Tompolo Grieves As Uduaghan dies at 71,  Recalls Former Governor’s Role During Niger Delta Amnesty Era

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has expressed sadness over the reported death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

Tompolo, in a condolence message signed by his Media Consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, on Monday, October 19, 2026, said he received the news of the former governor’s death with profound sadness, noting that it was an unexpected development.

The Ijaw leader recalled Uduaghan’s involvement in efforts to address militancy in the Niger Delta, particularly his support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance arrangements during the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to Tompolo, the former governor’s role during that period remains a significant part of the history of engagements aimed at addressing unrest and promoting stability in the oil-producing region.

He said Uduaghan would be greatly missed, extending his condolences to the bereaved family, political associates and others affected by the loss.

Tompolo prayed that God would grant the family and all those mourning the former governor the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

Chief Ekpemupolo Grieves Over Passing Of Former Delta Governor Uduaghan

High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has expressed grief over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

High Chief Ekpemupolo, who received the news of the death of the former two-term Governor Monday October 19, 2026, as announced by the family, said he received it with deep sadness, noting that he was not expecting the sad news at this time.

Tompolo recalled the role of the former governor during the days of militancy in the Niger Delta, and how he supported the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the pipeline surveillance job awarded during the administrations of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a press release made available to Newsmen through Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, said former governor Uduaghan will be greatly missed.

High Chief Ekpemupolo prayed God to give the family and others the fortitude to bear this great loss.

It’s too sad to believe, Opuoru reacts to Former Governor Uduaghan’s passing

Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Environment, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, has described the reported passing of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, as too sad to believe.

Reports of the ex – Delta State Governor’s death, started circulating in the media at about midday Monday October 19.

Hon. Opuoru, who represented Warri South Constituency II in Delta State House of Assembly between 2019 to 2023, in a statement Monday afternoon, recalled his political ascendency under Dr. Uduaghan as governor of Delta State.

” He appointed me as Special Assistant, Special Duties and later elevated me to the position of Hon. Commissioner, Special Duties, DESOPADEC.

” Since the creation of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has been the only governor, that has appointed two Commissioners from Warri South Local Government Area, one Itsekiri and the other Urhobo” Hon. Opuoru, stated.

According to him, Dr. Uduaghan, sacrificed everything to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the three major ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency, apart from his achievements in terms of healthcare delivery, transportation, human capital and educational developments as well as execution of strategic infrastructures across Delta State.

Hon. Opuoru, a prominent Chief in Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, Warri, condoled members of the Uduaghan family and Deltans as a whole, saying Dr. Uduaghan’s legacy of peaceful coexistence, should serve as template to people of different tribes, region and religion across the country.

Warri Federal Rep Member, Ereyitomi Mourns Demise of Former Governor Uduaghan

By: Celestine Ukah

The member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, has mourned the demise of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.

Dr. Uduaghan, who served as Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days to his 72nd birthday. His death was announced by his family in Warri.

In a condolence message, Hon. Chief Ereyitomi described the late former governor as an elder statesman, Medical Doctor and father figure whose years in public service left lasting marks on Delta State.

Rep Ereyitomi said Uduaghan was a proud son of Warri North and the Itsekiri nation, who rose from Commissioner for Health in (1999-2003), to Secretary to the State Government SSG (2003-2007), before becoming Governor.

He noted that the former governor’s “Delta Beyond Oil” agenda and his commitment to human and infrastructural development will be remembered.

The Federal lawmaker commiserated with the Uduaghan family, his wife, children, the Itsekiri nation, the Delta State Government and all Deltans, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort to those mourning him.

Dr. Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954 in Warri North Local Government Area.

Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi prayed God to grant the Soul of the departed former governor Uduaghan eternal rest.

Oborevwori Mourns Passage of Uduaghan, Says He Was A Detribalised Leader

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over the death of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.

Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, according to a statement issued by his family.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the painful loss.

The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the state.

He described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta State.

Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in May 2007. He served two terms, leaving office in 2015.

Oborevwori said Uduaghan’s years in public service had left a good mark on the state, adding that his death was a loss to Delta and the country at large.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and all those grieving his death.

