Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has showered glowing encomiums on the former helmsman of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, as he marks his 68th year, characterizing the celebrant as a transformational force whose indelible footprints continue to define the state’s progress.
In a stirring tribute released this Tuesday via his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded Ibori’s storied tenure between 1999 and 2007. Oborevwori described the former governor not merely as a politician, but as a visionary trailblazer whose grit and unwavering dedication to the “Delta Project” ignited the aspirations of an entire generation of leaders.
Further characterizing Ibori as a “titan of mentorship,” Oborevwori emphasized that the former governor’s foundational work in governance remains the bedrock upon which the state’s current stability is built—a legacy he noted is held in high esteem both within and beyond the borders of Nigeria.
The Governor’s statement read: “On behalf of the government and the resilient people of Delta State, I stand to honor an inspirational icon and a dynamic pathfinder, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the auspicious occasion of his 68th birth anniversary.”
Looking toward the future, Oborevwori offered heartfelt supplications for the elder statesman’s continued vitality, praying for divine grace, robust health, and many more years of service to the nation as he celebrates this milestone on August 4.
“May this landmark day be saturated with joy, surrounded by loved ones, and filled with memories of a life well-lived in the service of humanity. A resounding congratulations to you,” Oborevwori added.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has extended his felicitations to Professor Sam Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information and esteemed political scientist, on the occasion of his 85th birthday.
The Governor lauded Professor Oyovbaire as an exemplary scholar, venerable statesman, and staunch patriot whose contributions to national development have left an indelible mark.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori highlighted Professor Oyovbaire’s distinguished career, spanning academia, public service, and governance, which has garnered him widespread national acclaim and cemented his status as one of Delta State’s most illustrious figures.
The Governor lauded the octogenarian’s steadfast dedication to fostering peace, upholding democracy, and promoting sound governance.
He specifically acknowledged Professor Oyovbaire’s pivotal role as Chairman of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, emphasizing its continued impact on cultivating unity and stability within the state.
Governor Oborevwori further reminisced about Professor Oyovbaire’s impactful tenure as Minister of Information during the administration of former military President General Ibrahim Babangida, where he was instrumental in shaping governmental communication strategies and public policy.
The Governor underscored the Professor’s profound experience and intellectual prowess, which have consistently provided invaluable guidance to successive administrations in Delta State. He noted that Professor Oyovbaire’s scholarly contributions to political science, governance, and public administration continue to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for academics, public officials, and younger generations.
“Professor Sam Oyovbaire stands as an extraordinary scholar, an accomplished administrator, a revered statesman, and a leader whose entire life has been devoted to the betterment of humanity,” Governor Oborevwori affirmed.
“On behalf of the government and citizens of Delta State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Sam Oyovbaire, a paternal figure, a mentor to many, and a distinguished Nigerian patriot, on reaching this significant milestone.
It is my sincere wish that this new year brings him as much happiness, affection, and optimism as he generously imparts to others through his reassuring demeanor,” the Governor concluded.
….Clerics Cite Years of Charity Work, Urge Accord Party to Field Him
By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
ISLAMIC clerics in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State have formally endorsed Abdullahi Umar to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat under the Accord Party, describing him as the most credible voice to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
The endorsement was announced over the weekend during a town hall gathering of clerics in Kaduna North, where religious leaders resolved to both “aspire and sponsor” Umar for the seat, citing his long-standing record of community service as the basis for their decision.
In a communique read at the end of the meeting, the council of clerics said their backing was informed by Umar’s consistent interventions in support of orphans and vulnerable families across the state.
“We have watched him for years. He does not wait for elections to help people,” said Mallam Adam Idiris Mallamawan Falakin Zazzau, who spoke on behalf of the clerics. “What he is doing quietly through his foundation must be brought to a larger platform.”
Umar is the founder of the Abdullahi Umar Charity Foundation, a non-governmental organization that has been providing scholarships, school materials, and feeding support to orphans in Kaduna and neighboring communities.
According to records presented by the foundation during the meeting, more than 400 orphans have benefited from full educational sponsorship, while hundreds of widows and less privileged families currently receive monthly food support.
The clerics emphasized that their decision to back Umar was not driven by partisan politics, but by moral considerations. They argued that leadership at this time should be entrusted to individuals with proven compassion and accountability.
“Politics in our time needs people who understand the pain of the common man,” said Imam Auwal Suleiman of Unguwan Dosa Central Mosque. “Abdullahi Umar has shown that he understands, and he acts.”
Speaking shortly after receiving the endorsement, Umar expressed appreciation to the clerics and pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him if given the opportunity to serve.
“I did not start this work for politics. I started it because I saw need around me,” Umar said. “If the people and the party give me the mandate, I will take the same spirit of service to Abuja.”
He added that his legislative priorities at the National Assembly would focus on education, youth empowerment, and social welfare programs, building directly on the work already being done through his foundation.
Community members who attended the meeting described the endorsement as timely, noting that Kaduna North requires a representative who is accessible and grounded in the realities of the people.
The clerics concluded the gathering by calling on residents of Kaduna North to rally behind candidates with a demonstrable record of service, stressing that such a choice remains the surest path to meaningful development for the constituency.
More than 70 Nigerian, African and international civil society organisations on Monday asked the National Assembly to immediately withdraw two controversial bills they say are designed to tighten government control over NGOs and social media platforms.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja, the coalition described the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, SB.1034, and a separate proposal to compel social media companies to open offices in Nigeria as part of a broader push to shrink civic space.
The groups said the timing could not be worse. With the 2027 general elections approaching, they argued, Nigeria should be expanding democratic participation, not passing laws that encourage fear, self-censorship and intolerance of dissent.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023, the coalition noted, the government has increasingly relied on restrictive laws, strategic lawsuits and arrests to go after journalists, bloggers, rights defenders and civil society groups.
They cited specific cases to back the claim. These include the ongoing prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore, pressure on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, and repeated use of the Cybercrimes Act against critics.
International data also supports the concern, they added. In May 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists recorded 91 cases of journalists arrested, attacked or harassed across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the first three years of this administration.
The coalition said the pending bills are not isolated. Rather, they form a coordinated legislative effort to extend executive oversight into civil society, independent media and digital spaces, areas that have traditionally provided checks on power.
At the centre of their alarm is SB.1034. The bill proposes to create a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission with sweeping powers to register NGOs, demand financial records, conduct inspections and audits, and impose sanctions for non-compliance.
Under Sections 3 to 5, FARC would enforce vague “national policies and priorities.” The groups said this duplicates the mandates of the CAC, EFCC and SCUML, and gives one new agency broad discretionary authority without evidence that existing institutions have failed.
Sections 6 to 8 would make registration mandatory within 30 days and criminalise failure to register. Sections 9 to 11 would require annual audits and force foreign-funded projects to align with government-defined development priorities.
The organisations warned that this could allow the executive to interfere directly in human rights monitoring, anti-corruption work, legal aid, election observation and public interest litigation carried out by independent groups.
Sections 12 to 16 introduce heavy penalties, including fines, imprisonment and licence revocation. The bill also defines “foreign aid” so broadly that it could cover almost all international financial and technical support to Nigerian organisations.
The second proposal, the coalition said, would require social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria or face a ban. They called it unnecessary and disproportionate, and warned it could be used to pressure companies into censorship.
Both bills, the groups argued, violate Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution on freedom of expression, assembly and association, and Section 22 on the media’s role in holding government accountable. They also breach Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter and the ICCPR.
Citing UN and African Commission guidelines, the coalition said states must facilitate the work of associations, not control them. They noted that blanket regulation of non-profits also conflicts with FATF Recommendation 8 and recent rulings by the African Court and the European Court of Justice.
The groups stressed that international support is not foreign interference. It funds humanitarian aid, anti-corruption advocacy, legal aid and election monitoring, all of which strengthen constitutional governance in Nigeria.
They listed four demands for the Senate President, Speaker and all lawmakers: withdraw SB.1034 and the social media bill, ensure future laws comply with constitutional and international standards, hold genuine consultations with stakeholders, and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.
“The National Assembly now faces a defining constitutional choice,” the statement said. “It can expand executive control and shrink civic space, or it can uphold the Constitution and protect democratic governance.”
Residents of Warri on Saturday August 1st, turned out in large numbers for a peace rally organised by the Father Abraham Movement, advocating peaceful coexistence among the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
The rally, which moved through major parts of the oil city, attracted community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders who called for an end to ethnic divisions and urged residents to embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking with journalists during the rally, the Amananawei of Warri and Environs, Chief Ebi Donbraye, stressed that peace remains the bedrock of meaningful development.
He noted that no community can experience genuine progress in an atmosphere of conflict, urging Waffarians to unite and speak with one voice in pursuit of their common interests.
He appealed to the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri people to shun violence and hatred, emphasizing the need to build a peaceful society where future generations can coexist harmoniously and enjoy the abundant resources of the land.
Also speaking, Hon. Pst. Isaac Elder Hence, describe love and unity as indispensable to the growth of any city. According to him, while conflict scares away investors, peace creates an enabling environment that attracts investments, stimulates economic growth and improves the living standards of the people.
In his remarks, Hon. Toju Binitie lamented the decline of Warri’s once-thriving economy, recalling the era when the Warri Refinery and Seaport served as major drivers of employment and commerce.
He urged the three ethnic groups to put aside their differences and jointly advocate for the rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure, noting that their restoration would create thousands of employment opportunities for the people.
He further called on residents to stop the exchange of hostile rhetorics and embrace peace as the pathway to lasting reforms and prosperity.
Similarly, Dr. Samson Onoriode Ikpesu described peace as a catalyst for growth and development.
He commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their efforts in promoting peace, unity and harmonious coexistence across the state, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders would restore Warri’s status as a peaceful and economically vibrant city.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphatically declared Delta State a premier investment hub, urging both local and international investors to seize the burgeoning opportunities presented by Nigeria’s revitalized economic landscape.
His pronouncement came at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori unveiled a groundbreaking US $100 million Viability Gap Funding initiative designed to de-risk strategic private sector investments.
Shettima highlighted the profound impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s bold economic reforms, which he credited with restoring investor confidence, bolstering macroeconomic stability, and elevating Nigeria’s global credit profile. “Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity,” Shettima stated, emphasizing the healthy competition among states to foster development.
He further noted that increased federal allocations, a direct result of ongoing fiscal reforms, have empowered state governments to pursue ambitious development agendas. Recent upgrades by leading rating agencies like Fitch, S&P Global, and Moody’s underscore the growing international trust in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. “These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he added, underscoring the urgency for investors.
Beyond its significant oil wealth, Shettima lauded Delta’s unwavering commitment to economic diversification as its greatest strength. He pinpointed the state’s strategic coastline, bustling ports, vast natural gas reserves, refining assets, immense agricultural potential, burgeoning blue economy opportunities, and rich deposits of solid minerals as crucial assets poised to transform Delta into a major industrial and commercial powerhouse.
Governor Oborevwori, in his address, explained that the summit’s core objective is to translate discussions into tangible investments that will accelerate industrialization, diversify the economy, and create jobs. This initiative follows successful investment promotion missions to China and Brazil in 2025, aimed at forging strategic global partnerships. With an estimated economy valued at approximately ₦17 trillion, Delta stands as one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations, boasting abundant natural resources, improving infrastructure, sound fiscal management, and investor-friendly policies. The governor also revealed tax incentives, including waivers on tenement rates and other charges for up to five years, alongside the establishment of an Ease of Doing Business Council to streamline investment processes.
Distinguished speakers at the summit included Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), who urged Delta State to capitalize on global supply chain realignments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Nigeria’s economic reforms to emerge as the nation’s next industrial growth hub. Professor Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, highlighted Nigeria’s improved macroeconomic fundamentals, while renowned Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Lumumba challenged African governments and investors to embrace the continent’s vast economic potential.
Finance Minister Professor Taiwo Oyedele reaffirmed the positive impact of the Tinubu administration’s reforms on state revenues. Business leaders also expressed keen interest, with Mr. Tony Elumelu of Transcorp Power Holdings pledging partnership for reliable electricity, and Mr. Ramos Olukayode of Mosra Energy revealing significant coal deposits in Delta. Notably, Mr. Julius Rone of UTM Gas Limited announced that Delta State’s ₦42 billion equity stake in his company has soared to approximately ₦200 billion, further solidifying the state’s position as a major energy investment destination.
A Christian Church in Nigeria’s Northwestern Kaduna State has honored a Muslim journalist for his outstanding contribution to peace Journalism, interfaith dialogue, and conflict-sensitive reporting, in a move church leaders described as a symbol of religious tolerance and National unity.
The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, based in Gwagwaji Villa, Kaduna, presented the award to Ibrahima Yakubu, a correspondent with the DW Hausa Service, during a ceremony attended by religious leaders, Journalists, civil society representatives, and members of the church.
Speaking at the event, the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, said the recognition marked the first time the ministry had presented such an award to a Muslim Journalist, citing Yakubu’s longstanding commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through balanced and responsible reporting.
He said Yakubu’s work has consistently highlighted stories that encourage dialogue, religious tolerance, reconciliation, and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
“This award recognizes his professionalism, fairness, and dedication to using Journalism as a tool for peacebuilding,” Buru said. “His reports have helped foster mutual respect and strengthened interfaith relations at a time when such efforts are greatly needed.”
Also speaking, the church’s Overseer, Reverend Dr. Maxwell Sanda, described Yakubu as an outstanding Journalist whose impact extends beyond news reporting.
According to Sanda, Yakubu has trained and mentored Journalists on peace Journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting, while producing numerous reports that promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration among faith-based organizations across Nigeria.
He said the journalist’s commitment to ethical reporting has contributed to raising public awareness on the importance of dialogue in preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion.
Adding that the Journalist has been reporting peace and unity for a long period of time and hence the need to commend him and thank the German international radio and TV for providing such an opportunity for promoting peace and religious tolerance
Receiving the award, Yakubu expressed appreciation to the church for the recognition, describing it as a powerful demonstration of mutual respect between people of different faiths.
He said the honor would inspire him to continue reporting stories that promote peace, religious harmony, and national unity, while encouraging journalists to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsible Journalism.
The recognition comes amid continued efforts by religious and civil society organizations in Nigeria to strengthen interfaith cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence in communities affected by ethnic and religious tensions
In a chilling breakthrough, the elite forces of Operation UDO KA, spearheading Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have unearthed the remains of the revered Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community.
In a statement by Lt. Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army on Monday 3rd August, 2026, stated that the late leader was brutally murdered by a ruthless criminal syndicate, now in custody after a series of intense intelligence-driven operations.
This grim discovery follows the recent apprehension of suspects linked to the slaying of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military hardware. During rigorous interrogation, a key suspect cracked, confessing to Chief Anyadu’s murder and leading troops to the clandestine burial site.
On August 2, 2026, the confessed killer guided the determined troops to a shallow grave hidden deep within the notorious Umudike Forest, a known stronghold of the criminal enterprise. There, the remains of the beloved community leader were reverently exhumed.
The solemn exhumation was witnessed by Chief Anyadu’s grieving family, local vigilante forces from Ohaji/Egbema, and representatives from both Aggah and Umudike communities.
The family, with heavy hearts, provided a coffin and ambulance, ensuring a dignified final journey in accordance with their cherished traditions.
Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, offered profound condolences to the bereaved family, praying for the peaceful repose of Chief Anyadu’s soul.
He unequivocally pledged that justice would be served, assuring the family and the people of Aggah that the perpetrators would face the full might of Nigerian law.
Headquarters Operation UDO KA, unwavering in its commitment to peace and security in the South-East, continues its relentless campaign to dismantle criminal networks and bring violent offenders to justice.
The public is urged to maintain vigilance and provide crucial information, empowering security agencies in their vital mission.
The Delta State Police Command has achieved a significant victory in its relentless campaign against human trafficking, culminating in the apprehension of a suspected trafficker and the liberation of a 25-year-old victim.
The victim was allegedly enticed to Ivory Coast under deceptive pretenses.
This crucial arrest was prompted by a formal petition detailing how the suspect, Ese Betty Isiorho, 26, allegedly manipulated the victim with the false promise of an apprenticeship in hairdressing in Côte d’Ivoire.
Subsequent investigations unequivocally revealed that, upon her arrival in the foreign nation, the victim was coercively forced into prostitution.
Responding with decisive action to the petition, operatives from the Effurun Area Command swiftly apprehended Isiorho.
During intensive interrogation, the suspect confessed to orchestrating the trafficking of the 25-year-old victim and an additional young woman, also in her twenties, to Côte d’Ivoire.
There, they were purportedly handed over to an individual known only as “Madam Purity” for the explicit purpose of sexual exploitation.
Through persistent investigative endeavors and inter-agency collaboration, the 25-year-old victim was successfully extricated and repatriated to Nigeria.
She has since been reunited with her family and is currently receiving comprehensive medical care.
Efforts are actively underway to secure the safe return of the second victim, still believed to be in Côte d’Ivoire, and to dismantle the wider trafficking syndicate by apprehending its remaining members.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, lauded the exceptional dedication of the officers involved in this operation.
He reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to aggressively combat human trafficking and all manifestations of organized crime.
The Commissioner implored the public to maintain heightened vigilance and to promptly report any suspicious recruitment schemes or activities indicative of human trafficking to law enforcement.
Honorable Francis Ejiroghene Waive, the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent admonition regarding the proliferation of superfluous flyovers by state administrations was not directed at Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
In a formal declaration, Waive contended that both completed and ongoing flyover projects within Delta State were imperative, directly addressing chronic traffic congestion at their designated sites.
He emphasized that these infrastructure initiatives were meticulously planned following a comprehensive assessment of the state’s developmental requirements.
He further elaborated that the federal government has, on numerous occasions, commended Delta State’s advancements in road infrastructure and flyover construction, alongside other significant achievements, predating similar undertakings in other areas.
Waive underscored Governor Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure enhancement, affirming that this focus has not compromised investment in other crucial sectors of the state’s economy.
He highlighted the administration’s sustained efforts in roads, bridges, healthcare, education, and social welfare initiatives.
“The flyovers erected and those presently under construction by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori are unequivocally essential. Deltans can corroborate their placement in areas regularly plagued by severe traffic impediments,” Waive stated.
The lawmaker unequivocally rejected criticisms from opposition factions, labeling them as politically motivated and detached from the prevailing realities.
He conveyed his conviction that the governor’s demonstrable performance would secure a subsequent term, noting the populace’s dedication to the continuity of the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, operating in concert with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Waive exhorted Governor Oborevwori to maintain the current momentum in infrastructure development, advocating for the construction of additional roads, bridges, and flyovers, concurrently expanding social investment programs designed to elevate public welfare.
He also extended anticipatory congratulations to the governor for his projected triumph in the 2027 gubernatorial election, expressing optimism that the administration would persist in delivering democratic dividends across the entire state.
