The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Media, Olorogun Sunday Apah, has congratulated the newly elected executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, on their successful emergence at the polls.
In a signed statement issued shortly after the election results were announced, Apah specifically praised Comrade Churchill Oyowe for securing re-election as Chairman of the council.
He described the outcome as a clear vote of confidence in Oyowe’s leadership and a recognition of his contributions to the advancement of journalism in the state.
Apah also extended warm congratulations to the other members of the new executive. He named Comrade Patrick Ochei as the newly elected Vice Chairman, Comrade Felix Ekwu as Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodion as Assistant Secretary, and Comrades Caroline Ubini, Toju Oteri and Michael Ilaya as Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Auditor respectively.
The media aide noted that the peaceful conduct of the election reflected the maturity and democratic spirit within the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
He expressed confidence that the fresh mandate would further strengthen the union’s capacity to defend press freedom and promote professional standards across the state.
Apah urged the new executives to remain united and focused on the collective interests of journalists in Delta State.
He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue with government, civil society and other stakeholders in order to create an enabling environment for the practice of responsible journalism.
The Senior Special Assistant further called on the incoming leadership to prioritise the welfare of members, capacity building and the protection of journalists’ rights.
He pledged the continued support of the state government for initiatives that enhance the quality of media practice in Delta.
Apah wished the newly elected officers a successful and impactful tenure.
He expressed optimism that under their guidance the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists would continue to serve as a strong voice for the media profession and a partner in the development of the state.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called upon the state’s judiciary to administer justice with unwavering impartiality, pledging his administration’s dedication to judicial autonomy, enhanced welfare for legal professionals, and streamlined justice dispensation.
Governor Oborevwori conveyed this message on Tuesday during a reception for state judges, led by Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai, at Government House, Asaba. The event was part of the activities commemorating the 2026/2027 legal year.
He underscored the importance of judicial neutrality, emphasizing, “No individual stands above the law, and we will not permit anyone to circumvent legal processes. I urge you to execute your duties without bias or apprehension. Prioritize fairness; it transcends governmental or personal interests.”
The governor also implored judges to approach cases involving serious offenses such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder with the gravity they demand, highlighting that efficient justice delivery is paramount for maintaining peace and security across the state.
Regarding judicial welfare, Governor Oborevwori announced that his government is overseeing the construction of five judges’ residences in Warri and an additional five in Asaba, with anticipated completion by the close of the first quarter of 2027.
He further committed to ongoing support for judicial training and the provision of contemporary court technologies, including stenographic machines for precise verbatim recording of proceedings.
The governor also sanctioned requests for bolstered security measures and supplementary solar power installations in courts throughout the state. These enhancements aim to safeguard judicial premises and ensure the effective operation of digital court equipment.
Earlier, Justice Diai lauded the governor for significant advancements in judicial training, information and communications technology, and court infrastructure, citing the refurbishment of High Courts, magistrate courts, and customary courts.
She revealed that twenty judges have benefited from overseas training sponsorships, and equipment facilitating electronic filing and virtual hearings has been implemented in the High Courts.
Nevertheless, the Chief Judge appealed for robust security at court facilities and additional solar power installations in judicial divisions where current units prove inadequate.
Justice Diai conveyed her gratitude for the administration’s support and advocated for continued partnership to strengthen the judiciary and enhance justice delivery within Delta State.
His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has scored the Delta State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon high for his dedication to duty.
The highly respected first class monarch spoke at his palace in Asaba when Funkekeme and his team paid him a congratulatory visit to mark his second year on the throne.
The Asagba said he has watched Funkekeme traverse the length and breadth of the state preaching the gospel of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope and Governor Oborevwori’s More Agendas with uncommon zeal.
According to him, Funkekeme’s outing at the recent meeting with the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council where he eloquently broke down the gains of Tinubu and Oborevwori’s reforms were impressive and worthy of commendation.
“Let me commend you. You have shown passion and commitment. You are everywhere marketing the President and Governor messages. I saw what you did at the Traditional Rulers Council. You spoke so well. Please keep it up, your effort will not be in vain, you will surely be remembered when the time for compensation comes,” the monarch said.
Prof. Azinge said traditional institutions have a duty to align with purposeful government and disclosed that the Asaba Kingdom is fully behind the present administrations at the centre and in the state.
He revealed that during his visit to President Tinubu in March last year when Delta was still under PDP, he presented the concerns of his people and the President acted on them, a development he said he reported to Governor Oborevwori who was delighted.
The monarch maintained that the reforms of the Tinubu’s administration though tough, are already repositioning Nigeria for greatness, while Governor Oborevwori has shown capacity in governance.
He therefore declared: “We are in total support of President Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all candidates of the APC.”
Earlier, Rt Hon Funkekeme Solomon, who doubles as Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor on Servicom and Labour Relations, felicitated the Asagba on his 2nd anniversary, describing his two-year reign as impactful and transformational for Asaba.
Funkekeme, a long-time resident of Asaba since the creation of Delta State in 1991, said the capital city has witnessed unprecedented upgrade and royal finesse since Prof. Azinge mounted the throne of his forebears.
He prayed Almighty God to grant the monarch more wisdom, good health, long and peaceful reign.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is preparing to convene a major national assembly of women stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, 5 October, as part of early efforts toward the 2027 presidential race and to deepen women’s involvement in politics.
Organised by the Women Mobilisation Directorate of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, the Women Stakeholders’ Mobilisation and Empowerment Pre-Inaugural Campaign Roll-Out 2027 is expected to draw more than 20,000 women from across Nigeria. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (BATICC) in Abuja.
Under the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda 2.0: From Reforms to Prosperity,” the gathering carries the mobilisation message “One Voice, One Movement, One Choice, One Mandate 2027.”
Participants will include women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, grassroots mobilisers, political actors, community representatives and members of various women’s groups. Discussions will focus on empowerment, greater political participation, and the key policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
Speaking ahead of the event, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, PhD, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Women Mobilisation Planning Committee, outlined several federal initiatives that have improved the lives of millions of Nigerian women and young people. She stressed that President Tinubu’s re-election would allow these programmes to be consolidated and expanded.
Akobundu specifically pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ongoing infrastructure projects, social-protection measures, easier access to consumer credit, digital-skills training, youth empowerment schemes and other administration programmes.
She noted that NELFUND offers interest-free loans to eligible students. The fund has so far registered more than 1.4 million students, received over 1.69 million loan applications, disbursed more than ₦191 billion, and partnered with over 320 institutions.
She also highlighted CREDICORP (the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation), which provides credit products for personal loans, education, home improvement, renewable energy and other needs through participating financial institutions. Its goal is to expand consumer-credit access so that it eventually reaches 50 per cent of Nigeria’s working families.
On infrastructure, Akobundu recalled that the administration has completed more than 2,700 kilometres of highways, with major projects still under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation. These include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, alongside continued investments in rail modernisation, energy and housing.
She further noted the launch of the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, introduced after the removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic pressures. Cash-transfer support has now reached 75 million vulnerable households, while additional programmes under NG-CARES, SOLID and HOPE have been rolled out to broaden assistance for vulnerable Nigerians, communities and human-capital development.
Princess Gloria Akobundu urged women in Imo State and across the South-East to intensify mobilisation efforts and take the Renewed Hope message into every community and locality in the region.
…As Ibori Pledges Strong Backing for Tinubu, Oborevwori and Others Ahead of 2027
By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has instructed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to carry out a full assessment of every rundown public primary and secondary school in the state and begin their immediate rehabilitation.
The governor gave the order on Friday while inaugurating the newly completed Model Technical College at Oghareki in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
“I have directed that all schools in Delta State that are in deplorable condition, whether primary or secondary, should be assessed for immediate rehabilitation,” he stated.
He called on the relevant ministries to start the evaluation at once, underscoring his administration’s determination to build a strong and effective education system.
Oborevwori noted that the State Executive Council had recently mandated the education ministries to identify public schools that need urgent attention.
Maintaining more than 1,400 primary schools and 480 secondary schools statewide, he said, remains a major responsibility that demands continuous investment and careful planning.
At the ceremony, the governor explained that the Model Technical College, Oghareki, reflects his government’s resolve to equip young people from Ethiope West and surrounding communities with practical skills that will make them employable and economically self-sufficient.
He described the college as featuring modern workshops, accommodation for staff and students, and sports facilities, and he urged the management, teachers and students to preserve the infrastructure for future generations.
Oborevwori further revealed that his administration will complete and commission three more model technical colleges—at Irri in Isoko South, Kiagbodo in Burutu and Akugbene in Bomadi Local Government Areas—before the end of December 2026.
He also announced a ₦50 million education support fund for Miss Ogheneovo Davina, a Junior Technical II student who delivered an unrehearsed speech on behalf of her classmates.
The governor highlighted ongoing progress in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, pointing to improvements at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara and the construction of four hostels (two male and two female) at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, and Delta State College of Education, Mosogar.
