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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Delta Exco approves N10 billion for palliatives

    Delta Exco approves N10 billion for palliatives

    The Delta State Executive Council has approved the sum of N10 billion as Social Investment to fund palliatives for Deltans.

    This was part of decisions reached at the maiden State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday at Exco Chambers, Government House, Asaba.

    Briefing Journalists at the end of the meeting, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the Governor would forward it to the State House of Assembly for approval for the provision of palliatives for the less privileged, people living with disabilities, widows, women, youths and the aged in the society.

    He said Exco gave approval for the construction of several roads in furtherance of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor Oborevwori’s administration, adding that every Senatorial District was covered and the roads were critical to the uplifting of the economic status of the people.

    “In furtherance of the M.O.R.E Agenda of this administration, the State Executive Council approved the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri, Rehabilitation of Esisi Road from Warri Sapele Road to Estate roundabout with a spur to Nana College to link Ajamimogha in Warri.

    “Rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of of the failed sections of PTI Road in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area; rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Oviri Court-Adagbrasa Road in Okpe Local Government Area.

    “Rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road with a spur from Adagbrasa to Ughwagba community to Okan junction along the Eku-Osubi-Effurun Road in Okpe Local Government Area.

    “Construction of roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area; Construction of Nsukwa-Umute-Adonte Road Phase 1 from Nsukwa to Umute in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

    “Remedial works for the failed approach to the bridge at Bedesegba along Ohoror-Bomadi Road in Bomadi Local Government Area.”

    Continuing, Izeze said: “Exco also granted approval for the installation of all-in-one LED solar powered street lights along NPA – DSC Expressway and its environs in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.

    “Exco also approved the payment of the 2023 counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Programme and for the organisation/hosting of the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games in the state”.

    According to him, Exco ratified the appointments of some traditional rulers including; the appointment of HRM Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Sadjere II as the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.

    “HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo as the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South; HRM Ogheneochuko Morris Eyekpimi – Egbobonyen as the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South and HRM Obi Emmanuel Chukwuka as Obi of Umute Kingdom in Aniocha South LGA.”

    On his part, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, said Exco also approved the sum of N167 billion as 2023 supplementary budget.

    He said Exco also granted approval for N40 billion credit facility offer to the 25 local government councils in the state to defray substantial part of outstanding retirement benefits to local government pensioners.

    Earlier in his welcome remark, Governor Oborevwori congratulated the Commissioners on their appointments and urged them to work assiduously in the interest of the growth and development of the state.

    He urged the Commissioners to avail themselves copies of their swearing-in ceremony address and his inauguration speech, adding that they both offer the pathway of the policy thrust of his administration.

    “For the administration to be successful it requires the collaborative efforts of everyone. I urge all members to work in synergy as the decisions of council is a collective decision of all members,” the governor said.

  • What Oborevwori said as Delta marks 32nd anniversary of State creation

    What Oborevwori said as Delta marks 32nd anniversary of State creation

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Sunday, called on Deltans to always engage in actions that would deepen democracy and foster unity among them for sustainable development programmes to be executed.

    Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, spoke at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters (Anglican Communion), Bishop’s Court, Asaba, to mark the 32 years of the state’s creation.

    He thanked Deltans for the support they are giving to his administration and successive governments since the creation of the state on August 27, 1991.

    The Governor observed that the people of the state are more united 32 years after its creation due to the support they gave to his predecessors and to his administration.

    Oborevwori paid tributes to former leaders and civil servants for their contributions to the development of the state.

    He said: “It is gratifying to note that, in all spheres of life, we have made tremendous progress and the greatest of all is that we are proud to say that we are Deltans.

    “Today, we are more united as a people than ever before and on behalf of Deltans we thank those who have contributed in several ways for us to be where we are today as a people.

    “As we celebrate, we should continue to engage in actions that will deepen democracy, a government which has given us room to choose those who lead us.

