FocalPoint Reports

CEPEJ EMPOWERS PETTY TRADERS IN LAGOS STATE CEPEJ EMPOWERS PETTY TRADERS IN LAGOS STATE CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST LESS PRIVILEGE NIGERIANS A foremost Nigeria based Non Governmental Organization, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has empowered a group of petty traders with cash to enable them trade and manage their business even in the present prevailing economic situation in the country. The beneficiaries of the maiden edition of CEPEJ EMPOWERMENT program are Emily Nbezuo, a widow and a petty trader who sells roasted yam, plantain and potatoes by the road side at Ajao Estate, Mrs Muyibat Odejobi, a petty trader, widowed with 3 children a Muslim who sells tomatoes and pepper at Mafoluku,Oshodi and Sani Lawa, a male,a Muslim with 4 children who deals mainly in amendment of clothes at Agboju market.  The cash disbursement was done at Lagos State office of CEPEJ located at 2 ASA Afariogun Street, Ajao Estate. In attendance was a representative Government offi...

Daniel Ezekiel Urges Oil Companies To Support Delta State Governent The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Government on Security, Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel has charged Chevron and other oil multinationals operating in Egbema Kingdom and environs to support the state government to build peace in Warri North, so as to fast track development in the area. The SSA further urges Egbema youths to remain peaceful and ensure that they channel their grievances and needs to the governor through lawful means, stressing that development can not strive in an atmosphere of chaos. The Senior Special Assistant made the statement yesterday 28th August, 2019 at Opuama, Sekelewu-Polobubo Communities in a Town Hall meeting to say thank you for their support to the Delta State government, stressing that His Excellency, Senator Dr.lfeanyi Okowa  is committed to the development, peace and security of lives and property in the state. In his words, Comrade Ezekiel said;" I have ...

DEVELOPMENT OF DELTA STATE: OKOWA SEEKS SUPPORT TO ATTRACT INVESTORS  The Governor,  Delta State Dr.  Ifeanyi Okowa seeks support from stake holders, traditional institutions to attract investors to the State,  addiing that the development of the state is a collective responsibility that should not be hindered by personal, ethnic, religious or political leaning. The governor stated this yesterday in Asaba when members of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by their Chairman, the Obi of Owa, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Emmanuel Efeizomor II, visited him, and urged Deltans to be passionate about the development of the state.He also stated that citizens of the state owed it a duty to contribute to its development, and charged them to use the opportunities available now to impact positively on the lives of the people, assuring that his administration would remain focused and pursue programmes that would attract investors. Okowa, who commended the monarchs for...

Protest Rocks Delta State Capital as Right group Protest BEDC Must GO Human Right group, Young Nigerian Right Organization, on Wednesday storms the Delta State capital Asaba for the second time, to protest against the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC   The convergent of the group, Comrade Victor Ojie disclosed to FocalPoint Reports in Asaba, demanding that the Federal Government should withhold the renewal of the operational licence of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, (BEDC) over poor performance electricity supply, over billing and intimidation of consumer in Delta State. The protesters who carried placards with various inscriptions such as “BEDC must go;  hinted that it is a joint actions against the impunity of BEDC.  He noted that BEDC is not treating customers with respect; Delta's are tired of blackout. among others he accused BEDC of providing epileptic power supply to consumers in the State. He further stated that December 2019 ...

Fed Govt to repatriate funds stolen by Nigerian fraudsters THE Federal Government has begun the process of repatriating funds allegedly stolen by Nigerian fraudsters from individuals and corporate organisations in the United States (U.S.) and other parts of Europe, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) said on Tuesday. Dropping the hint on Tuesday in Abuja, NFIU Director-General Tukur Modibbo said the process has started with the repatriation of the monies stolen and transferred into the country by 77 Nigerian fraudsters recently unmasked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the U.S. Modibo, who spoke at a workshop on Sub-Regional Conference on Illicit Financial Flow and Assets Recovery, added that some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were being used for illicit financial transactions. The two-day workshop was organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), in collaboration with other stakeholders. According to him, the NFIU discover...

DELTA AT 28: OKOWA SALUTES CITIZENS, SAYS BETTER DAYS ARE HERE Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Deltans on the 28th anniversary of the creation of the State. In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor thanked the people of the state for their resilience, patience, cooperation and support to all administrations that had governed the State in the last 28 years. He assured that his administration would continue to build on the gains recorded by his predecessors in order to create a stronger Delta . Felicitating with citizens of the State on the anniversary, the governor said "our beloved State has continued to blossom in spite of challenges confronting us as a people. ``My administration appreciates Deltans for their resilience and peaceful co-existence among us.  "In the last four years that we have been on the saddle, we have continued to build on the gains recorded by our predecessors and I ass...

Nigerians worry over electricity tariff increase, sector flaws The move by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to fully implement the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) designed in 2015 and the Minimum Remittance Order for the Year 2019 has raised new arguments on the structure of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).    NERC has the mandate to implement the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005, especially Section 32, which allows it to ensure prices charged by licensees (distribution companies) are fair to customers and sufficient to allow the licensees finance their activities and make reasonable profit for efficient operations.    Some stakeholders, however, insisted that the recent review of electricity tariffs by the commission amounts to exploitation of consumers, given the shoddy performance of the power sector. Besides, lapses in the operations of Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) are still generating criticism.  ...

SHERIFF  MULADE TO OKOWA: UPGRADE RIVERINE SCHOOLS TO TECHNICAL /VOCATIONAL  COLLEGES A Delta state born human rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to upgrade old Grammar Schools in the riverine communities to technical/ vocational colleges so as to reduce restiveness among youths in such areas. Comrade Mulade, an indigene of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA, made the call in Warri saying that intellectual resources in the coastal communities can develop the State if well harnessed. He particularly appealed to Governor Okowa to upgrade Gbaraun Grammar School, Oporoza, and Ogidigben Grammar School, Ogidigben both in Warri South West LGA, as well as Gbokoda Grammar School, Gbokoda, Tsekelewo Grammar School, Tsekelewo, both in Warri North LGA as well as Ogulagha Grammar School, Ogulagha and Ayakoromor Grammar School, Ayakoromor both in Burutu LGA of the State to both vocationally focused colleges to bequeath skills to the pr...

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde   Nominates 27-Year-Old as Commissioner   The executive governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has has nominated a youth, Seun Fakorede an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for appointment as a commissioner. The young commissioner designate hails from Idere community in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area. He went through the Oyo House of Assembly screening few days back and neither his character nor his readiness for the job was found lacking. Some have since claimed that the governor’s gesture was mere tokenism aimed at extracting undeserved praise from Oyo youths. Those in the know, however, argued the young man is deserving of the role, having achieved so much in his little time of venturing into the entrepreneurial space. He board chairman at Reasone innovations – a branding, visual communication and marketing agency., co-founder & heads at Boddiemax Premium Fashion Brand, founder and executi...

Jehovah’s Witnesses 2019 Conventions Kick-Off August 30 Between the weekends of August 30 and December 20, 2019, Jehovah’s Witnesses, will present one of the largest global conventions, which will span across six continents and over 200 countries. The convention will be presented in over 400 languages, in Lagos and surrounding cities, will also host a global series of three-day conventions featuring the theme “Love Never Fails.” It is expected to have in attendance about 45,000 at 39 conventions to be held at Lekki, Badagry and Daluwon Assembly Halls. According to Mr Jama Onwubuariri, a local representative for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the convention program will examine how Bible principles help people in practical ways. Onwubuariri said the Friday programme will address how love can help people surmount obstacles such as a troubled upbringing, chronic illness, or poverty.

Festus Keyamo linked with one of the 77 Nigerians charged for massive fraud, money laundering Newly appointed Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo, has been linked with Jerry Elo Ikogho, one of the 77 Nigerians charged for massive fraud, money laundering in the United States of America, Sunday Independent can authoritatively reveal. Keyamo, who is said to have fraternal relationship with the alleged fraudster, admitted that he handles legal works for Ikogho, who was charged on Thursday with 76 other Nigerian nationals for participating in a massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through a variety of fraud schemes and launder the funds through a Los Angeles-based money-laundering network. The relationship between the Minister and Ikogho, was said to have started in the early 70s in Ughelli, where they were born but Jerry’s parents are from Orie-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. They were classmates at Government College Ughell...

