NO DTS 1201: OKOWA STRESSES REGULAR TRAINING FOR JUDICIARY WORKERS
NO DTS 1202: DTHA APPROVES N4 BILLION LOAN REQUEST BY GOVERNOR OKOWA
NO DTS 1203: AFCFTA: DELTA READY TO COLLABORATE WITH FG – OKOWA
NO DTS 1204: DELTA GOVERNMENT TERMINATES CONTRACT WITH PERSONAL INCOME TAX CONSULTANTS
NO DTS 1205: OKOWA CONGRATULATES DEIN OF AGBOR AT 44
NO DTS 1206: HUMAN TRAFFICKING RENDERS VICTIMS TO PERPETUAL SLAVES- MRAKPOR
NO DTS 1207: AGENCY SEEKS MEDIA PARTNERSHIP IN LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
NO DTS 1208: OGHORO SOLICITS STAKEHOLDERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS IN EDUCATION SECTOR
NO DTS 1209: NGO TRAINS, EMPOWERS LESS-PRIVILEGED WITH STARTER PACKS
NO DTS 1210: SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER GETS JUNGLE JUSTICE, BURNT ALIVE
NO DTS 1211: PHARMACISTS HONOUR OKOWA, BAYOKO WITH EXCELLENCE AWARD
NO DTS 1212: UVWIE MONARCH PRAISES SUBJECTS FOR SUCCESSFUL UGIU ELECTIONS
NO DTS 1213: SHORTAGE OF STAFF, NOT ABSENTEEISM IS BEDEVILING AVIARA PHC- HEALTH EDUCATOR
NO DTS 1214: DTHA DEPUTY SPEAKER MORNS LATE KENNETH OGBA
NO DTS 1215: ISOKO NORTH PDP CONGRATULATES OGBIMI ON BIRTHDAY
ANNIVERSARY
NO DTS 1216: NULGE URGES WOMEN TO FOSTER UNITY IN WORKPLACE
Editor: Churchill Oyowe
Tel: 08062269772
Website: information. Delta state.gov.ng; Facebook: @delmininfo;
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NO DTS 1201: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
OKOWA STRESSES REGULAR TRAINING FOR JUDICIARY WORKERS
Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, today swore in Justice Theresa Diai as Chief Judge of Delta State and Justice Patience Elumeze as President of the Customary Court of Appeal.
The governor while swearing in the judges at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, said that judicial education and constant training of critical workers was imperative in enhancing quality of justice delivery and performance of courts in the state.
He commended the Speaker and members of Delta State House of Assembly for their prompt confirmation of the judges for their offices, and said that his administration was blessed to have the Assembly as partner in progress rather than as a rival.
“History has been made today with the confirmation of Justice Theresa Diai as the Chief Judge of Delta State and Justice Patience Elumeze as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.
“Rarely does it happen that you have two women heading both tiers of the Judiciary in the state at the same time. As a state, we are proud to set the pace in this regard. I congratulate them.
“Let me also congratulate the Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly for the prompt manner they handled the confirmation of their Lordships.
“This administration is blessed to have a legislature that sees itself more as a partner with government than a rival. As long as this partnership is sustained, we shall continue to gain new grounds in our quest to build a smart, strong and safe Delta state,” he said.
The governor charged the judicial heads to continue in the tradition of team work, excellence and exemplary leadership in the stead of their predecessors.
“As you may have experienced by now, your new positions require a lot of patience, resourcefulness, dexterity to manage the demands and pressures on your time and space.
“I urge you to continue to promote, preserve and protect the principles of natural justice, fair hearing, equity and good conscience, which are the pillars upon which the judiciary rests.
“One area I want you to prioritise is judicial education, training and retraining. This is crucial to improving professional competence of judges and enhancing the quality of justice delivery and performance of our courts.
“Globally, the judiciary is constantly evolving, hence there is a compelling need to regularly update and upgrade your knowledge-base and that of other judicial officers through seminars, workshops as well as court manning to build competence in judicial skills and self awareness.
“As you may be aware, the state is in the process of amending the Delta State House of Assembly Financial Autonomy Law 2018 and Delta State Judicial Financial Autonomy Law 2020, adding that the draft Bills had been prepared,’’ he said.
