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Echoes Of Commendation As Oshimili South PDP Receives Senior Political Adviser To Delta State Governor

In a well attended occasion held at the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu hall, the Senior Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo visited Oshimili South PDP faithfuls which included leaders of the party in the local government, elected and appointed members of the Party amongst other party faithfuls present.

Notable leaders such as the PDP LGA Party Chairman, Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu, the Council Chairman, Chief Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili; Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji,Alanza Uche Ugboma to mention but a few where all present to welcome the guests.

In a welcome address by the PDP LGA party chairman Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu, the visit was timely and well appreciated by the entire party faithfuls.

The Party Chairman acknowledged the good works of His Excellency the Governor of Delta State just as he pleaded for more to be done not only in Oshimili South but across the entire State.

A formal presentation of a well drafted letter was handed over to the Senior Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor of Delta State which was a major highlight of the occasion, as the need for the construction of the Oko road was emphasised and the rehabilitation of other internal roads within Asaba with major reference made to the Ezenei avenue road where major talking points that require urgent attention.

Other speakers echoed the urgency of intervention on roads within Oshimili South which comprises of Asaba, Oko and Okwe communities.

One of the major talking points was the need to give Oshimili South more attention as the LGA has over 200,000 registered voters.

This was stated as Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya reminded the Senior Political Adviser of the role in terms of electoral victory Oshimili South in particular has played over the years.

Adding to what other speakers said, the Council Chairman chairman, Chief Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili stressed on the need for more appointments to be given to members of the PDP in Oshimili South LGA as that will boost the chances of victory for PDP in future elections.

Responding to the various speakers from the LGA, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor of Delta State stated clearly that His Excellency the Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has special interest in Oshimili South and recognises the need to beautify and construct roads within the LGA.

He pleaded for understanding and assured the people of Oshimili South to remain positive as the M.O.R.E agenda will be felt positively in the LGA during the administration of Rt. Honourable Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

In a surprising turn of events, the Senior Political Adviser gave a parting gift to the party faithfuls as he was impressed by the turn out and promised to keep in close touch with the leadership of PDP within the LGA.

-Oshimili South PDP Media support group –

Nigeria @64: The Imperative For Economic Sovereignty and National Social Safety Net

As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, I find myself reflecting on the nation’s journey having been born in the same year. Approaching my 64th birthday this December, I cannot help but question whether this is the Nigeria those who fought for its independence envisioned, or indeed, the Nigeria we ought to have achieved by now. Sixty-four years is more than sufficient time for a nation to lay solid foundations, build enduring structures, and craft a vision that serves both its people and posterity. While we have undoubtedly made progress in certain areas, the gaps in our development, particularly in critical sectors, are glaring.

The failure to meet these expectations stems largely from internal contradictions and external pressures—both of which we, as a nation, have either enabled or aggravated. Neocolonialism and the lack of a robust national social safety net remain two of the most formidable barriers to our progress. If we can address these twin challenges, I believe Nigeria can reclaim its potential as a truly independent and thriving nation.

For over six decades, Nigeria has been shackled by the vestiges of neocolonialism. In the wake of political independence, we have continued to grapple with a form of subjugation that is perhaps even more insidious: the economic, political, and cultural dependency that continues to tie us to external forces. Neocolonialism manifests itself through unfair trade practices, external political interference, and the persistent exploitation of our resources. More concerning, we have often been complicit in our subjugation—consciously or unconsciously enabling this dependency through policy choices that prioritize foreign interests over national sovereignty. Why, after 64 years of independence, do we continue to rely so heavily on the West? Why have we allowed ourselves to remain consumers, rather than becoming producers? Why have we surrendered control over the value of our currency, and by extension, our economic sovereignty?

At 64, Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, remains in a state of perilous decline. The persistent depreciation of the Naira against major global currencies, particularly the dollar, is compounded by our misguided practice of paying for professional services in foreign currencies. This has become a drain on our economy, and it must be stopped. One of the critical gaps in our regulatory framework is the absence of an explicit prohibition against the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, particularly in payment for services. This loophole in the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and the Foreign Exchange Act has allowed exploitative practices to persist unchecked. It was in recognition of this that I presented “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, No. 7, to Prohibit the Discriminatory Use of Foreign Currency for Remuneration and for Matters Connected Therewith.”

The time has come for all domiciliary accounts in the country to be converted into Naira. These accounts have become a conduit for speculation and arbitrage, further eroding the value of the Naira. Many use them to purchase dollars in the parallel market, hedge against inflation, or hoard foreign currency until the Naira depreciates to a favorable level. This speculative behavior largely accelerates the devaluation of our currency. Besides, funds held in Naira are far more likely to be reinvested into the domestic economy.

Bureau de Change (BDC) operators should return to their original role of facilitating currency exchange for foreigners, while promoting the use of the Naira for all domestic transactions. The value of a nation’s currency is intrinsically linked to its sovereignty. If we do not take decisive steps to enhance the demand for the Naira, we cannot expect others to respect it, let alone trade with it. Sixty-four years is more than enough time for us to assert our economic independence.

I must commend the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for introducing and adopting several measures to enhance the value of the Naira. These include compelling banks and IMTOs to disburse diaspora remittances in Naira, issuing new guidelines for BDCs to declare the source of FX and electronically transmit over 70% of FX sales, and the EFCC circular warning businesses against charging for services in foreign currencies. Most recently, the approval to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in Naira instead of Dollars was another critical step.

Many of these actions reflect the recommendations I outlined in my January press statement, titled “Urgent Call for the Use of Naira as the Only Legal Currency in Nigeria and to End Other Policies That Unfairly Disadvantage the Naira.” While I commend these efforts, I urge the federal government to adopt a comprehensive strategy by implementing all proposed policies in their entirety as they have proven effective. Adopting them piecemeal will only diminish their overall impact.

As we commemorate Nigeria at 64, it is imperative that we shine a spotlight on the nation’s social safety net. We must ask ourselves: how are our most vulnerable populations surviving? The pervasive issues of poverty and the societal decay it engenders have escalated to a level of urgency that can no longer be overlooked. I articulated this concern in an open letter to the President a few weeks ago, titled “Reimagining Nigeria’s Social Safety Net: A Call to Replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency Under the Office of the President.”

Social security must be acknowledged not merely as an act of benevolence but as a fundamental right of citizens. The agency would “target and address the needs of the vulnerable population through a more efficient and sustainable system, one that truly empowers rather than pities, one that upholds the dignity and respect every Nigerian deserves. A system that ensures citizens feel truly secure, confident that no matter the circumstances, their basic needs for food and shelter will be met, a system that will provide the government with the necessary space to focus on other critical aspects of governance, free from unprovoked backlash due to perceived neglect or lack of support.”

The issues of neocolonialism and social safety net deficiencies are not unique to Nigeria; they threaten the future of Africa as a whole. Neocolonialism continues to impede the full realization of sovereignty and self-determination for African nations. There is a growing call for African countries to unite and break free from these chains to forge a path toward true independence. The adoption of a common currency – a potent symbol of economic unity, can largely reduce external interference and strengthen intra-African trade. This common currency will not only serve as a shield against currency manipulation but also as a defense against foreign economic pressure. To integrate Africa, our common language must be a common currency and common trade.

True independence for Nigeria and Africa is inextricably linked to the issue of reparations. It is impossible to discuss genuine independence for Nigeria and Africa without addressing the issue of reparations. Discussing independence necessitates an earnest examination of the issue of reparations. I chronicled this in a motion titled “Urgent Need to Demand Reparations for Historical Injustice and Mitigation of Neocolonialism in Nigeria and African Nations.” I am hopeful that the the next decade of the Commonwealth would be dominated by discussions of reparations for the atrocities of slavery and colonization, particularly with the potential for the organization to be led by an African Secretary-General. Notably, the three candidates vying for the position have all articulated their support for reparations for nations impacted by slavery and colonization.

As we celebrate our dear Nigeria at 64, I call on the federal government and my fellow legislators to take action and sponsor policies that will yield true independence and loosen us from the shackles of perpetual dependency.

_ Senator Ned Munir Nwoko
Senator, Delta North Senatorial District
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales

Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Celebration: Remain Steadfast Trakiriowei Tells Delta Youths

Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Barr. Harry Thankgod Trakiriowei, has called on youths in the state to remain steadfast.

Trakiriowei, made the call in his address to the youths of Delta State in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration.

While emphasising that current economic challenges has negatively impacted Nigerians, he said “amidst the current challenges, I am encouraging Delta youths to remain steadfast, hardworking, and innovative”.

He said, ” We in Delta State are fortunate to have Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who through the M.O.R.E. agenda prioritizes the empowerment and development of Deltans”.

“Therefore your collective support for the vision of the State Governor will help in shaping a brighter future for youths in the state”, he said.

Trakiriowei said, the state Ministry of Youth Development is committed to deploying the plans and programmes of the Governor for the development of youths in the state.

Adding that his office is open to everyone who wants the betterment of youths in the state and he will ensure that things are justly and equitably done.

Ezechi Questions Office Holders Fear of Journalists

Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon Nnamdi Ezechi, questioned the motive behind the fear of Journalists by political office holders.
Ezechi made this known while speaking with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) during a Media Parley at the Union Secretariat in Asaba.
He said it was surprising to note that persons who were elected and meant to be accountable to the publics they represent, shy away from the Press.
According to the law maker, lack of conscience was just the only reason, why any politician would want to avoid the media.
Ezechi said any politician positively representing his people would be proud to identify with Journalists, whom he said were the only persons that can help promote and publicize their programmes and policies to a large audience.
He urged political office holders to partner with Journalists as they are the ones that can help them succeed in office.
Responding to questions on the proposed bill for the creation Anioma State by the Senator representing Delta North, Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko, he said, he was in support of the motion only on the grounds that it be zoned to the South South region of the country.
While frowning at the poor enforcement of most Nigerian laws, he said there were many laws that have been passed by the national Assembly from immemorial that were yet to be enforced.
He urged the Federal Government to enforce the laws and ensure that his administration’s policies fall in line with the present day realities in the country.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, assured Ezechi of synergy with Journalist in the state.
Oyowe expressed delight with lawmaker’s performance since his resumption tp office, adding that the union was pleased with his support of bills to other constituencies in the state.

Explore Opportunities That Will Enhance Your Contribution Towards Nation Building – Trakiriowei Charges Delta Youths

Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Barr. Harry Thankgod Trakiriowei, has charged youths in the state to continue to explore all available options and opportunities that will enable them contribute their quota towards national development.

Trakiriowei, gave the charge during the grand finale of the International Youth week celebration which held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

He said the recourse to online platforms, including social media and digital incubators will facilitate partnerships and collaborations and enable youths to create solutions to current and emerging challenges for sustainable development.
According to the Commissioner, the event, with the theme “From Click To Progress-Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, which was set aside globally, to enable a review and realignment of policies and initiatives on Youth engagement and development.
He said there was no doubt that the theme, underscores the place of digital skills in youth development, adding that across the world and including Nigeria, there is a transition to digital technology which can be used as a viable tool for social and economic transformation of societies.

Trakiriowei said exploring the any opportunities would help them overcome the challenges that they are confronted with.
He noted that youths constitute over 35 per cent of the nation’s population and that the year’s event put in cognizant the excruciating challenges of unemployment, illiteracy, lack of opportunities and a soaring inflation that is constricting the development of youths.
He however assured them of the Ministry’s efforts in the digital field to boost their engagement activities.


He also revealed that the Ministry was charged with the huge responsibility for youth development, relevant engagement, empowerment policies in the state, adding that initiatives and interventions were in the offing to create the necessary policy frame work and enabling social environment for youths in the state to excel in diverse skills.
While appreciating the governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering commitment and support for our various Youth development initiatives, which are structured in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the State Administration that focuses on the socio-economic development of the State, he said the event was aimed at promoting youth enterprise development and enable poverty reduction in our communities.
The Commissioner, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment towards effectively tackling the challenges affecting youth development in the State, by ensuring the introduction and implementation of relevant youth development initiatives.


The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Girl Child and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon Orode Uduaghan while celebrating their contributions to the development of the state and nation, said their role in nation building has long been adjudged as a critical factor for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.
Frowning at the challenges the current generation of youths were faced with from involvement in drug abuse, online criminal tendencies or Cybercrimes, illegal collection of property development levies, amongst other social vices, he said it has affected their capacities to contribute their quota to societal development.


He said, “it has led to social dislocation and posed a clear and present danger to the future of our State and nation”.
While acknowledging the biting inflation in the nation’s economy, he commended those youths who have been able to weather the social storm by giving preference to legitimate means of livelihood.
The Governor urged them to remain patriotic and focused on pathways for meaningful social engagement.


“Taking to crimes is not and can never be a solution to current challenges. I urge you to concentrate on positive ventures capable of catapulting you to greater and more sustainable prosperous future”, he said.
Oborevwori said “This administration has put in place, relevant structures to drive the process of youth engagement and empowerment through a multi-sectoral approach. Recently, some of our youth-oriented programmes have resulted to the empowerment of thousands of youths in the State through grants to small business owners and farmers”
The governor enjoined them to remain patriotic and committed to exemplary conduct by shunning all forms of crimes and social vices, which include but not limited to drug abuse, cybercrimes, cultism, examination malpractices, kidnapping for ransom, amongst others.


He said other youth-focused programmes will soon to be rolled out through the Ministry of Youth Development, amongst other MDAS, It was gratifying to note that the programmes correspond to the M.O.R.E agenda of his administration, which emphasizes socio-economic development and the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), and places premium on youth involvement in the development matrix.
The Governor called on parents and guardians to take advantage of career benefits in the immense career prospects that are inherent in the Military, which he said have remained untapped by the youths.
Highlights of the annual event were symposium, fashion parade and the unveiling of the MYD Core Values.

Delta Economic Remodelling: Oborevwori Creating Wealth For Youths, Women – Dr Oghenesivbe

…Commends State Police Command’s Crackdown On Fraudsters

An appeal has gone to youths in Delta State, to take advantage of the numerous vocational training, skills acquisition and agricultural programmes initiated by the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, in the ongoing implementation of his MORE agenda.

Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, made the appeal on Friday in Asaba, while reacting to the arrest and parade of over 123 fraudsters by the Ekpan division of the State Police Command, over alleged criminal activities at a location christened Hustlers Kingdom, HK.

He commended the Commissioner of Police and Officers of the State Police Command, for their doggedness and commitment to effective policing in the state, adding that the crime fighting strategies adopted by the command is achieving desired goals of a Crime Free Delta.

The Bureau DG, disclosed emphatically that the good governance strides of governor Oborevwori is already creating wealth for women and youths in the state, as can be seen from the recent empowerment of 6,020 farmers, including youths and women across the three senatorial districts under the D-CARES partnership programme.

He passionately appealed to youths in the state to shun fraudulent activities, and other social vices, such as advance fee fraud,v otherwise known as yahoo yahoo, kidnapping, prostitution, while urging them to take advantage of the numerous youths empowerment and skills acquisition programmes through the State Bureau for Job and Wealth Creation.

“Gov Oborevwori is daily working round the clock, creating jobs and wealth for the people, especially youths and women under his socioeconomic remodelling strategies as captured in the MORE agenda.

“In Delta, we have good stories to tell. Huge infrastructure development and upgrade of medical facilities are ongoing. Advance Fee Fraud, otherwise known as Yahoo Yahoo is alien to us, but suddenly reared its ugly head in some.part of the state.

“Governor Oborevwori is fighting crime via good governance. We are appealing to our youths to take advantage of the various skills acquisition and agricultural programmes. Government target is to raise thousands of young entrepreneurs in the state.

“The governor was pained to learn that some 123 youths from different parts of the country were arrested recently and paraded at Ekpan Police Station over alleged advance fee fraud (yahoo yahoo) activities. This is very sad, and not in our character in Delta State.

“Illegal Hustling kingdom, HK, is not permitted in any part of Delta State. The police is on top of the matter, and more of such criminal hideouts shall be sorted out.

“Hard and illicit drugs have been substantially linked to crime and social vices globally. The governor has approved Drug Free Delta, DFD, campaign through the State Orientation and Communications Bureau. This initiative will help to reduce rate of criminal activities and attitudinal change.

“I commend the Commissioner of Police and Officers of the state Police Command for their patriotism, commitment, intelligence gathering and proactive steps taken so far to fight crime in the state.

“Delta is not, and will never be home to criminal elements and hardened hustlers. Those in the illegal business of yahoo, kidnapping and prostitution should have a change of heart, and embrace government efforts in wealth and job creation. Afterall, there is dignity in genuine labour.

“Governor Oborevwori want our youths to fulfil individual colourful destiny. They must of a necessity associate with people and peers of high moral discipline,” Oghenesivbe said.

Flooding: State Bureau Advises Deltans To Brace Up As Rainfall Worsen

…Says gov’t ‘ll provide medicare, camps, palliative for affected communities

As heavy rainfall is expected to worsen in Delta State, coupled with the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, has appealed to residents to brace up for challenges associated with flooding.

Director General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe while speaking as guest of Voice of Delta FM and Trend FM public affairs programs in Asaba on Wednesday, disclosed that the National Flood Warning Systems Centre, NFWSC, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, had predicted heavy rainfall in 15 States, including Delta, from 24th to 28th September, that may result to serious flooding.

He stressed the need for residents in Abraka, Agbor, Asaba, Umuakwata, Aboh, Ozoro, Oleh, Otu-Jeremi and coastline communities, as well as persons living in floodplain areas to immediately relocate temporarily to upper land, taking with them valuable properties, children, people with disabilities and the elderly family members.

Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also a member of the State Flood Disaster Management Committee, Chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, is putting finishing touches to IDP camps in flashpoint communities, especially Ozoro, Otu-Jeremi, Patani, Kwale and Asaba, adding that the state government will provide Medicare through the Ministry of Health, generate light, provide toilets and other facilities at these IDP camps, as directed by the peoples governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Bureau Director General assured that the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, shall partner the State Flood Disaster Management Committee to assist displaced persons in some coastline communities, coupled with NEMA’s promise to provide free helicopter airlifting of persons in remote areas who may not be able to freely move from difficult terrains to upper land.

“Heavy rainfall has been predicted by relevant government agencies, coupled with release of water from Lagdo Dam by Cameroon authorities.

“It is important that residents in flashpoints and coastline communities are to immediately braise up for the challenges ahead, by relocating to upper land and IDP camps provided by the State government. Specific location of IDP camps will be announced very soon via the mass media.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered the committee and relevant ministries, department and agencies to also provide essential services to all displaced persons in IDP camps, especially in the area of medicare, security, light, toilets, food, while less affected communities shall receive Palliatives to cushion the effects of flooding.

“We urge those likely to be affected by the foreseeable flooding to immediately relocate to upper land, take with them valuable household items and all perishable items.

“It is time to be our brother’s keeper. Government alone cannot do everything. Companies should step up their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes by assisting the state government, care givers and partners to care for displaced persons.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori cares, and we as citizens must rise to the occasion by giving a helping hand to our neighbours,” Oghenesivbe said.

Oborevwori determined to develop all parts of Delta – Aniagwu

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, Thursday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was determined to develop all parts of the state in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Aniagwu disclosed this at Issele-Azagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, during handover of the 2.7km Issele-Azagba-Otulu road to the contractor.

He said the Governor was desirous to connect every local government across the state with quality roads and urged the contractor to brace up with work and deliver on schedule.

“You will recall that few weeks ago Exco approved a number of roads across the three Senatorial districts. After the approval we proceeded to the process of awards and we got a number of contractors who bidded after the projects were advertised.

“This particular project which links Issele-Azagba-Otulu and to Ubulu-Okiti was among the projects that was approved in the course of that Exco.

“It’s been awarded and we are here to examine the level of mobilisation and to formally hand over these projects to the different contractors.

“This particular project is comprising 2.7km and over 3km side drain has been awarded to a contractor we considered capable and it will link up Aniocha North to Aniocha South in Delta North Senatorial District.

“The award of this project is a further demonstration of his meaningful development and opportunities for all planks in his MORE Agenda which is an indication that Governor Oborevwori is indeed a Governor for all Deltans.

“Once this road is completed, the people of Issele-Azagba may not go through the expressway again to get to their local government headquarters at Issele-Uku.

“I have extracted commitment from the contractor and from their work schedule, I am convinced that in no distant time this project would be delivered. I am happy with the speed with which they have mobilised.”

The Works Commissioner said the Oborevwori administration was mobilising contractors to ensure they work with the necessary speed to avoid price fluctuations in the economy.

He said the contractor was mobilised 30 percent of the contract sum, adding that they were expected to deliver the project within 12 months.

“I can assure you that the Governor’s desire in ensuring that our communities are developed is something he is taking very seriously and that is why he has approved mobilisation for a number of these contractors.

“We are doing this because we don’t want a situation were a job is given to anybody and he tells us that he has been very busy scouting for funds hence he has not been able to kick-start the process.

“Even though we know that a lot of the contractors have the resources to mobilise to site, we have to mobilise them so that we don’t move at their own pace because we want them to move at our own pace.

“What we desire first is quality job to be delivered, and secondly to meet up with the speed because we don’t want were a contractor takes a job and then he goes to the market to buy a mattress and begin to sleep on the project.

“We want them to be progressing steadily so that at the end of the day we don’t have to suffer on account of fluctuations in the economy.

“The Governor has directed that we must continue to provide quality supervision on these projects. There are a number of projects we have awarded running into several billions and I can assure you that in less than two weeks from now, a number of other projects would be awarded.

“Governor Oborevwori’s desire is to make sure that every local government whether they are in the North, Central or Southern Senatorial district is touched so that by the time we are coming back to our people in even before 2026-2027, the people themselves would appreciate what we have done.”

Aniagwu who was in company of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon and Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr Solomon Aghagba also inspected the construction of Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue and Chikozie Okafor Road, in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

He told the contractor to ensure that the drains on both side of the road were properly aligned to hit the discharge point, saying the project on completion will boost businesses on the corridor.

Benin-Asaba Highway: Oborevwori Tasks Contractor On Speedy Rehabilitation of Failed Portions

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the contractor engaged by the Federal Government to rehabilitate failed portions of the Benin-Asaba highway to speed up work.

Oborevwori who spoke through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the plea became necessary following untold hardship the failure of sections of the highway had inflicted on motorists plying the route.

The Commissioner, who stated this while addressing journalists at Ezenei junction in Asaba, the state capital, on Thursday, said the failed portions on the highway had been a source of concern to the Governor.

According to him, the failed portions on the Benin-Asaba highway, particularly the Ezenei Junction had become a source of great concern to the state government.

According to Aniagwu, “Governor Oborevwori has been very much disturbed about it and you may also recall that before now he had asked me to come and see what we can do with a view to making it motorable for our people.

“When we came, we discovered that the job was already under contract by the Federal Government and we discussed then with the contractor and along the line we couldn’t proceed.

“We have continued to mount pressure on the contractor because it is not easy to come and take over something that has already been contracted to somebody else, more so when the project belongs to the Federal Government which has already awarded the contract.

“But Governor Oborevwori had continued to mount pressure on us to get the Federal Government Contractor to proceed to site and we can announce to you that we have been able to talk to the Federal Government Contractor to leave other areas to come down here.

“He should have been here earlier than now but we discovered that the materials he needed to effect the repairs were stuck along Auchi axis on account of bad roads,hence the trucks ferrying them could not proceed.

“We pleaded with him to take steps to source materials from other areas and, good enough, he was able to get other materials from Benin, while he is still awaiting the other materials from Auchi.

“He has also explained that equipment would be deployed once he has enough materials to commence the job.”

Aniagwu appealed to motorists plying the road to be patient while efforts were being made to fix the deplorable sections of it.

His words, “We appeal to our people to bear with us; we couldn’t have jumped into this particular road when there is already a contractor who is ready to work but having challenges because of the materials stuck elsewhere.

“We will continue to impress it on the contractor to apply more speed. Good enough you saw the amount of trucks bringing in materials with many others still on the way.

“We hope that by the time this portion of the road is completed, our people will be able to have easy access to the Eastern flank because this is the major road to the East.

“Secondly it will also safeguard our internal roads because the ones diverting from this corridor to our internal roads will also be checked.

“Once this place is fixed, it will bring back the beauty of this area and we do hope that the contractor engaged by the Federal Government will be able to quickly complete this road to save our people from the agony they are passing through navigating this portion of the road.

“You can see the long stretch of trucks stuck on this particular corridor and that tells you the kind of traffic counts that you have on this axis.”

Media Aide To Delta Commissioner For Secondary Education, Bruno To Bury Father Sept 27

The family of late Mr. Francis Iweluegim Amamosa of Okpe-Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, has announced arrangements for his burial rites.

The invitation card made available to The Story, by the son, Mr. Jude Bruno, the Media Assistant to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, said the funeral arrangements will begin on September 27, 2024.

The invite disclosed that the body of late Francis Amamosa, would leave Mother and Child Hospital mortuary, Owa-Alero, in Ika north east on Friday September for his home town for interment

It further revealed that on Saturday September 28, 2024, at 1:00pm, there would be entertainment of guests at Azuowa Primary School, Okpe-Abavo.

While on Sunday September 29, 2024, by 8:30am, there would be thanksgiving service at Worshippers of God Int’l ministries, Okpe-Abavo.

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