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‘We can do a lot together,’ Putin tells Buhari

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‘We can do a lot together,’ Putin tells Buhari

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, have agreed to put Nigeria-Russia relations on a fast track, and pursue the completion of partially completed and abandoned projects initiated by both countries.

At a bilateral meeting held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, in Sochi on sidelines of ongoing Russia-Africa Summit, the two leaders agreed to start new infrastructure projects and expand trade and investment, security and military cooperation.

In statements made by both leaders, Nigeria and Russia will work together to improve efficiency of Nigeria’s oil sector, which is the backbone of the economy, in a way that will see to rehabilitation of epileptic oil refineries through establishment of framework for a joint venture between Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Russia-based leading oil company, Lukoil.

Both NNPC and Lukoil will work towards prospection of oil in deep offshore.

Ajaokuta Steel Company

The issue of uncompleted and abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill was presented by President Buhari. His request for the return of Russia, on a government-to-government relationship for completion and commissioning of the plant was accepted by President Putin.

Earlier in the day, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite had a very fruitful discussion with his counterpart in Russia on Ajaokuta.

The Russia government agreed to support development of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure by constructing 1,400 kilometres track from Lagos to the South-South city of Calabar.

There was also discussion on the advancement of ongoing project for the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Nigeria. According to President Putin, the next step in the implementation of the project should be the commencement of construction of a power plant.

On security and military cooperation, one that existed for fifty-nine years of Nigeria’s independence, President Buhari agreed to renew Nigeria-Russia Military Technical Agreement that had lapsed within a short time, saying: “I have directed the Minister of Defence to work with the Ministry of Justice to conclude this matter within the shortest possible time.”

This military cooperation agreement is expected to give impetus to further cooperation in direct procurement of military hardware on a government-to-government basis at a lower cost as well as training of military personnel and modernization of armed forces and renewal of infrastructure and equipment which President Putin promised to undertake.

On protracted issue of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) Ikot-Abasi, Akwa-Ibom State, President Buhari said that he had asked the Ministry of Justice, “to submit a comprehensive report on the UC Russel (the Russian owners of the plant) matter…I want to assure you that the aim of our reforms is to ensure such investments are concluded and actualized in a professional and painless manner.”

The two Presidents also addressed partnership in education and agriculture. The Russia leader said they would give additional scholarships to Nigerians.

“We seek your Government’s support especially in the areas of wheat production. Today, Nigeria produces less than one hundred thousand metric tons of wheat locally while our imports are projected to exceed five million tons in 2020.

“We therefore need your support to bridge the deficit which will create jobs and save our foreign exchange for other important areas like security, defence and infrastructure,” President Buhari said.

On this, President Putin promised to promote joint efforts, given his country’s ranking as the current number one wheat producer in the world.

“We can do a lot together,” Putin added.

The Russian President said Nigeria should take advantage of Russia’s potassium resources to advance President Buhari’s local fertiliser production program.

Putin promised his country’s support for the geological prospection of Nigeria’s solid minerals and gave assurances of working with Nigeria and other African countries to secure and stop the incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea as they did in securing the Somali coastal areas.

President Putin expressed further determination to secure Nigeria and the rest of Africa from terrorists. He told President Buhari that 2,000 ex-ISIS terrorists joined Boko Haram last year.

In conclusion, President Buhari said: “to move forward, may I suggest that our countries organize the fifth Joint Commission meeting to review and ratify all the agreements (about 40) contained in the Intergovernmental Nigeria-Russia Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Protocol of November 11, 2016.”

President Putin agreed to the proposal.

President Buhari asked Russia to support Nigeria’s aspiration for a permanent membership of the council.

NYSC members to receive N30,000 Minimum Wage – FG

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NYSC members to receive N30,000 Minimum Wage – FG

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, has said that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will enjoy the new N30,000 minimum wage.

The minister of youths and sports made this known in a tweet on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Wednesday evening, October 23.

“New Minimum Wage: NYSC members to enjoy new minimum wage/ allowee Details coming …,” he tweeted. we gathered that the minister’s statement is coming after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) directed the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed to effect payment of the new minimum wage on or before 31st December 2019.

This online news platform understands that the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, disclosed this at the end of the FEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The Labour Minister also said FEC approved the minimum wage to take effect from 18 April 2019.

This came after Ngige had earlier said that the full implementation and payment of the new minimum wage would take immediate effect.

The labour minister in his statement stated that the payment cuts across both the public and private sectors.

Ngige said the consequential adjustment agreed upon meant that: “For COMESS wage structure grade level 7 gets 23%, level 8 gets 20%, level 9 gets 19%, levels 10 to 14 get 16% while levels 15 to 17 get 14%. “For those on the second category of wages structure, CONHES, CONRRISE, CONTISS etc, level 7 gets 22.2%, levels 8 to 14 get 16%, levels 15 to 17 get 10.5%.”

The Minister stated that the third category of the country’s “wage structure which includes the military and paramilitary was also factored in the agreement since they are not in the civil service, theirs would be communicated through the appropriate channels.”

This online news platform understands that the statement by the Labour Minister came after the federal government and the Labour Unions reached an agreement on the consequential adjustment for other categories of workers after three days meeting.

Under the agreement reached, the core civil servants on grade level 7 are to get (23.2 per cent) adjustment; grade level 8 (20 per cent); grade level 9 (19 per cent); grade levels 10 to14 (16 per cent); and grade levels 15 to 17, (14 per cent).

By: Emeji Noble

Bishop Oyedepo Purchases New Helicopter Worth N2.5bn

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Bishop Oyedepo Purchases New Helicopter Worth N2.5bn

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ounder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, an organization with one of the largest networks of about 11,000 branches in 65 countries has acquired a brand new helicopter.

This is in continuation of his quest to ease movement while reaching large numbers of people in his evangelical work. This acquisition is especially unique as it is the first time he will buy an aircraft with his personal resources. Previous aircraft including the only one presently in the Church inventory, a Challenger 605 with registration N633WM (World Mission) which was acquired at a cost of $25 million were all acquired by the Church through Dominion Aviation Center.

Speaking at a gathering of pastors recently, Bishop Oyedepo announced that the aircraft which had arrived Nigeria could fly from Lagos to Maiduguri or from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos without a need to refuel.

Church Gist investigation also reveal that the aircraft is still in a Lagos seaport undergoing clearance after which it will be brought to the Church’s hangar for assemblage.

Church Gist also gathered that the helicopter could be of Italian origin and produced by the Leonardo Helicopters (formerly Agusta Westland). In particular it could be either the Trekker or GrandNew series as these have capacity for covering a long range before the need for refueling.

Dr David Oyedepo has spoken often about how he was inspired by the visit of white missionaries to his village of Omu-Aran in helicopters while he was a kid. He also mentioned as early as April 1982 that God had shown him wings in a vision and when he asked, it was revealed that his ministry was going to be flying around the world carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ. This led to the acquisition by the Church of the first aircraft in March 1996 and since then, the Church has been acquiring aircraft for missionary purposes.

Also, as each aircraft gets old, it is quickly exchanged for a new one to ease cost, maintenance and servicing. A few years ago, precisely in 2011, the Bishop travelled to 6 African countries within 7 days and preached 11 different sermons. This is an example of his usual itinerary which could certainly not be achieved flying normal commercial flights.

During the recent meeting, the Bishop added that 80-90 per cent of his resources come from outside the Living Faith Church adding that recently, Covenant University (CU), an institution of the Church which is currently listed tops in Nigeria and one of the best in Africa received her largest endowment ever reported to be in the realm of hundreds of millions of dollars.

While unconfirmed reports have it that the recent endowment is from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the IMF under its new Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva has chosen CU as the Nigerian venue for the celebration of IMF’s 75th Anniversary in July 2020. IMF, United Nations and the World bank have also made commitments to begin to employ staff fresh from CU annually. IMF was in CU recently on a visit. The Bishop had declared in one of his sermons recently that very soon and before Jesus comes, Living Faith Church will be richer than the IMF and the World Bank. IMF is currently worth about $850 billion.

Read more http://www.newsrangers.com/bishop-oyedepo-purchases-new-helicopter-worth-n2-5bn/

How I Poisoned my Husband and Cut off his Penis – Suzan James Guldi Confesses

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How I Poisoned my Husband and Cut off his Penis – Suzan James Guldi Confesses

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]uzan James Guldi is married to James Guldi. They stay at Uke in Karu local government area of Nassarawa State.

