₦airaland Forum

2019: Those running for governor in Delta can’t match me —Okowa

Festus Ahon & Perez Brisibe

Ughelli – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, yesterday, took a swipe at those with the intention of contesting the governorship election of the state with him come 2019, insisting that none of them has the capability or experience to match him in the race.

Okowa, in Ughelli during the Delta Central mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to welcome over 5,000 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and other political parties who defected to the PDP, said,

“We do not talk too much, ours is to work and the people are seeing that. Otherwise, if they present any of them who want to run for governor of Delta State, they know they can’t, because they do not have the experience and those who are supposed to have the experience, have many issues and still can’t match me knowing, I know Delta State more”

The event, attended by PDP faithful from the eight local government areas in Delta Central Senatorial District had in attendance, chieftains of the party from Delta South and North.

Okowa, who addressed the crowd, said, “I commend the decampees. The next one is in Kwale because we will be receiving a very big fish there. We would also go to Delta South even though we all know that APC is not even on ground in Delta South and the handful that are there, we will be receiving them into the PDP.

“I thank the people of Delta Central because we know that elections for us are normally difficult here, though we normally win here, it is normally difficult but this time, it won’t be difficult at all.

“With the class of people that have joined us today, election victory won’t be difficult here at all. There are some who say they are national chairman, who talks too much.”

On his part, the state PDP chairman, Mr Kingsley Esiso said the rally was an avenue to consolidate on the candidature of Governor Okowa for a second term in office, adding “We in Delta Central have agreed to vote for Okowa again.”

Joyful tears as Mrs Okowa pays N5.1m for 25 needy patients

Delta First Lady Dame Edith Okowa signing off the payment of hospital bills for indigent patients

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

It was an emotional day for many indigent patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Delta State as the wife of the state Governor, Dame Edith Okowa facilitated the payment of bills of 25 patients who were set for discharge but could not pay.

At a ceremony in Asaba, tagged “International Day of Charity”, Mrs Okowa raised a total of five million, one hundred thousand naira (N5.1 million) from good spirited Nigerians in Delta to pay the bills of the poor patients.

Some of the beneficiaries of the kind gesture could not hold back tears as they danced and jumped upon hearing their names on the list of those whose bills had been paid.

A number of the patients had been in the hospital for several moths receiving treatments and have remained in the hospital for more months after being discharged due to their inability to pay their bills.

Some of the patients were owing almost five hundred thousand Naira. Mrs Promise Lazarus who was attacked by her husband could not hold back tears over the gesture of Dame Okowa.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Promise Lazarus was a victim of domestic violence: she was attacked by her husband with a machete in February and was admitted to the Hospital for six months.

Upon being discharged, she was unable to pay her bill of N492,000 and had to remain in the hospital until the State First Lady came to her rescue with the charity programme.

Another beneficiary who wept uncontrollable, not only had her bill of N346, 800 paid but was handed to an associate of Dame Okowa as she had nowhere to go from the hospital.

Another beneficiary whose bills were paid and she was given accommodation

Speaking at the event, Mrs Okowa told the patients and management of the hospital that all the money came from good spirited Nigerians and not from the state government.
She said that the gesture is part of the Charity Day which is commomerated on September 5th to reach out to the poor.

For her, the reach out to indigent patients in the hospital was a way to increase solidarity, social responsibility, volunteerism and public support.

Mr Okowa stressed that the event was also aimed at raising public awareness on the need for charity work, noting that being alive does not necessarily mean ‘we are the best but what we do today is what we will reap tomorrow.’

“It is not only the rich that should give help but every Nigerian should give because giving is a spirit that should be imbibed by all human beings.

The Delta First Lady said that she derived her passion to give from a passage in the Holy Bible: Matthew Chapter 25: 35 – 36 which said ‘I was hungry and ye gave me meat, I was thirsty and ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye took me in, naked and ye clothed me, I was in prison and ye came to me.”

She commended the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, for treating patients first without demanding monies.
For the Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Victor Osiatuma, he commended Dame Okowa for her charity works across the state, and affecting the lives of many.

He recalled that Mrs Okowa had initiated many programmes to help the poor, including building sickle centres, free health programmes and her charity works.

“Last year, specifically, September 5, 2017, the governor’s wife also, through the pet project, 05 initiative, spent over N2.3million to bail out 13 patients who also could not pay their medical bills at the same hospital,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries include: Chukwunyem Esther, N310, 850; Chukwudi Joshua, N135, 700; Okolie Ifeanyi, N439, 200; Ubong Kingsley, N307, 050 and Onwugbolu Sunday, N221, 000.

Others are; Oki John, 422, 000; Obi Jerry, N216, 350; Obianke Onyisi-Ken, N171; 850; Okoh Patrick, N597, 700 and Edhu Ejiro, N160, 850.

Responding, a beneficiaries Mrs. Promise Lazarus, expressed happiness over the gesture.

She thanked the governor’s wife, the people of Delta state and the management of the Federal Medical Centre for their magnanimity to her and other patients.

Over 5000 APC Decampees Empty Into PDP In Delta Central
... okowa, Esiso Say PDP Will Have Smooth Sail To Victory In 2019

No fewer than five thousand Politicians Today (12/09/2018), decamped from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) .

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Kingsley Esiso while receiving the defectors, observed that PDP will have a smooth sail to victory in the 2019 general elections.

The decampees who were from different local government areas that made up Delta Central Senatorial District peopled largely by the Urhobos, were received at a mega political rally held at the Ughelli Township Stadium, Ughelli, Ughelli North local government area of the state.

Col. Morrison Ideh, Chief Edward Ofomona, Chief Ochuko Johnson, Chief Reuben Oteri, Chief Samuel Umunedi, were among those who led their followers to join the PDP.
According to Governor Okowa, "it is a thing of joy that those who we described as big fish in the opposition have come to join us in the PDP."
"With these persons that have joined us today, it is a smooth victory for PDP in 2019," the governor said, adding, "we are with God, we are with the people, we are not deceiving people, we tell our people the truth, we are working with our people."
He asserted, "for the 2019 elections, we will hold on to our units and wards, we will not allow anybody to intimidate us, we will win the next election clearly with the massive support we have."
Governor Okowa commended those who decamped to the PDP, disclosing that with the work his administration was doing in the state, the few persons remaining in opposition political parties will join the PDP before the 2019 general elections.

Chairman of the PDP, Barr. Esiso, stated, "Governor Okowa is working, we believe in the principle of rotation of the governorship seat, Governor Okowa will complete his eight years, we cannot be intimidated."

"Nigerians are tired of APC government, they are tired of hunger, we must have a President of PDP extraction in Aso Rock in 2019, today is to tell the world that the people of Delta Central are fully in support of Governor Okowa in 2019," he said, emphasising, "we cannot follow a political rascal that will come to us every four years to deceive us, we will never accept those who will go to Abuja to disgrace us."

Col. Morrison Ideh, Chief Edward Ofomona, Chief Ochuko Johnson, Chief Reuben Oteri, Chief Samuel Umunedi, in their separate speeches, disclosed that they were attracted to the PDP by the leadership style of Governor Okowa's administration, especially in the delivery of democratic dividends across the state.

They stated that their movement to the PDP signaled the death of opposition political parties in the state, noting that ahead of 2019 general elections, Deltans should rally round the governor to give him 100 per cent votes in appreciation of good leadership.

THANK YOU GOV. IFEANYI OKOWA/HON DR. TONYE TIMI Ph.D

All Thanks To The Working Governor Of Delta State His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa For The Approval Of Abari-Asaba-Ase Road In Patani Local Government Area. Also Worthy Of Commendation Is Hon Dr. (Alaowei) Tonye Timi Ph.D, Member Representing The Good People Of Patani Constituency. Who In His Capacity Did Everything Possible For The Company To Commence Work Even When The State Government Is Yet To Mobilise Them To Site.

KUDOS TO THE SMART AGENDA GOVERNOR
KUDOS TO OUR COMMITTED MEMBER DR. TONYE TIMI
KUDOS TO PATANI LGA FOR THE UNWAVERING SUPPORT TO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY PDP.

2019: Neighbourhood 2 Neighbourhood mobilizes grassroots support for Okowa

ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

AHEAD of the 2019 governorship election in Delta State, Neighbourhood 2 Neighbourhood Campaign is set to mobilise grassroots support for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his second term bid.

Speaking with newsmen in Asaba during weekend, the Coordinator of Neighbourhood 2 Neighbourhood Campaign (# N2N Okowa 2019) who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Hon. Jonathan Adiotomre, said that the campaign train for Governor Okowa’s re-election would get to all the nooks and crannies of Delta State.

Adiotomre maintained that Okowa has performed beyond expectations in the last three years, in the face of paucity of funds as evident in the massive infrastructural development across the state.

Describing the Governor as a pragmatic, visionary and detribalized leader, he said that his administrative prowess and prudent management of resources have impacted positively on the lives of Deltans and the economy of the state.

“We are going to embark on aggressive door to door, Neighbourhood 2 Neighbourhood campaign for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s re-election come 2019.” We will reach out to every household across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State”, he asserted.

Adiotomre listed the achievements of Governor Okowa to include the ongoing Water Storm Drainage project in Asaba and other projects that dot the landscape of the three senatorial districts of the state, saying that the Governor was God sent at the critical time of the nation’s economic quagmire to pilot the affairs of Delta State.

He added that the SMART Agenda of the present administration is on course, saying that Deltans had never had it so good. To this end, he called on Deltans to redouble their support for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and work assiduously for his return to the Government House, Asaba in 2019, saying that one good term deserving another.

Adiotomre contended that the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2019 will herald more dividends of democracy for all Deltans as encapsulated in the SMART Agenda.

Read more at:

DELTA APC: NOW A CONGLOMERATE OF SNEAKY ALLIES, PERSECUTORS AND CONMEN?

OLOMU ONYIYE.

My choice of the title above is deliberate. I couldn't really find something more appropriate than to play on the words ' ALLIES, PERSECUTORS and then CONMEN as a caricature representation of Delta APC towards its own as a Party.

Well, as to the assertion above, if anyone is in doubt, Chief Emerhor is available for the asking.

As an untrustworthy ally, Delta APC had from the beginning of its existence effusively courted Chief Emerhor as a new bride.

Afterall, it was Chief Emerhor' s money that was their war -chest deployed into every political battle.

So it was then that when an Emerhor withheld his resources, failure loomed and overtook APC in every election. To even the Local Government Elections held earlier this year, Emerhor was the indisputable party leader calling the shots.

But all that has changed now. As expected, Delta APC has stepped up its game to the next level as the adversarial Persecutor.

By the way, let me quickly interject by saying this: it is only the unwary and forgetful Deltan that should be swayed by the fictitious post as spewed by one faceless Tejiri Franklin wherein he alleged that Gov Okowa is giving Chief Emerhor's Standard Assurance Company a whopping sum of N9billion for the latter to help the Governor sway the votes in his favour come 2019. How puerile and nonsensical!

Whereas before now when it was acknowledged that Emerhor still had some political clout in his Party, Gov Okowa did not ' bribe' him, should it be now that he has be deposed as the Party leader into a state of helpless tenancy that Gov Okowa will be flying to Lagos to appeal to him for a lifeline?

Moreover,is it the Governor who still being conversant with the fact that inspite of their ranting, that Delta APC remains a paper tiger in the political terrain of the State, that will bother to go that far in squandering the hard-earned money of Delta State on an unreliable opposition desperado?

If one may ask further, is it Governor Okowa that also coerced the Delta APC chieftains, stalwarts and elders who went en mass to appeal to Chief Emerhor to both contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat and to help salvage the Party from the iron grip of the late entrant who are currently driving their Party to the precipice?

Anyway, such propaganda is not new.

Except that the operators of APC might sometimes be suffering from acute memory loss or asphyxiation, they ought to remember that they also made same allegations against Chief Ogboru ( their latest and newly-found bride)who they alleged incessantly before now, to be on the payroll of the PDP and Gov Okowa in the conspiracy to dwindle their political and electoral fortunes.

Therefore, as the Delta APC moves hysterically and in disarray towards the 2019 Elections, it's only normal that the likes of Chief Emerhor will get conned or trampled upon- without recourse to any of their immense contributions to the sustenance of the Party.

This is the case especially when it is already now ascertained that Chief Emerhor has fallen out of favour with the APC Federal Arm; that arm on which his State Chapter is desperately clinging to for some electoral miracles...did I even hear someone say---some electoral abracadabra?

ETHIOPE FEDERAL 2019: THE RIGHT TIME; THE RIGHT MAN – THINK HON. BEN IGBAKPA

It is just a few more days to the PDP primaries and many aspirants are already putting the final touches to their campaigns. But as the day for the primaries draw closer, there is a strong grip of anxiety and bewilderment, both in the minds of the contenders and the delegates. The primaries are more than just giving and receiving votes. They are moments where the delegates search their sense of right and wrong and cast for who they believe can create the required chances of progress, because politics is about the associated ideology, orientation and competence of the one vying for elective position. They are the moments that shape the future of people because that is when their leaders are nominated.

In politics, there are those who March in the same direction as everyone else without the urge to influence proceedings. These are the conservatives. There are also those who do things differently to change the course of human history. These are the free spirits and freethinkers. Their curiosity causes them to press for improvements in the most complicated places and situations. They are naturally disposed to find solutions because they are innately endowed with the abilities to steer and superintend over the affairs of society, in the manner that deflects the pressure, stress and frustrations from the people.

Ethiope Federal Constituency has been marching along in what has been a quaint and often odd salute to old-fashioned sociopolitical and leadership style, while most Federal Constituencies in the country are in the advanced stages of measuring their modernity.

Hon. Ben Igbakpa has emerged, as the leading contender for Ethiope Federal Constituency seat, to review and amend the practical conditions; crack the legislative codes that continue to restrain and frustrate the people's desire for progressive strides.

Igbakpa is presently esteemed globally as someone who is responsible for tremendous leap in the management of sustainable development and people-oriented programmes, including infrastructures.

Igbakpa is very articulate and expressive, which means that when the wishes of the people is actualized by virtue of his victory, Ethiope Federal Constituency will not have a voiceless representative, but an unfaltering silver-tongue Representative who will always speak for the concerns of the people, and re-sensitize their expectations towards the push for an equitable and responsible leadership.

It is very important to support Hon. Ben Igbakpa because of his integrity, dedication, excellence, and inclination to transform the sociopolitical landscape of Ethiope Federal Constituency. It is not rocket science that any society that pushes its best minds forward will accumulate successes and disappoint the devil himself.

- Lewis Ebode

#TeamIgbakpa
#EthiopeFederal2019
#Okiemute2019
#TimeforEthiopeRenewal

The hour has come to woo back investors to Urhobo Nation and introduce new investors to the various communities based on their comparatively advantages.

#ISupportUrhoboEconomicand InvestmentSummit.
#Ekpobaro2018
Powered by: Urhobo Economic and Investment Group

X-RAYING ASABA CAA 2018: WITH CHIEF SOLOMON OGBA

Delta State New Media

In an expository interview with the Delta New Media Team, Chief Solomon Ogba, chairman LOC Asaba 2018, bared his mind on the success of the event and the attendant criticism by a few who have chosen to always dwell on negligible skirmishes in their comments and reportage of all that transpired during the hosting.

He stated that the choice of Asaba as the host of the competition, being a historic city in Nigeria was timely. According to him, for the fact that Asaba is neither the Capital Territory nor the commercial capital of Nigeria, there would always be such negative perceptions that have been on display from some quarters. He however noted that such complaints have always accompanied hosting events of this magnitude.

In his response to report from some quarters that Tanzania withdrew from the competition due to poor planning by the LOC, Chief Ogba, stated that Tanzania didn't register at all for the competition; as such, couldn't have had any dealings with the LOC. He explained that the water tanker that collapsed metres away from the stadium could have been due to pressure of time on the contractor to deliver the project.

With regard to transportation, he noted that Lagos was not the venue for the competition but Asaba. He noted that the LOC made provision for accommodation in Ibis hotels and Novotel, in Lagos, for countries that could not easily get their connecting flights to Asaba. He however cited the proactive approach of the Ethiopia contingent who landed in Enugu and travelled by road to Asaba. He shared his previous experience of waiting in an airport for 9 hours before being taken to Marrakesh where the event was hosted. He quipped that such experiences would always play out.

While reacting to the perception held by some public figures that the stadium was a waste of tax payers money, he simply said that "Critics will always be Critics". He noted that most of the criticisms were based on hearsay and arm-chair theory, which actually did not reflect the true situation that played out.

He emphasised that Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa should rather be appreciated for rescuing our country from the shame of losing our hosting right after Lagos declined to continue.

Continuing, he said that the hosting of the event by Delta State should be applauded by objective Nigerians, especially those that witnessed the event, rather than adopting this political appraisal being bandied about.

Still speaking, he thanked God for the clement weather and opined that nature actually responded positively to the commitment of the Governor and the LOC.

In response to the socio-economic impact of the stadium to the state, Chief Ogba noted that it would provide a standard training facility for sports men and women in the state; it would also facilitate some ambitious initiatives into new sporting activities. He informed our team that the Nigeria VS Libya Nations Cup qualifying match in October, would be hosted in Asaba.

He further said that a committee would be set up to ensure proper management of the edifice. He noted that there were plans by the incumbent administration to revive the Warri and Sapele stadia.

He appreciated Gov. Okowa for giving out price money to athletes and transport subsidy to participating countries which according to him, was the first of its kind in the history of the competition.

Journalists reject political plot against Asaba 2018

A group of Nigerian sports journalists have rejected proposals by a top politician in Delta State (name withheld) to escalate negative publicity against the on-going Asaba 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships, describing the campaign as bad politics and a disservice to the nation and the government and people of the state.

The plot was uncovered on Thursday morning on which an agent of the politician was said to have invited some journalists to a private home in Asaba and he attempted to induce them to sustain criticisms on the state government and organisers of the championship, playing on the handling of connection flights for athletes from Lagos to Asaba.

The Delta North politician, a three-time member, high-ranked Principal Officer of the State House of Assembly till 2014 and a gubernatorial aspirant in the opposition party was said to have also latched on the minor incident of the collapse of a small water tank at the back end of the stadium to argue that the contractors appointed by Governor Okowa to complete the construction did a bad job and that the former contractor who handled the job under former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan would have done a better job.

The meeting went awry as the journalists judged that they were trying to suck them into a political plot to de-market the event and achievement of the state. They thus walked out and reported the attempt to some of their senior colleagues.

“It was very sad, indeed,” complained one of the journalists who attended the meeting.

“They called a few of us that somebody wanted to address us on the event but when we got to the place, we discovered that wanted to play politics with us. We are sports journalists and not political associates. We are in Asaba to cover the competition and not to play anybody’s politics. The man said they had worked with some other journalists to publicise the lapses on some television stations from last Tuesday with high impact on Thursday morning and wants us in the print media sustain the criticisms through the period of the event.”

“Why should we do that? We have been to several international events and none is perfect. It is true that there were hitches and they were well reported but the organisers had also responded with measures to sort things out. Why then should we continue to dwell on them when the games have taken a good shape, the affected athletes have put the issues behind them and are happily competing, the spectators are excited at the spectacle of an international event with delegations of over fifty countries in their town?”

“Governor Okowa has pulled off a major feat by completing the stadium which we know has been a problem for years, to the extent that the former governor resorted to prayers over the abandonment of the project by several contractors.”

“The most curious part is that we discovered the politician even fronted a company that had contract on the stadium but he embezzled the money and abandoned the project and nobody could do him anything because he was a big politician, until Okowa came and reorganised to deliver the project as we have it today. And, rather than being proud of what Delta State has achieved and the multiplier social and economic benefits, not only in hosting the championship but in having a unique stadium by which the NFF is already contemplating the national teams to play in Asaba, he is plotting to undermine the progress of his people for political reasons.”

“Shouldn’t they cover their face with shame after they had severally embezzled money on the stadium for over 15 years and their new governor comes to actualise it within one year? We all know that Okowa committed to completing the stadium in June 2017 and by July 2018 the stadium was ready and now hosting a continental event? How can we disregard this achievement and dwell on a few organizational lapses that have been resolved when we know that the facility is a legacy that will continue to inspire the youth and the development of sports?”

Okowa Bags NOC Merit Award
... Says Award Will Inspire Him To Do More

FOR his outstanding roles in the development of sports in the country, Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has bagged Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Merit Award.
In a colourful award ceremony held in Asaba Saturdaynight, President of NOC, Engr Habu Gumel personally presented the award to the governor at the ceremony which also, saw such notables personalities as Rt. Hon. Sir Adetokumbo Ademola, Sir Awotire Eleyae, late Alhaji Babayo Shehu, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, Sir Isaac Uwadialelkhuoria, among others receiving awards at the ceremony.
Governor Okowa thanked God for using him as an instrument for the development of sports and urged government at all levels to be committed to the development of sports.
According to the governor, "I must truly thank the President of NOC for the award given to me, it will spur me to talk about sports and encourage the development of sports."
"We should get more committed to our athletes and sports development and I believe that government can drag the private sector to support the development of sports because, with the support of government and the private sector, our sports men and women can do more," the governor said, adding, "I thank the organizers of this award, it is very instructive and very heartwsrming to get the award done because there is no one who does not like to be appreciated for his good deeds, I believe with this awards, we have encouraged our sports men and women or encouraged their children to continue with strides; we should have a space to continue to appreciate those who have won laurels for us both locally and internationally."
The governor used the occasion to also appreciate those who have contributed to the success story of the African Atheletics Championship.

He noted that, "this championship has greatly touched the economy of this city and our state, but beyond that, sports is a unifying factor and many of our young ones will be encouraged to go into sports and use sports to better their lives; there is nothing you spend in sports that is a waste."
Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Adesola Olusade said Governor Okowa has distinguished himself as a patriotic Nigeria by making it possible for Asaba to host the Senior Athletics Championships and commended the NOC for recognising talents that have contributed to the development of sports in the country.
Engr. Gumel commended the committee that selected the award recipients recognising men and women who have won gold for the country and congratulated Governor Okowa for the successful hosting of the Asaba 2018.

PDP Prepared To Rescue Nigeria -Okowa

DELTA State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has welcomed the defection of Benue
State Governor, Samuel Ortom and All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that their action is an indication that the PDP is prepared to rescue Nigeria from the present state of affairs.
In a statement in Asaba yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa congratulated the National Chairman and leadership of the PDP for the proactive steps taken so far in repositioning
the party.
According to the governor: “I congratulate members
and leaders of the PDP on the defections and abandonment of the APC by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the members of the National Assembly. “The defections have clearly shown to the entire world that the APC lack the capacity to manage
a political party, and indeed a government and this explains why the people now look up to the PDP to rescue the country and put it on the path of good governance for our people.
Governor Okowa commended the defectors for the courage they have exhibited in abandoning “the sinking
ship.” He stressed that the defections signify a vote of no confidence on the APC led government and that the 2019 election will be a referendum of how the APC shattered the expectations of Nigerians.
He added: “The decision of a significant number of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives
to leave the APC and decamp into the PDP clearly indicates that there is hope that the country will be rescued from the misrule of the APC government.
The governor congratulated the PDP for positioning
itself as a suitable alternative for the defectors. He emphasised that the choice of the PDP as a preferred destination for them is an affirmation of the kind of leadership the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has provided since assuming office.
Governor Okowa further encouraged other governors
and lawmakers to consider joining the PDP as the party is set on a mission to rescue Nigeria.

The Road Master again.

Riverine Ayakoromo community Bridge in progress. We can now go to Burutu by road!

Gov Okowa is working.

ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

PDP STAKEHOLDERS MEETING, DELTA STATE

DATE: TUESDAY, 31ST JULY, 2018.

TIME: 11:00AM PROMPT

VENUE: UNITY HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA.

THOSE INVITED:

1. THE GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

2. FORMER GOVERNORS AND DEPUTY GOVERNORS.

3. SERVING AND FORMER PDP MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

4. SERVING AND FORMER PDP MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

5. FORMER PDP MINISTERS, SPECIAL ADVISERS, FEDERAL BOARD CHAIRMEN AND HEADS OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AND PARASTATALS.

6. SERVING AND FORMER NEC, BOT, ZONAL EXCO MEMBERS.

7. SERVING MEMBERS OF THE PDP STATE EXCO AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE STATE WORKING COMMITTEE.

8. SERVING AND FORMER LGA PARTY CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES.

9. SERVING AND FORMER COMMISSIONERS, CHAIRMEN OF BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS.

10. SERVING AND FORMER LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL CHAIRMEN.

11. ALL PDP ASPIRANTS FOR SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE AND STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

NOTE:
ASPIRANTS MUST NOT COME WITH THEIR SUPPORTERS AND
NO PASTING OF POSTERS OR CAMPAIGN MATERIALS•

SIGNED:

OLOROGUN (BARR.) KINGSLEY ESISO
STATE CHAIRMAN

Where is my Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, we call him the road master. Road construction cut across the 25 LGA of Delta State.

DEFECTIONS: Okowa congratulates PDP, welcomes Ortom, NASS members

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has welcomed the defection of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and All Progressive Congress (APC) lawmakers to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that their action is an indication that the PDP is prepared to rescue Nigeria from the present state of affairs.

In a statement in Asaba on Thursday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Gov. Okowa congratulated the National Chairman and leadership of the PDP for the proactive steps taken so far in repositioning the party.

According to the Governor: "I congratulate members and leaders of the PDP on the defections and abandonment of the APC by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the members of the National Assembly.

“The defections have clearly shown to the entire world that the APC lack the capacity to manage a political party, and indeed a government and this explains why the people now look up to the PDP to rescue the country and put it on the path of good governance for our people.

Governor Okowa commended the defectors for the courage they have exhibited in abandoning “the sinking ship.” He stressed that the defections signify a vote of no confidence in the APC-led government and that the 2019 election will be a referendum of how the APC shattered the expectations of Nigerians.

He added: “The decision of a significant number of members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to leave the APC and decamp into the PDP clearly indicates that there is hope that the country will be rescued from the misrule of the APC government.

The Governor congratulated the PDP for positioning itself as a suitable alternative for the defectors. He emphasized that the choice of the PDP as a preferred destination for them is an affirmation of the kind of leadership the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has provided since assuming office.

Okowa further encouraged other Governors, lawmakers to consider joining the PDP as the party is set on a mission to rescue Nigeria.

GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA REMAINS MATCHLESS SAYS EBINUM

By Patriot Dantes Odogwu

The Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Special Duties (Contributory Health Commission) and Director of Media and ICT Vote Okowa Again 2019, VOA, Solomon Ebinum said that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa remains exceedingly popular and will solidly defeat his opponent(s) in the 2019 governorship election because of his result oriented policies and massive infrastructural renewal in the state.

Ebinum declared that the game changer, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, will easily secure a decisive victory in 2019 election on account of his impressive records in the last three years, adding that his reelection is a certainty.

He described Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as well organised and a visionary leader with developmental track record and surging popularity, committed to shaping the growth of the state. He is readily a solid bet for re-election in 2019.

The Senior Special Assistant also asked Deltans to ignore politicians who have adopted propaganda and divisive politics as their module for campaigns.

He concluded that the opposition in the state has nothing to offer apart from empty rhetoric as it remains pathetically weak and heavily fragmented, and is thus unlikely to pose a serious challenge to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2019.

BREAKING:
Armed men dressed as Policemen in TWO HILUX Vans invaded the residence of Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chairman, Dapo Olagunju to arrest him.

In response angry youths chased away the "policemen" causing them to abandoned two hilux vans they were using. Fortunately, two of them were apprehended and found to be FAKE policemen.

The TWO FAKE POLICEMEN are now being interrogated at Igede Ekiti Police station. One of them has confessed that they were sent by Deji Adesokan (Jaru) an APC chieftain and close associate of Feyemi who is APC's Governorship candidate.

More details soon.

Breaking Bad News!

Our Democracy is Seriously under siege:

Ekiti 2018: Happening now at the Ekiti State government house, Ado Ekiti. Security operatives on the instructions of President President Muhammadu Buhari has taken over Governor Ayo Fayose’s office. Teargassed him and pulling him on the floor.

See images below. This is APC’s Template for 2019 General Elections

ELumelu Donates N.5 Billion To Okowa’s Wealth Creation Programmes

… As Okowa Calls On The Wealthy To Support The Less Privileged

… lauds Contribution of Elumelu Foundation to Youth Empowerment

... Makes Case For Compulsory Skill Acquisition In Schools

THE wealth creation programmes of Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa got a boost today (05/07/18) when Mr Tony Elumelu on behalf of the conglomerates he is in charge of, donated N500 million in support of the programmes.

Mr Elumelu who led some beneficiaries of Tony Elumelu Foundation Programme on courtesy call to Governor Okowa, expressed joy that within three years of being in office, the administration has impacted a lot on the lives of the people both in terms of provision of infrastructure and encouraging the jobless to be wealth creators through different skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes of the administration.

“This is homecoming for me, I want to thank the Governor for everything he is doing in our state, there is a lot of improvement and from the airport to this place (Government House), we have seen a lot of projects,” he said, adding, “we are happy that within these few years, you have programmes where the beneficiaries have become employers of labour, we are going to create specific programme in Delta State and we are committing the sum of N500 million to the programme, the money will be from the Foundation, the UBA group, Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, among others.”

Governor Okowa in his speech, commended Mr Elumelu who has empowered a lot of Africans through his foundation, disclosing that his administration has created a lot of entrepreneurs through different skill acquisition and empowerment programmes.

According to Governor Okowa, the federal government should emphasise the need for Nigerian youths to go beyond acquisition of education certificates to include the acquisition of relevant skills that will enable them to be self employed.

“We must be looking seriously at technical education to enable our children acquire relevant skills, as a government, we are changing the narrative when it comes to empowerment programmes, empowerment in our state has gone beyond just buying items for the people, but requires equipping the people with relevant skills that will enable them contribute to the growth of the society,” he said.

He emphasised that it was important for the well-to-do individuals in the society to also, assist the poor in the society, asserting, “assisting those who cannot help themselves in the society is the way to go for us to have a better nation.”

High point of the event was the sharing of success stories between beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes of Tony Elumelu Foundation and the beneficiaries of the different wealth and entrepreneur development programmes of Governor Okowa administration.

It is worthy to state that following the success stories of empowerment programmes of Governor Okowa’s administration, the World Banks is partnering with the state in the area of job creation.

Gov. Okowa To Commission Road Projects In Aniocha North July 3

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will on Tuesday July 3, 2018 commission road projects executed by his administration in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The Commissioning exercise billed to commence at 10am as part of the administration's third year anniversary celebration will include; the Rehabilitated Issele-Uku/Issele-Mkpitime/Onicha-Olona Road, Phase I of Issele-Uku/Onicha-Uku/Ugbodu/Ukwu-Nzu/Obomkpa/Idumu-Ogo Road, the rehabilitated Issele-Uku/Onicha-Ugbo Road, and Phase I of Onicha-Ugbo/Ubulu-Uku Road.

It is worthy to note that in the second anniversary of the administration, Governor Okowa commissioned the rehabilated 2.47km Issele-Uku Main Access Road from the Benin/Asaba Express way with extension to the Obi Palace in Issele-Uku by the main Market.

All stakeholders including opinion leaders, youths and women from the area are expected to be seated at 9.20am for the exercise.

When Okowa Earned Journalists’ Applause
By FIDELIS EGUGBO

JOURNALISM is a profession which practitioners while on duty try as much as possible to distance themselves from what is going on emotionally as they have to tell the story as it is without bias, but, leaving the reader, the audience to pass his or her judgement.
But, last Wednesday, they were carried away by the sincere way Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa reeled out the activities of his administration to make the state better that intermittently, the gentlemen of the press spontaneously applauded.
Governor Okowa, in his characteristic manner of ensuring good governance based on accountability and transparency, has made it a duty to have quarterly meeting with journalists under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Last Wednesday was the second time he was having such press conference for the year, 2018 and expectedly, more than 200 journalists were in attendance.
The governor appeared without any written address, gave a brief about what his administration had done, what it is doing and what it will do to ensure that the state was repositioned to be among the best in the country in the area of peaceful co-existence, attracting investors, and making the people comfortable through the provision of needed infrastructure.
More than 10 questions that were well prepared and possibly designed to rattle the governor were asked and the sincerity and factual ways he answered the questions got the journalists on their feet, clapping their hands.
Before the briefing, the social media was abuzz with reports that the governor sacked more than 500 staff of Delta Line. Of course, he was asked that question and he answered with the full knowledge about what is happening at the transport company.
He said, “that Delta Line had over 400 drivers for just 200 vehicles, was totally alarming and it turned out that the functional vehicles were only about 80 and that functionality was failing because most of the vehicles were not doing well, and the remaining were just in mechanics.
Delta Line is a commercial venture and it is supposed to make money for itself and possibly also for the state government through some dividend payment, but, unfortunately over time, government has continued to pour out money into that place. I have witnessed the capitalization of Delta Line three times in the past, and after some time, we came back with millions and millions of debts and we could not continue in that manner. We could not allow the mistakes of the past to repeat itself, so, we thought that the best thing was to bring in a private partner who can run the company efficiently because, one; is the provision of the services that you expect that company to provide and two; is sustainability of that venture to ensure that it does not go bankrupt.
We have already paid four months arrears of salaries of the staff before the take over and four more months will be paid and they are also to be paid a disengagement allowance which is being worked on now. They opted to move out probably, because of the allowance which they are entitled to receive and thereafter any one of them who wishes to continue with the company will be subjected to interviews. So, nobody was sacked because I know that some of them are going to be re-engaged and those who will be useful will be put to work and no form of nepotism will be allowed,.
Nobody was sacked, rather they were relived on their own accord, and over 100 workers will be re-engaged by the new management. I am sure that Delta Line is going to come up well because, with the plans that are on ground, we want the company to run in such a manner that as a government, and as a people, we can be proud of it and we can be sure that that when passengers are in these vehicles they can be rest assured of their safety and security; so, in the next few months, we are going to see brand new Delta Line buses, efficiency and quality of service will be the new order for the company.”
Governor Okowa who was at the briefing in company of his Deputy, Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, expressed surprise that since the inception of the current democracy in 1999, no single project has been executed by the Delta State government in Ugiliamai community, Onicha Ukwuani clan in Ndokwa West local government area of the state, on the spot, approved the construction of Ugiliamai/Ossissa road and also ordered the construction of classroom blocks in the schools in the community.
The governor in his down-to-earth approach to handling issues, stated that he preferred constructing classroom blocks and engage in activities that will make students and pupils comfortable. The people of Ugiliamai had complained severally that the Delta State government had not executed any project in their community and none of their sons or daughters has been given political appointment since 1999. Governor Okowa is really, a man of the people and the assurance has given a boost to the support base of his administration as the people are confident that he will deliver on his promises.
Okowa who was composed throughout the two hours he spent with the Journalists, used the occasion to caution politicians to avoid inflammatory statements ahead of the 2019 general elections. He was asked how he felt when Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole that he will ensure that Governor Okowa is sacked from the Delta State Government House in 2019.
According to Okowa, “I believe that Comrade Oshiomole is playing politics just as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a right to play politics, as well as any other political party. The only advise I have for all politicians both in PDP and APC is that there must be decorum; we must be cautious in the language that we use as they should be decent. I believe that what politicians need to do is to address issues and when issues are addressed the people will make their choice.
As politicians wherever you are, try to be civil in your approach to politics because that is the way it ought to be,” the governor said.
He expressed confidence that the drainage being constructed in Asaba will not affect free movement during the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships, dubbed, Asaba 2018 which will take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. He explained that most of the affected roads would be reconstructed before the tournament while new ones will be opened to ensure a successful competition.
That the stadium will be ready before August 1 when the competition will commence is no longer an issue as he said, work was at its finishing stages while the runway at the Asaba International Airport has been completed. He also disclosed that contracts have been awarded for the construction of perimeter fence of the airport which was one of the requirements for the approval of the airport by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
It was a revealing press conference which gave journalists the opportunity to ask questions, and get answers on issues that affect the public. In all, one can only say that Deltans will always have reasons to praise God.

