[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Oba Ewuare II, has placed curse on perpetrators of human trafficking and their collaborators including native doctors and priests who administer oath of secrecy on victims. The Oba placed the curse Friday, in Benin City while meeting with Enogie, Edionwere, priests of different deities in Benin and native doctors at his palace.
The monarch who said the oath of secrecy administered on the victims has been encouraging the illegal trade called on all native doctors to shun the act and join hands with the palace to attract development and progress to the kingdom. “It is reported that at the beginning the traffickers take their victims to native doctors to take oath that they will not disclose the names of their traffickers and sponsors.
“Your power is to fight for the progress of Benin kingdom and not to be used for the destruction of our young people”. The monarch who also invoked his power as the spiritual leader of Benin kingdom nullified all the oaths of secrecy administered on all victims of human trafficking and urged them to speak out and seek assistance.
While disclosing that statistics from relevant agencies reveal that most of those trafficked in Nigeria are from Benin, Oba Ewuare deplored the practice where gainfully employed artisans sell their working tools to pay their traffickers.“We have some people gainfully employed as mechanics, welders, tailors, selling their working tools to pay traffickers to take them to Italy, Germany.
“Those who traffic people to Italy, Germany and other countries first take them to Libya where they are enslaved”.He urged the native doctors to tell all victims of human trafficking to speak out as all oaths of secrecy have been norlified.
“From today, we no longer want to hear of human trafficking in Benin. I hope those who have been involved in this illegal trade will stop from today.“All native doctors who have administered oath of secrecy on victims of human trafficking should also tell those they administered such oath on to speak out.
“Am appealing to all native doctors to stop administering such oaths on trafficked victims and all such oaths are hereby nullified.
“No native doctor should do any charm for any potential illegal migrant to cross international border. Those who did it before now are forgiven and whoever does it from today will face the wrought of our ancestors”, the monarch warned.
Speaking with news men after the royal pronouncement, zonal commander, National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Barrister Nduka Nwanwennee pointed out that the Oba’s intervention is a significant milestone in the war against human trafficking and illegal migration.
“Before now, victims of human trafficking rarely open up to give evidence in court because of they have taken. They are afraid and believe that the oath will have effect on them as the native doctors who administered such oaths have their personal items like finger nails, pubic hair, menstrural pads, pants, photographs etc.
“Now that those oaths have been nullified by the monarch, our power of prosecution has been enhanced and we can now rescue more victims,” he said.
Also speaking, the Enogie of Ukhiri, His Royal Highness, Godwin Aigbe thanked Oba Ewuare 11 for the royal pronouncement and urge the Edo State House of Assembly to complement the Oba’s efforts by enacting a law with stiff penalties for offenders.
From left; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Attoh; Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah; Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Mr. Edafe Ogor; Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye; Obi Engr. Godfrey Konwea and Other Chiefs, Inspecting Asaba International Airport.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, has lauded the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for the massive construction work going on at the Asaba International Airport. The monarch through his Council of Chiefs who went on an inspection tour of the airport on Thursday marvelled at the level of work done at the airport.
Godfrey Konwea who led the delegation said, “His Majesty, the Asagba who is currently on medical vacation asked us to inspect the airport. “This is a great job that we are seeing here; we thank His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for what is happening here.
“Asaba people are peaceful and patient but that does not mean that we are weak. We have witnessed three democratically elected Governors in our state; this administration has not received half of the money others received but he has done very well.”
“From what we have seen, the entire Asaba people and those residing in Asaba are grateful to Governor Okowa. We ask him to prepare for possibly, third term in office.”
Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, thanked the Asagba-in-Council for taking time to inspect the projects being executed, noting that the governor has created new towns and cities with the provision of infrastructure.
Special Project Director for the airport project, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor and the functional Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogor took members of the Asagba-in-Council through the 3.4 kilometres runway, fire service station, VIP Lounge, Terminal Building, among others.
The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, has lauded the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for the massive construction work going on at the Asaba International Airport.
