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Author: Mercy Obojeghren

  • TAF Africa encourages participation of PWDs in elections

    Participants at the training programme on Thursday in Asaba

    Training

    By Mercy Neme

    Asaba, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Delta have been encouraged to take advantage of relevant laws and provisions that guarantee their active participation in electoral processes.

    Mr Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Lead, TAF Africa, formerly known as the Albino Foundation, gave the charge in Asaba on Thursday at the commencement of a two-day training for PWDs.

    Kilanko said the training was convened to ensure PWDs participate actively in the forthcoming local government election in Delta.

    “As you are aware, the local government election in the state will be coming up on July 13, but we realised for persons with disabilities to be active members of the society, we need to carry them along.

    “That is the reason we convened this meeting. We are here to sensitise them through our ‘ABLE2VOTE’ campaign,” he said.

    Kilanko recalled that before the 2023 general elections, there was no data on PWDs as solicited by the organisation.

    ”We were able to get the data in the different areas of the country and this enabled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make little provisions for them.

    ”We saw a great improvement from what it was in the 2019 general election and we are hoping to build on that ahead of the upcoming local government election in Delta.

    “We want to see how we can work with the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) to ensure persons with disabilities are carried along,” he said.

    Kilanko disclosed that the training would also capture DSIEC, political parties and security agencies among others as stakeholders.

    According to him, participants will be exposed to what the constitution has provided for and other relevant laws to ensure PWDs fit well into all electoral processes.

    Kilanko assured that the organisation would continue to work with political parties at the national level to ensure that a particular quota was given to PWDs in the country.

    He disclosed that the training was being supported by Disability Rights Fund, describing the fund as a major supporter of the project.

    Meanwhile, TAF Africa, Corporate Service and Compliance Manager, Mr Uche Enyiocha, said the organisation focused on promoting the rights, recognition, well-being and support of individuals with disabilities.

    “Our mission is to work with state and non-state actors and dignitaries, including persons with disabilities by fostering inclusiveness and empowerment through policy and legislative interventions education.

    “Our organisation has been able to identify with political participation of persons with disabilities as a critical act of the effort towards their inclusion in our society.

    “We have taken up this endeavour to see how we can get them to participate in the electoral process,” he said.

    Enyiocha noted there had been great voter apathy within the communities, attributing it to neglect by the management of different electoral bodies at different levels and at different elections.

    The South-South Coordinator of the Association of Blind Persons, Mr Nkem Ofili, identified discrimination and lack of access to election materials among others as challenges faced by PWDs in the country.

    He appealed to governments at all levels to make necessary provisions that would enable PWDs to participate fully in electoral processes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOA/MAS/

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • Involve more investors in cement production, Ex-commissioner urges FG

    Cement
    By Mercy Neme
    Asaba, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A former Commissioner for Lands in Delta, Mr Raymos Guanah, has advised the Federal Government to encourage further production of cement in the country through involvement of more investors in the sector.
    Guanah made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Asaba.
    Guanah decried the increase in the price of cement from N3,500 to N8,000 in the last four months.
    According to him, while Egypt has more than 50 cement factories, Nigeria has only two or three, adding: “Whereas, the population of Egypt cannot be compared with that of Nigeria.
    ”Second, the core raw materials for cement production are within the country. So we don’t import any raw material to produce cement.
    ”As it is now, we have enough resources to produce cement, but only few companies are utilising them,” he said.
    The former commissioner urged the federal government to encourage more individuals and corporate bodies to go into cement manufacturing.
    He said that the potential investors should be supported by Bank of Industry, commercial banks and development banks, among others, so that the country could have as many cement factories as possible.
    ”Encouraging more cement manufacturing factories in the country will give room for builders and dealers to make choices.
    ”This could also lead to reduction in the price of cement,” he said.
    NAN reports that the price cement, as a major component in the construction industry, has hit the roof, forcing many Nigerians to suspend their projects for the time being.
    Some Nigerians, who spoke with NAN in Asaba on the negative impacts of the cement price increase, said that the development had made it practically impossible for them to embark on any building project now.
    Mr Felix Chigozie, a civil servant, said though he had an ongoing building project, he had to suspend it, for now, because of the high cost of cement and other building materials.
    For Mr Joshua Okeke, a commercial driver, life is very tough now, adding that his main focus presently is how to feed his family and send his children to school.
    ”Though I have it in mind to complete my ongoing building project, it not a priority for now because of the high cost of building materials, particularly cement,” he said.
    NAN reports that while Dangote cement currently sells for N8,200 in Asaba, BUA cement goes for N8,000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Delta C’ttee takes drug abuse sensitisation to streets

     

     

    Drug
    By Mercy Neme
    Asaba, June 24, 2024 (NAN) As part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse, the Delta State Drug Control Committee on Monday took sensitisation campaign to streets of Asaba on dangers of drug abuse.

