By Nneka Glory Nwachukwu

Top chieftains of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, in Delta South Senatorial District, have affirmed their support for Olorogun David Edevbie as the candidate of the party for the 2023 Governorship election and called on Deltans to join his Modernisation Movement, saying he presents the best programmes for the development and growth of the state.

The party leaders comprising past Speakers of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Local Government chairmen, party executives and councillors converged in Warri on Wednesday for the inauguration of the Delta South chapter of the Delta Unity Group.

Declaring their belief in Edevbie’s qualities and competence to transform the state, they called on the leaders and members of the party across the state to close ranks for a united front towards ensuring the all out victory of the PDP in the 2023 elections.

The group which said they are also fully committed to the victory of Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi in the Presidential elections dismissed insinuations that the division among members over the court dispute between Edevbie and Sheriff Oborevwori for the candidacy of the PDP would affect the outing of the party in the state governorship elections.

At the meeting hosted by Hon Daniel Reyenieju, former member of the House of Representatives, in his Ugbuwangue, Warri, residence the group explained that besides their conviction about Edevbie’s to transform Delta State, their support is backed by law in view of the subsisting order of court declaring him the lawful candidate of the party.

Speaking with the media after the meeting, former Chairman of Isoko South LGA and former Delta ALGON Chairman, Sir Malik Ikpokpo, said the PDP is one big family and the Delta Unity Group believes that all members will stand behind the candidate with the final judgement of the courts.

“The Delta Unity Group supports Olorogun David Edevbie because we believe in his capacity and the court has said he is the lawful candidate of the party. It cannot be any other way. We recognise that there is a pending appeal but we regard the dispute as an internal matter. The PDP is one big family. At the end we shall all queue behind the candidate that gets the final judgement of court and we have no doubt that it will be Olorogun David Edevbie.”

Speaking in the same vein, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Basil Ganagana, and Hon Daniel Reyenieju said the group is on a mission to unite and stabilise the party to forestall the possibility of the opposition taking advantage of the candidature conflict to make any inroads into the state.

They said the group is poised to drive the process of reconciliation and unity of the party down the grassroots and through all the wards and voting units of the state.

State executive members of the group, Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya and Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, both former Speakers of the State House of Assembly who were in solidarity attendance to inaugurate the Delta South chapter of the DUG extolled the qualities of Edevbie, saying with his performances as Commissioner of Finance under Chief James Ibori and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, “he is a bundle of innovative ideas and solutions, an asset that the party should be proud to flaunt to win it the Governorship election and heighten the development of the state.

“Edevbie is an economic stabiliser. As Commissioner under Chief Ibori, he ensured the financial stability of the state by providing expert solutions at various times. That underscored the performance of that regime. Into Governor Okowa’s first tenure, he stabilised the government too. If he was still the commissioner you can be sure that the government would not have been engaging in this spate of borrowings that we are hearing about now. He would have provided better fiscal solutions,” Igbuya said.

Other notable personalities in attendance include Chief Frank Omare, Arch Joe Iroro, Hon Dr Tonye Timi, Prince Tunde Fregene, Hon Godwin Abigor, Dr Karo Ilolo, Chief Berkley Asiafa, Chief Walter Boyo, Chief Clever Daniels, Dr Prosper Irogbo, Hon Timi Brisibe, Hon Chief Efekodo Benjamin, Hon Dr Joel Bisina, Hon Chief Alade Odiri, Arch Ebi Yinkore, Hon Justice Akuna, Dr Frederick Pessu, Chief Charles Obuvie, Ms Orode Uduaghan, Prince Moses Fregene, Comrade Ingo Isaiah and Comrade Michael Akpobire while Pastor Champion Kpateghe, Mr Julius Akpovoka and Prince Godwin Ejinyere from Delta Central Senatorial District joined in solidarity.

By Nneka Glory Nwachukwu

It has been 11 amazing years with you, Kamsy.

