[dropcap]T[/dropcap]eam SMART  Okowa’s free extra mural lesson is yielding commendable fruits, the seed is already  making impact in the lives of the less privileged to acquire education through the establishment of extra mural classes sown by the Team SMART Okowa has grown and yielding commendable fruits.

Started in 2015 as an idea to make contributions that will be impactful with a positive turnaround effect in the lives of children who for financial reasons could not fulfill their dreams of attending lessons after normal school hours, the Team SMART Okowa began a programme, the Okowa Free Extra Mural Lesson.

The programme which is being organized in all the 15 local government areas of Delta State has seen no fewer than 6,000 students pass through this programme, Mr. Sunny Orisedare, the Director General of Team SMART Okowa revealed.

Yesterday, May 24, 2019, the group held an awards session for the beneficiaries of the free lesson at an impressive gathering at the Uzoigwe Primary School, Nnebisi Road, Asaba, with awards given to the student who emerged as the overall best student in the Senior Secondary category, Miss Ekweoba Calister, of Zappa Mixed Secondary School,  the second person, Master  Amazon Ikechukwu, while  Miss Mbanabor Faith from Asagba Mixed secondary school, Asaba  came third.

At the event in which the Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, a major pillar of the Okowa Free Extra Mural Lesson in Delta State was represented by Mr. H.N. Odum, Orisedare regretted the attitude of  non-challance displayed by the political class to the programme.  “My message is that the political office holders in the local government areas should have a rethink and support this programme. We asked them to separate the programme from politics because it is to help build a future for the children who are the next generation.

The Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Mr. Uche Osadebe, who was on hand to present one of the awards to the brilliant students commended the programme saying that “It is a nice thing people who could not afford education can come in to acquire.”

Answering questions from journalists, Mr. Osadebe pledged to help move the programme forward. He called on the leadership of Team SMART Okowa to be in touch with us. ‘We expect that they will write to us so that we can be able to drive it.”

The State Director of Studies of the Okowa Free Ectra Mural lesson in the State, Olisa Ben Uche told the audience that the Extra mural lesson is an initiative of the Team SMART for Okowa in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, to give free lesson to students of JSS 3 and SS 3 preparing for the certificate exams such as BECE, WASSCE, NABTEB, JAMB (UTME) etc., across Delta State.

Pointing out that the lesson is to complement the fourth key word in S.M.A.R.T Agenda which is relevant health and educational policies of Okowa administration, he said the programme commenced in April 2017 with pilot centres in Oshimili South, Asaba in Uzoigwe Primary School, Zappa Mixed Secondary School and Ahabam Primary School.

“The Okowa Free Extra Mural Lesson is sponsored by the Team SMART in conjunction with elected office holders, political appointees and philanthropic individual from all the respective local government area. By the grace of God, the lesson is operational in 15 centres across the state as at January 2o18. These centres are located in these local government areas – Oshimili South LGA, Ika North East, Ughelli North, Patani, Aniocha North, Oshimili North, Ndokwa West, Okpe, Ukwani, Ethiope East, Isoko North and Sapele,” Uche said.

According to him, the programme is co-ordinated by a monitoring team from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and Team SMART Education Board, following the approval by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba.

To ensure standards in the programme, experienced teachers were selected from both public and private schools within the localities where these Centres are located to teach the students. “This was further strengthened with regular deployment of Corpers by the directorate of NYSC, Delta State after inspection and assessment of its benefit to the students, parents and the state generally,” the Director of studies disclosed.

Listing the benefits of the Okowa Free Extra Mural Lesson, Mr. Uche said:

• To compliment government efforts towards improving the academic performance of the students.
• Assist parents and students who ordinarily could not afford or pay for lesson elsewhere.
• Unite students/children from different schools, background and perhaps political parties towards their achievement of educational, social and political stability.
• Create room for competition among the students from different schools and background.
• Bring integration between students of various secondary schools in each local government area.

He said: “within the period, 9,863 students have passed through the programme while 14,648 students are currently participating in the programme with lots of testimonies of how the programme has helped students to perform excellently in their external, internal and certificate examinations. Parents are not left in their testimonies of the benefit which include engaging the students/wards after the normal school hours and also safe-guide them against possible negative social vices. In the words of a parent, ‘With this lesson, we now know where our children go to after school hours’,  thanks to Okowa Free Extra Mural Lesson

Therefore, like the Director General of the programme, Mr. Orisedare, Mr. Uche also pleaded with philanthropists and the State government to support the programme for the benefit of “our children” in Delta state who are in dire need of such help. “The government should please take up the sponsorship of the programme and endeavour to plant a centre in each local government area,” Uche said.

He thanked the Head of service, Mr.Reginald Baoko for the support given to the Centre in Uzoigwe Primary School, and to the Director General Mr Orisedare for the human capacity building initiative that would ensure excellent outing for the students in future examinations.

Present at the event were Mrs Joan Nwanji, the Chief Inspector of Education for Oshimili South who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary education, and Pastor Philip Orubisi, a Patron of Team SMART for Okowa. Highlight of the programme at the event was the presentation of awards to Mr. Bayoko, the DG as well as live performance entertainment presented by the students.

