Bail out Funds: Delta Never Withheld Nor Diverted Funds

The attention of Delta State Government has been drawn to a news report published on pages three and nine of the Nation Newspaper of Saturday “April 23,  2016  edition titled: “How States spent Their Bail-out Funds”.  We thereby wish to state, as follows;
1. The state government received the sum of N10,936,799.36 as bailout funds for salaries on 21/9/2015.

2. Following the monitoring of the utilization of funds by the Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC), the state received a letter dated 12/10/2015 with a questionnaire attached requesting for details of funds utilized.  In the response to the ICPC dated 15/10/2015, the state declared that the sum of N8,129,888,279.86 was expended with a balance of N2,806,911,019.50.

3. The balance of N2, 806,911,019.50 as at 31/12/2015 has been applied as follows:
(a) N2, 000, 000, 000 to the State Pension Bureau to reduce the state's  liability to pensioners.

(b) The sum of N806,911,019.50 was used for the payment of Primary  school teachers’ salaries.

4. It is pertinent to note that since January, 2016, the state has not received any request of update on the position of the disbursement of funds from the ICPC.

5. It is therefore necessary to state that the aforementioned newspaper report was based on a stale update.

I HAVE NO PLAN TO RESIGN

His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Honorable Commissioner for Information Delta State, Honorable Patrick Ukah

Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous publication by Sahara Reporters to the effect that the Honourable Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Patrick Ukah threatened to resign his appointment because of what it claimed was the Commissioner’s grouse with, “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s decision to split the ministry.”

Much as we don’t usually dignify this type of obvious yellow journalism with a response, we would like to make the following clarifications in order to disabuse the mind of the unsuspecting reading public and the friends and associates of the Commissioner who have besieged his office with calls since the report was published.

The entire report is baseless, unfounded and tendentious. The story exists only in the figment of the imagination of Sahara Reporters, a medium very well known for its brand of terrorism journalism which it dubs as “citizens journalism”, whatever that means.

In the first place, the Ministry of Information has not been split into two, and as such no new ministry has been created. The Governor just recently approved the creation of a Directorate of Orientation out of the Department of Orientation in the Ministry to be headed by his Senior Special Assistant, Orientation and Social Mobilisation now renamed Executive Assistant.

Secondly, the moving of the ICT Department and Website to the Government House had occurred before Hon. Ukah was appointed Commissioner in charge of the Ministry. And we all know the proximity and interdependency of the website and the ICT Department. That the two are housed in the same place was to ensure efficiency in their operations and engender better coordination.

In the light of the foregoing, Hon. Ukah could not have contemplated, let alone threaten, resignation. It is, therefore, clear that the report by Sahara Reporters is calculated to cause mischief and disaffection in the Government of Delta State.

Hon Ukah, for the avoidance of doubt, enjoys a good working relationship with His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and is irrevocably committed to helping the Governor achieve his goal of prosperity for all Deltans.

Signed

Sam Ijeh

Media Assistant

Honourable Commissioner for Information

Delta State.

Delta State approves 8.5MW IPP

On the 19^th of this month after the state executive council meeting presided over by His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, I and my colleagues (Honorable Commissioner for Works, Honorable Commissioner for Higher Education & Honorable Commissioner for Power) briefed journalists on the EXCO approval to develop an Integrated Power Plant project in Asaba through PPP to generate 8.5 megawatts to power government establishments, estates and infrastructure. 

The project is in fulfillment of the SMART agenda and would be developed in conjunction with Bastan Cherry Power Solutions Limited to improve power supply in Asaba and environs. The government would only provide guarantee to utilize the 8.5MVA generated for a period of ten years, and the project will generate jobs for the youths, reduce electricity tariffs paid by government and in turn improved electric supply in Asaba.

We also approved the appointment of a Zopac Consulting Limited on Revenue Cycle Management and Consultancy Services (RCMCS) to help block existing loopholes in revenue collection.

Other decisions reached are;

1.       Public Private Partnership for hostel development in the state owned tertiary institutions
2.       Construction/Rehabilitation of the 5.12km Edgborode –Elume Road
3.       Construction of Kwale Township Roads and Drainage in Sapele and Ndokwa West Local Government areas respectively
4.       Infrastructural development and supply of furniture to some selected schools in the state

STEP graduates 3rd set of trainees

3rd set graduates of the Delta State STEP program 

On the 18^th of this month, the 3^rd set of the State Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) graduated. A total of 540 trainees under four different categories (fashion designers and tailoring, computer hardware repairs, and electrical installations and repairs) graduated after a 6 months training program, and they were all empowered with a starter pack to enable them start up their business immediately .

Delta State Signs MoU on Infrastrural Development

His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Mr Wu Guo Qi

On the 18^th of this month, we took a forward step towards boosting infrastructural drive in Delta state by entering a Memorandum Of Understanding with North China Construction Company. The MOU was signed by the Secretary to the State Government and the Honorable Commissioner for Finance on behalf of the state government, and Mr Wu Guo Qi on behalf of North China Construction Company, and was witnessed by His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and some members of the executive council.

Mr Wu Guo Qi pointed out that they have earmarked over $30m for infrastructural development in Delta state in line with China’s policy of encouraging infrastructural development in Nigeria. The MoU is aimed at a long term strategic partnership with the state to develop key infrastructural and skill/technology acquisition including;

1.       Design, sand filling and provision of infrastructure in the new city on the banks of river Niger

2.        Design and construction of world class government offices

3.       Erosion control and construction of drains

4.       Renewable energy

5.       Waste to wealth

6.       Urban renewal and upgrading of infrastructure including roads, water resources and hospitals

In this present economic downturn, partnership with companies with requisite technical and financial capacity to deliver quality projects is key to achieving the agenda of this government.

ACI Holdings opens new office building

Honorable commissioner for Information Delta State, Mr Patrick Ukah representing His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa 

On the 15^th of this month, I represented His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa at the blessing and official commissioning of the new ACI Holdings office building at creek road Apapa Lagos.

Honorable Commissioner for Information Delta State, Mr. Patrick Ukah, who represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Rev. Father Osbert Egbe of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Creek Road, Apapa and the Executive Vice Chairman of ACI Holdings, Mr Andy Isichei

Okowa inaugurates DESTMA

His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa during the inauguration of DESTMA

On the 14th of this month, His Excellency Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa inaugurated the Delta State Traffic Management Agency (DESTMA) with a charge to improve traffic compliance, safe and incident free transportation on our roads. All over the world, the growth of urbanization has created overcrowded cities leading to increasing traffic congestion and other anti-social behavior on the roads, most countries in the world have also put in place traffic management measures to improve compliance with traffic rules and regulations, ensure free flow of traffic and promote safe mobility

The objectives of DESTMA include;

1.  Traffic control
2.  Incident management
3.  Efficient control and management of heavy duty vehicles
4. Driver support and monitoring
5. Dissemination of safety related materials

The pioneer DESTMA staff just complete a 8 day induction course, and they are to commence operations in three stations - Asaba, Warri/Effurun, and Ughelli.

(PHOTO) OBI OF OWA 78th BIRTHDAY AND BOOK PRESENTATION

On the 24th of March, 2016 the Obi of Owa, His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor II marked his 78 birthday anniversary with a book presentation (The Living Legend) in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area.

According to the Delta State Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, described the monarch as a symbol of humility who has impacted positively on his people and the state.

The occasion which attracted dignitaries from across the state included the state Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Chief Judge, Justice Marshall Umukoro, former deputy governors, top government functionaries and traditional rulers.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (left); Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge (centre); Chairman, Delta Tourism Board, Chief (Barr.) Adaora Giwa-Amu (right), during the birthday anniversary and book presentation of  HRM Obi (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor II

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

I thank you God, for making me see another year; thanks for the gift of life; I am eternally grateful for all the blessings that you have given me that makes me appreciate a good life, for the struggles you casted on me which made me stronger and helped me realise the ideas of life's bitter sweet reality and most of all for the love which is supported by guidiance and protection which You unconditionally gives through my ever beloved family, friends and well-wishers.

Thank You for preserving my life to see this day and the wonders You've done in my life. thank You for having kept me alive, for having given me shelter, warmth, and nourishment. Thank You, Lord, for having given me friends and dear ones. I thank You God for giving me good health and the bounteous blessings You continue to shower on me. Who am I without You God! clay moulded statue breathe into! a mere sculptural work in Your hand!

I thank God for giving me another year to be productive and proactive, to share my life and be a blessing to other people. It's another year to dream, to live, to enjoy, to share, to celebrate, and to execute whatever left unaccomplished in my life. I pray that you always guide me be a better person every day in other to be more focused in life and be more dedicated into the struggle I am involved in, to continue to aspire for what I believe; to fight for the ideal that will live and not for an ideal that will die. May You be my guide as I continue to crave for a progressive OKPANAM, a prosperous DELTA, a truly united NIGERIA and AFRICA as a whole - which her children will be boastful of.

I'm getting older and getting wiser as well; I have learnt a lot from many people fortunate to come across. With much sincerity and happiness I would like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes from friends and family; far and near. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all who posted on my Facebook wall, sent me mails, pinged me, used my pictures as DP on BBM, created a Blackberry broadcast, called or text me and took out pages on the dailies. I would love to reply each message, especially on Facebook personally but many things have become a luxury when you are serving the beautiful people of Delta State and on a special day. However, my joy doubles when I receive your wishes. That's why I write this note instead. 

I pray that God in His infinite mercies will grant us all our heart desires, crown our efforts with resounding success and empower us all to leave this World better than we met it. Thank you all...and Happy Birthday to me!!!

Okowa Flags Off FAST TRACK 90

Exactly a week ago, the Delta State Government launched the Fast Track 90 scheme . The aim of the scheme is to enhance the ease of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O), which is within a 90 days time frame for N200, 000 per plot and the migration of existing C of O to the new electronic C of O for just N50, 000 per plot. As well, the scheme helps check sharp practices inherent in the issuance of the C of Os in the state.Payments can be made in any commercial bank, nationwide.

The Fast Track 90 scheme eliminates;

•  hidden charges
•  unofficial payments
•  delays
•  possible repossessions or revocations
•  ownership disputes

For further  enquiries please contact the Fast Track 90 Teams at Ministry of Lands & Surveys offices, Board of Internal Revenue offices and Banks or call 07031779024, 07031778965, 07031779018.

The offer lasts till June 30, 2016.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (right); Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr.Ernest Ogwezzy, during the official flag off of Fast Track 90 scheme by the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr,) Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday, March 31, 2016.

Okowa Hails Quality Of Talents In Niger Delta Region

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (left), Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Niger Delta Affairs and BRACED Commission, Hon. Kelly Penawou (right), and Miss Oneyor Oritsemeyiwa Alero, who represented the state during the finals of the Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS) competition organized by the NDDC held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that he is marveled and astonished on the quality of talents that abound in the Niger Delta region.

Senator Okowa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, at the grand finale of Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS) competition held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stated that with what he saw, youths in the region have the capacities to compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world.

The Governor congratulated Miss Oneyor Oritsemeyiwa Alero, who represented the state during the finals of the competition, for her feat of using water turbine to generate light.

Senator Okowa urged other youths in the state to emulate the doggedness of Miss Oneyor so that together they will contribute their quota to the development of the state in particular and the country in general.

The Special Adviser to the state Governor on Niger Delta Affairs and BRACED Commission, Hon. Kelly Penawou, also attended the ceremony.

GEMS is a programme of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and have been running in the nine states of the Niger Delta region. It started with the screening of young girls in SS1 and SS2.

A selection of the best participated in region-wide state competitions. The best from the states competed at regional levels. The very best from the regions competed at the grand finals.

GEMS programme is a way of making science fun and as well as encouraging girls to take interest and make choices of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).