Rethinking Priorities: A call for sustainable Development in Delta State
By: Linus Chima
From the onset, let me make clear that this write up promises to be as brief as possible.
Nonetheless, if in any way this piece offends you, please start forgiving me before you take the last sip. I am only exercising my choice and right to speak as guaranteed in our constitution and as a media man whose view of society might be slightly different drawing under the canopy of development journalism.
Starting off, it was pleasant News to many people in Delta State particularly in Ika South and Ughelli North when in the last State Executive Council meeting approval was given to spend Ninety Seven Billion Naira on flyovers in these two Local Government Areas.
Many people in Delta State warmly welcomed the initiative, moreso upon the transformation unfolding at the East West Highway linking in Effurun to Benin as well as at Enerhen Junction.
To be fair, flyovers like these when eventually functional ease movement and add a fresh touch of aesthetics in places where they are cited. It is already showing in spite of the pains experienced by road users as the project takes form.
Having acknowledged that, it is my ignorant view, perhaps an unpopular understanding that the Agbor and Otovwodo flyovers are a tragic waste of the resources of Delta State.
Those who must have egged Governor Sheriff Oborewvori to consider building these flyovers at this material time, may have made a monumental error. On their dashboard they might have seen the project as a good political advantage, a model of success, a beacon of legacy projects which His Excellency will leave behind and for which his name will resonate in the history of Delta State.
Some, may have sold the idea believing it to be a political master stroke following the warm embrace of the Effurun and Enerhen Junction flyovers.
For the political gladiators in the ruling party, the Agbor/ Ughelli flyovers when completed will stand as clear testimonies of success, a clear balancing act as there will be flyovers in the three Senatorial districts, heightening a reason to return His Excellency to office. A good number of these politicians, will use this advantage to ride in Governor Oborewvori’s chariot for a second, third or fourth term, while some of them will get the gate pass to test the waters of politics and power at the first attempt on stilt sticks.
To a few others, this will be a great opportunity to feast on the resources of the State Government.
No doubt, the accolades have been high since the announcement was made. Sheriff is gradually assuming the moniker as the flyover master in this renewed hope era Indeed, he is giving more. Much more than anyone expected.
There is no doubt that, a number of people thought he would be the lackey in the journey at his first sip of governance as Governor of Delta State. Like Usain Bolt he is speeding ahead to the tape.
Nonetheless, something his advisers may have gotten wrong is setting His Excellency up for a most expensive campaign prior to 2027.
It is obvious that whichever way people want to look at these flyovers, they are the credentials, the clear testaments that he will present to his party to write his name in bold relief.
This is what the people of Delta State will see and give him the thumbs up for.
Yet, he could have chosen a far less expensive route. A route that would be a far better win win for everyone.
Let me explain.
Ninety seven billion Naira is not Ninety Seven Million or Nine hundred and seventy million Naira.
To be sure, Twenty Billion Naira would have created a mouthful of satisfaction for the people of Delta State and there will still be seventy seven billion Naira to play with in the quest to transform the State.
Of the seventy seven billion Naira, thirty billion would have beamed more smiles on the faces of millions of people residing in Delta State and there would still be over thirty billion to push around.
But, greedy, itchy fingers are on King Arthur’s table, their swords sharp and their minds intent at confusing the Governor.
What do the people of Delta State actually need?
Very little!
Delta State’s IGR as quoted has soared to over one hundred billion Naira recently while monthly and sundry allocations from the Federation of account prints on Delta State like a badge on the face.
Some will say that there is a huge debt overhang gradually being offset and that so far all that is being put on ground have been achieved without borrowing.
These indeed are weighty credentials that amount to nothing for the men and women of Delta State sweating under the Sun and braving the rains to survive.
The point is, twenty Billion Naira well applied to the lives of the people of Delta State will cause a ripple effect that by 2027 the political party that will sponsor Governor Sheriff Oborewvori will coast home to victory no matter how stormy the political sea may be.
Let me break it down.
The Delta State Government needs to invest more directly in the lives of the people to improve their living standards and this is common sense.
This, in the first place is the reason for the Government. To collect resources, aggregate them, define how and allocate their use in the best interest of the people.
It should be noted that the wealth in the hands of the President, the Governor even the Local Government Chairman is not their personal fortune, but resources held in trust to be judiciously employed for the well being of the people.
To this end, investing in agriculture, developing the comparative advantages of each community and providing for them life’s basics will make a refreshing difference while containing the alarming problem of rural urban drift, including emigrating from the country.
It is not clear how much the Delta State Government has invested in agriculture to enhance food production in the last twenty years, what is obvious however is that nutritional deficiency is running high and undermining the health of the people. This is an indication that the food production dashboard is too narrow to improve the lives and health of the people.
My point is that, injecting ten Billion Naira in agriculture will make a profound impact in food security and food availability and diversity in Delta State under one year.
Pushing five billion Naira into the agriculture value chain will create thousands of jobs while making food available and affordable for people.
If this administration also took transportation seriously it should have since invested at least twenty billion Naira in purchasing CNG or other buses and taxis as well as building CNG refueling stations for cheaper energy to run vehicles.
My point is, this is the people’s money and from the very onset their informed opinions about how their money is used for their welfare is paramount.
It is sad that, House of Assembly members, members of the State Executive Council, religious leaders, opinion leaders and many other intelligent persons whose wisdom ought to run deeper appear not to have connection with their people. They seem unable to aggregate the needs of their people and influence changes that make sense.
All communities in Delta State enjoy comparative advantages in certain aspects of agricultural output.
Nothing for instance stops the Government from giving proper support to farmers and tasking them to increase output to provide stock to end use industries. Igbodo in Ika North East stretching to Mbiri for instance is known for tomato production, Patani for oil palm and oil palm products, Abavo for yam and vegetables, Okerenkoko for pepper, Gbaramatu and Burutu for fish and crayfish, the Ubulus in Aniocha North and South for palm oil and palm wine, Ewulu for ranching of goats, sheep, cattle and other animals. The more than twenty Urhobo communities were a hub of rubber production, Sapele for quality wood, while Warri South West can produce the plantain and banana that will enhance the lives of people. Uhweru has a high quality Groundnut from which ground nut oil and other derivatives can be exploited, the kpokpo garri and madiga from Kokori and adjourning communities can be so improved to stand on Supermarket shelf and for export.
If you have seen the Odeh market in Ughelli South where hundreds of tonnes of sweet potatoes are sold, you will weep for the women and at the same time commend their resilience for their contribution towards keeping the economy of Delta State going.
The upland of Delta State can produce colanuts, bitter cola, cocoa, cashew, mango, citrus, and many fruit trees among their traditional produce.
It is common knowledge that Abraka in Ethiope East has one of the best lands for the cultivation of cassava while pineapple grows luxuriantly in Umutu and neighbouring communities.
The question is, how are we harnessing these agricultural blessings, these gifts of nature for the people’s economic well being?
A fraction of the ninety seven billion Naira channeled into agriculture will certainly help to provide several seeds necessary for improving nutrition, keeping the people healthy and putting money in their pockets.
With agriculture and transportation settled the people of Delta State will be the ones singing the accolades of Governor Sheriff Oborewvori.
Obviously, he must need pay proper attention to areas such as education, health care, housing and security as well as recruitment workers, all these areas are calling for his attention.
It is those who have eaten well, those who have a place to earn a living, those who are sure of their children’s education, those who have a little saving that will appreciate the ninety seven billion Naira projects.
It is those who have can get good Medicare, those whose children can go to higher institutions without having to borrow that can appreciate such huge projects.
It is those whose lives have been positively impacted by the commonwealth placed in the hands of Right Honourable Governor Sheriff Oborewvori that will effortlessly come out on election day to cast the victory votes for him.
The flyovers are good for a season, but investing in life saving, life giving, life enhancing human faced projects will certainly be a game changer as the journey inches towards the next election in 2027.
CDHR President, Taiga appeals to Warri residents, others to sustain existing peace
The National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga, has appealed to all residents in Warri and its environs to sustain the existing peace and tranquility in the area.
Dr. Taiga acknowledged and commended the tireless efforts of the people in fostering harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, adding that their collective commitment has been instrumental in preserving the tranquility enjoyed, urging everyone to remain steadfast in promoting unity and understanding across all communities.
According to the CDHR National President, “In times of disagreement or crisis, we strongly encourage restraint and lawful conduct, and ask that all matters be referred to the appropriate authorities. Let us trust in the capacity of our law enforcement agencies and traditional/community leaders to manage conflicts responsibly and fairly.
“As a human rights organization, CDHR remains committed to the values of peace, justice, and equity. We firmly believe that a peaceful Warri is a progressive Warri—one that creates opportunities and security for all, now and for future generations.
“Let us continue to be guardians of the peace we have worked so hard to achieve. Together, we can build a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future,” he stated.
El-Kanemi Warriors FC Chairman, Mainu Assures Fans of a Fruitful Season
The Chairman of El-Kanemi Warriors FC Maiduguri Malam Ibrahim Mainu Mustapha, has assured the club’s supporters that the upcoming season promises to be exciting and successful for the team.
Speaking yesterday during the official presentation of new signings and distribution of training kits to the players, the Chairman expressed strong confidence in the team’s readiness:
“Yes, we are ready for the season, In Sha Allah. We trust in God, and He will be there for us. You are going to see a different El-Kanemi Warriors FC a highly formidable team capable of competing with any side in Nigeria, across Africa, and even globally.”
