Author: Our Correspondent

  * Inagurates Investigative Committee To Report Within Seven Days.

By Jabiru Hassan. 

 Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has issued a stern warning over the widespread reports of salary underpayment and non-payment affecting a number of the state civil servants, declaring the act as an unacceptable violation of workers’ rights and a betrayal of public trust. 

 This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.  

Fuming over the revelations that some workers have gone months without receiving their rightful earnings, Governor Yusuf vowed to expose and punish those responsible.   

“This administration will not tolerate any act of injustice against our workers. Anyone found complicit in this reprehensible act will face the full wrath of the law,” he declared. 

 In a decisive move to end the irregularities, the governor has inaugurated a high-powered investigative committee to unearth the root causes of the discrepancies, whether due to technical errors or deliberate human sabotage.   

The committee has been directed to conduct a thorough audit of the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025, identify affected workers, determine the financial impact, and recommend corrective and punitive actions. 

 The seven-member committee, chaired by Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam, Commissioner for Rural & Community Development and the immediate past State Accountant General,  is made up of top government officials and financial experts with deep knowledge of payroll systems.   The members include:  

1. Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam – Chairman Commissioner, Ministry for Rural & Community Development  2. Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari – Member Special Adviser on Digital Economy  3. Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu – Member Director-General, Kano State Bureau of Statistics  4. Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali – Member Director-General, Kano State Debt Management Office  5. Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir – Member Director, Kano State Computer Centre  6. Aliyu Muhammad Sani – Secretary Director, Research & Evaluation, REPA Directorate, SSG’s Office.

Others are  Ummulkulthum Ladan Kailani – Co-Secretary Senior Assistant Secretary (AGS), Admin. & General Services Directorate, SSG’s Office  

The committee has been given just seven days to complete its findings and submit a comprehensive report outlining those responsible, the extent of the financial malpractice, and lasting solutions to ensure the problem never recurs. 

 Governor Yusuf has assured civil servants that his administration is committed to justice, transparency, and the prompt payment of salaries, warning that anyone found guilty of exploiting workers will face severe consequences. 

 “The era of shortchanging our workers is over. This is a government of accountability, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” the governor asserted. 

 As the committee swings into action, expectations are high that this bold move will expose entrenched payroll fraud, restore confidence in the state’s wage system, and safeguard the rights of Kano’s hardworking civil servants. 

 The committee was inagurated by the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim on behalf of the people's Governor of Kano state His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

By Lucy Omakpo

The Oyo State government has officially flagged off the enrollment of 10,000 basic school pupils into the state’s healthcare insurance scheme.

The children, enrolled from 90 schools across 18 LGAs were presented their Insurance scheme ID cards on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic center, Idi-ape, Ibadan, by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal.

The Deputy Governor said the enrolment was part of the Oyo state government’s effort towards ensuring its pupils are of sound minds.

He said, “This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds, while they learn in conducive environments”

He applauded the partnership and collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OYSHIA and the Oyo state Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, in providing healthcare opportunities to public school children in the state.

“This event is a collective effort in securing a brighter future of Oyo State pupils,” he said.

The Deputy Governor also charged OYSHIA to double its efforts in extending the scheme to every school in the State, urging parents and guardians to key into the scheme.

In her goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, noted that the launch of the Oyo State Public Primary School Pupils Health Insurance Scheme, will give access to affordable, quality healthcare; a fundamental right for every child. 

“This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare”, she said.

“Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal—it’s a social and economic necessity. When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the success of Oyo State and Nigeria.”

“This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas. With 90 schools already enrolled across 18 LGAs, our goal is to ensure all 33 LGAs in Oyo state are covered, leaving no child behind.”

“UNICEF remains steadfast in supporting the government and communities toward universal health coverage.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi applauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their commitment towards healthy basic school pupils.

She assured the agencies of her Ministry’s unparalleled commitment to the scheme.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran applauded OYSHIA, pledging the Board’s commitment to the smooth take-off and sustainability of the scheme. 

Adeniran said, “At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours”.

Dr. Adeniran added that the scheme would enable the beneficiaries to receive quality healthcare without paying exorbitantly to access it.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande said the new door being opened today, is focusing on providing access to healthcare for 10,000 public primary school pupils in the first instance. 

Dr. Akande noted that the agency will also commence an enrollment of additional 5,500 pupils into the scheme from next week.

The Executive Secretary applauded UNICEF, through whose support the Agency has been able to improve on its awareness campaign and increased the communities under Community Based Health Insurance scheme by 100 percent. 

He equally stressed the unparalleled commitment of SUBEB chairman to the scheme.

“His open door policy and unrestricted access ensured we were able to keep to our time line”, he said.

The event was attended by relevant stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including the pupils.

Photo Caption: Oyo Dep. Gov. Barr. Lawal (middle) flanked by Dr. Adeniran (3rd left), ES, OYSHIA, (2nd left), Chairman, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi (left) and some of the pupils today.

By Isreal Adamu, Jos 

Following the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the All Progressives Congress, the North-Central APC Forum has announced that it has ended all agitations over leadership positions in the party.

It will be recalled that the NEC meeting, which held at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, ratified the zoning of chairmanship of the party to the North-West.

