The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Skyewise boss Abuyere felicitates Okpebholo on birthday

    Skyewise boss Abuyere felicitates Okpebholo on birthday

    The Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise Group, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, has extended warm birthday wishes to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a true reformer and a visionary leader championing new frontiers for good governance in the state. 

    In his goodwill message on Friday, Abuyere commended the governor for his steadfast commitment to accountability, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, investment in education, and the creation of a robust economic environment that continues to attract both local and foreign investors.

    Read Also: PDP knocks Okpebholo’s N2.5b donation to UBTH

    According to him, Governor Okpebholo’s pro-people policies are setting new benchmarks in governance, placing Edo State on the path of sustainable development in a way never before witnessed.

    “Your Excellency, your exemplary leadership and people-centered policies have continued to inspire confidence in the future of Edo State. 

    “From empowering young people and expanding access to quality education, to building infrastructure and opening new frontiers of economic growth, you have shown that governance can truly work for the people. 

    “On behalf of Skyewise Group and Skyewise Foundation, I congratulate you and pray for more wisdom, good health, and strength as you continue to serve the people of Edo State,” Abuyere stated.

    He further expressed optimism that under Governor Okpebholo’s stewardship, Edo State will remain a beacon of development, good governance, and accountability for other states to emulate.

  • SSPTI knocks rights group’s petition against Delta Police 

    SSPTI knocks rights group’s petition against Delta Police 

    The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has faulted a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, by the Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO) over the lingering traditional dispute in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, describing it as premature, misleading, and without substance.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, and made available to journalists in Warri, SSPTI condemned what it termed “a deliberate attempt to smear the image of the Delta State Police Command” by the petitioner, Mr. Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box, who also doubles as the YNRO Coordinator.

    According to the group, it was improper for Ojei, who hails from Ubulu-Uku and reportedly aligned with one of the factions in the communal crisis—to file a petition under the guise of human rights advocacy, while being an interested party in the dispute.

    “We find it very disturbing that Mr. Ojei is using the cover of a civil society platform to unduly pressure the police into tilting their neutrality in favour of one camp in the Ubulu-Uku crisis,” the statement noted.

    The body expressed surprise at the attempt to drag the Delta State Police Command into the internal traditional affairs of Ubulu-Uku. According to the body, it was “shocking” that Victor Ojei’s group tried to link the suspension of the Onishe (traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku to the police.

    Read Also: Four die in Police, hoodlums 15-hour Anambra gun duel

    “The question is: was it the police that removed him, or were the police involved in the process of his decision making that led to his suspension to have been so accused, the body queried, 

    Continuing, it said : “It is a common knowledge that matters of succession and discipline within the traditional council remain the exclusive prerogative of the Ubulu-Uku traditional authorities”.

    SSPTI also faulted the claim that the Delta Police Command deliberately kept the petition “in view,” stressing that routine procedures must be observed before investigations into such sensitive matters can commence.

    “Our findings show that the interval between when the petition was submitted and when YNRO rushed to the IGP was extremely short, noting that the allegation of deliberate frustration by the police does not hold water, as the petition must go through well-established processes before action can be taken,” Alozie stated.

    The group further warned against attempts to politicize or hijack traditional issues under the guise of human rights advocacy, urging stakeholders to allow security agencies to carry out their duties without intimidation or bias.

    “Matters of traditional authority and communal disputes are often complex and sensitive. What the Ubulu-Uku community needs now is peace-building, not unnecessary distractions or media campaigns to blackmail the police,” the statement concluded.

  • EDMA public shaming of suspected sex workers misguided, undermines justice — Braimah

    EDMA public shaming of suspected sex workers misguided, undermines justice — Braimah

    Human rights expert, Tim S. Braimah, has strongly criticised the recent public parade of 29 suspected sex workers in Benin City by the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), describing the exercise as a harmful and misguided approach that undermines genuine efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation.

    Braimah, who has extensive experience in human rights and migration issues in Nigeria, said the action was “not a policy but persecution,” stressing that global research consistently shows that public shaming does not curb prostitution or trafficking. 

    Instead, he argued, it worsens the problem by reinforcing stigma, pushing sex work further underground, and increasing the vulnerability of individuals to violence and exploitation.

    Citing findings from The Open Public Health Journal and Sexuality Research and Social Policy, Braimah noted that stigmatized sex workers face severe public health barriers, are less likely to report crimes, and often encounter victim-blaming when they do.

    “One of the fundamental flaws in EDMA’s approach,” Braimah said, “is the failure to distinguish between consensual sex work and the crime of human trafficking. Trafficking is coercive and criminal, while sex work is often an act of survival in the face of economic hardship. 

