By Ovedhe Hezekiah.

President Bola Tinubu has directed his SA on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, to liaise with the Office of the SGF to synergise all recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee for speedy implementation across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The President gave the directive on Tuesday when he received in audience the Chairman of the reforms committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, who presented him a 30-day report on what he called “quick wins” at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after the meeting, which would have happened in September but for the President’s foreign engagements in India and New York that month.

Negelale said, “President Bola Tinubu received in audience the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zack Adedeji, as well as the chairman of the tax policy review committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele where the committee presented to Mr. President a report on quick wins achieved by the tax policy review committee, in conjunction with directives given by Mr. President on the day that committee was inaugurated.

“After listening to a presentation by the committee chairman, the President directed the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, to liaise with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman of the Tax Policy Review Committee to ensure that the recommendations of the committee are swiftly and immediately implemented across all ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government.”

The presidential aide said the goal is to “ensure that there is effective synergy and to ensure that every institution of the federal government is on the same page with respect to how tax policy will be implemented.”

“We want to ensure that our citizens are receiving the best of public service provision. And that is only going to be possible when we have expanded the tax net to such an extent that we are collecting tax to GDP, reaching the 18 per cent threshold as directed and targeted by Mr. President, without any undue burden being placed on the most vulnerable segments of our population,” Ngelale added.

By Moses Omovevah

A philanthropist, Mr. Aghogho Orubure, has distributed School uniforms, books and writing materials worth hundreds of thousands of naira to Ogun Primary School, Ovwor, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State with promise to turn the exercise to an annual event.

Orubure, who carried out the distribution of the items at the school premises on Monday, said the gesture was as a result of his deep belief in the transformative power of education.

He emphasized the importance of having the right tools to unlock their potentials and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Orubure, a benevolent man, focused on promoting education, arrived at the school premises with bundles of uniforms, books, and writing materials.

Excitement rippled through the air as the pupils eagerly gathered in the playground, with their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.

The Orubure team wasted no time and swiftly organized the distribution process. Each child was called forward, one by one, to receive their package of the items.

The uniforms, tailored to fit each student perfectly, were made from high-quality materials, ensuring comfort and durability.

The books were carefully selected to cater to different age groups and covered a wide range of subjects, from mathematics to literature. In addition, the children received brand new writing materials, including pencils, pens, erasers, ruler, novels, mathematical sets and notebooks.

As the children received their items, their eyes sparkled with joy and gratitude. Many couldn’t contain their excitement and immediately flipped through the pages of their new books, eager to delve into the knowledge that lay within.

The uniforms, proudly worn by the pupils, created a sense of unity and belonging among them, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The impact of Orubure’s generosity extended beyond the physical supplies. The children felt a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, knowing that someone believed in their potential and was invested in their education. The distribution event served as a catalyst, igniting a passion for learning within the hearts of the young students.

Orubure in his speech, said the gesture was to give back to the society in ensuring that every child in his community acquired education.

While appealing to the wealthy in the society to help children of the less privileged in various schools, Orubure promised to turn the exercise to an annual event.

Comrade Efere Edith Oghenerukevwe, Head Teacher of Ogun Primary School and Miss Ebruphiyor Joy, a pupil of the school, who could not hide their joy, appreciated Orubure for the gesture.

While calling on other societal bigwigs to emulate Orubure, they pray God to continue to bless him in order to do more for the society.

President General of Ovwor Community, Mr. Christian Osokor and Chief Fullpower Orubure, also thanked Mr. Aghogho Orubure for the gesture.

They advised the pupils to maintain the items and read hard in order to be better adults in the society.

Prince Lucky Oguma, Youth Chairman, Ovwor Community Mrs. Moses Mevayero, PDP Women Leader, Ughelli South Local Government Ward 6 and the Orubures were present during the event.

By Moses Omovevah

Former Deputy Leader of the Burutu Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Lucky Oweimieotu, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of chairman of the local government council under the Peoples Democratic Party, just as he promised to bring a positive administrative system into play.

Oweimieotu who made the declaration during a meeting of Burutu Local Government Area Ward 8, held at Kiagbodo town, explained why the ward 8 and himself deserved the chairmanship seat in 2024.

