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MORE Biz-Up: Oborevwori Disburses Grants To 2,000 MSMEs

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, disbursed financial grants to 2,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, in the state to grow their businesses and cushion the effects of the inclement economic realities in the country.

Speaking during the disbursement ceremony of the MORE Business Upscale Programme (MORE BIZ-UP) held at the Events Centre, Asaba, organised by Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, Governor Oborevwori said the gesture was designed to empower the entrepreneurs to cushion effects of the economic hardship in the country.

He said: “The MORE Business Upscale Programme, otherwise known as MORE Biz-Up, is one of the job creation programmes initiated in line with the MORE Agenda of my administration.

“As the name implies, MORE Biz-Up is aimed at providing stimulus in the form of financial grants to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSMEs] in the state in order to grow their businesses and to cushion the effects of the harsh economic realities in our nation.

“Like other job creation programmes of the state government, such as the D-CARES, M.O.R.E Grant, M.O.R.E WESAP, among others, the programme is strategically planned and designed as a testament of my administration’s commitment to empower small businesses, fast-track economic growth and to foster development in the state.”

He charged the beneficiaries, to take the knowledge garnered from the M.O.R.E. Business School component of the programme to advance their businesses and leverage on networking amongst participants.

Governor Oborevwori, said: “Your success as entrepreneurs is crucial to the economic development of our state and which will further inspire other young entrepreneurs to follow in your footsteps.

“Therefore, I urge you to work hard to sustain your businesses. We shall continue to support your entrepreneurship journey. Out of a pool of over 10,000 applicants, you are blessed to be among the chosen.

“The 2,000 beneficiaries of the programme gathered here today are in two groups- 1,000 business owners drawn from a database of fresh applicants who have never benefitted from state government’s job creation and entrepreneurship programmes, and 1,000 past beneficiaries who were verified by the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring.

“I expect you to make judicious use of the grant by applying it wisely and responsibly to your business. It is my earnest prayer that your businesses grow from strength to strength.”

Earlier, the State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, said the strategy of the MORE Business Upscale Programme focuses on stimulating economic growth by equipping entrepreneurs with advanced business knowledge, and injecting financial stimulus in the form of grants into small businesses.

Egwuyenga said: “This new phase of grants under the MORE programme is a clear evidence of our government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs. In turn, this drives economic growth and advances the ‘Advancing Delta’ mantra of the MORE Agenda”.

In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman of Artisans Association in the state, Ifeanyi Abanum, and the state ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Okpe Local Government, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the various empowerment programmes of his administration which, they said, had brought succour to Deltans.

The duo of Abanum and Esiovwa, therefore, urged beneficiaries of the MORE Bizup programme and other empowerment programmes of the state government to make judicious use of the facilities giving to them to strengthen their entrepreneurial drive so that they could contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Meshack Okeoghene, thanked Governor Oborevwori for empowering them, adding that the state government’s gesture would serve as a catalyst that would stimulate the growth of their respective businesses.

SOCIAL MALAISE: Oborevwori Calls For Proper Upbringing of Children 

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, called on parents to dedicate more time towards training of their children as a panacea to the rising wave of crime and social malaise in the country.

Governor Oborevwori gave the charge in his remarks at the dedication of Baby Tamara Guwor, daughter of Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Hall, Airport Road,  Warri.

He said: “I am happy to be hear again for the second time. I am a promise keeper and when I make promises I keep to it. So on the issue of street lights consider it done.

“We are here today for a very important ceremony, we are here for the dedication of Tamara Emomotimi Guwor. Baby dedication is a very good way to bring up your children because when you dedicate your children to God you are already paving the way for that child.

“Its a two way blessing and its a moment when parents commit to raise their children in the way of God through love, faith and values. So, it’s very key that we are here today.

“Baby dedication is not just a ceremony and am very glad that there is no reception for this ceremony because our people believe in celebrations but when you celebrate in the House of God it covers everything.

“Funeral service is more important than the reception. The blessings of dedication and marriage services are more important than the reception.

