The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta

  • Delta communities’ students get educational boost from works commissioner

    Delta communities’ students get educational boost from works commissioner

    Hundreds of secondary school students in Oginibo, Imode and Agbaghare communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have received a major educational boost following a series of interventions by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze.

    The support aimed at securing the learners academic future, covers free National Identification Number (NIN) registration, restoration of a National Examination Council (NECO) centre, and full sponsorship of NECO fees, has removed barriers that threatened to shut many students out of the 2026 West Africa Examinations Council, NECO and Joint Admission Matriculation Board examinations.

    The intervention began after it was discovered that several students lacked NIN, now a mandatory requirement for national examinations.

    Izeze promptly sponsored the registration of affected candidates, later expanding the exercise to accommodate more eligible students across the three communities.

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    Further relief came with the reactivation of the NECO examination centre at Oginibo Secondary School, which had earlier been deactivated, a development that would have forced students to travel long distances to write their exams.

    The centre was restored following an assessment visit by officials of the NECO Zonal Office, with the process fully funded by the commissioner.

    In a further demonstration of support, Izeze also pledged to pay the NECO examination fees for all candidates registering at the Oginibo centre this year, significantly easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.

    The initiative has been widely welcomed by community members, who said it has renewed hope and safeguarded the educational aspirations of students, reinforcing a leadership approach that places education and human capital development at the heart of sustainable growth.

  • Delta govt cracks down on Asaba waterfront encroachment, threatens mass demolition

    Delta govt cracks down on Asaba waterfront encroachment, threatens mass demolition

    The Delta state government has issued a stern warning to developers and the public to stay off the Asaba Waterfront City project site, vowing to demolish all illegal structures within the area.

    The Special Project Director, Hon. Barr. Victor Ebonka gave the warning during an inspection tour of the site in Asaba, alongside officials of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.

    He stressed that the government will not tolerate any form of encroachment on the flagship project.

    Ebonka explained that the entire expanse of land designated for the Asaba Waterfront City had been duly acquired by the state government, fully gazetted, and that all rightful landowners had been adequately compensated before the acquisition.

    He stressed that the land is government-owned and therefore highly encumbered.

    He expressed concern that some individuals had fallen victim to fraud perpetrated by land speculators and other unscrupulous elements who exploited the ongoing development in the area to deceive unsuspecting buyers.

    According to him, prospective land buyers must always verify the status of any land by consulting the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, the Town Planning Office, and other relevant authorities before making any purchase, particularly in high-profile development zones such as the Asaba Waterfront City.

    “That is why we are here today to mark illegal structures and fences for demolition. Occupants are not entitled to statutory notices because this is fully gazetted government land,” he said.

    Ebonka advised affected persons to immediately seek refunds from those who sold the land to them illegally and to remove any structures or encumbrances they had placed on the site.

    “Government will not hesitate to act. All illegal structures will be demolished, and those responsible will bear the full cost of the demolition,” he warned.

    He added that it was in the best interest of those involved to salvage what they could, noting that bulldozers would soon move in to clear all illegal developments on the land.

    The Special Project Director disclosed that the ongoing excavation works were preparatory activities for proper land reclamation.

    He identified North China Construction Company and Falklands Nigeria Limited as the two major developers currently operating in the area.

    “North China Construction Company controls a little over 300 hectares and is developing the Waterfront City, while Falklands holds the larger portion, which will be developed as Niger City. These are two major cities that will emerge here in the near future,” he said.

    Expressing confidence in the technical capacity and readiness of the developers, Ebonka said substantial portions of the land would be reclaimed within the next two to three months.

    “In the coming weeks, there will be visible and extensive reclamation works. This marks the second phase of the project. The first phase involved the construction of access roads, payment of compensation, and securing all statutory approvals,” he explained.

    He stated that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, had fully met its obligations under the project, having secured all approvals and released the necessary funds in good time.