Okowa, however, said that the state was waiting further input from the parties to the Memorandum of Action entered into by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum with JUSUN and PASAN on some corrections to be made to the memorandum and the legal template which were due by next week.
“We are confident that Delta will meet the 45 days window for states to pass the amendments to return autonomy law for both the judiciary and the legislature.
“But just to put on notice that this is an amendment to our own laws because we have already started practicing both legislative and judicial autonomy in the state.
“Indeed, this administration shall leave no stone unturned in a bid to continually raise the bar in enhancing the efficiency and quality of legislation and justice delivery in the state,” he stated.
Responding, Justice Diai said that the appointment of the Chief Judge and President of Customary Court of Appeal passes through many stages and expressed appreciation to all the people who made it possible, including the Governor.
She appreciated the Speaker and members of the Delta State House of Assembly for the prompt confirmation given to them.
The chief judge sought the cooperation of the executive and legislative arms of government with the judiciary in the task ahead.
The ceremony was witnessed by the wife of the Governor, Dame Edith Okowa; Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu; Supreme Court Judge, Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and other top government functionaries.
NO DTS 1202: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
DTHA APPROVES N4 BILLION LOAN REQUEST BY GOVERNOR OKOWA
By Augustine Akanigha
The Delta State House of Assembly, today, Tuesday in Asaba, at plenary, approved the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, request of N4 billion naira ‘Bridging Finance Facility’ from Zenith Bank PLC.
In a letter sent to the house, the governor drew the attention of the house to the expected tranche of quarterly refunds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), being the state share of 13% derivation, credited to the Excess Crude Funds, utilitized by the federal government without remitting same to the oil producing states.
He added that, while awaiting the refunds, there was urgent need to galvanize contractors towards completing and achieving significant milestone in respect of on-going legacy projects for the benefit of all Deltans.
Sequel to the above, the governor said that the State Executive Council (EXCO) at its 6th meeting, held on Tuesday, 18th May, 2021, considered and approved that the state government obtain a N4 billion bridging finance loan facility from Zenith Bank PLC at favourable terms and conditions.
The governor, therefore sought the authorization of the members of the house to accept the loan facility from Zenith Bank PLC and issue an appropriate irrevocable standing payment order (ISPO) in favour of the bank to defray the loan.
In a related development, the lawmakers have equally received a letter of nomination of Mr Henry Onwordi Idama for appointment as Director General, Delta State Water Sector Regulatory Commission from the state Governor.
Mr Idama, an engineer, is to appear for screening on Tuesday, 6th July, 2021 at 10.00 a.m.
NO DTS 1203: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
AFCFTA: DELTA READY TO COLLABORATE WITH FG – OKOWA
Delta Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, today assured of his administration partnership with the federal government towards domesticating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
He gave the assurance in a meeting with a federal government trade delegation led by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Niyi Adebayo, in Asaba.
He urged the Federal Government to quickly address the issues of high cost of fund and poor power supply in the country.
He pointed out that there were bottlenecks associated with export trading and urged the Federal Government to work towards eliminating the constraints to encourage more traders.
The governor commended the minister for the enthusiasm in moving from state to state in ensuring that more states were involved in the trade agreement to boost export and increase internally generated revenue.
“It is of great interest to us and I am glad you are moving from state to state to sensitise them well enough and to enable us collectively take advantage of the agreement to boost trade in the country.
“There is no doubt that in preparing to ensure that more states get into the market, we will welcome this collaboration because it will enhance productivity once we have access to the market.
“We have tended to stay satisfied with crude oil without actually developing it in a way that it becomes more useful to us.
“We are glad that this relationship is coming at this time because it will actually stimulate and expand production thereby creating room for greater employment and people will make more money.
“When more and more people get employed there is less insecurity because when you take off more people from the unemployment market, you have less people available for criminal tendencies.
“We hope that the issue of cost of fund and power supply will be addressed because it leads to a high cost of production and it will affect producers in such a way that their products cannot compete favourably,’’ he stated.
Okowa also called on the government to ensure that setbacks involved in exports were taken care of because many exporters were already discouraged in doing the business.
