NDDC: Delta Ijaw APC Chiefain, High Chief Michael Johnny Congratulates Newly Constituted NDDC Board, Calls For Calm In The Niger Delta

NDDC: Delta Ijaw APC Chiefain, High Chief Michael Johnny Congratulates Newly Constituted NDDC Board, Calls For Calm In The Niger Delta

Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ Delta Ijaw APC leader and right activist, High Chief Michael Johnny has congratulated the newly constituted Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Board appointees and charge them to use their offices to address the developmental issues surrounding the Niger Delta.

Speaking to the press at Abuja through his media crew, Chief.Johnny commended President Muhammadu Buhari for finding personalities of  impeccable characters to manned the commission, stressing that he is optimistic that they will deliver in their duties.

He further described the newly appointees as square pegs on square holes ! The appointees includes; Dr.Pius Odubu (Chairman Edo), Hon Bernard Okumagba (MD Delta), Executive Director Projects, Engr Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom), Executive Director Finance & Admin, Mr. Maxwell Okoh (Bayelsa), Delta Rep, Prophet Jones Erue, Edo Rep, Chief Victor Ekhatar, Rivers Rep, Dr.Joy Yimebe Punish, Abia Rep, Mr. Nwogu Nwogu, Bayelsa Rep, Mr.Theodore Allison, Akwa Ibom Rep, Mr. Victor Antai, Cross Rivers Rep, Mr Maurice Effiwatt, Ondo Rep,Mr.Olugbenga Elema, Imo Rep, Hon. Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian, Northwest Rep, Aisha Murtala Muhammed (Kano), Northeast Rep, Ardo Zubairu (Adamawa) and Southwest Rep, Engr. Badmus Mutalib (Lagos) State respectively.

However, Chief Johnny also call for calm in the Niger Delta region as different protests trail the media space, adding that no positive progress can be achieve in an atmosphere of rancour.

There are no better people than these appointees. We owe them the responsibility of praying for them so that they can use the interventionist agency in the right manner.

Speaking on Ijaw appointment, Johnny avow with cocksure that Buhari will appoint Delta Ijaw man into good offices that will be awesome to empower our people. There should be no cause for alarm, the statement adds.

Delta Ijaws Rejects NDDC Board MD Nominee, Tells President Buhari For Fresh Nomination Of Ijaw Extraction To Ensure Peace, Fairness And Equity

Delta Ijaws Rejects NDDC Board MD Nominee, Tells President Buhari For Fresh Nomination Of Ijaw Extraction To Ensure Peace, Fairness And Equity

Francis Tayor

The Ijaws in Delta State under the umbrella body of Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly (WICA) wish to notify President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Assembly  that the nomination of Bernard Okumagba of the Urhobo extraction in Delta State as the Managing Director (MD) in the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board instead of an Ijaw nominee from the state, is totally unacceptable. This is because it is a clear case of oppression, injustice and alienation of Ijaw in Delta State by some selfish politicians acting like new pirates in power. We state without fear of equivocation that any executive position slot for Delta State should be given to the Ijaw as it is our turn in line with the rotational arrangement as prescribed by the NDDC Act of 2000 Section 12 (1) which states that “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”. The emphasis on the rotation within member states with the highest production quantum of oil is to ensure equity, justice and fairness in states like Delta, where there are more than one ethnic group producing oil.

The Ijaw riverine communities are the highest producers of oil and gas in the region, and by implication, the highest revenue generators in Nigeria. We also bear the brunt of the pollution, degradation and environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration, production and transportation. In spite of our enormous contributions and sacrifices, we are still the most underdeveloped part of Nigeria. The NDDC, which is a product of the Niger Delta struggle, was initiated as an interventionist agency to cater for the oil-bearing/impacted communities from age-long neglect. Though all members of the region contributed to the struggle, the Ijaw no doubt sacrificed and contributed the more in the struggle. Youth of the Ijaw laid down their lives in agitating for creation of the NDDC and were tagged all sorts of names in the process. We were called militants, trouble makers, armed robbers, barbarians, kidnappers and all sorts, but today, forces that are against the progress of the Ijaw are gradually scheming to diminish and possibly erase us from reckoning. They want to prevent us from enjoying the dividends of the struggle. From the time of state creation, the Ijaw have always been at the receiving end and on the defensive because of our geographic location and the crude oil God blessed us with. We are balkanize in bits in almost all the states in the Niger Delta, and in all the states, we have been maliciously spread to make us minorities (except Bayelsa State), though we generate the highest revenue from our God-given crude. As minorities, we suffer oppression, have very weak political voice and space for survival. As a result, the 13% derivation accruing to the state treasury directly from our soil and waters is also used to develop other non-oil producing areas with heavy political power. We are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria with no strength and have been forced in the past to thread the path of violent agitation to get what is due to us or wait for the leftovers.  This injustice and blatant disregard for the legitimate rights of the Ijaw in Delta State is unacceptable and we will resist it with all the strength God has bestowed us.

We want to remind President Mohammadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly that the provisions of the NDDC Act had been followed judiciously by previous governments to the letter and the Ijaw in Delta State will resist any attempt by the present administration to subvert the NDDC Act so as to oppress our people and deprive us of our due position. For emphasis, we have taken time to explain the representation of Deltans on the NDDC board by their ethnicity, from inception to date. In the first NDDC board (2000 – 2004) that had Prof. V.F Peretomode (Ijaw) as the state rep, Godwin Omene (Urhobo) was the MD. Gowin Omene (Urhobo) was later replaced in 2002 with Emmanuel Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) in the first board. Emmanuel Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) was however, reappointed in the second board (2005 – 2008) as the MD while Chief Emmanuel Ogidi (Isoko) served as the state rep. Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) resigned to contest the Delta state gubernatorial election, and this made Timi Alaibe (Bayesla), the then EDFA to step in as the acting MD and Pastor P.Z Aginighan (Ijaw) the then Director of Finance and Supplies step in as acting EDFA respectively. In the third board (2009 – 2011), Chibuzor Ugwocha (Rivers) was the MD and Pastor P.Z Agnighan (Ijaw) was confirmed as substantive EDFA with Chief Solomon Ogba (Isoko) as the state rep. The board was sacked midway  into it's tenure and people from same state were appointed to continue the third board with same rotational arrangement from 2011 – 2012. In the reconstituted board, Konboye Lambert, an Ijaw, served as the EDFA, while Chief Solomon Ogba (Isoko) was retained as the state rep. In the fourth board (2013 – 2015), Tuoyo Omatsuli (Itsekiri) was the EDP while Chief Tom Amioku (Urhobo) was the state rep. The fourth board was reconstituted in 2015 and it had Samuel Adjogbe (Urhobo) as the EDP and Ogaga Ofowodo (Isoko) as the state rep. The fifth board which is this current nomination that the Ijaws in Delta state are rejecting in its entirety, has Prophet Jones Erue (Isoko) as the state rep and Bernard Okumagba (Urhobo) as the MD. From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the Ijaw in Delta State have been undermined and are deliberately being schemed out of the NDDC equation. The Urhobos in Delta State have occupied executive positions four times and appointing another Urhobo man as the MD is the height of oppression and marginalization of the Ijaw. The MD position must come to the Ijaw in Delta State as it is our due turn in accordance with provisions of the NDDC Act of 2000 12 (1) which states that “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”. After all, the Ijaws produce over 50% of the total oil and gas in Delta state.

We wish to reiterate with emphasis, that the NDDC Act had been religiously followed in constituting  previous boards until this ugly aberration by some ignoble politicians. It would interest you to note that a similar nomination blunder was committed during the setting up of the outgoing board in 2016. Nominees from Imo, Ondo and Abia states were rejected on the grounds that it contradicts the NDDC Act but President Mohammadu Buhari was quick to make amends, thus significantly maintaining the peace in the region and averting a calamitous security breach in the region.Mr. President nullified the earlier nominations and forwarded fresh nominees: Lucky Orimiso (Ondo), Chukwa Anwawa (Imo) and Nwogu Nwogu (Abia), to the National Assembly in March 2017 as “replacement of those that were rejected for not representing the oil producing areas of their respective states.”  We demand a reversal in this situation. We enjoin the government of the day as a matter of urgency to please present fresh nomination from the Delta Ijaw extraction for the position of the MD to ensure peace, fairness and equity is maintained in the region. Again, we seriously appeal to the Buhari administration to do diligent consultation as was the case before setting up previous boards, to keep the ethnic balance intact. It is of utmost importance that President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Assembly heed the voice of reason and not complicate our sufferings by deliberately sidelining and suffocating us in the scheme of things. A situation where one major player is deliberately trampled on and sidelined when it is time for them to enjoy a legitimate right,  will surely breed bad blood amongst us.

Enough is enough.

Signed:

Chief Ebipade Gbegha
(Chairman)

Mr.Ogbein Zidideke
(Secretary)

NDDC: Right Group Wants North And West Reps Removed From NDDC Board-Comr Oyinbi Onduku

NDDC: Right Group Wants North And West Reps Removed From NDDC Board-Comr Oyinbi Onduku

By Binebai Princewill

A human right group, known as Concerned Citizens For Izon-ebe Development (CCFID) has called for the amendment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) act to exclude Northern and Western representatives in the membership of the board.

The group in a Press Statement signed by its National President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku and made available to newsmen described the Inclusion of Northern and Western Reps in the board of NDDC as a deliberate oppression of minority ethnic groups by the majority ethnic groups in Nigeria.

According to Onduku, the inclusion of Northerner and Westerner reps in a commission specifically established for the development of a particular region due to marginalization, simply signifies a deliberate oppression and injustice against the Niger Delta people by the Hausa-Fulanis and the Yoruba’s.

He argued that there is no bases for the inclusion of Northerner and Westerner who have nothing to do with Niger Delta development affairs into its board, alleging that such perceived injustice was made possible because the Hausa’s and Yoruba’s are the majority ethnic groups in the National Assembly.

He went further to query whose interest the Hausa and Yoruba man is protecting in NDDC, saying that it is a misplaced priority, waste of Niger Delta Peoples resources and oppression of the minority ethnic group in the highest order. ”

Onduku, noted that at any time in a government where injustice becomes law, the people have a duty to resist that government, he has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, review the NDDC establishment Act in order to ensure peace, fairness and justice in Nigeria.

”We therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Sen.Ahmed Lawal and the Speaker House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to as a matter of urgency, and for the interest of peace to reign in the Niger Delta region, to quickly review the Act to remove the clause of Northerners and Westerners representatives in the board of NDDC, ” they added .

NDDC Appointment: Delta Ijaw APC Chieftain, Hon.Garry Berates PDP Governors, Says They Don't Have Power To Nominate Who To Head NDDC For President Buhari

NDDC Appointment: Delta Ijaw APC Chieftain, Hon.Garry Berates PDP Governors, Says They Don't Have Power To Nominate Who To Head NDDC For President Buhari

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ An ljaw Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon.Stanley Ebifede Garry has berated the recent PDP Governors decision to confront President Muhammadu Buhari over his choice of appointment into the board of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, stressing that PDP led governors has no moral political right to nominate any person for the APC led federal government.

He reiterated that, it is the prerogative right of the President to appoint any person of his choice to man position of authority in any federal government agency, parastatal or board.

Hon.Garry made the statement in Warri, Delta State during the weekend at a meeting with the Delta Ijaw Political Mechineries (DIPM), categorically condemned the position and interference of the PDP Governors on the NDDC board appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari led APC federal government.

In his words, he said; " It is prerogative right of the President to appoint any person of his choice to  man position of authority, in any federal  agency, parastatal or board.

Mr.PMB has stated it clearly that, its only the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has the controlling authority to  Supervise the affairs and activities of the NDDC.

