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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Oborevwori tasks Nigerians on faithfulness, contentment in nation-building

    Oborevwori tasks Nigerians on faithfulness, contentment in nation-building

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of faithfulness, honesty and contentment in their contributions to nation-building.

    Oborevwori gave the charge on Friday at the funeral service for late businessman and renowned politician, Chief Charles Obule at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sapele.

    Oborevwori said the late Obule was a household name in Sapele and Delta because of his philanthropic deeds and urged Nigerians to emulate his kind gesture in helping mankind with their God-given resources.

    He eulogised the late Chief Obule as a distinguished lawyer, astute businessman, renowned politician and great philanthropist who was passionate about the welfare of his people.

    He said: “I am standing here with mix feelings because the late Chief Charles Obule lived a life of faithfulness, honesty and contentment.

    “Obule has lived well at 65, because some people will live longer but with no legacy to show but Chief Obule lived a life of great accomplishments.

    “Obule was a homeboy he took a decision to come and settle in Sapele, he left all his businesses and came here to establish schools and hospital. He was a good man who did great things that he would be remembered for.

    “There is no better time to die but the good thing is that when you die you should have legacies that people will remember you for.

    “Touch lives while you are alive, some people will have money and they will be proud but Chief Obule was never a proud man. He lived a very good and fulfilled and contented life,” he said.

    He described the late Obule as a faithful party man who never left the PDP despite his inability to secure an elective position in the party.

    “Chief Obule was a very faithful man, he was very consistent with the party despite not winning the Governorship and Senatorial ticket of the party.

    “On behalf of the state government, we commiserate with you, Mrs Obule, your children and the entire family on the loss of your husband.

    “Our prayer is for God to grant you and your family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Oborevwori stated.

    Rev. Fr Christopher Ekabo, in his homily titled “the painful exit of Chief Charles Obule”, urged Christians to show care and love for one another saying; “the soul of the virtuous is in the hands of God”.

    He described the deceased as a faithful man who served God and humanity with his God-given resources and urged the family and friends to emulate the virtues of the late businessman and renowned politician.

    He charged the children and family members of the deceased to take solace in the fact that their father was a great success story, a fulfilled and contented man.

    The cleric lauded Governor Oborevwori for his achievements in 80 days including approval for the payment of pensions to Primary school teachers and local government pensioners; promotion arrears to civil servants and approval for the employment of teachers and other categories of staff in 22 local government areas.

    Fr. Ekabo also commended the Governor’s drive in ensuring flood prevention and environmental sustainability with the clearing of traffic at Otovwodo junction, Ughelli and demolition of illegal structures built along waterways across the state.

    The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso, Deputy Chairman Barr. Val Areyenka; Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Perkins Umukoro; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo.

    Others were Chairman Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata; Executive Director Projects, DESOPADEC, Chief Talib Tebite, Senator Ighoyota Amori; Chief Fred Majemite and Chairman Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Eugene Innoaghan, President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Ese Gam, Chief Efe Akpofure SAN, Professor Godini Darah, Chief Cyril Ogodo, among others.

  • Aladja/Ogbe Ijoh: Oborevwori building peace through diplomacy – By Fred Edoreh

    Aladja/Ogbe Ijoh: Oborevwori building peace through diplomacy – By Fred Edoreh

    By Fred Edoreh

    The recent disturbances between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State may have come as an acid test for the young administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    For decades, the people had intermittently taken up arms against themselves over land ownership. There had peace accords in 2018 and 2022, by which they were expected to adopt civilised and peaceful approach in the pursuit of their claims. Disappointingly, they, once again, abandoned peace and took to violent clash just a few weeks into the inception of the new administration.

    Incidentally, Oborevwori was ahead, having noted in his inauguration speech that “while Delta State has been relatively peaceful in the last eight years, recent security breaches in the Warri area (which includes Aladja and Ogbe Ijoh) are troubling,” and that his administration, with the aid of security agencies, “will take decisive steps to ensure that the situation does not degenerate.”

