TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • 266,737 Deltans have benefited from our social intervention programmes – Oborevwori

    266,737 Deltans have benefited from our social intervention programmes – Oborevwori

    …approves CONLESS For Delta Assembly Workers, N15,000 Stipend For Widows

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday announced that his administration has empowered a total of 266,737 Deltans through various social intervention and empowerment programmes across the state.

    Governor Oborevwori made this known while delivering the State of the State address to members of the Delta State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex.

    He stated that his administration has been deliberate, intentional, and proactive in providing a safety net for vulnerable groups through well-targeted social protection initiatives, particularly in light of the current economic challenges.

    According to him, the 266,737 beneficiaries were empowered through several programmes, including the Delta CARES (D-CARES) Programme, Women Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP), Working Fingers Initiative, MORE Grants Scheme, MORE Biz-Up Programme, and the Widows Welfare Scheme.

    Under the D-CARES Programme, the Governor said 247,000 Deltans have been empowered, noting that the release of N1 Billion as counterpart funding for the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), has supported 2,000 farmers engaged in food production, livestock, and aquaculture.

    The Governor further revealed that 220 women were recently trained in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, decoration and event management, as well as makeup and gele tying under the WESAP initiative.

    He added that the programme was extended to 91 people living with disabilities, who were trained in ICT, confectionery, fashion design, and leatherwork.

    “We also distributed fertilizers to farmers across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state to support our efforts in ensuring food security,” the Governor said.

    He went on to explain that the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development had trained and supported 2,000 women across the state in practical skills, mental health education, and entrepreneurship under the Working Fingers Initiative.

    Through the MORE Grants Scheme, the state government has empowered micro and small-scale businesses, offering financial support to 5,426 petty traders and small business owners in response to ongoing economic hardships.

    Governor Oborevwori, said: “Through the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, we have supported 2,000 MSMEs with funding and business support packages under the MORE Biz-Up Programme.

    “These programmes underscore our unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy that uplifts the most vulnerable and promotes shared prosperity.

    “This administration holds the welfare of widows in high regard, and we will continue doing everything within our power to improve their quality of life under the Widows Welfare Scheme.

    “I have just approved the payment of a N15,000 monthly stipend for 10,000 widows across the state”.

    Appreciating the Speaker and members of the State Legislature for maintaining an excellent relationship with the Executive, the Governor acknowledged that the achievements of his administration would not have been possible without the support and cooperation between both arms of government.

    “I consider myself fortunate to work with a legislature that is genuinely committed to partnering with the Executive to achieve its goals. The relationship between this House and my office has been marked by trust, mutual understanding, transparency, and accountability.

    “At this point, I would like to briefly address the issue of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS). As a former Speaker, I support the new salary scale. However, due to the introduction of a new minimum wage, this administration needed to conduct due diligence before making a decision.

    “I am pleased to announce that I have approved the payment of CONLESS, effective June 2025. I thank the workers and their leaders for their patience, understanding, and support,” he added.

  • Gov Oborevwori’s 2nd anniversary: Delivering impactful, courageous, pragmatic leadership to Deltans – By Ifeanyi Osuoza

    Gov Oborevwori’s 2nd anniversary: Delivering impactful, courageous, pragmatic leadership to Deltans – By Ifeanyi Osuoza

    By Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza

    Rt. Hon. Elder (Dr.) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor OBOREVWORI took over the mantle of political and administrative leadership in Delta State on May 29, 2023 and in the last two years, he has delivered impactful, courageous, dynamic, pragmatic and result oriented projects and governance to Deltans.

    Taking control of the reins of power against the backdrop of a robust, rigorous primary election for his party’s gubernatorial ticket, followed by a keenly contested, nail biting governorship elections and then the seemingly unending legal confrontations spanning 38 court cases, some of which were instituted after the primary election and dovetailed into the early months of his reign, following his triumphant landslide victory at the general polls, Governor Oborevwori already had a clear comprehensive and understanding of the perceptions and challenges that awaited and would subsequently define his first tenure as it unraveled.

    Armed with and poised by the articulate and definitive guidelines of his M.O.R.E Agenda, acronym for: Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and security, Governor Oborevwori, already groomed and properly prepared for leadership with his meritorious and illustrious stint as the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, proceeded with steady, surefooted and clinical precision, to systematically and equitably commence the delivery of all the components of his Agenda, not just in all the sectoral, socio/economic spheres, but indeed across the three Senatorial districts of the State, ensuring that every area both sectorally and geographically has been impacted progressively in the last two years.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in the course of the very robust and comprehensive, 2023 governorship campaign became known as “a man of the people”, and earned the sobriquet “street credibility” not just for his admirable simplicity and uncensored connection with the people, but also for his humane capacity to show appreciation where it is deserved.

    Thus it was his first port of call after his assumption of office to the State civil service in recognition of the tremendous role and contribution of the State workforce to his electoral victory, where he pledged to sustain the existing workforce through prompt payment of salaries and other emoluments for both active and retired officers.

    With the benefit of foresight, his administration was notably amongst the the first to pay N10,000 per person per month over a three-month period to its over 50,000 workforce, to cushion the effects of the economic hardship in the country in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal, long before even the official palliatives started arriving. He also maintained the then minimum wage of N30,000 and went a step further by introducing and implementing a flexible new work schedule, where non-critical staff members enjoyed the luxury of two days off duty per week, without prejudice to their annual holidays.

    The new work schedule was an initiative that added significant value to the welfare of the workforce by saving them the cost of transportation to work on the affected days, in addition to the N10,000 per month, which supported the financial upkeep of many families to stem the harsh effects of the subsidy removal.

    The Governor Oborevwori’s administration equally provided brand new vehicles for Permanent Secretaries, the echelon of its Civil Service, approved training and retraining programmes for management cadre, committed a sum of over N5 billion to liquidate promotion arrears and was the first to approve and implement the payment of the new minimum wage, raising the bar of the negotiated N70,000 threshold, to the increased payment of N77,500 to Delta State civil servants.

    In addition, Governor Oborevwori actively encouraged and supported the 25 Local Governments in the State through the guarantee of a N40 billion facility to offset the huge arrears of retirement benefits owed Local Government pensioners, and approved the recruitment of more than 3,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff, with a view to strengthening and revitalising the sector.

    The N40 billion facility, which empowered Local governments to fulfill their obligations to pensioners, has since been repaid by the local governments in line with the very impressive Prudential management of resources policy of Governor Oborevwori’s administration, which has been underscored by the fact that he has not borrowed a dime since he came into office.

    Infact it is an accepted fact that one outstanding achievement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the last two years of his administration has been the effective and prudent management of resources, as well as his strategic fiscal policies, which have not only ensured stability, growth and continued development across the State, but have also guided the initiation and execution of all the projects embarked on and delivered in advancing development across Delta State.

    According to available and verifiable records, the Governor Oborevwori administration, despite not taking loans, has expended and appropriated over N300 billion to repay debts and fulfill contractual obligations inherited from previous administrations.

    In the area of infrastructure, Delta watchers will attest to the fact that in the past two years, significant infrastructure projects have transformed key areas in Delta State, particularly in Uvwie, and Warri South, through strategic development programs, particularly the stellar project of the administration; the N78 billion construction of three flyovers, cloverleaf, road expansion and pedestrian bridges project in the Effurun and Warri metropolis of the State, which includes road expansion and improvement works between Effurun and DSC roundabouts; PTI Junction Flyover; DSC Roundabout flyover; Enerhen junction/Marine Gate flyover and cloverleaf at Effurun roundabout.

    Several other major bridges have been constructed or revitalized, including: The Beneku Bridge, linking communities in Ndokwa West and East, the Ayakoromo Bridge which connects over 15 communities in Burutu Local Government Area to Ughelli South, the Orere Bridge which is nearing completion, with the deck already finished, the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, which is progressing very well, and the completion of the Ubu Bridge project in Ogwashi Uku, and Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation project which has significantly shortened Warri-Asaba travel time and boosted economic connectivity across Delta State and beyond, as well as the Asaba-Ase bridge, amongst others, while infrastructure developments are underway in communities all with the aim to further improve interconnectivity across the State. Riverine communities are not left out in this development efforts.

    The commendable infrastructural success achieved by the Governor Oborevwori administration in the last two years has been firmly anchored on the strategic administrative decision of splitting the Ministry of Works into two, Highways and Urban Roads; Rural and Riverine Roads, and as at the last count, both Ministries are now handling over 513 inherited and new road projects, many of which have been completed. In all, the roads span over 1,500 kilometres, while the drainages cover more than 950 kilometres.

    In the education sector, a new campus has been established for the Southern Delta University in Orerokpe while construction of various faculties and supporting infrastructure, including the College of Health Sciences which is ongoing at the main campus in Ozoro thereby enhancing access to higher education in the State.

