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Tag: asaba

  • Excitement builds in Asaba ahead of 9th NYG

    Excitement builds in Asaba ahead of 9th NYG

    No fewer than 6,382 athletes and officials are expected at the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), scheduled to hold in Asaba from Aug. 29 to Sept. 6.

    Organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Games are aimed at promoting grassroots competition and discovering young sporting talents.

    The figure of participants was confirmed after the completion of the Digital Registration Management (DRM) process, with athletes and officials drawn from all 36 states of the federation.

    The Games have grown in scale and significance, serving as a vital platform for nurturing talents and fostering unity across the country.

    This year will feature no fewer than 37 sporting events, showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination across multiple disciplines.

    Defending champions, Team Delta, will seek to retain their title but will face strong competition from rival contingents equally determined to clinch honours at the 2025 edition.

    According to the NSC, the NYG remains a celebration of talent, resilience, and national unity as the country witnesses its future stars compete for glory in nine days of thrilling action.

  • Minister of Education condemns viral Asaba exam video

    Minister of Education condemns viral Asaba exam video

    The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the incident involving candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night using torchlights.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, expressed his displeasure in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.

    Boriowo quoted the minister as outlining the situation captured in the widely circulated video as “completely unacceptable”, adding that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

    He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for learning and assessment.

    Alausa criticised the poor conditions under which the examination was conducted at Unity Secondary School in Asaba, Delta, under the supervision of the State Ministry of Education.

    “The ministry’s attention has been drawn to the conduct of an examination in an unsuitable environment, as seen in footage circulating on social media.

    “This reveals an inappropriate setting for such a critical academic exercise, and it occurred under the oversight of the Delta State Ministry of Education”.

    The minister stated that the ministry is working in collaboration with the Delta government and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to investigate the matter and ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken.

    “The outcome of the investigation will be made public as necessary,” he added.

    Alausa reiterated his commitment to improving educational infrastructure and ensuring that students across the country have access to safe and enabling environments for teaching, learning, and assessment.

  • Asaba Chamber of Commerce elects new exco

    Asaba Chamber of Commerce elects new exco

    The 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA) has ended in Asaba with the election of a new executive for the chamber.

    A former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and one-time Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Chinwe Monu-Oduah, emerged as President of the chamber during the AGM on Thursday.

    An investment analyst, Mr Isioma Okolie, was elected 1st Deputy President and Mr Osaro Obusomwan, of Netwest Steel Company, 2nd Deputy President.

    The other elected officers of the chamber are Dennis Nwenonye, 1st Vice President; Ezeaka Ann, 2nd Vice President; Chief Anthony Ifebuilo, Treasurer; Chukwurah Peter, Financial Secretary; Tessy Chidimma, Public Relations Officer; Chief Tony Idigbe, SAN, Ex-Officio member and Mrs Julie Panama, Director-General.

    In her acceptance speech,  Chief Chinwe Monu-Oduah thanked members of the chamber for the honour and confidence reposed in the new executive.

    Monu-Oduah promised to use her connections and experiences to give purposeful leadership.

    She called on the executive members, who she described as successful businessmen and women in their own rights, to come up with ideas that would advance the aspirations cf the body to enviable heights.

    Monu-Oduah expressed appreciation to the immediate past executive of the chamber for the giant strides recorded by the association.

    She assured them that her team would not only consolidate the achievements, but also break new grounds for the greater good of the body.

    Speaking after the meeting, the immediate past president of Asaccima, , Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, noted that though it had not been easy with the chamber, but it was able to record some achievements.

    Idigbe told that one of the key achievements of the Chamber was “the property we are occupying ptesently”.

    He said that recovering and renovating it was one of the chamber’s major achievements.

    Another achievement, according to him, is the registration  of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce and the international Arbitration Centre Commission.

    “So this place is now arbitration centre where we settle disputes for business people,” he said.

    He expressed optimism that the new executive would work out programmes that would be of great benefits to members and attract more members to the chamber.

    “We are hoping to get an Exhibition Centre within the capital territory where we can carry out trade fairs, because we have not been doing well with trade fairs.

    “So we need an exhibition centre for trade fairs, conferences, business exhibitions, workshops, and networking among others,” he said.

  • Good news: Delta govt approves urban renewal plans for Asaba, Warri

    Good news: Delta govt approves urban renewal plans for Asaba, Warri

    Delta State Government, yesterday, approved major infrastructure development projects targeted at urban renewal of the Asaba capital territory and Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    The approvals were part of the decisions reached at the maiden 2025 State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Briefing journalists at the end the meeting, the Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Chief Patrick Ukah, expressed excitement at the recent approvals for road infrastructure projects in the territory.

    He described the development as a significant step towards enhancing urban renewal, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth.

    Chief Ukah emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the capital territory through strategic infrastructure upgrades, assuring residents that the approved projects would bring lasting benefits to the capital territory.

    According to Ukah, “I must tell you that the Capital Territory in this administration has received a lot of attention, especially in the area of road infrastructure.

    “I am happy to report that the Umejei Road in Ibusa, is being given a complete facelift, and the Okpanam Township Road, from the City Gate to the church and extending into Amaichai down to the Post Office, has also been approved for reconstruction.

    “We are also making significant progress across BONSAC. A 2.6-kilometer road from the Road Safety office is being constructed into BONSAC, along with a network of roads that will connect to Achalla Ibusa Road.”

    He explained that some projects were delayed due to upward reviews but disclosed that approximately eight of them had now been approved, with contractors already mobilized to the respective sites.

    “Before now, some of our projects were stalled due to upward reviews. However, in this administration, about eight of them have now been approved, and the contractors are returning to the sites.

    “Four of these are major projects that many of us were concerned about due to delays. For instance, the one crossing Ogbeogonogo Market has been approved, and Odilison has also received approval. Once the official release is issued, you will see the full details of these roads.

    “Most importantly, in line with the governor’s MORE agenda, the transformation of the capital city has officially begun. The entire capital territory is set to receive a facelift, and the development, under the MORE agenda, is being accelerated,” he added.

    On his part, the Director-General, Warri, Uvwie, and Environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere said Governor Oborevwori had directed that all major roads in Warri and environs should be given a face-lift.

    “I want to sincerely inform Deltans that Warri truly will be great again as promised by the governor who has given the go ahead for us to reconstruct bad roads, to maintain bad roads and reconstruct roads linking major places in Warri.

    “All the roads we are doing are not for political patronage. The Governor has directed that we identify all bad roads in Warri and make sure Warri wears a new look.

    “Outside that today, Exco graciously approved the additional works for the stormwater project taking place in Warri.

    “Knowing the nature of Warri that it’s always flooded whenever it rains and anytime from now the rains will be here again, the Warri storm water project was awarded sometime in April 2024 and has now been reviewed upward to accommodate additional works and also considering the rising cost of building and construction materials.

    “We had to look into a lot of things for the job not to stop and, as I said today, the governor has graciously approved the onward construction of the project and equally increased the scope of work.

    “Rome was not built in a day but I want to tell us that the job has been increased from what it used to be, to cover many other areas in Warri and environs.

    “It’s a wonderful one; I want to say, on behalf of all our Warri people, that we owe nothing but prayers for our governor.”

  • Delta begins construction of landmark Asaba Waterfront City (Photos)

    Delta begins construction of landmark Asaba Waterfront City (Photos)

    Delta State Government has commenced construction of access road to the proposed Asaba waterfront city in the state capital.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who disclosed this during the inspection of the project on Tuesday, said the project was conceived by the previous administration through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model.

    He said the state government’s role was to construct a 6-lane access road to the new city, while the developers were expected to reclaim the land and develop the city.

    He said: “Asaba is becoming very attractive to property developers who are coming from Lagos to Asaba because Asaba today is housing most of those people from the South-East.

    “They are coming here because they find Asaba very comfortable and they know that we are also hospitable.

    “The Asaba waterfront city project is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state government and the developers.

    “Our obligation is to reclaim the place to give them an access route, a six-lane access road, to this place. They have done about 20 percent of this job; the challenge they are having is the buildings on the right of way.

    Delta begins construction of landmark Asaba Waterfront City

    “We have released money for compensation to the property owners and we have also released funds to the contractor for the project.

    “They have assured us they will complete the road project in July; so, I have come here to look at the work that has been done and I am happy that they are on site.

    “If they continue at this speed, I know that before the end of this year, the project will be completed.”

    At the 4.5km Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiakpu main alignment road, the governor said, “this road is very important to the people of Oko; it is one meter above the 2012 flood level and the people sought refuge on the road during the last flood.

    Delta begins construction of landmark Asaba Waterfront City

    “The contractor has assured that the project will be completed in June/July this year.

    “What we are spending here on this road is much more than what we would have spent in constructing a 10km road elsewhere because of the terrain.

    “It is our strong commitment towards opening up rural areas to enhance the economic development of our rural dwellers.”

    On the Marine Road Off Cable Point Road Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the road was very important to the people of Asaba because goods come from across the River Niger.

    He assured that the State Government was working hard to clean up Asaba, stressing, “we want the best for them and I believe that this year a lot will change.”

    Governor Oborevwori also inspected the ongoing construction work on Leo Okonweze and Odozi-Obodo streets, off Ezenei Avenue, in Asaba, and urged the contractors to expedite completion action on them.

  • Asaba thriving in hospitality industry – Oborevwori

    Asaba thriving in hospitality industry – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, said Asaba was thriving in the hospitality industry because of the peace and security in the capital city.

    The Governor said Delta had become an investment destination, adding that more hotels had opened in the state capital in the last eight years.

    Governor Oborevwori who disclosed this at the official opening of Telso Hotel in Asaba, said despite the increase, the State capital needs more investments in the hospitality industry.

    According to him, this hotel is a welcomed addition to the rapidly growing hospitality industry in Asaba.

    “In the last eight years, Asaba has been wearing a new look because the place is peaceful and so many of our brothers across the Niger found here more comfortable to stay and even live.

    “What is more interesting, is that they come here during the festive periods, stay and go home from here and come back the same day because they know that Asaba is safe.

    “So this hotel is an addition because we need more hotels. Sometimes getting accommodation is a problem.

    “Today, we thank God that this beautiful edifice has been completed and ready to be put to use. This will serve our people. I commend you for the good work you have done because we want beautiful hotels in Asaba.

    “We need more of these investments. When the place is peaceful people come to invest and that’s why you see that people come to Asaba to invest.

    Governor Oborevwori who spoke further, assured the Asagba of Asaba Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge of his administration’s commitment to fix roads in the state capital.

    “I want to assure you that a lot of these roads in Asaba will be fixed this dry season and when we are through you will hardly see potholes in Asaba.

    “We are also trying to talk to Federal government to allow us fix some of these Federal roads. Sometimes you move into a road and you are told it is under contract that we cannot repair it.

    “But the ones they cannot do, we will do because our people are the ones using the roads. So whether it is state or federal road, we will fix them.”

    Welcoming guests to the inauguration, Managing Director of the Hotel, Hon. Shedrack Rapu, thanked Governor Oborevwori for coming and commended him for his encouragement, assuring that the Hotel will keep to its standards to guarantee customer satisfaction.

  • Police identifies female corpse dumped along roadside in Asaba

    Police identifies female corpse dumped along roadside in Asaba

    The  Police Command in Delta has identified the corpse of a young lady, whose lifeless body was found lying along DLA road, in Asaba, the state capital last Thursday.

    Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe in a statement on Saturday in Asaba said that the corpse, which has since been removed by the police has been identified as Miss Precious Yusuf, a 23 year old lady.

    “On the 24th of October 2024 at about 0840 hours, the DPO ‘A’  Division Asaba received a distress call that the corpse of a young lady was found at DLA Road opposite Falcon Club.

    “The DPO, CSP Rex Abiodun swiftly mobilized and led police operatives of the division to the scene where the corpse of the lady was found.

    “Preliminary investigation later revealed that on 22nd October 2024, the late Miss Precious told her friend that she was going to see a male friend she met on a dating website.

    “She left the house on 22nd October to see the young man at Coka and on the 23rd at about 0730 hours, she called her friend that she was on her way home and that was the last time they heard from her”, Edafe said.

    Edafe  disclosed that the corpse has since been deposited at the mortuary awaiting autopsy.

    He said the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda has assured members of the public particularly the family of the late Miss Precious Yusuf of justice in the matter.

    “The CP wish to advise young ladies to be mindful of the friends they hang out with and should exercise caution particularly when dealing with people they meet on social media platforms”, Edafe said.

  • Sports minister to declare National Youth Games open in Asaba

    Sports minister to declare National Youth Games open in Asaba

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh will officially declare the National Youth Games (NYG) open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta.

    The minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan, said this in a statement on Thursday.

    Nsan quoted the minister as emphasising the importance of upholding the integrity of the Games, reiterating that the NYG was designed for athletes aged 15 years and below.

    “Any attempt at age cheating will not be tolerated.

    “As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment.

    “The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.

    “Age cheating undermines the purpose of this Games and we will take firm measures to prevent it,” Enoh said.

    Delta State, renowned for its rich sporting culture will be hosting this year’s event.

    The NYG has become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills.

    The Games is also a key part of Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.

    NAN further reports that Thursday’s highly anticipated opening ceremony is expected to be a grand spectacle, with several dignitaries and sports stakeholders expected to grace the occasion.

  • Okada riders’ protest: Delta govt calls for calm in Asaba

    Okada riders’ protest: Delta govt calls for calm in Asaba

    Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, Monday, called for calm over protests by Okada and tricycle riders in the state capital.

    Ukah in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, after inspecting the scene of destruction in company of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko condemned the action of the protesters for the wanton destruction and vandalisation of property at the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA Secretariat.

    He said the Capital Territory Development Agency was in touch with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the leadership of Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, and representatives of the Arewa community with a view to resolving issues that led to Monday’s rampage.

    While appealing to residents of the capital territory for patience and cooperation, Ukah noted that Delta was known for communal living and warned that the State Government would deal decisively with anyone found to be disobeying laws of the land.

    He therefore called for calm while the government deals with the issues that led to the rampage.

  • BREAKING: 2 dead as Okada riders protest in Asaba

    BREAKING: 2 dead as Okada riders protest in Asaba

    A violent protest by Okada riders erupted in Asaba, Delta State capital, on Monday morning, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe has confirmed.

    According to the Delta State Police Public Relations, the Okada riders “had an issue last night with the State task force”, which Edafe disclosed resulted in the death of two persons.

    “They mobilised in their numbers this morning, destroying properties and beating people,” the State Police Public Relations said in a post via X (formerly Twitter).

    Edafe, meanwhile, confirmed that policemen have been “deployed to control the situation before it turns into something else”.

    Videos of the protest in Asaba circulating on social media indicate the Okada riders are protesting around the Okpanam Road axis, Midwifery, in the State capital.

    One of the videos reveals a scene where policemen were firing into the air, while another video shows a group of people blocking the road with motorcycles.

     

    Details shortly…