Earlier, the minister, who was represented by the Director of Trade in the ministry, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, said that the AfCFTA agreement sought to create a single market for Made-in-Africa goods with a population of 1.2 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3.4 trillion dollars.
He said the AfCFTA would eliminate tariffs on 90 per cent of tradable goods over five years for developing countries and 10 years for least developed countries.
Adebayo said that the agreement would also expand market access for Nigeria’s exporters of goods and services which would in turn, catalyse production growth and boost job creation in Nigeria’s economy.
He added that the AfCFTA would stimulate Nigeria’s export diversification by providing preferential access to Nigeria products and services to the huge African market which currently sourced 85 per cent of imports from outside the continent.
Presenting a progress report of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Secretary of the Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Sector Matters, Mr Francis Anatogu, said the Committee had developed a National Implementation Plan for inputs from government and private sector stakeholders.
He further stated that domestication of the AfCFTA, border regulations enforcement and rules of origin enforcement, trade facilitation and ease-of-doing-business as well as quality infrastructure improvement were some of the progresses made so far.
NO DTS 1204: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
DELTA GOVERNMENT TERMINATES CONTRACT WITH PERSONAL INCOME TAX CONSULTANTS
By Giovanni Emephia
The Delta State Government has issued a regulation prohibiting consultants and other third-party entities from assessing and collecting personal income taxes on its behalf.
In a public notice issued today and signed by the Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Monday Onyeme, the service referred members of the public to Section 79 of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law 2020 which empowers the chairman to make specific regulations for tax administration in the state.
“All services hitherto rendered by consultants on behalf of the state, through arrangements or agreements related to the assessment and collection of Personal Income Taxes in the state are hereby prohibited and terminated, apart from ICT consultants whose services are used as part of the process of assessment and collection of Personal Income Taxes,” Onyeme said.
He revealed that the service shall henceforth have the exclusive and sole authority and responsibility of assessing and collecting all personal income taxes in the state, as intended under the law.
Sir Onyeme stated that taxes covered by the regulation were income taxes as defined under the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (as amended); the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law 2020, and any other revenue laws as may be passed by the Delta State House of Assembly.
NO DTS 1205: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
OKOWA CONGRATULATES DEIN OF AGBOR AT 44
Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi 1, on his 44th birthday.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday, in Asaba, Okowa extolled the sterling qualities of the revered traditional ruler, describing him as one of the most exposed and influential kings in the country.
He commended the monarch for the peaceful and investor-friendly environment which he inspired since he ascended the ancient throne of his forefathers.
According to the governor, Dein Keagborekuzi’s reign has immensely benefited the people of Agbor Kingdom, Delta State and indeed, the nation.
“Worthy of commendation is Dein’s efforts at supporting the state government in tackling issues of unemployment, social deviance and value-orientation among youths in the Kingdom.
“You have remained a source of pride and splendour to the traditional institution with your royal carriage which is visible in the exemplary manner you have discharged your duties so far.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Your Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu I, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, on the occasion of your 44th birth anniversary.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to give you good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of your kingdom and offer valuable contributions to the development of our dear state in the years ahead,” he said.
NO DTS 1206: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
HUMAN TRAFFICKING RENDERS VICTIMS TO PERPETUAL SLAVES- MRAKPOR
By Stella Agbeyeke/ Ewere Ofuagbon
The Chairman of Delta State Taskforce on Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Mr Peter Mrakpor SAN, has tagged human trafficking slavery without hope of return.
Mrakpor, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and immediate past Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, made the assertion today, during a two-day stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on human trafficking and smuggling of immigrants.
The workshop was organised by Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The chairman noted that the rise in human and child trafficking in the country had been traced to poor parental upbringing.
He admonished parents to stand up for the responsibilities of their children and wards in order for them not to be lured with gifts by traffickers, who he remarked, use victims for their financial gain.
Mrakpor revealed that trafficking was a well managed and organised crime syndicates, describing it as both local and international, and advised that if there was need for anyone to travel, it should be done right.
Delta State Coordinator of Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse And Labour (NACTAL), Mrs Tessy Imahia, while speaking on the high rate of trafficking, noted that the purpose of the workshop was to sensitize the youth on the dangers of transactional crimes and irregular migration.