    “It is worthy to state that my predecessors in office without exception did their best for us to enjoy what we have today as Delta and I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless them with good health and wisdom as we continue to tap from their experience.

    “I also want to express my profound appreciation to our Royal Fathers for making their domains peaceful for socio-economic activities to take place because, it is a fact that no development can take place in areas where there are crises,” he stated.

    He said his administration would continue to ensure the execution of developmental programmes and projects that have significance and purpose on the lives of the people.

    “Already, we are doing a lot since assumption of office on May 29, 2023 to ensure that our people enjoy true dividends of democracy; and, we are happy to say that our programmes are already yielding results and in the next four years and beyond, we shall have more reasons to thank God for an impactful administration.

    “In this regard, we must acknowledge and appreciate Deltans outside the State and in the Diaspora for the significant contributions to the development of the state in various ways since the creation of our State.

    “I thank you once again for your prayers and support for our administration and for engaging in actions that will deepen our unity as a people and for ensuring that our state enjoys enduring peace and sustainable development,” Oborevwori stated.

    Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh in his sermon congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the anniversary of the State’s creation and commended past leaders of the state for their contributions to the growth and development of the state.

    He called on leaders to sustain unity in the state by ensuring that dividends of democracy were distributed on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.

    He said God has been the help of Delta State and would continue to help Deltans as long as the people continued to give Him praise in thanksgiving.

    He called on Deltans to join hands with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to build a stronger, greater and more united Delta State of our dreams.

    The thanksgiving service was attended by wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and his deputy Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and former Deputy Governor, Sir Benjamin Elue.

    Others include Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly,  Engr Emeka Nwaobi, members of the State House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council, Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor; among other top government functionaries.

  • Delta @32: Oborevwori salutes citizens, assures of more development

    Delta @32: Oborevwori salutes citizens, assures of more development

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Deltans on the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the State.

    In a felicitation signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor thanked the people of the State for their patience, cooperation and support to all administrations that had governed the State in the last 32 years.

    Governor Oborevwori assured them that his administration would continue to build on the gains recorded by his predecessors in order to advance the State.

    While congratulating Deltans on the anniversary, the Governor said: “Our beloved State has continued to move on the trajectory of growth in spite of challenges confronting us as a people.

    “As an administration, we appreciate all Deltans for their patience, support and peaceful co-existence which has continued to provide an enabling environment for infrastructural and human capital development.

    “Our administration is barely 100 days in office and we have just finished constituting the State Executive Council and I can assure Deltans, that we will continue to build on the gains recorded by our predecessors.

    “All we ask from the people is peaceful co-existence, as no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of strife and unrest. I therefore assure you that better days are here for all Deltans as we work towards advancing a better Delta of our dream.

    “Through our M.O.R.E Agenda, we will ensure meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security for all Deltans and residents of our dear State.

    “With the successful inauguration of Commissioners, my administration is set to inaugurate the State Executive Council, thus paving way for serious business of governance to uplift the lives of the people,”

    Governor Oborevwori restated his appreciation to the people for electing him as their Governor through a resounding victory at the last general elections, saying; “we have your clear mandate to deliver on our M.O.R.E Agenda and I assure you that with your support and cooperation as always, we will surely do more,”

    He said his administration inherited over 400 road projects and bridges and was poised to ensure their completion while also commencing new ones.

    “We inherited over 400 ongoing road projects and bridges from the previous administration and will continue to execute more projects for the overall growth and development of our dear State.

    “As we are attending to our urban centres, our rural and riverine communities will also receive adequate attention to ensure we reverse the rural-urban migration syndrome.

    “As Deltans, we have every reason to celebrate our 32 years anniversary as a State, as we remain on the right trajectory to development.

    “Let me assure you all that we will continue to operate within the principles of equity, fair play and friendship, which have largely created the atmosphere for peace and development in the State.”

    It would be recalled that Delta, Edo and 10 other states were created by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military regime on August 27, 1991.

