The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Surveyor Abuduganiyu Adebomehin has inaugurated a day-long hands-on training session on Continuously Operating Reference Stations (COR) software for the directors in the office.

The training focuses on enhancing their proficiency in utilizing the (COR) software, a critical tool in their technical repertoire. COR is a GPS station that provides positioning data for surveying and other uses. It has a GPS receiver, an antenna, a data logger, and a communication device. It can operate continuously or periodically.

Adeomehin urged the participating directors to approach the training with utmost dedication and encouraged them to provide constructive feedback to the instructors regarding their experience with the COR software. He emphasized the significance of COR while highlighting its role in predicting weather patterns and as an essential technical skill integral to their professional responsibilities.

The training underscores the commitment of the Surveyor-General and his team to continually invest in the professional development of the organization’s leadership, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements in their field.

Women in Delta State have joined their voices in praying for the well-being of their families and the prosperity of the state and Nigeria at the 17th Edition of the Mothers Arise prayer conference.

This year’s edition of the prayer conference hosted by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, at the Government House Chapel, Asaba on Friday, February 2, 2024, was tagged “Remember me oh Lord” (Psalm 104:6).

The Mothers Arise prayer meeting held every first Friday of February, has been on stream for the past 16 years and overseen by two former first ladies- Deaconess Roli Uduaghan and Dame Edith Okowa.

The inter-denominational event featured sessions of praises, prayers, and sermons by notable clergies and guests from across the state.

In her address, Deaconess Oborevwori appreciated the women for coming out to pray for the state, stressing the need for fervent prayers as highlighted in 2 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

She also urged them not to let what they see stop them from praying, “Do not look at the wave going on in the world now, all you need is God. With God all things are possible, if there is a woman to pray, there is a God to answer”

Excited at being the host for the 17th edition, the Deaconess Oborevwori appreciated the past first ladies for instituting the prayer altar and sustaining it. She promised to keep the Mothers Arise prayer altar burning for the future years under her service as first lady.

She further thanked God for the victory of her husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Supreme Court and appealed to the women of Delta State to continue offering their support for the MORE agenda to thrive.

Speaking on the theme, Remember me oh Lord, the guest preacher, Pastor Vera Oroboh highlighted the accounts of Joseph, Noah, Mordecai, and other biblical instructions as contained in Genesis 40:17, Jerimiah 17:5, Numbers 23:19, Esther 6, Deuteronomy 8:11-18, Luke 12:20, Judges 4:4, Nehemiah 13:14 and Psalm 103:2.

Pastor Oroboh spoke on the importance of humility, honour, sincerity, consistent good deeds, and praise in gaining God’s remembrance. She charged the women to live in modesty when God remembers them and cautioned against taking credit for God’s deeds and getting lost in the euphoria of promotions or financial breakthroughs.

Prayers for families and marriages, youths, Governor Oborevwori and his aides, and the peace of Delta and Nigeria were fervently offered at the women’s conference.

The Belgium government has told prospective irregular migrants to Europe to bury the dream as there is no more Golden Fleece in Europe.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Director General, Office of Foreigners, Belgium, Mr. Freddy Roosemont, said right now there are no space for people to migrate to in his country, noting that a lot of irregular migrants end up on the streets.

He therefore stressed that most dreams of a better life in Europe are just fake as it is not easy to survive in Europe, insisting that the economic meltdown is a global phenomenon.

He said: “First of all, informing the people correctly, because that they often leave with a dream. If I say to the investor, you’re gonna win the lottery next week and it’s going to bring you a million euros and he believes me it will be a dream, is that dream realistic? Not at all.

“So first of all, you have to take away the dream. The dream is not real. That’s why I’m telling you and I hope that through you, the public is aware that that dream is not real.

“ It’s not easy to survive in Europe, without a decent job and without sort of being an employer or by a university. The dream is fake.

He said the number of regular migrants allowed are limited, strict and restricted, noting that it is only for “a limited number of people who goes to have gone through a number of conditions. Somebody who wants to study in Belgium is very welcome. But he first has to show to the university that he will be capable to follow the studies there in English, that if he’s studying medicine, that he has a sort of basics to study medicine, if he wants to become engineering, that he has a technical knowledge that he is good in maths and so on. So there it’s the division University is going to select who they want, it would not be only from Nigeria, it’s from everywhere in the world like that.

“The work is possibilities are there, but it will be Belgium employer who is looking for somebody who can fill in a position in his company, and he has connections, he knows that you’re capable to do so that he asks at the Belgium service of labour, if he can contact you give you a contract and get you over. family reunification is easy to do.

“So you need a family you need a wife and your children. But that those three are the three main levels of legal migration.”

He also warned that coming to Belgium with the intention to seek asylum would not also work, as there is low chances of obtaining a residence permit.

“So at that moment, we have to limit the reception of asylum seekers only to people who are vulnerable and that means families, women with children. No man alone, not in that group.

“So for the moment there are lots of this asylum seekers living in Brussels on the street, and I can assure you the temperature in Brussels is not what it is here in Abuja. It got to minus seven, minus five. Now it’s around zero Celsius.
“So it’s really not easy to survive in Brussels without help without an assistance.

“We are by law obliged to give that assistance but we simply can’t do it because places are filled up or simply filled up. It’s a very painful situation for Belgium, but it’s like that if you look at the newspapers, if you look at the journals, if you walk in the streets in Brussels, you’re going to see everywhere, people sleeping on the streets and people trying to survive with out any help.

“Secondly, we also see that a lot of people, especially girls are forced into prostitution in the big cities.

“If we find girls like that, we try to help them we try to help them to come to come them the people come keep guilty of that.”
He also added that there are certain procedures in the Belgium Justice Department that also would help girls who want to leave the profession. So we get quite good information about what they have to do and what they earn. And they earn nothing, their passport will be taking away from them. Their humanity will be taken away from them and they will end up in there and that’s why you have to inform your public, the people of Nigeria, the youth of Nigeria that things like that are still going on in Europe and in Belgium.

Roosemont pleaded with the media to help educate the people, saying: “Notify the youth that it’s not the dream to go to Europe to go to Belgium is not realistic and it’s very dangerous. So that’s why I making that brief. That’s also the reason why we were here in Nigeria the last week to try to inform the the youth directly or indirectly, that the thing that they hope is not a realistic thing. It’s a very dangerous thing.”

• Troops clampdown on illegal bunkering sites

In a relentless effort to curb illegal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has issued a stern warning to vandals and economic saboteurs involved in illegal oil bunkering.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC emphasized the need for individuals to pursue legitimate means of livelihood instead.
This cautionary statement comes in the wake of an intensified crackdown on criminal activities within the waterways, creeks, and rivulets of the Niger Delta Region.
Major General Abdussalam personally led an operation against vandals and economic saboteurs, resulting in the raid of several illegal oil bunkering sites in Obama and Uzoma, located in Kom-Kom Community at Oyingbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, on January 31, 2024.
During the operation, the GOC highlighted the commitment of troops under the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, to restrict the freedom of action for criminals in the region. Substantial evidence of organized large-scale criminality was uncovered during the raid, including over 15 boilers, 9 reservoirs, extensive interconnected pipes, and other paraphernalia used in the illegal activities. The seized crude oil amounted to over 5 million liters, and numerous large Cotonou Boats, capable of transporting more than 200,000 liters of crude oil, were intercepted en route to the location.
Major General Abdussalam urged those involved in these criminal acts to abandon illegal oil bunkering, emphasizing its illegality and the environmental degradation it causes. He implored them to embrace legitimate business ventures, stating that the facilities used in these illegal operations required significant financial investment, expertise, and careful planning.
Addressing the press, the GOC emphasized that the ongoing crackdown was not solely aimed at those apprehended but extended to identifying and holding accountable those responsible for orchestrating such illegal activities. He reiterated the criminal nature of the enterprise and urged individuals to contribute to the region’s development by engaging in lawful businesses.
This operation against economic vandals aligns with the commitment of the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE to dismantle illegal economic hubs and target their associated merchants in the Niger Delta Region. The recent operation follows closely on the heels of the destruction of large-scale illegal bunkering sites at Odogwa in Etche LGA, underscoring the military’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has expressed its preparedness to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on raising awareness, providing rehabilitation and skills acquisition for Nigerian youths afflicted by the scourge of substance abuse.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim when she paid a visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja to discuss areas of collaboration between her ministry and the anti-narcotic body.

Marwa had in his remarks painted a grim picture of the drug situation in Nigeria especially as it affects the youth population, noting that there was the urgent need for all stakeholders in particular Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen partnership with a view to curbing the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, given the strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges facing the country.

The NDLEA boss while recognizing that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and make life meaningful for the generality of citizens, said the benefits would sooner than later create more jobs for the good of youths and ultimately discourage most of them from going into substance abuse.

He said he foresees partnerships for instance between NDLEA and Ministry of Youth Development as well as Federal Ministry of Agriculture as one capable of not only curbing drug abuse but also creating millions of jobs and providing food sufficiency for the nation.

Speaking earlier, the Minister said she came on the visit to seek collaboration with NDLEA on advocacy, strengthening grassroots awareness especially among youths on dangers of substance abuse, getting counselling and rehabilitation for young Nigerians struggling with drug abuse or addiction and providing skills acquisition for youths undergoing rehabilitation in NDLEA facilities.

She expressed optimism that the National Youth Development Bank that will soon be launched by the Federal Government to empower Nigerian youths could also serve as a channel for rehabilitated young Nigerians to get funding for beneficial endeavours based on skills acquired during rehabilitation so that they won’t go back to the same environment and situations that led them into substance abuse.

 The British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, visited Rivers State between the 24th and 25th of January for high-level discussions with the state governor and key stakeholders in the state government, business leaders and civil society. 
 
During the two-day visit, the High Commissioner visited on the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara and paid his respects to the former State Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili. They discussed the strong economic partnership that has existed between Rivers State and the UK, recent developments and future opportunities.
 
The High Commissioner also visited Shell Nigeria and Indorama at their operational bases. Discussions focused on the opportunities for growth and improvements in the extraction and manufacturing sections. He sought their views on efforts to advance UK investment in the state, and possible areas of partnerships to help boost economic growth and job creation. 
 
The High Commissioner met with NGOs and Nigerian government actors working on oil clean up and representatives of civil society organisations, operating across rivers State and the wider Niger Delta. Stakeholders gave a run down on the implementation of their programmes and some of the great opportunities for the state, to lead on efforts to combat environmental damage, climate change and improve sustainable livelihoods.
 
At the end of the visit, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, said: 
 
“Rivers State is particularly important as a large economy, with strong assets and institutions, important for Nigeria’s national economy.
 
“My visit was a good opportunity to engage and interact with key players.
 
“I came to listen and learn about recent developments, and gather insights about some of our UK-Nigeria economic partnerships: the impact they have made so far, and the potential for more.
 
“We very much want to continue developing these bonds – both with governments and civil society – to enhance prosperity within the region.”

…As Oghenesivbe, DSOB Magt staff commences familiarization visits to stakeholders

Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Delta State Ministry of Justice, MOJ, Omamuzo Erebe, Esq, has again emphasized on the urgent need to curb rising cases of illegal migration, sexual abuse/child rape and use of narcotics in the state and across the country.

He said his ministry decided to set up two special units to focus mainly on; sexual abuse and illegal migration, to prosecute offenders, adding that his ministry will continue to collaborate with major stakeholders to curb the menace, while urging Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, to intensify efforts on result oriented strategic campaigns to reorientate the minds of citizens, especially the youth population on the dangers of social vices.

Erebe, made the assertions when he received on courtesy visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau and Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe in his office on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital.

The Solicitor-General noted that the rising cases of child sexual abuse, rape and defilements is becoming alarming, pointing out that apart from social deviants, some biological fathers who ought to protect their girl child and inculcate moral values in them are involved in child rape, saying that his ministry is handling multifaceted criminal cases of child sexual abuse, defilements, illegal human trafficking and forced labour.

He, however assured that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori under his MORE agenda promised to introduce reforms and policies that would help curb the menace, while urging stakeholders at local government, state, national and international levels to partner with the State government through the Orientation Bureau for the creation of massive awareness about the dangers and legal implications of human trafficking, rape and use of narcotics across the three senatorial districts.

The Permanent Secretary commended the management and staff of the State Orientation Bureau, especially the new CEO, Dr Oghenesivbe, who he described as a communication strategists par excellence, and a good ambassador of the Governor’s MORE Agenda, adding that with him as the Head of Bureau, greater results shall be accomplished in the areas of effective sensitization and far reaching media campaigns against drug abuse, rape and illegal migration in the state.

“This visit is timely, and we are ready to collaborate with Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, to curb the menace of child defilement, rape, drug abuse and illegal migration. As you sensitize the people, we shall continue to prosecute offenders and keep them away from responsible citizens.

“We are handling several cases in Court across the state, and we are doing our best to keep these criminals and social deviants behind bars, they don’t deserve to live among law abiding citizens.

“There are several cases wherein biological father defiled and raped his girl child, some of whom are children between age 5 and 10 years. It’s very sad.

“We’ve set up two special units to tackle illegal migration and sexual abuse. It very important that We join hands together to win the war against drug abuse, illegal migration, rape and sexual abuse. Rapist can no long escape under the amended laws.

“Let me also use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for nominating a legal icon and learned silk, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Delta State. We at the Ministry are very happy.

“I have no doubt in my mind that with Dr Wilfred Oghenesivbe, Esq, a Communication Strategist and Justice of the Peace, JP, as Head of Bureau, the DSOB will accomplish tremendous results,” Erebe said.

Earlier, Oghenesivbe told the Permanent Secretary that his visit was to familiaze himself with hin and his team in the ministry, and to also draw his attention to some Nongovernmental Organisations, NGOs, engaging in drug abuse and other campaigns in the state without collaborating with the State Orientation Bureau, adding that the Bureau is saddled with the responsibility of championing campaigns and reorientation programmes.

Oghenesivbe assured that DSOB is willing and ready to partner with any Ministry, Department and Agency, as well as NGOs, but that it will be out of place for the Bureau not to be involved in any kind of campaign or sensitization programme or exercise within Delta State.

He commended the Solicitor-General for the huge successes recorded by the State Ministry of Justice in prosecutorial matters relating to illegal migration, rape, child defilements and other criminal matters.

“The MORE agenda of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, captured the youth to a large extend, and the Delta State Orientation Bureau campaigns and sensitization programmes shall also target the youth audiences across the three senstorial districts.

“It is therefore, very important for us to visit you and your legal team to enable me and management staff of the Bureau to tap from your wealth of experience as the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Justice and Solicitor-General.

“We shall work with the information you provided. As a Bureau, we are ready to partner with your Ministry and other major stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Nongovernmental Organisations.

“But it will be out of place for MDAs and NGOs not to involve the Bureau in their campaigns and sensitization programmes. Infact, we are the engine room of awareness creation in the state. We are the first bus stop in terms of collaboration and partnership in campaigns and sensitization programmes in the state.

“We are humbled by the wonderful reception accorded us, and we shall do the needful to upscale campaigns against drug and sexual abuse, illegal migration and other social and criminal vices in the state,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Heads of various legal units of Delta State Ministry of Justice, and management staff of Delta State Orientation Bureau, were present during the courtesy visit on Tuesday.

The nation’s internal security has received a boost with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday took delivery of three drones and 100 highly profiled self-configured walkie-talkies from international partners.

Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi who received the gadgets on behalf of the Corps in his office, thanked Equipping the Needy Initiative (ETNI) and its partner for the kind gesture.

The Commandant General further reiterated that ETNI has demonstrated through their donation that security is a collaborative effort.

He said: “Our partners in their previous visit promised partnership and true to their words, they have come to fulfil that promise today, it shows that they just don’t do the talk they work the talk.”

Audi also gave the assurance that the gadgets donated will be optimally utilized, stating that “anything being given has been given as a trust and the communication centre so promised will serve as a command and control centre where we will harness our national operations. The Corps is in charge of liberated areas and provides safety and security to IDP camps.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equipping the Needy Initiative, Dr Benedict Aliku in the company of some passionate citizens of the United States who are also security experts and consultants, in his address said that their donation is a testament to their commitment to supporting the NSCDC, with the firm belief that security is a collective responsibility and their resolve to play their part effectively.

Aliku maintained that the organisation will explore other areas for more collaboration, hence the intention to leverage on the NSCDC Act for future endeavours.

He said: “One such initiative as we leverage on the NSCDC Act 2003 as amended 2007 is to embark on IDP shelter projects for the needy in five states of Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, and will be managed by the NSCDC.”

He also added the construction of a Communication Command Centre that will be domiciled at the National Headquarters of NSCDC will coordinate surveillance across the nation.

Another high point was the presentation of the award to the Commandant General in recognition of his unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of the people of Nigeria.

The Commandant in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Edike Akpan, thanked the Commandant General and partners of the Corps for beefing up the unit to meet international best practices and assured of the unit’s readiness to utilize the facility well.

The passionate United States citizens present were Judd Saul, International Director ETNI, Steve Fisher- US Adversary Board, Doug Bouton- US journalist and Mark Danner- Security consultant.

The delegation later moved to the proposed site for the construction of the Counter-terrorism Response and Communication Centre.

Former Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Udu of Isoko Nation, Bashorun Askia Ogieh JP, has described the judgement of the Supreme Court, reaffirming the mandate of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State, as not just a victory for him and the PDP but mostly for all Deltans.

Bashorun Askia said this in a congratulatory statement to Governor Oborevwori, pointing out that with the victory and closure of all litigations on the election, Deltans are relieved and assured of the continuity of Oborevwori’s great works for the development of the state as have been witnessed since he assumed office.

Askia who joined Governor Oborevwori alongside top government functionaries, PDP leaders, supporters, traditional and religious leaders amongst various distinguished Deltans for a thanksgiving at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, after the pronouncement of the judgment, said everything surrounding the Governor shows that his mandate was from God.

The statement read:
“I congratulate His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on this historic victory. Winning all the 38 cases instituted against him over the election shows that his mandate is ordained by God who also has enabled him to run through troops and scale high walls.

“We never fainted in our faith that, though the enemies may come like a flood, the Almighty God will raise a standard against them in defence of His own. This He has done and we return all the glory to Him.

“From the beginning of the electoral process, we never waved in our conviction that Oborevwori was the right person for the job, the choice of God and of the people. The people confirmed this with their overwhelming votes for him and the PDP at the polls.

“As we can see, the Tribunal and the courts at all levels have affirmed this with consistency, and we must commend our judges and the judiciary for the hope they bring us in upholding truth and justice.

“What is even more interesting is that Oborevwori’s excellence in the formulation and execution of policies, projects and programmes for the development of the state and the well-being of the people, even in the face of the distractions, demonstrates commitment, focus and capacity to deliver.

“His victory is, therefore, a victory for the people, otherwise the pace of development, peace, security and advancement we are witnessing under his administration would not only have been truncated but retarded.

“I also congratulate the entire membership and leadership of the PDP for holding together while the processes lasted, especially our father, the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who lead always from the front and with calm inspiration.”

…Says Apex Court knocked off unpopular candidates capitalizing on technicalities

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, survived a total of thirty eight criminal lawsuits, from party primary to post governorship election, making him the most fortunate and divinely anointed celebrant in the history of constitutional democracy in Nigeria.

His political detractors fought him from all angles, pressed all manners of frivolous criminal charges, all in an attempt to stop him from becoming the governor, and when he eventually won the governorship election with a wide margin on March 18, 2023, Oborevwori’s traducers flooded the Courts with multifaceted lawsuits to remove him as governor, but all their efforts crashed like a huge log before the axe.

Executive Assistant on Communications and Orientation to the Governor of Delta State, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, while addressing Journalists during the happy hour he organised to fete members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on Friday in Asaba after the Supreme Court Victory, said in all the travails of governor Oborevwori, God was with him, and that if God exalts a man, no mere mortal can bring him down.

He noted that the plethora of criminal lawsuits pressed against the governor of Delta State, could have swept him off his feet if not for the grace of God, and the divine inner peace, wisdom and strength of character he exhibited throughout his ordeals in the hands of desperate politicians who were hell bent on stealing the peoples mandate given to him at the polls last year.

Oghenesivbe posited that the nation’s judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court in all recent judgments, sent strong signals to unpopular candidates shopping for frivolous technicalities that there can never be business as usual, adding that in the case of Delta, it was crystal clear that the petitioners and Appellants claims and prayers were lacking in merit as declared by the Apex Court, and therefore laboured in vain to suppress the will of the good people of the state.

He disclosed that governor Oborevwori’s hands were clean, his personal and academic records remained unblemished, his genuine intentions to serve the people cannot be faulted, and that he truly and genuinely won the 2023 governorship election with a wide margin, winning 21 out of 25 local government areas as against his distant rival, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who struggled to win four local government areas.

“Gentlemen of the Press, we are gathered here for the happy hour to celebrate governor Oborevwori’s victory at the Supreme Court, but Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe insisted I must say something. I appreciate this rare privilege.

“Criminal cases pressed against the governor of Delta State, from party primary to post governorship election were 38 in all, and he won with divine ease. It can only be God and He alone is worthy of our praises.

“The massive pressure by governor Oborevwori’s detractors to subvert the genuine mandate of the People which they willingly gave to him at the polls on 18th March, 2023 failed woefully. The cases were absolutely ridiculous and grossly unwarranted in all ramifications, but the petitioners and Appellants, one after the order, crashed like a pack of cards, subdued and defeated to the Glory of God.

“Governor Oborevwori campaigned from Ward to Ward, Unit to Unit, Local Government to Government marketing his MORE agenda to the good people of Delta State. His opponents were busy casting aspersions, and some of them relied heavily on federal might and legal technicalities to subvert the will of the people to no avail.

“They did all manners of things to stop the move of God, and as we know it in Christiandom, no body can battle with God and win, the divine principles of ‘Touch not my annointed’ applies. The result of the divine oil of God on Oborevwori’s head played out at the Supreme Court today.

“His academic records were unblemished, his personal records and strength of character could not be faulted, his landslide victory at the polls was staggering, and above all, God was and still with governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“The above reasons resonated again and again touching on all the 38 criminal litigations across Courts of competent jurisdictions and ended in favour of the governor and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.They divinely and miraculously survived a total of 38 criminal lawsuits to stand tall and remained unbeatable as affirmed by the Apex Court.

“I urge you, gentlemen of the esteemed Press, to continue doing the needful as watchdogs of society, especially in the area of development Journalism.

“Constructive criticism is ideal for good governance, it mirrors both positive and negatives necessary for nation building. But we must abstain from jungle journalism and dissemination of half truth and data manipulations, upholding professional standards and principles of fairness through balanced reporting.

“This get-together is to appreciate you, gentlemen of the press, for standing by governor Oborevwori throughout his ordeal, judging from your stories and articles while the legal tussles lasted,” Oghenesivbe said.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of NUJ Delta State, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, thanked the Executive Assistant on Communications and Orientation to the Governor of Delta State, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, for deeming it necessary to fete Journalists in the state as part of governor Oborevwori’s Supreme Court victory celebration.

He said members of the union remained apolitical, but noted that the victory of governor Oborevwori at the polls was convincing enough to avoid plethora of post elections litigations, and urged politicians to help strengthen and deepen democratic values and culture by accepting defeat to avoid unnecessary wastage of scarce financial resources in post election legal battles.

Oyowe, on behalf of Delta NUJ, congratulated governor Oborevwori, saying that it took the special grace of God for him to win 38 lawsuits, and urged the governor to be magnanimous in victory by extending the olive branch to his opponents, pointing out that in the realm of politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests exist.

“We congratulate His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori over his victory at the Supreme Court. I must say that his victory is well deserved.

“As working Journalists in the state, we shall remain neutral and apolitical in the discharge of constitutionally assigned responsibilities as members of the fourth estate of the realm.

“It takes the the special grace of God to win 38 pre election and post election criminal cases. The governor is truly an Apple in God’s eyes, his choice as governor is divine, judging from all his travails and consistent victories at lower Courts and at the Appellate Courts.

“It’s time for full-scale governance, because Deltans are desperately waiting for the full implementation of the governor’s MORE agenda. We shall monitor developments and also partner government to ensure that his social contract with the people of the state yield robust dividends.

“On behalf of Delta NUJ, I wish to commend the Executive Assistant on Communications and Orientation to the Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, for extending the victory celebration to members of Council. We had a good time and may God replenish his purse and enlarge his coast, in Jesus Name, Amen,” Oyowe prayed.

Over 100 members of the union were present at the victory celebration held at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba on Friday.

Special Senior Assistants on Media, and that of Community Newspapers to the Governor of Delta State, Comrade Fred Edoreh and Prince Eromosere Orhomonokpaye, as well as other appointees attended the event.

Executive Governor of Delta state, Rt Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori on Friday dedicated his victory at the Supreme court to Almighty God, the unwavering support of Deltans and his legal team.

Addressing the media in Abuja after the five-member panel of the apex court affirmed his victory, Oborevwori said his triumph meant that there were no winners and losers. He called on the opposition parties in the state to join him in the task of developing the oil-rich state.

While acknowledging the enormous drain in energy and resources occasioned by the legal tussle, the Governor stressed the need for all Deltans to close ranks and support his administration to realise his four point development strategy encapsulated in the MORE agenda.

A statement by Igho Akeregha, Executive Assistant, Media to the Governor quoting his principal said with legal fireworks over, he is now poised to fully implement the MORE plan of Meaning Development, Opportunities for all, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security for all Deltans.

Addressing his teeming supporters at the Governors lodge who had earlier thronged the Supreme court in their traditional yellow fez caps, Oborevwori assured them of his commitment to uplift the state.

“You have shown me love. I and my Deputy will not disappoint you. We will continue to serve all Deltans with renewed vigour and commitment. What happened in the court today is a victory for all Deltans” Oborevwori said.

Amidst deafening chants of “On your mandate we shall stand” by his supportees, the Governor expressed appreciation to all Deltans for their unwavering support promising not to let them down.

While dismissing Omo-Agege’s petition, seeking to overturn Governor Oborevwori’s election as governor of Delta State, a five-member panel of the apex court led by Inyang Okoro had held that the appellant was unable to prove his case of over-voting and non-compliance with the electoral laws.

The court, in its lead judgement held that the appeal lacked merit. The apex court has also dismissed the appeal of the SDP candidate against Governor Oborevwori.

Oborevwori, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared the winner of the 18 March governorship election by Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC.

He defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, who proceeded to the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the result declared by INEC.

The Supreme Court, the final arbiter in legal matters similarly upheld the concurrent findings of both the tribunal, which had earlier dismissed Omo-Agege’s petition, and the Court of Appeal in Lagos affirming the tribunal’s decision.

The former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege also took the opportunity to thank various individuals and groups, including his running mate, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, and APC National Leader, President Bola Tinubu, for their support throughout the electoral process.

The Labour Party in the state also issued a statement, congratulating Governor Oborevwori and expressing acceptance of the Supreme Court’s verdict in good faith.

Meanwhile, the state Peoples Democratic Party expressed its heartfelt congratulations to the Governor on his well-deserved victory, which it said has brought a final closure to all litigations challenging his election as the Executive Governor of Delta State

The felicitations, contained in a press statement by the party’s publicity secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, assured that the victory has now cleared the coast for the full implementation and delivery of the MORE Agenda for Deltans.

“We applaud the judiciary once again for their undoubted consistency and conviction right from the Elections Petitions Tribunal in maintaining an unwavering position on the result of the March 18, 2023, governorship election in our state, and this final judgement is an irreversible affirmation of the decision of the Delta masses to vote landslide for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as their duly elected governor.”

• Inaugurates multiple projects

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has called upon troops under the 16 Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) to intensify efforts in safeguarding critical national infrastructures.

According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC issued this directive on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, while inaugurating various projects during his visit.

Speaking at the 16 Field Engineer Regiment (FER) in Toru-Orua, Sagbama LGA, Major General Abdussalam emphasized the need for continued efforts in eradicating illegal refineries and putting an end to pipeline vandalism and criminal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).

He underscored the importance of these measures to support the Federal Government of Nigeria’s initiatives to enhance oil production, subsequently boosting export quotas and national revenue.

Major General Abdussalam stressed that any disruptions to the pipeline adversely impact oil production and revenue generation, highlighting the urgency to curtail criminal activities in the NDR.

“You must sustain the operational tempo against pipeline vandals and economic saboteurs,” he emphasized.

During his visit to the Headquarters of the 16 Brigade, Major General Abdussalam commended the Commander for the noteworthy projects that have significantly transformed the Brigade.

He expressed appreciation for the accomplishments and urged all officers to strive for improvements and leave positive legacies in their respective assignments.

Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai, the Commander of the 16 Brigade, extended gratitude to the GOC for his leadership and mentorship, acknowledging the positive impact of the commissioned projects on the welfare of officers and soldiers.

He credited the GOC for his unwavering support to the Brigade, both presently and in the past.

One of the inaugurated projects, the Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQ), initiated in 2018, saw completion after a hiatus.

Lieutenant Colonel Akinlolu Ayanfuso, the Commanding Officer of 16 FER, highlighted that work resumed on the project following a promise by Major General Philip Eromosele, the Commander Corp of Engineers, during a visit on March 6, 2023.

The CBQ, designed for troops and their families, was successfully delivered and commissioned by the GOC.

The projects inaugurated during the visit included a one-storey 20-family CBQ in Toru-Orua, an official residence for the Commander of 16 Brigade, a Nigerian Army Post Exchange (NAPEX), a Soldiers’ Canteen, and Number 2 Gate at Camp Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Yenagoa.

Other inaugurated projects encompassed the Regimental Sergeant Major’s official residence, the unveiling of a street named after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, the inauguration of Officers’ transit accommodation, and a tree-planting campaign in support of 16 Brigade’s biodiversity drive.

The visit culminated in Major General Abdussalam’s address to the troops, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph, marking a significant moment in fostering operational readiness and infrastructure development within the 6 Division.