Imahia also noted that the NGO was not against people traveling but that her organization was against traveling the wrong way through traffickers.
She said that traffickers give false said promises to potential victims of getting them good job and achieving their dreams within a very short time, warning victims often end up as prostitutes or have their organs harvested.
The coordinator solicited the continuous support of traditional rulers, community leaders, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the various law-enforcement agencies in nipping in the bud the spate of trafficking persons.
NO DTS 1207: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
AGENCY SEEKS MEDIA PARTNERSHIP IN LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
By Chidimma Eboigbe
Journalists and media houses in Delta State have been urged to be part of the industrialization drive by his Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his government.
This charge was given by the Director General of the Delta State Local Content Agency, Dr Morris Idiovwa at a press briefing to officially inform the press and the general public that the agency existence.
He stated that the agency was created on the 16th of September, 2020 to liaise with all and sundry on matters bordering on local content, host communities and company relationship.
The DG noted that the the functions of the agency erre numerous but with emphasis on aiding local indigenous companies to exploit local opportunities, to monitor and ensure compliance with the terms of any memorandum of understanding and agreements executed between companies and host communities in the state.
He said that the agency also facilitates the provision of local content jobs and project partnership through a network of local, national and international bodies as well as private sector bodies in the state.
Dr Idiovwa explained that the agency was out to bring stability in local content administration in host communities, and forestall frequent agitations leading to threats of bombing, kidnappings, adding that sanctions and penalties would henceforth be meted out to erring companies.
He also reiterated on the need to negotiate the take-home structure and wages with the companies on order to create balance.
The DG, while thanking the journalists for their efforts in informing and educating the public on issues affect the society, called on media practitioner to be alive to their responsibilities by challenge failures in local content administration.
“Get to work, challenge the system and be part of the process in making the state and the nation great again,” Idiovwa stated.
Speaking on behalf of the journalists, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Micheal Ikeogwu, thanked the DG while appreciating him for believing in the NUJ.
He said that while the 1999 Constitution as amended, has made it possible for journalists to hold government accountable, he assured of the cooperation of the media to ensure the agency succeeded in its roles.
NO DTS 1208: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
OGHORO SOLICITS STAKEHOLDERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS IN EDUCATION SECTOR
By Magnus Emuji
The Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Augustine Oghoro, has reaffirmed the resolve of the ministry to continue to collaborate with stakeholders in the education sector to articulate ways of driving the sector to an enviable height.
Oghoro, stated this during the conduct of 2021 June / July NECO Senior School Certificate Examination Coordination Workshop held in Asaba.
The permanent secretary said that it was an annual activity that would enable Home Economics teachers in the state to conduct a two-day test in the various areas of Home Economics as a subject.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Director of Science Education, Mrs Kehinde Oderhowho, disclosed that the workshop would help in enhancing students’ performance.
She noted that it would also guide students towards ensuring that the practical aspects were effectively conducted.
Oderhowho enjoined home economics teachers in the state not to relent in their efforts to bring the subject to enviable height.
The director, however, lauded the permanent secretary for impacting positively in the education sector, and for his support that made it possibly for department to effectively partner with NECO for the workshop.
In her remarks, the State NECO Officer, Mrs Nkechi Owoyemi, represented by an Assistant Director in NECO Asaba office, Mrs Cecilia Akudinobi, noted that the coordination worshop was one of the activities carried out by the National Examination Council (NECO) in preparation for SSCE.
Owoyemi urged participants at the worshop to bring out their best and ensure that the examination body conducted a hitch-free examination.
NO DTS 1209: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
NGO TRAINS, EMPOWERS LESS-PRIVILEGED WITH STARTER PACKS
By Erhuvwu Apumami
Innovative Solutions to Community Development Initiative (ISDI), a non-governmental organization (NGO), yesterday presented starter packs to graduating youths of its 2021 skills acquisition program in Ughelli North after the successful completion of their one-year vocational training.
The event which took place at the Ughelli North Council Secretariat Hall, saw 16 graduands smiling home with starter packs to establish them in small scale businesses.
