Tag: Gov Sherriff Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, congratulated his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, on his 60th birth anniversary on March 30.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba, described Onyeme as “consummate politician, servant leader and philanthropist par excellence”.

He lauded Onyeme for his contributions and motivational role in the ‘MORE Agenda’ of his administration, describing him as a loyal, dependable and trusted partner in the administration of Delta.

Governor Oborevwori said; “on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate my friend and brother, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Monday Onyeme, on the occasion of your 60th birth anniversary.

“Your outstanding patriotism, humility and support to the administration stood you out as one of the most loyal Deputy Governors in the country.

“Your Excellency, your impeccable role as Deputy Governor of our dear state, Delta, has contributed to the amazing achievements recorded by our administration in almost two years.

“As you celebrate this landmark anniversary, I rejoice with you and your lovely family as you attain the age of 60 today. May God grant you the desires of your heart, and fill the rest of your years with joy, peace, and wonderful blessings.”

…as HoS, Bayoko Bows Out

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday, tasked public servants to render service with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of the state and country.

Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the retirement thanksgiving of the retired Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, held at the Grace and Progress Family Church, Asaba.

While congratulating the outgone Head of Service for his services to the state, the Governor lauded Bayoko for remaining steadfast through trials and triumphs and thanked God for sustaining him throughout his remarkable and illustrious career in service

Governor Oborevwori who was accompanied by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and top government functionaries, said; “we are here gathered in gratitude, a celebration for the glory of God Almighty, for the remarkable service and well-deserved retirement of my brother, Mr. Reginald Bayoko.

“It is a moment of reflection, appreciation, and thanksgiving for a man who has given 35 years of his life for the noble cause of public service.

“In that 35 years, he was a permanent secretary for almost 10 years. In that 35 years, he was Head of Service for almost 10 years, almost 19 years and we give God all the praise.

“I always encourage people to cultivate a heart of gratitude, especially towards God. Today, people who have been in this service for 10 years, they want to be like Bayoko.

“They want to be like a permanent secretary. Why don’t you wait for your turn? Because it’s turn by turn.

“Some are due for retirement. They will not give space for the young ones to grow, they will change their date of birth.”

To the celebrant, Oborevwori said, “you have run your race with honour, courage, and humility. You have not only led but also mentored and inspired countless young Deltans who now look up to you as a role model.

“As you step into this new chapter of life, I have no doubt that your work and experience, wisdom and passion for uplifting others, will continue to shine in new and meaningful ways.

“As we partake in this thanksgiving service, let us all be reminded of the sacred duties we hold to our communities and our state.

“Let us strive to emulate the selfless and faithful service that Bayoko exemplified throughout his career.

“In whatever capacity we serve, let us do so with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of our state.”

In a sermon on “Don’t forget”, Bishop Chuka Agwuegbo, charged Christians and people in authority to always remember that all they have attained and achieved in life were by God’s mercy.

While congratulating the chief celebrant, Mr. Reginald Bayoko on his successful retirement as Head of Service, he described Bayoko as a wonderful and brilliant administrator who contributed his quota to the growth and development of the civil service.

He said man had a natural propensity to forget, adding that there were many Bible accounts of how men forgot God after making it in life and warned that the end was always disastrous for those who do not give gratitude to God for their blessings.

In his remarks, Bayoko thanked God for a remarkable career in the civil service and expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and former Governors of the state for the opportunity to serve the state in several capacities.

Delta State government has reportedly waded in to stop the query where a nursing student of Delta College of Nursing, Osato Edobor, was expected to, within 24 hours, explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.

The viral video causing traffic jam on social media was traced to her TikTok page from where it was picked up by others and went out of hand.

As at the time of this report, the video is one of the most shared post on Facebook in Nigeria.

The song was AI manipulated and the purported event took place in Asaba and not Agbor.

But as soon as the letter hit the social media, it immediately went agog as every social media user felt it was wrong of the provost to have written a query to the student for mere expressing herself.

As condemnations trail the query from thr school management, activists, human rights lawyers, concerned Nigerians and others have called for caution, saying such issues should be carefully handled to avoid escalation of crisis.

As social media goes aflame, commissioner for health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, in video posted on Facebook, said he has instructed the provost to withdraw the letter, adding that the government was not interested in victimizing anyone. He said he also called the student in question who also confirmed that the letter has been withdrawn.

