By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, immediate past Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) Chief Patrick Ukah and other top political stalwarts on Sunday, 25th June, 2023, gathered at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, to join Hon. Chukwudi Dafe Thanksgiving Service to celebrate his inauguration as Member, representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the State House of Assembly (DTHA)

While disclosing that he was Knighted several years ago at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections in the State in the 2023 general elections has placed a burden of performance on the Party.

Sir Onyeme said the PDP in the State has no excuse for non-performance now that Deltans have demonstrated their confidence in the party by overwhelmingly voting for the party in the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly Elections.

He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori/Monday Onyeme’s mandate and the State lawmakers are accountable to Deltans for all the successes and the inadequacies of the next four years, saying “We have a burden to perform because we are the one in charge.”

“We have majority of the seats in the State House of Assembly. So, for that we also have to be humble in success and ensure that we deliver the goods to Deltans. Our prayer is that those who have been given the mandate of the people will not disappoint but will be accountable to the people and serve the people with all their heart and commitment”, he added.

Pouring encomium on the immediate past Governor of Delta State for the good things he good things he did, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe revealed that be became Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa adopted son when his (Chukwudi Dafe) father died many years ago.

He thanked the Church for the prayers offered him and the State Deputy Governor during their campaign period and urged them to continue to pray for the Government.

In his sermon titled Transformational Leadership and Goals, the Chief Host of the Officiating Ministers, Rt. Rec’d Godfrey Ekpenisi noted that Thanksgiving gives one the opportunity to dance before God and to appreciate Him. Adding that the Lord commands Thanksgiving and it’s good if it’s freewill.

He urged politicians to possessed the ability to give that giving attract love, saying “you can never be rich until you learn to give to those in need”.

Ekpenisi encouraged politicians not to disregard the people but maintain loyalty and a good relationship with those who in anyway helped them to political positions. That they should not undermine or abandoned those who held the ladder for them to climb.

While asserting that serving others leads one to lead others that service is the pathway to greatness, Rev’d Ekpenisi said “Don’t be creating or gathering crowd but be creating leaders because followers and crowd will leave you but the leaders you created will remain.”

He charged politicians not to relent in continuous prayers. That prayer is the key to life.

According to the Officiating Minister, “Prayer is the key to life. There are battles to fight everywhere. Do not be spiritual orphan. Be going to Church.”

Top political dignitaries at the Thanksgiving Service includes the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwowo, Members representing Okpe, Aniocha North and Ika North East Local Government Areas in the State House of Assembly, Engrs. James Augoye and Emeka Nwaobi and Marilyn Okowa.

Others were Rt. Hon. Ochor C. Ochor, the immediate past Commissioner For Information in the State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Hillary Ibegbulem amongst others.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will ensure prompt payment of salaries, imprest, and other emoluments of public servants, Sir Monday Onyeme has said.

Onyeme who is the Deputy Governor of Delta State, gave the assurance when he played host to Members of Delta State Forum of Local Government Secretaries paid him a visit on Tuesday at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Asaba.

While noting that most of the delays in the payment of emoluments could be traced to late release of allocations from Federal Government, the Deputy Governor emphasized that salaries, imprest and emoluments of public servants will be paid as at when due.

“As a financial expert, I want to assure you that your statutory allocation, imprest, emoluments and anything that is due you will not be delayed under the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led Government.

“Your dues will be given to you as at when due,” he said.

The Deputy Governor added that the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration is committed to the training and retraining of workers at all levels including the Secretaries of Local Government Areas in the State.

He said, “We love to train public officers because we have been trained and retrained and that’s why we are where we are today.

“With training, workers are equipped to serve the people better.”

He noted that the government belongs to all Deltans, so, it is a collective responsibility to work for the success of the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration.

The Deputy Governor, thanked members of the forum and all Deltans for the victory recorded by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state in the last gubernatorial election.

Chairman of the forum, Mr. Augustine Okom, Secretary of Ndokwa West Local Government Area and Mr. Samuel Meyiwa Khali, Secretary of Warri North Local Government Area, had appealed for regular payment of imprest; approval of seminar and special training for Secretaries to Local Government Councils.

They congratulated the Deputy Governor for his successful assumption of office, noting that their visit was also to tap from his wealth of experience.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe was among those who witnessed the courtesy visit.

By Ndubuisi Biosah

Witchcraft may not be known to law, but the average African can’t deny the fact that witches and wizards do exist. Those who studied Religion in the university will attest to the fact that witchcraft is part of the study of African Traditional Religion ATR. What is however shrouded in mystery about the whole concept of witchcraft is their Modus Operandi. Do they really fly at night?, are there good ones and bad ones?, is poverty a function of witchcraft?, does looking ugly at old age translate to being a witch?, in definition, can someone who does not wish people well, pass for a witch?, can the rich and affluent exhibit witchcraft?. These are some of the questions begging for answers whenever this topic comes to mind.

On the 25th day of February 2023, Nigerians trooped in their numbers to their polling units in what looked like a replica of the aborted June 12 1993 General Elections. This Tsunami was motivated by the fact that ex-president, General Mohammadu Buhari, took Nigeria from Out Patients’ Ward to Intensive Care Unit. At that point, Nigeria needed a messiah of some sort if we must escape being transferred to the morgue, and a certain Mr. Peter Obi was the obvious choice of majority of Nigerians. His candidacy gave birth to what became known as the OBIdient Movement, and the rest is history today, pending when our judiciary will let us know if we still have one in the true sense of the word.

That presidential election held same day with National Assembly elections and the Labour Party, under which Peter Obi ran, had most of it’s candidates for National Assembly positions sweep their constituencies in what looked like a Peter Obi goodwill, but later exposed the fact that people were not just tired with Buhari’s leadership, but indeed people were fed up with the entire system. One of such people whom the will of the people which translates to the will of God blessed is Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie, Member presently representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie needs no introduction for those are have been in politics for at least the last two decades.If every other thing is false, the sacrosanct truth is that PDP’s Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu lost the HOR seat to LP’s Rt.Hon.Ogbueshi Ngozi Okolie with uncountable votes, in the full glare of voters, onlookers, observers, Party agents and leaders , underaged children and even to the sitting president, who himself lost Lagos to LP in his own presidential election!. So what is Ndudi Elumelu fighting for if witchcraft is not involved?. Can his actions and inactions vis-a-vis trying to compromise the Judiciary and INEC to truncate the wish of the people not pass for witchcraft?. Just maybe!.

Rt.Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has been to the National Assembly for 12 good years and has contributed his own quota to Aniocha/Oshimili. Why not allow another person contribute?. Running to the Election Tribunal to unseat one whom the people chose just to return to Abuja to play Jagaban politics is not in the best interest of Ndi Aniocha/Oshimili. No matter the cases you sight and the evidences you present before the Jury, it won’t change the fact that you lost in totality…as in woefully, courtesy of the people’s resolve for something new and different. What are even Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s petitions at the tribunal?, let’s do an x-ray.

First, that in May 2022, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie served as Barrister Fred Majemite’s agent in the PDP governorship primaries ,hence he was still a PDP member then. It baffles me when I see persons who ought to know, especially lawyers, argue out of point just to cash out from their clients instead of educating those they refer to as ‘lay men’. Which law in Nigeria states that agents to candidates in a Political Party’s primaries must be card-carrying members?. In Political Parties primaries, all aspirants are Party members and the shenanigans within every Party prior and during primary elections calls for aspirants to present trusted persons of their choices as agents. I have never seen a Political Party primary where an aspirant’s agent is asked to present his Party card for accreditation. In 2019, one of my bosses, Hon. Izuka Okolo was an aspirant for the Oshimili South House of Assembly seat. As a Public Servant , who does not have any Political Party’s membership card,I was one of his two agents based on trust. Infact, with the benefit of hindsight, I witnessed the many atrocities of his Party members who are the so-called card-carrying members on the said day and reported same to him. These are coming from people whom he trusted ,but to them in politics, it’s normal!. So this point is dead on arrival, unless ofcourse the arms of the law will be twisted but we are carefully watching.

