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  • Oborevwori felicitates Senator Ned Nwoko at 65

    Oborevwori felicitates Senator Ned Nwoko at 65

    … describes him as distinguished statesman, worthy ambassador of Delta

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) on the occasion of his 65th birth anniversary, describing him as a distinguished statesman and a worthy ambassador of Delta State.

    Governor Oborevwori in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, lauded Senator Nwoko’s contributions to national development, lawmaking and philanthropy, noting that his life has been marked by service to humanity.

    He said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I felicitate with Senator Ned Munir Nwoko on his 65th birth anniversary. 

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    “Senator Nwoko is a committed public servant, accomplished legal practitioner and philanthropist whose contributions to nation-building and human development are commendable.”

    Governor Oborevwori prayed for good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments for the senator, urging him to continue to deploy his wealth of experience and influence in advancing peace, unity and development in Delta State and Nigeria.

    He wished Senator Nwoko many more years of fulfillment and impactful service to humanity.

  • Oborevwori’s wife fetes market women, urges them to intensify PVCs sensitisation

    Oborevwori’s wife fetes market women, urges them to intensify PVCs sensitisation

    The wife of the Governor of Delta State, Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has hosted the 2025 End-of-Year Banquet for market women drawn from various markets across the state.

    Speaking at the third edition of the annual banquet, Deaconess Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to once again celebrate with market women, whom she described as the backbone of local commerce and critical drivers of Delta State’s economy.

    Items presented by Deaconess Oborevwori to the 250 market women delegation, including their leader, comprised 251 bags of rice, 251 sets of kitchen utensils, and cash support to assist their families during the festive season.

    She explained that the initiative, which commenced in 2023, was conceived to recognise and uplift market women who are often overlooked despite their vital role in sustaining families and driving grassroots economic activities.

    Highlighting specific outcomes of the programme, the Delta State First Lady disclosed that 250 market women benefited from the 2025 banquet, with participants drawn from all 25 local government areas of the state, representing 10 beneficiaries from each local government.

    Deaconess Oborevwori further underscored her administration’s commitment to empowering market women through initiatives such as the International Women’s Day trade fairs held over the past two years. She noted that the most recent trade fair showcased the skills of market women across the state in the packaging and preservation of indigenous produce for export, demonstrating the potential of local markets to become major drivers of economic growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.

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    Commending the resilience of the women, she acknowledged the challenges they face in managing businesses while simultaneously raising families, describing them as a true reflection of the strength and perseverance of womanhood.

    Reassuring the traders of sustained government support, Deaconess Oborevwori said the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration fully accommodates the interests of market women.

    She cited the Widows Empowerment Scheme, which benefited over 10,000 widows earlier in the year—many of whom are market women, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.

    The First Lady also lauded the Coordinator of the Market Women Association, Mrs Kate Onah, and her team for their efforts in coordinating market activities across the state.

    She urged the association to intensify sensitisation on the importance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), encouraging traders to actively participate in governance.

    She emphasised that the banquet was designed as a moment of celebration and appreciation rather than lengthy speeches, adding that food, drinks and take-home tokens were provided for all participants as a gesture of gratitude.

    Deaconess Oborevwori assured the market women that the end-of-year banquet had come to stay and encouraged them to remain intentional in their businesses and relationships with customers.

    Speaking on behalf of the market women, the President of the Market Women Association in Delta State, Chief Kate Onah, commended the sustained recognition of market women over the past two years by the Governor’s wife.

    She pledged their continued support for the implementation of the MORE Agenda and promised to mobilise women across the state to register for their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Oborevwori signs into law Delta’s N1.729trn 2026 budget

    Oborevwori signs into law Delta’s N1.729trn 2026 budget

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday signed the Delta State’s 2026 Appropriation bill of N1. 729trn tagged, “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” alongside three other key bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

    The assent sets the stage for accelerated development, enhanced security, and strengthened social welfare across the state.

    The other three bills passed were the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law, the Delta State Colleges of Education Law, 2025, and the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law, 2025.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the 2026 budget as “not just a budget of figures, but a budget of vision, action, and expected deliverables for the next twelve months,” assuring Deltans that the state would hit the ground running in 2026 to accelerate development across key sectors.

    The N1,729,881,208,779 budget represents an increase of over 70 per cent compared to the 2025 budget.

    The Governor said the estimate, though ambitious, is achievable, with 70 per cent dedicated to capital expenditure and 30 per cent to recurrent spending, thus underscoring his administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth and sustainable development.

    He noted that in 2025, the state intensified investments in infrastructure, security, fiscal discipline, and revenue growth, leading to improved internally- generated revenue without imposing additional burdens on citizens.

