News
Ayakoromo Bridge to be Completed in Early 2027 – Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori
Visits Trans-Warri Road, Two more Jetties to be built.
By Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced early 2027 as the definitive completion date for the Ayakoromo Bridge project, this is a decisive step aimed at fast-tracking infrastructural development and fulfill a promise to riverine communities, accordingtothe governor.
The Governor noted that the critical project had suffered years of uncertainty and delays, but stressed that he was committed to ensuring its completion as scheduled.
He made this declaration during an inspection visit to the site of the Ayakoromo Bridge across the Forcados River, along with the 3km approach road at Egbo-Ide in Ughelli-South and Burutu local government areas.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of the 612-metre long bridge comprising 18 spans with 24 metres between each span to the communities of Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo.
He added that although the contract was awarded before his administration, he ensured the contractor was remobilized to the site.
“This project is very dear to me and the people. The contractor has set 2027 as the completion date, but we would be pleased if it is finished early 2027,” he said.
“I am confident the contractor will deliver as promised, but I have also directed them to accelerate the pace of work. This bridge is crucial for connecting surrounding villages.
“As you can see, the people are excited even though they were not informed of my visit. This shows how important the bridge is to the two communities and others in the area.”
Earlier, the Governor visited the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges Project in Warri South Local Government Area.
He remarked that the project would enhance connectivity and create economic opportunities for both urban and rural dwellers.
“This project is vital to our people because it connects us with those in rural areas and expands opportunities.
“You saw how happy the people were as we arrived; elders and other villagers came out joyfully. This project is particularly important to the Itsekiri nation, which is why I am determined to see it through to completion.
“I was here in September 2024, and I am back again for inspection. I believe that by early next year, this project will be inaugurated, as it has already been delayed for nearly 19 years.
“We will no longer tolerate delays beyond project timelines. Under our MORE Agenda, we have committed to doing more for Deltans, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori announced the construction of two jetties in the area and explained that, due to the rainy season, the construction company is allowing the newly sand-filled areas to settle for road stability.
He, however, urged the firm to accelerate work to ensure the project is completed within his first term in office.
In a remarkable act of kindness, Happy Chuks Onyeamechi, CEO of Hapis International Global Nigeria Limited, has donated ₦200,000 to Deborah Apiapia, a physically challenged POS operator and single mother of two from Bayelsa State, who on Sunday won ₦1 million on the Kestin Pondi Empowerment Show.
According to him, he was deeply touched by her story – a woman who has endured hardship, raising two children alone while running a POS and ogbono business to survive. Deborah’s emotional reaction after being announced as a beneficiary moved many to tears, and her resilience continues to inspire.
This donation from Mr. Onyeamechi reflects the growing impact of the Kestin Pondi Empowerment Show, as more individuals and organizations step forward to support those in need.
The show is a GbaramatuVoice weekly series in which High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi has continued to show compassion and solidarity for small businesses irrespective of gender, religion, or tribe.
By Divine Perezide
Fresh political developments suggest President Bola Tinubu is contemplating a significant shift in his 2027 re-election strategy, with indications that he may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with former Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
According to reports by Business Day, this potential move is gaining traction among key figures within the ruling All Progressives this shift was further fueled by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s noticeable silence on Shettima during a recent party meeting in Gombe State.
Insiders reveal that negotiations are already underway to reintegrate Kwankwaso into the APC. He has reportedly met with President Tinubu in recent weeks, with strategists within the party viewing his return as a vitalstep towards strengthening the APC’s chances in the upcoming elections.
Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the Néw Nigeria People Party (NNPP) in 2023 and a prominent political figure in Northern Nigeria, especially through his influential Kwankwasiyya movement, holds considerable sway in Kano – a critical state with over 5.9 million registered voters, second only to lagos.
Sources close to the presidency suggest that Tinubu’s team sees Kwankwaso’s popularity in Kano and the wider North-west as a strategic advantage. “He has the influence and voters base the president needs to secure a second term,” one source disclosed emphasising the importance of bringing him on bored early.
Meanwhile, murmurs within the APC indicates that other political heavyweights are also eyeing the Vice President’s seat. Several Northern politicians, including at last least four sitting governors- Mali Mala Buni (Yobe), Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Dikko Radda (Katsina) – as well as lawmakers like House Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, are believed to be maneuvering behind the scenes for a shot at the vice presidency.
While the ruling party deals with internal recalibration, opposition forces are not resting. Former Presidential contenders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are reportedly in talks to form a united political alliance ahead of 2027. Along with other prominent political actors, the duo is working towards launching a new party The All Democratic launching a new party, the Democratic Alliance (ADA).
This emerging coalition includes powerful figures such as former Senate President David Mark, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Rauf Aregbesola, as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. A committee has already been formed to oversee the party’s registration with the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signalling a move to challenge Tinubu’s re-election from a united front rather than fragmented opposition platforms.
As Nigeria heads towards another electoral season, both ruling and opposition camps are intensifying efforts to consolidate power, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in 2027.
By: Divine Perezide
Stakeholders of Gbaramatu kingdom have called for federal and state government intervention over alleged threat issued to the Ijaws in Ikantu and Zou-alagha Uba communities from group of persons believed to be From the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, actual news reported.
The appeal was made through the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama at a press briefing on Monday June 16, 2025.
He noted that the threat to the Ikantu and Ijaghala communities to be sacked from their community should not be taking lightly.
Chief Gbenekama added that the Ijaw ethnic nationality remain a peaceful people and will remain so emphasizing that since the issue of delineation became a topic of discourse, the people of Ijaghala and Ikantu have been receiving threat to be evicted from their communities.” We the Ijaws will not fight the Itsekiri people but they must leave the Ikantu and Zou-alagha Uba people alone.” We are peaceful people but if any Ikantu or Zou-alagha Uba indegenes are attacked by the Itsekiris because they traced their ancestoral root back to Gbaramatu kingdom, our god’s will fight for us and for them”
Chief Gbenekama observed that according to the Nigeria Constitution every Nigerian has the right to live in any part of the country and Ikantu and Zou-alagha Uba communities are not an exception.” There is freedom of speech, movement and association in this country and I am pleading with those threatening our brothers and sisters in Ikantu and Zou-alagha Uba communities to stop the act”.
He said the threat alone is enough for the state and federal governments to take action to protect the lives and property of the people of both communities.
Chief Gbenekama urged Government at all levels to prioritize the safety of its citizens even as he cited the gruesome killing of Benue residents. He also used the medium to appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency as further delay is not in the best interest of the people.
“INEC come and complete your work, there is peace in Warri Federal Constituency, why is our own different ljaws will always continue to call on God to help us” He stated.
Chief Gbenekama appealed to the state and federal governments to fish out the gun runners in Warri Federal Constituency, alleging that they are preparing to use their arms on Gbaramatu and other Ijaw kingdoms.