A former aide to President Umar Musa Yaradua, Olorogun David Edevbie, has broken his silence after the high court ruling disqualifying Sherrif Oborovborie as the governorship candidate of PDP in Delta.
“My good people, you may recall that at the beginning of my consultations, I said that the journey to transform Delta into a modernised state would be challenging. From the very start, I also envisaged that there would be setbacks and false starts, but regardless, I proceeded with my usual verve,” Edevbie said in a statement.
“To lead the transformation of a State as vast and diverse as Delta to its destiny, in terms of growth and development, requires a strong sense of purpose, faith, and the courage to keep leading even in moments of seeming disappointment.
“Clearly, it is not a task for the faint-hearted or pusillanimous. Fortunately, the required qualities and abilities are what I was primed for from the outset of my working career, both in the private and public sectors in Nigeria and abroad and the allure of a new lease of life, growth and happiness in Delta State provided the impetus.
“Undeniably, most Deltans received the outcome of the PDP Gubernatorial Primary with bewilderment and exasperation. To many, it appeared to be a wanton disregard of the interests of our Party and the mood of our nation.
“Propelled by the inevitable pall of gloom that hung over Delta State and faced with the real possibility that opposition parties would capitalise on the blindingly obvious situation, I was left with no alternative but to challenge the outcome in the law courts, albeit reluctantly.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that our faith was not misplaced. Nigeria’s justice system has spoken and rightly overturned the travesty in favour of the will of the majority of the people to restore our cherished values of hard work, integrity and honour.
“Let me be clear, this should not be seen as a personal victory but as a victory for our great Party, PDP, which is firmly rooted in justice. It is also a victory for democracy and therefore, it is now time to put our differences aside and work together as a family to ensure our success at the next general elections.
“I especially commend and thank our Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the leadership and elders of our great party, the PDP, for their understanding and for effectively keeping the house together while managing the internal family contests.
“Delta State has always been a PDP State and by the grace of God, it will remain so after the next elections.
“To my campaign team, I say, we would not have come this far without your prayers, support and sacrifices, and I encourage you to continue to do your best.
“We must work together on the shared vision and goal of modernisation even as we embrace all those who either contested with us or supported other contestants. This is their victory too.
“Now that order has been restored, our PDP family is stronger and ready to defeat all opposition parties in Delta State in 2023.
“Consequently, I implore all our brothers and sisters, who became disillusioned and left PDP recently, to return to the fold. This is not the hill to die on.
“Let me end by noting that most things eventually yield to diligence and common sense. We must continue working hard in the dark to shine in the light as we propel our state to its glorious destiny.”
Press Statement
Eid-El-Kabir: We Must Stand Against Terror Acts, Embrace Peace, Justice – Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has congratulated Muslims in the State and the country at large on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.
Governor Akeredolu charged Muslim faithful to reflect on the essence of the Islamic festival by remembering the less privilege and rededicating themselves to the commands of the Almighty Allah.
“The Eid-El-Kabir is more than just a celebration. It reflects the gains in obedience and trust in the Almighty Allah. It preaches sacrifice that must be made for renewed hope.
“We urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to imbibe the lessons of this season. We must be deliberate in our commitment to promote peace and tolerance in our daily lives. Our commitment to the cause of humanity must be unwavering.
“This celebration is another opportunity to express and show the uniqueness of the Islamic faith. As Muslims, we must show to the world that our faith teaches peace, tolerance and charity. We must join our voices to fight the enemies of the people who are daily visiting untold terror on innocent citizens.
“We must stand against terror acts and resist these calculated attacks on the people and the country at large. Let us support government at all levels to defeat these cowards whose only aim is to kill and maim innocent people.
“On our part, we shall continue to prioritise the security of lives and property of our people. We have seen the need to redouble our efforts. We have put in place necessary security measures to further deepen our efforts to make the State safe. No human live will be cheapened under our watch.
