Three years. That is 1,095 days in the Senate. 1,095 days to champion the Urhobo cause. 1,095 days to transform the anguished cries for Ethiope State from quiet lamentations in our homes and palaces into a living, breathing bill on the floor of the Nigerian Senate. And what does Delta Central have to show for it from Senator Ede Dafinone? Silence. Invisibility. A deepening, justified sense of betrayal.
2. Now, with elections gathering on the horizon, he has suddenly found his voice — not in the Senate chamber where laws are crafted and the destinies of peoples are shaped, but in a newspaper column. Let us be honest about what that article truly is. It is not a plan. It is not leadership. It is not even a serious contribution to the Ethiope State conversation. It is 1,095 days of inaction dressed in the borrowed clothes of strategy — the work of a man who had every instrument of legislative power at his disposal, chose consistently to watch from the sidelines, and now asks us to applaud him for describing the game he refused to play.
3. Before we go further, justice demands that we acknowledge two men who refused to wait. While Senator Dafinone cultivated his silence in Abuja, Chief Christopher Ominimini and Dr. Wilson Omene — private citizens with no Senate seats, no legislative budgets, and no government machinery — picked up the burden of Ethiope State with their own hands. They travelled, organised, submitted petitions, and appeared before committees. Armed with nothing but conviction and love for their people, they kept this flame burning when it could so easily have died. Whatever the limitations of their documentation or stakeholder reach, the record is clear: they acted when the man who was paid and elected to act did not. It is one of the great ironies of our political moment — and a source of deep national embarrassment — that two private citizens did more to advance the Ethiope State cause than the senator whose entire mandate was built upon it. The Urhobo Nation owes them a lasting debt of gratitude, and history will not forget their names.
4. State creation is not an academic seminar. It is not a think-piece. It is a battle — raw, sustained, and unrelenting — waged through legislative courage and political will. It demands a senator who can draft a bill, assemble a caucus, negotiate directly with the Presidency, and hold his ground on the Senate floor until the people’s demand becomes law. Senator Dafinone has done none of these things. Not once in three years did he sponsor a bill for Ethiope State. Not once did he move a formal motion. Not once did he mount the kind of sustained, documented, public pressure on the federal executive that would have forced this matter onto the national agenda.
5. The comparison with Delta North is not merely instructive. It is humiliating. While Dafinone mastered the art of legislative invisibility, Senator Ned Nwoko was in the arena, fighting for Anioma State with everything he had. He sponsored the bill. He rose on the Senate floor and made the case with passion and precision. He took the fight to the Presidency, maintained the pressure, and refused to be moved. He made Anioma State a national conversation because he understood that a senator who does not fight for his people has no business holding the seat. That is representation. That is accountability. That is the standard against which Senator Dafinone must be measured — and against which he falls devastatingly short. Anioma has a senator bleeding for its cause in Abuja. Urhobo, the fifth-largest ethnic nation in Nigeria, a people whose oil-soaked land has bankrolled this republic’s existence for decades, has a senator writing newspaper columns to explain why he did nothing.
6. The July 2025 South-South Zonal Public Hearing on Constitutional Amendment in Yenagoa stands as perhaps the most damning monument to this failure. That hall was electric with Urhobo urgency. Kings, mothers, traders, and young people had travelled to be there, voices raised in one unified demand: Ethiope State. It was the kind of moment that defines a senator’s legacy — the moment to stand, to declare, to lead. And Senator Dafinone? He sat in silence. No advocacy. No motion. No fire. It took the hearing chairman to coax a response from him — and what emerged was not a declaration but a murmur. That is not the voice of a people’s representative. That is the voice of a man startled awake and hoping no one noticed he had been asleep.
7. States are not born from reluctant murmurs extracted under social pressure. They are forged in the furnace of legislative will — when a senator rises, introduces the bill, commands the floor, and refuses to yield until the matter is settled.
8. And so we arrive at this article — this extraordinary document that asks us to forget three years of absence. Released in the shadow of an approaching election, it is not strategy. It is not vision. It is panic dressed in the language of statesmanship — a calculated, last-minute attempt to rewrite a record of neglect before the electorate renders its verdict. The Urhobo Nation is not naive. We are not a people easily distracted by eloquence when the evidence of failure lies plainly before us. We know the difference between a leader who acts and one who, having refused to act, writes about what others should have done. We deserve far better than that.
9. Ethiope State is far more than just a campaign slogan. It’s not something to be brought out during election time and then set aside afterward. It’s the rightful heritage of a resilient and proud people. We’re not seeking charity from the Nigerian state; we’re demanding justice—the same justice that other major ethnic groups in this federation are actively fighting for and achieving. This justice won’t be found in a newspaper column. It will come when we elect a senator to Abuja who wakes up every morning with the Urhobo cause as their guiding mission, someone who knows how to create the alliances that turn our aspirations into laws, and who has the grit to keep fighting even when the resistance is at its strongest.
10. The constitutional review window does not stay open indefinitely. For three full years, it was open. Dafinone was in the Senate. The platform was his. The moment was his. No bill came. No motion was moved. No fire was lit. That is not a strategic miscalculation. That is not a procedural oversight. That is abandonment — clean, undeniable, and unforgivable. A senator who lets the window close without acting and then emerges to explain why others fell short is not a statesman. He is a bystander drawing a senator’s salary.
11. The Urhobo Nation faces its moment of reckoning on Saturday, January 16, 2027. We can return to the Senate the man who gave us 1,095 days of silence and now has the audacity to offer us articles. Or we can elect Senator Ovie Omo-Agege— a man with a proven record off legislative delivery, the seniority to command respect in Abuja, and the spine to fight for Urhobo without manufacturing excuses for his own failures. But the Senate alone will not be enough. The people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency must make their own statement. Chief Christopher Ominimini — a man who went into the trenches for Ethiope State with no salary, no mandate, and no institutional backing — is now asking for the opportunity to do it with all three. Send him to the House of Representatives. Let him stand alongside Senator Omo-Agege in Abuja. Omo-Agege in the Senate. Ominimini in the House of Representatives. Two fighters. Two chambers. One mission. One destiny.
12. The season of excuses is over. The season of reckoning has arrived. Delta Central must rise again.
Signed:
Mr
Godwin Anaughe
Political & Communicationsw Strategist | Son of the Urhobo
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday called on the people of Isoko Nation to reciprocate his administration’s development efforts in the area by voting enmass for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the appeal while inspecting ongoing and completed projects at the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, and the Ozoro Modern Market in Isoko North Local Government Area.
Oborevwori said his administration had made significant investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare across Isoko Nation and other parts of the state, adding that the people should support the APC at the polls in appreciation of the projects.
“What the Isoko people owe us is that in 2027, they should deliver all our candidates. We have done roads here, we have invested in health and education, and our footprints are visible across the state. We are working in all 25 local government areas and the three senatorial districts,” he said.
The governor explained that he always inspects projects before commissioning them to ensure they meet the required standards.
“Before I commission any project, I always carry out an inspection to assess the quality of work and ascertain whether it is satisfactory and ready for commissioning. Having inspected this project, I can say the work is impressive, though it is not yet 100 per cent complete.
“There are one or two areas that still require correction before commissioning. Some minor adjustments need to be made, particularly in the landscaping and a few finishing touches. Once these corrections are made, the project will be ready for inauguration,” he stated.
He described the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, as a special project, noting that his administration approved the construction of an access road alongside the institution to enhance its functionality.
“When we approved this project, we also decided that it deserved a good access road. Today, the road has been completed, and when we commission the college, we will commission the road as well,” he said.
Speaking on the Ozoro Modern Market, Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and disclosed that the facility was ready for inauguration.
“We earlier visited the Ozoro Modern Market, and I am impressed with what I saw. The project has been completed for several months and is ready for commissioning.
“We are not concentrating only on roads. We are making huge investments in education, healthcare and other critical sectors. We don’t spend time publicising every project on social media. When people visit these places, they see the massive work we are doing. Many people don’t even know projects like this market, the College of Health Technology and the Irri Technical College exist,” he said.
He recalled that his administration had also executed major projects at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, stressing that development was taking place across the state under the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
Earlier, the contractor handling the Ozoro Modern Market, Chief Iduh Amadhe, said the market had been completed since last year and had been awaiting commissioning by the state government.
He disclosed that the facility consists of 192 open shops, 28 lock-up shops, eight warehouses, 16 modern toilets, water facilities, four fire points, meeting halls for market leaders, offices for market administration and labour unions, as well as two security posts.
Amadhe, however, lamented repeated acts of vandalism at the market, disclosing that the contractor had spent about N3.2 million repairing damaged facilities after the complex was attacked on three different occasions.
He appealed for adequate security around the market to safeguard the investment and ensure the facility serves traders and residents effectively after its inauguration.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work at the Technical College, Irri, in Isoko South Local Government Area, describing the delay in completing the project as unacceptable.
The governor, who paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site, lamented that the contract, awarded in 2019, had remained unfinished after seven years.
Received at the project site by the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday; the Odio-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I; and former President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Oborevwori said the contractor had failed to demonstrate sufficient competence and commitment to deliver the project on record time.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting the project, the governor said he was not convinced by assurances that the project would be completed by August this year, noting that significant aspects of the work were yet to commence.
Oborevwori said; “I spoke with the commissioner and he told me he had reached out to the contractor, who said the project would be completed by August. But from what I have seen here, I am not sure that timeline is realistic.
“The workshop has not even started. The landscaping will also take some time, and some sections of the roofing are still incomplete. What you see in front is different from what is behind the buildings, so I decided to inspect the entire project.
“I am not satisfied with what I have seen. The project was awarded in 2019, and it is a shame that after seven years it is still not completed. The question is, what is holding the contractor back?.
“If people are serious about a project, you will see them actively working on site. That was not the case here. I did not even find the contractor or workers on site. I am not satisfied with the work”.
The governor said he would summon both the contractor and the project consultant to account for the prolonged delay, and also blamed the delay on poor supervision, saying he had hoped the institution would begin admitting students by September, but delays had made that impossible.
“I will invite the contractor and the consultant because the consultant is not doing enough. The consultant is supposed to keep the client informed about the progress of work and ensure proper supervision. From what I have seen, the supervision is very poor and I am not satisfied,” the governor stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that contractors handling government projects deliver quality work within approved timelines, stressing that abandoned or delayed projects would no longer be tolerated.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi I, CON, on the occasion of his 49th birthday.
Governor Oborevwori in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, commended the revered monarch for his exemplary leadership and immense contributions to the growth and development of Agbor Kingdom, Delta State and the nation.
The Governor described the Dein as a visionary traditional ruler whose reign has been marked by peace, unity and sustained progress, noting that his commitment to the welfare of his people has earned him admiration and respect far beyond his kingdom.
He said the monarch’s dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Agbor while promoting development and harmonious coexistence made him worthy of celebration.
The Governor said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate with His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi I, CON, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, on the occasion of your 49th birth anniversary.
“You have continued to lead your people with love, wisdom and compassion, and your exemplary leadership has endeared you to your subjects and many others beyond your kingdom.
“As you celebrate your 49th birthday, it is my prayer that Almighty God will continue to bless you with sound health, wisdom and strength to provide purposeful leadership for your people. I also look forward to your continued invaluable contributions to the peace, unity and development of Delta State and our nation.”
Governor Oborevwori wished the royal father many more years of good health, divine grace and fulfilling service to humanity.
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that the achievements recorded by his administration under the MORE Agenda are a testament to God’s grace and the unwavering commitment of civil servants who continue to drive governance and development across the state.
The Governor made the declaration on Sunday during the Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Church of God Mission International, Asaba, to mark the climax of activities for the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori said the thanksgiving service was an opportunity to collectively appreciate God for His faithfulness, guidance and blessings upon the state and its workforce.
He noted that while government policies and programmes contribute to development, ultimate success comes from God, whose grace has sustained the administration and enabled it to deliver meaningful results for Deltans.
Quoting Psalm 100:4, he said the gathering was in fulfillment of the biblical injunction to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise,” adding that every milestone achieved by the government should be attributed to divine favour.
The Governor paid glowing tribute to civil servants, describing them as the backbone of government operations whose diligence, professionalism and commitment often go unnoticed but remain critical to the progress of the state.
According to him, the impact of their work is visible in the successes recorded across various sectors, stressing that no administration can achieve its objectives without an efficient and dedicated public service.
He further reminded workers that public office is a sacred trust that requires integrity, accountability, diligence and selfless service to the people.
Governor Oborevwori urged civil servants to remain focused on the ideals of good governance and continue to place public interest above personal considerations.
He assured workers of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare, capacity building and institutional reforms aimed at creating a more responsive and result-oriented public service.
The Governor also acknowledged the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and moral values in society, thanking them for their prayers and support for the government and the state.
He appealed for sustained prayers for wisdom for leaders, unity among citizens and continued peace and prosperity in Delta State.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, said the 2026 Civil Service Week theme, “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” reflects the vision of the state government to build a modern, innovative and sustainable public service.
She explained that the ongoing reforms are focused on changing the mindset of workers and helping them appreciate the strategic role they play in governance and national development.
According to her, the civil service must move beyond routine administration and embrace innovation, initiative and ownership of responsibilities.
Dr. Oseji stressed that every officer, irrespective of rank or position, occupies a space that is crucial to the success of government and should therefore approach assigned duties with dedication and a sense of purpose.
She disclosed that her office has continued to engage Ministries, Departments and Agencies through mentoring, guidance and institutional support aimed at improving productivity and service delivery.
The Head of Service observed that many government agencies possess untapped potential and resources that can be harnessed to achieve better outcomes without necessarily requiring additional funding.
She particularly emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation, data management and performance assessment as tools for improving governance and measuring impact.
On resilience, she urged public servants not to be discouraged by challenges but to remain committed to achieving measurable and sustainable results.
According to her, the ultimate objective is to build a civil service that not only delivers results today but also equips future generations with the knowledge, values and skills needed to sustain progress.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Dr. Eric Nwachukwu encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith regardless of circumstances.
He reminded worshippers that God’s goodness remains constant even during difficult times and urged them not to allow temporary challenges to weaken their trust in God.
The cleric emphasized that God works through every situation for the benefit of His children, calling on believers to focus on His promises rather than their problems.
The thanksgiving service attracted top government officials, political appointees, permanent secretaries, directors and civil servants from across the state.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the Delta State House of Assembly leadership, senior government functionaries, serving and retired permanent secretaries as well as members of the clergy.
The service marked a fitting conclusion to the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration, a week dedicated to reflecting on the role of public servants in governance and reaffirming the values of integrity, resilience, professionalism and excellence in service delivery.
This version reads more like a front-page newspaper feature and places greater emphasis on the Governor’s message, the civil service reforms, and the significance of the thanksgiving service.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday commended the State Police Command for the arrest of two suspected electric cable vandals and the recovery of vandalised cables, describing the operation as a major step in protecting critical public infrastructure across the state.
In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, officers and men of the command for their prompt response and sustained commitment to combating criminal activities, particularly the vandalism of government-owned facilities.
He also commended the local vigilante group for their support and corporation with security agencies in the state, adding that the arrest demonstrated the government’s resolve to safeguard public assets and ensure that investments in infrastructure continue to serve the people without disruption.
The Police in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Kwale Police Station, working in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, acted on credible intelligence on June 25, 2026, and stormed the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road where suspected vandals were allegedly dismantling and stealing electric cables.
The suspects reportedly attempted to flee on sighting the security team, but were apprehended during the operation. One of the suspects sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while the other remains in police custody.
The suspects were identified as Osakwe Sunday, 28, and Ekene Obocha, 34. The vandalised electric cables were recovered as exhibits.
Commending the operation, the governor urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against crime.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all Deltans.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, warned criminal elements to desist from vandalising government critical infrastructure and other public assets, stressing that the command would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
He also appealed to members of the public to sustain their cooperation with the police by volunteering useful information capable of preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Team Delta athletes for their outstanding performances at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos, particularly sprint sensation Favour Ashe, who made history by becoming Nigeria’s fastest man.
Ashe delivered a remarkable performance at the trials, clocking a personal best of 9.93 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres title and set a new benchmark as the fastest Nigerian ever to win the national championship as well as the fastest athlete to run the event on Nigerian soil.
The Delta-born sprinter, who was among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the Delta State Government to participate in the championships, lived up to expectations after boldly predicting victory before the event.
Ashe first ran 9.98 seconds in the semifinals before improving to 9.93 seconds in the final to secure the national crown.
Ashe has now broken the 10-second mark on both occasions he won the national title, having previously recorded 9.99 seconds to claim his first championship in 2022 in Benin City.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori commended Ashe for bringing pride to Delta State and Nigeria through his exceptional performance, describing the feat as a testament to the state government’s continued investment in sports development and athlete support.
The governor also praised other Team Delta athletes who distinguished themselves during the championships.
In the women’s 400 metres, experienced quarter-miler Patience Okon-George reaffirmed her status as one of Nigeria’s finest athletes, winning the national title in 51.87 seconds. The victory was her fifth national crown and her first since 2021. Kudoro Taiwo finished second in the event.
The men’s 400 metres title went to Johnson Tyler, who recently switched allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. Tyler stormed to victory in 45.75 seconds ahead of Achakpoekiri Victory, who claimed silver in 45.91 seconds, while Emmanuel Ojeli took bronze with a time of 45.94 seconds.
Meanwhile, in the women’s shot put event, Divine Oladipo successfully defended her national title with a throw of 16.90 metres, maintaining her unbeaten record at the Nigerian Championships.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting athletes and creating opportunities for them to excel at national and international competitions, expressing confidence that Team Delta would continue to produce champions capable of bringing glory to the state and the nation.
The management of Daily Report Nigeria, Nigeria’s fast-growing digital news platforms has announced the grand opening of their state-of-the-art news studio as part of efforts to expand their multimedia and broadcast operations.
The historic event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the our corporate office, 7 Thompson Ofoluwa Close, Off Airport Road, Effurun, Delta State.
The new studio is expected to strengthen Daily Report Nigeria’s capacity to deliver timely, accurate, informative and engaging news content across digital, television and social media platforms, while enhancing audience experience through modern broadcast technology.
The ceremony will bring together government officials, media practitioners, traditional rulers, business leaders, stakeholders, partners and supporters of independent journalism to witness the unveiling of the facility.
The studio launch is a significant milestone in Dailyreport.ng’s growth journey even as we reaffirm our commitment to providing credible news and quality programming for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Join the celebration as Daily Report Nigeria opens a new chapter in its mission of informing, educating and entertaining audiences through innovative media solutions.
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim I. Oseji, has declared that the state public service is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by strategic reforms, resilience and a commitment to delivering measurable results for the people of the state.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall in Asaba to herald the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration, Dr. Oseji highlighted far-reaching reforms and innovations introduced within the last fourteen months to reposition the Delta State Civil Service as a modern, efficient and technology-driven institution.
The 2026 Civil Service Week, themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” is designed to celebrate the contributions of civil servants while reinforcing the values of professionalism, patriotism, accountability, integrity, innovation and excellence in service delivery.
According to the Head of Service, the celebration provides an opportunity for public servants to reflect on their achievements, recommit themselves to the ideals of good governance and chart a course for a more productive future.
“We are deliberately strengthening our institutions, empowering our workforce and modernizing our systems to ensure that government services are delivered more effectively and eff
Dr. Mininim Oseji
iciently to the people,” she stated.
Dr. Oseji disclosed that activities lined up for the week include a public lecture, public service quiz competition, football and golf tournaments, indoor games as well as a grand dinner and award night where outstanding civil servants and high-performing departments will be recognized for their contributions to public service.
She noted that beyond the celebrations, the focus remains on building a responsive and future-ready civil service capable of driving development across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and economic planning.
Reviving Institutional Culture
Giving an account of her stewardship since assuming office, the Head of Service revealed that several important programmes that had become dormant were revived to strengthen institutional culture and professionalism within the service.
Among the initiatives reactivated were the publication of The Bureaucrat, Civil Service Week celebrations, Breakfast Dialogue sessions, courtesy visits by retiring Permanent Secretaries, implementation of a revised dress code and the reintroduction of attendance monitoring through the use of time books to check lateness and absenteeism.
She explained that these measures have helped restore discipline, improve communication and foster a stronger sense of belonging among civil servants.
Driving Digital Transformation
A major pillar of the reforms, according to Dr. Oseji, is the digital transformation agenda aimed at preparing the public service for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
She said the Office of the Head of Service has implemented a comprehensive digitalization programme that includes master training sessions, training of trainers, virtual learning platforms, social media engagement and the use of digital tools for staff performance assessment.
The office has also established a pilot ICT Hub to serve as a model for future digital centres that will be replicated across government offices, secretariats and local government headquarters throughout the state.
The initiative, she noted, is expected to significantly improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
Prioritising Staff Welfare
In a bid to cushion transportation challenges faced by workers, the Office of the Head of Service introduced a Staff Transport Support Scheme utilizing a 30-seater Coaster Bus and a 12-seater Peugeot Expert Bus to convey workers along the Okpanam, Abraka Junction and Ugbolu routes.
Dr. Oseji urged other ministries, departments and agencies with available transport facilities to emulate the initiative in support of staff welfare and productivity.
Expanding Capacity Building Opportunities
The Head of Service said her administration has placed significant emphasis on continuous learning and human capital development.
To this end, numerous training programmes have been organized covering areas such as digital governance, drip irrigation farming, autism awareness, workplace etiquette, attitudinal change, grant writing, scholarship opportunities, estate management, research ethics, financial literacy, event planning and video content creation.
She further revealed that staff members have been sponsored for professional financial counselling while departments have been encouraged to organize regular in-house training sessions to improve productivity and performance.
Encouraging Agriculture and Innovation
Recognizing the importance of food security and alternative income sources, Dr. Oseji disclosed that agricultural inputs have been distributed to civil servants to encourage farming activities.
To reward excellence and innovation, the Office of the Head of Service instituted a N200,000 award for the most effective department, with the Department of Personnel Management emerging as the first recipient.
A similar N200,000 award has also been established for the Best Civil Servant Farmer, which will be presented during the Civil Service Week Dinner scheduled for June 30, 2026.
Building a World-Class Training Centre
One of the landmark achievements highlighted by the Head of Service is the ongoing transformation of the Delta State Staff Training Centre into a world-class institution modeled after Singapore’s globally acclaimed Civil Service College.
According to her, the vision is to create a centre of excellence equipped with modern technology, an ICT hub, state-of-the-art training facilities and strategic partnerships capable of delivering cutting-edge capacity building programmes for both public and private sector professionals.
She disclosed that the journey has already commenced with specialized courses on Digital Transformation and Electronic Records Management, Research and Statistical Systems for the M.O.R.E. Agenda, as well as Advanced Secretarial Duties and Office Administration.
Dr. Oseji expressed confidence that the centre would soon emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading public sector training institutions.
Extending Reforms to Local Governments
The Head of Service also announced that the state’s public service reforms are being extended to the local government system through collaboration with the Directorate of Local Government Affairs and the Local Government Service Commission.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that reform policies and best practices are institutionalized across all levels of government in Delta State.
Commends Governor Oborevwori’s Support
Dr. Oseji paid glowing tribute to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering support and commitment to strengthening the public service.
She noted that the governor’s timely approval and release of funds have been instrumental to the successful implementation of reform programmes and the organization of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration.
The Head of Service also expressed appreciation to Permanent Secretaries, directors, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, members of the Central Planning Committee and media practitioners for their support and cooperation.
She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting good governanceDelta Civil Service Undergoing Unprecedented Transformation, Says Head of Service
Unveils Digital Reforms, Staff Welfare Initiatives, Capacity Building Programmes at 2026 Civil Service Week
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim I. Oseji, has declared that the state public service is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by strategic reforms, resilience and a commitment to delivering measurable results for the people of the state.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall in Asaba to herald the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration, Dr. Oseji highlighted far-reaching reforms and innovations introduced within the last fourteen months to reposition the Delta State Civil Service as a modern, efficient and technology-driven institution.
The 2026 Civil Service Week, themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” is designed to celebrate the contributions of civil servants while reinforcing the values of professionalism, patriotism, accountability, integrity, innovation and excellence in service delivery.
According to the Head of Service, the celebration provides an opportunity for public servants to reflect on their achievements, recommit themselves to the ideals of good governance and chart a course for a more productive future.
“We are deliberately strengthening our institutions, empowering our workforce and modernizing our systems to ensure that government services are delivered more effectively and efficiently to the people,” she stated.
Dr. Oseji disclosed that activities lined up for the week include a public lecture, public service quiz competition, football and golf tournaments, indoor games as well as a grand dinner and award night where outstanding civil servants and high-performing departments will be recognized for their contributions to public service.
