NDDC: Sen James Manager Declares War Against Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Challenges Him To Mention The Name Of Senator That Allegedly Has 300 Jobs In NDDC

NDDC: Sen James Manager Declares War Against Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Challenges Him To Mention The Name Of Senator That Allegedly Has 300 Jobs In NDDC

Francis Tayor

The Senator representing Delta South in the Nigerian Senate, Sen. James Manager has called out Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Ag. Executive Director (Projects), in the recently inaugurated NDDC Interim Management Committee, challenging him to name the Senator who allegedly has 300 jobs all to himself and has collected payment upfront for 120 jobs, without executing a single job and is now sponsoring unrest in the region against the interim management committee.

Recall that Dr. Ojougboh, Ag. ED (Projects) of the NDDC Interim Committee, had dropped a bombshell, when he alleged during a press conference on November 4, that a Senator, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on NDDC had 300 jobs for which payment had already been made without any sign that such jobs ever existed.
This is what Dr. Cairo said about the name-withheld Senator:

“ Somebody who is particularly interested in a major contract of the NDDC, who is a member of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he alone has 300 jobs in the NDDC. Of the 300 contracts, 120 has been fully paid and he has not mobilized to site for these 120 jobs.
“It is obvious that the reason he is behaving the way he is behaving is that he wants the system, the looting in the NDDC to continue, and this is what the Interim Management Committee will not support. It is as simple as that.

“The NDDC Interim Payment Certificates that are pending are worth over N3 trillion. That is what the NDDC owes these phantom contractors. It is these phantom contractors that are preaching and making noise to stop the probe. All they want is for the stealing to continue.

“Therefore, when given the opportunity that we have just been given, our job is to make sure that we avail the auditors all the necessary documents and information, all the necessary help they need because we are not protecting any interest but to help the auditors do their job as it is required.

“All they want is to bring puppets to manage the forensic audit because they know that the members of the IMC will not compromise. If you look at the records at the NDDC, you will cry.
“Some genuine people that have done jobs for the board have not been paid for over 15 years and their families are suffering. Many of those who were paid are these phantom contractors,” Ojougboh had declared to a shocked nation.

But in a swift reaction to the allegation by Dr. Ojougboh, which had quite subtly but with deliberate innuendos, pointed suspiciously in his direction, Senator James Manager has finally joined issues and reacted boldly, challenging Ojougboh to call the name of the undisclosed Senator and report the case, with supporting documents, to the appropriate authorities for further action. Senator Manager said: “ I am currently out of the country on an official trip.

I have been inundated with several communications about what Hon Dr. Cairo Ojougboh said about NDDC and a Delta Senator on award of contracts. I have always known Dr Cairo to be a bold, fearless, courageous and tall man. On this matter he appears to be a disastrous disappointment on his failure to name the particular Senator from Delta that is involved.
Instead his outburst has given job to pull him down heavy weight politicians and their ever ready hangouts to make stupendous insinuations and innuendos.

Dr Cairo, It will do you well to do the needful. Just mention the name in public and submit same to Law Enforcement Agencies” Sen James Manager, stated on his Facebook account.

Delta Insecurity : Egrangbene Group Cries Out Over The State Of Insecurity In Burutu Creeks, Calls On Gov Okowa Immediate Intervention

Delta Insecurity : Egrangbene Group Cries Out Over The State Of Insecurity In Burutu Creeks, Calls On Gov Okowa Immediate Intervention

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A group under the aegis of Egrangbene Federated Youth Progressive Movement (EFYPM), in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has decried over the poor state of Insecurity in Egrangbene Creeks, noting that sea pirates has regrouped and terrorising commuters in Burutu rivers, thereby possessing of their belongings in a daily basis.

