Warri South presents N2.7billion capital estimate for 2011

by: Tonebsky Nesta

The Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema has presented a budget estimate of two billion, seven hundred and eleven million, nine hundred and fifty thousand, four hundred and sixty five naira (N2,711,950,465.00) for the year 2011.

The budget which is christened budget of further consolidation is made up of one billion, one hundred and eighty seven million, one hundred and fifty thousand, four hundred and sixty five naira (N1,187,150,465.00) as recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure will gulp one billion, five hundred and twenty four million, eight hundred thousand naira.

Making the presentation Tuesday January 25 before plenary of the council’s legislative arm at the new legislative complex, the Council Chairman, Hon. Mofe Edema explained that the 2011 estimate is to consolidate on the achievements of his administration since 2008. According to the Warri South Council boss, details of the 2011 budget which is contained in the draft estimate shows that the administration will execute more people oriented projects in this fiscal year to increase the 85 already executed since its inception.

The budget which will be funded from N283,961,535.00 Internally Generated Revenue, N2,317,503,629.83 Statutory Allocation and a total of N110,485,300.17 brought forward from 2010 estimate further reveals a Sectoral breakdown of N291,000,000.00 for economic sector, N533,150,000.00 for social sector, while administrative sector will take N700,650,000.00.

Hon. Edema particularly commended the legislative arm for co-operating with his executive towards recording monumental strides in the past two and half years.

Leader of the Council’s legislative Arm, Hon. Sunday Aguweye presided over the presentation, while Honourables David Oki and Ete Keke moved and supported the motion for presentation.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication in the Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Marvis Onojeghwo who addressed newsmen at the end of the brief presentation, described the budget as good and concise. Hon. Onojeghwo who also doubles as Chief Whip of the House, opined that the 2011 estimate which has input from the legislative Arm guarantees more people oriented projects from the Edema administration and will further improve the living standard of people in the local government.

The Vice Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Charlie Etsaghara, Secretary to the local government, Dr. Austin Uroye were among members of the council’s executive that accompanied Hon. Mofe Edema to the budget presentation which is the first to be held in the new legislative complex constructed by the current administration.

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Rerun: How Warri votes saved Uduaghan’s blushes • Ogboru returns to court, as anxiety grips PDP Chieftains in Delta North, Central over loss of their

By: Tonebsky Nesta, Omonigho Matthew & Omoghene Faith

A last minute release of results from Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West local government areas was the magic wand Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan needed to claim overwhelming victory over Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the Democratic Peoples Party.

Fresh Angle checks reveal that there was palpable fears and anxiety among some Deltans, particularly PDP Chieftains over the close call results from Delta North and Central were recording with Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru having slight edge in those districts before last minute release of results in the three Warris which turned the table in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Votes from Ijaw dominated local government areas as released by the Delta State Electoral Commissioner also added teeth to Dr. Uduaghan’s victory. Fresh Angle gathered that INEC almost nullified results from the three Warri local government areas due to delay in its release but later shelved the idea for reasons not known as at Press time.

Expectedly though, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru has vowed to return to court to challenge the outcome of the polls.

Feelers reaching Fresh Angle as at the time of filing this report reveals that the DPP Candidate has collated “substantial” evidences to upturn the result in his favour at the court. While there was celebration in areas where Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has stronghold regarding the outcome of the result, a feeling of disbelief and outright rejection greeted a cross section of Deltans living in parts of Delta North Senatorial district and majority of those in Delta Central.

One strong signal which the votes as released by INEC showed was the ethnic polarization exhibited despite party affiliations. Some PDP Chieftains in Delta Central like Chief Festus Okubor and former Uvwie Council boss, Mrs. Evelyn Ojakovo surprisingly corroborated Chief Great Ogboru’s claim when they alleged that most of their people were disenfranchised by INEC. This statement Fresh Angle gathered is not unconnected with desperate moves to save face over their inability to deliver their area for the PDP. Leaders of the PDP in parts of Delta North where Chief Ogboru won are also making desperate moves to save the party from embarrassment in the April polls as well as regain the confidence and trust of re-elected Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The recently conducted rerun gubernatorial election did not come without its own controversies and violence.

Reports monitored by Fresh Angle from Correspondents and contacts across the State on election day indicated large support enjoyed by Democratic Peoples Party candidate, DPP, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru in Delta North, an area believed to be in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan due to the PDP zoning arrangement which will see power shifting to that district at the expiration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second tenure. Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru reportedly defeated Dr. Uduaghan in Asaba, the State capital, Issele-Ukwu in Aniocha North, Kwale and Agbor, believed to be the strongest hold of PDP due to the influence of former Secretary to Delta State government, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

Our Delta Central Correspondent reports that there was no election in most parts of Ughelli South local government, especially the Ughievwen axis due to the hijack of voting materials by a former council boss and Chieftain of PDP in the area (name withheld).

Election however took place at Oginibo and Otu-Jeremi, the country home of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Deputy, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama. Fresh Angle gathered that the PDP Chieftain that allegedly hijacked electoral materials meant for Ughievwen axis and other parts of Ughelli South local government later returned the materials when he got wind that some youths in the affected areas who had been loyal to him in the past became aggrieved due to their new found love for the DPP candidate and were heading for the INEC office in the area to vent their frustrations. It was later gathered that the youths stopped election from taking place following speculations that the electoral materials have been tampered with.

Other areas affected by this development include Ekakpamre, Ughevwughe, Otor-Edu, Edjophe and Iwrekan communities.

Reports also say that at Otu-Jeremi, there was relative peace and election took place in 5 poling centres. The DPP allegedly won with wide margin in 4 of these centres, while the PDP allegedly won the polling unit close to the private residence of Dr. Uduaghan’s Deputy, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama. Unconfirmed reports however claimed that the various result sheets as well as half of the ballot papers used at the 5 units were fake. A PDP Councilor in the area (name withheld) allegedly masterminded the purported thumb printing of ballot papers in his house.

At Imode and Eyara also in Ughelli South, election reportedly took place under a peaceful atmosphere even though cases of alleged fake result sheets were reported.

The INEC Officer and a Police Officer were allegedly held hostage to sign undertaken to authenticate voters’ fears.

The Democratic Party candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru reportedly swept Oginibo and Okwagbe with the alertness of one Andrew Desi and another party stalwart in the area identified simply as Prince Oviri. The Political muscle of former Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Akpor Pius Ewherido who is eyeing Delta Central Senatorial seat on the platform of DPP in the coming April general elections reportedly played a major role in helping Chief Ogboru sweep Ewu, while election materials were allegedly hijacked by the PDP at Owawha.

Information reaching Fresh Angle also revealed that in Ughelli North local government area, Chief Great Ogboru allegedly held sway following last minute support of the RPN gubernatorial candidate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege who we gathered told his supporters to back Ogboru. Our Correspondent reports that there were isolated cases of stealing of ballot boxes as well as shooting of electoral thugs by security details assigned to monitor the poll in the area. At Sapele local government area, report has it that indicated victory for Chief Ogboru did not go without serious opposition from youths loyal to the PDP. Unconfirmed report has it that the home of a PDP Chieftain was set ablaze.

In Warri, Our Senior Correspondent reports that at about 10:10am some youths from the Okumagba Avenue area laid siege on an Highlander jeep with registration number: WSL 05 WWR and escorted it into Ighogbadu Primary School.

The jeep was allegedly trying to divert ballot boxes designated for that area.

Despite the fact that eligible voters were not properly attended to due to their inability to find their names in the voters’ register in units where they registered, voting took place at units 9,7 and 8 in Ighogbadu Primary School. While units 1,2 and 3 of Olodi Primary School also witnessed massive turn out.


At Okumagba ward 2, unit 12 and 14, even though voting took place, the Peoples Democratic Party agents there were almost beaten up as they were driven from the polling units by supporters of Democratic Peoples Party immediately they got wind that ballot boxes were stolen at Erejuwa playground, Warri Central Garage and Arubayi Street, where God’s Grace Ministry is situated.

Fresh Angle can also report that eligible voters who could not find their names in the voters’ register voted with their Identity card or driver’s license.

Mr. Ezekiel Ogboru, a Democratic Peoples Party agent who spoke exclusively to Fresh Angle prior to the election at Unit 7 of Ighogbadu Primary School said they would make alternative for those who could not find their names in the voters’ register.

Also at Unit 1 of Olodi Primary School one, Evang. Joseph Awisa accused INEC of not doing a thorough job. According to him, INEC have succeeded in disenfranchising many eligible voters by the accreditation process which he described as fraud. Why Mr. Anthony Azeta of Okumagba ward 2, Unit 12 and 14, accused the youths in the area of being one sided. Mr. Anthony, a PDP agent who was badly rough handled also confirmed that eligible voters who were unable to go through the accreditation process due to INEC failure eventually voted with their National Identity card and driver’s licenses.

Another PDP agent at Unit 2 of Olodi Primary School declined comments on the conduct of the accreditation and election exercise when Fresh Angle sought his view.

Jonathan’s visit to Delta: Soldiers molest ‘I Go Dye’, ‘I Go Save’, Vanguard Reporter

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Warri

Some over zealous soldiers detailed to guard Warri City Stadium on the day President Goodluck Jonathan led other top PDP Chiefs to Warri to drum up support for Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the just concluded gubernatorial rerun election in Delta State molested popular Delta born stand-up comedians, ‘I Go Dye’ and ‘I Go Save’ while trying to gain entry into the Warri City Stadium.

Our Senior Correspondent who covered the rally reports that efforts to speak with the two popular comedians on the show of shame were unsuccessful as they were being treated by medical personnel attached to the mobile medical unit. One of Nigeria’s pioneer ace comedian (name withheld) however pleaded with Journalists not to “blow the matter”, promising that “it will be taken care of”.

It was also gathered that apart from the two comedians, a Journalist working with Vanguard Newspaper (name withheld) also suffered a “brush” in the show of shame despite identifying himself.

Fresh Angle can also report that prior to the President’s visit a day earlier, two anti bomb vans conveying heavily armed security men were seen at the premises of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan apparently to forestall any security breach, while a large number of security details were positioned in strategic areas of Warri on the day President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo alongside PDP National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo visited.

Our Correspondent also reports that the Warri City Stadium recorded low turn out despite mass mobilization by PDP faithful in the state.

Uduaghan: The odds that moved against Clark – Investigation

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The intrigues that prevented Chief Edwin Clark from stopping Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the just concluded Delta State gubernatorial election went beyond the political face, Fresh Angle investigations reveal.

Fresh Angle can report that while the Ijaw National leader and one time Federal Minister made several moves, including petitions to both INEC and EFCC against Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s return ambition over allegations of corruption, the re-elected Governor had the ears of President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife as well as that of prominent and influential gospel Ministers in Delta State.

Fresh Angle gathered that the warm reception accorded wife of the President, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan during her visit to Delta State last year to launch the Women for Change Initiative, the President’s election bid, legal brick wall against substitution of Dr. Uduaghan as PDP Candidate coupled with the influence of Christian clerics appears to have weaken Chief Clark’s influence on President Goodluck Jonathan. The division in Chief Clark’s group which saw Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege and other key political figures moving to the RPN further weakened the strength of the South-South leader whose resistance against Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has remained an open sore. Fresh Angle can authoritatively report that loyalists who remained with the Ijaw National leader despite the odds were not certain the candidate to support a week to the just concluded Delta guber rerun until last minute reports in some National dailies crediting the vocal PDP leader’s support for Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru. Investigations however reveal that in spite of the expected absence of Chief Edwin Clark at the Warri City Stadium when President Goodluck Jonathan came to drum up support for Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the prominent Ijaw leader is still leading his political army to actualize the April 2011 Presidential bid of the incumbent President.

Uduaghan accuses DESOPADEC of awarding contracts beyond their budget • Says Ndokwa leaders stopped Ibori from constructing community bridge

By: Linda Nwaeze
From: Lagos

Re-elected Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has accused the former leadership of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC of awarding contracts beyond their budget.

The re-elected Delta State governor made the declaration December 2010 at a gala night/interactive session held at the Coliseum hotel along Salvation road in Ikeja, Lagos State. According to the one time Secretary to Delta State government, the Commission which gets a total of N2.5billion monthly spent huge sums of money frivolously without meeting the yearnings of indigenes of oil producing communities.

Our Lagos Bureau Chief reports that Dr. Uduaghan puts the amount spent on medical bills in 6 months as N969 million, while hotel bills gulped N265 million. This according to the governor led to the on-going reforms in the commission, just as he promised that all backlog of monies owed contractors will be paid.

Dr. Uduaghan who told the gathering of contractors, industrialists, politicians and selected journalists that he has a fifty year plan for developing communities in Delta State, accused Ndokwa leaders of stopping the construction of a bridge across the Nasil river to Agip during the administration of embattled former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

On how he is coping with the pockets of opposition within the PDP, particularly as the guber rerun inches closer, the former Delta State Commissioner for Health responded, “I’m giving them more problems than they are giving me. Some may be loud and some vocal”. He added, “I can’t tell the strategy, but we are strategizing to win”.

Dr. Uduaghan claimed that his administration gave clusters of land to 900 people and stated that reconstruction of schools is in progress to address the decaying infrastructures in public schools.

The Delta State Commissioner for Culture, Youth and Tourism, Barr. Richard Mofe Damijo, Dr Ruben Abati, foremost Urhobo born Nollywood actor, Justus Esiri, Itsekiri born Raggae crooner, Orits Wiliki and Ras Kimono were among prominent Deltans that attended the forum.

Delta Guber Rerun: Why we stuck to January 6 - Jega

By: Tonesky Nesta

Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega says the commission decided to stick to the January 6, 2011 date for Delta State gubernatorial rerun in order not to disrupt the April 2011 general elections.

The former ASUU helmsman who gave the explanation in an exclusive interview with Channels Television at Abuja a week to the rerun explained that if the Delta rerun election was postponed it would have affected the January 15 to 29, 2011 voters’ registration exercise as well as the February 3 through 10th display of the register. This according to him is a period of intense activity and any attempt to shift the Delta guber rerun would have disrupted the programme.