    The Oborevwori administration has also maintained the operations of the State’s four public Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Colleges of Health Technology and Nursing, even as it equally approved the recruitment of over 600 staff to strengthen the sector and given the nod for the implementation of salary review of 25 to 35 per cent for tertiary staff. This administration gave birth to new College of Health Technology, Ovrode with new structures, which would be commissioned in the next few days.

    The government has equally ensured the smooth running of the more than 1,300 public primary and secondary schools in the State and in spite of the harsh economic realities, paid more than N1 billion to more than 60,000 deserving tertiary students of the State origin, by way of bursary, for two academic sessions.

    The Governor Oborevwori administration has also made a budgetary allocation of a mandatory N2 billion to each Local Government area in the State, specifically for road development, in addition to the impressive N250 billion earmarked for road infrastructure across the State. This is without prejudice to other development plans in the M.O.R.E Agenda that have already been earmarked for the entire State in the budget.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has placed great premium on his Human Capital Development and Empowerment Schemes in line with fulfilling the Opportunities For All component of the M.O.R.E Agenda. The Oborevwori administration has launched initiatives focused on empowering youth and women with skills and resources to thrive. These schemes and initiatives which includes the MORE Grants scheme, the D-CARES, WESAP and other entrepreneurship initiatives in addition to micro credit programme and the massive efforts of the Jobs Creation Office are not only catering for youths, women and artisans to develop themselves for sustainable growth, they have also enabled more than 250,000 persons with cash and other modes of aid. Indeed the empowerment programs are being expanded regularly to uplift youth and women economically.

    Thousands of Deltans have already benefited through the State FADAMA Agriculture Coordination projects, as well as through the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development, thus bringing the total beneficiaries under 4th tranche of D-CARES to 97,365, while overall total beneficiaries of this empowerment scheme alone has reached 208,209 in the last two years.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s determination to deliver on the Enhanced Peace and Security component of the M.O.R.E Agenda was underscored at the very early stage of his administration with the inauguration of the State Advisory and Peace-Building Council, comprising distinguished and respected elders from diverse communities of Delta State and saddled with the responsibility of identifying and addressing potential threats to peace and security across the three Senatorial zones of the State.

    The Delta State Governor also gave considerable recognition to the office of DG Security, Delta State and the Office of the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, all of which have complemented and consolidated the robust synergy and cordial symbiosis relationship between the State government and security agencies in the peace building efforts of the Governor Oborevwori administration, underscored by the provision and supply of critical operational equipment, including patrol vehicles and kits, as well as construction of several units of housing quarters for security personnel, in collective effort to strengthen their daily operational capacity.

    The administration has also ensured that the State security outfit, Operation Delta Sweep, remains well oiled to ensure the effective exercise of its mandate and the Ministry of Oil and Gas has been strategically proactive in curbing restiveness and conflicts in the oil producing communities, which has contributed considerably to the increase in oil revenue for the national coffers.

    In sports, the Governor Oborevwori administration has already stamped the authority and excellence of Delta State, not only in hosting sporting events, but also dominating the rest of the country in performance at sporting festivals. Its tactical and proactive support to the Delta State Sports Commission, has yielded handsome results and sustained the culture of excellence in competitive sports engagements at the national level resulting in the retention of the overall winners’ diadem at the National Youth Games, NYG, and the National Sports Festival (NSF) and the recent Niger Delta Sports Festival. The administration has also sustained the Principals’ Cup and the Headmasters’ Cup football contests among Secondary and Primary schools in the State.

    One of the major infrastructural landmarks in the last two years of Governor Oborevwori’s administration has been delivered in the judicial sector with the completion and inauguration of the State-of-the-art High Court Complex which consists of six floors, six court rooms, six conference halls, six witness waiting rooms, six holding cells, six secretarial offices, two general conference halls, a ceremonial hall, Multi-purpose Hall, lawyers’ lounge, judges’ lounge, VIP lounge and a library, among others.

    The new High Court Complex also have internet access and other critical Information Technology (IT) facilities in the building to enhance e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court of Justice.

    The administration has also addressed extended goodwill to the judiciary with the presentation of brand new vehicles to Judges in the State and official vehicles to other Judicial officers for ease of movement, even as it has also embarked on building Judges quarters across the State to address accommodation challenges.

    In housing, the administration has commenced the building of 50 housing units made up of 30 three bedrooms and 20 two bedrooms in three different locations as a pilot scheme. Eight units of duplex are also being constructed to accommodate more Commissioners in the quarter.

