Just-ln: Edo ljaws Appreciates Gov. Okowa On Obaseki's Reelection, makes case for riverine communities development

Just-ln: Edo ljaws Appreciates Gov. Okowa On Obaseki's Reelection, makes case for riverine communities development

Francis Tayor

The ljaws of Edo State from the five kingdoms of Olodiama, Egbema, Gbaraun, Furupagha and Okomu has appreciated the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, over the role he played towards the reelection of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki for second term in office on the 19th September, 2020 Edo State Gubernatorial election.

The high powered delegation of the representatives from the various communities across the five ljaw kingdoms in the state was led by Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel, SSA to the Governor of Delta State on Security Matters, paid the thank you visit on Friday 14th May, 2021 at Governor's Office Annex Warri, Delta State. 

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Daniel Ezekiel, Hon. Aduwaye Kenneth and Gen. Godstime Ogidigba thanked Governor Okowa for the unprecedented support he rendered to the riverine ljaw communities in Edo State before, during and after the Edo 2020 gubernatorial election.

They extends the greetings from the Royal Highnesses and the good people from the five ljaw kingdoms in Edo State to Gov. Okowa, on his contributions in reclaiming Edo State back to PDP,  saying Edo belongs to PDP and it has come to stay. They further appealed to Gov. Okowa to help rub mind with his Edo Counterpart, Governor Obaseki so as to give adequate developmental attention to the riverine ljaw communities, as well as give appointment and employment to their sons in his second term administration. They decried that the Edo ljaws had suffered underdevelopment challenges over the years.

 " Now that the ljaws in Edo have delivered him, he should reciprocate them by developing the riverine communities, given appointments to their sons as well as empowerment of their people, they noted."

In his reaction, Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Director General (DG) Security Matters Delta State, Hon. David Tonwei thanked the Edo State ljaws for acknowledging Delta state government support during the Edo gubernatorial election, stressing that Gov. Okowa will liase with his Edo State counterpart to ensure riverine communities are protected from sea pirates and given adequate attention in terms of infrastructural development, employment as well as empowerment of the people. 

He assure them of Delta state government readiness to partner with  Edo State to provide workable security architecture in Edo State waterways in order to flush out criminal elements terrorising the riverine communities between Edo and Delta. He reiterated that riverine areas is very critical to government because almost 80% of the state revenue is generated from the rivers, hence the security of the waterways is very paramount to both states. Hon. Tonwei said if Edo waterways is secured and peaceful, Delta state will as well experience relative peace. He however, promise to present their demands to the Governor and try his possible best to ensure the Governor act on it, the statement adds.

However, climax of the meeting was the official presentation of the Letter of Appreciation to the Governor through the D.G. Security Matters Delta State, Hon. David Tonwei.

Lagos to launch ‘last mile buses’ to replace okada

Lagos to launch ‘last mile buses’ to replace okada

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has announced that the state will launch “last mile buses” next week to serve as alternatives to commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada.

In January 2020, the Lagos government banned commercial motorcyles and tricycles in 15 local councils of the state.

The government had said okada was not “part of our greater Lagos journey”, adding that it was “not an enduring trade”.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on security in Lagos on Monday, Sanwo-Olu said the state will roll out the buses in phases

The buses are expected to serve as an alternative means to get into streets that cannot be readily accessed by the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system.

The governor said despite the ban, many okada and tricycle operators have continued to flagrantly disobey the law and, in some cases, resist enforcement by engaging in organised attacks on law enforcement agencies.

“We are excited to announce that next week, we will be launching what we term the ‘last mile buses’ that will ply inner roads and safely get commercial passengers to their final destinations,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“We envisage deploying over 500 of these buses to alleviate the pain associated with the restriction of motorcycle and tricycle operations.

“We also envisage that this initiative will also generate employment opportunities for Lagosians, including the commercial motorcyclist operators, who will be employed as operators of the last mile buses.”

Noting that no society can make progress amid “such haughty display of lawlessness and criminality”, Sanwo-Olu said the government is committed to maintaining law and order in the state.

“Our mission of attaining a greater Lagos can only be achieved when we all resolve to live in an orderly manner,” he said.

