DEMOCRACY DAY: Okowa Assures Of More Projects

 

... As Deltans Gather In Asaba For Praise And Thanksgiving To God

THOUSANDS of Deltans today (29/05/18) attended praise worship and thanksgiving at the Event Centre, Asaba to mark this year's Democracy Day with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressing confidence that more people-oriented projects will be executed in the state.

Governor Okowa who attributed the success of his administration to the glory of God, asserted, “we believe our God that it will get better and better.”

“As we give thanks to God for what He is doing for us in Delta State, I wish to appreciate every one of you, every Deltan, you have played different roles for things to get better,” he said, adding, “when you have Jesus as your Lord, nothing can go wrong.”

He continued, “we promised our people that we will create jobs, we have created a lot of it, we have continued to build on the foundations laid by former Governors James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, we will continue to execute projects that will impact on our people, our state is peaceful and we need the cooperation of everybody to sustain the peace, investors are coming and more investors will still come.”
“In the next few months, we will create a new Delta State that we all will be proud of, we have encouraged youths participation in sports through the Principal and Headmaster's football championships, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education will organise athletics competitions, and in August this year, 54 African countries will converge in Asaba for the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships, the Asaba Airport has been opened for business and the airport without sounding immodest, has the best runway in Nigeria,” he stated, disclosing that a lot of projects would be commissioned across the state in the next few days.

Earlier in a sermon, the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev.d Dr. Felix Omobude said, power belongs to God and urged those in authority to use their positions for the benefits of the masses.

He stressed that the people deserves good governance and accountable leadership, adding that Nigerians should be actively involved in the democratic process to choose the right leaders.

The event was graced by Governor’s wife, Edith, his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and his wife, former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, his successor and Governor Okowa’s predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former acting Governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi.
Other dignitaries include former Deputy Governors of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue and Professor Amos Utuama, Mrs Cecelia Ibru, top political office holders, traditional rulers, priests, clergymen, industrialists, including Deltans of all walks of life.

Those who performed at the event include Chioma Jesus, Sammie Okpozo, David G., Samsong, Oyelade Elijah, Prospa Ochimana, while Rev.d Dr. Uma-Ukpai and others also, prayed for the state and the country.

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DJ Cuppy gets a G-Wagon from her boyfriend as a birthday present (photos)

 

Billionaire Femi Otedola's daughter, DJ Cuppy, who turned 24 years today, got a G-Wagon from her boyfriend, Victor Anichebe. Her sister, Temi Otedola posted the photos on snapchat and captioned it "boyfriend of the century"

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Late Stephen Keshi To Be Buried In Illah July 29

The burial arrangements for late Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, have been made public.

A member of the burial committee, who is also the Delta State Commissioner for Information Mr. Patrick Ukah, revealed that the ceremonies will hold between Thursday, July 28, and Sunday, July 31, 2016.

According to Mr. Ukah, who spoke in Asaba yesterday, (Wednesday, July 20,2016), on Thursday, July 28, 2016, there will be a requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 30 Airport Road, Benin City, from 9:00 am, followed by lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, by 11:00am, while a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes will also take place at the same venue.

The same day, his remains will depart Benin City for Asaba, Delta State from 1:15pm. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, while a service of songs/vigil mass will hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, Delta State by 6:00pm same day.

On Friday, July 29, 2016 the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, and there will be a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites as a Palace Chief by 8:00am, followed by lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am.

The requiem mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am after which interment will hold at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm. Entertainment of guests will be at Omorka Primary School Playground by 12:30pm.

The burial ceremonies will be rounded up on Sunday, July 31, 2016 with a thanksgiving mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am.

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Okowa Decries Elaborate Post-Thanksgiving Party When Little Was Given To God

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has advised Christians to give more to God than giving little while engaging in elaborate post-thanksgiving reception.

The Governor gave the advice at the weekend at the Christ Anglican Church, Umunede during a special thanksgiving service and dedication of church hall cum children chapel donated by the member representing Ika North-East in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri.

According to Governor Okowa, "the actual thanksgiving is what we do for the Lord, not what you do after coming to the church for the thanksgiving."

"We must know that whatever we are was made possible by God," the Governor stated at the service which was attended by retinue of legislators from within and outside the state.