    As part of its efforts at diversifying the economy of the State, the administration has sealed a deal with UTM LNG for the harnessing of the huge reserves of natural gas in the State. This initiative is expected to earn more income for the State, reduce the tempo of gas flaring, help preserve the environment and equally encourage Deltans to embrace cleaner energy for domestic use.

    And in the strategic and well structured developmental effort, the Governor Oborevwori administration, in April 2025, signed into law, seven important and carefully crafted Bills geared towards enhancing Delta State and addressing pressing issues and challenges to improve the quality of life of the people, through the MORE Agenda.

    The bills are the strategic Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2024, which has now provided the legal framework to unlock a plethora of investment opportunities in the power generation, transmission and distribution investment.

    According to Governor Oborevwori, while assenting to the Bill, “The State is now open for prospective investors in this sector to take advantage of it. I believe that this bill that l have assented to today will improve our power sector which is very key because, you can’t do any investment without power.

    “Power is very key and I can tell you today that we have the population and now the legal framework for investment to thrive. The State is now open for investments”

    Another critical Bill is “The Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has now provided more safeguards for children and ensured that from now, no child should be employed or used for domestic help aside their homes or family environment. The bill now law, also establishes an Adoption Service Department in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to address the challenges of prospective adopting parents to create an enabling legislation for children who are the future and must be protected.

    There are also the “Delta State Physical and Regional Planning Bill, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censor’s Board Bill, 2024; Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Bill, 2024, and the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ovrode Bill, 2024.

    Speaking more on the assented Bills, Governor Oborevwori said: “The laws that l have just assented to are very key, especially the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law 2024. This particular law gives me immense joy in assenting to it.”

    The bills according Governor Oborevwori, “will protect our vulnerable populations, improve quality of life, promote sustainable development and environmental protection, attract investment and increase our IGR.”

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s giant strides and outstanding developmental achievements in the last two years have not gone unnoticed but have received acknowledgement with the national recognition they deserve.

    Two major awards captured the essence and burgeoning national attention and recognition Governor Oborevwori has attracted in the last two years.

    The first is the, ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television “Governor of The Year 2024 Award” for his fiscal discipline and infrastructural development in the State, presented to him in January 2025

    Announcing the award, the Founder of ThisDay and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, said: “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was underrated. But in his 18 months in power, he has not borrowed any cent from any bank, and he keeps building infrastructure across the State.”

    Presenting the award on behalf of the media house, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, congratulated Oborevwori on the recognition, describing him as an achiever with great positive accomplishments. He also bagged Telegraph Newspaper Governor of the year 2024 award in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in infrastructure.

    The third is the prestigious Vanguard Newspaper’s Governor of the year 2024 award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to good governance, impactful leadership, and transformative initiatives across the State.

    Governor Oborevwori was specially recognized for his commitment to transparency, inclusive governance, and the rapid execution of strategic developmental projects under his “MORE” Agenda – an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    The award, presented at the 13th Annual Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards ceremony in Lagos, in April 2025, celebrates public officials who have demonstrated excellence in public service, infrastructural development, economic transformation, and people-centered leadership.

    Vanguard’s editorial board described Oborevwori’s leadership as “purpose-driven and people-focused,” highlighting achievements in road construction, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and security initiatives across the State.

    And on Monday, April 28, 2025, a major political event occurred in Delta State when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his entire cabinet, the PDP members of the State legislature and the administrative and political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP across the State, courageously made the bold move and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, thereby signifying a “Renewed Hope for the MORE Agenda”.

    The decision to align with the APC was a strategic and thoughtful move driven by a singular objective: to fast-track Delta State’s development through enhanced collaboration with the federal government. It was not about political survival or personal ambition, but about putting Delta first; a well-considered and patriotic decision aimed at fostering stronger federal collaboration and accelerating development across the State. The defection marked a significant political realignment in Delta State, potentially reshaping the 2027 electoral landscape and boosting the State’s access to federal partnerships.

    Since taking over the levers of power and governance of the State in 2023, Governor Oborevwori has exhibited a faithful commitment to the M.O.R.E Agenda and a dogged determination to ensure that the administration delivers the dividends of democracy across critical sectors: infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, security and human capital development.

    In the last two years, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has kept faith with his pledge that; ”I am committed to building a Delta State that works for all. Through innovative programs and policies, we are promoting socio-economic development, improving healthcare delivery, and empowering youth and women. These initiatives are just the beginning, and I am excited about what we can achieve together. I envision a Delta State where everyone can thrive and have access to sustainable, inclusive development.

    “By working together and leveraging the strength of our people, I believe we can achieve this vision.”

    As the administration of Rt. Hon. Elder (Dr.) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori celebrates its second anniversary, Deltans should expect more development, more welfare and empowerment packages and indeed more dividends of democracy from the delivery of the MORE Agenda with the support and driving synergy of Renewed Hope in the coming years.

     

    Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza is the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House).

  • NSF Day 10: Delta cruising to victory with 226 medals

    NSF Day 10: Delta cruising to victory with 226 medals

    Team Delta is cruising to overall victory on the official medals table of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State with 226 medals.

    Delta, which is in a clear lead of 33 other states on the medals table, has won 92 gold, 59 silver and 75 bronze, bringing the state’s total medals to 226.

    Bayelsa continues the chase with 64 gold, 42 silver and 49 bronze medals, totalling 155.

    Ogun, the host state, remains third with 53 gold, 44 silver and 52 bronze, with a total of 149 medals.

    Meanwhile, Rivers returns to fourth position with 49 gold, 40 silver and 48 bronze, totalling 137 medals to displace Edo.

    The table indicated that Edo is now fifth with 46 gold, 80 silver and 77 bronze, bringing the total number of medals to 203.

    The table at the time of filing this report showed that a total of 1,438 medals have so far been won.

    The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government.

    It brings together athletes from the  36 states and the FCT to compete in various sports, promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across Nigeria.

  • Oborevwori To Deliver State Of The State Address, Wednesday

    Oborevwori To Deliver State Of The State Address, Wednesday

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is set to deliver the State of the State Address to members of the Delta State House of Assembly tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10am.

    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement in Asaba, Tuesday, said the event will be taken live on Channels TV and TVC, providing the public with an opportunity to hear directly from the governor on key developments, achievements, and future plans for the state.

    The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, State APC Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie, Honourable Commissioners, Secretary to State Government, other top government functionaries, State Publicity Secretary of APC, Valentine Onojeguo, Chief Solomon Arenyeka and political leaders, are to be in attendance.

  • Gov. Oborevwori to visits Delta Assembly on Wednesday

    Gov. Oborevwori to visits Delta Assembly on Wednesday

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has announced plans to visit the State House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

    The governor’s intention is contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, during plenary on Tuesday in Asaba.

    ”I bring  warm greetings to the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly and to inform you of my visit to this honourable House on Wednesday, May 27, 2025.

    ”The purpose of this visit is to enable me present the ‘state of the State’ address to the House.

    ”While looking forward to a fruitful session, please accept the warm assurances of my sincere regards, ” Oborevwori said.

    The visit is expected to foster collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

    Also at Tuesday’s plenary, the Assembly considered the State Colleges of Education bill, 2025 (College of Education Warri and College of Education, Mosogar).

    Presenting the bill for its second reading, Leader of the Assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, recalled that the colleges were established with a view of creating state-owned institutions that would provide accessible courses of learning for all individuals.

    He however, noted that the purpose of creating the institutions was no longer visible especially where holders of the  Nigeria Certification in Education (NCE) are hardly engaged in schools.

    According to him, in response to the challenges and evolving demands of contemporary education, it has become necessary to repeal the existing colleges  of education laws in the state and establish a uniform framework for the state-owned college of education.

    Nwaobi emphasised the importance of the bill, saying the bill when passed, would afford the institutions to run both NCE and degree programmes.

    He also noted that the bill which is made up of 12 parts, 18 clauses, when passed would provide for uniform system of operations for the colleges.

    ”The passage of the bill will also  enhance quality and efficiency of teachers thereby ensuring great benefits to educators , students and the overall benefits of educational sector in the state.

    ”Furthermore, the enactment of this bill, will enable stakeholders collaborate to develop a more robust and effective framework for advancing the future of education in the state, ” Nwaobi said.

    Nwaobi (APC-Aniocha North), noted that the Bill would also help to improve the robust future promises in the education sector in the state.

    He therefore, called on his colleagues to support the speedy passage of the bill.

    Supporting the passage of the bill, Mr Perkins Umukoro (APC-Sapele), who lamented the falling standard in the education sector, noted that the passage of the bill would help to improve standard of the education.

    Also, Mr Oboro Preyor (APC-Bomadi), noted that the passage of the bill would harmonise the operations of the colleges for efficiency and excellence in academic.

    On his part, Mr Charles Emetulu (APC-Ndokwa West), said, ” the greatest legacy you can leave for your children is to give them good education.”

    He urged the lawmakers to support the speedy passage of the bill, saying that the bill when passed would enhance quality of education and its delivery in the state.

    For Mr Augustine Uroye (APC-Warri), noted that the passage of the bill would reawakened the colleges of education.

    Consequently, the Speaker referred the Bill to House Committee on Education for scrutiny.

  • NAFDAC burst fake drugs factory in Delta

    NAFDAC burst fake drugs factory in Delta

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has bursted a fake drug factory in an uncompleted three storey building at Azagba Ogwashi in Aniocha LGA in Delta.

    The NAFDAC Director, South – East Zone, Dr Martins Iluyomade disclosed this at a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday.

    He said that the agency would consider the option of seizing any building used for illicit drug manufacturing and relabelling of expired drugs.

    ”I feel very sad for our country, and the kind of things that are playing out. Only God knows how many people have died from consumption of the illicit drugs produced by these merchants who are looking for money at all cost.

    ”They are perpetrating these heinous crimes using all manners of avenue including inciting the public against what NAFDAC is doing.

    “They are even using their ill gotten money after killing a lot of people. Nigerians need to be very vigilant.”

    According to Iluyomade, the prime suspect, one Ekene Igwe, now at large is one of the major traders at Ogbo-Ogu at  Bridge Head drug market in Onitsha, Anambra.

    He said the suspect and his wife, one Blessing Igwe had been together in this illicit drug business.

    “What these drug merchants have done since they knew that Ogbo- Ogu market is no longer safe for their illicit drug business, they have moved out to neighbouring places like Asaba in uncompleted buildings, relabelling injectable that expired far back seven  years ago.

    “This issue of illicit drug business has been on for several years, and there has not been any solution. This time, NAFDAC is coming forward with solution to make sure that Nigerians are safe, and we are able to safeguard the health of the public,” Iluyomade said.

    While displaying the drugs, Mr Babatunji Omoyeni, Deputy Director, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, South-South and South-East, said the agency successfully tracked a drug shop at Ogbo-Ogu, where illicit drugs produced are sold to unsuspecting buyers.

    According to Omoyeni, the seizures at the illicit drug factory included a big drum containing vials soaked in liquid substance and adulterated drugs.

    “They are rebranding expired drugs including large quantity of chloroquine phosphate 322 mg/5ml, petazine injection 50mg/2ml, gentamycin injection 280mg/2ml and many other contraband injectable with new labelling.”

    He said the agency recorded the breakthrough following a tip off from concerned members of the public.

    Omoyeni, said efforts were being  intensified to track the prime suspect, adding that his wife has been apprehended and arraigned before a competent court for trial and prosecution over her level of involvement in the illicit drug business.

    NAFDAC displayed the fake drugs and printed packs of drugs-injections while journalists were taken to the building housing the fake drug factory in Azagba-Ogwashi in Asaba Capital Territory.

    According to NAFDAC, the injectables recovered from the three storey building include eight packs of expired chloroquine phosphate which expired August 2018.

    “35 amps of engometrin that expired in July 2020, 30 amps of petazine,  70 amps of gentamycine, 200 packs of unexpired chloroquine phosphate, 35 amps of engometrin.

    “Also displayed were 50 amps of promethazine, 3000 amps of unidentified injection wrapped with papers, 1300  printed packs of drugs ( injection), 2 sets of generator and 1 drum containing nails soaked  in liquid substances.

  • New political pressure group emerges in Delta APC, backs Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    New political pressure group emerges in Delta APC, backs Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    The Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency (U3) Forum, has declared itself a political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging unwavering support for the reelections of President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborewori and all APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The forum made the declaration when it played host to the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District Senator Ede Dafinone and the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive held at the home residence of its Chairman, Chief John Oguma, in Ovwor, Ughelli South, weekend.

    While formally declaring its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Hon. Francis Waive, the Forum passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the four leaders. The motion was moved by Barr. Jaro Egbo, Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, and seconded by Hon. Adelabu Bojor, former APC Delta Central Senatorial Chairman.

    Speaking during the meeting, Chairman of the Forum, Chief John Oguma said, “We must return Tinubu back to the Villa. That one is sealed. The same goes for our governor—the Omorotomor of Urhobo land. He is doing very well. He’s the only one in our history that the 24 Urhobo kings came together and gave a chieftaincy title. That shows unity and respect.”

    Referring specifically to Senator Dafinone, he added: “We played politics with his father in the NPN. When his father was a Senator, I was a youth leader. Today, the son continues that legacy. His father did two tenures, and so should he.”

    Oguma was also full of praise for Hon. Waive: “For a long time, we sent people to the National Assembly and saw no impact. But today, we have a representative who brought a Federal Medical Centre to Udu, facilitated a Federal School of Nursing, and a world-class Computer School. This is the kind of politics I believe in—human capital development before anything else.”

    He emphasized the collective nature of the Forum’s decision: “When I made that statement, no one challenged me. Instead, the support was overwhelming. We don’t play the politics of ‘I’—it’s always ‘we’.

    “Let us respect one another. If it’s not your turn today, it could be yours tomorrow. We have one governor, one president. We must remain loyal and follow their leadership. Fighting them is like fighting God, who put them there.”

    Speaking at the event, Senator Ede Dafinone, echoed the spirit of unity now prevailing in Delta politics. “There is no more opposition in Delta. We are now one party, with one purpose. There are no victors and no vanquished—we are all winners,” he said.

    He commended Governor Oborevwori’s role in bridging party divides. “Bringing the PDP bloc into the APC was visionary and unifying. Today, federal appointments go through the governor’s office. There is restored discipline and structure.”

    On the national economy, Dafinone said: “The past two years have been tough, but under President Tinubu, the economy is beginning to recover. The tough decisions taken are starting to yield fruit.”

    Hon. Francis Waive expressed deep appreciation for the Forum’s endorsement. “When your people come around, pass a vote of confidence, and say you have the ticket going forward, man, I’m overwhelmed,” he said.

    He cited the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Oleri, signed into law by President Tinubu, as a key legislative milestone. “We are seeing unity like never before. Governor Oborevwori has brought together political forces, and that’s what leadership looks like.”

  • Delta PGs Forum passes vote of confidence in Gov. Oborevwori

    Delta PGs Forum passes vote of confidence in Gov. Oborevwori

    The Delta State Forum of Presidents-General has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commending his strides in human capital development and infrastructural transformation across the state.

    This decision was reached during a meeting with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, held in Asaba.

    The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by the President-General of Illah, Ogbuenyi Tony Nwegbu, and seconded by the Chairman of the Isoko Ethnic Presidents-General, Chief Adonis Ubuwere. It was subsequently put to a voice vote by Dr. Agbolayah and was unanimously adopted by the forum.

    The forum expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for appointing seven of its members as Senior Special Assistants on Community Development, and pledged continued support for his administration beyond 2027.

    Chairman of the Delta State Forum of Presidents-General, Prince Igwe Nzekwe, reiterated the forum’s core mandate to foster peace within communities, collaborate with the government and relevant stakeholders to attract development, and ensure effective communication with grassroots leaders. He urged governments at all levels to engage communities in meaningful dialogue before executing projects.

    Nzekwe added that the forum would adopt proactive strategies to address community-specific concerns and conflicts, affirming that no effort would be spared in maintaining peace and security in the state.

    In his remarks, Dr. Agbolayah emphasized that Governor Oborevwori has the people’s best interests at heart and encouraged the Presidents-General to continue supporting and promoting the administration’s initiatives.

    He also highlighted the importance of community involvement in the maintenance and ownership of government projects, urging the Presidents-General to serve as liaisons between their communities and the state government.

    Dr. Agbolayah congratulated Governor Oborevwori on two impactful years in office and assured him of the continued support of Deltans in advancing his development agenda.

    Other speakers at the meeting vowed to return to their respective communities to sensitize the people on the importance of standing firmly behind Governor Oborevwori for the sustained growth and development of Delta State.

  • Delta Works Commissioner Frowns at Non-Compliance with Oborevwori’s Directive on Achala-Ibusa Road

    Delta Works Commissioner Frowns at Non-Compliance with Oborevwori’s Directive on Achala-Ibusa Road

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has expressed deep dissatisfaction at the contractor’s apparent non-compliance with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s directive concerning the ongoing Achala-Ibusa Road project.

    The Commissioner, who embarked on an unscheduled inspection tour of the project site on Thursday, was visibly disappointed at the lack of progress, despite clear instructions issued by Governor Oborevwori months ago for the contractor to correct some aspects of the storm drainage.

    The Commissioner who was represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Engr Ejovi Adasen, said the Achala-Ibusa Road, a vital artery connecting multiple communities in the Oshimili North axis, has long suffered neglect, and the governor’s directive was part of a broader push to fast-track key infrastructure projects under his MORE Agenda.

    Speaking to journalists at the site, Engr. Adasen described the pace of work as “unacceptable,” stating that the delay not only undermines the governor’s commitment to road development but also jeopardizes the economic wellbeing of communities that rely heavily on the road for trade and transport.

    “This is actually the Asaba-Achala-Ibusa Road which is about 6.25km. The project was awarded in October 7th, 2022 and so far the contractor has done about 37% of work.

    “We have been here over and over again monitoring this project to ensure its compliance with the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, BEME.

    “So far we can see that the contractor has carried out crushed stone-base work for about one kilometre in preparation for asphalting.

    “However, we have also noticed that there are some irregularities which we are going to address with our team of engineers.

    “We are going to get back to the contractor and ensure that the contractor complies with what he was asked to do.

    “We expect that the project will go on as given, sticking to the timeline as it was given at the beginning.

    “We have seen the irregularities we have seen there are certain instructions that the contractor was given and he has not complied yet especially as regards to the trapezoidal drains.

    “There were some sections he was asked to demolish and reconstruct but he is yet to do that several months after.

    “When the governor issues a directive, it is expected to be carried out without excuses,” Adasen stated sternly.

    “What we have seen here today is a clear case of disregard for leadership instructions and a disservice to the people of Delta State.”

  • Oborevwori leading a vibrant, solvent economy in Delta – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori leading a vibrant, solvent economy in Delta – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on Wednesday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is leading a vibrant and solvent economy, with numerous infrastructure projects spread across the state.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Aniagwu stated that Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated a high level of prudence and accountability in the governance of Delta State.

    The Commissioner emphasized that the state’s finances are in a strong position, with contractors being mobilized to project sites and all certified payments made promptly.

    “I can tell you with all modesty that we are very solvent as a state. It is not every day you hear a state declare its solvency,” he said.

    “We didn’t become solvent because money was being poured on us. We became solvent because our government has consistently applied prudence and accountability in managing the state’s resources.

    “Today, we evaluate projects thoroughly before awarding them. Once awarded, we ensure the cost is reasonable so that we are not simply throwing money at unproductive ventures.

    “This approach has enabled us to save funds. When people work, we pay them promptly, which allows us to effectively reach out to communities with development projects.

    “Our economy today is vibrant, thanks to the developmental initiatives of the Oborevwori administration.”

    He further explained that even when contracts are awarded to foreign companies, the benefits still trickle down to local communities.

    “For instance, if a road contract is awarded to a company from Kenya or Germany, the workers handling iron bending, concrete mixing, and other related services are sourced from local communities.

    “These workers are paid, and the materials like cement are purchased from local vendors. This means the funds deployed for projects create a ripple effect throughout the state, with a large portion of the money ultimately returning to our people.”

    Aniagwu noted that the best way to stimulate the economy is by investing in projects that provide employment and generate real income for citizens.

    “The best way to inject money into the economy is not through palliatives, but by getting people to work and earn. When they earn their income, they tend to spend it wisely.

    “This approach also helps reduce inflation. But when you simply distribute money say you have a billion naira and you give N100,000 each you risk exacerbating inflationary pressures.”

    The Commissioner also reiterated the strategic advantage of the state aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that such alignment would enhance access to federal support for development projects.

    “No matter what anyone says about the federal government being for everyone which is true when support is brought to your home, it is natural to first share it among your children before considering the neighbors.

    “There is a saying from where I come from: when hunting rabbits, you use the leaves closest to the rabbit hole to cover it not leaves from far away. In other words, being in the same political platform as the center naturally comes with certain advantages. It’s not about bias; it’s just the way things work.”

    Aniagwu concluded by affirming Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to ensuring that Deltans receive full value for money on all fronts.

    “This approach is also fostering greater unity among our people, strengthening the spirit of ‘One Delta’ in both word and deed.

    “By the end of his first term in 2027, and by the grace of God, after his second term in 2031, Deltans will look back and say: ‘Thank God we had a governor like Sheriff Oborevwori.’

    “That will bring pride to us as members of his cabinet, and joy to his children, who will be proud of the legacy their father has built.

    “Governor Oborevwori is a man who matches his words with actions. He is focused on serving well and leaving office with dignity, honor, and the respect of the people he served.”