…Vows Unwavering Commitment to Transforming Ughelli South

By Sunday Apah

In a formidable demonstration of grassroots leadership, Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama, the Member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, unleashed a powerful empowerment initiative, distributing ₦35 million in direct cash support to 190 constituents spread across the eleven federal wards of the local government area.

Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 aimed at scaling their petty trading and artisanal ventures.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, 10th January 2026, at Otu-Jeremi, saw Utuama provide a candid overview of the cash empowerment scheme.

He expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ughelli South for their unwavering support before, during, and after his election, pledging an unshakable dedication to effective and meaningful representation in the state assembly.

He confirmed that beneficiaries were meticulously vetted and selected by party leaders across the wards, emphasizing that many had already benefited from his discreet empowerment programs.

Utuama further vowed to expand the outreach in subsequent phases throughout the year, ensuring more constituents are enveloped in this transformative agenda.

Aligning the initiative with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda,” Utuama reaffirmed his relentless pursuit of elevating grassroots participation and urged recipients to utilize the funds judiciously to substantially improve their livelihoods.

Speaking at the empowerment event held at Otu-Ughievwen, the headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, pledged that the eighth assembly remains steadfast in crafting legislations and executing oversight functions that will guarantee an enhanced quality of life for all Deltans under the aegis of Governor Oborevwori’s agenda.

While personally disbursing the funds alongside key political stakeholders from Ughelli South, Guwor declared that Hon. Festus Utuama is a tireless and distinguished legislator whose relentless contributions to bills and oversight duties have set him apart as a true representative of his people.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwowo, Guwor lauded Utuama’s impeccable attendance record in legislative sittings and urged the people of Ughelli South to consolidate their support for him, ensuring their rightful share in Governor Oborevwori’s developmental programs and projects.

Emphasizing the magnitude of Utuama’s commitment, Guwor praised the disbursement of over thirty-five million naira as a testament to his dedication to grassroots rejuvenation and constituent welfare.

He cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the funds, urging them to channel the resources towards expanding their trades and crafts.

In their remarks, several prominent figures, including APC National Leader in Ughelli South LGA, Olorogun John Oguma; Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Dr. Lucky Avweromre; Dr. Chris Oghenechowen; Chief Adelabu Bodjor; Mr. Simon Umudi aka Temple; and Olorogun Samuel Oghotomo, extolled Hon. Utuama for transcending his legislative duties to actively propel socio-economic upliftment through the empowerment initiative.

They pledged unwavering support for Utuama, Governor Oborevwori, and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 agenda.

The political leaders unanimously hailed the cash empowerment as a monumental initiative that redefines grassroots representation and predicted it would significantly bolster the APC’s electoral prospects in the local government area.

Beneficiaries openly expressed heartfelt gratitude toward Hon. Utuama for the profound impact on their livelihoods, vowing to sustain their political allegiance well beyond 2027.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial presentation of dummy cheques to beneficiaries by Hon. Festus Utuama, symbolizing a bold step toward economic empowerment and constituency development.

…Vows to Eradicate Ughelli’s Endemic Traffic Nightmares

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday flagged off the groundbreaking of the monumental ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo Flyover project in Ughelli, declaring it an unyielding solution to the protracted and debilitating traffic paralysis at one of the state’s most congested intersections.

Speaking at the historic commercial nerve center of Ughelli, the governor heralded the project as a landmark achievement within his administration’s ambitious infrastructure overhaul.

He emphasized its synergy with the government’s strategic objectives of judicious resource management, resilient road construction, and the equitable opening of both urban and rural transport arteries to accelerate inclusive socio-economic development.

Governor Oborevwori underscored the explosive population surge in Ughelli, which has relentlessly strained its transportation network—particularly the notorious Otovwodo Junction along the East–West Road and allied major thoroughfares.

This junction, he affirmed, has long been a byword for gridlock, siphoning countless hours from the productivity of commuters daily. The governor personally attested to the agony inflicted by this traffic quagmire.

As a temporary palliative, his administration allocated nearly ₦6 billion towards constructing alternative routes such as Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, and Royal Avenue, all designed to interconnect with Agbarha-Otor Road and alleviate vehicular snarls pending the flyover’s completion.

The contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was mandated to deliver the project within an unalterable 12-month timeframe, underscoring the intersection’s critical strategic significance.

The development entails a state-of-the-art multi-span reinforced concrete overpass equipped with dual carriageways, comprehensive roundabouts, and integrated roadworks to seamlessly link the East–West Road with adjoining arterial routes—thereby drastically reducing congestion, slashing travel times, enhancing road safety, and galvanizing commercial activities across the region.

Highlighting the socio-economic dividends, Oborevwori projected the creation of thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across the project’s construction value chain.

He admonished residents to exercise patience and adhere strictly to traffic regulations throughout the construction period.

Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, the governor assured that all major infrastructure endeavors in Delta State will continue unfettered by external borrowing.

Moreover, he disclosed that several completed projects await official commissioning, with numerous others slated for flag-off in 2026 under the “Renewed Hope for MORE” development blueprint.

Earlier, Engr. Peer Lubasch, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in his firm, describing the commission as a testament to the company’s technical prowess and enduring partnership with Delta State.

He detailed that the 15-span flyover would encompass dual carriageways, connecting roads, specialized drainage infrastructure, and energy-efficient solar street lighting—promising adherence to global construction standards and timely execution.

Subsequent to the groundbreaking, Governor Oborevwori paid homage to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and Chief Morrison Olori, founder and Chairman of Ukodo Nation, reiterating his inclusive governance mandate as the elected representative of all Deltans.

Local dignitaries, including Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the ‘Otota’ (spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, lauded the governor’s initiative, describing it as transformative and long overdue.

They seized the opportunity to press for the expansion of additional internal roads and supporting infrastructure to complement the flyover.

The momentous event drew the presence of key state figures such as Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly; Elder Omeni Sobotie, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); distinguished members of the National Assembly, Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Ngozi Okolie; senior government officials; revered traditional rulers; community leaders; and enthusiastic residents—who collectively acclaimed the project as a decisive stride towards obliterating Ughelli’s chronic traffic affliction.

By Sunday Apah

In a bold move set to revolutionize urban mobility and economic vibrancy, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled an ambitious plan to completely reconstruct the notoriously dilapidated ECN Road.

This initiative promises to dismantle decades of infrastructural neglect, unleash community potential, and propel commercial activities across the state to unprecedented heights.

The governor revealed that the decision follows relentless public outcry over the road’s deplorable condition, which has inflicted daily suffering on residents, commuters, and businesses operating along this critical corridor.

He emphatically assured that the rehabilitation project will meet the highest standards of quality and be completed within a strict, transparent timeframe.

Governor Oborevwori made this landmark announcement on Friday at Orhuwhorun, Udu Local Government Area, during the solemn 50th and 19th memorial commemorations for the late Chief and Madam Palama Akporhierayen—parents of prominent APC chieftain Sir Sheba Kris Palama.

Highlighting the road overhaul as a crucial pillar of his administration’s transformative MORE Agenda, the Governor underscored that robust infrastructure serves as the bedrock for enhanced security, commerce, and improved living standards for all Deltans.

He also spotlighted recent feats under his watch, including the imminent inauguration of the long-delayed Udu Harbour Market—an 18-year-old project poised to become a commercial game-changer.

Addressing political officeholders and community elders, Oborevwori issued a stirring call to embrace servant leadership with unwavering humility, accountability, and fierce loyalty to the electorate: “No leader is supreme above the people. Our mandate is clear—we exist to serve.”

On the sanctity of legacy, the governor lauded Sir Sheba Palama’s tribute to his parents as an inspiring testament to enduring family values—affirming that genuine remembrance sparks immortality across generations.

“True legacy is etched in the memories of children and grandchildren. Today, we honor Esther and Chief Palama. As you honour yours, your descendants will honour you,” he declared.

Reinforcing the indispensable power of solidarity, Oborevwori stressed that only through unity can Udu and Delta State realize sustainable development.

“Development demands unity. I pledge to do everything within my power to fulfill the aspirations of the Udu people—but we must stand together,” he insisted.

Concluding, the governor expressed deep gratitude to traditional rulers and community leaders for their heartfelt reception, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment throughout Delta State.

By Sunday Apah

The Bomadi Local Government Council Legislative Arm led by Hon. Doubra Wurukeseye alongside fellow Councillors, emphatically disowns the recent impeachment attempt targeting Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye, Chairman of Bomadi Council, declaring the move as entirely illegitimate and unauthorized.

Hon. Wurukeseye urged the State Commissioner of Police to promptly apprehend Hon. Tiriki ThankGod, who is accused of impersonating the leadership of the Bomadi Legislative Council to mislead the public with false claims.

The legislative leader categorically refuted the impeachment notice submitted to the Delta State House of Assembly and described the attempt to unseat the Chairman, Hon. Andaye as a futile and dishonest exercise.

He clarified that no member of the council was involved in or endorsed such an action.

Addressing circulating media reports, Hon. Wurukeseye asserted that the impeachment document, purportedly initiated by Hon. Tiriki, was forged and lacked any legitimate basis.

He vehemently denied allegations of forged signatures on a loan application attributed to the Chairman, explaining that all necessary stakeholders—including NULGE, DPM, TLG, and the Legislative Council—had duly reviewed and ratified the loan facility intended to settle outstanding contractor debts.

He accused the rogue Councillor, Tiriki of acting out of personal greed and being manipulated by dubious forces intent on tarnishing the Chairman’s exemplary reputation.

“The Bomadi Legislative Arm is under strict lockdown with no sessions conducted recently.

It is outrageous that a Councillor would falsely claim leadership and manufacture forged signatures for an impeachment proceeding from a meeting that never transpired,” Wurukeseye asserted.

He highlighted that the entire council recently united to celebrate Chairman Andaye’s recognition as the best Council Chairman in Nigeria, expressing pride in their collaborative achievements for Bomadi Local Government Area.

Against this backdrop, he questioned the motives behind the baseless impeachment campaign.

Finally, Hon. Wurukeseye called on the Delta State House of Assembly to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, demanding that Hon. Tiriki submit verifiable documentation to prove any adherence to due process in his impeachment bid.

By Sunday Apah

In a grand and emotionally charged ceremony, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, unleashed a barrage of high praise for the retiring Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Harold Ojji.

Describing Ojji as an extraordinary titan of professionalism, unwavering loyalty, and unmatched competence, Aniagwu declared his career a beacon of selfless public service and unassailable integrity.

Speaking before a packed audience gathered to honour the distinguished civil servant, Aniagwu recounted a professional alliance predating his own government tenure—an alliance that took root during the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan when Aniagwu served as a media consultant.

He termed their initial meeting as nothing short of ‘divine orchestration,’ a fateful convergence that forged a lasting partnership.

Their collaboration intensified in 2015 when Aniagwu joined Delta State Government and encountered Ojji in his role as Public Relations Officer at Government House.

The Commissioner emphasized the seamless, synergistic working relationship that blossomed, cementing mutual respect and strategic trust.

Aniagwu revealed his groundbreaking reforms as Commissioner for Information, particularly the controversial redeployment of senior officers at Grade Level 16 back to the ministry to leverage their vast experience in strategic policymaking.

It was within this bold restructuring that Mr. Ojji was elevated to director—a move met initially with resistance and petitions, but staunchly defended by Aniagwu as grounded in civil service protocols and driven by Ojji’s rarefied qualities.

“I was unequivocally certain that Harold Ojji embodies unparalleled wisdom, patience, emotional intelligence, and an extraordinary capacity for teamwork—qualities indispensable to our ministry and the wider civil service,” Aniagwu affirmed.

He painted Ojji as the quintessential embodiment of sagacity: a consummate listener, a resolute administrator, and an unshakeable stabilizing influence within the information architecture of Delta State.

Aniagwu insisted that although Ojji’s official tenure has ended, his invaluable expertise and insight remain an irreplaceable asset.

“Retirement does not erode his significance. His vast reservoir of knowledge must continue to serve as a beacon for mentoring younger officers,” the Commissioner asserted.

Aniagwu further urged public servants to embrace redeployment and career transitions not as punitive but as strategic steps towards mounting higher professional summits, stressing that true growth demands venturing beyond familiar boundaries.

Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment and the event’s chairman, lauded Ojji as a consummate professional and compassionate mentor whose life’s work stands as a towering testament to duty and humanitarian service.

Other eminent voices, including retired Permanent Secretaries Dr. Andrew Akanigha and Sir Austin Mowah, Mr. Austin Igbine of Pointer Newspapers, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Stella Macaulay, unanimously eulogized Ojji’s fairness, discipline, and profound conception of public service as a sacred trust.

They framed the occasion not as a mere farewell but a jubilant celebration of a lifetime devoted to selfless, principled service—acknowledging his critical role in stabilizing the ministry amid turbulent times and elevating ethical communication standards statewide.

In his gracious response, Mr. Harold Ojji expressed heartfelt gratitude to the commissioner, management, and ministry staff for their unwavering support throughout his 33-year tenure.

He pledged to remain a steadfast mentor and advisor to his successors, vowing that retirement would not sever his lifelong dedication to the ministry’s mission.

The ceremony’s poignant crescendo came with the presentation of commemorative gifts to Mr. Ojji, marking the culmination of an illustrious career.

Among the distinguished attendees were Executive Assistants to the Governor on Media, Mr. Felix Ofou and Dr. Nelson Egware; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Sir Fidelis Egugbo; Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro; General Managers of Delta Broadcasting Service, Mrs. Kristine Emetulu and Mr. Malcolm Oteri; General Manager of Pointer Newspaper, Mrs. Rosemary Nwaebuni; various directors within the ministry; and a host of other stalwart public officials and stakeholders.