Home Blog Page 45

Tanker Inferno: Okowa lauds driver for heroics

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commended Mr Ejiro Otarigho, driver of the petroleum truck that exploded at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, on Saturday, for his uncommon heroism that averted a major disaster.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa said that the bravery and patriotism-propelled risk taken by Agbarho-born driver saved what may have resulted in collosal loss of lives and property.

He expressed deep appreciation to Otarigho for the discretion he applied in steering the already burning truck, laden with petroleum product, away from a densely populated area, at the risk of his life, describing his valour as “amazing”.

According to Okowa, this act of bravery and compassion in today’s Nigeria is without equivocation, worthy of commendation and emulation.

“Yesterday, a tanker laden with diesel caught fire at Agbarho community, but for the uncommon bravery and heroism exhibited by the driver, Mr Ejiro Otarigho, a lot of houses and probably lives,vwould have been lost to the inferno.

“We were delighted to hear of the gallantry of the driver who took the initiative and risk to drive the tanker away from densely populated area to a secluded area before the tanker finally exploded.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commend Mr Otarigho what our God Almighty used him to do on that day – saving lives and property by his heroic action.

“In a country plagued by challenges of varying dimensions, such acts of bravery are commendable and worthy of emulation.

“As a government, we thank Mr Otarigho for this great act of putting the lives of others first before his and we thank God for saving him from the inferno.

“We are proud of you and we urge other Deltans and Nigerians to emulate your heroics acts in all their activities,” Okowa stated.

Colleges of Education should remain focus in upholding standards of education to raise generations of leaders capable of reviving the country

By EUNICE EMEYAZIA

 

The need for colleges of Education to remain focused in upholding the standards of education and raising generations of leaders capable of reviving the fortunes of the country has been brought to the fore.

 

The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Dr. Josephine Anene- Okeakwa stated this during a Press Conference, organised by the Consultancy Services Unit of the College, at the College’s Council Chamber, as part of lined up activities marking the 3rd Anniversary of the Provost’s Assumption of office.

 

Dr. Anene-Okeakwa said the War Against Indiscipline launched in the college on assumption of Office in May 2019, had entrenched discipline, diligence, comportment and sanity in the institution, adding that the college had never had cause to worry about the issue of cultism, as students had remained compliant with the rules of the college.

 

She said in her poise to tackle the infrastructural and economic challenges in the college, she and her team attracted ultra modern TETFUND projects, completed and ongoing, including the construction of the Home Economics Complex, Home Economics Annex building with external works, Academic Staff Office Complex with external work, ICT Centre with external work, Home Economics Practicum Centre with external work, Construction and Renovation of ETF College, Entrance Gate with external work, Construction and Furnishing of male and female hostel, Renovation of ETF 111 hostel, Completion of the College Library and that of the School of Vocation.
The Provost listed other awarded projects to include, renovation of business auditorium and block of classrooms in the School of Science, Construction of generator House and offices Fencing, and beautification of Home Economics Complex, as well as other capital projects.

 

Dr. Anene-Okeakwa said the college has been more like an egalitarian society, where everyone has fair and equal opportunities, as the administration has been all- inclusive, maintaining an open door policy, propelled by team spirit.
She said there has been industrial peace, harmony and mutual understanding between staff and Unions in the institution owing to the transparency and sincerity of the school management, stressing that Staff of the college has benefitted from TETFUND sponsored Staff Training and development within and outside the country, as well as TETFUND interventions in manuscripts publications and Research works.

 

The Provost listed the challenges facing the college to include dwindling students enrollment as a result of several tertiary institutions existing in the state, which has contributed to the poor internally Generated Revenue, as well as the issue of security and vandalism of school properties.

 

While thanking the leadership and students of the college for their support which has enabled them achieve the successes recorded so far, she showered encomiums on the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, for maintaining high sense of decorum in all his activities and redefining the journalism profession, urging all journalists to take a cue from him.

 

For his part, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu called on Deltans in all spheres to focus on making impact in whatever assignment given to them, endeavour to do the right thing at all times, irrespective of the situation, pay their workers what was due them, as that would help boost productivity.

 

Comrade Ikeogwu stressed the need for everyone in the socialization process of a child, including parents and the teachers, to play their role in raising citizens who would protect the future of the country.
He commended the Provost for the transformation in the college and congratulated the school on their anniversary.

 

The Conference featured questions and answers session where grey areas were clarified.

