A retired DMG of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Mr Benjamin Binitie, has cautioned and called on journalists to shun emotional reporting from social media and build corporate relationship with oil and gas companies in order to get credibly and reliable information from the right source
He made this call during a one-day capacity building programme organized for journalists by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited, on promoting ethical standards in oil and gas reporting.
The training titled “Enhancing Professional Skills and Ethical Standards in Oil and Gas Journalism.”took place at the NUJ Press Center, Asaba, and brought together finest facilitators and lecturers in news reporting, with 50 participants trained in oil and gas reporting.
He noted that one of the peculiarities in oil and gas industry relative to host communities is crisis, and report of such crisis should be done credibly and responsibly to avoid creating fear, confusion or even violence.
He cited some unfounded reports in Nigeria that triggered and snowballed into violence or even fatalities like that of the Ogoni 7 in Niger Delta region,.and warned against unfounded and emotional reporting that could trigger sentiments and generate violence in oil region.
Binitie stated.that for a communication to be responsible during crisis, it must be timely, coordinated and accurate. “Emergencies in oil and gas, whatever form they take, require specific reporting strategies”, Binitie noted, adding that the proper line of action for responsible communication of emergencies are; stating nature of emergency, cause of emergency, communities impacted and specific number of casualties, regulators’ action, and response measure by the company.
He strongly condemned emotional reporting, adding that unconfirmed figures, fake pictures and videos have proliferated the social media space, thus should be the last source of information for a journalists.
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In a goodwill message, the General Manager of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Corporate Affairs, Mr Olusoga Oduselu, represented by the Manager, Communication for Nigeria and Mid-Africa, Dr Victor Anyaegbudike, noted that the oil and gas industry is very sensitive and therefore those reporting it’s activities must do it responsibly and credibly, adding that this is the thrust for the capacity building training organized for journalists.
Speaking further,, Anyaegbudike termed journalists as “Agender Setters”, informing what people think or say and shaping broader opinion and perception. He noted that training of journalists is one of the best practices of Chevron with 425 journalists being trained and an estimated 1billion dollars spent annually for Nigeria’s Content Development.
He assured that the oil company remains committed to building journalists’ capacity in oil and gas reporting, while promoting ethical standards and discipline in reporting.
Earlier in the programme, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described the workshop as timely, given the importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economy, energy security and development maps
Oyowe noted that oil and gas reporting requires understandimg of the industry’s value chain, the regulating laws and it’s operations with host communities.
He reiterated that the aim of the training is to build capacity in journalists on producing reports that are both informative and responsible, adding that NUJ Delta State Council remains committed to continuous training and retraining of it’s members for effective and responsible journalism.
He urged participants to uphold accuracy, fairness and professional ethics, while commending Chevron for its continued support for media capacity development.
The workshop featured insightful lectures by seasoned media professionals and academics on communicating oil and gas company’s activities, ethical reporting, health, safety and environmental standards, clean energy, the Petroleum Industry Act and host community relations.
A Q/A session saw a spectrum of concern’s about the journalist’s safety,. insurance and welfare.being addressed as well as professional reporting detached from inducement or gratification.
Highpoints of the training were lectures, question and answer, presentation of certificates/awards and group photographs.
DELTA FRESH VISION recently stumbled on a highly politicized propaganda piece written by one Swill Mavua . It was an article that stood truth on its head with attempts to malign the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and throw mud into the activities of DESOPADEC .
Beneath the emotionally charged language of the writer lies a fundamental problem: claims are repeatedly presented as facts without evidence, while unrelated issues are deliberately woven together to create a scandal where the facts may not support one .
DESOPADEC deserves a more serious and balanced conversation. The first question one may ask is : where is the evidence. A responsible discussion requires the so called High Court judgement of may 26 to be produced, its exact orders examined, the parties bound by the judgement identified. A court judgement is not properly discussed by headline figures and political rhetoric. It must be read in its entirety. If indeed there is an enforceable judgment directing a particular party to pay a specific sum, the public deserves to know precisely who was ordered to pay , what amount was awarded , the period covered, whether an appeal was filed and whether execution was stayed .
In this particular case there was actually a court judgment which DESOPADEC management faulted and appealed . There is a stay of execution on the High court judgment and until there is final adjudication on the matter, the DESOPADEC management cannot act. In the meantime, DESOPADEC management has a robust relationship with its workers, promotions are done as when due and conditions of service are excellent. The DESOPADEC management needs to be acknowledged and appreciated for doing a very effective and efficient staff reorganization that had saved the Commission millions of naira .
It is also instructive to note that DESOPADEC commenced the payment of the new minimum wage of N79,100 to its workers from November 2024, including payment of October arrears. A health insurance Scheme was introduced/ strengthened to cover spouse and up to four children. Some previously disengaged workers who were considered to have been unjustly laid off have been reinstated, with arrears paid in some cases.