    “By conflating the two, the state has misdiagnosed the problem and applied the wrong solution — a classic case of round pegs in square holes.”

    Read Also: Braimah is finalist for Study UK alumni awards 2025

    Braimah argued that moralistic punishments such as public parades only serve as “dangerous spectacles,” far removed from global best practices in tackling trafficking. 

    He urged the Edo State Government to replace such performative measures with evidence-based interventions that prioritize dignity and human rights.

    His recommendations include decriminalising and destigmatising sex work to create safer legal and reporting frameworks, investing in rehabilitation and economic empowerment programmes, establishing transparent oversight to address extortion claims, and engaging civil society and survivors in shaping policies.

    “Public shaming is a symptom of failed leadership,” Braimah declared. “If Edo State truly seeks to combat trafficking, it must choose evidence over emotion, dignity over disgrace, and solutions that empower rather than punish.”

  • Dafinone felicitates Oborevwori, Deltans at 34

    Dafinone felicitates Oborevwori, Deltans at 34

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State on the occasion of the state’s 34th anniversary.

    In a goodwill message, the lawmaker described the anniversary as not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for reflection on the state’s collective journey since its creation in 1991. He noted that Delta had recorded remarkable progress in peace, unity, and development over the years.

     Dafinone commended Governor Oborevwori for what he called his dedication and commitment to advancing the state through his “Renewed Hope for More” agenda. He urged Deltans to remain positive and continue to support the governor’s people-oriented programmes and projects for the greater good of all.

    His statement reads: “This anniversary is not only a moment of celebration but also of reflection on our collective journey as a people since 1991. Delta State has recorded remarkable progress in peace, unity, and development, and I firmly believe that our best years are still ahead.

    Read Also: Oborevwori urges Fed Govt to revive Delta ports

    “I commend Governor Oborevwori for his dedication and commitment to the advancement of our state through his Renewed Hope for More Agenda. I urge all Deltans to remain positive and continue to support the Governor in delivering on his people-oriented programmes and projects for the greater good of all.

    “As a people, we must sustain the values of unity, resilience, and mutual respect that bind us together. By working collectively, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Delta State where opportunities abound for every citizen.

    “On this auspicious occasion, I once again extend my warmest congratulations to all Deltans, both at home and in the diaspora. Together, let us remain steadfast in our shared vision of a Delta State anchored on justice, unity, peace, and sustainable development.”

  • Delta at 34: Okumagba congratulates Deltans, commends Oborevwori

    Delta at 34: Okumagba congratulates Deltans, commends Oborevwori

    Prominent Leader of the APC in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has congratulated the government and people of Delta State on the 34th anniversary of the creation of the state. 

    In a congratulatory message, Okumagba lauded “the progress the state has made over the years and in the last two years since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori mounted the saddle.” 

    Olorogun Okumagba stated  that Deltans have cause to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the state because over the last three decades plus Delta State has emerged as Nigeria’s leading state in education, sports and in the contribution to the national economy.

     “In spite of the challenges of managing a diverse state, Deltans have stayed together and the state has continued to grow from strength to strength. Olorogun Okumagba highlighted the current progressive administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who has prioritised human capital and infrastructural development.

    Olorogun Okumagba further stated that the “responsive leadership style of His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has fostered massive infrastructural and social interventions across the state.” He noted that, though there is still a lot to do, “Governor Oborevwori’s transformative and engaging administration gives Deltans cause for hope and celebration as the state marks 34 years.” 

    Olorogun Okumagba was particularly elated with the Oborevwori administration’s quick response to the cries of travellers into Warri from Benin on account of the bad road, describing the government’s decision to award a contract to reconstruct unmotorable sections of the federal road, a “very worthy decision that will bring relief to the people and other road users.”

    Governor Oborevwori had announced the award of reconstruction of the dual carriageway with reinforced concrete from the Spare Parts Market U-turn, Effurun, to Ohore Junction and beyond, before Omenta Bridge, along the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road. The new road cross-section will include an expanded pavement width of 8.8 m, 2.8 m reinforced concrete shoulders, and 12 km of stormwater concrete drains on both sides of the entire road section, including discharges.

    Saluting the Governor on the occasion of the anniversary, Olorogun Okumagba said: “You have reignited hope among the people of Delta State that at 34 we can look back on the progress made and see that there are good things around the corner. 

    Read Also: Oborevwori urges Fed Govt to revive Delta ports

    Olorogun Okumagba also took notice of the state’s proactive engagement in the electricity market by creating its regulatory agency, exploring the diversification of energy sources to include renewable energy and empowering rural electrification as “very commendable and most appropriate to spur development, especially in suburban and rural communities.” 

    He observed that “given the integrated social and industrial infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Oborevwori administration, Delta State may well be at the cusp of unlocking more of its economic potential, 34 years after its creation.”

    Olorogun Okumagba asked Deltans from all walks of life to continue to support the Oborevwori administration to enable it to succeed and deliver on the dividends of good government. Olorogun Okumagba wished the government and people of the state more years of progress and success.

  • UN, NDDC collaborate on Niger Delta sustainable development goals

    UN, NDDC collaborate on Niger Delta sustainable development goals

    The United Nations (UN) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have organised a stakeholders’ dialogue to identify challenges facing the Niger Delta region and to align it with the UN’s Six Transitions and the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy.

    Speaking at the summit on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Niger Delta region, NDDC Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Patterson Ogon, highlighted the key areas of focus to include problem identification, as well as solution design and prioritisation.

    Ogon, in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, advocated the adequate use of the region’s natural resources, such as wind and solar, in generating power.

    He also called for the more effective and efficient use of ICT by the Niger Delta youths to achieve economic independence.

    In the area of education, Ogon proposed a synergy between major stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to ensure that quality education was bequeathed to the people of the region.

    He urged the Niger Delta people to take charge of growing their own food, capitalising on the fertile region.

    A consultant for the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy, Mr. Stephen Onerhime, outlined the strategies adopted for the region’s development.

    He named the strategies as economic, infrastructural, social and environmental development, as well as governance, institutions, security, law and order, and financing the plans.

    Read Also: Senate Committee inspects major NDDC projects in C/River

    He highlighted the advantages of the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy, including a harmonised plan geared towards producing a standard, acceptable framework for the Niger Delta region; a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the impact of projects in the area, as well as the progress and effectiveness of these projects.

    The Projects Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, noted that HYPREP had been implementing remedial activities at the 65 UNEP sites through soil treatment and groundwater treatment.

    He said that the adopted methodologies for the shoreline cleanup included shoreline treatment and artisanal refinery treatment.

    The HYPREP coordinator, represented by Mr. Agunyi Damian Paul, said the agency had launched the world’s largest initiative to restore mangroves damaged by oil pollution, focusing on monitoring the growth and progress of planted mangroves towards maturity.

    He said, “This is significant for the Niger Delta region because it has the potential to protect shorelines, improve food security, mitigate the impacts of floods, control climate change, and provide adaptation benefits.”

  • You are a nationalist, Middle Belt Youths hail Balami at 41

    You are a nationalist, Middle Belt Youths hail Balami at 41

    A Middle Belt youth group, Agenda 2027, has celebrated foremost aviator and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Comrade Isaac Balami, on his 41st birthday.

    Balami, who is outside the country, turned 41 on Monday, August 25. Despite his absence, tributes have continued to pour in, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his role as a beacon of hope for many young people.

    In a statement signed by its President, Melah Ibrahim, the group praised Balami for attaining remarkable feats at his prime and for maintaining an incorruptible character that, according to them, has remained consistent with all his endeavors.

    “At 41, Comrade Isaac Balami has contributed massively to nation building. Nation builders are not only those holding political office but also individuals who create impact in any space they occupy,” the group stated.

    Agenda 2027 noted that although Balami chose to mark his birthday in quiet reflection, it would not let the moment pass without recognizing his “exemplary spirit of comradeship.”

    “We commend his nationalistic character and sheer determination to unite Nigerian youths, using himself as a bridge across divides. The cult following he enjoys among Nigerian youths today is proof that he has built genuine connections across the country,” the group added.

    The statement recalled how the Ibagwa people of Enugu State once conferred one of their highest traditional titles on Balami, despite his northern roots — a gesture they described as evidence of his wide political reach and acceptance.

    The group further applauded his creativity and sacrifice in producing the Labour Room reality TV show, where he invested his personal resources to create a platform for young Nigerians to engage in national discourse. They also highlighted his efforts in job creation, particularly in the aviation sector, where he has trained and employed hundreds of young people through his aircraft hangar.

    “Many who struggled their way to the top often become selfish, but your story is different. You have lifted more people out of poverty than any young man across the country. That is why Middle Belt youths see you as a source of inspiration,” the statement read.

    They also referenced the recent approval of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautic and Management (IBUAM), which they described as a new fountain of hope for Nigerian youths.

    According to Agenda 2027, “The different videos, images, and testimonies from your foundations scattered across Nigeria are proof of what you represent — a true nationalist. No wonder your Nigeria Rebirth Project left such an impact, even though government at the time failed to fully capitalize on it.”

    The group, while celebrating him, advised Balami to carefully consider his political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that many northern youths are likely to follow his direction.

