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Minimum Wage: At last, Labour, Federal Govt Reach A Fragile Truce

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Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership of the National Assembly intervened on 2nd June, 2024. The Organised Labour declared nationwide strike on Monday, 3rd June, 2024 to drive home its demands.

2. The Federal Government, in the National interest, convened a meeting with Labour held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday 3rd June, with a view to ending the strike action.

3. After exhaustive deliberation and engagement by both parties, the following resolutions were reached:

1. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000;

II. Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable National Minimum Wage;

III. Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and

IV. No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action.

Done in Abuja on the 3rd of June, 2024.

Signed

For the Federal Government of Nigeria:

1. Mohammed Idris

03/08/24

Minister of Information and National Orientation
2. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

Minister of State for Labour and Employment

For the Organised Labour:

1. Joe Ajaero
President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

2. Festus Osifo
President, Trade Union Congress (TUC)

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ASABA: ANRPM Inaugurates Niger-Delta Comptroller 1 and State Chairmen; Advocates Zero-Tolerance to All Forms of Petroleum Products Illegalities

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By: Wilbet Ijeoma

The Association of Nigeria Refineries Petroleum Marketers (ANRPM) unveiled its Zonal Comptroller 1/ States Chairmen in a strategic forum with Pressmen today the 3rd day of June 2024 in Asaba, Delta State. The event which took place at Ofimaks Hotel, Asaba was presided by the Zonal Comptroller 1 Operations of the Niger-Delta States, Dr. Edison C. Nwadiaro and roundly attended by executives and staff members of the Association from the different states of Niger-Delta Zone.


The Comptroller 1 Operations of the Niger-Delta States who doubles as the Acting National Coordinator of ANRPM, underscored the mandate of the Association which is Say No to all forms of petroleum products illegalities such as bunkering, dubious middlemen, artificial scarcity of petroleum products and adulteration of petroleum products, amongst others. He revealed diversion of products as a consequential bane to the supply of the product in Nigeria as some distributors divert products to neighbouring countries thereby inducing artificial scarcity and price hike of the products.

Giving credence to his appointment, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro read his appointment letter from the National Office of ANRPM under the distinguished leadership of Hon. Usman B. Ali, the National Board Chairman of the Association. The Zonal Comptroller 1 affirms that he has 9 States under his oversight which include Abia, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Ondo, Delta, Imo, Akwa-Ibom and Edo States.


Speaking on the authority upon which the Association derived its powers, the Comptroller 1 mentioned that ANRPM is a contraption of the Federal Government, thus it is a Federal Task Force seeking collaboration with the State Government and all security agencies in Niger-Delta region so as to tackle headlong the illegalities in petroleum midstream and downstream subsector.


Speaking further, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro intimated that letters of introduction of State Chairmen have been written to State Governments of the states under his purview with some critical statutory bodies of the states as copy addressees. He also hinted on an advanced training programme for staff of the Association for capacity building which is billed to take place outside the shores of the country. While taking turn to introduce and present appointment letters to the zonal and state chairmen present at the event, Dr. Edison Nwadiaro charged them to discharge their duties effectively without fear or favour.

States and their Chairmen inaugurated in the event are; Abia – AGBARA CHIKEZIE
Imo – AMAECHI ADIBE, Enugu- Amb. GEORGE IGWE, Rivers- BENJACK TELEMA, and Bayelsa- Engr Ozeke Frank Kemefa.


Highpoints of the events were introduction of the Association, elucidation of its mandate, reading of letters of introductions and appointments, presentations of appointment letters to State Chairmen culminating in Press interview.


Responding to journalists, Dr. Nwadiaro who hails from Oguta in Imo State explained that the mission of the Association is to eradicate all the irregularities in the Oil Sector by illegal bunkers. He emphasized that the scope of its operations is delimited to engaging and synergizing with law enforcement agencies, ministries and private parastatals. “We are bringing amnesty to those illegal bunkers, bringing them together while federal government will come and know how to assist them”; Dr. Nwadiaro remarked.


Speaking further, the Comptroller 1 assured that ANRPM are on ground to clamp down on defaulters and perpetrators of all forms of petroleum products illegalities. “We are here to fight all menace in the oil sector”; Dr. Nwadiaro reaffirmed. On how to inaugurate States and staff members, the Comptroller said the Association is taking it gradually state by state seeking those fit and credible to join the Association across the 9 Niger-Delta States.

