2023: Ukodhiko sues for peace, unity among Isoko PDP members

By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has appealed for harmony, calmness and unity amongst leaders and members of the party in Isoko.

Ukodhiko made the appeal on Saturday at the party’s secretariat in Oleh while addressing party chieftains and members of the two local government areas campaign councils.

He said, “I am here today, on behalf of the candidates of the party in Isoko. Yes, I want to appeal to you all to look at our hearts and good intentions and work for the victory of the party in the election.

“By the course of the primary elections we might have offended you, I am here to appeal to you all to forgive us and support the party to victory.

“We have confidence in the party and its members in Isoko. The PDP is the only party in Isoko.

“As our former Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and, one of our leaders, Chief Solomon Ogba said at Warri today, aside the PDP, Delta South is the only place no party have not been able to penetrate.

“We are the deciders of where the pendulum would move to in Isoko.

“Our strength as party members in Isoko can only be measured when our party wins the House of Representatives and the State House of assemblies and all other elections.

“As I have said in many occasions, I am not contesting to be the political leader of Isoko or for selfish interest but to compliment and build on whatever our leaders have done till date in Isoko.

“I’ll compliment the political leadership of Isoko in advancing our Federal Constituency,“ he said.

The former Delta Energy Commissioner, Engr. Ukodhiko revealed that, he has met with most of the leaders of the party who have assured to work for the party’s victory at all levels.

“Now is the time to chart a way forward for Isoko but first we must be united and work for the interest of our great party, the PDP”, he said.

Others who spoke were the Chairman, PDP, Isoko South Chapter, Chief Godspower Obaro, his Isoko North counterpart, Deacon Godwin Ogorugba and the two LGA campaign council coordinators, Hons Joe Arausi and Mike Ogwah

Both Obaro and Ogorugba assured that, measures have been put in place to resolve internal bickering, addressing of grievances and checking of anti-party activities in order not to sabotage the victory of the party in Isoko.

Eku Community Declares Support For Oborevwori

The people of Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State have declared total support for Rt. Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori and all PDP candidates in the 2023 elections.

The traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief Godwin Akanbi, disclosed the position of the community during the visit of the PDP Ward-to-Ward campaign team to Ethiope East Ward 9 on Friday.

Akanbi who was former Principal of Government College, Ughelli, and one-time political leader of the Ward before his elevation as Prime Minister, said he had been mandated by the traditional ruler and the Council of Chief to convey the decision of the community to the leadership of the PDP at the gathering.

Talking specifically about Oborevwori, he said the leaders of Eku were convinced that he is very qualified and capable to deliver good governance to Deltans.

"I am speaking on behalf of the Okhaorho of Eku and members of the Council of Chiefs who are right here with me. What I am telling you is what they have told me to tell you. We are saying congratulations to the Speaker (Sheriff Oborevwori) and all of you.

"He has led the House (of Assembly) for many years and there has been no crisis. If there has been no crisis, that tells you that the man is capable. We are for Sheriff Oborevwori and there is no going back."

Earlier at the same event, another prominent leader of Eku, Chief Bernard Edewor, also assured that the community has resolved and will ensure victory for the PDP in all five electoral positions in the Presidential, Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly elections.

Responding, Oborevwori thanked the traditional ruler, the chiefs, and thousands of participants at the event for their love and support, pointing out that he is also their son.

He assured them that even though Governor Okowa has delivered various forms of infrastructural development to the community, his administration will do even more.

Lamenting the neglect of the Eku-Abraka-Agbor Federal highway by the APC government at the National level, he also assured them that with the emergence of Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa as President and Vice-President and he as Governor of Delta State, the road which serves over two hundred communities, towns and villages to connect with the rest part of the State and link up through Edo State to Abuja shall be given attention, expeditiously.

Uduaghan Urges PDP Faithfuls To Ensure Victory For Oborevwori

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe

The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on all leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State to unite and work to ensure the victory of all candidates of the party in the 2023 elections.

Uduaghan who spoke at a meeting of Delta South leaders of the party held in his Warri home on Saturday, preparatory to the commencement of the ward-to-ward campaign in the district, pointed out to members that they shall benefit more by supporting candidates of the party than any candidate of opposing parties.

In an apparent reference to persons who may have some form of grievances and those who may have lost in the primaries, Uduaghan reminded them that he also had been interested in the Delta South Senatorial ticket but seeing that it is already with Hon. Michael Diden (Ejele), it will be morally and spiritually wrong not to support him to victory.

"We must all come together and deliver our candidates, you can't say the candidate is not my choice so I will not deliver him.

"I believe we will benefit more if we deliver our candidates than the candidates of another party. It is better to try and deliver your own," he said.

Talking about the PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uduaghan declared:
"We have a Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Deputy Governorship candidate, Sir Monday Onyeme. They are our own."

Dr. Uduaghan's call re-echoes the earlier declaration by Chief Ighoyota Amori Thursday in Kokori when he informed that Chief James Onanefe Ibori is fully in support of Oborevwori as the candidate of the party, allaying the propaganda of the opposition party that the former Governor will move support for Omo-Agege in protest over the loss of his preferred candidate in the State Gubernatorial primary.

2023: Atiku-Okowa ticket will rekindle brotherhood among Nigerians - Aniagwu

Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will work towards resuscitating the brotherhood and unity that existed among Nigerians.

He said the APC administration destroyed the diversity that was one of the country's major pillars and urged Nigerians to vote the PDP in the interest of the unity, peace and progress of the country.

Aniagwu stated this on Saturday while answering questions on TVC's "Political Stand Point".

He said an Atiku's presidency will ensure peace and unity among ethnic groups in the country for all-round development.

"The Atiku-Okowa ticket intends to bring back Nigerians together in unity because in the last seven and half years the All Progressives Congress APC has mismanaged our diversity in this country.

"We are glad that our party is determined to unify all Nigerians, our purpose of moving in one direction is not just to win election, its also meant to bring back Nigerians together.

"This is very imperative because in the last seven and half years, our diversity has received a very dirty blow and the bruises are very very visible across the length and breadth of this country.

"This is because of the mismanagement of our diversity in this country. Nigerians must understand that in unity and diversity we are able to come together.

"Just as it is said in our old national anthem, 'though tongue ad tribe may differ but in brotherhood we stand' the Atiku-Okowa ticket will bring back that brotherhood among Nigerians," Aniagwu stated.

2023: Uduaghan endorses Okowa's VP ambition, Oborevwori for governor

Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan on Saturday pledged support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Uduaghan also endorsed the governorship ambition of the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and other candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections.

He gave the endorsement at a stakeholders meeting of the party held in Warri to flag-off ward-to-ward campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

The former Governor said Deltans were lucky to have Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice-Presidential candidate of the party and urged all aggrieved party men to sheathe their sword and unite for the party’s victory.

He said that since Okowa emerged Atiku's running mate nothing has been heard from leaders of the party in the state and urged all the leaders to work together to ensure victory for all party candidates.

He appealed to all members of the party to allow peace reign in the party adding that power belongs to God.

According to him, PDP built some of us and whatever we can do to build the party we will continue to do our best. From the bottom of my heart I sincerely thank all of you for coming to this major reconciliatory meeting.
"It wasn't by my power that I saw power, it was by the grace of God that I became Governor some years ago.

"Today we have a presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and we have a Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa from our own state.

"Since he emerged Vice-Presidential candidate of our party, nobody has heard from us (leaders) and it is not good for our Governor and our state.

"We must thank God that we are privileged to have Okowa from our state on the presidential ticket and we have no option than to support that ticket because of him. We must all line behind him and give him our support," he said.

While endorsing the governorship ticket of the PDP in the state, Uduaghan advised against anti-party activities adding that it doesn't pay to deliver candidates of other political parties.

"Coming back to our state, in every transition there must be crisis, its not always an easy ride for anybody. You will recall the trouble i went through to become governor.

"Now that the Supreme Court has decided, we must all come together to deliver our candidate. I am saying this with all seriousness and from the bottom of my heart.

"We will benefit more if we deliver our own candidate than if we deliver the candidate of another party.

"We must all come together and deliver our candidates, you can't say the candidate is not my choice so I will not deliver him.

"If you help to deliver the candidate of another party, he already has his constituency and followers and he will not leave them to come and attend to you.

"A few people may benefit but majority will not benefit so its better to deliver the candidate of your own party.

"We have a governorship candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and deputy governorship candidate, Sir Monday Onyeme. They are our own, so let us work to deliver them including our Senatorial candidate, Hon. Michael Diden.