They got married eight years ago and James was the type of husband any woman would pray for because he was very strong in the other room. James satisfied her sexually to the extent that she told her friends about his exploit.

They had carnal knowledge of each other almost every where and time. She told her friends including Vicki her best friend_ a widow. They jokingly begged to allow them to have James just for one day.

Trouble started after we had our two kids, then James started abandoning me, we stay for months without James coming close to me. I was so disturbed that I reported to my pastor who summoned James, he promised to change but he never did. I reported to his parents but he didn’t honor their invitation.

Three years ago, I was told by her other friends that my best friend Vicki was having an affair with my husband, I monitored them and caught them drinking in five different occasions. My Husband started keeping late nights and Victoria started avoiding me.

When I confronted my husband, he denied it saying I was acting silly, he also advised me to go look for another man who can relive all the good moments we have had together to console myself.

Then, I stumbled on a text message that caused me an emotional excruciating pain. The message was from Vicki my best friend the widow. She was telling James about how he took her to “cloud nine.”

I felt enough was enough: I decided to buy a tasteless, colorless and odourless poison, I mixed it in James food, he ate it and an hour later he was in pain, I told him what I did, that i was the one who poisoned him, I picked up a knife, cut his Di*k and placed it on his chest and watched him die.

Who do we blame and why?

SENATOR STELLA ODUAH SETS UP MEDICAL, WELFARE SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ONITSHA FIRE VICTIMS

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SENATOR STELLA ODUAH SETS UP MEDICAL, WELFARE SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ONITSHA FIRE VICTIMS

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Princess Stella Oduah, has commenced a medical and welfare support programme for the victims of the recent Onitsha fuel tanker inferno that shocked and horrified the entire nation.

The details of her welfare assistance and medical support initiative for the victims of the Onitsha fuel inferno, were disclosed in a statement signed by her and published on her official Facebook social media page.

The statement reads thus:

Sequel to my statement yesterday where I promised to look into ways of ameliorating the plight of victims in yesterday’s fuel tanker inferno, I have decided on the following steps.

1. Wounded victims are encouraged to go to the Saint Charles Borromeo Hospital & Holy Rosary Hospital, Waterside where arrangements have been put in place to receive and treat them for free.

2. I shall be making a donation of 3 fire trucks to the Federal Fire Service in Onitsha to ensure they are better equipped to avert future occurrences like this.

3. In the nearest future, I will be announcing a scheme where we will work with SMEDAN to develop access to soft loans and grants for the affected youths with the view of getting them back on their feet.

4. I shall be working with my colleagues to explore the legislative option on the need To Regulate The Movement Of Heavy Duty Trucks On Our Trunk A Roads and Related Matters to prevent such calamities from ever happening again.

Yesterday’s fire incident is highly regrettable and it is my fervent prayer that God comforts every victim of the disaster.

We will not be broken by this calamity. Ndi-Anambra are a strong resilient people.

It is my belief that we will rise from the ashes of our losses like a Phoenix rises from its ashes, and lift ourselves to even greater heights.

God bless you all.

Thank you.

Senator Princess Stella Oduah OON.

Anambra North Senatorial District.

Delta Govt Presents Staff of Office to HRM Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo II

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Delta Govt Presents Staff of Office to HRM Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo II
Delta Govt Presents Staff of Office to Ogwashi-Uku Monarch, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he new Monarch of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo II, has been presented with Staff of Office by the Delta State Government.

Presenting the Staff of Office, the State Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr Kingsley Otuaro warned that the Senator Okowa led administration will not tolerate any illegal traditional stool in any part of the state and will also, never dabble into the selection of traditional rulers.

He however assured that government will continue to support all developmental programmes in all Kingdoms in the state. Speaking, the governor said, “according to the laws of the state, it is statutory for the government to present Staff of Office to traditional rulers after due installation and enthronement by his people. The event is in compliance with the statute, hence it is been appreciated by Ogwashi-Uku people”.

“Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, was selected by the Ogwashi-Uku King Makers to succeed his father who passed on recently, Let me congratulate the Royal Father for emerging as the new Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. I am confident that though very big shoes to wear, you will be meticulous in using divine wisdom to handle the affairs of the Kingdom”.

