The Principal of Sapele Technical College, Sapele, Mrs Rosemary Itawansa on Tuesday denounced online reports over alleged dilapidation of facilities in the school.

Mrs Itawansa who spoke to journalists in Asaba while reacting to misrepresentation of facts during the visit of the Senator Representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone to the school, said the School was among the technical colleges given full rehabilitation by the Delta State Government few of years ago.

She stated that the only challenge facing the school is the issue of power because of the bad state of their transformer and the power situation in Amukpe.

According to her, “that press release is not correct. When Senator Chief Ede Dafinone came there, he saw for himself that we have what it takes for the school to be a Polytechnic.

“The community people were there and they saw for themselves and made statement that the school is up to standard.

“However, it is true we have power issues which he mentioned and it is with regards to the bad transformer. But that is not to say that the state government did not give us a generator.

“We have a heavy duty generators there that we fuel and the ones we run with diesel for practicals. I was there when he was making his last statement to the press that ‘you can see that the school is up to standard and has enough equipment’.

“But that the only observation there, is power outage. That was his statement before he left after the visit. So the true situation of things, is that Sapele Technical College is up to standard and not dilapidated as wrongly reported,” she said.

Mrs Itawansa who denied certain comments credited to her in the online report, further remarked that the Junior Secondary section was renovated some months ago while a memo was written to the State Government on the issue of the transformer.

“I think about three or four months ago, the JSS section was renovated by the the immediate past administration. We have written a memo to the government with regards to the issue of the transformer and it’s receiving attention.

“Nearly every department has a generator and we have a bigger generator, 300 kva or so to carry the whole school.

“So what I feel is that the statement issued could be an error from the press because what he (Edafinone) said was that the school has all it takes to be a Polytechnic and it’s up to standard,” Mrs Itawansa stated.

Hon. Amobi Ogah, Labour Party House of Representative member, reacting to the petition of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi alleged that Peter Obi, should dismiss his petition in court and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build Nigeria. He stated that in politics, you lose, and you win and Peter Gregory Obi should accept the fact that he has lost the position of the President of Nigeria and support the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build Nigeria.

Recall that Amobi Ogah became a member of the House of Representatives under the ticket of the Labour Party.

Amobi Ogah, reacting to the Tribunal proceedings, alleged that Peter Gregory Obi still have the opportunity to contest and win another time, but the best thing for him to do for his supporters is to dismiss his petition in court against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support Tinubu to build Nigeria.

However, Amobi strongly believes that if Peter Obi dismisses his petition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu it will prove that he has the spirit of a good sportsman, and he can also support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build Nigeria.

He said: “Once you are in this politics, don’t lose hope. Don’t think that if you don’t win today, you will not win again. Once someone has won the election, to be a good sportsperson, you must give the person support. For me, like I said earlier the last two weeks that trended all over the world, when I told the people, election has come and gone, now it’s about governance. And whoever Go has given the mandate to represent the people, you must respect that institution. Because today, while I am representing you, it is that institution that brought me to this place. For that reason, I always say whoever that is in that seat, give the person that support until either the court says otherwise or God. We must put Nigeria first. Nigeria is more important than anybody. It is more important than me. Let’s leave that for another day, but I can tell you it is only God that gives power.”

Amobi revelation has stirred reactions online from supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, who disagrees with his opinion and believes he has betrayed the Labour Party.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says modalities are being put in place by the Government to roll out transport palliative to cushion the high cost of transportation caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

Governor Fubara disclosed this when the State leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) paid him a solidarity visit at Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Sir Fubara explained that the Ministry of Transport is already being engaged to introduce some buses to help reduce the high cost of transportation currently faced by the people.

The Governor who described the effects of the subsidy removal as temporary, urged workers and Rivers people to exercise patience as relief will come at the end of the day.

The governor said, “Rivers State is one of the states that have implemented the new salary structure, the state is in full practice of the new salary scale, the issue of pension and gratuity are ongoing, the records are there, the issue of employment is also ongoing, we are fulfilling our part of the bargain to take care of the workers”.

Governor Fubara also stated that the Rivers State Secretariat Complex is undergoing reformation as challenges of water supply, security, power supply and other essential services are being tackled to enhance the productivity of workers.

Fubara further assured of providing a conducive working environment for both the public and private sectors of the state economy and urged the organised labour to work in synergy with the government to move the state forward.

He hinted that the confrontational approach of the previous leadership of NLC in Rivers State stalled the smooth resolution of issues regarding the welfare of workers, such as promotions, pensions and gratuities, but that is now a thing of the past.

The governor appealed to the leadership of the Union to always embrace peace and dialogue and urged them to be constructive in matters of policy as well as to make the state better.

“It’s very important for labour to have a good relationship with any administration, labour can’t work in isolation; it’s important for the present leadership of NLC in Rivers State to work with our government”.

Sir Fubara assured the Union of his collaboration in a bid to move the state forward and promised to look into the request of rehabilitating the Union’s office.

Earlier in his address, the Chairperson of NLC in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, who led the delegation on the solidarity visit said the visit was to congratulate the governor and pledge their unflinching support to his administration.

The NLC chairman said the organised labour in Rivers State is proud of the emergence of Fubara, a technocrat and career Civil Servant as Governor of Rivers State.

Agwanwor urged the governor to create a sustainable avenue for labour and government to always discuss issues that will enhance industrial harmony in the state.

He said, “The Rivers State Governor is conversant with challenges of the public service, we want to appeal, that a regular interface be sustained between government and labour to foster industrial harmony and development in Rivers State.

Protesting members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday prevented work activities at the premises of Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation, a Chinese construction company responsible for building the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lugbe, Abuja.

The NLC expressed their protest against what they described as dehumanizing working conditions endured by Nigerian workers at the Chinese company. They aimed to liberate the workers from what they perceived as slavery-like conditions.

Initially, the Chinese company resisted the entrance of the NLC leadership and their picketing team onto the company premises. However, they later opened the gate and received the complaint from the workers’ union.

The management of the construction company did not comment on the protest or respond to the allegations made by the NLC.

The Chinese government had undertaken the construction of the new ECOWAS Secretariat as part of an aid package to the West African regional organization.

During the protest, the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emma Ugboaja, expressed concern about the alleged inhumane treatment of workers at the construction site. He stated that the NLC had responded to a complaint from the construction workers’ union in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) regarding poor working conditions at the site.

According to Ugboaja, the Chinese company engaged the workers on an ad hoc basis without providing any employment terms or welfare benefits, including medical services.

He expressed regret that due to the deplorable work conditions, one of the workers, a driver named Mr Augustine, had died due to neglect and lack of timely medical attention.

Ugboaja mentioned that while the picketing action continued, the labour leadership hoped to engage in discussions with the management of Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation to address the concerns of the workers.

Referring to the deceased driver, Ugboaja said, “Mrs Ruth Augustine migrated with her husband and family to Abuja to come and earn a living. Now the man, in an aid to help build the ECOWAS Secretariat, has ended up six feet down, leaving his poor widow to face the vagaries of life: no pension, no gratuity, no food, no water, and no explanation. Where will help come from? Every day we plead with the government to provide a minimal social security net, to no avail. That is the challenge we have. This challenge is real.”

Ugboaja emphasized that, contrary to critics accusing labour of crying wolf where there are none, the widow of the deceased was present to share the tragic story of her late husband’s experience.

Ruth, the widow, narrated her ordeal, stating that her husband had secured a job as a driver with a Chinese company last year. However, the conditions of his employment did not allow him to return home after work.

“He would work from Monday till Sunday. I asked him whether they gave him a bonus for the overtime and extra work he was doing. He said no. My husband would work from morning till night without food, and he would not be allowed to come home. Even when he did come home, he would not stay for more than an hour before hurrying back to the site,” the woman said.

Ruth explained that after her husband returned to work in January following the Christmas festivities, he stayed at the company for two months without visiting home. Worried, she called him.

“From the conversation, I knew he was very sick,” she said.

According to her, the company failed to take her husband to the hospital and also did not allow him to go home for treatment.

“When they eventually permitted him to go home, his condition had worsened. He had a swollen neck and looked highly malnourished,” she said.

The woman added that she took her husband to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital in Abuja and later to the National Hospital, where he passed away.

Throughout this ordeal, Mrs Augustine stated that the Chinese company failed to heed her pleas for assistance. Instead, they gave her a termination letter for her husband.

Reverend Father Oluoma Chinenye John, a priest with the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, says those who speak in tongues that church members don’t understand are wrong.

The young priest, while speaking to his members about speaking in tongues and what happened on the day of Pentecost, said the reason is that when the Apostles spoke in different tongues on the day of Pentecost, people who were there understood what they were saying.

He started his sermon by saying: “Are there teachers here? In Education, we were told that there are three domains – psychomotor, affective and cognitive. Similarly, when it comes to speaking in tongues, the Holy Spirit also has his domains. They are communication, intoxication and specialization”.

Speaking further, Fada Oluoma Chinenye said: “The Bible said that people from various tribes were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Pentecost and when the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles, they heard them speaking their language and understood what they said. Go and read Acts chapter 2, you will see it. So, those who speak in tongues that church members don’t understand are wrong”

BY FIDELIS EGUGBO

Evidence has shown that all over the world, people are mainly interested in having leaders in authority who would create the enabling environment for them to engage in productive ventures and have the three basic needs of man – food, clothing, and shelter.

Delta State is so blessed that it is a production hub, tourism haven, and more. So, the people yearn for a government that will make such to happen.

The State boasts of a coastline that can be developed from Illah to Patani rivers and rivulets that are yet to be fully harnessed for economic benefits, four seaports located in strategic areas that can be made functional, two airports that are functional and also strategically sited to ensure complete coverage of the State, rich soil that has made it such that almost all crops can be cultivated in the State without fertilizer. The State also hosts the largest oil and gas deposit in sub-Sahara Africa.

Undoubtedly, with good leadership, Delta should be the destination of all investors.

If Delta is so blessed with so many natural resources, its location as a central state which everybody from the East and most people from the South-South region must pass through to get to the West and, in some cases, access the North, has also, made it almost like a nodal state. But the greatest asset of Delta lies in its people. With the Atlantic Ocean, Delta shares boundaries with other countries, so the opportunities are limitless.

Deltans are very enlightened people, industrious, and relatively peaceful. Of course, the State can be described as a mini-Nigeria with such ethnic groups like the Urhobo, Ndokwa, Ika, Ijaw, Aniocha, Itsekiri, Isoko, among numerous others, and more than 20 different dialects if we are to distinctly identify the Olukumis, Okpes, Ossissas, among others.

That the State is a tourism haven is an understatement. This is because, in Koko, there is the Nana Living Museum for one to look at the stories of the slave trade. In Aboh, there are also such tourist attractions that are begging for attention. Asaba, the Delta State capital city by the bank of the famous River Niger, plays host to the first administrative headquarter of Nigeria and its administrative building, the Mungo Park House, is still standing. Also in Asaba are the Lander Brothers’ Anchorage, the Onishe Shrine, and recently, the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park and Film Village. But of course, in Okpanam, which boasts of the Okpanam Wonder, is the Igwogwo Pit which has spring water and is said to be the source of the Anwai River. However, due to lack of attention, it is fast becoming a death trap with ecological challenges threatening the lives and houses of those built around the area.

At Umuaja, Ukwuani Local Government Area is the source of River Ethiope, which is the deepest river in Africa.

In Ugiliamai, Onicha Ukwuani, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State, lies a unique soil that cannot be found in any other part of the State but lies untapped for economic gains.

Of course, while Delta is known for oil and gas, Ugboba, which is almost a twin town to Obomkpa in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State, is a vast deposit of “matured coal” yet to be touched.

So, what will Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration do differently as the Governor of Delta State?

This question came to mind when I saw the display of raw talents at his 60th birthday anniversary celebration at the Events Centre Asaba, the state capital.