On whether the Association has adequate manpower to enforce its mandate, Dr. Nwadiaro said they are not working alone as ANRPM is working in collaboration with security agencies, and that Delta State has 375 field workers, 15 from each of the 25 LGAs of the state with the state executives making it 400 workers, which has made positive impacts on employment creation for Deltans.


Notable executive members of ANRPM present at the event include Delta South Coordinator, Amb Dr. Mrs. Success Mogaju, Acting Zonal Coordinator Delta North, Hon. Matthew Ochonogor, Chief of Staff of Delta North, Mrs. Helen Okechukwu Ada, S.A. Special Duties, Amb. George Onyemechi, Director Admin, AMB. Joshua Michel, and Admin Manager, Mrs. Magdalene Ofulue, amongst others.

Revisiting the Issues Around Edo 2024 Governorship Election: It is Edo First

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By Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq., PNM FCAI

As a critical stakeholder in the Edo project, I always feel a compelling need to lend my voice to the direction the Edo Nation should go per time. Last year, I came up with a four part essay that critically evaluated the coming governorship election and the Governor Edo needed . My positions were valid at the time and still valid today, but because of the vicissitudes of life, it is imperative for me to revisit some of my proposals , looking at where we are now, but as I said in my previous treatise, my loyalty will always remain with truth, correctness and Edo in that order. At the end, one would be satisfied that one has tried to goad society on the right path.

Asue Ighodalo

The major interest for Edo people generally was that the next Edo Governor must be Esan from Edo Central Senatorial district. Edo people are essentially one people by ethnic grouping through history, culture, language and eternal bond. We believe in fairness, equity, correctness and justice. This is why, I believe, Edo people on the streets of Benin City, Igara, Auchi, Uromi, Ehor etc, held the strong view that the next Edo Governor must be Esan.

 

Personally, I hold competence, character and personality over tribe and tongue. It matters to me not where anyone comes from if they can get the job done. How many of us would employ a bungling idiot because they are from our tribe and speak same language as us? So why do we fight naked to ensure the man from same village as us, etc, superintend over us as President or Governor?

Asue Ighodalo

Not to belabour the issue, I agree that the next Edo Governor should be from Edo Central to ensure the cord that bind Edo people for hundreds of years remain strong. Many people probably do not know that the ancient Benin Empire was supported to be great by all Edo tribes,including Esans, who also contributed soldiers to the Benin Army in furtherance of the course of extending the empire. So to ensure all Edo tribes feel part and parcel of the Edo project, it was essential the other Edo tribes conceded the 2024 Governorship to Esan at this time so we can be properly galvanised to face the future together.

 

Who is the one to lead us into this future? A prowl of leopards led by a sheep will meet a certain disastrous end. The next Edo Governor must be a man who shows he is prepared and would be ready to hit the ground running from the first day. We cannot afford to have a Governor that would be led by others. The Edo Governor must show that he knows where he is going by showing us where he is coming from and where he is today.

 

The next Governor of Edo State should be a man ( or woman) that commands respect across the State. He must be a person that is able to connect with the entire State and has broad knowledge of the various demographics making up the State.

 

In the midsts of the noise coming out from activities leading up to the next election in Edo State, what I find most numbing, annoying and insidious is the presentation of the APC ticket, having a serving senator as Governorship candidate and a serving member of the House of Reps as his deputy. They started their campaign for Governor just after their elections into the National Assembly, before they were inaugurated to represent their various constituent and district in the National Assembly. I find this totally disrespectful to members of their constituencies and District . The APC by this, are clearly showing that they have no focus and that they rate Edo people very low. This recklessness must be checked and Edo people must ask questions. You had barely spent two months as a Senator or a Member of the House of Representatives and you started distracting yourself with personal gubernatorial ambitions, when there is nothing the people can use to rate your performance as a legislator, just because you can throw money around, hire hatchet men and praise singers ? We must quickly take these people aside and tell them to stop insulting our collective intelligence with such brazeness.

