Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday commemorated the state’s 35th anniversary, commending successive administrations and the people of Delta State for their contributions to its peace, stability and development.
Oborevwori spoke at a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, to mark the anniversary of Delta State’s creation.
The governor described the 35th anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate Delta State’s achievements, reflect on its journey and renew the collective commitment to building a greater state.
He attributed Delta’s progress over the past 35 years to God’s grace, while commending Deltans for sustaining peace and acknowledging those who have contributed to the state’s growth and development.
“Let me first give thanks to Almighty God for His grace and for keeping Delta State for 35. It has been 35 years of a remarkable journey, and by God’s grace, we will continue to play our part to ensure that the achievements of our state are sustained and improved upon,” he said.
Oborevwori paid tribute to political leaders, past and present, for their contributions to Delta’s stability and democratic development. He noted that their wisdom, sacrifices, dialogue and commitment had helped the state maintain peace and achieve progress.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former military administrators and civilian governors, stressing that each administration had played a role in shaping present-day Delta State.
“Each administration has contributed a chapter to the history of our state, and we will not forget them,” the governor said.
He said the 35th anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities, religious communities and non-indigenes who had made Delta their home.
According to him, the state’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and a critical factor in its continued peace and development.
The governor said his administration had a responsibility to build on the foundations laid by previous governments rather than take past achievements for granted.
“Gratitude for the past must be accompanied by responsibility for the future,” he said, adding that his administration would continue to consolidate the gains of its predecessors while doing more for the people.
Oborevwori said the administration’s vision was to build a Delta State that is “more peaceful, prosperous, secure, inclusive and competitive, and better prepared for the opportunities of the future.”
He listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, agriculture and technology as the administration’s priority areas, adding that it would also continue strengthening institutions, creating an environment where businesses could thrive and enabling young people to realise their potential.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, saying the government would continue to collaborate with religious and traditional leaders, political stakeholders, civil society organisations, organised labour, the private sector, women and communities across the state.
The governor particularly praised Deltans for maintaining peace, describing it as a major driver of the development recorded across the state.
“The peace we are enjoying today has brought development. If there were crises in the state, I don’t think we would be talking about the level of development we are witnessing today. I know that by the time we turn 40, Delta will still look better,” he said.
In his sermon titled “The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith,” Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Asaba, Ven. Charles Osemenam, urged Deltans to deepen their relationship with God and place unwavering faith and trust in Him.
Osemenam described Delta State’s 35th anniversary as a time for thanksgiving and sober reflection, urging the people to acknowledge God’s role in the state’s journey and continue to seek His guidance.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; and other senior government officials.
The political and business elite of Delta State on Wednesday converged in Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area, as the son of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Innocent, traditionally married Tobore Arigbodi, daughter of prominent businessman and Managing Director of Librod Energy Limited, Chief Brodericks Arigbodi.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Arigbodi family’s country home, was conducted in accordance with Urhobo customs and traditions, bringing together prominent political leaders, business executives, traditional stakeholders and other dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
Among those who graced the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme; former governors of the state, Chief James Ibori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator Ede Dafinone, the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, Hon. Francis Waive, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chiedu Ebie.
Also present were prominent businessmen, including Chief Victor Egukawhore, Chief Eta Enahoro, Chief Tunde Smooth, Chief Johnbull Ejovi, Chief Tony Oboroh, Chief John Oguma, as well as members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Commissioners, local government council chairmen, other top government functionaries, politicians and other dignitaries.
The ceremony offered a colourful display of Urhobo culture, with both families formally celebrating the union of their children amid music, dancing and traditional rites.
Governor Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, parents of the bride, Chief Brodericks Arigbodi and his wife, were visibly elated as they received guests and exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries who turned out to celebrate with the families.
The atmosphere became even more lively with a performance by Port Harcourt-based ace musician, Duncan Mighty, who entertained guests with his popular songs.
The gathering, which cut across political, business and social circles, underscored the strong relationships and goodwill enjoyed by the Oborevwori and Arigbodi families.
Guests at the ceremony prayed for the newly married couple, wishing them a fruitful union, peace and enduring happiness as they begin their journey together.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitate Muslims across the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor extended warm greetings and best wishes to the Muslim faithful, urging them to use the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Prophet.
Oborevwori noted that the values of compassion, humility, peaceful coexistence, sacrifice, tolerance and service to humanity associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad remained relevant to the nation’s quest for peace, unity and sustainable development.
