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Delta 7th Assembly: We Must Conclude All Outstanding Legislative Assignments – Oborevwori.
Oborevwori To Lawmakers: Let Us Conclude All Outstanding Legislative Assignments
As the 7th Delta State Assembly draws to a close, the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has urged members to use the remaining few weeks to conclude all outstanding legislative assignments.
Rt Hon Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday, at the Hallowed Chamber, while addressing the Lawmakers during plenary of the House.
It was the first time the Speaker was presiding at plenary after his declaration as Delta State Governor Elect.
Welcoming members to the plenary, the Governor Elect and Speaker reminded the Lawmakers that they are at the last lap of the Seventh Assembly and stressed the need for the various House committees to expedite actions on all outstanding legislative assignments before them.
According to him; “Dear colleagues, today’s plenary is unique in the history of Delta State House of Assembly. It is the first time since the inception of the House that a Speaker of the House is presiding in plenary as a SPEAKER and also being the Governor-elect of the State. This is a groundbreaking feat for the Legislature in the State. You will recall that in the second week of February, 2023 the House adjourned to enable Members vying for elective positions at both national and State levels to fully embark on campaigns for the elections. Though, we have since resumed plenary, however, this is the first plenary of the House I am presiding over as a Speaker after my declaration by INEC as Governor-Elect of our dear State. To God be the Glory”.
“Specifically, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly on Saturday, 18th March, 2023. The elections have come and gone, and I wish to congratulate our party members (the PDP) who won and those who lost gallantly. Nonetheless, I wish to also congratulate those who have been elected to the 8th Assembly of this honourable House. Irrespective of your political affiliation, I look forward to partnering with you to advance Delta State to the next level of growth and development”, he added.
Rt Hon Oborevwori also said that; “Again, let me seize this opportunity to thank our traditional rulers, civil society groups, organized labour, religious leaders and followers, grassroots organisations, all PDP faithful, women, men, youths, and above all God Almighty for my resounding victory at the polls. I will continue to trust in God for the wisdom and guidance required to advance Delta State with my M.O.R.E Agenda. It is also important that I commend the security agencies that ensured the election was held in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. Also noteworthy, are the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, for their diligence and courage in the face of threats and intimidation. You did well to deliver a free, fair and credible election in Delta State. My gratitude also goes to the various observer teams and the press for their Independent and unbiased reporting and assessment. Posterity will be kind to you”.
“At this juncture, I wish to single out the youth of Delta State for standing resolute behind my candidacy and conducting themselves with decorum. You have started something remarkable, and I want to assure you that the youth will play a role in my administration. By the special grace of God, I will be Governor to all and sundry. Distinguished colleagues, I invite you to join me in celebrating our unrivalled leader and performing Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his revolutionary strides in human capital development, infrastructural renewal, and peace building. He has laid a solid foundation for the takeoff of the M.O.R.E Agenda. His monumental contribution to the success of the PDP in the just concluded elections in the State is unparalleled. I also wish to appreciate our leaders across Delta State for their show of love and support”, Rt Hon Oborevwori stated.
He further said that; “I have learnt many things in the past six years as Speaker of the House under the able leadership of Governor Okowa. One of them is that I have learnt the importance of setting the priorities of government, communicating goals and outcomes of policies and programmes, and pursuing them with relentless zeal. I certainly believe that my rich experience in the Executive and Legislative arms of government put me in a better position to deliver on my campaign promises and provide good governance to our people. My goal is to make life richer, better, and more fulfilling for all through the M.O.R.E Agenda. Mine is a mandate for consolidation and growth, investment and economic reform in advancing Delta”.
The Speaker said that; “Distinguished colleagues, as we resume plenary today, we should remember that we are at the last lap of the Seventh Assembly. We have few weeks to the end of our tenure. Let us endeavour to conclude on all outstanding legislative assignments in our various Committees. The Seventh Assembly has done very well in lawmaking, representation of constituents and oversight of other arms of government. I will reserve enumeration of our achievements till the valedictory Session. On this note, I would like to express my appreciation to Honourable Members for their unflinching support to the leadership of the House. Together, we have propelled the House to an enviable height in the comity of State Houses of Assembly in the country. We have also made history together as the Legislature that has produced a Governor of the State in our time. Congratulations to all of us”.
