DELTA STATE OF NIGERIA

PRESS BULLETIN FOR SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY, 2008

NO. DTS 0022 OF 13/02/08
DTSG TO PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN DELSU
The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured Medical and Dental Students of the State own University, of his administration's commitment to promote excellence in the institution.

Dr. Uduaghan who was speaking while addressing Medical and Dental students in Government House, Asaba promised to ensure that the medical programmes of the institution compared favourably with the best medical schools in the country.

The Governor who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Solomon Areyinka, said that as a medical doctor he would not toy with the fortune of medical students.

He revealed that his administration was already working out modalities to improve facilities in the school.

Dr. Uduaghan, disclosed how his government conveyed a high powered meeting not only to actualize the vision he had for the medical school but to commit enormousness resources towards the provision of the required facilities.

While commending the students for comporting themselves peacefully in the face of difficulties, the Governor appealed to them to give him time so that he would tackle the problems to their satisfaction.

Earlier in a speech the President, Medical and Dental Students Association, Delta State University, Gbenga Oduneye, expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities in the school of medical sciences.

Mr. Oduneye therefore appealed to the Governor to give the institution the required attention by up-grading the facilities.

Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that the introduction of the new E-passport would to a large extent solve the country's image problem.

Dr. Uduaghan who stated this while flagging off the E-passport in Asaba explained that the former passport created major image problems for the nation.
He expressed happiness that the country has joined the rest of the world in the use of electronic Passport, adding that with this development it would be extremely difficult for anyone to forge or use the passport to commit crime.

The Governor said that the best thing that could happen to any administration is to identify problems facing it and tackle them promptly.
Emphasising further Dr. Uduaghan said "we have learnt about our problems and we have moved up to solve them".

While commending the Nigerian Immigration for introducing the Electronic passport, he expressed the hope that it would not only restore the dignity of Nigerians but protect them from unnecessary embarrassment.

The zonal Coordinator of Immigration in the state Mr. Samuel Eluwa, said the new passport was introduced to correct the lapses in the previous passport.

Mr. Eluwa explained that there were no interconnectivity in the issuing centres for the previous one and it created the loophole for people to possess multiple passports.

He also explained that the new passport made use of the Biometric features and most of the problems associated with the old passport such as multiple acquisition, forgery, identity theft and other economic crimes were over.

The zonal coordinator said it was difficult to commit crime with the new passport since all the issuing centres were interconnected to the central data.

Highlight of the ceremony was the issuance of the new passport to the Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his deputy Professor Amos Utuamah (SAN).

The Governor also inspected facilities at the center.

NO. DTS 0024 OF 13/02/08
MASTER PLAN ON NIGER DELTA TO BE ENFORCED - UTUAMA

The Deputy Governor of Delta State Professor Amos Utuama (SAN) has called on oil companies in the Niger Delta Region to always relate and show sincerity to their host communities especially in the area of community development.

Professor Utuama made the call while answering questions during a 3-day offshore West Africa 2008 Conference and Exhibition held recently at Abuja.

He observed that the wage bills of governments in the region are high because every school leaver preferred a job in the public service, stressing that payment of wage bill takes more than half of the income that comes into the state.

While addressing the companies not to neglect their responsibilities to their host communities, the deputy governor revealed that from this year the federal, State and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will take active parts in the enforcement and implementation of the Niger Delta master plan.

During the 3-day conference there were lectures on sustainable Development Policies: A tool for peace for increased Oil and Gas production, Niger Delta of Nigeria Emergence of Community Development foundation, and increased Offshore Activities in the West Africa Sub region.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the Niger Delta master plan to the Deputy Governor by Mr Anthony Abokri of the ELF Petroleum Nigeria Limited.

The 3-day conference was attended by people from all walks of life especially expatriates from the oil sector.

NO. DTS 0025 OF 13/02/08
SPECIAL ADVISER BEGINS ADVOCACY VISIT TO LGAs

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties Government House, Prince Uzoma Idaboh has commenced an advocacy visit to the twenty-five (25) Local Government Areas of the State to enlighten the people at the grassroots level on the 3 point Agenda of the Uduaghan administration.

According to the itinerary of the visit released in Asaba, the tour began on Monday February 4, 2008 with a visit to Warri North and Ethiope West Local Government Area. And on Wednesday February 6 and Thursday February6 7, 2008, the enlightenment train visited Isoko South, Isoko North, Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas respectively.

Also, the team has visited Bomadi, Patani, Burutu, Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas on Friday February 8, Monday February 11 and Tuesday February 12, 2008, while it will proceed to Warri South, Uvwie, Okpe and Warri South West Local Government Areas on Monday February 18, Tuesday February 19, and Wednesday February 20, 2008.

The sensitization tour will be concluded with a visit to Ndokdwa East, Ndokwa West, Aniocha South and Oshimnili South Local Government Areas on Monday February 25 and Tuesday February 26, 2008.