The monarch through his Council of Chiefs who went on an inspection tour of the airport on Thursday marvelled at the level of work done at the airport. Godfrey Konwea who led the delegation said: “His Majesty, the Asagba who is currently on medical vacation asked us to inspect the airport.
“This is a great job that we are seeing here; we thank His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for what is happening here.
“Asaba people are peaceful and patient but that does not mean that we are weak. We have witnessed three democratically elected Governors in our state; this administration has not received half of the money others received but he has done very well.”
“From what we have seen, the entire Asaba people and those residing in Asaba are grateful to Governor Okowa. We ask him to prepare for possibly, third term in office.” Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, thanked the Asagba-in-Council for taking time to inspect the projects being executed, noting that the governor has created new towns and cities with the provision of infrastructure.
Special Project Director for the airport project, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor and the functional Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogor took members of the Asagba-in-Council through the 3.4 kilometres runway, fire service station, VIP Lounge, Terminal Building, among others.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]bba Kyari, a 1997 Geography graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Abba grew up and attended his primary and secondary schools in Maiduguri. He did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Akwa Ibom State in 1998 and joined the Nigeria Police Force as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in the year 2000. 16 years after, he has earned for himself the reputation of a diligent, no-nonsense and intelligence officer, such that the police authorities and the general public are proud of him. He always demonstrates to his bosses that he knew why he joined the force, and has kept at it.
After completing his training in the Police Academy Wudil Kano, Kyari was posted to Adamawa State where he served in Song, Girei and Numan Local Government areas with remarkable successes in crime bursting. He stood out tall when he led the arrest of a notorious armed robber called, ‘Ndagi’ a.k.a Spirit. Spirit who held in Numan, the third biggest town in Adamawa State and held the area hostage for several years before he was eventually arrested since then, since then, there was no looking back for this intelligent officer with a sharp investigative mind and sometimes deadly courage.
Kyari joined the Police Mobile Force, popularly known as Mopol in 2005 and was there for about five years until his posting to Lagos Command October in 2010. He was deployed as the second in command (2/IC) to SARS and later became the OC SARS on January 15, 2011. It was said that the then Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who decorated him with several awards, resisted ceaseless attempts by the Police high Command to have Kyari redeployed out of Lagos. This was on account of his amazing achievements in combating the menace of armed robbery and kidnapping in Lagos.
Kyari has a long litany of exploits under his belt. He was instrumental in the arrest of the most notorious armed robber in the South West, Mr. Abiodun Egunjobi, otherwise known as Godogodo. Godogodo was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, with some of his gang members. SARS recovered 42 AK47 rifles from the gang. Godogodo confessed to have killed over 150 Nigerians, including over 50 policemen during his 10 years reign as the kingpin of South West armed robbers.
There was also the arrest of Benjamin Osinachi a.k.a China and his entire gang of kidnappers based in Ghana, but operated in Nigeria. Their victims included a sitting High Court Judge, a sitting local government chairman, many expatriates, amongst others. China and his gang members held South West residents by the jugulars for long. But Kyari with his men, were said to have deployed, “Advanced Technology and brought the kidnappers down.” Several AK47 rifles and thousands of ammunitions were recovered from the gang.
The defeat of Mr. Andrew and his gang of deadly kidnappers in Igando area of Lagos metropolis was spearheaded by Kyari and his men. SARS recovered 12 AK47 rifles, GPMGs and rocket launchers from the gang. Also during his tenure in Lagos, SARS arrested Chinansa and gang in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos. The SARS men recovered 11 AK47 rifles, rocket launchers and GPMGs from them.
There was also the shocking arrest of the General Overseer of a church located at Ejigbo. The General Overseer was part of the gang of robbers that attacked the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The gang was later discovered to have operated at Ogun, Kwara and Rivers States. When they were eventually arrested, police recovered five AK47 rifles and GPMGs. Kyari was also instrumental in the arrest of the kidnappers of former Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo Iweala’s mother. The kidnappers used to operate in Delta, Edo and Port Harcourt. This gang killed the former deputy Governor of Anambra State and kidnapped the wife of a sitting Supreme Court Judge.
