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Delta APC Congress; Local Content DG, Kakor Congratulates New Chairman, Arenyeka, Others Over Victory

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The Delta state Director General (DG) of Local Content Agency, Olorogun Ese Kakor, has applauded the state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), over the success of today’s state congress, stating that the emergence of Chief Solomon Arenyeka, as its Chairman was one of the best things to happen to the party in the state.

Chief Solomon Arenyeka

Olorogun Kakor who made this assertion in a Congratulatory message to the newly inaugurated APC Delta state Exco, ably led by Chief Arenyeka, noted that the political track records of the new Chairman speaks volumes of the Party’s readiness to record a sweeping victory in the 2027 general elections.

According to him; “First, I’ll like to commend the members of the planning committee of the Delta state APC congress for a job well done, especially its peaceful conduct, the maturity displayed by members and orderly arrangement to accommodate thousands of party members, as well as the security network at the venue were quite commendable”.

“Then the emergence of the new APC state Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka was what excited me the most, considering his political prowess, his wide reach both within and outside the state and his track records of accomplishments in politics and private life over three (3) decades ago”.

“Chief Arenyeka’s political record traced back to 2007, when he was appointed Chief of Staff to HE, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s and later a Board Chairman during HE. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, before being elected as the State Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and today emerged the APC state Chairman”.

Chief Ese Kakor

“His astute personality also played a significant role in his being conferred a Chieftaincy title by the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, a traditional position that saw him distinguished himself among his colleagues at the palace”.

“The overwhelming victory he secured during the state primaries held today shows his wide acceptance by all APC party members in the state and a clear attestation to the fact that he has all it takes in terms of ability and goodwill to deliver a landslide victory for the party both at the state and national levels come 2027.

He also congratulated other individuals who emerged alongside Chief Solomon Arenyeka through a consensus in today’s congress as Executive members to pilot the affairs of the party and appealed to them to work together as a team, in order to ensure a total victory for the party in next year’s elections.

He urged the new party Chairman to use his wealth of experience in bringing all the members of the party together for the common good of the party, adding that the interest of the party would be better protected when all the members are working together as a team before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The DG Local Contemt Board, Olorogun Kakor, equally applauded the immediate past APC Executive members in the state, led by Elder Omene Sobotie, for their contributions to the growth of the party, especially after the merger of PDP and APC in the state, stating the Exco have a good account of themselves when it mattered most.

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Soft Nigeria Unveiled in Asaba as Stakeholders Urge Youth to Embrace Constructive Civic Engagement

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A new civic engagement platform, Soft Nigeria, has been officially unveiled in Asaba, Delta State, with stakeholders calling on young Nigerians to adopt constructive advocacy as a tool for national development rather than resorting to destructive agitation.

The initiative, launched on February 26, 2026, is designed to mobilize youth participation in governance through structured engagement and civic education.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Youth as Partners in Governance: Constructive Advocacy versus Destructive Agitation,” Woyemi Adeyemi emphasized the need to recognize young people as critical stakeholders in governance.

“Youth are not merely beneficiaries of public policy; they are partners whose engagement shapes legitimacy, innovation, and sustainability,” he said, noting that meaningful participation requires political literacy, institutional inclusion and responsible activism.

He distinguished constructive advocacy — which he described as peaceful, organized and evidence-based engagement — from destructive agitation marked by violence, vandalism and institutional disruption, warning that while grievances such as unemployment and inequality are legitimate, destructive methods could undermine democratic stability and economic progress.

Adeyemi referenced global governance frameworks supported by bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union Commission, which promote inclusive policymaking models that incorporate youth perspectives.

Also speaking, Mr. Uche Mgbakor described Nigeria as being at a defining moment and urged young citizens to support ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Soft Nigeria is not a political party structure but a civic bridge designed to simplify government policies and promote informed participation.

In her welcome remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media, Oputa Ebipade Okoh-Vida, said the initiative would operate both digitally and at the grassroots to ensure that government policies are communicated in accessible formats.

Organizers disclosed that the platform would partner with student bodies, youth associations, faith-based groups and community leaders nationwide, while rolling out town hall meetings, campus engagements and community dialogues across the 36 states to explain reforms in areas such as job creation, education and economic opportunities.

