Methanol, other manufacturing firms ready for Delta Okowa.

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday said activities would begin soon at Kwale tract as methanol and transmission tower manufacturing companies had indicated readiness to line up their plants within the state.

The governor disclosed the South-South Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum organized by the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) in conjunction with Delta Government in Asaba.

He said "Our investment drives have started paying off; our state has commenced the method of a take-off of the Kwale tract located along Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

"Expected to drive this administration’s industrialization agenda, the Park has the potential to be Nigeria’s biggest location for gas and energy-intensive manufacturing like ceramics, rubber, and methanol.

``I can confidently say that we engaged during a successful show at China which can cause the establishment of a methanol factory at the park within the next few months; pulp and paper also will be manufactured at the Park.

"As an indication of our faith within the viability of the project and as an incentive to prospective investors, my administration approved a seed fund of 10 million dollars for partnership with interested investors within the Park.

``In the same token, we've earmarked the sum of 5 million dollars as seed capital for the establishment of a transmission tower factory being promoted by ENFRASCO Limited.

"The project, which can be sited at Issele-Uku, comprises the establishment of a state-of-the-art factory for power transmission, telecommunication masts, hot-dip galvanizing plant, tower testing and certification facility and research center training school with specializing in fabrication and distribution know-how.

``This kind of commitment on the part of the government serves to de-risk investments and assures prospective investors."

Okowa involved diversification of the nation’s economy from oil and gas, saying "evidently, this distorted mono-product economy doesn't bode well for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development as oil may be a depleting resource.

``Even more importantly, the advent of electric cars may be a clear and present danger to the future of this industry, hence, the urgent need for the governments within the Niger Delta region to expeditiously diversify their economies and maximize our non-oil export potential.

"To achieve this, it's exigent that we first take full advantage of our unique location. In business, it's axiomatic that being within the right location is critical for success.

``Our natural location within the coastal region puts us during a prime position to engage in export-import

trade; take Delta, as an example, it's four seaports in Warri, Burutu, Sapele and Koko, whose combined capacity exceeds that of all the other ports in Nigeria put together.

"You can, therefore, imagine the quantum of trade and commerce also as the limitless possibilities that exist for investment and employment opportunities when just two of the ports are fully functional."

Welcoming participants earlier, director of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abubakar Bello, had stated that efforts should be geared towards encouraging non-oil export.

He announced that N1 billion had been put aside for entrepreneurs that produced non-oil export products for every state of the country.

Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and host of others attended the opening of the Forum.

Naria Marley advice youth to be stead fast in what they are doing.

The music star made this known via his Twitter page @nairamarley that the youths shouldn't endanger their future while enjoying their lives. According to him, as you enjoy your life, you ought to not also destroy your future.

Naira Marley

“As Marlian, you've got to enjoy your youth but don’t destroy your future,” he tweeted.

Marley’s tweet could be connected to the recent events where fans were thrilled at his educational background.

The bubbly singer, who was seen as a bad influence due to his way of life and statements which is imagined to support internet fraud may need to be taken a twist from his usual take on life.

The singer in spite of being called names on social media defies all odds and remains to release music that seemingly promotes immorality.

NAN reports that the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Garba Abari, had expressed deep concern over what he called heinous lifestyles of some Nigerian artistes.

He noted that the life-style of some artists was negatively influencing the youth.

Meanwhile, during a recent Instagram live session, the singer urged Nigerians to wish for internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys), saying they're the reason money circulates to the commoner.

He said, “All you guys, all the cash in your pockets, all the cash you spend, you think that it’s the govt that's making the cash go round?”

The video has since stirred reactions from Nigerians, who described Marley as a disgrace and bad example for young Nigerians.

Senator  (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Deltans to be more united following the re-affirmation of his victory at the polls by the Supreme Court which declared him as the duly elected Governor of Delta State.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

The governor made the call on Wednesday evening at a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chaplaincy, Asaba to celebrate the Supreme Court verdict.

"I want to thank Deltans for all your prayers and support and as we move forward, it is time to work for the good of the state; I cannot do it alone; as a government, we require the cooperation of all; it is time for us to partner together; it is time to forget the bitterness.

"I will use this opportunity to call on my opponent, Chief Great Ogboru for him to realize that it is time for him to work together with the state government to build our state; I believe that truly everyone can make his contributions and impact whether he is in office or not as it is truly time for us to be united as it is in the best interest of the state to work together and continue to pray for God’s strength to move this state forward.

"God took us through the elections, through the tribunal, Appeal Court and now,  the Supreme Court and in each of the victories, we have always returned thanks to God because He alone has made it possible; we trusted in God and He has seen us through and today we have victory.

"This victory is dedicated to God because God willed it to be, to settle the state and  to ensure that there is peace; to bring oneness among us because without peace and without oneness, we can not move forward as a people."

Governor Okowa who attended the thanksgiving with his wife, Dame Edith, his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro and other top government functionaries said.

He used the occasion to speak on 2023 elections saying, "I know that 2023 is not so far but, it is also not too near, so, there is a time for everything and now, it is truly time as a government to work for the people; when the time to play politics comes we will play politics."

"For those of us in government, I want to plead that the best thing for us to do now is to work. There will be room to play the politics and by His grace when the time comes, everything will work out smoothly; no one can  make a Governor; only God can decide who becomes Governor; so, now we have to work together to achieve a Stronger Delta as we need to spend the next few years working for the people of Delta State."

Chaplain of Government House Chaplaincy, Venerable Charles Osemenem in his sermon, said, God works in miraculous ways, further asserting that "many a time when you see results, you forget that there was a battle over which God gave you victory; we thank God because this victory is a sign of what He will do in Delta State."

The Supreme Court had earlier today, reaffirmed the March 9, 2019, election victory of Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Centus Nweze, the court held that the appellant, Mr. Great Ogboru of All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to prove his allegations of over-voting at the polls. The judgment which was concurred to by six other justices of the court held that the appeal lacked merit and that the court was putting a final nail on the appellant's forensic Golgotha.

Nweze said that the appeal was a waste of the precious time of the apex court.

He noted that the majority of the documents tendered by the appellants were based on hearsay, adding that the petition was a sheer waste of the genuine time of the court. "There are a plethora of decisions of this court on the position of card readers and they are too numerous to begin to mention them or for the appellant to claim they are not in the know.

"The appeal was against the valid election of Governor Okowa and it is hereby dismissed for lack of merit," he declared. The Supreme court also dismissed appeals brought against Governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Darius Ishaku and Abubakar Bello of Abia, Taraba and Niger States, respectively.

CANADA HOSTS DSP OMO-AGEGE, OTHERS FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is now in Canada for a three-day parliamentary conference that will give further support to the Buhari administration’s pursuit of transparency, accountability and security goals.

Senator Omo-Agege

A statement issued by Senator Omo-Agege's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga indicates that the focus of 25th Biennial Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth holding at the Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa is ‘Openness, Transparency, Accountability, and Security’

According to the statement, parliamentary leaders from various Commonwealth countries are also scheduled to compare notes on parliamentary procedure and practice during the three-day conference

“As part of its people-focused ideals, the All Progressives Congress’ Next Level agenda places much premium on transparency, accountability and the issue of security; it is no surprise that these ideals that the Deputy President of the Senate has passionately pursued have found resonance with parliamentary leaders across the Commonwealth.

“In the Senate Chamber at Ottawa Canada, Governor-General Julie Payette, Canadian Senate Speaker George Furey and House of Commons Speaker, Anthony Rota are among those scheduled to deliver remarks.

“The biennial conference is taking place in Ottawa from January 7 to 10, 2020. 

“Along with Canada, the hosting country, Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda, Cyprus, and several other Commonwealth members are participating at the 25th Biennial Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth now going on in Ottawa, Canada,” he stated.

Inside The Stones Yard

The yellowish parchment sat on his desk in front of him, I thought it was a floor plan for a house or some mighty building.

Handing the drawings to the African woman, he said to me; "Get to know him, because I won't be the one to marry you!"

"Let me see it!" I shouted running off to snatch the parchment document from the black woman's hand.

Soon, I was outnumbered with quite a few black women, fiddling and giggling with the priced document in their hands, trying their best to keep it from my eyes But, I already had caught a glance of it, and knew that a beautiful man was printed on the surface of it!

His black shiny hair I could easily identify on land or sea, but these women handle the parchment artistry that was filled with all sorts of wizardry.

Nonetheless, my heart filled with concerns somehow told me, if he truly belongs to me, he would certainly find a way to come and get me.

The man behind the desk stood still, while I studied his ever subtle and changing face, soul, body and even religiosity... now turning his face away from me, he knew of the shamefulness and heart pain he had single-handed bestowed upon me. My thoughts echoing from my head to my heart.

My reflection shifted, and I began wondering, if he and these, almost seven female wizards had conspired to destroy me?

Our talks of marriage were now no more... had abruptly stopped! Because my desire for tying the knot and the lack thereof was his and his cronies undercover happiness.

But I, intuitively and instinctively knew, that that parchment paper handled by others, held my future, my kingdom and the man who truly loves me.

By Constance. C Wiliams
AKA Lady C.

Twitter:  ConstanceCorne9

Alike Dangote is one of the richest. $4.3 billion richer in 2019

Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote, becomes $4.3 billion richer following investments in cement, flour and sugar - Bloomberg reports that Dangote, who is reputed as Africa’s richest man.

climbed to a net worth of almost $15 billion in 2019 - The report states that the business man is now the 96th wealthiest man in the world Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote became $4.3 billion richer in 2019 following investments in cement, flour and sugar. 

Bloomberg reports that Dangote, who is reputed as Africa’s richest man, climbed to a net worth of almost $15 billion in 2019.