By Sunday Apah

Delta State has significantly boosted its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rising from approximately ₦84 billion in 2023 to over ₦200 billion.

This remarkable increase, representing more than 138 percent growth, reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intensified efforts to broaden the state’s economic base beyond its traditional reliance on oil.

This achievement was highlighted during a visit by a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to Asaba on Monday.

The purpose of their visit was to evaluate Delta’s initiatives in economic diversification and revenue generation.

Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, stated that Delta State is strategically reorienting its economy through targeted investments in agriculture, industrialization, innovation, and other non-oil sectors.

He further explained that this impressive revenue growth was accomplished without raising personal income tax rates. Instead, it was attributed to an expanded tax base, enhanced administrative processes, improved compliance, and more efficient revenue collection methods.

Ekedayen emphasized that agriculture is a primary driver of the diversification agenda, propelled by Public-Private Partnerships. Under these arrangements, the government provides land, while investors contribute capital and technology for large-scale cultivation of crops such as cassava and oil palm.

Chief Fidelis Tilije, the Commissioner for Finance, added that the government is also fostering industrialization through strategic infrastructure investments. He revealed that the Kwale Industrial Park is soon to be fully operational, aiming to attract new investors.

Additionally, efforts are underway to revitalize maritime activities through improved cooperation with the Federal Government concerning the Warri and Forcados ports.

Mr. Victor Eboigbe, who led the RMAFC delegation, underscored the unsustainability of relying solely on oil revenue and commended Delta’s dedication to economic diversification.

He noted that this assessment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and lauded Governor Oborevwori for implementing policies designed to build a robust and sustainable economy.

Hon. Aruviere Martins Egwarhevwa, the Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in RMAFC, clarified that the visit was part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to assess states’ diversification efforts and strengthen collaboration on fiscal development.

The delegation expressed satisfaction with Delta’s economic transformation initiatives and encouraged the state to maintain its current positive trajectory.

By Sunday Apah

General Aroni Oputu (also known as General Aroni), the National President of the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders Forum, has enthusiastically commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) for initiating the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement. This initiative is designed to secure President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Following the movement’s national executive inauguration at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, General Aroni spoke to journalists, describing the political strategy as a brilliant move.

He believes it will foster unity within the Niger Delta region and contribute to Nigeria’s economic progress.

General Aroni, who also holds the position of Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Delta State Governor, praised Tompolo’s insightful leadership as the Grand Patron of the movement.

He stressed that a door-to-door campaign approach is precisely what is needed to effectively communicate the achievements of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” directly to local communities.

“High Chief Tompolo has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the peace, stability, and development of Nigeria,” General Aroni remarked.

“By engaging communities ward-by-ward, street-by-street, and house-by-house, this movement will counter political misinformation and highlight to Nigerians the crucial importance of continuity under President Tinubu.”

The leader of the ex-agitators emphasized the significant advantages the Niger Delta has experienced under the current administration.

He specifically cited the effective management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by Dr. Dennis Otuaro and the robust efforts against crude oil theft, largely driven by local security initiatives.

According to General Aroni, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have prevented a national economic collapse, improved the ease of doing business, and restored lasting peace to oil-producing communities.

He stated that supporting Tompolo’s goal of mobilizing 10 million votes for the President is a direct reciprocation of the Federal Government’s positive actions towards the region and the entire nation.

Aroni declared, “Where our leader, High Chief Tompolo, stands, so do the genuine ex-agitators. We fully endorse this door-to-door campaign and are committed to ensuring that the target of 10 million votes is successfully delivered to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027.”

By Sunday Apah

Asaba, Delta State – Thousands of widows across Delta State are experiencing renewed hope as the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme disbursed June 2026 monthly stipends to 10,000 beneficiaries.

The timely release of funds, which began reaching recipients’ bank accounts on Friday, has drawn widespread appreciation for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

The scheme, a vital initiative to alleviate economic hardship, provides crucial financial support to women navigating the profound challenges of widowhood.

Beneficiaries from all 25 Local Government Areas have expressed gratitude for the program’s continuity.

Elder Isioma Okonta, the State Coordinator of the Widows Welfare Scheme, lauded Governor Oborevwori for his compassionate leadership. Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Okonta confirmed the commencement of payments for the 10,000 verified widows in the scheme’s initial phase.

He emphasized that the Governor’s consistent funding demonstrates the administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and the well-being of vulnerable citizens.

“The stipends for June 2026 have started hitting the accounts of the 10,000 verified widows enrolled in the first phase of the scheme,” Okonta stated. “This is another demonstration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable citizens.”

Okonta also acknowledged the diligent efforts of the widows’ monitors and Local Government Area coordinators for their successful verification exercise across the state.

He noted that this process has enhanced the scheme’s credibility, ensuring that assistance reaches genuine beneficiaries.

Describing the Governor’s consistent funding as “highly commendable,” Okonta highlighted how the intervention continues to positively impact disadvantaged Deltans, particularly widows facing emotional and economic hardships.

He concluded that the initiative reflects the Oborevwori administration’s people-centered governance and its commitment to ensuring no vulnerable citizen is left behind.