He appealed to the Monarch to continue to unite his people and as well show them the right direction for the progress and development of the entire kingdom.

The governor also congratulated the people for passing through the processes leading to the selection of their King just as he urged the Monarch to see his elevation as a call to contribute his quota to the development of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom through peace building.

Adding, “I also implore the people of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom to give maximum support to His Royal Majesty to enable him create opportunities for socio-economic activities to thrive for the benefit of the kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria at large. The joy of the event today should translate into demonstrating love, understanding, cooperation for both His Majesty and the throne”.

Reassuring of government’s commitment to traditional institutions in the state,  the governor said, “your Royal Majesties here present, it is pertinent to reiterate that government will continue to support the traditional institution through the provision of conducive environment for their leadership to thrive.

“It is my belief that this is one way that will galvanise our traditional rulers to support government policies and programmes. I therefore call on all and sundry to continue to support the efforts of this administration by contributing your quota in the sustenance of peace, unity and harmonious coexistence in the state”.

In his response after the presentation of Staff of Office, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo commended the Delta State Government for the great honour and privilege given to him to serve his people and the ancient kingdom.

“The bold steps taken by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in presenting me this Staff of Office today after a careful investigative process, lay to rest who rightfully should occupy the Obiship of our kingdom.

“It is our firm belief that the action taken by your Excellency would keep to promote harmony in our kingdom. It is worthy of note that I passed through all the different stages to receive this staff of office. This includes the endorsement and presentation by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal family”.

The monarch pledged that during his reign, he would work expeditiously to promote unity in the Kingdom while pursuing education, promotions of agriculture, establishment of cottage industries, improvement on the environment, promotion of culture and infrastructure to its logical conclusion.

The chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, Area, Hon Isaac Anwuzia, assured of the support of the Aniocha South traditional rulers council and the people of Aniocha South for the new Monarch.

By: Emeji Kelechi Noble

Dr (Chief) Dennis M.C Amafor- The Great Icon of our time

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Dr (Chief) Dennis M.C Amafor- The Great Icon of our time
Dr (Chief) Dennis M.C Amafor
MD/CEO, Helt Hospitale Limited, Asaba

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the gallery of great leaders and great men, Dr (Chief) Dennis M.C Amafor is without doubt a rare masterpiece. He stands as strong as the cedar of Lebanon, neither by his knowledge nor his wisdom alone, but also by his keen reflex, his courage and his bull-like determination to pursue a people-driven cause. He is an exceptional family man who cares for his family members as well as those who are lucky to come his way. He has encouraged mostly youths to embrace education and has continued to empower all those fortunate to come his way. He is that affluent man who uses his God given wealth to better the lives of his people and sacrifices his own pleasure and comfort for the sake of his community.

In this exclusive interview with Grassroots Publishers, he stressed on the need for improvement of health sector in Nigeria; and how important it is for Nigerian youths to embrace hardwork for the betterment of their lives and that of their country.

Excerpts:

Can we meet you sir?

I am Dr (Chief) Dennis M.C Amafor. I hail from Ukala-Okpuno in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. A Clinical Pharmacist in Delta State with almost 40 years experience in many countries; taught in many universities. I am the MD/CEO, Helt Hospitale Limited, Asaba. I think by now, I should have retired but we professionals do not retire. I will retire maybe by 102 or 112years by God’s grace.

Nigeria is talking about diversification of the economy and we know that you have contributed so much to the development of Nigeria as a nation especially in the health sector. What inspired you sir?

Actually before now, I was thinking about doing everything abroad but my first experience abroad was not very comfortable because I have always been a home boy. I was nurtured in the village; grew up in Lagos, Sapele and so on. So it is not easy to adapt in a foreign country. I will feel misplaced. I was not very comfortable outside Nigeria. In the first place, you will not see somebody to greet you “Onowu” in the streets of Houston or Washington. You will not even see anybody to greet you “Aje” or call you “Ogbuenyi” in London and you keep having this feeling of being in another man’s land. What I am saying now can be testified by what is happening in South Africa now. You can’t be comfortable in South Africa and because of the laws of creation; we have reasons for being created in where we are. So, our origin represents our culture, tradition, language, the type of food we eat, our attire and so on. As a matter of fact, Nigeria is the best place to do business because you understand the culture, language of virtually every tribe in Nigeria and so you can interact very well. I don’t need to go to America before I can do business. But the problem here is that in Nigeria there is brain drain and that was one of the things that discouraged me to leave Nigeria. We are blessed in Nigeria but who will develop it. We have potentials in Nigeria that is why I, for instance can cope and do business in any county I find myself in today because I know the potentials I possess. We have to stay home and develop our country.

