TheNewsGuru

Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Nwoko’s diatribe against Oborevwori – By Francis Ewherido

    Nwoko’s diatribe against Oborevwori – By Francis Ewherido

    I heard Sen. Ned Nwoko’s name for the first time when he was in the House of Representatives between 1999 to 2003. Thereafter, I saw him twice. The first time was when I joined others to protest to INEC office in Asaba in respect of his “stolen” mandate in 2011. He had contested on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) to represent Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate. The second time was on June 6, 2011 during the inauguration of the seventh senate. He was one of the guests in the red chamber. I also followed a friend to his house in Abuja once, but he was not home.

    I have always seen him as an experienced politician and I still do. He has been in the news recently for two reasons: The first is his agitation for the creation of Anioma State. The rest of Delta State is calm about it because it is a legitimate and old agitation. The only opposition is coming from some people within the proposed Anioma State who do not want to be part of it.

    The second was his recent statement and demeanour when he met with some of his constituents. He briefed them about the Okpai Independent Power Project and the Ogwashi Uku Dam. He said he has discussed the power project with the Minister for Budget and National Planning and he assured him that the project will be included in the 2025 budget. But he is impatient to wait till then, so he claimed he approached the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori to “pay” for the immediate commencement of the project, but the governor said there is no money. He then said he can attract companies to fund the project, but the governor should give the go ahead.

    While I concede that the project is important especially to Delta North, I did not understand why he wants to drag Delta State into a project that is a joint venture between the federal government and private companies. He already has an understanding with the minister to put the project in the 2025 budget, why not also tell the federal government to give the go ahead? Where the governor to accept, which I find absurd, he has to get a budget for it and get the approval of the state house of assembly. As a senator, he should do that at the federal level.

    I was disappointed when I watched the video. He had a private meeting with the governor and he was telling the constituents what transpired in a private meeting while being recorded. What is intention of the distinguished senator? To cast the governor in bad light and turn his constituents against him? He is sowing seeds of political discord which is dangerous in Delta State and inimical to him politically.

    He talked about the huge disparity between projects going on the Delta North and the other senatorial districts. Truth be told, the immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, focussed heavily on Delta North to the detriment of the other senatorial districts. The projects in Delta Central and Delta South that Nwoko is referring to are projects either the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduguan or Sen. Okowa should have done but failed to do.

    What prompted me to write this article was his reference to the ongoing flyovers in Effurun-Warri axis. The distinguished senator talked about to ongoing projects in Delta Central and Delta South in what I felt was a sarcastic and demeaning tone. It is true that one of the flyovers is by the junction leading to Osubi, Governor Oborevwori’s hometown, but I need to elaborate. Osubi hosts the first airport in Delta State after the airstrip was relocated from Effurun and upgraded to an airport. Many people – Deltans and non-Deltans – have missed their flights because of the gridlock at that junction.

    The gridlock can be so bad that sometimes, it takes you two hours between DSC Roundabout and Effurun Roundabout, a journey of a minute if there is no traffic. When there is traffic everyone is trapped including travellers going to or coming from Bayelsa and Rivers State. So, this flyover is a real solution provider, not just a project sited near the governor’s town. In newspaper articles I had urged the Delta State Government to construct this flyover during the Uduaghan and Okowa time.

    The other flyover is the Enerhen Junction flyover. About 43 years ago, my father walked home at about 8pm. We had been expecting him since 6pm.When we saw him, we thought his car broke down but he said he had been in the gridlock which started from Enerhen Junction and stretched all the way into Udu Road. My father parked his car at some point and walked home through short routes. He went back after 11pm to bring his car home. This flyover being constructed is near the boundary of Warri and Effurun, so it is very strategic to the two senatorial districts. Renovation of the Warri Stadium and completion the road to Ode Itsekiri are overdue, but let me stop here.

    Senator Nwoko’s outburst is misleading. These projects are meant to provide solutions to problems that have been there for the last 30 to 50 years and more. Enerhen junction flyover specifically is a project the that should have been done during military era. The internally generated revenue from Warri and Effurun could have funded the project and transformed the axis, but the military was not interested in developing the area. Warri and Effurun are cities where Deltans and non-Deltans live. Their problems affect all, just as all benefits from solutions to the problems.

