Energy

Delta Govt. Advocates Adoption Of LPG

By Web News 683

Stakeholders in the liquefied petroleum gas sector have advocated the usage of cooking gas as a cleaner and healthier means of cooking, unlike the use of other resources like kerosene and firewood, which poses health and environmental dangers.

They made this known at a Two Day Sensitization Awareness Campaign in Asaba, the Delta State capital, held with the theme: Stimulating Delta State Socio-economic Growth through LPG Adoption and Expansion.

Oghenero Eghweree was there for Radio Nigeria.

Oghenero Eghweree

Crime

Police Arrest Woman in Possession of Illegal Arms in Delta

By Web News 1310

The Delta State Police Command has arrested one Blessing Oghule allegedly found in possession of a fabricated berretta pistol with five rounds of live ammunition and illicit drugs.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 25, said that Oghule was arrested alongside three other suspects during a raid on black spots at Abraka axis in Asaba.

“On 21/10/21 at about 1415hrs, the Command raider operatives in compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of police Delta state, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, FCIA, PSC+ raided black spots at Abraka axis in Asaba.

Irefin According to the PPRO, five suspected stolen phones, a bag containing substances suspected to be cocaine and Indian hemp were recovered from Oghule.

“During the raid, four suspects namely Blessing Oghule, Nweke Abudi, Ebuka Paul, and Sunday Inuse were arrested.

“One English berretta pistol with five live 9mm ammunition, five suspected stolen phones, one hand bag containing weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, one nylon bag containing substances suspected to be ice and ten wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine were recovered from Blessing Oghule.” He added.

Kogiflame.com

Politics

Leaders Need To Rise And Unite Nigerians For National Development – Respondents

By Web News 860

Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital have called on leaders across Nigeria to unite to enable the country to help her surmount current challenges and aid the harnessing of her full potentials.

They made the call at the Cenotaph in Asaba, during an event to commemorate the Sixty-First anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

Oghenero Eghweree reports.

Oghenero Eghweree

Agriculture

200 Delta State Youths To Benefit From Agric Empowerment Programme

By Web News 1866

The Delta State Government says over two hundred young farmers have been selected for empowerment in the 2020-2021 cycle of the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Program, YAGEP.

This was made known during a training and orientation scheme organized by the state Job and Wealth Creation Bureau for one hundred and twenty-eight participants, making up the second batch of beneficiaries this year.

Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

PDP’s Ovuakpoye Evivie Wins Isoko South Bye-Election

By Web News 870

The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Ovuakpoye Evivie, has been declared the winner of the just concluded bye-election for Isoko South State Constituency 1, in Delta State.

Mr. Evivie polled a total of six thousand, nine hundred and seven votes to defeat his closest rival of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who got one thousand two hundred and ninety one votes.

The bye-election was necessitated by the demise of Mr. Keneth Ogba, the former member representing Isoko South constituency 1.

Twelve political parties participated in the bye-election.

Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

Delta Govt. to Pass 2022 Fiscal Budget in September

By Web News 518

The Delta State Government says budgetary provisions for the 2022 fiscal year would be presented to the State House of Assemble for consent by the last week of September.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning Dr. Barry Pere Gbe, made this known in Asaba, the state capital during the Budget Presentation by Ministries Departments and Agencies in the state.

Dr. Pere Gbe noted that the 2022 budget would be focused on already established projects, in addition to priority schemes to be determined by the state government.

He added that budget would be performance based, saying figures would be determined for the MDA’s according to specific limits given by the budget ministry.

The Commissioner also observed that the citizenry has been engaged in the budgetary processes, while the government had organized interactive sessions with members of civil society organizations in the state to explain the administration’s plans for the 2022 fiscal year.

Meanwhile, State Commissioner for Health Dr. Mordi Ononye, in his budget presentation, indicated the ministry in the coming year would focus on the upgrade of health care facilities and empowering health institutions, unlike the recent emphasis on COVID-19 related problems.

The Commissioner for Basic Education Mr. Chika Ossai, also led his team to participate at the budget presentation, alongside heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

Oghenero Eghweree

Economy

Citizens Question Handover of Asaba International Airport

By Web News 677

Barely forty-eight hours following the formal handover of the Asaba International Airport to a private body by the Delta State government, have residents raised concerns over the hasty arrangement with the firm which was established a year ago on October, 2020.

They made their views known while reacting to the development in Asaba, the state capital.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the citizens also questioned the motive behind the over five billion naira spent on upgrade of the facility in 2018, before the government announced its intention to concession the Asaba International Airport.

Oghenero Eghweree

Health

NAFDAC Intercepts Fake Medicated Oils, Ointments In Delta

By Web News 841

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC says the organization has seized thirteen cartons of counterfeit ointments, including other exhibits for producing medicated oils and balms.

NAFDAC Deputy Director Investigation and Enforcement for South-South and South East, Dr. Christiana Esenwa, stated this at the zonal headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital while parading a suspect arrested in connection with the illegal operation.

Radio Nigeria’s Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

Oghenero Eghweree

Lifestyle

CVR: Delta NSCDC Commandant Charges Residents On Their Civic Duty

By Web News 1101

Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr. Iskilu Akinsanya, has restated the readiness of the NSCDC to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the ongoing nationwide continuous voter registration exercise.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Emeka Okwechime, in Asaba, the state capital.

Commandant Akinsanya advised residents who have attained the age of eighteen, and those without a permanent voter card to participate in the voter registration exercise to avoid late hour rush.

The statement noted the initiative was part of the corporate social responsibility of the force geared towards mobilizing the populace for the significant exercise.

Commandant Iskilu Akinsanya also stressed that the NSCDC is a people-friendly security outfit and urged the public to feel free to visit any of its stations with verifiable information that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements in the state.

Oghenero Eghweree

Health

NARD Calls For Domestication Of Medical Training Act 2017

By Web News 909

The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has urged defaulting state governments to domesticate the Medical Residency Training Act 2017, in order to maintain industrial harmony with members across the country.

This was contained in a communique after a virtual emergency meeting launched from the Delta State Teaching Hospital in Oghara.

According to the statement signed by the President of the association, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi and the General Secretary, Dr. Jerry Isogun, the law when adopted would address some challenges such as forceful payment of bench fees in some Teaching Hospitals, undue exit of members and salary arrears in states like Ondo, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Abia and Ekiti.

The group also advocated the transfer of its members to the IPPIS platform to avoid accumulation of salary arrears and to ease the overall training process.

The Executive Council requested an upward review of the Hazard Allowance to Resident Doctors which currently stands at five thousand naira monthly, despite the health dangers associated with the profession.

They also demanded the immediate payment of all COVID-19 induced allowances by state governments as was done for colleagues in federal institutions.

On the 2021 Medical Residency Training Fund, the statement tasked the relevant agencies in the health ministry to complete the process of approval of the funds by the end of this month.

The NARD, however, commended President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration and some state governments for the numerous collaborations with the body, geared towards ensuring industrial harmony in the health sector.

Over two hundred and fifty present and past leaders of the Association of Resident Doctors in Nigeria participated in the virtual summit.

Oghenero Eghweree

Security

Threat Letter: Police Assure Deltans of Safety

By Web News 724

The Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Ari Mohammed-Ali, has urge residents of the state to ignore the threat of an attack on the government and people of state purportedly by Fulani herdsmen.

CP Mohammed-Ali stated his in Asaba, while briefing newsmen on effort by the police to douse tension in the area following the delivery of a threat letter to the state printing press, with an ultimatum that the government should rescind its ban on open grazing.

The Commissioner of Police speaks on the development:

CP Ari Mohammed stressed that the command takes such information seriously and has summoned all Area Commanders and Deputy Police Officers across the state for an emergency meeting to strategize on appropriate response in the event of an attack.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Hause/Fulani Community in the state led by the Sarki Fulani Alhaji Musa Mohammed, has denied any involvement in the incident, saying the settlers have had a longstanding cordial relationship among members of the various ethnic nationalities in that state.

There have been a high level of apprehension among residents across the state following the secret delivery of the threat letter in Asaba.

Eghweree Oghenero

Sport

Delta State Sports Commission Assures Athletes Of Adequate Welfare

By Web News 922

The Chairman Delta State Sports Commission Mr. Tonobuk Okowa, has promised to replicate the successes achieved at Team Delta to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN as he guns for the leadership position of the body.

The sports promoter and administrator made this known in a statement in Asaba, signed by his Media Aide Mr. Jovial Agbagwu, on the forthcoming AFN Executive Elections slated for June 14.