  • Protesters barricade Rivers Airport road, destroy equipment over land disputes

    Protesters barricade Rivers Airport road, destroy equipment over land disputes

    Angry protesters on Tuesday barricaded the busy Rivers State Airport Road, destroying vehicles and setting earth-moving equipment worth billions of naira on fire in a demonstration over alleged land grabbing.

    The rioters took over the road, halting vehicular movement for hours and causing panic in the area. Witnesses said about six excavators and swamp buggies were set ablaze, highlighting growing tensions over land ownership along the Airport Road corridor.

    Read Also: Protesters barricade Rivers Airport road, destroy equipment over land disputes

    Communities including Rumuosi, Rumuagholu, and Rumuekini were reportedly involved in violent disputes over the contested parcels of land.

    As of press time, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

  • South-South stakeholders commend Delta’s impactful implementation of NG-CARES

    South-South stakeholders commend Delta’s impactful implementation of NG-CARES

    …as Oborevwori lauds World Bank, FG, others for sustaining programme

    Stakeholders from the South-South region on Tuesday gathered in Asaba, the Delta State capital, for the NG-CARES South-South Zonal Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) Performance Review Meeting.

    The event saw attendees from the World Bank, the federal government of Nigeria, state governments, and various implementing partners, all focused on evaluating the contributions of IVAs to the NG-CARES programme and planning for its next phase.

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the participating state governments.

    The NG-CARES programme, initially conceived as an emergency response to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has since transformed into a comprehensive intervention.

    This programme is now considered a vital component of grassroots development across numerous states, underscoring its significant impact and importance.

    Oborevwori said, “The impact of NG-CARES in Delta State cannot be overemphasised. Through this initiative, we have touched the lives of over 306,177 direct beneficiaries and more than 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries. This programme has not only alleviated poverty but also stimulated economic growth and empowered our communities.

    “The review meeting emphasises the pivotal role of IVAs in ensuring the credibility, transparency, and objectivity of programme assessments. Stakeholders agreed that this joint review would shape future engagement strategies, especially regarding the re-engagement of IVAs for NG-CARES 2.0.

    “The discussions centred around the upcoming shift in implementation strategy under NG-CARES 2.0, which will prioritise a Community Action approach.

    Read Also: Fed Govt, states invest $834m in NG-CARES

     “This grassroots-driven model empowers communities to identify their own needs, implement local solutions, and take ownership of interventions, such as the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure.

    “By putting communities at the heart of planning and implementation, NG-CARES 2.0 will deliver deeper impact, stronger accountability, and more sustainable development.”

    Also speaking, World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Lire Ersado, revealed that the World Bank had committed $700 million to support the NG-CARES programme across Nigeria.

    He praised Delta State for its significant counterpart funding and impactful implementation.

    “Delta State has been one of the leading contributors to this programme,” said Ersado. “Even the Federal Government accessed N2.2 billion, but Delta’s commitment stands out. What matters most to the World Bank is not just how much has been spent, but how the programme is improving lives on the ground.”

    He further noted that the focus of the World Bank is on measurable, real-life improvements in the well-being of beneficiaries — from farmers and small businesses to vulnerable households.

  • ‘Why ongoing voter registration in Warri Constituency may be stalled’

    ‘Why ongoing voter registration in Warri Constituency may be stalled’

    The delay in the release and implementation of the controversial fieldwork report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri Federal Constituency, as ordered by the Supreme Court, would impede the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the area.

    Nigeria’s crude oil production output may also be disrupted if “INEC fails to do the needful”.

    That was the position of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri at a world press conference in Effurun, Delta state, on Monday.

    They warned that conducting the CVR was in defiance of the Supreme Court order and an attempt to disenfranchise their communities.

    At the briefing, which had over a thousand indigenes in attendance, representatives of the two ethnic blocs declared that no lawful voter registration or election can take place in Warri until INEC complies fully with the 2022 Supreme Court judgement that mandated a fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    Recall that in December 2022, Nigeria’s apex court ruled that INEC should immediately redraw the political map of Warri’s three Local Government Areas, Warri South, South-West, and North, before any future election.

    Read Also: HURIWA commends INEC for upholding democracy in Warri constituency delineation

    In July 2024, INEC carried out the field delineation, and in April 2025, it released an initial report of the exercise that resulted in a series of pro and counter protests by stakeholders, which also led to the shutting down of a flow station at Ogidigben in Warri Southwest.

    Now, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive by INEC is sparking outrage among stakeholders who are accusing INEC of a ploy to disenfranchise their communities.

    In a jointly signed statement read by Chief Victor Okumagba on behalf of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people, they maintained that the flawed electoral structure contributed to the violent Warri crisis of 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.