    There is absolutely nothing wrong if the governor pays attention to this axis. Warri, stretching to Effurun, used to be second major city in Bendel State after Benin. Over the years, it deteriorated. Successive governments did not carry out the total urban renewal that it needed. The governor is simply starting what his predecessors from the military era should have done.

    I have never had any problem with any part of Delta being developed. I remember writing an article titled: “What is Urhobo interest…” I said anywhere being developed in Delta State is in the interest of Urhobo as long as Urhobo people live there, have interest there or use the infrastructure there. I never had problems with Okowa developing Delta North. Where I had problem with Okowa’s government was the neglect of Delta Central. It was too apparent and painful. Delta North could have been developed without neglecting Delta Central or Delta South. But I am not one to deny people their flowers. I was pleasantly surprised and happy when Okowa awarded a contract for the construction of Ewhu-Orere Bridge. Ewhu is my hometown while I have maternal relatives in Orere. Orere town is named after the first son of Ewhu, the co-founder of my town. Incidentally, my father was the first principal of Orere Grammar School, but I have never been there because it is not accessible by road. Senator Okowa, please take your flowers for the bridge. When it is completed in December 2025, as the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze, assured me, I will step my feet on Orere for the first time.

    On the Ogwashi Uku Dam, which Sen Nwoko also mentioned, I heard about it over 25 years ago. Since then, military governors/administrators have come and gone. Four civilian governors, including Dr. Okowa, who hails from Delta North, have been there and did nothing about the dam. Why is the distinguished senator dragging a governor who is barely a year on the seat, in respect of the dam? Work is still ongoing on projects that were not completed in Delta North by Okowa’s government, while new ones are being started. Is it only when jobs Nwoko wants are done that he will acknowledge the works of the Delta State Government in Delta North.

    The distinguished senator has the capacity and should emulate the former senator representing Delta Central, HE Ovie Omo-Agege, who attracted projects to Delta Central from the federal government. Maybe he did, but I can’t remember Agege petering Okowa to execute any project in Delta Central. Agege even attracted projects to Delta North, which Nwoko currently represents. Delta North has nine state legislators who should be attracting projects to their constituencies, while Nwoko concentrates on attracting federal government projects to Delta North. Delta North and indeed Delta State can do with more federal presence.

     

    Francis Ewherido is a Newsguru columnist

  • Delta synonymous with sports devt in Nigeria – Oborevwori

    Delta synonymous with sports devt in Nigeria – Oborevwori

    As the 8th National Youth Games (NYG) kicked off in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that the state was renowned for effective sports development in Nigeria.

    Oborevwori said this on Thursday, at the official commencement of the 2024 NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    He said: “It is our joy and pride to host this event for the second year in a row. Delta State, as you know, is synonymous with sports in Nigeria.

    “We are happy to continue to provide the space and opportunities for the nation’s youths to showcase their talents and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ progression in the country.

    “Let me also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their steadfastness in organising the National Youth Games. With about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating, this year’s edition of the National Youth Games is record-breaking.

    “The Delta State Government is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure that the goals and objectives of this event are realized. The National Youth Games is a powerful vehicle for athlete development.

    The Governor, who lamented that Nigeria’s performances in recent  sports events was declining, recommended that age limit for the National Youth Games should revert to the original upper limit of U-17, as against the current U-15.

    “This is to provide a platform for our talented ‘senior teenagers and young adults’ to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sports and games without a break or vacuum.

    “It is equally imperative that states give priority attention to school sports programmes. There should be compulsory inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as well as the consolidation of school sports festivals,”  he said.

    Declaring the 8th edition of the sports fiesta open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the NYG was devoted to talent hunting and talent nurturing, adding that there was no better way to develop the nation’s sports than to concentrate on grassroots sports development which the youth games represents.

    The President, who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said the nation must continue to look at the National Youth Games as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of our sports.

    “My hope is that the different sporting federations representing the sporting federations of our country are here on ground to watch the games related to their different sports and to be able to discover first hand, the talents that need to be nurtured for the future of our sports,” he said.

