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Tag: Warri

  • INEC clarifies misconceptions over delineation of Wards in Warri

    INEC clarifies misconceptions over delineation of Wards in Warri

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made clarifications on misconceptions surrounding the delineation of Wards in Warri Federal Constituency.

    This is coming after Itsekiri Leaders of Thought in Warri, Delta State kicked against a draft report presented by INEC to stakeholders in the constituency on the proposed ward delineation.

    INEC disclosed that contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission was yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    It stated that copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue for the purpose to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have.

    “The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved,” the Commission stated on Thursday in a statement released by Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.

    The statement reads in full: “Our attention has been drawn to the misleading narratives about the proposed delineation of Wards in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgement delivered on 2nd December 2022.

    “Following the Supreme Court judgement, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three Local Government Areas culminating in the production of a draft report.

    “The Commission held further consultation with stakeholders in Warri last week on Friday 4th April 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue. The purpose was to give them the opportunity to raise any concerns they might have. The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.

    “Therefore, contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “We urge representatives of the various stakeholders to submit their obesrvations on the draft report which will serve as the basis for further engagement on the matter.

    “Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders”.

  • Itsekiri leaders reject INEC wards delineations in Warri constituency

    Itsekiri leaders reject INEC wards delineations in Warri constituency

    The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought in Warri, Delta have kicked against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed ward delineation report in the state.

    Sir Amorighoye Mene, the Group’s Secretary, who addressed newsmen on Saturday in Asaba, said they would challenge INEC on the delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    NAN report that the Warri Federal Constituency consists of Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South local governments.

    The Secretary said that they had expected INEC to take into consideration the voting strength of the various ethnic groups that make up the area.

    According to him, the Itsekiris, Urhobos and the Ijaws and other mix up demographics areas would have been taken into consideration while delineating the wards and polling units.

    He said that if INEC was allowed to implement the proposed wards the Itsekiri people would not get fair representation anywhere.

    He called on INEC to reflect on the issues and to be fair and equitable  based on the number of registered voters from each of the areas.

    According to Mene, the INEC at a stakeholders meeting on Friday unveiled the proposed delineated wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency in line with the Supreme Court’s judgement that calls for fresh delineation.

    “We were not given opportunity to speak or react at the venue of the unveiling but we have looked at the report given to us and the entire Itsekiri nation completely condemn and reject the work done by INEC.

    “In Warri North; Itsekiris used to have six wards, Ijaws, four wards since 1999 but today from the reviewed INEC report, out of 18 Wards, itsekiris with 75,912 registered voters with 134 polling units now have eight wards.

    “While the Ijaws with 35,480 voters strength and 58 polling units now have 10 wards.”

    Mene noted that the situation was not different from Warri South West and Warri South where the  Itsekiri’s voter strength was undermined.

    According to him, In Warri South West, Itsekiris with voters strength of 94,074 and 175  polling units based on INEC register, now have five wards out of 19 wards delineated by INEC in their report.

    “While the Ijaws with 95,046 voting strength and 147 polling units now have 14 wards in the area.

    “In Warri South, Itsekiris with the voting strength of 88, 309 and 174 polling units now have eight wards while the Urhobos with 38,000 voters and 72 polling units, have 10 wards and the mix demographic area with about 51,517 voters and 105 units, the Ijaws got two wards in the area.”

    He said that INEC should primarily concern itself with eligible voters and how they could vote conveniently being the purpose for delineation of units and wards for people to exercise their franchise.

    “We expect INEC to be fair, equitable and not bias because wards and polling units delineation is for the convenience of administering elections based on numbers of registered voters in various communities and registered areas.

    ” So, those who have more registered voters should have more wards and polling units. What we are demanding from INEC is  fairness and equity,” Mene said.

  • Auditor-General inspects projects in Warri South-West, lauds Oromoni’s devt strides

    Auditor-General inspects projects in Warri South-West, lauds Oromoni’s devt strides

    The Auditor General for Local Government Service Delivery in Delta State, Mr. Okpaka Ikenna, visited Warri South West Local Government Area on February 19, 2025, to assess and verify ongoing projects spearheaded by the visionary Executive Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni.

    During the inspection, the team audited various departments of the council and toured key projects initiated under Hon. Oromoni’s administration. These projects include the police station and officers’ quarters at Ogbe-Ijoh, the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern jetty at Ogbe-Ijoh, and the ongoing construction of a canteen at the local government secretariat, which is nearing completion.

    Speaking with journalists, Mr. Okpaka commended Hon. Sylvester Oromoni for his people-centered leadership, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and infrastructural development. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the project sites and urged the council to ensure their timely completion for public use.

    Representing the chairman, the Vice Chairperson, Hon. Christy Omamofe, assured the Auditor General that the projects would be completed as planned. She reaffirmed Hon. Oromoni’s dedication to delivering quality infrastructure in alignment with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.

    Also present during the inspection were:
    • Christopher Tonwe, Secretary of Council
    • Regina Igangan, Supervisory Councillor for Environment
    • Blessing Oriade Buhari, Supervisory Councillor for Education
    • Hon. Anino Ajemigbogho, Supervisory Councillor for Health
    • Ogiriase Odebala, Head of Personnel Management (HPM)
    • Okocha Nduka, Treasurer to the Local Government (TLG)
    Under the leadership of Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, Warri South West is experiencing a transformation, with projects executed based on the needs of the people. His strategic approach to governance continues to position the local government as a model of progress and development.

  • Good news: Delta govt approves urban renewal plans for Asaba, Warri

    Good news: Delta govt approves urban renewal plans for Asaba, Warri

    Delta State Government, yesterday, approved major infrastructure development projects targeted at urban renewal of the Asaba capital territory and Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    The approvals were part of the decisions reached at the maiden 2025 State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Briefing journalists at the end the meeting, the Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Chief Patrick Ukah, expressed excitement at the recent approvals for road infrastructure projects in the territory.

    He described the development as a significant step towards enhancing urban renewal, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth.

    Chief Ukah emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the capital territory through strategic infrastructure upgrades, assuring residents that the approved projects would bring lasting benefits to the capital territory.

    According to Ukah, “I must tell you that the Capital Territory in this administration has received a lot of attention, especially in the area of road infrastructure.

    “I am happy to report that the Umejei Road in Ibusa, is being given a complete facelift, and the Okpanam Township Road, from the City Gate to the church and extending into Amaichai down to the Post Office, has also been approved for reconstruction.

    “We are also making significant progress across BONSAC. A 2.6-kilometer road from the Road Safety office is being constructed into BONSAC, along with a network of roads that will connect to Achalla Ibusa Road.”

    He explained that some projects were delayed due to upward reviews but disclosed that approximately eight of them had now been approved, with contractors already mobilized to the respective sites.

    “Before now, some of our projects were stalled due to upward reviews. However, in this administration, about eight of them have now been approved, and the contractors are returning to the sites.

    “Four of these are major projects that many of us were concerned about due to delays. For instance, the one crossing Ogbeogonogo Market has been approved, and Odilison has also received approval. Once the official release is issued, you will see the full details of these roads.

    “Most importantly, in line with the governor’s MORE agenda, the transformation of the capital city has officially begun. The entire capital territory is set to receive a facelift, and the development, under the MORE agenda, is being accelerated,” he added.

    On his part, the Director-General, Warri, Uvwie, and Environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere said Governor Oborevwori had directed that all major roads in Warri and environs should be given a face-lift.

    “I want to sincerely inform Deltans that Warri truly will be great again as promised by the governor who has given the go ahead for us to reconstruct bad roads, to maintain bad roads and reconstruct roads linking major places in Warri.

    “All the roads we are doing are not for political patronage. The Governor has directed that we identify all bad roads in Warri and make sure Warri wears a new look.

    “Outside that today, Exco graciously approved the additional works for the stormwater project taking place in Warri.

    “Knowing the nature of Warri that it’s always flooded whenever it rains and anytime from now the rains will be here again, the Warri storm water project was awarded sometime in April 2024 and has now been reviewed upward to accommodate additional works and also considering the rising cost of building and construction materials.

