By Our Correspondent
Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central Senatorial District, is an exemplary model of a public servant who prioritized the people’s interests above personal gain. His unique blend of intellectualism and politics made him a standout in the 10th Senate, earning him recognition for his work on various issues, including empowerment, employment, social security, and development of the Niger Delta Region.
In this this insightful discussion, the media aide, Edesiri Ofomala, Thursday November 24, 2024 led Haruna Steven, publisher of Pen Master Online, into perspectives to the senator’s commitment to meaningful and visible projects across the senatorial district, touching on solar lighting, empowerment programs, Bills, community engagements.
Ofomala delved into the life and work of accomplished lawmaker who embodies the true essence of public service, a legislator committed to serving the people in various spheres:
Empowerment and Palliative Distribution
In July 2024, the Senator demonstrated his commitment to our community’s well-being by organizing an empowerment programme and palliative distribution, and in the succeeding month, he facilitated a conditional cash transfer from the Office of Minister Trade, and Investment, bringing much-needed financial relief to our people. Beneficiaries across the district received N50,000 each. This initiative provided essential support to vulnerable individuals and families, helping to alleviate the economic hardships faced by many.
Employment, Scholarships and Promotion in Government Agency.
The Senator has made significant strides in empowering the Urhobo people by facilitating employment and promotion in various government agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, FCDA, among others. These efforts provide Urhobo individuals with pathways to advance and excel in their careers.
Education/University Establishment Bill/ICT Centers
Further emphasizing his commitment to education, on February 27, 2024, Senator Dafinone visited the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), where he committed to enhancing student accommodation. This led him to provide of a 50-room hostel, which is nearing completion, aimed at providing students with better living facilities as part of his broader objective to support education infrastructure in Delta Central as part of the 2024 constituency project. The Senator has also made significant contributions to advancing ICT education in various institutions across Delta Central and facilitated the reconstruction and distribution of essential ICT equipment to several institutions, including Urhobo College in Uvwie LGA, Ugbokodo Secondary School in Okpe LGA, Orhuwhorun Grammar School in Udu LGA, and Ogor Technical College in Ughelli North LGA.
The proposed Federal University of Education, Isiokolo (Establishment) Bill, which has been listed for second reading is a landmark initiative for education in Delta Central Senatorial District and Nigeria, as well as the Federal University of Agriculture Technology, Orerokpe is set for first reading.
Community Engagements.
On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Senator Ede Dafinone held a Consultative meeting and community engagement with Constituents and members of his party, the APC, across the Senatorial District in Ughelli North LGA. The essence of the meeting was to brief members of his party of his stewardship as it relates to effective oversight, representation and lawmaking as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Recently, Senator Dafinone held a productive and engaging meeting with the President General and executive members of the Urhobo Progress Union at Urhobo House, Okere Road, Warri. This interactive session provided an opportunity to update Urhobo leaders on his achievements and efforts representing their interests in Abuja. The Senator also outlined his strategic vision and planned initiatives, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the welfare and aspirations of the Urhobo people.
Urhobo Language Competition:
Senator Dafinone sponsored the Urhobo language competition, an initiative started by late Sen. Pius Ewerido, to preserve the Urhobo language and culture. The grand finale, held at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), drew participants from the 24 Urhobo kingdoms. Onoji Ogheruona, a student at the Petroleum Training Institute, won the Senator Pius Ewherido prize of N500,000, runner up: Miss Izobo N300,000, Second runner up, Miss Urhobe Onome, N200,000, and consolation prizes: Seven participants received 100,000 naira each.
As a proud son of the land, he recognizes the importance of collaboration and dialogue with traditional rulers. The Senator has been actively engaging with kings and other stakeholders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Urhoboland.
Solar street lights:
The Senator has facilitated various street lighting projects in Udu and Ughelli areas. Specifically, the projects include street lights along Udu Ojikpata Road by Railway, Orhuworhun, and at Ovwian Police Station, as well as the Ukpiovwin/Otor-Udu old road in Udu Local Government Area. Additionally, streetlights have been installed from Afiesere market to Oshegu street junction, Ogbekpokpo quarters in Ughelli North LGA. St. Patrick Catholic church link road, Bokpovwe in Otor Okwagbe, and Okwagbe/Okweimo road and Ekakpamre, in Ughelli South LGA. Installation of Solar Street Lights in the following areas; Agbarolin Street off Ugberikoko Road Gana, Oleh Road, Adagbrasa-Elume, Old Eko Amukpe Road, Assemblies of God Church Road and Gospel Church of God Road off Atufe Road. Two new transformers have been installed in Okpara inland in Ethiope East Local Government Area while one transformer is located along Dafinone Road, and two customised transformers for the purpose of training at the Sapele Technical College, Sapele. The Senator has also facilitated the Construction and Repair of Soak-Away, and Installation of 3-in-1 Integrated Solar Street Light at Sapele Prisons. Renovation and Provision of Equipment for the Electrical Engineering Laboratories and Installation of Customised Transformers at the Sapele Technical College. These projects aim to enhance safety, security, and community development in these areas.
Contributions to issues in the Nigerian Senate
PSenator Ede Dafinone has made significant contributions to various issues in the Senate, earning him admiration from his colleagues. His exceptional performance in the 10th Senate has been marked by active participation in debates, motions, and committee activities this:
Condemning Violence and Advocating for Relief: He sponsored a motion to condemn the killings in Okuama Community and sought relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency for the affected people in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.
Driving Regional Development: He made powerful argument on the Bill to Establish the South-South Development Commission, aiming to boost development in the region.
Promoting Professional Excellence: He supported the bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers of Nigeria.
Diversifying Revenue Streams: He also emphasized the need to grow non-oil exports to increase Nigeria’s revenue base.
Addressing Injustice: He presented a petition seeking redress for the injustices perpetrated against Delta State regarding the Federal Civil Service Commission.
These notable achievements are just a few examples of the Senator’s outstanding contributions, which also include active participation in committee meetings, underscoring his steadfast commitment to public service.
