In this Exclusive Interview with the Editorial Team of the Economic Confidential, the sixty years old traditional title holder of Talba of Ilorin Emirate, states the mission and goals of the newly inaugurated board of the Federal Character Commission. Excerpts:

EC: Coming from an academic background where you have spent the greatest part of your career, does your present responsibility post any difficulty for you?
ANS: The truth is that management focuses essentially on the human factor. Whether it is administrative, academic or non academic, the basic area of operation has to do with the human aspect. There is no dichotomy as far as I am concerned between the human and financial resources in the academic or non academic sector including the Federal Character Commission.

EC: What has been the major challenge of your new responsibility as the Executive Chairman of FCC?
ANS: There are challenges on a number of fronts. One, I just said about the management of the human resources or the human capital.  The human resources you find in the academic community is different from the one you find in the civil service structure. Like the one you find in the FCC. The orientation is different. Therefore it’s a question of trying to find an appropriate platform where one’s orientation from the academic environment can key into the civil service norm with the hope of securing a synergy that would ultimately be to the progress of the Commission.

EC: Taking cognizance of happenings amongst agencies of government, where appointments have been lopsided in favour of some particular sections of the country, how do you intend to ensure equitable distributions of positions in the public service?
Ans: One of our concerns is the recent recruitments in the Central Bank of Nigeria. I’ve had the occasion to make a comment about what we observed as the lopsidedness in the recruitment system of the CBN. But for the benefit of clarity, this offers an opportunity to explain once more. It is really, really reprehensible if the figures we have are true. That’s what we have tried to observe in the lopsidedness of the appointment in the CBN in favour of a section of the Nigerian nation. There’s practically no justice in that kind of arrangement. But even within the region favoured too, there is a sufficient evidence of lopsidedness that is lacking in compliance to the guidelines. We have been in dialogue with the authority of the agency. We would find a way of addressing the situation because an act has already been committed. Some Nigerians have been given positions which they are innocently occupying. It would be difficult to remove them but there are mechanisms for future correction of the kind of lopsidedness. But more recently, I think the crime of the CBN like the FCC had mentioned is in the most recent recruitment of 400 staff without recourse for advertisement at all. That at least involves gross violation of the FCC guidelines which requires Chief Executive Officers must be transparent and open in their recruitment efforts: Beginning from the stages of declaring vacancies, and advertising those vacancies, in at least two national newspapers, for the benefit of all Nigerians. That, from the information reaching me from the committee on Finance and Economy is that the CBN did not place any advertisement to give the opportunities to Nigerians to have equal access to the information which led to the recruitment of persons. There may have been recruitments done from other parts of the country but once you get that kind of clandestine type of recruitment it leads to lopsidedness, which is contrary to the collective interest of the Nigerian people in the pursuit of our goal for equity, fairness and justice. That’s the instrument or the part to achieve National unity.

EC: Recently you mentioned that some agencies are major culprits in distorting FCC principles. Apart from the CBN, the Bureau for Public Enterprise and the National Broadcasting commission that are revenue generating; are there other organizations?
ANS: We receive details on nominal roles from all organizations about 450 of them who are subjected to periodic analysis to see the extent to which they have complied with the guidelines on the observance of the FCC principle. It is only those that we find out have been inconsistently and persistently in deviation or breach of those guidelines that we bring to the attention of the public, as a way of cautioning them. So we have a few that we have interacted with and have had dialogues. Some we found out their violations predates the coming of the present FCC having been done 4-5 years ago. We still have gone into dialogue with them. Apart from the ones you have mentioned, there’s the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service are the potential clients in that regard because they are big time employers within the public service and they are the ones we want to focus upon. We are trying to update our data bank and to promptly do the analyses of such data to be able to come out with appropriate estimation of the extend to which the executive officers have complied or not complied with the guidelines that we have set out on the demand circulars.

EC: Apart from the aforementioned ones, the FIRS, SEC, Customs and the immigration agencies, it appears that the major culprits are revenue generating agencies?
ANS: Yes. Not only because they are revenue are generating but they equally large employers of labour. They have very large staff population. Therefore, they are big time employers of labour which is mainly the reason, not because they are revenue generating. For instance, the police, the army are large employers of labour but they are not revenue generating institutions. The reason why we are looking at this is because they are large scale employers of labour.

EC: In reference to those you said were illegally recruited, are their appointments likely to be terminated?
ANS: We are still in dialogue with the CBN. Their management may soon meet with FCC officials to correct the lopsidedness in the appointments they have made so far.

EC: Is your agency working in sync with the 7 point agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar”Adua’s administration?
ANS: Certainly, yes. Probably, apart from the National Assembly which has its mandate to appropriate funds for the execution of the 7 point agenda, the next important agency would be the FCC. Because, just as the NASS appropriates funds, and performs oversight functions, on behalf of the electorate, the people of Nigeria, the FCC performs oversight functions on behalf of the executive. So if and when funds have been appropriated for efficient allocation and utilization of such funds, guidelines have to be provided on equitable distribution of such socio-economic amenities and infrastructure according to the provision of the law of the FCC. It is in that particular aspect of our mandate that we stand very strongly to promote and service the platform for actualizing the 7 point agenda. Of course the second mandate has not become crystallized yet but our first mandate, the one that is preoccupied with the equitable distribution of public offices and appointments. I think that it is also relevant to the actualization of the 7 point agenda. It is one thing for the government to design policy and want to pursue it no matter how vigorous the manifesto is published without an establishment like the FCC to ensure that national consciousness, a deliberate, voluntary participation in a unity of a united nation to achieve a giving goal; it would be very difficult to realize the objective. For instance, the truth is that for anybody not to adhere or to obey the prescribed guidelines for ensuring equity and fairness of the FCC, would amount to undermining the national security, which is one aspect the 7 point agenda. If people persist in iniquity of unfair and unjust distribution of the resources in the country, it leads to sectional conflict, disaffection and even violence as we have in the Niger Delta region. So complying with the guidelines and principle of Federal Character is a security issue. And once we are able to get people to comply, we limit the dangers that may result from conflict similar to the one aforementioned.

EC: Some of the key public institutions have been privatized. Does the FCC have inputs in their recruitment process? For example that of NICON, NITEL and so forth.
ANS: The Mandate of the Commission, according to the law which is circumscribed by, to the extent that it works and provides guidelines for government institutions. Those that are fully or partly owned by the Federal government, in fact any organ or any institution in the socio-economy that the government has up to 30 % stake falls within the purview of the exercise of the authority of the FCC. You would look at such organizations if they have been so privatized as to make the FG unable to attain up to 30% equity that would fall within the organized private sector which is yet to come under the jurisdiction of the FCC Act. But we have a way through sensitization, advocacy and calling their attention that whatever they do has potential impact on the entire framework and structure that government is trying to build: that of a consensus national consciousness and national unity. If there’s any arm or sector of Nigerian economy, especially the private sector, if it is not sufficiently participating in the attainment of the ideas of the FCC, such an organization would be seen to be undermining the national security of Nigeria.

EC: Are you working towards having a constitutional amendment where it would mandatory for some of privatized organisations to be under the ambit of FCC? There’s already disgruntlement and outcry from some agitated parts of the country who feel shortchanged in the appointments going on in such organizations?
ANS: This is a very interesting question. Only recently, I had the opportunity of involving in a discourse over the recent spate of privatization. The original intention of the constitution is becoming distorted. Therefore, it would be appropriate now for the constitution, when it comes to be reviewed to take cognizance of this spate of privatization which is moving away from the original concept of the Constitution. Recently, there was a summit on infrastructure which was being promoted by the Ministry of Finance in conjecture with our pursuit. One of the summit’s main themes was the issue of outsourcing of infrastructure. When you do that, it would be incandescent that you are moving away from the focus of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Which makes provision for the existence of the FCC that Federal infrastructure must be distributed according to specific guidelines which is designed by the FCC and approved by the President. Now, such an exercise which is already deciding on outsourcing is a direct affront to the constitutional provision on infrastructure. Because when you outsource capital projects, roads for instance, and it gets into private hands, how does the FG want to implement the original intent expressed in the Constitution of the Federal structure to be kept together?

EC: What are those strategies you have put in place to correct those past mistakes, especially in federal appointments?
Recently we have issued some circulars to chief executive officers of federal agencies. We are currently compiling the current list of Chief Executives of Federal parastatals, companies, agencies and institutions to ascertain their states of origin, dates of present appointment and place of assignment to update our records.

One of the circulars we issued which would take effect from September 1, 2008 mandates ministries, parastatals and security agencies to henceforth ensure that the spread of all vacancies to be filled shall be predetermined in relation to the current levels of the (Federal Character) representation, by states or zones, at a joint meeting of the MDA and the Federal Character Commission. The agencies should also provide comprehensive job description required for each vacant position including academic qualifications and cognate experience.

The Circular further stipulates that all vacancies shall be advertised in at least two newspapers circulating nationally, giving prospective candidates, a minimum of six weeks within which to apply with adequate consideration to gender representation and the physically challenged. We further added that where candidates are required to apply online, hard copies of such applications shall nevertheless be accepted.

EC: What about the use of consultants to undertake recruitment exercise?
On consultants who usually hide the names of recruiting agencies, our circular states that henceforth the consultant shall disclose, in the advertisement, the ministry, department or agency on which behalf they are acting. And where candidates are required to apply online, hard copies of such applications shall nevertheless be accepted. In the event of candidates being required to buy Scratch Cards, the cost shall not be more than N500 (five Hundred Naira) only.

EC: What happens after the advertisement?
At the close of advertisement, a shortlist of qualified candidates shall be compiled for interview or any mode of selection on State by State Basis and the compilation of results shall be on State by State basis in order to enable the best candidates from each state and the FCT to be employed. One of the innovations in the guideline is that a Certificate of Compliance, with the FCC Principles, shall be issued as final authorization for the release of Letters of Appointment to candidates by the recruiting ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) of government. The list of successful candidates shall be published in at least two newspapers, circulating nationally by the MDA. As you may be aware there are also punishments and sanctions against defaulting agencies and individuals who refuse to observe the new guideline as from September 1, 2008 when it takes full effect.

EC: What are the major reforms and programmes that you intend to undertake in your tenure?
ANS: Well, the reforms would be a continued exercise. At the inception of this commission we went straight into a retreat in Bauchi to reassess our mandate and the extent to which we have been able to deliver so far. We arrive at the conclusion that a lot has to be done in terms of financial outlay and human resource commitment in the area of sensitization, advocacy and public enlightenment. Because when people are sufficiently enlightened, they are likely to modify their behaviour in response to the demands which is being made by the FCC. When we get to that level, we would be envisaging a situation in the nearest future where we would reduce conflict and spend less money on enforcement of our mandate. Because when people are sufficiently sensitized and sufficiently educated about what ought to be done, and the reason why it ought to be done, it makes the job easier. But to achieve that ease in our job, we need to take tremendous pain especially at this period of time, where the activity of the commission is not clearly understood by people; or being willingly subscribed to by others. You would discover that reactions to the present profile of the FCC in the advertisement of its mandate, has been varied depending on who is looking at it. We have had like the media’s enthusiastic support for what we are trying to do. While amongst the employers of labours we have those that view the FCC with suspicion, others with outright disdain which we are hoping it will one day go away. We would have to take that into consideration when we plan our strategies for the achievement of our mandate.