“So when I see people spending huge monies on reception, I get worried because if you put that money in the House of God, it will give you more blessings.”

Governor Oborevwori at the service, congratulated the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaro and pledged the support of his administration to ensure his success in office.

He said this was the first time the position was being occupied by a Deltan and vowed to support him to succeed in serving the people of the Niger Delta.

Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi of RCCG Delta Province 5, thanked Governor Oborevwori for swiftly attending to the request made by the church to fix Bright Hope Street and drainages to control flooding in the area.

He also lauded Governor Oborevwori for caring for the widows, orphans and the less privileged in the society.

Preaching on the theme: “The Everlasting Arms of the caring God”, Pastor Olubiyi said God cares for His people by releasing His grace, being a just God and by showing his children love everyday.

He called on Christians to always take advantage of the loving kindness and care of God in advancing their lives for good.

Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme; his wife Catherine Onyeme, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaro among other dignitaries attended the dedication service.

Oghenesivbe Joins NIPR, Lauds Oborevwori’s Visionary Leadership

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Says Delta in fastlane of development, socioeconomic remodelling

Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, was on Saturday inducted into the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, in Abuja.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was special guest of honour at the induction ceremony held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.

Out of the 421 members inducted by the Institute’s President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, 291 were direct inductees, including Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, who was exempted from the mandatory pre-induction training due to his sound academic background and wealth of experience as a renowned communication strategist, scholar and media manager spanning over two decades.

NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, charged the new members to be good ambassadors of the institute by upholding high ethical standards, and to abstain from disinformation, misinformation and conducts that is unbecoming of a professional public relations practitioner.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) was established in 1963, and attained the status of a Chartered Institute in June 1990 through Decree No. 16 (now an Act of the National Assembly, cited as CAP n114 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria LFN2004) from which it derives the power and responsibility to register members, regulate the practice and development of the PR Profession as well monitor professional conducts through an established Code of Ethics, amongst others.

“The NIPR law stipulates standard academic and professional qualifications required for admission into the Institute.

“As the sole regulator of Public Relations practice in Nigeria, the Institute is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.”

In the same vein, the Minister of information and National Orientation, congratulates the newly inducted members, and urged them to be active public relations practitioners, contribute meaningfully to nation building through responsible practice and engagements, projecting Nigeria’s image positively within and outside the country.

Speaking to newsmen after the induction in Abuja, Dr Oghenesivbe, said the ongoing implementation of governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda has created thousands of jobs and wealth for young graduates, women and professionals at construction sites of mega projects across the three senatorial districts in the state.

He further disclosed that the socioeconomic remodelling strategies, realistic reforms, fiscal discipline, human capital and infrastructure development initiatives of Oborevwori administration is already yielding monumental results, adding that the governor’s visionary leadership has enhanced peaceful coexistence, upscaled living standards of the people through various empowerment programmes including D-CARES, which had placed Delta State in the fast lane of uncommon transformation and development.

Dr Oghenesivbe disclosed that the 5th edition of Delta State Communication Workshop with the Theme – Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Engagement, is designed to enhance the capacity of media personnel of government, scheduled to hold from 17th to 19th December, 2024, adding that former Head of Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, will attend as Chief Trainer.

“Human capacity development is one of the core areas receiving the attention of governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

“He has approved and released funds for the mounting of the 5th edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2024. Delta is the only state in Nigeria sustaining annual communication Workshop with 150 participants.

“The 3-Day capacity building programme is to enhance the skills and overall efficiency of media appointees of the governor, social media influencers and media partners, so as to enable them articulate and project the gains of the ongoing implementation of the MORE Agenda,” Oghenesivbe said

Delta Peace and Unity Cup: Mulade Reaffirm Commitment As Grand Final Holds Today, Sunday December 8

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State born renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, President of CEPEJ and initiator of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, has reaffirmed his commitment toward promoting peaceful co-existence and unity among the various ethnic groups in the state. Chief Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, announced the refund of N100,000 registration fees to all participating teams, demonstrating his dedication and commitment towards keeping his promises.

