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  • Oborevwori celebrates Emma Ogidi at 68

    Oborevwori celebrates Emma Ogidi at 68

     

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated erstwhile National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, on his 68th birth anniversary.

    The Governor lauded the renowned politician for his dedication and commitment to the unity and growth of the party.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor joined family, friends and political associates of the Ellu-born leader in celebrating the political tactician for his remarkable service to party and the State.

    He remarked that Ogidi’s exemplary leadership style contributed immensely to the party’s winning streak, particularly when he served as Chairman of the party in Delta between 2005 and 2008.

    The governor noted that Ogidi also made remarkable contributions to the development of the state as Commissioner representing Delta on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2009 and 2011.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate an outstanding leader and elder statesman, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi on his 68th birth anniversary.

    “Elder Ogidi has continued to live exemplary life of patriotism, selflessness and dedication to the progress and well-being of our party and country.

    “As a highly respected leader across the country, his contributions to national issues and outings of our party at various times in the state remain immeasurable,” he said.

    He prayed that Almighty God to grant Elder Ogidi continued good health and more years of worthy contributions to national development.

  • Education key to child’s upbringing – Oborevwori+Photos

    Education key to child’s upbringing – Oborevwori+Photos

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Monday, said his administration was investing so much in the education sector because “it is key to the upbringing of a child.”

    The governor who made the disclosure in Asaba at the year 2024 edition of National Children’s Day celebration, said apart from providing fit-for-purpose faculties and facilities in schools, his administration has also, recruited more than 2,000 teachers.

    Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor, said; “my beloved children of Delta State, I am happy to be in your midst today, a day set aside to celebrate you. Today also allows for stock taking on measures taken thus far as it concerns your wellbeing. It serves to reawaken our resolve to put in our best efforts to articulate policies and programmes meant to protect your interests and prepare you for a bright future.

    “The theme for this year’s celebration: Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skill Development is particularly apt. Education, formal or informal, is key to the upbringing of a child.

    “As a government, we are well aware of the positive impact of education on the development of our children. It exposes them to new experiences through supportive and structured learning thus preparing them for a purposeful life as adults.

    “It is with this understanding that we have continued to invest in sustainable and inclusive access to education at all levels. We are ensuring that our educational system has fit-for-purpose faculties and facilities.

    “We have recruited more than two thousand teachers in both the primary and secondary schools in the State. To further increase access to education, we have expanded the capacity of some of our tertiary institutions.

    “We have also paid bursary awards to all our students in tertiary institutions nationwide. We hope it will help to ameliorate the difficulties they may be facing considering the present economic challenges.

    “Just as it is written, Proverbs Chapter 22 verse 6 states; “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That should be the prayer of every parent. As parents, we need to note that ‘charity begins at home’ implies that education begins within the homestead. As such we ought to be embodiment of respect, integrity, responsibility, hard work for our children to emulate.

    “Our beloved children, society is replete with many social vices, such as drug abuse, cultism, prostitution, cybercrime, and many others. These offend our societal values. We have put measures in place to help eradicate these vices, which are fast eroding the social and cultural values we hold so dear in this part of the world.

    “Everything you do, every action you take, be it individually or collectively, please bear in mind, the impact it will have on you, your family and society in general.

    “Do not listen to those who condemn education and its invaluable assets. They don’t mean well for you. Please, be persuaded by the news of your fellows who enjoy the limelights when they do well in their educational pursuits. These are examples you should copy and targets you should aim to surpass.

    “Dear children, I assure you that in spite of present challenges, this administration will continue to take concrete actions, which will positively impact your future.

    “I sincerely wish you a happy and memorable children’s day celebration,” Governor Oborevwori said.

    Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori had earlier thanked parents and teachers for their efforts in ensuring proper upbringing of children.

    She urged children to know God and used the occasion to flag off Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign.

    The occasion which was well attended by schools from different parts of the state, featured match past by the students and cutting of celebration cake.

  • Oborevwori clears Okowa of interference allegations

    Oborevwori clears Okowa of interference allegations

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of the state, has never interfered in his decisions and choices since he assumed office.

    Oborevwori stated this while reacting to speculations that the former governor was influencing his decisions.

    The governor said this at a thanksgiving service held at the Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, in honour of his first anniversary in office.

    Oborevwori, while commending Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, for their wise counsel, also appreciated the residents’ support for his administration in the last one year.

    He noted that the 2022 PDP governorship primary election was the most keenly contested in the state’s history, acknowledging he would not have been elected without God’s divine touch.

