By Stella Agbeyeke

The Delta State Government has released a relief fund of ₦458 million to residents of Ughoton, Ugbokodo, and Jeddo communities in Okpe Local Government Area who were affected by the devastating windstorm of April 15, which destroyed homes and properties worth millions of naira.

The Commissioner for the Bureau of Special Duties, Hon. Ejiro Etacherure, disclosed this during the accreditation and verification exercise in Ugbokodo on Tuesday. He said the intervention was a clear demonstration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of citizens, particularly those affected by natural disasters.

According to Etacherure, 1,231 verified victims are set to benefit from the relief package. He urged beneficiaries to ensure proper documentation and to use the support wisely.

“The Governor’s prompt response shows his compassion and leadership,” he said. “This assistance may not replace all that was lost, but it is a gesture of solidarity and care. We encourage beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds.”

The member representing Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. James Aguoye, also lauded the intervention, describing it as unprecedented. He recalled that the Governor immediately dispatched a team to assess the damage after the storm, leading to a swift and structured response.

“This is leadership with empathy,” Aguoye stated. “Even while major projects are ongoing across the state, the Governor still prioritized the suffering of these communities. It is evidence of responsible governance.”

Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Hon. Isaiah Onoriode Esioma, also commended the Governor, saying the gesture reinforces the administration’s “people-first” agenda. He encouraged beneficiaries to channel the funds toward rebuilding their lives and homes.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Alfred Ebrenenyin, assured that strict verification procedures were in place to ensure transparency and prevent the diversion of funds.

Community representatives, who spoke separately, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oborevwori.
From Ughoton, Pastor Henry Oborerhiri said the Governor’s intervention had “restored hope.”
Ugbokodo’s representative, Comrade Clifford Ayabare, described the relief as “a promise fulfilled.”
And from Jeddo, Mr. Prosper Nikomoshina said the gesture had “turned their sorrow into joy.”

The representative of non-indigenes in the affected areas, Mr. Abolade Orisabinone, also thanked the state government and praised the host communities for maintaining peaceful coexistence.

The disbursement of funds is expected to begin immediately following verification, offering affected families the means to begin rebuilding their lives.

By Abel Johngold Orheruata

Oleh, Delta State – The Positive Impact for Women and Youth Development Initiative has received a major boost in its empowerment efforts with the donation of a Hummer bus from the Chairman/CEO of Danmotech Holdings, High Chief Engr. Omoyibo Daniel, popularly known as Danmotech.

The gesture was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the organization to the Danmotech founder at his country home in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Speaking during the visit held at the conference hall of Danmotech Hotel, the Isoko South Coordinator of the group, Omeni-Anyisire Slyvoa, praised Engr. Omoyibo for his long-standing contribution to community growth and humanitarian development. She described him as one of Isoko’s most illustrious sons, whose generosity and nation-building efforts continue to leave lasting impact.

Also speaking, the Delta State Coordinator of the initiative, Hon. Mary Samuel, highlighted the organization’s recent strides in promoting rice cultivation, processing, and distribution within Isoko communities. She noted that rice farming offers a faster and more sustainable approach to tackling hunger and poverty, as rice can be cultivated up to three times a year, unlike cassava which requires a longer growth cycle.

Responding, Engr. Omoyibo expressed delight in the progress and vision of the group, especially its contributions to agricultural development and youth empowerment. He encouraged the organization to remain steadfast and committed to community service, stressing that genuine development requires patience, collaboration, and consistency.

While acknowledging that his budgetary commitments for the current year had already been finalized, he pledged long-term support for the organization starting from next year. However, as an immediate gesture of encouragement, he announced the donation of a Hummer bus to enhance the movement and operational activities of the group.

“I am going to give a token, and the token that I am going to gift this executive organization is a Hummer Bus to ease your mobility,” he stated.

The business leader and philanthropist prayed for the continued growth of the association and advised members to remain united, selfless, and purpose-driven. He emphasized teamwork, forgiveness, and collective innovation as key ingredients for sustaining impactful programs that bring smiles to the faces of the people.

The visit ended with appreciation from the organization’s executives and members, who described the donation as a timely support that will significantly advance their outreach efforts across Delta State and beyond.

In a significant show of commitment to enhancing security in Delta State, Zane Energy Limited has donated two Sienna patrol vehicles to the Orogun Divisional Police Station and the Abraka Police Station respectively.

The gesture underscores the company’s determination to support law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state.

Speaking to journalists during the official presentation of the vehicles, Comrade (Dr.) Kelly Efemena Umukoro, a human rights activist and the Representative of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on the Delta State Community Policing Committee, commended the Chairman of Zane Energy, Mr. Jimmy Omo-Agege, for his generosity and proactive contribution to public safety.

Dr. Umukoro noted that the two police divisions that received the vehicles were in dire need of logistical support to carry out their duties effectively. He expressed confidence that the donation would significantly enhance their operational capacity and response time.

He particularly expressed excitement that one of the vehicles was allocated to the Abraka Divisional Police Station, where he resides. According to him, the gesture is timely and will go a long way in strengthening community security and restoring public confidence in the area.

