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  • Some contractors conniving to shortchange Delta – Oborevwori

    Some contractors conniving to shortchange Delta – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said his administration was investigating allegations of connivance by some contractors and asphalt producers to shortchange the state.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this when he played host to the leadership of Isoko Church Leaders’ Forum, led by the Anglican Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Rev’d John Aruakpor, at Government House, Asaba.

    He reiterated his resolve to ensure that people of the state get value for every project executed by his administration.

    He said: “As a government, we are doing our best and I want to assure you that we will not tolerate sub standard jobs in all these jobs we have awarded.

    “We want to make sure that all the jobs are up to standard; we are aware that some contractors have started negotiating with asphalt producers to short change the state.

    “We are investigating them and even if they have laid the asphalt we will excavate and send same for test and see for ourselves because we want to ensure that we get value for every project executed.

    “I want to assure all Deltans that the MORE Agenda is on course and we count on your prayers and support to achieve our goals.”

    The Governor, who lauded the relationship between the Isoko nation and the state government, assured that the state would continue to explore ways to partner the church to achieve inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

    “The church is a very strong ally of government and this partnership is good for the peace, unity and stability of our state.

    “I thank you for appreciating some of the things we have done in the Isoko nation and aside from what you stated, we have completed the first phase of the Emevor-Orogun road and we have also awarded the second phase as well as the Olomoro-Igbide Road.

    He added, “We are building the College of Health Sciences which is near completion and we have also awarded the second phase of the project.

    “In consultation with the leaders of Isoko nation, we agreed that we change the name of the University to Southern Delta University which will enable the university get accreditation for other courses without restriction.

    “I have also directed the Commissioner for Works in charge of Highways to scope the road that connects Isoko South and Isoko North.

    “I want to assure you that this government is for all Deltans, and just as I promised that I will not be sentimental. I will continue to work with all the stakeholders, including the leadership of the church, to move Delta State forward.”

    The Governor asserted that his administration was the first to pronounce and implement the payment of the new minimum wage to workers, adding that he had also advised local governments in the State to implement the new minimum wage for their workers.

    He appealed to fathers of faith to continue praying for the President of Nigeria and those at the sub-nationals, saying; “we need prayers in these challenging times to be focused and to do God’s will for our state and country to be at peace.”

    The President, Isoko Church Leaders’ Forum, Bishop John Aruakpor, had said the visit was to thank Governor Oborevwori for the development he had attracted to the area and for appointing Isoko sons and daughters into key positions in his cabinet.

    Bishop Aruakpor, who said the vision of the group was to foster all- round development in Isoko land, pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the governor beyond his first tenure.

    He commended the Governor Oborevwori for the establishment of College of Health Technology at Ovrode and the College of Health Sciences at the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

  • Oborevwori tasks Delta Council Chairmen on new minimum wage

    Oborevwori tasks Delta Council Chairmen on new minimum wage

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the twenty-five Local Government Council Chairmen in the State to implement the new minimum wage for workers in their respective Councils.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the charge, Tuesday, during a meeting with the leadership of the Delta State chapters of the Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

    Also in attendance were the Auditor General (Local Government), Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission and the Accountant-General of the State.

    The Governor noted that with the passing of the Local Government autonomy law, a lot of burden had been put on the Councils but advised that they must implement the new minimum wage for their workers effective November, 2024.

    He equally admonished the Council Chairmen on the need to comply fully with the procurement law in all their procurements.

    He also advised that a retreat should be organized for the enlightenment of relevant categories of officials of the Councils on issues concerning financial management which should have the active participation of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

  • Delta to blacklist erring contractors, begins minimum wage payment – Oborevwori

    Delta to blacklist erring contractors, begins minimum wage payment – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has vowed that his administration would blacklist contractors who failed to execute projects in accordance with the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation given to them.

    He also said that his administration has began the payment of the new minimum. The governor pegged the imminence of the minimum wage payment on the priority placed by his administration on the welfare of its workforce.

    Governor Oborevwori handed down the warning to blacklist the contractors, on Sunday, in his remarks at the 70th birth anniversary of the Chairman, Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief (Mrs) Roseline Amioku at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

    He said his administration would continue to monitor projects across the state and called on contractors to ensure they do the right thing in the interest of the state.

    Oborevwori said: “For those contractors doing sub standard jobs in Delta State, they will be blacklisted. We are determined to ensure delivering of quality projects to Deltans. It is not easy to govern a state like Delta, and no contractor can complain that we are not paying them.

    “We are paying our contractors; projects are going on and we have not borrowed for 16 months and I want to assure Deltans that we will not borrow this year, by the grace of God.”

    On the development of Warri and its environs, Governor Oborevwori assured that his administration would remain focused on revamping infrastructure in the twin cities and would continue to do more in all parts of the state.

    He called on clerics to continue praying for the country and those in government, adding that the nation was facing critical challenges.

    “To our Lord Bishop, we cannot succeed without your prayers. We need prayers in this country. Here in Delta State, we are united; we don’t mind whether one is APC or PDP. Senator Ede Dafinone is here; he is my brother and he is from my Constituency.

    “The Speaker is managing everybody because we don’t look at party affiliation; election has come and gone and the key point is how we can move this state forward.

    “Please, continue to pray for Mr President and for all of us in government because times are very tough; it’s been a very challenging time for all of us, including those of us at the state level.

    “It’s not easy with us here because 90 per cent of Deltans are depending on the state government and if you look at the entire wage bill of the state, its over 80,000 workers when you combine State Workforce, Local Government workers and teachers, among others.”

    Specifically on the issue of the new minimum wage, Governor Oborevwori said the state had started payment of the new minimum wage, assuring that those who have not received, would receive as from Monday.

    “I want to thank all Deltans; as a government, we will continue to support them but they should try as much as possible to help themselves too.

    “For those who have left this country and are still receiving salaries, we will no longer pay them because they cannot remain abroad and still be on payroll. It is very bad; it is an act of wickedness and will not be accepted.”

    While congratulating Mrs Amioku, Governor Oborevwori urged the celebrant to continue trusting God and lauded her contributions to the growth of the Delta State Civil Service.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Delta State, I congratulate and rejoice with Chief Mrs Roseline Amioku on her 70th birth anniversary.”

    In his homily, titled “Do not lose hope”, the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Revd. Anthony Ewherido, said things might be nasty and terrible at the moment for Nigerians, but urged them not to lose hope because the “Lord will turn things around for good” if they look up to God for help.

  • Oborevwori hails Pius Sinebe at 75

    Oborevwori hails Pius Sinebe at 75

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chapter, Dr. Pius Sinebe as he clocks 75 years on October 25, 2024.

    The governor praised the Ijaw leader for his effective leadership in Patani Local Government Area and his proactive contributions to the PDP’s expansion and advancement in Delta State.

    The Governor, in a congratulatory statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, stated that existing and potential leaders would continue to be motivated by Capt. Sinebe’s expertise, experience and quality counsel for the state’s stability.

    He emphasised that future political leaders should strive to uphold the elder statesman’s legacy of constantly seeking the welfare of Deltans and all of Nigerians via his unwavering honesty, dedication and open-mindedness.

    “On the pages of our treasured history, your contributions to the expansion and advancement of our beloved state will always be remembered.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta State, I congratulate you, Engr. Dr. Pius Sinebe MFR, on the occasion of your 75th birth anniversary.”

    The Governor stated that, at 75 years, Dr. Sinebe exhibits remarkable strength and wisdom that are rare among individuals of his age.

    He added: “It is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with longer life, good health and strength to keep serving God and humanity.”

  • Oborevwori appoints Prof. Asagba Delsu VC

    Oborevwori appoints Prof. Asagba Delsu VC

    The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon.Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the appointment of Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba as the new Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka.

    According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, the appointment will take effect from 1st December, 2024.

    A Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology, Prof. Asagba had previously served the University in various capacities, including serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration as well as Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus.

  • Oborevwori felicitates Ex-Gov. Uduaghan at 70

    Oborevwori felicitates Ex-Gov. Uduaghan at 70

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as he clocks 70 years on October 22.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori expressed profound gratitude to God for the life of the former Governor and for granting him many years of great accomplishments.

    Oborevwori lauded the former state helmsman for supporting his emergence as Governor of the state.

    He extolled Uduaghan for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the state and country, stating that some of the iconic projects in the state capital would remain indelible legacies of his stewardship in the state.

    Governor Oborevwori described Uduaghan as “a compassionate, detribalised leader and elder statesman of repute”, whose contributions to the growth and development of the state and the country would remain ingrained in historical archives.

    He appealed to the elder statesman to continue providing useful advice to the Government and people of the state, and prayed that God Almighty would continue to bless him with good health and long life.

    Oborevwori gave special recognition to Uduaghan for the state’s free maternal and under-five health care programmes, which established the national standard.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate our dear leader and former Governor, a renowned physician, an astute politician and remarkable statesman, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, on his 70th birth anniversary.

    “On this auspicious occasion in your life, I join your family, friends and associates to thank Almighty God for His continued love and goodness to you and to pray for long life, good health and wisdom to keep serving God and humanity”.

  • Oborevwori greets Obielum at 67

    Oborevwori greets Obielum at 67

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated a retired police officer and renowned politician, Chief Godswill Obielum, as he clocks 67 years on October 20.

    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement in Asaba, described Obielum, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a worthy compatriot and leader of inestimable value.

    He particularly extolled Obielum for his role in guiding and stabilising the party in Ndokwa East Local Government Area and expressed the hope that he would continue to provide leadership and direction to help mentor the young generation of Delta and Ndokwa youths in politics.

    Oborevwori lauded the Ushie-born leader and political tactician for his enduring legacy and outstanding contributions to the party’s winning streaks in the state.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate an illustrious son of the state, Chief Godswill Obielum, on his 67th birth anniversary.

    “As you celebrate 67 years today, your family, associates and admirers have cause to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and amazing fulfillment,” he said.

  • Oborevwori mourns pupil who died in school building collapse

    Oborevwori mourns pupil who died in school building collapse

    Oborevwori mourns pupil who died in school building collapse

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has sent condolences to the family of a pupil who died in an unfortunate building collapse at Eghereka Primary School, Ewu Town in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    Oborevwori’s commiseration was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, who described the incident as most unfortunate.

    He said: “We have just received a report of an unfortunate incident of the collapse of a block of six classrooms without a roof, which has not been in use for over a decade at Eghereka Primary School, Ewu Town, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    According to reports, the dilapidated building collapsed under the heavy rain, whereby a primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, unfortunately lost his life, while three others were injured.

    “The Governor commiserates with the family of the deceased pupil, the management and staff of the school as well as other pupils injured in the unfortunate incident”.

    While commending prompt efforts that led to the quick rescue of the injured pupils, Governor Oborevwori said the Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Lucky Avweromre has visited the scene with a view to providing necessary support to the surviving victims of the building collapse and also visited family of the deceased pupil.

    He stated that words were inadequate to fully comfort the grieving family over their sad loss and prayed that God Almighty would grant the families, the school, and the community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and that God’s consoling presence would comfort them in these trying times.

  • NIGERIA @ 64: Oborevwori urges citizens to persevere

    NIGERIA @ 64: Oborevwori urges citizens to persevere

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and not be overwhelmed by the present economic challenges bedeviling the nation.

    Rather, he urged them to remain positive, noting that tough times don’t last, but tough people do by effectively surmounting challenges facing them.

    Governor Oborevwori made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Asaba, to mark the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

    The Governor, who paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the country, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, adding that a new phase of prosperity, peace, unity and progress would soon envelop the country.

    Oborevwori said: “It goes without saying that there is hunger and despair in the land because of the high cost of living caused by inflation.

    “There are not enough words to describe the pain and suffering many people are going through because of the ongoing fiscal and economic reforms.

    “However, I want to say that these, too, shall come to pass. Every problem has an expiry date and this will not be an exception.

    “So, I urge Deltans and residents in the state to refuse to give up. Tough times never last but tough people do.

    “The situation we are in calls for creativity, innovation, determination, patience, and resilience on the part of everybody – the leaders and the governed. These are the qualities we need to stay afloat in a turbulent economy, and overcome the challenges facing us.

    “We should never stop praying for Nigeria, no matter the situation, because God’s will is for us to pray and we must also match our prayers with the right confession. We can pray right but if we speak wrongly, we nullify our prayers.

    “We should, therefore, stop speaking negatively about our country. We should use our mouths to pray for the peace, unity and development of our country. Decision determines destiny. Once we make up our minds to speak positively about our country, we will be surprised by the results.”

    While reacting to the Bishop’s commendation on ensuring quality projects delivery in the state, Governor Oborevwori said; “we have carefully listened to our Bishop and he said something about the quality of jobs; they know that I am ready for those who are not ready to do the right job.

    “If you are given a job, you are well paid and paid as and when due and you do a substandard job, Sheriff will not take it. They know I will not take it.”

    He stressed, “my Lord, it will interest you to know that last week, I called a meeting of Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of MDAs; where I told them that there is nothing they need that I have not done.

    “A state that has a work force of over 55,0000 and they are paid as and when due, yet, contractors will be given jobs and Site Engineers will go and take sub-jobs to go and do a job they are supervising. You see the challenges we are facing?.

    “The problems we face are not just from the contractors but also from the Site Engineers who issue certificates for jobs that are not properly done.

    “If you do your job well as a Civil Servant, and as a Site Engineer, you inspect your job very well, the contractors can’t get certificates for jobs not properly done.”

    Oborevwori pleaded, “I urge the House of Assembly members to do their oversight work. Very soon, I am going to get a hotline where I will be getting direct information from the public.

    “I have also told the Accountant -General and the Commissioner for Finance that I want to be paying the workers of this state on or before the 26th of every month.”

    Earlier, the Bishop of Asaba, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, had, in a sermon titled “In all things, give thanks”, said it was difficult to give thanks in the current situation of the country, but urged Nigerians not to be discouraged, and instead, give thanks to God because “it is the will of God for all men.”

  • Journey to Sapele’s rebirth has begun – Oborevwori assures

    Journey to Sapele’s rebirth has begun – Oborevwori assures

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said the journey leading to the full rebirth of Sapele, once a hub of high heel economic activities, had begun with the construction of over 15km of internal roads in the ancient city.

    Oborevwori disclosed this at the maiden re-union and business summit organised by the Sapele Memories Development Foundation at the Sapele Athletics Club.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Governor Oborevwori said his administration had taken some sure steps to revamp infrastructure in the ancient city with a view to providing an enabling environment for its sustainable economic rebirth by sustainable growth and development.

    He commended organisers of the Sapele Memories Development Foundation for the initiative which, he said, aligned with his administration’s vision for one Delta.

    He said: “Your gathering today is seen as part of your agenda that the government is pushing forward to create opportunities for all.

    “I can see individuals who belong to different political parties and different religious persuasions bound together and gathered here in the spirit of Sapele.

    “It is part of the vision of Governor Oborevwori to build one Delta; with all intents and purposes we are looking forward to a state where all of us can gather, irrespective of our different political persuasions.

    “By the grace of God, I have been saddled with the responsibility of supervising some of the roads we are doing in Sapele at the moment.”

    On the Okirighwre-Benin Road, Aniagwu said the contract for the road had been awarded and would be completed between now and May next year.

    According to him, “we are looking forward to a state where all of us can gather to move our state forward, irrespective of our political differences.

    “Oborevwori knows the developmental needs of Sapele and I can tell you that, in our quest to revamp infrastructure in Sapele, we have awarded contracts for the construction of over 15km of internal roads.

    “To fast track the construction of these roads, we have provided mobilisation, as much as 40 per cent in some cases, to the various contractors we have given these different jobs.

    “So, I can assure you that the development of Sapele again has begun and that by the time we complete some of the projects, Sapele will become better than you used to know.

    “We are doing it because we want to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive again which is also part of what you are doing which is very commendable.

    “It is always better for the private sector to thrive so that employment opportunities can be boosted because government alone cannot provide the much needed employment opportunities for all.”

    He explained that the Oborevwori administration was not actively working in Sapele alone but across the three Senatorial districts in the state.

    “We are ensuring that our communities connect with each other so that our kits and kins can interrelate with one another and we are also fast tracking the construction of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.”

    On security and the development of the area, Aniagwu appealed to the leaders to ‘keep talking to our brothers and sisters’ to make them understand that peace and security has a very good relationship with economic development.

    “If you are not able to have peace and ensure security, it becomes much more difficult to attract development to such societies.”

    Chairman of the occasion, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, lauded Professor Hope Eghagha for mooting the idea of the Sapele renaissance, a unique story of a reunion of Safarians ( residents of Sapele) and business summit.

    He urged Safarians to remain united, adding that Sapele needed a serious face-lift. He said: “Let’s think of what we can do to make Sapele better. Sapele deserves a higher institution, possibly a university, industry and economic activities.”

    The Orodje of Okpe, HRM Maj Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I, commended the people for charting the way forward for Sapele town and charged them to address the challenge of insecurity in the area in order to return the town to its lost glory.

    Chief Ighoyota Amori, a PDP faithful, in his keynote address, recalled the glory days of Sapele from the 1800s when the city was booming with development from the second largest timber company in the world, (the now moribund African Timber and Plywood, A T and P) among others, that made Sapele unique in terms of industrialisation.

    Welcoming guests earlier, the President of the Sapele Memories Development Foundation, Professor Hope Eghagha, said the idea of the reunion was to give back to a city that made them what they had all become.

    He said Sapele was a “melting pot” in the absence of ethnic dichotomy, adding “that is the Sapele we want to recreate”.

    He said they had carried out a total of 57 free surgeries in the last one week, saying that they would support schools in the city by inspiring hope among the youths and thanked Governor Oborevwori, traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support.

    The event was attended by the Ovie of Idjere Kingdom, HRM Monday Obukohwo Whisky, Udurhie 1, among other dignitaries.