Asaba 1967 Genocide Memorial Reception & Public Screening Of Research Finding.

 Welcome address by the President General, Asaba Development Union, Chief Dr. L.C.C. Odogwu

 Keynote address by Chief John Iloba, the representative of the Asagba Of Asaba at the event.

 Prof. Bird, one of the American Researchers, who has being working on the genocide matters, this is her third visit to Asaba, she shared some insight into her work, her feelings about the project and her experience with Asaba people.

 Prof. Otaneli, guided the participants into the basis of the film presentation on the 1967 Asaba Genocide, what the participants will watch and other vital information about the production process as well as the international wave the film production is currently gathering globally. 

 A scene with participants rapt attention to the film show

 Ogbueshi Ijeh, the Vice President General, Asaba Development Union presenting the vote of thanks to all Ani Ahaba sons and daughters who participated in this years event and special thanks to the ever committed America researchers who had tirelessly committed their talent and time to the success of the project.

 Rev Fr. Isichei saying the closing prayers

 Rev. Sis. Mordi and Ogbueshi Chuk Ndukaeze

All work and no play is not Ani-Ahaba style, at the end of the event both participants and our American Researchers had a swell time dancing to some Ani Ahaba music.

DTSG DETERMINED TO CHECKMATE FLOODING IN ASABA

Delta State Government has reiterated its desire to tackle the perennial flooding problems in Asaba and environs.

The Commissioner for works, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon stated this while inspecting some on-going flood and erosion drainage projects around Jesus Saves Road and Direct Labour Road being handled by Inter-Bau Construction Limited in Asaba.

Rt. Hon. Solomon directed the Construction firm to return to the underground drainage project site and link the drainage to its discharge point at  River Niger so that the perennial flood in the area would be drastically reduced.

He directed the firm to meet with the ministry’s officials and come up with an updated project design and work programme so that all obstacles and obstructions along the project alignments would be identified and measures put on ground to tackle them.

He decried the attitude of property developers who encroach on the alignment of projects, thereby causing obstructions and stated that such properties when identified would be demolished without any compensation.

Rt. Funkekeme Solomon appealed to residents of the area to maintain the existing drains so as to check flooding. He assured them that the state government would ensure that the ongoing underground drainage construction was completed in the next dry season so as to permanently checkmate flooding problems in the area.

Nigeria Must Remain United - David Mark

Senate President David Mark last Friday reiterated that the nation’s indivisibility is not negotiable irrespective of the security and other challenges confronting the country. According to reports, Mark believes the benefits of a united nation far outweigh the reversed order.

Mark spoke when he led members of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Alumni Association 1967 set on a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin, Erediauwa 11 , in his palace on Friday.

He stressed the need for government and Nigerians to brace up to the challenge of nationhood.

Mark noted that since Nigerians have accepted democracy as a way of life “we must do our best to perfect the process so that we can all reap the dividends of democracy”.

The Senate President was quoted as saying: “The unity and progress of Nigeria through a democratic process is the desire of all citizens; we must therefore provide a suitable environment for democracy to thrive”.

He reiterated the resolve of the 7th National Assembly to commence immediately the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to correct the imbalances and promised that traditional rulers would be given a place of pride in the proposed arrangement.

Mark noted that his colleagues who have served in various military formations have continued to contribute their quota to the unity and development of the country.
Replying,  Oba Erediauwa thanked the delegation for their continued contribution to nation building, urging them not to relent in their endeavours.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO REVIVE RUBBER INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

The Chairman, board of trustees National Natural Rubber Suppliers of Nigeria, Elder Sunny Emekeme has called on the Federal and states government to expedite action and to do everything within their reach to revive the ailing rubber industry which was the major foreign exchange earner to the country.

Elder Emekeme, who doubles as the acting chairman of the group, lamented the sorry state of the rubber industry which both government and farmers had abandoned for other sector of the economy not minding the high demand for rubber products at the international market and the huge money generated from its back home in Nigeria.

The acting chairman who spoke to the press in Sapele,said that the group had put everything in place for the inauguration of its National Executive Officers on the 21st day of September 2011,at 10am Prompt, in Richards Continental hotels/resort(Former IretorHotel) Sapele, Delta State. He said that the incoming executive would be a strong one that  would ensure the industry does not go into extinction.

Elder Emekeme said that far back in the 70s there was a rubber boom in the country and Nigerians then were gainfully self employed, either tapping, buying or supplying of rubbers to factories which also gave employment to Nigerians and foreign exchange income to the country through tax money.

He said that government generates huge sum of money from these industries spread across the country, pointing out that he did not understand why Nigerian government is currently spending billions of Naira to curb the excesses of restive youths and militancy, saying that the rubber industry should be revived to enable the teaming youths in the country resort to tapping or buying of rubbers and supplying same to factories.s
The chairman said “sadly enough, Nigeria who provided countries like Indonesia, Cameroon, Gabon, Malaysia rubber seedlings now import rubber from these countries for processing in our local factories at an exorbitant cost”.