 

What has the APC candidate, senator Monday Okpebholo done in the senate that should make Edo people reward him with the Governorship of the state? Many times, I see him fidgeting while trying to address basic questions. He is 52 but his hands shake while holding the microphone, his posture unstable, walking around the podium like a primary school pupil in a debate session, showing zero self confidence. What is even worse is his lack of cognition and understanding of even basic issues. A candidate for governorship of Edo state that did not know the difference between a museum and a zoo will be an embarrassment to Edo people; his government would be rudderless,leaving Edo people a lot poorer and disillusioned. How can he sit with foreign investors and negotiate on our behalf ? So to be Governor of Edo state, a candidate must show capacity and personality . He must show that he understands the issues and he is able to profer solutions in a cost effective manner.

TO BE CONTD

Ogbegie, a lawyer, community leader and public affairs analyst, wrote in from Benin City, Edo State.

BODY OF FEDERAL & STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL’s COMMUNIQUE

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BODY OF FEDERAL & STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL

Registered Address:
C/O Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation,

Auditor House,
Plot 273, Samuel Ademulegun Street,
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria.

Date: 23rd May, 2023

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 53RD BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE BODY OF FEDERAL AND STATE AUDITORS-GENERAL, NIGERIA HELD 19TH AND 23RD MAY, 2024 WITH THE “THEME: SUPREME AUDIT INSTITUTION AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES”

INTRODUCTION

The Body of Federal and State Auditors General, Nigeria held their 53rd Biannual Conference on19th-23rd May, 2024 with the Theme: “Supreme Audit Institution and the Achievement of Government Priorities”. The Conference was declared opened by the Executive Governor of Osun State His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke who was represented by His Excellency Prince Kola Adewusi, the Deputy Governor of Osun State.

The Chairman of the Body, Sir Sunday Adegoke delivered a welcome address followed by goodwill messages from PAC Chairman of OSHA, Commissioner of Finance Osun State,Accountant General, Auditor General for Local Governments in Osun State, and Royal Father of the Day, Timi of Ede. An address was also delivered by The Auditor General for the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira represented by Dr Busayo Fawale.

 

The conference featured five plenaries, a technical session, business meeting and tour to some monument centers in Osun state. Scholars, Professionals and Technocrats addressed the conference including, Prof Taiwo Asaolu (Vice Chancellor University of llesa. Osun State), Mr Ayodeji Ogunyemi (Partner and Finance Consulting Leader Ernst &Young West Africa),Mr Anthony Ogunyemi (Director in charge of International Audit,Office of the Auditor General for the Federation), Mr Olusegun Elemo (Founder and Executive Director Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI)) and Sir Sunday Adegoke (Auditor General of Ondo State). The Conference recorded a combined attendance of Thirty-Six participants comprising of One Representative of Auditor General for Federation, Twenty-Four State Auditors General, Eleven Directors of State Audit Offices.⁹Delegates appreciates the efforts being made by all the levels of governments in Nigeria towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development, and the persistent hurdles being faced in the process.

The conference noted that:
With just a little over five years to the 2030 set date for the achievement of the SDGs, and the limited progress made so far, there is need for urgent concerted efforts towards meeting the target;

The suspension of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the Social lnvestment and Humanitarian programme by the Federal Government, if not quickly addressed, will adversely affect the achievement of the SDGs within the target date;


The role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) in the achievement of the SDGs,as affirmed by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)in their Moscow Declaration at the XXIII International Congress of Supreme Audit Institutions (INCOSAI),which was hosted by the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation in 2019, need to be effectively played towards the achievement of the targets;

The SAls in Nigeria are currently not well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, as well as the administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role, hence the need for further strengthening;
The audit of donor funds requires strategic, integrated, innovative, information technology and data-driven approach, which requires further training of the audit personnel;
Periodic audit forum at all levels would be needed to secure the buy-in of relevant stakeholders to the activities of Supreme Audit Institutions;
SAls in Nigeria need an umbrella Body in the nature of the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions is urgently needed to support capacity building of members, peer review and cooperative audits, among other benefits;
The implementation of International public sector accounting standards in about twenty States are still on cash basis, despite the benefits of migrating to accrual basis; while a number of institutional and resource-related challenges are still hindering effective implementation of the standards.
At the end of the conference, the Body resolved as follows:

1. That Sections 85(3) and 125 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria be amended to strengthen the offices of the Auditors General to audit the books and records of Accounts of Parastatals, Commissions, Boards and other Agencies of Government.
2. That Federal Government should expedite the process of reviewing the Social Investment and Humanitarian Programme and resume operations of the programme as soon as possible, in order to enhance achievement of the SDGs.
3. We, the Supreme Audit Institutions (i.e. offices of Auditors-General) in Nigeria affirm our commitment to accelerate action on the implementation of the Moscow Declaration on their role in the achievement of the SDGs
4. The Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in Nigeria should be well resourced in terms of human, financial and material requirements, while necessary amendments should be made to the Constitution and Audit Laws at all levels to grant administrative and operational autonomy required for effective discharge of their role.
5. Audit Forum should be held regularly to provide opportunity for stakeholders to properly understand the role of SAls and thus enhance their supports for the work of SAls
6. The establishment of the Nigerian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions should be fast tracked to support capacity building of members, peer review, and cooperative audits, among other benefits.
7. The States that are yet to migrate to IPSAS Accrual should endeavour to do so, in order to maximize the benefits of IPSAS implementation.
8. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation Fiscal Commission’s new template on the emolument of Certain Political, Judicial and Public Officials should be implemented immediately by all levels of Government, to help cushion the effect of the present economic situation and high cost of living on the affected public officers.
9. The Body of Body of Auditors General of the Federation and States appeals to the State Executives to confirm those Auditors General who have been on acting capacity for more than six months to avert legitimacy issues as it relates to he Audited Financial Statements/any other Audit Reports already signed or will be signed by any of them.

Signed

Dr U.S.A. Udu
Auditor General, Ebonyi State,
Chairman, Communiqué Committee

Garba Muhammad Dutse, FCA
Auditor General, Jigawa State,
Secretary, Body of Federal and State Auditors-General

Sir Sunday Omoniyi Adegoke, FCA
Auditor General, Ondo State,
Chairman, Body of Federal and State Auditors-General

Ovoke Omagbemi Felicitates Gov Oborevwori on One Year in Office

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Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori

By Wale Nice

In commemoration of His Excellency Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s one-year milestone in office, Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi joins the people of Delta State in celebrating the remarkable achievements and progress made under his leadership.

He said Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the MORE Agenda has laid the foundation for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, Enhanced Peace and Security, and Expected Outcomes throughout the state. In line with his campaign promises, his administration has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to fulfilling its obligations to the people.

Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi

According to him “One of the standout accomplishments of Governor Oborevwori’s one year in office is the substantial progress made in job creation and massive projects across the three senatorial district. Through initiatives such as the Delta State Youth Empowerment Program and the Civil Service Recruitment Exercise, thousands of job opportunities have been generated, contributing to the economic empowerment of Delta’s citizens.

“Furthermore, the administration’s focus on economic growth is evident in the significant increase in the state’s GDP and the substantial improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). By implementing innovative revenue generation strategies, Governor Oborevwori’s government has ensured a more robust financial foundation for Delta State.

“Additionally, the investment-friendly policies enacted by the administration have led to a notable influx of capital into the state. This surge in investment interest underscores the confidence that both local and international investors have in Delta State’s potential under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.

“As Hon. Ovoke Omagbemi extends his congratulations to His Excellency Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, he acknowledges the transformative impact of Governor Oborevwori’s governance and expresses confidence in the continued progress and prosperity of Delta State under his visionary leadership.”

Joel-Onowakpo charge politicians to move away from primitive politics where opposition is considered to be an enemy

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Senator Joel Onowakpo

The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has called on politicians to move away from primitive politics where the opposition is considered to be an enemy, just as he charged them to emulate the disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has appointed members of the opposition parties into hia cabinet.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made the call while speaking with journalists at Thanksgiving Service of the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to Mark his one year anniversary in office, held at Winners Chapel, Ibusa Road, Asaba, Delta State

He said that Governor Oborevwori extending invitation to all the senators from Delta State irrespective of their political leaning was the smartest and wisest thing that he has done, adding that it will be very timid and very disrespectful of him to have turned down such an invitation even though they from different political divide.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

“First, let me correct one thing: I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am not a senator for only APC members in my Senatorial District but a senator for both APC, PDP and all other parties. I am to represent all and bring the dividend of democracy to our people.”

