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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Why we are connecting communities in Delta with roads – Oborevwori

    Why we are connecting communities in Delta with roads – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said the State Government is connecting communities with roads and bridges for the sustainable development of the State.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this during inspection of Okpanam-Ibusa bypass road; Beneku bridge; Emevor-Orogun Road; Orere bridge and Model Technical College, Orerokpe.

    The Governor who emphasised on project continuity for sustainable development, said it was a fulfillment of his pledge to complete existing projects while also initiating new ones.

    Oborevwori said; “the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass is a road that is very key to connect from the Benin/Asaba highway to Ibusa, to give access to the people around that area.

    “I was there last year to inspect the project and I felt that I need to go again to ascertain the level of work that has been done, because the contractor promised that April/May this year, the job will be completed.

    “Hopefully, it will be commissioned within my one year in office. The good thing is that they have gone very far. That erosion is something that will not affect the construction of the road but will certainly affect it in future.

    “So it is necessary for us to deal with it, that’s why I have asked the contractor to look at it again and give me more details on what we can do to solve that problem.”

    On the Beneku bridge, Governor Oborevwori said it was very important because the people of Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East have been using pontoon to carry vehicles across; even bikes are carried with pontoon and paddle canoes.

    He said: “The previous administration felt that it was good to put a bridge here. It is also a way of connecting with the people and that’s what we have been doing.

    “I also felt that I should come and look at it to ascertain the level of work done and how far it has gone. Seeing it like this, it has gone about ninety percent. What is left is the asphalt and the connecting roads. I believe it will be ready in the next two months.

    “By the time we finish this work, you can drive through and walk through it and nobody will want to use the pontoon again. Like I said before, we are working as a state and I will sustain every ongoing projects, complete them and initiate new ones.”

    On the 4.5km Emevor-Orogun road phase, Governor Oborevwori commended the contractor for the quality of work done assuring that the project would be completed in no distant time.

    At Orere bridge, Oborevwori commended the contractor, Obakpor Engineering Limited for the quality of work,  adding that the bridge and access road would be completed at the end of the year.

    “We are here now in Ughelli South, as you are driving through, the last village is Ewu, without this bridge you can’t connect to Orere and this bridge also connects other fifteen villages.

    “So by constructing this bridge, you have touched the lives of people in those villages and these people are Deltans. So the bridge is very important that’s why I continued with the project.

    “I have come here to inspect it today and see how far it’s going. The contractor has promised me that before the end of this year, this bridge will be completed.

    “So I want to assure the people of Ewu and Orere that this bridge and other roads connected to it will be completed before the end of this year.

    “In Delta State here we patronise both the Indigenious and foreign contractors. The 4.5km road is being done by an indigenious contractor and the quality of work done is very good.

    “So is the Beneku bridge, you can see the quality of work done. This one, if you look at the standard, it’s like Julius Berger standard. So we are happy with the work.”

    Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel and Bishop Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Archbishop Cyril Odutemu lauded Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for awarding the Orere bridge and prayed God to grant the State Government resources to complete the project.

    The Governor was conducted round the projects by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Comrade Reuben Izeze; Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu and top officials of the various ministries.

  • What we know about conduct of local government elections in Delta

    What we know about conduct of local government elections in Delta

    Today, the Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a stakeholders meeting with the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori present.

    At the Delta PDP stakeholders meeting held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori gave hints on the timeline for the conduct of local government elections in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the current tenure of elected local government officials in Delta expires on March 8.

    With no elections held yet for handover to take place, Governor Oborevwori will, therefore, be appointing a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the local government councils.

    Speaking during the Delta PDP stakeholders meeting, Oborevwori envisaged PDP to hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and conduct ward/local government/zonal congresses before local government elections will be held in the State.

    “The local government council chairmen will exit this coming week and l want to assure you that very soon, we will do election into local government councils.

    “A date will be announced for the election; it will not be too long.

    “I just want to put you on notice that the wards should continue to bubble, let our Local Government continue to get stronger. PDP is a party that you cannot beat.

    “We are still more united across the South South; Delta State is firm, the party is strong. We are united and there is cooperation everywhere. Nothing to worry about. Even at the national, we are doing our best.

    “We know very soon that the congresses at the wards, at the Local Government Areas, at the State and even including the zonal, all will be held this year. So, once we meet at the NEC meeting, decisions would be taken. So, nothing to worry about,” Governor Oborevwori said.

    Speaking further during the meeting, the Governor said: “In terms of appointments, despite the challenges, we have also appointed those people that were nominated from the wards.

    “In less than seven months, we were able to do it and that has made our people to smile across the local government areas.

    “When we came in, we also did the appointment of Commissioners and board members and there are some few boards that have not been inaugurated but very soon, we will do that. Those ones expired few months ago and some even expired last month.

    “So, we want to assure you that we will continue to work together for the sustainable growth and development of the state.

    “Our leaders, l will continue to count on your support and l want to assure you that as we settle in, we will not neglect you; we will not neglect your local government and we will not neglect the people.

    “Like l promised that l am governor for all Deltans; all of us will continue to work together. What is good is that l have received prayers from my predecessors and they have said that they want me to do better than them. So, we cannot afford to fail them.”

    Governor Oborevwori commended party leaders for their support for his administration, assuring that he would be equitable to all local government areas across the state.

    “I want to appreciate all of you for standing by me and this administration. You people have done very well. I can even walk tall now anywhere l go outside the state.

    “As a government, we have done our best across the three senatorial districts. We have awarded contracts across the three senatorial districts and we are building on the foundation laid by the previous administration.

    “All the jobs that they have awarded are all on track as l have promised Deltans that l will not abandon anyone.

    “There has been impressive cooperation from the legislature and also the judiciary. So, we are working together; we are on the same page and that is why you see that we are doing our best,” he said.

    In their separate remarks, former Governors of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, urged leaders of the party to continue to work in one accord for the sustainable victory of the party in subsequent elections.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, State Chairman of the party, Chief Kingsley Esiso lauded Governor Oborovweri for his good works since coming into office and commended the party leaders and stakeholders for their contributions leading to the victory of the party in the last general elections.

    He appealed to all members to continue to promote the party and the activities of the government in the various wards and local governments.

    The high point of the meeting was a vote of confidence passed on the Governor for his good works across the state.

    The motion was moved by Chief Esther Uduehi, seconded by Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba and was unanimously adopted by all stakeholders.

  • How Gov Oborevwori Strolled Over His First Delta Storm

    How Gov Oborevwori Strolled Over His First Delta Storm

    By Emmanuel Aziken

    For Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who has paraded the polity in Delta State with the seeming air of one who cannot hurt a fly, the recent rumpus over an alleged plan to transfer three faculties of the Delta State University of Science and Technology to Orerokpe was one that understandably touched emotions.

    But it also showed that the governor who has been hailed for his amity and tolerance even of the political opposition, can also fight back when machinations against the peace of the state are involved.

    The disharmony over the alleged transfer was despite the cord of filial relationship between the Isoko and the Okpe that have made the people of the two nations to identify themselves as ethnic cousins.

    However, the involvement of some of the leading political figures from the Isoko nation in opposing the move appeared to give the rumour some measure of credibility.

    The chant against the alleged move came to the attention of the public after a former Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, one of the leading lights to have come out of the Isoko nation in recent years came out to condemn the alleged move describing it as a prescription for ethnic war.

    He said:

    “Signing out the Administration and Management Faculties from the University and moved to Orerokpe, to be known as Delta State University of Science and Technology, Orerokpe Campus is an invitation to ethnic crisis.

    “The decision to dismember our Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro is an assault on our common sensibilities. This will adversely affect and have incalculable damage on students of the university.

    “If you want to destroy a nation, you don’t need bayonet, bombs or nuclear warheads. All you need is to destroy the education of the nation. This act is capable of destroying the education of the students of the university. No one should play politics with the future of our children with this act of favouritism.