    “From the pool of eminently qualified aspirants and in what was clearly the most contested governorship primaries in the history of Delta, I emerged winner by a wide margin.

    “But, as I have always said, my emergence as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 general election was a product of divine choice.

    “For, as the scriptures eloquently testify, the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding; nor yet favour of men of skill but time and chance happened to them all.

    “The above scripture best captured my emergence and enthronement as governor of Delta,” he said.

    The governor recalled that his victories at the primaries and general election were greeted with avalanches of litigations threatening to subvert God’s will.

    According to him, the state and the nation were shocked when he disclosed that he contended with 38 different lawsuits from persons determined to stop him.

    “But, in all, God saw me through.

    “Looking back, I am reminded of Psalm 34:19 which says that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

    “This scripture describes the trials and temptations that I faced while the court cases lasted till Jan.19,” he said.

    On his achievements within the year, Oborevwori said his administration had turned the state into a huge construction site with 317 projects across the state.

    “Out of the 317 road projects, 76 of them, spanning 171.49km and 85.30km length of drains, were initiated by my administration in the last one year.

    “A few days from now, we shall commence the inauguration of some of these roads and other projects in other sectors for the world to see what we have accomplished in the last one year by the grace of God.

    “The past year has been one of trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies and adversity and hope; through it all God has been very faithful.

    “Recently, God also showed Himself strong in my family by giving us a mighty deliverance in a car accident.

    ”Indeed, I owe Him a debt of gratitude for His unfailing love, goodness, protection and sustaining grace,” he said.

    The governor assured the people of the state of his commitment to advancing the state in all aspects of socio-economic development.

    In his sermon, the state Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church, Pastor Adekunle Shiyanbade, said the only way up was by giving regular thanks to God.

    Shiyanbade said that the biblical King David excelled because he was a pathfinder in thanksgiving, while God dethroned King Nebuchadnezzar because he ascribed his victories to himself.

    He commended the governor for deciding to thank God as his administration clocked one year and urged him not to relent in maintaining a cordial relationship with God.

    The cleric outlined a change of level, divine preservation, multiplication, divine intervention, access to divine secrets, change of condition, and favour as seven wonders of thanksgiving.

    The governor and his wife, Tobore, were joined by guests, including his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, Ezinne Catherine.

    The service had in attendance the immediate past governor, Okowa, his wife, Edith, and former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan among other dignitaries.

    NAN

  • We’ve turned Delta into a massive construction site – Oborevwori

    We’ve turned Delta into a massive construction site – Oborevwori

    …says God behind his emergence as Gov

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that his administration had turned the state into a huge construction site, and his emergence as Governor had the divine touch of God.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this at the first anniversary thanksgiving of his administration held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba on Sunday.

    The Governor said that, in spite of the strident opposition he faced as an aspirant and eventually flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 governorship poll in the state as typified by 38 legal challenges to his aspiration, his administration had turned the state to a potent construction site with a total of 317 projects across the state.

    He said that out of the 317 road projects, 76 of them, spanning 171.49km and 85.30km length of drains, were initiated by his administration in the last one year, adding that his government had turned the entire state to a huge construction site.

    Governor Oborevwori said; “few days from now we shall commence the inauguration of some of these roads and other projects in other sectors for the world to see what we have accomplished in the last one year by the grace of God.

    “The past one year has been one of trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies and adversity and hope; through it all God has been very faithful.

    “Recently, God also showed Himself strong in my family by giving us a mighty deliverance in a car accident. Indeed, I owe Him a debt of gratitude for His unfailing love, goodness, protection and sustaining grace.”

    He commended his wife, his Deputy, his predecessors, former Governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Emmanuel Uduaghan, the National and State House of Assembly, the judiciary, Civil Service, Security Agencies, spiritual, traditional and political leaders for their support and unflinching loyalty, saying, “together we shall build Delta State of our dreams.”

    Noting that the PDP governorship primary election of 2022 was the most keenly contested in the history of the state, he acknowledged that without the divine touch of God, he would not have been elected governor.

    According to him, “there are several reasons for the thanksgiving, starting from the PDP gubernatorial primaries of 2022. I could sense the finger of God in my victory.

    “From the pool of eminently qualified aspirants and in what was clearly the most contested governorship primaries in the history of Delta State, I emerged winner by a wide margin.

    “But, like I have always said, my emergence as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 general election was a product of divine choice.

    “For, as the scriptures eloquently testifies, the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, neither yet bread to the wise nor yet riches to men of understanding nor yet favour of men of skill but time and chance happened to them all.