  • 32ND ANNIVERSARY: Delta Has Witnessed Phenomenal Growth – Onyeobi

    32ND ANNIVERSARY: Delta Has Witnessed Phenomenal Growth – Onyeobi

    Ahead of Sunday’s anniversary of the creation of Delta State, the Iyase of Asaba, Chief Patrick Onyeobi, on Friday, said the State has recorded phenomenal growth and development to the admiration of Deltans since the state was created 32 years ago.

    Chief Onyeobi who was a former Head of Service (HOS) and Secretary to the defunct Bendel State Government, disclosed this in an interview with journalists at his residence in Asaba while speaking on the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the state.

    He maintained that the agitation for the creation of the state 32 years ago was not a mistake, stressing that it (Delta State) had grown in leaps and bounds in terms of socio-economic, infrastructural and human capital development.

    According to him, successive administrations in the state had played their roles in contributing to the growth and development of the state, adding that Deltans have reason to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the state.

    “We have every cause to thank God for the creation of the state 32 years ago. Mistakes have been made along the way but we have great cause to celebrate because of the growth we have recorded as a state.

    “Deltans have witnessed monumental development in the state in the areas of education, road infrastructure, human capital development and other critical sectors of the state economy.

    “For instance, in the area of education, we now have four state universities and other tertiary institutions of learning which were made possible by the creation of the state.

    “We have learnt from experience; we have peace and from peace, remarkable developments have come to the state. We did not make a mistake for agitating for the creation of the state,” Chief Onyeobi said.

    While reiterating that much had been achieved in the state for the past 32 years, the Iyase of Asaba disclosed that Asaba, the state capital, has become the fastest growing state capital in the country.

    He harped on the need for the state government to harness its potentials with a view to strengthening its operational efficiency so as to stimulate sustainable development in the state.

    “Look at the River Niger, it is grossly under-utilised. It is one of the greatest assets of the country but it is grossly under-utilised. If well utilised, it could be turned into a tourist hub that would generate income for the state and the country at large,” Chief Onyeobi said.

    He expressed hope that Deltans would witness more development in the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in the state, even as he urged Deltans to continue to promote peace and unity in the state.

    “Emphasis should be on unity as it was not by accident that God put us together as a state. One of our greatest achievements is that we have learnt to live in peace.

    Our leaders should continue to preach the gospel of peace. There is much to be done and much has been done. The problem of insecurity and hunger should be tackled. The road to the future is always under construction,” he added.

  • FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: Oborevwori plans bumper package for Deltans

    FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: Oborevwori plans bumper package for Deltans

    In keeping with his promise to be a Governor for all Deltans, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has constituted a palliatives implementation committee in the state.

    The Committee headed by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu with members drawn from other critical stakeholders including labour is to extend the palliative programmme to cover persons living with disabilities; widows; poor and vulnerable households and the aged.

    The Governor who made the announcement while swearing-in 26 Commissioners in the state at the Events Centre, Asaba, Tuesday, also charged the Committee to urgently engage the Keke Assembly plant in Asaba to finalise the production of Tricycle that is fuel and CNG compatible.

    Governor who said the Committee is also looking at the possibility of acquiring Electric Vehicle for mass transit, said his administration would roll out palliatives for the category of persons listed above as soon as the Committee submits its report.

    He said: “Consistent with my pledge to be Governor for all, I have constituted a committee headed by the SSG and other stakeholders including labour to work out palliatives that will cover the following segments of the population, namely; People Living with Disabilities (PwDs); Widows; Poor and vulnerable households that do not belong to the above categories; and the aged.

    “I expect us to roll out palliatives for these categories of people as soon as the committee submits its report. Meanwhile, the committee is also looking at the possibility of the state government acquiring electric vehicles for public transportation.

    “The committee has equally been mandated to initiate the process of converting the existing Tricycle (popularly known as keke) assembly plant in Asaba into a dual-purpose factory that will be able to produce gas-powered keke, in addition to those running on petrol. If this is done, it should significantly drive down the cost of transportation,” he said.

