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Scavengers : Delta govt orders, says it never approved permit/special uniform …Arrest any ‘Iron Condemn’ still in operation,

The Delta State government sternly warned that the activities of Iron Condemn (scavengers) remained banned in all twenty-five local government areas of Delta State as offenders when apprehended would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other deviants.

The State government has debunked the rumour making the rounds to the effect that it has opened a registration centre for the registration of the operators of the banned ‘Iron Condemn’ (Scavengers) for the purpose of regularising their activities.

Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor and Head of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe stated this while reacting to numerous reports of alleged persisting activities of the scavengers in some parts of the State despite the outright ban during a Radio programme on Saturday.

He said some persons determined to break the law decided to illegally produce branded uniforms/mufflers and inscribed on them “Ministry of Environment” so as to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with a view to legitimizing their illegal operations in some parts of the State.

Hear him, “His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to his vision of enhanced peace and security in the state. He has the political willpower and the good conscience to fulfill his electioneering campaigns promises to the people, support and ensure the enforcement of subsisting laws and regulations.

“Iron Condemn Scavengers remained banned in all parts of Delta State in line with subsisting laws and regulations. The State government has directed law enforcement agents and the State Taskforce on Environment to intensify compliance, arrest and prosecute deviants and offenders.

“Penalty for breaking the law regarding iron condemn activities ranges from fine to terms of imprisonment or both. Any scavenger caught operating under the guise of a registered operator by the State Ministry of Environment shall be prosecuted and jailed.

“Delta State Ministry of Environment confirmed to the State Orientation and Communications Bureau that the ban on Iron Condemn is in full force in the State.

“The State Ministry of Environment did not issue permit to any scavenger, and didn’t authorize the use of special uniforms or branded mufflers. There are no authorized or licensed or recognized iron condemn scavengers in Delta State. Their operations remain banned”, he further stated.

Why we reduced Customs’ checkpoints by 50pct on Lagos-Badagry Expressway — Controller

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Sunday said it had reduced checkpoints on the Lagos Badagry Expressway by 50 per cent, explaining that the move was to position the officers more strategically.

The Controller, Seme Area Command of the service, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Seme near Badagry.

According to the controller, this is something that we have identified as inimical to trade.

“When I first came here, what I did is to drastically reduce the number of checkpoints by Nigeria Customs from my command because I believe we have to deploy our men more strategically.

“There is no need to just proliferate the road with personnel without thinking of the strategic implications of their deployment.

“So, we reduced it by 50 per cent. Then placed them in particular positions that allowed them to effectively cover the sea, the road and the river.

“We took into consideration the communities in Badagry and Seme axis.

“We have about 99 communities between Seme and Agbara and they exist on both sides of the road. Some are proximate to the road, some to the ocean while some to the river,” the controller said.

Bomodi said that these were accessed all the way to the Republic of Benin, Togo and even further.

“So, these are points of convergence for smugglers.

“Those are the points we identified and deployed our officers to and they are yielding results for us,” he said.

The controller said that he did not understand the motive behind other agencies of government operating many checkpoints on the corridor.

“We don’t know the reason why other security agencies deploy many of their men on the road.

“We don’t know if it is even effective in executing their mandate but we do know that it gives us negative feedback especially when you are discussing with people that are coming to Nigeria from other countries.

“Immediately you move from Seme into Republic of Benin, you don’t see all these happening.

“Multiple checkpoints don’t speak well of us as a country that is bent on growing local economy.

“We are trying to encourage Foreign Direct Investments. We are trying to encourage tourists to come in.

“We need to present a picture that shows how serious we are in our approach toward trade facilitation,” he said.

Bomodi said that during joint security meetings, he always advised the other security agencies to take action and ensure the corridor was free from unnecessary checkpoints. (NAN)

Okada Ban: Delta Begins Strict Enforcement

…Urges Transporters To Invest In Electric, CNG Powered Commercial Vehicles Operators of commercial motor cycle, otherwise known as Okada riders, have been advised to stay away from the affected eight local government areas where the ban is in force, so as to avoid arrest and criminal prosecution.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe gave the advise at different media engagements on Thursday, saying that law enforcement agents were given marching orders to immediately commence enforcement in compliance with relevant provisions of the Delta State Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, which was recently signed into Law by the State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

He named; Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie and Warri South as Local Government Areas affected by the recent ban on Okada as means of commercial transportation, adding that several Okada riders have been arrested for criminal prosecution, while their motor bikes impounded and to be rendered as exhibits.

As measures to cushion the effects of the ban, Oghenesivbe disclosed that the state government will continue to invest heavily in road infrastructure, so as to connect more rural communities, towns and villages to urban cities which would enable commercial buses and tricycles to convey passengers, goods and services to multifaceted destinations.

