Group Advcates For Women's Rights, Security

 

An uprising pressure group known as 100 Women Lobby Group has organized a sensitization campaign Warri to create awareness and drum support for women in all aspects of endeavours in the state.

Chief Linda Ikpuri who hosted the group in Edjeba Warri Delta State, Wednesday July 28, disclosed that the 100 Women Lobby Group is a group that advocates for the rights of women from all sectors of the economy spanning through politics,  business, academic and other professional bodies.

Chief Ikpuri who is also a facilitator in the group noted that the body major aims are to encourage women participation in politics , professional and business association as well as advocate for more percentage of women support.

She stressed that the group is on a membership drive, adding that feminism isn't about women challenging men rather should be seen a complimentary role by women she advised women to always play complimentary role to their men counterpart for better deals.

Deputy Coordinator 100 Women Lobby Group Delta State, Ayo Okotie who stood in on behalf of the State Coordinator Dr. Joyce Ogwezi stated that they have embarked on "secure our lives"  campaign involving collection  of women and civil society organisations as well as 

placing women at the forefront of a national call for increased accountability on the war against 

terror and the security of lives and property in Nigeria.

The Deputy Coordinator listed the  demands of the group to include higher percent inclusiveness in governance,  end to kidnapping, rape, ensure community needs and risks, influence the deployment of security assets and setup early warning mechanisms and ensure women’s participation in peace and security decision making.

Okotie noted that "Nigeria is one of the most unstable and terrorized countries in the world. We are currently ranked third in the world with a death toll of 25,711 people killed between 2010-2019, Women and Children bear the major brunt arising from wars and conflict; therefore, we are

concerned about this spate of violence pervading the nation and call on the government to #SecureOurLives".

The group is also agitating for the  need to stop the bleeding and wanton killing, adding that insecurity endangers the continued existence of the country and every citizen regardless of their background is at risk of not knowing the next victim.

Unuevworo of Edjeba, Agbarha-Warri, Chief Michael Ikpuri  assured women of his support in making them actualise their goals. CEO of Focus Guard Security Company and a security expert , Tsola Mese advised government and other organizations to consider giving women 60 percent allocation in governance and see how they can maximise it assuring of supporting women in politics if they vie for elective positions in 2023.

The group staged a peace walk within Edjeba as sign to pray and observe a one minute silence for those who have lost their lives in the various conflicts in Nigeria and other women kidnapped in across the country and they called for their release and government intervention to safe women as their lives matter.

Others who spoke include Edjeba community Chairman, youth representatives as well as women who shared their experiences on the insecurity among others in the country.

SOURCE: ASABA POST TV

INEC Commends Deltans On Online Voters Registration

 

INEC Commends Deltans On Online Voters Registration

* Stakeholders Make Case For The Elderly, Persons With Disabilities, Others

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Election stakeholders in Nigeria had committed a lot of energy, resources and expertise over the years at advocating that no eligible voter is left unregistered.

To this end, the nation's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently commenced an online voters registration exercise in the nation.

The electoral body, yesterday, Tuesday, at Asaba, expressed satisfaction over the response of Nigerians towards this civic engagement.

This was made known l at a stakeholders roundtable meeting, organized by the commission's Oshimili South Local Government Area Field Office at Asaba.

Speaking to stakeholders drawn from the council area, Mr Enyioma Mboma, INEC Oshimili South LGA's Electoral Officer said the commission commenced online voters registration nationwide 21 days ago, being June 28th, 2021.

Within these past 21 days, the commission had recorded a total of 752,011 online voters registration nationwide, with an average daily record of 35,810 online voters registered.

Of the above figures, the number of Deltans, who registered online stood at 23,850, with an average daily registration of 1,136 online voters registered, the electoral officer informed stakeholders present.

Mr Enyioma Mboma, expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the exercise, while stressing that more can be done and urged stakeholders to do more in partnership with the commission at making sure that more eligible voters are registered.