She noted that beyond the celebrations, the focus remains on building a responsive and future-ready civil service capable of driving development across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and economic planning.
Reviving Institutional Culture
Giving an account of her stewardship since assuming office, the Head of Service revealed that several important programmes that had become dormant were revived to strengthen institutional culture and professionalism within the service.
Among the initiatives reactivated were the publication of The Bureaucrat, Civil Service Week celebrations, Breakfast Dialogue sessions, courtesy visits by retiring Permanent Secretaries, implementation of a revised dress code and the reintroduction of attendance monitoring through the use of time books to check lateness and absenteeism.
She explained that these measures have helped restore discipline, improve communication and foster a stronger sense of belonging among civil servants.
Driving Digital Transformation
A major pillar of the reforms, according to Dr. Oseji, is the digital transformation agenda aimed at preparing the public service for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
She said the Office of the Head of Service has implemented a comprehensive digitalization programme that includes master training sessions, training of trainers, virtual learning platforms, social media engagement and the use of digital tools for staff performance assessment.
The office has also established a pilot ICT Hub to serve as a model for future digital centres that will be replicated across government offices, secretariats and local government headquarters throughout the state.
The initiative, she noted, is expected to significantly improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
Prioritising Staff Welfare
In a bid to cushion transportation challenges faced by workers, the Office of the Head of Service introduced a Staff Transport Support Scheme utilizing a 30-seater Coaster Bus and a 12-seater Peugeot Expert Bus to convey workers along the Okpanam, Abraka Junction and Ugbolu routes.
Dr. Oseji urged other ministries, departments and agencies with available transport facilities to emulate the initiative in support of staff welfare and productivity.
Expanding Capacity Building Opportunities
The Head of Service said her administration has placed significant emphasis on continuous learning and human capital development.
To this end, numerous training programmes have been organized covering areas such as digital governance, drip irrigation farming, autism awareness, workplace etiquette, attitudinal change, grant writing, scholarship opportunities, estate management, research ethics, financial literacy, event planning and video content creation.
She further revealed that staff members have been sponsored for professional financial counselling while departments have been encouraged to organize regular in-house training sessions to improve productivity and performance.
Encouraging Agriculture and Innovation
Recognizing the importance of food security and alternative income sources, Dr. Oseji disclosed that agricultural inputs have been distributed to civil servants to encourage farming activities.
To reward excellence and innovation, the Office of the Head of Service instituted a N200,000 award for the most effective department, with the Department of Personnel Management emerging as the first recipient.
A similar N200,000 award has also been established for the Best Civil Servant Farmer, which will be presented during the Civil Service Week Dinner scheduled for June 30, 2026.
Building a World-Class Training Centre
One of the landmark achievements highlighted by the Head of Service is the ongoing transformation of the Delta State Staff Training Centre into a world-class institution modeled after Singapore’s globally acclaimed Civil Service College.
According to her, the vision is to create a centre of excellence equipped with modern technology, an ICT hub, state-of-the-art training facilities and strategic partnerships capable of delivering cutting-edge capacity building programmes for both public and private sector professionals.
She disclosed that the journey has already commenced with specialized courses on Digital Transformation and Electronic Records Management, Research and Statistical Systems for the M.O.R.E. Agenda, as well as Advanced Secretarial
Duties and Office Administration.
Dr. Oseji expressed confidence that the centre would soon emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading public sector training institutions.
Extending Reforms to Local Governments
The Head of Service also announced that the state’s public service reforms are being extended to the local government system through collaboration with the Directorate of Local Government Affairs and the Local Government Service Commission.
She explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that reform policies and best practices are institutionalized across all levels of government in Delta State.
Commends Governor Oborevwori’s Support
Dr. Oseji paid glowing tribute to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering support and commitment to strengthening the public service.
She noted that the governor’s timely approval and release of funds have been instrumental to the successful implementation of reform programmes and the organization of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration.
The Head of Service also expressed appreciation to Permanent Secretaries, directors, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, members of the Central Planning Committee and media practitioners for their support and cooperation.
She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting good governance, enhancing staff welfare and ensuring that the Delta State Civil Service remains a model of excellence, innovation and professionalism in Nigeria.
