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  • Oborevwori, Okowa, Guwor attend late Pa Augoye funeral +Photos

    Oborevwori, Okowa, Guwor attend late Pa Augoye funeral +Photos

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and numerous other dignitaries attended the funeral service for late Pa William Orwin Augoye.

    Pa Augoye, who is father of the Member representing Okpe State Constituency, Hon. James Augoye, passed on November 13, 2024. He was aged 97.

    In his remarks at the ceremony, held at Ugbokodo-Okpe Secondary School, Ugbokodo-Okpe, in Okpe Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori eulogised the late Pa Augoye as a disciplined father and teacher who contributed immensely to societal growth throughout his life and times.

    He lauded the deceased patriarch of the Augoye family for instilling sound discipline and moral virtues in his children.

    He said, “Pa William Orwin Augoye passed through all the phases of life, but what is more important is the life that he has lived and when you want to assess people, you assess them by the family.

    “If you look at James Augoye, the kind of life he is living, you will know that the man has raised good children. So, you will use Augoye to also judge all the other members of the family.

    “As a teacher, he was able to teach the children the good things about life.

    “In all our struggles today, we want to acquire wealth, we want to go for positions, we want to hold positions, we want to live a luxury life.

    “But what is more important is our covenant with God, because, at the end, where will you go? So, our take home today is to emulate good things. The good aspect of Pa Augoye is that he disciplined his children to live a very good life and I believe these children today will also continue to emulate their father.”

    Governor Oborevwori said the message for the day was for the living and not the dead, adding, “your coming here today is not just for the ceremony. You have come here to listen to the message; the message is not for the dead but for those of us that are still alive.

    “The person that has passed on is there already. One day, we will still be in this casket. What will be said about you? What will you be remembered for? What are the things you have achieved? What are the things we will say about you?

    “On behalf of the government of Delta State, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Augoye family. We will remember Papa Augoye with great respect and we will continue to cherish his contributions to society.

    “May his soul rest in peace and may the family find strength and solace in this time of mourning.”

    “Let us continue to live life such that when we go, we will be remembered for the good things we did while on Earth because this we will not live her3le forever. Death is inevitable.

    “I believe that when we do the right things while on Earth, we will be remembered for good things. But what is more important, I must tell you here, is your covenant with God.

    “To be on the same page with God. To continue to do the right thing and I know that when you continue to do the right thing, God will continue to bless you.”

    In a sermon titled, “Benefits of death”, Pastor Mike Irihobose, said the best place to prepare for death was the Earth and not in the grave.

    Pastor Irihobose said the death of a believer was a transition to eternal glory, hence the need for those yet to accept Christ to do so before death comes.

    He said Pa William Augoye lived a fulfilled life and also died in Christ and urged his children and family to hold on to Christ.

    The funeral ceremony was attended by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Solomon Arenyeka; the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, other members of the State House of Assembly and other top government functionaries.

  • Oborevwori charges political appointees on whistleblowing policy in Delta

    Oborevwori charges political appointees on whistleblowing policy in Delta

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged political appointees in the state to champion the whistleblowing policy of his administration by reporting poorly executed projects in their areas for prompt action.

    The governor gave the charge on Wednesday, while swearing-in Chief Ighoyota Amori as his Chief Adviser at Government House, Asaba.

    He said video recordings and information on any poorly executed project would help government in blacklisting erring contractors, in addition to putting an end to the abandonment of projects and execution of jobs against the terms of contractual agreements.

    He said, “Last week, during an interactive session with the top level public and civil servants, I announced my intention to open a hotline for residents to report cases of sub-standard jobs by contractors, to my office.

    “This is an initiative that will assist the government to ensure that government gets full value for the money spent on projects.

    “Political appointees must take the lead in this wise by monitoring projects in their localities and advise government accordingly.

    “Governance is all about team work and all hands must be on deck to achieve our goal of giving our people the best and making Delta State the envy of other states in the federation.”