Before the development, the position had been zoned to the North-Central but Abdullahi Ganduje, from Kano State in the North-West, was appointed the APC national chairman after Abdullahi Adamu, ex-governor of Nasarawa State, was removed without completing his tenure. 

The North-Central APC Forum, which agitated for the zone to be given the opportunity to complete Adamu’s tenure, had gone to court to seek Ganduje’s removal as national chairman.

However, the APC Forum, on October 16, 2024, suspended the demand for Ganduje’s removal, pending the decision of the party’s NEC.

With the ratification of zoning of the national chairmanship to the North-West, Ganduje’s position has been validated by the NEC.

The NEC, at its Wednesday meeting, also passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Ganduje.

Reacting to the outcome of the NEC meeting in a statement by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, on Thursday, the North-Central APC Forum said it has decided to drop all agitations and align with the position of the party’s national leadership.

“As loyal party members interested in the progress of the APC, we agree with all the decisions taken at the NEC meeting. We endorse the vote of confidence passed on President Bola Tinubu and the national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

“The NEC is the highest decision making organ of the party and the NEC has passed a vote of confidence on the national chairman. 

“We respect the decision of Mr President and the NEC. As a result of that, we have decided to stop all agitations concerning the leadership and other issues in the APC. 

“We are urging all members of the party to support President Bola Tinubu and the national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. We also seek the support of all North-Central stakeholders for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume as the leader of the party in the zone.

“We recognize Senator Akume as our father in the North-Central. Having decided to stop all agitations, there is nothing left than to unite ourselves in the interest of the zone and to give massive support to President Bola Tinubu in all his policies and in future elections,” the statement said.

Tinubu had in an address at the NEC meeting, charged the Ganduje-led APC National Working Committee, NWC, to redouble efforts at reconciling aggrieved members of the party.

The North-Central APC Forum, in the statement signed by Zazzaga, a member of the APC presidential campaign council in the 2023 election, said it would support Ganduje in reconciling aggrieved members of the party. 

The APC Forum also called for peace and reconciliation between the Government of Benue State led by Governor Hyacinth Alia and the SGF, Akume.

“We are also praying God to give the national chairman the wisdom to carry everybody along and to reconcile all aggrieved members.

“We also urge the Government of Benue State to respect the authority of the SGF, Senator George Akume as the leader of the party in the North-Central.

“As stakeholders of the North-Central, we believe that everybody should unite and be on the same page to work for the progress and development of the zone,” the statement added.

Barely two years of his election as Governor of Delta state, Rt.Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori is not only winning awards and recognition for good governance, but the support of Deltans and Nigerians as he navigates the complex politics of the state. IGHO AKEREGHA examines his rising profile.

He was an underdog before the elections in 2023. Counting days to the crucial Delta state gubernatorial election held on Saturday March 18th 2023, some of his closest political allies and friends deserted him to join the opposition. 

Undeterred, candidate Oborevwori, as he was then, navigated the complex political terrain of the state to win the election. He thus triumphed despite the intricate web of conspiracy and political adversity. 

 The road to the Delta state Government House, known as “Dennis Osadebey House” was very rough and turbulent for Oborevwori.

He defeated a formidable opponent, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate who wielded massive political influence before the election, to emerge the fourth democratically elected governor of Delta state, created from the old Bendel state on August 27th, 1991.

The topsy-turvy path for the governor was scary and unpredictable from the onset. Many considered him an underdog in the race. In the calculation of his opponents, he was least qualified. They therefore underrated him. But many in the opposition ignored two critical principles. The divine wish of God and personal destiny. 

These two principles worked in favour of Oborevwori to win the election. Since his victory,  he has been delivering massive economic development and unprecedented infrastructure across the three senatorial districts of the state.

With his MORE Agenda, Oborevwori is breaking boundaries. He is pragmatically delivering meaningful development and creating opportunities for all Deltans, implementing realistic reforms across all sectors while also enhancing the peace and security of the state for development and harmonious coexistence.

In less than two years in office, the Governor has undoubtedly entrenched his administration in the minds of many Deltans who admire him for his humility and accountability, virtues that have become potent weapons for subduing his critics.

To achieve the objectives set out in the MORE development agenda, the Oborevwori administration  emplaced a Standing Committee on Projects Inspection headed by the Governor. The committee regularly visits project sites across the state to assess progress of ongoing projects. 

Whenever the Governor is not available to lead the team, the Deputy Governor takes charge and this approach, quite novel, is yielding results.

During a recent tour of completed and ongoing projects by the Governor in Asaba and its environs, Oborevwori, who is known as a contractors nightmare for his meticulous scrutiny of projects warned that ” if you are my friend and you fail to do a good job, I am ready to sacrifice our friendship in the interest of Deltans”.

Those who are close to the Governor, including engineers in the state ministry of works, are aware that he places a high premium on details as spelt out in the Bills of Quantity. Sources say that he does not  compromise on quality and standards and  anyone who does, faces instant penalties including contract revocation.

Governor Oborevwori personally supervises projects across the state and physically takes measurements of rods and other construction materials including asphalt and cement quality to ensure conformity with requirements and integrity test of roads and structures.