The group raise the alarm at the weekend in Warri, after a crucial meeting with Mr. Gesikeme Skulboy aka Ogun, who happens to be a son of the soil and nominee of Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, stressed that the situation in Egrangbene, Abadeama and Ekogbene Creeks is becoming unbearable, and that the people can no longer go about their normal daily businesses due to the reinsurgence of Sea Pirates in Burutu.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the President, Comrade Buku Mienbokeden, said recently sea pirates attacked some indigenes of Egrangbene Federated Communities and Kalafiugbene who where on their way back from a church programme at Elohim City Zion Kalafiugbene, in a commercial speed boat heading to Warri on Monday 21st October, 2019 and charted away with their phones, money, the passengers speed boat and other valuables.

According to Buku stated, " On that fateful day, the Sea Pirates forced all the passengers out of the commercial speed boat with the inscription written, 'Peleowei 2' and go away with the 75Horse power engine boat, leaving the commuters to their fate by the riverbank. As am talking, those bad boys are still terrorising the Creeks with sophisticated arms shooting sporadically to scare away residents in the area. They are operating within Egrangbene, Abadeama and Atolokonkonye Creeks. Commercial Boats can no longer apply the roots of Ekogbene and Egrangbene Creeks down to Warri due to the menace of thesea pirates terrorising the area. Our women can no longer go to farm and fishing. Our lives are in a great danger. We therefore, called on the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Chairman Delta State Waterways/Land Security Committee, Evang. Boro Opudu and other security agencies to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of Egrangbene people, Comrade Buku stated. "

In his reaction, Mr Gesikeme Skulboy assure the people of Egrangbene Federated Communities and her neighbouring villages that, the government is on top of the matter, stressing that normalcy will soon return back to the waterways, he stated.

In narrating his ordeal, one of the victim from Kalafiugbene Community, Mr Kenneth Timbor, said the sea pirates beat him up and took his phone and money. " They asked all the men in the boat to lie down on the riverbank and order the women to sit on our heads." I narrowly escape death on that fateful day, he lamented."

Also speaking, another victim from Ekogbene Community, Miss Ebimene Pigha, said " the sea pirates ordered the men among us to lie down at the riverbank and asked the women to sit upon their heads. The pirates also threatened to throw into the river a one year old baby boy who happens to be a grand son of Rev Dr. Felix Timbor, but it was God who enter their mind to later change their decision to save the baby, Ebimene stated."

Just-In: Bayelsa PDP Guber Candidate Sen Douye Diri, Dr Michael Amaegberi, Ebebe Watchman, Hon Japheth Douyefa, Others Welcome And Celebrates Commander Biggy Back To PDP

   

Just-In: Bayelsa PDP Guber Candidate Sen Douye Diri, Dr Michael Amaegberi, Ebebe Watchman, Hon Japheth Douyefa, Others Welcome And Celebrates Commander Biggy Back To PDP

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa____ lt was like the triumphant entering of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem at the weekend in Government House, Yenagoa when the Chairman of seven million youths, Commander Biggy Ebi Pinapinawei alongside his teeming followers decamped back to his family PDP in Bayelsa State.

Commander Biggy, popularly known as the Chairman of seven million youths make the surprising Uturn barely a month after he decamped from PDP to APC, stressing that he was deceived by some wrong associates to leave his family PDP to the Aproko Peoples Club (APC), that only believes in lies and deceit.

In his statement, he said; "My name is Commander Biggy Ebi Pinapinawei, popularly known as Chairman seven million youths. Last month, I was confused and deceived by my friend to leave my party to decamp to the all progressive party (APC). I thought decamping to APC will be of great benefit to me and my boys, rather l was into destruction. Firstly, We went to Ogbia for APC campaign, I single handedly sponsored my teeming followers to and fro, yet the APC campaign committee didn't make provision for any logistics for me and my followers.

Again, this same APC Excos invited me to APC campaign without any proper arrangement on how to mobilize our supporters to Amassoma. They kept me behind bench despite my caliber of personality. With all these things the APC Excos in Ward 14 did prompted me to return back to my family and brothers which is the umbrella party PDP. "

" In my return back, l was warmly welcomed by our leaders led by Dr Michael Ameagberi and our next Governor of the State, Sen Douye Diri. I want to use this medium to assure all Party faithfuls that, Bayelsa State is PDP, and that there is no place for Aproko Peoples Club (APC) in our State. I also thank all PDP ward 14 Excos and leaders of Silga Bayelsa state, Commander Biggy stated."





