Mulade to Governor Oborevwori: Give account of 465 Billion debt inherited from your political godfather, Dr. Okowa

By: Ella Akpa

A Delta-born activist cum National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (ÇEPEJ), Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade has urged the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to account for the widely acclaimed N465 billion debt, inherited from his political godfather, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Comrade Mulade, who is the Patron of Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC), also asked him to show proofs of projects that these monies were used for as according to him they were monies approved by Oborevwori when he was Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA).

He disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have been placed on notice to investigate the usage of the money if members of the State House of Assembly, fails to carryout their oversight function.

The requests of Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri south west local government area of the State, followed reports that Oborevwori inherited N465 billion and has so far paid N130 billion.

The development and peace advocate spoke shortly after he was decorated as Patron of the Chapel in Warri, recently.

“Recently, although, we were not shocked but we were surprised that the Delta State government told us that they have paid N130 billion out of the N465 billion inherited by the government.

“These monies were monies borrowed by the immediate past government and sometimes we find it very funny for the Delta State Governor, elder Sheriff Oborevwori, to tell us that he inherited N465 billion.

“This N465 billion plus, were approved by him under his watch as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Before these monies were approved, they were tied to projects, where are these projects? Why is he paying N130 billion now?

“So, he need to tell us the projects these monies were used for because he was part of the government that borrowed these monies.

“Today, he happens to be the executive governor of Delta State, he owe us that responsibility to explain. We are using this opportunity to call on him to tell us what the N465 billion were borrowed and used for.

The United Nations (UN) Global Peace Ambassador, tasked the Delta State House of Assembly, under the leadership of his Ijaw tribal man, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor to swing into proper and thorough investigation and inform Deltans what the N465 billion was used for.

“I want to also say that the Delta State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, should investigate the usage of those monies. A committee should be set up in the house to investigate the usage of these monies and tell Deltans what they were used for.

“We will not keep quiet until we know how these monies were used because you will recall that we borrowed towards the end of the last administration and when this government came in, there was no funds in any of the Delta State accounts.

“So, the first thing this government did was to borrow N40 billion. Delta cannot be one of the richest states in Nigeria, and be borrowing money, it is not acceptable”, he declared

“He noted that people of his status are no longer looking out for political appointments even though it is their rights.

Hear him: “Some of us are not looking for political appointments, so we will call the government to questioning. It is our rights to get political appointment but we will not sell our consciousnece for political appointments. We will ensure that these monies are accounted for.

“We are only talking about the state funds, we are not talking about the 13 percent oil Derivation”, stressing that there are evidential documents to prove his point.

“For the eight years, we have the Certified True Copies from the Accountant General’s office of the Federation, where over N1 2 trillion of the 13 percent oil Derivation were paid to Delta State.

“And base on the laws of Delta State, we (DESOPADEC) are entitled to N600 billion, we are still looking for the money. People need to know about the money.

“So, please, if the monies are in government house, they should be released to DESOPADEC so that DESOPADEC can in turn use them for us.

“DESOPADEC should not be starved of funds. We know DESOPADEC was created for a purpose, that purpose must be given the opportunity so that the people from these area, will enjoy it.

“Some of us, we are in EFCC. We have already called on the EFCC to help us if the State House of Assembly fails. The first one we took to EFCC, was the 13 percent oil Derivation.

“But for this N465 billion, we are already in EFCC to say, please, be on standby. If all the avenues within the State fails, then, we will tell you to help us to investigate the money.

“We are not scared to visit the EFCC or ICPC within the confine of the law to ensure that these monies are used for Deltans. They are not met for individual pockets so that we can enjoy the dividends of democracy and of our oil resources “, ÇEPEJ National Coordinator, Mulade, said.

Let our winning dominance be sustained in Warri LGAs, Ereyitomi urges newly sworn in PDP LGAs Chairmen

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has urged the newly sworn in PDP Chairmen in Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West LGAs to make sure they sustain the clean winning dominance of PDP in the three Warri LGAs in Delta State.

Chief Ereyitomi gave the charge weekend after the party Chairmen were sworn in to officially resume their duties after their successful election some weeks ago.

Rep Ereyitomi said the three Warri LGAs have continued to hold on with the strength of the PDP in Delta State politics as such should sustain it, noting that with the coming on board of the new LGAs Chairmen fresh energy would be ejected to win more members translating to more political expansion of the PDP in the area.

The Warri National Assembly Member who’s also the Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources Training Funds, congratulated Warri South PDP Chairman, Hon. Richard Pessu, Warri North PDP Chairman, Hon. Victor Dudu and Warri-South-West, Hon. Godwin Omadoye.

Chief Ereyitomi assured them of support in making sure they succeed in their office in elevating the PDP always in all wards and units in the three Warri LGAs, he as well enjoined other PDP chieftains in the LGAs to show solidarity with the PDP family.

