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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Coalition of Civil Societies laud Oborevwori’s phenomenal achievements

    Coalition of Civil Societies laud Oborevwori’s phenomenal achievements

    A Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Delta State has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the phenomenal accomplishments recorded by his administration since it came on board a year ago.

    Speaking at a press conference in Asaba on Wednesday, Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade James Ode said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has performed beyond expectation within its one year in office, adding that the sheer audacity of his governance innovations was being felt in all sectors in the state.

    Comrade Ode who was flanked by the Executive Director, Civil Societies for Development Initiative, Comrade Obuseh Raymond and the Coordinator, Comrade Eddy Yike at the press briefing, noted that the Governor has made great strides in infrastructural development, health, education, sports, entertainment, capacity building and other critical sectors of the state.

    He said what democracy, as a famous system of government has been lacking was committed and sincere leaders like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who according to him, would give in their God endowed skills and pure bred knowledge for its sustainability and to be in full swing for the betterment of the society.

    Secretary of the Coalition pointed out that Democracy as a participatory form of government requires purposeful leaders like Governor Oborevwori for the attainment of its (democracy’s) core attributes and values.

    “The governor has proven himself as not just a talker but a doer, a dynamic leader, technocrat and a dexterous administrator par excellence. Anybody who says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has done nothing doesn’t mean well for the state.

    “We agreed that a lot still need to be done in the state, but for us as civil society, he has done well. The governor has opened up local communities including riverine communities with good roads and has given rural communities a sense of belonging.

    “He has performed beyond expectation ranging from the impressive huge road construction awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to build flyovers, cloverleaf and expansion of road network in Warri and Effurun and the encouragement of small and medium business enterprises.

    “Governance is a progressive thing and those that governed the state before did their bit but to be fair enough, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has raised the bar in road construction. The one year in office of the Governor has been impactful, rewarding and people-driven,” he added.

    Comrade Ode pointed out that Deltans will experience the real dividends of democracy under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori from the deliberate efforts of his administration in the area of economy, education and infrastructural development, stressing that members of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in the state were proud of the Governor’s awesome achievements.

    The group therefore passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, and called on all stakeholders to cooperate with him in his avowed determination to transform the state, adding that they should eschew any form of divisive tendencies so that the dream for a more prosperous state could be realised.

    The group includes ,Coalition of society, Delta State, Value Orientation & Development Forum, Civil society for development initiative (CSDI), Anioma Youth Development Agenda, Ika  North-East  Development Forum,Obenddy Global care community initiative, Integrity Leaders international development initiative (ildi), and Grassroot initiative for Unity and stability.

  • President Tinubu hails Gov Oborevwori at 61

    President Tinubu hails Gov Oborevwori at 61

    President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on the occasion of his 61st birthday celebration.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday, that President Tinubu joined family, friends, and the people of Delta  to celebrate Oborevwori on this special occasion.

    “The President commends the governor for his pursuit of development-focused governance, particularly his prioritisation of education as a means of addressing fundamental societal challenges.

    “The President wishes Oborevwori good health and renewed strength in the service of Delta,” it noted.

    Similarly, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated  Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta  on his birth anniversary.

    This is contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary , Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The party described Oborevwori as a  focused ,humble and visionary leader.

    The main opposition party also said Oborevwori was as a man of integrity and  a seasoned administrator.

    According to PDP, the Delta governor has  continued to demonstrate an incomparable commitment in ensuring the progress, well-being and development of Delta, the party and the nation.

    The party added that  when he was  Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly and now democratically elected governor, Oborevwori was  unwavering in his abiding love and selfless service to the people.

    “This is evident in Oborevwori’s life-enhancing legislation and governance policies in Delta”,the party said.

    The PDP said it was  proud of Oborevwori’s  agenda of meaningful development, opportunity for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security.

    It said with the agenda ,Oborevwori was delivering impactful citizens empowerments , infrastructural development projects in all sectors ,in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of PDP.

    The party congratulated Oborevwori and prayed  God to grant him many more years of sound health and vigour in the service of Delta, the nation and humanity.

    Delta Speaker felicitates Gov. Oborevwori @ 61

    Also, the Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr  Dennis Guwor, has congratulated Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori as he marks 61 years birth anniversary.

