By Enitan Abel Johngold

The Secretary of the Management Committee of the Project-Global Memorandum of Understanding (PGMOU) for the NAG-3 project in OML 34, Comrade Igho Onobraekpeyan, has dismissed as misleading recent claims by activist Chief Zik Gbemre regarding the Independent Power Plant (IPP) project initiated by host communities in Delta State.

Addressing journalists at the project site, Onobraekpeyan provided a detailed account of the conception, funding, execution, and current status of the power project serving the communities of Otor-Udu, Iwhrekan, and Otughievwen.

The PGMOU, involving NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and the host communities, is overseen by a Management Committee chaired by Dr. A. E. Ideh, with Onobraekpeyan serving as Secretary.

PROJECT ORIGIN AND FUNDING STRUCTURE

Onobraekpeyan explained that the IPP project was conceived following negotiations between the communities and NEPL in September 2020, stemming from the development of the NAG-3 gas plant in the Utorogun area. As part of the agreement, the communities receive an annual Community Development Support (CDS) fund of ₦200 million.

He noted that although the communities initially requested that NEPL directly provide electricity, the company declined, prompting the communities to independently channel the CDS funds into developing their own power infrastructure.

According to him, six annual payments totaling ₦1.2 billion have been made, though only 75 percent, about ₦900 million, was allocated directly to the IPP project after statutory deductions for administrative and community structures.

A feasibility study conducted at the onset of the project in 2021 revealed that the combined energy needs of the three communities stood at approximately 1.4 megawatts. However, due to funding constraints, the committee opted to begin with a one-megawatt facility, with provisions for future expansion.

“We deliberately started with one megawatt because of limited funds, but we have built the infrastructure to scale up to four megawatts and beyond,” Onobraekpeyan said.

He highlighted the impact of exchange rate volatility on project costs, noting that the naira’s depreciation significantly reduced the value of available funds. At the time of procurement, a single 500KVA gas-powered generator cost about ₦120 million, requiring full upfront payment.

Despite these challenges, the committee proceeded with the acquisition of two generators, construction of the power plant, and supporting infrastructure, including administrative buildings, access roads, and flood mitigation structures.

The project reached completion in 2024, with technical testing conducted between October and December 2025 by representatives of the equipment manufacturers.

Onobraekpeyan confirmed that the facility successfully generated and distributed electricity during test runs, demonstrating its operational viability.

He explained that the plant is capable of supplying electricity to residential users and small businesses for up to 18 hours daily, though this may drop to about 12 hours when larger commercial users such as hotels are included.

GAS SUPPLY: The Major Constraint

He identified gas supply as the primary challenge hindering full operations, stating that reliance on compressed natural gas (CNG) is financially unsustainable.

“A single 7,500 standard cubic metre skid of gas costs about ₦4.8 million and lasts just three days. Monthly consumption could reach up to 100,000 SCM, making it impractical for continuous operation,” he said.

He clarified that securing gas supply is the responsibility of community leadership, who have already engaged NEPL on the matter.

METERING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Onobraekpeyan also stressed the importance of metering to ensure efficient electricity distribution and prevent wastage, revealing that discussions are ongoing with service providers to install meters across the communities.

Responding to Gbemre’s criticism that the project was a failure, Onobraekpeyan described the claims as inaccurate and driven by personal interests.

He alleged a conflict of interest, claiming that Gbemre had recommended a company allegedly linked to his family for the project’s overhaul.

“It is misleading to label the project a failure when it has been completed and tested. The issue is not engineering failure but sustainability, particularly gas supply,” he stated.

He further argued that the project represents a significant achievement for the host communities, demonstrating local capacity in executing complex infrastructure projects.

While welcoming constructive criticism, Onobraekpeyan urged stakeholders, including activists and oil companies, to support efforts to secure gas supply and expand the facility.

He noted that the current infrastructure can be scaled up to five megawatts, with additional land available for expansion to as much as 20 megawatts, potentially serving wider areas in Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas.

“This is a work in progress. What the communities have achieved with limited resources should be encouraged and built upon, not discredited,” he said.

A new political assessment ahead of the 2027 general elections has projected former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Victor Onyekachi Ochei, as the leading contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Senatorial ticket, ahead of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko.

The projection was contained in a report released by a public affairs analyst, Mr. Omobola Omonla Itaye, and made available to journalists on Tuesday. The report, which examined the strengths, structures, and political trajectories of the three frontline aspirants, concluded that Ochei currently holds a strategic edge, particularly among grassroots mobilizers and the youth population across the Anioma nation.

