[dropcap] O[/dropcap]gbueshi Patrick Ukah, Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education has warned Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs), Principals and Heads of Schools to desist from sending wrong signals that does not portray the intention of the state government.

The Commissioner was reacting to rumours making the round that his Ministry has directed communities to clean up public schools within their jurisdiction or pay a certain amount of money and failure to do so, such schools will not be allowed by the state government to reopen.

According to a statement personally signed by Ukah and released on Wednesday night, the Ministry will not task anybody or community on the reopening of schools.

He stated that any CIE, Principal or School Head foisting the cleaning of schools on communities do not have the backing of the ministry and those found to be involved and those propagating the misleading information will be severely sanctioned in accordance with extant rules of the state civil service and laws on the spread of fake news.

Chief Ukah disclosed that having known that the government alone cannot do everything in the school system, the ministry’s Public Private Partnership unit is currently engaging relevant agencies, partners, organisations, philanthropic and well-meaning individuals to see how government’s efforts can be complemented.

He noted that the Federal Government recently released guidelines for the reopening of schools after Covid-19 pandemic closures and the ministry has commenced the harmonisation of the document with that of the state schools reopening strategy.

The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner appealed to parents and the general public to be patient as the ministry is in consultations with both internal and external stakeholders including relevant ministries, all Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria, Private School Owners Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Management of State Universal Basic Education Board and Post Primary Education Board with a view to building alignment on the strategies for school reopening.

Chief Ukah emphasised that the ministry will also increase communication and advocacy with the Ministry of Information, Civil Society Groups and Delta State Orientation Bureau as well as building synergy with School Based Management Committees (SBMC), Advocacy and Mentoring Committees, Parents’ Teachers’ Associations (PTAs), Transport Unions, Traditional Rulers and Faith Based Organisations, including Christian and Muslim leaders, to help educate our students on social distancing.

He emphasised that “it is pertinent to state that government is alive to its responsibility and is already taking steps to ensuring that all schools are well prepared, hygienic and adequately provided with water and health facilities as demanded by the covid-19 preventive protocols as we look forward to schools reopening soon.”

Chief Ukah added that as a responsible government, the health, safety, and security of learners, teachers and families are priorities, stressing that the state government will guarantee the public, especially parents, of the safety of schools before, during and after covid -19 pandemic.

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]rince Ned Nwoko made the disclosure in an interview with PUNCH where he also talking about falling for Regina the first day he met her.

His words ;

Why not Regina? When I met her, I didn’t even know who she was because I don’t watch movies, whether British, Nigerian or American. Also, I am not a social media person. Up until that time, I didn’t have Facebook or Instagram accounts. So, I didn’t know about Regina until she came to my house with her family on a tour. My house in the village (Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State) is a tourist attraction of sorts.

I liked her when I saw her, especially when I found out that she was from that place. I had always wanted to have somebody (a wife) from my side. We were introduced to each other and one thing led to another. That was when I found out she is a very decent girl. I have always said that I wouldn’t marry anybody who isn’t a virgin and that is very important to me. When I found out that she was a virgin, it reinforced my decision to marry her. I married all my wives as virgins.

Regina Daniels on her part, explained what it felt like being married to the 59-year-old ;

I feel free. I can do whatever I want, dress how I like, live my life the way I want to. My husband is always pushing me to be a better person. He wants me to be more exposed and see the world in a different way. As a matter of fact, there are many things I enjoy about the marriage that I cannot explain.

[dropcap]A [/dropcap]combine team of local vigilante groups have arrested eight persons suspected to be Fulani herders who are terrorizing Issele-Uku and its environs in Aniocha north local government area of Delta State.

This was disclosed Friday by the chairman, Issele-Uku Vigilante group, Mr. Nkeadi Obunwa, shortly after the combined monthly meeting of all the vigilante groups in the local government area at the Unity Hall, Issele-Uku, the administrative headquarter of the council.

According to Obunwa, the vigilante group work in collaboration with the men and officers of the Nigerians police to ensure that the free-for-all herders are having in the council was brought to an end. The police has recorded a major feat with vigilante groups across the state in the fight against criminal elements.

