The Sheriff Oborevwori Administration of Delta State has presented series of spectacular events, some of which defy human logic. Governor Oborevwori himself emerged Governor after surviving as many as 38 court cases, which were veritable land mines strewn on his part to stop him from becoming Governor. As a man destined to govern the state, he weathered all storms, and today, no one is in doubt that he didn’t become governor by chance but through divine orchestration

The 18 -month old administration of Sheriff Oborevwori, with its M.O.R.E agenda mantra, presents features that are distinct from those of his predecessors in ways that are deliberately remarkable :

(1) A PREDILECTION FOR QUALITY PROJECTS
One distinctive feature of the Oborevwori administration is its emphasis on quality projects. The administration has thus hired reputable construction firms like Julius Berger, CCC construction company, CCECC, Levant Construction Company, SETRACO and tested home grown construction firms like Obakpor Engineering Limited to execute its high profile construction projects.

While Julius Berger is handling the construction of three bridges, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Warri/Effurun metropolis, CCECC is handling the sector C of the 167 Kilometer Asaba Ughelli expressway including the complex Obo bridge at Ogwashi Uku.

SETRACO is handling the ambitious Trans-Warri Ode 20.95 Kilometer Itsekiri road with multiple bridges and spurs. Also, Obakpor Engineering, a reputable indigenous firm, is handling the Orere bridge in the Ughelli South Local Government area.

Remarkably, Governor Oborevwori pays personal attention to these projects to complement the efforts of competent Commissioners and government Engineers who oversee them. Besides, Governor Oborevwori has the spectacular habit of setting aside monies for projects while still under construction to avoid project abandonment. To this end, all the projects bequeathed to it by the Okowa administration have either been completed or are at varying stages of completion.

(2) ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SHODDY OR SUB-STANDARD PROJECTS
Right from inception, Governor Oborevwori made it clear to Contractors that his administration was going to have zero tolerance for shoddy or substandard jobs. He made it clear that contracts were going to be awarded to only competent contractors in line with the M.O.R.E agenda of the administration. To this end, he appointed a competent civil Engineer as the Special Adviser for Project Monitoring and Audit and a strong team of project monitors to ensure compliance.

Governor Oborevwori ensures that monies set aside for projects have value just as he abhors cutting corners or use of out-of-specification materials for projects .

(3) JUDICIOUS USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR PUBLIC GOOD
Governor Oborevwori is a good manager of men and resources and he exhibits these good traits in the management of state resources. Since mounting the saddle as Governor of Delta state, he has not borrowed a kobo to finance Government projects. He works within means and ensures that government obligations to contractors and civil/public servants are met as at when due.

Oborevwori has consistently plugged all areas of waste or leakages while also ensuring that Government does not indulge in reckless expenditure that gives the impression that his government is a “Father Christmas”

(4) DELIBERATE AND SUSTAINABLE HUMAN CAPITAL ENGAGEMENT
In line with the M.O.R.E Agenda, Governor Oborevwori started early by recruiting 3000 teaching and non-teaching staff across the 25 local government areas of the state. The Governor also ensured that students of Delta State origin, numbering over 60,000 in tertiary institutions across the country, received their 2022/2023 bursary while also approving a 25% reduction in acceptance fees in the four state-owned universities. The Governor has so far done three tranches of palliative distribution to widows, the aged, and vulnerable segments of the society.

The State’s MORE GRANT SCHEME has recorded tremendous results as thousands of beneficiaries in targeted trades/artisans have been empowered. Meanwhile, direct beneficiaries of the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) had exponentially increased from 36,353 to 110,841 within one year of the Oborevwori administration. The Delta State government, under Oborevwori’s watch, is poised to create 50,000 jobs with the introduction of Special Agricultural Economic Zones with special strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the African Development Bank, and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA ), amongst others.

Also, the Oborevwori administration has given financial assistance to students of Delta State extraction in seven Nigeria law schools across the Nation. This is in addition to the payment of N14.5 billion as pension obligations to retired workers in the State. As a workers-friendly administration, Governor Oborevwori has not only paid the outstanding promotion arrears of civil servants but also promptly approved a minimum wage of N77,000 Naira for civil servants in the State.

(5)DELIBERATE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AT HIGH LEVEL OF GOVERNANCE
Perhaps no government before it in Delta State has given youths the opportunity to participate in high levels of Government as the Oborevwori administration has done. The Oborevwori administration lived up to its campaign promise by unprecedentedly giving several youths opportunities to serve as members of the state Executive Council. About 30% of the state commissioners are below 40, and this is replicated in the number of youths who are EAs, SSAs, and SAs. This policy has brought a lot of succour to youths in the state and increased capacity building, youth empowerment, and succession planning in governance.

(6)EMPOWERMENT OF MORE WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT THROUGH POLICY OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The government of Oborevwori is very women-friendly.
To foster gender inclusiveness, Governor Oborevwori directed the state PDP to ensure that when a man emerges as Chairmanship candidate in the local government election, the Vice Chairman must be a woman. The Governor also directed that at least three women must emerge as Councillors in each of the Local Government Councils.

The last local government election, therefore, produced more women in that tier of government than any administration before it since 1999. This policy again has engendered inclusion and peace in the state.

(7)A GOVERNMENT OF INCLUSION
The Oborevwori administration promised to run a government of inclusion and has so far lived to its promise. To create an atmosphere of inter-party harmony and cohesion, Governor Oborevwori appointed several opposition party chairmen to serve in his government. That aside, the Governor gave appointments to non-indigenes in the state and gave the nonindigene community in the state a special status, thus fostering a unique opportunity for them to participate in the affairs of government.

(8)A MORE BALANCED PATRONAGE AND RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION TO THE DIFFERENT ETHNIC NATIONALITIES IN DELTA STATE
The Government of Sheriff Oborevwori has deliberately created ethnic balancing by ensuring even distribution of patronage and resources to the different ethnic nationalities in the state. At no time before now has the different ethnic nationalities experienced this type of inter-communal peace in the state. For the first time since 1999, the Ndokwa Nation produced a Deputy Governor. An Itsekiri man is the state Chairman of PDP, while an Ijaw man is the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. An Isoko man is the Chief of Staff while an Ika man is the SSG. The Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency has produced the Senator representing Delta North in the Senate. The Political lines has fallen in pleasant places, and no community is left out. The Isoko people were recently pleasantly surprised when Governor Oborevwori facilitated a new faculty of Basic medical sciences in the University of science and Technology Ozoro and also approved immediate building of a new faculty building to accommodate students into the new faculty. Such is the spirit with which the Governor creates community peace and security .

The aforementioned Political craftmanship perhaps explains the reason why Sheriff Oborevwori had the distinction of being not only the longest-serving speaker in the Delta state of Assembly (11th May 2017 – May 28th, 2023) but also the only speaker in the history of the Assembly to have transmuted from one administration to another.

● Fred Akpewe
Senior Media Analyst

BY AUSTIN OYIBODE

Since emerging as Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko has been making many and very audacious moves. These are moves that a lily livered legislator cannot make. But because Nwoko knows his onions and the need of his constituents back home, he takes the gauntlet and makes heavy demands, aimed developing his constituents.

The audacity of Ned Nwoko is embodied in his bold pursuits of projects for his people. He pushes his way through and gets what he wants. He has challenged norms, pushing boundaries in ways that have left an undeniable mark on Nigerian society. He is not known for going for the little things, he thinks big and goes for it. His constituency is big, nine local governments for that matter.

Born into the royal family of Idumuje-Ugboko in Delta state, Nigeria, Nwoko’s upbringing was steeped in tradition and a sense of duty, but he has always had an ambitious vision that extends far beyond his roots. His life exemplifies the courage to dream big, take risks, and impacts society meaningfully, often against all odds, and breaking perceived or real obstacles to achieve a predetermined goal.

