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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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High Chief Etimigba (JP) Congratulates Pondi on His Appointment as House Committee Chairman on South-South Development Commission
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU, DELTA STATE – High Cheif Evans Etimgba (JP), the Osuopelekarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, and Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constitutuency, on his recent appointment as Chairman of the House Committee on South-South Development Commission.
In a statement made available to the IduwiniVoice news desk, High Chief Etimgba who served as the Caucus Chairman of PDP Ogulagha/Iduwini Ward-11 described the dual chairmanship held by Hon. Pondi – of both the House Committee on Environment and the newly formed South-South Development exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and selfless commitment to the people.
“Your appointment into this esteemed position is nothing but a testament of your exceptional leadership, dedication, and selfless service to our people,” the statement read. “I am confident that your wisdom and position will attract significant progress not only to Burutu Federal Constitutuency but across the South-South geopolitical zone and beyond.”
Cheif Etimgba further expressed optimism that this milestone will usher in greater opportunities and a lasting impact on the region. He concluded with warm wishes for fulfilment and continued success in Pondi’s growing political career.
The appointment has continued to draw commendations from political stakeholders and constituents across the Niger Delta Region.
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Odimodi Tantita Unit Congratulates GOC Tompolo on the successful 2025 Amaseikumor Festival.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Odimodi – The Tantita Security Services Ltd., Odimodi Unit has expressed their profound felicitations with their leader and Chairman, Hgh Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo over the success recorded during the just concluded week-long Amaseikumor Festival.
Speaking to IduwiniVoice News desk, Gen. Dennis Kpaidia, the commanding officer of the Odimodi Unit, shared glowing tributes to Tompolo given his firm grip of the Ijaw Cultural Heritage. Kpaidia poured out eulogy as he described Tompolo as both divinity and humanity. He pointed that the job to transport, host, and cater for the huge number of guests that stormed Oporoza for the seven day long Festival was an difficult task but with God Almighty and the gods of ijaw nation on his side, Tompolo seamlessly did it.
Hear him:
“On behalf of the Tantita Security Services Ltd., Odimodi Unit, I, Gen. Dennis Kpaidia, extend heartfelt congratulations to you, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, our esteemed boss, GOC, and Chairman, of Tantita Security Services Ltd., on the gradbreaking successful hosting of the world at Oporoza town, Gbaramatu Kingdom during the Amaseikumor Festival, 2025.
“Your giant strides have once again made Gbaramatu Kingdom and Ijaw Nation proud as that destination for international cultural tourism. Your dedication to the progress of Ijaw Nation and humanity has continually inspired many.
“We celebrate this remarkable achievement with you and wish you continued success as you preserve our cultural heritage with wisdom and honour.”
“Once again, congratulations, our GOC!”
Signed,
Gen. Dennis Kpaidia
Commander, Tantita Security Ltd.,
Odimodi Unit.
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CHIEF MULADE PROMISES TO COMTINUE SERVING HUMANITY AS HE SECURES ANOTHER CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN KUMBOWEI KINGDOM, BAYELSA STATE
By Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe
A renowned human and environmental rights activist, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State, has been honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Ebe Ebimo-wei of Kumbowei Kingdom, Bayelsa State.
The traditional title was conferred on him on Thursday, April 17, 2025 by the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, HRM (King) Boloyi Sufadoh, Embareba V, in recognition of his contributions to the socioeconomic development of that kingdom and entire humanity.
The event which took place at the Palace of the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom in Sagbama Town, Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State, was witnessed by friends and relatives of Chief Mulade who traveled from far and near to grace the occasion in their large numbers.
The ceremony which held amid pump and pageantry, also had sons, daughters and friends of Kumbowei Kingdom, the cream de la cream of the society, amongst other special guests, in attendance.
Before the historic installation ceremony, Comrade Mulade, the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, went through a successful screening exercise by the special planning committee chaired by HRH Bruce Ogbo, and Secretary, High Chief Ombu Okubokakpo.
The ceremony which was a celebration of the tradition of Ijaw people, featured the display of cultural dances by women groups clad in their beautiful attires full of joy and happiness.
With this traditional Chieftaincy title, Chief Comrade Mulade is now a member of the Kumbowei Traditional Council of Chiefs. In an interview with newsmen, Comrade Mulade said he had been gingered to do more to help grow and develop Kumbowei Kingdom.
Apart from being the leader of a civil society organization, CEPEJ, Chief Sheriff Mulade is an investor and an employer of labour in Delta State and beyond, putting food on the tables of many Nigerians most of whom are youths.
Comrade Mulade is an advocate of good governance, a human and environmental rights activist, a lover of educational and sports development, as well as a human capacity developer in many thematic areas, using CEPEJ, K & Q and DPG Group of Companies as launch pads.
The Sheriff Mulade Unity Football Cup Competition which has metamorphosed into Delta Unity Cup Competition, has revolutionized the game of football and brought unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the riverine and other parts of Delta State.
He had received many important awards at both national and international levels in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Niger Delta Region in particular, and other parts of the country in general.
Chief Mulade is well known for his advice to the youths against violence, crime and other negative acts capable of rendering them useless. He is a devout Christian of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, and is happily married with children.