    The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, on Wednesday in Asaba, said Oborevwori had been a beacon of hope, whose love for God and humanity brought him thus far.

    Guwor, who is also the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, described Oborevwori as a remarkable leader.

    He prayed God to open a new chapter of wisdom, strength, and joy as the governor marks his birthday.

    Guwor said that the governor’s selfless service and dedication to the development of the state were truly inspiring, and expressed optimism of a greater progressive state.

    According to him, today marks yet another milestone in the life of a great and personable Boss, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta.

    ”His Excellency’s life has been that of testimonies and thanksgiving. I pray for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

    ”I also pray to God to grant him sound health, happiness, peace and love to experience many more birth anniversaries.

    ”On behalf of my family, constituents, friends, and political associates, I join millions of well wishers across the globe to wish him a glorious birth anniversary. ”

  • Where is Yahaya Bello? – By Pius Mordi

    Where is Yahaya Bello? – By Pius Mordi

    By Pius Mordi

    The political class has a perfect knowledge of the mentality of Nigerians they have been ruling. They engage in reckless handling of state resources safe in the constitutionally guaranteed immunity for them while in office. Even though they become private citizens when out of office and open to prosecution, they bank on the short memory of the people, a situation reinforced by another election cycle that usually spring another set of rulers into office to continue another cycle of looting and scandals.

    One public affairs commentator that did not fall for the collective amnesia over Yahaya Bello, the enfant terrible of Nigeria politics and poster boy of why the Not Too Young To Run Act is a huge joke is Fred Chukwuelobe. A journalist, he had a front row encounter and observation of the misuse of power as a media assistant to Dr. Chris Ngige who entered the annals of politics as the first governor to be kidnapped and almost forced out of office by a non-state actor who got him into office as governor of Anambra State. With the dubious machination of Aso Rock, the godfather used a compliant federa Police to arrest Ngige despite having constitutional immunity. In a recent post on his verified Facebook page, Chukwuelobe called out the security agencies and the judiciary for letting Bello, a private citizen, avoid a competent summon to account for allegations of financial impropriety against him.

    He queried: “What has happened to his case with the EFCC? You mean nothing happened to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi who used his executive privilege to protect Bello from arrest?

    “Didn’t I tell you people that anything that happens in this country, no matter how scandalous, lasts for a maximum of two weeks. I call it ‘our two-week outrage.’ Within this period, motivational speakers will appear on television. Arm chair critics will take over social media platforms.

    “Curses will be rained on everybody by anybody. After that, nothing happens until something else happens. Nothing is outrageous anymore in this country”.

    Ododo is the guy Bello anointed to succeed him as Kogo State governor and in part appreciation, Ododo told his people that if he makes a pronouncement and Bello says something to the contrary, his should be ignored and without conferring with him. Bello’s stance should stand. The same Ododo it was that forced his convoy into the compound Bello had been marooned and smuggled in out to ‘safety’.

    That action was an impeachable offence and in sane climes, Ododo ought to have been impeached afterwards. Apart from from the half-hearted condemnation of the federal Attorney General, the whole apparatus of government – Aso Rock, the Senate as well as the House of Representatives – kept mum. It was all part of the game. For the Inspector General of Police, his only reaction was to order the withdrawal of Bello’s team of security agents attached to him. And Nigerians were told the Police was looking for him!

    How this misfit of a young man come into the political space and end up being a governor is one of the manifest symptoms of the failure of the presidential system, a flawed electoral system and a compromised judiciary that has jettisoned its independence to become an appendage of the Executive Branch. Bello was just a peripheral factor in the process of picking the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. But fate played a crucial game when the politician that actually won the election passed on before the result of the Kogi State gubernatorial vote was released. The expectation was that the running mate would pick up the mandate. Not so, the court ruled.

    There are charges of misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N84 billion against the former Kogi governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As Chukwuelobe noted in his post, a choral group of jesters has been at full voice claiming that Bello is not being unfairly treated by security agents and the EFCC.