Of course, Delta hosts the most significant number of Nigerians in the entertainment industry, whether in comedy or music. And also, it is a truism that people can talk about Nigeria’s exploits on the football field, with the contributions of Deltans topping the chart.

Due to Governor Oborevwori’s double celebration, his inauguration thanksgiving and 60th birthday anniversary service, on Monday, June 19, 2023, Asaba, the Capital of Delta State, was literarily locked down. The Asaba International Airport also witnessed a flurry of activities that day.

The celebration was an extraordinary one coming precisely 21 days, three weeks after he subscribed to oaths of office as the elected Governor of Delta State. Rt. Hon. Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, mounted the podium on Monday, May 29, 2023, to subscribe to relevant oaths of office as Governor and Deputy Governor of Delta State, respectively.

The Winner’s Chapel, Living Faith Church, where, as a Christian, the Governor went for thanksgiving to mark the occasion, was filled. If the Church, where he had his thanksgiving, was filled to capacity, it was natural that the Events Center, the venue of the reception, had to play host to the creme-de-la-creme of the society, from governors of neighboring states to industrialists such as Chief Alen Onyema of Air Peace.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and people from all walks of life attended the ceremony. Naturally, the Events Center could not accommodate the dignitaries who wanted to identify with the Governor as he celebrated, so tents were provided within the premises of the Events Center for those who preferred to sit outside.

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, as a man who confidently works with Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, as two hearts that beat as one, two men working in unison to deliver the goodies of democracy to Deltans without discrimination, was among the first set of people to get to the Church. Sir Onyeme, as a successful civil servant, industrialist, farmer, and tax administrator, knows the importance of time and utilizes it to the fullest.

As a trusted Deputy Governor and one who knows his onus, Sir Onyeme was at the Church long before the arrival of the Governor, and from the Church, he briefly played host to his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, before moving to the Events Center for what one can describe as the grand finale of the birthday anniversary celebration.

One can vividly recall that less than two months after his inauguration as Governor of Delta State in 2015, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had a similar celebration in the State.

However, his thanksgiving occurred at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba. So, it was not surprising that Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, his wife, Edith, his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and his wife, Roli, were also at the Events Center to celebrate the incumbent Governor.

Delta-born musicians, Harrysong and Daddy Showkey, thrilled the mature audience. Of course, veteran, well-organized musician Emma Grey and his Afric Wadada band presented the sound system, the beats, and backups for the musicians that performed at the occasion.

Going back memory lane, when Chief James Ibori became the Governor of the oil-rich State in 1999, it was obvious that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is the oldest person to be administered the oath of office as Delta’s Governor.

Chief Ibori was born on August 4, 1959, and became a Governor at the age of 40 years; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, and became the Governor of Delta State at the age of 53 years, while Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was born on July 8, 1959, and became Governor at the age of 56 years.

So, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori became Governor 21 days before his 60th birthday anniversary. Will age have an impact on how he will govern Deltans? We shall know how far he will go in the next few weeks. Deltans and Nigerians are watching keenly how he will put his experience to bear in managing the affairs of the State, and as my friends in Warri will say, “he should not fall our hands.”

Yes, he cannot afford to fail because, apart from the oldest among those who took oaths of office, Rt. Hon. Oborevowri, is also the most experienced among them. Experienced based on the fact that he was the longest-serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, a position he relinquished when he was administered oaths of office as Governor.

Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, in a goodwill message, said the Governor is “a man of grace who has been given the mantle of leadership to ensure a stable and progressive Delta State.

“Your Excellency, it gladdens our hearts to celebrate with you and thank the Almighty God for making it possible for you to celebrate your first birthday anniversary while in office as the Governor of our dear State, Delta.

“No doubt, God has ordained you to pilot the affairs of our State as your special activities as the most extended serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, a position that required managing lawmakers from all the Constituencies of our State, speaks volumes of how God loves you.