It is therefore very wrong for Mavua to create the erroneous impression that the DESOPADEC management has an estranged relationship with its workers and that they are in fact on a war path
These are the posers that we must push to armchair critics who are bent on politicizing issues that are purely administrative.
Until these questions are answered , the whole publication by Swill Mavua remains mere political rhetoric and conjecture than responsible analysis. When elections are very close these types of political propaganda often emanate to mislead the electorate.
The attempt to portray DESOPADEC as a BOARD without an institutional integrity is equally misleading. DESOPADEC was established by law with a specific mandate to develop oil- producing communities in Delta state . It had its own institutional structures, management and Board . Therefore , every issue concerning its finances , employees, projects and administration should be examined within the relevant legal and administrative framework.
The most sensational part of the article is the claim that 500 councillors received N20 million each , amounting to N10 billion and that this was a political gift intended to purchase grassroots loyalty. A journalist should not make spurious statements without back up evidence. It is very uncharitable for Mavua to make this wild claim . There is basically no correlation between the third tier of government ( Local Government Councils) and DESOPADEC. Local governments have their own finances while DESOPADEC have theirs . Their expenditure lines and responsibilities do not meet. One wonders how Mavua was able to conjure this spurious claim to mislead the electorates of Delta state. Again, like we said , we should not mix politics with things that concern the lives of people.
Perhaps the greatest disservice to DESOPADEC in the article is to attempt to define the Commission almost exclusively through a dispute over salaries . DESOPADEC represents a much larger developmental responsibility. Its relevance is measured by what it does for communities in the oil producing areas: roads, schools , health facilities, water projects , electricity, skills acquisition, youth empowerment, community development and other interventions within its mandate.
For the avoidance of doubt , the Delta State House of Assembly has oversight over DESOPADEC activities. It is therefore mischievous to attempt to drag the name of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the day -to -day running of DESOPADEC. This clearly shows that Swill Mavua is very ignorant about how government and its agencies work .
The writer also made the bizzare assertion that Governor Oborevwori does not have the will and capacity to Govern Delta State. This is laughable because the Governor’s outstanding leadership qualities and exceptional governance credentials are already in the public space .
Mavua does not represent any constructive objectives by making unverified allegations and then building an entire political narrative around them . While criticism is good for democracy, it should be fair, accurate and supported by evidence. Making sweeping allegations without evidence is counterproductive and has the potential of misleading a whole population. it is good to demand accountability but wrong to mistake allegation for evidence, arithmetic for proof or political rhetoric for established fact .
Mavua tried to create the erroneous impression that DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government are underperforming. This is far from the truth . Just to pick a few for the Delta State Government- we must mention the iconic flyover projects being undertaken by Julius Berger at DSC , PTI and Enerhen corridors. These projects are in varying degrees of completion . Flyovers are being replicated at Otovwodo junction and Agbor , which will bring permanent solutions to the long Standing congestion at the strategic junctions.
We must also mention the completion by the Delta state government of the Trans- Warri Ode Itsekiri road and bridges as well as the 149 kilometer Asaba – Ughelli Expressway . Roads and bridges are being developed across communities previously constrained by poor access. The list is endless. As at December 2025 , DELTA FRESH VISION has recorded about 513 road projects with a cumulative length of 2,595.56 km.- being undertaken by the Delta state government, with several of them already completed. Under Human Capital development, programmes like D-CARES , MORE Grant , MORE Biz-Up and WESAP are providing economic support, skills and opportunities to vulnerable groups, women , young people and persons with disabilities. Space will not permit us to dwell on the Delta State government ‘s intervention in Agriculture, civil service welfare, students support, Technical Education and healthcare.
For DESOPADEC, the Commission has been very successful in providing community roads and drainage , educational infrastructure, health facilities, civil and community centres , electricity and street lighting, flood prevention interventions, youth empowerment , skills and community development. DESOPADEC’S intervention in road infrastructure has a long record. Among its notable projects is the 8 kilometer Obi- Anyima road in Ika South. Others are the Ofagbe – Ibrede Road , DESOPADEC civil and community centres , classroom blocks at Abalagada, Egbokodo Itsekiri, Uzere , Ebedei and Oghara as well as Ogulagha modern school.
DESOPADEC has also supported education infrastructure including a student’s hostel at the Delta State University, Oleh campus and six three bedroom bungalows for visiting lecturers. The Commission has also provided accommodation infrastructure for the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. The Agoloma cottage hospital in Patani is also one of the Commission ‘s documented projects .We can go on and on but space will not permit us.