(As published on page 10 of today's edition of The Pointer Newspaper. God bless you.)

Atiku, Okowa Restate Commitment To Restructuring

...As Atiku Consult Delta PDP on his Presidential Ambition

FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa have said that there must be restructuring for Nigeria to make progress.

Alhaji Abubakar and Governor Okowa spoke today (26/06/18) at Asaba.

The former Vice President was in the state to consult the people on his aspiration for the Presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

While Alhaji Abubakar disclosed that he has been in the fore-front for the restructuring of the country since 2004 as it will bring out the best among Nigerians, Governor Okowa stated, “I strongly believe that the way out of the challenges of the country is to have stronger states, stronger federating units.”

Senator Okowa commended Alhaji Abubakar for engaging in consultation visit, assuring that delegates to the Presidential Primaries of the PDP will make their decisions based on acceptability, reach, experience and level of intelligence of the individual aspirants.

He urged the aspirant not to relent in moving to different states of the country, stating that more efforts should be made for the PDP to be in control of more states of the country to enable it clinch the Presidential position in 2019.

Alhaji Abubakar had said that his aspiration to be Nigeria’s President was borne out of his passion to ensure that the country make progress, disclosing, “the security architecture of the country must be reviewed and decentralized.”

He decried situation where security agencies does not take orders from the state governors, asserting, “as an individual, I don’t think this is true federalism, we must restructure the security architecture.”

The former Vice President also listed ways to tackle unemployment in the country observing, “to create jobs, you must liberalize the economy, support the private sector, create incentives to make the private sector boom and open up the economy to foreign direct investment.”

“I will have a very small federal government with powers and resources devolved to the states to manage the affairs while they pay tax to the federal government; with this, each zone can survive on its own without leaning on oil money,” he emphasized.

Earlier at a courtesy call on Governor Okowa, Alhaji Abubakar had said he was in the state to consult the people, to seek the support of the people to enable him emerge as the Presidential flag bearer of the PDP.

While noting that Delta State was home to the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar commended the developmental strides of the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Okowa in the development of the state.

“Delta State has been a PDP state, each successive government continues from where the previous one stopped in terms of infrastructure development, you (Governor Okowa) have continued to develop infrastructure, especially roads, your efforts in executing your programmes and policies, especially in the creeks are highly commendable as they will reduce agitations, it requires wise leadership for communities to live in peace and have sense of belongings and I must commend you for doing this in the state,” he stated.

Others who spoke at the event include, former Governor of Ogun State, Otumba Gbenga Daniel, his Imo State counterpart, Chief Achike Udenwa, former Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe, among others.

FORWARD DELTA-Patriot Dantes Odogwu.

SMART Agenda at work in Delta State, cutting across diverse sectors and upscaling the economies of the three senatorial districts in the State.

Well meaning Deltans, including those who doubted the authenticity of the vision of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for the State, are at akimbo seeing the developmental steps taken by the administration in just three years. Despite the challenge posed initially by insecurity, and recession, the Governor has, by his actions, proven that he is a man of Will.

Obviously, when campaigns commence, there would be testimonies of Impact in all the LGAs that would convince the electorate to return this man of vision and capacity as the Governor of Delta State

Okowa Says Nigeria Will Be Better When There Is Obedience To God's Word

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to obey the word of God to achieve a better, more peaceful society.

The Governor made the call today (23/06/18) at the second matriculation and graduation ceremonies of The Meaningful Life Institute of Evangelism and Church Management at Mosogar, Ethiope West local government area of Delta State.

According to the Governor, “if we are committed to winning souls for Christ, obey the commandments of God, we will have a society that is very peaceful where people do things with the fear of God, we will have good governance too.”

The governor observed that God has blessed Nigeria with abundant resources, and what the people requires is to obey the word of God.

He commended Rev. Gideon Oyibo, acting Provost of the institution for investing in an institute which will groom men of God, adding that it was also laudable that the institute was tuition free and has lecturers who volunteered to teach without salary.
The Governor admonished graduates of the institute to share the virtue of the Lord, Jesus Christ, stating, “Jesus was not only a teacher but, a friend and companion, the Christian message should always be at the core of your lives.”

Rev. Oyibo had in an address, thanked Governor Okowa’s administration for creating the enabling environment for private ventures and the word of God to thrive.

HON. BEN IGBAKPA: AN EMBODIMENT OF HUMANIST IDEAS

By Comr Rukky Samuel Cfr

When Hon. Igbakpa was appointed as a Commissioner for Transport, many people questioned if anything good can come out of a wretched place. The Ministry of Transport seemed like a desolate place as if with a clear sign of "NO ENTRY" at the entrance. But then, nothing in the world would hinder the artful display of inventiveness and masterstrokes of the Hon. Igbakpa. Nothing will confine his appointment as a futile statutory government exercise.

As the years rolled by, Hon. Igbakpa would stand to be counted as the most meticulous and conscientious executive member of Gov. Uduaghan-led administration. His intellectual contribution to duty. He did not only resuscitate the hitherto moribund Transport service he inherited, he made transportation, especially by road very convenient and affordable to commuters; increased government revenue in line with quality service delivery and good governance; and saw a massive fall in the rate of motorcycle accidents which had paralysed and handicapped many good people of the state.

After serving as commissioner, his role as a private business person have been nothing short of heroic. The highest value of any person is his or her ability to put people on a path where they can be gainfully employed. Hon. Igbakpa continues from where he stopped as a commissioner. He continues to be that person who leads people to the river, puts them on his boat, rides with them, hands them his net, hooks, line and sinker, and teaches them to fish so they can feed forever. He did not become the man who 'gives you fish's and let's out feed for a day.Through him, many people have been gainfully employed. Many people can now feed their families and send their children to school through him. Societies are thriving and the people who encounter him always go ahead with flourishing testimonies.

Regardless of his calm demeanour Igbakpa have also proven in many instances to be a thorough and careful man who considers politics as the most all-inclusive medium to affect more lives and make societies even better.

My fellow people of Ethiope, please consider this as a valuable judgement and a clarion call to deliver our collective chance to progression and development in the hands of the one who embodies growth and intuitive competence. I therefore call on the PDP delegates in the forthcoming party primaries to heed reason and usher in a man who will not only better represent the people of Ethiope federal Constituency come 2019, but also put the party in a good light and deserved credit.


#TeamIgbakpa

GOVERNOR OKOWA FULFILLS PROMISE TO DELSUTH CONJOINED TWINS, PRESENTS N2.5 MILLION

In line with his promise to assist the conjoined twins delivered recently at the Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara, the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has presented a cheque worth N2.5m for their upkeep and medical expenses while awaiting the separation surgery.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye presented the cheque to the parents of the conjoined twins on behalf of the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa at the neonatal section, of the teaching hospital in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

The Commissioner said that the information of the birth of the conjoined twin and the poor financial state of the parents, made the state governor to promised to intervene adding that the cheque presentation was the fulfillment of the promise, assuring that that more assistance would come from the state government.