“I am personally delighted that Abraka Division, where I stay, has benefitted from this kind gesture. The Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Omo-Agege, has demonstrated true leadership and commitment to the safety of our people,” he said.

Dr. Umukoro who is also the Director Youth Affairs of Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association also admonished the divisions to make judicious use of the vehicles, ensuring they serve the intended purpose of improving community security and protecting lives and property.

He described the donation as “a commendable act of corporate social responsibility,” urging other private sector players to emulate Zane Energy Company’s example by supporting security initiatives within their communities.

By Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro Akima

In a dramatic twist, the Delta State Government has obtained a reproduction warrant from Magistrate Court 3, Asaba, to arraign activist journalist Fejiro Oliver on fresh, yet-to-be-disclosed charges, in what rights groups have described as a calculated ploy to intimidate civil servants and gag a relentless government critic.

The move follows a setback at the Federal High Court, where the state government failed to secure its preferred bail conditions. In a strategic shift, it has now turned to the Magistrate Court, where it plans to impose bail terms requiring state workers to stand surety, a condition observers say is deliberately designed to instill fear among civil servants who risk victimisation or dismissal if they come forward.

The fresh charge, titled State (Gov. Sheriff) vs. Fejiro Oliver, was filed on 17th October 2025, mandating Oliver to appear before Her Worship Edith Nkechi Anumadu (Mrs) on Monday, 20th October 2025, for arraignment.

Human rights advocates including Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro Akima have condemned the move as an attempt to weaponise the judiciary against dissent.

“This is clearly aimed at suppressing the voice of the people,” said a rights activist in Asaba. “Using legal instruments to target dissenting voices undermines democracy and erodes trust in the justice system.”

Fejiro Oliver, popularly known as the “Five Star General Prisoner of Conscience” and “Voice of the Masses”, has long been a thorn in the side of those in power. His fearless commentaries and exposures of alleged government corruption have made him both a public hero and a target of political backlash.

Supporters have called on judicial officers to uphold fairness, independence, and justice, warning against political interference that threatens the sanctity of the courts.

“Power is transient, but truth and justice endure forever,” Oliver’s supporters declared.

The upcoming arraignment has attracted widespread attention, with civil society groups, activists, and members of the public watching closely to see whether the judiciary will stand firm or bend under political pressure.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, on Wednesday held a brief but colourful ceremony to officially commission the signboard of the Federal Information Chapel at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Okpanam Road, Asaba. The event underscored the Chapel’s renewed commitment to visibility, purpose, and professionalism in journalism.

The commissioning, attended by journalists, union leaders, and heads of federal establishments, was led by the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, who described the initiative as symbolic of identity, responsibility, and presence.

“This event is a privilege for me because this signboard goes beyond suggesting location. It represents identity, purpose, and presence. We are not just gathered to celebrate a structure; we are celebrating symbolism,” Oyowe said.
“This signboard should remind us of our responsibility to inform, educate, and remain professional in our calling as journalists. No matter how long it takes to do something, it is better done than never,” he added.

Comrade Oyowe commended the leadership and members of the Federal Information Chapel for taking the bold step to give the Chapel a visible face, and charged journalists to continually extend their impact beyond their immediate environment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel, Enitan Abel Johngold, MNIPR, described the commissioning as “a modest step with monumental symbolism,” noting that the signboard signifies the Chapel’s active presence within the NUJ family.

“The erection of this signboard goes beyond just mounting a structure by the fence. It represents identity, visibility, and institutional presence. It is a bold statement that the Federal Information Chapel is alive, organized, and fully integrated into the activities of the larger NUJ family in Delta State,” Johngold stated.
“When we came on board, one of our modest goals was to give the Chapel a face. This signboard is a physical manifestation of that vision, a signpost of unity and professionalism,” he added.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Delta State Council led by Comrade Oyowe for its unwavering support and to members of the Chapel for their collective efforts in realizing the project. He reaffirmed the Chapel’s commitment to disseminating credible information from federal institutions to the public, while upholding journalistic ethics and standards.

The highlight of the event was the formal unveiling and commissioning of the signboard by Comrade Oyowe, marking a new chapter of visibility and institutional identity for the Federal Information Chapel within the Federal Secretariat.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr 

Nigeria’s diplomatic and academic communities are in mourning following the death of Prof. Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one of the country’s most accomplished international diplomats.

Prof. Ogwu reportedly passed away in the early hours of Monday at a hospital in New York, United States, at the age of 79. Family sources confirmed that she died overseas where she had been receiving medical care.

A Life of Firsts and Diplomatic Distinction

Born on August 22, 1946, in Delta State, Prof. Ogwu broke multiple barriers during her lifetime. She was the first Nigerian woman to serve as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a position she held from 2008 to 2017, and Minister of Foreign Affairs between August 2006 and May 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Her distinguished career began in academia. She earned her BA and MA in Political Science from Rutgers University, USA, before bagging a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1977. She rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), cementing her reputation as a brilliant scholar and policy thinker.

Global Impact: Presiding at the UN Security Council

During her tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to the UN, Prof. Ogwu twice presided over the United Nations Security Council, in July 2010 and October 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping global security discussions.

She also served as President of the Executive Board of UN Women, chaired the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and championed causes ranging from disarmament to gender equity and South–South cooperation.

Scholar, Diplomat, Reformer

Beyond diplomacy, Prof. Ogwu was a prolific author and thinker. Her book “Nigerian Foreign Policy: Alternative Futures” (1986) remains a reference point in foreign policy studies. Her voice carried weight in both classrooms and international conference halls, inspiring generations of diplomats and scholars.

Colleagues recall her as a calm but firm negotiator, a trailblazer for women in diplomacy, and a patriot who carried Nigeria’s voice with dignity and intellectual force.

Reactions and Legacy

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the world. Senior diplomats, academics, and political leaders have described her passing as “a monumental loss to Nigeria and the global diplomatic community.”

“Prof. Joy Ogwu was a bridge between Nigeria and the international community — her loss is not only a loss to Delta State or Nigeria, but to every forum where justice, diplomacy, and equity are debated. We have lost a voice we sorely needed.” – Comrade Nwaidei Chukwuma Michael, Delta North Chapter’s Pyrates Capn

“Her academic brilliance and deep commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy made her a giant among diplomats. Prof. Ogwu didn’t just represent our country and family abroad — she shaped how the world sees us.”
— Patrick Maduemezia, cousin

“As a woman, she shattered ceilings. As a scholar, she trained cohorts of young diplomats. As a stateswoman, she carried Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage. We will miss her guidance.” — Comrade Abel Johngold, Chairman, Federal Information Chapel of NUJ Delta State

“Professor Ogwu was one of those rare figures whose integrity matched her intellect. In all our interactions, she was principled, humane, and deeply patriotic. Her death leaves a gap that must be honoured by emulating her service.”
— Mrs. Patricia Nkiruka Umunna, Deputy Director Human Resources, NOA Delta State

She is survived by her children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

An Enduring National Figure

Prof. Joy Ogwu’s passing marks the end of a golden era in Nigerian diplomacy. From lecture halls to the corridors of the United Nations, she blazed a trail that few have matched. Her name will remain etched in Nigeria’s diplomatic history as a symbol of excellence, courage, and vision.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

In a landmark event that signaled a new dawn of unity and reconciliation, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN, OON), and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, on Friday formally reconciled after almost a decade of legal battles and strained relations between the two royal stools.

The reconciliation ceremony, held at the Oshimili South Local Government Council Secretariat in Asaba, was presided over by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. (High Chief) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), who described the moment as “an epoch-making turning point” in the history of the two ancient communities.

In his address, Hon. Ezenyili expressed joy at witnessing the end of the protracted dispute, which dates back to 2016 and had spanned multiple court cases, judgments, appeals, and cross appeals for nearly ten years.

“Without an iota of doubt, I believe I am the happiest person amongst us all,” he declared, noting that the reconciliation was the product of years of deliberate mediation efforts initiated during his first tenure in 2021.

He commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for granting him approval to embark on a second round of peace talks, which ultimately led to the historic accord. He also applauded the spirit of reciprocity displayed by both royal majesties and their palace chiefs during the negotiations.

The chairman further demonstrated transparency by publicly reading the financial statement of the special account created to preserve monthly stipends for both traditional institutions throughout the dispute period. He revealed that the Council had preserved a cumulative total of ₦522,797,882.57 as at September 2025, which would now be handed over to the two kingdoms.

“Above all, I wish to appreciate the Almighty God for using me as a viable tool in brokering peace in Oshimili South,” he added.

In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Azinge, lauded the Chairman for his diligence and integrity throughout the mediation process, describing the peace accord as the culmination of a “very uncharted process of engagement” that required open minds and genuine commitment from both parties.

“It got to the point where both parties truly came to the ‘yes’ — meaning that voluntarily, they decided to agree. It wasn’t an easy process, but the desire to reach yes made it possible,” the revered monarch said.

He emphasized that the misunderstanding had never been a dispute between the peoples of Asaba and Oko, but rather a matter of principles surrounding stool-related issues.

“We remain brothers and sisters, inextricably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South. We will always continue to work together in peace and harmony to reposition our environment and prioritize the welfare of our people,” the Asagba declared.

The monarch also publicly acknowledged the Akor of Oko for attending his first coronation anniversary, calling it a gesture of goodwill that underscored the fraternal bond between the two kingdoms.

Also speaking, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, expressed gratitude to the Chairman for facilitating the reconciliation process. He fully endorsed the peace accord, urging both communities to put the past behind them and work towards stronger ties.

“Whatever happened in the past should remain in the past. We are ready to collaborate with the Asagba of Asaba in building a stronger relationship for the benefit of both kingdoms,” the Akor pledged.

Friday’s event brought together palace chiefs, community representatives, government officials, and members of the press, all of whom witnessed the signing of what many described as a historic peace pact.

The reconciliation is expected to pave the way for renewed cooperation, socio-economic growth, and cultural harmony between the two neighboring communities, which share deep historical and familial ties.