The NGO, whose target audience are the vulnerable and the less-privilege in the society, trained the beneficiaries in tailoring, hairdressing and catering in certified training centres.
During the presentation of the starter packs, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief Godwin Adode, congratulated the beneficiaries for the successful completion of their one-year training.
Adode, who was represented by the Clerk of the Legislative Arm of the council, Hon. Austin Oghenesivwohwo, said that they were invited to receive their starter packs because they had been certified by their trainers to begin their businesses, haven completed all that was required in the program.
He commended ISDI for the initiative in alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable and less-privilege in the society.
The chairman advised the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity to the fullest, saying that through such empowerment programs, many unemployed youths had been taken off the streets and now gainfully engaged, living meaningful lives.
He, however, warned them that the starter packs given to them should not be sold like some did in the past, but was to support them to own and run their own businesses successfully, urging them to remain focused and committed to their businesses.
Earlier in his speech, the coordinator of the program, Mr Lazarus Joseph, explained that ISDI was borne out of the desire to help the vulnerable and less-privilege, take them off the streets and be meaningfully engaged, just as he added that this was one of the many areas, they were involved in community development.
Mr Solomon, one of the beneficiaries, who was trained in tailoring, expressed gratitude to ISDI for offering them the opportunity to acquire skills for free and also helping to establish them in their businesses.
He promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired as well as the starter pack given to him.
Seven sewing machines, eight hair dryers and a large electric oven were thereafter presented to the beneficiaries by Chief Mrs M.I Ofogbor, Director of Administration, Ughelli North Local Government Council.
NO DTS 1210: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER GETS JUNGLE JUSTICE, BURNT ALIVE
By Balogun Mabamije
An armed robbery suspect that specializes in dispossessing residents of phones at gunpoint in Ughelli and environs has been burnt alive by aggrieved mobs.
The incident which occurred at about 8:30pm of Sunday, 27/6/2021 in pipeline Area of Ughelli, according to an eyewitness who did not disclosed her name for security reasons, took people of the area by surprise as many were relaxing under the cool breeze of the night.
She in her narrative said, while people were seating outside, the two young men, aided by the darkness due to power outage, approached a young boy who was playing music with his phone in front of the house and ordered him at gunpoint to give them the phone.
“The young boy, name withheld, on sighting the gun obediently handed over the phone to them and they proceeded to another nearby compound. At that compound, they shot and wounded one of the residents who resisted to give them his phone.
Leaving there, the armed robbers met another young boy and his girlfriend who were taking a stroll and also ordered them at gunpoint to kneel down and collected their phones as well.
After completing the operation, the armed robbers turned, entered their motorcycle and attempted to zoom off but the brave young boy whom they ordered to kneel down pulled a surprise attack as he jumped on them, bringing them to the ground at that very instant.
While on the ground, the victim held tightly to the armed robbers and started shouting for help. However, before help could come, one of the armed robbers managed to wrangle himself from his grips and ran away.
The other, popularly known amongst motorcycle riders in Ughelli as GBoy, was not lucky as he could not succeed to free himself from the grips of the victim. He was consequently given the beating of his life after which he was set ablaze with the motorcycle by angry mob along the East West Road before the arrival of security men.
Some residents who spoke on the incident said it was God that gave them victory over the armed robbers.
Meanwhile, his corpse was no longer on the road as it was alleged that some persons came and took away his corpse in the night but as at the time of filing this report, the burnt motorcycle was still on the road.
Responding to the incident, the Ag Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe said he was not aware of the incident as he has not been briefed.
NO DTS 1211: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
PHARMACISTS HONOUR OKOWA, BAYOKO WITH EXCELLENCE AWARD
Aruoriwo ivovi
The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria has honoured the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Head of Service Mr Reginald Bayoko and three other Deltans with leadership awards for their contributions toward the health sector.
The presention of the awards to the duo was done today in Asaba during the association’s 2021-day celebration with the theme “Stress: Silent Killer; its management”.
The State Chairman of the body, Evangelina Enaike, lauded Governor Okowa for being proactive in handling the challenged posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, saying the governor brought the pandemic under control in the state.
