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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Oborevwori lauds FG’s grants, loan to beneficiaries in Delta

    Oborevwori lauds FG’s grants, loan to beneficiaries in Delta

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Friday lauded the Federal Government for disbursing over N1.2 billion to 24,103 beneficiaries of its grants and loan scheme across the state.

    The governor gave the commendation at a One-Day Town hall sensitisation on the Federal Government Grant and loan scheme in Asaba.

    Oborevworiwas  represented by Orode Uduaghan,  Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Service and Girl Child Development.

    He said the scheme if sustained would transform the economy of the state and the country at large. The governor  said the state government has prioritised human capital and economic empowerment.

    He said  that in the past one year, over 200,000 persons had been empowered through the state owned programmes.

    He, however, said that the state government collaboration with the Federal Government on grant and loan scheme, has impacted over 24,103 persons in the state.

    The governor called for more sensitisation at the grassroot by using a more friendly communication system to enable the people understand the programmes better.

    He urged the people to take the opportunities provided to secure single digit interest loan to grow their businesses,  urging them to effectively utilise the fund to build their businesses and grow the economy.

    “Today, we are here to discuss how this incentive will transform the lives of people of Delta, particularly small businesses that drive our economic development in the state.

    “The Federal Government through this scheme is demonstrating commitment to uplifting the MSMES sector  by providing direct support and opportunity for growth.

    ”I am  proud to say that in the past one year, through various intervention programmes across the state, we have successfully supported over 215,291 persons through the state government empowerment.

    “These programmes reflect our commitment to creating a favourable environment for businesses to flourish.

    “Our collaboration with the Federal Government in the Presidential Grants and Loan Scheme, is a continuation of our vision.

    “The Presidential Grant and Loan scheme was launched few weeks ago, so far, the state has successfully mobilised and encouraged 24,103 people in the scheme three,” Oborevwori said.

    The governor, however, cautioned beneficiaries to deploy the money to grow their businesses, their life and the economy of the state and the country.

    In his opening remarks, the State Focal Person for the Scheme,  Dr Isioma Okonta, thanked the Federal Government for the initiative which he said had impacted many people in the state.

    According to Okonta, the programme is working and many people from across the state have received their N50,000 grants.

    He, thanked the government for the town hall sensitisation and advised those  who are yet to  receive their grants to wait for it.

    Earlier, Mr Moses Nega, a staff of  Bank of Industry in Delta, said  that of the N200 billion approved by the Federal Government for the presidential grant and loan scheme,  N1. 2billion has been disbursed to 24,103 beneficiaries in Delta.

    He said though application windows have closed for the N50,000 support grant for nano businesses,  while that for  N75 billion MSMES and another N75 billion manufacturing sector fund was ongoing.

    He said that it will be for a support to  MSMES at nine per cent interest rate.

    In their goodwill messages, Mr Frank Obiora, State Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), thanked President Bola Tinubu for the initiative.

    He charged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the fund to grow the economy, adding that the government have played their part by providing funds at an affordable interest rate.

    Mr Charles Conweh, State Office of  the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN),said  funding had remained the challenge for  small businesses in the country.

    Conweh urged the people to seek information and to venture into accessing the Federal Government loan because of its low interest rate to start new businesses or to expand  existing business.

    Mr Princewill Ojeh, Chairman, Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialist (NASI),urged the people to register their businesses to  enable them easily access grant or loan.

    He said  that for anybody to qualify to apply for the loan, he or she must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

    According to him, government should make the application portal user friendly to ease the process of the online application.

    Gabriel Emomotimi, a Fish farmer and  and Miss Jennifer Miriki, a Caterer, lauded the scheme for empowering them with N50,000 grant without stress of knowing anyone in government.

    They appealed for more support from government to enable them to further grow their businesses.

  • What Gov Oborevwori said about Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO re-appointment

    What Gov Oborevwori said about Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO re-appointment

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, (WTO) on Friday.