He added that the club’s target is a top-three finish this season, aiming for a return to continental football, a level the club has historically competed at.
Fans can also look forward to an exciting brand of football under the leadership of experienced tactician Kabiru Dogo, who is gradually settling into his role in the Home of Peace.
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters congratulate CGC Adeniyi on tenure extension
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters (NVR) have extended heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on the extension of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a congratulatory message signed by Ganiyu Oloyede on behalf of the association, the reporters praised CGC Adeniyi’s exceptional leadership, describing his renewed mandate as a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and transformative impact on the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said, “The extension of your tenure is well-deserved and a reflection of your unwavering commitment to national development, transparency in service, and capacity-building within the Nigeria Customs.
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters also acknowledged the pivotal role the NCS has played under Adeniyi’s leadership in promoting sports development, particularly volleyball, through sustained support and sponsorship of grassroots and national events.
“We remain grateful for your consistent support for volleyball and sports in general. Your partnership with volleyball brought about the sponsorship of the league last season and the hosting of the 2024 CAVB Women’s Club Championship in Abuja.
“Your visionary leadership has not only repositioned the NCS for operational excellence but has also made an indelible impact on youth and sports development across the country,” the statement added.
The association wished CGC Adeniyi continued success in his renewed term, praying for wisdom, strength, and good health as he continues to serve the nation.
Door-2-Door grassroots Political movement, Chief Tompolo, congratulates New APC Nat. Chair, Prof. Yilwatda
Door-2-Door, a grassroots political movement led by High Chief Tompolo, has congratulated Professor Yilwatda on his election, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for their wise decision.
According to Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, National Coordinator of Door-2-Door, Professor Yilwatda is a “square peg in a square hole” – the perfect fit for the demanding role of APC National Chairman.
With his proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals, Professor Yilwatda is expected to steer the party to greater heights.
Door-2-Door has pledged its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC, trusting that under his leadership, the party will secure a resounding victory in the upcoming elections.
The movement has also reaffirmed its commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, with a goal of mobilizing and securing 10 million votes for the President.
Professor Yilwatda’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of excellence and triumph for the APC and Nigeria.
With his intellectual rigor and leadership charisma, he is well-equipped to amplify the party’s strengths, propel grassroots support, and galvanize Nigerians to rally behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.
Here Is The Full Press Statement:
Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda Is A Square Peg In Square Hole
On behalf of Door-2-Door, and particularly our esteemed Founder and Patron, High Chief (DR.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL), we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well-deserved election as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
We also express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC for their visionary and prudent decision in electing Professor Yilwatda as the party’s helmsman. Their collective wisdom in recognizing a leader of Professor Yilwatda’s calibre bodes well for the future of the party.
Professor Yilwatda is, in every sense, a square peg in a square hole—a perfect fit for the demanding role of APC National Chairman.
His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him eminently qualified to steer the party to greater heights.
Through decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has demonstrated extraordinary talent and a wealth of experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are critical as the APC prepares to overcome challenges and consolidate its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.
We have every confidence that under his stewardship, the APC will be strengthened institutionally and ideologically.
We look forward to seeing how his vision and acumen will amplify the party’s strengths, propel grassroots support, and galvanize Nigerians to rally behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.
Prof. Nentawe, no doubt, possesses the intellectual rigour and leadership charisma that this pivotal moment demands.
As Nigeria heads towards the next election, Door-2-Door, led by High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We trust that with his guidance, the party will secure a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to every Nigerian.
As espoused by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door as a grassroot political movement is unequivocally committed into the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our commitment to mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President, in the 2027 elections, is uncompromiseable.
Once again, congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the entire APC family.
May Prof. Nentawe’s leadership usher in a new era of excellence and triumph for the party and our beloved nation.
Long Live APC
Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed: Comrade Sunday Adekanbi National Coordinator
Pa. Etemebiri goes Home August 1 at 82, As Oil-rich Ogulagha sets to host massive dignitaries
By: Celestine Ukah
The remains of Pa. Nelson Donbebefiegha Kunghan Etemebiri Aka (Gbeneigenaigena) will be laid to rest on Friday, August 1, 2025, in the oil-rich Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu LGA, Delta State.
The funeral is expected to welcome massive and very important dignitaries into the Ogulagha community during the ceremony.
According to the activities lined up for the burial ceremony, the body of Pa. Etemebiri will depart Veenell Mortuary to NPA Waterside for Ogulagha Community by 6:30 am.
The funeral service will be conducted by the Christian congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 11 am, after which entertainment for guests will follow at Pa. Etemebiri’s compound close to Ogulagha Community Town Hall.
He is survived by his wife, seven children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, sons/daughters-in-law, and cousins.
