Delga TV

21/06/2022

17/06/2022

DELGA Chairman Marks First Anniversary With Sterling 'Account Of Stewardship'
••• As Tacha, Mr 2kay Storm LGA On PVC Sensitization

The Projects-Oriented Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, has presented his scorecard of achievements to mark his first anniversary in office.

The anniversary programme, tagged: 'Celebration of 12 Active Months of Purposeful Stewardship,' was used by the Council Chairman to appreciate the people of the LGA for the opportunity to serve, abreast them of the journey so far, as well as to intimate them of the future plans of his administration.

In his solidarity speech at the occasion, the Chairman of Degema Elders' Council and former Vice Chancellor of the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), now Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Victor Tobin Omuaru, commended the Council Chairman for his purposeful leadership, which according to him, was evident in all nooks and crannies of the LGA.

He noted that the magnitude of crowd at the event was suggestive of an endorsement by stakeholders of the many positive things, happening in the LGA under Hon. Michael John Williams.

"We cannot have this kind of gathering in this place, when there is nothing to show.

"We are gathered here today to physically see what we have been hearing about for the past one year of the activities of the Chief Executive and his team in this Council," Prof. Omuaru noted.

Also speaking, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the LGA, Chief Hon. Ombo Benibo, likened the event as the celebration of 'a year of good democracy' in Degema LGA.

He described the Council Chairman as a wonderful man, sent from heaven to liberate the people of Degema, adding that the Council Boss had, within the period of one year, done so much for the people of the LGA.

He particularly thanked the Chairman for embarking on the Tombia Landing Jetty Remodeling, Walkway, Waiting Lounge and Water projects in his Tombia Community, describing the feat as unprecedented in the annals of politics in the LGA.

Chief Benibo, while noting that the party elders and leaders were very pleased with the administration of the Council Chairman, added that the world would be a better place, if it had leaders in the mould of Hon. Michael John Williams.

On his part, the Chairman, DAA-3 Cluster Development Board, Hon. Mpaka Botoye, stated that the Council Chairman had disabused the minds of naysayers, who thought he could not perform.

He thanked the Chairman for maintaining peace in the LGA, making it a safe haven for residents and investors alike, adding that Degema under the current administration is ranked as the most peaceful LGA in Rivers State.

In his remark, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) Mr. Diebo Anabraba, noted that the Council Chairman had changed the narratives in local government administration.

"I have been a director in the local government service for more than 12 years, but I have not seen a chairman like him.

"The first day he assumed office, he told me that he needed my support, as he was here to work for his people.

"And by the grace of God, myself and other directors have given him our full support to enable him achieve his goals, which we are celebrating today," Mr. Anabraba said.

Speaking on behalf of the Council workforce, Chairman of the Degema Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Ajemina Erekosima, expressed the gratitude of the Council Staff to the Chairman for prioritizing the welfare of the staff, since his assumption of office.

He particularly thanked the Chairman for the Christmas bonuses he paid across board to all staff of the Council, praying him to graciously repeat same gesture in the coming season.

Giving his Account of Stewardship, the Executive Chairman of DELGA, Hon. Michael John Williams, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for His grace and benevolence towards him.

While admonishing the cheering crowd to be steadfast in their faith in Christ, Hon. Williams noted that anyone who stood with Christ was standing on a solid foundation, that could not fail.

He thanked Gov. Wike, the PDP and the people of Degema LGA for giving him the opportunity to emerge Chairman of Council, assuring that his administration would continue to do its best to render selfless services for the good of the LGA.

Hon. Williams commended the Council workforce for their dedication, assuring that by the grace of God, his administration would still give the Christmas bonuses, even if it would require making personal sacrifices.

After reeling out his scorecard of achievements, the Council Chairman appealed to the remaining communities in the LGA to exercise some patience, as his administration was committed to fulfil its promise of executing projects in all the communities, adding that "he who laughs last, laughs best."

He added that the projects that would be executed in Degema, the Council headquarters, would be mind-blowing and would be achieved before the end of 2022.

The Chairman also disclosed that the time had come for the party leadership across the LGA to be reached out to, in form of empowerment.

In the meantime, a front line participant in the Big Brother Nija, Season 4 Reality Show, Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has appealed to Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVC), in order for them to determine the future of their children.

The celebrity, who spoke passionately at the sidelines of the 'Account of Stewardship,' stated that a better Nigeria was achievable with the PVCs.

She dismissed insinuations that votes do not count in Nigeria, insisting that politicians buy votes of gullible people, simply because they know that their votes truly count.

Tacha, who is a Degema indigene from Bakana, stated that the time for prayers without deliberate actions were over, as citizens should now take their destinies into their hands, by going out to get registered and ensure to vote for candidates of their choices in next year's general elections, adding that Nigerians would only get the quality of leaders that they vote for in the elections.

Also speaking, a Rivers-born artist, Mr 2kay, who equally lent his voice on the PVC sensitization, urged Nigerians to vote inline with their conscience, adding that; "let your conscience judge you as you cast your votes."

Highpoints of the day were distribution of food items, free eye test and issuance of glasses at the instance of Tacha, as well as PVC registration.

The occasion was attended by the Executive Chairman of DELGA, Hon Michael John Williams and his beloved family, Chairman of Degema Elders' Council and former Vice Chairman of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Prof. Victor Omuaru, Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mr. Diebo Anabraba, Head of Personnel Management (HPM), Mr John Kamalu and Leader of the Degema Legislative Assembly, Hon. Barr. Johnson Eugene Johnson.

Others were; former Caretaker Committee Chairmen of DELGA, Chief Hon. Ombo Benibo and Hon Mrs. Okorite Adiele, Chairman of DAA-3 CDB, Hon. Mpaka Botoye and Acting Chairman of PDP in DELGA, Chief Hon. Taribo Benson.

Others include; Amanyanabo of Ke, HRH King Aboko Agolia, Regent of Ogurama, Chief Ben Orugbani, traditional rulers, LGA Exco and ward Chairmen across the 17 Wards of the LGA, large retinue of Council appointees, DELGA workforce, amongst others.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

June 16, 2022

05/06/2022

DELGA CHAIRMAN BEGINS RECONSTRUCTION OF CHIEF INDIA JOHN YELLOWE MEMORIAL HALL, BAKANA

••• Graces Burial Ceremony Of Late 'Scout Master'

The Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, has approved the commencement of the reconstruction of Chief India John Yellowe Memorial Hall in Iyalla's Compound of Ward 1 in Bakana.

Also approved for reconstruction is a public toilet facility at the same Compound.

The Council Boss, who gave the nod for the commencement of the projects, Saturday, stated that the Memorial Hall, like other legacy projects of his administration, would be an outstanding edifice and would be completed in record time.

Also speaking on the public convenience, Hon. Williams stated that his administration would continue to address the felt needs of the people of Degema LGA.

The Council Chairman equally used the occasion of his visit to his hometown, Bakana, to grace the burial ceremony of late Elder Tra-Alapuye Gulu Suku, popularly known as Scout Master.

The late Scout Master, aged 78, was the father of one of his Special Assistants (SA), Ms Ibiba Suku, as well as an elder brother and foster father to the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte.

The late septuagenarian, also known as 'Soccer,' was a socialite and traditionalist, who until his death in February, was the Edi (Administrative Head) of the renowned Kalabari Ekine Sekiapu Society, Bakana.

The Council Chairman, who commiserated with the family of the deceased, enjoined them to take solace in God Almighty and be consoled by the fact that their late patriarch lived a peaceful life of great impact.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

June 4, 2022

19/05/2022

Just In

Bakana Residents Laud DELGA Chairman Over Move To Address Flooding

The people of Bakana in Degema Local Government Area, have expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Michael John Williams, for dredging a canal to address the perennial flooding in Iboroma and Fouchee flanks.

They thanked him for coming to the aid of the people, after several years of suffering, occasioned by rising tide and heavy downpours.

Speaking at the project site, Rev. Canon Igoaso Omuaru, who commended the Chairman for embarking on what he described as a legacy project, stated that the project, when completed, would ease the suffering of the people.

Also speaking, a retired civil servant, Chief Senibo Alexander; thanked the Council Chairman for bringing succour to residents of the area, noting that the absence of a proper water channel over the years had adversely affected the people, resulting to recurrent flooding.

Speaking on the scope of the project, the Chief of Staff of Degema Council, Hon. Ipalibo Yellowe, stated that the project is a navigable 3m deep canal, which would be channeled straight to the sea.

He said the surrounding silted drainages would equally be desilted and channeled to the canal, to end the perennial flooding in the affected areas.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of DELGA, Hon. Michael John Williams, noted that the move was to end the harrowing experience of the people, who in some occasions had been forced to park out of their houses to seek shelter elsewhere, due to the flood.

The proactive Chairman added that government exists to improve the standard of living of its citizenry and not to give endless excuses for non-performance.

He commended the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, for creating the platform and blazing the trail in the ex*****on of people-oriented projects, which his administration had emulated in the service of Degema people.

The multiple award-winning Chairman expressed confidence that the people of Degema would continue to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because the party had always kept its social contract with the people.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

May 19, 2022

17/05/2022

DELGA Chairman Pardons Defaulting Staff
•••Adopts Stringent Measures To Curb Truancy

The Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, has pardoned defaulting staff of the Council, whose salaries were withheld, owing to their failure to meet up with the mandated attendance requirement.

The Chairman, who spoke during a meeting with the Council workforce, Monday, stated that the Council was adopting stringent measures to curb truancy amongst members of staff.

He warned that going forward, any staff who fails to fully comply with Management's directive regarding work attendance, would not be eligible to receive salary at the end of the month, maintaining that only a dedicated worker is entitled to his wages.

While urging them to take their jobs seriously, the Council Boss warned that queries would be issued to staffers who stay away from work without proper authorization.

"As a Council Chairman, I stay in Degema for at least three days in the week and I wonder why you would not emulate my exemplary style.

"Despite the huge investments that we are making in infrastructure, I still ensure that your salaries are paid promptly without excuses.

"It is therefore not acceptable that I will come to work some days and meet empty premises, this will no longer be tolerated because we shall ensure compliance through our new working guideline," he stated.

The Chairman, who lamented that the health sector was not also left out in the truancy of its personnel, disclosed that health workers in all the communities of the LGA would now be strictly supervised to end such ugly trend.

On his part, the new Head of Personnel Management (HPM), Mr. John Kamalu, who enjoined the Council staff to be regular at work, in order for them to gain the relevant experience, even as they grow in the service.

While calling for support for the Chairman, Mr. Kamalu disclosed that Degema was fortunate to have such a good chairman, who does a lot to support and encourage the Council workforce.

"Some of us have worked under different Chairmen, and I can tell you that Degema has a good chairman.

"This is the first Council that I came and heard that the Chairman paid Christmas bonuses to all staff.

"Going through the records, I have also seen a lot of other incentives that you can not find in many other LGAs," the HPM disclosed.

Earlier, Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Degema Chapter, Mr. Ajemina Erekosima, had on behalf of the Union, pleaded with the Council Chairman for leniency, admitting that the Chairman's action in withholding defaulters' salaries was in order.

While urging members to change their work attitude, the NULGE Chairman stated that the Union leadership would have no case to make on behalf of any defaulting staff, describing it as a "bad case to pursue or defend."

Mr. Erekosima however, assured that members of the Union would strive to improve on their work attitude, in order to support government's developmental agenda.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

May 16, 2022

15/05/2022

DEGEMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL

PRESS RELEASE

The Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, is inviting all Staff of the Council to a crucial meeting.

Date: Monday, May 16, 2022

Time: 11am prompt

Venue: Registry Hall, Council Secretariat.

Attendance is mandatory!

Signed:
Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council.

May 14, 2022

13/05/2022

DELGA Chairman Receives Rootswatch 'Most Performing Chairman In Nigeria' National Merit Award
•••Dedicates Award To God, Gov Wike

The Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, has been bestowed with the 2022 Rootswatch Distinguished Local Government Merit Award, following his emergence as the overall most performing Council Chairman in Nigeria on Security.

Speaking at the conferment ceremony, which took place at the National Merit House, Maitama in Abuja, Thursday, the Editor-in-Chief of the Rootswatch Magazine, Chief Bayode Ojo, commended recipients for distinguishing themselves amongst their peers to emerge winners in the various categories of the award.

He noted that the annual award ceremony, which was initiated 21 years ago, was aimed at celebrating, showcasing and encouraging good governance at the grassroots.

"This award being organized annually by publishers of Rootswatch Magazine is to generate fair competition for service delivery and reward excellence in grassroots governance," Chief Ojo noted.

In his speech at the ceremony, the DELGA Council Boss, who expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the privilege to serve his people, dedicated the award to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike, for being an astute leader, who inspires and motivates his followers to emulate.

The Chairman, who was represented by the Director-General of the 2021 LG Chairmanship Campaign Committee, Barr. Michael Ekineh, noted that the governor's sterling achievements in the rapid transformation of Rivers State was a huge motivation for performance.

While reiterating his administration's commitment to continue to render selfless and people-oriented leadership to the people of Degema LGA, the Council Chairman also wished Governor Wike success in his presidential bid, noting that the country was in dare need of his expertise to be rescued and renewed.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a star prize Car to the DELGA Chairman.

It would be recalled that the Rootswatch Magazine had in January, announced the Executive Chairman of Degema LGA as overall winner of the 2022 Distinguished Local Government Chairmen Merit Award.

The Chairman, according to the organizers had emerged winner, following his performance assessment by Nigerians through a public poll, conducted by the Rootswatch Magazine.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

May 13, 2022