The administration, in February 2025, demonstrated that it would not tolerate under hand dealings and corruption in project execution when it demoted two serving engineers for issuing certificates of job completion on road projects which were yet to be completed.

The affected officers, Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere and Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia, were demoted from Deputy Director to Assistant Director and Assistant Director to Chief Engineer respectively. The action was sequel to a letter conveying the outcome of a disciplinary committee signed by William O. Ogolokpe for the Head of Service.

Engr. Gabriel Evuarhere was found culpable of corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedure and was reduced in rank by one salary grade level from the post of Deputy Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 16 to that of Assistant Director (Civil Engineer), SGL 15 with effect from 1st January 2024.

Similarly, Engr. Samuel Nwokolobia was indicted for corruption, dishonesty, and failure to adhere to laid down procedure and also reduced in rank by one salary grade level from the post of Assistant Director (Civil Engineer) SGL 15 to that of Chief Civil Engineer, SGL 14 with effect from 1st January 2024.

The action of the Governor immediately sent shock waves across the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state government that the he will not spare erring officials. The action further demonstrates his resolve to wield the big stick against corruption and dishonesty when necessary.

During a recent inspection of road projects in Asaba, the state capital and its environs, Oborevwori personally caught some of the contractors napping. This  resulted in the cancellation of some of the contracts over shoddy work while others were punished for abandoning site.

As the inspection team comprising the Governor, Commissioners, Engineers and the State Press Corps drove round the sprawling Asaba metropolis and communities adjoining the state capital, some of the contractors who had abandoned their sites and others who merely showed their presence without adequate deployment to site quickly mobilised back to work.

Many traders and market women trooped out to cheer the Governor as he walked on foot to inspect street roads and other ongoing projects in the capital city.

Emotion ran high among the traders as the surging crowd called out his chieftaincy title of ‘Ukodo’,  translated to mean “There is enough for all”. Indeed, not a few Deltans are convinced that the Governor has enough infrastructure development for all.

As the inspection progressed, the Governor’s security team had a hectic time controlling the mammoth crowd that turned out to catch a glimpse of their leader. Oborevwori who intermittently waved back at the crowd with a broad smile had to caution his security details to allow the people enjoy the rare moment.

During his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Oborevwori promised to run an inclusive administration where the people will be the pivot of governance. Many residents in the state have commended him for adhering to this promise and they are happy.

To ensure the success of its people-centric policy, the state government recently opened a telephone hotline where Deltans can track official accountability and directly report contractors who are delivering  sub standard and poor projects in their communities.

Indeed, many Deltans agree that the administration is delivering good projects and infrastructure to every part of the state in equal measure without discrimination. 

Oborevwori has vowed that he is committed to specifically focusing his attention on Asaba, the state capital by transforming it to a modern city that every Nigerian would be happy to call a home.

For the year 2025, the administration appears to be more determined to deliver life- changing projects for the state ahead of the Governor’s second year anniversary on May 29, 2025.

Evidence of this renewed vigour to transform the state came during Oborevwori’s opening remarks at the maiden State Executive Council meeting for 2025 at the Exco Chamber in Government House on February 13, 2025. He had  revealed that the administration has lined up humongous projects across the three senatorial districts that will transform the entire landscape of the state.

To ensure success of the new plan, the Governor urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fastrack the process of awarding the projects in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E. agenda. 

Across the state, many projects have been delivered while others are at different stages of completion. Some ongoing road projects scheduled for delivery before May 2025 include the repairs of the Okirighwre-Benin road, construction of the Ughelli-Asaba expressway and the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road project in Aniocha North local government area. 

Others are Esezi road dualisation, Ayakoromo bridge and Trans-Warri roads and bridges. To combat flooding in Ugolo-Okpe, Okuokoko, Osubi and its environs, the administration has built storm drainages. It has also arrested flooding menace in Orerokpe, while construction work is ongoing in the Orerokpe – Okuloho – Oviri-Okpe – Aragba road.

Apparently determined to positively alter the development trajectory of the state, the Oborevwori administration, in its February exco meeting approved a whopping N275 billion for the implementation of infrastructure in the three senatorial districts.

Speaking to his cabinet during the meeting, Oborevwori said, “Today, Deltans will know that my administration is ready to do more for them. There are a lot we hope to achieve with today’s exco meeting because it promises to be the best exco meeting since our administration started.

“We are touching all the Senatorial districts and all local government areas have been carried along with the huge amounts we are spending this period.

“We are doing it so that the people will be happy and I want to advise the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to make sure they fast track the process of award of these contracts.

He added that “We are already in February; we just have few months to the rainy season and I believe that we will have a lot of projects for inauguration during our second year anniversary in office” .

Giving a breakdown of the projects, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Honourable Commissioner, Works (Rural) and Public Information said, “Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state.

Explaining the government’s effort in addressing housing deficit in the state,  Aniagwu disclosed that the state government had commenced the construction of 30 units of three bedrooms and 20 units of two bedrooms pilot phases in Ozoro, Kwale and Owa-Oyibu.

He said the exco also approved the remodelling of the Warri City Stadium, construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene road and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus.

Others are the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo; the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township roads (Phase II).

Also approved are the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road and the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba roads.