    “It will be better to reverse the institution back to it original status as a polytechnic than turning it into a glorified University that will not provide the expected benefits to the people.”

    Before him, a pressure group, ‘Ozoro Positive Voice’ with Dr. Enahoro Michael had similarly alleged a move to transfer the three faculties to Orerokpe.

    What was significant was that the agitation against the alleged transfer came at a time that the Oborevwori government was about confirming plans to boost the academic prestige of the Ozoro university with the confirmation of three upscale disciplines following the endorsement of the National University Commission, NUC.

    Indeed, Governor Oborevwori gave a hint of such to Isoko leaders who visited him of the new courses including Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

    The Isoko leaders comprising traditional rulers and prominent sons and daughters of the Isoko nation led by Professor Chris Akpotu had actually visited to congratulate the governor on the confirmation of his 2023 election victory by the Supreme Court.

    Remarkably, the governor used the opportunity as he was wont to, to brief them on his efforts thus far.

    He said: “I appreciate this visit because it is long overdue. I know the support that you people gave to me and I made some promises that I am still keeping till today. The Chief of Staff was the first person I appointed from Isoko nation. I have given key appointments to the Isoko nation.

    “I am happy that you have come to congratulate me on our victory at the Supreme Court. You have also come with some requests. I have taken note of all the requests you made. Like I promised, I am going to be Governor for all Deltans and I am doing just that.

    “We are doing our best. If you drive through the Oleh Roundabout, you will smile because it has changed. We need unity and peace in Delta State” even as he vowed not to undermine the tranquillity between the people and the government.

    It was during this visit that he disclosed the establishment of the three new faculties. He was, however, silent on the rumour about the transfer of three faculties out of the school in Ozoro to Orerokpe.

    It was, however, a shocker that just as the delegation departed Asaba that protest broke out in some parts of Isoko land over the alleged transfer.

    That was when the new Sheriff of Delta State showed his other stern side.

    Speaking through the Commissioner of Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza hinted at more conspiracy tales behind the whole episode.

    In a statement following the protest, he said:

    “We want to assure the good people of Isoko nation that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori would not do anything directly or remotely and for very obvious and personal reasons, to undermine the Isoko people, especially in the area of education.

    “Deltans are therefore called upon to be wary of elements who don’t mean well but hell-bent on spinning half-truths and deceptive information just to cause confusion and disaffection against the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his well-laid-out MORE Agenda”.

    Meanwhile, Okpe leaders have also shown good faith in deescalating the tension by urging the governor to keep the peace.

    Rising from the crucial meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union worldwide, Okpe leaders while commending Gov Oborevwori and calling for calm said:

    ‘’We are fortunate to have a listening Governor who will certainly do what is best in the interest of the State. Violence and destruction of public and private properties cannot be a panacea to this kind of decision.

    “We appreciate the fact that the State Government has met with stakeholders of the Isoko Nation including our sister union, the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Traditional Rulers of the Isoko Nation and other Stakeholders.

    “We appeal to them to prevail on all especially the youths to give peace a chance as the Governor of the State has promised not to undermine the development of the Isoko Nation nor any other part of the State’’.

    Their call was after they had reviewed the situation of their pride city, Sapele which they lamented was lagging behind other Nigerian cities like Calabar, Kaduna created about the same time.

  • Faculty relocation: Much ado about nothing in Delta

    Faculty relocation: Much ado about nothing in Delta

    The move by Delta State Government to relocate the Faculty of Management Sciences of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area to Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, has been received with protest.

    Protesters were seen demonstrating early Wednesday in Ozoro, the university town, which saw a massive crowd of people from Isoko communities gathering with leaves and placards to condemn the relocation of the faculty.

    The protesters disrupted economic activities in Ozoro, burning tyres and blocking the ever-busy Ughelli-Ozoro-Kwale-Asaba expressway, vowing not to disperse until the State government reversed the decision to relocate the Faculty of Management Sciences of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

    Recall that the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro was first established as a College of Agriculture, which was turned into a Polytechnic on January 1, 2002, by law during the administration of James Ibori.

