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  • Withdrawal of Army from Okuoma excites Oborevwori

    Withdrawal of Army from Okuoma excites Oborevwori

    The Nigerian Army has withdrawn its troops from Okuoma community in Delta State, nearly three months after the killing of 17 soldiers, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said.

    Oborevwori expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for the withdrawal of troops from the troubled community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

    He said: “My Dear Good People of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations between the State Government and the Military Leadership, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

    “I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, 6th of May, and as at today (yesterday), 8th of May, 2024, the military has withdrawn from Okuoma.

     “With this development, the people of Okuoma can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

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    “I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

    “In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved an amicable resolution.

    “Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhancing peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.

    “It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media discourse as some would have wanted.

    “As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless.

    “After a personal assessment of the community on 20th of April, 2024”, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Ewu to serve as transition to aid their rehabilitation. We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.

    “It is my prayer and belief that never again would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility. So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.”

    On March 14, four officers and 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Okuama during a peace mission by the military men.

    Okuama and nehibouring community Okoloa were involved in communal feud, which attracted the military to arrange a peaceful settlement.

    The killings attracted wide condemnation by Nigerians.

    The military moved into the community in search of the killers and to investigate the incident.

  • Oborevwori lauds Tinubu’s withdrawal of Army from Okuama 

    Oborevwori lauds Tinubu’s withdrawal of Army from Okuama 

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has hailed President Bola Tinubu and the military high command,  over the withdrawal of troops from Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor stated this while adressing  newsmen on Wednesday in Asaba.

    He said that with the withdrawal of the troops, the people of Okuama could now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration.

    “My Dear good people of Delta, I have the pleasure to announce to you that, upon many deliberations and collaborations, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama.

    “I spoke with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday, and as at today, the Military has withdrawn from Okuama.

    “With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of reintegration and rebuilding their homes.

    “I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr. President, the Chief of Army Staff, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

    “In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons,” he said.

    He  lauded members of the National Assembly, other distinguished Nigerians, traditional rulers and other leaders of thought who stood with the state throughout the Okuama saga.

    “Let me assure all Delta people and residents in the state that this administration is committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.

    “It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom and patience.

    “As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta  Government to make that process smooth and seamless,” Oborevwori said.

    “After a personal assessment of the community on April  20, we have since commenced setting up an Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ewu to serve as transition to aid their rehabilitation.

    Read Also: Oborevwori, Dafinone, others mourn ex-minister Gbagi

    “We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully in Okuama.

    “It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility.

    “So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.

    “Once again, I commiserate with the families of victims of the Okuama incident.”

    (NAN)

  • Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 5 nominees

    Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 5 nominees

    Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mr Anthony Elekeokuri, a former lawmaker, as the Director-General of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA).

    The assembly, presided over by the speaker, Dennis Guwor, also confirmed the appointment of Chief Lucky Umoru as the Chairman of DIDA.

    Others confirmed were Mrs Roseline Amioku and Mr Ikechukwu Madumezie as the chairman and member of the State Civil Service Commission respectively,

    Mr Ugbaka Ikenna was also confirmed by the lawmakers as the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

    The confirmation of the nominees took place after a thorough screening on the floor of the assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier forwarded names of the nominees to the assembly for screening and possible confirmation.

    Read Also: Oborevwori, Dafinone, others mourn ex-minister Gbagi

    In his remarks, the speaker commended the lawmakers for their contributions toward the successful screening of the nominees.

    Guwor, who also congratulated the nominees on their successful screening and confirmation, enjoined them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor.

    (NAN)

  • Oborevwori, Dafinone, others mourn ex-minister Gbagi

    Oborevwori, Dafinone, others mourn ex-minister Gbagi

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta Central Senator Ede Dafinone, and the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in last year’s general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, have condoled the family of a former Minister of Education (State), Chief Kenneth Gbagi.

    The ex-minister died on Saturday. He was 62.

    In a condolence message yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described Gbagi’s demise as tragic, unfortunate and heart-wrenching.

    He commiserated with the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Oginibo community over the passing of the renowned politician and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of a renowned politician and astute businessman, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who passed on in Lagos on Saturday.

    “The news of his death came to me as a terrible shock and my heart-felt condolences go to his family, the people of Oginibo and the members of the Social Democratic Party,” he said.

    In his condolence message to the family of the late Gbagi, Senator Dafinone wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the Gbagi family of Oginigbo in Ughelli South (Local Government Area of Delta State).

    “His passing represents not just the loss of a remarkable individual but also the departure of an iconic figure in the Urhobo land, a distinguished lawyer, an astute industrialist and a former minister.

    “Throughout his life, Gbagi exhibited unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership in various spheres, leaving an indelible mark on our society.

    “His contributions to the legal profession, industry and education sector will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.”

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    Also, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in last year’s general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, expressed sadness over Gbagi’s death.

    In a personal statement, the businessman and politician described the late Gbagi as a “total friend, brother, ally, confidant, cheerleader, supporter, believer, promoter, champion, rock, defender and tireless movant and unhesitating sacrificer”.

    Adebayo also described the late politician as a “man of courage and energy who knew how to create and build, whose mind was an open book and his heart too large to exclude anyone”.

    Acording to him, the late Gbagi “lived with the wisdom of the aged and the excitement of a child and complete trust that everyone would treat him with as much love as he treated them”.

    He added: “Chief Kenneth Gbagi was always ahead of the owner of the fight once justice was at stake. A complete believer in Nigeria and Nigerians, Gbagi was ubiquitous and universal in the weaving of the fabrics of unity and solidarity across every square mile of Nigeria. “There is no place or space where Kenneth Gbagi could not open doors on account of some good deeds already preceding him! You will live as long as Nigeria lives.”

  • Why Okuama/Okoloba crisis isgreat pain to us – Oborevwori

    Why Okuama/Okoloba crisis isgreat pain to us – Oborevwori

    Delta Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, has urged the Board of Enquiry set up by the Defence Headquarters to probe the Okuama killings to ensure that innocent citizens do not continue to suffer for the crimes of a few persons.

    He expressed regret over the recent crisis leading to the killing of some army officers and soldiers at Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    Oborevwori spoke in Warri when he received on a courtesy visit, the Chairman and members of the Board of Enquiry set up by the Defence Headquarters to probe the Okuama Killings.

    The Governor, who narrated how the state managed the situation, said the State Government would do all it could to assist the Board on its assignment.

    Governor Oborevwori further said that in order to honour the deceased officers and soldiers, he led a top level delegation of members of the State Security Council and members of the State Executive Council to attend the funeral of the slain officers and soldiers in Abuja.

    While saying that a transparent investigation should be conducted to fish out the real culprits of the heinous crime, he said innocent citizens should not be made to suffer any further.

    “I am very happy for this meeting taking place here today in Warri. Most people who spoke about the issue did so out of ignorance because they lacked the true knowledge of the facts of what happened. Setting up this Board of Enquiry is a good one.

    “In my MORE Agenda, we said we are going to ensure peace and security, and for the first time in a long while, we celebrated Christmas without any hitches and I must thank security agencies in the state for a job well done.

    Read Also:Resident doctors in Delta issue 7-day ultimatum to Oborevwori

    “In Delta State, there are two bodies we don’t play with; the Advisory and Peace Building Council and the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution- because they are doing a lot to ensure enduring peace in the state.

    “I told the Secretary of State Government to invite the Okuama/Okoloba people. So, l made it mandatory that the Chairman of Ughelli South and Bomadi Local Government Councils to be in attendance, the members of the State House of Assembly who are representing the constituencies should also be in attendance and the Presidents-General of the communities should be in attendance.

    “That meeting was held on the 7th of February and they signed a peace accord. So, we were not expecting anything negative when the military went there for a peace mission.

    “In Delta State, we don’t encourage crises. So, we want to assure you that whichever information you people want, we will give it to you and we will also come with our position paper to submit to you people before you leave.

    “That will also guide you on the role that we have played as a state because if we don’t come with this position paper, you will not know the role that the state has played,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Enquiry, Air Vice Marshal David Ajayi, said the Board was in the state to investigate the unfortunate incident that happened at Okuama.

    Ajayi said: “We are here as a fact- finding mission and not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders and community dwellers.

    “This report will also help to ensure healthy communication that will enhance civil-military relations and ensure that economic activities thrive again in the affected communities.”

    He called on the governor to assist the Board in its enquiry to ensure that relevant stakeholders were invited to give account of what led to the crisis.

  • Resident doctors in Delta issue 7-day ultimatum to Oborevwori

    Resident doctors in Delta issue 7-day ultimatum to Oborevwori

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD- DELSUTH) has threatened an industrial action over poor welfare and deteriorating condition at the state’s referral hospital, Delta state University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Ethiope West LGA.

    The body urged Deltans to prevail on Governor Oborevwori to save the tertiary health institution from closing down for avoidable reasons.

    A jointly signed statement by its President, Dr Harrison Adja, General Secretary, Dr Maurice Oghenekaro and image maker, Dr Clinton Erhire, made available to The Nation, yesterday, warned that failure to accede to their demands would result in a strike action.

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    It called for the upgrade and equipping of the state’s only referral teaching hospital which it said was in a “state of dilapidation.”

    According to them, the lack of equipment has led to “numerous cases of unnecessary morbidity and mortality among our patients.”

    Part of the statement reads, “there is a glaring lack of basic diagnostic and therapeutic equipment like blood pressure cuffs, Glucometer, Urinary Strips, Weighing Scales,Stadiometer, Thermometers, Mobile Pulse Oximeters, Nebulisers, Co2 Monitors, AMBU Bags, Trolley, Drip Stands, Automated External Defibrillators, Cardiotocography Machines, Anaesthetic Machines etc”

    It appealed for employment/replacement of staff across all cadres in the teaching hospital following the huge number of professionals that have resigned to seek greener pastures abroad.

  • Okuama killing bears no semblance with what we’re doing in Delta – Oborevwori

    Okuama killing bears no semblance with what we’re doing in Delta – Oborevwori

    The Delta state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the incident in Okuoma community, Ughelli South council area of the state, as a strange occurrence, which has no semblance with what Delta is currently all about. 

    Governor Oborevwori was speaking on the killing of 16 military personnel by some community elements in Okuoma, saying the state never bargained for the unfortunate incident, but further giving assurances that the situation had already been brought under control.

    The governor stated these while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after briefing President Bola Tinubu on developments. 

    According to him, he had to visit President Tinubu to update him on what had happened in the state, giving assurances that those who had no part in perpetrating the crime would be protected, while those found to be culpable will not escape justice. 

    The governor, who said his focus and agenda, right from the beginning of his tenure, had been focused on prioritising peace and security, explaining how he had worked with other stakeholders from Okuoma and Okoloba to address the age-long rivalry between those communities. 

    “You know the happenings in Delta State since 14th of this month and it is necessary for me to brief the Commander-in-Chief and that’s what I’ve come to do, the full details of what happened. 

    “People may not have knowledge of what we’re doing since I came on board, since last year we’ve been enjoying peace in Delta State and we commend all the security agencies, but an unfortunate thing happened last week that people who don’t have the knowledge have started talking

    “The two communities in question have been having issue for years and last month, on the 7th of February, they were invited by the state government; the two communities, the members presenting those two local governments, the council chairmen and the leaders of those communities, and they agreed to work together, signed peace accord. 

    “When this unfortunate thing happened, it was very sad because Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and decency. So what happened is not in line with what we’re doing in Delta State because I have promised Deltans that I’m going to be governor for all Deltans and we’ve been enjoying peace and one of my MORE Agenda is that we’ll enhance peace and security, and that’s what we’ve been doing. 

    “So I decided to come here to brief Mr. President on all the things we’ve been doing to maintain peace and Mr President has assured me that he’s in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers because they were there on peace mission. 

    “What is happening now is something that we did not bargain for, but we want to assure everybody that there’ll be no more attacks on the villages, if there’s been anyone that had happened in the past… but we know that those who are culpable will be brought the book, but the innocent citizens will not be will not be attacked”, he said. 

    Asked to clarify on claims about military’s alleged punitive action against the community in response to the killings, the governor “yesterday I was in that local government, I was in Bomadi for security meeting, to get full details and briefing. 

    “So some of those issues are security issues that you can’t say publicly, that’s the truth, and we’re managing the situation. So the issue of whether a place has been burned down or people have been killed, it has happened, but what is the way forward?

    “The way forward are two ways; the people that have been killed, the officer and soldiers, we must see how we can find succor for their families and give them a befitting burial. Also the community, anything that has happened in the community in the past will not happen again, we assure them, but the people who are culpable will be brought book”, he said. 

    He said while his government has met with the military, it has not been able meet with the community because it has been deserted. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gov Oborevwori condemns attack on military personnel, condoles victims

    “First and foremost, the community people… the place has been deserted, so the issue of whether we’ve been able to see the community leaders, no. We’ve only gotten full briefing from the Army and we’re on it because this week the traditional council is going to meet and discuss. I’m going to invite stakeholders, we’re on top of it,” he explained. 

    On the way forward, Governor  Oborevwori emphasized: “Like I said, we had a meeting yesterday with the security heads where the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division was there, the JTF Commander was in attendance. 

    “We’ve all agreed, all the security agencies are putting heads together, we’re on the same page to fish out the real culprits because innocent people will not suffer for it and they have assured us that no innocent person will be victimized.”

  • No innocent citizens will suffer for Delta killings – Gov. Oborevwori

    No innocent citizens will suffer for Delta killings – Gov. Oborevwori

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says the state government and military authorities have agreed that no innocent citizens will suffer from the outcome of March 14 killing of soldiers.

    Oborevwori said this on Tuesday while speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that the unfortunate killings of military personnel had further exacerbated the feud between the two warring communities.

    “Since last year, we have been enjoying peace in Delta State and we commend all security agencies.

    “Mr President assured me that he is in support of the peace and we both condemned the killing of the officers and the soldiers who were on peace mission.

    “What is happening now is something that we didn’t bargain for. But we want to assure everybody that there would be no more attack on the villages if there is any that has happened in the past.”

    The governor gave the assurance that those culpable would be brought to book, adding that innocent citizens are assured of safety.

    He said that a meeting between the state government and traditional leaders would be held next week to find a quick resolution to the issue on ground.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 military personnel were killed during a communal clash in Delta State on last Thursday.

    The personnel met their death during a rescue mission in a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state.

    On the burning down of some villages in the affected communities, Oborevwori said many opinions circulating about the incidence were not true.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gov Oborevwori condemns attack on military personnel, condoles victims

    “The issue of whether a place has been burnt down or people have been killed, it has happened but what is the way forward? The ways forward are two ways.

    “The people that have been killed, the officers and soldiers, we must see how we can find succour for their families and give them befitting burial, also the community.

    “Anything that has happened in the community in the past will not happen again. We assure that the people who are culpable will be brought to book.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Gov Oborevwori condemns attack on military personnel, condoles victims

    JUST IN: Gov Oborevwori condemns attack on military personnel, condoles victims

    Delta governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has condemned the unprovoked killing of officers and soldiers attached to 63 Brigade at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

    He also condoled with the military and the families of officers and soldiers who died in the attack.

    Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, said the act as alien to the culture of Deltans.

    He said: “The government of Delta State is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.

    “This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the State Government is promoting as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security.

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    “On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence.

    “The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated.

    “Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law- abiding and the State Government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State.”

  • Oborevwori sites relocated DSUST faculty at Orerokpe Technical College

    Oborevwori sites relocated DSUST faculty at Orerokpe Technical College

    Academic activities at the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Science and Technology (DSUST), Ozoro, Isoko North council area of Delta state, will take off at the proposed Model Technical College, Orerokpe in Okpe LGA.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this to reporters, shortly after inspecting the school project site, Wednesday.

    This is in spite of protests by some Isoko stakeholders, including Ozoro indigenes, over the relocation of the Faculty, which is believed to be the live wire of the new university a few weeks ago.

    The Delta State Government, during a meeting with key Isoko leaders, including the leadership of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), had promised to establish three new Faculties which will better suit the learning citadel as a specialised university.

    A reliable source disclosed that Governor Oborevwori, at the meeting, approved N1 billion to commence the process for establishing the new faculties which are Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

    Meanwhile, the governor, while inspecting the proposed site for the Faculty of Management Sciences, DSUST, said the Ministry of Technical Education would hand over the facilities at the College in Orerokpe to the Ministry of Higher Education to ensure a seamless take-off.

    Governor Oborevwori said: “Recently, the Governing Council of the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, approved the Faculty of Management Sciences here in Orerokpe. The site that was proposed for the faculty is the Orerokpe Technical College that is under construction.

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    “The Ministry of Technical Education has met with the Ministry of Higher Education to transfer the project to the Ministry of Higher Education and that process would be completed by the end of this week.”

    He noted that the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, could not absorb all qualified Deltans who were seeking admission into it, adding that it was for this reason that the state government decided to float three more universities simultaneously.

    “Today, we are very proud that we have three new state universities plus the old one (DELSU), making it a total of four flourishing universities and they are still not enough.

    “So, we need to create more campuses to address the educational needs of our people. Education is very fundamental to the successes of one’s life. I cherish education,” he emphasised.

    The governor assured that some of the projects at the Orerokpe campus of the DSUST would be completed before the end of October 2024.

    This development comes about three weeks after The Nation reported the uncompleted and abandoned states of six among the nine Model Technical Colleges started by the previous administration.