Delta Targets 100,000 Small Scale Businesses with N5bn Grassroots Empowerment Across 500 Wards

The Delta State Government has commenced a N5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting no fewer than 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.

Under the scheme, which is intended to stimulate economic activities and improve living conditions in families and communities, each beneficiary is expected to receive N50,000, with distribution channelled through local government councillors.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment(Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba, and said that the initiative was designed to complement the administration’s investments in infrastructure with direct financial support for residents.

Ifeajika explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori considered direct economic assistance to the people necessary, after providing roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure across the state.

“Having provided critical infrastructure across the state, the governor realised that the people are yearning for something more that touches their lives directly.

“He understands that, as much as the people need airports, flyovers and roads, they also need some money in their pockets,” he said.

According to him, the governor directed councillors across the state to empower at least 200 people in each ward, leveraging their proximity to communities to reach beneficiaries at the grassroots.

With 500 wards in Delta, the programme targets 100,000 beneficiaries and total financial outlay of N5 billion.

Ifeajika said the intervention would help small-scale entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses while providing additional financial support for households and their extended families.

He added that the scheme reflected the administration’s determination to make the impact of governance felt beyond physical infrastructure, noting that further empowerment initiatives would be introduced in the months and years ahead.

“The lives of Deltans matter to the governor. He tells us that all the time, and he describes himself as the servant of everybody,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting the administration as it pursued its development agenda, combining infrastructure delivery with initiatives intended to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities across the state.

**As team receive Instant Cash Reward From Sports Ministry

The Solid Miners have continued their recent resurgence in the 2026/27 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football campaign with a commanding and historic 0-2 away victory over Inter Lagos FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, this evening.

Nasarawa United who flew to Lagos aboard Arik Airlines delivered a masterclass in resilience, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing to dismantle their hosts, securing their first away win of the season and highest away scoreline victory in their illustrious history.

Displaying immense character from the blast of the whistle, Coach Mbwas Mangut’s charges dominated proceedings, converting their chances with ruthless efficiency to silence the home crowd and claim all three maximum points on the road.

Today’s result have surged the Solid Miners to 6th position on the NPFL log with an impressive fourteen points, firmly reasserting their credentials as strong contenders this season.

In a swift move to motivate the team, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim FCNA, together with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, instantly rewarded the team with a cash sum of One Million Naira(N1,000,000.00) for the outstanding performance and landmark victory.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Nasarawa United, Solomon Babanjah, has heaped praises on the team for the resounding victory against a difficult Inter Lagos.

Babanjah who commended the team shortly after the full-time whistle equally appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for prioritizing the welfare of the team and its members, including facilitating the team’s flight to Lagos, which he said helped to reduce fatigue and stress on the players and officials.

He applauded the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim, together with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, as well as the entire Ministry for their sustained support to the team, pledging to continue to work hard to achieve the mandate of the Government on the team.

Attention now shifts to match-day ten, as the Lafia-based side will host former African Champions and 18th-placed, Enyimba FC of Aba, on Sunday, 25th October, 2026, by 4pm at the Lafia City Stadium.

POST-MATCH REACTIONS:

STEPHEN MOGA(ASST. COACH/NAS): “We are grateful to God for today’s victory.

“We have been strategizing to get the results we yearn for to be able to get what we want, both in the league and continent.

“Regarding our conversions, we have actually been working so hard on our scoring abilities because we realized we were faltering at the final third. To achieve your targets, you need to convert your chances and be ahead of your opponents.

“Inter Lagos are not a bad side. We were only better today. I believe they will get out of their current position.”

CAUTIONS(YELLOW CARD):

Kelechi Ogbodo(NAS)25′

IJomah Jesse(INT)20′

E. Tejiri(INT)

NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Olughu Chinemerem, Abubakar Abdullahi, Sunday Dapma, Harrison Ebah, Chidera Nduka, Sam Pam (Alao Danbani 75′), Jofrank Joshua(David Okorie 75′), Ugochukwu Leonard(Ada Umar 45′), Alfred Odinaka, Kelechi Ogbodo(Moyi Hassan 65′), Austine Onyemaechi(Aluku Sunday 65′).