    In January 2021, the administration of Ifeanyi Okowa announced plans to convert Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro and two other schools into full-fledged universities. The bill for the upgrade of the Ozoro polytechnic to a university was passed into law by the Delta State House of Assembly in February 2021 after going through the House Committee on Education.

    Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the present Governor of Delta State was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly at the time of the upgrade. Oborevwori ensured a speedy passage of the bill establishing the university as it is. Thus, the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro was founded in 2021.

    When Delta State University (DELSU) was founded with the main campus in Abraka, there were two (2) other campuses in Anwai and Oleh. The idea was to spread the State-owned institution across the three Senatorial Districts of the State and make education easily accessible for Deltans. It was celebrated by all and sundry.

    While the Anwai campus of DELSU has since metamorphosed into Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, through a similar bill that established the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Oleh still houses the faculties of law and engineering of DELSU, Abraka.

    Should the Delta State Government move the faculties of law and engineering from Oleh and relocate them to Abraka? That is a question many are asking.

    Recently, in a meeting with leaders and traditional rulers from Isoko nation at the Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori informed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved the establishment of more faculties for the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

    Governor Oborevwori announced the new faculties as Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Health Sciences. The Governor said the three new faculties approved by the NUC for the University reflected his desire to ensure that Isoko nation continued to enjoy a pride of place in the delivery of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

    “Like I  promised, I am going to be  Governor for all Deltans and I am doing just that. We are doing our best. We need unity and peace in Delta State,” Governor Oborevwori told the visiting Isoko leaders and traditional rulers.

    Oborevwori has not gone short of his words since scaling the electoral hurdles and surviving 38 court cases to become the Governor of Delta State. He has stood firm and he is delivering on his MORE Agenda in Delta.

    Explaining the rationale behind relocating the faculty of Management Sciences in Ozoro to Orerokpe, Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Professor Jacob Oboreh said it was intended to open up the university for rapid development.

    According to Prof. Oboreh, 12 new programmes in the existing faculties of the university will be created immediately in the area of science and technology, adding that the programmes being relocated will not in any way be a set back to the university.

    Oboreh confirmed the disclosure by Governor Oborevwori that in addition to these new 12 programmes, three faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences have been approved for the university.

    “The Isoko and Ozoro people should accept the relocation in good faith and let me assure all concerned that we will give equal opportunities to all Deltans in terms of admission and other considerations.

    “The Isoko people who are major stakeholders in the University have met with the Governor and he has opened up his plans for the rapid development of the University.

    “I therefore call on all our people to be calm and allow the Governor to unfold his massive development plans for our nascent university and the overall educational sector in our state,” Oboreh explained.

    However, given the protest that welcomed the gesture of the State Government to relocate the Faculty of Management Sciences of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, many have suggested that there is no longer need for it, but that the three new faculties approved by the NUC should be sited in Orerokpe instead. That should be the final decision of the Delta State Government.

  • Gov Oborevwori inaugurates multi-million Naira palm oil mill

    Gov Oborevwori inaugurates multi-million Naira palm oil mill

    Gov. Sherrif Oborevwori of Delta, on Tuesday, inaugurated a multi-million naira palm oil company in Akwukwu-Igbo Community, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

    The project has a production capacity of 10 metric tonnes of palm oil per hour. It is owned by Norsworthy Farms and Allied Industries Ltd.

    In a remark at the event,  Oborevwori described the project as a positive development in economy of the local community and the state in general.

    “Today, we have gathered here for the ground-breaking ceremony of the inauguration of Norsworthy palm oil mill.

    “There is no doubt that this mega project is going to be a great addition to our local economy and the state in general.

    “I salute the courage of Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, the Chairman of Norsworthy Farms for his commitment to the growth of our state economy.

    “As a government, we are proud of this investment because it holds great hope of urbanisation for this host community of Akwukwu-Igbo.

