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Oborevwori Salutes Oyovbaire At 85, Celebrates His Legacy Of Service

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Minister of Information and renowned political scientist, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, on his 85th birthday, describing him as an accomplished scholar, elder statesman and patriot whose contributions to nation-building have remained enduring.

Oborevwori in a statement issued on Tuesday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said Oyovbaire’s remarkable career in academia, public service and governance had earned him national respect and made him one of Delta State’s most distinguished sons.

He commended the octogenarian for his unwavering commitment to peace, democracy and good governance, noting that his leadership as Chairman of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council has continued to foster unity and stability in the state.

Oborevwori also recalled Oyovbaire’s tenure as Minister of Information under the administration of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, where he played a significant role in shaping government communication and public policy.

The governor noted that the professor’s vast experience and intellectual depth had remained invaluable to successive administrations in Delta State, adding that his contributions to political science, governance and public administration continue to inspire scholars, public office holders and younger generations.

“Professor Sam Oyovbaire is an exceptional scholar, accomplished administrator, respected statesman and leader whose life has been dedicated to the service of humanity,” Oborevwori said.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Professor Sam Oyovbaire, a father-figure, lifter of men, and great Nigerian patriot on this remarkable milestone. It is my prayer that this new year will bring you as much joy, love, and hope as you spread to others with your reassuring attitude,” the governor added.

Oborevwori Celebrates James Ibori At 68

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday, describing him as a dynamic leader whose contributions to the growth and development of the state remain significant.

In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor praised Ibori for his leadership during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007, saying he inspired many through his vision, resilience and commitment to public service.

Oborevwori described the former governor as a great motivator and an inspirational leader who laid important foundations for the development of Delta State, adding that his impact continues to be appreciated by many across the state and beyond.

The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dynamic and inspirational leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State on his 68th birth anniversary.”

He prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and long life for the former governor as he celebrates his 68th birthday on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

“May your special day be filled with joy and pleasant memories. Congratulations,” Oborevwori said.

ECONOMIC SUMMIT: Delta Can No Longer Depend Solely On Oil  Says Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, today declared that the state can no longer rely solely on oil revenue, urging local and foreign investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities across critical sectors of the economy as his administration intensifies efforts to diversify the state’s economic base.

Speaking at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, the governor thanked all participants, local and foreign investors, saying deliberations at the summit had reinforced the urgent need to expand investments beyond the oil and gas sector to ensure sustainable economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity.

He said the business sessions on agriculture and livestock development, the energy ecosystem, the blue economy and transport infrastructure, solid minerals and mining, the digital economy and innovation, as well as the legal framework for investments, had demonstrated that Delta State possesses enormous untapped investment opportunities capable of transforming its economy.

“We can no longer depend on one source of revenue. We must diversify our economy by attracting strategic investments into sectors where Delta State has a clear comparative advantage. That is the pathway to creating jobs, growing businesses and improving the quality of life of our people,” Oborevwori said.

The governor explained that the summit was deliberately designed as a private sector-driven initiative rather than a government-centred event, stressing that its primary objective was to connect investors with viable business opportunities capable of delivering sustainable returns.

According to him, the state government’s role is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, security and strategic partnerships with the private sector.

He disclosed that the state had already secured land and put other critical measures in place to encourage investments across key sectors of the economy, adding that investment roadshows had been undertaken to countries such as China and Brazil to showcase Delta’s economic potential.

Describing the summit as more than a policy dialogue, he said it had become a practical platform for connecting investors with bankable opportunities and translating investment interests into concrete projects.

He maintained that the summit was not a mere “talk show” but a strategic platform backed by serious investors already on ground, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment by strengthening infrastructure, guaranteeing policy consistency, promoting security and fostering stronger partnerships with the private sector.

The governor expressed optimism that the ideas, partnerships and commitments emerging from the summit would culminate in tangible investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, expanding employment opportunities and positioning Delta State as one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.

Earlier during the panel sessions, experts identified agriculture, livestock, mining, blue economy and legal reforms as critical sectors for attracting sustainable investments.