Nwaobi’s Candidacy Gets Boost ….As House Of Assembly Aspirants, Youths Route For New Aniocha North

The PDP aspirants that contested the Delta State House of Assembly primary election for Aniocha North Constituency, in collaboration with youths and leaders of the local government area, have decided to embark on an initiative that will create a new Aniocha North.

This resolution was earlier reached by the aspirants but made known to stakeholders in a meeting of 40 youths each from the 10 wards in Aniocha North Constituency, including community leaders and some critical stakeholders in PDP, held at the Issele-Uku Unity Hall on Saturday 4th June, 2022.

At the meeting, youths from each of the wards were given opportunities to air their opinions on leadership generally, suggest how they want governance and ask questions on issues they were not clear about.

Many questions were raised, and the Honourable Member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi who earlier set the stage rolling with his address, meticulously and painstakingly answered the questions as raised.

Nwaobi took time to explain the effort of all the aspirants in agreeing with him to hold a meeting prior to the primary election where they all resolved to allow for a free, fair, credible and transparent primary election, including signing a peace accord to allow for peace during and after the primary election.

He affirmed that the initiative worked just as all the aspirants immediately congratulated him after he emerged winner of the contest.

Arising from this very unprecedented act, Hon. Nwaobi said he conveyed another meeting of all the aspirants to thank them for their cooperation and in addition, they all resolved to move Aniocha North forward by working together with him to prosecute and win the general election.

His words, “Having agreed not to work apart again, this is where we now resolved to bring all the youths of Aniocha North under one forum to dissect the issues militating against the peace and unity of PDP in Aniocha North local government area, discuss way forward and come up with resolutions to forge ahead as a united entity and not a divided people. This is unprecedented in the history of Aniocha North, and going forward, we thank God for making that dream a reality today.

“Based on this resolution, youth leaders and community leaders were reached to select 40 youths each from their wards to hold this meeting. So we are here to communicate our resolution to the ward youth leaders and community leaders in order for all and sundry to be on the same page with this new pedestal of reasoning, understanding and leadership for the betterment of our people. I make bold to say that this is a movement that is historic and unprecedented in Aniocha North.

“Also, without any risk of sounding immodest, I say unequivocally that PDP is on the march to winning all her elections next year, from Presidency to Governors to National Assembly members and of course House of Assembly members. No doubt about this; the only thing we need to do for the PDP is to win between 70-80 percent of valid votes in Aniocha North. Landslide victory is what we yearn for, not just winning”, Nwaobi appealed.

To be sure that all the participants were in total agreement that PDP should win landslide in Aniocha North, Hon. Nwaobi had to put it to a voice vote and got a thunderous Yes.

However suspecting there could be some No in the voice vote, he asked for the consenting participants to raise their hands and all but two participants from Onicha-Ugbo dissented, hinging the reason for their action on the deplorable condition of Onicha-Ugbo/Idumuje-Ugboko Road, which according to them, their representative has refused to fix.

Again, Nwaobi took time to explain to them the workings of the Legislature and Executive Arms of Government, giving them reasons not to always vent their anger on the Legislators whose primary function is to make good laws for the good of all.

He also pointed out to them that the road in question belongs to the federal government and rather than holding the State Government liable, they should instead request that the members representing the area at the National Assembly present the dilapidated road as a motion of urgent national importance by drawing the attention of the federal government to it.

To lend credence to all that Hon. Nwaobi said about the resolve of all the House of Assembly aspirants to working with him as a united entity, one of the aspirants, fomer Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Chuks Oseme commended the youths for answering their call to join the train for a new Aniocha North, promising them that they would not regret their action.

He said that collectively going forward, all the aspirants and youths inclusive are going to be in power at every level; monitoring events, advising and giving their suggestions on representation and governance.

Equally, another aspirant, Engr. Justin Anene called on the youths to avoid being used by agents of destabilisation again in Aniocha North, affirming that all the aspirants had resolved to working together with Hon. Nwaobi in the interest and progress of Aniocha North Constituency.

Meanwhile, every other aspirant, leader or youth that spoke made appraisal references to the achievements of Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi even as a lawmaker, commending him and other contenders at the primary election for initiating this agenda to reconcile everybody in the interest of moving Aniocha North forward as one family and united force under the PDP.

The leaders present at the meeting includes the Executive Chairman, Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, Dcn. Chuks Nwaebuni, an executive member of the South-South PDP, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwagwu, SSA to the Governor, Comrade Kingsley Azuh, SSA to the Governor, Mr. Lawrence Izegbu, SSA to the Governor, Hon. Pat Onochie, Bishop Odum Marvelous and others too numerous to mention.

PUBLIC RELATIONS IS ALL ABOUT MAKING FRIENDS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION AND ONESELF… ANIAGWU*

By Ese Obote-Ogwu

The Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Charles Aniagwu, has stated that Public Relations (PR) entails making friends, building and sustaining relationships of trust with various publics for an organisation.

Mr. Aniagwu stated this when the Executives of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Asaba the State capital.

The Information Commissioner posited that the best form of Public Relations practice should be more of proactive rather than reactive, that is preventive instead of curative. He however, commended the executives of the Institute for their proper conduct, stating that they practice what they preach, because “action they say speaks louder than words.”

Aniagwu, urged the members of the Institute to be more committed in the professional path they have towed.

He also commended the Institute for choosing the theme “Transforming Leadership: A Vision for Sustainable Future” for the year 2022 AGM/PR Week. He said the theme is apt and in consonant with the realities of time, even as he urged members of the Institute to dwell more on practicality of Public Relations rather than the theories.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Delta State Chapter, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, lauded Mr. Aniagwu’s leadership prowess, strong work ethic and personal integrity, which is at the fore of Public Relations creed of professionalism and excellence.

“As a critical stakeholder in our drive to build a vision for Delta State and Nigeria, we have come to inform you, our Commissioner and Distinguished member of PR family of the forth coming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute, and to solicit the support of your esteemed personage and your exalted office, Ministry of Information, Delta State ” Osakwe declared.

Osakwe further emphasized that good leadership has been the bane of Nigeria’s development, and there is an urgent need for quality leadership to shepherd Nigeria to its promised land; stressing the importance of good legacy, as that is the only positive value that will count at the end of life on earth.

EMEFIELE HARPS ON ECONOMY DIVERSIFICATION

Godwin Emefiele
By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, (CON) has harped economy diversification as a way out to rescue the nation’s economy from dwindling.
Emefiele stated this at the Oil Palm Stakeholders Engagement with the theme “Oil Palm Development In Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects, held in Asaba on Tuesday.
 The CBN Governor, who was represented by Mr. Edwin Nzelu, Deputy Director, Development Finance Department of the CBN noted that agriculture remains a key driver of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to her Domestic Product (GDP) (22.36% in the first quarter of 2022).
He disclosed that the agricultural sector grew by 3.16% (year-on-year) in real terms, in the first quarter of 2022, representing an increase of 0.887% points from the corresponding period of 2021.
Adding, Emefiele said “Thus, the CBN, in its quest to develop the agricultural sector, has intervened through several development finance programmes and schemes, aimed at ensuring rapid repositioning of the sector in order to achieve the desired economic growth.
“The Bank, through its Anchor Borrowers Programme’ instituted the Oil Palm Development Initiative (OPDI). aimed at supporting local oil palm production to bridge the huge supply gap of 1.25 million MT of crude palm oil. Since the commencement of the initiative in 2019, over N70 billion has been disbursed to projects along the value chain, particularly for plantation development in line with the backward integration policy of the Bank. Furthermore, the Bank has collaborated with relevant stakeholders in organizing seminars and engagement sessions fo enlighten potential investors, primary producers, processors, interested parties and members of the public on the need for value addition through processing of agricultural commodities in order to realize their economic potentials”.
Emefiele maintained that the efforts of the Bank and other relevant stakeholders, notwithstanding. progress of the oil palm industry has been rather slow given the potential it holds. That this was readily attributable to a number of challenges, including:
a. Low levels of private sector investment in Oll palm development,
b. Lack of structure, especially by smallholder farmers, which in turn limits funding:
c. Little or no corporate governance practices by most SMES
d. Poor linkages along the value chain to the detriment of smallholder farmers;
e. Dominance of manual and semi-manual cultivation and processing methods with resultant sub-optimal output
f. Absence of credible data to guide policy planning and implementation;
g. Insufficient awareness on the potentials and opportunities in the sector:
h. Lack of high-tech improved seedlings for short gestation period which has led to a dominance of low-yield variety seedlings among smallholder farms; and
i. Low youth involvement in oil palm production for sustainability.
According to the CBN Governor, “These domestic issues are further exacerbated by global challenges, which include the recent export ban on both crude and refined/processed palm oil by Indonesia, heightened global food security fears amidst the war in Ukraine and adverse weather conditions. Palm oll prices are projected to hit a record US$1,938/tonne due to the plunge in global edible oil stocks, decline in export volumes and impact of the war in Ukraine. Notwithstanding, Nigeria could benefit from Indonesia’s palm oil ban and reap higher export profits provided that all hands are on deck to drive the sector’s growth.
“In ight of the foregoing, it became imperative for stakeholders in the ol palm industry to convene and deliberate on multi-dimensional approaches to tackle identified challenges”.
Emefiele noted that the gathering was very essential due to the huge potentials of the oil palm industry, including contributions to local food security and forex earnings. That It was with nostalgia he recalled when the industry was thriving, and Nigeria was among the world’s leading exporters of the Commodity.
He said “it is imperative to note that Government cannot Single-handedly address these issues unaided but must leverage on partnerships and collaborations with the private sector. Indeed, the significant turn-out of stakeholders at this gathering, is a clear demonstration of the commitment to the growth and revival of the oil palm industry in particular and the country’s socio-economic development in general.
“This stakeholder engagement session will serve as a platform for brainstorming by oil palm investors, smallholder farmers, processors, marketers, policy makers, and researchers – to avail participants the benefits of their wealth of experience in the oil palm value chain, with a view to enhancing output”.
Topics for the session’s discourse at the Stakeholders Engagement Forum includes:
a. Prospects and opportunities in the oll palm industry
b. Public-private sector partnership in oil palm development;
C. SME/Smallholder financing and corporate governance considerations
d. Implementation of Out growers’ Scheme to accommodate smallholder farmers;
e. The role of state governments in facilitating access to land for ol palm development, amongst others.
Emefiele stated that Key outcomes of the session over medium to long-term would be to stimulate increased private sector funding and investment in the oil palm industry: enhance awareness of the prospects and profitability of oil palm cultivation: promote adoption of improved farm practices and processes by smallholder farmers; expand access to affordable long-term finance; Increase output which will also improve smallholder farmers profit margins, thus improving livelihoods; enhance linkages among oil palm value chain actors and critical stakeholders and finally to promote sustainability in oil palm production through youth involvement.
He noted that the forum was apt, bearing in mind the various interventions of the CBN, and especially the Oil Palm Development Initiative (OPDI) which was aimed at facilitating bank lending fo the oil palm industry.
“It is envisaged that intended investors will leverage on this to access short and medium-term funds for oil palm production, processing and marketing”. Emefiele asserted.

STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU AS APC’S FLAGBEARER FOR PRESIDENT FOR 2023 ELECTION

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC Presidential Flagbearer in the 2023 elections.

“Having emerged victorious he has our full and unwavering support.

“Now our party must unite behind our candidate to achieve victory at the 2023 elections so that our government will continue to secure our communities, grow our economy and continue the fight against corruption.

“During the Primaries, there were factions and disagreements amongst the contestants and now that the process has ended we must build a united front in our party.

“In this way, the APC will remain the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. Now it is time to put the process behind us.

“Because what we can all agree is that the APC remains the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. But the way to demonstrate that we can get on with this job is to unite.

“The movement we created in 2013 is beyond individuals. Together, we made history by becoming the first party in our country’s history to unseat a party in power and propel our candidate into the Presidency through a peaceful democratic transfer of power.

“We strongly believe that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will safeguard and improve on this democratic achievement and legacy. He is the right candidate for Nigeria’s aspiration because he is the APC’s candidate and under the continued stewardship of our party. Nigeria can achieve greatness and fulfill its destiny in Africa and the World.

“The high point of this extraordinary convention of our party was the energy of the Presidential aspirants and it is from amongst them that we have chosen the most popular leader.

“I recognize and commend the enthusiasm and self-confidence amongst our party men and women.

“I also thank the delegates for making the right decision leading to the emergence of our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Hails Emergence of Tinubu As APC Flag Bearer In Nigeria ……..Describes Him As Political Strategist

Bola Tinubu

South Senatorial District candidate under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has congratulated Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the Presidential flag bearer of the APC in the forthcoming 2023 general, describing him as a ‘political strategist and pillar of democracy showing political resilience in national and local politics.

In a statement by his Personal Press Secretary, Godday Odidi, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo said Bola Tinubu who was declared winner of the keenly contested APC Presidential Primary, held at the Eagle Square in Abuja, said Tinubu is truly the Jagaban of politics in Nigeria, adding that as one of the foundational pillars of the APC, he has built men and women in politics.

He noted that the emergence of Senator Tinubu was as a result of dint of hard work, stressing that the 1271 votes that gave him (Tinubu) victory was an indication of overwhelming acceptance of the man he described as a great politician who had touched lives across the length and breadth of the country.