Media practitioners should direct their energies into looking at DESOPADEC holistically: their achievements, challenges and offer advice rather than make sweeping allegations that are not evidence backed . DESOPADEC deserves commendation and not condemnation, constructive criticism and not destructive criticisms. Critics should allow DESOPADEC the space and stability to succeed. The Commission was created to address the development needs of oil bearing communities and its effectiveness should ultimately be judged by the projects it delivers and impact it makes on the people . Constructive criticism is welcome but constant political attacks , premature accusations and attempt to discredit the institution can distract from its core mandate.
Rather than looking for every opportunity to pull the Commission down , critics should scrutinize its programmes objectively, acknowledge genuine achievements and point out areas requiring improvement. The real victory is not for DESOPADEC as an institution; it is for the oil – producing communities whose development depends on it .
DESOPADEC as an interventionist organization should not be dragged into politics. Any journalist wishing to get facts should visit reliable information channels than manufacture spurious information and data that do not stand the test of veracity.
Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has congratulated the Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuofu-Biri, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Ahon, in a congratulatory message, said Ufuofu-Biri had distinguished himself through his commitment to academic excellence, institutional development and the advancement of human capital, describing him as a distinguished academic and administrator whose contributions have strengthened the institution.
He commended the Rector for providing purposeful leadership at the Polytechnic, noting that his experience and dedication had contributed significantly to the growth and stability of the institution.
According to him, the birth anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate Ufuofu-Biri’s achievements and his contributions to the development of education in Delta State.
Ahon expressed confidence that the Rector would continue to deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to advance the institution and contribute to the development of the state.
He wished Prof. Ufuofu-Biri more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment, praying that God would continue to bless him and grant him greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr Charles Aniagwu, has accused former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, of resorting to mudslinging against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in a bid to attract cheap media attention ahead of the 2027 elections.
Aniagwu said Omo-Agege’s decision to make allegations against the governor, rather than unveil his agenda and manifesto to the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, was an indication that he lacked a compelling campaign message.
The commissioner spoke on Sunday during an interview on Arise News’ The Morning Show.
According to him, Omo-Agege and Governor Oborevwori are not contesting the same election, stressing that while Oborevwori is seeking re-election as governor, Omo-Agege is campaigning for the Delta Central senatorial seat.
Aniagwu said, “What we have observed is that a number of these persons, particularly Senator Omo-Agege, don’t seem to have anything to campaign against Governor Oborevwori.
“If you are starting your campaign on the first day, instead of telling the people what you want to do to be able to win the Delta Central senatorial seat, you are alleging that somebody who is not on the same ballot with you is thinking of eliminating you.
“Oborevwori is seeking re-election, particularly as a governor who has performed in his first tenure. Senator Omo-Agege, on another political platform, is seeking to return to the Senate to represent Delta Central. They are on different ballots. The election is not even on the same day.”
The commissioner dismissed allegations that Governor Oborevwori had threatened Omo-Agege, describing such claims as inconsistent with the character and record of the governor.
“That is not the kind of governor we have. Our governor does not go into making threats. If you look at the last three and a half years in Delta, you could see the amount of tranquillity, safety and security that we have in the state,” he said.
Aniagwu argued that Omo-Agege’s repeated references to Oborevwori were primarily designed to secure media attention, saying the former senator might otherwise struggle to remain relevant in the news cycle.
“He knows that if he didn’t go that route, you may not remember to mention his name, because other persons will stand on either their previous records or the new records they want to bring to bear,” he said.
He added that the Oborevwori administration would not be dragged into what he described as a mud fight, insisting that its campaign for the 2027 elections would be anchored on its record of achievements across the state.
According to Aniagwu, “Our campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections is going to be evidence-based. We will be showcasing what we have done, what constitutes our report card. If you like, call it milestones.
“In each of the communities, in each of the local governments, including where our brother, Senator Omo-Agege, is from, we will say what we are doing.”
The commissioner also cited ongoing road projects in Omo-Agege’s home area as evidence that the Oborevwori administration was committed to equitable development across Delta State, irrespective of political affiliation.
He disclosed that the state government was constructing the Emevor-Orogun Road, a 15.7-kilometre road linking several rural communities, noting that more than eight kilometres of the project had already been completed under Phases I and II.
“Good enough, I’m also privileged to be supervising the construction of roads linking a whole number of rural communities across the 25 local government areas.
“As we speak, we are constructing a road that is heading to Omo-Agege’s community in Orogun, starting from a place called Emevor-Orogun. It is a 15.7-kilometre stretch. We have already completed 8-point-something kilometres of that stretch, which is Emevor-Orogun Road Phase I and Phase II. In Phase III, by the grace of God, we are progressing in that direction,” he said.
Aniagwu stressed that the governor’s development agenda was not driven by political considerations, but by the desire to improve the lives of Deltans across the state.
He said Oborevwori was focused on delivering infrastructure and other projects that would directly impact communities, including those considered political strongholds of opposition figures.