The funeral arrangements program and invitation were signed by Bishop Raphael Amaruntowa on behalf of the family and Samuel Etemebiri on behalf of Pa. Etemebiri’s children.
Israel Joe to Delta Police Command: Prosecute your men for extorting #500,000 from woman, 11-year old girl arrested with drugs
A human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe today said the Delta State Police Command should also prosecute its men who allegedly collected the sum of Five hundred thousand(#500,000) Naira from a woman they arrested alongside with an eleven(11) year old girl with illicit drugs.
Comrade Joe made the call in a telephone chat with Our Correspondent in Warri.
He noted the suspect and the minor who were arrested by policemen from Ekpan Division have been transferred to Asaba possibly for prosecution.
Comrade Joe who said he is not against, insisted that the Police is “shielding” its men instead of prosecuting them alongside the woman.
Comrade Joe who cited Section 98 of the Criminal Code said, the offence is imprisonment if anyone gives or receives such monies stressing that,”it’s official corruption.”
He pointed that Section 99 stipulates three(3)year imprisonment for public officials who receive such money.
He noted that the matter was made public after the human right community raised alarm over the alleged arrest and subsequent release of the woman and the minor.
Comrade Joe said the Police went and rearrested the woman saying,”they want to prosecute the woman and the minor after her release.”
Comrade Joe is asking, “On what condition was she (suspect) released in the first instance?”
He said,”The PPRO in a statement said the Command is investigating the allegations by the woman. On the issues about the Policemen, he was mute. Instead, he focused on the minor and the mother.”
Comrade Joe also said the Ekpan Division of the Police Force is becoming notorious for extortion just as he stressed the need for the Delta State Police
Command led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda and the Division itself to checkmate its men as well as tackle issues of alleged extortion, pointing out that it’s damaging the image of the Police Force..
Dreams FC have officially announced the appointment of Fiifi Parker Hanson as their new Assistant Coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season. He will work closely with Head Coach Winfred Dorson as the team aims to build on its recent progress and push for greater success.
Fiifi Parker Hanson, who previously guided Golden Kicks FC to a historic FA Cup final, brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and leadership to the Dawu-based club. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster the technical bench and improve squad performance across all competitions.
With his proven track record and fresh perspective, fans will be hoping his arrival adds a new dimension to Dreams FC’s ambitions in the coming campaign.
Growing concerns around Slot-buying was one of the major topics discussed in Abuja as NPFL gathered for the Annual General Meeting.
Heartland FC bought Slot from Beyond Limits FA to re-gain entry into the league for the 2024/2025 season after suffering relegation in the preceding 2023/2024 season. They however couldn’t maintain the elite status as they relegated for a second time in row last season, fueling another report of an attempted re-entry another slot-buying, this time from a private owned Kun Khalifa FC, also based in Imo State.
Reacting to this antics, A top NPFL board member was livid, blaming the lacuna created by the framework which gave room for Slot-buying in the 2024/2025 NPFL season which brought Heartland back into the league.
He argued that the scenario might re-occour stemming from failure to erase the article which gave it room in the NPFL framework; which ought to have been addressed and corrected right there and then last season but was left unattended by the clubs, prompting another attempted re-buying of slot for the coming season.
The individual also blamed Slot selling NNL clubs for giving rooms to undeserving and unqualified teams to stake claims to an NPFL Slot, claiming ‘it’s rewards laziness and robs other NNL clubs of sheer hardwork’.
One of the club CEO’s lamented bitterly that Heartland was allowed to play in the league last season without learning their lessons and feeling heat of what it takes to play in the NPFL.
He noted that they went straight back to relegation because they didn’t learn nor know what it means to play the league by virtue of buying Slot.
However, NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has quashed the possibility of slot-buying in the coming NPFL season.
“Last season Beyond Limit the slot to NPFL. We’re not interested in clubs that qualify from NNL to NPFL but our rule does not permit clubs to sell slots but last season we had a case of dual representation. Beyond Limit and Remo Stars are from the same source and we do not want clubs from same source to be in the NPFL.
“The management of Beyond Limits never discussed money. We had meeting with them and told them this is not allowed, and they agreed they’ll find a way to ease themselves out. We then went ahead to approach Sporting Lagos and Gombe United even without notifying them. Strictly because we didn’t want clubs owned by same source in the league,” Elegbeleye disclosed.
“So the clubs we approached were not interested and eventually Heartland took it. It’s not about money. So if we’ve such situation now we’ll still do the same thing but if that’s not tye case, we’ll not allow any sale of slots,” Elegbeleye emphasized.
The draws for the 2025/2026 NPFL Season has been conducted and Kun Khalifa FC have been drawn. Signaling that they’ll participate in the league after securing qualification from the lower league.
