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Senator Ned Nwoko Condoles With APC National Chairman On Mother’s Demise

Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North senatorial district, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, over the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.

In a condolence message, Senator Nwoko described the late matriarch as a woman of deep faith and character whose life of service left an indelible mark on her family, the church, and the community at large.

He recalled that together with her late husband, Reverend Toma Goshewe Yilwatda, Mama Lydia dedicated herself to the growth of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), where her humility, devotion, and generosity of spirit became a source of inspiration to many.

“On behalf of the people of Delta North Senatorial District, I extend my deepest condolences to Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on the passing of his beloved mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda. Her death is not only a personal loss to the family but also to the countless lives she touched with her kindness, warmth, and steadfast faith.

“Mama Lydia was a pillar of strength and virtue who embodied the values of sacrifice and service. Alongside her husband, she worked tirelessly for the church and the community, leaving behind a legacy of faith and compassion that will continue to live on.

“In this moment of grief, I urge Professor Yilwatda and the entire family to take comfort in the noble example she set and the enduring impact of her good works. May her soul find eternal rest, and may the family be granted the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, the statement read.

Oborevwori Empowers 10,000 Widows In Delta State

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially flagged off the Delta Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark social investment initiative designed to provide financial relief and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across the state.

The well-attended ceremony at the Events Centre, Asaba, was described as a major milestone in the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly the pillar of Opportunities for All, aimed at uplifting the vulnerable and promoting inclusive governance.

In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his personal and political commitment to the welfare of widows, describing widowhood as a painful circumstance that is never by choice.

“Being a widow is not by choice, and it will never be anyone’s choice. Beyond the pain of losing a loved one, widows are left with the burden of survival.

“That is why this administration is determined to improve their living conditions and give them hope,” the Governor stated.

According to him, under the programme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, credited directly into their bank accounts.

Payments are to commence immediately, with beneficiaries receiving an initial ₦45,000, covering three months in arrears.

In addition to financial aid, all beneficiaries are being enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, giving them free access to healthcare services at accredited hospitals and primary health centres.

Governor Oborevwori stressed that the scheme is non-political and inclusive, cutting across all ethnic and religious divides.

Beneficiaries were identified through a transparent, community-driven process involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to ensure that only genuine widows benefit, particularly the aged and physically challenged.

Since assuming office, the Oborevwori administration has empowered over 266,000 Deltans through women and youth empowerment schemes, skill acquisition programmes, MORE grants, and business support initiatives.

“As we build roads, bridges, and infrastructure, we must also invest in the welfare of our people. True governance is not just about physical projects but about touching lives and giving hope,” the Governor affirmed.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the initiative, described it as “a historic milestone in Delta’s social investment journey”.

He commended the Governor’s compassion and praised First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy on behalf of widows.

Some beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo, expressed deep gratitude, noting that the initiative would not only ease their financial burdens but also guarantee access to healthcare in their communities.

With the launch of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Delta State has further established itself as a pacesetter in pro-people governance, setting a new benchmark for compassionate and inclusive leadership in Nigeria.

Mulade Calls for Developmental Bonds Amongst Ijaw, Itsekiri Nationalities

A renowned peace and development advocate in the Niger Delta region, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D has urged the Ijaw and the Itsekiri ethnic nationalities of Delta State to foster bonds of unity and friendship so as to attract investors to their areas for positive development and growth.

Comrade Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area of the State, made the call while speaking to some leaders from the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Warri

The United Nations peace ambassador appealed to the leaders from both ethnic nationalities to embrace peace, to unite, and to let love lead in their collective pursuit for sustainable development, devoid of bias and ethnic supremacy, which he said “is the only way that we can grow and development our areas.”

Speaking further, he sad, “Frankly, we are disgracing ourselves, and it is highly disappointing that many of us are beating the drum of ethnic war for personal interest and recognition.

“Please, we don’t need division, but progressive ties that will attract investors and development to our communities,” he pleaded.

Comrade Mulade further argued that the Ijaws and the Itsekiris contribute so much to the revenues of both the state and the nation, but are not recognised in terms of infrastructure, worsened by the continued state of acrimony.

“It is imperative to state that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas in Delta State contribute the highest quota in the oil and gas industry as well as the blue economy, but we are deliberately deprived, neglected and shortchanged from development because of ethnic division and hatred amongst ourselves, which has eluded us”, he posited.

“I want to strongly appeal to our revered traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders to allow peace and development thrive”

“We are victims of underdevelopment because of our individual and ethnic pride that is affecting our growth and development. Today, all development efforts are concentrated in the uplands while neglecting the sources of the resources,” he lamented.