The Asaba launch signals what promoters describe as a coordinated effort to channel youth energy into structured democratic participation and policy dialogue, aligning civic engagement with national development goals.

Experts Advocate Constructive Youth Engagement at Soft Nigeria Inauguration

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD

Speakers at the inauguration of Soft Nigeria in Asaba have called on young Nigerians to embrace constructive advocacy as a pathway to national development rather than destructive agitation.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Youth as Partners in Governance: Constructive Advocacy versus Destructive Agitation,” Woyemi Adeyemi stressed that youth must be recognized as critical stakeholders in governance processes.

“Youth are not merely beneficiaries of public policy; they are partners whose engagement shapes legitimacy, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.

Adeyemi noted that governance extends beyond government institutions to include processes, policies, and civic interactions. He argued that meaningful youth participation requires institutional inclusion, political literacy, and responsible activism.

The keynote distinguished between constructive advocacy, defined as organized, peaceful, evidence-based engagement — and destructive agitation characterized by violence, vandalism, and institutional disruption.

While acknowledging that agitation often stems from legitimate grievances such as unemployment, inequality, and political exclusion, he warned that destructive methods could undermine democratic stability and economic progress.

He cited global examples, including initiatives supported by institutions like the United Nations and the African Union Commission, which promote inclusive governance models that incorporate youth perspectives.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Uche Mgbakor described Nigeria as being at a defining moment, calling on citizens, especially youths, to support ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He explained that Soft Nigeria is not a political party or campaign structure but a civic bridge designed to simplify government policies and promote informed participation.

Over the next 12 months, the movement plans to organize town hall meetings, campus engagements, market outreaches, and community dialogues across the 36 states to explain reforms in job creation, education, and economic opportunities.

In her welcome remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media, Oputa Ebipade Okoh-Vida, said the initiative would operate both digitally and at the grassroots to ensure government policies are communicated in accessible formats.

Organizers said the movement would partner with student bodies, youth associations, faith-based groups, and community leaders nationwide to promote civic education and unity.

The Asaba launch signals what promoters describe as a coordinated effort to transform youth energy into democratic capital through structured engagement and policy dialogue.

Delta Partners BOI, Launches 9% SME Fund to Boost Businesses and Agro Processing

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Delta State Government has partnered with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide single-digit interest loans to small and medium-scale enterprises as part of efforts to reposition the state’s economy.

Commissioner for Economic Planning, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media parley with journalists in Asaba.

He explained that the state-backed fund, now operational through the BOI, offers loans at about nine percent interest, significantly lower than commercial bank rates which often exceed 25–30 percent.

“This is a major relief for small businesses struggling with high borrowing costs. The facility will enable expansion, improve productivity and strengthen local manufacturing and distribution networks,” Ekedayen stated.

Beyond financing, the Commissioner announced Delta’s inclusion in the second batch of states approved for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone initiative, a federal government programme supported by development partners.

He said the initiative would stimulate agro-processing, create value chains in cassava and other crops, and generate large-scale employment.

Ekedayen further revealed that through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, the state has cleared thousands of hectares of land for mechanised cassava, rice and vegetable cultivation, with greenhouse farming already underway.

He encouraged agricultural graduates and professionals to register interest with the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that new employment opportunities are emerging within the expanding agro-industrial projects.

After Five-Year Hiatus, Delta Civil Service Inducts 151 Administrative Officers in Major Professional Milestone

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After a five-year standstill, the Administrative Officers Forum of the Delta State Civil Service has successfully inducted 151 officers into the Administrative Officers Cadre, marking a significant step toward strengthening institutional capacity and professionalism within the public service.

The induction followed an intensive two-day orientation programme for newly converted administrative officers held in Asaba, which was presided over by the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, and witnessed by former Heads of Service, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, as well as other senior government officials.

While declaring the ceremony open, Dr. Oseji congratulated the inductees on their successful conversion into what she described as the prestigious Administrative Officers Cadre, noting that their elevation reflected the confidence reposed in them to provide effective leadership across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

She charged the officers to uphold the Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations without compromise, render sound administrative advice, ensure proper records management and documentation, and promote transparency, accountability and professionalism, while maintaining neutrality and loyalty to government policies.