Kyari and his men also arrested the kidnappers that abducted Dangote’s cousin. Another gang that kidnapped a British citizen, Mr. Dickson Lee, along the International Airport Road, was also defeated. The Briton was kidnapped moments after landing in Nigeria. There was the arrest of Obinna in Onitsha. Obinna was the most notorious sponsor and kingpin of robbers who specialized in hijacking trailers carrying containers. SARS has also in its feather, arrested Emmanuel aka Arab. Arab and his gang members were described as deadly. 12 AK 47 rifles, including four AK47 rifles belonging to Policemen they killed during bank robbery in Kwara State were recovered from them. Kyari and his men led the rescue of a young Kwara female model in Delta State. The policeman and his men also led in the rescue operation of Alhaji Fashola, owner of Kings Petroleum in Isheri Oshun, Lagos.
Lagos residents cannot forget the arrest of the nanny who kidnapped three boys belonging to same parents. The kids were called ‘the Orekoyas kids’. The nanny was arrested within three days that the case was transferred to Kyari and his men. Few days before Kyari got his posting letter to Abuja, he led the arrest of Lekki armed robbers who attacked the First City Monument Bank (FCMB). They killed three policemen and a girl who was hawking fish, carted away money and escaped through the waterways.
He also made success against a splintered members of Lekki bank robbery who recently attacked banks at Ijede and Ogolonto areas of Ikorodu, Lagos. The gang escaped, as usual, through the waterways and Kyari deployed his Technology and arrested four of the Ikorodu bank robbers. Subsequently, the arrest of Vampire and his group of most deadliest gang of kidnappers in Nigeria in Imo State, the biggest of all is the arrest of Billionaire Kidnapper Evans and his Group the Most Notorious Kidnapping Kingpin in Lagos State, Foiled the Bombing of 3rd Mainland bridge in Lagos by arresting the Militant and explosive expert sent to bomb the bridge and recovered the heavy explosives in Lagos, arrested Turkish School and Ikorodu School Girls Kidnappers in Lagos and Ogun States, arrested the kidnappers of the CBN Governors wife in Delta State, the Kidnappers of Ambassador Bagudu Hirse in Kaduna, the Kidnappers of SierraLeon Deputy High Commissioner along Abuja-Kaduna Express, arrest of the Killers of Colonel Yunusa in Kaduna, arrest of the Kidnappers of Dangote expatriates in Ogun State, arrest of the kidnappers of the mother of Governor Yahaya Bello Of Kogi State, arrest of Urban Gorilla and Group the Most Notorious Kidnapper in Rivers State, arrest of Sunday Aka Full Payment and his group of most Notorious Bank Robbers in the South South, arrest of Kidnappers of Oniba of Iba a First Class King in Lagos State, arrest of Killers of Oyo State member of House of Assembly, arrest of Killers of Reverent Adeyi in Otukpo Benue State, arrest of Kidnappers of Alhaji Salami in Abuja, arrest of the kidnappers of 2 ABTI American University of Nigeria Female Students in Abuja, arrest of the attackers of Nimbo Community in Enugu State and also arrested many Groups of notorious Fulani kidnappers terrorizing the Abuja-kaduna express way.
Kyari has received a lot of awards to mark his achievements. But to mention a few; there’s the IGP Commendation Award for Courage 2012, 2013, 2014. Governors Award for Gallantry, Leadership and Service excellence 2011, 2012, 2013. There’s Commissioner of Police Commendation Award for Courage 2011. Best Anti- Crime Police Officer in West Africa from Security Watch Africa, Star Award from CRAN 2011, 2012, 2013 ,2014 and the Highest Of them all Presidential Medal of Courage 1/4/16.