PDP led State Governors has no moral political sense to nominate any person for the APC led federal government. That is a privilege, motivation only vested to APC party leaders and stakeholders.

The appointment of the NDDC Board, especially, the Managing Director, a professional manager of valued resources, Hon. Bernard Okumagba, is an unassuming, humane  technocrat with international repute, and can be described as a Perfect choice that will make NDDC to achieve its Master plan, the statement adds."

Bad Leadership: Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative IPDI, Hits Hon.Angele At The Head, Says He Has Failed Burutu People As Council Chairman

Bad Leadership: Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative IPDI, Hits Hon.Angele At The Head, Says He Has Failed Burutu People As Council Chairman

Francis Tayor

WARRI_____The Ijaw right group known as, Ijaw People's Development initiative, IPDI has expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as lukewarm performance by the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon.Godknows Angele.

The group made this known through its National acting spokesman, Mayor Timi Ogobiri and acting Secretary Comrade Emma Keneware in an open letter addressed to the LGA boss in Warri yesterday.

The group noted that the victory of Chairman of Burutu council was greeted with euphoria and golden felicitations due to his political exposure prior to his election as the Chairman.

They expressed disappointment that the chairman's performance was below expectations, inept, poor and nothing to write home about.

The letter addressed to the chairman reads in part; "we have lost confidence and trust in you, your performance is poorly and disappointing to Burutu people and communities. It is not in our style to drag our kinsmen to EFCC over misconducts, except you want to push us into that extreme. We will not sit down and watch Burutu funds to be wasted on personal luxuries, we have other ways of dealing with public office holders who misuse their position".

"You can recalled that we all rejoiced when you rennovated some old buildings in the council and provided power supply for the people of Burutu town during your 100 days in office but it appears that you have been misguided. If you can remember during your election you consulted IPDI, and all advises given to you appear to have been forgotten".

"It may interest you to remember that your chairmanship became possible on the goodwill of Burutu youths who agitated for a youthful chairman. His Excellency Sen.(Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa made you a chairman in an attempt to prove that he is a youth friendly governor".

"We equally applauded you when you built a substandard and terrible water system in Burutu secretariat during your 100 days in office, though we recommended further treatment on the water, surprisingly you refused to do anything about it because you can afford clean water with public fund and afford to waste the one spent on your bad water project".

"It is pertinent to note that after you celebrated your 100 days in office, you stop supplying light to the people of Burutu community".

"Burutu people languishes in a total darkness under your watch for two years but you are not worried because you can afford private power system for yourself with public money".

"We applauded when we heard that you are building councillor's lodge in Burutu town, but surprisingly the project has been turned to a conduit pipe as what has been spent on it, is enough to complete the project".

"Mr.Chairman, since your inception you did not deem it fit to tour Burutu LGA communities to have a first hand information about the suffering of your people".

" It is not a news that Burutu communities drink water from the open river where they defecate and dump all wastes, but it has never occured to you that Burutu communities need drinkable water".

"Mr.Chairman, you can not claim that you are ignorant of the fact that Burutu community health centres are dysfunctional.  They have no qualify nurses, midwives and doctors. Some few we know have either one local nurse or none. Primary schools with either one or two teachers teaching all subjects in the entire six classses. Secondary schools with no science teachers. No empowerment and skill acquisition programmes for women and youths. No internal roads and electricity. Student activities not supported. No encouragement for entrepreneurs. No empowerment for our fishermen and farmers in the LGA".

"It is a pity that you are not the messiah we anticipated, as our fears and concerns are not attended to. Though ,we are not perturbed over your neglect and abandonment of Burutu People because force of gravity is real".

"This is a wake up call but what ever it means to you we stand by it. So don't handle this call with a kinsglove If you want the confidence earlier reposed on you to be restored by Burutu people"

"However, it is on record that President Buhari has started channelling federal allocation directly to the Local Governments council accounts, instead of the usual State and Local Government joint accounts".

"We are aware that about 3months now when you started receiving direct allocations from the federation account, yet you complain over paucity of fund to embarked on meaningful programmes and projects"

"Meanwhile, we were alledgely informed that, you are sharing our monthly allocations with the state, in the name of loyal boy, though, we are strongly investigating it to know the true state of the matter as to plan the next legal action to embarked upon"

"We make bold to say that you have failed Burutu people, we thought you will make the youth proud by laying a good foundation for further youthful representations in the council area but the reverse is the case".

"We want to state unequovocally that with a keen appraisal of your performance so far ,it proves that you have missed the track for failing to pursue an enduring legacy that will speak for you beyond office. Though, you may still do better if only you can wake up from your slumber and face the reality with the remaining little time".

"We hereby enjoin you to do the needful by initiating quality programmes and projects among communities in the LGA to better the lives of the people and creates enabling environment for conducive living among citizens of the LGA".

Decaying Education Standard, Comr.Ebimaye Makes Case For Riverine Schools, Urges Gov Okowa To Declare State Of Emergency On Riverine Schools Or Privatize

Decaying Education Standard, Comr.Ebimaye Makes Case For Riverine Schools, Urges Gov Okowa To Declare State Of Emergency On Riverine Schools Or Privatize

Francis Tayor

Warri______ A youth leader in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Freeborn Ebimaye Abraye has appealed to the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to declare a state of emergency to the fast decaying riverine schools, stressing that most riverine schools lacks teacher, conducive learning environment and proper management.

He further charged governor Okowa to resuscitate the schools as a matter of urgency or privatize them to private individuals for proper management to enable riverine dwellers access quality education.

According to Comr. Abraye said; " I think its gradually getting to the point where we will have no other option but to appeal for the privatization of the schools in the riverine communities, since the state government has decided not to take full responsibility of the schools.

The present state of the schools in our riverine communities is so pathetic to the point where classes are been rationed in some schools.

In order to meet up with the elaborate syllabus, the  headmistress of one of the primary schools in Gbaramatu kingdom, who happens to be the only government staff and teacher in the  school had to ration the classes in  order for her not to  over stress herself.