The vigilante boss, called on the state government to assist them with relevant materials and some kind of remuneration that would spur them into active work.

Mr. Obunwa, took the opportunity to appreciate Indigenes of Issele-Uku, who have assisted them in ensuring a hitch free operations which according to him, has yielded positive impact.

The vigilance helmsman disclosed that to achieve the desired result, the vigilante group in Aniocha north had been working together as one family, stressing that one purpose and mandate, had been their driving force to keep the local government safe for the inhabitants.

On the disbanded vigilante group in Onicha -Ugbo, he stated that members were working out modalities to bring back the group to operations with out further delay.

Issele-Uku, Issele-Azagba, Ubulu-Uku, Asaba, Ibuza, Igbodo, Agbor and many other communities in Delta north senatorial district, have had their fair share of herders killings, rape, kidnapping and other social vises.

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hief Peter Okocha aka (BoBo Nikit) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youths leader of Oshimili North Local Government Area,has felicitated with the Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as he celebrates his 61 years birthday .

In a statement on Wednesday 8th July, 2020,Chief Peter Okocha described Okowa as an astute Leader who has continued to demonstrate exceptional wisdom and exemplary maturity in the handling of affairs and issues, not only in Delta State, but also in Nigeria as whole.

Okocha commended Governor Okowa for his commitment in the development of humanity saying that his life has been an epitome of service, humility, sincerity and unprecedented fear of God.

“It is wonderful and pleasing to be celebrating a great man who has been instrumental and devoted to the service of humanity and the development of our dear Delta State, with all sincerity and humility, on this auspicious occasion of his birthday today.

He pointed out that the governor had been proactive in many of his actions since taken the mantleship of governing the state, and this can only come from someone who had over the years built the capacity for good leadership.

He prayed that God should continue to guild and give him wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state to achieve that dream position, where Delta Will be rated the best in the country, especially in the area of infrastructure development, human capital development and high rate of employment opportunity for the people of the state.

“Sir, I Congratulate you on this special occasion of your 61 years Birthday. I pray for continuous God protection, Guidance, and Wisdom for you to continue to pilot the affairs of this our state.”

“You had been proactive since you step in as the Governor of this State. Your actions had been wonderful, and you had built a very high leadership structure.”

“Congratulations Sir, as you Celebrate.”

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]inal year secondary school students in Nigeria won’t participate in the forthcoming West African Examination Council(WAEC) examinations, the Federal Government has declared.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Wednesday after the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, also said there is no date for school resumption yet.

He said he would prefer Nigerian students lose an academic year to expose them to dangers.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he President of Ibusa Youths Council(IYC),Comrade Victor Ifeanyi Asiodu has congratulated His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State on his 61 years old birthday.

The Youths Leader in a Press Statement made available to Grassroots Publishers Online in Ibusa,on behalf of the entire Ibusa Youths Council (IYC)described Sentaor Ifeanyi Okowa as incredible leader,charismatic and endearing icon and wished him many fruitful years ahead.

According to the statement; “Indeed, the Anioma nation is very proud to have such a selfless and courageous leader as you. You have not only written your name in the history books, but your indelible footprints are in the hearts of the people”.

“The entire  Ibusa Youths are delighted to mark this auspicious day with you as you have been a role model and a source of inspiration to us as a Youths”, he said.

Anioma people keep saying and loudly too that your type is rare. A warrior that frontally confronts his enemies and each time comes out victorious.You are a man loves by everybody, even those who hates you often cannot decipher why they so do. You are a man of uncommon philanthropy and gifted by God of Anioma.

Gov. Okowa has seen the valley and been to the mountain in the course of life. We must always be ready to brace up for the valley, much as we are enthusiastic about ascending the mountain. We must always ask God to put us at the centre of His will whichever way life’s vicissitude takes us.

For Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa , I extend to you my hearty congratulations on your birthday and urge You to keep up with the well defined life of FAITH that you live and the charity that you so generously exude.
We wish you long life and prosperity. Once again, Congratulations.”

Comrade Victor Ifeanyi Asiodu
President, Ibusa Youths Council(IYC)