The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Rev.) Francis Ejiroghene Waive, has called on the people of the federal constituency to embrace the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise.
Waive, who made this known on his official Facebook page on Sunday, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently conducting a critical voter registration exercise targeting all eligible citizens aged 18 years and above.
He noted that shocking and distressing figures reveal the number of registered voters in the constituency remains alarmingly low—a situation so dire that it threatens to undermine the democratic voice of the people.
“This is your country,” Rt. Hon. Waive declared, his voice resolute and unyielding. “To vote and to be voted for is not a privilege—it’s a sacred civic right.
“To register is a solemn civic responsibility. None of us chose the land of our birth, but it is a divine mandate that we each contribute to its destiny. The very foundation of our democracy depends on your commitment now!”
According to the statement, with the clock ticking mercilessly towards the impending deadline, an unprecedented campaign has been marshaled, deploying town criers to the farthest rural hamlets, urging INEC to penetrate remote areas, and harnessing the power of social media and civil society collaborations to galvanize urban dwellers.
“Do not be deceived by complacency,” he warned. “If you have relocated or lost your voter card, INEC’s ongoing exercise has you covered. But hesitation will cost you dearly—there may be *no extension*. This is the final call. Act now!”
“Electoral apathy is a silent assassin of democracy, and my admonition leaves no room for error: Failure to register today is a forfeiture of your power, your voice, and your future.
“My dear Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu citizens—heed this urgent summons. Rally to the nearest INEC office without delay, or risk being consigned to the shadows of political irrelevance.
“This is not just registration. This is the battle for your voice, your vote, your destiny,” he added.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is scheduled to launch the construction of the monumental N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover at Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on Monday, January 19, 2026.
This ambitious infrastructure undertaking forms a critical pillar of Oborevwori’s relentless campaign to enhance and modernize urban development throughout the state.
According to a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the groundbreaking ceremony will commence promptly at 11:00 a.m., with all invited dignitaries expected to be seated by 10:00 a.m.
Preliminary construction activities at the site, strategically located along the Lagos–Asaba Expressway at Uromi Junction, are already underway.
The renowned engineering firm Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has deployed resources and initiated preliminary groundwork, signaling the administration’s unwavering dedication to the punctual delivery of this flagship project.
This groundbreaking follows closely on the heels of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction flyover inauguration in Ughelli, further reinforcing the administration’s infrastructure momentum.
With the addition of the Uromi Junction Flyover, Delta State now boasts five flyover projects under active development, each integral to the government’s comprehensive infrastructure renewal strategy designed to alleviate traffic snarls, enhance roadway safety, and invigorate economic growth within key urban hubs across the state.
Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has officially abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), committing himself to championing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
The defection announcement, made on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, is widely perceived within political circles as a symbolic setback to Atiku’s presidential aspirations and a strategic triumph strengthening the APC’s foothold, especially in the North-East region.
Known popularly as “Abba,” Atiku’s younger son was ceremoniously received by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside prominent APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone, an occasion the party hailed as a pivotal political realignment.
In his address to party officials and supporters, Abubakar formally renounced his membership in the PDP, expressing full allegiance to the APC. He described his defection as both historic and deeply personal.
He instructed all coordinators and members of his political network—previously operating under the Haske Atiku Organisation, which he established in 2022—to promptly join the APC and mobilize support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba. Today, I formally announce my departure from the PDP—the party where we campaigned in 2023—and my commitment to the APC,” he declared.
“After closely observing the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, I have resolved to support the re-election ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Consequently, I call upon all coordinators of my association to integrate into the APC and dedicate themselves to advancing President Tinubu’s agenda.”
APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, welcomed Abubakar, describing the defection as a profound and far-reaching development that signals a new era of “politics without borders.”
“Today marks a joyous milestone,” Salihu remarked. “We are transcending old social and political divisions. This young man has assessed the policies and initiatives of the Tinubu administration and chosen to align with them.”
He emphasized that the APC’s commitment lies in ideology and policy direction rather than personal gain, assuring Abba of equal rights and opportunities within the party.
**Ex-APC Aspirant Cautions Against Overcelebrating Defection of Atiku’s Son**
Senator Barau Jibrin praised Abubakar’s decision as courageous, enlightened, and principled, pledging unwavering support from APC leadership.
“You have arrived here driven by conviction, not familial ties. Your allegiance is to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his principles, and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau affirmed.