INC: Owotorufa Congratulate Wodu, Odiowei, Brown, Fetepigi, Others, Calls For Team Work

INC: Owotorufa Congratulate Wodu, Odiowei, Brown, Fetepigi, Others, Calls For Team Work

The second runner up in the just concluded ljaw National Congress (lNC) election, Alaowei Fred Endorokeme Owotorufa has officially congratulated Engr, Wodu Ebipamowei, Chief. Ken Odiowei, High Chief. Agu Philip Brown, Barr Bomo Tons Fetepigi, Chief. Abisagbo Taiwo, Chief. Fenibo Nengiyofori and

Comr. Sam Oroupa on their victory at the poll on Friday 30th April, 2021, describing their victory as well deserved.

Owotorufa made this known to the public at Yenagoa in a Press Statement released on Wednesday 12th May, 2021 and signed by himself, stated that the elections has come and gone, stressing that it is only God gives power, and He give it to whomsoever He has chosen. 

He however called on the newly elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members to work as a great team with the President elect, Prof. Benjamin Okaba by providing him strong support and appropriate advice to deliver on his Vision. He said so much is expected from them by ljaw nation globally, hence they should not waver on the noble cause of always protecting ljaw interest when eventually inaugurated on Friday 14th May, 2021.

According to the Press  Statement, read:

Dear All: "I write to formally congratulate you on your victory at the Ijaw National Congress - NEC election that was conducted by the Election Committee (ELECO) on Friday, April 30, 2021. The victory was well deserved.

The election has come and gone. As believers, we must accept that only God gives power, and He gives it to whomsoever He has chosen. 

By the grace of God, on Friday, May 14, 2021 the new National Executive Committee (NEC) will be inaugurated, and you will take your oath of office as distinguished members of the NEC. 

In your new role, in a rejuvenated INC, so much is expected  from you by the Ijaw nation globally. I am confident, you will work as a great team with the President, providing him strong support and appropriate advice to deliver on his Vision. You must not waver on this noble cause.

Once again, congratulations! I wish you the very best in health, sound mind and great wisdom in your new responsibilities.

God bless you and your families, the statement adds."

Fred E Owotorufa

Some People Are Mercilessly Against This Country’, Buhari Laments

Some People Are Mercilessly Against This Country’, Buhari Laments

President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented over the security challenges confronting the country.

The President lamented that despite the closure of the borders to control the smuggling of arms and ammunition, “Some people are mercilessly against this country.”

“We closed the borders to control the smuggling of petroleum products, and check the influx of smuggled goods, arms and ammunition.

“That was when the Comptroller General of Customs called me, saying 40 tankers laden with petrol had been impounded. I told him to sell the fuel, sell the trucks, and put the money in the treasury”.

The President stated this on Friday, during the 6th regular meeting with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), led by Professor Doyin Salami in Abuja.

President Buhari charged the leadership at every level to go back to the basics, noting that a bottom-up approach was necessary, from ward to local council, states, and federal.

He decried the situation in which some unscrupulous people tried to undermine every policy of the government, irrespective of the good it was meant to achieve for the country.

“They still brought arms and ammunition into the country, brought in rice in vehicles and motorcycles. I said shoot anyone found illegally with AK-47, yet they haven’t stopped. People must show consideration for their own country.”

President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government will focus on the greater development of irrigation facilities in the country, and encourage more people into agriculture.

He said agriculture was a good way for the country to overcome economic challenges confronting it, stressing: “We need to go back to the land. Technology is doing away with petroleum, but we are lucky we have other resources; Gas, vast arable land, which we are not using enough.”

The President was responding to disclosure by Prof Salami, in his presentation, that only 2% of land under cultivation is irrigated, recommending that apart from government efforts, incentives are needed for private people to enter the sector.

PEAC submitted that the global economy has continued to improve as COVID infections drop and the roll-out of vaccination intensifies, adding that the Nigerian economy, though out of recession, remains fragile with inflation rising, unemployment high, and external account weak.

Policy, the economic advisory body said, “must urgently address the challenges of rising prices.”

Among other issues recommended by PEAC are; decisive end to all forms of insecurity in the country, mobilization of resources for investment, hastened implementation of agricultural reform policies, the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a basis for revitalizing the industry, poverty reduction, employment generation, and incentives for private investment in irrigation, to promote all-year-round farming.

Insecurity: Benue To Recruit Community Volunteer Guards

 

As part of measures to tackle the security challenges in Benue, stakeholders in the state have sought the recruitment of Community Volunteer Guards.

The demand followed a meeting of the stakeholders held on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital with Governor Samuel Ortom in attendance.

According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders commended the efforts of security agencies in tackling the security threats in the state.

“The meeting considers the fact that in the face of banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks and other crimes the Security Agencies have done well,” the communique partly read.

“The meeting, however, resolved that the renewed attacks on the people by armed herdsmen have overstretched Security Agencies in the State.

“Therefore, the Benue State Government should fully enforce the “Law to Provide for the Establishment of Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante) and for the Purposes Connected Therewith” which was enacted in the year 2000.”

Benue stakeholders also passed a vote of confidence on Governor Samuel Ortom for his administration’s efforts in nipping in the bud the menace of insecurity.

Read the communique issued after the Benue Stakeholders’ Meeting today in Makurdi:

STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF BENUE STATE HELD ON 6TH MAY, 2021 AT THE NEW BANQUET HALL, BENUE PEOPLE’S HOUSE, MAKURDI

RESOLUTIONS

The Benue State Stakeholders Meeting appreciates Security Agencies for their efforts in ensuring relative peace in parts of the State. The meeting considers the fact that in the face of banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks and other crimes the Security Agencies have done well.

The meeting, however, resolved that the renewed attacks on the people by armed herdsmen have overstretched Security Agencies in the State.

Therefore, the Benue State Government should fully enforce the “Law to Provide for the Establishment of Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante) and for the Purposes Connected Therewith” which was enacted in the year 2000.

The State Government has been mandated to support the Vigilante with logistics as provided in the Law.

Recruitment of the Vigilante should be carried out in the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The meeting reinforced the commitment of Benue people to the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.

The meeting emphasized the need for all stakeholders to join hands in tackling insecurity in Benue State devoid of political, religious and ethnic sentiments.

The meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for his efforts in providing security in the State. The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by leaders of the three main Socio-Cultural Organizations in Benue State; Mzough-U-Tiv, Ochetoha, K’Idoma and Omini ‘Igede.

Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research sponsored by Ereyitomi passes first reading at NASS

Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research sponsored by Ereyitomi passes first reading at NASS 

The Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research (Establishment) Bill, 2021

 HB, sponsored by  Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State 

 has passed through  First Reading at the Federal House of Representatives.

Our correspondent noted that because of the aquatic live and dwelling of Hon. Ereyitomi's constituents of Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West sponsoring such a bill will help improve on research of the different species of fishes and further enhance fishing business as major  source of income and revenue to the country and that the research institute will benefit all Nigerians as a learning centre.

Some notable members of Warri Federal Constituency, who expressed delight, commended Chief Ereyitomi for embarking on such bill  stressing  that due to the advantage position of Warri Federal Constituency to the Atlantic Ocean/ other adjoining seas sitting of the Institution in the coastal communities  of Warri federal constituency,  if passed  will serve as a   hub for teaching and learning on how to carryout fishing methodology for export and import as the water is natural aquatic channel for advance research in all kinds of fishes in the river.

Other stakeholders however want the bill to be well considered as part of bill to attract economic boom to Nigeria Fisheries technological advancement.

Another Warri Federal Constituents, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi urged Chief Ereyitomi to remain resolute in attracting projects and development to Warri federal constituency, assuring that they will always mobilise support for  him, appealing for massive support for  him to do more.

Oromoni Reaffirms Commitment To Keeping Delta Clean, Safe For Residents

Oromoni Reaffirms Commitment To Keeping Delta Clean, Safe For Residents                                                   

The Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni has assured residents across the state of a clean and hygienic environment, suitable for habitation.

He made this call on Friday 7th May, 2021, in Warri, during a Press briefing with journalists, where he noted that the ongoing demolition exercise is not to witch-hunt anybody, rather it is meant to keep the aesthetics as it is done in other civilized environments.

Speaking on his achievements so far since assumption of office, he said that Warri/Uvwie and its environs are gradually coming back to life in terms of  beautification and removal of illegal structures. 

According to him, "What Delta state government is doing is to make sure Deltans live in a safe and serene environment. Those illegal structures we demolished under high tension, walk-ways and drainages are for the general interest of Deltans. 

"There are series of reported cases of  death last year as a result of slit high tension wire  at PTI junction by Agbor Park in Warri. Cases like that can be prevented if people distance themselves from trading under high tension wire", Oromoni stated. 

He equally called on residents across the state to always keep their drainage system clean, especially now that raining season is fast approaching, "The menace of yearly flood ravaging our homes can be curbed if only we regularly clear our gutters thoroughly, so as to ease the free flow of waters through natural canals", he added. 

The Taskforce boss also frowned at the attitude of some politicians whom he expected to join hands with the government to achieve her aim of a healthy environment, rather they are using their supporters to truncate government's efforts.

Responding to questions in the areas of rampant dredging activities in various communities, especially Warri, Ughelli and its environs, Hon Oromoni said those dredging close to residential homes without EIA permit are illegal dredgers and will be arrested in no distant time.

"Before you embark on dredging business, one must first of all obtain license from the State Ministry of Environment for approval of designated area to operate. Therefore, anyone caught without  permit license is illegal and the state government will deal decisively with such persons according to the law", he said. 

He restated that stopping tricycles otherwise known as keke from plying Delta highways remain his top priority. "You can't see that happen in other states. I had a meeting with the State Secretary of their union and agreed that they are only permitted to use the road between the hours of 6am-7am and 6pm-7pm to enable them go to their work places and return back in the evening. We may not have achieved that now, but will sure achieve that", Oromoni vowed.

Speaking further, he reiterated that "Our mandate areas are all the pilot cities and we are doing our best to touch all. By next week, we will storm Agbor for a serious operation", he said.

Hon Oromoni, however, appealed to residents to obey the State government policies, stressing that the laws are made for the wellbeing and general interest of all Deltans.

He also called on those living in coastal areas to be conscious of the rising level of water as predicted by NIMET that there would be flooding this year.

Oromoni also thanked Warri Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Michael Tidi and his counterpart in Uvwie, Hon Ramson Onoyake for their cooperation in returning the metropolitan city of Warri to her original state.

Ayakoromo Bridge: Onduku tackle Gov. Okowa, Augoye to release funds to contractor

Ayakoromo Bridge: Onduku tackle Gov. Okowa, Augoye to release funds to contractor

Francis Tayor

An ljaw youth activist cum community development advocate, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku has appealed to the governor of Delta State, His. Excellency, Sen (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Commissioner for Works Delta State, Chief. James Augoye to release funds to the contractor  as they earlier promised for the speedy completion of Ayakoromo bridge.

Comrade Onduku who is the National Coordinator, Concerned Citizens For lzon-Ebe Development (CCFID), made the appeal  in Jeddo Okpe, the country home of the honorable Commissioner for Works, Chief. Augoye, during a meeting with his kinsmen decried that Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state is currently at standstill due to paucity of funds.

According to Onduku, speaking with the press after the meeting, said Ayakoromo bridge project was awarded since 2014 by the immediate past governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to Zerock Construction Nig. Ltd, a Lebanese company with the intention to link up rural communities in Burutu, Ughelli South, Warri South-West and some parts of Bomadi local government area to urban cities. But unfortunately, the current administration had been playing politics with the bridge as a campaign strategy at any campaign ground during 2015 and 2019 governorship elections. After winning the elections with the support and votes of riverine ljaw  communities, the reverse is the case. To develop the area becomes an excuse.

It would be recalled that, the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa delegated the Commissioner for Works, Chief. James Augoye in November 2020 to inspect the work done so far in Ayakoromo bridge after series of protest by indigenes of the community. At the project site with the community leaders and the contractor, Gov. Okowa through the Commissioner made promise to release two hundred million naira (#200,000 000 00) monthly to the contractor so as to enable him finish the project on time before 2023. Unfortunately, all the statements made where mere political talks, no money had been released to the contractor as we speak. 

" As l speak to you now, the contractor has leave site because there is no money to work. The government of the day is not sincere to ljaw people. If not, what takes Gov. Okowa to complete Ayakoromo bridge within a year and take the glory for a job well done. If the government can commission bridge, road, school projects in other parts of the state, it is expected of him to do the same in the riverine areas. I am appealing to His. Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Commissioner for works, Chief. James Augoye to show some level of  commitment and sincerity to riverine dwellers by releasing funds to complete Ayakoromo bridge because that bridge is of great economic importance to riverine dwellers. It is a pity for government to construct a single bridge project over seven years without completion. Show commitment and sincerity to ljaw people in terms of project execution, Onduku charged Gov. Okowa."