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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta’s Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda
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1 month agoon
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta’s Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to driving the tourism sector of Delta State via his MORE agenda is attracting a lot of encomium his way.
Speaking with journalists at a media parley held in Asaba, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr Josephine Odunze disclosed that the State government is intensifying efforts to promote tourism by creating an enabling environment for tourism investors.
Dr Josephine, who embarked on a two-day trip to various tourist sites with her team of other political appointees and civil servants in the culture and tourism sector, said the purpose of the tour was to identify, inspect and assess the potentials of the various sites.
“Looking at all these tourist sites located in different parts of the state, we needed to embark not just on an inspection tour but also to see the potential in these sites. Potential in the area of trade and investment, employment opportunities, and potentials in the area of cultural exchange between states and nations.”
Flanked by the General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, Dr Josephine, gave a sequential account of the trip. She evaluated the eco-tourism potentials of the River Ethiope, which has its source at Umuaja in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State and sourced from the root of a silk cotton tree that penetrated the water. Dr Josephine said eco-tourists can take advantage of the river as it is the deepest inland waterway in Africa. The Umuaja River flows through different communities to Sapele.
“This River Ethiope is navigable. It flows into the Turf Club, McCarthy Beach, Shiloh Beach, and other beaches. If properly managed, it can be used for boat regattas and other recreational activities. River Ethiope is very clean; we can have a botanical garden situated there, which will aid research for students.”
Speaking, she described McCarthy Beach as a serene environment, where tourists and poets who want to take recess from the hustle and bustle of life can go for relaxation and inspiration. McCarthy plays host to different events, thereby beefing up businesses in the area.
On the Warri Gardens, which is owned by the Delta State Government, Dr Josephine disclosed that the site needs more government attention and upgrade and should be managed effectively for it to compete with other private-owned tourist sites.
The Ibru International Ecumenical Center located in Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area is another tourist attraction in the state for religious tourists who want to engage in some spiritual exercise, and the more such tourist sites are patronised, the more it contributes to the overall economic development of the community and State.
She revealed that the Ganagana Island in Okwagbe in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state is a beautiful place where tourism businesses would thrive. Dr Josephine encouraged tourism associations, managers and planners to visit Ganagana Island as history has it that it was the first place that Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther visited when he arrived in Nigeria but he was rejected and he did the biblical injunction of dusting his feet against them before setting off to Onitsha.
‘’The community is surrounded by water, but it is said that the water never overflows its banks. So it can serve as a seaport where a lot and even our popular locally brewed gin (ogogoro) can be marketed. This place needs recognition and support to give it an international platform for exports of some of our indigenous arts, crafts, and cuisines’’.
Dr Josephine relayed their experience at the Mount Ned Resort at Idumuje Ugboko as her team continued their tour on the second day. They witnessed the rich historical artefacts displayed at the environmental and cultural tourism site. For her, the site is underpublicized, and lots of people need to come there not only for sightseeing but for cultural and educational exposure.
While taking the team around, the curator at the site, Pastor Lauretta Onuma, appreciated the team for including the site on their list for the tour. She encouraged individuals and organisations to take a trip to Mount Ned Resort to have a first-hand experience of the rich eco-cultural site in Idumuje Ugboko..
Another site visited on the second day of the tour was the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, established by Dr Newton Jibunoh, also known as the Desert Warrior. At the Garden, Miss Oluebube Okafor took the team to see various facilities such as the zoo, an Olympic-size swimming pool, hotel accommodations, and artwork that represents the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue. Dr Josephine appreciated Dr. Jibunoh, for the insight on how to manage and leverage the tourist sites in Delta State, that would eventually boost the revenue in the state. According to her, Dr Jibunoh stressed the need for the security infrastructure of the state to be strengthened as this would encourage global and local tourism investors to Delta State.
She added that the historic Mungo Park House in Asaba should be revamped as there are places that are already caving in. ‘’The place should not be left to go into extinction as it reminds us about the story of the colonial rule, the interface between the western influences and African culture. It also was the first Government House in Nigeria as Asaba was the administrative head of the Southern protectorate’’. She thanked the government of Delta State for creating an enabling environment for investors but added that more needs to be done by collaborating with the National Museum to give the facility a facelift.
She said they also made a quick stop at the Lander Brothers Anchorage where she called on the state government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to look into the remodelling of the Lander Brothers Anchorage to boost the tourism sector of the state. The anchorage is a museum built in memory of the British explorers, Richard and John Lander, who were taken captive in 1830.
The General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Mrs Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, who is a stakeholder in the tourism industry both at the state level and beyond, said that tourism is multifaceted as it cuts across our daily lives such as religious tourism, medical tourism, conferencing, hospitality, accommodation, culture, gastronomy, that the state can explore to grow its GDP. ‘’But the state needs investors who will partner with the government to make Delta State a tourist destination of pride.’’
She, however, revealed that the tourism board promotes both state and privately-owned tourism sites using the official tourism brochure and via online marketing. “We need investors as the government can not do it alone. The government has created the enabling environment such as road infrastructure, water, and light but we need investors who will partner with the government to ensure that we truly make Delta State the preferred tourist destination of pride. We have some comparative areas of advantage because of the biodiversity and eco-system of the state. You will find that one area that is most prominent for private investment is the beach and resort development. You will find that the whole corridor from Umuaja, Umutu, and Abraka, going all the way down to Sapele, is so beautiful because of the beach, sand banks, and the green river. It is an area where investors can come in and do five – to seven-star resorts along those corridors. Aboh is another beautiful beach, Aboh Palace, and Aboh Slave Relics; all of these put together are waiting for the private sector to harness. We also have Asaba Beach, although it is a seasonal beach because, during the rains, the water is full.
Dr Josephine said the Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park has not only attracted tourists and those in the entertainment industry to the state but has attracted road projects to the location and neighboring communities.
“The film Village and Leisure Park is now a tourist delight as the facility houses so much in leisure including a zoo, a music recording studio and everything needed for film-making, acting, production and post-production stages are all there. The hotels,apartments, and hostels are well equipped for visitors to lodge during their stay in Asaba”. We also appreciate our working Governor, Rt Hon Oborevwori, for sustaining the need for collaboration with the private sector in managing the film village, as that has brought some level of professionalism, dedication and credibility to the activities of the film village and leisure park.
Dr Josephine Odunze appreciated the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the enabling environment for tourists and investors, especially during the maiden edition of the 2023 Christmas in Delta, tagged ‘’45 Days of Christmas in Delta’’. 45 days of fond memories, synchronized fireworks in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state, hoisting of the tallest Christmas tree in Africa right in the heart of Asaba, carnival parade and other activities held at the film village, Leisure Park and other parts of Delta State in December 2023.
Members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Hon Huxley Unumadu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Hon Gloria Oborevwori, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Onosakponome Donaldson.
Others include Mrs Kate Uwabor, who was the Tour Guide from the Tourism Board and other assistant directors, and tourism and cultural officers from the Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
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Professor Fidelis Oditah is Wrong about the EFCC By Dele Oyewale
Published
1 hour agoon
November 5, 2024Professor Fidelis Oditah is Wrong about the EFCC
By Dele Oyewale
Professor Fidelis Oditah’s recent interactive discussion on a wide range of issues on Arise News, are quite engaging. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN and an international legal mind, his views on national issues cannot be disregarded. Benjamin Disraeli, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom once said, “with words we govern men”. Thus, Oditah’ s words are important and cannot be dismissed as empty effusion lacking weight or impact.
However, the learned Professor’s submission on what he called the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s three fundamental problems are, to say the least, prejudicial, unfounded and misleading. First, Oditah stated that “The EFCC is often being used for settling many scores. Some are political scores, some are social scores. So, you could run away from your girlfriend and the girlfriend goes to the EFCC and the EFCC could ask you questions(sic). What has that got to do with economic crimes? That is blatant abuse of power”(sic).
How on earth will this kind of a scenario painted by the learned silk hold water? The simplest argument against this kind of effusion is to challenge Oditah to provide proofs of such banality. We all know that this just an idle talk because the EFCC is a serious- minded law enforcement agency. The only worrisome aspect of such a talk is that it betrays an embarrassing lack of grasp of what the EFCC’s focus is.
This issue of appropriate and proper focusing of the mandate of the EFCC has been a central pivot of the three- pronged agenda of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. In the full glare of the entire world, while addressing members of the National Assembly in October 2023, Olukoyede stated that the focus of every fight against corruption was to stimulate growth in the economy. For more than a year now, the EFCC’s boss has been consistently following this route. The review of the arrest and bail procedures of the EFCC is in line with this. Professor Oditah is probably busy with his works as a King’s Counsel in the United Kingdom and have no time to be abreast of development in the EFCC. Olukoyede is a lawyer of high pedigree and would not allow what the learned counsel called “ blatant abuse of power”.
The second “ fundamental problem of the EFCC”, according to Oditah is that “The EFCC has abandoned its mandate and reduce itself to a debt- collection agency, notwithstanding the numerous court decisions saying the EFCC must stay within the narrow confines of financial and economic crimes. The EFCC has gone out for debt recovery”. This submission, again, is hollow and vacuous. The EFCC’s Establishment Act does not empower the Commission to collect debt on behalf of anyone. The recovery the EFCC does is taking back proceeds of crime from fraudsters. Asset recovery, all over the world, is a fundamental law enforcement and anti- corruption initiative. As a matter of fact, it is the ground norm of every anti- corruption fight. To this end, Olukoyede in just one year, recovered N248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million, Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo).
In foreign currencies, recoveries of the Commission in the one year of Olukoyede’s leadership are: $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents); £ 53,133.64 (Fifty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence; €172,547.10 (One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents) and many others.
Going by the quantum of these recoveries, not to talk of real estate recovered all over the country, including shares acquired with proceeds of crime in blue- chip companies, it is simply preposterous to reduce and ridicule asset recoveries to debt recovery. Professor Oditah owes the EFCC and the entire nation unconditional apology in this regard. Just two days ago, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos granted final forfeitures of over $2million and seven princely properties in choice areas of Lagos to the Federal Government. The assets are proceeds of crime traced to a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Do such recoveries fall into the category of debt recovery insinuation of Oditah? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently directed that N100billion be channeled to the funding of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CreditCorp, respectively from the monetary recoveries of the EFCC. Is the Professor aware of all these? It is evident that bringing down the issue of asset recovery to the ridiculous corridor of debt recovery is deliberate caricature of an important anti- corruption framework of the government. This is an initiative which local, regional and international agencies are commending Olukoyede and the EFCC about. It is to be noted also that the Director of FBI and the DG of National Crime Agency in the UK where he resides have paid cortesty visits to Olukoyede commending him on the feat he has attained in the fight against corruption and financial crimes and to seek more collaboration with the agency in their shared mandate of fighting corruption and financial crimes
The third issue Odikah raised against the EFCC, like the earlier issues, again, lacks any firm ground of substance. Hear him:
“The EFCC itself, a number of officers are more corrupt than those they are chasing. So, you remember what happened to Mr Bawa, Mr Matawalle, when Mr Matawalle finished his tenure as governor of Zamfara state and he said he was invited by Mr Bawa to bring $2million so as not to be investigated. The EFCC itself has become a corrupt organisation which needs to be completely disbanded and a new body set up . The EFCC has the resources. It does not have the ethics. The EFCC majors on minor issues, catching students and showing them as cyber criminals and so it says, it procured 1000 convictions and when you look at them they are people who have defrauded people of 20 or 22 dollars. That’s not the mandate. That’s the periphery. The central mandate is to ensure that the resources which are put in the hands of states are used by the states and that’s where the EFCC”
Going through all these trumped- up claims, it is obvious that Oditah has elected to totally launch unwarranted verbal war against the Commission and its officers. How many officers of the EFCC have been tainted with corruption allegations? Is it acceptable to use the “ sins” of very few elements in a community to paint and taint it as a community of sinners? It should be noted that there is no law enforcement agency in the world that is not vulnerable to corrupt officers. What is important is what the agency is doing to such elements. Olukoyede is known for his no- nonsense approach to ethical issues in the Commission. As a matter of fact, upon assumption of duties, he directed every officer of the Commission to declare their assets and ensure that verification of assets so declared is established. He went ahead to name the Department of Internal Affairs as Department of Ethics and Integrity. Beyond all these, some erring officers of the Commission have either been shown the way out or facing trial. In recent times, the Commission has had cause to dismiss some officers on allegations of corruption and gross misconduct. The EFCC is self- cleansing and the Commission deserves commendation for this.
It is worrisome that a Professor of the reputation and exposure of Oditah could dismiss the Commission’s onslaught against internet fraudsters as an unserious engagement. The damages this genre of fraudsters are causing the nation is untold. A crime that has a projection of $10.6trillion loss to the whole world in 2025 and Nigeria lost more than $500million in 2022 alone, is what Oditah derisively lampooned the EFCC about. We have cause to be worried that those who ought to know better are either playing the Ostrich or advertising their ignorance of a major malaise confronting the nation. Owing to the threat of cybercrimes to the development of our country, the EFCC has held two national dialogues on it. The recent one held few days ago at the Presidential Villa. The Professor should know that the EFCC mandate is to investigate all financial and economic crimes and no financial crime is small or big to be investigated in order to save the soul of the nation. It should be recalled that in recent times, the EFCC had had cause to prosecute and file charges against four ex- governors and some former ministers who were found culpable by EFCC’s investigation for looting state treasuries. This is just to confirm that the Commission is not scared of taking up large- scale fraud’s investigations and prosecution which we shall continue to do
There is no denying the fact that the respected professor goofed in all his comments about the EFCC and his views are not reflective of the realities on ground concerning the anti- corruption fight of the government.
On a final note, we enjoin professor Oditah to get himself familiar with the works of the Commission and lend his expertise and rich experience to the nation for a more robust and fully- integrated war against corruption. We also want to advise the fourth estate of the realm not to allow their platforms to be used to cast unfounded aspersions on the good works of the EFCC. The Commission is not averse to meaningful contributions and advise from well- meaning and reform- minded Nigerians to strengthen our processes and procedures as we continue this crusade,
*** Dele Oyewale is Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC.
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Ijebu Man of The Year Awards: Prince Segun Kaka Set to be Honored for Outstanding Legislative Contributions*
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1 hour agoon
November 5, 2024**Ijebu Man of The Year Awards: Prince Segun Kaka Set to be Honored for Outstanding Legislative Contributions*
In a grand celebration of excellence and leadership, the Ijebu Man of The Year Awards is poised to recognize exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to the socio-political landscape of the Ijebu community. Among the distinguished awardees this year is Prince Segun Kaka, who will receive the prestigious award for his outstanding achievements in legislation.
The ceremony, organized by the National Globe, is scheduled to take place on November 10, 2024. This annual event has become a hallmark of recognition for individuals whose efforts have positively impacted the Ijebu community and beyond. This year, the awards ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, showcasing the achievements of notable personalities who have dedicated their lives to public service.
Prince Segun Kaka, a prominent figure in local governance, has been recognized for his unwavering commitment to legislative excellence. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping policies that address the needs and aspirations of the Ijebu people. With a reputation for integrity and dedication, Kaka has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of his constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Joining Prince Kaka in this year’s celebration are other eminent personalities, including Chief Dr. Olatokunbo Olukoua, Hon. Amos Oyebannjo Olusegun, Prince Dr. Adesegun Adelaja Adeniyi Adenuga, and Otunba Olajide Adenuga. Together, these distinguished individuals embody the spirit of leadership and service, making significant strides in various fields including education, healthcare, and community development.
The National Globe has emphasized that the awards aim not only to honor individual achievements but also to inspire the younger generation to engage in public service. “We believe that recognizing these outstanding individuals will encourage others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in their communities,” stated a spokesperson for the organization.
As anticipation builds for the event, the local community is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals. The Ijebu Man of The Year Awards not only serve as a platform for recognition but also foster a sense of unity and pride among the people of Ijebu.
Tickets for the event are expected to sell quickly, as many wish to witness this celebration of excellence firsthand. With an impressive lineup of awardees and a commitment to highlighting the importance of community service, the Ijebu Man of The Year Awards is set to be an unforgettable occasion.
As the date approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightly on Prince Segun Kaka and his fellow awardees, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the Ijebu community and inspiring future generations to strive for greatness in public service.
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Kingmaker of Muguland: Dr. Banwo Releases Leaked Preview of Highly Anticipated Thriller
Published
4 hours agoon
November 5, 2024Kingmaker of Muguland: Dr. Banwo Releases Leaked Preview of Highly Anticipated Thriller
Dr. Ope Banwo has officially released the leaked portion of his upcoming book, “The Kingmaker of Muguland”, one of the year’s most anticipated political thrillers.
A section of the book surfaced on various online platforms days ago, sparking a frenzy of downloads and heated discussions on social media. While it remains unclear how the excerpt was leaked, some speculate it may have happened during the editing process, possibly by one of Dr. Banwo’s staff.
In response, Dr. Banwo has made the leaked portion of the book accessible to the public on the official website [https://www.Kingmakerofmuguland.com/leaked](https://www.Kingmakerofmuguland.com/leaked) to ensure everyone can enjoy an early look at the story.
“The Kingmaker of Muguland” is a high-stakes thriller that examines themes of power, politics, and corruption in the fictional African nation of Muguland. The book, set for global release on November 17, follows the story of Chief Bisola Eleniyan, a masterful political kingmaker whose influence shapes the future of the nation.
Chief Bisola Eleniyan, the novel’s central figure, is a shadowy yet powerful character who controls Muguland’s political landscape from behind the scenes. Far more influential than any elected official, Eleniyan decides who rises to power and who falls, controlling the nation’s direction without ever holding a public office. His return from exile and strategic moves to reclaim power create a gripping narrative that explores the lengths one person will go to hold sway over an entire country.
The novel delves into the undercurrents of African politics, reflecting real-life struggles with corruption, influence, and ambition that resonate with readers familiar with such themes. Eleniyan, a controversial figure plagued by allegations of corruption and questionable financial dealings, embodies the type of leader who manipulates systems rather than individual politicians, thriving within the fractured political environment of Muguland.
In celebration of the book’s official release, Dr. Banwo will host a virtual launch event on November 17 via Zoom, where the first 100 attendees will receive free print copies. Following the release, “The Kingmaker of Muguland’ will be available at over 60,000 retailers worldwide, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
With its timely themes and gripping narrative, “The Kingmaker of Muguland” promises to be a thought-provoking read that captures the intrigue of political power plays and the cost of unchecked ambition.
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