    “The responsibility now lies with the developers to carry out their obligations, including land reclamation, construction of the bond wall, provision of access roads, and delivery of other world-class infrastructure as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding,” he added.

    Barr. Ebonka described the Asaba Waterfront City as a fully integrated, self-sustaining, state-of-the-art city, comprising residential zones, an ICT hub, an economic and commercial hub, as well as hospitality and leisure facilities.

    On the project timeline, Ebonka expressed optimism that, based on the current pace of work, the Asaba Waterfront City would be substantially delivered within the next three years.

  • Go tough on criminals, Oborevwori charges new Delta CP

    Go tough on criminals, Oborevwori charges new Delta CP

    …orders arrest, prosecution of anyone caught with firearms

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute any individual found in possession of firearms or attempting to disrupt peace in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, CP Aina Adesola, and his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

    Oborevwori described the posting of CP Adesola to Delta State as a homecoming, noting that the police chief was well acquainted with the state, having previously served in key operational positions within the command.

    He said the relative peace currently enjoyed across the state was a reflection of the collaboration between the police and other security agencies, adding that the new Commissioner has displayed experience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the terrain.

    “I am very happy that you are here because you know this terrain very well. You have served here before, and we saw your impact. For the few weeks you have been here as Commissioner of Police, Delta State has remained peaceful, and we are proud of your achievements,” the governor said.

    Recalling the security situation prior to 2023, Governor Oborevwori noted that the open display of firearms by youths and criminals was once prevalent but had since been decisively curtailed.

    He declared that such acts would no longer be tolerated in the state. “Before now, people brandished firearms openly and caused fear. Since 2023, that has stopped, and it will never happen again in Delta State,” he assured.

    The governor commended senior officers within the command for their dedication and professionalism, singling out ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, for their outstanding roles in tackling gun violence in previously volatile areas of the state.

    As the state approaches another election cycle, Oborevwori charged the police command to remain firm and proactive, stressing that anyone found in possession of firearms or attempting to breach the peace must face the full weight of the law.

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    “We will not tolerate insecurity in this state. Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to disrupt peace must be arrested and prosecuted,” he insisted.

    He urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information, describing security as a collective responsibility.

    Earlier, CP Aina Adesola thanked the governor for the warm reception and assured him of the command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across Delta State.

    He pledged that under his leadership, residents would continue to sleep with their two eyes closed, as the police would work tirelessly to ensure lasting peace in the state.

  • Okpe group urges Emerhor to join Delta central senatorial race

    Okpe group urges Emerhor to join Delta central senatorial race

    A sociopolitical group, the Okpe Majority Group, has called on a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, declaring him the most qualified aspirant to represent the district.

    In a letter by its Coordinator, Nikori Florence, the group urged Emerhor to “come out of the shadows and into the arena,” describing the appeal as a collective demand rooted in sacrifice, party loyalty, and grassroots conviction.

     “We, the Okpe Majority Group, rise with one voice to call you out of the shadows and into the arena — to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections,” the letter stated.

    The group described Emerhor as a foundational pillar of the APC in Delta State, insisting that his contributions since 2013 have remained largely unrecognised. 

    According to the letter: “You are not just a founding father of APC; you are its backbone, its blood, its burning flame since 2013,” adding that despite investing “wealth, sweat, and sleepless nights” to build the party, he has been “left without an appointment, without title, without recognition.”

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    Framing the call as more than routine politicking, the Okpe Majority Group said its appeal represents “a revolution of conscience,” pledging full political backing should Emerhor heed the call. “We offer you our unbreakable loyalty, our grassroots strength, and our unapologetic support,” the group said, stressing that Delta Central needs “a senator with scars, not smooth talk — a man who knows how to rise from ruins.”

    The letter further invoked faith and lived experience as defining qualities of the former APC governorship candidate, quoting Psalm 20:4 and asserting that “a man who’s been broke but never broken knows how to build from nothing — and that’s exactly the kind of leader our people need.”