    “This project equally provides great job opportunity for our teeming youths in this locality and beyond,” Oborevwori said.

    Also, former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, under whose tenure Norsworthy Farms started the mill, expressed delight at the completion of the project.

    Okowa said that the mill would help to transform the local economy and provide job opportunity for the people.

    “This palm oil project is no doubt a laudable development. It is truly going to put food on the table of our people. Let me say here that the Chairman of Norsworthy Farms is a man of great ideas.

    “He has built this oil mill to help our people. There is no doubt that this project is going to help improve the economy of our people. As a nation, we can’t continue to depend on crude oil.

    “We must begin to diversify and seek altenative means to help improve the lives of our people”, Okowa said.

    Earlier in an address of welcome, Ogbechie said that the inauguration of the project marked the highpoint of collaborative efforts that dates back to 2017.

    “Back in 2017, we set out plans to establish this multi-million naira palm oil mill. Today, the project is being inaugurated to the glory of God.

    “Let’s state here that this project has a production capacity of 10 metric tonnes of palm oil per hour. The justification for this project is very simple.

    “Global palm oil production was pegged approximately at 73 metric tonnes in 2021 to 2022.

    “Also, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations projects that the global demand for palm oil will triple by the year 2050.

    “It is of note that Nigeria imports the bulk of her palm oil from Malaysia. Independent research and statistics project that over 700 billion naira worth of investment is required to achieve self-sufficiency in oil plam production.

    “It also stated that over two million hectares of oil palm plantation are required for Nigeria to bridge the current supply deficit,” Ogbechie said.

    He also said that the mill was well-positioned to meet the demand for oil palm produce and add value to the economy of the state.

    He expressed the optimism that the current deficit in domestic demand for oil palm produce would provide an opportunity for the company to thrive in the market economy.

    “The inability of the Nigeria oil palm industry to satisfy domestic consumption and export demand for oil palm means that the market prospect for this project remains very bright,” Ogbechie said.

  • Gov Oborevwori vows to revitalise seaports in Delta

    Gov Oborevwori vows to revitalise seaports in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said his administration would engage relevant Federal Government authorities for the revitalisation of all seaports in the state.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, and his retinue of chiefs at Government House, Asaba.

    He commended the leadership quality of the Olu of Warri, describing him as a blessing to our generation.

    Oborevwori said; “I appreciate you for the love you have shown this administration. You have been very supportive and I appreciate you for coming here today to congratulate me. As a royal father, you prayed for all of us (Governorship candidates) and your prayer then was that God should give the state somebody that will move the state higher.

    “You blessed all of us but I was chosen and that’s the reason you are here today with all your people. Your Majesty, your leadership quality is something that we appreciate. You are a blessing to our generation.

    “This administration places a high premium on the role of traditional rulers in governance. This is because the royal fathers are the bridge between the people at the grassroot and the government.

    “Without the royal fathers, we can’t achieve peace in all our kingdoms. So, they are in charge of their kingdoms; that’s why we always go to them to seek their prayers and support.

    “Please, anything that we are doing as a government that you are not pleased with, don’t fail to correct us. My government is open to constructive criticism.

    “And if we are also doing very well, don’t fail to commend us. Constructive criticism is allowed everywhere in the world and Delta State would not be an exception. What we don’t like is blackmail.

    “Your Majesty, I have listened to your request. I promised during my inauguration that Warri will have a positive new face. I have gone round Warri and looked at some places with urgent attention; we are already working on that.

    “We are already working on a befitting stadium for Warri. As we speak, they are doing the design of the stadium because I don’t want a situation where we construct and after a few years, it will start having problems.

    “We also have challenge with the drains in that area; as we speak, phase 1 of the storm drainage has been completed by Levant, phase 2 is about 90 per cent completed and the last, which is the phase three, will soon be completed.

    “Without the storm drainage, if you construct any road in Warri, it will be washed away. I want to assure you that Warri will have a positive new face in Jesus name.” he said.