Welcome to one of the most beautiful chapters of your life, my sweet nephew. My wonderful, brilliant and handsome nephew

You came into our family eleven years ago and everything changed for the better

Your birth ushered into our family so much favour and blessings.

Today you have grown into a very handsome, smart, intelligent, understanding, loving and caring young boy.

You’re the best nephew in the world, and I’m so blessed to call you my blood. Wishing you a hope that never disappoints, a future that is secured.

I see in you, a man who would tower above life challenges. That have grown into a very refined handsome boy. Every time I’m proud of how kind you are, the empathy you show , I can’t but thank God for you.

I love you. May your path continually shine on and on onto a perfect day…
Happy 11th birthday Kamsi

From your aunt, Aunty Nneka Glory Nwachukwu

By Nneka Glory Nwachukwu

A new political pressure organisation, Delta Unity Group, has called for the unity and commitment of all Deltans to the success of the Atiku/Okowa PDP Presidential ticket as well as the Delta Governorship mandate of Olorogun David Edevbie in the 2023 General Elections.

The call is the highpoint of the communique issued by the group at its first General Assembly held in Kwale, the headquarters of Ndokwa West LGA, on Wednesday, August 17.

The Delta Unity Group, a convergence of long standing, prominent and emergent leaders of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) drawn from all Senatorial Districts, Federal Constituencies, State Constituencies and Local Government Areas across Delta State, stated that its objective is primarily to promote unity and brotherliness within the Peoples Democratic Party and among all Deltans for cohesive grassroots mobilisation towards the success of PDP candidates at all levels.

In his welcome address to members, the Protem Chairman of the group, Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya, one time Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly who also signed the communique explained that the Delta Unity Group is an all inclusive and unifying force of all ethnic groups, political interest groups and component parts of Delta State, for the actualisation of a peaceful, united, modernised, industrialised and progressive Delta State.

“Specifically, the Delta Unity Group is geared to promote and protect the structure, image, ideals, ideology, interest and integrity of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels.

“We are all witnesses to the difficulties our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, is going through at this period of transition. As long-standing party faithfuls and leaders at various levels, we cannot stand and fold our hands to see the mother-goat suffering the pain of labour while tied to a stake.

“The birth of Delta Unity Group has therefore been necessitated by the need to support our party and our state to cross the bridge to usher our people into a glorious destiny driven by the Modernisation Agenda of our dear brother and leader, Olorogun David Edevbie, the PDP candidate for the elections next year.

“Added to that is the privilege of having our dear Governor, His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as the Running Mate to His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming Presidential Election.”

Pointing out that the Atiku/Okowa and David Edevbie tickets at the Presidential and Governorship levels, respectively, are significant in the realisation of the destiny, development and growth of Delta State and therefore non-negotiable, he cautioned that “the actions or inactions of PDP faithfuls and Deltans at large may make or mar the hopes of the people.”

“It therefore behoves on us as party leaders and faithfuls to come together to provide direction and strong support in promoting the unity of members and to galvanise greater strength towards mobilising not just members but the electorate towards diligently discharging the great tasks ahead to ensure the victory of all our candidates at all levels.”

Arising from these realisation, the group resolved to “fully support the HE Abubakar Atiku/HE Ifeanyi Okowa “Rescue Nigeria” Presidential ticket of the PDP and to work assiduously across Delta State, the Niger Delta and South South Zone to ensure the victory of the party in the 2023 Presidential Election.”

The group declared that “without prejudice to the pending appeal over the candidacy of Delta PDP for the 2023 Governorship election,” it “stands firmly with Olorogun David Edevbie as the lawful and authentic candidate of the party in line with the unambiguous declarative judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and commits to ensuring the total victory of the PDP in the 2023 Governorship election.”

In this regard it called on the national leadership of the PDP “to show characteristic example in abiding by the Rule of Law and to promptly forward the nomination of Olorogun David Edevbie to the Independent National Electoral Commission in line with the subsisting order of court, unless and until there is a contrary order.”

