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ICT Advancement in Delta Schools: COCOSA donates computer sets, Generator to alma-mater worth millions of Naira

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ICT Advancement in Delta Schools: COCOSA donates computer sets, Generator to alma-mater worth millions of Naira

 

By: Celestin Ukah

In order to advance the teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, in Delta State public schools, College of Commerce Old Students Association, COCOSA has donated sets of Computers and generator worth millions of Naira to the the prestigious College of Commerce Warri.

Photogenic  of the computers and COCOSA members/Teachers & students

While handing over the sets of computers and generator Wednesday October 6, 2023 to the Principal and on behalf of the Old students, President of College of Commerce Old Students Association, COCOSA World-Wide, Victor Kolawole Enijuni commended members for their free will support in making the computer project a reality.

Enijuni charged students of College of Commerce to make effective use of the computers as it is for their advantage in increasing their knowledge of ICT and in joining to broaden their skills and capacity in modern communication technology.

The COCOSA President volunteered to come once in a week to impact some computer skills on the students as part of effort of giving back and inculcating more value to the students in order for them to be well equipped and compete with their counterpart from other schools elsewhere.

The old students had earlier during the third term in July 2023 donated volley ball equipment to the college in order to boost that part of sport in the School as the college is known for both academics excellence and sports development in Delta State and beyond.

Principal of College of Commerce Warri, Mrs.Queen Oyibo appreciated COCOSA for the Computers and generator donated to the college, she assured the old students of effective use of the items donated as well as give it adequate protection.

Mrs. Oyibo expressed delight to COCOSA for their continued support to their alma mater, noting that she has been seeing their cooperation, urging them not to relent with their care of their former college, adding that COCOSA support is highly complimentary to government attention to improving education in Warri and in Delta State.

The immediate past President of COCOSA, Barr. Patrick Ederi commended members for their support and donations in making the presentation to the School project come through.

He urged COCOSA members yet to identify with the National body to do so and enjoy the blessings that follows those that give and want their alma mater to be great at all time.

 

Vice President COCOSA, Mrs. Yemisi Adebisi, Secretary- Mrs. Elum Violet, Publicity Secretary, Engr. James Adjuga, Public Relations Officer, PRO, Celestine Ukah, Welfare Officers Moses Kakoh, Rose Daramola, Ekama Stephen Okoro Provost, Mrs. Eloho the Assistant Secretary as well as , Engr. Chuks and other members of the Association enjoined the students and the teachers to monitor the equipment presented in order to get more

 

Appeal Court Sacks Adamawa APC Senator, Abbo, orders INEC to issue certificate of return to Rev. Yohanna of PDP

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Area News Nigeria
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Appeal Court Sacks Adamawa APC Senator, Abbo, orders INEC to issue certificate of return to Rev. Yohanna of PDP as dully elected Lawmaker

An Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has sacked the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Adamawa North senatorial district, Senator Elisha Abbo.

A three-member panel of the appellate court, presided over by Justice C.E. Nwosu-Iheme, in a judgement, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Rev. Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected lawmaker for the senatorial district.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had on February 25, 2023, declared Abbo as the winner of the senatorial poll.

Dissatisfied with the declaration, Yohana and the PDP filed a petition before the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Yola, Adamawa State challenging the return of Abbo.

The tribunal, in its judgement, dismissed Yohanna’s petition for lacking in merit.

Further dissatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, the PDP’s candidate, through his counsel Johnson Usman (SAN) approached the Appeal Court via appeal number: CA/YL/EP/AD/SEN/06/2023 between Rev. Amos Kumai Yohanna and another Vs Ishaku Elisha Cliff and others.

The Court of Appeal, after hearing arguments from parties, agreed with Usman that based on Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the results tendered clearly showed that there was no compliance with the Electoral Act.

The court, thereafter, deducted the invalid votes from the parties and found that Yohanna and PDP won the election by majority of lawful votes.

The court proceeded to set aside the Certificate of Return issued to Abbo and ordered INEC to issue the same to Yohanna as the valid winner of the election representing Adamawa North Senatorial District.

Reacting to the judgement, Mr Sam Ologunorisa (SAN), said he had nothing to say since “the Court of Appeal is the final court.”

When contacted for his reaction to the judgement, lawyer to the APC, Mr Michael Numa, SAN, said he had nothing to say until he sees the judgement.