You have much enthusiasm for cultural development and philanthropism. What is your inspiration sir?

My enthusiasm for cultural development is 100% but philanthropism is according to my financial capacity. You cannot be a philanthropist when you are starving or when you have numerous people to carter for. But still, you must not spend millions for you to record your name as a philanthropist. I can always willingly offer someone who is in distress a certain amount of money as a way of charity; not really beggars you know because most beggars in Nigeria are even richer than an average poor person. They claim to have one problem or the other which they don’t have. U know one thing, philanthropy has different motives and levels. Someone may decide to show philanthropy because he wants to evade tax, some do it because they want to deceive the world, or for advertisement so that they will give you a Chieftaincy title. No. I don’t do mine because I want to evade tax or because I want to blow my trumpet. Most of the philanthropic activities I do, I don’t record it. I don’t do it to get praises from humans rather I do it to get reward from God.

For cultural development, I am a staunch supporter of culture and tradition. The God who created me knows why he positioned me at Ukala-Okpuno. Culture comprises of our language, attire, the kind of food we eat and so on. You cannot enjoy foreign food as much as you enjoy your traditional food. I must tell you that my culture is my life. We should try as much as possible to embrace and practice our culture always because that is what we are known with.

Your medical outfit, Helt Hospitale is a household name in Asaba and Delta state generally. What is the secret sir?

I have always told people, don’t dabble into what you know you cannot do and that which you can do, do it very well. It is one thing to go to school and another to go to your family education. Your family education is what leads, assists and directs you through what you do in life. Most of the miscreants on the streets lack home training and so become nuisance to the society. If you go to school, it does not change you. It only teaches you a particular subject but cannot teach you the world. Dr Vincent in his positive thinking said “The world is the University of Hard Rocks”. If you want to have your training, go into the street and know how to live in the world but you must have a tabular reserve; a platform from which you can interpret whatever you learn. If you didn’t have a good background and you are a Pharmacist, you will not be a good Pharmacist. You will interpret Pharmacy in terms of banditry if you are a bandit; stealing if you are a thief, fraud if you are a fraudster but if you have a sound home training, you will interpret Pharmacist in a genuine term. For instance if I am attending to a patient, I am praying for the person while I prescribe because if the patient does not get well I feel I am a failure. More Health care practitioners don’t care, they run after money. They tell all sorts of lies because of money. But I keep telling people; if you run after money, you will fail. Let money run after you. Money runs after quality too not even quantity, not even fraud. You can fool everybody sometimes, fool some people all the time but you cannot fool everybody every time. For instance in my company, I don’t have anything to hide. If am selling a drug to you, you will see both the cost price and the selling price. My father used to tell me that honesty is the best key in any business. My honesty makes my business grow and the secret of my success is slow and steady.

You are a renowned Health Practitioner who has been into the health sector for almost 40 years. How can you rate the Nigerian health sector standard?

The standard of health sector in Nigeria reflects your own standard. A people’s prayer is to get what they pray for. Our collective prayer here mostly is to be rich by all means even by corruption. But I believe in the word that says “reap corruption and reap low health standard”. If someone is made a Commissioner of Health, your people will rejoice with you because you have entered wealth. How do you want the health standard to improve when you see some doctors that are on call referring patients to their private hospitals just to make their own money to the detriment of what they signed for? Can the health standard improve with this kind of operation? No. Until the health workers, health practitioners, etc begin to realize that their jobs is mostly a selfless service to humanity; until they learn not to be greedy; until the government begin to contribute its own quota in the health sector, our health standard in this country will continue to fall.

What is your legacy sir?

My legacy is to let people know that you don’t need to pursue money. Do the things that will make money look for you because if you pursue money, you will never meet it because it is the fastest runner. But when you do the things that will make money pursue you, money will see you because it has a very good sight; it will run to you. That is the position I am.