Second, that Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie’s resignation as an appointee in the Okowa-led administration in September was belated. Well, like I said earlier, all these are just day light witchcraft coming from a brother.Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu prides himself as an Asaba inlaw each time he comes for campaigns, because his wife is from Asaba. So I ask, is this how to come after someone who gave you a wife?. You went for something, one you have enjoyed for 12 years but you did not get it. Your inlaw got it, is this the best way to celebrate him?. I guess not. Talking about the crux of the matter, as a ‘lay man’ in law, I know that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that anyone in employment who wants to be elected into a public office must resign his employment at least, 30 days (one month) to the elections. Pls, what crime has someone who resigned in September 2022 for an election that held in February 2023 commit?.Even the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled countless times that political appointees are not Public Servants, hence Ex-governor Theodore Orji of Abia State won the governorship election of his state from prison as a sitting Chief of Staff to the governor. On this ill-fated matter, I leave us to be the judge!.

Meanwhile, the Defense Council of the Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie Campaign Organization can tell you that Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu was not validly nominated as the candidate of the PDP for that election. There are legal proofs to that effect and ordinarily, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie never wanted to join Ndudi Elumelu in washing the Aniocha/ Oshimili dirty linen outside, but because he has come this far, the tribunal has called for his defense on it, let him respond and stop chasing shadows. Throughout the trial, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu did not show any proof that he is a member of the PDP or that he was validly nominated as the candidate of the Party.

Lastly, we have been watching INEC’s role during these proceedings. The only animal that is proverbially known to go back and forth in critical times is the Ram. Humans are superior animals and don’t talk with both sides of the mouth. We have seen lately that the INEC that declared an unprecedented result and issued a valid Certificate Of Return is trying to play games. We know that everyone has a price but some prices just turns out to be bones.INEC, be warned, the wish of the people is priceless. I hope the judiciary is listening…they should!.

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, join hands with Rt. Hon. Ogbueshi Lawrence Ngozi Okolie in building the Aniocha/ Oshimili of our dreams with your contacts , one that strangers won’t be able to identify boundaries like they presently do. Do no use the contacts for internal war. Tow the lines of Ide Tony Nwaka , PhD, a model to budding writers like me and Ada Ahaba, Isioma Ndah, a voice for the voiceless, to sheath your sword and see oganihu Aniocha/Oshimili as a bigger project , much bigger than personal ambition ,maka odinma Anioma.

May God bless us!.

The Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District, in the National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has said that the 10th Senate was poised to bring the best input into governance in the country, as he appreciates God on his election victory.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo stated this while speaking with newsmen during his election victory/inauguration thanksgiving held at Christ Chosen Deliverance Church, headquarters Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

He said that as a professional accountant, and somebody who has been in business and public service, it was expected that his wealth of experience would be brought to bear in championing development programmes and policies that will have direct bearing on his Senatorial district, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Accordingto him, “We are bringing the best of input into Governance. Which simply means that we are focusing on development, which is trying to put projects in the budget that will impact positively in the lives of the people.

“We are going to make laws that will affect the lives of the people. Then we can see how we can create employment for our teaming youths and also provide employment for those who are not in an employable state. So in all ramifications, we are bringing professionalism into governance.

“And I think for anybody who wants to make significant strides in Nigeria, Delta State will benefit immensely from the combined services of the caliber of people that Delta State have taken to the red Chamber. They will benefit immensely from myself and from my brother from Delta Central Senatorial District. We are both core professionals, we are catalyst for change and we are ready to do that. I also believe that, the Nigeria you see today is not the Nigeria to the expectations of many Nigerians and we will change the narratives.”

