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Uduaghan Calls For Release Of NDDC's N327b DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has asked the Federal Government not only to immediately release the withheld Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N327billion funds but also to ensure an upward review of the commission's revenue allocation. Uduaghan, during his first courtesy visit to the commission's corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday, said though the government was insisting that the money had expired, something could still be done to retrieve the money, which is desperately needed for the region that for several decades had remained the mainstay of the country's economy. The governor noted that since the NDDC had been saddled with the Herculean task of developing the area, there should be a commensurate funding of its developmental projects. "We think the outstanding funds of the commission should be released to it. It is really disheartening that its allocation is too small. With what it has done with the funds so far allocated to it, it has proved that it can transform this region if well funded," he said. "I join all Niger Deltans and Nigerians to ask for improved funding of the NDDC. Restiveness will be stamped out if infrastructure is built in the region and jobs created and if NDDC is adequately funded, it will deliver the goods." Based on the performances of the NDDC so far, the governor said he was optimist that if the commission, which was established by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo was adequately funded, it would contribute immensely to the reduction of agitation and youth restiveness, which has metamorphosed to militancy in the region. The governor gave the assurance that Delta state would cue into the Niger Delta regional master plan as a means of its contribution towards achieving the overall objective of the development of the region. He promised to liaise with his colleagues in the other states under the NDDC mandate to revive the dormant advisory council. NDDC's managing director, Mr. Timi Alaibe said all the projects embarked upon by the commission were worth N303 billion. He said the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos road, whose first phase covers 66 kilometers with 23 bridges that would open Escravos for land transportation will cost N34 billion, while the 120 kilometre Gbaregolor-Gbekebor-Ogulagha road with 14 bridges would cost N175 billion. "Another road project, the Ogeye-Koko-Escraos road, which has 80 bridges and covers 115.2 kilometers is being built at the cost of N94 billion. Both Gbaregolor and Ogeye projects have deck-on piles construction provisions," he disclosed. Alaibe also said the NDDC was working on a road from Uzere-Patani, Eruwhare Bridge, Ogulagha shore protection, Ugborodo shore protection, Ojob reclamation, among others.
EU completes N7b projects in Niger Delta THE city of Calabar comes alive today as the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, Minister, National Planning Commission, Sanusi Daggash and other top officials of government gather to celebrate with the European Union (EU) on the completion of over 1,900 micro-projects in the Niger Delta. The projects, instituted under the EU's Micro Project Programme (MPP), are seen as examples of how resources can be committed to issues that touch the lives of communities as the nation strives towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Some EU officials told The Guardian in Calabar that under its six-year Micro Projects Programme, the organisation had expended a total of N7 billion (about ?42 million). The projects were targeted at over five million people and aimed at improving such infrastructure as the construction of school buildings, health clinics, water systems, public toilets, footpaths and bridges. Others supported productive systems like the construction of public markets, food processing centres and micro-irrigation. Charge' d'Affaires of the European Commission Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Denis Thieulin, told reporters in Abuja that with the projects, the EU had proved that it was possible to implement micro-projects in a cost-effective, participatory, and transparent way. He said: "The MPP6 programme worked directly with disadvantaged communities who decided on the type of micro projects that were of highest priority. Project implementation committees formed by the communities executed the micro-projects" with assistance from local non-governmental organisation (NGOs). In order to ensure the projects reflected a real need and would be maintained, the communities were made to contribute 25 per cent of the resources for the micro-project. Meanwhile, the EU has unfolded plans for a fresh set of projects in the region. Tagged MPP9, the projects are scheduled to start later this year.