    Being a grassroots man with deep knowledge of the street, he also knew that the alleviation of the socio-economic condition of the people is sine qua non to sustainable peace as, with more opportunities for employment and enterprise, mischief makers and warmongers would find less hands to recruit.

    Accordingly, he indicated in same inauguration speech that Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state, will be given special attention under his administration.

    “The process has already commenced with the establishment of Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA). Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift,” he assured.

    Rather than support the government and position their communities for the prospects of renewed socio-economic development in Warri area, they chose to take up arms against themselves.

    As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Oborevwori responded by not just swiftly deploying security forces to go in and instill order, warning that the Government would visit troublemakers with the full wrath of the law, but also assuring that government will revisit the White Paper on the bone of contention.

    Not stopping at that, indications are that he has personally moved in with quiet diplomatic engagements towards achieving collective understanding.

    In his support, traditional rulers of both Ijaw and Urhobo nations have also taken responsibility to engage themselves towards the same goal.

    Coordinated by the Ovie of Uvwie, Oborevwori’s second homeland after Okpe, HRM, Abe I, Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, it was so beautiful seeing the high-powered delegation of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum led by HRM Elder (Capt) Joseph Timiyan, the Ebenanaowwi of Ogulagha Kingdom, go over last Saturday, to put heads together with their Urhobo counterparts, with HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe and Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, playing host to the royal gathering in his palace.

    It is worthy of mention that in the meeting were
    HRM Solomon Okukeren III, Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom and Vice Chairman, Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council; HRM King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey JP, Udurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom; HRM F. F. Tabai, Pere of Tuomo; HRM Barr Shedrack Erebulu, Pere of Kabowei; HRM Dr. Wilson Ojakovo, Ovie of Ughelli; HRM Noble Eshemitan, Ovie of Oghara; HRM Oghenevwogaga Ebelle, Ovie of Agbarha Otor; HRM Couple Oromoni, Pere of Ogbe-ijoh; HRM Bosu Dio, Ebenanaowwi of Iduwini; HRM Johnbull Polokowei, Pere of Ogbolobiri Mein; HRM Sunday Odogu Okpurhe, Uduaka I, Ovie of Mosogar, amongst others.

    The gathering practically speaks to Oborevwori’s assurance on the inclusiveness and partnership with our royal fathers and call for their continued support and wise guidance in the governance of the state.

    Accordingly, as the representatives of the ancestors and bearers of the destiny of their respective people, they converged to save their children of Aladja and Ogbe Ijoh from mutual destruction. With such eminent assemblage, there remaineth no more sacrifice.

    In their communique, they made it clear that Urhobo and Ijaw nations “do not have personal problems and are not at war with each other.” That should be a clear message to the leaders of Aladja and Ogbe Ijoh.

    While allaying fears about a mischievious ultimatum declared by a faceless group as fake and of no consequence, they also resolved that the Ukoko Re-Ivie Urhobo should engage the Urhobo Progressive Union on a said provocative publication that tended to escalate divisive sentiments.

    It is expected too that, notwithstanding their recent solidarity visit to Ogbe Ijoh, the Ijaw National Council led by the respected Prof Benjamin Okaba will also stand on restraint.

    On the revisit of the Government White Paper, it is gladdening that the royal fathers, being the custodians of the history, culture, bilateral and multilateral relations of both Urhobo and Ijaw nations, are engaged in the mediation and arbitration and, expectedly, their united views would inform the process.

    The onus, however, is ultimately on the leaders of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh, to either continue to burn their communities in the cauldron of unending mutual killings and destruction of hard earned properties, thus jointly consigning their people to perpetual poverty, or choose to co-exist in mutual peace and tolerance in order to enjoy the manifestation of a new Warri.

