Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved 25 percent reduction in acceptance fees payable in the four State-owned Universities as part of palliatives for students.

The Governor’s approval was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba.

The statement said the reduction in the acceptance fee was in line with measures taken by the Delta State Government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on citizens.

Ahon further said the 25 percent reduction in acceptance fee is applicable to new students at the State-owned Universities, viz. Delta State University, Abraka; Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; University of Delta, Agbor and the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba.

The Governor had earlier approved the payment of N10,000 to workers for three months and payment of N5.522bn to 50,196 workers as promotion arrears as palliatives to civil servants across the state.

This is in addition to the Governor approving three working days rotational scheme for civil servants on Salary Grade leve 1-14, while staff on SGL 15 and above are to work out what is convenient for them in their respective MDAs, thereby ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted. Also, 2,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff are being recruited in 22 out of the 25 Local Government Areas in the State.

The Governor’s spokesman further said that the State Government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion in addition to over 17,000 bags of rice and over 64,000 bags of maize all in 50kgs as palliatives for the less privileged, the poor, persons with disabilities and the aged in the society.

He said all these efforts were geared at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal on citizens of the State.

Delta North Senator, Prince Ned Nwoko, while mourning the death of Nigerian artiste, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, AKA Mohbad, said that he hopes to introduce a “bill that will make it mandatory nationwide for an autopsy to be done within a specific time before anyone is buried.”

Mohbad died on September 12 at the age of 27 in Lagos.

While sending his condolences on Tuesday via a post alongside his wife, actress Regina Daniels, on Instagram, the federal lawmaker said, “The unfortunate and untimely death of Mohbad has raised many issues that should be addressed promptly. The circumstances of his death and the cause of death should not be left to speculations.

“The police and the DSS should wade in immediately but more importantly, the state government should order for an autopsy report without further formalities. This should have been done and reported to the station for clearance before he was buried.’

Speaking further, he said, “As a matter of fact, I hope to introduce a bill that will make it mandatory nationwide for an autopsy to be done within a specific time before anyone is buried and the cost of such reports must be paid by the governments (Local and state governments).

“The cause of death of anyone should not be left to the wild imaginations of people. The innocent should be protected and the guilty punished. Situations like this gives rise to new laws for the good governance of the country.

Punch Online reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invited the Department of State Services to join the probe of the late singer

On Tuesday, some youths across some states in the country staged peaceful protests to demand justice for the the artiste.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has upheld that the community where the operational activities of an oil and gas firm are taking place, reserves the hosting rights in such circumstance and should be engaged in that regard by the firm carrying out such operation.

The Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima and Finima community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State had file a suit before the court demanding to be recognised as the host community of the Nigeria LNG Limited, in line with Community Content Guidelines of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and the Petroluem Industry Act 2021.

Justice Donatus Okorowo, in his verdict on the suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1419/2022, ruled in favour of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima, who are plaintiffs suing on behalf of themselves and the people of Finima Community.
Respondents in the suit are the Nigeria LNG Limited, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The plaintiffs among other reliefs had sought the court to declare Finima as the host community of NLNG and not Bonny Kingdom, just like the company had recognised Ogbum-nu-Abali community and Amadi-Ama community as joint host communities of its Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt, and not Rebisi Kingdom or Okrika kingdom.

Represented by Amauche Onyedum, a Principal Counsel in Mike Ozekhome’s Chambers, the plaintiffs, who asserted in the said suit that they are founders and owners of all lands in Finima, sought and got all the reliefs granted to wit.

According to Sweet crude reports, some of the reliefs sought for are, “A declaration that the Plaintiffs, who sued in a representative capacity for themselves and on behalf of the Buoye Omuso (Brown) Major House of Finima, (founders of Finima, and owners of all lands in Finima) and Finima Community in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, is the host community housing the NLNG Plant and other NLNG facilities, referred to in the 2nd Defendant’s letter dated 3rd March, 1978, with reference No: GPD.001/S.1/21 50230/225, same being their ancestral homelands.

