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352 Students Celebrates 2023/2024 Matriculation Meremony In ADUN University, Delta State

By Ajuwa Victor

About 352 students admitted for the 2023/2024 academic session in the Admiralty University of Nigeria,Ibusa, Delta State, celebrated their matriculation ceremony in the said institution.

The Delta State governor Elder Oborevwori Sheriff who grace the ceremony, commended the students for their time learning.

Oborevwori who was represented by the Commissioner for higher education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari urged the students to take their study more seriously.

He commended their parents for the role played so far on their children even during the hard time.

Oborevwori, calls on the students to focus on their studies to enable them achieve a greater goal.

Speaking at the ceremony, the matriculation lecture was taken, by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu , thanked the students on the matriculation ceremony.

Emu told the students that they have a very key vital role to play in their study and beyond.

He urged them to embrace studies, shun evil vices both from friends and be of good behaviour/manners in their learning.

The Vice Chancellor of the said University, Prof. Paul Omojo Omaji, welcome the students and their parents for finding time to honour the matriculation ceremony.

He calls on the students to study very hard, be of good moral to the society and remain focus in learning.

In the same vein, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Navy Holdings LTD, Admiral Huf Kaoje, said that the University is a product of the vision of the Nigerian Navy.

Kaoje who was represented by Real Admiral Kayode Adetimi said that many of the students chose the institution due to its defining character.

He added that, the students must begin to see themselves as part of a unique community.

He congratulate them for the memorable experience in their young lives and their academic journey that has just began.

While urging the students to use the boundless opportunities that ADUN offers to set a positive marker in their lives.

Omu Anioma’s Son Speaks On Mother’s Death

The death of the Omu of Anioma, Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu has been announced by her famly.

The announcement was made in a press statement signed by her son, Mr Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor issued by her Media Assistant, Dcn Patrick Ochei to our reporter in Asaba.

It stated that the Omu Okpanam/Omu Anioma/ had transitted to eternal resting place to be with her Maker and Ancestors.
It disclosed that until her transition, she reigned as the Omu of Okpanam, Omu Anioma and Nneoha, a position for which she distinguished herself as a champion of Anioma Culture and Mother To All and Mother Without Borders.

It stated that the demise of Late Obi Martha Dunkwu was not to be mourned but who’s life and time is to be celebrated, because she came, she saw and she conquered all forces to fulfill her purpose on earth and then she left an indelible mark on the sands of time, in terms of culture, tradition and humanitarian services.

It also stated that Omu Dunkwu will be missed by the various academic communities, business world under the umbrella of NACCIMA, the Media Constituency, the Traditional Institution and of course those representing diverse interests in government.

As she was a jolly good fellow and an inspiration to behold, who’s leadership prowess and mentoring had changed mindsets and orientations towards good governance and inclusive leadership.

Affect Lives Through Your Reportage Aguariavwodo Tells Community Newspaper Publishers

The Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State governor, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has advised grassroot journalists to impact lives through thier reportage.
Aguariavwodo gave the advise while playing host to Orhomonokpaye and some members of community newspaper publishers who were on a courtesy visit to his office in Asaba.
He said as grassroot journalists they have a great role to play in changing the wrong attitudes of persons in the society.
The Senior Political Adviser to the state governor urged them to come of with information that will change their mentality when it comes to doing the wrong things, disobeying rules and regulations.
 He said the MORE agenda of the governor was not mere acronym but campaigns that would change the lives of Deltans for better.
While commending them for their consistency in newpaper production, the Senior Polad, assured them of his support towards ensuring that they remain in business.
In his words, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Prince Orhomonokpaye said as they were ready to spread the agenda of the governor to Deltans at the grass root.
He solicited the support of the state government in ensuring that they remain in the business of news production.

