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OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, ON THE NEED TO DEFINE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED MINISTRY OF RIVERINE AREAS DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL EXECUTION OF PROJECTS.
OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, ON THE NEED TO DEFINE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED MINISTRY OF RIVERINE AREAS DEVELOPMENT, TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL EXECUTION OF PROJECTS 
Your Excellency,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, an indigene of Odimodi town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State who contested for and lost the PDP Ticket for Delta State House of Assembly, Burutu-1 Constituency to Chief Hon. Peter Asupa Forteta. I am writing to express my profound appreciation for your commendable efforts in establishing a dedicated Ministry for the development of Riverine Areas in Delta State, and for appointing a Substantive Commissioner to oversee its operations. The creation of this all important ministry was one of the major albatross amongst other criticalities that drove and still drives my desire to represent and speak for my dear Burutu Northerners dwelling along the River Forcados, its tributaries, and estuary. This significant move underscores your commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by riverine communities and ensuring their sustainable development.
I also wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for recognizing the need for a second commissioner for Burutu Local Government Area, a well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of our LGA’s share size, economic and political contributions, and needs. This gesture is a testament to your inclusive governance approach and your dedication to equitable development across the state.
However, I feel compelled to address a crucial concern that I believe warrants your immediate attention. The creation of this Ministry brings with it high expectations from the riverine dwellers of Delta State. They are looking forward to transformative projects that go beyond the scope of palliative measures previously executed by agencies such as SUBEB and DESOPADEC. It is imperative that the Ministry of Riverine Areas Development avoids the pitfalls that have beset other agencies and instead focuses on substantial and impactful projects that will genuinely improve the lives of our communities.
To ensure the success of this new Ministry, I respectfully recommend that its terms of reference be clearly defined, with a focus on the execution of capital projects that will have a lasting impact on riverine communities. Specifically, I propose the following initiatives for your consideration:
1. Interconnection of Riverine Communities with Access Roads and Bridges:
Amongst the most pressing needs needs of our communities is the development of infrastructure to facilitate connectivity. I recommend that the Ayakoromor Bridge and road extension through Burutu, Ofougbene, Forcados, Odimodi, and Ogulagha towns be prioritized and ceded to this Ministry. Other key road projects include the Omadina-Okerenkoko Road, Camp-5, Krutie, Kunukinuma, Inekorogha, Azama, Oporoza, Opuede/Tebizor, through Ogidigben to Youkri road project, and the Ogbobagbene, Torugbene, Ojobo, Bulou-Ndoro road. These projects will significantly enhance mobility and economic activities in these areas.
2. Connection to the National Electric Grid:
Reliable electricity is essential for the development any community. I urge that this Ministry focuses on connecting riverine communities to the national electric grid. Where this is not feasible, the construction of stand-alone electric grids to power clusters of riverine communities should be undertaken. This will not only improve the quality of life but also spur economic growth.
3. Provision of Potable Water:
Access to clean and safe drinking water has been a perennial challenge for riverine communities. The establishment of this Ministry presents an opportunity to embark on a large-scale Town Service Water Scheme Campaign across these communities. This initiative will address the existential question of potable water and contribute to improved public health.
4. Building of Fishing Hubs:
Delta State Government can generate billions of naira from the vast potential of the Blue Economy buried in the very vast riverine landscape it hosts. This is further enhanced by the constant electric power supply currently enjoyed by communities such as Odimodi and Ogulagha. Your Excellency, if this Ministry collaborates with the state ministry of agriculture to build Fishing Hubs in places like Odimodi and/or Ogulagha towns with functional Fishing Trawllers and Cold Rooms (fixed and boat-mounted), for fishing, sorting, preservation, and transportation of fish for distribution in the city center.
5 Legislative Backing:
To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of this Ministry, I propose the forwarding of an executive bill for its establishment with utmost urgency. This will provide the Ministry with the necessary legal framework, legitimacy, and protection from arbitrary dissolution by successive administrations. A robust legislative backing will empower the Ministry to carry out its mandate effectively and sustainably.
It is vital to acknowledge that if not clearly defined, the objectives and scope of this important Ministry might become diluted, akin to the experiences with other similar ministries/agencies. These organizations have often devolved into undertaking minor projects that fail to meet the substantial needs and aspirations of their host communities. The recurrent shortcomings have resulted in a lack of faith and frustration among the people they are meant to serve, and this makes the government at various levels appear not to have a genuine interest to solve the problems of the Niger Delta Wetlands.
Your Excellency, the establishment of the Ministry of Riverine Areas Development is a bold and visionary step. However, its success hinges on a clear, focused, and ambitious agenda. By concentrating on major capital projects, infrastructure development, and essential services such as electricity and potable water, etcetera, this Ministry can become a catalyst for meaningful development in riverine communities and make Delta State a model for other Riverine States to emulate.
Connect our areas with road access, give us power supply, and watch us turn around the commercial fortunes Burutu, Warri-Southwest, and Warri-north LGAs around, and increase the state internally generated revenue geometrically.
In conclusion, I urge you to consider these recommendations seriously. Your leadership in this endeavour will leave a lasting legacy of development, equity, and prosperity for the riverine communities of Delta State. Thank you for your attention and for your unwavering commitment to the progress of our state.
Yours sincerely,
Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie
Former PDP Contender, Delta State House of Assembly, Burutu-1 Constituency
© IduwiniVoice
Dr. Braduce Angozi, a two-time governorship contender in Delta State, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday anniversary.
Angozi who was a former commissioner of Delta State applauded the governor for the peace and stability in the state.