“You should see your conversion and induction not as an elevation of status, but as an expansion of responsibility. Expectations are higher, scrutiny is greater, and the burden of duty is heavier,” she said.

Dr. Oseji added that the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expects more from the civil service, stressing that his approval and support for the induction align with the MORE Agenda of his administration.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Emokiniovo Itobore, who assumed office in 2025, explained that the induction covered officers converted between 2021 and 2024.

He expressed satisfaction that the milestone was achieved during his tenure, despite prevailing challenges and lauded the contributions of seasoned resource persons who facilitated the two-day training, expressing confidence that the inductees would justify the investment by contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the civil service.

“For several years, this induction could not hold due to paucity of funds. In times like these, it is not easy. We therefore commend the Governor and the Head of Service for making resources available to accomplish this feat,” he said.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Forum, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro, urged the inductees to embrace professionalism, efficiency in service delivery, ethical decision-making and innovation in addressing public sector challenges.

Earlier, a patron of the Forum and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, called on the Forum’s leadership to explore sustainable strategies for further professionalising the Administrative Cadre.

The ceremony culminated in the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Forum’s Legal Adviser, Ukpedor Oghoghomeh, presentation of a communiqué by Mr. Lucky Izomor, and a symbolic handshake with the Head of Service, signifying a renewed commitment to service and career progression.

Old Girls Return Home, Transform St. Brigid with ICT, Sports Support

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The Old Girls Association of St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, Asaba, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the growth and development of its alma mater with the donation of ten laptops, footballs and trophies to the school.

The donation, presented at the school premises, forms part of the Association’s sustained efforts to give back to the institution that shaped generations of women over the last six decades.

Speaking during the presentation, the Principal of the school, Sister Cordelia Osita (Order of St. Francis), expressed deep appreciation to the Old Girls, noting that the donation aligns perfectly with the school’s current academic goals.

“The Old Girls remembered their alma mater today and came to give us ten computers. We are very happy because one of our major goals this session is to enhance our ICT facilities. We have already started expanding the ICT laboratory, and with these laptops, they have made our work much easier,” she said.

According to the principal, renovation work on the ICT laboratory, including tiling, has been completed, while plans are underway to install work tables and set up the donated computers for immediate use by students.

She further disclosed that the Old Girls Association also donated footballs and a trophy, aimed at encouraging sports development and healthy competition among the students.

St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, founded in 1965, marked its 60th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that also marked a turning point in alumni engagement. For the first time since the school’s establishment, Old Girls from all graduating sets came together under one umbrella, moving beyond the previous practice where individual sets undertook isolated projects.

The renewed unity was inspired partly by the Class of 1984, which in 2024 returned to the school to mark 40 years after graduation. At the request of the school management, that set embarked on the interlocking of a section of the school’s entrance road, an ongoing project that has since become a catalyst for broader alumni collaboration.

Arising from that experience, a Homecoming Committee was constituted in 2025, drawing members from across Nigeria, including Lagos and Port Harcourt, as well as Old Girls resident abroad. Working closely with the school management, the committee planned a historic homecoming and reunion programme.

St Brigid’s Girls Old Girls Association

The homecoming, which kicked off on Thursday, December 11, 2025, featured a health walk from the Stephen Keshi Township Stadium to the school premises, followed by a health talk delivered by a medical doctor. Participants included both “young Brigidians” and alumni who graduated in the 1960s and early 1970s, making it a truly intergenerational gathering.

Activities continued the following day with a novelty football match between selected alumni sets, while courtesy visits were also paid to the Asagba of Asaba by the Association’s leadership.

The climax of the events was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday at Lamibele Events Centre, opposite Government House Gate, Asaba. The AGM featured a keynote address by the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, and culminated in the election of a new national executive council.

It was this newly elected executive that inherited the responsibility of completing the reunion projects, including the presentation of laptops, which could not be carried out in 2025 due to the early vacation of students.

Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Tolefe Maureen, National President of the Old Girls Association, explained that the donation was a fulfillment of the Association’s reunion and inauguration pledge.

“The students vacated earlier than expected last year, so we could not hand over the laptops then. Today’s event is the completion of that project. The world has gone digital, and we believe these computers will help the students conduct research, improve their ICT skills, and broaden their knowledge,” she stated.

