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Guwor Calls for Renewed Hope, Unity As Nigeria Celebrates 26 Years of Democracy

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has enjoined Nigerians to continue to strive for a united, prosperous, and democratic nation.

The Speaker made the call in his Goodwill message to the people on the 26th anniversary of the return of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Rt Hon Guwor stated that the milestone was worth celebrating as it reminds us of our collective strength and resilience as a people.

The Speaker noted that post-May 29th 1999 events in Nigeria, called for deep reflection, saying that no matter the challenges, the nation has been on the path of progress since the return of democracy in the country.

He appealed to key players and all other democratic elements and institutions, not to compromise on the survival and development of democracy in Nigeria.

Guwor emphasized the need for all to continue to cherish the nation’s democracy and strive for a better Nigeria.

The Speaker on behalf of the Delta State House of Assembly, conveyed warmest felicitations to Deltans on the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s democracy and commended the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping Hope Alive in the state.

He said, “As Deltans, let’s celebrate our diversity and contributions to Nigeria’s growth. May our state continue to thrive under democratic governance”.

Rt Hon Guwor particularly appreciated his constituents of Warri South West, for their trust and support and called for their commitment in building a brighter future for Delta state and Nigeria.

The Speaker prayed that the 26th anniversary shall inspire great hope, unity, and progress in Nigeria.

State of The State Address: Delta Journalists Barred From Media Coverage

Security operative attached to the Delta State House Of Assembly on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 obstructed Journalists from covering governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s state address.

Journalists from leading national and regional media outlets, including The Punch, The Guardian, Tribune, ThisDay, Champion, Emerald Online, The Story, BusinessDay, Leadership, New Telegraph, ThisDay, Nigerian Pilot and many others were denied entry into the Assembly complex despite arriving as early as 9:30am and presenting valid identification.

The police officer who said he was in charge identified as ASP Saviour David, told the assembled press that they would not be allowed inside, without offering a clear explanation.

“The order came from above,” ASP David said. “If you like, call anybody, nobody will answer you.”

Shockingly, while frontline reporters were denied access, selected individuals not affiliated with the press and a handful of female journalists attached to Government House, were allowed entry, raising questions of bias and selective transparency.

Efforts to reach the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor and the CPS to the Speaker for clarification were unsuccessful, as both officials were unreachable at the time of filing this report.

This blatant exclusion of the press has sparked outrage among journalists and advocates for press freedom, who view it as a troubling attempt to suppress independent reporting and limit public access to state proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, officially invited journalists to cover the event, yet security operatives heavily armed blocked journalists from entering the complex premises to carry out their dutiful assignment.

Uzum Commends Chiedu Ebie’s Commitment To Development Of Otolokpo Community

By JOHNSON EBIGIDE

Eugene Azuka Uzum has commended the strong commitment of Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the development of Otolokpo Community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Uzum, a lawyer, policy analyst, politician, and businessman, gave the commendation after a zoom meeting from his base in Canada with some Otolokpo Elites in Nigeria and the diaspora.

While describing the steady infrastructural development of the community through the Ebie-led NDDC as unique, Uzum pledged unalloyed support for. Ebie by the community.

He said that the lightning up of the community through quality solar electrification had improved on the socioeconomic and security life of the people, adding that water is life and the NDDC had sunk water boil holes in the community for regular supply of potable water in the community.

He said that Otolokpo people, including the monarch, love Ebie and would continue to pray for his welfare at all times, adding that Ebie had within his short stay in office as the Chairman of NDDC attracted several laudable infrastructural development to not only Ika Nation, but the state and Niger Delta region generally.

Why calling on Deltans to continue to support Ebie in his unflinching determination to bring greater development to the Niger Delta region through the instrumentality of the NDDC, Uzum pray God to continue to bless the chairman with good health and the wisdom in piloting the affairs of the commission.

Drive Carefully, Put Safety of People’s Life First Onoriode Tells Road Users 

By Ben-Whyte Iminabo

Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure has advised road users and motorists to apply caution while driving and consider the safety of their passengers.

Agofure, who was represented by the Director, Vehicle Inspection, Engr. Vincent Ehiwario gave the  advice during the flag off of the 2025 Edition Of Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Sapele, with the theme, Drive Safe, to stay alive.

On his part, the Director of Vehicle Inspection, Engr. Vincent Ehiwario commended the state government led by Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for putting things in place to ensure a free flow of traffic throughout the year by awarding a series of contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of several roads in the state.

Ehiwario said it was evident in the ongoing construction of three flyovers and expansion of roads at DSC Round about, PTI junction, Effurun Round about and several other roads spread across the 25 Local Government Areas in the State.

He advised motorist and other road users to avoid over speeding and overloading of their vehicle and urged them to work hand in hand with the Government to ensure an accident free year by abiding to all safety rules and regulation.

He specially appealed to members and staff of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers and Keke Union to put lives of people first in the process of doing their work.

