By Dr Festus Goziem Okubor

There comes a time in the political history of a state when one man ceases to be merely a candidate and becomes the political currency by which other candidates are valued. When his name becomes an endorsement, his presence an advantage, and his absence a frightening political liability.
That moment has arrived in Delta State. And that man is Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State!
Let us shock a few sensibilities with a proposition that may offend political egos but deserves serious consideration: In Delta 2027, Governor Oborevwori may not merely be campaigning for re-election. He may become the principal political electricity powering virtually every other electoral contest in the state!
From the presidential campaign to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections, the Governor’s political influence promises to be the lightning rod that attracts attention, mobilises support and ignites electoral possibilities.
And here is the uncomfortable truth: The political torch he lights may glow towards victory, while the one he declines to light may struggle desperately against electoral darkness!
This is no ordinary political compliment. It is an emerging reality that ambitious politicians would be unwise to dismiss.
For nearly three and a half years, Oborevwori has pursued governance with a combination of political humility, administrative steadiness and visible infrastructural ambition. From the ambitious flyover projects in Warri and Effurun to road construction, urban renewal and interventions across the state, his administration has provided tangible projects around which a formidable political narrative can be constructed.
While some politicians manufacture popularity through billboards, others acquire it through performance. One rents applause; the other earns recognition.
Oborevwori’s greatest political asset may therefore be neither his office nor his party machinery, but the growing perception that his government has delivered results.
And performance, when sufficiently visible, becomes a powerful electoral argument.
Consider the implications.
A senatorial candidate standing beside a popular Governor does not merely receive an endorsement; he potentially inherits a reservoir of goodwill. A House of Representatives candidate campaigning on the Governor’s achievements acquires a ready-made conversation with the electorate. A House of Assembly hopeful identified with a successful administration enjoys an advantage that political posters and expensive jingles cannot automatically purchase.
Even the presidential campaign in Delta State may discover that the Governor’s local credibility offers a more persuasive bridge to voters than distant national political rhetoric.
In other words, Oborevwori may become the candidate whose political capital other candidates must borrow to improve their electoral fortunes!
Of course, elections are not coronations. The people retain their sovereign right to choose, and no Governor possesses the magical power to manufacture victory for an undeserving candidate. But political influence is real, incumbency matters, organisational strength counts, and demonstrated performance can substantially alter electoral calculations.
That is precisely why the emerging Oborevwori factor deserves attention.
The political equation of 2027 may no longer be simply about which party presents the most attractive candidate. It may increasingly become a question of who can credibly connect with the Governor’s achievements, political network and reservoir of public goodwill.
Some political aspirants may find this proposition offensive. They will insist that they possess independent popularity, formidable structures and personal electoral value.
Excellent!
But there is a difference between owning a lantern and having electricity to power an entire city!
The Governor need not personally determine every political outcome for his influence to become decisive in many of them. Indeed, his greatest strength may lie in the capacity to make an already credible candidate considerably more electable.
The ultimate irony of Delta 2027 may be that politicians seeking different offices will discover that they are all, in varying degrees, campaigning on the performance of one Governor!
That is how political leadership evolves into electoral influence. That is how governance becomes political capital. And that is how one man’s record can reshape the fortunes of an entire political generation.
So, let the aspirants assemble. Let the campaign offices open. Let the billboards rise and the slogans multiply.
But let nobody mistake the political weather.
Sheriff Oborevwori may be contesting only one office in 2027, but his performance could become the most consequential issue in nearly every electoral contest across Delta State.
He is not the owner of the people’s votes. Nobody is.
But he may well become the most influential custodian of the political goodwill that helps determine where those votes go.
And when the electoral lights come on in 2027, many candidates may discover that the most important question was never how brightly their own bulbs could shine, but whether they had connected themselves to the Oborevwori political grid!
The political electricity is gathering.
The lightning rod is standing.
DELTA 2027: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to take the party’s message to the grassroots and mobilise voters across units, and wards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council, where he unveiled “MORE Plus” as the theme of his re-election campaign.

He described membership of the council as a call to service, urging members to work with unity, discipline and dedication to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu, himself and other APC candidates.

The governor said the party must go beyond rallies and political meetings to engage ordinary citizens, including market women, youths, workers, farmers and traders, through door-to-door campaigns and direct interaction with voters.

He urged campaign coordinators at the local government and ward levels to strengthen their structures, work with support groups and ensure that the party’s message reached every polling unit.

Oborevwori said the APC should campaign on its record in government, pointing to the Federal Government’s policies and his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and security.

“Our achievements must speak for us, but we must also be prepared to explain them convincingly,” he said, urging party members to communicate the impact of government policies to the electorate.

He assured Deltans that political activities would not distract his administration from delivering on its promises, adding that ongoing projects and development programmes would continue during the campaign period.

The governor also appealed to politicians and their supporters to preserve peace, avoid hate speech and ensure that political differences did not divide the state.

Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, in his remarks, commended Oborevwori for aligning Delta State with the Federal Government, urging APC members to consolidate the gains by working towards victory in 2027.

Onyeme called on party faithful to publicise Tinubu’s achievements in areas such as local government autonomy, education funding, grassroots development, security, electricity and road infrastructure.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to address the country’s economic challenges.

Keyamo said the reforms had caused temporary hardship but maintained that they were intended to address underlying problems, including the unsustainable cost of fuel subsidies.

In his welcome address, Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s readiness to contest and win elections at all levels in 2027.

Arenyeka urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters peacefully and translate the achievements of the APC-led governments into electoral support.

Former Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke on behalf of Delta North Senatorial District, said expectations were high following their state’s mass defection from PDP to the APC in April 2025.

Okowa urged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through an impressive electoral performance, stressing the need to reach voters directly rather than rely solely on rallies.

Speaking for Delta Central Senatorial District, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor expressed delight that the APC was now the ruling party in Delta State, pledging support for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Former Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, who spoke for Delta South Senatorial District, said the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would help the party’s campaign, assuring that the district would work towards delivering substantial votes for the APC.

Former APC National Woman Leader and Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Stella Okotete, urged women to intensify mobilisation, setting a target of at least 75 per cent of the votes for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Responding, Director-General of the campaign council, Senator James Manager, pledged to work with party leaders and members to secure victory for the APC, describing the assignment as an onerous task requiring collective effort and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

The campaign council is made up of Governor Oborevwori as chairman, Senator Manager as Director-General, Mr Chiedu Ebie, as Deputy Director-General and a host of others.

Barth Ozah

The G100 Coalition has disclosed that opposition political parties are making significant progress towards selecting a consensus presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

The coalition, which brings together stakeholders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other parties, expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations would produce a united opposition candidate.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of the coalition’s legal and media committees, its chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said discussions involving major opposition figures had reached an advanced stage.

Among those involved in the consultations are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and SDP presidential candidate Adewale Adebayo.

Gombe said the coalition was determined to present a formidable candidate capable of defeating the ruling APC in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

“Our ambition is to present a candidate that can defeat APC and form the next government, and we’re making very good progress,” he stated.

He explained that the newly inaugurated committees would strengthen negotiations, address legal concerns and coordinate communication among participating political parties.

According to him, the legal committee will examine constitutional issues, outstanding legal disputes, relevant Supreme Court judgments and the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The media and publicity committee will coordinate public communication, joint statements and media engagements to promote unity among coalition members.

Gombe warned that unresolved legal issues could undermine the alliance, stressing the need for careful negotiations and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peter Agada, has expressed willingness to collaborate with Atiku and Obi ahead of the election.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Agada said he was awaiting engagement with the two opposition leaders, provided they shared his vision for Nigeria.

He disclosed that his campaign was targeting between two million and 10 million votes, claiming that his support base was expanding through consultations and grassroots mobilisation.

Agada, who said he was previously associated with the Obidient Movement, maintained that his political ambition was focused on building a broad national coalition beyond party affiliations.

The G100 Coalition expressed confidence that continued dialogue and cooperation among opposition parties would pave the way for a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has called for credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutional accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series, held on Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In his message Governor Oborevwori, represented by Dr. ifeanyi Osuoza, Hon Commissioner for Special Duties (Govt House) urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and professional integrity, warning that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability. He emphasised the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, followed with an address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!”
Okubor argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not, on their own, guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

The former Delta State Commissioner for Health and Information warned against hasty publication as a means of news breaking and alarm manufacturing, urging publishers to purse, verify before forwarding.

He identified insecurity and its impact on voter participation as major concerns, while warning about the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives. He called for rigorous verification, responsible digital communication and professional media standards, alongside greater commitment by political actors to democratic principles.

Guest lecturer, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro, Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the relationship between electoral integrity, security and media accountability.
He emphasised the need for independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding public officials accountable. He also underscored the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.

Earlier in the event, the DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, set the stage rolling by welcoming all participants to another yet promising annual lecture series. He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.

He stressed that the credibility of online media depended on accuracy, fairness and public trust, particularly during politically sensitive periods when unverified reports could inflame tensions and misleadà I’ll citizens.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, reinforced the need for peaceful elections, institutional cooperation and responsible communication.
Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and urged journalists to promote accountability, counter misinformation and uphold truth and fairness. He commended DOPF for providing a platform for discussions on governance and democratic development.

The Commissioner of Police, represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting voters and securing elections. He said the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.
He called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, while urging political stakeholders to avoid violence and online publishers to verify information and shun sensational reporting capable of breaching public peace.

Umoren, represented by INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State, Mr Davis Eldred, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act. He described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence.

Ifeajika urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability. He also challenged journalists to deepen their knowledge of the Constitution and Electoral Act to improve public understanding of electoral processes and citizens’ rights.

The panel session moderated by Prof Kemi Emina featured Dr Patrick Edema, who examined media accountability; Dr Norbert Chiazor, who addressed credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the media’s responsibilities; CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu, who highlighted police professionalism and stakeholder cooperation; and legal practitioner Godswill Umahi Esq, advocated electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, campaign-finance regulation and digital literacy.
The conference brought together stakeholders from the political, security, media and public sectors, including representatives of the Delta State Police Command, INEC and the Delta State Government.

The speakers and discussants agreed that credible elections could not be secured by technology or security agencies alone. They called for collective commitment by political parties, candidates, public institutions, journalists and citizens to uphold the law, reject violence, counter misinformation and protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited the family of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON to offer his condolences, following the death of the former governor on Monday at the age of 71.

Oborevwori, who was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and top government functionaries, described the late Uduaghan as a great leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain indelible.

The governor had earlier joined family members and other dignitaries, including Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode, and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to receive the former governor’s remains at Osubi Airport.

Speaking during the condolence visit to Uduaghan’s widow, Mrs Roli Uduaghan and family members, Oborevwori said the outpouring of grief and the large number of people who gathered to mourn the former governor reflected the impact he had made on many lives.

He recalled his relationship with the deceased, describing him as his former boss and a man who played a significant role in his political journey.

“He was my boss. He gave me the highest political appointment, Special Adviser, in 2007. That is something that really touches my heart. You are all aware that he supported me throughout this journey,” the governor said.

Oborevwori described Uduaghan as a calm, articulate and thoughtful leader who made significant contributions to the development of the state.

According to him, the number of people who turned out to receive the late governor’s remains and those who visited his family was evidence of the lives he had touched through public service and political appointments.

The governor particularly commended Uduaghan for building the Asaba International Airport, noting that the Airport has become one of the deceased former Governor’s legacies and an enduring asset to the state.

He said Uduaghan’s decision to build development projects beyond narrow ethnic considerations demonstrated his commitment to the overall progress of Delta State.

Oborevwori said his administration would continue to recognise and preserve worthy projects inherited from previous administrations.

He cited the ongoing modification of the Effurun Roundabout Flyover as examples of the need to sustain existing infrastructure while making improvements where necessary.

“He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, the governor had signed the condolence register, expressing sadness over former Governor Uduaghan’s death and commiserated with the bereaved family and people of Delta State.

In his tribute, Oborevwori wrote: “I am saddened by the demise of the former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. He was a great boss. I commiserate with his beloved wife, children, family members and Deltans over this great loss.

“May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Your impact in Delta can never be forgotten. Asamaigor, RIP.”

The governor’s visit came amidst widespread expressions of grief over the death of Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has called on online publishers to move beyond traffic generation and adopt innovative business strategies that strengthen the financial sustainability, credibility and professional standards of digital media organisations.

The call was made by  the Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs Stella Marculay at DOPF’s 2026 Annual Conference Business Training Workshop and 6th Annual Lecture Series, held in Asaba on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, under the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses.”

Aniagwu commended DOPF for promoting professional journalism, responsible digital publishing, public accountability and constructive engagement on issues affecting society. He described the conference theme as timely, noting that the evolving digital media landscape requires publishers to move beyond page views and audience numbers towards building credible and financially viable organisations. He emphasised that media success should also be measured by the quality of journalism, public trust, adherence to ethical standards and the ability to create sustainable economic value.

The commissioner further highlighted the media’s role in strengthening democratic governance, transparency and public participation, noting that accurate reporting and objective analysis help citizens understand government policies and make informed decisions. He reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s recognition of the media as a vital partner in communicating policies and development initiatives under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.

He also urged online publishers to combat misinformation, disinformation and sensationalism by prioritising accuracy, fairness, accountability and editorial independence. To strengthen financial resilience, he encouraged publishers to explore strategic partnerships, digital subscriptions, responsible advertising, multimedia storytelling and audience development.

Aniagwu expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations to improve online publishing, strengthen professional standards and promote a healthier information environment.

Earlier in the event, DOPF Chairman Mr Emmanuel Enebeli said online publishers must build digital media businesses that are not only influential but also financially sustainable and profitable. He noted that while traffic generation is important, it is insufficient to guarantee survival, urging publishers to explore new revenue opportunities, embrace innovation, strengthen their brands and develop professional skills without compromising journalistic ethics and integrity.

Enebeli encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and learn from facilitators Professor Presley Obukoadata and Major Oji, expressing optimism that the training would contribute to the growth of digital media and professional journalism in Delta State.

In his vote of thanks, DOPF Secretary Mr Shedrack Ogaga Onitsha appreciated the special guest of honour, facilitators, invited guests and participants for their support and attendance. He also acknowledged the state’s period of mourning following the death of former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing the late leader as a figure whose contributions to the state would be remembered. He thanked everyone who attended the training despite the circumstances.

The workshop underscored the need for digital publishers to balance audience growth with credible journalism, innovative revenue generation and sustainable business practices.

…Selection done objectively and professionally in line with the MORE Agenda; Says Commissioner

….Calls for massive support of the Governor and other APC Candidates

By Wilbet Ijeoma (NewsView)

The people of Obionyeonicha in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State today 19th October 2026 received with great excitement the Delta-CARES/FADAMA empowerment team of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner For Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen.

The event which took place in Obionyeonicha community brought together 30 cassava and 40 poultry farmers in continuation of the D-CARES agricultural empowerment given to beneficiaries as grants to improve their means of livelihood.

The Commissioner took a sweep on criticism over the mode of selection, noting that selection was done objectively and professionally. According to him, the government has shown genuine interest in empowering the people as every Deltan has opportunity in line with the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori-led administration.

Ekedayen, who doubles as the Chairman of D-CARES State Steering Committee, noted that the major target of the intervention is food security; to produce and supply more food to the market at lower costs and generate more money in the beneficiaries’ pockets.

According to him, 50 birds for each beneficiary is no mean deal as, if properly utilized and managed, would generate at least 1million naira on maturity, which could be ploughed into other lucrative businesses thereby expanding livelihood support.

On the prospect of the beneficiary cassava farmers, Ekedayen assured them that the cassava stems are the best breed, an improved variety which guarantees maximum yield. He advised that these high breed inputs can multiply and be shared in the community to improve crop production, and make the people more financially independent.

“17,520 beneficiaries’ have been empowered so far in this programme with 17 communities to go in the present run”; Ekedayen noted, adding that the present 70 beneficiaries adds to the number.

Ekedayen also addressed ancillary concerns bordering on electricity raised by one of the community leaders. He advised the steps to take so as to get the government’s attention, and assured that the government is committed to addressing challenges affecting communities.

He congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the State Governor and prayed that thousand-naires and even millionaires would be made out of this intervention.

The State Coordinator of D-CARES, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, speaking during the event, noted that D-CARES primary interest is to deliver to the people what the government has provided and ensure they are utilized to make life better for the people.

According to her, D-CARES is a subset of NG-CARES; an acronym which stands for Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus. She noted that D-CARES is a World Bank assisted programme, and an intentional action of the government to empower people who cannot afford to help themselves, and build resilience in beneficiaries’ and foster economic sustainability.

Speaking further, Ogbewe stated that the programme is adjudged to be successful having empowered over 17,000 beneficiary farmers across communities in Delta State and still counting. “FADAMA carries out the food security aspect of the programme by empowering people to produce and provide food through farming, while there is also cash transfer for vulnerable persons who cannot farm and for artisans like hairdressers” Ogbewe noted.

The State Coordinator stated that the D-CARES programme is holistic, and pegged the total number of beneficiaries empowered so far in Delta State at about 247,000 with that of FADAMA inclusive. According to her, about 247,000 persons who are basically parents comprise the direct beneficiaries while their children or dependents are the indirect beneficiaries extrapolated at 1.2 million persons.

Ogbewe noted that this massive and extensive programme is worthy of commendation to the Governor of Delta State and his Honourable Commissioner’ for Economic Planning, and therefore appealed to the beneficiaries to put to good use the agricultural inputs given to them as that is the yardstick to measure the impact of the intervention.

Earlier in the opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator FADAMA/Technical Head D-CARES RA2, Therese Omame thanked the 70 beneficiaries of Obionyeonicha for availing themselves of the one-in-a-time opportunity to benefit from the government. She noted that the long wait is over as D-CARES/FADAMA team is here and the same hope beacons on other neighbouring communities like Obi-Ogene that is expecting their turn.

She acknowledged that the D-CARES empowerment team in the time past had been to Owah-Abbi, Umukwata, Ezhionum and other neighbouring communities, and now Obionyeonicha which is the third community in the present run.
She congratulated the 30 cassava and 40 poultry farmers and noted that they were selected not because they were special above all but because they were lucky to be among the chosen ones, and urged them to use the seeds for their own good, that of their families and their community.

In a goodwill message, one of the community leaders High Chief Igba Utagba, on behalf of the people of Obionyeonicha, thanked the Commissioner and his team for the empowerment, while assuring his people’s support for government policies and programmes. He however requested that more empowerment opportunities be extended to the community so that more people can benefit.

“One good turn deserves another”; the Commissioner’ concluded, as he urged the beneficiaries’ and in general the good people of Obionyeonicha to be responsible enough and reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor by voting for him, Mr President and all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Responding to journalists, some of the beneficiaries were full of praises for the empowerment and thanked the Governor of Delta State for his kind gesture. Simon Uti, one of the beneficiary poultry farmers, expressed great delight over the empowerment, noting that although some persons were skeptical about the programme, today’s empowerment has proven that the government is both responsible and responsive. According to him, the selection process was fair as adequate publicity was made for people to be enlisted.

To conclude the business of the day, the Commissioner led the presentation of the inputs to the beneficiaries, and charged them to put the seeds to.good use. Mr Chika Appeal representing Ngozi Cassava Farmers, Mrs Henrietta Ekeruche representing Godstime Poultry Farmers, New Onicha Poultry Farmers and Bridget Ugbe representing Otu Ofu Obi Cassava Farmers took turns to receive their respective inputs while assuring the judicious use of the inputs to uplift themselves and their families.
Beneficiaries further extolled the Governor for his care and assured their full support for his reelection bid.

Also present in the event were Head of Operations D-CARES Coordinating Unit Mr. Christopher Oyenike, PRO of the  Ministry of Economic Planning Mrs Ese Obote, the HOD of Agriculture, Ukwuani Local Government Council, Chief Roland Eke, representing the Council Chairman, Barr Possible Ajede Ph, community leadership represented by High Chiefs Isaac Odika and Igba Utagba as well as staff of the D-CARES office.

Highpoints of the event were opening remarks, State Coordinator’s and Commissioner’s addresses, presentation of inputs vouchers and the agric inputs to beneficiaries, presentation of kolanuts from the community, press interview and group photograph.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) will on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, begin its two-day 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Annual Lecture Series with its annual business workshop, designed to strengthen members’ capacity to build sustainable and profitable digital media enterprises.

The workshop, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall, Professor Chike Edozie State Secretariat Complex, Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, will focus on the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses.”

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour and declare the workshop open.

The business workshop is a regular feature of DOPF’s annual conference programme, providing members with an opportunity to examine the commercial realities of digital publishing, exchange professional experiences and explore strategies for strengthening their media businesses.

This year’s session will feature Professor Presley Obukoadata as Chief Trainer and Professor Majority Oji as Guest Trainer. The two communication scholars are expected to address the challenges and opportunities facing online publishers in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven media environment.

Professor Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, specialises in brand management, strategic communication and metacommunication. His research interests include artificial intelligence, media ecology, public relations and digital transformation.

His session is expected to examine how publishers can build stronger media brands, harness emerging technologies, improve audience engagement and develop reliable revenue streams beyond dependence on web traffic.

Professor Majority Oji, a professor in the Department of Mass Communication/Film and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, will bring his experience in journalism, development communication, public opinion, propaganda and disinformation to the workshop.

A former Vice President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Oji is expected to discuss the importance of credible content, professional standards and responsible digital publishing in an environment where misinformation can undermine public trust.

The organisers said the workshop would help members consider how to balance editorial integrity with the need to generate revenue, manage operational costs and sustain their publications over the long term.

In a statement, the Chairman of the DOPF Annual Conference and 6th Annual Lecture Series Planning Committee, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and the committee’s Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, encouraged members to participate actively and apply the knowledge gained to improve their editorial and business operations.

The workshop will constitute the opening day of the two-day conference, while the 6th Annual Lecture is scheduled for the second day, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as part of the Forum’s broader engagement on issues affecting the media, governance and society.

Members have been advised to arrive early and be seated by 10:30 a.m. ahead of the workshop’s scheduled commencement at 11:00 a.m.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has  mourned the late former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s, recalling his contribution to its Annual Lecture Series and highlighting his participation in a 2021 forum that examined pathways to economic transformation in the Niger Delta.

In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, DOPF expressed sympathy with the Uduaghan family and described the former governor’s death as a loss to Delta State and the wider region.

The Forum identified Uduaghan’s appearance at its annual lecture in October 2021 as a notable moment in its institutional history. He delivered the third lecture in the series under the theme, “Niger Delta Economy: Building a New Face for the Region.”

The lecture focused on the need to diversify the Niger Delta economy and strengthen the foundations for sustainable development beyond dependence on crude oil. In his address at the time, Uduaghan advocated greater investment in industrialisation, infrastructure and human capital, alongside efforts to create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors.

DOPF said his participation reflected the value of bringing experienced public officeholders and other stakeholders into discussions about the region’s economic challenges and development prospects.

The Forum noted that such conversations remain important to the Niger Delta, where questions of economic diversification, employment, infrastructure and the effective use of natural resources continue to shape public debate.

Beyond its tribute to the former governor, DOPF reaffirmed the role of professional journalism in encouraging informed discussion, holding institutions accountable and giving public-interest issues sustained attention.

Uduaghan served Delta State as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 and governor from 2007 to 2015. He died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, according to an announcement by his family

The Forum extended condolences to his wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the wider Uduaghan family, political associates and the people of Delta State, particularly the Itsekiri Nation.

It prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and grant the late former governor eternal rest.

DOPF said it would continue to promote responsible journalism and constructive public engagement on governance, accountability and sustainable development across Delta State and the Niger Delta.