By Kenneth Obieh

Delta State Chairman of the Civil Society in Malaria Control and Immunisation (ACOMIN), Pastor Greg Sifo, has urged communities to take ownership of the Primary Healthcare centres (PHC) in thier localities.

The chairman stated this at the state media meeting on the global fund malaria community led monitoring project implemented by Acomin to showcase their success stories in the eight local government areas they selected to work in.

Pastor Sifo noted that the National Malaria Strategic plan to transit from malaria control to malaria elimination should be consolidated by providing free Long Lasting Insecticide treated Nets (LLINs) and deployment of volunteers to carry out interpersonal communication at the grassroots level.

Others are the provision of free malaria test kits and medicines at some health facilities to ensure accountability in malaria interventions in the Primary Healthcare centres in their communities.

He charged the Community Based Organisations (CBOs) to regularly make the community members owned the PHC in their localities by utilising all the facilities provided for thier benefit.

He further stated that they should protect the facilities from vandalisation and work in synergy with the health workers to benefit from the free health facilities before moving to the secondary or tertiary health facilities.

The state Programme Officer of Acomin, Sir Austin Uwede, disclosed success stories from the various PHCs engaged.

There was donations of spygnamanometer at Ofuoma PHC in Ughelli North; donations of drugs shelf at Umolo PHC in Ughelli South and donations of signposts with repairs of bad pumping machine in Ekrerhavwen in Ughelli North local government Area.

Others are the donations of plastic chairs at Amukpe and Bulu -Apelebiri PHC in Sapele and Patani; connections of light from the national grid to Ogbe-Ogume PHC in Ndokwa with the repairs of leaking roof and provision of benches at Odovie PHC, among others.

Sir Uwede thanked the CBOs for their impacts in their push towards actualising the desired results of Acomin, saying that they would continuously see how they could resolve all the challenges along their way.

With the mission to play active role in providing best in class real estate development and investment through environmentally sustainable architectural landscape in the country, Pentland Realties Limited (PRL), a member of the PENTLAND GROUP, is set to present Felicity Park- Asaba.

This was disclosed today by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PRL, Emeka Eboageu, during a press briefing in Asaba to announced the official Ground- Breaking of the Park which took place yesterday in Asaba.

He said Pentland Realties Limited is a real estate investment and management company with focus on meeting customers’ need through cutting-edge architecture design that is sustainable and yet affordable.

While saying PRL was incorporated in 2016, and geared towards providing the best in service delivery, infrastructure, environment, security, and style through strategic and value-driven partnerships with stakeholders, Eboagwu revealed that the total project turnover was estimated to be circa N2bn, as they intend to have a mix of Land Sale and Property Sale, plus investment in infrastructure within the estate through Strategic partnership with other Home and Construction partners.

Located in Azagba- Ogwashi of Asaba Territorial district, a five (5) minutes’ drive from the Capital City and 4 minutes’ drive from Asaba Airport, Felicity Park is a 21.13 Hectare Green- Field Land as stated by the CEO of Pentland Realties Limited.

Flanked by two other directors of PRL, Patrick Mbono and Joseph Umeh, Director of Projects, Eboagwu noted that as a result of the need to continue to provide best in class real estate investment to the citizenry in the east of the Niger, and to provide best in class site and service estate in Asaba, the proposed development is a secured residential layout with estimated 267- 300 housing units catering for varying residential building styles.

“With a family- styled oriented scenery, from Greenery to Children Parks and Park Club house for all sports activities (Lawn Tennis and an Astroturf), Felicity Park also plans for a commercial buffer partitioned out of the estate to allow for Commercial activities – Like Schools, Health center and a World class Mall.

“This Development is encapsulated in a spectacular architectural design combining environmental and functional element to ensure occupier satisfaction, resource management and climate change alignment – a PRL strategic real estate investment policy”. He added in his briefing.

On target market, the CEO of PRL stated that Felicity Park is targeted to initially start with a sale of plots for just 20% of the initial land allotment circa (50-60 plots) to allow for the initial funds for infrastructure development and key component of the Park Development.

“Target market will be upwardly career mobile citizenry and Diaspora looking for a world class estate and a secured living experience within the Asaba region”.

Eboagwu noted in his briefing that living experience within the park would commence by the second Quarter of 2023, as they hoped to execute development in Phases. That they have also engaged the services of World class Architects, Structural engineers and Builders, Project management consultants, Estate and Quantity surveyors as part of the team to deliver this project.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving all the monies acruable to the Niger Delta states since1999.

Wike made the commendation while speaking at the commissioning of the Doctor Nabo Graham Douglas Law School built by the Rivers state government on Friday.

