By Sunday Apah

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, has solicited the support of media practitioners in promoting the activities of the State House of Assembly and in supporting the Speaker’s office in the leadership of the 8th Assembly.

Mr. Nwaeke made this appeal on Monday during a breakfast meeting with Assembly Correspondents and other journalists in the state, held at his residence in Asaba, as part of the Christmas and end-of-year celebrations.

Addressing a gathering that included several publishers, Mr. Nwaeke explained that the breakfast meeting was necessary to strengthen the existing bond between him and his colleagues in the journalism profession.

He noted that all attendees have collaborated closely with him to ensure his success in his role.

Recalling his appointment as Chief Press Secretary by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, on December 19, 2023, Mr. Nwaeke emphasized that he could not have fulfilled his duties as CPS without the support of his family and media practitioners.

He said: “I recall that fateful day when the House was about to adjourn for the year, and Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, announced my appointment as his Chief Press Secretary.

“It came as a surprise to many, but I immediately resolved to carry everyone along, especially since most of us have worked closely over the years. My appointment as CPS can never separate us.

“This breakfast is my small way of appreciating everyone for supporting me since my assumption of office as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Emomotimi Guwor. I want to assure you that come 2025, we will continue to synergize and work together.”

Mr. Nwaeke thanked his principal, Rt. Hon. Guwor, for approving the hosting of his colleagues, and he appreciated him for always recognizing the media’s efforts in reporting on the Assembly.

The CPS solicited continued collaboration from journalists in portraying the Speaker and the State legislature in a positive light.

He particularly commended the resilience of the Correspondents covering the House of Assembly beat, stating that their tireless efforts have earned them ongoing recognition from the Speaker.

“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate my boss, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for his support and understanding while carrying out assigned duties.

“His constant recognition of the press in giving visibility to the activities of the House is a morale boost, and I appreciate that immensely. I want to solicit your collaboration as we continue to work as a team,” Nwaeke stated.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe, expressed gratitude to Mr. Nkem Nwaeke and his wife, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke, for hosting journalists at the breakfast meeting, calling it a commendable initiative.

Comrade Oyovwe recounted his years of acquaintance with Mr. Nkem Nwaeke from their university days at Delta State University, Abraka. He urged media practitioners in the state to embrace a culture of supporting one another, irrespective of political appointments or affiliations.

“I have known Nkem Nwaeke since our school days at Delta State University, Abraka, as a hardworking man who knows his responsibilities. He was among the few in our set to graduate with a Second Class Upper (2:1). I know him as a capable man who will always deliver.

“Let me take this opportunity to appeal to our colleagues to support one another regardless of circumstances because, in doing so, we all succeed. If the CPS fails, we as journalists have also failed; if he succeeds, we have also succeeded,” Oyovwe said.

In their goodwill messages, several veterans in the journalism profession, including Mr. Augustine Ogwuda of Townhall Online, Ebere Obiakor of AIT, Comrade Pere Botu, Chairman of NUJ DBS Asaba chapel, and Austine Akanigha, among others, praised Mr. Nkem Nwaeke for his hard work over the years and for maintaining a good working relationship with colleagues across the board.

The breakfast meeting was attended by a diverse group of journalists from broadcast stations, newspapers, and online publications in the state.

…Donates N2 Million to Ughelli South PDP for Christmas Celebrations

By Sunday Apah 

FOOSTODEY, a non-governmental organization, in partnership with Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has officially launched the “Ukodo Na Tėvwė” Initiative, aimed at providing assistance to less privileged members of society.

According to a statement from Mr. Elvis Ahior, the National President of FOOSTODEY, the initiative will deliver a monthly stipend of N20,000 to 200 vulnerable households in the Oginibo community of the Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Ahior stated, “This initiative is a practical manifestation of the MORE Agenda established by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, affectionately known as ‘UKODO,’ ensuring that support reaches our rural population in a meaningful way. Given the current yuletide season, it is essential that we, as true Christians, spread joy and love to our neighbors and the wider community.”

Comrade Reuben Izeze (Esq.), the International Facilitator and Coordinator of FOOSTODEY, further emphasized that the “Ukodo Na Tėvwė” Initiative aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s vision, particularly regarding support for the indigent and vulnerable sectors of society.

“Governor Oborevwori has consistently provided social welfare packages targeting women, widows, the elderly, youths, and students, with over 200,000 Deltans and residents benefiting from various grants. The ‘Ukodo Na Tėvwė’ Initiative also supports the Federal Government’s cashless policy and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s initiatives by ensuring that all beneficiaries have functional bank accounts.”

Moreover, Izeze stressed that the initiative stems from a strong conviction that all appointees within the Oborevwori administration have a responsibility to extend support to the grassroots.

In a related move, Comrade Izeze made a significant donation of N2 million to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Committee in Ughelli South Local Government Area to assist with Christmas celebrations.

“This donation aims to bolster the unity of the party as they celebrate Christmas and prepare for the upcoming year,” Izeze explained. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the party’s leadership and grassroots structures, especially during the festive season.

“This contribution is my way of expressing gratitude to the Ughelli South PDP Executive Committee for their unwavering dedication to the party’s advancement. As we celebrate Christmas, let us also reflect on the values of unity, service, and shared responsibility,” Izeze added.

The donation was met with appreciation from members of the executive committee, who described it as a thoughtful and encouraging gesture.

Chief Edirin Ojigho, Chairman of Ughelli South PDP, praised Izeze for his ongoing support and encouraged other stakeholders to follow his example.

Comrade Izeze’s generous contribution underscores his commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and promoting a culture of inclusivity and generosity within the PDP.

As the festive season unfolds, this act of kindness not only enhances the spirit within the party but also reaffirms the bond between leaders and the communities they serve.

By Sunday Apah

The management and staff of the Delta State House of Assembly have received a commitment for improved welfare beginning in 2025.

During a year-end celebration held at the State Assembly Complex in Asaba, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, conveyed this assurance to the attendees.

In his address, Speaker Guwor commended the board, management team, and all staff members affiliated with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) for their dedication to their roles. He emphasized that the success of the state legislature would not have been possible without a harmonious working environment, free of violence.

Guwor expressed gratitude for the unity and support shown to all members of the House, promising that their needs will be prioritized in the coming year. He emphasized that a happy and conducive workplace is essential for enhancing productivity.

He further announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has committed to improving physical infrastructure within the assembly complex, including upgrades to the clinic, as well as implementing the Consolidated Salary Structure (CONLESS) for PASAN members in Delta State starting in 2025.

On the topic of professional development, Guwor assured staff that ongoing training and capacity building would be prioritized, as the knowledge gained would greatly contribute to enhanced performance within the legislature.

Encouraging the staff to focus on future opportunities rather than past challenges, he extended warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, urging everyone to embody love and kindness during the holiday season, as love remains the essence of this time of year.

The Clerk of the House, Otto Aghoghophia, expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff for the Speaker’s exemplary leadership, promising unwavering support for him and the assembly’s leadership. He reflected on the positive developments that have occurred since Guwor took office and expressed optimism for continued progress in the legislature.

Additionally, Speaker Guwor praised the members of the 8th Assembly for their commitment to their responsibilities. As the National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, he shared his appreciation for the prompt passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, noting that the lawmakers’ dedication reflects their commitment to the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He highlighted that, in 2024, the state legislature successfully passed several significant bills and motions aimed at promoting peace, good governance, and sustainable development.

Guwor expressed his appreciation to the media for their dedication to accurately reporting government policies and programs, noting that the activities of the House would often remain unnoticed without their unbiased coverage of plenary sessions, committee meetings, and oversight activities. He called for continued collaboration with the press as partners in progress.

The year-end celebrations also included attendance from members of the Delta State Assembly Service Commission, led by Chairman Mr. Sunday Ebirieri, as well as the Deputy Clerks and assembly management. The event featured free medical care, health talks, and engaging activities for the staff.