While offering thanksgiving to God during the service, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas said; “I am dedicating this victory to God for safe keeping and also dedicating myself to God for Him to use me mightily to fulfil His scripture that says; When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice.

“I believe without having any doubts in our mind that this victory wouldn’t have been possible without God on our side. We went through many battles. But at the end, God gave us victory.

“I want to first, appreciate our men of God who are here present to graced this occasion and for your prayers since when this race began till now. I also sincerely from the depth of my heart thank our Royal Fathers across Delta South Senatorial District for being in this auditorium. I know what it takes for our Royal Fathers to leave their various Palaces to be here. I am most grateful and its an honour for me, my family to have you all here today.

“I also thank my party Leaders and my father Comr O.S Macaulay, Isoko Development Union, led by the President General, Prof. Chris Akpotu, and eminent personalities here present, the good people of Delta South Senatorial District. I say, a big thank to you to them.”

He prayed and vow to God Almighty to use him to represent the good people of Delta South Senatorial District effectively.

On his part, the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Chief Ede Dafinone, said; “Today present an opportunity for my Dear brother and colleague, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and his team to come together as a unit. They fought a hard long battle and this really is a celebration to say God we thank you for preserving our lives all over the period of the campaigns. So it’s a day of celebration.

“We started with a thanksgiving at the Church and this session of it is to thank the team that was in the campaign for a whole year which is not a short campaign at all.”

He added that; “I am thankful that my brother from this Senatorial District is a very well distinguished gentleman and professional chartered accountant. So as a fellow professional we will bring added value to the 10th Senate.

“We will bring a professional approach. But significantly our people sent us to bring development back home for them. Development that touches them generally and specifically. So the trust of our jobs will be not just to tar roads or develop the health sectors but also individuals. To let the empowerment touch individuals generally.”

Earlier on in his homily, the founder/ General Overseer of Christ Chosen Deliverance Church, Amb Apostle (Dr.) M.T.O Oki, harps on the need to return to God with thanksgiving.

In the message tagged: “How Can I Forget So Soon”, with scripture references from 2 Samuel 6:14-16, Psalms 67:5-6, and Psalms 20:1, he said, “Our distinguished Senator remember the goodness of God upon his life hence he has returned to give thanks to God for His election victory and inauguration.”

He commended the entire Isoko nation, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities for ensuring that, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas emerged the Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District, urging them to pray and support him in order for him to attract meaningful development to Delta South Senatorial District.

The thanksgiving service and reception was attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life including Royal Fathers and top Chieftains of the All Progressive Congress in Delta State.

The University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, and the University of Lagos are the Federal Universities that pegged their minimum benchmark for admissions at 200 cumulative scores obtainable during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation  Examinations, The PUNCH reports.

Our correspondent gathered that prior to the 2023 policy meeting held by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, all institutions were advised to propose the cut-off marks for the conduct of their admissions.

In the list sighted by our correspondent in Abuja, seven institutions indicated their minimum admissions benchmark scores to be 200 and above out of which four were federal universities.

News View reports that Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian universities present at the 2023 policy meeting, however, unanimously agreed on 140 as the minimum benchmark for the admissions of the 2023/2024 academic session.

However, universities are at liberty to decide individual cut-off marks but no university will be allowed to admit any candidate who scored below the 140 benchmark, JAMB registrar, Prof.Ishaq Oloyede said.

For the polytechnics, the minimum benchmark score of 100 was adopted for admissions while Colleges of Education adopted the benchmark of 100 for admissions.

Culled from the PUNCH Newspaper

A star witness of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Mike Enahoro-Eba, on Friday evening at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), faulted the judgement of the United States of America’s court in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly forfeited $460, 000 dollars for alleged drug offences.

The witness, who is a lawyer of 17 years, admitted that the judgement copy was not registered in Nigeria as required by law when delivered to make it effective in the country.

He admitted that there was no evidence in the judgement that Tinubu appeared before the court for his plea to be taken, face trial, and be convicted as required by criminal trial procedure.

Enahoro-Eba, who is an Abuja-based activist, faulted the judgement while answering questions from Tinubu’s lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, during cross-examination.

“As a lawyer, I am aware that there are differences between criminal forfeiture and civil forfeiture,” he said.

He, however, insisted that President Tinubu, on his own, admitted forfeiting the money in a civil matter.

The witness whose cross-examination almost drew the anger of the court said that he was not aware of a letter of February 4, 2003, written to the Inspector General of Police by the US Consulate in Nigeria.

Answering another question from Olanipekun, the witness denied knowledge of any warrant of arrest issued against Tinubu by the American government.

He admitted instituting direct criminal charges of forgery against Tinubu at a Magistrate Court in Abuja but said the case was thrown out by the court due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Besides faulting the judgement, the witness under cross-examination said he was not aware of a public notice of June 27, 2022, by the Registrar of Chicago University to the effect that Tinubu attended the institution and graduated with honours.

Also during cross-examination by lead counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, the witness admitted to knowing Chicago University as a public institution established in 1863.

He said that there was no certificate in the hand of any police officer relating to the judgement on forfeiture of $460, 000 by Tinubu, and there was no fingerprint or photograph of anybody on the judgement copy.

Immediately after the cross-examination, lead counsel to Atiku and PDP, Chief Chris Uche, announced the close of prosecution of the petition, having exhausted the number of days allotted to them by the Court.

The presiding justice of the court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, has fixed July 3 for Tinubu, APC, and INEC to open their respective defence in the petition

President Tinubu has broken his silence on the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele during an interactive session with Nigerians resident in France and neighbouring European countries.

Tinubu said the nation’s financial system under the suspended Emefiele was rotten.

He said many Nigerians abroad were unable to send money to their relatives because of the multiple exchange rates, saying all that have become a thing of the past.

“Then the financial system was rotten. Few people making bags of our money and then you yourself, you stopped sending money home to our poor parents. Several windows… but that is gone now, is gone.

“The man is in the hands of authorities, something is being done about that, they will sort themselves out.”

–

His Royal Majesty, Bernard I. Awarieta, Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South local government area of Delta state, has advocated for peace and love among the people of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.

The monarch who made this statement while performing the traditional rituals across the various streets of Ewu Urhobo-Kingdom in line with the Odudu annual festival, has used this period to extend hands of fellowship to those who contested with him to join him in the development of the kingdom.

HRM Awarieta said the Odudu festival is a unique celebration that has always brought blessings to the land and young females that is attaining the age of marriage.

The Osuivie and Ahavwa kingmaker family, Olorogun Michael Ohwofaria, NNPC retiree and the oldest man of the Ahavwa kingmakers, Olorogun (Barr.) Akpephre Egalase, former Permanent Secretary, warned any impostor parading himself as the king of Ewu kingdom to desist from it or will face the wrought of the land.

The Osuivie, Olorogun Michael Ohwofaria and Olorogun (Barr.) Akpephre Egalase gave the warning while preforming an act of farming for HRM Awarieta for returning successfully from the river after performing the ritual of the Eharikpo festival

The duo said the festival they celebrating today is one of its kind, pointing out that in every community as enshrines in the 1979 constitution, only the kingmakers have the right to elect a king and that they have done following the due process of election, which has brought His Royal Majesty, Bernard Awarieta as Ewu traditional ruler on the 30th of May 2021.

They said the festival is dedicated for the period of circumcising their young ladies and as the king of Ewu kingdom, HRM Bernard Awarieta, has important role to play and that is what they have all witnessed.

Speaking further, they said, “This is a period for circumcised ladies and the ladies have to come out and dance and the name of the music with which they dance is called Odudu.