Unused Subs: Ameh Godwin, Victor John.

Eche Amos FCBS, ANIPR
Director of Media,
Nasarawa United FC..

Delta Online Publishers Forum 6th Lecture Series: Umahi Joins Panel as Prof. Emina Accepts to Moderate Discussion

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has announced the participation of legal practitioner, Godswill O. Umahi, Esq., as a panelist at its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series, while renowned academic, Professor Kemi Anthony Emina, OdiEga, has accepted to moderate the panel discussion scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Asaba, Delta State.

The conference and lecture series, themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges, and Media Accountability,” will hold at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, and is expected to bring together media practitioners, academics, policymakers, legal experts, and other stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy and the media’s responsibility in safeguarding democratic values.

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chairman of the DOPF Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series Planning Committee, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and the Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said Umahi’s participation would enrich the panel discussion with his legal expertise and perspectives on data privacy, regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence, technology law, and the rule of law.

They noted that his contributions would be particularly relevant to examining how these issues intersect with electoral integrity, public accountability, digital communication, and the evolving responsibilities of online publishers.

A legal practitioner with over a decade of experience, Umahi has built a litigation practice spanning land, contract, criminal, and general civil matters.

His specialist knowledge includes global data privacy and retention, supported by professional certifications in Artificial Intelligence, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Business Startup Management.

Beyond legal practice, Umahi contributes to public discourse by offering legal and policy perspectives on national issues, with particular interest in law, technology, and governance.

His commitment to making complex legal developments accessible to the public is expected to provide valuable insights into the legal and ethical questions confronting digital publishers in an increasingly technology-driven information environment.

Meanwhile, Professor Emina’s acceptance to moderate the panel discussion brings considerable academic, journalistic, broadcasting, and public communication experience to the conference.

A distinguished philosopher, scholar, broadcaster, journalist, and community leader, Professor Emina has developed a career defined by intellectual engagement, public service, and a commitment to human development.

Prof. Emina principal academic interests centre on Development Philosophy and African Metaphysics, through which he examines philosophical and developmental challenges confronting Africa and humanity.

He was among the pioneer staff of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company Ltd., publishers of The Pointer newspaper, before broadening his professional experience through service with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Emina also served as Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and was an active member of the university’s Governing Council. He currently chairs the Board of UI Ventures Ltd. His contributions to scholarship, leadership, and community development have earned him several honours, including the traditional title of OdiEga of Ebu.

His background in journalism, broadcasting, philosophy, and institutional leadership is expected to contribute to a balanced and intellectually engaging discussion on electoral credibility, security challenges, and the media’s accountability to the public in a democracy under pressure.

The DOPF 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series is expected to provide a platform for robust intellectual engagement on the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and media industry.

Through the event, the Forum seeks to promote informed public discourse, strengthen professional standards among online publishers, and encourage greater media accountability at a time when electoral integrity, national security, misinformation, and public trust remain critical issues in the country’s democratic development.

European Clubs Scout for Delta Football Talents in Delta’s Capital 

European football clubs have begun scouting for promising young players in Delta State as part of efforts to identify and develop emerging talents for opportunities in professional football abroad.

The scouting programme, featuring representatives of Slavia Prague FC of the Czech Republic and Widzew Łódź FC of Poland, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, attracted young footballers seeking opportunities to advance their careers in Europe.

The programme involved U-18 players associated with Slavia Prague and Raków, with scouts assessing the participants’ technical abilities, tactical awareness, physical attributes, discipline and overall potential for development in competitive European football.

Among the officials participating in the exercise were Uros Markovic, Head of Scouting at Slavia Prague FC, Czech Republic, and Piotr Kaspzak, Head of the Scouting Department at Widzew Łódź FC, Poland.

The latest exercise follows an earlier scouting programme in which two young footballers from Delta State were identified and subsequently travelled to Europe for football trials, highlighting the growing opportunities for local talents to attract international attention.

