Niger Delta
Delta Approves N269m For Graduate Scholarship Scheme
The Delta State Government has in Asaba approved the release of N269.9 million to cover the scholarship awarded to 40 graduates from the state who made first class in their fields of study.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, who briefed newsmen after the state’s Executive Council meeting, Wednesday said that 35 of the beneficiaries graduated this year while five others were those whom the scheme could not accommodate in 2010.
He said that the council also approved N833.9 million for the construction and renovation of secondary school classrooms across the state.
“For the State Vision 2020 road map, the council also approved N90.3 million to cover the activities for the year.
“The council approved the sum of N260.9 million for the construction of Ojafe-Ibuku road at Isoko North Local Government Area and for Ubulu-Uku road at Aniocha LGA, the sum of N136.6 million was also approved.
“While the sum of N344 million was approved for the construction of Owa Ifeziomo road through Owa Alero Phase II road at Ika North LGA,” he said.
Ogeah said that the state had also approved the released of N852.6 million as counterpart funds toward the building of a youth centre at Egbokodo, adding that when completed it would create employment for youths.
He said that the state had also resolved to return some secondary schools to their former owners while the government had approved the reversal of the secondary system to its former state where both junior and secondary schools were being run together.
In another development, the state has asked its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to submit quarterly reports of their performances in the previous years.
Mr Kenneth Okpara, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, called for the reports at a forum with heads of MDAs, in preparation for the defence of the 2012 budget proposals in Asaba.
Okpara said that the quarterly reports would help the government to assess the level of progress recorded in the past.
“The quarterly reports will be analysed and standards will be set. This will serve as a guide in ensuring that all approved projects are properly monitored and implemented,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the due process would be strictly followed in the allocation of funds to the MDAs in the 2012 budget.
Okpara said that all the tenets of prudent management would henceforth be applied in managing the state’s fiscal activities.
Sources said that 51 MDAs are expected to defend their budget proposals in the exercise that will end on November 3.
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.