Author: Our Correspondent

By Anne Azuka 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has  played host to some members of the Delta State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, in Benin City, the state capital.

The Speaker and his team were in Benin, in solidarity with their counterparts in the Edo State House of Assembly, where members elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, including the Speaker, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku, defected to All Progressives Congress, APC.

On the entourage of Rt Hon Guwor were the Majority Leader of the Delta State Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi; Chief Whip, Perkins Umukoro; Deputy Chief Whip, Fred Martins; Majority Whip, Bernard Odior, as well as Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West; Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani; Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South and Blessing Achoja Ethiope West constituency.

Rt Hon Guwor told the Edo State Governor that the camaraderie that exists between members of the Delta and Edo State Houses of Assembly has been overwhelming, hence the solidarity with the Speaker, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku and others that were defecting from PDP to the APC.

The Speaker informed the Edo Governor that twenty-two PDP members in the Delta State Assembly, including himself, had earlier in the day formally signed off PDP for APC during the resumed plenary session of the House on Tuesday.

Guwor said it was a well thought out decision, done in the overall best interest of Deltans and pledged support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Responding, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed delight for the visit, saying that the presence of team of Legislators from Delta State to the historic event was a great honour to the state.

Governor Okpebholo praised the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his developmental strides and pledged stronger collaboration between Edo and Delta States.

Rt Hon Guwor, Nwaobi, along side the seven others, were earlier received by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who also led the visiting Delta Lawmakers to the Governor.

Rt. Hon. Agbebaku while receiving the Delta delegation, commended them for their show of unity and progressive alliance.

Delta Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, who is the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, had described the mass defection of PDP members to APC, as a significant political realignment in the South-South region.  

He said the movement signals a new chapter in South-South politics, with Delta and Edo states strengthening ties under the APC.

The visits were witnessed by some members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the European Union (EU) in areas of mutual interest, particularly programs that directly impact the lives of the state’s citizens.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu who was represented by his Deputy made this statement while receiving a team of EU Ambassadors at Government House. He emphasized that his administration remains dedicated to partnerships that promote development and improve the quality of life for the people of Sokoto State.

The Governor highlighted the state’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of vulnerable populations through initiatives in health, social protection, and other interventions aimed at alleviating their suffering. A dedicated Department for Internally Displaced Persons has also been established to cater to their needs.

The Sokoto State Government’s partnership with the European Union aims to leverage resources and expertise to drive development and improve the lives of the state’s citizens.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Sokoto State has organized a four-day training program for Livestock Extension Agents. The training focuses on productivity and technology adoption survey and analysis.

The training aims to enhance the capacity of stakeholders to design and implement effective interventions that promote productivity and technology adoption among farmers. It also seeks to support the collection and analysis of data on productivity and technology adoption.

The State Project Coordinator, Sirajo Abubakar, emphasized the importance of the training, urging participants to pay close attention to the knowledge shared. He noted that livestock extension agents play a critical role in achieving the project’s goals.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

A civil society-cum-human rights organisation in Nigeria, the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has urged the Governor Umo Eno to sign the Bill seeking to upgrade the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit to the status of a University into Law.

The Center made the call during a press conference by its Director, Mr Franklyn Isong maintained that when the Bill becomes Law, Akwa Ibom State wiould boast of an institution that will ensure the availability of highly-trained manpower at all levels of education. “Of course, this will be a big boost to the ARISE Agenda of the current administration of Pastor Umo Eno, PhD”, the CHRAN Director asserted.

Isong declared ithe support of CJRAN for the Bill and urged all stakeholders to close ranks and synergise towards the realisation of the lofty objectives of the Bill.

He commended the State House of Assembly for taking concrete legislative steps towards upgrading the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit.

The CHRAN stated that it has been at the head of advocacies towards the upgrade of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, saying that members of CHRAN had embarked on several advocacy visits to the College.

“In March, 2024, during an advocacy visit to the College, CHRAN, while advocating for the State Government to upgrade the College to the status of a University of Education, expressed concern that the institution, which was established in October 1990, has been losing students enrolment to universities as most parents and guardians preferred a four-year degree programme to a three-year National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme offered by the College.

“Findings by CHRAN indicates that admission into the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit for the NCE programme has drastically reduced from over 5,000 in the late 1990s to just 69 in the 2023/2024 session.

“CHRAN also found that the labour market no longer favours NCE graduates. Again, as findings by the CHRAN indicate, about 11 academic programmes in the Akwa Ibom State College of Education are already running the degree programme affiliated to the University of Uyo.

“According to findings by CHRAN, the drastic drop in students enrolment for the NCE programme, coupled with the ceiling by the University of Uyo on admissions by the College of Education, Afaha Nsit for the degree programme, the internally-generated revenue (IGR) of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit has become too low for meaningful administration and academic progress of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit.

“CHRAN had decried that although the College is empowered by Law to award degrees, it can only do so in affiliation with the University of Uyo,” the CHRAN boss asserted.

