By: Ella Tarvey

Renowned Journalist cum politician Comrade Victor Otuya, has congratulated the member representing Ethiope West Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Achoja, on his emergence as the chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology.

In a release made available to newsmen Otuya described Achoja’s appointment as well deserved.

He said the youthful politician will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the oversight function of the committee in relation to development of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Delta State.

Otuya, prayed to God to guide and protect the politician as he focus on the task ahead.

The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has congratulated the Group Managing Director of Income Electrix Limited, Engineer Matthew Edevbie on the conferment of a Doctor of Science in Engineering (Honoris Causa) on him by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University.

In a statement on Sunday, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies said the honorary doctorate degree conferred on Edevbie was evidence of his immense contribution to the development of the engineering profession and the power sector as well as human capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.

The prominent chief said Michael & Cecilia Ibru University made the right choice by conferring the honorary doctorate degree on Engineer Edevbie.

‘’I am delighted that Engineer Matthew Edevbie has been honoured by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University in this special way. This is a well-deserved award and highly commendable’’.

Edevbie, a seasoned engineer with over 30 years’ cognate experience in various aspects of electrical engineering concept, design, procurement, construction, operations management, maintenance and consulting was given the honour at the university’s 5th convocation ceremony which held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Engr. Matthew Edevbie attended several prestigious professional courses and workshops including but not limited to: IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Harvard Business School, John. F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and Lagos Business School.

An astute administrator, people manager, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Environmental Society,

Edevbie is also an active member of Enterprise Development Services (EDS) of the Lagos Business School. He is the Founder, GMD/ CEO of Income Electrix Group.

By: Ella Tarvey 

The member Representing Warri Federal Constituency Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi and affirmed elected by the Election petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba Delta State has reacted to his electoral victory by the election petition which uphold his election Saturday September 9,; 2023.

Chief Ereyitomi while reacting shortly after the judgement, commended the judiciary for doing justice on the matter brought before the court , hailed the thoroughness of the judges, adding that judiciary remain the hope of the general masses in the society.

Rep Ereyitomi commended his legal team for a job well done by making sure that all relief in the APC petitioner were adequately and well responded to and judgement also delivered on each of them leading to the dismissal of the petition itself and cost award of 500 thousand in favour of the 2nd and 3rd respondents.

He described the judgement by the Tribunal as a victory for democracy and triumph for Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West voters whose mandate he represents remain unshaken by any Petitioner who should accept defeat when they lost.

Hon. Chief Ereyitomi said he’s for every Warri constituents, urging others to come join him to move Warri Federal Constituency forward as the sure possibility agenda of robust representation and attraction of dividend of democracy continues.

*As Earthquake damages historic world tourist walls site

Rescuers in Morocco are searching for survivors from Friday September 8, 2023, powerful earthquake that claimed more than 2,000 people confirmed dead, making it the country’s deadliest quake in years.

CNN reports that the worst damage and destruction has been in isolated mountain areas which are difficult to access. Residents have described whole villages suffering damage with rescuers unable to retrieve bodies from rubble.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI declared three days of mourning and ordered mosques nationwide to hold funeral prayers at noon on Sunday.

In Marrakech, a popular and historic tourist city, many residents spent a second night sleeping on the streets, too afraid to return to their homes. The city’s historic walls, first laid out in the early 12th century have been damaged.

*Awards 500 Thousand Naira as cost against  petitioner 

By: Celestine Ukah 

The election petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba the Delta State capital Saturday September 9, 2023 affirmed the election of Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi JP as the duly elected Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the February 28, National election.

The Tribunal also dismissed the petition of the APC candidate Ekpoto Ekpoto Emmanuel and also awarded a cost of 500 thousand Naira against him to pay the 2nd respondent and the duly elected Warri Reps member Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi.

While delivering judgement on the case with suit No. EPT/DL/HR/15/2023: EKPOTO EKPOTO EMMANUEL & ANOR
V INEC & 4 ORS by the Chairman of the three Man Panel of the Tribunal, Justice Catherine Ogunsola, who read the judgement while dismissing the case in Asaba said that the petitioner case lacks merit.

The Petitioners according to Justice Ogunsola, failed to call evidence unit by unit and ward by ward to establish malpractice in the election, noting that the Petitioner in it’s pleadings did not demonstrate the discrepancy between the number of accredited voters, the lawful votes cast and how it affected the outcome of the election, adding that attempt to do such in it’s Written Address was of no moment.

The Tribunal also dismissal the alleged forgery of the 3rd Respondent’s NECO, it was not established as there is no disclaimer from the issuing authority. Besides, no mens rea could be inferred.

Judgment was Delivered in each and every relief in the petition as well as the petition itself all dismissed.

Counsel to the 2nd respondent and the affirmed winner and member representing Warri federal constituency, Chief Ereyitomi, Chief Robinson Ariyo described the victory at the tribunal as victory for democracy as well as those electorates, who voted massively for Hon. Chief. Ereyitomi during the Poll.

It would be recall that INEC, on March 2 2023 declared Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyintomi, winner of the election having scored 20,155 votes to defeat his closest opponent Young Piero Omatseye of the Labour Party LP, who pulled 9, 491 votes.

**identifies project abandonment causes in Nigeria

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Thursday, inaugurated multi-billion naira projects at the Dennis Osadebe University, Anwai-Asaba, as part of activities to mark his first 100 days in office.

The Governor who also also commissioned 29 network of roads with 31.45 line drains around Madonna College road in Asaba and Okpanam areas of Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Council areas of the state, blamed the abandonment of projects across the country on failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.

The projects inaugurated at the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba, include; 500 and double 250 seater auditoriums, faculty building and furnishing of Faculty of Agriculture, Administrative building; Vice-Chancellors lodge; gate entrance and main entrance access road at the University.

Speaking separately during the inauguration of the projects, initiated by the previous administration at the University, Governor Oborevwori noted that government was a continuum and it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors for the collective good of the people.

He commended his predecessors in the state for continuing with projects they met while also executing new projects and particularly lauded the immediate past administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the projects.

Oborevwori said: “My joy knows no bounds as we commission this 500-seater Auditorium, two 250-seater Auditorium, building and furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, main gate building, and internal roads in this citadel of learning.

“There are two reasons for my happiness today, first is that I promised Deltans in my inaugural speech that I will ensure that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the previous administration would be completed alongside new initiatives.

“Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and prudent manner”.

He explained that “One of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.

“And this is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. However, this should not be the case if the focus of the leader is on the collective good of all.

“I am proud to say that in Delta State, we have had a history of successive governors building on the legacies of their predecessors. It is my honour and privilege to continue with that noble tradition as I give credit to the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his vision and foresight in initiating these projects.”

While underscoring the importance of education to the growth, development and advancement of modern society, Governor Oborevwori assured that his administration would continue to give moral and institutional support for the development of the three new universities.

“The second reason for my joy is that the completion of these projects underscores our commitment to the educational advancement of our people.

“Education and knowledge are two cornerstones of progress in any modern society. The emplacement of skilled and professional competencies for all the citizens and residents of the state is one of the priorities of this administration.

“It is also gratifying to note that enrollment into the university has continued to grow. This is undeniable proof that the decision to establish this university and two others in Ozoro and Agbor is justified.

“Our people are eager for quality education and we are glad that we have provided more opportunities for them to actualize their dreams.

“This administration shall continue to give the necessary moral and institutional support necessary to transform these institutions to centres of excellence in terms of their overall outlook and scholarship potentials”, he said.

The elated Governor, challenged the University authority to prioritise curriculum development and innovation to make graduates meet up with challenging technological trends.

Governor Oborevwori said: “I implore the Governing Council and the Board of the university to prioritise curriculum development and innovation.

“In a time of rapid economic and technological change, the challenge is to develop courses and programmes that will enable the graduates to forge the strongest career paths, learn new skills, solve real world business problems, and develop the abilities and expertise to be in tune with global trends.

“This calls for hands-on and work-integrated learning as a direct response to the demand for professionals with market-relevant skills.

“Graduates from our universities must be well equipped with business knowledge and competencies in critical thinking, interpersonal skills, communication, ability to work in teams, entrepreneurial skills, as well as self, social, and ethical awareness”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari commended the Governor for transforming a bush into a citadel of learning with seven faculties and 40 programmes to cater for the growing population of the state.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Benjamin Oghojafor in his welcome address, said the establishment of the three new Universities was born out of the need to grant more access to higher education for Deltans, adding that the university was already filling the gap by providing excellent skills in various areas of learning to curb the high rate of unemployment in the country.

He said the university’s academic programmes were one of the most sought after in the state, pointing out that they were in talks with the NUC to increase the school’s admission quota.

Earlier at the road and erosion control inauguration, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze said that the completion of the project was a great relief to people of the area who had been plagued by massive flooding and erosion challenges.

Chairman Oshimili South Local Government Council, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili and his Oshimili North counterpart, Hon. Innocent Eseweze commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for consolidating on the achievements of the past administration in completing ongoing projects across the two local government areas.

They pledged the support and cooperation of the people of Oshimili South and North to the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Secretary to the Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Commissioners, traditional rulers and other top government functionaries attended the ceremonies.

By: Celestine 

College of Commerce Old Students Association, COCOSA, Warri will be holding its monthly General meeting in the month of September in Warri, Delta State.

The general meeting which is to hold at Hillview Hotel along Giwa-Amu Road off Airport road, Warri on Sunday September 10 is slated at 2:30Pm prompt.

According to the notice of meeting circular released by the Secretary General of College of Commerce Old Students Association, Mrs. Violet Elum, urged members to attend as vital issues will discussed.

College of Commerce Old Students Association National Public Relations Officer, Journalist Celestine Ukah, hinted that the National President of COCOSA, Mr. Victor Kolawole Enijuni and the executive shall be welcoming new members into the association as new intending members are encouraged to take advantage to join.

He enjoined members to be punctual to the meeting as issues bordering on their alma mater, members Welfare and other pertinent matters will be deliberated upon.

College of Commerce Old Students Association monthly General meeting is held every second Sunday of the month, therefore members are advised to always create time for it and make sure they attend as attendance and punctuality is greatly appreciated