He further emphasised that the governor had taken infrastructural development of the state to another enviable level, citing numerous bridges and massive road constructions going in the state.
Dr Angozi praised the governor’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and progress, noting that under his leadership, strides have been made in various sectors including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The former Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council Dr. Angozi commended the governor’s resilience and determination, pointing out that the governor’s ability to inspire unity and foster collaboration among diverse groups has been instrumental in driving positive change.
He encouraged the governor to remain steadfast in his mission to improve the lives of all Deltans and to work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
While Dr Angozi acknowledged the several contributions that Governor Oborevwori had made to the development of the state and the improvement of the lives of its citizens, he wished him good health, wisdom, and countless blessings in the year ahead.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), has extended warm felicitations to the Governor of Delta State, Rt3. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the celebration of his 62nd birthday. In a heartfelt message, Otuaro described the governor as a visionary leader whose administration has fostered remarkable progress, unity, and peace across the state.
According to Otuaro, Oborevwori’s tenure has not only rekindled hope amongst the people but has also strengthened the foundations of development in Delta. He lauded the governor’s sterling performance and unwavering commitment to service, affirming that Deltans remain confident in his ability to lead the state to a greater future.
This was contained in a statement, signed by
Mr Igoniko Oduma, the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.
Otuaro described the governor as a worthy leader who is proving provided an exemplary leadership resulting in speedy development in the state.
He stressed that Oborevwori was strengthening the existing peace, development, and unity in the state.
The PAP Administrator said that the people of the state believed in the governor’s ability to lead the state, and they were satisfied with his sterling performance.
He said the state was on the march to a great future with Oborevwori in the saddle.
While celebrating the governor, Otuaro said, “I wholeheartedly felicitate His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, on the occasion of your 62nd birthday.
“Your Excellency has provided remarkable leadership, strengthening the existing peace, development, and unity in the state.
“It is a fact beyond contestation that Deltans are satisfied with your sterling performance.
“With you in the saddle, Delta State is assured of a great future.”
“Otuaro prayed to the Almighty God to sustain His blessings of wisdom and good health upon Oborevwori to continue to render service to Delta State and, indeed, Nigeria” the statement read.
Photo: PENglobal Incorporated
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Ijaw Youth Council Celebrates Governor Douye Diri On His Birthday, Hails His Developmental Impact in Bayelsa
By Favour Bibaikefie – IduwiniVoice
Yenagoa, June 4,2025 – The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has extended warm birthday wishes to His Excellencey, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, describing him as a beacon of progress and a true embodiment of Ijaw pride
In a press statement signed by the Council’s Spokesman, Amb. (DR) Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC praised Governor Diri for his commitment to development, peace, and inclusive governance. The Council acknowledged his transformative leadership and lauded him for his strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diplomacy.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has Congratulated His Excellencey Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State On his birth anniversary, describing him as a champion of Development in Bayelsa State.”
The IYC noted that Governor Diri ‘s has brought visible improvements to the state, reflecting his deep sense of preparedness and comments even before he assumed office.
“Governor Douye Diri ‘s performance as Governor of our dear State within the past years in office shows how prepared, versatile and committed he was before becoming Governor of Bayelsa State as he is truly the Governor general of Ijaw Nation, today Bayelsa State is gradually having an encouraging look due to the developmental strides of Diri. His prosperity agenda is no doubt touching all sectors in Bayelsa State.”
The statement also highlighted the Governor’s peaceful deposition and unwavering support for ijaw institutions, stating:
“As a council, the Governor’s peaceful deposition in Bayelsa State, his love and support for Council’s activities and ijaw nation truly stands him out, Ijaw nation is truly proud of you as posterity will judge you right.”
Beyond local transportation, the IYC commended Diri ‘s effort in attracting investments, most notably his engagement with the Aliko Dangote Group.
“However, Governor Douye Diri is not only transferring Bayelsa State with massive road projects and political appointments to ijaw Youth but also wooing investors to Bayelsa State with the latest move being the Aliko Dangote Group of companies where in Aliko Dangote was in Bayelsa State himself for investment purpose.”
Calling for unity among ijaw people, the IYC urged collective support for the Governor’s development agenda:
“Ijaw is one and we will continue to be one, this is a call from council that we must all rally round our dear Governor to support his transformational drive in building the Bayelsa State of our dream. The Governor is doing well hence we must do everything to support him.”
The Council also used the occasion to recall Diri ‘s role during the funeral of the late Pa Edwin Clark and his contributions to strengthening Ijaw organizations like the INC and IYC.
“Council recognized the role you played before and during the burial of Late Pa Edwin Clark, Your positive drive in strengthening Ijaw critical institutions like the INC AND IYC.”
Furthermore, the IYC advocated for increased federal presence in Bayelsa State:
“We are assuring you your Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State that we are already lending our voice as a council that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all relevant authorities in the Nigerian State should as a matter of urgency consider and increase the number of Federal Local Governments Councils in Bayelsa State as we have been cheated and treated unfairly over the years by successive Governments at the centre with just eight local government council.”
In closing, the IYC offered prayers for Governor Diri ‘s continued strength and success:
“It is our prayer that the Lord Almighty shall continue to envelop you with sound health, long life and prosperity and may he give you more knowledge and unprecedented wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Bayelsa State. Congratulations once again our dear Governor.”
Governor Diri ‘s leadership continues to inspire confidence among ijaw youths, and the IYC ‘s message reflects the growing support he enjoys for his bold vision of a prosperous Bayelsa.