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CHRISTMAS: Ogbimi, Ukodhiko, Eta Call for United Isoko Political Front

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Isoko Nation News
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By Kelvin Ohoror

Political leaders and stakeholders from Isoko Nation have called for unity and a common political direction as a pathway to progress and stronger representation at the state and national levels.

The call was made during a high-profile Christmas get-together hosted by the Chairman of the Governing Board of Delta State Trust Mortgage Bank and former member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Isoko North, Hon. (Dr.) Jude Ogbimi, at his residence in Otor-Igho.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ogbimi, in a remark titled “A United Front for Progress,” thanked the leaders and stakeholders who honoured his invitation. He described the Christmas season as a time for love, reconciliation, and brotherhood, and urged that these values should also reflect in the political affairs of Isoko Nation.

He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, calling on Isoko leaders to rally behind government-led initiatives that promote grassroots development, as preparations begin toward the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Ogbimi also commended the Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, and the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onajaeme, for their contributions to public service and development.

In his remarks, Rep. Ukodhiko appreciated Hon. Ogbimi for hosting the gathering and used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of political peace and unity among Isoko leaders. He stressed that a united political class is essential to advancing what he described as the “Isoko Project.”

The federal lawmaker noted that he has consistently advocated for purposeful unity among Isoko leaders and revealed that he has been working closely with prominent stakeholders, including High Chief Enahoro Eta, to achieve lasting political cohesion.

Rep. Ukodhiko, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, stated that his political philosophy is anchored on “Isoko First.” He clarified that his ambition has never been about personal leadership of Isoko politics, but about service, unity, and collective progress.

According to him, a united Isoko political class will better position the ethnic nationality for relevance and influence in both state and national politics.

Also speaking, Chief Enahoro Eta, MD/CEO of Skyward Nigeria Limited and the Iyasere of Oyede Kingdom, urged Isoko politicians to set aside personal ambitions and work together for the larger Isoko agenda. He warned that continued disunity would weaken Isoko’s political relevance, especially ahead of the 2027 and 2031 elections.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onajaeme; Chairman, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Paul Owhe; Executive Assistant to the Governor, Chief John Araka; Vice Chairperson, Isoko North Local Government Area, Dr. Evelyn Aluta; HRH Johnholt; and several other executive assistants to the governor, traditional leaders, and political stakeholders.

The gathering ended on a note of renewed commitment to unity, peace, and collective political advancement for Isoko Nation.

IDU Holds 2025 Annual Conference , Takes Strategic Decisions on Sustainable Development

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Michael Ilaya

The Isoko Ethnic Nationality umbrella body, the Isoko Development Union (IDU) has concluded its Annual Conference in IDU secretariat, Oleh Delta State, with a renewed advocacy for reshaping the Isoko political strategy on sustainable development of the Isoko Nation’s natural resources.

The Conference which brought together critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders and women groups reviewed and deliberated on the ways IDU could be funded sustainably, to surmount socio-economic challenges confronting the Union.

In his welcome address, the President General of IDU, Prof. Chris Akpotu, reflecting on the year under review, underscored the urgent need to commit commensurate plans, actions and perhaps mental energies towards understanding how financial, material and psycho social resources could be deployed to the development and management of the Isoko project.

The PG urged IDU stakeholders to show love towards the Union; stating that “the greatest love you show to Isoko today, is to join in the discussion of how the IDU can be funded sustainably to meet contemporary demands and the very essence of why it exists”, emphasizing that the Union is ‘Broke’.

He noted that looking forward to the growth and development of Isoko, “we must emphasize our political vision by ensuring strategic scrutiny of our political journey routinely.

“Our political participation must be fashioned and fabricated towards a common goal in the years ahead. The house must not be divided against itself else it crumbles. God forbid, we will be quick to say, but let’s use our behaviour and actions to achieve our desired results”.