“The governor is not looking at whether the man is speaking German or speaking Japanese. The governor is interested in the development that will touch his people,” Aniagwu said.
He maintained that the administration would remain focused on its development agenda and allow its performance to speak for it, rather than engage in personal attacks or distractions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ashley Ogiame Atuwatse III
By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, has said the last five years of her tenure alongside her husband, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, have been devoted to building human capacity, empowering women, preserving Itsekiri culture and creating stronger connections among Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora.
The Olori, who spoke yesterday during an exclusive interaction with selected journalists at her residence in Warri as part of activities marking the Olu’s fifth coronation anniversary, said the progress recorded in the kingdom’s women empowerment programmes had become one of the most gratifying aspects of her royal responsibilities.
According to her, the elevation of women within the Warri Kingdom has become increasingly visible, with women, particularly wives of chiefs, becoming more confident, recognised and willing to take ownership of their voices and responsibilities.
“Seeing how the women in the kingdom have become more naturally elevated, I always give the stories of how the chiefs’ wives have now become more esteemed in many ways and more recognised,” she said.
She added that women were increasingly moving beyond seeking permission to participate in community affairs to becoming active owners of their voices and initiatives.
Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom.
“I really love the esteem of women in the kingdom, and I’m really thankful for that,” she said.
‘Leadership Has Taught Me to Enlarge My Heart’
Reflecting on the challenges and lessons of her five-year journey as Olori, Queen Ashley said she would rather describe the experience as a period of learning than as a series of challenges.
She identified understanding human nature, managing differences and learning to appreciate the strengths of different people as some of the most important lessons she had acquired.
“I think it would be what I used to learn leadership.
It is understanding the dynamics of human nature and the differences in different people and just learning how to enlarge my heart to love every person and pick out the strengths from people and discard the weaknesses,” she said.
The Olori, a lawyer and author and founder of women-focused initiatives, explained that her royal position had provided her with a platform to convert privilege into service, particularly through initiatives targeted at women, education, skills development and access to opportunities.
She said she regarded herself primarily as a mother serving the people entrusted to her care rather than simply as a queen.
“I’m a mother more than any queen,” she declared, explaining that her approach to service was built around two key principles — agency and access.
According to her, the first objective was to help people, especially women, regain control over their lives and overcome what she described as a “learned sense of helplessness.”
The second was to provide access to skills, networks, finance and other resources required to transform aspirations into sustainable livelihoods.
She said the philosophy underpins programmes such as Women Aligning Women, operated under Elevate Africa, and Establish Her, operated under the Royal Iwere Foundation.
‘Eight Out of 10 Women Are Breadwinners’
The Olori disclosed that findings from their engagement with women in the community had shown that women constituted a significant proportion of household breadwinners, particularly among women aged between 18 and 35.
She said about eight out of 10 women engaged through the initiative were breadwinners supporting several dependants.
“That meant we had to begin to see how we can establish our women by working with the whole woman, not just giving her skills or access to finance, but actually looking to raise the whole woman,” she explained.
She said the programme therefore begins with developing the mindset of participants, helping them understand leadership, identify their leadership styles and build confidence before introducing business and entrepreneurship components.
The women are subsequently supported with business skills and encouraged to register and formalise their businesses.
According to her, the impact has been remarkable, with beneficiaries not only improving their own lives but going on to empower other women.
“I can sit here and tell you stories on stories about how our women have come through the programme and then gone on to establish other women,” she said.
She noted that while empowering beneficiaries to become mentors was not initially part of the curriculum, it had become a natural consequence of the programme.
“It wasn’t in the curriculum, but it’s what happens when you empower a woman. She goes on and empowers her community naturally,” she said.
She described investment in women, particularly women of the Warri Kingdom, as “our most strategic move to advancing human capital development in our community.”
Language Revival: ‘We Must Preserve Our Itsekiri Identity’
The Olori also placed strong emphasis on the preservation of Itsekiri language and culture, describing the Itsekiri people as a “micro minority” whose cultural heritage must be deliberately protected against the pressures of modernisation and globalisation.
“We Itsekiris, we’re a micro minority. So inside the minority, we are a minority. And so it’s important to preserve our culture, to preserve our language,” she said.
According to her, the rapid erosion of indigenous languages across communities, including among larger ethnic groups, makes the preservation of Itsekiri language an urgent responsibility.
She disclosed that a language competition was introduced around the period of the Olu’s coronation anniversary to encourage children from communities across the kingdom and those in the diaspora to learn and speak Itsekiri.
The initiative, she said, had grown considerably since its launch last year.
This year’s edition was held at Ode-Itsekiri, also known as Big Warri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
The response, she said, had been particularly encouraging, with children from riverine communities who initially could not speak the language reportedly becoming fluent by the end of the competition.
