Niger Delta
Delta: Non-Payment Of N252m Counterpart Fund Stalls Projects
The non-payment of the N252 million counterpart fund by Delta Government is denying many communities the benefits of programmes initiated by the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP).
Mr Dominic Agada, NAPEP Secretary in the state, told newsmen in Asaba that the outstanding contribution by the state had accrued since 2008.
He said the Federal Government had long contributed its share of 50 per cent for the period, expressing regrets that the funds could only be accessed when Delta paid up.
Agada said the state government had refused to pay its contribution in spite of several letters to it on the issue, adding that efforts by NAPEP officials to meet with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan failed.
He also said the state’s delay in releasing the fund was hampering the progress of NAPEP’s two major community projects in the state.
The two projects, he said, were the Village Solutions Programme and Care of the People Programme for which the federal government had released N72 million.
He appealed to the state government to pay its contribution to the scheme, adding that other states in the Niger Delta had been benefitting from NAPEP’s projects.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Ovuozourie Macaulay, whose office handles such initiatives was not available for comments on the issue.
An official in his office, however, confirmed that no payment had been made by the state to the scheme.
The official, who pleaded anonymity, said memos were already being written on the various outstanding counterpart funds owed by the state.
“ The problem affects all federal government programmes which involve counterpart contribution,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 100 women in Delta State have began free eye surgery for various optical ailments.
The bill for the treatment, according sources would be paid by Master Care Foundation, an NGO founded by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Roli Uduaghan,
The surgery would be carried out on the women at the General Hospital, Ibusa, by a medical team assembled by the NGO.
The NGO, in a statement issued in Asaba, said women with other ailments would be given free treatment during the period.
It said that the free health progamme was being organised as part of activities to mark Uduaghan’s 50th birthday anniversary, adding that the exercise would run till Friday.
The 100 women, it said, were selected from the 25 local government areas of the state, adding that drugs and glasses would also be given to them free.
Women with eye challenges, it said, were to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