He also informed the stakeholders that the ongoing online voters registration, requires eligible voters to go online, fill their forms, update their passports and come over to INEC's State or LGA offices to complete their registration processes.

Stakeholders present made cases for the elderly, vulnerable persons, persons living with disabilities, as well as others, who for one reason or the other, could not come over to INEC's state or LGA offices for the purposes of voters registration.

The electoral officer assured them that the commission is not ignorant about these Nigerians and that the commission is committed at seeing that they are not left out in the registration process.

The commission plans to take the registration machines down to the ward levels, to serve the needs of these Nigerians, once this process commences, you will be informed and we are confident about your cooperation and partnership as usual, Mr Enyioma Mboma emphasized.

The stakeholders present were leaders drawn from youth and women led organizations, political parties, religious umbrella bodies, community based organizations, media, professional bodies, persons living with disabilities and civil society organizations within Oshimili South Local Government Area.

SOURCE: ASABA POST TV

Cultism: Stakeholder Engagement Breeds Partnership, Commitment For Change.

 

Cultism: Stakeholder Engagement Breeds Partnership, Commitment For Change.

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Saddened by the recent ugly cult related clashes and killings in Asaba, an online media outfit and a citizens led movement today, Tuesday, embarked upon stakeholder's engagement.

The leadership of Asaba Post TV and Concerned Citizens Movement Against Cultism And Social Vices, held a consultation session with executive members of Oshimili South Local Government Area chapter of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

Addressing the union's executives, Comrade Okonta Emeka Okelum, founder of the online media outfit and the citizens led movement, shared his dismay over the recent cult related clashes and killings in Asaba.

He also listed social, development and economic gaps these social vices had negatively impacted upon all in Asaba.

Comrade Okonta shared visions, objectives, goals and activities, these implementing organizations want to realize with the cooperation of other stakeholders.

As we implement this anti cult project, we want to see all in Asaba and Oshimili South LGA, begin to see cultism and other related social vices as an old fashioned engagement, useless and not worth getting involved in.

We also want to register and confirm a process where willing and focused youths can renounce cult membership, see that there is in place a system that will both protect and enhance social, economic and leadership prowess and future greatness in the lives of those who renounced cultism.

In the end, we want them to also become Asaba's front line advocates and ambassadors against cultism and social vices in Asaba and Oshimili South LGA, Comrade Okonta told the unionists.

Responding, Comrade Hilary Utomi, the union's deputy chairman, appreciated the visiting delegation and pointed out that this is a timely response to the ugly realities in Asaba.

His main concern was the delegation's preparedness to take this wonderful advocacy to offices of the chief inspector of education (C.I.E) and director of schools, citing both offices as very vital in the success of the project.

Comrade Okonta Emeka Okelum told the union's executives that an advance arrangements had be made and contacts made at reaching the C.I.E, who had promised to have the delegation visit her soon.

Through the C.I.E, we will get to the director of schools, Comrade Okonta assured the unionists.

Comrade Mrs Omeleze Ngozi Nkechi, the union's first vice chairperson, appreciated the visiting team as she said the project is a welcome development, she promised the union's commitment to partner.

She also cited the vital need for the project organizers to extent their stakeholders network to religious bodies and umbrella organizations, as the project will make huge impact as God and his ministers are involved.

 

The religious bodies will help preach to families and households on the need to allow peace reign in our society, especially, those who lost their loved ones recently and in the past. 

Our religious organizations will help us to encourage and strengthen our willing youths to denounce cult membership, bring them to Christ, his gospel, the path to peace and support them with prayers.

By the grace of God, will be involved

she said.

Comrade Anthony Okolo, the union's chairman, in his keynote speech, thanked the delegation over their inspired project and assured his union's preparedness to partner.

We are parents, we know the impact of cultism upon youths and children and so partnering with your organizations is a welcomed idea.

As partners, this union will make sure that there are anti cult counselors in all schools within Oshimili South LGA, Comrade Anthony Okolo promised.

