By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, the wife of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, in honor of her 63rd birthday.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori commended Mrs. Uduaghan for her generous spirit and unwavering support for her husband throughout his tenure.

Highlighting her contributions, the governor recalled her impactful ‘I CARE’ initiative, which significantly enhanced the lives of many, particularly widows and prisoners, during her husband’s administration.

“On behalf of myself, my family, and the people of Delta, I extend warm congratulations to our esteemed former First Lady, Mrs. Roli Nere Uduaghan, on this milestone birthday,” he stated.

“We join you and your family in offering gratitude to the Almighty for 63 remarkable years devoted to Him and our community. Reaching the age of 63 with grace and a steadfast commitment to humanity is indeed a momentous occasion.

“Your unwavering compassion and dedication to the underprivileged, especially widows and inmates in our state, have been truly inspiring.

As a staunch advocate for the rights of widows and children, your initiatives have led to tangible improvements, notably through the continued efforts of the Delta State Widows’ Welfare Scheme.

“On this special day, I pray that God blesses you with continued honor and robust health, enabling you to further serve Him and make a positive impact on society.”

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his spiritual mentor, Dr. David Oyedepo, the founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, as he marks his 70th birthday.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori commended Bishop Oyedepo for his significant contributions to both the church and national development.

The Governor highlighted Oyedepo’s impactful role in Christianity, noting how his prayers, practical teachings, and nurturing of devout Christian believers have left a lasting legacy in Nigeria and beyond.

He described Bishop Oyedepo as a role model and a father figure, emphasizing that his leadership qualities are worthy of emulation.

On this special occasion, Governor Oborevwori expressed: “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone in your life, I join your family and followers in honoring our father of faith who has inspired countless individuals over the years.”

He praised Oyedepo for his exceptional preaching, dedicated administration, and distinguished leadership, stating, “We take great pride in your outstanding achievements within the church and your visionary guidance of Covenant and Landmark Universities.”

Governor Oborevwori added: “On behalf of my family, the Delta State Government, and the people of our state, I congratulate Bishop David Oyedepo on this significant birthday.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude to God for Oyedepo’s valuable contributions to humanity, wishing him continued good health and happiness as he enters this new decade: “May the Almighty bless you with many more years of impactful service to both the nation and God’s kingdom.”

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is calling on the contractor assigned by the Federal Government to expedite the rehabilitation of damaged sections of the Benin-Asaba highway.

Speaking through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Governor emphasized the urgency of the situation due to the significant hardships motorists have faced on this route.

During a press briefing held at the Ezenei Junction in Asaba, Aniagwu highlighted the Governor’s growing concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions of the highway.

“The failed sections, particularly near Ezenei Junction, have been a major issue for the state government,” he stated, adding, “Governor Oborevwori has been deeply troubled by this situation and has previously instructed me to assess possible solutions to make the road safer for our citizens.”

When the team investigated, it became clear that the repair work was already contracted to a federal contractor. “We engaged with the contractor but faced challenges in taking over the project,” Aniagwu explained. “Given that this contract is under federal jurisdiction, it has been complicated.”

However, he noted that the Governor has persisted in urging the contractor to resume work at the site. “We are pleased to report that we have successfully communicated with the contractor to prioritize this area,” he announced.

Aniagwu clarified that delays were caused by essential materials being stuck along bad roads near Auchi, preventing transport trucks from reaching the site. “We have advised the contractor to source materials from other locations, and fortunately, he managed to acquire some from Benin while waiting for additional supplies from Auchi.”

He also indicated that construction equipment will be deployed once sufficient materials are available to commence repairs.

The Commissioner appealed to motorists to exercise patience during this process. “We ask for understanding from our community; we could not abruptly intervene since there was an existing contractor willing to continue, despite the material challenges.”

“Good progress is being made, as evidenced by the trucks arriving with resources, with more on the way,” he assured.

Aniagwu expressed hope that once the road is repaired, it will facilitate easier access to the eastern regions and help maintain the integrity of internal roads that depend on this major corridor.

“This project will restore the area’s appeal and alleviate the struggles faced by motorists navigating this stretch,” he stated, noting the extensive traffic congestion affecting the corridor.

“We expect the contractor to work diligently to complete these repairs swiftly, providing much-needed relief to our community.”

By Sunday Apah

The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects expressed its dedication on Thursday to partner with Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that all ongoing infrastructure projects in the state are completed efficiently and on time.

During the first day of a comprehensive three-week oversight tour of significant road, bridge, and drainage initiatives across the state’s three senatorial districts, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboro Kenneth Preyor, reaffirmed this commitment.

The legislators examined several key projects, including the Ughelli-Ozoro-Kwale-Asaba dualization road, the gully control project in Ogwashi-Uku, and the Kwale-Beneku road and bridge project in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Hon. Preyor, along with fellow committee members—Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, James Augoye, Ferguson Onwo, Edafe Emakpor, Bridget Anyafulu, and Ebitonmo Alapala—emphasized the importance of ensuring that contractors adhere to high standards and complete projects within the designated timelines.

By Sunday Apah

Leaders and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, have commended the Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode on his development strides within two months in office.

The union which made commendation during a courtesy visit to the chairman on Thursday September 26, 2024, also advocated for support for journalists in order to effectively carry out their duties.

Chief Sunday Apah, Chairman of the NUJ Ughelli Chapel, who spoke on behalf of the union, congratulated Hon. Oyibode on his recent election as Chairman of the Udu Local Government Council.

He praised Oyibode’s leadership capabilities and dedication to fostering positive developments within Udu Kingdom.

Chief Apah also expressed appreciation for Oyibode’s decision to appoint Comrade Henry Ubus, a distinguished journalist and NUJ member, as the Chief Press Secretary.

He commented on Ubus’s professionalism and commitment, believing that this appointment would greatly improve communication between the council and its constituents.

Apah asserted that, under Ubus’s guidance, values such as integrity, transparency, and accountability would remain fundamental to the administration.

Apah underscored the importance of providing a supportive environment for journalists and urged the council to assist in upgrading their secretariat.

He argued that an improved workspace would empower journalists to deliver precise and timely news, keeping the public well-informed.

In response, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode expressed his pleasure in meeting with the NUJ members and acknowledged the indispensable role of the media in conveying government messages.

He underscored the necessity for balanced reporting, encouraging journalists to present well-researched, evidence-based information.

“The media has the power to shape perceptions; thus, ensuring balanced reporting is vital,” Oyibode stated.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which emphasizes comprehensive development.

He highlighted his achievements since taking office, particularly in resolving conflicts in the Okpaka and Opete communities, which has fostered peaceful coexistence in Udu.

Oyibode outlined several ongoing initiatives, including road repairs and the construction of a new Executive Chairman’s Office featuring amenities such as a reception area, Exco Chamber, media offices, and suites for personal assistants.

He also shared that new computers and photocopiers have been acquired for essential departments to boost operational efficiency.

Additionally, he mentioned working collaboratively with the state government to tackle longstanding issues in Udu, including resolving a leadership crisis among community leaders.

As part of ongoing efforts to spiritually strengthen council, he announced the initiation of a foundation for the council’s chapel and the acquisition of musical equipment for its temporary location.

Morning devotion is scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM, reflecting his commitment to spiritual governance.

Furthermore, Oyibode revealed plans to procure three official vehicles for principal council officers, illustrating his administration’s dedication to operational effectiveness.

He expressed his willingness to collaborate closely with the media, emphasizing the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership that will aid in the holistic development of Udu Kingdom.

The visit marked an important milestone in enhancing collaboration between the media and local government, ensuring transparency regarding ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving the Udu Local Government Area.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, emphasized on Thursday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to the equitable development of all regions within the state, in accordance with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Aniagwu made this assertion during a site handover of the 2.7-kilometer Issele-Azagba-Otulu road to the contractor at Issele-Azagba, located in the Aniocha North Local Government Area.

He highlighted the Governor’s intention to enhance connectivity across local governments through the construction of quality roads and urged the contractor to commence work promptly and adhere to the timeline.

“Recently, the Executive Council approved several road projects across the three Senatorial districts.

Following this approval, we engaged in the bidding process, and multiple contractors submitted proposals after the projects were publicly advertised,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “This particular road, which connects Issele-Azagba to Ubulu-Okiti, was among those approved during that Executive Council meeting.”

The project has been awarded to a qualified contractor, with the aim of linking Aniocha North to Aniocha South within the Delta North Senatorial District.

According to Aniagwu, the initiation of this project exemplifies the meaningful development opportunities provided for all segments of the community under the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, making him a leader for all Deltans.

“Upon completion, residents of Issele-Azagba will no longer need to travel via the expressway to reach their local government headquarters in Issele-Uku,” he explained.

“I have secured the contractor’s commitment, and their work plan assures me that this project will be completed in the near future. I am pleased with their rapid mobilization.”

Aniagwu stressed that the Oborevwori administration is actively organizing contractors to execute projects efficiently, aiming to mitigate potential price fluctuations in the economy.

The contractor has received 30 percent of the contract sum and is expected to finish the project within 12 months.

“The Governor is serious about community development, which is why he has initiated mobilization for several contractors,” Aniagwu noted.

“We want to avoid scenarios where contractors claim they cannot start due to funding delays.”

He acknowledged that while many contractors have sufficient resources, the government is ensuring they align with the project’s pace to maintain momentum.

“Our primary focus is to deliver quality work efficiently, avoiding any delays that might arise from contractors treating the project casually.

“The Governor has instructed us to maintain strict oversight on these projects. We have several projects in the pipeline worth billions, and I assure you that more will be awarded in less than two weeks,” he added.

Aniagwu emphasized that the Governor’s vision is to impact every local government area—North, Central, and South—so that by 2026-2027, the community will recognize the tangible benefits of the administration’s efforts.

Accompanied by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, and the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, Aniagwu also inspected the ongoing construction of Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue and Chikozie Okafor Road in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

He urged the contractor to ensure that the drainage systems on both sides of the road are correctly aligned to the discharge points, emphasizing that the project’s completion would significantly enhance local business opportunities.