Home Blog Page 46

RYSA: CYNOSURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN DELTA STATE (SPECIAL REPORT)

By
News View
-

From

Ese Obote-Ogwu

The Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration has proven beyond cynicism to be a youth-friendly government in all ramifications with its score of youth investment programmes. It is believed across many climes that investing in Delta youth is one bold stride that has rekindled hope for living by rewinding them with the countless mindset change and value re-orientation programmes and human capital development projects. One of the best legacies that can be given to this agile and unique generation is to empower them now.

Since the inception of this administration, an array of youth empowerment programmes has been launched to target different youth categories by addressing their yearnings and desires of which many youths have benefited from and have come out to boldly testify to its multiplier effects in their lives, families and communities.

One thing is clear. Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa believes in raising and building an army of entrepreneurs, who can contribute to the growth of the local economy by creating jobs and affecting their community positively. The governor did not leave out the rural communities just as he attended to the urban and semi-urban communities in his empowerment programmes. This kind gesture gave birth to the Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA).

RYSA, a flagship programme of the Delta State Government domiciled with the Ministry of Youth Development, was borne out of the need to lift youths in the rural areas of Delta State out of unemployment by providing skills training and start – up support. It is designed to enhance the practical hands-on training, business and life skills of 810 interested youths of Delta State origin across 270 federal wards in the state who have already acquired relevant skills in their chosen vocations, demonstrated passion and dexterity, and need start-up to launch their businesses.

Start up packs

The Ministry of Youth Development ably led by the commissioner, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga and his team, worked tirelessly to ensure that the mandate of the governor was achieved. In year 2020, the ministry launched and graduated a total of 776 pioneer beneficiaries across 10 skills areas and these are: Fashion Design, Catering and Confectioneries, Alumni Profiling, Tiling, Make-over, Wood Work & Furniture, POP Screed-making & Painting, Hairdressing, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication. It is worthy to note that over 86 percent of these beneficiaries are very active in business, gaining traction in their communities and becoming trainers with various empowerment programmes like WESAP

In a bid to improve the RYSA programme, the ministry expanded the skills from 10 to 11 to cater for the increasing demands across the communities. The selection process for both trainers and trainees was more rigorous, and accomplished through a detailed and empirical approach using a combination of skill and knowledge-based interview and proficiency tests to select the best-fit trainers and eligible trainees from applications received.

Beneficiary of Hairdressing start up pack

The 2021 cycle of RYSA trainees, for 12-weeks went through practical hands-on participatory training sessions, designed to upscale mastery of their skills. During this period the trainees and trainers were constantly assessed by the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring (DYMM) and the Ministry’s Assessment Team (MAT) to ensure that standards and procedures of the programme were strictly adhered to.

The Community Business School (CBS), an implant into the RYSA programme designed to imbibe in the trainees’ vital business and life skills is geared towards developing their entrepreneurial drive, leadership capacity and the essence of community service. It is further aimed at enabling them to identify and take advantage of opportunities in digital marketing and business networking to support their business start-ups.

The RYSA trainees in the course of their Community Business School identified community needs in their various LGAs and took collective actions to proffer solutions for challenges across the local government areas/

A beneficiary of the 2021 cycle of tiling equipment start up pack from the Delta State Government

Their initiatives ranged from drilling of borehole in market, enrollment of indigent community youths into free skill training, donation of educational materials, painting of school Fences and maintenance of facilities at their local government secretariat to sensitization against social vices and the need to embrace skill acquisition across schools and communities, sanitation exercise and a host of other activities

The RYSA 2021 cycle graduated an outstanding 786 beneficiaries, bringing the total number of graduates to 1,562. The beneficiaries have distinguished themselves, saw the chance, made their choices and upheld the values of the RYSA programme by maintaining an organic level of competence with good character and commitment while imbibing the spirit of volunteering and also gave back to the society.”

The CBS instructors were exceptional and gave it their all, to ensure that well groomed RYSA ambassadors were birthed with the right character, life and business skills.

It can be categorically stated that “RYSA is not that ordinary youth development programs but classical top-notch youth investment programme worthy of domesticating. RYSA 2020 and 2021 cycle completed and finished strong.

No wonder Comrade Egwunyenga rightly observed, saying to the beneficiaries: “Your stunning performances during your classes at the Community Business School was second to none. The unscheduled assessment visits to your classes was as amazing as the feed-back received shows it was so impactful.”

2022 World Communication Day : Journalists Urged To Report Truth , Balance Their News Reports

By
News View
-
NUJ

Asoya Chukwudi and Princess Tonia Maijeh

The year 2022 World Communications Day has been marked in Delta State with a call on journalists and media practitioners to always dignify God through their profession as well as report the truth at all times.

The call was recently made by the Bishop of Issele-uku Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) Michael Elue during the 56th edition of the World Communications Day which was organised by the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Delta state chapter (CAMPAN).

In his homily, Bishop Elue who was represented by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Aduba urged journalists to be guided by the eithics of the profession of journalism and also report news that would respect the dignity of the job and not reporting to twist the truth and falsehood.

He said that fake news was very injurious as it defaced situations and could cause crisis if not properly handled , adding that untrue stories could spread faster and would be very difficult to eliminate as soon as it had been spread like a wild fire .

He said that every human being was called to be witness of Christ, stressing that heaven was the final point of focus for all human beings on earth just as he urged all individuals to stand up for the truth at all times.

He prayed for peace and God’s goodness on each and everyone as Nigeria faced crisis occasioned by the daily raise in insurgency, ritual and political killings.

The message of His Holiness Pope Francis with this year’s topic ” Listening with the Ear of the Heart” was read by Comrade Sam Fejokwu who stressed on the importance of listening for effective communication which were decisive in the grammar of communication and a condition for genuine dialogue.

He also added that listening was undergoing important new development in the fields of communication and information through the various podcasts and audio messages available that served to confirm that listening was still essential in human communication in adherence with the humble nature of God .

High point of the ceremony was the installation of patrons and patroness and the presentation of awards of excellence to amiable personalities who had contributed to the development of the Catholic Church .

The awardees included the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocols, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Prof. Lady Joan Okoh, Comrade Mike Akpotosevwen Okeme, Engr. C.C. Chukwurah, Chief (Ogbueshi) Mrs. Felix Ejoh, Sir Austin Mowah, Prince Mike Oputa Ezinne Anthoina Maduemezia

Impose Yemi Osinbajo & forget Presidency for 32 years. (OPINION)

By
News View
-

By Rafiu Aminu

The followers of politics will witness an historical catastrophe in politics in the next few days if President Muhammadu Buhari go ahead with his newly discovered Law of Reciprocity. It first appeared like Mathematical Law of Quadratic Reciprocity and one could not understand quickly how President Buhari intended to apply mathematics to solve the trending political issues in his party (APC). It later came as a shock that Mr. President has finally yielded to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advise that for anyone to succeed as President of Nigeria, he must have good traces of madness. And that’s what President Buhari’s Law of Reciprocity is all about. Unfortunately, President Buhari’s announcement of his newly discovered Law shows that he will not be a good wearer of the garment of madness recommended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In a shocking manner, President Buhari justified his proposed imposition of successor with the principle of reciprocity which holds between him & the State Governors.The hanging question is whether the Governors & PMB are the only members of the party. How would the principle of reciprocity come into play among Mr. President, the lawmakers & non elected party members who are also stakeholders in the party.

Nigerians are waiting anxiously to see how President Buhari who could not impose a governorship candidate successfully in his home state in 2011 could do it at national level without severe consequences. His efforts to impose Aminu Bello Masari on Alh. Munir Yakubu, Yakubu Lado Dan Marke and Abubakar Ismail Funtua in Katsina CPC primary election in 2011 met a brick wall. How could anyone thinks he will achieve imposition plan at national level in a party where others helped him largely to emerge as the candidate of the party?

Excellent government performance is one of the major elements that make a popular leader and in the societies where imposition of candidates for an election is permissible – the chief promoter of imposition must be popular among the people. If Tinubu did not do well as governor of Lagos, he could not successfully impose Fashola as his successor. He is able to maintain the trend because Lagos is on a good track in term of performance of government from 1999 till date. Otherwise people would have revolted through ballot box irrespective of the level of thuggery adopted during the election. Having spent more than 6 years in office in August 2021, President Buhari was reported to have said that he doesn’t want to exit govt as a failure. About a year to the handover day, Accountant General of the Federation was still able to loot the treasury in billions; University Education is still in Jeopardy; Electricity distribution assumed historical down slope; every part of the country is engulfed in all forms of security challenge; standard of leaving shows no sign of improvement. On what ground is President Buhari qualified to dictate to Nigerian people the way to go in 2023 election? Is he popular among the electorates by virtue of his performance in government in the last seven years?