“We call on all our mosques to install, use and maintain CCTV devices and other secret cameras in their premises as well as employ well trained security personnel to man the entry and exit points to their premises.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu also called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious faces and movement to the security agencies.
“Give our Security Agencies, in particular Amotekun corps all necessary support. Any attempt to undermine the good works of Amotekun corps will be counterproductive. We also call on our people particularly our students not to embark on mob actions that sell them out as supporting criminality in any guise. Students have a duty to expose known criminals around.” The Governor added.
The Governor assured of adequate security during and after the Eid-El-Kabir celebration, adding that officers of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies have been deployed to strategic places across the state to maintain law and order.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Of Ondo State.
July 9, 2022
Oborevwori Calls For Calm Over Federal High Court Judgement
*** Says No Cause For Alarm, To Appeal Judgement
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and State PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has called on all his supporters to remain calm over the Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja in respect of the Wednesday, May 25th Primaries he won.
Today, Thursday, July 7th, 2022, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja passed a judgement against the candidacy of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Delta State.
In a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, the Speaker called on all his supporters and indeed all Deltans to remain calm and steadfast in the face of the Judgement, saying that there was no cause for alarm.
According to the Statement; “I wish to appeal to all my supporters, political associates and well wishers to remain calm and law abiding over the Judgement of the Federal Court. There is no need to panic, all is well. We will certainly appeal the Judgement and so let us maintain the peace as all hope is not lost. All is well and it will end in praise to the Glory of God Almighty.
“The courts have always been part of our democratic experience ,and our confidence in the judiciary which is the last hope of the common man is unwaivering. So , as we embark on the appeal process, our supporters and indeed Deltans should kindly note and be rest assured that Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orhowedor Oborevwori remains the Gubernatorial Flag Bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State for the 2023 general Elections. The Sherrification Movement is well and alive and, by God’s grace, we shall overcome”, he added.
“Once again, I want to appreciate God Almighty for giving us victory at all times, and we will certainly not stop praying for more victories because Delta State is in God’s hands and be reassured that He will take us to the Promised Land at the end of the day. We also wish to thank our teaming supporters for their steadfastness”, the Speaker said.
July 8, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Vice Presidential Candidate, Gov. Okowa on Birthday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Vice Presidential Candidate of our Party in the 2023 general election and Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on his 63rd birthday.
Sen. Dr. Okowa, is a humble, honest, highly organized and courageous statesman; a very practical, brilliant and exceptionally resourceful leader who continues to demonstrate uncommon passion, commitment and dedication towards the unity, stability and economic development of our dear nation.
Over the years, as a Medical Doctor, Local Government Chairman, Commissioner and later Secretary to Delta State Government; Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, two-term Governor of Delta State and now Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great Party in the 2023 general election, Sen. Dr. Okowa continues to display an outstanding drive, capacity and competence in mandate delivery.
It is incontrovertible that as Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Okowa will bring to bear his leadership qualities as he works alongside our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, not only to lead our great Party to victory in the 2023 general elections but also to instill the much-desired purposeful leadership to rescue, redirect and rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP family felicitates with Sen. Dr. Okowa on this very special occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health to the glory of His name and service to our dear fatherland.
Happy birthday Your Excellency!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
July 8, 2022
Press Statement
Eid-el-Kabir: PDP Urges Hope, Selflessness
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Community on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria as well as strengthen their trust in the Almighty Allah and keep hope alive despite the prevailing economic, social and security challenges confronting our nation.
The PDP is disturbed that many families are observing Eid-el-Kabir in tears and agony of mass killings and terrorism, many more have been impoverished that they cannot afford to celebrate, while others live in fear and cannot travel to celebrate with their loved ones, all due to the failures of the current administration.
Our Party however urges Nigerians not to allow the sufferings they face at this time to make them lose sight of the lessons and blessings of Eid-el-Kabir; the call for obedience, trust, selflessness and submission to the Will and Command of the Almighty Allah in all our dealings.
The occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir presents us with the opportunity to reawaken the virtues of selflessness as well as to share, show love and care for one another especially the less privileged, the weak, the broken-hearted including victims of the mindless acts of terrorism in our country.
The party urges those behind the killings and terrorism to have a rethink and end their dastardly acts as well as release all those in their captivity.
The PDP however charges the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to end its lethargic approach to issues and seek help to tackle terrorism, address the worsening economic, social and health situations, revamp our productive sector and among others, attend to the crisis in our education sector so that our students in public universities can return to their studies.
The PDP felicitates with Nigerians and wishes a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
July 11, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Udom Emmanuel on His Birthday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) felicitates with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel on his birthday.
Governor Udom Emmanuel is a very humble, brilliant, resourceful, exceptionally dynamic and meticulous administrator with uncommon insight, vision and sense of patriotism towards the stability and development of not only Akwa Ibom State but also our dear nation, Nigeria.
The PDP celebrates Governor Udom Emmanuel for his administrative dexterity with which he ensured peace, harmonious co-existence and created an enabling atmosphere for enhanced productivity in a multifarious state such as Akwa Ibom.
Our Party is particularly proud of him for deploying his vast private sector professional experience and sense of accountability, transparency, honesty and passion for the people to transform Akwa Ibom State as a development hub in the last seven years.
This is evident in his unprecedented achievements in job creation, human capital and infrastructural development in critical sectors including industrialization, agriculture, aviation, healthcare, education, housing, commerce, energy, oil and gas, road construction among others.
Furthermore, the PDP appreciates Governor Udom Emmanuel’s role with other leaders towards the continuing stability and growth of our great Party.
The PDP particularly acknowledges his display of spirit of sportsmanship as a Presidential Aspirant in the 2022 Presidential Primary of our Party at the National Convention as well as his unwavering dedication toward PDP’s mission to Rescue, Redirect and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP congratulates Governor Udom Emmanuel on this special day and prays to God to bless him with many more years in good health to His glory.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU CONFERS WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI IN DAURA, ANNOUNCES RUNNING MATE, SEN. KASHIM SHETTIMA
Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sunday in Daura, Katsina State, paid Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari, honouring the President with information on his choice of running mate, Sen. Kashim Ibrahim Shettima.
Shettima, a serving Senator representing Borno Central, was a former Governor of Borno State.
After conferring with President Buhari, the APC Presidential Candidate, accompanied by Governor Aminu Bello Masari, told newsmen that the President had to be properly notified, before an announcement would be made.
Asiwaju said the choice was based on the competence of the candidate.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 10, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI JOINS NOLLYWOOD IN CELEBRATING OLU JACOBS AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari joins Nollywood and professional actors, home and abroad, in celebrating stage and screen icon, Olu Jacobs, on his 80th birthday, July 11, 2022.
The President felicitates with the Jacob’s’ family, including the wife, also a renowned thespian, Joke Silva, and their friends on the auspicious occasion, which calls for thanksgiving for God’s care, guidance and protection.
President Buhari affirms the influence of the veteran actor on the film industry, setting a standard of professionalism that has attracted global recognition and awards, like the Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on him in 2016 by African Movie Academy Awards.
As the actor turns 80, the President notes his ingenious ability to interpret roles, simplify complex issues and bring messages to the understanding of both young and old, levelling cultural, ethnic and religious barriers to become a household name all over the country and beyond.
Largely stereotyped as a father and voice of wisdom in most movies, President Buhari believes Olu Jacobs’ natural tendency to counsel, inspire and instruct easily earned him the roles, while appreciating his foresight in winning many into the profession and guiding them to stardom.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant him better health, longer life and steadfastness in service to the Arts, God, and humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 10, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU URGES YORUBA UNITY AT OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
…Why Lagos Governor Was Invited, By Awujale
After a two-year break, Ojude Oba Festival has made a spectacular return in the ancient town of Ijebu -Ode, Ogun State, where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today urged the Southwest to support All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour.