He said Tinubu’s towering and intimidating political experience was enough quality that would send jitters into the spine of the opposition and reiterated that he was confident of a resounding outing of the APC come 2023.

“Your emergence brought political relief to our party that 2023 is going to be a contest between APC, PDP, and other political parties in Nigeria. On behalf of all my political supporters from the Delta South Senatorial district, I say a big congratulations to you, sir. We have confidence in you that the 2023 victory is secured.

Hon. Joel-Onowakpo specifically commmended the remarkable and unwavering leadership disposition of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that his leadership prowess saw the party organising a peaceful, transparent and acceptable presidential primary, adjudged the best in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.

In the same vein, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo congratulated all the aspirants who participated in the APC presidential primary and commended them for their display of maturity during the exercise.

He urged them to join hands with Tinubu towards repositioning the party to remain in power come 2023 and beyond.

He expressed gratitude to the delegates for making a sound decision, just as he praised the courage of the APC northern governors for the courage in speaking up and ensuring that they stood by their decision to have a candidate from the south.

He admonished party faithful to remain united and work for the victory of the party at all levels.

Owo Attack: We Will Hunt Down Assailants, Make Them Pay-Akeredolu •Condemns Attack, Condoles With Families of The Victims

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, is deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people of Owo, worshiping at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, on Sunday.

The vile and satanic attack is a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom who have enjoyed relative peace over the years.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.

“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in Abuja and visit Owo immediately.

“This is an unexpected development. I am shocked to say the least. Nevertheless, We shall commit every available resource to hunt down these assailants and make them pay. We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals.

“I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.” Akeredolu said.

BUHARI IS NOT AN INGRATE, HE SUPPORTS ASIWAJU – Buhari Support Group

With all the news, runouts and all sorts of misinformation flying around in the build-up to the presidential primaries of All Progressives Congress (APC), it has become pertinent for us to state categorically that our Principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, is not an ingrate and he supports the candidature of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.

As against what few opportunistic politicians intended to achieve, President Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu have high mutual respect for one another and this has been expressed openly and privately. It is therefore disgusting for some politicians within and outside the APC to want to creat disunity where there is none, thinking that will serve their interests.

As a Muslim, President Buhari abides by the injunctions in the Quran on paying good with good and reciprocating good gestures. Therefore, to the discerning, it should be obvious that President Buhari is for Asiwaju Tinubu and will not oppose his deserved aspiration to become the President of Nigeria.

We urge members of the public to disregard unfounded insinuations by enemies of progress and their puppets, who, for reasons best known to them, want to cause disharmony within our party and among our two leaders.

– Ahmed Bashir
Buhari Support Group

My Channels TV Interview Taken Out of Context – Kashim Shettima

Kashim Shettima

1. When I appeared on Channels TV last Thursday amidst the tension rippling through our political arena, it was to underline the promise Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid held for those yet to establish the certainty of the hurdle ahead of the APC. I never set out to denigrate the personality of any aspirant, and definitely not that of my dear friends and allies. None of them is an opponent, so their aspiration isn’t a threat to us. They appear so in the sprint to become the party’s presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 elections, but they are our allies in the marathon.

2. My assessments of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, were well-intentioned. I never set out to subject them to ridicule but, rather, to stir up interest in the contrasting virtues of the cast of aspirants putting up a fight against my preferred aspirant, one most favoured and advantaged to guarantee APC’s victory in the forthcoming presidential election.

3. The interpretations of my remarks on Professor Osinbajo and Senator Lawan are, thus, being done literally and overblown. My words weren’t woven to portray them as unworthy aspirants, but merely to qualify them as non-threatening contenders. I, however, take full responsibility for my utterances and wish to appeal to our teeming supporters to neither take my words out of their metaphoric contexts nor interpret them as a measure and declaration of hostility towards my dear friends and allies.

4. I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to the Vice President and the President of the Senate for the unintended pains my jibes might have caused them and their families and supporters.

5. As we approach the finishing line of this tense political race, I’m not unaware of who the actual opponents are. A divided house, even if in the assumptions and imaginations of supporters with a distant grasp of our relationships with other aspirants, is the last impression we wish to create among Nigerians.

6. I want this to be taken as an appeal to our supporters across all political camps to build bridges and mend fences as the actual journey is just about to begin. Victory, for the discerning, has always been the first lap of the race. Thank you for your understanding.

Kashim Shettima

Sen Kashim Shettima

TRENDING

LATEST