HURRAY TO A LEGISLATIVE ICON @ 57

On behalf of my family, friends, political associates and Isoko North political family, I join your numerous admirers to congratulate and rejoice with my leader, mentor and brother, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, Minority leader and Member Representing Isoko Federal Constituency, on the occasion of his birthday today.

It's obvious that your quest to transform and develop your mother land beyond measure, brings forth your present tenure in office. Yes you have impacted positively on your constituency.

May the good Lord continue to protect and grant you good health to enable you do more for your people and mankind.

Wishing you many more years ahead. Once more Happy Birthday Sir.

Signed:

Hon. Mike Ogwah
Board Member, Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba

Macaulay's Tribute to Veteran Journalist.

Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, the immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, paid last respect to Elder Christ Anana's, as he is laid to rest.

He described him, as a journalist who has paid his dues in the profession, a close friend, elder brother and colleague in the pen profession.

Speaking during the church service in his country home at Oko in Oshimili South LGA, "he said we both struggle for fairness and justice in the union and I respect him a lot".

In his tribute, he said he was among those of us that tested the NUJ constitution in the law court and confronted authorities, institutions and he always fight for what is right with the last drop of his blood because it's what he believes. He has played his part perfectly well. May his soul rest in peace.

Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Eddy Uzor, State PDP Chairman, Comrade Mike Okeme, Mr Sunny Ogefere, Mr Olise Ifeajika, Comrade Patrick Nwanze, Mrs Henrietta Oyakhilome, Mr Frank Igwebueze and Mr Denis Medi.

FERIFE INTER-QUATER FOOTBALL COMPETITION

The inter-quarter annual football competition which is targeted in uniting the people, youths and discovering of talented young men in sports in a Ellu community, Isoko Local Government Area, is been sponsor by Fredrick Othuke Ferife.

It's true that football brings about unity which is one of those reason the competition were put together, to also make the younger generation develop interest in sports and have more insert.

The 2015 edition of the inter-quarter competition which started on 24th December, 2015 kickoff with "Iye-Osa playing against Urueni" which ended in a draw. In another development there was also a game between Akaluba and Uruede. Akaluba won 3 goals to nothing with Ogaga scoring a brace and Moses had one goal to his name.

In the first semi-final leg of the competition on 29th December 2015, Otekpo team were the first team to advance into the final of this year edition of the competition. They defeated Urueni in a thrilling 1-0 victory. Oghenethome was the lone goal scorer for the Otekpo.

The goal came in the 68th minute of the game after missed chances from both teams.

Please note that today is going to be the second semi-final leg between Iye-Ovie (the defending champions) and Akaluba. We will be there to bring you the event live as it unfolds.

MACAULAY DONATES CASH AND ITEMS TO ORPHANAGE HOME

The immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, has donated the sum of N2,000,000 two million naira and other gift items, which include two big bags of rice and one cow to the inmate of orphanage home.

Comrade Macaulay, made the donation during the commissioning of 150 bed sitter capacity hostel built for Orphanage Home (Human Welfare for Empowerment and Development Initiative), Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, built by the Minority Leader House House of Representatives and Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor.

Speaking during the commissioning, Macaulay commended Rt.Hon. Leo, for his kind gesture saying "I' am humbled by your contribution to service to humanity, when you said you wants to come and commission this place l don't know you have completed it to this level, I thank you". I have to thank him because he has taken up a challenge that was becoming a bolden to me", he said.

Macaulay who commissioned the hostel block, described 26th December, 2015 saying, "for me day is the best day of the year that is coming to an end, am saying this with all sense of humility and submissiveness to God almighty".

Also speaking shortly after the commissioning, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, commended Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, for been there for him at all time, he described him as a brother and friend who is always supportive, share his cause without given it a second thought.

In his words he said, "we need people who can take Isoko to the forefront of national politics, also he laid emphases on the development of Isoko Nation with the needed instrument".

He urged other sons and daughters of Isoko land to emulate Hon. Leo's kind gesture to further make more meaningful impact on service to humanity.

Others supported the gesture by donating cash and gift items were political aids to the federal law maker, friends, political associates and brothers.

MACAULAY COMMEND LEO OGOR FOR ADHEKE'S APPOINTMENT

The immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG,
Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, has commended the Minority Leader, House of Representatives and Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Leo Ogor, for influencing the appointment of Hon. Philip Adheke, as Special Assistant to the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

Comrade Macaulay, gave the commendation during the weekend when he led a delegation of Isoko North political class on a thank you visit to the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, in his country home at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking during the visit, the former SSG, spoke on the purpose of the visit, by acknowledging Rt Hon. Leo Ogor saying, "Leo my brother and friend, you have done very well by influencing Adheke's appointment, is a sign of your readiness in carrying every community along and reflection of your quality leadership style and we have come to show appreciation for influencing the appointment of one of our own as SA to the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives.

Speaking further, the former SSG said the appointment has not only brought gladness and hope, to Adheke's immediate family and the people of Iyede Ward, but to all Isoko sons and daughters".

Macaulay, also urged the people of Isoko Nation to at all times support their sons and daughters in government to enable them deliver the campaign promises of His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to the good people of Isoko Nation.