EC: Is the FCC considering the equitable distribution of economic amenities like for instance, recently the Group Managing Director of the NNPC advocated for the building of two more refineries. Is the even distribution of such infrastructure within the geo-political zones including the network of roads, factories, hospitals and schools also part of your statutory functions?
ANS: That’s the second leg of our mandate as I earlier mentioned. But that aspect of the FCC functions is still being in the incubating stage. Developing the criteria and guideline for the distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructure such as the one you have just mentioned. We are already working the commission on this premise. But the law which established the FCC says that such mechanism for the execution of this mandate can not come into operation until the guidelines which is been developed by the commission have been approved by the President. We have now got to a stage where we have gotten the framework of the guidelines. We have developed the parameter, the criteria for distribution of the socio-economic infrastructure. We are also currently developing the templates for capturing data on such deployment from MDA’s from time to time. But we are on the verge of commencing the major job from the budgeting stage. We have a committee set up just recently to look at the aspect of our mandate. As soon as we are able to perfect our instrument, we go straight ahead to Mr. President to obtain his approval for the deployment and enforcement of these responsibilities. We believe that the second part of our mandate is the critical factor in the consideration of the issue of national unity.

EC: We have come to the end of our interview. But you may wish to elaborate further on areas that are virile in the commission which we may have overlooked.
ANS: In the effort of the commission under my stewardship to reposition its focus and enhanced the delivery of its mandate; we are embarking on reorganization and restructuring. We have discussed this on several occasions, even the retreat in Bauchi and our return to base to consider the details of the proposals for reform and restructure. That is still going on and once it is in place, am sure there would be a more vibrant, more visible profile of the commission that you have had in the past. I must say that we have a crop of dedicated Nigerians, people who have achieved a lot in their various works of lives before their appointments here as commissioners. Each and every one is working like a clock trying to patriotically find ways in which we can support this government in the actualization of the 7 point agenda. We want to lift up the 7 point agenda from the level of mere preposition on television and general media propaganda to actual, veritable and achievable development.

However, the commission seems to have merely been struggling with the first mandate and just waking up to the business of the second mandate. The first mandate was to ensure equitable distribution of bureaucratic, civil and public posts, and working out the modalities at the three tiers of government. Different strata of the Nigerian society have different views of the Character Commission. While its activities or rather reasons for being are not clearly understood by some, most people do not subscribe to the tenets of its mandate as they alleged it only goes to divide us the more.

In addition, the execution of the first mandate has been criticized by some Nigerians who alleged nepotism and poor service delivery due to incompetence of those wrongfully employed based on federal character principle. They claimed the activities of previous managements of the commission led to gross abuse of employments into the civil service especially at the federal level as mediocre people are employed at the expense of well-qualified Nigerians who are denied the opportunity to contribute to national development through public service simply because of where they come from.

So it was not surprising that the commission’s announcement in Port Harcourt after a stakeholders’ retreat that it has concluded arrangements to kick-off implementation of its second mandate has generated so much interests from different strata of our society including civil society organizations. And this is why we must get right whatever the commission sets out to do in its second mandate. All sections of this country deserve fair treatment in the distribution of social amenities and development infrastructure as this will help correct the glaring development imbalances that currently exist across our nation.

The FCC said it had delineated the country into national, state and local government levels as channels of distribution among the federating units for ease of implementation. Allocations at the national level, it said, would be based on the 36 states and Abuja or the six geo-political zones or north and south, depending on available resources. At the state level, the federating units shall be the number of local governments in the state or the three senatorial districts within the state, while the federating units at the local government level shall be the electoral wards.

What the second mandate means to the citizens is that any section or community that has been neglected in terms of infrastructure provision could take their grievances before the commission and/or to the law courts and be listened to. And this is the most interesting aspect of the commission’s second mandate. An interesting question will be where the FCC is going to derive the enforcement muscle to actualize its second mandate. From facts on ground, the commission lacks statutory muscle to enforce the mandate of fair and even distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructure across the 36 federating units (states) since it has no direct control over the selection and funding of development projects in the three tiers of government.

The current issue of national unity will be seriously addressed if the Commission can be strongly empowered to do its job. This will include adequate funding and making it truly independent of the federal government along the lines of INEC. The constant cries of marginalisation by the federating units will be attenuated if the FCC is seen as a strong and impartial arbiter in the distribution of scarce socio-economic and infrastructural resources across the country. In this respect the FCC has a critical role to play in the nation-building process.

The law which established the FCC says that such mechanism for the execution of this mandate cannot come into operation until the guidelines which are being developed by commission have been approved by the President. On the modalities for the realization of the second mandate, Chairman of the Commission, Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem reportedly said: “We have now got to a stage where we have gotten the framework of the guidelines. We have developed the parameter, the criteria for distribution of the socio-economic infrastructure. We are also currently developing the templates for capturing data on such deployment from MDA’s from time to time. But we are on the verge of commencing the major job from the budgeting stage.” This sounds very promising. The challenge however will at the level of implementation and the level of independence which the Commission will be given to do its work.

In developing the criteria and guidelines for the distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructure as stated in the second mandate, the commission should work with the directly- impacted stakeholders- community leaders, youth groups and representatives of the various sections of the country at the National Assembly and even the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). In Nigeria, we do not lack ideas but the often familiar gulf between concepts and their implementation is so wide that it always swallows whatever good intention any concept pushes to achieve. For FCC to succeed therefore, its chairman, Professor Abdulraheem, a former Vice Chancellor, must be prepared to do whatever is necessary to bridge the gulf between a good concept and its implementation.

And this is why the present situation where different officers of the Commission are at war with each other is an unnecessary distraction. It is unprecedented in any government agency that officers should go to rent funny protesters with all kinds of names and even civil society groups to march in support of their self-serving interests. This is not very good for an organization that should actually be enforcing tolerance, equity and fairness across the country.

The National Association of Insurance Correspondents, NAICO, has named Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, as the Most Media-Friendly Insurance Company in the country for the year 2011.

The presentation of the Award was made at the Secretariat of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN; venue of the Association’s Annual General Meeting for 2011 which was held on August 23, 2011.

Making the presentation, the President of the National Association of Insurance Correspondents, pointed out that Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is one of the very proactive and dynamic underwriting firms in the country that has been at the vanguard of supporting and promoting the activities of the Association in time past and up to the present moment. In his words, “our relationship with your company has been very symbiotic and equally rewarding; your management has demonstrated genuine interest in the affairs of our Association”.

It will be recalled that Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc in 2008, endorsed in perpetuity the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, DAME, to reward outstanding Insurance Correspondents in the reporting of insurance bit in all ramifications. The DAME Insurance category Award is an annual event that is opened to all Insurance Correspondents in all the Media Houses in the country.

Receiving the Media-Friendly Award on behalf of the company, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management, Mr. Segun Bankole expressed profound appreciation and thanked the Association for the honour it bestowed on the company. According to him, “this Award is quite inspiring and encouraging to all of us in Sovereign Trust Insurance plc and we will not rest on our oars in ensuring that the relationship we have built with your Association over the years is strengthened in the years ahead”.

He also commended the efforts of the Association in promoting and projecting the Insurance Industry in the country. He equally assured the Leadership of the Association of his company’s continued support for the activities of the Association.

The Chief Image Maker of the company took the gathering through the history of the company in the last sixteen years of its inception. The company was incorporated in 1980 as Grand Union Assurances Limited and commenced business immediately. On January 2^nd, 1995, it was reconstituted and recapitalized under the new name of Sovereign Trust with an authorized share capital of N30M and fully paid-up capital of N20M.

Between 2005 and 2008, the company grew from a position of 100^th to 10^th in the industry. It was quoted on the floor of the Nigerian Stock exchange on November 26, 2006. It went into a merger arrangement with three insurance companies; namely, Confidence Insurance Plc, Coral International Company Limited and Prime Trust Insurance company. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, the company was rate A- by an International Rating Agency, Global Credit Rating (GCR), based in South Africa. The considerations for the rating were based on the company’s strong claims paying ability, strong and effective operational efficiency and capital adequacy.

He stated that the values of the company are hinged on, Superior Customer Service, Innovation, Professionalism, Empathy and Integrity. Furthermore, the vision of the company is to be a leading brand, providing insurance and financial services of global standards while its Mission is to enhance the everyday life of the company’s various customers through innovative insurance and financial services while creating exceptional value for all the Shareholders of the company.

Today, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has Shareholders’ Funds in excess of N4billion, a paid-up capital of N2.6billion and a balance sheet size of about N6billion. The company recently concluded its Rights Issue exercise geared at propelling the next phase of the growth agenda and to also allow Shareholders increase their stake in the company as a way of maximizing their investments for greater returns.

It is on record also, that the Board of Directors at the just concluded 16^th Annual General Meeting of the company held on August 25, 2011, was given approval to pay a dividend of 3 kobo per share for the benefit of the shareholders of the company.

With an unflinching resolve to creating exceptional value for shareholders of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, the Management of the company has announced yet another impressive second quarter result for 2011 in Lagos. The approved operating result for the second quarter indicates that the Company is leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of being a profitable organization.

The Operating Results for the second quarter ended 30^th June 2011, which was released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the course of the week showed an upward movement in every regard compared to the corresponding period in 2010.

The Gross Premium written in the period under review showed a 55% increase from what was recorded in the corresponding period of 2010 from N2.9B to N4.4B while Profit before tax stood at N900M as against N670M that was recorded in the same period of 2010, representing a 34.3% increase and Profit after tax peaked at N810M in 2011 from N603 recorded in 2010 with an increase of 34.3% as well.

The Deputy General Manager/Divisional Head, Finance & Investments of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Kayode Adigun stated that the operating result for the second quarter of the year is quite heartening and very encouraging, considering the fact that the company put up a very good performance also in the first quarter of the year. According to him, “it is a feat worth applauding when we consider the economic realities on ground that Management had to contend with in getting to where we are today. We are not in any way going to relent on our efforts in posting very significant and positive results all through the year in 2011 and in the years ahead.”

The Managing Director of the underwriting Firm, Mr. Wale Onaolapo has said that the new wave of performance in Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc should not be undermined in any way. He said the company is sternly focused in taking a place of pride amongst the comity of insurance companies in the country. “We will continue to give it all our best, bettering our performance from time to time; just as we will continually look up to the patronage of our teeming customers across the country both corporate and individuals”. He equally used the opportunity to show appreciation to all those who have been very instrumental to the success story so far.

The Rights Issue of the company is ongoing and it will close on Monday, August 25, 2011. The company is offering 1, 734, 585,755 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo per share on the basis of one (1) new ordinary share for every three (3) ordinary shares of 50 kobo each held as at the close of register on May 9, 2011.

There can’t be any other better time to invest in this very dynamic and upwardly mobile insurance company that has come to change the face of insurance business professionally in the country. The company has a track record of high claims paying ability as it has been thrice consecutively adjudged A- by one of the topmost Rating agencies in Africa, the Global Credit Rating Agency based in South Africa.

A member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, and the Managing Director of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Wale Onaolapo has called on fellow Practitioners in the country to toe the path of professionalism and integrity. He made the appeal at the 2011 Professional Forum of the Institute held in Ibadan, Oyo State recently.

According to him, ‘the insurance industry in Nigeria still has a lot to do in terms of gaining the confidence of the Nigerian insuring public and generating high patronage level’. He said the growth and advancement of the industry largely depends on the way and manner practitioners conduct themselves in all areas of their operations. In his words, “The bedrock of our success lies within our powers; we have the wherewithal of turning the vast opportunities around us to goldmine but we must be prepared to uphold professionalism and make integrity our watchword”.

One of the recurring decimal as to why the insurance industry has not grown beyond what it is today in Nigeria despite the various opportunities has been alluded to unprofessional conduct and unethical practices by some practitioners which invariably has resulted to a heightened apathy from the insuring public and thereby depleting the revenue that ought to have been generated by the industry. One would have expected that, with the large population of the country and the huge commercial opportunities that are replete across the country, insurance should have become one of the money-spinning financial sectors in the country but the reverse is the case.

Onaolapo enjoined practitioners at the Forum and in the country at large to always be mindful of the effects of their actions upon the industry. He said the image of the industry could be made or marred as a result of practitioners’ conduct in all ramifications.