Prof. Akpotu, expressing his concern over attempts by ‘brother berating brothers and sisters’, over quality service delivery and the rising political animosity profile in Isoko, urged IDU stakeholders to harness energies to lowering it down.

“Let’s get engaged in politics with honour, with a shared sense of it’s characteristic inclusivity and the renewed sense of communalism. What we need now is politics of cooperation across all differences with a clear demonstration of wisdom. Our virtue of courage, responsibility, restraint and discipline should count as our asset for sustainable political ventures”

Prof Akpotu expressed appreciation to formidable Isoko sons and daughters that are the frontliners to the development stride such as Engr. Nelson Onwo at NDDC, Senator Joel Onowakpor, Hon. Pastor Engr. Ukodhiko Jonathan among others for their support and thanked participants for contributing to the success of the conference.

He concluded by calling on leaders and stakeholders to support the growth of strong independent IDU as an ethnic nationality, noting that the Union is a platform vital for protecting the Isoko identity, resources and interests now and in the future.

Participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying practical solutions to the sustainable development and strengthening the role of the IDU as a body to deliver on its mandate.

Earlier, the member representing Isoko South Constituency 1, in the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, commended the leadership of the President General, Prof Chris Akpotu, saying that it has encouraged him to always be in attendance at the activities of the Union.

He also thanked immensely the Delta State Executive Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the sustainable peace existing in the state, stating that the Governor has consistently maintained zero tolerance for crime while he encouraged the youths to shun crime and keep pace with the considerable peace so far achieved across the state.

He however, gave highlights of his stewardship account cataloguing contracts he executed across the constituency including renovation of water schemes, provision of solar lights, building of blocks of classrooms, and construction of roads among which is the Igbide – Ehnwe road.

High point of the Conference was the inauguration of the Isoko Strategic Action Committee (ISAC) headed by Barr. Joe Arausi with a Co-Chairman of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro while Hon. Ferguson Onwo is to serve as Secretary 1 and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor as Secretary 2.

Other members are Chief (Mrs) Evelyn Aluta, Barr. Duncan Afahokor, Mrs Mini Igbrude, Barr. Vote Mukoro, the two Isoko Local Governments Chairmen – Hon. Friday Warri and Hon. Godwin Ogorugba.

The Conference attracted several prominent personalities, including Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. (Chief) Prosper Nwaguzo (BOT); Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, Isoko North LGA chairman, IDU Patron, Chief Ovririe, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, IDU Grand Patron, Barr. Vincent Omorie, Chief Mike Osige, Chief John Araka; Chief Gabriel Erueme, Clergymen – Bishops Ben Eghaire and Sam Oyede, ; IDU Branches Delegates, IDU Youth Wing President , Comr. Joel Emeni; Isoko Branches Council Members (IDC) and Vice Chairman, Isoko North LGA, Chief Mrs Evelyn Aluta, Chief Dan Odhomo, IDU Second Vice Chairman.

Others in attendance included IDU Youth Wing, IDU Women groups and stakeholders from across the country and in diaspora.

Maracana United FC Promotes Sustainable Peace in Uvwie LGA Through Annual Novelty Match

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Emeka Nwokocha

The Managers of a grassroots-based Maracana Football Club, Effurun, Delta State have been applauded for its unwavering commitment to using football competitions to promote unfettered unity among youths and sustainable peace in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Managers of the Football Club received the commendation, Saturday 20 December, 2025, during the club’s enthralling 2025 end of year novelty match between married and single members of the club which took place at the club’s stadium, behind Uvwie Modern Market, Ugbolokposo, Effurun and aimed to strengthen the bond of love and unity among the players and youths in Uvwie Local Government Area.

Speaking at the soccer event, the Patron of the club and Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), Amb. Edewor Egedegbe said that the initiative was geared towards promoting spirit of love, unity and sportsmanship among members of the football club and youths in Uvwie, which would subsequently cascade to the larger society.

Amb. Egedegbe noted that “football has become a money spinning venture and formidable tool for promoting peace and unity and socio-economic well-being of society.”

He called on sports administrators and heads of governments to fucus on developing grassroots football in order to discover talents that will represent the country in international competition, saying that “Warri and Uvwie are hubs of talented players waiting to be harnessed.”

Continuing, he charged youths of Uvwie to shun all forms of social vices and channel their energy, vibrancy and innovation into meaningful and productive ventures like football, other sports, and legitimate ventures.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the novelty match, Comrade Isreal Arigbe described the event as an initiative that demonstrates love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in Uvwie LGA.

He said, “This event is more than a football match; it is a celebration of unity, friendship and sheer commitment to promoting peace in Uvwie through sports. ”

He added, “Football is a unifying tool to promote peace, social cohesion; it’s a powerful platform that brings people together; it breaks ethnic, social, religious, and cultural barriers that hamper unity and weaken communal bonds.

“We are gathered at this football arena to reinforce that bond as one united family and indivisible people and community”.

Continuing, Comrade Isreal sincerely appreciated the contribution of Tantita Security Services towards societal development, and the leadership prowess of the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Ofoni which has significantly improved the economic and social well-being of the people of Uvwie in recent times.

He expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors of the soccer event, comprising Jolomi Global Services, Teddy Luxury, Lotorious Hotel, Silver Ofugara foundation, Uvwie United DC and Hapi International Global Service.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, commended the organisers of the competition, saying, “This initiative is a practical approach to promote lasting peace and unity among members of the football club, the youths and the larger society”.

He strongly emphasized his administration’s commitment to peace, and ensuring security of lives and property in and around Uvwie Local Government Area.

Hon. Ofoni highlighted his administration’s programmes and policies targeted at promoting peace and grassroots development, assuring he would support any initiatives aimed at sustaining the prevailing peace in Uvwie and socio-economic well-being of the people.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of the newly created Effurun Area command, ACP. Aliyu Shaba, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station, CSP Temi Agbede-Zuokumor, hailed the organisers of the soccer event for the brilliant initiative to promote peaceful through football competitions.

They expressed the need for a synergy between police and community leaders in order to curb crime in Uvwie LGA and sustain a peaceful society, noting that, “Communities thrive when there is a collaboration between community people and police in a manner that builds trust, which are core tenets of community policing.

The soccer event ended with both sides scoring one goal each, resulting in a tie.

Part of the activities that climaxed the Maracana United FC Annual Novelty Match was a visit to Great Kids Orphanage by members of the club, during which foodstuffs and toiletries were donated to the home for the upkeep of the children.

Other highpoint of the soccer event was presentation of award to personalities and institutions. The awardees include: Hon. Kelly Otuedor; Hon. Chief Solomon Igbrakpata; Hon. Chief Anthony Ofoni; Hon. Engr. Silver Ofugara; Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Teddy Luxury; Hapis International Global Nigeria Limited; Security Education Advocates; ACP. Aliyu Shaba; Mr. Smith Ovie Adohe; Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe; and the Disciplinary Committee – Uvwie United.

DONATION TO CHARITY: VISIT TO ORPHANAGE

Part of the activities that climaxed the Maracana United FC Annual Novelty Match was a visit to Great Kids Orphanage by members of the club, during which foodstuffs and toiletries were donated to the home for the upkeep of the children.

Isoko Youths Laud Otuaro Over Historic Inclusion in Amnesty Programme

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Kelvin Ohoror

Youths of Isoko Nation have commended the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, for what they described as a historic and unprecedented inclusion of Isoko youths in the Programme’s non-violent phase.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued on behalf of Isoko youths by the President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (Worldwide), Comrade Eniwake Orogun, in which the youths expressed profound gratitude to the PAP helmsman for his commitment to equity and fairness among ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

According to the statement, Isoko youths have, for the first time since the inception of the Amnesty Programme, been fully integrated into its non-violent component, with over 200 Isoko indigenes securing in-country scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Comrade Orogun, a former President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Benin, described the development as a major breakthrough, noting that similar opportunities had eluded Isoko youths despite years of sustained advocacy.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, long-standing imbalances have been corrected, and educational pathways that were previously inaccessible to our youths have now been opened,” the statement said.

The Isoko youths also lauded Engineer Ashakah Orobosa, whom they described as a proud son of Isoko, for his relentless advocacy and strategic engagement with the PAP leadership, which they said played a critical role in securing the scholarship opportunities.

They maintained that the combined efforts of Chief Otuaro and Engr. Orobosa have restored confidence in the Presidential Amnesty Programme as a veritable instrument for sustainable peace, human capital development and inclusive growth in the Niger Delta.

The youths further pledged their unwavering support for the PAP leadership and offered prayers for divine wisdom, strength and good health for Chief Otuaro as he continues to steer the affairs of the Programme.

“The Isoko youths remain solidly behind you. Thank you, Sir, for your transformative leadership,” the statement concluded.

JADA RIDE Company Opens Warri Office, Launch  JADA APP

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Michael Ekokoruwe

The management and staff of JADA RIDE Limited at the weekend, opened the Warri office and launched the JADA APP during the official opening ceremony of the company’s Warri office.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of JADA RIDE Limited, Mr. Ogochukwku Ojekudo stated that the company frowned at the unemployment situation in Nigeria and decided to create employment for the youth in the transportation sector of Nigeria economy to eradicate poverty.

According to Ogochukwu, the company’s main objective is to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians through investments with JADA RIDE Limited, where cars, keke and motorcycles are given out to drivers and riders on hired purchase system and investment.

He stated that the company offers 50 percent of interest on the amount invested, just as the payment of amount invested and the interest is segmented into per annual, six months, monthly and weekly returns on investment depending on clients preference of operation.

He explained that the minimum amount of investment is five hundred thousand Naira with 50 percent interest returns on investment per annual, is seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira.

Ogochukwu maintained that the money invested by clients is used for the purchase of cars, keke and motorcycle, adding that the items bought are given out to drivers and riders as hired purchase and the money paid back on daily and weekly payment arrangements.

According to Ogochukwu, every investment goes through a process of insurance and security screening, adding that the two guarantors required for driver’s and keke riders must be level 10 senior civil servants, just as the company verifies their position and head of department.

He noted that the hired purchase duration for the cars is a year and six months, keke is one year and three months, while motorcycles is one year of returns on investment, adding that the Warri office is the center for all transactions according to agreed documentation.

On JADA APP lunch, Ogochukwu said, the APP is for goods and services delivery through JADA RIDE Limited. He said, the APP is downloaded from the goggle play store, just as direction, request for keke and motorcycles parcel delivery services with motorbikes is through the APP.

He maintained that potential clients can open the JADA RIDE APP to make requests for cars, keke and motorcycles daily services.

He added that destination and time of use is programmed through the JADA APP for faster and easy access of request.

Ogochukwu urged Nigerians to patronize JADA RIDE Limited and wipe away poverty from the society, even as he assured that JADA RIDE is reliable, safe and secured. He said, the company’s Warri office official hours of operation are 8.am to 5.pm daily, from Monday to Saturday.

The high point of the event was the official opening of the Warri office by Chief Felix Uzor Obi for the JADA RIDE Limited and JADA APP operations.

Team Uvwie Clinch 5th Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Tournament Title

By
Isoko Nation News
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Team Uvwie on last Sunday emerged champions of the 2025 Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament after a thrilling final decided by penalties at the Osubi Airport Football Pitch.

Uvwie sealed the title following a dramatic comeback against Team Okpe in a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Trailing 2–0 at halftime, Team Uvwie displayed remarkable resilience in the second half, scoring two quick goals to draw level shortly before the end of regulation time.

With scores tied at full time, the keenly contested final went into a penalty shootout, where Team Uvwie held their nerve to secure victory and lift the coveted trophy.

