distinguished leadership of Hon. Usman B. Ali, the National Board Chairman of the Association. The Zonal Comptroller 1 affirms that he has 9 States under his oversight which include Abia, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Ondo, Delta, Imo, Akwa-Ibom and Edo States.


Speaking on the authority upon which the Association derived its powers, the Comptroller 1 mentioned that ANRPM is a contraption of the Federal Government, thus it is a Federal Task Force seeking collaboration with the State Government and all security agencies in Niger-Delta region so as to tackle headlong the illegalities in petroleum midstream and downstream subsector.


Speaking further, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro intimated that letters of introduction of State Chairmen have been written to State Governments of the states under his purview with some critical statutory bodies of the states as copy addressees. He also hinted on an advanced training programme for staff of the Association for capacity building which is billed to take place outside the shores of the country. While taking turn to introduce and present appointment letters to the zonal and state chairmen present at the event, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro charged them to discharge their duties effectively without fear or favour.

States and their Chairmen inaugurated in the event are; Abia – AGBARA CHIKEZIE
Imo – AMAECHI ADIBE, Enugu- Amb. GEORGE IGWE, Rivers- BENJACK TELEMA, and Bayelsa- Engr Ozeke Frank Kemefa.


Highpoints of the events were introduction of the Association, elucidation of its mandate, reading of letters of introductions and appointments, presentations of appointment letters to State Chairmen culminating in Press interview.


Responding to journalists, Dr. Nwadiaro who hails from Oguta in Imo State explained that the mission of the Association is to eradicate all the irregularities in the Oil Sector by illegal bunkers. He emphasized that the scope of its operations is delimited to engaging and synergizing with law enforcement agencies, ministries and private parastatals. “We are bringing amnesty to those illegal bunkers, bringing them together while federal government will come and know how to assist them”; Dr. Nwadiaro remarked.


Speaking further, the Comptroller 1 assured that ANRPM are on ground to clamp down on defaulters and perpetrators of all forms of petroleum products illegalities. “We are here to fight all menace in the oil sector”; Dr. Nwadiaro reaffirmed. On how to inaugurate States and staff members, the Comptroller said the Association is taking it gradually state by state seeking those fit and credible to join the Association across the 9 Niger-Delta States.

On whether the Association has adequate manpower to enforce its mandate, Dr. Nwadiaro said they are not working alone as ANRPM is working in collaboration with security agencies, and that Delta State has 375 field workers, 15 from each of the 25 LGAs of the state with the state executives making it 400 workers, which has made positive impacts on employment creation for Deltans.


Notable executive members of ANRPM present at the event include Delta South Coordinator, Amb Dr. Mrs. Success Mogaju, Acting Zonal Coordinator Delta North, Hon. Matthew Ochonogor, Chief of Staff of Delta North, Mrs. Helen Okechukwu Ada, S.A. Special Duties, Amb. George Onyemechi, Director Admin, AMB. Joshua Michel, and Admin Manager, Mrs. Magdalene Ofulue, amongst others.

Revisiting the Issues Around Edo 2024 Governorship Election: It is Edo First

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By Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq., PNM FCAI

As a critical stakeholder in the Edo project, I always feel a compelling need to lend my voice to the direction the Edo Nation should go per time. Last year, I came up with a four part essay that critically evaluated the coming governorship election and the Governor Edo needed . My positions were valid at the time and still valid today, but because of the vicissitudes of life, it is imperative for me to revisit some of my proposals , looking at where we are now, but as I said in my previous treatise, my loyalty will always remain with truth, correctness and Edo in that order. At the end, one would be satisfied that one has tried to goad society on the right path.

Asue Ighodalo

The major interest for Edo people generally was that the next Edo Governor must be Esan from Edo Central Senatorial district. Edo people are essentially one people by ethnic grouping through history, culture, language and eternal bond. We believe in fairness, equity, correctness and justice. This is why, I believe, Edo people on the streets of Benin City, Igara, Auchi, Uromi, Ehor etc, held the strong view that the next Edo Governor must be Esan.

 

Personally, I hold competence, character and personality over tribe and tongue. It matters to me not where anyone comes from if they can get the job done. How many of us would employ a bungling idiot because they are from our tribe and speak same language as us? So why do we fight naked to ensure the man from same village as us, etc, superintend over us as President or Governor?

Asue Ighodalo

Not to belabour the issue, I agree that the next Edo Governor should be from Edo Central to ensure the cord that bind Edo people for hundreds of years remain strong. Many people probably do not know that the ancient Benin Empire was supported to be great by all Edo tribes,including Esans, who also contributed soldiers to the Benin Army in furtherance of the course of extending the empire. So to ensure all Edo tribes feel part and parcel of the Edo project, it was essential the other Edo tribes conceded the 2024 Governorship to Esan at this time so we can be properly galvanised to face the future together.

