The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • Clerics arrested for defiling three sisters, minor in Delta, Umuahia

    Clerics arrested for defiling three sisters, minor in Delta, Umuahia

    A cleric identified as Daniel Ololo of Omega Prophetic Prayer Ministry based in Sapele, Delta state, has been arrested for luring unsuspecting victims, including three sisters, for sex through fake prophecies.

    Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi had ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate a petition dated October 13, against the pastor over allegations of “defilement, rape and sexual assault.”

    In a statement, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, said: “On the 17th of November, the suspect, identified as Pastor Daniel Ololo, was arrested at his church premises.

    “Investigation indicated that the pastor allegedly used fake prophecy to lure vulnerable church members to his church office, coerce them into believing that if he did not have sex with them, they would not be delivered.

    “Further Investigation revealed that he had carnal knowledge of three sisters of the same mother who are his church members (names withheld), and the last victim is aged 17 years. Suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”

    Also, a 31-year-old pastor of Assemblies of God Divinity School, Old Umuahia, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, identified as Moses Ifeanyichukwu Gabriel, has been arrested for defiling a defiling a 15-year-old girl

    Gabriel, an indigene of Elu Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, carried out the act at the school.

    The matter was reported to the rights group, Behind Bars Defenders, by the mother of the victim.

    The group reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ubakala Division, who ensured the suspect’s arrest and transferred to the Gender Desk Unit, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for investigation and prosecution.

    Reports have it that medical examinations conducted at the Police Clinic confirmed that the minor had contracted infections resulting from the alleged act.

    Read Also: Attacks: Tinubu puts troops on highest-ever red alert

    Behind Bars Defenders State Director, Comrade Marvelous Ochiegbu and Public Relations Officer Comrade Nony Philip, condemned defilement, rape, child abuse, and sexual exploitation, and reiterated the commitment of the group to supporting victims and ensuring justice is served without compromise.

    “We call on the Abia State Government, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, and the general public to intensify efforts to protect children and vulnerable persons from sexual and gender based violence.

    “Together, we can put an end to the scourge of defilement, rape, and child trafficking in our communities,’’ said Ochiegbu.

    The state PRO, state Police Command, Maureen Chinaka confirmed the arrest of the cleric and his detention.

    She said an investigation into the matter was ongoing.

  • Delta to establish commercial printing press to boost revenue, efficiency

    Delta to establish commercial printing press to boost revenue, efficiency

    The Delta State Government has announced plans to set up a fully functional and commercially viable printing press to cater to the printing needs of government agencies and the general public.

    The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inter-ministerial budget defence session at the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.

    Aniagwu explained that the initiative, championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, aims to enhance the efficiency of government printing operations while generating sustainable revenue for the state.

    He attributed the delay in the project’s progress to the limited number of qualified proposals received so far, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and healthy competition in the procurement process.

     “We want to have multiple submissions from professionals in the field so that we can make a proper comparative assessment, not only in terms of cost but also in the brands and quality of machines to be acquired and installed,” Aniagwu said.

    According to him, the proposed printing press is not intended for The Pointer Newspapers alone, but to serve as a central facility for the state’s broad range of printing needs.

    “The state government has a substantial volume of printing requirements from files and calendars to diaries and other materials currently handled by private contractors,” he noted.

    “For instance, the Ministry of Education’s annual printing budget alone is significant enough to sustain a functional and profitable printing press.”

    “The law allows us to have a government printer who does not necessarily have to be a civil servant,” he explained. “This PPP arrangement will ensure that the press handles both government printing requirements and commercial printing services for the general public.”

    He expressed optimism that once the press becomes operational, it would address many of the challenges currently facing The Pointer Newspapers and other government printing departments, particularly issues relating to revenue generation and operational sustainability.

    Read Also: Oborevwori deepening infrastructure, energy devt in Delta — Aniagwu

    “A self-sustaining printing operation will reduce the agency’s dependence on government subventions,” Aniagwu said.

    “If they were generating sufficient revenue, the General Manager wouldn’t need to rely solely on the ministry for essentials like vehicles or fuel.”

     He commended the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, for his understanding and support, stressing that with the political will of the Oborevwori administration, the project would soon become a reality.

    “With the commitment and focus of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we are confident that the light at the end of the tunnel is much closer than where we are coming from,” Aniagwu added.

  • PFN college graduates maiden set of students in Delta

    PFN college graduates maiden set of students in Delta

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) College of Theology, Delta State Chapter, has graduated its maiden set of diploma students in a colourful convocation ceremony held at the PFN Alpha and Omega City, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

    The National President of PFN, Bishop Dr. Francis Wale Oke, described the event as a landmark in the quest for knowledge and capacity development among gospel ministers.

    He said many ministers lacked the requisite theological grounding, adding that “knowledge is acquired and not gotten on the platform of anointing.”

    He said: “There are no such anointings that impact capacity. You have to acquire knowledge to be formidable to advance the course of this ministry. Therefore, to be a minister of the gospel, we must develop and build capacity. That is why this school is here—to bring the opportunity for capacity building to everyone.”

    Bishop Oke, represented by the National Director, Directorate of Education, PFN, Bishop Ralph Olufemi Olowo, congratulated the graduands and urged them to publicize the institution to encourage others to enroll.

    He also commended the PFN Delta State Chairman, Rt. Revd. Dr. Abos Willie, and his executive team for their efforts in nurturing the college to fruition, while appreciating Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continuous support to the body.

    Delivering the convocation lecture on the theme, “Training for Integrity and Credibility,” Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, described the occasion as a blend of academic and spiritual accomplishment.

    He noted, “it is a historic moment that marks both the academic and spiritual achievements of graduating students.”

    Prof. Agbalagba urged the graduands to remain steadfast and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution, stressing the importance of integrity in ministry, especially in an era marked by deception and criminality.

    Read Also: PFN at 40: Our members prayers prevente devil overtaking Nigeria — Oke

    Earlier, PFN Delta State Chairman and Chancellor of the College, Rt. Revd. Dr. Abos Willie, charged the graduands to uphold the values of the institution and demonstrate learning in conduct and speech.

    “Today, you are making history. Let us comport ourselves, let us show to the world that we are learned people, educated and well informed. You are trained as ministers of the gospel,” he said.

    He further hinted that in the near future, only ministers who pass through the College of Theology would be eligible to hold offices within the PFN, as the curriculum included legal and administrative training for better ministry performance.

    In his remarks, the Rector of the College, Revd. Prof. Innocent Okponovwe, said the institution was established to raise competent leaders for God’s vineyard, thanking the Governing Council for their tireless efforts to ensure the success of the programme.

    Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students amid cheers from family, friends, and church leaders.

  • Riverine pupils, students get free educational materials 

    Riverine pupils, students get free educational materials 

    Learners in riverine and remote communities of Delta State have received free educational materials under the Street-2-School Project 2025, an initiative of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation (EBF).

    The foundation kicked off the second phase of the project with a two-day outreach held on Tuesday, and yesterday, across schools in Warri South West Local Government Area.

    Beneficiary schools included Igade Primary School, Diebiri/Batan Clan; Oweijubiri Primary School, Kantu, Gbaramatu Kingdom; Ikpere Primary and Secondary School, Ode-Ugborodo; and Egogo Primary School, Ijaghala, Gbaramatu Kingdom.

    Founder and President of the foundation, Deacon Ernest Bebenimibo, said the initiative was designed to ensure that no child is denied access to education because of poverty.

    “This project is part of our ongoing effort to transform lives through education. Every child deserves a chance to learn, dream, and build a future beyond the streets,” Bebenimibo said.

    Bebenimibo urged the pupils to take their education seriously, encouraging them not to be ashamed of schooling in rural communities.

    “We are here to make sure that no child will be left out of school because they don’t have books. I don’t want any of you to be sad that you are schooling in this primary school. Most of us schooled in places like this, and today, look at where we are. So don’t be ashamed that you are schooling in the village. Take your education seriously. When it’s time to go to school, don’t use it to follow your parents to the farm,” he advised.

