Delta Decides: Guwor excercises his franchise @ Okerenkoko, describes process as Peaceful

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, today, voted at Okerenkoko Ward, Unit 17, for the Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates of his choice in the July 13th 2024 Local Government Council elections in the state.

The Speaker who was accredited for the civic exercise, alongside some of his aides and relatives who share same voting unit, casted his votes at exactly 11:20am.

The exercise was hitch free as electorates maintained decorum and were orderly while they waited for their turns to cast their votes.

It was gathered that officials of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, including the ADHOC staff arrived the wards early, the development that exited the electorates for not having to wait so long to perform their franchise.

Security agencies were also involved and strategically positioned to ensure peace and order before, during and beyond the voting process.

Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor who was elated by the large turnout of voters in the ward, said nothing can be compared to democracy as it allows the electorates to pick their leaders.

Rt Hon Guwor commended the people for their commitment to the development and growth of democratic governance, assuring that by so doing they will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The Speaker, who represents Warri South West in the House, stated that from feelers across his constituency, the voting exercise were going on smoothly as at the time of the interview, even as he expressed confidence that the entire process will end in praise.

Rt Hon Guwor appreciated DSIEC for its efforts to conduct free and fair elections in Delta State, stressing that it is expected that the best candidates would emerge victorious.

He said governance at the grassroots is key to delivering the MORE agenda of the State Government, emphasizing the need for strong synergy that would further promote peace and prosperity in the local government area.

The Speaker commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership in the state and for ensuring that the local government councils election was conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures in the conduct of elections.

Guwor enjoined Deltans to remain peaceful and to help ensure a rancour free local government council elections in the state.

Just In: APC Councillorship candidate, Engr. Samson Uwatse boycott Delta LGAs Councils election

The Councillorship candidate for Orugbo Ward in Warri South Local Government Council in today’s Local Government Council election, Engr. Samson Uwatse has pulled out of the LGA election.

Engr. Uwatse said “they have removed the sensitive and non sensitive materials both result sheets not included in the electrical materials hence he has decided to pull out of the poll after consulting with the party leadership”.

He accused Delta State Government of not being fare to them and that they have directed their agents and supporters to buycot the election as the process is fake, he also accused the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, saying have lost hope in DSIEC.

Noting that in order not to cause any violence they have dropped their interest in the election as they have lost hope on DSIEC, stressing that they have compromised the process.

Eighteen Players Invited As Nigeria’s Women Under 18 Handball Team To Begin Preparation For IHF Women Under 18 World Cup in China.

Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola of the Nigeria’s under 18 Women Handball team has invited 18 players ahead of the IHF Women Under 18 World Cup in China.

The 2024 IHF Women’s U18 Handball World Championship will hold in the city of Chuzhou, China August 14 to 25, 2024 and Nigeria is one of the four countries that will represent the continent of Africa in the world cup after they qualified for the first time at the Africa Women’s Under 18 Handball Nations Cup in Monastir, Tunisia last year.

They had played in the IHF Trophy series and finished second globally and are in pole position as one of the most exciting handball teams for the world championship.

Captains Esther Mathew and Taiwo Babatunde with her twin sister make return to the team alongside the Munira sisters from Rima Queens of Sokoto and Oparaugo Amarachi of Imo Grasshoppers.

Also the Samuel sisters and Rivers Queens Damilola Akinlade are also amongst the invited players.

Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola, who penned down a heartfelt appreciation post on his social media pages, dedicating the success of the team thus far to the HFN led by the president Mr. Samuel Ocheho, said the team is determined to do well in the competition as they commenced preparation from Sunday July 14th, 2024 at the Etete Indoor sports hall in Benin City, Edo State.

“As we sojourn to the IHF Female U18 World Cup with the Nigeria flag, hopes and dreams of our teeming fans and population all behind us, we are fully motivated to give it a memorable tournament and remarkable outing.

“We will give it our best shot and make Nigeria proud” Coach Shittu said.

Invited Players For IHF Women Under 18 World Cup

Goalkeepers

1. SAMUEL PRECIOUS GK (SOKOTO RIMA)
2.BABATUNDE KEHINDE GK (ASPAC HBC)
3. EMMAMUZO EMUORE GK (DELTA FORCE)

Right Wing

4. ONYEKWERE LUCY (SOKOTO RIMA)
5.IGBENEDION BLESSING RW (DELTA FORCE )

Right Back

6. MATHEW ESTHER RB (ADDIJA HBC)
7. OGBUSIMBA CHIDERA RB (SOKOTO RIMA)

Left Back

8. SAMUEL PRUDENCE LB (SOKOTO RIMA)
9.BABATUNDE TAIWO LB (SEASIDERS BABE)
10. OPARAUGO AMARACHI LB (IMO GRASSHOPPERS)

Left Wing

11. MUHAMMAD AMINA LW (SOKOTO RIMA)
12. KASIM MUNIRA LW (SOKOTO RIMA)
13. OKOLO JOAN LW (DELTA FORCE)

Center Back

14. BELLO RAHIMA CB (SOKOTO RIMA)
15. OPARA MONICA CB (SOKOTO RIMA)
16. IZUOBA IJEOMA CB (DELTA FORCE)

Pivots

17. AKINLADE DAMILOLA PV ,(RIVERS QUEENS)
18. MUHAMMAD MUNIRA PV (SOKOTO RIMA)

Sports Minister Tasks Nigerian Referees to Deepen Capacity for Greater Participation in FIFA/CAF Flagged Competitions