He thanked all members of staff who had played one role or the other in keeping the twins alive and urged them not to rest on their oars but continue to be committed to their work with the view to providing quality health care to all that will patronize the hospital.

Dr Ononye said that the governor was committed to making the teaching hospital a place of excellence, assuring of massive renovation of the hospital would commence soon.

Expressing gratitude to the governor for his kind gesture, Dr Onome Ogueh, Chief Medical Director (CMD), DELSU, Oghara said that the support of the governor had been wonderful adding that since assumption of office as CMD, the Governor had been very responsive to the requests made by the institution and for that the hospital was indebted to him.

He commended the Commissioner for the role he played that led to the quick response in the presentation of the cheque.

Dr Ogueh informed the commissioner that a medical team from the United States of America known as ‘Hospital for Humanity’ was currently on a visit to the hospital and they have come to see how the hospital could develop services to babies with congenital heart disease such as what the conjoined twins were presently experiencing.

He said that the hospital would work with them to ensure that advanced health care services were effectively delivered in the hospital for the betterment of Deltans and residents in the State.

The parents of the conjoined twins, Mr and Mrs Peter Amaje, thanked the governor and the commissioner for his financial assistant and assurances, and prayed that God should richly reward them.

According to the hospital authorities, the twins were born on 2nd May this year through caesarean section and at birth weighed 4.6 kg and currently weighing 5 kg combined.

The authorities said that the MRI done had not been able to clearly delineate the exact degree of joining but that it had been established that there was a level of joining in the heart.

The father of the twins is a corps member serving in Onicha-Uku, Delta State while the mother is a full time house wife.

Admissions into law programmes in Nigerian universities between 2011 and 2015 were led by Imo, Anambra and Delta States, according to Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) figures.
The three states were the most consistent of all top performers for the five years.
They also dominated medicine and were amongst leading performers in engineering admissions — the three courses being amongst the most competitive in Nigerian universities.
Earlier analyses by PREMIUM TIMES, using data from JAMB, showed that medicine and engineering were dominated by mostly South -East, South- West and South -South states. North Central states of Kwara and Kogi also made a good showing.
But for law, there is a new member of the pack: Benue State, which delivered a positive but brief performance in 2011 by coming fourth behind Imo, Anambra and Delta.
That year, the four states were followed by Ogun, Rivers, Abia, Edo, Osun and Enugu States. Ogun appeared thrice in the top cadre in the five years, coming fourth in 2011, third in 2014 and second position in 2015.
Benue made it to the top three in 2011 before it dropped below the top 10, while Rivers made it to the top four in 2012, top three in 2013 before it dropped to eighth position in 2011 and 2014. It made the top seven in 2015.
The data is for students admitted through test-based examinations conducted by JAMB. JAMB’s admission process is guided by merit, university catchment area and gives advantage to educationally-less developed states.
For law, while Imo had 739 students admitted into various universities in 2011, Anambra followed with 679 and Enugu was third with 593. Benue came fourth with 558 and Ogun was fifth with 488 students.
In 2012, some of the states again made the top five. Imo emerged first with 551 students, Delta followed with 476 and Anambra came third with 469, Rivers came fourth with 447. That year, Abia placed fifth with 355 students admitted into Law. In 2013, positions changed significantly, with Delta taking the first position with 683 students.
Imo dropped to second with 630, while Rivers came third with 569. Anambra was fourth with 490 and Edo, with 463, took fifth.
Anambra jumped to first position 2014 with 452, Delta dropped to second position with 430, Ogun jumped to third position with 418. Osun was fourth with 381 and Edo took fifth with 373.
In 2015, Delta again took the first position with 456 students. Ogun dropped to second with 419, while Imo dropped to third position with 415. Enugu was fourth with 363 and Osun took fifth.
For the first time in five years, Anambra slumped to sixth position.
Generally, the number of admitted law candidates fell, compared to engineering and medicine.
Hassan Soweto, who coordinates a civil rights group, Education Rights Campaign, suggested that one reason why admission into law faculties in Nigerian universities has been falling is cost.
According to him, in most federal and state universities, students studying law are asked to pay tuition fees larger than what is charged for arts and social sciences.
Mr. Soweto said that law education is gradually being “commodified and commercialised.”
“When the cost of law school is also taken into consideration, law education is rapidly becoming the preserve of the few rich. This ugly phenomenon will continue to be the case until public education is properly funded such that regardless of whatever course students apply for, access is opened to anyone whether they come from poor or affluent backgrounds,” he said. The states with the least number of students admitted into law were FCT, Yobe, Zamfara and Jigawa.
FCT had the smallest number for four years with only 29 students admitted into Law in 2011.
It had 14 students in 2012, 27 students in 2013, 20 students in 2014 and 19 students in 2015.
In 2011, Yobe had 25 students, followed by Zamfara with 39 students. Katsina had 50 while Gombe had 51 students. In 2014, Zamfara had 19 students, Sokoto had 32 students, Jigawa had 39, and Katsina had 41.
In 2015, Zamfara had 28 students, Jigawa had 33 students, Kebbi had 45 and Bayelsa had 47 students.
Ola Adeosun, a lawyer, said that it is essential for the Federal Government and civil societies to sensitise people from the northern states on the need for quality education.
“You will recall that there was a time that people from the South Eastern part of the country did not go to school, they believed so much in learning a trade under a principal and getting settled, but the advent of Nnamdi Azikwe’s Eastern region education revolution changed the story.
“Although it was not successful at first, but they were able to sensitise the young minds on the importance of education,” Mr. Adeosun said. He blamed the political leadership in the North. “The thinking of the elite is that there won’t be competition between their children and the children of the poor. Unfortunately, there has been a setback in the education sector, especially with the incessant kidnapping of girls from that part of the country,” he said.

HON. BEN IGBAKPA: THE MODEL OF INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE AND SELFLESSNESS.

By Evidence Ejiyere Erhijakpor
for: #TeamIgbakpa

World over, it is common knowledge that men's altitude is determined by two factors: intelligent quotient and attitudinal quotient. While intelligence gives space for ascension, attitude determines altitude. Attitude is everything.

We've seen folks whose intellectual preparations met opportunities and they became successful politically. But negative attitude nipped their successes in the bud. It is therefore safe to conclude that attitudinal quotient runs it all. Attitude is what protects what intelligence attracts.

The much anticipated September 2018 PDP primaries is just a few months away. Ethiope Federal Constituency, amongst other constituencies, is particularly overheated and fuelled by grand-mastered conspiracies, sectional political considerations, dire leadership factionalism, deceitful bargains and moves to shelve rules of engagement. But a free and fair primaries where aspirants, being fishers, are to test the strength of their nets would resolve it all. No imposition of candidates.

The present crops of delegates will get it right and put their names on marble if their scale will tilt towards the content and not the container of aspirants. Distinguished Hon Ben Rolland Igbakpa is seen as the Most Prized Political Possession of Ethiope Federal Constituency in lieu of his sterling political character content and track record. His campaign jingles are not hinged on vague promises but capacity. The angel we know is better than a devil who promises to repent as repentance holds no sureness for total political purification. Hon Ben Rolland Igbakpa is the one with the most outstanding character content that can attract the desires of Ethiope Federal from federal government.