There’s, indeed, no doubt, that Buhari’s speech shows clearly that he is truly under the influence of certain owners of Nigeria who are afraid of the ambition of former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Also colluding with those that are working against Tinubu’s ambition are his well known former allies who are in the cabinet of President Buhari as Ministers or Special Advisers. The most annoying part are those that didn’t realize Tinubu is bad when he was making them Commissioner; Governor; etc. Their right sense was in a state of hibernation throughout the years they were with Tinubu – it restarted and came back to life in the wake of juicier political expediency and then they realize Tinubu is not the kind of Leader Nigeria deserves. They malign Tinubu as if they are not products of everything they say about him. These are people Nigeria should beware of. They are bad spectators who cannot reciprocate half of Tinubu’s management skills if they were in his shoes. They are overambitious & insatiable servants that employ every arsenal to overtake their master. They are competing with the man that made them. They forgot yesterday because of the opportunities today presents. We heard VP Yemi Osinbajo saying he owes nobody allegiance outside his oath of office. Which one gave birth to the other: allegiance to Tinubu gave birth to allegiance to oath of office or vice versa? Which of the two is the Parent allegiance? Why would a child attempt to kill his parent because he wants people to think he fell from heaven?

If President Muhammadu Buhari continue to propagate and finally implement his Law of Reciprocity at the expense of Tinubu’s ambition, we should first of all investigate whether it is an attempt to handover to another Fulani man (Atiku Abubakar) or an effort to weaken the party that offered him the opportunity to achieve his ambition to serve Nigeria as Civilian President.

Nigeria should prepare to privatize Central Bank of Nigeria & sell the entire weaponry of our Military system if Buhari give way to PDP & Atiku by imposing the flagbearer in APC on the ground of Reciprocity between him and the State Governors. PDP will show they have learnt their lessons and rule for 32 years if they are allowed to regain power. Atiku will launch revenge on our treasury & take his dollars back. A businessman like Atiku could not invest in a “business” in foreign currency for more than a decade without getting profits. President Buhari will only impose a Presidential flagbearer on APC if and only if he wants Atiku to take his dollars back.

Sports University; The Eagles of parity in competitive Global Sports debuts

By
News View
-
Ned Nwoko

At the ideation and conception stages of the Sports University of Nigeria, Idumuje-Ugboko, the Proprietor, Prince (Dr) Ned Nwoko exuded implicit aplomb, that the fruition of the project will provide a watershed in the sporting fortunes of some developing countries in order to beget competitive parity in global sports.

 

Prince Ned Nwoko

He particularly identified Nigeria as an epicenter for deploying the institution’s innovative approaches; embedded in the modus-operandi of the trail-blazing Sports University, as against the hitherto unproductive methods, from which Nigeria could boast only three good medals, from more than a dozen Olympics appearances.

 

 

This remarkable educational institution’s uniqueness, revolves around the Proprietor and Chancellor, Prince (Hon) Ned Nwoko’s mission statement, which among others anchors on” providing education in sports services: science; medicine; management; engineering; physical education; humanities and social science, as well as to develop top-level athletes through high performance training.

 

 

Also, it will be collaborating with relevant authorities globally for exchange programmes to produce Olympic gold medalists, at international sports championships and world record breakers in many areas of sports”.

 

 

Beside churning out quality athletes, astute sports managers and administrators, the Nigerian, African and global sports fellowship stands to harvest plethora benefits.

Ned Nwoko

 

The Sports University boasts a preponderance of standard global sporting facilities, including but not limited to a three-floor academic building, top-scale art library, medical centers, Olympic-size swimming pool, and standard pitches for football, hockey, and baseball.

 

 

Also, the varsity showcases a five-star hotel, administrative blocks, lecture halls, canteen, and junior staff quarters among numerous state of the art facilities.

Ned Nwoko

 

And establishing an Olympic Training Centre at the facility will indubitably enhance the standard of competitiveness in the comity of the global sporting fraternity.

 

 

Additionally, athletes who are alumni, will no longer wallow in abject poverty, as skills acquired there from, will place them in good stead in their post-competition era, as against the prevailing status of retired athletes’ complaints of neglect from their hitherto benefactors.