“Your carriage and professional handling of issues relating to our State has distinguished you as a man prepared for governance, and we are confident that Deltans who overwhelmingly spoke with their ballot papers will have every reason to thank God for bringing you as our Governor. As you celebrate, we wish you happy more years, blessed with wisdom, peace, and good health through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, during the celebration, rekindled the hope of Deltans who voted for him massively at the elections, saying, “I want to start by thanking all of you who have come to celebrate with me. Your presence means a lot to me.
“You all know my relationship with the people at the grassroots; that relationship is key and will not stop. I want everyone to be patient; more appointments will come, and more development for the State, even as I sincerely thank all our leaders for showing love to me.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is a lucky man. His predecessors, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan are working closely with him. Neither Ibori, Uduaghan, nor Okowa enjoyed such privilege of having predecessors working closely with them when they were Governors. But, the questions revived at the reception venue were, are the predecessors working for their interest or the generality of Deltans?

Time shall tell, but if it were at the Federal Government’s level, they constitute the Council of State. The predecessors had already identified their mistakes when they were saddled with governing the State, so they will naturally ensure that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori will not make such mistakes; they have also all made money, so they will not be looking at how much will enter their pockets but how to spread the wealth so that before Oborevwori leaves office in the next eight years, those in Dubai should visit to see Oborevwori’s wonders in Delta State.

Yes! It is possible – the resources to do such is available and begging to be utilized. All that is required is the will.

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s antecedents do not also portray him as a poor man. Granted that some are even poor at heart that no matter their wealth, they keep amassing more to the detriment of the people, but if Rt. Hon. Oborevwori could get more than 90 percent support from lawmakers across the State, which means that he has listening ears, and as a true democrat, he works according to the dictates of the masses.

Deltans are already counting the days, and he is cautious, calculative, and focused. He called for patience, but are the people patient? They want action, and that is another task before him, the job of developing the State to a level where most people will not be dependent on the State but can be positively engaged and happily pay their taxes without government officials prompting them.

The days ahead are challenging, and he has to do something different, what former Governor Uduaghan will describe as “low-hanging fruits;” Deltans are watching, not only watching Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, but watching former Governors Okowa and Uduaghan, because with them teaming up with Oborevwori with the people’s interest coming first, life will be better.

If Deltans and the world are watching, expectedly too, they are praying for them to succeed because, when they grow in ensuring good governance, the greatest beneficiaries will be Deltans. So, As a Deltan, this is the time to be on your knees, praying for Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration to succeed, engaging in actions that will encourage the government to grow and avoid any activity that will portray the State negatively to the world, and we shall all have reasons to say, “God, thank you for answered prayers.”

Egugbo is an author cum journalist based in Asaba, Delta State.

By Felix Evwihor

The Director-General of the Delta State Water Sector Regulatory Commission, Engr. Henry Idama, has assured the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) of the readiness of the commission to collaborate with the association in the state.

The DG gave the assurance when Mr Dennis Nwenonye, Coordinator of the association in the state, paid a courtesy visit to the commission in Asaba.

According to the DG, “the commission is the only statutory body that is saddled with the responsibility of regulating and collecting levies from water drillers in the state on behalf of the state government.”

He commended the association for taking the right step in visiting the commission, saying that the commission had always prioritised the safety of water consumption in the state through enlightenment of Deltans against drilling water boreholes close to toilets, dump sites and other hazardous locations in the state.

Idama assured the association of maximum support to ensure its smooth operations in the state.

Earlier, Mr. Nwenonye intimated the DG of the mandates of the association to include working with relevant government organs and other stakeholders in the water sector to ensure adequate provision of portable water at affordable prices.

Nwenonye stated that membership of the association included everyone involved in water drilling and had its branches in over 30 states of the federation.

He also stated that training and conferences were organised for members regularly to aquaint them with best practices.

He was received by the DG, Mrs Josephine Ayomike, Director of General Services, and Mrs Irene Uduaghan, Director of Sanitation, in the commission.

BY Jonathan Afesuku

Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme has said that in line with Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration M.O.R.E agenda, public servant in the state should expect M.O.R.E in terms of dividends of democracy.

Sir Onyeme added further that public servants should expect M.O.R.E in terms of
infrastructural development, M.O.R.E opportunities in terms of peace and security as well as M.O.R.E in positive reforms that will impact positively on the people of Delta State.

Sir Onyeme stated this yesterday at his office in Asaba when he receive on courtesy call members of Ndokwa /Ukwani Public Servant Association, Asaba led by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr. Theophilus Aguonye (JP).

The State deputy governor assured the Ndokwa/Ukwani Public Servant Association that the state government is poise to attracting more development to every part of the State, adding that the Ndokwa nation will not be left out.

“I want to assure that the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori led government will not do less than what its predecessor has done. We will do more of whatever our predecessor has done for our people”.

“The agenda of this administration is called M.O.R.E, so as public servants, be expecting M.O.R.E in terms of dividend of democracy, infrastructural development, M.O.R.E. opportunities in terms of peace and security and positive reforms that will impact positively on our people”. Sir. Onyeme stated.

Sir, Onyeme while commending members of the Ndokwa/Ukwani Public Servant Association for their visit, assured them that he will do the best he can in ensuring Ndokwa nation get its own fare share of development.

“Being a full son of Ndokwa land, I will do my best to promote the Ndokwa nation in every way I can. I will represent you as a good ambassador, show loyalty to my boss as an example of what Ndokwa represent and ensure that I do not bring disgrace to this office, so that at the end of our tenure all Deltans and Ndokwa people will be proud of us”. He said.

Sir Onyeme enjoined them to be dedicated to their duties and be responsive to any task assigned to them. He urged them to support the government through their duty in moving the State forward.

Earlier, Leader and Patron of the Ndokwa Ukwuani Public Servants Association and Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security, Mr Theophilus Aguonye said the visit was to congratulate Sir Monday Onyeme on his election and subsequent swearing in as Deputy Governor of the state .

He said the association was happy to identify with the Sir Monday Onyeme being the first Ndokwa son to be elected Deputy Governor since the creation of Delta State.

Mr Aguonye pledged the commitment of the association to the present administration.

By Barth Ozah

There are different kinds of people created by God, just as there are different kinds of politicians all over the world. While some people joined politics for self aggrandizement others equally joined the frail for love and the needs to help shape humanity on the part of development.

Obviously, Senator Ned Nwoko belong to the category of the later. A man with deep love for the people. He is equally loved by the people as he is adored by the youths, celebrated by the women and revered by all. He is passionate about addressing the numerous challenges confronting his immediate constituency of Anioma in particular.

An example of his passion for service will suffice! Few days after his inauguration as the senator representing Anioma, he returned back to his community where he hosted the people of Anioma and the entire state in a ceremony tagged, ‘grand ball celebrations.’

Speaking at the historic ceremony heralding his inauguration, Senator Nwoko never minced words about unveiling his vision for the people. He was frank, simple and direct while addressing the mammoth crowd who thronged in to welcome him from Abuja.

He said he will work for his people in every sphere, sector, and area whether it is a collective interest or an individual interest, he will make sure government  address all the needs of the people, ranging from health, education, road, employment, and empowerment of the youths.

“As a friend of the governor, i will not allow him to rest until the governor does those things that can be done by the state, I love the people, I love being around the people as a grassroots person.

“When the inauguration was to take place, many people from the lowest to the highest called me that they will be coming to Abuja and they insisted that I should have a reception in Abuja but I told them if I will have a reception in Abuja for 200-500 people, that will not serve the purpose. Again, I told them that they should not worry that I am coming back to the grassroots for Anioma people to have a reception and anybody who can come from Ndokwa, Ika, Aniocha, and Oshimili can come to be part of the reception.

“For example, if the reception is been done in Abuja, the governor and members of the state Assembly won’t be able to be there. Only a few people will have the opportunity to be there and I also don’t like the idea of people traveling a distance journey based on the risk involved. I am happy that it has taken place here and I am also happy that many of our people were able to attend. I was born in the village, I’m still a village boy despite my education and exposure, I am happy being around the people because I love the people and the environment.”

On Tuesday, in demonstration of his genuine interest and love for the people, Senator Nwoko commenced his post election engagements with a meeting of the representatives of Ndokwa youths drawn from the 30 clans that made up of the 3 LGAs in Ndokwa nation.

Addressing the youths, Senator Nwoko  said he would be the senator for all indigenes and residents of Delta North as the people share common  constraints, needs and aspirations.

He told the youths of Ndokwa nationality  that he had a deep knowledge of the challenges of the area and pledged to ensure  effective representation that would engender  improved quality of life and sustainable development.

Assuring the youths of a better future, the senator said he is poised to  initiate regular interaction with political leaders youths as well as oil companies operating in the area  to address unemployment, lack of basic amenities, environmental degradation among other problems affecting the generality of the people.

Nwoko who is the Chancellor of Sports University Idumuje-Ugboko, announced  that a campus of the university  would be established in Ndokwa land noting that  Ndokwa people have  appreciable record of excellence in Sports including swimming and hoped the Sports university, would encourage them to become global champions in sporting activities.

“As Delta North Senator my agenda is for Anioma people and those who reside in Anioma land. My focus is on everyone whether PDP, APC, LP or those that are not politician. Men and women, youths, male and female would be carried along. I understand the difficulties and desires of the people. I will speak and act for everybody  and all  segments. I assure the constituents of equity while serving as your senator.”

Senator Nwoko is the pride of the old and a source of inspiration for the youth. Men like to flock around him, women love to hear him speak, even children can’t seem to have enough of him. With Nwoko as the senator it is clear that Anioma district will be reckoned with in this dispensation.

Barth is a journalist and the Councillor representing ward 7 in Ndokwa West LGA.

BY SAM DUVWODE

The group, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called on government to prioritize the health of its citizens by taking swift and decisive measures to improve living conditions and eliminate the breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

ACOMIN also urge government and relevant stakeholders at all levels to support Community Based Organizations (CBOs) implementing projects towards elimination of malaria in communities across the State.

The call was made by the Delta State Chairman, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Pastor Greg Sifo at Orchid Hotel Asaba during the State Media meeting on Global Fund Malaria Community Led Monitoring Project Being Implemented by ACOMIN.

Pastor Sifo use the occasion to enjoin people in rural and urban commuities to make use of mosquito treated Nets and cultivate the habit of keeping their environment clean.

According to him, the use of mosquito treated Nets is imperative in order to prevent malaria which is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

He call on government at all levels to provide infrastructure and equipment, implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals and prioritize the development of reliable electricity and water infrastructure in healthcare facilities.

Also, Dr. Julie Aniah of the State Malaria Programme Management, advised residents in communities especially pregnant women to discourage the use of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), saying that, TBAs because they are not well trained health personels sometimes cause complication and infections on pregnant women during birth delivery.

Dr. Aniah advised pregnant women to always make use of malaria treated Nets, go for malaria test and ensure that they get the right treatment from Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in their community.

Delivering a speech, the State Program Officer, Sir Austin Uwede, noted that, Malaria is a serious disease that can be life-threatening which can be prevented and treated, but if not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can progress to a severe form that is often fatal..

According to him, malaria is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It is spread by female mosquitoes of the Anopheles species. He added that Weather plays a role in the transmission of malaria.

“Nigeria experiences high levels of rainfall between June and September, which leads to increased malaria transmission during these humid months. Malaria incidences thrive in areas with unsanitary conditions, such as stagnant water, poor drainage systems, and inadequate waste management”.

Sir Uwede noted that, to address the issue of unhygienic living conditions and prevent the spread of malaria, urgent action and collective effort from the public are needed.

He said; “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”.

Sir Uwede advised government to enhance waste management systems to ensure efficient and effective waste disposal and develop sustainable solutions and initiatives aimed at improving living.

He noted 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.

He said ACOMIN is using this medium to call on the mass media to contribute to Nigeria’s goal of eliminating malaria by amplifying that, 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.