Delta State Secretariat Adjudged Best Corporate Building In Nigeria- NIA

By Patrick Ochei

The Delta State Secretariat named after the immediate past Asagba of Asaba as Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien Secretariat has been adjudged the best corporate building in Nigeria.

This evaluation and recognition was done by the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) at their National conference in Abuja when it recently presented a National Award to a Delta born Architect and designer of the magnificent Secretariat, Arc. Kester Ifeadi for designing the Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria.

This award couldn’t have carried much effect if it has come from other professional bodies, but coming from a prestigious and well established professional body like Nigerian Institute of Architects speaks volumes of such investigation and evaluation that shortlisted this project above several legacy projects across the country for an award of this magnitude.

Few years ago, Delta State Government under the leadership of Sen. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as Governor, embarked on this iconic project that naysayers thought wasn’t going to be accomplished. But to the amazement of pundits, the project was completed in record time and commissioned.

The project was borne out of the fact that Government needed to bring all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies under one environment, stop paying rents and save money for Government.

Delta State despite being one of the most endowed states in Nigeria has operated without a Central Secretariat for over 33 years of being created. Most of the Ministries operated in different parts of the city (Asaba) and in most cases, rented accommodations. This reduced the efficiency of government operations. This unique project therefore became imperative to improve the efficiency of government by having all the Ministries in one location as well as ensure seamless service delivery.

A major challenge was the unavailability of a suitable well located land within the city centre for this size of project that would accommodate the Ministries. The solution was in conceiving a single structure building that would house the above requirements and fit into the identified limited space. The mega project has a total floor space of 45,000m2. It is an Eight floor building complex that provides for over 30 Ministries, Departments and Agencies serviced by an Independent Power Supply that ensures an uninterrupted supply of electricity, sewage treatment, CCTV, Central Information Centre, etc.

It presently accommodates over 5000 workers daily with other facilities such as business centres, clinic, banks, creche and restaurants. Today, it is the largest single building State Secretariat in Nigeria.

As Delta State is being celebrated for this iconic building accomplishment and enjoys the latitude for encouraging Local Content in its development efforts, the Delta born Architect, designer and project consultant for the State Secretariat, Arc. Kester Ifeadi is being upscaled for career excellence.

Arc. Ifeadi was born at Ubulu-Okiti in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, an alumnus of the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University where he obtained Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Architecture. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and Chief Executive Officer of the Contemporary Group Limited, with over 35 years of his life in his craft and trade. He is also the designer of Asaba International Airport and many other highbrow projects across the country, including this award winning Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria.

The NIA is reputed for its Core Value which is “We remain true to the same principles on which Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) was founded since 1960: producing members that create superior designs, shaping our world and, putting safety first, to creating opportunities for people. The NIA has truly lived up to its name by giving this award to a renowned, highly creative, silent but audacious architect par excellence, Arc. Kester Ifeadi, recognizing him for putting Delta on the best spot of history and reputation profiling.

However, while Arc. Kester Ifeadi and his Contemporary Group Limited got the award, Delta State is the winner for her achievement in building the Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria.

Katsina United FC Defeats Insurance to Record Their First Three Points Of The New NPFL Season

Katsina United FC defeated Bendal Insurance by two goals to one at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium Katsina on the second matchday of the ongoing NPFL Season 2024/2025.

Bendal Insurance took an early lead in the first half after Lukman Bello wasted a one-on-one opportunity with the Insurance goalkeeper.

A few minutes later, Bello equalized for Katsina United with a header from a long throw from Nasiru Sani, making the score 1-1.

The game continued with both teams producing incursions in an attempt to score the second goal, but it proved tough, and so the first half ended.

During the second half, Insurance used defensive tactics, while Katsina United players attempted several times to break the deadlock.

Katsina United continues to put more pressure on the opponent’s half throughout the second half, but they finding it difficult to as the Insurance players continue to defend effectively.

Nasir Gide Media Officer of Katsina United reports that after six minutes of extra time, Katsina United FC scored the winning goal through Azeez Falolu, who striked a long-range shot one minute into the final whistle.

Coach Bishir Sadauki of Katsina United expressed happiness with his players’ performance as well as the Club fans’ support in his post-match interview.

Bishir Sadauki stated that as the season progressed, he would make any required adjustments that will better the performance of the team.

Katsina United next encounter is against the Heartland FC of Owerri in the upcoming weekend.

The Senator Ned Nwoko,s frank talk on Okpai step down and Ogwashi Uku dam : perspectives to douse misgivings

By Andy Emephia

When a man, in his elected position , and unarguably his constituents voice, speaks up, it’s incontrovertible, unanimous and obvious

And it resonates. Clearly . No one in their elements , disputes a doyen of the Paris club refunds, less alone, a record breaking personality , who , like Collosus, made history for his country , in countless sojourns, to tall,, as the FIRST Nigerian, nay , African, to mount his country,s flag, the 13th human on earth , at the coldest Antarctica south pole region.

Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district , in the Nigerian senate , has come , seen, and , ultimately conquered

For a robust, brisk, and coordinated blue blood royalty, when Ned speaks, he does so without compunction. He knows his onions

The Senator has, as always , not been given to flippancy . His Anioma State bill which has elicited the most vitriolic of positive and negative admixture of reactions from a mixed grill of his kinsmen, has incontrovertibly , become a reference point in legislative representation

Gliding as it were, to a prism of glee, in addition to furtherance of set goals , the ldumuje Ugboko born Prince , seems to have spoken truth to power in defence if his mandate as Senator of the federal Republic , representing Delta North.

Ned is strident, unapologetic, primed , and determined, to , in a hurry , ensure his campaign promises , to wit, the step down, via a 100mefawatts diadem , of the Okpai in Ndokwa West Local government lndependent Power Plant ( IPP) facility, is actualized , so that the entire Anioma nation he represents, is lit up.

Not done , Ned is clear that , the most economically viable but abandoned Ogwashi Uku dam, in Aniocha South, which, to all intents and purposes, will engender rapid agricultural fortunes in the communities around per food sustenance , sees the light of day

A clearly focused Senator of Ned,s clout, for a personality as enlightened as this blue blood Prince to speak truth to power, clearly identifies him as a true representative of the Aniomas he represents

Ned , as he is popularly called, is self made, a loyal party man, for the avoidance of doubt. Ned it was , who saw , with his resources , emergence of the immediate past Governor , Senator Dr lfeanyi Okowa, as Deputy Chairman of then PDP Council , with Professor Sam Oyovbaire , as Chairman.

Same Ned , expended his personal resources, again, without prodding, to ensure the emergence of incumbent Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori

It’s not out of place to accord the only PDP Senator in Delta State , the trust and respect he deserves.

Ned Nwoko is an unrepentant good man, a die hard empathizer who believes in fairness and equity. PDP is blessed to have him.

A Day Of Glory For Alhaja Anike Ibiladun

**Life Begins At 90, Says Alhaja Adebayo

At a time when the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is at an all time low of 47 years due to the, hitting the ripe old age of four scores and ten is “moimoi” as they say in pidgin English. It is definitely cause to throw momentarily away the work to be done, pop champagne and raise the roof..

So it was recently in the Oyo State capital of Ibadan when Alhaja Rafatu Anike Ibiladun Adebayo, mother of veteran journalist, Asiwaju Shola Adebayo hit 90.

Alhaja Adebayo accompanied by her journalist son and other members of the family alighted from the 2024 model of Sports Utility Vehicle JAC to the venue of the event and was received by the guests at about 12:25pm.

As one stepped into the hall, the coolness of the air conditioner literally moped up the hot and upsetting weather felt outside. This resulted from the optimal functioning of the twelve giant standing air conditioning units and sixteen ceiling fans oscillating at their optimum.

The twenty florescent tubes and 24 energy saving bulbs shown brightly, illuminating the hall at the heavily decorated event center, located on Liberty Road, right in the heart of the ancient city of Ibadan. The turn out was massive but quite interestingly the hall was large enough to accommodate each and everybody.

There was orderliness, as the security personnel placed at strategic points to the entrance of the expansive premises were literally idle. Not even the hazy weather could deter the people as they kept coming. As the dignitaries arrived the hall, the ushers promptly led them to their various seats, smiling.

Traditional rulers, accompanied by their chiefs and aides in long flowing robes (agbada), bards and Spector’s added colour to the ceremony, held at Jogor Event Center which glowed in colorful modern fabrics.

Notable politicians, both serving and former commissioners from Delta and Oyo states, National Assembly members from the two states, local government executives, political party leaders, top civil servants, across the country, business moguls, particularly from the oil sector, media executives and community leaders all trooped in to celebrate with the matriarch of the Adebayo Family.

It was a political rally of sorts. Important personalities engaged in banters, the gathering presenting a perfect opportunity to catch up on old times.

At the carnival like ceremony, neighbours were not left out of the hearty celebration. As early as 9 am, they beheld exotic vehicles particularly sport utility vans (SUVS) gliding into the neighborhood and promptly joined the joyous party.

The guests stood up to usher the celebrant as she walked majestically to a special canopy designed for the nonagenarian, an accomplished community leader. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, she waved at the crowd and thanked them for the honor done on her. She hugged the guests and pumped hands.

The list included the General Overseer Mega Praise Ministry, Evangelist Michael Diden and his wife, Mrs. Light Diden, Chief Emami Ayiri, Dr. Julius Tekeme, chairman Burutu local government, Mr. Peter Dunia, Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha of FENOG Nigeria Limited, High Chief Tunde Smooth and Dr. Christ Isiguzo, NUJ National President.

Others are Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, Deputy National President, Chief Francis Arhiyo, Delta State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Hon. Thomas Areyitomi, member, National Assembly, comrade Churchill Oyowe, Delta State chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, the state Secretary, Victory Sorokwu, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, National vice president, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists and state chairman Women Journalists, Comrade Sonia.

Going by the turn out of people from all walks of life, it will certainly not be out of place to say that Liberty Road, Ibadan is yet to witness a birthday ceremony of such magnitude.

Long after the ceremony, the echoes of the celebration will definitely linger on for years to come.