However, receiving the PDP staunch at Government House Yenagoa, the PDP Governorship candidate Sen. Douye Diri alongside Dr Michael Amaegberi JP,  Chairman Bayelsa State Students Loan Board, Hon Japheth Douyefa, Councillor Ward 14 Southern Ijaw LGA, Ebebe Watchman, Chairman Bassan/Koluama Rural Development Area, Chief Hon. Timi Semiebo and Timi Jack thank Commander Biggy for taken the wise decision, noting that they will collectively work together in order to achieve victory at the polls in the forthcoming 16th November, 2019 governorship election, the statement adds.

Federal Government Approves Establishment Of 16 New Science And Technical Colleges Across The Country

Federal Government Approves Establishment Of 16 New Science And Technical Colleges Across The Country

Francis Tayor

PortHarcourt___ Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has said the federal government has approved the establishment of new Federal Science and Technical Colleges in 16 states in its effort to reposition the nation’s educational system for self-reliance.

This was coming as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said no nation could develop without appropriate education and vocational skills by its citizens.
In a keynote address at opening ceremony of the 64th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) in Port Harcourt yesterday, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said the federal government was working towards developing a functional educational system that would make citizens self-reliant.

He said: “There is no doubt that Technical and Vocational Education and Training holds the key to the development of our country’s industrial sector, thus the challenges of youth unemployment can best be addressed through quality education that guarantees self-reliance.

“Entrepreneurship Education and training is globally acknowledged as an important strategy for tackling youth unemployment. In our drive to reposition education for self-reliance, particular attention has been given to the development of technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills in learners as the present administration has trained over 500 science, vocational and mathematics teachers on the use of modern equipment and new approaches in schools.”
Adamu added that the federal government was improving access to quality education in different parts of the country.

While declaring open the meeting, Wike stated that the nation can only attain development when the citizens are empowered with the right knowledge and appropriate skills to contribute to national growth. He said educational empowerment would equip the citizens to sustain themselves.
According to him, “The reality is that no country can be politically stable, economically robust and socially secure and cohesive if the citizens are not empowered with knowledge, appropriate skills and the right values to sustain themselves and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the country.”
He called for the promotion of inclusive and equitable quality education to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.

He said: “Agenda 2030 is therefore a call to action on our collective commitments to transformative education by addressing all forms of exclusion, disparities and inequities and ensuring that every child, irrespective of social background, cultural affiliation, location and family or income status is not left behind but have equal and equitable access to quality and transformative public education.
“This requires providing the enabling legal framework, adopting the right policies and programme of action, deploying adequate resources and manpower, including qualified teachers in addition to a strong political will from the government at all levels.”
The governor identified lack of political will by government, inadequate allocation of resources, lack of commitment and by parents, teachers and school leaders, lack of or ineffective monitoring policy implementation as some of the serious factors responsible for the deteriorated status of education across the country.

Wike said: “As a former Minister of State Education, I am quite familiar with the NCE and what it stands for as the highest national policy organ on education.
During our time and under my watch as minister, we initiated and implement several policies and programmes, such as the Girl-Child Education programme, the Almajiri education policy and programme, and the Special Vocational/Basic Education programme for boys as well as the national policy on Albinism. We also strengthened the quality of learning with the provision of modern e-libraries for the Federal Government Colleges.
“While I am not very sure of the present status of these laudable programmes, I do believe that they are fundamental to resolving some of the age-long underlying problems with our education system that borders on lack of universal access, equity and gender inequality. And if you reflect for a moment on the state of our country, the chaos, the misery, stagnation and hopelessness among the majority of our people, you will appreciate the cost of inadequate investments in education.”
The governor added that in Rivers State, his administration has invested in the development of education for the rapid growth of the state.

He said: “Here in Rivers State, our commitment is to provide equal opportunity to all our children to attend great schools, be taught by committed and well-motivated teachers at all levels and enable them to acquire the training and skills they need to realise their full potential and be successful citizens. We have successfully renovated, expanded and equipped over 400 basic education schools while 68 new schools are under renovation with this year’s grant.

“We have rebuilt, expanded and fully equipped a number of our secondary schools across the state, while many more are undergoing similar reconstruction and expansion. We have also expanded the carrying capacity of all our tertiary institutions with additional faculties and infrastructure to enable more of our youths to access tertiary education.
“Besides effectively banning the collection of all forms of levies from parents in the public-school system, we have released adequate funds through the Ministry of Education to school heads for the sustainable administration of all our public schools.”

Also speaking, Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, praised Wike for being a promoter of Girl-Child Education. She said educating the Girl-Child would empower the family and the nation.
She called on all stakeholders to work towards educating the Girl-Child, stating that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs would partner with the Federal Ministry of Education to promote Girl-Child Education.

Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Led By Gen Boyloaf, Gen Egberipapa, Others Passes Vote Of Confidence On NDDC Interim Management Committee

Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Led By Gen Boyloaf, Gen Egberipapa, Others Passes Vote Of Confidence On NDDC Interim Management Committee

Francis Tayor

Portharcourt___ Ex-agitators in Niger Delta yesterday passed a vote of confidence of the Interim Management Committee (IMC of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stressing that they are credible to change the lives of the rural communities. The Ex-Militant leaders made this statement during a courtesy visit to the the IMC at NDDC headquarters, Portharcourt.

Speaking on behalf of the Ex-Militant leaders, General Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boylof) and General Jakrich Sobomabo aka (Egberipapa) said; “We the Ex-militants Leaders and people of Niger Delta region are fully in support of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC were we have capable hands like Joi Nunieh, Managing Director, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Executive Director Projects (EDP) and Chief Ibanga Bassey Etan Director Finance (EDF).”
“We are solidly behind them because these are the kind of persons that are credible to change the lives of the rural communities in the Niger Delta region and we are going to support u to any leanrt in order for you to succeed. We therefore at this point on behalf of the people of Niger Delta pass a vote of confidence on the Interim Management Committee of NDDC. This is because of the 100percent confidence we have have in the Committe”. They noted.

Earlier in her remarks, the MD NDDC, Dr. Joi Nunieh on behalf of the interim management committee, thanked the top Ex-militants leaders and people of Niger Delta for the confidence reposed in them, saying that they will not disappoint Niger Deltans, the Minister of Niger Delta led by Godswill Akpabio, President Muhammadu Buhari and above all God Almighty. She added that; “We thank you for your emancipation of Niger Delta region. I therefore, want you to take the massage to our people that the interim management Committe will not fail them. We are Niger Deltans and we have the same DNA flowing. Therefore we are determined to take Development to the rural areas”.

“We are not focusing on the Niger Delta cities that are already developed but to focus on the rural areas because Mr. President has said that we must take Development to the people that deserves it and we shall work with state governors to ensure success”. She noted.

Meanwhile, the Interim Management Committee of NDDC inspected some ongoing and abandoned projects in Ogoni Land and Port Harcourt yesterday in order to put efforts to complete the projects. Part of the sites visited include the NDDC permanent site in Port Harcourt which has near completion, the Mother/Child Hospital project which has been abandoned by previous Boards and the Kha/Adoni Bridge project from Kha in Ogoni to Ataba in Adoni local government area.

In a chat with journalists at the inspection, the trio, Dr. Joi Nunieh, MD, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, EDP and Chief Ibanga Bassey Etang EDF pledged to ensure that the best quality of jobs will be done in the projects, adding that the NDDC Headquarters permanent site and the Kha/Adoni Bridge Project which is one of the largest projects of the Commission will be ready for commissioning by President Muhammadu Buhari in early 2020.

IPDI Sympathizes With Paul, Simeon, Moses, Andrew, Earnest, Shedrack, Ebimaye, Others On The Demise Of Late Bowen Bebenimibo As He Is Layed To Final Rest

IPDI Sympathizes With Paul, Simeon, Moses, Andrew, Earnest, Shedrack, Ebimaye, Others On The Demise Of Late Bowen Bebenimibo As He Is Layed To Final Rest

Francis Tayor

WARRI____The leadership of Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI, has expressed its heartfelt sympathy to Paul Bebenimibo, commissioner Ijaw nationality, Desopadec, Simeon Bebenimibo, SSA on intelligent gathering, Chief Moses Bebenimibo, Andrew Bebenimibo, Ernest Bebenimibo, Shedrack Bebenimibo, Ebimaye Bebenimibo and the entire Bebenimibo family over the demise of late captain Bowen Bebenimibo as he was layed to finally rest.

They averred that the demise of late Capt Bowen Bebenimibo was a great loss considering the auspicious time and that he died at a time when his great wealth of experience is highly needed.

Speaking at press time, the acting Secretary of the group comrade Emma Keneware, said "Gbaramatu has lost a rare gem, an icon. "We mourn with them at this auspicious time of things"

The group said Bowen's death was a monumental loss to his family, Gbaramatu kingdom and Ijaw nation and that he'll be forever remembered for his enduring legacies.

They pray God almighty to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss as it says farewell to the depated soul.

Just In: Senator Omo-Agege Bill Seeking For The Establishment Of Federal Polytechnic, Orogun Delta State Scales Through 2nd Reading

Just In: Senator Omo-Agege Bill Seeking For The Establishment Of Federal Polytechnic, Orogun Delta State Scales Through 2nd Reading

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ The bill titled: “A bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta State to Provide Full-time Courses in Technology, Applied Science, Management and other Fields of Studies and to Make Provisions for the General Administration and for Related Matters, 2019 (SB.34)” is sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo- Agege, All Progressives Congress, APC, Delta Central.

In the lead Debate, Senator Omo-Agege who explained that the institution was conceived with the intent of becoming the bastion of technical academic excellence, said that the proposed polytechnic would create more admission opportunities for Nigerian youths.

According to him, the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic “will help numerous admission seekers who desire the good life in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering and Technology to achieve their ambitions.”

The Deputy President of the Senate disclosed that a landmass in excess of 100 hectares has been donated in the community of Orogun clan in Delta Central Senatorial District for the immediate development of academic infrastructure.

According to him, the Orogun community which is home to at least 38 active onshore oil wells is a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic strength.

Omo- Agege said,  “The absence of such an all-embracing Federal Academic Institution with statutory approval to develop a wide range of professionals is a limitation that is of serious concern to our leaders and people. It is a huge challenge affecting a great majority of our otherwise qualified tertiary education admission seekers who are often denied admissions based on quotas and ‘catchment areas.

“By establishing the Federal Polytechnic Orogun, this Senate would be creating an institution that would, amongst others, develop top quality human resource portfolios in many areas of need in both the private and public sectors; design, develop and deliver cutting edge education and training programmes for our professionals; engage in strategic research and development activities for broad national development; and take leadership roles in promoting the economic development of the immediate community and the society at large through specific education, training and outreach activities”.

Senators who spoke in favour of the bill include Senate Minority Whip, Phillip Aduda (PDP, FCT); Ibikunle Amosun (APC, Ogun Central); George Sekibo (Rivers East); Onor Ojang (PDP, Cross River Central), among others.

The President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, thereafter referred the bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institution and TETFUND, to report back in four weeks.

In his remarks, Lawan who supported the Bill said that education is an essential ingredient for a prosperous society.

“There are countries that survive without natural resources. Their people are given very functional and relevant education and that is why they can function. They can take any job, they can work anywhere and in fact, they export their people’s knowledge, capacities, and skills.

“So we have to do the same. Our system has to be functional.

“What this Bill seeks to do is to create that critical mass of our people who will be trained in this very vital sector of our economy. No amount of investment will be too much because the economies actually depend on the ability of the people that they have trained, Lawan said.