• “AFP furniture is truly amazing”, says Titi Ogufere, CEO DWL

Organiser of the trail-blazing annual design exhibition, Design Week Lagos, DWL, Mrs Titi Ogufere has described Julius Berger-Abuja Furniture Production, AFP, Nigeria’s leading furniture production company with no equal.
Mrs Ogufere spoke at the just concluded 2022 edition of the annual DWL held in Lagos amidst similar encomiums from other high profile visitors to the AFP exhibition stand.
She said, “The Julius Berger AFP pavilion is a great stand with amazing new designs. Year after year in the Design Week Lagos exhibition, AFP’s product quality and strength keeps pushing the standards higher. AFP is a superb Nigerian brand, consistently setting a global benchmark, indeed for the furniture industry.”
Managing Director of leading technology company, Kawai Technologies, Otunba Akimbo Akin-Olugbade did not mince words in lauding AFP’s pioneering efforts at innovating designs in the industry. “I have been coming to visit the AFP pavilion for years now. There is something unique about this company. Every year it stands out among every other company displaying their products. AFP always presents high quality, durable and new designs that can compete with the best anywhere in the world. Interestingly, AFP products are all made in Nigeria,” he said.
Head of Designs, AFP, Shamsi Kazaure in a short interview said, “…we are primarily here to display our new furniture designs, introduce them to the trendy clients and give our new designs the right exposure thereby creating more awareness.” Shamsi added that “We are here just to discuss and explore with clients on the new trends as every item of furniture on display here is new.”
The four-day event was declared open by the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal who graced the occasion with some of his Palace Chiefs. He noted in his comments at AFP stand that: “AFP has been consistent in this business of providing new and exquisite designs of furniture every year. Your beautiful standard continues to improve. Do keep up the good work and service.”
Celebrity Nollywood actress, journalist and singer, Toyin Bello who also visited the AFP pavilion was astounded by the new designs. Her remarks: “AFP! Your products are great. Little wonder, you are of the Julius Berger Group. Keep it up.”
The head of properties (West Africa), Standard Chartered Bank, Anne Rinu, was also a guest amonst many other guests at the AFP pavilion
Conceived to present and celebrate the best in contemporary African design across categories, while bringing international field leaders and visitors to experience the most exciting work from the region, the event, which is the third in the series, was founded by African design advocate, Titi Ogufere.
DWL was first established in 2019 as a citywide celebration held in Lagos, Nigeria over ten days, promoting creativity, and innovation across disciplines, including architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphics design, and technology.
The theme for Design Week Lagos 2022 is “Beyond The Box” and the flagship events were “Made by Design, Home and Hospitality Show” and “DWL Exhibition”.
Leading AFP team to the Design Week Lagos exhibition was the Commercial Manager, Norbert Kossman. Other members included Head of Planning, Benny Brommer, members of the Design and Sales departments, Shamsi Kazaure, Sandra Kyaan, Khadija Zarma, Mirabel Egbokhan and Stellamaris Kwentoh. The Julius Berger Media Relations Office was also present to support the AFP team at the DWL exhibition.

I’ll Repeat Landslide Victory For Rivers PDP As Campaign Director-General – Bro Obuah
Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State Campaign Council for 2023 general elections, Bro Felix Obuah says he is ever ready to repeat his winning streak by delivering all Rivers State PDP candidates in next year’s general elections.
Bro Obuah, the immediate past chairman of the State PDP under whose watch the party won the governorship election and other elections back to back in 2015 and 2019 respectively was speaking at the sidelines of the commissioning of the Rivers PDP Campaign Office and inauguration of the Campaign Council in Port Harcourt on Monday, October 24, 2022.
The former PDP boss said though the party is not going to leave anything to chances, the quality leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike exemplified by the infrastructural revolution across the State has already provided the elixir to the quest for the people’s mandate in favour of the tested Rivers State PDP in 2023 general elections.
Elections, Bro Obuah said, are not only the time to ask for votes but also the period to present one’s scorecards to the people for assessment.
“If this is the case, the landmarks of the PDP-led government in the State speak for the party. If the opposition has seen and testified to the quality leadership provided by His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike over the years and decided to join him in this race, then the result is clear. All we are expected to do is to be on guard so that the lying spirits do not take advantage of the enthusiasm of our people and play a fast one on them.
“But I want to assure our party that victory is guaranteed. All we need to do is to continue to pray for our governor for health, courage and smooth handover of his vision for the state”, Bro Obuah stated.

Jerry Needam,
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to
Bro Felix Obuah
Director-General
Rivers PDP Campaign Council
October 25, 2022.

Okowa salutes Uduaghan at 68

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, on his 68th birth anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, Okowa lauded the former governor for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the growth and development of Delta.

He described Uduaghan as “as an amazing leader” whose contributions to the evolution of the state would remain copious in the history of the state.

He called on the former Governor and elder statesman to continue to avail the government and people of the state of his selfless service and advice, and prayed that God Almighty would continue to bless him with good health and long life.

According to Okowa, Dr Uduaghan demonstrated immense courage and determination in protecting lives and property of Deltans amid communal crises in parts of the state when he held sway as Governor of the state.

He particularly credited Uduaghan for some of the iconic projects in the state, saying that the infrastructure he built would remain sterling legacies of his stewardship in the state.

“Your Excellency, your selfless and impressive performance as Governor of Delta has distinguished you as a statesman.

“Since leaving office in 2015, you have remained an influential and inspirational leader in our state and country,” he said.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our dear leader and former Governor, astute politician andstatesman, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on his 68th birth anniversary.

“On this auspicious occasion in your life, I join your family, friends and associates to thank Almighty God for His continued love and goodness to you and to pray for long life, good health and wisdom to keep serving God and humanity,” Okowa added

.
Press Statement
National Network Newspaper 18th Anniversary Now Holds Friday, Nov. 11
The historic 18th anniversary of National Network newspaper originally scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2022 at Atlantic Hall Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, has been shifted to Friday, November 11, 2022.
The slight shift of date is informed by the desire to accommodate the time schedule of all the fans, patrons and nominees for the award segment of the ceremony to enable them fully participate in the epoch-making event.
While the inconveniences caused by the change of date are regretted, the general public is reassured of the same planned treat already programmed for the guests.
Other details pertaining to the actual venue and time will be dully communicated through same medium and invitation cards to be made available and sent across accordingly.
The general public is also encouraged to take advantage of this slight shift to send in their goodwill and congratulatory messages to National Network newspaper on its 18th consistently years of publishing and also to the lucky awardees at a very attractive rebate.
Signed:

Chris Konkwo, FCAI
Chairman
18th Anniversary Committee

Okowa mourns David Mark’s son, Tunde

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condoled with former President of the Senate, David Mark, over the death of his first son, Tunde.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, said Tunde’s death, which reportedly occurred in a London hospital on Friday, said the younger Mark’s unfortunate death was saddening and painful.

He noted that the deceased was a humble man and accomplished biochemist and immunologist of international acclaim whose passing came rather too early as much was expected from me.

Commiserating with the former boss of the Senate, Okowa said “on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I send my profound condolences to the David Mark’s family on the passing of their son, Tunde Jonathan Mark.

“We remember with fond memories his life and times as an astute scientist of international repute.

“We pray God to grant his soul eternal repose and give fortitude to the entire family to bear the irreparable loss,” Okowa stated.

Rita Ora and Taika Waititi to host “MTV EMAs” 2022 live from Düsseldorf, Germany on Sunday, November 13th
MTV today confirmed award-winning global superstar Rita Ora and Academy Award®-winning and GRAMMY Award-winning writer, director, and actor Taika Waititi will host the “MTV EMAs” 2022, broadcasting live from Düsseldorf, Germany on Sunday, 13 November at 20:00 WAT / 21:00 CAT (Pre-Show) and 21:00 WAT / 22:00 CAT (Main Show).

“We’re excited to host this year’s MTV EMAs and celebrate the best musicians and performances from around the world,” said Rita Ora and Taika Waititi. “We look forward to sharing the evening with all of these talented artists.”
Added Ora, “I’m thrilled to be back hosting, and sharing the stage with Taika makes it all the more special. We’ve got it all at this year’s EMAs, fun surprises, fantastic fashion, comedy, and above all amazing music! We can’t wait for audiences to share these moments with us.”
“We are particularly excited to see the turn out of the Best African Acts category, the continent has played a major role in influencing the overall mood of music genres and we know that Rita Ora and Waititi are going to bring the house down,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Paramount Africa.
Rita Ora is an international critically acclaimed singer-songwriter with 10 billion world-wide streams, four #1 UK singles and holds the record for the most Top 10 singles for a British female artist in the UK in history with a total of 13. Ora is currently working on her third album, which is set for release in 2023. Her upcoming work follows previously releases, Bang with GRAMMY-winning Kazakh DJ and record producer Imanbek, and Phoenix, which has amassed over 4 billion streams worldwide, spawned 3 platinum singles and includes “Lonely Together,” her collaboration with Avicii which won “Best Dance” VMA at the MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, her debut album Ora debuted at #1 on the UK charts and was certified platinum.
Ora previously hosted the EMA’s in 2017, where she received several nominations and was honored with the “Power of Music Award.” As a multi-talented industry leader across TV, culture and fashion, with brand partnerships across key sectors, she launched Próspero Tequila with Conecuh Brands, where she serves as Chief Creative Partner. Her film and television credits include the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, Twist, The Masked Singer UK, The Voice Australia, and The X-Factor UK. Most recently, Ora starred in the Netflix series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, and was cast alongside Jamie Foxx and Robert De Niro in the upcoming film Tin Soldier.
Taika Waititi is an Academy Award®-winning writer, director, and actor. His film Jojo Rabbit received six Oscar® nominations, including Best Picture, and earned him an Oscar® for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe® for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and won a GRAMMY Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Most recently, Waititi directed and co-wrote the highly anticipated film Thor: Love and Thunder, now streaming on Disney+. Previous credits include the blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok, as well as beloved indie films Hunt for the Wilderpeople, What We Do in the Shadows, Boy, and the Oscar®-nominated short film Two Cars, One Night.
He executive produced through his production company with Carthew Neal, Piki Films, The Breaker Uppers, Baby, Done, and the first Indigenous Canadian/New Zealand co-production, Night Raiders. Waititi is currently in post-production on Searchlight Pictures’ Next Goal Wins, which he wrote, directed, and produced, based on the 2015 documentary of the same name. For television, Waititi is in production on Time Bandits for Apple TV+ and season two of fan favorite Our Flag Means Death. Waititi is the co-creator and executive producer of the Indigenous American teen comedy Reservation Dogs for FX, for which he co-wrote the first episode with co-creator Sterlin Harjo.
The series won the 2021 Gotham Award for Short-Form Breakthrough Series and the 2022 Independent Spirit Award for Best New Scripted Series, as well as earned nominations for this year’s Critic’s Choice Awards, Golden Globe Awards®, and Writers Guild of America Awards. Additionally, Waititi directed the season one finale of The Mandalorian for Disney+, in which he also voices “IG-11,” and serves as executive producer on the critically acclaimed TV adaptation of What We Do in the Shadows, for which he’s directed several episodes.
The “MTV EMAs” 2022 will broadcast live on MTV in more than 170 countries in select territories across the US, Latin America and Europe and Comedy Central in Germany on November 13th. It will be available on Paramount+ beginning November 14th.
Fans can vote for their favorites across 17 gender-neutral categories, including “Best Song,” “Best Artist,” “Best Collaboration,” and two all-new categories “Best Longform Video” and “Best Metaverse Performance,” at www.mtvema.com until November 9th, at 11:59pm CAT.

Why NDDC failed under APC – Okowa

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday said Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions of government failed under the All Progressives Congress (APC))-led Federal Government because they lacked knowledge of their mandate.

Okowa stated this in his remarks at the Edo State PDP Presidential Campaign held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

He said that PDP made a great choice in Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate because of his knowledge of governance and challenges bedevilling the country.

Okowa stressed that NDDC and other government agencies failed to deliver on their mandate for the people due largely to ignorance and ineptitude.

According to him, the PDP has made a great choice for the people of the Niger Delta because Atiku Abubakar understands the problems in the region.

“He knows all the states in the Niger Delta and it was during his time as Vice President that the Niger Delta Development Commission was established.

“The NDDC was doing well but in the last seven years, we have not seen the hands of NDDC in our states because those who came in, the APC government, don’t know the purpose for which the NDDC was established.

“A lot of institutions that were established before the APC government came on board have not been put into effective use because the APC-led Federal Government don’t know how the institutions came about.

“The PDP government knows how to run the economy in such a manner that it will be good for all the youths and the women and for all Nigerians.

“Unfortunately, in the last seven and half years, our economy has been marred by hunger; it has been poverty and poverty and our people are unhappy and dying.

“We have brought a man, Atiku Abubakar, who we know is going to revive our economy and ensure that there is creation of more jobs so that our youths will be gainfully employed,” he said.

Okowa added that “one other good thing is that Atiku Abubakar is the only man that understands the issues of the states – that the states need more money, the states need more power.

“He has promised us that he is going to devolve more power and more resources to every state government and to the local governments.

“This is what we need to develop our states. He is the only presidential candidate who is sincere to this and he has been talking about it.”

He affirmed that the people of the South South and the Niger Delta believed in Atiku’s capacity to deliver good governance for the people.

“l want to plead that all our youths should go forth and start to convince all other youths that the new Nigeria that we need is a Nigeria that will create hope for you and this will happen when Atiku Abubakar is President.

“To God be the glory, he has chosen one of us, myself, a son of the South South as his running mate. I want to reassure you that l am one of you and together we will work to deliver a new Nigeria for our people,” he stated.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the stadium, the Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, pledged to partner the private sector in the provision of effective rail system in the country, if elected.

He outlined other specific areas of concern to include economic revival, adequate security, unity among Nigerians, devolution of power to states and local government councils, compulsory education, infrastructural transformation and other developmental challenges inhibiting the socio-economic growth of the nation.

He thanked the people of Edo for the massive votes given to the party in 2019 and charged them to redouble the feat in 2023 to enable them reap more dividends of democracy.

Abubakar reaffirmed that the PDP was on a rescue mission to address the monumental pains inflicted on Nigerians by the APC-led Federal Government from 2015.

MBGN 2022: WAW Promotes Creativity, Talent, Expressiveness at Talent Night
Lagos, Nigeria – 25 October, 2022. Maintaining its commitment to promoting creativity and expressiveness, Henkel Nigeria, makers of WAW laundry products, sponsored a talent showcase event for the contestants of the ongoing Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2022 on September 17th, 2022 at Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi.
The talent showcase event is one of the series of events in the journey to crowning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, 2022. The event, hosted by media personality, Uba Micheal, popularly known as ‘Ogbolor’, was well attended by entertainment and fashion executives.
The MBGN contestants displayed creativity and unique expressiveness in the talent showcase as they exhibited several skills including and not limited to; dancing, poetry renditions, spoken word acts, cooking and knitting.
Rajat Kapur, Chairman/MD, Expand Global Industries spoke on what informed WAW detergent’s sponsorship of the talent showcase and the brand’s position in the search for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2022.
“WAW detergent is giving the contestants the confidence to look fashionably good while enjoying every moment of this competition. We are encouraging them to express their creativity. As a brand, we are committed to creativity and expressiveness and we are excited to support a platform that gives room for this. Henkel, generally, is committed to investing in young talents in Nigeria”.
Miss Nigeria 2021, Oluchi Madubuike, was among the guests in attendance. She applauded the contestants as they demonstrated their various talents, encouraging them to always put their best foot forward.
WAW detergent has been a part of the contestants’ journey from the 1st day of camp and will be until the finale, where one of the contestants would be crowned Miss WAW and get a one-year ambassadorial deal with the brand.

Okowa underscores Igbos’ contribution to nation-building

Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday said Igbos were great partners to States and Federal Government in the economic development of the country.

He said that the contributions of Ndigbo in the development of commerce in Delta and Nigeria were significant, affirming that Igbos were renowned for resourcefulness.

Okowa spoke at the 2022 Cultural Day of Ndigbo Cultural Forum, Asaba,.

He commended Ndigbo in Delta for their peaceful disposition and for embarking on worthy courses for the growth and development of their host communities.

“Asaba is home to all. We are ready to welcome all and we will continue to accommodate all. When we see law abiding citizens going about their businesses and helping to develop Asaba, we are happy.

“So, I am glad that members of this association are people doing their legitimate business and are law abiding.

“I am very much aware that a lot of our brothers particularly from Onitsha, own their homes here and go to do business in onitsha; we are happy about that.

“We accommodate all, even to the extent that our free maternal health care and our free treatment of children under five years of age, covers a lot of our brothers who are from across the Niger but resides here in Asaba,” he said.

The Governor said the state had continued to receive the help of God in ensuring that Asaba and the whole of Delta remained peaceful and secured.

“You can only achieve this when you work with the people and we will continue to work with all who live in Asaba and the whole of Delta state.

“I promise you that we will continue to work with everyone to ensure peace for the remaining part of this administration and hope that the next government which I believe would also be formed by the PDP in Delta State would continue to do too.

“The Igbos matter alot in this state because I know that they hold a lot of businesses in this state and those businesses help to improve our commerce.

“I also know that we have a lot of industries here in Asaba owned by the Igbos and those businesses are generating a lot of employments in and around Asaba and we are happy to have many more of those businesses and industries come to our place,” he stated.

Chairman of the occasion, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Okebo II of Umueri, commended Governor Okowa for his remarkable contributions to the development of Delta and assured of the support of Ndigbo towards his presidential aspiration.

Earlier, Chairman of the Forum, Chief Chinedu Obodo, had expressed appreciation to the people of Asaba for their hospitality over the years adding that the Forum which started in March 2014 had grown to become a roll call of prominent business and professional leaders from across the Niger, resident in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

He said the Forum members were law abiding citizens engaged in different legitimate businesses which had impacted positively on the socio-economic strata of Asaba.

He said the 2022 Cultural Festival was conceived to bring together Igbo political, business, professional, religious and cultural leaders to celebrate the rich, diverse Igbo culture and heritage.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of Award of Excellence in Projects and Human Capital Development to Governor Okowa in recognition of his sterling accomplishments in infrastructural an human capital development in the state.

Timi Dakolo releases new music video for ‘There’s a Cry’ – the official theme music for ‘Awaiting Trial’ film.

Timi Dakolo has released a new music video for his hit song ‘There’s a Cry’, produced by Cobhams Asuquo. The song is the official theme music for the film ‘Awaiting Trial’, which has been released exclusively on YouTube for 5 days only.

“It was a precious gift for Timi Dakolo to gift us this song for this film. It is almost as if the song was written for this moment in our nation’s history,” said Chude Jideonwo, who is director of ‘Awaiting Trial’. “We are also deeply thankful to Ego Ogbaro whose song ‘I Believe’ is the other song that gives lift to this story of our lives. I hope these two timeless pieces of art help us find the language, feeling and impetus to respond to the brutality that we face everyday.”

The music video, the first from the ‘Chude Jideonwo Presents’ studio, is directed by Chude Jideonwo, and co-produced by Mfon Ekpo.

Okowa tasks religious leaders on mentorship

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has charged Christian leaders and faithful in the country to bear good fruits that would draw men and women to God.

Okowa, who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call at the 30th anniversary of Heroes of Faith Ministries and 40 years in Ministry of Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi held on Sunday at Ughelli.

He congratulated Bishop Enakirerhi on the spiritual and physical impact of the ministry, and affirmed that contribution of any church to the society was not in the church building but in the souls won for Christ.

He urged Church leaders to use their position to offer meaningful advice to public office holders to enable them perform better for societal development, stressing that any position one found himself in life was a platform to leave enviable legacies.

Remarking that studying God’s words often brought greater knowledge to Christians, the governor advised Christians to be deeply rooted in the gospel to enable them make greater exploits in the service of God.

He reminded the chief celebrant of the need to see the successes recorded by him as a call to do more for God and humanity.

“Today is double celebration in the life of Bishop Enakirerhi and I thank God for the lives he has ministered to for the last several years because that is what he will be remembered for on the last day.

“It’s not so long I got myself close to our Lord Bishop but he has become my very good friend and also a mentor in the Christian life. You know, when you are a Governor, not too many people talk very frankly with you.

“But, our Bishop speaks to me regularly and I thank God that in our conversation, I have learnt a lot. He is also someone who is also passionate about friendship.

“I believe that when fathers in the Lord get closer to the people in authority, there is a lot of impact it makes in the lives of people in authority.

“I want to urge our father in the Lord and other fathers like him to continue the good work because in drawing men closer to yourself, you help men to draw closer to God.

“I thank you for all that you have done for me as governor and the great strides you have made in the Pentecostal Fellowship in Delta State.

“When people are in positions of authority, it is important to leave a mark and God will forever rest His grace on you and your family for that which you are planting,” he said.

Okowa said that the celebration was for the growth of the church and the many souls lifted from the kingdom of darkness to light.

“We celebrate today because there is a success story. The success story is not in the buildings that I see but in the souls that have been brought to the church; brought out of darkness into light.

“I urge that you continue to work until the very last day. You are a very godly man and contented in all aspects of life and I urge everyone of us to emulate that live of contentment.

“Every child of God is supposed to be an epistle because your life and acts maybe that which will convert the next person to serve God. And when you do the wrong thing as a Christian, you may just be driving the next soul that would worship God.

“My lord Bishop, I want to thank you because your life has become a role model in Christendom and lot of people speak about it.

“As a Bishop, a lot of people will be looking at you to see if you would make mistakes, but when your life is real in service to Christ, you find that your congregation will emulate you and that will bring many more persons to God,” the governor stated.

Earlier in a sermon titled “Forget Not His Benefits,” the General Overseer of Heroes Of Faith Ministry, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi said he was appreciating God for keeping him in the faith for 40 years and 30th anniversary of the church.

Bishop Enakirerhi who is the Delta State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said no man should stay a day without appreciating God for the gift of life and achievements recorded.

According to him, any earthly blessing that does not positively impact on the lives of others and the society at large, was worthless hence the need to be a blessing to all.

High points of the service included presentation of award of excellence on Governor Okowa, ordination of some members of the church as clergymen and women as well as special thanksgiving for the anniversary.

PRESS RELEASE
6 MONTHS AFTER ACCIDENT, WOMAN WINS NEW CAR AT COWLSO CONFERENCE
…Other Lucky Participants Win 2-Bedroom Flat, Return Ticket To Turkey

A civil servant with the Lagos Island Local Government, Mrs. Adebisi Ikusawe has won a brand new GAC Sport Utility Vehicle at the just-concluded National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

This is coming six months after she was involved in an accident that completely damaged her car beyond repair.

In line with the tradition of COWLSO during the annual conference, three lucky participants usually win star prizes, while several others win prizes including deep freezers, flat screen televisions, water dispensers, washing machines, microwave ovens, blenders, toasters, among others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the conference, Lagos State First Lady and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the story of Ikusawe was one that elicited a deep emotional reaction, having won the star prize of a brand new car a few months after surviving a serious car accident.

“If you hear this woman (Ikusawe’s) story, in April 2022, she was involved in a serious accident. The car was a right off. As faith would have it, at the Gala Night at this conference, she got a brand new car,” the First Lady said.

Also, a 74-year-old woman, Alhaja Olushola Oyedele popularly known as Iya Luku Mushin won a 2-bedroom apartment at LagosHoms, Sangotedo.

An elated Oyedele who has been a politician since 1974 could not hide her excitement when her ticket number for the raffle draw was announced by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The owner of the first ticket number picked for the star prize had apparently gone home as it was announced repeatedly without response, thus paving the way for a new ticket to be picked.

Responding, Oyedele said she was excited to win the star prize having tried for several years.

“I’ve been involved in politics since 1974. I have also been attending this COWLSO Conference for years hoping and praying that I will win one day without begrudging previous winners. I thank God my time has come today,” Oyedele said, just as she commended COWLSO for the transparency with which the raffle draws were conducted.

Also, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, Mrs. Abiola Liadi won a Turkish Return Ticket during the raffle draws.

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
23RD OCTOBER, 2022

You can’t become governor with lies, Delta tells Omo-Agege

Delta Government on Tuesday advised All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in the state, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, to desist from telling lies to hoodwink unsuspecting Deltans into supporting his already failed ambition.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, at a news conference in Asaba said no amount of lies and propaganda deployed by the APC candidate would secure the governorship of the state for him and his failed party.

Aniagwu, who was with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the state government would not fold its hands and allow Omo-Agege to use lies and bogus promises to deceive Deltans into voting APC in the general elections.

He said that Nigerians were still grappling with the lies told by the APC to come to power in 2015 and would not allow the Deputy President of the Senate to deceive Deltans into voting a party that lacked leadership and governance skills.

According to him, the attitude of Omo-Agege is becoming worrisome even when we have advised him before to tell Deltans what he would do for them because we acknowledge that it is his democratic right to seek the office he is aspiring to occupy in 2023.

Aniagwu, however, said that “in doing so, it will not be wise for him to take for granted the intelligence of Deltans, because the best way to speak to Deltans is to tell them the truth.

“You cannot ride to occupy the Government House on the altar of lies because governance these days cannot be carried out the way they thought it was done in the past.

“You will recall in 2015 that the APC rode on a mantra of change and unfortunately every element of that change has turned out to be total lies.

“You are all witnesses to the fact that none of the things promised has been fulfilled; so, to want to deploy same old trick of well-laced lies and make them look like the truth to aspire to become the Governor of Delta is not acceptable to our people.”

On allegations of borrowing by the state government, the commissioner said Omo-Agege lacked requisite knowledge and credibility to question Governor Okowa on borrowing as he jointly superintends over a National Assembly that was notorious for approving frivolous loans to President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government.

“If we want to talk about professionals in borrowing you will be talking about the APC-led Federal Government where Omo-Agege sits as number two in the Red Chamber where several billions of dollars were approved arbitrarily and borrowed even when they have not translated to the life, welfare and well-being of our people as Nigerians.

“The funds that we sought before now, we made it very clear the reason why we wanted to take the bridging finance facility because we had monies owed to us by the Federal Government.

“In order to move against the tide by ensuring that the fluctuations that characterised our economy, particularly our currency, does not catch up with what we were expected to earn.

“As we speak, the Federal Government has not been able to remit what is supposed to come to us quarterly and on the basis of that we have not been able to access that loan.

“For all the loans we sought for we have always explained what we wanted to do with it and on this bridging finance we were very clear on the need for us tackle issues of pension and completion of some ongoing key projects,” he stated.