    “We had to look into a lot of things for the job not to stop and, as I said today, the governor has graciously approved the onward construction of the project and equally increased the scope of work.

    “Rome was not built in a day but I want to tell us that the job has been increased from what it used to be, to cover many other areas in Warri and environs.

    “It’s a wonderful one; I want to say, on behalf of all our Warri people, that we owe nothing but prayers for our governor.”

  • NMDPRA shuts down 8 retail outlets in Warri, environs

    NMDPRA shuts down 8 retail outlets in Warri, environs

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has sealed eight petroleum retail outlets in Warri and environs.

    The Coordinator in Delta State, Mr Victor Ohwodiasa, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri.

    Ohwodiasa said that retail outlets were shut down on Sunday over offences bordering on under-dispensing, operating without valid licences, poor safety culture and poor housekeeping.

    He said that the erring petrol stations were located at Ifiekporo, Ughoton, Ubeji, Effurun/Sapele Road and Ovwian community in Udu Local Government Area of the state.

    The coordinator said that the routine surveillance exercise was part of the regulatory authority’s core mandates of ensuring motorists and other petroleum products users got the right quality and quantity for their money.

    Ohwodiasa said that the authority had realised that operators of the retail outlets adjust their meters at weekends and declared that the authority would continue to go after them.

    “Our surveillance team was on the field on Sunday to checkmate the petroleum retail outlets on sharp practices.

    “Twenty-seven stations were visited and eight among them were found wanting for various infringements.

    “These facilities have been sanctioned, and appropriate penalties will be meted out to them in line with the procedural guidelines of the NMDPRA.

    “Some of them are first offenders and that notwithstanding, they will still face the wrath of the law. We have told them that we are keeping data of infringements.

    “If they commit further offences, the punishment will be stiffer to serve as a deterrent to others. The essence is not punitive but of course corrective,” he said.

    The coordinator averred that it was ungodly for petroleum marketers to shortchange customers.

    Ohwodiasa appealed to the public to always avail the NMDPRA, Warri of information whenever they notice sharp practices by the petroleum marketers.

    He assured that the authority would take appropriate action on such information and give feedback to the informants.

    “We urge the public to reach out to us whenever they notice issues of under-dispensing, poor housekeeping, unsafe practices, poor quality of products, among others.

    “Customers should get value for their money. They should get exactly what they are paying for.

    “There could be mechanical errors in the dispensing machine which the authority has created an allowance for.

    “Any mechanical deviation that is outside the normal range will attract the appropriate sanction to the erring filling station” he declared.

    Ohwodiasa also expressed concern that motorists and other petroleum consumers were made to pay charges for the PoS machines used in their transactions.

    He, therefore, urged the public to report such cases to the authority.

    The coordinator noted that it was the duty of the station owners to pay the charges resulting from the use of PoS and not the customers.

    He assured that NMDPRA would sustain the tempo of the surveillance until all marketers comply with the necessary rules and regulations.

  • Tonwe sworn in as Secretary Warri South West Local Govt

    Tonwe sworn in as Secretary Warri South West Local Govt

    Warri South West Local Government Area witnessed a landmark event yesterday as Mr. Christopher Ogbitse Tonwe was officially sworn in as the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG).

    The ceremony, which held at the council’s secretariat in Ogbe-Ijoh, followed his confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, congratulated Mr. Tonwe on his appointment, describing it as a result of divine favor and the positive support of stakeholders in the Warri South West Development Project.

    The chairman urged the new Secretary to approach his duties with responsibility, dedication, and foresight, assuring him of the council’s full cooperation and support.

    The swearing-in ceremony, attended by dignitaries, council staff, party leaders, and members of the press, marks a significant milestone in the leadership of the local government.

    Mr. Tonwe now assumes the critical role of coordinating administrative activities in the council, with high expectations for fostering growth and development in the area.

  • Despite FG spending N17tr on PH, Warri, Kaduna refineries in 20yrs nothing has happened -Diaspora group

    Despite FG spending N17tr on PH, Warri, Kaduna refineries in 20yrs nothing has happened -Diaspora group

    Despite bickering between the Dangote Petrochemical Industry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), a group of Nigerians in Diaspora has entertained fears that the leading regulatory agency might be secretly encouraging Dangote Refinery to be monopolistic in oil distribution in the country.

    Dr. Donald Illiya, Global President of Nigerians in Diaspora Movement
    (NDM), in a statement signed Monday morning from London, United Kingdom, said the public faceoffs between the NNPCL and Dangote refinery is confusing, and might be to distract Nigerians, while the regulatory body encourages Dangote to be the sole oil distributor in Nigeria, by suppressing the state owned local refineries and hold them continually in comatose.

    “The Nigerians in Diaspora Movement have watched with perplexity the choreographed performance between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, which is meant to keep exploiting Nigerians by making them pay more than reasonable pump prices for refined petroleum products.

    “For us, taking in the state of the nation’s economy and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we are of the view that Nigeria’s fate is tied to the state of government-owned refineries, which must be made functional to cause a consequential drop in the prices of fuel and a positive knock-off effect on the cost of living.

    “From our review of the murky situations around the refining, importation, supply and pricing of petroleum products, we are constrained to conclude that NNPCL and its officials are aiding Dangote Refinery to emerge as a monopoly by failing to revive domestic refineries while obscuring this fact by being publicly hostile to each other”, the statement said.

    The group, while asserting high level of corruption in the energy sector, said, despite spending over N17 trillion to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries from 2002 to 2022, and still spending more, even under the present regime of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the local refineries have remained comatose.

    “We are concerned that the unfolding drama is part of a larger plot to conceal the fact that NNPCL has kept its track record as a cesspit of corruption, which is most prominent in the phantom turnaround maintenance of the government-owned refineries. From when NNPCL Group CEO, Mele Kyari assumed office in July 2019, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari approved $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri refineries. Another N54.66 billion was spent on refinery rehabilitation from January to June 2022.

    “More funds have disappeared into the private coffers of those managing NNPCL such that additional monies have been spent even under the current government, bringing the total expenditure on refinery repairs to approximately N17 trillion on turnaround maintenance of the nation’s three refineries between 2002 and 2022.

    “The only output Nigerians have had from this huge expenditure are the ever-changing delivery dates for the refineries to resume operation. In November 2023 a December 2023 target date was announced for Port Harcourt Refinery, and by December of that year, March 2024 was announced as a new date only for this to be altered at least three other times.

    “The completion of repairs on Kaduna Refinery was set for the first quarter of 2024, but the refinery has only produced stories on why it is being delayed. Warri Refinery has not fared any better, as a similar first quarter of 2024 target date for commencement of operations, as announced by Mele Kyari, turned out to be folklore”, the group added.

    They are of the opinion that, “It is consequently plausible that the failure to make these refineries functional is beyond incompetence and the theft of the funds meant for repairing them. It is now glaring that the refineries are being kept moribund to create a favourable condition for the emergence of a monopoly. This is a tragic turn of events at a time when jurisdictions worldwide are taking bold steps to prevent predatory and monopolistic tendencies to protect citizens and businesses”.

    Nigerians in Diaspora Movement, therefore, urged “President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to purge the rot in NNPCL so that domestic refineries can resume production and ward off the dangers of succumbing to a monopoly, which also presents a single point of failure for the nation’s fuel supply”.

  • Jada Tennis Tourney, debuts in Warri

    Jada Tennis Tourney, debuts in Warri

    The first edition of the Jada Tennis Tournament (JTT), was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Ogunu Tennis Club in Warri, Delta State, with Spencer Umoren Aniekan emerging overall champion.

    In the male category, Aniekan won the top prize of Refrigerator to defeat Okobiebi Esiri who won sound system followed by Jackson Junior – Microwave; George Emmanuel -Toaster; Charles Onwuka- Electric kettle and Tonwe Kelvin – Solar light.

    In the female category, Precious Ahwin, won washing machine to emerge champion after defeating Akata Princess who won – Gas cooker; Akin Ejoke came third with -Blender; followed by Adenike Akinyemi – Toaster; Becca Pirita- Electric kettle and Annabel Ese – Solar light.