 

Who is the one to lead us into this future? A prowl of leopards led by a sheep will meet a certain disastrous end. The next Edo Governor must be a man who shows he is prepared and would be ready to hit the ground running from the first day. We cannot afford to have a Governor that would be led by others. The Edo Governor must show that he knows where he is going by showing us where he is coming from and where he is today.

 

The next Governor of Edo State should be a man ( or woman) that commands respect across the State. He must be a person that is able to connect with the entire State and has broad knowledge of the various demographics making up the State.

 

In the midsts of the noise coming out from activities leading up to the next election in Edo State, what I find most numbing, annoying and insidious is the presentation of the APC ticket, having a serving senator as Governorship candidate and a serving member of the House of Reps as his deputy. They started their campaign for Governor just after their elections into the National Assembly, before they were inaugurated to represent their various constituent and district in the National Assembly. I find this totally disrespectful to members of their constituencies and District . The APC by this, are clearly showing that they have no focus and that they rate Edo people very low. This recklessness must be checked and Edo people must ask questions. You had barely spent two months as a Senator or a Member of the House of Representatives and you started distracting yourself with personal gubernatorial ambitions, when there is nothing the people can use to rate your performance as a legislator, just because you can throw money around, hire hatchet men and praise singers ? We must quickly take these people aside and tell them to stop insulting our collective intelligence with such brazeness.

 

What has the APC candidate, senator Monday Okpebholo done in the senate that should make Edo people reward him with the Governorship of the state? Many times, I see him fidgeting while trying to address basic questions. He is 52 but his hands shake while holding the microphone, his posture unstable, walking around the podium like a primary school pupil in a debate session, showing zero self confidence. What is even worse is his lack of cognition and understanding of even basic issues. A candidate for governorship of Edo state that did not know the difference between a museum and a zoo will be an embarrassment to Edo people; his government would be rudderless,leaving Edo people a lot poorer and disillusioned. How can he sit with foreign investors and negotiate on our behalf ? So to be Governor of Edo state, a candidate must show capacity and personality . He must show that he understands the issues and he is able to profer solutions in a cost effective manner.

TO BE CONTD

Ogbegie, a lawyer, community leader and public affairs analyst, wrote in from Benin City, Edo State.

BODY OF FEDERAL & STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL’s COMMUNIQUE

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BODY OF FEDERAL & STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL

Registered Address:
C/O Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation,

Auditor House,
Plot 273, Samuel Ademulegun Street,
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria.

Date: 23rd May, 2023

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 53RD BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE BODY OF FEDERAL AND STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL, NIGERIA HELD 19TH AND 23RD MAY, 2024 WITH THE “THEME: SUPREME AUDIT INSTITUTION AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES”

INTRODUCTION

The Body of Federal and State Auditors General, Nigeria held their 53rd Biannual Conference on19th-23rd May, 2024 with the Theme: “Supreme Audit Institution and the Achievement of Government Priorities”. The Conference was declared opened by the Executive Governor of Osun State His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke who was represented by His Excellency Prince Kola Adewusi, the Deputy Governor of Osun State.

The Chairman of the Body, Sir Sunday Adegoke delivered a welcome address followed by goodwill messages from PAC Chairman of OSHA, Commissioner of Finance Osun State,Accountant General, Auditor General for Local Governments in Osun State, and Royal Father of the Day, Timi of Ede. An address was also delivered by The Auditor General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira represented by Dr Busayo Fawale.

 

The conference featured five plenaries, a technical session, business meeting and tour to some monument centers in Osun state. Scholars, Professionals and Technocrats addressed the conference including, Prof Taiwo Asaolu (Vice Chancellor University of llesa. Osun State), Mr Ayodeji Ogunyemi (Partner and Finance Consulting Leader Ernst &Young West Africa),Mr Anthony Ogunyemi (Director in charge of International Audit,Office of the Auditor General for the Federation), Mr Olusegun Elemo (Founder and Executive Director Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI)) and Sir Sunday Adegoke (Auditor General of Ondo State). The Conference recorded a combined attendance of Thirty-Six participants comprising of One Representative of Auditor General for Federation, Twenty-Four State Auditors General, Eleven Directors of State Audit Offices.⁹Delegates appreciates the efforts being made by all the levels of governments in Nigeria towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development, and the persistent hurdles being faced in the process.