    President Tinubu disclosed that his administration was dedicated to repositioning sports for optimum performance in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that it was imperative to invest more in grassroots sports development.

    On the age limit of the games which is currently pegged at 15 years and below, the President said he agreed with the governor that the nation should return to the initial age classification of making the games to be under 17 years and below.

    He lauded the government and the people of Delta State for their sustained commitment and support for grassroots sports development in the country.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman Local Organising Committee, LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, said Delta was renowned for sports and thanked the State Government for always hosting national and international sports competitions involving the country.

    While commending Governor Oborevwori for his financial and moral support to the Delta athletes and coaches, he assured all athletes from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the 8th National Youth Games.

  • Oborevwori’s push for riverine roads development – By Tony Eke

    Oborevwori’s push for riverine roads development – By Tony Eke

    By Tony Eke

    A reforming essence is progressively sharpening the vision of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori since he took office. A measure of this is evident in his restructuring of two critical ministries, ostensibly to accord with compelling circumstances. The governor’s  choice of education and works is not by happenstance but informed by what he may have deemed as their centrality to optimal service delivery by his administration. It’s for the good of the state that he deliberately made the two ministries larger than what he inherited from his predecessor.

    But the governor was not done with works ministry even after he had split it into Urban and express roads and Rural & Riverine roads, manned by Hon. Rueben Izeze and Mr. Charles Aniagwu respectively. Just last July, he further divided the Rural & Riverine Roads by creating a directorate of Riverine Roads and appointing a commissioner, Mr. Ebikeme Clark, to preside over its affairs and attend to the envisaged requests for roads in due course.

    That decision may have confounded critical groups given its deviation from the norm. It’s however clear if one undertakes an exploration or an interrogation of that initiative which underscores the overriding need for building, renewal, and consolidation of roads across the state. Oborevwori’s emphatic emplacement of roads whether in the upland or in the riverine area is apparently in furtherance of an unofficial consensus by successive governors to enrich Delta State with vital infrastructure needed to promote social and economic development.

    Agreed that political undertones might have been imputed to it, but Oborevwori’s creation of that directorate is a welcome development as over one-third of the state’s geography is either  coastal or riverine comprised of swathes of low-lying locations interspersed with wet, marshy lands. Unless one has visited any or crisscrossed multiple riverine communities will he understand what it takes or how it feels to live in such an environment. Save for acclimatisation induced by a constraining factor, a brief stay in one of those places without roads and social facilities is better imagined than experienced.

    What’s so obvious is the governor’s keenness to walk a path earlier trodden by his predecessors. So, he will building on the achievements of ex-Governor James Ibori, who as a pacesetter broke the jinx of linking the two backwaters of Aboh and Bomadi  communities with bridges in 2001. Those bridges are symbolic beyond their physical service to motorists and commuters. The one across Forcados River later provided an impetus to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on a massive construction of roads from Bomadi to other Ijaw communities characterised by impenetrable thickets of mangrove swamps. Similarly, former governors, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, initiated and worked on a number of projects, including the Trans-Warri road which Oborevwori pledged to complete in 2026.

    Understandably, the alienation induced yesteryears by the marginalisation of these communities has been reduced to an extent. This why the pervasive state of utter neglect I saw in Bomadi and Akugbene-Mein in 1997 is different scenario today. The same level of relative improvement can be said of Okpai and Aboh which were only accessible by a narrow road that looked like a farm path supported by an antiquated pontoon ferrying travellers across the Ase Creek. Today, a bridge that was awarded and started by former Governor Okowa, now virtually completed by Oborevwori, has made some difference in the lives of our people.

    Two major reasons make it imperative to provide roads in the riverine areas. Apart from being parts of the state, these communities have bounteous deposits of crude oil and gas in their bosoms which generate huge revenues that make Delta State the envy of other sub-nationals. If our country was not blighted by serial poor leadership for decades, we will not be talking about building riverine roads after sixty-four years of independence. It’s a matter of concern that the interventionist agencies such as NDDC and our own Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission(DESOPADEC) are hamstrung by the peculiar Nigerian factor to adequately cater to the development needs of oil-bearing communities.

