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Delta HOS Challenges Senior Officers to Translate Training into Measurable Public Sector Impact
By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
The 21st edition of the Delta State Seven-Weekend Senior Management Training Programme has successfully concluded in Asaba.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, stated that the programme was designed to equip senior officers with contemporary management concepts, practical knowledge, and leadership skills required to deliver efficient, effective, and high-quality public service.
Dr. Oseji urged participants to translate the knowledge and skills acquired during the training into tangible improvements in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting that such application would enhance service delivery and positively impact the lives of citizens across Delta State.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his consistent support for capacity building and staff development within the civil service. The Head of Service also commended the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and the Delta State Civil Service Commission for their partnership and collaboration in the successful implementation of the programme.
Dr. Oseji further disclosed that arrangements had been made for officers designated as monitors to visit MDAs to assess the impact of the training on participants and the workforce. According to her, this initiative would serve as a structured framework for evaluating the effectiveness and outcomes of the Seven-Weekend Training Programme.
Earlier, the Director-General of ASCON, Dr. Funke Adepoju, applauded the participants for their dedication and commitment throughout the programme. She encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to enhance productivity, leadership, and service delivery within the public sector. Dr. Adepoju also commended Governor Oborevwori and Dr. Oseji for their strong commitment to human capital development and exemplary leadership in Delta State.
The course participants, led by the Governor-General of the Course, Engineer Ikechukwu Collins—who also served as Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee—presented their communiqué at the event. In it, they lauded the Governor and the Head of Service for their unwavering commitment to sustaining the vital training programme.
However, the participants identified key areas for improvement to enhance the effectiveness of future editions. These include:
Further review of the training modules with a view to reducing their number;
Spreading the examination component to allow participants adequate time for preparation; and
Introducing virtual learning options, including the conduct of online examinations.
In recognition of exemplary punctuality, Mrs. Omeru Akwara Anne, a Chief Scientific Officer in the Ministry of Health, received a cash prize of ₦10,000 from the Head of Service for arriving at the venue of the closing ceremony as early as 7:45 a.m.
The gesture underscored the Head of Service’s unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of timeliness and professionalism within the Delta State Public Service.
A total of 200 participants drawn from various ministries took part in the 2025 edition of the programme, which was formally brought to a close on Friday, December 12.
Delta State Marks Grand Finale of 16 Days of Activism, Reinforces Commitment to Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls
By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Delta State on Tuesday joined the rest of the world to mark the grand finale of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a renewed call for sustained action to end all forms of abuse, particularly the rising wave of digital violence targeting women and girls.
The global campaign, which ran from November 25 to December 10, carried the theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” In Delta State, the closing ceremony brought together government officials, civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders who reaffirmed their collective resolve to build safer, more inclusive communities.
Speaking at the event, officials emphasised that gender-based violence, whether physical, psychological, economic, or online, remains a grave human rights violation and a significant barrier to equality, justice, and sustainable development. They stressed the need to confront entrenched cultural norms, harmful stereotypes, and emerging forms of abuse, especially on digital platforms where many young people now interact daily.
“We must break the silence, challenge the norms, and create a world where everyone can live free from fear,” organisers declared, urging citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting cases of abuse.
They further reiterated the popular advocacy charge:
“If you see something, say something. If you say something, do something.”
This year’s campaign in Delta State featured a series of outreach activities, including community sensitisation, school engagements, media advocacy, capacity-building workshops for frontline responders, and digital safety training for young women. These interventions aimed not only to build awareness but also to strengthen the response systems across all local government areas.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development noted that efforts are underway to improve inter-agency coordination, enhance case-management frameworks, and expand social support services for survivors of violence—ensuring quicker intervention, better protection, and stronger access to justice.
The Delta State Government also received commendation for its continuous support of gender equality initiatives. Special appreciation was extended to:
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the First Lady of Delta State
Hon. Evang. Barr. (Mrs.) Pat Ajudua, PhD, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development
Stakeholders praised the Governor and the Commissioner for demonstrating unwavering commitment to the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable groups through policy reforms, advocacy campaigns, and increased community engagement.
As the 2025 campaign draws to a close, advocates stressed that the end of the annual 16-day period should not mean the end of action. They called for continuous collaboration among communities, institutions, and policymakers to sustain the fight against all forms of gender-based violence—online and offline.
Crude Oil Theft: Nwoko Visits NNPC, Seeks Report That Is Final, Factual And Dependable
The Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Ned Nwoko, visited the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) as part of an oversight visit to gather information for the committee’s final, factual, and dependable report to the Senate.