Sharing his vote of thanks, Comrade Ubaka Chukwurah, co-founder of the citizens led movement, expressed his   appreciation over the union's commitment to ensure a partnership that will works.

We will always keep this path of communication open with your union, as we get your contact details, soon, we will invite you to social media communication channels, where we hope to have all of us engage with other stakeholders, Comrade Ubaka Chukwurah stressed.

SOURCE: ASABA POST TV

Oshimili South Stakeholders Commit To Support INEC's Expansion Of Voter's Access To Polling Units

 Oshimili South Stakeholders Commit To Support INEC's Expansion Of Voter's Access To Polling Units

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

As Nigerians are increasingly demonstrating apathy towards active participation in electoral process, stakeholders were engaged to fashion out solutions to this ugly trend.

The nation's electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, Wednesday, at her Oshimili South LGA secretariat, unveiled to stakeholders reasons behind the steady decrease in the percentage of voters participating in the electoral processes since 1999.

According to Mr Enyioma Mboma, INEC Oshimili South LGA's Electoral Officer, as he shared record of database demonstrating the number of registered voters, polling units, registered voters per polling unit and percentage of voters turnout between 1999 through 2019, stakeholders were convinced to key into INEC's exercise.

INEC's database unveiled that during the 1999 and 2003 general elections, the commission recorded 57,938,945 and 60,823,022 as registered voters respectively.

Number of registered voters per polling unit within same election years, stood at 482.9 and 506.9 respectively, while, percentage of voters turnout was 52.26% and 69.08% respectively, in 1999 and 2003.

The electoral officer's database of citizen's participation in the nation's electoral process in 2015 and 2019 general elections, unveiled the reasons behind the commission's move towards implementing an exercise on expansion of voter's access to polling unit.

Mr Enyioma Mboma, informed  stakeholders present about, the commission's records during 2015 and 2019 general elections.

According to him, the number of registered voters in 2015 was 67,422,005, while in 2019, it stood at 84,004,084. 

He also pointed out that the number of registered voters per polling unit in 2015 was 561.9, while in 2019, it increased to 700.1.

Regrettably, the electoral officer unveiled that the percentage of voters turnout took a downward trend in the years under review.

Mr Enyioma Mboma, maintained the commission's record on percentage of voters turnout in 2015 was 43.65%, while in 2019, it decreased further to 35.66%.

This downward trend worried the commission and after many researches were conducted to find out what was behind the drop in percentage of voters turnout, it was discovered that as the number of registered voters increased progressively from 1999 through 2019, the number of polling units over the years remained fixed at 119, 973 polling units nation wide.

Based on the above premise, was the commission's reasons for implementing this exercise on expansion of voters access to polling unit, electoral officer told stakeholders.

Stakeholders present expressed satisfaction over INEC's moves towards expanding voter's access to polling units.

Some of the stakeholders had earlier mentioned challenges and difficulties voters within their wards face, as they tried to exercise their electoral franchise and engage in legal civic participation as citizens.

Stakeholders also urged the commission to grant them ample time to reach out to their respective ward stakeholders, interact and engage with them, so that suitable locations can be identified.

The electoral officer informed stakeholders present that 29th April, 2021, is the official deadline for this exercise and assured stakeholders about the commission's preparedness to approve and convert any suitable location, according to INEC's specification, from voting point to polling unit.

Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, Oshimili South LGA PDP Party Chairman; Hon Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, Executive Chairman, Oshimili South LGA and Hon Ekene Shedrack Rapu, Member Representing, Oshimili South State Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, led other political actors from PDP Oshimili South LGA Chapter to the stakeholders engagement.

Other stakeholders were drawn from executive and legislative arms of Oshimili South LGA, political appointees, leaders of political parties, security personnel, youth and women leaders, community bases organizations, faith based organizations, media and other interest groups.

©ASABA POST NEWS WIRE ONLINE

Council's Legislative Leader Sue For Unity, Peace

 

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Hon Michael Okonji, House Leader, Oshimili South LGA Legislative Arm, called for unity, peace and collaborative working relationship amongst law makers.