    Oborevwori added,  “it is gratifying to note that the world has noticed the much our administration has achieved in the last 19 months.

    ” The momentum must be sustained through continuous fiscal discipline, massive infrastructural renewal, youth development and empowerment, and the effective stimulation of the growth of small and medium enterprises.

    “We are determined to keep our expenditure within revenue limits and ensure judicious allocation of resources, thus fostering the right conditions for economic prosperity and sustainable development.

    The governor, who congratulated Chief Amori on his appointment and inauguration, said the appointment was in accordance with Section 196 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).

    “Chief Amori, as you all may be aware, is one of the founding fathers of PDP in Delta state and has played significant roles in the development of the party both locally and nationally.

    “He has also served in various capacities in successive administrations and has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state.

    “This administration will be counting on his political sagacity, as well as his vast knowledge, wisdom and experience in policy formulation and implementation in our mission to advance Delta state through the M.O.R.E Agenda,” he said.

    He charged all political appointees to remain good ambassadors of the administration.

    “As public servants, all our actions and utterances must support the core values of the M.O.R.E Agenda, which are: innovation and excellence, service and social responsibility, transparency and accountability, opportunity and freedom, and unity and respect.

    “I expect every one of us to be guided by these principles to command the respect and support of the people we have been called to serve.

    “It is also my earnest expectation that all political appointees maintain constant interface with their wards and local government councils.

    “It is your duty and responsibility to acquaint the people with the policies and programmes of the administration and obtain the necessary feedback from our communities.

    “This will enable the people to feel the impact of governance, and help the administration to develop need-based programmes tailored to address their yearnings and aspirations.

    “We are committed to bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. And all appointees are an essential part of that process.

    “Rest assured that your performance will be closely monitored and will be used in assessing your effectiveness,” Oborevwori said.

    Responding, Amori, Chief Adviser to the Governor, said he was happy with the appointment and other platforms given to him by the governor to serve the state and the party.

    He  pledged to offer useful advice that would advance the state in all sectors.

    He called on the people of Delta to redouble their support for Gov. Oborevwori in his drive to accelerate the tempo of sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of the state.

  • Oborevwori felicitates wife, Tobore at 55

    Oborevwori felicitates wife, Tobore at 55

     

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on her 55th birth anniversary on Wednesday.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, lauded his beloved wife for her support over the years, leading to their emergence as Delta’s first family.

    He described Deaconess Oborevwori as a godly mother, whose contributions to the society were enormous, especially through her prayers for the state and the family.

    The Governor appreciated his beloved wife for her pet project ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, with a key focus on helping vulnerable individuals in society, especially children with autism.

    He said: “On behalf of our family, the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Her Excellency, my dear wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the occasion of her 55th birth anniversary.

    “For our cherished children and the entire State, Her Excellency, my dear wife, has consistently served as an example of diligence with the prized qualities of a godly mother.

    “As Her Excellency commemorates this occasion of her 55th birth anniversary, it is my prayer and that of the children that the Lord would continue to grant her the strength and discernment to manage the daunting responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”

  • Oborevwori felicitates Kingsley Esiso at 61

    Oborevwori felicitates Kingsley Esiso at 61

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated immediate past Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Kingsley Esiso, on his 61st birth anniversary on Feb. 4.

    Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, lauded Esiso for the numerous victories recorded by the party when he held sway as State Chairman from 2016 – 2024.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Kingsley Esiso on his 61st birth anniversary.

    “You contributed immensely to our party’s winning streak when you were Chairman for eight years and we owe you a great deal of gratitude.

    “I join your family, friends, and well-wishers in expressing our gratitude to Almighty God for His unwavering love, mercy, protection, and provision for you throughout the past 61 years, as you continue to soar in life.”

    While wishing the erstwhile Chairman a happy birth anniversary celebration, Governor Oborevwori prayed that God Almighty would grant him many more years of good health and blessings to continue serving God and humanity.

  • Oborevwori woos Swedish investors to Delta

    Oborevwori woos Swedish investors to Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Swedish investors to explore investment opportunities by taking advantage of the state’s peaceful environment, strategic location and abundant natural resources for high investment returns engagement.

    Governor Oborevwori made the call when he received on courtesy visit, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, and her delegation at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.

    The Governor noted that the state was blessed with abundant crude oil and gas deposits, and assured that there was high returns on investments in the state.

    He said: “Delta State is a peaceful place and it is one of the places in Nigeria that produces the crude oil that serves this nation. And we are open to business because it’s a place that is very peaceful.

    “It will interest you to know that, in Delta State, we have three airports; the Asaba International Cargo Airport, the Osubi/Warri airport and the Escravos airport which serves the coastal oil terminal.

    “Your visit today will also consolidate our relationship with the Swedish government. I am also aware that since 1961, Nigeria has a relationship with the Swedish government.

    “Your coming here today will also encourage other investors to come and invest in Delta State. For you to spend two nights here it means that the place is safe and ready for business.

    “We have our special economic zones, the Kwale free trade zone, Koko free trade zone and the Ogwashi-Uku Agro Industrial Park with incentives that include tax holidays and duty- free imports and exports.

    “We also encourage investments here by providing prospective investors with information about the ease of doing businesses in Delta State.

    “So, we invite you to encourage Swedish companies to come and invest and we assure you of profits. As you know, everyone wants to invest where there will be profit.

    “This visit will spur us to have a better relationship with the Swedish government.”

    Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his award of Governor of The Year by ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television, adding that she had been longing to visit Delta.

    Hahn-Englund said Sweden and Nigeria have diplomatic relations dating back to 1961, adding that her visit was to promote trade and investment.

    “We had the visit of His Excellency, the Vice President of Sweden, to Nigeria last year and the Prime Minister visited, too, in August last year; so, you see the good relationship we have with Nigeria which I also know will continue this year.

    “We feel that it’s also very important to develop relationship with important states to build up knowledge and network.

    “We have some Swedish companies in Nigeria which are mainly into ICT, infrastructure, Telecom, Energy and Transportation. We meet with them regularly and we know where they are interested in terms of investments.”

  • Why Oborevwori was conferred with Governor of the year award – Delta Govt

    Why Oborevwori was conferred with Governor of the year award – Delta Govt

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was honoured with the Governor of The Year Award for his fiscal discipline and innovative approach to governance.

    Aniagwu, who was responding to immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s criticism on the choice of Governor Oborevwori for the award, said the state government, under the governor’s watch, had completed numerous projects, while also initiating new ones without borrowing to fund them.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Asaba, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori inherited numerous projects out of which many of them had been completed which, he said, ‘this speaks to the Governor’s effective and efficient management of financial resources without borrowing a dime from anywhere.’

    He said, “we thought we were alone in terms of observation of these giant strides of the governor, not knowing that even in far away, Lagos and Abuja, the editors of THISDAY and ARISE News, or rather the two media outlets, were also busy with their eagle eyes, taking copious notes.

    “We do not have issues with some persons in opposition, particularly our brother and leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    “We are not stopping them from playing politics or making constructive criticisms because it actually emboldens us to do more, but to begin to ask what we are doing and why we were given the award is, at best, seen as ‘Pepper-body’.

    “We expect that if their state has been picked as making progress they should be happy. Trying to de -market the state because of personal interest is not in the interest of anybody.

    “He went through this path in 2023, even when Oborevwori had not become a Governor; yet, Oborevwori defeated him in 21 out of the 25 local government areas.

    “So, I thought the lesson of that defeat was enough for him to know the kind of criticisms he could embark upon.”

    Aniagwu, who was flanked by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, said the sterling performance of Governor Oborevwori had become the greatest undoing of the opposition in the state.

    “We plead with Omo-Agege that he should be fair as he engages in politicking, which we are not ready for at the moment because we have a covenant with the people of Delta to deliver on the MORE Agenda with a view to advancing development in our state.

    “If he is asking our people of Ndokwa Nation what we have done for them, I will remind him that, in Ndokwa Nation, we have awarded no fewer than 15km of roads.

    “We have completed the Obi-Ibabu road which is over 4km awaiting inauguration. The Ndemili-Utagba Uno road and the Eweshi – Utagba-Uno road are being pursued vigorously.

    “We have also awarded a road in Amai which has progressed to stone base; at Aboh in Ndokwa East, work is also ongoing.

    “The Beneku bridge has been completed and the governor has also awarded the construction of Asaba – Ase bridge in Ndokwa East linking Uzere in Isoko South.”

    He also said, “Whilst Omo-Agege was in the Senate, the few things he was able to attract, he took them near his father’s compound at Orhomuru.

    “Can he now compare himself to a man that is building bridges across the state to the extent that he doesn’t discriminate against members of the opposition parties in the state?

    “Governor Oborevwori has also warned that nobody should be discriminated against on account of their political affiliation. Whatever is due to the people is distributed without recourse to political affiliation.

    “We all know, in this state, that he didn’t work for President Tinubu ; so, if he is thinking that by saying these things he would warm himself to President Tinubu, he needs to think again and take a different route.”

    Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori had directed that every Commissioner must supervise their projects critically to ensure that Delta had value for money spent on projects.

    He stressed, “We are also here to inform all those who have taken it upon themselves of the opportunity of grabbing government lands across the state.

    “We warn that government will not hesitate to demolish such illegal properties built on such public lands and we will make them pay for whatever cost incurred during such demolitions.”

    On Senator Ned Nwoko’s resignation from the party, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori and PDP were not bothered by the Senator’s serial defections, noting that the party would continue to win in Aniocha North and other parts of Delta North Senatorial District where Senator Nwoko currently represents.

    On housing, the Commissioner said the state government had commenced the construction of 30 units of three bedrooms and 20 units of two bedrooms pilot phases in Ozoro, Kwale and Owa-Oyibu.

    He added that the State Government currently runs four public universities, adding that no state in the country could boast of a university in each of the Senatorial districts of the state.

    On healthcare delivery, the Commissioner said the Oborevwori administration was renovating over 150 healthcare centers across the state and the procurement of facilities at the Central Hospital Warri and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara.

  • Oborevwori mulls decentralisation of DLA for efficient road rehabilitation

    Oborevwori mulls decentralisation of DLA for efficient road rehabilitation

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, said the State Government would decentralise the operations of the State Direct Labour Agency (DLA) as part of measures to revive and sustain an effective road maintenance culture in the state.

    Governor Oborevwori said this in his brief remark at a three-day retreat tagged “Repositioning the Delta State Direct Labour Agency For Better Performance in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration”, held at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba, the state capital.

    During an unscheduled visit to the venue of the retreat, the Governor disclosed that his administration had plans to decentralize the DLA for the effective delivery of the MORE Agenda in road infrastructure.

    He said: “I have come here today on an unscheduled visit to see what you are doing and am happy seeing all of you here.

    “I know that what you are doing today will surely impact on the state, because there is a lot to be done.

    “Some of the takeaways from this retreat, including the issue of decentralisation of the DLA, would be given the due attention they deserve.”

    The Delta State Direct Labour Agency was established as an interventionist agency with the mandate to maintain and repair failed portions of roads in the state.

    It is believed that the three-day retreat for the personnels of the agency under the leadership of Engr. Emmanuel Ighomena as Director-General, would equip them with the necessary skills to modernise its operations for the benefit of the state.

  • Oborevwori shines, wins Governor of the year 2024 Award(Photos)

    Oborevwori shines, wins Governor of the year 2024 Award(Photos)

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday night, shone as he won ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television “Governor of The Year, 2024 award” for his fiscal discipline and infrastructural development of the state.

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

    Oborevwori wins Governor of the year award

    Presenting the award on behalf of the media house, former Commonwealth Secretary- General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on the recognition, describing him as an achiever with great positive accomplishments.

    Governor Oborevwori, while receiving the award at an impressive event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, dedicated it to God and the people of the state for their support and partnership.

    Oborevwori, who won the award alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom and Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the award would spur him to do more for Deltans in the years ahead.

    He said: “Let me sincerely congratulate THISDAY/ARISE Media Group on their 30th and 12th anniversary, respectively.

    “This award is a recognition of our modest efforts in advancing Delta through our MORE Agenda.

    “I dedicate this award to God Almighty and to the good people of Delta State. Once more, congratulations to THISDAY/ARISE Media Group on their anniversaries. God bless Delta and God bless Nigeria as we continue to work together in harmony and unity as a nation.”

    In an interview with journalists moments after receiving the award, Governor Oborevwori said the award would spur him to do more for Deltans as he had promised in his MORE Agenda.

    “As a man with street credibility, we are in touch with the grassroot and, as we are building infrastructure, we are also building our people because you may have infrastructure and the people are hungry.

    “So, we are building the capacity of the people and we are also building infrastructure and investing in agriculture and other sectors of the economy.”

    He remarked that as the year 2025 unfolds, his administration will remain unwavering in the desire to redouble efforts towards building a more peaceful state and a resilient economy.

  • Novena University honours Oborevwori with doctorate degree(Photos)

    Novena University honours Oborevwori with doctorate degree(Photos)

     

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.

    The conferment took place on Saturday during the institution’s 5th combined (2018/2019 through 2023/2024) sessions convocation ceremony at Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori thanked the university for the recognition, adding that the honour was a motivation and a challenge to press forward in his vision to advance Delta State through his M.O.R.E Agenda.

    Novena University honours Oborevwori with doctorate degree

    According to him, “Our administration’s MORE agenda is a policy document that embodies priorities for sustainable social and economic development.

    “This, we hope to achieve through infrastructural renewal, comprehensive programmes of youth training, development, and empowerment, and the creation of a conducive business and investment environment for local and foreign direct investments.

    “So far, we have recorded remarkable successes in advancing urban-rural integration through massive road construction as well as micro-credit and capacity building support for SMEs.

    “To date, over two hundred thousand persons have been given grants and various business support packages to help them overcome the prevailing economic challenges so i am deeply grateful that our modest achievements have been noticed by this university.

    “Going forward, we will consolidate on the progress made and ensure sustainability of our policies and programmes”

    Novena University honours Oborevwori with doctorate degree

    He lauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Chuks Ochonogor, for his clear vision, industry and dedication to offering quality higher education.

    “I note with pleasure that as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University has continued to live up to expectation with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricular, infrastructure upgrades and an enhanced learning climate.

    “I salute your courage, determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It would have been easier to deploy your hard-earned resources to trade and commerce for faster returns on investment, but you chose to invest in the youths of this country; we appreciate you for this and posterity will forever be kind to you.”

    Governor Oborevwori commended the academic and non-academic staff of the university for their sacrifice, commitment and contributions to building the citadel of learning and urged the graduands to put to work what they had learnt from the institution.

    “Today, the university has certified that you have acquired the requisite knowledge of your fields, analytical abilities, self-awareness, and the skills that the university degree implies.

    “I want to believe that you have also imbibed the values that this university represents, values of hard work, discipline, innovation, honesty, and accountability.

    “As you step out into the world today, you must be ready to embrace change, because we are living in a world of rapid changes. Change can be unsettling. It can create great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty.

    “But it can also open doors to wonderful new beginnings. So, you must be prepared for change. Sometimes, changes in life may appear sudden, drastic, and dramatic. But instead of deterring you, they should serve as a motivation for you to break new frontiers.”

    In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Novena University was a big lesson for the Nigerian state exemplified by dint of hardwork of the Pro-Chancellor providing positive change in his immediate community and Nigeria as one of the leading private universities in Nigeria.

    He challenged Nigerian leaders to work with vision, sincerity and conscience in building a better Nigeria.

    The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chuks Ochonogor, said the ceremony was a testament to 20 years impactful service to the people, adding that the university had enhanced the economy of the host communities by creating employments and profitable economic activities for the self-employed as well as contractors, traders and landlords.

    He said the university which commenced academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with three colleges, now had seven colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine and Law.

    Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Godwin Nduka, said the university ‘stands out’ as the very first private university in Delta State.

    He said the university boasts of great diversity with the current Vice-Chancellor being the first Deltan to become head of the institution since inception twenty years ago.

    The Vice-Chancellor lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous strides in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, including the new minimum wage, pensions, security of life and property, providing better roads and care for different categories of people in need.

    At the ceremony, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was among the graduands with the Master of Science Degree in Accounting.

  • We have not borrowed since Oborevwori took over – Delta Govt

    We have not borrowed since Oborevwori took over – Delta Govt

     

    Delta State Government, Friday, reiterated that it had not borrowed any money since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took over governance in the state on May 29, 2023.

    The State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije who disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba, said contrary to reports by an online news medium, the State Government had not entered into any borrowing relationship with any institution.

    According to him, “this state has not entered into any borrowing relationship whatsoever, whether partnership, individual, corporate, bank, local, national or international. We have not borrowed a dime since this administration took effect on the 29th of May, 2023.

    “I can state categorically in any forum I found myself, that Delta State remains, in terms of financial terms, the strongest financial state standing in this country.

    “I say so with every emphasis because I know the finances of the state, and I say that we are clearly, clearly the strongest financial state in Nigeria.

    “I can stand this debate at any point in time, because I know the balances as I speak to you today. I know the efforts that are being made by this administration.

    “We stand categorically, heads up, to state that this administration has not borrowed a dime since 29th of May, 2023.

    “We have paid so much in terms of construction, we have made sure that all debts are being paid down as seriously as we can.

    “We have also improved in terms of contractual relationship with our contractors. Before now, it is difficult for us to give our contractors advanced payments.

    “But as I speak, virtually all of the major contracts we have now, we have actually offered between 30% to 40% in terms of advanced payment.

    “Indeed, the last discussion I had with the Governor, we are even thinking that for this particular dry season, we are going to be paying up to 70% advance payment.

    “Because of the inflationary trends in Nigeria, we don’t want to be caught up in it at all. We do not want to review any contract whatsoever as we move on in this dry season.

    “We want to take advantage of the dry season to do as much as we can and in terms of creating value for money for Deltans, the inspections that he has carried out are actually giving out so much to you and I.

    “We need to understand his effort in trying to ensure that there are funding for all contracts that we have given and in all relationships that are actually being entered into by this administration.

    “I state once again, categorically, as Commissioner for Finance, Delta State, that we have not borrowed any one kobo from any institution whatsoever since 29th of May, 2023.

    “I also state categorically, and I am willing to stand anywhere to debate it, that we are the strongest states in terms of finance in this country.”

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a man of impeccable integrity who has demonstrated a lot of transparency in the running of the affairs of the state.

    “We have read out a number of projects that we have embarked upon in the last 19 and half months, and that all those projects are being funded by the funds that are at the disposal of the state, and that at no time in the last 19 and a half months has the state made any move to ask anybody to give us money in form of loan.

    “We are only using what is available to us that comes in from our entire state. we have not at any time borrowed a penny, and so we were surprised when we saw a report in one of the online platforms suggesting that we are number one in terms of borrowing.

    “We don’t know where that came from because as a state we are on a platform of solid liquidity. We are not only liquid, but we are solidly liquid to be able to deal with the problems that we have and that tells you the management skills of the Oborevwori administration,” he said.