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.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged African youths to take active interest in leadership and politics, saying their participation is critical to shaping the continent’s future.

He urged young people to move beyond complaints about governance and become actively involved in the political process to drive meaningful change in their communities and countries.

Oborevwori spoke yesterday while declaring open the fifth edition of the Social Innovation and Leadership Bootcamp (SILB) Africa 2026, with the theme, “Architects of Change,” at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, the governor said leadership demanded courage, service, commitment and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions to societal challenges.

He noted that Africa needed young people capable of innovating, creating opportunities, building sustainable enterprises and contributing to community development.

The governor said the initiative aligned with his administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly its commitment to youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

He cited the contributions of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, and the Delta State Innovation Hub in equipping young people with practical skills and opportunities for economic independence.

Oborevwori also referenced targeted training programmes, including a recent workshop on electric vehicles for young Deltans, as part of efforts to prepare them for emerging industries.

He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mentoring and Development, Elvis Akpobi, alongside the organisers, mentors, facilitators and partners, for investing in the development of emerging African leaders.

Earlier, Akpobi said the bootcamp was designed to equip young people with the leadership skills, knowledge and exposure needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and that of the African continent.

He disclosed that about 50 international delegates were participating in the fifth edition of the programme in Asaba, stressing the need to create more opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance and policymaking.

Akpobi commended Oborevwori for supporting youth-focused initiatives under the MORE Agenda, noting that the governor’s commitment to youth development went beyond rhetoric.

Speaking with journalists, Barr. Eugene Uzum said sustainable good governance depended largely on the ability of leaders and other critical stakeholders to recognise the role of young people in nation-building.

He described the bootcamp as an initiative aimed at nurturing a patriotic generation of young Africans capable of taking responsibility for the continent’s future.

Also speaking, the founder of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, stressed the need to sustain youth participation in politics and governance, describing leadership training as essential to preparing young Africans for leadership responsibilities.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, called on judges and lawyers to uphold justice, integrity and the rule of law in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

Speaking at the thanksgiving Mass marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Delta State, held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, Oborevwori urged judicial officers and legal practitioners to resist influence, favouritism and personal interests.

Oborevwori, who took the first Bible reading from Exodus 23:1, 3, 6-8, said the judiciary played a vital role in protecting citizens’ rights, resolving disputes, upholding the rule of law and assuring the people that justice could be pursued through lawful means.

The governor commended judicial officers, members of the Bar and other stakeholders for their dedication and resilience, despite the challenges encountered in the previous legal year.

Quoting Micah 6:8, which calls on believers to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, Oborevwori said the administration of justice required fairness, impartiality, compassion and integrity.

He said justice went beyond the mere application of the law, stressing that it must be administered with conscience, fairness and respect for human dignity.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through the provision of infrastructure, improved welfare and an enabling environment for effective justice delivery.

He described a strong, independent and effective judiciary as essential to peace, security and sustainable development, noting that the judiciary had a constitutional responsibility to check the other arms of government.

Oborevwori said; “As we begin the new Legal Year, I urge judicial officers and legal practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of their profession. Let justice be administered impartially and expeditiously. Let integrity remain the foundation of our conduct, and let the rule of law prevail over influence, favouritism or personal interest”.

The governor also prayed for wisdom and courage for judges, integrity and professionalism for lawyers, and the patience and compassion required by all those involved in the administration of justice.

In his homily, Bishop Elue stressed the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the administration of justice, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy, with the responsibility to hold government accountable, protect citizens’ rights and ensure compliance with the Constitution.

Citing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Centesimus Annus, the cleric stressed that authentic democracy could only thrive under the rule of law and on a firm foundation of moral values.

He called for transparency in judicial proceedings, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.

The cleric cautioned that the misconduct of a few judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the entire judiciary, urging judges and lawyers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Friday warned scientists and technology developers against allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to erode human creativity and imagination, urging them to establish boundaries that would prevent machines from taking over essential aspects of human existence.

Soyinka gave the warning at the 2026 Nigerian Prize Awards Night organised by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) held in Lagos, where the theme was Heritage.

He described the threat posed by AI as real, despite its enormous potential to advance human progress, warning that excessive reliance on the technology could undermine humanity’s capacity for independent thought and creative expression.

“The menace that AI constitutes, despite the fascination with this incredible facilitator for human progress, the menace is a very real one,” he said.

The playwright urged scientists, physicists and technologists to recognise the limits of AI, particularly in creative fields such as literature, where human imagination and personal expression remain fundamental.

“When AI begins to write our thesis, to write our poetry, or to claim that they are writing our poetry for us, there’s danger. That means we’re being dehumanised,” Soyinka said.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess all dilapidated public primary and secondary schools across the state for immediate rehabilitation.

Oborevwori issued the directive on Friday at the inauguration of the newly completed Model Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

“I have directed that all schools in Delta State that are in deplorable condition, whether primary or secondary, should be assessed for immediate rehabilitation,” he said.

The governor urged the relevant authorities to begin the scoping without delay, stressing his administration’s commitment to building an efficient and robust education system.

He said the State Executive Council had recently directed the education ministries to identify public schools requiring urgent intervention.

Oborevwori said maintaining more than 1,400 primary schools and 480 secondary schools across the state was a major responsibility requiring sustained investment and planning.

At the inauguration, the governor said the Model Technical College, Oghareki, demonstrated his administration’s commitment to equipping young people in Ethiope West and neighbouring communities with practical skills that would make them employable and economically independent.

He said the institution has state-of-the-art workshops, staff and student accommodation, and sports facilities and urged the management, staff and students to maintain the facilities for future generations.

He also disclosed that his administration would complete and inaugurate three additional model technical colleges at Irri in Isoko South, Kiagbodo in Burutu and Akugbene in Bomadi local government areas before December 2026.

Oborevwori announced a N50 million education support fund for Miss Ogheneovo Davina, a Junior Technical II student who addressed him extempore on behalf of her fellow students.

The governor cited progress in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, including developments at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, and the construction of four male and female hostels at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, and Delta State College of Education, Mosogar.

He commended former Governor James Ibori for initiating development projects across the state and urged Deltans to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.

In his remarks, Chief James Ibori thanked Governor Oborevwori for what he described as impressive development projects across the state, particularly in Urhobo land.

He also acknowledged former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whose administration initiated the technical college project, and commended Oborevwori for completing it.

Ibori assured the governor of the support of the people of Oghara and Ethiope West in the 2027 elections, saying; “we have prayed for grace and wisdom to pilot the affairs of our great state”.

The member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, praised the quality of the project and Oborevwori’s decision to complete it.

She said the large turnout at the inauguration would translate into electoral support for the governor in 2027 and commended him for uniting the party across different divides in the state.

Earlier, Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Onogba, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement and said the governor’s development initiatives and political realignment from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC had fostered unity across Delta State.

Speaking for the host communities, the Oghara monarch, HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku Oghara Na Me, congratulated Oborevwori on the completion of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the students,
Davina thanked the governor for his commitment to technical education and pledged that the students would use the facilities to acquire practical skills, improve their prospects and become self-reliant after graduation. She said she would have given her vote to Governor Oborevwori in 2027 if she was 18 years.

By Wilbet Ijeoma

The Chairman of Delta Special Economic Zone-Management Company (DSEZ-MC) today held a press briefing aimed at enlightening the public on the activities and operations at the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, (FTZs),
.
Gen. Ndubisi, while addressing journalists at DSEZ-MC headquarters in Anwai road Asaba, noted that the idea of DSEZ is an acceleration of “Delta Beyond Oil” conceived by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa in 2023, to subsume the former Kwale Industrial Park project into a far broader, global Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework in line with federal licensing by Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEΡΖΑ).

He stated that the Delta Special Economic Zone has a total of 3,200 hectares of land 2,200 hectares at Koko and 1,000 at Kwale, conferring on it a strong voting membership in the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO).

Underscoring the advantages of the economic zone, Ndubisi noted that investors would enjoy full company Income Tax and duty exemptions, 100% profit repatriation, “one-stop investment facilitation, and strong legal protections tailored for ease of doing business.

Speaking further, the Chairman commended the Executive Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for sustaining and accelerating this vision,by providing prompt license funding, critical infrastructural development by the construction of 5km road network within the local communities, and direct investment support.

