MORE Agenda: Actively engage Companies, private sectors operating in your communities, Dr. Agbolaya charges EAs, SSAs, SAs others

*Says Peaceful environment key to CSR, Community Development

The Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP has charged Executive Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and other Political Appointees under his office to specially engage Companies, private sectors and other ventures in order to help manifest the MORE Agenda of the Governor.

Dr. Agbolaya gave the charge Thursday August 15, 2024 when he hosted his first meeting with the SSAs, EAs and SAs at his office in Asaba the Delta State capital.

Amb. Dr. Agbolaya addressing appointees  during the meeting 

Dr. Agbolaya appreciated Governor Oborevwori for the appointment and pledged to execute his duties with dedication and integrity as well contributing positively to the Delta State Community Development Initiatives.

He urged all political appointees under community development to embrace unity and collaboration, while emphasizing that only through collective effort and mutual support that expected positive outcomes for communities can be achieved.

The Governor Oborevwori’s Special Adviser on Community Development notes the importance of Peaceful coexisting/operating environment for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR in attracting community development, stressing that the government cannot achieve societal development alone, hence collaborating with the private sector is always key for sustainable growth and development in the state and anywhere.

Dr. Agbolayah reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, assuring that efforts to advance the welfare and opportunities for young people in Delta State would be top among priorities in line with the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori MORE Agenda in advancing the youths in Delta.

Dr. Agbolaya receiving files & other documents from Mr. Adilike, while others observe 

The meeting also witnessed formal handover of files to Dr Toyin Agbolayah by the head of administration Festus Adilike in the Office of Community Development.

CEPEJ National Coordinator, Chief Mulade decorated as ICC Patron

Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has decorated one of Delta-born activist, Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade an environmental activist of note and National Coordinator, Centre For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), as one of its patrons.

The United Nations (UN) Ambassador, who doubles as the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom) Kingdom Lifter of the Great Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri south west local government area of the State, was honoured for his commitment towards peace in the Niger Delta, youth empowerment, media support and for always seeking for improved welfare of the people.

Chief Mulade was decorated as ICC Patron by the Chapel Chairman, Kenneth Orusi, on Thursday August 15, 2024, at CEPEJ Corporate Office, Ugolo-Okpe, Okpe local government area of the State.

While speaking, Comrade Orusi hinted that “we are here today, to decorate you as a patron of the Chapel.

“You were not selected because we wanted to fill a vacuum but because we have followed your antecedents as not just the voice of the voiceless but your tentacles spread across not just the State but across Nigeria, and the globe.

“As a Chapel, we are critics of government policies and programmes that are meant to benefit the grassroot and we see in you, someone that is actually trending on same path of activists that are doing their jobs.

“We equally looked at you campaigns for the welfare of the people around the coastal areas where the crude oil that actually feeds the nation comes from. So, we didn’t have any issue selecting you as our Patron”.

Orusi, expressed believe that Comrade Mulade’s strong advocacy for the creation of an agency known as Coastal Areas Development Agency (CADA), to look into the development of the Coastal communities in the State, may have led to the creation of the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure by the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, following the support he gave to CADA, while he was Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA).

He called on the Chapel Patron to rise up to the challenge and put the government on its toes so that the Directorate won’t suffer under funding as seen in previous governments.

“We are using this opportunity and platform to call on you that you should not rest particularly now that this ministry has been created, it gives you more opportunity for more advocacy. We have seen situation where government create agencies or parastatal but were not funded.

“It is time for you to raise your voice to see that the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure is adequately funded and our brother is given the opportunity and privilege to do the work behind the establishment of the agency.”

Orusi, tasked him on the need for peace to return to Okoloba and Okuama communities in Bomadi and Ughelli south local government areas of the State and other communities were there are pockets of crisis and insecurity particularly in the Riverine communities.

In his response, the UN Peace Ambassador and Environmental activist, Comrade Mulade, thanked the leadership of the Chapel for finding him worthy to be considered as patron of the Chapel.

“Let me congratulate your Chapel for this laudable initiative. I am a bit short of words because I didn’t expect this.

“I am open to every progressive forum. My vision and calling is to support every progressive organization, movement, society or nation. I have not even contributed enough to the society as I want. However, I want to thank you for finding me worthy of this position.

“I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you, I will not fail you. We will do everything humanly possible to support and assist the Chapel.

“Like I said, my organization’s door, is open and as a person, my individual door is also open. Whenever you need our attention, do not hesitate to reach out so that we can continue to move together to contribute to the betterment of the State”, he said.

Plateau State Government Lifts Curfew In Jos-bukuru Metropolis

The Plateau State Government has fully lifted the curfew imposed on Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, following the peaceful conduct of residents and an improvement in the security situation.

His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the area after thorough consultations with security agencies, in response to hoodlums attempting to hijack the nationwide protest in the state.

The decision to lift the curfew was made after a review with security agencies, which allows citizens to resume their economic and lawful activities while maintaining public order.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their steadfast patriotism and cooperation during this challenging period. He assured them of his unwavering commitment to their well-being.

The Governor also commended the security personnel for their dedication and effective enforcement of the curfew. He called for continued collaboration between residents and security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
August 15, 2024.

NUJ Sapele Chapel Affirms Positive Relationship with Council Chairman Amidst Media Misreporting

By: Nelson Agbajor

In a recent development that underscores the harmonious relationship between the media and local governance, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sapele Correspondents’ Chapel has officially disassociated itself from a misleading online publication alleging threats by Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Chief Bright Abeke. This move highlights the Chapel’s commitment to maintaining integrity and promoting constructive engagement with local Leadership.

The Sapele NUJ Chapel has been thrust into the spotlight following an online post by a Facebook page identified as “Real Sapele Amebo,” which falsely accused Hon. Chief Bright Abeke of threatening the union. The NUJ Sapele Chapel swiftly responded with a formal disclaimer, emphasizing that no such incident occurred and that the union had no knowledge or evidence of any threats made by the chairman.

In their statement, the NUJ Sapele Chapel vehemently denied any claims of discord between the union and the council chairman. They articulated their disappointment with the publication, condemning it as a “careless media act” that risks tarnishing the reputation of both the union and its relationship with local governance.

Comrade Nelson Agbajor, Chairman of the NUJ Sapele Chapel, and Comrade Rita Daniel, Assistant Secretary, both underscored the Chapel’s longstanding tradition of collaboration with local authorities. Their recent meeting with Hon. Chief Bright Abeke on August 12th was, in fact, a gesture of goodwill. The meeting was intended to congratulate Abeke on his recent electoral victory and to foster a cooperative relationship moving forward.

This positive interaction aligns with the NUJ Sapele Chapel’s history of working harmoniously with past council chairmen. The union expressed its eagerness to extend its support to Abeke’s administration, reinforcing their commitment to constructive journalism and supportive local governance.

The NUJ Sapele Chapel’s swift and decisive action in addressing the misinformation serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in journalism. By publicly disassociating itself from the false claims and reaffirming its supportive stance towards the council chairman, the Chapel demonstrates its dedication to ethical reporting and transparent communication.

The NUJ Sapele Chapel’s leadership also urged the public and media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and unprofessional conduct that could damage reputations and relationships. Their stance promotes a culture of respect and mutual understanding, crucial for effective governance and community engagement.

The recent statement by the NUJ Sapele Chapel not only clarifies the situation regarding the alleged threats but also reaffirms their positive and supportive relationship with Hon. Chief Bright Abeke and his administration. As local media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, the Chapel’s actions highlight the importance of maintaining professional standards and fostering collaborative relationships with local leaders.

Through their commitment to integrity and constructive engagement, the NUJ Sapele Chapel sets a commendable example of how media organizations can contribute to a more informed and harmonious community.

I am very grateful to Governor Oborevworii for appointing me as S.A on Security- Comrade OrevaOghene

**Oborevwori is the only governor that has foresight to put bridge across key points of Delta State- Concerned friend of OrevaOghene Chairman- Omovonotu

By: Celestine Ukah.

The newly appointed Special Assistant, SA to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Security, Comrade OrevaOghene Olodia Isaac has expressed his appreciation to Rt. Hon. Oborevwori for appointing him as one of his aide in his administration.

Comrade OrevaOghene Olodia Isaac gave the appreciation Monday August 12, 2024 in Warri when he played host members of his Concerned Friends, he lauded the friends for the visit and identification with him.

Comrade OrevaOghene whilst thanking the Concerned Friends, pledged to work hard in Synergy with other security agencies in making sure there’s peace and security in Warri and Delta State at large in line with the MORE agenda of Governor Oborevwori.

He urged investors to take advantage of the existing peace in Warri and come in with their investment as they are assured of addeguate protection on their various investments.

The Governor Oborevwori SA Security commended the good administrative capacity of the Warri South Local Government Council Chairman, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, assuring him of robust partnership in making Warri great again as well as the actualization of his MoRE GRACE Agenda in line with the Governor Oborevwori focus on MORE Agenda manifestation across the state.

Comrade OrevaOghene said as part of effort to rebrand Warri, those projecting Warri and Delta State in negative light should desist henceforth especially comedians and others in the entertainment industry and its alike.

He as well used the opportunity to caution criminal and anyone intending to flee away from Warri and Delta as state as the area won’t be conducive for their nefarious activities going forward.

Chairman of Concerned Friends of Comrade OrevaOghene, Mr. Oghenekevwe Omovonotu says Oborevwori is the only governor that has the foresight to put bridge across the key points of Delta State, he commended him for appointing their friend as his Aide on Security.

Mr. Omovonotu a Marine expert based in Warri, said Comrade Oreva has been working very hard before now and will do more, he hailed Governor Oborevwori and want him to continue till 2031, that the people of Warri, Delta State loves him and his good governance style

Read the poetic, eulogizing message from COCOSA National President, Enijuni to Pa. Inekuku @90

The Soft, Succulent and Eloquent queens English poured out from your mouth reminds me of the yesteryears of the novel “Telephone Conversation”. You are truly a COCOSA octogenarian at heart, from when I come under your tutelage and guidance, you have shown an exemplary leadership per excellent no wonder you were conferred as the oldest man and leader of your community Igwremarho.

You have shown that even when others were canvasing not to pay their monthly dues after attaining the age of 65, you took the bold step that you will pay your own so as to have a voting right and voice to speak whenever necessary.

Your decisions were forthright and decisive in every situation.

Barr Inekuku hasn’t faltered, he has COCOSA running on his vein, he is a true and generous to the extent he even pays more in every occasion we attended.

He loves to give and at 90 he still loves driving, oh what a good health Almighty God has bestowed upon him.
Happy
Birthday
Celebration
To
You
BARR. CHIEF EDE .O. INEKUKU
May
This
Day
Bring
Renewed
Health
Of Mind
And Body
Long Life
And Prosperity
Amen
Cheers to a COCOSA Nonagenarian @90
Congratulations.

Paris Olympics: SWAN calls For State Of Emergency On Sports, Says team Nigeria’s woeful performance not acceptable

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has described the performance of Team Nigeria at the 2024 Olympic Games as far below expectations.

A statement by SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, Tuesday August 13, 2024, said it was unacceptable for Nigeria to return from the just concluded Olympics without a medal.

The Association attributed the massive failure of the country in Paris to largely administrative incompetence and negligence which were obvious after Nigeria’s highly rated Track and Field Athlete, Favour Ofili’s name was found missing from the list of those meant to compete in the 100m event.

With the outcome of the Games, SWAN wondered why so many promises of medal haul were dished out by the Sports authorities when they were very much aware that there was nothing on ground, including the level of preparation to guarantee a podium performance.

“Before Games, Nigerians were meant to believe that all was well when the Sports Ministry kept assuring that the performance of Nigeria at 2024 Olympics would surpass the country’s best ever outing at the Atlanta 1996 edition.

“The entire media fraternity in Nigeria was equally surprised to hear that the reason Nigeria didn’t perform optimally in Paris was due to lack of preparation as various Sports Federations, as it has now been exposed that the Federations only focused on ensuring that their athletes qualified for the Olympics but did nothing to prepare them for Olympics performance.

“The result from Paris goes to show that so much needed to be done that were not put in place, despite the huge amount of tax payers money that was made available by the federal government just for only participation.

“This circle has to be put to a stop because it is now obvious that Nigeria’s Sports needs a breath of fresh air.

“It is a well known fact that sporting talents abound in Nigeria but the management of these talents leaves so much to be desired. In the past and even at the just concluded Olympics, Nigerians, some of them who had competed for Nigeria, switched allegiance to other countries and did so well to win medals,” the statement said.

The SWAN leadership therefore called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency restructure the entire sporting sector and ensure that only people who have the knowledge and passion for the sector are given the opportunity to operate in such a critical sector.

“Sports is now a huge business venture in other parts of the world. So, to avoid a repeat of what happened in Paris Olympics, the Nigerian Sports sector has to be opened up for professionals and business minded persons to step in and salvage the situation.

“Nigeria has a reservoir of personalities who are doing very well within and outside the country that have all it takes to uplift Nigerian Sports so that the youths who are mostly the worst hit in terms of unemployment and societal restiveness can make an honest living on the sector”.

However, SWAN also reminded the leadership of the Sports Ministry on the need to expedite action in unravelling the cause of previous administrative lapses at global competitions, especially as it concerns the inability of Ofili to take part in the 100m event in Paris.

“Dealing with administrative issues bedeviling Nigerian Sports will actually be the fulcrum upon which the resurrection and development of Sports in the country will be hinged on.

“That Nigeria’s Sports development is still backward is because necessary administrative bottlenecks have not been diagnosed and treated accordingly.”

SWAN also called for early preparation to 2028 Olympics to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

Future of Lagos: Sanwolu welcomes Ambode back into Government House

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Governor of Lagos State Nigeria, Mr. Babajide Sanwolu has welcomed back his Predecessor, Governor Akinwumi Ambode into Lagos Government House on a courtesy visit over the future of Lagos State.

The visit which was done Monday August 12, 2024, according to Governor Babajide Sanwolu their conversation centred around the future of Lagos and greater Lagos.

The Governor in his  official X handle noted that him and Ambode Concentrated on consolidating on building on the solid foundation already in place.

He stressed that he values his perspective “As we all work together to ensure that Lagos remains on the path of growth and development”. Sanwolu stated.

Group Urges Yorubas To Fully Support Tinubu

** Says President Cannot Worship The North

Worried by the recent hardship protests witnessed in Nigeria, the O’Odua Integrity Network ( OIN) has called on the Yoruba Ethnic Nationality to be proactive, saying it was time for Yoruba Nation to re-think and rise to the defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at all times against the North.

EndBadGovernance movement, according to OIN, organised by some faceless individuals, mostly misguided people, was supposedly against longstanding grievances about governance, corruption, and socio-economic challenges in the country.

In a Press Statement signed by Chief Adewale Adeosun (President) and Mr Ige Kilanko (Secretary), the group, lamented that despite assurances by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the government had heard the message loud and clear and his promises to meet some of the demands, the protests escalated in parts of the country, costing lives and leading to significant damage to property.

OIN said that the protests in the North were particularly volatile, destructive, and mindlessly orchestrated with a clear intention of bringing down the government, with hundreds of protesters waving Russian flags, while others openly called for the military to take over and wondered what the Service Chiefs were doing.

The Ibadan based group noted that Nigeria has a history of youth-led protests, adding that the most notable in recent times was the #EndSARS movement in 2020, which targeted police brutality and sparked widespread demonstrations across the country.

According to the group, during that period, Northern Nigeria remained relatively quiet, pointing out that; ” In fact, President Buhari said the protest was aimed at bringing down his government” and that key Northerners, who would not “stand idly by and watch Buhari’s government attacked”, spared no effort to crush the protests.

They noted that despite efforts by President Tinubu to clear the Augean stable left by Buhari and previous governments, he has been abandoned to bear the brunt of his long-overdue economic reforms, adding that;
“Northerners are up in arms against him – and sadly, very sadly – prominent Southerners, folding their hands, watching”.

The group wrote; “It’s even worse in the South West, Tinubu’s base! It appears that it was for exactly this moment that the illustrious Yoruba dramatist and actor Herbert Ogunde produced the play, “Yoruba Ro’onu!”

“What was the point in the deadly violence in places like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, with protesters waving Russian flags and calling for military intervention? What has Tinubu’s government done to deserve a call for unconstitutional change and an invitation to Russia to intervene in the country’s internal affairs? And Yorubas are watching as if it doesn’t concern them”, the group added.

The OIN said that they are concerned that the same Southern betrayal that scuttled the presidential ambition of the sage Obafemi Awolowo in 1979; the same Southern betrayal that cost the region the MKO Abiola presidency in 1993; and the same South betrayal that nearly cost President Olusegun Obasanjo a second term in 2003; was rearing its ugly head again.

They noted that; “While we are opposed to violence, we unequivocally call for a change in the attitude of Southerners, especially the Yorubas of the South West in the unfolding political situation in the country.Yorubas – women, students, workers and the elite – especially the elite, MUST take a stand and do so firmly.They should stop hiding behind a finger or burying their heads in the sand.The Northern agenda is clear, even to the blind. Because they believe that Tinubu must worship them and that they have been at the losing end of the progressive reforms of this government, they have vowed that Tinubu will NOT have a second term.But this is NOT about Tinubu! It’s about the South, specifically, the Yorubas.It is disgusting and disgraceful that Yorubas are standing by, as enlightened as they claim to be, while the North is riding roughshod over the country. We expect Yoruba sociocultural groups to see the Northern agenda for what it is and to come out fully in support of the President. The North’s attitude of “Kaka ki eku ma je se se…”, literally meaning that if they can’t have power, then no one else will, must stop! Yorubas home and abroad must see this danger for what it is and rally to the Tinubu’s defence.They must take a stand, NOW!

Here Is The Full Press Statement By OIN:

STATE OF THE NATION:
YORUBA RO’0NU – TIME FOR YORUBA NATION TO RE-THINK

*RECENT PROTESTS AND DISCONTENT: A CALL TO PROACTIVE ACTION BY YORUBA ETHNIC NATIONALITY

Recently, Nigeria witnessed a surge of youth-led protests under the banner of the “EndBadGovernance” movement.

This movement, organised by some faceless individuals, mostly misguided people, was supposedly against longstanding grievances about governance, corruption, and socio-economic challenges in the country.

Despite assurances by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the government had heard the message loud and clear and his promises to meet some of the demands, the protests escalated in parts of the country, costing lives and leading to significant damage to property.

The protests in the North were particularly volatile, destructive, and mindlessly orchestrated with a clear intention of bringing down the government.

Hundreds of protesters waved Russian flags, while others openly called for the military to take over!

We wonder what the Service Chiefs were doing!!!

Nigeria has a history of youth-led protests. The most notable in recent times was the #EndSARS movement in 2020, which targeted police brutality and sparked widespread demonstrations across the country.

During that period, Northern Nigeria remained relatively quiet – in fact, President Buhari said the protest was aimed at bringing down his government! Key Northerners, who would not “stand idly by and watch Buhari’s government attacked”, spared no effort to crush the protests.

Fast forward to 2024.

Despite efforts by President Tinubu to clear the Augean stable left by Buhari and previous governments, he has been abandoned to bear the brunt of his long-overdue economic reforms!
Northerners are up in arms against him – and sadly, very sadly – prominent Southerners, folding their hands, watching!

It’s even worse in the South West, Tinubu’s base! It appears that it was for exactly this moment that the illustrious Yoruba dramatist and actor Herbert Ogunde produced the play, “Yoruba Ro’onu!”

What was the point in the deadly violence in places like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, with swathes of protesters waving Russian flags and calling for military intervention?

What has Tinubu’s government done to deserve a call for unconstitutional change and an invitation to Russia to intervene in the country’s internal affairs?

And Yorubas are watching as if it doesn’t concern them!

We are concerned that the same Southern betrayal that scuttled the presidential ambition of the sage Obafemi Awolowo in 1979; the same Southern betrayal that cost the region the MKO Abiola presidency in 1993; and the same South betrayal that nearly cost President Olusegun Obasanjo a second term in 2003; is rearing its ugly head again!

While we are opposed to violence, we unequivocally call for a change in the attitude of Southerners, especially the Yorubas of the South West in the unfolding political situation in the country.

Yorubas – women, students, workers and the elite – especially the elite, MUST take a stand and do so firmly.

They should stop hiding behind a finger or burying their heads in the sand!

The Northern agenda is clear, even to the blind!

Because they believe that Tinubu must worship them and that they have been at the losing end of the progressive reforms of this government, they have vowed that Tinubu will NOT have a second term!

But this is NOT about Tinubu! It’s about the South, specifically, the Yorubas!

It is disgusting and disgraceful that Yorubas are standing by, as enlightened as they claim to be, while the North is riding roughshod over the country.

We expect Yoruba sociocultural groups to see the Northern agenda for what it is and to come out fully in support of the President!

The North’s attitude of “Kaka ki eku ma je se se…”, literally meaning that if they can’t have power, then no one else will, must stop!

Yorubas home and abroad must see this danger for what it is and rally to the Tinubu’s defence.

They must take a stand, NOW!

Yoruba Ro’onu!

SIGNED:

CHIEF ADEWALE ADEOSUN
PRESIDENT

MR. IGE KILANKO
SECRETARY