The CHRAN noted that Section 4(2)(c) of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education Law specifically provides that the Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Uyo shall be a member of the Council of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit.

It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly had on the 13th of March, 2025, passed the “A Bill For A Law To Provide For The Establishment Of The Akwa Ibom State University Of Education, Afaha Nsit And To Make Provisions For Its Administration And For Other Purposes Connected Thereto”, the Bill is yet to be signed into law by Governor Umo Eno.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

The Oron Union, one of Nigeria’s oldest ethnic-based organizations, has begun a month-long celebration of its centenary, marking 100 years of fostering unity, cultural identity, and socio-political progress for the Oro Nation.

The centennial anniversary, themed “Celebrating our Heritage; Reshaping our future”, was flagged off on April 26, 2025, and will run through May 23, 2025. It features a rich lineup of cultural, historical, educational, and sporting events designed to highlight the union’s contributions to community development and national heritage.

Founded in 1925, the Oron Union represents the collective identity of the Oro ethnic group, which spans five local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Urue Offong/Oruko, and Udung Uko.

Speaking on the milestone, President General of the Union, Sir Essang Bassey, described the centenary as a landmark moment in the history of the Oro people.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. It reflects not just our past achievements, but also our resolve to shape the future of our people through unity and vision.” Bassey said.

The celebration was formally launched with the lighting of the Oron Union Centennial Torch, which was ceremonially taken through all five LGAs before arriving at the Oro Civic Centre in Oron. Each stop included brief rites, cultural performances, and community speeches.

Traditional leaders have hailed the event as a moment of pride. His Royal Majesty Obong Ita Edet Okokon, Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, commended the organizers for promoting peace and development. “This anniversary proves that the Oro people remain united. Let us all contribute posit

Chairman of the Centennial Planning Committee, Prince Chris Abasieyo, announced that the programme includesd a fishing regatta, traditional wrestling contests, clan cultural days, school competitions, a centennial colloquium, and book launches. He added that the Oro Union’s historic scholarship programme, which began in 1942, laid the foundation for many prominent Oro families today.

“We are a coastal people born of the sea. This celebration brings together fisherfolk, performers, scholars, and all sons and daughters of Oro.” Abasieyo said.

Notable highlights of the centenary include: Clan Cultural Days on May 13 and 14, Centennial Thanksgiving Service on May 18, Fishing Regatta and Boat Parade on May 20, Centennial Concert and Musical Performances on May 21, colloquium, Awards, and Oro-Obolo Conference on May 22, Grand Finale and Centennial Torch Dimming on May 23

The Union also emphasized the importance of reconciliation, urging all Oro indigenes to set aside differences and recommit to the values of peaceful coexistence, leadership, and service.

Dr. Prince Okon Edenseting, the Union’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the centenary has received full endorsement from the Union’s Board of Trustees, traditional rulers, and the five local council chairmen, further reinforcing its significance.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Hon. Engr. Ebiye Tarabina, Chairman of the Directorate for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Bayelsa State, conducted a hands‑on inspection of several high‑priority infrastructure projects across the state. The visits are part of an ongoing drive to ensure contractors adhere to quality standards and complete works on schedule.

Tarabina began the tour at the Polaku–Sabagria Road and Bridge, where he examined earthworks and structural progress. He commended the contractor’s efforts but cautioned against complacency. “We must sustain this momentum,” he remarked, “to deliver safe and durable roads for our people.”

He commended the contractor handling the stadium at Igbogene, the Chairman inspected the alignment of the fencing panels and reviewed the stadium’s drainage channels, stressing the importance of attention to detail in public‑utility projects.

The delegation proceeded to the Glory Drive Phase III, observing pavement layers and embankment compaction along the major arterial corridor. Tarabina encouraged the team to accelerate finishing works without compromising on specifications.

The Chairman was accompanied by Engr. Igodo Sampson, Secretary of the Directorate, alongside board members and project engineers, who provided technical briefings at each site.

In a press statement issued by Dr. Sambo Sataria, Director of Media/Publicity, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Bayelsa State, the Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to transparent oversight and timely delivery of infrastructural projects that enhance connectivity and spur economic growth in the state.

By Anne Azuka

Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday charged the state’s young athletes and the entire sporting community in the State, as the defending champions, to uphold the spirit of excellence and discipline.

Oborevwori who gave the charge at Government House, Asaba while receiving the 22nd National Sports Festival Torch of Unity slated to hold in Abeokuta Ogun State from 6th to 30th of May, 2025 said; ” you are the pride of our state and the future of our great nation”.

The governor, represented at the occasion by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme commended the National Sports Commission and Ogun State, the host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, for sustaining the noble tradition and for continuing to promote the ideals of national unity and sporting excellence.

“As we receive this torch today, may it ignite in us a renewed sense of hope, passion, and national pride. Be assured that Delta State will continue to support and invest in sports as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and unity.

“Delta State has consistently remained at the forefront of sporting excellence in Nigeria. We are immensely proud of our legacy, hosting and triumphantly winning the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival, and nurturing some of the finest athletes who continue to make us proud on both national and global stages.