Nnamdi Kanu threatens to ‘arrest’ President Buhari in Japan Few days after members of his group gave former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu the beating of his life in faraway Germany, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has asked his members to disgrace and arrest President Muhammadu Buhari in Japan today. The threat followed an announcement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina that the President would travel to Japan today to participate in the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Kanu, in a statement circulated yesterday, ordered IPOB members to arrest Buhari and hand him over to Japanese authorities to answer for the crimes he allegedly committed between 2015 and 2019. The statement signed by Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary of the IPOB said: “The formidable IPOB family in Japan is hereby placed on direct order to ensure the impostor, Jubril Al-Sudan...

Group To Asupa, Pullah: Wake Up In Legislative Business, Group To Asupa, Pullah: Wake Up In Legislative Business, ....Says Ayakoromo Bridge, Kiagbodo Agbodobiri Road, Ogbobagbene Ojobo Road Needs Attention Burutu_____ A social cultural political interest group under the auspices of Concerned Citizens For lzon-Ebe Development (CCFID), has urged the members representing Burutu North and South Constituencies in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Asupa Forteta and Hon.Pullah Ekpotuayerin to wake up their legislative business, stressing that the duo should start projecting the problems facing the people of Burutu before the Delta State government and other development agencies for attention. The group also commended the members representing Warri South-West, Udu and Uvwie Constituencies in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, Hon.Uviejitobor Peter and Hon.Solomon Ighrakpata on their timely legislative alertness by drawing the attention of Delta State governmen...

Group To Asupa, Pullah: Wake Up In Legislative Business, ....Says Ayakoromo Bridge, Kiagbodo Agbodobiri Road, Ogbobagbene Ojobo Road Needs Attention Burutu_____ A social cultural political interest group under the auspices of Concerned Citizens For lzon-Ebe Development (CCFID), has urged the members representing Burutu North and South Constituencies in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Asupa Forteta and Hon.Pullah Ekpotuayerin to wake up their legislative business, stressing that the duo should start projecting the problems facing the people of Burutu before the Delta State government and other development agencies for attention. The group also commended the members representing Warri South-West, Udu and Uvwie Constituencies in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, Hon.Uviejitobor Peter and Hon.Solomon Ighrakpata on their timely legislative alertness by drawing the attention of Delta State government, as well as other interventionist development ag...

Breaking: Tribunal Sacks Dino as Kogi West Senator The Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has quashed the victory of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial district. Melaye (PDP) was declared winner in the February election by INEC, but Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC) approached the tribunal, challenging INEC’s declaration citing, irregularities, over voting and non compliance with the electoral acts. The three man panel led by Justice A. O. Chijioke in a unanimous judgment on Friday accepted Adeyemi’s ground and order for reelection into the senatorial axis. Reacting to the tribunal judgment,  Melaye  said, "No cause 4 alarm at all. Even if it went my way they will still go to the Appeal Court. Our mandate can not be taken. We will get judgment at the Appeal Court. There will be fresh election in Kogi West bc I will be Governor. For my Senate mandate no shaking"

Sheriff Mulade Congratulates Keyamo, Amaechi, Timipere Sylvia, Akpabio, others for Swearing-in as Ministers A Niger Delta human and  environmental rights advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has congratulated the newly inaugurated Federal Cabinet, especially the Ministers appointed from  the Niger Delta Region. Comrade Mulade who spoke with newsmen yesterday shortly after the inauguration of the Ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, felicitated with Festus Keyamo (Delta), Timipere Sylvia (Bayelsa), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Osagie Ehanire and Clement Agba (Edo), Emeka Nwaduba (Imo), Godwin Jedi Agba (Cross Rivers), Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo), and Uchechukwu Samson Ogah (Abia), urging them to attract uncommon governance and development to the grassroots in the Niger Delta Region. The ten Niger Deltans were among the 43 Ministers that were assigned portfolios and inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday,  giving the oil ...

Troops repel terrorists along Borno roads, communities IGP hosts 2019 INTERPOL week to brainstorm on global security threats  Troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, have repelled terrorists along the Maiduguri-Bama Road that serves several Borno State communities. The terrorists, before their repulsion, dug a trench across the road to prevent troops’ operation in the state. A statement by Spokesman of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Ado Isa, yesterday in Maiduguri, said: “In desperate efforts of the terrorists to frustrate ‘proactive and offensive actions,’ an ongoing counter-terrorism operation of troops thwarted their diversionary ploys to frustrate smooth movement of troops, logistics and commuters along the road.” He said that the mid-road crater was to plant an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Maiduguri-Konduga-Bama highway. Also, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, said: “Affected area of t...

Health    Wrong treatment, late diagnosis, ignorance others trigger diabetes-induced amputations CREDIT: The Guardian “I went through a great ordeal here in Nigeria that my leg got so bad and was bringing out maggots” These were the words of Ighiwotho Okeoghene, who was diagnosed of type-1 diabetes at a very tender age, as he accused a private hospital located in Festac town, Lagos of destroying his leg till it got amputated. Narrating his story, Okeoghene said it all started in 2006 when he developed ulcer on his left foot while in the university. He said he went to a private hospital at Festac town to treat the sore on his foot, which had started bringing out pus with foul odour that made him uncomfortable being around people. He said a gynecologist attended to him and said if he didn’t cut off the affected toe, he could die, since it was fast decaying. Trouble started when Okeoghene got so scared of losing his life that he agreed, only for the doctor to use razor ...

Nigerians rank fifth among African students in Germany Nigerian students have taken the fifth position among the number of counterparts from the African continent studying in Germany. According to the latest report from  Study in Germany  website, as of 2017/18 Winter Semester, German universities counted a number of 1,970 students from Nigeria, and the figure arrived at placed Nigerian students among the five largest group of African students currently attending university in Germany. Low or no-tuition universities, affordable costs of living, highly ranked universities and overall attractiveness are all that make Germany one of the most popular study-abroad destinations. Nigerian students seem also attracted to studying in Germany, it was gathered. Also, with the latest statistics collected from the 2017/18 Winter semester, it shows that 1,970 students from Nigeria were enrolled in German universities, statistics reveal that compared to a year ago their number increa...

DELTA IS SAFE, SECURE FOR INVESTORS, SSA URGED COMPANIES TO RELOCATE OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TO DELTA DELTA SSA ON SECURITY EZEKIEL DANIEL ASSURES PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR MILLION JOBS The newly appointed senior special assistant to the Delta State governor on security matters comrade Daniel Ezekiel commence action moves to x-ray opportunities available in Delta State as he gaves eviction to all troublesome elements, urging them to repent or leave the state for companies and investors to move in. Ezekiel Daniel who thanked His Excellency on behalf of his family, the People Democratic Party, PDP, the good people of Warri North Local government Area and the entire Ijaw people of the great Delta State yesterday during a press briefing urged investors, international oil companies to move their operational headquarters to Delta State, adding that peace and security has come to stay permanently. He assured his excellency that as his SSA on security, he will work assiduously on behalf ...

 Olu of Warri Commends Ugborodo People for constituting governing council, Committee of Chiefs to Reconcile aggrieved by Alex Eyengho  His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri has commended the Ugborodo people for peacefully putting in place the Governing Council of Ugborodo Community Trust (UCT) after years of interim administration arrangements. The highly revered Warri monarch gave the commendation earlier today Monday August 19, 2019 when he played host to memers of the Austin Oboroegbeyi Esq.-led UCT, stressing that Ugborodo is a very important Community in the scheme of things in Itsekiriland, Delta State and Nigeria generally.  While stressing that there was so much in Ugborodo to go round everybody in the atmosphere of peace, the Warri monarch appealed to a few persons who may still be aggrieved to give peace a chance and allow the UCT to settle down to work, even as he empaneled a committee of Chiefs of Ugborodo origin to immediately sit with such agri...

                  _WEEKEND EDITORIAL_ Governor Okowa and Egbema Marginalization: What the Deputy Governor Fails To Do   By Ezekiel Kagbala                 Opinion among cross section of Egbema people attributed their political and Socioeconomic problems to the current Government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy by combating it even as against the efforts of his predecessor, former governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan made attempt to correct it by appointing one of their own for a brief period. They contended that the Deputy Governor do not represent the Ijaws rather his own Okerekoko and a group of friends. There is no better word to describe the political torment. In words and deed the Deputy Governor has never supported the quest for political space same way he treated the Ogbe Ijoh/ Aladja imbroglio. Imaging...

Battle for Land Ownership: Crisis looms between Ogbe-Ijoh and Meinbutu's Ijaw group More trouble as lands around Ogbe-Ijoh Market, waterside, Main Market sold illegally. Ogbe-Ijaw governing council  has Dragged the Meinbutus group, under the auspices of a self styled Olabrakonpere community members before the police at the Warri Area Command.  crisis looms between the Ogbe-Ijoh people, Warri South-West local government area and the Ijaws of Meinbutu group who claimed to be members of Olabarakonpere community in Warri South local government area. The chairman of the so claimed Olabrakonpere community, Mr. Trust Youde recently disclosed to our reporter in Warri that the rift between them and Ogbe-Ijoh is not resolved. Investigation by FocalPoint Reports gathered that the struggle for ownership of the lands around the the Ogbe-Ijoh Market, waterside and the Warri Maintain Market has resonated to confrontation between some Ogbe-Ijoh people who serve as governing council and ...

MULADE INAUGURATE SPORT COMMITTEE FOR IJAW/ITSEKIRI PEACE, UNITY CUP COMPETITION The National coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, today inaugurated a local organizing committee (LOC) for the second edition of the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup competition. The Peace and Unity Football Tournament, initiated by CEPEJ, will run from the 16th to 30th of November, 2019 with participants and players drawn from the Itsekiri Ijaw ethnics  Members of the committee were inaugurated  at the Africa for Peace office complex off Osubi Okpe Local government area of Delta State.  The Various position of responsibility and members inaugurated includes; Chairman Kenneth Nwobocha, Deputy Chairman Val Ada Arenyeka, Secretary Chief Jeffrey Ojogun _SUB COMMITTEE_  Security: Chairman Chief Boro Oputu- and Secretary- Hon Emiko Etuwewe. Contact/Engagement Chairman, Michael Ikeogwe Secretary Hon Emma Adun Technical Committee: Chairman, C...

Senate to provide environment for Next Level implementation, says Omo-Agege Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has assured that the Ninth National Assembly will provide an enabling environment for the implementation of All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s Next Level agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians. The senator spoke in Daura, Katsina State, where he joined APC governors and other government officials to pay homage to President Muhammadu Buhari for the Eid-el-Kabir holiday. Urging Nigerians to continue to work for the peace, unity and progress of the country, Omo-Agege said he was in Daura to represent the Senate, as its President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, was away in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. In a statement by his Media Adviser Yomi Odunuga, the Deputy Senate President said: “You know it has not been very easy for us as a country in terms of the challenges we face. But this, notwithstanding, Mr. President has managed to steer the ship of state very successfully. ...

THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated a Community Interface Committee (CIC) for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme NOGaPS) located at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The committee was set up to enhance the interface between the communities, the contractors and the Board and would ensure community participation, cordial relationship and promote compliance to the Community Content elements of the project. The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Simbi Kesiye Wabote, inaugurated the committee at a town hall meeting held to formally introduce the contractors that will execute the newly approved work scopes on the industrial park. He explained that the committee would ensure conducive environment for the execution of the contracts awarded for the development of the site at Emeyal 1 NOGaPS. “Hence, the Board deemed it fit to constitute a committee made up of representatives from the communities, the contractors and the Board,...

NO ELECTRICITY IN PRESIDENT BUHARI'S COMMUNITY, DAURA PEOPLE LAMENTS Community leaders in the five Local Government Areas under Daura emirate yesterday told President Muhammadu Buhari that they enjoy 24 hours power supply only when he is in town. The president hosted leaders of various communities from five LGs, as part of Eid El-Kabir celebration. One of the community leaders, Mohammed Saleh, said “Anytime the President is around we enjoy 24 hours power supply. But if he is not around, the power supply is not always stable.” He commended the president for signing a bill to establish a Federal Polytechnic in Daura, after they had complained that the area needed a tertiary institution to encourage the youth to pursue higher education. He also lamented how unemployment was fueling car theft and other vices in their area. Another leader of the community, Yusuf Bello Mai’ Aduwa, thanked Nigerians for giving the President a second mandate to lead the country for anot...