“The testimony has been amazing,” she said.
The initiative will now be expanded into a year-round language programme, culminating in a celebration and competition during the Olu’s coronation anniversary.
“Our goal is to revive the language and to pass it down to our next generation,” she said.
‘We Are First Husband and Wife’
On her relationship with the Olu and how they manage the demands of royal duties, public expectations and family life, Queen Ashley said the strength of their family remains the foundation of everything they do.
She stressed that before their identities as king and queen, they were husband and wife and regarded their relationship as a partnership that required deliberate nurturing.
“That is our foundation — the strong family unit behind the closed door is our primary foundation,” she said.
“We are first husband and wife. We are first a strong unit together, and we take those duties very seriously. We take our bond and our connection very seriously.”
She said their relationship and responsibilities were also firmly anchored in their faith.
“Everything is embedded under God. God is our third cord, and then we take it from there,” she said.
According to her, whether they are performing their responsibilities as parents or as king and queen, they seek to approach their duties first in union with God and then with each other.
Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy
The Olori also spoke about her fashion choices, particularly her blend of contemporary elegance with traditional Itsekiri and wider African attire.
She said her intention was not merely to make a fashion statement but to demonstrate that African culture could be celebrated with confidence, sophistication and contemporary relevance.
Her message, she said, was directed not only at young Itsekiri women but at young African women generally.
“I hope young African women can be proud of your culture and you can wear elegantly, and culture isn’t something that is outdated,” she said.
Recalling a recent observation by the Olu, she said traditions represented what people practised, while culture was continually constructed as societies evolved.
She argued that Africans therefore had an opportunity to preserve their heritage while allowing it to remain relevant in contemporary society.
“I hope that in embodying my truest self as being an African monarch, an African queen, I’m able to let the next generation know that you should embrace the fullness of our beautiful African attire and African style without it being outdated,” she said.
‘We Are Just Getting Started’
Looking ahead after five years in the royal household, the Olori expressed gratitude for the journey but said she regarded the period as the beginning rather than the culmination of their work.
“I’m really thankful for the last five years. It’s been like five years that has felt like 50 years, but at the same time felt like five months,” she said.
Describing the period as “incredible,” she maintained that much more remained to be accomplished.
“But I know that we are just getting started,” she declared.
She identified the Royal Iwere Foundation as a critical vehicle for human capital development in the Warri Kingdom.
According to her, the foundation is expected to serve as the “engine room” through which people would be equipped to develop themselves and, ultimately, their communities.
She also highlighted the role of Elevate Africa, expressing the ambition that lessons and models developed in Warri could eventually serve as a model for human capital development across Africa.
Her vision, she said, was for Warri to demonstrate that sustainable community development was possible and that successful interventions could be replicated across the continent.
‘I Am Itsekiri’ App to Become Digital Village
One of the major initiatives she discussed was the newly launched I Am Itsekiri mobile application, which she described as a digital village designed to connect Itsekiris across the world with the palace, their communities and one another.
She disclosed that the idea for the platform began in March 2022 and took about four years to develop.
The project initially began as a website before consultations with stakeholders led to its transformation into a mobile application.
The objective, she explained, was to build a digital meeting point for sons and daughters of Itsekiri descent living in Nigeria and across the globe.
She noted that Itsekiris could now be found in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Japan and Australia, creating a need for a platform through which members of the community could remain connected regardless of geographical location.
“We want them to connect to the palace, so they know when the palace is coming to their city; they know what’s happening, also, to connect to their communities,” she said.
The application will also provide information on development activities across communities and create opportunities for people in the diaspora to participate in projects in their ancestral communities.
But beyond palace-to-community communication, she said one of the most important purposes of the application was to enable Itsekiris to find and connect with one another wherever they may be.
“Sometimes we lose each other when we travel. When you’re abroad, you don’t know if there’s any Itsekiri anywhere else. So once you are on that app, ‘Oh, there’s an Itsekiri down the road, let’s connect,’” she explained.
The application will also be used for cultural preservation, including teaching younger generations Itsekiri language, dances and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.
She described it as “a digital village” created to restore identity, strengthen connections and support cultural renaissance.
A Royal Agenda Built Around People
Across her various initiatives, the Olori said the central objective remained the same — building people who could, in turn, build stronger families and communities.
From women empowerment and entrepreneurship to language preservation, cultural promotion, digital connectivity and human capital development, she said the ultimate ambition was to ensure that the people of Warri Kingdom were equipped to take ownership of their future.
As the Olu of Warri marks five years on the throne, the Olori’s reflections present a royal agenda that extends beyond ceremony and symbolism, placing human development, women’s agency, cultural preservation and global connectivity at the heart of the next phase of the Atuwatse III reign.
Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called on the Itsekiri people and Nigerians to embrace unity, rethink outdated approaches and deliberately build a future anchored on purpose, excellence and collective responsibility.
The monarch made the call in his “Speech from the Throne” during activities marking the fifth anniversary of his coronation, an elaborate celebration which attracted eminent traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, military commanders, diplomats, captains of industry and other distinguished personalities to Warri, Delta State.
The anniversary celebration, which highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiri people, also provided an opportunity for the monarch to reflect on his five-year journey on the throne and to set out a vision for the future of the Warri Kingdom and its people.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Senator Joel-Onowakpo; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; representatives of the Delta State Government and the Federal Government; service commanders; and traditional rulers from different parts of Nigeria.
The gathering also witnessed an impressive display of royal solidarity, with monarchs from the North, South-West, South-East and Delta State joining the Olu to commemorate the milestone.
The Olu specifically acknowledged traditional rulers from the North led by the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan, as well as the Emir of Kano; monarchs from the South-West, including the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olowo of Owo and a representative of the Ooni of Ife; the Eze Arochukwu, who led the traditional rulers from the East; and traditional rulers from Delta State.
In his address, the monarch expressed gratitude to God for the grace and accomplishments associated with his five-year reign, describing the outpouring of goodwill and support as an indication of the need for renewed unity around the throne and the greater responsibilities entrusted to the traditional institution.
“We are deeply inspired by the kindness that God has shown us which calls for all of us to reunite, rally around the crown and the greater purpose we have been entrusted with,” he said.
Atuwatse III stressed that the traditional institution must look beyond ceremonial functions and become an instrument for unity, development and inter-generational responsibility.
He said the crown was “not merely an ornament,” but “a carried responsibility to be stewarded, a legacy to be protected and a purpose to be fulfilled together.”
According to him, the strength of a people should not be measured by those excluded, but by the number of people who can be inspired, empowered and united around a common purpose.
“Our strength is not found in the numbers we exclude, but rather in the multitude that can be inspired, empowered and brought together for a common purpose,” the monarch said.
He therefore urged his people to put past differences behind them and build bridges rather than walls.
“We cannot allow past distances to prevent future unity; we must rightly build bridges where necessary and not walls,” he declared.
‘If our future must be different, the way we do things must change’
A major thrust of the Olu’s anniversary message was a call for a mindset change in the approach to culture, tradition, leadership and development.
The monarch argued that while traditions remain important, societies must be willing to examine inherited practices and adapt them to meet the demands of the future.
He drew a distinction between tradition and culture, explaining that culture represents the way people do things while traditions are practices inherited from the past.
According to him, the past cannot be changed, but the future can be deliberately shaped by the choices people make in the present.
“God, in His omniscience, does not allow any man to go back into time to make amends. This means, we cannot change the facts from our history, we cannot change past traditions or rewrite our past.
“While we cannot change our past or deny the reality of the present; it is this same God who gives us the power to shape the future in the way we want it.”
He challenged the Itsekiri people to critically examine their present circumstances and make decisions that would produce a better future for generations yet unborn.
“If our future will be different from our past, our traditions must evolve into a culture that helps us create our future,” he said.
The monarch, however, cautioned against discarding the heritage of the ancestors, urging his subjects to honour and respect those who came before them while recognising that the needs of the future may require new approaches.
He said: “We appreciate the efforts of our ancestors for the way they did things, as that was relevant then and has brought us thus far.
However, if we want to go further into a future that is aligned to our destiny, then we must do things in a different way from how we did things in the past.”
*Purpose must prevail over sentiment*
The Olu further challenged his people to place purpose above sentiment in determining the direction of the kingdom.
He described tradition as an important aid to purpose, but insisted that tradition should not become an obstacle to progress.
“Purpose has to do with direction,” he said, stressing that purpose helps individuals and communities maintain focus on their actions, aims and long-term goals.
According to him, excessive attachment to sentiment at the expense of purpose could result in the repetition of old outcomes.
“If we accord more sentiment on tradition and not enough focus on purpose, we will keep producing the same result of old. We risk preserving the past at the expense of the future,” he warned.
He called for courage, humility and determination to examine existing practices honestly and identify areas requiring improvement.
The monarch also urged the people to replace a culture of complaints and comparisons with one of creativity and solution-driven action.
“We must develop new habits that focus more on creating and less on complaining. Complaining and comparison does not create the solutions we need. Instead, this keeps us stuck,” he said.
Oborevwori: Olu’s reign has restored Warri’s glory
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, described the five-year reign of Atuwatse III as a period of renewed glory, peace-building, uncommon leadership and remarkable progress for the Itsekiri people, Warri and Delta State.
The Governor, who was represented at the event, said the Olu had demonstrated exemplary leadership and shown strong commitment to peace and development.
He described Atuwatse III as “a cerebral monarch, a peace-builder and an exemplary leader, a man of grace who leads from the front.”