NO. DTS 0026 OF 13/02/08
HOS STATES GOVERNMENT'S COMMITTEMENT
TO QUALITY SERVICE

The Delta State Head of Service Dr. Sam Okpokpor, has said that the state civil service is being repositioned for greater efficiency and productivity in line with the Human capital Development of the Uduaghan administration.

Dr. Okpokpor who stated this while declaring open a two day orientation course for fresh student of the Staff Training Center Asaba, commended the State Governor Dr. Uduaghan for his moral and financial assistance in the training of officers to improved their skills.

The Head of Service who was represented at the occasion by the permanent secretary in the Directorate of Pension and Establishment Mr. Andrew Okogba, urged the fresh students to be serious with their studies in order to justify Government's huge investment in their training especially in the upgrading of the facilities in the school.

He expressed the hope, that at the end of the training the student will be sufficiently knowledgeable and equipped to give the required excellent service to the state government.

Speaking earlier, the Director of the Staff Training Centre Miss Elizabeth Ogwezzy expressed gratitude to government for providing a 100KVA generator, furniture and borehole to enhanced the smooth running of the school.

While restating, the commitment of the staff to provide excellent service, Miss Ogwezzy called on government to provide the center with utility vehicles, permanent hostel accommodation for students, more computers and internet facilities and special duty allowance for staff.

NO. DTS 0027 OF 13/02/08
UNFPA CALLS FOR STRONGER COMMITTEMENT
TO PROTECT RIGTHS OF WOMEN

Deltans on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 joined the rest of humanity, to mark the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.

This global observance is intended to draw attention to this harmful practice meted against the women folk, especially girls.

In a statement to mark the event the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) an agency of the United Nations Organisation, called for stronger commitment, from all nations against the harmful practice.

The statement which was issued by the Executive Director of UNFPA Ms Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, urged the various governments in the world to protect the rights of women and girls as well as step up actions to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in line with the United Nations resolutions adopted in 2007.

The statement averred that Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting violated the rights of women and girls and therefore constituted an irreparable and irreversible abuse on their humanities, and disclosed that mounting medical evidence indicated that the practice posed a serious threat to the health of women and girls, increased their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, increased the risk of maternal and infant mortality and endangered their physiological, sexual and reproductive health.

Ms. Obaid revealed that an estimated 100 million to 140 million women and girls world wide had undergone the practice while three million more girls are at risk each year, adding that many more women and girls are traumatized by the experience and suffered in silence, because they were afraid of being excluded from their communities.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the UNFPA to support efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting world wide and urged governments and other partners to contribute to the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme and Trust Fund to stamp out the harmful practice in the life of the present generation, especially in Nigeria.

NO. DTS 0028 OF 13/02/08
UDUAGHANS 3 POINT AGENDA TO PROMOTE
LIVING STANDARDS

The three point Agenda of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is aimed at giving succour to the people of Delta State and improving their standard of living.
The special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Government House Prince Uzoma Idabo made the remark at the Local Government Town Hall, Koko, in Warri North Local Government Area while flagging off his Advocacy visit to the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

According to Prince Idabor, the aim of the meeting is to sensitize the people at the grassroot on the plans and programmes of the Uduaghan administration and to explain the three point agenda of the Uduaghan administration in the area of human capital development.

Speaking further, Prince Idabor disclosed some of the plans and activities of the government towards making life enjoyable for Deltans.

In the area of Education, the State government has made the registration of WAEC and NECO free for all indigenes of Delta.

In the same vein, the acceptance fees which was increased from three thousand to twenty thousand naira in the State own University was equally reduced.
On poverty alleviation, he noted that the government is out to give all the support and opportunities Deltans needed especially in the area of free medical health care for all pregnant women in the state.

Welcoming reactions from members of the communities, Mr. Onu Obamed appreciated the efforts of the state government towards the provision of the macro credit scheme and urged the government to make sure that the credit facilities get to the rightful individuals.

Also speaking, Mr. Gabriel Koma Chairman Meantime workers Union commended the government for deeming it necessary to reach out to the people at the grassroots and also made a passionate appeal to the government to do more towards improving the standard of primary school education in the state particularly those in the riverine areas.

NO. DTS 0029 OF 13/02/08
APPLICATIONS FORMS FOR NMS ZARIA, AIRFORCE
SCHOOL, JOS, NOW ON SALE

Application Forms into the Nigerian Military school, Zaria, for 2008/2009 academic session are now available for sale.

A government statement issued in Asaba by the State Director of Information, Mr. Austin Mowah has requested interested candidates to collect the forms at the office of the Directorate of Political and Security Services, Governor's Office (Former SSG's Office) Ibusa Road, Asaba, at the cost of N1,000 each.

The statement further requested Local Government Councils to purchase the forms from the Directorate for sale to interested candidates from their respective Local Government Areas to enable them have the opportunity to participate in the examination.

Similarly, Application forms into the Air Force Military School, Jos, for 2008/2009 academic session are now available for sale.

A government statement issued in Asaba by the State Director of Information, Mr. Austin Mowah indicated that the forms could be collected on payment of N500 at the office of the Directorate of Political and Security Services, Governor's Office (Former SSG's Office) Ibusa road, Asaba.

The statement further requested interested candidates to purchase and complete the forms on time as there will be no room for late entry.

NO. DTS 0030 OF 13/02/08
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BEGINS SURVEY OF SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS

The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) is conducting a Nationwide survey of Resident indigenous scientist, Engineers, Technicians and innovators in Nigeria.

A government statement issued in Asaba by the State Director of Information Mr. Austin Mowah, said the result of the survey will form part of a National Data bank on indigenous science and Technology manpower domiciled in the country.

The statement further stated that, university, polytechnic, college of Technology or Technical College graduates in any field of science, Technology or Engineering, including: physical science, Human and Vertinary medicine, agriculture, electrical and electronics, renewable energy, construction, space and meteorology, Information and Communication technology, all other fields of science, engineering and technology are to register.

The registration, is also open to all qualified persons including but not limited to government and private sector, employees, self-employed or unemployed, retirees who are still able to work, consultants, fresh graduates and post graduates and all other relevant categories.

Qualified Deltans are to ensure that they are registered and enlisted in the Nigerian National Science and Technology Data bank.

The registration is on-line at the Ministry of Science and Technology's website: http://www.fmst.gov.ng http://www.nadcest.gov.ng

NO. DTS 0031 OF 13/02/08
IDABOR CALLS ON YOUTHS TO ENGAGE IN
MEANINGFUL VENTURES

Youths in Delta State have been called upon to take advantage of the Talent/Entertainment Development Unit created by the State Government to develop their talents for gainful employment.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties Government House Prince Uzoma Idaboh gave this charge recently, during an advocacy meeting in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas.

The advocacy meeting which witnessed a large number of people created opportunities for Deltans in the two Local Government areas to be abreast with the 3 point agenda of the Uduaghan administration particularly in the area of human capital development.

Prince Idabor, listed some of the plans and programmes the Uduaghan administration has embarked on towards improving the living standard of Deltans, to include free maternal health care, free registration of WAEC and NECO for Deltans in public schools, the reduction of the acceptance fee in Delsu, free vaccination for children and the disbursement of finance for macro-credit scheme.

Speaking further, the Special Adviser emphasized that the era of project abandonment by contractors is gone, stressing that government has set up a working committee comprising of some private individual and government officials to tackle the problem.

Some of the people who spoke commended the government for reaching out to the people at the grassroot through the advocacy meeting and also pleaded that it becomes a regular event.

At Oleh, those who spoke during the interactive sections called on the government to provide the communities with the basic necessities of life which include water, light, schools among others.

Regular payment of local government staff salaries was another major worry of the people. They further called on the government to employ more staff at the General hospital Oleh.

The yarning of the people in Ozoro were not very different from those in Oleh.

Among the problems mentioned were speedy actualization of government plans and programmes while indigenous contractors should be allowed to handle government projects instead of legislative members amongst others.

NO. DTS 0032 OF 13/02/08
MINISTRY REPORTS OUT DBREAK OF
GASTROINTESTIONAL INFECTION

The Delta State Ministry of health has reported an outbreak of gastrointestinal infection in some parts of Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State.

A government statement issued in Asaba by the State Director of Information, Mr. Austin Mowah advised parents particularly nursing mothers to maintain high standards of hygiene especially around their children, who are under five years and boil all drinkable water before consumption.

Parents are also advised to commence immediate administration of the Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or salt-sugar solution to any child with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea and to send them early to the nearest government hospital for further management.

The statement further indicated that the situation is under control as relief supplies and medication have been sent to the hospitals in the area especially the Federal Medical Centre and General Hospital, Okwe.

NO. DTS 0033 OF 13/02/08
SEMINER ON NEPAD HELD IN ASABA

The Delta State Government on Thursday, February 7 2008, organized a sensitization workshop on NEPAD-African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for top government functionaries and stakeholders.

A government statement issued in Asaba by the Director of Information, Mr. Austin Mowah indicated that the ceremony held at the Press Centre Government House, Asaba at 9am.

Those attended the workshop included His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, the Honourable Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, the Honourable Chief Judge of Delta State, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Civil Commissioners, Political and Economic Advisers, Special Advisers, Executive Assistants, Chairmen, Civil/Local Government/House of Assembly Service Commissions, Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, Auditors-General (State/Local Government), Accountant-General, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Chairmen of Local Government Transition Committees, Heads of Personnel Management, Treasurers/Directors of Works/Heads of Medical Services in the Local Government Councils, and Principals of schools.

Others three representatives each from the NLC, TUC, NUJ, NUBIFE, NBA, ASSU, NGOS, NURTW, COBS, Co-operative Societies, NCWS, Okada Riders Association, market women, Headmasters of Primary Schools, Heads of Departments of Tertiary Institutions, Farmers Association, Youth Council and Community/Religious Leaders.

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