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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Okuama: No point to run away – Gov Oborevwori tells fleeing residents

    Okuama: No point to run away – Gov Oborevwori tells fleeing residents

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited Okuama with an assurance for the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis over the killing of 17 officers and soldiers on March 14.

    The Governor, who was accompanied by Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Unachukwu Ugochukwu, and top government officials, on a journey that took over one hour and twenty minutes from Warri, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.

    Recall that the killings made the people of the community to flee for fear of being attacked.

    Speaking to journalists at Okuama, Governor Oborevwori said: “We have followed due process in the whole incident. The people have been buried and the King that was detained has been released yesterday and today I am here to see what happened in Okuama community.

    “The Okuama 17 is something that we didn’t expect to happen because it is against our bargain for peace and security which I promised Deltans that we are going to enhance.

    “We have been enjoying peace and security since last year until the 14th of March when the four Army officers and 13 soldiers were murdered.

    “They were not just murdered, their bodies were mutilated and we have come here to see what happened.

    “Let me again reiterate Mr President’s promise that no innocent person would be victimised and you can see that, from that time till now, there has been no harassment of citizens of this community.

    “I have come to see how the innocent people of this community can be reintegrated back with the cooperation of the military.

    “We know its a big loss to them but we have to follow due process. The Brigade Commander is with us and the newly posted Commander of 181 Battalion, Lt Col Dabo, is also here with us and its a great synergy.”

    He said his administration was doing a lot to effectively resolve the dispute, adding that citizens of Okuama would soon return home.

    Continuing, Governor Oborevwori, said: “Let me once again thank Mr President and Commander in Chief, Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff for their cooperation so far.

    “They have been very supportive and they have kept to their promise that innocent people will not be victimised. I want to assure the people of Okuama there is no point running away from your community.

    “We are going to bring you back to your community. It’s only those that are involved the military are looking for”.

  • EXCLUSIVE: We are working to bring back displaced Okuama residents – Gov Oborevwori [PHOTOS]

    EXCLUSIVE: We are working to bring back displaced Okuama residents – Gov Oborevwori [PHOTOS]

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said the State Government is making deliberate and strategic efforts to bring back the displaced residents of Okuama in Ughelli South local government area of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports residents of Okuama community have been displaced in incidents following the killing of 17 military personnel who were on a peace mission to the community.

    While a Military Board of Inquiry had been constituted by the Defence Headquarters to investigate the 17 soldiers killed, Okuama community has been cordoned off by the military authorities.

    TNG reports Saturday’s visit would be the first time Governor Oborevwori would be having access to the troubled community after a period of over one month to assess the true situation of things.

    The visiting Governor assured of the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis. Accompanied by some government officials, Oborevwori reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.

    “Next phase is how to bring back and resettle innocent citizens of Okuama community who have been displaced,” Governor Oborevwori said during the visit.

    TNG reports the Governor’s visit to Okuama follows the release of the King of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, who had been in detention following the killing of the 17 military personnel.

    Recall that 17 military personnel, made up of a Commanding Officer, two Majors, a Captain, and 13 others, were said to have been ambushed and murdered in Okuama on March 14.

    They were said to be responding to a crisis between Okoloba community in Bomadi local government area of the State and Okuama community who had allegedly been engaged in an aged-long land dispute.

    The military personnel have since been buried but efforts to unravel the remote cause of the killings are ongoing.

    On Friday, the King of Ewu Kingdom, under whose domain the killings reportedly occurred was released to the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, who had acknowledged the role Oborevwori played in the release of the monarch.

    Governor Oborevwori and his delegation took off from the jetty of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Warri and were escorted by operatives of the military Joint Task Force (JTF).

    See photos below:

  • EXCLUSIVE: Gov Oborevwori visits Okuama community

    EXCLUSIVE: Gov Oborevwori visits Okuama community

    Following the release of the King of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday took a tour of Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Oborevwori took a tour of the riverine community to assess the true situation of things in the aftermath of the killing of 17 military personnel in the community.