    For a citizenry reeling in multidimensional poverty barely managing to avoid outright starvation, that this Bello who unilaterally and wilfully raided Kogi’s treasury cleaned it out and converted some to pay advance school fees of $720,000 for his young children in their expensive private school is still walking free to the full knowledge of the security agencies and, by extension, Aso Rock is provocative. The legal labyrinth is already in full gear with mundane arguments on if Bello should present himself for arraignment still in a back and forth motion at the lower courts. The Appeal Court and Supreme Court still await.

    It is a familiar game. Sooner or later, something more engaging or a catastrophic event will happen to divert the attention of the critical public and Bello will ultimately continue his third with his boy he got into office. Chukwuelobe called it “our two-week outrage.”

    But how can an administration steeped in the building of luxury and acquisition of luxury tools muster the political will to take on a loyal party who delivered his state to the party? However, with the pervasive hunger in the land, it is an issue sticking out like a sore thumb. Nigerians, not just Kogi people, are watching. The gathering dry fire wood like a tinderbox is further being kept alive by the highly flammable liquid that the Yahaya Bello saga has become. It will take only one strike of a match stick for the looming inferno to be ignited.

    Postscript

    Oborevwori’s road map

    There is a similarity between how Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori emerged governor of Delta State and the travails of Dr. Chris Ngige who rode the tiger and charted a fresh developmental course for Anambra State. Rather than bow to the wishes of a powerful godfather who wanted the state’s treasury handed over to him, Ngige chose to align with the people. Although he was eventually forced out of office, the new deal he gave his people within the short time he spent in office had permanently rewritten the script on governance in the state. His successors had a template to fall back on without the overbearing opposition of any godfather.

    Oborevwori’s path to Government House, Asaba was riddled with thorns. In sum, he had to contend with 38 litigations from the point of nomination as his party’s flag bearer to the final judgment of the Supreme Court affirming his victory. It is a process that gave him a fast track insight into the dynamics of politics and toughened him on the challenges of governance – loyalty should go to the people and doing the right thing for them.

    Wednesday, June 18 is his birthday. In his short time as governor of Delta State, Oborevwori has caught up in one year what some peers may not learn even after two terms of eight years in office. He is on the right track and Deltans are the better for it.

    Happy birthday, Your Excellency.

  • Aladja leaders accuse Ogbe-Ijoh of misinformation, urge Gov Oborevwori to intervene in land dispute

    Aladja leaders accuse Ogbe-Ijoh of misinformation, urge Gov Oborevwori to intervene in land dispute

    Leaders of Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area have called on RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, to step in and mediate the intensifying boundary dispute with the Ogbe-Ijoh community in Warri South West Local Government Area.

    Aladja leaders assert that recent statements by Ogbe-Ijoh youths are misleading and could potentially trigger another communal crisis.

    In a recent address to journalists, Comrade Shell Okakotu Godfirst, President of Aladja community, expressed grave concerns about the misinformation propagated by Ogbe-Ijoh youths.

    He emphasized that these falsehoods could lead to violence, although the Aladja people are dedicated to maintaining peace, particularly after the recent Okuama crisis.

    “This land dispute has persisted for decades. The Ogbe-Ijoh originally resided in Warri Township. They were displaced following a quit order signed by W.E.B. Copland Crawford on October 21, 1895, leading them to seek land from Aladja between 1900 and 1906,” Okakotu explained.

    Okakotu detailed that Aladja community, established in the area since the 14th century, granted the Ogbe-Ijoh people land along the Ogubulebu creek.

    “However, tensions erupted in 1996, prompting numerous government panels to attempt resolution. Panels led by figures such as Hon. Justice Dan Azinge, Hon. Justice Nwulu, and Professor Ekoko worked to delineate the traditional boundaries between the communities,” he said.

    Apostle Lucky Figbele, the Oghuvwie-Ode of Aladja Community, highlighted the thorough work of Professor Ekoko’s panel, which included the State Surveyor General and other technical staff.

    “The panel identified the disputed area as 1,229.86 hectares, significantly larger than the 289.90 hectares claimed by the Ogbe-Ijoh community,” Figbele noted.

    The Ekoko panel recommended an equal division of the land, a solution accepted by the Delta State Executive Council.

    Despite a recent demarcation agreement by a committee set up by the current administration, Figbele pointed out that Ogbe-Ijoh representatives reneged on the agreement.

    “After Aladja representatives left the meeting, the Ogbe-Ijoh representatives began marking disputed areas that included Aladja farmlands and public facilities as part of the new demarcation areas,” he explained.

    Mr. Reuben Doro, Chairman of the Aladja Welfare Movement, also voiced his concerns, stating that the current boundary marking efforts by Ogbe-Ijoh youths are unfair and could exacerbate the conflict.

    He urged the Delta State Government to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

    Doro warned that the patience of Aladja’s youth is being tested, particularly with their ancestral homes and cultural heritage at risk.

    Comrade Okakotu reiterated the detrimental impact of the misinformation campaign by Ogbe-Ijoh youths, noting that it complicates the resolution process.

    “We appeal to the Delta State government to enforce the original demarcation, starting from Major-General RM Dumuje’s canal to the Ogubulebu Creek, as previously agreed upon, for a fair resolution of this lingering crisis,” Okakotu urged.

    “The Aladja community has formally communicated their concerns to Governor Oborevwori and relevant security agencies.

    “They have received official acknowledgements of their letter titled: “The Land Dispute between Aladja, Udu Local Government Area and Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area: Facts of the Matter.”

    “As tensions escalate, Aladja community leaders remain hopeful that Governor Oborevwori’s intervention will lead to a peaceful and just resolution to the longstanding dispute,” he said.

  • Tinubu, Oborevwori congratulate Okonjo-Iweala at 70

    Tinubu, Oborevwori congratulate Okonjo-Iweala at 70

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu have congratulated the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON as she clocks 70 years on June 13.

    Governor Oborevwori in a statement released in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, praised Okonjo-Iweala, a distinguished Deltan from Ogwashi-Uku and the first African woman to lead the global trade organisation, as a shining example of professionalism and integrity and as a great role model for women.

    He commended the WTO Director-General for her sublime and remarkable achievements in support of Nigeria and the international financial sector.

    Governor Oborevwori remarked that Okonjo-Iweala made laudable  contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy, as a two-time Finance Minister.

    The Delta Governor extolled Okonjo-Iweala for her intellect and skill as a leading economist and specialist in international development, whose faultless work over the years had won her praise from all over the world.

    “As a state, we take great pride in your impressive achievements, which have earned you numerous accolades and recognition over the years.

    “Your innovative contributions as Finance Minister under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are particularly noteworthy.

    “On behalf of my family, the Delta State government, and our people, I extend warm congratulations to you, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on your 70th birth anniversary.

    “I join your family, colleagues, and well-wishers in expressing gratitude to God for your remarkable life, filled with outstanding accomplishments and fulfillment.

    “As you celebrate three scores and ten, I pray that God grants you continued good health, happiness, and many more years of impactful contributions to the global economy.”

    Similarly, President Tinubu in a statement bu his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale extended warm congratulations to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala.

    President Tinubu rejoiced with the remarkable leader and her family on this momentous occasion.

    The President extolled the former Minister of Finance for her service to the nation and efforts towards building resilient institutions.

    President Tinubu also commended the Director-General of the World Trade Organization for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, exemplifying the grit, diligence, and brilliance that Nigerians are known for.

    The President prayed for many more years in good health for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and her family.

  • HARDSHIP: Oborevwori flags-off 3rd phase palliative distribution in Delta

    HARDSHIP: Oborevwori flags-off 3rd phase palliative distribution in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, flagged-off phase  three of the state’s grains palliative distribution exercise with a charge on civil servants and other workers in the state to engage in small –  scale farming to mitigate rising hunger across  the country.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the Delta Agricultural Procurement Agency, (DAPA) Warehouse, Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Governor, who said food security was very important in the light of the rising incidence of hunger in the country, charged the subsidy palliative distribution committee to ensure that all farmers were carried along, insisting that not all farmers were members of the farmers’ association.

    Governor Oborevwori said: “We have done the first and second phases. But we decided to do this very one in a grand style because, if you don’t announce yourself, nobody will announce you.

    “All the things we have been doing for the past one year, we don’t even showcase them. Some people will not know that we are doing a lot. On the issue of palliatives, Delta State was the first in Nigeria to consider the Civil Servants.

    “When the issue of fuel subsidy removal came, we looked at it, it was real hard time for our Civil Servants; we discussed and the first thing we did was to pay all the outstanding promotion arrears amounting to over N5.6bn. We didn’t even know how the future was going to be then.

    “That wasn’t enough;  at the critical time of the fuel subsidy removal, we also sat down and even with a lot of workers of 50,193. We also agreed that for the 50, 193 workers, we will be giving them small stipends of N10,000 for three months. We did it and it cost the state over N1.5bn.

    “As for the issue of this palliative, we shared it last year; we are here today to say we are grateful to God for what He has been doing for us. Today, we are going to flag off  distribution of the rice and maize that we have received.

    “We received 24,000 units of 25kg bags of rice from Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria RIFAN; we received 4,700 units of 25kg bags of Garri and 18,770  units of 50kg bags of maize from the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Security Adviser’s Office.

    “This palliative was received last month, which is May, 2024 and we are grateful to all the donor agencies for their support.

    “You may also recall that between August and September 2023,  we received 17,400 units of 50kg bags of rice and 40,000 units of 50kg bags of maize in a joint venture with the Federal Government.

    “The items were distributed across the state in the first and second phases of this programme to take care of most especially, the  most vulnerable in our state.

    “I have told the SSG to ensure that this phase of distribution should get to even some notable farmers who do not belong to the different farmers’ associations. The committees at the Local Government Areas comprise the NLC, faith- based organisations, community Presidents- General, the traditional institutions and NGOs.

    “We also took a decision that the Civil Servants from levels 1-14 should run shift. Monday to Wednesday, others Thursday and Friday. We have not even cancelled it and we feel it’s an opportunity  for them to go into farming.

    “There is no farming that is too small. We did that so that the money they would have used to buy fuel and come to work, they can save it and invest it in their farms. If everybody, the fifty thousand and something workers we have in this state, 60 per cent of them are engaged in farming, there will be food sufficiency.

    “I want to thank that lecturer who is a farmer. She has encouraged people to go into farming. Food is very important. We have fertile lands in Delta State.

    “As an administration that prioritises the welfare of citizens, we shall continue to explore ways and means to expand our coverage and mitigate the current hardship thereby bringing succour to our people.”

    Earlier, Chairman of the State Subsidy Palliative Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, commended Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing 317 road projects across the state with 76 of them spanning 170km length initiated by the Governor in the last one year.

    He said road projects in the state had contributed immensely to the ease of  evacuation of farm produce and the economy of the state.

    Emu lauded the donors- the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the National Security Adviser’s Office, for the various donations.

    In their separate remarks, the representatives of poultry, fishery and piggery farmers in the state, Chief Eric Tomfawei, Ogbueshi Adim Nwokobia, Dr Amatu Edozie, Mary Odiatu and Dr Emmanuella Clinton, commended Governor Oborevwori for supporting farmers and pledged their unalloyed commitment to ensuring sustainable food security in the state and country.

  • FG commends Delta govt for maintaining federal roads

    FG commends Delta govt for maintaining federal roads

    The Delta State Government under Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor has received commendation from the federal government (FG) for maintaining federal roads in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Onimogo Okaulola, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Engineer in charge of Delta gave the commendation on Monday.

    Mr Okaulola gave the commendation in Asaba when the management team of FERMA visited Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff to Governor Oborevwori.

    Okulola noted that the State government had demonstrated huge commitment towards ensuring that federal roads across the State were motorable.

    While soliciting the continued support of the State government in the maintenance of federal roads in the State, he commended the state government for its intervention in the construction of the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage way, rehabilitation of Agbor-Abraka-Eku and the Benin-Sapele roads.

    “As an agency we are prepared to deliver on our mandate. The essence of this visit is to seek closer ties with the state government,” Okulola said.

    In his response, Ejiro said that the visit would help to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the agency.

    He urged FERMA to collaborate with the state ministries of works and urban renewal as well as other relevant agencies for more efficient service delivery.

  • Gov Oborevwori selected among 11 Governors for Excellence Award

    Gov Oborevwori selected among 11 Governors for Excellence Award

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been selected among eleven State Governors for an award of excellence by the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies (ISSS).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the excellence award will be bestowed on Governor Oborevwori for his significant contributions towards building a robust security architecture and strategic development in the State and beyond.