On another allegation that Okowa administration had no projects to show for the past seven years, Aniagwu slammed Omo-Agege for being economical with the truth.

He said there was peace in the state because the state government had taken development to hitherto abandoned oil-producing communities.

He challenged Omo-Agege to take a tour of communities in his local government, especially the Agbarho-Orherhe bridge and road, Arhagba-Orogun Township roads Ogbe-Ikolobie road, Imodje-Orogun road and the recently awarded Orogun bypass, all in his community.

“The Emevor-Orogun road recently approved by Exco is in the process of being awarded. Once in a while he flies into the Asaba Airport and he knows what we have done there; so, he cannot come and tell lies and think that will catapult him into the government house.

“Let him go and unfold his programmes because Deltans are very much informed for anyone to take them for a ride.

“Let him focus on his programmes and projects and if he must look at our direction let him stay on the path of facts becauss anybody who wants to govern Delta irrespective of political party must come with clean hands,” he stated.

On the successes recorded by Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo on oil theft, Aniagwu said it was a clear justification of the state government’s earlier position for the Federal Government to engage locals in the security of oil facilities and infrastructure.

Floods: SERAP gives Buhari 7 days to trace how trillions of ecological funds are spent

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate the spending of Ecological Fund by governments at all levels—federal, state and local governments from 2001 to date.”

SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of corruption and mismanagement should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered.”

SERAP’s letter followed reports that the ravaging flooding in some parts of the country has resulted in the loss of over 600 lives, displacement of more than a million persons, and destruction of properties worth billions. The most affected states include Anambra, Delta, Kogi, Rivers, Benue, Yobe, Cross River and Bayelsa.

In the open letter dated 22 October 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “trillions of ecological funds have allegedly gone down the drain. The resulting human costs directly threaten human rights – rights to life and to a place to live – rights that your government has an obligation to protect.”

SERAP said, “Irrespective of the cause of a threat to human rights, your government still has positive obligations to use all the means within its disposal to uphold the human rights of those affected.”

SERAP also said, “Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Federal Government.”

The letter, read in part: “Your government has the legal obligations to hold all tiers of government and emergency management agencies to account, and to trace, find, and recover any missing ecological funds.”

“Your government has the legal obligations to address the calamitous consequences of flooding for the human rights of millions of people, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that climate change may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on vulnerable people and communities.”

“Your government must use all means available to it to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change, and to provide access to effective remedies for victims when these rights are violated.”

“Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by climate change, regardless of the causes.”

“Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of the flooding such as deterioration in health, diminishing access to safe drinking water and susceptibility of the areas affected to disease.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Climate change also has the potential to exacerbate existing threats to human rights in the country. Rising global temperatures will jeopardise many people’s livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.”

“In order to uphold its constitutional and international human rights obligations, your government must respond to the impacts of the flooding, and of climate change generally.”

“According to the audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), the total amount allocated and received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 was N277 billion.”

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their States.”

“Impunity for corruption in the management of Ecological Fund will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes. It is by pursuing these allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of Ecological Fund and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined the ability of governments at all levels and emergency management agencies to prevent the impact of flooding on the human rights of socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians, and to effectively respond to the problem.”

“Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have undermined the ability of authorities at all levels to invest in drainage systems, and to tackle soil erosion and climate change challenges across several parts of the country.”

“SERAP also urges you to direct Mr Malami and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies to affected victims.”

“SERAP also urges you to direct Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Federal Government to publish details of allocations from the Ecological Fund to the Federal Government, the 36 state governments, Abuja, the 774 local government areas of the country, and the National Emergency Management Agency, as well as state emergency management agencies between 2001 to date.”

“SERAP urges you to instruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of Ecological Fund by the 36 state governors, the 774 local government areas, as well as all emergency management agencies across the country funded through the Ecological Fund.”

“SERAP is concerned about reports that the funds released for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for. Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.”

“Prevention of corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund, and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by climate change are serious and legitimate public interests.”

“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the management of Ecological Fund.”

“Nigerians have the right to know how the public funds budgeted to address ecological challenges are spent. Publishing the details of allocations of Ecological Fund since 2001 would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
23/10/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

Ruling invalidating Rivers APC primaries won’t stand – Wenenda Wali
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers State, Kingsley Wenenda Wali, has expressed confidence that the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt nullifying all the primary elections conducted by Rivers APC will not survive the scrutiny of the superior courts.
Wali, who is equally the National Leader of Unity House Foundation (UHF), a good governance and peace advocacy group, said in a statement issued in reaction to the judgement, that the APC in the state saw it coming since after the proclamation of Executive Order 21 of Rivers government, disallowing political parties from using any public facilities for campaign rally without the payment of a non-refundable fee of N5 million.
He said the attempt to kick APC out of the race would not work as, according to him, it remains the leading opposition party embraced by Rivers people and poised for victory in the 2023 elections in the state.
The APC stalwart, a peace promoter, urged the party’s loyalists, members and supporters not to be worried but rather stay calm and focused in their quest for the installation of a government of the people under the stewardship of Pastor Tonye Cole of APC.
His statement reads: “We knew we will get here and we were prepared. After the promulgation of Executive Order 21, well-meaning people advised the APC to challenge this extremely political and self-serving order in court. My response has always been that the people who cooked up this cowardly but draconian order, know the final outcome of this challenge already, but they believed in the time it bought them. However, we hoped that bravery somehow will prevail. But we were also not too optimistic, so we prepared and that’s why we focused on the Boys Scout motto of BE PREPARED.
“Therefore, because we were prepared for the ruling by the Federal High Court. As members of the APC, we respect and value the place of the judiciary in our democracy. So, all APC members are always advised to remain civil and legal, irrespective of our disappointments. And this is why the APC immediately appealed the ruling cancelling the primaries conducted by the APC in Rivers State.
“I urge all members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State to remain calm, steadfast and focused. Because our course is just and fair, we certainly will prevail.
“WE KNOW THAT LIGHTENING SHALL NOT STRIKE TWICE.”

Delta bags US award for sustainable healthcare financing

Delta Government has been conferred with the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) Award for exemplary leadership in healthcare financing.

The award – Partnership for Sustainability Healthcare Financing (Budgeting, Release and Expenditure) was announced at the USCDC Biannual Program Performance Review Meeting/2022 End of Project Cycle Symposium held in Abuja.

Receiving the award at the Flag-off of 2022 State Integrated Measles Vaccine Campaign in Asaba on Wednesday, the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, commended World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners for collaborating with the state government to safeguard the health of children.

He said that the flag-off was a component strategy at sensitizing mothers and caregivers on the need to vaccinate their children and wards aged between nine months and 59 months with the measles vaccine, thus conferring immunity against the disease on the recipients.