Senator Nwoko’s audacity first manifested in his decision to pursue a legal career in the United Kingdom, an unusual path at a time when few Nigerians would take such a bold step. With degrees from Keele University and King’s College London, Nwoko entered the legal field, where he quickly rose to prominence. His establishment of Ned Nwoko Solicitors, one of the first black-owned law firms in London, speaks volumes about his audacity. Creating and running a successful law practice in a foreign country, especially in an industry where racial and cultural biases were common, demonstrated his confidence, work ethic, and commitment to excelling in a challenging environment.

His political career in Nigeria is another testament to his audacity. When Nwoko returned to Nigeria, he took a plunge into politics, representing the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. During this period, he championed causes that others might have shied away from, such as securing the Paris Club refund, which brought much-needed funds back to Nigerian states. He took on powerful financial entities, challenging Nigeria’s historical debts and ultimately ensuring the return of funds to support local development. This endeavor required remarkable boldness, legal insight, and a willingness to go against the grain to benefit his country.

Senator Nwoko’s audacity also shines in his humanitarian efforts, particularly his ongoing campaign to eradicate malaria in Africa. His dedication to this cause, driven through the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, reflects his willingness to tackle issues that are often considered intractable. The foundation’s anti-malaria project includes advocating for research, funding, and the use of new technology to combat the disease. In many ways, his ambition to eliminate malaria in Africa reflects an almost audacious optimism, a belief that change is possible even on a continent-wide scale. This fight requires immense resources, but Nwoko’s commitment showcases his fearlessness and determination.

Moreover, Nwoko has shown audacity in his promotion of tourism and environmental conservation in Nigeria. With the development of Mount Ned Nwoko Resort in Delta State, he is creating a unique space that celebrates Nigeria’s heritage while promoting eco-friendly tourism. The project stands as a testament to his vision for a sustainable Nigeria and his ability to dream on a grand scale. Through this initiative, he not only promotes tourism but also creates employment and infrastructure that support local communities.

Nwoko’s audacious approach extends to his personal life, particularly his high-profile marriage to actress Regina Daniels, which generated public interest and scrutiny. Rather than being swayed by societal opinions, he has stayed focused on his mission. His life story is one of relentless ambition, challenging conventions, and a readiness to face criticism while staying true to his goals.

His pursuits of programs and development for his constituents resonate with his audacious ambition for the good of the Anioma people. His bill to upgrade Federal College of Education Asaba to a federal university of technology is one of such moves. And the bill has passed second reading.

The Senator’s move to pull the federal government to construct a link road from Oko in Oshimili South through to Patani is another bold move of the fearless Senator. His pursuit of Okpai power step down and completion of the Ogwashi Uku dam are big moves of an audacious Senator. His visit to the Managing Director of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi and the minister of works, David Umahi, leading to remedial works on the failed portions of Asaba-Benin expresway are determined efforts of a people oriented legislator.

His move to stop use of foreign currency for business transactions and payment of expatriate workers in Nigeria is another audacious decision of Senator Ned Nwoko. Also, his call for micro-blogging platforms, X, Facebook and others to establish offices in Nigeria and many others are big moves of the Anioma prince.

Senator Nwoko, being a man of many accomplishments, embodies audacity through his diverse pursuits and an unflinching resolve to confront and dismantle the barriers that restrict progress. From his achievements in law and politics to his philanthropic efforts and environmental campaigns, Nwoko’s life is defined by a relentless ambition that has set him apart in Nigeria.

Senator Nwoko’s life is a testament to audacity in multiple forms: the courage to pursue a successful career abroad as a Nigerian in a challenging field, the boldness to advocate for transformative policies in Nigerian politics, and the ambition to tackle Africa’s major health and environmental challenges. His story is one of relentless drive, a refusal to settle for less, and a belief that boundaries are meant to be pushed. Whether through his philanthropic efforts, his contributions to tourism, or his bold personal decisions, Nwoko exemplifies a rare form of audacity that continues to shape his legacy in Nigeria and beyond.

• AUSTIN OYIBODE
  PUBLISHER/EDITOR
  EMERALD NEWS

The Sheriff Oborevwori Administration of Delta State has presented series of spectacular events, some of which defy human logic. Governor Oborevwori himself emerged Governor after surviving as many as 38 court cases, which were veritable land mines strewn on his part to stop him from becoming Governor. As a man destined to govern the state, he weathered all storms, and today, no one is in doubt that he didn’t become governor by chance but through divine orchestration

The 18 -month old administration of Sheriff Oborevwori, with its M.O.R.E agenda mantra, presents features that are distinct from those of his predecessors in ways that are deliberately remarkable :

(1) A PREDILECTION FOR QUALITY PROJECTS
One distinctive feature of the Oborevwori administration is its emphasis on quality projects. The administration has thus hired reputable construction firms like Julius Berger, CCC construction company, CCECC, Levant Construction Company, SETRACO and tested home grown construction firms like Obakpor Engineering Limited to execute its high profile construction projects.

While Julius Berger is handling the construction of three bridges, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Warri/Effurun metropolis, CCECC is handling the sector C of the 167 Kilometer Asaba Ughelli expressway including the complex Obo bridge at Ogwashi Uku.

SETRACO is handling the ambitious Trans-Warri Ode 20.95 Kilometer Itsekiri road with multiple bridges and spurs. Also, Obakpor Engineering, a reputable indigenous firm, is handling the Orere bridge in the Ughelli South Local Government area.

Remarkably, Governor Oborevwori pays personal attention to these projects to complement the efforts of competent Commissioners and government Engineers who oversee them. Besides, Governor Oborevwori has the spectacular habit of setting aside monies for projects while still under construction to avoid project abandonment. To this end, all the projects bequeathed to it by the Okowa administration have either been completed or are at varying stages of completion.

(2) ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SHODDY OR SUB-STANDARD PROJECTS
Right from inception, Governor Oborevwori made it clear to Contractors that his administration was going to have zero tolerance for shoddy or substandard jobs. He made it clear that contracts were going to be awarded to only competent contractors in line with the M.O.R.E agenda of the administration. To this end, he appointed a competent civil Engineer as the Special Adviser for Project Monitoring and Audit and a strong team of project monitors to ensure compliance.

Governor Oborevwori ensures that monies set aside for projects have value just as he abhors cutting corners or use of out-of-specification materials for projects .

(3) JUDICIOUS USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR PUBLIC GOOD
Governor Oborevwori is a good manager of men and resources and he exhibits these good traits in the management of state resources. Since mounting the saddle as Governor of Delta state, he has not borrowed a kobo to finance Government projects. He works within means and ensures that government obligations to contractors and civil/public servants are met as at when due.

Oborevwori has consistently plugged all areas of waste or leakages while also ensuring that Government does not indulge in reckless expenditure that gives the impression that his government is a “Father Christmas”

(4) DELIBERATE AND SUSTAINABLE HUMAN CAPITAL ENGAGEMENT
In line with the M.O.R.E Agenda, Governor Oborevwori started early by recruiting 3000 teaching and non-teaching staff across the 25 local government areas of the state. The Governor also ensured that students of Delta State origin, numbering over 60,000 in tertiary institutions across the country, received their 2022/2023 bursary while also approving a 25% reduction in acceptance fees in the four state-owned universities. The Governor has so far done three tranches of palliative distribution to widows, the aged, and vulnerable segments of the society.

The State’s MORE GRANT SCHEME has recorded tremendous results as thousands of beneficiaries in targeted trades/artisans have been empowered. Meanwhile, direct beneficiaries of the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) had exponentially increased from 36,353 to 110,841 within one year of the Oborevwori administration. The Delta State government, under Oborevwori’s watch, is poised to create 50,000 jobs with the introduction of Special Agricultural Economic Zones with special strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the African Development Bank, and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA ), amongst others.

Also, the Oborevwori administration has given financial assistance to students of Delta State extraction in seven Nigeria law schools across the Nation. This is in addition to the payment of N14.5 billion as pension obligations to retired workers in the State. As a workers-friendly administration, Governor Oborevwori has not only paid the outstanding promotion arrears of civil servants but also promptly approved a minimum wage of N77,000 Naira for civil servants in the State.