    The Street-2-School Project 2025 (Phase II) sponsored by Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager (Operations), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, covered both Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, and aimed to foster peace between both ethnic nationalities which have been at odds in recent times. 

    During the exercise, over 1,000 exercise books, 500 school bags, hundreds of mathematical sets, and other writing materials were distributed across the schools.

    The EBF team visited Igade and Oweijubiri primary schools on the first day, while the second day saw the team move to other schools within Gbaramatu kingdom and Ugborodo community, distributing more materials to pupils.

    Head Teacher of Oweijubiri Primary School, Mr. Uwejeta Convey, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the gesture as “noble.”

    In Ode-Ugborodo, an Itsekiri community, Mr. Arubi Richard, and the Chairperson of the Ugborodo Education Committee, Mrs. Precious Omatseyin Onemokpe commended the foundation, stating: “Supporting children in this manner is a great way to build a better future for our communities. I encourage other organizations to follow this example,” Mrs. Onemokpe said.

  • Delta women endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    Delta women endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

    Delta women, under the aegis of Unique Ladies for Sheriff (ULF), on Wednesday, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as sole candidates for the 2027 elections, insisting that there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock and Government House, Asaba.

    President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori will be seeking a second term in office, and the women, with large followership at the grassroots, have declared their total support to return the duo to office unopposed.

    The declaration was made during a colourful event at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with women representatives from all 25 local government areas of Delta State in attendance.

    Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of Unique Ladies for Sheriff, Dame Nkem Patience Okwuofu, in her keynote address themed, ‘Touching the Grassroots,’ said the gathering marked a defining moment for Delta women to reaffirm their support for Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and the MORE Agenda.

    “We are reaching out to young girls, farmers, artisans, and businesswomen — the true heartbeat of Delta State. We must continue to communicate the governor’s development strides and strengthen our grassroots structures,” Okwuofu said.

    The ULF national coordinator appreciated Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for their commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development. 

    She urged the women to key into government programmes, participate actively in voter enlightenment, and promote community development initiatives.

    Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ewoma Erijo, commended the unity among the women.

    She assured them of continued support from the First Lady’s office.

    The Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, in his goodwill message, commended the women for their strong presence and active political engagement.

    “Let every woman be a virtue in her community. Participate fully in the programmes of government and ensure that interventions are channeled to the right quarters,” he said.

    Funkekeme thanked the women for their continued support for Governor Oborevwori and emphasized the importance of women’s roles in advancing government initiatives at the grassroots.

    A motion for vote of confidence was moved by Princess Pat, reaffirming the group’s support for both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.

    “By virtue of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have achieved, we, the Unique Ladies for Sheriff, pass a vote of confidence in them. Come 2027, both leaders will return unopposed,” she declared.

    The motion was seconded by Irene Imilar, who echoed the group’s confidence in the leadership of both leaders to continue steering the nation and state toward progress.

  • Excitement as 700 Delta residents get free medicare

    Excitement as 700 Delta residents get free medicare

    More than 700 residents of Ibusa (Igbuzo) in Oshimili North Local Government of Delta State and neighbouring communities have benefited from a free medical outreach organised by Association of Ibusa Professional Women.

    The two-day programme, held in collaboration with Ibusa Association United States Inc. and Foundation Educational Support Programme, Enugu, provided consultations, diagnoses, drugs, and screenings to men, women, and children who had lacked access to affordable healthcare.

    President, Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, said the huge turnout underscored the growing health needs of the people.

    Read Also: Osinbajo accuses Supreme Court of inconsistency

    She reaffirmed the association’s 14-year commitment to improving healthcare and education in Ibusa and beyond.

    According to her, this year’s edition was expanded to include breast, cervical and prostate cancer screenings, mental health checks, eye screening, and distribution of 200 eyeglasses, while 300 people underwent eye tests in collaboration with VisionSpring.

    Beneficiaries were tested for diabetes and hypertension, while wheelchairs and walkers were distributed to those with mobility challenges.

    Career talks and self-esteem workshops were held for young girls to encourage ambition and confidence.

    Mrs. Idigbe said over 18 doctors participated, stressing the event bridged critical healthcare gaps caused by rising medical costs.

    She appealed to government agencies to support such initiatives through better infrastructure and collaboration.

    “Our motivation is simple—we believe charity begins at home,” she said.

    “Many can’t afford healthcare. Seeing people relieved of pain gives us fulfilment.”

    She advised beneficiaries to adopt healthy lifestyles, eat balanced diets, and engage in regular exercise. “Government can’t do it all. But if they support groups like ours with facilities, we can do even more,” she added.

    AIPROW founder and former president, Prof. Ifeoma Utomi, explained that the association was born out of a vision to unite Ibusa women professionals to contribute meaningfully to their community.

    “It wasn’t easy at first, but teamwork and shared purpose made it possible,” she said.

    Prof. Utomi noted that the group initially focused on women and the girl-child, but later included men following community demand.

    “In recent years, prostate cancer screening has become a key part of our outreach.

    “We now also collaborate with the Ibusa Association USA, which sponsors breast and prostate cancer tests,” she said.

    This year’s programme featured the participation of Dr. Iheanacho Emereuwa, a U.S.-based consultant gynaecologist and founder of the African Primary Healthcare Foundation, who flew in to volunteer.

    He described the outreach as “a much-needed lifeline” and urged the government to invest more in rural healthcare facilities.

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Veronica, expressed gratitude after receiving free eye treatment and a pair of glasses.

    “I couldn’t afford them for years. What AIPROW did for me is beyond words,” she said.

    The Ibusa women’s annual outreach continues to stand out as a model of community-driven healthcare, blending professional expertise, diaspora support, and compassion to uplift their hometown.

  • Four Delta environmental marshals arrested for extortion of residents

    Four Delta environmental marshals arrested for extortion of residents

    The authorities of the Delta State Environmental Taskforce have arrested four environmental marshals involved in illegal night extortion of residents of Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state.

    The suspects were apprehended yesterday along Summit Road in Asaba, the state capital.

    The task force team, led by Chief Agbari, recognised the marshals engaging in unauthorised activities and contacted Comrade Adim Dikedi, the Supervisory Officer on Environment for Oshimili South, for clarification regarding the marshals’ actions.

    Upon receiving the call, Supervisor Dikedi ordered the immediate detention of the four officers at a police station until he could address the matter personally.

    Read Also: First Lady reaffirms maternal health as core of Renewed Hope Agenda

     It was revealed that one of the apprehended marshals was impersonating the current Supervisor on Environment, prompting further concern about corruption within the ranks.

    Dikedi emphasised his agency’s commitment to eradicating corruption among environmental marshals.

    He expressed that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated and reaffirmed a directive issued in January, prohibiting marshals from operating beyond 4:00 pm.

    He said the incident underscored the challenges of overseeing environmental enforcement and the need for accountability within such agency.

    Dikedi said ensuring transparency and integrity among environmental officers is crucial for maintaining public trust, especially when allegations of extortion are involved.

  • Foundation doles out bags, others to pupils, students in Delta schools

    Foundation doles out bags, others to pupils, students in Delta schools

    Jamming their tiny fingers together, jumping on their little feet, some barefooted, and hollering at the top of their voices, the children screamed “thank you” in appreciation of the hundreds of pencils, sharpeners, erasers, pens, notebooks, mathematical sets and school bags the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation doled out to them on Tuesday.

    Founder and Director-General of the foundation, Ernest Bebenimibo, told reporters at the Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta state, that the donation was to “boost the morale” of the learners and ensure that they remain in school.

    He said that the outing was the first phase of the 2025 Street-to-School project.

    “What we do is at the beginning of every academic session, we flag off the programme street-to-school project. This is the first phase of the 2025 Street-to-School project. The second phase would be unveiled immediately at the end of this phase,” he said.

    Recalling his early school days and how he had to go farming and fishing with his parents to be able to buy educational materials for each school year, Bebenimibo said: “What we did today is to boost their morale so that they will be in school and stay in school at all times. So they don’t have to follow their parents to farm before they can get writing materials. And so that tomorrow they will come back to impact the society as we have done.” 

    He thanked the sponsors of EBF, particularly Chief Tare Pondi, for their benevolence in the past five years, notwithstanding the soaring costs of the items.

    Co-founder of the foundation, Loveth Bebenimibo, while addressing the pupils at Aladja Model Primary School, Evwrirhe Prymary School, Epame Primary School and Ayama Primary School in Aladja, all in Udu LGA, as well as Ewein Primary School and Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, both in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, urged them to take their studies seriously so that they would become good leaders in the future.

    “Don’t let your mother force you before you come to school. When it is time to go to school, make sure you get up, and prepare for school. If you want to become the future president, governor, senator you should be serious with your education.

    “We are here to give you hope and assure you that your tomorrow will be greater than today,” she charged.

    Principal and head teachers of the various schools expressed gratitude for the gesture, in their separate remarks.

    Mrs. Joyce Onomehebhor, Headmistress

    Aladja Model Primary School, Aladja, said:

    “This is massive. It is wonderful. This should be an example to others to give. With this they (pupils) will be encouraged.

    A teacher was saying that a child don’t have notebooks. With this, that child will be happy. The teachers are also happy because this will make our learning and teaching to be more effective.”

  • Governor’s aide criticises Davido over choice of footwear at Warri wedding

    Governor’s aide criticises Davido over choice of footwear at Warri wedding

    Ossai Ovie Success, an aide to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has sparked online reactions after criticising Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his choice of footwear at a high-profile wedding in Warri.

    Davido was among the notable guests at the September 13 wedding of billionaire Chief Dr. Michael Edematie-Ikuku’s daughter, Tosan Ejiro, and her husband, Samuel Adebayo Tayo.

    Other attendees included actors Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), singer Simi, and comedians Bovi and Gordons.

    Read Also: Davido set to represent Nigeria at Coachella 2026

    Ossai, in a Facebook post, expressed disappointment that Davido performed in a pair of slippers, describing it as prideful, disrespectful, and unbecoming for such an occasion.

  • Upskilling youths creates jobs, says governor’s aide 

    Upskilling youths creates jobs, says governor’s aide 

    Over 1,500 students in Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu local governments have benefited from a one-month free skill acquisition programme by Benjamin Sharta Foundation at Ovwian Grammar School in Udu council of Delta State.

    At the closing on September 4, over 300 qualified participants got starter packs, such as modern ovens, sewing machines, hair dryers, barbers’ tools, computers, makeup kits, and cash from N50,000 upwards.

    Participants were trained on vocational and technical skills; catering and confectionery, baking and decoration, hair cut, soap and cream production, computer operation, graphic design, solar installation, fashion design, shoe making, phone repairs, makeup, and gele tying.

    Speaking at the event, Sharta (DJ Ben), executive assistant to the governor on Community Development, said the initiative was born out of his passion to see young people rise above unemployment and dependency.

    Read Also: FG moves to settle part of ex-servicemen’s entitlements

    “We cannot all wait for government jobs. By empowering our youths with skills and tools, we are giving them power to create opportunities, feed their families, and contribute to society. This is just the beginning,” he said.

    Present at the event were Ovie of Udu, Mike Ogheneove Orugbo, Okporua I, as the royal father of the day, Chairman, John Oguma, represented by Chief Sorhue, Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure; Council Chair, Oyibode Vincent; Ughelli North Chair, Jaro Egbo; and representatives from Ughelli South.

    Also present were DESOPADEC’s Karo Goru; Chair of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Henry Sakpra; Executive Director of Delta State Internal Revenue Board, Kelly Oghenekevwe; and Gen. Emmanuel Aggi, the governor’s executive assistant on Security.

    Leaders of Udu unions, APC executives, ward chairmen, business leaders, and community representatives also witnessed the event, which was described as a landmark effort to empower youths and promote self-reliance across the state.