"I am standing here to say this things so that people should stop spreading unnecessary rumours. Let us come together and work to move the party forward.

"Let us ensure that our voting units are not found wanting by delivering in our various units because the PDP is the party on ground in this state.

"The Governor has a lot to do outside the state and we have a duty to hold the state for him to ensure that we deliver the party in all the elections," he stated.

Earlier, Delta South Chairman of the party Chief Julius Takeme said the meeting was to plan towards the commencement of the party’s ward-to-ward campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

He commended party leaders and stakeholders for their support over the years and urged them to double their efforts to deliver massively for the party.

How Nigeria can grow SMEs, fight poverty through girl-child empowerment - Okowa

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday said Nigeria could leverage the high success rate of girl-child empowerment programmes to grow Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Okowa who, stated this at a Business Breakfast where he was with the party’s Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja, said that girl-child empowerment was a veritable tool to rejig the almost comatose economy as results had shown the success rate of the girl-child in businesses.

He stated that his administration in Delta had recorded superlative success rate of 95 per cent with girl-child empowerment as against the national success rate of 20-25 per cent with other empowerment programmes.

The Delta Governor suggested that this success recorded in the state was made possible by the introduction of mentoring and monitoring programmes for the young entrepreneurs.

He said that Nigeria could benefit immensely from Delta's success in its girls' schemes by extending empowerment programmes to women and girl-child in the country.

"In Delta State, we have taken time to ensure that women became more visible in terms of entrepreneurship.

"We have a special programme to develop our girl-child - the Girl-Child Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (GEST).

"I can confirm that since we started it, our success rate has been so high, very much unlike other programmes that governments have run in the past.

"We train them and ensure that they are properly processed and we provide them with starter-packs and we continue with mentoring and monitoring.

"As at the last time we did an analysis of the success rate, we had over 95 per cent success rate. The average success rate in government empowerment programmes is about 20-25 per cent.

"When we entered into the mentoring and monitoring programme in our several job creation outfits that we have, we went up to about 65 and 70 per cent.

"But when we selectively took the girl-child between the ages of 18 years and 30 years we found out that we could get success rate of over 95 per cent.

"So, if we pay special attention to the girl-child as our candidate Atiku Abubakar has spoken about, I am sure that we are going to turn around this country," he said.

On ban on Cryptocurrency in the country by the APC administration, Okowa said the ban was not carried out in good faith.

"In my opinion, I don't think the right thing was done; what they needed to do was to study the situation and educate our people more on it and put in regulatory processes that are workable and beneficial to our people and to the government."

On Agricultural production and threat to food security by insecurity, Okowa said Atiku had offered a roadmap into the economic recovery of the nation to improve food production.

"Our presidential candidate has spoken a lot about it that we need to improve production and processing and we must ensure that we fight insecurity with all that is within us.

"The pathway is there and while other people are busy talking about so many things to solve insecurity, our candidate has said that beyond increasing the numbers there is need for training and welfare of our security personnel.

"There is the need for intelligence gathering and coordination to be able to do the right thing and we must be in touch with all the stakeholders including traditional rulers and governors.

"Obviously there is a need for better equipment and all of these are contained in his policy document - My Covenant with Nigerians.

"I know that he means it and he is one very humble and energetic Nigerian that is ready to work for the rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria," Okowa stated.

No loss of life at Asaba Sports Complex incident - Delta Govt.

Delta Government on Thursday said no loss of life was recorded on the accident which occurred at the construction site of the indoor sports complex at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.

State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu in a life video at the venue of the incident said reports making the rounds of substandard materials as cause of the accident were untrue.

He said the accident was caused by misalignment of the crane by its operator which led to the heavy duty equipment crashing on the wall in one of the floors.

According to him, contrary to reports of loss of lives only one person sustained minor injury and has since been treated while other workers have also returned to site.

He said the contractor has assured that the crashed wall would be fixed within 48 hours.

"Right behind me is the premises of the indoor sports hall under construction at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

"The accident was caused by the crane operator who couldn't properly align the lift while trying to take up some very heavy duty equipment up the particular floor and it fell on the wall which led to a crash of a part of the wall”

"One person sustained minor injury and has since been treated and they have returned to work. The workers are very much on site and we are moving with speed.

"The unconfirmed reports of loss of life is not true and any body saying the Stephen Keshi Stadium has come crashing down is also peddling the wrong information.

"As a matter of fact the Stadium is undergoing some renovation work ahead of the National Sports Festival.

"The contractor has assured us that in less than 48 hours the part of the wall that collapsed on account of the misalignment of the crane would be fixed," he stated.

He therefore urged the general public to discountenance any report stating loss of life on account of the minor accident at the construction site.

2023: Isoko North PDP Flags Off Campaign Council Next Week

Chairman of Isoko North Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Mike Ogwah has explained why the body is yet to take off with its assignment.

According to him, the campaign council deliberately delayed its take off in order to accommodate interests of aspirants who failed in the primary election and were recently coopted fully into the leadership of the party.

Hon Ogwah dropped the hint at an enlarged meeting of the campaign council, which included coordinators of the various wards that took place at Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

The chairman's explanation is contained in a statement signed by Comrade Felix Ofou, Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign council, which also indicated the final take off the assignment given to it by the party.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the campaign council asked the coordinators to continue the house to house campaign in their wards ahead of the senatorial campaign expected to kick off soon.

Ogwah restated the party's resolve to ensure victory for all its candidates in the 2023 general elections, in particular, Hon Bernard Odior for House of Assembly and Engineer Jonathan Ukodhiko for the House of Representatives in Abuja.

"We cannot afford to lose any of our candidates in next year's elections. The Atiku/Okowa project is a divine mandate. Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is already in the hands of God. Likewise Hon Mike Diden (Ejele). But we must not forget that Odior and Ukodhiko also part of project. It is 5/5 all the way" he declared

Delta spends N1.5bn monthly on pensions - Okowa’s spokesman

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, says the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration in the state spends no less than N1.5 billion monthly in servicing pension obligations.

Ifeajika made this known while answering questions on a radio programme in Asaba, and said that it was not true that the state government was not paying pensions regularly.

He debunked rumours that the government had abandoned pensioners in the state to their own fate.

The governor's image maker restated that the Okowa administration inherited over N60 billion unpaid pension and been defraying it in addition to paying persons who retired since he assumed office and had pushed up the liabilities.

"Every month, the Okowa-administration releases at least N1.5 billion for the payment of pension liabilities which includes payment for inherited arrears, for those retiring since the administration came in, and to those under the old pension scheme.

"The protest over pension liabilities is politically-motivated because at every point in time, we have made it clear that we remained committed to the payment of these liabilities.

"The recent protest over pension was sponsored by some people for political reasons and Deltans know that. The government is paying pensions monthly and we will continue to prioritise the payment," he said.

On the seeming squabbles in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Ifeajika said that the party was one family and that the principle of rotation of power had been in the state since 1999.

He said the people of Delta Central, through a group headed by a highly respected politician in the state, Senator Ighoyota Amori, in its wisdom, invited and screened aspirants for the governorship position, and submitted final list to the party to guide its choice of candidate.

He explained that the governor, being a democrat, approved that the aspirants should go for a contest at a primary election, which was conducted by the party and was won convincingly by Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

"Since 1999, the PDP has been on ground in Delta and had continued to win elections and govern the state. It is the only political party in the state that does not take the people for granted.

"The PDP is the only party that campaigns for votes during any election, others don't. Currently, the party is campaigning simultaneously in the three senatorial districts in the state, meeting the people and soliciting their support and votes.

"The people are very sensitive, if you want their votes and you don't go to talk to them, how would they vote for you? No other party in the state campaigns, yet they want to win election," he said.

Ifeajika said that superlative performance of Governor Okowa in the state, which had been widely acknowledged across the country and beyond, was sufficient to guarantee PDP re-election in the state.

According to him, Deltans are very happy with Governor Okowa’s performance in the state and cannot wait to express their appreciation to him and the PDP with their votes.

2023: Delta PDP Campaign Council Media and Publicity Team Set To Roll

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq

Chairman of the media and publicity committee, Delta State Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, on Wednesday presided over the first general meeting of the committee at the PDP State Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State.

The meeting directed all members of the committee to be proactive, avoid hate speech and dwell on issues based campaign.

Members were grouped into Senatorial districts. Assistant Deputy Directors, Media and Publicity of the Campaign Management Committee, CMC, were directed to coordinate senstorial districts assigned to them while the Deputy Director, Media and Publicity of CMC, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, is to supervise the three Assistant Directors.

