Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been described as a divinely ordained leader whose people-centred governance and deliberate institution-building are laying a solid foundation for a new Delta State anchored on sustainability and long-term transformation.

The commendation came from the Paris Priest of St. Williams Catholic Church, Orerokpe, Rev. Fr. Peter Awharemuire, during the 70th Thanksgiving Mass of Lady Doris Onoriode Ejinyere, which the Governor attended as a special guest.

Delivering a homily based on Jeremiah 29:10–14, Rev. Fr. Awharemuire said Governor Oborevwori’s emergence as the state’s Chief Executive was neither accidental nor incidental, but part of a divine plan.

“Your leadership was ordained by God long before your birth. What we are witnessing in Delta State today is the unfolding of God’s purpose. Leadership is not by power or might, but by the Spirit of God,” the cleric declared.

He said the visible progress recorded across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and community development was evidence of divine guidance and purposeful leadership.

“Confidence has been restored. Communities are safer and lives are being protected. These are not coincidences; they are fruits of focused and intentional leadership,” he added.

According to the priest, the Oborevwori administration stands out for its emphasis on sustainability, noting that the Governor is not merely executing physical projects but deliberately building enduring systems.

“This Governor is not just constructing roads, bridges, hospitals and schools; he is building systems in security, education, infrastructure and governance. That is why we say he is creating a new Delta,” Rev. Fr. Awharemuire said.

He stressed that the ongoing transformation was designed to benefit not just the present generation but future ones.

He said; “What is being built today is not for a few individuals, but for the entire Delta State and generations yet unborn”.

Describing Governor Oborevwori as a man of uncommon courage, the cleric said the achievements of the administration had already secured a permanent place in the political history of the state.

“You are a juggernaut in the political history of Delta State. What you have done will remain written. History will not forget it,” he declared.

Rev. Fr. Awharemuire added that both the Church and the people of Delta State were proud of the Governor’s leadership, which he said was defined by humility, justice, inclusiveness and service.

Speaking further, the Cleric said; “the Church is proud of you. The people of Delta are proud of you. We see a leader who listens, who builds and who believes in justice”.

While commending the Governor’s strides, the priest advised him to continue to lead with wisdom, humility and caution, assuring him of the Church’s continued prayers for divine guidance and peace in the state.

He also offered prayers for the celebrant, Lady Doris Ejinyere, whom he described as a just and fair-minded woman.

In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori congratulated Lady Ejinyere on her 70th birthday, describing her as a woman of integrity, strength and unwavering commitment to family and service of the state.

“She is someone I have known for many years, through different seasons of life and service. She is upright, principled and dependable. Yes, she is firm, but that firmness is rooted in sincerity and love,” the Governor said.

He expressed joy at seeing the Ejinyere family gathered in unity and thanksgiving, noting that the celebration reflected the enduring power of faith and strong family bonds.

The Governor prayed for her continued blessings, long life, good health and peace, while acknowledging her sacrifices and lifelong dedication to her family and community.

Speaking during the service, Lady Ejinyere expressed profound gratitude to her family, friends and well-wishers for their love, care and support over the years.

She paid special tribute to Governor Oborevwori, saying his achievements were so evident that “even the blind can see them and the deaf can hear them,” and praised his compassion, sacrifices and steadfast support to her family.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has paid glowing tribute to the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as an outstanding technocrat, dependable colleague and a refreshing influence within the Delta State Executive Council.

In a heartfelt birthday message on Saturday, Izeze reflected on his long journey through leadership, public service and mentorship, noting that while he had encountered many towering personalities from Uvwie and beyond who shaped his life and career, Ekedayen’s impact in his post-50 years has been particularly profound.

According to Izeze, Ekedayen possesses a rare blend of urbane sophistication, intellectual depth and practical compassion, which often leads to misconceptions about his political and economic orientation.

He stressed, however, that beneath Ekedayen’s refined exterior lies a progressive thinker with a clear, people-centred understanding of economics anchored on societal needs rather than rigid conservatism.

“Bros Sunny Ekedayen brings clarity to governance through a well-defined economics-of-needs template,” Izeze said.

“He is deeply grounded in his professional calling and in human relationships, making it easy for colleagues to relate with him, learn from him and trust his judgment.”

The Works Commissioner described Ekedayen as a globally acknowledged financial expert and a “guru of economics,” whose contributions within the State Executive Council have been invaluable.

He noted that Ekedayen has often played the role of a steadying influence and elder brother, offering guidance, support and coordination, particularly among Urhobo commissioners, without seeking personal attention or creating discord.

Izeze further praised Ekedayen for his humility and emotional intelligence, saying that in an environment often marked by inflated egos and superficial intellectualism, the Economic Planning Commissioner stands out as a breath of fresh air.

Beyond public service, Izeze highlighted Ekedayen’s rich multicultural identity and personal qualities, describing him as a devoted family man, a lover of classic music, and a dependable confidant whose calm disposition brings balance during challenging moments.

He concluded by praying for Ekedayen’s continued good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments in the years ahead, expressing gratitude for his service to colleagues, Uvwie, and the people of Delta State.

“May the glory of your latter years be greater than the former,” Izeze said. “Thank you for all you do for us, for Uvwie and for Deltans. Enjoy your day sir.”

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely delivery of durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the state, warning communities and contractors against the indiscriminate installation of illegal speed breakers on public roads.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing road rehabilitation and construction projects in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas.

Izeze, who was accompanied by engineers from the Ministry of Works, said while speaking at the

13-km Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usieffurun–Orhuwhorun Road rehabilitation project that the intervention was designed to significantly reduce travel time and improve connectivity for residents, particularly those commuting between Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun and Ekakpamre.

He explained that although the project, awarded in June 2024, had recorded appreciable progress, it was confronted with some challenges, especially drainage issues caused by an existing natural water channel within the corridor.

“This is another important project designed to ease movement and reduce travel time for our people. It is a 13-kilometre rehabilitation, and while work so far is commendable, some challenges still exist. We have taken note of them and will present them to His Excellency in Asaba,” Izeze said.

According to him, resolving the drainage concerns was critical to ensuring the long-term durability of the road, particularly during the rainy season.

“We need an effective discharge system to properly channel floodwaters. We are hopeful that these issues will be addressed so that the road will stand the test of time. We have also urged the contractor to increase the pace of work to enable asphalt laying before the rains fully set in,” he added.

On the Effurun–Otor/Iwhrekekan–Ughevwughe–Eruemukohwaren–Otor-Edo–Usieffurun Road project in Ughelli South, the commissioner disclosed that about 4.2 kilometres of drainage works had been completed, with the project now awaiting the wearing course and the installation of some concrete slabs.

He expressed concern over the slow pace of work along the Ughevwughe axis but noted that the contractor had since returned to site.

“That project has taken longer than expected, but we are pleased that the contractor is back on site. We are optimistic that the asphalt overlay will be completed within the next couple of months,” Izeze said.

He added that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would be briefed on the need for approval of additional remedial works to ensure that communities such as Otor-Edo fully benefit from the project.

“We want the people of Otor-Edo to feel the impact of this administration. Our engineers are closely monitoring the work, and the contractor is operating within the provisions of the BEME. We expect the project to be completed in the next two months,” he stated.

The commissioner also issued a strong warning against the unauthorized erection of speed breakers, particularly on newly rehabilitated roads.

He disclosed that the ministry would soon commence a public sensitisation campaign, in collaboration with state-owned media, to educate residents of Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun, Ekrokpe and adjoining communities on the need to obtain official approval before installing speed breakers.

“Fixing speed breakers on any road requires the approval of the ministry. Anyone who, on their own, installs a speed breaker without authorisation will face consequences,” Izeze warned.

He stressed that illegal speed breakers not only increase travel time unnecessarily but also pose safety risks to road users, adding that any speed breaker installed by a contractor without approval must be removed.

“If a contractor installs speed breakers during construction without the ministry’s permission, it is the contractor’s responsibility to remove them,” he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Obakpor Engineering, the construction firm handling the project, Mr. Ricardo Oguma, said the work had been challenging due to the densely built-up nature of the communities and intense human activities along the corridor.

He explained that some speed bumps were installed at busy junctions to moderate traffic flow, noting that the road serves as a major route within the area.

“Our total drainage provision is about 750 metres along the 13-kilometre stretch, which is what was captured in the project, and we have completed it,” Oguma said.

He also commended the host communities for their cooperation, describing the level of support received as “one hundred per cent.”

The inspection, Izeze said, reflected the Oborevwori administration’s resolve to deliver people-centred infrastructure projects while upholding quality standards, safety and value for money across Delta State.

The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, describing it as a critical investment in the health, safety and future of children across the state.

The campaign, which was officially launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, is scheduled to run until February 9 and will cover all communities across Delta State.

Speaking through the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, at the flag-off ceremony, Deaconess Oborevwori said the exercise was more than a routine health programme, describing it as a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and strengthen public health outcomes in the state.

“We are gathered not only to launch a vital public health initiative, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier, safer and more secure future for the children and people of Delta State,” she said.

Deaconess Oborevwori noted that measles and rubella, though preventable, remain highly contagious and dangerous, particularly for children, with the potential to cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness and even death if not properly addressed.

She said, “The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination. By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing meaningfully to a healthier Nigeria.”

According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine will be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisation services will be provided for children aged zero to 23 months.

She explained that providing children with timely and complete immunisation was a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, adding that the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery remains unwavering and a core pillar of the MORE Agenda.

“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and giving them the opportunity to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives,” she said.

She further emphasised that the initiative aligns with the MORE Agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, which places premium value on accessible and quality healthcare for all Deltans.

“This initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the health and well-being of every citizen. It is more than a campaign; it is a vision built on hope, resilience and our belief in the power of collective effort,” she added.

Deaconess Oborevwori called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring that all eligible children are presented for vaccination, while also appealing for cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the state.

“Together, we can ensure that our children are protected, our families thrive and our communities flourish,” she said.

She also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners and frontline health workers for their dedication and commitment to the success of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella are dangerous viral diseases capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death, adding that rubella poses a serious threat to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.

The commissioner, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, explained that the vaccination exercise would take place at health facilities, schools, churches and community centres across the state.

He assured that with the commitment of healthcare workers and the support of parents and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected, while commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.

In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Efe-Aluta Oniovo; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Associate Professor Uzochukwu Ofonastasa; the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Macphison Kenneth; the Nigeria Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWIN), Venerable Rock Odeka; and other development partners underscored the importance of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign to child survival and public health security.

The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji; Honourable Commissioners; wives of Local Government Chairmen; as well as nursing mothers and school children, reflecting broad-based support for the vaccination campaign across all segments of society.

The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality while reinforcing Delta State’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.

…

The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has flagged off the Delta State Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign, describing it as a critical investment in the health, safety and future of children across the state.

The campaign, which was officially launched on Thursday at Government House, Asaba, is scheduled to run until February 9 and will cover all communities across Delta State.

Speaking through the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, at the flag-off ceremony, Deaconess Oborevwori said the exercise was more than a routine health programme, describing it as a deliberate effort to protect families from preventable diseases and strengthen public health outcomes in the state.

“We are gathered not only to launch a vital public health initiative, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to a healthier, safer and more secure future for the children and people of Delta State,” she said.

Deaconess Oborevwori noted that measles and rubella, though preventable, remain highly contagious and dangerous, particularly for children, with the potential to cause severe complications such as blindness, deafness and even death if not properly addressed.

She said, “The good news is that these diseases are entirely preventable through vaccination. By vaccinating our children, we are strengthening the health security of Delta State and contributing meaningfully to a healthier Nigeria.”

According to her, the Measles–Rubella vaccine will be administered to children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisation services will be provided for children aged zero to 23 months.

She explained that providing children with timely and complete immunisation was a long-term investment in human capital and sustainable development, adding that the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery remains unwavering and a core pillar of the MORE Agenda.

“By giving our children these vital protections, we are investing in their future and giving them the opportunity to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives,” she said.

She further emphasised that the initiative aligns with the MORE Agenda of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, which places premium value on accessible and quality healthcare for all Deltans.

“This initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the health and well-being of every citizen. It is more than a campaign; it is a vision built on hope, resilience and our belief in the power of collective effort,” she added.

Deaconess Oborevwori called on parents, caregivers, community and religious leaders to actively support the campaign by ensuring that all eligible children are presented for vaccination, while also appealing for cooperation with healthcare workers deployed across the state.

“Together, we can ensure that our children are protected, our families thrive and our communities flourish,” she said.

She also commended the Ministry of Health, the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners and frontline health workers for their dedication and commitment to the success of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, warned that measles and rubella are dangerous viral diseases capable of causing severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, deafness and death, adding that rubella poses a serious threat to unborn children through Congenital Rubella Syndrome when contracted during pregnancy.

The commissioner, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, explained that the vaccination exercise would take place at health facilities, schools, churches and community centres across the state.

He assured that with the commitment of healthcare workers and the support of parents and community leaders, no child would be left unprotected, while commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritising healthcare under the MORE Agenda.

In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Efe-Aluta Oniovo; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Associate Professor Uzochukwu Ofonastasa; the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Macphison Kenneth; the Nigeria Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWIN), Venerable Rock Odeka; and other development partners underscored the importance of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign to child survival and public health security.

The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji; Honourable Commissioners; wives of Local Government Chairmen; as well as nursing mothers and school children, reflecting broad-based support for the vaccination campaign across all segments of society.

The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Campaign is expected to significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality while reinforcing Delta State’s commitment to preventive healthcare and sustainable development.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged newly inaugurated members of the Governing Council of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, diligence and a deep sense of commitment.

He noted that effective governance remains key to strengthening the institution’s standing as a leading centre of academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

The governor gave the charge during the inauguration of Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, Rt. Hon. Frank Enekorogha and Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, as members of the University’s Governing Council.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the inauguration as significant despite his tight schedule, noting that the Governing Council plays a central role in the effective governance of any university through policy direction and oversight.

He said the appointment of the new members came at an auspicious time as DELSU continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre of higher learning in Nigeria and beyond.

“The Governing Council remains central to the effective governance of any university, providing policy direction and ensuring that institutional goals are achieved,” the governor said, adding that his administration had consistently appointed men and women of proven integrity, experience and distinction into the governing councils of tertiary institutions in the state.

According to him, the three appointees have distinguished themselves in public service and leadership, making them eminently qualified for the responsibility entrusted to them.

He said: “As members of the Governing Council, you carry the aspirations of thousands of students, staff, alumni and the entire people of Delta State. Your decisions will shape policies, influence academic direction and define the future of this great university for generations to come”.

He urged them to serve with transparency and commitment, stressing that their decisions would have lasting impact on lives and the future of the institution.

The governor expressed confidence that their wealth of experience would help DELSU continue to produce graduates who are academically sound, morally upright and socially responsible.

Responding on behalf of the inaugurated members, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas expressed gratitude to God and the Delta State Government for the opportunity to serve, describing the appointment as a great honour and a call to service.

He assured the governor that the council members would work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor and university management to add value to the administration of the institution and advance its mission.

Agas also commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, particularly the cordial relationship among the arms of government in the state, which he said had translated into remarkable achievements within two and a half years.

He praised the administration’s achievements in peace and security, infrastructure development, human capital development and healthcare, citing progress on major road projects, youth empowerment programmes and the strengthening of the contributory health insurance scheme.

“We thank the Governor for the confidence reposed in us. We will serve with dedication, loyalty and integrity,” Agas said, while praying for continued wisdom and strength for the governor to take Delta State to greater heights.

The Centre for Management Development (CMD), in collaboration with key private sector partners, has structured out a series of programmes aimed at empowering youths, women, and local communities across Delta North Senatorial District.

The initiatives, which were facilitated by Senator Ned Nwoko, are expected to promote skills development, economic empowerment, and improved access to healthcare services in the region.

From January 28 to 31, 2026, CMD, in partnership with Albeam Global Resources Ltd, will host a Training and Empowerment Programme for Youths at Hotel Benezia.

The programme will bring together young people from different parts of Delta North for capacity-building sessions focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and employability.

Within the same period, CMD, in collaboration with Al Qibad International Ltd, will also organize a Capacity Development Programme for Women at Hotel Benezia.

The programme aims to equip women with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their economic participation, business development, and self-reliance.

In furtherance of its community intervention efforts, CMD will partner with Biomed Imaging and Health Resources Ltd to conduct a Medical Outreach for selected communities in Delta North on February 1 and 2, 2026.

The outreach will take place at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, and the Primary Healthcare Centre in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

During the medical outreach, residents will benefit from free healthcare services, including Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, malaria testing, blood sugar screening, eye examinations, and medical consultations.

The programme will also feature free health talks, distribution of essential drugs, and the provision of eyeglasses to beneficiaries.

Speaking ahead of the programmes, Senator Ned Nwoko reiterates his commitment to human capital development and social welfare in Delta North.

He emphasized that empowering youths and women, alongside strengthening primary healthcare delivery, remains central to sustainable development in the district.

“These programmes will form part of our ongoing efforts to build capacity, create opportunities, and improve the quality of life of our people.

“When our youths are skilled, our women are empowered, and our communities are healthy, development will become sustainable,” Senator Nwoko said.

Community leaders and prospective participants have already welcomed the initiatives, describing them as timely and strategic.

Many residents have expressed optimism that the programmes will positively impact livelihoods and improve access to essential services.

The Centre for Management Development has stated that the initiatives will align with its broader mandate to support national development through strategic partnerships, training, and community engagement.

Stakeholders have expressed hope that the successful implementation of the programmes will lead to similar interventions across other parts of Delta State and the country.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday warned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order, stressing that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, a situation capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.

The governor gave the warning in Asaba during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges for the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal, urging members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are; Justice Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Justice Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Justice Irene Boeye Ukuli and Justice Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo, while Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Justice Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.

Governor Oborevwori said the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, noting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

According to him, only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all, and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.

Speaking further, the governor explained that the appointments were made strictly in line with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint judges on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

He disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated candidates for consideration by the NJC, which carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.

Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.

“As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hard work, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office,” the governor said.

He cautioned judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, stressing that during adjudication, it is often the judge, rather than the litigants, who is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.

Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the state, describing the swearing-in ceremony as another milestone in efforts to build a judiciary that is functional, fast, fair and accessible.

He noted that appointment of the additional judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities.

He also outlined several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including the approval for the construction of judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.

The governor further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.

He added that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to improve accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.

Highlighting broader justice sector reforms, Oborevwori said the state had introduced the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralized digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA.

He explained that the initiative would enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.

The governor also announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the feat as a reflection of the quality of Delta State’s public service.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his support and respect for judicial independence, pledging that the judges would discharge their duties with integrity and without fear or favour.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials, members of the legislature, judiciary and other stakeholders.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Sunday Ndidi, father of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, who reportedly died in a fatal road accident in Umunede, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the passing as sudden, painful and a great loss, not only to the Ndidi family but also to the Umunede community and the entire Ika Nation.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to Wilfred Ndidi, members of the bereaved family, and the people of Umunede, urging them to take solace in the impactful life and legacy of the deceased.

According to reports, Mr. Sunday Ndidi, a retired military officer, lost his life in a road accident on Tuesday. He was said to have been rushed to a hospital in Agbor, where he was later confirmed dead.

The tragic incident has drawn widespread sympathy, including from Wilfred Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, which confirmed the development in a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Governor Oborevwori prayed that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grants the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Since his inauguration into the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko has brought intellect, intensity, and unmistakable presence to national discourse. Representing Delta North Senatorial District, his emergence in the red chambers was driven by the collective conviction of the Anioma people, a people who sought not just representation, but results. That conviction has translated into visible leadership, bold advocacy, and deliberate action.

What distinguishes Senator Nwoko is not only the breadth of his interventions, but the clarity of his purpose. He arrived at the Senate with a defined agenda: to drive legislation that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians while ensuring that his constituency receives focused and strategic attention. He has positioned himself as a serious-minded legislator – vocal, visionary, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

His influence within the Senate is underscored by the confidence reposed in him through key appointments. From his role as Deputy Chairman of the Committees on Environment and Sports Development, to his current chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Senator Nwoko has proven himself a thoughtful operator – analytical, pragmatic, and deeply engaged. His motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta did not just provoke national reflection, it led to the establishment of an ad-hoc committee which he now chairs, reinforcing his reputation as a lawmaker who moves beyond rhetoric to results.

Beyond official titles and committee roles, Senator Ned Nwoko’s approach to governance reflects a deeper philosophy: that public office must serve, and leadership must listen. Whether on the Senate floor or in the remotest parts of Delta North, he remains present, asking the hard questions, pursuing justice, and insisting on equity. His work across legislative and constituency fronts is driven by an unrelenting focus on the people, backed by a sense of duty that is unwavering.

LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTIONS

At the heart of legislative responsibility lies the duty to make laws that protect citizens, advance national development, and respond to emerging realities. Senator Ned Nwoko has approached this duty with clarity and conviction, sponsoring and co-sponsoring over 30 bills — ranging from the establishment of new institutions to the amendment of existing laws — alongside more than 25 motions addressing critical national issues. His interventions are thoughtful, timely, and people-centered, reflecting a legislative agenda anchored on security, equity, institutional reform, and sustainable growth.

BILLS

1) Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Grant Program (Establishment) Bill.

This bill seeks to establish a dedicated grant program and oversight agency to empower young Nigerians with startup funding and entrepreneurial support, creating sustainable pathways out of poverty and unemployment.

2) Waste Management and Malaria Eradication Agency (Establishment) Bill

Aimed at addressing environmental degradation and public health crises. This bill proposes a national agency to coordinate waste disposal systems and malaria eradication efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities.

3) One-Month Rent Limitation and Landlord Registry Act

This consumer protection bill proposes a legal cap on advance rent payments to just one month, while creating a national registry of landlords to enforce tenant rights and housing standards.

4) Electoral Courts Establishment and Jurisdiction Act

To fast-track and professionalize the resolution of election-related disputes, this bill recommends the establishment of specialized electoral courts with exclusive jurisdiction over electoral matters.

5) Compulsory Professional Indemnity Act

This bill mandates all professionals in sensitive sectors — such as law, medicine, engineering, and finance — to carry indemnity insurance, ensuring accountability and financial protection for clients and the public.

6) Cashless Asset Acquisition Act

Designed to tackle corruption and improve financial transparency, this bill prohibits the purchase of high-value assets in cash, requiring all such transactions to go through traceable financial channels.

7) Self-Defense and Firearm Ownership Regulation Act

This bill proposes a tightly regulated framework for responsible civilian ownership of firearms, granting qualified individuals the legal right to self-defense in the face of escalating insecurity.

8) Coroners System Repeal and Re-Enactment Bill

This bill seeks to modernize the coroner’s legal framework by repealing the outdated 2004 Act and replacing it with a comprehensive system that improves forensic investigations and inquests into unexplained deaths.

9) ECOWAS Parliament Elections Law Bill

The bill establishes a legal framework for the democratic election of Nigerian representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament, ensuring accountability and domestic legitimacy for Nigeria’s regional legislative participation.

10) Diaspora Voting Bill

A forward-looking bill that enables Nigerians living abroad to participate in national elections, an inclusive measure recognizing the rights and contributions of the diaspora community.

11) Parliamentary Governance System (Establishment) Act

This bill introduces a framework for the adoption of a parliamentary system of government in Nigeria, proposing reforms to deepen legislative accountability and reduce executive dominance, while strengthening checks and balances.

12) Nigerian Defence Academy (Amendment) Bill

This bill seeks to amend the existing NDA Act to establish an additional Nigerian Defence Academy campus in Delta State, bringing military training opportunities closer to the South-South region and enhancing national defence capacity.

13) Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Upgrade to Federal University of Technology Act

Focused on expanding access to specialized higher education, this bill proposes the conversion of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic to a Federal University of Technology, positioning Delta State as a hub for innovation and technical advancement.

14) Private Security Licensing and Regulation Bill

This bill introduces a legal framework for licensing private security companies to complement military and police efforts in safeguarding national territory, especially in underserved or high-risk areas.

15) First Aid, CPR, AED, and Good Samaritan Law Constitutional Alteration Bill

A bold public health and safety initiative, this bill mandates first aid and emergency response training across households, schools, and workplaces. It also introduces “Good Samaritan” protections to encourage lifesaving interventions in emergencies.

16) National Talent Rehabilitation and Integration Agency (Establishment) Bill

This bill seeks to create an agency that identifies, rehabilitates, and reintegrates socially or economically displaced talents — including former cultists, addicts, or ex-convicts — into productive roles in society.

17) Public Service Retirement Age Alteration Bill

Through this constitutional alteration, Senator Nwoko proposes the extension of the retirement age for civil/public servants, with sector-specific reforms to retain expertise and reduce abrupt brain drain in critical institutions.

18) Central Bank Act Amendment – Prohibition of Foreign Currency for Remuneration

This amendment prohibits the payment of salaries, allowances, or professional fees in foreign currencies within Nigeria, reinforcing the strength of the naira and safeguarding the country’s monetary policy objectives.

19) National Social Security Agency (NSSA) Establishment Bill

One of Senator Nwoko’s flagship bills, this legislation proposes the replacement of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a comprehensive, data-driven social security agency to guarantee minimum livelihood, dignity, and structured welfare for Nigeria’s most vulnerable.

20) National Centre for Substance Abuse Management (NCSAM) Bill

Targeting the country’s rising drug abuse crisis, this bill seeks to establish a specialized centre in Ndemili, Delta State, to coordinate prevention, rehabilitation, research, and policy on substance abuse nationwide.

21) Federal University of Technology Asaba (Establishment) Bill

This bill seeks to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, into a Federal University of Technology—expanding access to STEM-based education and aligning Asaba with Nigeria’s innovation and digital transformation agenda.

22) Mandatory Military Service for Youths (Establishment) Bill

Aimed at fostering discipline, national unity, and preparedness, this bill proposes a structured period of compulsory military or paramilitary service for Nigerian youths after secondary or tertiary education.

23) National Vigilante Group (Establishment) Bill

This legislation establishes a formal, nationally recognized vigilante corps to support grassroots security architecture, work in synergy with existing forces, and help combat community-level threats like banditry and kidnapping.

24) Orthopedic Hospital, Onicha-Ugbo (Establishment) Bill

This bill amends the Orthopedic Hospital Management Act to create a new orthopedic facility in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, affiliated with Delta State University Teaching Hospital, to strengthen specialized healthcare delivery in the South-South.

25) Constitutional Alteration for the Creation of Anioma State

This landmark bill proposes the creation of Anioma State from the current Delta State, advocating for equitable representation, resource control, and identity preservation for the Anioma people within Nigeria’s federal structure.

26) Federal College of Education, Akwukwu-Igbo (Establishment) Bill

Focused on teacher training and educational development in rural areas, this bill establishes a Federal College of Education in Akwukwu-Igbo to serve Delta North and surrounding communities.

27) Ranching Development and Open Grazing Prohibition Bill

To modernize livestock farming, this bill provides for the establishment and management of ranches in all local government areas and the FCT—addressing farmer-herder conflicts, boosting food security, and improving livestock productivity.

28) Immigration Act Amendment – AU Passport Visa-Free Entry

This amendment facilitates visa-free entry into Nigeria for holders of African Union passports—bolstering pan-African integration, trade, and diplomatic mobility in line with ECOWAS and AU protocols.

29) Federal Road Safety Act Amendment – Daytime Movement Restriction on Heavy Vehicles

This bill proposes restrictions on daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles to reduce traffic accidents, ease congestion, and protect lives on Nigerian highways.

30) Federal College of Agriculture, Idumuje-Ugboko (Establishment) Bill

With a focus on agronomic research and food systems transformation, this bill establishes a Federal College of Agriculture in Idumuje-Ugboko to support agricultural innovation, training, and rural economic growth.

31) Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act Amendment – Indigenous Participation & Regulation of Illegal Sites

This bill reforms the mining sector by prohibiting foreign ownership of mining licenses, mandating indigenous participation, and introducing a framework to legalize and monitor informal mining operations—enhancing resource sovereignty and economic inclusion.

32) A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to mandate the establishment of physical offices within the territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by social media platforms, and for related matters.

All bills sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko are at various stages of the legislative process—some have passed first and second readings, while others are currently undergoing committee scrutiny or awaiting harmonization.

Each reflects his commitment to shaping responsive, inclusive, and future-forward laws that directly address national and constituency needs. Notably, in recognition of his capacity and broad appeal, Senator Nwoko was appointed to represent the entire Delta State in the 10th Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution—further affirming the trust reposed in him beyond party and district lines.

MOTIONS

1) Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustices and Mitigation of Neocolonialism in Nigeria, African Nations

This motion calls for Nigeria and other African nations to pursue reparations for transatlantic slavery and address the lingering impacts of neocolonial structures.

2) Need for Redress, Healing and Reconciliation for the Grievous 1967 Asaba Massacre

It advocates for national acknowledgment and reconciliation over the Asaba massacre during the civil war, with emphasis on justice and memorialization.

3) Need to Investigate the Incessant and Nefarious Acts of Crude Oil Thefts in the Niger Delta and Its Actors

This motion seeks a deep probe into crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, identifying networks involved and proposing long-term countermeasures.

4) Urgent Need for African Nations to Attain Veto Power at the United Nations Security Council

It presses for reforms that grant African countries veto power at the UN Security Council to reflect global equity and inclusivity.

5) Need for the Establishment of Social Media Platform Offices in Nigeria for Economic Advancement and Efficient Dispute Resolution

The motion encourages global tech companies to set up offices in Nigeria to enhance job creation, tax revenue, and content governance.

6) Urgent Action Needed to Fortify Security, Tackle Surge of Kidnappings in FCT, Following the Tragic Abduction of 19 Individuals in Galadimawa

This addresses the rising insecurity in Abuja, calling for stronger protection strategies and community-based intelligence.

7) Urgent Need to Stop Gas Flaring and Enforce Anti-Gas Flaring Regulations in Ndokwa Land and the Niger Delta Region

It raises concern over environmental degradation and health risks from gas flaring, demanding strict enforcement of environmental laws.

8) Need to Upgrade All Federal Medical Centers in Nigeria to International Standards and for All Public Servants to Seek Medical Treatment Exclusively Within Nigerian Healthcare Facilities

The motion underscores the importance of strengthening public healthcare and reducing foreign medical trips by public officials.

9) Compelling Need to Ban Importation of All Non-essential Goods and Locally Producible Items in Nigeria

It recommends import restrictions on goods that can be produced locally, aimed at reviving domestic industries and conserving foreign exchange.

10) Urgent Need for a National Dialogue with Separatist Groups in Nigeria to Genuinely and Amicably Resolve all Issues

This motion promotes dialogue as a path to addressing separatist agitations and fostering unity through peaceful engagement.

11) Need To Address the Unexplained Delay of Electricity Supply in Ndokwa Land and Step-down of Okpai Independent Power Plant

Highlights concerns about ongoing electricity supply interruptions in Ndokwa Land and calls for urgent attention to the operational status of the Okpai IPP.

12) Urgent Need to Discourage any Military Intervention in Niger Republic by ECOWAS

This motion calls for diplomatic resolution over military actions in Niger Republic, urging ECOWAS to avoid armed intervention.

13) Urgent Need to End Compulsory Police Reports Before Emergency Medical Treatment

Advocates the removal of mandatory police clearance for emergency healthcare to save lives and streamline urgent medical responses.

14) Urgent Action Required to Address the Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Calls for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and humanitarian support to help resolve the conflict and mitigate suffering.

15) Compelling Need to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Daytime

Seeks enforcement of restrictions on heavy vehicle movements during the day to reduce road accidents and traffic congestion.

16) Need For Fintech Companies in Nigeria To Ensure Stricter Security Standards Amid Rapid Growth

Emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures by fintech firms to protect users and maintain trust.

17) Need for Emergency Action to Address Security Threats Posed by Fulani Herdsmen and Miscreants in Delta State

Raises urgent concerns over violent incidents linked to Fulani herdsmen, calling for stronger security responses.

18) Urgent Action Required to End Payment of Salaries in Foreign Currencies for Workers in Nigeria

Advocates the cessation of salary payments in foreign currencies to preserve Nigeria’s monetary sovereignty.

19) Compelling Need to Address the Recent Termination of Over 317 Staff by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Calls for a review of staff terminations to safeguard workers’ rights and institutional stability.

20) Urgent Call for Emergency Provisions for Victims of Flooding in Delta North Communities

Demands immediate relief efforts and long-term flood control measures for affected communities in Delta North.

21) Motion on the need to activate and implement the Emergency Medical Treatment Fund as provided under Section A150 of the National Health Act, 2014.

22) Motion for the legal and constitutional implementation of the 13% Derivation Fund and for the invocation of presidential prerogative and jurisdiction over all matters listed under Item 39 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS

In his first two years as Senator representing Delta North, Prince Ned Nwoko has demonstrated a clear commitment to the development and wellbeing of his constituents through carefully targeted constituency projects. These initiatives reflect his focus on equitable infrastructure, access to essential services, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. From rural electrification to school renovations, healthcare upgrades to water supply schemes, each intervention is tailored to address specific needs across communities in Anioma, ensuring no local government is left behind.

1) Construction of blocks of classrooms in Ika Grammar School, Delta North Senatorial District (Ongoing)

2)Training and empowerment of market women in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

3)Medical outreach program in selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 3 (Captured)

5)Renovation and equipping of Idumuje-Ugboko Medical Centre, Delta State (Captured)

6) Training and empowerment of youths in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 3 (Captured)

7)Capacity development training for women in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

8)Medical outreach for selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 3 (Captured)

9) Procurement and installation of transformers across communities in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

10) Construction of ICT centers in selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

11)Procurement of tractors and equipment for farmers across Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

12) Construction of 1 km access road in Idumuje Ugboko in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

13) Construction and renovation of classroom blocks in schools across selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

14) Establishment of fish farms and procurement of fertilizers across Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

15) Construction of markets (open and locked-up stores) across Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

16) Livestock farming and training for youths in Delta North Senatorial District (Completed)

17) Training and empowerment program for youths and women on cassava farming across Delta North (Completed)

18) Training and empowerment of women on production of Akwa-Ocha in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

19) Provision of solar powered street lights in Aniocha North, Delta North Senatorial District (Completed)

20) Provision of computers and laptops for students in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

21) Capacity development training and empowerment program for youth, women, and farmers in Delta North Senatorial District – Phase 3(Captured)

22) Construction of ultra-modern town hall in Amai community in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

23) Provision of solar powered industrial borehole in Obomkpa community, Delta North Senatorial District (Capture)

24) Provision of solar powered borehole in Delta North Senatorial District – Phase 2 (Captured)

25) Renovation and equipping of Ezi Primary Health Care Centre in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

26) Supply of drugs to selected primary health care centres in Delta North Senatorial District (Captured)

27) Erosion control and channelization works in Delta North Senatorial District (Ongoing)

29) Construction of drainage system in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta North Senatorial District – phase 1 (Completed)

30) Construction of small and medium earth dams in Delta North Senatorial District (captured)

31) Provision for water-smart irrigation system in Delta North Senatorial District (captured)

32) Construction and rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure in Delta North Senatorial District (Ongoing)

33) Provision of mechanization and extension service systems under the Renewed Hope Agenda in Delta North Senatorial District (Ongoing)

2024 APPROPRIATION BILL

34) Construction of Ogwashi-Ukwu regional water supply scheme, Aniocha South, Delta State(Ongoing)

35) Construction of administrative block for Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi and Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale( Ongoing)

36)Construction of Aniofu dam: pre-feasibility studies (Completed)

37) Maintenance of Ogwashi earth Dam(Completed)

38) Construction of Onicha Olona/Ezi water supply project in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State (Done)

39) Construction of mini sports stadium for youths in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State (Ongoing)

40) Supply and installation of solar powered street lights in Lander Brother Anchorage Road, Old GRA Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State (Done)

41) Construction of water supply scheme at Ibusa, Oshimili North, Delta State, including installation of 3 boreholes and reticulations in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency (Ongoing)

42) Installation of solar powered street lights in selected communities in Delta North Senatorial District – Phase 1 (Done)

(43) Provision of solar powered borehole in Delta North Senatorial District – Phase 1 (Completed)

44) Training and empowerment program for women, youths, and farmers in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 1 (Done)

45) Medical outreach program across the 9 LGAs in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 1 (Done)

46) Construction of 2 km farm road in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State (Ongoing)

47) Fencing, renovation, and furnishing of police station in Aniocha North LGA, Delta State (Done)

(48) Medical outreach program across the 9 LGAs in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 2 (Completed)

(49) Training and empowerment program for women, youths, and farmers in Delta North Senatorial District – phase 2 (Completed)

(50)Construction of Coastal Road traversing: Asaba – Oko – Abala – Utchi – Okpai – Abalagada – Aboh – Akarai – Umoru – Adaja – Oworubia – Onyah – Asaba-Ase – Abari – Patani (Captured in NDDC budget)

Dr. Michael Nwoko

Chief of Staff to Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko

Convener/National Coordinator, Youth Structure for Asiwaju (YS4A)

…

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute any individual found in possession of firearms or attempting to disrupt peace in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, CP Aina Adesola, and his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori described the posting of CP Adesola to Delta State as a homecoming, noting that the police chief was well acquainted with the state, having previously served in key operational positions within the command.

He said the relative peace currently enjoyed across the state was a reflection of the collaboration between the police and other security agencies, adding that the new Commissioner has displayed experience, professionalism and deep understanding of the terrain.

“I am very happy that you are here because you know this terrain very well. You have served here before and we saw your impact. For the few weeks you have been here as Commissioner of Police, Delta State has remained peaceful, and we are proud of your achievements,” the governor said.

Recalling the security situation prior to 2023, Governor Oborevwori noted that the open display of firearms by youths and criminals was once prevalent but had since been decisively curtailed.

He declared that such acts would no longer be tolerated in the state. “Before now, people brandished firearms openly and caused fear. Since 2023, that has stopped, and it will never happen again in Delta State,” he assured.

The governor commended senior officers within the command for their dedication and professionalism, singling out ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, for their outstanding roles in tackling gun violence in previously volatile areas of the state.

As the state approaches another election cycle, Governor Oborevwori charged the police command to remain firm and proactive, stressing that anyone found in possession of firearms or attempting to breach the peace must face the full weight of the law.

“We will not tolerate insecurity in this state. Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to disrupt peace must be arrested and prosecuted,” he insisted.

He urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information, describing security as a collective responsibility.

According to him, peace is directly linked to development and economic growth, noting that investors can only be attracted to a secure environment.

Oborevwori said; “Peace gives room for development. Without peace, investors will not come. That is why Delta State remains open for business”.

Earlier, CP Aina Adesola thanked the governor for the warm reception and assured him of the command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across Delta State.

He pledged that under his leadership, residents would continue to sleep with their two eyes closed, as the police would work tirelessly to ensure lasting peace in the state.

I believe firmly in the constitutional right of every Nigerian to seek public office. Democracy demands that citizens be free to aspire to leadership based on their convictions and capacity to serve. However, beyond legality, there is also the critical issue of ethics, public perception, and the long-term health of our political system. Not everything that is legally permissible is necessarily wise or beneficial to society.

Today, Ifeanyi Okowa is touted to be contesting for the Senate seat in Delta North, while his daughter, Marylin Daramola-Okowa, will be simultaneously seeking election into the Delta State House of Assembly to represent Ika North East for the second term. While both of them may claim personal merit and qualification, this development raises serious concerns that, in my view, cannot be ignored.

As a concerned citizen of Delta North, I find it troubling that one family is seeking to occupy two major legislative positions in the same political space at the same time. A Senate seat and a House of Assembly seat are both powerful platforms for influence, policymaking, and political control. When these positions are pursued by a father and daughter concurrently, it creates the impression of political concentration rather than inclusive governance.

To me, this is not merely about individuals. It is about the message it sends to the public. It suggests that political power is gradually becoming centralized within a family, instead of being shared across capable citizens. Democracy becomes weakened when leadership begins to look like inheritance within a family.

What makes this situation even more concerning is that we have seen similar scenarios in Delta State before, and we know the tensions they create. A clear example is what happened during the time of Joan Onyemeachi. She was a member of the State Executive Council, serving as a commissioner, while her brother, Pastor Jude Chukwuwinke, sought to contest for the chairmanship of Aniocha South Local Government Council.

At that time, there was serious tension in the local government. Many people openly questioned the propriety of having a commissioner at the state level and a local government chairman from the same family and the same LGA at the same time. The public sentiment was clear: it did not reflect fairness, balance, or respect for democratic diversity. People argued that it was wrong for one family to dominate political leadership within a single local government area.

Eventually, Joan Onyemeachi resigned from the State Executive Council. Her resignation was widely understood as an attempt to reduce political tension and restore public confidence. It was a recognition that, even if the arrangement was technically legal, it was politically unhealthy and socially divisive. It showed an understanding that leadership sometimes requires sacrifice for the sake of peace, unity, and public trust.

That episode is important because it demonstrates that our people are not blind to issues of political concentration. They understand instinctively that democracy works best when power is spread, not clustered. They understand that it is not politically healthy for one family to take over multiple positions of authority.

If such concerns were valid at the level of a commissioner and a local government chairman, how much more serious should we be when we are talking about a Senator representing Delta North and a House of Assembly member representing Ika North East, both from the same family?

In my view, this makes the current situation even more difficult to justify.

It raises the question: if it was considered problematic for siblings to hold high offices within one LGA, why should it now be acceptable for a father and daughter to occupy major legislative positions in the same senatorial district?

At this point in our political journey, Delta North should be thinking about stability, continuity, and institutional growth. Senator Ned Nwoko has already laid foundations in the Senate and has begun building legislative, developmental, and advocacy structures that require time to mature. Effective representation is not achieved overnight. It is built through consistency, experience, and sustained engagement.

For this reason, I believe strongly that Ned Nwoko deserves the opportunity to be allowed for a second term and consolidate on what he has started. Allowing him to continue his work will strengthen Delta North’s voice at the national level and ensure that ongoing projects and initiatives are not abandoned halfway.

On the other hand, Okowa’s return to contest for the Senate risks disrupting this continuity. Instead of building on existing progress, it introduces unnecessary political rivalry driven more by personal ambition than by collective interest. It also diverts attention from governance to political survival and family positioning.

In my opinion, the more responsible path would have been for Okowa to step aside and allow space for democratic balance. True leadership sometimes requires knowing when to withdraw and give opportunity for others to take charge.

I am also deeply concerned about accountability. When close relatives hold influential offices at the same time, institutional independence becomes harder to guarantee. Oversight can be weakened, criticism may be softened, and political alliances may be influenced by family loyalty rather than public interest. Even if no wrongdoing occurs, the perception alone is damaging. In governance, perception is almost as important as reality.

Public trust is fragile. Once citizens begin to feel that politics is becoming a family enterprise, they become disengaged, cynical, and hopeless. They begin to believe that competence and integrity matter less than connections and lineage. This is dangerous for democracy.

Furthermore, leadership should be about building strong institutions, not political dynasties. When the same families dominate the political space, it is seen as building a family dynasty as a means of holding on to power for as long as one wishes.

In my opinion therefore, supposedly experienced leaders like Ifeanyi Okowa should be focusing more on mentoring new leaders, strengthening institutions, and preparing the next generation for responsible leadership. True statesmanship is not measured by how long one remains in office, or how many family members enter politics, but by the legacy of strong, transparent, and inclusive governance.

The example of Joan Onyemeachi’s resignation reminds us that sometimes, leadership requires restraint. It requires recognizing when personal or family ambition may harm public harmony. It requires placing collective interest above private considerations.

Ultimately, I believe that we, voters in Delta North, must ask ourselves whether our choices promote fairness, accountability, and democratic balance. We must reflect on whether electing both a father to the Senate and his daughter to the House of Assembly at the same time truly strengthens our political system.

For me, this is not about personal attacks. It is about principles. It is about protecting the integrity of our democracy. Delta North deserves a future built on merit, shared opportunity, and strong institutions, not on the concentration of power within a single family.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has called on eligible residents of the state to take full advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing voter registration and possession of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility.

Aniagwu made the call on Wednesday while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a sensitisation and advocacy engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

According to the Commissioner, every Nigerian who has attained the age of 18 is legally qualified to register and vote, and in some cases, to be voted for, depending on the elective office.

He stressed that voter registration is fundamental to democratic participation, noting that citizens who fail to vote effectively forfeit the moral right to complain about poor leadership and governance outcomes.

He explained that the sensitisation exercise was aimed at reaching new registrants, particularly young Nigerians who were underage during the last general election, as well as those who were unable to register previously due to various challenges.

Aniagwu said the exercise was necessary to help citizens understand that voting remains the most direct way of influencing governance and leadership selection at all levels, from councillors and local government chairmen to members of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and executive offices.

The Commissioner lamented that many Nigerians still underestimate the importance of voter registration, often questioning the need to endure the stress of locating registration centres.

He noted that such attitudes underscore the need for sustained public enlightenment to ensure citizens appreciate the value of being included in the voter register and actively participating in decision-making processes.

Aniagwu also called for continuous engagement with INEC, referencing Section 10 of the Electoral Act, particularly subsections 1, 2 and 3, which mandate continuous voter registration.

He emphasized that voter registration should not be treated as an exercise carried out only in the build-up to elections.

Expressing concern over logistical constraints, he noted that the allocation of only two registration machines to each local government area was inadequate and urged INEC to increase the number of machines to improve accessibility.

He further advocated the deployment of technology to simplify the process, arguing that if Nigerians can carry out complex financial transactions and open bank accounts using mobile phones, voter registration should also be technologically driven.

According to him, the current process is capital-intensive and stressful, often requiring transportation, feeding, and repeated visits to registration centres without guarantee of same-day registration.

He said a technology-driven and community-based registration system would significantly reduce costs, logistical challenges, and voter apathy.

Aniagwu commended INEC for organising the sensitisation programme and expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and stakeholder support would lead to increased voter registration across Delta State.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to supporting initiatives that empower citizens, strengthen democratic participation, and ensure that more Nigerians are registered and ready to vote when elections are conducted.

The Delta State Government has donated the sum of N10 million to support the humanitarian campaign of Miss Chineyenwa Judith Amadi, aimed at raising funds for cancer patients across the country through her initiative, “A Ride for Life.”

Presenting the cheque on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, described cancer as one of the most devastating diseases confronting contemporary society.

He said the state government was honoured to associate with the initiative, noting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave a clear directive for the donation in support of the noble cause.

“This is our contribution, our statement of solidarity, and our commitment to humanity,” Dr. Emu said, adding that the gesture reflected the government’s resolve to give strong support to initiatives that seek to alleviate human suffering.

According to him, the burden of cancer affects families, communities, and the entire healthcare system, stressing that every effort aimed at easing this burden deserves encouragement and support.

“I am pleased to inform you that steps are being taken to ensure that cancer facility is established, so that our people can access quality cancer care within the state, without the added hardship of travelling long distances,” he said.

Commending Miss Amadi for riding motorcycle across 16 countries as part of her advocacy, the SSG disclosed that the state government was investing in saving lives.

“This is not just about goodwill; it is about providing the right information, guidance, and support to help initiatives like this to achieve their objectives and make real impact,” he added.

Also speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the SSG’s Conference Hall in Asaba, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, emphasised that while treatment is critical, prevention remains the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer.

He explained that in cases such as cervical cancer, early intervention through appropriate medical procedures can significantly reduce, and in many cases prevent, the disease.

He noted that breast cancer, when detected early, is highly manageable.

“Regular hospital visits, routine medical check-ups, and timely breast examinations can lead to early detection and ultimately save lives,” he stated.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to healthcare development, noting that beyond infrastructure, the government was investing heavily in modern medical equipment.

He revealed that across the three senatorial districts, Delta State has functional and state-of-the-art MRI facilities that rank among the best available.

“These are critical, expensive, and life-saving investments, and they demonstrate our resolve to building a strong, responsive healthcare system,” he said.

In her remarks, a visibly elated Miss Amadi expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for the gesture, stating that the goal of her initiative is to raise funds for cancer patients who cannot afford treatment and to give them hope and encouragement to continue fighting the disease.

“This journey is deeply personal for me. I have lost loved ones to cancer, and I also have loved ones who have survived it. I am currently very close to someone who is battling cancer, and that experience is what truly inspired this project,” she said.

She recounted how earlier in 2025 she began personally supporting the chemotherapy of a cancer patient who could barely afford treatment, only to later realise that many patients are forced to abandon treatment midway due to lack of funds.

“They are not lacking courage; they are lacking support. That realisation pushed me to invest my personal resources into a project I named ‘A Ride for Life.’ The goal is simple but powerful: to raise funds for people in this situation and to remind them that they are not alone,” she said.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Festus Ahon; and other government officials.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has condoled with the Catholic Diocese of Warri over the passing of its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who died at the age of 78.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor described the late Bishop Afareha as a revered servant of God whose life of faith, humility and dedication to humanity left an indelible mark on the Church and society.

Governor Oborevwori expressed deep sadness over the loss, noting that Bishop Afareha’s years of priestly and episcopal service were characterised by spiritual discipline, pastoral simplicity and unwavering commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith, particularly in Warri Diocese.

“The passing of Bishop Afareha is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but to Delta State and humanity at large.

“He was a father, shepherd and man of deep prayer whose life exemplified service, sacrifice and obedience to the will of God,” the Governor stated.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese, as well as the family of the deceased, praying that God grants them comfort and fortitude in this moment of grief.

Governor Oborevwori also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Bishop’s soul, asking God to grant him eternal rest and reward him for a lifetime of devoted service to the Church and mankind.

Bishop Afareha, who was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, was consecrated Bishop on May 14, 1997.

The Catholic Diocese of Warri had announced his death with “profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection,” commending his soul to God’s infinite mercy.

The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has welcomed the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to Agbor, describing him as a “bridge-builder” whose leadership continues to promote unity and drive sustainable development across the state.

In a statement issued on Monday ahead of the flag-off ceremony of the N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, Aniagwu said the project exemplifies the Governor’s unwavering commitment to people-centred governance and purposeful infrastructure delivery.

He stated that the Uromi Junction Flyover, alongside the Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli and the three others nearing completion at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction, demonstrates the administration’s resolve to tackle traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility across major cities in Delta State.

According to the Commissioner, the Agbor flyover will significantly ease traffic flow, improve road safety, and stimulate economic activities within the Agbor metropolis and adjoining communities, while also strengthening inter-state connectivity between Delta State and its neighbouring states.

Aniagwu, on behalf of the people of Ika Nation, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for siting the landmark project in Agbor, describing it as a historic intervention that will deliver enduring socio-economic benefits to present and future generations.

He assured residents that the project would be executed in accordance with the highest engineering standards, with strict supervision to ensure quality delivery and timely completion.

Aniagwu added that the Uromi Junction Flyover forms part of Governor Oborevwori’s broader infrastructure expansion programme under the MORE Agenda, aimed at improving urban mobility and enhancing the overall quality of life for Deltans.

By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has applauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for facilitating the restoration of its traditional stool after an 11-year vacancy.

The commendation followed the successful election of Chief Chibuzo Okekeifi as Ezediọramma II of Ndiowu, effectively bringing to an end more than a decade without a substantive Monarch.

The development marks a significant moment in the community’s traditional history, coming years after the peaceful demise of the former ruler, Ezediọramma I, Late Eze O. Udeh.

Community leaders and indigenes described the emergence of the new Monarch as a symbol of renewed unity, dignity, and cultural pride in Ndiowu.

Reacting to the development, a prominent son of the community and respected leader, Chief Dr. Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, popularly known as Deme Deme Na Orumba, described the ascension of Ezediọramma II as a major turning point for Ndiowu both at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, the installation goes beyond filling a vacant stool, noting that it represents the fulfilment of destiny and a unifying milestone that rekindles hope, restores dignity, and strengthens the collective spirit of the people.

Chief Onuorah commended the Anambra State Government under Governor Soludo for creating an enabling environment that ensured a peaceful, transparent, and widely accepted selection process. He described the Ndiowu traditional ruler election as a model worthy of emulation by other communities in the State.

He also praised the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunne, and the Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rt. Capt. Casmir Nwafor, for their leadership and administrative guidance, which he said contributed significantly to the credibility and calm that characterised the process.

Reaffirming his support for the new monarch, Chief Onuorah pledged the continued backing of Ndiowu stakeholders and indigenes toward the success of Ezediọramma II’s reign. He expressed confidence that the new king would focus on human capital development, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth.

“As he ascends the ancient throne of our forebears, we stand firmly behind his vision to lead Ndiowu into a new era of unity, prosperity, and progress,” he said.

Residents of the community have since expressed optimism that the installation of Ezediọramma II will strengthen the traditional institution, enhance communal harmony, and usher in lasting peace and inclusive development across Ndiowu.

A notorious drug kingpin and mastermind of the killing of three anti-drug agents, Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” has been arrested by The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the drug kingpin was arrested at his hideout twelve years after he allegedly masterminded the killing of the officers in Ogun State.

Babafemi said Jimoh was apprehended last Friday, in his hideout at Owode town, Ogun State, following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation by NDLEA tactical teams, adding that at the point of his arrest, operatives recovered 69 kilogrammes of cannabis (commonly known as skunk) from him.

He noted that the suspect had been on the agency’s most-wanted list since 15 June 2014, when he reportedly led an armed mob that attacked NDLEA officers who had gone to arrest him. The assault resulted in the death of three officers, including Rabiu Kazaure, stating that Jimoh escaped arrest at the time, prompting a prolonged manhunt.

Babafemi also noted that in August 2023, NDLEA operatives again raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, but he fled before they arrived. The agency however seized 1,922 kilogrammes of cannabis stored in 139 sacks at the property. The house was later forfeited to the Federal Government through court proceedings.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA carried out multiple operations across several states within the same period: In Edo State, operatives arrested 53-year-old Isihor Edika in Arokpa Forest, Uzebba, seizing 320 kilogrammes of cannabis and seeds.

In Abuja (FCT), a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, was arrested for selling drugs online. Officers recovered 2.2 kilogrammes of skunk and litres of cannabis oil from her home in Kaura District. Another suspect, Tordue Pius Richard, was arrested with cocaine and cannabis at Abacha Estate.

In Lagos, 118.1 kilogrammes of skunk were seized from two suspects in Mushin, while a large consignment of codeine syrup—157,519 bottles—was intercepted at Apapa Port in a joint operation with Customs and other security agencies.

In Enugu State, 116 kilogrammes of cannabis were recovered from a warehouse, and along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway in Delta State, two suspects were arrested with over 410,800 tramadol pills, 84.2 litres of codeine syrup, 82,250 diazepam tablets, 900 swinol tablets, and 65 Molly pills.

In Oyo State, several arrests were made in Ibadan, with seizures totaling more than 330 litres of skuchies, 2.5 kilogrammes of Colorado cannabis, and nearly 10 kilogrammes of assorted cannabis strains. Over 52,000 tramadol and bromazepam pills were also recovered from a store whose owner is still at large.

In Kwara State, NDLEA raided a residence in Ilorin and seized 387.4 kilogrammes of cannabis stored in 42 bags; in Jigawa State, an ex-convict, Gaddafi Ammani, and his accomplice Ahmed Sani were arrested after Ammani attempted to escape by jumping across rooftops while armed with a machete, during which he injured an officer.

Babafemi said beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitisation programmes in schools, religious centres, and communities across Kano, Lagos, Benue, Katsina, and Niger states.

Commending the officers involved, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) described Kanmo-Kanmo’s arrest as a major victory for justice and a tribute to the fallen officers.

He stressed that the arrest would send a strong warning to drug barons that they cannot evade justice forever.

*

The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has conferred chieftaincy titles on Ogbueshi Chike Ogeah, managing director of MacFally Hospitality Limited, owners of Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos and one time Commissioner for Information in Delta State as well as Ogbueshi Ken Odogwu, son of late industrialist, Chief Sunny Odogwu.

Also to be conferred with chieftaincy titles are 18 other accomplished sons and daughters of Asaba. Among them are Ogbueshi Adizua Eluaka, Louis Edozien, Dr. Ify Uraih, Jaja Isichei and Hon. Ngozi Okolie, member representing Aniocha-Oshimili federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

Others are Ogbueshi Albert Adaba, Mr. Emma Odiaka, Dr. Harold Azinge, Ogbueshi Obiora Nwanze, Ogbueshi Dili Biosa and Ogbueshi Ephraim Okotcha,

Ogeah was Delta State Information Commissioner from 2011 to 2015.

Also to be honoured are Prof. Mrs. Etuna Mbah, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu and Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Shedrack Rapu, Tony Ndah and Dr. Chris Ojeih.

Ogeah was was the Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd (SAHCOL) (now SAHCO PLC) before its privatization, leading the successful turnaround and sale of the company, and later served as its Vice Chairman, significantly involved in its management and policy-making before stepping down from the board around in 2022.

He was the chairman, subcommittee, on Asaba Economic Summit held on December 26, 2025.

A statement signed by Prof. Azinge himself said the designated people will be conferred the Olizenlele title on a date to be announced by the palace.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Edo State Chapter, has called for strengthened governance, sustained security efforts, and inclusive development as Edo State enters the 2026 calendar year.

In a New Year statement, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr James-Wisdom Abhulimen, extended warm greetings to members of the NIPR, the Government and people of Edo State, and all stakeholders committed to good governance and sustainable development.

Dr Abhulimen commended the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the administration’s early strides in institutional rebuilding, economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, and people-centred governance, noting that these efforts are restoring public confidence and laying a credible foundation for long-term growth and stability.

The NIPR, Edo State Chapter also acknowledged the government’s decisive measures to address insecurity and cultism, describing the impact as significant and necessary for sustainable development.

“Security remains fundamental to development. Continued investment in professional policing, intelligence-led operations, and rural safety measures is essential to protecting lives, enhancing productivity, and creating an environment that attracts investment and opportunity,” Dr Abhulimen said.

As the administration consolidates its gains, the Institute urged sustained investment in social protection and inclusive development programmes—particularly those supporting vulnerable populations, expanding skills development and entrepreneurship, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening farmer support schemes.

According to the Institute, such interventions are critical to improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and accelerating rural development.

Reaffirming the Institute’s professional mandate, Dr Abhulimen said the NIPR, Edo State Chapter remains ready to collaborate with government through ethical public relations practice, strategic communication, and constructive engagement.

“As corporate image, perception, and reputation managers, we are committed to counselling government, strengthening governance processes, and fostering meaningful dialogue that enables citizens to better understand and engage with public policies and programmes,” he stated.

The Institute also called on residents of Edo State to actively support development by safeguarding public assets, supporting government initiatives, and promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion.

Looking ahead, the NIPR expressed optimism that 2026 would be defined by compassionate leadership, inclusive growth, strengthened public trust, and sustainable development for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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About NIPR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the statutory professional body responsible for regulating and promoting the practice of public relations in Nigeria. The Edo State Chapter advances ethical communication, good governance, and constructive engagement between government, institutions, and the public.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Edo State Chapter, has called for strengthened governance, sustained security efforts, and inclusive development as Edo State enters the 2026 calendar year.

In a New Year statement, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr James-Wisdom Abhulimen, extended warm greetings to members of the NIPR, the Government and people of Edo State, and all stakeholders committed to good governance and sustainable development.

Dr Abhulimen commended the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the administration’s early strides in institutional rebuilding, economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, and people-centred governance, noting that these efforts are restoring public confidence and laying a credible foundation for long-term growth and stability.

The NIPR, Edo State Chapter also acknowledged the government’s decisive measures to address insecurity and cultism, describing the impact as significant and necessary for sustainable development.

“Security remains fundamental to development. Continued investment in professional policing, intelligence-led operations, and rural safety measures is essential to protecting lives, enhancing productivity, and creating an environment that attracts investment and opportunity,” Dr Abhulimen said.

As the administration consolidates its gains, the Institute urged sustained investment in social protection and inclusive development programmes—particularly those supporting vulnerable populations, expanding skills development and entrepreneurship, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening farmer support schemes.

According to the Institute, such interventions are critical to improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and accelerating rural development.

Reaffirming the Institute’s professional mandate, Dr Abhulimen said the NIPR, Edo State Chapter remains ready to collaborate with government through ethical public relations practice, strategic communication, and constructive engagement.

“As corporate image, perception, and reputation managers, we are committed to counselling government, strengthening governance processes, and fostering meaningful dialogue that enables citizens to better understand and engage with public policies and programmes,” he stated.

The Institute also called on residents of Edo State to actively support development by safeguarding public assets, supporting government initiatives, and promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion.

Looking ahead, the NIPR expressed optimism that 2026 would be defined by compassionate leadership, inclusive growth, strengthened public trust, and sustainable development for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

—————————-

About NIPR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the statutory professional body responsible for regulating and promoting the practice of public relations in Nigeria. The Edo State Chapter advances ethical communication, good governance, and constructive engagement between government, institutions, and the public.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Edo State Chapter, has called for strengthened governance, sustained security efforts, and inclusive development as Edo State enters the 2026 calendar year.

In a New Year statement, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr James-Wisdom Abhulimen, extended warm greetings to members of the NIPR, the Government and people of Edo State, and all stakeholders committed to good governance and sustainable development.

Dr Abhulimen commended the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the administration’s early strides in institutional rebuilding, economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, and people-centred governance, noting that these efforts are restoring public confidence and laying a credible foundation for long-term growth and stability.

The NIPR, Edo State Chapter also acknowledged the government’s decisive measures to address insecurity and cultism, describing the impact as significant and necessary for sustainable development.

“Security remains fundamental to development. Continued investment in professional policing, intelligence-led operations, and rural safety measures is essential to protecting lives, enhancing productivity, and creating an environment that attracts investment and opportunity,” Dr Abhulimen said.

As the administration consolidates its gains, the Institute urged sustained investment in social protection and inclusive development programmes—particularly those supporting vulnerable populations, expanding skills development and entrepreneurship, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening farmer support schemes.

According to the Institute, such interventions are critical to improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and accelerating rural development.

Reaffirming the Institute’s professional mandate, Dr Abhulimen said the NIPR, Edo State Chapter remains ready to collaborate with government through ethical public relations practice, strategic communication, and constructive engagement.

“As corporate image, perception, and reputation managers, we are committed to counselling government, strengthening governance processes, and fostering meaningful dialogue that enables citizens to better understand and engage with public policies and programmes,” he stated.

The Institute also called on residents of Edo State to actively support development by safeguarding public assets, supporting government initiatives, and promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion.

Looking ahead, the NIPR expressed optimism that 2026 would be defined by compassionate leadership, inclusive growth, strengthened public trust, and sustainable development for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

—————————-

About NIPR

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the statutory professional body responsible for regulating and promoting the practice of public relations in Nigeria. The Edo State Chapter advances ethical communication, good governance, and constructive engagement between government, institutions, and the public.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will on Monday, January 19, 2026, perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the N59.7 Billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The project is part of his administration’s sustained push to expand critical urban infrastructure across the state.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon in a statement, said the ceremony would commence at 11:00 a.m. Sir Ahon urged all invited guests to be seated by 10:00 a.m.

Ahead of the official flag-off, construction activities have already commenced at the project site along the Lagos–Asaba Expressway at Uromi Junction, Agbor.

The contracting firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has mobilised to site and began preliminary works, thus underscoring the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to timely execution of the landmark project.

The Uromi Junction Flyover groundbreaking comes a week after the groundbreaking ceremony of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction flyover project in Ughelli.

With the addition of the Uromi Junction Flyover, the total number of flyover projects being executed by the Oborevwori administration now stands at five.

The flyover projects form part of the state government’s broader infrastructure renewal agenda, aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving road safety, and stimulating economic activities across major urban centres in Delta State.

By Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwudi-Abiandu

As expected, the dawn of 2026 has broken with a necessary display of courage and ambition that is legally acceptable, and should be welcomed by everyone who believes in the democratic system we operate and the push to make it perfect.

The rumours of the former governor of Delta State nursing a Senatorial ambition comes with mixed reactions that take into consideration electoral weariness, the shock of losing Delta State at the 2023 presidential election where he was a vice presidential candidate, the lingering alleged corruption cases against him from the EFCC, which have considerably dimmed the spark that his aspiration may have once commanded, and the rising or peaking popularity of Senator Ned Nwoko, are encumbrances that threaten to stop the aspiration even before it is declared.

But from the feelers, Okowa is not alone in this aspiration to unseat Ned. Okenmor Tilije, Pascal Adigwe, Victor Nwokolo and Hilary Ibegbulem have all been mooted to have interests at the Red Chamber, but what keeps the status quo at the advantaged position is the effortless manner Ned Nwoko demystifies the office of the Senator, where he has been able to establish a never-before-seen relationship between the people and their representative, and not just the political class.

In a conversation with Senator Ned Nwoko after he had informed us of the Governor’s intended defection in February 2025, someone asked how he would take the possible Senatorial aspiration of the former governor or another new entrant, and his response was ” The more the merrier, the party would be the ultimate beneficiary and the people will have options to choose from”.

This mindset is only possible when sincerity combines with a superlative work rate that bears fruit which can hardly be disputed by even detractors who end up sounding like broken records when denying the Senator’s commendable stewardship.

In 2024 through early 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko was reputed to be the Senator with the highest number of bills, motions in the present dispensation with a total of 31 contributions on bills alone.

Achieving this feat in under two years is astonishing, but when noting that by the end of 2025, two of his bills had scaled all legislative scrutiny and are before the president today, awaiting assent, we can only conclude that he has raised the bar beyond where comparisons exist in Delta North stewardship discourse, past and present.

An interesting aspect of this information is that among those who are rumoured to be nursing senatorial aspirations, are past and serving legislators, but many can’t boast of a similar work rate, which thus leaves Delta North senatorial district with a big question: “Where is the wisdom in replacing a performer with someone whose best falls short of the standards set in the past three years to say the least?”

Furthermore and for what it’s worth, history exists to teach and those who fail to learn from history will become tales of caution rather than testimonies of success.

In 2023, the Delta North APC was in the unfortunate situation of fielding a candidate who was going through the grills of the judiciary, and eventually become incapacitated by binding judicial pronouncements that took no care for the political plight of APC members. We were forced to campaign for a candidate in absentia, because he was in jail for corruption charges, and even when he won his legal battles, the deed had been done and the campaign was ruined, despite the efforts of noblemen like Prof Leroy Edozien, Evangelist Moses Kamanya and others.

Today, feelers from the EFCC indicate that finishing touches are being put on the case concerning the rumoured prosecution of this same former governor of Delta state, even as informants insist that an arraignment may take place in the coming weeks or months, pending final verification of accounts under scrutiny.

The chairman of the EFCC has also made clear comments that indicate he will be prosecuted.

This development poses a risk to the political future of Delta Northerners who do not deserve to be lured into supporting aspirants who may in the near future, become guests of the EFCC or other law enforcement agencies for prolonged periods of time, as well as, become engaged in protracted legal battle to clear their names of alleged wrongdoing and secure the much needed freedom to engage in political activities freely.

These developments need to be studied and proactively curtailed to avoid a repeat of the 2023 scenario, thus the APC in Delta North must settle for the politically secure aspiration for 2027.

While all aspirations are welcome, foresight and the evidence of performance make Senator Ned Nwoko, a politician with no run-ins with the law, who has no reason to play hide and seek with law enforcement agencies, the safer choice by a million miles.

Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwudi-Abiandu is the Digital Media Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, he hails from Igbodo, Ika North East LGA. He is also Director-General, Delta North APC New Media Community

The debate over who should represent Delta North in the Senate between former Senator Ifeanyi Okowa or incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko ought to be settled by one overriding consideration: effectiveness in the red chamber. Not titles held elsewhere, not political nostalgia, but how much each man has actually delivered from the Senate floor and through the instruments of federal legislation.

When Ifeanyi Okowa served in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, his tenure was largely conventional and low-impact. He was present, he participated in committee works, and he aligned himself with party positions, but his period in the Senate did not stand out for strong advocacy or visible constituency-driven results. Delta North did not acquire a distinctive voice or national profile through his representation.

His time in the chamber coincided with an era when many senators operated quietly, focusing on internal legislative routines rather than aggressively projecting their constituencies’ interests. As a result, Okowa’s Senate record, while procedurally correct, left little in the way of a lasting legislative imprint specifically traceable to Delta North.

Ned Nwoko’s approach has been markedly different. From the moment he entered the Senate, he made it clear that he would not be a passive or background legislator. His tenure has been defined by sustained legislative activity, motions, bills, and debates that keep Delta North in the national conversation. Unlike the subdued representation of the past, Nwoko has turned the Senate into a platform for projecting Anioma and Delta North issues into federal policy discourse.

More importantly, Nwoko has used the Senate as it was meant to be used by an effective constituency advocate: as a gateway to federal power and resources. Through his legislative interventions, committee engagements, and strategic positioning within the National Assembly, Delta North has begun to experience a more deliberate flow of federal attention. This is not symbolic politics; it is the practical outcome of an active senator who understands how to translate parliamentary influence into concrete benefits for his people.

Where Okowa’s Senate years blended into the background of the institution, Nwoko’s tenure has been visible, vocal, and result-oriented. He has framed issues, forced debates, and ensured that Delta North is not just represented but heard. This difference is critical. In today’s Nigeria, a senator is not judged by how quietly he sits in committees but by how effectively he can bring federal relevance to his constituency.

Experience alone does not make a better senator. What matters is the ability to use the Senate as a tool for advocacy, negotiation, and delivery. On that score, the contrast is sharp. Okowa’s earlier stay in the red chamber produced little that can be pointed to today as a defining achievement for Delta North. Nwoko, even within three years in the Senate, has already changed the tone and expectations of representation from the district.

If Delta North is to choose between returning to a period of subdued, routine representation or continuing with an assertive, high-energy legislative presence, the choice is straightforward. Ned Nwoko’s performance in the Senate reflects a deeper engagement with the powers of the office and a clearer focus on turning legislative influence into tangible advantage for his people. That is the kind of representation Delta North now requires.

…

Activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Thursday, came to a climax in Delta State with a solemn assembly that culminated with laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba.

The ceremony was attended by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tessy Diai, Service Commanders of the Armed Forces and the Commissioner of Police in the state.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.) and members of the Nigerian legion among others.

Upon his arrival at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was received with a traditional military salute before he proceeded to inspect a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion which showcased a stirring display of discipline, honour, and national unity.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, followed by interfaith prayers offered by Christian and Muslim clerics for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes, their families, the welfare of veterans, and divine guidance for the nation’s leadership.

After the interfaith prayers by the clerics, Governor Oborevwori led Service Commanders of the Armed Forces in the state, Commissioner of Police, representative of traditional rulers, legionnaires, and top government functionaries in the solemn laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the unknown soldier.

Highlights of the ceremony were the firing of volleys and the release of white pigeons by the Governor, symbolising peace, hope, and renewal, while reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to the noble ideals for which the nation’s heroes fought and fell.

The Armed Forces remembrance day celebration remains a solemn national observance, reminding Nigerians of the cost of freedom and the shared responsibility to sustain peace, unity, and patriotism for generations to come.

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, launched the 2026 Armed Forces remembrance day emblem appeal fund in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, wounded veterans, and serving troops on the frontline of duties.

“

Business mogul and Chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as God-fearing, people-centred and development-driven leadership, declaring that Delta State is “in very good hands” under his administration.

Iyiegbu made the remarks during a visit to the Government House, Asaba, where he was accompanied by the Founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, who was in the state to dedicate the Cubana Millennium City project to God.

The visit highlighted the growing synergy between private investors and the Delta State Government in advancing urban development and attracting investment to the state.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page after the visit, Obi Cubana praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing him as God-fearing and development-oriented.

“When the righteous is on the throne, the state rejoices! Delta State is indeed blessed to have a God-fearing and development-oriented Governor. Delta State is in very good hands,” he wrote.

He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his openness and accessibility, adding: “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, thanks for access always! We are bringing magic to Delta State.”

Speaking on the Cubana Millennium City Asaba project, the Cubana Group Chairman described it as a landmark development, referring to it as “the Jewel on the Niger.”

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to timely delivery, assuring prospective homeowners and investors that the first phase of the estate would be ready for occupation by December 2026.

Cubana Millennium City Asaba is envisioned as a premium mixed-use development expected to further enhance Asaba’s status as a fast-growing urban and investment hub, in line with the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda of accelerated development, economic growth and improved quality of life for Deltans.

PRESS UNIT,

GOVT.HOUSE, ASABA

1: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left), receiving Business Mogul and Chairman, Cubana Group, Chief Obienna Iyiegbu popularly known as Obi Cubana, to his office during the latter’s visit to Government House, Asaba on Tuesday.

2: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (middle), flanked by Business Mogul and Chairman, Cubana Group, Chief Obienna Iyiegbu popularly known as Obi Cubana (left), and

Founder, Steams of Joy Int’l, Pastor Jerry Eze, during a visit to the Governor in Government House, Asaba on Tuesday

Dafinone Hails Oborevwori as Otovwodo Flyover Takes Off in Ughelli*

The senator noted that the Otovwodo junction has for years remained a major bottleneck, often characterised by severe traffic congestion that hampers movement and economic activity. He expressed confidence that upon completion, the flyover would ensure seamless movement of people and goods, significantly reduce travel time and stimulate commerce in Ughelli and neighbouring communities.