He added, "I must congratulate Hon. Elekeokwuri for the church hall, we must always remember our beginning; with the church building, both the church and the community are happy and I thank our traditional rulers for ensuring that their communities are peaceful which has ensured that I am not distracted in what I am doing."

The Governor used the occasion to call for prayers for Nigeria, especially, those holding political offices, disclosing that times are tough but, with prayers, God will intervene.

"Times are tough and the solution can only be found in God, we should pray for our leaders and we shall indeed, prosper; peace is the first thing a man desires and it is my hope that God will give Nigeria peace, give peace to our state, give us peace as individuals and we will continue to do our best for our state," the Governor reiterated.

Hon. Elekeokwuri at the occasion thanked God for His blessings and used the occasion to describe Governor Okowa as a man who talks less and do more.

"We have a Governor that makes a lot of sacrifice, I can tell you that some of us got our official cars before he (the Governor) got his, he is a man who talks less and do more and we should continue to support and pray for him," the law maker said.

Preaching at the occasion, the Bishop of Ika Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Peter Onekpe commended Governor Okowa for his support for the growth of the church, stating, "you (Governor Okowa) are proving that you can be a Christian and be a good politician."

He decried situation where people holding political positions enriched themselves at the expense of the masses, observing, "if all the money that were said to be embezzled are used in this country, then we should be a rich nation."

The church hall donated by the legislator was dedicated at the occasion while a copy of the Bible was presented as a gift to the Governor.

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Attribute Your Success To God, Not Man, Says Okowa

... As PDP Chairman, Esiso Gives Thanks To God

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said, success can only come from God and man should not take credit for what God has done.

Speaking on the (19/06/16) at a thanksgiving service by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Esiso at the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Sapele, Governor Okowa observed that nobody can take credit for the success of another man other than God.
"In everything we do, it is important that we recognize the fact that it is only God that can make it happen," he said, noting that the book of Psalms made it clear that help comes from God.

"No man can help you unless God has ordained it, so, always give credit to God for everything," the Governor emphasized.
While congratulating Barr. Esiso for emerging as the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Governor Okowa urged him to brace up for future challenges, stating that he should be prayerful for God to enable him surmount challenges that goes with such positions.

"You can only get strength from God; if not for The Lord who is on your side, you will not be where you are today, it is not about Governor Okowa," he stated, adding, "give thanks to God, trust in Him and His grace will come abundantly on you because, If you trust Him, He will be able to do a lot of things for you."

He used the occasion to thank Deltans for their support, and urged them to extend same to all political office holders.
 

The Governor said, "we are in a very critical time as a nation and we should pray for our leaders rather than curse them; from the Presidency, the Governor to the lowest leader, learn to pray for them because, I believe that as the church prays, The Lord will heal the land."
 

Barr. Esiso at the occasion said he deserved to thank God for His blessings and traced his relationship with Governor Okowa to eleven years ago and since then, he has every reason to thank God.
"I am here to say God, thank you, I am here to appreciate God Almighty for His goodness in my life and the life of my family; when God speaks to you, listen because, my God told me that when there is no way, God will open a way for you," he said, disclosing, "about 11 years ago, I was in my house in Sapele when Dr, Okowa called me to meet him in Commissioners quarters in Asaba, then, he was the Commissioner for Health; he said, Kingsley, please, come and work with me, you will not be working for me but, you will be working for yourself, I keyed very seriously, commitedly and efficiently to my Governor, he is a promise keeper."
 

He added, "I want to appreciate every member of our party, the PDP for your support, if God can do it for me today, He can do it for you and I am also thanking God for the numerous things He is doing in my life."
 

Earlier, Pastor Israel Olajide, District Pastor, Sapele has urged Christians to rely on "God's favour, you will not labour in vain, you need Jesus to have rest, with Jesus, peace will come to you."
Eminent personalities from the state and beyond attended the ceremony.

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"BE COMMITTED TO THE UPBRINGING OF YOUR CHILDREN" GOV. OKOWA

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged Deltans to be committed to God and bring up their children in the ways of the Lord.

Speaking at the weekend,during the funeral service held at St. Paul's Anglican Church Emede,Isoko South Local Government Area for Late Mr. Shedrach Amagada, Father of Dame Orezi Esievo, member representing Isoko South1 constitutency in the State House of Assembly, Senator Okowa advised Parents to spend time with their children and direct them aright in the ways of the Lord especially in their studies and behaviour.

According to him " Know that whatever you do on earth, it is important to stay committed to God and Humanity, parents should make out time to be with their children always and be interested in their education and welfare, the youths should also have time for their studies and abide by the ways of God to become responsible citizens."

"Please, the more we devote our lives to the word of God and abide by it the better our lives and families will be," he said adding that "the Late Pa Amagada from his biography was committed to God and struggled to acquire education, we are all here to witness the kind of life he lived, we can see this in the children he left behind."

The governor was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Dame Edith, his Deputy, Barrisgter Kingsley Otuaro, PDP state Chairman, Barrister Kingsley Esiso, members of the state executive council among others.

In a sermon, titled "Rest in a Restless world" by the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Revd. John Aruakpor, the clergy explained that the world of today was restless because peace has eluded the world and there was war and crisis everywhere but that those in the Lord still find peace.

He noted that Christians can only find peace in the lord when they have faith and confess to the lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives saying " You can be a Christian, yet have no rest, it is only when we hear the word of God and live by it that we can have rest in a restless world."

Late Pa Shadrach Amagada was survived by three wives, ten children and 16 grand children, he died at the age of 80 years.

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Delta To Introduce Boarding System In Schools, Says Okowa

... Commissions More Projects

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said boarding system will be introduced in some of the schools in the state from next academic session.

The Governor dropped the hint yesterday (14/06/16) at Ofagbe, Isoko North local government area of the state while commissioning the rebuilt Ofagbe Technical College, Ofagbe as part of activities lined up to celebrate his one year in office.

The Governor also, commissioned Eni Primary School, Ellu and inspected the on-going construction work of Owheologbo/Abbi road project, also in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
According to Governor Okowa, his administration was not going to compromise technical education off the youths of the state which will enable them to be future entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
It is on record that to encourage skill acquisition, shortly after assumption of duty in 2015, Governor Okowa awarded the contract to reconstruct three technical schools into the state, viz: the technical school at Ofagbe, Sapele and Agbor.

"We need to re-equip our schools after providing the physical structures, we need to establish the boarding facilities from the next academic session," the Governor said, stating, "technical education is one of our cardinal programmes because, they afford our youths the opportunity to acquire skills and be employers of labour in future."

He added, "we require this school and many other schools in the state to develop skills of our youths who will in turn, provide employment for our children in the future."

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mr Chiedu Ebie at the occasion, said, "now that Ofagbe Technical College has been repositioned as a world class institution through massive infrastructural upgrades and refurbishment by the state government, there comes the time for the entire Ofagbe Community to reciprocate this kind gesture through community participation to secure and protect the school from vandalism and theft."

In a related development, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned the rehabilitated cum constructed Kefas/Old Emede/Uzere road, Oleh in Isoko South local government area of Delta State amidst pomp and pageantry.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okowa assured Deltans, particularly, the Isoko people of more people-oriented programmes, observing that the contractor handling section C of Ughelli/Asaba road dualization project has been mobilized to site.
He used the occasion to appeal to warring communities in Isoko to embrace peace, saying, "I want to advise the youths of Emede and Igbide to embrace peace, I don't think if a man kills a fellow brother, he will be applauded for it, the killing of another brother will not make the land to be your own, it is time for us to talk to ourselves."

The Governor urged elders to always give information to security agents to nip security challenges in the bud, reiterating, "let us be wise, let us be cautious, let us live in peace with our neighbours."

He charged the elders of the communities to cooperate with the Committee set up by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and help ensure peace in the area stressing "It is wrong for the elders in this area to hide the identity of those youths perpetuating this evil, they should contribute to ensuring the maintenance of peace and cooperate with the committee set up by the council chairman Hon. Itiako lkpokpo to look into the crisis and l hope that a lasting solution will be found so that my administration can continue with its vision for the development of Isoko land."

President-General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe at the occasion, said, "Your Excellency, we express our appreciation for your magnanimity towards the Isoko nation, we will remember you for making the best out of a difficult situation by completing the DELSU, Oleh Campus Access Road, completion and commissioning of the DELSU, Oleh Campus Law Faculty Complex, and on-going efforts by your administration at ensuring the accreditation of courses for Law and Engineering Faculties at the Oleh Campus of the DELSU, upgrading and improvement of physical structures of the Ofagbe Technical College and the Owhe-Ologbo/Abbi road construction work which is on-going."

The President-General thanked Governor Okowa for, "the rehabilitation of the old Oleh/Emede road, widening of the shoulders of the road from the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro to Notre Dame College, Ozoro, renovation of many primary schools in Isoko land, construction of the road leading to to the Anglican Grammar School, Iyede and the resurfacing of Otovo and other streets in Iyede; the recent approval for the construction of the Isoko Unity House which when completed, shall be pride and rallying point for every Isoko man and the oneness of purpose of the Isoko ethnic nationality.

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Stephen Keshi Was A Great Patriot, Achiever ― Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described the sudden demise of former Super Eagles Player and Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi as tragic and a monumental loss to football in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.

The Governor in a tribute and condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, extolled the leadership qualities and sterling contributions of the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach to the growth and development of football in Nigeria and Africa.

According to Governor Okowa, the sterling contributions of Stephen Keshi to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa is legendary, commendable and worthy of emulation as a great patriot and achiever having led Nigeria to win the African Nations Cup twice as a player and Coach.

Okowa said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and the entire football loving fans in Nigeria over the demise of the late Super Eagles former Captain and Coach.

"The remarkable achievements recorded by the Nigeria Super Eagles in 1994 and 2013 were unarguably due to his indefatigable role as the Captain and Coach of the Super Eagles in those glorious years culminating in the winning of the African Nations Cup.

"Delta State and indeed Nigerians has lost a great man whose contributions to the football world can best be described as legendary".

"He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in several ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Stephen Keshi to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments and service to humanity in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time."

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Okowa Will Not Tolerate Laziness, Says Uzum

The Executive Assistant to the Governor in charge of Directorate of Orientation, Barr. Eugene Uzum, has warned civil servants to desist from any form of laziness in carrying out their duties.

Addressing staff of the Directorate of Orientation on resumption of duty, Barr. Uzum frowned at situation where staff of the Directorate reports late to work, noting that they should set examples for other Deltans, especially, civil servants.

According to him, "we have moved round the buildings and I am highly disappointed at what we saw; I seriously frown at the level of ineptitude among the staff of the Directorate because, as at 8.30am, civil servants have not resumed at their offices, the entire building was still under lock and key, no sign of life and the level of dirtiness we have seen here today can only be imagined than experienced."

"As staff of Directorate of Orientation, we are bound to set examples for other civil servants including other Deltans; Governor Okowa will not tolerate any form of laziness," he said, asserting, "orientation should take center stage in every administration because it is the information at the disposal of the people that they work with; so, if we are to use this office as a benchmark for every other office in this state, then we have a very serious problem."

"Governor Okowa is in a hurry to develop Delta State and as staff of the Orientation Directorate, it is the grand design for orientation to keep citizens on top of government policies and to act as a feed back mechanism for policy makers towards the implementation of the SMART Agenda," he reiterated.

While disclosing that, "it is our task to mobilize public opinion to support government programmes and policies," Barr. Uzum called for the support of the staff to achieve the task of ensuring positive attitudinal change among Deltans.

Earlier, the Director of Orientation, Mr Willy Sowho apologized to the Executive Assistant and his team for coming late, assuring that the staff of the Directorate would always put in their best to achieve the set goals of the government.

The Executive Assistant in company of his team members, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, representing Delta North, Comrade Rex Anighoro, Delta Central and Prince Abugo, Delta South were conducted round the Directorate by Mr. Conference Kotor and other members of staff.

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NATIONAL ECONOMIC MELT DOWN COULD NOT DETER OKOWA FROM BUILDING ROADS IN DELTA

.....Say Comrade Godspower Omafuvwe Asiuwhu ( SA - SOCIAL MEDIA )

In less than 3 months in Office, His Excellency Sen.Dr.Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State commenced the building of roads across the state in spite of the very poor financial situation occasioned by the constantly falling price of crude oil.

Failed Portions on various roads already been addressed , Ughelli - Asaba road now receiving attention as work has commenced earnestly on Afiesere Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area and Uduophori road in Patani Local Government Area.
Other Roads under construction includes Osonia Road, Cable Point, Alisimie-Ozanogogo road, Orikeze Street road, Dualization of Nnebisi Road from traffic light junction to Cable Point, Palace road Owa-Oyibu, Construction of Ikokogbe/Idumizormor road, Ogala/Chukwuemeke Street, Construction of Christ Embassy Church road Asaba, Construction of Esenwa Street, Asaba, Extension of Access road to Orthopaedic and General Surgical wards and Doctors Quarters - Federal Medical Center Asaba, Construction of Usonia street Asaba, Construction of Kefas Road Oleh, Construction of Imudia/Dr. White street , - Construction of Okpanam road, while construction of old
Agbor - Lagos road linking Asaba - Benin Express way is almost completed.

The list will not be completed without mentioning
Oleh-Emede road
Oteri township road
Dederu & Ejiyere road and
phasing out Warri BRT for a 6 lane carriage-way, to mention but a few, these roads are physically there for Deltans and non Deltans to see.

It is pertinent to note that this administration led by Governor Okowa in determined to deliver on her campaign promises coined as PROSPERITY FOR ALL DELTANS AS encapsulated in SMART AGENDA as well as ensuring that Deltans enjoys the dividends of democracy.

The Need for building these road therefore can not be over emphazed as better road networks no doubt will decrease road fatalities.
Road has undeniable socio-economic benefits which are often underestimated in difference to its negative impacts, better road networks no doubt will decrease road fatalities

Roads are the heart of our social and economic development. Supporting road means contributing to this process. The sheer reach of road networks make them an almost universal land-transport infrastructure. There has to be a global interest in a balanced social and economic development, as in today’s world a development, no matter how far it may seem away, can have an impact on every one of us.

Road constructions has reduced friction of distance; it has facilitated trade;it has allowed the improvement of movement of people and goods; it has contributed to remove barriers and led to an overall better standard of living.
Since Road is a major determinant in industrialization of a state, it is only better therefore that any government which gives credent to building of roads should be applauded and ENCOURAGED.

DELTANS ! GOVERNOR OKOWA IS WORKING FOR YOU LET US THEREFORE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THIS GOVERNMENT TO ENABLE US ALL BUILD THE DELTA STATE OF OUR DREAM

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Photos from the wakekeep/burial of mother of CBN Governor, Emefiele; Dangote, Governors Okowa, Obiano, others in attendance.

The mother of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, late Mrs Alice Ohumagholem Emefiele was laid to rest today in Agbor, Delta State following a Christian/traditional wake keep yesterday.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa was joined by Aliko Dangote, His Royal Majesty Kiagborkuzi the I, Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and other well meaning Nigerians at Agbor to bid farewell to Mrs Emefiele. She was 94 years.

Photo credit: Ifeanyi/Ovie Success

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"HRM Obi Efeizomor II; A Symbol Of Humility"- Gov. Okowa

Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr) Emmanuel Efeizomor II as a symbol of humility who has impacted positively on his people and the state.

The governor who said this on Thursday (24/3/16) at Obi Efeizomor’s 78th Birthday anniversary and Book presentation in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East local government area stated that HRM was a monarch whose reign has brought incredible transformation and continuous peace to Owa Kingdom.

The occasion which attracted dignitaries from across the state including the state Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Chief Judge, Justice Marshall Umukoro, former deputy governors, top government functionaries and traditional rulers had presentation of a book titled "The Living Legend".

According to him "I thank God Almighty for your life because in your reign and even at your age you have rewritten the history of Owa Kingdom, through your hard work, drive and focus you have continued to grow this land as well as ensured that peace remains across this kingdom".

"As a peace builder you have done your best to positively impact on the development of this kingdom and the state, your humility and friendliness has made you a symbol that is cherished by all who meet you" the governor said.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated HRM Obi Efeizomor II on his birthday celebration and called for more active roles to be executed by traditional rulers, explaining that "the federal and state government cannot effectively govern the people without the input of our traditional rulers as they are at the grassroots and know what the people truly need".

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