“I was not in court when the judgement was delivered. So, I will have to see the judgement before I can comment on it,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the panel include Justice M.I. Sirajo and Justice O.A. Adegbehinde.

 

BOSIET Certification lawsuit: Court dismisses Opeans Nigeria Limited Motion to join the NUPRC

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Area News Nigeria
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BOSIET Certification lawsuit: Court dismisses Opeans Nigeria Limited Motion to join the NUPRC

Justice Joe Egwu of the Delta State High Court in Orerokpe has dismissed a motion filed by Opeans Nigeria Limited to join the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to an ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit involves Opeans Nigeria Limited, the American Petroleum Institute (API), Veriforce Limited Liability Company, and the Attorney-General of Delta State.

Opeans Nigeria Limited had sought to include NUPRC as a defendant in the case, arguing that their involvement was necessary. However, Opeans’ application was challenged based on Sections 307 and 308 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which state that NUPRC cannot be sued or joined to a lawsuit without proper pre-action notice being served on them.

Furthermore, the court agreed with the plaintiff’s claim that there was no cause of action against NUPRC in this particular case, leading to the dismissal of the motion.

The legal action against Opeans Nigeria Limited and the other defendants stems from allegations of issuing fake and forged American Petroleum Institute (API), and Veriforce BOSIET certificates, which are not approved by the respective institutes.

Opeans Nigeria Limited has been falsely claiming that their training programs and certificates are approved and accredited by API and Veriforce, despite lacking any formal endorsement from them. The Company has been issuing BOSIET certificates falsely claiming that same is approved by API and Veriforce.

However, API, a leading authority in the oil and gas industry, has categorically denied granting any approval or accreditation to Opeans Nigeria Limited for conducting the BOSIET certification, and issuing such certificates. This denial further solidifies the allegations against the defendants, exposing the misleading claims made by Opeans Nigeria Limited regarding their affiliation with API.

BOSIET certification is of utmost importance in ensuring the safety and competence of individuals working in offshore environments of the Oil and Gas industry. The fraudulent issuance of these certificates not only undermines the credibility of the certification process but also poses a significant risk to the safety of workers and the industry as a whole.

With the court’s decision to dismiss Opeans Nigeria Limited application to join NUPRC to the lawsuit, the case will proceed without the involvement of the regulatory commission. The court has set the 18th of October, 2023 as the date for the ruling on the Interlocutory Injunction, which might have significant implications for the future of Opeans Nigeria Limited, where the plaintiff is seeking for an order to restrain Opeans Nigeria Limited from continuing to conduct the BOSIET certification.

This ruling by Justice Joe Egwu highlights the complexities of the legal dispute and the importance of following proper legal procedures. As the case continues, both sides will present their arguments and evidence to support their claims. The upcoming ruling on the Interlocutory Injunction will undoubtedly be a crucial moment in determining the outcome of the case and its implications for the parties involved.

Frustrated Monarch, Illicit Oil Barons Behind Fake Warri Protests Against-NNPCL GCEO, Kyari -Group asserts

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Area News Nigeria
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Frustrated Monarch, Illicit Oil Barons Behind Fake Warri Protests Against-NNPC,L GCEO, Kyari -Group

The Niger Delta Peoples Assembly (NDPA), on Saturday said that a frustrated monarch and illicit oil barons were behind “fake Warri Protest” against the Group Chief Executive officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari.

Specifically, the group said that the act of organized protest has become a huge joke in the Niger Delta, wondering how anyone could take what happened in Warri, Delta state as a protest.

The group in a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Richard Toritseju Okotie, said it was a thing of shame for few belligerent and ill informed youths, holding placards, in front of the NNPCL’s building that hosts the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission ( NUPRC) and the Nigerian Nigerian Midstream Petroleum Authority (NMPA), Warri, to be referred to as a protest of a coalition of 26 youth groups.

The group described the recent protest in Warri for the probe and removal from office the GCEO of NNPCL Mele Kyari as a charade,imploring the sponsors of the so called protest to give peace a chancem

NDPA noted that the supposed coalition protest was indeed a joke in its entirety, adding that it was an orchestrated fiction poorly steam rolled and it did not make an impact it was intended due largely to lack of numbers, coordination and purpose.

“The brain behind the wishy washy outing was a first class traditional ruler, who considers himself very smart and so wants to harvest without planting”, the group said.