As champions, Team Uvwie will go home with a princely sum of ₦15 million, while runners-up Team Okpe will receive ₦10 million. Ughelli North, who finished third, will pocket ₦5 million.

The annual tournament was sponsored by Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Care Foundation as part of efforts to promote grassroots football development and youth engagement across Delta Central.

Speaking at the event, the organiser described the competition as a growing platform that continues to add value to sports development in the state. He noted that the tournament, which has become an annual fixture, has recorded steady improvement over the years.

“This is an annual event and not the first edition. We started five years ago and this is the fifth edition. Last year was good, but this year is even better, and we are already looking forward to something bigger and better next year,” he said.

He added that Delta State remains a conducive and supportive environment for football competitions, stressing that the tournament was beneficial both to the state and the participating teams.

He told teams that did not make it to the final to remain focused and consistent, saying; “all the teams that participated gave their best, and I encourage them to do better next year. Next year is definitely going to be better”.

Beyond sports, he explained that the foundation driving the tournament is motivated by humanitarian concerns, adding that “the idea is born out of love and passion for our people to reach out to those in need, share love and offer support.”

He said that the foundation recently carried out cash empowerment for petty traders as part of its community support initiatives.

The colourful final attracted a massive crowd and was graced by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Keston Pondi; former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick; Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori; ex-Super Eagles stars Victor Ikpeba and Kanu Nwankwo, alongside top government officials, football stakeholders and thousands of sports enthusiasts.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of 10 vehicles to deserving Deltans including the most valuable player of the tournament, Arigbogha Emmanuel of team Okpe who got 2013 Toyota Corolla, by the Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Care Foundation.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presented the trophy to team Uvwie, while the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon Ejiro Waive, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor and Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, respectively, presented medals to three top teams in the 2025 tournament.

Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament has continued to grow in stature, serving as a veritable platform for discovering young talents while fostering unity, sportsmanship and youth development across the state.

Ovation As Oborevwori Drives Through DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction Flyovers

By
Isoko Nation News
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Residents, traders and motorists in Effurun and Warri trooped out in jubilation and to pour encomiums on the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, as he drove through the ongoing construction of DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction Flyovers and the reconstruction of a section of the Warri/Sapele/Benin Road.

Showering praises on the Governor who walked through Enerhen Junction, they described him as the people’s Governor who is doing wonders in the Warri/Effurun metropolis and other parts of the state.

While assuring Governor Oborevwori of their massive support and votes in 2027, they wished him God’s protection and guidance as he moves Delta State forward.

Fielding questions from journalists after the walk through at Enerhen Junction, an obviously elated Governor Sheriff expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the ongoing flyovers and road dualisation projects within the Warri and Effurun metropolis, saying the interventions would significantly ease traffic congestion and improve the quality of life of residents.

Governor Oborevwori said he had appealed to the construction firm, Julius Berger, to ensure temporary use of key sections of the flyovers during the Christmas and New Year festivities to reduce traffic congestion.

“I appealed to Julius Berger that because of Christmas and New Year, they should make sure that the flyovers are temporarily opened for use, because these areas are very important to the people,” the Governor said.

He acknowledged the difficulties residents had endured for over a year due to the construction works but said that the temporary opening of sections of the flyovers had already brought noticeable relief.

“I know what the people have gone through, and I feel their pain. But when there is pain, there will be enjoyment at the end of the project. The Warri and Effurun people are very happy as you can see,” he said.

Governor Oborevwori noted that one side of the Enerhen flyover was almost completed and put to temporary use, while both sides of the DSC flyover were also opened to traffic for the festive period, this is to ease the usual gridlock experienced in the area.

“Before now, Enerhen had become something else; but what we are seeing today is different. This is what we want to do for the people of Warri and Effurun,” he added.

Responding to questions on the overall progress of the flyover projects, the Governor expressed optimism that the three flyovers and the ongoing road dualisation would be completed during the dry season.