A very shy guy, Abba wouldn’t talk about his work and how he does it, but his men and people who have come across him would attest to the fact that his best attribute is that he sees himself as a Team Leader and not a boss in the discharge of his duties and co-ordination of men and resources to fight crime and criminals. One of his boys told me that” “OC is a whiz kid. He is too much. He understands technology and uses it to track down criminals. Also, he is a leader. He motivates us his men. We eat and drink with him. He attends our weddings, birthdays and naming ceremonies of our children and funeral of our relatives. In short, he is like a brother to us and leads from the front. He is always there for us and even teaches us how to key into technology while doing our work. In short, the OC is wonderful.”
So, here’s a brilliant officer who is also a great leader, who is ever ready to learn and teach others so the war against crime and criminals may succeed. No wonder the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, like his predecessor, was full of praises for Abba Kyari as he broke the news to Lagosians of the rescue of the three female students and the arrest of their kidnappers. He couldn’t be headed anywhere else but the top having stayed on top of his game from the moment he joined the Police.
Hon. Chuks Oseme Executive Chairman, Aniocha North LGA
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]oing by the political permutations in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, it has been envisaged that Hon. Chuks Oseme will always deliver on the dividends of democracy to the good people of Aniocha North. His track record and antecedents during his first term in office are indications that he will do more in his second term. As a man that has broken the jinx by returning for two consecutive terms in the council, his achievements would remain in the annals of history of Aniocha North L.G.A. He is a man whose political profile drastically increases because of his antecedents and commitment towards selfless service to humanity and the grassroots.
However, it would be wise for his detractors to give him breathing space to concentrate and deliver on his mandate to the people that voted him into power.
Stakeholders and Political Leaders in the council are satisfied with Hon. Oseme’s grassroots leadership qualities; that which can be attributed to his emergence as the Chairman of the council for the second term in the January, local government election held in the state. Moreso, they have issued serious warning to either groups or persons no matter how highly placed to desist from such acts which are aimed at tarnishing the image of this amiable, young, vibrant, transparent and sincere man.
It is hereby advised that those disgruntle politicians who indulge in politics of rancor should have a rethink because Hon. Chuks Oseme will continue to move higher politically.
Chief (Dr) Daniel N. Chukwudozie CEO, DOZZY GROUP OF COMPANIES
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome leaders are born, some achieve leadership, some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them.Chief (Dr) Daniel N. Chukwudozie, the founding Chairman, Dozzy Group of Companies, the trail-blazing business mogul and industrialist par excellence from Okija , Anambra State, is one of the few good men. He is an embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellectual and breathtaking simplicity. The personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, the perfect gentleman. It is certainly impossible to gloss over his attributes for greatness. He is a perfect gentleman, a man of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
Dozzy Group is an indigenous conglomerate birthed by the vision of Sir Chukwudozie who went into business in 1982 as a trader. The trade metamorphosed into a company under the name of Dozzy Nigeria Limited dealing in belt and general goods imported from Europe and Asia. As a workaholic and a man who is always craving to explore new grounds in business, Chukwudozie established Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited and subsidiaries including: Speciality Oil Company Nigeria Limited, Dozzy Plastic Industries Limited, Dozzy Gut-troff Gas Limited, Lubricant Manufacturing Oxygen/Industrial Gas Production, Industrial automotive household as well as high precision plastic products, manufacturing wigs/hair attachments, artificial human hair and oil and gas supply and distribution. He believes in empowering people and has a workforce of over 2000 staff. It only takes a serious and patriotic group in the present circumstances to build a petroleum product storage depot that is capable of handling 120million liters of assorted petroleum products at once hence the facility that was built in Calabar by Dozzy Group has helped to address the scarcity and the attendant high prices of petroleum products in most of the South-South, South-East and parts of Northern Nigeria.”
