News
Relief As Gov. Oborevwori Approves Review Of Ayakoromor Bridge, Others At ₦275 Billion
By Divine Perezide
In a landmark decision, the Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved over ₦275 billion for the execution of 76 infrastructure and development projects across the three senatorial districts of the state. This historic approval came during the first EXCO meeting of 2025, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House in Asaba.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, described the approval as unprecedented and a resounding response to critics of the administration. He was joined by several key government officials, including the Commissioners for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Economic Planning, and Health, as well as the Directors-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency.
Transformational Projects Across Key Sectors
Aniagwu emphasized the governor’s commitment to ensuring that public funds are judiciously utilized for the benefit of the people. He noted that the projects span multiple sectors, including road infrastructure, urban renewal, and healthcare. According to him, nearly all the approved projects come with an upfront 40% mobilization payment, without requiring external borrowing, which highlights the state’s strong financial standing.
Among the key projects approved are:
Road Construction & Rehabilitation:
Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road (Phase 1)
Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road
Amai-Aragba Road
Inam-Abbi Access Road
Internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government Layout (Phase 1)
Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and Market Road in Onicha-Ugbo
Okerenkoko-Pepeama-Kokodiagbene Road with a spur to Teiteipur
Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II)
Rehabilitation of the Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road
Okwetolor-Okobia-Aragba Road
Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo
Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu
Upward review of the Ayakoromo Bridge project
Rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road
Urban Development & Drainage Solutions:
Additional stormwater drainage at Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area
Redesigning Effurun Roundabout to minimize encumbrances for property owners
Health Sector Improvements:
₦1.6 billion allocated to the Contributory Health Scheme, with ₦100 million set aside monthly for sustainability
Establishment of a Specialist Hospital at Osubi, including a Public Laboratory and Psychiatric Clinic
Full rehabilitation of General Hospital, Ekpan
Completion of the Library Building at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara
Warri City Stadium Revamp & Other Key Approvals
As part of efforts to boost sports development, the government approved the remodelling of the Warri City Stadium. Furthermore, the EXCO sanctioned the presentation of staff of office to newly appointed traditional rulers, including Obi Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom and Obi Ben Azubuike Kanegede of Ibedeni. Additionally, Olodu was recognized as an autonomous community in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Commitment to Project Funding
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, commended Governor Oborevwori for his proactive approach to project financing. He revealed that the administration has cleared outstanding debts owed to contractors, including ₦8 billion previously owed for the Trans-Warri Road and bridges. The project has now been placed under an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to ensure smooth execution.
This massive investment in infrastructure and public services underscores the Oborevwori administration’s determination to accelerate Delta State’s development and improve the quality of life for its residents.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.