Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba presenter, Miss Vivian Nkechika, calling her loss a significant setback for journalism and the wider community.
Miss Nkechika, a native of Ekwuoma in Ika North East Local Government Area, worked as an Assistant Manager in the Programmes Department of DBS Asaba. She tragically died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, due to complications from a domestic gas explosion.
In a condolence statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, the management and staff of DBS Asaba, media professionals throughout the state, and the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He remembered the late broadcaster as a dedicated and principled professional, known for her hard work, integrity, and strong commitment to her role.
The Governor highlighted how her dedication to public education, accurate reporting, and responsible journalism won her the respect of peers and widespread recognition across the media industry.
“This is a deeply painful moment,” Governor Oborevwori stated. “Delta State has lost a dynamic and ethical media voice that played a vital role in informing and educating our society. Her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to her family, the journalism community, and all who uphold the values of trustworthy reporting.”
Governor Oborevwori prayed that God would grant her family, friends, and colleagues the fortitude to bear the loss and offered prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul.
“We share in the grief of all who mourn her. May God bring comfort to those she left behind and grant her eternal rest,” he added.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Political Matters, Deacon Matthew Kwode, has extended warm felicitations to Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the First Lady of Delta State, on the occasion of her birthday anniversary today, February 5, 2026.
In a statement issued in Asaba on Thursday, Kwode described the First Lady as a beacon of grace, compassion, and unwavering support, whose life and activities have profoundly impacted the state.
He praised her dedication to humanitarian causes, particularly through her pet projects focused on women’s empowerment, child welfare, and healthcare advocacy.
The statement highlighted Deaconess Oborevwori’s pivotal role as a pillar of strength and a source of wise counsel beside the state governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Kwode noted that her calm demeanor and genuine commitment to the welfare of Deltans have significantly complemented the administration’s “MORE Agenda,” fostering an atmosphere of unity and progressive development across the state.
Furthermore, Kwode emphasized the First Lady’s hands-on approach and accessibility, which have endeared her to people from all walks of life.
He pointed to her numerous visits to communities, health facilities, and empowerment programs as testaments to her passion for grassroots engagement and tangible societal improvement.
On behalf of his family and political associates, Kwode prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the First Lady.
He wished her robust health, boundless joy, and many more years of fruitful service to Delta State and humanity at large.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Media, Olorogun Sunday Apah, has congratulated Olorogun Ese Kakor on his appointment by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and successful screening by the Delta State House of Assembly as Director General of Local Content Board.
In a congratulatory message on Thursday, Apah emphasized the importance of the role, noting that the Local Content Board is crucial for ensuring that indigenous businesses and professionals benefit meaningfully from the state’s economic activities, particularly in sectors like oil, gas, and infrastructure.
Apah expressed confidence in Kakor’s ability to excel in this capacity, citing his extensive experience and proven track record in both public service and community development.
He highlighted that Kakor’s leadership is expected to drive policies that promote local expertise, create job opportunities, and foster sustainable growth across Delta State’s diverse communities.
In his remarks, Apah also called on all stakeholders, including private sector partners and local communities, to support the new Director General in achieving the board’s mandates.
He stressed that effective implementation of local content policies would not only boost the state’s economy but also enhance social stability and equitable resource distribution.
Apah added that Kakor’s appointment reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to this agenda, viewing it as a strategic move toward realizing its vision for inclusive and transformative governance.
Senator Ede Dafinone has called on Itsekiri leaders and the Uduaghan family to urgently call Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, to order over what he described as false, provocative, and legally settled claims to the ownership of Sapele land.
He warned that such assertions, if unchecked, pose a serious threat to peace and public order in the historic Delta town.
The senator, who is also Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, made the call in a detailed response to a caveat emptor issued by Chief Uduaghan against the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Sub-Palace of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Sapele, scheduled for January 24, 2026.
The caveat, widely circulated on social media and published in the Saturday Vanguard, questioned the authority of the Okpe monarch over Sapele land.
Dafinone stated unequivocally that “title to all lands in Sapele Community is vested in the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association,” stressing that Sapele is an indigenous Okpe town, notwithstanding its cosmopolitan character.
He noted that while people of diverse ethnic backgrounds reside in Sapele, “the Okpe people are the only indigenous ethnic and linguistic group in Sapele Town and indeed the entire Sapele Local Government Area.”
Citing statutory backing, he referenced the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Law, which recognizes only the Orodje of Okpe as the traditional ruler of Sapele Local Government Area.
According to him, “the Olu of Warri has never claimed statutory recognition in Sapele Local Government Area because there is no indigenous Itsekiri community in Sapele.”
The senator further dismissed any authority of Chief Uduaghan to question the Okpe monarch, noting that the Alema of Warri is “not a traditional chieftaincy title indigenous to Sapele.”
He recalled that the Orodje of Okpe has maintained a sub-palace in Sapele for decades without objection, even during the lifetime of prominent Itsekiri residents of the town.
On the contentious issue of land ownership, Dafinone said the matter had been conclusively settled by courts of competent jurisdiction.
He cited the landmark case of Chief Ayomano & Anor v. Ginuwa II (9 WACA 85), in which the Olu of Warri, representing the Itsekiri people of Sapele, challenged Okpe ownership and lost.
“All intelligence reports relied upon by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan have been overtaken and superseded by this judgment,” Dafinone stated, adding that ownership of Sapele land is now res judicata between the Okpe and Itsekiri peoples. “The matter is not open to argument, debate, or contestation.”
Quoting directly from the West African Court of Appeal judgment, he recalled the court’s damning assessment of the Itsekiri claim, describing it as “impudent,” while affirming that “for all practical purposes, the whole area now claimed was formerly farmed by Sobos,” the colonial name for the Okpe people.
The judgment, he said, also established that “after the Nana War of 1894, a large number of Jekris ran for refuge to Sapele and obtained the permission of the Sobos to settle, giving customary ‘dashes’ for that privilege.” The courts further held that the Okpe people “had exercised exclusive rights of ownership up till the time the Government obtained a lease of the land” in 1908.
Dafinone noted that these findings were never appealed to the Privy Council, making them binding and creating what he described as “issue estoppel” against any renewed Itsekiri claim over Sapele land.
He stressed that subsequent Supreme Court decisions, including Muvunum v. Achydoma and Madam Ukoli Oleji v. Washman Ogodo, consistently affirmed Itsekiri settlements in Sapele as customary tenancies granted by Okpe families.
Beyond the legal issues, the senator warned against inflammatory rhetoric, stating: “The peaceful disposition of the Okpe people is not a sign of weakness. Civility must never be mistaken for submission.”
He called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, DSS, and Military Intelligence, to treat references to communal crisis in the caveat as “an apparent instigation of inter-ethnic conflict.”
He also expressed concern over recent attempts to impose Itsekiri ethnic leadership structures in Sapele, describing such moves as provocative and contrary to established traditional administration under the Okpe Kingdom.
Dafinone, however, commended “well-informed and responsible Itsekiri residents and social media influencers” who publicly condemned Chief Uduaghan’s actions, noting their acknowledgment that he has “neither property nor investment in Sapele” and should not instigate crisis there.
He concluded by urging all residents to preserve Sapele’s long-standing harmony, warning that “peace is sustained by responsibility, not arrogance,” and insisting that “what is unacceptable to one ethnic group must not be encouraged against another.”
The Ughelli South Political Colonels (USPC) have extended their profound felicitations to Olorogun John Unukebo Oguma, their patron and the National Political Leader of Ughelli South Local Government Area, on the momentous occasion of his 77th birthday anniversary, observed today, the 2nd of February, 2026.
The social-political organization heralded the day as a landmark celebration of a life steeped in exemplary service and formidable influence.
The commendation was formally issued in an official statement disseminated by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Deacon Matthew Kwode.
With precise and dignified language, Kwode articulated the organization’s collective veneration, describing Oguma as a “leader of impeachable character.”
This designation underscores a career defined by unwavering integrity, moral fortitude, and a steadfast commitment to ethical governance that has distinguished him within the political arena.
Beyond the sphere of politics, Olorogun Oguma commands immense respect as the Chief Executive Officer of Obakpor Construction Company, a preeminent road construction firm instrumental in shaping the infrastructural landscape of Delta State.
In this formidable capacity, he has demonstrated an unparalleled acumen for transformative development, translating visionary leadership into tangible progress that has redefined connectivity and economic potential across the state.
His dual legacy in commerce and statesmanship exemplifies a synergistic mastery of both boardroom strategy and grassroots political mobilization.
“On this august occasion, we offer our heartfelt prayers for Olorogun John Unukebo Oguma.
“May the Almighty God continue to endow him with robust health, enduring wisdom, and boundless grace.
“May his path ahead be illuminated with peace, his years be filled with joy alongside his family, and his legacy continue to inspire generations to come”, it added.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has tasked graduands of Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli to use their acquired skills to improve humanity.
The governor who made this known Weekend during the 8th Convocation Ceremony of the institution also congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their studies.
Represented by Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, he encouraged the young graduates to consider further studies and commended the Governing Council and management for organizing a convocation after a long interval.
Earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) Eravweroso Congrat Odiete, while delivering her address, described the convocation as historic, noting that it was the first convocation organized under her leadership following her appointment in August 2025 by the Executive Governor of Delta State.
According to her, the ceremony was particularly significant as it brought together graduates from 2017 to 2025, many of whom had waited patiently for years to formally receive their certificates.
“This convocation represents closure, restoration, and the fulfilment of a long-awaited academic right,” the Provost said, while giving glory to God and expressing deep appreciation to the Delta State Government for its support to education and manpower development.
Dr. Odiete also thanked members of the Governing Council, regulatory bodies, traditional rulers, parents, partners, and friends of the college, noting that their presence added value to the occasion.
She congratulated recipients of the Honorary Fellowship Awards and Distinguished Personality Awards, describing them as worthy role models whose achievements inspire students and the larger society.
While revealing that a total of 5922 students were graduated within the period, the Provost urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and compassion in their careers, stressing that while certificates qualify them to practice, character would ultimately determine their impact.
“Delay is not denial. You are graduating at a time when Nigeria needs competent, ethical, and compassionate health professionals more than ever,” she said, while assuring that her administration remains committed to strengthening accreditation standards, improving infrastructure, promoting staff development, and repositioning the college as a center of excellence.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Dr. Chris Oharisi, congratulated the graduating students, describing the ceremony as a celebration of diligence, perseverance, and purpose.
He reminded them that their profession is both a privilege and a sacred trust, as every decision they make in healthcare touches lives.
“As graduates of this institution, you are stepping into a world that urgently needs your competence, integrity, and humanity,” he said, expressing confidence that they would represent the college with honor wherever they go.
The highlights of the occasion were the issuance of certificates in National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas to 5922 graduating students from 2017 to 2025 and presentation of personality awards to well deserving individuals and conferment of fellowship awards, presentation of awards to best graduating students and group photograph.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is scheduled to officially open the newly constructed Omadino Model Technical College on Monday, February 2, 2026.
This initiative underscores his government’s dedicated focus on advancing practical, skill-oriented learning and fostering youth development across the state.
According to an announcement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the commissioning event will be held at the college campus beginning at 10:00 a.m., with attendees requested to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
Originally initiated under a prior administration, the Omadino Model Technical College has been finalized under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
It now stands ready to provide cutting-edge vocational and technical instruction aligned with current industrial requirements.
The college aims to arm students with hands-on, applicable competencies that encourage entrepreneurship, improve job readiness, and support broader economic objectives.
Its infrastructure includes specialized workshops, updated classrooms, advanced laboratories, and tailored training spaces—all developed to meet modern educational benchmarks in technical fields.
The institution is envisioned as a central center for cultivating skilled technicians, craftspeople, and creative thinkers prepared to adapt to a dynamic economic landscape.
The Governor’s office emphasized that technical and vocational training forms a cornerstone of the administration’s MORE Agenda, intended to empower young people with relevant abilities, curb joblessness, and stimulate sustainable socio-economic progress.
The event will draw participation from key stakeholders, educators, and local representatives, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance human capital and broaden opportunities for quality, practical education.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been described as a divinely ordained leader whose people-centred governance and deliberate institution-building are laying a solid foundation for a new Delta State anchored on sustainability and long-term transformation.
The commendation came from the Paris Priest of St. Williams Catholic Church, Orerokpe, Rev. Fr. Peter Awharemuire, during the 70th Thanksgiving Mass of Lady Doris Onoriode Ejinyere, which the Governor attended as a special guest.
Delivering a homily based on Jeremiah 29:10–14, Rev. Fr. Awharemuire said Governor Oborevwori’s emergence as the state’s Chief Executive was neither accidental nor incidental, but part of a divine plan.
“Your leadership was ordained by God long before your birth. What we are witnessing in Delta State today is the unfolding of God’s purpose. Leadership is not by power or might, but by the Spirit of God,” the cleric declared.
He said the visible progress recorded across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and community development was evidence of divine guidance and purposeful leadership.
“Confidence has been restored. Communities are safer and lives are being protected. These are not coincidences; they are fruits of focused and intentional leadership,” he added.
According to the priest, the Oborevwori administration stands out for its emphasis on sustainability, noting that the Governor is not merely executing physical projects but deliberately building enduring systems.
“This Governor is not just constructing roads, bridges, hospitals and schools; he is building systems in security, education, infrastructure and governance. That is why we say he is creating a new Delta,” Rev. Fr. Awharemuire said.
He stressed that the ongoing transformation was designed to benefit not just the present generation but future ones.
He said; “What is being built today is not for a few individuals, but for the entire Delta State and generations yet unborn”.
Describing Governor Oborevwori as a man of uncommon courage, the cleric said the achievements of the administration had already secured a permanent place in the political history of the state.
“You are a juggernaut in the political history of Delta State. What you have done will remain written. History will not forget it,” he declared.
Rev. Fr. Awharemuire added that both the Church and the people of Delta State were proud of the Governor’s leadership, which he said was defined by humility, justice, inclusiveness and service.
Speaking further, the Cleric said; “the Church is proud of you. The people of Delta are proud of you. We see a leader who listens, who builds and who believes in justice”.
While commending the Governor’s strides, the priest advised him to continue to lead with wisdom, humility and caution, assuring him of the Church’s continued prayers for divine guidance and peace in the state.
He also offered prayers for the celebrant, Lady Doris Ejinyere, whom he described as a just and fair-minded woman.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori congratulated Lady Ejinyere on her 70th birthday, describing her as a woman of integrity, strength and unwavering commitment to family and service of the state.
“She is someone I have known for many years, through different seasons of life and service. She is upright, principled and dependable. Yes, she is firm, but that firmness is rooted in sincerity and love,” the Governor said.
He expressed joy at seeing the Ejinyere family gathered in unity and thanksgiving, noting that the celebration reflected the enduring power of faith and strong family bonds.
The Governor prayed for her continued blessings, long life, good health and peace, while acknowledging her sacrifices and lifelong dedication to her family and community.
Speaking during the service, Lady Ejinyere expressed profound gratitude to her family, friends and well-wishers for their love, care and support over the years.
She paid special tribute to Governor Oborevwori, saying his achievements were so evident that “even the blind can see them and the deaf can hear them,” and praised his compassion, sacrifices and steadfast support to her family.
In a profound demonstration of institutional reverence and fraternal solidarity, the President, Executive and members of the Oproza Grammar School Old Students Association (OGSOSA) Worldwide on Saturday pay their final respects at the interment of the late Mr. Enebimieowei Kwashie Buseni.
The deceased, a venerated former student and subsequent pedagogue of the institution, was laid to rest amidst an atmosphere of solemn reflection and profound loss in his ancestral community.
The sepulchral ceremony was conducted with considerable gravitas at Trofani town, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The gathering constituted a formidable confluence of grief-stricken family members, bereaved colleagues, and a formidable delegation from OGSOSA, whose presence underscored the indelible impact the departed had upon the academic community.
Presiding over the association’s contingent, the President of OGSOSA Worldwide, Dr. Mrs. Celestina Predia Kekai, delivered a poignant and consolatory address to the aggrieved family.
With eloquent solemnity, she articulated the association’s collective anguish, extolling the late Buseni’s unwavering dedication and monumental contributions to the alma mater they collectively hold in such high esteem.
Dr. Kekai’s eulogy meticulously delineated the deceased’s dual legacy, first as an assiduous student whose scholarly pursuits laid a formidable foundation, and subsequently as a consummate educator whose pedagogical commitment shaped innumerable minds.
She emphasized that his life constituted an exemplary paradigm of service, seamlessly transitioning from beneficiary to benefactor within the school’s ecosystem, thereby forging an enduring bond with the institution that transcended mere affiliation.
The OGSOSA President further proclaimed that the association’s formidable attendance was not merely ceremonial but a mandatory homage to a man whose professional ethos and personal integrity were considered sacrosanct.
She implored the bereaved family to derive solace from this formidable show of solidarity and from the imperishable legacy of mentorship and knowledge that Mr. Buseni bequeathed to generations of students.
Dr. Kekai assured the family of the association’s perpetual and unwavering support, affirming that the memory of their son, husband and father would be enshrined in the annals of Oproza Grammar School’s history.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Kwashie Buseni Jnr. thanked members of OGSOSA for their support when their father was ill until he eventually passed on and their prayers and support throughout the burial ceremony.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of cash by OGSOSA National to the family and a tribute read by Mr. Alegi Ebiotu Lari on behalf of the class of 1976.
President Bola Tinubu has declared that governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain leaders of the party in their respective states.
Tinubu made the declaration on Saturday at the official reception of Gov. Agbu Kefas into the APC held in Jalingo.
Represented by Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Tinubu announced that Gov. Kefas has assumed the leadership of the party in Taraba by virtue of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC.
He expressed his determination to support the governor and his cabinet in bringing development to Taraba.
He noted that the governor was making efforts to unite the state and harmonise the diversities in the state to attain unity.
The president urged the people of the state to rally behind the governor and support him to succeed.
He expressed satisfaction with the defection of a governor in the North East geopolitical zone, calling on both Adamawa and Bauchi to join the party at the centre.
Earlier, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the APC, commended Kefas for being courageous by decamping to the ruling party.
Yilwatda said that Kefas did not make a mistake by leaving the sinking PDP to the APC.
He described the decision as a big achievement as it would enable the governor to get the economy of the state and the youth and women of the state to be productive.
According to him, the state will now be a part and parcel of the winning party in 2027.
He assured all the members of the APC, both old and new, of equal opportunities in the activities of the party, advising the governor to stand for everybody as one.
He further advised the governor to unite the party and not discriminate.
In his remarks, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, congratulated the people of Taraba and the governor, saying the defection would benefit the state more in terms of development and enhancement of infrastructure, including the strengthening of security.
Represented by Sen. Barau Jibril, Deputy Senate President, Akpabio said that the decision of the governor to defect to APC would enable the state to enjoy equal opportunities in all spheres of governance at the national level.
Gov. Kefas said that the event was to shape the future of Taraba, encouraging all in attendance and everybody not to dwell on the past but focus on the future.
He said the move was for the people of Taraba, not for his personal interests.
“The move is to bring jobs for the jobless and business for entrepreneurs. To serve the state and be committed to the people and show results and fulfilment through discipline and patriotism,” he said.
The governor thanked APC for the opportunity and handed him the broom to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kefas won under PDP in the 2023 governorship election.
He decamped to APC in 2025 and secured his membership registration card.