(5)DELIBERATE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AT HIGH LEVEL OF GOVERNANCE
Perhaps no government before it in Delta State has given youths the opportunity to participate in high levels of Government as the Oborevwori administration has done. The Oborevwori administration lived up to its campaign promise by unprecedentedly giving several youths opportunities to serve as members of the state Executive Council. About 30% of the state commissioners are below 40, and this is replicated in the number of youths who are EAs, SSAs, and SAs. This policy has brought a lot of succour to youths in the state and increased capacity building, youth empowerment, and succession planning in governance.

(6)EMPOWERMENT OF MORE WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT THROUGH POLICY OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The government of Oborevwori is very women-friendly.
To foster gender inclusiveness, Governor Oborevwori directed the state PDP to ensure that when a man emerges as Chairmanship candidate in the local government election, the Vice Chairman must be a woman. The Governor also directed that at least three women must emerge as Councillors in each of the Local Government Councils.

The last local government election, therefore, produced more women in that tier of government than any administration before it since 1999. This policy again has engendered inclusion and peace in the state.

(7)A GOVERNMENT OF INCLUSION
The Oborevwori administration promised to run a government of inclusion and has so far lived to its promise. To create an atmosphere of inter-party harmony and cohesion, Governor Oborevwori appointed several opposition party chairmen to serve in his government. That aside, the Governor gave appointments to non-indigenes in the state and gave the nonindigene community in the state a special status, thus fostering a unique opportunity for them to participate in the affairs of government.

(8)A MORE BALANCED PATRONAGE AND RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION TO THE DIFFERENT ETHNIC NATIONALITIES IN DELTA STATE
The Government of Sheriff Oborevwori has deliberately created ethnic balancing by ensuring even distribution of patronage and resources to the different ethnic nationalities in the state. At no time before now has the different ethnic nationalities experienced this type of inter-communal peace in the state. For the first time since 1999, the Ndokwa Nation produced a Deputy Governor. An Itsekiri man is the state Chairman of PDP, while an Ijaw man is the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. An Isoko man is the Chief of Staff while an Ika man is the SSG. The Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency has produced the Senator representing Delta North in the Senate. The Political lines has fallen in pleasant places, and no community is left out. The Isoko people were recently pleasantly surprised when Governor Oborevwori facilitated a new faculty of Basic medical sciences in the University of science and Technology Ozoro and also approved immediate building of a new faculty building to accommodate students into the new faculty. Such is the spirit with which the Governor creates community peace and security .

The aforementioned Political craftmanship perhaps explains the reason why Sheriff Oborevwori had the distinction of being not only the longest-serving speaker in the Delta state of Assembly (11th May 2017 – May 28th, 2023) but also the only speaker in the history of the Assembly to have transmuted from one administration to another.

● Fred Akpewe
Senior Media Analyst

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Thursday, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State for the construction of legacy projects across the state.

NIPR’s Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura gave the commendation during a tour of some projects executed by the state government across the state.

The projects visited include; the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, Ughelli-Asaba road dualization, ongoing construction of flyovers at Enerhen Junction, PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout by Julius Berger and the Emevor-Orogun road project.

Speaking at PTI Junction Effurun, Professor Dandaura who was accompanied by Council members of the Institute, Thelma Okoh and Paulinus Nsirim, thanked Governor Oborevwori for his intervention on federal roads in the state.

According to him, we have driven about 128 kilometers since we left Asaba and you can see that roads are good and inspite of that, work is still going on to ensure that where we need bridges they are constructed and where we need to relay the road, it is being done.

“I am aware its a federal road, the truth of the matter is that every right thinking Governor knows that when people are driving through the state they are not thinking who owns the road but they will be asking is there no Governor in this state?

“So I am happy that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is one of those wise thinking Governors, he said.

Prof. Dandaura who was led on the projects tour by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza and other top government officials, called on the Federal and State governments to sustain the synergy of interventions on federal roads to ensure smooth movements across the country.

Hear him; “I want to believe too that the framework that has always existed between Federal Government and the states where they can do the projects and FG compensates, I believe that it still exists.

“I want to encourage the Federal Government to continue in that light because what the Delta State Government is doing in particular is to rescue the Federal Government.

“What is important is that both the Federal and State governments owe us Nigerians the responsibility to ensure that we can move from one place to the other in safety and also in motorable roads.

“This is what the Delta State Government is doing by standing in the gap and I commend Governor Oborevwori for this patriotic gesture.

“I am particularly happy with the quality of job that has been done. Yes, the contractor, Julius Berger is expensive but when you look around the country you know that they deliver long lasting projects and I think it is one of the reasons why Governor Oborevwori has invited them to the state.

“I encourage Julius Berger to sustain their corporate social responsibility so that the community can have a good impression of the company. We are very happy with what we have seen here today.”

In recognition of his invaluable contribution towards the advancement of Delta State, one of Delta’s young CEO, Mr Samuel Askia JP, was honored with the award for ‘Youth Role Model in Business’ at the 20th edition of the Delta Role Model Awards.

The event which held at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park Asaba, was well attended by top government officials and Deltans from across the globe who gathered to celebrate those who have distinguished themselves and their contributions appreciated by the state government.

Samuel Askia was recognized and honored as one of the young men changing the economic landscape of the state as an entrepreneur spaning over two decades with investment in various sectors of the economy.

The captain of Industry and Business icon was recognized for his contributions towards shaping the future for young entrepreneurs, and for his role in encouraging small businesses by assisting them with business grants and start up capital.

Samuel Askia is the M/D CEO, Uzere Foods and Industries Ltd, REX Samz Oil & Gas Ltd and Mano Group which is a major employer of labour and has contributed in no small measure towards reducing unemployment in Delta State.

His conglomerate spans around critical sectors of the economy in vital sectors such as Oil & Gas, Industrial Agriculture, Hospitality & Tourism including
Real Estate.

The award ceremony was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Delta State Government, and African Child Foundation.

The Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) commercialization arm, VentureOne, has launched SteerAI, which offers an advanced mobility system powered by AI that can transform standard industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses.

Catering to both the logistics and defense sectors to begin, SteerAI uses a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system to allow autonomous ground vehicles to tackle complex missions with high precision and efficiency, saving time and resources while protecting human workforces. SteerAI’s technology was developed by experts from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the ATRC’s applied research arm.

H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of ATRC, said, “The launch of SteerAI is a significant milestone in solidifying the UAE’s leadership in autonomous technology. At ATRC, our vision is to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, and SteerAI exemplifies how we are turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that drive tangible impact.” 

“We have not simply created an autonomous vehicle—we have created an autonomous vehicle’s ‘brain,’” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of TII. “The advanced navigation algorithms work with cutting-edge sensors as part of an efficient, modular system that can work on any vehicle, and that has the potential to transform the way we move.”

Autonomous vehicles powered by SteerAI’s system will be able to run consistently and precisely between navigation points with minimal downtime. The software stack works together with corresponding sensors to allow vehicles to respond swiftly to potential hazards, maneuver around obstacles, and operate seamlessly even in challenging environmental conditions and unmapped areas.

In addition to enabling fully autonomous mobility, SteerAI’s software also facilitates remote fleet management, providing mission planning and monitoring as well as data-driven analytics to ensure optimal vehicle deployment and performance. 

“SteerAI launch represents a major milestone in our journey of driving positive impact through the use of advanced technologies,” said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. “The mobility needs in logistics and defense are intense, complex, and costly. Our vehicle-agnostic autonomous system redefines operational efficiency and precision while protecting companies’ most valuable assets—their people. Our mission is to leverage technology to help our partners transform the way they operate.”

SteerAI is the second venture launched by VentureOne. AI71, which launched in November 2023, creates business solutions using TII’s Falcon generative AI models.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in its entirety the arraignment for treason of children and minors who allegedly participated in the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The Commission in a statement at the weekend said it wishes to state that the arrest, detention and arraignment of these minors by the Nigerian Police on charges of treason and attempting to overthrow a legitimate government among other charges clearly contravenes a plethora of national, regional and international laws.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who stated this in Abuja over the weekend noted that the action of the Nigeria Police has raised significant concerns among senior lawyers and legal experts, the human rights community, development partners, sister national human rights institutions and well meaning Nigerians as it is widely considered as an excessive and inappropriate use of State Institutions against Citizens and it is even worse when the victims are children and minors whose best interest were not considered at all in line with the law.

Ojukwu stressed the importance of ensuring that legal proceedings align with children’s rights as protected under the Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), and some regional and international legal frameworks, including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

He noted that these frameworks emphasize that children should be treated differently and separated from adults within the justice system, focusing on their best interest, protection and rehabilitation rather than harsh punitive measures.

He added that unfortunately, the trial court that should know better than the police unleashed a draconian bail condition which almost all the children cannot meet, and adjourned the matter to Jan 2025, knowing fully well that these are children who have been detained since August 2024. Infact, the judge witnessed some of the children looking malnourished and unwell which calls to question the mental state of the judge when imposing such bail conditions on the children and minors for participating in a protest now turned treason.

Ojukwu explained that The NHRC’s criticism mainly centers on insensitivity of the prosecution and the court for the lack of humanity, accountability and impunity in the application of the law to the children , the severe nature of the charges, the draconian bail conditions and the potential for the psychological harm such impunity in actions might cause minors, bearing in mind that there are procedures for the treatment of the underaged, even when they come in conflict with the law. When treated in the way the prosecution and the court have done, our children could grow up with deep grudge against society, and unleash huge contempt on society in future.

He said: “We are therefore calling for immediate corrective action to ensure that children are not unfairly subjected to extreme inhumanity and slammed with charges like treason, which carry heavy penalties generally reserved for adult offenders accused of severe crimes against the state.”

According to his statement, the incident also points to broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s criminal and juvenile justice system and the need for reforms and enlightenment of police and the judiciary of the need to protect child rights in compliance with both national and international human rights standards.

Ojukwu commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi for intervening by instructing the police to forward the case files of these minors to his office for a review by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).

He noted that this action by the Attorney General of the Federation is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a fair and careful evaluation of the charges levelled against the minors, providing an opportunity to reassess the appropriateness of the charges, the combination of adults and children in the same charges, the venue of trial of adults and children, the length of adjournment, the venue of the incarceration of the children, the onerous bail conditions, the health and nutrition of the children and a host of other considerations enumerated in the law concerning the treatment of Children when in conflict with the law. These considerations have been disregarded with impunity so far by both the police and the trial Judge therefore casting doubts as to whether the children can get fairness and justice from the current handlers within the police and court under the circumstances.

He added that the intervention of the AGF further underscores the importance of prosecutorial and judicial oversight, particularly in cases involving children for serious allegations like treason.

He noted that: “By involving the DPPF, the Attorney General’s office has demonstrated a commitment to upholding due process and the rights of children, who should be afforded protections and rehabilitation within the justice system.”

Ojukwu said the NHRC’s position is to use this opportunity to re-emphasize the right to peaceful protest during the End Bad Governance Protests and the need for a balanced approach to justice, ensuring that the legal rights of minors are protected and that any legal proceedings reflect the principles of fairness and child protection as outlined in Nigeria’s legal frameworks.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the bid by members of an international drug syndicate that operates between Brazil, Ethiopia and Nigeria to smuggle into Lagos a total of 845 wraps of cocaine weighing 18.72 kilogrammes.

The drug consignments, said to be worth about N4.5 billion in street value, were recovered from two lavatories of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft during the post landing cleaning of the cabin of flight ET900 from Addis Ababa to Lagos last Tuesday.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the illicit drug consignments were wrapped in nine polythene bags and hidden in the waste collectors in the two rear lavatories of the aircraft, from where they were recovered after the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA was alerted about the strange objects, revealing that no fewer than 30 suspects have so far been grilled in connection with the seizure.

Babafemi said investigations revealed that the seized drugs were conveyed from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and excreted in Addis Ababa by a set of couriers while some other traffickers picked them up and attempted to smuggle them into Nigeria through the Lagos airport before their attempt was frustrated with the cooperation of the airline’s authorities and other airport stakeholders.

The spokesman said attempts by some drug trafficking syndicates to export 2.93 kilogrammes cocaine, cannabis and tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream containers, and pieces of art work to Australia, United Arab Emirate and United Kingdom through some courier companies in Lagos were also blocked by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) last Monday.

He said at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives last Tuesday intercepted 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225mg worth N525 million in a targeted and watch-listed container from India during a joint examination with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

In the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, a suspect Mujahid Hamisu, 24, was arrested with 147,000 pills of tramadol concealed in black nylon bags containing plumbing materials along Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja expressway on his way from Onitsha, Anambra state on Saturday while another suspect Seun Abimbola, 47, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives same day with 512 grammes of methamphetamine during a raid operation at Giri junction area of the FCT.

In Kogi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba- Obajana highway arrested Mercy Ameh, 28, in a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja while a search of her luggage led to the recovery of fake Naira notes worth over ₦ 4.3 million, even as another suspect Shaibu Dahiru, 27, was nabbed in a vehicle coming from Lagos to Katsina along Lokoja- Okene- Abuja road last Thursday with 68 blocks of cannabis weighing 27.4 kilogrammes.

Babafemi added that a notorious drug dealer Usman Abba (alias Timaya) who has been on the watchlist of the Katsina state command of NDLEA was last Wednesday arrested at Liberty Hotel, Kofar Kaura with consignments of Arizona, a strain of cannabis. Same day, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa arrested a suspect Augustine Dike, 31, with 50.3 grammes of methamphetamine at Quarisa Hotel, Jimeta.

In Taraba, operatives last Friday arrested Danlami Fakwa, 46, at Sabon Gari, Jalingo LGA, with 49.795kg cannabis, while a total of 561kg of same substance was recovered from a Sienna bus at Ogbese village in Ondo state last Monday.

A suspect Kabiru Yusuf, 25, was on Saturday arrested in possession of 51,813 pills of tramadol and exol 5 at NDA Bus Stop, Kaduna, just as raids in Edo state led to the seizure of 603.6 kilogrammes cannabis at Farm road, Ekiadolor and 308.4 kilogrammes of same substance at Uroe community.

Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Apapa, Kogi, FCT, Adamawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Ondo, Taraba, and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

The Nigerian Senate witnessed a robust debate led by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North, as he passionately argued for the passage of a bill seeking the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba  during plenary session onThursday, October 31.

Leading the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko asserted, “Nigeria’s growth and development in the 21st century hinge upon our ability to cultivate innovation, advance technology, and generate new knowledge. 

“Our institutions of higher learning are crucial in shaping our future, especially through the production of cutting-edge research and development in the technology sector. 

“However, the current number of Federal Universities of Technology in Nigeria does not adequately meet the growing demand for comprehensive technological education.

“The existing Federal Universities of Technology in Akure, Minna, Owerri, Bauchi, and Yola have made commendable contributions to our national development. 

“However, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria remains without a dedicated Federal University of Technology. This Bill seeks to rectify that gap by upgrading the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba—an institution with a rich history and proven foundation in technical education—to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba.”

He detailed that this upgrade is not merely a title change, but a “strategic and transformative step towards advancing technological education, research, and innovation.” 

He stressed that technological institutions like this proposed university are essential for Nigeria’s growth, given the country’s increasing need for skilled manpower in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. 

He lamented the South-South region’s lack of a dedicated Federal University of Technology and asserted that Asaba is ideally positioned to fill this gap due to its proximity to industrial hubs and economic centers like Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

According to Senator Nwoko, the college’s existing infrastructure and substantial student body of over 10,000 would enable this upgrade with minimal financial impact. 

He argued that this approach leverages the college’s existing resources and positions it to meet the high demand for technological education across Nigeria, particularly within the Delta region. 

“This Bill does not propose establishing a new institution from the ground up. It seeks to unlock and expand the significant existing potential of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba.”

The three other legislators, Sen. Ndubueze Patrick Chiwuba, Sen. Tony Nwoye, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who were called upon to share their views on the bill voiced strong support for the bill, commending its vision and the advantages it promises for the South-South region and the nation as a whole. 

Each senator emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap in technological education and affirmed that a university of technology in Asaba would create jobs, drive regional development, and provide a vital resource for Nigeria’s industries.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, commended Senator Ned Nwoko’s dedication to the bill and acknowledged its potential impact on the future of Nigerian education and industry. He extended best wishes to Senator Ned Nwoko for the continued success of the bill.

By Fred Odu 

The 2023 general elections in Nigeria may have come and gone but the echoes are still reverbrating 20 months even after swearing in of winners and governance has taken root across the nation.

In Delta state, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will not forget in a hurry the hot battle it fought how it lost two senatorial districts and narrowly won the third.

Ede Dafinone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Delta Central, while Joel Onowakpor-Thomas, also of the APC, won in Delta South.

In Delta North, Barrister Kennedy Kanma of the Labour Party (LP) gave Prince Ned Nwoko of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) a good fight, having lost the election with a slim margin of 6,393 votes after polling 86,121 votes as against Senator Nwoko’s 92,514 votes.

Acknowledging the toughness of the election, Senator Nwoko thanked the people of Delta North for giving him victory, noting that it was heart-warming to have emerged the winner of the election.

In a thank you message, he said: “I feel honoured to enjoy this privilege of being your Senator-elect. It is indeed the will of God and your unfettered and implicit confidence in me that gave me victory.

“I honestly thank our men, women and youths who trooped out in impressive number to vote for me. By your patriotic actions, you have all deepened democracy and guaranteed a better future for us all. Thank you for your support”. Thereafter, he promised to stand for whatever concerns Delta North and vowed never to spare any effort to attract development to Anioma land.

He assured the people that whatever is due to the senatorial district, he will fight for it and ensure it gets to them. He gave a firm assurance and he promised to stand by it.

Since his inauguration in June 2023, Senator Nwoko has remained steadfast in walking the talk to further give expression to his profound gratitude to the people of Delta North for their confidence in him and for their belief in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

So far, there has been no legislative action, including sponsorship of bills and motions, as well as oversight functions of the Senator that were not in the interest of the people of Delta North, the PDP and by extension Delta State as a whole.

Suffice it, therefore, to say that Senator Ned Nwoko, as the only man standing for Delta PDP in the Senate, needs all the support he can get to keep the flag of his party flying, deliver on his mandate and restore the confidence of Deltans in the PDP.

Therefore, he needed the support of all and sundry so as to bring his dreams to fruition. He has a big dream for the senatorial district which he has started unveiling. Like the words of Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television, Senator Ned Nwoko, within the short time he has been in the senate, has sponsored bills more than any other senator in the hallowed chamber.

Okinbaloye is a man who has never given thumb up to any interviewee. But for him to have done that to Senator Nwoko, one can tell the quantum of success Nwoko has achieved at the Senate.

Though he is a first timer in the Senate, he is seen as a ranking Senator. This is considering the positions he holds and committees he is appointed to be part of.  His experience may not be unconnected with the fact that he was a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.

Considering the bills and motions he has moved, one will know that Senator Ned Nwoko is ever ready to move Delta North, Delta state and the Nigeria nation to a greater height. If Nigeria has a number of senators like him in the national assembly, most of the challenges we are having in Nigeria would have gone into extinction.

Delta North should therefore see Senator Nwoko as a man needed at the moment for the salvation of the region. He covets all the support from his constituents in the nine local government areas to bring his vision to reality.

Delta PDP does not need a prophet to remind her of the huge task ahead of the 2027 general election and the need to firmly hold on to Delta North with Senator Ned Nwoko, while working hard to reclaim Delta South and win Delta Central.

Fred Odu

Publisher/Editor

Gallant Reporters

Senate Sports Committee Launches as Senator Nwoko Advocates Broader Education for Athletes

The Nigeria Senate Committee on Sports Development, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has launched a national sports and economic empowerment programme aimed at youth engagement and de-radicalization.

The programme, titled “Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP),” was officially flagged off at the Senate building, National Assembly on Wednesday.

Presiding over the event, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, emphasized the programme’s focus on discovering young Nigerian talents.

“The essence of this competition is to try and discover young talents. There are many young talents out there in different parts of the country but they are never given the opportunity because nobody knows them, nobody has heard of them,” Senator Nwoko remarked.

He emphasized the committee’s interest in NIYEEDEP due to partnerships with international stakeholders, particularly Germany-based football academies, which are keen on identifying promising Nigerian youths for training and potential professional development in football.

“Some of the partners are foreign, specifically German-based. They have football academies and are looking at how they can identify the very best of our young ones to be trained and hopefully become professional footballers,” he noted.

The Distinguished lawmaker representing Delta North senatorial district, linked the programme’s goals with his own Sports University of Nigeria (SUN), which aims at combining sports with education.

He stressed the university’s commitment to ensuring that students receive a dual focus on athletic and academic pursuits.

“The whole idea of the university is to give young ones the opportunity of combining sports and education. It is not an academy; it’s a full-fledged university,” he said.

“For example, if we discover young talent at 16 years old who want to go to my university to play football, it is not enough for them to play football. The university made it mandatory for them to take another degree in conjunction with football.”

Addressing the challenges many athletes face upon retirement, Senator Ned Nwoko emphasized that Sports University graduates will have academic qualifications to fall back on.

“Most of our sportsmen, when they finish their sports career, they don’t have much to do because they don’t have much education. But with the university partnering with this initiative, we are able to produce young ones who are not only good at sports but also have academic qualifications”.

“We are hoping that this particular initiative will, at the end of the exercise, identify some young talents across the country. Those of them that are extremely good will be supported to go abroad, train further, and hopefully represent Nigeria at the national team,” he added.

Senator Ned Nwoko further explained that the NIYEEDEP initiative is expected to attract wide interest from various groups and football clubs nationwide, providing young Nigerians with an opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to national development through sports and education.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also emphasized the inclusivity of the talent search. “This talent hunt is open for everybody with interest in football; they should come together, be productive, and do better,” Olawande said in his remarks during the public unveiling.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Tueday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was addressing japa syndrome in the state’s owned hospitals through multifaceted approach.

Onojaeme, who was reacting to a newspaper publication titled “‘Japa’ sweeps Nigeria’s hospitals”, said in a bid to encourage more health workers in the country, the Delta State Government pays medical doctors and other health workers more than the Federal Government and other states in the country.

Onojaeme stated that Delta pays the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), without taxing the allowances of medical doctors.

According to him, Governor Oborevwori has also approved the immediate replacement of any medical doctor or other health personnel who travelled out of the country for greener pastures.

He said the Executive Order to replace the health personnel was to avoid the bureaucracy of going through the normal protocol of recruitment in the public service which may delay the process.

In his words, “Only Delta and Federal Government pays the revise CONMESS to medical personnel in the country. Governor Oborevwori is determined to make medical and health workers stay in the country to serve the nation.

“In doing so, he is not unmindful of the wage disparity and working conditions pushing the health workers abroad.

“So as he is addressing the salary challenges, he is also working to improve the infrastructure, equipments and the working conditions of the medical and health workers in the state.

“This is evident in the recent approval for the purchase of CT-SCAN at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH Oghara and the Central Hospital Warri.

“The state government is also carrying out a holistic rehabilitation of some hospitals and health centres across the state to ensure good working environment for health workers and patients.” Onojaeme added.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called for collaborate efforts from all stakeholders and insist that there is need to accelerate and mobilize the necessary resources to achieve the nation’s climate goals.

The President stated this at a Climate Security Summit in Abuja organized by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat in collaboration with stakeholders and development partners.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, the president noted that climate poses threats to the world including Nigeria.

He listed some of the efforts towards addressing climate change to include Nigeria’s Paris Agreement pledge which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030.

He lamented that: “The climate crisis is no longer looming threat but a present and undeniable danger inflicting devastation upon our nation.”

The President added that “it’s merciless actio. Is evidence nationwide from the relentless surge of the sea level threatening our coastal communities to creeping drought that ignores farmers/herders crisis that has brought insecurity upon Nigeria.

“The frequent and extreme weather effect such as flood and heatwave and harsh weather effect that have ravaged our economy and displaced vulnerable populace and destroyed infrastructure.”

He said: “Climate crisis are existential threat to our nation, continent and indeed the entire world. It is a threat that increase problems in our development plan,” stating that “with urgency, we must act now to address this very crisis.”

He however noted that: “Recognizing this urgent challenge, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitments to climate action through various initiatives most notably our promise through Paris Agreement.”

Also speaking the Director General, National Council on Climate Change, and the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe noted that the law provides for the establishment of climate change fund to enable Nigeria to strengthen her resilient and safeguard the people from the impact of climate change, but Nigeria is yet to operationalize the fund.

She noted that one of the reasons for the meeting was to bring together stakeholders to plan useful strategies that would ensure Nigeria is able to benefit from the fund.

She equally noted that the meeting would device Nigeria’s strategies at the upcoming COP 29, insisting that Nigeria should expect positive outcomes from the global meeting.

Maduekwe said already in place a trained negotiators which would be on attendance at the COP 29 for Nigeria so that the nation can come out from the meeting with goodies.

Delivered by Dr. Michael Nwoko

ABUJA — Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief of Staff to Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, held an open and insightful discussion with the National Assembly’s New Media Crew, on Thursday, October 24, walking them through the wide range of constituency projects spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko for the Delta North Senatorial District.

The Chief of Staff brought attention to the Senator’s commitment to meaningful and visible development across the region, touching on solar lighting, water projects, dam construction, road infrastructure, empowerment programs, healthcare initiatives, and much more.

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS IN FOCUS 

Solar Street Light Project

One of the most notable achievements discussed was the “all-in-one” solar street lighting project. Commissioned in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, in July. “This project stands as a testament to the senator’s commitment to providing safe and energy-efficient lighting across communities in Delta North. The Kwale project, rolled out within the first year of the Distinguished Senator’s tenure and budgeted for 2024, marks a tangible achievement and the beginning of a larger solar lighting initiative. The next phases will see installations in Asaba and Agbor, with plans for other areas soon. This lighting project is about more than just illumination – it’s about creating safer environments and supporting night-time activities in rural and urban communities”, Dr Michael stated.

Water Projects

Addressing chronic water shortages, the Chief of Staff spotlighted two significant water projects nearing completion. “The water supply project in Idumuje-Ugboko, now at 90% completion, is set for commissioning in the coming weeks. This project is a breakthrough in an area where water supply has been a long-standing struggle, especially considering its challenging topography. Meanwhile, another substantial water project in Umunede is well underway. Both projects underscore the Senator’s dedication to tackling the essential, everyday needs of his constituents”, he explained.

Dam Projects

In another forward-thinking move, Senator Ned Nwoko has pushed for the construction of a new dam in Aniofu, Aniocha North LGA. According to the Chief of Staff, pre-feasibility studies for the dam have been conducted, setting the groundwork for improved water storage and supply across Delta North. Additionally, the senator has consistently urged federal and state governments to expedite the water distribution system linked to the Ogwashi-Uku dam, ensuring that this vital resource reaches every corner of the district. Dr. Michael Nwoko noted that the senator’s emphasis on such projects is motivated by a desire to bring essential water infrastructure to the region, addressing both urban and rural needs.

Road Infrastructure

Turning to road projects, he outlined the senator’s proactive steps to improve critical road infrastructure. The Benin-Asaba expressway, which has been in poor condition for some time, is undergoing remedial rehabilitation thanks to Senator Ned Nwoko’s advocacy. Beyond that, the senator has proposed a new coastal road that will connect Asaba to Oko, Okpai, Aboh, and Patani. “This road project, once implemented, is expected to open new economic opportunities, ease travel, and mitigate flood risks in several Delta communities. This is about more than just a road – it’s a lifeline for economic development and flood resilience in the region.”

Empowerment Programs and Healthcare Initiatives

Empowerment and healthcare remain at the heart of Senator Ned Nwoko’s agenda. Over 1,000 youths, women, and farmers have already benefited from training and empowerment programs organized in November 2023, June 2024, and August 2024. The goal? To create jobs, boost local businesses, and drive economic growth from within the community. These programs offer skills training and financial support, helping people build businesses and secure their livelihoods.

Healthcare initiatives have also been emphasized, with a free medical outreach launched in November 2023 that provides access to quality healthcare across the three federal constituencies of Delta North. By partnering with primary healthcare centers, this program ensures that residents can access healthcare services that are both affordable and close to home. Dr. Michael Nwoko emphasized the senator’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of income or location.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION AND PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS

The Chief of Staff did not shy away from discussing the challenges faced during project implementation. He spoke about the often-slow procurement processes and the hurdles posed by Nigeria’s new cash policy, which have impacted project timelines and contractor payments. In response, Senator Ned Nwoko has worked closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to overcome these issues, ensuring timely mobilization and project execution. To provide additional support, the senator has set up project committees at the local and ward levels. These committees not only help with security but also assist contractors and their teams, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those working on the projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT MONITORING 

Community engagement has been a major priority for Senator Ned Nwoko, and the COS pointed out the critical role of local support in the success of these projects. By actively involving residents, the senator has been able to ensure that projects align with the needs and priorities of the people. The senator’s team also maintains a hands-on approach in monitoring project progress, inviting the media to cover commissioning events and project milestones. This transparency allows constituents to see the direct benefits of each project and stay informed about the progress being made.

FUTURE PROJECTS AND VISION 

Dr. Michael Nwoko further outlined the Senator’s future plans for Delta North. “From additional road and water projects to continued empowerment and healthcare initiatives, the senator’s focus remains on delivering concrete results that improve lives. With each new project, the senator aims to fulfill the promises made during his campaign, providing services and infrastructure that respond directly to the needs of the community”, he said.

The senator’s approach, as the Chief of Staff emphasized, is centered on “practical politics” – an approach that prioritizes action, results, and real improvements in the lives of everyday people in Delta North. “With an unwavering commitment to his constituents, Distinguished Senator Nwoko and his team will continue to push for projects that will benefit the community for years to come”, he conclusively assured.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chapter, Dr. Pius Sinebe as he clocks 75 years on October 25, 2024. 

The governor praised the Ijaw leader for his effective leadership in Patani Local Government Area and his proactive contributions to the PDP’s expansion and advancement in Delta State. 

The Governor, in a congratulatory  statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, stated that existing and potential leaders would continue to be motivated by Capt. Sinebe’s expertise, experience and quality counsel for the state’s stability. 

He emphasised that future political leaders should strive to uphold the elder statesman’s legacy of constantly seeking the welfare of Deltans and all of  Nigerians via his unwavering honesty, dedication and open-mindedness. 

“On the pages of our treasured history, your contributions to the expansion and advancement of our beloved state will always be remembered. 

“On behalf of the government and the people of Delta State, I congratulate you, Engr. Dr. Pius Sinebe MFR, on the occasion of your 75th birth anniversary.”

The Governor stated that, at 75 years, Dr. Sinebe exhibits remarkable strength and wisdom that are rare among individuals of his age. 

He added: “It is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with longer life, good health and strength to keep serving God and humanity.”

By Chukwudi Asoya/ Magnus Emuji

The Director-General of the Delta State Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), Chief Daniel Ogbodo Ivwighren , JP has lauded the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the giant strides in virtually all the 17 areas of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially education and healthcare delivery.

Chief Ivwighren stated this in Asaba while speaking with journalists during a road walk to mark the 9th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals with it’s theme ” Leadership for Sustainable.Development and Climate Justice”.

He said that under the goal 4 of the SDGs , the state government had performed well in providing conducive learning environment and instructional materials for school children in the education sector and however added that under goal 3, the Oborevwori Administration had given the needed attention also to the Healthcare delivery sector.

He said that the state government had given the Directorate of Sustainable Development Goals the support it required to deliver on its mandate, Chief Ivwighren noted that the state government would continue to promote transparency, inclusiveness and accountable to deliver the M.O.R.E Agenda through the Sustainable Development Goals just as he said that the intervention of the SDGs in the state cuts across Goals 3, 4, 6, 7 and others. He also called on the Federal Government through the OSSAP to pay the 50% counter part fund the state government had paid adding that the Delta state SDGs office was currently using funds provided by the state governor for its jobs.

He reiterated that Governor Oborevwori had provided Six Hundred Million Naira counterpart funds for SDGs project to enable them commence execution of projects across the state, saying that the governor had demonstrated that he was SDGs friendly.

The DG explained that the road walk was geared towards sensitizing residents about the activities of the existence and activities of SDGs in the state.

Speaking further, Chief Ivwighren said that the Directorate would be interfacing with the leadership of local government as SDGs would soon commence execution of projects in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state just as he reminded Local Government chairmen that once his office begin project execution, they must protect and maintain the projects because they are the end users.

Earlier, the Director, Sustainable Development Goals and the Functioning Permanent Secretary , Mr. Ebregha Areweremi said that the anniversary was a global celebration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as Nigeria is one of it’s country member.

Areweremi stated that after the expiration of the MDGs, member states convened a special summit for the adoption of the development agenda termed ” Transforming our World-the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

The SDGs Director/Functioning Permanent Secretary, however, clarified that proper need assessment was conducted on projects that would be delivered in the state.

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, on Thursday paid a friendly visit to Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, one of the most prominent figures in the 10th National Assembly.

The visit took place at Senator Ned Nwoko’s Maitama residence in Abuja and provided an opportunity for relaxed yet meaningful discussions.

Senator Ned Nwoko, the Distinguished lawmaker representing Delta North senatorial district, was joined by his wife, Regina Daniels-Nwoko, the popular and renowned Nollywood actress.

Regina was quick to express her respect and admiration for the former First Lady.  Her warmth and humility were on full display as she welcomed the woman who left a strong mark on Nigeria’s political scene during her husband’s time in office.

The visit, which lasted for an extended period, gave Senator Nwoko and Mrs. Jonathan ample opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, touching on key national issues.

The discussions covered the senator’s legislative work in the National Assembly, his efforts on behalf of the good people of Anioma, and their shared thoughts on current matters facing the country.

The former First Lady, known for her vivacious personality and emotional expressiveness, brought her signature charm and lively spirit to the meeting.

Always full of excitement and engaging, she shared her perspectives with an emotional warmth that those who know her have come to appreciate. 

The visit not only showcased the friendly rapport between the former First Lady and Senator Ned Nwoko but also offered a moment of reflection on issues that are shaping the country’s present and future.

 It was an important exchange of ideas and goodwill between two influential figures dedicated to the future of Nigeria.

ActionAid Nigeria has decried the non increment in ministerial slot to women after the newly announced cabinet reshuffling by President Bola Tinubu.

The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, in a statement on Thursday said the organisation “acknowledges the recent cabinet reshuffling, along with the disbandment and merging of some Ministries, as an effort towards recalibrating governance. While restructuring is within the President’s prerogative, this moment demands that government agendas are decisively aligned with the needs of citizens, with a focus on inclusivity, cost-efficiency, and competent service delivery.

“The ousting of three female portfolio Ministers and appointment of seven new portfolio Ministers, three of which are women, raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality, youth engagement, social development and the fulfillment of the 35% Affirmative Action benchmark. In a country with an already low representation of women in both elective and appointed positions, this was a crucial opportunity for the government to advance gender parity.

“Appointing more women would have signaled a decisive step toward closing this persistent gap. Instead, this move reinforces systemic exclusion and undermines years of advocacy for gender inclusion.”

He added that: “The decision to replace underperforming Ministers highlights the President’s intention to ensure accountability, improve delivery and address the current situation in the country. However, it also raises critical questions about the original appointments: Why did these officials fail to deliver? What lessons have been learned about the pitfalls of appointing political cronies at the expense of governance? We urge the administration to ensure thorough capacity-building for the new ministers and to take decisive action to prevent a repeat of previous shortcomings. Investigating the root causes of the failures is essential to avoid the same governance lapses.”

He further said: “As this cabinet grows to become the largest since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, concerns about the rising cost of governance become even more pressing. Although some Ministries were merged or disbanded, the net effect has been an increase in the number of Ministers.

“We call on all newly appointed Ministers to resist the temptation to introduce new personal agendas that deviate from the mandates of their Ministries. Governance should be focused and aligned with public needs, particularly in critical areas such as poverty reduction, social protection, and humanitarian support. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction must act swiftly to revive key initiatives, such as the school feeding program and the national social register, to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.
ActionAid Nigeria urges the President to ensure that ministers follow the existing frameworks and strategic objectives of their Ministries. Policies and programmes must be people-centered, reflecting the current socio-economic realities of the nation.”

He said: “Citizens expect a government that prioritizes their well-being and delivers results efficiently and transparently.
In these challenging times, it is essential that governance reflects the principles of equity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. We remain committed to holding leaders accountable to these standards and advocating for a government that works for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Delta North, a senatorial district in Delta State, Nigeria, stands to gain several potential benefits from Senator Ned Nwoko’s political and developmental influence in Nigeria. As a prominent businessman, philanthropist, politician and federal lawmaker, Nwoko has demonstrated a commitment to various causes, including development and social welfare for his people. 

Here are some areas in which Delta North could benefit from his contributions:

1. Infrastructural Development:

Senator Nwoko’s influence will undoubtedly attract government and private investment into infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and water supply systems, which would significantly improve the standard of living for Delta North residents. Already, the Senator has made inroads into various federal government agencies and his efforts are already paying off in terms of road construction, reconstruction and the various bills he has proposed on the floor of the Senate.

2. Educational Support: 

Nwoko has a track record of supporting educational initiatives. Through scholarships and educational programs, he has boosted literacy rates, provided  and continues to provide opportunities for higher learning, and improve the overall quality of education in the senatorial district.

3. Youth Empowerment and Employment:

 Delta North is presently benefitting from the job creation initiatives, skill acquisition programs, and entrepreneurship training, especially targeting youths, to address unemployment and provide avenues for economic independence in the zone.

4. Health Initiatives: 

Senator Nwoko is known for his malaria eradication project, which aims to eliminate malaria in Nigeria. Delta North could see improved healthcare access and public health programs through such initiatives, leading to better overall health outcomes. Only recently, he conducted free medical outreach to communities in the region. The old and young, all benefited from the Senator’s good gesture.

5. Environmental Sustainability: 

Given his focus on the environment and sustainable development, Senator Nwoko is introducing environmental protection programs, which would help preserve the region’s ecosystem and promote eco-friendly practices.

6. Cultural and Tourism Development:

 Nwoko has been involved in promoting tourism, particularly through his Mount Delta project. This could lead to increased tourism in Delta North, preserving its cultural heritage and providing an economic boost through tourism-related activities.

7. Political Representation: 

As a senator, Nwoko’s legislative efforts are focusing on policies that benefit Delta North residents. His advocacy in the Senate could lead to more federal projects, funding, and resources directed to the region, addressing critical needs like security, agriculture, industrial and infrastructure development.

Through these initiatives, Delta North could experience unprecedented growth in various sectors under the leadership and influence of Senator Ned Nwoko. Within the one year and four months he has been in office, Senator Nwoko has surpassed his predecessors and stamped his feet as a Senator who cannot be pushed away on the floor of the house.

One thing you cannot remove from Senator Ned Nwoko is that he knows what his constituents need and goes for it. He reaches for it not minding the task involved in getting what he wants, as far as it will benefit his constituency. This is evident in his advocacy visits to federal agencies and parastatals. And he has never received a NO for an answer.

AUSTIN OYIBODE 

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

EMERALD NEWS

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district, has moved an urgent motion in the Senate, calling for immediate federal intervention to assist thousands of residents displaced by devastating flooding in Delta State. 

The motion was tabled on Thursday, October 24, amid alarming reports of communities across Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West, and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas being submerged, with homes, farmlands, and schools severely affected.

Speaking passionately on the Senate floor, Senator Nwoko described the situation as desperate, noting that many displaced residents have sought refuge in makeshift shelters, schools, and elevated areas.

He said: “Several communities in Oshimili-South, Ndokwa West, and Ndokwa East have been severely impacted by recent flooding, leaving residents displaced and in dire need of emergency support”. 

The senator specifically mentioned the plight of communities such as Oko-Amakom, Okpai, Aboh, and Abala-Uno, which have been completely submerged as the River Niger and its tributaries overflow their banks.

The senator painted a grim picture of the ongoing crisis, with residents fleeing their homes and taking shelter in temporary accommodations. 

“Many are forced to sleep outdoors or on makeshift platforms while awaiting the establishment of official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps,” he added. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the senator’s call for immediate action from federal agencies.

In his motion, Senator Nwoko outlined several key requests aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected communities.

 He urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to swiftly provide emergency relief, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. 

Furthermore, he called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to expedite the establishment of fully equipped IDP camps in the flood-hit areas to ensure the safety and security of displaced persons.

Additionally, Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for long-term solutions to the recurring flooding. 

He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to consider dredging the River Niger and constructing embankments along the floodplain, while also mandating the Senate Committee on Environment to conduct an urgent assessment of the affected area.

This committee is expected to report back with recommendations for a permanent solution to this persistent disaster, which has long hindered the development and welfare of Delta North communities.

As the Senate considers Senator Nwoko’s motion, the urgent call for action highlights the pressing need for support and resources to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Delta North.

A 41-year-old Canadian woman Adrienne Munju has been convicted and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos for importing 74 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of synthetic cannabis weighing 35.2 kilogrammes into Nigeria.

According to a study by the spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Munju’s conviction on Wednesday followed her arraignment on two counts charge before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of a Federal High Court, Lagos by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, which arrested her at the terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 3rd October 2024 during the inward clearance of in-bound passengers on KLM flight at the ‘D’ Arrival Hall of the airport.

According to Babafemi, Munju in her statement after her arrest, claimed she was recruited to traffic the illicit consignment through an online platform for 10,000 Canadian dollars upon successful delivery in Lagos, stating that she took the offer because she needed the money to pay for her ongoing master’s degree programme in Canada.

Justice Dipeolu convicted and sentenced her to the term of imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against her by NDLEA.

Prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the illegal acts of the convict, contravened sections 20(1}(a) and 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (NDLEA) Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the same Act.

Following her guilty plea, the prosecutor called his witness, Angela Mba, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics who narrated how the Canadian was arrested with the illicit drugs, after which she tendered some exhibits, which include: two suitcases that were used in concealing the drugs, her Canadian passport, confessional statements, laboratory test analysis reports and samples of the illicit drug. All the tendered exhibits were admitted as Exhibits 1 to 13.

After the conclusion of the review of the facts of the crime, the prosecutor urged the court to convict the Canadian as charged based on the evidence placed before the court, the exhibits tendered and the guilty plea of the defendant. As a result, Justice Dipeolu after reviewing the facts of the case as submitted by Abu Ibrahim convicted the defendant as charged.

After listening to the allocutus by the defendant’s counsel, Justice Dipeolu sentenced the Canadian to six years imprisonment on count one and five years on count two.

The judge however gave the convict an option of N50 million fine on each of the two counts, bringing the total fine to N100 million.

The two counts charge reads: “That you Adrienne Munju, Adult, Female, a Canadian, on or about the 3rd of October, 2024 during the inward clearance of in-bound passengers on KLM flight at the ‘D’ Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos without lawful authority imported 35.2 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as ‘Canadian Loud’, you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to Section 20(1)(a) and punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (NDLEA) Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you Adrienne Munju, Adult, Female, a Canadian, on or about the 3rd of October, 2024 during the inward clearance of in-bound passengers on KLM flight at the ‘D’ Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos without lawful authority knowingly possessed 35.20 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa otherwise known as ‘Canadian Loud’, you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to Section 19 of the National Drug Law ⁠Enforcement Agency Act (NDLEA) Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command involved in the arrest and prosecution of the case as well as the judiciary for speedy adjudication, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the prompt conviction and sentencing of the convict as well as the stiff penalty will send a strong warning to foreigners and others who may be contemplating bringing illicit drugs into Nigeria.

By Daniel Dafe

Senator Prince Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has said that he is honored to present a bill for the creation of Anioma State, saying the bill addresses a long-standing historical oversight in Nigeria.

This is, according to a statement by one of his media support groups, Senator Ned Nwoko Feedback Lead Admins.

He noted that Anioma, comprising nine local government areas, boasts an impressive profile, citing the rich natural resources with six local government areas endowed with oil and gas reserves which he said provides a solid economic foundation  and also the significant human capital with Anioma being home to a vibrant, skilled, and educated population.

According to him, these facts make the area attractive for statehood.

Meanwhile, this initiative has garnered widespread support from key stakeholders.

Groups such as Anioma Socio-Cultural Group and Izu Anioma have been vocal in their advocacy, while others such as Pan Igbo Cultural Organization and Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo have also lent their supports.

Traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozie have consistently backed the creation of Anioma State.

This reporter also recalls that numerous meetings have been held, including discussions with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to solidify consensus, stating that the creation of Anioma State is crucial for achieving justice and equity.

Stakeholders have repeatedly said that creating Anioma State will amplify representation by strengthening Anioma’s presence in the Senate, House of Representatives, and full representation at the State Assembly.

It will also foster economic growth by unlocking Anioma’s potentials through targeted development initiatives.

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain from Emevor in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Okpomo has fulfilled his promise of providing monthly stipends to some indigenes of his community to cushion the harsh effects of the economy on the people.

Okpomo, who is the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Beautification, said that the gesture was in line with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda for the people of the state.

Presenting the first set of stipends on Tuesday at his Emevor country home, Chief Okpomo who is the “Okpomo” of Okere-Urhobo kingdom, said that a total of 15 beneficiaries got N20,000 each for the month of October while 10 beneficiaries were paid N30,000 each in the month of September.

According to him, we will scale up to 25 beneficiaries in the next month with a view to providing for more people as the economy bites harder on the people.

Chief Okpomo who was in company of Hon. Sylvester Ifode, Hon. Lucky Okeremu and other PDP Chieftains, appealed to the beneficiaries of his gesture to make good use of the stipends to better their lives and that of their families.

While thanking the people for their continued faith and support for the PDP, he commended Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing construction works on the Emevor-Orogun road phase 2.

He described the governor as a promise keeper and urged the people to remain loyal to the party adding that the best was yet to come for the people of the community.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, youth Chairman of Isi-Emevor, Mr Lucky Onajemor commended Chief Okpomo for sacrificing to provide for the people and pledged their continued loyalty to the party and the government of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The beneficiaries drawn from the five communities of Isi-Emevor, lauded Governor Oborevwori for demonstrating statesmanship in the construction of the Emevor-Orogun road adding that they would remain eternally grateful for his act of kindness to the Emevor people.