    Recall that 17 military personnel, made up of a Commanding Officer, two Majors, a Captain, and 13 others, were said to have been ambushed and murdered in Okuama on March 14.

    They were said to have been responding to a crisis between Okoloba community in Bomadi local government area of the State and Okuama community who had allegedly been engaged in an aged-long land dispute.

    The military personnel have since been buried but efforts to unravel the remote cause of the killings are ongoing as a Military Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Defence Headquarters to investigate the 17 soldiers killed.

    On Friday, the King of Ewu Kingdom, under whose domain the killings reportedly occurred was released to the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, who has acknowledged the role Governor Oborevwori played in the release of the monarch.

    Since the sad and tragic incident which claimed the lives of the soldiers and several civilians, Okuama has been cordoned off. This would be the first time the Governor would be visiting the troubled communities after a period of over one month.

    Governor Oborevwori and his delegation took off from the jetty of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Warri and were escorted by operatives of the military Joint Task Force (JTF).

    Details shortly…

  • Inflation: Oborevwori, a prudent resource manager – Commissioner

    Inflation: Oborevwori, a prudent resource manager – Commissioner

    Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu says Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori is a prudent  manager of state resources.

    The commissioner stated this when the executives and members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him on Wednesday in Asaba.

    He said that given the inflationary rate in the country, that the governor was careful with spending the state funds to ensure that  contractors and the people have full benefit from the available resources accruing to the state.

    “Let me first appreciate you for the  support I received for the eight years that I worked with you under Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration both as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information.

    “Many a time, I hear people say that I was successful in performing those two roles, but for me, I know that the larger part of the success came from the support I got from you, the journalists.

    “I nerve had any cause to worry or begin to refute anything because you reported me correctly.

    “Secondly, you never engage in any clandestine way to undermine what we did as an administration then.”

    He urged journalists to effectively support the Gov. Oborevwori’s administration with same vigor, commitment with which they supported the immediate past government of Gov. Okowa.

    He enjoined journalists to also give the current Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza the same support.

    According to him, Oborevwori’s administration is still putting things in order to enable it takeoff fully.

    ”I will still plead with you to have patient with us as an administration. You know there are lots of things that we are trying to put together to fully take off.

    “Even yesterday, some appointments were being announced, which means this government is still being formed.

    ”There are lots of projects that we are handling, and policies that are being churned out.

    “The governor is also being careful because there has been lots of changes in terms of our economy as a nation from when he took over and now,” Aniagwu said.

    He said that Oborevwori does not want a situation where he goes ahead to push money out there and it fell on unfertile ground.

    “So, he is being careful in terms of application of resources, others who do not understand may think that we are being slow, no.

    “Those of us who are quite integral in the administration understand that we needed to be careful so that any fund that we spend, will give Deltans value for their money,” Aniagwu said.

    The commissioner noted that there was the need for Oborevwori to understudy what he met and the impact of the present fluctuation of our currency on ongoing projects and intended projects.

    “This is because if you do not have the clear understanding, there is the tendency that some persons who are either businessmen  would want to take advantage of the situation.

    “The governor being one who have value for money, does not want to fall into that trap,” he said.

    Aniagwu assures that in spite of the challenges, there were lots of activities all round the state, adding that activities to mark the Oborevwori’s one year in office were in top gear and under his purview as Commissioner for Works.

    “Subject to the approval of His Excellency, by next week, we will begin inauguration of some projects across the 25 local government areas.

    “Some are at the verge of being completed, some have been completed while some are being initiated but on the whole, every local government in Delta will have a fair share of this administration.

    “I can confidently say that Oborevwori is determined to make lots of difference across the length and breadth of the state,” he said.

    Aniagwu, who lectured journalists on what it takes to build a road in Delta, said it costs more to build a kilometer of road in the region than certain places in the country.

    He tasks journalists to put facts straight before going to press by asking the right questions, while assuring journalists of government support.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’  Chapel, Mr Ifeanyi Olannye, said that the visit was to felicitate him on his appointment as Commissioner for Works; Rural and Riverine Roads.

    He also urged the Commissioner to sustain the cordial relationship with journalists while asking for government continued partnership to deepen the development in the state in line with the MORE Agenda of the Gov. Oborevwori led administration.

    “As a former Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information under Gov. Okowa, you related well with journalists and you performed creditably well.

    “We are sure that as a Commissioner for Works: Rural and Riverine Roads, in this administration, that you will deliver creditable,” Olannye said.

  • Oborevwori inspects projects to mark 1st year in office

    Oborevwori inspects projects to mark 1st year in office

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Monday said his administration would be inaugurating projects across the three senatorial districts of the state to mark his first year in office come May 29.

    The governor disclosed this while being conducted around some of the projects by his Commissioners for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, and Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu.

    Some of the projects inspected include Edo Road in Ughelli; Emevor-Orogun Road in Isoko North; the bridge across the Obo River at Ogwashi-Uku in sector C1 of the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation.

    Others are the 5.3km Okpanam-Ibusa bypass road in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

    Oborevwori, who said some projects had already been completed and earmarked for inauguration, added he would start inaugurating them before May 29.

    He said the Edo Road in Ughelli, being constructed by Obakpor Engineering Limited, would be ready by May.

    “I was here some weeks ago and the contractor promised that they were going to finish work on the road by the end of May and that’s why I have come here to inspect what they are doing.

    “We introduced some box culverts here to channel water across to make the road durable because this place is always flooded.

    “From what we have done here, once this ring road project is completed, it will help to reduce traffic congestion at Otovwodo Junction,” he said.

    The governor said he was glad to return to inspect the progress of work at the 4.4km Emevor-Orogun Road.

    “I am very happy to be here today because a few months ago, I commissioned Enwhe Road Phase II in Isoko South; now, I am in Isoko North.

    “So, there is no local government area that would be left out in our M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “In all the local government areas, we will make sure that we execute projects that will positively impact the socio-economic lives of the people and I am very sure that this project will be commissioned by next month,” he said.

    The governor said that the state government had already deployed the use of concrete technology in some road constructions, including the Uduere and Edo roads in Ughelli.

    He said, “We are doing concrete on some of the roads because of the terrain of the area and I am satisfied with what the contractor (Obakpor Engineering Limited) has done so far on that road.”

    Describing the patronage of local contractors as rewarding and impressive, Oborevwori said they should be awarded contracts to ascertain their level of competence.

    “I am very impressed with the performance of local contractors in the state. Yes, the big contractors are also doing very well as well.

    “As you can see, the government is patronising both local and big contractors such as Julius Berger, Levant, and CCECC, but I am very happy with local contractors.

    “With what I am seeing here now, the standard is very good and I am happy with what they are doing. We will continue to patronise them and other local contractors that are doing well,” he said.

    Oborevwori said that state government intervention on federal roads had become necessary because the people and residents of Delta use the roads.

    According to him, whether or not the Federal Government will pay back remains a matter for the future.

    “But any road constructed in Delta State will be used by Deltans and other residents of the state as well as those coming to the state.

    “So, any road that we are doing, whether federal or state, as a government, we are doing what we know that will benefit the people and make our people not to suffer.

    “Their well-being is more important to us,” said the governor.

  • How epileptic power supply is frustrating hospitality industry in Delta – Hoteliers

    How epileptic power supply is frustrating hospitality industry in Delta – Hoteliers

    Major stakeholders in the hospitality sector in Delta State have decried the negative impact of epileptic power supply on their business in the State.

    The stakeholders, particularly those in Uvwie, Warri, Sapele, Ughelli and Udu, have said the menace of epileptic power supply is frustrating and killing hospitality businesses in the State.

    They blamed this on power racketeering among officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Benin Electric Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc.

    The stakeholders explained that some officials of TCN and BEDC are selling and redistributing power (electricity) meant for business areas in the State to residential areas by the highest bidders.

    The stakeholders lamented that the situation was crumbling and killing their businesses, owing to the epileptic power supply and the high cost of diesel.

    It was gathered that the 33kva power line, dedicated for businesses such as hotels and industries, usually supplies electricity for at least 18 hours, but has nose-dived to six hours or even less daily.

    In the last four months, the electricity supply around Effurun, Uvwie, Warri, Udu and Sapele cities has significantly dropped and in some cases, there is no power for weeks as hotels, manufacturers and other businesses now rely on diesel and fuel to power their businesses.

    Speaking on the development and how it affects their businesses on behalf of hoteliers, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Lascurt International Hotel in Uvwie, Mr Austin Wareyai blamed the development on electricity racketeering by officials of TCN.

    Wareyai said many hotels are facing threats of collapsing because all of their revenues go into energy (diesel) to power their hotels, thereby making it difficult for them to pay workers’ salaries.

    The Managing Director of Lascurt Hotel also lamented that despite the absence of electricity supply, hoteliers are also battling exorbitant billings by the distribution company.

    He called on the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to call the management of TCN and BEDC Plc to order by ensuring that electricity is provided for the people of the State, especially business areas.

    The hotelier urged the government to take proactive steps to provide an alternative power supply as has been witnessed recently in Aba, Abia State.

    “These are very trying times for hospitality industry players and investors because of the power situation in Effurun, other parts of Uvwie, Warri, Udu and other major cities including Sapele and Ughelli.

    “The little money we are generating returns to generating power to keep the hotel alive. As I speak, many hotels are on the verge of collapsing and some owe workers over two months salaries.

    “I am spending over N1.5m to buy diesel daily. Nobody makes that kind of money. We have resorted to borrowing to keep our hotels running. How long can we continue this? This is bad. Businesses don’t survive in this kind of harsh environment.

    “The government needs to urgently act because the hospitality industry is the highest employer of labour in Delta State.

    “If we can’t pay salaries, it’s a great threat to security in the State because those who are engaged by hoteliers are resigning,” Wareyai said.

  • BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori sends strong warning to traditional rulers over soldiers killed in Delta

    BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori sends strong warning to traditional rulers over soldiers killed in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, cautioned traditional rulers in the State against shielding suspects involved in the killing of four military officers and thirteen soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the warning when he addressed traditional rulers, on the unfortunate incident at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba.

    The Governor who said that the act was alien to the state, described it as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable and vowed that those who committed the evil act must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He said no kingdom should shield the perpetrators of the dastardly act, adding that Delta was governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency.

    Oborevwori said; “On the 7th of February, we summoned the people of Okoloba and Okuama communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas including the members representing the two constituencies in the State House of Assembly, the Council Chairmen and their Presidents-General where we advised them that a lot has been happening in their area and they signed a peace accord.

    “The killing of these Army Officers and soldiers came as a rude shock to us and when this thing happened, I immediately called the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Staff because I was in Abuja. I came back and issued a press statement.

    “On Monday, I went to Bomadi to meet with all the security chiefs, where we had our security council meeting and I got briefings from the Brigade Commander. In attendance was the G.O.C 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Jamil Abdussalam and the JTF Commander, Real Admiral John Okeke.

    “After the meeting, I went to Abuja to meet with Mr. President to brief him on what happened. I also went to see the Chief of Army Staff to discuss with him. I also meet with the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police.

    “I felt that it is also proper that I brief you people even though you may be aware. Those people who committed that evil act must face the wrath of the law. No kingdom should shield those criminals because Delta state is governed by the tenets of the law and human decency.

    “We cannot tolerate that. It has never happened in this state; to kill one Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 Soldiers. We need to fish out those involved.

    “Do not hide or shield anybody. The Chief of Army Staff and Mr. President have assured me that innocent people will not be victimised; unless you conive with the killers of the soldiers.

    “I have briefed you and make sure that you fish them out from your kingdoms. If any traditional ruler shields a criminal, that traditional ruler is inviting trouble.

    “We did not bargain for this evil act but for peace, I don’t want crisis. I have also received information that two other villages are boiling to fight, they should not fight, we want peace in all our communities.

    “What are they fighting for? I have promised you people that I am going to do more for Deltans, so what are they fighting for? All of us are Deltans and we want development.

    “For the first time almost two decades, we had peace in Warri in December and people celebrated in peace. Now we have communal crisis, why?

    “I condemn it and it’s unacceptable. So please my dear royal fathers let us be on the same page to fish out these people. Don’t allow anybody who committed this evil act to come to your kingdoms and bring problem to your community.

    “Tell us and we will hand them over to security agencies. You should not play politics with this. Don’t say that the Army have taken over your village because they cannot just come to your village without getting information. But I assure you people that no innocent person will be victimised.

    “Tell your people not to encourage crisis because if you do, you cannot come out of it. Some people don’t have knowledge of what is happening and they start talking. What I did was to go and brief the Commander in Chief and later granted the State House Correspondents interview.”

    Responding, Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, (retd), said that they were on same page with the Governor to ensure peace and security in the state.

    While saying that the security of various kingdoms would dovetail to the security of the state and the nation, he called for a judicial panel of enquiry to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the crisis.

    In a related development, Governor Oborevwori also briefed the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council where he urged them to talk to the people on the need to maintain peace across state.

    He said government would not allow trouble makers to dissuade investors from coming to invest in the state, adding that sustainable peace was needed to attract investors to the state.

    Chairman of the Council, Professor Sam Oyovbaire commended the Governor for his efforts at ensuring peace and security across the state, stressing that Council members support the peace building moves of the Governor.

    He, therefore, appealed to communities across the state to give peace a chance for the overall growth and development of the state.

  • No innocent citizen will suffer for killing of soldiers in Delta – Gov. Oborevwori

    No innocent citizen will suffer for killing of soldiers in Delta – Gov. Oborevwori

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said the State government and military authorities have agreed that no innocent citizen will suffer from the outcome of the March 14 killing of soldiers.

    Oborevwori said this on Tuesday while speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that the unfortunate killings of military personnel had further exacerbated the feud between the two warring communities.

    “Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta State and we commend all security agencies.

    “Mr President assured me that he is in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers who were on peace mission.

    “What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for. But we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attacks on the villages if there is any that has happened in the past.”

    The governor gave the assurance that those culpable would be brought to book, adding that innocent citizens are assured of safety.

    He said that a meeting between the state government and traditional leaders would be held next week to find a quick resolution to the issue on ground.

    Fifteen military personnel were killed during a communal clash in Delta State last Thursday.

    The personnel met their death during a rescue mission in a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state.

    On the burning down of some villages in the affected communities, Oborevwori said many opinions circulating about the incidence were not true.

    “The issue of whether a place has been burnt down or people have been killed, it has happened but what is the way forward? The ways forward are two ways.

    “The people that have been killed, the officers and soldiers, we must see how we can find succour for their families and give them befitting burial, also the community.

    “Anything that has happened in the community in the past will not happen again. We assure that the people who are culpable will be brought to book.

  • Oborevwori reacts over horror killing of 16 army personnel in Delta

    Oborevwori reacts over horror killing of 16 army personnel in Delta

    Some youths ambushed and killed 16 officers and men of the 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army on peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday.

    Those killed were the commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 soldiers.

    Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known on Saturday in Abuja.

    He stated that the troops were ambushed and killed while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta.

    Gusau stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had directed immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime.

    He added that the incident had been reported to the Delta State Government.

    “The military, however, remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

    “So far, a few arrests have been made while steps have been taken to unravel the motive behind the attack,’’ he assured.

    Attack on Military Personnel: Oborevwori condemns killings, condoles military, families of victims

    Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday, condemned, in very strong terms, the unprovoked killing of officers and soldiers attached to 63 Brigade at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    He condoled with the military and the families of Officers and Soldiers who died in the attack.

    Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said: “The Government of Delta State is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.

    His words: “This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government is promoting as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security.

    “On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.

    “The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.

    “Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law- abiding and the State Government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State.”

  • Gov Oborevwori prepared to fund Ozoro varsity maximally – VC

    Gov Oborevwori prepared to fund Ozoro varsity maximally – VC

    Professor Jacob Oboreh has expressed optimism over the readiness of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to fund the Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST), Ozoro maximally.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Professor Oboreh to have said DSUST is the creation of Governor Oborevwori and that the Governor is ever prepared to fund the university maximally to meet the requirements of the time.

    Oboreh, who is the Vice Chancellor of DSUST, said this on Friday when the university matriculated 2,450 newly admitted students who sought admission into the institution for the current academic session.

    Speaking during the ceremony held at the University’s events and convocation arena in Ozoro, Professor Oboreh, while congratulating the new intakes, charged them to be worthy ambassadors of their parents, adding that university degree is conferred on students who are found worthy in learning and in character

    He expressed optimism that the students will imbibe the virtues of discipline and diligence that will distinguish them as worthy undergraduates of DSUST.

    He warned that the institution would not condone any form of nefarious activities and urged the students to obey the University’s rules and regulations in and out of campus.

    The Vice Chancellor reminded the new students that they were in school to study and must take their education seriously, adding, “I urge you to continue to apply your mind diligently to your studies and make self-discipline your watch word.

    “You should focus on the reasons why you have come to the University and therefore shun all acts of misconduct which have been clearly stated in the Students’ Information Handbook, such as examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, ‘blocking’ or ‘sorting’ and leakage of examination materials.”

    The Vice Chancellor extolled Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his outstanding contributions to the establishment of the university during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly and now Governor and visitor to the nascent University.

    “The incumbent Governor of the state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was Mr. Speaker, who presided over the Delta State House of Assembly that passed the bill establishing the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, and two other universities in 2021. The University therefore is the creation of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori  and the Governor is ever prepared to fund the university maximally to meet the requirements of our time” The Vice Chancellor added.

    “In his one hundred days in office, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, 14th September, 2023, commissioned what could be described as legacy projects in the history of the new Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

    “The projects were: New Administrative Building; 2 Kilometre internal Road; Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge; University Guest House; Staff School Building and Principal Officers’ Residential Quarters.

    “The Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, has identified Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda as a holistic roadmap for the advancement of Delta State.”

    Prof. Oboreh said the vision of the University is to challenge the status quo in technology and produce bright minds, prepared for the generation of technological innovations, while the Mission is to nurture, groom and set the pace in the lives of our students in forging their desired career paths.

    “Our focus, therefore, is to provide excellent hands-on skills training of students and improve our capacity to create ground breaking research directed towards solving the socio-economic developmental problems of our society, Nigeria, and the world at large.”

    He said the University currently has six (6) faculties, namely: Administration and Management; Agriculture; Computing; Engineering; Environmental Science and Science.

    “I am also pleased to inform you that the University has forty-five (45) departments with forty-five (45) programmes duly approved by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC)

    “Let me assure our dear students that the university shall continue to place premium on the conducive environment needed to undertake teaching and research activities.

    “Qualified lecturers have been recruited in all the 45 programmes approved by NUC for the University. It might interest you to know that the Delta State Government has also procured several equipment for workshops and laboratories of the university.

    “The University, therefore, is set to compete favourably with other universities in terms of teaching, research and development especially with the rapid infrastructural development that is on-going in the University, including the on-going construction of 3 gigantic faculty complexes of the University.”