Nigerians in the North East will Substantiate a Change from Prolonged Insurgency to Peace.

The chairman stated this at the induction of the Presidential Committee on the Extradition, Return, and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East, which preceded the daily Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. According to him, the administration is embarking on a revised approach to addressing the 13- year conflict and insurgency in the region and won't relent in efforts towards a return to peace and normality. 

                                                 President Muhammadu Buhari

He said the arrival of this administration in 2015, I pledged to Nigerians that I'll restore peace in the North East and return it to the path of development and growth. I remain committed to this pledge. 

” To the people of the North-East, particularly the children and future of the North-East, we will no way forget you. Your courage, immolation, and abidance have been exemplary.

I pledge to you that in the coming months you'll begin to witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peace structure, stabilization, and eventually development in your separate communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict-A Return to Normality.  

On the terms of reference of the Committee, the chairman emphasized that it included a shift from managing the situation to cranking an endless result for effective and practicable restoration. According to the chairman, the Committee, among other things, is anticipated to develop a concise three-year action plan by the end of March 2022 that incorporates national and state-level plans, providing a clear pathway for the restoration of peace and development in the North East. 

The Committee, he said, would also develop and implement a phased plan for the extradition, return, resettlement of IDPs, and restoration of livelihoods, incorporating global stylish practices that give dignity to the affected populations.  

He said they would also be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated peace structure and reconciliation program that's culturally appropriate and community-driven. 

The Committee is also saddled with the responsibility of strengthening collaboration with key benefactors, development mates, and private sector organizations that are critical to the mobilization of resources and implementation of programs,  he added. 

Buhari charged the Committee members to adopt the guiding principles of accountability, delineation of duty, and community-driven styles to address issues. Members will devote further time to the conduct of field visits to regularly engage with state government, communities, and crucial stakeholders. 

Due to prevailing financial constraints, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will use being popular coffers and repurpose finances to programs approved under this action, he said. 

The chairman directed the commission to submit a yearly progress report whilst the first progress review meeting would be held in the first week of March 2022. 

History motions and Nigeria calls on you to be the platoon that finally charts this new path to the restoration of sustainable progress in the North East and I strongly believe this could lead to the birthing of a template for addressing insurrection and instability in other parts of our country and across the world. 

Failure to deliver on this task you have been assigned isn't an option.

The President also used the occasion to commend Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who was present at the inauguration with his Gombe counterpart, Inuwa Yahaya, for his unparalleled commitment to his people and exemplary leadership. 

He also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for support in the area of coordination of humanitarian actors and the UNDP regional stabilization facility, which is providing support in the area of security and the rule of law. 

Members of the Presidential Committee on the Extradition, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East include the Ministers of Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development; Interior; Foreign Affairs and Defense. 

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the End SARS protesters to put an end to their demonstrations.

President Buhari appealed while stressing that his administration has heard their complaints

                                                              President Muhammadu Buhari

He also warned hoodlums who have hijacked the peaceful protest to desist. The president spoke during his nationwide address, on Thursday.

Full details below:

My Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you have heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.

2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine, and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.

4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.

6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties destroyed or vandalized; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

9. All these executed in the name of the END SARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expressions of grievance of the youth of our country.

10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgment and disruptive behavior.

11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Corona-virus pandemic.

12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women, and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

. Paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,

. Paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,

. Giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and

. Guaranteeing a market for the products of traders.

 

13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;

a. Farmermoni,

b. Tradermoni,

c. Marketmoni,

d. N-Power,

e. N-Tech and

f. N-Agro.

14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation as we have done.

15. About the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

16. To underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.

17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.

18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.

20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.

21. To our neighbors in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.

22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos to truncate our nascent democracy.

23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

24. I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.

25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect the lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without harming those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.

27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Founder of Victory Revival Fasting and Ministry Bishop Orhonigbe Alleged For Rape.

The founder of Victory Revival Ministry Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe Allegedly Raping a Nineteen-Year-old Girl.

Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe 

Court remands Bishop in prison over alleged rape of 19yr old girl in Delta.

The Magistrate Court II sitting in Warri, Delta State has remanded a Warri based cleric, Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe in prison custody for allegedly raping a nineteen-year-old girl.

The accused was dragged before the Court over the alleged rape of a nineteen-year-old girl (names withheld) by the Police.

Police prosecutor, SP Vincent Orawemen, leading DSP Sunny Irabor, had during motion with charge No. NW/113C/2020 prayed the Court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the legal advice of the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The Court presided over by Mrs. Ejiro.H. Diejomaoh said it lacks the jurisdiction to listen to the matter.

Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe who has been taken to the Nigeria Correctional Service in Okere is that the Founder/General Overseer of Victory Revival Fasting and Ministry in Warri, Delta State.

The Court also adjourned the interest June 24 for mention.

China, U.S. Stand by Trade Deal as Coronavirus Cause Crisis

Chinese economic officials struck a conciliatory tone during a call Friday as they discussed the prospects of China fulfilling a "Phase 1" trade deal that President Trump has threatened to scrap within the coming days as bilateral relations fray.

Donald Trump and Vice Premier Liu 

Although the Chinese representative, Vice Premier Liu He, stopped in need of guaranteeing that China would keep its promise to buy an additional $200 billion in U.S. products, he and American officials agreed to “strengthen cooperation on the macroeconomy and public health and make favorable conditions for implementing the Phase 1 deal,” according to a Chinese statement.

Trump said Sunday that he could “terminate” the deal if China didn't meet its obligations to extend its purchases of U.S. goods this year by $76.7 billion over the 2017 level. But Chinese imports from us have declined in recent months amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on economies worldwide, raising doubts about whether Beijing could meet its targets.

The U.S. readout of the call, attended by Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, was more explicit than the Chinese version and said the 2 sides “agreed” that “both countries fully expect to satisfy their obligations under the agreement during a timely manner.”

Fearing political dangers, China spent years preparing for this economic crash

The statement from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said each side “agreed that good progress is being made on creating the governmental infrastructures necessary to form the agreement a success.”

The call was the primary dialogue between top-level trade officials since the partial agreement was signed within the White House’s East Room on Jan. 15. The coronavirus, which at that point was already sweeping across the town of Wuhan, burst into full view the subsequent week as Chinese officials finally acknowledged its infectious potential and scrambled to seal off central Hubei province.

China’s handling of the outbreak, including repeated statements in early January playing down the virus’s threat, has been heavily criticized by hawkish members of the U.S. administration who have floated the possibility of seeking financial compensation or imposing a fresh round of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that might extract many billions of dollars.

In response, Beijing has accused the U.S. administration of “shifting blame” to distract from its own failures to contain the pandemic, and it's launched a salvo of unprecedented, personal attacks in state media against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The U.S. death toll has passed 75,000, while China’s topped out at fewer than 5,000, according to Chinese government figures.

China’s bid to repair its coronavirus-hit image is backfiring within the West

The state-run blog Taoran Notes, which periodically offers an anonymous but authoritative view from inside the Chinese political system, said Friday that the decision was “extraordinarily significant” because the 2 sides discussed cooperation on improving the planet economy and public health. The blog maintained that hawkish members of Trump’s circle were inflaming tensions with China, rather than cooperating, to spice up the president’s reelection chances. That has jeopardized U.S. public health, the blog argued.

“Some people within the united states insist ‘the election situation is more important than the epidemic situation,’ and therefore the political interests of the minority are placed above the lives of the majority,” the blog said. “Essentially, this is a disregard for life.”

The relatively conciliatory call between the trade representatives came against the backdrop of 1 of the most acrimonious periods in U.S.-China relations.

In March, Chinese officials round the world disseminated fringe theories that the virus was carried into China by U.S. soldiers. Trump and Pompeo hit back by suggesting that the pathogen leaked from a Wuhan lab — a theory that's not substantiated by current evidence, according to most scientific researchers and U.S. intelligence and defense officials.

On Wednesday, Trump said he would check within every week on China’s progress in buying U.S. goods. the subsequent day, the China Daily newspaper lamented that “the rapport that appeared to have developed between the 2 countries during their trade talks is now just a foreign memory.”

Even if China steps up its purchases in some sectors, it’s unclear if it'll meet other commitments.

During the primary quarter, China’s economy shrank by 6.8 percent because the country pack up and exports dried up. In April, imports fell 14.2 percent, quite what economists forecast.

How is Hantavirus different from Coronavirus? Everything you Should Know about the new Virus in China

Chinese state-run Global Times reported that a person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. Here's everything you need to know about the new virus.

The novel coronavirus which was detected in China's Wuhan city in November has become a pandemic. Slowly and steadily it has made its way into the whole world killing over thousands of people. After its outbreak, the number of diseases like swine flu and bird flu also increased in many countries. 

As if it wasn't enough, a new kind of virus called 'hantavirus' has reared its wings in China where it took the life of a man who tested positive while traveling to work on Monday and later 32 more people on the bus were tested, as tweeted by Global Times.

Hantavirus, that causes Korean hemorrhagic fever, is named for the Hantan River area in South Korea where an early outbreak was observed and was isolated in 1976 by Ho-Wang Lee.

People are now scared of not one but two viruses--both hanta and corona. If you are one amongst those, here's everything you need to know:

What is hantavirus?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, hantaviruses are a group of infections which are transmitted predominantly by rodents and can show different disease disorder in individuals. The name of the virus depends on the region where it is occurring. In America, it is called 'New World' hantavirus, while in Europe and Asia, it is recognized as 'Old World' hantaviruses. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

How does hantavirus spread?

Hantavirus isn't airborne and can spread to individuals on the off chance that they interact with the urine, feces, and saliva of rodents (rats) and less frequently by a nibble from a contaminated host.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus?

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups like thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms of HPS appear. These include coughing and shortness of breath, a feeling of lungs being filled with fluid. The disease has a mortality rate of 38%.

Is hantavirus harmful like coronavirus?

Though the symptoms are somewhat similar to that of coronavirus, from the reports, it is clear that people do not need to fear the disease like the coronavirus that is on rampage affecting four lakh people worldwide with a death toll over thousands.

Atiku, Omovigho advises Federal Govt To Cancel All Flight From Affected Countries.

2023 top Governorship hopeful in Delta State, Engr. Omovigho Edafeghwara has thrown his the weight behind former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar & other Nigerians in calling for a drastic approach towards curtailing the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus in Nigeria.

Engr. Omovigho Edafeghwara

Reacting to the news of the first confirmed coronavirus patient in Lagos Nigeria, the renowned philanthropist called on the Federal Govt through the Ministry of Aviation to immediately cancel all flights to and fro Countries affected by this virus.

Speaking to Journalists at the Osubi Airport, Warri Delta State, the soft-spoken politician stated that his Foundation, Edafeghwara Omos Foundation will kickstart an awareness and sensitization campaign to enlighten deltas and Nigerians at large on how to relate with others to prevent the spread of this virus.

"I want to use this medium to call on President Buhari to immediately direct the Ministry of Aviation in collaboration with Foreign affairs to cancel all flights from affected countries"

"Nigerians are currently going through a lot of Economic and security challenges, we cannot afford to add the corona virus outbreak to it. Something drastic and urgent has to be done to avoid the spread of this dreaded virus" he stated.

"Government cannot do it alone, as individuals we have to come out with safety measures in our communities, neighborhoods, and environment.

My Foundation, Edafeghwara Omos Foundation will commence door to door sensitization/awareness campaign to abreast Nigerians on how to relate with others and sick persons. I can assure you that Nigeria as a Nation will come out of this like we did with Ebola and others" he stated.

FEBRUARY 26, 2020 FROM THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

* STUDENTS FROM HAVEN POINT HIGH SCHOOL,  ASABA AND NOSAKHARE MODERN EDUCATION CENTER, BENIN CITY WITNESSED WEDNESDAY'SPLENARY PRESIDED OVER BY THE SPEAKER, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI.

* THE SPEAKER ADVISED THE STUDENTS TO TAKE THEIR STUDIES SERIOUSLY AND SHUN SOCIAL VICES, SAYING THAT EDUCATION IS A KEY

DELTA SPEAKER; OBOREVWORI MEETS WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER

DELTA SPEAKER, OBOREVWORI MEETS WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER, ETO

Speaker, Oborevwori and Eto

IMAGES FROM THE MEETING OF THE SPEAKER,  DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI  WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER, HON  ( SIR )  MATTHIAS ETO, ON TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY 25, 2O2O, IN HIS OFFICE, ASSEMBLY COMPLEX,  ASABA.

Delta Speaker Oborevwori Appoints Political Adviser

 Matthias O. C. 

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has appointed Hon  ( Sir ) Matthias O. C. Eto as his   Political  Adviser.

Chief  Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Dennis Otu said in a statement that the  Political Adviser who hails from  Oleh,  Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta, served between  2005 and  2007 as first Member of the Federal College of Education  ( Technical ), Potiskum,  Yobe State.

Hon Eto, a Consummate Politician also served between 2012 and 2018 as  Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission in Charge of Delta State.

The new Political Adviser to the Speaker is a Christian and a Knight of St Christopher of the Anglican Communion and happily married with Children. He has traveled far and wide in the course of his Political and Social Assignments.

The Stakeholder in Osun React to Buhari Sack of Service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari‘s

Diverse reactions have continued to trail the decision for President Muhammadu Buhari‘s resignation by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe amid the resolution of the National Assembly suggesting a complete overhauling of Nigerian security architecture.

Members of the Senate and their counterparts at the Green Chamber had during a unanimous decision called on President Buhari to alleviate all the service chiefs of their positions and inject fresh hands to require up the statutory obligation of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria nation-state and curb internal uprising.

The lawmakers hinged their position on seeming unabated security breaches, especially the threatening degree of insurgency and banditry within the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria, including rising cases of kidnappings and armed robberies within the South.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, within the state, Chief Taiwo Ijiyode in his reactions commended Abaribe for what he termed ‘courageous position’ on problems with national importance.

He explained that the dimension and degree of insecurity in Nigeria demand urgent attention to stop things from degenerating further, as he carpeted those that are criticizing the senator for being feeble-minded.

Ijiyode alleged that the majority of those who are making comments on different social media platforms are tools within the hands of ruling All Progressing Congress, APC, adding that their comments remain personal opinions of ‘’no impact whatsoever ‘’.

‘’ Abaribe may be a distinguished Nigeria, he's one lawmaker that knows his onions with a great love for his fatherland, I commend him for speaking up despite the conspiracy of silence that has permeated the material of our body politics.

‘’I believe president Buhari will see the call for his resignation as a clarion call for him and his team to sit right and do the needful before it's too late’, Ijiyode said.

He also hailed members of the National Assembly for taking such a position on National security, saying service chiefs have overstayed in their present positions.

A constitutional lawyer and social commentator in Osogbo, the Osun capital, Mr. Abiodun Sangodele averred that both statements from Abaribe and those lawmakers shouldn't be treated on an equivalent prism.

Sangodele opined that the statement credited to Abaribe signified a private assessment of the political trend in Nigeria and thought of solution supported certain interest and background.

‘’Meanwhile, the position of the lawmakers on the efficiency and effectiveness of our service chiefs within the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities should be a thing of concern to each discerning Nigerian.

‘’In fact, for me, this is the first time I will see sincere legislators making genuine statements on important National challenges without bias. Those great men really deserve accolades from Nigerians.

‘’The position of the National Assembly on the state of insecurity which sincere suggestion should be taken seriously by the presidency and quickly act on it.

‘’In transparent terms, therefore, we cannot still do an equivalent thing an equivalent way and expect a special result. The fight against criminalities in our land should be creative and dynamic altogether ramifications, I feel it's pertinent for the president to heed the call of wisdom by the lawmakers and do the needful’, he said.

Also, a search fellow within the Department of politics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Oludare Adisa maintained that both Abaribe and the lawmakers were speaking the minds of the majority of Nigerians, with this reality within the country.

He said the safety architecture of Nigeria has become so porous and dangerous to be left within the hands of the state alone. He added that the senator features a responsibility to talk in that manner to spur the govt to action.

The social scientist noted that the president and members of his cabinet must redefine the scope of governance and alter strategies to urge optimal results, especially within the area of security and economy.

According to him,’’ President Buhari has two options, is either he changes tactics and come up with different strategies to fight insecurity in Nigeria, or quit honorably; you can't say to be winning a war when your enemy continued to neutralize your armies and killing your people without check’’.

A chieftain of APC in Ife East government, Olaide Adelowo, however, described Abaribe as a mischief-maker and political obscurantist, alleging that he had been within the corridor of power without nothing to point out for it in terms of private contributions to National issue.

He said such a call is a mere ‘’verbal exercise’’ that needs not to be taken seriously. Adelowo added that the Buhari-led administration is functioning assiduously to stem the tide of insecurity around the country.

‘’In as much as I respect the position of the lawmakers on the need to inject fresh ideas and innovations into the safety mechanism of Nigeria to ensure efficiency and better result, I totally afflict the call by Abaribe telling Mr. President to resign. On what grounds would such an efficient and listening president resign?.

‘’This may be a man who has been within the corridor of power for many years, first as Deputy Governor in Abia and as a member of the Senate, even rising to become the legislator with none significant contribution to national challenge except the political statement of no substance ‘’, Adelowo resorted.

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.

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.

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.