    As Governor Oborevwori rightly pointed out to them, “no amount of land is worth dying for because when you fight and kill yourselves the land will still remain.”

    Indeed, they need not be reminded that where there is no peace and social stability, there never will be development, prosperity and progress, except for the leaders who merchandise in violence and build personal profit from the blood of their people: those who provide guns, not education, and bullets, not jobs.

     

    Fred Edoreh is Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State

  • Oborevwori sympathizes with Seplat over rig mishap

    Oborevwori sympathizes with Seplat over rig mishap

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has extended heartfelt condolences to Seplat Energy Limited following collapse of its ‘Majestic’ oil rig near Ovhor Oilfield in Sapele Local Government Area of the State.

    The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, culminated in the loss of one life with three others reportedly missing.

    Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba, described the incident as tragic and commiserated with the company as well as family members of the deceased.

    The Governor urged the company to take urgent steps in searching for the missing crew members and launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the oil rig.

    The Governor said: “I am deeply shocked to hear about the sad incident of your oil rig collapsing on the way to a planned drilling location and the death of one crew member with three others still missing as of press time.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I sympathise with the management of Seplat Energy Limited on the unfortunate collapse of its Majestic oil rig leading to the death of one person and missing three crew members.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the three crew members who are still missing as of this moment as well as the family and friends of the crew member who tragically lost his life.

    “I urge the management of the company to intensify rescue efforts for the missing crew members and also launch an inquiry into circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident with a view to avoiding future occurrence,” the Governor stated.

  • Delta ready to host 2027 AFCON – Oborevwori

    Delta ready to host 2027 AFCON – Oborevwori

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that the state is prepared to serve as one of Nigeria’s host cities for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

    Speaking when he played host to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) bidding inspection committee at Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori said the state was peaceful and conducive to host the continental football tournament.

    The Governor said that the state was renowned for hosting such sports events, assuring of top-notch security and facilities for the event, if selected.

    “I specially welcome the inspection team of the Confederation of African Football to this second round of inspections for the 2027 African Nations Cup to be hosted by Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

    “I welcome you to Delta State and because we are a very peaceful state, Delta state would be among the ones you will select to host the competition in Nigeria.

    “Delta State will be among the six states that would be hosting in Nigeria because it’s peaceful and we have a very serene environment with top-notch security, good roads and airport infrastructure.

    “We have hosted several athletes in the past including the Senior African Athletics Championship in 2018 and the National Sports Festival in 2022.

    “As a state we are renowned for hosting such high class sports events and we have not recorded any incidence of insecurity or any negative report.

    “We have one of the best stadiums in the country and I can assure you that if Delta State is chosen we will provide excellent hosting for the event.

    “By the time you finish your inspection am quite sure that we will pass even as I assure you that Delta State is more than ready to host the 36th African Cup of Nations.

    “Since 2018 when we hosted the CAA, the hospitality industry in Asaba has witnessed more growth with the coming of more hotels to the city and more top class hotels will be completed before the hosting date,” the governor stated.

    Earlier, Bid Coordinator for Nigeria and Benin Republic, Mainasara Illoh said the team was in Delta State because Asaba has been found worthy of being put forward as a host city.

    Illoh stated that Nigeria was expected to provide six venues while Benin Republic provides two.

    He said other countries were also interested in hosting the 36th Edition of the African Cup of Nations and urged the State Government to invest more in improving on the facilities used in hosting previous sports events to increase the State’s chances of being selected.

  • Flood: Delta govt. begins mass demolition of illegal structures

    Flood: Delta govt. begins mass demolition of illegal structures

    The Delta Government has embarked on mass demolition of “illegal structures” on the waterways in different parts of the state to allow for free-flow of water.

    The state’s Director-General of Special Duties , Mr Frank Omare, disclosed this on Monday during an interactive session with newsmen in Warri.

    Omare spoke at the site of the demolition of a storey building and a proposed church building attached to it at Ugboroke Community, Uvwie Local Government Area.

