Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the launch of a new 61 million Euro United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Programme aimed at consolidating peace and supporting recovery efforts in the state over the next two years.
Governor Zulum said this while briefing journalists after the fourth UN Offer Board and Peacebuilding Fund Steering Committee meeting at Government House, Maiduguri.
He said the meeting was convened to formally close the first phase of the programme, which received a lot of support from the Government of Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and other development partners over the last two years.
According to the governor, the funds were deployed for peacebuilding activities across the state, adding that the successful implementation of the previous phase informed the decision to commence a new and expanded intervention.
“Another new phase of the UN offer has also been launched, amounting to about 61 million euro, which should be spent within the next two years,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum said Germany had already contributed about 10 million Euros to the new basket fund, and expressed optimism that the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other partners would make additional contributions.
He added that Borno State Government would also commit funds to the basket to demonstrate its ownership of the programme and support its implementation.
The Governor commended the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and development partners for their continued support to peacebuilding in the state.
He particularly thanked the governments of Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland for their contributions, noting that sustained international partnership remains critical to rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and promoting durable peace in Borno State.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, lauded Borno State’s multi-partner coordination framework as a model that could be replicated across the country and in other countries facing similar humanitarian and development challenges.
He noted that the Borno model provides a unified funding mechanism and shared understanding among government, the United Nations and development partners, to address the state’s post-insurgency recovery needs in a more coordinated and sustainable manner.
Chargé d’Affaires of Germany to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, announced that the German government will commit another 10 million Euros to implement the project.
“We had a very successful meeting on the implementation of the Borno law model. Germany will commit another 10 million Euros to this endeavour for the next two years, and we hope under the leadership of the governor and the government of Nigeria this will be a big success and bring peace and prosperity to Borno State,” Lehne said.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Malick Fall, said all hands are on deck to address the challenges befalling the state and the region in a coordinated manner.
“We cannot be successful unless we have the leadership and the vision we want, and this has been demonstrated by the Honorable Minister of Budget and Planning. It has been demonstrated almost on a day-to-day basis by His Excellency the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum,” Fall stated.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for stronger collaboration and co-investment between the state government, the Federal Government, the United Nations, development partners, international financial institutions, and the private sector to accelerate recovery and sustainable development in the state.
Zulum made the call on Thursday at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Maiduguri, at the fourth Project Board Meeting of the United Nations Offer to Support the Borno Model and the Steering Committee Meeting of the Peacebuilding Fund.
A Federal Government delegation, the United Nations, Development Partners, and Donor agencies attended the meeting.
The governor said the decision to hold the high-level meeting in Maiduguri reflected Borno’s strategic importance in national and international efforts towards peacebuilding, stabilization, recovery and sustainable development in Nigeria’s North-East.
He commended the United Nations, donor countries and development partners for their financial and technical support, noting that their interventions had improved the lives of vulnerable people and communities affected by more than a decade of insurgency.
According to Zulum, the Peacebuilding Fund and the UN Offer have helped to move support beyond immediate humanitarian relief to critical areas such as reconciliation, reintegration, livelihood support, social cohesion and institutional strengthening.
“We recognize that progress in Borno is a product of strong partnerships among the state government, the United Nations, development partners, communities, the Federal Government and other stakeholders,” Zulum stated.
He described the development of the Borno Model legal framework as a major product of the partnership between the state government and the United Nations, saying it would provide a stronger institutional foundation for peace, recovery, social cohesion and development.
Zulum said Borno was at a critical transition point, moving from humanitarian response to recovery, reconstruction, resilience and long-term development.
He identified the state’s priority areas to include rebuilding conflict-affected communities, restoring basic services, expanding education and skills development, creating jobs, supporting women and young people, strengthening local institutions, and enabling displaced and returning residents to rebuild their lives in dignity.
The governor also advocated increased investment in agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises, vocational training, digital opportunities and value-chain development.
“With the right investment in infrastructure, skills and enterprise development, Borno can move from being viewed primarily through the lens of crisis to being recognized as a center of economic opportunity in the North-East,” he added.
The governor said the Borno State Government has committed more than 70% of its budget over the last seven years to security, support for internally displaced persons and refugees, reconstruction of schools, houses, health facilities and markets, and livelihood opportunities for people affected by the insurgency.
He said the investments aimed to restore dignity, build resilience, and sustain peace across the state.
“Our collective objective must now be to build on what has been achieved, scale up what works, and ensure that the people of Borno fully benefit from the transition from humanitarian assistance to medium- and longer-term sustainable and durable solutions,” he said.
The governor commended the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Fall; and the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, for their support and commitment to Borno’s recovery.
He also acknowledged contributions by Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to provide the leadership, institutional support, and coordination needed to sustain partner-supported programs beyond their project lifespan.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, noted that the challenges confronting the Northeast should not be viewed solely as humanitarian crises, but also as opportunities for long-term investment and sustainable development.
He stressed the need for coordinated financing and closer collaboration among the federal and state governments, the United Nations, and development partners to achieve the desired outcome.
The Minister particularly commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing trusted leadership and coordinating the state’s response to the complex challenges confronting its people.
He also lauded the United Nations, development and donor partners for the continuous support to the victims of the Boko Haram conflict.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator,
Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, expressed their commitment to continue supporting the project and commended the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has conveyed sincere congratulations to Muslims throughout the state and the nation on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, which marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
In a goodwill message released through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor offered cordial greetings and best wishes to the Muslim faithful.
He encouraged them to seize the moment for deep reflection on the Prophet’s exemplary life, teachings, and enduring virtues.
Oborevwori emphasised that the principles of compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence, selfless sacrifice, tolerance, and dedicated service to humanity—hallmarks of the Prophet’s life and message—remain profoundly relevant to Nigeria’s ongoing pursuit of peace, unity, and sustainable development.
He appealed to Muslims in Delta State and across the country to transform the celebration into a renewed pledge of commitment to harmonious living, mutual affection, and the promotion of the collective good.
The Governor restated his administration’s unwavering resolve to nurture an inclusive society in which every citizen, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political identity, can live and pursue legitimate aspirations in an atmosphere of peace and dignity.
He further called on the Muslim community to sustain its support for government initiatives aimed at building a peaceful, prosperous, and cohesive Delta State, while invoking continued peace, stability, and progress for the state and the entire nation.
Oborevwori concluded by wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful and spiritually enriching Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.
His Royal Majesty, Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, has formally conveyed his royal felicitation to Chief Henry Afure Sakpra on his appointment as General Manager of the Delta State Social Investment Programme.
In a meticulously worded statement jointly endorsed by Olorogun Matthew Akpogbemre Shaire, the Otota of Ughievwen Kingdom; Olorogun John Okoro, Secretary of the Ughievwen Council of Chiefs; and Olorogun Sunday Apah, Director of Media and Publicity of the Ughievwen Kingdom Palace, the traditional ruler expressed his unreserved approbation of Chief Sakpra’s appointment.
Okobaro, in the statement affirmed that the appointment constitutes a judicious recognition of merit, integrity, and proven administrative competence.
The monarch further remarked that Chief Sakpra’s assumption of this strategic responsibility places him at the vanguard of initiatives designed to ameliorate the conditions of the vulnerable and to fortify the social safety nets of the state.
His Royal Majesty articulated the confident expectation that the new General Manager would discharge his duties with exemplary diligence, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the equitable distribution of the programme’s benefits across all strata in the state.
Emphasising the symbiotic relationship between traditional authority and modern governance, the statement observed that appointments of this magnitude serve to reinforce public confidence in institutions charged with human capital development.
The Okobaro, enjoined Chief Sakpra to leverage the moral and communal support of the Ughievwen Kingdom as he navigates the complex terrain of social investment policy implementation.
The communiqué additionally extended warm wishes for success, divine guidance, and institutional collaboration, noting that the progress of Delta State is inextricably linked to the effectiveness of programmes that address poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.
Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort Warri Kingdom, has said the last five years of her tenure alongside her husband, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, have been devoted to building human capacity, empowering women, preserving Itsekiri culture and creating stronger connections among Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora.
The Olori, who spoke with newsmen at her residence in Warri, weekend, as part of activities marking the Olu’s fifth coronation anniversary, said the progress recorded in the kingdom’s women empowerment programmes had become one of the most gratifying aspects of her royal responsibilities.
According to her, the elevation of women within the Warri Kingdom has become increasingly visible, with women, particularly wives of chiefs, becoming more confident, recognised and willing to take ownership of their voices and responsibilities.
“Seeing how the women in the kingdom have become more naturally elevated, I always give the stories of how the chiefs’ wives have now become more esteemed in many ways and more recognised,” she said.
She added that women were increasingly moving beyond seeking permission to participate in community affairs to becoming active owners of their voices and initiatives.
“I really love the esteem of women in the kingdom, and I’m really thankful for that,” she said.
‘Leadership Has Taught Me to Enlarge My Heart’
Reflecting on the challenges and lessons of her five-year journey as Olori, Queen Ashley said she would rather describe the experience as a period of learning than as a series of challenges.
She identified understanding human nature, managing differences and learning to appreciate the strengths of different people as some of the most important lessons she had acquired.
“I think it would be what I used to learn leadership.
It is understanding the dynamics of human nature and the differences in different people and just learning how to enlarge my heart to love every person and pick out the strengths from people and discard the weaknesses,” she said.
The Olori, a lawyer and author and founder of women-focused initiatives, explained that her royal position had provided her with a platform to convert privilege into service, particularly through initiatives targeted at women, education, skills development and access to opportunities.
She said she regarded herself primarily as a mother serving the people entrusted to her care rather than simply as a queen.
“I’m a mother more than any queen,” she declared, explaining that her approach to service was built around two key principles — agency and access.
According to her, the first objective was to help people, especially women, regain control over their lives and overcome what she described as a “learned sense of helplessness.”
The second was to provide access to skills, networks, finance and other resources required to transform aspirations into sustainable livelihoods.
She said the philosophy underpins programmes such as Women Aligning Women, operated under Elevate Africa, and Establish Her, operated under the Royal Iwere Foundation.
‘Eight Out of 10 Women Are Breadwinners’
The Olori disclosed that findings from their engagement with women in the community had shown that women constituted a significant proportion of household breadwinners, particularly among women aged between 18 and 35.
She said about eight out of 10 women engaged through the initiative were breadwinners supporting several dependants.
“That meant we had to begin to see how we can establish our women by working with the whole woman, not just giving her skills or access to finance, but actually looking to raise the whole woman,” she explained.
She said the programme therefore begins with developing the mindset of participants, helping them understand leadership, identify their leadership styles and build confidence before introducing business and entrepreneurship components.
The women are subsequently supported with business skills and encouraged to register and formalise their businesses.
According to her, the impact has been remarkable, with beneficiaries not only improving their own lives but going on to empower other women.
“I can sit here and tell you stories on stories about how our women have come through the programme and then gone on to establish other women,” she said.
She noted that while empowering beneficiaries to become mentors was not initially part of the curriculum, it had become a natural consequence of the programme.
“It wasn’t in the curriculum, but it’s what happens when you empower a woman. She goes on and empowers her community naturally,” she said.
She described investment in women, particularly women of the Warri Kingdom, as “our most strategic move to advancing human capital development in our community.”
Language Revival: ‘We Must Preserve Our Itsekiri Identity’
The Olori also placed strong emphasis on the preservation of Itsekiri language and culture, describing the Itsekiri people as a “micro minority” whose cultural heritage must be deliberately protected against the pressures of modernisation and globalisation.
“We Itsekiris, we’re a micro minority. So inside the minority, we are a minority. And so it’s important to preserve our culture, to preserve our language,” she said.
According to her, the rapid erosion of indigenous languages across communities, including among larger ethnic groups, makes the preservation of Itsekiri language an urgent responsibility.
She disclosed that a language competition was introduced around the period of the Olu’s coronation anniversary to encourage children from communities across the kingdom and those in the diaspora to learn and speak Itsekiri.
The initiative, she said, had grown considerably since its launch last year.
This year’s edition was held at Ode-Itsekiri, also known as Big Warri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
The response, she said, had been particularly encouraging, with children from riverine communities who initially could not speak the language reportedly becoming fluent by the end of the competition.
“The testimony has been amazing,” she said.
The initiative will now be expanded into a year-round language programme, culminating in a celebration and competition during the Olu’s coronation anniversary.
“Our goal is to revive the language and to pass it down to our next generation,” she said.
‘We Are First Husband and Wife’
On her relationship with the Olu and how they manage the demands of royal duties, public expectations and family life, Queen Ashley said the strength of their family remains the foundation of everything they do.
She stressed that before their identities as king and queen, they were husband and wife and regarded their relationship as a partnership that required deliberate nurturing.
“That is our foundation — the strong family unit behind the closed door is our primary foundation,” she said.
“We are first husband and wife. We are first a strong unit together, and we take those duties very seriously. We take our bond and our connection very seriously.”
She said their relationship and responsibilities were also firmly anchored in their faith.
“Everything is embedded under God. God is our third cord, and then we take it from there,” she said.
According to her, whether they are performing their responsibilities as parents or as king and queen, they seek to approach their duties first in union with God and then with each other.
Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy
The Olori also spoke about her fashion choices, particularly her blend of contemporary elegance with traditional Itsekiri and wider African attire.
She said her intention was not merely to make a fashion statement but to demonstrate that African culture could be celebrated with confidence, sophistication and contemporary relevance.
Her message, she said, was directed not only at young Itsekiri women but at young African women generally.
“I hope young African women can be proud of your culture and you can wear elegantly, and culture isn’t something that is outdated,” she said.
Recalling a recent observation by the Olu, she said traditions represented what people practised, while culture was continually constructed as societies evolved.
She argued that Africans therefore had an opportunity to preserve their heritage while allowing it to remain relevant in contemporary society.
“I hope that in embodying my truest self as being an African monarch, an African queen, I’m able to let the next generation know that you should embrace the fullness of our beautiful African attire and African style without it being outdated,” she said.
‘We Are Just Getting Started’
Looking ahead after five years in the royal household, the Olori expressed gratitude for the journey but said she regarded the period as the beginning rather than the culmination of their work.
“I’m really thankful for the last five years. It’s been like five years that has felt like 50 years, but at the same time felt like five months,” she said.
Describing the period as “incredible,” she maintained that much more remained to be accomplished.
“But I know that we are just getting started,” she declared.
She identified the Royal Iwere Foundation as a critical vehicle for human capital development in the Warri Kingdom.
According to her, the foundation is expected to serve as the “engine room” through which people would be equipped to develop themselves and, ultimately, their communities.
She also highlighted the role of Elevate Africa, expressing the ambition that lessons and models developed in Warri could eventually serve as a model for human capital development across Africa.
Her vision, she said, was for Warri to demonstrate that sustainable community development was possible and that successful interventions could be replicated across the continent.
‘I Am Itsekiri’ App to Become Digital Village
One of the major initiatives she discussed was the newly launched I Am Itsekiri mobile application, which she described as a digital village designed to connect Itsekiris across the world with the palace, their communities and one another.
She disclosed that the idea for the platform began in March 2022 and took about four years to develop.
The project initially began as a website before consultations with stakeholders led to its transformation into a mobile application.
The objective, she explained, was to build a digital meeting point for sons and daughters of Itsekiri descent living in Nigeria and across the globe.
She noted that Itsekiris could now be found in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Japan and Australia, creating a need for a platform through which members of the community could remain connected regardless of geographical location.
“We want them to connect to the palace, so they know when the palace is coming to their city; they know what’s happening, also, to connect to their communities,” she said.
The application will also provide information on development activities across communities and create opportunities for people in the diaspora to participate in projects in their ancestral communities.
But beyond palace-to-community communication, she said one of the most important purposes of the application was to enable Itsekiris to find and connect with one another wherever they may be.
“Sometimes we lose each other when we travel. When you’re abroad, you don’t know if there’s any Itsekiri anywhere else. So once you are on that app, ‘Oh, there’s an Itsekiri down the road, let’s connect,’” she explained.
The application will also be used for cultural preservation, including teaching younger generations Itsekiri language, dances and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.
She described it as “a digital village” created to restore identity, strengthen connections and support cultural renaissance.
A Royal Agenda Built Around People
Across her various initiatives, the Olori said the central objective remained the same — building people who could, in turn, build stronger families and communities.
From women empowerment and entrepreneurship to language preservation, cultural promotion, digital connectivity and human capital development, she said the ultimate ambition was to ensure that the people of Warri Kingdom were equipped to take ownership of their future.
As the Olu of Warri marks five years on the throne, the Olori’s reflections present a royal agenda that extends beyond ceremony and symbolism, placing human development, women’s agency, cultural preservation and global connectivity at the heart of the next phase of the Atuwatse III reign.
The Delta State Director-General of the Local Content Agency, Olorogun Kakor Stanley Ese, has formally extended warm and emphatic congratulations to Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, upon his meritorious appointment as Director of Finance and Treasurer of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
In a carefully worded statement released to the public, Kakor described the elevation as a clear and compelling testament to His Excellency’s exceptional leadership qualities, unassailable competence, and the profound confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The appointment, he asserted, stands as irrefutable evidence of the Governor’s rising stature within the highest echelons of the ruling party and the Nigerian political landscape.
Kakor expressed unwavering confidence that Governor Oborevwori will deploy his vast reservoir of administrative experience, technical proficiency, and proven capacity for decisive leadership in the service of this critical national assignment.
He maintained that the Governor’s track record of prudent resource management and strategic vision positions him uniquely to discharge the exacting responsibilities of the finance portfolio with distinction and integrity.
The congratulatory message further underscored the symbolic importance of the appointment for Delta State and the broader South-South region.
By entrusting one of its most accomplished sons with such a pivotal role in the forthcoming presidential campaign architecture, the APC leadership has, according to Kakor, demonstrated both political sagacity and a commitment to inclusive national participation.
Kakor noted that the 2027 campaign council represents a defining platform upon which the party’s vision for continuity, economic stability, and accelerated development will be articulated and financed.
In this regard, the selection of a tested administrator of Oborevwori’s calibre sends a powerful signal of seriousness and preparedness to the Nigerian electorate and the international community alike.
He called upon stakeholders across Delta State and the nation to rally behind the Governor in this expanded mandate, emphasising that success in the finance directorate will require collective support, disciplined collaboration, and unflinching loyalty to the progressive ideals championed by President Tinubu’s administration.
Olorogun Kakor Stanley Ese reaffirmed his personal and institutional solidarity with Governor Oborevwori, expressing optimism that the new assignment will further amplify Delta State’s voice in national discourse while reinforcing the APC’s organisational strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly election in Ughelli South Constituency II, Mr. Ricardo Oguma, has expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, as well as to leaders and members of the constituency on his emergence as the party’s candidate.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, Oguma stated that he was truly honoured by the trust the people placed in him by electing him by consensus as the APC candidate for Ughelli South Constituency II in the upcoming 2027 general election.
The statement reads: “Your Excellency, being chosen for this role is not just an honour; it’s a call to serve our community with even greater dedication, commitment, and accountability.
“I am incredibly grateful for your recognition of my abilities and my unwavering commitment to the progress of our constituency and our beloved Delta State.
“Your decision to entrust me with this responsibility has only deepened my determination to serve with humility, discipline, loyalty, and a strong sense of duty.
“I sincerely appreciate the leadership, confidence, and opportunity you have given me. I promise you, Your Excellency, that I will uphold the values of responsible leadership and stay dedicated to the shared dreams of our people.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for believing in me. Thank you for your confidence. Thank you for this chance to serve.
“May God continue to bless you with wisdom, strength, and grace as you lead Delta State.
“I also thank the leaders and members of the APC in Ughelli South Constituency II for their unwavering support. I assure you all that I will not disappoint you.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the September 19, 2026, bye-election into the vacant seat of Udu Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Ator Okolosi, has expressed profound appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, party leaders and members in the constituency for their pivotal role in his emergence as the flagbearer.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okolosi conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the hierarchy of the APC in Udu for the confidence reposed in him, describing their collective support as instrumental to his successful selection as the party’s standard-bearer for the forthcoming legislative contest.
The APC candidate further extended special commendation to the state Governor and leader of the APC in Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for fostering a serene and harmonious political climate that facilitated a smooth and rancour-free process culminating in his emergence as the party’s candidate.
Okolosi noted that the peaceful atmosphere deliberately cultivated under the governor’s leadership had eliminated unnecessary friction and enabled the party to present a united front ahead of the bye-election, which seeks to fill the vacant position in the Udu Constituency of the Delta State House of Assembly.
He emphasised that the solidarity demonstrated by APC leaders and rank-and-file members across the local government remained a clear demonstration of the party’s internal cohesion and readiness to secure victory at the polls on September 19, 2026.
The candidate pledged to reciprocate the trust placed in him by working assiduously, if elected, to advance the developmental aspirations of the people of Udu while remaining steadfastly loyal to the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress and the leadership of Governor Oborevwori.
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday formally commissioned 12 four-bedroom duplexes together with newly built internal roads and drainage systems at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Asaba.
The projects form part of deliberate measures aimed at elevating the welfare, operational efficiency and overall productivity of the state’s public servants.
The governor simultaneously handed over 12 brand-new official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries, characterising the dual interventions as a further landmark in his administration’s determined drive to create an enabling environment that allows senior civil servants to perform their duties with maximum effectiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Oborevwori stressed that the development reflected his government’s unwavering resolve to ensure that meritorious public officers receive the support commensurate with the weighty demands and responsibilities of their positions.
“Today’s ceremony marks yet another decisive milestone in our continuous pursuit of heightened public-sector efficiency. From the very inception of this administration on 29 May 2023, we have consistently ensured that deserving public servants are properly and adequately equipped in alignment with the functional requirements of their offices,” he declared.
He reminded the audience that the same administration had earlier completed eight additional duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters, observing that numerous finished projects across the state still await formal commissioning solely because of the sheer volume of works executed under his watch.
The governor noted that the extra accommodation would permit a greater number of Permanent Secretaries to reside in official residences that properly reflect their status and the gravity of their responsibilities.
Permanent Secretaries, he emphasised, serve as the administrative apex of Ministries, Departments and Agencies. They supervise day-to-day operations, enforce adherence to civil-service rules and regulations, and furnish professional counsel to commissioners on the practical implementation of government policies.
“It is therefore imperative that Permanent Secretaries are furnished with an enabling environment that empowers them to discharge their duties both effectively and efficiently,” he stated.
Oborevwori further disclosed that the internal roads and drainage networks within the quarters had been fully completed, describing the works as a decisive intervention that has finally confronted the protracted problems of erosion and flooding that had long plagued the area.
He pointed out that the roads, drainage and building projects were executed within a remarkably short timeframe, the duplexes having been awarded only in October 2025.
Expressing satisfaction with both the quality and the rapidity of execution, the governor observed that the intervention had converted the quarters from a zone previously ravaged by severe erosion and flooding into a markedly more attractive and habitable environment.
“The roads and drainage systems in the quarters were previously in a total state of collapse. They were deeply eroded and chronically vulnerable to heavy flooding. With the completion of these works, residents now enjoy lasting relief, while the overall aesthetics of the quarters have been substantially enhanced,” he said.
The projects, he added, further underscore his administration’s steadfast commitment to the welfare and dignity of civil servants.
Since assuming office, the government has rolled out multiple initiatives designed to improve both the working and living conditions of public officers.
He revealed that seven Permanent Secretaries had earlier received official vehicles, while the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were being presented with brand-new vehicles on the occasion.
In addition, 302 public servants have already benefited from the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, and a further 119 have accessed the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.
The governor also announced that farming support had been extended to civil servants interested in agriculture, an initiative intended to generate supplementary income streams for beneficiaries while simultaneously bolstering food security.
On capacity development, Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s sustained investment in the training and retraining of public servants, especially those at senior levels.
He disclosed that 450 senior management staff had been sponsored to undertake a comprehensive seven-week training programme aimed at reinforcing leadership capacity and preparing officers for elevated responsibilities.
He highlighted the administration’s firm adherence to merit-based appointments and career progression within the civil service, noting that all 25 local government areas in the state now have Permanent Secretaries following the recent appointment and swearing-in of 12 new ones.
Reiterating his commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor recalled that Delta State ranked among the first states to implement the new national minimum wage in full.
He therefore called on civil servants to reciprocate the government’s welfare measures with heightened dedication, professionalism, integrity, transparency and accountability.
Beneficiaries of the new residences and vehicles were specifically urged to ensure the proper maintenance, security and cleanliness of the facilities entrusted to them.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, explained that the project consists of 12 units of four-bedroom duplexes fully equipped with solar power and water facilities. He praised Governor Oborevwori for prioritising the welfare of civil servants and for providing the Ministry of Housing with the necessary backing to deliver the project successfully.
In her welcome address, the State Head of Service, Dr. Minnie Oseji, described the new residential accommodation as compelling evidence of the purposeful leadership of the Oborevwori administration and a clear symbol of its dedication to the welfare, dignity and productivity of senior public servants.
She characterised the commissioning of the 12 duplexes and the presentation of official vehicles as a significant transformation in the welfare narrative of Permanent Secretaries, adding that the provision of official vehicles would appreciably enhance the mobility and operational efficiency of the recipients.
The Head of Service expressed profound appreciation to the governor for his consistent commitment to good governance, citing recent interventions in training programmes, the digitalisation of government processes and the funding of Public Service Week activities.
A homegrown technology initiative has been credited with helping to curb the spread of false information during the just concluded Osun State Governorship Election held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Nest Africa AI Innovation Lab said its newly launched AI-Powered Election Information Integrity Situation Room, AI-EIISR, was deployed for the first time to monitor and counter viral falsehoods in real time.
The project, run under the Lab’s Policy, Governance and Public Innovation portfolio, combines artificial intelligence tools with a team of trained human analysts to track, verify and debunk misleading election content.
This is contained in a statement signed by Ameerah Adamu Project lead Policy Govanance and public innovation associate
Twenty analysts and observers were stationed in the situation room throughout the voting and collation period. Their mandate was to flag suspicious posts on social media, cross-check them against official sources, and issue public verdicts quickly.
According to the Lab’s findings, the team reviewed a wide range of claims, from fabricated result sheets and AI-generated images to impersonation scams and premature declarations of victory.
One of the most circulated falsehoods was a graphic that credited the APC candidate with 45,456 votes and presented the figure as a final result. The Lab said the image was unofficial and misleading.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, remains the only constitutionally empowered body to collate and announce election results, the report stressed, warning voters not to rely on unverified tallies.
Analysts also flagged several images that showed clear signs of artificial intelligence manipulation. The pictures contained distorted text and mismatched details that did not match authentic photographs from polling units.
Another case involved a WhatsApp message impersonating a popular Afrobeats artist. The message promised a ₦100,000 election cash giveaway and directed recipients to a phishing link designed to steal bank details.
The scam message further urged users to forward it widely before authorities could respond, a tactic the Lab said was aimed at exploiting the urgency and excitement around election day.
The situation room also debunked a claim that the incumbent governor had secured a lead in 13 local government areas. At the time the claim went viral, voting and collation were still ongoing and no result sheets were available to support it.
Project lead Ameerah Adamu said the exercise revealed that election misinformation now spans a broad spectrum. It ranges from fake result graphics to financial fraud that borrows the credibility of public figures.
She added that speed alone is not enough. Analysts must also use precise language to distinguish between claims that are demonstrably false and AI-generated, and those that are simply unverified or premature.
By intervening quickly, the situation room helped narrow the window in which fabricated content could influence public perception and voter behavior, the Lab stated.
The deployment is the first real-world test of Nest Africa’s AI-Powered Public Information Integrity Platform, AI-PIP, which is designed to strengthen democratic resilience and public trust across Africa.
Looking ahead to Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, the Lab said it plans to expand the network of trained analysts and field observers to provide nationwide coverage.
Central to that expansion, Adamu said, is youth agency. The Lab is training young Nigerians to verify claims, identify AI-generated deepfakes, and challenge false narratives in real time.
“Election information integrity is not a one-time effort, it is infrastructure,” Adamu stated. “Nest Africa AI Innovation Lab remains committed to building that infrastructure, powered by AI and led by Africa’s youth.”