According to the group; “The lacklustre reception accorded his protesting youths by the staff of the NUPRC was most deserving, he knew he had the short end of the stick. The monarch should hide his head in shame for trying to resort to cheap blackmail and crude methods to have his way in the renewal of his pipelines surveillance contract. Very well, he does not merit the re-award. The monarch failed miserably alongside his illicit oil barons, and have become more frustrated by recent nationalistic policies of Mele Kyari to retool the NNPCL”.

The group further said that the various names paraded as the group of misguided youths that took placards to the gates of NUPRC, were, Niger Delta Youth Association, Niger Delta Women for Change, Niger Delta Youth Empowerment Network & South South United Youth Association, saying that they are all non- existent and mere fabrications and existed only in their imagination and that of their sponsors.

“In a very poorly articulated address, they presented their grouse as financial impropriety; lack of vision, poor performance, autocratic conduct, among others against the NNPCL GMD. And this prompts the question of whether they are auditors appointed by Mr. President to study the books of the NNPCL? On the other hand, it would have helped their protest if they had an auditor’s report indicting the GCEO of NNPCL”, they said.

According to the group, NNPCL is the most probed and audited agency by other government institutions, such as the National Assembly, adding that; “This is due to the oversight function exercise over it by NASS, and Mele Kyari has never been found wanting. Mele Kyari infact enjoys a clean bill of health”.

They stated that on the issue of refineries rehabilitation, the mischief makers and their sponsors should be informed that the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries was ongoing, with the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries to come on stream in December 2023.

“There is an increase in crude oil production in 2023 due to the ingenuity and commitment of the GMD, who launched a relentless war against oil theft and pipelines vandalism by local operators and international barons. His sincere efforts and patriotic zeal have been recognised and appreciated by all critical stakeholders within and outside the oil industry and indeed outside the shores of Nigeria.

To hurt the feelings of hired jobless protesters and their main principal, our indefagible President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reposed huge implicit confidence in Mr. Mele Kyari, a reservoir of knowledge”, they said.

They said also that; “Does anyone have to remind the hollow head Street urchins, who served as ready tools of the youthful but directionless monarch, that the decision of Mr. President to retain Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL was a confirmation of his resourcefulness, astuteness and commitment to the attainment of set goals. With this singular action of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it was very clear to discernible minds that Mr. President has an implict confidence in the man Mele Kyari as an eminently qualified member of the team to deliver the vision and mission of the Renewed Hope mantra in the oil industry”.

The group disclosed that Mele Kyari recently awarded pipelines rehabilitation and surveillance contracts throughout the country to a consortium of oil firms in a bid to ensuring uninterrupted conveyance of crude and supply of refined products to all nooks and crannies of the country.

“The grouse of the unhappy king stems from the refusal of the NNPCL’s GCEO to renew his non-performing pipelines surveillance contracts, which expired last September. The first class monarch is still dazed that Mele Kyari, having reviewed the said contract, refused to be used, as he declined all entreaties’, they stated.

The group said that crude carrying pipelines in the areas under the monarch’s control were daily compromised and vandalised by oil thieves, while he collected millions of dollars for unexecuted jobs, saying that the era of such free money no longer exists in the current regime.

“He was thoroughly embittered when the NNPCL management informed him that his surveillance contract would not be renewed, as it would be subsumed under a very effective and efficient global contract”, the group said.

The offence of Mele Kyari, according to the group is that he refused to renew the monarch’s contract when it expired a month ago and hence he is calling for his head.

They claimed that;”The embattled monarch is also reported to be angry with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led by Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, for not circumventing the implementation of the PIA in his domain to his benefit. He devised desperate tactics to bypass the PIA law, but it ended in fiasco. He was roundly ignored by NUPRC and tamed by the NNPCL”.

“The aggrieved monarch in cahoot with oil thieves is unimpressed with Mele Kyari’s bid to rid the NNPCL of all illegal oil operations, and had hired fake protesters to malign the committed GCEO. We implore Mr. President to ignore the media hype of the supposed protest. It was a frustrated monarch cutting his nose to spite his face, who was behind it.
Mele Kyari should be preserved to continue his good works in the national interest. No one changes a winning team, rather, you strengthen it. Only individuals who engaged in unlawful activities and seeking unmerited favours that are afraid of Mele Kyari” the group said.