LOOK BEYOND CURRENT GLOBAL CHALLENGES FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS INVESTORS

By
News View
-

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on investors to look beyond the challenges currently facing the world and focus on the opportunities they present, as according to him, there are no challenges without opportunities and solutions.

President Buhari made this call Thursday in Madrid when he addressed the Spain-Nigeria Business Meeting organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment during his State Visit to Spain.

The President told the gathering of Spanish and Nigerian corporations and investors to look towards Africa for the opportunities therein.

“It is currently a challenging time for the global economy. But I have always held the strong conviction that there is no crisis without an accompanying opportunity and solution. Increased collaboration with African nations could well be what Europe needs to mitigate against both current and potential future supply-chain challenges and improve both our economic opportunities,” he said.

 

President Buhari added that the business meeting provided a good opportunity to advance trade relations between the two nations which are today principally dominated by the oil and gas sector.
“I believe this forum is an excellent platform to establish and strengthen business relationships, share valuable experience, and collaborate for the mutual benefit of our countries.

“For quite a number of decades, Spain has been one of Nigeria’s most important trading partners. It is, for example, a major importer of Nigerian crude oil. Nigeria’s exports to Spain stood at $4.8b in 2020 whilst Spain’s exports to Nigeria increased from $97.2 million in 1995 to $517million in 2020. A lot more can be done to increase the volume of trade and today presents a good opportunity to explore how this can be achieved.”

The Nigerian leader reiterated that the current administration has put in place mechanisms to shift the age-long dependence on oil for the sustenance of the country, adding that the focus now is into value chain and exploitation of available abundant solid minerals.

“Since the inception of our Administration in 2015, we have concentrated on moving beyond the historical dependence on crude oil for government revenue and foreign exchange inflows. We have successfully driven its diversification and put the economy on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth through an open, rules-based and market-oriented way of doing business.

“Historically, the focus has been on Nigeria’s oil sector but Nigeria is home to a wide range of other sectors that hold very great potentials. We are the largest economy in Africa and our well over 200 million-strong consumer market is home to a range of attractive opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, light manufacturing, infrastructure development and technology.

“Nigeria has a number of other notable mineral resources including coal, gold, bitumen, iron ore and uranium. However, our current focus is on adding value to our natural resources prior to exportation,” said the President

He therefore called on investors at the meeting to take advantage of the opportunities that the Nigerian market offers:

“We are open to widening collaboration with Spain and in order to encourage private capital inflow, we have put together fiscal investment incentives which include the following: three to five years tax holidays for enterprises in what we deem to be pioneer industries; tax-free operations and no restrictions on expatriate quotas in our Free Trade Zones; capital allowances for agriculture, manufacturing and engineering amongst others.

 

“Going into partnerships with trusted local and foreign partners who have well-established networks and understand the dynamics of the economy and country is one of the identified keys to success in Nigeria. Today provides a platform for Spanish businesses to connect with credible Nigerian partners. I trust that all here present will build relationships that will translate into increased trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Spain.”

President Buhari also used the opportunity to thank the Spanish Government for the donation of 4.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, said Nigeria and Spain have enjoyed a very cordial relationship since the 1960s. He added that Nigeria is “committed to increasing its volume of trade with Spain, even as Spain is currently one Nigeria’s strongest EU trading partners.”

“Since signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Nigeria is also a gateway to the wider African market. Nigeria is a central point for companies wishing to do business in other parts of Africa. We are attracting and retaining sustainable investments by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The Federal Government is addressing critical concerns around infrastructure and security; and creating employment for its youthful population,” the Minister added.

DOU, Asaba Matriculates 651 students Admitted through JAMB.

By
News View
-

Dennis Osadebe University (DOU), Anwai, Asaba, Matriculate her first set of students for the 2021/2022 session into the various Faculties/Department of the institution being a Centre of Leaning and excellence in Nigeria and the World at large.

DOU is committed to imbibing the culture of learning and producing students with high level capacity to develop our society and improve our economy for purposeful results in their various professionality.

The students of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba are epoc making generation who are morally educated to be of humour to our society and the globe.

The Vice Chancellor in his speech thanked His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for the establishment of DOU, Asaba.

The DOUITES, are ready to abide by their matriculation oath as administered by the Registrar of the institution, the Vice Chancellor admitted the DOUITES to DOU, Asaba. Which makes them a Great DOUITES.

Okowa has all it takes to be president – Spokesman

By
News View
-
Ifeanyi Okowa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has said that the governor has all it takes to be president of Nigeria.