Aniagwu assured that these projects span different sectors targeted at giving value for money;  promoting urban renewal and making the cities much more liveable.

Also approved are the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road; the construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction.

Equally approved are the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, commended Governor Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects.

He stated that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration.

Izeze added that Governor Oborevwori had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8 billion previously owed on the Trans-Warri road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order, ISPO module.

Izeze disclosed that additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road.

The Commissioner noted that the exco considered and approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved.

The administration is also serious with agriculture. It is partnering with Afritropic, an Agriculture based Service Provider to build Greenhouses in farm settlements at Mbiri, Ika North East LGA, at Kpakiama, Bomadi LGA and Deghele, Sapele LGA. The scheme, Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS), a 2020 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan initiative, would engage 370,000 youth in agricultural production of 13 agricultural commodities. The state has also invested N1billion in counterpart funding in the partnership between Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) and Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA/NEPAD). 

As at December 2024, 203,204 persons have been empowered under the D-CARES scheme, 5,426 persons received cash grants under the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans and female entrepreneurs while 6,000 farmers were empowered with agricultural inputs to boost agricultural production in the state.

In the health sector, the state government recorded over two million Deltans in the state’s health insurance scheme. The considerable annual premium of N7000 which guarantees access to 560 public and private hospitals in the state is being applauded as a game-changer.

By July 2024, the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), has paid the bills of over 300 Cesarean Sections (CS) monthly at the cost of over N500,000.

In December 2024, Delta State won $400,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge. The award recognized the state’s efforts in improving primary healthcare. 

The award, given in recognition of Oborevwori’s health sector initiatives is further bolstered by the state’s recent approval to renovate over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) to deliver quality healthcare as first responders at the community level.

The state government, during its exco meeting in February approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100 million  to ensure sustainability of health coverage for Deltans.

Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the State Commissioner for Health disclosed that the Oborevwori administration recently approved the establishment of a Specialist Hospital at Osubi with Public Laboratory and Psychiatric Clinic; total rehabilitation of General Hospital, Ekpan and the completion of Library building at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara to boost admission intake for the university.

With these achievements, it did not come as a surprise as the apex Urhobo Cultural Organisation, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) inducted Oborevwori into its Hall of Fame. 

Many see this induction as an overwhelming endorsement and acceptance of the Governor who is one of their own for his sterling performance.

The icing on the cake was the award by THISDAY as Governor of the Year for his stewardship in Delta. “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was underrated,” said Chairman of THISDAY and ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

 “But in his 18 months in power he has not borrowed any cent from any bank and he keeps building infrastructure across the state.” In fact, to the doubters, including ‘those who may have underrated Oborevwori prior to 2023,’ 

As the Governor’s performance profile rises, political pundits in the state predict that his critics may be mourning and ruing their fate with their political future increasingly becoming doomed .

Some antagonists of Oborevwori who are scampering to find a strategic response to his popularity allege that the Governor concentrated more projects in the Delta central senatorial district where he comes from. They also accuse him of being too frugal and do not not give out free cash. 

The Governor has dismissed these claims but he previously acknowledged that the Delta central area, particularly Warri and its environs had for long been neglected in terms of good roads and other basic infrastructure. 

To address this challenge, he had to approve the creation of the Warri, Uvwie And Environs Special Area Development Agency ( WUEDA), to bridge the infrastructure deficit. 

While Oborevwori has seized every opportunity to assure Deltans that he remains committed to equal development of the state, current records of completed and ongoing projects and infrastructure shows that the Delta central area still lags behind.

For example, in Ndokwa nation, Oborevwori approved award of contracts for the construction no fewer than 15 km of roads.

Aniagwu who is from Delta North says “We have completed the Obi-Ibabu road which is over 4km awaiting inauguration, the Ndemili-Utagba Uno road and the Eweshi – Utagba-Uno roads.

“We have also awarded a road in Amai which has progressed to stone base; at Aboh in Ndokwa East, work is also ongoing. “The Beneku bridge has been completed and the Governor has also awarded the construction of Asaba – Ase bridge in Ndokwa East linking Uzere in Isoko South.”

Aniagwu disclosed that the State Government currently runs four public universities, adding that no state in the country could boast of a university in each of the Senatorial districts of the state.

Responding to allegations of being financially conservative, sources close to the Governor insists that his preference is to utilise the resources of the state to deliver democracy dividends and quality infrastructure to all.

But in spite his achievements, two prominent politicians in the state leads the pack in opposing the Oborevwori administration.

 Chief Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district who has since defected from the Governor’s party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is one of his hardline critic.

Nwoko claimed that he faced opposition from PDP leaders regarding his quest for the creation of Anioma State. In his words, “I left because I want to be able to get the support of the ruling party in the creation of Anioma state” 

The lawmaker further alleged that the Governor obstructed his efforts and refused to support key projects discussed during the election campaigns citing financial constraints.

But Nwoko’s allegations have since suffered haemorrhage of logic as his ambition for the creation of Anioma state was dismissed along with 34 similar requests by the House of Representatives for failing to meet constitutional threshold. 

The billionaire politician has also not succeeded in getting his new party to approve any significant federal projects for his constituency.