    “The above scripture best captured my emergence and enthronement as Governor of Delta State. My victories at the primaries and general election were greeted with an avalanche of litigations that threatened to subvert God’s will.

    “The state and the nation were shocked when I disclosed that I contended with 38 different law suits from persons determined to stop me, but in all, God saw me through.

    “Looking back, I am reminded of Psalm 34:19 which said that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivered him out of them all. This scripture describes the trials and temptations that I faced while the court cases lasted till January 19, 2024.”

    The Governor, who gave glory to God for the successes recorded by his administration in the last one year, said his government had surpassed expectations and confounded his critics by keeping faith with his pledge to advance Delta State in all aspects of social economic development.

    In a sermon, the State Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church, Pastor Adekunle Shiyanbade, said the only way up was giving regular thanks to God.

    Pastor Shiyanbade said King David in the Bible excelled because he was a pathfinder in thanksgiving, while King Nebuchadnezzar was dethroned by God because he ascribed his victory to himself.

    He commended Governor Oborevwori for deciding to thank God as his administration clocked one year and urged him not to relent in maintaining cordial relationship with God.

    The cleric outlined the seven wonders of thanksgiving to change of level, divine preservation, multiplication, divine intervention, access to divine secrets, change of condition and favour.

    The Governor and his wife, Tobore, were joined by guests, including his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his wife, Ezinne Catherine, the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Deputy Governors, Chief Benjamin Elue and Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, members of the National Assembly, Hon Thomas Ereyitomi, Hon Jonathan Ukodhiko, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, Hon Benedict Etanabene and former Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, to make special thanksgiving to God.

  • Oborevwori hails elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at 97

    Oborevwori hails elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at 97

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Ijaw National leader and renowned elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, on his 97th birth anniversary.

    The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, praised the statesman for his dedication to the advancement of the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

    Governor Oborevwori stated that leaders, at the National and sub-National levels, had continued to benefit from Chief Clark’s astute advice on matters pertaining to the Country and the Niger Delta.

    According to the Governor, “It is really admirable how much Chief Clark contributed to the resolution of conflicts in the Niger Delta,” adding that the people of the region and the Country would remain thankful to the elder statesman.

    He said that Pa Clark was still a tenacious and ardent nationalist, with legendary zeal for his people’s interests and the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with our father and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, on the occasion of his 97th birth anniversary.

    “I join your family and your global admirers in commemorating 97 years of outstanding achievements and enduring fulfilment,” he said.

  • ICT vital in effective crime control – Oborevwori

    ICT vital in effective crime control – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has underscored the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the effective fight against all forms of criminality in the country.

    Governor Oborevwori noted that effective deployment of ICT in the fight against crime and criminality would promote peace and create a business friendly-ambience that would ultimately stimulate investors’ confidence in Nigeria.

    He disclosed this Wednesday when he received on a courtesy visit, the Deputy Inspector- General of Police (DIG) in-charge of ICT Department, Force Headquarters, DIG Sokari Pedro, who doubles as the Chief Police Officer in-charge of the South South geopolitical zone of the country, at Government House, Asaba.

    The Governor said it was worthy to note that the use of lCT had improved effectiveness, efficiency and capacity of the Nigerian Police Force in managing investigation, intelligence- gathering and prosecution of suspects.

    While saying that the effort to make the Nigerian Police Force ICT- compliant was very commendable, Oborevwori applauded the Police Force for their effective role in protecting lives and property and for collaborating with the state government in ensuring that Delta State remained peaceful.

    “In my MORE Agenda, I promised Deltans that I am going to enhance peace and security. This is where I grew up and I know the terrain very well. The peace we have enjoyed for the past one year, despite what happened in Okuama, is beyond human expection.

    “I am also glad that when they were giving awards in Nigeria, some persons who have helped us through the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, got awards.

    “If we are not doing well, they will not get those awards. There is a particular place in Delta State, where, for almost 20 years, you see civilians illegally bearing rifles and even to arrest them was a problem.

    “But when one of your officers was transfered there, I will tell you today that you can drive through that place without fear any time any day. He has recovered a lot of arms. If he hears any gunshot, he goes to trace who had shot the gun.

    “I want to commend you people for giving us that gallant officer at Ekpan. Today, Ekpan is very peaceful and I thank God that the IGP gave him an award,” the governor said.

    He pointed out that managing Delta State, which has diverse ethnic nationalities, was not easy, adding, however, that the support the state government had provided had encouraged the Nigerian Police in making the state safe and secure.

    The Governor disclosed that his administration had procured some vehicles that would be handed over to the Police to enhance their operational efficiency, adding that he would soon invite the Inspector- General of Police to commission them.

    Earlier, DlG Pedro said his visit to Government House, Asaba, was part of his familiarisation tour of states under his zone and sued for the support of all in warding off criminal elements from perpetuating their evil schemes in the state.

    The DIG, who noted that the South South geopolitical zone occupied a strategic position in the country, advocated for a robust partnership among state governments in the zone, the police and other security agencies to promote sustainable peace in the area.

    He lauded Oborevwori for his accomplishments within one year of his inauguration as Governor of the state and for his support for Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, even as he assured the Governor of maximum cooperation in maintaining law and order in the state and other states within the zone.

    The DIG identified the salutary effects of the human capital development efforts of the Oborevwori administration on youths and the unemployed as a sure way to ameliorate youth restiveness and criminal activities, even as he expressed satisfaction with the tempo of infrastructural development in the state.

  • MANPOWER SHORTAGE: Oborevwori establishes new health college in Delta+Photos

    MANPOWER SHORTAGE: Oborevwori establishes new health college in Delta+Photos

    AS part of his effort to address the shortage of manpower in the vital health sector, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Friday, flagged off the establishment of College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.

    While performing the ground breaking ceremony of the administrative building of the new College, which brought the number of Colleges of Health Technology in the state to two, Governor Oborevwori said the College would take-off in earnest from the existing structures in the Ovrode Grammar School.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said his administration was investing in education and healthcare infrastructure for the sustainable prosperity and longevity of citizens of the state.

    He said: “Today, the flag off of the School of Health Technology here at Ovrode, marks a major step in the march towards strengthening our health care sector through the M.O.R.E Agenda. With this state-of-the-art facility, this institution will provide quality education and requisite practical know-how for healthcare professionals who are currently in short supply in the state.

    “Today, we have less than a thousand servicing our health sector, whereas we need about seven thousand technical personnel to sustain it. It is to bridge this yawning gap that has informed the establishment of this college.

    “I urge the management and staff of the college to be dedicated and committed to producing high quality health care professionals capable of serving our people, with transparent diligence, love and empathy.

    “Healthcare is not just about diagnosis and treatment of illnesses; it is also about promoting wellness and preventing diseases through effective advocacy to ensure the well-being of every citizen.

    “Through investment in education and healthcare infrastructure, we are investing in the sustainable prosperity and longevity of our dear citizens. I sincerely appreciate the World Bank for its timely supportive partnership with the Delta State Government in the improvement of our health indices.

    “I commend the Delta State Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Delta IMPACT Team for making this vision, a reality. For the Ministry of Education, I recognize your support by willingly providing Ovrode Grammar School for the take-off of this institution.

    “I also thank other stakeholders who have demonstrated unflinching support for this project. Let us, together, build a healthier Delta State, both for the present and future generations.”

    Earlier in his address, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the project signified the State Government’s commitment to enhancing health care education and infrastructure across the state in line with Governor Oborevwori’s campaign promises.

    He said the College of Health Technology would play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care delivery in the state, adding that Delta keyed into the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress By Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services Project (IMPACT) in response to the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improve its human capital with the goal of reducing under-five mortality rate by half by year 2030.

    On his part, the President- General of Ovrode Community, Comrade Simon Okata, thanked the Governor for appointing an illustrious son of the community as Commissioner for Health and for approving the siting of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode.

    He said the establishment of the College was a divine fulfillment of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda and appealed to the Governor to construct the 3 km Ovrode – Aradhe Road to link the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

    The President- General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Prof. Chris Akpotu, lauded Governor Oborevwori for choosing Isoko and Ovrode for the establishment of the College of Health Technology.

    Akpotu said: “Isoko people are happy and overwhelmed and we appreciate our dear Governor on this massive project. We also thank Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing works on the College of Medicine at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as well as the massive transformation on the Isoko section of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

    “The Isoko people will continue to be partners with Governor Oborevwori and the State Government in the implementation of his MORE Agenda aimed at Advancing Delta.”

  • Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 5 nominees

    Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 5 nominees

    Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mr Anthony Elekeokuri, a former lawmaker, as the Director-General of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA).

    The assembly, presided over by the speaker, Dennis Guwor, also confirmed the appointment of Chief Lucky Umoru as the Chairman of DIDA.

    Others confirmed were Mrs Roseline Amioku and Mr Ikechukwu Madumezie as the chairman and member of the State Civil Service Commission respectively,

    Mr Ugbaka Ikenna was also confirmed by the lawmakers as the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

    The confirmation of the nominees took place after a thorough screening on the floor of the assembly.

    Recall that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier forwarded names of the nominees to the assembly for screening and possible confirmation.

    In his remarks, the speaker commended the lawmakers for their contributions toward the successful screening of the nominees.

    Guwor, who also congratulated the nominees on their successful screening and confirmation, enjoined them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor.

  • Oborevwori lauds Tinubu’s withdrawal of Army from Okuama

    Oborevwori lauds Tinubu’s withdrawal of Army from Okuama

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of  Delta has hailed  President Bola Tinubu and the military high command,  over the withdrawal of troops from Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor stated this while adressing  newsmen on Wednesday in Asaba.

    He said that with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration.

    “My Dear good people of Delta, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

    “I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, and as at today, the Military has withdrawn from Okuama.

    “With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

    “I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

    “In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons,” he said.

    He  lauded members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought who stood with the state throughout the Okuama saga.

    “Let me assure all Delta people and residents in the state that this administration is committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.

    “It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience.

    “As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta  Government to make that process smooth and seamless,” Oborevwori said.

    “After a personal assessment of the community on April  20, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to serve as transition to aid their rehabilitation.

    “We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.

    “It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility.

    “So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.

    “Once again, I commiserate with the families of victims of the Okuama incident.”

  • Oborevwori tasks NDDC on abandoned projects’ completion

    Oborevwori tasks NDDC on abandoned projects’ completion

    Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, charged the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region for the benefit of the people.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the charge in Asaba at the 6th Meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND) with Theme: “Stimulating Strategies For Economic Growth and Development in the Niger Delta Region”.

    He said that the intervention of the agency was crucial in facilitating urban-rural integration, creating employment opportunities for the people and enabling regional economic growth.

    He further remarked that the “forum is a strategic platform for states in the Niger Delta region to focus on issues and challenges of common interest, create a more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity, and deepen our collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    “Let me appeal to the NDDC to take steps to urgently complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region.

    “Indeed, the existence of the National Council on Niger Delta recognizes the interdependent nature of economic and political systems and the value of regional approach to economic development.

    “Economic diversification is key to our growth aspirations. Hence, I welcome ideas on how we can reposition our agricultural economies and invest massively in critical social and economic infrastructure.

    “I also expect this meeting to develop the blueprint for a more robust and effective public-private partnership to accelerate industrialisation in our various states.”

    Oborevwori stressed that urgent steps needed to be taken in addressing the protracted problems of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in the region.

    “By far the biggest challenge confronting us is the ugly spectre of youth unemployment, with the attendant effect of youth restiveness. The region boasts of a vast army of jobless young graduates, a clear and present danger to our collective peace and security.

    “Urgent interventions are, therefore, needed to get the youth productively engaged. While the various states in the region have embarked on youth entrepreneurship development programmes, there is a compelling need for the Federal Government to work closely with the states to develop sustainable youth engagement programmes.

    “Here in Delta State, the services sector accounts for over fifty percent of the non-oil economy, followed by agriculture twenty-seven per cent, and manufacturing nineteen per cent to the State’s GDP.

    “Thus, we are equipping our youths not only with employability skills but also with the technical and vocational skills to participate in business, trade, and commerce.

    “As we navigate our way through the current national economic crisis, it behoves on us to prioritize the development of agricultural value chains in our areas of comparative advantage, notably aquaculture, oil palm, cassava, rice, and maize.

    “It is my considered view that these are areas needing urgent attention and follow-up for our dreams for the economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region to become reality,” the Governor added.

    In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said the focus of the Council was in tandem with his administration’s objectives in the renewed hope agenda.

    He said the renewed hope agenda is focused on bringing hope to all Nigerians in the trying period. He appealed to the people of the region to be patient on the infrastructural development of the region, adding that his administration had developed a holistic plan for the overall development of the oil rich region.

    Chairman Progressives Governor’s Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma called for ideological based conversation on the overall development of the region and urged the NDDC to call a meeting of Governors of the nine states of the Niger Delta to discuss the way forward on Niger Delta Development.

    Earlier, Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh thanked Governor Oborevwori for hosting the National Council meeting, adding that the Council was working assiduously with other stakeholders to improve on infrastructural development and human capital development in the region in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

    While heeding to Gov. Oborevwori’s advise, the Minister assured that the Ministry would work with the NDDC to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects across the region.