Niger Delta
Minister Canvasses Support For N’Delta Dev
The new Minister of
L-R: Shell Petroleum Development Company Research Adviser on Community Health Department, Dr Atom Udo, Chief Medical Director, Obio Cottage Hospital, Dr Umejiego Chidozie, Dr Alasia Osuoabo of Rivers State Health Management Board, SPDC Regional Community Health Management Leader, Mr Edet Edet, SPDC spokes person, Mrs Gladys Afam-Anadu and SPDC Public Health Adviser to Industrial Hygiene, Dr Akin Fajola, jointly cutting the 4th Anniversary cake during a Community Health Insurance Scheme in Port Harcourt last Saturday. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken
Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Stephen Oru, has solicited the support of all stakeholders in the bid to maintain peace in the oil-rich region.
He also charged workers to put in their best so as to achieve the ministry’s mandate of developing the region.
Speaking at the formal handing over ceremony of the ministry after his inauguration last Friday, Oru solicited the cooperation of all the staff in the efforts towards sustaining peace and development in the Niger Delta.
Oru who until his appointment, was the National Vice Chairman (South South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that the peace of the region is paramount as it will also translate to the growth and development of the nation.
He said: “Let us work for the best as the ministry is all about looking after the welfare of the people of Niger Delta.”
He therefore asked for the cooperation of all the workers in the ministry in order to achieve its core mandate.
Earlier, Arch Darius Ishiaku who had held forte as minister since the departure of the immediate past minister Godsday Orubebe, told the new minister that the ministry has gone far in most of its projects and programs for the region.
He noted that some of the shortcomings recorded were as a result of lack of funds.
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Leaders of Ijaw nation and others from all walks of life paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Joseph Okpokeme Oyakemeagbegha as he was laid to rest on 7th February, 2026 in his country home, Torugbene, in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chief Oyakemeagbegha, a pioneer banker in Ijaw land and the Niger Delta region, passed away at 91.
Popularly referred to as Chief J.O Oyakemeagbegha, he was the father of the current Publicity Secretary of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha.
Leading the tributes, President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the deceased as a pathfinder.
He stated that the respected Chief in his life time was a rallying point for Ijaws from far and near, irrespective of social status.
“I like to charge leaders to emulate the lifestyle of the late Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha. You can see the calibre of dignitaries that have come to celebrate his legacies. It means he was a good man by all standards.
“Indeed, Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha impacted the lives of members of his community, Torugbene, and moved beyond his community for a continued impact beyond Ijaw land. His legacies are worthy of emulation, and that was why the Tuomo Kingdom gave him the traditional title, the Tupka (light) of Tuomo”, he said.
In his tribute, the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, thanked the late patriarch for his enduring legacies for the Ijaw nation.
He said the contributions of the late consumate banker cannot be overemphasized, noting that during his time on earth he was an advocate of peace, development and communal living.
“Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha’s contribution to peace and development of Torugbene, his home town, the Tuomo kingdom and by extension the entire Ijaw land was enormous.
“He impacted lives through provision of educational support, pushed for provision of infrastructure in his home town, his kingdom.
“He was a lover of community and humanity, he gave wise counsel and loved education and supported anybody he crosses paths with. So long as it’s a worthy pursuit, Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha would surely support.
“Today, we’re here to celebrate his legacies and life of a good patriarch, a good man”, the Commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, Chief Julius Government, stated that the late elder statesman was a father to all.
He noted that homes of the deceased both in Torugbene and in the diaspora accomodated people seeking for support from him, restating that he was a “father-figure” with enduring footprints on the development of his community.
“His legacies has continued to impact and attract unprecedented development for the benefit the entire Torugbene Town. Among the many enduring legacies of the late Chief J. O. Oyakemeagbegha, was the establishment and building of a school, “Funkoro”, in this community.
“Today that school has produced a lot of people for the community and beyond. And because of his good deeds and impact generally on the community, the entire community has thus resolved to immortalize him by renaming the school after him. And so today, the school’s name has been changed to J. O. Oyakemeagbegha”, he said.
In his tribute, the INC Spokesman and first son of the deseased, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, described his father as the best role model anybody could have, saying his dad would be remembered for his generosity, meekness, love for God and uprightness.