He called on Muslims in Delta State and across the country to make the celebration an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to peaceful coexistence, love for one another and the advancement of the common good.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, could live and pursue their legitimate aspirations in peace and dignity.
He urged the Muslim community to continue supporting government’s efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and united Delta State, while praying for continued peace, stability and progress in the state and Nigeria.
Oborevwori wished the Muslim faithful a joyous and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.
Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Godwin Anaughe, has challenged Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Charles Aniagwu, to focus on investigating alleged attacks on supporters of the former Deputy President of the Senate rather than dismissing the incidents as a campaign strategy.
Anaughe, in a statement issued in response to Aniagwu’s comments on Arise News, said the alleged attacks on Omo-Agege’s supporters required condemnation and impartial investigation by the authorities.
He alleged that members of Omo-Agege’s political team were attacked by armed men on August 13 during a ward-to-ward engagement in Usiefrun, Ughelli South Local Government Area, leaving six people injured, some of whom reportedly required hospital treatment.
He further alleged that on August 21, more than 50 armed men invaded and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie, adding that witnesses identified Emmanuel Erube as the alleged leader of the group and that threats were allegedly made against Omo-Agege.
“These allegations deserve a real, impartial investigation — not a shrug,” Anaughe said.
He maintained that the issue should not be reduced to a political argument over whether Omo-Agege had a message, insisting that the senator’s ongoing ward-to-ward engagements across Delta Central demonstrated his commitment to reaching voters directly.
According to him, political disagreements should be settled through open debate and the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.
Anaughe also faulted Aniagwu’s comments on Omo-Agege’s criticism of the state government’s financial management, saying Deltans deserved answers concerning the funds accruing to the state under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He specifically referenced claims that more than ₦4 trillion had accrued to the state, urging the government to explain how such resources had been deployed.
The statement also challenged the government’s position on security in the state, arguing that allegations of threats against a political candidate should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign rhetoric.
Anaughe said the fact that Governor Oborevwori serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer made the allegations particularly important and deserving of investigation.
He also rejected the argument that the ongoing construction of the Emevor-Orogun Road should be used to deflect attention from allegations of political violence.
According to him, the road project was important to residents, but infrastructure development could not substitute for the protection of citizens and the investigation of alleged attacks.
“A road doesn’t erase an attack. A construction project doesn’t answer for injured citizens. A television interview isn’t a substitute for an investigation,” he said.
Anaughe further argued that describing Delta State as peaceful while alleged victims were recovering from attacks and a campaign venue had reportedly been destroyed was insensitive to those affected.
He called for an immediate investigation, in accordance with Nigerian law, into the alleged involvement of Erube and others in the incidents, as well as the threats allegedly made against Omo-Agege.
He also called for an investigation into whether anyone directed, financed or facilitated the alleged attacks, saying anyone found culpable should face prosecution.
“We’re not interested in a political mud fight, and we won’t be talked out of demanding accountability,” Anaughe said.
He stressed that Deltans should be able to participate in political activities without fear or intimidation, irrespective of political affiliation.
Anaughe maintained that until the alleged incidents were properly investigated and the public received credible answers, political statements, campaign slogans or road commissioning ceremonies would not resolve the underlying security concerns.
The statement was signed by Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser, Strategy and Communications to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has advocated for a decisive shift toward intelligence-led, preventive, and collaborative security governance to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He made the call on Monday during a visit by participants of the Advanced Intelligence Officers’ Course 16/2026 from the Defence Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., highlighted the critical role of integrated intelligence and multi-agency coordination in safeguarding national assets and regional stability.
He said, “the security problems confronting Nigeria demand a decisive shift from reactive security management to preventive, intelligence-led and collaborative security governance. Intelligence must translate into timely decisions, effective action and measurable security outcomes.
“I urge you, as future senior intelligence and security leaders, to use the knowledge and experiences gained from this tour to strengthen national resilience and promote greater cooperation among security institutions.
“This is because, I am very happy to welcome you to Delta State on this important study tour, themed, “Strengthening National Resilience Through Integrated Intelligence, Multi-Agency Coordination and Regional Security Cooperation.”
“I am particularly pleased that Delta State was chosen for this study tour. Delta occupies a strategic position in the Niger Delta as an oil and gas hub, maritime gateway and agricultural belt.
“Security and stability in our State have implications for the wider Niger Delta, the protection of critical national assets and the economic security and sustenance of Nigeria.
“Government recognises that contemporary security threats require collaborative engagement rather than isolated responses; we have therefore continued to strengthen cooperation among the Army, DSS, Police, Navy, NSCDC and other relevant stakeholders, while providing necessary logistical support for security operations.”
“The Operation Delta Sweep was established to strengthen joint security operations, reduce crime and protect lives and property through coordinated action.
“Similarly, the regular State Security Council meetings provide a platform for government and security agencies to assess emerging threats, share intelligence and coordinate appropriate responses.
“In addition, Government established the Office of the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation and foster peaceful coexistence, while the Office of the Special Adviser on Intelligence Gathering strengthens grassroots intelligence and proactive crime prevention, among others.
“Delta State also recognise the importance of intelligence from the grassroots; traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community development structures and other community stakeholders play vital roles in providing early-warning information that support timely security intervention.
“Only recently, a security summit with the theme: “Security: A Collective Responsibility” was convoked by the State Government and it saw stakeholders uniting against terror and all forms of criminality.
“Following 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, we are also developing a Data and Investment Intelligence Hub to support the collection, integration and analysis of reliable data for evidence-based decision-making, economic planning, investment promotion and security management.
“At the regional level, Delta State continues to pursue regional security cooperation through platforms such as the BRACED Commission and the Niger Delta Governors’ Forum, particularly in addressing cross-border threats such as kidnapping, cultism, illegal bunkering and maritime insecurity,” the Governor said.
Earlier, in an address, the Team Leader, Commodore Usman Bugaje, disclosed that the choice of Delta State for the study tour was because the state is very strategic to the economy of the country.
According to him, “we considered the economic importance of Delta State, particularly its economic activities, offshore operations, transportation corridors, movement of finished products, crude oil, and the oil and gas industry, among others.
“We also considered the various security agencies operating in the State.
“The participants are here to interrogate and examine the peculiar security challenges affecting the State, in line with the theme of the course, which focuses on strengthening national resilience through integrated intelligence, multi-agency coordination and regional security.”
“Basically, we are here to engage with the citizens of the State, appreciate the efforts of the security agencies, and hear first-hand about the efforts of the State Government in bringing together the various security agencies, including traditional institutions, towards achieving relative peace and security in the State.”
A retired DMG of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Mr Benjamin Binitie, has cautioned and called on journalists to shun emotional reporting from social media and build corporate relationship with oil and gas companies in order to get credibly and reliable information from the right source
He made this call during a one-day capacity building programme organized for journalists by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited, on promoting ethical standards in oil and gas reporting.
The training titled “Enhancing Professional Skills and Ethical Standards in Oil and Gas Journalism.”took place at the NUJ Press Center, Asaba, and brought together finest facilitators and lecturers in news reporting, with 50 participants trained in oil and gas reporting.
He noted that one of the peculiarities in oil and gas industry relative to host communities is crisis, and report of such crisis should be done credibly and responsibly to avoid creating fear, confusion or even violence.
He cited some unfounded reports in Nigeria that triggered and snowballed into violence or even fatalities like that of the Ogoni 7 in Niger Delta region,.and warned against unfounded and emotional reporting that could trigger sentiments and generate violence in oil region.
Binitie stated.that for a communication to be responsible during crisis, it must be timely, coordinated and accurate. “Emergencies in oil and gas, whatever form they take, require specific reporting strategies”, Binitie noted, adding that the proper line of action for responsible communication of emergencies are; stating nature of emergency, cause of emergency, communities impacted and specific number of casualties, regulators’ action, and response measure by the company.
He strongly condemned emotional reporting, adding that unconfirmed figures, fake pictures and videos have proliferated the social media space, thus should be the last source of information for a journalists.
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In a goodwill message, the General Manager of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Corporate Affairs, Mr Olusoga Oduselu, represented by the Manager, Communication for Nigeria and Mid-Africa, Dr Victor Anyaegbudike, noted that the oil and gas industry is very sensitive and therefore those reporting it’s activities must do it responsibly and credibly, adding that this is the thrust for the capacity building training organized for journalists.
Speaking further,, Anyaegbudike termed journalists as “Agender Setters”, informing what people think or say and shaping broader opinion and perception. He noted that training of journalists is one of the best practices of Chevron with 425 journalists being trained and an estimated 1billion dollars spent annually for Nigeria’s Content Development.