Enaike, who extolled the leadership qualities of the governor, described him as a performing governor who matched his words with actions.
She commended the governor for fulfilling his promise of employing 40 (forty) pharmacists in the Hospital Management Board to curb the ‘acute’ shortage of pharmacists in the board, saying that the governor deserved the excellent leadership award presented to him by the association.
Also presenting an award of excellence to the Head of Service (HoS), Mr Reginald Bayoko, the chairman disclosed that the choice of the HoS for the award was informed by his untiring support that saw to the approval, gazette and implementation of their long-awaited consultancy cadre for pharmacists.
While describing Mr. Bayoko and other recipients of the awards as friends of the pharmacy profession, Enaike affirmed that the entire members of the profession would continue to hold the head of service in high esteem.
She added that the name of the HoS and that of the governor would remain indelible in the minds of members.
Governor Okowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (COS), Honourable Festus Agas, thanked members of the association for recognizing the excellent leadership qualities of the governor, which he noted, had brought to bare in piloting the affairs of the state.
NO DTS 1212: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
UVWIE MONARCH PRAISES SUBJECTS FOR SUCCESSFUL UGIU ELECTIONS
By Ambrose Ologide
The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1, has hailed his subjects over the successful elections of executive members of Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU), held in Effurun on Monday, June 28, 2021.
The ovie made the commendation in an exclusively media interaction with our correspondent shortly after he was briefed about the outcome of the elections.
While congratulating the newly executive members of UGIU on their victories, the monarch remarked that the successful and peaceful elections were testimonies to the fact that Uvwie people were peaceful and civilized.
Earlier, the Unuevworo (traditional administrative mouth piece) of Alegbo Traditional Administrative Unit in the kingdom, Chief Hope Akasa, who stood in for the ovie, who left after declaring the event open made a similar remark.
Akasa noted that such elections in most kingdoms were characterized by violence and litigations, stating: “But thank God, today you (delegates and candidates) have shown that we are peaceful and civilized,” urging winners of the elections to see their victory as one for all.
The elected President General of UGIU, Chief Hope Erute, who spoke with journalists shortly after the results were announced, described the election as the hallmark of democracy and a legacy others should follow.
He praised the Uvwie monarch for his fatherly role on issues concerning the kingdom and her people.
Erute assured that with the calibre of the executive members of the body, he would restore the lost glory of Uvwie in the comity of kingdoms in Urhobo nation.
The re-elected National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of UGIU, Hon Collins Ighrakpata thanked delegates for his re-election and promised that he would groom the younger generations in the acts of master of ceremony (MC).
He noted that it was his talent in coordinating ceremonies that endeared him into the hearts of delegates.
The outgone President General of UGIU, Chief Austin Ukuwrere, who is also a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Community Development had earlier read his account of stewardship.
Highpoint of the event was the swearing in of the new executive members of UGIU by the Chairman of election committee, Mr Joseph Agbamu, a legal practitioner, who adopted Option A4 system for the elections.
Delegates from other states of the country, the UK, USA and other parts of the world participated in the elections.
Those elected include Chief Hope Erute (President General), Chief Ogun F Ojo (1st Vice President General) Mrs Oke Emesone (2nd Vice President General) and Hon Oghomitse O Rueben (Secretary General).
Others were Enawore David Erumura (Assistant General Secretary), Victor Ovo Utuedor (Financial Secretary), Anthony Ofoni (Assistant Financial Secretary) and Hon Collins Ighrakpata (Public Relations Officer).
Also elected were Chief Kenneth Okwowe (Treasurer) Akpohere Ejiroghene (Legal Adviser), Nelson Ubiame Akporoba (Auditor) and Monije Areth Aruere (Welfare Officer)
NO DTS 1213: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
SHORTAGE OF STAFF, NOT ABSENTEEISM IS BEDEVILING AVIARA PHC- HEALTH EDUCATOR
By Uche Okei
An Health Educator in the Department of Health, Isoko South Local Government Council of Delta State, Mrs Lauretta Onieba, has cleared the air on the purported habitual absenteeism of staff of Aviara Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), Aviara in the local government area.
Earlier, it was reported that the staff of the PHC hardly come to work and when they do, close as early as 2.00 pm as alleged by the community people but Mrs Onieba yesterday, countered the allegation, saying that the PHC was short of staff.
In an eleven minutes telephone chat with the reporter by our correspondent, Mrs Onieba said that the Aviara PHC had only one nurse who was always busy with different state or local government activity.
“Well, the truth is that we are short of staff, yes we are short of staff.
“One thing I have learnt from our community people is that, at times, some of them can be very vindictive.
“In some of the health facilities, we do not have nurses. The nurses we have are not enough but these people will not understand and would not even allow us to explain,” she stated.
Onieba said there were 17 health facilities in Isoko South with only eight nurses in all.
“Like here in Isoko South, we have seventeen health facilities and about eight nurses only. How can they cover the whole 17 facilities,” she asked?
She said Aviara PHC was lucky to have one of the few nurses, Mrs Joy Igelige who she described as hardworking.
“The Aviara PHC is even lucky to have one of our few nurses in the facilities, Mrs Joy Igelige who is hardworking.
“The only problem is that Mrs Igelige may be busy with one state or local government activities. Like today, she left my office not more than an hour ago before your call because we have been together in the field since morning for COVID – 19 immunization program.
“As I speak to you, I just got a message that I should come to Asaba tomorrow morning. If I go to Asaba tomorrow now, somebody may come to my office and conclude that I don’t come to work. You see the problem,” she said.
Onieba prayed the community people to always hear from them before going to the press, saying that the nurses were committed to serving them better.
NO DTS 1214: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
DTHA DEPUTY SPEAKER MORNS LATE KENNETH OGBA
By Augustine Akanigha
Delta state House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Christopher Ochor, has condoled with the family of late member, Kenneth Ogba, and the people of Isoko South Constituency 1, on his untimely death, which occurred on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Oleh.
In a statement, by his Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, Ochor said that the death of Kenneth Ogba was shocking, and devastating.
He described the late member as one who was always jovial, friendly and a vibrant member of the 7th Assembly, adding the demise of Ogba would leave an indelible scare in the minds of members.
“The death of Hon Kenneth Ogba, is a very shocking and devastating one. It’s one of such news no one will expect, and which his death will for a long-time live an indelible scare in the lives of the members of the 7th Assembly. He was such a jovial man, friendly and a vibrant member”
“I condole with the family, the people of his constituency, the Isoko nation, Hon members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and staff. May God give everyone of us the strength to bear the loss, and may his soul rest in Peace,” Ochor stated.
NO DTS 1215: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
ISOKO NORTH PDP CONGRATULATES OGBIMI ON BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
By Uche Okei
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Isoko North Local Government Area Chapter, has congratulated the member representing Isoko North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Ogbimi, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
The party chapter, in a statement, signed by the Chairman of the LGA’s PDP Chapter, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, and made available to the press, congratulated the lawmaker on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
Ogorugba described Ogbimi as a worthy son of the LGA and a dedicated party stalwart.
While rejoicing with the member on the special occasion of his birthday, Ogorugba prayed the Almighty God to continue to bless him and give him wisdom and understanding to represent the overall interest of his constituents.
NO DTS 1216: ASABA, NIGERIA, TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
NULGE URGES WOMEN TO FOSTER UNITY IN WORKPLACE
By Diana Oluwole
Women have been urged to see themselves as agent of unity in the workplace rather than gossip.
The Women’s Wing Chairperson of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Udu Local Government Chaper, Mrs Tobor Rita gave the charge today, at theannual meeting chapter, with the theme, ‘Women: Agent of Unity in the Work Place’.
According to Tobor, the place of a woman in any organisation cannot be overemphasize, saying that woman had proven themselves worthy in their respective positions in any organisation through hard work and dedication.
She reasoned that if each woman was committed to her job and not focusing on minors such as gossip and quarrel during office hours, it would bring about efficiency in their job delivery.
The women chairperson, however, acknowledging that that all could not be done in isolation, stressing that women should cooperate with their male counterparts in the workplace to achieve unity in the service delivery.
She commended Udu NULGE women for being hard working and peace loving and urged them to keep up the good gesture.