The players are Augustine Freedom of Winsome FC, from the riverine Gbaramatu area, and Oghoghoreva Ewhomazino of Mighty Wanderers FC, from Ukpude in Isoko South Local Government Area.

Their selection has raised hopes that sustained collaboration between Delta State and international football scouts could open more pathways for young players to pursue professional careers beyond Nigeria.

Speaking on the prospects of the programme, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Onoriode Oborevwori, expressed delight that two Deltans identified during the previous exercise had secured opportunities to travel to Europe for trials.

He described the development as an encouraging indication that the state’s grassroots football development efforts were yielding positive results, adding that the latest scouting exercise offered another opportunity for talented young players to demonstrate their abilities before international scouts.

Oborevwori said the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for sports development, particularly by providing platforms through which young athletes could discover their talents, improve their skills and pursue opportunities at higher levels of competition.

According to him, the success of grassroots sports development should not be measured solely by victories at competitions but also by the ability to identify, nurture and connect talented athletes with opportunities that could transform their lives.

He noted that the emergence of players from communities such as Gbaramatu and Isoko South underscored the depth of football talent across Delta State, including in riverine and rural communities where many gifted youngsters might otherwise struggle to gain exposure.

The chairman encouraged the participating players to approach the exercise with seriousness, discipline and confidence, stressing that technical ability must be complemented by hard work, good conduct, determination and a willingness to learn.

He also expressed appreciation to the European scouts for their interest in Delta State’s football talents, describing the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen international sporting relationships and expose local players to professional standards and expectations.

The visiting scouts also underscored the importance of identifying young players with the technical quality, discipline and potential required to progress in European football.

Markovic said scouting exercises of this nature provided an opportunity to assess players in a competitive setting and identify individuals who could benefit from further development within a structured football environment.

He noted that while natural ability was important, scouts also looked beyond individual skills to assess players’ decision-making, movement off the ball, teamwork, attitude and capacity to respond to coaching.

Kaspzak, on his part, observed that young African footballers could offer considerable potential when given access to appropriate coaching, competitive exposure and a clear development pathway.

He said the assessment process was not based on isolated moments of brilliance but on a broader evaluation of each player’s performance, consistency, tactical understanding and readiness to improve.

The scouts encouraged the participants to remain focused on their development, emphasising that selection for further trials depended on meeting the technical and developmental requirements of the clubs.

The programme reinforces the importance of grassroots football as a platform for discovering emerging talents and creating opportunities for young people.

For Delta State, the successful identification of two players during the previous exercise provides a promising foundation for future scouting engagements.

With another round of assessments underway at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, the hope is that more young footballers will attract international attention and earn opportunities to test themselves in European football.

For the participating players, the exercise represents more than a scouting event; it is an opportunity to demonstrate their potential, gain valuable exposure and take a possible step towards professional football.

The Delta State Sports Commission is expected to continue supporting initiatives that identify and nurture young sporting talents, in line with efforts to strengthen the state’s reputation as a centre for sports development and excellence.

Your Re-election As Delta NUJ Chairman Reflects Trust, Capacity – COCOSA National Presidential Aspirant, Chief Ehwerherume Tells Oyowe

By: Celestine Ukah

A leading National Presidential Aspirant of the November 8, 2026, College of Commerce Warri Old Students Association (COCOSA), Engr Chief Isaac Ehwerherume, has congratulated Comrade Churchill Oyowe on his re-election as Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

In a congratulatory message Friday October 16 made available to This medium, Engr. Chief Ehwerherume said Comrade Oyowe’s re-election is a reflection of the trust and confidence his colleagues have in his capacity and purposeful leadership of the Union.

According to the COCOSA critical stakeholder and seasoned administrator the victory shows that members of the NUJ appreciate Oyowe’s commitment to press freedom and the welfare of journalists as top priority in Delta State.

Chief Ehwerherume expressed optimism that Comrade Oyowe will consolidate on the achievements of his first term and further unite and reposition the Delta NUJ for greater professionalism and ethical display at all times.

Chief Ehwerherume wished Comrade Oyowe a successful, impactful and resounding second term in office.