Speaking during the agriculture, agribusiness and agro-industry session, former South-South Vice President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Chief Eta Enahoro, urged the state government to prioritise investments in fish and poultry production, saying both sectors possess enormous capacity to create jobs, reduce unemployment and transform Delta into a leading agribusiness hub.

He noted that many young people seeking political appointments could become successful entrepreneurs if adequately supported to establish poultry and fish farms.

Also speaking, Brazilian agribusiness investor, Roberto Fonseca, unveiled plans to partner the Delta State Government to develop a modern cattle and beef value chain, covering cattle breeding, ranching, slaughterhouses, beef processing, cold storage, refrigerated transportation and distribution networks.

Fonseca said Delta possesses climatic and environmental conditions similar to those that enabled Brazil to become the world’s largest cattle and beef producer, adding that the partnership could position the state as a major livestock production hub for Nigeria and neighbouring African markets.

On the blue economy and transport infrastructure, Dr. Uche Igwe called on the state government to tackle illegal and unregulated fishing activities to maximise the economic potential of its waterways.

Mosra Energy Managing Director, Ramos Olukayode, said Delta State has over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ugbodu and Ukunzu, exceeding the estimated reserves in Enugu and Kogi states. He described the deposits as a major asset for the state’s industrialisation drive.

He disclosed plans to build a 600-megawatt power plant at Obomkpa, with over 200 hectares already secured for the project, adding that the area also has abundant kaolin and clay deposits to support manufacturing activities at the proposed industrial hub.

DELTA ETHNIC PEACE & UNITY CUP 2026: Mulade Inaugurates LOC, Unveils N50m Grassroots Initiative to Foster Peace, Unity

The Convener of the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming competition, describing the tournament as a strategic platform to strengthen peace, unity, cultural integration, and youth empowerment across Delta State.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area, said the initiative, jointly organized by CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is designed to unite the state’s seven major ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo—through sports while promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

He explained that the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup is more than a football competition, stressing that it is a peacebuilding project aimed at fostering friendship among young people, encouraging cultural exchange, and creating opportunities for positive engagement across communities and ethnic groups.

According to the CEPEJ Boss, the competition will serve as a vehicle for breaking ethnic barriers, building trust, and reinforcing the values of tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation, which are essential for sustainable development in Delta State.

 

Chief Mulade noted that the tournament would also provide a constructive platform for engaging youths, inspiring leadership, discovering sporting talents, and redirecting young people towards productive ventures capable of contributing to the growth of their communities and the state at large.

He disclosed that the competition, with the theme “One in All,” would feature four age categories—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-20—to ensure broad participation and talent development among young Deltans.

The peace advocate further announced that winners of the tournament would receive multi-million naira prizes, explaining that the reward system was designed to encourage healthy competition, increase participation, and generate enthusiasm among youths across the state.

Describing the inauguration of the LOC as the beginning of an important journey, Chief Mulade charged committee members to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, professionalism, dedication, and teamwork to guarantee the success of what he described as a historic competition.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, government institutions, corporate organizations, development partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that collective participation would strengthen relationships among the various ethnic nationalities and promote lasting peace in the state.

Chief Mulade further emphasized that peaceful coexistence remains a critical requirement for attracting investments and development opportunities into Delta State, stating that the initiative complements the development vision of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by helping to create a peaceful environment capable of attracting investors and generating employment opportunities for the people.

Expressing confidence in the long-term impact of the tournament, the CEPEJ National Coordinator said the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would become one of the state’s most significant grassroots sports and peacebuilding programmes.

Highpoint of the event is the inauguration of the 25 members committee with ex-international Edema Fuludu as Adviser while ex Footballer and former chairman Delta State Football Association (DFA) as LOC chairman with the unveiling and inspection of football kits for all participating ethnic teams across the state.

He urged all Deltans to embrace the vision of a united and prosperous state where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength rather than division, while stating that the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup is expected to bring together youths from the seven major ethnic nationalities of Delta State under the slogan: “One Delta. One People. One Victory.”

Delta Bleeding Amid Wealth, Economic Summit Misplaced Priority — Eshor

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has criticized the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, describing it as a misplaced priority and a political spectacle that fails to address the pressing challenges confronting residents.

Eshor stated that despite Delta State’s enormous financial resources and status as one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating states, many communities continue to grapple with poor road networks, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.

According to him, the state received substantial budgetary allocations amounting to about ₦809.4 billion in 2023, ₦725 billion in 2024, ₦936 billion in 2025, and ₦1.729 trillion in 2026, bringing the cumulative approved budgets within the period to over ₦4.199 trillion.

He argued that the huge resources available to the state should have translated into visible development across communities rather than being expended on high-profile summits.

Delta State is richly blessed with enormous resources and receives substantial allocations, yet many communities remain inaccessible because of deplorable roads and poor infrastructure. Instead of investing in projects that directly impact the lives of the people, the government is engaging in expensive summits and political showmanship, Eshor said.

The AAC candidate referenced previous remarks by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who described Delta as a wealthy neighbouring state, noting that such observations should challenge Delta leaders to convert the state’s wealth into tangible development outcomes.

Questioning the rationale behind hosting a major investment summit amid infrastructure deficits, Eshor said investors would be reluctant to commit resources to communities lacking basic amenities and accessible roads.

Before attracting investors, government must first create an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic activities, he stated.

Eshor also reacted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s announcement of a $100 million Viability Guarantee Fund aimed at reducing investment risks and attracting businesses, as well as plans to dedicate over 12,000 hectares of farmland for agricultural development.

While acknowledging the importance of investment promotion initiatives, he questioned why such measures were only being aggressively pursued after nearly three years in office.

For almost three years, Delta State has not witnessed a clear and aggressive investment-driven agenda. It is surprising that government is now presenting these initiatives as major breakthroughs. Deltans deserve a government that plans strategically, manages resources prudently, and delivers sustainable economic growth,he said.

The governorship hopeful further maintained that Delta State possesses enormous untapped opportunities in the maritime and blue economy sectors, lamenting that successive administrations have failed to fully harness the state’s strategic coastal advantage.

Delta is blessed with vast maritime resources that can create jobs, boost revenue, and stimulate industrial growth. Unfortunately, this potential remains largely untapped,” he said, while expressing satisfaction that the state government was beginning to pay attention to the blue economy sector after coping from his blue print on maritime.

Eshor called on Deltans to demand greater accountability from political leaders and support what he described as a new vision for the state.

I am offering myself for service because I have built and managed successful private-sector ventures and understand the principles of investment, productivity, and economic growth. Delta needs prudent managers of resources and visionary leadership capable of transforming the state’s vast potential into prosperity for all, he said.

He stressed that infrastructure renewal, economic diversification, and people-oriented development should take precedence over what he termed “wasteful government jamborees,” urging the state government to focus on projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Oyedepo Charges Tinubu to Confront Security and Economic Crises Head-On

The General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic challenges.

Speaking during a church gathering,, the cleric criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s failure to respond decisively to the country’s security and economic crises.

Oyedepo lamented the continued attacks and killings in parts of the country, warning that many Nigerians who have endured the situation for years may soon lose patience if urgent action is not taken.

The cleric noted that rising insecurity, inflation, unemployment and the increasing cost of living continue to place immense pressure on citizens and businesses. He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at protecting lives and property while implementing policies capable of stimulating economic growth and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

According to him, strong leadership requires confronting national challenges with courage, transparency and a sense of urgency. He maintained that Nigerians are looking to the government for meaningful action that will translate into safer communities, job creation and improved living conditions.

Oyedepo also encouraged political leaders at all levels to put the interests of the nation above partisan considerations and work together to tackle the country’s pressing challenges. He emphasized that peace, security and economic stability remain essential for sustainable national development.

According to him, the President should “act now and stop pretending,” stressing that the government must demonstrate greater urgency in protecting lives and restoring public confidence.

The bishop also expressed concern over what he described as the government’s apparent inability to effectively confront the security challenges facing the nation, urging the administration to take concrete measures to reverse the trend.

Delta Economic Summit: Legislator Invites Investors, Commends Oborevwori’s Leadership

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been commended for convening the Delta State Economic Summit, with the initiative described as a bold step towards promoting sustainable economic growth, attracting investment and advancing inclusive development in the state.

The lawmaker,  Hon Bridget Anyafulu made the call during the Delta Economic Summit, where government officials, business leaders, development partners and stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for accelerating the state’s economic transformation through increased private sector participation and sustainable investments.

According to the legislator, Delta State possesses abundant natural resources, a strategic geographical location, fertile agricultural land and a growing infrastructure network that make it attractive for investments across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, technology, tourism and the blue

Anyafulu said the summit demonstrates the governor’s commitment to strategic planning and provides a platform for government, the private sector, development partners, investors, academia and other stakeholders to chart a sustainable economic future for Delta State.

She noted that the summit would also showcase the state’s vast investment opportunities while positioning Delta as a preferred destination for business and development.

According to her, the summit reflects the governor’s vision of building a resilient and diversified economy through investment promotion, job creation, industrialisation, agricultural development and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.

She also praised Governor Oborevwori for aligning the MORE Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, expressing confidence that the summit’s resolutions would accelerate economic growth, attract more investments and improve the quality of life of Deltans.

Police Rescue Delta Woman from Human Trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire, Arrest Suspect

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 25-year-old woman allegedly trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire for prostitution and arrested a suspected human trafficker accused of luring young women abroad with false promises of vocational training.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying operatives of the Effurun Area Command arrested the suspect, Ese Betty Isiorho, 26, after receiving a petition.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly convinced the victim to travel to Côte d’Ivoire with the promise of learning hairdressing. However, investigations showed that the victim was allegedly forced into prostitution after arriving in the country.
Edafe said the suspect confessed during interrogation to trafficking the rescued victim and another woman in her twenties to Côte d’Ivoire, where they were allegedly handed over to a woman identified simply as Madam Purity for prostitution.
He said the police, through sustained investigations and collaboration with relevant partners, successfully rescued the victim and brought her back to Nigeria.
The victim has since been reunited with her family and is receiving medical treatment, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the second victim, who is believed to still be in Côte d’Ivoire, and arrest other members of the trafficking network.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved in the operation and pledged that the command would continue to crack down on human trafficking syndicates.
“The command remains committed to combating human trafficking and other forms of organised crime. We will continue to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking syndicates and ensure that those involved are brought to justice,” he said.
Oyeniyi also urged residents to be cautious of suspicious overseas job and training offers and to report suspected trafficking activities to the police.
The rescue comes shortly after the Delta State Government, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and development partners renewed their commitment to tackling human trafficking during activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The command urged Nigerians to exercise caution when approached with offers of overseas jobs or travel arrangements that appear too good to be true. It advised prospective travellers to verify all recruitment agencies and travel documents through the appropriate government institutions before embarking on any foreign trip.
The police also appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious recruitment activities, illegal migration schemes and suspected cases of human trafficking, assuring citizens that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

🇳🇬🔥 PELLER & JARVIS’ STAR-STUDDED WEDDING CONTINUES TO DOMINATE NIGERIA’S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE

The wedding of popular Nigerian content creators Habeeb Hamzat (Peller) and Amadou Elizabeth Aminata remains one of the entertainment stories of the year, with conversations still trending across social media days after their lavish celebrations.

From their viral love story on TikTok to their glamorous wedding ceremonies, the couple has captured the hearts of millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond. Their relationship, which grew in the public eye, has become a symbol of the growing influence of Nigeria’s digital creators

ECONOMIC SUMMIT: Delta, First-Order Investment Destination – Shettima

….As Oborevwori Unveils $100m Fund To De-risk Investments In Delta

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called on local and foreign investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s improved economic outlook, declaring that Delta State is strategically positioned to emerge as one of the country’s foremost investment destinations.

He said the Federal Government’s economic reforms continue to restore investor confidence.

Speaking at the opening of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, Shettima said the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration had strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved Nigeria’s global credit profile and created the right environment for long-term investments.

He said: “Every state possesses immense promise with its unique history, geography, people and comparative advantage. This is the race we must welcome, a race in which states compete to create employment, prosperity and human dignity”.

According to him, increased federal allocations arising from ongoing fiscal reforms have empowered state governments to pursue ambitious development programmes, while recent upgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

“These are proof that Nigeria is regaining credibility, and the best time to invest is now before the opportunity becomes expensive,” he added.

Shettima described Delta as a first-order investment destination, noting that beyond its oil wealth, the state’s deliberate commitment to economic diversification was its greatest strength.

He identified Delta’s strategic coastline, ports, natural gas reserves, refining assets, vast agricultural potential, blue economy opportunities and rich deposits of solid minerals as key assets capable of transforming the state into a major industrial and commercial hub.

Commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for convening the summit, Shettima said the Federal Government would continue working with sub-national governments to eliminate barriers to enterprise and support credible investments.

“We are co-travellers on the road from promise to production, from allocation to transformation, and from potential to prosperity,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced that the state government had set aside US $100 million as Viability Gap Funding to de-risk strategic private sector investments, describing the initiative as a major step towards converting investment commitments into bankable projects.

He said the summit was conceived to move beyond discussions and deliver measurable investments capable of accelerating industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

Oborevwori explained that the initiative followed investment promotion missions undertaken by the state to China and Brazil in 2025, aimed at attracting strategic global partnerships.

The governor said Delta, with an estimated economy valued at about ₦17 trillion, remained one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations because of its abundant natural resources, improving infrastructure, sound fiscal management and investor-friendly policies.

He disclosed that the state had introduced tax incentives, including waivers on tenement rates, levies and other charges for up to five years, while establishing an Ease of Doing Business Council to simplify investment processes.

According to him, over 12,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for commercial agriculture, while the state’s 163-kilometre coastline road presents enormous opportunities in the blue economy.

Oborevwori also highlighted investment prospects in gas-fired power plants, renewable energy, solar farms and mini-grid infrastructure, assuring investors that Delta remained financially stable, secure and debt-free under his administration.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources had recognised Delta as Nigeria’s Safest State for Oil and Gas Investments in 2024.

In her keynote address, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged Delta State to leverage on global supply chain realignments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria’s economic reforms to position itself as the country’s next industrial growth hub.

Saying that she is “a Delta State optimist”, she said the state’s natural gas reserves, seaports, rail connectivity, fertile agricultural land, skilled workforce and fiscal discipline placed it in a strong position to compete with established commercial centres.

Okonjo-Iweala advised the state government to concentrate investments in strategic sectors, including the Delta Special Economic Zone, agro-processing, blue economy, oil and gas value addition, marine logistics and digital infrastructure, while investing in artificial intelligence and digital connectivity to prepare young people for the future.

Also speaking, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, said Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals had improved considerably, noting that the country had moved from capital flight in 2023 to a more stable and predictable exchange rate environment in 2026.

He advocated stronger economic collaboration between Delta and Anambra States and urged governments to make investment promotion a continuous process rather than an occasional event.

Renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, challenged African governments and investors to have greater confidence in the continent’s economic potential, insisting that Africa possessed the resources, talent and entrepreneurial capacity to drive sustainable development.

He urged African investors to channel more investments into the continent, arguing that increased intra-African investment would accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign capital.

Minister of Finance, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, said the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation, had significantly increased revenues available to states and local governments for development.

He described Delta as a natural powerhouse of the blue economy and encouraged investors to see both the state and Nigeria as leading investment destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Chairman of Transcorp Power Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, pledged the company’s readiness to partner with the Delta State Government to provide reliable electricity for industries and households across the state.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of Mosra Energy, Ramos Olukayode, disclosed that Delta possesses over 200 million tonnes of coal deposits in Obomkpa, Ukunzu and surrounding communities, while Chief Executive Officer UTM Gas Limited, Julius Rone, revealed that Delta State’s ₦42 billion investment for an eight per cent equity stake in the company in 2022 is now valued at about ₦200 billion.

Rone also announced that UTM Gas would establish its corporate headquarters in Warri when its operations commence fully in 2030, further strengthening Delta’s position as a major energy investment destination.

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