He disclosed that Abba, who had been closely monitoring Nigerian politics from the United States, was inspired by the Tinubu administration’s reforms and outreach, prompting his return and allegiance to the ruling party.
“He embodies the focused, young leadership Nigeria urgently requires,” Barau added.
Additionally, presidential aide Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi assured Abubakar of President Tinubu’s endorsement and support.
“Just as Atiku is your father, so is Tinubu. Your decision signals a return to your rightful home. Both you and your coordinators have a promising future within the APC,” Abdullahi stated.
Speaking for the defectors, Kano State Coordinator Mubarak Musa called the move strategic, noting that all their political undertakings would henceforth operate under Senator Barau’s guidance.
“We committed tremendous effort to our previous platform. Now, we’ll redouble our dedication to deliver for the APC in 2027,” Musa asserted.
He hailed Senator Barau as their political mentor and a cornerstone of the APC in the North.
The event culminated with the renaming of Abubakar’s political network from Haske Atiku Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, underscoring a total political realignment and emphatic endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term pursuit ahead of 2027.
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja continued on Thursday, January 15, 2026 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC tendering more bank records as evidence.
The EFCC is prosecuting Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of 1N10.4 billion.
At the resumed trial on Thursday, the prosecution team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the case was slated for further cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, who was present in court.
Cross-examining the witness, counsel to the first and second defendant J.B Daudu SAN requested for Exhibit S1 and asked the witness to clarify his earlier testimony that the statement of account had eight columns. “At the beginning of your testimony, you said there are eight columns in the statement of account. By ‘description,’ what do you mean?” Daudu asked.
Responding, the witness said, “It is the description of the transaction, my Lord. ”Referring to page three of Exhibit S1, the witness explained that the first column showed an entry dated January 20, 2016, with the description: “Cq 158 Abdulsalami Hudu for ₦10,000,000.”
He further pointed out another entry which read: “ZB chq 155 paid Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja, ₦2,454,400, my Lord.”
When asked if he knew the purpose for which the ₦10 million collected by Abdulsalami Hudu or the amount paid to Halims Hotels and Tours was used, the witness replied, “I won’t know the purpose the ₦10,000,000 collected by Hudu and equally that of Halims Hotels, how it was spent and for which purpose.
Daudu then requested for Exhibit X1 and asked the witness to confirm whether his attention had been drawn to certain entries in the account.
The witness replied that it was the account opening document of a company with account number 1014878995, domiciled at the Lokoja branch of Zenith Bank.
Daudu further asked the witness to confirm whether there were 21 transactions between March 10 and March 12, 2016. The witness, however, responded that the entries he started with were from November 14, 2016. Directing the witness to December 6, 2016, Daudu asked him to read the entries. The witness stated that the first entry was a transfer from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, a credit of ₦74,378,483.20.
“The second entry on December 6, 2016 is a cheque paid to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau in the sum of ₦10,000,000, my Lord,” the witness said.
When asked whether the column stated the purpose of the payment, the witness answered, “No, my Lord. Sorry, my Lord, looking at the narration, I would not decide the reason for the payment.”
He added that the same applied to another credit entry of ₦10,000,000 in favour of Mohammed Jami’u Sallau.
Z.B. Abbas then cross-examined the witness on behalf of A.M. Aliyu, SAN, counsel to the 3rd defendant.
Abbas asked whether all withdrawals made by the 3rd defendant were by cheque. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, they were cheque withdrawals. He further confirmed that the cheques were duly signed by the authorised signatories. Abbas also asked if Exhibit X1 was the statement of account of the Government House account, to which the witness responded in the affirmative.
On Exhibit X2, Abbas asked whether the 3rd defendant had been introduced to the bank as a civil servant and accountant. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, he is an accountant.”
Abbas then suggested that the 3rd defendant was merely carrying out his duty as an accountant. This drew an objection from prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who argued that the witness was not a civil servant working for the Kogi State Government and therefore could not testify to that fact.
Justice Anineh sustained the objection.
When asked about the signatories to the account, the witness listed three individuals: Chris Onyepola, Permanent Secretary; Onyechukwu Daniel L., Chief Accountant; and Abdulsalami Hudu, Accountant.
“These three individuals are the signatories to the account,” the witness confirmed.
Pressed further on transactions dated February 19, 2016, the witness stated that there was an inflow from UBA for a Police Reform Programme or payment of security fund amounting to ₦10,000,000 per tranche, made in six tranches, totalling ₦60,000,000.He further explained that on May 3, 2016, there was an inflow with the narration “payment of sec/fund” dated February 24, 2016, amounting to ₦50,000,000, followed by another transfer for payment of “sec fund” in the same amount.