Chukwudozie has also demonstrated notable cordial relationship with staff and regulatory bodies, customers and suppliers. He once said: “We are not the loud type and except for the serious operators in the down-stream sector of the petroleum industry, many Nigerians may not even know that we are a force to reckon with in the marketing and distribution of petroleum products and lubricants. Sir Chukwudozie believes in development of his state that is why Dozzy Investment Ltd, a subsidiary of Dozzy Group recently signed an MoU with Anambra state government to build another 1, 000 housing units in Awka at the cost of N12.4 billion. Dozzy Investments Ltd has the capacity to develop and manage property, which is mainly housing development. Dozzy Group is expected to build four-bedroom detached duplexes, five-bedroom detached duplexes with a two-room auxiliary buildings, among others.
On his philosophy of life, he said that “Leadership mentoring culture, suitable team, unique and reliable product and service delivery channels, conformity of product and service with international and national standards and policy of giving back to the host communities and the society result in business success as well as impacts society.”In its profile, the Mission of the Dozzy Group is to “ excel and maintain a strong lead in the various types of businesses we engage in, through a strong and consistent emphasis on high quality and social responsibility”.
Dozzy Group aspires to be one of Nigeria’s best regarded conglomerates, measured by their performance and driven by a total commitment to their core values and philosophies. About a year ago, this trail-blazing business mogul and industrialist par excellence from Okija completed and handed over a magnificent three-storey school building in honour of his late Mother, Lady Hannah Ugoyibo Chukwudozie, Mama Dozzy to the Anglican Church, Diocese on the Niger. We all know that wealth can never satisfy man’s want but an act of charity to the glory of God could leverage one’s name for eternity. Chief Chukwudozie’s has become a monumental asset for the memory of not only her late mother but for the remembrance of the family name for good and challenged Christians to always take positive steps at all times to immortalize their names for Christ.We eulogised Dozzy oil CEO for not being carried away by money and all that money could buy and remembered to continue to register his name in the annals of history to the glory of God.
Nigerians were not surprised when the University of Calabar and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effuru, Delta State on March 11 and March 14, 2017 respectively conferred on him honorary doctorate degrees in Business Administration (honoris causa); and he has also received many honours and awards from various media,The Grassroots Newspaper Publishers that honoured him as the Industrialist of the year. He was voted the most respected Nigerian C.E.O 2010 by This Day Newspaper, Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council amongst others.
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]takeholders, including the Military and the Lagos State Government(LASG) on Wednesday gave a 48-hour ultimatum to all tanker drivers to vacate the bridge in national interest and security.
The resolution was reached during a stakeholders meeting at the Naval Base in Apapa, comprising the military, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), LASG, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Others who attended the stakeholders meeting were representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Dangote Group, Apapa Residents Association, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Apapa Government Reserved Area Residents Association, among others.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Adm. Sylvanus Abbah, who was the convener of the meeting, appealed to the tanker drivers to leave the bridge in national interest. According to him, terrorists might take the advantage of the traffic situation to strike in Lagos and this has to be prevented from happening.
“Costain is going to be the turning point of the trucks.
“After 48 hours, no truck will park on the bridge because of national interest and I hope you will all take the decision of this meeting,” he said.He said that some of the trucks had been parked on the bridge for weeks, adding that the bridge might collapse which would be an additional problem.Abbah said a committee would also be set up which would involve the major stakeholders including NUPENG to further address the traffic situation.
“All major stakeholders, most especially the shipping lines will be in the committee and if I have my way, the Apapa Local Government Chairman would spearhead the committee,” he said.
The NPA Traffic Manager, Mr Ogini Victor, who represented the Port Manager, Mrs Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, said that the Apapa gridlock “has become a barber’s chair that is rotating and not moving anywhere”.
“Synergy is the keyword that can solve the problem of the gridlock.“We have also decided that all empty containers should go to holden bays and we will make sure our men give us report on how many trucks park at the bay daily,” he said.
The representative of NUPENG, Comrade Adekunle Adelaja, while reacting to the directive, said that the union does not support tankers parking on the bridge.
He enjoined all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem as it was affecting everyone.“We need to have another meeting and call all the farm tankers. Let us see how we can be able to do the programming that trucks will just go to the depot without parking on the bridge,” he said.The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr Taiwo Salau, said that there should be good synergy among security agencies to resolve the traffic situation.
“There should be synergy among security agencies so that these areas can be cleaned up and have a check point before the long bridge,” he said.
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]takeholders of Anioma Newspaper Publishers in Nigeria have said that they will support Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, currently representing Delta North at the national Asembly for re-election in 2019.
They have called on the chairman,Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi to re-run for exotic position again because of his outstanding performance and for giving the Anioma Nation a loud voice at the Senate.
Speaking to newsmen recently under the auspices of Anioma Publishers,the Secretary of the pen group Comrade Jude Chukwuah, said the call is hinged on Nwaoboshi’s humanitarian gestures as well as his international exposure.
He said apart from bringing his wealth of experience in transforming the area,since he was inugurated as senator representing Delta North constituency, the people has benefitted immensely.
According to him, “Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is like the golden fish which has no hiding place, he is perfectly fit for the position we are asking him to continue, because his achievements speaks volume.
Also,“This illustrious son of Ibusa, a philanthropist per excellence, a motivator, a bridge builder, an advocate for equal rights and all inclusive government, promoter of peace, unity and equity,is the best man for the seat and nobody can stop him.” he said.
Another member of the group, Ike Abiagom added that; “We have followed the antecedents of our Distinquished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and believe that the time is right for him to continue as nobody can match him.His exemplary qualities are next to none. Thus, we call on him to re-run for the exalted position to represent the good people of Delta North constituency at the National Assembly.”
He said; “We therefore call on him to re-run as our sole candidate of People Democratic Party , PDP. He has paid his dues and left his footprint on the sand of Anioma nation and Nigeria as a whole, our request is a call for him to continue to salvage the situation once again as our people are now enjoying the dividends of democracy currently unlike before when we use to have a yes representative and not a loud voice at the senate. we are calling other Anioma sons and Daughters who intends to run for the exotic senate position come 2019 to drop their ambition because there is NO VACANCY for now.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]r Ide Tony Nwaka the Immediate past Delta state education commissioner in the administration of former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has finally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) to contest for the National Assembly position and also join forces to dislodge governor Ifeanyi Okowa, HardReporters has learnt.
Mr. Nwaka who was until now the Executive Assistant on education to the governor Okowa, resigned his appointment of six months last week through a post made on his confirmed facebook account.Announcing his defection to the APC through his verified facebook account, Nwaka, said “I step forward in faith to join the next available major option, the APC. I pray that my vision of politics and public service would find true expression with the progressives.”
Mr. Nwaka’s Facebook post is reproduced below:
FINALLY, I SAY GOODBYE TO PDP.
I shall not go into the details of my recent political experiences, for the palm wine tapper does not disclose all that he sees from the treetop. Suffice to say that, after a critical evaluation of the journey so far, it is now time to heed the advice of my followers and seek an alternative vehicle for the actualization of my political convictions.
Although there are many political platforms, every politician craves for genuine accommodation and a sense of belonging. Accordingly, whilst I wish all my former fellow PDP men well, I step forward in faith to join the next available major option, the APC. I pray that my vision of politics and public service would find true expression with the progressives. I do this believing that, ultimately, no matter your sentiments for a political platform, effective service delivery remains the final goal of political parties, and it is on that score we shall all be judged by the people.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Block of two Storey Building at Number 5 Police Mobile Force Squardron Barracks, Ogida, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State rehabilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has been inaugurated and handed over to the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner Representing Edo State in the Board of the NDDC, Hon. Saturday Idehen Uwuilekhue, who inaugurated the project on behalf of the Governing Board, Management and staff of the Commission, said the event marked a significant milestone in the complimentary efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission in the development of the Niger Delta Region.
Hon Uwuilekhue flanked by the Director, Edo State Office of the Commission, Dr Akwagaga Lelegima Enyia, stated “NDDC recognizes and appreciates that public security and social stability are extremely important for any society in the world. Nothing is possible without peace and stability. We understand that the Nigerian Police is logistically handicapped in providing adequate and effective security to the Niger Delta Region. To show solidarity with not just the Nigerian Police Force but all security agencies, the NDDC will continue to intervene and provide various infrastructural and social amenities like this one being commissioned and many more across the nine states of the region”.
Continuing, he said, “We have provided Fire Trucks, built living quarters, school buildings and constructed internal road networks in many barracks across the region as well as donated hundreds of patrol vehicles to aid security operatives in the discharge of their duties”.
The Edo State NDDC Commissioner expressed hope that the project would help in mitigating the discomfort experienced by the officers and their families as well as provide the stability that the Mobile Police Officers require to fight against crimes and ensure better and more effective security protection for the residents of Edo State.
Hon. Uwuilekhue assured that the NDDC will not relent in its determination to offer a lasting solutiob to the socio-economic challenges of the Niger Delta Region as it is committed to making a difference.
The Director, Edo State Office of the NDDC, Dr. Akwagaga Lelegima Enyia disclosed that the contract for the residential building awarded for rehabilitation to Easykrest Nigeria Limited in 2015, comprised the demolition and rehabilitation of an existing highly dilapidated block of two storey building into a one block of two storey building of twenty-seven units of one bedroom apartments with toilet and bathroom ensuite, twenty four kitchens and six storerooms.
“It also include the installations of aluminium windows, plumbing and electrical distribution, kitchen cabinets, barriers, guard and balcony rails, Borehole, septic tank, interlocking tiles, furnishing and painting of the building”. adding that the building can accommodate families of twenty-seven police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr Johnson Kokumo, on behalf of the police authority commended the NDDC for the project which he said will go a long way in addressing the accommodation challenges faced by officers and men of the Number 5 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Ogida, in Egor local government area.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Squadron Commander, Number 5 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Ogida, Mr Rabiu Yakubu who also thanked the NDDC for the rehabilitation of the two storey building, appealed for more support in addressing infrastructures challenges faced by the squadron.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries across the state.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]oni Iwobi, a Nigerian IT entrepreneur who has spent 38 years in Italy, has been elected as the first black senator in the European country. An Italian man of Nigerian origin, who is the chief immigration spokesman for the far-right League party, was elected as the country’s first black senator.
Tony Iwobi, whose party has been accused of stirring up xenophobia in Italy, was elected in the industrial city of Brescia in northern Italy a major immigration hub.
“It is with great excitement that I can tell you I have been elected senator… A new adventure is about to begin,”
Iwobi said on Facebook on Tuesday following Sunday’s elections. Born in Gusau in northern Nigeria but living in Italy since the 1970s, Iwobi has been a supporter of the League for more than two decades and used the campaign slogan #StopInvasion a reference to the more than 690,000 migrants who have landed on Italian shores from North Africa since 2013
Along with party leader Matteo Salvini, Iwobi has argued that illegal immigration into Italy has led to an increase in racism.
“Discrimination begins when there are no rules and the state… lets anyone in. Illegality leads directly to violence and a racist response,” he said in January.
“The League supports healthy and controlled immigration which can act as a bulwark against racism,” he said.
Italy’s general election left the country with a hung parliament in which no single party or coalition commands an overall majority. Political horse-trading is underway as parties bid to form a working coalition government.
The League, led by Matteo Salvini, was the winning party in the right-wing alliance that took the most votes on Sunday but fell short of an overall majority.
Iwobi, 62, was born in Nigeria and came to Italy on a student visa some 40 years ago, before going on to marry an Italian woman and start his own IT company here.
Before running for senator he represented the League as a municipal councillor in Spirano back in the 1990s and more recently headed Salvini’s national committee on immigration.
We wish to inform the general public to beware of impostors who use the name of grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network to solicit for interviews, adverts or award presentation to always confirm the authenticity of such transaction through the following numbers:
09029375906 | 08149835420
As this body will not be held LIABLE for any unauthorized transaction with anyone. BE WARNED!