As the state begins activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week, stakeholders believe the reforms being championed by Dr. Oseji are laying the foundation for a more efficient, digitally-driven and citizen-focused public service capable of meeting the aspirations of Deltans in the years ahead., enhancing staff welfare and ensuring that the Delta State Civil Service remains a model of excellence, innovation and professionalism in Nigeria.
As the state begins activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week, stakeholders believe the reforms being championed by Dr. Oseji are laying the foundation for a more efficient, digitally-driven and citizen-focused public service capable of meeting the aspirations of Deltans in the years ahead.
The Delta State Government has dismissed criticisms of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration contained in a recent article titled “Beyond Concrete: When Contracts Replace Governance in Oborevwori’s Delta,” describing the publication as an opinion piece built on conjecture, selective omissions and misleading assumptions.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement, Monday said the Oborevwori administration had, within three years, recorded significant achievements across critical sectors of the state’s economy through the implementation of the MORE Agenda.
Ahon stated that contrary to claims that the government was overly focused on infrastructure projects, the administration had pursued a balanced development strategy encompassing education, healthcare, economic empowerment, rural transformation, environmental sustainability and security.
According to him, one of the administration’s most notable accomplishments is its ability to execute numerous projects without loans, adding that the governor’s prudent management of resources had earned Delta recognition as one of Nigeria’s best-managed sub-national governments.
Defending the government’s infrastructure drive, Ahon said roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, flood control facilities and security infrastructure were essential components of economic development rather than mere construction projects.
He listed major ongoing and completed projects across the state to include the PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, Otovwodo and Agbor flyovers, as well as the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, Ayakoromo Bridge, Kwale-Beneku Bridge and numerous urban and rural road projects spread across the three senatorial districts.
The Governor’s spokesman also highlighted extensive flood-control and drainage projects being undertaken in flood-prone communities, alongside urban renewal initiatives in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele and other towns aimed at improving living standards and attracting private investment.
In the health sector, Ahon said the administration had invested heavily in modern medical equipment, including CT scan machines, MRI facilities, dialysis machines and 25 state-of-the-art 4D ultrasound scanners distributed across the state’s local government areas.
He added that more than 150 primary healthcare centres were currently undergoing renovation and upgrading, while continuous investments were being made in healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
He added that a brand new College of Health Technology has been built in Ovrode, Faculty of Medical Sciences building at the Southern Delta University, Ozoro Isoko North Local Government Area.
On education, Ahon said the government had recruited thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff to strengthen learning outcomes in public schools, while upgrading educational infrastructure and revitalising technical education to equip youths with practical skills.
The statement further noted that the administration had empowered hundreds of thousands of residents through social intervention and entrepreneurship programmes such as D-CARES, MORE Grants, MORE Biz-Up, WESAP and the Working Fingers Initiative.
According to Ahon, the programmes have provided financial support, vocational training and business development opportunities to youths, women, artisans and small business owners across the state.
He also rejected allegations that agriculture had been neglected, insisting that the administration continued to support farmers through extension services, agricultural inputs, rural access roads and other initiatives aimed at boosting food production and improving livelihoods.
The government’s commitment to rural transformation, he said, was evident in the construction of roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, water projects and electrification schemes in previously underserved communities, including riverine areas.
Ahon disclosed that several urban and rural water supply projects had also been rehabilitated and expanded to improve access to potable water and enhance public health outcomes.
Responding to criticisms over the proposed construction of police divisional headquarters in the 25 local government areas for the proposed state police, the Governor’s spokesman described the initiative as a strategic investment in the state’s security architecture.
He argued that while policing remains under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, state governments have historically partnered security agencies by providing operational support and infrastructure in the interest of public safety.
“The benefits of improved security accrue directly to Deltans, their businesses, farms and communities. A secure environment attracts investment, promotes commerce and enhances the wellbeing of citizens,” he stated.
Ahon maintained that the administration had recorded measurable progress across all sectors, stressing that development should be assessed by its impact on the lives of citizens rather than by commentary.
He said visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, security and economic empowerment across both urban and rural communities were evidence that Governor Oborevwori is delivering on his promises through the MORE Agenda.
The Chief Press Secretary reaffirmed Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security, noting that the administration would remain focused on sustaining the transformation of Delta State.