“The arrival of the Unity Torch today further reaffirms our administration’s unwavering commitment to sports as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and community development. These values align fully with our More Agenda, a renewed hope for progress, prosperity, and unity across all sectors”, Oborevwori stressed.

He described the symbolic torch as more than just a herald of another edition of the nation’s foremost multi-sport event, adding “it stands as a glowing emblem of unity, peace, national integration, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship that binds us together as Nigerians”.

Earlier in an address, the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission. Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori lauded government’s contributions to the development of sports in the state, noting that the torch represents peace, unity and true spirit of sportsmanship.

Mr Oborevwori noted that, Delta State is fully prepared, as the athletes are already in training camps, across various cities getting ready to make Delta State proud once again at the festival.

According to him; we are proud to be the defending champion of this great event.

“Over the years, Delta has shown strong commitment to sports development and we will continue to support our athletes, coaches and youths who find purpose and pride through sports.”

On her part, leader of the National Sports Commission delegation, Mrs. Ikana Mbora, noted that President Tinubu on March 25 2025 in Abuja, flagged off the National Sports Festival, with the essence that, the National Sport Commission take the torch round the 36 States of the federation including Abuja, as well as to preach unity, saying that sport remains a unifying factor to Nigerians.

Mrs. Ikana Mbora, who urged State government to create the awareness in the youths by investing in them, noted that the festival will hold from May 16 to 30, 2925 at Abiokuta, Ogun State.

She disclosed that, the team has gone through almost all the state of the federation, including, the North East, North Central, North West, South East, saying the team is currently in South South, and have torched Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and now in Delta State.

Highlight of the event was the receiving of the said torch of unity by the deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, on behalf of the state Governor.

By Anne Azuka

Twenty-two members of the Delta State House of Assembly, elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, have defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor who presented the individual letters of all the defecting members at resumed plenary of the House on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, hinged their defections on the instability of the national leadership of the PDP and the factionalization of the South-South Zonal Executive of the party which has resulted in division within the PDP.

Rt. Hon. Guwor further explained that the defection was also in line with Section 109, subsection 1 (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

He noted that membership of the Delta State House of Assembly is now one hundred percent All Progressives Congress, APC, even as he thanked their various constituents for giving them the nod to what he described as the progressive pathway.

He said, “My esteemed colleagues, I wish to seize this opportunity to stress the fact that Delta State is one big family. The mass defection by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State, led by His Excellency, the Governor, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was done in the overall best interest of all Deltans and the State.

“It was an outcome of a wide consultation across broad spectrum of political stakeholders, which culminated on 23rd and 28th April, 2025 at the Government House and Cenotaph, respectively. We are ever committed to align with the Federal Government to deliver more development to Deltans and the State.

“On behalf of the House, I salute this uncommon courage and exemplary visionary leadership shown by our indefatigable Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, in taking this very well thought out strategic decision at this point in time.

“I want to place it on record that as a House, we are with His Excellency all the way in this regard. This renewed hope and partnership between the Government at the Centre and the State must be supported by all and allowed to foster so that we can begin to immediately reap the accruable benefits sooner than later.

“I wholeheartedly enjoined all of us, my dear Honourable Colleagues, to as usual continue to work tirelessly in unison for the progress and interest of all Deltans, for which we were all elected to uphold and took oath to defend”, Guwor stated.

The Speaker had while welcoming the Lawmakers to plenary after the Easter break, assured that the House would continue to prioritize the welfare and security of Deltans in line with the Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly.

He said, “dear Colleagues, the 8th Assembly in line with its Legislative Agenda prioritizes the welfare and security of the people in the State. We are committed to the infrastructural and human capital development of our dear State.

“We have leveraged on the power of appropriation of the Legislature to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to deliver unprecedented development in the State. Our youth and women have also benefited from various empowerment programmes and schemes derived from appropriations by the House”.

Guwor stated, “as a House, we have also demonstrated a strong commitment to our duties of lawmaking.

“Before we proceeded on the Easter break, the House considered, processed, and passed quite a number of critical transformative Bills into law.

“I am glad to report to you that His Excellency, Rt. Hon.( Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, has assented to seven of these Bills. Namely: Delta State Physical And Regional Planning Law,2024; Delta State Film And Video Censor’s Board Law,2024; Delta State Electric Power Sector law,2024; Registration And Regulation of Private Vertinary Clinics( Amendment) Law,2024; Child Rights ( Amendment) Law,2024; Delta State Pet Control And Responsible Ownership law,2025; and the Delta State College of Health Technology Ovrode Law, 2025.

“This feat could not have been achieved without your hard work and commitment. I sincerely believe this very high standard we have set should be sustained and even surpassed. As we draw closer to the end of the Second Session, let us endeavour to conclude consideration on all pending Bills before the House. I trust that Committees Chairmen and Members will assiduously consider and turn in their reports on Bills referred to their Committees”, the Speaker pleaded.