    Okonjo-Iweala, an illustrious Deltan from Ogwashi-Uku, was a two-time Minister of Finance, who led Nigeria’s economy to exit foreign debt obligations during her first term under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, on Friday, expressed appreciation to relevant stakeholders of the WTO for rewarding Okonjo-Iweala with a second term after she was first appointed in 2021.

    The Governor said Okonjo-Iweala has had exceptional career and expertise in economics and international development with focus on economic reform, poverty reduction, and global trade, earning her numerous accolades and widespread respect.

    “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate a worthy ambassador of Delta and Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

    “Your appointment is indeed, a testament to your competence and experience as a renowned economist and international development expert.

    “Your reappointment without any opposition is indeed a reflection of the hardwork you put in your first appointment.

    “It is our prayer that as you continue in this remarkable journey, our prayers are with you always, you will re-enact that which you have always done by bringing pride and honour to Delta and Nigeria,” Oborevwori added.

  • Gov Oborevwori congratulates new NUJ President

    Gov Oborevwori congratulates new NUJ President

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Alhassan Yahaya, the newly-elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Yahaya, who works with the Gombe Media Corporation, is the first NUJ President of North-East extraction, and was elected at the NUJ 8th National Triennial Delegates’ Conference, held in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday.

    Until his election, Yahaya was the immediate past Deputy President of NUJ. Abimbola Oyetunde was also elected as the first female Deputy National President of the NUJ. Oyetunde becomes the first woman to occupy the position.

    Also elected were Muhammad Tukur – VP Zone A; Ronke Samo – VP ZONE B; Adeiza Momoh Jimoh – VP Zone D; Zare Baba -VP Zone E; Dokubo Okpakamaba -VP Zone F; Victor Ndukwe – National Treasurer; and Samuel Dada – National Financial Secretary

    Others are Abdulrazak Bello Kaura – Secretary Zone A; Alege Abdulrazak – Secretary, Zone B; Adiukwu Ezenwa – Secretary, Zone C; Dauda Mohammed – Secretary, Zone D; Abubakar Musa, – Secretary, Zone E; and John Angese – Secretary F.

    Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, congratulated the President and all newly elected National Executive Council ( NEC) of the union on their successful election.

    “The election of Alhassan Yahaya as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists was not a surprise, following his antecedents as Gombe State Chairman and immediate past Deputy National President of the union.

    “The emergence of Yahaya is significant and momentous, especially at this time. At this crucial juncture in our nation, the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, must actively fulfil its essential watchdog function by holding public officials accountable.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, on your well-deserved election as President of Nigeria Union of Journalists.

    “I urge you to make the welfare of journalists a top priority so that they would be better disposed to playing the critical roles expected of them as agents for good governance and accountability,” the statement added.

    He expressed optimism that Mr. Yahaya would make a positive difference in this task, given his wealth of experience and the positions he had occupied in the profession.

    The Governor, while assuring the new NUJ President and indeed the union, of his support and partnership at all times, congratulated members of the NUJ for a successful election.

    He also commended the immediate past President of NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo, for his contributions to the development of the journalism profession while in office.

  • Gov Oborevwori urges support for community newspapers

    Gov Oborevwori urges support for community newspapers

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Thursday called on oil and gas companies operating in the state to support community newspapers.

    The governor, represented by his Political Adviser, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, made the call shortly after inaugurating the newly elected executive committee of the State Chapter of the Association of Community Newspapers  Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) at its 2024 Lectures and Awards Ceremony in Asaba.

    The lecture and award ceremony has as its theme: “The Incessant Killings in the Country, Building Synergy Between the Governments and Grassroots for Effective Remedy; Imperative of Cooperative Society, it’s Impact on Nigerians and Nigeria Economic Growth”.

    Oborevwori lauded the association for the lecture and advised the new executive to justify the confidence reposed on them by their members.

    He decried the challenges faced by newspaper publishers while urging them to be resilient and focused on reporting issues affecting rural communities.

    The  governor, however, appealed to oil and gas companies whose major operations are in the rural communities to make budgetary provisions to support community newspaper publishers.

    On his part, the Director General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, who received award of excellence in appreciation of his contributions to the health commission by the Association, said 60 per cent of the residents will be covered by the scheme in 2025.

    He disclosed that the scheme has covered over 2.4 million residents of Delta, adding that the Gov. Oborevwori’s administration has committed over N10 billion on the scheme as equity payment for pregnant women, under five aged children and the physically challenged ones who do not pay for healthcare in any hospital.

    He urged parents to register their children under five years at any health centre and hospital free of charge to access free healthcare services.

    Akpoveta, who dedicated the award he received to Gov. Oborevwori, for according priority to the health programme, appeal to well to do persons in the state to purchase health premium of seven thousand naira yearly, for the less privileged residents of the state.

    “The Governor has made it clear that every pregnant woman in Delta is entitled to free healthcare; from the date of conception to delivery whether by normal delivery or caesarean,” Akpoveta said.

    Earlier, the Outgoing Chairman, of ACNPN, Jude Obiemenyego,  lauded Gov. Oborevwori  for supporting the association to succeed.

    Obiemenyego, said  that the occasion was an annual event of the association where the association honour deserving  personalities and cooperate organisations that had contributed to the growth and development of communities and beyond.

    The highpoint was inauguration of  the ACNPN Executives with  Philip  Abiagom as Chairman,  Mercy Onyenweli, Vice Chairman; Alaska Ekele, Secretary; Mayor-Charity Okolie, Assistant Secretary; Answer Segun as Treasurer among others.

  • Gov Oborevwori presents staff of office to Asagba of Asaba

    Gov Oborevwori presents staff of office to Asagba of Asaba

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday said one of his administration’s goals is to make the state an investors’ destination.

    Governor Oborevwori, who stated this during the presentation of staff of office to the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, (SAN), at Ogwa-Uku Ahaba, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that communities and urban centres were safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.

    While congratulating the new Asagba of Asaba on his successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers, the governor noted that Asaba was witnessing an influx of strangers.

    He said: “I note with pleasure that Asaba has become the city of choice for many people who find it a safe place to raise their families.

    “By the same token, some undesirable elements are exploiting the exponential growth of the city to infiltrate the city with their own sinister agenda.

    “Hence, you must remain vigilant and alert to any form of security threat that will destabilise the kingdom, and, by implication, the state capital.

    “Please, do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities or persons in your communities to the relevant authorities. We do not want anything that will truncate the peace and security that we have been enjoying.

    “This charge is also applicable to all the traditional rulers in the state and their subjects, for the sustenance of peace and security.

    “One of the goals of this administration is to make Delta State the preferred investors’ destination. To achieve this goal, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.

    “Towards this end, everything must be done to avoid inter- and intra-communal clashes. It is important that our traditional institution maintains a regular interface with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council for effective strategies to contain any emerging security threat. This is the pathway to building the Delta State of our dreams.”

    He described the new traditional ruler as a dynamic personality, thought leader, purpose-driven and a consensus builder, adding that he was optimistic the monarch would make the people of Asaba and the entire state proud.

    “These traits will serve him well to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, while breaking new frontiers in the administration of the kingdom.

    “His urbane outlook and statesman-like disposition are essential qualities needed in the traditional ruler of a domain that is home to people of different tribes and tongues.

    “I am fully persuaded that the kingdom of Asaba under his leadership will attain new heights in community development, peaceful co-existence, and enhanced government-community relations,” he added.

    The Governor, who underscored the importance of the traditional institution, said: “the role of the traditional institution in the current democratic dispensation cannot be over-emphasized.

    “Traditional rulers are not only custodians of our customary laws, norms, and traditions, they also play the role of intermediaries between the government and the people at the grassroots.

    “They greatly assist the government in creating awareness about government’s policies and programmes, especially in the areas of immunisation, environmental sanitation, empowerment schemes, and security.”

    He appealed to all indigenes of Asaba to give their maximum support and cooperation to the new Asagba, saying “You have done well in ensuring that there was mutual understanding and harmony in the succession processes leading to his selection and subsequent enthronement.

    “For him to succeed on the throne, he needs more of your support. The kingdom is yours to promote and protect. I, therefore, urge you to resist any attempt to cause disaffection in the kingdom. You must always bear in mind that the success of the Asagba is also your success.”

    Welcoming guests earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili, congratulated the Asagba on his selection, crowning and presentation of staff of office and charged him to remain a father to all his subjects.

  • BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori set to sign Delta 2025 budget into law

    BREAKING: Gov Oborevwori set to sign Delta 2025 budget into law

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is set to sign the State 2025 Appropriation Bill, being the State’s 2025 budget, into law.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this follows passage of the N979.2 billion 2025 Appropriation Bill by the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday.

    The budget passed at plenary, was sequel to a report by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.

    Presenting the committee’s report, Okowa-Daramola noted that out of the amount, N348.7 billion was for Recurrent Expenditure, while the N630.4 billion was for Capital Expenditure.

    She said that the amount showed an increase of N43.2 billion compared to N936 billion Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori earlier presented to the Assembly.

    ”The committee also recommended that the Capital Expenditure estimate of N587.3 billion be amended to read N630.4 billion.

    “This represents an increase of N43.1 billion or 7.34 per cent increase over the proposed Capital Expenditure budget,” she said.

    Okowa-Daramola added that the committee recommended that the total amended budget size would now be N979.2 billion from the N936 billion presented by the governor.

    She also recommended that the 2025 Appropriation bill should be monitored for effective implementation.

    The committee chairman said that the 2025 budget was presented in line with global best practices.

    According to her, the budgetary estimates reflect the goals of the ‘MORE Agenda’s of the state governor.

    The report of the committee was unanimously adopted at the Committee of Supply, Chaired by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

    Consequently, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the bill.

    The Minority Leader, Mr Edafe Emakpor (APC-Uvwie) seconded the motion when put to a voice vote by the Speaker.

    The Speaker commended the lawmakers for their commitments to the early passage of the appropriation bill.

    Meanwhile, Governor Oborevwori is yet to announce a date to sign the Delta State 2025 appropriation bill into law.

  • 2025 budget: Gov Oborevwori to spend N50bn on roads in 25 LGAs

    2025 budget: Gov Oborevwori to spend N50bn on roads in 25 LGAs

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has proposed the sum of N50 billion in the state’s 2025 budget estimates to enhance road infrastructure in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this during a budget defence meeting with the Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu said the provision was a deliberate effort by the Governor to spread projects evenly across the 25 local government areas of the state.

    He said: ”It is worthy of note to mention that the ministry in the exercise of the ‘MORE Agenda’ made deliberate effort to spread projects across the 25 LGAs to the tune of N50 billion in the 2025 budget estimates.”

    He said his ministry was created from the main Works ministry and charged with the responsibility of formulating policies within the corridor of civil engineering works in the rural and riverine communities and other areas as designated in the state.

    Aniagwu, who also stood in for the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, presently on vacation, said that his ministry would focus on the completion of ongoing projects and major projects that would impact on the various communities.

    He also restated the determination of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to build rural roads that would help to improve the living standard of the people.

    He recalled that the governor promised during the campaign to complete all the projects he inherited and also initiate new ones.

    ”The governor is interested in building all the rural roads for our people who live in rural communities. He’s also desirous of continuing with the ongoing projects as well as initiate new ones,” he said.

    The commissioner also said that the State Government was reviewing the cost of some projects in order to meet with the present economic reality occasioned by increased prices of materials.

    “One novel thing the governor has done is that almost 100 per cent of the projects we are awarding now, he has been able to transparently provide for the mobilisations of the contractors.

    “The reason we are doing this is that we don’t want any contractor to tell us that he is seeking for funds.

    “This will help us to avoid the incidence of incessant review of contracts on account of fluctuations of the currency,” he also said.

    Aniagwu, however, commended the committee members for their support, saying; “They have even taken out time to go for oversight function just for them to see what we are doing.

    “In 2025, we will interface with the committee more to enable us to deliver more dividend of democracy to our people,” he further said.

    Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Collins Egbetamah, commended the ministry and promised to look into their request.

    The Direct Labour Agency also appeared before the committee for its budget defence.

  • Delta govt approves new road projects

    Delta govt approves new road projects

    The Delta State Government on Monday during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba approved the construction of several new roads across the State.

    The State Government also on Monday approved the transmission of the N936 billion proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for further deliberation.

    The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, speaking after the meeting said the proposed budget comprised N587.4 billion, representing 62.75 percent for Capital Expenditure, while N348.7 billion, representing 37.25 percent, was for Recurrent Expenditure.

    Ekedayen was flanked by his counterparts for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu and Riverine Infrastructure, Mr Ebikeme Clark.

    He said that the 2025 proposed budget was premised on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar.

    “The budget size is N936 billion, broken down into capital and recurrent components of N587.3 billion capital, representing 62.75 per cent, while the recurrent component is N348.7 billion, representing 37.25 per cent.

    “This budget reflects our commitment to key sectors with a balanced approach between recurrent and capital expenditures.

    “This 2025 proposal is 29.12 per cent larger than the current year 2024 budget, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the state’s development.

    “Our focus areas remain clear: agriculture; support for micro, small, and medium enterprises; youth empowerment; tourism; entertainment; social safety nets through poverty alleviation; physical infrastructure; healthcare; and education.

    “While this provides an overview of the proposed budget, it is still subject to review and will be officially transmitted to the State House of Assembly for further deliberation,” Ekedayen said.

    According to him, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is anchored on transparency and accountability, the 2025 budget will be 100 per cent organically funded without any borrowing.

    “A significant portion of the funding will come from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations, with our internally generated revenue serving as the secondary source.

    “To give a clearer perspective, we anticipate that our Internally Generated Revenue will reach at least N140 billion.

    “For the 2025 project proposals, this combination of Federal allocation and internally generated revenue will be the primary sources of funding.”

    On his part, the Information Commissioner Osuoza, added that the council approved a range of impactful projects with the aim of impacting communities across the state.

    “With the two-year anniversary on the horizon, the Council emphasized the importance of future-oriented planning.

    “Accordingly, all heads of Ministries, Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries have been directed to ensure rigorous oversight of their respective projects, with a strict mandate for high standards. There is absolutely no tolerance for substandard or incomplete work.

    “The Council also confirmed key appointments, including the appointment of HRM, Dr Greg N. Oputa, as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East, and Prof. Epiphany Azinge, as the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Oshimili South Local government area.”

    Osuoza said that several infrastructure projects were also approved, covering critical areas including rehabilitation of Ugwhru/Ughelli/Ehidi road and construction of Chief Lyn Ivie Akporiche street, Ughelli North LGA and Amechi Aguisi street in Asaba.

    “We also approved the construction of oil road/ old Okpe road in Jeddo Okpe Local Government. Exco also approved the construction of Ejeba road extension/Jelink road and the extension/Olomoro road in Isoko South Local Government,” he said.

    Also, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said that the exco also directed that the fate of contractors whose projects had lasted for more than one year without mobilising to site, would be determined.

    He said the state government approved several new roads including the reconstruction of Uzere – Asaba-Ase Bridge and adjoining Road in Ndokwa East and Isoko South Local Government Areas of the state.

    “Council also approved six internal roads in Isoko South as well, as Alisimie-Owa-Nta road in Ika North East, while internal roads and drainage were also approved at NYSC Orientation Camp at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

    “We also approved the construction of access road to Airforce base at Osubi Airport, Opete Road by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu Local Government Area among others”, Aniagwu said.

    He said the approvals were in line with Gov. Oborevwori’s desire to open up the communities for businesses.

    On his part, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Ebikeme Clark, said the council ratified Gov. Oborevwori’s approval for the construction of Model Secondary School in Oporoza and Construction of access road to Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko both in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

    According to Clark, the Nigerian Maritime University is a Federal institution but the governor deemed it fit to construct the road connecting the temporary site to the permanent site of the university.

    “The people of riverine areas are happy with the governor and they believe that with time he would do more for them.”

  • Prof Utuama’s death devastating – Gov Oborevwori reacts

    Prof Utuama’s death devastating – Gov Oborevwori reacts

    Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness over the death of a former Deputy Governor of the State, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama.

    Governor Oborevwori described Utuama as a great patriot and an astute academic of worldwide repute, and his death as devastating.

    In a terse statement after TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reported the passage of the legal luminary, Oborevwori stated that the State has lost one of its strong political figures.

    The statement reads: “I have just received the devastating news of the death of Delta State’s former Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama.

    “Undoubtedly, Delta State has lost one of its strong political figures: a great patriot and an astute academic of worldwide repute.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the good people of Delta State at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

    Meanwhile, Oborevwori’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba, has disclosed that the Governor has sent his condolences to the family of Professor Utuama.

    Sir Ahon disclosed that Oborevwori commiserated with the family, Urhobo nation, the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Otu-Jeremi community in particular, over the demise of the former Deputy Governor.

    He noted that the departed Utuama was a renowned law teacher and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who excelled as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state from 1999 to 2007 and later as Deputy Governor of the state from 2007 to 2015.

    According to the Governor, the deceased was a world class academic scholar whose teachings and research undertakings had contributed immensely to the Nigerian legal profession and jurisprudence.

    He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman, a scholar and astute politician, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN who passed on in Warri on Saturday.

    “I received the devastating news of his death with great shock. He was a gentleman-politician, and scholar who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state and later as Deputy Governor of the state.

    “Throughout his service to the state and country, Prof. Utuama demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state.”

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

    TNG reports Utuama, who served as Deputy Governor of Delta to former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan from 2007 to 2015, died at the age of 77 in Warri in the early hours of Saturday after a protracted illness.

  • How Oborevwori is addressing ‘japa’ syndrome in Delta hospitals – Onojaeme

    How Oborevwori is addressing ‘japa’ syndrome in Delta hospitals – Onojaeme

    Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Tueday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was addressing japa syndrome in the state’s owned hospitals through multifaceted approach.

    Onojaeme, who was reacting to a newspaper publication titled “‘Japa’ sweeps Nigeria’s hospitals”, said in a bid to encourage more health workers in the country, the Delta State Government pays medical doctors and other health workers more than the Federal Government and other states in the country.

    Onojaeme stated that Delta pays the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), without taxing the allowances of medical doctors.

    According to him, Governor Oborevwori has also approved the immediate replacement of any medical doctor or other health personnel who travelled out of the country for greener pastures.

    He said the Executive Order to replace the health personnel was to avoid the bureaucracy of going through the normal protocol of recruitment in the public service which may delay the process.

    In his words, “Only Delta and Federal Government pays the revise CONMESS to medical personnel in the country. Governor Oborevwori is determined to make medical and health workers stay in the country to serve the nation.

    “In doing so, he is not unmindful of the wage disparity and working conditions pushing the health workers abroad.

    “So as he is addressing the salary challenges, he is also working to improve the infrastructure, equipments and the working conditions of the medical and health workers in the state.

    “This is evident in the recent approval for the purchase of CT-SCAN at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH Oghara and the Central Hospital Warri.

    “The state government is also carrying out a holistic rehabilitation of some hospitals and health centres across the state to ensure good working environment for health workers and patients,” Onojaeme added.