The palace of Awujale, the paramount traditional ruler of Ijebu kingdom, came alive with ceremonial parades of colourful Aso Ebi. Indigenes, attired in beaded materials, led processions in batches to pay homage to the king – Alayeluwa Sikiru Adetona.
After the rite, they filed into the Royal Arcade in front of the palace to settle for the elaborate ceremony.
Sanwo-Olu’s entry into the arena literally moved the crowd of revelers into an outburst of excitement, lighting up the event as he stopped at each gallery to greet the Councils of Regberegbe (social clubs of Ijebu descendants).
The Lagos helmsman arrived in company of his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the host Governor.
The centuries-old festival has become the heritage of the Ijebu and has its roots in Islamic celebration of Eid-el Adha in which early Muslim reverts in the town converged on the Awujale palace on the third day to feast with the monarch.
The festival did not hold for two years, following the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020.
Sanwo-Olu said the Ojude Oba Festival had stayed true to its Islamic roots and had become a unifying occasion for people, regardless of their faiths, tribes and dialects.
Under the reign of Oba Adetona, Lagos Governor said the festival had grown to become a global carnival recognised across the world by people of Yoruba origin.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The Ojude Oba Festival has, for ages, stayed true to its Islamic roots and has also expanded to become a unifying symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.
“We must never lose sight of this unifying element, at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people. Celebrations like Ojude Oba remind us that evil will never triumph over good.”
Sanwo-Olu, who became the third sitting Lagos Governor to be invited to grace the Ojude Oba fiesta, said the festival had become an enduring platform fostering unity.
In the spirit of the unity for which the festival is reputed, Sanwo-Olu urged the entire Yoruba race to forge a common front in support of Tinubu, a Yoruba son and leading presidential candidate in the next year general election.
The Governor said the opportunity offered by the APC to Yoruba to produce the next president must not be allowed to slip away, noting that Tinubu had made several sacrifices to keep the Yoruba race relevant in the Nigerian project.
“As Asiwaju famously said, it is the turn of the Yoruba to produce the president. We need not waste this opportunity but to grab it and have our leader, who is a detribalised Nigerian, to lead the country. I urge all sons and daughters of Yoruba to come out in support of Tinubu to realise this ambition,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor pointed out that his presence at the event underscored the partnership between Lagos and Ogun, which led to the establishment of Joint Development Commission in 2021 to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefit and development, while accelerating socio-economic growth for people.
He said: “The peoples of Lagos and Ogun share a long historical and cultural bond, shaped by the same forces and experiences, nourished by the same waterways, and living up to the same Omoluabi standards and ideals.
“The road network linking Ijebu-Ode, Epe and Lekki is yet another concrete manifestation of our collaboration. Ogun State has completed their own stretch, while we will complete our own end this year, opening up new commercial and logistics opportunities in that axis, and positively impacting the lives of our people.”
Gov. Abiodun praised Lagos for being a supportive neighbour, as he also used the occasion to admonish the youth against cultism and vices that could dent the image of Ogun State.
On why Sanwo-Olu was specially invited to grace the occasion, Oba Adetona, the 58th Awujale, said the Governor had become a shining star in the present class of public officers, distinguishing himself with service-centred leadership.
This, the monarch, said endeared Sanwo-Olu to the citizens beyond the boundaries of Lagos and established his name as a symbol of responsive governance in the country.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
11 JULY 2022
Life pension: SERAP sues 36 governors ‘for failing to fund education for poor children’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the 36 state governors “over their failure to redirect public funds budgeted to pay ex-governors undeserved life pensions, to pay the counterpart funds that would allow poor children to enjoy access to quality basic education in their states.”
Over N40 billion has been reportedly paid to 47 former governors from 21 of the 36 states in pensions and provision of houses, staff and motor vehicles replaceable between three and four years.
However, several states have reportedly failed to pay the counterpart funds to access over N51bn matching grants earmarked by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for basic education in the country.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1120/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the 36 state governors to pay the counterpart funds that would allow poor Nigerian children to enjoy access to quality basic education in their respective states.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the 36 state governors to put in place mechanisms for transparency and accountability in the spending of any accessed matching grants from UBEC.”
SERAP is arguing that, “State governors are paying former governors in their states billions of naira in life pensions and other retirement benefits while failing to invest in education and pay funds that would allow poor Nigerian children within their states to enjoy access to quality education.”
According to SERAP, “Paying the counterpart funds for basic education in several states would be a major step forward for children’s rights, and ensure the rights and well-being of all children, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.”
SERAP is arguing that, “The report by UBEC that several states have failed to access N51.6bn of matching grants suggests that these states are doing very little for poor children. It also explains why the number of out-of-school children in the country has continued to rise. The number is currently over 13 million.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “States’ dereliction in paying counterpart funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The persistent failure to pay counterpart funds has hugely contributed to denying poor Nigerian children access to quality basic education, opportunities and development.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Rather than spending public funds to pay ex-governors undeserved pensions and other retirement benefits, governors should prioritise investment in education by paying up any outstanding counterpart funds to UBEC.”
“Redirecting public funds budgeted for life pensions for former governors to fund education would be entirely consistent with the constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, as it would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money.”
“Continuing to spend scarce public funds on these expenses would deny poor Nigerian children access to quality, compulsory and free basic education in several states, and burden the next generation.”
“States should prioritise paying their counterpart funds over and above spending on life pensions and other misallocations of scarce resources.”
“According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 1 in 3 children do not complete primary school in several states. 27.2 percent of children between 6 and 11 years do not attend school. Only 35.6% of children aged 3–5 months attend pre-school.”
“Basic education in several states has continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of education offered is low and standards have continued to drop.”
“The learning environment does not promote effective learning. School facilities are in a state of extreme disrepair, requiring major rehabilitation. Basic teaching and learning resources are generally not available, leaving many teachers profoundly demoralized.”
“This situation is patently contrary to Section 18 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 [as amended]; and the Sections 2(1) and 11(2) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act.”
“States are required to progressively implement socio-economic rights including the right to quality education commensurate with the level of resources available. Gross misallocation of resources to the detriment of the enjoyment of the right to quality education constitutes a human rights violation.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/7/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Delta set to become Nigeria’s MSME hub – Okowa
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that the state was working towards becoming Nigeria’s centre for medium, small and micro enterprises.
He said that with the creation of over 128,813 direct and indirect jobs through the various job and wealth creation programmes of his administration, Delta would truly become a hub for MSMEs in the next few years.
He made the remarks at the graduation of the third cycle of the Women Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP) held on Friday at the Event Centre, Asaba.
The governor said that with sustained growth of MSMEs, the issue of unemployment will become a thing of the past because people will become employers of labour rather than job-seekers.
He commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and all the programme management for their dedication and consistency.
According to him, WESAP is our platform to enhance social inclusion by equipping the womenfolk with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to be productively engaged.
“I am pleased that the programme has remained steadfast to its mandate since it was inaugurated in November 2020.
“Let me also appreciate Heritage Bank for their current partnership, which has infused better financial management, transparency, and accountability into the programme.
“Today, we are empowering 280 women, including twelve Persons Living with Disabilities who, at the expense of the Delta State Government, underwent a six-months training in Arts and Craft at the Farm Craft Centre for the blind in Isheri, Lagos.
“Today’s graduates bring the total number of WESAP beneficiaries to 835. They have been resourced with the vocational skills to run various enterprises in fashion design, hairdressing, confectionaries, decoration, and makeover/head gear.
“As of June 1, 2022, one hundred and twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred and thirteen direct and indirect jobs have been created through the various job creation, youth empowerment, and social investments delivery platforms of the administration.
