By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Edo State chapter, has congratulated the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia N. Ize-Iyamu, on the milestone of her first 100 days in office, describing her stewardship as impactful, innovative, and visionary.

In a goodwill message issued in Benin City, the President of MWAN Edo and Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Dr. Irene Irenosen Akhideno, said Prof. Ize-Iyamu’s leadership has already begun to redefine service delivery and institutional culture at the tertiary healthcare facility.

According to Dr. Akhideno, the CMD’s first 100 days have been marked by “breaking new grounds, innovations, problem-solving, upgrade of facilities, improved work ethics and motivation, an open-door policy, and strengthened collaborations across multiple centres.”

She noted that the hospital has recorded remarkable progress through sustained monitoring, evaluation, and development initiatives geared towards making the administration’s vision—tagged ‘UBTH Cares’—a reality.

“With a visionary, focused, pragmatic, dogged and conscientious leader such as Prof. Idia N. Ize-Iyamu, UBTH is set to deliver affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to Edo State, the South-South region, and Nigeria,” Dr. Akhideno stated.

The MWAN President added that the CMD’s achievements within a short period have inspired confidence among medical professionals and trainees, saying members of the association are proud of her strides.

“May the oil of the Almighty continue to rest on your head and shoulders. The entire membership of MWAN Edo are extremely proud of you Ma,” she said.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu—who assumed office as UBTH’s CMD in August 2025—is the first female to hold the position and has been widely commended for promoting institutional reforms, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing patient-centred care.

MWAN Edo reaffirmed its support for the administration and expressed optimism that the coming years would further consolidate UBTH’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery and medical training in Nigeria.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Accountability for Community-Led Monitoring and Advocacy Network (ACOMIN) has raised alarm over persistent staff shortages, drug stock-outs, and dilapidated infrastructure affecting primary healthcare centres across Delta State.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the State Secretariat in Asaba, ACOMIN State Program Officer, Austin A. Uwede, said the gaps are directly affecting access to HIV, TB, and malaria services.

“These challenges are daily realities,” Uwede said. “Patients travel long distances only to meet empty facilities or no drugs. We must shift from shortages to sustainable solutions.”

Uwede identified three major concerns — overstretched health workers, frequent shortages of essential medical commodities, and deteriorating buildings with leaking roofs, cracked walls, and non-functional toilets.

Despite the challenges, he highlighted major improvements recorded under the Global Fund-supported Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) project, including:

Construction of a waiting hall at Uwheru PHC

Renovation of labour and female wards at Pessu PHC by the Rotary Club

Donation of medical equipment and restoration of electricity at Odovie PHC

Provision of water pumping machine at Ekrerhavwen PHC

Supply of diagnostic tools and consumables at Ovrode PHC

Reconstruction of soakaway at Bulu-Apelebiri PHC

Earlier, ACOMIN State Chairman, Pastor Gregory Sifo, commended community-based organizations for driving progress.

“People have started taking ownership of health centres,” he noted. “This meeting is to enable the media amplify these success stories.”

ACOMIN called on government agencies, private sector partners, media organizations, and traditional leaders to take coordinated action to strengthen Delta’s community health systems.

The Oromoni Family, today, remembers two beautiful souls who shaped the family’s heart. One year has passed since saying goodbye to an angel in human form Mother of the family, and four years have gone by since they lost a cherished Son. Their love still lights the days, and though grief lingers, the family finds comfort in the cherished memories they hold dear.
Though the family, is plunged into deep reflection as they mark a solemn double remembrance — the fourth anniversary of the tragic death of their son, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, and the first anniversary of the passing of his mother, Mrs. Rosemary Oghenevwaire Sylvester Oromoni, according to family sources, the remembrance dates fall only days apart. While Sylvester Jnr, a student of Dowen College, Lekki Lagos, died on 30 November 2021 in circumstances that generated national outrage and widespread calls for justice, his mother, Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni, passed away a year ago and is being remembered today as always.

Described as a “two-in-one remembrance,” the family noted that the emotional weight of losing both mother and child within a short span remains an unbearable burden.

The late Sylvester Jnr’s death, which attracted nationwide condemnation and renewed debates about bullying and child safety in schools, continues to resonate across Nigeria. For the family, friends, and supporters, who have remained steadfast in their demand for justice, the anniversary rekindles painful memories.

Meanwhile, the remembrance of Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni evokes yet another dimension of grief, as she was widely believed to have died from emotional complications arising from her son’s tragic passing.

Family members say the double remembrance will be a quiet reflection moment, honouring both mother and child whose memories remain deeply etched in the hearts of loved ones.