    The challenges ahead of the new directorate may be daunting but not insurmountable with a prompt conception of an action plan and its segmented implementation by Ebikeme Clark and his lieutenants. The directorate should, as a matter of necessity, embark on a tour of the riverine areas to get first-hand knowledge of the inherent topographical variation, itemise the number of roads for construction, and ensure an equitable spread amongst communities in the three senatorial districts. Delivering on this worthy initiative is so vital as Oborevwori pushes for a new lease of life in those areas.

    Tony Eke, a journalist based in Asaba, Delta State, can be reached via tonek6819@gmail.com or on 098035504896 (text only).

  • Gov Oborevwori sends strong warning to site engineers in Delta

    Gov Oborevwori sends strong warning to site engineers in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, said that work on the protracted Trans-Warri road and allied bridges would be completed in two years, just as he drew the red line for site engineers supervising projects for the state government.

    He emphasised that site engineers who compromise along their line of duty would be liable for any shoddy jobs supervised by them.

    Governor Oborevwori handed down the warning while inspecting the Trans Warri Road and bridges in Warri South Local Government Area on Tuesday.

    He urged the contractor to expedite work on the project and assured of its continuous funding to ensure prompt completion of the project within two years.

    “You are aware that when I went to inspect one project last week they said it was completed and I was supposed to inaugurate it last month, but it is my policy that I must see any completed project before I inaugurate it.

    “We went there to inspect the project and there were some issues and this will serve as a warning to all site engineers who compromise.

    “Any one who compromises will face the full wrath of the law. There are procedures for certifying jobs and any site engineer who compromises will be disciplined.

    “We have assured Deltans that we will not accept sub-standard jobs and we will make sure that jobs are properly done.

    “I like visiting projects to see what has been done and what is left; we have come and we have seen the project which has been crawling for the last 17 years.

    “I have asked the manager when the project can be completed and he told me 18 months; so, we are very sure that in the next two years this project will be inaugurated.”

    On funding, Governor Oborevwori assured the contractor of continuous funding for the speedy completion of the project.

    His words: “Funding is not going to be an issue in as much as you are doing your job; we will pay you. Once you have a certificate, we will pay because fund is not going to be a problem.

    “This project has been crawling; we don’t want it to crawl again. We want to complete this project in good time and the contractor has promised that in 18 months time it will be completed.

    “I have come to see for myself whether the money we are paying is commensurate with the job being done”, Oborevwori said.

    Oborevwori, who was at the Olu of Warri Palace in Ode-Itsekiri, said his visit was not just to inspect the project but to assure the Itsekiri monarch that the project would be completed and inaugurated during his 5th coronation anniversary.

    Welcoming Governor Oborevwori earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project was awarded by the James Ibori’s administration in 2006 and commenced under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration and progressed further under the Okowa’s administration.

    The Commissioner added that 19 bridges under the main alignment had been completed.

    In his remarks, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, lauded Governor Oborevwori and his predecessors for their consistency in the project execution and expressed appreciation for progress made so far.

    He said: “We will continue to encourage the contractors even as the Governor has promised continuous funding for the project. We will all be on their necks to make sure that this project is finally completed.

    “We are very proud that we were able to drive through to Ode-Itsekiri. We are blessed to see the manifestation of this project in our time and we look forward to the inauguration of this project during our 5th anniversary.”

    In a related development, Governor Oborevwori also inspected the ongoing construction of Omadino Technical College where he summoned the contractors to a meeting to chart the way forward for the quick completion of the project.

    “I visited the Modern Technical College in Omadino, Warri South Local Government Area, to assess the progress of ongoing projects. The college is one of the six approved by the immediate past administration.

    “The pace of work is slow. I have directed that the affected contractors come to Government House, Asaba, to provide explanations for the slow pace of the projects,” Oborevwori said.

  • What Gov Oborevwori said as Delta marks 33-year anniversary

    What Gov Oborevwori said as Delta marks 33-year anniversary

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said that the state has made remarkable progress in spite of trials since its creation in August 27, 1991. The Governor Oborevwori stated this at a thanksgiving service to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state’s creation on Tuesday at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

    Oborevwori said the State was growing steadily on all economic development indicators, hence emerging as a power house in the comity of states in Nigeria.  He said the journey had been eventful and fulfilling with the road filled with trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies.

    “I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta  has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation. Judging by all the indices of development, the state occupies a pride of place in the Nigerian federation.

    “Both locally and internationally, our people are renowned for their entrepreneurial drive, passion and ingenuity. Let us continue to unite in prayer seeking God’s blessings and protection for our state and may His divine presence be felt in all we do. As we use this opportunity of this anniversary to take stock, I want to assure you all  in the state that it can only get better from here,” he said.

    He thanked the youths and people of the  state for the peaceful and mature manner they conducted themselves in the recent #Endbadgovernance# protests.

    The Governor called for more support and solidarity in the months and years ahead to enable him to deliver on the promises of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda. He pledged to continue to do his best to ensure peace and security of the state, adding that only through sustainable peace that enduring development could thrive in the State.

    He said his administration had continued to put the state ahead in terms of development, by investing heavily in infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy.

    “In the past 15 months we have demonstrated our resolve to keep Delta ahead on all indices of social and economic development. We are investing massively in infrastructural renewal, upgrading our health care institutions, improving the learning climate in our schools and assisting the poor and vulnerable through our social investment programmes.

    “We are also collaborating with security agencies in tackling the issues of kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes to ensure that safety and security of all residents in Delta is guaranteed,” he said.

    He paid glowing tributes to former governors and their deputies, past and present political office holders, civil servants – serving and retired.

    In a sermon titled; “The Power Of Collective Thanksgiving,” the State Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church,

    In his sermon, Pastor Shiyanbade Adekunle, the Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church, said the people owed God immense thanks for the great things that He has been doing in the state.

    Adekunle urged the people to always give thanks to God for all He has been doing in their lives.

    He implored them to always hold unto God in any situation they found themselves in life, even as he prayed for sustained peace and unity in the state.

    The event which was low-key had some State Executives Council members, royal fathers and other dignitaries in attendance.

  • Quick facts to know as Delta State marks 33rd anniversary

    Quick facts to know as Delta State marks 33rd anniversary

    Delta State, named after the Niger Delta, was formed on the 27th of August in 1991 when the old Bendel State was split into two halves, Edo State and Delta State.

    The State, initially created with 12 local government areas, is bordered on the north by Edo State, east by Anambra and Rivers States, south by Bayelsa State and west by the Bight of Benin.

    The 12 local government areas were later expanded to 19 and now 25, with the State capital located in Asaba.

    Here are quick facts to know about Delta State at 33

    • Then Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, recognized Delta as a State in 1991 and chose Asaba as its capital.
    • Of the 36 States in Nigeria, Delta is the 23rd largest in terms of area and twelfth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2016.
    • Delta State covers a landmass of about 18,050 sq km (6,970 sq mi), of which more than 60% is low-lying land with no remarkable hills.
    • Delta has the fourth highest Human Development Index in Nigeria
    • It is the second highest crude oil producing State in Nigeria, after Akwa Ibom State
    • The State is predominantly inhabited by Okpe, Urhobo, Anioma, Isoko, Uvwie, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ukwuani, Ika, amongst others
    • The vast majority are Christian, with very few practising traditional religions.
    • Delta has three Senatorial Districts: Delta South, Delta North and Delta Central.
    • Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is the first person to become Governor of the State after serving as Speaker of the State House of Assembly
    • The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Chambers are housed in Asaba with a Government House annex located in Edjeba