Highlighting the compositions of the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, Gen Ndubisi stated that while the Koko counterpart is designed to feature residential areas, healthcare, commercial centers, and vocational institutions with currently operating companies such as Koko Refinery & Petrochemical company, Delta Energy Park, Tetracore Energy Group and Huafel Auto Trading, the Kwale counterpart comprising 5 communities namely: [Umuseti, Emu-Ebendo. Obodogwa Ogume, Ogbeole Ogume, and Umusam) is positioned directly over OMLS 60, 61, 62, and 63 (which has over 30% of Nigeria’s gas reserves), backed by the 083 pipeline and ELPS interconnections,.with currently operating companies such as Phoenix Gas. Delta Wire, Xenergi. Chorus Energy. Master Chemicals & Fertilizer (in partnership with Dantata), and South Atlantic LNG.

“This zone is a multimodal logistics hub;” Ndubisi stated, adding that economic factors for localization of industry were contemplated before situating the zone, such as proximity to market, raw materials and transportation.
“The Zone is 5 minutes to the Koko Port (slated for deep-sea modernization), one hour away from Benin Airport. 2 hours away from Osubi Airport, 3 hours from Asaba International Airport, and 2 hours to Warri, Abraka, and Agbor rail stations.”; the Chairman noted.

Ndubisi who is the immediate past NNU President-General confirmed that the
Kwale Free Zone will be host to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) 200 hectares agro-industrial hub, and that shortly Phoenix Gas will be commissioning the commencement of its operations, and making 3 megawatts (MW) of surplus power available for distribution to Kwale and environs.

Responding to questions raised by journalists, the Director of Zones, Mr E C. Ofunne confirmed that massive infrastructural development is ongoing, citing the nearly completed 5.6 km road in Ndokwa zone that will unlock the local communities for accelerated growth and development.

On whether there is ongoing litigation bordering on land acquisition, Ofunne allayed such concern and confirmed that land owners were adequately compensated by the government with proper documentation. He stated that opportunities to invest in the special economic zone are open to both indigenous and foreign investors.

Speaking further, Ofunne gave credit to Delta State Government in partnership with Africa Development Bank for a blueprint to bring about industrial and agricultural revolution in the zone.
“120 processing factories would be domiciled in Kwale with about 60,000 hectares of land set aside for farmers”; Ofunne affirmed, while encouraging local investors to key in.

He noted that off-takers have commenced projects and in the next 4 years there would be massive development in the region.

Ndubisi assured that sooner than later, Deltans would begin to appreciate the impact of the DSEZ. particularly its value chain eco-system which will provide opportunities for our teeming productive youthful population.

Also in attendance were staff members of Delta State Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) and the Press. Highpoints of the event were press briefing, question-and-answer, and group photograph.

By Wilbet Ijeoma

The Chairman of Delta Special Economic Zone-Management Company (DSEZ-MC) today held a press briefing aimed at enlightening the public on the activities and operations at the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, (FTZs),
.
Gen. Ndubisi, while addressing journalists at DSEZ-MC headquarters in Anwai road Asaba, noted that the idea of DSEZ is an acceleration of “Delta Beyond Oil” conceived by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa in 2023, to subsume the former Kwale Industrial Park project into a far broader, global Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework in line with federal licensing by Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEΡΖΑ).

He stated that the Delta Special Economic Zone has a total of 3,200 hectares of land 2,200 hectares at Koko and 1,000 at Kwale, conferring on it a strong voting membership in the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO).

Underscoring the advantages of the economic zone, Ndubisi noted that investors would enjoy full company Income Tax and duty exemptions, 100% profit repatriation, “one-stop investment facilitation, and strong legal protections tailored for ease of doing business.

Speaking further, the Chairman commended the Executive Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for sustaining and accelerating this vision,by providing prompt license funding, critical infrastructural development by the construction of 5km road network within the local communities, and direct investment support.

Highlighting the compositions of the Koko and Kwale Free Trade Zones, Gen Ndubisi stated that while the Koko counterpart is designed to feature residential areas, healthcare, commercial centers, and vocational institutions with currently operating companies such as Koko Refinery & Petrochemical company, Delta Energy Park, Tetracore Energy Group and Huafel Auto Trading, the Kwale counterpart comprising 5 communities namely: [Umuseti, Emu-Ebendo. Obodogwa Ogume, Ogbeole Ogume, and Umusam) is positioned directly over OMLS 60, 61, 62, and 63 (which has over 30% of Nigeria’s gas reserves), backed by the 083 pipeline and ELPS interconnections,.with currently operating companies such as Phoenix Gas. Delta Wire, Xenergi. Chorus Energy. Master Chemicals & Fertilizer (in partnership with Dantata), and South Atlantic LNG.

“This zone is a multimodal logistics hub;” Ndubisi stated, adding that economic factors for localization of industry were contemplated before situating the zone, such as proximity to market, raw materials and transportation.
“The Zone is 5 minutes to the Koko Port (slated for deep-sea modernization), one hour away from Benin Airport. 2 hours away from Osubi Airport, 3 hours from Asaba International Airport, and 2 hours to Warri, Abraka, and Agbor rail stations.”; the Chairman noted.

Ndubisi who is the immediate past NNU President-General confirmed that the
Kwale Free Zone will be host to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) 200 hectares agro-industrial hub, and that shortly Phoenix Gas will be commissioning the commencement of its operations, and making 3 megawatts (MW) of surplus power available for distribution to Kwale and environs.

Responding to questions raised by journalists, the Director of Zones, Mr E C. Ofunne confirmed that massive infrastructural development is ongoing, citing the nearly completed 5.6 km road in Ndokwa zone that will unlock the local communities for accelerated growth and development.

On whether there is ongoing litigation bordering on land acquisition, Ofunne allayed such concern and confirmed that land owners were adequately compensated by the government with proper documentation. He stated that opportunities to invest in the special economic zone are open to both indigenous and foreign investors.

Speaking further, Ofunne gave credit to Delta State Government in partnership with Africa Development Bank for a blueprint to bring about industrial and agricultural revolution in the zone.
“120 processing factories would be domiciled in Kwale with about 60,000 hectares of land set aside for farmers”; Ofunne affirmed, while encouraging local investors to key in.

He noted that off-takers have commenced projects and in the next 4 years there would be massive development in the region.

Ndubisi assured that sooner than later, Deltans would begin to appreciate the impact of the DSEZ. particularly its value chain eco-system which will provide opportunities for our teeming productive youthful population.

Also in attendance were staff members of Delta State Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) and the Press. Highpoints of the event were press briefing, question-and-answer, and group photograph.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the establishment of a Air Defence Regiment of the 83 Division of the Nigerian Army in the state will strengthen security, protect critical national assets and accelerate development.

Oborevwori stated this on Thursday during an inspection of facilities and ongoing works for the establishment of the Air Defence unit of the Nigerian Army in the state.

The governor, who was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, said the state government was committed to providing the necessary support for the military and other security agencies.

He said the newly created 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would significantly enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Army to respond to security threats across the three states.

According to him, the division comes with several component units, including an Air Defence unit, whose establishment in Delta became necessary because of the strategic location of the state and its proximity to the airport.

Oborevwori said the state had provided land for a temporary facility for the Air Defence unit while arrangements were being made for its permanent site.

He disclosed that the first batch of between 300 and 400 military personnel was expected to arrive in the state within the next few weeks.

“We need to support the security agencies because without security, there cannot be development,” the governor said.

He added that the improved security architecture in Delta had contributed to the reduction of incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Oborevwori said the presence of the new military formation would also help to protect critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure in the state.

“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people. That is the truth. If you don’t have all these security formations here, you know how it will be,” he said.

The governor commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property in the state.

He said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies, noting that the partnership had contributed to the growing confidence of residents, investors and businesses in Delta.

Oborevwori also recalled his recent visit to the Trans-Forcados pipeline area, where he said residents were happy with the improved security situation.

He said the state government was working with the military and other stakeholders to ensure that the required facilities were provided for the new formation.

The governor directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence the necessary assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including existing structures that would require attention.

He said the state government was ready to play its part to ensure that the Air Defence unit commenced operations within the expected timeframe.

Oborevwori stressed that security remained a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda, maintaining that no meaningful economic or infrastructural development could be sustained without peace and stability.

He said the establishment of the 83 Division and its component units would, therefore, further strengthen Delta’s security architecture while enhancing the protection of lives, property and critical national assets.

The governor urged the military and other security agencies to sustain their cooperation with the state government and other stakeholders in the collective interest of Deltans and the nation.