He specially thanked the management and staff of the House, led by the Clerk of the House, for their support to him, the leadership and members of the House, adding that; “The entire staff stood resolute behind me through the thick and thin of the electioneering process. Thank you for believing in me and I promise that the Legislature will always occupy the prime place in my heart”.
He said that; “As you will recall, after my victory, I made a promise to the Staff of the House that the leadership of the House led by me will immediately embark on maintenance and renovation of the Assembly complex. I also promised to provide furniture and office equipment to staff for effective discharge of their duties. And very importantly, I made a promise to also train the staff and management to further enhance their capacity for effective service delivery. I am glad to inform you today that the trainings for staff and management of the House have been done and dusted within the last two weeks. Furthermore, furniture and office equipment are being supplied to staff offices. Meanwhile, the maintenance and renovation of the Assembly Complex is ongoing. I want to reiterate that I am a promise keeper. Consistency and reliability will be one of the pillars of my administration. “I TALK AND I DO.”Once again, I welcome you to plenary and thank you for your kind attention. God bless you”.
Meantime, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Tuesday forwarded four bills to the Delta State House of Assembly for processing and possible passage into law.
They include a Bill to Amend the Delta State High Court Law 2021, a Bill to Repeal the State School of Marine Technology Burutu and enact Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, a Bill for law to provide for Creative Industry Development Fund and a Bill to Repeal Delta State School of Technologya law 2022 and enact College of Health Sciences and Technology law 2023.
Also at plenary, the Delta State Sickle Cell Disorder Bill 2023 was read the second time after an extensive debates on its merits as led by the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo.
By Christy David
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on serving the interests of the Nigerian people rather than catering to a select political group. His remarks follow recent controversial actions by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Okaba stressed the need for Tinubu to take a firm stance against the growing influence of political elites and fulfill his commitments to the nation. “The president is tactically being unfair to Nigerians and encouraging Wike to keep doing more. It’s not fair,” he stated. “Nigerians expect so much from you, and that is why they voted massively for you. Serve the people, not a cabal.”
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Okaba voiced concerns over Wike’s involvement in political activities in Bayelsa, particularly regarding planned rallies in the state. He condemned these actions as unfair and divisive, arguing that they worsen political tensions in the Niger Delta.
Okaba pointed to the upcoming rallies on April 12, where opposing groups are expected to gather at the same venue, as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the political climate. He accused Wike of using these events to advance personal interests at the expense of the Ijaw people.
Describing Wike’s actions as a direct challenge to the Ijaw nation, Okaba criticized the former governor’s inflammatory rhetoric and the transformation of welcome rallies into platforms for political crises.
News
IPF Visit Burutu for On-the-spot Assessment as Dr. Takeme Reiterates Commitment to Sustaining Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, Dr. Julius Takeme, has reaffirmed his dedication to sustainable development across the council in consonance with the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori MORE agenda. He made this commitment on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) at the local government secretariat.
The visit marked the beginning of an inspection tour by the IPF, a coalition of media executives, across Ijaw local government areas nationwide.
In his address to the IPF delegation, Takeme emphasized that his administration is committed to the MORE AGENDA, a developmental initiative championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He highlighted that within one year, Burutu Local Government has witnessed significant infrastructural improvements under his leadership.
“Guided by Governor Oborevwori’s MORE AGENDA, our administration has undertaken numerous visible infrastructural projects in Burutu,” Takeme stated. “This mandate has driven us to prioritize the transformation of Burutu, leading to the construction of a combined one-kilometer internal road network.”
The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom further noted that his administration has invested in critical sectors such as public health, sanitation, housing, and civil servant welfare. He pointed out that several senior council officers had previously faced challenging working conditions, which his administration has actively addressed.
Takeme listed key intervention projects, including the renovation of health centers in Labulouseigha and Ofougbene communities, the construction and renovation of senior staff quarters, and the building of residential quarters for the President of the Customary Court. Additional projects include the construction of three modern public toilets, distribution of essential medicines to health centers, and the employment of over 2,000 women to maintain cleanliness within the local government headquarters.
