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Niger Delta

Army Commissions Projects, Flags Off Medical Outreach In Delta

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Farauk Yahaya has commissioned a perimeter fence at Saint Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State as part of the Nigerian Army civil-military projects aimed at bridging the gap between them and civilians in the society.
Yahaya who spoke while commissioning the projects which were initiated by Maj General Lawrence Fejokwu, commended the State Governor, DrIfeanyi Okowa for the support his administration was given to the Army in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army and the Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Maj General Sani Mohammed, said the project was painstakingly monitored and supervised.
Yahaya said: “Today we are witnessing one of the very many innovations that have been introduced by the Nigerian Army to foster the civil-military relationship. Charity begins at home and it is in this quest that I deemed it fit to support Senior Officers to carry out intervention projects in their homeland such as this one.
“The renovation and construction of perimeter fence for the school in this community is part of the Nigerian Army civil-military projects which are aimed at bridging the gap of communication between the soldiers particularly in the community and the people and also enhancing our relationship.
“It is also part of the Army’s efforts at ensuring sustained peace and development particularly in our various areas of operations as well as an avenue to appreciate the good people particularly of Delta State and people of this very lovely community. These kinds of projects are very much in line. It is my vision to have a professional Nigerian Army accomplishes assigned missions within a joint environment in the defence of our lovely country.
“Accordingly, the renovation of this School was undertaken in recognition of the need for the Nigerian Army to intervene positively in our common efforts to address infrastructural deficit particularly in the area of education in our communities”.
In his remarks, the initiator, an alumnus of the school, Class of ’84 and General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu, said; “security is what prompted me to embark on this project. I wish to place on record that it took me four years to complete this project”.
While commending the Traditional Ruler of Onicha-Ugbo, for wading into the land dispute that almost crippled efforts to continue the project, he lamented that the initial structure was pulled down.
Fejokwu who spoke further, commended the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY Buratai and friends who supported him in ensuring that the project came to the limelight. He also thanked the present Chief of Army Staff for his support and encouragement.
“So, the representative of the Chief of Staff, please help me to convey first to Lieutenant General Buratai for the impetus given and secondly the present Chief of Army Staff for approving of this”.
The Vice-Principal of Saint Pius Xth Grammar School Onicha-Ugbo, Rev. Fr. Francis Mekako, an Assistant Director, Diocesan Education Commission, Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, while appreciating Major General Lawrence Fejiokwu and the Army authority, noted that security was a measured challenge facing the school.
The GOC 81 Division, who had earlier flagged off Medical Outreach at Gbonoza Primary School at Onicha-Ugbo community in the Local Government Area as part of Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) activities to commemorate the commissioning of projects, told the people to take advantage of the programme to take care of their health needs.
During the event, the beneficiaries who turned out in their numbers were tested for blood pressure, sugar level, HIV as well as tooth and sight-related illnesses.
Treated mosquito nets, eyeglasses among other items were distributed for free while drugs were also administered accordingly to the beneficiaries at the event ground for free.
Two beneficiaries, Mrs Amaka Chiogor and Mrs Chima Mary, who spoke separately, thanked the Army for coming to their aid at a time when the economy was hard, adding that the free medication would save them the cost of visiting the hospital.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Director Department of Army Civil-Military Affairs AHQ, Brig-Gen LT Omoniyi, Commander 63 Brigade, Brig-Gen A Idris, Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, Obi Victor Chukwumalieze 1, Principal Staff Officers of 81 Division, Senior Officers from 63 Brigade and top state Government officials that were invited.

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Niger Delta

Chief Hails Ogbuku On Enthronement Victory, Performance

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Deputy Chief of the Abidewari Compound of Ayakoro Community and former Leader of the Ogbia Local Government Legislative Assembly,  Bayelsa State, Chief Sisomom Francis, has applauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for winning the Chieftaincy election conducted to install a new paramount ruler of his home town, Ayakoro.
The ex-lawmaker also lauded Ogbuku for the numerous transformational projects and impacts he has continued to make in the NDDC, noting that the Niger Delta region has experienced tremendous development in both infrastructure and human capital development under his leadership.
Chief Francis spoke with newsmen shortly after the chieftaincy polls held at the weekend in the community, calling on stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta region to consolidate their synergy with the Ogbuku-led management of the commission to attract more development to their communities.
Speaking on the NDDC’s boss’s relationship with community folks before and now the erstwhile lawmaker, who is also the Deputy Chief of the Abidewari Compound of the community, noted that Ogbuku does not discriminate against age and background in his relationship with members of the community.
“Ogbuku is Godsent to our community, Ayakoro, and the Niger Delta region. He knows the problems of his immediate community, and indeed knew the problems and challenges of the Niger Delta region.
“Since his inception in office as MD/CEO, the Niger Delta has seen a new and better NDDC. Ogbuku has done well and will continue to do well for the Niger Delta region.
“He has executed projects in every community of the Niger Delta, and that’s why the people are happy with him. We thank God for his election today as the substantive paramount ruler of the Ayakoro Community.
“Before now Ogbuku was the Deputy Paramount ruler of this community. But you’ll recall that we lost our Paramount ruler and so because of the MD’s special place in the life of this community, where he has since been serving meritoriously,  today we’ve elected him as our substantive paramount ruler”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Delta’s Top 2 Governance Ranking, Reflection Of Oborevwori’s Preparedness – Ifeajika 