Mulade expressed appreciation for the support pledged by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), acknowledging the importance of collaboration for the tournament’s success. The tournament Local Organizing Committee (LOC) had initially hoped for DESOPADEC’s backing and support.

The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, December 8th, at Baptist High School Field in Orerokpe Town, featuring two thrilling matches. Third-Place match will see Team Urhobo tackling Team Isoko at 12 noon while Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun Fc) will confront Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) at 2pm

Mulade extended an invitation to the general public, particularly Deltans, to attend the event with reception at the Africa 4 Peace Games-Village/Event Center at Ugolo near Osubi.

It is imperative to state that his desire to see a united and developed Delta State, as being demonstrated through the spirit of sportsmanship among the various ethnic groups. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering peace and harmony in the region, evident from his previous initiatives like the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football tournament, Rural/Riverine Educational Support Programme etc.

Captain Enisuoh Bags Doctorate Degree From High Stone Global University, USA

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Executive Director , Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited , Captain Warredi Enisuoh, has bagged a honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Strategic Management and ‘’ Lifetime Achievement “ Award from the prestigious High Stone Global University, Texas, USA.

Captain Enisuoh was honored at the university ‘s 2024 International Conference, Special Convocation and Awards Ceremony held at Asaba on Saturday.

Enisuoh was recognized for his immense contributions to maritime and aviation safety, innovative security strategies in the field of maritime and security operations.

Enisuoh is a highly accomplished maritime and aviation expert with over two decades of experience spanning multiple industries.

His impressive career is defined by leadership roles in maritime operations, aviation and national security with a focus on protecting vital infrastructure in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Captain Enisuoh has made significant contributions to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) where he served as Director of Maritime Safety and Director of Shipping Development.

Captain Enisuoh has held several critical positions in both the maritime and aviation sectors. He had served in Singapore and Australia where he helped ensured safety and regulatory compliance across Australian and Singaporean vast coastlines.

Addressing journalists after the award, he thanked the High Stone Global University, Texas for finding him worthy of the award, saying the award is a push for him to give his best for the well being of society.

He explained that Tantita Security Services is one hundred percent committed to the safety of pipelines within its area of operations.

He said: “We are in because it is our environment and we don’t want a situation where the future generations will jave nothing to fall back on in terms of environment. Before now, there was much degradation but we are recapturing the environment.

“We will continue to thank the federal government for the opportunity they gave to us. We are not going to fail the federal government but we will continue with the job we are doing. We will continue to sensitise the communities to take their eyes off nefarious activities in the area.

“We are not only protecting the crude oil lines that pass through the area but we are going to try to change the behavioral activities of the people to ensure investors come to the region to do business.”

On behalf of other awardees, Captain Enisuoh appreciated the authorities of High stone Global University for the recognition, saying that the awards will spur him to do more.

The event also featured a lecture series delivered by Prof. Jasper Ejovwokoghene Ikpesu, titled “ Sustainability Through Good Governance and Community Development” with a case study on Costa Rica and Finland.

Highlighting the successes in the administration models of Finland and Costa Rica, Prof. Ikpesu recommended that Nigeria should adopt their policies in environmental governance, human development and social policies, community engagement to enhance her development stride.

The Prof. also said that concerted efforts should be made to foster transparent governance , empower individuals through education and health and leveraging on strength of community needs to create sustainable goals and a future for all.

Oshimili South Agog as Hon. Chief Theodora Giwamu Hosts Delta State PDP Chairman and His Entourage

By
Hill Nigeria
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It was a fun filled occasion as Honourable Chief Theodora Giwamu hosted the Delta State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka (JP) at her Jesus Saves Country home in Asaba the State Capital. The PDP State Chairman was accompanied by his deputy Sate Chairman of the party in the person of Elder Moses Iduh amongst other PDP State exco members.

The occasion kick started with an opening prayer by the immediate past PDP State woman leader in the person of Lady Kanwulia Omoko. The PDP LGA party chairman in Oshimili South gave an opening welcome address to the joy of the party faithful present as the party faithful echoed a loud and thunderous three ‘Gboza’ acknowledging the presence of the State Chairman.

Party leaders in Oshimili South took turns to speak but in a soft and appreciative manner, the host of the day, Honourable Chief Theodora Giwamu had a few words of thanks to say as she appreciated the party faithful present and the Delta State PDP Chairman for making out time to visit even though he had a very tight schedule of activities on the same day.

Chief Solomon Arenyeka (JP) during his speech, went down memory lane by taking his time to explain how he worked closely with Honourable Chief Theodora Giwamu prior to the formation of PDP in Delta State and after the formation. He acknowledged her political qualities and participation over the years and thanked her for the wonderful reception. The PDP State Chairman also stated that he was pleased with what he saw and stated that the State exco will embark on a State wide tour where he would expect Oshimili South PDP to display even more than what he had witnessed during his visit to the residence of Honourable Chief Theodora Giwamu.

Notable political leaders in Oshimili South LGA present but to mention a few are Lady Kanwulia Omoko, RT Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Dr. Mordi Ononye, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, Engr. Smart Meka, Ogbueshi Chike Ifesiokwu, Chief Chinedu Obodo amongst others which include incumbent and past councillors, the Vice Chairman of Oshimili South Council, ward chairmen, other notable party leaders /faithful in the LGA and the Secretary to the Council.

Closing prayer was said and the PDP State Chairman left with joy and satisfaction to the glory of God.

 

~ Oshimili South PDP Media Support Group ~

Ibori’s Daughter Defection; Deltans Not Surprised – PDP Chieftain

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Says we foresee Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu returning to PDP after 2027 general elections.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the defection of Chief James Ibori’s daughter, Hon Erhiatake.Ibori-Suenu, was foreseeable and never a surprise to the good people of Delta State.

He made the assertion when he was asked to comment on the defection of the former PDP member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Erhiatake Ibori, assuring that her exit from the party is grossly inconsequential, a big relief and a good omen that was long awaited.

The Orientation and Communications Bureau Director General, further disclosed that PDP political structures in Ethiope Federal Constituency is solid, unshakable, members are united, and shall deliver the party effortlessly in the forthcoming general elections, and more particularly the governorship election.

He noted that prior to 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections, Chief James Ibori invited leaders of Ethiope Federal Constituency to his country home in Oghara where he assured leaders of PDP that his daughter, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu should be allowed one tenure to complete the two tenure slots of Ethiope West LGA, so that Ethiope East can take her turn in 2027 under the irrevocable internal power rotation agreement in Delta PDP.

Oghenesivbe, who was a campaign spokesperson for Delta PDP in 2023 general elections, pointed out that Ethiope East agreed to Chief Ibori’s proposal and thereafter delivered his daughter clean and clear in a transparent, free and fair election, noting that Hon Erhiatake Ibor ‘s defection to the opposition party in the state was a deliberate attempt to truncate the promise made by Chief Ibori, so as to return his daughter for a second tenure, so as to shortchange Ethiope East LGA in 2027.

He assured that Chief Ibori’s daughter will obviously face political brick walls within and outside their party in 2027, as.PDP is poised to clinch overwhelming victory under the political leadership of the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, adding that the enviable performance of the ruling party in the state through the instrumentality of the MORE agenda would resonate with the people at the polls.

“The defection of Hon Erhiatake Ibori suffered unexplainable delays for obvious reasons. The political calculation by Chief Ibori camp was that they can eat their cake and have it after the 2023 general elections. But alas, the reverse was the case.

“They (Chief Ibori Camp) have now decided to opt out of PDP instalmentally. We clearly understand their politics of one leg in and one leg out, the Weysom Wike style.

“We.lost Ethiope West to the opposition party in the House of Assembly in 2023 due to the political deceit of some political actors whose one leg is in PDP and the other leg in the major opposition party in the state, some people call it smart anti party politics, just like what Chief Wike is doing in Rivers State at the moment.

“The video clips of 2023 governorship election in Oghara is still in the archive. At the appropriate time we shall do the needful, it’s not yet time for 2027 electioneering politics.

“Deltans are not surprised that Erhiatake Ibori defected to the major opposition party. They knew it will come and here we are. The coast is now very clear for all to see and appreciate.

“PDP will never miss Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, rather we foresee her returning to PDP after 2027 general elections,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Oborevwori Approves Capacity Building Workshop For Media Appointees

By
Hill Nigeria
-

…Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika to attend as Chief Trainer, 17-19th December

In line with his human capital development programme encapsulated in the MORE agenda, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has graciously approved the 5th edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2024, scheduled to hold from 17th to 19th December, 2024 at Hotel Benizia Asaba.

Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a statement on Thursday, disclosed that the 3-Day capacity building programme with the Theme “Advancing Delta: Strategies For Public Communication and Effective Media Engagement,” is designed to enhance the skills and overall efficiency of media appointees to the governo, social media influencers and media partners.

He further disclosed that a renowned communication scholar and former Head of Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, shall be the Chief Trainer, to be supported by Prof Joyce Ogwezzi, Head of Mass Communication Department, Dennis Osadebey University, Anwai-Asaba.

Oghenesivbe who is also DELCOM State Coordinator, assured that the training would enable participants to effectively and efficiently articulate and project the ongoing implementation of the MORE agenda, as well as the numerous achievements of governor Oborevwori, adding that a total of 150 participants are expected to benefit from the 3-Day brain storming exercise, sponsored by the state government, and proudly supported by Delta State Internal Revenue Service, DSIRS, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, and Hotel Benizia Asaba.

He said the Chief Trainer, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, and other facilitators shall take participants through essential modules which include; strategies for developing communication plan, crisis communication and reputation management, effective media engagement and management, media Interview simulation, digital communication and strategic storytelling, strategies for effective social media engagement, deployment of artificial intelligence, AI, in content creation, editing and media coordination, among others.

“Our amiable governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has graciously approved Delta State Communication Workshop, DELCOM 2024, the 5th edition since 2018, and mandated the Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, to mount the capacity building programme.

“We are indeed very happy and grateful to God and governor Oborevwori for sustaining the annual capacity building workshop for media appointees of the governor, social media influencers irrespective of political divide, and our media partners. We are excited and cannot thank the governor enough.

“Our 2024 5th edition trainers, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of Unilag, and Prof Joyce Ogwezzi of Dennis Osadebey University, have been part of Delcom success story. Other facilitators shall be unveiled soon.

“We are ready to roll, and the workshop shall take place at the prestigious Hotel Benizia in Asaba, from 17th to 19th December, 2024, begining from 9am each day.

“Delcom 2024 5th edition is proudly supported by Delta State Internal Revenue Service, DSIRS, and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. The workshop venue shall be branded in appreciation of these high profile agencies while their arrowheads shall tell their success stories as it relates to the MORE Agenda, and would definitely be honoured with DELCOM Hall of Fame Awards.

“His Excellency, the executive governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori shall declare DELCOM 2024 open on Tuesday 17th December, while Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, will perform the closing ceremony on Thursday 19th December, 2024,” Oghenesivbe said.

Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Finals: Team Ndokwa To Faces Team Itsekiri

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Warri: The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament has climax to the final stage after the semifinals matches of the Peace and Unity Cup have concluded in thrilling fashion. The results are as follows:

At the Ogor Technical College, Ughelli Center, Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) played a goalless draw against Team Isoko (Winsome FC) but won 4-3 on penalty shootout.

At the Oleh Township Stadium Center, Team Urhobo (Udu United FC) lost 2-4 to Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) on penalty shootout after a 2:2 regulation time draw.

The stage is now set for the final match between Team Itsekiri and Team Ndokwa. Meanwhile, Team Urhobo and Team Isoko will compete for third place.

