By KENNETH OBIEH

The State Co-ordinator of Delta Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe commended the six Technical Heads implementing the program across the state for their exceptional performance at the 3rd Independent Verification Assessment (IVA) exercise by World Bank.

Lady Ogbewe who is also the Secretary of the State CARES Steering Committee(SCSC) gave the commendation when debriefing the THs on the outcome of the NG- CARES Technical meeting with Chairmen of States CARES Steering Committee and State Coordinators of the program recently held in Abuja.

The Delta State Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen was also in attendance.

Dr. Ogbewe thanked His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori for the immense support given to them within this period, saying the Governor has truly shown that he wants to do MORE for Deltans.

She appreciated the Technical Heads for their result oriented commitment and strategic approach to program implementation that had enabled the State to provide succour to over 46,000 Deltans as validated by the World Bank in the last IVA exercise which is the 3rd in the series.

The seasoned International Development Expert encouraged the THs not to rest on their oars as the State Government expects them to continue to achieve more result for the overall benefits of Deltans.

On their parts, the Heads of the delivery platforms thanked the State Co-ordinator for her sterling leadership qualities which had motivated them to always give their best at all times while promising to consolidate and improve on the achievement thus far.

With determination to achieve the overall objective of ensuring universal health coverage, the Delta State government has underscored the necessity of increasing enrollment in the health insurance scheme across the State.

The Director-General of Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta, made the call on the occasion of the Flag-Off/Distribution of Health Insurance Cards to the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative Adoptees of the Oganihu Umu Ogbekenu Foundation in Onicha-Olona Community on Monday April 1st, 2024, in Aniocha North LGA Of Delta State.

While saying the DSCHC is determined to increase the number of enrollees from its currrent figure of over two million, Dr. Akpoveta noted that he was immensely delighted to stand before the community to celebrate the remarkable generosity and compassion of the Oganihu Umu Ogbekenu Foundation.

“The adoption and purchase of health insurance for 100 vulnerable individuals in your community is not just an act of charity; it is a demonstration of profound empathy and a tangible commitment to the well-being of our people”, he added.

The DG asserted that “the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative, pioneered by the DSCHC, aims to ensure that every resident, regardless of their socio-economic and political status, has access to quality healthcare. It is heartening to see the spirit of solidarity and community support exemplified by this foundation, whose noble gesture will provide essential health coverage for those who need it most. With just N7000 per person you can purchase our health insurance premium for your neighbor, which will enable them to access quality health care for a whole year. This is exactly what the Oganihu Umu Ogbekenu Foundation has just done, and the reason we are here today”.

“Healthcare should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few; it is a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed to all. By stepping forward to adopt enrollees and purchase health insurance for the vulnerable members of your community, this foundation has demonstrated a profound understanding of this principle and shown us the power of collective action in creating positive change.”

Still in his speech, he disclosed that enrollees of the scheme have access to treatment of over 80 percent of prevailing ailments including malaria, diabetes, hypertension, cough, catarrh, among others with surgeries where necessary. Dr. Akpoveta thereby charged the public, particularly well-to-do Deltans, to be inspired by the selflessness and dedication of the Foundation by also sponsoring vulnerable people in their community.

“Let us all take up the mantle of responsibility and join hands in supporting our fellow community members who are in need. Whether through philanthropic initiatives, volunteering, or advocacy, there are countless ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of those around us”.

“Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life. Let us seize this moment as a call to action, a reminder that our collective strength lies in our ability to care for one another and uplift those who are less fortunate. This is what the M.0.R.E. Agenda of the Oborevwori administration stands for. Think M.O.R.E. And do M.O.R.E for your neighbor.” The DG of DSCHC asserted while addressing Onicha-Olona people.

Dr. Akpoveta noted that the journey towards ensuring the most Vulnerable members of our society have access to quality healthcare is a testament to DSCHC’s unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind in the pursuit of universal healthcare coverage in Delta State.

“As you have seen today the indigent enrollee adoption initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare disparities. Through this initiative, we aim to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to indigent individuals, thereby improving their health outcomes and promoting social equity within our communities”, he stated.

The Director-General of Oganihu Umu Ogbukene Foundation, commended the Dr Akpoveta and his team for enrolling their Enrollees and coming to distribute the Health Insurance Card to their Vulnerable Individuals within a short time.

He noted that despite the tight schedules of Dr Akpoveta and the time typically reserved for celebrating Easter with his family,, he opted to come to Onicha-Olona to enroll his people into the Health Insurance scheme and also carry out a sensization campaign, on the benefits of health insurance, for the community.

The highlights of the program were the distribution of cards to Enrollees, sensitization and conferment/ presentation of plaque of honour as Health Insurance Ambassador of Delta State to the Directorship of the Oganihu Umu Ogbukene Foundation.

Former Governor of Delta State and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has reiterated his support for Dr Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate for the September governorship election in Edo State.

Okowa, known for his steadfast loyalty to the PDP, was full of praise for Ighodalo, saying that he was sure the lawyer, businessman and politician will provide the right leadership for Edo State.

