By Charles Nwabardi

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has successfully met the European Investment Bank (EIB) requirements for a gully erosion rehabilitation project in Delta State, clearing the way for a long-awaited environmental intervention.

The National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Change Adaptation, Erosion, and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), Mr. Anda Ayuba-Yalaks, confirmed this during an assessment of the Amachai/Ogbozoma and Vanguard Area Erosion Rehabilitation Sites.

Describing the sites as critical and in urgent need of intervention, Mr. Yalaks warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to the collapse of buildings and further infrastructural damage. Following a thorough assessment, he declared Delta State 100% ready to access EIB funding.

Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges was further demonstrated by his ₦1 billion counterpart funding, which secured Delta’s participation in the project. The rehabilitation initiative is set to launch officially in April 2025 in Abuja, led by the Honourable Minister of Environment.

State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Tommy Jamani, lauded the governor’s proactive approach, noting that his administration’s actions were already bringing relief to affected communities.

With EIB funding now within reach, residents of Amachai/Ogbozoma and other erosion-prone areas can look forward to long-overdue solutions to their environmental woes.

By Abel Johngold, MNIPR

Asaba came alive with a wave of activism as the Vito Corsica Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, in partnership with the Blizzard Deck (Boston and environs, USA), hit the streets in a bold march advocating for women’s rights, protection, and empowerment in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025.

The rally, which kicked off at 10 a.m. from the Vito Corsica Deck Anchor Point off Okpanam Road, was a spectacle of solidarity and purpose. Led by Deck Capoon, Comrade Michael Chukwuma Nwaidei, the Seadogs made strategic stops to engage the public, distributing educational materials to motorists and pedestrians while driving home this year’s IWD theme: “Accelerate Action.” The message was clear—gender equality, dignity, and freedom for women must be pursued with urgency.

In a spontaneous show of support, several women who were driving along the rally route parked their cars and joined the march, swelling the ranks of demonstrators and amplifying the message of unity and action.

The event drew the participation of influential women’s organizations, including:
✅ Fifth/Fifty Action Women, led by Comrade Patricia Gbemudu and Comrade Eunice Emeyezia
✅ FIDA Delta (International Federation of Women Lawyers), represented by Barr. Ify
✅ Charity Aid Foundation for Women, spearheaded by Barr. Ikeatu Egondu Grace

Speaking during the rally, Comrade Nwaidei reaffirmed the Pyrates Confraternity’s unwavering commitment to gender justice, stating:

“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. Women should be honoured—not just today, but every day—because they have shaped societies, economies, and governance globally.”

He also took a hard stance on the pressing issues confronting women in Nigeria, highlighting the scourge of gender-based violence, underrepresentation in leadership, and inadequate maternal healthcare. He threw a direct challenge at policymakers, asking: “How many women are in the Delta State House of Assembly?”

With women comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population yet falling far short of the 35% national gender policy target in governance, the rally underscored the urgency of inclusion in leadership, politics, and economic development.

As onlookers watched and participants marched through the heart of Asaba, one thing became clear—the fight for women’s rights is not just a campaign, but a responsibility that demands immediate action. The Pyrates Confraternity vowed to keep pushing for change, calling on all stakeholders to accelerate progress toward true gender equality.

By Charles Nwabardi

Delta State Waste Management Board Chairman, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, defended the board’s role at a public hearing convened by the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas. The session, held at the Assembly complex, reviewed a proposed bill that would repeal the 2008 Waste Management Board Law and introduce a new legal framework to enhance waste management in the state.

During the hearing, Edema presented the board’s memorandum, emphasizing that every state in the country operates its own waste management agency—Delta State should be no exception. He reaffirmed his commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment and noted that all concerns and recommendations were addressed in the board’s submission.

Edema assured attendees that the board remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate, undeterred in its mission to improve environmental conditions across Delta State.

The hearing was led by Hon. Festus Utuama, with Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo and Hon. Matthew Omonade also in attendance. Accompanying Edema were board representatives Hon. Felix Erhimedafe (Member Central), Hon. Cosmas Igbenije (Member North), and Chief Mrs. Amb. Ethel Enifome Odunwa (Member South), along with various directors and management staff.

By Abel Johngold, MNIPR

In a resounding show of confidence, the Delta State Senior Special Assistants (SSA) Forum has thrown its full support behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s bid for a second term (2027–2031), citing his outstanding contributions to the state’s development.

At a strategic meeting held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, today Tuesday, 25th February, 2025, Forum members unanimously acknowledged Governor Oborevwori’s impactful leadership and passed resolutions aimed at advancing his administration’s transformative agenda.

Governor Oborevwori Earns the Title “Mr. Development”

Recognizing his remarkable strides in infrastructural renewal, human capital development, and economic growth, the Forum conferred on Governor Oborevwori the distinguished title “Mr. Development.”

The SSAs commended his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Deltans, noting that his MORE Agenda has significantly accelerated progress across the state. They pledged their continued support, vowing to rally behind his administration’s vision for a more prosperous Delta.

A Resounding Endorsement for 2027–2031

Reiterating their faith in his leadership, the Forum formally endorsed Governor Oborevwori for re-election, emphasizing that his continuity in office would ensure the consolidation of his administration’s achievements.

The SSAs also vowed to mobilize support across all local government areas, engaging the grassroots to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming elections.

Calling on all Deltans to stand behind the governor, the Forum urged unity and collective effort to sustain the state’s developmental momentum.

Signed:

For and on behalf of the Delta State SSA Forum

Hon. Lucky Dikadi – Chairman

Barr. Rose Ughwubiti (Delta South) – Secretary

Chief Abraham Odjighoro (Delta Central) – Publicity Secretary/PRO

Chief Amb. Mayor C. Enujeko (Delta North) – Organizing Secretary

The Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB), under the leadership of Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, has carried out the removal of illegal refuse dumps along Old Lagos/Asaba Road, near the former THISDAY company and Boji-Boji Owa in Agbor.

Supervising the operation was Hon. Cosmas Igbenije, the Member representing Delta North in the DSWMB, with the cleanup efforts led by Kenneth Ezon Duwo, Supervisor of the Agbor Field Office.

Duwo emphasized that the exercise aligns with the vision of the Hon. Edema-led DSWMB to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. He noted that the initiative supports Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes environmental sustainability across Delta State.