It also urged “all Deltans to embrace the Modernisation Agenda of Olorogun David Edevbie as the only sure manifesto for the sustainable socioeconomic development and growth of the state and the prosperity of all Deltans.”

While it called on leaders of Delta PDP at all levels to show greater commitment to the unity of the party and put its interest as paramount in all their interactions and activities,” it also “advised the State Chairman of the Party to always play the role of an impartial arbiter in the handling of all emerging disputes” and implored all party members, as well, to restrain themselves from making negative and provocative statements about the Party’s candidates at all levels in order to ensure unity, peace and sanctity within the Delta PDP family, as we work towards the overwhelming victory of all our candidates in 2023.”

In attendance at the DUG General Assembly are Protem Secretary, Comrade Michael Akpobire, former Executive Secretary, Delta State Technical & Vocational Education Board; Rt Hon Ossai N Ossai, Member, Federal House of Representatives;
Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council; Hon Chiedu Ebie, former Secretary to the Delta State Government; Professor Patrick Mobuoghare, former Delta Commissioner for Higher Education; Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, former Chairman Delta ALGON; Chief Morrison Olori; Chief Patrick Egone; Chief Henry Nzekwe; Hon Larry Ezechi; Hon Daniel Reyenieju; Dr Isaac Akpoveta; Tam Brisibe; Hon Dr Karo Ilolo; Chief Vincent Uduaghan; Chief Godwin Abigor; Chief Frank Omare; Hon John Greatman Chukwuka; Odio Berkely Asiafa; Chief Bright Oweikeyi; Mr. Stanley Odali; Chief Alade Odiri; Hon Fred Ofume; Hon Christopher Izu; Hon John Aleh,
Hon Fred Ofume; Hon Christopher Izu; Chief Felix Ndukwe; Hon John Aleh; Hon Eloka Nwanze; Comrade Uche Osadebe, Ms Orode Uduaghan, Engr Ologe Elijah; Prince Walter Boyo; Comrade Ingo Isaiah Tam amongst numerous other political leaders from across Delta State.

By News View

The House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Doris Uboh, has joined other members of the APC in Delta State to celebrate the State Chairman Of The APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie on his birth anniversary.

In a Press Statement issued by her Director of Media, Donald Igudia, Hon. Doris Uboh lauded the Delta State APC chairman for providing visionary leadership for the Party since he assumed office.

While commending Sobotie for his enormous contributions towards the stability of the APC in the State and nation building as a bridge builder, the angelic looking politician who represented Ika Federal Constituency between 2007 – 2011, and well known for fighting for last reviewed Nigeria workers Minimum Wage implementation, described the Chairmanship of Sobotie as one that is bringing lasting peace and Unity to the APC.

According to Hon. Uboh, ” Elder Omeni Sobotie is a man with an uncommon value, a political warlord from his student days as President of Students Union Government. He’s a known political icon in Nigeria.

“As the Chairman of the APC in Delta State, Elder Omeni Sobotie has not only raised the bar but has also continued to be a unifying force in the State.

“On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ika Federal Constituency, I celebrate the great master stroker and a political icon on his birthday.”

Uboh further prayed for more wisdom, long life and prosperity for the APC Chairman, wishing him success in all areas.

By Victor Bieni, Patani

The Chairman, DE WAYLES GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) has Commended all those who attended the Thanksgiving Service to mark the 3rd Year Anniversary Memorial Service of his departed Mother, Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore (Nee Okoro) today at St. Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State.

The business mogul disclosed this to the media today being Sunday, 14th day of August, 2022 at St Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State as DE WAYLES GROUP OF COMPANIES Boss, High Chief Wayles honors beloved departed mother for the lasting legacy she left behind for him, his siblings and the society at large.