Okowa said that Measles outbreak occurred when the child population immunity waned and a high proportion of the children in the communities were zero-dose for routine immunization.

“The objective is to increase population immunity, thereby reducing the risk of measles virus transmission and outbreak in our communities.

“This, in addition to poor community and environmental hygiene practices, are risk factors for the disease.

“It is one of the diseases of great public health importance, thus requiring enormous collective efforts of individuals, households, health workers and various community-based organizations to ensure its prevention, control and surveillance,” he said.

He restated that the State Government, through her policy of a clean environment and tackling floods, was constructing drainages across the landscape of the State.

“I call on Deltans to properly dispose of their refuse and not dump them in the drainages as this has serious health consequences for the communities, which apart from worsening the flood situation in those areas, nurture more breeding sites for disease vectors and vermin.

“I hereby admonish all of us to take responsibility for our personal and communal health while supporting government health initiatives, interventions and programmes to achieve optimal health in line with this administration’s determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage through the Stronger Delta Agenda,” he stated.

Okowa who is Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged mothers to come out massively with their children aged nine to 59 months and get them vaccinated against the deadly measles disease irrespective of previous vaccination status at the various health facilities across the State.

Welcoming guests earlier, Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Mordi Ononye, said Measles was one of the vaccine- preventable diseases of childhood and accounts for a large proportion of child deafness, blindness and death among under-five children in Nigeria.

He said the vaccination would be implemented in two phases for effective supervisory support to skilled health workers participating in the exercise.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU EXPANDS LAGOS FIRE RESCUE CAPABILITY, HANDS OVER THREE NEW FIRE STATIONS
•Governor upgrades Alausa fire station, as Lagos raises fire depts to 21

Lagos State Government has recorded a major asset expansion in its emergency response services, with the inauguration of three newly built fire stations in the State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, physically commissioned the new fire station in Ebute Elefun, while he virtually unveiled the other two fire stations built in Oniru and Ajegunle.
The projects were initiated to enhance the response time to disasters associated with fire and to bolster the capability of the State’s emergency management system.
The Governor, on the same day, commissioned the upgraded Fire Department headquarters in Alausa.
With the three additional assets, Lagos now has 21 fully equipped fire stations across the State.
The facility expansion programme was part of the recommendations that followed the 2020 comprehensive assessment carried out by the Lagos State Government in the emergency response department aimed at enhancing performance.
Sanwo-Olu said one of the challenges identified was the inadequate fire stations to efficiently manage fire outbreaks at a scale that would allow quicker response time and speed.
His administration’s response to the identified gaps in emergency services, the Governor said, was proactive and strategic for the development of a practical road map to address limitations and reposition the emergency agencies for optimum performance.
He said: “Today’s handing over of three newly constructed fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Oniru, Ajegunle and the newly upgraded Fire Service Headquarters in Alausa to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Agency is the fulfillment of our administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of our citizens.
“We believe response time to fire disasters is critical as it can make a lot of difference between life and death. The earlier the fire is attacked, the lesser the damage it will have on people and property. To enable fire responders to reduce the distance and overcome other unplanned encumbrances on the way to fire scenes, the idea of having at least one fire station in each of the 20 Local Government Areas of the State was conceived.
“Lagos requires protection through deliberate disaster mitigation and emergency management strategies that are realistic and comprehensive. We are convinced that the construction of new fire stations will allow quicker response to the scene of emergencies within their specific area of coverage, as we believe the proximity of fire stations to incident locations is crucial to rescue and safety operations. With the new facilities, firemen will get to the theatre of operations at record time.”
Sanwo-Olu said the new stations were part of the State’s investments in the safety and well-being of residents and businesses. The assets, he said, would help limit the discomfort suffered by residents and considerably reduce losses associated with fire outbreaks.
Before the end of the second quarter of next year, the Governor said his administration would add another three fire stations in Ijede, Kosofe and Ijegun.
He said the upgrade and rehabilitation of existing fire stations had been done to further consolidate the position of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service Agency as a leading fire fighting outfit in the country.
Sanwo-Olu enjoined residents living around the new fire stations to take ownership of the assets and protect the facilities from vandalism.
“Our efforts have enthroned an operational environment that provides the necessary ambiance, comfort and support that will ensure optimal performance of our firemen. These interventions will further consolidate the position of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Agency as a leading fire fighting outfit in Nigeria,” the Governor said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the facility expansion was part of the plans to strengthen security in Lagos.
He said the new stations were designed to have their dedicated sources of power and water supply, with modern facilities for the convenience of firefighters deployed to man the stations.
“With these investments the Sanwo-Olu administration has made in this sector, I am confident that Lagosians would have a new experience in fire and rescue operations,” Ogunlende said.
Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the new assets would raise the capacity of the agency in emergency operations, adding that Ebute Elefun station would serve more than 20,000 population on Lagos Island dotted by high-rise buildings.
General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Nike Adekanbi, described the newly upgraded Fire Department headquarters in Alausa as “an edifice built to last”, noting that the building expanded to strengthen the administrative capacity of the agency.
She said the Sanwo-Olu administration revamped 14 fire stations, creating over 600 jobs in the process.
The new administrative building of the Lagos Fire Service now has 60 offices, with an expanded appliance bay, landscaping, perimeter fence and developed road network which was constructed by the Lagos State Public Works.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
26 OCTOBER 2022

21st October, 2022

DELTA PDP CELEBRATES SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT, SAYS ITS VICTORY FOR PDP FAMILY; PARTY NOW FULLY PREPARED TO WIN 2023 ELECTIONS

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has celebrated the Supreme Court judgement which confirmed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the duly elected, substantive, and authentic Governorship candidate of the Party in the 2023 general elections.

The joyous mood of celebration was conveyed and contained in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, who noted emphatically that the long-drawn litigation over the matter of the Party’s authentic Gubernatorial candidate had initially given the opposition false hope but with the judgement now delivered by the Supreme Court and the matter fully settled, the PDP is now much stronger and will be more united and formidable going into the 2023 elections.

Dr. Osuoza’s statement, which described the judgement as victory for the Delta PDP family and further appealed to all party faithful, especially Olorogun David Edevbie, to close ranks and march with full confidence and authority, into the Party’s campaigns, which has already commenced with vigour, reads: “The Delta State PDP heartily rejoices with all our faithful, loyal and committed members of the PDP family, as we celebrate the Supreme Court judgement, which finally confirmed Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as our duly elected governorship candidate and party flagbearer, for the 2023 election.

“The litigation, which centred around the legal affirmation of our authentic Governorship candidate, had initially given fleeting but misplaced expectations to the fractured opposition APC, but their hopes have been comprehensively and completely dashed with the decisive judgement of the Supreme Court, which has now settled the matter once and for all.