They added that; “And the oil thieves and those seeking to circumvent the law would continue to have reasons to be unhappy , with Mele Kyari enjoying a merited endorsement and backing of Mr. President in his patriotic zeal to rid the nation’s oil industry of all sharp practices associated with crude oil and petroleum products. Our dear, Mele Kyari, ride on in the national interest”.

The Full Press Release Reads “The act of organized protest has become a huge joke in the Niger Delta. How can anyone take what happened in Warri Delta State as a protest?
Can few belligerent and ill informed youths, holding placards, in front of the NNPCL’s building that hosts the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission ( NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream Petroleum Authority (NMPA) Warri, be referred to as a protest of a coalition of 26 youth groups?

“That was the charade that happened in Warri recently, which those who sponsored it called a protest asking for the probe and removal from office of the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari.

The supposed coalition protest was indeed a joke in its entirety. It was an orchestrated fiction poorly steam rolled. It did not make an impact it was intended due largely to lack of numbers, coordination and purpose.

The brain behind the wishy washy outing was a first class traditional ruler, who considers himself very smart and so wants to harvest without planting”.

“The lacklustre reception accorded his protesting youths by the staff of the NUPRC was most deserving, he knew he had the short end of the stick. The monarch should hide his head in shame for trying to resort to cheap blackmail and crude methods to have his way in the renewal of his pipelines surveillance contract. Very well, he does not merit the re-award”.

“The monarch failed miserably alongside his illicit oil barons, and have become more frustrated by recent nationalistic policies of Mele Kyari to retool the NNPCL.

The various names paraded as the group of misguided youths that took placards to the gates of NUPRC, were, Niger Delta Youth Association, Niger Delta Women for Change, Niger Delta Youth Empowerment Network & South South United Youth Association. They are all non- existent and mere fabrications. They existed only in their imagination and that of their sponsors”.

“In a very poorly articulated address, they presented their grouse as financial impropriety; lack of vision, poor performance, autocratic conduct, among others against the NNPCL GMD. And this prompts the question of whether they are auditors appointed by Mr. President to study the books of the NNPCL?

On the other hand, it would have helped their protest if they had an auditor’s report indicting the GCEO of NNPCL

NNPCL is the most probed and audited agency by other government institutions, such as the National Assembly. This is due to the oversight function exercise over it by NASS, and Mele Kyari has never been found wanting. Mele Kyari infact enjoys a clean bill of health.

On the issue of refineries rehabilitation, the mischief makers and their sponsors need to be informed that the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries is ongoing, with the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries to come on stream in December 2023”.

“There is an increase in crude oil production in 2023 due to the ingenuity and commitment of the GMD, who launched a relentless war against oil theft and pipelines vandalism by local operators and international barons. His sincere efforts and patriotic zeal have been recognised and appreciated by all critical stakeholders within and outside the oil industry and indeed outside the shores of Nigeria.

To hurt the feelings of hired jobless protesters and their main principal, our indefagible President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reposed huge implicit confidence in Mr. Mele Kyari, a reservoir of knowledge”.

“Does anyone have to remind the hollow head Street urchins, who served as ready tools of the youthful but directionless monarch, that the decision of Mr. President to retain Mele Kyari as GCEO of NNPCL was a confirmation of his resourcefulness, astuteness and commitment to the attainment of set goals. With this singular action of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it was very clear to discernible minds that Mr. President has an implict confidence in the man Mele Kyari as an eminently qualified member of the team to deliver the vision and mission of the Renewed Hope mantra in the oil industry.

Mele Kyari recently awarded pipelines rehabilitation and surveillance contracts throughout the country to a consortium of oil firms in a bid to ensuring uninterrupted conveyance of crude and supply of refined products to all nooks and crannies of the country”.

“The grouse of the unhappy king stems from the refusal of the NNPCL’s GCEO to renew his non-performing pipelines surveillance contracts, which expired last September.

The first class monarch is still dazed that Mele Kyari, having reviewed the said contract, refused to be used, as he declined all entreaties.

Crude carrying pipelines in the areas under the monarch’s control were daily compromised and vandalised by oil thieves, while he collected millions of dollars for unexecuted jobs. The era of such free money no longer exists in the current regime”

“He was thoroughly embittered when the NNPCL management informed him that his surveillance contract would not be renewed, as it would be subsumed under a very effective and efficient global contract.

