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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Gov Oborevwori presents 20 SUVs to Judges as ex-President Jonathan inaugurates Delta High Court complex

    Gov Oborevwori presents 20 SUVs to Judges as ex-President Jonathan inaugurates Delta High Court complex

    Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, inaugurated Delta State High Court Complex in Asaba and flagged off the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to Judges in the state at which event he openly lauded the state government for credible performance.

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Jonathan commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his primary focus on the infrastructural development of Delta State and his commitment to continuing with projects inherited from previous administrations in the state.

    He said: “There are some projects that are very fundamental to the growth and development of the state and we expect anybody who takes over government to continue with them and you are doing exactly that.

    “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.

    Jonathan also lauded Governor Oborevwori for his prudence in returning unutilised funds of over N500 million to the State treasury when he was Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    He 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.

    “Please, continue to manage the resources of the state in that manner and use the money in a way that it will affect the people positively.”

    The former President urged the people of Delta State to keep supporting the Governor for the overall development of the state, saying; “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.

    “This is because the Governor or the President is sitting with public resources and everybody must encourage him to succeed and that’s the only way we, as a nation, can grow”.

    Earlier, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the completion of the High Court building was in line with his commitment to the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.

    Oborevwori said he was motivated to complete the project because the judiciary was the only arm of government without a befitting building for their operations.

    He said the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado SUVs to judges in the state was a fulfillment of “a promise made and a promise kept”.

    While thanking the former President for coming to inaugurate the project, he said the erstwhile President remained a great Nigerian patriot, statesman and unique leader, in and out of office.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I thank you for your friendship, partnership, and sustained interest in the progress of our dear state and Nigeria in general.

    “Of the three arms of government, only the judiciary was lacking a befitting office building. This motivated me to hasten the completion of this project. I am glad that today the narrative has changed for good. The implication, going forward, is that the cause of justice will now be better served for the greater good of all.

    “As a government, we have taken steps to further ensure that our judges and associated staff not only operate in a conducive and enabling environment, but are also provided with the necessary tools that complement the functionality and prestige of their offices”.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, at the occasion, said the building consisted of five floors, six court rooms, six conference halls, six witness waiting rooms, six holding cells, six Secretarial offices, two general conference halls, a ceremonial hall, Multi-purpose Hall, lawyers’ lounge, judges’ lounge, VIP lounge and a library, among others.

    In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, Hon. Justice Bolaji Yusuf, commended the state government for providing the magnificent edifice as a temple of justice in the state.

    He expressed optimism that other states would emulate the Delta State example by providing similar magnificent temples of justice for the administration of justice in other parts of the country.

    Also, in her remarks, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessors for the completion of the modern edifice, describing it as a magnificent testament and enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice and excellence in the judiciary.

    The Chief Judge said the new High Court Complex had internet access and other critical Information Technology (IT) facilities in the building to enhance e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court of Justice.

  • Oborevwori committed to completing all ongoing projects – Izeze

    Oborevwori committed to completing all ongoing projects – Izeze

    Delta State Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze has reiterated the resolve of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to complete all ongoing projects in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Comrade Izeze said this while speaking with newsmen during an inspection tour of a section of the Ughelli-Asaba expressway, a federal road under construction by the State Government.

    Izeze disclosed that the major challenge of the road construction is the link bridge between Ogwashi-Uku junction and Nsukwa junction, which he said once completed the major challenge of the road construction is over.

    It was observed that the precast beams for the bridge were ready, and the project contractor, the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) had commenced installation of the bridge.

    “Sector C1 where we are now covers about 25 kilometres of the stretch from just after Kwale, around Nsukwa junction down to Ogwashi-Uku junction. The most challenging part of the road is this bridge.

    “If you look over there, there is an existing bridge, a very tiny one. Most of the times, you hear that flood has washed over the bridge but the bridge has survived. To escape that problem, we decided to construct two new bridges and that is what you are seeing. Once they construct this bridge, I think that the major challenge on the road has been conquered.

    “This project is part of His Excellency’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects in the State. As you can see, this is a massive project. The entire stretch of the road starts from Ughelli to Asaba,” Izeze said.