    The group declared its readiness to mobilise for the 2027 polls, stating: “The time is now. The people are ready. We are behind you — with fire in our voices and votes in our hands.”

  • Delta elder statesman to governorship aspirants: wait till 2031

    Delta elder statesman to governorship aspirants: wait till 2031

    An elder statesman and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Morrison Olori, has urged anyone nursing a governorship ambition in Delta State to shelve such plans till 2031, when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would have completed his second term.

    Olori, convener of Ukodo Nation, a grassroots political group, gave the advice while receiving Governor Oborevwori, who was on a courtesy visit to his country home in Ughelli, Delta State.

    He praised the governor’s performance and called for support for his administration.

    According to the renowned businessman, Oborevwori’s performance since assuming office has been spectacular, noting that the impact of governance is being felt across the state and the Urhobo nation in particular.

    “I hosted him because of what he is doing. His performance is spectacular. What he is doing across the state and the Urhobo nation is fantastic.

    “It is that joy that made me host him. Nobody should vote for another person. If anybody has an interest in contesting, he should tone it down so that our digital governor can complete his eight-year tenure,” he said.

    He described the governor as a leader delivering visible results, saying Oborevwori’s achievements have attracted national attention.

    “The President is seeing what he is doing. There is no person in Nigeria that is not see what Governor Sheriff is doing. Governor Sheriff is performing 100 per cent, and he is doing everything possible to move the state forward,” he said.

    Olori also expressed satisfaction at being acknowledged by the governor as one of his strongest supporters, stressing that his backing was driven purely by performance.

    “Everybody knows clearly that I am doing it because of his performance and his activities in Delta,” he said.

    Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no ethnic nationality would be sidelined under his administration.

    “No ethnic nationality will be neglected under my administration. I will do more for the people of Delta and ensure that development is spread to all parts of the state,” the governor said.

  • Man killed by wife, others injured in attack in Delta

    Man killed by wife, others injured in attack in Delta

    A man has died after reportedly being attacked multiple times with a cutlass by his ‘jealous’ wife in Ughelli Town, Delta State.

    While the Delta State Police Command confirmed only the death of the husband, community sources claim that the man’s concubine was also killed, and a neighbour who attempted to intervene is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

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    The incident reportedly took place on Friday evening at the Iwhre-Ovie quarters of Ughelli. Details remain limited as of press time.

    Spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the death of the husband, adding that other victims were receiving medical attention.

  • Delta police redeploy DPO over alleged ‘N2.5m extortion’

    Delta police redeploy DPO over alleged ‘N2.5m extortion’

    The Delta State Police Command has ordered the redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jesse Division, CSP Chidi Nwabuzor, following allegations of extortion amounting to N2.5 million.

    The decision followed a viral video in which a woman accused the DPO and two officers, identified as Bright and Usman, of collecting the money to secure the release of her brother from police custody.

    According to the Command, the suspect, Israel Onojeruo (20), was arrested on January 1, 2026, after being implicated by another suspect who allegedly sold a firearm to him. The suspects were later transferred to the State Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation.

    Reacting to the extortion allegation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, ordered the X-Squad to investigate the matter.

    According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, one of the officers named in the video, Constable Bright, has been detained, while the DPO has been removed from his position and redeployed to the Command Headquarters pending the outcome of the probe.

    The statement disclosed that the redeployment of the DPO also followed multiple complaints of extortion and unprofessional conduct from various quarters.

    CP Adesola assured the public that any officer found culpable would be dealt with in line with the Police Act and regulations, stressing that the Command has zero tolerance for extortion, intimidation, or unprofessional behaviour.

  • Affordable housing initiative unveiled by estate developer in Delta

    Affordable housing initiative unveiled by estate developer in Delta

    Amid rising costs of rent and the growing shortage of quality modern housing, an estate developer, Egovas Properties Limited, has unveiled an affordable housing initiative for residents of Delta state.

    Our correspondent gathered that the initiative is aimed at enabling more residents of the state to become homeowners through the EGOVAS LUXE project.

    The initiative, championed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Gerald Ejedoh, is designed to address the housing deficit by delivering well-planned, 21st-century homes in fast-developing communities across the state in 2026.

    Speaking during an interview, Ejedoh explained that the project represents a strategic shift towards inclusive housing solutions that balance affordability with quality infrastructure.

    She noted that Egovas Properties Limited is pioneering a new approach to real estate development by creating estates that combine modern architectural designs with functional amenities.

     “These include, well-constructed road networks, recreational playgrounds, swimming pools, and other features tailored to support comfortable family living and professional lifestyles.

    “The objective is to provide not just shelter, but secure and well-serviced communities where families and professionals can thrive,” she stated.

    The CEO also called on Deltans, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the developments as suitable for both owner-occupant and rental investment.

    She explained that the estates are strategically positioned to deliver long-term value, making them attractive to investors seeking stable and sustainable returns.

    Reaffirming the company’s commitment to accessibility, Ejedoh disclosed that prospective homeowners can begin the process of acquiring a home within Egovas Estates with an initial deposit of ₦5 million and the spread payment for two years, thereby easing the financial burden associated with property ownership.

    With a focus on quality delivery, transparency, and client satisfaction, Egovas Properties Limited continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable real estate firm contributing meaningfully to housing development in Delta State, Nigeria.

  • Widows, the elderly in Delta get relief

    Widows, the elderly in Delta get relief

    Ovoke Idogun Foundation, in partnership with Gracey Heart Foundation, has empowered over 1,500 widows and elderly women of Olivet Baptist Church of God in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government of Delta State, to mark the New Year.

    The empowerment, described as a non-political charitable outreach, was held on Sunday at Olivet Baptist Church headquarters in Oghareki. The programme provided financial assistance to widows and elderly women from the church community.

    Evangelist Ovoke Idogun said the initiative was driven by his passion to support widows and elderly women at festive periods. He said the outreach was not politically motivated but rooted in Christian service and compassion for the vulnerable.

    The programme was coordinated by Dr. Idogun through Ovoke Idogun Foundation, with support from Gracey. Distribution of cash was overseen by a senior DESOPADEC accountant and pastor of the church, Sunday Ajamufia. Each beneficiary got N20,000.

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    Pastor Ajamufia described the empowerment as an initiative aimed at supporting widows, elderly women, and the less privileged. He noted that the programme would be sustained beyond the New Year.

    Beneficiaries lauded Idogun and his foundation for remembering them in the festivities.

    They prayed for God’s blessings upon him and his family, describing the gesture as first in the history of the church.

    Responding on behalf of the widows, Pastor Ajamufia said the empowerment marked a “red-letter day” for the Olivet Baptist Church community.

    He added that the women were overwhelmed by the show of love and generosity, praying that God would continue to reward the foundation for its consistent commitment to the welfare of widows, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

  • One killed, house burnt as Itsekiri communities clash in Delta 

    One killed, house burnt as Itsekiri communities clash in Delta 

    A clash between Itsekiri youths of Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine Itsekiri communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, at the weekend, left one person dead and a house burnt.

    The victim, Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis.

    Hours after the killing, the residence of Capt. John Deja Okpeyor was set ablaze by angry youths. Okpeyor had earlier the same day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom.

    As of press time, details surrounding the incident remained sketchy. However, the killing and subsequent arson occurred amid reports of a youth leadership tussle in Ogidigben, which allegedly led to the mobilisation of youths to confront perceived opponents within the community.

    Community sources, however, maintained that Onuwaje was not involved in any mobilisation or attack on any residence. They said he was assaulted and killed on the road by unknown assailants, describing the incident as a criminal act that should not be linked to wider community disputes.

    Security presence was reportedly reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and a text message sent to him were yet to be responded to. However, it was gathered that at least four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing of Onuwaje.