    List of Administrators and Governors of Delta State

    • Luke Chijiuba Ochulor – Military Administrator – 1991 to 1992
    • Felix Ibru – Governor – 1992 to 1993
    • Abdulkadir Shehu – Acting Administrator – November 1993 to December 1993
    • Bassey Asuquo – Administrator – 1993 to 1994
    • Ibrahim Kefas – Military Administrator – 1994 to 1996
    • John Dungs – Military Administrator – 1996 to 1998
    • Walter Feghabo – Military Administrator – 1998 to 1999
    • James Ibori – Governor – 1999 to 2007
    • Emmanuel Uduaghan – Governor – 2007 to 2015
    • Ifeanyi Okowa – Governor – 2015 to 2023
    • Sheriff Oborevwori – Governor – 2023 (Incumbent)
  • Gov Oborevwori congratulates 14th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Azinge

    Gov Oborevwori congratulates 14th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Azinge

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, (SAN) OON, on his crowning as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. Governor Oborevwori described Prof Azinge, who was the Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) as a distinguished academic and quintessential legal luminary.

    The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, said that Azinge’s emergence was well-deserved, considering the fact that he was replacing an academic giant in the field of Medicine, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien. He urged Azinge to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new role, as the chief custodian of the cultural heritage of the Asaba people.

    He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Professor Epiphany Azinge, (SAN), OON, on his emergence as the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom.  Given the antecedents of Obi Prof. Azinge as a brilliant lawyer and academic of great repute, I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in improving on the Asaba Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

    “As a former Director-General and Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), you dedicated yourself to hard work, professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled commitment to the promotion of excellence in the legal profession.  It is, therefore, not a surprise that you have been found worthy by the good people of Asaba to lead them as their traditional ruler.”

    While wishing Obi Prof. Azinge a successful tenure, Oborevwori prayed to God Almighty to continue blessing the Asagba with divine health, wisdom and strength for greater achievements.

  • Gov Oborevwori hails Ogiame Atuwatse III on 3rd coronation anniversary

    Gov Oborevwori hails Ogiame Atuwatse III on 3rd coronation anniversary

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, on the third anniversary of his coronation.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor praised the monarch for ensuring peaceful co-existence in Warri Kingdom since he ascended the ancient throne.

    Oborevwori stated that the Olu had played significant roles in the economic revival of the Kingdom in the last three years.

    While describing Atuwatse III as “a man of peace, a bridge-builder and of profound integrity” whose reign so far was already recording positive turnaround in the lives of his subjects and the kingdom, he appealed for more patience and support from his subjects to ensure a greater Iwere nation.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III, CFR, on the occasion of his 3rd coronation anniversary.

    “I join the people of Itsekiri nation in honouring a great king and in wishing him strength, health and wisdom as he continues to carry out the duty of providing traditional and cultural leadership for his people.

    “Over the course of his three years on the throne, Atuwatse III has led with distinction and influence by abiding by the law and serving as an inspiration to the Itsekiri people in particular as well as to Deltans and other Nigerians in general.

    “I must applaud his leadership skill in maintaining and overseeing the Iwere people’s culture and traditions by encouraging concord, socio-cultural collaboration, communal living and peaceful coexistence between the Itsekiri and other ethnic groups in the state,” the governor stated.

  • I want to do things I will be remembered for – Gov Oborevwori

    I want to do things I will be remembered for – Gov Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said his administration was working to leave a mark for future generations and not to please anyone but God.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this when he played host to President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.

    He said his administration has done a lot in the delivery of infrastructure and human capital development across the state and expressed optimism that he would continue to work for more progress and development in the state.

    He said: “We have done a lot but it is still not easy because there is hunger. Throughout the period of protest, Delta State was peaceful because we were praying during the protest.

    “I am here to serve the people. I want to do what I will be remembered for so that by the time I leave, they will say he has done this and that. I am not here to please man but God.

    “Before you leave, pray to God for permanent peace in Delta State because that is the only way development can come”.

    He commended the PFN President and the church for praying and supporting his election, reiterating that Delta was peaceful throughout the protest because of the prayers of the church.

    “As the PFN President, you stand in the position of a father to us in Nigeria and we know your capacity as a prayer warrior and I know that you are praying for this nation.

    “As it is today, we need prayers so that we can succeed especially those of us in authority. Your prayers will always guide and order our steps to do what is right at all times.

    “Your coming today is a blessing to the body of Christ in Delta State. You prayed for me when I was aspiring and the PFN in Delta State also stood by me. It was a challenging time but the will of God like I asked for, prevailed.

    “When it was announced that I won in 21 out of the 25 Local Government Areas, it did not end there. There were series of court cases, 38 in number but God did it for us.

    “Therefore, as you are here again, we seek your prayers against insecurity, for progress and above all, for peace and stability of our state and country,” he added.

    Earlier, the PFN National President, Bishop Wale Oke told the governor that they were in Government House to honour him in line with the Biblical injunctions.

    Bishop Wale who applauded the developmental strides of the Oborevwori’s administration in the state, said they were in the state for the dedication of the State PFN secretariat where prayers would be offered for sustained peace and development in the state.

    While saying that the Delta PFN secretariat was the largest in the country, he expressed appreciation to the state government for its role towards its realisation, even as he paid glowing tributes especially to the governor for his contributions.

  • Gov Oborevwori defrays N130bn of N465bn inherited debt

    Gov Oborevwori defrays N130bn of N465bn inherited debt

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has defrayed a total sum of N130 billion of the N465 billion inherited debt from previous administrations in the state.

    This was disclosed at a joint news conference by the Governor’s Executive Assistant, New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, and Mr Norbert Chiazor, Executive Assistant, Media, on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Ofou said that Oborevwori’s administration was transparent, prudent and dedicated to delivering the dividends of good governance to the people of the state.

    According to Ofou, the State Auditor-Generals Report for 2023 has been published and is open to the general public.

    “We run an open government and several publications on the activities and achievements of the current government are in the media space.

    “This administration inherited a debt of N465 billion from successive government and as at March, this year, the Oborevwori-led government has paid N130 billion of that money.”

    He said that the governor had taken deliberate step to pay back the debts and clear all the debts before leaving office to ensure no debt burden was passed to the next generation.

    Ofou said the governor saved an operating surplus of N205 billion in the coffers at the end of 2023, adding that the government had not borrowed a dime since inception.

    He said that the governor had continued with completion of all inherited projects as well as initiated 71 new road projects across the state.

    According to Ofou, every project initiated by the governor has financial backings.

    “Oborevwori is known for his prudence and financial discipline.

    “As attested by former President Goodluck Jonathan while inaugurating the ultramodern Judiciary complex in Asaba, Oborevwori returned N500 million to state coffers at the end of his tenure as  Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    “The governor also demonstrated prudence and integrity when he left and handed over three months local government council allocation of N14 billion to the newly elected Chairmen in the state.”

    He lauded the governor’s commitment to welfare of state workers and his empowerment programmes for the Girl Child, artisans, persons with disabilities and the indigents resident in the state.

    “In spite of the numerous completed and ongoing projects, N78 billion Warri/Effurun Julius Berger project, Ughelli/Asaba Dualisation road project, the N40 billion loan LG council workers’ pension relief, engagement of over 2000 teaching and non – teaching primary school staff, Oborevwori has not borrowed a dime.”

    He also listed massive work in the state owned new three universities and other sundry projects

    Ofou said the governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda mantra was an umbrella for youths, Women, Girl Child and all classes of persons, adding that the governor’s philosophy spiked development in all three senatorial districts of the state.

    “No part of Delta is neglected; aside all ongoing projects, Warri and environs have been turned into construction site with roads and storm drainages constructed.

    “In Delta-North, work on Ughelli/Asaba road is moving at a fast stage; Beneku bridge is 95 per cent complete; the Isheagwu bridge, Ibusa/Okpanam bypass,  other massive roads projects are visible imprint of the administration,’’ he said.

    On his part, Chiazor, said the current administration’s achievement was being under reported, adding that his office would encourage media engagement and tour of projects.

    According to him, Oborevwori is also giving attention to human capital development.

    “Things are changing in Warri axis,; the N78 billion Julius Berger project is iconic.

    “The issue of his leaving N14 billion for incoming LG Chairmen and the newly inaugurated Ibusa/Okanam bypass among other numerous completed and ongoing projects across the state are testament of the governor’s credibility.’’

    He said that the governor had respect for the media while tasking journalists to explore and report objectively.

    “We welcome constructive criticism,’’ he said.