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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
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Late High Chief (Boanerge) Lawrence Orukemezuogha for Burial at Agge Town, on February 13, 2026.
By Derick Peretengboro
The burial of Late High Chief (Boanerge) Lawrence Orukemezuogha of Opu-Ituere quarters of Agge Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ogiriye 1 quarters of Ojobo and Bomuzuwei and Imbeware quarters of Odimodi, both in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, who died at the age of 77 years (1948 – 2025) on the 5th of October, 2025, after a protracted illness, has been announced by family.
Funeral activities of the deceased who is survived by wife, 20 children, and 21 grandchildren will commence on Friday, 13th of February, 2026. The body is billed to leave Ame Specialist Hospital, Okumagba Avenue,Warri, by 8.00 a.m., to his hometown, Agge Community, via Miller Waterside Jetty.
The family further disclosed that at 11:00 am the body is expected to have arrived his compound to be received by Chiefs, Elders, and family members, to depart to Holy Ghost City Zion Church field for funeral service by 11:30AM.
A private interment at his final resting place will follow at 4:00 p.m., after which a social wake-keeping will commence by 7:00 p.m. till dawn, with music supplied by John Ekpesebo.
A thanksgiving service scheduled to hold on Sunday 15th February, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost City Zion Church, Agge Community, to mark the conclusion of the burial activities.
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Chief Evans Etimigba (JP), Invites All to the Burial of 101-Year-Old Grandmother, Mama Bomor Etimigba
By Divine Perezide
Chief Evans Etimigba JP (FICMC) has called onl family, friends, and well-wishers to the burial ceremony of his Grandmother, Mama Bomor Etimigba (née Ekerekeme Ikodo), billed to hold on February 13, 2026, at Ayakoromo Town, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Mama Bomor who hails from the Gogi family of Diamo Idumu and the Ogula family of Aziboware of Karebi Egede, both in Akubiri Quarters, alongside the Fiyai family of Yeyeware of Assesaghabiri, all in Ayakoromo Town, as well as the Ikodo family of Orugbene in Burutu Local Government Area and the Zikena family of Akpanika-Ibodo of Akugbene Town in Bomadi Local Government Area, passed on at the age of 101 years, on June 7, 2025. She is survived by two children, 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, which includes Apst. Stephen Makirifegha Etimigba and Dcn. Johnbull Etimigba Okunwei (sons), Chief (Amb.) Evans E. Etimigba (JP) and Mr. Collins T. Etimigba (grandsons), as well as Faith Etimigba, her senior granddaughter.
In a burial announcement jointly signed by Mr. Ezaigba Paymaster for the Gogi family of Diamo Idumu of Ayakoromo; Capt. Augustine Ogula for the Ogula family of Aziboware of Ayakoromo; Rev. John Epideiprekumor Ogofa for the Zikena family of Akpanika-Ibodo of Akugbene; and Apostle Stephen Makirifegha Etimigba for the children, the burial activities will commence at 12 noon, with the body leaving Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary to Izon-Oborotu through Miller Waterside for a brief stop-over at her husband’s compound, before proceeding to her hometown, Ayakoromo for funeral service and interment at her family compound (Diamo Idumu).
Reception follows shortly with music supplied by John Ekpesebo at Ngbelebiri Primary School field, Ayakoromo, and wake-keep will continue till dawn with musical display by Chief Allen Alabo.
By: Divine Perezide
A towering Burutu APC leader, Comrade Isaiah Tam Ingo, has announce arrangements for his upcoming 50th birthday (Golden Jubilee) celebrations, inviting family, friends, associates, and well-wishers to join him in thanking God for reaching the milestone age of 50.
Sharing the news with a note of gratitude, Comrade Ingo stated that “by His grace and mercies upon my life, I, Comrade Isaiah Tam Ingo, will be 50 on Thursday 22nd Jan. 2026.” He appealed for massive attendance at the thanksgiving service, adding, “By this notice, I plead with you all to honour me with your esteemed presence as I give thanks to God Almighty on the occasion of my 50th Birth Anniversary.”
According to details released, the Thanksgiving Service is scheduled as follows:
Date: Sunday 25th January 2026
Venue: “Sunrise Mega Parish, 6 Onoja Street Opposite Kenwood Hotel Ekpan – Warri”
Time: 10 a.m. prompt
The celebrant emphasized that the anniversary is dedicated to divine grace, concluding his notice with the words, “To God be the glory.”
The event is expected to attract family members, colleagues, friends, political associates and leaders, and members of the wider public.