    According to him, the gains reflect the success of the administration’s reforms and its determination to continue strengthening the state’s economy.

    Oborevwori explained that the three accompanying laws were designed to further reinforce social welfare, education, and security in Delta State.

    He said the Social Investment Programme Law provides a legal framework for equitable, grassroots-focused access to resources and services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, without discrimination.

    He added that the Colleges of Education Law, 2025, standardises the operations of state-owned colleges, allowing them to award Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCEs) and education degrees concurrently, and expands their capacity to train more qualified teachers.

    The Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law, he said, strengthens the legal framework to combat terrorism, cultism, and related crimes, aligning state laws with contemporary security realities.

    The Governor commended the Speaker, leadership, and members of the Delta State House of Assembly, as well as the Clerk and staff of the House, for the timely passage of the budget and other bills, highlighting the strong synergy between the executive and the legislature.

    Read Also: Oborevwori condoles with Diri, family, Bayelsans over passing of Ewhrudjakpo

    He also thanked stakeholders, cabinet members, civil servants, and citizens for their contributions, while wishing all Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

    Earlier, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the passage of the four bills followed rigorous legislative engagements, wide consultations, and thorough scrutiny in line with the Assembly’s constitutional mandate.

    Guwor explained that the Social Investment Programme Law institutionalises social intervention initiatives to protect vulnerable citizens and promote inclusive growth and social justice, while the Colleges of Education Law, 2025, establishes a uniform framework to enhance the quality and efficiency of teacher education and reduce disparities among state-owned colleges.

    He added that the Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law addresses emerging security challenges and corrects gaps in the principal legislation, including the omission of a clear definition of cultism.

    On the Appropriation Law, 2026, the Speaker said the House scrutinised the budget sector by sector in line with the MORE Agenda before passing the N1.729 trillion estimate.

    According to him, the assent to the bills further underscores the cordial and productive relationship between the legislature and the executive, driven by a shared vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Delta State, and will significantly advance good governance and socio-economic development in the state.

  • Oborevwori condoles with Diri, family, Bayelsans over passing of Ewhrudjakpo

    Oborevwori condoles with Diri, family, Bayelsans over passing of Ewhrudjakpo

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the government and people of Bayelsa State over the passing of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo, affectionately known as “a man of many proverbs” as both tragic and deeply saddening.

    The governor noted that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a man of uncommon wisdom, intellect and humility, and whose contributions to governance and public service left a lasting impact on the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

    Oborevwori said, “I join the Governor, his family, Government and people of Bayelsa State, friends and allies in mourning Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. 

    “He was a team player, a dependable partner in leadership and a fountain of wisdom. His passing is a painful reminder of the fragility of life.”

    The governor also extended prayers for God’s comfort to the bereaved Governor, Senator Douye Diri, family, and the people of Bayelsa State, and urged them to take solace in the legacies of service and dedication left behind by the late Deputy Governor.

    “On behalf of my family, the people and Government of Delta State, I pray that the Almighty God grants Governor Douye Diri, his family and all who mourn him the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who served as Deputy Governor under Governor Douye Diri, was widely respected across the Niger Delta region for his eloquence, deep grasp of governance and his trademark use of proverbs in public communication.

  • ‘Oborevwori to speed hospital takeover’

    ‘Oborevwori to speed hospital takeover’

    Residents of Polobubo (Tsekelewu) community and other neighbouring riverine areas in Warri North council area of Delta State, from avoidable deaths, the people have implored Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to fast-track the takeover, rehabilitation, staffing, and upgrade of the Tsekelewu Cottage Hospital.

    The facility, which is critical to the survival of hundreds of residents within and outside the riverine area, had been without adequate workers and in need of rehabilitation after it was abandoned for months.

    However, the state government, following a directive by Governor Oborevwori, decided to step in and return life to the hospital, eliciting hope and excitement from residents.

    In a statement by Dr. Bright Abulu, President-General of Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Community, and Rev. Clement Tiemo, Secretary-General, the community reiterated its gratitude to the governor for his earlier directive instructing the state to assume control of the hospital, rehabilitate it, recruit personnel, and upgrade it to the status of a General Hospital.

    They, however, lamented a near-total lack of progress on the ground since the governor’s announcement.

    The people noted that the situation was further worsened by the withdrawal of personnel from the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme in July 2025, following the planned transfer of the hospital to the Delta State Hospital Management Board.

    Concerned about escalating health risks, they warned that the worsening healthcare vacuum poses immediate danger to residents.

  • Delta Central APC stakeholders pledge loyalty to Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Delta Central APC stakeholders pledge loyalty to Tinubu, Oborevwori

    …as Waive calls for massive voter mobilisation

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District have pledged unalloyed loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with leaders stressing unity, discipline, and renewed mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    They made the pledge during a high-level meeting held on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Uvwie Council area, where senior government officials, party executives, grassroots mobilisers, and other stakeholders convened to deliberate on strengthening the party’s internal cohesion and political readiness.

