BY SAM DUVWODE
Following steps aimed at ensuring peaceful co-existence among communities in the state, the Delta State Government has warned affected communities to halt further sales of land in disputed areas until such issues are resolved.
This step was taken during an elaborate meeting between the Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, who is the Chairman of Delta State Boundary Committee and traditional rulers, chiefs and people from Okpanam, Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ewulu and neighbouring communities in Aniocha North, Aniocha South and Oshimili North local government areas of the state.
Sir Onyeme, while addressing leaders, chiefs and members of various communities during the meeting, held on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, warned that everything concerning sales of land in the disputed areas should stop forthwith.
According to Sir Onyeme, “In the interest of peace, I want to state here and now that, anything concerning sales of land, especially in these disputed areas should be stopped till further notice so that we can have peace.
“I want everyone of us to cooperate with the boundary committee so that we can find a lasting solution to these problems.
“As a government, we aim to be recognized as a government that provides solutions, not a government of empty words. We want to be able to resolve every land or boundary matter so that our communities can live in peace.
The state government also set up committee to be headed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN to look into all issues bothering on acquisition of land, while issues on boundary that cuts across local government area were referred to the State Boundary Committee. The Deputy Governor also directed all community representatives to submit their paperwork to the boundary committee within one week.
“I will set up a committee that will be headed by the Attorney General, which will include the Executive Assistant on Chieftancy Affairs, Permanent Secretary of Chieftancy Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of Land and Survey, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Deputy Governor and any other technical person that have knowledge of Chieftancy and boundary matters. This committee will be set up probably today”.
“So my majesties and revered chiefs and unit leaders that attended this meeting are hereby authorised to make your presentations to this committee”.
“The Office of the Executive Assistant can receive all your submissions on behalf of the Attorney-General for onward transmission to the Committee for prompt action.
“On the issues of boundary disputes that cut across local governments, we will also refer the state boundary committee to quickly look into all matters that are brought to their notice. “Other members of the sub-committee include the E.A.Chieftaincy, Mr Patrick Ogalanya, the Permanent Secretary office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Anthony Nwokolobia, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Mrs Gladys Pugeren and other technical staff that have knowledge of boundary matters”.
The deputy governor had earlier mentioned that the meeting was called to look into cases of kingship dispute by the royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, the imposition and replacement of gazetted chiefs by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, land ownership and the administration of land titles in Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding communities, boundary disputes between bordering communities in other local government area and, plethora of cases arising from the installation of Obi of Ogwashi-uku.
Representative of the various communities who spoke, expressed their satisfaction with the decision of the state government, as according to them this will bring relative calm in the various communities and dowrse the rising tension while government find lasting solution to the problems.
… AS Oborevwori Explains Why Delta Is Establishing Film And Censor’s Board
Meanwhile, a Bill to establish the Delta State Film and Censorship Board has been sent to the House of Assembly, the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said.
The governor dropped the hint, on Thursday, while declaring open the 2024 Delta State Creative and Entertainment Summit.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the occasion, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the setting up of the Film and Censor Board has become necessary following the recognition of Asaba by the United Nations, Education and Scientific organization (UNESCO) as a creative city. The governor, who noted as germane the theme of the summit, “Advancing Delta State Economic Growth through the Creative Industry,” expressed his administration’s satisfaction in identifying with the concept of the summit given the number of Deltans who are in the entertainment industry and are doing well all over the country and beyond. He said, “a summit of this nature will offer good opportunities for learning with a view to improving performances and moving higher.
“This administration is entertainment-friendly; our attitude as a government is based on the conviction that entertainment creates wealth for all, reduces stress and provides relief at time of challenges; it also has the potential for social and political mobilization.
“Let us acknowledge that attempts towards advancing the State’s Economic Growth through the creative industry requires firm and decisive action hence the government has been able to build a state-of-the-art film village, which is fully equipped, in Asaba.
“This action has earned the State the United Nations, Education and Scientific organization (UNESCO) recognition of Asaba as a creative city.
“In addition, a Bill is already on the way for the establishment of Delta State Film and Censorship Board.”
The governor noted that the State has been able to create an enabling environment for productions of creative works ranging from film production and concerts, adding that these were proactive measures the State had put in place for economic growth through the creative industry.
“Delta State is naturally endowed with abundant creative talents; there is no community In Delta State that lacks talent in creativity. “The desire of this administration is to further harness these potential and I want to appeal to our people, especially the youths, to embrace digital technology in the propagation of their arts as it will project them beyond their localities for economic gain and prominence.
“The attendant increase in fame and acceptance by society gives you, your family, the State and country, immeasurable pride. I urge our youths to take the discussions and outcomes of this summit very seriously. The level you are starting from does not matter; what is important is the level and height you envisage and are determined to attain,” Oborevwori added.
Earlier, in his address, the Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, noted that the summit, which was first of its kind, was geared towards making sure that the entertainment industry in Delta State gets the boost and position it deserves.