The offence of Mele Kyari is that he refused to renew the monarch’s contract when it expired a month ago. Hence, he is baying for his blood.

The embattled monarch is also reported to be angry with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) led by Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, for not circumventing the implementation of the PIA in his domain to his benefit. He devised desperate tactics to bypass the PIA law, but it ended in fiasco. He was roundly ignored by NUPRC and tamed by the NNPCL”.

“The aggrieved monarch in cahoot with oil thieves is unimpressed with Mele Kyari’s bid to rid the NNPCL of all illegal oil operations, and had hired fake protesters to malign the committed GCEO.

We implore Mr. President to ignore the media hype of the supposed protest. It was a frustrated monarch cutting his nose to spite his face, who was behind it.

Mele Kyari should be preserved to continue his good works in the national interest.

No one changes a winning team, rather, you strengthen it”.

“Only individuals who engaged in unlawful activities and seeking unmerited favours that are afraid of Mele Kyari.

And the oil thieves and those seeking to circumvent the law would continue to have reasons to be unhappy , with Mele Kyari enjoying a merited endorsement and backing of Mr. President in his patriotic zeal to rid the nation’s oil industry of all sharp practices associated with crude oil and petroleum products.

Our dear, Mele Kyari, ride on in the national interest.

God bless Nigeria!!!

SIGNED for and on behalf of Niger Delta Peoples Assembly (NDPA)

Richard Toritseju Okotie
National Coordinator.

Delta’s Advisory and Peace Building Council: The Critical imperatives of A Strategic Council

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Area News Nigeria
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BY Monday Uwagwu

No wise farmer plants in a forest on fire-Ancient African proverb

Long, long ago-perhaps as soon as the time was born and history began- it was held, and without sustainable argument to the contrary, that peace is the grandparent of sustainable development.

The truism and relevance of the above proverb are self-evident in the daily life of man and have since found credible credence in the works of renowned Development Economists who hold that wholesome development and enduring peace and security are identical Siamese twins.

The import of the wise crack of ancient Africans as captured above and the submission of Economists was never ever, for the briefest capsule of time, to be lost on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently, in deference to his personal conviction, inaugurated the State Advisory And Peace Building Council, in Asaba, in pursuit of the practical implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda. The broad mandate of the council sums up in just a few words: enhancing the tempo, timbre and tenor of peace and security in the state.

At the occasion, Governor Oborevwori underpinned the critical importance of the council and the imperative of peace in the state, saying his administration would not only partner conventional security agencies but also ensure that all issues that can threaten public peace and peaceful coexistence in the state would be adequately addressed under the aegis of the MORE Agenda, the acronym for the thematic operational code and philosophy of the government.

Pointedly addressing the galactic ensemble of the members of the council led by former Minister and elder statesman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, at their inauguration at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described them as men and women of exceptional accomplishments in both the private and public sectors and expressed the hope that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.

Though Delta State is peaceful, relative to other parts of the country, the publicly expressed sentiments of the governor at the inauguration ceremony reflect his innate desire for deepening the tempo of peace and security in the state.

As is now generally acknowledged, the inauguration of the council, one of the major actions of the Oborevwori administration, has multiple elements of significance which put it rightly where it belongs-a frontline project for a government truly desirous to earn its place of pride in the already enviable annals of the state.

A primary element of significance of the inauguration is its timing-less than five months after its inauguration into office. A true evaluation of this element is better appreciated against the backdrop that Oborevwori did this at a time some of his contemporaries and colleagues are still settling down to duty after their swearing in. In fact, that the inauguration of the vital council is one of the many other worthy initiatives already taken by the administration depicts the preparedness of the governor for service in the exalted office of state governor, well ahead of time. In sum, he came into office roaring to go.

Another element of the overall significance of the inauguration of the council is the fact that it enables the person of the governor to lay the appropriate foundation for the envisaged far-fetched fulfillment of the fourth pillar of the MORE Agenda, which revolves around enhanced enduring peace and security of life and property in the state. This element is especially vital in the light of the truism of our earlier submission in this write to the effect that Development Economists hold peace and security as vital precedents for sustainable wholesome development to which they (peace and security) also are inextricably tied as identical Siamese twins.