He praised former Governor James Ibori for initiating numerous development projects across the state and appealed to Deltans to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Chief James Ibori thanked Governor Oborevwori for the impressive development projects being executed across Delta, especially in Urhobo land.
He also recognised former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whose administration started the technical college project, and commended Oborevwori for seeing it through to completion.
Ibori assured the governor of solid support from the people of Oghara and Ethiope West in the 2027 polls, adding: “We have prayed for grace and wisdom to pilot the affairs of our great state.”
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, lauded the quality of the completed project and the governor’s decision to finish it.
She observed that the large crowd at the inauguration would translate into electoral backing for the governor in 2027 and praised him for uniting the party across various divides in the state.
Earlier, Hon. Christian Onogba, Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement. He said the governor’s development programmes and his political shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC had promoted greater unity across Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Oghara monarch, HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku Oghara Na Me, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on the successful completion of the project.
On behalf of the students, Davina expressed gratitude to the governor for his focus on technical education. She pledged that the students would make full use of the facilities to gain practical skills, improve their future prospects and become self-reliant after graduation. She added that she would have voted for Governor Oborevwori in 2027 if she were already 18 years old.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli South Local Government Area on Sunday held a special thanksgiving service to appreciate God for its peaceful congresses and primaries, and for the restoration of the suppressed Ughelli South Constituency II.
The service was held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ovwor-Olomu, and it was attended by top party leaders, including the Delta Central Senatorial APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive; the member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama; the APC candidate for Ughelli South Constituency II, Mr. Ricardo Oguma; HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom; and the Orovworere of Effurun-Otor Kingdom, Eyareya II.
In his homily, the Vicar of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ovwor-Olomu, Rev. Edwin Onokpekini, urged worshippers to remember God’s benefits, citing Psalm 103: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
He said they should continue to remember what God had done for them, politically and otherwise, so as to attract further blessings.
Thanksgiving, he added, opens the door to more blessings, especially for those who know that God has blessed them.
“It is always good to give thanks to God for His faithfulness and goodness,” he said.
Rev. Onokpekini also urged political leaders in the country to do more to improve the lives of citizens.
A reception was later held at the country home of the national leader of the APC in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Olorogun John Unukebo Oguma.
Speaking in separate interviews, Olorogun John Unukebo Oguma; the party’s chairman in Ughelli South, Edirin-Ojays Ojigho; and the chairman of Ughelli South Local Government, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, said the thanksgiving was in recognition of God’s handiwork in the APC and the council area during the year under review.
They said the Ughelli South APC was giving thanks for its seamless congress and primaries, and for the restoration of the suppressed Ughelli South Constituency II after several years.
For their part, a former chairman of Ughelli South Local Government, Chief Patrick Fovie; Chief John Ebireri; and Olorogun John Ewenede said the thanksgiving was also a prayer for the victory of the APC in the 2027 polls.
The service was attended by political leaders and stakeholders from across Ughelli South Local Government Area and beyond.
Political leaders and stakeholders in Usiefrun Community have intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections with a comprehensive unit-to-unit campaign in support of all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
The mobilisation exercise, held across the community’s voting units, aimed to rally grassroots support and ensure every eligible voter is reached with the party’s message of continuity and progress.
Usiefrun Community is under Ekakpamre Ward in Ughelli South Local Government Area (Ward 07), comprises ten voting units, and are units 10, 11, 12, 13, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.
The party leaders chose the unit-to-unit approach to engage voters directly in their neighbourhoods, believing it remains one of the most effective ways to build genuine connection and secure firm commitments ahead of the polls.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the APC in the community and Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Isaiah Ahwerhurho, explained the purpose of the campaign.
He stated that the exercise was designed to canvass votes for the party’s candidates at all levels, beginning with Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for Governor of Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone for the Senate seat representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive for House of Representatives, Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, and Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama for the Delta State House of Assembly, Ughelli South Constituency I.
Mr. Ahwerhurho stressed that the APC’s record of performance in Delta State and at the federal level provided a solid foundation for seeking renewed mandates.
He urged community members to remain united behind the party’s candidates, noting that collective effort at the grassroots would be decisive in delivering victory in 2027.
Also speaking, Engr. Julius Edoja, President General, Usiefrun Community, commended the organisers for the thoroughness of the unit-to-unit outreach.
He stated that the campaign reflected the APC’s commitment to inclusive politics and direct engagement with the people.
According to him, the exercise had already begun to strengthen party structures in the community and would help mobilise voters who might otherwise feel distant from the political process.
Edoja further called on residents of Usiefrun to take ownership of the campaign by spreading the party’s message among family members, neighbours and colleagues.
He emphasised that success in the forthcoming elections would depend not only on the candidates but on the active participation of every supporter at the unit level.
Papa Edovonitaye Erhieguke, Okpako Orere (Oldest Man) of Usiefrun Community, and other stakeholders present at the event expressed optimism that the sustained grassroots effort would translate into strong electoral support for the APC in Ekakpamre Ward.
They described the unit-to-unit strategy as a return to the fundamentals of political organisation, where personal contact and consistent messaging remain more powerful than distant pronouncements.
The Ewu Urhobo Elites Forum has distributed notebooks and other writing materials to eleven primary schools across Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The exercise which was carried out on September 22, 2026, aims to support pupils’ education and ensure every child has basic learning tools.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the President of the Forum, Clement Ekagha, and the Secretary, Chief Paul Etaga, explained that the initiative was driven by the need to equip pupils with adequate books for their studies.
They emphasised that education remains a priority for the community and that no child should be hindered by a lack of essential writing materials.
The materials were presented at several schools, including Olodiama Primary School in Olodiama, Gbaregolor Primary School I, Gbaregolor Primary School II, Unugbrogodo Primary School, Assah Primary School, Omafuvwe Primary School, and Uto-Arhavwarien Primary School in Etefe, among others.
Due to the difficult terrain in some locations, the headmasters of the affected schools received the supplies on behalf of their pupils.
Mr. Shell Arueri, Mr. Towwin Ovuwevwiravedia, and Mr. Henry Atevure were among the school heads who collected the writing materials for Unugbrogodo Primary School, Assah, Omafuvwe Primary School, and Uto-Arhavwarien Primary School in Etefe respectively.
The Forum leaders while expressing satisfaction with the progress made, reaffirmed their commitment to covering every primary school within Ewu Kingdom, adding that in total, eleven schools have so far benefited from the distribution exercise.
They noted that several communities are yet to be reached, which include Omosuomo (both inland and waterside), Ofrukama, Alagbabri, Osusurie, Ekameta, and Onya.
They noted that plans are already in place to extend the distribution to these remaining areas in the coming weeks.
The Ewu Urhobo Elites Forum described the intervention as part of its broader effort to promote educational development and community welfare.
Residents and school authorities alike who spoke to journalists welcomed the support, describing it as a timely boost to teaching and learning in the kingdom.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed construction giant Julius Berger to urgently commence remedial works on the critically deteriorated section of the East-West Road along the Warri–Agbarho axis.
Governor Oborevwori gave the directive during the independence celebration held in Cenotaph at the state capital Asaba
to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, his excellency calls for unity, patriotism and renewed commitment to the development of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor urged Nigerians to continue to live together in peace and unity, drawing inspiration from Psalm 133:1, which state: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
He stressed that despite the country’s ethnic, cultural and other differences, Nigerians share a common destiny and must therefore work collectively towards building a better nation.
According to him, the needs and welfare of the people remain a priority, assuring that the concerns of citizens would not be overlooked by his administration.
The Governor specifically directed Julius Berger to urgently address the deplorable condition of the East-West Road around the Warri–Agbarho axis, which has deteriorated significantly, particularly as a result of the heavy rains experienced in recent times.
He emphasised the need for prompt intervention to ease transportation and movement of people and goods along the strategic route.
Governor Oborevwori congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing optimism for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
He called on citizens to remain hopeful and committed to the collective progress of the country, while praying for continued peace and development across the nation.
He concluded by saying, “God bless Delta State, and God bless Nigeria.”
Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama and Hon. Ator Okolosi, Members representing Ughelli South and Udu Constituencies in the Delta State House of Assembly, have congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience, growth and pursuit of excellence.
The duo joined the Executive Governor of Delta State, the speaker and other members of the Delta State House of Assembly at the Independence Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the Delta State capital, to commemorate the nation’s 66 years of independence.
In their related messages, the lawmakers reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence, noting that the anniversary provides an opportunity for citizens to celebrate the nation’s achievements while remaining committed to building a stronger and more prosperous country.
They acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders, as well as All Nigerians, whose resilience, sacrifices and commitment have continued to sustain the country despite its challenges.
According to Utuama and Okolosi, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary represents “a milestone of excellence,” adding that the nation has the potential to achieve even greater progress when its citizens remain united and committed to National Development.
The lawmakers expressed optimism about the future of the country, assuring Nigerians that despite the challenges confronting the nation, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
They further called for unity, peace and collective responsibility among Nigerians, stressing that the task of nation-building requires the participation of everyone, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
They wished Nigerians a Happy Independence Day celebration and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity across the country.
