By Ejiro Nesisa
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel,has tasked the Delta State Government under able leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to judiciously use the N39.62 billion ecological funds approved for each state and Federal Capital Territory by the Federal Government to tackle all forms of Natural Disaster including that of flood in the country. According to the body, with this funds the government should be able to take proactive measures to save lives and property of her citizens especially in coastal communities.
In communiqué issued at the end of the 9th Congress of the Union held on the 17th Tuesday,September,2024 in Press Centre, Warri Delta State, the Union tasked the Government to fast track this operation.
According to communiqué drafted by Odeya Ogbetuo- Chairman,Elo-Oghene Edremoda- Secretary, Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen- Member and Onyeka Meluwa- Member, the Union said this call became necessary going by the warning by Meteorological Agency that there would be flood in the country especially nine Niger Delta States. The body tasked Government to expedite actions to see that the likely area residents are evacuated to a safer place.
Part of the Communiqué reads: ‘In line with the warning by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), that at least 20 states, including Delta, will experience severe flooding, Congress calls on the Delta State Government to expedite action towards evacuating residents living in flood-prone areas in the state. It also calls on residents of communities along the bank of River Niger to be vigilant and ready to be evacuated”
On insecurity,Congress lamented the rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state. It therefore called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently tackle the alarming rate of crime in the state just it observed with disdain,the menace of criminal herdsmen terrorizing farmers, the action which plunged the state into food insecurity and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to book.
The body also called on the Delta State Government to take steps to curb hunger through establishment of state agricultural hubs in the three senatorial districts just it urged Local Governments in the State to do the same by setting up farm settlements in order to boost food production in the state.
According to the body,it displeased with the non-disclosure of the Internally Generated Revenue by the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Board (DSIRSB) and therefore urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration not to follow the footsteps of his predecessors by not accounting, monthly, the revenue generated every month in the state. It demands that henceforth, IGR should be disclosed on monthly basis as it was done under the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as it will engender transparency, accountability and trust.
Part of the Communiqué reads:”It further calls on Delta State Government to take deliberate steps to curb hunger through establishment of state agricultural hubs in the three senatorial districts. Congress also urges Local Governments in the State to do the same by setting up farm settlements, in order to boost food production in the State”.
On education, Congress observed with concern the lack of teachers in public secondary schools and called on the State Government to urgently address the shortfalls, so as to save the state’s secondary education system.According to the body, the Union has been inundated with complaints from parents, communities and teachers over the shortage of teachers, particularly in Mathematics, English and some basic science subjects in secondary schools across the state.
The Congress further expressed concern harsh economic challenges which are occasioned by hike in pump price of fuel which invariably led to high cost of transportation in the state and urged him to design subsidized transport system to remedy this situation. The Congress however commended Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the landmark construction projects that are on going across the state, particularly the flyover projects at Enerhen Junction, PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout.
According to the body, when the projects are completed, would not only beautify the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie, but would ease traffic congestion in the areas. The body therefore urged Governor to carryout rehabilitation of the link roads around ongoing construction sites.