By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Member representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Ifechukwukwu Bridget Anyafulu, has extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the people of Oshimili South, Deltans, and Nigerians at large, urging citizens to embrace peace, love, and unity during the festive season.

In her Christmas message, Hon. Anyafulu conveyed warm wishes on behalf of her family, praying that the season brings joy, peace, and renewed hope to every home.

“May this Christmas bring peace to your heart, joy and love to your home, tolerance among one another, and hope for a brighter future,” she said.

The lawmaker emphasized that Christmas remains a season of giving, forgiveness, and reflection, calling on individuals and communities to uphold the values of love, compassion, and mutual understanding for the good of humanity and the glory of God.

She encouraged citizens to use the period to strengthen family bonds, promote peaceful coexistence, and extend kindness to the less privileged, noting that collective goodwill remains vital to societal progress.

Hon. Anyafulu concluded by wishing everyone a joyful and memorable celebration, reiterating her belief in inclusive governance and shared prosperity.

“Merry Christmas to you all,” she added, affirming that everyone counts.

Hon. (Barr.) Ifechukwukwu Bridget Anyafulu
Member Representing Oshimili South State Constituency
Delta State House of Assembly

Oshimili South Local Government Area came alive with joy as the EKO Empowerment Programme for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda recorded a massive success, reaffirming people-first governance at the grassroots.

The historic empowerment ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, as leaders, stakeholders, youths, women, and beneficiaries turned out in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South LGA, Hon. High Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, PhD (EKO), expressed gratitude to the people for their continuous support and emphasized that his administration remains committed to delivering dividends of democracy to every ward.

In a bold demonstration of inclusive leadership, EKO distributed 30 bags of rice to each ward across Oshimili South** to ensure families celebrate Christmas with joy and dignity. In addition, the Chairman rolled out a ₦100 MILLION cash empowerment package to support artisans, traders, business owners, youths, and entrepreneurs, aimed at strengthening existing businesses and boosting the local economy.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme commended EKO for effective grassroots leadership and for translating the MORE Agenda into visible and impactful actions. He described the empowerment programme as a true reflection of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

Sir Onyeme noted that the unity and massive turnout at the event clearly show the people’s confidence in EKO’s leadership, urging beneficiaries to make good use of the support to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development.

With this landmark empowerment, EKO has once again proven that Oshimili South stands solidly with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, as people-centered governance continues to reach every corner of the local government.

Mr. Omamofe Joseph Pirah has strongly condemned the recent crisis in Ogidigben Community, Delta State, which led to the death of Mr. Onuwaje and the destruction of several houses, describing the incident as deeply regrettable and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on the matter, Pirah, a leader from Ogidigben Community, expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and destruction of property, noting that sustained efforts had been made over the years to promote peace and development in Ogidigben and the wider Ugborodo confederated communities.

He emphasized that every member of the community has the legitimate right to aspire to leadership positions within the Community Management Committee or the Trust, provided such aspirations are driven by genuine intentions for community development. According to him, such ambitions should never degenerate into antagonism, violence, or attacks against fellow community members.

Pirah further observed that the community faces numerous unresolved challenges, particularly in its dealings with International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area, especially on issues of employment and development. He stressed that the current situation calls for unity and a collective approach to addressing these concerns rather than internal conflict.

Appealing for restraint and calm, Pirah reminded community members that they are bound together as brothers and sisters facing common external challenges, warning that turning aggression inward would only weaken their collective strength.

He called on the Eghare-Aja, the Olaja-Orori, and other leaders within Ugborodo to urgently convene and engage His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, with a view to resolving the issues that triggered the hostilities and restoring unity and inclusiveness within the community.

Pirah also urged security agencies to act decisively by investigating the crisis and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice, stressing that there must be no sacred cows, as accountability would serve as a deterrent to future occurrences.

He concluded by offering prayers for God to grant the immediate family of the deceased the strength to bear their loss, while calling for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the community.

■ Omamofe Joseph Pirah.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former senator representing Delta North, Distinguished Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi, describing his passing as a painful loss to Delta North, Delta State and Nigeria.

In a tribute titled “Tribute to Senator Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi,” Ochei said the late senator was a proud son of Ibusa and a committed statesman whose life of public service left a lasting impact on his people and the nation at large.

Ochei recalled that he shared a long political journey with Nwaoboshi, noting that despite occasional differences in political positions, their relationship was anchored on friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta North.

He revealed that his last meeting with the late senator was on 29 November 2025, during the funeral service of the father of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba. According to him, they exchanged warm greetings, but he later learned that Nwaoboshi had been unwell.

“When I did not see him at the reception, I called him the next day. He explained that he had not been feeling well and I sympathised with him, not knowing that would be our final conversation,” Ochei said.

During the phone conversation, Ochei said he suggested that Senator Nwaoboshi convene a meeting of Delta North political leaders before the end of the year. He added that the late senator, citing unavailability in December, asked him to convene the meeting on his behalf and described him as “second in command” after him.

Ochei noted that although he felt Nwaoboshi’s presence was important at such a meeting, they both agreed that January 2026 would be more suitable, ending the discussion with hopes of meeting again.

Describing the late senator as a man of courage, conviction and loyalty, Ochei said Nwaoboshi was warm, thoughtful and genuinely committed to the welfare of his people beyond politics.

He extended his condolences to the Nwaoboshi family, the people of Delta North and all those affected by the loss, praying for the repose of the former senator’s soul.
“May he rest in peace and may his memory forever be a blessing,” Ochei said.

A former Labour Party Senatorial candidate for Delta North in the 2023 general elections, Barrister Kennedy Kanma has celebrated humanity as the world marks International Human Solidarity Day.

In a statement from his media office, Kanma affirmed that he is not only celebrating humanity, but also honouring the world’s shared compassion, resilience and responsibility to stand together beyond borders. He urged people everywhere to unite in compassion and shared responsibility to build a just and inclusive world.

“On this International Human Solidarity Day, I reaffirm my belief that our strength lies in inclusion. I am happy that the world now knows that when we listen to every voice, protect every dignity, and work together across differences to build a fairer future, we are all better for it.

“As I have always said, real progress is only possible when no one is left behind, and when our shared humanity and value, guide our actions, policies and priorities.

“Today, compassion, responsibility, human dignity, inclusion, and the protection of the vulnerable are painfully absent due to failures of leadership and a lack of empathy at the highest levels of power.

“Therefor, the world is in urgent need of healing, and this healing must begin by choosing and electing competent, ethical, and compassionate individuals into public office. More than ever before, we need leaders who place people above personal gains and govern with humanity at the centre of their decisions.
“During the 2023 general elections, we in the Obedient Movement campaigned on clear and cardinal objectives centered on quality representation, empathy and inclusivity, among other programmes. Today, that narrative has not changed; rather, we are even strengthened and resolved it to scale up our work, guided by present realities and the clear understanding that nothing meaningful or lasting can be achieved without sustained collective action and shared responsibility.

“So, as we mark International Human Solidarity Day, we must commit ourselves to creating the world we truly need and deserve; even as we watch from the sidelines. For emphasis, we must consistently remind those in power that they are accountable and responsible to the will and welfare of everyone. Whether they are young or old, men and women, boys or girls, the able-bodied and persons with disabilities. This basic standard of inclusive, responsive leadership, is the very least we should expect and boldly demand from those entrusted with leadership positions.

“As our people say, when a man wakes up, regardless of the time, is his morning. Therefore, let us make the best of our choices as we prepare to elect men and women who truly understand what leadership is about. People who are awake to the needs of the people, guided by integrity and compassion, and committed to serving with responsibility and purpose are those who deserve our votes.”