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Following the emergence of Delta State as the second-best governed state in Nigeria in the 2025 Governance Performance Index released by the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, the Executive Assistant to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has credited the success to prudent financial management, grassroots-focused development and effective project execution by the Governor.
Speaking during an interview on Niger Delta Today on ADBN Television, Ifeajika said the ranking was a reflection of the governor’s preparedness for leadership and his commitment to delivering tangible development across Delta State.
According to Ifeajika, Oborevwori’s emergence as a high-performing governor did not come as a surprise to many Deltans who had closely followed his political career, particularly his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
He described the Governor as a “prepared leader” who came into office with a clear understanding of governance and the needs of the people, unlike politicians who only seek public office during election periods.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was prepared for the job of governing Delta State. His leadership style is not accidental. It is a reflection of years of experience in public service and a deep understanding of the state’s developmental needs”, Ifeajika said.
The Governor’s aide recalled that Oborevwori served as Speaker of the State Assembly for six years, the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history, and was widely commended for his prudent management of public resources.
He noted that Oborevwori’s reputation for fiscal discipline was demonstrated when he reportedly returned over N500 million in unspent funds to the state treasury at the end of his tenure as Speaker.
Ifeajika said the same culture of accountability and prudent resource management now defines the governor’s administration, stressing that every project undertaken by the government is subjected to rigorous needs assessment to ensure value for money.
“Every kobo spent by the government must attract value. The Governor insists that public funds must be deployed for meaningful development. Projects are not awarded arbitrarily; they are based on the actual needs of communities”, he stated.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to equitable development, Ifeajika disclosed that the Governor introduced a deliberate policy of allocating dedicated funds for infrastructure projects in each of the state’s 25 local government areas.
He explained that the administration earmarked N1 billion for projects in each local government area in its first budget in 2023, increased the allocation to N2 billion in the following year and further raised it to N4 billion in the current fiscal year.
According to him, the policy ensures that development is spread across the state rather than concentrated in a few locations.
“There is a deliberate intention to touch every local government almost simultaneously. Funds are already provided in the budget, and government only identifies the most pressing needs of the people before executing projects” he said.
The governor’s aide also emphasized that Oborevwori personally monitors projects across the state through regular inspection visits to ensure contractors deliver quality work and that projects are completed according to specifications.
Responding to concerns that the latest governance ranking may have been influenced by lobbying, Ifeajika dismissed such claims, insisting that the recognition was earned through measurable achievements.
He noted that the Governor had received several awards and recognitions from both public and private organisations within the last two years, describing the latest ranking as another independent validation of the administration’s performance.
“This cannot be dismissed as a fluke or something that was lobbied for. It reflects the reality on the ground in Delta State. The governor’s achievements are visible and have been acknowledged by different organisations”, he said.
Ifeajika further revealed that the administration had strengthened transparency in project execution by encouraging whistleblowing and public monitoring of government projects.
He expressed confidence that residents across the state would corroborate the positive assessment of the administration, maintaining that the impact of government projects and policies was evident in communities throughout Delta.
Delta State was ranked second in the 2025 Governance Performance Index with a score of 70 per cent, behind Kaduna State’s 73 per cent, and ahead of 34 other states in the federation.
The assessment evaluated governance outcomes, public service delivery, infrastructure development and the effectiveness of public administration across Nigeria’s 36 states.

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Niger Delta

S’South APC Elects New Zonal Executive Ahead 2027

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June 17, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South  has elected a new Zonal Executive Committee, following a successful congress held on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State.
The congress, which drew top party leaders, including the Senate President, Governors, lawmakers, and delegates from across the region, was conducted through a consensus arrangement, reinforcing the party’s commitment to unity and internal cohesion.
Proceedings commenced with a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing Zonal Executive Committee, moved by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and was unanimously adopted.
Subsequently, a motion adopting consensus as the mode of electing new officers was moved by Senator Essien Williams of Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East and was also unanimously adopted by all delegates.
At the end of the exercise, Chief Victor Giadom emerged as National Vice Chairman (South-South); Dr. Ita Udosen, Zonal Secretary; Barr. Neworld Safugha, Legal Adviser; Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Publicity Secretary; Prince Urhoro Koyoyo, Youth Leader; Hon. Suobankuo Omoni, Women Leader; Hon. Prince Edward, Organising Secretary; and Prince Ayo Peter as representative of Persons with Disabilities.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the South-South for its growing unity and political consolidation within the APC.
He noted that the region had witnessed remarkable transformation, moving from minimal APC presence to becoming a strong political bloc with increased alignment from governors and stakeholders.
Akpabio challenged party faithful to position the South-South as the highest vote-delivering region for the APC in the 2027 general elections, stressing that such a goal was both achievable and necessary.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his goodwill message, welcomed delegates to Asaba and described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s strength, unity, and readiness for future political engagements.
Oborevwori emphasized the need for sustained grassroots mobilization and urged party members to deepen internal cohesion, strengthen structures across all levels, and maintain strong connections with the people.
Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also underscored the importance of unity, describing the adoption of consensus as a major step in reducing internal conflicts and fostering collective ownership within the party.
He noted that for the first time in recent political history, the South-South was speaking with one voice, adding that the full attendance of governors at the congress demonstrated their shared commitment to the region’s progress.
Governors  Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) in their separate remarks, spoke in the same vein, stressing the importance of the zone aligning with the Government at the centre.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Victor Giadom thanked party leaders and stakeholders for their support during his tenure and highlighted the progress made by the APC in the region, including electoral victories and increased political alignment.
In his acceptance speech, Giadom, who was relelected, expressed optimism that the party would continue to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections and position itself for agreater success.
The congress was also attended by members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Ministers, other top government functionaries, party leaders and stakeholders from across the zone.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders and members to strengthen unity, expand grassroots support, and consolidate the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region.

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