“Note also, the governor of Delta State is the Governor to everyone in Delta State and I do not think he is governor to only those who are PDP members. Moreover, I am a Senator today because Delta State exist, I am also a critical stakeholder in Delta State. For emphasis sake, I represent 1/3 of the State and my other two colleagues from Delta State represent 2/3 of the State.”

” Having said the above, I want to say that, His Excellency extending invitation to all the senators from Delta State irrespective of their political leaning is the smartest and wisest thing that he has done. And I think, it will be very timid and very disrespectful of me to turn such an invitation.The question I need to ask myself if I even think of turning down the invitation is: what do i intend to achieve? And very honestly, I will have no answer to such a question other than telling myself not to attend because the governor is a PDP governor. Which to me is pure nonsensical!”

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

He further said, “As an APC member, I should imitate my APC supreme leader in person of, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is so broad minded in not only relating with members of the opposition but even appointing His Excellency Nyesom wike as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because he recognized the fact that he is the president of everyone in Nigeria.”

According to him, ” I want to say that, HE Sheriff Oborevwori should be commended for being broad minded like our President. I want to encourage him to continue to be broad minded and also being inclusive. I am waiting for the day he will appoint credible members of the opposition party to his cabinet. I also want to say that, I am not aware of the president giving directive to MDA {Ministry, Department and Agency} of government to pass all Federal government intervention programs through only APC members rather all intervention programs are routed through the various State governor’s irrespective of their political affiliation. And this is the way to go.”

” Finally, I want to encourage everyone to move away from primitive politics where the opposition is considered to be an enemy and as such must be punished. This country needs a cross fertilization of ideas to have rapid development. We are elected into office to represent our people whether you are APC, PDP or any other party. We can be in different parties but with one common goals- the empowerment of our people and the development of our environment. We most not lose sight of this. “

Oborevwori Has Learnt From Tinubu In Relating With Opposition – says Joel-Onowakpo

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Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas

The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State as a broad minded politician for his disposition in relating with the opposition, saying that he has learnt very fastly by emulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who appointed opposition party member in the person of His Excellency, Nyesom Wike as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made the call while speaking with journalists at Thanksgiving Service of the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to Mark his one year anniversary in office, held at Winners Chapel, Ibusa Road, Asaba, Delta Stare

He encouraged Governor Oborevwori to continue to be broad minded, as well as being inclusive, adding that he was waiting for the day the Governor will appoint credible members of the opposition party to his cabinet.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

“I want to say that, HE Sheriff Oborowori should be commended for being broad minded like our President. I want to encourage him to continue to be broad minded and also being inclusive. I am waiting for the day he will appoint credible members of the opposition party to his cabinet.”

Stressing on the need for opposition parties to work together for the overall development of the state and Nigeria at large, he said, ” I also want to say that, I am not aware of the president giving directive to MDA {Ministry, Department and Agency} of government to pass all Federal government intervention programs through only APC members rather all intervention programs are routed through the various State governor’s irrespective of their political affiliation. And this is the way to go.,”

Answering a question on why he attended the Thanksgiving Service being an opposition Senator, he said, ” First let me correct one thing: I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am not a senator for only APC members in my Senatorial District but a senator for both APC, PDP and all other parties. I am to represent all and bring the dividend of democracy to our people.”

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas

” Note also, the governor of Delta State is the Governor to everyone in Delta State and I do not think he is governor to only those who are PDP members. Moreover, I am a Senator today because Delta State exist, I am also a critical stakeholder in Delta State. For emphasis sake, I represent 1/3 of the State and my other two colleagues from Delta State represent 2/3 of the State ”

” Having said the above, I want to say that, His Excellency extending invitation to all the senators from Delta State irrespective of their political leaning is the smartest and wisest thing that he has done. And I think, it will be very timid and very disrespectful of me to turn such an invitation.The question I need to ask myself if I even think of turning down the invitation is: what do i intend to achieve? And very honestly, I will have no answer to such a question other than telling myself not to attend because the governor is a PDP governor. Which to me is pure nonsensical!”