In his response, Rt Hon Leo Ogor thanked Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, for his endless support and that of the Isoko people for the confidence they have on him and the opportunity given to him to represent them at the National Assembly, Abuja.

In his words he said, "I want to specifically thank my brother Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, the leader of this delegation and I pray that may our God always bless his path with good things that will never part his way and remain a blessing to Isoko land and may the sons and daughters of Isoko land continue to grow from strength to strength politically.”

Ogor, who returned the appreciation to the delegation said, "it's not my effort but yours that made it possible, hence I thank you all for making it possible". And thereafter pledged to protect the unity that exists among the political family in Isoko North while assuring them of more dividends of democracy to cut across different wards and clans in Isoko land.

The delegation in one voice commended and appreciated Hon. Leo Ogor, for the appointment and prayed for long life and protection to enable him attract more dividends of democracy to Isoko Land.

Present at the thank you visit includes, Hon Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Odhe, Vice Chairman, Isoko North Local Government, Hon. Mike Ogwah, Board member Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Hon. Tutumor Daniel, Chairman People's Democratic Party, PDP, Isoko North and Chairman Isoko Patriotic Front, IPF, Mr. Sunny Uthoro, Chairman Owhelogbo Ward 1, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, Special Assistant to Minority leader House of Representatives, Hon. Moses Idiowa, personal assistant to the former SSG, Mr. Samuel Idise former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Isoko North Local Government Council, Mr. Sunny Elueni, Chairman Isoko Grass-root Movement, party leaders, party faithful among others.

THE DAY OVUOZOURIE MACAULAY BAGGED OKIRORO OF ISOKO LAND CHIEFTAINCY TITLE

It was amazing and colorful as there were large turnout of people from all walks of life at the ancient town of Otor-Owhe in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday, Jun1, 2015, was not only massive but also unprecedented in the annals of the town.
​Other towns and villages in Isoko nation were literally deserted as the people converged at Otor-Owhe to give honour to whom honour is due.
​Indeed Otor-Owhe became a Mecca of some sort as all roads led to the community for a historic and epoch making event that will remain indelible in the minds of the people.
​There was excitement in the air as the people beamed with smiles in appreciation to God for giving them an illustrious and worthy son with whom they are well pleased.
​Expectedly, Otor-Owhe community wore a new look as it hosted very important dignitaries from far and near who came to rejoice and felicitate with one of their own Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, the immediate past Secretary the Delta State Government who was being honoured by the traditional rulers, the youths and the people of Isoko nation for a job well done and for being an ambassador of Isoko nation during his 12 years sojourn in the government of Delta State.
​The royal Palace of the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, venue of the heroic welcoming royal reception for the Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area born Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, a great philanthropist, administrator, astute politician, team player and visionary leader, had the trappings of royalty.
​The palace was indeed alluring with royal chairs and artifacts that depict royalty. The traditional rulers of Isoko nation, who also gathered at the palace of the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, were gorgeously dressed in their royal attire, beads and crowns.
​The climax of the event was when Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay was conferred with the chieftaincy title of the “Okiroro of Isoko land” by the Isoko traditional rulers.
​Decorating the immediate past SSG with royal beads as a symbol of dignity and honour (new status), the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, HRM, Okpuzo Romanus Ejiromeme Inana I, said the conferment of the chieftaincy title on Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay was in recognition of his selfless, meritorious service and contributions to Isoko traditional institution and the development of Isoko nation in particular and Delta State in general.
​The Monarch, on behalf of other royal fathers, thanked God for giving Isoko nation Comrade Macaulay, saying that the former SSG is an illustrious son of Isoko nation with whom “we are well pleased”.
​“Having served Isoko nation and Delta Sate meritoriously and creditably, we, the traditional rulers of Isoko nation decided to honour the former SSG. It is our duty to royally welcome him back home from Asaba”.
​Responding, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, while thanking the traditional rulers for the honour, said that he would stop at nothing in contributing his quota to the betterment of humanity and the development of Isoko nation, Delta State and Nigeria in general in whatever position he occupies in future. “I am humbled and overwhelmed by this honour. I thank you for finding me worthy of this great honour”.
​He thanked God for seeing him through his 12 years sojourn in government and Isoko people for their support, saying that he would continue to play politics aimed at impacting positively on the lives of the people.
​In complimenting the royal hosting of Comrade Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay by the royal fathers, Otor-Owhe and Otor-Igho communities also saw the need to give the immediate past SSG a heroic welcome/reception.
​At a reception ceremony to honour the Okiroro of Isoko land for making them proud and for attracting developments to Isoko nation while in government, the people sang his praises, describing him as a worthy son of Isoko nation.
​At the two communities, several canon shots were fired to herald the triumphant entry of Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay.
​Addressing the people at the two communities, Comrade (Chief) Macaulay thanked them for their support and cooperation over the years, assuring them that he would continue to contribute his quota to the development of Isoko nation.
​From Otor-Igho, the train moved to St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Owhelogbo, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay’s home town for a thanksgiving service.
​In his sermon at the thanksgiving service tagged: A Heroic Welcome/Thanksgiving, the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, while thanking God for the life of comrade (chief) Macaulay, urged the people to live exemplary life worthy of emulation.
​He equally charged Christians to always do the will of God to attract God’s blessings and favour.
​The Cleric commended Comrade (Chief) Macaulay for his meritorious service to Isoko nation and Delta State in general.
​Describing him as “Our great son and worthy Ambassador of Isoko nation, he prayed God to grant him success in all his future Endeavour’s.
​In his remarks the former SSG gave God the glory for His faithfulness, favour, protection, mercy and blessings which enabled him to impact positively on the lives of his people.
​His words, “I have done my best over the years to move Isoko nation forward. We should stop the pull him down syndrome but encourage those who are committed to the development of Isoko nation”.
​As a true leader, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, has seen it all. The honour done him by the royal fathers in Isoko nation was well deserved. As the pioneer Chairman, Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he left his footprints in the sands of time. As the former Chairman, Delta State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), his achievements speak volume which is evidence in the building of the Labour House in Asaba, a legacy that stands tall.
​As the former Commissioner for Inter-Ethnic Relations and Conflict Resolution under former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, ethnic crisis that raged on in Warri for years was brought to an end, he also did his best as former Chief of Staff Government House and Protocol, commissioner for power and energy. He finally restored peace to Warri. As the immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, (SSG), he brought his experience to bear in running the “Engine Room of Government”.
​As a firm believer in the words of John Wesley – “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can as long as ever you can”, Comrade (Chief) Macaulay is also aware that “Today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope”.
​As a politician he believes that politics is a tool to bring about changes that impact positively on the lives of the people and not self-serving venture.
​In fact, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay came, saw and conquered.
​According to Tuesday Lobsang Rampa, “it is better to light the candle than to cause the darkness”.
​Indeed, comrade (Chief) Macaulay, the “OKiroro of Isoko land” has lit the candle and the light is shining brightly for the betterment of humanity and society in general.
​