She also clarified that the footballs were used during the reunion novelty matches, while the trophy was designed to reward the winning house or class, as part of efforts to motivate students.

Commending the gesture, the Chairman, Education Commission, Issele-Uku Diocese, Reverend Father Dr. Emmanuel Ugbolu, described the donation as timely, especially in view of the growing emphasis on computer-based testing (CBT) in Nigeria.

“This is a welcome development at a time when we are clamouring for computer systems. You have made a strong debut, and we are very grateful. Please convey our appreciation to the entire alumni body,” he said.

Dr. Ugbolu expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage greater alumni participation across Catholic mission schools, while also highlighting the need for staff accommodation to attract and retain qualified teachers.

Also reacting, Mr. Idris Ofiri, Publicity Secretary of the Parents, Teachers Forum (PTF), described the donation as a major boost to the school’s academic and technological advancement.

“This is exactly what we expect good-spirited individuals and alumni to emulate. It will encourage the students, especially in technology. The Old Girls have always supported the school, and this project is even louder,” he noted.

On behalf of the students, the School Head Girl, Miss Ofuonye Chidinmma, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Old Girls Association, assuring them that the donated items would be put to good use.

“Your contributions will go a long way in supporting our ICT programmes and improving learning in our school,” she said.

The event reaffirmed the enduring bond between St. Brigid’s Girls Grammar School and its alumni, showcasing the power of collective giving in advancing education and infrastructure development.

Delta Deepens Universal Health Coverage Drive as 1,000 Vulnerable Persons Enrolled in State Health Insurance Scheme

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Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

Delta State has taken another decisive step toward achieving universal health coverage, as one thousand vulnerable residents of Oshimili South Constituency were enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme (DSCHIS), reaffirming the state government’s commitment to affordable, accessible and sustainable healthcare for all.

The enrolment was officially flagged off in Asaba by the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, under the Sustainable Health Insurance Transformative Inclusion Initiative (SHIFT-I), a constituency-based intervention of the member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Ifechukwukwu Bridget Anyafulu.

The enrollment ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; principal officers and other members of the House. Also in attendance were traditional rulers, commissioners, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, top government functionaries, clergymen, party faithful and supporters.

 

Speaking at the event, Dr. Akpoveta described the initiative as a clear demonstration of people-centred governance and an effective model for expanding health insurance coverage among indigent populations. He explained that through the programme, beneficiaries have been granted free access to quality healthcare services for one year at accredited healthcare facilities of their choice across the state.

According to him, the enrolment aligns with the Commission’s Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative (IEAI), a special platform designed to allow public office holders, corporate organisations and well-meaning Deltans to sponsor vulnerable persons into the scheme at a highly subsidised rate of ₦7,000 per annum, with the state government bearing a significant portion of the cost.

Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Esq and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor

“The Delta State Contributory Health Scheme is not just about healthcare; it is about dignity, financial protection and social justice,” Dr. Akpoveta said. “By removing financial barriers to healthcare, we are protecting families from catastrophic health spending and ensuring that no one is left behind because of poverty.”

He commended Hon. Anyafulu for her foresight and commitment to grassroots welfare, describing her intervention as a practical response to the realities faced by low-income earners who often delay or completely avoid medical treatment due to cost.

Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Esq

Dr. Akpoveta further disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places premium value on the health and wellbeing of Deltans, noting that the governor has invested substantial resources into strengthening the health insurance system, improving service delivery and expanding coverage across urban and rural communities.

He revealed that the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme has so far recorded over two million enrollees, placing Delta State first in Nigeria in health insurance coverage, a feat he said reflects strong political will and effective policy implementation.

“The success of this scheme shows that when government policies are backed with commitment, the impact is felt directly by the people,” he added, stressing that the scheme is steadily spreading good health, economic stability and hope across the state, including Oshimili South.

In her remarks, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu said her decision to enrol the beneficiaries was driven by her firm belief that good health is the foundation of productivity and development. She lamented that excessive out-of-pocket medical expenses have forced many families into poverty, debt and avoidable suffering. “Healthcare should not be a luxury,” she said.

“Too many households are pushed deeper into hardship simply because a family member falls ill. Health insurance is the most effective way to break that cycle and guarantee access to quality care without financial distress.”