As the two solemn dates are marked, sympathisers across the country are expected to join the Oromoni family in prayers, solidarity, and renewed calls for justice for Sylvester Jnr, whose death remains one of the most emotionally charged cases in Nigeria’s recent history.

May their spirits guide us, and may we find peace in the love that never fades.
🌹🌹

By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata,mnipr

The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Worldwide, has announced that its 2025 Annual Alumni Lecture—tagged Homecoming for the Titan of the Oil and Gas Industry—will be delivered by Chief Tony Attah, FNSE, MD/CEO of Renaissance African Energy Company Limited, and a Worthy Ambassador (WA) of UIAA.

The high-profile lecture, scheduled for Friday, 21st November 2025 at 5:00 p.m., will hold at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, University of Ibadan.

Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, the 1st Vice President of UIAA Worldwide and Chairperson of the 2025 Alumni Lecture/Homecoming Planning Committee, Dr. Irene Irenosen Akhideno (Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist ISTH), disclosed that Chief Attah will speak on the theme:
“Energy, Security and Economic Sustainability: The Role of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector in National Development.”

According to Dr. Akhideno, the lecture will be held under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, Esq., Chairman, Air Peace Airline, a respected business leader and national figure.

The event will also have in attendance an eminent lineup of dignitaries. The Special Guest of Honour is His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State. The Royal Father of the Day is His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu.

The Chief Host is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, FAS, mni, while the Host is the Acting President of UIAA Worldwide, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir.

Dr. Akhideno noted that the 2025 lecture promises to be one of the most remarkable in the history of UIAA, especially as captains of industry across Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector, the banking industry, and key players in the political landscape have already indicated interest to fly into Ibadan for the event.

She called on all UI alumni (UItes), friends of the University, and the general public to attend, describing the lecture as an intellectual homecoming that will stimulate robust national discourse and spotlight the strategic role of the country’s foremost university in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has awarded scholarships to visually impaired students and empowered members of the blind community with food items and assistive devices during the foundation’s outreach programme tagged “Mission to the Visually Impaired” held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Asaba.

Speaking at the event, Deaconess Oborevwori said the programme was designed to extend love and support to the visually impaired and promote inclusivity through education, empowerment, and care. She explained that the You Matter Charity Foundation has been actively supporting children with autism, special needs, and visual impairment by providing educational and vocational materials to enhance their learning and confidence.

According to her, society must move away from stigmatizing the visually impaired and instead recognize their intelligence, potential, and courage. “Too often, the visually impaired are regarded as lesser members of society, denied access to quality education, and sometimes treated as second-class citizens. But today, we are here to change that narrative,” she stated.

The Delta First Lady encouraged visually impaired students to strive for excellence and urged parents not to lose hope in their children’s potential. “The visually impaired have a special place in God’s creation and deserve every opportunity to thrive. Let us work with them by sharing knowledge, fighting poverty, and opening doors of opportunity,” she said.

As part of her empowerment gesture, Deaconess Oborevwori donated several assistive gadgets, including laptop computers with screen readers, Braille papers, slates and stylus, talking calculators, tactile learning sets, digital audio recorders, and talking watches and clocks, among other materials to aid their daily learning and independence.

She also distributed food items such as 120 bags of rice, 100 tubers of yam, palm oil, garri, noodles, salt, custard, and other household provisions to support the beneficiaries and their families.

In addition, the First Lady awarded full scholarships to four visually impaired students studying in different universities, covering their tuition and academic needs until graduation. She encouraged them to pursue excellence, describing education as a tool of empowerment and equality.

While commending the leadership of the Association of the Blind for their organization and resilience, Deaconess Oborevwori expressed optimism that the engagement would inspire renewed confidence and purpose among members of the association.

In her welcome remarks, the Director General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, described the event as a reaffirmation of the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice. She noted that the outreach demonstrates the right of every person to belong and participate fully in the development of society.

“The visually impaired are part of our community, and this initiative is our mother’s contribution to bridging the gap and ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of development. Food symbolizes love and care, and today we reaffirm that you are seen, valued, and loved,” Ogbedo said.

Deaconess Oborevwori concluded the event with words of encouragement drawn from 3 John 1:2, reminding the beneficiaries that their physical limitation does not define their purpose. “Though your physical sight may be limited, your vision of hope brings light and happiness to the world. Do not be discouraged; keep striving for the best,” she prayed.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Angela Ekure, a visually impaired broadcaster with the Delta State Broadcasting Service, expressed deep appreciation to the governor’s wife for her generosity and compassion.

She noted that it was the first time the visually impaired community had received such meaningful attention from a First Lady in the state, describing the scholarships and donations as life-changing gestures that would ease their academic and financial challenges.

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.