” As an APC member, I should imitate my APC supreme leader in person of, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is so broad minded in not only relating with members of the opposition but even appointing His Excellency Nyesom wike as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because he recognized the fact that he is the president of everyone in Nigeria.”

” Finally, I want to encourage everyone to move away from primitive politics where the opposition is considered to be an enemy and as such must be punished. This country needs a cross fertilization of ideas to have rapid development. We are elected into office to represent our people whether you are APC, PDP or any other party. We can be in different parties but with one common goals- the empowerment of our people and the development of our environment. We most not lose sight of this.”

LG Polls: Ukodhiko commends PDP for choice of Ogorugba’s as Isoko North PDP Chairmanship’s Candidate

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Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko
By Sarah Ogodo
The Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, has stated that yesterday’s affirmation of the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat, Ozoro, as the Isoko North PDP candidate for the forthcoming local government election, brings further hope to the good people of the Council Area.
Hon. Jonathan Ukodikho and Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba
Ukodhiko stated this while responding to questions from pressmen shortly after the unanimous affirmation of Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba by the Party as Flag-bearer for the July 13 Local Government Elections in Delta State.
Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko
The Lawmaker, who is the Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology said the huge turnout of party faithful signifies the acceptability of Elder Prince Ogorugba, who, due to his unrelenting hard work and dedication as Chairman of PDP in Isoko North Chapter, has won the hearts of many within and outside the Party.
Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko
Having emerged as the sole contestant for the primary election, Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba was declared winner by the Returning Officer for the primary election, Uche Aligo.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Ogorugba commended the party faithful across the state and local government areas for the peaceful conduct of the Councillorship and Chairmanship party  primaries.
Ogorugba said that the process reflected the wishes of the masses while urging all party faithful to unite ahead of the July 13th Local government polls.
Ogorugba also emphasised that with the peaceful and acceptable conduct of the party primary through out the state shows a total demonstration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s epitome of wisdom and leadership style in bringing true democracy to the  door steps of grassroot by allowing the people to chose those who will represent them at the Local Government Council.
He said the governor has done extremely very well and most of his projects, such as the dualization of Ozoro-Ughelli road, construction of Emevor-Orogun road, the establishment of College of Health Technology Ovrode among others were visible to Isoko North people and they are very happy with the Governor’s performance in his first year in office.
The Executive Director Finance and Administration of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Kome Okpobor, commended Isoko North party leaders and faithful for the peaceful conduct of the party primary, saying the jubilation and celebrations by the party faithful shows that the party candidate, Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba is the man of the people and an experienced grassroot politician, who is generally accepted by all.
Speaking in affirmative of the party’s candidate, Hon. Bernard Odior, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and  Hon. Mary Samuel described the victory of Ogorugba as well deserved.
Hon. Mary Samuel and Prince Godwin Ogorugba
Hon. Mary Samuel, SA to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Women Development
Also speaking, the SA to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Women Development, Hon. Mary Samuel assured Isoko North women of Ogorugba’s commitment to bringing more meaningful development across the length and breadth of the Council Area.

Outrage as Okpebholo commits sacrilege against the Oba in US, fails to impress Edo Diaspora Community …He is not his own man,’ source at the meeting says

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What the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has been hiding from the people for some time now has been exposed in far away Maryland, US, where the Edo diaspora community, has now expressed “reservation” about the quality, competencies and capacity of the candidacy of Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the APC for the September 21 governorship election in the state.

Okpebholo, who had an interactive session with a handful of members of Edo Diaspora community was said to have displayed palpable lack of self confidence as well as general lack of knowledge, capacity and competence needed to govern the state.

A source who was present at the meeting described Okpebholo’s outing as “very poor and unconvincing and he generally lacks everything needed to be the governor of our state. He doesn’t come across as his own man. Others were in charge. He was just there, maybe as an observer or to just show his face. Let’s just say as a figure head. That isn’t good at all. We didn’t go to that meeting to listen to those hired speakers. We wanted to hear from him but he failed to impress,” the source stated.