“My dad feared and loved God, his love for education was second to none, and his sacrificial lifestyle towards the support and development of his immediate community, and anybody whom he crossed paths with while alive makes me wonder atimes the kind of man he was.
“My father was loving, he was a guiding light, and leader to many. He mentored many across various ethnic groups. His legacies live in our hearts as his children. I’m not surprised about all the good and beautiful stories of the impact he made in the lives of people that are being told today”, he said.
Earlier, in his homily at the Immaculate Heart Catholic Parish, Torugbene, Bomadi Diocese, the officiating Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Lucky Brakaebi, admonished Christians against living for themselves alone.
The clergy described life on earth as very short. He noted, however, that there was an everlasting life after death for those who hear and lived their lives with the fear and love of God, and believed in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Nembe-Ogbolomabiri Council of Chiefs in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have disclosed its developmental scorecard in the outgone year.
Speaking with Journalists who visited the kingdom during the week, Alternate Chairman of the Council, Alabo Moses Ayebaereworio Solomon-Ockiya said the urban town and her satelite communities were experiencing an unprecedented trajectory of development.
He noted that the kingdom was judiciously deploying funds accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.
The Tide learnt that the HCDTF is one of the many creations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which aims at executing developmental projects in host communities of oil and gas firms and facilities.
According to the kingdom, with the funds, delapidated internal roads were being reconstructed, while also overhauling other existing infrastructure and opening up of new roads for pavement to ease traffic in Nembe City, its major urban town.
The Alternate Chairman also bared his mind on the working relationship between an oil firm, Aiteo, which operates in the kingdom and the Nembe people, describing it as cordial.
He noted that the kingdom and the company were partners in progress, stating also that the firm has changed its operational name to Nembe E&P, describing the new nomenclature as more beneficial to the kingdom.
“Our Monarch, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru (Mingi XII), told some visitors who came to our kingdom recently that in the next five-six months when they’ll come back that they won’t recognize this town again. Today you can hardly recognize some old parts of this city due to the massive construction and reconstruction which is taking place.
“We’ve constructed between 5-10 kilometers of new roads in this town in the last couple of months. We’ve opened about 10 new roads waiting for construction. We’ve a visionary monarch who believes in the peace and development of his kingdom.
“This kingdom is so organized that we’ve the Council of Chiefs, the elders council, the youths, CDC and women wing. So there is peace, tolerance and harmony in the kingdom”, the Alternate Chairman said.
In another development, the Council of Chiefs has shifted this year’s celebration of the annual King Fredrick Koko’s day to February.
The Tide reports that the annual event usually takes place 29th January.
The Council said the reason for the deferment was because it coincided with the obsequious ceremonies of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The kingdom noted that the new dates for the celebration this year would now be February 11th, 12th and 15th, 2026.
“The burial of the late Deputy Governor of the State concided with the King Koko’s day. As a responsible kingdom, which honours those in authority, we decided to shift the celebration to 11th, 12th and 15th of February 2026.
“The reason for shifting it to February is because the King Koko-led Nembe-British war lasted up to the new dates it has been slated”, Alabo Solomon-Ockiya added.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as she marks her 56th birth anniversary.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support and encouragement of his wife over the years, noting that her unwavering commitment and prayers played a significant role in their journey to becoming Delta State’s First Family.
He described Deaconess Tobore as a devout and compassionate mother whose impact on society has been profound, particularly through her constant prayers and moral support for the state and their family.
The Governor also commended her humanitarian efforts through her pet initiative, the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, which he said has continued to touch lives, with special attention to vulnerable members of the society, widows and elderly, including children living with autism.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of our family, as well as the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate my dear wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the joyful occasion of her 56th birthday.
“She has remained a shining example of dedication, compassion, and godly values, not only to our children, but to the entire state.
“As she celebrates this milestone, it is my earnest prayer, and that of our children, that God will continually endow her with strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose as she carries out the demanding responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”
He further expressed his personal admiration for his wife, describing her as a source of daily joy and inspiration.
“You make every day a pleasure with your self-effacing mien, cheerful disposition, love for God, devotion to family, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering service to humanity. I celebrate you today and always. Happy birthday, my love and best friend”, he said.
By: Albert Ograka, Asaba
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