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Wednesday tasked Nigerian referees to deepen and strengthen their professionalism in order to attract greater participation in FIFA and CAF flagged competitions. Speaking during his interactive session with the 2024 FIFA Member Association Refereeing Development Course, the minister regretted that Nigerian referees are not playing critical roles in both FIFA and CAF flagged competitions as a result of failure to reach the performance and professional threshold set out by both international bodies.

Describing the situation whereby Nigerian referees are neglected and relegated to the background in the perking order by FIFA and CAF as unacceptable, he said that the current administration would do everything within its powers to reverse this ugly trend. The Minister stated that his engagement with the referees was part of ongoing efforts by him to get to the root of the problem and proffer solutions to solve the problem.

He recalled that at inception as minister, one of the early engagements that he initiated was to invite referees and critical stakeholders in sports for a parley when his attention was drawn to the fact that no Nigerian referee was considered qualified enough to officiate in the just concluded CAF flagged African Cup of Nations.
He said, “I thought that this was unacceptable. It was for this reason that I started series of engagements with Referee Associations, the NFF and other critical stakeholders. Sadly, even in the next AFCON, no Nigerian referee was listed to participate in officiating duties by CAF. This is a shame. As a country, it is important that we get right things that we are not doing right to change this ugly narrative.”

He challenged the elite referees to raise the bar in terms of their commitment to improving their professionalism adding that government is ready to support and work closely with them to put an end to this neglect.

Responding to the Minister, the lead FIFA Technical Instructor, Mr. Felix Tangwarinma thanked the Minister for his commitment to the development of Nigerian referees. He observed that not too long ago, Nigerian referees were doing very well as officials in international competitions but regretted that lack of continuity left a huge gap when they retired. The FIFA Technical Instructor stated that that training was part of ongoing efforts to close the gap.

He explained that one of the major problems that impacted the relegation of Nigerian referees in FIFA and CAF organized competitions is the fact that presently, there is no Nigerian referee is certified to officiate with VAR. He said that as a country, Nigeria needs to train the referees with VAR to enable them cover the required number of hours stipulated by FIFA and CAF to enable them to be picked to officiate in championships.

The FIFA instructor informed the Minister that the VAR equipment was very expensive to procure. Given the huge financial exposure, he called on the sports ministry to assist with funding since NFF may not be able to fund the procurement of the required number of VAR to be deployed for use in the national league. In the interim he suggested that Nigeria can bridge the gap by sending referees for VAR training in countries like Morrocco and Tunisia while it puts its house in order.

NUJ Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament: Onwudiwe charges Team FCT SWAN to win

The leadership of the FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (FCT SWAN) has urged its football team to go all out to clinch the NUJ Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament, holding from July 11-13, 2024 in Abuja.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Kelechi Onwudiwe, conveyed this message on Wednesday during his visit to the team at the Area 3 training camp, Garki, Abuja.

Addressing the players, Mr. Onwudiwe encouraged the team to demonstrate that they are not only sports writers but active sportsmen.

The veteran broadcaster also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of players, assuring them that their commitment and dedication to the association will be duly recognized.

“Prove to everyone that we are not just observers but participants. Your dedication is commendable and will be rewarded,” Onwudiwe assured.

In response, Team Coordinator Mr. Tolu Oguntimehin and Team Coach Abdul Onimisi, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude to the association’s leadership and affirmed the team’s readiness to bring honour to FCT SWAN. “We are determined to make our association proud,” Oguntimehin affirmed.

They also called upon association members to turn out in large numbers to support the team. “Your support is invaluable; let’s come out and cheer our team to victory,” Onimisi encouraged.

Team FCT SWAN will face off against Team AIBEN on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, at 12 pm.

NUJ Calls for  Free, Fair, and Transparent Local Government Councils’ Election in Delta State

As the Local Government Councils’ elections approach on July 13, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, wishes to reiterate the critical role that journalists play in ensuring a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process. Journalists serve as the vital link between the electoral process and the public, providing essential information and education to the electorate.

In light of this, the NUJ Delta State Council emphasizes the following points:

1. Objective Monitoring and Reporting: Journalists are committed to monitoring the electoral process objectively. We urge all media professionals to report only the results declared by the official electoral umpire. It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the information disseminated to avoid creating unnecessary chaos or confusion among the public.

2. Respect for Journalists’ Rights: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees the freedom of the press. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without any form of restriction, intimidation, or harassment. We call on the electoral umpire, the police, and other security agencies to respect and uphold the rights of journalists during the forthcoming Councils’ poll.

3. Professional Conduct: We urge all journalists to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct. This includes verifying information before dissemination, avoiding sensationalism, and ensuring balanced and fair reporting. Journalists should also keep their personal observations private to maintain objectivity and neutrality.

4. Collaboration with Security Agencies: While we advocate for the unrestricted operation of journalists, we also recognize the importance of collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the electoral process. We encourage open communication and cooperation between journalists and security personnel to facilitate a smooth and peaceful election.

5. Public Awareness and Education: Journalists have a responsibility to educate the public about the electoral process, their rights, and the importance of participating in the elections. By providing accurate and timely information, journalists can help foster an informed and engaged electorate.

The NUJ Delta State Council remains committed to supporting its members in carrying out their duties effectively and safely. We call on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election on July 13.

Together, we can uphold the principles of democracy and contribute to the development of our great state.

E-Signed:

Comrade Churchill Oyowe,
Chairman, NUJ Delta Council

Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Secretary, NUJ Delta Council.

Delta: Odohisi elected as Udu NBA Chairman

By: Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Udu Branch Sunday elected its new executive with John Odohisi Esq, emerging as Chairman after pulling 57 votes to defeat his opponent B.M. Jamaho Esq, with 44 votes in a free and fair election conducted by the Caretaker committee led by Ayo Asala SAN.

This is as Austin Nyekigbe Esq, pulled 55 votes to defeat David Omage Esq, with 45 votes to emerge Secretary.

The election which held at the Wetland Hotel, Mofor in Orhuwhorun road has 106 accredited voters with 101 votes cast.

The election which commenced at about 2pm was concluded at about 4.24pm and

Announcing the results, Asala SAN said, “With J.E. Odohisi pulling the majority votes, I hereby declare Odohisi as returned as Chairman and Austin Nyekigbe having pulled the majority votes in the other election as Secretary.”

In a show of sportsmanship as experienced community leader, B.M. Jamaho hugged Odohisi and shook hands after the results were announced.

In his acceptance speech, Odohisi thanked members for the unity and turning out for the peaceful election.

According to him, “Today, history has been made. The branch has decided, I want us to keep the unity and work together to move the branch forward.

“I thank the Caretaker committee led by my learned Silk, Ayo Asala SAN and others who meticulously conducted the election. I thank my colleagues who also contested, we are all winners. Udu branch must move forward” he added.

Highpoint of the event was the swearing in of the Executive after taking Thier paths. The new executive compromise of J. E. Odohisi Esq, Chairman, Mrs. Oghale Ejiroghene, Vice Chairman, Austin Nyekigbe Esq, Secretary, S.G. Okpongu, Treasurer, Mrs. Ofuoma A. Hitler as Assistant Secretary.

Bill on Delta State Prevention & Prohibition/Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties & Public Assets passes first reading

A Bill on Delta State Prevention and Prohibition of Destruction and Vandalization of Public Properties and Public Assets Bill 2024 has passed first reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.

The Bill which has the Chairman House Committee on Public Accounts, Chief James Augoye, representing Okpe Constituency in the House as the lead sponsor, was read the first time at Tuesday’s resumed plenary session of the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

Chief Augoye had in two separate motions sought the leave of the House to bring in the Bill for legislative processing and for it to be read the first time.

The motions were unanimously adopted when put to voice votes by the Speaker who subsequently announced Wednesday, 17th July 2024 for second reading of the bill.

Augoye, a former Commissioner for Works in the State and together with 19 others, are seeking for enactment of a Law to provide for the prevention and prohibition of destruction and vandalization of public properties and other public assets in Delta State.

The House also took first reading on the Delta State Domestic Staff Service Providers Registration Bill.

At at plenary, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor announced constitution of a seven-man Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in the State.

The committee has the Chief Whip of the House and Chairman, House of Assembly committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Perkins Umukoro as Chairman and member representing Isoko South 2 State constituency, Ferguson Onwo as Deputy Chairman.

Members include Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East, Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South, Festus Utuama, Ughelli South, Pereotu Oloye, Burutu 2 and Benson Obire, Warri South 2 as members, while Abigail Eseadi would serve as Secretary

Constituting the committee, the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor said the development was in response to recommendation from a retreat by Conference of Speakers.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I wish to inform you that arising from a retreat by the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House of Representatives with Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly and other stake holders, held on 2nd to 4th May, 2024, it was observed that democratic governance, economic development, peace and security in Nigeria cannot be sustained amidst malnutrition and food insecurity aggravated by increasing poverty and security challenges.

“In order to combat this challenge and ameliorate the food crisis in the country, a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat recommended that all State Houses of assembly should each set up Legislative Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.

“In view of this recommendation, I wish to constitute the Special Committee on Nutrition and Food Security of the House” Guwor said.

The Speaker directed the Committee according to the Speaker, should liaise with the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, House of Representatives for synergy in the area of nutrition and Food Security and Technical Support.