Though the state is not in a serious security crisis, the ageless African proverb above which says that no wise farmer plants in a forest on fire drives home the place of peace and security, which constitute the fourth element of the MORE Agenda, in the sustainable development of any society, and underlies and underlines the predicate of the Oborevwori initiative with regard to the council.

For the government, the right slant here is on preventive action.Yet, there is much more to the initiative of the government.

Thematically, the event and the council itself glut with vital significance. This is because, rather than constitute just a committee as is most common these days, Oborevwori opted for a council, which has a broader, deeper, mandate portfolio. It is interestingly important to note that the council is not just an observer body but one with the scope of responsibility that includes peace building. This is laudable as it typifies the huge store that the government places on the council and its faith in its ability to deliver.

Again, there is the element of significance relating to the number 44, which is not just spiritually important and rhythmically appealing, but speaks to the desire of the administration to source actionable experience and knowledge and skill from a broad spectrum of the society, without creating clumsiness and bloating.

Of course, the scope of the membership also tell a good story that defers to not only competency , but also inclusiveness. It is gratifying to note that members are drawn from the clergy, traditional institution, the professions, civil and public services, security and politics; this is an attempt by the government to garner credible actionable inputs from a broad spectrum of the society to deal with issues as they arise.

Correlatedly, the scope of the mandate of the council is understandably big; it has the responsibility to, using credible information at its disposal, advise the government on vital proactive steps to prevent misunderstandings from degenerating to crisis and constituting veritable threats to public security and peaceful co-existence, while dealing with existing ones.

The wisdom in this mandate portfolio is underpinned by the ageless saying that prevention is better, cheaper, than cure.
And then this: by giving the council the mandate to work for enhanced understanding and cooperation between the state government and its people and other states and the Federal Government, Governor Oborevwori has exponentially demonstrated his conviction that, just as individuals, Delta State, must have peace not just within its borders, but equally importantly, outside of it, by earning the trust, goodwill and cooperation of others.

Overall, the end goal of the Oborevwori administration is to ensure that the state remains secure and sure footed as it marches to unequalled stardom as Nigeria’s champion state.

What greater wisdom exists than this?

Oborevwori celebrates David Gbenebichie as he clicks 100 years 

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Area News Nigeria
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Oborevwori celebrates David Gbenebichie as he clicks 109 years 

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated elder statesman, Prince David S. Gbenebichie, as he clocks 100 years on October 12.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement in Asaba said Nigeria’s business landscape was replete with the rich contributions of the centenarian, who retired in 1984 as Director of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

He remarked that the elder statesman was a renowned public servant who served the country for 32 years in various capacities

He lauded the centenarian cooperative legend for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s socio-economic growth, noting that the legacies of the patriot would earn good reckoning in Nigeria’s history.

According to him, Deacon Gbenebichie remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s growth through his cerebral contributions to the Western, Midwestern and Federal Civil Services.

Oborevwori pointed out that Gbenebichie would continue to be generously acknowledged for his exemplary, pioneering role and enduring legacy in the Civil Service of the nation and most importantly, for his service unto God and citizens of this great country.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a respectable elder statesman and patriot, Deacon David Gbenebichie, on his 100th birth anniversary.

“Your family, friends and well-wishers have great cause to celebrate you, considering the distinguished life of dedicated service to God and humanity which you have lived over the years.

“As you mark this landmark anniversary, I felicitate with you and pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and more years of enduring fulfilment,” he stated.

BAYELSA 2023: More Trouble For APC As Lokpobiri Unites Wike with Diri

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Area News Nigeria
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* Plot By APC’S Bigwigs To Frustrate Sylva Unearthed

*Group Wants APC NWC to sanction Lokpobiri, Lyon, others

 

The last may not have been heard about the crisis rocking the Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following report that the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has united the state’s Governor, Senator Douye Diri with his arch-enemy, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyensom Wike.

A group within APC, which styled itself “Concerned APC Stakeholders (CAPCS) “, revealed that Senator Lokpobiri has settled the rift between Diri and Wike, which arose from the last presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the group, Lokpobiri, leveraging on his closeness to the former governor of Rivers State had prevailed him on him to forgive the Bayelsa Governor over his refusal to support him during the intra-party election of PDP, which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as the presidential standard-bearer of the main opposition party ahead of the 2023 election.