    The move is sequel to the payment of N5.522bn naira promotion arrears to civil servants effective August; payment of N10,000.00 for 50,167 public servants, including the 10 tertiary institutions for three (3) months in the first instance.

    Oborevwori also approved rotational work schedule for all civil servants between grade Levels 1-14 for a maximum of three (3) days a week till further notice; while levels 15 and above to work out what is convenient in their respective MDAs while working remotely is encouraged.

    Other move made by the Governor to grant relief to workers include sourcing and guarantee of N40bn pensions payment for Local Government Councils pensioners and retired primary school teachers.

  • Delta Govt to take PIA implementation to next level

    Delta Govt to take PIA implementation to next level

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said his administration would partner oil companies in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the sustainable development of host communities.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received top management of Chevron Nigeria Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr Rick Kennedy at Government House, Asaba.

    He lauded Chevron Nigeria Limited for sustaining its operations in the state and for its contributions to the growth and development of its host communities.

    He said: “The good thing about our relationship with Chevron is that there have been a good synergy and Delta State holds Chevron in high esteem because of their operations.

    “Most oil companies left Delta state but Chevron remained with us and we will continue to give you all the support through the PIA to ensure sustainable development of our host communities.

    “The PIA is something we have to follow through for peaceful co-existence of oil companies and host communities.

    “I was once a community leader and I know the operation of Chevron, what we need as a state is more cooperation with the host communities.

    “If you go into dialogue with host communities there will be peace. I want to assure you that we will work together to enhance the development of our state through my M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “When there is peace in the state it means the company will operate well and our IGR will also improve,” Oborevwori stated.

    Addressing Journalists at the end of the meeting, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, said the visit was to seek further cooperation and strategic partnership with the state government.

    He said Chevron remained focused in ensuring participatory partnership in its collaboration to ensure peace and development in every community where they operate.

    He said the company was working with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development of its host communities.

  • FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: Oborevwori rolls out palliatives for Delta workers

    FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: Oborevwori rolls out palliatives for Delta workers

    As part of measures to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Tuesday, rolled out palliatives for workers in the state with each set to receive N10,000 monthly as support from the government.

    The Governor also announced that the state’s 50,196 workforce will now work in shifts and from home.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this in Asaba shortly after he swor-in 26 Commissioners as members of the State Executive Council.

    He said the payment to support the workers would commence in August and last for three months.

    He explained that workers on grade level 1-14 will run two shifts with one set reporting to the office Mondays to Wednesdays, and another set working from Thursdays to Fridays.

    Working days for workers on grade levels 15 and above are to be worked out by the various MDAs as suitable to them, he stated.

    The Governor explained that he has set up a Committee to plan for the provision of palliatives for people living with disabilities, widows, poor and vulnerable households and the aged in the society.

    Oborevwori said: “We are keeping faith with the electorate to make life richer and more fulfilling for them as contained in the M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “I am pleased to report that this administration has taken decisive steps to improve the welfare of our workers, which is an integral part of the MORE agenda.

    “To cushion the hardship our people are facing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and the downward spiral of the naira against the dollar, I have approved the payment of Ten Thousand (N10, 000.00) naira to the fifty thousand, one hundred and ninety-six workers (50,196) in the state public service for the next three months starting from August.

    “The staff figure includes employees of the ten higher institutions in the state.

    “Furthermore, I have approved that workers from salary grade Levels 1-14 should run shifts as follows: First Batch: Monday – Wednesday ; Second Batch: Thursday – Friday.

    “This schedule will be implemented on a rotational basis. Those who work from Monday-Wednesday in one week will work Thursday to Friday the following week to ensure fairness and equity.

    “The schedule for officers from salary grade Levels 15 and above is to be worked out by the various MDAs as it is suitable for them. However, staff on essential services must be on duty while working remotely is also encouraged. The other arms of government – the judiciary and legislature – are to work out their modalities as they deem fit.”

