The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • Warri delineation: INEC reassures of fairness, equity amidst protests

    Warri delineation: INEC reassures of fairness, equity amidst protests

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured stakeholders of the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State of “fairness and equity” in the delineation of Wards as ordered by the Supreme Court judgment.

    INEC stated that it was yet to make final decisions on the exercise, which was carried out in July last year.

    In a press release titled “Misconceptions about the proposed delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency by order of the Supreme Court”, on Thursday, the Commission urged stakeholders to forward observations from the draft of the delineation fieldwork presented to them last weekend.

    The statement which was signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, INEC, came amidst protests and shutting down of a flow station at Ogidigben, Delta state, by members of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, that the reports of the exercise indicated a calculated ploy to “cleanse” them from their territories.

    But INEC’s statement, while calling for calm, read: “Our attention has been drawn to the misleading narratives about the proposed delineation of Wards in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Federal Constituency as ordered by the Supreme Court in its judgment delivered on 2nd December 2022.

    “Following the Supreme Court judgment, the Commission embarked on extensive consultations from February 2023 to July 2024 involving all the critical stakeholders, followed by fieldwork in all the communities in the three Local Government Areas, culminating in the production of a draft report.

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    “The Commission held further consultation with stakeholders in Warri last week on Friday, 4th April 2025, where copies of the draft report were presented to the representatives of each of the parties connected with the issue. The purpose was to allow them to raise any concerns they might have. The overall objective was to arrive at an amicable agreement endorsed by all the parties involved.

    “Therefore, contrary to the speculations making the rounds, the Commission is yet to take a final decision on the delineation of Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “We urge representatives of the various stakeholders to submit their observations on the draft report, which will serve as the basis for further engagement on the matter.

    “Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law, and in full consultation with all stakeholders.”

  • Two die in Delta gas explosion

    Two die in Delta gas explosion

    Two persons died yesterday from a gas explosion that rocked a facility, Ralph Engineering, at Mosheshe Estate, Effurun, Delta State.

    Several residents from neighbouring towns of Udu, Warri, Osubi, and Okuokoko said they were woken up by the blast, which occurred about 5 a.m.

    It was further learnt that victims had been evacuated from the scene.

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    Also, furniture and equipment worth millions of naira were destroyed yesterday, after fire engulfed eight shops opposite Federal Government College, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

    The fire was reportedly caused by a welding job about 9 a.m.

    Witnesses claimed that a spark from a burglary proof being fixed at one of the shops, ignited items such as a gas cooker and gallon of fuel.

    The fate of the welder and others at the scene could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

  • Tanker crushes mother, child in Delta

    Tanker crushes mother, child in Delta

    Okada rider, two others in lucky escape

    Tragedy struck on Ifie Road in Warri South Local Government Area on Friday afternoon as a woman identified simply as Joy and one of her children were crushed to death by a fuel tanker.

    The deceased and her three children were said to be riding on a commercial motorcycle on their way home from school when the unfortunate incident occurred.

    According to reports, the motorcycle rider was trying to manoeuvre its way around the moving tanker when the accident occurred, leaving the woman and her child dead at the spot.

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    It was learnt that the okada rider survived and escaped from the accident scene immediately.

    Some good Samaritans reportedly rushed the two other children to a hospital for medical care.

    Ifie and neighbouring Ubeji community are hosts to a number of tank farms.

    Reacting to the incident, residents of Ifie and Ubeji lamented the high level of recklessness by okada riders and the fuel tanker drivers in the area, just as they reiterated calls for such heavy trucks to move only at night.

  • Tanker crushes mother, child to death in Delta

    Tanker crushes mother, child to death in Delta

    Tragedy struck on Friday afternoon along Ifie Road in Warri South Local Government Area (Delta State) after a woman identified simply as Joy and one of her children were crushed to death by a fuel tanker.

    The deceased and her three children were said to be riding on a commercial motorcycle while on their way home from school when the incident occurred.

    According to reports, the motorcycle rider was trying to maneuver the way around the moving tanker when the accident happened, leaving the woman and a child dead at the spot.