Three Heavyweights, One Defining Contest
According to the analysis, the Delta North senatorial race is shaping up as a high-stakes contest defined by three dominant figures, each bringing a distinct political identity, experience, visibility, and institutional balance.

However, the report noted that beyond personalities, the race is increasingly becoming a referendum on the future direction of Anioma politics, with growing emphasis on inclusiveness, generational shift, and coalition-building.

The report acknowledged the extensive political résumé of Ifeanyi Okowa, describing his career as one of the most far-reaching in Delta State’s democratic history, spanning commissioner roles, Secretary to the State Government, a senatorial term, and two terms as governor, in addition to his emergence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2023.

Despite this, the analyst observed that such longevity has begun to raise concerns among stakeholders regarding power rotation and political inclusiveness. The latter years of Okowa’s administration, the report noted, were widely perceived as marked by a centralization of influence that left several political blocs feeling sidelined.

It further pointed out that ongoing scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, regardless of its eventual outcome, has introduced political headwinds that could affect public perception in a fresh senatorial contest.

On Senator Ned Nwoko, the report highlighted his strong visibility and advocacy on issues such as malaria eradication and diaspora engagement, which have earned him recognition both locally and internationally.

However, it argued that his political structure has often operated alongside, rather than within, the traditional power framework in Delta State, raising questions about his capacity to consolidate broad-based alliances critical for securing a party ticket in a competitive environment.

In contrast, Victor Ochei was described as a candidate whose profile bridges experience and renewal.

The report emphasized his tenure as Speaker, where he demonstrated legislative competence and consensus-building abilities, positioning him as a figure capable of navigating the complexities of the Senate.

Unlike Okowa, Ochei is not burdened by what the report termed “prolonged dominance,” and unlike Nwoko, his influence is said to be deeply embedded within Delta’s political structure.
It further highlighted his grassroots appeal, cross-generational support base, and capacity to engage multiple political blocs without entrenched antagonism as key factors driving his growing acceptance.

According to the analyst, the Delta North electorate is currently faced with three broad options: continuity with an established but polarizing political order, a high-profile candidacy with evolving structural integration, or a middle-ground alternative offering both stability and renewal.

“The momentum appears to be shifting toward a candidate who can unify rather than dominate, and who can build bridges across political divides,” the report stated.

It added that Ochei’s perceived neutrality in past political conflicts and his ability to appeal to both grassroots actors and elite stakeholders give him a comparative advantage in the unfolding contest.

The report also linked the emerging trend to broader political developments in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that ongoing realignments have heightened the demand for inclusive leadership and balanced power distribution.

These dynamics, it argued, favour candidates who are less encumbered by past political rivalries and more aligned with evolving expectations of governance.

Concluding, the report stressed that the Delta North senatorial race is no longer just about individual ambition but about the direction of Anioma politics in a changing political climate.

While acknowledging Okowa’s depth of experience and Nwoko’s visibility, the analyst maintained that Victor Ochei currently stands at the intersection of credibility, accessibility, and political renewal, positioning him as the frontrunner in the race for the APC ticket.

“As the contest unfolds, the deciding factor may ultimately rest on whether the electorate prioritizes continuity or a strategic shift toward a more inclusive and balanced political future,” the report concluded.

The Asagba of Asaba has praised leading Nigerian entrepreneur Obinna Iyiegbu for significantly raising the scale of private sector investment in the Delta State capital, describing his growing footprint as a major catalyst for economic transformation and urban development. The monarch made this remark during a courtesy visit by Obi Cubana and his delegation to the Asagba Palace, where both parties engaged on the future of Asaba as a thriving investment destination.

According to the Asagba, investments of the magnitude being championed by Obi Cubana—spanning real estate, hospitality, and lifestyle infrastructure—are not only redefining the physical outlook of the city but also strengthening investor confidence and stimulating broad-based economic activity. He noted that such visionary projects have far-reaching impact across sectors, driving job creation, boosting commerce, and attracting new streams of capital into the region.

He further emphasized that Asaba is increasingly positioning itself as a competitive urban centre within Nigeria, with a rapidly expanding hospitality industry and a growing pipeline of high-value developments. While acknowledging the strides made by cities like Abuja, the monarch maintained that Asaba is fast emerging as a formidable alternative, with Lagos as its only true rival in terms of scale and commercial energy.