“You can see the work going on. By this dry season, they should be able to complete the three flyovers and the dualisation. Everything is going on well; there is nothing to worry about,” he said.

He commended Julius Berger for the quality of work, noting that only a few states in the country could engage the construction giant for such projects.

On his Christmas message to Deltans, Governor Oborevwori said, “there is peace everywhere. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all.

Gov.s Aide, Hon. Odogu Organizes Two Days Workshop for Community Leaders, Vigilantees in Isoko Nation on Protection of Government Facilities

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Kelvin Ohoror and Solomon Akora

The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Hon. Emakpor Odogu has organized a two days workshop for community leaders and vigilantees in Isoko nation on Protection of  Government Facilities with a theme: “The Role of Community Leaders in Isoko” at the ancient Ekpre Otobo hall, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

As the first of its kind, the workshop in Isoko was attended by five delegates each from all the clans in Isoko and Isoko communities in Ndokwa.

In an address delivered by the convener, Hon. Emakpor Odogu said that “the two days workshop on protection of government facilities: the role of community leaders is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development through his MORE AGENDA.

According to him, “the workshop is organized to explore ways to protect government facilities and promote socio-economic growth in Delta State”.

Hon. Odogu further said that, he recognize the critical roles community leaders play in safeguarding public assets and promoting development, noting that the presence of the community leaders is the demonstration of commitment to the noble cause of protecting government facilities.

He emphasized that, “as custodians of our collective heritage, community leaders are the bedrock upon which the edifice of our society is built”.

He admonished that, as custodians, “we should chart a course for a safer, more prosperous, and more resilient Delta State, where government facilities are cherished, protected and utilized for the benefit of all”.

Earlier, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development pay courtesy visit to some traditional rulers in Isoko, to hint them on the impending workshop at Ekpre Otobo hall.

Delivering his keynote lecture on the roles and responsibilities of communities in protecting government facilities, Prof. Chris Akpotu, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) said that, “community leaders as custodians of their communities have a unique position to influence and mobilize their people to safeguard public assets”.

He asserted that, community leaders and their followers should have a mental reconstruction by seeing government properties as their own properties, stating that public assets are stolen by people with that mental construct that, they are government properties.

Prof. Akpotu also advocated for a reward mechanism by the various organs of government for the vigilantees who have been safeguarding public assets without renumeration in various communities continuing that a reward system will motivate them to do more in protecting public assets.

Also, Chief Dr. Jimoh Eshenake in his lecture on the overview of government facilities in Delta State and their importance said that, government facilities are important because they support service delivery, create jobs, attract investment, maintain law and order, and improve quality of life.

Mr. Alex Sanco who also delivered a lecture on identifying and mitigating security risks to government facilities in Isoko nation stated that, community leaders must have integrity, vision, on how to put security structure in place to ensure government facilities in their area are protected.

He further emphasized that, the community leaders must work with the security agencies and trained those under them on how to safeguard government facilities.

Gov. Oborevwori Signs Into Law Delta’s N1.729 Trillion 2026 Budget

By
Isoko Nation News
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, signed the Delta State’s 2026 Appropriation bill of N1. 729 tagged “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” alongside three other key bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

The assent sets the stage for accelerated development, enhanced security and strengthened social welfare across the state.

The other three bills assented to are the Delta State Social Investment Programme Law, the Delta State Colleges of Education Law, 2025, and the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law, 2025.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the 2026 budget as “not just a budget of figures, but a budget of vision, action and expected deliverables for the next twelve months,” assuring that the state would hit the ground running in 2026 to accelerate development across key sectors.

The N1,729,881,208,779 budget represents an increase of over 70 per cent compared to the 2025 budget.

The Governor said the estimate, though ambitious, was achievable, with 70 per cent dedicated to capital expenditure and 30 per cent to recurrent spending, thus underscoring his administration’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth and sustainable development.

He noted that in 2025, the state intensified investments in infrastructure, security, fiscal discipline and revenue growth, leading to improved internally- generated revenue without imposing additional burdens on citizens.

