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.

By Wilbet Ijeoma

The 5/5 “All-The-Way” demand by the ruling party to deliver all flag bearers of the party across all elective position is noticeably becoming unpopular and unfashionable in recent times. Electorates, especially some honest leaders in the party are becoming more aware that some flag bearers lack competence or antecedents and were foisted on them.

In the other divide of the minority parties where there is dearth of adequate and qualified candidates to vie for all elective positions but some, the parties are left open to adopting candidates from other political parties in those positions they couldn’t field. These two reasons amongst others have become germane and form a thrust for the Rainbow Coalition postulated by the Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Recently making the rounds is the faceoff between the Honourable Minister of FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Imo State Governor and Chairman of APC Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, over the emergence of the Rainbow Coalition by the former as an organ to steer the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

The APC Governors Forum in a press briefing dissociated self from the Rainbow Coalition and discountenance same, deeming it as anti-party or cross-party, capable of undermining the vote strength of President Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Responding to the position of the APC Governors Forum led by Uzodinma, Wike condemned the interference of the APC Governors in Rivers State politics where the Rainbow Coalition was birthed, adding that it is a political doctrine that has been working for the people of Rivers State before now and nothing can change it. He assured that the Rainbow Coalition has the potential to deliver more votes for President Tinubu come 2027.

Making a sweep of the APC Governors, Wike described them as lazy, incapable for mobilizing their people and advised them to focus on how to redeem their image by delivering their respective states for President Tinubu come 2027 general elections. “Most of them could not deliver up to 25% for Mr President in 2023, and they are coming here to say No to Rainbow Coalition; if you don’t understand it, come to Rivers State, we will teach you;” Wike maintained.

Rainbow Coalition is a conception that contemplates and empower the people to choose candidates irrespective of the political party fielding them. The coalition is also meant to be deployed in voting one candidate, likely President Tinubu, by different political parties (who have no presidential candidates) bearing different spectrum of colours like the rainbow colours.

The Rainbow Coalition in principle ultra vires the 5/5 “All-The-Way” party demand which, instead of appealing to the choices of the electorates, demands that the electorates vote for all the party candidates for all positions, from top to bottom. While the Rainbow Coalition is people-oriented, the 5/5 “All-The-Way” demand is a concoction of party leadership forced down the throat of electorates to enable sycophancy amongst themselves.

Modern day politics is evolving to the true meaning of democracy as the people are empowered, becoming more aware and more involved in choosing and electing their leaders. This suggests that Wike could be right by his postulation of the Rainbow Coalition which empowers the electorate to belong to the party of their choice and vote the candidate of their choice irrespective of political affiliation.

The backdrop that gave rise to the Rainbow Coalition is now far-fetched. One of the contributive factors is the make-believe in the internal politics of political parties during primaries. Recently, political parties predetermine the flag bearer that emerges for their party either through consensus or skewed voting in secret ballot, leaving a likely popular and qualified candidate aggrieved and open to leaving the party for another party where there is a level-playing ground to pick the ticket and represent his people.

The above factor with several others is the reason why popular and eligible candidates for different elective positions are scattered across political parties brandishing different colours.

The Rainbow Coalition therefore is a deliberate attempt to bring together these candidates and the electorates scattered across political parties under one umbrella to satisfy the choices of the people and not the demands of party. It is then proper to assign this coalition the rainbow colour since different political parties with spectrum of colours are representing one interest – that of the people.

The Wike Rainbow Coalition postulation is indeed the right way to go to address the characteristic fraud and sharp practices within political parties that robs popular and eligible candidates off the tickets during primaries, and undermines the overriding choices of the people during the general elections.

By Wilbet Ijeoma

In the wake of the turn of events following the emergence of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the ruling party APC flag bearer  of Delta North Senatorial District for 2027 general elections in place of incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, it has become pertinent and concerning to put in the right perspective the misgivings masked in campaign propaganda fettered by propagandists of anti-Anioma State creation.
The reappearance of the bill for Anioma State creation on the floor of the National Assembly couldn’t have come at a better time than now – no less thanks to distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, who made unequivocal the call for parity, equity and fairness in state strength for the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.

The political permutations of the state creation in the National Assembly resulted in the expedience to situate Anioma State in the South-East zone without prejudice to the culture of the Anioma people, to bring the South-East region at state parity with other geopolitical zones.
This bill reintroduced on 2nd July 2024  has witnessed a remarkable progress to the final stage, having scaled through the first and second reading, awaiting the third reading and harmonization by the red and green chambers, as well as witnessed zonal public hearings on constitutional amendment in Enugu and Uyo with the buy-in of 97 Senators including the Presidency. Moreover, a number of stakeholders engagements initiated by Senator Nwoko within and outside the senatorial district has made the call more popular given its overriding importance to the people of Anioma in particular and Delta in general.

In a twist of event and what seems to be a potential setback to the noble call for Anioma State creation, the ruling party APC in Delta State conducted a primary that didn’t contemplate continuity for consolidation of the Anioma State creation bill by its proponent, but a preference for hierarchical interest in the person of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
As a means of counteracting the Ned Nwoko pro-Anioma agenda and justifying his preference, the APC flag bearer for Delta North Senatorial District, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa allegedly claimed that the call for Anioma State creation at this time was ill-timed and ill-conceived, citing lack of depth in stakeholders’ consultation and personal interest of Senator Ned Nwoko.

The crux of the matter is the personal interest of Senator Ned Nwoko alleged by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his sympathizers. This kind of criticism of a noble cause calls for public concern, scrutiny and discussion because it is not only an attack on the personality of the proponent of the bill but undermines the people who will benefit from it. Succinctly put, it is a ploy to “call a dog a bad name just to kill it;” not minding the domestic usefulness of a dog.

Senator Nwoko’s three-year spell so far in the red chamber has been impeccable and one with attendant results. He has passed 33 bills and moved 22 motion, still counting with numerous Infrastructural and empowerment projects across the senatorial district. Before he became a senator, he was self-made – a successful international lawyer with credits of Paris Funds recovery for Nigeria, and a titan in the business industry. It is thus despicable and mischievous to allege that the noble and people-oriented call for Anioma State creation is for the senator’s self-empowerment allegedly to become the first Governor of Anioma State or whatsoever.

The call and push for Anioma State creation like every other concerned states in the region are pushing for their states of interest, should be put in the right perspective. It is obviously not for Ned’s profiting as alleged by naysayers, but a “Mobutu Gift” – to be deployed for the benefit of Anioma people.

The “Mobutu Gift” of 1973 was a 5million USD gift from President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire to his Mauritania’s counterpart President Moktar Ould Daddah during a working visit when the benefactor realized that his host had no befitting suit as a president. Instead of using the money for luxury clothing and suits as intended, the Mauritanian President deposited the money into his country’s treasury and the money was instead utilized to build teachers training center for human capital development to confront and conquer illiteracy, poverty and underdevelopment that bedeviled the country as at then.

It is within this intendment the call and push for Anioma State creation was reinitiated lately by the distinguished senator, to unbundle the enormous potentials of Delta State in both natural resources and human capital, and drive grassroots development through state fragmentation.

State creation is a public cause; It is only a mischievous mind that would see personal gain instead of the “Mobutu Gift” narrative. Our people should begin to see the bigger picture in state creation and stop conjuring defective views and spewing misleading narratives to help their paymasters score cheap political points. Our people should begin to see that with Delta State having Anioma State as a sister-state irrespective of the geopolitical zone, there would be more allocation and revenues (IGR, Oil Derivations and FAAC), more local government areas for grassroots development, more local and international interventions, more elective offices (2 gubernatorial seats, 6 senatorial seats, 18 HoR, and multiple HoA, Chairmanship and Councillorship seats) for aspirants, 2 different Police Commands and more employment of police personnel to strengthen internal security, 2 different public service organogram for Delta and Anioma requiring more facilities for Secretariats, more infrastructure, more manpower and more employment; there would be exponential growth in public service as, say, a grade level 14 or 15 officer may eventually become a Director being the likely superior officer; more industrialization and employment opportunities for the teaming youths, business boom in a viable compact economy of the respective states; and so on.

Like the people of Mauritania, the good people of Anioma would not want to sacrifice their posterity in the altar of malicious politics but prefer a representation to consolidate the realization of Anioma state dream that would release and unleash them to self-realization and unprecedented development.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated an elder statesman and business magnate, Chief Johnbull Ejovi, the Udu of Agbon Kingdom, on his 71st birthday.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Ejovi as a visionary leader and distinguished son of Ethiope East, whose contributions to community development, business and philanthropy had extended beyond Delta State.

Oborevwori said he joined the people of Ethiope East, the Urhobo nation and well-wishers across the country to celebrate Ejovi, whom he described as a man of wisdom, mentor and pillar of support to many.

“Chief Johnbull Ejovi’s legacy of selfless service and philanthropy continues to inspire generations,” the governor said.

He commended the celebrant’s business acumen, leadership qualities and commitment to the development of Agbon Kingdom and Delta State, saying his contributions had left lasting marks on the growth and unity of so many communities.

The governor said Ejovi’s 71st birthday was a milestone worthy of celebration, given his years of service to humanity and contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the entire people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate our dear elder statesman and leader on this remarkable milestone.

“We pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with good health, strength and many more fruitful years,” Oborevwori added.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Steve Orishe Oru, on his 79th birth anniversary.

Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, described Oru as a consummate politician, accomplished leader and elder statesman whose contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria remained noteworthy.

The governor commended Dr Steve Oru for his significant contributions to public service through his various positions, including Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with a great leader and amiable elder statesman, Dr Stephen Orishe Oru, as he celebrates his 79th birth anniversary.

“I join your family, political associates and other well-wishers in thanking God for blessing you with strength and wisdom to serve the people of Delta and Nigeria.

“It is my prayer that God will continue to protect you, grant you good and bless you with more years of fulfilment and service to God and humanity.”