He said that despite several efforts made by his association to convince the Delta State government to see while rubber business should be  revived, nothing much had been done. He called on government to allocate enough funds to the rubber production sector.

He called on the state government to educate youths in the state to consider the possibility of looking inwards to other sectors of the economy, saying that oil alone could not make the state great.

PEACE LOVING YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO ENJOY GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN DELTA.

The Delta State Government would continue to partner with youth organisations and groups, the aims and objectives of which are geared towards development and maintainance of peace and progress of the state.

The Honourable Commissioner in charge of  the Directorate of Youths Development, Mr. Ebifa Ijomah stated this when he received in audience, members of Anioma Youth Movement in  his  office.

The Commissioner informed the visitors that in as much as Government was always ready to partner with Youth organisations, violent and non conformist acts by such bodies would not be condoned when they deliberately resort to anti-social activities that could breach the peace of the state.

He, therefore, urged youths in the state to look at the positive side of issues and create opportunities for dialogue as a way of resolving problems.

The commissioner urged Anioma  youths to come together, and bring up ideas that could enhance the overall development of the area, just as he enjoined them to continue to support the Government of Dr. Uduaghan in his avowed commitment to youth development  and empowerment.
The President and leader of the delegation, Mr. Emeka Enebeli  earlier  in an opening remarks, informed the commissioner that the movement was made up of youths of Anioma extraction who are professionals in different fields of endeavour.

 The President who also later spoke through the group’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Philip Nwaochei,  informed the commissioner that they had come to felicitate with him on his appointment, and to discuss the 2015 elections.

He requested  for the empowerment of members of the group who are made up of very resourceful unemployed youths.

Reacting  to some of the issues raised, especially the reference to their intention to discuss 2015 elections,  Mr. Ijeoma stated categorically that it was too early and an unnecessary distraction to start discussing who would occupy one post or another. He strongly enjoined the youths to maintain unalloyed loyalty and wholehearted support for the government of the day.

            The Delta State youths development helmsman  further informed the visitors that the directorate was undergoing repositioning in line with the vision of the governor of the state, for sustainable youth development and empowerment, as part of the governor’s human capital development agenda, for which the the youths had been usually the main beneficiaries.

 He reminded the youths that in addition to supporting their development, the governor had set up the famous and award winning Ministry of Poverty Alleviation, headed by a youth friendly commissioner, Dr. (Mrs) Anthonia  Ashiedu , whom he said is enthusiastic about empowering the youths with micro-credit facilities for self sustenance and viable business ideas that could make the youths live a successful life.

LANDS COMMISSIONER ENJOINS ISOKO YOUTHS TO BE UNITED.

The State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development , Sir Patrick Ferife has enjoined Isoko  youths to be united in order to speak  with one voice.

This advice was handed down by the commissioner when the President, Isoko National Youth Movement and its executive members paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Asaba.

The commissioner advised them that much could be achieved if the youths could come under one umbrella body for effectiveness and cohesion, and urged the National President of the Isoko National Youth Movement to apply dialogue in resolving issues.

Sir Ferife also advised the youths to consider the idea of forming a micro credit scheme to better the lots of youths who have business drive to actualize their economic potentials.

He assured them of his co-operation and support at all times and urged them to be law-abiding.

On their request for employment of Isoko youths into the on-going Federal Oil Pipeline Surveillance Project and inclusion of Isoko youths in the Post Amnesty Programme, he promised that he would channel their request to higher quarters for attention.

Speaking earlier, the President of Isoko National Youth Movement, Comrade Ogaga Isaac Egbewoku said that they were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment and to express their full loyalty to him.

 They used the forum to congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan on his re-election and in appointing many Isoko sons and daughters into his government.

Comrade Egbuwoku used the forum to call on the commissioner to use his office to ensure that Isoko youths have more slots in the ongoing employment of the Niger-Delta Oil Pipeline Surveillance Project, and inclusion in the Post Amnesty Programme.

WORKS COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR PRAYERS TO SUSTAIN PEACE, SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Women have been enjoined to pray for the sustenance of peace and security in the nation.
The Commissioner for Works, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon made the call when he received in audience members of Women in Politics Prayer Fellowship, Burutu chapter.

While noting the strategic position of the womenfolk as nation builders, Rt. Hon. Solomon urged them to be steadfast in their prayers for the nation and the state, stressing that prayer is the key to unlocking development and progress. He described women’s participation in politics as crucial in any democratic dispensation and called for more female involvement in politics in line with the 35% affirmative action of the present dispensation.

Rt. Hon. Solomon enjoined the group to continually pray for the leaders, especially Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in their transformational programmes and agenda to eradicate poverty. He commended them for their solidarity and team spirit and promised to support the fellowship.

Speaking earlier, the President of the group, Burutu Chapter, Mrs. Warekuromo Janet congratulated Rt. Hon. Solomon on his appointment. She highlighted the role of women in politics prayer fellowship. She appealed to the commissioner to assist in capacity building of the women by engaging them in skills acquisition programmes.