Delta State To Host 2024 Theatre Arts Festival

Delta State would in the year, host the first ever International Theatre and Arts Festival.
According to a press statement signed by the Festival Director, Thespian Alex Akpuh and issued to our reporter in Asaba, the state capital, the grand event will take place in Asaba on August 14 to 18, 2024.
It stated that the maiden edition of Delta International Theatre and Arts Festival, (DITAFEST), with the theme, “Theatre and Arts: Catalysts for a Sustainable Creative Economy” will feature play performances, dance drama, advocacy street carnival, art exhibitions, lectures, workshops amongst others.
The 4 – day event is meant to put the state on the global calendar of international theatre and arts festivals, making the state a creative hub and artistic destination for burgeoning creative market across the globe.
The event, it also stated shall also discover and promote budding artists, create jobs and provide opportunities for hundreds of artists and art lovers across Nigeria and diaspora to visit Delta State.

It Is A New Dawn, A New Beginning– NCPC Boss Tells State Pilgrimage Leaders

By Celestine Toruka

The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said it is a new dawn and a new beginning for NCPC and Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

He made the disclosure on February 15, 2024 during his first strategic meeting with the states Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers at the NCPC Corporate headquarters, Abuja.

According to him,” as we begin our journey together, it is a new dawn; a new beginning”. He explained that the stakeholders must see themselves as partners in progress with the Commission.
Bishop Adegbite described the states Pilgrimage Leaders as major stakeholders of the Commission as such are expected to play pivotal role in the advancement of Christian Pilgrimage in their various states and Nigeria as a whole. He added, ” nobody can toil with your group”.
He urged them to see pilgrimage as a passion and not a jamboree. His words:” every year I go on pilgrimage something new must happen, therefore let us see pilgrimage exercise as a passion and there is reward for it”.
The NCPC helmsman affirmed that Nigeria is passing through challenges just like every other nation. But he urged them to continue to pray that the Lord would heal our land.
He further urged them to rebuild the confidence in themselves because time is of the essence and life itself is ephemeral.
He thanked them for the sacrifices they have made in the past and the ones they would make in the future..
He assured them that he would operate with honesty and integrity and every one would be carried along.
According to the NCPC boss,” together we will move Nigeria forward and we will change the narrative”.
Bishop Adegbite hinted that the Commission would soon advertise its expression of interest in both local and international print media for prospective service providers to bid for the 2024 pilgrimage exercise.According to him”, it is no longer going to be business as usual, but business unusual ,as openness and sincerity would be the hallmark of his leadership.
He reiterated that due process would be followed religiously under his watch . His words, ” I am not going to indulge in illegality’.
Speaking, the Chairman of Conference of States which comprises Chairmen and Secretaries of states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Rev Isaiah Magaji congratulated Bishop Adegbite on behalf of his colleagues for a well deserved appointment by President Bola TInubu as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission.
In the words of Rev Magaji, ” we always try by all means to carry each other along”.He said,” carrying us along in every activity of the Commission counts a lot”.
He assured the NCPC boss of their maximum cooperation.
He further solicited the assistance of the NCPC boss in reaching out to their state governors on sensitization drive as this would help in leveraging their efforts in their various states.

Asagba of Asaba Transits To Great Beyondat Beyond

The death of the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien has been announced by the royal family.
This was made offical by the Onihe of Asaba, Obi Ubaka Attor who announced the demise of the king, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the palace in Asaba, Delta State.
The announcement was followed with the shooting of 21 gun shoots and a minute silence in the honour of the departed monarch.
The Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili said the monarch joined his ancestors after a fulfilled 100 years.
Present at the event were the children of the Asagba, aside his eldest son who was unavoidably absent, the Okpala ukwu, all obis, Olinzele and Odoziakus
Highlight of the event was the procession to the venue led by the Onihe and Odogwu of Asaba, paying of last respect to the late Asagba by representatives from the five quarters of Asaba.

Alhaji Famous Charges Yoruba Community Executives On Quality Leadership

Kabiyesi of Yoruba Community in Delta State, Alhaji Lawal Maroof Famous has enjoined yoruba people residing in the state to be more united so as to benefit from the dividend of democracy.

Alhaji Famous gave the advice during the swearing in ceremony of executive leaders of the yoruba community which took place in Asaba, the state capital.

He said the only way their impact can be felt in the state, is when they unite as one body in love and also support the agenda of the state governor , Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

He said their support towards one of the acronym in the governor’s agenda, ‘Enhance peace’, would help in the actualization of good governance to all.

Addressing the newly sworn in executives, he charged them to live by the footprint of their forefathers by ensuring that Yorubas take their rightful place in the society.

On his part, the Executive Assistant to the state governor, Hon. Tajudeen Isichei urged Yorubas to shun every form of religious sentiment and see themselves as people from one ethnic group, adding that they were one before God.

He admonished the new executives to set agenda that would boost their prominence in the state.

On his part the Chief Imam of Asaba central mosque, Alhaji Adam Ayokunu prayed God to grant them wisdom to pilot the affairs of the group.

Present at the event was the Wife of the Kabiyesi, Chief Mrs Funmilayo Famous, the Imam of Federal College Central Mosque, Alhaji Dr. Adekola Yinus, the leader of Quadriyah in Asaba, Engr.Lasis Mustapha, amongst others.

Those sworn in into the executive were Comr. Mustapha Lateef as Chairman, Comr.Abdul Rahman Balogun as Vice Chairman, Comr. Fasasi Fatai Jayeola as General Secretary, Comr. Hassan Kamilu Adesoji as Assistant Secretary, Comr. Yekini Kayode Waheed as Youth leader, Comr.Abiodun Durosomo Moses as Treasurer, Comr. Muhebudeen Rukayat as Financial Secretary, Comr. Otunba Olawole Sarafa as Chief Auditor I, Comr. Olalekan Ogundele Chief Auditor II, Comr. Ismeal Babatunde as Welfare I, Comr. Sikiru Anigilaje as Welfare II, Comr. Akeem Adewale Muibi as Chief Whip I. Comr. Abdul Azeez Jibril as Organising Secretary II, Comr. Lawal Sulaimon Ola as Organising Secretary I, Comr. Prince Aderibigbe Abisodun as provost I, Comr. Yinusa Saheed Adewale as Provost II, Comr. Oladele Segun Michael PRO II and Comr. Seun Olukayode as PRO I.

Osuoza Acknowledges Strategic Importance Of Online Media In Driving Oborevwori MORE Agenda

Delta State Government has pledged more meaningful engagement of online media platforms in ensuring the dissemination of information on its activities to Deltans.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, made the pledge in Asaba while playing host to a delegation of Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF).

Dr Osuoza said online media outfits played pivotal roles in promptly reporting the activities of the state government, noting that the speed with which they reported events had endeared them to many Nigerians.

He said he was already used to many of the online platforms and was satisfied with their reportage, promising to carry them along in the discharge of his duties.

The Commissioner told the online publishers to feel free to contact him for clarification on any issue before publication to avoid misinforming the public, which could count against the credibility of their platforms.

Earlier, the Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, on behalf of the body, congratulated Dr Osuoza on his well deserved appointment as Information Commissioner, noting that he proved his mettle as the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in the state.

Mr Enebeli said the Forum had over the years built a reputation of mutual respect with members’ business partners and associates, adding that the Ministry of Information had maintained a harmonious relationship with the Forum, which needed to be sustained.

He drew the attention of the Commissioner to the obvious marginalization of the online media in the state and urged him to address the issue, as the online newspapers were no less important in comparison to the main stream media.

The DOPF Chairman said the organisation, with over 40 members owning reputable platforms, with all legal rights to do business in Nigeria, would desire to have a retainership arrangement with the state government, similar to those of the national electronics and print media houses, to be able to effectively report the progress of the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.

Oborevwori Inaugurates Norsworthy Palm Processing Plant, Says PPP Exemplary

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,  on Tuesday, said the successful inauguration of a 10 metric tonnes per hour oil palm processing mill at Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North local government area of the state was a great addition to the local economy and an excellent example of public private partnership.

Governor Oborevwori stated this in his remarks at the inauguration of the plant at Norsworthy Farms and Agro Allied Industries, Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

He commended the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting the establishment of the farm.

Oborevwori said; “It is my pleasure to be here today to inaugurate this ultra- modern oil processing plant which is a great addition to our local economy and an excellent example of public private partnership.

“It is a glorious opportunity for us to maximise our comparative advantage in oil palm production and transformation of the agricultural landscape in the state.

“I salute the courage and industry of Engr Gabriel Ogbechie, an outstanding businessman and Chairman of Norsworthy Farms Limited.

“Dr Ogbechie is an exemplary Deltan who has demonstrated his love and commitment to the economic development of the state through massive investments and creation of job opportunities for our people.

“Aside this multi-billion naira farm, his investments in RainOil petrol stations are found in every nook and crannies of the state.”

He urged other successful businessmen from the state to emulate Gabriel Ogbechie in investing in the state’s economy by channeling their investments home.

“No matter where your investments are, home is the best. What you are doing is something you will be remembered for.

“As a government, we are very proud to be part of this project which holds strong prospects for the urbanisation of the host community and more employment opportunities for our teeming youth population.

“It goes without saying that beautiful investments like this in the non-oil sector will aid economic diversification, enhance the business competitiveness of the state and stimulate exports.

“Another reason we are having problems with foreign exchange is because we are always importing; so, by the time we start exporting, the value of the dollar will start coming down.”

He appreciated the efforts of previous administrations in the state, which, according to him, were yielding results and urged Norsworthy Farms to spread their tentacles by investing in also establishing in Delta Central and South.

According to the governor, “our administration is determined to boost food security by encouraging farmers with already-made markets for their products and make agricultural farm produce exportable for value addition.”

He assured prospective investors that Delta was very safe for investments, adding, “Delta is very peaceful, stable and we welcome all investors to come to the state.

“Furthermore, the Delta State Public and Private Property Protection Law prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of public and private landed property, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to private and public property is in full force.

“With this law, the issue of ‘Deve’, land grabbing is now a thing of the past and even recently, we inaugurated a task force to stop encroachment of all lands fully acquired by the state government.

“Let me assure you that your request for 10,000 hectares of land is achievable but must be spread across the three senatorial districts.

“Oshimili North Local Government Council is already preparing for the Internally -Generated Revenue (IGR) here; so, other local governments should also benefit from such investments.

“We are very very proud of your accomplishments because you are not just only investing in oil, you are also divesting and this one impacts our people more because it creates more jobs.”

The immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while congratulating Norsworthy Farms, urged other wealthy citizens to invest in palm oil production.

Okowa, who expressed regret at the importation of palm oil in the country, appreciated the communities who donated land for the farm.

He said the out growers scheme would improve the economy of the local communities around and urged them to key into the project.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of Norsworthy Farms and Agro-Allied Industries, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, said Nigeria had transitioned from being a net exporter to net importer of palm oil.

While commending Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor for supporting the establishment of the farm, he promised to upscale investments in the state’s agricultural value chain.

We’ll Engage FG To Revitalise Delta Ports – Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,  on tuesday, said his administration would engage relevant Federal Government authorities for the revitalisation of all seaports in the state.

Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Atuwatse III, CFR, and his retinue of chiefs at Government House, Asaba.

He commended the leadership quality of the Olu of Warri, describing him as a blessing to our generation.

Oborevwori said; “I appreciate you for the love you have shown this administration. You have been very supportive and I appreciate you for coming here today to congratulate me. As a royal father, you prayed for all of us (Governorship candidates) and your prayer then was that God should give the state somebody that will move the state higher.

“You blessed all of us but I was chosen and that’s the reason you are here today with all your people. Your Majesty, your leadership quality is something that we appreciate. You are a blessing to our generation.

“This administration places a high premium on the role of traditional rulers in governance. This is because the royal fathers are the bridge between the people at the grassroot and the government.

“Without the royal fathers, we can’t achieve peace in all our kingdoms. So, they are in charge of their kingdoms; that’s why we always go to them to seek their prayers and support.

“Please, anything that we are doing as a government that you are not pleased with, don’t fail to correct us. My government is open to constructive criticism.

“And if we are also doing very well, don’t fail to commend us. Constructive criticism is allowed everywhere in the world and Delta State would not be an exception. What we don’t like is blackmail.

“Your Majesty, I have listened to your request. I promised during my inauguration that Warri will have a positive new face. I have gone round Warri and looked at some places with urgent attention; we are already working on that.

“We are already working on a befitting stadium for Warri. As we speak, they are doing the design of the stadium because I don’t want a situation where we construct and after a few years, it will start having problems.

“We also have challenge with the drains in that area; as we speak, phase 1 of the storm drainage has been completed by Levant, phase 2 is about 90 per cent completed and the last, which is the phase three, will soon be completed.

“Without the storm drainage, if you construct any road in Warri, it will be washed away. I want to assure you that Warri will have a positive new face in Jesus name.” he said.

On the controversy surrounding attempted renaming of parts of Warri, Governor Oborevwori cautioned proponents to maintain the existing peace in the oil city.

“People talk about Warri; Warri today has expanded beyond the main town. Even today, people call Osubi, Warri. I don’t know why people want to make trouble.

“Warri today is a general name. I am from Osubi but when you ask me where I am from, I will tell you Warri. So, Warri is Warri and nobody can change it.”

On the ports, Governor Oborevwori said he was committed to engaging the Federal Government on the revitalisation of the ports in the state.

“The Port is something that is key to the development of Delta state. Even without coming here to make a request, I will start engaging with the people at the national to see how all the Ports in Delta state will be rehabilitated.

“If the Ports are rehabilitated, it will bring a lot of developments in the state. The issue of refinery, I know that as soon as they finish the maintenance of the refinery, it will come back to operation.”

On the request for clean water in the riverine areas, Oborevwori said; “we actually need clean water. There is a project that is on going and your son is the Commissioner for Water Resources; I know he will brief me and he knows what to do. If he comes with the proposal, we will look into it”.

He thanked the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation for their support for his election, adding that no ethnic nationality would be marginalised in his administration.

“The Warri kingdom and the Itsekiri nation supported me during my election that’s why we did not lose in any of the local government areas in that area. That’s why you see that in this administration, we have four Commissioners and one Special Adviser from your area.” Governor Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, said he led a delegation of the Itsekiri nation to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

He appealed to the Governor to help site an institution of higher learning in Warri kingdom.

The Monarch said: “The people have spoken; and now the courts have spoken. The same God who set you on this path, will continue to guide you and perfect what He has started. You have our support and prayers.

“We also want to express our appreciation, for infrastructural developments in Warri axis. The roads, drainages, stadium, particularly the Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, Ugborodo phase 2 road which links Ugbegungun to Otumara).

“While it is under the purview of the Federal Government, we request that you join our voice in encouraging the Federal Government to speedily move in the direction of rehabilitating the ports in Delta state and refinery in Warri.

“Revitalising these ports would ease the plight of idleness and unemployment with our young able youths”.

He appealed to the Governor to help conclude the water scheme, joint development between the state and Chevron, for the Olero and Dibi axis, stressing that potable water in the riverine area had always been an issue.

“We need all the assistance we can get from the government to make access to potable water easier for our people in Tebu, Gbokoda, Ajametan, Udoh and Jakpa.”

Former Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and top government functionaries from the Itsekiri nation joined Governor Oborevwori in welcoming the Olu’s delegation.

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