He made the call today, Thursday, during the house's legislative session.

Hon Okonji congratulated all members over their victory at the polls and successful inauguration.

To the house's legislative principal officers, he also thanked them over their victorious emergence. 

He also ONLINEthem to work towards effective and productive legislative business.

We are one family, let us work together, since, we are from one political party, we have to work together as one family, Hon Okonji emphasised.

The task before us now is to work towards a greater and progressive legislative session and write our names on gold.

We must let love lead and work harmoniously and maintain sound working relationship.

Please, let us avoid unnecessary rancour and rumours, so that we can leave a better legacy behind us, Hon Okonji charged his fellow law makers.

The leader of the house called for invitation and introduction of all legislative staff of the council.

Mrs Chukwuji Edith, clerk of the house, led the introduction of all legislative staff present, after the law makers introduced themselves individually to all in the chambers. 

Thereafter, Hon Okonji, welcome all to 2021 legislative session and called for harmonious working relationship.

In the absence of no other legislative business before the  assembly, the majority leader, Hon Ogbotobo Charles Collins, representing ward nine, moved a motion for adjournment of next seating to next week Tuesday.

Hon Nwabuoku Iloba Rowland, representing ward ten, seconded the motion.

HON. OBI KELVIN EZENYILI'S PROMISES TO OSHIMILI SOUTH LGA

 

There is a new political czar in Oshimili South LGA, he was sworn into office yesterday by the state governor, Gov Ifeanyi Okowa. 

At a post swearing in reception organized in his honour within the council's premises, Hon Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, appreciated all stakeholders who contributed one way or the other at making the just concluded electoral process both hitch-free, successful and victorious.

Though, he affirmed that the victory he secured is a victory for his political party leaders, his political party, even the People's Democratic Party (PDP), for all contestants and candidates, he summed it up in that his victory is a 'victory for all'.

Listing his post campaign cum election promises for Oshimili South LGA, which he anchored on a four point agenda, Hon Ezenyili, recalled the great importance his administration places on the need to regard and respect traditional authorities and institutions.

He also called upon all stakeholders to close ranks, work together towards advancement of Oshimili South LGA, her people and communities.

Unveiling his administration's plans of actions around the four point agenda, Hon Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, emphasised areas of priority around it.

On peace and security, his administration will articulate a comprehensive peace building architecture that will contribute into the state's peace building drive and sustainable development plans.

He also emphasized that this architecture will partner with the state government, traditional authorities/institutions, vigilante groups and other interest groups.

There is great need for information gathering, sharing and intelligence, we will strengthen the traditional justice system in all communities within our council area, Hon Ezenyili said.

Emphasizing areas of priority on youth and women empowerment, the new council chairman said "empowerment of youth and women will be at the center of all our programs, mission and projects, to ensure that they are seen, present and represented.

On environmental sanitation and sustainability, his points of emphasis unveiled his serious commitment.

We will ensure environmental sustainability, commit to effective management of the rivers around our council area, to ensure sustainable ways of managing waste.

We will also promote high level of sanitation and recycling system within the LGA.

My administration will work with the Delta State Waste Management Board and other waste management agencies in the state at making sanitation a priority, so that waste are managed sustainably.

For Hon Ezenyili, health is a human right issue for his administration in Oshimili South LGA, hence, his deepened commitment.

We will deliberate and partner with federal and state primary healthcare agencies, to promote an effective and efficient healthcare service delivery system in Oshimili South LGA. 

My administration will liaise with Delta State Ministry of health at extending primary healthcare services to our communities, Hon Ezenyili promised.

To make these above four point agenda possible, Hon Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, promised to create within the next couple of days and weeks,  some high profiled groups, think tanks and committees, that will help his administration come up with progressive, proactive, result driven approaches and means at achieving his administration's four point agenda. 

We will create the following organs to help us achieve our four point agenda, we will create; leaders governing council, an economic team, youth thinks tank, platform for eminent industrialists and a legal group, he said.