“A declaration that it is, illegal, wrongful, unconscionable and unlawful for the defendants to refuse, neglect and fail to ensure due compliance with the provisions of Sections 25, 26, 27, and 28(2) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and Guidelines 1.0 to 7.0 of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, as they affect the Plaintiffs’ land in their community before or after the commencement of work, or soon after the coming into effect of the instant Act and guidelines by the 3rd Defendant.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, whether by themselves, their representatives, workers, servants, agents and/or privies howsoever called, from carrying out further works or operations on the site of the NLNG Plant in Finima Community until due and total compliance with the terms and conditions agreed upon by the Plaintiffs with the 3rd Defendant, the provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board – Community Content Guidelines (NCDMB-CCG), 2017, as well as other extant regulatory requirements.”
Reacting to the court judgement, the management of the Nigeria LNG Limited said the company’s lawyers were studying the court’s decision and will react at the right time.

NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, in a statement, said company remains focused in ensuring and maintains a cordial relationship with its host community as a global gas firm.

“Nigeria LNG Limited is aware of a judgement by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a case brought by the Buoye Omuso Brown House of Finima against Federal Ministry of Petroluem Resources, NNPCL, NLNG, and NCDMB, seeking the court’s interpretation in matters relating to host communities and the Petroleum Industry Act.

“NLNG wishes to state that its lawyers are studying the decision and will react at the appropriate time.

“Nigeria LNG remains focused on ensuring cordial relationship with its host communities and remains committed to sustainable community development, peace in its areas of operation as it continues to be a to globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria,” the company said

Delta State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh has called on Deltans to be patient with the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, saying that the governor was determined to develop all parts of the state.

He said that with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, more attention would be given to communities and urban centres within the state.

He made the call, on Monday in Asaba, when a delegation of his kinsmen from Igbide Kingdom, led by Odiologbo of Igbide Kingdom, Chief Godspower Okpohro paid him a congratulatory visit at his office.

He stressed that while the Oborevwori administration promised to do more for Deltans, the people must exercise patience with the administration as development cannot get to all parts of the state at once.

He commended the community leaders for their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and for voting enmasse for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all candidates of the party in the last general election.

On the request for the construction of the Olomoro – Igbide Road, the Commissioner appealed for patience, saying “Gov. Oborevwori led administration is working tirelessly to meet his electoral promises to the people.

“Let’s be patient and show understanding as development will go round all the nooks and crannies of Delta State.

“The road you have asked for will bring meaningful development to the communities along that route and it is within the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor.

“Your request is germane but government cannot attend to everything at once so we have to be patient with the state government while we explore all avenues to get it approved for reconstruction.

“From the numerous achievements recorded by Governor Oborevwori in his first 100 days in office, I can assure you that working in synergy with all stakeholders across the state, a lot more will be done to advance the state in terms of infrastructural and human capital development,” Obiodeh stated.

Earlier, Spokesman of the group, Dr Abundance Ekaba told the Commissioner they were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment and urged him to appeal to the Governor for the construction of the Olomoro – Igbide Road.

He said the road was in terrible shape thereby making movements in and out of the community a very harrowing experience.

The group also visited the member representing Isoko South Constituency II in the State House of Assembly, Hon Ferguson Onwo and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo where they congratulated them on their election and appointment and appealed for the construction of the road leading to the community.

Responding Hon. Onwo said the road was an important access to both Olomoro and Igbide communities and beyond, assuring that there will be a collaboration between the legislature and the executive to ensure the road was constructed.

On his part, Erijo pledged the collaboration of his office to ensure the road’s construction and further the development of Isoko and Delta in general.

Syndicated report

The amiable Monarch of Ugboba Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu has bagged the Silent Hero award in Traditional Leadership.

The award was presented to him at the 6th edition of the Silent Heroes Award, held at the Nicon Hilton Hotel Abuja, on the 16th September, 2023.

Obi Nkebakwu was happy that he was recognised for the enormous effort he put into creating a pathway of progress and development in his agrarian Ugboba community since his ascension to the throne of his forebears, thereby giving credit of the award to his people who have continued to stand by him in all decisions taken in the interest of economic growth and advancement of Ugboba Kingdom.

