By Sunday Apah

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been awarded Vanguard Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his exemplary focus on good governance, impactful leadership, and transformative initiatives statewide.

The award was presented during the 13th Annual Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards ceremony held in Lagos, celebrating public officials who have excelled in public service, infrastructural development, economic transformation, and leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people.

Governor Oborevwori was honored for his dedication to transparency, inclusive governance, and swift implementation of strategic development projects under his “MORE” agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

In his speech after receiving the award, Oborevwori conveyed his appreciation to the people of Delta State for their ongoing support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to further enhancing the benefits of democracy.

He emphasized that the recognition should be seen as a tribute to the resilient and industrious citizens of Delta State. Oborevwori stated that it serves as an encouragement to strive for more, improve service delivery, and continue developing a state that Deltans can take pride in.

The editorial board of Vanguard characterized Oborevwori’s leadership as “purposeful and people-oriented,” while underscoring his accomplishments in sectors such as road construction, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and security initiatives throughout the state.

A wave of congratulations for Governor Oborevwori has surfaced from numerous Delta residents and political figures in national newspapers and on social media, acknowledging that the award serves as a timely recognition of the Governor’s steady leadership amidst Nigeria’s challenging political and economic landscape.

In less than two years of his first term, the governor’s administration has successfully completed significant infrastructure projects and introduced reforms designed to stimulate economic growth and elevate the living standards in Delta State.

…Inaugurates Oseji as New Head of Service

By Sunday Apah

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents of Delta State.

He reported that law enforcement agencies in the state are making significant strides in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, utilizing proactive measures and tactical operations.

Governor Oborevwori made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for the new State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Minnie Oseji, and the appointment of Pastor Austin Igbine as Chairman of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company, the publisher of The Pointer newspaper, held at Government House in Asaba.

While recognizing the substantial challenges faced, he noted they can be overcome, emphasizing the proactive efforts of security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, I am aware of the numerous successes achieved by our security agencies in their ongoing battle against kidnapping and various violent offenses through strategic operations,” he stated.

He continued, “It would not be wise to disclose the specific strategies employed by these agencies to minimize these crimes.

“However, I assure you that they are persistent in their efforts, and our government is continuously enhancing our collaboration by equipping them with essential resources.”

Governor Oborevwori urged the public to contribute to improved peace and security in the state, pointing out that safety is a collective responsibility.

“It is vital that we support our security personnel by immediately reporting any suspicious behavior or individuals to the appropriate authorities,” he added.

“Law enforcement cannot act effectively without the community’s cooperation. If you notice something unusual, please don’t hesitate to report it. Together, we can realize our vision of a safer Delta.”

In his address, he congratulated Dr. Oseji and praised former Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, for his invaluable service to the state.

He described Dr. Oseji as an exemplary civil servant, highlighting her politeness, dedication, intellect, and thoroughness.

He expressed confidence that her extensive experience and commitment to excellence would greatly benefit her new position.

“The qualities exhibited by Dr. Oseji are truly commendable,” the governor remarked. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved appointment.”

He urged the new Head of Service to lead efforts to address ongoing issues of absenteeism, tardiness, unethical behavior, and maintenance deficiencies among civil servants.

Governor Oborevwori stated, “This administration aims to establish a legacy of an efficient, disciplined, and performance-oriented civil service. Although we have made considerable progress, challenges persist.”

He emphasized the importance of civil servants staying informed about government policy and providing honest and practical guidance necessary for the effective implementation of government initiatives.

“Our civil service is filled with qualified and capable individuals, yet attitude and orientation issues continue to pose challenges.

“Public interest should always take precedence over personal interest, and fostering collaboration and teamwork is essential to overcoming the ‘us versus them’ mentality. Remember, teamwork is essential for success.”

While congratulating Pastor Austin Igbine on his new role, the governor expressed his hope that under Igbine’s leadership, The Pointer would achieve greater editorial quality, production excellence, increased advertising and marketing, expanded circulation, and enhanced digital capabilities.

In response, Mrs. Oseji expressed her gratitude to the governor for entrusting her with the significant responsibility of upholding integrity, professionalism, and excellence within the state’s civil service.

She committed to reorienting the civil service on financial regulations and aligning with the Governor’s MORE Agenda, assuring that all employees would be included in the vision.

By Admin

The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms the state APC’s misguided critique regarding the flooding in Agbor caused by heavy downpour.

In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Delta State, Hon. Sunday Apah, on behalf of the party, it stated that the PDP feels compelled to respond to the misguided and unfounded assertions made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State regarding the recent flooding in Agbor.

The statement reads: “While the PDP expresses deep sympathy for those whose motorcycles, vehicles, and other valuables have been damaged or destroyed by the flood, we must reject the inaccurate portrayal of events and the irresponsible blame placed on the government, led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.

“It is essential to recognize that downpours and flooding are natural occurrences that can affect any region, including developed countries such as Spain, Germany, Oman, Uruguay, Argentina, United Kingdom and Dubai, which have faced severe natural disasters at various times.

“To imply that the flooding in Agbor is solely a result of government negligence is not only misleading but also a stark oversimplification of the complexities involved in managing natural disasters.

“The PDP government in Delta State has consistently taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and enhance community resilience.

“Previous administrations laid the foundation for flood management by constructing essential storm drainages, and the current administration, led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has continued this critical work diligently.

“To disregard these efforts is to undermine the commitment and dedication shown by our leaders in addressing environmental challenges.

“In recent times, significant infrastructure projects have been initiated to further enhance flood control measures. Notable examples include the construction of monumental storm drainages at strategic locations such as Ogbeogonogo Market and Asaba Specialist Hospital.

“Ongoing projects in Owa-Alero, Osubu, Okuokoko, and Ugolo-Okpe, as well as in the Warri axis, aim to bolster the state’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall effectively.

“It is disheartening to see the APC in Delta State capitalize on a natural disaster to score political points rather than engaging in constructive dialogue about solutions and collaboration.

“Instead of fostering fear and division, our collective focus should be on working together to support affected communities and implementing long-term strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“In light of this, the PDP urges all stakeholders, including the APC in Delta State, to reflect on the importance of unity in addressing climate-related challenges.

“Blaming the government for natural disasters not only misleads the public but also detracts from meaningful discourse that can lead to actionable solutions. The people of Delta State deserve better than political gamesmanship, especially in times of crisis.

“As a responsible party, the PDP remains committed to further enhancing our disaster preparedness and response frameworks, ensuring our communities are protected and resilient against the impacts of severe weather.

“We encourage the APC in Delta State and other opposition voices to join us in this important mission, rather than casting unfounded aspersions that only serve to sow discord. Together, we can foster a more robust framework for disaster management that serves all Deltans effectively.”

By Sunday Apah

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka JP, has commended Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and political leaders of Ethiope East Local Government Area in their efforts in promoting both the PDP and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda through series of significant projects and substantial empowerment initiatives aimed at bolstering the electorates.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Sunday Apah, Arenyeka outlined the impressive impacts of Elumelu’s development strides which oversaw the commissioning of approximately 20 projects within the constituency he represented.

The projects which included essential infrastructure such as palaces, town halls, ICT centers, and roads are vital contributions to the enhancement of community resources and facilities, aligning with the M.O.R.E Agenda’s focus on sustained progress.

Arenyeka also highlighted the economic empowerment initiative which saw the party leaders in Ethiope East distributed N22 million to support numerous persons in the area.

The financial infusion is expected to facilitate small business startups and improve the livelihoods of many in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

“Empowerment programs like this are critical for fostering self-reliance and economic stability,” he remarked, reinforcing the PDP’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Deltans”.

The PDP Chairman emphasized that these initiatives are not only beneficial to the constituents but also demonstrate a united front in the party’s mission to enhance governance in Delta State.

“The projects built by Rt. Hon. Elumelu and the leaders of Ethiope East is a true testament to our party’s focus on impactful governance,” Arenyeka noted.

Arenyeka believes that the combination of infrastructural development alongside financial empowerment forms a robust strategy for achieving meaningful change.

Arenyeka, however urged other party leaders across the state to take inspiration from Elumelu and Ethiope East Leaders and actively engage in similar projects that promote community development.

He stated that it is imperative for political figures to connect with their constituents and ensure that beneficial programs are accessible. “Only through collective efforts can we uplift our communities and ensure the aspirations of our people are met,” he added.