Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner
The Delta Government has assured residents of Asaba and its environs that its ongoing storm-water control project will provide lasting solutions to perennial flooding in the capital city. The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance at an inspection of the multi-billion-naira flood control measures on Tuesday in Asaba. Izeze expressed optimism that the project would be ready for inauguration by December by the governor. The commissioner stated that the project when completed, would help to achieve the original storm-water master plan for Asaba, ensuring that flooding would be a thing of the past. “By the time the entire stretch is delivered, it will transform Asaba into a flood-free city.” Izeze commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping faith with his administration’s promise of meaningful development, realistic reforms, peace, and security. “Firstly, let me commend the audacity and courage of His Excellency in keeping the covenant he made with the people of Delta. This project is part of that promise. “Haven inspected the work from chainage 0 to 650, I can confidently say the quality of work is not in doubt, ” he said. The commissioner noted that the consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise the project. ”The consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise this very important project,” Izeze said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project when completed, is expected to bring relief to residents and visitors, transforming Asaba into a more livable city.
Katsina adopts bottom-up approach for 2026 budgeting
Like Delta, Katsina State Government has organised a town hall meeting across the 361 wards in the state to assess community needs and gather citizens’ inputs for the 2026 budget. The town hall meeting was inaugurated on Thursday at Kankara Local Government Area (LGA),by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe. Nigerian Anchor reports that the current administration in Delta state had adopted similar bottom-up approach to get the buy-in of citizens in the annual budget plan. In a speech at the event, Katsina deputy governor said the initiative, approved was part of the state’s preparation for the formulation of the 2026 budget . “This event marks a significant milestone that reaffirms the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, citizen participation, and Community-Driven Development (CDD). “Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration believes that the best ideas for development often comes from the people as they live with the realities we seek to transform. “The town hall meeting taking place in all the 361 wards in the state represents more than just a consultation, it is part of a broader vision to deepen democratic governance, promote accountability, and ensure that our budget reflects the actual needs of our communities. “We are here to listen and to collaborate towards building a stronger, as well as a virile Katsina State together,” according to the deputy governor,” he said. Lawal-Jobe further explained that the initiative, jointly implemented by the state’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Community Development Programme ( CDP,), was a deliberate policy designed to bring government closer to the people and improve service delivery to the citizens. According to him, the policy will give the residents the platform to voice their challenges, outline their priorities and suggest workable solutions. He pointed out that through the approach, they were implementing the core principles of CDD by empowering the people to actively participate in shaping the interventions that affect their lives. The deputy governor added that in so doing, they were also fulfilling their obligations under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), and reinforcing their transparency and accountability frameworks. In his remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Anas Malik, said the process was not just another meeting, but a strategic shift in the way they plan and budget. He added, “For too long, budgets were drawn up with minimal consultation with the very people they are meant to serve. “But today, we’re changing that narrative. We’re here because we believe the voices of our citizens matter. “We believe that development must begin at the grassroots, and we believe that for any budget to be effective, it must reflect the real priorities of the people. “The exercise will also help us differentiate between what the local government should address, what the state government should prioritise, and what should be escalated to the Federal government or development partners.” “We are also working closely with Local Government Councils, CSOs, traditional institutions, and the media to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process,” he said. Earlier, the Coordinator of the CDP, Dr Kamaludeen Kabir, said that the meeting across all wards of the state was as a result of Radda’s unwavering belief in participatory democracy and CDD. “This initiative did not just happen by chance, it is a bold policy decision by a governor who believes that development must begin with the people, and that communities must define their own priorities. “His Excellency deserves our collective commendation for bringing this idea to life and institutionalising it as part of the state’s budgeting process,” Kabir said. He told the participants that the 2026 budget would be shaped by their priorities, challenges, and aspirations, from water to education, roads to markets, health centres to livelihood opportunities.
