NAN’s Olannye Emerges Chairman of the Asaba Correspondent’s Chapel, NUJ

The Chairman of the Delta State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Comrade Churchill Oyowe, has sworn in a new set of Executive to pilot the affairs of the Asaba Correspondent’s Chapel of the NUJ for the next three years.

The sub-council election witnessed the emergence of Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye, of the News Agency of Nigeria NAN as Chairman, and Mr. Matthew Ochei of the Punch Newspaper as Vice Chairman, while Oghenero Eghweree, of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN won the race for the Secretaryship of the body.

Others in the chapel’s executive include comrades Mike Oladapo as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Eucharia Ezeabi as Treasurer and Mrs Efemena Ogbo, as Financial Secretary.

Comrade Oyowe in a speech after the end of proceedings at the chapel’s secretariat taxed the new Executive body to carry all members along in the affairs of the chapel regardless of the outcome of the election, and to embrace professionalism and peaceful disposition in their actions.

The NUJ Chairman, who described the Asaba Correspondent’s Chapel as the hub of the creme de la creme of journalists in the state, urged members of the sub-union to work progressively with the State Council of the NUJ and other organizations for the development of Delta state and the wellbeing of residents.

Meanwhile, the new Chairman of the Asaba Correspondent’s Chapel Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye, in his inaugural speech promised to hit the ground running with the immediate constitution of a welfare, reconciliation and economic committees of his regime.

He commended members of the chapel for their matured disposition towards the just concluded electoral process and solicited their support to enable the new Executive succeed in it’s objectives.

In the hotly contested Chairmanship race Ifeanyi Olannye got thirteen votes, to narrowly defeat the incumbent Dominic Adewole, and an Elder in the chapel Monday Osayende, with twelve and eleven votes respectively.

Oborevwori presents #714.4 billion budget of Hope and Optimism to DTHA

By Andy Emephia.

In his first budget presentation since assuming office as Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori , has presented the 2024 budget estimate of #714.4 billion to the Delta State House of Assembly.

According to the Governor who christened the document as “budget of Hope and Optimism”, the 2024 budget estimates comprise #316.6 bn or 44 percent , as recurrent expenditure, while #397.9bn , or 56 percent of the total estimate, is projected for capital expenditure.

Governor Oborevwori said the 2024 budget proposals of his administration was envisioned to place the state,s economy on the path of sustainable growth, boost investments and productivity , enhance the ease of doing business , and provide ample opportunities for the average citizen to participate in the economy.

Said the Governor:” In 2024, we propose to spend #150bn on road infrastructure for the ministries of works, #46.55bn on Education, #18.65bn on health, Agriculture #7bn, and Urban renewal #7.5bn. Environment will gulp #2.1bn, Youth Development #1.7bn, to mention a few.

While appealing for speedy passage of the appropriation bill by the lawmakers , Governor Oborevwori assured Deltans that his administration is determined to see them through the prevailing challenges of the times, while doing it’s utmost to assist the poor and vulnerable.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, said the house would ensure that the budget substantially complies with the international Public Sector Accounting Standard ,which is aimed at providing official internal control and result based financial management in the public sector of the state.

2023 Rivers Liberation: Prophet Fufeyin lands in Portharcourt received by Gov. Fubara for a 4-Day state wide crusad

**Papa J pays courtesy visit to OPM founder in Portharcourt

By: Celestine Ukah & Rita Oranusi

The Founder and General overseer of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, CMDM, God General, Snr. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin has landed in Portharcourt the Rivers State Capital, where he was received by the Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara shortly after his plan touched down the Airport.

Papa J arrival in the city of Portharcourt, Rivers State 

Snr. Prophet Fufeyin arrived Portharcourt Thursday November 30 for a 4-Day Liberation, invasion of miracles, deliverance and power packed word of God to the people of Rivers state and others connecting all over the world in the program.

Aàaaaq Portharcourt Invasion encounter with the God will hold Starting from 3pm daily Thursday November 30 to Sunday December 3, 2023 at Elekahia Stadium Portharcourt Rivers state capital, Nigeria.

The Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministries General Overseer, Prophet Fufeyin also called Papa J visited the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere at his residence in Portharcourt, the Man of God preached peace and love among clergy men in Nigeria, urging them to support one another just as Christ loved the Church.

Prophet Fufeyin said he feels at home at the residence of Apostle Chinyere, noting that his visit is the Lords doing.

Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere commended Snr. Prophet Fufeyin for his good work in Christ Jesus he called on all residents in Rivers state and beyond to come enmasse to attend the crusade.

DTSG Applauds HEOSL, OML 30 JV Partners

**As OML 30 Communities Development Board celebrates One Year anniversary

The Governor of Delta State Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has applauded Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), Operator of the OML 30 Joint Venture between NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL), OML 30 Joint Venture Partners and host communities for their cooperation and development of host communities.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode said this on Wednesday 29th of November, 2023, at Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, during the one-year anniversary celebration of the OML 30 Community Development Board (CDB) and the commissioning of several projects across the clusters that make up the oil block.

He notes that government is elated with what is being done by OML 30 CDB and sent his warm greetings; saying that; “These kinds of projects completed and commissioned are in line with the Delta State government’s MORE AGENDA.” According to him, “If all Oil Mining Lease Community Development Boards and the Oil Companies are doing this kind of projects with their corporate social responsibility, various host communities will experience peace and development”.

The anniversary, which kicked off on Monday 27th November 2023, featured the commissioning of several completed projects and the inspection of others that are ongoing. Some of the commissioned projects include: 4 units self contained apartments in Orhoakpor community; 60 units market stalls/abattoir and Town Hall in Afiesere; Ugbokodo-Okpe community market; 3 Bedroom Bungalow and 3 Guests houses in Ubeji community.

Other projects commissioned include: Okporo-Oleh Community Hall for oil and gas landlords; Emede community market stalls and 2 and 3 housing units for oil and gas landlords; Odiologbo of Okpolo-Enhwe Palace; Odiologbo of Olomoro residential building; Chief Henry Ojogho road and Uzeva road, Oleh.

In his address, the Chairman of the OML 30 Community Development Board (CDB) High Chief Iduh Amadhe appreciates the management and staff of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), NPEL, Shoreline, the Joint Venture Partners for increasing capacity and willingness to live up to their Corporate Social Responsibility at all times. In his words: “We have been able to complete over 100 projects in our host communities while several others are ongoing with many at advanced stages. Other areas where the Board has also done well include training/capacity building and presentation of starter packs to hundreds of participants from across the 12 Clusters”.

He further says that: “The Board has engaged the operator on strategic areas like acceptable employment quota and contracts to our people as well as issues bothering on spill management and protection of our environment within the extant laws governing the oil industry”.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) Ado Oseragbaje who was represented by Jeremiah Oharisi, Head Community Relations, says that HEOSL, as the operator of the Joint Venture Partnership (SNRL & NEPL), is proud to be associated with the 112 host communities comprising the Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Delta State.

He adds that; “Our commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with our host communities is evident through the various initiatives outlined in the GMoU (Global Memorandum of Understanding) signed in 2018. The GMoU mandate fund has been instrumental in executing infrastructural projects, including hospitals, hospital equipment, road networks, transformers, bridges, and schools, amongst others.”

He emphasizes the importance of peace to ensure a good business environment; “It is important for all of us that there continues to be uninterrupted peace for business to thrive. Let us continue to respect the rule of law and adopt dialogue for resolving all conflict situations,” he says.

Similarly, in a goodwill message, the CEO of Shoreline Natural Resources Engr. Tunde Karim, who was represented by Engr. Philip Egbe says that the projects commissioning and the unwavering commitments to the growth of OML 30 have not gone unnoticed, stating that the leadership of the CDB has been a driving force behind the positive changes witnessed in the asset.

He commends the CDB’s efforts in fostering a thriving and sustainable community and emphasizes that Shoreline Natural Resources Limited values the partnership with the CDB as a veritable alliance for promoting growth and transforming OML 30.
Good will messages also came from the representative of the Delta state Solicitor General, Barr. Emamizo Erebe and the Ministry of Justice as well as Zonal Director of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, all eulogising HEOSL , the JV partners and the Board for striking a fruitful synergy for smooth operation in OML.

The colourful anniversary celebration also featured the popular Ughelli Ima cultural troupe as well as the Queen Odogwa led cultural dance group and the cutting of the anniversary cake.

Dignitaries present at the event includes: various Presidents General of OML 30, HRM Joseph Isike the Odiologbo of Olomoro Kingdom and the representative of the Ovie of Ughelli who is the chairman of OML 30 traditional rulers, top management staff of HEOSL and OML 30 CDB Members among others

Oil Spill: Diebiri kingdom Calls On Delta Govt To Intervene, Urges Heritage Energy to Compensate community

The people of Diebiri Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday November 28, 2023 decried the impact of oil spill allegedly from the Trans Forcados Pipeline which has polluted their means of livelihood.

Chairman of Diebiri Kingdom Governing Council, Mr Emmanuel Orubu, flanked by other leaders in the kingdom, during an on the spot assessment allegedly blamed the spill on a system failure by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited.

The leadership equally accused the company of being insensitive to the economic hardship the spillage had caused the people who are majorly into fishing.

Orubu said the sights and scenes of the aftermath of the spill allegedly from Trans Forcados pipeline managed by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited was a diaster

Mr Orubu and other communities leaders, who were at one of the sites expressed displeasure at the manner at which Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited is handling the situation which had greatly affected the people and the company.

He said the company refused to address the economic setback the sad occurrence had caused the people.
” the company don’t want to come and clean up our communities we have appealed to them severally, this should be the sixth times oil has spilled from Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited pipeline our people are suffering , fishes have died , we don’t have other means to survive as the aquatic lives in the river are dead. “He stated .

Other Communities leaders, including Pastor Samuel Ako, Woman Leader, Friday Ebike, and the Youth President of Diebiri Kingdom, Quinton Teledor, appealed to Delta and the Federal Governments to prevail on the company to clean up the spill
and wake up to their Corporate Social Responsibilities,” we need compensation ,we want the company to provide relief materials to us ” they stated at separate interviews .

While revealing the impact of the spill on the socio-economic life, they revealed that the spill on the area had become a recurring decimal, urging the company to look for a lasting solution.

A staff of the company on site who refused to disclosed his name to newsmen appealed to the people to be calm, saying he would relay their message to management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited.

Communities affected by the spill include Diebiri, Kokologbene, Dibigbene, Batan Ibiebl, Makirigbene, amongst others.

Delta Online Publishers Forum DOPF Convention 2023 Communique

COMMUNIQUE of DOPF CONVENTION/LECTURE 2023

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, held its annual lecture/convention in Asaba, Delta State. The topic of discourse for the lecture was: “Fiscal Policy and Taxation: Balancing Revenue Generation and Economic Growth.”

Following the successful conduct of the 2023 convention and the facts presented by the Guest Speaker and the three discussants, the forum resolved as follows:

1. That taxes should be paid by all taxable members of the society and companies. Taxes are essential for maintaining public infrastructure, funding social welfare programmes, ensuring national security, and managing the overall functioning of the country. Without taxes or negligence on the part of citizens, the government cannot function effectively.

2. That taxpayer; individuals and corporate bodies should not be overtaxed or overburdened, which could lead to reduced investment, decreased consumer spending, discouraged entrepreneurship, and an increase in tax evasion amongst others. By this, taxes should be levied in a way that payers can pay. An increase in taxation on the other, hand may hamper economic growth.

3. That tax payment and collection method should be simplified, and people should be educated on the essence of tax payment and how tax evasion could affect the economic development of societies

4. That multinational companies are the greatest defaulters. They take advantage of Nigeria’s weak institutions and escape without paying taxes to tax collection authorities.

5. That for every Deltan to be effectively taxed according to their capacity, there is a need for a data bank of all informal sectors who are the most important people in the society. This is so because since civil servants pay their taxes from source, a data bank of all informal sector will be useful for the tax collection agencies.

6. That government must provide justification for taxes collected from individuals and corporate bodies by judiciously deploying the funds to maintaining public facilities, and building public institutions that will have a positive effect on the lives of the citizens.

7. That individuals will comply with tax payment if the process is simplified, digital platforms are used, user-friendly interfaces are provided, and taxpayer education

8. That taxpayers will comply without much pressure if incentives are provided to taxpayers.

9. That where taxpayers appear unwilling to pay, enforcement should be strengthened with effective communication

10. That for Delta state to increase her IGR, there should be economic diversification, encouraging investment, there should be enhanced transparency and accountability, improved governance and service delivery, and promotion of cost-cutting measures

11. That corruption among public officers and tax collection agencies, has been a major challenge for Nigeria as it continuously cripples efforts of the government to meet the needs of citizens. When corruption indices are high, citizens tend to be less willing to pay taxes, fearing that their taxes will be misused or misappropriated.

12. That public financial management should be strengthened to enhance the efficiency and equity in public spending, a development which will lead to building public trust and improve compliance and revenue collection

13. That increase in government spending may lead to increased economic growth and fiscal policy, geared towards encouraging people and businesses to feel economic activities and alleviate their financial discomfort, will pick up considerably. This can go a long way to restore confidence in the government,

14. Expanding the tax net to include more and more diverse payers in the taxation system would help generate more revenue which must be utilized productively through transparent and accountable processes as against increasing the current tax rate. The government should formulate policies to bring the informal sector and agriculture into the tax.

15. For Delta State to enhance a better fiscal policy, the state government should leverage on information and communication technologies to improve revenue generation. Information technology should be used to bring more economic agents within the tax system.

Joe Ogbodu
Chairman,
Augustine Oyibode
Secretary

Communique Drafting Committee Communique Drafting Committee