He further disclosed that several other projects are in the pipeline and will be officially commissioned as part of his administration’s one-year anniversary celebrations.
IPF President and Niger Delta activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo, who also serves as the Publisher of Congress Newspaper, explained that the forum’s tour aims to evaluate governance and development across Ijaw communities. He commended Takeme for his efforts and urged him to sustain the momentum in delivering essential services and infrastructure to the people of Burutu.
By Warefa Pereke.
March 31, 2025.
Thousands of Dignitaries and Media Outfits Witnessed the Unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
March 29, 2025, will be etched in the annals of history as the day Iduwini Voice Newspaper was officially launched at the prestigious MBB Event Center. The highly anticipated event, drew thousands of dignitaries, media personalities, and enthusiasts from across the region to MBB event Center, Refinery Road Effurun, Delta State.
The launch ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am, was a testament to the meticulous planning and organization of the Media team. The MBB Event Center was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
In his welcome address, The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Dr. Peretengboro Clintin Bibaikefie, outlined the publication’s vision and mission, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting, balanced analysis, and investigative journalism.
“Permit me to say that the idea of Iduwini Voice stemmed from a revolutionary vision that tasked me heavily in a deep ‘wilderness of the mind,’ thronging hard to come up with a catchy, fancy, and contemporary brand name, but kept being guided back to my root…For too long, our stories have been told by others – often with bias, misrepresentation, or outright immission, often intended to manipulate the powers that be against us Africans, Nigerians, Niger Deltans, and Ijaws in particular. The Iduwini Voice was founded on the principle of authenticity, truth, and empowerment. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the platform to tell it. This is why we boldly adopted the slogan: “Voice of the Voiceless.””
“We will strive to provide our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content, while also promoting the values of fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.
In his lecture delivered at the occasion of Iduwini Voice Newspaper/TV launch, entitled: “The Digital Tide And The Upsurge of Avant-Garde Journalism”, Professor Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai explored the remarkable journey of Iduwini Voice Newspaper and its impact on the media world. “Iduwini Voice delves into the vision of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of Avant-Garde storytelling. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region, and conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation,” he said.
In his keynote address, The Father of the Day, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, said that as the Ijaw Nation demonstrates its dedication to the development of the media industry, Iduwini Voice Newspaper will become a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The chief Launcher, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme JP (Phd), The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom, and Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council, pressed on the need for the Ijaws to support any Ijaw cause financially and otherwise. “We are proud to launch Iduwini Voice Newspaper, a platform that will provide a voice for the voiceless, promote transparency, and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
Chief Comrade Cheriff Mulade, Director-General, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), who Chaired the occasion, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and good governance. He expressed his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the media industry in Niger Delta.
The event featured a range of activities, including a discussion on the role of the media in promoting democracy, a presentation on the history and significance of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, and a tour of the publication’s state-of-the-art facilities.
As the curtains drew to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of music, dance, and other performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the Niger Delta region.
Other dignitaries present were Pastor Adonis Osarobo, the Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Later Rain Zone, Spiritual Father of the Day, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment & Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, Comrade Newworld Endoro, Chairman, Odimodi Community, Hon. Dennis Yenbri Bibaikefie, Mr. Akin Benikrukru, PIA Chairman, Iduwini Host Community Development Board, Delta State.
Others were Comrade Isaiah Tamaraunimi Ingo, SA to the NDDC Chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin,
Publisher of Cogress Newspaper & President, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Mr. Cletus Opukeme,
Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper,
Also present were Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, CEO, WaffiTv & Auditor of Delta State PDP, Jacobs Brakere Abai, CEO of Gbaramatuvoice, Comrade Mike Ugedi, CEO of Delta Events Tv,
Ekpegha Tamaraupreye,
Publisher of South-South Daily, and a host of others.
In an interview with Media personnel after the lunching, the Editor-in-chief of the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Engr. Warefa Pereke, said that with its lunch, Iduwini Voice Newspaper has set a new standard for journalism in Nigeria, and its commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability is expected to resonate with readers across the Nigeria”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dignitaries and guests at the launch of Iduwini Voice Newspaper at the MBB Event Center on March 29, 2025.