[dropcap] C[/dropcap]hief (Mrs) Shimite Bello the Executive Secretary, Delta state Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DMSMA), says that as a proud daughter of Anioma, she is blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Speaking today, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 shortly after she was conferred with the Distinguished Award of Excellence for Outstanding Performance in Public Service (Micro credit/Small Medium Scale Enterprises Development), given to her by the Anioma Media Associates (AMASS).

While acknowledging that it is a commendable thing to be appreciated by her people, she said however  that what is important is what one does behind the scenes away from the glare of the public that matters.

“I love people; I’m not happy to see people in poverty. I may not have money, but I may be able to give advice of encouragement. Being where I am today is not that one is spectacular, or better than anyone else, it is just the opportunity that God provided for one,” she said.

The Akpeli Ugo fufu 1 of Ebu Kingdom, a chieftaincy title conferred on her recently by His Royal Majesty, Onu Paul Odilil of Ebu Kingdom, Oshimili North Local Government of Delta State, she said: “I am particularly a proud daughter Anioma. I will identify with everything that is Anioma.”

She continued: “I am blessed to have the opportunity to work in the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a thorough bred technocrat and a man of integrity.”

The graduate of political science from Nigeria’s premier ivory tower, the University of Ibadan announced that her vision is to contribute her quota to the development of the human person, pointing out that it would gratify her to be counted among people that have impacted on people’s lives.

Chief Bello disclaimed being a part of those in the female gender that indulges in pulling down other women, pointing that is excited to see other women excel in their talent areas, even as she believes that there is space for everyone to grow and make a mark at the appropriate time.

The conferring the award on her, the National Co-ordinator of Anioma Media Associates, Prince David Diai to the Executive secretary that the group is a body of made up of indigenous media publishers and practitioners, and other top media professionals in the print, electronic, online and related engagements of Anioma extraction that operate in Delta and the Diaspora. “Our aim is to connect with our brothers and sisters in every sphere of the socio-political endeavour and ultimately promote, project and celebrate the Anioma essence, interests and agenda, through a dedicated and vigorous media initiative, driven by the diverse media publications and portals of Anioma Media Associates and other media platforms,” Diai said.

He continued: “Ma’am, we are indeed greatly impressed with the tremendous work you have done in managing and effectively monitoring the Micro-Credit Scheme, especially in sanitizing and streamlining the Small and Mediaum Scale sector for greater efficiency and optimal utilization of resources in line with the brilliant SMART Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Executive Governor of Delta state, for the benefit of Deltans and delivery of more prosperity to the people operating at the grassroots.

“It is in recognition of your sterling attributes, as well as your brilliant administrative skills, your human disposition and indeed your uncensored humility and simplicity, coupled with the strategic latitude you have exhibited in rejiging and expanding the MSME sector,  delivered through robust, result oriented initiatives, dynamic, hands-on astuteness and strategic operational acumen, all of which have translated beautifully into an award winning programme acclaimed nationally and globally, that we most respectfully confer on you, the Distinguished award of excellence for outstanding performance in public office (Micro credit/Small and Medium Scale Sector), 2015-2019.

“Your exceptional track record even before assuming responsibility as the head of DSMSDA speaks volumes and you have emerged in the last four years, not just as one of the great pillars and success stories of the SMART Agenda, but indeed as a great Anioma Ambassador in Delta State, nationally and internationally.

“Of course, we know that as a public officer, your constituency is the entire Delta State but we have recognized the good works you have been doing for Deltans since your appointment and this award, just like your prestigious chieftaincy title in Ebu Kingdom, is to express our satisfaction with you that as an Anioma Ambassador in the Delta State Government, you have not let us down. We are proud ouf you, Ada Anioma.

“Let us also express our undiluted appreciation to His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta state for giving you the opportunity to serve Delta State as one of our Anioma representatives in the Delta State Executive Council.

“We have no doubt whatsoever that the brilliant work you have done over the years, coupled with your charming and charismatic personality, your gorgeous, breathtaking panache, the excellent blend of ethno/cosmopolitan disposition you exude and your acceptance as a cerebral beacon of hope and trust in national and global conclaves and communities, have all recommended you with distinction and positioned you favourable for continued service to our dear state,” David Diai declared.

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is believed that Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is not just a threat but a political bulldozer and trailblazer who has his
political machinery and goodwill that made him the choice of Anioma any day, any time.
With the political intrigues that is currently playing out, it is maddening to observe the level of desperation at which politicians seek political positions saying there is no gainsaying in the fact that the political situation and democratic process in Nigeria is a game of highest bidder which often leaves a situation of crying hues by losers after various elections.

“This is what is playing out for weeks now with the pronouncement at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Usually, as it has always been the case in Nigeria, after the primary election, contestants who were not satisfied with the turnout of the results are given fourteen days to file their cases. Yet, no one did for the Delta North senatorial primaries within the stipulated time. This further adjudged the result to be wholly accepted in good faith by Ned Nwoko.

It is therefore a travesty of justice to note that an application contesting unfair primaries will be attended to in a court of competent jurisdiction in this country after the fourteen days window to file a petition has elapsed. “I have actually decided to lend my voice to this unhealthy imbroglio based on the fact that a result that was publicly declared and accepted in good faith is now wearing a different garb. It is interesting to note that from 506, the current votes scored by Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi is now 406, while Prince Ned Nwoko who got 453 votes is now adjudged the winner. The facts coming out of the purported investigations are alleging gross irregularities and electoral malpractices.
“Invariably, it is no longer news that the unseen hands of some political gladiators in Delta State are actually instigating the entire campaign of hatred but soon the God almighty will shame them.With the recent issuance of a certificate of return to billionaire politician, Prince Ned Nwoko of Delta North Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite a pending appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, and having been served a stay of execution on the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, it is clear that the electoral body has been unduly influenced by the billionaire politician who prides himself in using his money to achieve whatever he wants.

Recall that the April 3, 2019 horrendous Federal High Court judgement by Justice Ahmed Abubakar against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who billionaire Prince Ned Nwoko contested against in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary election for Delta North senatorial district, directed the PDP to publish the name of Ned Nwoko as the candidate for the election; an order already overtaken by events. Since there was no consequential order to INEC to issue a certificate of return to Ned Nwoko, the question begging for an answer is: on what legal foundation did INEC erect its decision on?
Having been served all appeal processes, one wonders where INEC derived its powers to issue certificate of return to Ned Nwoko. Ned Nwoko went as far as presenting ballot papers in court which were not given to him by the PDP. The party objected the admissibility of the ballot papers since they were not given to Prince Nwoko by the party.This is the party that conducted the election coming out to tell Prince Ned the ballot papers did not come from them. This leaves one to wonder the basis upon which Justice Abubakar went ahead to admit it as evidence and eventually ruled that Ned won the case.
Only a blind man will not see that the only thing that could have made the judge to give such a horrendous judgement is Judicial magic. Prince Ned Nwoko, notorious for bragging of his capacity to buy his way, succeeded in creating the eight wonder of the world by securing himself a judgement that lacked judicial ethos.

On the other hand, why should INEC, after been duly served a notice of appeal; stay of execution, and record of proceeding duly transmitted to the appeal court, went ahead to issue Ned Nwoko a certificate of return when the judgement did not direct them to do so? The question on the minds of many is what could have happened? With a man who brags openly and claimed that even the appeal court is wrapped under his armpit, and that the case before the appeal is a foregone and concluded matter, could it be that justice in present Nigeria is for the rich? An average Nigerian cannot get justice? Although INEC has chosen this inglorious part even when the matter is pending at the court of Appeal, all hope for justice is not lost since Nigerians have implicit hope that the revered Justices of the Appeal court shall rise to the occasion and redirect the wheel of justice to restore sanity and orderliness to the sacred temple of justice. Let justice be done, and seen to be done.

Where was Hon. Ned Nwoko in the build up to the 2014 PDP gubernatorial primaries, when it became clear that the aspiration of Anioma producing the governor was on the verge of evaporating. It was a time that moves to truncate the realisation of a governor of Anioma extraction became apparent.I say this with clear conviction as I was in the battle field during that period. It was this time that men with balls appeared, vowing to do whatever that was needed to ensure governorship comes to Anioma in the spirit of unwritten agreement to rotate the position amongst the three senatorial districts. The battle was not fought by the PDP alone. It was an Anioma project. Barr. Nwaoboshi was amongst the Anioma sons and daughters that organised several nocturnal meetings and lobbies to actualise the dream. At a time, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi offered to bury his senatorial ambition even if it amounts to Ika Nation producing both the governor and the senator.

When eventually Dr. Okowa picked the governorship ticket, it was so easy for Barr. Nwaoboshi to emerge at the time.
Since he became a senator, public assessment of his performance is high. This is not necessarily because he has done very well. Many think he is a victim of poor media management and vitriolic attacks stimulated by his apparent deserved political leap.

I am one of the many persons who rated Senate Nwaoboshi very high,I had used the performance barometer I applied for Senator Okowa to score him. I just reminded myself that Dr. Okowa was a senator when his party held sway at the centre. Despite the convivial environment, Senator Okowa operated in, he raised the bar to the chagrin of his colleagues at the time. I have left Senator Patrick Osakwe out of this discourse for obvious reasons. Barr. Nwaoboshi has within the last three and half years put out his scorecard for public scrutiny. This document has clearly shown that he has done well in the nine local government areas in the district and remain the senator ever produced in the history of Anioma nation.

Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi is a first timer in the red chamber, yet, emerged as the Senate committee chairman on Niger-Delta Affairs. His diminutive stature does not obscure his intellectual strength. He is in fact a political maverick.He has offered himself for sacrifice to secure the interest of Anioma. He is a cat with nine lives. He has survived previous ferocious battles. The year 2019 will certainly not be a war the ‘Oracle’ will lose. I found him most appropriate to represent Aniomas beyond 2019 in the Senate. Senator Nwaoboshi is the authentic winners of Anioma Senatorial seat.Our God will secure the judgement in your favour and shame the devil. Igbuzo mali umu wa !!!

By: Ike Abiagom

Publisher: Newsbreeze