He promised Oshimili South LGA stakeholders that his administration will usher in a 'New Dawn' in grassroot governance and administration, where inclusive governance and equality will reign supreme.

Hon Ezenyili also pointed out other political, governance and democratic ideals, he believe will be the hallmark of his leadership. 

Developmental government, gender equality, inclusive governance, dealing with youth's needs, quality service delivery and sustainable management of resources, were ideals, the new council chairman believed can positively and progressively strengthen grassroot governance system.

In conclusion, Hon Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, as a youth mentioned an ideal youth position on grassroot governance system.

As youths, we are not just numbers, we are the realities of young people at grassroot governance, he concluded.

UTQEN: Delta State Chapter Refutes National Body's Allegations

 

* Calls Upon Ministry Of Labour To Intervene, To Prevent Further Crisis

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

The Delta state chapter, Union of Tipper & Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTQEN) has in strong terms refuted all recent allegations of the National body against them as was published in an online media platform.

Speaking exclusively to Asaba Post News Wire Online, after their monthly meeting, Comrade Dumebi Eluaka, UTQEN's Delta State Chairman, in company of his state and local government area chapter executives, shared their own side of the story.

The union's national president, Comrade Aliu Mayungbe, had recently gone online to accuse the state chapter on various charges of fraud, irregularities, tenure elongation and other unprintable charges.

Comrade Eluaka in this exclusive media chat shared with our reporter his views and corrected some perceived wrong impressions made by the union's national president to online media practioners.

Speaking on tenure elongation, Comrade Eluaka accepted that his first term in office had elapsed, but as enshrined in the union's constitution, he maintained that he is entitled to a second term, but noted that the union's national president is handling this matter in a grossly unconstitutional manner.

For this reason, Comrade Eluaka is calling upon the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, to intervention into the lingering issues and crisis between the union's national body and the Delta State Chapter of the union, to avoid further and deeper crisis, or better still close down the union completely nation wide, to avoid unpalatable stories springing up here and there in the state chapter.

Comrade Eluaka said how the national president is going about issues concerning his term in office is completely wrong and unconstitutional.

According to our union's constitution, if a state chairman's term is over, a caretaker committee will be appointed from the leadership of all local government area chapters, who will manage the affairs of the state chapter till elections are conducted for new state executives to emerge.

Bringing in men and women, who are not qualified union members to disrupt the union's affairs in Delta State is grossly unacceptable.

UTQEN is open only to business men and women, who own tippers or quarry sites, it is not a union for contractors, native doctors or rascals Comrade Eluaka pointed out.

To this end, he pointed out that the national president is not fit and proper to be in the union, were it not that his tribesmen, who dominated the union, who imposed him into the union, if not, how can a mere tailor become the national president of owners of tippers and quarry site owners.

The national president does not owe any tipper nor a quarry site, even in his local government area, there are no quarry activities going on there, Comrade Eluaka told our reporter.

He noted that were it not for the professional intervention of  Nigerian Police and that of Department of State Security (DSS), the union in Delta State would had witnessed a lot of negative records and stories, he also appreciated the security agencies for their quick and professional intervention in the union's state chapter.

Comrade Eluaka also called upon all union members to remain calm, maintain peace as this lingering matter is already before an industrial court as counter action will amount to contempt of court actions.

Reacting to issues of fraud laid against the state chapter, Comrade Eluaka said, its the national president who is most fraudulent with the points below.

Constitutionally, its office of the elected general secretary, and manned by Hon Comrade Benjamin Okonkwo, who is supposed to sell and issue out the union's tickets, emblems and other official documents to state chapters upon payment into the union's national bank account, but here reverse is the case.

The national president issues these items personally and uses personal bank account instead of the national body's bank account to collect money from us.

It was after I had paid the sum of N840,000 into one personal bank account belonging to one Abdulmumn Ibrahim at Zenith Bank with bank account number 2001213061, I asked him, why giving us a private bank account, there after, he gave me the national body's bank account at zenith bank with bank number 1014635031, and stated that he is sorry.