Ifeajika stated this while reacting to remarks on Okowa by analysts in an AriseTv programme on Monday, on the strengths and weaknesses some members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being tipped as Vice Presidential candidate for the party presidential candidate who emerged on Saturday night, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Addressing journalists at Government House Asaba, the governor’s spokesman said the comments against his boss were derogatory, and smacked of crass ignorance of politics by those who made the analysis.

He said that Okowa possessed the requisite experience to be president but refused to yield to pressure to contest due to personal reasons.

“In the last two days, the media have been awash with reports about the PDP primaries and the outcome and the things that will follow.

“I don’t know when onlookers have become serious politicians that are deciding for politicians. What we know, for those who understand politics, is that after the presidential primaries, the party leaders and the candidate will sit down to decide who the running mate will be.
.
“It is not done in one day or immediately after the convention; what is important is that the party selects somebody who can assist the candidate to win election and that is done before the campaigns will start.

“There is no hurry about it; they usually take time to do it and it is the prerogative of parties to do that but I am aware that one analyst or commentator, precisely one Frank Tietie, in an attempt to assess some persons that were listed as likely Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP displayed so much malice against Okowa.

“When he got to Okowa for his assessment, he said that the gôvernor could not be the Vice Presidential candidate because he had not developed Delta and that he lacked national exposure, among others.

“To become a Vice-Presidential candidate, you don’t have to have a national exposure for you to emerge. It is the prerogative of the party to pick who it thinks will win the election.

“You don’t have to be one star anywhere; the party takes time to see who will join the presidential candidate to win election and that’s what I am sure the party will do,” he said.

Ifeajika said that Jonathan and Osinbajo were relatively unknown until they were nominated to be Vice-Presidential candidates.

“There are instances that buttress this point; when former President Obasanjo nominated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as Vice President in 1999, he was governor-elect of Adamawa. The only thing known about him was that he was a retired Customs Officer and a businessman.

“During Yar’Adua’s tenure, Dr Goodluck Jonathan was not known anywhere aside being Deputy Governor of Bayelsa and later Governor, following the impeachment of his boss. He wasn’t a national star anywhere but he won election with Yar’Adua.

“Again in 2015, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was chosen as vice-presidential candidate to President Muhammadu Buhari. Before then, Osinbajo was known just as a Professor of Law and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State.

“Osinbajo was not a star in the political hemisphere at that time. So for somebody to say that Okowa is not known nationally in politics is to say the least, derogatory and it shows how uninformed whoever said so is in politics.

“Okowa, for the records, was a Commissioner in Delta for eight years, Secretary to the State Government, Senator and later as Governor.

“These are enough credentials to make him known nationally. Even as a first time member in the Senate, he was Chairman Senate Committee on Health while there were ranking senators. That was evident that he was already known before coming to the Senate.

“What we have today as the National Health Act in Nigeria is a product of Governor Okowa’s effort in the health sector. He sponsored the National Health Bill, which was passed and signed into law in 2014,” he said.

He added that as governor, Okowa domesticated the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in Delta, with over one million Deltans already enrolled in the scheme which gives free treatment to pregnant women, children under-five years and the aged while other enrollees pay only N7,000 per annum for the services.

Ifeajika further said that Okowa had handled tough assignments for the party which also added to his pedigree as a nationalist.

According to him, when Jonathan lost his re-election bid in 2015, the PDP was in turmoil and when the dust settled, the entire party sat down and chose Okowa to organise the National Convention that brought in Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee.

“He was called in again to organise another Convention to elect the presidential candidate of the party in the 2019 general elections held in Port Harcourt.

“For everything, by way of credentials, somebody should have in this country, Okowa has it. He is a giant in politics, a goal-getter in everything he choses to do and a material any day in the politics of this country.

“The said comment is not just unfortunate but malicious and hence we are responding to it.” he stated.

On the 7th anniversary of the Okowa administration, Ifeajika said that the coastal areas of the state will forever remember the administration for braving the odds to construct roads in the area, including the 20.8km road leading to Obotebe 1, Obotebe 2, Yokri and Sokebulou roads.

“In a couple of weeks, we will proceed to inaugurate the floating market in Ogheye, a riverside community. It is called Ogheye Floating Market, built right on water, hence floating market.

