Aniagwu assumes duty as information commissioner

 ...Vows to reposition state owned media outfits

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has charged the management and staff of the ministry to brace up to the task of rebuilding the ministry and its parastatals in order to realise the Stronger Delta agenda.

The commissioner who said this yesterday [02-08-19]  in Asaba when he met with management and staff of the ministry and its parastatals on his assumption of duty  said " I am not a magician and i need your cooperation to reposition the ministry and achieve its set goals. i am aware of the level of enthusiasm that greet my appointment and i want to assure you that working together, we will achieve success and make a lot of difference"

He assured the staff of a three point agenda of repositioning and retraining  the personnel of the ministry and the agencies,,improve the infrastructure and equipments particularly of the agencies and provision of working tools for the staff.

Mr. Aniagwu however emphasised that he would not condole indolence and indiscipline among staff, emphasising that he would reward hardwork and initiatives.and discipline erring staff.
The Commissioner assured the parastatals  of rebuilding the media houses to make them very effective and efficient and promised to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the parastatals on Monday, August 5, 2019.

Earlier, The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Paul Osahor,, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and his subsequent deployment to the ministry, assuring the commissioner  of the staff's cooperation as he reposition the  ministry

The alleged cover-up of the deaths of scores of soldiers is a national emergency that should shock all statesmen - Atiku

Atiku Abubakar has called for the setting up of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate claims of the secret burial of soldiers in the North East made by Wall Street Journal.

Atiku in his reaction said, 'I read the report by the Wall Street Journal that scores of Nigerian soldiers have been secretly buried at night by the General Muhammadu Buhari led administration, in order to hide the true state of the war on terror, with a sense of heartbreak and shock'.

Heartbreak for the families and friends of those soldiers who, if the report is true, have lost their loved ones, without being allowed to bury them or even to have any sense of closure as regards their fate.

Shock, that such a thing could happen under a democracy, such as Nigeria is supposed to be. I shudder to think that the cover-up of such an event of epic proportions can be true.

According to the WSJ report, “But the sprawling secret graveyard in Maiduguri and an official cemetery at the base, the operational command for the northeastern front in Borno State, now hold the bodies of at least 1,000 soldiers killed since the terror groups began an offensive last summer, according to soldiers and military officials—some of whom estimated a far higher death toll.”

The men and women of our armed forces are our first, second and last defence against our domestic and foreign enemies and should be treated with love, respect, dignity and appreciation for the invaluable service they render to Nigeria.

I cannot fathom that in the space of a year, scores of these great patriots were killed and buried secretly without their families being told. I hesitate to believe that deceit on such a grand scale is even possible.

To ensure that we get to the bottom of this matter, I urge that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by a non-partisan and reputable jurist, be inaugurated to investigate the findings of the Wall Street Journal.

While this is ongoing, I strongly urge a panel of inquiry comprising distinguished former military officers be set up to investigate and report to Nigerians the true state of the war on terror and what must be done to ensure Nigeria brings a speedy end to the ongoing insurgency.

Nigeria must ensure prudent use of finances, so we can redistribute national resources in such a way that ensures that our military and security forces are well armed and well remunerated. Even the death of one soldier affects me. But the alleged cover-up of the deaths of scores of soldiers is a national emergency that should shock all statesmen and leaders of thoughts into action to save Nigeria.

Gay people exist because pregnant women are having anal sex, bishop says

A religious leader has said people turn out to be homosexuals because their mothers had anal sex when they were pregnant with them and, as such, homosexuality was transferred to the fetus during pregnancy.

Speaking at a primary school in Akaki, Cyprus, the bishop claimed that being gay is passed on when pregnant women have anal sex and enjoy it.

He said: "It happens during the parent’s intercourse or pregnancy. It follows an abnormal sexual act between the parents. To be more clear, anal sex. ‘

"[Saint Porfyrios] says that when the woman likes that, a desire is born, and then the desire is passed on to the child."

The bishop told his audience that Saint Porfyrios had written about the issue. Saint Porfyrios is a relatively newly declared saint who died in the 90s. He told gay people they should remain single and pray that gay should go away for the rest of their life.

According to Accept LGBTI Cyprus, the Bishop was speaking during a series of "spiritual meetings of dialogue" that ran until this month.

The meetings are open to anyone and the audience ranges from children to elders with people open to asking the Bishop of Morphou whatever they want.

Man slices throat of eight-year-old daughter

A middle age man, Sa’idu Dan’iya, also known as ‘Baban Aisha’, has cut the throat of his eight-year-old daughter, Zahrah Saidu, SaharaReporters has learnt.