Oghenesivbe call on transporters and investors to take advantage of the ban on Okada in some parts of the state by investing heavily in electric and compressed natural gas powered vehicles for commercial transportation, while Okada riders affected by the regulation should pull resources together to procure tricycles and share profit daily, weekly or monthly basis.

He further disclosed that activities of scavengers, otherwise known as Iron Condemn, has been outlawed in all 25 local government areas in accordance with traffic regulation in force in Delta State, underscoring governor Oborevwori’s unwavering determination to keep Delta safe and investors friendly from time to time.

“The ban on Okada commercial motorcycles in eight local government areas; Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ethiope East, Sapele, Uvwie and Warri is real. It is to protect life and property in the state as a result of multifaceted criminal activities traced to majority of Okada riders in the state.

“Law enforcement agents are everywhere enforcing the ban on Okada in the affected eight local government areas. It is strongly advised that Okada riders should stay away from those areas.

“The taskforce and mobile Courts shall do the needful to ensure that offenders are brought to justice. Sanctions is either imprisonment or fine or both,” Oghenesivbe added.

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND BURST CRIMINAL HIDEOUT AND RECOVERED ARMS

The Delta State Command has again recorded another major achievements in the fight against crime and criminality in Agbarho. 
According to the Command Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD

On 30/05/2024 at about 1050hrs, The Command received an intelligence report on 30/05/2024 at about 1050hrs,from a concerned vigilante member in Agbarho(name withheld) on the hideout of some suspected kidnappers who have been terrorizing Ughelli, Agbarho, Warri, Sapele and environs in the bush at Uwurghelli village by the rail tracks. Sequel to this information, the DPO Agbarho Division CSP Josephine Ekebuike swiftly detailed and led Police operatives to the bush, cordoned off the entire area and carried out an intensive search during which sack bags were sighted hidden in the bush and upon search of the sack bags, three (3) AK-49 rifles, two (2) AK-47 Rifles, and Two Hundred and Seven (207) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. The Command has launched a serious manhunt for the fleeing suspected kidnappers.
 
The Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commends the DPO and men of Agbarho Police Station for their prompt response to the credible information received and he also advised members of the public to continue to trust and partner with the Police. He reiterated that police-community partnership is the best for optimal results, noting that the command is willing and ready to act promptly on credible information received to nip crime in the bud. The CP also warned residents to shun all forms of unlawful activities, noting that the command under his watch will not leave any stone unturned in fishing out criminal elements from wherever they are hibernating and ensure that they are brought to justice. For distress, complaints or information, members of the public can reach the command on the Control room number on 08036684974 or report to the nearest Police Station . 
CP ABANIWONDA OLUFEMI SOLICITS FOR MOREPOLICE-COMMUNITYY PARTNERSHIP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME ANDCRIMINALITYY IN THE STATE
 

Tinubu, Oborevwori, Obi, Ibori, Nwaoboshi others attend memorial mass for late Asagba of Asaba

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, on Friday, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Governor Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief James Ibori, Mr Peter Obi and other dignitaries at the memorial mass for the late Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien.

Addressing journalists after the service held at  Asaba, Delta State, Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi also described the late monarch as a man who lived an exemplary life and a great achiever ,a man who has made contributions to his family, community, state, the country and beyond, we should extoll his virtues. Nwaoboshi described the late monarch as an accomplished Nigerian and an embodiment of knowledge and brilliance.

He was a great achiever before he ascended the throne of his forefathers as the Asagba of Asaba, and as the Asagba, he recorded more successes in making Asaba more prosperous. “Our respected monarch did very well in his 34-year reign and I encourage all of us to embrace the legacies of love, sacrifice, service and tolerance which the late Asagba of Asaba epitomised. He was an embodiment of knowledge, brilliance, respect, and excellence. He has done his own, and contributed his part, setting a good legacy for all of us to follow and be great. Always know that the talent God has given you is to be used for the benefit of his people.”

Also Speaking at the memorial service, President Bola Tinubu represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his condolence message to the people of Asaba kingdom and Delta State, said Nigeria had lost a man of great significance and one of the foremost traditional rulers in the country.

In his tribute titled “Exit of a man of significance”, President Tinubu described the late Asagba of Asaba as an accomplished traditional ruler and elder statesman who served the Asaba kingdom with great purpose and distinguished himself in the field of medicine.

“As an academic icon he was Nigeria’s oldest professor of Medicine and first indigenous Dean of Medicine in the University of Ibadan.”

On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori while condoling with the people of Asaba, urged them to emulate the legacies of the late centenarian monarch whom he described as a man of peace and an erudite medical scholar.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I once again condole with the family of the Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba in Council and the people of Asaba on the demise of our highly respected monarch and father.

“The late Asagba was a peaceful man who led the people with love and brought peace to the kingdom. The few times I interacted with him, he was a great man who did very well for his people.

Other guests present include; Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governors, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue,Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Senator James Manager, Chief Victor Ochie, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, NDDC Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena, traditional rulers among others.

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor indeed is a true definition of a VIRTUOUS WOMAN, the whole world celebrate a woman who is a perfect example of beauty and God fearing person. She’s the pillar who makes her family so strong, love so true, joy so real, faith so firm and fear so ordinary. She is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul humanity, the mirror of beauty , the amazon. Indeed, some women are born, some achieve leadership, some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them.
Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor is one of those very few good woman; a true woman, a woman of valour, the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great women, she is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor who celebrated her 61st birthday on the 17th May,2024 and to put the epochal celebration in proper perspective, she attained the midpoint of life at the exciting peak and the proper prime of her mercurial powers where, poised like the bronzed champion, glowing flamboyantly in the golden flame of her decade, prepares herself to capture and conquer arguably, the one ultimate laurel for which her superlative gifts and brilliance clamour to be manifestly celebrated with maximum educational aplomb woven into the matrix of an intrepid homogeneous ubiquity.

A true Mother, Wife ,friend, sister, elegant, beautiful and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Queen and heroine, soft-spoken, with clear, unfettered, excellent diction and oratory, her brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes. Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor is down to earth and corporate-smart, from the various experiences of home-bred grooming, ivy league sojourns in first class family of Ugbana-Umuna and the inspirational influence and unparalleled, unquantifiable tutelage from a respected parent.

A woman of immense mettle and a completely detribalized human being with a profound depth of character, whose humility, devoid of discrimination, embraces all and sundry, she soars like an eagle and exudes reverence and integrity. A pragmatic woman full of benevolence, she gives hope to the hopeless, and welfare and succor to the poor and needy. To everyone who crosses her path, she is a light. she is a friend to all, a role model to the young, a helper to many and a visionary woman bubbling with the ideals of entrenching a united, peaceful, harmonious vision for her community and the world. Honest, transparent, Dependable, uncomplicated and full of wisdom, Deaconess (Mrs) BC Aletor can change you effortlessly, with her soft spoken words.
Ada Ugbana, though even the sun will one day run out of fuel, Our love for you shall last forever. I thank God each and every day for giving us a good sister, mother like you. On your birthday, We want to thank you for being the best Sister, Mother, friend anyone could ever hope for. You are such a great role model for every woman in the world because you are so loving, caring, protective, and supportive.

Happy Birthday ADA BU ISI AKU !  ADA UGBANA!!

Sen. Nwaoboshi Felicitates Tinubu On Remarkable One Year In Office

 

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

President Bola Tinubu

Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his “remarkable one year in office.”

Senator Nwaoboshi said Tinubu has, in the last year, demonstrated courageous leadership and taken bold decisions in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message signed by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, He noted that the last one year of the administration of President Tinubu has witnessed remarkable strides towards a brighter future for Nigerians. He commended the President for his unparalleled dedication to fostering unity, driving economic growth and championing the welfare of every Nigerian as indicated by visible evidence in agriculture and food security, human capital development, security of lives and property and transformative policies geared towards attracting Foreign Direct Investment and opening new frontiers for national development.

“As a quintessential statesman, your leadership is inspiring hope, promoting resilience and igniting positive energy in everyone of us with the confidence to take bold steps towards greatness as a people,” Senator Nwaoboshi stated.

“His Excellency has, no doubt, steadily navigated the once-adrift ship of the Nigerian State to safety,” he said.
“I, therefore, call on Nigerians of all persuasions to continue to pray for our leaders and the well-being of our country and to offer their full support to President Tinubu as he resets our dear nation for peace and socio-economic prosperity,” he added.
“Before comfort, there must be some discomfort. Let us endure. Nigeria will change for the better, by the grace of God.

Congratulations to you on the momentous occasion of your one-year anniversary in office. As dedicated stewards of our party and nation, we are profoundly grateful to God for guiding you to this pinnacle of your political career, and entrusting you with the leadership of our great nation.

 

Deltans react to ban of motorcycles by Governor Sherriff

By our Reporter

Since the pronouncement of commercial motorcycle ban popularly known as Okada in Asaba Capital Territory by the Delta State Government on Thursday,  May 23,2024,after rising from the State Executive meeting held in Government House, Asaba, there are reactions from Deltans on the ban.

Chief Sunday Ikemedima, resident of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State, said it has become necessary for concerned Deltans to react to the current trend on the ban of Motorcycle.

He made a passionate appeal to the Governor,Rt (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider the decision on the ban of commercial motorcycle because many Deltans depend on it as a means of transportation.

According to Chief Ikemedima,” in Okpanam axis,many residents use motorcycle as a means of transportation to go to their various homes”.