In the light of the above, Dr Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq is to coordinate Delta Central Media Team, Barr. Eugene Uzum, to Coordinate Delta North Media Team and Hon Ovie Oghoore to coordinate Delta South Media Team. The Coordinators are to appoint local government Coordinators.

Committee Chairman, Amgbaduba emphasized the need for hard work, dedication and tenacity in the discharge of assigned responsibilities.

He said proper and efficient articulation of the Presidential and Governorship candidates manifestos; "My Covenant With Nigerians" by Atiku-Okowa and the "M.O.R.E Agenda" by Sheriff-Onyeme, is one of the major responsibilities of the committee, and urged them to painstakingly study the two manifestos.

Amgbaduba, who is also the incumbent Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas, thanked members of the committee numbering over 500, who came from the twenty five local government areas to attend the meeting.

He urged them to sensitize eligible voters through various social media platforms, as well as the conventional media on the need to vote 5/5 for PDP in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

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Atiku'll never shy away from engaging Nigerians - Campaign Spokesman

Spokesman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr Charles Aniagwu has said that his principal, Atiku Abubakar would never avoid any opportunity to explain his rescue plans for the country.

Speaking on Arise Television "News Day" on Tuesday, Aniagwu said while other candidates may be shying away from engaging Nigerians on the issues that bothers the nation, Atiku and PDP hierarchy were mindful of the need to tell Nigerians what it tends to do to take Nigeria out of the abyss orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress APC.

On Atiku's absence at the townhall series organized by Arise News in collaboration with Centre for Democracy and Development CDD on Sunday, the Spokesman said Atiku was already outside the country on a scheduled visit and had to seek the permission of the organisers to allow his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa represent him.

He said a townhall meeting was different from a presidential debate and urged Nigerians to understand that when it comes to a presidential debate, the PDP Presidential Candidate will definitely be available for that purpose.

"Our party was also communicated to like other parties and you do know that our candidate has never shied away from interfacing with Nigerians which is why we are the only party at the moment that has been very busy with campaigns across the length and breadth of this country.

"You will also recall that he has held several interface through different fora like the LCCI, which the APC candidate refused to attend.

"We were also in Kaduna for the Arewa, Enugu for the South East and Ibadan for the South West, and many other interface including the youths, so Atiku will never shy away from such engagements because he is very clear on what he wants to do in line with his 'Covenant with Nigerians'.

"But in the case of this particular townhall meeting, you will recall that our Presidential candidate traveled to the United States to have engagement with stakeholders as it affects our desire to start off work by the grace of God when elected from day one,"

He said the interface centred on how to impress it upon the US and other developed countries to support Nigeria legitimately for the purpose of having a very credible and fair election.

"The need for them to also have a buy-in in our own desire to recover our economy from where it is at the moment, the need to rejig our education system from the challenges we are encountering at the moment and the need to deal with the issue of insecurity which has continued to threaten our nationhood to its foundation.

"Atiku also travelled to Morocco for another scheduled meeting and when we planned all these we never knew we were going to be invited for this programme but when they wrote, we accepted as a political party, we were much willing but it happened that he was not in the country.

"But because of the respect we have for Nigerians and those who organised the event, it became very obvious that we needed to send a representation and the Supreme Court was very clear when they said the President and the Vice are like 'Siamese twins'

"The Constitution made it clear that your candidacy cannot be valid until you have a running mate and beyond that we also got back to the organisers to explain the situation to them and they obliged us to send his vice, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to represent him.

"The programme was not a debate but an interface with Nigerians, so if any political party is shying away from reaching out to Nigerians because they felt they didn't carry the day in the course of that interface with Nigerians so be it.

"But for us as a party, at any given time we are invited to reach out to Nigerians that we aspire to lead we will take advantage of that particular invitation.

"As a political party that has respect for Nigerians we will want to take advantage of such invitations but when the principal is not available due to other pressing engagements, the best thing to do is to send his Vice who is equally capable of addressing Nigerians on the issues," he stated.

He said Okowa was not only able to give a good account of himself but was very clear on how the PDP intends to bring Nigeria out from where it is at the moment.

"Okowa understands the issues because majority of the challenges we have now are issues that are supposed to be dealt with by the police but because they lack the numbers that is why the military is over stretched.

"The PDP is the only party that is proposing multi-level policing to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country. We plan to have police at the Federal level, states and local governments and that is the only way to address the security challenges bedevilling the country."Aniagwu added.

Delta govt releases N5 billion for pension arrears

Delta State Government on Monday released the sum of N5 billion for the payment of pension arrears to retirees in the state.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the sum of N2.5 billion was released for the payment of pension arrears for state pensioners while N2.5 billion was also released as grant to Local Government Pensions Bureau for the payment of Local Government and primary school retirees.

Aniagwu said the gesture was part of government’s efforts at ameliorating the plight of the affected senior citizens in the state.

The Information Commissioner commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for his avowed commitment to welfare and well-being of citizens of the state.

2023: Atiku-Okowa raises hope for new Nigeria - Amgbaduba

Chairman Media and Publicity Committee of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party PDP Campaign Council, Chief Emman Amgbaduba has described the party's Presidential standard bearers Atiku Abubakar and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as renewed hope for Nigerians.

Amgbaduba who is Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas made the remarks in a statement in Asaba on Monday while reacting to Governor Okowa's brilliant outing at the Arise News Presidential Town Hall Series in Abuja.

He said that Okowa’s lucid and didactic presentations on the issue of security and economy shows his genuine grasp and understanding of the issues bothering the nation’s security and economic development.

He therefore called on Nigerians especially Deltans to support the Atiku-Okowa PDP ticket which is adequately prepared for the task of rescuing, resetting and rebuilding the country.

"Yesterday Nigerians watched with awe as our Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa presented a well- articulated roadmap to the resolving the security and economic challenges bedeviling our nation to the satisfaction of Nigerians.

"As Deltans and party faithful we couldn't have been more proud to be associated with him as our leader and pathfinder.

"He has indeed shown that he is a President-in-waiting and I therefore call on Nigerians and all Deltans to support the PDP ticket of Atiku-Okowa for it remains the surest hope to rescue, reset and rebuild Nigeria from where the inept APC have led us to,"

The Oil and Gas Commissioner urged the people of the state to ensure they stay with the issues and avoid mudslinging as the campaigns commences across Delta on Monday November 7.

"As we commence our ward-to-ward campaigns simultaneously across the three senatorial districts today, the message is simple go out there and convince Deltans to identify with the PDP as it is the only party prepared to change the narrative for the nation.

"Our Gubernatorial Candidate Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, his running mate Chief Monday Onyeme and other candidates of our party are determined to do more for Deltans when elected," he stated.

2023: Ukodhiko charges Delta youths to vote Atiku, Oborevwori, other PDP candidates

By Odio Don Odafe

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency, Pastor Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has charged youths of Delta state to support and vote Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for President and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor and other PDP candidates in their various units and wards across the state

Ukodhiko, gave the charge during the programme of M.O.R.E for Delta youth project tagged: "Canvassing the canvassers" held on Friday November 4, 2022 at the NUGLE Hall of Isoko North local government secretariat, Ozoro.

He highlighted the importance of voting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar/Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, his running mate Sir. Monday Onyeme and all the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

"Apart from the federal and State government Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and he has invested so much in the country in creating jobs.

"Atiku is the best presidential candidate among all those contesting.

"This is the first time Delta state is producing vice presidential candidate and it's the duty of all Deltans to turn out 95 percent of our votes to support our son.

"You can see that you have people who are very very close to the government that will be able to bring development that can empower you to live a better life and that's why you must go out to vote for PDP," he said.

He also described Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Speaker Delta state House of Assembly and the Governorship candidate of the peoples Democratic Party, PDP as grass root politician and the most qualified candidate among all.

"If you look at what our coordinator have already said, among all the governorship candidates that are out Sheriff is the most qualified.

"Look at our governorship candidate like what I said that if not for anything, that he put his son forward as a sacrificial lamb and it's only him and our Governor the Vice President to be they are the only people that everywhere they go you see their children among people".

Ukodhiko, commended the leadership of M.O.R.E For Delta Youths Project for standing tall among other groups to take the gospel of Atiku-Okowa and Sheriff-Onyeme to the nook and cranny of the state.

"I'm very much aware of M.O.R.E For Delta Youths Project and it activities".

Furthermore, Ukodhiko tasked the youths to distance themselves from the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Labour Party, LP and their candidates for they don't have what it takes to attract good governance to the people and to rescue the country from collapsing.

He expressed confidence in PDP winning the general elections saying "With the structure that M.O.R.E have right now I know that the youths are going to deliver PDP".

Meanwhile, Hon. Christian Othuke Iteire, Chairman, Isoko North local government council, Deacon Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman, People's Democratic Party, PDP, Isoko North Chapter, and the Isoko North Campaign Director, Hon. Mike Ogwah, speaks in same direction with Engr. Ukodhiko to continue with their support and vote the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and their candidates at all levels, as it's 5/5.

The Deputy Director General of the group, Amb Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, commended Pastor Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, for subscribing to the ideology of the group and finding time out of his busy schedule to be part of the programme.

ADDRESS BY RT. HON. SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHWEDOR OBOREVWORI, SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, AND PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE DELTA STATE PDP CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2022, AT THE CAMAPIGN OFFICE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE ROAD, ASABA.

His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, CON, Governor of Delta State, Vice-Presidential Candidate of the PDP, and Chairman, Delta State PDP Campaign Council;

His Excellency, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro
the Deputy Governor;

Delta State PDP Chairman, Barrister Kingsley Esiso;

Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate of Delta State PDP, Sir Monday Onyeme;

Director, Campaign Management Committee;
Members of National and State Excos of the PDP;
Members of the National and State Assemblies;
Members of the Campaign Management Committee;
Chairmen, Local Government Chapters of the PDP;
Leaders and Members of the PDP;
Top Government Functionaries;
Gentlemen of the Press;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I welcome you all to this inauguration ceremony.

2. I thank God for the opportunity to address you today as the flagbearer of our great party in the 2023 gubernatorial election. I believe I speak the minds of majority of us here when I say that, the last five months have been quite exacting. There have been anxious and trying moments but at the end of the day, we have come out better, stronger, more united, and determined to deliver all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

3. My profound gratitude and appreciation go to every one of you for the confidence you have reposed in me to fly the flag of the party in the governorship election. It is quite humbling, and with God’s enabling grace, I pledge to deploy everything at my disposal to ensure that the hopes and aspirations of all our party members are realised.

4. Before I proceed further, it is proper that I specially appreciate our leader, His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, CON, our amiable Governor and party’s Vice-Presidential Candidate for his exemplary, godly, and effective leadership. I recall that Governor Okowa took over the reins of leadership at a very difficult time not only in the country but also in the PDP. For the first time since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, the PDP was in opposition at the federal level and the governor was confronted with the onerous task of keeping intact a political family that was not used to be in the opposition.

5. Thanks to his political sagacity and adroit leadership, Delta PDP was able to weather the storm. The Governor ensured that party chieftains, especially those disappointed by the outcome of the party primaries in 2014, were embraced with open arms, and treated with dignity and respect. Even the few that jumped ship soon made a comeback when they saw the disposition of our trailblazing governor towards peace, reconciliation, and unity. As a result, the Delta State PDP has continued to wax stronger.

6. As we have inaugurated the Campaign Management Committee today, I want to stress that Governor Okowa has made our job of campaigning easier. Much easier! The groundbreaking strides of his administration in road and physical infrastructure, urban renewal, entrepreneurship development for our youths, healthcare delivery, and vocational/technical education have touched every part of the state. It is only those who are dishonest or blind - or both - that will have the guts to say otherwise.

7. Those of us who live in Asaba know what it used to be like living here pre-2015. Thanks to the Asaba Storm Water Drainage, we can now sleep with both eyes closed when it rains. The Prof. Chike Edozien Central Secretariat Complex stands tall above the noise and cynicism of naysayers, mischief makers, and armchair critics. Roads and bridges of strategic importance have been, and continue to be constructed across the length and breadth of Delta State. Testimonies abound of our youths who are now successful business owners and employers of labour following their empowerment through the administration’s multiple entrepreneurship development programmes. I can go on and on but the point is that we have what it takes to convince our people that PDP remains their best option.

8. It is axiomatic that you do not change a winning formula. Hence, my M.O.R.E agenda is geared at consolidating and extending the gains of the current administration. It is designed to continue and expand the infrastructural and human capital development programmes of the Okowa administration. The vision is to keep Delta State ahead in all aspects of social and economic wellbeing.

9. For those who may still be in the dark, M.O.R.E is an acronym for:
- Meaningful Development,
- Opportunities for All,
- Realistic Reforms, and
- Enhanced Peace and Security.
My promise to all Deltans is that I will listen more, do more, and achieve more.

10. At this juncture, permit me to comment on my stewardship as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. I am very proud of the job the 6th and 7th Assemblies have done in working with the executive to implement its policies and programmes. There are some misguided people who think that the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive must be adversarial. How mistaken!

11. The idea of checks and balances is not for the legislature to become a clog in the wheel of progress but to ensure that there is mutual respect and cooperation in handling governance issues. The fact that you sometimes disagree does not mean you have to be disagreeable. But through dialogue you can iron out your differences in a mature and civilized manner in order to move the ship of state forward. This is what the House has done under my stewardship, and the evidence of the positive impacts of government’s policies and programmes abound everywhere in the state.

12. The other day I listened to the brash and unguarded utterances of the APC governorship candidate in Delta State. I wish to remind Deltans that all well-meaning Nigerians agree that the current Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of which Omo-Agege is the Deputy President, is the worst in the history of Nigeria. Courtesy of this toothless, docile, and rubber stamp Senate, Nigeria’s external debt portfolio currently stands at $40b as at the second quarter of this year. With hyperinflation, naira free fall, escalating food prices, widespread poverty, dilapidated state of federal roads, labour discontent, and general insecurity, let Omo-Agege tell Deltans what these monies were used for.

13. Lest we forget, Omo-Agege’s tenure as Secretary to the Delta State Government was characterized by parochialism, greed, abuse of power, and undemocratic tendencies. The records are there for anybody who cares to check. Let me stop here for now but suffice it to say that Deltans do not need a despot like Omo-Agege, but a liberal, broadminded, and selfless leader like myself who stands for equity and fairness.

14. Finally, Your Excellencies, party leaders, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I wish to appeal to all of us to remain focused and dedicated to delivering all the PDP candidates at the federal and state levels. The strength of the PDP is in the grassroots. I, therefore, enjoin us to pound the pavements in our wards and units and make door-to-door campaign our priority. Unity must be our watchword. Where there are disagreements or grievances, we must act fast and resolve it quickly to ensure that everybody is carried along. The umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody. Together, we can get it done.

15. On this note, I wish to congratulate the Director and Members of the Campaign Management Committee.

16. Thank you all for your time and attention.

17. God bless the Peoples Democratic Party

18. God bless Delta State.

19. God bless us all.

RT. HON. SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHWEDOR OBOREVWORI, JP, FICMC, FNIM.
Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, &
PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Delta State.

November, 2022.

Okowa lauds Ukodhiko’s donation to flood victims

Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa on Tuesday commended the President of UJA Foundation, Pastor Jonathan Ukodhiko for his philanthropy and donations to flood victims in Isoko Federal Constituency.

Mrs Okowa gave the commendation at Erawha-Oweh, during the official presentation of food items and relief materials worth millions of naira by UJA Foundation in collaboration with the 05-Initiative.

Items presented by Ukodhiko who is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency include, 100 bags of 50kg Rice, 10 cattle, 25 cartons of ice fish, 1484 tubers of yam, 20 cartons of peak Milk sachets and 2000 bags of sachet water.

Others are 22 gallons of palm oil, 26 cartons of sardine, 250 mosquito nets, 150 cartons of noodles, 66 bags of Garri, 250 pieces of mattresses, 250 blankets, 42 bags of beans, 20 cartons of milk tea, 22 bags of salt and 600 loaves of bread.

In her remarks, Mrs Okowa said the greatest gift a man can give to God is to love the neighbour and care for their needs.

She reiterated that society could be crime free if the needy were provided for and called on well-meaning individuals to emulate Ukodhiko’s kind gesture by making more donations towards the post-settlement of the flood victims.

"Its going to one month now that a lot of our people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the flood.

"This is the time for communal living as Africans that we are known for. What Ukodhiko has done today is a pointer to the fact that "We can reduce the rate of crime in our society by showing care, let us show care to our communities so that crime rate can reduce.

"Any position you are occupying is for you to do good for the people," she said.

She urged the people to support Ukodhiko in his aspiration for more dividends of democracy.

On his part, Ukodhiko said he was moved by the challenges being faced by the Internally Displaced Persons and thanked Dame Okowa, the 05-Initiative and his friends for their partnership.

According to him, when the ravaging flood menace struck Isoko, some of us responded immediately, though not through donations first, but through immediate assessment of the situation and to ascertain how best to assist the people who are affected.

"Consequently, we visited several IDP camps and also commissioned a team of dedicated young men to move around with boats to the affected communities, to enable us have a piece of first-hand information about the needs of our people who are displaced by the devastating flood and how best to help them.

"After careful appraisal of the flood situation and having known the needs of our people who are displaced, I was passionately moved by the desire to assist our people.

"I immediately swung into action by discussing with my friends and an Assistance Initiative was birthed under the UJA Foundation, with the name; Isoko Flood Victims Assistance Scheme, powered By UJA Foundation and friends, in collaboration with 05-Initiative.

"I sincerely appreciate all my friends and associates, who heeded this noble call of charity and responded bountifully, may God in his infinite mercy reward them accordingly for donating toward this charitable gesture passionately without coercion but out of pure love and kindness," he stated.

The items were presented to the IDP camps at Isoko Central School Oleh, Odoro Primary School Oleh, Alaka Grammar School Ozoro and other Isoko communities impacted by the rampaging flood.

2023: Isoko is one, says Ogieh

...promises to deliver all PDP candidates

By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh

The Managing Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Bashorun Askia Ogieh has urged Isoko people to embrace love and think Isoko first in everything they do, assuring that, he supports the aspiration of Pst Jonathan Ukodhiko that would further unify Isoko.

Ogieh made the pledge when he received the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representativess Candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Pst Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko who paid him a visit on Saturday.

According to Askia, “nobody should deceive himself or herself, thinking that they would be able to make an inroad into Isoko nation because Isoko is fully PDP and PDP Is fully Isoko“

“Isoko is one and I remain a true party man. I’ll not and I’ll never leave our party, the PDP, I built for anyone.

“The primary election has come and gone. It is now time for all hands to be on deck in delivering all candidates of our party “

The Udu of Isoko nation, Chief Ogieh advised, that, “my dear House of Representatives Candidate, you should continue to reach out to all stakeholders of our party, the PDP in Isoko in order to carry everyone along “

“I want to assure you here and now, that, I’m in support of you fully. Feel free to always come back to me for any assistance you need “

“Yes, I pledge to work round the clock for the overall victory for all the PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections, "

In his remark, Engr Jonathan Ukodhiko appreciated Chief Askia Ogieh for accepting in good faith the outcome of the party’s primary election.

He pledged to work with Chief Askia Ogieh and others in ensuring victory of the party’s in all elective positions, promising inclusiveness when elected into the Federal House of Representatives.

The former Delta State Energy Commissioner, Ukodhiko extolled Chief Askia Ogieh, saying “Sir, you have demonstrated what true leadership is all about”

“I must thank you for adopting me as a son, and I want to assure you i will always come back to you for advice, guidance and mentorship”

“I must pledge, i will work with you in unifying Isoko together for progress and development.

“Also, I promise to meet and work with all stakeholders of our party in Isoko nation in ensuring our party wins all elective positions, 5/5 in next year elections”

Also speaking, pioneer Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Okoro, thanked Bashorun Askia Ogieh for his show of leadership and his commitment in working for the victory of the PDP in the 2023 General Elections

Chairman, PDP, Isoko North Chapter, Prince Godwin Ogorugba and his Isoko South counterpart, Chief Godspower Obaro appreciated the DESOPADEC MD, Chief Askia Ogieh for always standing by the party as true party man.

They expressed confidence on his leadership, and described him as a team player, saying his capacity to deliver the party 5/5 in Isoko is not in doubt.

The Commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic nationality on the Governing Board of DESOPADEC, Dr Paul Oweh, Senior Special Assistant on Project Monitoring to Delta Governor, Hon Jaswill Asaba were amongst those in the meeting

Delta bags US award for sustainable healthcare financing

Delta Government has been conferred with the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) Award for exemplary leadership in healthcare financing.

The award - Partnership for Sustainability Healthcare Financing (Budgeting, Release and Expenditure) was announced at the USCDC Biannual Program Performance Review Meeting/2022 End of Project Cycle Symposium held in Abuja.

Receiving the award at the Flag-off of 2022 State Integrated Measles Vaccine Campaign in Asaba on Wednesday, the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, commended World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners for collaborating with the state government to safeguard the health of children.

He said that the flag-off was a component strategy at sensitizing mothers and caregivers on the need to vaccinate their children and wards aged between nine months and 59 months with the measles vaccine, thus conferring immunity against the disease on the recipients.

Okowa said that Measles outbreak occurred when the child population immunity waned and a high proportion of the children in the communities were zero-dose for routine immunization.

"The objective is to increase population immunity, thereby reducing the risk of measles virus transmission and outbreak in our communities.

"This, in addition to poor community and environmental hygiene practices, are risk factors for the disease.

"It is one of the diseases of great public health importance, thus requiring enormous collective efforts of individuals, households, health workers and various community-based organizations to ensure its prevention, control and surveillance," he said.

He restated that the State Government, through her policy of a clean environment and tackling floods, was constructing drainages across the landscape of the State.

"I call on Deltans to properly dispose of their refuse and not dump them in the drainages as this has serious health consequences for the communities, which apart from worsening the flood situation in those areas, nurture more breeding sites for disease vectors and vermin.

"I hereby admonish all of us to take responsibility for our personal and communal health while supporting government health initiatives, interventions and programmes to achieve optimal health in line with this administration’s determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage through the Stronger Delta Agenda," he stated.

Okowa who is Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged mothers to come out massively with their children aged nine to 59 months and get them vaccinated against the deadly measles disease irrespective of previous vaccination status at the various health facilities across the State.

Welcoming guests earlier, Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Mordi Ononye, said Measles was one of the vaccine- preventable diseases of childhood and accounts for a large proportion of child deafness, blindness and death among under-five children in Nigeria.

He said the vaccination would be implemented in two phases for effective supervisory support to skilled health workers participating in the exercise.

Flood: Isoko North PDP donates relief materials to victims

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko North on Wednesday, donate relief materials to victims and communities affected by flood

Items presented were 50bags of rice, 40bags of beans, 4,500 tubers of yam, 277 cartons of indomie.

Others were, 2500bags of sachets water, 15 pampers, 20bags of salt, 50bags of garri, 30,000 cartons of frozen chicken and 20cans of palm oil

In his remark, the Chairman, PDP, Isoko North, Prince Godwin Ogorugba stated, “the food items are not for members of the party in Isoko North, but for the victims of the communities ravaged by flood in the local government area”

He revealed, “the money used in buying the food items didn’t came from the government but from some leaders of the party and political appointees from Isoko North.

“For us as leaders of the party, what touches our brothers and sisters equally touches us as we deeply touched by the plights of our people“

He noted, “the leadership has also made available funds for conveying the relief items to the people in the affected communities and the IDP camp in Ozoro.

“Yes, the recognized communities affected in Isoko North are Okpe-Isoko, Ofagbe, Ellu, Aradhe, Ovrode, Oyede, Ulli- Iyede,"

Present at the ceremony were the PDP House of Representatives Candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency , Pst Jonathan Ukodhiko, Chairman, Isoko North Council, Hon Christian Iteire, pioneer Speaker, DTHA, Hon Emmanuel Okoro, SSA on Political Matters to the State Governor, Hon Mike Ogwah, Executive Assistants to the State Governor, Dr Evelyn Aluta, Pastor Godspower Agbuduta, Jonathan Umukoro, Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Youth Mentoring and Monitoring, House of assembly candidate, Isoko North Constituency, Barr Bernard Odior

Others were the Chairman, Governing Board, DBS, Asaba, Mr Felix Ofou, Political Adviser to the Speaker, DTHA, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Legislative Matters, Hon Richard Isagba , councilors, supervisors, amongst others.

You can't become governor with lies, Delta tells Omo-Agege

Delta Government on Tuesday advised All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, to desist from telling lies to hoodwink unsuspecting Deltans into supporting his already failed ambition.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, at a news conference in Asaba said no amount of lies and propaganda deployed by the APC candidate would secure the governorship of the state for him and his failed party.

Aniagwu, who was with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the state government would not fold its hands and allow Omo-Agege to use lies and bogus promises to deceive Deltans into voting APC in the general elections.

He said that Nigerians were still grappling with the lies told by the APC to come to power in 2015 and would not allow the Deputy President of the Senate to deceive Deltans into voting a party that lacked leadership and governance skills.

According to him, the attitude of Omo-Agege is becoming worrisome even when we have advised him before to tell Deltans what he would do for them because we acknowledge that it is his democratic right to seek the office he is aspiring to occupy in 2023.

Aniagwu, however, said that "in doing so, it will not be wise for him to take for granted the intelligence of Deltans, because the best way to speak to Deltans is to tell them the truth.

"You cannot ride to occupy the Government House on the altar of lies because governance these days cannot be carried out the way they thought it was done in the past.

"You will recall in 2015 that the APC rode on a mantra of change and unfortunately every element of that change has turned out to be total lies.

"You are all witnesses to the fact that none of the things promised has been fulfilled; so, to want to deploy same old trick of well-laced lies and make them look like the truth to aspire to become the Governor of Delta is not acceptable to our people."

On allegations of borrowing by the state government, the commissioner said Omo-Agege lacked requisite knowledge and credibility to question Governor Okowa on borrowing as he jointly superintends over a National Assembly that was notorious for approving frivolous loans to President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government.

"If we want to talk about professionals in borrowing you will be talking about the APC-led Federal Government where Omo-Agege sits as number two in the Red Chamber where several billions of dollars were approved arbitrarily and borrowed even when they have not translated to the life, welfare and well-being of our people as Nigerians.

"The funds that we sought before now, we made it very clear the reason why we wanted to take the bridging finance facility because we had monies owed to us by the Federal Government.

"In order to move against the tide by ensuring that the fluctuations that characterised our economy, particularly our currency, does not catch up with what we were expected to earn.

"As we speak, the Federal Government has not been able to remit what is supposed to come to us quarterly and on the basis of that we have not been able to access that loan.

"For all the loans we sought for we have always explained what we wanted to do with it and on this bridging finance we were very clear on the need for us tackle issues of pension and completion of some ongoing key projects," he stated.

On another allegation that Okowa administration had no projects to show for the past seven years, Aniagwu slammed Omo-Agege for being economical with the truth.

He said there was peace in the state because the state government had taken development to hitherto abandoned oil-producing communities.

He challenged Omo-Agege to take a tour of communities in his local government, especially the Agbarho-Orherhe bridge and road, Arhagba-Orogun Township roads Ogbe-Ikolobie road, Imodje-Orogun road and the recently awarded Orogun bypass, all in his community.

"The Emevor-Orogun road recently approved by Exco is in the process of being awarded. Once in a while he flies into the Asaba Airport and he knows what we have done there; so, he cannot come and tell lies and think that will catapult him into the government house.

"Let him go and unfold his programmes because Deltans are very much informed for anyone to take them for a ride.

"Let him focus on his programmes and projects and if he must look at our direction let him stay on the path of facts becauss anybody who wants to govern Delta irrespective of political party must come with clean hands," he stated.

On the successes recorded by Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo on oil theft, Aniagwu said it was a clear justification of the state government's earlier position for the Federal Government to engage locals in the security of oil facilities and infrastructure.

Okowa underscores Igbos' contribution to nation-building

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday said Igbos were great partners to States and Federal Government in the economic development of the country.

He said that the contributions of Ndigbo in the development of commerce in Delta and Nigeria were significant, affirming that Igbos were renowned for resourcefulness.

Okowa spoke at the 2022 Cultural Day of Ndigbo Cultural Forum, Asaba,.

He commended Ndigbo in Delta for their peaceful disposition and for embarking on worthy courses for the growth and development of their host communities.

"Asaba is home to all. We are ready to welcome all and we will continue to accommodate all. When we see law abiding citizens going about their businesses and helping to develop Asaba, we are happy.

"So, I am glad that members of this association are people doing their legitimate business and are law abiding.

"I am very much aware that a lot of our brothers particularly from Onitsha, own their homes here and go to do business in onitsha; we are happy about that.

"We accommodate all, even to the extent that our free maternal health care and our free treatment of children under five years of age, covers a lot of our brothers who are from across the Niger but resides here in Asaba," he said.

The Governor said the state had continued to receive the help of God in ensuring that Asaba and the whole of Delta remained peaceful and secured.

"You can only achieve this when you work with the people and we will continue to work with all who live in Asaba and the whole of Delta state.

"I promise you that we will continue to work with everyone to ensure peace for the remaining part of this administration and hope that the next government which I believe would also be formed by the PDP in Delta State would continue to do too.

"The Igbos matter alot in this state because I know that they hold a lot of businesses in this state and those businesses help to improve our commerce.

"I also know that we have a lot of industries here in Asaba owned by the Igbos and those businesses are generating a lot of employments in and around Asaba and we are happy to have many more of those businesses and industries come to our place," he stated.

Chairman of the occasion, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Okebo II of Umueri, commended Governor Okowa for his remarkable contributions to the development of Delta and assured of the support of Ndigbo towards his presidential aspiration.

Earlier, Chairman of the Forum, Chief Chinedu Obodo, had expressed appreciation to the people of Asaba for their hospitality over the years adding that the Forum which started in March 2014 had grown to become a roll call of prominent business and professional leaders from across the Niger, resident in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

He said the Forum members were law abiding citizens engaged in different legitimate businesses which had impacted positively on the socio-economic strata of Asaba.

He said the 2022 Cultural Festival was conceived to bring together Igbo political, business, professional, religious and cultural leaders to celebrate the rich, diverse Igbo culture and heritage.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of Award of Excellence in Projects and Human Capital Development to Governor Okowa in recognition of his sterling accomplishments in infrastructural an human capital development in the state.

Okowa tasks religious leaders on mentorship

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has charged Christian leaders and faithful in the country to bear good fruits that would draw men and women to God.

Okowa, who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call at the 30th anniversary of Heroes of Faith Ministries and 40 years in Ministry of Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi held on Sunday at Ughelli.

He congratulated Bishop Enakirerhi on the spiritual and physical impact of the ministry, and affirmed that contribution of any church to the society was not in the church building but in the souls won for Christ.

He urged Church leaders to use their position to offer meaningful advice to public office holders to enable them perform better for societal development, stressing that any position one found himself in life was a platform to leave enviable legacies.

Remarking that studying God's words often brought greater knowledge to Christians, the governor advised Christians to be deeply rooted in the gospel to enable them make greater exploits in the service of God.

He reminded the chief celebrant of the need to see the successes recorded by him as a call to do more for God and humanity.

"Today is double celebration in the life of Bishop Enakirerhi and I thank God for the lives he has ministered to for the last several years because that is what he will be remembered for on the last day.

"It's not so long I got myself close to our Lord Bishop but he has become my very good friend and also a mentor in the Christian life. You know, when you are a Governor, not too many people talk very frankly with you.

"But, our Bishop speaks to me regularly and I thank God that in our conversation, I have learnt a lot. He is also someone who is also passionate about friendship.

"I believe that when fathers in the Lord get closer to the people in authority, there is a lot of impact it makes in the lives of people in authority.

"I want to urge our father in the Lord and other fathers like him to continue the good work because in drawing men closer to yourself, you help men to draw closer to God.

"I thank you for all that you have done for me as governor and the great strides you have made in the Pentecostal Fellowship in Delta State.

"When people are in positions of authority, it is important to leave a mark and God will forever rest His grace on you and your family for that which you are planting," he said.

Okowa said that the celebration was for the growth of the church and the many souls lifted from the kingdom of darkness to light.

"We celebrate today because there is a success story. The success story is not in the buildings that I see but in the souls that have been brought to the church; brought out of darkness into light.

"I urge that you continue to work until the very last day. You are a very godly man and contented in all aspects of life and I urge everyone of us to emulate that live of contentment.

"Every child of God is supposed to be an epistle because your life and acts maybe that which will convert the next person to serve God. And when you do the wrong thing as a Christian, you may just be driving the next soul that would worship God.

"My lord Bishop, I want to thank you because your life has become a role model in Christendom and lot of people speak about it.

"As a Bishop, a lot of people will be looking at you to see if you would make mistakes, but when your life is real in service to Christ, you find that your congregation will emulate you and that will bring many more persons to God," the governor stated.

Earlier in a sermon titled "Forget Not His Benefits," the General Overseer of Heroes Of Faith Ministry, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi said he was appreciating God for keeping him in the faith for 40 years and 30th anniversary of the church.

Bishop Enakirerhi who is the Delta State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said no man should stay a day without appreciating God for the gift of life and achievements recorded.

According to him, any earthly blessing that does not positively impact on the lives of others and the society at large, was worthless hence the need to be a blessing to all.

High points of the service included presentation of award of excellence on Governor Okowa, ordination of some members of the church as clergymen and women as well as special thanksgiving for the anniversary.

S'Court Verdict: Test for greater responsibility, Okowa charges Oborevwori

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, charged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to see his victory at the Supreme Court as a test of his preparedness for greater responsibilities in governance.

Okowa who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the charge in Asaba, at a special thanksgiving service to appreciate God for the resolution of the party's gubernatorial candidacy of the party in the state by the apex court.

He noted that it was God who saw the gubernatorial candidate through the difficult stages of the court process, adding that he should always put God first in all his dealings.

"I am happy that I am present at this thanksgiving because I was away at the last one and I give all the glory to God for this.

"I must thank all of you for coming to rejoice with the Speaker and also for coming to rejoice with me, my family and the entire PDP family in Delta State.

"Whatever has been happening in the last few weeks is a test of our faith. And I thank God that you have stayed alive and that you have stayed hopeful in God," he said.

The governor urged Oborevwori to be magnanimous in victory by carrying everybody along in the scheme of things, and appealed to members of PDP in the state to put their differences aside and work together for the collective interest of the party.

"We give thanks to God. One joy I have in my heart is that from the beginning, I knew that it was a battle of the altar, and I remained confident in God.

"There are many things that happen sometimes you almost begin to shake. But I know that since 2015, we have always prayed.

"And, I have always said that if any Governor is coming here and would not glorify the name of God in Heaven, Lord do not create a path way for that governor to come.

"This place is the altar of God; so, the altar in this Government House Chapel must remain alive. I pray that each and everyone of us will find the God that is in this altar because He is alive.

"As I congratulate Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, the greatest joy you can give to me is that when you eventually get sworn in, you must make sure that the fire in this altar remains aglow," he said.

Okowa said that his vice-presidential ambition would not in anyway hamper the developmental agenda of his administration, and called on Deltans to rally round him in advancing the Stronger Delta vision.

He lauded politicians and civil servants in the state for their input and sustained support towards the Stronger Delta vision, emphasising that there was need for them to redouble efforts in taking the state to a greater height.

The governor used the forum to call on Deltans to extend hands of fellowship to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are in 11 camps across the state as a result of flood that had wreaked havoc in parts of the state, affirming that his administration would spare no effort in making IDPs comfortable in the camps.

"I want to thank all of you who have been holding forth in the state, both politically and the government. I have not abandoned my duties, I am only on a multiple assignment.

"I thank those who have been very strong down here in the state and kept the government running, especially those who have been handling the people in the IDPs' camps.

"I was happy to see that they are well taken care of when I visited them. I thank the SSG and his team and all those who have supported the state government by donating foodstuffs and other materials," Okowa added.

In an interview with journalists shortly after the victory thanksgiving service, the PDP gubernatorial candidate and Speaker of the State Legislature, Oborevwori, said that his victory at the apex court was for all Deltans, adding that there was no victor, no vanquished.

He said that the litigation that ended up at the Supreme Court was a family affair, and expressed hope that all the actors in the case and their supporters would soon join forces to enhance the electoral fortunes of PDP in the state and in the country.

"First of all, we have God, so we were sure of victory and this victory is for all of us in Delta State. I believe that my brothers on the other side will come and join us as a family in no distant time.

"And, I want to say with all due respect, that nobody is good enough to be my enemy neither do I have the ability to hate anybody. So, we are one as a family," Oborevwori said.

Okowa salutes Uduaghan at 68

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, on his 68th birth anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, Okowa lauded the former governor for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the growth and development of Delta.

He described Uduaghan as "as an amazing leader" whose contributions to the evolution of the state would remain copious in the history of the state.

He called on the former Governor and elder statesman to continue to avail the government and people of the state of his selfless service and advice, and prayed that God Almighty would continue to bless him with good health and long life.

According to Okowa, Dr Uduaghan demonstrated immense courage and determination in protecting lives and property of Deltans amid communal crises in parts of the state when he held sway as Governor of the state.

He particularly credited Uduaghan for some of the iconic projects in the state, saying that the infrastructure he built would remain sterling legacies of his stewardship in the state.

"Your Excellency, your selfless and impressive performance as Governor of Delta has distinguished you as a statesman.

"Since leaving office in 2015, you have remained an influential and inspirational leader in our state and country," he said.

"On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our dear leader and former Governor, astute politician andstatesman, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on his 68th birth anniversary.

"On this auspicious occasion in your life, I join your family, friends and associates to thank Almighty God for His continued love and goodness to you and to pray for long life, good health and wisdom to keep serving God and humanity," Okowa added.

Oborevwori's Supreme Court triumph, affirmation of people's wish – Ukodhiko

By Ikodudu Kingsley

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has said that today's Supreme Court judgment affirming Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate was an affirmation of the wishes of Deltans.

Pastor Ukodhiko made this known in Abuja on Friday while responding to the Supreme Court judgment, saying it was a further confirmation that the Court of Appeal didn't give an erroneous judgment when they upheld Rt. Hon. Oborevwori as the validly nominated gubernatorial candidate of the Delta State PDP.

Olorogun David Edevbie had approached the Apex court challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal to recognise Oborevwori as the validly nominated candidate of the PDP in Delta State.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel led by Justice Amina Augie, dismissed an appeal for lacking in merit.

According to him, "Today, the Supreme Court has upheld and affirmed the people's wish by aligning itself with the earlier judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the wishes of the people of Delta State.

"The Delta State PDP is one big political family, even blood relatives fight and struggle for family property, so is not a new thing for people who are related by political ideologies and interests to grapple over a political position.

"There are no losers as far as I am concerned in today's judgment, the only winner to me is the party because the party has been groping since, but now, we can focus our energies on the campaigns appropriately.

"I want to appeal to all aggrieved members of our party to put behind them their grievances and let's work together to deliver our Party the PDP, as the MORE for Deltans Agenda of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will bring about a new form of political development and economic growth as it engenders infrastructure, education, security, and viable economic policies.

"On behalf of myself, my family, and my political associates, I want to heartily congratulate Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State PDP, over the Supreme Court Judgment which affirmed Rt. Hon. Oborevwori as the validly nominated gubernatorial candidate of the Delta State PDP.

"Sir, you must be magnanimous in victory as it is a win-win situation for the Delta State PDP," Ukodhiko added.

Flood ravages 19 LGAs, displaces thousands in Delta – Aniagwu

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has said that ravaging flood has sacked thousands of residents in several communities in nineteen local government areas of the state.

Speaking on "News Across the Nation" on Channels Television on Thursday, Aniagwu said that over sixty thousand Deltans have been displaced while goods and property worth billions of naira have been destroyed by the rampaging flood.

He stressed that the state government through the State Bureau of Orientation had earlier alerted residents on low plain areas of the imminent flooding.

He added that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa immediately directed the setting up of camps and provision of food and relief materials to the flood victims.

He commended well meaning Deltans for their support to the flood victims and called for more assistance.

According to him, 19 out of the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta state, have been largely submerged by water. That is not to say that the remaining 6 are entirely free but that those 6 are better off.

"We have been able to set up as much as 11 camps and we are still sending relief materials to individuals in some affected communities that are not in the camps.

"There are some communities that would not want to come to the camps because they see their communities as their ancestral homes. So we also try as much as possible to send relief materials to them even when they are not in camps.

"We are hoping that the members of these communities, individuals and the private sector would try and see how they can come to the aid of these persons in camp.

"The state government is doing a lot and what has helped us so far to mitigate casualties, is that we started our sensitisation on time. The state Bureau of Orientation has been very busy in the last three months, making it known to the people that this flood would come.

"So that has helped some persons move away from flood prone areas before the flooding; otherwise, it would have been worst than what it is now.

"We do hope that as we make progress, the Federal government just like the Governor said, in the course of his visit, should come to take steps to address this issue of flood, by seeing how the rivers Niger and Benue can be dredged.

"There is also the need to establish dams to help contain some of these waters whenever it is released, so that we do not continue to go through this perennial crisis of flooding of different communities," he said.

On the total number of persons displaced by the flood, Aniagwu said it was difficult to estimate the figure because majority of the victims were not in camps.

"You can't easily put a number to those affected, because of communal spirit, some of them have moved to stay with their relations.

"In the camp we have over 20,000 persons as at few days' ago. The challenge is that more persons keep moving in on daily basis because the flood is yet to recede, you have more number of persons trooping to the camps so the number has gone beyond 26,000 at the moment.

"Displaced persons is over 60,000, their farmlands have also been submerged and the State Government has continued to provide electricity and other facilities in the camps to make them at least comfortable.

"The Governor transversed these areas even when it was raining to see a number of our people who have been displaced on account of the very disturbing flood."

Delta 2022: Okowa tasks contractors on projects' delivery

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged contractors handling projects on facilities for 21st National Sports Festival being hosted by the state to redouble their efforts and meet completion deadline.