In his opening remarks, Senator Nwoko reasserted the seriousness of the assignment before the committee and the level of work already completed, adding that the Senate expects a report that is factual, defensible, and comprehensive, given the enormity of losses associated with crude oil theft over the years.
“This is a committee with a very clear mandate. We have undertaken extensive work so far, including engaging both internal and international consultants, conducting field assessments, analyzing data and producing three separate interim reports, all of which have been formally laid before the Senate”, Nwoko noted.
Speaking further, the Committee Chairman noted NNPC’s recent claims of reduced disruptions on critical pipelines and improved operational stability but emphasised that the committee requires verifiable data and full transparency to reconcile past leakages with present realities.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Senator Nwoko submitted that the committee has so far submitted three interim reports to the Senate, each backed by extensive analysis, expert consultations, both local and international, and credible documentation. The findings, he noted, expose years of significant revenue leakages in the nation’s oil sector..
Nwoko said the committee’s objective is to reconcile documented past losses with present-day operational data to determine how effective the current mitigation measures have been.
The findings from this phase of engagement, he added, will form an integral part of the committee’s final report to the Senate.
Nwamgbor Defies “Legislative Coup,” Declares Himself Unshaken Leader of Oshimili North
Honourable Chris Nwamgbor, the embattled Leader of the Oshimili North Local Government Legislative Arm, has thundered that he remains the only legitimate and duly elected leader, dismissing as a sham the “invalid, unlawful and theatrically staged impeachment” announced by a faction of councillors led by Hon. Jeffrey Mordi of Okpanam Ward.
Nwamgbor, who represents the Atuma-Iga Ward, said the so-called impeachment was nothing more than a desperate political ambush, orchestrated in total disregard for legislative procedure, statutory guidelines, and the council’s standing orders. He reminded the public that his election as leader, shortly after the inauguration of councillors in mid-2024, remains valid, recognized, and unshaken.
In a fiery statement to newsmen, Nwamgbor condemned the attempt to unseat him, describing it as “a reckless plot by a handful of individuals bent on disrupting legislative peace and derailing ongoing developmental efforts under Executive Chairman Hon. Innocent Esewezie.”
According to him, no notice of impeachment was ever issued, no investigative or disciplinary panel was convened, and no step prescribed by the Delta State Local Government Law was observed, rendering the entire effort “a hollow and constitutionally empty drama.”
“I remain the duly elected and recognized leader of this council’s legislative arm,” he declared.
“Anything done outside due process is dead on arrival. We will pursue every legal pathway to defend the rule of law and the sanctity of this legislature.”
Nwamgbor revealed that councillors and community leaders had reached out to reaffirm their support for his leadership, describing their continued confidence as proof that his mandate remains solid and unbroken.
The crisis erupted during plenary as councillors debated a motion to ban fireworks during the festive season due to rising insecurity. The session took a dramatic twist when Hon. Jeffrey Mordi abruptly stood up and read out a purported impeachment letter allegedly signed by a majority of councillors, a document Nwamgbor insists was never formally submitted to the Clerk, as required by law.
Eyewitnesses narrate that the Okpanam councillor then led a group of members who attempted to coerce the Clerk into swearing him in as the new leader, shortly after the mace, the symbol of authority, was hurriedly taken away. Nwamgbor condemned the act as nothing short of “legislative brigandage and a failed attempt at institutional sabotage.”
Despite the theatrics, Hon. Chris Nwamgbor stands firm, insisting he remains the lawful leader of the legislative arm. He vowed that no amount of political desperation or procedural shortcuts will destabilize the council.
ADC’s Mission Is ‘A Matter of Life and Death,’ Says Bolaji Abdullahi as Party Unveils Delta Leadership Team in Asaba
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, says the mission of the ADC to rescue Nigeria has become “a matter of life and death,” warning that the ruling establishment is working to eliminate all opposition parties before the 2027 general election.
Abdullahi made the declaration in Asaba during the inauguration of the ADC Delta State Leadership Management Team and the commissioning of the party’s new state secretariat. He said developments in the PDP, Labour Party and other opposition parties indicate a coordinated effort to weaken democratic alternatives across the country.
“We have seen what has happened to the PDP. We have seen what is happening in the Labour Party and other political parties. The government wants a situation where, by 2027, only the APC is left standing,” he said. “Today, the ADC is the last man standing in the opposition. We may not have the governors or the senators or the billions others spend every day, but we have the people, and we have God. And by the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Abdullahi praised the Delta State leadership for their hospitality, saying his past visits to the state as a journalist and later as minister had always left him with positive memories.
Speaking earlier, National Vice Chairman (North East) of the ADC, Babachir David Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, warned party members against the “winner-takes-all” attitude often associated with Delta politics.
Lawal, who said he had lived in Delta State for over 10 years, urged members to avoid practices that alienate others or attempt to impose candidates, stressing that elections cannot be won by excluding people.
“In Delta, there is often a tendency for winner takes all,” he said. “But let me tell you: You cannot win elections if you exclude others. You need everyone—even your so-called opponents.”
Lawal contrasted the ADC with other major parties, saying the era of candidates buying tickets behind closed doors was over.
“In APC and PDP, someone can misbehave and get away with it. A candidate wins a primary, but his ticket is sold in Abuja. Someone brings ₦5 million to the NWC and the name submitted to INEC becomes different from the one that won the election,” he said. “Let me assure you: It will not happen in ADC.”
He cited a recent primary election in Ekiti where the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, refused to sign a certificate of return because he found it suspicious that a candidate received zero votes in an entire local government.
“This is the kind of integrity our chairman represents,” he said. Lawal urged members to conduct their primaries and congresses fairly, warning that attempts to dominate or exclude others would not succeed. “If you think you will run to Abuja to overturn what is done here, you will waste your time,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the National Vice Chairman, South-South of the ADC and former Minister of State for the Niger Delta, Usani Usani, said the party had come to stay and was building a political culture anchored on transparency and integrity.
He told party members that fear had no place within the ADC and warned that those who allow themselves to be bought would lose the moral right to complain later. According to him, the ADC’s national leadership—headed by a retired General and former Senate President—has brought stability and credibility to the party. He dismissed reports of division in the party, describing them as “a storm in a teacup.”
In his remarks, former governorship candidate Olorogun Great Ogboru, who was inaugurated as a member of the Delta Leadership Management Team, said the ADC is providing the first real political alternative Delta State has seen in decades.
Ogboru said individuals who had kept the opposition alive in the state for 25 years were now in the ADC, noting that the party’s rise had taken the political class by surprise.
“They never imagined that an obscure party like the ADC would rise and say no,” he said. “We are here to create an alternative and give the people of Delta State the power to decide their own future.” He emphasised that he had never bought or sold votes and vowed that the party would not compromise its values.
Ogboru thanked the national leadership for their presence and urged them to inform the party hierarchy in Abuja that “a new and beautiful story is emerging in Delta State.” Those inaugurated included, Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dcn Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.
Corruption: Ngige In The Eagle’s Net At Last
In a dramatic turn of events, the former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, finds himself ensnared in the legal web of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrest, which took place in Abuja, has sent ripples through the political landscape, marking a significant moment in the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria.
The EFCC’s move to detain Ngige is rooted in serious allegations of financial misconduct. Reports suggest that the charges revolve around the laundering of over 46 billion Naira, funds that were allegedly misappropriated during his tenure as governor, earmarked for Anambra’s local governments. This arrest underscores the EFCC’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, regardless of their status or past contributions to the nation.
Recall also that sometime in 2017, a group, Advocates for Peace and Effective Justice Development Initiative (APEJDI) called on the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chaired by Ibrahim Magu to probe source of funds the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, used to allegedly purchase a property worth $922,600 in the United States.
The confirmation of Ngige’s arrest came from his former media aide, Fred Chukwulobe, who addressed the swirling rumors that had initially suggested a more sinister scenario of abduction. Chukwulobe’s statement aimed to clarify the situation, emphasizing that Ngige was indeed in the custody of the EFCC and not a victim of kidnapping, as some social media reports had claimed.
This development has not only captured the attention of the public but also heightened tensions within political circles. The arrest of such a prominent figure highlights the EFCC’s intensified efforts to combat corruption, a move that is both applauded and scrutinized by various stakeholders. The political atmosphere in Abuja is charged, with many awaiting further details on the charges and the potential implications for Ngige’s political career and legacy.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a potent reminder of the pervasive challenges of corruption in governance and the relentless pursuit of justice by anti-corruption agencies. The arrest of Chris Ngige is a testament to the EFCC’s resolve to bring to book those who misuse public funds, reinforcing the message that no one is above the law.
In the coming days, the nation will watch closely as the legal proceedings progress, eager to see how this high-profile case will unfold and what it will mean for the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria. The arrest of Chris Ngige, now caught in the eagle’s net, is a pivotal moment that could set a precedent for future actions against corruption in the country.
Delta Shines as Sports Commission Retains Civil Service Football Title — HOS Oseji Leads Celebration
By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has congratulated the Delta State Sports Commission team for emerging champions of the 2025 Civil Service Week Football Tournament, marking a remarkable back-to-back victory.
The defending champions held their nerve in a thrilling final, edging out the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources 2–0 in a penalty shootout to retain the prestigious trophy.
Dr. Oseji applauded the team’s exceptional performance, commending their talent, discipline, and determination, which she said reflect the spirit of excellence within the state’s workforce. She encouraged other civil servants across ministries, departments, and agencies to continue showcasing their skills both on and off the field.
The Head of Service also expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering support for initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and productivity among civil servants. She further thanked all partners and contributors who helped ensure the success of the tournament.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to creating platforms that spotlight the diverse potential of public servants, Dr. Oseji noted that sporting activities remain a vital tool for fostering teamwork, boosting morale, and unveiling hidden talents within the service.
The grand finale drew an impressive audience, including former Heads of Service Sir Okey Ofili and Sir Paul Evuarherhe, Permanent Secretaries, the State Director of Sports, Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agency representatives, Directors, and numerous civil servants.
One of the highlights of the day was an exciting performance by the cheerleaders from the Office of the Head of Service, led by none other than Dr. Oseji herself, adding colour and excitement to the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Violations: NAF Clarifies, Hints On Emergency Landing In Burkina Faso Enroute Portugal
The Nigerian Air Force has clarified the situation surrounding its aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, following allegations by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) that it violated the country’s airspace.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the aircraft was on a routine ferry mission to Europe. According to him, “The Nigerian Air Force wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025.”
He disclosed that the crew detected a technical problem shortly after takeoff from Lagos, which made an emergency landing necessary. “Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” he said.
Earlier, AES made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic had accused the aircraft, carrying 11 Nigerian personnel, of violating its airspace and claimed it was forced to land. The group also warned that any future violations could be neutralised.
However, Ejodame dismissed any wrongdoing, stressing that the crew is safe and well treated. “NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities,” he added.
He further assured that arrangements are in progress for the journey to continue. “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” while reaffirming that the Air Force remains committed to safety, professionalism, and strict compliance with aviation standards.
Rivers: Fubara Throwing In The Towel At Last
There seems to be a paradigm shift underway in the political landscape of Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara made the unexpected decision to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, titled “Throwing in the Towel at Last,” marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political dynamics, reflecting deeper undercurrents of change and strategic realignments.
This development is on the backdrop of the political restiveness in Rivers State which has become a recurrent decimal. Governor Fubara’s defection did not occur in isolation, but the culmination of escalating tensions within the PDP, particularly in the Rivers State chapter. The party had been embroiled in internal conflicts, with Fubara at loggerheads with influential figures such as former Governor Nyesom Wike and other party stalwarts. These tensions were exacerbated by a fierce battle for control over the party’s direction and leadership in the state, creating a fractious environment that made governance increasingly challenging for Fubara, and eventually necessitated a 6-month emergency rule by an interim administrator.
In what looks like a concession, Fubara’s decision to join the APC was not merely a reaction to internal party strife but also a calculated political maneuver. By aligning with the APC, Fubara sought to secure a more stable political future, leveraging the national influence of the ruling party to bolster his administration’s initiatives in Rivers State ostentatiously without political interference. This strategic realignment was seen as a way to navigate the complex political terrain and ensure continued development and support for his governance agenda.
****Governor Siminalayi Fubara****
The defection had significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State. It signaled a potential shift in the balance of power, with the APC gaining a stronger foothold in a region traditionally dominated by the PDP. This move was expected to influence upcoming elections, as Fubara’s supporters and political allies recalibrated their positions in response to the new political reality.
Moreover, Fubara’s defection was likely to impact policy directions and governance priorities in the state. With the backing of the APC, Fubara could pursue more vigorously ambitious projects and reforms, potentially transforming the socio-economic landscape of Rivers State.
This is a new dawn for the good people of Rivers State as Governor Fubara threw in the towel on his PDP affiliation, opening a new chapter in his political career and the fortunes of Rivers State. This decision was emblematic of the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where allegiances can shift rapidly in response to changing circumstances and strategic considerations. For Fubara, the defection represented not just a change of party, but a renewed commitment to his vision for Rivers State, promising a future of growth and development under a new political banner.