    TNG recalls that the Ughelli-Asaba expressway construction project was first awarded to UNO Construction Company during the administration of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as Governor of State.

    “After several years, we discovered that the firm does not have the capacity to deliver the project. So, that contract was terminated. Subsequently, it was re-awarded to Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) in 2019,” Izeze said.

    Speaking on the socio-economic importance of the Ughelli-Asaba expressway, the Commissioner for Works said:

    “The idea of this road is to ease traffic. The idea was predicated on the move by the federal government to get the NPA in Warri to become functional. There was hope that the Escravos bar was going to be dredged by the Goodluck Jonathan administration so that bigger ships could come into the Warri port.

    “There was commitment. If NPA Warri becomes functional, the idea was to get traders from Onitsha to import their goods through Warri. If they did that, the haul from Warri will pass through this road.

    “When this road is dualised and the Warri port is functional, most of the traders travelling from Onitsha in Anambra State going to Lagos State to clear their goods from Tin Can Island, Apapa Wharf, and others, will use this road to clear their goods from the Warri port, given the huge demurrage they incur in the course of clearing their goods because of too much traffic in Lagos.

    “I believe that the Governors of the South-South are interfacing with the National Assembly to bring it to bear on the Bola Tinubu administration. There is a very important need to dredge the Excravos bar. Once that is achieved and this road is dualised, there will be a lot of socio-economic benefits.

    “That was the dream behind this project and we do hope that the dream would become a reality”.

    Speaking further during the inspection tour, Comrade Izeze expressed hope that the federal government would make refunds to the Statement Government for construction of the road.

    “This is a federal road. In the last administration of Muhammadu Buhari, the government was reasonable enough to realise that the Rivers State Government had done a lot to ease traffic on federal roads in Port Harcourt and refunded about N80 billion to the State Government. We do hope that we will make our case before the federal government and get some refunds,” he said

    When asked, the Delta State Manager of CCECC, Mr Wu-u Yuaru corroborated the Commissioner for Works to assure that all things being equal, with clement weather and available resources, the project would be delivered by the end of the dry season in 2025.

    TNG reports Izeze was accompanied on the inspection tour by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza; Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and other top government officials in the Ministry of Works.

  • Oborevwori hailed for his achievements first year in office

    Oborevwori hailed for his achievements first year in office

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has lauded Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on his achievements in one year in office.

    The group under the aegis of amalgam of Registers Political Parties in Delta made the commendation at a press conference on Thursday in Asaba.

    In a statement jointly signed by IPAC State Chairman, Prince Henry Eze and CUPP State Chairman, Chief Efe Josiah but was read by Eze, said Gov. Oborevwori did the electorate proud by delivering on electioneering promises.

    According to the group, the governor deployed his experience as the longest serving Speaker in the State House of Assembly to bear in harnessing the amazing spirit for successful implementation of his M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “We admired that the 2023 governorship election in which he scored 360,234 votes as against that of his main opponent, who scored 240,229 votes underscores his (Oborevwori’s) unflinching popularity in the state.

    The group noted that the governor’s victory and general acceptance had  prepared him for early good start.

    “In terms of infrastructural development, he has practically converted the state into a construction site, connecting communities with roads and bridges across the three senatorial districts.

    ”The most iconic of the projects is the award of the N78 billion contract to Julius Berger to construct three mega bridges, cloverleaf and raid expansion works in Warri and Effurun axis.

    “Also in Education; Oborevwori attracted three new faculties in the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro these are Medical Science, Pharmacy and Health Science, all approved by the National University Commission (NUC).

    “Also, the governor has built and inaugurated an administrative block and tarred two kilometer internal roads in same university,” the group said.

    “The governor approved the payment bursary to over 60,000 students of the state origin in tertiary institutions for the 2022/2023 academic year.

    “He also approved a 25 per cent reduction in acceptance fees in the four state universities.”

    The group also lauded the governor for being workers friendly by paying the backlog of five billion naira civil servants  promotion arrears.

    “He also provided N40 billion for payment of local government pensioners and had approved the recruitment of over 2000 teaching and non-teaching staff for 25 local government areas in the state.

    According to them, the Oborevwori government has in the period under review,  provided palliatives to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal on workers, widows, vulnerable groups and the aged.