The incident happened on Wednesday at Inji Uku, Damare Ward, Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Dan’Iya was said to have grabbed his daughter by the neck with a sharp knife to kill her but for the timely intervention of a neighbor, the girl could have died.
Fadimatu Saidu, mother of the victim, told SaharaReporters that she was called from her work place by a neighbour who witnessed the barbaric act.
Fadimatu, who is the family’s breadwinner, said, “I work as a house help in the neighborhood to feed the family.
“All was well when I went out for work in the morning today, leaving Zahrah who has just returned from Islamiyya school with her father.
“Later on, a neighbour rushed out to call me back home, only to meet the tragic incident. You see how deep the cut to her throat is. It’s simply an attempted murder,” Fadimatu Zahrah’s mother lamented.
Suleiman Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), has confirmed that Dan’iya has been arrested and is in the custody of the police.
When asked why he decided to kill his daughter, Sa’idu Dan’iya, who showed no remorse, simply said, “I felt like doing it”. He has also been reported to have made death threats severally to his wife.
Zahrah, is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola

MTN granted ‘super agent’ license to provide financial services in Nigeria

The fledgling mobile money market in Nigeria is about to get a major shake-up. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecoms operator, has been granted a “super agent” license which allows it set up an agent network through which it can provide financial services.

It’s the first step in MTN’s plans to finally roll out mobile money services in Africa’s largest economy as the company says it has also applied for a payment service bank license, which will allow it “offer a broader and deeper range of financial services.”
The license comes after reforms by Nigeria’s central bank last October permitting telecoms operators to get mobile money and banking licenses in a bid to boost financial inclusion and facilitate the long-held ambition for a cashless society.
As already seen in several African countries, the real-life application of mobile money among unbanked populations ranges from quick, seamless fund transfers to facilitating payments and boosting small businesses. In Ghana, the service has been adopted for investing as well with MTN’s selling shares for its landmark IPO mainly through mobile money. The West African country has recently become the fastest-growing mobile money market in Africa, with registered accounts increasing six-fold between 2012 and 2017.
The Nigerian reforms now allow telecoms operators like MTN attempt to tap into the promise of mobile money to offer similar services locally. As Africa’s most populous nation as well being home to a vast population of unbanked adults, Nigeria remains an attractive prospect given the success of mobile money services in other parts of the continent.
At the end of last year, there were nearly 400 million registered mobile money accounts—nearly half of the global total—across sub-Saharan Africa with nearly 90% of users in East and West Africa. In Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe, over 60% of adults have mobile money accounts.
Compared to standalone startups who have to build marketing and distribution infrastructure through a network of agents from scratch, mobile money services owned by telecoms companies have the in-built advantage of offering their services to an existing user base of millions of subscribers. Indeed, the continent’s biggest mobile money players are all owned by telecoms operators.
In MTN’s case, its longstanding status as Nigeria’s most dominant telecoms operator means it will have a pool of 67 million users to offer its services. And there’s room for significant upside in the near future too with Nigeria predicted to add 31 million mobile subscribers by 2025.
The license is part of South African-owned MTN’s delicate balancing act in Nigeria. It has a tumultuous history of billion-dollar fines and lawsuits in its largest market. Most recently, the company faced allegations of illegally repatriating $8.1 billion in profits and owing $2 billion in taxes. In 2016, it reached a $1.7 billion settlement with Nigeria’s government after a protracted SIM card dispute and an initial $5.2 billion fine.

‘Jesus’ denies report of deportation from Kenya, says it is fake news

There have been news making rounds that the ‘Kenyan Jesus’ who was invited by a pastor to preach in the country has been deported.

This is false.
Identified as “Michael Job”, the “modern-day Jesus” is an American preacher and actor. He is in Kenya attending an interdenominational Christian event as a guest speaker.
He has now reacted to the news of his deportation. Taking to his Facebook page, he wrote;
“Hey guys! Just to let you know there has been many false “fake news” reports here in Kenya about me. I just did 9 days of crusades in Ongata Rongai, Kitengela, and Kiserian Kenya where many people were saved and healed. I dressed up as Jesus during these crusades my awesome friends and I performed many plays focusing on the life of Christ.
“Some people, known as “internet trolls”, have made false reports about me claiming to be Jesus, Jesus’ second coming starting in Kenya, me being found and worshipped in churches, and me being deported with pastors from the country, all of which are “fake news.
“I have gotten many messages and just wanted to let you know I am still here in Kenya, preaching in schools, hundreds of children are making decisions for Jesus every day. This morning many students surrendered their lives to Jesus, and we are going to the next school right now. Thank you for praying for us, also please do not pay any attention to the “fake news” or any attention to the media publications of which posted these things. May the Lord abundantly bless you!
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)”
n Monday, he shared photos of his visit to Kenya with the caption: “I truly praise God for these awesome men and women of God of whom have served Jesus with all their heart. God has used them powerfully and they have been such a huge blessing in my life this past week. Thank you so much for blessing my life!”
He resides in Orlando, Florida. According to the BBC, he has been playing Jesus at The Holy Land Experience theme park, which describes itself as “a living, biblical museum.”

Rea

Okowa calls for zero tolerance for corruption among political office holders

By Rita Ossai

Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged political office holders in the state to ensure prudent management of funds and zero tolerance for corruption in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said that top government functionaries should be mindful of any manifestation of graft, impropriety and corruption as his administration strove for a stronger state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Boards of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, yesterday (1/8/19) in Asaba, Okowa stated that political appointees were expected to be transparent while carrying out their activities.

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has Sen. Ighoyota Amori as Chairman and Hon. Mrs. Joan Mrakpor as Director-General and Chief Adizue Eluaka, Hon. Blessing Adidi, and Dr. Isaac Wilkie.

Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency has Dr. Joseph Otumara as Chairman and Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay as Director-General.  Members are Dr. Sunny Ezonfade, Mrs. Amaka Egboro and Prince Kelly Otuedon

Also at the event, Barr Joseph Ojobu and Chief James Obeuwou were sworn-in as members of the Judicial Service Commission.
According to the governor Okowa, prudent fund management demands zero tolerance for any manifestation of graft, impropriety and corruption and I therefore, urge you to strive to live above board and employ transparency in the conduct of all your duties as selflessness is key.

“Our vision of a strong Delta is aimed at transforming the State into an inter-connected and united entity; that means we have to work hard to bring development to our people, not only to enhance their general welfare, but as a way of building sustainable peace.

"It is for these onerous tasks that this administration has articulated its focus for development,” he said, adding, “I, therefore, charge you (political appointees) to become conscious of your roles in the overall achievement of the laudable vision of this administration.”

“Let me warn against in-fighting amongst members of Boards as the Delta State government will not tolerate anything that will bring about needless distractions and embarrassment,” he added.

The governor who congratulated the political appointees, disclosed that “the appointment of both members for the State Judicial Service Commission is as a result of two vacancies that arose in the composition of the Delta State Judicial Service Commission, because two members have served out their terms in office; the State Judicial Service Commission is the executive body that handles matters relating to appointment, discipline and promotion of Delta State's judicial officers and their support staff.”

Kenyan government deports "Jesus" and arrests pastors who invited him

The Kenyan government have deported a Caucasian man being paraded in the country as Jesus Christ and they have arrested the pastors who invited him and convinced their followers he's the real son of God.

Two church pastors invited the Caucasian man to their country then managed to convince their followers that he's Jesus Christ of Nazareth and he has finally come back as promised. The Caucasian went around taking money from Kenyans to perform miracles and secure seats for them in heaven and this went viral.

Daily Africa reports that Kenya’s Government has now deported the fake Jesus and they have arrested the dubious pastors who invited him.

Security guard in trouble for stealing Catholic Church offerings

A 20-year-old security guard, Michael Nwaogwu, who allegedly stole N2,385 from an offering box, appeared in a Yaba magistrate’s court in Lagos.
Nwaogwu was charged by the police with theft.

The prosecution counsel, Sgt. Godwin Oriabure, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at midnight on July 17, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, Akoka Bariga, Lagos.
Oriabure added that the money was discovered by another security guard, one Musa Ayay in the church after he discovered that the offering box was tampered with.
He said Nwaogwu was confronted by Ayay and he immediately confessed to the stealing which the money was later recovered from the defendant’s underwear.
The offence, he said, contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).
If convicted under the section, a person is liable to three years’ imprisonment.
Magistrate Oluwatoyin Ojuromi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Ojuromi ordered that one of the sureties must be a blood relation. She adjourned the case until August 19 for mention.

Brazil to provide Delta indigenes scholarship grant for undergraduates studies

The Government of Brazil, in line with its cultural and educational agreement with Nigeria, said it is offering scholarship grants to interested Deltans for undergraduate studies in Brazil.

The grant is opened to all fields of study and aims at providing qualified manpower for developing countries such as Nigeria and candidates are exempted from entrance examination to make it easier for admission into higher institutions in Brazil.
A statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr Paul Osahor JP, said the scholarship grant is limited to tuition fee while other expenses such as accommodation, maintenance, round trip air tickets, books, printed materials, health insurance and medication are to be borne by sponsors or parents.
According to the statement, interested candidates are prepared to undertake a six month CELPE-Bras examination in Portuguese language or show evidence of registration to sit for the examination at designated centres for an award of certificate of proficiency in Portuguese language, from the two recognised Portuguese language learning centres in the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
Potential beneficiaries, the statement said, are to note that the 2021 academic session will soon commence for Nigerian candidates who have obtained the certificate of proficiency in Portuguese language or registered for May, 2020 CELPE-Bras examination in Portuguese language.
The statement further said as a pre-condition for admission, selected candidate must provide valid academic documents for verification and authentication by the Federal Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs in Abuja while the documents of both candidates and parents under private sponsorship would be notarized by relevant government agency and for government sponsored candidates, only a letter of confirmation is required.
It advised prospective beneficiaries, parents, guardians and sponsors are to take note of this window of opportunity for scholarship grant from the Government of Brazil and apply for the grant to any undergraduate course of their choice in Brazilian universities.
The statement also advised interested persons to contact the Brazilian Consulate-General, at Plot 257, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, P.O Box 72802 V.I., Lagos or telephone number 01-271-0351 or email: cg.lagos@itamaraty.gov.br,cultural.lagos@itamaraty.gov.br for further inquiries.

Okowa charges political appointees on accountability

… as he inaugurates board of DESOPADEC, and LG service commission
… swears in auditor-general

By Rita Ossai

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said accountability is as an indispensable tool of management and hallmark of his administration and charged all political appointees to embrace it.

The governor stated this yesterday in Asaba at the inauguration of the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Local Government Services Commission.

Okowa, who also swore in the Auditor-General of the state, Mr Paul Aghanenu, said that lack of accountability had cost many public officers the respect and goodwill of the media and the public.

“As appointees of this administration, you must make it a point of duty to avail the public of your programmes and actions.

“Let the people know what you are doing, why you are doing it and the anticipated outcome of such actions because, it is easy to gain the goodwill and trust of the community once projects meet specifications, suitably priced and properly monitored,” he said.

While congratulating the appointees, he specifically urged members of the Board of DESOPADEC to ensure that projects were executed according to the needs of the people.

“Do not exclude the locals from the process of project execution; I recognize that quite a number of the board members are proven grassroots politicians.

``I trust that you will do the wise thing of involving the host communities in your decision-making process, because it is imperative for peace, cooperation and development, team work, discipline, mutual understanding and cooperation are prerequisites for your success.

``You must be fair, equitable and just, and let me hasten to add that this administration will NOT hesitate to sanction any erring board member in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

The governor, who scored his administration high in project delivery through DESOPADEC, asserted that “after four years of the new regime, I believe there has been better synergy in the management of the agency, quality representation on the board and responsiveness on the part of the agency to the developmental aspirations and environmental concerns of the host communities.

``This is, because during the course of my first tenure, I inaugurated notable infrastructure projects executed by DESOPADEC and I was impressed not only by the quality of these projects but by the fact that they were in tandem with the expectations of the host communities.”

Those inaugurated as members of DESOPADEC Board were Hon. Michael Diden (Chairman), Chief Askia Ogieh (Managing Director), Mr Shedrack Agediga (Executive Director), Barr Leonard Anoka (Executive Director), Hon. Daniel Mayuku (Executive Director) and Hon. John Nani  (Executive Director).

Others were Mr Grifton Omastsuli (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Dr Paul Oweh (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Chief Kent Okiemute {Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Hon. Joyce Overah (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State).

Also inaugurated were Arch. Anselm Nwokenye (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Mr. Paul Bebenimibo (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Mr. Ikechukwu Akozor (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State), Chief Vincent Oyibode (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State) and Dr. Ossai Ochonogor Samuel (Representative of Oil Producing Areas in the State).”

To members of Local Government Service Commission - Hon. Joseph Otirhue, Pastor Chukwuka Greatman, Hon. Katherine Ilolo, Chief (Mrs.) Rose Asore - Okowa reminded them that their actions should be guided by the extant rules and regulations.

He charged them to be transparent and fair at all times in dealing with staff matters.

Swearing in Aghanenu as Auditor-General, he Okowa urged him to ensure that “governance and management systems are properly aligned with modern audit practices.”

“As you are aware, we have adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) platform and have also domesticated the National Chart of Accounts, to complement our administration’s goals of fiscal discipline, prudent management and judicious allocation of resources.

It is your onerous responsibility to see that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government fully comply with the approved regulations for greater efficiency in general administration and management of public finance,” the governor said at the well-attended event.