“We have several empowerment programmes with over 150,000 youths taken off the streets and they are the fulcrum of MSMEs in the state.”

On infrastructure in the state, Ifeajika said the governor had embarked on lots of infrastructural projects, including the 10 new ongoing technical colleges with three already completed in Asaba, Obiaruku and Effurun.

“The governor also established three new universities, with the upgrade of three higher institutions in the state to enable more Deltans have access to university education.

“It is on record that Lagos State Government, having seen the wisdom in what Delta did, has also established two more universities in the state,” he stated.

CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE DECLARES PDP GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY ELECTION AS FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE *CONGRATULATES SHERIFF OBOREWORI *DECRIES NEWS OF DELEGATES INDUCEMENT *DEMANDS GREATER ROLES AND RECOGNITION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY

By
News View
-

The Civil Society Network for Citizens Engagement, Credible Elections and Good Governance (CSNCE2GG) has held a post Primary elections Press Conference in Asaba.

At the Press Conference the Civil Society Network led by Activist Rex Anighoro declared that the People Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Primary Election was Free, Fair and Credible and that the outcomes clearly reflected the wishes of the delegates and entire members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

Activist Rex Anighoro on behalf of the Civil Society Network congratulated Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori for emerging as the flag bearer of the keenly contested primary election.

The Civil Society Network hailed the quality and the maturity of the other aspirants who stayed through the process and for ensuring that their supporters were peaceful and violent free. He urged the aspirants to show greater maturity and sportsmanship by congratulating the winner.

It will be recalled that the Civil Society Network for Citizens Engagement, Credible Elections and Good Governance (CSNCE2GG) had gone round Delta State engaging with Aspirants Chief amongst the Aspirants engaged were Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborewori, Distinguished Senator James Manager, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Hon. Ben Igbakpa, Hon. Smart Asekutu, Hon. Samuel Mariere, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, Hon. Matthew Opuoru, Hon. Taleb Tebite, Hon. Rueben Izeze, Hon. Onos Agofure amongst others. The Civil Society leaders interrogated their Citizens Agenda and Manifesto sharing with them strategic developmental Programs. They were also involved in the advocacy for a Peaceful and Nonviolent Elections as well as monitoring the Primary Elections at all levels as much as possible from the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senatorial to the Governorship Elections.

Activist Rex Anighoro at the Press Conference decried the news making rounds in the social media of delegates been induced by aspirants across the country stating while it remains unconfirmed and largely unsubstantiated it remains a great worry that should be paid serious attention to and that there is a great urgency on the part of the Civil Society to condemn this negative narrative, carryout not just only voters enlightenment but a vigorous campaign against money induced elections. He called on the Civil Society not to be docile but to lead from the front lines in the fight of entrenching enduring democracy where the will of the people will not be mortgaged through monetisation.

Activist Rex Anighoro on behalf of the network hailed His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for ensuring that the Primary Elections across Delta State was very peaceful and violence free.

He called on all the candidates whom have emerged to reach out to the other aspirants who contested with them and do needful consensus building by adopting parts of their fellow contestants manifesto that they find to be outstanding for the good of the citizens. He also called in the aspirants who did not win to show maturity, congratulate the winners and be ready to work with them for the good of the citizens and society. He also stated that as a matter of priority the Civil Society should be given a place of prominence in their campaign organisations as there is so much the Civil Society can help do to strengthen global best practices, crafting realistic developmental agenda through increased citizens needs assessment, evaluating and filling gaps where necessary.

Activist Rex Anighoro also called on all Political Parties to emulate the People Democratic Party (PDP) that has ensured that the Civil Society continue to open the civic space, engaging State Actors and Aspirants in ensuring that the quality of their Citizens Agenda is interrogated and improved upon for the greater good of the citizens and of the State.

Speaking at the Press Conference, Amb. Augusta Impact Keneboh Executive Director of Afro Centre for Development Peace and Justice saluted Activist Rex Anighoro and the Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa administration for giving the Civil Society the space to engage with the People Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants nothing that it was first of its kind and that the engagement has greatly enriched the process on his part Deacon Okezi Odugala Executive Director of Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development stated that other political parties should open the space to allow the Civil Society engage with their Aspirants and Candidates as the People Democratic Party (PDP) has done, he made it known that Governance must always been about the Citizens and as such scrutiny and collaborations between the Civil Society and Political players remains very important.