The witness confirmed that after these inflows, the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also testified that on September 14, 2016, there were two inflows of ₦50,000,000 each, totalling ₦100,000,000, and that the 3rd defendant made a withdrawal the following day.
On September 20, 2016, he said there were two tranches of ₦10,000,000 and ₦15,000,000 described as “His Excellency Special Sec Vote.”
Similarly, on September 22, 2016, there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000 followed by a withdrawal by the 3rd defendant. Asked to confirm whether Exhibit X1 originated from Zenith Bank, the witness replied, “It came from our bank.”
He added that while abbreviations are standard in banking, he did not know the meaning of “sec” as it was not a term used by their bank.
On August 9, 2016, the witness confirmed there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000, after which the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also stated that on August 18, 2016, six withdrawals were made by one Umar Comfort, and that another withdrawal by the same individual occurred on August 23, 2016. When asked whether the first defendant was the only person operating the Government House account, the witness answered, “No.” Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, Pinheiro said the prosecution had no re-examination and applied that the witness be discharged. He also informed the court that the prosecution had a short witness from Keystone Bank to be called as Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7).PW7, Mohammed Bello Hassan, was thereafter sworn in. Led in evidence by Kayode Enitan, SAN, the witness identified himself as an executive trainee with Keystone Bank. He told the court he appeared pursuant to a subpoena.
The prosecution tendered the subpoena, certificate of identification, and the statement of account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction covering January 1 to December 31, 2021. Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, stating that reasons would be given later.
The documents were admitted in evidence and marked accordingly.
Referring to Exhibit Z1, Enitan asked the witness to confirm whether the statement had columns and narrations. The witness said it had seven columns. Drawing his attention to page two, the witness confirmed that on February 17, 2021, there were several credit entries of ₦10,000,000 each. He further confirmed that entries on February 18, 21 and 22, 2021, were also credits of ₦10,000,000 each.
Explaining the narrations, the witness said that on February 17, 2021, Maigari Murtala transferred ₦10,000,000 in six tranches, totaling ₦60,000,000.
He added that Yusuf Mubarak transferred ₦10,000,000 on February 17, another ₦10,000,000 on February 21, and ₦10,000,000 on February 22. “In total, there were nine transfers of ₦10,000,000 each by Maigari Murtala and one transfer of ₦10,000,000 by Yusuf Mubarak, making ₦100,000,000,” the witness confirmed.
Under cross-examination by J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness said he had been an executive trainee for two years and worked in the marketing department. He admitted that he was not the account officer of Dantata and Sawoe and that he was sent by the bank to comply with the subpoena. He also said he did not personally know Maigari Murtala or Yusuf Mubarak.
Under further cross-examination by counsel to the 3rd defendant Aliyu, the witness stated that he had never encountered the name Abdulmumini Hudu, did not know when the account was opened, and was unaware of the account signatories.
With no re-examination, PW7 was discharged. Enitan then called Prosecution Witness Eight (PW8), Gabriel Ocha, a compliance officer with FCMB, No.4, Gwani Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. He also appeared under subpoena, bringing along a certificate of compliance and other documents covering the period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024, in respect of Kunfayakun Global Limited.
Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected to the admissibility of the documents, reserving reasons for later. Nevertheless, the court admitted them and marked them as Exhibits AA (subpoena), AB1 (certificate of identification) and AB2 (account opening package).
Led by Enitan, the witness explained that the statement of account had seven columns, representing date, reference, description, value date, deposit, withdrawal and balance. Referring to page seven of the statement, the witness read an entry dated November 1, 2021, showing a debit of ₦30,000,000 from Kunfayakun Global Limited in favour of the American International School for Abdul Bashir.
He further testified that on November 1, 2021, there were three web transfers of ₦10,000,000 each, credited from Haruna Gana and Haruna Gaddafi, totalling ₦30,000,000.
He also confirmed a NIBSS transfer on the same date from Behamas Global Ventures in the sum of ₦25,959,000.
On November 2, 2021, the witness said there were transfers of ₦10,000,000, ₦10,000,000 and over ₦8,000,000 to Zadakkayak Global.
After cross-examination by counsel to the defendants, the prosecution called Prosecution Witness Nine (PW9), A.D. Ojoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank. He also appeared under subpoena with a certificate of compliance and the statement of account of Bespoke Business Solutions Limited.
While counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants did not object to the admissibility of the documents, counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, reserving reasons for later.
Led in evidence by Pinheiro, the witness identified several credit entries, including a transaction of over ₦57 million on March 5, 2019.
On April 3, 2019, he identified a credit entry described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission for March 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, amounting to ₦138,492,215.91.
He also identified another credit entry on May 3, 2019, described as “NAFFS Kogi State 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, in the sum of ₦136,809,102.70.
On August 6, 2019, the witness said there was a credit entry from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service for payment of contractors amounting to ₦183,645,647.31. He further testified that on August 15, 2019, there was a credit entry of ₦242,250,000 for the purchase of OBPEH.
Justice Maryanne Anineh thereafter adjourned the matter till Friday, January 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of $150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) linked to one Emmanuel Okoh, Director, Vetifly Global Inc.
The Judge gave the order, following a motion ex parte filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,through its counsel, A.M.Dambuwa.
Moving the application for the interim forfeiture, Dambuwa stated that the petitioner, sometime in February, 2022, invested the sum of $1,500,000.00 ( One Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in the aviation business of Vetifly Global Inc.
He stated that the parties agreed that Return on Investment (ROI) would be 100 percent of the investment sum, which would be paid exactly 365 calendar days from the date of issuance.
He also told the court that Okoh, however, reneged on the terms of agreement and also travelled out of the country, with the investment sum of $1.5m.
According to him, “ All efforts by the petitioner to reach Okoh were unsuccessful, hence he approached the EFCC.
“ Investigation conducted on the “Aircraft Service Agreement” between Velifly Limited and Zejet Limited led to the invitation of the Managing Director of the Xejet Limited, and one Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who reported and volunteered a statement.
“ In his statement to the Commission, Iza said that Okoh needed Air cargo and he approached Xejet Limited for a partnership through a letter written in July, 2021 for the purpose of cargo air service.
“An agreement named “Aircraft Services Agreement” was later executed between Vetifly Limited and Xejet Limited.
“The aircraft service agreement between Emmanuel Okoh and Xejet Limited is to the effect that Vetifly Limited will provide funding for an air cargo service operation while the Xejet Limited is to provide cargo aircraft and handle the regulatory, operation and technical aspect of the service.
“ On March 2, 2022, the sum of $1,499,990.00 One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) was lodged by one REMX Capital Limited belonging to Vetifly Limited.
“The lodgement made to the First Bank account of Vetifly Limited on March 2, 2022 ( the sum of $1,499,990.00 (One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) is in correlation with the Swift document submitted by the petitioner.”
He, therefore, prayed the court to grant the application seeking an interim forfeiture of the property, which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
In her ruling, Justice Bogoro granted the application, and also directed the Commission to publish the interim order in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Judge adjourned the case till February 11, 2026 for a report of compliance.
…As 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Commemorations Conclude in Delta State
By Sunday Apah
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day observances culminated on Thursday in Delta State with a dignified and solemn ceremony at the Cenotaph in Asaba, where wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The event was graced by the presence of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge Justice Tessy Diai; senior military commanders; and the state’s Commissioner of Police.
Other notable attendees included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.); and representatives of the Nigerian Legion, amongst other esteemed guests.
Upon arrival, Governor Oborevwori, the Special Guest of Honour, was accorded a formal military salute and conducted an inspection of the guard of honour, where personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigerian Legion provided a stirring display of discipline, reverence, and national solidarity.
A minute of silence was observed to honor the sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes, succeeded by interfaith prayers delivered by Christian and Muslim clerics beseeching divine mercy for the souls of the departed, comfort for their families, welfare for veterans, and wisdom for the country’s leaders.
Following the prayers, Governor Oborevwori led the Service Commanders, Police Commissioner, traditional ruler representatives, legionnaires, and senior government officials in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Key moments of the event included the firing of volleys and the symbolic release of white doves by the Governor, representing peace, hope, and renewal, and underscoring Delta State’s unwavering dedication to the lofty principles for which Nigeria’s heroes bravely laid down their lives.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day continues to serve as a poignant national tribute, emphasizing the profound cost of liberty and the collective duty to uphold peace, unity, and patriotism across generations.
It is noteworthy that on December 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu officially launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund, honoring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded veterans, and active service members stationed on the front lines.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has sanctioned a targeted cabinet reshuffle, effecting key portfolio exchanges among senior commissioners to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery within the state government.
The redeployments are as follows: Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka has been transferred from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal to helm the Ministry of Energy.
Hon. Sunday Tataobuzogwu moves in the opposite direction, transitioning from the Ministry of Energy to oversee the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.
Mrs. Rose Ezewu is reassigned from the Ministry of Secondary Education to lead the Ministry of Primary Education.
Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu shifts from managing the Ministry of Primary Education to the Ministry of Secondary Education.
This realignment, aimed at leveraging individual expertise to drive sectoral progress, takes immediate effect as officially communicated in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu.
In a similar development, Governor Oborevwori has ratified the nominations of distinguished persons to serve on the Governing Council of Delta State University, Abraka.
The appointees are: Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Rt. Hon. Frank Enekorogha and Charles Ajuyah, SAN
The formal inauguration date for the new council members remains pending and will be disclosed in due course.
This move underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional governance and academic excellence within the state’s premier university.
…Says Monarchs Indispensable to Effective Governance in Delta
By Sunday Apah
In a decisive affirmation of the pivotal role traditional institutions play in state governance, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday commissioned the distribution of 65 brand-new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state, branding the vehicles as indispensable “instruments of service” to guardians of peace and community stability.
The formal handover ceremony, held at Government House, Asaba, witnessed the presentation of 60 Toyota Prados alongside five Toyota Land Cruisers, strategically bestowed to facilitate unrestricted mobility for the royal fathers throughout the diverse terrains of Delta.
Governor Oborevwori described the occasion as a landmark event in his administration’s tenure, emphasizing that the beneficiaries occupy a unique echelon of leadership whose critical yet often under-recognized contributions underpin grassroots governance.
“Traditional rulers transcend the boundaries of mere custodianship of culture and tradition; they are vital conduits linking government policies with grassroots realities,” the Governor affirmed, drawing from his extensive political experience rooted in community engagement.
Reiterating his administration’s unwavering dedication to establishing an inclusive economy underpinned by equity and justice, Oborevwori praised the monarchs for their steadfast support and indispensable role in ensuring governance is more accessible and effective across the state.
“The facilitation of governance by our traditional rulers cannot be overstated; their commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity remains unyielding,” he asserted.
The Governor highlighted the frontline responsibilities traditionally shouldered by these royal fathers—mobilizing communities, championing government initiatives, mediating disputes, and collaborating seamlessly with security agencies—often executed selflessly and without expectation of recompense.
“These vehicles are not mere luxuries; rather, they are rugged, functional tools tailored to navigate the formidable rural landscapes where many of our traditional rulers tirelessly operate,” he declared, underscoring their necessity for effective service delivery.
Framing this gesture within the broader spectrum of his MORE Agenda’s inclusive governance ethos, Oborevwori cited extensive social intervention policies successfully deployed under his leadership.
These include the disbursement of financial aid to over 307,600 vulnerable citizens under the DCARES Programme, empowerment grants for petty traders and artisans, youth and women support initiatives, and stipends to 10,000 widows, among others.
“This distribution today to our traditional rulers emanates not from favoritism but from an abiding principle of fairness and due recognition,” the Governor stated emphatically.
Acknowledging the deep respect and harmony shared between his administration and the traditional institutions, Oborevwori affirmed: “Your cooperation has never been a source of burden but rather a wellspring of warmth and cultural richness wherever I travel within your domains. This gesture is heartfelt and sincere.”
Earlier, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme emphasized that the vehicle presentation symbolizes the government’s profound respect and appreciation for the traditional rulers’ indispensable role in sustaining peace, unity, and stability throughout Delta State.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, spotlighted the administration’s far-reaching developmental achievements, attributing the state’s progress to empathetic governance anchored in foresight and genuine commitment to the citizenry.
In gratitude, eminent monarchs including HRM Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, Obi of Owa; HRM Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie; and HRM Elder Capt. King Joseph I. Timiyan (JP), Pere of Ogulagha, lauded Governor Oborevwori’s foresight, acknowledging that the SUVs will significantly enhance their operational capacity in executing traditional duties.
HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, delivered a poignant vote of thanks, portraying the Governor’s gift as a timely and symbolic reinforcement of grassroots governance and societal peace.
He emphasized that mobility is paramount to the efficacy of traditional rulers and that the vehicles represent not only means of transport but powerful emblems of authority and service.
Assuring unwavering allegiance from the council of traditional rulers, Mujakperuo reaffirmed the royal fathers as custodians of heritage and indispensable partners to government at the grassroots level.
…Lauds Governor, Vows December 2026 Completion of Millennium City
By Sunday Apah
Prominent business titan and Chairman of the Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has extolled the leadership of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, hailing his administration as resolutely God-fearing, people-centric, and relentlessly development-driven. Obi Cubana confidently asserted that Delta State “resides in exceptionally capable hands” under Governor Oborevwori’s stewardship.
These declarations were made during Obi Cubana’s official visit to Government House, Asaba, where he was accompanied by Pastor Jerry Eze, Founder of Streams of Joy International, who came to consecrate the Cubana Millennium City project to divine purpose.
The encounter underscored the strengthening alliance between private sector visionaries and the Delta State Government to accelerate urban transformation and attract robust investments to the region.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account subsequent to the visit, Obi Cubana lauded Governor Oborevwori’s governance, characterizing him as an upright and development-focused leader.
“When righteousness occupies the throne, prosperity follows! Delta State is exceedingly fortunate to be led by a Governor anchored in faith and dedicated to progress. The state is unequivocally in strong and virtuous hands,” he declared.
Obi Cubana further expressed deep gratitude for the Governor’s accessibility and collaborative spirit, affirming: “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, I am grateful for your consistent openness. Together, we are engineering a transformative renaissance for Delta.”
Regarding the Cubana Millennium City Asaba, the group’s chairman extolled the project as a transformative flagship development, dubbing it “the Crown Jewel on the Niger.”
He resolutely pledged adherence to the promised timeline, assuring stakeholders that the initial phase of the estate will be completed and ready for habitation by December 2026.
Conceived as a premier mixed-use estate, Cubana Millennium City Asaba is set to elevate Asaba’s profile as a burgeoning metropolitan and investment nucleus, perfectly aligned with the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda aimed at expediting development, fostering economic vitality, and enhancing the living standards of all Deltans.
In a strategic move to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Delta State, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori officially inaugurated a ₦1 billion revolving loan fund, partnering with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to administer the facility.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday at the Government House in Asaba through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
During the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori hailed the initiative as a significant achievement toward fulfilling his administration’s goal of inclusive economic growth under the MORE Agenda.
He highlighted that the fund, sanctioned by the State Executive Council in early 2025, aims to eliminate persistent barriers to affordable financing for MSMEs.
“MSMEs form the backbone of any robust economy, providing the highest rates of employment and driving sustainable development,” the Governor emphasized.
“By offering access to capital at single-digit interest rates, we empower traders, artisans, agro-processors, and small manufacturers to expand operations, generate employment, and contribute substantially to our state’s prosperity.”
The revolving fund arrangement is intentionally designed to alleviate the heavy borrowing costs that have historically hampered entrepreneurial expansion, while ensuring a sustainable lending cycle.
Governor Oborevwori underscored the non-negotiable responsibility of beneficiaries to repay loans promptly, thus enabling the fund to continuously support other qualifying entrepreneurs.
“Our selection of the Bank of Industry as custodians of this fund reflects their unparalleled expertise as Nigeria’s premier development finance institution, featuring rigorous credit assessment and entrepreneurial support mechanisms,” he stated.
“This partnership transcends financial provision; it integrates crucial business development services essential for thriving in a competitive economic landscape.”
Reflecting on the state’s legacy of empowerment programmes, the Governor noted that reliance solely on grants could breed complacency and weaken accountability.
“This revolving loan model will instill financial discipline, enhance the appreciation of capital, and drive sustainable growth among entrepreneurs,” he explained, assuring that existing grant programs will persist alongside this initiative.
Originally slated for launch in December, the programme’s commencement was deferred to January to coincide with a period when entrepreneurs are strategically focused on business growth and renewal.
Looking forward, Governor Oborevwori expressed optimism about scaling the fund considerably based on its impact, envisioning potential expansions to ₦10 billion, ₦20 billion, or beyond, stressing that this initiative is merely a foundational step.
Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, lauded the collaboration as a pivotal instrument for driving enterprise development and sustainable economic prosperity in Delta State.
He affirmed that the revolving loan fund enhances MSMEs’ access to affordable capital while reinforcing the synergy between the state government and Nigeria’s foremost development finance institution.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to convert government policies into actionable financial solutions that address sectoral business challenges,” Olusi remarked.
“The Bank of Industry remains unwavering in its commitment to partnering with governments and private stakeholders to foster innovation, value creation, and competitiveness.”
He commended the Delta State Government’s dedication to economic advancement, describing the MoU as a definitive testament to the administration’s proactive approach to sustainable development.
