ANIOCHA NORTH LEADERS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN NED NWOKO, EMEKA NWAOBI FOR GOOD REPRESENTATION.

Political leaders of Aniocha North local government area of Delta State have eulogized two prominent indigenes, Senator Ned Nwoko and Hon. Emeka Nwaobi over their immense contributions to good governance.

Rising from a meeting at Issele-Uku, the political leaders said Aniocha people were extremely proud of Senator Nwoko representing Delta North at the National Assembly and Hon. Nwaobi, representing Aniocha North constituency at the state House of Assembly for their impact in the legislatures.

They described Senator Nwoko as one of the strongest voices in the Nigerian Senate and hailed Hon. Nwaobi who is the majority leader of the State Assembly for standing excellent in promoting the yearnings of Aniocha North in Delta.

The meeting attended by former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, matriarch of Delta politics, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Chief Mrs Josephine Kachikwu,
Commissioner for information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, PDP Chairman of the local government, Hon. Charles Ochei, former chairman of the council, among other leaders, urged Senator Nwoko and Hon. Nwaobi to remain exemplary in service.

After sustained deliberations, the Aniocha North leaders unanimously passed a vote of tacit confidence in Senator Nwoko and Hon. Nwaobi, following a motion by pioneer sole administrator of the council, Sir Dan Okenyi, supported by party stalwart, Chief UZ Idabor.

Senator Nwoko had championed the aspirations of Delta North (Anioma) though outstanding efforts on Ogwashi Uku dam project, Okpai Power generating system, multiple manpower development programmes, attraction of N3.5 billion projects to Delta North in the 2024 national Appropriation among other key milestones as a senator.

Hon Nwaobi, as state lawmaker, had initiated several constituency projects like roads, schools, hospitals and empowerment programmes for the people of Aniocha North, and also distinguished himself as a pillar of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, through his office as majority leader of DTHA.

SENATE ADVANCES NWOKO’S BILL FOR NATIONAL TALENT REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION AGENCY.

Senator Ned Munir Nwoko’s bill for the establishment of the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency has successfully passed its first reading in the Senate on April 30, 2024.

The lawmaker, representing Delta North senatorial district, highlighted that individuals possessing specialized skills and talents, particularly in technology, often find themselves engaged in illegal activities, posing threats to national security and public safety.

Recognizing the potential of these talents to positively contribute to society and local industries if properly harnessed, Senator Nwoko emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework for rehabilitating and integrating offenders with specialized technological skills.

He explained that the bill for an act to establish the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Act seeks to address the challenge of skilled individuals engaging in illegal activities, particularly in technology-related fields, by providing a structured framework for their rehabilitation and integration into lawful employment and entrepreneurship. Through the establishment of the National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency, the bill aims to harness the talents of offenders with specialized skills, promote public safety, reduce recidivism rates, and contribute to the economic development of the nation.

ENFORCE BAN ON DAYTIME MOVEMENT OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES – Nwoko Urges FG

A federal law maker, Senator Ned Nwoko has called on the Federal Government to enforce a nationwide ban on movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the daytime.

He said this was in view of the alarming surge in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), resulting in a staggering annual death toll exceeding 40,000 individuals as reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, made the call during an interview in Abuja on Tuesday in Abuja.

He also said that the statistics revealed a concerning trend, with a 6.01 per cent increase in road traffic crashes in the fourth quarter of 2022, escalating further by 6.16 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2021, as documented by the FRSC.

He noted that the distressing figures persisted into the third quarter of 2023, with Nigeria recording 2,187 road accidents, as verified by the FRSC and substantiated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its latest NBS Road Transport Data for Q4 2023.

He further said that the FRSC had elucidated that articulated vehicles, tankers, and trailers were responsible for the deaths of 3,200 persons in road accidents between 2015 and 2018.

He added that the corps said that this was with Nigeria incurring a staggering loss exceeding N39 billion to tanker and trailer-related road crashes in 2018 alone.

The lawmaker said that with the staggering statistics, it was very imperative to enforce a nationwide ban on movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the daytime across the country, and the time to do that was now.

He disclosed that his motion on the subject matter, titled “Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Daytime” was already before the Senate.

He noted that states like Lagos and Abia, have implemented prohibitions on the daytime movement of trucks and trailers on state roads, confining their operations to nocturnal hours as a proactive measure to mitigate the escalating carnage on daytime roads, there is the need for others to do same.