“The duration of this festival is normally seven days each year and it falls between the month of May and June. It is an annual event but the moon position determined the time of celebration. Our kingship is from the water, hence during the festival our king has to go and make presentation to the gods of the water.

“The king will enter the water up to the level of his chest to perform the rituals to the gods. There are stories in the old days if the king that the people elected by the kingdom enters that water and is not accepted by the gods of the water, such king will not come back, so while we were waiting for him our hearts were beating.

“After presenting what he has to the gods of the water, the king goes to the palace and that’s the happiness you see in the people. And anybody who is not elected and given the tusk by the Ahavwa kingmaker’s family cannot do the rituals and cannot dare go to the water.

“Only the Ahavwa kingmaker’s family are the people who empower the traditional ruler to perform this ritual, so anyone who chooses to perform the rituals will not succeed, not just going to pages of newspaper to parade oneself as king of Ewu kingdom, let him come and perform the rituals and wait to tell the story.

“There’s no way anyone will come to this community to do anything concerning the enthronement of a king, hence we are referring to anyone parading himself as king of Ewu kingdom and his cohorts, with publications everywhere are not known to Ahavwa kingmakers and Ewu kingdom.

“The women on white garments are called emeba (King’s Maids), going to different streets of Ewu community, making sacrifices of appreciation to the gods for their protection and also don’t forget that the Tusk was given by the king of the water, so this are women, agents representing the king of the water in our community.

“While the festival lasts, all sons and daughters have to be at home relaxing and enjoying their harvest with all their stores closed for the celebration of the festival.”

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The National Network of Civil Society Organizations working on the prevention, treatment and mitigation of the impact of malaria, and the promotion of immunization and better nutrition in Nigeria (ACOMIN), has called on the government to implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, who are always available to provide quality malaria and health services.

The group made the call during their media brief for the State Media Meeting on the Global Fund Malaria Community Led Monitoring Project they are implementing held at Orchid Hotels yesterday in Asaba.

Reeling out the successes recorded by ACOMIN for the period under review, Sir Austin Uwede, the Delta State Program Officer of ACOMIN urged government to prioritize the health of its citizens by taking swift and decisive action to enhance waste management systems to ensure efficient and effective waste disposal to prevent malaria.

Uwede said to prevent mosquitoes bites, “all members of the public should ensure that their environments are well-kept and void of stagnant water, waste-forming receptacles for water, and open water storage containers around where mosquitoes can breed.

“Members of the public should come together to channel stagnant water and desilting drainages that are silted during this season.
“Members of the public particularly heads of households should ensure proper use of mosquito nets to protect family members from malaria and use protective clothing if they must sit outside at night”.

Frowning at those that are using the treated mosquito nets for fish and snail farming and bagging bottles instead of malaria prevention it was made for in her remarks, Dr. Julie Aniah of the State Ministry Health, charged ACOMIN to discourage pregnant women from patronizing traditional birth attendance (TBA) to avoid challenges that some of the TBAs were not scientifically skilled to prevent damages such as tears, jaundice and infectious tools.

Dr. Julie Aniah warned pregnant women to desist from patronizing Traditional Birth Attendance during anti-natal that the danger outweighed the financial cost of a normal hospital and that Primary Health Cares are free in the State.

Also speaking, the leader of the State Advocacy Team Pastor Greg Sifor, appealed to relevant stakeholders at all levels to support Community Based Organizations (CBOs) implementing project towards elimination of malaria, COVID 19, Tuberculosis, HIV AIDS in communities across the State.

He noted that Malaria is a serious disease that can be life-threatening that can be prevented and treated, but if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can progress to a severe form that is often fatal. That malaria is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It is spread by female mosquitoes of the Anopheles species.

“Unhygienic living conditions provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry malaria. In 2021, approximately 60 million Nigerians do not have access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities. This lack of basic amenities makes it difficult to maintain proper hygiene and dispose of waste appropriately, hindering efforts to eliminate malaria in Nigeria.