What Sowore plans to do as authorities of Agbor Nursing School move to sanction nurses over misconduct during Tinubu’s wife’s visit (See query letter)
President Tinubu’s wife sends very important message to Deltans

In a similar response to Omoyele Sowore’s post, Dr. Nelson Egware, senior special assistant to Delta state governor on media, said the state government had waded in, bringing the matter under control.

Egware said the letter mandating the nursing student, Osato Edobor, to answer why she should not be disciplined, would be withdrawn. He quickly added that as the state government wades in with a view to end the matter, all parties should learn vital lessons to avoid future occurrences.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said the Delta State Commercial Oil Palm Plantations Growers Cooperative Society Limited (DELCOM COOP) project was expected to attract close to $1 billion in development finance over the next decade.

Governor Oborevwori who disclosed this at the public presentation and launch of DELCOM COOP/Delta State Oil Palm Plantations Development Land Bank and Agric Data in Asaba, said it was expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate the local economy and position Delta State as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

He said that transforming Delta State’s Oil Palm Industry was in furtherance of his MORE Agenda, which underscores the unwavering commitment to unlocking the immense potentials of agriculture, particularly the oil palm sector, as a catalyst for sustainable development, wealth creation and the enhancement of livelihoods.

According to him, “today, we come together at a pivotal moment in the history of Delta State – an opportunity to shape a future where agriculture, particularly the oil palm industry, becomes the cornerstone of our economic transformation.

“This journey began on 20 November, 2018, when the Delta State Government, under the visionary leadership of my predecessor, initiated a bold partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“That meeting marked the genesis of our commitment to the CBN’s 10-year Oil Palm Development Initiative, a programme designed to reclaim Nigeria’s global leadership in oil palm production and drive unprecedented growth in this vital sector.

“Delta State, like other participating states, is committed to contributing 100,000 hectares of farmland to this national initiative.

“Through the CBN/Bankers Committee’s N500 billion RSSF-DCRR Funding Facility, we aim to access N120 billion over the next decade to revolutionize our oil palm sector. This is not merely an investment in agriculture; it is an investment in the future of Delta State.”

The Governor held that since the the establishment of DELCOM COOP on 04 August, 2020, “we have achieved remarkable milestones. ”

He said, “Starting with 41 Limited Liability Companies and 1,971 Smallholder Farmers, DELCOM COOP has now expanded to encompass 145 companies and 3,080 Smallholder Farmers.

“This exponential growth reflects the steadfast support of the Delta State Government and the collective resolve of our stakeholders.

“A cornerstone of our success is the adoption of the Delta State Model – a community-centric approach that places both land and wealth in the hands of our people.

“Through the Community Land Release and Participatory Model, 68 host communities across Delta North, Central and South, have generously released 130,000 hectares of dormant arable land, surpassing our initial target of 100,000 hectares.

“Of this, 10% is reserved for the benefit of indigenes, while 22% of the annual net profit from commercial operations will be allocated to the communities.

“This model ensures that our people are not merely beneficiaries but active participants and stakeholders in this transformative project.”

He disclosed that the state would establish six strategic hubs for the aggregation and processing of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into high-value products such as palm oil, palm stearin and organic fertilizer.

“The DELCOM Project is being implemented in phases. The first phase targets 30,000 to 35,000 hectares and involves the establishment of two oil mills, with an estimated cost of $150 million, within the first two years.

“To demonstrate our commitment, the Delta State Government has already approved a N25 billion ISPO guarantee for Tranche 1 of Phase 1.

“Sustainability lies at the core of this project. DELCOM COOP has posted a counter-guarantee to the Delta State Government, ensuring the project can self-finance its second phase of 65,309 hectares.

“This is supported by the cultivation of intercrops such as cassava, maize, soyabeans and sorghum, which will be harvested and sold to appointed off-takers within the first 12 months of the project.

“By revolutionizing our oil palm industry, we are generating meaningful economic opportunities for our people, particularly in rural areas, where access to finance and infrastructure has historically been limited.

“We are also fostering peace and security by empowering communities and ensuring that they have a vested interest in the success of this project.

“To our traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders, I urge you to sustain your invaluable support for this initiative. Your cooperation and commitment have been pivotal to our achievements thus far and I am confident that, together, we will achieve even greater milestones,” he added.

Oborevwori emphasized that the transformation of Delta State’s oil palm industry was not just a government project; but a collective endeavour requiring the dedication of all stakeholders.

He saTogether, we can unlock the immense potential of this sector, create wealth and build a brighter future for generations to come.”

Earlier, Secretary of DELCOM, Dr Felix Okonti, said DELCOM COOP hoped to lift two million Deltans out of poverty and create 15,000 millionaires 1,080 billionaires in Delta by the year 2032 through the oil palm projects initiative.

He said a new foreign private equity funding was being processed to secure $900 million for DELCOM COOP’s 100,000 hectares plantations and six large scale 150 MTPH FFB Oil Mills Projects Development.

He added that the DELCOM Project had the capacity to generate more than 288,700 jobs in the first instance and one million jobs in the long run.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the member representing Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, on his 50th birth anniversary on March 25.

Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, said Hon. Ukodhiko was worth celebrating for his outstanding accomplishments in life and for his altruism and philanthropy.

He lauded the federal lawmaker who was a former Commissioner for Energy in the state for his resilience and grandiose contributions to the governance and development of the state, describing him as a “great and dedicated patriot and man of the people”.

Governor Oborevwori said that it was heart-warming to note that the oil and gas investor and outstanding businessman, had, by dint of hard work and discipline, won the hearts and respect of the Isoko people and numerous Nigerians through his visible acts of kindness and astute representation.

He said: “Since your emergence as the Representative of the Isoko people in the House of Representatives, you have continued to ensure quality representation of the Isoko nation.

“This is not surprising because you are wearing the shoes earlier occupied by a legislative maestro and virtuoso, the legendary, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, who bestrode the Green Chambers like a colossus for 20 years.”

The governor added, “There is no doubt that your quality representation will continue to impact positively on the development trajectory of the Isoko people, Deltans and Nigerians through the core values of humility, integrity and accountability which you epitomise.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Delta State, I congratulate you, an outstanding business professional and lawmaker of repute, Hon. Pastor Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko as you celebrate your 50th birth anniversary.

“As you celebrate this golden anniversary of your birth, it is my prayer and that of the government and people of Delta that God grants you greater wisdom and good health to continue rendering amazing services to Him and to humanity”.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mrs Minimim Oseji as Head of Service.

Her appointment is sequel to the retirement of Mr. Reginald Bayoko who occupied the office for almost 9 years.

Mrs Oseji, a medical doctor, was until her appointment Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and was previously Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

In 2020, she was elected the 22nd National President of Medical Women’s Association of Nigerian (MWAN).

The new Head of Service would be sworn-in on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Mnipr
Hon. Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information

The Executive Director Projects EDP, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu has hailed the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the massive infrastructural development facilitated by DESOPADEC in the oil producing communities in the State.

He gave this commendation on Wednesday 19th March, 2025 while briefing the Media during his projects inspection tour to Burutu Local Government Area of the State.

He said the massive infrastructural development embarked upon by the Commission in the mandate areas to boost the infrastructural development of the oil producing communities couldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our amiable Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“I want to give Kudos to our working Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to DESOPADEC to succeed in providing infrastructural and Human capital development in our oil producing communities. For the past few weeks, I have been on projects inspection to the various mandate areas.

This fantastic performance by DESOPADEC would not be possible without the commitment of our amiable Governor,” he said.

At Burutu, the Headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area where he inspected the ongoing work on Library and Skills acquisition being executed by the Commission, Dr. Okorodudu maintained that the Commission will do all it takes to make sure that the project is completed and commissioned.

“This is a well-constructed project. You can see the structure and all other facilities. We shall make sure whatever is the hindrance to the completion shall be looked into for the project to be completed and commissioned as this is the primary reason for this inspection,” he said.

Earlier, the Head of Department of Housing, Qs. William Oyimi had briefed the EDP on the extent of job done so far by the contractor, saying that the Library and Skills Acquisition building were awarded since 2014 and some of the complimentary buildings were done by the contractor in anticipation of it been awarded to him. Haven expended such huge amount of money, the complimentary buildings are yet to be captured in the budget.

Also inspected was the completed re- enforced concrete landing Jetty at Bemugbene, Warri South West Local Government Area comprising of two walkways.

One of the community leaders, Mr. Tumbo Anthony, who spoke with DESOPADEC Media while commending the efforts of the Commission in completing the project, saying that it has ameliorated their plight of using wooden Jetty over the years in the community also appealed to DESOPADEC to construct a concrete road from the Jetty to the community to bring more dividends of the M.O.R.E Agenda to their area.

Other projects inspected were the ongoing construction of seven units of semi-detached Bungalows of Two (2) Bedroom, at Ijansa community also in Warri South West Local Government Area.

The Executive Director Projects after seeing the challenges faced by the contractors in the riverine areas then said such contractors should not be owed.

“Contractors in the riverine areas are facing challenges as a result of the nature of the terrain. They should not be owed in other for them to perform effectively,” he said.

Commending the Head of Housing Department for effectively monitoring the projects, he promised that all DESOPADEC projects shall be given due attention for them to be completed.

The inspection tour was rounded up with a courtesy visit by the EDP and his team to the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Julius Takeme at the Council Secretariat where Dr. Okorodudu informed him that he was in the Local Government area to inspect some completed and ongoing projects being executed by the Commission but deemed it fit to pay him a visit, commending him for his open door policy to governance in the local government area.

Hon. Chief Julius Takeme thanked the EDP for the honor done him for the visit, saying that Burutu Local Government Area is one of the highest oil producing Local Government Areas in the State and that he will be happy to work in synergy with the Commission.

Those in the EDP’s team included Engr. Tony Okuwe, Executive Assistant Projects to EDP; Engr. Elliott Olokor, Head of Department of Projects Monitoring and Evaluation PME; Engr. Friday Money, Head, Works Department; Qs. William Oyimi, Head of Department of Housing; Engr. Evans Omene, Technical Assistant to EDP; DESOPADEC Media Crew; Opa Williams Crew; DBS, Warri; Pointer Newspaper; Information Officer from Ministry of information, Asaba amongst others.

Below are photos from the inspection.

Delta State Government, Thursday, said the giant strides of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration was a major reply to critics and opposition in the state.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while speaking on AIT’s “Democracy Today” monitored in Asaba.

He said that Governor Oborevwori was concentrating on delivering on his four-point agenda and would not be distracted by those seeking to play politics with developments in the state.

He said, “Governor Oborevwori is concentrating on governance and the people of Delta are seeing it and little wonder they were clear that Oborevwori dey show workings, nor be chor, chor, chor.

“So if there are individuals who think that governance is about talking here and talking there and raising issues, Oborevwori says come and see what we are doing.

“Now we have challenged anybody, irrespective of the local government, we are no longer talking about come and let us show you what we are doing in Delta.

“We are pinning down to local governments and the way we are proceeding, in the not too distant time, we are going to pin it down to political wards, in which case we bring it closer to the people.

“There is no local government, mention it, of the 25 local government areas, we will tell you what Oborevwori is doing.

“In the education sector, in the housing sector, in the road infrastructure sector and in the health sector, there is something that is being done across the 25 local government areas.

“And so, when those who want to begin to play politics are playing politics, Oborevwori says, I have not even exhausted the mandate given to me to add value to Delta, let alone getting involved in political talks.

“So his performance is the major reply and so we are not disturbed by those who may have decided to pitch tents with different political groups, but let me also tell you that a number of persons have also come to pitch tent with Oborevwori because they are quite happy about the development in Delta.

“Any time, any day, we can take on anybody by showing them what Oborevwori is doing. So that when they tow the part of chor-chor-chor, we tow the part of showing them what we have been doing.”

The Commissioner further said Governor Oborevwori was uniting ethnic groups in the state with massive development and life-changing empowerment.

“We have agreed to continue to live and cohabit as brothers and sisters. Just recently the Governor resolved the age-long crisis between Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh communities.

“That was an area where we had an intractable crisis for a very long time. The same way he also did with respect to some of the challenges around Ogwashi-Uku, where they had some issues in terms of both kingship, the Okwabane’s, as well as challenges between them and their neighbouring communities.

“The governor moved swiftly to set up a commission of inquiry that has been able to examine the issues and since that time there have been some element of calmness even before pronouncement or the issuance of the white paper.

“So all these things come together to promote the harmonious coexistence which by the way is the fourth plank of the governor’s four-point agenda.

“Governor Oborevwori is running an agenda that is anchored on meaningful development, opportunities for all as well as realistic reforms and not forgetting his desire to also enhance peace and security.

“So he is using all aspects of the agenda to be able to drive this harmonious coexistence that has characterized our different communities.”

On security in the state, Aniagwu said, “We are quite mindful of the fact that there are pockets of insecurity by way of kidnapping which of course has become prevalent across the 36 states of the federation.

“But we are also doing something about it. Not long ago, Governor Oborevwori made available as much as 30 brand-new Hilux vehicles and it was the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun that came around to inaugurate those vehicles.

“But that’s not all, we have, before that time, given up to about another 30. So it means not fewer than 60 vehicles extended to security operatives, all with the view to enhancing their mobility.

“We are also doing that in addition to enhancing their ability to gather intelligence by improving their ability to communicate with their colleagues and indeed reduce also some form of anti-agency rivalry.

“So in general, in Delta, Governor Oborevwori is leading us quite profoundly and we are happy with how he has been able to manage our resources such that we are making appreciable progress across the state.”

…says Orere bridge connects 15 riverine communities

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said the state government prepares payment schedule on weekly basis to pay contractors as they turn-in their certificates.

The Governor who disclosed this during inspection of Orere bridge in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, said his administration would no longer allow contractors take projects they could not finish on time.

He said the Orere bridge which was started by the previous administration, connects over fifteen riverine communities along the corridor.

“This bridge is very key to several communities within this area, without this bridge, accessing those communities is very difficult. So when this bridge is completed, it will be of very great benefit to about 15 communities around this area.

“Like I promised before that we are also going to engage indigenous contractors and that is what we are doing.

“Even though we are using some international companies, we also need to engage our local contractors and I think the quality of work is okay.

“We need to encourage our local contractors, but I am not happy with the speed of work, the momentum is not okay, the contractor needs to step up activity”, he said.

Continuing, Governor Oborevwori, said; “there is no enough speed on this job, if we continue like this, how long will I be coming here for inspection? I believe that when I come again it should be for final inspection before commissioning.

“So the contractor has till the end of this year to see what they will
be able to do, even if we have to reduce their contract work in other places so they can concentrate.

“This is imperative because we can’t just have contractors with so many contracts and moving from one site to another sampling equipment when we are going for inspection.

“We will encourage contractors to take what they can do, when you finish your job on time, we will give you another job so that’s what we will be doing now.

“Those who are having too many jobs, we are going to revoke some of them that are not performing but if you are performing no problem, but if you are not performing we will revoke your contract and give it to those who can perform.

“Before now some will give excuse about payment but there is no excuse about that because we pay you if you have a certificate today, we will pay.

“We don’t do cash budget on monthly basis, we do it on weekly basis to pay people. The contractor have to apply speed on this job because time is running.

“By the time we are celebrating our second year anniversary, I should be able to have a lot of jobs to commission.

“This inspection is to ascertain work done by these contractors and also look at their performance, so coming here today, the quality of work is okay for their standard, but there is no speed, we want speed on this job.”

On the economic viability of the bridge, Governor Oborevwori said, “if there is no economic value there is no way we can put this kind of bridge here but moreover they are also Deltans and like we have promised that we will be fair and just to the people of Delta State.

“From here you can access so many of these villages and bringing their products to the town instead of using boats they will just drive through and even people can come from outside to the communities to buy produce.

“We have over five kilometers of road across because completing this bridge without the road we will not make much meaning to inhabitants of these communities.”

The Governor also inspected the 46km Ohoror-Bomadi Road linking Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Burutu and Bomadi local government areas.

“There was wild jubilation the day it was approved at the EXCO, and that shows that people are very happy. So it’s not only just to serve the Ijaw people, it also serves part of Urhobo people,” he said.

At Edo Road, Ughell, which is being constructed with concrete, the governor commended the contractor for the quality of work done, adding that when completed with Asphalt overlay, the connecting roads would help reduce traffic around Otovwodo junction.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, emphasized the crucial role of effective education in crime prevention, stating that increased investment in the sector could significantly boost security by reducing criminal activities.

Speaking after the inspection of ongoing construction of Model Technical College, Omadino, Warri South Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori highlighted how access to quality education could provide credible opportunities for young people, steering them away from crime and fostering a more secure society.

Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, supporting teachers and implementing policies that ensure effective inclusive learning for all.

He expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the project but expressed the hope that the contractors would make the necessary corrections.

Oborevwori said; “I have said that education is my priority and we are using it to checkmate crime. We are doing things that will make people not to be involved in criminal activities. Education is very important to us and I will continue to encourage effective education.

“I want to assure Deltans that we will continue to build on our foundation for future growth and prosperity for Delta State.

“There are other technical schools that are ongoing, like the one in Kiagbodo which is ongoing. The one in Bomadi, we have asked the contractor to go back to site”.