He assured that the oil company remains committed to building journalists’ capacity in oil and gas reporting, while promoting ethical standards and discipline in reporting.
Earlier in the programme, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described the workshop as timely, given the importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economy, energy security and development maps
Oyowe noted that oil and gas reporting requires understandimg of the industry’s value chain, the regulating laws and it’s operations with host communities.
He reiterated that the aim of the training is to build capacity in journalists on producing reports that are both informative and responsible, adding that NUJ Delta State Council remains committed to continuous training and retraining of it’s members for effective and responsible journalism.
He urged participants to uphold accuracy, fairness and professional ethics, while commending Chevron for its continued support for media capacity development.
The workshop featured insightful lectures by seasoned media professionals and academics on communicating oil and gas company’s activities, ethical reporting, health, safety and environmental standards, clean energy, the Petroleum Industry Act and host community relations.
A Q/A session saw a spectrum of concern’s about the journalist’s safety,. insurance and welfare.being addressed as well as professional reporting detached from inducement or gratification.
Highpoints of the training were lectures, question and answer, presentation of certificates/awards and group photographs.
DELTA FRESH VISION recently stumbled on a highly politicized propaganda piece written by one Swill Mavua . It was an article that stood truth on its head with attempts to malign the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and throw mud into the activities of DESOPADEC .
Beneath the emotionally charged language of the writer lies a fundamental problem: claims are repeatedly presented as facts without evidence, while unrelated issues are deliberately woven together to create a scandal where the facts may not support one .
DESOPADEC deserves a more serious and balanced conversation. The first question one may ask is : where is the evidence. A responsible discussion requires the so called High Court judgement of may 26 to be produced, its exact orders examined, the parties bound by the judgement identified. A court judgement is not properly discussed by headline figures and political rhetoric. It must be read in its entirety. If indeed there is an enforceable judgment directing a particular party to pay a specific sum, the public deserves to know precisely who was ordered to pay , what amount was awarded , the period covered, whether an appeal was filed and whether execution was stayed .
In this particular case there was actually a court judgment which DESOPADEC management faulted and appealed . There is a stay of execution on the High court judgment and until there is final adjudication on the matter, the DESOPADEC management cannot act. In the meantime, DESOPADEC management has a robust relationship with its workers, promotions are done as when due and conditions of service are excellent. The DESOPADEC management needs to be acknowledged and appreciated for doing a very effective and efficient staff reorganization that had saved the Commission millions of naira .
It is also instructive to note that DESOPADEC commenced the payment of the new minimum wage of N79,100 to its workers from November 2024, including payment of October arrears. A health insurance Scheme was introduced/ strengthened to cover spouse and up to four children. Some previously disengaged workers who were considered to have been unjustly laid off have been reinstated, with arrears paid in some cases.
It is therefore very wrong for Mavua to create the erroneous impression that the DESOPADEC management has an estranged relationship with its workers and that they are in fact on a war path
These are the posers that we must push to armchair critics who are bent on politicizing issues that are purely administrative.
Until these questions are answered , the whole publication by Swill Mavua remains mere political rhetoric and conjecture than responsible analysis. When elections are very close these types of political propaganda often emanate to mislead the electorate.
The attempt to portray DESOPADEC as a BOARD without an institutional integrity is equally misleading. DESOPADEC was established by law with a specific mandate to develop oil- producing communities in Delta state . It had its own institutional structures, management and Board . Therefore , every issue concerning its finances , employees, projects and administration should be examined within the relevant legal and administrative framework.
The most sensational part of the article is the claim that 500 councillors received N20 million each , amounting to N10 billion and that this was a political gift intended to purchase grassroots loyalty. A journalist should not make spurious statements without back up evidence. It is very uncharitable for Mavua to make this wild claim . There is basically no correlation between the third tier of government ( Local Government Councils) and DESOPADEC. Local governments have their own finances while DESOPADEC have theirs . Their expenditure lines and responsibilities do not meet. One wonders how Mavua was able to conjure this spurious claim to mislead the electorates of Delta state. Again, like we said , we should not mix politics with things that concern the lives of people.
Perhaps the greatest disservice to DESOPADEC in the article is to attempt to define the Commission almost exclusively through a dispute over salaries . DESOPADEC represents a much larger developmental responsibility. Its relevance is measured by what it does for communities in the oil producing areas: roads, schools , health facilities, water projects , electricity, skills acquisition, youth empowerment, community development and other interventions within its mandate.