Okowa made the call on Thursday while speaking with newsmen after inspecting ongoing projects at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

He said that the festival would hold from Nov. 28 to Dec. 10, 2022, and urged the contractors to speed up work and deliver the projects before Nov. 18.

According to the Governor, I have gone round and I am worried. I would urge the contractors to move much faster than they are at the moment because there is a date for the festival already.

He, however, stated that the contractors had reassured him that by the 18th of November, they would be out of the place, adding "so, I am going to hold them to their word.

"I expect the local organising committee to give me daily reports on their progress and ensure that they meet the time.

"We cannot afford to move the sports festival further because as you move, you will be moving it into Christmas period which is not a good time to travel."

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, but insisted that the contractors must apply more speed to ensure prompt completion.

"The work being done is good, all I ask is that they add speed to it. I am told that they work day and night now. I hope that yields result and take us through the finishing of the project by the 18th of November," he stated.

On team Delta's preparation for the sports festival, Governor Okowa said that the state was always prepared and would continue to emerge champions.

"We are ever prepared and we have always won and we will still win again, so we are not worried about that," Okowa added.

The governor once again used the opportunity to sympathise with flood victims across the state and country and urged federal government to provide permanent solution to the annual disaster.

"I use this opportunity to once again sympathise with the families affected by the flooding. I visited those who are in camps yesterday and the day before.

"We have eleven camps set up by the state government. I was able to visit seven of them between Tuesday and Wednesday. We will continue to encourage them.

"We know that there is a lot of loss. It has created a major challenge for them and as a country we must prioritise the things we ought to do, to prevent the level of flood that we have and start to do them as a nation," he stated.

Okowa congratulates Gov. Ikpeazu at 58

Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his Abia counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on his 58th birth anniversary.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, commended the governor for his outstanding achievements in the development of "God's own State", describing him as an accomplished educationist and administrator.

He extolled Ikpeazu for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the PDP and the nation, and charged him to sustain the momentum for the service of his people and mankind.

Okowa specifically lauded the governor for the Osisioma flyover bridge and interchange in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

He also remarked that the governor's agricultural revolution in his state which crystallised in the planting of no fewer than four million seedlings of oil palm and the successful completion of four palm kernel oil processing plants in Obingwa and Ugwunagbo in Umuahia North and Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas was audacious and commendable.

He stated that Ikpeazu's aggressive rebranding of Abia as the undisputed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) "centre of excellence" in the country and beyond, propelled by ``Made-in-Aba’’ campaign, had lifted Abia citizens out of poverty with the establishment and growth of many small-scale businesses.

Okowa said that the academic-turned-politician had by dint of hard work and discipline won the admiration and respect of Abians and other Nigerians.

“In the last seven years and half that you have held sway as Governor of Abia, you have remained irrevocably committed to the cardinal principles of good governance predicated on the need to raise the people’s standard of living, provide development, peace and security in the state.

“Your four-point agenda which aims at improving governance, re-orient and restructure the public service as well as provide adequate infrastructure for economic development have created a vibrant economy for the people.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I rejoice with you, a seasoned educationist and my brother governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, as you attain 58 years.

“On this occasion in your life, I celebrate with your family, associates and friends and thank Almighty God for your life which has been laced with remarkable accomplishments,” he stated.

The Governor prayed for longer life for Ikpeazu to sustain his passion of raising young persons academically and provide more service to humanity.

Atiku, a Pan-Nigerian leader, says Aniagwu

Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has described the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar as a pan-Nigerian leader and not an ethnic jingoist.

He said that contrary to the comments trailing Atiku's statement in Kaduna, the PDP standard bearer remains a Pan-Nigerian leader and a unifier who had built bridges across the country.

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday night, Aniagwu remarked that Atiku's comment was being misunderstood and quoted out of context, adding that the APC were lashing in on the comment because they lacked what to talk about.

“Atiku is not a man given to ethnic jingoism and will never get involved in acts capable of dividing the country along ethnic, religion or regional lines.

"As a political party the APC has done so badly that they don't have issues to talk about so they will always want to cash in on anything that will take Nigerians away from the real issues.

"Atiku has built bridges across the country as a pan-nigerian and he advocated for a pan-nigerian leader who will be able to take a look at what the entire country needs.

"Atiku is one person that has respect for everybody irrespective of class and that is what is needed to deal with the issues bedeviling our country,"

He said the 2023 election was for the PDP to win because the other political parties were not prepared to deal with the issues.

"At the moment we are trying as much as possible to galvanize a number of Nigerians for us to tell them what the Atiku-Okowa ticket has for Nigerians and that is to rescue our country from where we are at the moment.

"If you take a look at the INEC timetable, only the PDP has started official campaigns, our own business is to stay with the issues and those issues are very well known to us that our country is in a very bad shape at the moment.

"As a party we are coming in to be able to effectively manage our diversity which is at the lowest ebb on account of its mismanagement by the APC.

"Our candidate is coming to address the issues affecting the component units of this country because at the moment the states and local governments are not functioning effectively because they lacked the needed funds to carry out its functions," Aniagwu stated.

He commended the leadership and members of the party in Kaduna state for their unwavering support despite attempts to disrupt the rally in the ancient city by thugs.

Flood: Build Dams, Desilt Major Rivers, Okowa Urges FG

Delta Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government to build new dams and desilt major rivers in the country to check flooding, especially when neighbouring countries open their dams.

He also urged the government to make efforts at desilting River Niger and River Benue to deepen the depths of the rivers to accommodate high volume of flood water.

Okowa made the call when he visited flood victims at some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state.

Camps visited by the governor included those at Ogbe-Afor Primary School and Oneh Primary School in Asaba and Ewulu Mixed Grammar School, Ewulu in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

He told journalists in an interview at the end of the visit that the best way to end the loss of lives and valuables to flood was for the government to take proactive steps towards stalling perennial flooding each time neighbouring countries opened their dams.

While commiserating with families that lost persons and property to the flood, Okowa disclosed that five persons died in various communities, adding that 11 holding camps had been established to take care of those displaced by the flood.

To make the camps comfortable, he said that daily feeding of the IDPs was a priority, and that medical facilities and personnel were in various camps to take care of medical needs of the inmates to avoid possible outbreak of diseases.

"I was informed by the SSG when the team briefed me yesterday that as a result of the flood, five deaths were recorded, although not inside the camps but across the state, and that is very unfortunate.

"We have 11 camps that are currently in place and some of them are in schools and some others are in high places in some locations where the schools have been overrun by the flood water.

"Climate change, obviously, is becoming very impactful globally and it is beginning to affect a lot of issues. The sea levels are rising and so is the water level.

"Another issue is the dam in Cameroon. It always causes a major overflow in our river. From the preliminary information I have, what could be done is to build our own holding dams here in Nigeria and a regular desilting of our rivers.

"And, that is not going to be the state government's function. It is that of the Federal Government because of the type of dam that will be built across the river. So, it is going to be a major dam.

"So, I believe that it is important that the Federal Government will look into it very quickly and begin to start the process," he stated.

Okowa affirmed that the PDP government that would, by the grace of God, be headed by Atiku Abubakar from 2023, would spare no effort in ensuring that the construction of dams and desilting of Rivers Niger and Benue got the desired attention because of the sufferings of Nigerians occasioned by flood.

"When we look at the pains that come to our people cumulatively as a result of the flood and the destruction it brings, it is so huge and runs into several billions.

"So, I think that it is something that the Federal Government would consider building a dam across River Niger to prevent this from happening and I believe that the PDP government under the watch of Atiku will truly take that as a priority.

"We are immediately taking care of the people in the camp, which is the first thing to do by providing food, security and healthcare for them here.

"They have been organised into groups and they are cooking for themselves and we ensure that there is regular supply of food items to cook. So, we are sure that they are not suffering from any form of hunger.

"We can see doctors and nurses here, living under the same conditions as the IDPs just to provide health care. In two of the camps, some pregnant women have already been delivered by the medical personnel.

"You can see that they are well taken care of. In previous years, after their return to their homes, we have always provided some form of assistance and we will also do so this year. We are always compassionate," the governor said.

He called on donor agencies and well-spirited individuals to partner government in alleviating the plights of those affected by the flood, adding that his administration would give assistance to those in IDPs’ camps as soon as the flood was over.

Ogbe-Afor Primary School camp has 1,548 IDPs, Oneh Primary School,1,684 IDPs and 1,475 in the camp at Ewulu.

Highpoint of the visit were primary school children among the IDPs seen receiving lesions from teachers in an improvised classroom at Ogbe-Afor Primary School camp in Asaba.