Home Blog Page 20

Easter: Pastor Okeze Task Christians To Make Sacrifices

Pastor Idowu Okeze has tasked Christians in the country on the need for them to make sacrifices for the greater unity, peace, political stability and progress of Nigeria during this Easter festivals.

Pastor Okeze, in an Easter message signed on good Friday, called on Nigerians and Deltans in particular, to seize the opportunity of the Easter holiday to reflect deeply on what more they need to do as a people, to ensure that they live peacefully with one another in the nation’s quest for a better future for all citizens and residents in the country.

The statement reads in part: “As Christians, we must reflect on the import of Easter celebrations in our dealings, not only with other Christians, but with people of other religions.

“We must eschew bitterness and all forms of violence, because the progress, peace and security of the nation is anchored on good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.”

He noted that if Nigerians lived peacefully with one another they would not be confronted with issues of armed banditry, herdsmen attacks, kidnapping and other vices threatening the soul of the great country.

Okeze urged Nigerians to let the significance of the celebration reflect in their relationship with one another, adding that “there is no doubt that these are tough times in our country.”

He reminded Christians that having gone through forty days of fasting and praying, Easter was a better time for them to purge themselves of those weights that “have impeded our progress as a people over the years by demonstrating love in its fullness not only to one another but also to our society.”

Okeze enjoined Christian faithfuls and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Easter, which are love, peace, justice, sacrifice and kindness to their daily living, and through this contribute to the unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“The major lesson of Easter is for us as Christians to rethink the reality of our faith. As Christians, we should continue to uphold the principles of our faith as it relates to honesty, justice, integrity, accountability, compassion, selflessness and the pursuit of the common good,” he added.

Fostering Hopes Foundation Empowers Additional 3 Families Across Delta

By Patrick Ochei

A Non Governmental Organization under the aegis of Fostering Hopes Foundation has empowered additional three families with a total of 12 children, thereby bringing the compendium of beneficiaries to nine families and 31 children.

The empowerment programme which was simultaneously carried out across Delta State on Friday April 18, 2025, witnessed immense emotional outburst by the beneficiaries.

At Agbor in Delta North, the family of Sunday Blessing, recommended by the Chief Midwife of the Mother and Child Specialist Hospital and Advanced Diagnostic Centre, Owa-Alero, Mrs. Onwudinjo received a business grant of #250,000.00.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) while their four children and one ward at various stages of Nursery and Primary School received scholarships to last until they are done with secondary education.

For the family of Chuks-Ejimofor Evelyn at Issele-Uku in Delta North, they got #250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) as business grants while their five children will be on scholarship until they are done with secondary education.

The third family, Mrs. Okoli Chidinma Rachael at Oleh-Isoko in Delta South, received #250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) and her two children placed on scholarship too. She was recommended by Lady Courage Ayovuata of the Courageous Women, Girls and Children Initiative while the presentation was done by Comrade Michael Ilaya, Chairman of Isoko Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on behalf of the Fostering Hopes Foundation.

According to the Executive Director of Fostering Hopes Foundation, Nkechi Ukome, who supervised the three locations empowerment programme, said she was glad she fulfilled the task of disbursement after the tedious and financially sapping Walkathon Project on the 5th of April.

She affirmed that God is already helping the Foundation to sustain the project of empowering communities, one family at a time, as a way of stabilizing family preservation and protecting vulnerable children in the society.

The ED warmly advised the beneficiaries to ensure prudent utilization of the fund and support their families to thrive in the best interest of the children.

Norsworthy Farms Gift 300KVA Transformer To Ashama Community

Norsworthy Farms and Agro Allied Industries Limited has donated a 300KVA electricity transformer to Ashama Community in Delta State.

Presenting the Transformer to the Obi of Ashama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Obi Solomon Ezechinyelugo II, at his palace, on behalf of the Group Managing Director of Norsworthy Farms, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, his Managing Director, Mr Christopher Tsogbe said it was aimed at addressing the longstanding power supply challenges in Ashama.

Ogbechie said the new transformer would help stabilize electricity supply, thereby improving living conditions of the people of Ashama.