The Managing Director of one of the very forward-looking underwriting firms in the country equally advised young and up-coming insurance practitioners in the industry to constantly develop and update their knowledge and skills of the business as a way of deepening the human capital base of the industry. He said the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, will continually strive to encourage practitioners in pursuing their professional aspirations.

The Managing Director of one of the budding insurance companies in the country Mr. Wale Onaolapo of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc was recently elected as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigeria Insurers Association, NIA at a keenly contested election held at the Annual General Meeting of the Association in Lagos.

Some of the ten contestants that bidded for election retained their seats It is interesting to note that Mr. Onaolapo got the ticket as a fresh candidate to the Governing Council.

In his appreciation speech, Mr. Onaolapo thanked everyone for making his aspiration a reality as he promised to bring to bear his wealth of experience and qualitative leadership acumen in ensuring that the association is taken to a respectable position of reckoning in the comity of professional associations in the country and beyond. He said the contributions of every member of the Governing Council are required to achieve remarkable success during their tenure in office. In his words, “I humbly believe that we all have one common goal and that is to make our dear association a point of reference in the Nigerian professional and economic landscape; our work begins now and we all need to bring our individual dynamism for the collective goal of making our tenure a success.”

A seasoned insurance professional of great repute, Mr. Onaolapo has worked in various companies where he acquired vast experience in the business of insurance at different levels before joining Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc in 1994. Mr. Wale Onaolapo’s experience in the insurance industry in Nigeria spans about 30 years. He once worked with Femi Johnson & Company and Unitrust Insurance Company Limited amongst the few companies he had traversed in the insurance industry.  

He holds a Diploma in journalism from the London School of Journalism.  He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, respectively. He holds an MBA from Lagos State University with special bias in Marketing Management. He is an Alumnus of the Lagos Business School having successfully completed the Advanced Management Programme, (AMP 12). He was also a Member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria during the stewardship of Mr. Sunny Adeda as President-in-Council of the Institute.

Mr. Onaolapo is a Member of the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938 and the Jericho Businessmen Club. He is happily married with children.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Wale Onaolapo has urged Nigerians to more than ever, embrace the culture of insurance in this New Year.  He gave this advice at the company’s annual end-of-year party held at the Head Office of the underwriting firm in Lagos.

He said Nigerians are yet to fully tap into the benefits of inculcating an insurance culture into their everyday life. In his words, “Nigeria is highly blessed with so much natural and human resources which has translated to a lot of wealth creation in the form of businesses and commercial activities that we see around us in the country today but the big question is how many of these businesses have that continuity and longevity elements that insurance provide” He asserted that there are enormous advantages in embracing insurance and making it a way of life as one can never go wrong with it.

Mr. Onaolapo commended the efforts of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM and the Lagos State Government respectively for ensuring that Nigerians comply to a large extent in taking up the compulsory insurance policies that the law of the land have identified. The compulsory insurances are those classes of insurance made compulsory by law, frequently with the objective of providing protection to third parties and the general public.

These compulsory insurances include Motor Vehicle, (third party or comprehensive), Building under construction, Public buildings, Employer’s liability, Medical professional liability and Group life for all employees. The Lagos State Government has warned that erring offenders are liable to a penalty fine of N250, 000, (two hundred and fifty thousand naira) or even imprisonment of two to three years as the case may be.

The Managing Director of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc opined that Nigerians do not need to be compelled to do what will add value to their lives rather; they should cultivate a proactive culture of sustaining their wealth and business concerns through a consistent insurance culture.

He enjoined the Staff and Management team of the organisation to constantly strive to be different and innovative in their approach to delivering services to customers in 2011 and beyond while also appreciating the Customers and the various stakeholders who kept faith with the company in the past year. He also called for their continued support and patronage in the New Year and always.

The underwriting firm has been around for 16 years now and it is still waxing strong. More on the products and service offerings can be gotten on the company’s website on www.stiplc.com.    

Disbursing the cheques to FADAMA Farmers the state governor Dr.
Emmanuel Uduaghan announced that the state government has completed
arrangements to establish Ten Agricultural related industries in the
state.

Dr. Uduaghan said that a Tomatoes Processing Industry would be
established in Ekwuoma while a Fish Industry would be established in
Ekpan near Warri.

He explained that his administration was working out modalities to
partner with the private sector so that the state government’s goal of
building an economy that could survive without oil would be realized.

Emphasizing that more industries would be established in the
agricultural sector the governor put said “Agriculture is central to
our goal of building an economy without oil. Agriculture especially as
a sector can serve as alternative to oil”.

Dr. Uduaghan enjoined farmers in the state to form co-operative groups
to enable them benefit from the state’s agricultural loan.

He promised to use the Micro Credit Facility to fund agricultural
programme and enjoined farmers to tap from it.

Recalling the progress already made in the agricultural sector he said
“The Obasanjo Farm established in Ogwashi-Uku is doing very well. It
is growing into one of the biggest farms in the country.”

The Governor enjoined Deltans to individually own a farm so that
hunger would be reduced in the country.

Dr. Uduaghan explained that increase in food production would reduce
huger and consequently reduce anger.

His words “Agriculture can be the main stay of our economy.  I am
deeply involved in agriculture and climate change. We are also
interested in environmental programme and all these will lead to
increased food production when properly managed.”

The Governor later inspected food exhibition and praised farmers for
their hard work especially Uvwie Youths who he said channeled their
energy from restiveness to a useful fishing venture.

In his address the State Commissioner for agriculture, Barrister Misan
Kubeinje announced that the State Government has established various
farmers’ friendly programmes to reduce food prices in the state.

Barrister Kubeinje outlined the friendly programmes to include Youth
Empowerment Agriculture Farmers Support Programme, Tractor Hire
Agency, Root and Tuber expansion programme, Community based Natural
Resource Management programme and Delta State Agricultural Procurement
Agency.

He said that Obasanjo Farms when fully functional  has also the
potential to reduce food prices as it has the capacity to produce
150,000 layers, 50,000 feed mill and 1,000 creates of egg daily.
[gallery=56]

Dr Uduaghan who gave the assurance at the corporate headquarters of
the company at Hyderabad, India, said the state government is also
committed to the success of this gas based industrialization agenda
explaining that everything will be done to remove any bottleneck the
company is experiencing.

Governor Uduaghan leading a joint team of NNPC and Delta state
government was received by the Managing Director of the company, Mr.
Rahul Raji, who explained that the company has reached financial
closure and is at advanced stage of its preparation to commence site
work at Koko.

“We are at advanced state of preparation to invest and begin site
work. Unlike any other project we are close to finalizing with EPC
contractors, we have global companies in Japan, South Korea and Europe
waiting for this project. Our plan is to sell majority of the products
in Nigeria and West Africa. This project is real. We have all the
components on the plate and we are determined to close this deal and
with your support we will do that,” Mr. Rahul Raji said.

Governor Uduaghan commended the company for its commitment and zeal,
saying, “Nargarjuna has the zeal and commitment and we are willing to
match this speed. Nigeria depends on oil for the majority of its
income, but we want to diversify and agriculture gives us the best
chance to do so. And so President Jonathan has launched the gas
revolution and we want that vision to succeed. We have the market and
the potential for the plant is very good. From what I know gas is not
an issue anymore, there is enough gas being produced as feedstock for
the plant, so we are ready to work and ensure the success of this
project.”

[gallery=55]

The funeral mass which was held at St. Matthias Catholic Church Uzere
had dignitaries from all works of life in attendance, including, he
state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and members of his cabinet, and
elder Statesman Chief Edwin Clark and representative of the Edo State
government among others.

While paying tribute to the late Chief Otobo, Governor Uduaghan
described him as a political icon that had concern for the unity and
peace of his state and contributed his quota in achieving the mission.

He appealed to Deltans to follow the legacy laid down by late Pa Otobo
in promoting peace, unity and development in the state.

“We must forgo the issue of violence, anger and rumour mongering, in
order to have a more united Delta State than what we have now. We
should not allow the unity Chief Otobo fought for to die,” Governor
Uduaghan said, adding, “Nobody is perfect; we need to be sympathetic
and help those that have weaknesses so that we can all work together
for the unity of our dear state.”

Governor Uduaghan promised that all developmental projects in the
state that were suspended because of the raining season would commence
immediately the rains were over.

He also promised the Catholic community of Uzere that the state
government would assist them in ensuring the completion of the new
church building in order to meet up with the desire of late Chief
James Otobo.

The Parish Priest of the Church, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obadje in his
sermon, said death was an inevitable end which all mortals must
experience as such it was necessary to live a life pleasing to God.

“At death the human body is dead and will experience decay but the
soul will return to God to account for its deeds while on earth,” he
said.

He described the late Chief Otobo as a believer who embraced Christ in
his old age and served him whole heartedly till death adding that his
faith in God was nourished by the word of God.

Speaking further, he said Chief Otobo was a generous Christian who
ensured that all working for God must benefit from him saying “Papa
ensured that those working for God benefited from him (Papa Otobo).He
paid the salary of the two catechists we have in this church and have
contributed so much to the building of our new church.”

The cleric called on all Christians to live a life worthy of emulation
and examine their lives as the life and times of late Chief Otobo were
being celebrated, stressing that we will all account before God how we
spent our lives while on earth.

Late Chief James Otobo was the deputy premier of the old Midwest
Region, a member of the former Western House of Assembly (1951-1963).
He fought and gave the lsoko people an identity and died at the age of
86 years.

[gallery=54]

Dr. Uduaghan who stated this when he inspected on-going
re-construction and renovation work at the Eku Baptist Hospital in
Ethiope East Local Government Area, said his government was committed
to ensuring that work at the hospital was completed on time and to
specification.

He commended the Eku community for providing a peaceful environment
for the re-construction work to move on smoothly saying “The
government will carry out more developmental projects in any community
in the state that is peaceful.”

The governor observed that it was the responsibility of host
communities to ensure that any government project in their domain run
smoothly without disruption stressing that it would encourage
government to execute more projects in such areas.

Governor Uduaghan informed the Eku community that one of the primary
schools in the area was among those to be re-constructed and equipped
by the state government adding that the access road to the hospital
would also be tarred by the government.

He noted that his administration was not only re-constructing the
hospital but was also equipping it with modern medical facilities and
medical experts in order to make it a star hospital in the state and
country.

“Eku hospital was one of the best hospitals in this country in the
past; we are renovating it so as to restore it to its past glory. The
medical facilities to be used are being imported while medical
specialists are already on ground in the hospital and more will be
employed,” he said.

The governor who was conducted round the hospital by the project
manager of the contracting firm Mr. Adedeji Banjo, urged the firm to
ensure that they meet up the stipulated time for the completion of the
work.

Mr. Banjo explained that his firm would deliver the work according to
specification and in due time saying “you can see that work is going
on smoothly in the hospital, we hope to deliver a quality job at the
stipulated time.”

The student Nurses in the hospital expressed appreciation to the
governor for giving them the opportunity to be trained with modern
medical facilities and specialist in a conducive environment stressing
that it would help improve on their performance.

Dr. Uduaghan inspected the already completed female ward, the canteen
and hospital walkways as well as the male ward and children ward still
under renovation.

[gallery=53]

Dr. Uduaghan who was at the project site at Oleri, Udu local
government area of the state, said he was impressed with the quality
of work at the bridge and access road linking the site.

He disclosed that the employment potentials of the project was
enormous adding that over four hundred youths have already been
employed while more than one thousand persons would be employed when
the beautification of the median on the road leading from the site to
the DSC roundabout would commence this year.

The governor said he was impressed that no security challenge has been
associated with the project saying “l am happy that no security
challenge has been associated with this project, this has helped to
fast- track the pace of work. l have been assured that the bridge and
access road will be completed this year.’

The Managing Director of Sarner PFM, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi who
conducted the governor round the site said work on the project was
going according to plan adding that all soil tests would be concluded
by this month.