    “Through the State MORE Grant over 3000 beneficiaries in targeted  trades and artisans were empowered.

    “Also, direct beneficiaries of the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) has increased from 36,353 to 110,841 within one year of this administration.”

    The group said that good news was that Gov. Oborevwori achieved the feat and more without borrowing a kobo in the past one year.

  • May 29: God has been faithful to us – Delta Gov

    May 29: God has been faithful to us – Delta Gov

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said God has been faithful to the State in spite of the seeming challenges.

    The Governor, who was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2023, stated this at the Praise and Worship Day, organised to mark his first year in office in Asaba.

    Oborevwori, while addressing the audience, said that giving Praises to God every May 29 was a tradition he met, adding that it be sustained because of its gains.

    “Today, we have continued the noble tradition of dedicating May 29 every year to honour God with praise and worship.

    “It is a tradition I am proud to sustain because after all, Delta state is known as “the Finger of God.” God has always manifested Himself in the affairs of this state.

    “Hence, despite a few hiccups here and there, Delta has continued on the growth trajectory since the inception of the current democratic dispensation,” he said.

    The governor said that he was also persuaded by  Paslm 67 which says,  “Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.”

    “As we continually bow before Him in total reverence and humble adoration, I am persuaded that we shall continue to experience increase in every aspect of governance because “God is not a man, that He should lie,” Numbers 23:19.

    “There are two thoughts I want us to leave here with today.

    “The first is that God has been faithful to us as a people. Not only have we continued to enjoy peace in the state, we have also continued to forge ahead in unity and a shared sense of purpose. Indeed.

    “The second thought is that I have kept faith with the people of Delta State.

    “The fair, objective, and realistic way to judge political leaders is by evaluating them by the promises they made while running for office,” Oborevwori said.

    He said that during his campaigns that he promised to urgently address the issues of unpaid promotion arrears to both serving and retired state public servants, and the protracted issue of pension liabilities in the local governments.

    “In three months of assuming office, I fulfilled these promises;  paid N5.5 billion promotion arrears to 23,887 serving and retired public servants with the reinstatement and remuneration of promotion arrears for 362 retired officer,” he said.

    Oborevwori said that he administration rectified discrepancies related to erroneous deletions in the service records of 12 serving officers due to administrative oversights.

    According to him, the  unpaid local government pensions was speedily resolved as promised.

    “My administration helped to secure legislative approval for the local government councils to obtain a N40 billion bank loan to enable them liquidate their backlog of pension liabilities.

    “The loan, which is guaranteed by the state government, is payable over a five-year period, and will be deducted from the accounts of the local government councils.”

    He said that because government was a continuum, his administration has committed resources to completing all inherited projects and had initiated new ones.

    He said that various measures have been put in place to boost staff morale and enhance productivity such as public officers vehicle and housing loan schemes amidst other social welfare packages.

    “In my inaugural address, I promised that Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state, will be given special attention to restore its lost glory.

    “That process has begun with the engagement of construction giant, Julius Berger, to construct three flyovers and Cloverleaf Interchange in the twin cities of Effurun and Warri.

    “As at this moment, we have embarked on 317 road projects with a total length of 873.12 km, while the length of drains covered is 668.57 km.

    “It is important to point out that 76 out of these 317 roads with a cumulative length of 171.49km and 85.30 km of drainage channels were started by this administration,” he said.

    Earlier in his sermon, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, former President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), while quoting Psalm 100:4, stressed the importance of  praises.

    He said that praises and prayers opens all door and offers best access to God’s presence.

    He prayed for the governor, government and people of the state while urging  them to continue with praises and prayers to God for great transformation.

    Various gospel artists including Rev. Vwegba Base, Mercy Chiwo, Buchi, Frank Edward and Asu Ekiye, took turn to minister through songs and praises at the occasion.

    Former governors, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Royal Fathers, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts, Religious Leaders, Political Appointees, Senior Civil Servants graced the event.

  • Arise TV Anchor In Shock As Delta Governor Organizes Worship Session To Celebrate One Year In Office

    Arise TV Anchor In Shock As Delta Governor Organizes Worship Session To Celebrate One Year In Office

    Arise TV business anchor Rotus Oddiri has taken to his social media page to express shock following the praise and worship scheduled by the Delta State Government to celebrate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first year anniversary in office.

    TheNewGuru.com reports that Christian festival of praise is currently holding today, Wednesday, May 29th, at the Event Centre, Asaba, as part of activities lined up in celebration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first year anniversary.

    The praise and worship day, according to the statement signed by the Publicity sub-committee, will be preceded by a thanksgiving service at Living Faith Church, Asaba, on Sunday with gospel artists from all over the country participating.

    Amongst top gospel artists billed to perform is, Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Evang. Emmanuel Ofano, Buchi, Asu Ekiye, Evang Jerry Ekpekuro and Tisio-Tisio.

    Reacting to the ongoing prasie session, Oddiri via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter, shared a video from the prasie session, laying emphasis on that fact the service is been held on a week day.

    He added that he’s loss for word over the action of the Delta State Government.

    Sharing the video, he wrote:

    “Live On @Arisetv The Government of Delta State is hosting a full blown praise and worship service on a Wednesday morning to celebrate the first year in Office of governor Sheriff Oborevwori. I am at a loss for words.”

  • As Oborevwori ‘resurrects’ SERVICOM in Delta – By Pius Mordi

    As Oborevwori ‘resurrects’ SERVICOM in Delta – By Pius Mordi

    By Pius Mordi

    When late Gen. Murtala Mohammed was done with his indiscriminate and sweeping purge of the civil service carried out after overthrowing the regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the service lost its air of stability and, to a large extent, professionalism that had been the hallmark. The principles of merit and seniority bequeathed by the British colonial system were contaminated with extraneous factors that killed professionalism, independence and impartially becameentrenched.

    The politicisation of the service redefined the country’s developmental trajectory and affected its perception by the public. Vices associated that undermined the ethics and processes for accountability in administration became not just acceptable but the norm. As in other countries, the civil service is made up of permanent officials, unlike the government which changes periodically. Programme implementation, advice, policy formulation, programme planning, drafting of bills, budget preparation and quasi-judicial function took flight.

    Rather than uphold and insist on protecting the rules of the service that checked the inclination of public office holders to circumvent processes that upheld public trust and prevented illegal disbursement of funds, civil servants are now known to show public officers holders the path to circumventing extant rules on expenditure.

    The story was told of the experience of General Hassan Katsina as Governorof the old Northern Region. He had applied for a plot of land but was denied by his Permanent Secretary. He was told that as Governor, by law, he was the custodian of the lands in the state and was supposed to manage all lands for the benefit of the collective, for everyone in the state.

    The permanent secretary advised that he could apply for land when he was no longer Governor of Northern Nigeria. And unknown to him, after his exchange with the ministry, the permanent secretary instructed that a piece of land appropriate for his status be identified for him. The Certificate of Occupancy was prepared and placed in a file, to be given to him the day he ceased being Governor of Northern Nigeria. And that was what happened to Gen. Katsina. He got his C of O signed by his successor. It was considered a contradiction for him to have signed the document allocating the land to himself.

    Gen. Katsina was a military governor without a legislature arm that could curb his powers which were limitless. The civil service rules which guided governance was sacrosanct at the time and the Governor was too disciplined to armtwist the permanent secretary.

    Let’s not border talking about what governors, military and civilian, that came after him could have done to that permanent secretary. So willing and ready is today’s civil service to exploit the system that some people out of personal experience rechristened then evil servants.

    In 2004, Olusegun Obasanjo as the first Fourth Republic president launched an initiative to change the narrative in the civil service. It was not a wholesale and comprehensive review of the service, but an exercise designed to make all government agencies render quick and satisfactory service to all Nigerians. It was premised on the imperative to give orientation to Nigerians to demand impeccable service as their right and aimed at inculcating in all Nigerians that those denying service in one window will meet the same treatment in another window and to instill the ‘golden rule’ where giving service is concerned.

    Obasanjo said it is a social contract between the Federal Government and its people and called it Service Compact with all Nigerians with the acronym, SERVICOM. All the 36 state bought into the initiative. But as with most policy issues, its implementation waned and eventually died when Obasanjo left office while the SERVICOM units set up in Ministries, Departments and Agencies became mere window dressing.

    In Delta State, the programme was incorporated into the activities of all the MDAs with units set up to monitor its implementation. The checklist remain enobling today as the did then.

    While unfolding his MORE Agenda, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has decided to resurrect the SERVICOM initiative. He thrust the assignment on the table of Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, a veteran in two of the arms of government. An erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Solomon also manned the Works portfolio as Commissioner in his eventful career as a public servant. Oborevwori had appointed him as his Senior Policy Adviser, a position that enables him to deploy his vast experience in nurturing the cabinet.

    The relaunch of SERVICOM is being undertaken in individual MDAs and over 70 MDAs have been visited by Solomon and his team with many still on the cards.

    “The idea is that the public should know where they can obtain the service they desire without having to seek such in the wrong offices”, Solomon said of the renewed initiative. All Commissioners and heads of agencies, he said, should ensure that policies and resource proposals presented for approval to the State Executive Council are based on evidence of the needs of the population.

    “They will also demonstrate evidence of the involvement of stakeholders in the development of policy and feedback of performance”, the Senior Policy Adviser who also supervises the Department of Labour Relations and SERVICOM said.

    He said all MDAs should set the entitlements of citizens clearly and in ways they can easily understand; list fees payable, if any, and prohibit the asking for and making of any additional payments as well as commit to the provision of services within realistic timeliness.

    However, the reform of the civil service will remain a subject that will dominate conversations on making governance more response and responsible to the task of nation building. With the poor purchasing power of the people and the decimation of the middle class, there will still be a lot of thinking to do.

    Postscript 

    The anti-climax on students loan

    After the stuttering jerks of its birthing, the Student Loan Scheme finally took off but in a manner that dampened the initial optimism that was elicited. Only students in federal tertiary institutions are qualified to apply for the loan, the federal government ruled. A a nation where virtually all the 36 states now have their own universities, some with more than one, its discriminatory reach and application was dispiriting to the younger generation. All the federal universities combined have very limited space for those desiring higher education.

    This led the states to fill the gap by setting up their own universities to create more room for indigent students. While there are 43 federal universities at the end of 2023, states have 48. Even then, the inadequate in take of the public universities have made private universities still viable with about 79 of them operational at the last count with more still in the pipeline.

    The discriminatory application of the loan facility is the inevitable outcome of the priority of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in the allocation of limited resources. When N90 billion is spent to subsidise religious pilgrimage and over N66 billion for renovation of the Vice President’s residence, the Senate building and car park within the precincts of the National Assembly, that is the fate befalls education.

  • Oborevwori: Navigating the path less travelled – By Felix Ofou

    Oborevwori: Navigating the path less travelled – By Felix Ofou

    By Felix Ofou

    “No one has learned the meaning of life until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow men” – Beran Wolfe.

    A lot of politicians are driven by ego. Some by King size egos and others by not too big egos. They are self centered and propelled mainly by what benefits them directly. Only very few politicians could be described as being selfless with eyes fixed on milestones and enduring legacies.

    Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, clearly belongs to the category of leaders seeking to make their mark on the sands of time. He is not afraid to thread the path less traveled. We can safely posit that he is more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy, not minding the cost or the price to achieve the purpose.

    Since assumption of office a year ago, Governor Oborevwori has opted for a trajectory that ensures continuity in government by ensuring that projects inherited from past administrations are completed for commissioning, while at the same time, initiating new ones to complete the cycle.

    This resolve to pursue continuity in government has evidently set the Delta Governor apart from some of his colleagues, past and present. Consequently, there are abundance of projects to show for Oborevwori’s one year in office. And Deltans are definitely happier for the armada of projects spread across the length and breath of the state.

    Take the case of Lagos State, for example, where former Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode simply abandoned projects initiated by his predecessor, Raji Fashola (SAN). Or the case of Governor Nyessom Wike, who turned a blind eye to projects of Rotimi Amaechi, his predecessor .

    In both instances, the Governors and their predecessors belonged to the same political party and were sired by a common godfather: Ambode and Fashola by now President Bola Tinubu; Wike and Amaechi by former Governor Peter Odili. The same can be said of many other states where successors ignored projects of their predecessors. The outcome is the abandonment of a plethora of laudable projects that would have been of immense benefit to the people.

    By contrast, Governor Oborevwori embraced and took on programmers and projects of his predecessors with unparalleled gusto. He saw government as a continuum and ensured that work did not stop in any of the sites inherited. This is apart from new projects initiated by his administration since assumption of office on May 29, 2023.

    It is remarkable that Oborevwori has continued with projects started by former Governors, Chief James Onamefe Ibori (1999-2007), Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (2007-2015 and Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa who ruled from 2015 to 2023. We can say there has been no distinction or discrimination as far as projects initiated by these political gladiators are concerned.

    At least 401 road projects were inherited by the Governor, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He has within a year in office awarded contracts for new 311 roads, apart from embarking on several intangibles that have made the government extremely popular and acceptable to the people, especially at the grassroots.

    Among the projects inherited is the Benekuu bridge and its adjoining spurs that is more than 98 percent completed. Then, there is the Ughelli – Asaba, a Federal Highway, for which Section C is nearly completed, and Section A in which massive work is ongoing, a development that is clearly unprecedented in our clime.

    Today, motorists drive uninterrupted from Asaba to Ogwashi-uku, thereby reducing accidents on this corridor, which is the first phase of the Section A of the Asaba – Ughelli highway. This is thanks to the ingenuity and pragmatic leadership deployed by Oborevwori in handling this project that has lasted for more than 10 years.

    It was Ogiame Atuwase III, the Olu of Warri, who recently heralded the great work being done by the Sheriff Oborevwori administration on the Trans Ode – Itsekiri road started 14 years ago. The elated royal father drove to ‘Big Warri’, as Ode Itsekiri is called, for the first time, a feat that was almost unthinkable a few years back.

    The 27 km Trans Ode Itsekiri road is made up of 19 bridges with 15 already completed. Work on the remaining four is ongoing and it is hoped that this would be rounded up in no distant time. But history was made when the Olu of Warri drove to Big Warri, stopping only at Ajaja, where his car was transported via pontoon.

    Also worthy of note is the completion of the headquarters of the judiciary in Asaba, the Emevor -Orogun road and Okpanam-Ibusa bypass and Isheagu bridge, with the accompanying road, Orere and Bedesegha bridge, among many others.

    Notable projects initiated by Oborevwori include the N78 billion bridges and accompanying road expansion awarded to construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, meant to transform the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie. It is on record that no Governor has engaged Julius Berger for any job. Oborevwori took everyone by surprise and got a bulls eye on that score. The same can be said of Umutu-Abraka-Eku old road which is almost completed. The Governor simply got tired of the Federal Government’s inertia on the Agbor-Abraka-Eku road and decided on providing an alternate routes for motorists to use.

    Virtually every part of the state has been transferred into a huge construction site. Urban renewal and expansion are going on at a dizzying pace. Both the uplands and the creeks are affected in line with Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda.

    This treatise would however be incomplete if we fail to acknowledge the giant strides made to bring succour to pensioners in the local government system and civil servants previously owed pensions and gratuities as well as arrears of promotion allowances. The Governor promptly guaranteed a loan of N40 billion to clear the backlog for the pensioners and approved N5 billion for the affected civil servants. No worker promoted under Oborevwori’s watch is owed an allowance.

    Similarly over 50,000 persons in the civil and public service benefitted from palliatives of N10,000 paid consecutively for three months. Over 2000 teaching and non teaching staff were absorbed into the local government system, while technical education and the health sector have been revamped to meet with expectations of the founding fathers of the state.

    With the unveiling of Delta Cares Programme and the M.O.R.E Grant scheme in which thousands of traders, artisans and indigent persons were empowered, Governor Oborevwori further demonstrated empathy and concern for the welfare of the people.

    Despite being the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and definitely, the only one to have transited from the legislature to the executive arm of government, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has maintained an uncommon humility, focus and determination to deliver the dividends of democracy to all, without fear or discrimination.

