Keyamo refuses to bow to Senate pressure, direct committees to continue working

Keyamo refuses to bow to Senate pressure, direct  committees to continue working 

Festus Keyamo,Minister of State for Labour & Employment

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has directed all the committees he inaugurated Monday, to recruit 774,000 jobs in all the local governments nationwide, to proceed with their work in spite of the disagreement he had on the project with the joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives earlier, Tuesday.

“Only Mr. President can stop their work,” the Minister said in a statement issued on Tuesday June 30, 2020.

The Minister who was not pleased  with the Senate committee to suspend  the recruitment exercise said that he would rather leave the assignment if the President so directs rather than bow to the will of the legislators to suspend the exercise.

In the statement titled, “PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF SELECTION PROCESS OF 774,000 JOBS BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES,” signed by the Minister himself, he said:

“Today, in obedience to their invitation, I appeared before the Joint Committees on Labour of both the Senate and the House. The Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members sought to be briefed on the implementation of the Special Public Works Programme so far.

“However, there was a misunderstanding between us when they questioned why I did not privately submit the program to them for vetting before taking certain steps. They suggested that they ought to have an input on how the programme should be implemented.  In other words, they sought to control the programme as to who gets what, where and how.  However, I insisted that I could not surrender the programme to their control since their powers under the Constitution does not extend to that. They insisted on a closed door session.

“At this point, I remarked that it was only fair for me to respond to their position before the press, since their own position was also made public.  In any case, I remarked that the Nigerian people deserve to know the details of the execution of this all-important programme.

OKOMITIE BAGS DELTA STATE PUBLISHERS AWARD

OKOMITIE BAGS DELTA STATE PUBLISHERS AWARD

A renowned businessman and Chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Olorogun Samson Gordons Okomitie has bagged the prestigious Delta Grassroots Media Award of Excellence for distinguishing himself as a philanthropist and grassroots politician who attracted people into the PDP.

While receiving the award from the Delta State Publishers under the aiges of Delta Guilds of Indigenous Newspaper publishers (DGINP) at his residence in Ekakpamre in Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State on Sunday June 21, 2020, Olorugun Okomitie said that he love assisting the less-priviledge ones in the society and he is ever ready to help people who are in distress condition.

Olorogun Okomitie said he was concerned from his youth days on how to contribute positively to the development and progress of the society.

Olorogun Okomitie who is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution said apart from being a businessman, he joined politics (PDP) to use that platform to further help the people and promote the developmental strides of the Delta State Government.

He urged Deltans to support the Delta State Government led by Governor Okowa to achieve its set target.

He thanked the Delta State Publishers for considering him for the prestigious award and promised to do more for humanity.

In his brief speech before bestowing the award on the recipient, the President of Delta Guide of indigenous Newspaper Publishers, Mr. Femi Odonmeta said that the visible contributions of the recipient to the social and economic development of the state and his philanthropic gestures have prompted the Guild to bestow Olorogun Okomitie the prestigious award.

He noted that the outstanding contributions of Okomitie in all spheres of life were quite remarkable and wished him well in all his present and future endeavours.

INYC Steps Up Peace Efforts in Edo State's Itsekiri-Bini Crisis

 INYC Steps Up Peace Efforts in Edo State's Itsekiri-Bini Crisis

The Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, has sent a passionate appeal to all Itsekiri critical stakeholders, leaders of thoughts and opinion molders to immediately wade in and step up effects aimed at resolving the Itsekiri-Itsekiri microcosm in the raging Itsekiri-Bini crisis rocking the Ologbo-Kolokolo axis of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The INYC has also called on all Itsekiri people living in the crisis-proned area, especially the principal actors to exercise caution for their personal safety until the issue is amicably laid to rest to avoid further casualty on the side of the Itsekiris who they said have suffered more casualties and loss of properties.

The position of the apex Itsekiri youths platform was made known by the INYC President Worldwide, Comr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, during a press conference in Warri, Monday June 22, 2020 to make their stand known in the crisis raging between the Itsekiris and Binis on one side, and a crop of other Itsekiris who are waging internal war against themselves in Edo State.

The INYC described the crisis which stemmed from alleged attempt by the Binis to annex some Itsekiri Indigenous communities of Ologbo, Kolokolo, Ajoki, Ajatiton, Ikara among others, as both unfortunate and same time complicated by the actions of same Itsekiris who are said to be working with the Binis to the extent of going to media to publicly make unsavory statements discrediting the genuine Itsekiri struggle.

According to the youths' group, while the Indigenous Itsekiri communities have been existing in Edo State since time immemorial, they do not have any linguistic connection, just as they pointed out that the existence of indigenous Urhobo and Isoko communities in neighbouring Bayelsa State have not translated to the transfer of those communities to the Ijaws, as the boundaries bordering many of the communities where only demarcations established for mere administrative conveniences.

The INYC regretted that several attempts made by notable Itsekiri leaders during the crisis so far have failed to yield positive regrets, just as it said "it is uncultural, unethical and unItsekiri for any Itsekiri to go to war with the sole aim of bringing down a fellow Itsekiri. Our condemnation to such notion is total and absolute."

Meanwhile, the INYC has raised the alarm that the Binis are strategically capitalizing on an ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police to unravel the mystery behind the missing of an Itsekiri Indigene, Comr. Sunny Etchie, to unleash reprisal attacks wherein all the casualties lying critically ill in hospitals in Delta and Edo States, are all Itsekiris.

"Conspiratorially, one Curtis Ugbo and his faceless Bini Solidarity Movement have created all kinds of false impressions in the media," the INYC stated, adding that "all of such verbal vituperations and diarrhea (now on various media) are what the leadership of this council is not prepared to glorify by joining issues with them since the antecedents of the said Curtis Ugbo and some of his co-travelers have been making several trips to and fro prison. In any sane society, such individual or group by now would have been appropriately situated.

The INYC President, while responding to questions from Journalists during the press conference, frowned at the refusal of those styling themselves as social media reporters to made themselves available for the purposes of getting reliable first hand information to guide them in their daily posts on the social media.

Comr. Agbateyiniro emphasised that the refusal of the self-styled social media reporters to attend the conference gives credence to the popular notion that their work amounts to nothing short of calculated attempt to spread fake rumours and make malicious claims to malign and tarnish the image of responsible individuals who are genuinely committed and working for public good.

He urge those involved in such evil machinations to desist from such acts and turn a new leaf as both karma and posterity would catch up with them and dish them their fair share of judgement.

DELTA TO ENFORCE BAN ON KEKE PLYING HIGHWAYS

DELTA TO ENFORCE BAN ON KEKE PLYING HIGHWAYS

Delta State Government has announced the full enforcement of the ban on tricycles popularly known as Keke, from running on Federal highways.

This was made known by the Delta State Taskforce Chairman on Environment, Honourable Sylvester Oromoni at a joint meeting with Keke Union Executive of both Warri and Uvwie held at the 

Government House Annex Warri recently.

According to the  Task Force Chairman, the prohibited routes include NPA Expressway Warri, Asaba-Onitsha express way, DSC Express Way, Udu, Effurun Roundabout to Oghara expressway, PTI junction to Abraka-Agbor axis, DSC roundabout to Ughelli, Patani, Ozoro Kwale-Asaba.

Honourable Oromoni, the Task Force Chairman, emphasized that the measure was to ensure safety on the highway, saying that hence forth, any Keke plying the Federal highways would be arrested.

The taskforce chairman asserted that the law banning Keke on Federal Highways has been in force since the tenure of Governor Ewetan Uduaghan and Okowa upon assumption of office up held same.

Explaining further, Hon. Oromoni pointed out that, Only buses, taxes and other four wheel vehicles are allowed to ply such routes.

The Task Force Chairman said, I want to sternly warn all tricycle operators in the State to abide by this order, or face the wrath of the Law. We are here to reinforce the law, and any one that violates it will pay a fine of N20,000.

In his response, the Chairman of Keke Drivers Union Association of Delta State, Evangelist Paul Onyema said We are ready to partner with the Environmental Task Force in order to stop Keke Operators from using the above mentioned highway in the State. 

The Union Chairman disclosed that, "One of our major challenges is that many of the Keke riders are based in Ughelli, Agbarho and other nearby Villages. With this, they will have to drive through the prohibited routes."

He promised to discuss the problem with his member so that a solution would be reached.

DESOPADEC Team commiserate with family of Late Overah in Sapele

DESOPADEC Team commiserate with family of Late Overah in Sapele

Late Hon. Joyce Overah 

Top Management Staff and Board members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) led by their Chairman, Hon. Evang. Michael Diden alias Ejele recently paid visit to the family of Late Joyce Overah Commissioner representing Urhobo Nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC at his new road residence to condole with his wife, children and close family members.

In his brief speech during the visit, DESOPADEC Managing Director/CEO, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh said that when they received the news of the death, himself and some top management staff quickly travelled to Sapele for confirmation and promised members of the family that they will come back for an official visit which they have just done. 

On his part, Chairman of DESOPADEC, Hon. (Evang.) Michael Diden stated that they are going to miss the presence of Late Overah because according to him, the Late Overah was not only their colleague but their brother and a member of Delta Political Vanguard with Governor Okowa as their leader.

He appealed to members of the family to carry them along when planning for the burial so that they can help in giving their departed colleague a befitting burial.

The Chairman also pleaded with the children and members of the immediate family to take the death in good faith as it is the will of God Almighty.

Responding, younger brother of the deceased, Mr. Raymond Overah while thanking the DESOPADEC team for the visit appealed for assistance so that they can give their brother a befitting burial as well as assist in taking care of the two wives and children which Late Overah left behind.

The Ejele team also visited the second wife of Late Overah at Ogbimi Drive in Sapele where they also commiserated with the wife and children.

Bawo Odonghanro loses Father

Bawo Odonghanro loses Father 

                    Late  Pa. Samuel B. Odonghanro

The father of Comr. Bawo Odonghanro, a prominent youth leader in Warri Kingdom and Chairman of Iwere Renaissance has lost his precious father.

                                                                              

The father, Late Pa. Samuel B. Odonghanro passed on to glory June 7, 2020 at the age of 80.

Late Pa. Samuel B. Odonghanro hailed from Ibirifo and Ogidigben Communities in Ethiope West Local Government and Warri South-West Local Government Area respectively.

Pa. Odonghanro who was  an astute Seaman and Marine Engineer  is survived by many children and numerous relatives.

Delegates from His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, The Olu of Warri in a group photograph with the Odonghanro family 

Mr. Bawo Odonghanro, a former Chairman of Ibirofo Community on behalf of the Odonghanro family thanked His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, The Olu of Warri for sending a high powered delegates led by Chief Gabriel Awala, The Uwangwe of Warri Kingdom to commiserate with their family. 

ITSEKIRI EDUCATION TRUST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ITSEKIRI STUDENTS

ITSEKIRI EDUCATION TRUST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO ITSEKIRI STUDENTS

His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli flanked by the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami(left) & the Uwangue of Warri Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Awala(right) during the opening prayer

His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli flanked by the 

By Tetsoma Neyin

Itsekiri Education Trust, an indigeneous organization has doled out  scholarship to well deserving Itsekiri undergraduates for 2020 academic year.

The scholarship was awarded to those who have successfully scaled through the scholarship examination held earlier this year.

The ceremony which was attended by His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Uwangue of Warri,Chief  Gabriel Awala  and other notable Palace Chiefs was held on Thursday May 28, at the palace of the Olu of Warri.

The Royal father, Ogiame Ikenwoli in his remark, praised the relentless efforts of the Trust in sustaining the Scholarship programme despite the poor funding from the Itsekiri people.

The Olu of Warri frowned at the nonchalant attitudes of Itsekiri Youths towards education which should be their first priority in life.

To show his educational interest  for  his people, the revered Monarch made a yearly pledge  of One Million naira to the Trust and tasked his Chiefs to contribute their quota by making a yearly donation to the Trust, which will be supervised by Chief  Eugene Ikomi.

The highly respected Monarch congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries and charged them to put in their uttermost best in ensuring they all come out with first class degree in their chosen disciplines so as to make Itsekiri Nation proud.

Members of Itsekiri Education Trust led by the Chairman, Engr. Gbesimi Akperi(4th right) in a group photograph with the scholarship beneficiaries

Responding to the huge financial commitment of  Ogiame to the Trust, Chairman of the scholarship Committee, Engr. Alex Neyin thanked the Olu of Warri for his constant prayers and huge financial contribution saying that it would spur them to do more toward the educational development of Iwere Land.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Itsekiri Education Trust, Engr. Gbesimi Akperi stated that the Trust which was inaugurated in October 2012 by His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II of blessed memory is saddled with the responsibility to promote total education of all Itsekiris and eradicate illiteracy from Iwere land. 

He stated that the Trust has been faced with financial challenges due to  negligence from Itsekiris who were supposed to fund the Trust.

“Our activities cover education at all levels in all its ramifications. We are currently involved in Adult literacy programme, University Scholarship and recently, we have started addressing skills training”,  he added.

He thanked His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Warri Council of Chiefs, Members of the Trust and others for their moral and financial support towards the achievement of this year's scholarship award.

Ejueyitsi Solomon, a medical student at the university of Benin who spoke on behalf of the eleven scholarship beneficiaries thanked the Olu of Warri and his chiefs, as well as members of the Trust for their immense financial contributions towards the success of their education.

In his closing remarks, the Treasurer of the Trust, Chief Engr. Tony Onuwaje thanked the Olu of Warri and his Council of Chiefs as well as members of the Trust for gracing the occasion and their financial support towards the growth and development of education in Iwere land.

High point of the ceremony was the presentation of cheques  of one hundred thousand naira each to  the eleven beneficiary students, amongst whom are: Ejueyitsi Solomon, Jarikpe Constance, Eruya Laju, favour, Ebiareneyin Toritseju Gladys, Oritsetsemiaye Joy Mele, Edah Precious Inomiebioritse, Pajiah Nina Peniel, Omagbemi Ebisan Michelle, Omagbemi Sholaye Jennifer, Edun Frank Atebioritsemiro and Ephraim O. Bomi-Dore.