Mr. Okowa who has orchestrated consecutive victories with Team Delta at recent National Sports Festivals and National Youth Games, assured athletes and officials of adequate welfare package, adding that homegrown talents would also have the opportunity to display their skills at national and continental levels.

On the issue of funding, He said he would create programmes that would attract private sector partnerships to provide funding for athletic schemes, which would reduce overdependence on the government for funding.

Chief Tonobuk Okowa also pledged to unite factions in the AFN and to chart a new dawn for the athletics federation.

Egweree Oghenero

Education

Delta NUT Hails PMB Over Extension Of Retirement Age

By Web News 1167

Delta State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, says recent educational policies by the President Mohammadu Buhari administration such as the extension of retirement age of teachers has the potentials to revamp the nation’s primary and secondary system.

The Delta State Secretary of the NUT, Comrade Dan Basime, state this in Asaba, the state capital while responding to some impactful policies of the President Mohammadu Buhari under the current dispensation.

Mr. Basime noted the policy would enable the mentoring of younger teachers to the overall benefit of the students.

Comrade Basime while commending the president for the development added that the policy should be domesticated speedily in all the states of the federation and the federal capital territory.

The State Secretary of the NUT also expressed the confidence that the policy would be domesticated in Delta State when it is approved by the National Assembly and adopted by the National executive of the Union of Teachers.

Meanwhile, residents of Delta State have commended the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari for the takeoff of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okorenkoko and the recent establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Orogun.

On infrastructure projects by the federal government, the people commended the president for the resumption of resumption of work on the 337km East-West road saying the scheme which is expected to be completed in first quarter of 2022 would ease the movement of people across the Niger Delta region and improve the standard of living of the people.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that the residents also lauded the federal government for the successful repatriation of over ten thousand Nigerian migrants from Libya, out of which were many residents from the Niger Delta region.

Oghenero Eghweree

Politics

BREAKING: Recovered £4.2m Ibori Loot Returned To Delta -Accountant-General

By Web News 617

The Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, has said the £4.2m looted by a former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, which the Federal Government recently repatriated from the United Kingdom, has been returned to the state.

Idris made this known in Abuja on Tuesday when he appeared before the House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loots Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation.

The Accountant-General, who was grilled by the committee for over one hour, stated that such funds looted from the treasury of a state are always returned to the state. He added that states can sue the Federal Government to recover such funds.

Punch.

Politics

Delta Community Commend FG, Omo-Agege, Over 7.5MVA Power Project

By Web News 893

The people of Orhomuru-Orogun in Ughelli North, in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, have expressed the hope that the inauguration of a 7.5MVA Injection Substation in the area, would address the challenges of epileptic power supply in Orogun and environs.

They made the observation during the ground breaking ceremony for the Power Substation in Orhomuru-Orogun, where the residents commended President Mohammadu Buhari and the Deputy President of the Senate representing the senatorial district Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for facilitating the project to the area.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Omo-Agege, in a remark to the occasion noted the federal government was making significant efforts aimed at improving the energy supply to residents across the country.

Senator Omo-Agege said in line with the policy direction, he facilitated the construction of the power substation, in addition to the provision of electricity transformers and installation of solar powered street lights in many communities in Delta Central to advance the standard of living of the people.

The Deputy Senate President also urge the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to live up to expectation by providing mass metering units for the residents.

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugboh, and a representative of BEDC, Mr. Gadzama Mele, narrated the functions of the power substation and plans for its execution.

They say the project would also serve the electricity needs of the newly established Federal University Orugun, which is a few kilometers from the substation.

A representative of Orhomuru-Orogun community Mr. Godspower Odenena, lauded the federal government and Senator Omo-Agege for the initiative, which he stressed would upgrade power supply to the area.

Overjoyed by the development many residents stormed the venue to sing praises to the federal government in the local Urhobo language.

High point of the occasion was the symbolic bricklaying ceremony and the official launch of the power substation project by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in company of NDPHC and BEDC officials.

Oghenero Eghweree

Transportation

FG to Commence Warri-Itakpe Rail Freight Services

By Web News 615

The Federal Government will today inaugurate the freight services on the Warri Itakpe standard gauge rail project .

The event is to be done by the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi at the Ujevwu railway station, Warri, Delta State where the rail line terminates.