According to Wike, part of the money was used for the numerous projects built by his administration. Wike commended the president for not playing politics with the money despite being in a different political party.

He stated, “Monies that were not paid since 1999, the 13% deductions, Mr. President approved and paid all of us from Niger Delta states.

“For me, it will be unfair not to say to the public. It is not from FAAC money it is the money paid to me as Rivers State, Delta State, Akwa Ibom State, Edo State and Bayelsa State.

“So I want to sincerely, from my heart and on behalf of the government and people of the state, thank Mr. President for this because as an opposition government, he may have as well say don’t pay, you can’t do anything.

“After all since 1999 they money has not been paid. Did we do anything? “So I want to sincerely thank him just on that one,” he said.

The Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG) has appointed Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor as the founding chairman of the body’s Board of Trustees(BoT)

In a statement by Dr Ladan Nasiru Mohammed, the group’s Director-General/National Coordinator, Ejiofor’s appointment stemmed from his (Ejiofor’s) acclaimed leadership acumen, sterling pedigree of unalloyed commitment to national unity, sustainable development, and regional cohesion which are “attributes important towards the birthing a new Nigeria of our dreams”.

In his acceptance response, Chief Ejiofor expressed gratitude to the group for this exceptional recognition.

He further posited that his gratefulness anchors on the fact that “In a motely of eminently endowed Nigerians, he was chosen and subsequently appointed to this all tasking position”.

Ejiofor pledged to apply his exposure in diverse fields of economic, socio-political and sundry endeavour to ensure that the Tinubu/ Shettima candidacy emerges victorious at the 2023 presidential election in order to engender the sustenance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s innumerable extraordinary legacies.

Chief Ejiofor, who parades a robust resumé, holds a Doctorate in Banking and Finance, also has Masters and Bachelor’s degrees in Accountancy.

His cognate experience include, but not limited to Deputy Chief of Staff to the Delta Government, Special Adviser on coordinating political activities in the 25 local government areas of Delta State, one time Manager at the National Provident Fund/Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, Managing Director, Mega Food Offshore Service Ltd Port-Harcourt and of course, Executive Director, Land marine Aircon System Limited.

The APC Women Presidential Campaign Team on Friday donated food and non-food items to internally displaced persons at the IDP camp in Area One, Abuja.

Items donated include 100 bags of rice, 500 yams, 100 cartons of instant noodles, 30 cartons of oil, 500 wrappers and an undisclosed amount of money as empowerment grants for young people in the camp.

Speaking at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who led the delegation, said the purpose of the visit was to present food items and provide cash grants with which many youths in the camp can be economically empowered.

She stated that they are aware of the yearnings of those in the camp to have their children educated and supported in their quest to become financially empowered, and pledged continued support for IDPs not just in the camp, but across the country.

She further pledged to work towards the resettlement of all IDPs across the country should her husband, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, win the presidential election in 2023.

“I believe that all those in IDP camps when the time comes, will be resettled, because this camp is dehumanising. We can’t live in our homes and expect our brothers and sisters to be sleeping in sheds.

I’m speaking for me and I believe I’m speaking for Mrs. Shettima, that we will make sure that we continually remind our husbands of the plight of these people, that they have to be resettled.”

“These are young promising children with a very bright future. We can see most of them are educated, we can see they have dreams, they have aspirations. Nigeria belongs to all, no matter from what background”, she said.

In her remarks, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the APC vice-presidential candidate, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in battling the Boko Haram insurgency, as such efforts ensured that areas like Gwoza were recaptured from insurgents. She urged the IDPs to support the APC at the polls and assured them of the party’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

The Women Leader of the camp, Leatu Ayuba, expressed appreciation to the APC Women Presidential Campaign Team on behalf of the IDPs. She said that the visit was a special one as no other political party or candidate has shown concern about their welfare.

“I am very happy and today is our festive day. We appreciate them and we have never had any other presidential candidate reach out to us this way. May Almighty God bless them”, she said.

Also in the delegation were: the national coordinator of the women’s team, Asabe Vilita-Bashir and her deputy, Lauretta Onochie, wife of the Senator representing Lagos West, Temitope Adeola and wife of the secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Bukola Faleke.

Wife of the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged that her husband, Bola Tinubu, would work toward the resettlement of flood victims across the country if elected president in next year’s election.

Mrs. Tinubu made the pledge when she led members of the APC Women Presidential Campaign Team to present relief materials to internally displaced persons at the IDP camp in Area One, Abuja.

Items presented include 100 bags of rice, 500 tubers of yams, 100 cartons of instant noodles, 30 cartons of oil, 500 wrappers and an undisclosed amount of money as empowerment grants for the young people in the camp.

Senator Tinubu said they were aware of the yearnings of those in the camp to have their children educated and supported in their quest to become financially empowered, and pledged continued support for IDPs not just in the camp, but across the country.

“I believe that all those in IDP camps when the time comes, will be resettled, because this camp is dehumanising.

“We can’t live in our homes and expect our brothers and sisters to be sleeping in sheds.

“I am speaking for me and I believe I am speaking for Mrs. Shettima, that we will make sure that we continually remind our husbands of the plight of these people, that they have to be resettled.

“These are young promising children with a very bright future. We can see most of them are educated, we can see they have dreams, they have aspirations. Nigeria belongs to all, no matter from what background,” she said.

In her remarks, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the APC vice-presidential candidate, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in battling the Boko Haram insurgency, as such efforts ensured that areas like Gwoza were recaptured from insurgents.

She urged the IDPs to support the APC at the polls, and assured them of the party’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

The Women Leader of the camp, Leatu Ayuba, expressed appreciation to the APC Women Presidential Campaign Team on behalf of the IDPs.

She said the visit was a special one as no other political party or candidate has shown concern about their welfare.

“I am very happy and today is our festive day. We appreciate them and we have never had any other presidential candidate reach out to us this way. May Almighty God bless them,” she said.

Also in the delegation were the national coordinator of the women’s team, Asabe Vilita-Bashir and her deputy, Lauretta Onochie; wife of the Senator representing Lagos West, Temitope Adeola and wife of the secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Bukola Faleke.

By Oghenero Orovwuje

Delta State Government has pledged to assist the Army Headquarters Team on Recruitment into the Nigerian Army to sensitize Deltans on the need for 84 regular recruit intake for trades and non tradesmen and women into the Nigerian Army.

The state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, made the pledge in Asaba when the Army Headquarters Team on Recruitment visited him.

Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, stated that they were many vibrant and strong Deltans who could serve in the army adding that it would be a thing of joy to
see many Deltans serving the nation.

He said the state government would try as much as possible to use the Ministry of Youths Development to carryout one on one talk with the youths on the importance of the Army recruitment.

The Governor said he had directed that a stakeholders meeting be put up for top officers to talk to the youths assuring that there would be a positive change in the next recruitment exercise.
Governor Okowa thanked the Chief of Army Staff for sending the delegation saying it would be taken seriously.

Earlier, the leader of the team, Major General Mohammed Jalo, said they were in Asaba to intimate the state government of the recruitment exercise, saying it was a constitutional responsibility for every state to have its quota in the recruitment exercise.

Major General Jalo said the Army Headquarters observed some abnormalities in the exercise as there was low turn of the people in some states including Delta.

He said the recruitment exercise, which is always free, was always conducted yearly and encouraged the state government to carryout the sensitization campaign from where they stopped, adding that the portal for the recruitment was opened on the 10th of October and would be closed on the 2nd December.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was presented with a souvenir by the leader of the team.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ndudi Elumelu has visited flood victims at Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State  at the six Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps located within the Federal Constituency, with a call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to dredge the rivers as long term solution.

Elumelu was at the various camps on Friday November 4, 2022 accompanied by notable leaders of the Federal Constituency to sympathize, empathise and give succour to the victims.

The Minority Leader was at the Ogbuaofu, Oneh and head bridge camps, all in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, the IDP camps in Illah and Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area as well as Ewulu IDP Camp where the flood victims from Aniocha South Local Government Area were being camped.

At each of camps, Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,  expressed his empathy, that of the Presidential Candidate of his Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Vice Presidential Candidate and Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa and the PDP Governorship Candidate in the State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the people and the victims to see the situation they have found themselves as not permanent, but temporary.

He prayed and glorified the Lord God Almighty with them and donated the total sum of twenty five million naira cash for their feeding, even as he revealed that arrangements have already been made for the provisions of relief materials for the flood victims, to enable them go back to their various communities when finally the flood recedes.

Speaking with Journalists after the visits, the Minority Leader said that his party, the PDP, had always been known to  empathise with the plight of the people, saying that the people will continue to be the centre point of all of their activities.

“My Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has demonstrated it several times and he has continued to do so. And we will continue to follow the suit.

“I felt that as the child of the Governor, I should come and demonstrate that for our people, who as a result of the natural disaster were displaced, talk to them and let them know that whatever is happening in their lives today is not permanent, but temporary.”

The Federal Lawmaker used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria not to leave the plight of the people to the state Government alone to address, saying that they should come to the aide of the people because the victims are suffering as a result of the natural disaster.

“I am also calling on NEMA, as a matter of urgency, to attend to our resolution in the House of Representatives to send relief materials to our people. With that, it is a short term measure. That, does not mean it will solve the entire problem, but, it is a short term measure, at least to put smiles on their faces while Federal Government look for a long term measure to address the flooding issue all over the country, most especially my Federal Constituency, Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State,” Elumelu stated.

He advocated for the dredging of the River Niger and its tributaries, noting that it remains the long term solution to the problem of the perennial flooding in Nigeria.

“Dredging of the River Niger and all other Rivers that are linked to it, has never been done. I think dredging will solve the problem. Dredging for a long time has never happened, go to Warri Port, it has not been dredged, Onitsha Port has not been dredged, Koko Port and some others have not been dredged.

“These are long term measures that should be done to alleviate the suffering of our people and by the time we enter the  next rainy season, our people will not have to face this kind of situation,” the Minority Leader said.

It was indeed an atmosphere of joy unspeakable at each of the camps as the victims expressed uncommon excitement towards the kind actions of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu while appreciating him through heartfelt prayers.

With the Minority Leader on the visits included; a renowned political leader in the State, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, the members representing Aniocha South, Oshimili South and North in the State House of Assembly, the four Local Government Area Chairmen of the PDP, the PDP House of Assembly Candidates for Aniocha South and Oshimili North among others.

The runner-up in the Delta State PDP Guber primaries, Olorogun David Edevbie has appreciated his campaign structure and teeming supporters for keeping faith with him throughout the period of his legal battle till date, despite unfavourable court judgments from the Appeal and Supreme Courts.

David Edevbie gave the commendation on Friday 4th Nov. 2022 at Afiesere his home town, shortly after returning from Abuja where he had been since the Supreme Court gave its ruling on the contentious Delta State PDP governorship candidacy between him and Hon. Oborevwori Sheriff.

Olorogun David Edevbie described his campaign structure as a team of very reliable politicians who believe in the modernization of Delta State which only qualified development economists like him can make possible.

He told his think tank members, the federal constituency, senatorial, local govt area coordinators and their ward counterparts, as well as directors in his campaign structure to remain high in the spirit as the struggle has just begun. He urged all his teeming supporters to remain United and speak with one voice to enable them get the best deal in the ongoing political process. He said the right decision that will benefit him and his team would be taken at the appropriate time.

Earlier, the Director General of Olorogun David Edevbie campaign organization, Chief Clement Ofuani told the mammoth crowd that the supreme court ruling was disappointing but it did not end the fight for the governorship seat in the State. He thanked the people for turning out in large numbers because of their belief in the modernization agenda of David Edevbie.

Also speaking, the national chairman of Delta Unity Group (DUG), Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya thanked Olorogun David Edevbie for providing a platform of hope for the lost sheep. The former speaker of Delta State House of Assembly described the DUG as a radical offshoot of the David Edevbie campaign organization to implement his great modernization agenda.

For his part, the running mate of Olorogun David Edevbie, Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai said the journey has just begun. He said the DUG was waiting for directives from its leaders to enable them know what next to do.

In his remarks, a member of House of Reps, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju thanked the Urhobo nation for giving Olorogun Edevbie to the State, describing him as the best in the Guber race. He stressed the hope that PDP was not making a historical mistake that will destroy the party, adding that despite the disappointing court judgment, the team is still intact.

The Delta Central Coordinator of the Edevbie campaign team, and national organizing Secretary of DUG, Prince Godwin Ejinyere who spoke on behalf of former local govt chairmen, said the Edevbie team is a bunch of brooms that is difficult to break. He urged everyone to remain with the team despite all odds.

The National vice chairman of DUG, Hon. Olise Imegwu said Ndokwa nation remains with David Edevbie, while Hon. Monday Igbuya, a former speaker of DTHA noted that PDP might not have a candidate for the 2023 governorship election if the errors were not corrected.

For Prof. Patrick Muobaghare, immediate past Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, the High Court judgment in favour of Edevbie was the best ever in the country, and wondered why it was not upheld at the higher level.
Hon. John Aleh, coordinator, Edevbie Campaign, Ika Norh East LGA said Edevbie is God’s case no appeal. He charged the team to resist the temptation of being used and dumped.

For his part, Hon. (Dr.) Tonye Timi, from Patani described the Supreme Court’s ruling as victory in the hearts of Deltans, while Enyi Doris Mokobia thanked David Edevbie for standing firm on his modernization vision in the State.

Edevbie’s supporters from the 25 LGAs were present at the gathering with leaders such as Mr. Chiedu Ebie, immediate past SSG, Chief Itiakpo (Malik) Ikpokpo, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (Rtd), Pastor Champion Kpateghe, amongst others, also in attendance.

The Edevbie supporters were earlier at the Osubi airport in Warri to receive him on arrival. Olorogun David Edevbie took time to have a hand shake with all that gathered at the reception, indicating that he is very humble and friendly.