He also called on all Safety Enforcement Agencies like FRSC, Police, DESTMA, Army, VIO, and NSCDC to intensify their effort in the task of achieving an accident free year.

Present at the event were members of the National Union of Road Transport worker(NURTW) Sapele branch, Chairman and Officials of the state Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) Sapele Branch and representative from Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) .

DTHA Speaker Congratulates Ukah On His Emergence As NIPR Council Member

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, has congratulated the Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, on his election into the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Ukah emerged as one of the 17 newly elected members of the 21-member Governing Council at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The newly constituted council will oversee the administration and affairs of the professional body for the next two years.

In a congratulatory message issued on Friday by the Speaker and made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Nkem Nwaeke, Rt Hon Guwor described Chief Ukah’s election as a testament to his outstanding contributions to public relations practice in Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethical leadership.

The Speaker noted that Ukah’s emergence into the Council did not come as a surprise, given his enviable record of service, both in the private and public sector as well as within the communication industry.

“On behalf of the Delta State House of Assembly, I extend warm congratulations to Chief Patrick Ukah on this well deserved victory. His election into the NIPR Governing Council is a recognition of his deep-rooted professionalism, leadership capacity, and unwavering dedication to public communication,” the Speaker said.

Rt Hon Guwor further expressed confidence that Chief Ukah will bring his wealth of experience to bear in advancing the ideals of the Institute and promoting excellence within the public relations profession in Nigeria.

He wished the Delta-born media administrator a successful and impactful tenure as he joins other distinguished members to pilot the affairs of the NIPR over the next two years.

“I once again convey my warmest congratulations to Chief Patrick Ukah, on his election to the NIPR Council. May his new role bring opportunities for growth and impact to the Institute.

Ukah Emerges Council Member of NIPR 

By Chibuzor Ogode

Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Patrick Ukah has been elected council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, at the ongoing Annual General Meeting of the Institute taking place at ceedapeg Hotels Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ukah was elected alongside with sixteen others into the highest echelon of NIPR.
The election, which held on May 22, 2025, at the ongoing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NIPR was conducted electronically for the first time in the institute’s history and was very credible and transparent.

The election had a total of 738 persons accredited, with 518 persons voting, representing 71percent of voters. Out of 20 candidates screened for the election, 17 contested, while three opted out. The President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, was re-elected with a total of 518 votes, the Vice President secured 468 votes, and Patrick Ukah garnered 422 votes.

‘Ukah election into the council has strategically positioned Delta State Chapter in the national scheme of things in the Institute’ and Ukah’s tenure as Council Member of NIPR would fast track the growth of the chapter in the state. says Elder Emma Ogidi a senior fellow of the Institute.

Ukah’s victory has made Delta State in good standing both in local and national affairs of NIPR to raise the bar of professionalism and ethical standards.

NIPR Essential To Promoting Good Government – Ukah

By Ogode Chibuzor

Patrick Ukah, Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, has asserted that the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) holds a strategic role in advancing good governance across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the NIPR held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Ukah, a former Secretary to the Delta State Government and two-time Commissioner, emphasized that public relations is not just a communication tool but a critical framework for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.

He described the NIPR as a catalyst for institutional effectiveness, noting that the expertise of PR professionals must be integrated at every stage of government planning and execution to ensure policies translate into real dividends for the populace.

“NIPR is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Its practitioners bridge the gap between government and citizens, ensuring programs are well understood, properly implemented, and widely accepted,” Ukah stated.

Ukah, widely credited with revitalizing the Delta State chapter of the institute, expressed strong confidence in the leadership direction of Dr. Ike Neliaku and pledged to support that vision if elected to the council in the forthcoming NIPR elections.

Drawing on his extensive public service record, Ukah promised to bring a blend of experience and reform-minded leadership to the national council, aimed at further professionalizing the practice of public relations in Nigeria’s public sctor

Five Orphanages Shut Down Over Baby Trafficking, Child Rights Violation

Five orphanages in Lagos State have been shut down in the last one year for offences ranging from baby trafficking to violations of the State Child Rights Law of 2015.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office.

Ogunlende revealed that the closures were part of the ministry’s efforts to clamp down on illegal practices and safeguard the rights of children across the state.

“We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, which is why our officers work round the clock.

“Any facility found to be engaging in unwholesome activities such as baby trafficking will be decisively dealt with; we have the records with us,” he said.

According to him, the ministry operates a dedicated monitoring unit tasked with ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protecting the welfare of children in orphanages and similar care facilities.

“Our monitoring team is constantly in the field, ensuring that these homes are operating within the ambit of the law,” he added.

Ogunlende also highlighted the ministry’s broader social intervention efforts, noting that over 4,000 youths had been trained in various vocational skills in the past year.

“Training in vocations such as tailoring, fish farming, ICT; they are at liberty to choose any vocation of their choices,” he said.

He further revealed that more than 200 children had been rescued and rehabilitated during the same period, as part of the ministry’s child welfare programmes.

“Each rescued child represents a life saved from exploitation or neglect. That is what drives our commitment,” he concluded.

Former US President Diagnose With ‘Aggressive’ Prostate Cancer

By Al Jazeera Staff

Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office has said.

Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after doctors discovered a prostate nodule, his office said in a statement released on Sunday.

The former president was taken in for examination after experiencing “increasing urinary symptoms”, the statement said.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” his office said.

“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Biden’s age and health were key concerns among US voters during his time as president, and ultimately torpedoed his bid for a second term.

After a halting performance in the first presidential debate in June 2024, Biden bowed to mounting pressure to end his re-election campaign.

Biden’s Democratic Party then named then-Vice President Kamala Harris as its nominee in November’s presidential election, which she lost to Donald Trump.

Trump, a fierce critic of Biden who continues to blame the former president for many of the US’s economic and foreign challenges, said on social media that he was saddened by the news and that he and the first lady “wish Joe a fast and successful recovery”.

Harris said she and her family were keeping the Bidens in “our hearts and prayers”.

“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris said.

Former US President Barack Obama, whom Biden served under as vice president, extended his sympathies and hailed the veteran politician’s efforts to advance cancer research.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama said.

“We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

Biden’s cancer diagnosis comes as his decision to run for re-election in 2024 is facing renewed scrutiny ahead of the publication of a book detailing the alleged efforts of his inner circle to conceal the then-president’s physical and mental deterioration from the public.

 

Isoko South APC Passes Vote of Confidence on Tinubu, Oborevwori, Joel-Onowakpo

…Osadebe House not vacant, says Joel-Onowakpo

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta, has passed a vote of confidence on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas. for providing purposeful and visionary leadership.

The confidence vote was passed on the trios weekend, at the All Presgresive Party (APC) maiden meeting of Isoko South Local Government Area following the formal mass defection of former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in the local government area.

The meeting, hosted at the country home of Senator Joel-Onowakpo, representing Delta South Senatorial District, had in attendance leaders from the eleven wards of the local government area.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo, alongside other key leaders such as Chief Lucky Esigie (APC Isoko Nation Leader), Rt. Hon. Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff to the Delta State Governor, Odio Askia Ogeh former Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Comr. Egbogbo Vincent, APC Chairman, Isoko South, Rt. Hon. Onwo Ferguson, Member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Bino Obowomano, Member representing Isoko South Constituency I, and Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, Commissioner for Land, Survey and Urban Development, emphasized the need for unity of purpose to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, stated unequivocally that the leader of the APC in Delta State is the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

He explained that the alignment follows directives from the presidency and the national leadership of the party.

He further noted that Governor Oborevwori is the APC’s candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, adding, “The Delta State Governorship is not vacant. We have an administration that is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy, and we must give them the needed support to complete their mandate,”

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, stressed that there is no distinction between old and new members in the party, adding that everyone is APC.

He advised against any actions that might cause division within party ranks, just as he charged all party organs within the local government, especially ward chairmen, to ensure a seamless registration process for new members, warning against any practices that might undermine party unity.

The highlight of the meeting was the formal motion for a vote of confidence, moved by the member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Ferguson Onwo and seconded by Dr Sylvester Onoyona, APC Candidate for House of Representatives, Isoko North and South Constituency in the 2023 general elections in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

The motion was greeted with a thunderous voice vote signaling overwhelming support ofthe trios whom they described as leaders whk have distinguished themselves at their various levels of assignment.

Leaders present at the meeting included: Hon. Barr. Lucky Okperi, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Hon. Austine Igbine, Hon. Benjamin Ogbalor, High Chief Lawrence Eduje, Hon. Benjamin Efekodo, Hon. Mike Okah, Queen Betty Efekodha, Barr Powell Ojogho Barr. Mrs. Mary Erijo, High Chief Edhekpo Uyoyou, Supol Omo-Onyeke, Barr. Duncan Afahokor, Chief Louis Onofighe, Chief Evans Egbo, Chief Victor Egbo, Mrs. Hopelyn Akpotu-Ayu, Comrade Ewariezi Hyacinth, Hon. Joe Arausi, Hon. Eniforo Malam-Obi, Dr. Sylvester Onoyona, Mrs. Pally Eghove, Hon. Philo Apena, Chief Igelige.

Hon. Emakpor Odogu, Mr. Aduze Clement, Hon. Kola Obrogo, Chief Irogbo Afor, Odio Lucky Enigheno, Mrs. Alu Gladys, Mr. Oberebe Vincentino, High Chief Prosper Edo, Prince Oghenekaro Benson, Chief Onoriode Amagada, Comr. Michael Paul Emumena, Comr. Isike David, Mr. Napoleon Eru, Sir Steve Itimi, Hon Lucky Arumari, Barr Uwubiti Rosy, Hon Fred Edoreh, Chief Barr Mike Edegware, Rev Dr Adolor, Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri Rtd, Mr Victor Ekelega, Odio Obaro Godspower, Barr Vincent Omorie, Chief Alade Odiri and others.

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