By Dr Festus Okubor

The defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the PDP to the APC was no more just a headline. It was the lid coming off a pot that had been simmering for 25 years. The man with the ladle crossed the floor, and Delta State crossed the line with him. The only honest truth for 2027 is that the state under Governor Sheriff will make its defection true at the polls, thus severing the 25 year long reign on the PDP. The statement it affirms is that, it is not the party, but the people in the party.

A governor without the support of his Senators is like a cook without firewood. He can add seasoning to the soup, but he can’t keep it simmering. That’s why the next election isn’t just for one seat, one district. That’s a matter of coherence. And in 2027, there is only one name for coherence, an APC Clean sweep of the Governorship and the three Senatorial districts.
The just concluded primaries provided evidence that the realignment is real, not merely rhetorical; Deltans didn’t sit on the sidelines, they voted peacefully. A fact worth stating loudly is that, in a state whose electoral history has known the smell of smoke, Governor Oborevwori and his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, voted and lauded the conduct as there was no smoke anywhere. This is the sound of a party providing leadership on how to do it correctly.

APC which once had been dismissed as a far-off challenger in Delta provides a new rhetoric; in Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo emerged victorious, Sen. Dafinone beat the mighty Omo-Agege in Delta Central (a result unthinkable two cycles back, and a sign that the party is no longer anybody’s personal fiefdom) and in the Delta North, the people produced its own shockwave as the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, floored the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko. This is the definition of three districts, three decisions, one direction.

Read that again: the current governor and the immediate past governor now stand in the same kitchen cooking from the same menu. In any community that still cares, when both men who have held the ladle since 2015 agree that Delta’s future lies with the APC, the argument is over. This is not a handful of aggrieved politicians crossing the aisle. This is the whole recent leadership of the state arriving at the same conclusion simultaneously.

The strategic case for a sweep in the next election is not complex. This is because a split Delta made up of APC governor in the middle of opposition senators, is a recipe for gridlock. Budgets get stuck in committees. Nominations dead in chamber. The creeks of the south, the highlands of the central and the plains of the north pull in different directions. We must understand that Government is a negotiation with itself. As Deltans we know that feeling all too well after the PDP’s quarter-century: a state rich in oil and poor in delivery, throwing the same pot with the same hand as communities waited for their portion.
It’s is a clean sweep that can change that geometry. It gives the governor senators who agree with his agenda, districts that agree with his argument, and a state that can finally move in one direction. It makes the three senatorial zones partners, not battle grounds. It’s the difference between three cooks fighting over one stove and one kitchen working from one menu.

The critics will caution against one-party dominance. It’s a fair warning, and Delta’s heard it before, always from the party that was doing the dominating. But dominance is only bad when it is undeserved. The APC in Delta is not inheriting power, it is building it, primary by primary, defection by defection. And a party that has to fight to win each seat is a party that has to deliver to keep them. A sweep does not end competition; it moves inside the tent, into primaries, into accountability, into the bruising business of keeping promises.
There is also a deeper symbolism to it, and Deltans feel it even if they can’t name it.

For twenty-five years, the Ukodo of Delta politics has remained in the kitchen of the same family. The Governor’s defection was not a betrayal of that kitchen, it was a refusal to let the meal burn. When the cook changes parties the pot does not go cold it gets a fresh fire. A full APC victory in 2027 will not be the end of Delta’s healthy diversity. It would be the sustainability of its oneness. Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Anioma no longer rationing their portions by who controls the ladle, but sitting together at a table they all helped to set.
The alternative is the half-measure, and the half-measure is what Delta has already gone through. A state that elects an APC governor and then gives two of its three senate seats to a party licking the wounds of defection is a state voting against itself. It’s like lighting a pot on fire and then placing it in a draft. It is equivalet to making a road from Asaba and stopping it in a bush.