    Speaking at the event, sponsor of the tournament, Dr Charles Ukeagu, said the tournament was inspired by his daughter, Jada, who is preparing to join the Tennis club and also as a way of giving back to the club that accommodated him.

    Dr Ukeagu who joined the Ogunu Tennis club last year, said tennis is a way of bringing people together, not just for recreational activities, but also a way of networking with reputable people to  make meaningful contributions to society.

    Aside the awards won by the players, Ukeagu said ten awards were also given to club members who had made tremendous contributions to the growth of the Ogunu Tennis club section.

    Captain of the Tennis Section of Ogunu Golf Resort, Mr Ben Ifeta commended Dr Ukeagu for the sponsorship, adding that the club had been in existence since the inception of Shell BP in Ogunu.

    He said: “The tennis club which is about sporting activities, is used a as platform to eliminate pain and maximize fun.

    “Apart from playing tennis, it is also a platform for moulding the character of members through discipline. However, membership is open to all who have interest in playing tennis.

    “Intending applicants go through a screening process to ensure men and women of good character are admitted as members of the Ogunu Tennis club.

    “The Ogunu Tennis section, usually organize other tournaments, like the American double and ladder tournament to evaluate the strength of the players both the weak and strong play together,” Ifeta said.

  • Angry residents protest over recent fuel price hike in Warri (video)

    Angry residents protest over recent fuel price hike in Warri (video)

    Residents of the Warri and Effurun community in Delta State on Tuesday September 4, staged a protest against the recent fuel pump price.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls the NNPC, on Tuesday, adjusted the pump price per litre of petrol to ₦855 across its filling stations. However, some stations have been selling above N1,000 per litre.

    Reacting to the development, angry protesters, mostly market women and Keke riders held different placards marching through the streets, blocking some major roads as they registered their displeasure, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and reverse the fuel price hike.

     Some of the placards displaced read “Tinubu, intervene now to alleviate commuters’ suffering”; “Tinubu, activate Warri and Kaduna refineries without further delay”.

    “We are suffering in silence, the fuel price hike is a killer.”

    Watch a video of the protesters below;

     

  • Pastor Kumuyi storms Warri for global crusade

    Pastor Kumuyi storms Warri for global crusade

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, on Wednesday stormed Warri for a six-day global crusade.

    The cleric and his team made a stop over at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun where they were received by thousands of Christian Faithful and the management of the institute.

    The crusade tagged “Global Crusade with Kumuyi” will start on August 22 and end on August 27 at the Urhobo College, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, Warri.

    The atmosphere in Warri and environs is already agog as Christian Faithful wait eagerly to receive spiritual blessings from the man of God.

    The spiritual father, who was received by the management of the institute on behalf of the Acting Principal/Chief Executive of the PTI, Dr Samuel Onoji, declared spiritual blessings on the oil and gas institute.

    The Principal/Chief Executive was represented by the institute’s Acting Director of Science, Dr Niyi Olowoyo.

    “The Lord will provide all your expectations from the Federal Government. Everything that is needed to help move this institution forward, the Almighty God will provide them.

    “The Lord will open doors and all the resources needed to run this establishment in a godly and productive manner to fulfill its vision and mission shall be provided.

    “Let today be a turning point and the sources of this establishment receive the blessings from above,” Kumuyi declared.

    Earlier, Dr Onoji told the team that the PTI was established in 1972 with the mandate to provide technicians and technologists for the oil and gas industry.

    Onoji said that the PTI was a specialised institute in Sub-saharan Africa, adding that it had trained more than 50,000 students in various fields in the oil and gas industry since inception.

    According to him, the vision of the institute is to become the leading oil and gas institute in Africa.

    He added that the mission was to provide competent technological manpower through quality training and consultancy for the oil, gas and allied industries.

    “Over the years, we have completely trained more than 50,000 students. With your presence here today, we already have the faith that we are receiving the spiritual anointing.

    “Your coming to Warri and creating the time to see your children at PTI is divine and highly appreciated,” Onoji said.

    Pastor Kumuyi, thereafter, had a session with worshippers at the institute’s chapel.