He said that recent weeks have borne witness to a succession of tragic incidents involving fuel-laden tankers, trailers, and cement trucks, precipitating ghastly accidents with alarming casualty rates.

“I was informed about the grievous incident that happened in Rivers on April 26, wherein a fuel-laden tanker erupted in flames, claiming the lives of four individuals and engulfing approximately 100 vehicles at the Eleme section of the East-West Road.

“This followed a collision with another vehicle, catalysing a catastrophic explosion that rapidly spread to adjacent tankers and vehicles ensnared in the ensuing traffic impasse.

“I was also informed about another harrowing incident that occurred at Okene Bypass on the Okene-Lokoja expressway in Kogi on April 28, involving a cement truck which tragically claimed the lives of no fewer than 19 individuals, epitomising the perils posed by heavy-duty vehicles.

“I am concerned that it has become all too commonplace to encounter fuel-laden tankers, heavily laden cement trucks, and articulated vehicles hauling perilous cargo jostling for space alongside passenger vehicles during daylight hours and early evenings.

“This exacerbated the risk of collisions and calamities on the nation’s roadways.

“I therefore call on the Federal Ministry of Transportation to collaborate with the FRSC to incorporate a nationwide ban on daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles into its Safety Requirements/Guidelines for Articulated Lorries (Tankers/Trailers) Operations in Nigeria

“They should be permitted to carry out their operations only between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 am.

“I equally call upon the FRSC to exercise greater diligence in their operations, upgrade traffic and vehicle standard regulations where necessary, and ensure strict enforcement.”

Nwoko noted that failure to uniformly enforce such regulations nationwide portends a continuation of road accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, characterised by an alarming fatality rate and the sustained hemorrhaging of billions of naira in economic losses.

Senator Prince Ned Nwoko

SENATOR NED NWOKO’S COMMITMENT TO NDOKWA NATION

Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, the distinguished representative of Delta North senatorial district, evidently fosters a trusting and highly supportive relationship with his constituents. However, one cannot help but notice his distinctive interest and unwavering commitment to the Ndokwa Nation.

The Ndokwa Nation, endowed with notable oil and gas reserves, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy. In fact, the Ndokwa/Ukwuani constituency stands as the largest crude oil and gas hub in Africa. One might presume that a people blessed with such abundance would enjoy all the comforts of life and more. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

During the last senatorial campaign, Prince Ned Nwoko, accompanied by his campaign team, traversed the entirety of the Ndokwa area. What he encountered brought him to tears – communities living in squalor, enduring profound poverty and suffering. These were the same people responsible for producing the cornerstone of the nation’s economy – crude oil and gas. Yet, they lacked basic amenities such as electricity, good roads, standard hospitals, well-equipped schools (both primary and tertiary), clean water, affordable housing, and other essentials that could enhance their quality of life. The area was glaringly marked by signs of underdevelopment, a stark contrast to its resource wealth.

Witnessing their plight and frustration firsthand, Ned Nwoko made a solemn promise to champion the cause of the Ndokwa nation. He vowed to ensure they received the recognition and benefits they rightfully deserved from the federal government, should he emerge victorious in the election and earn the people’s mandate.

True to his word, he emerged victorious and has since remained steadfast in fulfilling his promise.

Whilst leading the fight against crude oil and gas theft in the Niger Delta, Senator Ned Nwoko has also urged the federal government to legalize artisanal refining and provide full support to local refiners whose activities are currently deemed illegal. Some locals, driven by frustration and poverty, siphon crude oil and utilize rudimentary techniques to refine it. The senator, who unequivocally condemns crude oil theft in any form, also highlighted that legalizing artisanal refining would enable these locals to produce more refined products at affordable rates for citizens.

At the core of his push to legalize artisanal refining lies his concern for his people, particularly the Ndokwa nation, aiming to empower them to have direct earnings and control over their liquid gold.

Furthermore, Senator Ned Nwoko’s engagements with the Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding the distribution of electricity from the Okpai Independent Power Plant to host communities underscores his dedication to fulfilling his promise to the people.

The senator has never asserted claims to initiating or attracting the OIPP project. However, upon assuming office, it is incumbent upon a representative not only to attract and initiate new projects but also to ensure and facilitate the completion of existing projects in his constituency. The approval for the distribution of 100 megawatts of electricity from the Okpai Independent Power Plant to host communities was granted about 19 years ago; however, there have been unexplained delays in executing this crucial project.

As a federal government project, Senator Ned Nwoko recognized the importance of hearing the reasons for the delay directly from the authorities. He convened a meeting with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, to inquire about the unexplained delays in executing these crucial projects. The Ministry and Agency cited the lack of funds as the primary obstacle to project execution, stressing the necessity of financial support from the National Assembly to implement the Senate’s resolutions on the motion raised by Senator Ned Nwoko regarding the issue.

In response, Senator Nwoko pledged to expedite the approval of funds for the project upon receiving a detailed budget analysis from the ministry/agency. This mutual agreement and understanding prompted the ministry to mobilize the contractor back to the site. According to the information personally conveyed by the minister to Senator Ned Nwoko, the contractor and workers are currently mobilizing back to the site.

The Senator’s efforts didn’t end there. While the OIPP is a federal government project that must be funded by the federal government, he is also advocating for the possibility of state government financing the project and requesting a refund from the FG. During his recent visit, he discussed this with the state Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who agreed to consider funding the completion of the OIPP project and making a request for the federal government to refund the state.

Additionally, there is another power plant in Sapele, about which the Minister of Power shared necessary information with Senator Ned, and the distinguished Senator also discussed it with the Governor. With both power plants functioning as they should, Delta State as a whole will be properly electrified.

Senator Ned Nwoko is precisely executing what he should to ensure the success of distributing 100 megawatts of electricity from the Okpai Independent Power Plant, which has been delayed for years. He has also made it known that he will collaborate with all concerned parties to make this step down happen this year. It is his responsibility to achieve this, and he is clearly not in competition with anyone or any group, nor is he seeking self-glorification. His focus, evident in his actions, is to ensure that the project is actualized as soon as possible. His door is open to anybody or any group that may have effective opinions or information about the project. Again, this is another recorded success in progress for the people.

What about the idea of having the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy in Ndokwa? Senator Ned Nwoko has reaffirmed his commitment to this promise by championing a bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kwale. Currently, the sole NDA is situated in Kaduna state. Senator Nwoko has underscored the significance of establishing another NDA to cater to the southern region of Nigeria. His bill seeking the establishment of one in Kwale has successfully cleared its first reading in the Senate, marking yet another promising stride for the people.

The Ndokwa region, by virtue of its geographical location, grapples with the recurring challenge of flooding. This predicament is further exacerbated by the inadequate road infrastructure. During his tour, Prince Ned Nwoko personally witnessed the devastating impact of these issues. In response, he has emphasized the critical need for the construction of a coastal road in the Oko and Ndokwa axis to mitigate the persistent flooding from the River Niger.

The Senate has recognized the imperative of dredging the River Niger and River Benue to tackle this challenge effectively. The proposed coastal road, stretching from Ebu, Oko, Okpai, Aboh, down to Patani, will incorporate elevation and embankment measures to prevent flooding. The road will complement the existing coastal road project awarded by the President, linking Lagos, Delta, and Akwa-Ibom states.

The Ndokwa axis also grapples with environmental degradation due to gas flaring and oil spillage resulting from the operations of oil companies. While actively combating oil spillage through his environmental team, Senator Ned Nwoko has also submitted a motion to address the issue of gas flaring in the area. The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Stop Gas Flaring and Enforce Anti-Gas Flaring Regulations in Ndokwa Land and the Niger Delta Region,” has been submitted for listing.

It is needless to mention that in the 2024 appropriation, diverse projects were strategically placed in the axis. This acknowledgment does not diminish the Senator’s commitment to other areas within his senatorial district. However, those with an unwavering conscience will concur with the Senator that the Ndokwa nation has endured marginalization for far too long and warrants special attention.

ASSOCIATION OF NDOKWA NATION HOTELIERS MEETS WITH SENATOR NED NWOKO.

Ndokwa Nation association of Hotel Owners and Senator Representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko had a fruitful meeting/engagement which took place @ his country home, Idumuje Ugboko on April 9,2024.The meeting was a huge success. The signed hardcopy of our letter was given to the Senator and we appealed to him to assist use his good offices to draw the attention of Minister of Power and also Director General ,Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on the inability of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to transmit and distribute power/electricity to Kwale and environs for more than six(6) years. In his response he assured us that he will spring to action immediately and will work round the clock to ensure short and long term results are realized as it relates to power /electricity distribution. The discussions were very friendly and accommodating as well. Better days ahead! Long live Ndokwa Nation Hotel Owners Association! Long live Senator Ned Nwoko!! Long live NDOKWA Nation!!!

ANIOMA YOUTHS MEETS, PASS CONFIDENCE VOTE IN SENATOR NED NWOKO

The gale of endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko’s performance at the National Assembly has continued with a resounding vote of confidence by Youths from Delta North Senatorial District.

Thousands of youths drawn from the 9 local government areas of Delta North, popularly called Anioma, gathered at Idumuje-Ugboko country home of Prince Ned Nwoko where they expressly hailed his stint so far at the senate and proclaimed that the Senator earned their admiration for exemplary stewardship.

In an unanimous motion from Emmanuel Zelinjo, Aniocha North seconded by Aduye Lucky-Elite Amechi, Aniocha South, the youths across all Delta North local government areas said they acknowledged the achievements of Senator Nwoko on human capital development and provision of social infrastructure in Anioma land .

Barely a week ago, Anioma political leaders had at a Town Hall meeting at Asaba commended Senator Nwoko for his excellent commitment to duty while Delta North monarchs, followed by women group from the senatorial district passed a vote of confidence in him.

The latest acclamation by Anioma youths attracted representatives of the youths from Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ika South, Ika North East, Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani.

Addressing the youths, Senator Ned Nwoko who welcomed them in company of his wife, Regina Danieis Nwoko, said the support of the youths was a morale booster.

He said he is in the senate not just to “make laws for the good governance of the Nation” but also to engender lasting socio -economic development.

According to the senator:

“ I came prepared to serve because I understand the problems and challenges of the people. Youths are very important to me. I love your energy, creativity and innovation. Every young person in Anioma will be encouraged to excel.

“ I have numerous bills for the betterment of the society. Bills on firearms, rent control, citing of Nigerian Defense Academy in Kwale and so on are all very significant.

“Moreover, I have done much towards the completion of Okpai electricity project, Ogwashi Uku dam and construction of strategic road network in Delta North.

“I am interested in the well being of my people. As long as you live in Anioma, I represent you. Let me inform you that I just secured the release of some persons arrested by security agents, for ownership of gun factory. The factory is termed illegal but I believe that they should be encouraged to regularize their operations. Their ingenuity can be channeled to good use towards industrial revolution”

Senator Ned Nwoko also told the gathering of Anioma youths that he established the first sports university in sub Saharan Africa to promote education and sporting excellence, as his contribution to the development of Anioma, Delta and Nigeria.

The Senator said the Sports university is in partnership with over 5 foreign universities in Europe and other parts of the world in the area of scholarship and urged the youths to embrace the opportunities offered to fulfill their destinies.

BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN ARMY RELEASES SOME OF THE PERSONS CAUGHT PRODUCING ILLEGAL WEAPONS IN ONICHA- OLONA DELTA STATE TO SENATOR NED NWOKO BASED ON SELF RECOGNITION

The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko visited the 63 Brigade of Nigeria Army in Asaba over the illegal arms manufacturers arrested and detained.

Recall: The 63 Brigade of the Nigeria Army under the command of Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu had uncovered an illegal gun factory in the Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and arrested eight persons.

According to Senator Ned Nwoko:
“They were arrested and detained because what they were doing was illegal and they were not authorized or licensed to do what they were doing.

But all the same they were part of my constituency. I don’t know them and nobody spoke to me about them but as a Senator, I have to help anybody from my constituency and Nigeria that is in trouble.

I took up the matter because I feel for them. I believe that Nigeria is not growing as a nation. Politically, it may be yes but technologically we are not growing. Virtually everything that we have is imported. The phones in your hands, necklace and even your wrist watches are imported.

As a member of the senate committee, I know of a DICON (Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria) established in 1964 to manufacture arms and help us to grow local arms manufacturing industries. But they have never succeeded for so many reasons.

Now, when I read the story from my feedback platform that this family at Onicha Olona were arrested because of manufacturing of local arms illegally, including making landmines, drones and being able to increase the rounds of Ak47 from 30 to 60 or thereabout.

I think this kind of family should be integrated into the system.
If I were to be a president, such a family and many others like them in Nigeria should be brought together with a plan of action. One is to engage them formerly. Two is to get them to produce what they know how to produce. Three, they will produce for Nigeria, Nigeria Military, Nigeria Police and possibly begin to export to other countries in West Africa.
It was family like this in Britain, who began to manufacture things on their own were promoted and before you know it they will begin to produce quality things. Initially, they may not be able to produce things they can support but with time and sufficient regulation, they will create a lot of employment and generate revenues for others.

So, I had a meeting with the Commander of the Brigade and was very happy with what they told me why they were arrested and after the meeting, the team and his people agreed to release some of them to me and which they did. Some of them are still in the custody but I will take that up in Abuja and I can assure you that at the end of the day I look forward to those guys release again by the government to do those things we don’t have the capacity to do.”

ANIOMA MONARCHS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN SEN. NED NWOKO FOR EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION

Anioma Traditional Rulers, comprising of Monarchs from the Delta North Senatorial District have passed a vote of implicit confidence in the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly in Abuja, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko.

This motion was moved by the Traditional Ruler of Ukala Okpunor Kingdom, HRM Obi Clement Ifeanyi Ejiofor and was unanimously endorsed by others during the unveiling of the Senator’s Office in Asaba.

This followed a Thank You Town Hall Meeting with Delta North leaders and people at Orchid Hotel, Asaba.

The Traditional Rulers said Senator Nwoko has recorded unprecedented achievements throuh important bills, motions and empowermenents all dedicated to the development of Anioma, Delta and Nigeria in general.

The Monarchs also gave assurance that they had adopted Ned Nwoko a sole senatorial candidate ahead of the round of elections.

Responding, an elected Senator Nwoko appreciated the Traditional Rulers and the people of Delta North for their usual and unalloyed support.

He promised to attract more dividends of democracy to the people of Anioma Nation for their trust in his leadership.

He assured of better days and said the youths and women are integral in his constituency blueprint for the next phase of his constituency projects.

Political leaders and people of Delta North had earlier at the Town hall meeting commended Senator Ned Nwoko for his exemplary accomplishments at the National Assembly since he was elected senator in 2023.

SEN NWOKO URGES CHRISTIANS TO FIND INSPIRATION IN CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

Sen Ned Nwoko has urged Christians to draw spiritual inspiration from the resurrection story of Jesus Christ as they celebrate Easter.

Nwoko who represents Delta North Senatorial District, made the call in an Easter message made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that Christians should allow the symbolism of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to reflect in them.

The senator said that Easter was a commemoration of the fulfillment of God’s Prophecy that offered the hope of eternal life to mankind.


”This hope of eternal life is through the sacrificial death of Christ and His subsequent resurrection from the dead.

”With this faith, Christians should significantly contribute towards making the earth a better place for all of us,” he said.

Nwoko further urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to demonstrate Christ-like concern for the poor and powerless in the society.

”Let us speak up against injustice and all activities that tend to impede equal opportunities, fairness and national unity.

”It should be a season of renewal of hope and sober reflection. The season should remind us of the importance of compassion, unity, and resilience,” he said.

Nwoko also urged Christians to use the period to renew their commitment to the service of the nation and to pray for peace and sustenance of national unity.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Sen Prince Ned Nwoko

OGWASHI-UKU DEVELOPMENT UNION COMMENDS SENATOR NED NWOKO FOR EFFORTS TOWARDS DAM COMPLETION

The Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU) has expressed appreciation to Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, for his recent efforts aimed at advancing the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Multipurpose Dam, particularly its water supply component. The letter of gratitude, signed by President-General Osamor Patrick Izu and Secretary General Adigwe Eluemuno Sunday, highlights the significance of the dam for the community and the wider Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency.

Senator Nwoko’s visit to the Honourable Minister for Water Resources to advocate for the water supply aspect is commended as a demonstration of his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people. The letter extends an invitation for a courtesy visit to Senator Nwoko’s office to further discuss the project and express appreciation in person.

The letter highlighted the dire situation faced by the community, where residents are forced to purchase water at exorbitant prices due to the lack of accessible water sources.

While acknowledging Senator Nwoko’s efforts, the letter urges continued attention to the other components of the dam, including irrigation and hydro power, emphasizing their potential for significant economic benefits.

The ODU’s letter stands as proof of the community’s recognition of Senator Nwoko’s proactive stance in advocating for Anioma interests and addressing critical infrastructure needs.