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    It was learnt the rider survived and escaped the accident scene immediately.

    However, good samaritans reportedly rushed the two other children to a hospital for medical care.

    It would be noted that Ifie and neighbouring Ubeji community are hosts to a number of tank farms.

    Reacting to the incident, residents of Ifie and neighbouring Ubeji community lamented the high level of recklessness by okada riders and fuel tanker drivers in the area. 

    They reiterated calls for such heavy trucks to move only at night.

  • First Lady urges leniency for nursing students caught in viral ‘funny’ video

    First Lady urges leniency for nursing students caught in viral ‘funny’ video

    The Office of the First Lady of Nigeria has called for understanding after nursing students in Delta State faced disciplinary action for their “light-hearted” chants during her visit this week. 

    The incident occurred during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 professional kits to midwives at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba on Tuesday.

    While the event was meant to boost morale among healthcare workers, a viral video showed students from Delta State College of Nursing Sciences adding a playful twist to their welcome song. 

    In a statement released yesterday, the First Lady’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, acknowledged the students’ enthusiasm but emphasised the importance of balancing discipline with free expression. 

    “While we respect the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognise that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner,” the statement said. 

    The First Lady’s office clarified that the event was intended to inspire midwives and reduce maternal mortality, praising the Delta State Government and attendees for their warm reception.

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    However, reports later emerged that some students had been issued queries over their participation in the altered chants. 

    “The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved,” the statement added. 

    The office urged the college to handle the matter fairly, stating that educational institutions should foster environments where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum. 

  • Community head hails Warri South council boss over developmental strides

    Community head hails Warri South council boss over developmental strides

    The Chairman of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Area of Delta State, Dr. Monday Agbeyi, has commended the developmental strides of the council chairman, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, which he described as strategic in opening up the vista of socio-economic activities in the council area.

    Speaking at the site of the ongoing gigantic  bridge construction by the Warri South Local Government in Ifiekporo, weekend, Agbeyi, who noted that it was the first such gigantic project ever to be embarked upon by any council in the country, added that, when completed, it will improve the socio-economic development and living standards of the people at the grassroots.

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    “We highly commend Hon. Agbateyiniro for embarking on this gigantic infrastructure which will connect our communities separated by large body of waters. Undoubtedly, it will open up the communities, reduce accidents linked with crossing the rivers and also boost socio-economic activities, improve the quality of life of our people as the transportation of farm produce, goods and property will be seamless,” he added.

    He emphasised that Hon. Agbateyiniro’s visionary plans to transform Ifiekporo and other communities  resonate with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the state governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon.  Sheriff Oborewhore, which had seen massive road and bridge constructions in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

  • Delta’s economy among four largest, says govt

    Delta’s economy among four largest, says govt

    Delta State government has sais its economy ranks among the top four largest in Nigeria.

    It attributed this to deliberate policies aimed at boosting agriculture, industrialisation, and human capital development.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, made this known, yesterday, during the 2025 Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Delta State Chapter, which held in Asaba, Delta Capital.

    He said prudent management of resources, investor-friendly policies, and a focus on key sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and technology, solidified Delta’s place as a major economic hub in Nigeria.

    He said the theme of the event: “Role of Professionals in the Successful Implementation of the Delta State Government MORE Agenda” was apt.

    He attributed the successes to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, stressing initiatives such as the expansion of road networks, increased support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the development of industrial parks across the state as key drivers.

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    Dr Emu added that the state’s strong contributions to the oil and gas sector, along with growing diversification efforts, have been critical in achieving this status.

    His words, “Whether you denominate in naira or dollar Delta is the 4th largest economy in Nigeria and the highest oil producer in the country today.

    “Oil revenue today accounts for only 48.7 percent of our GDP, Services and all others account for 51.25 percent.

    “This tells you that even though oil and gas is our main revenue earner, services and others account for money.

    “It means that as an economy, we are diversifying even though oil accounts for the highest revenue, it does not account in terms of provision of jobs for our people.

    “Agriculture sector has grown year-on-year at 13.3 percent for over six years now while services and manufacturing have also grown significantly.

    “We have diversified and created huge jobs for our people totalling over 257,000 jobs and that is very significant.”

    He said with this new ranking, Delta State is poised to attract more local and international investments, solidifying its role as a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria.

    He said the Oborevwori administration has constructed over 500 roads with over 1500km and 933km of line drainages with massive contributions to job creation and poverty eradication.

    “In 2020 we were rated the second least poor state in Nigeria only second to Lagos State, in 2022, the multi dimensional poverty rating indices shows National average at 63 percent. Delta is 47 percent placing 9th in the country.

    “There are some jobs advertised in the country with some states applying more than Delta State and for me its another measure of poverty.

    “It indicates that the people here have other choices, they have an option because if there were no options they would have taken those jobs.

    “We have over 254,747 empowerments through multiple job creation channels. For every road construction, there is provision for jobs so the more we construct roads across the state, the more jobs we create.

    “Physical and social infrastructure fertilises development so we will continue to construct more roads and other physical infrastructure across the state.”

    On the huge spending by the state on road construction, Dr. Emu, said the nation suffers from a huge infrastructure deficit running into trillions of dollars.

    He said South Africa recently provided $54 billion dollars for road infrastructure adding that the problem is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.

    “Physical infrastructure fertilises development, it inter links local areas to the urban centres and reduces rural-urban migration and gives room for expansion of businesses in all the hinterlands.

    “Hence Government is spending huge amounts in building Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri road and bridges, the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway among others.”

    He said professionals have major roles to play in the development of the state and urged them to provide useful advice to government on how to develop the state.

    Delta Chairman APBN, Mr. Victor Ezie, praised the good works of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori especially on the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, emphasising that the impact of his governance was resonating through out the length and breath of the State.

    He congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his emergence as Governor of the year by THISDAY/ARISE News and urged the Governor to keep the flag flying even as he expects diversification of the state’s economy beyond oil dependence.

    He called for more investments in non-oil sectors such as Agriculture, Technology, Industries, Commerce, Electricity, Transportation, mass housing, tourism among others to ensure sustainable growth.

  • Two boys die in Delta rivers

    Two boys die in Delta rivers

    Two boys, 16 and 12 years of age, have drowned in separate rivers at Owhelogbo and Ugbolokposo communities in Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas of Delta state.

    It was gathered that the 16-year-old drowned Wednesday evening, while the 12-year-old drowned Saturday, March 8.

    Details surrounding the 12-year-old incident were sketchy as of press time.

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    But the 16-year-old, identified as Sylvester, reportedly drowned after joining some friends for a swim, while returning from an errand for his mother.

    According to the friend who raised the alarm, on entering the river, the deceased appeared to be pulled by something. Seeing they could not rescue him, he had to run to the community for help.

    Sadly, all efforts to rescue Sylvester proved futile until about 9pm when the corpse became afloat.

    Assuring that Sylvester could swim, the friend disclosed that it was not the first time they all had gone swimming at the river.

  • Man set ablaze for ‘beheading’ woman in Delta

    Man set ablaze for ‘beheading’ woman in Delta

    A mob has set ablaze one man identified as Egholor for allegedly beheading an aged woman over land matters in Ukpiovwin community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The suspect was said to have killed the woman at her farm.

    According to reports, the woman went to the farm, but did not return by sunset.  Worried by the development, her children went in search of her, only to find her headless body in the bush. The incident  triggered the youth vowed to fish out the culprit. It was learnt that one of the woman’s children recalled that the mother had been having a land dispute with the suspect who had on several occasions threatened to kill her if she refused to leave the land.

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    Armed with this information, a mob reportedly marched to the suspect’s home, where he (Egholor) was said to have confessed to the crime after much interrogation.

    Angered by his confessions, the mob reportedly pounced on him, as well as set him and his properties ablaze.

    Spokesman of the Delta Police Command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe did not take a call, nor did he respond to a message requesting confirmation of the incident.

  • Monarch, Council boss hail Waive after update on approved FMC

    Monarch, Council boss hail Waive after update on approved FMC

    The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ejiroghene Waive, has reaffirmed that efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Delta State—recently approved by President Bola Tinubu—are progressing swiftly.

    Waive made this known during a visit to the His Royal Majesty, Barrister Bethel Delekpe, Ohworhu 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, at his palace in Aladja, Udu local government area, Delta State where he provided updates on the project’s status. 

    He described the establishment of the medical centre as a legacy initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for his constituents and Delta State residents at large.

    Accompanied by a distinguished entourage—including Udu Local Government Chairman, Chief Vincent Oyibode—Hon. Waive emphasised the significance of the recently passed bill establishing the Federal Medical Center. 

    He highlighted the facility’s potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring quality medical services for the people of Delta State.

    While addressing the Udu Monarch, Hon. Waive expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler and the people of his constituency for their unwavering support and trust in his leadership. He reiterated his commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy to the region, urging continued cooperation to ensure the project’s successful execution.

    Speaking to newsmen outside the palace, Hon. Waive said: “By the grace of God, this January, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, signed into law my bill establishing the Federal Medical Center in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area. This is a great achievement that will stand the test of time and benefit future generations. 

    “I felt it was important that His Royal Majesty hear this directly from me rather than through the press. That is why we are here at the palace today to personally convey the news. His Royal Majesty has received me joyfully, offered prayers for me, and expressed his happiness over this remarkable development.

    “This is a significant milestone for humanity. In most states across the country, there is only one tertiary healthcare institution, except for Lagos and Edo, which have more than one. With this development, Delta has now joined that league. We already have one federal medical institution in Asaba, and now, Ovwian will host another. This facility will serve not only Delta Central but also Delta South, providing top-tier healthcare services. We are immensely grateful to Mr. President for this initiative. As the project moves into the execution phase, we will ensure that the infrastructure and service delivery meet world-class standards.”

    He added: “I am thrilled to have contributed to something so impactful for my people—the very people who entrusted me with this mandate. This achievement is a privilege, and I am deeply grateful to God for allowing me to leave a lasting legacy that will enhance the well-being of our people. Now, as a community, we must come together, remain steadfast, and prepare for the arrival of federal officials who will oversee the next steps. This is truly a moment of joy and a great day for Delta State.

    In his response, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Bethel Delekpe, Ohworhu 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, commended Hon. Waive for his dedication and commitment to public service, acknowledging him as a visionary lawmaker who has delivered tangible results for his people.

    Also speaking, Chief Vincent Oyibode and Mr Joseph Okuku, President-General of the Ovwian Community, praised Hon. Waive’s foresight in securing a Federal Medical Center that would benefit not just his immediate constituency but Delta State as a whole. They pledged their full support to ensure seamless execution and completion of the project.

    Oyibode further noted that having a Federal Medical Center in Udu would open new doors for economic growth and create more opportunities for residents.

    According to him: “I want to thank God for this noble opportunity as Udu is now the host of a Federal Medical Center—something we have long yearned for. Udu has always been a blessed local government, but over the years, many things have gone wrong. 

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    “The DSC is a federal government establishment, yet we have faced setbacks. Today, however, our brother, who represents us in the Federal House of Representatives, has delivered on the mandate given to him. He has carried out his duties with humility, and we are truly grateful for this institution he has brought to us.

    “As the Chief Security Officer of this local government, I want to emphasize that we have zero tolerance for trouble. Udu has remained a peaceful place, and no one will disrupt that peace. 

    “The moment the bill was signed, I was the first person he called, and I immediately instructed the community president to secure land without delay. We have already identified a location where operations can begin while construction is ongoing.

    “We will not wait for the contractors before taking action. As a show of our commitment, we will clear the land and put up a signboard to mark the site. Security will be our responsibility, and I assure everyone that there will be no threats or disruptions. Udu remains peaceful, and we will ensure that this project is executed without any obstacle.”