₦airaland Forum

Kudos Governor Uduaghan. Some of the roads commissioned yesterday, DBS road, Ezenei Avenue Old Anwai Road

Delta agog as Uduaghan commissions 64 roads in Asaba


By Adewole Martins





ASABA- DELTA State capital city of Asaba was agog on Tuesday following the commissioning of 64 roads constructed with N27.6 billion by Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. The 64 roads were among the 156 numbers of roads, measuring 114.22km, awarded by the state government only within the Asaba metropolis. Governor Uduaghan, flanked by his Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said out of the 156 roads, 75 have been completed. While he listed the completed ones to include the Old Anwai Road, Delta Broadcasting Service Road, Legislative Close, Labour House Road Extension, Presidential Lodge Road, internal roads of the state’s Legislative Quarters, Junior Staff Quarters Road, Ezenei Avenue Road, High Court Road, Federal College of Education (Technical) Road, Dennis Osadebe Road, St. Bridge’s Grammar School Road, among others. Eighty-one others are at various stages of completion at the state capital.



The governor revealed that his administration has expended over N440 billion on construction of 270 township roads awarded by the state government statewide since inception in 2007. He said: “In this regard, over N440 billion has been committed to civil engineering infrastructural development in various spheres, which include roads, bridges, flyovers, airport development.” Uduaghan appealed to the people of Asaba and its environs to continue to support the Peoples Democratic Party administration in the state and at the national level for more of people-oriented projects. The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, represented by the Iyase of Asaba Chief Patrick Onyeobi, urged the governor and any incoming administration in the state to continue to accord Asaba, the capital city, its pride of place.

Culled from: The Eagle Online

Governor Uduaghan Expresses Shock over killing of former ADC Chris Eza



ASABA - GOVERNOR Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan of Delta State has expressed shock and disbelief over the death of his former aide-de-camp (ADC) Superintendent of Police, Chris Eza who was killed in Bauchi Thursday night.

Uduaghan, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, was visibly shocked and speechless when the news of the death got to him and was yet to come to terms with the reality of the tragic incident.

“This is heartbreaking; it is a personal loss … for a very young man to die in his prime in that manner is devastating”, he stated.

“Chris was a gallant, courageous and dedicated police officer who was never afraid to take on any challenge”, the Governor added.

“I pray that God Almighty will grant us, particularly the family and the Police the fortitude to bear the loss”

UDUAGHAN'S EDUCATION STORY: HOW HE CHANGED DELTA SCHOOLS


BY EMMA AMAIZE

IF the turnaround in infrastructure and facilities noticeable in many public primary and secondary schools in Delta State today is equated with the wide-ranging debility in classroom accommodation, laboratories and other instructional materials prior to the beginning of the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration in 2007, then the governor has undeniably added value to education in the state.

The spring in the fortunes of the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, setting up of four new polytechnics and annual bursary to students of the state origin at higher institutions in the country can be described as the icing on the cake. Uduaghan established two Ministries of Education: One, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education headed by Professor Patrick Muoboghare who was later replaced by Dr. Tony Nwaka and the other, Ministry of Higher Education, steered by Pofessor Hope Eghagha and now replaced Hon. Charles Emetulu to drive his vision.

How the revolution started
With the increase of public primary and public secondary schools from 1,165 and 370 in 2003 to 1,293 and 466 respectively in 2013 and the accompanying population of over 600,000 students, there was bound to be an explosion, but the adoption of Universal Basic Education, UBE, programme, early in the day in 2007 when the administration took off, helped to streamline a lot of things in the sector.

That was the beginning of Uduaghan’s revolution in the educational sector. He soon introduced EDUMARSHAL to get children of school age out of the street and put an end to all forms of fees and levies in pre-primary, primary and post-primary schools in the state. The government pays for West African Senior School Certificate Examination, National Business Certificate Examination, NABCE, conducted by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB and had spent more than N3.6 billion on running costs as at July, last year.

Game changer
The Uduaghan legacy on education assumed a life of its own with the mass remodeling of schools in the state. In 2009, 487 classrooms were constructed and renovated while in 2010 and 2011, 657 and 204 were constructed and renovated respectively. In 2012, 112 projects were awarded for construction more are being remodeled with the state- of –the –art facilities currently. The transformation of Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba, Nana College, Warri and others in the category to international standards remains a marvel to many today.

New buildings entice pupils to school
Our reporter, Ochuko Akuopha, who went round schools in Isoko, Delta South senatorial district, reports that the people, staff and students were happy with the governor’s evident paces in education. At Isoko Central School, Oleh, the headmaster, Mr. Daniel Idoghor, said the structures and facilities were wonderful, adding that the atmosphere encourages staff to teach and pupils to learn.
He said the structures entice pupils from other communities to Oleh and that the governor had done far above expectation in the educational sector.
Assistant headmaster, Mr. Josepgh Avwenayeri, asserted: “When I came to the school, the structures were nothing to write home about, but as from 2011, the structures began to attract many pupils to the school. We were having a population of about 400 pupils before. Now the population is over 600.”
“The classes are well ventilated and there are good toilet facilities, even the pupils that come from the villages come with vans provided by the government, so Governor Uduaghan has really done very well,” he added.

Built to international standard
At Warri, also in Delta South senatorial district, Egufe Yafugborhi reports that the new Nana Model College, Warri, a massive two-storey structure with 24 classrooms, laboratories, air-conditioned library, sports pavilion with shaded VIP section, staff offices and power plant to ensure operation of the laboratory equipment, the school is a spectacle.

The vice principal said, “The positive impact of the upgrade is too glaring for all to see. It is a better, more conducive environment entirely, and students and teachers’ commitment to studies and duty is no doubt boosted.”
A JSS student, who identified himself as Temi Bawo said, “Nana Model College is now the best college in Nigeria. I have not seen a better school anywhere else.”

Physically-challenged not left out
At the remodeled Alders Town Primary School, which hosts regular students with separate facility for physically challenged pupils, head teacher (academic), Mr Godwin Orize, said the new environment and facilities have been most gainful for the physically- challenged students.
Orize stated, “To the best of my knowledge, the upgraded facilities are helping a great deal in correcting them. There is improvement, for example,
for those children with intellectual disability; we have been able to handle them. They no longer spit on themselves and those that cannot walk are gradually walking too.
“With the mix of many machines, we teach the visual impaired how to write with the typewriter because with the brain machine and type writer, whatever they write they are able to read. We also have a teacher who is also visual impaired and she teaches them well so they are well treated and they are learning as well,” he added.

New deal in Delta North
In Delta North senatorial district, Theresa Ugbobu, reports that government has modernized many secondary schools at Asaba, Agbor, Akwukwu-Igbo and a host of other communities. Owa Alero Secondary School, Owa Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, which used to suffer dearth of classrooms and chairs for learning, now has a 12-classroom block.
Principal of the school, Mrs Roseline Chijindu, commended Dr Udughan for accomplishing his three-point agenda, saying the educational sector has vastly improved, but wants motivation for teachers in terms of promotion, payment of salaries as and when due, laboratories and even chairs for students.

Enviable structures in Ughelli
At Ughelli, Delta Central senatorial district, Perez Brisibe, who visited three of the remodeled schools in Ughelli metropolis, Oharisi Model Primary School, Ogele Primary School and Otovwodo Primary School, said the people commended government for the structures.

Certified teachers
And to further enhance learning; over 1,000 professionally qualified teachers were recruited in 2010 for public secondary schools in the state, bringing the teaching staff to 14,745, made up of 5,389 males and 14,053 females. With this, the teacher/pupil ratio on the average is 1:21 in primary and 1:15 in secondary, which far exceeds UNESCO standards.

Adult education
Government has special interest in adult and out-of-school girl/boy child education, where a total of 5,192 learners have been presented for the Basic Education Certificate and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. This is a feat no other state in the country has achieved.

Fostering a new generation of students
On technical education, technical colleges are being repositioned for nurturing a generation of technically motivated citizens that will not be dependent on white collar jobs after graduation. Six of the schools in the state had ceased to operate the JSS system, while government is to establish three more. Meanwhile, production centers for bio-gas and concrete electric poles have been established at Sapele and Ogor Technical Colleges at the cost of N164 million.
Eight Special Needs learning centers were established for children of primary school age at Asaba, Agbor, Issele-Uku, Warri, Ughelli, Ozoro, Kwale and Oleh with a population of 758 children made up of 424 males and 334 females.

662 illegal schools shut down
The government also has its eyes on standards and had shut down 662 schools illegally operated in the state indicating that it is no longer business as usual.
82,930 desks, tables and chairs
Over N22.6 billion was expended on infrastructural development in schools across the state at July, last year and N59.5 billion allocated for capital projects in the sector. At least 26, 070 students’ desk, 53,140 pupils’ desks, 3,720 teachers’ tables and chairs were distributed to schools and through the government’s part of UBEC counterpart funding of N1billion, 3,123 textbooks in the core subject areas of English studies, mathematics, basic science and social studies were procured and distributed to primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

Challenges
Our investigations, however, showed that children in the riverine communities, especially in Warri North, Warri South, Warri South West, Patani local government areas and even some in upland areas, still do not have easy access to education. Teachers deployed to riverine/rural areas bend the rules to stay away.
Despite the aggressive construction, many schools are still decrepit, while the infrastructure of schools used as camps for displaced 2012 flood victims have dilapidated.

Security
The headmaster of Oharisi Model Primary School, Comrade Vincent Eneyemo, headmistress of Ogele Primary school, Mrs. Theresa Bruegbo and a non-academic staff of Otovwodo Primary school, Mrs. Rita Oharisi, raised the issue of lack of furniture and porous security in the schools.
“After spending so much on these projects, it would be a waste if criminals and street urchins can just stroll into these schools unhindered to burgle and vandalize them,” Eneyemo asserted.
Mrs. Bruegbo whose school has a staff strength of 55 and estimated 700 pupils said, “We do not keep valuables in the offices, as burglars consistently break into offices looking for valuables to steal and this include the remodeled buildings where some of the doors have been removed as well. There is no water to operate the toilets neither is there any form of electricity.”
At Otovwodo Primary School, there is problem of water and both staff and pupils source water for residential buildings around the school.

Shoddy work by contractors
Comrade Eneyemo complained about the use of “plastic doors” for the six remodeled buildings on his school, adding, “Comparing the doors and windows of the remodeled structures to buildings refurbished by the State Universal Primary Education Board, SUPEB, they can’t secure the offices as they easily give way when little pressure is mounted on them. Right now, we had to relocate books meant for the library somewhere else because the library has been burgled. This aside, the quality of work done by some of the contractors is poor.”
He suggested: “There should be collaboration with the school management and the project contractors especially in the exposure of the Bill of Quantity, BOQ to us as this is the only way we can guide and hold the contractors accountable for their jobs.”
“Right now, like beggars, we would accept anything they offer as we cannot even tell the supposed amenities in terms of electricity fittings and furniture attached to the remodeled buildings as required by the government from the contractors.”

We derive comfort in remodeled classes – Pupils
For Ofejiro Akpobire, Mercy Uloho and Emmanuel Akposhire, pupils of Ogele, Oharisi and Otovwodo primary schools respectively, the beauty and comfort derived from receiving lectures in the remodeled classes in their schools overshadows the challenges encountered by the management of their schools. In their respective remarks, they said, “Aside from the furniture challenges, it is cozier and comfortable receiving lectures in the remodeled buildings compared to the old buildings.”

Let them approve the funds for them to enable them pay the back
Of of bursaries to students. God bless Uduaghan.

The Army has done very well in stabilizing internal security in Nigeria. Kudos to them.

Let there be peace all over Delta State.

Governor Uduaghan has done very well in Delta State. He is indeed finishing very strong. To God be all the glory.

The Centre is long overdue for Commissioning. I therefore urge the government to Commission it as soon as possible to enable our youths get some training there.

Victory is certain my leader.

Kudos Comrade Izeze. Victory awaits you for campaigning vigorously. God bless you sir.

IS THE USE OF CARD READERS CONSTITUTIONAL IN NIGERIA?

INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega while addressing Senators yesterday, said he has sound legal advice that these of card readers for the process of accreditation does not negate the provisions of of Section 49 and Section 52 (1B) of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended. He went ahead to explain that the process of accreditation is different from the actual voting justifying his claim by saying that the law only prohibited electronic voting and not electronic accreditation.

My question is was there a provision for card reader in Section 49 of the Electoral Act 2010 which spelt out the procedure for clearing or accrediting a voter?

For emphasis sake the provisions of the section is hereby reproduced;

49.-( I ) A person intending to vote with his voter's card, shall present himself to a Presiding Officer at the polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered with his voter's card.
(2 ) The Presiding Officer shall ,on being satisfied that the name of the person is on the register of voters, issue him a ballot paper and indicate on the Register that the person has voted.

What's your take on this?

Umeh Road to be Commissioned February 14 - Uduaghan


Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has announced that the newly completed Umeh Road in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State will be commissioned on Saturday 14th February 2015.

The Governor stated this in a post he personally made on Umeh Need Road Forum on Facebook, a Social Media Advocacy Group led by Barrister Duncan Afahokor. The Governor said in view of the postponement of elections on that date by INEC it has become very imperative that the much cherished Umeh road be commissioned on that very significant day.

According to Dr Uduaghan, "February 14th 2015 has been destined to be a significant date in history. Now that INEC has freed that date, we shall use it to commission Umeh road. Detail arrangements will be communicated by the appropriate officials. God bless Nigeria."

The 7.6 km Umeh Road was awarded to Construction Giants, Setraco Nigeria Limited at an initial cost of N3.62billion for a period of 18 months was initially delayed by floods which ravaged coastal communities in the state in 2012.

Governor Uduaghan in an interview during an unscheduled inspection of the project commended the people of Umeh for ensuring that the construction company’s operations were not hampered reiterating his commitment towards serving the people of the state selflessly.[/b][b]

DTHA 2015: OKWAGBE COMMUNITY ENDORSES IZEZE


Okwagbe waterside community in Ughelli South Local Government has unanimously and ubiquitously endorsed the candidacy of Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze as member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly in the April 11 general elections.

The women, youths and men of Okwagbe Community came in their numbers to welcome Comrade Izeze and his entourage while singing songs of praise and acceptance. They acknowledged that they have been hearing of Izeze's kindness towards students, youths, women empowerment & scholarship.

The Chairman of the community, Mr. Felix Apheghe thanked Comrade Izeze for coming to see them told the Campaign Organization that Okwagbe Community have no other candidate than Izeze becauseby they have been seeing the good things he has been doing for the women and youths even when he has not been in any elective position. He thereafter pledged unflinching support of the community to his election bid.

Comrade Izeze in his response promised to work with other government agencies to influence a model market for Okwagbe community and challenged them to vote PDP in all the elections because he requires the support of all the candidates in other positions to work effectively.

Comrade Izeze was accompanied by the Chairman of the Reuben Izeze Campaign Organization Barrister Edewor Omonemu and other members of the Campaign organization.

Delta must be peaceful throughout the elections

Deltans will vote massively for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa

WARRI BRT PROJECT NOT ABANDONED - UDUAGHAN

Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan of Delta State has debunked insinuations that the Warri Effurun BRT project has been abandoned. Dr. Uduaghan explained that the project was halted as a result of financial challenges, adding that the other challenge encountered is that of the outer lane expansion to enable commuters drive through it freely, stressing that work on the project will recommence next week. The governor gave the explanation during a breakfast meeting he had with newsmen at his private residence in Warri, Delta State.

"We have not abandoned the Project. The project only suffered financial challenges occasioned by the fall in Oil Prices which made our budget to be unrealistic.

"Another challenge with the project is the need to expand the outer lane to enable commuters drive freely. However, work on the project will recommence next week." He said

When asked what his administration is doing to clean up Warri and its environs after perceived illegal structures were demolished last year, the governor said he has no regret for the demolition of all illegal structures, stating that the streets in Warri are now cleaner.

On waste management, Dr. Uduaghan assured that the state government has ordered the procurement of big dust bins for people living in Delta State to dispose their waste properly.

DTHA 2015: HOW IZEZE FORAYED INTO UGHELLI SOUTH HINTERLANDS

*As campaign team visits Etefe and Omafuwe communities.


In his avowed determination to deliver his party in the February 2015 General Elections, the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate for Delta State House of Assembly Ughelli South Constituency Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze has continued his political expedition into the hinterlands of Ughelli South Local Government Area in a bid to bring the transformation and prosperity good news of the PDP at Federal and State to the people.

With a zestful energy and vigour Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze has proved that he is not just a Comrade but a dedicated one whose interest is entirely the welfare of members of his Constituency. The Campaign team had to trek for several hours into the remotest parts of Ughelli South just to bring the good news of hope to the people of those areas who have long been abandoned.

At Etefe community, the team was received by the community Chairman Mr. Godwin Apole who assured Izeze and his team that the community was honored to have them in their midst.
"Because you have come this far to see us. We will ensure your party wins 100% here."
Comrade Izeze had earlier thanked the community for their reception and promised not to forget them when he gets to the House of Assembly.

"I thank you for receiving us well. We have seen what your challenges are and I can assure you that when we get to Asaba by God's grace we will not forget you."

The Campaign organization was also at Omafuwe community where the campaign team were treated to a rousing reception by school pupils and some parents. The community expressed delight over the role played by Comrade Izeze in influencing school desks in their primary school.

They welcomed Izeze and his team with plantain, fish and other food items, while Mr. Peter Ughellicha decamped from APC to PDP in apparent appreciation of the kind disposition of Comrade Reuben Izeze to the affairs of their community.

Mr Vote Ughellicha, the Omafuwe community chairman pledged the support of the community to the PDP and assured that the community will vote en masse for all PDP Candidates so as to attract development to their community.

The Izeze Campaign team has indeed set the pace for an all encompassing and robust campaign targeted at reaching out to all the hinterlands of Ughelli South. From the experiences so far, it is not out of place to forecast that victory is sure for the team having worked so hard to reach out to the people right at their door steps.

DTHA 2015: Olodiama Community in Ughelli South pledges support for Izeze


The people of Olodiama, a riverine community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has pledged their unalloyed support towards the election of Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze and other PDP Candidates in the forthcoming general elections in February.

This was contained in address read by the Chairman of the Community Mr Gabriel Oghenebrorhien on behalf of the community when the Reuben Izeze Campaign Organization visited the community at the Community hall as part of their campaigns to ask the good people of Olodiama for support.

Comrade Izeze in his speech urged the people to vote PDP in all the elections as the party is the only stable and visible party that has the interest of the people at heart. He said his desire to represent the people of Ughelli South was born out of the desire to contribute his quota to the development of his people.

He assured the people of Olodiama that when he is elected, he will use his office to make laws and move relevant motions that will uplift the living standards of the people.

Comrade Izeze received prayers of support and solidarity from the elderly man in the community. He was accompanied on the visit by Chairman of Comrade Reuben Izeze campaign Organization Hon. Barrister Edewor Omonemu, Olorogun Benson Itietie amongst others.

IZEZE CAMPAIGN TRAIN BERTHS AT EWU-URHOBO


The campaign train of the PDP standard flag bearer for Delta State House of Assembly Ughelli South Constituency Com. Reuben Rume Izeze has berthed at Ewu-Urhobo Town in Ughelli South Local Government.

Ewu-Urhobo the home town of the late Distinguished Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido stood still as the campaign train visited the town. Comrade Izeze while addressing the unprecedented turn out of the people, promised to give his best by the grace of God when elected into the Delta State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Ughelli-South LGA.

"I am very delighted to be here today and to witness this show of love and support from the good people of my late Leader and mentor Senator Pius Akpo Ewherido.

"I know Ughelli South had the best of representation when my late leader Senator Ewherido was in the House of Assembly and later to the Senate.

"By the grace of God and with your support, we shall represent you well." he said

Com. Izeze also charged the people of Ewu to ensure they collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) so as to make them eligible to vote for PDP at all levels.

The chairman of Ewu town, Hon. Ogaga Etaga who noted that Comrade Izeze is a household name in Ewu Kingdom promised on behalf of the good people of Ewu to give 100% vote for PDP in all the elections come 14th & 28th February, 2015.

Comrade Izeze was accompanied on the visit by Chairman of the Reuben Izeze Campaign Organization Hon. Barr. Edewor Omonemu as well as Olorogun Benson Itietie among others.

Uduaghan condemns attack on Senator Manager


ASABA - DELTA State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has condemned in strong terms the attack on the convoy of Senator James Manager at the PDP campaign rally in Patani and Bomadi.

Dr Uduaghan condemned the attack while making his speech at the Fundraising Dinner for PDP Delta State Governorship Candidate Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa which held at the Nnebisi Hall, Grand Hotels, Asaba.

"I want to condemn in very strong terms the attack on the convoy of Distinguished Senator James Manager. This kind of ugly situation should not happen again.

"We are committed to peaceful campaign, peaceful elections, and peaceful victory

"I appeal to our leaders to caution their followers, and to ensure that they abide by the ethical standards and violence free campaigns.

"For those who fails to listen, they should be chained down.

"Let me assure every PDP member that we are doing everything possible to make sure we win every elections beginning from the Presidency to House of Assembly in Delta State.

"However we need to double our efforts and close our ranks because together and collectively we can win our elections.

"Our candidate have the credentials and he is marketable. When you have a good candidate you can market him very well but when you have a bad and unqualified candidate it becomes very difficult to market."

Delta North deserves the governorship position. Let's support them.

There should be more enlightenment campaigns to let the people know the importance of collecting their PVCs

The Government should revoke and sue any contractor found wanting after collecting mobilization funds.

Izeze Receives Party Flag, Promises Vibrant Representation


A former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan on protocols Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze has been presented with the PDP Party flag to run as the standard bearer of the party for the Delta State House of Assembly, Ughelli South Constituency.

The Delta State Chairman of the PDP Chief Edwin Uzor made the presentation at a massive rally in Oghara the headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government to flag-off campaigns by the Delta State PDP.

Com. Izeze in chat with newsmen after the presentation said he was delighted to be presented the party's flag as the Candidate of the party in the general election.

"I thank God for the opportunity granted me today by our great party to represent the good people of Ughelli South at the Delta State House of Assembly.

"We are products of the struggle. We are not here by accident. We have been on ground right from our undergraduate days.

"Essentially the job of a lawmaker is to make laws, we will make laws that will encourage public private partnerships.

"We must encourage emphasis on technical education so that our graduates and undergraduates can acquire skills that will make them self reliant. He said .

Comrade Izeze also described the Delta State PDP Gubernatorial candidate Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as the most accessible politician he has ever come across.

"Senator Okowa's greatest strength is in his accessibility."

The Presentation of party flag to Comrade Reuben Izeze finally laid to rest the rumors which made the rounds over his alleged substitution.

Pomp and Pageantry as Chief Hon. Evang Johnson Boro clocks 65


It was pomp and pageantry as Chief Hon. Evang. Johnson Boro a former Commissioner on the board of DESOPADEC marked his 65 years birthday anniversary at his Effurun GRA Residence.

An elated Evang Boro gave thanks to God for protecting his life and for granting him good health to mark his 65th birthday.

Johnson Boro who is also Convener of Ughievwen Political Assembly (UPA) thanked the invited guests for finding time to grace the occasion despite their busy schedules.

Dignitaries present include PDP Candidate in the 2015 Delta State House of Assembly Ughelli South Constituency Com. Reuben Rume Izeze, Chairman PDP Ughelli South Chapter Chief F. O. Aguonigho, Secretary Ughievwen traditional council Olorogun Benson Itietie, Chairman OTU-Jeremi community Dr Eric Sajini among others.

Highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cake assistant by Children, friends and well wishers.

IT IS OUR YEAR OF GOD'S DIVINE INTERVENTION - IZEZE

THE People's Democratic Party Candidate for the 2015 Delta State House of Assembly Ughelli South Constituency Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze has congratulated the good people of Ughelli South on the triumphant entry into the year 2015 which he has tagged our year of God's divine intervention.

In his new year message, Com. Izeze thanked the good people of Ughelli South for their support and prayers so far and urged them to continue in that light as 2015 holds a better future for them.

"In this year of electioneering it is our hope that God will lift Ughelli South and all its people from glory to glory.

"This year is our year of God's divine intervention, it is my prayer therefore that God will continue to intervene in every aspect of our lives in Jesus name. Amen!

Once more congratulations and wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year.

OKOWA'S EMERGENCE AS PDP GUBER CANDIDATE AN ACT OF GOD - ISHIEKWENE


A PDP Stalwart and former Chairmanship aspirant for Ukwuani Local Government Hon. Basil Ishiekwene has described the emergence of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate as an act of God.

Hon. Ishiekwene stated this while speaking to newsmen recently. The PDP stalwart therefore urged all party faithful to rally round Senator Okowa to ensure that the PDP wins the election come February 2014.

"Senator Okowa's emergence as candidate of the party is a welcome development because it goes to show that only credible politicians with massive grassroots support can win elections.

"Senator Okowa has garnered lots of experience from his days as a Secretary to Local Government, Chairman, Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and now distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic where he has performed excellently well by making good laws especially the recent Health Bill recently signed into law and attracting development projects to Delta North Senatorial District.

"It is my honor and privilege therefore to call on all party faithful especially those who didn't support him before the primaries to shun tribal sentiments and political interests to support this man who has promised prosperity for all Deltans." he said.

It was a primary election and in all elections only one candidate must emerge and Okowa has emerged so let's support him to deliver prosperity to all Deltans.

According to Hon. Ishiekwene, Senator Okowa has long been preparing for the Governorship race and has since been providing job empowerment for all Deltans and not Delta North alone. He described Senator Okowa as a detribalized Deltan that can be relied on to deliver on his promises.

Uduaghan presents Delta’s N327bn 2015 budget



Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Wednesday presented a budget proposal of N327.68bn the 2015 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly in Asaba.

Uduaghan said the estimate contained a recurrent expenditure of N161.6bn and N166.07bn capital estimates, representing 49.32 and 50.68 per cents respectively.

He added that the 2015 proposed budget was lower than the 2014 fiscal estimates by N123.05bn, explaining that the decrease was occasioned by the fall in the price of crude oil at the international market.

Sectoral breakdown of the capital estimates revealed that a lion share of N50.32bn, representing 30.3 per cent is allocated to the economic sector, followed by the social, general administration and environmental sectors while the sum of N34bn is voted for the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.