She disclosed that the clearing of the site which was four hundred and
fifty acres of land was 60% completed and an environmental impact
assessment on the project also completed.

“The clearing of this site is 60% completed, within three months the
sand filling will be completed and the first phase of construction
work on the tourist village will commence,” she said.

Sarner PFM is a private firm in partnership with Delta State
Government to develop The Delta Leisure Resort and Park, a tourist
destination, would be a first class tourist village in West Africa.

[gallery=52]

Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who gave the charge yesterday while inaugurating
Board in Asaba told the members to ensure that only people of good
character and who are spiritually rich went for pilgrimage.

He observed that the yearly exercise has been turned into a jamboree
regretting that people of shady characters and under age went for the
exercise which is exclusively reserved for Christians of good
standing.

He particularly referred to a case where a non-Christian who has not
embraced Christianity made the pilgrimage list some years back and
humorously asked “What kind of pilgrimage will an idol worshiper go
for in the holy land when he has not been converted to Christianity?”

“We are very much against turning pilgrimages into tourism. We expect
that the Board will do a good job in ensuring that Christians of good
character go for pilgrimage in the holy land,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan charged the board members to eschew selfishness and place
the people’s interest above all considerations and strive to match
their action with the pace already set by the government.

The governor also enjoined them to continue to pray for the success of
his administration, explaining that if the state government succeeds
the church will be proud to give glory to Almighty God.

He therefore urged the Board to employ decorum and moderation in the
discharge of their duties, saying the Board was being inaugurated at
an auspicious time when this year’s exercise was about to take place
and prayed the Board not to betrayed the confidence placed on it.

The governor stressed the importance of pilgrimage describing it as
spiritually nourishing and urged them to make the best of it.

Explaining the determination of his administration to put smiles on
the faces of Deltans through quality governance, Governor Uduaghan
said: “My administration is determined to put smiles on the faces of
Deltans through quality governance. It is my hope that your
appointment will add value to the state government three point
agenda.”

The Chairman of the Board, Arch-Bishop God-do-well Avwomakpa expressed
appreciation to the state government for appointing them and appealed
to Deltans not to distract them through undue influence.

Avwomakpa also appealed to Deltans not to do anything that will
corrupt members especially through barrage of requests.

Other members of the Board are Bishop Justus Mogekwu, Rev. Ralph
Itotoh, Rev. Clifford Amatesinro and Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabor, Rev.
(Dr.) Okonye Cyril Ifechukwude and Ven. Moses Elumerie while Rev. P.F.
Anyasi would serve as Secretary.

[gallery=51]

Responding the Chairman of the board, Rev. Fr. Buchi Aninye thanked
the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve the
state and promised that they would do their best in improving the
image of the state.

He called on Deltans to give the board the necessary support and
co-operation especially through prayers in order to enable them excel
in their assignment.

Members of the board are Rev. Fr. Buchi Aninye as Chairman, Rev.
Napoleon Agbikimi, Barrister Kennedy Uwabiti, Barrister William
Etubiebi and Mrs. Margaret Anyanka as members.

[gallery=49]

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan gave the indication yesterday in Government
House Asaba when he received the newly installed traditional ruler of
Oruarive-Abraka Kingdom, Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta 11 on courtesy
visit.

He said the traditional rulers were expected to raise an alarm if
contractors particularly those who hail from the benefitting
communities refuse to execute the job after collecting mobilization
fees or inform the community of the projects.

Governor Uduaghan stated that the involvement of the traditional
rulers in the monitoring of projects had become important to avoid a
situation where contractors collect money and abandon the projects.

“The new strategy we are using, we will try as much as possible to
involve the traditional rulers in the monitoring of projects in the
communities, especially if the contractor is an indigene”, he stated.

He drew the attention of the entire Abraka community to projects
cited by the Delta State Oil Mineral Areas Development Commission in
the area which were abandoned by an indigene of the area after
collecting the money for the projects.

He assured the entire Abraka community that no level of distraction
would dissuade him from bringing development to the community adding
that in spite of political distractions, his relationship with the
community will remain cordial at all times.

His words: “Let me use this opportunity to give assurance to Abraka
people that I have no problem with Abraka people. I have never had
problem with Abraka people … So let me assure the Abraka people that I
have no problem with them, one or two persons may have political
differences with me but that does not affect my relationship with the
Abraka people”.

The Ovie of Oruarive-Abraka, Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta 11 expressed
appreciation to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the recognition, saying
the state government’s presentation of staff of office to him had
stopped an over one hundred years interregnum the community went
without a traditional ruler.

He maintained that the recognition has opened a new vista of cordial
relationship between the community and the state government while
pledging the loyalty and support of the community to Governor Emmanuel
Uduaghan.

[gallery=47]

Governor Uduaghan in a terse statement in Asaba by his Chief Press
Secretary, Sunny Ogefere, said the rains have subsided and can no
longer be excuse for contractors to continue to delay completion of
contracts.

He warned that contractors who fail to mobilize fully to site and
ensure speedy completion of the projects should be prepared to face
the wrath of Government.

Governor Uduaghan gave the directive in compliance with the State
House of Assembly’s resolution on the complacency of contractors
handling some key projects for the State.

The Governor assured the State Legislators that the executive arm of
the Government will continue to collaborate with them to improve the
living standard of Deltans through good governance.

Announcing this at oath-taking of the Medical doctors and the first
graduation ceremony of medical students from the university in Oghara,
Dr. Uduaghan said the offer was done to encourage the young doctors
after years of toiling.

Governor Uduaghan who pledged to provide the Delta State University
Teaching Hospital with the best medical equipment to make it a centre
of excellence in the country also promised to employ more specialists
so that the image of the hospital would loom large and attract
students and patients from far and near.

Dr. Uduaghan said that in the near future people would no longer
travel to India for medical treatment but would patronize the Delta
State University Teaching Hospital Oghara because of the feat
recorded.

“Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara will have the best
facilities and a time will come when it will take over the market from
India. From far and near, students and patients will come to this
hospital,” he said.

He enjoined the new medical doctors to be dedicated to their esteemed
profession and not allow the quest for material wealth dent their
image and calling.

Explaining that a life lost can never be brought back, the governor
said the medical profession made saving of lives a priority over all
other considerations.

Dr. Uduaghan charged them to shun all forms of industrial actions
stressing that abandoning work meant abandoning their patients which
carries grave consequences.

“Don’t deny your patient treatment because of flimsy excuses. Take
very serious care of your patients. Do not allow strikes to affect you
but be ready to make sacrifices and save lives,” he charged the new
Doctors.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Oghara community for being
a good host and appealed to the people to live with students and
workers peacefully at the hospital.

Speaking before admitting the doctors into the Medical and Dental
Council, the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Abdullmumini Ibrahim
enjoined the doctors to be good ambassadors of their Institution and
should not allow people to ask derisively which institution they
graduated from.

Dr. Abdullmumini said that if they allowed such question to be asked
about their competence especially their professional expertise, it
would bring shame and disgrace to their institution, the profession
and themselves.

He therefore charge them to be diligent and embrace the ethics of the
medical profession through in-depth practical exposure.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Eric Arubayi
commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for intervening when the college
of medical science of the institution was at a cross road over the
accreditation of the medical course. Prof. Eric Arubayi said the
college of health science was given its first clinical accreditation
in June 2009 while the second by MDCN and final one came February
2011.

He commended the medical doctors for their patience even as he said
that their perseverance and determination paid off and made them to
succeed.

The State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who announced this during
the inauguration ceremony of the State Bursary and Scholarship Board
in Asaba, said two schools have already been established in Ozoro and
Orerokpe to actualise the policy.

“My administration has approved the return of 40 schools to the
missionary. The state government has also approved the establishment
of two new government schools in Ozoro and Orerokpe as the only
schools in the communities were mission schools.”

Dr. Uduaghan therefore appealed to communities in the state having
issues with the handing over of schools to bear with the state
government as such issues would be addressed.

The governor explained that modalities for the return of schools to
the missions have been completed and the interest of all stakeholders
involved addressed.

Explaining further, he said the committee that handled the return of
schools did a thorough job and all fears both from the teachers,
communities and religious organizations were taken care of to ensure
that the exercise satisfied the interests of all.

He said the handover of schools was done in the interest of the
government and the people of the state, explaining that it will go a
long way in ensuring academic excellence and discipline.

He announced that the state government pays the highest amount on
bursary and scholarship more than any other state in the country
saying “I can say that the state government spend more money on
bursary and scholarship than any other state in the country.”

The governor explained that his administration was committed towards
assisting students in the state to achieve their potentials especially
through education.

He expressed optimism that the new board would do its best in
promoting his administration’s three point agenda. “We believe that
every arm of government has a touch of Christianity, we hope that the
members of different boards in the state will bring religious touch
into their activities in order to help the state grow,” he said.

Responding the Chairman of the board, Rev. Fr. Buchi Aninye thanked
the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve the
state and promised that they would do their best in improving the
image of the state.

He called on Deltans to give the board the necessary support and
co-operation especially through prayers in order to enable them excel
in their assignment.

Members of the board are Rev. Fr. Buchi Aninye as Chairman, Rev.
Napoleon Agbikimi, Barrister Kennedy Uwabiti, Barrister William
Etubiebi and Mrs. Margaret Anyanka as members.

The state governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who formally presented the
handing-over letters to the missionaries assured teachers and
non-teaching staff of the affected schools that their monthly salaries
and pensions are guaranteed by the state government.

“The hand-over has taken this long period before its actualization,
because there were several issues, which had to be addressed. They
include staff welfare, conditions of service and concerns of the
Nigerian Union of Teachers over the fate of its members in these
schools. Most of these issues and concerns have been adequately
addressed and let me assure you that teachers in these schools have no
reason to worry,” he said.

He said that his administration was determined to ensure that schools
were returned to their original owners as it would help improve on the
standard of education saying “This exercise is intended to improve on
the standard of education. The missions have done this before and can
still do it.”

Continuing, Governor Uduaghan said: “Over the years, the standard of
education has continued to dwindle. Most critics blame the fall,
especially in morals, to the take-over of schools by the Federal
Government, thirty eight years ago. It has become necessary for us to
give these schools back to their original owners with a view to
arresting this downward trend in both morals and academics.”

The governor noted that government schools would compete with mission
schools in providing quality and standard education in the state. “I
believe the mission will provide a standard for government schools. We
shall strive to match this standard.

Governor Uduaghan lamented the moral decadence in the society
stressing that education was gradually declining because teachers and
students were no longer dedicated to their responsibilities.

Speaking further, he said the situation was different in mission
schools “Society is gradually declining morally. Schools have lived up
to expectation in this aspect because the students and teachers are
dedicated”.

He commended the missions for their patience with government over the
handing-over process adding that the process took over 10 years and
promised that all issues arising from the handing over would be
amicably resolved.

In a brief response, the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Dioceses of
Oleh, Bishop Jonathan Edewor who spoke on behalf of the missions
expressed appreciation to the state government for formally handing
over schools to the missions.

He promised that the missions would do its best to build a high
educational standard in the state and called on the co-operation of
all Deltans in achieving this goal.

“We will not disappoint you as long as you co-operate with the
mission. The mission will co-operate with the government in achieving
this goal”.

Bishop Edewor commended the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary
Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare for accelerating the handing over
process and appealed to government to give the mission the free hand
to run the schools.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of handing-over
letters to representatives of the mission which comprised of the
Anglican, Catholic, Africa and Baptist Churches.

In a telephone conversation with some fans of his Facebook account,
the Governor said while unemployment remained the greatest challenge
of his administration, he was already partnering with the private
sector and well meaning investors to empower the teeming youths.

In the conversation which was part of his activities to mark the
nation’s 51st independent anniversary, he explained that it has become
imperative to restructure and reposition the economy of the state, not
only to create job opportunities but to be less dependent on oil.

“I want Deltans to be patient; my administration will create jobs for
our youths. The construction of infrastructures takes time; we are
doing our best to develop more of them in order to empower our
people,” he stated.

According to the Governor, the administration was already refocusing
the state economy to have agriculture as the mainstay because
agriculture has the capacity not only to engage the teeming youths but
also to become the main revenue earner for the state.

Similarly, Governor Uduaghan said that serious attention would be
given to the rehabilitation of roads and construction of new ones
across the state immediately the rains stop stressing however that
emphasis would be on economically viable roads particularly those that
lead to the farms.

Specifically, he said that Umeh road in Isoko Local Government Area of
the state, would be given immediate attention to enable the large
concentration of farmers in the area have access to evacuate their
farm produce.

“Delta State government is committed to the construction of that road
because of its great agricultural potentials. Work will begin in
earnest after the rains and it will be completed hopefully before the
next raining season”, he added.

The Governor stated that deliberate efforts were on to re-strategize
his administrations people-oriented programmes as it has been observed
that gaps existed in some of the programmes as some Deltans are
unaware of the programmes meant for their benefit.

“As for marketing our administrations programmes, we are
re-strategizing so that people will know more of the programmes like
the free maternal healthcare for pregnant women and children under 5
years, the free examination fees for SS3 students, scholarship for
different categories of beneficiaries, among others,” he said in
response to an issue raised by one of the fans.

On the issue of waste management, Dr. Uduaghan explained that the
state government would partner with the private sector in order to
ensure that waste in the state was effectively disposed to keep the
state clean and healthy.

His word: “Waste management is not for the government alone, the
private sector can be involved. This is why the state government wants
to partner with them so as to help keep our environment clean. We have
acquired some dumpsites in the state for waste disposal.”

Some of the fans, who interacted with the Governor, are Ezarevah
Elohor, Tito Omunizua, Onofighe Akpojevwe and Isioma Ndah. They raised
issues bordering on youth unemployment, roads,   flood, sanitation,
education, etc.

The offer for subscription for the first tranche of fifty billion
naira under its one hundred billion naira bond issuance programme was
fully subscribed to among investors following a completion Board
meeting between the state government and the stakeholders to the bond
issue.

At the completion board meeting held in Abuja. Governor Emmanuel
Uduaghan led officials of the state government at the meeting which
included the state commissioner for finance, Mr. Bernard Okumagba and
the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Charles Ajuya
while the bond’s lead issuer, Access Bank Plc and financial advisers
BGL Ltd led a host of other institutional investors.

At the meeting, the parties perfected all legal issues concerning the
bond which has a fourteen percent fixed rate interest and 2018 due
date.

All the institutional investors present could hardly control their
excitement at the bond issue as they made full subscription for it
immediately after signing the offer papers.

In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said he was happy at the
success of the offer adding that the money had opened a new vista of
matchless development of infrastructures that would bring greater
economic development to the state.

Governor Uduaghan thanked Deltans for their support and the investing
public for the confidence reposed in the state and assured that the
bond proceeds would be well spent, particularly on rural roads to
enable farmers evacuate farm produce to the hinter-land with easy.

“Our challenge now is really dealing with the problem of
infrastructure but now that we have access to fifty billion naira, we
will fast track all our infrastructural development. One area we are
going to lay emphasis on is education,” he said.

The Managing director of Access bank plc, Mr.  Aigboje Imhoukhuede
pointed out that investors embraced the bond issue because of Governor
Uduaghan‘s transparency in handling the financial affairs of
the state, the state’s robust financial capacity and the ability to
pay back their bond proceeds.

“We are confident in this offer. The Delta State Government,
particularly under the leadership of Governor Uduaghan has set a high
standard of transparency in handling its financial affairs. Delta
State also has a robust balance sheet and therefore has the capacity
particularly through its internally generated revenue to repay the
bond proceeds “, he stated.

Earlier the managing director of BGL Ltd, the lead financial advisers
to the bond issue, Mr. Albert Okumagba assured Governor Emmanuel
Uduaghan of the support of financial investors.

The completion board meeting followed the approval of the bond offer
by the Security and Exchange Commission, (SEC) and other regulatory
authorities.

The offer for subscription for the first tranche of fifty billion naira under its one hundred billion naira bond issuance programme was fully subscribed to among investors following a completion Board meeting between the state government and the stakeholders to the bond issue.

At the completion board meeting held in Abuja. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan led officials of the state government at the meeting which included the state commissioner for finance, Mr. Bernard Okumagba and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Charles Ajuya while the bond’s lead issuer, Access Bank Plc and financial advisers BGL Ltd led a host of other institutional investors.

At the meeting, the parties perfected all legal issues concerning the bond which has a fourteen percent fixed rate interest and 2018 due date.

All the institutional investors present could hardly control their excitement at the bond issue as they made full subscription for it immediately after signing the offer papers.

In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said he was happy at the success of the offer adding that the money had opened a new vista of matchless development of infrastructures that would bring greater economic development to the state.

Governor Uduaghan thanked Deltans for their support and the investing public for the confidence reposed in the state and assured that the bond proceeds would be well spent, particularly on rural roads to enable farmers evacuate farm produce to the hinter-land with easy.

“Our challenge now is really dealing with the problem of infrastructure but now that we have access to fifty billion naira, we will fast track all our infrastructural development. One area we are going to lay emphasis on is education,” he said.

The Managing director of Access bank plc, Mr.  Aigboje Imhoukhuede pointed out that investors embraced the bond issue because of Governor Uduaghan‘s transparency in handling the financial affairs of
the state, the state’s robust financial capacity and the ability to pay back their bond proceeds.

“We are confident in this offer. The Delta State Government, particularly under the leadership of Governor Uduaghan has set a high standard of transparency in handling its financial affairs. Delta
State also has a robust balance sheet and therefore has the capacity particularly through its internally generated revenue to repay the bond proceeds “, he stated.

Earlier the managing director of BGL Ltd, the lead financial advisers to the bond issue, Mr. Albert Okumagba assured Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the support of financial investors.

The completion board meeting followed the approval of the bond offer by the Security and Exchange Commission, (SEC) and other regulatory authorities.

Dr. Uduaghan who made the appeal while addressing Deltans during the
celebration in Asaba urged them to bury the hatchet and join him to
provide the dividends of democracy.

He enjoined Deltans not to allow issues that could be settled through
dialogue to destroy the unity and love which is currently being shared
and cherished.

“I appeal to all Deltans to bury the hatchet and join me in my effort
to improve our lot. Deltans should embrace dialogue in order to
promote peace in the state,” he said.

The governor who promised to work tirelessly to move the state to
greater heights said he has already worked out the roadmap to achieve
the much needed social economic development.

He stated that, to realize this, his administration was determined to
complete all on-going projects in the state in order to energize the
economic life of the people.

Dr. Uduaghan said while unemployment remained the greatest challenge
of his administration, he promised to partner with the private sector
and well meaning investors to achieve this goal and provide employment
opportunities for the teeming youths.

The governor said it has become imperative to restructure and
reposition the economy of the state, not only to create job
opportunities but to be less dependent on oil.

He regretted the negative effect of a one product economy which
according to him was a depleting resource and promised to build
strategic infrastructure that could turn the industrial sector around.

“The lesson of a one product economy and the fact that it is a
depleting resource has informed my administration’s desire to build a
strategic infrastructure that can energize the industrial sector,” he
said.

The governor therefore invited Deltans in the Diaspora to come home
and enrich the state with their exposure and expertise and participate
in the on-going social economic effort of his administration.

Dr. Uduaghan also urged Delta State born professionals and businessmen
to join the vanguard of investors and play active roles in the
development of the state.

He explained that his administration has instituted what he called
Liberal democratic framework which according to him provides space for
the expression of contrary and divergent views as well as sufficient
and unlimited opportunity for discourse in order to ensure peace in
the state.

“My administration has instituted a liberal democratic framework which
gives the citizens ample space for expression of contrary and
divergent views. It provides sufficient and unlimited opportunity for
discourse.”

The governor therefore enjoined Deltans to express themselves under
that atmosphere instead of resorting to rumour mongering, baseless
agitations, violence and strife which were counterproductive and cause
severe losses on the people.

Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO of TEF, has deep familiarity with Kenya as well. “I lived in Kenya for three
years before returning to Nigeria to work with Mr. Elumelu to build Africa’s pre-eminent
philanthropic institution,” he said. “There was so much I learned in Kenya that I was able to call
upon in my work in Nigeria, and now I am excited to see Mr. Elumelu coming this way to talk
to Kenya’s business and entrepreneurial elite about lessons Kenya can learn from his success in
Nigeria and across the continent. These are the kinds of inter-regional interactions that will
transform Africa from within.”
Among such interactions are TEF’s and Heir Holdings’s investment in Mtanga Farms, a farming
operation at the heart of Tanzania’s national initiative to combat food insecurity. The deal
recognizes East Africa’s advanced farming operations, something West African agricultural
businesses can learn from. It also marks the first time an Africa-based philanthropy has
engaged in impact investing, an approach that, unlike traditional grant making, uses for-profit
methods to solve intractable social and environmental problems.
“With 12 million people facing famine in the Horn of Africa, the private sector must work
harder to solve East Africa’s food security – by investing more funds in production and
distribution networks and opening access to finance,” Boer said.
After his Strathmore engagement, Elumelu attended a UBA Directors’ annual training session
involving directors from UBA country operations across East & Southern Africa where he
delivered a lecture on ‘Formulating Strategic Business Direction’. He retired as Group CEO of
UBA in August 2010.
To conclude his daylong visit, Elumelu was joined by private/public sector business leaders
from across East Africa including Kenya’s Vice President, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, Honourable
Peter Kenneth, Assistant Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision
2030, Stella Kilonzo, the CEO of the Capital Markets Authority, and Linus Gitahi, Group CEO of
Nation Media Group. The reception was hosted by UBA Kenya and also included an array of
dignitaries from the business, development and public sector communities. The regional IT
sector was particularly well represented and included Tanzania’s Ali Mufuruki of Infotech and
Nick Hughes of Signal Point Partners who played a leading role in the development and
deployment of M-PESA.
“The outlook for Kenya’s economy as a regional powerhouse is promising. By identifying
opportunities to link Kenyan businesses with Nigerian markets, and vice versa, we can make
great progress in African driven economic transformation” Elumelu noted.

“We are convinced that improving our national competitiveness will provide the
impetus for rapid economic development. As an acknowledged expert in this field we
think that Porter will be of invaluable support here.”
Immediately following the Villa meeting, Elumelu hosted key officials from President
Jonathan’s team for lunch in the Transcorp Hilton to engage them further on the
competitiveness of nations in the context of the administration’s transformation
agenda. In attendance was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms.
Arunma Oteh, President of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mr. Foluso Phillips,
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Monitoring and Evaluation, Professor
Sylvester Monye, GMD/CEO UBA, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and other key public and private
sector leaders.

The Governor who was speaking at an executive health talk in Asaba yesterday enjoined the state workforce especially the top echelon of the service to go for regular check up to enable them live long.

Regretting that the state has lost some of its staff to cardiac arrest and other related diseases the Governor promised to liaise with the cardiologists to see how top government functionaries could go for regular check up.

“We have heard in recent times of sudden death. This we can check by monitoring our health and through constant exercise for at least 30 minutes,” he said.

Earlier, cardiologist, Dr. Abayomi Johnson was harsh on government functionaries and other Nigerians who at the slightest opportunity fly abroad for medical checkup and treatment.

Dr. Abayomi who gave the condemnation when he delivered a lecture titled “AT THE RISK TO DIE” at Asaba said he feels upset and pained when Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad.

He disclosed that the country has very good medical facilities and experts explaining that there were very few reasons why Nigerians should go abroad for medical treatment.

The renowned cardiologist who said health is bright in the country said: “why do Nigerians seek for medical treatment abroad? Sometimes foreigners laugh at us when our people go out to look for treatment on diseases that can be treated here in Nigeria”

Dr. Abayomi said Nigerian doctors have come a long way and are found in top positions in highly rated hospitals across the globe.

He called on Nigerians not the jump the cue and die prematurely but should constantly go for check up to enable them live long.

Dr. Abayomi enjoined those who are suffering from high blood pressure, Diabetes, Cancer and other heart related diseases to go for check up the way they service their vehicles.

He observed that most Nigerians do not take their health problems seriously explaining that they go to the hospital only when their health problem deteriorates even beyond unmanageable level.

His words “Do you stay as much as six months without servicing your car, motorcycle or generator? But some of us stay as much as six months without medical checkup. Go for check up the way you service your vehicle or generator.”

The cardiologist said Nigerians could live long if they take to constant exercise warning that if we failed to exercise our body constantly there was the likelihood that we could die prematurely.

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Dr. Uduaghan who gave the warning while swearing in seven Commissioners, seven Special Advisers and inaugurating the Direct Labour Agency and Waste Management Board in Asaba, promised to remain focused to deliver the much needed dividends of democracy irrespective of diversionary tactics of detractors.

He regretted that some political jobbers have consistently been threatening peace and security in the state and warned them to desist or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

Besides, the governor who noted that the actions of the detractors were capable of undermining the system enjoined them to direct their energies into meaningful ventures instead of the   current efforts to bring the state down.

His words “Some people have been threatening this administration and want it to fail. We will not fail and no amount of pressure and threat will make us to lose focus.”

Dr. Uduaghan assured Deltans that he would not betray the social contract he signed with them and would turn the pages of his history in their favour by improving their living standard.

He enjoined the new Commissioners to be sensitive to the needs of the people as well as reminded them that they were chosen not only to be part of the team that would transform the state but also be diligent and impact positively on the society.

Emphasizing the importance of their position as co-pilots he said “It is my sincere hope that none of you will behave in anyway capable of betraying the confidence reposed in you. I am sure your wealth of experience will be of immense value in the public service.”

The governor urged them to strictly follow due process, rule of law and accountability.

“Let me inform you that this administration wants to lighten the burden of our people, alleviate poverty and provide modern educational and health facilities. We must not fail”.

Directing the Direct Labour Agency to rehabilitate roads in Asaba, Warri and other cities in the state the governor jokingly said “People always talk about pot holes and you should work on them immediately”.

Dr Uduaghan charged the Waste Management Agency to remove all structures blocking the waterways. He also charged the Agency to remove all illegal structures irrespective of who owned the structures.

 “There is threat of flood this year and rain is falling more than ever before so remove refuse and all illegal structures blocking the natural waterways even if the structure belongs to me,” he charged the board.

Responding one of the Commissioners Mr. Charles Emetulu expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy for the appointment.

Mr. Emetulu promised that they would not disappoint the governor but discharge their duties diligently.

Reacting to news of the death of the actor, the Governor said it was shocking and saddening because Nigerians and the entertainment industry worldwide still looked forward to more and better performance from the actor.

He said that the actor would be greatly missed given that he was a bundle of talents and experience having practiced for about 47 years, adding that he was a true Nigerian whose acting predated Nollywood.

“We would not forget in a hurry Sam Loco’s ability to get our ribs cracking with laughter with his hilarious performances … Besides; he was a polyglot who did not only speak the major languages in Nigeria but could easily have passed as an indigene of any of the regions of the country”, Uduaghan Stated.

The Governor enjoined his colleagues and Nigerians in general to emulate the late actor’s diligence and commitment to duty.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the family, the colleagues and the people and government of Edo State, the fortitude to bear the loss.

The governor in a statement yesterday by his aide, Mr. Paul Odili, said, “Justice is gradually being done to the people of the Niger Delta, whose land, water and way of life were long destroyed by oil spillage and refusal of oil companies to clean up the spillages and accept responsibility for the failure of their systems, including the negligence to rehabilitate their infrastructure.

“For years spillages have occurred incessantly in the zone, with no one accepting to halt the devastation that gradually eroded the livelihood of the people of the zone, who are mainly farmers and fisher men for generations. The usual claims of International Oil Companies of sabotage is ringing hallow by the day.  

“I welcome the decision of the UK Court in London on the Bodo community petition over the oil spill that occurred in 2008. The class action suit filed by the affected community is a clear indication of the increasing awareness of the people to the harm being done to them and to seek justice through due process instead of violence.

“I must stress that one of the causes of the Niger Delta crisis was that people were driven into violence because of mass poverty triggered by the wide spread despoliation of their environment.

“The truth is that despite this victory, the Niger Delta is still an environmental wasteland on account of several oil spills not cleaned up as quickly as it should and therefore a lot is still to be done.  

“My interest in environmental issues is to seek ways to urge international support to take more committed action to protect the environment. I have, as part of steps to determine the harm done to Delta State, appointed a university academic and international consultant, Prof Richard Steiner to study and conduct an assessment of the damage to Delta State from Oil and Gas exploration and exploitation over the last 50 years. 

“The aims of this exercise are to identify the damage caused by five decades of oil and gas development in Delta State, advice on remediation strategy and reduce the risk of future damage,” he said. 

The Governor who announced this at a meeting with residents of Mbiri Farm Settlement in Ika North-East local government area of the state promised to provide loan to farmers, access roads as well as construct hospitals in the farm settlements.

He also promised to make the farm settlements comfortable for the farmers through the provision of intercity bus services, electricity, consultancy services and highly subsidies fertilizers.

Dr Uduaghan who said that Agriculture will become an alternative to oil production in the state disclosed that the sector will be reinvigorated to become the economic main-stay of the state.

“I want the Direct Labour Agency and Ministry of Works to rehabilitate the road as a palliative measure until the rainy season is over. Besides I also want the Ministry of Water resources to provide portable water in the farms,” he said.   

Encouraging the Mbiri farm settlers to expand and become exporters of raw materials and finished products, Governor Uduaghan said agriculture has high revenue profile and appealed to the settlers not to allow the legacy established by the founding fathers to die.

 “Farming has huge financial benefits and I want to encourage you to continue to improve your method of farming especially the youths who have the potential to sustain the legacy already established,” Governor Uduaghan said.

Dr. Uduaghan who promised to spread the Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture programme to all farm settlements in the state also promised to use the Mbiri farm settlement as a practical industrial training centre for students of agriculture.

The Governor expressed happiness that most of the farmers in the settlements were trained and experienced and expressed the hope that they will pass on their expertise on agriculture to young students who are studying agriculture in tertiary institutions.

He however enjoined the farmers to keep their farms tidy explaining that weeds were dangerous to crops and could affect negatively the expected high yields of crops.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture Barrister Misan Kubeinje in his speech said the Mbiri farm settlement which was established in 1960 has 1000 farming families.

Hon. Kubeinje said the Ministry supplied 3,500 oil palm seedlings to the farm and trained farmers in bee farming recently.   

He however appealed to the State Governor to provide a vehicle for movement in the farm as well as renovate settler’s quarters.

A spokesman for the farmers Mr. Christopher Okubor appealed to the Governor to rehabilitate the farm settlement because it was in a deplorable condition.

Mr. Okubor also appealed to the Governor to build a health centre that will cater for the health needs of people.

Emphasizing the importance of the farm settlement and the need to increase food production in the state he requested the state Governor to give farmers in the settlement loans to enable them buy enough fertilizers, seeds and seedlings.

Dr. Uduaghan who was speaking while inaugurating the Delta State Climate Change Team at Government House, Asaba, yesterday said “Even doubting Thomases who did not see any reason why I, as a person, was championing the cause of addressing the issues connected with climate change, are now aware of the consequences through the pattern of rainfalls and attendant erosion that follows.  The recent case of the massive flood that swept through Lagos is a case in point.”

“Only last Tuesday, we hosted a regional workshop on climate change, adaptation and disaster risk management here at Asaba.  The workshop is a product of the seriousness we attach to issues on climate change, especially those of us on the coastal areas,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan said the State government has become a member of the new coalition of sub-national leaders, which emerged at the Copenhagen summit on Climate Change known as R20 regions, adding that “We have also signed an MOU with the UNDP on Territorial Approach to Climate Change – TACC. By becoming part of this Approach, the State will deepen its capacity to regulate environmental issues and find adaptation mechanisms, especially those related to oil pollution, flooding and ocean surge while seeking to take advantage of sources of environmental funds to implement responses to climate change.”

Governor Uduaghan said as a proactive measure, an inter-ministerial and departmental committee to start serious work on the best solutions to adopt in confronting challenges posed by climate challenge while working to protect our environment has been set up. 

He said issues connected with preserving the environment are no longer sentimental.  “All blocked drains must be cleared; anyone whose structures are erected on areas that impede water flows must be ready to face the consequences.  We can no longer tolerate a situation where the interests of few individuals put the lives and property of a greater majority in danger.  There has been a sustained campaign and notice to all owners of illegal structures to pull them down or the State will do that for them,” he warned.

“Already, the State has set up a Task Force on Flood Control and Removal of Illegal Structures.  The Task Force is out to clean up the State and no one, no matter how highly or lowly placed, will be spared.  All illegal structures should give way,” Dr. Uduaghan said, adding that the exercise will go round the State.

Responding the chairman of the committee Mrs. Felicia Adun said the state was facing  serious environmental challenges and promised that her committee would adopt measures to prevent disaster.

Mrs. Adun said the state was vulnerable explaining that flood and pollution were already serious threats which should be tackle.

While promising that her committee would be totally committed to the assignment she expressed appreciation to the governor for giving them the appointment.

Members of fourteen-man Climate Change Team include

Mrs. Felicia Adun, Head, Mr. Ogirisen Felix  , Secretary, with Engr. Anaro Benedict, Mr. Egwunatum Anslem, Mr. Itejere Pius and Miss Edemaidide Laura.

Others are Mr. Ofuyekpone Sylvester, Mr. Egedi Stella, Mr. Akebofah Perekpo, Dr. Ofili C.C., Mrs. Ohwerho Rose, Mr Ekakite Ufuoma, Mr. Orowovo C.E., and Engr. Odiete A.R.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has created a new Public Works Department in the state to enable his administration fast track the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure and creates jobs for youths.

Dr Uduaghan who announced this at an interactive session with journalists in the state said the new public works department will handle sensitive issues especially quick repairs of infrastructures.

He explained that the functions of the department will not clash with that of Direct Labour Agency (DLA) as both bodies would have their exclusive duties.

His words “The new works department will handle emergency rehabilitation and create jobs for the youths. Its functions will not clash with that of the Direct Labour Agency in the state.

The governor enjoined Deltans not to see the new Works Department only in the light of roads rehabilitation as it will go beyond that and intervene in many other areas.

Dr Uduaghan also announced government determination to destroy all illegal structures in the state.

He disclosed that many illegal structures were blocking the drains and natural water ways and vowed that no amount of blackmail will prevent him from carrying out the action.

The governor said those blocking the drains and natural water ways would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other offenders.

“We are going to destroy illegal structures and no one will intimidate me. In fact no amount of blackmail will prevent me from removing illegal structures.

The Governor said the Delta State Independent Power Plant (IPP), will soon be finished, disclosing that with the successful completion of the turbines in Europe, work on the project which is cited at Oghareki, Ethiope West Council had reached an advanced stage.

He said that he was optimistic that the turbines will be shipped to the country next month most especially now that the engineering design and actual construction of the turbines which is the major work has been finished.

The governor said that the IPP will produce 115 megawatts of electricity initially and eventually 150 megawatts, adding that the project was aimed at giving a big boost to the industrialization effort of the government and also to attract Direct Foreign Investment.

He disclosed that a consortium of Saudi Arabian and Indian investors are presently in the state to set up one of the largest Petrochemical and Fertiliser Plants in the country valued at $16billion.

On transportation, he disclosed that the administration is on the verge of purchasing 1,000 18-seater buses to ease the transportation problem in the state, adding that approval has also been made for the purchase of tricycles to make it easy for farmers to transport their products to the place where they’ll sell them.

He said that he will soon set up a task force on illegal structures, a body that will be saddled with the responsibility of demolishing illegal structures wherever they may be found in the state.

He let it be known that he will be decisive on taking action against any such violators of the state environmental laws no matter the status of such individual.

On evacuation of waste in major cities in the state so as to curb incidence of flooding as noticed in some parts of the country, the governor said that the team to do that will soon start its operations.

He said that plans are on to convert such waste to wealth not minding the challenges therein in terms of the quantity of waste generated, adding that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation was established to cater for the needs of all and sundry especially the youths who desire jobs and empowerment.

He promised that he’ll ensure that the Department of Public Works which is under the ministry will be saddled with the creation of jobs.

Dr Uduaghan in answer to a question promised to streamline all government accounts in the banks.

He said Ministries and departments in the state opened several accounts in different banks and disclosed that the accounts will be streamlined because some departments opened as many as fifty accounts.

Explaining further he said “Most Ministries and departments opened accounts in several banks and there is not much in these account so I am going to streamline the accounts to make them meaningful”.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment towards the rehabilitation of the Eku hospital to make it one of the best in the country.

While promising he will continue to promote affordable and accessible health care delivery, Dr.  Uduaghan said that the rehabilitation of Eku hospital will fast track the health programme.

He therefore enjoined Deltans to take advantage of the health programme to have robust health.

The Governor said it was part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign strategies at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the Delta state capital, during his presidential campaign for votes, to generate employment.

He said, “Criminality is no excuse for any youth in Delta state. Of course, any youth caught in the act after projects of these magnitude has been initiated will go for it. Aside, we (Delta) have well over 15 stadiums across the state to develop their God’s given talents, so none of them has excuse to go into criminality.”

He continued, “now, we are reconstructing 45 schools and building 10 model ones across the state, all these are being done for the youths to fulfill their desires, any youth that takes to criminality has not keyed into any of these offers.”

Mrs. Stella Oduah, who made the remark when she paid Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan a courtesy call in Asaba after inspecting the airport, said the airport met global specifications and standards.

She expressed excitement over the achievement of the Uduaghan administration in the aviation sector saying: “I am very, very excited over this airport. It is very, very wonderful and has met global standards.”

Saying that she was happy over the contributions of Delta State Government to the industry, the Minister affirmed that the project was in tandem with the vision of President Goodluck Jonathan to use the aviation industry as a tool for economic growth and job creation.

Mrs. Oduah therefore enjoined states in the Federation to emulate Delta State and build at least an aerodrome where an aircraft can land.

She promised to persuade the private sector to partner with the states and the Federal government to fast track development in the aviation industry.

The Minister who observed that states would not find it easy to move alone in the industry said the construction of an airport was not easy.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in his remarks promised to ensure that the airport was commercially viable.

He underlined the importance of the Asaba International Airport in opening up the State capital for economic growth and gave assurance that he was poised to make the airport one of the best.

Dr. Uduaghan who also promised to ensure that more airlines operated in the airport announced that work was in progress in the second run way at the Osubi airport near Warri.

The governor said when completed bigger planes would land at the airport explaining that it would improve air transport in the state.

He expressed appreciation to the Minister for recognising the modest contributions of the State to the aviation industry

Besides, the Governor enjoined the royal fathers to remain united and steadfast in speaking for the region.

Declaring open the 23^rd national conference of the Association of Traditional Rulers of Oil Producing communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) yesterday in Effurun , Governor Uduaghan commended the traditional rulers for not allowing youths to usurp their position of speaking for the region.

He affirmed that the youths cannot speak for Niger Delta, stressing that “as royal fathers, you are the only ones that can speak or choose those to speak for the region”.

Governor Uduaghan harped on the need for the traditional rulers to rally behind President Goodluck Jonathan and ensures that his administration succeeds.

According to him, “You have a duty of ensuring the President succeeds because he is a son of the Niger Delta. I know that in this country, you command respect when others see the caliber and number of people standing behind you”.

The Governor, who assured the royal fathers that the South-South Governors were committed to the success of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, averred that the President has deep passion for the development of the Niger Delta.

While saying the South-South Governors were committed to development of the Niger Delta, Governor Uduaghan informed the royal fathers that the BRACED Commission was established to serve as vehicle to fast-track the joint development of their states.

“We have a common problem and have decided to pull our resources together for the development of our states through this commission that comprises of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States”, the governor further said.

In a welcome address, the chairman of the Delta State chapter of TROMPCON, HRM Okpuzo Ejiremene Inana I, the Odiologbo of Owhe kingdom, called for the sustenance of TROMPCON’S collective effort and commitment towards the projection and protection of oil producing communities in the Niger Delta.

He remarked that TROMPCON lacked a good working relationship with various tiers of government and the NDDC and therefore sued for its repositioning with a view to fashioning a better relationship with the aforementioned and attract good welfare package for traditional rulers.

Inana I  thanked Governor Uduaghan for supporting TROMPCON in Delta state, noting that “the willingness, capacity and frequency of hosting our national Conference portrays the level of importance the people and government of the state attach to TROMPCON’S commitment to the sustainable development of the oil and gas producing communities”.

Also speaking, the out-going national chairman of TROMPCON HRM Eze Young Nwokoru Ogbonna, the Eze Tsiala II of Owaza/Umumudobia Ancient kingdom, announced that the case instituted by TROMPCON against the Federal Government because of its underfunding of the NDDC will now be settled out of court at the instance of the respondent.

Even as he asked for an immediate review of the body’s constitution, Eze Ogbonna maintained that TROPCON’S activities were geared towards assisting government in developing oil producing communities.

The three-day conference whose theme is “Peace Building for sustainable Development of the Niger Delta” ends tomorrow.

Giving judgment in a suit brought before it by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its chairman, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi challenging the eligibility of Ogboru for the election, the Judge held that Ogboru did not comply with statutory requirements of the 2006 Electoral Act.

Specifically, the Court held that Ogboru did not meet the provisions of the 2006 Electoral Act which stipulates that 50 party members should endorse the governorship candidate.

According to the court, those who nominated him were not registered members of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP).

By this judgment of the suit No FHC/ASB/CS/104/2011, Great Ogboru was not qualified to have participated in the April 14, 2007 Governorship Election.

Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the Bolokor Country home at Kokori In-Land Ethiope East L.G.A on Tuesday, Governor Uduaghan said Chief Bolokor’s death poses a big challenge because he did not die unfulfilled.

Reflecting on the unifying and fatherly posture of the late elder statesman, the governor said it was unfortunate that Chief Bolokor did not concretise some of the things he planned to do.

He said “Those of us he left behind should actualise his dream of uniting Delta State and having a united Urhobo people that are not second class citizens.”

While saying the former Minister was a father of his administration, Governor Uduaghan said the state government will assist the family in giving him a befitting burial.

He announced that a committee that will include family members and chaired by the Deputy Governor will be constituted to plan for the burial.

The governor who sued for cooperation among the family members later signed the condolence register and prayed for a peaceful burial.

Responding, a spokesman for the Bolokor family, Chief James Oghenejakpo, thanked the governor for the visit and assured him of the family’s continued support.

Notable sons and daughters of Urhobo land, including the former Military Governor of the defunct Midwest Region, General David Ejoor (rtd) and his wife, were present during the governor’s condolence visit.

The Late Chief Patrick Bolokor died last week at the age of 75.

Also yesterday, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was in Benin-City, the Edo state capital to condole the wife, children and other family members of late Evang. Eric Obiuwevbi was passed on recently.

The governor who said the late Obiuwevbi lived an eventful life also attended a service of songs held in honour of the deceased.

The State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this when the director-general of NEMA Alhaji Sani Sidi and his counterpart at the  National Orientation Agency (NOA) Alhaji Idi Farouk paid him a courtesy call in Asaba, said the measure would enable SERA to have the capacity to promptly and effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

 He revealed that the state government had earlier set up a committee that would be responsible for the removal of all structures blocking the natural water ways and clear drains and refuse to check flooding in the state.

 According to him, the committee was charged to re-orientate the populace on proper dumping of refuse but lamented that even the elites who were expected to know better still bock the drains and natural waterways.

His words “Flooding is a serious issue and this committee is expected to remove all structures blocking the drains and waterways so that water can flow properly”.

Explaining further, he said “The natural waterways are being blocked and this is not good enough especially in coastal areas where flood constitutes a menace. We need to re-orientate our people not to block the drains and waterways”.

Dr. Uduaghan, who blamed the international community for the climate change problem in developing nations, said that Delta State was already taking steps to tackle the challenges.

He commended the National Emergency Management Agency for choosing Asaba as venue for its South-South regional workshop on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management.

The governor expressed the hope that the seminar will prepare the people for the peculiar challenges of climate change in the region.

The Director General National Emergency Management Agency Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi in his remarks warned Nigerians against the increased risk involved in climate change.

Alhaji Sani called on all states in the Federation to establish Emergency Relief Management Agencies to enable them respond promptly to emergency situations.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged Christian Welfare Boards in the country to be meticulous and prayerfully select pilgrims as the exercise has been abused and turned into a jamboree.

Dr. Uduaghan who gave the advice yesterday when the Executive Secretary and members of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim welfare Commission paid him a courtesy call in Asaba said because of the development the new Christian Welfare Board in the state would not consist of politicians but only proven men of God.

Dr. Uduaghan regretted that instead of selecting Christians for the exercise, all sorts of people are included and some go on the pilgrimage not for spiritual enrichment and revival but for evil purposes.

He enjoined those on the selection board to be eagle eyed and not allow themselves to be intimidated and influenced into ungodly decisions that they cannot spiritually defend. “You should not allow enemies of progress especially those who go there to pray for the down fall of others to go on the pilgrimage.  Only true Christians should be allowed to go there,” he said.

The governor promised to always take the issue of Christian pilgrimage seriously explaining that Delta State was a praying state and cannot therefore afford to toy with things that are Godly.

Dr. Uduaghan also promised to increase the number of Christians going on pilgrimage this year to justify the position of the state government on issues bordering on Christianity.

Explaining further he said “we are going to key into the Federal Government’s new slot. We want to encourage Deltans on the importance of prayers. In fact, I have just discussed with the Commissioner for Special Duties and I assure you that we will increase the slot”.

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board Mr. John Kennedy Okpara announced that Christians going on pilgrimage from Delta State would be airlifted from Asaba International Airport.

Mr. Okpara commended the state government for the completion of the airport and expressed relief that it would reduce the cost of air transport.

He called on corporate organizations, local governments and individuals not to leave the sponsorship of pilgrims to state governments alone as the exercise carries in its shoulders a lot of blessings.

The Executive Secretary announced that Delta state has been allocated 1,500 pilgrims slot and enjoined the state to accept and sponsor the quota.

Disclosing that this year Pilgrimage would commence on October 29 and end December 29^, Mr. Okpara enjoined states to make payment early as the Federal Government would not extend the date.

The 48-seater Overland aircraft with registration number 5N-BND landed the airport with 20 passengers on board.

One of the passengers who spoke to reporters Engr. Sam Arowosafe commended the standard of the airport.

Engr. Arowosafe said the completion of the airport was a good development as it would boost the economic development of the state. “This is a good development. We are happy to be here and it will reduce cost,” he said. He was optimistic that the airport would take Delta State to the top.

Another passenger Hon. Ezechi Nwoye was full of praise for the administration of Governor Uduaghan especially for constructing the airport. He said the Asaba International Airport has made air transport easy for the people living in Anambra state.

Hon. Nwoye explained that before now they travelled to Benin Airport for all their movements but with the commencement of commercial flights in Asaba, it would cost them less to travel by air. He said “Dr. Uduaghan is doing well. We from Anambra State will not be going to Benin again as it is easier and cheaper for us here in Asaba.”

The State Governor who came from Abuja with the same Overland flight, expressed appreciation to God for a dream that has manifested into concrete reality. An elated governor Uduaghan told reporters that the flight was smooth and pleasant.

Dr. Uduaghan who fielded questions from journalists said the completion of an airport takes a long time.

He explained that even the best airport in the world still has some minor works going on either in form of renovation or adding more facilities.

The Governor therefore appealed to Nigerians to be patient and follow the trend in Airport development as it was not easy to completely finish work in an airport in one swoop.

Dr. Uduaghan who said his administration was not against criticisms promised to welcome any form of criticism provided such criticisms are constructive.

His words “I welcome criticism at any time. In fact my administration is open and ready to listen to criticisms provided such criticisms are constructive and aimed at moving the state forward”.

At the booking counter, intending passengers were seen purchasing tickets for their flights.  Thereafter, they were frisked alongside their luggage with metal detectors before taking their seats in the departure hall.

One of the intending passengers waiting to catch his flight to Lagos, Mr. Nosakhare Edokpayi, described the Asaba Airport as very unique, convenient.

His American based-son, Idahosa Edokpayi said “the airport is world class and comparable to those in Europe and America.”

An official of OVERLAND Airlines told journalists that the airline presently operates two flights to Lagos and Abuja on a daily basis.

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The Committee chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Frank Omare is to proactively take measures that would address the challenges of flooding before it gets out of hand.

Addressing the Committee members yesterday, against the backdrop of ravaging floods in some parts of the country, the Governor said that it has become necessary to take urgent measures because no part of the country can claim to be secured without adequate measures in place.

According to him, the administration in the State would brace up to the challenge by mapping out strategies that will effectively tackle flooding.

Dr. Uduaghan said that a warning has already been issued by meteorological experts that most of the coastal states in the country would be hit with flooding and as such his administration was prepared to put up plans on how to check it.

The Governor said two issues needed to be tackled in order to check flooding in the state, stressing that waste dumps in different areas of the state must be evacuated and every obstruction along natural water ways are cleared.

“Two issues will be looked into in order to avoid flooding in the state. Waste dumps in different areas of the state will be cleared and every obstruction along the natural water ways be removed. Waste Management Board has started clearing Waste dumps in different areas of the state”, he stated.

The Governor observed that urgent attention would be given to the recommendations of the committee saying “urgent attention will be given to the recommendations of the committee to avoid flooding problems, if not we may have flooding that may be worse than that of Lagos state”.

The Governor had, two weeks ago, directed the local government councils in the state to clear all water drains and dump sites in their areas.

Members of the committee include the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Frank Omare, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Tony Nwaka and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr. Williams Riabele.

Others are Heads of Personnel Management of Uwvie, Warri South, Isoko South, Udu and Oshimili South local government areas, among others.

The governor who personally controlled traffic at the round-about when his convoy was held up in the jam while returning from an official assignment in Sapele, charged motorist not to drive in a manner that would slow down the smooth flow of traffic.

He expressed dissatisfaction at the haphazard mounting of roadblocks by security agencies with disused tires, garbage and ruptured sand bags which he noted cause long queues of vehicles saying “This long queue of vehicles is as a result of the haphazard mounting of roadblocks at this roundabout.”

He urged the security agencies to conduct their duties at the checkpoints diligently and in a way that would also not cause traffic jam and chaos.

Governor Uduaghan controlled the traffic for more than 30 minutes to ensure that traffic flowed smoothly before leaving the scene amidst applause by passer byes and other motorists.
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Dr. Uduaghan who made the commendation when the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Nigeria Air Force, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal John Aprekuma paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba yesterday, appealed that air-force controllers be also deployed for smooth operations.

Governor Uduaghan promised his administration’s commitment towards the completion of the Air-force base in Osubi to ensure effective contribution from the air-force on internal security in the state.

 He explained that his administration was working on the extension of the runway at the Osubi Air Strip in order to help fast-track the take off of the Air-force base in Osubi.

The governor commended the Air-force for its contributions towards the just concluded general election which was adjudged credible by International Community, saying, “I commend the Air-force for the role it played during the April general election in air-lifting electoral materials especially to riverine areas and this helped in ensuring the success of the election.”

Governor Uduaghan also thanked the Air Force for its contribution towards peace and security in the Niger/Delta region adding that the crisis has reduced considerably and the area more peaceful.

“Today the Niger/Delta region is much more peaceful than what it used to be, I know that with the development going on in the region and your contribution, the Niger/Delta crisis will become a thing of the past,” he said.

Responding, the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal, John Aprekuma stated that the Niger/Delta Air Force Mobility Command in Yenagoa was established in February this year to provide swift response and security.

He explained that the Nigeria Air Force has eight (8) Mobility Command Units spread across six (6) states in the country with the responsibility of repositioning the Air Force for efficient operations within and outside the country to meet up security challenges.

Speaking further, he observed that the Federal government established Air Force Mobility Command to assist other Security outfits in tackling internal security challenges in the country.

“The Mobility command has helped in the air- lifting of troops to Bauchi and Bornu State to help maintain peace during the Bomb crisis.  Troops have also been air-lifted to Somalia, Liberia for peace keeping,” he said.

Air Vice Marshal Aprekuma noted that the Command also engages in Social Responsibility Projects for host Communities adding that the command will build Schools of high standard, skill acquisition centers for youths and hospitals to help develop the region.

He thanked the Governor Uduaghan for the support given to the Mobility Command and promised to do his best in tackling the security challenges facing the Niger/Delta region.

He warned about the consequences of patronizing quacks explaining that pregnant women stand the risk of losing their lives and their babies.

Meanwhile the governor has also ordered the state sanitation task force to stop people from dumping refuse at a dump site in Cable Point, Asaba..

Giving the order while inspecting the dump site, Dr. Uduaghan directed the State sanitation task force to clear the refuse as it was constituting health hazard to residents of the area.

He also appealed to residents of the area to stop dumping refuse at the illegal dump site to enable them breath well and live a normal healthy life.
The governor who said they should imbibe good sanitary habits advised the residents to dispose refuse through the various private sanitation agencies operating in the area.

“You should use the private sanitation outfits when disposing your refuse. Dumping refuse indiscriminately will expose you to various epidemics. You and your children are not safe,” he said.

The chairman of the state sanitation Task Force, Mr. Oleri Magege assured the governor that the order will be religiously enforced. Mr. Magege explained that his task force has already mobilized several equipment to evacuate the refuse heap.

Residents of the area who rejoiced at the order said they have suffered severally because of  the health hazard they have been exposed to. They therefore commended the governor for his people oriented programmes especially his ability to respond promptly to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

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The Governor who made the call while commissioning an ultra-modern Mercedes Benz Centre at the Lekki Peninsula said investors were needed to boost the State’s economy.

Besides, the Governor who identified youth unemployment and job creation as the greatest challenge facing the country, tasked Deltans in Diaspora to come home and establish businesses as the state was
blessed with abundant human and natural resources.

He assured that his administration was putting strategic infrastructure in place to fast-track the industrialization of the state, adding that “all we are doing is that they (Deltans) are interested in coming back home to do business because you cannot be doing it for Lagos State alone”.

He therefore solicited that the next out-let of M-B Automobile Services should be in Delta State, hinting that the operational license of the Asaba International Airport will soon be issued.

Governor Uduaghan commended his Lagos State counterpart, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, for providing an enabling environment for business to thrive in the nation’s commercial capital, even as he described Deltans resident in Lagos as good tenants.

Also speaking, a representative of the Mercedes products from Germany, Mr. Steffen Baumann, posited that the Lagos centre is a bench mark not only for the city, but for the whole country.

On his part the Chairman of M-B Automobile Services, Mr. John Edozien, said the Mercedes Benz centre “ is a dream come true” as it took 20 years to materialise.

Edozien who was a former Deputy Governor of the state averred that the centre was modeled after the Mercedes Benz plant in Stuggart in concept and structure.

With the commissioning, users of the German-built Mercedes Benz brand of vehicles in Nigeria will have cause to smile as the logetivity of their cars and trucks would be further guaranteed by the Centre.

The Centre which is located at Lekki Peninsula is owned by Delta State-born Mr., Benson Uwatse, Managing Director of the operating agency that will serve as outlet for the sales and servicing of
Mercedes brands.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan was later conducted round the various sections of the centre by the Managing Director, Mr. Benson Uwatse.

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 Dr. Uduaghan, who gave the assurance at the end of the state Security Council meeting in Asaba yesterday, disclosed that 30 kidnap suspects have already been arrested in the state, adding that they will be charged to court to face the full wrath of the law.

 He said his administration was on top of the situation and will deal decisively with criminals in accordance with the law.

“In the last few days we have had some security challenges in certain parts of the state.  I am appealing to Deltans not to panic; we have taken certain measures to deal with the kidnappers,” he said.

The governor charged Deltans to be vigilant and not exaggerate issues as security operatives were on red alert in the state.

“Delta state is peaceful state for investors; we have had more serious security challenges in the past and have been able to address them, Deltans should not exaggerate issues, the government is capable of handling all security challenges,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan said that the security Joint Patrol Teams will drive kidnappers and other criminals out of the state and promised to keep the state relatively peaceful so that investors will have the conducive environment to do business.

He assured that the state government was also dealing with the security challenges in Ibusa adding that some arrests have been made and sanity have returned to the community.

“The security issues in Ibusa have been brought under control, some arrests have been made and sanity has returned to the community,” he said.

This capacity-building conference, co-hosted by IPADE Business School, brought together 140 regional and global leaders of business schools, corporations, foundations, government, corporations and development organizations, from more than 37 countries spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The theme of the event was ‘Generating leadership: developing human capacity in emerging markets’.

GBSN’s mission is to strengthen management education for emerging markets through a unique global network of business schools. The network helps to provide the rigorous yet practical local training business and management student demand, resulting in a stronger pool of local leadership and management talent for all sectors.

Dr. Wiebe Boer, chief executive of TEF, was among the participants at the conference. As part of the conference, Dr. Boer held discussions with the African Association of Business Schools, the Global Business School Network, and other key stakeholders on how to catalyse substantial growth in the provision of management education at all levels across Africa.

“Africa is experiencing remarkable growth, but that growth is not sustainable and does not benefit Africa substantially if it is not driven by Africa´s own management talent,” Dr. Boer said. “Our approach to enhancing management education in Africa is to be proactive in forming synergies with global leaders in management education and deepen the relations.” “What we have been discussing is an initial strategic plan on how to fill those gaps by catalysing a broad focus on the issue of management education as a key component of Africa’s economic transformation and competitiveness.”

TEF’s participation in the GBSN 2011 conference comes on the heels of the Foundation’s collaboration with the Financial Times’ for the ‘This Is Africa Special Report on Business Education: Building Human Capital’. As a part of TEF’s commitment to economic transformation in Africa through investments that enhance the competitiveness and growth of the African private sector, the Foundation believes education is the key to unlocking Africa and in building entrepreneurship – which leads to economic development and prosperity. TEF aims to lead the charge in developing a catalytic plan to enhance business education across Africa.

Last month, TEF launched the African Markets Internship Programme (AMIP), a 10- week MBA internship program designed to improve the competitiveness of innovative small and growing African businesses, while introducing some of the world’s brightest new business management talent to the growth opportunity that African markets represent. AMIP interns were drawn from leading graduate business schools in East
and West Africa, Europe and the U.S. and placed in highly structured programs at companies in Lagos, Nairobi and Accra.

To read The Financial Times This Is Africa Special Report with The Tony Elumelu Foundation on business education please visit:
http://www.thisisafricaonline.com/files/Reports/TIA_Schools_Supplement.pdf.