Okowa Promises Quality Health Care For Deltans

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Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has assured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to the provision of quality health care in the state.

The Governor was speaking yesterday (30-3-16) when he paid an unscheduled visit to the ongoing Asaba Central Hospital and the State Library Complex projects.

He said that his administration was committed to completing priority projects which are beneficial to the people.

Senator Okowa, who was conducted round the ongoing Asaba Central Hospital Project by Dr. Nicholas Azinge and top management staff of the State Ministry of Health assured that the project was of top priority to government because it would provide quality health care services to the state capital territory.

Governor Okowa stressed that ‘’ Asaba is expanding daily and there is the need for a top notch hospital, if not for the federal medical centre there would have been a problem, we need to complete this hospital for the benefit of our people.’’

‘’The Asaba Central Hospital is coming to shape, but there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of physical work and equipment, the hospital is still far from completion because it will not be complete without the appropriate equipments and staff.’’

The governor while inspecting the State Library Complex commended the contractor for the quality of work done so far and promised to make funds available for the contractors handling the hospital and library projects in spite of the dwindling financial situation.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI VACANCY FOR A PROVOST MARCH 2016

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI VACANCY FOR A PROVOST MARCH 2016

 

College of Education, Warri Vacancy for a Provost March 2016

The College of Education – In keeping with the Edict setting up the Institution (Bendel State of Nigeria, Gazette No. 25) which empowers the Council to recommend three candidates to the visitor (The Executive Governor of the State) to appoint a substantive Provost the Council now invites suitably qualified academics with cognate experience at teaching and administration at tertiary level of Education (University, College of Education and Polytechnic) to apply for the post of Provost, College of Education, Warri.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Provost

Location: Delta

Duties

The Provost shall be the Head and Chief Executive of the College.The Provost shall perform such other Functions as may be conferred upon him/her by the Council,The Provost shall execute the decisions of the Council.The Provost shall be responsible to the Council for the day-to-day Management of the College.The Provost shall maintain discipline amongst staff and students of the College.The Provost shall cater for the welfare and interest of the staff and students of the College.

Qualifications and Experience
Interested candidates forthe post of the Provost of the College of Education, Warri, shall be:

Distinguished scholars who should preferably have a Ph.D. Degree and should have been at least a Reader/Chief Lecturer in rank for at least 5 years and should have, at least, five national or international publications after attaining the Status of a Reader/Chief Lecturer if candidate is from the College of Education or a Polytechnic.The candidate must be a qualified Teacher. That is, must have a Degree in Education or Post Graduate Diploma in Education.The candidate should not have attained the age of 60 years on appointment.The candidate must be detribalized and be able to carry along both students and staff from diverse ethnic, religious and social backgrounds. In other words, the candidate must not be a scholar who would bring division to the College along ethnic, political, religious, gender and other related divisive characteristics.The candidate must have a sound, clear and well articulated Vision and Mission for the College for the next five (5) years.The candidate must have the intellectual, emotional, moral and other traits that are likely to command the respect and loyalty of the students, staff and the entire college community.The candidate must be physically strong, emotionally stable and have excellent health status.The candidate must have evidence of considerable scholarly both nationally and internationally.The candidate must be a scholar who has unassailable high moral standards and have the skills for best practices in the management of students, staff and other resources of the College.The candidate must be proficient in the use of information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) in teaching, research and administration of the College.The candidate should be able to motivate staff for best practices in the production of NCE teachers for the Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general.The candidate must be able to relate effectively and productively with the State Government, Non-governmental Agencies and other statutory bodies like NCCE and TETFUND.The candidate must demonstrate ability to relate well with students and staff and be able to minimize or give zero tolerance to examination malpractices and cult related activities.

Tenure:

The Provost will hold office fora period of five (5) years, only.

Conditions of Service

The conditions of service for the Provost are as applicable to Provost of College of Education in Nigeria,

How to Apply
Interested candidates should note and comply with the following conditions:

Each application letter (25) copies should be accompanied by 25 copies of the candidate’s detailed “Curriculum Vitae” (CV) signed and dated by the candidate. The CV must contain among others – the name of the candidate in full, age, marital status, nationality. Educational attainment with dates, Research output academic and non- academic recognition. Professional achievements, scholarly publications in renowned domestic and international journals with dates, as well as books and chapters in books.Each application should be accompanied by a certificate of birth or statutory Declaration of Age and certificate of medical fitness based on documented comprehensive medical examination from a government hospital.A statement of the candidate’s vision and mission for the College of Education, Warn for the next (5) years.Each candidate must have three (3) Referees who should be requested by the candidate to forward their Referee’s reports directly to the registrar under confidential cover. Such referees should be in a position to attest to the candidate’s claim to high academic standard, managerial capacity and moral uprightness. The Referee’s report should reach the Registrar not later than four (4) weeks of this publication.All short-listed candidates will be required to attend an interview at an appointed date.