2027 is therefore not a referendum of the party. It is a referendum on direction.” The primaries are finished. The defections have spoken volumes. The only message left to send is the one that finishes the sentence: Delta is no longer a PDP state waiting to be wrested away. Delta is an APC state learning to govern, and it needs all its hands on the same ladle. Every vote from every Deltan to the ballot of the different APC candidates is contributing to the
one pot, One party and one Delta. And that is the only way the broth feeds us all.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her 66th birth anniversary, describing her as a compassionate woman whose commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians remains commendable.

Governor Oborevwori in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, joined Nigerians and well-wishers across the country in celebrating the First Lady on the milestone.

The governor commended Senator Tinubu for her support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and her contributions to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the downtrodden and less privileged in society.

He described her as an “Amazon” whose public engagements and humanitarian interventions had continued to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the needs of vulnerable citizens.

Oborevwori said the First Lady had demonstrated that public service was not only about occupying positions of authority but also about showing compassion and using influence to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

According to him, Senator Tinubu’s commitment to women, children, families and other vulnerable groups had earned her the goodwill and appreciation of Nigerians across different walks of life.

The governor said her experience as a former teacher, lawmaker and First Lady had positioned her to appreciate the challenges confronting families and communities, particularly those at the margins of society.

He acknowledged her advocacy for social welfare, empowerment and human capital development, noting that such interventions were important to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Oborevwori said the First Lady had continued to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President through programmes and initiatives designed to provide opportunities and relief for Nigerians in need.

He added that her efforts in promoting the welfare of women and children were worthy of recognition, particularly at a time when governments at all levels were seeking practical ways to improve the living conditions of citizens.

The Delta governor commended Senator Tinubu for her resilience, dedication and service to the nation, saying her contributions had extended beyond the ceremonial responsibilities associated with the office of the First Lady.

He prayed God to grant her continued good health, wisdom and strength to enable her sustain her humanitarian engagements and other contributions to national development.

Oborevwori also wished the First Lady many more years of fulfilment and service, assuring her of the goodwill and prayers of the government and people of Delta State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, we celebrate an Amazon who has continued to support her beloved husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in making life meaningful for the downtrodden and less privileged in our society,” the governor said.

Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has challenged tertiary institutions in the state to move beyond producing certificate holders and focus on developing competent graduates, impactful research and solutions to societal challenges.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, gave the charge on behalf of Governor Oborevwori while delivering a lecture titled, “Repositioning Tertiary Institutions for National Development and Institutional Responsibilities,” at the 3rd Delta State Higher Education Summit.

He said Delta had witnessed remarkable expansion in tertiary education, with four state-owned universities, three polytechnics and two colleges of education, alongside federal and private institutions operating across the state.

According to him, student enrolment in state-owned tertiary institutions has risen from slightly above 50,000 in 2023 to more than 100,000, while the Oborevwori administration has employed over 1,250 academic and non-academic staff.

He said the government had also invested heavily in faculties, laboratories, administrative buildings, hostel accommodation and accreditation, while supporting selected federal and private institutions with infrastructure and other interventions.

Tonukari said the administration’s investment reflected Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to human-capital development under the M.O.R.E Agenda, stressing that increased access must now translate into measurable impact.

“Access is only the beginning. The question before us is: what are we doing with this opportunity?” he asked.

He identified graduate employability as one of the major responsibilities of tertiary institutions, urging them to align curricula with the realities of the modern economy and equip students with digital, entrepreneurial, communication and critical-thinking skills.

The commissioner called for stronger partnerships between institutions and industry, saying entrepreneurship centres and the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) should provide practical experience capable of preparing students for employment and enterprise.

He also urged universities and other institutions to prioritise research that addresses challenges in agriculture, environmental degradation, flooding, healthcare, fisheries, agro-processing and economic diversification.

Tonukari said research should no longer end on library shelves but should translate, where possible, into patents, products, technologies, services and policies capable of benefiting government, industry and communities.

He advocated institutional specialisation, saying each tertiary institution should identify areas in which it could develop national or international recognition instead of attempting to excel in every field.

