KOKO
A Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation has stepped up the provision of sustainable access to clean water, with the plan to commission three borehole projects in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to a statement co-signed by Dr. Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede, Mrs. Faith Isoken Ojo-Ede and Mr. Iso Effiong Ekpenyong, Founder, Co-Founder and Project Manager of Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation, respectively, the planned commissioning, will hold on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the popular KCMA Hall in the historic town of Koko.
The event, which is part of the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation, marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide sustainable access to clean water and improve the quality of life for the people of Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area.
Recall that Prof. Kevin Ejike Chukwu of the Department of Geography and Meteorology, Faculty of Environmental Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, had reported that the Niger Delta wetland is currently facing serious challenges of sustainable water supply management.
Delta Waterways, Land Security Strengthens Synergy With Udu LG
BY DIANA OLUWOLE/ PAULET AFOHRON
THE Chairman of the Delta State Waterways and Land Security Board, Matthew Opudu has led a delegation of board members on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Udu Local Government, Hon. Vincent Oyibode at the council secretariat in Otor-Udu.
The meeting was aimed at introducing the Udu representatives appointed to the newly restructured board a strategic initiative aligned with Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
Opudu explained that the restructuring ensures equal representation of all 25 local governments in Delta State, with each council contributing six members to the board. This inclusion seeks to enhance grassroots engagement in security operations and ensure that local communities play an active role in combating crime.
The Udu representatives, he noted, were carefully selected to provide critical support to security agencies by gathering and sharing intelligence relevant to the security challenges in Udu.
The restructuring is a key element of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which emphasizes Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security by empowering local councils through representation on the board, the Governor aims to strengthen community-based security frameworks and ensure that every local government actively participates in the fight against crime,” he added.
Responding, Oyibode commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and equitable distribution of responsibilities. He noted that the inclusion of Udu representatives in the board aligns with the MORE Agenda’s focus on grassroots development and realistic reforms. Highlighting the board’s role as a vital tool for community-level security enhancement, he assured the representatives full cooperation.
Oyibode also pledged to formally introduce the six Udu representatives to all security agencies operating within the council area, in order to foster effective collaboration between the council, the board, and security officials in the council area.
Okada Riders Reject Imposition Of Levies
MOTORCYCLE Operators (popularly known as Okada riders), have rejected alleged imposition of illegal levies by Orerokpe Youth body in Okpe Local Government Area. The Okada riders who turned out in their large numbers, blocked the main Orerokpe-Warri Road by Adane Okpe Primary School.
In an interview with newsmen, one of the aggrieved protesters who identified himself as Henry, said the youth have been imposing several illegal levies on them and that they won’t allow it again. Henry noted that the Orerokpe youth had earlier brought and imposed stickers in 2023 on them and this time around they won’t allow such illegal dealings.
It was gathered that the Orerokpe youth body allegedly planned to impose epron on the Okada riders requesting the riders to pay N6,000,00 each per rider in the area.
The protesters also went to the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe kingdom to register their displeasure and notify the revered Monarch for his assistance. However, as at the time of filing this report, Okada riders have shutdown operation at Orerokpe in solidarity to press on to resisting the illegal levies from the Youth body till further notice.
We’ll Be Equitable In Devt Of Ika South LGA –Ehiwarior
THE Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has assured that every part of the council would feel the impact of development by his administration.
Ehiwarior gave the assurance when he played host to a delegation from Oza-nogogo community, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
He said he has been receiving support from the people of Oza-nogogo long before he became council chairman, noting that the community remains a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He emphasised the need for the people of Oza-nogogo, and indeed, the entire Ihu-zomor, to continue to support the party and the Sheriff Oborevwori- led administration, assuring that the area would not be left out in the scheme of things.
On the requests made by the delegation, the chairman promised to look into them.
“As you know, the local government is the closest tier of government to the people. We are determined to touch the lives of our people. Oza-nogogo is dear to me because of the good relationship we have built with the people. We will however not take their support for granted,” he assured.
He explained that his administration is focused on delivering promises made to the electorate, adding that so far some major projects have been initiated which are nearing completion.
He disclosed that plans are underway to begin empowerment programmes that are particularly targeted at women and youths in the LGA.
Earlier, while speaking on behalf of Oza-nogogo community, Hon. Williams Omorogie thanked the chairman for warm reception, saying that they were in his office to commend him for the success he recorded thus far.
He said the people of Oza-nogogo will continue to support him to achieve his set goals for the betterment of Ika South Local Government Area.
Others who were on the delegation include representative of the Ogisi of Oza-nogogo, Pastor Festus Enabulele, Mr. Ehijator Iyobosa (Chairman of Oza-nogogo Development Committee, ODC, Hon. Caroline Agbi, Comrade Lucky Omorogie etc.
Residents Jubilate As OMIWA Foundation Organizes Free Medical Outreach
RESIDENTS of Asaba, the Delta State capital, were happy as OMIWA Foundation organized a free medical outreach for citizens.
The one-day outreach programme, which took place in Idumogbe, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area provided a comprehensive range of medical services to the aged and young in Asaba. The event witnessed residents trooping out to take advantage of the opportunity to receive free medical consultations, access essential medications and tapping into the wealth of healthcare resources from qualified medical professionals.
OMIWA Foundation’s Medical Team assembled from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Okerenkoko in Warri South-West, Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba as well as the Asaba Specialists Hospital (ASH) recorded over 500 attendees as patients benefited from the programme ranging from Consultation and Counselling, scaling and polishing of teeth by their Dentist led by Dr. Joy Thomas from UBTH, Laboratory Tests (Blood Sugar, Hepatitis B), Drug Distribution for malaria, Eye Screening and Dispensing of Lenses, Health Talk on Nutrition and Disease Conditions, etc.
OMIWA Foundation’s Medical Team Leader, Dr. Steve Ugbome, disclosed that the foundation stands for humanity course at the business of bringing quality health care accessible to those that could not afford it by moving to areas where we have downtrodden. He noted that the outreach program was a proof of OMIWA Foundation’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of the people, particularly the elderly.
He said “Health is indeed wealth, and we recognize the importance of providing accessible healthcare services to our people, particularly the aged. This outreach is designed to empower the elderly population by providing them with the necessary tools to maintain their health and live fulfilling lives.” According to Dr. Steve, the initiative solidifies the concerted effort to revamp the healthcare system in Delta communities, with a focus on providing sustainable healthcare solutions that cater for the unique needs of the people. In an interview with newsmen, Sir Benjamin Chukwugoziem Chukwurah, an ex-banker and pensioner, whose residence was used as the venue for the Free Medical Outreach at Idumogbe – Ogbeke Square, Asaba, said they were impressed with the humanitarian services of OMIWA Foundation, remarking that, the NGO’s deserves some accolades for the path it has taken to salvage the health challenges of rural communities.