    Furthermore, the Governor said he has given approval for the payment of outstanding promotion arrears to twenty-three thousand, eight hundred and eighty-seven (23,887) workers in the state public service.

    “The total amount payable is five billion, five hundred and twenty-two million, six hundred and thirty-seven thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight naira, and five kobo (N5, 522,637, 848.05). The payment commences from this month of August and will be made in four tranches as follows: Ministries – August; Judiciary, Parastatals, and Hospitals Management Board – September; Higher Institutions – October; Post Primary Education Board – November.”

    The Governor said he has consulted with the leadership of ALGON to roll out their own palliatives to its workforce.

    He said: “As you are aware, local government workers are not under the administration of the state. However, we have held consultations with the leadership of ALGON and it is our earnest expectation that ALGON will implement the same palliative measures for its workers”.

    He reiterated his call on elected officials and political appointees to be their brother’s keeper given the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

    “Our people are going through very difficult times. Therefore, those of us that have the privilege of public office must do everything within our power to bring relief to the poor and the less privileged. Please, be available to the people.

    “This is very important because our people need to see that we care. There is a saying that people do not care how much you know until they see how much you care,” Oborevwori added.

    The Governor said: “Consistent with my pledge to be Governor for all, I have constituted a committee headed by the SSG and other stakeholders including labour to work out palliatives that will cover the following segments of the population, namely; People Living with Disabilities (PwDs); Widows; Poor and vulnerable households that do not belong to the above categories; and the aged.

    “I expect us to roll out palliatives for these categories of people as soon as the committee submits its report. Meanwhile, the committee is also looking at the possibility of the state government acquiring electric vehicles for public transportation.

    “The committee has equally been mandated to initiate the process of converting the existing Tricycle (popularly known as keke) assembly plant in Asaba into a dual-purpose factory that will be able to produce gas-powered keke, in addition to those running on petrol. If this is done, it should significantly drive down the cost of transportation”.

    He said his administration would soon bring the thorny issue of unpaid local government pensions to a final resolution.

    Governor Oborevwori, said: “My administration helped to secure legislative approval for the local government councils to obtain a N40 billion bank loan to enable them to 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. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the payment of the pensions should commence soon.

    “I have also given the nod for the local government councils to recruit teaching and non-teaching staff to fill up existing vacancies.

    “At least 2,000 persons will be gainfully employed through this process. In due course, we shall carry out a comprehensive audit of physical infrastructure in our primary and secondary schools to enable us know where there are gaps and respond accordingly.

    “My administration will spare no expense in providing the conducive climate essential for high quality learning experiences in our schools”.

  • Oborevwori swears-in Commissioners, harps on effective service delivery

    Oborevwori swears-in Commissioners, harps on effective service delivery

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, swore in twenty-six new commissioners in the state with a call on them to ensure fairness, equity and justice to guide their actions for effective service delivery.

    Speaking at the inauguration which held at the Events Centre Asaba, Governor Oborevwori charged the new Commissioners to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and diligence in the overall interest of the people.

    Those sworn in were: Odinigwe Odigie Daniel; Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Ada-Anioma; Jerry Ehiwario; Charles Aniagwu; Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu; Michael Ifeanyi Anoka; Hon. Princess Pat. A. Ajudua, Ph.D and Chief Darlington Ijeh; Chief Fidelis OkenmorTilije; Barr. Funyei Manager; and Hon. Godknows Angele.

    Others are Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; Chief Emamusi Obiodeh; Mr Perez  P. Omoun, Esq.; Orode Uduaghan; Isaac Tosan Wilkie; Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi; Samuel Oligida; Prof. Tonukari Johnbull; Etagherure Ejiro Terry; Mrs. Rose Ezewu; Jamani Tommy Ejiro; Onoriode Agofure; Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben; Chief Vincent Oyibode, and Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen

    Oborevwori said: “You are among the privileged few from the list of other eminently qualified persons. I must confess that to arrive at this list was a very tasking and painstaking process.

    “It took weeks of extensive consultations, rigorous scrutiny, and consensus building to arrive at the final list of commissioners.

