[dropcap]O[/dropcap]NWA IGBUDU! You lead the way and light up the path for all of those who follow you. I just want to thank you for everything you have done and let you know how much I appreciate the incredible changes you have made in the Society today.

Onwa’s life underscored the importance of vision, focus, tenacity, wisdom and courage in leadership,Your attributes had propelled you for the outstanding successes that you recorded in every role you played in life. “As you reach the milestone of three scores in your life, may God, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful, continue to imbue you with good health, wisdom and long life for continued tireless and inspirational service to our fatherland, Ibusa and Delta State.

Igbudu, you are one of the most innovative person in Delta politics today! Not only do you seamlessly adapt to address the emerging challenges from the persistent ones that we face in our society today, but you are also always striving to make things better with new approaches and such unfaltering determination.

I just want to thank you for all of your amazing efforts in touching peoples lives over the years!
You have been a great role model both inside and outside the Anioma Nation. I’m so glad I get to celebrate with you today and wish you all the best in life.
Thank you so much for your hard work, encouragement, and care. I hope you have a very happy birthday — next drink is on me!
I have learned so much from your example. Happy birthday to a great role model! Wishing you many happy returns.

Ambrose Elofu-Dike

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Delta State Government said setting up “Operation Delta Hawk” would not stop the state from participating actively in the proposed security outfit for South-South under the auspices of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission.

Commissioner for Information in the State, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made the clarification on Monday while addressing Journalists of Warri, Ughelli, Isoko and Sapele Correspondents Chapels in Warri.

Aniagwu noted that while “Operation Delta Hawk” would concentrate mainly on internal security of the state, regional security outfit would tackle security issues in the region. He also stated that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.

He assured that the government would continue to assist security agencies operating in the state to ensure a safer state as there would be effective intelligence-sharing among all security agencies in the state.

The Commmissioner who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, also, urged journalists to enlighten the people about the effects of Covid-19, noting that the fight against the virus should be collective for it to be easily eliminated in the state.

“We are here, first to show our appreciation for the enormous support the government has enjoyed from you in showcasing our modest achievements to our people and those in the diaspora about the activities of government from 2015 till date.

“We are committed to the setting up of the regional security outfit by the BRACED Commission and we are also, empowering and equipping the security agencies, even when they are federal agencies because, they are protecting our people.”

“With security, the state has become number one oil producer in the country and more businesses are springing up with the multiplier benefits in employment of labour which has also, led to the National Bureau of Statistics placing us as second in standard of living in the country.”

On Covid-19, Aniagwu emphasised that it was real and that the media should enlighten the people more on the need to adopt government set protocols to curb the coronavirus.

He noted that Covid-19 had impacted a lot on the economy of the State with attendant loss in revenue and much money being spent in managing cases of the pandemic.

“As at today, we have 83 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 17 discharged cases and eight deaths; we do not pray that we have more cases of Covid-19 and the media should assist us to know that Covid-19 is real and can kill.”

“Maintaining government set protocols are basic ways of checking its spread.”

“There is Covid-19 in Warri; there is Covid-19 in other parts of Delta; there are well equipped hospitals in the state and more health facilities are being set up and equipped not really because of Covid-19 but, as you are aware, as ongoing projects of the government before the advent of Covid-19.”

“The contributory health insurance policy is on and while we have more than 800, 000 Deltans who have enrolled, we desire full coverage for all Deltans so that our people who have health challenges should not suffer because they do not have immediate cash at hand.”

“Our Governor is passionate about the health of Deltans and is also committed to meeting with his electoral promises and we can see what is going on with the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.”

“A lot of roads have been completed and a lot are still being constructed. Work has gone far on the Section A, Section C1 and C2 of the Ughelli/Asaba road project; the Warri Trans Ode-Itsekiri bridge has also reached advanced stage, with several others being constructed across the state.”

“We are on course and as we approach 2023, government will not be distracted and will continue to do those things it has promised to achieve.”

“Every of our statements is backed by verifiable facts and I appeal to you to always verify your facts before going to press,” the commissioner said.

On his part, the chief press secretary thanked the media for being responsible in their reportage, assuring that Okowa’s administration was open for people to verify their stories.

“We should show responsibility of balancing our story at all times. A journalist ought to know everything about everything and something about everything so that we will be better informed and equipped to inform others.”

“I want to thank you for the responsible approach to your practice of journalism and development of the state”, Ifeajika said.

[dropcap] P[/dropcap]rophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere Odumeje a.k.a ‘The Lion’ Famous Onitsha-based pastor,has gone down on his knees to beg the people of Anambra State. This is coming after a report went viral on the social media that the pastor who is known with so many names such as Indabosky had declared war on communities in Anambra and Imo States.

However, Odumeje in a statement, said; “My attention has been drawn to the publications on social media over the alleged face-off between me and the good people of Awka and Arondizuogu Clcommunities in Anambra and Imo State respectively.”

“In the said posts, I was potrayed as declaring war on the people of these communities and their respective traditional festivals and beliefs, It was also alleged that I had vowed to destroy Imo-Awka festival and put a stop to the Ikeji festival of Arondizuogu.”

“Consequently, upon the above, I wish to acknowledge that the people of Awka and Arondizuogu Communities are peace loving and I have over the years come to share fellowship and service in church with a great number of them.”

“These two communities and their renouned indegenes have been known and recognised as major contributors to the development of their states, Igboland and the nation at large.”

“Awka and Arondizuogu communities have produced great men and women of integrity and pedigree and have always remained at the top of great sons and daughters of Igbo land.”

“Against this backdrop and with every humility as a Servant of the Living God, I sincerely apologise to the great people of these two communities, to the entire people of Igbo land and to my elders for my utterances. I will not make any attempts to justify my statement as even I can see that it is hurtful in all its ramifications.”

“I also want to specially apologize to the family of Mazi Pericomo of Arondizuogu who I understand until his passing was a diligent servant (Evangelist) of God.”

“I apologise and put it on record that this experience has thought me that words that speak any form of divisive conversation amongst our people MUST be checked. This is a time for unity, love and unwavering support for each other.”

“Similarly, I lend my voice to the directives of the federal and state government in observing all the COVID-19 protocols, while waiting on the Lord for the end of the pandemic.”

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Junic Nig. Limited, Elder Acho Godwin Nonyalim has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on the occasion of his administration’s five years saddle as the head of proactive government of the state, saying it has good governance,brought peace and development to Delta.

Elder Nonyalim,the trail-blazing Real Estate mogul par excellence from Ibusa made the remarks in Asaba during the observance of the 5th anniversary of the SMART agenda governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa whose transformation agenda in the areas of infrastructure,Housing, peace, human capital development, wealth creation as well skill acquisition and human capital investment as some of the things that distinguishes his administration as governor.

Elder Nonyalim urged Deltans to rally round and always show support to the Okowa’s administration which is making prudent use of the state resources in citing different projects across the state in order to do more for the people, even as he assured of working in synergy with the state government to attract more Housing Estate development to the state and local government levels.
Elder Nonyalim said the five years of the Okowa administration had recorded significant progress and the quality of life of the people had improved through the various women and youths empowerment programmes, as well as the wealth creation initiatives of the administration.

“I must commend His Excellency the Governor for his sincerity and for being proactive in the administration of our dear state for the past five years. Our people across the three senatorial districts are happy. He congratulated Governor Okowa and all his team for the success recorded for the past five years and foresee greater future of development of the state by the Okowa administration.

By: Ike Abiagom