The commissioner cited the potential of Delta State University, Abraka, to strengthen its research profile; Southern Delta University, Ozoro, to develop technology hubs; Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, to focus on maritime and blue economy development; and the College of Education, Mosogar, to deepen sports education.

On artificial intelligence, Tonukari said institutions must embrace digital transformation while ensuring that technology does not undermine critical thinking, creativity, ethics and academic integrity.

He urged tertiary institutions to explore additional revenue through research grants, consultancy, professional programmes, alumni endowments, intellectual property, commercial ventures and carefully structured public-private partnerships.

Tonukari further charged institutions to deepen their impact on host communities through health programmes, agricultural extension, adult education, youth mentorship and other interventions, while exploring flexible opportunities for older Deltans seeking higher education.

He called on professors and researchers to contribute more actively to national policy debates, publish influential research and develop technologies capable of attracting recognition beyond Nigeria.

The commissioner also urged the private sector to regard tertiary institutions as development partners, calling for more industry-sponsored research, internships, laboratories, scholarships and technology partnerships.

Tonukari challenged vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to give their institutions distinctive identities, strengthen industry collaboration and prepare students for a rapidly changing world, stressing that government, academia and industry must work together to make higher education a stronger driver of national development.

By Wilbet Ijeoma
The tragic incident of the drowned and missing drug law enforcement officers chasing after drug offenders reported in Obiaruku is heart-wrecking. Sincere condolences to the drug law enforcement agency and the families of the deceased.

It is however discerning to distill lessons from the unfortunate incident for public enlightenment.
Drug abuse is an offence in Nigeria law and is confronted by the drug law enforcement agency. That is to say, the deceased officer was discharging his legitimate duties to rid our community of the crime.

But in the discharge of legitimate duties, especially in non-native stations, officers/workers should be guided by both the national conscience and that the customs and traditions of the natives. These customs should form part of officers routine safety tips as revealed to the agency by the traditional institution of the community.

The physiological perspective of the tragic loss could be attributed to bronchia complications arising from drowning. Other fact finding could reveal non-compliance  of safety rules- whether the officer was equipped with life jacket before approaching the river for crackdown, or whether he possessed requisite swimming skills,. The latter is not in doubt because the officers who are adults and knowledgeable jumping into the river should know how to swim. In this case, safety standard and compliance is put to the strictest test .

The sociocultural perspective is the native traditions and implications which could be attributed as possible cause of the tragic loss. The Onoku River (River Ethiope) is a renown monument or sanctuary of traditional adherents of the natives and their progeny. For the natives, the Onoku River is believed to invoke protection against danger or attack especially when it served as a place of asylum or safety as it were in this case.

A place of refuge for fleeing offenders is called a sanctuary or an asylum typical of the Onoku River. Historically, this often referred to a church or sacred place where fugitives were immune from arrest. In modern legal terms, it can also refer to a safe haven or a non-extradition center if an offender flees and finds his way to that location.

Giving credence to the above, former Imo State Governor, H.E. Senator Rochas Anayo Owelle Okokocha was reported to have established immunity or non-extradiction center for offenders during his administration. The Akachi “Hand of God” monument reportedly served thus purpose as safety haven for law offenders until the State hears the matter.

The Onoku sanctuary factor should not be discountenanced in the Obiaruku’s tragic case, especially when the fleeing offenders are natives scrambling for safety and protection.

The Lesson
There should be a point where discharge of legitimate duties and traditions/customs of the natives should meet and agree in principle, even if it is not documented as law. It should guide the conscience and actions of officers/workers especially non-natives in the course of discharging their legitimate duties.

By Felix Ofou

Beyond road infrastructure, flyovers and bridges, Delta State, under the watchful eyes of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has recorded significant milestones in other areas. This has made life easier for the citizens even as the state is ranked as the second best governed in Nigeria by the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS) based in the UK.

Whereas some would rather believe that Oborevwori has excelled in turning the state into a huge construction site, those same people think that is all there is to what is happening in Delta. Obviously, such critics only view Delta from a very narrow prism. They choose to ignore the big picture.

Indeed, so much has happened since Governor Oborevwori took over the reins of office on May 29, 2023. He has rewritten the economic template and turned Delta to one of the fifth largest in Nigeria, while reducing the state’s debt burden from N465 billion to less than N150 billion in three years of assuming office.

Granted that the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in June 2023 helped buoy the financial increase witnessed under Oborevwori, it must be acknowledged that he also created an enabling environment to make such a rejuvenation possible. Relative peace and security, especially in the oil rich communities, fiscal discipline and prudence as well as a rigid resolve not to borrow from the banks cascaded the state to unprecedented boom.

But, beyond the statistics are the direct gains and improvement in the life of the citizenry. There are a motley of schemes propelled by the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration which impact positively on the lives of the people. From pregnant women to infants, students and youths, farmers and artisans, senior citizens and widows, there is hardly any category of persons that are not captured in the plan. Delta is bullish about the welfare of the people.

Let’s take a look at the health sector where for the first time, Delta is set to have a Neuropsychiatric facility, public health laboratory aside CT scans, MRI scans and a radiology lab already working in parts of the state. Oborevwori has made these facilities available in hospitals in Oghara, Warri, Osubi, Agbor and Asaba.

These multi billion naira medical equipment were purchased and installed to make top quality healthcare accessible at affordable cost to the public. Beginning from next year, Deltans no longer have to go to neighboring states for medical emergencies and specialist attention as was the case during the Covid pandemic.

Of course, mention must be made of the newly established College of Health Technology, Ovrode in Isoko North LGA intended to provide critical workers to close the manpower gap in the sector. This is apart from the recent recruitment of over 700 health workers, including a subsisting standing order to replace doctors and nurses who leave the system as a result of the well known japa syndrome.

Delta, under Governor Oborevwori has overtaken other states in health insurance, providing care for over three million enrollees. The number includes over 10,000 widows who also collect N15,000 monthly stipend from the state government. It is on record that over 150 primary health centers have been renovated, with 50 more at various stages of completion, a feat which earned the state a whopping $400,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Of course, the street credible former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly has ensured that he remains the Governor for all by a plethora of empowerment schemes intended to provide palliatives to the citizens. Over 400,000 persons have been directly impacted while about 1.3 million are estimated to have benefitted from various schemes.

For those wondering how the Governor is able to embark on massive multi billion naira projects without borrowing, we may also let them know that no contract is awarded without a cash backup. Oborevwori not only awards the jobs, but also pays 40% upfront as mobilisation to ensure seamless and speedy completion. This is why the era of abandoned projects have become a thing of the past, with the Governor having absorbed over 300 of such projects on assuming office in June 2023.

Today, contractors, including Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, other multinational construction firms and their indigenous counterparts are happy to be working in Delta, because of the assurance of prompt payment for work done. And unlike what obtains in other states, selling of contracts has become a rarity since the government pays 40% mobilisation fee.

Worthy of note in this review is what has become the lot of the workforce in the last three years of the administration. Oborevwori paid over N5 billion to clear a backlog of promotion areas, approved the guarantee of N40 billion to clear outstanding payments to local government retirees, ordered the recruitment of over 3,000 workers into the local government system and paid N150 billion in three months as palliatives to cushion the effect of the withdrawal of subsidy by the Federal Government.

There are various housing schemes ongoing in Asaba and elsewhere, backed by the state government and at various stages of completion meant to enhance workers welfare, including the provision of car loans, which had become a thing of the past. This is aside the provision of bursary and scholarships to children of workers who died while in service.

Perhaps, the most ambitious by the Oborevwori administration is the construction of modern duplexes and provision of cars for permanent secretaries in the state. Many of those affected are full of praise for his resolve to give the permanent secretaries befitting residences to boost productivity and efficiency at the top echelon of the civil service.

Of course, it must be conceded that it is the huge investment in security architecture that has resulted in the relative peace in the state, and that also led to the significant increase in the allocation from the federal government. The military high command, the police, civil defense corps and other security agencies are pleased with Government’s assistance to them and have reciprocated the gesture by ensuring peace across board.

It is no mean feat for Delta to be maintaining four state-owned universities, two polytechnics, two colleges of education, over 600 secondary schools and over 1,500 primary schools. The financial overload is huge and only a government committed to the future of its children would continue to sustain such a burden. Only recently, and in anticipation of the resumption for a new academic session, the Governor approved the massive renovation of schools running into billions of naira.

So, it is not enough to assert that nothing is happening in Delta or to ask what the Governor is doing with the huge money coming to its coffers. A lot has happened since Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff took over the mantle of leadership in 2023. And the imprint of what has been done can be felt all over the state, including the creeks and riverine communities.

Oborevwori, through deft prudence, fiscal discipline and a personal resolve to make the state better than he met it has been working and determined to meet his set objectives, anchored on the MORE Agenda, which represents Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security. He has ensured a drastic reduction in the debt burden inherited, refused to borrow money for projects, increased internally generated revenue (IGR) and expanded the economy to a place of envy.

Let us do away with the lies and smear campaigns. Let the truth be our guide. It’s about time we ensure that our common patrimony remains with a man that is sworn to protect it and has assured a brighter future for Delta State, while building on the foundations laid by the founding fathers and former governors.

The Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over alleged political intimidation and violence at a recent political gathering in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, as well as the alleged collection of voters’ identification details in Aboh, headquarters of Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Richman Angiamaowei Oyindoubra, PhD, in a statement, condemned the reported disruption of the Effurun gathering and called on the Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The NDC leadership also alleged that persons identified as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been going from house to house in Aboh, requesting voters’ VINs and other sensitive electoral information, allegedly offering up to N50,000 per voter’s card.

The party urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while advising voters not to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), VINs or other sensitive electoral information to political actors or unauthorised persons.

The NDC said political activities ahead of the 2027 elections should remain peaceful and issue-based, urging all political actors to respect democratic processes and allow citizens to participate freely.

It also called on security and electoral authorities to maintain neutrality, investigate reported incidents and ensure that voters’ electoral rights and information are protected across Delta State.

“Your vote is your right. Protect your electoral identity and exercise your franchise freely,” the party said.

Delta State Government has condemned the reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, involving suspected supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that no individual or political group would be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.

In a strong warning to political actors across the state, the government said every political party, candidate and supporter had the right to campaign freely and peacefully in any part of Delta without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.

State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who stated this on Friday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

Aniagwu said the government was particularly concerned by the viral video of the incident, stressing that Delta would not allow political rivalry to degenerate into violence, thuggery or a culture of intimidation.

He said the position of the Oborevwori administration had remained consistent: there would be zero tolerance for political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.

“Governor Oborevwori has directed the security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that whoever is found to have participated in the act is made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that political campaigns were not a licence for violence, saying disagreements over political affiliations must never be allowed to threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.

Aniagwu declared that no political party would be stopped from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided its activities remained peaceful and within the law.

He said the administration had recorded significant achievements across Delta under the MORE Agenda and would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people and would not encourage any of its supporters to resort to confrontation or intimidation.

Aniagwu therefore charged supporters of the ruling party and opposition parties to play by the rules, warning that political competition must never become a battle for physical supremacy.

He said the government would not protect anyone who violated the law, just as it would not permit supporters of political parties to engage in acts capable of threatening public peace.

“Political affiliation is not a shield against the law. If anybody commits an offence, the law should take its course. We cannot preach peace and at the same time tolerate people who undermine it,” he said.

The commissioner called on political leaders, candidates, youth groups, community leaders and supporters to restrain their followers and ensure that campaign activities across the state remained peaceful.

He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and provide a level playing field for all political actors, stressing that the protection of citizens and their democratic rights must remain paramount.

Aniagwu said the state government would continue to support lawful political activities while taking firm measures against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace or prevent others from exercising their rights.

He added that no election, political ambition or party interest was worth the life of any Deltan, urging politicians to compete with ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.

The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu in a press interview has commended the federal government for its bold policies that had created the enabling economic environment for Delta State to thrive.

The event took place today at State Information Hall, Prof. Chike Edozien State Secretariat, Asaba and was premised on the prevailing adverse condition of the economy, government policies and interventions as well as prospects it holds for the citizenry.

The Honourable Commissioner in his opening remarks noted that Delta State had done commendably well even in the prevailing harsh economic realities and attributed the state’s successes to federal government bold policies, enabling economic environment and opportunities created for the state to thrive.

Aniagwu cited massive infrastructural projects of roads, bridges and flyovers evenly situated across the state, accounting for the improved revenues received by the state government, especially with Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) rising to N204billion from N75billion in the previous years. He also noted that workers welfare is at the front burner as reflective in the 13th month salary bill already passed into law, and the recent cash endowment for the less privileged at the grassroots by the Governor to Local Government Chairmen and Ward Councilors.

Aniagwu, who clocked 54 last week, addressed concerns raised over the sustainability of fuel subsidy removal that triggered a hike in fuel price since 2023, the new tax regime of 2025 by the Tinubu administration and the impact on the people. He admitted that subsidy removal came with its associated challenges, but justified it with the increased index of FAAC allocations to states and LGAs, which is cascaded to the people at the grassroots through the Local Government Council.
The two-time Information Commissioner stated that Delta State is intentional in giving back what it receives from Federal Government as palliatives intended to improving businesses and purchasing power of the people at the grassroots, thereby improving their ability to pay tax.
“The more we give, the more revenue we’re also going to get (from their businesses through tax), and the more people are going to live a better life” Aniagwu stated, adding that the State Government is being intentional in giving back monies from state allocation to the people to boost local businesses and empower the people to pay tax and give back to the government, which is a complete cycle that justifies sustainability. “Oborevwoi’s government is giving back intentionally, so what when the people survives, the government survives by receiving tax which completes the cycle” He added.

The Commissioner cited massive infrastructural overhaul schools as a result of vandalism, and said the government in currently working of production and distribution of furniture across school in Delta State.

Anigwu held a strong brief for the federal government, as he commended the bold economic policies of President Bola Tinubu which are drivers of Delta State economic development. In a father-son analogy, Aniagwu underscored why the Federal Government should be commended for Delta State’s achievements, adding that a son who made first class in the university does not ascribe the success to intelligence but primarily to the father who paid the school fees, creating the enabling environment to go to school.

He highlighted the bold steps the federal government has taken that has directly impacted on Delta State to thrive economically which include the second Niger bridge access road interchange at Issele-Azagba nearing completion, ongoing maintenance of the first Niger bridge, Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which students of the four universities in Delta State are beneficiaries, increased FAAC allocation to state and local governments amongst others.

Aniagwu noted that in previous administrations, the challenges have been that of availability and affordability, but now reduced to affordability by President Tinubu’s administration. He however admitted that federal government reforms triggered some challenges initially but now has impacted positively as Delta State Government is taking actions to cascade the solvency for the benefits of the people. “Today, there is no longer long queue at the fueling stations, no black market prices for petroleum products, and no longer indefinite ASUU strike. The reality of the moment is that most challenges in past administrations of federal government are now success story of the present administration:” Aniagwu stated, adding that it was to address these challenges the government is pulling off intentionality in its interventions to address the remaining issue of affordability.

On the recent N5billion cash endowment by the State Governor, with N10million allotted to each Ward Councilors, and how the disbursement would be implemented, Aniagwu stated that the Councilors are closer to the people at the grassroots and have a better knowledge of the less-privilege in their communities, making them a suitable mechanism for the cash implementation. He added that the State Government would set up monitoring committee for successful implementation.

In attendance were the functional Permanent Secretary of State Ministry of Information, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media and gentlemen of the Press.