The headmistress had to ration the classes in the school due to the lack of teachers. The classes are rationed in a way that  primary 1,2 and 3 are asked to come to school on Monday, while primary 4,5 and 6 are  to stay at home. And the next day, primary 1,2 and 3 are asked to stay at home, while primary 4,5 and 6 will then come to school for their lectures.

This act of rationing of classes was necessitated due to the lack of teachers in the school. Which we believe is the primary responsibility of the government to post adequate number of teachers to the schools.

This is the situation of schools in Gbaramatu kingdom. And our government seems to be quiet over this  appalling situation.

This constant negligence of the schools in the riverine communities by the Delta State  government, had left us with no choice but to appeal for the privatization of the schools in the riverine communities, especially in Gbaramatu kingdom.

It is indeed a disheartening thing to see that the riverine communities which are the economic backbone of the state has to go through such a disturbing situation, as regards education.

What then is the benefit of these communities from this government, which the communities worked so hard to bring into power.

Every development that is not education oriented, is not a true development. As education is an integral part of development.
So it is my humble appeal to the Delta state government to lay more emphasis in improving the educational standard of the riverine communities.

The government should carryout massive renovations of schools with dilapidated structures, building of laboratories and libraries, and most importantly, posting of  adequate number of teachers to these schools. As it is the right of the communities in the riverine areas to share in the quality education enjoyed by students and pupils in the cities, the statement adds."

Izanzan Intellectual Camp Vomits Fire, Threatens To Recall Manager, Mutu, Preyor Over Negligence To Duty, On The Indefinite Closure Of Okoloba Maritime Technical College, Bomadi

Izanzan Intellectual Camp Vomits Fire, Threatens To Call Back Manager, Mutu, Preyor Over Negligence To Duty, On The Indefinite Closure Of Okoloba Maritime Technical College, Bomadi

Francis Tayor

The Ijaw Interest Advocate (IIA) Izanzan Intellectual Camp has threatened to call back the member representing Delta South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, distinguished Senator James Ebiowou Manager, his Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency counterpart, Hon. Nicholas Mutu and the member representing Bomadi Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Oboro Preyor on what it termed negligence to duty, on their lukewarm attitude to question and speak for the reopening of the indefinite closure of the Okoloba Maritime Science and Technical College, under their primary constituency in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, by the current APC led federal government of Nigeria in the past four years.

The group disclose this through an open letter addressed to the above listed lawmakers signed by its National Coordinator, Amb. Arerebo Yerinmene Salaco Jnr stressed that, the unjustifiable closure of the only Technical College in Delta Ijaw riverine area ought to be Sen.James Manager, Hon.Nicholas Mutu and Engr.Oboro Preyor primary responsibility as a legislator representing the constituency to always take to the National and State Assembly the complains of the people to allay their fears.

According to the group National Coordinator, Amb.Arerebo posited in the open letter reads; "

I’m writing to you with a bleeding heart on behalf of the relentless and dogged lieutenants of Izanzan Intellectual over the unjustifiable closure of the Okoloba Maritime Science and Technical College, Bomadi LGA, Delta State.

In respect of the closure of the school, we have done well to forward letter and confirmed delivered through your respective aids to you all as political leaders of the constituency where the school is sited, yet no response from your end. To a level we felt that we are no longer important as your constituents since elections has come and gone, the peoples general well-being is no longer your concerns.

We have over the time raised our voices against the total oppression meted on the Ijaw people and we shall continue to do so until the very day we leave this world. We have no better cause other than to fight for our people and we are ready to lay down our lives for this struggle. Therefore, this letter is born out of provocation and for a justifiable reasons especially your muteness over the closure of the school.

Having said the above, the bone of contention in this open letter is to once again unequivocally call on your attention to use your political influence and powers to call for the reopening and sufficient funding of the school which will help revive the lost educational hope and happiness of our people in the coastal areas.

The unjustifiable closure of the only school science and technical college in the riverine area ought to be your priority concern for a reason being that it’s your sole responsibility as a legislator to always take to the National and State Assembly the complains of the people to allay their fears.

You must have known by now that, the closure of the school has truncated the educational consciousness of your primary constituents of which you are expected to rise up against the educational injustice meted against your people in the house, but if you so decided to continue keep mute over  the closure of the school, we might have no option than to reckon your leadership as an “otherwise”.

Yes of course, your respective strategic role played for the attainment of the only federal maritime university in the riverine area cannot be overemphasized, yet you must act now proactively to reopen and sufficient funding of the Okoloba Maritime College to rejuvenate the educational consciousness of your primary constituents and Ijaw Nation at large before it is too late.

In as much members of Izanzan Camp remain resolute in our positions, just as we will continue to use the little intellectual resource at our disposal to fight for the rights and equitable treatment of our people in the Nigeria oppression society. We so deeply urge you all as our leaders to do the same at the state and national level.

On a conclusive note, it’s pertinent to let you know that members of Izanzan Camp are not well pleased with the way and manner Ijaw Nation is treated developmentally and otherwise and your proactiveness in the respective chambers will help to relax our angers else our actions and inactions in the coming days might not be friendly to you as we are not afraid to be jail for fighting for a just course.

Yours respectfully,

Amb Arerebo Yerinmene Salaco Jnr,
(National Coordinator).

CEPEJ Empowers Petty Traders In Lagos State, Charges Government To Assist Less Privilege Nigerians

CEPEJ Empowers Petty Traders In Lagos State, Charges Government To Assist Less Privilege Nigerians

Francis Tayor

Lagos_____ A foremost Nigeria based Non Governmental Organization, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has empowered a group of petty traders with cash to enable them trade and manage their business even in the present prevailing economic situation in the country.

The beneficiaries of the maiden edition of CEPEJ EMPOWERMENT program are Emily Nbezuo, a widow and a petty trader who sells roasted yam, plantain and potatoes by the road side at Ajao Estate, Mrs Muyibat Odejobi, a petty trader, widowed with 3 children a Muslim who sells tomatoes and pepper at Mafoluku, Oshodi and Sani Lawa, a male,a Muslim with 4 children who deals mainly in amendment of clothes at Agboju market.

The cash disbursement was done at Lagos State office of CEPEJ located at 2 ASA Afariogun Street, Ajao Estate. In attendance was a representative of Government officials from the Oshodi/Isolo LGA Mr.Ganiu Mejindade and the CEO of Out of School Children Empowerment Foundation, Mr.Kelani Akeem Tolu.

They applauded CEPEJ for a job well done and promised to partner with the organisation in future similar program/initiatives

The beneficiaries thanked CEPEJ for remembering them and promised to make good use of the cash gifts.

The National Coordinator of the Center, Comrade Mulade Sheriff who was represented by the Communications and Advocacy Manager, Mrs Victoria Ajayi while speaking  with journalists commended the government on the positive changes so far in Lagos but still charged them to partner with the organization so that the number of beneficiaries reached would be more than was achieved.

NDDC: Niger Delta Rights Group Tells President Buhari, National Assembly To Review NDDC Act, Says Inclusion Of Northerner/Westerner Reps In NDDC Is An Oppression Of Minority Ethnic Group

NDDC: Niger Delta Rights Group Tells President Buhari, National Assembly To Review NDDC Act, Says Inclusion Of Northerner/Westerner Reps In NDDC Is An Oppression Of Minority Ethnic Group

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ A Niger Delta human rights group under the auspices of Concerned Citizens For Izon-ebe Development (CCFID), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency review the NDDC establishment Act, in order to remove the clause that make provision for the representation of Northerners and Westerners in the commission.

The group in a Press Statement signed by its National President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku stressed that, the Inclusion of Northerners and Westerners Reps in the board of NDDC is a deliberate oppression of minority ethnic group by the majority ethnic groups in Nigeria.

In his reaction, Comrade Onduku stated that; " In a government whereby injustice becomes law, the people have a duty to resist that government. The National Assembly should as a matter of urgency, review the NDDC establishment Act in order to ensure peace, fairness and justice in Nigeria."

According to Onduku ," There is no common sense whereby a Northerner and Westerner who have nothing to do with Niger Delta development affairs are forcefully imbedded in the establishment of NDDC Act, just because the Hausa's and Yoruba's are the majority ethnic groups in the National Assembly. If l may ask, whose interest is the Hausa or Yoruba man protecting in NDDC ? This is a misplaced priority, waist of Niger Delta Peoples resources and oppression of the minority ethnic group in the highest order. "

" Onduku further stressed that, the inclusion of Northerners and Westerners reps in a commission specifically established for the development of a particular region due to marginalization, simply signifies a deliberate oppression and injustice against the Niger Delta people by the Hausa-Fulanis and the Yoruba's.

We therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Sen.Ahmed Lawal and the Speaker House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to as a matter of urgency, and  for the interest of peace to reign in the Niger Delta region, to quickly review the Act to remove the clause of Northerners and Westerners representatives in the board of NDDC, Comrade Onduku stated."

Marginalization: Opuama, Tsekelewu-Polobubo Communities In Warri North Cries Out For Help, Appeals To Governor Okowa To Provide Pipe borne Water, Hospital, Market, Teachers, Transportation, Others

Marginalization: Opuama, Tsekelewu-Polobubo Communities In Warri North Cries Out For Help, Appeals To Governor Okowa To Provide Pipe borne Water, Hospital, Market, Teachers, Transportation, Others

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Government on Security, distinguished Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel has charged Chevron and other oil multinationals operating in Egbema Kingdom and environs to help government of the state to build peace in Warri North, so as to fast track development in the area.

The SSA further urges Egbema youths to remain peaceful and ensure that they channel their grievances and needs to the governor through lawful means, stressing that development can not strive in an atmosphere of chaos.

The Senior Special Assistant made the statement yesterday 28th August, 2019 at Opuama, Sekelewu-Polobubo Communities in a Town Hall meeting to say thank you for their support to the Delta State government, stressing that His Excellency, Senator Dr.lfeanyi Okowa  is committed to the development, peace and security of lives and property in the state.

In his words, Comrade Ezekiel said;" I have come here to say thank you for your support in my life. I come to familiarise with you that your son is now the Senior Special Assistant SSA, to the governor of Delta State on Security. l succeeded because you stood firmly behind me. I still need your prayers, motivation and cooperation to succeed in my new assignment."

" l want us to work in synergy. My boss governor Okowa is committed to the development of Egbema Kingdom. I want you people to maintain the existing peace and constructively approach the state government of your needs and challenges. Until you bring your problem forward, His Excellency may not be aware of it.

I promise you of further engagements of this kind as we progress, but we must be united and peaceful to achieve our collective goals. The issues of Chevron Well fire which polluted our waters, lands and air of host and impacted communities should be handled with all seriousness. Oil companies that don't want to cooperate with you people, Delta State government will prevail on them to ensure total compliance and to do the needful. Once again, l thank you for your support of the Delta State government and understanding, Comrade Ezekiel stated."

In their responses, speaking on behalf of the Communities, Mr.Toru Dick welcome the visiting SSA and his team to Opuama. He said; " our saviour has come and we need to support him to succeed in his new assignment. We thank Hon Alhaji Omoko who build the community Town Hall for us. Now you are been appointed as SSA, we pray you use your good office to attract development to our community and  engage our youths meaningfully. We lack portable drinking water. Our youths, women, children and elders needs empowerment, he stated."

Also speaking, the eldest man of Opuama Town, Chief Lobo Julius thank the SSA for the visit. " The major problem we are facing here is unavailability of portable drinking water. We have clinic here but there is no Doctor and Nurses to attend to our sick people. We also don't have network to talk on phone. Help us with mtn or glo network my son. l am an elderly man, tell the government to take care of me because l can't go to fish neither to work at my age. The Opuama people are very happy for your appointment. Help us to attract development to the community, Pa Lobo stated."

Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs.Caroline Moses congratulates the SSA for his appointment. She appealed to the Delta State government to bring market to Opuama Community. " We also need women empowerment programs. Our women are tired of cutting fire woods, help us to bring Nurses to our clinic to treat our sick people. We need adult school to educate our people because we lack education, she stated."

Responding on behalf of the youths, Comrade Japheth Loboh thank the SSA for the visit. " We want Sand filling of our community because we are suffering of flood. Opuama is one of the ancient communities in Egbema Kingdom. We have Chevron and NPDC Shell working in our land, but yet nothing to show for it in our community. Help us to use your office to fight for us, he stated."

At polobubo-Sekelewu Community, Pa Pabuloubo Dabo, the Amakosuowei pray for the SSA good health and wisdom to serve his people well.

Speaking on behalf of the community, leader Morgan Oniyeburuta thank the SSA for coming to share their problems in order to profer solution. He said;" our community is seriously facing flood problem. The recent Chevron Well head fire incident infected a lot of sickness to our people. We cannot fish, our people died of cholera as result of the fire incident. We called on governor Okowa to ask Chevron to pay us compensation for the damages caused by their well head. We need adequate scholarship for our students to study. We need empowerment of our youths and women. Help us to tell our governor to carnalized our shallow river.We need communication network help us, Mr.Morgan stressed."

In his reaction, the Egbema National Youth PRO, Comrade Governor Ekpokeme Stephen appeal to Governor Okowa to provide water transportation system to lessen the high rate of transport fare they suffer in the hands of private commercial transporters in the riverine areas.
While Mr.Gabriel appeals to governor Okowa to provide adequate health care centre for Sekelewu community.

However, the SSA appreciated his people for the warm reception and assure them to table their problems before the governor. " l believe our governor Okowa is a listening man and he will not disappoint them. " I know what my people are suffering. It was as result of my advocacy of our problems that led to my  imprisonment.

My fathers, mothers, sisters  and brothers, l have heard all you have said. Between now and Monday next week, l will present this issues to the governor my boss. He will squarely address them one after the other. I charged us to be peaceful so that our governor can bring development to our communities. Call me at any point in time, l will respond to you. Once again, l thank you for opening your heart to welcome me and my team, thank you my people, the statement adds.'

SSA On Security, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel Urges Oil Multinationals To Build Peace ln Warri North, Assures Governor Okowa's Commitment To Develop Egbema Kingdom

SSA On Security, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel Urges Oil Multinationals To Build Peace ln Warri North, Assures Governor Okowa's Commitment To Develop Egbema Kingdom

As Egbema People Cries Out For Pipe borne Water, Hospital, Education, Transportation, Others

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Government on Security, distinguished Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel has charged Chevron and other oil multinationals operating in Egbema Kingdom and environs to help government of the state to build peace in Warri North, so as to fast track development in the area.

The SSA further urges Egbema youths to remain peaceful and ensure that they channel their grievances and needs to the governor through lawful means, stressing that development can not strive in an atmosphere of chaos.

The Senior Special Assistant made the statement yesterday 28th August, 2019 at Opuama, Sekelewu-Polobubo Communities in a Town Hall meeting to say thank you for their support to the Delta State government, stressing that His Excellency, Senator Dr.lfeanyi Okowa  is committed to the development, peace and security of lives and property in the state.

In his words, Comrade Ezekiel said;" I have come here to say thank you for your support in my life. I come to familiarise with you that your son is now the Senior Special Assistant SSA, to the governor of Delta State on Security. l succeeded because you stood firmly behind me. I still need your prayers, motivation and cooperation to succeed in my new assignment."

" l want us to work in synergy. My boss governor Okowa is committed to the development of Egbema Kingdom. I want you people to maintain the existing peace and constructively approach the state government of your needs and challenges. Until you bring your problem forward, His Excellency may not be aware of it.

I promise you of further engagements of this kind as we progress, but we must be united and peaceful to achieve our collective goals. The issues of Chevron Well fire which polluted our waters, lands and air of host and impacted communities should be handled with all seriousness. Oil companies that don't want to cooperate with you people, Delta State government will prevail on them to ensure total compliance and to do the needful. Once again, l thank you for your support of the Delta State government and understanding, Comrade Ezekiel stated."

In their responses, speaking on behalf of the Communities, Mr.Toru Dick welcome the visiting SSA and his team to Opuama. He said; " our saviour has come and we need to support him to succeed in his new assignment. We thank Hon Alhaji Omoko who build the community Town Hall for us. Now you are been appointed as SSA, we pray you use your good office to attract development to our community and  engage our youths meaningfully. We lack portable drinking water. Our youths, women, children and elders needs empowerment, he stated."

Also speaking, the eldest man of Opuama Town, Chief Lobo Julius thank the SSA for the visit. " The major problem we are facing here is unavailability of portable drinking water. We have clinic here but there is no Doctor and Nurses to attend to our sick people. We also don't have network to talk on phone. Help us with mtn or glo network my son. l am an elderly man, tell the government to take care of me because l can't go to fish neither to work at my age. The Opuama people are very happy for your appointment. Help us to attract development to the community, Pa Lobo stated."

Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs.Caroline Moses congratulates the SSA for his appointment. She appealed to the Delta State government to bring market to Opuama Community. " We also need women empowerment programs. Our women are tired of cutting fire woods, help us to bring Nurses to our clinic to treat our sick people. We need adult school to educate our people because we lack education, she stated."

Responding on behalf of the youths, Comrade Japheth Loboh thank the SSA for the visit. " We want Sand filling of our community because we are suffering of flood. Opuama is one of the ancient communities in Egbema Kingdom. We have Chevron and NPDC Shell working in our land, but yet nothing to show for it in our community. Help us to use your office to fight for us, he stated."

At polobubo-Sekelewu Community, Pa Pabuloubo Dabo, the Amakosuowei pray for the SSA good health and wisdom to serve his people well.

Speaking on behalf of the community, leader Morgan Oniyeburuta thank the SSA for coming to share their problems in order to profer solution. He said;" our community is seriously facing flood problem. The recent Chevron Well head fire incident infected a lot of sickness to our people. We cannot fish, our people died of cholera as result of the fire incident. We called on governor Okowa to ask Chevron to pay us compensation for the damages caused by their well head. We need adequate scholarship for our students to study. We need empowerment of our youths and women. Help us to tell our governor to carnalized our shallow river.We need communication network help us, Mr.Morgan stressed."

In his reaction, the Egbema National Youth PRO, Comrade Governor Ekpokeme Stephen appeal to Governor Okowa to provide water transportation system to lessen the high rate of transport fare they suffer in the hands of private commercial transporters in the riverine areas.
While Mr.Gabriel appeals to governor Okowa to provide adequate health care centre for Sekelewu community.

However, the SSA appreciated his people for the warm reception and assure them to table their problems before the governor. " l believe our governor Okowa is a listening man and he will not disappoint them. " I know what my people are suffering. It was as result of my advocacy of our problems that led to my  imprisonment.

My fathers, mothers, sisters  and brothers, l have heard all you have said. Between now and Monday next week, l will present this issues to the governor my boss. He will squarely address them one after the other. I charged us to be peaceful so that our governor can bring development to our communities. Call me at any point in time, l will respond to you. Once again, l thank you for opening your heart to welcome me and my team, thank you my people, the statement adds.'

SSA On Security, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel Urges Oil Multinationals To Build Peace ln Warri North, Assures Governor Okowa's Commitment To Develop Egbema Kingdom

SSA On Security, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel Urges Oil Multinationals To Build Peace ln Warri North, Assures Governor Okowa's Commitment To Develop Egbema Kingdom

As Egbema People Cries Out For Pipe borne Water, Hospital, Education, Transportation, Others

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Government on Security, distinguished Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel has charged Chevron and other oil multinationals operating in Egbema Kingdom and environs to help government of the state to build peace in Warri North, so as to fast track development in the area.

The SSA further urges Egbema youths to remain peaceful and ensure that they channel their grievances and needs to the governor through lawful means, stressing that development can not strive in an atmosphere of chaos.

The Senior Special Assistant made the statement yesterday 28th August, 2019 at Opuama, Sekelewu-Polobubo Communities in a Town Hall meeting to say thank you for their support to the Delta State government, stressing that His Excellency, Senator Dr.lfeanyi Okowa  is committed to the development, peace and security of lives and property in the state.

In his words, Comrade Ezekiel said;" I have come here to say thank you for your support in my life. I come to familiarise with you that your son is now the Senior Special Assistant SSA, to the governor of Delta State on Security. l succeeded because you stood firmly behind me. I still need your prayers, motivation and cooperation to succeed in my new assignment."

" l want us to work in synergy. My boss governor Okowa is committed to the development of Egbema Kingdom. I want you people to maintain the existing peace and constructively approach the state government of your needs and challenges. Until you bring your problem forward, His Excellency may not be aware of it.

I promise you of further engagements of this kind as we progress, but we must be united and peaceful to achieve our collective goals. The issues of Chevron Well fire which polluted our waters, lands and air of host and impacted communities should be handled with all seriousness. Oil companies that don't want to cooperate with you people, Delta State government will prevail on them to ensure total compliance and to do the needful. Once again, l thank you for your support of the Delta State government and understanding, Comrade Ezekiel stated."

In their responses, speaking on behalf of the Communities, Mr.Toru Dick welcome the visiting SSA and his team to Opuama. He said; " our saviour has come and we need to support him to succeed in his new assignment. We thank Hon Alhaji Omoko who build the community Town Hall for us. Now you are been appointed as SSA, we pray you use your good office to attract development to our community and  engage our youths meaningfully. We lack portable drinking water. Our youths, women, children and elders needs empowerment, he stated."

Also speaking, the eldest man of Opuama Town, Chief Lobo Julius thank the SSA for the visit. " The major problem we are facing here is unavailability of portable drinking water. We have clinic here but there is no Doctor and Nurses to attend to our sick people. We also don't have network to talk on phone. Help us with mtn or glo network my son. l am an elderly man, tell the government to take care of me because l can't go to fish neither to work at my age. The Opuama people are very happy for your appointment. Help us to attract development to the community, Pa Lobo stated."

Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs.Caroline Moses congratulates the SSA for his appointment. She appealed to the Delta State government to bring market to Opuama Community. " We also need women empowerment programs. Our women are tired of cutting fire woods, help us to bring Nurses to our clinic to treat our sick people. We need adult school to educate our people because we lack education, she stated."

Responding on behalf of the youths, Comrade Japheth Loboh thank the SSA for the visit. " We want Sand filling of our community because we are suffering of flood. Opuama is one of the ancient communities in Egbema Kingdom. We have Chevron and NPDC Shell working in our land, but yet nothing to show for it in our community. Help us to use your office to fight for us, he stated."

At polobubo-Sekelewu Community, Pa Pabuloubo Dabo, the Amakosuowei pray for the SSA good health and wisdom to serve his people well.

Speaking on behalf of the community, leader Morgan Oniyeburuta thank the SSA for coming to share their problems in order to profer solution. He said;" our community is seriously facing flood problem. The recent Chevron Well head fire incident infected a lot of sickness to our people. We cannot fish, our people died of cholera as result of the fire incident. We called on governor Okowa to ask Chevron to pay us compensation for the damages caused by their well head. We need adequate scholarship for our students to study. We need empowerment of our youths and women. Help us to tell our governor to carnalized our shallow river.We need communication network help us, Mr.Morgan stressed."

In his reaction, the Egbema National Youth PRO, Comrade Governor Ekpokeme Stephen appeal to Governor Okowa to provide water transportation system to lessen the high rate of transport fare they suffer in the hands of private commercial transporters in the riverine areas.
While Mr.Gabriel appeals to governor Okowa to provide adequate health care centre for Sekelewu community.

However, the SSA appreciated his people for the warm reception and assure them to table their problems before the governor. " l believe our governor Okowa is a listening man and he will not disappoint them. " I know what my people are suffering. It was as result of my advocacy of our problems that led to my  imprisonment.

My fathers, mothers, sisters  and brothers, l have heard all you have said. Between now and Monday next week, l will present this issues to the governor my boss. He will squarely address them one after the other. I charged us to be peaceful so that our governor can bring development to our communities. Call me at any point in time, l will respond to you. Once again, l thank you for opening your heart to welcome me and my team, thank you my people, the statement adds.'

Delta State Head Of Service, Reginald Bayoko Assures Workers Of Govt Support In Training, Proper Placement, Career Progression

Delta State Head Of Service, Reginald Bayoko Assures Workers Of Govt Support In Training, Proper Placement, Career Progression

Oyinbi Onduku

Asaba____ The Delta State Head of Service (HoS), Mr.Reginald Bayoko mni, has assured workers of government support in training, proper placement and career progression to enhance performance in the civil service.

Mr.Bayoko gave the assurance yesterday 27th August when the National President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice and other members of CITN paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Asaba.

The Head of Service promised to make recommendation to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa towards ensuring that members of the institute who are in the state civil service were sponsored to programmes for their professional development to enhance their competence and performance.

Earlier, the National President of the institute, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice said that they were in the HOS office to inform him of the institute’s mandatory Professional Training Programme (MPTP) holding in Asaba tomorrow, for members and non-members.

According to her, programme was in line with the Institutes mandate to provide quality manpower for the Nigeria Tax system and to ensure they that were up to date on development in the profession. Dame Simplice noted that the training which is held in rotation in locations across the country had provided a lot of opportunities for members to be trained.

She said that the institute had established relationship with regional and international organizations and thanked the HOS for obliging them the opportunity of the visit despite the short notice.

Present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Frank Isume, the Chairman CITN Asaba and District Society, Mrs Juliet Uwejeyan and other members of the institute.

Shocking As President Buhari Newly Constituted NDDC Board Includes; North-East, North-West , South-West Representatives...Orders Prof.Brambaifa To Hand Over Immediately

Shocking As President Buhari Newly Constituted NDDC Board Includes; North-East, North-West , South-West Representatives...Orders Prof.Brambaifa To Hand Over Immediately

Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a new management board of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, with Dr.Pius Odubu from Edo State as Chairman, Mr.Bernard Okumagba from Delta as Managing Director and others.

Surprisingly, for the first time the composition of the board includes North-East, North-West and South-West as members to represent the three regions.

It will interest the general public to note that, the commission was specifically established by former President of Nigeria, Chief.Olusegun Obasanjo to fast track infrastructural development in the underdeveloped oil producing nine States in the South-South Niger Delta region.

However, the latest inclusion of North-West, North-East and South-West reps in the commission is not far fetch from the recent discovery of oil in Lagos state and some part of Northern Nigeria.

The newly confirmed and approved composition of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) made up of the following persons ;

S/N Position Name State

1 Chairman Dr.Pius Odubu Edo

2  Managing Director Bernard O.Okumagba Delta

3  Executive Director Projects Engr.Otobong Ndem Akwa Ibom

4  Executive Director Finance & Admin. Maxwell Okoh Bayelsa

5 Delta Rep Prophet Jones Erue Delta

6  Edo Rep Chief Victor Ekhatar Edo

7  Rivers Rep Dr. Joy Yimebe Nunieh Rivers

8 Abia Rep Nwogu Nwogu Abia

9 Bayelsa Rep Theodore A. Allison Bayelsa

10 Akwa Ibom Rep Victor Antai Akwa Ibom

11 Cross River Rep Maurice Effiwatt Cross River

12 Ondo Rep Olugbenga Elema Ondo

13 Imo Rep Hon. Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian Imo

14 Northwest Rep Aisha Murtala Muhammed Kano

15 Northeast Rep Ardo Zubairu Adamawa

16 Southwest Rep Engr. Badmus Mutalib Lagos

2.  The interim management headed by Prof. Nelson Brambaifa has been directed to hand-over to the most senior Director in the Commission.

3. The Chairman and members of the newly composed Governing Board are by this release invited to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday, 2nd September, 2019 at 2.00 p.m for proper documentation and briefing. They are to come along with their updated CVs and valid identification.

Olusegun A. Adekunle, Esq, (KJW)
Permanent Secretary (General Services Office)
for: Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Delta At 28: Put Smiles On Faces Of Coastal Communities To Join Celebration, Mulade Tells Okowa.. Urges Him To Create CADA For Riverine People

Delta At 28: Put Smiles On Faces Of Coastal Communities To Join Celebration, Mulade Tells Okowa.. Urges Him To Create CADA For Riverine People

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ A Community leader and Development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff has implored the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to ensure the urgent development of coastal communities for them to have something to celebrate comes 27 August 2020.

Comrade Mulade made the call in Asaba during the occasion to Mark Delta State at 28, urging the state government to give Deltans especially those in the riverine communities a valid reason to celebrate.

According to him, 2019 that made a political history in the state and the country is yet to witness a sustainable development.

He stated that coastal communities remains underdeveloped, neglected, abandoned and ignored, saying that the Ijaws, Isokos, Itsekiris are in need of sustainable template for infrastructural development across the Riverine areas.

He urged Governor Okowa to give the impoverished coastal communities their own agency, saying that the   people have been grappling with infrastructural deficit for too long.

He added that 28 years is long enough for a Child to become a productive adult as the State is overdue at 28 to have most of the rural communities in the coastal areas linked to some cities that enjoys relative development, insisting that the abandoned and neglected communities remains the economic power of the state and Nigeria.

He also called for collaboration among the various stakeholders in the Delta, saying: “It is quite important that we pay attention to the developmental needs of our communities and be fair when rating the performance of any governor, Mulade stated."