Oborevwori said the monarch’s passion for the progress of Warri extended to the entire state, adding that Atuwatse III had shown consistent support for the administration.
“I want to place it on record that the Olu has taken more than a passing interest in my administration. You have shown your love and support for this administration,” he said.
The Governor recalled the Olu’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration during the Itsekiri nation’s interaction with the government, describing the gesture as courageous, particularly given the monarch’s traditional responsibility to all.
He also commended the monarch’s interest in infrastructure development, recalling his presence during the inspection of the ongoing Ode-Itsekiri Road project.
According to Oborevwori, the road, which includes more than 15 bridges, has been completed and would soon be commissioned.
He noted that the Olu had helped draw attention to the infrastructure transformation by personally visiting and showcasing sections of the completed road.
The Governor particularly recalled a video of the monarch riding a scooter on the completed road, describing the gesture as remarkable because it demonstrated that an area previously perceived by many as difficult to access could now be reached through the new infrastructure.
Oborevwori said the fifth coronation anniversary was therefore more than a traditional celebration, describing it as a reflection of five years of impactful leadership and partnership in the development of the state.
Governor urges Warri communities to protect peace
The Governor used the occasion to appeal to the different ethnic nationalities in Warri to preserve the peace that has characterised their coexistence.
He stressed that the various groups had lived together for generations and urged residents to resist actions and statements capable of threatening the fragile peace and unity of the area.
Oborevwori called on the people to shun inflammatory rhetoric and divisive tendencies, stressing that peace remained essential to the continued development of Warri and Delta State.
A celebration of culture, tradition and royal unity
Beyond the speeches, the fifth coronation anniversary was marked by a colourful celebration of Itsekiri culture and tradition, with cultural displays, royal processions and other activities showcasing the heritage of the Warri Kingdom.
The presence of traditional rulers from across Nigeria added a significant dimension to the event, underscoring the solidarity among Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
The convergence of royal fathers from different geopolitical zones also reflected the Olu’s emphasis on building bridges across ethnic, cultural and regional boundaries.
The monarch’s fifth anniversary thus became both a celebration of his journey on the throne and a platform for articulating a broader vision of traditional leadership, one that combines respect for heritage with the courage to embrace change.
Five years of a new royal vision
Atuwatse III’s fifth year on the throne has been characterised by an emphasis on cultural renaissance, unity, development, youth engagement and the repositioning of the traditional institution as a partner in modern governance and community development.
His anniversary message appeared to encapsulate that philosophy: honour the past, confront the realities of the present and deliberately build the future.
For the Olu, the survival and prosperity of the Itsekiri people cannot depend solely on inherited traditions. It must also depend on the ability of the present generation to interpret those traditions in ways that advance the collective purpose of the people.
As he concluded his address, the monarch called for continued unity around the crown and prayed for divine guidance and blessings for the people.
The fifth coronation anniversary, therefore, ended not merely as a royal celebration, but as a renewed call for unity, cultural evolution, purposeful leadership and collective responsibility, values the Olu believes will determine the future of the Warri Kingdom and its people.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting genuine farmers and private investors through infrastructure, improved power supply and other incentives to boost economic diversification and job creation.
Oborevwori who spoke during an inspection of Tatcha Farms in Okuloho, Okpe Local Government Area, and Amity Global Farms and Manroy Livestock Farms at Ohorhe 1, Uvwie Local Government Area, said government support for businesses would not necessarily be through direct funding, but by providing the infrastructure and enabling environment required for enterprises to thrive.
He said the state’s recent Economic and Investment Summit was designed to showcase its investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, and attract local and international investors.
Oborevwori said the government’s economic team had been directed to inspect farms and businesses across the state to understand their challenges and assess their expansion potential.
He disclosed that a 33kV electricity line had been awarded, assuring that the project would improve power supply to farms and other businesses in the area. He also said ongoing road projects would improve access to farming communities and markets.
The governor further promised to construct an access road linking the Warri-Sapele Expressway to the community hosting Amity Global Farms.
He stressed that government’s agricultural support would also benefit small-scale farmers, with priority given to genuine farmers, adding that fertiliser and other inputs would be distributed to genuine farmers and warned against resale.
Oborevwori also encouraged civil servants and other residents to engage in farming, saying agriculture could create jobs, improve food security and reduce crime.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tatcha Farms Limited, Olorogun Alfred Mrakpor, thanked the governor for the visit, saying it provided an opportunity to showcase the farm’s contributions to food security, job creation and agricultural development.
At Amity Global Farms, the Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Idama Amurun, said the company was exploring partnerships with Brazilian investors and the state government to expand cassava production and establish processing industries.