He appreciated the organisers for their keen observation that earned him the nomination for the award, wherein he promised never to disappoint those looking up to him, especially in the area of traditional matters.

Speaking at the award ceremony, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Silent Heroes Award Initiatives, Mrs. Ozioma Odita Sunday, held that the award is given to Nigerians excelling in various fields of endeavours, who have impacted humanity positively within and outside their environments.

According to her, “The award initiative was conceived to identify and recognize some silent achievers in their own rights”.

She pointed out that the nominated persons numbering 25 in all, were carefully selected among hundreds of others, in view of the outstanding contributions they have made over the years in their various spheres of endeavours to add value to humanity.

She said, “In furtherance of the initiative, I like to disclose our intention to institute the Africa Heroes Award in the nearest future with a view to celebrating our unsung achievers within the continent of Africa.”

Also speaking at the event was the former Minster for Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Kedem Tallen who was among those recognised.

She appreciated the organisers for the recognition and said, her life has been a dedication to humanity and would continue to make a difference in the life of others.

“If you put smile on the face of your neighbour, you are putting a smile on God’s face, so we should try to make the world a better place by making those in need happy, speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves, sharing in the plights of others because that’s the essence of life,” the former Minister stated.

In a vote of thanks by a Co-Founder, Dr. Odita Sunday, he appreciated all those who turned out for the award ceremony, saying the ideology behind the award is to inspire young people to believe in hard work even in the face of challenging times.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the awards to the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awardees 2023, which include: Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Information, Nigerian Air Force, HRM Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu, Obi of Ugboba Kingdom as Silent Hero in Traditional Leadership, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu as Silent Hero in ICT Development, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, MD/CEO, UBA, Dr. Solomon Arase, Dr. Daniel Kolawale Olukota as Silent Hero of Faith, CP Idowu Owohunwa as Silent Hero in Policing, Mr. Ikalumhe Cornelius, Desmond Utomwen, Engr. Chichi Philip-Orioha, Pastor Jude Chukwunwike as Silent Hero in Local Government Administration, Barr. Samuel Ihensekhien as Silent Hero in Law and Advocacy, Oradea Adekunle Adedonun as Silent Hero in Medicine, Mayor C. Bolivia Osigbemhe, Mr. Frank Oshanugor, Online Publisher, Pastor Norbert A. Sochukwudinma (NAS), Hajiya Husanah Nacho as Silent Hero in Business and Enterprise, Austine Adigwe, Chief Patrick Eholor as Silent Hero in Tourism and  Hospitality, Rt. Hon. Ahmad Chindo as Silent Political Hero, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Dibie Oriekose Charles, Crogamiane Global Braces LIB, and Kelvin Jombo Onumah.

Present at the event were the creme-de-la-creme of the society, which include the former Director of DSS, Sir Mike Ejiofor, former Director General of Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof (Sir) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, the Provost of Kogi State College of Health Sciences, Dr. Nuhu Solomon Anyegwu, the Obi of Ugboba in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, HRM Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu, among other dignitaries.

As part of its achievements at the 6th edition of the Silent Heroes Award, the organisers also unveiled a Magazine and a Compendium of the Nigerian Heroes Award volume one.

The Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Warri Branch has sued  Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Ramson Onoyake, before the Effurun High Court of Delta State to declare him as not fit and proper person to hold public office in Nigeria.

In the case with suit number EHC/139/2023 had Chief Oghenero Okoro, Warri Branch Chairman as the 1st Claimant, Sylvester Ediagbonuvie, Warri Branch Secretary, 2nd Claimant, Suing for themselves and on behalf of the members of the NBA Warri Branch with Onoyake and Uvwie Local Government as 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.

The Claimants are challenging the powers of the Uvwie Local Government and Onoyake for setting up Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body and the Uvwie Local Government Environment Taskforce in May 2023.

The Claimants claims against the Defendants in the originating summons are below:

“A Declaration that the Defendants do not have the constitutional powers to set up a Traffic Control Body and operate the same within the Uvwie Local Government Council.

“A Declaration that the Defendant does not have the constitutional powers to set up an Environmental Task Force and operate the same within the Uvwie Local Government Council.

“A Declaration that the establishment of a Traffic Control Body by the Defendants is contrary to the provisions of the 4th Schedule made pursuant to section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and the same is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

“A Declaration that the establishment of an Environmental Task Force by the Defendants is contrary to the provisions of the 4th Schedule made pursuant to section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and the same is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

“A Declaration that the 2nd Defendant, having flagrantly flouted the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and his oath of office as contained in Schedule 2 to the Delta State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2017, is not fit and proper person to hold public office in Nigeria.

“An Order directing the Defendants to disband forthwith the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body constituted by the Defendants on or about the 15th day of May, 2023 as same was constituted ultra vires the powers of the Defendants.

“An Order directing the Defendants to disband forthwith the Uvwie Local Government Environmental Task Force constituted by the Defendants on or about the 15th day of May, 2023 as same was constituted ultra vires the powers of the Defendants.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body constituted by the Defendants from carry out any activities whatsoever within the area or precincts of the Uvwie Local Government Council.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Uvwie Local Government Environmental Task Force constituted by the Defendants from carry out any activities whatsoever within the area or precincts of the Uvwie Local Government Council.”

The Claimants are further asking the court to determine the following:

“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of the 4th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended), the Defendants have the authority to establish the Uvwie Local Government Environment Taskforce and the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body.

“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of the 4th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended), any Bye-Law whatsoever enacted by the 1st Defendant purporting to establish the said Uvwie Local Government Environment Taskforce and the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body is ultra vires the constitutional functions and powers of the 1st Defendant.

“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of the 4th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended), the establishment of the Uvwie Local Government Environment Taskforce and the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body is valid and constitutional.

“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of the 4th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended), the Uvwie Local Government Environment Taskforce and the Uvwie Local Government Traffic Control Body have any legal authority to operate and carry out their activities within the Uvwie Local Government Council.

“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of the 4th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Part III in the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap T2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended) and Schedule 2 to the Delta State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2017, the 2nd Defendant is fit and proper to hold any public office in Nigeria.”

By: GodsPower Temple 

The Vice Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Chief( Mrs.) Divine Ann Iniovosa has congratulated the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Michael Tidi as he celebrates his 43rd birthday Friday, September 15.

The Warri South Local Government Vice Chairman, Chief (Mrs) Iniovosa showered encomiums at his Boss, Dr. Tidi describing him as a man with a good heart whose service to the people will take him to great Height above in all endeavours.

She further described Dr. Tidi as a passionate politician that want people to smile and live freely with out stress , adding that with the little resources coming to the Council, he has deployed it judiciously for the grassroots benefit and development.

Hon. Iniovosa prayed God to keep him, strengthen and continually take his Boss Dr. Tidi to the next level, saying whatever honour given to him are extremely deserved.

She once again expressed her kind appreciation to the celebrant, Dr. Tidi and wished him a blissful celebration.

Chairman of BUA Cement Plc., Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced plans to reduce the price of cement from N5,500 to between N3,000 and N3,500.

Rabiu disclosed this to Journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

He said the price crash is part of his company’s contribution to supporting the efforts of the Federal Government to stabilise the prices of essential commodities.

He however stated that this would kick start after the commissioning of two new lines of 3 million tons each by the end of the year.

Rabiu said: “Let me thank his excellency Mr. President for graciously receiving me today, I came to intimate his excellency on the affairs of our cement business.

“We have two new lines of 3 million tons each that we will be commissioning by the end of the year.

“So I explained to him that we want to support the efforts of the government in bringing down the cost of cement, by the time these lines are commissioned BUA Cement will be producing about 17 million tons per annum and with that, we intend to bring down the cost of cement from its current level of N5,000 or N5,500 per bag to maybe N3,000 to N3,500 per bag.

“Eighty per cent of the raw materials that we are using to produce cement in Nigeria are mainly limestone and gypsum and of course, energy is part of it. Of course, we have gas in Nigeria.

“So we want to support the government, we want to support their efforts in ensuring that the prices of these commodities are brought down incidentally.’’

He said the two new plants to be inaugurated by Tinubu later in 2023 would increase production capacity to 17 million metric tons.