“We congratulate all members of our great PDP Delta family over this massive judgement from the Supreme Court which has not only settled all doubts and disquiet in our party, but has most importantly, strengthened our position and resolve to embrace our campaigns with renewed energy and vigour, as we march towards victory in 2023.

“As we celebrate this very important landmark judgement which is a major family victory in the life of our party, we hereby appeal strongly and sincerely to all our members, especially Olorogun David Edevbie, to wholeheartedly embrace the Supreme Court’s decision, in our collective quest to build a most formidable campaign team that will not only decimate the opposition, but also deliver resounding landslide victories in all our elections, especially the Governorship poll.

“Now that the legal fireworks are over and done with, we call on all our loyal, committed, and unwavering party members, to come together as one big united family, sheath their swords and let bygones be bygones. Our ultimate goal now is to win the 2023 general elections in all positions and with everyone joining hands and all pulling in one definite, unwavering direction towards victory, we will be totally unbeatable and even more formidable, as the party of the people.

“Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta!!!

PDP! Power to the People!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

24th October, 2022

Delta PDP sympathises with Zik Gbemre’s dashed hope

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State has said that it is full of sympathy for one Zik Gbemre over dashed hopes that has made him to become emotionally devastated, saddened, and depressed by the Supreme Court’s October 21, 2022 verdict that declared Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the authentic governorship candidate of the party for the 2023 elections.

The PDP made the remark in a Press Release in response to a social media statement titled: “ON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI’S “PURCHASED” VICTORY AT THE SUPREME COURT – TYPICAL OF DELTA STATE PDP COURT CASES,” in which he took offence against the apex court’s declaration in favour of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori.

The statement signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza said the author’s diatribe was uncalled for, especially as he displayed a no holds barred effrontery at disparaging the good and dispassionate work of the Supreme Court, which acquitted itself well as an unbiased umpire in a case involving children of one parent who disagreed over the issue of who should fly the PDP governorship flag in Delta State. It was such that both parties took advantage of the courts, which looked at the issues presented to it on merit and finally came out with the apex court’s verdict declaring Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s emergence as the winner of the primary election as genuine, trustworthy, and valid.

It is against this background that Zik Gbemre’s attack on the judiciary for its final adjudication in the family quarrel between two political children is unwarranted, ill-mannered, vulgar, and disrespectful of the institution for the dispensation of justice that every right-thinking Nigerian holds in high esteem. This type can only emanate from an unrefined and awkward element that took caution to the wind to display idiocy and ungraceful conduct.

The apex court and final institution for adjudication has spoken, and the parties involved have expressed their acceptance of the verdict of the final arbiter, that even the erstwhile aggrieved has since congratulated the other and conveyed his acceptance of the verdict in an open statement. It is, therefore, crude of Zik Gbemre to want to cry more than the bereaved. It is the exhibition of bad manners for Zik Gbemre to state that “Any court judgement victory that was obviously influenced by these political actors of Delta State PDP, will never serve the overall interest of the people…” He stated again that “Truth be told, those celebrating are simply celebrating ‘A PURCHASED COURT VICTORY.’ A victory that we all know was never decided on the merits on ground. But rather, the decision was one that was heavily influenced with money,” adding uncouthly that: “It is sad that the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary has been so watered down. And can no longer be relied upon by the common man. Though, this is not strange in Delta, especially as it concerns the PDP-led Delta State Government.”

Delta PDP declares that no person in his sane mind will exhibit this type of shame in a sworn effort to disparage the institution of justice that the whole nation holds in high esteem. The judiciary is the arbiter in all matters brought before it. And it is to ensure thoroughness and give benefits of doubt in all cases that the courts have appellate segments and the Supreme Court being the final appellate court of justice. With the ones involved in the fray, each exhausting the chances before them in seeking justice, and the final arbiter coming out with its verdict, good sense informs that everyone should abide by the judgment and move on.

This is why the attitude of Zik Gbemre in seeking to disparage and cast aspersions on the integrity of the judiciary is unacceptable, depraved, immoral, and wicked. Delta PDP will not indulge this degenerate further by joining issues with him in the other matters of slanderous remarks on the personalities of PDP leaders in the State.

Zik Gbemre is roundly denounced for his ill-conceived vituperations against the judiciary and PDP leaders. We call on all PDP faithful and supporters to ignore him, come together now that the court has finally done its work. ‘Party is Supreme’ doctrine behooves on us all to fall in line now that the siege of litigations are over.

PDP! Power to the people.

Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza,
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

25th October, 2022

2023: OMO-AGEGE AND THE LIMITS OF POLITICS OF DELUSION

At the comedy skit purported to be the inauguration of his gubernatorial election campaign council, Delta All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate and Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, instead of concentrating on his hopelessly ephemeral gubernatorial ambition, perplexingly veered off script, having apparently lost track of his core subject matter and proceeded to quite incoherently, boast that his one-man show of a pretence to a political party, would ensure that Delta State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, will never become Vice-President of Nigeria.

According to Omo-Agege, Delta APC must work to truncate Governor Okowa’s ambition.

Indeed, while speaking as if he has now become the Almighty God, the one and only true Author and Finisher of our fate, Omo-Agege declared that Governor Okowa “can’t go anywhere.” He was clearly only talking about himself, unwittingly revealing his own political destiny, and inadvertently unveiling the one and only political future in store for him! It was indeed a case of those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.

To imagine that the now internationally infamous one on let off by the technical discussion of the court as ‘Mace Runner’ and supposed ‘Obarisi’, who embarrassed the noble, ancient and illustrious Urhobo nation, by kneeling like a typical hustler and political hack at the Presidential Villa, would have the temerity to accuse Governor Okowa of betrayal, simply for accepting a Vice-Presidential nomination he neither asked nor lobbied for, but was handed to him by the PDP Presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in recognition of his sterling performance and giant strides recorded throughout the length of his mercurial political career thus far in service to the good people of Delta State and the Nigerian nation.

Everyone knows that Governor Okowa was boldly at the vanguard of the call for a Southern Presidency and provided leadership and coordination in that regard when many people were reluctant to do so. Nevertheless, the Delta State Governor has always been a committed and loyal Party man, who has never once jumped ship, unlike Omo-Agege who has unabashedly and enthusiastically trafficked himself from PDP to ACN to Labour and then to APC!

Surely in a situation where the delegates of the party freely and democratically decided to pick Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer in a transparent and internationally monitored primary, what was any truly astute and right-thinking politician who means well for the people and must continue to strive to protect their interest in any set of circumstances, supposed to do?

If confronted with a fait accompli and nevertheless, God miraculously opens the next best door by which you can still continue to look out for the best interest of the people, are you supposed to reject it? It is something called Grace, which apparently Omo-Agege and his APC underlings can never truly comprehend.