“When waste is not properly disposed of, it can block drains and cause flooding during heavy rainfall. These obstructions create stagnant pools of water, which become breeding habitats for disease- carrying mosquitoes. In addition, such conditions attract rodents and other animals that can also serve as hosts for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

“To address the issue of unhygienic living conditions and prevent the spread of malaria, urgent action and collective effort from the public are needed. Sleeping under Insecticide-Treated Nets is crucial as they provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes, these nets are effective in reducing the risk of infection, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and young children. Additionally.” Greg Sifor asserted.

While calling on the mass media to contribute to Nigeria’s goal of eliminating malaria by amplifying the following messages on behalf of ACOMIN, the leader of the State Advocacy Team disclosed that “As part of a national effort to address the challenges of Malaria in Nigeria, ACOMIN is working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on the ongoing Global Fund (GF) Malaria Grant, to continue implementing the civil society component. The grant is presently being implemented in the thirteen (13) GF-supported states namely Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, ligawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Ogun, Osun, and Delta States. The project covers 8 LGAS in each state. In Delta state, the selected LGAS are Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Isoko North, Ndokwa West, Sapele, and Patani.

“On the grant, ACOMIN is using the CLM approach to engage community stakeholders to take ownership of health interventions, particularly on malaria, to identify gaps hindering effective malaria service delivery and to jointly prioritize their needs and advocate for improvement in malaria healthcare delivery.

“This initiative has brought about many advantages to each of the communities/wards where the project is being implemented. These include increased ingenuity, innovation in tackling challenges, identifying and addressing the root cause of failed interventions; and enhanced accountability and ownership among others.”

He concluded by enumerating some of the recorded successes of ACOMIN like Donation of 30 Plastic chairs to Emevor PHC in Isoko North LGA by the community; Procurement and donation of routine antenatal drugs to the Ovrode PHC in Isoko North LGA by the Community; Procurement and donation of Beddings to Evwreni PHC in Ughelli North Korea LGA, by the community; Repalirs of weighing scale and deployment of security personnel at Etua PHC by Ndokwa West LGA.

Other successes recorded by ACOMIN includes Provision of concrete slab at Otogor PHC in Ughelli North LGA, by the community and Repairs of collapse plumbing system at Ekiugbo PHC, in Ugheli North LGA, by the community. Just to mention a few.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, of the federal high court, Ikoyi Lagos, on June 9, struck out the money laundering case filed against Ayo Oke, the immediate past Director-general of the National Intelligence Agency NIA.

This followed a termination notice filed before the judge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, who had earlier Oke to court over the discovery of $43 million, £27,000 and N23 million in a flat at Ikoyi, Lagos.

The anti graft agency told the court National Security informed its decision to stop the prosecution of the dismissed former DG.

Kayode Ajulo, lead counsel of Oke’s defence team concurred with the EFCC’s motion.

Former president Muhammadu Buhari reportedly approved the termination of the case before he left office.

IKOYI $43M

In April 2017, the EFCC informed the nation it had found $43 million, £27,000 and N23 million stashed in a flat on Osborne Road in Ikoyi after a tip-off from a whistle blower.

Investigations later traced ownership of the said cash to the NIA. In its defence, the Intelligence agency said the funds were part of the $289,202,382 collected for “special covert intelligence operations” from the account of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in February 2015.

Public outcry on this compelled the federal government to set up a three-man panel headed by former vice president Yemi Osinbajo to look into the matter. The panel in its report, indicted Oke and recommended his dismissal, which was effected in October same year.

On January 20, 2019, Osinbajo said criminal allegations would be filed against Oke and Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation, following a directive from Buhari.

But influential Intelligence community scholars including Emeka Anyaoku and the respected Professor Bolaji Akinyemi expressed concern over the move to dock Oke openly which they feared compromise the nation’s security operations.