Published by: Grassroots Publishers

Gov. Okowa Swears In New Board Members, Perm. Secs, Says Appointees Will Reinvigorate Delta Govt.

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Gov. Okowa Swears In New Board Members, Perm. Secs, Says Appointees Will Reinvigorate Delta Govt.

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Governor, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said his administration will continue to reinvigorate the machinery of government through the appointment of qualified persons to positions of authority.

He gave the assurance on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the swearing-in ceremony of eleven Permanent Secretaries and the inauguration of the Boards of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rural Development Agency (RDA) and the Direct Labour Agency (DLA) in Asaba.

According to the governor, people in positions of authority should show leadership by taking tough but dispassionate decisions for the desired results to be achieved.

“The swearing-in and inauguration of Boards is a further testament of our administration’s commitment to the continued re-invigoration of the machinery of government through appointment and elevation of worthy and qualified personnel from the vast pool of skilled human capital available in the State.

“I consider the role of permanent secretary as one of the critical success factors of any administration and they should know that the position they now hold is very important in the effectiveness and discipline in the state civil service; it also means that much is expected of them and as such, they should be ready to take tough but dispassionate decisions and show leadership, because, leadership at any level of human organization requires innovation, creativity and astute resource management,” the governor said.

While congratulating the new appointees, he urged them to live up to the demands of their new positions as their appointment was based on skills, competences and wealth of experience required to drive the Stronger Delta agenda of his administration.

‘Our new appointees are enjoined to immediately hit the ground running as our people are eager to see the direct and indirect impact of government policies and programmes; you have to demonstrate such competence and versatility that the impact should be noticeable as I expect that those of you selected to serve will give your best to the entire State.

“In your various offices, we expect you to serve with integrity, devotion, loyalty and accountability; it is our expectations that you will provide fresh ideas and new impetus to support the state government in consolidating our achievement and building a sustainable foundation for our economy.

“I care deeply about our people and I am absolutely convinced that with a leadership team, which is focused on developing, guiding and supporting our policies and programmes, we can only continue to make sustainable progress that our people should really appreciate.”

Those who were sworn-in as Permanent Secretaries include Dr. Francis Onojeta, Mr. Paul Osahor, Mr. Joseph Uwalogho, Mrs. Ngozi Anastasia Nwanze, Mr. Cletus Obiagba Nzefili, Mrs. Charity Ehimen Babigha, and Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas.

Others were  Mrs. Felicia Aghwadoma, Mrs. Alero  Ulioyo Tonwe, Mrs. Ngozi Bamah and Mr. Austine E. Chukwuma.

Hon. Sunny Ogwu  was inaugurated as the of Chairman SUBEB with Mrs. Philomena Ededey, Chief (Mrs.) Lina Osuya Eni, and Mr. Paul Kurugbe  as members .

For the Board of the RDA, Chief Solomon Areyenka  is Chairman and Vero Obuh, Dame Roseline Akoyere,  Mr. Chukwueku Mathias, Elder Ben Nwadiashi,  and Dio Susan are members.

Precious Ajaino was also, inaugurated as the Director General  of the DLA with Engr. Blessing Enamuotor, Barr.  Ndudi Osakwuni Izuegbu , and Engr. Austine Bebeteido as Directors.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr Onojota and Chief Areyenka thanked Governor Okowa for finding fit to serve Deltans, assuring that they will put in their best to achieve the stronger Delta programme of his administration.

AZAGBA MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL TO REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – Ukah

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AZAGBA MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL TO REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – Ukah

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]zagba Mixed Secondary School, Issele Azagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, closed after suspected fulani herdsmen abducted some teachers in the school last Monday, is to reopen next Wednesday, October 23, 2019, as modalities have been concluded for normal academic activities to resume.

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, stated this in the school on 18/10/2019,
when he went to rub minds with stakeholders on the reopening of the school.

He said that the ministry is partnering with the Police and other security agencies, especially the community vigilante, to beef up security around the school so that teaching and learning will commence immediately the school reopens.

Chief Ukah said that arrangements have been finalised to bring a Psychologist and other relevant experts to give talks to the teachers and students of the school on the day of resumption to aid them think less of the unfortunate event of that day.