All applications are to be forwarded either by hand or courier under confidential cover in an envelope marked at the upper left hand corner, “Provost College of Education, Warri”, to:

The Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council,
College of Education, Warri,
Delta State.

Application Deadline  11th April, 2016

DESOPADEC Managing Director, Makinde Urges Deltans To Emuliate Virutes Of Forgiveness,Self-Sacrifice

As Christians celebrate Easter today, the Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Olorogun Williams Makinde, has called on Deltans to emulate the virtues of forgiveness and self-sacrifice as exhibited by Jesus Christ in order to move the State forward.
Makinde made the call during an interview session with press men shortly after the Investiture Service of the Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion which held at the All Saint Cathedral Ughelli .
The Managing Director , in his message, said recrimination, unforgiveness and selfishness were major clogs in the state wheel of progress.
According to him, “The Easter celebration is another reminder that forgiveness and self-sacrifice remain indispensable factors in building Delta State of our Dream. I, therefore, call on the Christian faithful and all Deltans to imbibe Christ’s sense of self-sacrifice by putting the State interest above personal Interest.
Makinde urged Deltans to support Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in Transforming the State, just as he sue for peace between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh people .

Happening now: Communal clash in Delta leaves many injured, others missing

A communal clash between Urhobo people of Aladja and Ijaw of Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Udu and Warri southwest local government areas of Delta state on Thursday, March 24, has left many injured. The Nation reports that three persons were fatally wounded while scores were still after an early morning clash between the people. Findings show that the two communities had been involved in incessant clashes for decades, but it could not be ascertained if that was the cause of the recent clash. Speaking about the incident, Richard Koremene an indigene of Ogbe-Ijoh, told The Nation that three of his kinsmen had been butchered. He said: “Some Ogbe-Ijoh persons have been injured and tension is very high now and there is concern that the hostility might escalate.”

DESOPADEC Commissioner Itiwhe Inspects DESOPADEC Skill Acquisition Center

Chief Amos Itihwe – DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Ughelli South, Udu, Uvwie and Urhobos of Warri South today inspected the Skill acquisition centre built by DESOPADEC some years ago in Otu-Jeremi but illegally occupied by a non governmental organisation called citizen and leadership training center , women unit. The commissioner mentioned that the original purpose for which the project was built will be followed to the letters for the betterment of the youths of his mandate area saying that the commission intend to encourage youths to believe in themselves and learn to earn a living through acquired skills. He further mentioned that there will be a meeting between the commission and the said organisation.

Delta State will Become Tourist Destination, Says Okowa

BY SAM DUVWODE
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that Delta State with its diverse ethnicity and multiplicity of cultures has all it takes to become the tourist destination of Africa in the near future.
Dr. Okowa made the assertion yesterday while declaring open the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum, (IHTEF), organised by Sustainable Eco6tems in collaboration with the Delta State Tourism Board, held at Asaba, Delta State.
While stating that developing its tourism potentials will mean achieving SMART as tourism is important to actualizing any reasonable socio-economic advancement, Dr. Okowa who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that the state will take its place on the tourism map as it is home to many tourism sites, monuments and envious historical lineages, ranging from the Lander Brothers Anchorage in Asaba, to the Nana Living History Museum, Koko, the Ethiope River Source, Umuaja, the Mount Ned Nwoko, Idumuje-Ugboko and the Bible Site, Araya, as well as others.
The governor, who noted that, fully developing the potentials of hospitality and tourism in the state will go a long way in reducing the several challenges faced today, urged the private sectors, investors operators, financial institutions as well as policy makers to join the state in its resolve to pursue development in the tourism sector.
According to him, at this time of human and technological growth, as well as the grave challenges as a result of dwindling oil revenue, in addition to growing opprobrium of accessing foreign exchange, there is need for us as a people and a state to continue to patronize our own products and services.
“ The fact that Delta State is situated near to the River Niger and bounded by many rivers and oceans, beautified by unrivalled beaches and interesting biodiversity places it way above other states in tourism, especially eco-tourism potentials. Delta State is known to be the “land of a thousand dances” and I dare to add, a “land of unlimited festivals and unending wonders”. The governor stated.
He highlighted some issues that confront the pursuit of improved hospitality and tourism to include; insecurity, climate change, epidemics, insufficient funds and poor infrastructure, adding that insecurity and climate change portend very grave dangers to actualizing the great tourism potentials in Delta State.
While noting that terrorism is a major threat to tourism, he however urged all to ensure that we develop our tourism in sustainable ways that can help the state mitigate the devastating impact of global climate change, as well as continuing to sustain the peace and contain the few threats that exist.
Earlier, The Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Eco6tems, Mr. Chibuikem Diala, noted that IHTEF is designed to be the largest convocation of sustainable solutions that will drive the sector into its enviable position in the continent of Africa.
Mr. Diala noted that, today, a global tourism map is gradually being re-drawn and the odds is in favour of Africa, especially Nigeria, adding that there is a new ‘oil’ in tourism that must be explored to sustainability, hence the theme for the 2016 forum is “Progress Through Sustainable Hospitality And Tourism” with a focus on South and East of Nigeria.

Delta Govt Releases N100m for Polytechnic’s Stadium Project

OLEH—Delta State Government has released N100 million to facilitate the completion of the stadium of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro.  Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Jacob Oboreh, who disclosed this during the 14th matriculation of the institution, commended the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his support for the development of the polytechnic and release of funds for its functional operations and prompt payment of staff salaries. Noting that the polytechnic had become the fastest growing institution in Nigeria with numerous modern architectural structures and befitting facilities, Oboreh said that most of the projects and facilities were funded through internally generated revenue realized between 2012 and 2015.

Source Vanguard Newspaper

Reps Minority Leader, Ogor seeks Amendment to NLNG Act

Worried by the non-remittance of statutory contributions by some oil companies to the Niger Delta Development Commission Fund as enshrined by the NDDC Act 2000, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor, has proposed a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG (Fiscal Incentives, Guaranteed and Assurances) Act, Cap. N87, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to empower the Nigerian LNG Limited to make its Statutory Contributions to the NDDC Fund and for Other Matters Connected Therewith. 
The Bill which passed through second reading on Thursday in the House of Representatives, was Sponsored by House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor (Delta PDP), seeks to empower the Nigeria LNG to make statutory contributions to the NDDC Fund. 
Members of the House of Representatives has expressed strong support for the amendment of the NLNG Act of 2004, which stipulates remittance of 3 percent annual revenue into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Fund. The accrued revenue from the NLNG is for the development and to address various challenges caused by gas flaring and environmental pollution ravaging the host communities across all the oil producing states in the Niger Delta. The lawmakers expressed these concerns during the debate on the NLNG Act, 2004, which scaled through second reading last week. 
In his lead debate, Leo Ogor, explained that the bill seeks to prevent total degradation of the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region, which has extensively depleted its ecosystem over a long period of time. The lawmaker lamented that gas flaring has wrecked untold environmental and health havoc on the people of the Niger Delta for decades, and therefore became necessary to curb using available means as a matter of urgency. Ogor, who doubles as Minority Leader, called for the intervention of the House, “the only way we can solve this problem is to bring relevant amendments to the Act because our people have suffered so much and I said that it’s very important that we appreciate the enormity of the danger present in the region for us to act quickly and as a people, hold the NLNG responsible for unnecessary gas flaring using this amendment.

“The amendment to this Act is aimed at redressing the great injustice that the NLNG has meted to the people of the Niger Delta region for almost 27 years now,” he said. Ogor said that the danger facing his people is so glaring that a visit to the region will reveal at once the negative impact of oil and gas exploration on the environment across the length and breadth of the Niger Delta. On his part, Muhammed Sani Abdul, expressed optimism that on-going efforts to clean up the Niger Delta will be of immense benefit to the entire country. “If the activities of oil companies are not curtailed and their excesses checked, nobody will have the face or a place to call a home as every inhabitable spaces would have been degraded and polluted for commercial gains as had been the case in the Niger Delta”, he said.

While ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the House Committee on Gas Resources for further legislative inputs.

DESOPADEC: Lori-Ogbebor wants Olu of Warri’s c’ttee to have input into Itsekiri budget

RIGHTS activist, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, has called on Delta State governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, not to honour any budget presented on behalf of Itsekiri ethnic group by those representing the zone on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, until the Olu of Warri’s administrative council committee makes its input. Lori-Ogbebor, who is a member of the development sub-committee of the body of eminent Itsekiri, also said that any budget that lacks the input of the members of the council would not mean well for the development of the Itsekiri nation. Disclosing this yesterday in Lagos, she lamented the failure to carry the people along in the past by those representing the Itsekiri on DESOPADEC board, which she said resulted in the underdevelopment of the reverine areas. She further noted that should the budget as proposed by the ethnic group’s representative be honoured, the Itsekiri oil producing communities would be short-changed. Therefore, she wants the relevant authorities to stay action on the budget until the members of the Olu’s administrative council committee make their contributions in the interest of the Itsekiri nation.

Ogidigben Gas Project Will Stabilise Nigeria’s Economy Says Okowa

Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action on the proposed $16 billion Gas Revolution Industrial City at Ogidigben to help boost the economy and job creation drive of the government.

The ground breaking ceremony of the project was done by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Speaking on the sideline, at the National Economic Council (NEC) retreat, for the 36 states governors and other relevant agencies of government, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Okowa said the project if eventually implemented would be vital to stabilising the nation’s economic  and contribute to the prosperity of the Nigeria.

The governor, who expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for considering the state for the citing of the multi-billion dollars project said  “I hope that we are able to take advantage of it at the moment” adding that “if we do that, it will create thousands of jobs, there is no doubt about it beyond the fact that it will add a lot to the economy of this country”.

Okowa stated that due to the importance the state government placed on the project, he meet with President Buhari on assumption of office and the current minister of petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and other relevant organs of government disclosing that “the last I was told was that they were supposed to have a meeting towards the end of February to take decisions as to what next to do, they have not briefed me now how far they have gone”.

The project, which is public sector driven has attracted several multinational companies in the agro-allied, banking, power, oil and gas and maritime sectors.

The Delta State Government, under the arrangement is expected to provide all the land need for the construction of the project while the private sector participants are expected to provide the funding for the effective takeoff of the project.

The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) are expected to play key roles in the project implementation.

NAFDAC Seizes Suspected N10m Fake Drinks In Warri

 

MICHAEL IKEOGWU -WARRI.
THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday seized assorted drinks worth over N10 million over varied offences at the popular Igbudu Market Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The enforcement exercise embarked upon by NAFDAC in Warri, affected over ten shops who were storing fake products, expired products and others without NAFDAC number.
Mr. Idowu Joseph, the NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer and Enforcement Operations disclosed this to newsmen in Warri hen he said that
The recovered drinks were suspected to be fake, some with tampered dates, expired and without NAFDAC registration numbers.
Idowu said that the items were recovered from about 10 shops, adding that they were consequently sealed.
He noted that samples of the products would be taken to Asaba for laboratory analysis to ascertain its genuineness, while the defaulters would be interrogated and probably prosecuted.
According to him “The defaulters will be made to face the wrath of the law because some of them actually know that the products are fake. Because they know that the prices are cheap, they easily go for it, not minding the health consequences to the end users.
“These samples are the starting point of our investigation, the shop owners have been invited for questioning. From there we will know the sources of the products i.e., the importers or producers. Subsequently, the matter may be taken to the court of law,’’ he said.
Idowu admonished consumers to ensure they buy products from reliable sources and also watch out for the NAFDAC numbers.
“Though NAFDAC number alone does not guarantee the genuineness of a product, they should buy from reliable sources,’’ he said.
While stressing on the need for traders to purchase goods from registered importers to avoid buying fake, he advised other traders whose shops have not been visited by the enforcement team to do the right thing before the law catches up with them.
Some of the affected traders, who spoke with our correspondent in Warri, said they were not aware that the products were fake, just as they promised to turn a new leaf if they overcome the present challenges.

Ibru, Architect of Modern Delta, Says Okowa …To Set Up Committee to liaise With Family

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has described the late Olorogun Senator Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru as the architect of modern Delta, saying that as the first civilian governor of the then young state, he did a lot of spadework to lay the foundation for its growth.

Governor Okowa who stated this on Tuesday [22-03-16] during a condolence visit to the Ibrus at the family’s residence in Lagos, described the late former governor as a man of great accomplishment, humble, caring and loved by his people.

“Our late elder and statesman was a man of great achievement. He did not stop as a governor, he represented his people as a senator of the Federal Republic and went on to lead the Urhobo Progress Union as its President General. That tells you that he was a great achiever”, he said, adding “he did so much to lay the foundation for our young state then. I recall that I was a Local Government Chairman when our late elder statesman was the governor. My predecessors in office tapped from his wealth of experience, but now he is gone. I can say that I feel the loss most”.

Okowa disclosed that a committee would be set up by the state government that would liaise with the family on the burial arrangements for the late former governor.

Governor Okowa urged the family, particularly, the widow, Chief (Mrs) Matilda Ibru, to be very strong and remember that God has a reason for allowing it to happen at a time like this. He then presented an official letter by the state government to the family which was received by Chief Goodie Ibru.

Chief Goodie Ibru in a welcome address, said the family very much appreciated the visit saying it shows the level of respect the Governor and the government of the state has for the Ibru family for which the family is grateful.

Earlier, Governor Okowa, who signed the condolence register, wrote: “We lost a great leader and a statesman. A great community leader, distinguished Senator and father of our young state. Adieu, our great leader”.

The Governor was accompanied on visit by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, and some members of the Assembly including Hon Samuel Mariere of Ughelli North Constituency 1 and Hon Eric Oharisi of Ughelli North Constituency 11, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Festus Agas, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon Tam Brisbe, Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie, Commissioner for Information, Hon Patrick Ukah, Special Adviser, Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government, Hon Kesiena Ibru, Chief Lawrence Oshiegbu, Managing Director of Obakpor Engineering Company, Olorogun John Oguma.


 



 

Delta State Government has expressed its willingness to partner with the entertainment industry on creative talent building, job opportunities and peace for the development of the country.

 

Economy: DSTG Partners Entertainment Industry On Creative Talents

Delta State Government has expressed its willingness to partner with the entertainment industry on creative talent building, job opportunities and peace for the development of the country.

The State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa stated this on Friday [18-03-16] when he received members of the Delta State Entertainers in Asaba, said the entertainment industry in Nigeria if well harnessed would create job opportunities for the youths, build talents and encourage peace and wellness in the state.

“For the entertainment industry to grow in the state, we need to partner with it, we will think out ways in which we can partner together, I want to give you my firm promise that we will work together with you to grow the industry, and get entrepreneurs to work with us on this”, he said, adding “I will sit with you as you progress on the way forward and harness the best of the industry for the growth of our state and country”.

He commended the mentorship programme in the industry and charged them to maintain it asserting “I plead with you to continue to be role models to budding artistes in the industry, so as you grow old, we will get younger artistes to succeed you, remember that the more you help to develop the creative minds and sustain the industry, the more we will create jobs for our people”.

Senator Okowa opined that “ our strength is not in oil as it is a perishing resource, it may have helped the economy to grow but it has not touched the lives of many people, and comes with its challenges, the era of oil have created a lot of vices among our youths, and destroyed our ethos as we don’t know who lead the communities today between the youths and the elders, the entertainment industry if well harnessed remains one of the best ways to diversify the economy for the peace it engenders, job opportunities it creates and the talents it builds”

While commending the entertainers from the state for contributing to its development, the governor said that the unity and oneness among Deltans “was the strength of our people”.

Earlier in address, Mr. Zeb Ejiro who led the Entertainers commended Governor Okowa for his electoral victories and development strides, informing that they were in the state for the Victory Concert.

He called for the partnership and the enabling environment for the entertainment industry in the state so as to harness the budding talents of the youths, reduce crime and prostitution, create job opportunities and make Delta State the Hub of Entertainment in Africa explaining that the industry could over take oil as the nation’s economic mainstay if properly harnessed.

CLEVER MINDS LEARNING CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OFFICE OF MISS URHOBO & MISS CULTURAL HERITAGE DELTA

In line with our vision to help 1.5 million students become problem solvers not job seekers and to train 1000 students through school, Clever Minds Learning Center in partnership with Miss Urhobo gives free POST UTME forms to less privilege Students, orphans, destitute,or Students who are not financially capable to afford it.
This is to inform the general public that the Clever Minds Free POST UTME forms application is ongoing. As part of Miss Urhobo support to educational development and human capacity building, Clever Minds Learning center with its Partners give free POST UTME forms to deserving students who scored above 200 in their JAMB UTME Exams

Applications for Clever Minds Free POST UTME are based on the following criteria.
Clever Minds Free POST UTME forms Eligibility:
Applications are invited from O’level students in SS 3 in any secondary in delta state who scored 200 or More in JAMB UTME 2016. 
Eligibility
a. Candidates must be in secondary school (SS 3) at the time of application 
b. Applicants must be financially unable to purchase the forms at the time of application 
c. Students in Clever Minds learning center are not eligible to Apply 
d. student must be willing to attend the Clever Minds Mentorship Class In April 
e. Students must write an essay of not more than 250 words with the title 
“WHY I WANT TO GET ADMISSION THIS YEAR”

APPLICATION FORMS 
Candidates are to pick up application forms from clever minds head office 
111 airport road (Brown Three storey building opposite FENOG Company, Last floor) opposite dstv office by bright hope junction 
Come along with one Passport photograph with white background not more than 3 months old 
Note: Multiple applications attract a disqualification penalty

Application closes Monday 23rd May 2016 
Exam Date: 28th May 2016
Time 10.00am Prompt
Venue: clever Minds Learning Center, Edjeba, 72b Otien Street, Former Born Victors Academy, By the shrine, Edjeba

In line with our Free POST UTME Forms administration system, students must undergo a qualifying exams. Only successful candidates will be given the Free POST UTME Forms. 
Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the Examinations

PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE BEST STUDENT
In line with our vision to help 1.5 million students become problem solvers not job seekers and to train 1000 students through school, we intend to pay the tuition fees (tuition fees only) for the best student in the FREE POST UTME examinations that gains admission into school.

