Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Government has dismissed claims that it is concentrating on flashy infrastructure at the expense of grassroots healthcare, insisting that primary healthcare remains a central pillar of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s development agenda.

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Reacting to recent comments by popular health influencer, Aproko Doctor, who suggested on social media that politicians focus on flyovers and ultra-modern hospitals while neglecting primary healthcare centres, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the assertion did not reflect the situation in Delta State.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising road safety rather than punitive sanctions in tackling the recurring accidents involving articulated trucks, particularly around the Ubu Bridge axis in Ogwashi-Uku along the newly constructed Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, noting that the government is set to implement firm and targeted measures to address the rising number of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles on the corridor.

According to the Commissioner, the Oborevwori administration’s approach is centred on strengthening safety enforcement measures instead of imposing restrictions that could hinder the free flow of goods and services.

He explained that planned interventions include stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, enhanced speed control, and improved operational checks on articulated trucks using the route.

Izeze also called for collective responsibility in preventing future accidents, appealing to professionals, road safety experts, and concerned members of the public to voluntarily offer practical, pro bono suggestions aimed at achieving zero accidents on the affected stretch of road.

He stressed that the appeal was not for consultancy services but for sincere, public-spirited contributions focused on protecting lives and preserving the road infrastructure.

He explained that the renewed safety drive followed a series of accidents involving articulated trucks on the corridor, which have raised concerns among motorists and residents despite the road’s recent completion and improved aesthetics.

The Commissioner revealed that the most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, bringing the total number of recorded articulated truck accidents on the Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba stretch to seventeen (17) since the road was completed.

The accident occurred near the Ubu Bridge, an area characterised by smooth pavement and a modern drainage system designed to channel runoff from the surrounding Ogwashi-Uku hills into drains leading to the Ubu River.

Eyewitnesses said the truck lost control while approaching the bridge, tilted, and partially obstructed the carriageway. No casualties were recorded.

The driver reportedly attributed the incident to mechanical failure, claiming that the truck’s gear selector failed to engage a lower gear while navigating the bridge approach.

He dismissed suggestions of fatigue, describing the occurrence as an act of destiny.

However, the explanation has done little to ease public concern, given the frequency of similar accidents on the same stretch of road.

The Commissioner further said: “Despite the installation of clearly visible warning signs and speed limit notices before and after the bridge on both approaches installed months ago at the directive of Governor Oborevwori, many articulated truck drivers continue to disregard traffic regulations.

“Governor Oborevwori has consistently maintained that the state must avoid actions that could be perceived as restricting the free movement of goods and services, in line with global best practices.

“His administration has therefore prioritised improved compliance, driver discipline, and road safety measures over outright restrictions on the movement of heavy-duty vehicles.”

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The Ogwashi-Uku–Asaba corridor has emerged as one of the busiest interstate routes in the South-South region, serving as a major transit link for articulated trucks travelling from the North, East, and South-West through Asaba and Ughelli to Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom, and Calabar.

This heavy traffic has placed considerable pressure on the road, even as the project continues to attract commendation for its quality and contribution to regional connectivity.

Despite the incidents, residents have acknowledged the broader impact of Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive, noting that the quality of the road reflects the administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

As investigations into the latest accident continue, stakeholders have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved driver discipline, and sustained public awareness to ensure that the benefits of the road project are not undermined by avoidable mishaps.

•Oborevwori, Sule seek lawmakers’ approval for Appropriation Bills

•Radda signs N897.87b Bill in Katsina

Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) yesterday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bills to the Houses of Assembly for scrutiny and approval.

They presented N1.664 trillion, and N517.5 billion proposed budgets to the Houses of Assembly for the incoming year.

Giving a breakdown of the proposed budget, Oborevwori said N499 billion, representing 30 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure, while N1.165 trillion, representing 70 per cent of total budget, is for capital expenditure.

The governor said the proposed budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion or 70 per cent over that of the outgoing year.

He added that the proposed budget would be mainly funded from Statutory Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mineral Derivation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Other Capital Receipts and Savings and Oil Revenue Recoveries.

Oborevwori said N720 billion, or 43.28 per cent of total projected revenue, is expected from statutory allocation which he said was boosted by post-subsidy FAAC inflows and improved oil production stability in the Niger Delta.

The governor said the state’s IGR is projected at N250 billion, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over that of 2025.

He stated that the projected increase in the state’s IGR was driven by ongoing reforms to plug leakages and widen the tax net.

According to him, VAT receipts are expected to rise sharply to N120 billion, buoyed by improved federal administration of the tax.

Oborevwori said: “Capital receipts, however, have been deliberately cut down to N25 billion, a 73 per cent reduction, as the government pushes towards a zero-borrowing fiscal strategy.

“Savings and oil revenue recoveries are projected to contribute N489 billion. This is a testament to prudent and disciplined financial management.”

According to him, the proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2026 of N499 billion comprise personnel costs of N185 billion, representing 37 per cent of the proposed recurrent budget, while N204 billion, representing approximately 41 per cent, is earmarked for overheads.

Oborevwori explained that the balance of 22 per cent or N110 billion was accounted for by social contributions, benefits, and grants.

The governor emphasised that the personnel cost of N185 billion anticipated the annual increments and allowances, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.

Analysing the proposed capital expenditure estimate of N1.165 trillion, Oborevwori noted that the proposal was N535 billion or 85 per cent higher than the 2025 capital budget of N630 Billion.

“This is largely accounted for by the larger budget size of N1.664 trillion, as against the N979.2 billion of 2025,” he said.

Highlighting the priority sectors of the budget, Oborevwori said N450 billion was budgeted for road infrastructure, N105.086 billion for education, N50.067 billion for health, N20 billion for Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and N20 billion for Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency.

According to him, N16 billion was budgeted for Power and Energy, N10 billion for Agriculture, N20 billion for Social Protection, adding that the sum of N100 billion was budgeted for local government intervention in the 25 local government areas in the state (N4 billion per local government).

Reviewing the performance of this year’s budget, named: “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,” where N979,228,818,719 was approved for funding both capital and recurrent expenditures, the governor said the performance of the budget was encouraging.

“From January to October 2025, the actual revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee and Internally Generated Revenue stood at N738.640 billion, representing 90.5 per cent of the proportionate budget of N816,024,015,599.

“The recurrent expenditure for the period under review was N340,554,006,448, as against a proportionate amount of N290,639,798,863.50, representing 117 per cent performance.

“The sum of N509,780,336,370 was expended during the period under review, as against a proportionate amount of N525,384,216,736, representing 97 per cent performance.

“It is pertinent to appreciate this stellar performance. It is also gladdening to note that the bold and reformist policies of the Federal Government have started to yield the desired result and the country is beginning to turn the corner,” Oborevwori added.

Speaker Emomotimi Guwor praised the Oborevwori administration for the steady strides it had recorded under the Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E.

Also, presenting a budget proposal of N517.539,050,910.77 billion for the year 2026 to the State House of Assembly for approval, Governor Sule urged the House of Assembly to examine the details and ensure expeditious approval.

Receiving the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Danladi Jatau assured the governor of effective synergy and speedy passage.

Governor Sule said: “Mr. Speaker, the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Bill is anchored on the theme: Budget of Strategic Consolidation. In line with our development agenda, the 2026 budget seeks to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness.

“Expand job creation through industrialization, SME support, and agricultural productivity, Improve the quality and accessibility of basic healthcare and education services.

“Intensify urban renewal efforts and strengthen environmental management among others,” he said.

According to the governor, the total expenditure budget for fiscal year 2026 is structured into  N212,789,330,249.07 only. This represents 41.12% recurrent expenditure.

“And a total capital expenditure of N304,749,720,661.70 representing 58.88%,” he said.

Sule said the ratio of the recurrent to capital spending shows another improvement in his administration’s  commitment to investing in capital spending.

“Budget allocation based on main sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector: N108.70 billion, Economic Sector: N221.84 billion

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Law and Justice Sector: N16.09 billionSocial Sector: N170.92 billion.

“Further breakdown into sub-sectors shows that: Infrastructure-N 157.80 billion representing 30.49 per cent while Education sector takes N92.91 billion representing 7.95 per cent, Science, Technology &

Digital Economy was allocated  N4.92 billion, representing 0.95%, as well as Governance, Security & General Administration – N142.96 billion representing 27.62%, Finance, Investment & Trade N39.19 billion representing 7.57 per cent.

Others are: Health –  N37.19 billion representing 7.19 PER CENT, Agriculture &

Water Resources –  N31.85 billion representing 6.15 per cent, Environment & Community Development –  N28.32 billion representing  5.42 per cent, Information & Tourism – N18.65 billion representing 3.60 per cent, Legislation – N16.59 billion representing 3.21 per cent

“Law & Justice – N16.09 billion, representing 3.11 per cent, Youth & Sport Development N10.01 billion representing 1.93, Humanitarian & Women Empowerment- N2.50 billion representing 0.48 per cent,” he said.

The governor said that his administration remain committed to enhancing capacity to serve the people of Nasarawa State.

Also, in Katsina State, Governor Radda received and signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill, named: Building Your Future III, which he presented to the House of Assembly on November 4.

The lawmakers approved the Bill within a 21-day period, returning the figures the governor presented before them unaltered.

The proposed budget contains a Recurrent Expenditure of 18 per cent, and Capital Expenditure of 81 per cent.

During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Katsina, Radda said details of the budget was not compiled till the opinions of the people from the 361 wards across the 34 councils were sought through several town hall meetings.

He said: “More than 70,000 people attended the town hall meetings, with the attendees itemizing those things they wanted government to do for them which was incorporated into the budget.

“The synergy between government and the lawmakers was a commendable one, we call on them to ensure the cooperation continued unabated.

“Government had sent several bills to the house which has been passed into law, and more Bills would be coming in the months for the lawmaker’s consideration.”

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has lauded Transcorp Power Plc, subsidiary of Transnational Corporation, following graduation of 75 from its skill programme, Training and Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme.

The ceremony also saw induction of a new cohort into the programme and presentation of bursary award, which was increased from supporting three to nine undergraduates from the host communities.

As special guest, Oborevwori, represented by Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government, Jaro Egbo, lauded Transcorp Power Plc for its commitment to human capital development and community impact and urged the graduates to be good ambassadors.

“I want to greet our graduates who took time to learn a skill to be entrepreneurs. You must be good ambassadors of Delta State. You must be good ambassadors of Transcorp Power, so others will emulate you and others will want to come and learn,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Power, Peter Ikenga, said the event is a testament to their dedication to advancement of its hosts.

“Today, we celebrate the perseverance, passion, and potential of the 75 who embarked on a journey to build a better future for themselves,” he said. “You are a testament to the democratisation of luck and the power of opportunity. We are celebrating your growth, resilience, drive and the hope you bring to our vision.”

He said the programme was to equip individuals with practical skills and entrepreneurial insight, noting every skill mastered is a stepping stone toward personal fulfilment and community development.

Ikenga showcased their broader community development projects, including rehabilitation of 300kVA and 500kVA transformers and provision of desks for Ekakpamre Community School and ICT facilities to Adagwe Grammar School in Eruemukohwarien.

He also listed the fencing of Ekrerhavwe school, reconstruction of a culvert for safer movement and extension of electricity distribution in Eruemukohwarien New Layout.

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“To our inductees, this is a launchpad for the future you want. I urge you to make the most of every resource, every mentor, and every opportunity,” Ikenga said.

“To our graduands, you have the skills and the support to thrive. Now, it’s your time to arise and shine.”

One of the key highlights of the event was the special recognition of past beneficiaries who have made exceptional strides in their various businesses since graduating. They were presented with a token as a gesture of Transcorp Power’s continued encouragement.

Under the VSTEEP initiative, which runs every six months, indigenes of Transcorp Power’s host communities receive training in vocations chosen by their communities. Upon successful completion, participants are given seed capital and guided to start their own businesses. To date, the programme has empowered hundreds of individuals, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and establish small businesses.

The successful graduation of the 12th and 13th batches and the induction of the 14th batch were attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and other dignitaries from a broad spectrum of the Nigerian economy.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the Vocational Skills Training and Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme has solidified Transcorp Power’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development, directly investing in the potential of people to transform their own lives and communities.

The MD/CEO also used the occasion to showcase Transcorp Power’s broader community development projects completed over the last two years, including the rehabilitation of 300kVA and 500kVA transformers and the provision of new desks for Ekakpamre Community School and the donation of ICT facilities to Adagwe Grammar School in Eruemukohwarien.

He also listed the fencing of Ekrerhavwe Community School, the reconstruction of a collapsed culvert for safer student movement and the extension of the electricity distribution network in Eruemukohwarien New Layout.

“To our new inductees, this programme is a launchpad for the future you envision for yourself. I urge you to make the most of every resource, every mentor, and every opportunity,” Ikenga urged. “To our graduands, you have the skills and the support to thrive. Now, it’s your time to arise and shine.”

One of the key highlights of the event was the special recognition of past beneficiaries who have made exceptional strides in their various businesses since graduating. They were presented with a token as a gesture of Transcorp Power’s continued encouragement.

Under the VSTEEP initiative, which runs every six months, indigenes of Transcorp Power’s host communities receive training in vocations chosen by their communities. Upon successful completion, participants are given seed capital and guided to start their own businesses. To date, the programme has empowered hundreds of individuals, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and establish small businesses.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has announced a proposed budget of over N1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year. The governor said the move aims to enhance the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the state.

Oborevwori made the announcement yesterday during a citizens’ engagement event focused on the budget preparation, held at the Unity Hall in Government House, Asaba.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, revealed that 67% of the budget would be dedicated to capital expenditure, while 33% will cater to recurrent expenditure.

He said this allocation strategy focuses on increasing investment in essential areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while also ensuring that necessary obligations like salaries for workers and governance expenses are maintained.

The Governor underscored the significance of the capital expenditure emphasis, highlighting it as a testament to his administration’s commitment to growth and development.

He reaffirmed his dedication to upholding principles of accountability, transparency, and effective management of public resources.

Oborevwori stated: “This gathering is not only a moment for reflection, but also a platform to share the progress of our administration, reaffirm our commitment to transparency, and present our vision for the future.

“Over the past two years, this administration has worked tirelessly to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in governance.

“We have put in place stringent financial control measures, reduced waste, and ensured that every kobo spent by the government delivers value to our people.

“Through prudent financial management, our public debt profile has been reduced significantly, creating room for more sustainable growth and development. One of the key achievements of this administration is in revenue generation.

“Without imposing additional taxes or creating undue burdens on citizens, we have expanded our revenue base by improving compliance, blocking leakages, and widening the tax net.

“Internally Generated Revenue has grown consistently, ensuring that the government can fund critical projects without over-reliance on federal allocations. This fiscal responsibility has translated into tangible development across the state.”

On agriculture and private sector investment, Oborevwori disclosed that initiatives were underway to develop carbon markets, expand agricultural opportunities, and provide land to encourage private investment.

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Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, he said the state had performed creditably, achieving 69 per cent implementation of the capital budget and 86 per cent of the recurrent budget.

“We are hopeful and confident that the trend will continue until the end of the year as more payments are being processed and more deliveries are being taken,” he stated.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the College of Commissioners, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, thanked Deltans for their sustained support and partnership with the state government.

He stressed that the administration’s success was tied to citizens’ contributions, feedback, and trust, assuring them that transparency and accountability would remain central in project execution.

“This is why mechanisms such as public monitoring and feedback channels have been established to ensure that projects are delivered to standard,” Aniagwu added.

Representatives of civil society organisations, community leaders, and professional bodies, including Mr. Rex Anighoro, Prince Igwe, and Mr. Voke Ighorodje, commended the Oborevwori administration for its people-oriented policies and programmes.

They noted that the engagement was a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to transparency and participatory governance, stressing that by involving stakeholders in the budget process, policies and projects would continue to reflect the true needs of the people.