Delta  Govt. to equip General Hospitals with N3 billion Naira approved  for procurement of  medical equipments

**As it releases over N674 million for students’ bursary

Delta State Executive Council, (EXCO), Wednesday, approved the payment of over N674,000,000 as bursary to students of its origin for the 2022/2023 academic session.

The approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said Exco also approved phase two procurement of medical equipment for 20 general hospitals across the state.

He listed the hospitals to include; General hospitals at Obiaruku, Abraka, Ekpan, Owa-Alero, Okwe, Koko, Orerokpe, Otu-Jeremi, Burutu, Abavo, Owa-Oyibu, Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Aviara, Onicha-Olona, Ofagbe, Aboh, Ashaka, Kiagbodo and Eku Baptist Government Hospital.

Osuoza, who was flanked by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, his Higher Education counterpart, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said Exco also approved compensation for the construction of flyover at Enerhen Junction to First Marine Gate.

He said: “We just finished EXCO meeting and some approvals have been given to some vital projects.

“The EXCO has approved the release of funds for 2022/2023 payment of Students Assistance Scheme, otherwise known as Bursary.

“There is approval for the upward review of the contract for the procurement of medical equipment at 20 General Hospitals in Delta State.

“There is an upward variation of the contract for the remodeling of the uncompleted library building of the Basic Clinical building for the College of Health Sciences, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

“There is also approval for the compensation of buildings that will be affected by the construction of the flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uwvie and Warri South local government areas, respectively.”

Explaining further on the bursary payment, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said; “on the hardship in the land, the reason the Governor is very much interested in this is because when parents are looking for money, they need the money to take care of their children, pay school fees and provide basic necessities.

“As a government, we believe that if we are able to give some funds to these students, that way we have also been able to help their parents.

“Any student that you make this money available to now, at least, for that month and maybe the next, will not ask his or her parents for money to buy one book or feed.

“So, we are not just approving the bursary for our students for nothing. If we are able to reach out to as many as over 30,100 students of Delta State origin, you will know the number of households the government has been able to reach out to through this form of palliative.

“As an administration, you will notice a number of things we have mentioned here that we are doing in the health sector. It is also with a view to ensuring that our people have access to medical facilities and that they are able to reach out.

“Once we are able to put the hospitals in good shape and they are functional, it means that the funds that are available to you, even when we did not give it to you by cash, that as a government, we have also provided in that area.

“If we give you money and the hospitals are not functional, you will discover that you are not going to eat the money. After all, they say the value of money is what money can buy.

“So, we are providing you those things that you need money to buy; helping you solve that challenge, so that, at the end of the day, we are mitigating the excruciating conditions that we have found ourselves in.

“All the steps being taken by the Oborevwori-led administration is with a view to making life much more livable for our people.

“That we are ensuring that you have good roads, students have schools to go to, that our people have good hospitals and conversion of more schools to universities to ensure that our people have access to more higher education; all of them is to make life much more livable.”

On gully erosion ravaging parts of the state capital, Aniagwu, said the state government was working on addressing the challenges posed by the 1.8km meters gully erosion site on the Marble Hill Road to Vanguard and NNPC, Asaba, and other sites across the state.

He said over N2 billion was approved by EXCO for the payment of compensation on the flyover project from Enerhen to Marine Gate, Warri, and gave assurance that the present administration would continue to take proactive steps to mitigate the plight of Deltans.

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said over N3 billion was approved for the equipment of 20 General Hospitals across the state. He also said
there is a standing approval for immediate replacement of essential workers lost to brain drain, adding that the state government was committed to ensuring the health of Deltans.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari, said over N674 million would be paid to 30,116 students of the state origin drawn from 195 institutions across the country for the 2022/2023 bursary, adding that processes for the payment of 2023/2024 has also began.

DTHA: Delta Persons living with disability bill sponsored by Okowa Daramola passed

The Delta State Persons Living With Disabilities Bill 2024, has scaled through all the legislative procedures at the floor of the State House of Assembly.

The voluminous bill, sponsored by the Member Representing Ika North East in the House, Hon Marylyn Okowa-Daramola was read the third time and passed at Tuesday March 12 plenary of the House, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

The passage of the bill, the second in the 8th Assembly, was sequel to a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, after a careful legislative scrutiny of the bill at the Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, with the Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, Hon Bridget Anyafulu leading the amendments process.

At the committee of the whole of the House, the lawmakers scrutinized the 51 sessions bill clause by clause and made necessary amendments, including on the schedule and marginal notes of the proposed legal document.

The bill had earlier scaled through first and second readings on the floor of the House, and subsequently referred to the joint House Committees on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services and Special Committee on Bills

Commending the lawmakers for their inputs at the committee of the whole House, and the successful passage of the bill, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor said the 8th Assembly under his watch, has by the passage of the bill recorded another legislative milestone.

“I wish to commend you all for your contributions on the bill at the committee of the whole house. Your participation was indeed, heartwarming.

“This bill is indeed a great achievement to this Honorable House as it comes with great respite for those living with disabilities.

“Therefore, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Sponsor of this people’s oriented bill and, indeed everyone of you on the successful passage of the all-important bill” Guwor said.

Reacting to the development, the lead sponsor, Hon Marylyn Okowa-Daramola,
expressed happiness over the successful completion of legislative fireworks on the bill by the State Assembly and now await its signing into law by the Governor.

Hon Okowa-Daramola who represents Ika North East and Chairman, Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriations, described the proposed law as answer to the yearnings of people that desire and deserves special attention and recognition in the society.

She said “Today, 12th of March 2024, the State House of Assembly passed the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Bill 2024 after the Bill successfully scaled through 3rd reading.

“The landmark bill, which I am the lead sponsor is a remarkable win for persons with disabilities in Delta State as its provisions will ensure improved inclusiveness, participation, protection, equity and empowerment”.

Hon Okowa-Daramola explained further that the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Law will eradicate discrimination in all forms against individuals with disabilities and prohibit any unfair treatment based on disability.

“With accompanying penalties for infringements, the proposed law will also promote inclusivity and accessibility by providing that persons with disability afforded lifts, ramps and other accessibility aids to all physical structures.

“It will also ensure improved access to transportation, including exclusive parking spaces and improved access to public transport.

“In addition, the law emphasizes the rights of persons living with disability to basic and secondary education, to live independently, access information, and participate fully in political, cultural, and social life”, the Lawmaker noted.

Okowa-Daramola who paid glowing tributes to the Speaker and members for their support and encouragement, stated that the proposed law is in line with UN and other global protocols and standards on disability rights and justice.

The Ika North East Representative, explained that the passed bill provides for the establishment of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, a body that will facilitate implementation of the provisions of the proposed law.

Hon. Okowa-Daramola promised to initiate several other people-oriented bills that would further strengthen peace, development and good governance in the state.

“I want to say a big congratulations to the 8th Assembly for the speedy consideration and passage of this landmark bill which is the second private member bill to be passed by the House.

“It is certain that implementation of the proposed law will improve the well-being of all Deltans, particularly those living with disabilities, their families and communities”, the Lawmaker emphasized.

NUJ Seeks End To Discrimination Against Poly, NABTEB, HND, BSC Certificates

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has advocated for the outright abolition of official discrimination against polytechnic and National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB) certificate holders in the state.

NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe stated this when he led members of the state executive on a courtesy visit to the office of the Commissioner for Technical Education, Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Joan Onyemaechi in her office in Asaba.

Comrade Oyowe stressed that technical education is a veritable tool for self reliance, employment and sustenance, adding that with proper attention, it is capable of curtailing unemployment and enhancing development.

He harped on the need for all stakeholders – government, parents, students and guardians to pay greater attention to technical education considering the huge multiplier benefits it would have on society.

The NUJ Chairman particularly called on governments to do away with covert discriminatory policies, especially in the civil and public sectors, which tend to promote dicotomy between conventional universities and secondary certificates from Polytechnic/ NABTEB certificates.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Commissioner to effect the desired change in the educational sector considering her pedigree in public service, noting that her track records at the National and State Assemblies and lately as the immediate past Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), were very remarkable.

Comr. Oyowe said the visit was aimed at building synergy that would enhance awareness among the public and citizenry on the invaluability of technical education to the state in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda.

“As a strong voice in the State EXCO, we want you to bring the requisite change for the removal of the prevailing dichotomy between certificate holders from conventional universities, schools and Polytechnics, technical colleges.

“This expungement of dichotomy should be practically done not just by precepts. We want to assure you of our total support with your Ministry to make sensitisation possible as technical education drives self reliance and reduces unemployment”, he said.

Continuing, Oyowe said, “It is very sad that people still believe in the superiority of university certificate. We are willing to work with your Ministry in building confidence in parents, guardians and students on the importance of technical education”.

The NUJ Chairman underlined the essence of his leadership’s thrust on the POWER concept and the derivable mutual benefits for Journalists in the state and Delta in general.

Responding, the Commissioner said the initial misconception of perceived inferiority of technical school certificate is being addressed by the Ministry.

According to her, students of the technical colleges are being availed the opportunity to obtain dual certificates, the NABTEB and SSCE, to equip them to study their choice courses in any tertiary institutions of their choice.

Moreover, the Commissioner revealed that the newly created Delta State University of Technology Campus at Orerokpe, which is upgrade of an existing Technical College, is specifically designed to admit graduates from the technical colleges across the state.

She said technical education facilities across the state are becoming overwhelmed by the number of students enrollment, adding that additional facilities are needed in order to accommodate more students.

She noted that Technical Colleges in the state also intends to embark on training those beyond school age to acquire skills that can enable them fend for themselves.

Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi took swipe on prevailing journalism practice, particularly the online platforms and called for enhanced ethical and professional content and delivery.

She lamented the debasement of journalism profession largely borne from knack for pecuniary inducements, while tasking the NUJ to redeem the profession from disrepute and restore its lost glory to enhance the desired patronage.

“People publish without verifying stories and there is need for the balancing of stories before going to press. You need to work seriously on your members in order for the profession to regain its respect and then it can get patronage from government. The needed support will be given to NUJ in order to embark on training of its members”, she stated.

The Commissioner expressed confidence in the capacity of the NUJ Delta State EXCO, noting that “It is going to be a welcome development for all of us to work together and we will be glad to partner with the NUJ on sensitisation”.

NAWOJ Delta Mourns Omu Anioma, Says Her Voice And Influence Will Be Greatly Missed

By Dorathy Mbasen Uba

Chairperson, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo on Friday 8th March, 2024 led a delegation to the Palace of HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu (the Omu of Okpanam/Omu Anioma/Nneoha), to commiserate with the Dunkwu family over the passing of their Matriarch.

Comrade Sonia Unobunjo who was accompanied by the Secretary, Comrade Tracy Ikolomi and some members of the Association, said the news of the demise of the revered ruler who was their Patroness did not only come as a rude shock to NAWOJ Delta State but also shook up the Association nationwide.

Comrade Unobunjo described the late Omu as an epitome of beauty and an emblem of wisdom, whose achievements in her short but impactful life has left a lasting legacy for the promotion and preservation of the Anioma and African cultural heritage.

According to her as the name “Nneoha” implies; the late Omu was a mother for all, a peace builder, a voice for the voiceless, a reliable confidant, and a rare gem whose pedigree has motivated many women today to build self-confidence and stand up for their rights.

NAWOJ Delta also acknowledged the late Omu of Anioma as a promoter of social justice whose firm commitment to worthy causes particularly the fight for the rights of women and the girl child as well as her numerous contributions to both national and international issues cannot be overemphasized.

The NAWOJ Chairperson said that Obi Martha Dunkwu ‘s voice and influence will be greatly missed by most Women Organizations, NGOs, and CSOs among other Human Rights groups within Nigeria and in the diaspora especially at this time ( International Women’s Month) when Women are been celebrated Internationally, she would have been everywhere actively participatory.

Delta NAWOJ sympathized with the Dunkwu family, the great people of Okpanam, the Anioma Nation, Delta State, Nigeria and the international community; adding that the Omu’s legacies will forever be in their minds and pray God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

On his part, the biological son of the deceased, Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor thanked members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Delta State Chapter for coming to sympathized with their family stating that his late mother had always stood on the part of truth irrespective of who is involved.

Highpoints of the visit was the presentation of the condolence letter by the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo to Dr. Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor who also represented the Dunkwu family and the signing of the condolence register.