While introducing Oweimieotu to members of Ward 8, Director of Lucky Oweimieotu Campaign Organization, Hon. Timi Angagha, stated that Oweimieotu hails from Bikorogha community of the ward in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

He noted that the people of Burutu Local Government Area had long yearned for a leader who could uplift their communities and bring about positive change.

“It was in this backdrop that a man named Oweimieotu decided to take the bull by the horn, by indicating his interest to contest for the coveted position of Burutu Local Government Council Chairman.

Oweimieotu, a politician of high repute, had witnessed firsthand the struggles and challenges faced by his fellow townspeople.

He understood their aspirations, dreams, and the urgent need for progress. With a deep sense of responsibility, he stepped forward to be the catalyst for change and to breathe new life into Burutu.

The decision to contest for the chairmanship was not an easy one for Oweimieotu. However, his unwavering commitment to his community propelled him to take this bold step.

He believed that he possessed the vision, competence, and determination required to make a difference in the lives of his people.

In his speech, Oweimieotu revealed the driving force behind his decision. He spoke passionately about the immense potential of Burutu and the need for sustainable development.

Oweimieotu who said it’s his turn and Ward 8 to be chairman of Burutu Local Government Council, highlighted the lack of basic amenities such as clean water, reliable electricity, and accessible healthcare facilities that plagued the area.

He stressed the urgency to tackle unemployment, particularly among the youths, and to provide quality education that would empower the future generation.

Oweimieotu’s experience as a successful entrepreneur equipped him with the necessary skills to tackle the economic challenges facing Burutu.

He envisioned transforming the area into an industrial hub, attracting investments and creating job opportunities for the residents.

His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to transparency and accountability resonated with the people, who were tired of empty promises.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Burutu Local Government Area Ward 8, Engr. Akpodikumor Okosuye; Councilor representing Ward 13 in Burutu Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Clement Wagha; Former Secretary, PDP Burutu LGA, Mr. Ayedi Ozanor; Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development, Chief Anthony Ebikeme Clark and Princess Beauty Perekeme, in their related responses promises to support Oweimieotu in his bid to be Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area.

They also called on members of the ward who interested in the contest to indicate their intention to enable them pick the best among them.

Party executives present during the meeting included Mr. Philip Forteta, Vice Chairman; Prince Governor Dabor, Secretary; Mr. Choice Weleke, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Jonathan Jonathan, Youth Leader; Mrs. Ebikabo-ere Sunday, Women Leader; Mr. Davidson Timibra, Assistant Secretary; Buness Ogedegbe, Auditor; Mr. Erestovbi Kenneth, Ex-officio and Ebipade Abure, Ex-officio and others.

On the entourage of Hon. Lucky Oweimieotu were Hon. Victor Deinne, Hon. Bernard Okoh, Hon. Amos Manager, Hon. Charity Clark, Hon. Benson Elebugha, Hon. Andaka Otubo and many others.

By ODEYA OGBETUO

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum has commended the Board of DESOPADEC for positive response to their demand.

Speaking to newsmen after a general meeting of the Forum in Warri, Delta State, the Chairman of the Forum, Engr. Samson Ogie said that the DESOPADEC Board has promised to pay Indigenous Contractors on a monthly basis which is ongoing.

He further said that based on the meeting held between the Forum executive and the DESOPADEC Board members led by the Managing Director, Hon. Festus Ochornogho, EDFA, Chief Oghenekome Okpobor and Chairman of the Board, Chief John Nani all promised to ensure that DESOPADEC Contractors are paid monthly.

Engr. Ogie stressed on the need for Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori created a plan to empower the Indigenous Contractors both in the State and DESOPADEC through his “More Agenda” for the State.

The Secretary of the Forum, Prince Charles Ebigbagha stressed on the need for a cordial relationship between Indigenous Contractors Forum and DESOPADEC Board, and also appealed for continuous harmonious relationship which has started already with the current Board led by Hon. Ochornogho as Managing Director and Chief Oghenekome Okpobor as EDFA. He then appealed to contractors to understand the need for coordinated effort to take all complaints to the contractors executives for adequate assistance.

In his brief contribution, the PRO of the Forum, Mr. Karo Okotete said that protest should not be an option because of the harmonious relationship that the present Board is building with the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum.

By Moses Omovevah

Following the misleading media report on ASUSS Delta State Chairman, Comrade Okoh Kenneth, a group has countered the report, describing it as Blackmail taken too far.

In a statement issued by the group which was made available to newsmen in Asaba, the group described the ASUSS Chairman as a man of honour.

The statement read in part; “The attention of the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Secondary schools, Delta State, Comrade Okoh Kenneth has been drawn to a misleading story in the online Newspaper posted on different WhatsApp loops of allegations on financial recklessness and high handedness, this is an imaginary thoughts. We wish to state categorically that no such thing has ever happened.

“The misleading story currently in circulation is a brazen attempt to put the image of the ASUSS Chairman in public distaste and it must clearly be stated that Comrade Okoh Kenneth is a man of honor, principled and bold in his views and would never bow low to eat public funds been as well as a serving Pastor.

“We certainly view this as another calculated attempt by certain persons who have become wholesomely engaged in the acts of blackmail and betrayals to smear the character of the Honorable Man Of God and challenge anyone to provide ANY evidence of such an untoward receipts of misappropriation of such funds to the public.

“Comrade Okoh Kenneth has directed his lawyers to immediately write to the publishers of the above stated online Newspaper to either retract the story as published recently or face the legal consequences.

“As we go about our various works Peacefully, ASUSS Chairman candid advice to associates, let’s embrace a united home front that would consolidate on the peace MORE Agenda template that abounds in Delta State.”

The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, reiterated the need for the Bola Tinubu-led administration to consider taking more debt in order to fix the ailing economy.

CALEB MADUAWULECHUKWU

The Ihonor of Ogwashi — Uku Kingdom, Chief Hycinth Afamefune  Okolie, has called for the Continued promotion and preservation of the tradition and Cultural heritage of  the people of Ogwashi -Uku kingdom has again come to the fore.

Chief Okolie made the call while performing the 2023 INEH Festival  at Ogbe –Ubu quarters, Ogwashi — Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

He expressed Concern that the cultural Identity and tradition of the people were being eroded on  a geometrical progression at the expense of foreign culture adding that the development was worrisome and should be halted as soon as possible.

He  thereby, advocated for an aggressive advocacy  and  collaborative effort between relevant agencies of government and critical stakeholders of the traditional institution to reverse the trend.

Chief stated that a people without a tradition and  cultural identity were a  lost generation in the socio- cultural dynamics of the world adding that  people of different race, all over the world were easily  identified by their culture, tradition, colour and other demographic indexes.

Chief Okolie said the Ineh Festival was a cultural engagement by the Ogbe – ubu Community to   express  appreciation to God for bountiful harvest at the end of farming season and the beginning of another.

Accordingly to the Celebrant, the festival was an age long practice celebrated by the people of the kingdom.   He commended the people for sticking tenaciously and upholding the cultural identity  for which they were known over the years urging them to protect their tradition and culture always.

The festival featured displays by different dance groups and performance  by the chief celebrant, Chief Hyacinth Okolie accompanied by members of his immediate kindred  and the Ogbe — ubu Community which got to it’s climax in a procession within the precincts  of the Community.

The ceremony which was attended by a cross section of the public also witnessed a re- enactment of the rich cultural endowment of the people as epitomised  by lavish merry making  and celebration.

By Our Correspondent

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has felicitated the immediate past State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, on his appointment as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Union.

Ikeogwu’s appointment as National Ex-Officio of the Union was contained in a letter signed by the National Secretary, Comrade Shuaibu Usman Leman, on Friday, October 20.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor described Ikeogwu’s appointment as well-deserved, considering his outstanding contribution to the journalism profession in Delta State and Nigeria.

He commended the NUJ President for finding Ikeogwu, an illustrious son of Delta, worthy of the appointment

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate the immediate past Chairman of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, on his meritorious appointment as National Ex-officio of the Union

“Comrade Ikeogwu, a professional journalist with many years of experience, has made his mark in the journalism practice in the State and beyond.

“As a two-term Chairman of the State Council, he contributed immensely to the fortunes of journalists in the State, through his many accomplishments while in office.

“I thank the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, for finding you worthy to be appointed.

“I urge you to see your appointment as a call to National service that requires you bring your wealth of experience to bear in your new office, even as you continue to be a committed ambassador of our dear State,” Oborevwori stated.