“While this has impacted positively on the economy of multiplied thousands of households, I guarantee you that the maximum impact of these programmes will be felt in no distant future when Delta State becomes the MSMEs hub of Nigeria.
“To the ladies who begin their entrepreneurship journey today, it is my hope that you will follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you and make good success of this opportunity of a lifetime.
“You are among the privileged few who were enlisted in the programme from a long list of others who were equally qualified, but due to limited resources, we could only admit a limited number for now.”
He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the government by committing themselves to disciplined work ethic, prudent management, and excellent customer service.
“It is now time to put the knowledge you acquired in terms of personal effectiveness, sales and marketing, appropriate pricing, excellent customer service, and business management.
“Thankfully, Heritage Bank is there to facilitate the opening of your business accounts, which will enable you to separate your personal finances from the company funds and place yourself on a monthly salary.
“This will bring discipline into the running of the business, help to measure and monitor growth, as well as enforce accountability,” he stated.
Welcoming guests earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Flora Alanta said the WESAP programme was established three years ago to ameliorate the economic hardship the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed on families.
She stated that an empowered woman is the bedrock for the economic emancipation of families adding that the future of families depends on the economic empowerment of women.
She stressed that women needs to have skills that will earn them a living adding that 280 women including 12 persons with disabilities were among the beneficiaries.
In his goodwill message, Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc represented by the Group Head of Edo/Delta region Mr Charles Ojakovo lauded Governor Okowa for his unparalleled for the growth of small and medium scale enterprises as a way to rescuing Nigerians form hunger and poverty.
He pledged the partnership of the bank to the job and wealth creation programmes of the state government.
Eid-el-Kabir: Okowa felicitates Muslims, calls for renewal of hope
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Muslims in the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
He urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by him, and charged Nigerians to renew and be focused on their hope for a greater country.
The governor made the call in his Sallah message to the Muslims contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.
He noted that Eid-el-Kabir embodied love, peace and sacrifice beyond the season, and called for tolerance, synergy and cooperation among citizens for the nation to overcome its current challenges.
Okowa particularly called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence exemplified in genuine brotherliness and turn to God for forgiveness to kindle the healing of the land of multi-faceted ills confronting it.
He assured of a peaceful Sallah celebration in the state, adding that the state government was liaising with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrated in peace and harmony.
The governor congratulated the Muslim community in the state on the pious day and thanked them for their contributions and cooperation over the years.
He affirmed that his administration would continue to partner the Muslim community and other non-indigenes in the state to build a Stronger Delta.
“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration holding amid rising insecurity and economic challenges calls for deep introspection among citizens, especially for its cost in terms of the enormity of lives and property being lost almost daily across the country.
“However, I wish to state that Nigeria will return to the part of recovery and greatness sooner than later, given the resolve by well-meaning citizens.
“And, as you congregate for prayers and celebration, let me assure you of adequate security as measures have been taken by the security agencies in that regard,’’ the gôvernor said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our Muslim brothers all over the country on the occasion of the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir,” he added.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DOS SANTOS, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ANGOLA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt commiseration to the Government and people of Angola on the death of Jose Eduardo dos Santos, former President of the country.
The President pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of Angola, whose active participation, with other young nationalists, in the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola, led to the independence of his country.
President Buhari believes that Dos Santos, who received many awards and recognitions for the role he played in stabilising his country after the end of the civil war in 2002, will be long remembered and celebrated for promoting peace and democracy, and opening up the country for foreign investments.
The Nigerian leader’s prayer and thoughts are with the family of the former President and the people of Angola during this period of mourning, even as he prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 8, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
08th July, 2022
DELTA PDP CONGRATULATES OKOWA @ 63
Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has expressed warm felicitations to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Governor on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary, describing him as an amazing leader, whose overall contributions to the PDP and the Nigerian nation are unquantifiable.
The birthday felicitation was contained in a congratulatory message to the Governor, signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Delta PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, which reads: “Your Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State and the undisputed leader of our great party.
“We happily extend our warm felicitations to you on this auspicious occasion of your 63rd birthday anniversary, which has provided for us once again, the annual opportunity to celebrate a man of peerless integrity, matchless administrative acumen, excellent leadership qualities, and unwavering faith in the Supreme God, who defines and directs our existence.
“Your status and stature as our Governor and leader, has brought unquantifiable successes, immeasurable achievements, and great pride and fame not only to the PDP, but indeed to Deltans and Delta State.
“You have been exemplary in service, astute in administration, focused and determined in quality service delivery, exceptional in strategic organizational management, undaunted in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges in all spheres, visionary and accommodating in decision making, and gracious with profound humility in embracing one and all, both at home and on the national space.
You are indeed an amazing leader, whose overall contributions to the PDP and the Nigerian nation are unquantifiable.
“We have every genuine reason to congratulate you warmly, Your Excellency, and our felicitations are doubly enriched with your recent elevation as the Vice Presidential Candidate and running mate to our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the joint ticket as the PDP Flagbearers, in the 2023 presidential election. Bravo!
“As you celebrate your 63rd birthday, our honest prayer is that the good Lord will continue to bless and strengthen you, guide and direct your footsteps in all endeavours, enable you with deep wisdom to handle the present and future challenges, bolden and ennoble you, as you march into charted and uncharted territories and give you peace, joy, and laughter and rest on all sides in this your new age and always. Amen
“Once again, Congratulations your Excellency.
PDP! Power to the People!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.
Two Juvenile Internet Fraudsters Bag Suspended Jail Terms
Justice N.I. Afolabi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nassarawa State has convicted and sentenced two under-aged internet fraudsters: Akhetuamhen Clinton, 15, and Obinyan Peter, 17, to different suspended jail terms, for cybercrime.
They were both jailed on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 after pleading guilty to one count separate charge bordering on cybercrime, upon their arraignment by the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to them.
Justice Afolabi therefore convicted and sentenced Clinton to two-year suspended sentence. The judge ordered him to close down his bank account and banned from using a phone or any computer except for academic purposes, till he turns 18 years. Peter, on the other hand, has a one year suspended sentence and is to return all proceeds of his crime to the Federal Government. Both convicts are also to close down their social media accounts and barred from going on social media.
In addition, both convicts, with the supervision of officials of EFCC and their parents or guardians, are expected to report back to the court on December 7, 2022 with their report cards and statements of good conduct from their teachers and schools. A bad report will mean that they will be in prison to serve their jail terms.
Clinton bagged the suspended sentence for using his MacBook Air laptop to fraudulently impersonate one Feng Zhang, living in China, with the intent of gaining advantage for himself while Obiyan created a Facebook account impersonating Jerry Wang from Hong Kong with the intention of taking advantage of unsuspecting users of the app for his fraudulent purposes.
Media & Publicity
7 July, 2022
Man Convicted for N3.7 Recharge Card Scam in Kaduna
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on June 6, 2022 secured the conviction of one Hamisu Umar before Justice A.A Bello on a one count charge bordering on cheating.
The defendant allegedly obtained MTN recharge cards worth N3, 749,950 (Three Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira) from an acquaintance on credit, but refused to pay back.
The charge reads : “That you, Hamisu Umar (M), sometime in 2019 at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, deceived one Abubakar Abba to deliver to you MTN recharge cards valued at N 3, 749,950.00 ( Three Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira) only on credit, which you dishonestly refused to pay back, and thereby committed cheating, an offence contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same Law”.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.E Eimonye, to ask the court to convict him according to the law.
Justice Bello convicted and sentenced the defendant to 10years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200, 000.
The convict has also ordered to restitute the victim.
Media & Publicity
6 July, 2022
