By ODEYA OGBETUO

The executive and members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission [DESOPADEC] Indigenous Contractors Forum have expressed disappointment over delay in payment by the new DESOPADEC Board and have failed to look into the plight of Indigenous Contractors.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Warri, Delta State, the Contractors resolved to embark on a mass protest should the Board fail to accelerate payment of Contractors within two weeks.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the chairman of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Samson Ogie said that the new DESOPADEC Board has not responded positively to the payment request made by the Contractors and despite the subtle approach to the Board to make payment to Contractors to avoid conflict or protest, but all to no avail.

Engr. Ogie further said that he had made several attempts to reach the Managing Director of DESOPADEC Hon. Festus Ochornogho and the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Kome Okpobor on how payment could be carried out to avoid conflict between Indigenous Contractors and the 2023     DESOPADEC Board, but all efforts to harmonize the system were not successful because the Board was adamant.

The Forum chairman reiterated that lack of payment of outstanding money and maltreatment of Indigenous Contractors have be very worrisome, adding that they have been very patient with the Board and they are expecting the Board to respond to payment before the end of September 2023 and draw the attention of Governor, His Excellency Oborevwori to the plight of Contractors and to do his best to avoid mass protest that may likely take place shortly at the expiration of the ultimatum.

A member of the Forum, Mr. Felix Akpoyibo called on the Forum to immediately embark on protest to draw attention to the plight of the Indigenous Contractors, but the chairman pacified members to wait until the end of September 2023.

The secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Forum, Prince Charles Ebigbagha said that the decision of the exco should not be taken for granted in order to avoid protest by the aggrieved Indigenous Contractors, adding that if the Board fails to honour the Contractors request they may embark on mass protest.

He noted that the Board promised to pay monthly but they failed to fulfill their promise, stressing that the Board was unable to pay the Contractors thereby creating this present imbroglio.

By Purity Efemena

DAILY POST Newspaper Correspondent in Delta State, Mr. Matthew Omonigho is now a Certified Peace&Environment Protector of the (fellow member)of the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, IGPCM.

The journalist was inducted alongside eighteen others by IGPCM President-in-Council, Dr. Asiwaju Adetunberu Oludotun during a training workshop certification of fellowship investiture and Global Peace Icon Award Ceremony organised by the IGPCM in Port-Harcourt Rivers State.

IGPCM, President-In-Council was ably represented by IGPCM Vice President, South-East Zone, Dr. Nworgu Okey-Theodore who charged the inductees to be good ambassadors of the Institute.

Responding on behalf of the inductees,Bob Eilwuribr thanked the management of the Institute for the institure and promised that they will be good ambassadors of the IGPCM.

On his part, Mr. Matthew Omonigho thanked the Institute for the honour done him and others just as he promised to preach the gospel of peace as well as ensure it reigns in any environment he finds himself.

He said peace is very essential in the lives of every human, community and country and as such, cannot be toiled with it in anyway.

Mr. Omonigho urged everyone including communities that are at war to tow the path of peace to attract dudtainablr development to their individual lives, communities, State and the nation at large.

…Appointed Head of Media For CIISM Annual Leadership Summit, Awards Dinner In Abuja

By Moses Omovevah

Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general elections in Delta State, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has been nominated for yet another Award of Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Strategy (Honoris Causa) by Prowess University, Delaware, United States of America.

The University through it’s African Representative, Prof Eze C. Nwauba, in a letter dated September 22, said Oghenesivbe’s nomination is in recognistion of his sound multifaceted academic qualifications in Public and International Affairs, Law, Political Science, Mass Communication, Information and Strategy Management, with over two decades of professional practice and experience in Media and Communication Strategy, as well as his numerous published articles, research and professional training in the industry.

“The governing council of Prowess University, in partnership with the Institute of Arts Management and Professional Studies (IAMPS), are delighted to nominate you for the Award of Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Strategy (Honoris Causa) of Prowess University, Delaware, USA.

“You are the first Media Executive and professional in Nigeria, to be nominated in this category, after rigorous review and confirmation of your academic qualifications, excellent public service, work experience, publications and considered criteria in line with the University’s requirements.

“We also have it on record that you introduced and coordinated the annual Delta State Communication Workshop, where 650 media persons were trained by renowned academicians and Professors of Journalism and Mass Communication in the past six years.

“The Communication workshops, no doubt, contributed immensely to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Journalism and Communication Arts, and it is expected that you will sustain the tempo in the years ahead.

“Prowess University certificate, signed and under the official sealed, shall be presented to you by PU’s Africa Representative, Prof Eze C. Nwauba, at the Leadership Summit, Induction and Awards of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, CIISM, scheduled to hold on December 2, 2023, at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

“Congratulations. Please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.”

In a related development, the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, CIISM, has announced the appointment of Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, PhD, a Distinguished Fellow of CIISM, as the Head of Media and Publicity for the Institute’s 2023 Leadership Summit, Induction, Doctorate Degrees Awards and Dinner.

His appointment is contained in a letter dated September 21, and signed by the Secretary of CIISM Governing Council, Dr Oyintoke Adelanke, Dfcism, wherein it stated that Oghenesivbe shall head the team to plan and executive effective media and Publicity strategies for the annual events, including effective press coverage for the Institute’s Leadership Summit and Awards Dinner to hold on December 2, 2023 at Rockview Hotel, Abuja.

By Moses Omovevah

The President General of Ovwian community, Olorogun Frank Muwhen (aka Magamu),

has told the management of Premium Steel and Mines Limited not to extend its alleged sales of land and equipment of the plant to his community farmlands that were not acquired by the defunct Delta Steel Company.

Magamu, who made this known in a press release on Friday in reaction to a publication credited to the Director of Legal Affairs, Premium Steel and Mines Limited, Emmanuel Agbaje Esq, claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed for occupants of the company’s lands to vacate without delay, advised the management of the company to concentrate on its major objective of steel production instead of land issues.

He noted in the statement that the authors of the said story want to drag Mr. President’s name into their false claim of Ovwian community land by chasing shadows and leaving the real substance.

According to him, “PSML is not ready to make the steel plant work but has resorted to the sale of the plant’s equipment, lands, and properties of the housing estates.

“Not satisfied with the sale of the plant’s equipment, lands, and properties at the housing estates, they have extended their unholy deals to Ovwian community farmlands that were not acquired by the defunct Delta Steel Company.

“So, we advise them to concentrate on the primary objective of steel production and stop the unauthorized and illegal encroachment of Ovwian community farmlands.”

He advised occupants of Ovwian community farmlands not to be perturbed by the alleged fake news and to go about their daily business, as they will not allow anyone to use Mr. President’s name to intimidate them.

Magamu pointed out that Mr. President has capable media aides who can issue statements on his behalf, and not a lawyer attached to Premium Steel and Mines Limited.

By Moses Omovevah.

A prominent youth leader and former Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security, Olorogun Godwin Okporoko, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to re-award the pipeline surveillance contract to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

Okporoko, who made the appeal during a chat with journalists, said the appeal for the re-award of the contract was because Tantita Security Services, owned by Tompolo, performed very well in securing pipelines and curbing activities of vandals.

Okporoko, known for his influence in the Niger Delta, argued that Tompolo’s expertise and experience in pipeline surveillance made him a suitable candidate for the contract.

He emphasized that the re-award would not only enhance the effectiveness of the surveillance efforts but also provide employment opportunities for local residents.

In defending the choice of Tompolo, Okporoko stated that Tompolo’s past experience and knowledge of the local terrain would be invaluable in addressing the persistent challenges surrounding pipeline security.

Okporoko further highlighted Tompolo’s contributions to the Niger Delta region, including his role in the amnesty program that helped to reduce unrest and militancy in the area.

He argued that awarding the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo would not only ensure effective protection of the pipelines but also promote peace and stability in the region.

“So, it will be counterproductive for the federal government to award the pipeline surveillance contract to someone else because Tompolo controls almost all the boys in the Niger Delta”.

Okporoko, who is also the President of Federated Owhawha Communities, advised Tompolo to ensure that he engages with the indigenes of oil-bearing communities when the contract is re-awarded to him.

He emphasized that in the past, Tompolo had sub-contracted work to individuals from the Urhobo nation who were not from oil-producing communities, resulting in a lack of tangible impact.

Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr. President,

On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi for his able stewardship of the Assembly.

We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges.

This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme.

Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress.

Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their war[1]torn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.

Nations saw that it was in their interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies.

The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony.

Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion to resources that described the Marshall Plan.

We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe.

We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

There are five important points I want to highlight.

First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but in their interests as well.

Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and the equitable distribution of wealth.

If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, we must create jobs and the belief in a better future for our people.

We must also lead by example.

To foster economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria, I removed the costly and corrupt fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in my first days in office. Other growth and job oriented reforms are in the wings.

I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.

We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.

The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.

Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek.

Second, we must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups 9 are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.

The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.

Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.

This brings me to my third crucial point. Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, woman and children are seen as chattel.

Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.

This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.

Yet, to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.

The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little. 31. The mayhem visited on resource rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.

The problems also knocks Nigeria’s door. Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.

Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.

Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.

Fifth, climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa. Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.

As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.

African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.

In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.

Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.

Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.

CONCLUSION

As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.

As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.