For the avoidance of doubt , the Delta State House of Assembly has oversight over DESOPADEC activities. It is therefore mischievous to attempt to drag the name of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the day -to -day running of DESOPADEC. This clearly shows that Swill Mavua is very ignorant about how government and its agencies work .
The writer also made the bizzare assertion that Governor Oborevwori does not have the will and capacity to Govern Delta State. This is laughable because the Governor’s outstanding leadership qualities and exceptional governance credentials are already in the public space .
Mavua does not represent any constructive objectives by making unverified allegations and then building an entire political narrative around them . While criticism is good for democracy, it should be fair, accurate and supported by evidence. Making sweeping allegations without evidence is counterproductive and has the potential of misleading a whole population. it is good to demand accountability but wrong to mistake allegation for evidence, arithmetic for proof or political rhetoric for established fact .
Mavua tried to create the erroneous impression that DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government are underperforming. This is far from the truth . Just to pick a few for the Delta State Government- we must mention the iconic flyover projects being undertaken by Julius Berger at DSC , PTI and Enerhen corridors. These projects are in varying degrees of completion . Flyovers are being replicated at Otovwodo junction and Agbor , which will bring permanent solutions to the long Standing congestion at the strategic junctions.
We must also mention the completion by the Delta state government of the Trans- Warri Ode Itsekiri road and bridges as well as the 149 kilometer Asaba – Ughelli Expressway . Roads and bridges are being developed across communities previously constrained by poor access. The list is endless. As at December 2025 , DELTA FRESH VISION has recorded about 513 road projects with a cumulative length of 2,595.56 km.- being undertaken by the Delta state government, with several of them already completed. Under Human Capital development, programmes like D-CARES , MORE Grant , MORE Biz-Up and WESAP are providing economic support, skills and opportunities to vulnerable groups, women , young people and persons with disabilities. Space will not permit us to dwell on the Delta State government ‘s intervention in Agriculture, civil service welfare, students support, Technical Education and healthcare.
For DESOPADEC, the Commission has been very successful in providing community roads and drainage , educational infrastructure, health facilities, civil and community centres , electricity and street lighting, flood prevention interventions, youth empowerment , skills and community development. DESOPADEC’S intervention in road infrastructure has a long record. Among its notable projects is the 8 kilometer Obi- Anyima road in Ika South. Others are the Ofagbe – Ibrede Road , DESOPADEC civil and community centres , classroom blocks at Abalagada, Egbokodo Itsekiri, Uzere , Ebedei and Oghara as well as Ogulagha modern school.
DESOPADEC has also supported education infrastructure including a student’s hostel at the Delta State University, Oleh campus and six three bedroom bungalows for visiting lecturers. The Commission has also provided accommodation infrastructure for the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. The Agoloma cottage hospital in Patani is also one of the Commission ‘s documented projects .We can go on and on but space will not permit us.
Media practitioners should direct their energies into looking at DESOPADEC holistically: their achievements, challenges and offer advice rather than make sweeping allegations that are not evidence backed . DESOPADEC deserves commendation and not condemnation, constructive criticism and not destructive criticisms. Critics should allow DESOPADEC the space and stability to succeed. The Commission was created to address the development needs of oil bearing communities and its effectiveness should ultimately be judged by the projects it delivers and impact it makes on the people . Constructive criticism is welcome but constant political attacks , premature accusations and attempt to discredit the institution can distract from its core mandate.
Rather than looking for every opportunity to pull the Commission down , critics should scrutinize its programmes objectively, acknowledge genuine achievements and point out areas requiring improvement. The real victory is not for DESOPADEC as an institution; it is for the oil – producing communities whose development depends on it .
DESOPADEC as an interventionist organization should not be dragged into politics. Any journalist wishing to get facts should visit reliable information channels than manufacture spurious information and data that do not stand the test of veracity.
Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has congratulated the Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuofu-Biri, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Ahon, in a congratulatory message, said Ufuofu-Biri had distinguished himself through his commitment to academic excellence, institutional development and the advancement of human capital, describing him as a distinguished academic and administrator whose contributions have strengthened the institution.
He commended the Rector for providing purposeful leadership at the Polytechnic, noting that his experience and dedication had contributed significantly to the growth and stability of the institution.
