The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has honoured Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, with its prestigious Christian Icon Award in recognition of his commitment to public service, integrity, ethical leadership and Christian values.

The award was presented to the governor by CAN President, His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, during Association’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Saturday.

Presenting the award, Okoh said the honour was reserved for distinguished leaders who exemplified excellence, integrity, commitment to nation-building and the values of faith and service in their political engagements.

He said Oborevwori’s contributions to national development through public service, anchored on compassion, integrity and ethical leadership, continued to inspire generations across the country.

According to him, the award recognises the governor’s commitment to upholding Christian principles in governance and his significant contributions to the Christian community in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists after receiving the award, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God and described the recognition as a call to greater commitment to serving humanity.

The governor said the honour was particularly significant because it came from CAN, an organisation whose recognition, he noted, reflected not only public service but also integrity, character and the impact of a recipient’s contributions to society.

Oborevwori said; “my faith and commitment to serving the people and humanity remain strong. It is a great honour to be recognised, particularly by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“When an organisation such as CAN gives you an award, it means a lot because the recognition is based not merely on public service but also on integrity, character and the impact you have made”.

Oborevwori stressed the need for public office holders to distinguish between political responsibilities and their service to God, insisting that political engagements should not undermine their faith.

“We may be involved in politics, but we must be able to distinguish between serving God and playing politics. These are two different responsibilities, and we must never allow politics to undermine our commitment to God,” he said.

The governor disclosed that his commitment to ushering work began several years before he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, adding that he had continued despite advice at the time to discontinue the practice because of his political position.

He said his conviction that service to God and humanity was a responsibility that must be sustained had remained a guiding principle throughout his public life.

Oborevwori who spoke further, said; “I commend the efforts to bring the five blocs together. If they remain united and speak with one voice, I believe they can contribute significantly to the development of the country. Their unity will strengthen the Christian community and, in turn, contribute to a more united Nigeria”.

He added that service to God should not be pursued for personal pleasure or recognition but with sincerity, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

The governor expressed delight at the presence of political leaders and other distinguished personalities who joined him at the ceremony, noting that the recognition also underscored CAN’s role in promoting unity among Christians.

Those who accompanied him to the event were immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; members of the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo; and Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, among other government functionaries and political leaders.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has called on the newly elected executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, to prioritise peace, unity and professional responsibility while strengthening its working relationship with the state government.

Ahon made the call during a congratulatory meeting with the union’s newly elected executives, emphasising that internal cohesion was essential to effective union leadership, the protection of journalists’ interests and the council’s contribution to the development of the state.

He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori holds the NUJ and its members in high esteem, recognising the important role of journalism in promoting accountability, information dissemination and advancing democratic governance.

He called for closer synergy between the press and government, stressing the need for unity, love, respect amongst members and mutual cooperation in the collective interest of the State.

The Chief Press Secretary assured the NUJ of the Government’s continued partnership and support for its activities and welfare, urging the new leadership to sustain the cordial relationship with the government while upholding the ethics of the profession.

Ahon further urged the executive to resolve its disagreements if any through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, warning against avoidable crises that could undermine the unity and progress of the council.

The NUJ National Vice President, Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade John Angese, also urged the new leadership to embrace inclusive governance, strengthen internal communication and address differences promptly through constructive engagement.

They stressed that diversity of opinion should strengthen, rather than divide, the union, calling on the executive to promote teamwork, carry members along and place collective interests above personal differences.

Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke, appealed to members to close ranks and work together to strengthen the union, advance journalists’ welfare and enhance its capacity to represent the profession effectively.

In his response, the re-elected NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described his re-election as an act of divine providence and pledged to run an inclusive administration anchored on unity, collaboration and the welfare of members.

Oyowe promised to work closely with the executive and ensure that members were carried along in the affairs of the council.

He solicited their cooperation and support, noting that the success of his administration would depend on their collective commitment to peace, responsible leadership and the advancement of the journalism profession.