The conference noted that:
With just a little over five years to the 2030 set date for the achievement of the SDGs, and the limited progress made so far, there is need for urgent concerted efforts towards meeting the target;

The suspension of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the Social lnvestment and Humanitarian programme by the Federal Government, if not quickly addressed, will adversely affect the achievement of the SDGs within the target date;


The role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) in the achievement of the SDGs,as affirmed by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)in their Moscow Declaration at the XXIII International Congress of Supreme Audit Institutions (INCOSAI),which was hosted by the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation in 2019, need to be effectively played towards the achievement of the targets;

The SAls in Nigeria are currently not well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, as well as the administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role, hence the need for further strengthening;
The audit of donor funds requires strategic, integrated, innovative, information technology and data-driven approach, which requires further training of the audit personnel;
Periodic audit forum at all levels would be needed to secure the buy-in of relevant stakeholders to the activities of Supreme Audit Institutions;
SAls in Nigeria need an umbrella Body in the nature of the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions is urgently needed to support capacity building of members, peer review and cooperative audits, among other benefits;
The implementation of International public sector accounting standards in about twenty States are still on cash basis, despite the benefits of migrating to accrual basis; while a number of institutional and resource-related challenges are still hindering effective implementation of the standards.
At the end of the conference, the Body resolved as follows:

1. That Sections 85(3) and 125 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria be amended to strengthen the offices of the Auditors General to audit the books and records of Accounts of Parastatals, Commissions, Boards and other Agencies of Government.
2. That Federal Government should expedite the process of reviewing the Social Investment and Humanitarian Programme and resume operations of the programme as soon as possible, in order to enhance achievement of the SDGs.
3. We, the Supreme Audit Institutions (i.e. offices of Auditors-General) in Nigeria affirm our commitment to accelerate action on the implementation of the Moscow Declaration on their role in the achievement of the SDGs
4. The Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in Nigeria should be well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, while necessary amendments should be made to the Constitution and Audit Laws at all levels to grant administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role.
5. Audit Forum should be held regularly to provide opportunity for stakeholders to properly understand the role of SAls and thus enhance their supports for the work of SAls
6. The establishment of the Nigerian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions should be fast tracked to support capacity building of members, peer review, and cooperative audits, among other benefits.
7. The States that are yet to migrate to IPSAS Accrual should endeavour to do so, in order to maximize the benefits of IPSAS implementation.
8. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation Fiscal Commission’s new template on the emolument of Certain Political, Judicial and Public Officials should be implemented immediately by all levels of Government, to help cushion the effect of the present economic situation and high cost of living on the affected public officers.
9. The Body of Body of Auditors General of the Federation and States appeals to the State Executives to confirm those Auditors General who have been on acting capacity for more than six months to avert legitimacy issues as it relates to he Audited Financial Statements/any other Audit Reports already signed or will be signed by any of them.

Signed

Dr U.S.A. Udu
Auditor General, Ebonyi State,
Chairman, Communiqué Committee

Garba Muhammad Dutse, FCA
Auditor General, Jigawa State,
Secretary, Body of Federal and State Auditors-General

Sir Sunday Omoniyi Adegoke, FCA
Auditor General, Ondo State,
Chairman, Body of Federal and State Auditors-General

Ovoke Omagbemi Felicitates Gov Oborevwori on One Year in Office

By
News View
-
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori

By Wale Nice

In commemoration of His Excellency Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s one-year milestone in office, Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi joins the people of Delta State in celebrating the remarkable achievements and progress made under his leadership.

He said Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the MORE Agenda has laid the foundation for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, Enhanced Peace and Security, and Expected Outcomes throughout the state. In line with his campaign promises, his administration has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to fulfilling its obligations to the people.

Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi

According to him “One of the standout accomplishments of Governor Oborevwori’s one year in office is the substantial progress made in job creation and massive projects across the three senatorial district. Through initiatives such as the Delta State Youth Empowerment Program and the Civil Service Recruitment Exercise, thousands of job opportunities have been generated, contributing to the economic empowerment of Delta’s citizens.

“Furthermore, the administration’s focus on economic growth is evident in the significant increase in the state’s GDP and the substantial improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). By implementing innovative revenue generation strategies, Governor Oborevwori’s government has ensured a more robust financial foundation for Delta State.

“Additionally, the investment-friendly policies enacted by the administration have led to a notable influx of capital into the state. This surge in investment interest underscores the confidence that both local and international investors have in Delta State’s potential under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.

“As Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi extends his congratulations to His Excellency Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, he acknowledges the transformative impact of Governor Oborevwori’s governance and expresses confidence in the continued progress and prosperity of Delta State under his visionary leadership.”

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