The Itakpe Warri railway project which connects Kogi State to Delta State is a 276km railway line, known as the Central railway line.

There are 12 stations along the railway line and commercial activities began in 2018.

The construction of the rail line was handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation at the cost of seventy-two billion naira.

Fubara Pepple

Education

NUC Approves Three Universities for Delta State

By Web News 699

The National Universities Commission, NUC has approved three new universities for Delta State.

The Universities are Delta State University of Education Agbor, Dennis Osadebe University Asaba and Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed while presenting the licence to the Delta state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in Abuja said the development would increase access to University Education.

FRCN Abuja

Crime

NDLEA Discovers Cannabis Farmland

By Web News 882

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA says, the organization has discovered a vast expanse of land used for illegal cultivation of cannabis sativa, commonly known as ‘igbo’ at Oko community in Aniocha South area of Delta State.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Dennis Obiefule, stated this in Asaba, the state capital, after a raid on the location, noting a thousand kilograms of the product have so far been seized from the farms after destruction.

Oghenero Eghweree who witnessed the operation reports that a combined team of the NDLEA, Civil Defense Corps and vigilante numbering about a hundred participated in the mission.

His report:

Crime

Lady Stabs Cheating Husband to Death in Ughelli

By Web News 1307

A pregnant woman has allegedly hacked her husband to death over an alleged extramarital affair in Delta State .

The incident happened at Ekrejebor axis of Ughelli town in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the 22-year-old woman identified as Faith Okiemute allegedly killed her husband, Edafe Unuakpor, aged 27, with a Knife

According to reports, after allegedly committing the crime, she fled to the Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station to escape jungle justice.

“The woman was angry that her husband did not spend the night at home. After his return, she accused him of having been with another woman and stabbed him in one of his hands and abdomen,” a source told Nigerian Tribune

She ran to Ughelli ‘A’ Division police to report herself while friends of her husband rushed him to the Ughelli Central Hospital where he was confirmed dead. Angered by his death, the friends brought and dumped his corpse at the entrance of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division of the Nigeria Police which led to sporadic shooting by the police to disperse the crowd.” the source added.

The Delta State Police acting Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said investigation is ongoing.

The couple has a two-year-old child together while the pregnant woman is said to have two children with a former husband before she married the deceased. 

Punch

Health

COVID-19 Vaccines: Delta Launches over 85,000 Doses

By Web News 629

The Delta State Government says it has launched eighty-five thousand seven hundred doses of the COVID-19 vaccines for onward administration to residents of the state.

The State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa state this at the inauguration of the 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign in Delta State.

The Governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health Dr. Mordi Ononye, describing the injections as the surest way to address the coronavirus pandemic.

He added that the state has had twenty six thousand cases of coronavirus, with sixty nine deaths recorded.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Isioma Okoba, noted the doses would be administered in four phases beginning with health care and frontline workers.

Our Corresspondent, reports that the occasion featured goodwill messages from representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency,NPHCDA, The World Health Organization, WHO, and the United Nations International Children and Education Fund, UNICEF.

Oghenero/Eghweree

Politics

Delta CSOs Urge National Assembly to Review LG Poll Laws

By Web News 561

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Delta State have called on the National Assembly to review the Local Government Electioneering laws to address the overbearing influence of state governments on the process.

They made the appeal during a post-election briefing with journalists in Asaba, where they noted the reforms would improve confidence in the outcome of elections by all stakeholders.

Speaking on observations on last Saturdays local elections in the state, the Chairman of Accredited Observers Mr. Efemena Atutu, pointed there were remarkable improvements in the process in terms of early arrival of Ad-hoc staff and a high level of electioneering standards.

Mr. Efemena however observed the minimal involvement of opposition parties in the elections while advocating for a change in local election laws to enable the actual independence of state electoral commissions to boost confidence in the process.

A renowned Activist and Special Assistant to the Government on Civil Engagement, Mr. Rex Anighoro, said he monitored the polls in over a dozen local government areas, noting the elections were credible despite allegations of electoral fraud by a section of the public.

Mr. Anighoro also tasked the newly elected chairmen to address the challenges in their locally with the citizens welfare in focus.

Similarly, the Coordinator of Civil Society Organizations in Delta State Mr. Okezie Odughala, observed the CSO’s would engage the newly elected council Chairmen to effect positive changes in local government administration in the state.

