Niger Delta
Delta: Non-Payment Of N252m Counterpart Fund Stalls Projects
The non-payment of the N252 million counterpart fund by Delta Government is denying many communities the benefits of programmes initiated by the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP).
Mr Dominic Agada, NAPEP Secretary in the state, told newsmen in Asaba that the outstanding contribution by the state had accrued since 2008.
He said the Federal Government had long contributed its share of 50 per cent for the period, expressing regrets that the funds could only be accessed when Delta paid up.
Agada said the state government had refused to pay its contribution in spite of several letters to it on the issue, adding that efforts by NAPEP officials to meet with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan failed.
He also said the state’s delay in releasing the fund was hampering the progress of NAPEP’s two major community projects in the state.
The two projects, he said, were the Village Solutions Programme and Care of the People Programme for which the federal government had released N72 million.
He appealed to the state government to pay its contribution to the scheme, adding that other states in the Niger Delta had been benefitting from NAPEP’s projects.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Ovuozourie Macaulay, whose office handles such initiatives was not available for comments on the issue.
An official in his office, however, confirmed that no payment had been made by the state to the scheme.
The official, who pleaded anonymity, said memos were already being written on the various outstanding counterpart funds owed by the state.
“ The problem affects all federal government programmes which involve counterpart contribution,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 100 women in Delta State have began free eye surgery for various optical ailments.
The bill for the treatment, according sources would be paid by Master Care Foundation, an NGO founded by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Roli Uduaghan,
The surgery would be carried out on the women at the General Hospital, Ibusa, by a medical team assembled by the NGO.
The NGO, in a statement issued in Asaba, said women with other ailments would be given free treatment during the period.
It said that the free health progamme was being organised as part of activities to mark Uduaghan’s 50th birthday anniversary, adding that the exercise would run till Friday.
The 100 women, it said, were selected from the 25 local government areas of the state, adding that drugs and glasses would also be given to them free.
Women with eye challenges, it said, were to avail themselves of the opportunity.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.