I.A.N COMMEMORATES MACAULAY'S 55th BIRTHDAY

In commemoration of the 55th birthday anniversary of the immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, the Isoko Advancement Network (IAN) recently presented bags of rice, garri, tissues, vegetable and palm oil, cartons of noddle, detergent, cartons of biscuits, among others to Ogholeh Orphanage in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government, Deliverance Orphanage and Baby Care Centre, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area.

Presenting the items to the orphanage, the Chairman of Isoko Advancement Network, worldwide, Hon. Mike Ogwah said the gesture was to extend their hands of fellowship to the needy and the less privileged in the society.

Hon. Mike, also said identifying with the less privileged was one of the activities lined up to honour Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, the patron of IAN and the Okiroro of Isoko land who clocked 55th years on October 25, 2015.

In his words, “on this birthday of our patron we feel that celebrating it among ourselves will not be good enough. Hence we decided to celebrate with the less privileged and identify with them in order for them to have a sense of belonging”.

He described the former SSG, as his leader, mentor and Boss, he wished him well in all his endeavors.

Also speaking, the publicity Secretary of Isoko Advancement Network, Prof. Samuel Aghalino said the items presented to the inmates was their own little way of identifying with the less privileged in our society.

“Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay has been a cheerful giver and we feel that one way of receiving blessing from God is to reach out to the less privileged. So on his behalf, we decide to reach out and celebrate with the inmates of the two orphanages as a way of giving back to the society”.

Receiving the items the matron of the orphanages, Mrs. Queen Daniel and Madam Christina thanked Isoko Advancement Network for their kind gesture and pray for God’s blessing and protection upon members and patron Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay.

IAN, IPF AND IGM CONGRATULATE OKOWA AT TRIBUNAL VICTORY

The Isoko Advancement Network (IAN), Isoko Patriotic Front (IPF) and Isoko Grass-root Movement (IGM), On behalf of our Patron Comrade Ovuozourie S. Macaulay, the Okiroro of Isokoland, heartily rejoice with our amiable Governor, His Excellency Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, On his well deserved victory at the Election Tribunal.

Your victory is a loud affirmation of your acceptability and the divine finger of God in the affairs of Delta State.

With your commitment to the SMART Agenda, prosperity is our portion. Once more congratulations your Excellency!

I and my family, friends and political associates, join your numerous well-wishers to congratulate you my Leader, Mentor and Boss Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, former Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, on the occasion of your birthday anniversary today.

Yes, it's true that your leadership qualities, passion in the development of Isoko Nation, landmark achievement and your positive impact on service to humanity will in the history of Delta State and Isoko in particular.

It's my earnest prayer that God almighty will continue to bless you beyond measures, nourish you with wisdom, good health, protection and above all grant you more fruitful years ahead.

I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more happy returns of the memorable day of your life.

Once again congratulations Boss...

Signed:

Hon. Mike Ogwah
Chairman: Isoko Advancement Network (IAN)

On behalf of my family, friends and political associates, I join your numerous admirers to congratulate you my Brother, friend and Boss Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, former governor of our great State, on the occasion of your birthday.

No doubt your leadership qualities, giant strive in different sectors of Delta State economy and your positive impact on Deltans will continue to speak volume forever.

I am proud and highly honoured to have associated with you and your leadership qualities.

May the good Lord continue to enrich you with wisdom, good health, protection and water your path to greatness beyond the imagination of men and above all grant you more fruitful years ahead.

Once Again Congratulations Boss.

Signed:
Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay
Former Delta SSG

In Welcoming Macaulay Home, Isoko Traditional Rulers Honor, The immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, with chieftaincy title as the 'Okiroro of Isoko Land'.

In appreciation for his contribution towards the development of Isoko Nation and the traditional institution in the land,

The title was conferred on him by Ovie of Igbide Kingdom Un-behalf of Isoko Traditional Rulers, at the Okpuzo of Owhe palace, Otor-Owhe in Isoko North LGA, Delta State

BY SAM DUVWODE

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, were among dignitaries that graced the Family Thanksgiving Service of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan at First Baptist Church, Warri, Delta State.
Dr. Uduaghan, in his testimony, on behalf of himself, his wife and the entire Uduaghan family, expressed appreciation to God for all He had done in their lives. He noted that being in government for the past 16 years was more than enough to say thank you to God.
He asserted that most people never expected that he would get to this stage, saying that when people who do not expect things could happen to you, and they begin to witness your achievement, they start acting with reactions. “ Good friends, not so good friends, not so good enemies, all the categories, in whatever role God has used you to assist us to succeed this 16 years, I say thank you and God bless you”, he said.
Reading from Exodus 8:16-19, Dr. Uduaghan asserted that 16 years of his sojourn in government was attributed to the finger of God, saying that whatever he might have achieved and might not have done during his time as Governor of Delta State was now left for history.
The immediate past governor expressed his thanks to the church, men of God in the state and royal fathers for their prayers and support, stressing “I am here today to say thank you Lord and also to say thank you to the church, our men of God and, our royal fathers, for all your support for me to succeed, I say thank you all”.
Dr. Uduaghan, while congratulating Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Barr. Kingsley Otuaro on becoming Governor and Deputy Governor of Delta State, respectively, appealed to all Deltans to give them their patience, support and prayers in order for them to succeed.
According to him; “It is our collective responsibility to help him succeed; his success is our success and his failure is our failure. Today, we are stronger as a party at the state level and even with the prevailing situation of the party at the national level, we still remain one. That was the test of our unity, it was the test of our oneness, it was the test to show we are one big family in Delta State,” Dr. Uduaghan stated.
“My wife and I are on our knees praying for you, that is what we can confidently offer you, our counsel, we will also offer, but prayer is what you need most. You shall succeed the four years and complete your second tenure, by the grace of God”.
While thanking politicians, families, friends and Deltans for their support throughout his tenure, the immediate past governor urged politicians and Deltans alike not to get themselves employed in the industry of rumour mongering, lying and backbiting.
“Please don’t get employment in the industry of rumour mongering, lying and backbiting; if you do so, you will continue to diminish, while others are multiplying”. It is our prayer for you that you will do more than we have done, but that can only happen if we all, as Deltans, give the governor our maximum support.” Dr. Uduaghan said.

By Festus Ahon

ASABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, commissioned the state Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurship centre (leather works/shoe factory) with a training capacity of 4,000 youths annually in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioning the project built in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Organisation, UNIDO, Uduaghan said the factory was a wealth creation venture with the potentials of creating job opportunities for youths.

Noting that the centre will train youths of the state annually in various skills, the governor said the State Micro-Credit Scheme, which began in 2007 was beginning to yield results.

He said the factory was part of effort towards the realisation of Delta Beyond Oil and in line with the state government’s peace, security and human capital development agenda to attract investors to the state.

Commending youths and leaders of Issele-Uku community for their cooperation during the building of the centre, Uduaghan said his administration had touched the lives of the young people at the lower segment of life. He expressed hope that the centre will be replicated in the other two senatorial districts in the state.

Earlier in her address, the state Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Anthonia Achiedu, said apart from being a training centre, “It contains various industrial components from shoe making and leather works, palm wine brewery, bakery and confectioneries, flour processing, fruit juice processing, ethnic clothing (akwa-ocha) weaving, jewellery and millinery.”

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged political leaders to be wise and focused in decision making for sustainable development in the country.
Speaking at an inter-denominational end of tenure thanksgiving service in Asaba, Governor Uduaghan said that political leaders needed to be focused, bold and wise in carrying out their duties, urging them that “if you must step on toes, step on them to move the state and country forward, there is nothing too much to sacrifice to move the state and country forward”.
He said that states needed to have harmonious relationship between the governor and his deputy, between the various arms of government so as to ensure peace and sustainable economic growth.
“Delta State is a place of peace, we need to uphold peace, there has been nothing like acrimony between the governor and deputy in Delta State. My charge to the incoming administration is to ensure that this cordial relationship must continue so as to sustain growth and development in the state”, Governor Uduaghan said, stressing “that leadership comes from God, even if human being incites you, turn to God always and ensure that you maintain that cordial relationship”.
Dr. Uduaghan said that the peace among the various ethnic groups was the greatest legacy he is leaving for Delta State.
While thanking God for giving him the opportunity to take charge of the state in the last eight years, he thanked the clergy, the political leaders, traditional leaders, the security agencies and all Deltans for their support for the success of his administration.
Earlier, Arch Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, in a sermon, commended Dr. Uduaghan for his developmental strides and the success of his three point agenda in the state.
He charged political leaders in the country to render selfless service in any position they find themselves.
Most Rev. Chukwuma called for a paradigm shift and restructuring of the political system in the country to make it more responsive to the needs of the people.
He urged older politicians to step aside and retire gracefully and allow the youths to lead as you can only apply digital solution to 21st century problems.
In another development, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has presided over the unveiling of the “Delta State Finger of God” monument yesterday in Asaba.
The brief Unveiling ceremony which was witnessed by the First Lady, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), his wife, Mrs. Nelly Utuama, and top government functionaries was performed by Rev. Challenge Ugbede of the First Baptist Church, Warri.
Rev. Ugbede commended Dr. Uduaghan for his developmental strides and his cordial relationship with the Christendom in the state describing him as a God fearing leader.

Congratulations leader.

Kudos to you sir

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has urged institutions of higher learning in the state to organize annual convocation for their graduating students. The Governor made the call at the weekend during the first combined convocation ceremony of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Ethiope West local government area of the state. According to him, annual convocation ceremonies were vital in institutions of higher learning as it encourages students to strive towards completing the academic work with their mates.

“I urge management of higher institutions, especially, management of this institution to make the convocation ceremony an annual event so that graduating students can look forward to it,” he said. He congratulated the graduands and challenged them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater by contributing positively to the growth and development of their alma mater and that of the society.

The governor stated, “I know most of you graduated some years ago, some of you have got jobs, some are looking for job, be good ambassadors of your school, don’t be afraid to take up challenges that will contribute to the growth of the state.”

He paid glowing tribute to former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, observing that, “his vision led to the founding of this institution.” While commending the management of the Polytechnic for giving awards to those who have contributed to the growth of the institution, the governor said the awards were strong indications that their contributions did not go unnoticed.

In his address, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Charles Emetulu, said, “since its inception over a decade ago, the Polytechnic has graduated ten sets of students without organizing a single convocation,” adding, “this development, no doubt, has a telling effect on the moral of our teeming graduands in their educational endeavours which has been remedied today.”

While commending Governor Uduaghan’s administration for his commitment to development of education in the state, Hon. Emetulu asserted, “it is important to state that polytechnic education is the hallmark of technology development as well as the harbinger of scientific development, it is for this reason that any society that is desirous of a technological breakthrough should invest in technical education and it is against this backdrop that this administration accords utmost priority to polytechnic education being a training ground for middle level technical and vocational manpower in the state.”

Earlier in her address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. (Mrs.) Clara Sogbaike, stated that, “today, we graduate well over ten thousand ND and HND students from 2002/2003 – 2013/2014 academic sessions.” Governor Uduaghan had earlier commissioned some completed projects in the Polytechnic which included Mass Communication complex.

Awards of special recognition were given by the Polytechnic to former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, Senator-elect for Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Ighoyota Amori; Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Gardner and Prof. Solomon Okobiah among others.

Responding to questions put to him by our correspondent, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Wilberforce Ofotokun said that “like Zeus upon mount Olympus, we have looked forward with anticipation to this convocation ceremony so this is a dream come true. Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara has witnessed an unprecedented level of development through the provision of 21st century academic and infrastructural amenities under the leadership of the quintastic Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Clara Sogbaike.”

(Again, I also want to thank the current SSG, Leo Ogor and Others)

By Festus Ahon

PROFESSOR Chinedu Mordi is the immediate past Provost of the Oleh Campus of the Delta State University, Abraka. In this interview with the Vanguard, he spoke on his stewardship and his experiences.

You were Provost of Delta State University, Oleh campus, how was it when you were there?

It was a wonderful experience and I thank my former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eric Arubaye who gave me the opportunity to serve in that capacity and I also thank the Senate that also voted me in. I said wonderful because I learnt a lot and I also made a lot of good friends there that will remain people I will not forget.

When you were there, what were some of the achievements you recorded?

The campus at the time I came was agitating for what we now call the Law site and then Engineering was in what essentially is the skills acquisition centre given to the university by the state government. During my stay there, it was possible to move into where the Administration block now is and where the Engineering faculty has moved into.

I can’t say this without actually thanking the then Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Hope Eghagha who was untiring in his efforts because when I was there the DPP which was the main opposition political party took a page of a newspaper to lambast the PDP government and actually showed that the faculty of Engineering as it were at that time was bushy.

I remember vividly the day the Commissioner came visiting and had to do some clearing to get him into the place and from then on, he ensured that contractors were regularly on site and they delivered the Administrative block and on other block and made sure that a second block was ready with one of the two laboratories.

So, I won’t say we succeeded without the assistance of the then Commissioner for Higher Education who took a personal interest to make sure that those things were done. In spite of our dwindling finances, we did a lot then we had our e-library, we had our second block of KG classrooms as at that time.

Renovation of a hall, the hostels for the boys and the girls and them the B block of the Health Centre; the Administrative block which I talked about was furnished and everybody who came there was amazed, so we did quite a lot and then I must say that it was a collective thing and I will continue to give thanks to the then Commissioner for Higher Education because he took more than casual interest and I had no difficulty in calling him to complain about anything.