In any case, who is Omo-Agege to have the nerve to lecture anyone about betrayal? Is this not the same Omo-Agege, who in league with his handpicked houseboy of a State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie (to borrow the words of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN), instructed Delta APC delegates to vote for Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, a Northerner, instead of for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Southerner, at the APC Presidential primary?

Does Omo-Agege think that people are not aware of what he perpetrated during the Presidential primary when Delta APC, the party supposedly coming to fight imaginary corruption in Delta State, was nevertheless allegedly collecting dollars from various Presidential aspirants, promising to vote for them, only to end up voting for Ahmad Lawan in the Eagle Square, Abuja?

Do these APC jokers think we are fools in Delta State? Did Omo-Agege vote for Bola Tinubu or for Ahmad Lawan? Does he think Tinubu, himself, does not know that he betrayed him, stabbed him in the back only to come congratulating him with a smile, after he had won, like Judas pretending to be a friend and betraying Jesus with a kiss? What moral justification has such a man of extremely questionable loyalty and shapeshifting fidelity, to cast aspersions on Governor Okowa, a man of proven and unrivaled consistency throughout the entirety of his epoch-making political career?

Like some delusional potentate who already sees himself in Government House, the one rescued by the court as ‘Mace Runner’ imperiously commanded the minions at the inauguration that: “as you vote for Omo-Agege to be your governor, don’t forget that we need our men in all positions.” What a way to refer to oneself? You currently have only one House of Assembly seat, you similarly have just one Federal House of Representatives seat, one of your Senators is now an ex-convict and you are daydreaming of clearing the whole of Delta State? Seriously, Omo-Agege might have made a successful career in standup comedy, after all!

Delving further into a cesspool of delusions, he said: “Here in Delta, 2023 is our turn, the decision has been taken and that is what I have come here today to tell you all.” Who took this most momentous decision and was it in a coven or where exactly? Or is it that Omo-Agege and those he kneels to in Abuja like a little schoolboy desperately begging for sweets, have already taken the very decision that Deltans and only Deltans are lawfully, constitutionally, and electorally entitled to take come 2023?

Omo-Agege can continue to delude himself that he is running against Governor Okowa who is not on the ballot for governorship, is already completing his incomparable tenure as Governor, became a Senator before him, is the incoming Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will forever stand heads and shoulders above him.

Truth is, Omo-Agege is not even running against the PDP gubernatorial flagbearer and the incoming Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori. He may continue to deceive himself and the clueless political lightweights he has misguided into his village meeting of a political party but the person he is really running against is the man who singlehandedly, twice made him a Senator, Chief Great Ogboru of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

We are not in the least bothered but are quite happy to buy tickets for the cinema show featuring their impending ‘poto-poto’ fight as Omo-Agege vainly tries to split Ogboru’s votes in the collective opposition cache, while we simply remain in Government House and continue to build upon the astonishing feats and good work of the Okowa administration for the good people of Delta State, when the new Sheriff in town and incoming Governor Oborevwori takes over in 2023.

Of course, Senator Omo-Agege should be told that Delta State has since moved ahead away from him and is effectively in the hands of God and will only accept one who believes in and worships God, not an idol, and can only be ruled by one who knows and serves Jehovah, not one that worships an image made by hand.

Delta State is PDP and PDP is Delta
State.

PDP! Power to the people!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

Ada Eme beats 36 contestants, represents Nigeria at the 71st Miss World pageant
Lagos, Nigeria – 27 October, 2022.The journey showcasing Nigerian beauty and brains at the 34th Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant ended beautifully with a glamorous finale on the 21st of October, 2022, at the Eko Hotel and Suite, Lagos. Emerging as the bearer of the crown, the gorgeous Miss Abia, Ada Eme, stunned her way into a chance to represent Nigeria at the 71st Miss World pageant beating 36 other contestants in the process.

Key pageant sponsors, WAW detergent, were also on the lookout for a new WAW queen whom they crowned at the event. Serving elegance and style, Miss Plateau, Grace Yakubu walked away with the Miss WAW crown, a million naira cash prize, and a year-long ambassadorial contract with the brand.

She expressed her excitement, “I’m so grateful to WAW for this opportunity to have a platform and a voice. The entire MBGN 2022 was such an amazing experience thanks to the sponsors and WAW was definitely a major player in making sure I had the best time. I look forward to all that I can do and the people I can impact through this chance WAW has given me.”

“At Expand Global Industries Limited we’re committed to creating platforms for people to live out their dreams and impact society,” Rajat Kapur, the Chairman and Managing Director, Expand Global Industries Limited (EGIL), a subsidiary of Henkel, quipped. “This edition of MBGN had a lot of smart, funny and brilliant women eager to effect a change in their society. Miss Grace Yusuf becoming a WAW ambassador is a testament to her magnetism and obvious passion for her goals and objectives.”

“Many people still have the stereotype of beauty queens as having nothing more than looks in their arsenal. We believe at WAW that beauty queens are more multifaceted than that and with Miss Yusuf, we have another shot at showcasing that to the world.”

Grace Yusuf joins the star-studded Henkel ambassador family, which has notable stars such as the winner and runner-up of the 2021 Nigerian Idol, Kingdom Kroisede and Akunna.

Delta PDP Chieftain, Anthony Akpeki, set to marry Endurance Ojokolo
Anthony Akpeki, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Delta State, is set to marry Nigerian athlete, Endurance Ojokolo.
The marriage is billed to take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Sapele.
Akpeki is a notable politician in Delta State and advocate for good governance and politics of development.
The traditional marriage will be held at 17 Ikpereva Street, Okirighwere in Sapele Local Government Area
“Finding a person who loves you is the best thing in life.” Anthony Ogheneyerowo Akpeki and Endurance Ojokolo said in a joint statement.
The reception will take place after the historic ceremony at Sapele Township Stadium.

Meanwhile, security is expected to be beefed up in Sapele and its vicinity in view of the presence of top government functionaries in the country, sports personalities, captains of Industry and royal fathers.

ANTHONY AKPEKI MARRIES ENDURANCE OJOKOLO

Delta politician, Anthony Akpeki, will on Saturday, December 17, 2022 marry former African track queen, Endurance Ojokolo.
The ceremony will begin at 10:00am.
According to a press release issued by the families of Pa Emmanuel Ojokolo and Pa Stephen Amatowa Akpeki of Ukwuani Nation and Okpe Kingdom, the marriage is scheduled to be held at 17 Ikpereva Street, Okirighwere in Sapele Local Government Area.

The traditional marriage will bring together high-ranking gov¬ernment functionaries, sportspersons and administrators, prominent traditional rulers, professionals, 2023 candidates and leaders of political parties around the world.

‘’The high society marriage reception of the 100 metres specialist and the renowned politician will take place at Sapele Township Stadium’’.
Anthony Ogheneyerowo Akpeki is a unique and essential player in Delta State politics.