    On the controversy surrounding attempted renaming of parts of Warri, Governor Oborevwori cautioned proponents to maintain the existing peace in the oil city.

    “People talk about Warri; Warri today has expanded beyond the main town. Even today, people call Osubi, Warri. I don’t know why people want to make trouble.

    “Warri today is a general name. I am from Osubi but when you ask me where I am from, I will tell you Warri. So, Warri is Warri and nobody can change it.”

    On the ports, Governor Oborevwori said he was committed to engaging the Federal Government on the revitalisation of the ports in the state.

    “The Port is something that is key to the development of Delta state. Even without coming here to make a request, I will start engaging with the people at the national to see how all the Ports in Delta state will be rehabilitated.

    “If the Ports are rehabilitated, it will bring a lot of developments in the state. The issue of refinery, I know that as soon as they finish the maintenance of the refinery, it will come back to operation.”

    On the request for clean water in the riverine areas, Oborevwori said; “we actually need clean water. There is a project that is on going and your son is the Commissioner for Water Resources; I know he will brief me and he knows what to do. If he comes with the proposal, we will look into it”.

    He thanked the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation for their support for his election, adding that no ethnic nationality would be marginalised in his administration.

    “The Warri kingdom and the Itsekiri nation supported me during my election that’s why we did not lose in any of the local government areas in that area. That’s why you see that in this administration, we have four Commissioners and one Special Adviser from your area.” Governor Oborevwori stated.

    Earlier, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, said he led a delegation of the Itsekiri nation to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    He appealed to the Governor to help site an institution of higher learning in Warri kingdom.

    The Monarch said: “The people have spoken; and now the courts have spoken. The same God who set you on this path, will continue to guide you and perfect what He has started. You have our support and prayers.

    “We also want to express our appreciation, for infrastructural developments in Warri axis. The roads, drainages, stadium, particularly the Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, Ugborodo phase 2 road which links Ugbegungun to Otumara).

    “While it is under the purview of the Federal Government, we request that you join our voice in encouraging the Federal Government to speedily move in the direction of rehabilitating the ports in Delta state and refinery in Warri.

    “Revitalising these ports would ease the plight of idleness and unemployment with our young able youths”.

    He appealed to the Governor to help conclude the water scheme, joint development between the state and Chevron, for the Olero and Dibi axis, stressing that potable water in the riverine area had always been an issue.

    “We need all the assistance we can get from the government to make access to potable water easier for our people in Tebu, Gbokoda, Ajametan, Udoh and Jakpa.”

    Former Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and top government functionaries from the Itsekiri nation joined Governor Oborevwori in welcoming the Olu’s delegation.

  • Wigwe’s death shocking, devastating – Oborevwori

    Wigwe’s death shocking, devastating – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen and son, Chizi in a helicopter crash in the United States of America over the weekend.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon on Monday, Governor Oborevwori described the deaths as awful, heartbreaking, startling, and devastating.

    He also mourned the demise of the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo among others who also lost their lives in the crash.

    Oborovweri remarked that Wigwe was a visionary leader and a thoroughbred professional who had a huge impact on the banking and business atmosphere, noting that the corporate world in Nigeria would miss him a great deal.

    He commiserated with the deceased family, Access Holdings, friends and loved ones, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

    Governor Oborevwori said: “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate news of the death of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, the Group CEO of Access Bank, alongside his wife and son as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, and others in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

    “Wigwe was a visionary leader who had a big influence on Nigeria’s banking industry. His passing is undoubtedly a devastating loss for the finance sector.

    “My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues at Access Holdings, friends, and loved ones in this difficult time. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may the souls of the departed find eternal rest in the bossom of our Lord”.

  • Gov Oborevwori mourns Cairo Ojougboh

    Gov Oborevwori mourns Cairo Ojougboh

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed grief at the passing of a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Cairo Ojougboh.

    Ojougboh passed on yesterday while watching Nigeria Vs South Africa Semi-final match in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON), holding in Ivory Coast. He was 64 years.

    Dr Ojougboh who was the Akinuwa of Agbor kingdom, represented Ika Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later served as National Vice Chairman South-South of the party before joining the All Progressives Congress, APC. He also served as Executive Director Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

    Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Thursday in Asaba, commiserated with Dr Cairo Ojougboh’s family, the people of Ika nation, Agbor Kingdom and the APC family over the demise of the renowned politician.

    He noted that Ojougboh was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled in the various capacities he served.

    According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician whose love for his people led him to contest, and won election to represent them in the Federal House of Representatives.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of an astute and grassroots-oriented politician, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on Wednesday.

    “The news of his death was shocking, given his invaluable contributions to the polity of the state and the country at large. Until his death, he was a renowned chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.”

    Governor Oborevwori regretted that the deceased former federal lawmaker passed when his services were needed more, adding that he would be greatly missed.

    He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant the family and friends he left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori appoints new Special Advisers

    BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori appoints new Special Advisers

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the appointment of six (6) new Special Advisers.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu

    The new Special Advisers are Ramson Ikweki, Dimaro Progress, Chief Barry Gbe, Barr. George Orogun, Chucks Nicholas Ojei and Chief Azagba  A. Jeffery.

    According to the statement by the Secretary to the SSG, inauguration of the Special Advisers will be announced in due course.

  • Oborevwori approves reconstruction of two roads in Sapele

    Oborevwori approves reconstruction of two roads in Sapele

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the reconstruction of two roads in Sapele, with a promise to ensure prompt completion of the projects.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the two roads are Orhorhor road and Mr. Benjamin Aboneje Oseragbaje road, (formerly Hardock road), approved for reconstruction.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the approval when he visited an octogenarian businessman, Mr Benjamin Oseragbaje, and the Publisher of Vanguard newspaper group, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, in Sapele on Sunday.

    The Governor, who was elated to visit the elder statesmen, said he would have long visited but for the election-related disputes in court all of which had now been laid to rest by the Supreme Court.

    Oborevwori said: “Daddy is somebody I have a very good relationship with for a very long time and any time I come here he always gives me good advice.

    “In the course of the campaigns and cases in the court, I said when I finish all the cases in court I will come here and celebrate with him.

    “Today, I am very happy to come here with the good news for him and Uncle Sam: it gladdens my heart to meet Uncle Sam here.

    “I came to Sapele for two reasons, one for the 60th birth anniversary of Chief Esiso and to pay you a courtesy visit. So, coming here and seeing you looking very strong with your best friend, Uncle Sam, really gladdens my heart.

    “My prayer is for you to continue to be strong for us, and to Uncle Sam, who is also looking very young everyday.

    On the request for reconstruction of two roads in Sapele, Governor Oborevwori said:

    “You have not asked me for anything before and you have made a request now for the reconstruction of two roads, the Apolo Road and Orhorhor road.

    “I will direct the Commissioner for Highways and Urban Roads to come and scope the roads and I can assure you that we will treat it as very urgent.

    “Like you reminded me that Sapele is in our kingdom and since I came into office eight months now, I have not done anything for Sapele and it shows that I am not sentimental.

    “I am Governor for all Deltans; I look at the areas that are more pressing needs, even though everywhere in Delta State is important.This is the first request and I must deal with it by the grace of God.

    “So, be rest assured that in a few months from now, the roads would be constructed.”

    Welcoming the Governor, Pa Oseragbaje said he was grateful to the Governor for his friendly disposition and urged him not to allow his position create a wide gap between him and his friends.

    He appealed to the Governor to help in the reconstruction of Orhorhor road and Mr. Benjamin Aboneje Oseragbaje road, emphasizing that he and the Chairman of Sapele Local Government council, Hon Eugene Inoaghan, had been shouldering their repairs.

    In his remarks, Mr Amuka-Pemu commended Governor Oborevwori for his landmark achievements in his first few months on the saddle and urged him to continue with his good works.