Nwoko also faced backlash from many Deltans who accused him of becoming a distraction to the state government and  reminded him to focus on his primary task of lawmaking.

In the case of former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege whom Oborevwori defeated in 21 out of 25 local governments in the last elections, not a few believe that his criticism of the Governor is borne out of bitterness over the loss of the election.

Omo-Agege had expressed frustration over the choice of Oborevwori as ThisDay Governor of the Year 2024. He took a jab at the award claiming he did not deserve it. 

For many Nigerians who are daily inundated with the achievements of the Governor, Omo-Agege’s belly-aching spews bitter venom over his current state of political hopelessness.

A few of the awards and recognition underscores the Oborevwori’s four star performance since he came to office. ThisDay/Arise Governor of the Year 2024 for Infrastructure development and prudent financial management, Merit Award in recognition for outstanding contributions to the educational sector by the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU Worldwide), in conjunction with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Others are the “Omorotomo of Urhoboland” by the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1 and induction into the Urhobo Hall of fame for Good Governance. There are many more and still counting.

Also, prominent Deltans and traditional rulers are queuing to support the transformation efforts of the Governor. His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri expressed confidence that the Governor has shown bold determination to rewrite Delta history, the respected monarch has said while evaluating Oborevwori’s performance.

“Deltans made the right choice in election of Oborevwori” another verdict by the Pere of Akugbene-Mien who is 1st Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council and King of Akugbene-Mien,

For HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII,  “the leadership style of Governor  Oborevwori had proved satisfactory two years after his election and Deltans made the right choice”

With more than two years left in his first tenure, it’s just about time for Oborevwori and his team to dance to the hit song by American R&B duo, McFadden & Whitehead, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” from their debut album McFadden & Whitehead (1979).

Indeed, Oborevwori, the home boy, can celebrate his achievements as he has surmounted all odds to  redefine good governance in Delta state.

By Fred Oscar

Against the backdrop of increasingly prominent global “aging and low fertility rates”, all nations—whether labeled as “developed countries”, “developing countries”, or “least-developed countries”—are confronting profound new challenges in demographic structural transformation. The Chinese government persistently implements macro-level population regulation and micro-level adjustments, adopting diversified policy instruments to steadily foster rational interregional population mobility and establish a new holistic demographic equilibrium. This has generated positive outcomes in building a nationally integrated population market with new-quality productive forces, manifesting as “regional equilibrium, talent circulation; economic complementarity, and local balance”.These efforts have significantly advanced both the macro-level establishment and micro-level innovations of China’s pan-territorial integrated economic mega-market.

However, in December last year, the Wall Street Journal, a so-called “mainstream media” in the United States, actually interviewed a “freelance photographer” named Li in Fushun City, Liaoning Province, mainland China. Regarding China’s family planning policy and the “urban pension problem” in recent years, especially the “local population natural decline problem” in some parts of China due to the adjustment of the overall industrial layout, the “colored eyes” and so-called “Western media perspective” of the Western media were used to disregarding the original truth of the interviewee’s real answers during the interview, and the interviewee’s overall family planning policy and urban pension status were “distorted” and “misinterpreted” through the so-called “data” cited. Such news and public opinion is contrary to the principle of authenticity of news media reports, causing great indignation and confusion among the interviewees!
Now, please join me in breaking the prejudice of the American and Western media with facts and expose the lies with ulterior motives.
China has adopted a proactive and prudent policy for “coordinating economic development with population regulation.”

As widely recognized, over the past decade, China has strategically advanced ‌Pan-Territorial Spatial Planning‌, implementing scientific layouts and region-specific development strategies. Landmark initiatives—including ‌Jing-Jin-Ji Integration‌, ‌Yangtze River Delta Economic Integration‌, ‌Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area‌, ‌Sichuan-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle‌, and ‌Grand Canal Economic Consortium‌—have achieved remarkable socioeconomic outcomes, effectively aligning demographic scales and talent quality with developmental demands. This exemplifies China’s distinct socialist population governance model, characterized by ‌“dynamic equilibrium in population stability, with complementary growth and decline”‌—a hallmark of its talent and demographic policies under socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Of course, not only for China, but also for all countries in the world – the deepening of aging and the continuous decline in fertility will bring all-round challenges to social and economic development. In order to actively respond to this complex situation, various provinces and cities in China have introduced a series of rich and diverse policies according to local conditions. While showing regional characteristics, they strive to solve the “low fertility issue” through diversified means and maintain the balance of the overall population ecology. It is completely correct to adopt an aging response strategy under regional characteristics in real development. China is a vast country, and there are significant differences in economic development level, population structure, cultural traditions and other aspects among different regions, which makes the policies of various provinces and cities to cope with aging present distinct regional diversity.