Recall that Late Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore (Nee Okoro) passed on as a devout Christian and dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, whose lives, service to humanity has left a lasting and indelible footprint, at the age of 77 years (28th August, 1942 -15th August, 2019). High Chief Wayles also said that these yearly remembrance activities are meant to immortalize his beloved mother.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving Service, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Western Izon, Rt. Reverend Victor Ebipade Okporu, extolled the qualities of his departed mother whom he described as an exceptionally virtuous woman who had left good legacy and impacted positively on the lives of all those who came in contact with her during her lifetime.

The Anglican Bishop represented by Venerable Simeon E. O. Ariye, Cathedral Supervisor, who dwelt on the topic: “The Greatest Gifts”, while delivering his sermon using biblical quotations admonished Christians to have good minds, the qualities of a child; humble themselves like children and reconcile with everyone that has offended them to make themselves acceptable to God, and express the good image of God.

While drawing more illustrations from some Biblical quotations: The book of 1st Samuel Chapter 18, and Mark 9 verse 41, the Clergyman, also stressed the need for Christians to make human capital development very imperative in their lifestyle, by supporting the less-privileged citizens, Christians and the work of God for societal development, growth and development of Humanity.

At the Thanksgiving Service, the Marine, Construction and Oil Magnate who spoke on behalf of the family commended the church, Clergymen for their support, His Excellency Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, ably represented by his SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah and His Excellency, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri represented by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Commissioners, Executive council members and other top government funtionaries, dignitaries across the Niger-Delta and Nigeria in general, for their attendance as he promised to key into the call for human capital development and support for the less-privileged citizens raised by the officiating clergyman.

He noted that the next Anniversary memorial service of his beloved mother will be a replica of practical exhibition of God’s call for human capital development, a norm he said will continue as he give God all the glory for today’s Thanksgiving Service. He commended those that came from far and near even as he hosted the people, guests with sumptuous entertainment, wishing them safe journey to their various destinations.

Others in attendance during memorial Thanksgiving Service were: HRM of Kabowei, Okpolo (Enhwe) and Obotebe Kingdoms,
High Chief Tunde Smooth, Chief (Evang.) Johnbull Ejovi, High Chief Enahoro Eta, Chief (Barr) Kingsley Esiso (Delta State PDP Chairman),
Chief of Staff to Governor (Sen.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Rt. Hon Ovie Festus Agas, Chief (Dr) Mrs. Stella Aganwu, Dr. Barry Gbe, Sir Clement Moni, Hon. Dan Yingi, Surv. Elias Ovesuor, Chief Tony Okoh, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Prof. Chris Akpotu and Executives of Isoko Development Union, Olorogun Fred Majemite, Dr. McCarthy Ijibor, Dr. (Engr.) Daniel Omoyibo, Chief Peter Asagba, Chief Frank Omare, Hon. (Chief) Michael Okah (Commissioner of Transportation), Hon. Godspower Asiuwhu (Commissioner of Environment), Chief Patrick Abe, Kingsley Ogedegbe, Capt Gabriel Brobor, Management and Staff of First Bank of Nigeria and other Banks, James Welch Old Boys Association, former and serving commissioners, Members of the State Executive Council, Community leaders, Clergymen and members of Anglican Church to mention but a few.

Speaking to newsmen at his residence during the reception organized for Guests after the Thanksgiving Service, High Chief Wayles then eulogized his beloved mother. He said: “My beloved mother was a devout Christian, a loving, dedicated, a humanitarian and a great example to Womanhood and a great personality whose life affected in no small measure, her children, Communities and the society at large”.

By Nneka Glory Nwachukwu

The Presidential candidate of Labour Party Mr Peter Obi has reiterated his commitment to making the various security outfits in Nigeria to be more formidable to tackle the menace of insurgencies in Nigeria.
Mr Obi made this know when he stormed the Global online meeting of the Peter Obi and Datti Baba Ahmad Presidential Global Network (PPGN)held recently.