Again, I also want to thank the current SSG, because the first set of solar power street lights we got in the campus were as a result of his efforts. At a point, he donated a 100kva generator to the campus not from the ministry of power but his own personal donation to the campus and the infrastructural development going on now in the Engineering site were largely by his own efforts.

Now that we are talking, I also want to put on record the contribution of the Oleh community and other individuals like Hon Leo Ogor who through his contacts got us a 137 solar power light and there Engr Edano who was forever willing and Engr Matthias Ete, these are people I will always remember. I must put on record the Odion-Ologbo who saw the school as his own and always willing to help in any capacity.

During your time as Provost, was the campus starved of funds at anytime by government?

If you talk of funding, the campus was not funded directly by government, but the government has a lot of intervention projects in the campus, so our funding essentially came from the university and then the ETF, so the campuses generally, if you ask me would do with a lot of funding, but again, it is a general university issue, so if you want my advice on what I think on the way forward, I will talk about that.

You talked about the Engineering Faculty without mentioning the Law Faculty; are you therefore saying that government did not do anything in that faculty? The university campus started with the law faculty, so Engineering was a later introduction, so in the law faculty, there is a law faculty complex that was ongoing at the time I was there and we problems because the Council for Legal Education and the National University Commission insisted that if that complex is not finished they are going to withdraw the license, so the law faculty had its own challenge and the main thing was the faculty complex;

but I must say also, that the Commissioner for Higher Education severally came there to see that work progresses but somewhere along the line, the contractor handling that project died and in trying to re-assign the contract from one contractor to the other, there are many legal issues that had to be sorted out, so because I was not privy to most of those things, I suspected that probably what delayed the work.

You have been talking about the former Commissioner for Higher Education; when you were there as provost what was your relationship like?

Apart from newspaper columns that he wrote for Guardian before he became a Commissioner, I never knew him one on one. It was the job that brought us together and I must say that is why I keep mentioning him, because he took more than ordinary interest in the affairs of the campus; perhaps he also saw the damaging advert by the DPP that time as to how the Faculty of Engineering was neglected and then he took it up as his contribution to salvaging the image of the PDP.

He was always there and what really surprised me why I will continue to mention him is that on one of his visits, he scheduled that he will be back on a particular date and before that date he was kidnapped and you needed how people were calling to say ‘Provost, your friend, your friend’ that was how I got to know because he made himself part of the campus, warmed himself to the campus and you know, everybody now felt for him. What surprised me most was that at his release, within a short while, he was already there to continue with what he was doing.

When he told me he was going to come, I was afraid for him, but he kept coming all the time, that is why I keep talking of him because you see, one, your schedule and the other thing is your person. Your schedule is different from your person. He was a friend of that campus I must tell you that and towards the end, they appointed a Project Director for that project and the young man is the one now handling the issues there.

When was this damaging advert placed?

I think it was placed either 2011 or 2012 and it was a full page of the Vanguard and they tried to show that the government was not doing anything in Isoko and then lampooned the government.

I remember that the first day the commissioner visited that site was the day Prof Mabel Osakwe was giving her inaugural lecture, because I was on my way to the campus for the inaugural lecture when a call came from the then Director of Research and Statistics that the governor was going to visit the next day and because I knew there was no way the governor was going to enter the place without me clearing a path for him, I had to come back from attending the inaugural lecture and then phoned the Vice Chancellor to tell why I was not attending the lecture so that I can make the then commissioner to have access to the structures then

What are some of the things you think the campus will remember you for?

I won’t know because you can’t talk about yourself, but I know they will remember me as a Provost that was easily reachable and a Provost that anybody can lie to because everybody had access to me.

Do you have any regret while at the helm of affairs of that campus?

Well, there will always be. I wish I had the kind of funds that I would have needed to do a few things, but again, haven served as a provost of a campus, you need to ask me about moving higher education forward in the state. I will suggest that the state does not need campuses because running a university along campus line is more expensive than having the university at a location, so if the university was squarely at Abraka it would have been cheaper to run;

but now that we are running the university the way it is, going forward if you ask my view I will think that the Oleh campus should be made a university of its own and the Asaba campus another university of its own, because if you go down to look at what is going on, you that the campuses replicate what is in the main campus and if you see the state polytechnics, the state government got it right that way because the polytechnic at Otefe-Oghara is independent of the polytechnic at Ozoro which is also independent of the polytechnic at Ogwashi-Uku and you that they have al thrived. If the university was like that you will be surprised that they would have thrived and I know that the state has the resources to run them.

Talking about resources, do you think that the state government will be able to run three full fledged universities?

Yes; you see it is a question of priority. Look at the United States of America; the California State has University of California in Los Angeles and in four other locations and they run as independent universities. You see, if you are playing politics with education, the state should be bold enough to charge appropriate fees for as long as the quality is there.

Look at the number of Deltans you don’t get admission every year and you will see that what I am saying is just it and the state can cope with two more universities at least. Like I said, everything in the main campus is replicated; the Office of the Provost which stands for that of the Vice Chancellor, we have the Registry, we have Finance and Audit, we have Health Centre; everything is replicated. You, see, the higher institution provides a lot for the development of any locality and the economy of Abraka now as it is has developed to the extent that it has done because of the university.