A man who goes to the Green Chambers to measure wings with federal government will bring nothing home. A man who sees the Green Chambers as a cosmetic assemblage cannot attract realistic federal government presence to his constituency. A man who boasts of being called by a few will represent the interests of the few who called him. This is our chance to get it right. Let's send a man who will go for all of us. Let humility be our parameter. Ben Igbakpa is suplusly humble.

Okowa extol Delta Speaker, Oborevwori on birthday

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Aniagwu, in a statement on Monday, said Okowa joined the State Assembly, the people of Okpe State Constituency, friends and family of the charismatic leader in celebrating the years of remarkable achievements and awards that have culminated into this year's anniversary.

The Governor extolled Oborevwori’s humility, simplicity and discipline in providing exceptional leadership for the State legislature in the last one year by diligently bridging the gaps and creating a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchange of ideas for state and national development.

Governor Okowa affirms that the Speaker’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have substantially eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm, resulting in the prompt passage of bills that directly impact the livelihood of Deltans.

"Recalling the Oborevwori's massive empowerment of his Constituents recently, Gov. Okowa commended the Speaker for exhibiting exemplary leadership and commitment to the ideals of democracy and rule of law.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I celebrate with one of Delta’s finest lawmaker, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on the occasion of his birthday anniversary today June, 19th 2018.

“Mr. Speaker, you have brought stability, experience and worthy ideals to bear in the discharge of the functions of your office and we are entirely grateful to you. I therefore charge you to continue in your quest to provide leadership in the House as we seek further ways of partnership in our avowed determination to bring prosperity for all Deltans.

"Governor Okowa prayed that the Almighty God will grant the Speaker longer life, good health and wisdom to serve the state and humanity," the statement read.

Okowa's Developmental Strides Below are Evident In Udu.

1) Rehabilitation of Ovwian main road with drainage, Completed and Commissioned

2) Rehabilitation of Ekete main road with Drainage, Completed.

3) Ongoing Rehabilitation of Ekrokpe, Usiefrun and Orhuwhorun Road with Drainage

4) Rehabilitation of New York road, Completed

5) Ongoing Construction of Grace Road Ekete by Mofor Junction

6) Ongoing Resurfacing/Maintainanace of Udu/Orhuwhorun by DLA

7) Construction of Ogbiku Street off Orhuwhorun Road, Udu

Construction of Six Classroom Block at Aladja Grammer School

9) Construction of Six Classroom Block at Orhuwhorun High School

10) Construction of Six Classroom Block at Adadja Secondary School, Emadadja.

11) Construction of six class room block in Oghior Secondary School, Oghior

12) Renovation of six class room block in Ovwian Secondary School, Ovwian

13) Renovation of six classroom block in Owhrode mixed Secondary School, Owhrode

14) Provision of Students and teachers furnitures to schools in Udu LGA

SUBEB JOBS

1) Renovation of 3 classroom block at Orhuwhorun Primary School.

2) Construction of 6 toilet block at Orhuwhorun Primary School.

3) Construction of Solar Powered Borehole at Orhuwhorhun Primary School.

4) Renovation of 3 Classroom Block at Ekrota Primary School.

5) Construction of 3 Classroom Block at Ekete Primary and many others.

All Udu Sons and daughters should vote massively for His Excellency Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019.

FULFILLING THE SMART AGENDA IN THE MIDST OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

By Chris Odia.

On assumption of office in May 2015, H.E. Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa set the pace with unveiling his ‘Dream Delta’ with the acronym ‘SMART’, wherein he summarised his vision for the State. This was greeted with much enthusiasm by Deltans because it was a demonstration of preparedness for the assignment to lead the State to great heights.

The vision for Delta, which is an acronym encapsulated as SMART stands for

Strategic Wealth Creation Projects and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans

– Meaningful Peace Building Platforms aimed at Political and Social Harmony

– Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialisation

– Relevant Health and Education Policies

– Transformed Environment through Urban Renewal

He summarized the SMART Agenda as a programme essentially designed to create jobs, generate and sustain businesses and stabilise families and communities within a framework of equity, fairness, and justice.

While delivering his inaugural speech to the State House of Assembly, which he titled “My Vision for Honest Leadership and Responsible Government” the financial position of the State was not lost on him as he bared his mind on the obvious challenges that would crop up while trying to fulfill his promise to the electorate.

In identifying the economic/financial challenges faced by the State, he listed them to include; drop in revenue receipts from Federal Government, huge monthly wage bill, revenue bonds and indebtedness to commercial banks, very low Internally Generated Revenue among others.

According to him, based on the position of things as at then, the State would have to borrow to pay salaries. He concluded by saying: “This is the dilemma that we face as we strive to deliver on our campaign promise of prosperity for all Deltans’. Not minding, the situation on ground, his optimistic personality refused to renege on the contract with Deltans and he made a heart-touching remark, quoted hereunder:

“I am told that when written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters — one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. I see more opportunities in our current economic predicament than the threats it poses.

Times of prosperity can easily breed complacency, dull our sensitivity and foster an indulgent lifestyle steeped in corruption. But because necessity is said to be the mother of invention, periods of adversity often task our creative abilities, engender discipline, and imbue us with the capacity to pull together as a family”.

The SMART Governor hit the ground running when he immediately sponsored some bills with the aim of actualising his Dream Delta. They included; Delta State Contributory Health Commission Bill, 2015, Technical and Vocational Education Board Bill, 2015, Asaba Capital Development Agency Bill, 2015. These were considered to be low hanging fruits that Deltans needed to harvest urgently.

The SMART approach is been carefully implemented in all sectors though there are yet more grounds to be covered. The Governor’s interest in raising skilled manpower in different sectors, among the youth population led to revamping of Technical schools in the State and setting up of Job creation office that has been raising entrepreneurs among previously unemployed youth. The decision to establish a Teachers Professional Development Institute is another case in point in line with the vision

The issue of salary and pension payment is been handled adequately based on available funds. The backlog of pension/gratuity are gradually being paid and the monthly financial support to Local Government for payment of salary remains on course.

While some States falter in prompt payment of salaries, the SMART Governor has been regular in salary payment, not minding the initial fear as captured in the inaugural speech. He has worked tirelessly to sustain peace among warring communities and succeeded in persuading militants to stop oil pipeline bombing.

The State Contributory Health Bill is being implemented to assist every Deltan to access quality healthcare from chosen hospitals whenever the need arises. The Teaching Hospital in Oghara and General hospitals in Bomadi, Asaba among others are being upgraded to meet the needs of the populace; this is work-in-progress, with a view to attending to more primary and healthcare centres in the State.

Several kilometers of road networks have been constructed/reconstructed in the State, all aimed at bridging the infrastructural gaps and linking communities to urban centres. The ongoing construction work in Asaba would liberate the City from the flood disasters earlier experienced with a view to appropriately channel the water away from homes and streets.

Obviously, Gov. Okowa has managed the State to the best of his knowledge and available resources. Though his prudent management approach has been misunderstood by the coinage ‘egho aria’, the Governor has remained unperturbed. He is gradually attending to the concerns in different sectors of the economy, which so many have wrongly summarized as being clueless.

Assuredly, he has proven to be a good manager of resource and would systematically win the hearts of critics and naysayers as 2019 elections draw near.