For over four years now, the national president and national treasurer had prevented the national auditor from carrying out an audit assessment of the union's account, all because they don't want their fraudulent acts to be exposed.

That the national president sidelined South East and South South trustees of the union out of all happenings in the union, calls for serious attention, Comrade Eluaka said.

Just because, I demanded for a refund of N7 Million, I spent on the legal battle between our state chapter and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), a legal battle, the national president personally approved that we should  embarked upon, hence, all these allegations are now springing up here and there.

We are law abiding citizens and quarry business owners, as such, we went to court, to have them interpret our union's constitution better for us.

On the state of his 13 state exco members, Comrade Eluaka note that because the union is a new one and had not started rolling in funds like that of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)/and that at this stage requires a lot of patience, commitment and sacrifices to build and strengthen the union, not all my state executives have such energy and for some because not much is flowing into the state chapter, when they are invited to meetings, some fall back to their businesses.

At any rate, whenever, we call for meetings, we still have enough state executives as to form quorum, Comrade Eluaka pointed out.

He also pointed out that he at no point given out sack letter to any state executive member as such the case of him losing touch and steady meeting with his executive members does not hold waters.

I am shocked that the national president is supporting non union members to cause trouble in Delta State chapter, especially, Mr Paul Mozie, who is a mere contractor, who does not owe any tipper nor quarry site, he had being harassing our tipper drivers collecting illegal fees from them, for which, we said no to, I see no reasons for the national president to support such person who is not fit and proper to become our union member in the first place.

I don't know why Paul Mozie does not want to respect court verdict, which mandated that the already conducted state chapter elections must not be cancelled, Comrade Eluaka queried.

Comrade Eluaka ceased this media chat opportunity to urge Paul Mozie and his co travellers to respect court verdict and allow peace reign supreme in the union's delta state chapter.

LGA Polls: How Ezenyili Kelvin Obi Casted His Vote

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Today, Saturday, March 6th 2021, Deltans went to polls to elect their local government area council chairmen and ward councillors.

Oshimili South LGA had her own share of same experience, as the council chairmanship candidate of People's Democratic Party (PDP) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi casting his vote at his Oko Ward two pooling station.

One of the most outstanding features as he went to exercise his civic franchise, not only as a citizen and a candidate, was the nature and responses of electorates at the pooling station.

Upon his arrival at the pooling station, which was massively heralded by loud ovation from his ward's youth leaders, shouts of solidarity and acceptance from women leaders and countless showers of prayers and blessing from the elders's council made the day's exercise huge remarkable one.

Responding to a brief media chat from newsmen, he appreciated the happy and calm atmosphere, the ward youths made possible and stated that this is the most peaceful election in Nigeria so far.

I thank the youths for making this electoral process peaceful, with kind consideration of our political leaders, our youths are coming into power, Ezenyili Kelvin Obi noted.

He also appreciated his political leaders and the state governor, for creating an enabling environment for the state's electoral commission to conduct a peaceful, free and fair council polls.

I thank the electorates, security and media personnel, who contributed a lot towards making this process today peaceful, free and fair.

I am confident that at the end of the day, when election results are released and announced, that we will emerge victorious, Ezenyili Kelvin Obi emphasized.

He also pointed out that his electoral victory is a victory for Oshimili South youths and promised never to disappoint them and all major stakeholders in Oshimili South LGA.

Taking a brief tour round the pooling station, he met and enjoyed the solidarity, ovation, voice votes of acceptance, prayers and blessings from the ward's women leaders and elder's council members, who in their numbers, enduring the day's hot sun, waited patiently for their turn to cast their votes for their well beloved son, Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, to victoriously emerge as Oshimili South LGA council chairman.

To this kind gestures from the senior citizens, the chairmanship candidate, assured them that he is committed towards putting smiles on their faces upon his emergence as the council chairman of Oshimili South LGA Chairman