The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on his victory at the tribunal delivered today in Asaba.The council in a statement signed by its Chairman, Michael Ikeogwu and Secretary, Churchill Oyowe, said the victory is a reaffirmation of the confidence vote passed on him by Deltans at the April 2019 gubernatorial poll.According to the statement, the tribunal judgment further strengthened the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common, adding that if it had been otherwise, the wishes of the people of Delta State would have been truncated.The council appeal to the governor to reciprocate the judgment by remaining people-oriented in his programmes and activities of building a Stronger Delta.The council used the opportunity to congratulate Comrade Kingsley Azuh on his reappointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Special Duties.The reappointment, the council noted, is a confirmation of the confidence the governor has in Comrade Kingsley Azuh to deliver on assigned role and responsibility.While thanking the governor for the appointment of Comrade Azuh, popularly referred to as the Life Chair’, the council expressed confidence in his ability to continue to be worthy ambassador of the NUJ in Governor Okowa’s administration.

Commuters within Delta State have been called upon to be patience as government is working hard to ensure that the suffering being experienced as a result of collapse of some roads is alleviated.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu and his works counterpart, Chief James Augoye made the call while inspecting rehabilitation works going on at federal roads along Benin/Sapele/Warri and the Benin/Asaba/Onitsha (Bridge head).

Mr Aniagwu said that the state government was aware of the trauma being experienced by those plying the roads and was working day and night to ensure that the palliative measures being put in place eased the challenges faced by road users.

He noted that work had commenced at the deplorable Okuovo axis of the Benin/Sapele/Warri Federal Road, while that of Head Bridge in Asaba was being given the desired attention.

On his part, the commissioner for works stated that as a responsive government, Delta State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the nightmare commuters undergo along some badly damaged portions of federal roads in the state.

Chief Augoye stated that contractors working on the roads had been challenged to expedite action, noting that the nature of the terrain was a major challenge on the Benin/Sapele/Warri federal road.

He expressed the hope that before the week ran out; the roads would be made passable thereby easing the plight of road users.

Some road users had earlier complained that they have been sleeping on the road for days following the total collapse of the portions on the two sides of the road.

Pay More Attention To Development Of Warri, Odibo Tells Delta Government
The Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the National Population Commission, NPC, Sir Richard Odibo, has called on

Pay more attention to development of Warri, Odibo tells Delta Government
Sir Richard Odibo

The Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the National Population Commission, NPC, Sir Richard Odibo, has called on the Delta State Government to pay more attention to the development of Warri in order to make the city return to its past glory.

Sir Odibo made the call Tuesday September 17, while playing host to members of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Delta State Chapter.

He urged the media practitioners to tackle the growing incidences of fake news, which according to him is causing problem in the entire global village.

The NPC Commissioner, who advised Deltans to shun politics of do or die affair and sentiment, blamed lack of quality leaders as one of the biggest problems militating against the development of Delta State.

Sir Odibo disclosed that the NPC had carried out Enumeration Area Demarcation, EAD, in Isoko North, Udu, Uvwie and Ukwuani Local Government Areas as part of efforts to provide the necessary statistics for government at all levels to plan better for good governance.

The Delta State Chairman of Online Media PractitFederal
Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Comrade Peter Legacy, assured Sir Odibo of professional reportage by members of the association at all times.

The Director of Communication, aljaziralreporters news Agency , Comrade Akpovoke Otiti rejoices with Akpeli Fufu 1 of Ebu kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Shimite Bello as she celebrates her new age in grand style.

In a congratulatory message, the Director of Communication, Discribed Chief Mrs Shimite Bello as a Mother of Instimable Value who has affected the lives of Delta youths and women Positively through her sabificate.

According to Otiti ” lets rejoice with the paragon of beauty, our able sister , madam, Chief😃 Shimite Bello on the occasion of her birthday .

The Akpeli fufu 1 of Ebu Kindred, she is a woman filled with knowledgeable character, who has written her name in the sand of time by introducing Sabificate to Nigeria and especially Delta women, who has help raise the bars of Okowa government to an enviable hieght. She is a disciplainarian, a mother, wife and sister above all a politician with a swag. The most designers mama.

I am proud of her exemplary life and able way she have held forte in the home front, thereby providing an enabling environment for peace of mind and good atmosphere for Deltans “may God continue to give our dear mama purposeful and proactive leadership” he said while praying for God to continually grant her long life in good health and prosperity.

OTU – JEREMI , Ughelli South local Area was on lockdown recently as Gen Abraham Ekokotu, with other Ex-militants in close tiers in secret meeting over oil pipe lines vandars, that the spate of oil theft resulting from pipeline vandalization, bunkering and illegal refinery has become an issue to the nation.

During a Town hall meeting held at the Otujeremi Civic Centre, Tuesday, Sept 17, the Urhobo ex-militants on the aegis of Urhobo Agitators discussed the way forward to curbing the menace.

Spelling out the hazards associated with the menace, Convener of the meeting, General Abraham Ekokotu said pipeline vandalization, bunkering and illegal refinery have dire consequences on the natural habitat and ecosystem of Urhobo land destroying its Fiona and Fauna.

He observed that critical actors of the business are mostly Ijaw youths who have conscripted Urhobo youths to join in the destruction of their homeland and hence, called for immediate halt to their involvement in the crime.

According to him, bunkering business goes hand in hand with possession of fire arms and when those who possess the fire arms have no opportunity to continue in bunkering, they would resort to armed robbery and other violent crimes.

“Apart from bunkering there are other legitimate means of livelihood and for the sake of peace and wellbeing of people of Urhobo land, I plead that all should eschew the twin evil of pipeline vandalization and bunkering which have caused long term damage to the Okpare River, Evwreni River and Ewu-Urhobo River that have been polluted and their vegetation burnt down and will take a very long time to restore to normal.

In an interview, a youth who attended the meeting alleged that security personnel were also involved in the business and as such it would be difficult to stop the menace until the youths are empowered.

“I am aware of some security men who wanted to own a cooking pot (illegal refinery) somewhere in Urhobo land but were frustrated by the community leader.

“In Otor-Edo where the business is thriving now, security agents profit from it. They collect between N500 and N1000 from each person carrying illegal petroleum products daily and at the end of the month, they go home with not less than half a million naira which is far better than their salaries. So, they continue to encourage the business.

“The only solution is for government to empower us. They should provide employment for us or pay us a token welfare package at the end of every month. You cannot expect me to be begging money from my old mother when I am supposed to give to her. How can I be without money when I see the source of money around me, crisscrossing my community and which I can burst and make money from and you want me to go hungry? No! It cannot stop until government empowers us, give us employment and recognize that we need to survive and live well.”

Gen Abraham Ekopkotu speaking during the Town hall meeting

Another youth who spoke during the meeting lambasted the political class in Urhobo land whose priority and best empowerment programme he said is to gift motorcycles (Okada) to Urhobo youths as against politicians from other ethnic groups that provide opportunity for good living and economic independence for their youths.

“Schools have resumed, there is no way we can pay school fees and take care of our children. What do you expect us to do when the means to meet our needs is available to us?” He asked and charged politicians to live up to their bidding so that solution can be found to the menace of pipeline vandalization, bunkerin and illegal refinery stressing that Urhobo youths can in no measure be compared to Ijaw youths in terms of affluence and comfort because they (Ijaw) have support and meaningful empowerment from their political leaders.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of a task force aimed at carrying out the advocacy against pipeleine vandalization, bunkering and illegal refinery.

The task force comprised of a Coordinator from each of the eight local government areas of Urhobo land.

Deputy President of the Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who was represented by Hon Henry Ophori , security personnel from the Ughelli Area Command Office, the traditional ruler of Olomu kingdom, HRM R.L Ogbon, Royal Canon who represented by Olorogun Loius Omorere and other community leaders who graced the occasion .

By Emeka francis

Aljaziral Reporters News Agency, Director of communication, Comr. Akpovoke Otiti has said that the outboust of the Delta State publishers under the aegis of Delta Guild of Indigenous Newspapers Publishers, DGINP, vote of no confidence on the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniagwu Charlse is a huge joke, which holds no ground

Otiti in a Press Release personally signed said, Charles Aniagwu, is only excersing his power to setttle the crisis rocking the Community Newspapers Publishers’ group, adding that Aniagwus firm decision to settle the crisis rocking the group was in thier own interest; therefore, they (the factional group) do not have to call his ‘settlement process as derogatory, parochial and heavily biased decision in his attempts to settle the rift.

“It is impossible for you to just wake up and beggins to issue press releases Just to gain recognition when you do not publish”

I think the Delta Guild of Indigenous Newspaper Publishers, DGINP, should retrace their steps and respect constituted authorities” .and they shoild learm to discharge their social responsibility to the general public through every day publication if they want their voice to be held. I cannot remember when i saw such neespaper at news stand. And yet you guys are claiming factional leadership .

By Akpovoke Otiti

The Delta State Honorable Commissioner for works , Chief James Augoye, has expressed sadness on the passing of renowned politician and former member of the State Executive Council, Mr Joe Utomi.

It was a shocking news of the death of Hon. Joe Utomi who just slumped and died in Asaba, on Friday. The ex-commissioner who hails from Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area, and was chairman of the local government area from 1999 to 2002, and Commissioner for Agriculture from 2018 to May, 20

According to the Commissioner for works said , he sympathizes with the family members and the people of Aniocha South and Ubulu-Uku community in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

He noted that the departed Utomi was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled as Council chairman and worked briefly with him as commissioner in the twilight of his first term.

Augoye described the deceased as “thoroughbred politician’’ whose love for his people led him to contest, and won election as the first elected Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area under the PDP.

“The news of his death came to me as a shock.

“He was a perfect gentleman-politician who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first, as Council Chairman and later, as Commissioner for Agriculture and member of the State Executive Council.

“In the formative years of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his people of Aniocha South and the party found him worthy to become chairmanship candidate, which he won convincingly and served diligently from 1999 to 2002.”

Augoye prayed God to accept the souls of all the departed and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

……as he receives Certificate of Credence award

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The Chairman House Committee on Education in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Hon. Charles Emetulu has stated that it is unrealistic for any State Government to allocate 25% of its annual budget to education as recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because of fundamental infrastructural deficits all over the country.

Hon. Emetulu made the statement yesterday in Asaba when he received on courtesy visit a delegation of the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

He noted that infrastructural deficits all over the country would seriously affect any State Government that dares to allocate 25% of her annual budget to education alone because other sectors might negatively be affected.

Hon. Emetulu who expressed worries that lots of infrastructure had crashed in the country, lamented that Nigerians do not pay tax pointing out revenue from taxes helped government in building and fixing of decaying infrastructure.

The former Commissioner for Power and Energy now a lawmaker representing Ndokwa West in the State Assembly, noted that the country’s needs were properly captured in her constitution but derailment in implementation has remained the challenge.

“Nigeria is not lacking in laws but in implementation. The challenges is in implementation. What we need is implementation”. He said.

Earlier in his remarks, the National President of NAPS, Comrade Eneji Mohammed alleged anti students policies of the federal government that led to 8% of budget allocation to education sector against the 25% recommended by UNESCO, politically motivated victimization of students leaders and the dichotomy of HND and B.Sc graduates as the causes of the long Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) that delayed their academic calendar.

The NAPS President, who was represented by the NAPS Director of Mobilization & Strategies Engagement, Comrade Dio Oghale Emeka Rex, used the opportunity to appeal to the DTHA House Committee Chairman on Education to use his position to facilitate the upward review of budgetary allocation for education in the Delta State Government year 2020 Budget.

Comrade Mohammed commended the State Government for the establishment of Ministry of Technical Education and establishment of technical schools in the 25 local government of Delta State.

Presenting an Certificate of Credence plaque to Hon. Emetulu for his doggedness and achievements so far in governance, the NAPS delegation congratulated the lawmaker for his victory at the poll and his emergence as Chairman, House Committee on Education in the State Assembly.

T H E Online Media Practitioner Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, Delta State Chapter has congratulates Sir Chief Richard Odibo Hfc Delta Delta state commissioner National population commission, on the occasion of his Birthday.

Your focus and commitment to the growth and development of Urhobo is commendable and worthy of emulation, OMPAN said stressing “the people of Delta State are indeed proud of your antecedents and achievements since the your appointment as commissioner National population commission,

By the Editor – Otiti

GOVERNMENT HOUSE – ASABA The Senior Political Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon has charged the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Delta State Chapter to live up to its bidding.

He made this assertion when the group, led by its State Chairman, Comr. Jude Obiemenyego paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Asaba.

Rt. Hon. Funkekeme stated that community newspapers are the first port of call in stories that promote societal values and unity and positively affect the life of the common man.

The grassroots politician appreciated the visit, stating that his major official function apart from advising the Governor on his political decisions is to mobilize the grassroots for political support.

Speaking further, he posited that his work would always require partnership with the publishers towards impactful governance at the grassroots.

As someone who had practised journalism early in life, he advised the publishers to up their ante by ensuring that individually, each owns an office with an employment of reporters, editors and others to function well as a newspaper organization.

He added that when such packaging is in place, publishers would truly be relevant in the scheme of things and made equal stakeholders in the affairs of the state.

According to him, “I know what it means to establish a newspaper organization; it’s not a tea party. It’s even better to make publishing efforts together, being that publishing and media management are not easy ventures.

“Again, with publishing partnership you can mitigate against media extremism. It will also make you focus on community news and become ready source for mainstream media platforms.

“You must equally realise that you are an important part of the Delta project and cannot afford to divide yourselves or be in disharmony. When a faction exists in an organization, it weakens the potency of the organisation.

“I’m interested in the progress of the newspaper industry, especially the community newspapers. So Mr. Chairman, you must look inward and ensure that peace and unity exist amongst you; where you have aggrieved members, please seek to know what happened and resolve it”, the former lawmaker appealed.

Hon. Funkekeme, nonetheless, affirmed that Governor Okowa being a man of peace had it as a policy to ensure peace in the state at all times.

He averred that Okowa as a man who had institutionalised peace and sustained it in the state, had equally shown capacity to lead since taking over the mantle of leadership in 2015; thereby commending him for the unusual development and progress that he had made possible and visible in the state.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of ACNPN, Mr Obiemenyego had congratulated Rt. Hon. Funkekeme on his appointment as Senior Political Adviser to Governor Okowa, describing him as a square peg in a square hole.

The known publisher of the Zion Newspaper, however, pledged the support of his leadership to the government of the day, maintaining that part of the core mandate of Delta State Chapter of ACNPN was to promote unity in the state and to showcase and celebrate our essence as Deltans.