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Delta To Participate In Global Climate Change Programme

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16 years ago

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Delta State Government is to actively participate in the Global Climate Change Programme to ensure meaningful and sustained development in the State.
The State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan announced this when he declared open a two-day meeting of the 11th Zonal Network for Children, organised by United Nations International Children Emergency Fund ( UNICEF) in Asaba.
He explained that the state was taking the issue of climate change very important as pollution was dealing fatal blow on the environment.
Speaking further, he noted that Delta State has been officially chosen by United Nations Development Programm ( UNDP) as one of the ten states in the world to propagate climate change program, adding that his administration would vigorously pursue this course.
His words “ As a state, we are taking the issue of environment important especially on climate change. We are going to pursue vigorously the issue of gas flaring, which is polluting our environment, to clean up our polluted water and re-generate our soil to enhance development.”
The governor advised Unicef to introduce the use of statistics in the collation of data’s for national development and commended Oyo State for already using the method in their local government councils for efficient planning.
According to him” l advise Unicef to introduce the use of statistics not only in the collation of health indices but on other areas because without it you cannot plan. In our nation we need statistics for efficient planning.
He commended Unicef for her contributions to the education and health sectors in the state and informed it of the programmes put in place to develop human capital and ensure the survival of children and women in that state.
Governor Uduaghan informed the participant that the state would commission the best equiped hospital with I.C.T Scan in the country next month in Oghara for improved health care delivery.
In a welcome address, the Chief of Field Office Unicef in Lagos , Mr. Karim Akadiri explained that Unicef is supporting the zone in the preparation of the State Strategic Health Development Framework to help reduce child and maternal death.
He explained that Unicef is committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goal ( MDG) to impart on the socio- economic and health care of women and children in the world.
Mr. Akadiri commended Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for signing the 2009 Programm Implementation Assessment( PIA) to develop and complete the 10 year strategic education plan to introduce the mentoring system of education.
In a brief remark, the Delta SSG, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa stated that the state would continue to partner with Unicef, since it’s objectives are in line with the state government’s three point agenda, adding that the state has shown it’s commitment through the payment of the counterpart funding of 2008/2009.
He explained that the zone consist of eight states- Oyo, Osun, Ondo,Ogun,Ekiti,Edo and Delta of which Delta is already implementing the Child Right Law.
Highpoint of the meeting was a presentation on the eight MDG by students of Graceville School and presentation on the importance of hand wash by pupils of Uzoigwe Primary School in Asaba.
In another development, the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured Third World Organisation for Women in Science (TWOWS) of his administration’s commitment to develop science and technology.
Dr. Uduaghan who announced this when members of the organisation paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba explained that the state would partner with TWOWS to assist on developing information communication technology(ICT) in the state.
He noted that women have a lot of potentials to move the country forward if given the opportunity to exercise their talent and called on the men folk to stop oppressing women.
His words” Women play critical role in the development of the nation, l know and believe women can do well but they are been oppressed by the men. l do not under estimate women, l know what they are capable of doing if given the opportunity, men please allow our women to prove themselves.”

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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Recommits To Building World-Class Med Varsity …As VC Marks  Anniversary 

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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The Bayelsa State Government has restated its commitment to developing the State-owned Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), to attain global acclaim in terms of scholarship, research excellence and production of quality human resources to address manpower shortage and healthcare delivery needs in the country
Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at an event put together by the BMU to mark the first anniversary of its current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, at the Main Campus of the u6niversity in Yenagoa.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, at the weekend, quoted him as saying that the present administration was irrevocably committed to the vision for the institution as enunciated by the former Governor and Founder of the University, Senator Seriake Dickson.
While commending the former Governor and now Senator representing the State’s West Senatorial District, Senator Dickson for his foresight in establishing the institution despite the stiff opposition, Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed delight over the achievements the institution has recorded in its few years of existence.
He also applauded the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the BMU, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu and his successor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, for their commitment and efforts that have brought the university to where it is today.
The Deputy Governor noted that considering its standards and the progress being made by the university, the BMU would soon export Bayelsa to the world and attract the world to the state through academic excellence and record-breaking research findings.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, however, stressed the need for the Management Team, staff, students and all critical stakeholders to work harder towards actualizing the vision and rationale behind the establishment of the specialized institution.
“Having thanked God, my next thanks go to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his painstaking efforts that led to the establishment of this very important institution. I’m commending him because I know the opposition he faced back then.
“He proved himself as a visionary leader when he held sway as governor of the state, and we have started seeing the benefits of his foresightedness. You know he was seeing his visions in the daytime and not at night.
“I say this with all sense of humility and duty, because if I leave here without commending Senator Dickson, then I would have failed in my duty as a responsible and forthright human being. I feel honoured and privileged to venerate his contributions to the success story of this medical university”, he said.
“I’m also happy for the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Ebitimitula Etebu, who was able to give us a tip of the iceberg from the memory lane. We must commend Professor Etebu for the solid foundation he laid for BMU as a pioneer VC.
“But today, we’ve a Vice Chancellor who is now planting good seeds, and we believe that these seeds will grow and enable us to export this university to the world, and bring the world to this university.
“I can assure you that the government of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri is fully ready and committed to working with you at all times. Because we believe, working together, we’re going to have a peaceful, dynamic, very elaborate and outstanding university that will be a global brand.
“But to achieve this, all of us, including students, the academia, staff, Senate and Council, must all have our hands in glove to support this agenda of ASPIRE that has been introduced by the present VC”, he added.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the BMU, Professor Dimie Ogoina, explained the components of the ASPIRE Agenda that serves as his guide in running the University, which includes Academic excellence, Sustainability, Partnership engagement, Innovation and technology, Research excellence, as well as Empowerment and welfare.
Professor Ogoina, who expressed gratitude to the state government for its unrelented support to the institution so far, also listed some achievements under his watch, such as securing a research grant of £1.2 million from Welcome Trust, and the establishment of Nigeria’s first university-based Virtual Reality(VR) /Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mixed Reality Studio.
According to Professor Ogoina, in 2026, the university would develop a five-year strategic development plan which would outline the medium and long-term goals of the institution, to transform it into a national centre of excellence.
He added that the Visitor to the University, Governor Douye Diri, had given his nod for the BMU to have its own teaching hospital, to be complemented by AI Robotic Teacher to adequately cater to the pedagogical needs of its students.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Tomori Oyewale, applauded successive governments in the state, particularly that of Dickson and Diri, for not abandoning the dream of the pioneer civilian administration of late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Tarilah Tebepah and the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ebitimitula Etebu.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the BMU Advances in Medicine and Health Sciences Journal, and five Digital Apps of the university by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Okpebholo Constitutes Committee On MOWAA … Names Oshiomhole Chairman

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has constituted a committee on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), with Sen Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman.
This is contained in a statement  by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, on Friday in Benin.
Ikhilor quoted the Governor as urging the committee to ascertain the true legal and operational status of MOWAA.
The Governor tasked the committee to clarify the position, rights, and stakes of the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Institution in the museum project and make appropriate recommendations to the state government for further action.
The Tide’s source reports that indigenes of Benin are protesting  the constitution of MOWAA to build a museum that will house the recently returned artifacts from Europe by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.
They argued that the artifacts should have been returned to the Oba’s palace, where they were stolen instead building a new museum for the artifact.
They said that building a new museum was an insult to their ancestors who owned the artifacts, adding that if a new museum must be built, it should be within the  palace.
Okpbeholo said the state government had noted the series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council concerning the project.
“This committee is a response, and in recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artifacts of the Benin Kingdom”, the Governor said.
He reiterated his commitment to protect the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom while ensuring transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in all partnerships and heritage-related initiative.
Other members of the committee are Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.) as Vice Chairman, former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen, as a member, and former SSG, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, also as a member.
The Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Roland Otaru (SAN), is also a member, while Ms. Iryn Omorogiuwa is Secretary.
The Committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.
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Niger Delta

CSOs Demand Probe Of Ex-Governor In C’River

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6 days ago

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November 10, 2025

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A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of Accountability and Good Governance, has called for the probe of the immediate past Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade.
The coalition made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Agaba Vincent, and Secretary, Odey Odey on Friday in Calabar.
The duo called on the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, to resist moves to accord the immediate past governor any public recognition, but rather support a full probe of his administration.
They noted that a civic reception for the former governor, would amount to rewarding poor performance and showing insensitivity to residents still suffering the impact of abandoned projects.
According to them, the immediate past governor should face a comprehensive probe, not a civic reception.
“Cross Riverians are still paying the price for uncompleted and non-functional projects that consumed enormous public funds”, they noted.
The duo also noted that several projects initiated by the former administration did not deliver value to the state and therefore required accountability.
They listed a number of high-profile initiatives that remained incomplete or inactive in spite of substantial mobilisation of funds.
The listed projects include a 275km Superhighway, the Bakassi Deep Seaport, Calapharm Pharmaceutical Factory, the Obudu Cargo Airport, the Rice City and the Rice Seedlings Factory.
Others were the Coconut Refinery, Banana Plantation and Processing Plant, the Cocoa Processing Factory in Ikom, and the Calachika Chicken Processing Plant.
“A foreign-affiliated university in Obudu, multiple Independent Power Plant schemes, as well as the Ukelle Road and the Boki–Obudu Road projects were also part of these projects,” Vincent and Odey said.
They noted that some of the projects were operated briefly with rented equipment before shutting down.
The duo also alleged that major road contracts were awarded to proxy companies and later abandoned, leaving the roads impassable thereby crippling commerce and transportation across affected communities.
They added that many of the projects were heavily promoted through media publicity and political fanfare, creating an impression of industrial advancement that had not translated into measurable economic benefit for residents
“This is not about politics. It is about justice and accountability.
“If the former governor believes his hands are clean, then a probe should not worry him. He should be willing to clear his name”, they stressed.
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