    Registrar of ISSS, Dr Sunday Idakwoji made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja, disclosing that the award would be presented to the Governors on November 23.

    The award for Best Governor on Security and Humanitarian Services of the Year, Idakwoji said, will be bestowed on Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for his exceptional leadership and innovative strategies in improving security and providing humanitarian aid in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions.

    According to him, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa will be honoured for his dedication to maintaining peace and security while implementing comprehensive humanitarian initiatives to support vulnerable communities.

    Idakwoji said that Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State would be recognised as the Best Governor on Collective Security Advocate of the Year for his proactive stance on collective security measures and his efforts to foster collaboration among various security agencies to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.

    Other governors to receive the award are; Governors Ahmad Aliu of Sokoto State, BabaJide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Dapo Abiodun, of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of  Ekiti State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Siminilaye Fubara of Rivers.

    Idakwoji said the institute had in 10 years of its existence been at the forefront of providing robust academic and practical education, fostering excellence in security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the African region and globally.

    He said the mission was to prepare students for the complex challenges of today’s world through meticulous training and innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, as well as forging lasting security partnerships across nations and cultures.

    The registrar said the awards were aimed at recognising, honor individuals and organisations that had made significant contributions towards building a robust security architecture and strategic development in Nigeria and beyond.

    He added that some serving ministers would also be recognised for their outstanding performance among other several individuals, defense and security services and corporate entities.

    “Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to enhancing security and strategic development in Nigeria. The awards ceremony promises to be a night of recognition, celebration, and inspiration,” the registrar said.

  • Ex-President Jonathan’s indirect rebuke of Delta ‘patriots’ – By Emmanuel Aziken

    Ex-President Jonathan’s indirect rebuke of Delta ‘patriots’ – By Emmanuel Aziken

    By Emmanuel Aziken

    Whether President Goodluck Jonathan was prompted to rein-in the non-descript group identifying itself as the League of Delta Patriots is definitely out of the question given the integrity and respect that the former Nigeria leader has garnered while in office and even more out of office.

    Jonathan has turned into a revered international statesman that it would be impolite to consider him as acting as an emissary of a politician in Delta State.

    However, his words at the commissioning of the state of the art High Court complex on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 was perhaps a fitting reply to the League of Delta Patriots which had hours before his arrival published an advertorial describing the one year anniversary of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a non-event.

    The group had alleged that the governor had no project to commission in the first year and had taken a grip on the finances of the state leading to a state of discord within the ranks of the administration in the state.

    So it appeared a matter of irony that within hours of the publication, Jonathan was in Delta State to commission what some describe as about the best High Court complex in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the occasion, Dr Jonathan said:

    “there are some people who believe that they must bring a government down for the purpose of politics, but when you are struggling to bring a governor or president down for the purpose of politics, you are bringing the state or country down.”

    While it remains a matter of guess as to whether President Jonathan was familiar with the publication of the League of Delta Patriots, the former president was, however, on spot to identify with the righteous inclinations of the Delta governor bringing to light the fact that Oborevwori as speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly quietly returned an untilised N500m in the House budget.

    As Dr Jonathan said:

    “It is not easy for a public officer or even a civil servant to refund money to the government in most cases; it is extremely difficult, but as a Speaker, you were able to do that and that shows that you are somebody of high level of integrity and you can be trusted.”

    The act of Nicodemusly returning that hefty amount of money when he as speaker could have pocketed it was one trait in the governor that undoubtedly made the former president to identify his host as a man of integrity.

    The revelation by Dr Jonathan put to summary dismissal the insinuations that the governor had hijacked the finances of the state.

    However, where the Delta League of Patriots failed to succeed with questioning the integrity quotient of the governor, they, however, kept alluding to the allegation of incompetence.

    That assertion was obviously rebuffed by Jonathan with his commendation of the state-of-the-art judiciary complex which he described as among the best in the country.

    President Jonathan in rebuffing the assertion of incompetence said:

    “I believe that if you go across the country today, this is one of the best judiciary headquarters in the country and I congratulate the Governor and the judiciary of Delta State for this exemplary project.”

    It is remarkable that the Delta State commissioner for information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza has replied to the issues of poor service delivery made by the League of Delta Patriots  with specific projects undertaken and commissioned by the incumbent governor.

    Remarkably, the Governor he claimed is building on the projects commenced by his predecessors, a legacy of political maturity that is rare in these shores.

    Conducting newsmen through one of the ongoing projects at Ughelli, Edo Street which is expected to cut short traveling time from Asaba to Warri by avoiding the busy Otovwodo Junction, the commissioner of works, Comrade Reuben Izeze said:

    “We are working to deliver long-lasting projects and are not bound by the timelines of any group masquerading under any name as patriots or whatever.

    “You can see what is going on here, two, three months ago this place was a swamp but we are not going to rush the work to fit the timeline of any group. We are going to allow the road to soak water through at least one rainy season to allow the road to compact,” he said in dismissing the assertions of the Delta Patriots.

    However, whether Dr Jonathan’s retort to the Delta League of Patriots is something that they would ponder on is something that is open to question. That is, given their pledge to continue with their write-ups. That, however, is a revelation of an agenda of political bickering.

    For residents of Delta now used to the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, this agenda is a strange one that they may not be disposed to.

  • Okuama IDP camp bubbles with joy with newborn babies

    Okuama IDP camp bubbles with joy with newborn babies

    The internally displaced persons (IDP) camp set up in Ewu town by the Delta State Government for the displaced people of Okuama community has been thrown into a mood of celebration, following the birth of new babies in the camp.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers that the babies were delivered, shortly after the IDP camp opened and started receiving the displaced Okuama people.

    Recall that the Delta State Government had set up the Okuama IDP camp in Ewu, Ughelli South local government area of the State to resettle displaced people of the community, pending the rebuilding of the community.

    The Nigerian army had raided the community, located in Ughelli South, after a number of military personnel were ambushed and killed in the area. The army laid siege to the community in the aftermath of the killing of 17 military personnel on March 14.

    The displaced people of Okuama, who had earlier rebuffed the State Government’s IDP camp, sited at Ewu, finally showed up at the camp.

    Deacon Austin Ohwofaria, Commandant of the camp disclosed that 1,640 persons, comprising of 209 children 68 elderly people, have been registered so far.

    “In terms of registration, we have 1,640 people here. We welcomed two newborn babies recently and the people were so excited. By implication, we are having 1,642 people here in the camp.

    “Unofficially, the camp was opened on the 15th of May. But, there were skirmishes here and there, whether the people were going to come or not. It was last week the people started coming. We started last week.

    “We have 209 children here and 68 elderly people. The newborn babies are all female. Just two of them, but we still have a number of pregnant women here in the camp,” Deacon Ohwofaria said.

    TNG observed that the camp is mostly made up of women and children. There is playground, where the children were seen playing football. There is also a clinic, a general kitchen and bathrooms, where the people clean up.

    Ohwofaria commended the State Government and said the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has shown commitment to attending to the plight of the people.

    “I must commend the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. The State Government has been so committed to the camp in terms of funding, but as you know, money cannot be enough.

    “Governor Oborevwori has saw the camp to this stage but as you know these are people cannot fend for themselves, going by the circumstances of what happened to them.

    “The government’s effort is being augmented by a number of NGOs. We are taking records of the NGOs.

    “In terms of infrastructure, we have potable water supply. There is free flow of water. We have where the people take their bath. There are toilets. There is a general kitchen meant for all the people.

    “There is also a clinic here. But when there is emergency, we move them to the hospital. For instance, one of the women who gave birth is still at the hospital.

    “There is cordiality among the people. They know what happened to them and that has brought about an uncommon bond among them. The people are living well.

    “The children have been duly registered for schooling. We are camped in a secondary school and flanked by other schools as well. We have profiled the children and they are attending primary and secondary school,” Ohwofaria said.

    The camp commandant also disclosed that by the projection of the State Government, the displaced people of Okuama are not expected to stay in the IDP camp longer than a period of six (6) months.

    “By that time, I believe the State government must haven taken care of where they came from, that is, in terms of rebuilding Okuama community and all that. So that is the projection,” Ohwofaria.