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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
By Divine Perezide
Ogulagha Community is set to witness a grand and memorable event as Comr. Bright Guwor and his executive team prepare for their official swearing-in ceremony o April 4th, 2025.
The highly anticipated occasion will be chaired by Dr. Julius Takekme, the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council. HRM, Elder, Capt., Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan Jp, PhD., Torububou-1, Agbonu, the Ibezenawei of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Royal Father of the Day. Chief Princess Caroline Ene, the Bolou-ere of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Mother of the Day.
Prominent dignitaries are expected to grace the ceremony as Special Guests of Honour. Amongst them are Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabujor Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment;Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly; High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta; Hon. Peter Forteta, former Delta State House of Assembly Member; Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, PDP Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Godknows Angele, Delta State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo, Member representing Burutu-1 Constituency and Minority Whip, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye, Member representing Burutu South in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Ogulagha Community Secretariat at 10 am, followed by a reception at Ekpebiwei Primary School field.
Adding to the festivities, renowned Ijaw music maestro, Prince Abraham, will perform live to entertain guests throughout the night.
The swearing-in ceremony promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, bringing together sons and daughters of Ogulagha Community, Kingdom, and friends, well-wishers, political associates, and the general public. All are warmly invited to partake in the his exciting celebration, which is expected to be an unforgettable experience.
By Divine Perezide
In a dedicated effort to promote education and empower children in the creeks, the Destiny Educational Foundation has provided 105 free JAMB forms to students from Alabini communities (Ekeremor Constituency 3). This initiative is generously sponsored by Hon. Selekebina Saboh, a former Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, renowned philanthropist, and business mogul.
The Destiny Educational Foundation is committed to advocating for quality education and ensuring that children in riverine areas have access to academic opportunities. By providing this support, the foundation aims to ease the financial burden on students and encourage higher educational attainment.
To facilitate the registration process, the free JAMB form registration will take place in Yenagoa and Warri, strategically chosen to reduce transportation costs for beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation and all beneficiaries, Comr. Destiny Oweilayefa Semi, the CEO of Destiny Educational Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Selekebina Saboh for his generous contributions towards education and community development. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of young learners and fostering societal growth.
This initiative underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, ensuring that students from underserved communities have the resources they need to succeed.
By Admin – IduwiniVoice
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a revered elder statesman, nationalist, and advocate for justice, democracy, and equality. In a heartfelt tribute, PANDEF described the late icon as a towering figure who dedicated his 96 years to the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape, the group lauded his unwavering commitment to unity, democratic governance, and inter-regional collaboration. PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, conveyed condolences to the Yoruba nation and Pa Adebanjo’s family, emphasizing that his legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy will continue to inspire generations.
See details below:
“PAN-NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF)
“PRESS STATEMENT
“IN PA AYO ADEBANJO, WE MOURN A GREAT TITAN OF OUR NATION
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and National Leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone, we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a legendary icon and elder statesman who dedicated an extraordinary 96 years to activism, championing justice, equality, and freedom for the Nigerian people.
“The news of his demise has left us in deep sorrow as we struggle to come to terms with the loss of this distinguished lawyer, politician, and statesman, PANDEF recounts that he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history even predating it’s independence.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Adebanjo was a steadfast advocate for democratic governance, human rights, and social justice. His relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria inspired generations to strive for excellence and demand accountability from their leaders. His contributions to the country’s struggle for independence, his role in shaping the Action Group and Afenifere, and his unwavering support for the marginalized and oppressed will forever be remembered.
“We particularly acknowledge that it is to his credit that relations between Afenifere and PANDEF flourished, fostering a spirit of truth and justice in Nigeria. This achievement highlights his dedication to unity and intra group collaboration.
“Indeed, unntil his passing, Pa Adebanjo was the co-founder and deputy chairman, alongside Chief E.K. Clark, in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum—a platform that brings together leaders from the South East, South South, South West, and North Central regions. This forum continues to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and understanding across Nigeria’s diverse regions, including close interraction withArewa Consutative Forum and Northern EldersForum.
“PANDEF joins all other Nigerian patriots to celebrate Pa Adebanjo’s inspirational life, the last great titan of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo disciples, as a symbol of hope, resilience, and determination As he bows out today, his legacy reminds us that one person can make a significant impact and that collective action can drive transformative change in our
“Our heartfelt condolences, especially of his personal friend and partner, Chief EK Clark, goes out to the family of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and the great people of the Yoruba nation who have lost a beloved son, leader, and champion. May they find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind for us all.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Ambassador Godknows Igali, OON
PANDEF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN