Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, called on Nigerians to embrace peace and love, saying they were panacea for rising insecurity and apathy in the country.
Okowa gave the charge at the funeral mass for former Military Administrator of Kano and Benue states, late Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya (retd) at St Jude’s Catholic Church, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
He said that peaceful co-existence and love among the citizenry would engender much-needed unity.
The governor remarked that late Oneya epitomised brotherhood and good neighborliness in service and in all his activities while alive and urged people to emulate him.
He condoled with the deceased’s wife, children, family and the Urhobo nation over the loss of the renowned officer and elder statesman.
He said the late Oneya lived a life of faith and commitment to the church and the community, and urged Nigerians to live in love and peace to build a united, strong and virile nation.
“We have come here to pay our last respect for one of our own brother and leader Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya (retd).
“Our late leader was truly an icon, who worked very hard and served this country in various capacities particularly when he was military administrator of Kano and Benue States.
“He was not just a general in the army, in the Catholic Church he was a grand knight and in his Agbarho community, he was not just a Chief but Chairman of the Council of Chiefs.
“In sports, he served as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) now Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“Politically, he was one of us and leader of the elders’ council of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
“Gen Oneya came, lived a life of love and I pray that many of us will emulate him, because he had a very infectious smile, never pretentious about any situation and we thank God for the life he lived.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I again condole with the Oneya family, especially his wife Chief Patricia Oneya and children on the demise of her husband and our leader, Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya.
“It is our prayer that God hwill encourage the family because he was truly a good man and may the mercy of God be with his family,” the governor stated.
Earlier, Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev’d Dr John Afareha, in his homily, said that death was life’s greatest mystery and urged the families to take solace in the fact that the dead would rise again for the promised glory.
He described the late Gen. Oneya as a good man who dedicated and entrusted his life to God and served the country in several capacities.
He urged Christians to live in love and care for one another just as late Oneya epitomised.
He commended the role of the military in peace-keeping globally which the late Gen. Oneya also served actively.
“We are touched by the death of our friend and brother, Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya (retd)
“He was a man of faith in the Catholic church and a major financier of the St. Jude Catholic Church, Effurun,” the bishop said.
The funeral service was attended by Deputy Governor of Benue State, Mr Benson Abounu, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, represented by Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Logistics Command, Oghara, Rear Admiral Samaila Lassa, former Governor of Delta, Chief James Ibori, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Pinnick, among others.
Delta govt clarifies position on open grazing ban
Delta State Government on Friday explained that it was not acquiring lands for herdsmen as wrongly reported in some quarters.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said in a statement in Asaba, that the bill before the State Assembly was for the regulation of livestock breeding, raring and marketing in the state.
He said contrary to the misinformation in the public, the state was not acquiring any land for the purpose of establishing ranches.
He stated that ranching like any other business was a private concern and therefore anyone interested in establishing ranches in any part of the state was free to acquire land for the said purpose in accordance with relevant laws that regulates private ownership of any legitimate business.
He urged Deltans and the general public to disregard the earlier information that government was providing land for herdsmen as alternative to ban on open grazing.
Okowa wants more stakeholders’ commitment to free women, children healthcare
Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for increased governments and other stakeholders’ commitment to free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years.
Okowa made the call on Saturday when he received the National President of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Hajia Hajara Alkali-Baba, on courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
He said that more provisions by governments and organisations for free medical care for the vulnerable, especially pregnant women and children, would check rising rate of maternal and infant mortality in the country.
The governor commended the POWA president for her three-point agenda of welfare, health and education of police officers’ families and said that they would help not only the women but the entire family and the nation.
According to him, when you take care of the health and education of women and children, you have already taken out the burden from the family.
He said that Nigeria had a very bad record on maternal and infant mortality, which ought not to be so.
Okowa disclosed that Delta commenced provision of free basic healthcare for pregnant women and children since 2016 and urged the Federal and state governments to work assiduously in this regard to address the ugly trend.
“I believe that it is not too much in this country to ensure that the health of women and children, particularly for those under five years of age where most of our children die needlessly.
‘As a country, we can truly resolve and be able to fund it. Clearly put this people in our mind that they are vulnerable in the society and therefore have programmes that can truly impact on their lives .
“Every child under five years of age and pregnant women should truly be able to access basic healthcare treatment free of charge.
“It is something that is doable because successive governments in Delta have been doing it and we have not found the burden to be too high.
“I encourage the Federal Government and states to take this seriously so that we can provide basic healthcare services for these categories of people,” he said.
He said a greater role must be played by the government to encourage women to enable them stand for the family and thereby making the home more peaceful.
“We know that in this country when you truly empower a woman you have not just empowered that woman, you have actually empowered the family.
“This is because if the woman is able to stand out and take care of the family, the burden on the men is less, the children are likely going to grow up as better citizens of this country.
“When the home is peaceful, our children will be more focused and their education is better assured and when the health of the family is right everything will have to work well.
“The best way we can actually reach out to the poorer people or less-privileged is to ensure that the health of the family is good and the education of their children is assured and the woman is empowered in one little way or the other to be able to ensure there is food in the house.
“I know that there are all manner of subsidies and empowerment projects but we must find a way to target these empowerment to affect the lives of the poor in such a manner that they will be able to survive the harsh economy,” the governor stated.
Earlier, Hajia Alkali-Baba had said that her delegation was in the state to encourage the police family because they had been demoralised since after the ENDSARS protest.
She stated that she had prioritised welfare, education and health of the police officers’ wives and families in her three-point agenda.
The POWA President said that she had visited six states including Delta, since assuming her position, because she was desirous of encouraging police officers’ children to perform optimally in their education.
GOV WIKE INAUGURATES FOUR-MAN RIVERS TAX APPEAL COMMISSION
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has charged members of the State’s Tax Appeal Commission to enshrine a new culture in which taxable persons and e ntities comply with the relevant tax laws in the State without hesitation.
The governor gave the charge shortly after swearing-in the Rivers State Body of Tax Appeal Commissioners at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
Commissioners sworn-in by the governor included Justice Bennett Eke Ugbari (rtd), who will serve as the chairman, Edwin Krukrubo, Owhonda Ihekwoaba Nobel and Mrs. Gift Sovins as commissioners.
Governor Wike explained that they should focus on dealing with complaints arising from those who do not want to pay their taxes, while also prevailing on those who believe that the tax body is doing what it is not supposed to do.
According to Governor Wike, taxes are important sources of revenues for any government to shore up its needs for fund to implement its development agenda.
“It is a very serious assignment at this period as regards to what is going on. So, I believe that you have to take this assignment as a call of duty from your state.
“No country can survive without taxes. And so, you will do all you can to support the government and the citizens to do what they’re supposed to do.
“I have confidence in you; the chairman, that you’ll be able to lead the members of the commission to do the right thing.”
In his response, Chairman of the Rivers State Body of Tax Appeal Commissioners, Justice Bennett Eke Ugbari (rtd) noted that Rivers State like other federating states, needs to generate sufficient internal revenues to augment the statutory allocations it receives from the federal government.
This, he said, will enable the government to fulfil it’s obligations and promises to Rivers people in terms of infrastructure and other development, as witnessed presently in the State.
“It is therefore, the intendment of the commission to partner with other relevant tax authorities in Rivers State to generate adequate internal revenue for the State.
“In carrying out our assignment, the commission shall be guided by the principle of fair hearing, justice and equity. We shall ensure that there is proper assessment of taxes and that every tax payers in Rivers State pays adequate tax as required by the relevant tax laws.”
Justice Ugbari (rtd) assured that the commission will discharge their responsibilities diligently and conscientiously with the fear of God. According to him, they will also work in accordance with the objectives, purpose of the enabling law and other tax laws of Rivers State.
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant (Media) Rivers State Governor
September 10, 2021
EMBARKING ON INDUSTRIAL ACTION AT THIS TIME WHEN NIGERIANS NEED YOU MOST IS NOT THE BEST ACTION TO TAKE, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI TO DOCTORS
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja called on health workers to return to their duty posts, urging others contemplating strikes to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.
“The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences,’’ the President noted, while receiving members of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the State House.
President Buhari assured that all outstanding benefits owed medical doctors will be cleared, after verifications, noting that embarking on industrial action at a critical health period for the country and citizens was not a good option.
“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role. Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.
“This Administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.
“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed. Though the Review of a new Hazard Allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’
President Buhari said the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.
“I request that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MOU which I have seen be religiously implemented,’’ he added.
To further improve the health sector, the President said budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been commissioned to identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align with global best practices that raise public confidence.
“We are also supporting initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and bring more resources to health financing.
“We have many more challenges ahead and much more to do, for our large population.
“In this respect, it is important to remind you that, as senior medical personnel and representatives of one of the most respected professional groups in the world, your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians are clear.
“It does not end only with the welfare of your members, but continues with a sense of responsibility for the entire country and its sociopolitical health and national stability,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s source of revenue over many years was dwindling, with a rising population.
“The global economy has been seriously affected by the pandemic, and despite recent pleasing news of more than five per cent economic growth of Nigeria in the last quarter, we are still having fiscal challenges to deal with, like most other countries.
“The source of revenue that Nigeria has depended on for so long experienced global decline, our population is rising fast and the tension arising from both, is fuelling agitation among our youth. Organizations like the NMA could play a very useful moderating role in society,’’ the President said.
The President commended the positive role Nigeria Medical Association has been playing, as the apex professional medical association in Nigeria, especially with regard to the ongoing industrial action.
“This is a befitting role for the NMA, as a mature organization, led by responsible members with long experience.
“I am proud also to learn of various feats that have been achieved in our hospitals, like the separation of conjoined twins and also the valiant efforts of our health personnel in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, much of which has earned us recognition at home and abroad, and the recent appointment of one of your colleagues as Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization. We again warmly congratulate Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu for his elevation.’’
President Buhari admonished that the course of Covid-19 in Nigeria was not yet entirely clear, and response to it must be collective.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the NMA had been playing a critical role in development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.
President of the NMA, Prof. Innocent A. Ujah, thanked the President for appointment of members into strategic positions in government, assent to the Medical Residency Act and immunization coverage.
Ujah said the association was concerned with the industrial action embarked upon by doctors, and had been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country, while appealing for an urgent resolution.
The NMA president thanked President Buhari for takeoff grant for first Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State. Ujah suggested an appropriate funding module for the new institutions.
He assured the President of the continuous support of members of the association to improve health in the country.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2021
I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS A PRESIDENT WHO STABILISED NIGERIA, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS SOUTH EAST LEADERS
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Owerri said that he would want to be remembered as the President who stabilised Nigeria in the area of security, economic prosperity and triumph over corruption.
The President, who spoke at a town hall meeting with South East leaders during his one-day official visit to Imo State, said with less than two years left in his eight-year tenure as President, security still remains a major priority for his administration.
‘‘If there is no security, there is nothing anyone can do no matter how much you try or the initiative you have.
‘‘Security is number one priority and then the economy. When people feel secure they will mind their own business,’’ he said.
The President told South-East leaders that while fighting corruption in Nigeria had become very sophisticated and difficult, he would continue to strive to leave a lasting legacy of integrity and accountability in the system.
‘‘Nobody can accuse me of having companies or mansions anywhere in the country and I thank God that I try to keep myself as clean as possible, so that I cannot be taken hostage.
‘‘I will do my best to ensure that Nigerians that try hard, succeed in their efforts,’’ he said.
On the forthcoming 2023 elections, the President reaffirmed his commitment to free, fair and credible polls, urging the leaders to honestly educate their constituencies on the need to hold their elected representatives accountable.
Acknowledging the resourcefulness and enterprising spirit of Igbo people, the President said:
‘‘The fundamental thing about the Igbo people is that there is no town you will visit in Nigeria without seeing the Igbos being in-charge of either infrastructure or pharmaceutical industry.
‘‘Therefore, it is unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria.
‘‘The evidence is there for everyone to see that Igbos are in charge of Nigeria’s economy.’’
Noting that no country can make any meaningful progress without the development of infrastructure, the President expressed regret that successive governments at the Federal level contributed to the decay of critical infrastructure in the country.
He promised that the Federal Government would complete ongoing key projects in the South East, including the 2nd Niger Bridge as well as the railway lines and routes linking the region with other parts of the country.
‘‘I firmly believe that when you get infrastructure right, Nigerians will mind their own businesses,’’ he said, adding that as a group, the Igbos stand to benefit more from the ongoing development of infrastructure in the country because ‘‘they are more enterprising.’’
President Buhari had earlier commissioned four projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, including the Naze/Ihiagwa/Nekede/Obinze link road, the Balloon Driven/Flood Control drainage at Dick Tiger Road, the Egbeada Bypass road and the New Exco-Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
Addressing Imo residents at the commissioning of Egbeada bypass named after a prominent son of the State, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President said he was very impressed with the level of work done by the State government.
‘‘I am very pleased with what I have seen and I assure you that I will support Imo State within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he said.
In his remarks at the town hall meeting, Governor Uzodinma said Ndigbo believe in a united Nigeria predicated on ‘‘justice, equity and fairness.’’
He thanked the President for addressing the interests of Ndi Igbo through deliberate policy initiatives designed to give the people a true sense of belonging, including the ongoing construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, among others.
Governor Uzodinma said the people of South East would remain grateful to the President for approving the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta Local Government Area of the State, adding that as time unfolds, the economic benefits of the base would manifest.
The Governor also commended the President for strongly supporting the appointment of two prominent Igbos into two key international organisations-Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General of Health Emergency Intelligence, World Health Organisation (WHO).
In his remarks, the President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor assured the President of the continuous support of Ndigbo.
‘‘Ndigbo are committed to Nigerian unity and there is news for those trying to push us out of Nigeria.
‘‘Ndigbo in Nigeria are like fish in the ocean and no matter how rough the storm is, it cannot drive the fish out of the ocean.
‘‘Mr President, it is in this context, that we see a new dawn in your distinguished presence in Igbo land and believe that on your return to Abuja the significance and substance of this visit will form new foundation of a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues of concern to the Igbo nation,’’ he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2021