According to him, the gains reflect the success of the administration’s reforms and its determination to continue strengthening the state’s economy.

Oborevwori explained that the three accompanying laws were designed to further reinforce social welfare, education and security in Delta State.

He said the Social Investment Programme Law provides a legal framework for equitable, grassroots-focused access to resources and services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, without discrimination.

He added that the Colleges of Education Law, 2025, standardises the operations of state-owned colleges, allowing them to award Nigerian Certificate in Education ( NCEs) and education degrees concurrently, and expands their capacity to train more qualified teachers.

The Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law, he said, strengthens the legal framework to combat terrorism, cultism and related crimes, aligning state laws with contemporary security realities.

The Governor commended the Speaker, leadership and members of the Delta State House of Assembly, as well as Clerk and staff of the House, for the timely passage of the budget and other bills, highlighting the strong synergy between the executive and the legislature.

He also thanked stakeholders, cabinet members, civil servants and citizens for their contributions, while wishing all Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Earlier, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the passage of the four bills followed rigorous legislative engagement, wide consultations and thorough scrutiny in line with the Assembly’s constitutional mandate.

Guwor explained that the Social Investment Programme Law institutionalises social intervention initiatives to protect vulnerable citizens and promote inclusive growth and social justice, while the Colleges of Education Law, 2025, establishes a uniform framework to enhance the quality and efficiency of teacher education and reduce disparities among state-owned colleges.

He added that the Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Law addresses emerging security challenges and corrects gaps in the principal legislation, including the omission of a clear definition of cultism.

On the Appropriation Law, 2026, the Speaker said the House scrutinised the budget sector- by -sector in line with the MORE Agenda before passing the N1.729 trillion estimate.

According to him, the assent to the bills further underscores the cordial and productive relationship between the legislature and the executive, driven by a shared vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Delta State, and will significantly advance good governance and socio-economic development in the state.

Elomaz Foundation gifts foodstuffs, toiletries to orphanage homes in Delta

By
Isoko Nation News
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By Kelvin Ohoror

Elomaz Foundation has donated food items to Aruka Peace International Foundation Orphanage, Ozoro, Ugholeh Orhpanage Home, Oleh, and Children Revolutionary Foundation Orhpanage Home, Irri, all in Isoko South and North Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Food items distributed to the orphanage homes were bags of rice, vegetable oil, palm oil, cartons of tomato paste, salt, garri, condiments, and other provisions.

Speaking to newsmen, the Secretary of the Foundation, Mrs Peace Akalekor, told journalists in Oleh during the distribution of the donated items that the gesture is to commemorate Christmas, New Year and as well as to support the orhpanage homes.

She added that “this year activities is earmarked for registered orphanage homes in Isoko nation to celebrate the Christmas and New Year.

“This gesture is done single-handedly by the founder of the foundation, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas”.

In his reaction, the Founder of the Children Revolutionary Centre, Rev. Great Abraham, said: “He has always come through for us any time we call upon him, he has been doing it consistently every year.

“We are grateful, he is a great man, who has been conscious of the less privileged children and he has never at any time abandoned them, he has always responded to us. We pray God Almighty will lift him higher”.

Appreciating the kind gesture, the Founder of Ugholeh Orphanage Home, Oleh, Mrs Queen James said: “This kind gesture is wonderful, heartwarming for us and the children. He is doing according to the word of God”.

“I pray that God Almighty will reward him abundantly for this great thing he has done”

On her part, the Founder of Aruka Peace Foundation, Rev. Mrs. Agbaka Aruka Peace, said: “This kind gesture from the founder of Elomaz Foundation is wonderful”.

She said that they have been leaving in a rented apartment for the past 10 years, but by the grace of God Almighty her husband bought a land for the orphanage home and started the project before he passed on last year.

She therefore appealed to Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas to come to their aid to speedily complete the project, as the rented apartment is too congested for the children.

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