    He said that government would ensure that all the structures obstructing the waterways were demolished.

    He said that the owners of such structures were given two months notice to remove them.

    He frowned at the non-challant attitude of the people towards government’s directive.

    “One of the mandates giving to me is to destroy all illegal structures in the state and this is just the beginning.

    “We have given them over two months notice to remove their properties.

    “We are constructing a massive drainage system in the state to connect all rhe drains.

    “So, we are removing all the structures hampering the flow of water.

    “Those who have built on natural waterways should remove their buildings.

    “Those who do not have approval plans should remove their buildings.

    “What is going on here is that this very building that we are demolishing does not even have approval.

    “Whenever it rains, everywhere gets will be flooded, this demolition serves as a warning to others,” Omare said

    He said that the interest of one individual could not override the collective interest of the state.

    He urged those blackmailing Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to know that the demolition was not done on sentiment.

    “What we are doing is going to touch everywhere and the falling of the yellow leaves should serve as a warning to the fresh ones.

    “We have about seven equipment scattered all over Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas.

    “We feel that this is the way to go.

    “The ministry of Urban Renewal is the approving authority.

    “I want to see your five meters approval to the drainage and building,” he said.

    Omare said that it was wrong that more than 40 per cent of houses in Ugboroke had no septic tanks.

    “I am completely taking responsibility for what is happening here today.

    “We are ready for those who think they can threaten us.

    “We are very ready to do the needful,” he said.

    He urged those who had genuine approvals for their buildings to come forward with them.

    Mr David Adu, whose father’s building was affected, commended the State Government’s action and urged strict implementation of the exercise.

    The team postponed the demolition of another storey-building at Ekpan Community in Uvwie by 48 hours to enable the occupants to remove their belongings.

     

  • Oborevwori salutes Orodje of Okpe on 17th coronation anniversary

    Oborevwori salutes Orodje of Okpe on 17th coronation anniversary

    Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), on the 17th anniversary of his coronation.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor lauded the monarch for uniting the people of the Kingdom and for making it peaceful and investment-friendly since ascending the ancient throne.

    He described the monarch as “a distinguished elder statesman, bridge-builder with unassailable integrity, whose reign had been of immense value to the kingdom and humanity’’.

    The Governor also commended the respected royal father for his unwavering support for the realisation of the Delta Governor of Okpe extraction.

    Governor Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I joyfully congratulate His Royal Majesty, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR on the occasion of his 17th coronation anniversary.

    “Umogu, I join the good people of Okpe Kingdom and Deltans in celebrating a great monarch, whose passion for the growth and development of his Kingdom and Urhobo nation remains unparalleled.

    “In the last 17 years on the throne, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, has continued to provide exemplary and impactful leadership by rallying and inspiring the Okpe people, Urhobos and the Delta Traditional Institution to greater heights.

    “I must commend your sagacity in keeping and managing the culture and traditions of the Okpe people by promoting harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among the Urhobo and other ethnic groups in the State”.

    Oborevwori wished His Majesty good health, long life and more wisdom to pilot the affairs of Okpe Kingdom and the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.

  • We’ll be fair, just in distribution of projects, Oborevwori reassures Deltans

    We’ll be fair, just in distribution of projects, Oborevwori reassures Deltans

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, ON Wednesday reassured Deltans that his administration would be fair and just in the distribution of infrastructural development projects and political appointments in the state.

    Oborevwori who was speaking at a public presentation of a book on Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s stewardship titled; “Hope and Fulfilment” in Asaba, said all parts of the state would be adequately carried along in his M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans.

    He held that his administration would not only consolidate on the achievements recorded by the Senator Okowa led administration in the state but would do more for Deltans and residents of the state.

    While saying that more appointments would be made in due course, the governor enjoined those who have not been given appointment not to despair, adding that they should continue to work with the state government in order to expand the frontiers of sustainable development in the state.

    According to him, some of the Commissioners designate are people with vast wealth of experience in public life and the younger ones, adding that those with immense wealth of experience were expected to mentor the younger ones in the discharge of their duties.

    He applauded the authors for their painstaking research and efforts in putting together, the book which chronicled the massive developmental strides of the Senator Okowa led administration in the state, even as he commended Okowa for his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state for eight years.

    “We shall be fair and just in the distribution of infrastructural development projects and political appointments across the state.

    “This administration will not only consolidate on the legacies of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa led administration, we shall improve on them (legacies) and do more for Deltans.

    “I want to appeal to Deltans that appointment are still coming. If you don’t get appointment today, tomorrow may be your turn,” the governor said.

    In his remarks, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa who expressed appreciation to the authors of the book written in his honour, thanked Deltans for the cooperation given to his administration which, he said, enabled it to succeed.

    Okowa pointed out that the success story of his administration was made possible by a combination of the collective efforts of the people that worked with him and the cooperation of Deltans.

    “I am actually very honoured to speak at this event. I am very happy that we have started mentoring our youths and l thank our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for being part of the mentorship.

    “When you look at the list of Commissioners designate, you will realise that there are about 10 people who are less than 40 years of age on the list.

    “We give all Glory to God and we thank all Deltans for their sustained cooperation over the years. We have been able to create real hope in the heart of our youths through the various youths friendly policies and programmes of the state government,” Okowa said.

    Reviewing the book at the ceremony chaired by Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the book reviewer, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, said ‘Hope and Fulfilment’ was a compendium that chronicled the landmark achievements of the Okowa led administration in the state.

    While applauding authors of the book for their dedication and commitment in writing the book, Prof. Ufuophu-Biri who is the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, said; “the book is a must read for everybody.”

    In their separate goodwill messages, Chief Eze Nnajiofor, Charles Aniagwu, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Fidelis Tilije, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire and Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, described Okowa as a good leader who had impacted positively on the lives of the people in the state and beyond.

    While commending authors of the book for chronicling and documenting the milestones of the Senator Okowa’s eight years administration in the state, they noted that he (Okowa) had turned boys into men, adding that he made youths to become entrepreneurs and built bridges across communities.

    Earlier in his welcome address, one of the authors, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, said the book chronicled the massive infrastructural and human capital development achievements of the Okowa led administration in the state, adding that it was put together to imortalise the phenomenal accomplishments of Senator Okowa in the eight years of his administration.

    The book was written by Messrs Olisa Ifeajika, Frank Igwebueze, Sunny Ogefere, Chukwudi Abiandu, Pius Mordi, Felix Ofou, Nelson Egware and Mr. Kingsley Kwubosu.

  • Delta Assembly confirms 18 out of 26 commissioner nominees

    Delta Assembly confirms 18 out of 26 commissioner nominees

    The Delta House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 18 out of 26 nominees forwarded to it by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for confirmation as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council.

    The confirmation followed their successful screening on the floor of the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Those screened were the immediate past commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Mr Samuel Oligida, Prof. Johnbull Tonukari, Mr Isaac Wilkie and Mrs Pat Ajudua, the immediate past Chief Whip of the Assembly.

    Others were Joan Ada-Anioma, Mr Reuben Izeze, also former members of the Assembly, Chief Fidelis Tilije,  the immediate past commissioner for Finance, Mrs Rose Ezewu, Dr Joseph Onojaeme and Miss Pride Uduaghan.

    Also screened were Mr Vincent Oyibode, Mr Michael Anoka, Mr Funyei Manager, Mr Daniel Odinigwe, Mr Onoriode Agofure, Mr Sonny Ekedayen and Mr Godknows Angeles.

    In his remarks, the speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to be committed to the service of the state.

    Guwor also commended the lawmakers for their commitment in screening the nominees.

    “Let me use this opportunity to thank you for taking time to screen the nominees. You have done well,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Charles Aniagwu who spoke on behalf of other nominees commended the governor for their nomination, adding that the ”MORE agenda” of the governor will in no doubt impact positively on the lives of the people of the state.

    “With the calibre of persons that have been nominated for appointment as commissioners, the MORE agenda of the governor would impact on the lives of the people of Delta,’’ he said.

    Aniagwu also urged the people of the state to be patient, adding that the MORE agenda of the governor would soon be felt across the state.

    The Assembly will continue with the screening of the remaining eight nominees on Tuesday.

  • Oborevwori mourns as Obule dies at 65

    Oborevwori mourns as Obule dies at 65

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness on the passing of renowned businessman, politician and philanthropist, Chief Charles Obule.

    Obule, who held the traditional title of “Erhi of Okpe Kingdom”, reportedly died on Tuesday after a protracted illness at the age of 65.

    Until his death, the late Obule was a chieftain and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State and was a former Governorship and Senatorial aspirant of the party.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba, Oborevwori commiserated with the people of Sapele, Okpe Kingdom and Urhobo nation over the demise of the grassroots politician and community leader.

    According to the Governor, the deceased was an astute politician, successful businessman and affable philanthropist, who was very popular among his people.

    Oborevwori said; “on behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots politician, Chief Charles Ufuoma Obule, who died on Tuesday evening.

    “The news of his passing was a terrible shock to me. He was a gentleman-politician, and he distinguished himself in the service of his people as a great philanthropist.

    “Chief Obule was a versatile lawyer, prominent businessman and astute politician who excelled in all that he did. He was a humanist par excellence. Obule Group of Schools and Medical Centre, which he founded, are renowned for quality education and healthcare delivery to the people of Sapele and the Urhobo nation at a hugely subsidised cost.

    “As a grassroots politician and party financier, Chief Obule contributed greatly to the growth of the PDP in Sapele Local Government Area and Delta State. His death is a big loss not just to the PDP and Urhobo nation, but also to the entire Delta State.

    “I pray for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family and all those whose lives he touched. And may his soul rest in peace.”

  • Oborevwori announces payment of N5bn promotion arrears to Delta workers

    Oborevwori announces payment of N5bn promotion arrears to Delta workers

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, announced the approval of payment of N5 billion promotion arrears to workers in the State.

    Oborevwori, who said the payment would be effected in three tranches, said the payment would commence in August and end in October 2023.

    He disclosed this while addressing workers during a visit to the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba, the State capital.

    Oborevwori said the approval was sequel to a demand by the workers prior to the Governorship election in the State, which he promised to pay when he comes into office.

    The Governor said he has fulfilled his promise to the workers by approving payment of the promotion arrears and urged workers in the State to remain committed to their duties.

    Oborevwori said: “As a promise keeper, I came here for two reasons; to see how you are doing in your work places and to bring the good news that the promotion arrears you have been demanding for all these years, have been approved.

    “I have come here to notify you that I have approved it, because I am Governor for all of you and for all Deltans as I promised you with my M.O.R.E Agenda.

    “We know the money is huge; its almost N5 billion, but I promised to pay you and I have signed the memo and approved it.

    “You will be paid in three tranches from next month, August to October 2023. Continue to do more and work for the interest of this State. I thank you very much for your support and please don’t play with your work.

    “I can come here anytime without informing the Head of Service. Today, I decided to inform him but the next time I am coming, I won’t notify you and I will just go into one of these offices to see what they are doing,” he said.

    Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, who conducted the Governor round the Secretariat, expressed appreciation to the Governor for approving the payment of the promotion arrears and for visiting the workers.

    He pledged the unalloyed commitment of the State’s workforce to the actualisation of the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

    The Governor’s visit threw the workers into frenzy mood, singing praises of the Governor for being the first Governor to visit workers in their Secretariat.

    The Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme and top government functionaries.