COMRADE Ovuozourie Macaulay, is the outgoing Secretary to the State Government in Delta State. He became the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ in the State before he was later elected as State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. In the heat of the Warri crisis, he was appointed Commissioner for Ethnic and Conflict Resolutions by former Governor James Ibori. In this interview with select journalists, he spoke on the achievements of the outgoing administration of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan among other issues. Excerpts:

By Festus Ahon

How then did you go about resolving the Warri crisis?

My first baptism when I entered Warri was even from the media and I had thought I should brief them because the media is my first constituency. But I did not know that all the media houses in Warri were already aligned, so they took the news from whichever angle and that even caused another crisis that took me another one month to build confidence. I said no, I am not here to widen the gap but to close the gap and make sure there is peace in Warri.

The Olu of Warri accepted me, the Okumagbas accepted me and though it took me a longer time to get to EK Clark to accept me and he finally accepted me and I was able to ask them to give me the people so that we could start to negotiate the peace. It was a negotiated peace. First of all the main killings between Ijaws, and Itsekins, a daily thing where oh! 25 corpses were flowing on the river, 150 persons killed etc.

We started at the Naval base the only peaceful place in Warri that we could sit down. By the grace of God, after about six months, I was able to secure the first cease fire. Later on the youths managed by Gen. Zamani the then chairman of J.T.F, was able to get them to start talking and they were meeting at army barrack Effurm, while the elders and other stakeholders were meeting with me at the Naval base

I succeeded in letting them appreciate the fact that you don’t have to sit on other people’s property. I was now able to start talking with the youths who were in the trenches, fighting the battles.

So today when most of them see me, they come to appreciate me saying Oga na you make our lives turn like this. I did not go to the youth as a commissioner.

When I went to them I wore my T –Shirt, jeans and behaved like them. At times I drank the Ogogoro (native gin) with them. I went into those trenches with them, the gutters, markets wherever they were hiding and committing their havoc, I went to see them and as God would have it, they listened to me.

The settlement came gradually and the Itsekiris started getting back their properties and they were happy with me, so I was getting more cooperation by the day. So at the end of the day some people were not too happy. You know with the marks on my face, they mistook me to be an Iteskiri person but at the end of the day when they knew I have no blood relationship with the Itsekiris they built confidence. I had my challenges but it was God that made it possible to bring the peace.

When I took over the challenges in 2003, curfew was in Warri was from 5pm to 6am, but within one year by the grace of God, the peace returned. In 2005, I have started negotiating night life to Warri, I was on the ground any where I go. Today there are people who see me on the street and call on me. They are people who bought me drink even though I don’t drink. There was a woman who one day gave me ¦ 50 in the market. I don’t forget it and I will continue to value that gift that I helped her to get back to her life. For me that was the height of my service to humanity.

What have been the major challenges of this administration as somebody in charge of the clearing house?

The greed of the people and at times the lack of total commitment on the part of some government officials. Greed in the sense that you know this thing is not supposed to be done and you want the SSG to do it. But the law does not allow me to do it and yet they want me to do it because someone else has done it before.

That is not tenable and that has also brought me into confrontation with persons and the next they say is ‘oh. You know too much’ and when they go outside they would form another story; they will not say the truth’. People should follow due process and set things done right.

To what extent has the administration’s three point agenda benefited the people?

You can not satisfy every human being. It depends on which aspect of the three point agenda that affected you. But one thing that has affected every Deltan is the peace. As far as am concerned, he has done his best. Like I keep saying, let posterity judge him. We have had governors before and we are going to have more after him. And those of us who assisted him have done much to assist him.

Where do you draw your strength from in carrying out your duties especially during the management of conflicts in Warri axis?

I draw my strength from God. I am not a smoker, I don’t go to any native doctor house, I do my prayers. I am not too much of a church person but I believe solely in God.

The state will not be running the same party with the government at the centre. Do you entertain any fear now Delta is looked viewed as opposition state?

No fear because our democracy is growing. In a true democracy, states don’t have any business with the government at the centre. I can be a governor of Delta State and I say I am not going to Abuja for my tenure of four or eight years. What is due you in FAC (allocation) will still get back to you. Nobody will stop it because you are not in the same party with the federal. The federal government from my 12 years in government has not been intervening in issues of development in the states. Instead it is the state that funds the federal projects.

By Festus Ahon

ASABA—SECRETARY to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, has said that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan delivered more than what he promised Deltans in his eight years administering the state.

Macaulay, while fielding questions from newsmen in Asaba, said: “Uduaghan’s three-point agenda of human capital development, infrastructure and peace and security, has touched every Deltan and his name cannot be erased from the minds of the people.

“The Uduaghan administration was able to touch all the areas that mattered most to the people. In the education sector, health, infrastructure, security, peace and human capital development, among others, the Uduaghan administration will indeed be remembered as one government that tried more than enough.

“First, he is the first governor to initiate and complete an airport in less than six years. I used the word under six years because by the time it was four years, the airport had been put to use but everything put together, we can say in less than six years the airport was fully established. But you may say that is for the elites.

“He is one governor who appreciates the challenges of the ordinary people and so was able to initiate and sustain free maternal healthcare.”

Kudos to Uduaghan, he has performed

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has advocated the intervention of professional managers in Nigeria’s economy to check the downward slide in the nation’s economy.
Speaking yesterday at Asaba during the inauguration of five chapters of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), the Governor said that given the current economic down turn of the country, Nigeria deserves good managers of the economy to make progress.
As a result, he challenged NIM to be actively involved in the training and discovering of good managers to manage the nation’s economy because of the dwindling capacity available to manage the resources of the country.
“This is the time we need the NIM most in Nigeria: we have a lot of challenges with our economy, the funds are not just there, we need managers to run the economy of the states and federal government, we need NIM to impart prudent management skills to those running our economy”, he stated.
According to him, good governance entails a lot of things, including the efficient management of human and financial resources of the state, stressing that the human capacity required to manage a budget of N300 billion or more in the present day Nigeria would definitely be higher than that used to manage a budget of N10 billion in 1999.
“The challenges of management goes beyond the public sector to the private sector, the capacity used to manage the 1999 budget of N10 billion is not the same as that required to manage our present day budget of over N300 billion. The budget has risen, but has our capacity risen in the same way?” he asked.
While thanking the NIM for conferring on him the Fellowship of the Institute, Governor Uduaghan reiterated: “NIM needs to organise training programmes for members and non-members to build human capacity for good governance in our country”.
He also called for good communication between the managers of resources and the masses on issues and challenges affecting governance, noting that such would reduce suspicion, rumour mongering and mischief.
Besides conferring the Governor with the Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered) at the ceremony, the President of NIM and chairman of Council, Dr. Nelson Uwaga inaugurated five chapters of the NIM. The chapters are: Abraka, Edjeba, Okpe, Udu and Uvwie.
Earlier, Uwaga explained that the Governor was conferred with the fellowship of the Institute because of the professionalism he has brought to the governance of Delta State and assured that Nigerians who are prudent in the management of resources would always be recognised by the Council of NIM.

Congratulations

Well spoken.

Yes, it's true that Uduaghan will be remembered for performing to the expectation of Deltans. Kudos to Uduaghan

Kudos to Uduaghan and congratulations to Deltans. Finishing strong is sure

By Emma Amaize & Festus Ahon

ASABA—Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has congratulated the state’s governor-elect, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, saying that the victory has affirmed the performance and supremacy of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Speaking in Asaba when Okowa and party faithful paid him a ‘thank you visit,’ Uduaghan noted that the victory was also traceable to the unity of Deltans, who all participated to ensure that the party triumphed.

Meanwhile, in a statement in Asaba, yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, the governor commended members of the PDP in the state as well as the electorate for renewing their faith and trust in the PDP to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

Uduaghan thanked Deltans for their peaceful conduct during and after the elections and assured that development strides in the state under Okowa will be rapid, peaceful and progressive.

Reacting to his victory, Senator Okowa said there was no victor no vanquished in the election which he described as peaceful and credible.

Promising to carry everybody along in his government, Okowa said he will build on the legacies of Governor Uduaghan. He added that his election was a victory for all Deltans and commended Deltans for the confidence they reposed in him by electing him as their governor. He also promised to extend hands of fellowship to his opponents.

“We are particularly impressed that you debunked the unholy rumour that was spreading like wild fire concerning your Excellency’s commitment to PDP’s victory.

“We will be loyal to you and to our leaders, including Chief James Ibori. Chief Ibori and Dr. Uduaghan remain the real leaders of the PDP in Delta State. We will remain as a family, no matter the issues leading up to the elections. It is time to put those issues behind us and chart a way forward,” he said.

The deputy governor-elect, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, Dr. Joseph Otumara, and Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Director- General and Chairman, PDP Campaign Organisation respectively, in their addresses commended Governor Uduaghan for his support and co-operation in ensuring the electoral victory of the party, noting that the governor was leaving behind a lot of legacies particularly those of peace and unity for the state.

Also reacting, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Steve Oru, said that the election of the PDP candidate was a testimony of the party’s good works in the state.

Congratulating Okowa on his electoral victory, Oru thanked Deltans for their overwhelming support for the PDP and restated that the PDP was the only party that could address the needs of the people of the state.

Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, said the election was the most credible in recent times and rejoiced with Senator Okowa on his victory.

On his part, Olorogun John Oguma expressed gratitude to God for the election of Okowa as governor of the state, describing the election as free and fair.

Candidate of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD, Dr Breakforth Onwubuya, who came fourth in the poll, said the exercise was free, fair and credible.

Saying that the election was transparent and an improvement on previous elections, Onwubuya urged Senator Okowa to be magnanimous in victory and ensure that the confidence reposed in him by the electorate was not misplaced as soon as he is sworn-in as governor. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Also, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Mr. Itiako Constantine and the former Chairman of Oshimili North council, Chief Tony Ogbo, congratulateded Senator Okowa on his victory.

While Ogbo also commended the people of Akwukwu-Igbo/Atuma and the entire people of Oshimili North for supporting the House of Assembly member-elect for Oshimili North Constituency, Pat Ajudua, Mr Ikpokpo, commended Johnson Erijo and Dame Orezi Esievo for their emergence as members-elect of the Delta State House of Assembly in Isoko South constituencies I and II respectively.