Present at the post-election media briefing were representatives from civil society organizations such as The Initiative for Cultural Heritage, The Alliance for Social Justice and Advocates for Sustainable Development amongst others.

Oghenero Eghweree

Security

Army Calls For Calm as Promotion Examination Commences

By Web News 818

63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba the Delta State, capital has urged residents to remain calm as the force commences the Lieutenant to Captain Promotion Examination in the area.

The General officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Ibrahim Jallo made the appeal in an address to launch the exercise slated for 8-12 February.

Oghenero Eghweree reports that over two hundred Lieutenants of the Army across the nation are participating in the process.
Major General Ibrahim Jallo said plans have been perfected to ensure the comfort of the participating officers including arrangements for escort to and from the examination.

The GOC represented by the Commander 63 Brigade Brig. Gen Abdulrahaman Idris also congratulated the Lieutenants and urge them to be of good behavior throughout the process.

The Examination President Major General Benson Akinroluyo, urge residents of Asaba and environ not to panic due to sizable number of personnel in the area, while commending the citizenry for their hospitality.

Gen. Akinroluyo, noted the 63 Brigade was the chosen location for the annual exercise with the objective to improve the participant’s knowledge of military operations.

The General also observed the focus was to test the physical level of officers and promote healthy competitive spirit.

A total of two hundred and twenty five Lieutenants of the Nigerian Army are taking part in the military assessment examination.

Oghenero.

Environment

Delta Flood Victims Laud Federal Government for Relief Efforts

By Web News 569

Victims of the 2020 floods in parts of Delta State have commended the Federal Government for providing relief items to cushion the effects of the natural disaster.

They made this known in Asaba during the inauguration of the distribution process to sixteen affected local government areas by National Emergency Management Agency NEMA in partnership with Delta State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.

 Community representative from Oshimili South Mrs. Ifeoma Chuckwu and Cyprain Okoye, observed that though the relief items by NEMA did not measure up with their loss, it would provide assistance to recover from devastation of the 2020 floods.

The Director General of NEMA, Air vice-Marshal Mohammadu, in a message, said due to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic the agency in collaboration with Delta State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, had embarked on the direct distribution of the items to communities in the sixteen local government areas.

The Air vice-Marshal Mohammadu, who was represented by the Head, Edo Office of NEMA Mr. Dahiru Yusuf, also noted the agency was working with community representatives to ensure the relief materials gets to the target group.

Delta State Commissioner Bureau for Special Duties Omamofe Pirah, and the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency Karo Ovemeso, commended the Federal Government for the intervention and pledged to strengthen partnership between the state and federal emergency management agencies.

Items distributed to the communities included food and non-food items such as building materials, bags of rice, matrasses among others.

Click to listen

Oghenero Eghweree

Economy

Gov. Okowa Lauds FG Over 774,000 Jobs Initiative

By Web News 1243

The Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the Federal Government for the equitable selection of beneficiaries for the Special Public Works Programme and the launch of the initiative tagged 774,000 Jobs.

Governor Okowa stated this at the Official Flag off of the ESPW Scheme at the Federal Secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

Oghenero Eghweree

Economy

Beneficiaries of Delta Skill Acquisition Programme Laud Govt.

By Web News 2189

A cross-section of beneficiaries of the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme STEP, says the job-creation drive by the government has provided a relief from the burden of unemployment and provided a platform to own an enterprise.

They made this known in Asaba after receiving items to set up their businesses following six months of intensive training on Fashion and Textile Design.

Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that the trainees also received one-year rent payment for their chosen business location.

 Some of the beneficiaries expressed joy over their participation in the Delta State Government Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Program, describing the initiative as a life changing opportunity. INSERT

A trainee Easter Apkovire said her participation in the empowerment programme was a boost towards establishing her fashion brand.

The State Chief Job and Wealth Creation officer, Professor Eric Eboh, noted over 3,800 youths had received personal effectiveness training under the STEP Programme, with a total of 774 beneficiaries since 2015.

Professor Eboh said the starter pack entail necessary items to set up a fashion enterprise complemented with shop rent support for one year.

144 trainees received starter packs at the occasion and became the latest batch of government-sponsored entrepreneurs, on a mission to transform the economic fortunes of the state.

Click to listen

Oghenero Eghweree,