Delta State partners FG, Private investors for growth, food security
In a major investment drive, Delta State Government recently conducted a virtual townhall engagement with diaspora indigenes in a bid to acquaint them with ongoing development strides in the state. The interactive session featured over thirty participants across the globe and was addressed by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen. It was a no-holds barred mostly question-and-answer session where Indigenes of the state asked questions based on information available to them regarding current social, economic and political developments in the state. In an opening remark, Mr. Ekedayen told the Delta State Diaspora that indigenes of the state had never had any better than now as the State Governor, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwhori had done so much in the state in a space of less than two years. Delta ranks highly in prosperity index Mass literacy: In response to a question about the quality of education in the state, Mr. Ekedayen insisted that Delta state had become a major educational hub in the country. He buttressed the assertion by the fact that, as of date, the state has a total of 1,200 primary schools, 498 secondary schools, five colleges of nursing, three colleges of education four state owned universities and two polytechnics. No child of school age in Delta State that is prevented from schooling due to any failure of support policy. Payment of bursary allowance to indigenes in tertiary institutions. With a total of nine, Delta ranks highly among states with such number of vocational institutions. Economy: With a debt profile of N436billion at the inception of the current administration, the figure has been reduced drastically to N249billion. While responding to another participant named Oghenero, Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that with the state’s monthly wage bill at N16billion and Federal Allocation averaging N40billion monthly, the state government is in full compliance with its obligation to the workers. Agriculture and Food Security: The Commissioner disclosed that the state had commenced massive agricultural initiatives through Public/Private/Partnerships (PPP) to ensure food security. He cited as example, a collaborative engagement with the state of Malaysia for the large scale cultivation of oil palm in the state. The state has also signed onto the latest initiative of the Federal Government in the area of animal husbandry as a counter measure to stem the tide in Farmers/Herders clashes and the surge in violent crimes by arm-bearing Fulani pastoralists. Mr. Ekedayen assured his audience that the Government of Sheriff Oborevwhori had instituted Farm Rangers, a security outfit to protect indigenes while on their farms. He however, observed that even though the menace of terrorist herders was not rampant in the state, the government was equal to the task of securing the farmers. Development of Seaports The Commissioner informed a questioner that the Warri and Koko Ports are Federal Assets, which decisions regarding their usage are under policy oversight of the Federal Government. Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the two seaports are not completely idle. He said the Koko Port had been concessioned to the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, with about 6-7 companies being involved. He disclosed that the Warri port is currently underutilised based on “economic capacity.” The Commissioner revealed that Warri port may have become “a bit too shallowdue to silting, therefore requiring dredging. “These are mere challenges that are not insurmountable,” he said.
Oborevwori felicitates NUJ at 70, urges better welfare for journalists
Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has called for better welfare for practicing journalists in the country to compensate for their incalculable contributions to nation building. The governor made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon to felicitate the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary. He congratulated the President of the NUJ, Mr Alhassan Yahaya and all members of the union for their contributions to ethical journalism and nation building. He said that given advancement in the ICT, practicing journalists need to keep learning and relearning to become more ethical and development-focused. “I congratulate the President of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya and all Nigerian journalists on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the union. “I must thank Nigerian journalists, who hold the government and its officials accountable, and for their incalculable contributions to the nation’s democracy and progress. “As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, media practitioners are critical stakeholders in the society, and have enormous power and influence on the people,” Oborevwori said. While noting the watchdog function of the media in the political system, Oborevwori acknowledged the NUJ’s crucial role in defining Nigeria’s narrative and furthering democratic ideals. He said; “I must commend the union’s leadership for defending press freedom and fighting for the welfare of journalists. “The NUJ’s 70th anniversary marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s media landscape, reflecting decades of commitment to journalistic excellence and the promotion of democratic principles.”
Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state
State Commissioner of Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu describes the approvals as record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics. Delta Government has approved over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects spanning different sectors across the three senatorial districts of the state. The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who disclosed this to newsmen, said it was among the approvals given at the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025 on Thursday in Asaba. Aniagwu, was in company of his counterparts in Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze; Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; Others are the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; his counterpart in Warri Uvwie and environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon. Aniagwu said the governor was determined to ensure the people of Delta get value for every money spent on projects in the state. “Not long ago, we informed you that Gov. Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects. READ ALSO: Shake up: Kano judiciary sacks corrupt officials “But little did we know that his response is going to be so outstanding and deafening that even those who have some audio challenge will hear the sound. “Today, Gov. Oborevwori led us to make history since the 34 years existence of Delta State where, in one Exco meeting over N275 billion worth of projects were approved for the good people of Delta cutting across the three senatorial districts. “These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable. “Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state, thanks to the very accountable and transparent governance philosophy of Gov. Oborevwori.” He said the council also approved the remodeling of the Warri City Stadium, describing it as a bold step to ensure that legacy projects were not in short supply in the state. READ ALSO: The six zonal political system and Nigeria’s stability and economic development Aniagwu listed some of the approved projects to include: construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus. Others are: the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo; Also the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II), the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road; The construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction. The council equally approved the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others. READ ALSO: Nigeria’s children of the dumpsites On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze, commended Gov. Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects. He said that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration. Izeze added that the governor had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8 billion previously owed on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) module. He said additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC construction company was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road. He said the council also approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved. Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the council approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100m to ensure sustainability of the health coverage for the people of the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume. According to the university, the honour was conferred on the governor in recognition of his “outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.” The conferment took place on Saturday during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremony at Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori thanked the university for the recognition, adding that the honour was a motivation and a challenge to press forward in his vision to advance the State through his M.O.R.E Agenda. READ ALSO: Breaking: Obasa stages comeback bid, says I remain Lagos Assembly speaker According to him, “Our administration’s MORE agenda is a policy document that embodies priorities for sustainable social and economic development. “We hope to achieve this through infrastructural renewal, comprehensive programmes for youth training, development, and empowerment. “Creation of a conducive business and investment environment for local and foreign direct investments. “So far, we have recorded remarkable successes in advancing urban-rural integration through massive road construction as well as micro-credit and capacity building support for SMEs. “Going forward, we will consolidate on the progress made and ensure sustainability of our policies and programmes”. He lauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Chuks Ochonogor, for his clear vision, industry and dedication to offering quality higher education. “I note with pleasure that as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University has continued to live up to expectation with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricular and infrastructure upgrades. “I salute your courage, determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It would have been easier to deploy your hard-earned resources to trade and commerce for faster returns on investment. READ ALSO: Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case “But you chose to invest in the youths of this country; we appreciate you for this and posterity will forever be kind to you.” Oborevwori commended the academic and non-academic staff of the university for their sacrifice, commitment and contributions to building the citadel of learning urging the graduands to put to work what they had learnt from the institution. “Today, the university has certified that you have acquired the requisite knowledge of your fields, analytical abilities, self-awareness, and the skills that the university degree implies. “I want to believe that you have also imbibed the values that this university represents, values of hard work, discipline, innovation, honesty, and accountability. “As you step out into the world today, you must be ready to embrace change, because we are living in a world of rapid changes. Change can be unsettling. It can create great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty. “But it can also open doors to wonderful new beginnings. So, you must be prepared for change, sometimes, changes in life may appear sudden, drastic, and dramatic. “But instead of deterring you, they should serve as a motivation for you to break new frontiers.” The Chancellor of the University, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Novena University was a big lesson for the Nigerian state exemplified by hard work of the Pro-Chancellor. READ ALSO: Troops neutralise Abu Mosaje, terrorist commander, gun runner, 96 others He urged Nigerian leaders to work with vision, sincerity and conscience in building a better Nigeria. The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chuks Ochonogor, said the ceremony was a testament to 20 years impactful service to the people. “The university has enhanced the economy of the host communities by creating employments and profitable economic activities for the self-employed as well as contractors, traders and landlords. “The university which commenced academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with three colleges, now had seven colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine and Law,” he said. Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Godwin Nduka, said the university ‘stands out’ as the first private university in Delta State. He said the university boasts of great diversity with the current Vice-Chancellor being the first Deltan to become head of the institution since inception twenty years ago. The Vice-Chancellor lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous strides in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, including the new minimum wage, pensions, security of life and properties. At the ceremony, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was among the graduands with Master of Science degree in Accounting.
Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged Nigerians to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies to ensure sustainable peace, unity and development of the nation. The governor gave the charge at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, on Sunday in Asaba. Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians emulate the sacrifices and commitment of fallen heroes and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice. READ ALSO: Oborevwori Unveils Plans for Asaba International market, Others in 20025 He called on all to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war. The governor said the thanksgiving service was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires. He said that it was also a platform for sober reflection on the past, present and future of the country. The governor noted that many compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect the sovereignty of the nation and preserve its unity. He lauded them for their bravery, courage and abiding faith in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Delta Govt, APC in War of Words Over Rumoured Gov Oborevwori’s Defection The governor challenged all to support the legionnaires , their widows and children . The governor said that the state government was committed to supporting the legionnaires in various ways. He also called on the legionnaires to reciprocate government’s gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen and that of their families. The governor urged those in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God for them to be able to make the right choices and decisions that would deliver good governance to the people. READ ALSO: Delta Gov Shuffles Cabinet, Aniagwu Takes Over Information Ministry In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, the Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation. Aduba thanked them for their selfless service to the nation and reminded them of the need to give special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes. The ceremony to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be concluded on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with laying of wreaths.
Delta recruits 120 officers to manage herders/farmers’ clashes
The Delta State Government has announced the recruitment of 120 State Livestock Management Officers to address herder/farmer clashes and ensure seamless farming activities across the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, made this known on Thursday in Asaba while urging journalists to engage in farming to bridge the hunger gap and enhance food security in the country. Arenyeka explained that issues of criminality and the herder/farmer crisis fall within the remit of the Federal Government, adding, “As a state, we initially recruited 50 SLMOs and are now engaging an additional 70 officers to monitor farming activities across the 25 Local Government Areas.” He continued, “I believe those involved in the herder/farmer crisis are criminal elements pretending to be herders, and it is up to the Federal Government to tackle these challenges.” The Commissioner emphasised that addressing the current food shortage and ensuring food security requires everyone, including journalists, to participate in farming. He noted that agriculture has evolved from manual to technology-driven methods, stressing that it is the responsibility of Nigerians to feed themselves rather than rely on other countries. Earlier, the Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, encouraged the Commissioner to explore and deploy all available resources towards achieving food security and job creation, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda. He added that the state’s empowerment programme, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would extend to those involved in farming.
NEMA Lists 18 LGA To Experience Flood
By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Residents in 18 of Delta State’s 25 local government areas have been warned to brace for potential flooding. The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, issued this alert during a one-day Stakeholders Sensitisation Workshop in Asaba. The workshop, organised by NEMA in collaboration with the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), aimed to address waste management and flood preparation. The theme, “Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparation,” underscored the need for proper waste disposal practices to mitigate flood risks. Umar emphasized the workshop’s goal of raising awareness about sustainable waste management and flood mitigation strategies. She urged stakeholders to support NEMA’s efforts in promoting proper waste management and reducing flood impacts. The Delta State government had previously established flood committees and set up Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps at strategic locations to manage flooding impacts across the state.
Delta State Government Assures On Improved Services in 2024 Budget
The Delta State Government is gearing up to deliver a more comprehensive and effective 2024 state budget that addresses the concerns of its residents. During a Zoom meeting, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, shed light on various aspects of the upcoming budget, which aims to enhance the lives of Deltans. Housing has been a significant concern for many residents, particularly students who have been grappling with the high cost of accommodation. The commissioner pledged to address this issue by acquiring vast land and collaborating with developers to construct affordable housing options, with a particular focus on students’ needs. Road infrastructure is another critical area in the state, with complaints about the deteriorating state of the Efurrun Abraka Agbor road, which residents consider a safety hazard. The commissioner assured the public that work is already underway to repair the road, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure. Although concrete construction was preferred, cost considerations led to the decision to use asphalt. Recognizing the importance of food security, the government plans to invest in farm settlements to make food more accessible and affordable for the people of Delta State. This step is expected to have a positive impact on local agriculture and food supply. In addition to these specific areas, the 2024 budget will also encompass crucial sectors such as security and education, aiming to ensure the satisfaction of Delta’s residents. Commissioner Ekedayen urged the public to be patient and supportive as the new government settles into its responsibilities. He said the Delta State Government is determined to improve the lives of its citizens through a well-rounded and people-centric budget for the upcoming year.