    Members of the committee, drawn from the State Ministries of Health, Education, Justice, as well as representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Police amongst others, converged at the Oshimili South Arcade from where they walked through some streets of Asaba.

    Mrs Helen Orie, the Chairperson of the committee and Director, Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, who led the campaign/road walk, said drug abuse was on the increase and needed to be curbed before it got worse.

    Orie, speaking on the theme for the 2024 celebration: “Say No To Drug Abuse”, noted that drug abuse always had devastating effects on individuals involved, the family setting and society at large.

    Orie, also a Pharmacist, explained that the fight against drug abuse was in two dimensions; supply reduction, being championed at the Federal level and demand reduction, being handled by the Drug Control Committee at the state level.

    She said the committee with the support of the state government had recorded some successes in the prevention and control of drug abuse in the state.

    According to her, we have taken sensitisation campaigns to public places, including places of worship, markets, schools and communities with significant impacts.

    “Today’s sensitisation/road walk is meant to further create more awareness on the need for a drug-free society,” she said.

    Orie commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support toward the campaign against drug abuse in the state.

    Also speaking, Silas Omobude, the Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Delta Command, said that 14.4 million Nigerians, aged between 18 and 29, were involved in drug abuse and trafficking.

    Omobude who is also the state Secretary of the committee, said fighting the drug war was a Herculean task which required the collective effort of all critical stakeholders.

    He noted that the state government had reasonably supported the  committee to record some breakthroughs.

    On his part, the Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, Mr Emmanuel Onyemeziem, debunked insinuations that the Nigerian movie industry had contributed to societal ills, including drug abuse.

    Onyemeziem said the guild was in partnership with the NDLEA and the Delta government in the war against drug abuse, and urged youths to say no to drug abuse and embrace meaningful ventures. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/CHOM/AJA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

     

  • FUPRE-CSD gets NUC’s approval for PG programmes

    FUPRE-CSD gets NUC’s approval for PG programmes
    Approval
    By Mercy Neme – 08034745723
    Asaba, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University of Petroleum Resources-Center for Sustainable Development (FUPRE-CSD) says the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved professional post-graduate programmes for the university.
    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Dr Emeka Elemike, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, on Monday in Asaba.
    ”The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), proudly announces the official approval and commencement of professional post graduate programmes at the Center for Sustainable Development.
    ”This significant milestone, approved by the university management and endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, marks a pivotal step in FUPRE’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices and education.
    ”The Center for Sustainable Development is set to offer a suite of professional post-graduate programmes designed to equip students and professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive sustainable initiatives in various sectors, ” the statement said.
    It said that the approved programmes include: post-graduate diploma (PGD) in Sustainability Practices, Masters in Sustainable Development, and Masters in Community Development.
    Others are Masters in Energy Transition and Sustainability, Masters in  Project Management and  Doctor of Sustainable Development.
    ”We are excited to receive this approval, which underscores the university’s dedication to fostering sustainable development through education and practical engagement.
    “These programmes are meticulously designed to address the pressing needs of our society and to prepare our graduates for impactful careers in sustainability.
    ”The FUPRE-Center for Sustainable Development aims to be a leading hub for research, training, and implementation of sustainable practices.
    ”The center overtly intends to integrate advanced curricula with real-world applications. The Center also aspires to contribute significantly to local, national, and global sustainability goals,” Elemike said.
    The statement said that FUPRE was dedicated to producing world-class graduates equipped to excel in the petroleum and energy sectors.
    It also added that the institution focuses on research, innovation, and sustainability, striving to make a significant impact both locally and globally. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Delta Speaker felicitates Gov. Oborevwori @ 61

    Delta Speaker felicitates Gov. Oborevwori @ 61

    Oborevwori

    By Mercy Neme

    Asaba, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr  Dennis Guwor, has congratulated Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori as he marks 61 years birth anniversary.

    The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, on Wednesday in Asaba, said Oborevwori had been a beacon of hope, whose love for God and humanity brought him thus far.

    Guwor, who is also the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, described Oborevwori as a remarkable leader.

    He prayed God to open a new chapter of wisdom, strength, and joy as the governor marks his birthday.

    Guwor said that the governor’s selfless service and dedication to the development of the state were truly inspiring, and expressed optimism of a greater progressive state.

    According to him, today marks yet another milestone in the life of a great and personable Boss, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta.

    ”His Excellency’s life has been that of testimonies and thanksgiving. I pray for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

    ”I also pray to God to grant him sound health, happiness, peace and love to experience many more birth anniversaries.

    ”On behalf of my family, constituents, friends, and political associates, I join millions of well wishers across the globe to wish him a glorious birth anniversary. ”

    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOA/DCO/AMM

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    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Delta Assembly recalls suspended lawmaker

    Suspension

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Delta House of Assembly on Thursday in Asaba recalled its member, Mr Matthew Omonade (APC-Ughelli North I), after 29 days of suspension.

     

    The recall was announced during plenary by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, following an adoption of the report by the ad-hoc committee set up to investigate Omonade.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the assembly had on May 14 suspended the lawmaker over alleged gross misconduct.

     

    “The house has, therefore, lifted the suspension following the adoption of the recommendations of the committee.

     

    “He is expected to resume plenary and other legislative duties on the next sitting day,” Guwor said.

     

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi (PDP-Aniocha North), who chaired the committee, said after a thorough investigation, it recommended that Omonade be sounded a note of warning against future occurrence.

     

    He said the committee also recommended that the recalled lawmaker be made to study the rules of the house.

     

    According to the committee’s recommendations, Omonade should know that laws are universal and can be domesticated in any state or country without anyone being accused of plagiarism.

     

    Nwaobi said since he had remorsefully apologised to the governor, speaker and the entire house, the committee recommended that the suspension be lifted.

     

    In their various submissions, Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) and Mr Austine Uroye (PDP-Warri South I) supported the committee’s recommendations.

     

    The recommendations, unanimously adopted by members via a voice vote, were seconded by the minority leader, Mr Edafe Emakpor.

     

    The house also approved Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s request to review and implement a new tariff regime for the 8.5 Megawatts Asaba Independent Power Plant (IPP), operated by Messrs Bastanchury Power Solutions.

     

    The governor’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by the speaker.

     

    In the letter, Oborevwori explained that the upward review of the electricity tariff from N31.74 per Kilowatt to N75 per Kilowatt became necessary due to the current economic realities.

     

    He said this would enable the company to sustain its services to the state.

     

    Oborevwori, however, noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Energy, recommended a reviewed amount of N63 per Kilowatt, inclusive of VAT, hence the need for the house’s approval.

     

    The majority leader moved a motion for the assembly to receive the governor’s letter for consideration.

     

    Leading the debate, Nwaobi said it was no longer news that the economic situation informed the governor’s request and, therefore, urged the house to give it speedy approval.

     

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly, when put to a voice vote by the speaker, was seconded by Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/CHOM/MAS

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke

     

  • FERMA seeks Delta govt’s partnership on roads maintenance

    Partnership
    By Mercy Neme
    Asaba, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has solicited the continued support of  the Delta Government in the maintenance of federal roads in the state.
    Mr Onimogo Okaulola, the FERMA Engineer in charge of Delta, made the appeal when the management team of the agency visited the Chief of Staff to State Governor, Johnson Erijo, on Monday in Asaba.
    Okulola said that the state government had demonstrated huge commitment towards ensuring that federal roads across the state were motorable.
    He commended the state government for its intervention in the construction of the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage way, rehabilitation of Agbor-Abraka-Eku and the Benin-Sapele Roads.
    “As an agency we are prepared to deliver on our mandate. The essence of this visit is to seek closer ties with the state government,” he said.
    In his response, Ejiro said that the visit  would help to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the agency.
    He urged FERMA to collaborate with the state ministries of works and urban renewal as well as other relevant agencies for more efficient service delivery.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MOA/DE/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Azubuike Okeh

  • Delta enjoying peace, progress in hard times – Oborevwori

    Fourth (L-R), Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore flanked by others cutting the eight Assembly anniversary cake on Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Asaba.

    Peace

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says the state has enjoyed peace and progress in hard times within the first year of his administration without borrowing money.

     

    Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the 1st Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the 8th Delta House of Assembly.

     

    The service was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarters, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

     

    The governor proudly said that the state had recorded impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic downturn bedevilling the country.

     

    “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying; we are enjoying peace and progress.

     

    “There is also abundance for us in this hard time in Nigeria; Delta has not borrowed in the last one year.

     

    “You can see that members of the state house of assembly are shining,” he said.

