All posts by Jungle Journalist

Incurable OPTIMIST; unrepentant Africanist, highpriest of metaphysics, teacher, writer, journalist, biographer.
News, South East

ENUGU ASSEMBLY: Chima Obieze’s Committee to begin state-wide project inspection October 5

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The Enugu State House of Assembly has revealed its plans to embark on a state wide project inspection, beginning from October 5, 2020.

This was contained in a statement signed by the
Chairman, House Committee on Works& Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Chima E. Obieze and made available to Jungle Journalist Media Ltd.

Obieze said all contractors in the state were expected to be on site to recieve and take questions from the House Members & its technical crew.

“This is in line with the mandate and powers conferred on the State House of Assembly by virtue of Section128 & 129 of 1999 constitution at Chapter 5, Part 2”, he told Jungle Journalist Media Ltd.

Speaking further, the statement invited the Honourable Commissioner for Works and the Ministry, State Project Coordinator & Staff of Rural Access Mobility Project(RAMP), ALGON chairman & all Local Government Council Chairmen, all contractors handling projects for & on behalf of the Government & people of Enugu State, members of the press and the general public to be aware of the coming activities.

He also warned that all contractors found wanting would be blacklisted, “as the Committee have no plans to condone waste & mismanagement of tax payers money. All performing Contractors will be appraised & encouraged”.

“The Committee will also expose any negligence, corruption, complicity, non-compliance & incompetence on the part of any contractor and any government/civil servant discovered during the oversight.

“It is our mandate as elected representatives of the people to ensure that they get the best and this is what we are out to ensure they get.

“We also know that the Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing massive Rural and Urban Development. So we are out to ensure that no contractor or complicit State worker sabotages His Excellency’s good intentions for the Enugu people.

“After this tour, contractors that have questions to answer shall be invited. Thereafter a detailed report shall be presented to the House for adoption as a working document for the State. With recommendations on way forward.

“We call on the general public or anyone who has any useful information, detail, concerning any government project going on within your area or vicinity to do well to notify the Committee”, he stated.

National, News, Oil and Gas

Nigeria: Days of Crude Oil Are Numbered – Govt

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STRONG indications emerged Monday that hardship looms in Nigeria following the nation’s over-reliance on oil as the Federal Government has raised the alarm that the days of crude oil are numbered.

According to the Federal Government, it has become imperative for Nigerians to start making effective utilization of its oil wealth when it matters most before the commodity becomes worthless.

Speaking Monday in Abuja at an interactive meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva cautioned that based on a forecast in the global oil industry, oil will in the next 20 years become less relevant in the global energy mix as the world looks beyond oil and seeks alternative sources.

The meeting, which was presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and other leaders of the National Assembly in attendance is aimed at discussing the details of a draft copy of the Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB).

Sylva who pleaded that Nigeria should make use of the best of the remaining days of the relevance of petroleum in the global market, however, sought the cooperation of the National Assembly for speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill ( PIB) forwarded to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Minister who spoke on the intendment of the bill said that having wasted 20 years in putting in place required laws for the regulation of the oil industry, the country needs to quickly pass the PIB to make the best of investments from the sector before 2040, already forecasted for 50 per cent loss of relevance of crude oil in the global market.

The Minister said: “It is quite unfortunate that since the year 2000 when attempts were made to come up with a draft copy of PIB, to 2007, 2009 and 2012 when draft bills were submitted to different sessions of the National Assembly by the executive arm of government without passage, up till 2018 when the legislators came up with one; that we are yet to put on the ground required laws for effective regulation of the oil industry.

“Twenty years have been wasted in putting the laws in place for a sector that has 20 more years of full relevance going by forecasts already made.

“Forecasts in oil industry circles indicate that oil will play less and less role in the global economy.

“Specifically, by the year 2040 which is 20 years away, the relevance of oil in the global economy will reduce by 50 per cent”

According to Sylva, the PIB as drafted and passed to both Chambers of the National Assembly, if expeditiously considered and passed, will serve as the foundation of investments, adding that one of the central aims of the bill, is to make Nigeria an attractive investment destination.

He warned saying, “The days of oil are numbered; deposits of coal did not run out before the world moved away from it. Today the world is talking about alternative energy and we should also move we should take advantage of making hay while the sun shines.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said that though the PIB seemed to be jinxed since 2007 and 2019, the fresh effort will surely see the light of the day, adding that it is difficult to put a time frame on when the jinx would be broken through the passage of the bill because details of its contents must be understood and thoroughness applied in its consideration.

Lawan who disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s communication will be read today said that the Ministry must be around to educate the National Assembly on the content of the Bill, adding, “the essence of this meeting between the leadership of the National Assembly and officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and NNPC is to discuss the essence and focus of the Petroleum Industry Bill that has been sent to the National Assembly about two weeks ago.

“We announce that the Bill is now in the National Assembly even though it is not before the National Assembly. By tomorrow when the letter of transmission is read on the floor of the Senate and House of Representatives, we will know what it is the Bill.

“The essence of this meeting is for us to understand what is in the Bill. That is the essence and purpose of the meeting.

This is just for us to interact with you on the content of the Bill so that we have some first-hand information, understanding, and idea of what is in there and of course from there the interaction will continue maybe at another level with our committees for the processing of the Bill by the National Assembly leading to its eventual passage by the grace of God.

“The PIB is said to be jinxed. Actually for a long time, roughly from 2007 to 2019, it was either the Bill was sponsored by the executive and not passed by the legislature as was the case in 2007 and 2011 in the 6th and 7th Assembly.

“In the 8th Assembly, the legislature sponsored the Bill by breaking it into three Bills which were passed but there was no assent.

Now the Bill is an executive Bill sent to the National Assembly. The two chambers promised even during our campaigns that we want to break that jinx.

We want to see an oil industry in Nigeria that is properly regulated and that does not only sustains the investments we have but attract even more investments. We want to see an oil industry that is very competitive and oil resources that are beneficial to Nigerians.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, said that though the bill will be considered and passed speedily, thoroughness will not be sacrificed.

Gbajabiamila said, “Oil represents the livewire of our Nigeria’s economy, making the PIB the most important piece of legislation that will come out of the 9th National Assembly in months or years to come.

“We will pass the bill speedily, but not sacrifice thoroughness at the altar of speed. We have assembled a crack team of legislators who are versed in the workings of the industry.”

Vanguard

Biafra, Breaking News, International, News, Politics, South East

BREAKING NEWS! Biafra & Ambazonia groups hold talks for freedom from Nigeria and Cameroon

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By Dennis Agbo (Vanguard)

THE Biafra Nations Youth League, BNYL, has formed an alliance with Southern Cameroon’s separatist group, Ambazonia, in pursuant to secession from their respective countries to become independent nations.

Arising from BNYL’s convention in Enugu, during the weekend, attended by representatives of Cameroon’s Ambazonia, BNYL leader, Princewill Chimezie said that the collaboration of the two agitating groups had been on for a long time but was being re-engineered to give stronger voice for their self-determination pursuits.

Chimezie disclosed that the Enugu convention was predicated on how to re-strategize and encourage self-defense mechanisms for Biafrans and Ambazonians in the escalating security challenges facing the people of Eastern Nigeria and Southern Cameroon.

He noted that BNYL was a multi-national pro-Biafra group whose membership were drawn from all the ethnic nationalities in the former Eastern Nigeria that were parts of the defunct Republic of Biafra led by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu between 1967 and 1970.

Chimezie said: “We resolved to defend ourselves by any means possible and we are not afraid to say that because we can’t continue to sit down and watch enemies massacre our people. I am afraid we may resort to guerilla movement.

We have been most prominent in the Bakassi areas where we developed partnership with Ambazonia because we found out that Biafra has a similar problem with southern Cameroon.

“Ambazonia needs our help just as we need theirs. We have both had affinity to achieve independence in different ways and the collaboration is meant to hear one another’s cry.”

One of the Ambazonia’s representatives and President of Universal Negro Improvement Association, UNIA in Calabar Cross River state, Comrade Enow Arrey said he was a refugee in Nigeria because of the horrible killings of Ambazonians in Southern Cameroon.

Arrey said: “I found out that my brothers in Nigeria have the same problem with Southern Cameroon people.

My mission is to speak that Africa has the right to decolonize their place. We’ve decided that our people must be one as they were before colonization.

“UNIA will support the Biafra movement before we can deserve respect. We are fighting for peace in Cameroon and if that peace needs a separate state, we will do that.

The peace is either for federalism or separation, just like we are in support of self-defense.”

Breaking News, National, News

NLC suspends petrol and electricity increase strike

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has momentarily shelved a planned nationwide strike after a marathon meeting with the federal government.

The strike and protests against hikes in petrol price and electricity tariff were supposed to kick off on Monday, September 28.

However, hours after midnight, a truce was reached between organised labour and the federal government.

New electricity prices will now be suspended for two weeks.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo says: “federal government and labour reach agreement at 2:53am.

“Deregulation to stay as government rolls out palliatives for labour (details in 2 weeks); Electricity tariffs suspended by govt for 2 weeks with a joint committee headed by @fkeyamo to examine the justification for the new policy.

“Strike suspended.”

The federal government had said it can no longer afford to pay for petrol subsidy, which amounts to close to a trillion Naira annually; and that it no longer makes economic sense to subsidise a privatised power sector.

A deregulated petroleum industry means that the price of gasoline at the pumps will be determined by market forces and international price of crude.

Petrol had gone from N145/liter to N162/liter in the first week of September, amid worsening economic conditions for Nigerians, no thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

International, News, Politics

Goodluck Jonathan supervises swearing in ceremony for Mali’s transitional president and VP

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By BABA AHMED and CARLEY PETESCH, Associated Press

Mali’s transitional president and vice president were sworn into office Friday, more than a month after a coup in the West African nation.

The induction ceremony in the capital, Bamako, took place as Mali remains under sanctions by the 15-nation West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, and amid uncertainty about details of the transition period.

Former Defense Minister and retired Col. Maj. Bah N’Daw is the new transitional president while Col. Assimi Goita, head of the junta that staged the Aug. 18 coup, is Mali’s new vice president. The two, along with a prime minister who will be chosen in the coming days, are to lead the transitional government to elections in 18 months.

“I am ready to make the ultimate sacrifice so that Mali becomes the country of our dreams, and to return the country to a properly elected president,” N’Daw said in his first speech to the nation. He promised to abide by the agreed conditions and timeframe for the transition.

He also said that the transition government will uphold its international commitments.
Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan attended the ceremony as representative of ECOWAS, which had pressed for a quick return to a civilian government. The regional group held days of talks with the junta and other political and civil groups in Mali to encourage a return to democacy. ECOWAS has closed borders to Mali and stopped financial flows and has said it will only lift those sanctions once it approves of the transitional plan.

Jonathan has been positive about the junta’s proposals.
On Friday, he congratulated the junta “and the way they interacted with ECOWAS.”

Breaking News, Education, News, South East

Breaking: See dates Abia State fixed for schools resumption, 3rd term exams

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The Abia State Executive Council has approved the reopening of primary and secondary schools in Abia State for Monday September 28, 2020 to complete the third term of the 2019/2020 academic year. All primary and secondary schools are expected to start revision classes immediately and do so for one week.

The third term examination will start on Monday, October 5 and run till October 16, 2020, and it will be based on the topics covered in first and second terms of the 2019/2020 academic year as well as the Radio/TV Classroom Program studies.

After the third term examination, the pupils and students will go for a short break to allow the teachers mark and compute the promotional examination results.

Pupils and students in private schools will be expected to pay only 30% of third term school fees and 30% of the approved levies in public senior secondary schools.

Any school that charges any approved fees or levies beyond the 30% limit will be appropriately sanctioned. In this regard, all parents/guardians and their children/wards should insist on collecting a receipt for every money paid.

On Monday, October 26, 2020, the first term of the 2020/2021 academic session will commence. All pupils and students must return to school to commence academic activities for the term.

The first term of 2020/2021 academic session will run from October 26 to December 23, 2020, before a short break from December 24, 2020 – January 3, 2021.

From Monday, January 4, 2021, the first term will continue and end on January 21, 2021. All students will pay the normal full school fees and levies for the first term.

The second term of 2020/2021 academic session will commence on Monday, February 1, 2021 and run for 12 weeks ending on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Third term for the 2020/2021 academic session will start on May 10, 2021 and end on August 5, 2021.

The education loving Governor of this State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, and the State Executive Council, approved the above arrangements to make sure that Abia school children do not miss anything in their academic activities. We want to assure every one that these measures, hard and tight as they may appear, are put in place to keep our educational system running effectively.

All Creche, Nursery and Kindergarten Schools will however remain closed for now till Government considers it safe for them to resume.

COVID 19 PROTOCOLS

To make sure that the COVID-19 spread is curtailed and put in check, all the protocols already in place in our schools will continue to be observed.

Every Headteacher and Principal must ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines established when the exit classes returned to school are strictly maintained.

For example:

1. The use of thermometers to check the temperature at the gate everyday will continue.

2. Regular washing of hands with soap and water at the established hand washing stations will continue and more stations should be created where needed.

3. The use of hand sanitizers by staff and pupils/students will continue.

4. All administrators, teachers, students and visitors to all our schools must wear face masks.

5. No long breaks for now. We will continue to have supervised short breaks in the classes.

6. No games/sports activities, organized or not, will be allowed in our schools for now.

7. We will continue to maintain social and physical distancing of at least 2m in our classes.

8. No general morning assemblies will be held in our schools. Teachers should conduct morning prayers before the first period everyday.

9. All schools must take advantage of the COVID-19 lectures they have received to constantly teach and remind pupils and students that protection from the infection is a personal responsibility that no one should neglect at any time.

10. All Schools must run from 8.00am to 1.40pm daily only. No afternoon or evening lessons of any sort should be arranged. Pupils and students must be allowed to go home after 1.40pm everyday.

11. The sick bays and isolation centers already created in our schools must be maintained. Report all suspected cases promptly by calling 07002242362.

REMEMBER, YOU NEED TO STAY HEALTHY AND ALIVE TO HAVE A GOOD TOMORROW.

STAY SAFE AND STAY WELL! ALWAYS BE COVID 19 CONSCIOUS!!

Assoc. Prof Kanelechi CK Nwangwa
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Education.
September 25, 2020.

National, News, Oil and Gas

6 top oil servicing companies in Nigeria. Number 4 will shock you!

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Ten years ago, on the 2nd of April 2010, the Nigerian Local Content bill received presidential assent and thus became a law to provide for a framework that would guide indigenous content and participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The law also provided for the establishment of the Nigerian Content Monitoring Board (NCMB), charged with the responsibility of managing the coordination, monitoring and implementation of the new local content law.

The law also provided for the establishment of the Nigerian Content Monitoring Board (NCMB), charged with the responsibility of managing the coordination, monitoring and implementation of the new local content law.

Why did Nigeria need a local content law? The quick answer is that the Nigerian oil and gas industry had matured with a thriving marginal field regime run by Nigerians and it was time for the service industry to open up to Nigerians as a means of further increasing indigenous participation in the sector by prescribing a minimum threshold for the use of local services and materials while promoting technology and skill transfer to Nigerians in the industry.

To put this in context, before the coming of the local content act, the oil services industry was almost the exclusive preserve of the top 3 – Schlumberger, Haliburton and Baker Hughes with a handful of Nigerian companies providing ancillary support services.

The act however states that “(1) Nigerian independent operators shall be given first consideration in the award of oil blocks, oil field licences, oil lifting licences and in all projects for which contract is to be awarded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry subject to the fulfilment of such conditions as may be specified by the Minister.

(2) There shall be exclusive consideration to Nigerian indigenous service companies which demonstrate ownership of equipment, Nigerian personnel and capacity to execute such work to bid on land and swamp operating areas of the Nigerian oil and gas industry for contracts and services contained in the Schedule to this Act.

Ten years after the signing into law of the act, a consideration of the oil services industry will indicate the emergence of thriving, technologically savvy and financially stable Nigerian companies treading where only foreign companies dared to tread many years before.

These companies have become veritable local content champions and this piece focuses on the Top 6 in no particular order.

AOS Orwell:
The company has over 30 years’ experience in oil well construction, Process Automation, instrumentation & control; OCTG, Conductor Casing & Machine Shop Services in Nigeria. Formed in 2011 as a result of a merger between Africa Oilfield Services (AOS) and Orwell International Limited, the company has grown her capacity and is now offering numerous products and services. The company is able to deliver based on its unfettered access to the world’s best technology through long-standing relationships with world class OEM’s such as Emerson, Tercel, EATON, 3P, and others, as well as robust local content expertise gained through its investment in Nigeria.

Tecon Oil Services:
A wholly indigenous company, Tecon was originally set up in the Isle of Man as a company controlled by an American Investor group through Alliance Oil of Houston, Texas. Tecon became a 100% Nigerian Company through acquisition in 1991, whilst still retaining its Isle of Man identity. Tecon is a leader in the business of Oilfield Equipment Rentals and Provision of such specialized services as Oil Well Fishing, Casing and Tubing Running, Oil Well Snubbing/Hydraulic Work-over Services, Machine shop/Tool fabrication and Redressing e.t.c.

Ciscon:
Established in 1986, Ciscon now operates from offices in Port Harcourt, Warri, Lagos and Houston. The company provides geological, engineering, training and consulting services in addition to its core oilfield service lines. Ciscon’s Quality Management System conforms to ISO 9001:2008, ISO TS 29001, API Spec Ql having been duly certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Century Energy Services Limited (CESL) is Nigeria’s leading oil and gas service company and has operated in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, since 2002. CESL, a member of the Century Group is one of the largest providers of O&M services, executed in conjunction with partners in the Gulf of Guinea. CESL provides training and manpower services as well as community liaison and logistics support for FPSO operations and other IOCs operating in the Niger Delta.

A true Local Content Champion, Century Energy Services Limited is the only indigenous company in Nigeria that wholly owns two (2) FPSOs. CESL is expanding its operations beyond the West African Coast while carving a niche in the global market. The company offers a range of services to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria including: Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of offshore production and storage facilities including EPS, FPSO MOPU, FSO and Drilling Rigs/Jack up; Operation / Maintenance of Flow Stations; Drilling / Drilling Support Services; Field Development Solutions; Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of Oil and gas facilities; Mooring and Installation; Chartering and Management of Offshore Support Vessels, Anchor Handling, Tug Supply Vessels, Platform Supply Vessels, Utility Vessels, Accommodation Barges, Fast Support Intervention Vessels, Crew boats, Procurement and Materials Supply services, Offshore and Onshore Logistics Support Services, Training and Manpower Development, Community Affairs, Bunkering Services and Tank Farm Operations.

Hydroserve:
This indigenous oil services company began operations in the year 2000 in the oil rich Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The company was founded as a result of market demand for a nimble and innovative service provider capable of quality and superior service delivery to the oil and gas industry.

Hydroserve has morphed from an indigenous company in Nigeria into an international company with subsidiaries in the West African region. Committed to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, ethics, and social responsibility, Hydroserve has demonstrated itself as a serious organization through its investment in personnel, equipment, facilities, as well as appropriate business operating systems, processes and procedures.

Petrok Oil And Gas Services Limited:
A project support company registered in 2012, Petrok Oil and Gas Services Limited focuses on reducing clients’ risks by providing Manpower Supply and Development, Equipment/Material Supply Services, Marine Vessel Supply and Offshore Operations, Heavy Duty Equipment Supply & Maintenance and Technical Consultancy Services. Petrok Oil and Gas Service Limited provides services to clients in the Oil & Gas industry, Energy, Engineering and others. Petrok Oil And Gas Services Limited focuses on ensuring that clients get value for their money by leveraging on their comparative advantage which enables them save money and time by outsourcing needs to a highly efficient and skilled team.

Election, Interviews, News, Politics, South-South

EDO 2020: We must encourage more people to register and participate in elections – Patriot Eholor

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The 2020 Governorship election in Edo State has come and gone, and winners and losers have emerged after a tight contest.

In this interview, Democracy Defender and Observer General of the Federal Republic, Patriot Patrick Eholor airs his views on the elections and the way forward for politics, politicians and electioneering in Nigeria.

Excerpts:

What is your view about the outcome of the election?

I think the people have spoken and we must respect the rights of the people. Elections have never been perfect anywhere in the world, it’s a democratic process and so there must be a winner and a loser.

Was it up to your expectation?

I wouldn’t say it’s not up to my expectation. We must educate the electorate, however, we must encourage people over 18 years to register so they can participate in the next election because we have more people dancing owanbe, beating drums, dancing azonto, changing the campaign ground to a comedy ground.

Can you attest that this election will change the face of election in Nigeria, particularly in Ondo?

Election is a serious business. I think there will be a lot of lessons to be learned from our own election as regards the upcoming Ondo election.

What is your score for INEC and police?

INEC isn’t perfect but I think they did tremendously well during this election and should be commended. Police are not supposed to observe and monitor our elections, however I must praise them because they were not biased and partisan in this election from my own opinion.

Why should Edo people be celebrated in this election?

I think the Edo people should be celebrate this election because we have less casualties and the ‘Omo n’ Oba’ of Benin, Ewuare the Great should be highly praised for his prayers.

Did the election really represent the voice of Edo people?

I think the election really represented the Edolites because we can’t be cowed.

What is your advice to the loser, Pastor Ize-Iyamu Osagie and party?

My advice to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is he should remain steadfast and be a leader that he has truly been and congratulate those who stood behind him during this tough times.

What are your expectations from the winner, Gov Goodwin Obaseki and your advice?

My advice for Godwin Obaseki is he should tune down his rhetoric. It’s only God that choose to have mercy for those he has mercy on and govern those who voted for him and those who didn’t vote for him. He is an elected governor of Edo State not for PDP or APC.

Can you see hope for Edo people in Obaseki’s second term in office?

Edo State has proven that they are the pacesetters of Nigerian politics. They will not expect anything less than the best from his administration.

What will One Love Foundation do to help the Obaseki Government?

One Love Foundation will remain fair and firm.
It’s committed in checkmating any underperforming government and institutions. I hereby congratulate men and women who came out under the sun and rain to cast their vote. ‘Oba gha to kpe re, Ise!’

Election, Politics, South-South

EDO: Bright Negbenehi Okoebor Congratulates Governor Obaseki, PDP Family Over Victory

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The convener of Obaseki/Shaibu Youth Crusader (OSYC) and aide to Edo State Governor, Honourable Bright Negbenehi Okoebor, has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party’s family on the victory of the party in the September 19 governorship election.

Okoebor who hails from Unuwazi Community in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state voted in Unit 07 of Ward 01.

He poured encomiums on the Leader of the Party, Governor Obaseki for his leadership style and developmental strides according to him, which gave the party the needed victory in the poll.

“I commend the Leader of the Party in the State and my boss, Governor Obaseki for his rare leadership style.”

He continued: “The election that we witnessed last Saturday in Esan North East Local Government Area and the entire state is a reflection of the wishes of Edo people to embrace Governor Obaseki and the PDP family.

He said the governor’s landslide victory has weeded out godfathers and political dictators from the state.

Okoebor also applauded a number of friends and political associates who worked to ensure victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.

He also celebrated the inputs of Tony Anenieh Jr, Mr. Frank Okiye, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Mike Ononelemen, Mr. Friday Itula Mr. Joe Okojie, Mr. Kenneth Adodo, Comr. Jude Imagwe, MON and host of others.

The convener of OSYC went further to commend the state deputy governor, Comrade (Rt. Hon.) Philip Shaibu and Mr. Osarodion Ogie for their unwavering support and contribution to the election victory.

He dedicated the victory to late Mr. Tony Anenih, who he said dreamt of a liberated Edo State.

Okoebor is optimistic that Godwin Obaseki’s reelection will mark the journey to a better life for the Edo people.

Education, News, South East, South-South

Edo schools to resume 1st term Sept 28, while Enugu resume 3rd term same date

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The Edo State Government has approved Monday, September 28 for the resumption of primary and secondary schools for the 2020/2021 academic session.

The state Commissioner for Education, Jimoh Ijegbai, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Benin City, the state capital.

He said to observe social distancing safety protocol in the classrooms, secondary schools would operate with JSS 1-3 from 8 am and 11 am while SSS 1-3 would receive classes from 12 noon to 3 pm.

Ijegbai further said that parents and guardians were expected to provide face masks for their children and wards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He said, “Schools’ heads and proprietors are to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocol guidelines.“They must collect copies of the 2020/21 academic calendar from the office of the Chief Inspectors of Education in the 18 local government areas of Edo State.”

Ijegbai also said that the sale of forms for examinations into the six model schools in the state was still on, while the entrance examination had been moved from September 26 to October 3.

In a related development, the Enugu State Government has announced the phased re-opening of all primary and secondary schools in the state, for 3rd term academic activities, on Monday, September 28, 2020.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, the decision was reached “following the Enugu State Education sector stakeholders’ consensus and gracious approval of His Excellency the Governor”.

Prof. Eze pointed out that “it is important to note that necessary measures have been put in place in our schools for safe re-opening”.

He added that “teachers/students/pupils are therefore requested to ensure that they abide by the approved guidelines on COVID-19”, stressing that “no person will be allowed into any school without appropriate facemask/shield”.

According to the commissioner, “strong monitoring teams at state and Local Government Areas have been constituted to monitor compliance with the approved guidelines for the safety of all that operate in our schools”.

He therefore noted that “Primary six and Junior Secondary three students have completed their examinations and are not expected to be back to school”.