The lawmaker emphasised that health insurance remains a critical pathway to sustainable development, social inclusion and economic growth, pledging her continued support for policies and programmes that directly improve the living conditions of her constituents.

Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta

Beneficiaries of the scheme expressed deep gratitude to the state government and Hon. Anyafulu, describing the intervention as timely, life-saving and transformative, especially for elderly persons, widows and low-income earners who struggle to afford medical care.

The event featured the presentation of health insurance cards, distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries, and the conferment of a Health Insurance Ambassador Award on Hon. Anyafulu by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, in recognition of her advocacy and tangible support for the scheme.

As Delta State continues to strengthen its contributory health insurance framework, stakeholders say initiatives like this underscore a growing commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is no longer a privilege, but a guaranteed right for every Deltan.

Anyafulu Renders Stewardship Account, Rolls Out Major Economic and Health Interventions for Oshimili South

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

In a rare display of legislative accountability and grassroots engagement, the member representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Ifechukwukwu Bridget Anyafulu, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, rendered a comprehensive account of her stewardship to constituents, while simultaneously empowering hundreds of residents through far-reaching economic and healthcare interventions.

The town hall meeting, which took place at the Arts and Cultural Ground along Saint Brigid’s Road, Umuaji Quarter, Asaba, drew a cross-section of community leaders, beneficiaries, civil society actors, traditional rulers, and top government officials, underscoring the political and social significance of the engagement.

The event drew a high-profile gathering, led by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, alongside principal officers and other lawmakers. Traditional rulers, commissioners, APC chieftains, top government functionaries, clergymen, party faithful and supporters were also present.

Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Esq

The exercise fulfilled one of the cardinal promises made by Hon. Anyafulu during the 2023 electioneering campaign—to run an open, transparent, and people-centred representation that carries constituents along every step of the legislative journey.

Accountability Beyond Rhetoric
Presenting her stewardship report, the former Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services described the town hall as more than a ceremonial gathering, but “a civic obligation to the people who entrusted me with their mandate.”

A renowned human rights crusader before venturing into partisan politics, Hon. Anyafulu reaffirmed that her approach to representation is anchored on transparency, accountability, inclusion, and measurable impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.

“Our democracy only works when leaders periodically return to the people to give account, listen, and recalibrate,” she said, while thanking the people of Oshimili South for their unwavering support.

Central to her stewardship scorecard were two flagship social intervention programmes formally flagged off at the event:
The Sustainable Micro Economic Empowerment Scheme (SMEES)
The Sustainable Health Insurance for Transformative Inclusion Initiative (SHIFT-I)

Under the SHIFT-I programme, 1,000 vulnerable persons were instantly enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, granting them access to free and quality healthcare services in hospitals of their choice for a period of one year.

The initiative, observers noted, represents a strategic response to the growing challenge of healthcare affordability, particularly among low-income households, elderly persons, and people living with disabilities.

Complementing this was the SMEES programme, through which about 400 micro-business owners received financial and material support to strengthen their livelihoods. Persons living with disabilities also benefitted from assistive aids distributed through Hon. Anyafulu’s non-governmental organisation, the Initiative for Community Welfare and Capacity Development (ICWECD).

Beyond social interventions, Hon. Anyafulu highlighted major achievements across education, healthcare infrastructure, and lawmaking.

She disclosed that following a constituency-wide needs assessment, her office provided educational materials to pupils in over 620 primary and secondary schools, sponsored quiz and essay competitions, executed infrastructure upgrades in public schools, and paid WAEC and JAMB fees for students from indigent backgrounds.

In the health sector, she announced that three plots of land have been secured for the construction of primary healthcare centres at Umueze Quarters and the 74 Area of Infant Jesus, while land has also been provided for a secondary school at Oko Ogbele. She further cited sustained free market medical outreach programmes at Ogbe-Ogonogo and Abraka markets.

Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Esq and Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta

On the legislative front, the lawmaker revealed that she has co-sponsored several bills within the period under review, contributing to policy frameworks aimed at social protection, development, and inclusive governance in Delta State.

Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Esq and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor

The initiative received widespread commendation from dignitaries present at the event. In goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, described Hon. Anyafulu as a “worthy representative” whose performance aligns with the aspirations of her constituents.

Representatives of the Oshimili South Local Government Council Chairman, the Commissioner for Child Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also praised the town hall as a model of responsive leadership.
Highpoint and Recognition

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of health insurance cards and empowerment items to beneficiaries, many of whom openly expressed gratitude for what they described as life-changing interventions.

In recognition of her advocacy and support for universal health coverage, Hon. Anyafulu was conferred with a Health Insurance Ambassador Award by the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.

The event was attended by members of the Delta State House of Assembly, senior government officials, community leaders, and the traditional ruler of Oko Community, Dr. Osita Onwuka I, among other dignitaries.

As constituents departed the venue, the prevailing sentiment was that beyond speeches and promises, the Oshimili South lawmaker had presented tangible evidence of representation grounded in service, empathy, and accountability, qualities many believe should define public office.

Asagba, Umuezei Hold Remembrance, Pour Encomium On Late Prof Chike Edozien

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Today marks another solemn remembrance of the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, a renowned academia and revered traditional ruler whose legacy continues to inspire many. Recall that late Prof. Chike Edozien, who was the 13th Asagba of Asaba,  passed  away on February 7,  2024.

The remembrance was commemorated today the 6th day of February 2026 by the people of Umuezei at Ezenei Junction, Asaba, and  was graced by prominent dignitaries led by the present Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN, OON. Their presence underscored the significant impact Prof. Edozien had on both regional and national levels.

Speaking at the occasion, the present Asagba acknowledged that the leadership of his predecessor was marked by unparalleled wisdom and dedication to his people, adding the during his reign, he was a beacon of inspiration, guiding his community through various challenges and fostering unity among his people. His contributions extended beyond traditional leadership, influencing socio-cultural and political spheres across Nigeria.

In remembrance of Prof. Edozien, the Asaba community and in particular the good people of Umuezei gathered in ceremony and celebration of the legendary life of the late Asagba, and has initiated several projects, including a tree-planting campaign aimed at combating climate change which the late Asagba advocated. This initiative indeed reflects the late Asagba’s commitment to environmental sustainability and his vision for a better future for his people.

The remembrance also served as a reminder of the historical and cultural significance of Asaba, particularly in light of past events such as the 1967 Asaba massacre. The community continues to honor the victims of this tragedy, reinforcing the importance of justice and recognition for those who suffered.

As the community reflects on the life and legacy of Prof. Chike Edozien, his memory remains a guiding light for Asaba and beyond. His contributions to leadership, culture, and environmental sustainability continue to resonate, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

NAS member detained, assaulted by police in Edo

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NAS

A member of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Mr. Efosa Sulaiman Lawani, has been assaulted and detained by officers of the Nigeria Police Force while travelling through Edo State en route to Enugu.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, at a police checkpoint in Edo State.

According to associates and witnesses, Mr. Lawani was stopped and searched, after which officers allegedly discovered NAS-branded souvenirs in his possession.

It was learnt that the officers demanded money and, when he declined, the encounter escalated into physical assault and intimidation.

Lawani was travelling from Benin City to Enugu to attend the 2026 Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture, an annual NAS event held in honour of late veteran broadcaster and founding member of the association, Ralph Opara.

The lecture is scheduled to be delivered by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN.

Sources close to Lawani said he sustained injuries during the alleged assault and remained in police custody as of the time of filing this report, prompting concerns from family members, colleagues and rights advocates over his physical condition, access to medical care and due process.

Lawani, a Benin City indigene and Lagos-based businessman, is described by associates as non-confrontational and actively involved in logistical support for NAS programmes nationwide.

They said he was conveying souvenirs intended for distribution at the memorial lecture.

The allegation has revived concerns over previous complaints of harassment involving NAS members in Edo State.

In 2025, members of the association reportedly accused officers of the Edo State Police Command of extortion during a separate encounter, an incident said to have been resolved following the intervention of the then Commissioner of Police, who allegedly ordered a refund of money recovered from the officers involved.

Civil society organisations and legal practitioners have called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the latest incident.

They urged the Edo State Police Command to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lawani’s detention, identify the officers involved and ensure the protection of his fundamental rights.

As of press time, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official response.

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