    “I note with pleasure that this State Executive Council is an inspiring blend of youths and experience hands, and meets the requirements of competency, spread, and sectoral representation.

    “The youth represent a breath of fresh air while the old hands are needed for their maturity, wisdom, mentoring, and stability of the system”.

    He charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners to be humble in the discharge of their duties, adding that “being a Commissioner does not make you superior to others. So, you must shun pride and arrogance.

    “This appointment is simply a call to higher responsibility, and you must justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with good judgment, tenacity of purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the development of the state and the welfare of our people.

    “As stated in my inaugural address, the M.O.R.E agenda of this administration is designed to ADVANCE Delta through inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation, strengthening the human capital, building an enabling infrastructure, and improving governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery.

    “The successful implementation of these programmes calls for drive, focus, innovation, fiscal discipline, and judicious allocation of resources on your part.

    “A lot is expected from this administration in the light of the massive support we received from the electorate in the general elections. Hence, you must roll up your sleeves and get to work immediately because there is no time to waste.

    “This administration is almost three months old and we must make every day count for our people. It is especially important that as commissioners you constantly monitor the progress of projects under your ministry and institute a mechanism for feedback and evaluation.

    “As heads of Ministries, your personal example is the most powerful leadership tool you possess. You must be role models in punctuality, discipline, hard work, excellence, honesty, transparency, and accountability. People will do what they see you do, not what you say. Hence, you must endeavour to match your words with actions.

    “Let fairness, equity, and justice guide your actions, and you must give every citizen equal opportunity to benefit from our programmes and services.

    “In this regard, you must shun ethnic politics and divisive tendencies. You are to maintain an open-door policy in your ministries and be accessible to all and sundry,” Oborevwori said.

    Responding on behalf of the Commissioners, Miss Orode Uduaghan thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged the unalloyed loyalty and commitment of the Commissioners in the execution of his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda.

    Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme; former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and wife Roli; former Deputy Governors, Mr Kingsley Otuaro and Sir Benjamin Elue; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Senator James Manager; Senator Stella Omu, Sir Jide Omokore; Chief Great Ogboru, Professor Sam Oyovbaire attended the ceremony among other dignitaries.

  • We place premium on education in Delta – Oborevwori

    We place premium on education in Delta – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, said the State Government has placed premium on education to keep students of the State on track and focused.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received on courtesy visit officials of the National University Commission, NUC led by its Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Chris Maiyaki in his office in Government House, Asaba.

    He thanked the NUC for approving the three new universities for the state, saying the establishment of the new universities was well justified hence the House of Assembly he presided over didn’t waste time in passing the bills.

    Governor Oborevwori, said: “When we received the bill for the three universities, we looked at the justifications for three universities and we found out that they had the staff and infrastructure.

    “They had subvention but the students were not there because the NCE programmes were no longer attractive to them.

    “Where we had about 900 staff in the then College of Education, Agbor, you cannot even find 1,000 students and what we provide there is enough to run a full-fledged university.

    “The money used in running the College is also the same thing to run Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where I graduated from and they have over 15,000 students yet we can’t get even 1,000 at the College of Education, Agbor.

    “So we didn’t waste time to approve the bill. Moreover, that period we had over 25,000 Deltans that passed JAMB and were qualified for university education but the universities couldn’t admit more than 5,000.

    “So what happens to the remaining 20,000 students? They have to wait for another year again? And we said no its a very brilliant idea to upgrade three existing higher institutions into full-fledged universities and we had to pass the bills.

    “I must commend NUC for approving the three universities for Delta State. I want to assure you that as a government we will continue to provide whatever it takes to make the universities great.

    “Here in Delta State we take education very seriously, because you may acquire anything on this earth, it will go but education will remain with you till death.

    “Here in Delta we value education because by the time you train your children, they will not be involved in crime, they will be focused in life.