Okowa, Amori hail Gov Oborevwori for Appointing Oghenesivbe as DG DSOCB

Immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, has congratulated the newly appointed Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe.

Dr Okowa in a goodwill message to his former Executive Assistant on Communications, Barrister Oghenesivbe, said the appointment came at the right time, and well deserved.

The Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, commended governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for making an excellent choice, and for adding Communications to the assigned responsibilities of the Bureau, saying that the new DG’s wealth of experience, vast knowledge, professional competence and multifaceted skills in strategic Communications cannot be over emphasized.

The immediate past governor, popularly referred to as “The Road Master” due to his landmark achievements in roads infrastructure development across the state, urged Barrister Latimore Oghenesivbe to justify his appointment by discharging his duties without blemish.

In the same vein, a former senator representing the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and prominent leader of Urhobo Nation, Chief Ighoyota Amori, thanked governor Oborevwori for the appointment.

He noted that Barrister Oghenesivbe has proven to be a courageous, efficient and dedicated public servant, as can be seen from his professional expertise in media management and result oriented communication strategies deployed in the course of his duties in al facets of the state development since he came on board in 2017.

Senator Amori, who is currently attending and supervising national conventions of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, in the United Kingdom and Florida, in the United States of America, sent his goodwill message, saying that Oghenesivbe’s new responsibility is essentially critical and strategic in the ongoing implementation of the governor’s MORE Agenda,.

The former Chairman of Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, emphasized the need for creativity, new innovations and high productivity to enable the Bureau set new enviable standards, urging the new DG to roll up his sleeves for the huge task ahead.

Chief Amori commended governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership, and for deeming it necessary to recognize Oghenesivbe’s inestimable loyalty, work tenacity and valuable contributions to the development of the state, through impactful communication strategies and effective media Management.

“Congratulations (Dr Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe) on your elevation to the position of DG of the Bureau of state orientation & communication by our indefatigable governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, JP.

“This is an elevation well deserved, because of your hard work and positive contributions to the development of Delta State.

“You have in the course of your duty promoted and defended the state.

“May God bless you in this your new position in Jesus Name, Amen,” Chief Amori prayed.

The news of Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe’s appointment as Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has been rocking the airwaves and social media platforms in the state and beyond since Thursday.

The first goodwill message came from the Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, wherein the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe.

The Union described Dr Oghenesivbe as a special friend and worthy ally, expressing confidence in the ability of the new DG to deliver on his assigned responsibilities, while appreciating governor Oborevwori for doing the needful at the right time.

Oghenesivbe, while reacting to his new appointment, thanked governor Oborevwori for finding him worthy of the new roles, and pledged his unalloyed loyalty and dedication to duty.

Dr Oghenesivbe served the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as Executive Assistant on Communications from 3rd April, 2017 to May 29, 2023.

He was reappointed as Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communications/Head of Bureau by governor Oborevwori from November 6, 2023 to 18th August, 2024.

Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe is a renowned Communication Strategist and Media Manager; a member of the International Communication Association, ICA, Full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Member, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, ACSPN, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, NBA, Member, Rotary Club of Akowonjo, District 9110 where he served as two time Club Secretary and Past Vice President, among others

He is happily married to Esther Latimore Oghenesivbe, and they are blessed with wonderful children.

Oborevwori Sues For Peaceful Kingdoms As His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III climax coronation with Thanksgiving

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Kings to ensure that their domains are peaceful.

According to the governor, peaceful kingdoms and peaceful communities would generally translate to peaceful, conducive state for socio-economic activities to thrive

The governor made the call on Sunday at the third coronation anniversary Thanksgiving of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori was represented at the thanksgiving service which took place at the Olu Palace, Warri, by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA.

“Delta is made of Kingdoms and communities, so, if all the kingdoms and communities are peaceful, Delta will be generally peaceful and as Deltans, if we have ensured peaceful kingdoms and communities, investors will come to our state in their large numbers and with such, all of us will reap the benefits of good governance,” the governor said.

He congratulated the Olu saying, “It gives me great pleasure to be present at this very important occasion.

“First, I, on behalf of the government and the good people of our dear state, Delta, congratulate Your Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, on the occasion of your third coronation anniversary thanksgiving.

“It is also, a thing of joy that you are capping this anniversary celebration with thanksgiving to God.

“As Christians, we all are aware about King David and how he underscored the importance of thanksgiving to God when in Psalm 28:7, he said, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him.”

“As a King, it is important to also, put absolute trust in God just like Hezekiah who trusted in God so much and became a great King. 2 Kings 18:5

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28

“So, Your Majesty, Atuwatse III, CFR, it is good that today, you have come back to give thanks to God and we join you in saying, thank God, for His goodness upon the Itsekiri people, and our state, Delta.

“We have heard about how you are reaching out to other kingdoms, how you have also, shown commitment to attracting investors to Warri nay Delta State. We are happy with what you are doing as they are in line with the MORE Agenda of my Administration.

“As a government, we are working for the meaningful development of our state.

“Your Majesty and the wonderful people of God who are here today, let us continue to have the fear of God in us, support government and its activities because my administration means well for our state, support our traditional rulers because it is Biblically to do so and engage in positive activities, live peacefully with one another and we all will be happy.

“Once again, Your Majesty, congratulations on your coronation anniversary.”

The Olu at the occasion said, “We are here to say thank you to the Almighty God for His faithfulness and goodness upon our kingdom and the throne.

“This thanksgiving is the covenant we have with God for His faithfulness and goodness to us and the Kingdom.

“God will continue to bless us and we shall continue to serve and Honour Him,” the governor said.

Earlier in a sermon, Rev. Chris Akperi of the Foursquare Gospel Church, said that the people were gathered to celebrate the 3rd coronation anniversary of the Olu and urged the people to be united, speak with one voice, love the king just as the king loved God, and as well hate evil.

He observed that evil takes a people backwards and urged the people to embrace doing good, show love to one another, and respect those in authority.

Rev. Akperi also called for a more united Warri Kingdom, noting that when the people are united and speak with one voice, there was bound to be peace, progress and meaningful development.

At the service, prayers were offered to God for the king, the kingdom, Delta State and the country.

Colombia 2024: Falconets targets victory over Mexico to sustain winning mentality

Head Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma said on Sunday August 25, 2024 that Nigeria’s U20 Grls, Falconets, will go all the way in search of triumph over their Mexican counterparts, when both sides clash in a friendly game on the turf of Club Banco de la República in Bogota on Monday evening.

According to him “Our victory over Australia was such a sweet one, but I have told the ladies to drive it into the recesses of their minds and concentrate on Monday’s encounter. We need another victory to sustain our winning mentality. We won five of our six qualifying matches with healthy score lines and have now added victory over the Australians to boot.

“As I keep saying at every turn, the FIFA World Cup finals here will not be easy. The fact that we are up against Korea Republic and three-time winners Germany in our first two matches means we need to be at our best physically, mentally and psychologically. Physically and mentally, I believe we are in shape. Psychologically, we are good, and we will be great if we defeat the Mexicans to go into the competition unbeaten.”

In the African qualifying race, the Falconets routed their counterparts from Central African Republic 6-0 each in Douala and Abuja, sent packing Burkina Faso with a 1-1 draw in Bamako and 6-0 spanking in Abuja, and dismissed Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia and 2-0 in Abuja, in the process scoring 25 goals and conceding only two.

On Friday, the 2010 and 2014 silver medallists edged the Aussies 2-1 in regulation time, and then won a subsequent penalty shootout that happened at the instance of the Australian delegation.

The clash with the Mexicans, who are expected to provide much-stiffer opposition (having missed only one edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals since it started in 2002), will kickoff at 3.30pm Colombia time (9.30pm Nigeria time).

Danjuma’s squad from the qualifiers is now boosted by the presence of a number of players who have seen action with the Nigeria senior team, Super Falcons, including defenders Jumoke Alani, Rofiat Imuran, Comfort Folorunsho and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sabastine. Folorunsho and Ajakaye were in the Nigeria U17 squad that finished in third place at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India two years ago.

Other members of that squad also with the Falconets in Colombia are goalkeeper Faith Omilana and forward Aminat Omowunmi Bello.

NYG: Kaduna Ready To Haul Medals, Sports Commissioner assures 

By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson

The Commissioner, Ministry Sports Development Kaduna State, Professor Ben Gugong has expressed optimism that the state’s athletes will be giving a good account of them selves as they storm the National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba on September 9, 2024.

He expressed this, while fielding questions from newsmen at the closing ceremony of the SWAN Dr. Mohammed Maina Media Badminton Tournament held August 23 to 24, 2024 at the Exclusive Badminton Club, Kaduna State University (KASU).

Professor Gugong assured citizens of the state that preparations for the state’s participation is in top gears as they look forward to surpassing all previous editions medals haul.

He said they are confident because shortly, the athletes would go into closed camp to finalize their training ahead of the NYG.

“As you are all aware, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani is a sports loving governor who will ensure proper welfare of all athletes to spur them into winning medals for the state,” he said.

On the SWAN Dr. Mohammed Maina Media Badminton Tournament, the commissioner commended the organisers and the sponsors for a successful tournament, while calling on others to emulate.

“I must commend the Chairman of Badminton Association in the state for his efforts at developing the game,” he said.