According to him, the birth anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate Ufuofu-Biri’s achievements and his contributions to the development of education in Delta State.
Ahon expressed confidence that the Rector would continue to deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to advance the institution and contribute to the development of the state.
He wished Prof. Ufuofu-Biri more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment, praying that God would continue to bless him and grant him greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr Charles Aniagwu, has accused former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, of resorting to mudslinging against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in a bid to attract cheap media attention ahead of the 2027 elections.
Aniagwu said Omo-Agege’s decision to make allegations against the governor, rather than unveil his agenda and manifesto to the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, was an indication that he lacked a compelling campaign message.
The commissioner spoke on Sunday during an interview on Arise News’ The Morning Show.
According to him, Omo-Agege and Governor Oborevwori are not contesting the same election, stressing that while Oborevwori is seeking re-election as governor, Omo-Agege is campaigning for the Delta Central senatorial seat.
Aniagwu said, “What we have observed is that a number of these persons, particularly Senator Omo-Agege, don’t seem to have anything to campaign against Governor Oborevwori.
“If you are starting your campaign on the first day, instead of telling the people what you want to do to be able to win the Delta Central senatorial seat, you are alleging that somebody who is not on the same ballot with you is thinking of eliminating you.
“Oborevwori is seeking re-election, particularly as a governor who has performed in his first tenure. Senator Omo-Agege, on another political platform, is seeking to return to the Senate to represent Delta Central. They are on different ballots. The election is not even on the same day.”
The commissioner dismissed allegations that Governor Oborevwori had threatened Omo-Agege, describing such claims as inconsistent with the character and record of the governor.
“That is not the kind of governor we have. Our governor does not go into making threats. If you look at the last three and a half years in Delta, you could see the amount of tranquillity, safety and security that we have in the state,” he said.
Aniagwu argued that Omo-Agege’s repeated references to Oborevwori were primarily designed to secure media attention, saying the former senator might otherwise struggle to remain relevant in the news cycle.
“He knows that if he didn’t go that route, you may not remember to mention his name, because other persons will stand on either their previous records or the new records they want to bring to bear,” he said.
He added that the Oborevwori administration would not be dragged into what he described as a mud fight, insisting that its campaign for the 2027 elections would be anchored on its record of achievements across the state.
According to Aniagwu, “Our campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections is going to be evidence-based. We will be showcasing what we have done, what constitutes our report card. If you like, call it milestones.
“In each of the communities, in each of the local governments, including where our brother, Senator Omo-Agege, is from, we will say what we are doing.”
The commissioner also cited ongoing road projects in Omo-Agege’s home area as evidence that the Oborevwori administration was committed to equitable development across Delta State, irrespective of political affiliation.
He disclosed that the state government was constructing the Emevor-Orogun Road, a 15.7-kilometre road linking several rural communities, noting that more than eight kilometres of the project had already been completed under Phases I and II.
“Good enough, I’m also privileged to be supervising the construction of roads linking a whole number of rural communities across the 25 local government areas.
“As we speak, we are constructing a road that is heading to Omo-Agege’s community in Orogun, starting from a place called Emevor-Orogun. It is a 15.7-kilometre stretch. We have already completed 8-point-something kilometres of that stretch, which is Emevor-Orogun Road Phase I and Phase II. In Phase III, by the grace of God, we are progressing in that direction,” he said.
Aniagwu stressed that the governor’s development agenda was not driven by political considerations, but by the desire to improve the lives of Deltans across the state.
He said Oborevwori was focused on delivering infrastructure and other projects that would directly impact communities, including those considered political strongholds of opposition figures.
“The governor is not looking at whether the man is speaking German or speaking Japanese. The governor is interested in the development that will touch his people,” Aniagwu said.
He maintained that the administration would remain focused on its development agenda and allow its performance to speak for it, rather than engage in personal attacks or distractions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ashley Ogiame Atuwatse III
By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, has said the last five years of her tenure alongside her husband, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, have been devoted to building human capacity, empowering women, preserving Itsekiri culture and creating stronger connections among Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora.
The Olori, who spoke yesterday during an exclusive interaction with selected journalists at her residence in Warri as part of activities marking the Olu’s fifth coronation anniversary, said the progress recorded in the kingdom’s women empowerment programmes had become one of the most gratifying aspects of her royal responsibilities.
According to her, the elevation of women within the Warri Kingdom has become increasingly visible, with women, particularly wives of chiefs, becoming more confident, recognised and willing to take ownership of their voices and responsibilities.
“Seeing how the women in the kingdom have become more naturally elevated, I always give the stories of how the chiefs’ wives have now become more esteemed in many ways and more recognised,” she said.
She added that women were increasingly moving beyond seeking permission to participate in community affairs to becoming active owners of their voices and initiatives.
Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom.
“I really love the esteem of women in the kingdom, and I’m really thankful for that,” she said.
‘Leadership Has Taught Me to Enlarge My Heart’
Reflecting on the challenges and lessons of her five-year journey as Olori, Queen Ashley said she would rather describe the experience as a period of learning than as a series of challenges.
She identified understanding human nature, managing differences and learning to appreciate the strengths of different people as some of the most important lessons she had acquired.
“I think it would be what I used to learn leadership.
It is understanding the dynamics of human nature and the differences in different people and just learning how to enlarge my heart to love every person and pick out the strengths from people and discard the weaknesses,” she said.
The Olori, a lawyer and author and founder of women-focused initiatives, explained that her royal position had provided her with a platform to convert privilege into service, particularly through initiatives targeted at women, education, skills development and access to opportunities.
She said she regarded herself primarily as a mother serving the people entrusted to her care rather than simply as a queen.
“I’m a mother more than any queen,” she declared, explaining that her approach to service was built around two key principles — agency and access.
According to her, the first objective was to help people, especially women, regain control over their lives and overcome what she described as a “learned sense of helplessness.”
The second was to provide access to skills, networks, finance and other resources required to transform aspirations into sustainable livelihoods.
She said the philosophy underpins programmes such as Women Aligning Women, operated under Elevate Africa, and Establish Her, operated under the Royal Iwere Foundation.
‘Eight Out of 10 Women Are Breadwinners’
The Olori disclosed that findings from their engagement with women in the community had shown that women constituted a significant proportion of household breadwinners, particularly among women aged between 18 and 35.
She said about eight out of 10 women engaged through the initiative were breadwinners supporting several dependants.
“That meant we had to begin to see how we can establish our women by working with the whole woman, not just giving her skills or access to finance, but actually looking to raise the whole woman,” she explained.
She said the programme therefore begins with developing the mindset of participants, helping them understand leadership, identify their leadership styles and build confidence before introducing business and entrepreneurship components.
The women are subsequently supported with business skills and encouraged to register and formalise their businesses.
According to her, the impact has been remarkable, with beneficiaries not only improving their own lives but going on to empower other women.
“I can sit here and tell you stories on stories about how our women have come through the programme and then gone on to establish other women,” she said.
She noted that while empowering beneficiaries to become mentors was not initially part of the curriculum, it had become a natural consequence of the programme.
“It wasn’t in the curriculum, but it’s what happens when you empower a woman. She goes on and empowers her community naturally,” she said.
She described investment in women, particularly women of the Warri Kingdom, as “our most strategic move to advancing human capital development in our community.”
Language Revival: ‘We Must Preserve Our Itsekiri Identity’
The Olori also placed strong emphasis on the preservation of Itsekiri language and culture, describing the Itsekiri people as a “micro minority” whose cultural heritage must be deliberately protected against the pressures of modernisation and globalisation.
“We Itsekiris, we’re a micro minority. So inside the minority, we are a minority. And so it’s important to preserve our culture, to preserve our language,” she said.
According to her, the rapid erosion of indigenous languages across communities, including among larger ethnic groups, makes the preservation of Itsekiri language an urgent responsibility.
She disclosed that a language competition was introduced around the period of the Olu’s coronation anniversary to encourage children from communities across the kingdom and those in the diaspora to learn and speak Itsekiri.
The initiative, she said, had grown considerably since its launch last year.
This year’s edition was held at Ode-Itsekiri, also known as Big Warri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
The response, she said, had been particularly encouraging, with children from riverine communities who initially could not speak the language reportedly becoming fluent by the end of the competition.
“The testimony has been amazing,” she said.
The initiative will now be expanded into a year-round language programme, culminating in a celebration and competition during the Olu’s coronation anniversary.
“Our goal is to revive the language and to pass it down to our next generation,” she said.
‘We Are First Husband and Wife’
On her relationship with the Olu and how they manage the demands of royal duties, public expectations and family life, Queen Ashley said the strength of their family remains the foundation of everything they do.
She stressed that before their identities as king and queen, they were husband and wife and regarded their relationship as a partnership that required deliberate nurturing.
“That is our foundation — the strong family unit behind the closed door is our primary foundation,” she said.
“We are first husband and wife. We are first a strong unit together, and we take those duties very seriously. We take our bond and our connection very seriously.”
She said their relationship and responsibilities were also firmly anchored in their faith.
“Everything is embedded under God. God is our third cord, and then we take it from there,” she said.
According to her, whether they are performing their responsibilities as parents or as king and queen, they seek to approach their duties first in union with God and then with each other.
Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy
The Olori also spoke about her fashion choices, particularly her blend of contemporary elegance with traditional Itsekiri and wider African attire.
She said her intention was not merely to make a fashion statement but to demonstrate that African culture could be celebrated with confidence, sophistication and contemporary relevance.
Her message, she said, was directed not only at young Itsekiri women but at young African women generally.
“I hope young African women can be proud of your culture and you can wear elegantly, and culture isn’t something that is outdated,” she said.
Recalling a recent observation by the Olu, she said traditions represented what people practised, while culture was continually constructed as societies evolved.
She argued that Africans therefore had an opportunity to preserve their heritage while allowing it to remain relevant in contemporary society.
“I hope that in embodying my truest self as being an African monarch, an African queen, I’m able to let the next generation know that you should embrace the fullness of our beautiful African attire and African style without it being outdated,” she said.
‘We Are Just Getting Started’
Looking ahead after five years in the royal household, the Olori expressed gratitude for the journey but said she regarded the period as the beginning rather than the culmination of their work.
“I’m really thankful for the last five years. It’s been like five years that has felt like 50 years, but at the same time felt like five months,” she said.
Describing the period as “incredible,” she maintained that much more remained to be accomplished.
“But I know that we are just getting started,” she declared.
She identified the Royal Iwere Foundation as a critical vehicle for human capital development in the Warri Kingdom.
According to her, the foundation is expected to serve as the “engine room” through which people would be equipped to develop themselves and, ultimately, their communities.
She also highlighted the role of Elevate Africa, expressing the ambition that lessons and models developed in Warri could eventually serve as a model for human capital development across Africa.
Her vision, she said, was for Warri to demonstrate that sustainable community development was possible and that successful interventions could be replicated across the continent.
‘I Am Itsekiri’ App to Become Digital Village
One of the major initiatives she discussed was the newly launched I Am Itsekiri mobile application, which she described as a digital village designed to connect Itsekiris across the world with the palace, their communities and one another.
She disclosed that the idea for the platform began in March 2022 and took about four years to develop.
The project initially began as a website before consultations with stakeholders led to its transformation into a mobile application.
The objective, she explained, was to build a digital meeting point for sons and daughters of Itsekiri descent living in Nigeria and across the globe.
She noted that Itsekiris could now be found in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Japan and Australia, creating a need for a platform through which members of the community could remain connected regardless of geographical location.
“We want them to connect to the palace, so they know when the palace is coming to their city; they know what’s happening, also, to connect to their communities,” she said.
The application will also provide information on development activities across communities and create opportunities for people in the diaspora to participate in projects in their ancestral communities.
But beyond palace-to-community communication, she said one of the most important purposes of the application was to enable Itsekiris to find and connect with one another wherever they may be.
“Sometimes we lose each other when we travel. When you’re abroad, you don’t know if there’s any Itsekiri anywhere else. So once you are on that app, ‘Oh, there’s an Itsekiri down the road, let’s connect,’” she explained.
The application will also be used for cultural preservation, including teaching younger generations Itsekiri language, dances and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.
She described it as “a digital village” created to restore identity, strengthen connections and support cultural renaissance.
A Royal Agenda Built Around People
Across her various initiatives, the Olori said the central objective remained the same — building people who could, in turn, build stronger families and communities.
From women empowerment and entrepreneurship to language preservation, cultural promotion, digital connectivity and human capital development, she said the ultimate ambition was to ensure that the people of Warri Kingdom were equipped to take ownership of their future.
As the Olu of Warri marks five years on the throne, the Olori’s reflections present a royal agenda that extends beyond ceremony and symbolism, placing human development, women’s agency, cultural preservation and global connectivity at the heart of the next phase of the Atuwatse III reign.
Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom
