The appointment of former Delta State Governor, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, as the South-south coordinator of the Renewed Hope by President Bola Tinubu has continued to attract excitement among Deltans.
Recall that President Tinubu appointed six zonal coordinators for the Renewed Hope Initiative Committees designed to advance his administration’s developmental vision across the country.
One of those elated by Sen Okowa’s appointment is the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Mentorship, Lucky Alika, who described the appointment as well-deserved.
In a statement issued to our correspondent, Alika said ‘’This honour reflects not only your unwavering dedication to service, but also the exemplary life you have lived—anchored in humility, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others.
‘’From your humble beginnings to your remarkable rise in public service, you have consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion, and excellence.
‘’As the former Governor of Delta State, you earned the distinguished title of “Road Master” due to your outstanding infrastructural achievements that opened up communities, boosted economic activities, and transformed the landscape of our dear state.
‘’Your visionary leadership, especially in roads, health, education, and youth empowerment, left behind a legacy that remains unmatched. These accomplishments continue to speak for you and will remain a reference point for generations to come.
‘’Your footprint in governance is enduring, and your impact continues to inspire countless Deltans. We are immensely proud of you. This new appointment is not only well deserved but also a clear recognition of your capacity, integrity, and proven track record.
‘May this new role bring fresh opportunities for you to continue your outstanding service to the South-South region and to Nigeria,’ he said.
Okowa’s Appointment Excites Alika
Funkekeme Solomon ‘ll deliver on his RHI mandate in Delta – Oghenesivbe
…Says he’s a team leader, trusted political strategist
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has expressed confidence that Rt. Hon. Solomon Funkekeme will excel as the Delta Coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
Oghenesivbe commended Funkekeme’s exceptional leadership skills, outstanding performance and track record as Campaign Director General during the 2023 general elections, where he successfully coordinated multifaceted committees and subcommittees to achieve desired results for the party and the state without blemish.
He described Funkekeme as a “visionary team leader, go-getter, focused planner, and implementor” of strategic government policies and programmes, noting that Delta being a strategic stakeholder in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda needs the invaluable political craftsmanship, competence and expertise of Funkeke to fasttrack the actualization of the noble objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state.
According to the Bureau Chief, the appointment is seen as a testament to Funkekeme’s competence and capacity to drive strategic engagements, mobilization efforts, and development-focused interventions in Delta State.
Oghenesivbe assured that with Funkekeme at the helm, the RHI is expected to make significant strides in advancing President Tinubu’s vision for national renewal and socioeconomic remodelling, especially the spread of people focused support social intervention programmes encapsulated in the RHI.
He thanked President Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for trusting Funkekeme with the state coordinator role, praying for God’s guidance, inspiration, wisdom, and good health in his new assignment.
“The appointment of Rt. Hon. Funkeke Solomon is a welcome development and will greatly advance Mr. President’s vision for the RHI in Delta State” Oghenesivbe said.
Bureau Chief, Oghenesivbe Congratulates Okowa on New Appointment
… Thanks President Bola Tinubu for appointing Delta’s best
The Director‑General, management, and staff of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications has extended their heartfelt congratulations to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, on his well‑deserved appointment as South‑South Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In a statement signed by Director‑General, Dr. (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, JP, the Bureau noted that the news of Senator Okowa’s appointment generated widespread jubilation, resonating not only across Delta State but throughout the South‑South geopolitical zone.
Senator Okowa, recognized as a pragmatic leader and political stalwart during his eight‑year tenure as Governor and Chairman of the South‑South Governors’ Forum, is praised for his visionary governance and steadfast dedication to regional development.
The statement affirmed confidence in Okowa’s ability to deliver on his new mandate, describing him as a “global‑ranking political strategist, super bureaucrat, and astute public administrator.”
Okowa’s appointment is viewed as a testament to his proven leadership, and the Bureau reaffirms its absolute confidence in his ability to deliver on his assigned responsibilities, praying that he continues to excel in serving Nigeria and the South‑South region.
“Your Excellency, you are the best man for the job, tested and trusted.
“We rejoice with you now and always. Congratulations, once again,” Oghenesivbe said.
Arsenal Extends Lead with Crucial Victory
Arsenal has secured a 2-0 victory against Brentford to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Arsenal’s goals came from a Merino header in the 10th minute, assisted by Ben White, and a late strike from Saka, assisted by Merino.
Manager Mikel Arteta made changes due to the busy schedule.
Ben White started at right-back, while Noni Madueke started on the wing.
Key players like Saka (who later scored) and Jurrien Timber began the match on the bench.
David Raya’s save was crucial in keeping a clean sheet.
The win was overshadowed by injury worries for Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice.
The result stretches Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 18 games. It gives them a five-point lead over Manchester City.
Harrison Gwamnishu Quits Voluntary Anti-Kidnapping Operations After Alleged Threats From Senior Police Officers
Human-rights activist and well-known volunteer responder, Harrison Gwamnishu, has announced that he is withdrawing from his voluntary anti-kidnapping missions. His decision follows what he describes as threats and intimidation allegedly coming from some high-ranking police officers who were displeased with his involvement in rescue operations.
In a heartfelt statement, Harrison expressed both his respect for security agencies and his fears for his personal safety.
“I am not trying to make anyone feel incompetent. I understand how it might look when a civilian appears to be doing a job meant for security personnel. I am also not taking anyone’s job—this work is extremely risky, and I respect those who do it full-time.
But how do I continue working with you all without fear? How do I stay focused in the bush when I know that some personnel with me may have superiors who are unhappy with my involvement? Wouldn’t they give order?
This voluntary job has taught me a lot. Despite my mistakes, failures, and weaknesses, I have consistently shown that criminals can be tracked and apprehended through technology.
I want to do more, but I cannot read the intentions of those around me in the field.
If tomorrow I am called to serve this nation officially, I will gladly answer that call.
Thank you, Nigerians, for your unwavering support and prayers.”
His withdrawal has sparked conversations online, with some Nigerians expressing concern that elements within the security structure may be uncomfortable with civilian-led initiatives that expose irregularities or disrupt illicit activities. Commentators argue that allegations like these raise questions about the integrity of certain officers and the challenges faced by volunteers who step in to support community safety.
2Baba Appeals for Privacy as He Addresses Marriage Concern
Nigerian musician 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) has asked the public for privacy regarding the recent issues in his marriage to Natasha Osawaru Idibia.
Speculation about marital trouble intensified after a mysterious “Help Me” story appeared on his Instagram. This followed earlier public clashes and accusations involving his wife and former managers.
He stated that the “Help Me” story was not posted by him but by someone else.
2Baba emphasized that family issues should be resolved privately. He also raised concerns that the intense public scrutiny could compromise Natasha’s safety, especially as she is dealing with an ongoing assembly summons.
This current turmoil follows his earlier separation from Annie Macaulay-Idibia and his recent, quiet marriage to Natasha, with whom he just had a son.
In short: 2Baba is dealing with fresh marriage drama in public, but he insists the latest social media alert was fake and is pleading for the public to back off for the sake of his family’s privacy and his wife’s safety.
Oborevwori Urges Investors to Act, Declares Delta Ripe for Investment
.…Orders Immediate Rehabilitation Of Failed Sections Of Ubeji/Egbokodo/Refinery Road
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on investors particularly Deltans at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the state’s steadily improving socio-economic climate to invest in the State.
The Governor who made the call at Ubeji, Warri South Local Government Area, while inaugurating a multi-million-naira hospitality and tourism investment, the Swiss International Rancho Valerie Hotel, said; “the time to invest in Delta State is now.”
“Warri is rising again, Delta State is progressing steadily. The shadows of yesterday have given way to the bright possibilities of today and the greater promises of tomorrow,” the Governor declared.
Saying the hotel is a bold testament to the rising economic profile of Warri, Oborevwori ordered the immediate rehabilitation of failed portion of the Ubeji/Egbokodo/Refinery Road.
He said the new hospitality facility reflects the renewed confidence investors now have in Delta State, adding that Warri is reclaiming its place as Delta’s commercial and tourism hub.
According to him, the establishment of the hotel will not only provide premium accommodation, but also stimulate local enterprise, create jobs, enhance community peace, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of the state.
He said: “This hotel is not just another project; it is a clear statement that Delta State is open for business. It affirms that our state is safe, investor-friendly, and capable of hosting world-class hospitality and tourism ventures”.
Governor Oborevwori praised the hotel’s owner, Mr. Mode Akoma, describing the project as an inspiring story of vision, resilience, and determination.
He commended Akoma’s choice to invest in his home community rather than elsewhere, calling it a demonstration of deep commitment to Delta’s development.
“If you had invited me to commission a hotel you built outside Delta State, I would not have attended. But I am proud that you chose to develop your community. This project brings jobs, brings peace, and brings progress,” he added.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, and investor-friendly policies under the MORE Agenda.
While congratulating the owners and management of Swiss International Rancho Valerie, he emphasized that the success of such projects underscores the limitless investment opportunities available in Delta State.
Earlier in his welcome address, General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Todowede Opeyemi, said the facility would provide exceptional hospitality services that meet international standard.
He added that the management is committed to contributing to the state’s development by helping unlock Delta’s rich tourism potential.
“Every guest who visits us deserves more than just a stay; they deserve an unforgettable experience, one that reflects our culture, our hospitality, and our warmth as a people,” Opeyemi said.
Delta First Lady Commissions Cottage Hospital In Ughelli
…Hails Governor’s Expanding Healthcare Reforms
First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly completed Tobore Oborevwori Cottage Hospital in Ughelli North Local Government Area, describing the project as a “beacon of hope, healing, and humanity” for the people.
The ceremony, held on December 2, 2025, marked a major milestone in the local government’s healthcare expansion efforts, led by Chairman Olorogun Jaro Egbo, who described the hospital as part of a broader vision to deliver accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare to residents of Ughelli North.
In an emotionally charged speech, the First Lady expressed deep gratitude to the local government council for naming the facility after her, stating that the honour underscored the value placed on her modest contributions to the welfare of Deltans.
“It gladdens my heart to know that my modest contributions are being recognized and valued. It feels good to be home, home sweet home,” she said.
She commended the council chairman and his team for “breaking barriers and creating access to affordable, quality healthcare for our people,” adding that the project aligns perfectly with the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to human-centered development.
The First Lady praised her husband for his reforms in the state’s health sector, citing the recent reduction of dialysis fees from ₦75,000 to ₦40,000, the provision of new dialysis and CT machines across government hospitals, and the ongoing rehabilitation of 150 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 25 Local Government Areas.
“God will help the governor to achieve more. He is working, and it is showing,” she declared.
Highlighting her philanthropic activities, Deaconess Oborevwori noted that her ‘You mata Charity Foundation’ recently conducted a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Ughelli, providing medications, wheelchairs, and assistive devices.
She recalled a remarkable moment during the outreach where a woman who delivered triplets received over ₦8.1 million raised through spontaneous donations, describing the gesture as “a testimony of God’s grace.”
She assured that similar outreaches will be extended to Delta North and Delta South.
In his address, Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon Jaro Egbo said the new facility was conceived as part of his administration’s strategic plan to strengthen the local health system.
“Healthcare is not a privilege for a few, but a right for all,” he said.
Egbo expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for providing an enabling environment for development, noting that the Renewed Hope For MORE Agenda has been the foundation upon which several projects including the cottage hospital have been executed.
He also thanked the First Lady for commissioning the project, describing her as an embodiment of compassion whose influence continues to inspire the people of Ughelli North.
Egbo urged residents to protect the facility from vandalism, stressing that sustainability depends on community ownership and cooperation.
Chairman of the occasion and head of the Ughelli North Local Government Advisory Committee, Chief Miller Uloho, extolled Governor Oborevwori for his “exceptional leadership,” recalling the governor’s role in resolving long-standing land acquisition disputes in Osubi that threatened the airport project.
He described the governor as “a naturally gifted leader” whose capacity earned him a seat on the maiden flight that opened the Osubi airport.
Uloho also applauded Jaro Egbo’s performance, urging him to sustain the developmental momentum, and appealed to the First Lady to ensure the new cottage hospital remains functional, well-funded, and properly maintained.
Executive Secretary of the Ughelli North Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Tega Ighovo, announced that the hospital is fully equipped with modern facilities, including an ambulance and diagnostic equipment, enabling it to serve as a referral centre for primary healthcare clinics across the Local Government Area.
New Tax Law Favors Citizens, Not Government, Says Experts
Discussants at the 2025 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Annual Lecture have debunked widespread misconceptions that Nigeria’s new tax law is designed primarily to enrich government, insisting instead that the reform offers far greater benefits to citizens, businesses, and the wider economy.
Speaking during the panel session, accountant and tax consultant Victor Fegor Origho said the new framework was structured to create a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship between the government and the people. He explained that the law seeks to correct long-standing irregularities in the tax system where some Nigerians were overtaxed while others escaped underassessment.
According to him, public fears about indiscriminate debits and harsh penalties are misplaced, as the intent of the law is fairness, accuracy and transparency. “This reform is not designed to punish Nigerians. It is to correct the gaps and make sure everyone pays what is due—no more, no less,” he said.
Legal practitioner Barr. Ikpesu Gideon Jade, I described the legislation as a modern dispute-resolution mechanism that functions like an ombudsman for tax matters. He noted that although fines exist, organizations can avoid sanctions by keeping accurate records, complying early and managing their affairs professionally. “If you do your part, the law protects you,” he said.
Another panelist, Martins Onyem Aghaobod, Esq, stressed the urgency of public sensitization ahead of the law’s full implementation in January 2026. He urged Nigerians to study the 203-section document to better understand its objectives—chief among them the elimination of multiple taxation and the strengthening of compliance.
The experts collectively emphasized that the law will empower citizens to hold government accountable by making tax processes more transparent and enabling Nigerians to track how revenue is spent on infrastructure and essential services.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, Dr. Ochuko Emudainohwo, described the new tax law as a strategic economic blueprint crafted to reposition Nigeria for sustainable and inclusive development. He linked the reform to declining oil revenue, population pressures and the economic shocks of COVID-19, noting that the federal government had no choice but to rethink its fiscal model.
Dr. Emudainohwo explained that the consolidation of income and company taxes into a single tax net simplifies administration and reduces bottlenecks. He described the new framework as “pro-people,” highlighting provisions that exempt companies with annual turnover below N50 million from capital-based and company income taxes. This, he said, would relieve small businesses, promote innovation and stimulate enterprise growth.
He added that the law strengthens digital tax platforms, closes leakages and promotes transparency—key steps needed to rebuild public trust.
While the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Edward Obiefuna Martyns, and the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, all underscored the need for accountability in tax administration, the core focus of the event remained the expert insights that dissected the new legislation and its implications for Nigerians.
Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Information Charles Aniagwu, stressed that tax reforms must translate into tangible development, while Martyns urged the media to intensify scrutiny of government revenue use. Enebeli emphasized that taxation must go hand in hand with service delivery, calling for improved roads, safer communities and transparent governance.
The 2025 DOPF Annual Lecture, themed “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society,” drew broad participation and provided deep analysis of how the legislation will shape economic behaviour, governance and public expectations as Nigeria enters a new era of tax reforms.
Addressing Falsehoods: The Truth About Consultations for Anioma State Creation
By Eze Onwenna
Opponents of Senator Ned Nwoko’s push for Anioma State creation who claim a lack of consultation are peddling falsehoods, as extensive efforts were made to engage all stakeholders. Senator Nwoko has consistently sought broad consensus, even in the face of political obstacles and deliberate avoidance by some figures.
The claim that local government chairmen were not consulted is untrue. Senator Nwoko scheduled meetings, and when they refused to turn up, he asked them to choose a convenient venue, which they still declined. He sent his Legal Aide to take the documents to them, many of them directed him to their Secretaries who signed on their behalf, Barr Alika was smart enough by ensuring that those documents were signed and stamped , though they later denied it but we have been expecting them to sue the Senator for forgery, none of them has been able to do that. He met with Delta State House of Assembly members from Delta North in his Asaba office, where they explicitly stated their refusal to sign any document in support of the state creation.
Numerous efforts were also made to engage one-on-one with the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi; however, calls and messages went unanswered. Conversely, Hon. Ezechi was communicated with from the beginning and expressed assurance of his support. Hon. Ngozi Okolie attended an initial summit organised by Senator Nwoko at the Grand Hotel Asaba and expressed support, while Hon. Nwaokolo offered no committed response when reached out to.
The narrative of a “one-man show” is insincere. Despite tacit and cowardly avoidance by some, including councillors who dodged scheduled meetings, the movement has gained significant traction and national support due to sustained advocacy and a structured process. The current push for Anioma State is now an advanced, structured national process with widespread backing from key figures across the Senate and national bodies like Izu Anioma and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, focusing on historical justice and regional equity.
The process is firmly on course, with the proposal (Senate Bill 481) having garnered support from over 90 senators, surpassing the constitutional threshold in the Red Chamber. This momentum, anchored on the principles of fairness and balanced development, is a collective mission rooted in the long-held aspirations of the Anioma people, not the personal interests or political calculations of a few individuals.
If you were Senator Ned Nwoko, what would you do?