Izu Afia Chi: Afor Market Women Hail Obi Nduka For Shopping With New Mint

By Patrick Ochei

The Izu Afia Chi festival which held on Friday 15th August, 2025, has been adjudged significantly colourful, just as His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka did all his shopping and giveaways with new mint of the Nigerian currency, thereby sparking so much conversation amongst market people, particularly the women. For the purpose of emphasis, Obi Nduka is now referred to as “Obi CBN” by the market women in order to drive home their excitement of the spectacular 2025 edition of Izu Afia Chi.

The Issele-Uku amiable king who went to the market for his annual Izu Afia Chi, glittering in his beautiful regalia and doling out bundles of new Naira mint of different denominations from his native bag of money, was accompanied by eminent Onotu, Idime and Igbebor chiefs.

At the market after buying various items from traders, Obi Nduka paid homage to the Omu of Issele-Uku, Omu Beatrice Onwordi who was seated with her Ndi Ilogo and Ezinne of Issele-Uku, Chief (Barr) Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu at the Odu Omu to receive him.

After the usual pleasantries, exchanges of gifts and prayers, Obi Nduka returned to the palace where he shared the items with those who accompanied him to the market and the ones awaiting his arrival at the palace.

It was a day to remember as joyous women and children receive giveaways in new mint, and in his usual happy mood, Obi Nduka danced gracefully in appreciation to God and his ancestors for another beautiful season of visiting the Afor market for Izu Afia Chi.

The Onotu chiefs who accompanied him included Chief Victor Isiekwenamgbu (Ozah of Issele-Uku), Chief John Ochei Ph.D (Okwalegwe of Issele-Uku), Chief I.G Memeh (Oloto of Issele-Uku) and Chief Fidelis Jigide (Esogba of Issele-Uku). For the Idime chiefs – Chief Peter Oduh (Ozoma of Issele-Uku), Chief Sunday Monyei (Osodi of Issele-Uku), Chief Austin Uche Maha (Uweh Obi of Issele-Uku) and Chief (Barr) Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu (Ezinne of Issele-Uku). And of course, the Igbebor chiefs – Chief Egbo Adigwe (Chi-Obi of Issele-Uku), Chief Uche Ngbanwa (Ashi-Obi of Issele-Uku), Chief Okonkwo Ofiaju Okolie (Eze Dibie of Issele-Uku) and Chief Isichei Morka (Isekwute of Issele-Uku), including the Okpalabisis were all there with the monarch on this important public festival.

Bel Media Dialogue: Ex- Lawmaker To Chair 12 Anniversary

…As Enebeli unveils Discussants

The former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, and a three-term federal lawmaker who represented the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, has been named Chairman of the 12th Anniversary celebration of Ndokwa Reporters and the maiden edition of the Bel Media Dialogue. The landmark event which holds on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Top View Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, begins at 11:00 a.m.

In a statement announcing the event, Emmanuel Enebeli, President/CEO of Bel Media and Publisher of Ndokwa Reporters, said the anniversary would not only celebrate a decade and two years of impactful community-focused journalism but also introduce the Bel Dialogue, a flagship platform designed to drive informed public engagement.

According to Enebeli, the inaugural dialogue will examine the theme: “Development or Displacement: Understanding the Cost of Unregulated Land Acquisition in Our Communities – The Role of Government and Traditional Institutions in Safeguarding Community Lands.” He stressed that the forum will amplify voices and provide actionable solutions to pressing issues of land use, governance, and community rights.

The event will feature an array of distinguished discussants including Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR, a chartered PR practitioner and environmental advocate; Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara, lawyer, journalist and traditional leader; Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor, environmentalist and NGO leader; Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi, chartered town planner and environmental management expert; Odih Christian Udoka, community development advocate; ESV. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS, registered estate surveyor and valuer; Barr. Ngozi Chukura, principal counsel of Ngozi Chukura & Co; and Joy Anthonia Ochei, media personality and broadcasting professional, who will moderate the discussion.

The Bel Dialogue is expected to feature robust exchanges, audience participation, and contributions from government officials, lawmakers, traditional leaders, business executives, civil society actors, and the media, all aimed at strengthening policy discourse and safeguarding community interests.

“For 12 years, Ndokwa Reporters has been at the forefront of telling our stories and defending community interests. The launch of Bel Dialogue marks the next chapter, creating a platform for inclusive, solution-driven conversations that will shape development in our state and beyond,” Enebeli added.

 

*Please select any of these captions:*

1. Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (centre), former Member of the House of Representatives, with panelists and discussants including Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR; Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara; Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor; Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi; Odih Christian Udoka; ESV. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS; Barr. Ngozi Chukura, and Moderator Joy Anthonia Ochei.

 

2. Former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (centre), flanked by panelists and guests including Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR; Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara; Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor; Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi; Odih Christian Udoka; ESV. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS; Barr. Ngozi Chukura; with Joy Anthonia Ochei as Moderator.

 

3. Former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (centre), flanked by distinguished discussants Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR; Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara; Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor; Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi; Odih Christian Udoka; ESV. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS; Barr. Ngozi Chukura, with Joy Anthonia Ochei as Moderator, during the Ndokwa Reporters anniversary event.

4. Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (centre) with panelists and moderator Joy Anthonia Ochei at the Ndokwa Reporters anniversary dialogue.

Gov Oborevwori’s Transformational Leadership Impacts Delta Positively – Bureau DG

…Bags Excellence leadership Award in Strategic Communication, Information Management

Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s transformational leadership has impacted the state and people positively in the past two years, and counting.

He made the assertion on Friday while speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the Governing Council members inauguration of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, noting that governor Oborevwori deliberate focus on the non-oil sector development had upscaled the economic fortune of the state, placing Delta in an enviable status as the 4th largest economy in Nigeria.

The Bureau Chief stated that in human capital development, Delta State government under Oborevwori administration will continue to invest in youth development through sports, digital innovations, vocational training, as well as building the capacities of government spokespersons, media, information and communication professionals.

He said governor Oborevwori has approved the 6th edition of Delta Strategic communication Workshop (Delcom), designed to sharpen the communication skills of 150 political appointees and media partners drawn from the three senatorial districts, adding that the Head of Department of Mass Communication at Dennis Osadebay University Asaba, Professor Joyce Ogwezi, has been named as the Chief Trainer of Delcom 2025.

Dr Oghenesivbe who was honoured with the Award of Professional Excellence and Leadership, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the growth of strategic communication, media and information Management, by the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, CIISM, thanked Governor Oborevwori and Delta State Government for building a productive workforce that enable him to excel in his assigned responsibilities.

He thanked CIISM Governing Council for honouring him with the prestigious Award, and for re-electing him as a Council member and Head of Media and Communication Unit for another term of two years.

The Award was presented to Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, on behalf of CIISM Governing Council by a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute, His Royal Majesty, Dr Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle, the Okorefe 1, Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom. The royal father commended Dr Oghenesivbe’s consistency and professional excellence spanning over two decades.

In the same vein, the President of CIISM, Ambassador Dr (Mrs) Oritseweyinmi Temile, described Dr Oghenesivbe as a highly proactive and efficient media manager and communication strategist who had contributed immensely to the growth of CIISM, Delta State and Nigeria, noting that his professional expertise would continue to earn him enviable position in the sector far ahead of his contemporaries.

Registrar of CIISM, Dr Adelanke Oyintoke in his remarks commended Dr Oghenesivbe for his creativity and unique style in information dissemination, and strategic communication devoid of misinformation and disinformation.

Oyintoke said Council members overwhelmingly presented Dr Oghenesivbe as the Institute’s image maker and head of strategic communications for second term of two years, making four years as Council member and unit head.

Desert Warrior Applauds FHF’s Resilience Ahead Of One Year Anniversary

By Patrick Ochei

The Desert Warrior and world’s acclaimed Environmentalist, Dr Newton Jibunoh has lauded the effort and resilience of Fostering Hopes Foundation in empowering 12 families with business grants and 40 children on a continuous scholarship scheme until after secondary school, describing the gesture as one with monumental impacts in one year.

He made this assertion when the Director of Community Engagement and Development, Comrade Patrick Ochei paid him a courtesy visit at the Mandela Gardens and Resort in Asaba, to present him with the first edition of the FHF Newsletter.

Dr Jibunoh recounted how he started Didi Museum and other foundations like the Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) and numerous others, affirming that the Executive Director of Fostering Hopes Foundation, Nkechi Ukome has done unimaginable with the Foundation in a space of one year.

He also commended the effort being put in place to celebrate the first anniversary of the Foundation, saying he would play active role in the celebration which is billed to hold within the third week of September.

Illegal Sales In Delta: Task Force Leader Sends Strong Warning

Chairman of Nigeria Association of Auctioneers, (NAA), Delta State chapter and taskforce leader of the South South geo political zone, Mr. Ebube Michael has issued a warning to persons conducting unapproved auctions in the state.

Ebube gave the warning after his appointment into the committee in Abuja.

He said he would clamp down illegal sales of government and private assets.

He also said only those licensed under the body of Nigeria association of Auctioneers are permitted to conduct auctions, under the statutory rules binding auction process.

According to him, the task force would not hesitate to file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction, restraining any individual or organisation that violates the constitutional rights as auctioneer.

Ebube promised to discharge his duties and responsibilities as member of the Task Force Committee in accordance with the Constitution and regulations of the Nigeria Association Of Auctioneers.

While pledging his dedication to service, he said he would ensure that he carries out his duties with honesty, diligence, transparency, and without fear or favour.

Oborevwori Rewards World Debate Champions With N20 Million Each

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday rewarded each member of the five-man Delta contingent that won the 2025 World Basic Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, with a cash prize of N20 million.

The Governor also extended the same N20 million reward to the team’s handlers, describing their victory as a proud moment for the state and a testament to his administration’s commitment to educational excellence.

Receiving the champions, their parents, and officials at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori praised the students for bringing global honour to Delta State and Nigeria.

He decorated them with their medals and received the championship trophy from the National Coordinator President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, Elder Dare Oritu.

“Delta State is known not only for oil production and talents in comedy, music, and sports but also for its brilliance in education. I believe this gesture will encourage our youths to be diligent and excel in their studies,” the Governor said.

Oborevwori commended the parents, coach, and handlers of the team for their contributions to the victory, adding that education is the most valuable legacy  parent can give to their children.

He urged other students to emulate the hard work, discipline, and focus of the champions, noting that such virtues could help reduce crime in society.

Introducing the winners, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Mariere, thanked the Governor for his unwavering support for the education sector.

He recalled the Governor’s prayers for the team before their departure and commended the Governor Oborevwori for being the first to pay the 2025 counterpart funding for UBEC-SUBEB projects.

Speaking on behalf of the champions, Splendour Ikhamateh of Government Model Secondary School, Asaba, recounted how they debated global issues such as climate change, youth empowerment, and responsible technology use.

She said they overcame initial doubts by drawing strength from what she called “the spirit of Delta” the courage to excel and represent every basic school student in the state.

Oborevwori Administration Fair to All Deltans – Aniagwu

…Says Govt Projects Are Visible In Isoko, Others Parts Of Delta

The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration remains committed to fairness, equity, and balanced development across the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, Aniagwu said the MORE Agenda is being implemented in a manner that impacts every part of Delta State, ensuring that all 25 local government areas, the 10 federal constituencies, and the three senatorial districts benefit from government projects.

Aniagwu stated that in the last two years, Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated fairness across all divides in the state, and while citizens have the right to make demands, such demands should acknowledge the progress already made rather than suggest nothing is being done.

Flanked by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Executive Assistant  on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Polices, Mr Olisa Ifeajika and Executive Assistant on Media, Norbert Chiazor, he stressed that the administration promised more and it’s delivering more.

Reacting to recent criticisms from a section of the Isoko Nation, Aniagwu said such remarks were either politically motivated or made by individuals unaware of the level of development in their communities.

He noted that there is hardly any meeting of the State Executive Council where projects are not approved for Isoko, citing the recent approval of the Ogodogo–Ivu Access Road in Okpolo-Enhwe, Isoko South Local Government Area, at a cost of ₦5.1 billion, a strategic route leading to major oil facilities.

He listed several other road projects completed or ongoing in the area, including Otekpo Road in Elu, internal roads in Isoko South, the Uzere–Asaba-Ase Bridge, the Isoko Ring Road linking multiple communities, Emede internal roads, the Enuru–Ikuli Access Road, the Uruaka Express Link Road in Emede, the Olomoro–Igbide Road, the Emevor–Orogun Road Phase 1 and ongoing Phase 2, as well as Okpolo-Enhwe Internal Roads Phases 1 and 2.

He also mentioned portions of the reconstructed Ughelli–Asaba Expressway that pass through Isoko.

Aniagwu further explained that Isoko remains the only federal constituency in Delta hosting two state-owned universities, the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and the Oleh Campus of Delta State University, which houses the faculties of Law and Engineering.

Under Governor Oborevwori, the state has completed the College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, completed the Senate Building and internal roads at the Ozoro campus, established the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, and equipped the General Hospital in Ozoro.

He added that within just one year of assuming office, the Governor had visited Isoko two times to inaugurate projects, underscoring his commitment to the area.

The Commissioner appealed to critics to avoid what he described as “dirty politics” as the 2027 election season approaches, warning against attempts to discredit the government for political gain.

He assured that the administration would not be distracted from its developmental agenda and would continue to carry every part of the state along.

Aniagwu urged residents of Isoko to rejoice when projects are executed elsewhere, just as others rejoice when Isoko benefits, emphasising that the Oborevwori administration will remain fair to all.

He maintained that no local government area is without the footprint of the present administration across key sectors.

On the looming flood threat predicted across the country, Aniagwu disclosed that the state government is already desilting drainages and water channels to mitigate the impact.

He appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and advised those living in flood-prone areas to relocate upland before the floods arrive.

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