He stated this on Monday when he welcomed the gubernatorial hopeful on a courtesy visit at his Owa Alero country home, Delta State.

Okowa, who described Ighodalo as a “foremost lawyer and investment banker,” said “I have high regard for Dr Asue Ighodalo’s capabilities and vision for Edo State. I believe he will provide innovative, competent, cost-effective and well-timed solutions that will help boost the economy of the state,” a source at the meeting confided in our Correspondent.

The source went on to describe Ighodalo as a “complete gentleman who is friendly, warm, social and lively. He doesn’t erect those barriers between big men and small men. He interacts with you at your level.”

Confirming the visit on his own FB page, Dr Ighodalo wrote : “What a heartwarming end to the Easter weekend! I was deeply touched by the warmth and brotherhood extended to me by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who graciously opened his home to me. I am thankful for the time spent together – a true reflection of the bond shared historically between the peoples of Edo and Delta States.

“Thank you for your hospitality and wise counsel, Your Excellency; they made the visit so much more enriching.”

It is no news that The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been plagued for years with news of corruption and circumvention of Nigeria’s economy.

Some of the allegations turned out true, other investigations were buried for reasons unknown.

In the face of this, the pool of corruption and corrupt practices in the towers have not subsided.

Recently, some of the key players in the NNPCL Towers were dropped and replaced. Chief in the list was the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Mr Adokiye Tombomieye.

While the former Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Mr Ali Mohammed Zahra, Adokiye’s counterpart who was sacked alongside himself, is currently facing a probe on allegations of mismanagement of 28 million dollars, Adokiye seems to be roaming the streets of Nigeria wild and free and claiming to be untouchable despite the plethora of financial infractions and malfeasance surrounding his sack.

This article is meant to bring to public notice some the infractions and the need for the office of the National Security Adviser as well as anti graft agencies to probe as they border on sabotage of National economy, security and integrity of Nigeria.

Adokiye’s sins:

1. Unaccounted For 107 Million Barrels of Crude Oil

According to a report from the office of the the Auditor General of the Federation says that NNPC limited under the watch of Adokiye as Executive Vice President upstream operations of crude oil productions, failed to account for 107 million barrels of crude oil that was lifted out of this country, which figure is, 107,239,436 barrels of crude oil was lifted out of the country for demestic consumption in the year 2019.

2. Unaccounted for 22 Million letter of petrol

The Audit Report from the office of the Auditor General of the federation shows that Adokiye and his allies at the NNPCL did not remit a kobo to the federation account from the 22,929.84 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit also known as PMS or petrol valued at 70 billion naira pumped to two depots, to wit: Ibadan-Ilorin and Aba -Enugu depots between June and July in that same year 2019.

The products as alleged were not received by these two depots. But taxpayers money were paid for them.

3. 48 Million Barrels of Crude Oil

While in Charge of Crude movement, Adokiye facilitated the movement 48 million barrels of crude oil out of this country to China and were sold without remitting any kobo to the federation account.

4. Inflated 1.3 Billion Dollars Pipeline Surveillance Contract Job

While the NNPC announce 48 billion naira as cost of the 18 months pipeline surveillance contract, the real figure was 1.3 billion dollars.

The brain behind the inflated bogus fraudulent amount of multibillion dollar Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance contract job that was awarded to tompolo in august last year, and the real amount was N1.3 billion dollars but adokive and his allies at the NNPC Limited told Nigerians and Niger Deltans that it was a 48 Billion Naira job.

5. Allegations of Sponsorship of Illegal Crude Oil Bunkering in the Niger Delta Region

In 2022, the Niger Delta Youth and Stakeholders Congress, an ex-militants group accused Mr Adokiye Tombomieye of sponsoring militancy and crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta Region.

The allegations were contained in a petition to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and signed by one Comr Davies Iyieke.

The petition which was officially assigned to the EFCC Director of Operations stated that Adokiye against his oath of office vowed to instigate huge confusion undermining the human, capital and infrastructural development of the Niger Delta, Loss of Revenue for Nigeria through sponsorship of oil bunkering activities and involvement in oil theft amongst fanning embers of fresh crises in the Niger Delta through deliberate exclusion of core Niger Delta youth leaders and stakeholders from all NNPC youth and stakeholders concessional empowerment schemes.

By Enitan Abel JOHNGOLD

With over 8 years under its belt and a new management in place, the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) is expected to have a renew spring in its step to collaborate the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government mantra of ‘MORE AGENDA’ in making a difference in the lives of ordinary Deltans, but with the PURE WICKED WAYS of the supposedly interventionist Agency, we are very sure if not assumed that DSCTDA was created to underdevelop Asaba and Deltans.

As an Agency established to give Asaba a befitting look as a Capital city, full and all round development of the state capital territory will no doubt promote tourism, provide more comfort to all Deltans and non-Deltans alike that come to the state capital for one reason or the other and ultimately boost business and commercial activities thereby, enhancing the economic viability of the state, but today, DSCTDA is a CURSE instead of blessing to the common man that resides therein.

Notably, all over the world, intervention agencies are seen helping as palliatives providers but in Delta State, DSCTDA is to create hardship for its people.

Since the exit of the pioneer Director General (D-G), Dr. Clement Ofuani, only arrogant and sadists bent on causing pains to residents of Capital Territory are seen heading the agency. If not how would you explain to me that a responsible government agency tasking and imposing unjustifiable fines on his people at this time when the whole State is lamenting in hardship? DSCTDA have had limited impact on Asaba, individuals, households, and businesses.

No sensible government imposes unjustified fines on its people in this hard time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is appealing to Nigerian leaders to begin rebuilding communities and making them into places where love, tolerance and harmony reign.

According to President Tinubu “We must begin to rebuild our communities and make them into places where love, tolerance and harmony will reign. Leaders at all levels especially community leaders and traditional rulers must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.”

But the Delta State Government has continues to bring hardship to Deltans despite the huge allocations receiving from the FAAC monthly and not to mention undisclosed monthly IGR that responsive State Governments are using to develop communities.

Pay a visit to the Delta State Secretariat and you will see thousands of waste bin containers wasting and rotting away yet the Oborevwori-led government is imposing fines ranging from N32,000, N50,000 and above on petty traders and residents of Asaba for not having State Government Waste bin container. Not that the Government provided it to the various residence and the people refused to pay! They registered with Waste Disposal Companies that carry’s their refuse from plastic drums, boutal drums and other waste plastic containers to dumpsites from time to time, but simply because they do not posses the State Government specified container which government itself failed to provide, the DSCTDA now imposes heavy fines and force the residents to pay.

One needs to go see what the kangaroo Mobile Court sitting under the dais of Cenotaph in Asaba is doing to residents. It would beat your imagination when you hear the greedy and alleged bribe collector DSCTDA prosecutor called Isaac Nwosu telling the Magistrate that the Agency’s Enforcement Charge is a million naira.

A petty trader with name withheld said, she has to sell off her refrigerator to raised the money to pay the N70,000 fine and enforcement the Magistrate A. O Monye held DSCTDA Mobile Court imposed on her.

Another lady is already planning of selling the wares in her shop at auction rate just to pay Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government DSCTDA Mobile Court arbitrary fine because there is no money and she doesn’t know what to do to survive after that.

A 74 year old retired Architect from Illah in Oshimili North living at Amb. Ralph Uwechue Way who disclosed that he supervised the building of the Cenotaph and the Specialist Hospital Okpanam, despite his plead to the presiding Magistrate and the Isaac Nwosu of DSCTDA was asked to pay what his three months pension cannot even afford. He was just there lamenting.

Another slim tall fair complexion 78 years old business man that was asked to pay about N300,000 was also seen weeping and wailing raining curses on them too.

One would expect a responsible and focused government to provide its choice waste bin to houses and direct the people where and how to pay for it instead of bullying residents of Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Please tell me why can’t people use plastic containers to store waste/refuse that waste collectors carry from time to time? It seems the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) was created to underdevelop Deltans.

The current Delta State Government does not have the people at heart, if not why this time of economic hardship? It lacks humanitarian disposition and not sensitive to the plight of Deltans. Delta State Government does not care if the people live or not. All they care is how to rip off the people…

The DSCTDA should be reminded of how some of its Party candidates were stoned during the 2023 electioneering campaigns because of their evil deeds and the development they failed to bring to their people.

But why should they be worried when they are stone-hearted? Was it not a former head of that DSCTDA that was reported to be slapping people around including an old woman and family member? We read how the Agency’s former boss was destroying, seizing people’s goods everywhere including perishable goods and taken to their Anwai Road office until they rot in the name of development.

On investigation, at exactly 1:06pm of Thursday, 28th March, 2024, in company of a veteran journalist, I walked into the DSCTDA office at the Annex of Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat only to be told that they don’t have the Specified Waste bin that I should go to Midwifery Market to buy it. Which means the Agency is only out to exploit Deltans.

Painful and oppressive as it is, the plastic drums and local plastic containers the DSCTDA is penalizing people for is what is being use for waste bins at the Delta State Secretariat premises.

Pay a visit to the Olorogun Felix Ibru State Secretariat, and you find the environment decorated with over grown weeds, the premises is bereaved of maintenance culture, a place not better than motor parks in some States, yet the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Fufeyi Manager, Esq. is telling the local (buker) food sellers to quit the Secretariat on or before Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024.

This food vendors canteens are were the workers go to eat N1000 food. According to a staff in one of the Ministries “where Sheriff government want make we come dey chop for office now abi na everybody get money to eat for their Stomach Care Restaurant. How much be person salary”!

The Oborevwori-led government needs to think humanity first before delving or taking some actions. I over heard a woman, a petty trader praying for Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu yesterday at that same Cenotaph for her leadership style. If you think the people are not seeing you they are watching and on the judgement day, God of justice will visit you.

A Bridget Anyafulu like leader without stepping out of her house will give instructions and the people will happily obey but not ranting and heretical people in positions that couldn’t even give proper sensitization because they are exhibiting government powers to oppress the people.