He explained that he acknowledges the significant challenges that will be faced by the residents of Okpanam if the ban finally take effect on June 1,2024.

Also he emphasized that this course of action on Okada ban , needs the intervention of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at this critical time to address the issue.

Despite the crime and havoc done with commercial motorcycle in Asaba Capital territory, government should endeavor to shift ground for the seek of the citizens of Delta State who use it for hire purchase business which generates income that helps them in taking care of their families

He however maintained that these person’s have assisted the government in contributing in creating self employment for the youths who are engaged in riding of motorcycle,which has drastically reduce the unemployment problem ravaging the state,said lkemedima.

Chief Ikemedima argued it is not only the Okada rider that will be affected but those involved in the sales of motorcycle,spare parts and repairs in Asaba Capital Territory.

Ikemedima stated”Those in Ogbeozoma,Obodogwugwu,OgbeObi,Obodogba,Nwawolor,last Redeem sites in

Okpanam cannot do without Motorcycle because of the distance problem”.

He expresses his concern on the poor road network in these areas because many parents transport their children to school with commercial motorcycle.

He further advised the government to look inward on the issue of ban on Motorcycle to avoid deteriorating situation in the face of a falling economy.

Chief Ikemedima notified the Governor,Sheriff Oborevwori to carry out an independent investigation on these areas that made up Asaba Capital Territory if they can survive without commercial moorcycle as means of transportation.

Stressing that most political appointees who have properties in these areas can attest to the fact that there are no good roads to enable them overcome the challenges of motorcycle ban.

He suggested that the ban of motorcycle should only be linked to major roads not streets and junctions in the Asaba Capital Territory.

THE CONTROL OF DRUG ABUSE IS A KEY TO CURB ABUSE.-ABUBAKAR WADA.

The State Commander, NDLEA Delta State Command Mr.Abubakar Wada briefed newsmen in his office at Ogwashi -Uku Aniocha South Local Government on the drug control activities of the command. He noted that the command has been undertaking raid operations on black spots and motorized patrol along strategic routes which resulted in arrests of drug peddlers and seizures of cannabis, tramadol and other dangerous drugs across the state. Prosecution of drug offenders and counseling of drug users were equally conducted. Public enlightenment programs were also organized in secondary schools, tertiary institutions and religious institutions in collaboration with key stakeholders. Presently, the command is working towards having a functioning rehabilitation center in partnership with the office of the first lady of the state.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for tremendous support given to the State Drug Control Committee which has been very active. However, the commander identified the location of the office and inadequacy of logistics as major operational constraints considering the high rate of drug activities in the state capital and other cities across the state.

Accordingly, the commander appealed to His excellency, the executive Governor of Delta State Right Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to relocate the command to Asaba and provide operational vehicles to enhance the operational capacity of the command.

He noted  that Asaba, the state Capital would be more conducive for his men to curd crime.

He said the Agency had discovered that the seat of drug related crimes are closer to the Capital city, hence there is need for relocation.

The Commander also appealed for operational vehicles adding that it will help to reduce stress and difficulty in their operations

Mr.Wada said  NDLEA duty is very key in ensuring the successful implementation of the M.O.R.E agenda of the present administration.

The Commander equally urged individuals, Corporate organizations and other key stakeholders in the state to collaborate with the command in the war against drug abuse for the benefit of the good people of Delta State.

Keeping Hospital Clean, Sure way to Reduce Mosquito- Dr Osiatuma

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Victor Osiatuma has  charged members of the public to keep their houses and environment clean and healthy in order to reduce the scourge of mosquito bite  and malaria in the society.

Dr. Osiatuma, who gave the charge in Asaba in an exclusive interview with journalists at the weekend,  explained that one of the reasons why mosquitoes are prevalent was that the country lies at the tropical zone where rainfall accumulates in uncovered drainages and gutters thereby breeding mosquitoes in the environment.

The CMD pointed out that Nigerians have overtime refused to make use of treated Mosquito nets in their homes and expressed disaffection with the attitude of most Nigerians toward waste management and proper hygiene in their homes.

On the negative attitude of some nurses and medical staff in hospitals, demanding money before commencement of medical treatment of patients who are in critical condition, Dr. Osiatuma advised members of the public not to apportion blame on any nurse and other medical personnel because they are in a very stressful condition of duty.

He said as far as they are under management instructions, the rules had to be followed, stressing that operating a hospital or medical facility requires enormous funds while management had to provide consumables like drugs at a subsidized price.

Dr. Osiatuma further explained that some people had abused privileges by   failing to respect gentleman agreement of receiving medical treatment and pay later.

He said other problems include bed space which is not always enough for patients and cannot be blamed on the hospital attendants, noting that every hospital has carrying capacity and advised members of the public to always exercise patience whenever they are in the hospital.