Amurun said cassava could be processed into industrial starch, ethanol and other products, creating substantial employment opportunities. He disclosed that the farm currently employed over 300 workers and cultivated crops including pepper and cucumber.
He, however, identified inadequate financing, delays in the supply day old chicks, facilities, accommodation and access to land as major challenges limiting expansion.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the appointment of Hon. Chief Henry Afure Sakpra as General Manager of the Delta State Social Investment Programme, with immediate effect.
The appointment was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
According to the statement, the appointment is in line with the provisions of the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law, 2025, which provides for the alleviation of poverty, hunger and other forms of social deprivation among citizens of the state without discrimination.
The programme is also mandated to improve the socio-economic conditions of Deltans, particularly at the grassroots, through the prompt delivery of services aimed at poverty reduction and alleviation.
It is further empowered to undertake other activities necessary for the effective achievement of its objectives.
The appointment, the statement said, is aimed at strengthening the institutional framework of the programme and enhancing social inclusion and opportunities for all, in furtherance of the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.
Immediate Past Deputy President of the 9th Senate and Delta Central senatorial candidate of the New Delta Congress (NDC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, has raised the alarm over an alleged early-morning attack on the party’s campaign venue in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, accusing political operatives linked to the state government of attempting to intimidate the opposition ahead of the forthcoming political activities in the state.
Omo-Agege, in a strongly worded statement issued from his office, alleged that more than 50 armed men stormed the venue of an NDC campaign meeting in Uvwie at about 5:30 a.m., where they allegedly pulled down canopies and destroyed campaign materials.
He specifically identified Mr. Emmanuel Erube, whom he described as the Disciplinary Committee Chairman of Jakpa, as the leader of the group.
According to the former senator, the incident was not a random act of violence but a deliberate attempt to disrupt the NDC’s political activities and send a warning to opposition supporters in Delta Central.
Omo-Agege further alleged that Erube and members of the group threatened to kill him and the NDC Uvwie Campaign Coordinator, Olorogun Dr. Esere Ejifoma Atumu, should he appear in Uvwie for the scheduled event.
“These threats were made in the middle of the attack,” Omo-Agege alleged, insisting that the incident represented an escalation in what he described as political intimidation in the state.
The NDC candidate said he was particularly concerned because, according to him, the alleged threats were connected to what he claimed were previous private threats against his life.
Omo-Agege alleged that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had, on several occasions, privately threatened that he would have him killed and that nothing would happen because the governor was the Chief Security Officer of the state.
The former senator described the allegation as a matter he was taking with “utmost gravity,” arguing that the reported attack at the campaign venue should be investigated in the context of the alleged threats.
He subsequently accused Governor Oborevwori of being “directly responsible and culpable” for the incident.
However, the allegations against the governor and the other persons named in the statement are claims made by Omo-Agege and were not independently established in the statement.
The former Senate Deputy President went further to describe the incident as an alleged “state-backed intimidation” of opposition political activities, accusing political actors purportedly connected to the government of using violence to suppress dissent.
“This is an act of state terrorism. It is an attack on democracy and on the people of Delta State,” he declared.
Omo-Agege maintained that the alleged use of political operatives to disrupt opposition activities should be of concern to security agencies, electoral authorities, civil society organisations and the international community.
He therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately arrest and investigate Erube and the alleged members of his group.
He also demanded an investigation into the alleged source of funding for the group, urging the security agencies to establish whether any individuals or institutions connected to government were involved.
In addition, Omo-Agege appealed to the Delta State Commissioner of Police to provide round-the-clock armed protection for him, Dr. Atumu, members of the NDC campaign teams and supporters across the state.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the United States Embassy, the European Union, the African Union and civil society organisations to pay closer attention to political developments in Delta State.
According to him, the organisations should consider deploying observers and human rights monitors to the state in view of what he described as the rising level of political tension.
The NDC senatorial candidate urged residents of Uvwie and other parts of Delta State not to succumb to fear or intimidation, assuring opposition supporters that his political movement would remain committed to its campaign.
“To the people of Uvwie and Delta State: Do not be afraid. Do not back down. We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated.
The fight for a New Delta continues,” he said.
The allegations come amid heightened political activity in Delta State, where rival political interests are positioning themselves for forthcoming electoral contests.
Omo-Agege’s statement has therefore raised fresh concerns about the need for political actors and security agencies to ensure that campaign activities are conducted peacefully and that all parties and candidates are provided with adequate security.
The former senator concluded by warning that political violence could have grave consequences for the state, saying the responsibility for preventing bloodshed rested with political leaders, security agencies and all stakeholders.
“The world is watching. And history will remember who spilled human blood in the name of politics in Delta State,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the statement did not contain responses from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr. Emmanuel Erube, the Delta State Police Command or other persons mentioned in the allegations. Their responses would be necessary to establish their positions on the claims made by the NDC candidate.