    “So education is another way of reducing crime and since I came in we have been in touch with them and all that is necessary in terms of staffing and infrastructure would be provided.

    “Delta is peaceful and everywhere is beautiful but if you see any road that is not good in Delta State just know that it is a federal road.

    “We are taking care of our state roads and even intervening in some federal roads like the over 147km Ughelli/ Asaba Road dualisation project which am very sure would be completed by next year”.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, commended Delta State Government for its contributions to sustainable educational development in the state and country.

    Maiyaki explained that the visit was coming at a time when the calls for the reinvention of higher education system was “getting louder and louder by the day”.

    He congratulated the Delta State Government for being very educational friendly government and for being the state with the highest number of state-owned universities in the country.

    “Your Excellency, we like to congratulate your government for being so educationally-friendly and the information we have is that the university we are visiting was founded when you were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    “It was during your time that having appended your signature that we accepted and granted licences to the University of Delta, Agbor, the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro and the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba,” he said.

    He said the NUC was vested by law with the vital and strategic responsibility of orderly development of university education, the general coordination and regulation of the sub-sector.

    He said the visit was crucial and pivotal because the result will enable the University admit students into the programmes visited.

    “We carry out that vital assignment through the monitoring of implementation of minimum standards, licence of private universities, conducting resource verification and accreditation of courses among others.

    “We are here to carry out resource verification of academic programmes at the University of Delta, Agbor, to ascertain the quality and the quantity of the physical facilities, the human resources, the ICT deployments, the learning resources in hard and soft copies and of course the atmosphere for learning.

    “This visit is crucial and very pivotal because the result emanating from this visit will enable the University admit students into the programmes we have visited.

    “We like to thank you for the sustainable funding and support that you have extended to this University and indeed all other institutions of higher learning in Delta.

    “Delta State is the only state that has four state universities in the country and this goes to show the importance that you attach to university education in Delta State.

    “Delta is blessed and endowed with material, human and natural resources and having four state universities underpins the premium that you attach to university education.

    “Your continued support to these universities would be a legacy to your government and a collective benefit to be shared for the posterity of Delta State.

    “We are here to conduct resource verification for Basic Medical Sciences and Medicine, Law, Education, Agricultral Economics and if you look at the profile of these programmes, they are very capital intensive.

    “We congratulate you and wish you resounding success as you embark on your programmes and policies that you collectively work to reposition Delta on the path of continuous progress,” Maiyaki stated.

  • 2ND CORONATION ANNIVERSARY: Oborevwori congratulates Atuwatse III

    2ND CORONATION ANNIVERSARY: Oborevwori congratulates Atuwatse III

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

    Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, praised the revered traditional ruler for keeping Warri Kingdom peaceful and inviting for investment since ascending the ancient throne.

    He remarked that since his ascension to the throne, the king had also played a key role in various economic endeavours to revive trade and commerce in the kingdom.

    The Governor described Atuwatse III as “a man of peace and a bridge-builder with infectious integrity,” whose reign had thus far resulted in an improvement in both the lives of his subjects and the kingdom.

    He also expressed his admiration for the beloved royal father for inspiring his citizens to support good governance and an awakening of civic responsibility.

    Oborevwori further remarked that the king was a wonderful source of inspiration for his people and urged him to stay strong in his efforts to make sure that they had a good life and that there was peace in the land.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Majesty Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, on the occasion of his 2nd coronation anniversary.

    “I join the people of Iwere in honouring a great king and sending him my best wishes for continued strength, wisdom, and good health as he continues to be the traditional and cultural leader of his people.

    “During his two years as king, His Majesty Atuwatse III has demonstrated excellent and significant leadership by conducting himself honestly. He has also continued to serve as a source of inspiration and unity for the Itsekiri people, Deltans, and Nigerians in general.”

    While praising the Itsekiri monarch for his peaceful relations with other ethnic groups in the State, Oborevwori said; “I must commend your dexterity in keeping and managing the culture and tradition of Iwere people by promoting harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living, and peaceful coexistence.”