There was an exciting ovation as the Global coordinator of PPGN Dr Michael Chukwujekwu introduced Mr Obi to the expectant virtual crowd. He said that ‘Obi is man who has a philosophy of climbing a righteous height through a righteous ladder. A man with an ideology to take Nigeria from consumption to production.’

In his speech, Mr Peter Obi stated that the movement to rescue Nigeria is not a one person’s job. He reinstated that ‘If anyone says he would do it alone just know that it would not be possible’.

He went further to thank the PPGN officers and said that all that they are doing is for the betterment of Nigeria.

Mr Obi stated that the good work will not stop at the election. That the work actually starts after the election.
The Presidential candidate emphasised that every expertise is needful, more so to hold the elected government accountable.

In responding to numerous questions and opinions about Nigeria security and his own security, he clarified that he has plans for security which is geared to taking people out of poverty. ‘If someone has work to do and is satisfied, then insecurity and banditry would be to at barest minimum, he added.
He said that he is mindful of his private security however, believes that he needs to relate with the people he is meant to lead.

The Presidential candidate said that the mantra of security personnel pushing people just because a President or Governor is passing, never resonates well with him. He said that for the fact that one is a President or Governor does not mean the person is more important than a driver, a cook or a gateman.
Everyone has his or her own work to do in ensuring good governance and a better Nigeria he said.

While answering one of the questions about an invitation to a public lecture in view of Late Ambrose Ali memorial,
Mr Obi requested the crowd to observe a minute of silence in honour of Moses Oisakede. He did say that he would be glad to embark on public lectures especially as it concerns University student when the University strike is over and the students happily and objectively go back to studies.

He sees the situation of University students being out of school for about 6 months as very improper for any nation.

Concerning the trending news and videos about some PVC that are disposed at random places, Peter Obi was not happy on the developments and advices that people should obtain verifiable evidence on this. He requests that the masses and the Government should do their best against the purported ugly situation.

Also, reacting on the question about extention of PVC registration since people turn 18 year almost every day in Nigeria, He said that he has reached out to INEC, that in his own view, registration could be good to continue until a month to the election. He wishes that INEC could put that into consideration.

Numerous other questions posed by attendees, received well articulated and satisfactory answers.

Other dignitaries in attendance during the global meeting include the National youth leader and head of mobilisation of Labour Party who is also the senatorial candidate from Edo state comrade Anselem Aregbela, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the Deputy Global coordinator of PPGN and regional coordinator American region Chief Pat Okpala. The Global general Secretary Barr Glen Ene, The Global Treasurer Mrs Sarah Emeka, The Regional Coordinator for Australia Dr Emma Nnopu, the Regional Coordinator Eastern Europe Nze Ikay, the National Coordinator for Nigeria Dr Chinelo Onwusi, the Coordinator for New Zealand Mr Austin Muoka, the coordinator for Austria Dr Chibo Onyeji.

Also, the Coordinator for Switzerland Mr Dozie Caleste, the Coordinator for Kano state Mr Hafiz A. Bello, the Coordinator for Platue Mr Samson Sunday, the Coordinator for Bauchi Khaleel, the Coordinator for Imo State Mr Ugochukwu Kizito Nwajeri, Coordinator for Niger State Dr Ifejika, Fm Double Mayor of Enfild London UK Kate Anolue, Mr Edmon from United States, Dr Chyril Oforbuike from the UK, Mrs Charity Adeboye from the UK, Dr Innocent Ukabam coordinator for United States, Mrs Ify Obiemedo the Coordinator for South Africa. Then the Global head project management Mr Chidi Okenmadu who chaired the meeting for the day.

The Global virtual meeting would not have been actualised without the assistance of the Global Head of Multimedia the technical team Mrs Blessing Obi-Allison and her team Stephen Chigbo the head of youths mobilisation and Ugochukwu Umeh the Global PRO.

Delta Government on Monday commenced bilateral discussions with its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on its proposed budget of N459 billion for the year 2023.