On protests over the use of the old voters’ register for the rerun, Prof. Jega while stating that the position of the Commission is within the law, promised that they were going to remove duplications, verifiable omissions and obvious mistakes in the register. The INEC boss dismissed the litigation of 2007 RPN gubernatorial running mate, stating that the Commission has the best legal advice both within and outside “that the party can hold election in order to produce another candidate based on the situation they found themselves”.

On the advice that INEC sought legal variation by postponing the poll in order to ensure producing a credible voters’ register for the just concluded guber election, Prof. Jega responded, “going to ask for variation of court judgement on the rerun will not help matters, rather it will further compound the process”,

Editorial Delta Guber Rerun and Jonathan’s April Presidential bid

Editor-In-Chief

The Delta State gubernatorial rerun election which held January 6 may have taken place in a relatively peaceful atmosphere, but the result will surely be contested at the court if statements credited to Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru are anything to take seriously.

The result as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is already sending tongues wagging across the length and breadth of Delta State. No doubt the recent visit of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Delta State to formally endorse Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for the rerun changed the political calculations in the state against the ceaseless opposition of Chief Edwin Clark to the re elected Governor’s ambition. While the Uduaghan led PDP in Delta State interpreted the President’s visit as a further confirmation of their grip on the state, those outside the ruling PDP are not taking the President’s romance with Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan with a pinch of salt, particularly against the overwhelming result announced in favour of Uduaghan by INEC in the just concluded gubernatorial rerun.

Unless President Goodluck Jonathan do everything possible to distance himself from the final outcome of the guber result, Deltans sympathetic to Great Ovedje Ogboru may tilt their vote in the April general elections to candidates from other geopolitical zone. This is against the backdrop of opinions gathered from street talks and arguments heading towards that direction. These analysts and Deltans on the street would not want to buy into any argument that the President who is the National leader of PDP owes Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, a fellow party man the obligation of his support. Their arguments are hinged on the fact that all guber aspirants, particularly the front runners canvassed support for his April Presidential bid prior to the guber rerun election in the state. These arguments should not be waved aside by the campaign machinery of President Goodluck Jonathan if truly the President’s April bid is to be actualized, because the implications transcend the political landscape of Delta State.

Guber Rerun: We didn’t need to hijack ballot box in our stronghold – Tenumah

By: Jolomi Okotie

Chairman House Committee on Peace and Security in Warri South Legislative Arm, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah aka Afere has denied reports that the PDP hijacked ballot boxes in Warri area in a bid to rig the guber rerun in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Speaking to Fresh Angle in an exclusive interview at the Warri South council secretariat, the local government lawmaker described Warri South local government as the PDP strong domain and wondered why the party will rig elections when it is “on ground”.

On the ethnic colouration reflected in the voting pattern in the just concluded gubernatorial rerun, Hon. Tenumah responded “it’s like Delta State is seating on gun powder due to the ethnic dimension the polls took. It’s worst than witchcraft, I least expected ethnic dimension due to the fact that Dr. Uduaghan is 100% detribalized”. While describing Delta State as the most complex to rule in Nigeria, the social commentator gave kudos to Chief Great Ogboru and quipped that it is difficult to find a contestant that will accept defeat. He congratulated the People of Delta State “for voting Uduaghan” and opined that “what over 1 million people did in 2007, just 5 men in the Appeal Court, Benin said there wasn’t election”. According to him, this is the first time real one man one vote is taking place in the country, even as he gave kudos to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

On those accusing the ruling PDP of not running an all inclusive government, the lawmaker declared, “everybody must not be in the same government” adding “there is need to have constructive opposition”.

Omo-Agege flays Uduaghan’s education, health policies, • Queries exclusion of youths, men and working class

By Tonebsky Nesta

Gubernatorial candidate of Republican Party of Nigeria, RPN, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege has strongly criticized the educational and health policies of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing it as pretentious publicist policies.

The RPN gubernatorial candidate, who was Secretary to Delta State government under Chief James Ibori’s administration after Uduaghan resigned to pursue his gubernatorial ambition in 2007, accused Uduaghan government of “giving Deltans the orange peels instead of the orange fruit”. Barr. Omo-Agege who spoke at JF Kennedy playground in Effurun, Delta State on the occasion of his formal declaration as RPN gubernatorial candidate in Delta rerun election, declared that Dr. Uduaghan’s administration couldn’t have claimed to offer Deltans free education when “only examination fees are paid without school uniforms and basic textbooks which the government can easily afford”. According to him, a situation where only pregnant women get treated for a few weeks before delivery cannot be described as free health services. Barr. Omo-Agege who was until recently a strong PDP member queried the Uduaghan administration for excluding youth, ladies and working class of Delta State in “the so called free health” services.

He explained that if given the mandate, his principles will be hinged on accountability, responsiveness, fairness and equity, responsibility as well as an all inclusive team spirit.

Loan Scheme: Why we included men in the second batch – Edema , • Doles out N1million cheque to disabled persons

Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema says his administration decided to include 6 men in the second round of loan disbursement for beneficiaries of the council’s micro credit scheme “to test-run what will happen in February 2011”.

The Warri South Council boss who further explained that the purpose is to show the men and youth that his administration has them at heart, warned that those who do not pay back will face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Hon. Edema noted that those who pay before time will have an increase in subsequent disbursements and advised the beneficiaries not to share the N100,000.00 interest free loan with anyone.

The Hon. Commissioner, Special Duties on Micro Finance, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu in an address described Hon. Edema as a politician with a difference. The former Executive Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Micro Credit opined that if other local government councils emulate Warri South local government council by complementing the state government’s micro credit programmes it will improve the lot of the people. She disclosed that any beneficiary of the Warri South Micro Credit Scheme who pays promptly “will benefit in the state micro credit programme” and an undisclosed package will be given to that person.

Unlike the flag-off scheme in November 2010 that had 190 women beneficiaries, a total of 199 women and 6 men from the 19 wards that make up the council benefited in the second round of the scheme. Commencement of payment in the loan scheme starts 6months after collection and will last for a maximum of 3years. A total of N20,500,000.00 was disbursed via a Warri based Micro Finance bank to beneficiaries in the second round, while the third round of beneficiaries will have theirs February 2011.


Meanwhile, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema has doled out N1million cheque to disabled persons in Warri South local government for skill acquisition, with a pledge to personally ensure judicious use of the fund.

Addressing hundreds of physically challenged persons under the auspices of Warri South Chapter of Joint National Association of Persons with Disability at the council secretariat in Warri, Hon. Edema disclosed that his administration will include 25 physically challenged persons in the February batch of empowerment scheme for small scale business owners. He asked the Warri South Chairman of the association to liaise with his office with a view to identifying members who are in need of hearing, walking and other aides so as to enable the council assist them.

To further match his words with action, the Warri South Council boss gave out a 100 dollar cheque to one Mgbalagun Philip, a physically challenged student of College of Education, Warri who needs N15,000.00 to complete his final project work and directed the chairman of physically challenged persons in the area to liaise with his office with a view to identifying other students in the association who requires financial assistance.