    Moving the motion, which was seconded by Chief Andrew Oru, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, praised President Tinubu for improving national security and stabilising the economy.

    According to him, “Nigeria is beginning to record improved security across various regions,” attributing the progress to the President’s renewed commitment to confronting insecurity.

    Keyamo also commended Governor Oborevwori for his unparalleled infrastructural development across Delta State, urging party members to maintain discipline as APC congresses draw near.

    He warned aspirants that no one would “secure the party’s ticket from Abuja” without the backing of grassroots leaders.

    On his part, the State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, described the district’s political shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as strategic, urging members to embrace genuine grassroots mobilisation and remain resilient ahead of political challenges.

    Chairman of the Delta Central APC, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, cautioned against factionalism, insisting that the party must operate under a single leadership structure.

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    “Delta State APC has only one leader, and that leader is His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State. This is not up for debate. Any loyalty outside this structure is unacceptable,” he declared.

    He announced reforms, including mandatory monthly senatorial meetings and the establishment of a Delta Central APC Caucus Committee to drive strategic planning, conflict resolution, mobilisation, and performance monitoring.

    Meanwhile, the Member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Waive, has raised alarm over the drastic decline in voter numbers in Delta Central, warning that the trend threatens the region’s political relevance.

    Waive, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, lamented that Delta Central once contributed about 60 percent of total votes in Delta State when the state was created in 1991, a figure he said has dropped to about 30 percent without any war, disaster or pandemic to justify such a decline.

    The visibly concerned lawmaker said some LGAs that previously produced over 50,000 votes now struggle with drastically lower figures, warning that “something is going wrong.”

    He urged political leaders to aggressively mobilise eligible voters in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration exercise, emphasising that every adult aged 18 and above must be encouraged to register, including indigenes living outside the state.

    Waive further warned that inaction could leave future generations describing today’s leaders in Urhobo land as “political eunuchs”, a label he insisted must be avoided.

    He stressed that voter numbers directly determine political strength, adding: “Even if you want to rig an election, you can only rig to the extent of the number of registered voters you have.”

    Other speakers, including Senator Ede Dafinone, NEXIM Bank Executive Director Stella Okotete, Chief Solomon Igrakpata, and Chief Andrew Oru, echoed the call for unity, discipline, and mobilisation.

    Local Government APC chairmen present at the meeting unanimously pledged to deliver maximum votes for President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and all APC candidates in 2027.

  • Oborevwori reiterates support for literary excellence, intellectual discourse

    Oborevwori reiterates support for literary excellence, intellectual discourse

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting literary excellence, intellectual discourse, and the growth of knowledge-driven communities.

    Oborevwori spoke at the public presentation of the book, ‘Hallmarks of Labour’, written by Izoma Philip Chikwuendo Asiodu.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, stated that his government would continue to support initiatives that celebrate creativity, scholarship, and national development.

    Oborevwori said literature plays a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring future generations.

    He noted that Delta State is proud to identify with platforms that honour outstanding contributions to nation-building through the power of the written word.

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    Prof. Tonukari, delivering the governor’s message, commended Asiodu for his distinguished contribution to Nigerian literature and described the book as a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity.

    He encouraged emerging writers to continue striving for excellence in their craft.

    The event, held recently at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together eminent personalities and literary enthusiasts.

    Discussions at the ceremony also highlighted the themes of the book, with speakers reflecting on the author’s emphasis on the virtues that define meaningful achievement and national progress.

  • Oborevwori approves automatic scholarships for best graduating students in Delta-owned universities

    Oborevwori approves automatic scholarships for best graduating students in Delta-owned universities

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved automatic scholarship awards for the best graduating students across the four state-owned universities, in a move aimed at strengthening academic excellence and supporting youth development.

    The Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board announced that its Executive Secretary, Dr. Godfrey Enita, stated the gesture exemplifies the Governor’s strong commitment to empowering youth through the M.O.R.E. Agenda, especially in human capital development.

    According to the Board, the automatic scholarship scheme will benefit the Best Graduating Student from each academic session in the following state-owned institutions: Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta University, Ozoro; University of Delta, Agbor, and Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

    Dr. Enita explained that each awardee would receive full funding to pursue Masters and Ph.D programmes in recognized Nigerian universities.

    He noted that beneficiaries would be required to complete the standard scholarship procedures and documentation to access the awards.

    He added that the initiative underscored the state government’s determination to raise a highly skilled, globally competitive youth population capable of contributing to Delta State’s long-term growth.

    “The Board remains committed to creating opportunities that uplift our students and encourage academic distinction,” Enita assured.

    The new scholarship policy is expected to further motivate undergraduates across the state-owned institutions to strive for excellence, while positioning Delta State as a leading hub for educational advancement in Nigeria.

  • CCDI nominates Oborevwori for 2026 UN Public Service award

    CCDI nominates Oborevwori for 2026 UN Public Service award

    Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI), has nominated Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for the 2026 United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA).

    The nomination was submitted under the thematic focus of Sustainable Development Goal 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

    In a statement by its President and Permanent Representative of CCDI to ECOSOC/United Nations, Comrade Olufemi Aduwo, the UN Public Service Award remains the foremost global recognition for excellence in public administration.

    Aduwo explained that the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) follows a rigorous and multi-stage procedure in selecting recipients of the award.

    According to him, the evaluation process begins with the independent verification of submissions from accredited bodies, followed by technical assessments carried out by international experts in governance, administrative reform, transparency, and institutional accountability.

    Read Also: Oborevwori woos investors, says time to invest in Delta is now

    Nominees who pass this stage are then subjected to a peer review by an intergovernmental panel to ensure that only candidates who demonstrate measurable impact, reformative leadership, and alignment with the SDGs are considered for the final award.

    Aduwo noted that CCDI’s nomination of Oborevwori is based on the governor’s demonstrable efforts to strengthen public institutions, enhance citizen security, deepen community-centred conflict-resolution mechanisms, and widen access to justice across Delta State.

    He added that CCDI’s institutional assessment of governance in the state dates back more than a decade, allowing for an objective comparison between past and current administrative performance.

    He further observed that Oborevwori’s consolidation of peace-building frameworks, prudent management of public finances, and sustained investment in institutional resilience have positioned Delta State as a governance model deserving of international attention.

    The CCDI’s president also recalled that the organisation had previously supported nominations that were eventually successful, including those of Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed in 2015 and Senator Ibikunle Amosun in 2019, each recognised for significant reforms in public-sector administration.

    He stated that the current nomination continues CCDI’s tradition of evidence-based institutional evaluation and strict adherence to United Nations criteria.

    Aduwo expressed confidence that Governor Oborevwori’s record satisfies the high standards of integrity, innovation, transparency, and societal impact required of UNPSA laureates.

  • Oborevwori woos investors, says time to invest in Delta is now

    Oborevwori woos investors, says time to invest in Delta is now

    •  …orders immediate rehabilitation of failed sections of Refinery Road

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called on investors, particularly Deltans at home and in the diaspora, to take advantage of the state’s steadily improving socio-economic climate to invest in the State.

    The Governor, who made the call on Friday in Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area, while inaugurating a multi-million-naira hospitality and tourism investment, the Swiss International Rancho Valerie Hotel, said, “The time to invest in Delta State is now.”

    “Warri is rising again, and Delta State is progressing steadily. The shadows of yesterday have given way to the bright possibilities of today and the greater promises of tomorrow,” the Governor declared.

    Saying the hotel is a bold testament to the rising economic profile of Warri, Oborevwori ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the failed portion of the Ubeji/Egbokodo/Refinery Road.

    He said the new hospitality facility reflects the renewed confidence investors now have in Delta State, adding that Warri is reclaiming its place as Delta’s commercial and tourism hub.

    According to him, the establishment of the hotel will not only provide premium accommodation but also stimulate local enterprise, create jobs, enhance community peace, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of the state.

    He said, “This hotel is not just another project; it is a clear statement that Delta State is open for business. It affirms that our state is safe, investor-friendly, and capable of hosting world-class hospitality and tourism ventures”.

    Governor Oborevwori praised the hotel’s owner, Mr. Mode Akoma, describing the project as an inspiring story of vision, resilience, and determination.

    He commended Akoma’s choice to invest in his home community rather than elsewhere, calling it a demonstration of deep commitment to Delta’s development.

    “If you had invited me to commission a hotel you built outside Delta State, I would not have attended. But I am proud that you chose to develop your community. This project brings jobs, brings peace, and brings progress,” he added.

    The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and investor-friendly policies under the MORE Agenda.

    While congratulating the owners and management of Swiss International Rancho Valerie, he emphasized that the success of such projects underscores the limitless investment opportunities available in Delta State.

    Earlier in his welcome address, General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Todowede Opeyemi, said the facility would provide exceptional hospitality services that meet international standards.

    He added that the management is committed to contributing to the state’s development by helping unlock Delta’s rich tourism potential.

    “Every guest who visits us deserves more than just a stay; they deserve an unforgettable experience, one that reflects our culture, our hospitality, and our warmth as a people,” Opeyemi said.