Ovie of Uvwie gets staff of office GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has stated that his administration will continue to cultivate and nurture the existing partnership with traditional institutions in the state. He has also charged the people of Uvwie to be loyal to their newly installed monarch, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso (JP), Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom. The Governor made these remarks, weekend, during the official presentation of Staff of Office to the royal father at his temporary palace at Effurun, saying traditional rulers play an important role in governance especially at the grassroots level and charged the people to be sincere and transparent in all their dealings with Abe 1. Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, the governor stated that the presentation of the staff of office marks the high point of the activities lined up for the installation of HRH to the throne of his fore fathers and commended the people for their ability to organise themselves in a most harmonious manner, adding that, “I sincerely hope that the love, understanding, unity and sense of purpose that manifested themselves today will become a permanent feature of all the activities of the people of Uvwie”. According to Prof. Utuama, all the processes leading to the presentation of the staff of office were according to the laid down rules and regulations, stressing that as the prescribed authority in this Kingdom, "I urge you uphold all the cherished cultural values and mores of your people. You should be fair to your people through regular consultation and be even handed in all the matters that affect both them and the kingdom. Earlier in his address, the transition Chairman, Uvwie local area council, Dr. Robert Ejifoma, said the presentation of staff of office is both historical and epocal as Abe 1 is the first Uvwie traditional ruler to be so honoured in a democratic government under relevant statutory declaration governing the selection of traditional rulers and chiefs and called on all those still aggrieved to sheathe their sword and join the train of progress to make Uvwie great.
Traders group assures Uduaghan of support President of Warri, Effurun and Enerhen Amalgamated Traders Association (WEEATA), in Delta, Comrade Ohue Innocent, has promised to give the state Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan all the support he needs to move the state forward. Student survives rape bid In Warri, just like in many parts of Nigeria, the preferred means of public transport for many is the motorcycle (aka okada). A 25-year old University of Benin Microbiology student, Anita Ariuruje, took a ride on one. Her experience was bitter. SHOLA O’NEIL reports. When Mr. Happy Egwhere, a father of three, pulled up his motorcycle in front of 25-year-old Anita Ariuruje on the night of Monday, March 31, she thought the rider was God-sent. Little did she know that she was embarking on a trip that would leave scars on her body and psyche. She had been at the bus stop for a long time, waiting for any means of transport to take her home after a choir practice at her church. But her joy of succour from the commercial motorcyclist, who picked her up at about 10:00p.m, was cut short a few minutes into the journey from Jeddo Town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State to Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area. "When we came close to the shallow bridge, the okada man suddenly stopped. It was a few minutes to 10pm. He asked me to cooperate with him because he was going to kill me," she said. Like a lamb being led to the slaughter, Ariuruje, a 25-year old university of Benin Microbiology student, followed the cyclistinto a nearby bush. Inside the bush, he brought out broken bottles and other dangerous weapons from his trousers. "He asked for my GSM handset; I surrendered it to him with other valuables with me," the victim told our correspondent. But rather than be satisfied with the items, Ariuruje said the assailant broke one of the bottles and stabbed her on the head and aimed at her frail throat. "As I attempted to escape, he brought me down. After beating me for a long time, he started stabbing me with the broken bottle. He wanted to slash my throat, but I warded off the strike with my arms. "He stabbed me in several places on my hands, my head and everywhere he could reach with the broken bottle," she said. Bleeding profusely, Ariuruje collapsed in the pool of her blood. Her fall apparently saved her life as she said her attacker left her, ostensibly to pick up something from his motorcycle. She said she sprang to her feet and made a dash for the nearby bush. "He started his bike and started pursuing me again as soon as he found out that I was running away. "So, I jumped into the nearby bush and started running as fast as my legs could carry me. I was bleeding all over but I didn’t mind." After running for a long time, she found herself at the Delta Development and Property Authority (DDPA) Estate at Jeddo, where she knocked on the first door she saw. "I woke them up and they rescued me and took me to the clinic (Daas Clinic). After receiving treatment, I got in touch with my production manager (choir master) because my parents’ lines were not going through, I told him what happened to me that night." The next day, members of the church and other good Samaritans visited the scene of the attack. A brief search revealed so much. Signs of the tussle between Ariuruje and her attacker were evident. Apart from Ariuruje’s scarf, shoes and purse which were found around the area, the search party found a wallet containing motorcycle particulars, driver’s licence and some money. Armed with the registration number of the motorcycle as well as the driver’s licence, youths in the area and members of Ariuruje’s choir went in search of the motorcyclist. They found a man, later identified as Happy Egwhere close to the scene of the crime. Apparently realising that his particulars could give him away if his victim survived, Egwhere was believed to have visited the scene to retrieve the items. He was arrested and taken to the Ekpan Police Station where the police interrogated him. Egwhere faced her alleged attacker for the first time after the incident, one week after, on Monday, April 7. Our correspondent, who witnessed the encounter, noted how the student cringed on sighting the suspect. Egwhere denied attacking anybody. On how his licence and motorcycle particulars got to the scene of the crime, he said: "It fell off my hands but because I was in a hurry to get to the church, I left it and said I would go and look for it the next day." But prodded further, he confessed carrying out the attack, blaming his action on the devil. He said his intention was not to kill but to rape Ariuruje. "Na devil make me do am. I no wan kill am; na the work of devil. I no be ritualist, na rape I wan rape am," he said in pidgin English, adding: "I beg make them release me I go take care of the girl I go treat am. I get wife and I have three children, three boys." Sources at the police station told our correspondent that the case would be transferred to the State Headquarters of the Police Command in Asaba.
Asagba Of Asaba, Prof. Edozien, In Good Health The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien is hale, hearty and effectively performing his royal functions as expected in his palace, the palace said at the weekend. The king also assures his subjects of his willingness and ability to continue to serve the people of Asaba and Deltans at large. In a release from the Asagba's Palace, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Akulueuno Ahaba, said there has been numerous phone calls offering condolences and enquiries on the assumed passing on of His Royal Highness, Prof. Edozien. This followed recent misleading publication of his photograph in the media to announce the passing on of a Mathematician of repute, Late Prof. Chike Obi recently. Chief Idigbe said the release is to put on record that the Asagba is alive and well, noting that the traditional ruler has been caused a great distress by the publications.
‘N’Delta Youths are Freedom Fighters’ Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ikeremadu, has described Niger Delta youths as freedom fighters and not demons as was being portrayed. 1. The deputy senate president, said the visit was his second to the Niger Delta’s coastal communities in the last six months, maintained that the neglect over the years caused the Niger Delta’s problems, but noted that for the first time, the 2008 budget of the federal government made provision of N15 billion for presidential intervention in the region.
Why we’re at peace with millitants—Uduaghan GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan who has received praises for contriving the scheme that has seen militants working with pleasure with his government for the maintenance of peace in the waterways of the state has denied that he hid the a wonder strategy from his former boss and predecessor, Chief James Ibori. Answering questions from newsmen in Warri, he said that he learnt part of the tactics newly and some from the experience he garnered over the years as an official of the Ibori government. His words, everyday, you gain experience in life. Yes, I was in Chief James Ibori’s administration, if at that time, I had these ideas, I would have suggested it to him and probably, he would have used them but he also had his own tactics and you must give credit to him because at the time he came in, this crisis was on, you must recall that this crisis started in 1997, not 1999. He also used his own strategy to try and cool it down but by each day and each month, the crisis assumed a different dimension. At the time he started, there was no kidnapping, no hostage taking but later the issue of hostage taking developed and you know I was also in the administration then, trying to deal with it. By the time I was coming in as governor, one had had some experience and I thought I could put down some structures.
Ishe Festival In Ewulu EWULU community in Igbo speaking Aniocha South council of Delta State is an agrarian one with its people predominantly engaged in farming and fishing. The community located on the Eastern flank of the local government area, is about 25 kilometres away from Asaba the state capital. It also enjoys an aquatic setting, thanks to the existence of River Umomi which is second largest to the River Niger in the Northern part of the state. And like a people in control of its environment, the Ewulu community has continued to tap the multifarious benefits of the ageless river to its fullest. The River Umoni not only serves as a source of water supply and fish farming, it has equally popularised the community as a tourist centre due to its alluring scenery and central role in the Ishe festival. The Ishe festival is one of the many ceremonies in Ewulu, but occupies a unique place in the cultural annals of the community because of the near fanatical attachment of the people to the festival. The festival which is biennial was first introduced by Ayo, a descendant of Umuayo quarters in Ogbeose village at a time lost in remote history. It was said that initially the festival was celebrated by the Umuayo quarters but was later 'hijacked' by the entire community due to its import and allure. Today, the Ishe festival has become a hallmark of communal reunion and comradeship as indigenes (non indigenes) both at home and in the Diaspora look forward to the great event which holds in February. The period of the announcement and the actual celebration of the Ishe festival lasts for nine day and these days are seen and regarded as scared. This means that any sorrow-bearing incident is hidden and any death during the said period is regarded as 'evil' as no one in the community mourns during the festival days. The Ishe festival revolves round three main celebrants, namely; the king (Obi) the oldest man in the community (Okpala) and the Umuayo quarters. Nine days before the festival which must hold on an Eke Uku market day, the elders and the king meet to fix a day for the event. On the night of the announcement, the Ikpala - a body of elders council perform the secret dance to herald the commencement of the festival. Once the festival date is announced, the mo - an Ishe emblem- is buried by the eldest man. By this singular rites, no one in the community is expected to quarrel, fighter or engage in any evil deed. The announcement is followed by a staccato of gun shots and the Ishe slogan - Agbakwulo - meaning let evil and unpleasant incidents depart the land to allow peace to reign - rent the air. Youths in their near drunken frenzy, gyrate round the four villages of the community echoing shouts of Agbakwulo. The pronouncement of the Ishe festival day also elicits some feeling of fulfilment among Ewulu indigenes, who are full of thanks to God for living to witness another Ishe year. They merry make, exchange banters and pray for a more fulfilled future. Before the festival day, the community wears a new look. The houses and compound become sparklingly neat as they are cleared and nearby bushes cut. During the period, the young ones take care of the immediate surroundings while the adults venture into the river Umomi and bushes in search of fishes and "bush meat" to entertain their many would- be guests during the festival. Also, during the preparations, the generosity of the community comes alive as families take firewoods and other gifts to their well wishers and relatives. It is a period where the African communal life is exhibited to its fullest as none becomes an island during the festive period. The night preceding the Ishe festival day is one characterised by a vigil of sorts. It is called Nkwo Ulo This is the most exciting night in the community as sleep and dull moments take flight and the town becomes electrified with its streams of visitors. Echoes of gun shots and Agbakwulo rent the air, accompanied by war songs. It is a night of great excitement and merriment as young ones dance round the town and later end up in the King's palace to pay homage. On the day of the festival, the hand woven clothes Otuoguo are hoisted as flags in titled men's compound and this adds beauty to the scenery as the flags stand tall, swinging majestically to the dictates of the North East wind. On the Ishe day, life begins earlier than normal as people troop to the River Umomi to fetch water in the early hours, as they will not be allowed to step near the river once the rites and rituals for the festival begin. Because River Umoni is central to the Ishe festival given the fact that it provides the setting for the famous regatta (Canoe dance ) the Ishe day is predominantly one which activities revolve round the river. In preparation for the canoes dance, men in the four villages in the community leave early to the river to gather, tie and decorate the canoes to be used for the event. The canoes are decorated in alluring colours to accommodate the little boys crowned as "kings of canoes," an honour which remains a special privilege for any such lads. At about 2.00 pm, the community which has now been flooded by visitors erupts in celebration of unimaginable proportion as the war dance begins. Young men from the four villages, adorned in their war attires display great exploits of yoke, chanting war songs and blandishing "leathal" weapons. They converge at the market square where they thrill the many visitors for about 40 minutes with the war dance steps and many act of bravery, punctuated by gun shots. After the war dance, the centre of attraction shifts to the Obi's palace. At the palace, the king attired in royal regalia and adorned in his hand woven beaded crown, is a sight to behold, as every step he takes evolves majesty and authority. In his palace, the king with a warrior called Owolo engages each other in a mock fight, using the swords. It is believed that the combat is reminiscent of the first encounter between Nnamenyanwo with Nta, the first settlers in the community. After the royal dance and combat, the people proceed to the River Umomi for the regatta. Attired in flamboyant colours, the people led by the "Kings of canoes" more to the bank of the river. Also, the king led by palace dancers in procession move to the Ishe central bank where he waits, amid dancing, to receive all canoe dancers from the four villages. The canoe dance groups adorn many flags tied to the raft of their canoes while swimmers and individuals mount their single canoe leading the regatta. As a mark of respect for the Umuayo quarters (founders of the Ishe festival) their canoes dance group said first towards the central Ishe bank before other groups. The canoe dance groups converge at the central Ishe bank where the royal drummers and dancers treat the people to sonorous tunes. The canoe dance groups anchor to pay homage to the king who engages in a royal dance. After this, the king pays homage to all the historical places in the town, including the Umomi shrine, the Ishu Ani, the Iroko front shrine and the ancestral Ofo Nze onument. This homage is an affirmation of gratitude for a hitch-free Ishe festival. After, the traditional dances continue far into the night and merriment shouts of Agbakwulo ceases, heralding the end of the festival. However, the ceremonies continue till another nine days where the buried moo is removed, meaning that burials and other ceremonies can now hold in the community. However let it be echoed that in recent times, the enthusiasm associated with the Ishe festival has greatly waned due the penetrating influence of Christianity where many adherents see the festival as "fetish" and out of tune with modern day "civilisation". But, given the dynamics of culture, a lot of sweeping reforms await the festival in future to meet the challenges of our ever changing society. Still, come sun, come rain, the Ishe festival today symbolise one of the cherished traditions of Ewulu people despite the eroding influence of modernity.
Uduaghan flags off Asaba Airport DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduagham formally flagged off the Asaba Airport project on Friday February 15. The project was designed and will be managed by contemporary Group, a firm of architects, while ULO Construction Limited is the main contractor. Performing the ceremony on behalf of the governor, the deputy governor, Professor Amos Utuama promised to deliver the airport to the people of the state with 24 months. Utuama charged the contractors to ensure that the project is not only built to specification but to make sure that the airport is completed on record time. Speaking in the same vein, Delta State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Paul Osaji threw more light on the project and the philosophy behind the airport. According to him, the Asaba Airport is category C and the state government will spend a total of N6.8 billion to complete it. While introducing the project, Mr. Kester Ifeadi, Managing Director of contemporary Group described the new airport as truly international because of its high standard. And that it will be capable of handling international operation when completed. The new airport is one of the key projects under the Delta State Integrated Development Project and the airport will go a long way in attracting investment opportunities. It will also give Asaba the much-needed status of a state capital The ceremony, which was well-attended attracted dignitaries and top government functionaries. Those in attendance include Mr. George Orogun, Commissioner for Finance, Barrister E.O Odebala, Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Mr. Godwin Akpobire of Delta State Integrated Project.
Court strikes out Uduaghan's objection against Okocha's appeal THE Court of Appeal yesterday in Benin, struck out the six grounds of objection filed by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the Appeal of the Action Congress (AC) Governorship candidate in the 2007 general elections in Delta state, Mr Peter Okocha. By this development, the court has formally assumed jurisdiction on the matter thereby giving hope to the Action Congress that filed the appeal against the earlier ruling on the Delta state election petition tribunal. It would be recalled that the Election Petition Tribunal in Delta state had last year struck out the petition of the Action Congress Governorship candidate on the ground that he lacked the locus standi to file the petition because he was earlier disqualified from contesting the election. Consequently, Mr Okocha ran to the Appeal court challenging the decision of the tribunal, asking for an accelerated hearing aimed at nullifying the election since he was alleged disqualified illegally. However, giving ruling on the grounds of objection filed by the PDP and Dr Uduaghan, the Presiding Judge, Justice S.A Ibiyeye declared that the six grounds of application is struck out. He added that "the substantive appeal is adjourned to a date that will be communicated to the parties."
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