     

    Oborevwori, however, urged the lawmakers to continue to serve their constituents with the fear of God.

     

    According to him, God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in the country.

     

    The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, said the house needed to thank God for His mercy upon the lawmakers and for keeping them through their first year in office.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

     

    Guwor said the assembly was unique in having one of its own and a former presiding officer of the house as governor.

     

    “Governor Oborevwori understands perfectly the workings of the state house of assembly, hence we have enjoyed a robust partnership with the executive.

     

    “My colleagues respect the leadership of the house and there has been lots of cooperation among members; I thank them for their support and partnership,” he said.

     

    Guwor, commending residents for selecting the best out of the state to represent them in the assembly, promised the house would not fail them.

     

    According to him, the house received 18 bills from the executive and private-member, of which nine had been passed and three already assented.

     

    Meanwhile, in his sermon, the host pastor, Olufemi Olumide, says thanksgiving is the key that opens all doors.

     

    Olumide commended the assembly for appreciating God with a thanksgiving service.

     

    Olumide said the 8th Assembly was unique as it represented a new beginning in the affairs of the state legislature.

     

    The occasion, he said, had accommodated Christ at the state’s centre of affairs.

     

    Meanwhile, the governor unveiled the 8th Assembly “Legislative Agenda”.

     

    NAN reports that the Legislative Agenda is the policy thrust of the eighth assembly that is expected to guide it in the next three years.

     

    Dignitaries at the occasion include the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; the immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Scorecard: Delta 8th assembly passes 9 bills within 1st session

    (R-L) Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor and other principal officers of the Assembly during press briefing on Tuesday in Asaba

    Scorecard

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, has presented the eighth assembly’s first-anniversary scorecard, saying it passed nine bills.

     

    The speaker disclosed this in Asaba on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the assembly within the last year.

     

    Guwor said the house received 18 bills, made up of 15 executive bills and three private-members bills, within the year under review.

     

    ”And out of the 18 bills received, nine have been passed and three assented to.

     

    ”The bills assented are, The Supplementary Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2022; Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 and the Appropriation Bill, 2024,” he said.

     

    The speaker said that apart from the bills passed to positively impact the lives of the people of the state, the assembly also passed some resolutions.

     

    “One of such resolutions is the resolution calling on Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to set out security measures to forestall the recurrence of the destruction of farmlands and produce by herdsmen in Abraka and its environs, which occurred on Aug. 17, 2023.

     

    ”The resolution also added that the peace, love and order that is presently prevailing in the communities be maintained.

     

    ”The assembly also passed a resolution condemning rising incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in Asaba and environs among others,” he said.

     

    In fulfilment of its constitutional duties, Guwor said the assembly screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as members of the State Executive Council and into government agencies, boards and commissions.

     

    ”The action of the house in screening and confirming the nominees into agencies, boards and commissions, is to ensure efficient and effective administration of government in the state.

     

    ”We do not stop at the confirmation of these appointments, the house, through its committees, regularly performs oversight activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government,” he said.

     

    The speaker, however, reiterated the commitment of the assembly to the welfare of the staff of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission.

     

    He linked the ongoing strike by the state chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to the fallout of the adoption of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).

     

    ”The state government has set up a committee to work out details of implementation and the committee is already wrapping up the assignment.

     

    ”So, it is not a peculiar issue to Delta House of Assembly. For the record, the state government is not owing any arrears of salary payment to the staff of the assembly,” he said.

     

    Guwor noted that the assembly had consistently built the capacity of its workforce through staff training and retraining.

     

    ”I must also put it on record that the eighth assembly is poised to deliver on its mandate of law-making, representation and oversight of government programmes, projects and policies.

     

    ”We will collaborate without compromising the independence of the legislature with the executive arm of government to ensure development gets to every part of the state,” he said.

     

    Guwor also reiterated the commitment of the assembly to supporting government policies that would help to ameliorate the economic pains of the people of the state.

     

    ”As we move on to the second session, we are more than ever before prepared and propelled to discharge our duties and responsibilities and ensure the policy trust of government, which is in consonance with our legislative agenda, is fully implemented for the benefit of our people,” he added.

     

    Guwor commended the media for their support in creating visibility and prominence for the assembly’s activities.

     

    He urged the media to continuously use its position to support and safeguard the development and growth of the legislature to deepen and sustain democracy and democratic institutions.

     

    According to him, the legislature is the hallmark of democracy without which there cannot be true democracy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/CHOM/MAS

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Moses Solanke