This is coming after the consideration of the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and other budgetary instruments by the State Executive Council (SEC).

Explaining several factors that influenced the indicative budget size for 2023, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr. Barry Pere-Gbe, mentioned the Russia/Ukraine crisis, galloping inflation, and the volatile exchange rates.

While the Russia/Ukraine conflict has negatively affected cash flow to third-world countries, the Economic Planning Commissioner said that the inflationary trends have also affected the contractual obligations of the state government which has prompted upward reviews of projects.

‘’All of these affected the 2022 budget which has given us a sort of guide in planning the 2023 budget. We cannot run with the macroeconomic framework of 2022. We need to look at setting up another set of economic framework.

“We are looking at a production benchmark of 1.6million barrels per day in the context of ongoing vandalism, oil theft, etc…. We are looking at oil price sold at 70 USD. The average for this year is 107USD but if there is a drop, it would not be as drastic as bringing it to 57USD. So, we don’t want to be very ambitious.

‘’The exchange rate is N435 as against N410 of 2020. We will be doing 13.1 percent as against the 13 percent of 2022. With all of these put together, we arrived at N459 billion as the indicative global size of the 2023 budget.

‘’I am calling it indicative because this is not the final to it. We will also go back to the State Executive Council where we will debate this again and then proceed to the House of Assembly for it to be looked at.

‘’Hence, the outcome might be more or less than this. The N459.2bn that we are going to distribute is an indicative figure and will be presented to the State Executive Council as a draft document,’’ he said.

On how to raise revenue to fund the proposed budget, Pere-Gbe said there would be a drop in the government’s net financing from N46bn to N15bn to reduce the debt stock of the state by paying all outstanding loans interest elements and meet outstanding contracts.

“It is a good policy thrust for a transiting government to ensure that the debt burden is reduced greatly before handover.

“The 2023 budget will focus on more than 90 percent of outstanding commitments and ongoing projects because we don’t want to increase the budget far beyond what the actual receipts will be,’’ he said.

Appraising the performance of the 2022 budget, Pere-Gbe said that for all the indicators from January to June (half of the year), the state has not spent beyond the plan. ‘’Delta State has received accolades for acting Budget Realism (acting within the budget)’’.

Speaking shortly after presenting the Ministry of Information proposed budget for 2023, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu commended the Ministry of Economic Planning for their contributions towards ensuring the finishing strong agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

“What we have come here to do today in line with what we have been doing over the years to ensure that we kick-start the process of our budget in good time so that the budget takes effect on the January 1 every year.

“What we have done today is to give them insight into what we have done in the past seven months plus in the ministry and we were able to give account of what we have done in our capital provisions even as we continue to desire for more.

“We are hoping that at a point in time we are hoping to unite the operations of DBS Asaba and DBS Warri without having to lose any staff so that at the end of the day, they operate much more harmoniously rather than operating independently and not being able to give adequate information to our people.

“We are confident that in the course of time we will be able to achieve that using budgetary provisions. The governor is on the same page with us on the need to upgrade infrastructure in our media houses and we are excited and hoping that in the next couple of months we would be able to upgrade facilities at Ubulu-Uku.

He said the Ubulu-Uku transmission station will provide the platform for the unification of DBS Warri and DBS Asaba.

“Once the unification is done, they can evacuate their signals right from their various studios in Warri and Asaba while Ubulu-Uku will serve as the point of convergence.

“When this happens, they will be able to redistribute these signals to the rest of the state and beyond,” he said.

Ahead of 2023 we also have the intention to bring in some new blood into these media houses because for a very long time they have not recruited.

He said the role of the Ministry is to provide the policy framework for the supervision of the parastatals and to communicate perceptions about what government was doing to Deltans and then also bring back feedback from the people to the government.

On the Government Printing Press, Aniagwu said it requires over N1.3billion to set up a digital printing press adding that government was considering establishing one where the Pointer Newspaper and other government documents could be printed for safety and reduction in cost of printing.

The leading Political Pressure Group in Delta State the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) has felicitated with the Urhobo Nation on occasion of the 74th Memorial Day Celebration of it’s legend and first President of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Mukoro Mowoe which took place yesterday in Ughelli.

The Delta Political Vanguard who hailed the Urhobo Nation legend Mukoro Mowoe said his achievements remains unparalleled by generations of Urhobo Nation Leaders despite having died 74 years ago.

Speaking on behalf of the Delta Political Vanguard a leading Pressure Group in the People Democratic Party Comrade Sanco Ese Darlington who is the Secretary of the Group noted that the present leaders of Urhobo Nation must rise up and emulate the virtues of Mukoro Mowoe who stood up to fight and defend Urhobo Nation causes at all times, unifying Urhobo Nation and making sure Urhobo Nation was never divided.

Sanco Ese Darlington who is also the President of Urhobo Development and Unity Forum (UDUF) wondered if the present leaders of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and leaders of other Prominent Urhobo Socio, Cultural and Political Groups are not bothered about what legacy they he intend to be remembered for. He stated that Mukoro Mowoe will be embarrassed and will turn it’s grave to see that the almighty Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) which he helped to birth is no longer alive to it’s duty of unifying Urhobo Sons and Daughters and are now partisan and keeping quiet in complicit silence as it’s children fight a macabre Political War to the consternation of other Ethnic Nations who looked up to Urhobo Nation as big brothers.

Comrade Sanco Ese Darlington called on Urhobo Nation Leaders to puts it’s house in order or risk losing the confidence of the younger generation of Urhobo Sons and Daughters and warned that the Urhobo Progress Union must refrain from endorsing one Son against another in Political contest but to embrace all regardless of Political Party be it PDP, APC, APGA, SDP, LP or any other.

Comrade Sanco wondered why the DC – 23 Group has all of a sudden become silent and look away when it ought to wade into the political fight between two sons whom they recommended to Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Delta State People Democratic Party (PDP) as possible Governorship Candidate Sheriff Oborevwori and Olorogun David Edevbie. He called on the DC- 23 Group to as a matter of urgency do what is needful and help stop the needless political war that has worried other Ethnic Nation about the divisiveness in Urhobo Nation.

The fearless Okpe born Activist who hailed Activist Rex Anighoro founder of the Coalition of the Urhobo Nation Young Leaders and Stakeholders (CUNYLS) convener of the 74th Mukoro Mowoe Day celebration for his over Ten years consistency in seeing that the Mukoro Mowoe Day is celebrated called on Urhobo Nation Young Leaders to wake up from their slumber in the pursuit of leadership noting that Mukoro Mowoe was a Young Man in his forties when he helped to form and lead the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). He stated that ” Young Urhobo Leaders rise up now from slumber and position for leadership because if our Urhobo leaders will fail us we must not fail ourselves”, he concluded.

By Ese Obote-Ogwu

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged youths to be partners in the developmental process of government, through active participation in policy making processes.

Governor Okowa stated this during the thanksgiving service, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development to commemorate the International Youth Day, at Saint Philips Anglican Church, Asaba.

Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Barry Gbe, commended youth for beginning the week-long celebration with a thanksgiving service which he said, was a brilliant step to tow.

From left) Dr Kingsley Ashibogu,   Commissioner Ministry  Higher Education, Dr Barry Gbe, Commissioner Ministry of Economic Planning represented the Governor of Delta State, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Commissioner Ministry of Youth Development, Hon Kelvin Ezenyili, Chairman Oshimili South LG & a Guest, during the thanksgiving service at St. Philips Anglican Church by Min of Youth Development to mark the International Youth Day. (IYD)

According to Governor Okowa, youth should be partners in progress as well as stakeholders, to enable government deliver the dividends of democracy effectively to the citizens.

He encouraged them to put on the right attitude, to enable them deserve what they crave for, saying that their aspirations were good but added: “Aspire with reasonable goals, embrace self-development, if not you will lack self-esteem and be ignorant too.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, stated that the theme for this year’s international youth day “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for all Ages” was apt and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) action was needed from all generations.

Comrade Egwunyenga, also commended Delta youth for their peaceful disposition, saying that they have proven themselves to be innovative and productive.

Also, in his remark, the National Youth Council of Nigeria Chairman (NYCN), Delta State Chapter, Ambassador  Kenneth Okorie, encouraged the youths to work in tandem with the older generation, see them as advisers whom they could consult often, the  generation after them as well as themselves to achieve the theme of this year’s celebration.

Ambassador Okorie urged the youths to support government policies, get their permanent voters card (PVC), and be actively involved in the electioneering process for them to get the desired change they want.

Earlier, in his sermon, the Vicar of Saint Philips Anglican Church Asaba, The Very Venerable Felix Okonkwo, admonished youths to put on the whole  armour of God, to enable them stand firm whenever the whirls of discouragement, frustration, moral laxity, confusion show up, saying that they were used by the Devil to distract people.

Citing the youthful exploits of David in the Bible, he urged the youths to serve God with sincerity of heart, which he said, can make them overcome the present day Goliath of man, which could be spiritual or physical.

Venerable Okonkwo, who took his Bible reading from the Holy book of Ephesians chapter,16 verses 13 to 20 and 1 Samuel chapter 17 verses 40 to 42, urged the youths to shun internet fraud even as he emphasized on the importance of self-development through learning skills and stop the slogan of, “I don’t have a helper.”

Dignitaries at the thanksgiving service include, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, Commissioners, Special Assistants and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, the Chairman Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili took the Bible reading.

The highpoint of the event was the Special Thanksgiving by youths, led by the Commissioner for Youth Development.
*******

By KENNETH OBIEH

The government of Delta State has promised to collaborate with various Advocacy groups in creating awareness to fight HIV, TB and malaria, along with the impact of Covid-19 in various communities in the state.

The Permanent Secretary Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Winful Orieke stated this when he declared open a 6 days program organised by Civil Society for Malaria, immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in collaboration with Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs network to implement the two years project (2021-2023) of Covid-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and sustainable system for Health strengthening (C19RM/RSSH) in Asaba.

Dr. Winful revealed they have done community activities with so many health related advocacy groups like Acomin, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDs among others in kicking out diseases from the state.

The PS disclosed when there is community involvement, the activities becomes sustainable and the people are fully aware of the need to complement government efforts on sensitisation in their communities.

He said some of the advocacies have supported them in the distribution of mosquitoe nets and sensitisation on nutrition while encouraging others to join on the crusade to inform the young mothers on the importance of breastfeeding their children.

Again, he called on the groups not to relent at this time where the Covid-19 is still ravaging our communities saying “the risk is still there to prevent not only the omicron variants but new ones that are likely to come.

Earlier, the Executive Director Delta State Agency for control of Aids (SACA) Dr John Osuyali commended the facilitators on this initiative of contributing their selfless services to humanity in assisting to prevent and reasonable curb the endemic in the communities.

Dr Osuyali urged them to take ownership of the program for it is better they fully integrate the community for genuine sustainability with immense results.

Various stakeholders from the religious body, health sector, media, security experts and government personnel were all present for Intensive lectures given by the facilitators from the national body for the 6days program from 1st to 6th august, 2021.

On the first 3days, there was state level orientation of the Community Led Monitoring (CLM) team were 15 based communities organisation were lectured on the need to enable their various communities accept and take ownership of the project within the two years.

Consequently, the national facilitators used the next 3days to impact meaningfully on the State Advocacy Team (SAT) which was later inaugurated by Dr Osuyali.

On behalf of other team members, the chairman of SAT, Mr. Greg sifo thanked members for the opportunity given to serve and promised to provide the needed leadership for Result based performance at the end of the project.