China’s vast territory sees rational population distribution and coordinated regional economic division of labor advancing appropriately across different regions.
Eastern China’s developed regions, such as the ‌Yangtze River Delta‌ and ‌Pearl River Delta‌, are actively exploring ‌smart elderly care models‌ by leveraging their strong economic foundations and advanced technological capabilities. As an international metropolis, ‌Shanghai‌ is not only vigorously developing a ‌high-end elderly care service industry‌ by integrating premium domestic and international resources but also refining its ‌points-based household registration system‌ to attract young talents, thereby revitalizing the regional demographic structure. Simultaneously, a series of ‌family-friendly policies‌—spanning childcare education to healthcare coverage—have been implemented to reduce the burden of child-rearing and enhance fertility motivation. In terms of regional coordination, the ‌Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region‌ is actively promoting collaborative elderly care development, dismantling administrative barriers to achieve resource sharing and optimized allocation.
As a region densely populated with large provinces, ‌Central China‌ prioritizes ‌family-based elderly care support‌ and the development of elderly care facilities. Henan Province‌ leverages its human resource strengths by introducing policies to guide the ‌reutilization of elderly human resources‌, encouraging healthy, younger seniors to participate in social production. In terms of fertility policies, provinces like ‌Hubei‌ optimize educational resource allocation and provide education subsidies to families with children, alleviating concerns about childcare costs and boosting fertility motivation.

Western China‌, characterized by its vast territory and uneven population distribution, prioritizes ‌balanced allocation of elderly care resources‌ across the region. Ethnic regions such as ‌Xinjiang‌ and ‌Tibet‌ formulate ‌culturally tailored elderly care policies‌ by integrating local ethnic traditions, embedding ethnic cultural elements into elderly care services. Meanwhile, during ecological migration initiatives, some regions emphasize ‌elderly resettlement programs‌ to ensure the quality of life for relocated seniors remains unaffected.

Northeast China‌, grappling with severe ‌population outflow‌ and an increasingly acute aging population, faces amplified challenges in sustaining its elderly care systems. Local governments actively implement policies to ‌attract return migration‌ and stabilize the ‌elderly care security system‌. Liaoning Province‌ drives the integration of elderly care industries with its ‌traditional industrial base transformation‌, fostering synergies to create new economic growth drivers. ‌Heilongjiang Province‌ incentivizes family fertility and expands population reserves through ‌housing and employment incentives‌ tailored to young families.

3. China implements diversified demographic policies to promote nationwide population-ecosystem equilibrium.
4. 
   Since China’s reform and opening-up, its ‌regional economic landscape‌ has undergone profound changes, with population mobility evolving into a multipolar “‌new migration phenomenon‌”. With over ‌600 national-level development zones‌ and ‌7,000 provincial/municipal-level zones‌, some regions have seen fundamental shifts in industrial structures. Notably, the natural migration patterns of younger populations differ fundamentally from urban-rural population distributions in other developed economies. Beyond regional distinctiveness, China’s aging policies emphasize ‌multidimensional strategies‌, spanning elderly care systems, social security, economic incentives, industrial development, and cultural/spiritual support.
5. 
   Provinces have implemented policies to regulate and subsidize ‌institutional elderly care‌, increasing funding for nursing home construction and operations. Concurrently, ‌community-based home care services‌ (e.g., door-to-door nursing, daytime support) are expanding nationwide. To address workforce shortages, provinces introduced ‌caregiver training and incentive programs‌ to improve salaries and social recognition for nursing staff.
6. 
   China’s ‌social security and welfare policies‌ underpin aging responses, with provinces enhancing pension systems and benefit levels to safeguard seniors’ livelihoods. Medical insurance reimbursement rates for seniors have risen universally to alleviate healthcare costs. Special assistance policies target vulnerable groups (e.g., childless elders, impoverished seniors), providing tailored support.
7. 
   Provinces like ‌Zhejiang‌ promote ‌elderly-centric industries‌ (e.g., senior product manufacturing, elderly tourism) as new economic drivers. Regions like ‌Shandong‌ encourage elderly employment/entrepreneurship through training and startup support for healthy seniors. Pilot programs like Shanghai’s ‌reverse mortgage insurance‌ expand seniors’ financial options.
   Cities like ‌Beijing‌ enrich seniors’ lives through expanded senior university programs and community cultural events. Hunan‌ prioritizes mental health services for seniors via dedicated support networks. Anhui‌ engages seniors in community governance, leveraging their expertise to foster social belonging.
8. 
   Facts speak louder than words. Global progress is inseparable from China, and vice versa. In building a global community of shared future, media practices that distort facts, manipulate narratives, or disregard interviewees’ authenticity violate the fundamental principle of ‌journalistic integrity‌. Such malpractice—rooted in unethical “pre-set agendas”—amounts to human rights violations and abuses of press freedom. Responsible media must rectify these actions immediately; otherwise, they risk global condemnation and irrelevance.

Fred Oscar is an international affairs analyst based in Pretoria, South Africa

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Contractor Mr. Emmanuel Otokpa who was allegedly given a contract worth N57 billion by Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), has made another startling revelation, alleging that he was advised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to settled with NPA late last year.

Mr. Otokpa who said he was given the contract through the office of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Barriester Abubakar Malami, SAN, also said he was in the Commission’s office Abuja with his lawyer Barrister Bola Aidi (SAN) & CO, and other lawyers.

He said during a press conference in Kaduna that he was invited by EFCC after submitting a written petition to the Commission over delay in releasing the contract award letter to him by NPA, adding that on basis of the invitation for settlement, Yakubu Hamza was ask to come to NPA in Lagos to collect the award letter since 2024, in vain.