According to the group, Lokpobiri’s intervention and reconciliation of the feuding politicians were parts of his strategies to garner support for the re-election of the governor in the November 11 governorship election in the state.

It was gathered that the action of the group was meant to ensure that the APC’s candidate in the election did not emerge victorious in the poll.

Diri was reported to have incurred the wrath of Wike as the Bayelsa governor abandoned him and supported Atiku Abubakar in the presidential primaries.

Wike was said to be livid that despite that he released heavy funds to Bayelsa State delegates through Diri, the governor swayed and persuaded the delegates to vote Atiku Abubakar.

The group, in a press statement by its coordinators, Mr. Nimi Benigha-Amange and Kopiamu Arikibai, said Wike, who is still not pleased down deep inside his heart with Diri had resolved to back the candidate of APC, Chief Timpreye Sylva, before he was persuaded to forgive and throw his weight behind the incumbent governor by the oil minister.

“In furtherance of his intention to frustrate the election of Timpreye Sylva, Senator Lokpobiri has brought former Governor Wike and Douye Diri together in reconciliation. Although Wike does not have any political influence in Bayelsa state other than his relationship with Lokpobiri, but he can provide funds for any side he favours to win the election.”

“Former Governor Wike has been unhappy with Douye Diri before now but Senator Lokpobiri has succeeded in reconciling them to enable him to foster and achieve his interest of ensuring Timpreye Sylva fails in the election.”

“The intensity of sabotage within APC is very pronounced. Prominent APC leaders, who claimed to be aggrieved in one way or the other are holding nocturnal meetings with Douye Diri and PDP leadership to sabotage their party in the election.

“People like Senator Lokpobiri, David Lyon and some serving and formers members of the state and national assemblies, especially those from Timpreye Sylva locality are said to just be playing along with APC, they are all known to be working with PDP to deliver Douye Diri on November 11.”

“These prominent politicians do not hide their hatred for Timpreye Sylva and they openly say it everywhere that Timpreye Sylva cannot fly and that he is not going to anywhere. They want to finish APC from within in the election. Most of them have been hugely compromised.”

“But no matter how they pretend, the outcome of the election in their areas will show and demonstrate their genuine commitment to the party. The outcome of the election in their areas will show their political value. It will show what political value do you have and people will judge you mainly by your results. A serving minister, who cannot deliver his unit, ward and local government has shown his political value and worth,” the group added.

Meanwhile, the group has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC to sanction erring members and leaders of the party in the state.

“We seize this opportunity to call on our indefatigable National Chairman, His Excellency Abdullahi Ganduje and members of the NWC of our esteemed party to wield the big stick against the saboteurs in our party in order to ensure victory for our candidate, Chief Timpreye Sylva, come November 11th,” they stated.

2023 World Mental Health Day: National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity), Sensitizes Secondary School Students On Danger Of Drug Abuse

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Area News Nigeria
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2023 World Mental Health Day: National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity), Sensitizes Secondary School Students On Danger Of Drug Abuse

 

Sapele : As part of the activities marking the *”World Mental Health Day”* the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity), Urhiapele Deck, has carried out sensitization campaign to warn youths at secondary school levels of the dangers of drug abuse.

A Cross Section of Students and members of NAS & other stakeholders 

The event which was *aimed* at promoting mental health in the society is part of the activities to commemorates the World Mental Health Day in the Urhiapele Deck chapter of the National Association of SeaDogs and similar exercise is being carried out in all the 64 chapters of the association worldwide.

The theme of this year’s event is *”Together We Uphold Mental Health As Human Right”.* Glory land International Secondary School, Amukpe, Sapele, was venue for the event.

The Deck Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs, Urhiapele Deck, Dr Michael Eyide, explained that the event was another clear demonstration of the association abiding commitment to contribute to the development of a just and egalitarian society.

He explained that the choice of picking a secondary school – Glory land International Secondary School, was a deliberate as the aim of the event was to sensitize the students, because their age bracket is more succeptible to peer group influence associated with drug abuse.

Eyide, noted that many see education today as a scam, but maintained that most of them that came to sensitized the students are core profesionals who got to where they are today because of good education and advised the students to focus on their education and shun drugs.