The source fumed about what happened and called it “outsourcing his primary and lead roles to others whom they described as the chairman of the party and another they described as the Leader of the party. Are these the guys that are going to run the government for him? He must be joking. He should be the one in charge and not those guys. They will most likely hijack his government and powers and he would then be their puppet. We don’t think that is the kind of person we want. He is not his own man,” the source fumed severally.

While Senator Okpebholo struggled to assert himself during the event, Pastor Ize Iyamu and the APC state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, reportedly stole the show as they took charge of proceedings, relegating him to the background.

A picture of the event seen online had Pastor Osagie and Jarret conspicuously at the centre while the candidate was pushed to the side of the photo.

The angry source even went to the extent of suggesting that “the man they called Leader was almost acting as the real candidate. That’s an offense of impersonation here in the United States. They are lucky nobody took much interest in who was what. Of the 18 or 20 people in attendance, I don’t think half of us were impressed. It will be difficult for the people to recommend this man for them at home to be voted for as the next Governor of our state.

Beyond Okpebholo’s poor performance, reports by his media aide, who identified himself as Henry J, and claimed to be at the event has been the source of anger and outrage from people back home.

Henry J, in a report of the event he titled: “A night to remember: Senator Okpebholo’s visit to Maryland strengthens Tues with Edo State Diaspora” presented his report in a communique style.

He asserted that, “With a warm smile, he began to share his vision for Edo State, outlining strategies to address pressing issues such as:

1. Insecurity: Senator Okpebholo emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity, involving community engagement, intelligence gathering, and effective policing.

2. Oba Palace drama with Obaseki: He called for unity and reconciliation, urging all parties to put the interest of Edo State above personal differences.”

The report which is trending on the net has caused no little stir as concerned Edos took umbrage at the temerity of Okpebholo to advise the Oba to “put the interest of Edo State above personal differences.”

Reactions have since Friday afternoon been trailing what many residents in Benin City described as both “foolish, disrespectful and unsolicited advice by Okpebholo to the Oba”.

Henry J named some of those who attended the meeting as Chief David Adolo, the Master of Ceremonies, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, Dr. Legend Asuelime, Mr. Osazee Imasogie, Mr. AbdulRahman Abubakar, and Hon. EJ Agbonayinma, as well as others.

He concluded by announcing that, “Henry J, a renowned journalist, was live in Maryland to cover the event, providing a firsthand account of the evening’s proceedings.”

Realizing the anger and outrage that have been trailing the unsolicited advice by Okpebholo, his media team quickly swung into action doing damage control and presenting a false report by John Mayaki titled “It is a sacrilege to drag the Oba in a market square – Okpebholo. The report has, however, been roundly condemned as an afterthought by people of the state.

Why I Chose to Keep My Father’s Surname ~ Chimamanda Adichie

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News View
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Chimamanda Adichie

I didn’t change my surname to my husband’s surname because I love my surname, and all my documents bear my father’s surname. I don’t have the strength to run around to change it.

People often tell me that I am abusing Igbo culture by still bearing my father’s surname. I laugh when I hear people say this. But the fact is that those women who bear their husband’s surname are the ones abusing Igbo culture. In pre-colonial Igbo culture, women didn’t bear their husband’s surname; they bore their father’s surname. Everything changed when the British colonized us. We then abandoned our own culture and followed British culture.

Chimamanda Adichie

In pre-colonial Igbo society, if a married woman died, her corpse would be returned to her father’s home to be buried there. In pre-colonial Igbo culture, women belonged to their father’s place; their husbands just borrowed them for both to live together and have children.

I am always worried about why Igbo people are ashamed to speak their language. In most Igbo families in Nigeria, parents communicate in Igbo, but immediately when they talk to their children, they switch to English.

I am always thinking about how to make our people understand the importance of our culture and language. That’s why I don’t normally wear foreign clothes. Many international clothing brands have approached me to be their ambassador by wearing their clothes, but I choose our traditional style of dressing to showcase who we are to the world. Many of our students now don’t study Igbo in school. During my time in secondary school, I studied Igbo and took it in my WAEC examination, achieving an A1.

Chimamanda Adichie

I have two children, and I am teaching them the things we did as children while growing up, like “Ikpọ ọga” and many other traditional activities. These are the things that will help them understand who they are. They speak and understand Igbo.

It is time for all of us to come together to restore our language.

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