    No doubt, this new Sheriff in town is not driven by ego, arrogance or sense of entitlement. Instead, he has consistently attributed his emergence as governor and successes in government to Providence and the Grace of God. Nothing more can be added to a man’s rise from relative obscurity to the number one citizen of oil rich Delta State.

    No wonder Governor Oborevwori opted for continuity in governance, knowing that the unmerited favour of God brought him this far and would sustain him beyond the foreseeable future. He is not in contest with his predecessors; totally focused in fulfilling promises made to the people, which is to better their lot and enthrone enduring legacies for generations unborn.

    Ofou is Executive Assistant on New Media to Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.

  • Oborevwori decries under-development of South-South

    Oborevwori decries under-development of South-South

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Tuesday,  decried the receding coastlines, declining aquaculture and extreme weather conditions as measure hindering the sustainable development of the South-South region of Nigeria.

    The governor stated this at the 13th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Forum of traditional rulers in the South-South region  in Asaba.

    The  theme of the meeting is “Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration for the Development of the South-South Region: The Role of the Traditional Institutions.”

    He said that environmental decay impacts negatively on the ecosystem.

    Oborevwori charged the traditional rulers to remain pillars of integrity and fairness, mediating conflicts and upholding justice in their various domains without partiality.

    “There is no doubt that you occupy a unique and very critical place in governance.

    “Today, we gather to recognise the pivotal role our traditional rulers play in the fabric of our community.

    “You are the custodians of our rich heritage and the guardians of our cultural values.

    “As we face the challenges of the modern world, you are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the communities and the government.

    “As our traditional rulers you are to foster unity in diversity.

    “As you meet for this auspicious occasion, I urge you to encourage your people  to embrace education and innovation, while preserving our invaluable traditions,” he said.

    Oborevwori charged the traditional rulers to help to promote inclusiveness, ensuring that every voice was heard and every individual is valued.

    “Work closely with the government and private organisations to bring developmental projects to your regions, especially in infrastructure, healthcare and education.

    “One of the major challenges of development we face in the South-South region of this country is that of environmental decay.

    “It impacts negatively on our ecosystem. This is evident in our receding coastlines, declining aquaculture and extreme weather conditions,” he said.

    He, however, lauded the traditional institution for the vital roles played in developmental strategies and policies through mobilisation.

    “I am aware that these days, you have perfected the utilisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to avoid the longer process of litigation.

    “Given the essential roles you play, I advocate that the traditional institution deserve specific mention and functions in our Constitution. You deserve it,”he said.

    The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, described the meeting as timely.

    He  called on government at all levels, politicians and other stakeholders from the region, to synergise with traditional rulers in finding effective solutions to the challenges bedevilling the area.

    In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said there was an urgent need to involve traditional rulers in peace building.

    He said that there was need to fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering and unrest in the region.

    The minister said that increased oil production would bring more resources into the region for its development.

    The  Chairman, South South traditional  forum, King  Edmund Daukoru, Ningi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, said  that Nigeria’s development gaps was  due primarily to lack of cooperation and synergy between stakeholders.

    He said there was lack of consultation with traditional institutions by almost all tiers of government.

    Daukoru said  that the traditional institution had been increasingly marginalised with each constitutional amendment.

    “To the point where we are now entirely becoming out of the purview of the Constitution of the land we once undisputably led,”he said.

    Earlier,  Chairman,   Delta  Traditional Rulers Council, retired Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo,  said the vision of the forum was to synergise and  address the challenges of insecurity and under-development,  as well as promote peaceful co-existence.

  • Delta LG polls: PDP belongs to all of us – Oborevwori

    Delta LG polls: PDP belongs to all of us – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is owned by all members of the party.

    Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Johnson Erijo, who represented the Governor disclosed this while addressing Aniocha South youths under the aegis of Concerned Youths for the Political Liberation.

    He said: “I am very happy because you people have demonstrated again that you are very responsible people. The last time you were here like you said, I was the one that received you people and you handed a petition like this too.

    “Today again you have come in a very orderly manner and have made your petition known to the governor in an excellent manner.

    “When I listened to your speech, the passion with which you expressed love for our great party the PDP, is very heart warming. From all your disposition, that is not a dispute at all.

    “You know when you protested and handed a petition to me, events unfolding shows that at least we have acted based on your protest. So we are happy to receive you.

    “We can assure you that this party belongs to all of us and the governor is very very sensitive to all nook and cranny of the state. The governor is taking his time to ensure that the right thing is done everywhere.

    “You have given me your petition with your new request, I have listened carefully, I will brief him before presenting the petition. Be rest assured that the governor will do that which will make the PDP stronger than it is today.”

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Andrew Okolie from Ubulu-Uno, said: “We are the Concerned Youths for the Political Liberation of the Aniocha South Local Government Area.

    “We are here because Nsukwa clan is demanding rightfully for the position of the chairman in Aniocha South Local Government Council.

    “We have been protesting this and we wrote a letter to the governor regarding this issue. The person who told us at a point that power is not earned but taken is the same person who is now telling us that Nsukwa clan who did very well during the last election, to wait for 2027 to be given power.

    “We are saying this because we are lovers of the PDP despite the fact that many of us here have not gotten anything from the party but we have a natural love for the party and would not love to be part of the destructions of the great Party”.

  • One year in office: Delta Speaker scores Oborevwori high

    One year in office: Delta Speaker scores Oborevwori high

    Ahead of the one-year celebration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s assumption of office as Governor of Delta State, come May 29th, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor is upbeat that Deltans have a plethora of reasons to celebrate.

    Speaking with journalists in his office recently, Rt. Hon. Guwor is positive that the State Governor has, within the past one year, achieved remarkable socio-economic milestones as encapsulated in his M.O.R.E agenda initiative, which, according to him, is worthy of celebration.

    He listed some of the Governor’s achievements to include; “Massive infrastructural developments, Youth empowerment, enhanced relative peace and security, accelerated road network”, among others.

    On peace and security, although the speaker noted that within the period under review, there were pockets of challenges, particularly the Okuama community saga, herdsmen attacks, among others, Rt. Hon. Guwor maintained that the Governor, through his proactive dispositions is already bringing the challenge under control.

    On the Okuama security challenge, the Speaker noted that the Peace talk between the State government, the Nigerian Military and the affected community (ties) have been yielding the desired result as normalcy, according to him, is already returning to the troubled community.

    On the incessant herdsmen attacks across the State, the Speaker affirmed that the State House of Assembly through its legislative compliance committee is working in collaboration with the Executive to ensure that the Delta State Anti-open grazing law is obeyed to the latter, stressing that the committee has since given a marching order to the various local government councils in the State to constitute enforcement committee within their council areas.

    He said, “For the past one year, it is obvious that the State Governor has achieved a lot for Deltans. In terms of Peace and Security which is one of his cardinal focus, you will agree with me that the State Governor is doing very well in this regard, particularly within the Warri axis.

    “You are aware that before now, night life in the Warri axis has been on its lowest ebbs because of insecurity. But, at present the story has changed as night life is already returning to the area.

    “This, no doubting the fact is an attestation that the State Governor is doing very well in terms of security of life and property. “However, it is obvious that in every situation, there are bound to be some challenges. How you manage those situation is what matters. Recently, we had the Okuama issue. That, no doubt, is a security issue where 17 soldiers were killed.

    “The entire Okuama community was raised down as a result of that, but I can assure you that the State Governor is already working towards making sure that the people of Okuama return to their ancestral homes.

    “A relief and relocation committee has been set up as there is manhunt on the perpetrators of that dastardly act. That is to tell you how responsive the Governor is in terms of security. He has been working assiduously to ensure that normalcy returns to the troubled community.

    “Generally, in all parts of Delta, the Governor is doing his best. Recently, there was some security challenge within the State capital, but I can also tell you that the has since nipped that in the bud. That is to tell you the level of work the Governor has been doing to ensure that the State is peaceful both for investors and, indeed, Deltans” Guwor said.

    Speaking further, the Speaker commended the State Governor for his poise at giving Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the State some facelifts. He noted that the State Governor, within the period under review, has demonstrated an uncommon feat by engaging a reputable company, Julius Berger for the construction of bridges in the Warri area of the State. The N78 Billion contract, according to Rt. Hon. Guwor, is yet another testament of the Governor’s poise at ensuring a lasting infrastructural legacies for the state.