Two of the resource persons: Dr Fredrick Adu, MD/CEO of Royal Clinic, and Mr Paul Ogboru, focal person on HIV/AIDS program at the Pharmacy Department, Central Hospital, Sapele, who spoke at the occasion summarized the effect of drugs as depression, mental disorder, lack of self esteem and untimely death. They warned the students to stay away from drugs and focus on their studies so as to become responsible children to their parents and the society at large.

In a vote of thanks, the Principal of Gloryland International Secondary School, Amukpe, Sapele, Mrs. Emuvoke Opuru expressed joy that her school was chosen as a demonstration to all schools in the district, in view of how drugs have damaged the lives of many youths.

She added that the lecture provided a vivid awareness of the terrible effect of drugs and commended the National Association of Seadogs for the gesture.

The National Association of Seadogs was founded in 1952, by those referred to as the original 7. They are Professor Woke Soyinka and six others, who were all youths at that time. The Association has contributed immensely to national development through various forms of advocacy and humanitarian projects, striving for the *”attainment of a just society”* which has inspired hope in communities around the world.

Federal Government gives contractors 14-day ultimatum to fix failed roads

By
Area News Nigeria
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**As Tinubu backs Umahi on use of concrete for roads Construction in Nigeria

 

The Federal Government has given contractors handling road projects that have been abandoned, a 14-day ultimatum to return to sites or face revocation of the contracts.

The government also threatened to drag contractors ganging up against the use of concrete for road construction to the anti-crime agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related offences, ICPC.

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this after meeting, behind closed-doors, with President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Umahi, who vowed not to succumb to the gang-up and blackmail from contractors, said President Tinubu had given him the support for the use of concrete in reinforcement.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting with the President, Umahi said some contractors had keyed into the policy, just as major cement producers had agreed to discount prices for such government road builders.

He also highlighted the advantages of cement roads over asphalt/bitumen, including cheaper costs and the need to encourage local production of cement against importation of bitumen.

Umahi further warned contractors against the dodgy attitude of securing about 20 projects but deploying as few as two units of equipment to site.

On the agenda of the meeting with the President, he said: ” I came to Villa to see Mr. President to discuss about road infrastructure. I want to thank God because Mr. President approved all my requests. And these requests will renew the hopes of Nigerians on our road sector development, the approvals will rejuvenate proper road construction.

”But let me clarify a number of issues, especially for the benefit of Nigerians and our stakeholders. There has been a kind of campaign by some quick fix contractors and some elements you know, within who do not wish us well, who want us to continue with the old order.

“But we can’t continue to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. The truth is that our roads are not good. The truth is that the past government earmarked a number of roads, which Mr. President inherited, close to about 18,897 kilometer of road to the tune of N14 trillion.”

Asked how the projects would be funded, he said: “By the mechanism of funding, by the ingenuity of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are sure of funding of about N5.1 trillion, leaving N6 trillion gaps. And this N6 trillion funding gap is as May 29, 2023.”

SBC Congratulate PST Opate as he celebrates 10th Marriage anniversary, Birthday, shower

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Area News Nigeria
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SBC Congratulate PST Opate as he celebrates 10th Marriage anniversary, Birthday, shower

By: Celestine Ukah 

The entire members of Shalom Baptist Church, SBC of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Off pipeline Road, Ekpan, Delta State joyfully celebrate with the minister in charge of the Church, PST Bright Opate as he celebrated his birthday, 10th marriage anniversary and yearly shower Sunday of appreciation.

Secretary of Shalom Baptist Church, Pst. James Uvietesivwi, Sunday September 24 on behalf of the Church Executive Committee members and other groups of the Church comprising of the MMU, WMU, LYDIA, G.A, SUNBEAM and others expressed deep appreciation to the Man of God as he celebrated triple day of divine Grace of God upon him and his family.

He described PST Bright Opate as a well filled Man of God who has continually discharged God’s word as it is to the children of God, impacting positively to liberating and delivering those in bondage bringing them to the light of God and the Kingdom of God.

While wishing PST Bright Opate Happy birthday and a happy 10th anniversary as well as the successful yearly shower Sunday of appreciation and thanksgiving, Uvietesivwi commended the delectable wife of the Man of PST Mrs. Ebitimi Opate for her sustained support and encouragement to the husband for the past 10 years of their blessed union, urging her to continue praying for the Man of God as her prayers has being of immense backup , Pst. Uvietesivwi prayed to God give them more wisdom strength and compassion to move on in God Ministry.

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