The final and third-place matches will take place on Sunday, 8th December 2024, at 2 pm prompt at the Baptist High School Field, Orerokpe Town.

According to Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the initiator of the tournament and President of CEPEJ, a reception will be held after the event to host all who contributed to the tournament’s success. The reception will take place at the Africa for Peace Games-Village/Event Center, Ugolo near Osubi Airport, Okpe LGA of Delta State.

DTSG Determined To Support Tertiary Institutions

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reiterated his commitment to solving financial challenges confronting institution of higher learning in the state.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme made this known during the 2nd Education Summit, with the theme of “Alternative Funding for Tertiary Institutions”. which held at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

He said the challenges facing higher education were not peculiar to government, but there can be distinctively innovative and transformative responses to solving the problems.

“Our tertiary institutions are not just centres of learning, but engines of social mobility, economic development and human capital transformation”.

“Our sole aim is to reinvent and reinvigorate the funding landscape for tertiary institutions in the state”.

“We have witnessed remarkable strides in addressing the challenges faced by our higher Institutions and we have fostered renewed commitment to accessibility, equity and quality in education. You are all witnesses to the giant stride development in the history of our tertiary institutions in the State. (Four universities, three polytechnics, two colleges of education)/ yet there is still much work to be done”.

According to him, the occasion marks a significant milestone not only in the state’s commitment to academic excellence adding that it foster a spirit of collaboration among educators, policy-makers, and students to address a challenge that strikes at the core of our developmental aspirations.

He said it was imperative that the higher education system is not only responsive to these changes, but also anticipatory equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and critical thinking necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The governor said with the immense pressures faced by students, prioritizing mental health resources and creating inclusive spaces, will help cultivate resilience and empower the students to pursue their academic and personal goals.

“Equally important is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our institutions must reflect the rich diversity of our population, ensuring that every student has equitable opportunity to succeed. It is our responsibility to create a culture where every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. Only then can we cultivate a truly enriching educational experience”.

In his address the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, described the challenges as both multifaceted daunting, encompassing financial constraints, shifting demographics, and the relentless pace of technological advancement.

He urged the institution managers to collectively harness the power of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

he said with higher institution as a catalyst for economic development. The heads of institutions must deepen their commitment to ensuring that their institutions can sustain their mission of providing high-quality education, fostering ground breaking research, and adapting to the ever-evolving job market.

According to him, the state Government has been exceptionally generous in supporting its nine tertiary institutions, by funding the salaries of all academic and non-academic staff.

“Our state was among the first states to implement the 25/35% salary review for tertiary institution staff, including several months’ arrears”, he said.

Delta State also led the way in paying the new minimum wage and the government also provides bursaries to over 30,000 students annually.

He added that the state government has approved the employment of approximately 600 academic and non-academic staff in the state-owned tertiary institutions and also been supporting the institutions with large amount of funds annually for resource verification and accreditation.

Highlighting the achievement of the state in education, the Commissioner said that the capital budget for the Ministry of Higher Education is 32 billion naira. By the end of the 2024/2025 admission period, approximately 25,000 candidates would have been admitted to study various courses in the nine state -owned tertiary institutions. In 2025, about 13,000 students are expected to graduate from these institutions.

Also highlighting the government’s significant efforts in enhancing infrastructure within the institutions, he said since assuming office, the Governor has commissioned the Faculty of Agriculture Complex, three auditoriums and administration building at the Dennis Osadebey University in Asaba.

“Our Governor also commissioned the administrative building, roads and VC’s lodge in Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro”.

As part of the convocation ceremony in 2024, the new Faculty of Science building in Abraka was also commissioned, adding that he has visited the state-of-the-art Engineering laboratory and Auditorium in University of Delta Agbor.

The Commissioner revealed that a new campus of the Delta State University of Science and Technology is being built at Orerokpe, alongside other several other ongoing projects in our tertiary institutions.

Highlight of the event was lecture session by Prof Lawrence Ezemonye, Prof Douglas Omotor and Mr Abiodun Adedeji; good will messages and the meet the Press session.

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