According to him, the N57 billion contract was an in-house arrangement and was conducted in the office of AGF, Abubakar Malami who own the contract.

The contractor disclosed that he was recommended to the Minister Malami for the contract by two of his aides: Hon. Yakubu Hamza, the Personal Assistant (PA), and Nafiyu Yakubu Lugga, the Special Adviser (SA) who’s a lawyer by profession.

Mr. Otokpa who made the revelations while briefing journalists at a press conference in Kaduna stated that the contract process which commenced in 2022, through AGF office Abuja, has left him and his family dried and in abject poverty and hunger for selling off all his properties to raise money to process the contract in Lagos.

According to him, the contracts award team, conducted what he described as “In-house biding”, because it belonged to Minister Abubakar Malami, adding that costing was done and all other requirements necessary for the award were met and approved but the money was siphoned and could not get to the contractors till date.

He also disclosed that some of projects to be executed by companies under the contract are of immensed benefits especially the one of Kebbi state’s Arugungu college, Kaduna state university and others, but were not executed till date due to the alleged contract diversion and siphoning of the money.

Earlier, the contractor said the contract sum was reviewed down to N25 billion in 2024, under the current NPA Managing Director (MD) Alh. Dansofo Abubakar after pleading with the contractors via Yakubu Hamza, based on the advise by EFCC, following the petition written against them over delay in releasing the award letter.

“Although it was later review upward and increased to almost N30 billion after costing and payment of bill of quantity, but the contract award letter was not released to him officially hitherto”, according to Mr. Otokpa.

He narrated that “In 2022, the SA and the PA to AGF, to Abubakar Malami “Called and asked me to organize a construction company, so that they can give me a job from Nigeria Port Authority”.

“And I told him how sure are you. They say that it’s 100% sure, and
that the MD of NPA is from their states, in Kebbi and contract belong to Malami.

“And of course, based on what he told me, I swang into action and I selected the best companies for the job, because in the construction industry or in federal government procedure, there are some ethical requirements that must to be met, like tax compliance, before you can be given contracts. So I have to go and select the best company that have the highest requirements that have the bigger share capitals.

“And I brought the companies, they checked, verified and okay them. And they say before we beginning to move to NPA, I am going to do a contract bidding a procedure that must be done. And they told me that this one is in-house bidden because the contract belongs to the minister, Abubakar Malami, the former SGF, and i say that’s okay. That I am going to bring a N5 million as cost of the bidding process and others and i said okay to it but ask them to reduce it because I cannot go and tell the sub- contracting companies to bring money because in Nigeria today If you tell anyone go and bring money before anything come on board, they’ll begin to look at you somehow because a lot of companies have been bidding for a job and have not been getting them. So I say for that reason, bring it down so that I can be able to do so on behalf of the other companies first. By the time they begin to see the reality, they will begin to support.

“And I was asked to bring N1 million. That means you are the one that’s going to sponsor everything, they ask and i said okay, let me give one million. But I am giving you 500,000 first, when we go there, because I will pay the flight ticket, they say that I am the one that is going to take responsibility for everything. They said that I’ll also be give them money during the bidding process, for doing everything, and I say okay, no problem”, he narrated.

He also said that before they arrived Lagos he called one of the companies to pay the flight, and i booked Hotel, if anybody knows Lagos, where we lodged. That was in July 25th, and then the following day, the other contractors flew in from Port Harcourt and some of the states”.

According him, before the flight ticket to Lagos the former Justice minister, Malami gave them recommendations. “You can see his signature here, it was signed, and then we landed in Lagos. “When we landed in Lagos, the following day, some of the other contractors we met and then I introduced them to the NPA”.

“And then when we were at the NPA, they were happy that something is about coming to their table because they have been doing bidding

“We submitted acknowledgement to all the companies, you can see the original, the day we submitted these original acknowledgements
for the recommendation that the company took to Lagos. You can see it’s stamped, we acknowledged it.
“I told the company, I am not ready for this before but as you say i continue, I have no option than to begin to dip into my accounts and begin to go into it.”, he stated.

The contractor’s lawyer Bola Aidi (SAN) & CO, had earlier written a petition against the delay in releasing the contract award letter and two reminder but the letters yet the award letter was not released to his client Mr. Otokpa till date.

According to him, all the relevant government agencies including police, EFCC and anti-graft bodies were petition and copied but the NPA could not come out with any solutions on the contract letter of award.

He said, the manipulation became obvious to him, when one of the sub-contracting companies called and informed him that NPA has started releasing the award letter without him knowing.

“You know some of the sub-contractors have some people as insider that gives them information and I now call the Hon. Hamza Yakubu and told him they have started collecting the award later and I equally called the Nafiyu Yakubu Lugga, the senior SA to ex- AGF and told him too.

“And when he called the NPA they told the Yakubu Hamza and Yakubu now called me that
truly the award is ready
and that is going the following morning and that I should book flights and I booked for flight,
and I told him if he get to Lagos
the moment he collect the award letter he should let me know.

“He should send me a copy
of the award later so that I can be able to tell the companies, because at that time they out going government was close. So when he got to Lagos, when he collected the award later. I never knew that the SA to Malami Nafiyu Lugga told the PA not to tell me yet”, he said.

“I was in Abuja at that time when he came, then he went back to Zaria, from Zaria, they now ask him to bring the award later to Kano, when he got to Kano he now called me that he needed money. I say have you collect the award later, that was then he now told me yes but that Nafiyu Yakubu Lugga say he should bring the award later to Kano”, Otokpa said.

He said Malami’s wife took it personal when he brought into the contract matter, against the SA, and insisted the contract letter must be given to Mr. Otokpa but was later cautioned to stay away by a family members, as Otokpa threatened to take legal action if not given the letter.

He therefore called to the presidency and other relevant authorities to intervene in making sure the award letter is released and given to him to execute the contracts for the benefits of the Nigerians its meant for, saying is not out for antagonisms or fighting anyone. End

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare has joined other Ijaw leaders to mourn the death of their father and mentor Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

The renowned Nigerian statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) E. K. Clark passed away Monday at the ripe age of 97, according to a prominent family member Prof. C. C. Clark.

Prince Amgbare described the demise of the nonagenarian as a collosal loss not only to the peoples of the South-South geopolitical zone but also to the entire Nigerian State.

The NDBDA boss noted that the late elder statesman was a towering figure in both national and sub-national politics as he contributed immensely to the political development of the two spheres through the various significant positions he held.

He catalogued the various roles the deceased played while alive to include commissioner for education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, commissioner for finance and establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 to 1975, First Republic federal commissioner for information in 1975, member of Greater Nigeria Conference (GNC),
a pan-Nigeria dialogue organised by a global Igbo Think-Tank, Nzuko Umunna in 2022 in Abuja.

The late Clark was also an elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983.

Prince Amgbare further described Chief Clark as a foremost Ijaw leader given his full commitment to the emancipation of the Izons from economic and political oppression as well as his determined peace building efforts within the Niger Delta region.

The NDBDA chief recalled Clark’s recent effort towards reconciling Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his erstwhile political godfather and minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike by setting up a reconciliation committee headed by His Excellency Victor Attah via the PANDEF platform.

Late E. K. Clark was a famous lawyer, administrator, nationalist, freedom fighter and peace builder.

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, PRIFGLA and member Governing Council University of Uyo Akwa State, Pastor Reuben Wilson has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting empowerment initiatives in Bayelsa State, particularly those focused on women’s development.

This commitment was reiterated by Spokesman Frank Eseimokumo, National Director-General and of the Pastor Reuben Initiative, while representing Chief Pastor Reuben C. Wilson at the Sister to Sister Bayelsa State Chapter event.

The Sister to Sister NGO is dedicated to empowering women in society, aligning with the Pastor Reuben Initiative’s goals.

He pledged to partner with the NGO which consistently demonstrated his support for initiatives that promote the well-being and advancement of women in Bayelsa State.

He donated the sum of One million to the NGO as part of his commitment to advancing the interest and betterment of the women folks.

Through its partnership with the Sister to Sister Bayelsa State Chapter, the Pastor Reuben Initiative aims to foster a better society by promoting women’s empowerment and development.

This collaboration underscores the organization’s commitment to creating positive change in Bayelsa State and beyond.

By Joyce Babayeju

A condolence visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the politicians of turning a solemn occasion into a platform for political grandstanding.

Chief Edwin Clark, a revered Niger Delta leader and statesman, passed away last Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for justice, equity, and national development. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country. However, the visit by Atiku and El-Rufai to the Clark family on Friday has been described as disrespectful and self-serving.

During the visit, El-Rufai, known for his outspoken nature, diverted from the purpose of the condolence by praising Atiku’s role in the economic policies of the Obasanjo administration. “Nobody gives Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy-making under the Obasanjo administration. Many of the things we did, we did under his leadership… but people focus on the negatives,” El-Rufai said, drawing criticism for using the occasion to promote Atiku’s political credentials.

Atiku, who has yet to declare his intentions for the 2027 presidential election, remained silent during El-Rufai’s remarks, further fueling accusations that the visit was politically motivated.

The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a civil society group, condemned the incident in a statement, calling it a “betrayal of the values Chief Edwin Clark stood for.” The group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, described the behavior as “a stark reminder of the moral decay plaguing Nigeria’s political class.”

“This grotesque display of political grandstanding is not only a betrayal of the values Chief Edwin Clark stood for but also a slap in the face of the grieving family,” the statement read. “Atiku stood by silently as his acolyte turned a moment of mourning into a campaign spectacle. This act is a clear pointer to the depths to which some politicians will sink in their quest for power, even at the expense of basic human decency.”

The late Chief Edwin Clark was widely regarded as a man of integrity and a voice for the marginalized. His death was expected to be a time for reflection and unity, but the actions of Atiku and El-Rufai have overshadowed the occasion, drawing ire from Nigerians who view their behavior as disrespectful to the Clark family and the nation at large.

TAN called on Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
“We as a group, condemn this despicable act in the strongest possible terms. It is a betrayal of the trust the Nigerian people place in their leaders and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life and memory. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in denouncing this shameful behavior and to demand accountability from those who seek to lead us. A nation that does not honour its heroes in death is a nation that has lost its soul, and we cannot allow such a travesty to go uncondemned, the group declared.