Highlighting ongoing and future-facing initiatives, the Asagba referenced major development plans such as the proposed waterfront project, “Legacy of the Sun,” spanning over 351 hectares, alongside the city’s strategic proximity to Onitsha and its integration into the wider eastern economic corridor. He noted that these factors collectively place Asaba at the centre of a dynamic regional growth ecosystem.

The monarch also underscored the importance of innovation and technology in shaping the city’s future, pointing to ongoing engagements with federal authorities and the presence of key institutions such as the Digital Bridge Institute, Admiralty University in Ibusa, and other emerging tech hubs supported by both government and private sector stakeholders. According to him, these developments form the foundation for a long-term vision of establishing a vibrant technology and innovation hub in the region.

Reaffirming the commitment of the traditional institution, the Asagba assured that the Asaba community remains open and supportive to entrepreneurs and investors willing to partner in the city’s growth. “We are not waiting for government alone. There is much we can do as a community, and we are ready to support genuine investors who are prepared to contribute to our collective progress,” he stated.

In his response, Obi Cubana expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to driving sustainable investment that creates lasting value. He noted that his projects, including Cubana Millennium City and the upcoming Cubana Wonderland, are designed to go beyond commercial returns by creating integrated environments where people can live, work, and experience modern lifestyle offerings.

“Our vision is to build a future anchored on opportunity, innovation, and long-term value. We believe strongly in the potential of Asaba, and we are committed to contributing meaningfully to its growth story,” he said.

The engagement at the Asagba Palace reflects a growing alignment between traditional leadership and private sector investors, a partnership widely seen as critical to accelerating Asaba’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s most promising economic frontiers.

In a powerful advocacy drive to mark World Health Day 2026, the Vito Corsica Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has called for a radical shift in how Nigerians perceive and treat cervical cancer. Highlighting the 2026 theme, “Together for Science,” the association brought medical professionals to the forefront to emphasize that the high mortality rates currently recorded in the country are largely due to late detection and the persistence of harmful medical myths.

Emeka Maduka, representing the Seadogs, explained that through their “NAS Medical Mission,” the organization is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific advancement and community awareness, ensuring that life-saving information reaches the most vulnerable women in Delta State.

The clinical reality presented during the briefing, led by Dr. Dumbiri Melvin of the Federal Medical Centre Asaba, is that sub-Saharan Africa remains a global hotspot for cervical cancer deaths, with hundreds of thousands of women lost annually. Dr. Melvin explained that cervical cancer is almost exclusively caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus so common that nearly every sexually active person will contract it at some point.

While the doctor focused on traditional risk factors like multiple partners and early sexual debut, he also underscored the critical role of a woman’s overall health. He pointed out that long-term inflammation from other untreated infections and even environmental factors like high levels of air pollution or poor hygiene can play a secondary role in how the body handles the virus. Furthermore, a point of significant clinical interest is the link between cervical health and prolonged use of oral contraceptives; while vital for autonomy, experts suggest that women on long-term hormonal birth control should be even more diligent with their annual screenings.

The advocacy drive aimed a heavy blow at the stigma surrounding the disease. Experts noted that many women avoid screening because they mistakenly associate a positive HPV test with promiscuity. In reality, the virus can remain dormant for years, and even a woman with a single lifelong partner can be at risk.

To combat this, the “NAS Medical Mission” is pushing for a community-wide acceptance of the HPV vaccine for children as young as nine. By vaccinating boys as well as girls, the chain of transmission is broken, providing a “herd immunity” that protects future generations.

The doctors also addressed a common oversight in women’s health: the impact of active and passive smoking. Chemicals in cigarettes are known to concentrate in the cervical mucus, directly damaging the DNA of the cervix and making it significantly harder for the immune system to clear high-risk HPV strains.

Looking toward the future, the association threw its weight behind the World Health Organization’s 2030 elimination targets. This strategy relies on the “90-70-90” framework: vaccinating 90% of girls, screening 70% of women, and ensuring 90% of those diagnosed receive immediate, high-quality treatment.

Dr. Melvin reminded the public that in its earliest stages, the disease is often completely asymptomatic, meaning a woman cannot rely on “feeling sick” as a cue to see a doctor. Instead, the focus must remain on routine Pap smears and HPV DNA testing, both of which are available at the Federal Medical Centre and Asaba Specialist Hospital.

The Pyrates Confraternity concluded the session by urging the government and private sector to subsidize these tests, arguing that the cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of treating advanced-stage cancer. They reaffirmed their commitment to using their platform to ensure that science, rather than rumor, dictates the health choices of every family in Asaba.