News
Breaking: Okowa Upgrades Delta State School of Marine Technology to Polytechnic.
Okowa Upgrades Delta State School of Marine Technology DESSOMATECH, Burutu to Polytechnic.
The Delta State Governor has forwarded a bill, seeking to upgrade the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu into a polytechnic, to the State House of Assembly.
The House had since passed the said bill in a unanimous vote on Wednesday, amongst others before proceeding for a recess until May 2, 2023, Truth Reporters reported.
Amongst the extensively stated merits of the bill, was to empower the institution to have increased and accelerated funding and expand the width of it’s spectrum.
It will be recalled that, the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu was created by the Ibori administration, who’s passed into law by the Rt. Hon. Franc Enekorogha-led State House of Assembly and kick-started by the Uduaghan administration, only as a monotechnic, empowered only to offer learners a single faculty.
The institution, so celebrated by the riverine dwellers of Delta State have since suffered lack of infrastructure as a result of epileptic funding.
Four other bills that were passed during Wednesday plainary include; High Court (Amendment) bill 2023, College of Health Science and Technology bill 2022, Delta State Creative Industry Development bill 2023, and Delta State Thanksgiving Day bill, 2023 which did not scale through.
All five Bills received a unanimous node by the lawmakers and the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, ruled in the affirmative.
Leading debates in each of the bills at Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker and Governor-Elect of the State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Majority leader of the State Assembly, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, commended the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who forwarded all five bills to the house for consideration, a day earlier, for what he termed ‘forthrightness and proactive dispositions in presenting the bills’.
Hon. Onwo, in his submission, particularly scored the Governor high in his bill for the amendment of the State High Court Law, 2001 which he noted seeks to scale up the number of judges from 40 to 45.
This, according to Hon. Onwo and other lawmakers, would speed up the dispensation of justice just as they noted that it would help in decongesting cases at the court.
Similarly, the lawmakers, in their various submissions, unanimously voted in favour of the bill for a law to designate May 29 every year, henceforth, as the Delta State Thanksgiving Day.
However, the Speaker explained that the feat speaks volume of their commitment and dedication to their assignment, while ommending the lawmakers for what he described as their legislative ingenuity in the passage of the bills.
The House shall resume plenary by May 2.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.