WordPress

Author: Edeki Igafe

  • FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    FG commences 250 housing units project in Delta

    Housing
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri (Delta), June 30 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated the construction of 250 housing units in Ekpan Community, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
    Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday in Ekpan Community.
    In his remark, Dangiwa said that the housing projects was under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
    He said that the programme was launched in February by President Bola Tinubu, to provide access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
    The minister said that the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and build a $1 trillion economy.
    He said that the project was being funded from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget that Tinubu approved for the ministry, to ensure sustainability, quality, and geographic spread.
    Dangiwa said that the 250 units comprised 50 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
    The minister said that the housing units were designed in a way that would make them affordable for people to acquire, by using organic designs to allow for future expansion, as the income of beneficiaries increased.
    “Today’s ceremony in Delta is a continuation of the nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
    “With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” he said.
    Dangiwa urged the contractors to ensure they worked according to specification and expressed hope that the project would create over 6,500 jobs for people in various trades.
    “I want to emphasise in very strong terms that we will not tolerate substandard work from any developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that they deliver as per the contract.
    “We also want the developers to adhere to the timeline and finish within three months, so that we can begin the process of getting Delta indigenes to purchase and move in,” he said.
    In his address welcome, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, thanked the Federal Government for the partnership.
    Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said that the project would assist in tackling the housing deficit in the state.
    “We are grateful to the Federal Government for including Delta among the 13 states for the commencement of the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project.
    “In support of this project, the state government provided 25 hectares of land with Certificate of Occupancy, in favour of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,” he said.
    In his remark, the Chairman, Ekpan community, Mr Victory Iderakpa, thanked the Federal Government and promised that they would provide a conducive climate for the contractors to execute the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/FON/BRM
    =================
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Those behind oil theft live outside Niger Delta – Sen. Dickson

    Theft

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 28, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) on Friday described those behind oil theft in the Niger Delta as “big players” who reside outside the region.

    The senator made the allegation at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta while visiting the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketepe, Agadagba.

    Dickson said although Ijaw youths were tagged to be behind oil theft, they lacked the capacity and technical know-how to understand how pipelines operate.

    “Those big players behind the crude oil theft are not from the region but are based in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the world,” he said.

    He explained that the Ijaw people were living in the creeks, earning their daily livelihood on the waterways and farmlands when the alleged thieves polluted the land with their nefarious activities.

    “We have no means and no capacity to engage in the high-level operations that result in the daily loss of Nigerian crude oil produced from our place.

    “Those who have the capacity to compromise and infiltrate the national security system and infiltrate the national petroleum system; those who have the capacity to hire the tankers and shuttle vessels, they are not Ijaws.

    “We do not have the capacity to do that! We do not even have the experience to be involved in that kind of operation,” he said.

    The legislator, who is also the state ex-governor, said such high-level operations needed a lot of resources, coordination, funding and international networking.

    He, however, urged Nigeria to step up her game in the international arena by pushing for the designation of her stolen crude oil.

    “Those who, on a daily basis under declare what is produced; those who have refused to properly monitor and record what is produced for over 50 or 60 years should take the blame.

    “It is not the Ijaw youth – harmless people without the capacity and without the technical know-how,” he said.

    He, however, commended the traditional ruler for ensuring peace in his kingdom and the entire Niger Delta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dickson also visited Dr Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

    He commended Ekpemupolo for the wonderful job he had been doing with his private security outfit, TSSNL, to boost the nation’s oil revenue and ensure the regeneration of the region’s ecosystem. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/KOO/MAS
    =============

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Moses Solanke

  • Traditional ruler urges Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration 

    Traditional ruler urges Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration

    Support

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri(Delta), June 25, 2024 (NAN) King Monday Whiskey, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta,  has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The traditional ruler made the appeal while addressing newsmen on Monday at his palace.

    He expressed displeasure at the manner Nigerians criticised Tinubu’s government on social media.

    “Leaders need support and encouragement; I therefore remind Nigerians that we do not have another country than Nigeria.

    “The manner people use social media to condemn leaders is appalling. This government is just one year in office, we should pray and support it,” he said.

    He urged the Federal Government to ensure that farm inputs were evenly distributed across the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Whiskey urged the federal government to holistically address the farmer-herders clashes, and improve the nation’s security architecture to encourage people to go into farming.

    The traditional ruler frowned at ethnic profiling of the crisis, saying that all Nigerians have roles to play in the sustenance of peace and security in the country.

    “Nobody ascends a position without the hand of God. We cannot take the blame and heap it at the door step of the government, we all have our roles to play,” he said.

    He lauded the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), for effectively protecting the oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that TSSNL is a private pipeline surveillance outfit engaged by the federal government to secure oil facilities in the region.

    The traditional ruler appealed to Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to expand the scope of the TSSNL’s coverage.

    “If we must move forward, there is a need for more government encouragement to expand the scope of coverage of the oil facilities by the security outfit.

    “For more than one year, we are seeing clean water. The environment is regenerating. Sea piracy has reduced; crude oil production has increased tremendously.

    “By expanding the scope of coverage, there will be more jobs created; many youths will be taken off the streets.

    He called for a specific and concerted development-driven agenda in the Niger Delta.

    Whiskey said that the more the federal government opened up the Niger Delta to modern ways of doing things, the better for the security of national assets in the region. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

    EDI/KOO/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joseph Edeh

     

    /

  • Oborevwori lauds traditional institutions for development of Delta

     Onyeme (left) with the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdom, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11 at the installation …on Friday in Warri, Delta

    Oborevwori lauds traditional institutions for development of Delta

    Partnership
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri(Delta), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says his administration will continue to nurture the existing partnership with the traditional institutions for the development of the state.
    Oborevwori gave the assurance on Friday in Warri during the presentation of Staff of Office to the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11.
    The governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
    According to Oborevwori,  his administration holds traditional rulers in high esteem due to the important role they play in governance, particularly at the grassroots.
    “We are here to witness and be part of the joy of the good people of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom for the presentation of Staff of Office to the royal father, Kingsley Orereh, Igbi 11, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdom.
    “My administration enjoys robust partnership with the traditional institution. We will continue to cultivate and nurture the existing partnership.
    “The event of today is the high point of activities lined up for the installation of the traditional ruler to the throne of his fore fathers.
    “I commend the people of Agbarha- Warri for the ability to organise themselves in a most harmonious manner, which has resulted to the palpable joy we are all witnessing today.
    “I sincerely hope that the love, understanding, unity and sense of purpose manifesting among you today, will become a permanent feature of all the activities of the people of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom,” he said.
    Oborevwori, while tasking the king to be proactive on issues bothering on security, urged him to uphold all the cherished cultural norms and values of his people.
    He urged the king to be fair to his subjects through regular consultations and prudent handling of matters that affect the people and the kingdom.
    The governor expressed hope that the ascension of the traditional ruler into the throne of his forebears would make significant impact on the peace and harmonious co-existence in Agbarha-Warri kingdom.
    “The people of Agbarha-Warri kingdom have a long history of good neighbourliness, peace and love both among themselves and other inhabitants.
    “Government, therefore, has every good reason to look forward to an enduring atmosphere of calmness and a sustainable development in this kingdom,” he
    said.
    Oborevwori urged the people of Agbarha-Warri to accord the king the needed privileges and respect the traditional institution.
    Earlier,  Chief Chris Orode, Chairman, Staff of Office Planning Committee, said that the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom was strategic in building bridges of peaceful coexistence with the traditional rulers of Okere-Urhobo and others
    Orode promised that the people of Agbarha-Warri kingdom would support the Oborevwori-led administration for peace in the kingdom. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/OJI/JI
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Joe Idika

     

  • Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta

    Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta
    Suspect
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri (Delta), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has neutralised a suspected member of a kidnap gang during a shootout in Ughelli North Local Government area.
    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe told newsmen on Friday in Warri that the other members of the gang escaped during the shootout.
    Edafe said that the incident occurred on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities  of Ughelli North.
    He said that the team of police operatives deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums resulting in the death of one of the gang members.
    Edafe said that the team lead by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road by an abandoned filling station.
    “The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire on the team, and the police responded.
    “In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gun shot injuries while others escaped.
    “The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment,” he said.
    Edafe said that two Beretta pistol and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members.
    The command’s spokesman said that a manhunt was already underway for the fleeing members of the gang.
    Edafe also said that the police special team arrested four robbery/kidnap suspects in Sapele Town on Wednesday.
    He said that ASP Robinson led the police team to the suspects hideout in Sapele and effected the arrest.
    According to him, one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.
    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that aside the hoodlums’ involvement in cult-related activities, they were also suspected to be armed robbers
    The police spokesman said that investigation into the case was ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/AYO/AOS
    ============
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

  • Optometrist urges post-operative management in cataract surgery

    Optometrist urges post-operative management in cataract surgery

    Surgery

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Optometrist, Dr Comfort Omo-Irabor, said there was a need  for a post-operative management of cataract surgery to avoid further complications on the patient.

    She stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Warri.

    Omo-Irabor, the managing director of a private eye clinic in Warri, said that most conditions were left worse after the surgery due to lack of post-operative management of the patient.

    The eye specialist and consultant in low vision noted that most times, cataract surgery was sponsored by the government and Non-Governmental Organisations.

    The optometrist urged the government to always do a follow up in whatever programme it is sponsoring in the health sector.

    “There is a need for post-operative management of a cataract surgery otherwise, at the end, you will leave the patient worse than he or she was before the operation.

    “Before the surgery, the patient complained he cannot see but after the surgery, because there is no post-operative management, he will be having other complications like pains, headache and others,” she said.

    Omo-Irabor urged the government to always put adequate logistics in place in whatever programme it does in the health sector, to enable people to reap the benefits of the initiative.

    According to her, the government could only be seen as supportive when what they initiated is actually yielding the desired results.

    She said that this could only be possible when there were different teams handling the programme.

    “Whenever the government is having a plan that is health-related, especially those that have to do with surgery, it should ensure the whole process is fully taken care of.

    “You could have the main team conducting the surgery, the monitoring team and the post-operative management team.

    “After the surgery, you do not leave the patients on the streets. This is something the government has not really thought about,” she said.

    The optometrist said that lack of proper monitoring of patients after surgery could lead to frustration and by implications, mental health and urged the government to do the needful. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Police arrest 2 robbery suspects, one other in Delta

    Suspects

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri (Delta), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has arrested two robbery suspects in Aladja Community, Udu Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, said this on Tuesday in Warri.

     

    Edafe said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed by the operatives of Aladja police out-station.

     

    According to him, the police operatives received distress call that some suspected armed robbers were carrying out a robbery operation in Aladja Community.

     

    “The District Officer alongside members of the community mobilised to the scene where the suspects were arrested at Igwere Quarters, Aladja.

     

    “One locally-made gun, cartridges, knife and a suspected stolen phone were recovered from them,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that the suspects were currently in police custody, adding that investigation on the case was ongoing.

     

    In another development, Edafe said that the command’s operatives on special assignment, deployed to Ughelli also arrested a suspected cultist.

     

    The spokesman said that the suspect, whom he described as a “notorious cultist”, was apprehended on Friday by the police team led by ASP Julius Robinson.

     

    “Acting on a credible intelligence on the peddling of arms and an intended cult clash within Oteri Community in Ughelli, North, operatives led by ASP Robinson trailed a notorious cultist and a mastermind of the intended cult clash to a hotel in Ughelli.

     

    “The suspect, who is a member of the Eiye confraternity, was arrested.

     

    “Upon interrogation, the suspect took operatives to his residence where a Berretta pistol was recovered,” he said.

     

    Edafe said that investigation on the matter was ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    EDI/OIF/AOS

    ============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police launches manhunt on fleeing father over alleged daughter’s murder in Delta

    Police launches manhunt of fleeing father over alleged murder of daughter in Delta
    Suspect
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri(Delta), June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has launched manhunt for a fleeing father who allegedly murdered his six-year-old daughter at Agbarho Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
    Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Warri identified the suspect as Stanley Ovemureye.
    Edafe said that the suspect, currently at large, allegedly smashed the head of his daughter, Abigail, on the wall several times before she gave up the ghost.
    He said that the incident occured on Saturday, adding that the matter was reported at the Agbarho police division by the suspect’s brother.
    “The command is aware of the gruesome murder of one Abigail Stanley, aged 6, allegedly killed by her father, Ovemureye.
    “The sad incident which occurred on Saturday was reported at the division by the brother of the fleeing suspect.
    “The Divisional Police Officer on receipt of the complaint, detailed operatives to the scene at Uviama New Layout,  Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
    “The police operatives recovered the corpse of the little child whose head was smashed several times on the wall, and deposited it at the mortuary.
    “The father who is the principal suspect is currently at large,” Edafe said.
    He said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the command, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda had ordered a serious manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
    Edafe added that the CP had assured the public that the suspect would be apprehended and justice meted accordingly.
    He, however, said that the CP had urged anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to call the control room number on 0803684974 or report at the nearest police station. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/EBI/MNA
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Police nab suspected self-kidnapper, accomplice in Delta

    Arrest
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri(Delta), June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has apprehended one Nelson Eserada, a 400-level student of the Delta State University, involved in suspected self- kidnapping and his accomplice, Jerry Lawrence in the state.
    Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the suspects were nabbed on Monday in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
    Edafe said that the duo were arrested following an intelligence-led investigation by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abraka division, SP Fabian Ayameh.
    He said that the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had lodged a complaint at the Abraka division regarding the kidnap of his son.
    According to him, the complainant also said that the abductors were demanding for a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin.
    He said that the complainant also sent to the police, a video of his son tied and being tortured.
    “Following complaints received from the father of one Nelson Eserada at Abraka Division, that his son was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding for a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin, the DPO Ayameh swiftly embarked on a technical intelligence-led investigation.
    “On June 10, 2024, one Jerry Lawrence was arrested in connection with the crime,” he said.
    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that Lawrence allegedly conspired with the suspected self-kidnapper to commit the crime.
    He said that the supposed kidnap victim was a 400 level student of the Delta University (DELSU), Abraka.
    The police spokesman said that the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had already paid a sum of N5.2 million ransom through a Bitcoin account belonging to Lawrence.
    He said that the suspects were in the police custody adding that investigation in the matter was ongoing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Police arrest robbery suspect, recover weapon in Delta

    Police arrest robbery suspect, recover weapons in Delta
    Suspect
    By Edeki Igafe
    Warri (Delta), June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has apprehended a robbery suspect and recovered an AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition from him in Sapele.
    SP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Warri.
    Edafe said that the 55-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday by a Police Special Patrol.
    He said that police special team deployed to Ughelli, led by ASP Julius Robinson, intercepted the suspect at the Jesse junction in Sapele Town and effected his arrest.
    “Acting on credible intelligence at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, operatives on Special assignment led by ASP Robinson stormed Jesse junction and effected the arrest of the suspect.
    “Upon search of the suspect’s residence, a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle with revolver-like magazine and 13 rounds of 7.6mm ammunition were recovered,” he said.
    Edafe said that the suspect was also suspected to be a member of the Eiye confraternity.
    The Police spokesman said that the suspect would be prosecuted at the completion of investigations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EDI/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni