Tag: Gov Sherriff Oborevwori

Governor of oil rich Delta state, south south Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has taken his administration’s commitment to excellence to the global arena.

Oborevwori alongside his Taraba state counterpart, Agbu Kefas are among high profile guests at the ongoing 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum & Exhibition (IIICF)in Macao special administrative region of China.

Governor Oborevwori showcased his administration’s strategic move to elevate Delta state infrastructure development to align with acceptable global standards.

As the forum got underway, Oborevwori highlighted his unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects that support economic growth and improve the quality of life for Deltans and residents.

His remarks aim to attract international investors and partners, demonstrating Delta’s readiness to collaborate globally and implement innovative solutions for the state’s development.

This global engagement by Governor Oborevwori demonstrates Delta’s strategic approach to infrastructure development and its aspirations to position the state as a key player in international infrastructure innovation and investment.

As the largest and most influential annual event in the field of international
infrastructure cooperation, the IIICF attracts annually more than 3500 delegates from over 70 countries and regions including over 60 ministerial delegations.

Across its 15-year history, the IIICF has been providing a high-end international platform for government authorities, financial institutions, engineering contractors, survey and design firms, consulting agencies, machinery manufacturers and other related entities to exchange strategic vision and insights, even as different interest explore opportunities and seek cooperation.

The Governor was accompanied to the Forum by Delta State’s commissioner for works (Rural Roads) & Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu and Technical Assistant to the Governor, Bob Nakpodia.

…reads Riot Act to council chairmen, traditional rulers, others

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, announced the state government’s resolve to adopt modern technology in tackling crimes across the state.

The Governor who was worried by the growing insecurity in parts of the State, issued a stern warning to local government council chairmen, insisting that consistent attendance and active participation in monthly security council meetings is non-negotiable.

Speaking during a high-level security stakeholders meeting in Asaba, the governor expressed displeasure over reports that some council chairmen have been neglecting their roles in coordinating grassroots security efforts.

He emphasized that the monthly security council meetings are crucial for assessing threats, sharing intelligence, and coordinating responses to crime, and warned that any chairman who fails to take the meetings seriously would face disciplinary actions, including possible suspension.

Governor Oborevwori stressed that with renewed state of kidnapping, cult clashes and cult related killings as well as drug abuse, there was need for all security stakeholders to up their game in ensuring enhanced peace and security across the state.

He further said that deployment of advanced surveillance systems, crime-mapping tools, and data-driven intelligence will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and reduce criminal activities.

He commended traditional rulers and security stakeholders for their continued support and partnership with government in the fight against armed robbery, kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes in the state.

“Your commitment towards enhancing peace and security of the state is very commendable, however there is still a lot of work to be done.

“Reports of insecurity especially kidnapping are still prevailent, this very disturbing and I urge our youths not to resort to social media and making inciting statements but to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilantes to confront the kidnappers and the perpetrators of other heinous crimes in their communities.

“Security is a shared responsibility and as Council Chairmen you campaigned to win election, and you should know your environment very well.

“House of Assembly members and Commissioners from every local government; we must all do our best to ensure that we have enhanced peace and security in our various local government areas.

“We have been collaborating with the various security agencies, we have coordinated raids on blackspots across the state and we have recorded several successes in this regard. We are doing our best and we have destroyed kidnapping rings.

“The insecurity in the state has been compounded by the influx of undesirable elements from neighbouring states especially from across the Niger.

“Very soon, we shall deploy technology to help detect and engage all these criminals undermining the peace of our dear state.

“I earnestly expect that our local government council chairmen who are the chief security officers of their local government should hold their security council meetings regularly and brief me through the commissioner for local government or brief me directly.”

He vowed to hold the ALGON Chairman and his executives responsible for failure of Council chairmen to hold regular security council meetings and charged council chairmen to work together with the traditional rulers in their local government areas.

He said; “As a governor, I manage all the traditional rulers in the state. So if I can manage all of them, you can also manage the traditional rulers in your respective local government areas.

“Look at the rate of crime in our society today, our children are into drugs and all sorts of social vices. So you need to check what is happening around you. We will not take any form of laxity from any Chairman. By the time we use one or two persons as examples, others will sit up.

“The conventional security agents deployed are trying their best and the community vigilante are to support and complement their efforts especially because they are more familiar with our people.

“Hence, the council chairmen should ensure adequate funding are provided for them. If you don’t support them, they won’t work to aide the conventional security agencies.

“I expect that the relationship between the stakeholders especially the traditional rulers and the security agencies should be cordial. Any domain whose traditional ruler is not cooperating with our security agencies would not be tolerated.

“This is the reason I called you here to share ideas and suggestions on how to proffer lasting solutions to the security challenges we have in the state such as kidnapping, drug abuse, and so on.”

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the stakeholders had a useful discussion where it was agreed upon that serious measures will be taken to curb the issue of kidnapping that is rearing its head in some places.

“The various groups commended Governor Oborevwori and the security agencies for all they are doing to making sure Delta state is peaceful and safe, all the efforts they have been making so it is agreed upon that criminals, troublemakers alike, kidnappers should stay far from our state.”

Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I, appreciated Governor Oborevwori on the security stakeholders meeting and disabused the mind of Nigerians who believed that traditional rulers give lands to herders and collect money from them, saying “this is not true; in various communities, the lands belong to either the communities or families it doesn’t belong to traditional rulers.

“Some bad elements in our communities take money from the helders and they will say that our kings are aware just to rubbish the traditional rulers. We believe that what we have done today will go a long way to ensure that security of the state is at the top.

“We haven’t seen the presence of the Federal Forest Guards in all the local government, so we have not been able to use the local hunters effectively. But what we know is that we have vigilante in our various communities, the only problem we have is that they have not been properly funded.”

The Commander of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brig. Gen. Folu Shonibare, said stakeholders at the expanded security council meeting were able to come together and agreed on how to curb the menace of kidnapping, cultism, farmers/herders clashes and the issue of drug abuse in the state.

He disclosed that security agencies will continue to do their best to make sure that the state was cleared of all criminals, stressing that their efforts was already yielding impressive results as over 16 civilians that were about to be kidnapped were recently rescued in the state.

On the protest that erupted in Abraka recently, the Brigade Commander said contrary to rumours making the rounds, nobody was shot as the military cleared the protest peacefully, pointing out that his men were very professional in discharging their duties.

“The particular protest in Abraka went violent as it was hijacked by hoodlums who started flogging civilians along the road side, started closing down shops, forcing people to join the protest and even blocked the highway causing a very major gridlock; so, it was chaotic and the military had to wade in as the police were overwhelmed. Nobody was shot in that incident,” he added.

Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Hon Possible Ajede, who spoke on behalf of the council chairmen, said; “we have been further directed to move back to our respective local governments to take issue of security further. It is a marching order and it is our position in line with the meeting now that all criminal elements should relocate from the state.”

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, inaugurated a multi-billion naira set of cutting-edge medical equipment in a bold step to transform healthcare delivery across the state.

The newly acquired facilities include eight hemodialysis machines, 25 4D user-friendly ultrasound scanner, and two German-manufactured rugged CT scan machine.

These state-of-the-art devices are distributed across the three senatorial districts in the state, significantly boosting diagnostic and treatment capabilities at government-owned health institutions.

Speaking at the inauguration at the Central Hospital Warri, Governor Oborevwori said procurement of the medical facilities were to improve health care delivery in the state.

The Governor who invited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to inaugurate the medical equipment, said; “we have eight dialysis machines, three for central hospital Warri, two dialysis machine for Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara and the other three for Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba.”

According to him, “today marks a significant milestone as we distribute 25 ultrasound scan machines, one for each of the local government areas in our state.

“Following this event, each local government area will take delivery of their assigned machine. While the symbolic gesture may be quiet, the impact will resonate across our communities.

“The State Government, through the Ministry of Health, will also begin comprehensive training for health workers in our primary health centers on the proper use of these machines.

“This initiative is aimed at significantly improving the quality of healthcare services, especially in reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates.

“Furthermore, we have procured theatre and orthopedic equipment for our central hospital, along with two new CT scan machines—one of which has already been installed. The second is currently awaiting installation. These investments reflect our unwavering commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and outcomes.

“As the saying goes, ‘health is wealth’, and this administration is determined to ensure that both our hospitals and primary health centers are well-equipped to deliver quality, effective, and affordable healthcare to all Deltans.”

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, praised Governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership, describing the equipment rollout as a milestone in Delta’s healthcare journey.

“These include eight hemodialysis machines to be distributed across the three state districts, 25 4D user-friendly ultrasound scan, and a CT scan.

“After consulting with major health facilities in the state, it was noted that the Asaba Specialist Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital in Warri already have functioning CT-Scans.

“In his wisdom, the Governor approved the purchase of two brand-new, rugged German CT scan to serve the remaining districts.”

The Commissioner also lauded Governor Oborevwori for the prompt payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all resident doctors in the state, an initiative recognized by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) during their recent Ordinary General Meeting.

“Delta is now one of only three Nigerian states to have fully implemented the MRTF policy.

“In their communiqué, they acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as one of the only three governors in Nigeria to approve the MRTF.

“We also commend His Excellency for his unwavering support and protection in efforts to sanitize the nursing profession.

“He has made it clear that admissions into nursing schools must be based on merit alone, without external influence.

“I encourage our leaders to emulate this standard if we are to truly build a strong and effective healthcare system.”

The event also spotlighted the Governor’s consistent support for medical professionals.

Governor Oborevwori, accompanied by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and top government officials, formally inaugurated the equipment amid applause and optimism for a healthier Delta.

President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Eze Anaba has commended the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as “real and measurable development” across the state.

Speaking in Effurun, after a guided tour of projects in the state, Anaba, said the Editors were particularly impressed by the strategic investment in social protection initiatives, public sector reform, and massive road infrastructure, which collectively paint the picture of a state moving steadily towards sustainable progress.

According to the him, “from all indications, Governor Oborevwori is not just making promises; he is implementing policies that touch the lives of ordinary citizens.

“We have seen some very impressive road networks that are very fitting of this environment. We have had cases where roads cave in within weeks, schools collapsed within weeks.

“The road network we have seen so far is quite impressive and from what we have seen so far, Delta is experiencing huge infrastructure development from the schools, road networks and the flyover bridges.

“It is very very impressive and we can only give Delta State Government kudos and pray that this will continue for the enjoyment of the people.

“This is what the meaningful development is all about. People should feel government. Government should have impact in the lives of people. Once the people feel this development is automatically accepted, so we always say thank you and please keep it up.”

Also speaking, former Presidential Spokesman and Arise News Anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, expressed delight at the revitalization of Technical Colleges in Delta State.

“I was particularly impressed to see that we now have functioning Technical Colleges in states like Delta. This is a crucial component of the national education curriculum developing middle-level manpower with technical skills.

“We lost that capacity after many government-owned Technical Colleges disappeared over the years. But now, we have seen at least three of them operating effectively, and I believe that technical education at this level will greatly benefit the youths and future technocrats in Delta State,” he said.

“In addition to the technical institutions, we also visited the Southern Delta University campus at Orerokpe. From there, we proceeded to Ezesi Road in the Okpe Kingdom before heading to the Technical College in Omadino”, he added.

Dr. Abati further remarked on the disconnect between public perception and on-ground development: “Many people who live in Abuja or Lagos don’t really see what’s happening in their home states.

“Some claim to be from these areas but rarely visit, so they are unaware of the progress being made. I believe the government must do more to publicize its projects and achievements.”

Speaking on the significance of the administration’s second anniversary, Abati said:“This is a milestone occasion. The people of Delta State expect even more from the government going forward.

“One of the criticisms often raised during election campaigns is the tendency for elected officials to focus development only in their own areas.

“However, from what I have observed today having traveled from the northern to the central, to southern part of the state, there appears to be a commendable spread of projects.”

He concluded with words of encouragement for the governor, saying “I would like to tell Governor Sheriff Oborevwori that what he is doing aligns with the mandate given to him by the people. The only reward for hard work is more work. He should remain committed to doing even more for the people of Delta State.”

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the editors for visiting Delta State and emphasized the need for an objective assessment of the progress recorded so far.

He stated that the Oborevwori administration remains committed to improving the living standards of the people by delivering quality infrastructure.

The inspection tour began at the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass Road, continued along the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, and included stops at the Orerokpe campus of the Southern Delta University, the Technical College in Omadino, the Julius Berger flyovers at the PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout, as well as internal roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli.

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.”

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.”

The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on Monday, stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is building bridges of possibility connecting communities and laying the foundation for progressive development.

Speaking during an interview on ADBN Television, Aniagwu noted that Delta State has become a land of bridges not only physical structures but also symbolic connections among its people.

“We are constructing a significant number of bridges,” he said. “Let me emphasize for the record: these bridges are built to bridge a gap, and that means where there are gaps of connectivity somewhere Oborevwori builds bridges to facilitate human interaction.”

He described the many physical and social divides that once separated communities, rivers and ravines that forced school children to wait for unstable boats, isolated farmers from the market, and distanced families and friends. But, he added, these divides are now being closed one bridge at a time.

He cited the Beneku Bridge as a prime example. It now stands firmly over the sacred river that once divided Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East. For years, crossing this river demanded courage and patience as people relied on rickety barges. Today, the bridge has become a unifying symbol no longer are the people separated by water, but connected by shared purpose.

Further downstream, the Asaba-Ase Bridge is linking Isoko South to Asaba-Ase in Ndokwa East, while the Ayakoromo Bridge in the southern part of the state is being fast-tracked. With its bold design featuring 34-meter spans over the unpredictable River Forcados, it connects Ughelli South to Ayakoromo and neighboring communities in Burutu local government area, ushering in new opportunities for shared development.

“These are not just bridges,” Aniagwu emphasized. “They are bridges of possibility.”

In the Trans-Warri Corridor, 19 bridges are being constructed each one a thread in the fabric of regional unity. Each tells a story of vision, governance, and the refusal to let geography determine the destiny of the people.

In the city of Warri and its environs, flyovers are under construction to reduce traffic congestion at key junctions, including PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction. When completed, commuters will no longer endure endless gridlock, marking a significant shift in urban mobility.

Aniagwu also highlighted the importance of political alignment with the central government, noting that such alignment has brought Delta State closer to the nation’s key sources of power and resources.

“We are the number one contributor to Nigeria’s central purse by virtue of our vintage position in oil production,” he said. “Yet for too long, we stood outside the dining room, hungry, while the feast continued inside.”

Addressing political dynamics in the state, Aniagwu stressed that the existence or strength of a political party does not depend solely on the governor’s affiliation.

“Even if a party has only two or three members in a particular area, it can still mobilize and grow,” he explained. “From councilorship to chairmanship, House of Assembly to the National Assembly even to the governorship growth is always possible.”

He dismissed the notion that only the ruling party is functional, stating that political evolution is natural, and individuals have the right to choose their affiliations freely.

“No political party has been deregistered by INEC,” he said. “New parties can still be formed. Unlike in the military era, where only two parties existed the SDP and NRC today’s democracy encourages diversity.”

Aniagwu described the current political climate as one of evolution, where some parties gain regional strength—like APGA in the Southeast—while others aim for national reach, like the PDP, APC, and recently, the Labour Party.

“Tradition doesn’t come from one act,” he added. “It evolves. Over time, what begins as a trend becomes part of the people.”

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of good governance, not the number of parties.

“What matters is not how many parties exist, but the direction we are going. If we deliver on governance and earn the people’s trust, that becomes the real measure of political strength.”