THE REALNEWS MEDIA : 2020-08-02

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Breaking: Again COVID-19 Kills A Serving Nigerian Senator Buruji Kashamu Of Ogun State

Francis Tayor

Lagos_____ A Popular South-West politician and the Senator representing Ogun East in the 8th National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, is dead.

It was gathered that the politician died of COVID-19 at the First Cardiology Consultants in Lagos on Saturday.

A former member of the National Assembly, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, confirmed the development on his Twitter handle.

Murray-Bruce wrote, “I have just lost my good friend of forever to COVID-19. Until his death, Sen. Buruji Kashamu and I were inseparable.

“He died today at First Cardiology Consultants, in Lagos. May his gentle soul rest in peace. I pray his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this heavy loss, Sen. Bruce stated.”

Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Peace Deal: A Global Peace Advocate, Amb. Mulade Calls On Gov. Okowa, Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Others To Support Peace Initiative

...... Hosts Aladja Ogbe-ljoh Peace Vanguard

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The National Coordinator, Chairman/ CEO of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade has urged the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Chairmen of Udu and Warri South West Local Governments, State and Federal legislators, Councilors, the DSS, traditional rulers and chiefs, community, women and youth leaders and the entire people of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities to support the peace process initiated by the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard to bring lasting peace to the two communities.

Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom gave the charge on Friday August 7, 2020 while playing host to the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard at the Headquarters of CEPEJ in Ugolo-Okpe near Osubi and encouraged the group not to relent in its efforts at restoring peace to the two communities. He said the process of achieving peace is not easy as it requires determination, dedication, diligence and discipline by members in all stages of the process.

He encouraged the group not to allow politicians hijack the process in the name of support so that they do not kill the peace move, and enjoined the members to be vigilant and courageous so that they could take the peace process to a glorious end in the face of intimidation, name calling, harassment and insults.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator assured the group that he would continue to support the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard and any other movement or process working towards the realization of peace in Nigeria and the entire World.

For his part, the CEPEJ's Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe, who is also a member of the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard, thanked Chief Mulade for his support and urged the Peace Vanguard to take advantage of available facilities in CEPEJ to train its members in leadership and peace advocacy skills and techniques.

Responding on behalf of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard, the Convener, Rev. Layefa Enienghan commended the CEPEJ Boss, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade for supporting the efforts of the group towards achieving lasting peace in Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities.

The highpoints of the occasion were the induction of Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade as an Ambassador of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard and the presentation of CEPEJ souvenirs to the group.

More than 40 members of the Aladja and Ogbe-ijoh Peace Vanguard including Rev. Enienghan Layefa (Ogbe-Ijoh), Mr. Bezi E. Ighotegwolor (Aladja), Mr. Akemotubo Victor (Ogbe-Ijoh), Chief F. A. Ehibor, (from Edo State resident in Aladja), Barr. Solomon R. Agarah (Aladja), Mr. Governor Stanley (Ogbe-Ijoh), Iseru Tonbra (Ogbe-Ijoh), Henry Okuku (Ovwian and Aladja), Prince Oruboh (Aladja), as well as Mr. Ogbona Bibo (Ogbe-Ijoh) were among the delegation of the group that visited CEPEJ.

Just-ln: Barr. Kingsley Esiso Reelected As Chairman Delta State PDP

PRESS STATEMENT

8th August, 2020

The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has successfully conducted its State Congress and elected a new State Executive Council to pilot the affairs of the party in the State for the next four years.

A statement by the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, confirmed that the State Congress, which held on Saturday, August 8th, 2020, at the Cenotaph, Asaba, elected the following officers into the respective State EXCO positions:

1. STATE CHAIRMAN - OLOROGUN BARR. KINGSLEY ESISO.

2. DEPUTY STATE CHAIRMAN - BARR. VAL AREYENKA.

3. VICE CHAIRMAN - DEACON MOSES IDUH.

4. VICE CHAIRMAN - CHIEF A.P FOVIE.

5. VICE CHAIRMAN - CHIEF JULIUS TAKEME.

6. STATE SECRETARY - CHIEF GODDEY OBI-NZETE.

7. ASST. SECRETARY - SUNDAY TATABUZOGWU.

8. ASST. SECRETARY - HON. JOHN OKOROLOKO.

9. ASST. SECRETARY - ONOME OJO

10. STATE TREASURER - HON. DEINGHAN MACAULEY.

11. ASST. TREASURER - MRS. RITA DANIELS CHUKWUJI

12. ASST. TREASURER - HON. PETER AGBAVWENI.

13. ASST. TREASURER - MRS. AVRO AJIROGHENE EVELYN.

14. STATE FINANCIAL SECRETARY - HON. COLLINS BELLO.

15. ASST. FIN. SEC. - MRS. DORIS ONOYAKE.

16. STATE PUBLICITY SECRETARY - DR. IFEANYI M. OSUOZA.

17. ASST. PUB. SEC. - MRS. HAPPY OTOJARERI.

18. STATE ORGANIZING SECRETARY - CHIEF SUNDAY ONORIODE.

19. ASST. ORG. SECRETARY - ANTHONY EJIOFOR.

20. ASST. ORG. SECRETARY - WILSON ODIBO.

21. ASST. ORG. SECRETARY - MRS. EUNICE TAYLOR.

22. STATE LEGAL ADVISER - BARR. BERNARD ODIOR.

23. ASSIST. LEGAL ADVISER - BARR. HESSINGTON OKOLO.

24. STATE WOMAN LEADER - LADY KANWULIA OMOKO.

25. ASST. WOMAN LEADER - MRS. TINA OKWUDILI.

26. ASST. WOMAN LEADER - CHIEF MRS. DORA SAKPAIDE.

27. ASST. WOMAN LEADER - MRS. VERO TONGBOWEI

28. STATE YOUTH LEADER - BINO OBOWOMANO.

29. ASST. YOUTH LEADER - LUCKY ONYIA.

30. ASST. YOUTH LEADER - KELLY UTUEDON

31. ASST. YOUTH LEADER - ISAAC AGUANA

32. STATE AUDITOR - CHIEF OWEN ERIRHOMURU.

33. ASST. AUDITOR - TROPHY KIRIFAGHA.

34. EX-OFFICIO - MRS. MARY ODILI.

35. EX-OFFICIO - MRS. VIVIAN OGHENEOVO.

36. EX-OFFICIO - MORGAN OGAPHA.

37. EX-OFFICIO - MRS. EVELYN OLOGUN

38. EX-OFFICIO - MISS EZON-EBI OROGUN

39. EX-OFFICIO - GEORGE GUOTI.

The State Congress was conducted with strict compliance and observance of all Covid-19 guidelines and protocols.

PDP! Power to the People.

Signed;

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Gesikeme Akparakata, Tare-ere Abalaru Appreciate King Pereama Freetown For Standing Tall During The 6th Anniversary Of Late. King Robert Ebizimor

...... As Akparakata Eulogizes Pereama as the most famous, loving and enduring musician ln ljaw nation

Oyinbi Onduku

Yenagoa_____ A renowned Bayelsa born ljaw human rights activist, political analyst cum prolific writer, Mr. Gesikeme Akparakata and Mrs. Tare-ere Abalaru Tamaraukuro has expressed their heart felt gratitude to the King of ljaw Owigiri highlife music, King. Pereama Freetown (JP), the Numoupere ll of lzon-ebe on the occasion of the role he played and his maximum support during the 6th edition of late. King (Dr.) Robert Ebizimor memorial held on 31st July, 2020 at Angalabiri town in Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State.

In the appreciation message released on Thursday, Akparakata described King Pereama Freetown as the most famous, greatest, enduring and loving musician of all time in ljaw nation, saying he will be forever remembered by history for his selfless contributions towards late. King Ebizimor family, as well as ljaw nation.

While on her reaction, a daughter of late. King Robert Ebizimor, Mrs. Tare-ere Abalaru Tamaraukuro, said: " Without the new King Pereama Freetown, I don't think we could have achieved what we achieved this year. On behalf of Ebizimor family, l say thank you King Pereama Freetown for your great support in keeping our father memory alive, Mrs. Abalaru noted."

According to the message, read: " King Pereama Freetown, The Numuo Pere II of lzon-ebe shall be remembered by history as the most enduring, most famous, most loving musician of all time in ljaw nation. What you did to support the legacies of late. King (Dr) Robert Ebizimor on the recent 6th Memorial at Angalabiri was second to none."

" Single handedly, you contributed the largest financial support, brought your musical instruments to set the stage on the delight of all musicians. Not just that, when every other musicians came on the stage, played and left, you stood by, assisting everyone till the dawn of a new day. What a man, what a hero, what a jewel of Honour".

" Without the new King Pereama Freetown, I don't think we could have achieved what we achieved this year" said Mrs. Tare-ere Abalaru, daughter of the late King Robert Ebizimor."

Gesikeme further stressed that, a King is not crowned by mere imaginations of the mind, or wishes, it's a responsibility, beyond dreams.

Thank you the Grandmaster, thank you the greatest Ijaw musician alive, thank you for your big heart, thank you our King over all other smaller kings, Akparakata stated.

Just-ln: Delta Taskforce impounds adulterated gin in Warri

Delta State Taskforce on Environment on Thursday impounded adulterated ethanol popularly known as Ogogoro in Warri.

The team of taskforce operation which was led by the Central and South Coordinator, Iweka Kingsley said the suspect was arrested at about 1:30pm Thursday at Maciver road, near Ogbe-ljoh market in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

The taskforce team apprehended the suspect at the point of sale to customers having completed the mixing of the harmful substance to the public.

It will interest you to note that the adulterated dry gin (Ogogoro) when consumed is very dangerous to health and capable of causing heart cancer and liver problem due to the unnatural contents added to it.

According to our source, the reason for the production of the adulterated Ogogoro is to maximize profit by market women who trade on ethanol alcohol business. In doing that, they are putting the lives of potential consumers in danger.

According to the suspect identified as Efe Ejiguaye from Ujevwu community in Udu local government area stated that he was employed to carry out the mixture and does not have any idea of adding harmful chemical to the dry gin.

Meanwhile, the impounded adulterated drinks was seized and taken to the state taskforce office at Governor's office Annex, Edjeba Warri for destruction if the lab results proves otherwise.

Delta Taskforce Commences Enforcement Of Tricycle Ban ln Ughelli

The Delta State Taskforce on Environment has begin enforcement of ban of tricycle popularly known as keke napep from plying federal highways in Ughelli, Delta State.

This was disclosed on Tuesday during a meeting with commercial tricycle operators Union with the Chairman Delta State Taskforce, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni at Governor's office Annex, Warri.

According to Oromoni, said the ban became imperative following the incessant road crashes recorded across the state as result of reckless driving and deliberate disobedient to road traffic signs by keke drivers.

Speaking during operation on Tuesday at Ughelli, the Coordinator in charge of Delta South/Central, Comrade Kingsley lweka noted that the top priority of any government is to protect lives and properties of its citizens, stressing that Gov. Okowa led government is doing everything possible to safeguard Deltans.

He stated that Keke napep are no longer allowed to ply federal highways across the state. " l was mandated by the state taskforce Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni who with his magnanimity marked out some flashpoints areas in Ughelli to allow Keke operate. The areas include Agbara junction, Afisere and Amekpa. They are only allowed to drop passengers at the junction and not to ply the Ughelli, Agbarho-Patani express way."

While speaking on Patani and Agbarho express way, Iweka noted that Keke are only allowed to ply without passenger in the early hours of 6-7:am so as to enable them move to the community they want to operate as town service.

He therefore, charged commercial tricycle operators to cooperate with Delta state government policies so as to enable Gov. Okowa led administration provide conducive working environment for all Deltans, lweka stated.

In his reaction, the Vice Chairman Keke operators Union Ughelli, Comrade Blessing Otu, said they are ready to comply with the state government directives since the government has marked out some flashpoints for them to ply. He further thank the state taskforce Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni for having human eye on tricycle operators, stressing that they will cooperate with the government to ensure strict compliance to the terms agreed upon, the statement adds.

Amnesty: Coalition Of Niger Delta Group Throws Weight Behind Nengi James For PAP Coordinator, Calls On President Buhari To Appoint Him

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa_____ The South South People's Conference of Nigeria (SSOPEC) in collaboration with Niger Delta Student Government (NIDSUG) have thrown their weights behind the call for Royal High Chief. Alabo Nengi James to be appointed as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Chairman of SSOPEC, Prof. Sotoyo Amakiri, said joining the call became imperative having examined the pedigree of Nengi James who has proven to be competent and trustworthy for the position because of his apolitical involvement in issues of the region.

Prof. Amakiri who was represented by his Personal Assistant (PA), Hon. Anthony Tabu at the meeting with Nengi James in Yenagoa noted that the confidence reposed on Nengi James as a selfless humanitarian can make a better coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. He said Nengi is versed in leadership, hence he will not disappoint the people of Niger Delta when appointed.

Also affirming the call, the National President of the Niger Delta Student Union Government in the nine states of the region, Comrade Maaloo Dgreat described Alabo Nengi James as overqualified for the position, urged President Mohammadu Buhari to immediately consider him for the position.

In his reaction, High Chief. Alabo Nengi James who played host to the delegation of the two organizations at his office, thanked them for finding him worthy to be recommended for such a lofty office of service.

He promised to put in his best for the development of the Niger Delta region when given the opportunity to serve his people, saying he will not disappoint them, Alabo asserted adds.

COVID-19: Burutu Council Boss Angele Charges Residents To Strictly Adhere To Coronavirus Precautionary Measures

..... As NYCN Delta State Chapter Distributes Disinfectants to residents

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area Council of Delta State, Rt Hon. Godknows Angele has charged the good people of Burutu to strictly adhere to COVID-19 safety precautionary measures recommended by NCDC in order to stay safe alive.

The Chairman gave the charge on Wednesday on the occasion of Delta State Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) organized one day COVID-19 sensitization campaign in Burutu.

In his reaction, Angele appreciated Delta Youth Council Chairman, Comrade Kenneth Okorie and his team for the laudable initiative. He reiterated that COVID-19 is real and that Burutu people should adhere strictly to the preventive measures in order to be on the safe side of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the youth body also distributed disinfectants, such as hand sanitizers, face masks, liquid soap among other items to residents in order to enable them sanitize and protect themselves from contacting the deadly global pandemic.

Addressing the gathering, Comrade Okorie urged the people of Burutu to maintain social distancing, personal physical hygiene as well as always wash and sanitize their hands in order to stop spread of the disease. He appealed to residents to always observe COVID-19 precautionary measures so as to stay safe alive, noting that the principle is for the overall interest of all Deltans and Nigeria at large.

The Chairman handed over the items to Burutu Community Chairman, Comrade Pondi stainless for on ward distribution to residents in Burutu.

On his contribution, the Secretary General NYCN Delta State, Comrade Collins Enekorogha thank the people of Burutu for turning up massively for the awareness campaign, stressing that COVID-19 is real and the pandemic has killed many people all over the world, hence they should strictly obey NCDC guidelines in order to stay safe.

However, climax of the sensitization exercise was distribution of disinfectants, face masks, hand sanitizer among other items to Burutu community.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

COVID-19: NYCN Delta State Chapter Embarks on Awareness Campaign To Burutu, As Angele Charges Residents To Strictly Adhere To Precautionary Measures

..... Distributes Disinfectants to residents

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Delta State Chapter, Comrade Kenneth Okorie and his team today embarked on COVID-19 awareness sensitization campaign to the headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The team was ably welcomed by the Executive Chairman of Burutu Council, Hon. Godknows Angele, his Vice, Mr. Combolus Ekisa, the Secretary, Prince Sunny Perekeme among others at the Council Secretariat at about 11:am.

The youth body also distributed disinfectants, such as hand sanitizers, face masks, liquid soap among other items to residents in order to enable them sanitize and protect themselves from contacting the deadly global pandemic.

The Chairman handed over the items to Burutu Community Chairman, Comrade Pondi stainless for on ward distribution to residents in Burutu.

On his contribution, the Secretary General NYCN Delta State, Comrade Collins Enekorogha thank the people of Burutu for turning up massively for the awareness campaign, stressing that COVID-19 pandemic has killed many people over the world, hence they should strictly obey NCDC guidelines in order to stay safe.

In his reaction, the Chairman Burutu LGA, Hon. Godknows Angele appreciates Delta Youth Council Chairman, Comrade Kenneth Okorie and his team for the laudable initiative. He reiterated that COVID-19 is real and that Burutu people should adhere strictly to the preventive measures in order to be on the safe side of the pandemic.

However, climax of the sensitization exercise was distribution of disinfectants, face masks, hand sanitizer among other items to Burutu community.

Just-ln: Delta PDP Set To Hold State Congress August 8

Asaba_____ The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Delta state chapter has fixed Saturday 8 of August 2020, for its state Congress.

A press statement released on Wednesday August 5th 2020, signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, urged delegates to be law abiding.

“The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has fixed Saturday, August 8th, 2020 as the new date for its State Congress.

“A statement by the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, which disclosed this, reads thus: “The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hereby announces that the State Party Congress, earlier suspended as a result of the Corona Virus Pandemic outbreak, will now hold as follows:

DATE: Saturday, August 8, 2020

VENUE: The Cenotaph, Asaba, Delta State

TIME: 10 am prompt

“Delegates are specifically advised to comport themselves decently and maintain all COVID-19 mandated guidelines and protocols during the exercise, including social distancing and regular washing of hands. Most importantly, all accredited delegates MUST come with their FACEMASK, as there is a standing order that No Face Mask, No Entry into the venue.

“Kindly note that comprehensive medical advisory and extensive hygienic, public health procedures have been put in place to secure the venue and safeguard all participants before and during the exercise, including the provision of hand sanitizers and enough hand washing points with liquid soap, to ensure full compliance with the stipulated protocols.

“Arrangements have also been made to provide adequate security to ensure a smooth process and forestall any unlikely breaches that may occur.

“COVID-19 is real and we are committed to all efforts to defeat this Corona Virus pandemic. We urge our delegates and indeed all Deltans to always observe the laid down guidelines and directives.

“Together, we shall triumph in the end”, the statement added.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Birthday Anniversary: Comrade Collins Enekorogha Salutes Ibori At 62, Calls Him An Embodiment Of Development

....Urges Gov. Okowa to rename Delta State University, Abraka after James lbori

The Secretary General National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Delta State Chapter, Comrade Collins Enekorogha has congratulated the former governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Chief. James Onanefe lbori as he clocks 62 today.

In a Press Statement released on Tuesday at Asaba, Enekorogha described Ibori as an embodiment of development whose track record across Delta State is yet to be challenged by his successors since he left government house in 2007.

The Delta youth scribe stated that Chief. Ibori immense contributions towards the socio-economic, human capital and infrastructural development in Delta state, as well as Niger Delta as a region cannot be over emphasized.

According to Enekorogha, said: " His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the Odidigborigbo of Africa, former Governor of Delta State and Patron, forum of former governor's is an embodiment of development.

Your Excellency, your immense contribution towards the development of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta can not be over emphasized. In fact, the story of the famous struggle for resource control across the Niger Delta States would not be complete without mentioning your name. As a Frontliner in the struggle, Niger Deltan's are grateful to you especially in the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC)."

"Your Excellency, you are forthright, dogged and courageous. Your kind is rare to find. You are an astute politician. The records you made in your eight (8) years in office as Governor of Delta State is yet to be broken. Your focus on human capital development made you stand tall amongst your contemporaries.

Your Excellency, words will fail me if I go on and on. I therefore, speak on behalf of the over one million (1m) Youths of Delta State to call on His Excellency Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency, rename the Delta State University, Abraka after our LEADER AND FATHER, CHIEF JAMES ONANEFE IBORI.

You are leader worthy of emulation. I pray that you continue to enjoy God's grace and Divine health, the statement adds."

Congratulations Your Excellency.

Signed:

Comrade Collins Enekorogha,

Secretary General, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter.

Crime Alert: Most Wanted Notorious Criminal ln Udu, Oke Olodi Has Been Arrested By Vigilante

The Udu Central Vigilante Team “A” on Sunday evening arrested a wanted criminal who has been on the watch list of security agencies for the past three years.

The suspect was identified as Oke Olodi Acha, aka Sharp.

The thirty-year-old suspect was arrested at Asjam at Du road in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect who specializes in the killing of Okada men and stealing of their motor-bikes was promptly handed over to the police in Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters for further interrogation and possible prosecution.

It was learnt that the suspect is an indigene and a “fighter” of Oghior community in their ongoing boundary dispute with Ukpiovwinc community in Udu LGA.

Meanwhile, community leaders and some lawyers have been calling for his release from police custody, saying he was being set up by the security agencies.

When contacted for comments, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Hafiz Inuwa confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

He said: “He has been arrested. He is already in the wanted list of the police for robbery and killing of one cyclist at Udu.”

Birthday Felicitation: Chief. Mulade Congratulates Ibori At 62, Describes Him As Monumental Achiever, Trail Blazer

An activist /global Peace Ambassador and The National Coordinator/CEO Centre For Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Amb. Comrade Sheriff Mulade has congratulated the former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Chief James Onanefe Ibori as he celebrates his 62nd birthday.

Chief Mulade who is also the 'Ibe-Sorimowei a traditional title holder of the Great Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, described Chief James Ibori as a man whose achievements while as the Delta State Governor between 1999 to 2007 speaks volume and are monumental across all parts of Delta state since his coming onboard and exit as governor after his successful tenure, Delta hasn't had it like his time with development in all facets of the state, adding that he is a trailblazer fondly referenced by admirers as the founder of modern Democratic delta development.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator/CEO stressed that while holding sway as the number one man in Delta State, His Excellency Chief Ibori was a watershed of projects. It is on record that he constructed the gigantic Bomadi Bridge in Bomadi local government area and Amadino Bridge in Warri South LGA thereby opening the communities to vehicular civilization as well as boosting the economic activities of that part of the state. Chief Ibori also fast tracked the construction of roads in Warri, Asaba, Agbor, Kwale, Ughelli, Isoko and across the North, Central and southern Parts of the state.

He pointed out that Chief Ibori is a lover of peace, noting that the Warri crises which he inherited prior to his administration, he made sure he restored peace among Ijaws and Itsekiri as well as their neighbours which the area now enjoy as a result of his strong commitment to promoting unity, love among ethnic groups and coexistence in the state.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of the great ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom said God will continue to make the former Governor who brought modern Democratic development and progress to soar higher as he celebrates his birthday anniversary, he wished him great things and good health, peace and joy in his life endeavours.

Monday, August 3, 2020

NDDC Saga: Uduaghan Denies Akpabio’s N429m NDDC Road Contract Allegation, Says Report ls False And Laughable

Francis Tayor

The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, says allegation by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of collecting N429m road contract from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is false.

Uduaghan described the report as laughable and untrue in its entirety.

According to media report, Akpabio in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had linked Uduaghan and Chief James Ibori, also a former governor of Delta, among others with some contracts awarded by NDDC.

The media reports quoting the minister saying that Uduaghan, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was linked to the emergency repairs of Close B, Alhaji Estate & Environs, Rumuodomaya, Port Harcourt at a cost of N429m.

But Udugahan in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Monoyo Edon, debunked the allegation, stressing that he had never “approached the NDDC for any contract whatsoever.”

The former governor said he had reached out to Akpabio, his former governor colleague, to immediately correct the report as he had never been awarded contracts by the interventionist agency.

Uduaghan said, “We want to state very clearly that the said accusation is FALSE. Dr.

Uduaghan has never approached the NDDC for any contract whatsoever. It is even more ridiculous that the said contract is a road inside Port Harcourt town.

“Dr. Uduaghan has drawn the attention of the Hon. Minister of the Niger Delta, Sen Godswill Akpabio to the publication and hopes he makes a correction.”

He, however, advised the reading public to disregard the mischievous publication, the statement adds.

Just-ln: Shoprite To Close Operation ln Nigeria Due To Negative Effect Of Coronavirus Outbreak

Francis Tayor

South African Company, Shoprite Holdings Limited, has blamed its decision to close operations in Nigeria on the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The company revealed on Monday that it will auction off its outlets in Nigeria.

This is coming about 15 years after it opened its first store in Lagos in December 2005.

According to our source reports that the megastore company with presence in most Nigerian cities hinged this decision on the coronavirus pandemic which has disrupted major businesses globally.

In an “Operational and Voluntary Trading Update (52 Weeks Ended 28 June 2020)” released on Monday, the company said it has been approached by “various potential investors”.

The update partly read, “Despite difficult circumstances, in a year incorporating the COVID-19 lockdown and accompanying regulations governing trade, transport and operations, the Group increased total sale of merchandise for the 52 weeks to 28 June 2020 (including the impact of hyperinflation in the prior year) by 6.4% to approximately R156.9 billion. Like-for-like growth for the year was 4.4%.

“Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited.

“As such, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited may be classified as a discontinued operation when Shoprite reports its results for the year. Any further updates will be provided to the market at the appropriate time.”

The company, which provides jobs for more than 2,000 Nigerians, has over 25 stores across eight states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The South African business established 40 years ago with over 500 stores across the continent is arguably Africa’s largest grocery retailers.