Inquiries/ Charity Donations : 08137506467, 
Facebook: Clever Minds,

Miss Urhobo Mgt - 07084091006

Miss Cultural Heritage Delta Mgt-07044925395

Initiative of the Academic Mentor & Partners 
Zion Oshiobugie
Host of the Students Corner

CONCERNED ITSEKIRI, IJAW AND ILAJE COASTAL COMMUNITIES

 

It is about a year ago that we all marched out to “March for Buhari.” It was a march born out of our deep conviction that things cannot continue to remain the same in this country without attempting a change. We are therefore grateful to God that the march was not in vain as it was a successful march; and we are now beginning to see the change and the effects of the change that was then the driving force of the march.

However sir, we notice that there is a “Cabal” in the Federal Government owned institutions and organizations determined not to march with this change, but resolute in their determination to ensure that the “Status quo Ante” which hitherto gives recognition to contractors in the area of operation is disregarded. One of such institutions is the NAPIMS, which, in collaboration with Chevron Nigeria Limited is frustrating the effort of the Federal Government and openly marginalizing the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal Communities by its actions.

The foregoing background facts necessitate the need to do this open letter to you, Mr. President, with a view to highlighting some of these actions the “Cabal” in NAPIMS and Chevron Nigeria Limited, particularly as it relate to the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal Communities from which oil and gas is extracted, who also feels the brunt of these exploration activities, and are there major stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

We are aware that Chevron Nigeria Limited, a major oil company operating in the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities is bringing a “RIG” to the Area for use in their exploration and production of crude oil and gas, which as usual is a welcome development, but the circumstances surrounding the arrival of this RIG, the activities and job the Rig is to carryout; is our major cause of concern.

The said Rig, on arrival will operate with about 110 employees and also require the services of contractors to provide other materials and support services. Of these 110 employees, we are reliably informed that the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities were only given 21 slot (that is, 7 slot apiece). The remaining 89 employees have been sourced and employed from outside the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities. This percentage is less than 30% of the entire workforce a situation which is unacceptable to us.

We are saying that other workers cannot be brought from elsewhere within the country. The point we are making is that being the ones that feels the brunt of these oil and gas exploration and production activities, a sizeable percentage of the workforce ought to be given to us. This is not the first time Rigs will be brought to the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities for execution of jobs. The last Rig that came to the area gave over 50% of the workforce needed to the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities and they performed creditably well. We therefore see no basis for this brazen act of marginalization by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Further, all contracts for supply of materials and services have been awarded, without recourse to, and without taking the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities into consideration. The least of these contracts, even for the supply of items like tissue papers were awarded to contractor from outside the area under peretext that these contracts were bided for, and awarded to the bid winners.

Over the years, we have observed that these “Phantom bids” are the vehicle of nepotism and favoritism used by the “Cabal” to enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of local contractors who are from the area of operation of the oil companies.

It is worthy of note that indigenes and dwellers of the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje Coastal communities over the years have developed the required skill and expertise needed in the oil and gas industry and are capable of performing all work that the rig may require without the need of bringing any workforce in any field whatsoever from elsewhere. Our contractors have also distinguished themselves in the handling of all such support services and supply of materials such as the Rig may require them to perform. Their performance in this regard are verifiable anywhere. We therefore find no basis for the exclusion of contractors from our area from participating in the contracts awarded in respect of the Rig.

Mr. President, we must reiterate it that this project is being funded by a third party and this requires that the project be completed in record time without any breakdown of law and order, which may affect the funding of the project and diminish the confidence of the party funding it; that the execution of the project is likely to be an exercise in futility, a situation which may not augur well for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Mr. President, though constrained, we must say that unless this situation is reversed immediately, we will not be able to guarantee the safety of men, materials, facilities and due execution of the job by persons who are alien to our communities, our sacred places, customs and traditions; a situation which may occasion chaos, breakdown of peaceful and conducive environment to work, which may affect the entire project.

Finally, Mr. President, be rest assured of our continued support of your programmes, policies and perspective of change. This, we will continue to do only in an atmosphere of equity, justice and fair play.

Thanks for your understanding.
Yours faithfully,

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             UYAESAN AMAJU                                     TIMIEBI JONES
(For: Itsekiri Coastal Communities) (For: Ijaw Coastal Communities)

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OGUNMUYIWA ATOLAGBE 
(For: Ilaje Coastal Communities)

THE IBUSA ACCIDENT TRAGEDY AND THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT:Femi Okafor

A couple of days ago, while reacting to the unfortunate accident that ocurred on lbuzo/Asaba road around ADP office, in which members of lbuzo community suffered the most, l remarked that the State Governor and his government had made no statement whatsoever on the incident in which it was reported that no fewer than 16 persons suffered the loss of their lives.

I also observed that the SSA or SA to the Governor on social media, including the one of information failed to acknowledge the accident nor issued any statement to that effect and that there was no official government statement from the Delta State Government on the accident.

I just read online that the State Executive Council rose from a meeting in which it considered the award of contracts for road projects without mentioning the unfortunate incident in their deliberations, nor did members observe, as is the practice in similar situations, a minute silence in respect of those precious lives that were lost as a result of the accident which was caused in part and arguably, by the negligence and incompetence of the Delta State government that awarded the contract and the contractor who abandoned, without any sanction, the road contract mid way.

In a civilised climes where such a large number of citizens have lost their lives in such tragic circunstances, it is not unusual for the head of Government of the State to pay a condolence visit to the community where the tragedy occured and also issue a statement as a way of acknowledging the incidence and extending government condolences to the affected community, or at least where possible, send a government delegation to the affected community. Why Delta State Government chose to look the other way is inexplicable. 16 lives lost in one avoidable accident, by all means, is a national tragedy. That the State Executive Council could rise from it's deliberations without a word on the sad loss, still fresh in the minds of the grieving community, is astonishing and horrific to say the least.

In my humble opinion, the role of the State government, no doubt offends the sensibility of her citizens and it brings to the fore the depth of insensitivity of the government to the plight of members of this community.

As l had earlier opined, the trajectory of the Okowa's regime in what appears to be a selective political grandstanding in her relationship with this community has not gone unnoticed, despite all the funfare and much trumpeted and advertised political appointments of a couple of our indegenes, which we acknowledge and appreciate, but which appointments only put food on the table of the select political appointees, when compared to the urgent development needs of lbuzo as a part of the Delta State capital territory.

Perhaps to the Government apologists, l may sound as an alarmist, but clearly, viewing the scenario from my vintage position, all the decernible indices do not portend a robust relationship between the Okowa led government and the governed people of this community.

We, as a community, are watching the development as it unfolds, while l rest my case.

 

GOODLUCK JONATHAN MEETS WITH EX AIDES & MINISTERS OVER EFCC PROBE

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has called for a last minute meeting over  the ongoing investigations of the former President’s aides . It was gathered that many of the former ministers were not only disturbed, but also jittery by the concentration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war on those who served under Jonathan.

Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, in a report on Friday had said Buhari should authorise the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to probe and prosecute Jonathan.

Ndume had said, “Nobody is supposed to be above the law. If Jonathan is a culprit, he should face the law. If there is evidence that the former President should face the law, then, he should. After all, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Also in his response to an enquiry from Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had said, “The President does not tele-guide the EFCC in any way.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had also said Buhari did not sign any pact with Jonathan or any past President to exempt him (Jonathan) from probe.

According to Shehu, Buhari, being an open person, would never go into a secret pact with anybody, especially on his administration’s ongoing anti-graft war.

A top member of the Peoples Democratic Party, who confided in SUNDAY PUNCH, said the pressure on  Buhari to probe Jonathan would form part of the discussion when the ex-ministers meet the former President today (Sunday).

The PDP chieftain said, “Barring last minute changes, some former ministers would meet Jonathan tomorrow (Sunday) in Abuja. There is no way the issue of probes would not be discussed at such a meeting.”

Probing ex-President will be bad precedent — PDP
But some PDP leaders, on Saturday, called on Buhari not to succumb to pressure being mounted on him to probe Jonathan.

They said doing so would amount to laying a bad precedent.

A PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, urged the Buhari-led Federal Government not to probe Jonathan, adding that doing so would humiliate the PDP leader.

Speaking in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Saturday, Babatope described those calling for the probe of Jonathan as enemies of the country.

He said the former president should not be probed unless “it becomes brazenly open that a lot of thefts are traced to him, but for now nothing has been traced to him.”

He added, “The late sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, said you must not humiliate your leadership. When you decide to humiliate your leadership, it is not Jonathan that you’re humiliating, it is your values that you are casting aspersions on.

“Those calling for the probe of Jonathan are enemies of this country. Whoever is spearheading the probe may be digging his political grave. Have they found him guilty?

“All the noise we have been hearing is about the security vote. Buhari embarked on such a probe during his first coming as a military leader when he threw all manner of Nigerian leaders into jail.”

When reminded that the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh, and a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall, Alex Badeh (retd.), said Jonathan approved the monies that they allegedly got, Babatope said the duo reserved the right to tender their positions in court.

When asked if he did not feel disturbed by the number of fraud cases being unearthed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Babatope said one of the solutions to corruption – as proffered by Awolowo – was equipping the Nigeria Police and giving them free rein to operate.

Responding to one of our correspondents’ comment on the allegation that $1m was found in Badeh’s house, Babatope said Badeh had denied that money was found in his house.

When our correspondent sent a text message to the phone ofanother PDP BoT member, Chief Shauib Oyedokun, seeking to know his opinion on the matter, he said, “Let’s wait till the ‘call’ is formal.”

Also speaking on the issue, a former Special Assistant to the former President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said there might be nothing wrong in Buhari asking Jonathan to account for his actions while in office, but that the President should be weary of setting a bad precedent.

Speaking with one of our correspondents on the telephone, Okupe said, “Every regime has the right to investigate and we are not going to talk on whether it is right or wrong to ask the former President to account for his stewards while in office or not.

“But in asking questions about the actions of his predecessor, we must ask whether such actions would be good precedent or not. However, whatever he does is at his discretion as the president and the commander-in- chief.”

A former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, also said there was nothing wrong in probing the activities of former President Goodluck Jonathan while in office.

He, however, said the probes being carried out by the EFCC must be holistic, adding that it would be proper for the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, AsiwajuBola Tinubu, who is also a former Governor of Lagos State, to be probed as well.

George told SUNDAY PUNCH that it was public knowledge that Tinubu had private jets and wondered why the EFCC never questioned him on his source of wealth.

George said, “I have been reading about all the monies that were stolen through the Office of the National Security Adviser and if the EFCC is probing all that with a view to recovering money, I have no problem with that.

“If they feel probing Jonathan is proper, they can go ahead but they must remember that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. There must be no sacred cow in this anti-corruption war. You cannot probe Jonathan and refuse to probe Bola Tinubu.”

George urged the EFCC to respect the office of the President when probing Jonathan.

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, however said the former President shouldn’t be arrested.

Fani-Kayode told SUNDAY PUNCH that Jonathan had done nothing to warrant being arrested and that those calling for his arrest and interrogation should understand the implications of doing so.

“For example, Senator Ndume called for Jonathan’s arrest. This is a shameful and unnecessary contribution and if Ndume feels that Jonathan has done anything wrong, he should present the evidence to the authorities and the public, rather than try to demonise the man.

“Even where mistakes have been made, I am a strong believer in loyalty and I will stand by the man that I campaigned for during the presidential election, who is also now the leader of our party. Jonathan should be treated with respect and dignity at all times and he should always be given the benefit of the doubt.”

Jonathan’s kinsmen kick
Jonathan’s kinsmen have expressed dissatisfaction over calls for the probe of the former President.

The spokesman for the Ijaw National Congress, Mr. Victor Burubo, told SUNDAY PUNCH that it was wrong for anybody to begin to plot the investigation of the former President.

Burubo argued that since some of the ministers who served under Jonathan were already being investigated, the Otuoke, Bayelsa-born politician should be allowed to enjoy his retirement.

“I don’t think he (Jonathan) should be probed. In every government, there are people responsible for various functions and when such people are found wanting, they are fished out and probed. It is not the head of the government that should be probed.

“In Buhari’s government, people padded the national budget. Would they now say that Buhari should be investigated? Nobody has said that Buhari should be investigated,” he said.

Describing Jonathan as a national icon who has been winning international awards since he left the seat of government, Burubo urged critics of the ex-President to show respect.

Also, the spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Congress, Mr. Eric Omare, said in a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH that the ongoing probe of Jonathan’s former aides could as well be termed as an investigation of the former President.

“Jonathan is already under probe. If you are probing those under the former President, you are as well investigating Jonathan,” Omare said.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Parliament, Mr. ImohOkoko, rose in defence of the former President, saying he should not be probed.

Punch