He again commended the bravery of members of the community vigilante who dared the fleeing kidnappers, in conjunction with other security agencies, and were able to rescue all the victims.

Chief Ukah advised other community vigilante groups to emulate the gallantry displayed by members of Issele Azagba community vigilante as their efforts contributed greatly to the successful rescue operation.

The Commissioner, who also visited the Obi of the town, His Royal Majesty, Obi Fancis Ijeh, commended the traditional ruler for his leadership style which has brought the entire community together as one as exemplified by the fighting spirit displayed by members of the vigilante group.

The Principal of the school, Mrs. Bridget Ngozi Onyeche, appreciated the commissioner and other management staff of the ministry for their concern and care for those involved in the unfortunate incident.

Recall that the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Comrade Sam Dietake, and other Directors quickly moved to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, immediately they got information that the injured teachers have been brought to the hospital for medical attention and also settled the bills of the victims.

By: Emeji Noble

Sanwo- Olu Promise To Pay Above Lagos N30,000 Minimum Wage To Lagos Workers

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Sanwo- Olu Promise To Pay Above Lagos N30,000 Minimum Wage To Lagos Workers

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the state will pay its workers above the N30,000 new national Minimum Wage.
Sanwo-Olu made the promise on Tuesday when the state leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council paid him a courtesy visit in Ikeja.
He said that the state was aware of the challenges faced by workers and was ready to address them, hence, the decision by his administration to pay more than the N30,000 minimum wage benchmark.
Sanwo-Olu said that the implementation of the new minimum wage payment would take off when the Federal Government and labour unions concluded their negotiations.
He said that the state was drawing up its finances and creating additional revenue sources that would enable the government to sustain the new minimum wage payment.
According to him, the addition to the N30,000 benchmark is to motivate workers and encourage them to cope with challenges that may hinder their productivity.
“As a government, we take the issue of minimum wage very seriously. We know how important and germane it is to the wellbeing of our people. We are technically ready to implement the new minimum wage.
“I made commitment during my previous interactions with the labour unions before my assumption of office and I am still keeping to the promise made. However little it is, we will certainly pay more than N30,000 minimum wage.
“We understand the position Lagos occupies and we understand the challenges workers are facing in Lagos. If other states can raise up to that amount, I believe Lagos needs to show a bit more to appreciate workers’ contribution to the growth of our state,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also spoke on demands of the labour leaders for workers, which include arrears of workers’ medical allowance, introduction of premium insurance for the workforce and timely pension payment for retired workers.
They also demanded for mortgage scheme for housing, befitting labour secretariat and representation of workers’ unions in MDA boards’ appointments.
Sanwo-Olu said he had directed the Commissioner for Finance to look into the unpaid arrears of workers’ medical allowance, with a charge to clear the backlog and make payment to the affected workers.
The governor said that the state was planning to absorb its entire workforce in the recently introduced health insurance scheme, as the Ministry of Health was harmonising the modality to ensure all workers were covered in the scheme.
He said that the government would collaborate with the Organised Labour Unions to float a post-retirement housing scheme that would enable workers of all cadres to apply and acquire permanent homes after leaving the service.
Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos would be donating land for the purpose, while the labour unions would source for finance to develop the scheme.
He said that the government had approved discounted rent for the workers occupying State-owned apartments, as it was part of the welfare programmes introduced by his administration to improve workers’ productivity.
Sanwo-Olu said that his administration had started to tackle challenges limiting workers’ productivity, including massive rehabilitation of critical highways across the state to reduce travel time and diffuse road congestion.
The labour leaders described Sanwo-Olu as “a listening leader” and observed that the Governor had started to fulfil promises made to the unions in the build up to the 2019 elections.
The Chairman of Lagos Council of TUC, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, listed re-introduction of Town Hall meeting with labour unions and appointment of more women into the state’s cabinet as part of the promises fulfilled by the Governor.
Ekundayo said that the labour unions had been meeting to develop a framework that would make the government capture traders in informal sector in the tax net.
He said that the labour unions’ recommendations would be submitted to the Head of Service (HOS), Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, in the coming weeks.
The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi, said that workers were government’s partners in progress.
Sessi commended the governor for keeping some of his promises to the workers’ unions.
She promised that the Organised Labour would continue to support the government’s efforts toward improving the wellbeing of the residents and workers in the state.

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