By Wilbet Ijeoma (NewsView)

The Delta State Hon. Commissioner For Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen with his D-CARES/FADAMA team today 16th October 2026 stormed Asaba communities, Oshimili South LGA in exercise of the continuous intervention and presentation of high breed agricultural inputs to beneficiaries in local communities.
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The event which took place at Asaba Girls Grammar School (AGGS) hall, Asaba,
brought together 70 beneficiaries – 30 poultry and 40 fish farmers – whom the Commissioner’ urged to propagate the kind gesture of the Governor and mobilize support for all APC candidates ahead of 2027 general elections..

The intervention, led by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State Steering Committee of D-CARES, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, has 17,450 beneficiaries  empowered by the state government under the programme. The oshimili event increases the number.

Ekedayen, who represented the Governor of Delta State Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, reiterated that D-CARES is a federal government, world bank and state government collaboration targeted at achieving food security, sustainable development, and committed to providing welfare and empowering Deltans to prosperity.

The Honourable Commissioner’ and Chairman of State Steering Committee of D-CARES stated that the government is consistent and deliberate in the programme to guarantee food security which is essentially one of the pillars of governance, adding that so far the people are organized, purposeful and law-abiding, the government would locate them.

Ekedayen harped on the Governor’s readiness for continuous intervention, citing the case of beneficiary fish farmers of Camp 74 Anwai who incurred loss last year on account of flood and would be receiving relief from the Governor today. “Today is another promise kept which is an indication that the government genuinely cares and works;” he added.

Ekedayen stated that the D-CARES programme is an intentional action of the Governor to help beneficiaries gravitate or move away from borderline poverty; out of the threshold of economic vulnerability. He added that the government wants to strengthen the economic base of the people and move them to the next level of prosperity.

Speaking to journalists, Ekedayen stated that D-CARES empowerment is a short cut or one of the surest ways out of poverty, as it would generate wealth for farmers within the shortest possible time. He harped on the continuity and extension of the programme, noting that 20 communities had been selected for this first tranche of the second phase of the programme, with the intervention done in two communities.

Dismissing the claims of politicization of the D-CARES programme raised by journalists, the Commissioner maintained that the programme is intentional and apolitical, fashioned out of genuine love of the Governor for Deltans. He therefore urged the beneficiaries and by extension the people of Oshimili South LGA to reciprocate this love and kind gesture of the Governor by voting for him and other candidates he ask to be voted for, from President to State House of Assembly candidate.

Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of D-CARES, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe commended the Delta State Governor for putting smiles on the face of Deltans by this intervention.

She noted that D-CARES is based on the principle of sustainable development, and literally to be lifted up above the step you’re met. “It leads to long term prosperity; you no longer depend on others to feed nor beg. In the end, it generates economic and sustainable development;” Ogbewe noted.

Speaking further, Dr Ogbewe confirmed that over 17,000 beneficiaries have been empowered with today’s 70 adding to the number. She identified financial insecurity as one of the challenges farmers face which the D-CARES intervention addresses. She also noted that climate change, disease and flood affect interventions, but however assured that FADAMA has a hand-holding disposition to assist it’s beneficiaries in times of challenges, citing the.case.of Camp 74 fish farmers affected by flood in the previous year which the present Intervention sought to address.

Responding to journalists, the State Coordinator mentioned that the primary goal of FADAMA is food security, to make food not only available but affordable. She admitted that the timing of the intervention was intentional and strategic, to flood the market with protein food especially in 3 months time during the yuletide season, and empower beneficiaries to produce and provide food for the society.

She also spoke on the goal of expanding the structure of the programme horizontally by getting more beneficiaries into the net and vertically by intensifying efforts put into the programme to ensure the programme achieves desired results.

Earlier in the opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator FADAMA/Technical Head D-CARES RA2, Therese Omame expressed delight over the smile on the faces and joy in the hearts of the beneficiaries which is government’s intendment for the programme. She however noted that earlier on, some persons were skeptical over the sincerity of the programme, which now stands justified by the successes recorded so far.

.The Project Coordinator noted that D-CARES started over three years ago and it has reached many communities in Oshimili South LGA including difficult riverine areas in the Oko axis, which indicates that the programme does not discriminate

She projected government’s expectation for the next three months to see the beneficiaries providing market supplies of poultry and fishes for Christmas.
“In the next three months we are going to have people that have more money in their pockets to do some of the things they were not able to do and people that will contribute to the macro-economy of this local government area”; Omame stated.

Omame while responding to journalists justified the choice of chicks and fingerlings as agricultural inputs for Oshimili South beneficiaries citing the peculiarity of the land terrain which makes it less feasible for cassava cultivation. She further rated the outreach performance of D-CARES programme at 80% having reached 253 communities including riverine communities in far Warri North LGA of Delta state plus 2 more communities reached recently. She added that communities are reached when there is expression of interest and that FADAMA interfaces with the traditional leadership of communities and generates its own database based on socioeconomic analysis and needs assessment which dismisses concerns of political interference raised by the public.

Ernest Okosi, Secretary of APC Ward 9 in Oshimili South LGA gave a goodwill message on behalf of the beneficiaries’ community. He testified he was one time beneficiary in 2024 and thanked the government for sustaining the programme, while asking for more beneficiaries to be added to the programme. He assured the Governor of 5/5 support from the people of Oshimili South LGA in the forthcoming elections.

Ekedayen concluded by charging the beneficiaries’ and members of the community to support the Governor and his bid for second tenure to consolidate on the present gains. He thanked the community for organizing themselves in groups and wished them fruitful use of the inputs.

The Commissioner led the presentation of the inputs to the beneficiaries, and charged them to put the seeds to.good use. Augustine Amechi of Harmony Fish, Dike Chizzy Favour of The Great Fishery and Endurance Idagwe of Camp 74 Precision Fish Farm were among the beneficiaries who in turn thanked the Governor for remembering and caring for them.

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 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, press interview and group photograph.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata; renowned journalist and media scholar, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD; and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Gladys Imegwu have been selected to lead a panel discussion at the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).

The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., will hold at David’s Event Centre, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Asaba, Delta State, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges, and Media Accountability.”

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the importance of discussions on democratic governance, public security, credible elections and media accountability.

The gathering is expected to bring together media practitioners, communication scholars, security professionals, public officials and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between electoral credibility, public safety, responsible journalism and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Professor Obukoadata, an accomplished communication scholar, strategic communication expert and academic administrator, currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Brand, Strategic and Metacommunication at Southern Delta University, Ozoro. He is also Dean of the Faculty of Communication Technology and previously pioneered the institution’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

With academic qualifications in Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, and the University of Uyo, Obukoadata has built an extensive career across several higher institutions, including the University of Calabar, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and the National Open University of Nigeria.
His research interests include strategic communication, brand management, crisis communication, media ecology, artificial intelligence, development communication and public relations. With more than 50 publications in journals, books and book chapters, his scholarship and professional engagements have established him as a contributor to discussions on media innovation, digital transformation and communication in governance.

His contribution to the panel is expected to provide an academic and strategic communication perspective on the role of the media in protecting electoral integrity, countering misinformation, promoting informed public discourse and holding institutions accountable in a democracy increasingly influenced by digital communication and emerging technologies.

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  Also bringing substantial professional experience to the discussion is Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, a distinguished journalist, communication scholar, writer and media administrator popularly known as the Wordsmith.
  A graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin, Chiazor also holds a degree in Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

His broadcasting career included service at the former Bendel Broadcasting Service, Benin City, and the Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, where he rose to become Deputy General Manager and Head of News and Current Affairs.

His professional experience also extends to freelance journalism with prominent local and international media organisations, including The Guardian, National Concord, South Africa’s Mail & Guardian, The Irish Times, The Sowetan and The International Herald Tribune.

Chiazor, publisher of The Nigerian Post, served as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, from 2011 to 2017. His tenure featured infrastructure development and professional capacity-building initiatives, including the advancement of the NUJ Press Centre project and the training of Delta journalists at the Reuters Journalism Institute in London.

He has also served as Executive Assistant on Media to former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and currently holds the same position under Governor Oborevwori.
His experience in journalism, newsroom leadership, media management and government communication is expected to enrich discussions on media independence, professional ethics, fact-based reporting and the responsibility of journalists and online publishers to provide accurate information, scrutinise public institutions and resist misinformation during electoral periods.

The third panellist, CSP Gladys Imegwu, is the Officer in Charge of Legal Matters at the Delta State Police Command. Her responsibilities place her at the intersection of law enforcement, criminal investigation, legal oversight and the administration of justice.

Imegwu has emphasised the importance of professional investigative procedures, respect for due process and the protection of suspects’ rights. She has also advocated improved security manpower and operational capacity, while underscoring the need for cooperation among security agencies and justice sector institutions to strengthen accountability and effective law enforcement.

Her participation is expected to bring a critical security and legal perspective to the conference theme, particularly regarding the responsibility of security agencies to protect lives and property, maintain peace, enforce the law impartially and safeguard citizens’ rights during elections.
Her experience will also be relevant to examining relations between the police and the media, including the need for responsible information sharing, accurate reporting of security incidents and mutual respect for professional responsibilities in the interest of public safety and democratic stability.

The selection of the three panellists, whose professional backgrounds span academia, journalism and policing, reflects the multidimensional approach required to address the pressures facing democratic governance.

Their contributions are expected to provide participants with complementary perspectives on electoral integrity, security preparedness, media responsibility and institutional accountability.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with questions of electoral credibility, public trust, security challenges and the influence of digital information, the DOPF conference will provide a platform for critical reflection on how the media, security agencies and other democratic institutions can strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

The theme also underscores the importance of balancing media freedom with professional accountability, ensuring that electoral information is accurate and verifiable, and promoting constructive engagement between journalists and public institutions without compromising the media’s watchdog responsibility.
The 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series forms part of DOPF’s continuing engagement with issues central to journalism, public communication, democracy and responsible media practice.

With Governor Oborevwori expected as Special Guest of Honour and the participation of distinguished professionals from academia, journalism and law enforcement, the Forum is positioning the conference as a platform for informed dialogue on the responsibilities of key institutions in protecting electoral integrity, addressing security challenges and strengthening democratic accountability.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Comrade Churchill Oyowe on his re-election as Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Oyowe secured 235 votes to defeat his sole challenger, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, who polled 218 votes in the keenly contested election.

Oborevwori in a statement issued on Friday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the election as free, fair and credible, noting that the close margin between the candidates reflected the competitive nature of the contest.

The Governor congratulated Oyowe on his victory and expressed confidence in his capacity to continue to provide purposeful leadership for the union and promote professionalism in journalism.

Others who also won are; Comrade Patrick Ochei Vice Chairman after polling 241 votes to defeat Comrade Monday Osayande, who secured 173 votes, Comrade Felix Ekwu emerged State Secretary with 273 votes, defeating Comrade Pere Botu, who polled 202 votes and Comrade Josephine Omodior was elected Assistant State Secretary after scoring 264 votes to defeat Comrade Andy Emephia, who secured 188 votes.

Those returned unopposed are; Caroline Ubini – Treasurer, Comrade Toju Oteri – Financial Secretary and Comrade Michael Ilaya – Auditor.

Oborevwori said; “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate the Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and all members of the newly re-elected State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.

“Your re-election is a clear vote of confidence by your colleagues. It shows they trust your leadership, your integrity and your capacity to continue to lead.

“Lead everybody, not just those who voted for you. The election is over. Now is time for unity. Bring everybody together. I urge you to extend a hand of fellowship to your opponent. Delta NUJ must remain united under your leadership”.

Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, Chief Strategist to the Delta State Government, has accepted an invitation to chair the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State.

The conference, beginning at 11:00 a.m., will focus on the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria,” bringing together media professionals, political leaders, government officials, academics and other stakeholders to discuss challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic development.

In his letter of invitation, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, mnipr, and the Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said Okubor’s wealth of experience in politics, public administration, public policy and governance informed the invitation.

The Forum has also requested him to deliver the opening address and provide perspectives on electoral integrity, security challenges and media accountability, particularly the responsibilities of political institutions, the media and other stakeholders in strengthening democratic values and public confidence in governance.

Okubor’s public service career includes serving as Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council, Owa-Oyibu, in 2002; the first State Director of Protocol at Delta State Government House in 2003; Commissioner for Special Duties; Commissioner for Information; and Commissioner for Health. He later served as Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, and Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.

He has also served as Chief Strategist to successive Delta State administrations, including the present administration of Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, bringing decades of experience in political strategy, executive coordination, public policy and governance to his current responsibilities.

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is expected to attend the conference as the Special Guest of Honour.

Other invited participants include government officials, political leaders, security chiefs, media executives, leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as students of Political Science, Mass Communication and related disciplines.

The DOPF Annual Conference and Lecture Series provides a platform for critical engagement on democracy, governance and media responsibility.

This year’s gathering is expected to examine the role of credible journalism, electoral accountability and institutional responsibility in addressing the pressures confronting Nigeria’s democratic process.

 Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged judges in the state to dispense justice without fear or favour, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, improved welfare and efficient justice delivery.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday when he received judges of the state judiciary, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, at Government House, Asaba, as part of activities marking the 2026/2027 legal year.

He urged the judges to remain impartial, stressing that; “nobody is above the law, and we will not allow anybody to take the law into his or her hands. I encourage you to do your work without fear or favour. Do the right thing; it is not about the government or any individual,” he said.

The governor urged the judges to handle cases involving kidnapping, armed robbery and murder with the seriousness they deserved, noting that effective justice delivery was critical to sustaining peace and security in the state.

On judicial welfare, Oborevwori said his administration was constructing five judges’ quarters in Warri and another five in Asaba, assuring that the projects would be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

He also pledged continued support for the training of judges and the provision of modern court equipment, including stenographic machines for the verbatim recording of court proceedings.

The governor further approved requests for improved security and additional solar power installations in courts across the state to protect judicial facilities and ensure the effective operation of digital court equipment.

Earlier, Justice Diai commended the governor for improvements in judicial training, information and communications technology, and court infrastructure, including the renovation of High Courts, magistrate courts and customary courts.

She disclosed that 20 judges had been sponsored for overseas training, while equipment for electronic filing and virtual hearings had been deployed to the High Courts.

However, the Chief Judge appealed for adequate security at court facilities and additional solar power installations in judicial divisions where existing units were insufficient.

Justice Diai expressed appreciation for the administration’s support and called for sustained collaboration to strengthen the judiciary and improve justice delivery in Delta State.

One of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma, has called on Deltans across party lines to rally behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his re-election in 2027, saying the Governor has delivered beyond expectations and deserves continuity.

Olorogun Oguma who made the call on Sunday while chatting with newsmen, said Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda has transformed Delta State from Asaba to the creeks.

While saying that no fair-minded Deltan can deny the visible progress in the last three years plus, Oguma said; “Oborevwori is a man of his word. He promised MORE and he is giving us MORE. From Warri to Asaba, Ughelli to Agbor, you can see work going on. This is a Governor that understands the pains of the people.

Citing some of the Governor’s achievements, Olorogun Oguma said: “For the first time, Delta now has MRI machines in three senatorial districts — Asaba, Warri and Oghara.

“We have CT scans, radiology labs and dialysis machines. Over 150 Primary Health Centres have been renovated. We recently got $400,000 grant from Gates Foundation, and we over three million Deltans now under health insurance, the highest in Nigeria.

On Infrastructure, he said: “The near completed the flyovers in Effurun and Warri, the near completed Orere bridge, completed Ughelli-Asaba dualization, and other massive completed and ongoing road projects in all 25 local government areas. Warri is now wearing a new look.

Olorogun Oguma noted that Oborevwori is a pan-Delta Governor who does not discriminate, describing him as humble, accessible and God-fearing.

He said: “In 2027, we will not experiment. We will not go backward. We need continuity. We need Sheriff Oborevwori to finish what he started. I am calling on all Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, Isokos and Aniomas to support him 100%”.

He urged the people to get their PVCs ready and mobilize from unit to unit to ensure a landslide victory for the Governor in 2027.

“Delta is working, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working. Let us work for him,” Oguma added.

By Wilbet Ijeoma (NewsView)

The Delta State Hon. Commissioner For Economic Planning, Mr. Sony Ekedayen has charged the people of Otor-Owhe community, especially the 70 beneficiaries of agricultural inputs to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor by supporting his mandate and the MORE Agenda of his administration.

He gave this charge on the 12th October 2026 during the flag off of Delta-Cares Result Area 2 (D-Cares RA2) programme (second phase) and the disbursement of agricultural inputs to the 70 beneficiaries at Otor-Owhe Hall in Isoko North Local Government Area.

Ekedayen, who represented the Governor of Delta State Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, conveyed the assurances of the Governor in full commitment to the welfare, empowerment and prosperity of every Deltan. He explained that the D-Cares programme is about the people – restoring livelihood, building resilience and creating lasting economic opportunities.

Recounting the successes recorded in the first phase of the programme, Ekedayen noted that 17,380 farmers have benefited across 253 communities in Delta State, with 70 beneficiaries – 20 fish farmers, 20 cassava farmers and 30 poultry farmers – in line to add to the number.

The Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of State Steering Committee of D-Cares programme noted that D-cares empowerment programme is a testament of the Renewed Hope for MORE agenda of Oborevwori’s government, adding that the government is interested in empowering farmers especially where and when they are organized.

He commended the people of Otor -Owhe for utilizing the first opportunity which gave rise to this second one.
“The Governor is teaching the people how to fish, instead of giving them fish”; Ekedayen remarked, while listing the agricultural inputs in the pack which includes day old chicks, fingerlings and cassava stems which are improved high breed varieties. “The Governor is giving the people seed to nurture, develop and live a sustainable development.” he said.

Informing the people about the Governor’s intentions, Ekedayen assured that D-Cares is intended to meet the needs of Deltans, and would be implemented to the letter.
“The gesture of the Governor is to help the beneficiaries and their respective families improve their livelihood”; he noted, and urged them and in general the people of Otor-Owhe to reciprocate this gesture by supporting the Governor and his APC mandate from President to House of Assembly.

Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of D-Cares, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe commended the laudable initiative of the Governor to care for Deltans and see them expand their means of livelihood. She harped on effective utilization of the agricultural inputs which is where the result of the programme lies.

On sustainable development of the programme, the State Coordinator confirmed that over 17,000 beneficiary farmers have been empowered so far in the D-Cares programme and still counting with the present 70 beneficiaries adding to the record,.and more to come.

The implementation of the programme was not one without challenges, as Ogbewe noted issues of monetization and feminization as some of the challenges “Some farmers want to farm but no money to purchase inputs. Moreover women mostly dominated list of beneficiaries of the programme”; she noted,, but however expressed satisfaction that men were well represented in the present empowerment.

Earlier in the opening remarks,  the State Project Coordinator FADAMA/Technical Head DCARES RA 2, Therese Omame expressed delight over the happy deposition of the 70 beneficiaries and admitted that the Governor is indeed putting smiles on the face of Deltans. She expressed optimism that the lives of the beneficiaries are going to be transformed because there is an Intervention from the Governor who promised to do more.

She stated that last year , over 1,000 beneficiaries in all  communities were empowered, 70 for Otor-Owhe and their progress was remarkable which she likened to the Parable of the Talents in the Bible, and this informed the basis for the second phase of employment.

Amb. Israel Omanudhowho who represented the President-General of the community, Engr Nilfred Atunu, conveyed the deepest appreciation of the community leadership for the kind gesture of the Governor.

Responding to journalists on the scope of D-Cares programme, the Commissioner confirmed that D-Cares is an ongoing programme, as communities would definitely take their turn to benefit. He further allayed concerns over the modalities of selection, noting that selection was based on needs assessment by government officials in the local communities which generated a social register devoid of political interference. He confirmed that names of beneficiaries for D-Cares empowerment programme were mined from the social register of the government and. not by any political recommendation.

Ekedayen concluded by praising the even selection of beneficiaries across all groups – female, male and even people living with disabilities, adding that the even selection indicates the fairness of the programme.
He commended the people of Otor-Owhe for being orderly, organized and productive which earned them the second phase and pray that the muster seeds given to them yield the expected result.

The Commissioner led the presentation of the packs to the beneficiaries, and charged them to put the seeds to.good use. Isaac Abigboghene, Ajawo Felix, Omorovie Edith and Mr Abraham were among the beneficiaries who in turn thanked the Governor for remembering and caring for them.

Highpoints of the event were opening remarks, Commissioner’s address, cultural dance, presentation of inputs, press interview and group photographs.