Civil Society Leaders who were at the Press Conference included Deacon Okezi Odugala Executive Director Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development (EISED), Amb. Augusta Impact Keneboh Executive Director Afro Centre for Development Peace and Justice (ACDPJ), Dr. Martins Kediehon, Executive Director Safe Aid Foundation (SAF), Activist John Izobo Acting Coordinator Delta State Chapter Niger Delta People Salvation Front (NDPSF) Comrade Churchill Ayovuata Director Initiative for Human Rights and Good Governance (IHRGG) and Comrade Joe Okor representing Delta State Civil Society Volunteers (DCSV).

Oyo State distributes customized exercise books to public school students

By
News View
-

The Oyo State government has announced the cancellation of a six-year waiting period of Teachers in the state, according to the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran.

Adeniran disclosed this today during a live interview programme on the state broadcasting station in Ibadan.

He said the promotion waiting period of teachers on Grade level 13 and above was initially six years, but the State Government has adjusted it to be at par with their colleagues at the mainstream service.

The Chairman added that this was necessitated by the fact that welfare of teachers and stakeholders in the education sector is paramount to the Governor.

Dr. Adeniran applauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s investment in laudable projects, which in turn is enhancing effective learning and quality academic activities.

The SUBEB Boss stressed that the Board and other educational bodies in the State are committed to the gradual improvement and performance of learners.

He also reiterated the commitment of the present administration to sustain its drive for quality education in the state.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Rahman Abiodun Abdu-Raheem said the Oyo State Government has commenced distribution of exercise books to students of Public Secondary Schools and Technical Colleges for the 2021/2022 Academic session.

The Honourable Commissioner said this is another forward leap in the history of education in the state, as this will assist parents in reducing the cost of education of their children.

Barrister Abdu-Raheem noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Engineer Makinde had invested much funds on personnel and education materials from the OYO Education Trust Fund’s purse, so as to bring greater development to the sector.

Applauding the Government’s gesture towards his colleagues, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Raji Oladimeji Ismael said the union appreciates the present administration in Oyo State.

He noted that the present administration has impacted the lives of Teachers in so many ways.

Raji said Makinde has surpassed past administrations, pointing at the recently approved leave grant for teachers, which will be released very soon.

“We are joyous, because the approval of promotion letters to grade level 13-16 of teachers has been a clog in the wheels of progress in our profession. Governor Makinde has done what others could not do. The waiting period of teachers has been removed. Instead of 6 years, we henceforth will wait for three years”, he said.

Ifeajika, crew congratulate Edith Okowa at 61

By
News View
-
Edith Okowa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika and the Government House media team have congratulated the wife of the Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, on her 61st birth anniversary.

In a congratulatory message to the first lady, Ifeajika and the crew lauded Dame Okowa for her philanthropic works, especially in making life more meaningful for the less-privileged in the society.

They described Dame Okowa as a distinguished woman and committed partner to her husband, Gôvernor Ifeanyi Okowa, in his sustained drive towards bequeathing a Stronger Delta to the people.

Dame Edith Okowa

The governor’s image maker attributed the successes recorded by the Okowa administration to the remarkable contributions of the Dame Okowa through her 05-Initiative.

He extolled the governor’s wife for being a very supportive and reliable pillar to her husband and the entire family.

According to him, Dame Okowa is celebrating 61 years of great accomplishments and I urge her not to relent in her mission of giving succour and hope to the less-privileged in the society.

“The activities of the 05-Initiative have continued to attract positive narratives beyond Delta and Nigeria, particularly from well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and agencies.

“On behalf of the Governor’s media team, I congratulate our loving mother and outstanding philanthropist, Dame Edith Okowa on her 61st birth anniversary.

“Your Excellency, your passion to provide care for the sick, Nigeria Correctional Services inmates, orphans and other less-privileged stands you out as a great woman of compassion.

“As an Evangelist and mother of inestimable value, you have impacted hugely on your family and the State and it is our prayer that God will continue to grant you good health, wisdom and grace in your avowed commitment to the well-being of women and children.

“We join your family, friends and associates in celebrating and praying for you, a worthy child of God, on this joyful day of your 61st birth anniversary,” Ifeajika said.

The Governor’s spokesman prayed that Almighty God should keep Dame Okowa in good health to continue in her noble deeds, especially with her 05-Initiative and to remain a great pillar of support in her family.

1...454647...69Page 46 of 69

TRENDING

LATEST

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2022 - News View Nigeria