According to him, the gesture was geared towards enhancing rural electrification and supporting local development,

Speaking with Journalists after the presentation, Tsogbe said the gesture was in line with the Norsworthy Farms corporate socio responsibility to their host community.

He said as partners in development the organisation will continually support the growth of Ashama Community.

On his part, the Project Manager, Pastor Philips Onyi Otobo said the transformer will help the people of Ashama address the electricity challenges faced by residents.

Otobo said the peaceful disposition of the people of the community earned them the gesture, adding that they stood out amongst other host communities Norsworthy Farms have partnered with.

Speaking, the Executive Assistant to the Governor(SSG office), Sir Jossy Honnah assured the monarch and the people of Ashama of more developmental strides from the organisation and the state government.

Sir Honnah explained that the corporate Social Responsibility by Norsworthy Farms Limited, is the democratic dividend of the public private partnership initiative of the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff oborevwori of drawing more private investors to the developmental programme of his MORE Agenda to Deltans.

Expressing gratitude to Ogbechie, the monarch said the gesture was a welcome development, as

While appreciating the management of Norsworthy Farms, the President General, Bishop Elomechine appealed to them to help attract more government intervention to the community.

In the same vein, the Owelle of Ashama, Chief Okonkwo George, thanked Ogbechie for remembering them, adding that the transformer would open new doors for socio-economic activities and called for installation of the transformer.

Highlight of the event was the official handover of the transformer to the community and goodwill messages from indigenes of the community to the donor.

EKO Media Aide Comr. Odih Christian Udoka Set to Marry Fiancée Deborah Adokele

In a joyous announcement, Comr. Odih Christian Udoka (OCU), the media aide to the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, is preparing to tie the knot with his fiancée, Miss Emesiobi Deborah Adokele. Comr. Udoka hails from Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, while his bride-to-be, Emesiobi, is from Ogbakiri in the Emohua Local Government Area of River State.

The couple’s traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 31 in Ogbakiri, where family and friends will gather to celebrate their union in line with cultural customs and traditions. The wedding ceremony will follow shortly thereafter, set for June 28 in Okpanam, promising to be a monumental event that unites both families in love and joy.

The announcement has generated excitement among their friends, families, and the wider community. Comr. Udoka, known for his dedication and hard work within the LGA, has received numerous well-wishes and congratulations from colleagues and associates. His commitment to serving the community has earned him respect and admiration, and many are eager to partake in the celebrations.

As the wedding dates draw nearer, plans are in full swing to ensure the events are memorable. Both families are busily preparing for the ceremonies, which are expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the couple. Guests will likely enjoy a fusion of traditions as Delta and River states come together in celebration.

In a time when society often highlights challenges, the upcoming wedding of Comr. Odih and Miss Emesiobi stands as a beacon of hope and joy, reminding everyone of the strength of love and community.

Gov Oborevwori, Onyeme, Others, Set To Grace 2025 Maris Lecture

All is set for the year 2025 edition of Maris Annual Public Service Lecture organised by the Maris Trust Council (MTC).

The annual Maris Lecture series was instituted to proffer solutions to identified challenges of the society and serves as a platform for immortalizing the name of Stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo, daughter of a renowned journalist, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo.

It holds every Wednesday before Easter Sunday and for this year’s edition, it shall hold on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Unity Hall, Government Hall, Government House, Asaba. Time for the lecture is 12 noon.

Maris Lecture has drawn a crop of renowned scholars, experts, and prominent dignitaries that will do justice to the theme for discussion, ‘Local Governance And Sustainable Development.’

The immediate past Managing Director of Champions Breweries, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, will deliver the Keynote Address at the lecture which will have the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the Special Guest of Honour and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, as the Guest of Honour.

Obi Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh Kingdom will be Chair the event while former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Ibakpa, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) who doubles as the Commissioner for Public Information, Delta State, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Real Estate expert and Founder, Eagles Height Estate, Mrs Mabel Magbulu and the Chairman, Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Oyibody will be Discussants at the lecture which will have renowned public affairs analyst, Prof. Kemi Emina, the Odiega of Ebu, as the Moderator.

It is described as the most publicized, most attended public service lecture in this part of the country and this particular edition is eliciting a lot of positive responses from the public who believes that the topic for discussion “is long overdue for discussion” to put Nigeria in irreversible progressive trend.

About the Special Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori:

Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, (JP) was born on the 19th of June, 1963 to the reputable family of Chief Samuel and Mrs Esther Oborevwori of Osubi town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. He had his early education at Alegbo Primary School, Effurun. He also attended Aladja Grammar School, Aladja and later went to Oghareki Grammar School, Oghareki.

He attended Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma for a full time programme, where he graduated with B.Sc. Second Class (Hons) Upper Division in Political Science and subsequently, pursued his post-graduate degree programme at the Delta State University, Abraka, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Political Science.

Hon. (Chief) Sheriff Oborevwori is a man who had always availed himself to serve others even in the face of daunting challenges. Consequently, his people had no hesitation when they elected him as Councilor in 1996, and he was subsequently appointed the Supervisory Councilor for Works in Okpe Local Government Council.

He was the Chairman of Osubi Community from 1996 to 2003. Following his developmental strides in Osubi Community as well as his other contributions to peace and security, he was given the Chieftaincy title of UKODO of Okpe Kingdom in 2003, by His Royal Majesty, the Orhorho 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

On May 25, 2022, Rt. Hon. Sheriiff Oborevwori, won the gubernatorial primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and on March 18, 2023, he emerged as the Governor-elect, Delta State with 360, 234 votes against his closest rival, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who scored 240,229. He was sworn-in as the Governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023 and since his assumption of office as the Governor of Delta State, the state is witnessing a lot of developmental activities as the Governor executes the M.O.R.E. Agenda of his administration.

He is happily married with children.

AWARDS:

Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori (JP) has been recognized and awarded by many organizations for his service to humanity, social and traditional institutions, which include:

* Member Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

* Chartered Management Consultant, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Canada.

* Certificate on Top Executive Leadership Programme, Manchester Business School, Manchester University.

* Certificate on Conflict Resolution in Democracy, Dubai.

* Certificate on Legislative Management and Leadership, International Law Institute (ILI) , Washington DC, USA.

* Certificate on Leading Inclusive Development from London School of Economics And Political Science.

* Merit Award from National Association of Okpe Students (NAOS).

*Merit Award from National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

* Certificate of Honour from Okpe Kingdom and other several Awards from different Organisations and Institutions.

POSITIONS HELD:

– Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Executive Governor of Delta State from 2012 to 2014.

– Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Youth Development from 2003-2006.

– Justice of Peace, 2007.

– Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Land Security, August 2007 to September 2010.

– State Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, 2009 and 2010.

– Elected Member of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2015 to represent Okpe State Constituency.

– Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly – May 11, 2017 to 2023.

– Governor, Delta State – May 29, 2023 to date.

Insecurity: DOPF Charges Southern Governors To Take Decisive Action

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has charged Southern Governors to take proactive measures in their states to tackle Fulani herdsmen and other forms of banditry in their various states.

This was disclosed in a press statement Signed by the Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli and his Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha

It stated that there was need for to governors to swing into action into the worsening security situation across Nigeria, particularly in the Southern region.

”We are alarmed by the growing wave of kidnappings, killings, raping of our mothers and daughters and terror being visited upon innocent citizens by criminal elements, many of whom disguise themselves as herdsmen or hunters.

”The situation has reached a breaking point and the continued silence or passive responses from our state governors is no longer acceptable.

”We strongly urge the governors of Southern Nigeria to take their constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officers seriously and act with urgency to tackle this existential threat currently faced by our people in Southern Nigeria”’ the statement noted.

According to DOPF ”The Land Use Act vests control of all lands in the hands of the governors, and they must not fold their hands while their people suffer untold hardship and terror on their ancestral lands. It is time for proactive leadership that prioritizes the safety of lives and property over “Political Interest.”

”We also call on the governors to take a cue from the bold and commendable stance of the Emir of Muri in Taraba State, His Royal Highness Abbas Njidda Tafida, who issued a 30-day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate the region over repeated cases of kidnapping and killings allegedly perpetrated by some of them. In a viral video message, the Emir, visibly angry and frustrated, asked, “If people in the North can ask them to leave, why are Southerners treating them with leniency?” This is a question the Southern governors must reflect upon and act on decisively.”‘

While reminding them of the President’s directives to governors, the Forum enjoined them to take ownership of the security situation in their domains and deploy all lawful means to restore peace as President Bola Tinubu had earlier said.

BREAKING: NMU Appoints Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as Registrar, Others To Key Administrative Roles

OKERENKOKO – THE Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, has announced the appointment of Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as Registrar and two principal officers to strategic administrative positions.

The decision was reached during the University’s 21st Governing Council meeting, held on April 15, 2025, in Warri, Delta State.

The other appointees include Abduldayan Fatimah Jibril as the University Librarian, and Gbe Tamaraudebaemi Justin as Bursar.

Bebenimibo until his appointment is the Head of Department of Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies at the Delta State University, Abraka.

Dr. Bebenimibo, an accomplished academic administrator with years of experience in higher education management, emerged as the top candidate after a rigorous selection process led by an eight-member interview panel constituted by the university.

He was also one time Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC with track record of integrity, dedication, and academic excellence was key to his appointment.

In a statement issued by the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Abdullahi Bardi, the appointments followed due process in accordance with the university’s statutory regulations.

Bardi expressed confidence in the appointees, stating that their wealth of experience and professionalism would significantly bolster the continued growth and development of the Nigeria Maritime University.

DOPF Congratulates Tompolo at 54 for championing Media Development, Security in Niger Delta

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has felicitated with High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on his 54th birthday, praising his remarkable contributions to media development and national security.
In a message signed by DOPF Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary Shedrack Onitsha, the Forum lauded Tompolo as a “patriotic son of the Niger Delta whose impactful leadership continues to drive regional and national progress.”

The statement commended Tompolo’s unwavering support for the media in Delta State, highlighting his role in promoting press freedom and objective journalism. “His commitment has helped sustain online media platforms and ensured the voices of the Niger Delta people are heard,” DOPF noted.

DOPF also applauded his security firm, Tantita Security Services Limited, for safeguarding vital oil infrastructure, combating crude oil theft, and creating jobs. “Through Tantita, Tompolo has not only secured the nation’s economic lifeline but also fostered peace and stability in the region,” the Forum added.

Wishing him continued health and wisdom, DOPF described Tompolo as “a symbol of resilience, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.”

LGSC Trains 72 Staff On Effective Communication

The Delta State Local Government Service Commission has trained 72 staff of the Unified Local Government Service on “Effective Communication As a Tool for Smooth Implementation of Policies and Programmes for Employees ”

The 2-day seminar which took place at the conference hall of the Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat in Asaba, was organised by the Local Government Service Commission in collaboration with Onanefe Global Ventures.

While declaring the seminar opened, the Commission Chairman, Hon Dcn Joseph Otirhue, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to constantly train and retrain her staff as a top priority.

He said the training workshop which has Establishment Officers, Information Officers, Marriage Registry Officers and their Assistants as participants was mounted to equip them with the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate effectively in their roles.

He emphasized that, effective communication is the backbone of successful policy implementation adding that, it is a bridge that connects policy implementation and beneficiaries. He said without effective communication ,even the best laid policies and programmes can falter, leading to confusion, mistrust and ultimately failure.

Furthermore, Otirhue said the participants play a critical role in the implementation of policies and programmes at the Local Government level and as such, effective communication with stakeholders, colleagues and the public is very essential to these initiatives.

The seminar had seasoned Resource persons who took the participants on topics such as, “Communication in Business: Global Perspective” ,Work Attitude, Ethics and Basic Fact about Human being at Work “and Making Powerful and Effective Presentation: Public Speaking and Presentation Skill among others.

Speaking on behalf of the Participants, Mr Godwin Okoh appreciated the Commission for organizing the seminar and pledged that they will be good ambassadors of the Commission as they will put the knowledge they have acquired into practice in their duties at the various councils.

 

Gov. Of The Year Award: Otirhue Congratulates Oborevwori

Chairman, Local Government Service Commission. Hon. Dcn Joseph Otirhue Congratulates Delta State Governor as he bags Governor of the Year Award for Good Governance.

 

MOST READ

LATEST STORIES