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Delta State Among Top 10 States in Governance Transparency and Accountability, G.O.M.E.P Report Reveals
By Favour Bibaikefie
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In a significant development highlighting the progress of state governance in Nigeria, Delta State has been ranked among the top 10 states in governance transparency and accountability according to the 2024 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (G.A.T.I). The report was unveiled by the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (G.O.M.E.P), a consortium of over 75 seasoned media professionals dedicated to promoting transparency and good governance across Nigeria.
The G.A.T.I report, which is set to become an annual benchmark, evaluates the performance of all 36 state governments in Nigeria based on seven critical indices. This year, Delta joined Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Anambra, Enugu, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Borno, and Osun in Category A, achieving scores between 85% and 100%, indicating “Exceptional Performance.”
Key Areas of Assessment
The G.A.T.I framework focuses on seven measurable indicators:
1. Public Access to Information: This includes the enforcement of Freedom of Information laws, accessibility of government websites, and availability of open data portals.
2. Budget Transparency: Assessing access to budget documents, citizen engagement in budget processes, and clarity of expenditures.
3. Audit and Oversight: Reviewing the independence of audit institutions and effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.
4. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Evaluating whistleblower protection laws and anti-corruption measures.
5. Government Responsiveness: Measuring how quickly and effectively governments respond to citizen inquiries.
6. Procurement Transparency: Examining the openness of tender processes and availability of contract information.
7. Media Freedom: Gauging press freedom and the safety of journalists.
A Rigorous Assessment
At a media briefing in Abuja on November 26, 2024, G.O.M.E.P’s National President, Dr. Dozie Nwankodu, emphasized the comprehensive methodology employed in the project. The evaluation process incorporated citizen surveys, analysis of government documents, expert consultations, and statistical data analysis. Scores were determined by combining performance across all indices and calculating an average.
Dr. Nwankodu noted that states scoring between 85% and 100% were classified under Category A, denoting exceptional performance. Category B reflected strong performance (65%-84%), while lower scores were assigned to categories indicating average to poor governance.
Comrade Akpovoke Treasure Otiti, the Chairman of this year’s Appraisal Committee, highlighted the extensive data collection effort, which involved gathering 350 data points per state across the seven indices, amounting to 12,600 data points nationwide. Despite security challenges in some regions, G.O.M.E.P’s field agents ensured the collection of reliable and credible data.
Encouraging Accountability
G.O.M.E.P Deputy President, Mr. Jare Ismahil Tiamiyu, stressed the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. He remarked that the G.A.T.I initiative serves as a vital tool for assessing the effectiveness of state governments and promoting healthy competition among states to improve governance.
The group announced plans to make the index an annual exercise, extending its scrutiny to federal ministries and the National Assembly in future editions. Certificates of Merit will also be awarded to the top-performing states as a gesture of encouragement.
As the nation anticipates subsequent editions of the G.A.T.I report, it remains clear that initiatives like this are essential for fostering responsible governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/12BT6CT4jeZ/?
By Derick Peretengboro
A community leader and businessman, Comrade Solomon Gbegha, has extended warm birthday wishes to a celebrated personality and seasoned political figure, and mentor, Rt. Hon. Franc Pinapinawei Enekorogha, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and former Honourable Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, on the occasion of his gracious birth anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to IduwiniVoicenewsdesk, Comr. Gbegha joined family members, friends, and admirers of the celebrant to mark the special day with prayers and goodwill.
According to the statement, “On behalf of my family and associates, I, Comr. Solomon Gbegha, hereby join family, friends, and thousands of your admirers to congratulate you on your gracious birth anniversary.
May God Almighty continue to bless you with sound health, long life, and prosperity.
Happy Birthday.”
The message reflects the deep appreciation and goodwill of Comr. Gbegha and his associates towards the celebrant, who have produced many political and social giants across Delta State, while wishing him continued divine blessings, good health and enduring success.
By Divine Perezide
The Information Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, Comrade Tare Magbei, has announced plans to organise a two-day digital capacity-building programme targeted at young people across the zone.
The training, titled Media Management, Content Creation and AI Prompting Bootcamp, is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 14, 2026, and is aimed at building practical skills in media, digital communication and emerging technologies for Ijaw youths.
According to the organisers, the bootcamp will focus on strengthening young people’s ability to engage in advocacy, storytelling and community mobilisation through modern media tools.
About 50 participants are expected to benefit from the hands-on sessions, which will also introduce them to viable income-generating opportunities within the media and creative industries.
Beneficiaries will be selected from among Information Officers of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the Western Zone, alongside youths drawn from the 24 clans that constitute the zone.
The initiative, being driven by Comrade Magbei, is described as a strategic effort to enhance youth capacity, promote digital relevance and encourage the effective use of technology in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. It is also seen as a timely intervention to improve employability and strengthen advocacy among Ijaw youths across the Western Zone.
By Derick Peretengboro
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, Hon. Akpos Seimode, has congratulated the Deputy Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Hon. Akpos hailed the business executive, stating: “HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE BIRTHDAY, BOSS!”
According to the statement, “The Community Liaison Officer, CLO Tantita, Hon. Akpos Seimode, hails deputy chairman Tantita Security Service Limited, cum chairman Maton engineering LTD, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday anniversary.”
Describing the celebrant’s personality and impact, Hon. Akpos said, “Matthew Tonlagha is a humble and distinguished son of the Izon Nation,” while praising his “visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.”
He further noted that the celebrant’s leadership approach remains a source of encouragement to many communities, stressing that “his leadership style continues to inspire hope and unity across communities,” and describing him as “a bridge-builder who leads with humility.”
Hon. Akpos also offered prayers and best wishes to the celebrant, saying he wished him “good health, joy, and continued grace as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee.”
He concluded the message with the words: “Happy birthday once again, boss.”