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Delta Will Sustain Widows Welfare Scheme – Okowa

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Delta Will Sustain Widows Welfare Scheme – Okowa
Delta Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, representing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, arriving at the 1st National Summit on Widows Rights and Welfare (left), and the Wife of Delta Governor and Chairperson, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa ,(right) at the summit which held at the event centre, Asaba on Wednesday

Delta Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, representing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, arriving at the 1st National Summit on Widows Rights and Welfare (left), and the Wife of Delta Governor and Chairperson, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa ,(right) at the summit which held at the event centre, Asaba on Wednesday

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Wife of Delta Governor and Chairperson, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa (left) discussing with the coordinator, Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme, Dr. Isioma Okonta,(right)during the 1st National Summit on Widows Rights and Welfare in Asaba on wednesday

DAN DENT(ASABA)

SPONSORED BY: H&H
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, said his administration will sustain its widows welfare scheme aimed at ameliorating the plights of the less privileged widows in the state.

Okowa disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the “First National Summit on Widows’ Rights and Welfare -Delta Experience” held at the Event Centre, Asaba, which was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Social Investment Programmes, Mr. Isioma Okonta, to mark the 2021 International Widows’ Day.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, thanked God for inspiring his administration to institute a welfare scheme for widows in the state through the state widows welfare scheme, and reiterated the need for total prohibition of harmful widowhood practices.

He disclosed that it was the prayer and hope of his administration to sustain the widows welfare scheme for the poor and vulnerable widows in the state and to ensure that more vulnerable widows were captured in the welfare scheme.

“I want to thank God for what He has inspired us to do for widows in the state through the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme.

“It is our prayer and hope to sustain the widows welfare scheme for poor and vulnerable widows in the state and to ensure that more vulnerable widows are captured in the welfare scheme.

“I want to thank God and to assure our mothers and sisters (widows) that we will continue to do our best to ensure that we sustain the programme,” the governor said.

He urged the widows to pray for improved economic fortunes of the state to enable it bring more poor and vulnerable widows into the scheme to alleviate their sufferings occasioned by the demise of their husbands.

In her remarks, Wife of the governor and Founder of the 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa applauded the Coordinator of Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme, Elder Isioma Okonta for effectively driving the vision of Governor Okowa for the less privileged widows in the state.

Dame Okowa who harped on the need for a legislation against harmful traditional and cultural widowhood practices in the state and the country, called on women to show love towards one another.

She also called on the Coordinator of the widows welfare scheme to explore the possibility of incorporating skills acquisition and entrepreneurial training programmes into the scheme where young and vulnerable widows could be trained and given starter packs at the end of their training to alleviate their plights.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and the Obi of Owa Kingdom, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II; the second vice chairman of the traditional rulers council and the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, HRM, Felix Mujakperuo; the second vice chairman of the council and the Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom, HRM, Pere Stanley Luke Kalanama lll and the Ovie of Mosogar, HRM, Samson Omene Odurie l, called for a legislative framework that would sustain the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme beyond the Okowa led administration in the state.

They applauded Governor Okowa for finding it expedient to look into the issues concerning widows welfare in the state, adding that an Executive Bill should be sent to the state House of Assembly for passage and subsequent assent by the governor so as to sustain the welfare package for widows in the state.

While saying that women have right to their husbands’ property, the monarchs called on women to always speak out, pointing out that they should not wait for somebody to speak for them.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Social Investment Programmes and the State Coordinator, Widows Welfare Scheme, Elder Isioma Okonta said the widows welfare scheme was non-political, adding that the scheme also cuts across all religious divides.

Elder Okonta said that the names of widows enrolled in the programme were derived from the list collated and verified by the community leaders, religious leaders, civic leaders and traditional rulers and institutions.

According to him, only verified poor and vulnerable widows residing in Delta State were eligible for enrolment into the scheme, pointing out that a widow who is a civil servant or financially stable was not eligible for the scheme.

“Currently, there are 5,607 widows enrolled in the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme. These widows have been benefiting from the scheme since 2018. The widows enrolled are predominantly aged, illiterate and have difficulties at financial independence.

“They are drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state and the 270 wards across the communities. The widows received N5,000 as monthly stipends and free healthcare services,” Okonta said.

In his speech, former Nigerian Ambassador to China and Cote d’Ivoire, Jonathan Oluwole Coker who was a guest speaker at the ceremony, commended Delta State government for its passionate commitment towards the welfare of less privileged widows in the state, just as he called for a multi-sectoral approach in addressing issues on widows rights.

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Lagos Island Lawmaker, Afinni Picks Patient Surgery Bill

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Lagos Island Lawmaker, Afinni Picks Patient Surgery Bill

Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim

sponsored by: H&H

“May you never experience such, May God be with you and your household, may you never fall sick, your enemies will never overcome you, These are the prayers from the heart of a resident of Lagos Island constituency ll, Mr. Abiola Shuab when favour falls on him during and aftermart of his successful surgery Operation been sponsored by Lagos Lawmaker, Hon. Lanre Afinni.

August24news.com gathered that Mr. Abiola Shuab was suffering from a premium Nasal Nose Blockage and as been placed under drugs and treatment before his doctor prescribed him for a Surgery Operation.

The surgery Operation was carried out successfully by a team of medical expert at the Ilorin General Hospital last Friday.

Upon reaching the Lawmaker for Financial support for the surgery, Hon. Lanre Afinni who represent the good people of Lagos Island Constituency ll at the Lagos State house of Assembly quickly reacted to the request and ask his Committee on Health to rally round Abiola and carry out all the necessary action claiming the bill should be credited on his account.

Commenting on the Goodwill done by Hon. Lanre Afinni is the Apex Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos Island Constituency ll, Chief Babajide Damasio commended Affini for the prompt and good act describing him as a lawmaker of the people who is always at alert for the good gesture.

On his own Part Hon. Lanre Afinni who doubles as the Chairman house committee on Environment at the Lagos State House of Assembly told Our Correspondent that “health is wealth, “we remain committed to our constituents members healthcare, their health is Paramount to us and that is why we have to come to their aid when needed.

According to Afinni, When we came into Office in 2023, we inaugurated several committees to look into the needs of our consistency members in different capacity and appoint professional to head the team in various offices such as Education, Sport, Security, Empowerment, Job Creation and Health.

“On our Health Committee desk, we have been able to organize series of medical talks, we also help with medical bills of our constituency members, We have done 3 editions of the medical outreach program, which includes dentals and distributions of free eye glasses with over 2,000 Two thousand in every edition and the 4th edition will be held in December this year. Afinni Stated.

Mr. Abiola Shuab is an Higher National Diploma holder in Banking and Finance from the prestigious Ibadan Polytechnic, Oyo State and resident of Number 17 Ajanaku Street, Lagos Island East LCDA.

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Smear Campaign Won’t Stop Police Reforms, CASA Stands with IGP Egbetokun

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Smear Campaign Won’t Stop Police Reforms, CASA Stands with IGP Egbetokun

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has strongly condemned what it calls a coordinated campaign of calumny against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging Nigerians to disregard all unfounded attacks on his person and leadership.

In a statement released on Friday, May 30, 2025, the President of CASA, Charles Egbunike, described the attacks as part of a broader agenda to discredit not just the IGP, but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under whose administration Egbetokun was appointed.

“These campaigns are not only malicious but deliberately designed to create instability,” Egbunike said. “Those behind them are not just attacking the IGP; they are using him as a tool to hit at the President. This is because of the IGP’s long-standing association with President Tinubu, dating back to when he served as his Chief Security Officer during Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State more than two decades ago.”

According to the group, the real masterminds behind the smear campaign are disgruntled elements who lost out following the IGP’s recent reforms aimed at sanitizing the system, especially his decision to implement the position of the law and the Police Service Commission on retirement age and service years. These individuals, who are angry over the unalloyed support Egbetokun enjoys from the President and the members of the Nigeria Police Force, he said, are now collaborating with unscrupulous figures in the online media space who have been paid to do a hatchet job.

“These individuals prospered under a corrupt system and are now resentful because Inspector General Egbetokun has put an end to that era of impunity and unprofessional conduct. They are using faceless online platforms and questionable media outlets to spread lies and cast doubt on the IGP’s credibility. Very soon, we will start revealing the people behind this campaign, including a retired Senior Police officer who is unhappy about the way he left office. We will also expose those paying for online attacks meant to weaken the police and, by extension, the government. This is not just an attack on one man, it is an attempt to undermine national security. We will not let that happen,” Egbunike said.

Speaking alongside Egbunike,  a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Idris Dauda Dabban, described IGP Egbetokun, as a truly professional, hardworking, humble and forward-thinking officer whose leadership is shaping a more disciplined and professional Nigerian Police Force as he advises those who are attacking him for their myopic selfish reasons to desist from it.

AIG Dabban (rtd), who was a coursemate of Egbetokun at the Police Academy and later served closely with him, gave personal insights into the character and work ethics of the country’s top cop.

“IGP Egbetokun is a very humble, selfless, courageous and hardworking officer,” Dabban said. “He’s someone who listens, interacts well with people, and genuinely cares about getting the job done.”

Their connection goes way back, not just as coursemates but also as close colleagues posted to the same units and living in the same police barracks. According to Dabban, that experience gave him a front-row view of the IGP’s drive, care for the people and passion for duty.

“After we left the academy, we were both posted back to Lagos. We served in the same unit and even lived in the same barracks at Satellite Police Barrack. I can confidently say I know him very well,” Dabban recalled.

“He’s always ahead, very proactive, never reactive. He doesn’t tolerate anything that goes against the ethics of the Force. He’s very forward-looking, passionate about the job and holds himself and others to high standards. I can say Nigerians are lucky to have this kind of incorruptible cop as their IGP.

“He’s a nationalist, he is never tribalistic or considers religious sentiment. For him, it’s all about the job, work, work, and more work. He’s fully committed to building a better police force that I am certain about.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the Secretary-General of CASA, Emamode Peters, praised IGP Egbetokun for the positive changes he is bringing to the Force.

According to him, Egbetokun is not only a strong leader but also a highly educated officer who brings deep knowledge and discipline into policing.

He said, “One thing I admire most about the IGP is his work ethic. He drives his subordinates hard because he believes in results. Laziness and unprofessional conduct have no place under his leadership. I have personally observed that he leads from the front; he works round the clock, comes to the office early, and spends more than 14 hours in the office daily, and I also know that most days he does not go to bed until 4 am. Because he continues with meetings and work at home. I marvelled at how he attends to the deluge of work and files on his table and he does all of that with vigour and professionalism.”

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NiMet SAPZ Partner to Empower Smallholder Farmers Across Agro Processing Zones

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NiMet SAPZ Partner to Empower Smallholder Farmers Across Agro Processing Zones

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program to advance climate resilience and sustainable agriculture across key farming regions in Nigeria.

The partnership, formalized in Abuja, will initially be implemented across seven pilot states—Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—with a roadmap to scale nationally. The initiative targets smallholder farmers and agro-processors, equipping them with real-time weather forecasts, seasonal climate predictions, and tailored advisory services to improve decision-making and mitigate climate-related risks.

The SAPZ initiative, a five-year national agricultural transformation program co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to stimulate inclusive agro-industrialization, raise rural incomes, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.

Professor Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director-General/CEO, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that meteorological services are critical to enhancing food security and reducing climate risks within Nigeria’s agricultural value chains. “We are proud to support SAPZ’s vision with timely, accurate, and accessible climate information. No farmer should be left behind in the climate-smart agriculture movement,” he said.

Dr. Kabir Yusuf, the National Program Coordinator for SAPZ, emphasized the critical role of climate-smart solutions in addressing the unpredictable weather patterns that pose a threat to agriculture. He stated, “This collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) will provide actionable climate data and advisory services to farmers and agro-processors, thereby enhancing productivity, minimizing losses, and fostering resilience.”

Under the agreement, NiMet will provide seasonal rainfall forecasts, localized weather updates, training for extension workers, install mini weather stations, and develop innovative applications for real-time alerts. SAPZ will integrate NiMet’s climate data into its Agricultural Industrial Hubs and Transformation Centers, supporting training, equipment, and infrastructure deployment.

A joint technical committee will oversee implementation, monitor progress, and develop innovative solutions such as localized crop calendars and precision farming tools. The MoU is initially valid for five years, with plans to evolve into a long-term institutional framework supporting Nigeria’s national climate adaptation strategy.

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