The Delta State President of Physically Challenged Persons with Great Abilities’ Association, Comrade Ogbruche Isaac Omoh as well as the State Secretary, Comrade Williamson Onoweya in their reactions, described Hon. Edema’s gesture as unprecedented in the history of local government administration in Nigeria and enjoined other local government councils to emulate the gesture.

In his response, the Chairman, Warri South Chapter of Joint National Association of Persons with Disability in Nigeria, Comrade Eyefujinrin Ishmael described Hon. Edema as a man sent by God for the physically challenged and thanked the re-elected Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for employing over 30 of its members into the state civil service last year.

Two of the beneficiaries, Agnes Gada, a nail and padlock trader and John Ishakpada, a 14-year voluntary traffic Officer thanked the Warri South Council boss for his assistance and appealed to him not to rest on his oars.

Polls: Delta politicians resort to GSM campaigns

By: Tonebsky Nesta

Politicians in Delta State have resorted to GSM campaigns to realize their political ambition, Fresh Angle can report.

Apart from Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who was recently declared winner in the just concluded rerun by INEC and the DPP gubernatorial candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, who relied heavily on GSM campaign, a House of Representative aspirant, Tonye Timi has also resorted to the GSM as campaign medium. In a terse GSM message sent to Fresh Angle, the House of Representatives aspirant accused his opposition of bribery, deceit and ineptitude. The message reads in part “They offer: mercantilism, bribery, deceit, ineptitude etc. we offer: improved capacity backed by solid education”.

Political observers have attributed the new rave of GSM campaigns as a proof of the widening gulf between the political class and the electorates. While they posited that the strategy will further boost the economic base of the GSM operators, opinions are divided as to the efficacy of the new strategy.

Guber Rerun: Uduaghan assures contractors of patronage if given the mandate

From: Warri
By: Omonigho Matthew

Re-elected Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan assured Contractors and Deltans in general of contracts and civil service jobs if given the mandate in the just concluded rerun election in Delta State.

The assurance was given by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at an enlarge executive meeting held recently at the Peoples Democratic Party Secretariat in Warri.

In a message on behalf of Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Dr. Joseph Otumara said those who were unable to get contracts as well as those who are not among the 10,000 civil servants employed into the state civil service will be gainfully employed.

The three time chairman of Warri South local government said the only way for Deltans to enjoy those benefits was to come out enmass and vote Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the just concluded rerun election.

Dr. Otumara revealed that there will be prize for the ward that produces the highest vote in Warri South in the rerun election.

The Medical Practitioner cum politician said the reason why members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Warri South should vote for Dr. Uduaghan is due to his achievements in the area of free maternal care for pregnant women, free education from primary to secondary school level, micro-credit scheme and scholarship/bursary allowances to students in tertiary institutions. He noted that the Osubi Airstrip which according to him is fast becoming an International Airport is the handiwork of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. The Warri South PDP leader urged all members of PDP in the area to ensure that their votes count for Dr. Uduaghan.

Earlier in his opening speech, the Warri South PDP Chairman and Convener of the meeting, Mr. Amah Agbajoh urged members of the party to collectively canvass for votes in order to ensure that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is returned to Delta State government house.

Mr. Amah Agbajoh disclosed that the meeting is the first of a series to drum up support for Dr. Uduaghan in the rerun, even as he described Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as a motivator and political leader.

In his contribution, Mr.Bernard Okumagba observed that if the one man, one vote must count, members of the state at large must canvass for votes in the grassroots for Dr. Uduaghan. He pleaded with aggrieved members to forget the perceived shortcomings of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and work towards delivering him and the party in the rerun election. He opined that the only way to deliver Dr. Uduaghan and the party is for members to register in the forthcoming voter registration exercise.

While noting that Dr. Uduaghan has performed creditably well in the area of peace and security, human capital development as well as facilitating the post Amnesty programme for ex-militants, Mr. Bernard Okumagba expressed optimism that PDP will win the rerun election so long as members do not rest on other oars.

For Hon. Omawumi Udoh, member representing Warri South Constituency I, “the election is Uduaghan vs Uduaghan, the opposition does not exist. Our duty is to join hands together and vote Dr. Uduaghan back to government house” adding that his works speak for him in the area of peace and security as well as human capital development.

Filled with the spirit of the political struggle, Princess (Mrs.) Rita Yonwuren Esquire charged PDP women in Warri South not to be tired in the race, tasking them to renew their commitment towards returning Dr. Uduaghan.

Chairman of Agbarha CDC Warri, Chief Israel Abido (JP) complimented Princess Rita Esquire by saying the only assignment the PDP Warri South have is to ensure that Dr. Uduaghan and PDP is delivered in the rerun election.

Prominent Warri Chief, Chief Joseph Ajatiton Popo pledged the support and vote of Delta State elders to Dr. Uduaghan and commended him for the peace being enjoyed in Delta State.

University Don and Cleric, Professor Gabriel Yomere on his part said it is time for the PDP to renew its strength. He challenged them to humiliate any opposition party who dares them in the rerun election.

Rerun: Ethiope East PDP members resolve to back Uduaghan

From: Ovu, Ethiope East
By: Omonigho Matthew


Members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ethiope East local government area in Delta State have resolved to vote Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the forthcoming Delta guber rerun election.

The resolution was reached at a meeting held recently at Ovu, the country home of Chief Mike Adiotomre, a PDP leader in the area and convener of the meeting.

In a remark, Chief Mike Adiotomre charged members of the party in the area to register, vote and guard their vote for Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the rerun election as well as shun politics of bitterness in order to deliver Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan at the poll.

Chief Mike Adiotomre also called on the party leaders and their ward chairmen to go to their various wards and villages to sensitise their people to come out enmass to register in the forthcoming voters’ registration exercise, even as he declared that PDP in Ethiope East will emerge number one in mobilizing support for Dr. Uduaghan in the forthcoming rerun election.

The PDP Chieftain who said the reason for convening the meeting is to drum up support for Dr. Uduaghan, also commended members of the PDP in Ethiope East local government for standing behind Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan despite all odds.

On his part, Chairman of Ethiope East local government, Hon. Anthony Oboroh noted that the issue at hand is not that of personalities, referring to Ogboru and Uduaghan but that of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Another PDP stalwart in the area, Engr. Mike Omeru puts his submission this way, “we have heard from our leader Chief Mike Adiotomre about our resolve in Ethiope East to vote our party back to government House, Asaba. As a matter of fact, talking about rerun election in Delta State, it is based on the election which took place in 2007. We are not talking about new election. So, whoever is going about saying that he is going to run and was never and will never be a candidate for 2007, is embarking on a futile exercise. So, we have resolved here that we are going to do what we know best. That is voting PDP back to government house, Asaba. Apart from that, we did it in 2007, we know we won the election but we cannot question the Judiciary. Be that as it may, as long as we cannot question that and knowing fully well that we won that election creditably. We are going to repeat what we did in 2007, winning the election creditably as we did before. And we are sure those litigants will not have such opportunity this time around for that exercise because it is one man, one vote. So, I rise to support the motion unequivocally”.

Dr. Ekakitie advised all to adhere strictly to the directive of the party.

For his part, Dr. Onokharigho Anthony emphasized that the rerun election is not about individuals but an issue of the Peoples Democratic Party. He called on members of the party in the area to deliver PDP candidate in the forthcoming rerun election.

Speaking in the same vein, Dr. E.J. Sowho said members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ethiope East local government area will stand by the party and deliver its candidate.

Senior Special Assistant to Delta State government, Chief Vincent Omorie said they will not allow anyone to take over power from PDP.

Prominent PDP leader, Chief (Mrs.) Betty Anidi echoed her opinion thus, “our leaders have said it all, the only thing I want to add is that during the forthcoming election, people may want to buy voters’ card. Please I’m begging everybody, don’t sell your voters’ card because your voters’ card is your power, that is the power you have. If you sell your voters’ card, you will not be anywhere. Look at what is happening in Edo and Ekiti States”.

Fresh Angle can also report that several other stakeholders in the area who spoke, advised party loyalists to remain resolute in their resolve to ensure the PDP emerge victorious in the impending gubernatorial rerun election ordered by the Appeal Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

Fresh Angle hits 1: • Management unveils new plans

Your soar away Community tabloid, Fresh Angle Newspaper has hit one year in the news stand.

According to a statement by its Managing Editor and Editor-In-Chief, Asare Michael Segun and Ebule Anthony Metsese, the tabloid which hit the news stand January 2010 has grown tremendously despite the teething challenges associated with community newspapers.

The statement adds that despite the difficult challenge of getting advert patronage, the tabloid has been able to have a blogspot on the web, assigned a Bureau Chief to cover Lagos and the Western Geopolitical zone as well as incorporate a Delta Central Correspondent in an apparent bid to further broaden its ever expansive and objective news coverage. As part of plans to expand its business operations, the Newspaper has commenced operations in its business centre arm and arrangements are in top gear to launch a full website as well as start the process of operating a state of the art editing studio with full compliment of ultra modern video and still camera for rentals.

Plans are also in place to increase the Newspaper spread, circulation and content. The statement adds that the newspaper will soon hire more reporters across Delta State and beyond to enrich its content. It enjoins corporate bodies and individuals to take advantage of the opportunity by advertising their product and events in the tabloid.

Without Delta there will be no Nigeria - Tafida

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Government House, Asaba

The Director General of Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Organization, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida says without Delta State there will be no Nigeria.

The Arewa Chieftain made this declaration recently at Asaba during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Unity Hall of Delta State government house. According to him, Delta State Peoples Democratic Party have pledged a 100 percent support for the Jonathan / Sambo Presidency ticket in 2011 as well as Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan/ Professor Amos Agbe Utuamah candidacy in Delta gubernatorial rerun ordered by the Appeal Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

He wondered why in spite of the fact that Nigeria is one of the world’s highest producers of crude oil it still imports crude. The PDP Chieftain stated that the Goodluck-Sambo administration is trying to improve on the capacities of the nation’s refineries as well as the power sector.

He advised all stakeholders to come out enmasse, register and vote for PDP candidates in both Delta State and the Presidency, adding that the President is behind the Delta State PDP candidate.

Dr. Tafida who could not hide his feelings, commended the Delta State Acting Governor, Sam Obi for his continued loyalty to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. In his words, “I have not seen where this kind of thing ever happened in Nigeria. Infact, if it were other places in this country, the whole story would have been a different one”. He however pleaded with the Acting Governor to continually support Dr. Uduaghan’s return bid to Delta State government house.

Earlier in his remark, the Delta State Co-ordinator of Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Organization, Dr. Steve Oru stressed the resolve of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party to back President Jonathan’s candidacy in 2011 as well as the return of Uduaghan/Utuama ticket in Delta rerun.

For his part, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan urged all stakeholders to stand behind President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo in other to ensure that they are re-elected into office. He assured the Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Director General of his support and that of Delta State PDP for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 general elections.

Also speaking, Barr. Ali Gulah who described the Appeal Court judgement sacking Dr. Uduaghan as a rampaging judiciary against the PDP, advised Nigerians to down play disunity if the nation must move forward. He said he hopes to see a Nigeria where Uzochukwu will stand and win election in Sokoto State and Mohammed stand and win election in Delta State. He advised Nigerians to outlive disunity with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region, in order to move the nation forward.

Without Delta there will be no Nigeria - Tafida

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Government House, Asaba

The Director General of Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Organization, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida says without Delta State there will be no Nigeria.

The Arewa Chieftain made this declaration recently at Asaba during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Unity Hall of Delta State government house. According to him, Delta State Peoples Democratic Party have pledged a 100 percent support for the Jonathan / Sambo Presidency ticket in 2011 as well as Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan/ Professor Amos Agbe Utuamah candidacy in Delta gubernatorial rerun ordered by the Appeal Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

He wondered why in spite of the fact that Nigeria is one of the world’s highest producers of crude oil it still imports crude. The PDP Chieftain stated that the Goodluck-Sambo administration is trying to improve on the capacities of the nation’s refineries as well as the power sector.

He advised all stakeholders to come out enmasse, register and vote for PDP candidates in both Delta State and the Presidency, adding that the President is behind the Delta State PDP candidate.

Dr. Tafida who could not hide his feelings, commended the Delta State Acting Governor, Sam Obi for his continued loyalty to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. In his words, “I have not seen where this kind of thing ever happened in Nigeria. Infact, if it were other places in this country, the whole story would have been a different one”. He however pleaded with the Acting Governor to continually support Dr. Uduaghan’s return bid to Delta State government house.

Earlier in his remark, the Delta State Co-ordinator of Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Organization, Dr. Steve Oru stressed the resolve of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party to back President Jonathan’s candidacy in 2011 as well as the return of Uduaghan/Utuama ticket in Delta rerun.

For his part, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan urged all stakeholders to stand behind President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo in other to ensure that they are re-elected into office. He assured the Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Director General of his support and that of Delta State PDP for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 general elections.

Also speaking, Barr. Ali Gulah who described the Appeal Court judgement sacking Dr. Uduaghan as a rampaging judiciary against the PDP, advised Nigerians to down play disunity if the nation must move forward. He said he hopes to see a Nigeria where Uzochukwu will stand and win election in Sokoto State and Mohammed stand and win election in Delta State. He advised Nigerians to outlive disunity with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region, in order to move the nation forward.

Housing Challenge: Itsekiri RDC awards contract for 70 housing units

In a bid to tackle the housing shortfall in the Coastal Communities, the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee has awarded contract for the construction of 70 housing units.

Making this disclosure Monday December 20, 2010 during a brief ceremony to mark the formal signing of the contracts at the IRDC Secretariat in Warri, Chairman of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, Mr. Mofe Pirah explained that the choice of providing more housing units for the 23 oil and gas producing and impacted communities was reached after due consultation.

While pledging that the Council has put the necessary machinery to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to standard, the IRDC boss tasked the contractors to deliver the projects in 4 months. He declared that the council will not make any variation for the jobs, stressing that enough money has been put in place to ensure successful completion of the jobs. According to him, out of 100 contractors that went through the bidding process, 58 came out successful after rigorous scrutiny.

The Chairman of Project Review Committee, Mr. Ayodele Daniel in his remark stated that one of the IRDC policy is to encourage indigenous contractors and tasks them to ensure a high standard in the execution of the project.

He revealed plans to hold occasional meetings with the successful contractors so as to fast the project delivery.

One of the caretakers, Mr. Sunny Atumu who responded on behalf of others thanked the Itsekiri RDC for the opportunity and promised to execute the jobs as stipulated.

Two other contractors, Mr. Paul David and Besidone Megbuluba who spoke to newsmen at the end of the ceremony described the process as a good development which will enhance development in the communities, especially in the area of housing.

The 70 housing units awarded today which is a follow up project commission last year marks the 2008, 2009 and 2010 project circle of the Itsekiri RDC.

A representative of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Christiana Okhawere as well as Executive members of the IRDC witnessed the ceremony.

Delta Referee Deputy Chair dies 7 days to Christmas

By Jolomi Okotie

The Deputy Chairman of Delta State Referees Council, Comrade Michael Oritsejolomi Golly on Saturday December 18, 2010 died in shocking circumstances shortly after returning from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Fresh Angle gathered from reliable sources within the family that Comrade Michael Golly who was until his death Secretary to Warri South West Local Education Authority complained of stomach ache on his way from Port-Harcourt but managed to reach Warri before submitting to the cold hands of death.

According to Secretary of Warri South West local government, Hon. Emmanuel Golly, Late Michael Golly wasn’t sick before embarking on the Port-Harcourt journey and the family were still in grief when Fresh Angle visited 2 days after New Year day was celebrated.

Late Michael Oritsejolomi Golly who was born to the Golly and Etuwewe families of Bateren and Deghele in Warri South West local government as well as Ugbomo and Uku families of Jakpa and Okere in Warri North as well as Warri South local government areas died at the prime age of 52. He is survived by his wife, Eunice Golly, 3 Children, brothers, sisters and many relations.

According to a statement by his younger brother, Hon. Emmanuel Golly, arrangements have been concluded for his final burial rites from January 26 through January 28, 2011.

A Brief Speech by Hon. Kingsley Tenumah (aka Afere) delivered on the 3rd edition of Peace and Security Tournament, 2010

Mr. Chairman and his Executive, Party Leaders at the L.G.A, Ward Executives, Ward Leaders, Party Faithful and Members, Distinguish Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very happy and proud to be part of this monumental event, which has actually been a tradition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of my ward, to promote the state government developmental policies in relation to the three point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development.

Without going into much history or antecedents of this tournament which promotes peace and security within and outside the ward, for instance this grand finale is between Okugbene Community (Ijaw) and Ugbuwangue Community (Itsekiri) which has never happened prior to this administration, but as Chairman, House Committee on Peace and Security, Warri South local government legislative arm I have been able to achieve it. This third edition of the football tournament is seeking your financial contribution in cash or kind to develop the youth in terms of human capital development on their soccer skills and ability.

It will even interest you to know that this Hon. Kingsley Tenumah Football Tournament have been keyed into the Nigerian Football Academy but needs your assistance and co-operation to grow and represent Delta State very big.

I want to use this medium to thank you all that participated in making this event a reality, especially Hon. Amah Agbajoh, PDP Chairman, Warri South and his Executive for their continual presence from the first edition to the final ceremony of the third edition.

I am bold to say without fear or favour in absolute terms that I am grateful to my amiable political leader, Barr. Ada Val Arenyeka and my elder brother and leader, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan for the leadership qualities, support and direction to progress in all I do, I remain indebted to you.

Also in addition, thankful to the four fathers that has made my stewardship popular, they are: Mr. Billy Mami, Mr. Friday Ukueberuwa, Mr. Solomon Erefoluwa, Esanye Awani and all my reputable political leaders, I am most grateful.

This tournament is not only a means to reach out to the masses on peace and security but also to bring about unity and love for all the ethnic groups involved. In other words, the wonderful projects of Hon. Kingsley Tenumah cannot be quantified. They include: the Olu Palace security gate, the pedestrian bridge between Ugbori and Ekurede Itsekiri Communities and the beautification of the Olu Palace fence, all these are the beauty of the PDP government which have been duly channeled through the office of the local government chairman, Hon. Mofe M. Edema, who is undisputable one of the best Chairmen I know in Delta State.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, party leaders and members, Mr. Chairman Sir, I thank you all once again for this stewardship given to me by PDP and also enjoin all present here that the re-run of H.E. Dr. E.E. Uduaghan is unstoppable just like the winner of this tournament is unstoppable. Ensure you register and be part of this election come 2011. God in his infinite mercies guide us all to our various destination. Amen.
Have a prosperous New Year.

Congratulations! Congratulations!! Congratulations!!!

I, Rev. G.O.T Aforijuku, Proprietor Christian Day Schools, Ugbori-Warri and Pastor, Baptist Church, Ogidigben on behalf of my family heartily congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan on his recent re-election as Executive Governor of Delta State.

Your Excellency, May your return to the saddle as Chief Executive of Delta State usher in increased Peace and Security, Human Capital and Infrastructural Development across the length and breadth of Delta State. May the Good Lord continually be your source of Vision

Delegate list disrupts House of Assembly primaries in Ndokwa East

By: Jawa Nanna
From: Ashaka

The Ndokwa East chapter of Peoples Democratic Party had a showdown in the January 8, 2011 House of Assembly primaries at Ashaka, Fresh Angle can authoritatively report.

The election billed to commence at 10.00am at Ozoma-Ukwu Primary School, Ashaka saw a delay in the arrival of the voting materials.

The PDP returning Officer, Elofu Elue Dike who arrived at 2.15pm was accosted by aggrieved electorates. He attributed the delay to a briefing held by the party at Abuja.

In an exclusive interview with Fresh Angle, the returning Officer declared that there are twelve aspirants for the race and the 135 delegates for the election comprise of LGA and ward executives as well as councilors. He further disclosed that some aspirants do not have the clearance certificate and that this has posed a challenge.

An aspirant, Hon. John Nwanosike from Okpai-Oluchi, told Fresh Angle that he is vying for the position because “Ndokwa East has been the least local government in terms of development”.

Another aspirant, Barr. Innocent Ogboru, an Ibrede indigene and graduate of Federal School of Arts and Science, Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira said he is contesting because of the marginalization of his people in governance and backwardness in infrastructural development. He vowed to contribute his quota for change. He pointed out that the delay in the arrival of electoral materials is as a result of the irregularities in the political system.

Barrister Ogboru commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the January 6 rerun election.

Hon. Henry Obi also gave the perceived marginalization of his ward 8 people as reason for his decision to rerun. He said the Ibedeni people have no access road and no electricity.

The shrewd leader of Ndoka East legislative Arm, Hon. Shedrack Opia told our Correspondent that the election must not hold as the delegate list that was provided for the election is unconstitutional. He declared that the local government area went to court to challenge the controversial lists that were forwarded for the election and stoutly maintained that Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi led executive list is the authentic.

Six aspirants voted that the election should take place with the available delegate list while six others voted against it. This led to the suspension of the election and the aspirants as well as the police and the PDP returning Officer left the voting ground.

I’ll create more jobs through agriculture, Bayelsa Governor vows

By: Celestine Ukah
From: Bayelsa



Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva has vowed to create more jobs for people of the state if re-elected into office.

Governor Sylva made the promise in his New Year message to people of the state. He told them that his administration will create jobs through agriculture in order to enhance food production for domestic consumption and export.

Governor Sylva also enumerates his stewardship for the past 3 years to include massive infrastructural development spread across the three senatorial districts of the state, water supply, effective electricity power supply, economic transformation, employment generation, transparency and health care delivery.

He said his administration has donated vehicles to the Nigeria police, Bayelsa State Command, Nigeria Labour Congress, NUJ, NUT and other associations in the past three years.

Governor Sylva reiterated his administration’s commitment towards the development of agriculture, industrialization and human capital.

He therefore enjoined them to support his government and embrace peace for more capital developmental strides to take place in the state.

Siasia moves to bring back Eagles glory days

By: Tonebsky Nesta

If there is one appointment that seems to have gone down well with majority of Nigerians in recent times, it’s the appointment of Bayelsa born ex Nigerian International, Samson Siasia as Chief Coach of the Senior National team, the Super Eagles. Unlike the endless media and interpersonal arguments that usually greet the appointment of the Super Eagles Manager, the appointment of Siasia has rather taken the storm from the position of Eagles helmsman to that of who heads the Nigerian Premier league.

Already the former under 21, under 23, JUTH FC and Heartland gaffer has set out on the right path by inviting a largely home based players to camp for an invitational tourney, tagged Obama Challenge in the United States come February.

Though the Bayelsa born soccer tactician only recently ended a tour of Europe to meet with some established Eagles players and rookies, he has made it point blank that the bulk of the Senior National team will comprise of mostly domestic based players, who according to him will form a-stand-by team.

This move which was adopted by Clemens Westerhof Nigeria’s most successful National team manager so far will definitely bring back the glory days of Nigeria football at the senior level.

Siasia’s aptitude of uncovering budding talents in the domestic front as well as his ability to blend them into a formidable group with perfect understanding has already been proven when he handled the under 21 and under 23 National teams. That is what all genuine supporters and fans of the Super Eagles have been asking for in order to save the nation from the recent dismal outings of the Super Eagles. Another shortcoming of the team noticed over the years which the former Super Eagles utility player has the ability to handle is the issue of indiscipline and lateness to camp. It took Clemens Westerhof four years to build a rock solid and entertaining team for Nigeria, so soccer loving Nigerians should not expect too much at the Obama challenge, but will definitely see glimpses of what to expect from the very organized Niger Delta pride

Shun thuggery, Uvwie monarch counsels subjects

By: Celestine Ukah
From: Uvwie

The Ovie of Uvwie kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sidasa (JP) Abe II has advised his subjects to avoid being used as political thugs during election.

The monarch gave the advice during the annual Uvwie Day celebration held at Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, Delta State.

He used the medium to thank all Uvwie sons and daughters for their support and co-operation towards making the celebration colourful.

The monarch particularly thanked Chief T.A. Onoge, President General of Uvwie Improvement Union for his immense effort. He charged his subjects who are 18years and above to come out enmass and register in the on-going voters’ registration exercise.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Daboner (JP) in his speech told people of Uvwie to be steadfast and remain focused towards the overall development of the kingdom.

Chief Daboner donated the sum of 1million naira to the Uvwie General Improvement Union and outlined some of the projects to be built with the money to include recreation centre, library, skill acquisition centre and cultural centre among others. He enjoined all Uvwie sons and daughters to be good ambassadors always.

On his part, the President General of Uvwie Improvement Union, Chief T.A. Onoge urged the Uvwie council chairman to hence forth make a budget provision for the Uvwie Day Celebration.

Chief Onoge also appealed to all Uvwie indigenes to shun violence and embrace peace at all times.

Other notable dignitaries present at the ceremony are: Wife of the Uvwie monarch, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, member representing Uvwie in Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Napoleon Gbinije (JP) Barr. Otomewo, Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Chief Patrick Aziza, UPU President General.

HOW WE CAN FACE CHALLENGES IN LIFE.

BEING PAPER PRESENTED BY CHARLES IKEDIKWA SOEZE, B.A. (HONS.), M.A, Ph.D. (In view), fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba. CHIEF OFFICER (ADMINISTRATION), PETROLEUM TRAINING INSTITUTE (PTI), EFFURUN.ON THE OCCASION OF YOUTH WEEK CONFERENCE AT THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, OKOLOBA CENTRAL ZONE EFFURUN IN UVWIE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE AS GUEST SPEAKER ON SUNDAY, 5TH DECEMBER 2010 AT THE CHURCH PREMISES.

ALL PROTOCOLS DULY AND RESPECTFULLY OBSERVED.

I wish to begin with utmost gratitude to God by expressing my deep appreciation to the Apostolic Church, Okoloba Central Zone, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State for inviting me to give a talk on how we can face challenges in life.

I would like to register my special thanks to the authorities of the church and to the entire congregation for their kindness and generosity. It is on record that the church from its humble beginnings, had grown by leaps and bounds, to become a formidable worshipping centre of excellence, attracting thousands of worshippers from all over Nigeria as well as from other parts of the world. The Apostolic Church must be strongly commended for this sterling achievement. A round of applause for this, please.

It is most appropriate to say that a positive attitude is essential if you want to enjoy life. People strive for happiness, yet how many start the day by looking forward to what is ahead? Do you feel positive and optimistic about the opportunities that will present themselves, or do you view each day as ‘‘just another day’’? However, life is full of ups and downs, and it is your attitude that determines how you will deal with each situation as it arises.

The ability and agility to confront and productively overcome life’s challenges can be considered the number one most important quality shared by all successful people. If you lack the ability to bravely and confidently stand eyeball to eyeball with adversity, then anything else you do in your journey towards success will have very little meaning. Life does not catapult anybody to greatness without first testing their worthiness. Do you think those who achieve great things in life give up in the face of a challenge or do you think they find a way to rise above? It is important to say here that this world is filled with victims and life does not reward victims. Victims on the other hand waste a lot of time brooding about the adversities they face. They do not see life’s challenges as opportunities for mediocrity. When victims are challenged by life, they will gladly take the path of least resistance. In other words, a victim will remain resistant to change and will therefore accept a challenge as a signal to quit.

It is a truism to say that life will never stop challenging you. Regardless of where you live or how much success you may have already achieved, you will have to confront challenges on an almost daily basis. In fact, the more successful you become, the more challenges you can count on facing. From this day forward, understand that any ‘‘woe is me’’ attitude will absolutely hold you back from great accomplishment. Learn to see the opportunities which exist in every challenge you face and I can guarantee you will achieve the greatness which is your destiny.
For us to face challenges in life, we need to develop personal mission statement (PMS) or philosophy or creed. It focuses on what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based.

In view of the fact that each individual is unique, a PMS will reflect that uniqueness both in content and form. Rolfe Kerr cited by Covey (1989:106) in his book, The 7 Habits of highly Effective People, expressed his personal mission statement thus- which I think and believe will assist us. These are some of them:
• Succeed at home first
• Seek and merit divine help
• Never compromise with honesty
• Remember the people involved hear both sides before judging (Audi alteram partem)
• Obtain counsel of others
• Defend those who are absent
• Be sincere yet decisive
• Develop one new proficiency a year
• Plan tomorrow’s work today i.e Action Today Not Tomorrow (ACTION TNT)
• Hustle while you wait
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Keep a sense of humour
• Be orderly in person and in your academic pursuit
• Do not fear mistakes-fear only the absence of creative, constructive, and corrective responses to those mistakes
• Facilitate the success of subordinates
• Listen twice as much as you speak
• Concentrate all abilities and efforts on the task at hand
As a result of the above therefore, I wish to emphatically state that you can call a personal mission statement a personal constitution. Like the United States Constitution. It is fundamentally changeless. In over two hundred years, there have been only twenty-six amendments, ten of which were in the original Bill of Rights.
The United States Constitution is the standard by which every law in the U.S is evaluated. It is the document the president agrees to defend and support when he takes the oath of Allegiance. It is the criterion by which people are admitted into citizenship. It is the foundation and the centre that enables people to ride through major traumas as the Civil War, Vietnam, or Watergate. It is the written standard, the key criterion by which everything else is evaluated and directed.
In other words, a personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major life-directing decisions, the basis for making daily decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change. People can’t live with change if there is not a changeless core inside them. The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about and what you value.
Once you have the sense of mission, you have the essence of your own proactivity. You have the vision and the values which direct your life. You have the basic direction from which you set your long and short term goals. Some people say that failure should be avoided at all costs. The only way to avoid failure at all costs and by all means is to do nothing. The only trouble with doing nothing is that while you avoid failure and defeat, you also avoid victory and success.
We have to face challenges in life seriously because failure is like toxic waste (recall toxic waste dumped in koko near Sapele some years ago) and to think about it pollutes and destroys the attitudes you need for success. For me, I see failure not as toxic waste but as fertilizer. Farmers use manure, decomposed plants, and other substances to fertilize their crops. In much the same way, our failures and disappointments can be used to enrich the soil of our mind for the planting of seeds of success.
The way to turn failure into fertilizer is to use our errors and mistakes from our mind. Forget the failure, and focus on future success. Use failure and disappointments only as a corrective feedback to get you on target again. Keep your eye on your goal and have faith in your ability to reach it.
Dennis Waitley puts into ‘‘concrete’’ a philosophy in which I have always believed-and that is to be the best that you can become. God did not have time to make a nobody-just as somebody. The seeds of greatness are planted in every human being and it is up to you-and to me –to bring them into fruition.
For us to face challenges in life, there are six (6) procedures that would work for us:
• Action cures fear. Isolate your fear and then take constructive action. Inaction, doing nothing about a situation or idling away strengthens fear and destroys confidence
• Make a supreme effort to put only positive thoughts in your memory bank or your storehouse of wisdom and knowledge. Don’t let negative self deprecatory, diseased thoughts grow into mental monsters
• Simply refuse to recall unpleasant events or situations. Do away with them immediately once and for all
• Put people in proper perspective. Remember people are different. Get a balanced view of the other fellow. Here is just another human being know it that human beings are the real and greatest assets in possession. Don’t treat human beings with triviality. Develop an understanding attitude. Many people will bark, but its rare ones that bite. Believe it that no one bites.
• Practice doing what your conscience tells you is right. This prevents a poisonous guilty complex from developing. Doing what is right is a very practical rule for success. Be conscience-conscious, feel right and do right always.
• Let everything about you say, ‘‘I am ever ready and equal to the challenges in life’’. ‘‘I am confident, really confident’’. Practice these little techniques in your day-to-day activities.
In summary,
- Be a front seater
- Walk 25 percent faster
- Speak up in all occasions
- Smile big and be jovial
To understand life, you have to study life. Life and human existence are two beautiful phenomena. They ate the call on earth of man. To really make it colossus-wise, all beings have to equip themselves with the sciences and knowledge necessary for the great challenge of man’s existence. Existence itself is a challenge.
We cannot afford to come and fail. No human being on earth ever wishes to fail in his or her lifetime. Wrap on your entire being fine, act fine and above all build fine faith and you will definitely face challenges in life and succeed. Success is golden and success is also a gift meant for all and sundry. Success is plenty not a free gift item. He, who must have it, must work for it.
However, one must ask for it before it gets to one. It does not get to a loafer, an idler, the faithless, the disgruntled, the disenchanted, the negatively possessed and the likes. Rather, success is meant for the man who is living both in mind, soul and body- the man who possesses and practices all the virtues of success-hard work, faithfulness, hope, confidence, sincerity, good attitude, trust, honesty and the like.
If we face the challenges of life, we must succeed. One has to know what success is and entails, and work on the path of success and greatness. We must not settle for less. Success is sweet, success is golden and success is a rare gift of lifetime. To succeed through challenges of life, we should think success, dream success and work for success. Gear up yourself properly for success and then you will succeed. We should discard all negative thoughts in our life.
My position in this lecture is that people should face challenges in life with a much determined vigour and stop henceforth from deceiving themselves and others by thinking, believing and preaching that what people become are already predetermined and predestined by God. No: people should desist from bringing confusion into their ways. Face challenges in life, you will think success. Eat success, Drink success, sleep with success and then you will succeed if only you combine them with hard work.
Furthermore, Charles Babbage, Von Neuman and few others are outstanding and finely distinguished in the computer technology, because they had a dream about computer evolution and development and they followed the path of their dream. Robert Owen and Dr. William King among other pioneers of their day are remembered today for the role they played in the evolution of cooperative business enterprise as another system countering the individualistic and exploitative capitalistic economy. Frederick Taylor, Henri Fayol, etc are remembered today because of their inroad into the growth and development of scientific management. Pele of Brazil, in soccer mastery, Great Zik of Nigeria, Nkurumah of Ghana and some are also remembered for their profitable use of mankind. All these giants were not the only human beings in their own time but as they knew what they wanted and how to get at it, so many others too numerous to mention have no aim, vision, direction let alone to go about attaining it.
May God bless all of us for listening attentively.



REFRENCES
Bob-Igwe. C.C. (2002) How To Make It In Life Time. Enugu: BOB Billian Publishers.
Covey, S.R (1989) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Ejimadu, F. (2003) ‘‘Leadership Tragedy In Nigeria’’. An article in THISDAY newspaper of August 8, 2003
Ihewuokwu, Kennedy(2004) ‘‘ Give Youths a Chance’’. An article in PUNCH newspaper of December 4, 2004 p.A15
Soeze, C.I. (2004) ‘‘How to go about your future academic career as youths after graduation at the senior Secondary School Level’’. Paper presented on the occasion of prize giving and graduation day of Unique International Schools, Effurun.
Waitley, D. (1987) Being The Best. Nashville: Oliver Nelson, A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers.