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.

By Sunday Apah

In a bold stride toward transforming urban mobility and economic vitality, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is set to officially break ground on the monumental Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli this Monday, January 12, 2026.

This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the governor’s relentless campaign to revolutionize critical infrastructure across the state.

The high-profile ceremony will commence sharply at 11:00 a.m., with VIP guests expected to be seated by 10:30 a.m., as asserted in a press release by Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.

The event promises to attract wide attention as it signals the administration’s unwavering commitment to modernizing the state’s transport framework.

Already, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has mobilized its workforce to initiate groundwork activities onsite, underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance for project delays.

The Otovwodo flyover stands as a centerpiece among two newly ratified flyover initiatives greenlit by the Delta State Executive Council, complementing the nearly finalized triad of flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction, all constructed by the same top-tier contractor.

Further emphasizing strategic foresight, Governor Oborevwori has ordered the expedited construction of four adjacent feeder roads — Ovie Palace Road, Okogbe Road, Oyakemeagbegha Street, and Edo Road — to alleviate traffic congestion and minimize inconvenience to commuters during the flyover development.

In parallel, Julius Berger has also broken ground with preparatory operations at the forthcoming Uromi Junction flyover located in Agbor, Ika South, signaling the state’s relentless infrastructure momentum.

The official unveiling of that project’s groundbreaking will be announced soon.

These transformative flyover schemes form the cornerstone of Governor Oborevwori’s visionary infrastructure renewal agenda, designed to streamline traffic flow, elevate public safety, and ignite a surge in commercial growth throughout Delta State — positioning it firmly on the path to futuristic urban excellence.

…Wants Government to Extend Plantation City Development Model to Entire Otokutu Community

By Sunday Apah

Engr. Charles Ariko, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Otokutu Community, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s development strides across Delta State.

In an open letter dated 7th January 2026 and addressed to the Governor, Ariko appeals for the empowerment of Otokutu indigenes through appointments and other areas of human endeavor.

According to the letter: “I sincerely appreciate the Governor’s commitment to governance and for keeping faith with the people of Delta State through the MORE Agenda.

“The Governor’s leadership has continued to reflect responsiveness, inclusiveness, and a people-centered vision. However, it is important to respectfully draw his attention to Otokutu Community, which is yet to fully feel incorporated into the MORE Agenda.

“Otokutu is not merely a peripheral settlement; it is a strategic and vibrant community whose political relevance and population strength deserve deliberate inclusion in the State’s development framework.

“For many years, particularly during the era of the PDP’s political dominance in Delta State, Plantation–Otokutu has suffered noticeable political neglect despite its loyalty, electoral contributions, and peaceful disposition.

“This long-standing gap has created disparities when compared with neighboring communities that now enjoy visible infrastructural growth.

“Your Excellency, development is not only about physical infrastructure but also about human capital investment.

“Extending roads, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities, and economic empowerment programs to Otokutu will not only uplift the living standards of the people but will also consolidate public trust, strengthen political goodwill, and deepen citizen participation in governance.

“Strategically, inclusive development carries broader political benefits. When communities like Otokutu are visibly integrated into the government’s development agenda, it reinforces unity, sustains electoral confidence, and affirms that no community is considered insignificant in the Delta project.

“Also, Plantation City, which is managed by Megatrain, was established on the understanding and formal agreement that its development would go hand in hand with the holistic development of the host Otokutu community.

“Regrettably, this commitment has not been fully honored, as the surrounding Otokutu community continues to suffer neglect despite the massive development within Plantation City.

“Your Excellency, we respectfully urge you to use your good office to revisit the original agreement entered into with Megatrain and ensure that its provisions are faithfully implemented.

“Doing so will not only correct an existing imbalance but will also restore confidence in public–private partnerships and reaffirm the government’s role as a protector of host communities.

“It is also important to acknowledge that Plantation City itself is a model, standard community, whose infrastructure, planning, and amenities reflect modern urban development.

“This model can be strategically replicated in key quarters of Otokutu, particularly in areas adjoining Plantation City, thereby promoting inclusive growth, reducing inequality, and fostering peaceful coexistence between the estate and its host community.

“Such deliberate integration will ensure that development does not exist in isolation but rather serves as a catalyst for broader infrastructural expansion and human capital development within Otokutu, in alignment with the vision of the MORE Agenda.

“We therefore humbly appeal that your administration extend the hand of fellowship and development to Otokutu Community, ensuring it benefits equitably from both infrastructural advancement and human capital development under the MORE Agenda.

“Your Excellency, be assured that our support for purposeful leadership knows no boundaries, and we remain steadfast partners in the collective progress of Delta State.”

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has emphasized the crucial role of continuous training and professional development in ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects throughout the state.

During a meeting with Zonal and Superintendent Engineers of the ministry in Asaba on Tuesday, the commissioner stressed that the ever-evolving nature of engineering demands ongoing learning and skill enhancement.

He noted that regular training enables engineers to stay updated on the latest technologies, global standards, and innovative approaches necessary for modern road construction and urban infrastructure projects.

Izeze reaffirmed the Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s dedication to professionalism, efficiency, and value for money in public project execution, highlighting that such goals require a skilled, motivated, and competent workforce.

He explained that strategic investment in human capital would promote timely project completion, increased durability, enhanced safety, and better cost-effectiveness, all aligning with the Governor’s MORE Agenda.

The commissioner called on engineers and other construction sector stakeholders to commit to continual retraining and strict compliance with project specifications, assuring ongoing ministry support for initiatives that strengthen technical expertise and improve service delivery.

Furthermore, he urged engineers to prioritize physical, on-site project inspections over reliance on GPS data alone, and stressed the need to ensure prompt completion of ongoing projects, especially with the upcoming election year in mind.

Regarding staff welfare, Izeze observed that improved working conditions would boost productivity and performance.

“If you excel in your work and maintain high standards, I am committed to recognizing and supporting you,” he remarked.

He also underlined the significance of training, equating it in importance to the job itself, given the constant introduction of new technologies and methods in the sector. Continuous training and retraining, he added, are vital for maintaining staff relevance and efficiency.

The session was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Mrs. Juliet Aboloje; the Commissioner’s Special Assistant (Technical), Engr. Ejovi Adasen; the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba; the Director of Urban Roads, Engr. Victor Oputa; and several other senior officials.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Mr. Matthew Ochei, a correspondent for Punch Newspaper, describing his death as a significant loss to both the media industry and the nation.

Ochei, who hailed from Ukunzu in Aniocha North Local Government Area, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 43 years old.

In a condolence statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor extended sympathies to the Ochei family, journalists across Delta State, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Council.

He highlighted the late journalist’s dedication, courage, integrity, and strong sense of responsibility in carrying out his duties.

Governor Oborevwori emphasized that Ochei’s unwavering commitment to truth, public enlightenment, and ethical reporting earned him great respect within the media circle and beyond.

“This is a very difficult and sorrowful time. Delta State has lost a devoted and fearless voice who consistently informed and educated the public with professionalism and integrity.

“His sudden death is a profound loss to his family, the media community, and all who value responsible journalism,” the Governor said.

He offered his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late journalist, praying that they find strength to cope with this irreparable loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this challenging time. May Almighty God provide them with comfort and may the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace,” Governor Oborevwori added.

He also assured that the Delta State Government remains united with the NUJ and the entire media fraternity throughout this time of mourning.

By Sunday Apah 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ughelli Correspondents’ Chapel, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a Punch Newspaper Correspondent, Mr. Matthew Ochei, describing his passing as a great loss to the media profession and the nation at large.

Ochei, a native of Ukunzu in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 43 years old.

In a condolence message signed by the Chairman of the chapel, Comrade Matthias Ogbagah, and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the NUJ Ughelli Correspondents’ Chapel commiserated with the Ochei family, journalists across Delta State, and the people of Ukunzu community, noting that the late journalist was a dedicated professional who discharged his duties with courage, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

According to the statement, the death of Ochei is a painful blow to the journalism profession in the state.

“This is indeed a critical and painful moment. Delta State has lost a committed and fearless journalist who informed and educated the public with professionalism and integrity,” he said.

“His untimely passing is a heavy blow to his family, the media community, and all who believe in responsible journalism.”

The NUJ Ughelli Chapel extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, praying that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones he left behind. May Almighty God grant them comfort at this difficult time and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest,” the statement added.

By Sunday Apah

The Sustainable Democratic Movement (SDM) and the Metete Foundation for Widows and Women Empowerment have lauded the Warri South Local Government Council Chairman, Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, for his generous donation of over 300 bags of 10kg rice.

This initiative was aimed at supporting widows and elderly women across all 12 federal wards in Warri South.

The commendation came from the Convener of SDM, Comrade Joy Favour Efekoha, recently, during a joint distribution event conducted in partnership with the Metete Foundation.

The distribution took place just ahead of the New Year celebrations as part of efforts to alleviate the harsh economic conditions many vulnerable women face during the festive season.

Members of both organizations traversed the 12 wards, personally delivering rice to more than 240 widows and elderly women.

Speaking to journalists, Comrade Joy Favour Efekoha praised the Warri South Council Chairman for his unwavering support of humanitarian efforts.

“This outreach underscores a shared commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusion, empathy, and community support at the grassroots level.

“We sincerely appreciate Comrade Agbateyiniro for consistently standing with SDM and the Metete Foundation in our efforts to uplift widows and vulnerable women,” she said.

Efekoha further reaffirmed SDM’s dedication to social impact programs, emphasizing the movement’s core mission to empower women and improve community livelihoods.

“SDM is driven by the people and is committed to transforming lives, particularly by focusing on the empowerment of the girl child and women,” she explained.

The convener further applauded the council chairman’s collaborative approach, highlighting his willingness to partner with social and political groups in reaching those most in need during critical periods such as the yuletide season.

She also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Metete Foundation since its inception, commending its sustained efforts to enhance the welfare of widows and vulnerable women in the region.