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Ogbonge Park Records Accident-Free-Operations, Zero Death Between 2024-2026 – Management

By Kelvin Ogoure

In the past two years, Ogbonge Park, Ozoro has recorded zero motor accident and death

In a chat on 10th August, 2026, with the Press, Comr. Prince Dumez Ozahe, on behalf of the Park Chairman, Comr. Prince Dumez Ozah, attributed this smooth and orderly operations to the collaboration with the State Government, Local Government Chairman and the Monarch of Ozoro Kingdom during a chat on Monday, that have made the operations more less challenging.

Speaking further, Comr. Kuti said, the Park pays taxes to the State Government and Local Government every month, to ensure proper and free operations between Ozoro, Ugheli, and Warri axis.

The senior leader added that Road Safety Officials visits the park several times to educate the drivers on road safety measures, and responsible driving, which has contributed to the Park’s operations.

“Road Safety, they do come here from time-to-time to have lecture with all the drivers” he said.

He also explained that, such feat was made possible through regular safety talks given to drivers by him and other executive members at the park every week.

He said “we educate our drivers to apply safety measures, give them pep talks every week”.

He further stated that such talks are aimed at reminding drivers about the importance of safety and responsible driving.

POLITICAL DISCOURSE- ISOKO SOUTH CONST.2 , 2027: Choosing Between the Divide (Part 1)

By Emmanuel Ekebe

Few weeks ago, I did an incisive x-ray of the “jinx” bestriding the greatly endowed but deviously stunted Isoko South Constituency 2.

The Constituency is unique, loaded, blessed and very ranking in whatever political equation over time.

It has produced and still turning out eminent and gallant political big wigs whose anticidence or pedigree cannot be ignored.

Of course, professionals, business tycoons, educationists of repute and industrialists amongst other constituents who have made their marks far beyond the state are abound even at the global stage.

Against this back drop, my last write up on the emerging political struggle herein and affiliated intrigues had invoked a flury of reactions from far and wide.

Expectedly, some were good, others fair while others were sponsored syphotically repulsive without addressing the salient and germane issues thrown up for robust discuss or analysis.

All the same, the beat goes on as stakeholders and critical players in the determination of the fortune of the constituency get embroiled in the power struggle towards 2027.

Along the line, it is obvious that the tendency and penchant for personal interest, parochial stand point, executive backup, incumbency rascality coupled with razzmatised blitz tend to overwhelm equity, fairness, rationality, justice, balance and cohesion.

And as if latching onto PBAT’s postulation of ‘all is fair in politics’, the perpetrators all appear to have wool in their ears and perks in their eyes.

Nevertheless, the inimitable fact is that democracy is built on the pivot of the rule of law and justice and so, anything done outside the basic tenets and principles is superficial, absurd and voidable.

This not withstanding, political actors have not stopped circumventing the ground rules over time by truncating the will of the people with impunity with over dose of greed in their DNA.

Invariably, equity has been in chains in the constituency while fairness flew out of the window just as justice is gagged on the alter of political bravado.

However, change as they say is the only constant thing in life and so, now that the political tuff is getting some sanity, the votes are probably going to really count as it should be.

In effect, as the time continues to tick towards 2027, the choice before the people of Isoko South constituency 2 is a classical test case.

Should they go with the old order and pitch their tent with Ferguson on the porch of experience and incumbency or fly with Ogomudia Jnr on the wings of fresh hand resting on equity platform?

It is really a call for sober reflection, rumination and deep interrogation for a desicive assertion of the people’s will.

Who should be the best for the constituency? Do we remain in Egypt or turn our face to Cannan?

Which ever way, history and indeed posterity is still active and not only recording both the negative and positive players, but also in the know that infamy and desicration shall always have a market Day!

In signing out, let it be clearly stated that both top candidates on the platforms of APC and NDC have their strong and weak points just like every other contestant.

However, in the part two of this piece, I shall, God willing, do an informed dissection of a SWOT analysis on them as touch light on the way forward.

May God bless our land and guide us aright now and beyond.

SDU Sports Directorate Moves to Revive Students’ Interest in Sports

By Angela-Victor Eduvie

The Sports Directorate of Southern Delta University SDU, Ozoro, Delta State, has announced plans to improve students’ participation in sporting activities and take the university’s sports programme to a higher level .

Mr Armani Goodluck Ohwavworhua, the University’s Sports Coach, speaking to the press in an interview, on behalf of the Sports Director, Mr Sunday O.E. Inonoje stated that, the university management has been supportive of sports development, particularly through the provision of sporting facilities and equipment.

Speaking further, he identified students’ low participation as one of the major challenges facing sporting activities in the university.

He said that most students do not show enough interest in participating in sports.

Couch Armani disclosed that the university has made preparations to introduce more sporting activities, noting that the institution is now affiliated with the Nigeria University Games Association NUGA.

He also commended the university management for its support, particularly in terms of funding, noted that sporting activities were available to both male and female students.

The coach further stated that the safety and welfare of students during sporting activities were being given adequate attention by the sports Directorate, adding that the Sports Directorate was making efforts to encourage more students to participate in sporting activities.

He said the Directorate had met with the university management to include Sports Day in the school curriculum, to allow students to combine their academic activities with sporting activities.

He also disclosed that the university would organise inter-campus games as part of efforts to develop SDU’s sporting programme and take it to a higher level.

The Sports Directorate urged students to take advantage of the sporting opportunities available in the university and participate actively in sports.

Oleh Market Traders Raise Alarm Over Dilapidated Stores, Roof leakage

By Kelvin Ohoror  & Queen Oruremu

Traders of Oleh Market Lock Up Stores own by Isoko South Local Government Council have raised concerns over the deplorable condition of some of the stores, citing leaking roofs, damaged structures and lack of electricity as major challenges affecting their businesses.

During an interview at the market, many traders were reluctant to speak openly about the condition of the facilities, while some who agreed to speak requested anonymity, citing concerns about possible repercussions.

According to them, the Local Government is aware of the condition of the market, yet several traders have allegedly continued to suffer losses as a result of water leakage and the poor state of the buildings.

One of the sources, simply called Anthonia, recounted the experience of a woman whose goods were reportedly damaged after rainwater entered her store through a leaking section of the building.

The source further explained that traders often become apprehensive during the rainy season because of the fear that their goods could be destroyed by rainwater.

“During the rainy season, we always panic and pray for fair weather,” the source said.

Another source, named John, expressed concern over the alleged insistence by the Local Government on increasing the rent of the stores despite the financial difficulties faced by traders.

The traders also lamented the lack of electricity in the market, adding that there is no specific assurance as to when the affected structures would be renovated.

In the absence of adequate maintenance, some traders have reportedly resorted to using their personal money and equipment to repair damaged sections of their stores in order to protect their goods and continue their businesses.

Speaking on the condition of the market, the Secretary to the Local Government Council, Hon. Osuofa Eloho Aziakpono, said he was not aware of the reported deplorable condition of the locked-up stores.

He explained that the interview had brought the situation to his attention and said he would visit the market to personally assess the condition of the facilities.

The SLG, Hon. Aziakpono, however, did not give a specific timeline for the proposed inspection or indicate when renovation of the affected sections would commence.

The concerns raised by the traders have highlighted the challenges confronting businesses operating within the market, particularly during the rainy season, as they continue to call for attention to the condition of the facilities to prevent further losses.

Joel-Onowakpo Hails Oborevwori’s Unifying Leadership as Diden Withdraws Suit Against Senator

By Kelvin Ohoror

Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has commended Delta State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his efforts towards fostering unity and reconciliation within the party.

Joel-Onowakpo spoke against the backdrop of a reconciliation meeting with Hon. Prince Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, at Diden’s residence in Sapele.

The meeting, attended by senior APC leaders, government officials and stakeholders from across the senatorial district, culminated in Diden’s decision to withdraw the court case he instituted against the senator.

The development is regarded by party stakeholders as a major step towards strengthening cohesion within the APC in Delta South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those who participated in the reconciliation meeting were Senator Joel-Onowakpo; Delta South APC Chairman, Prince Emmam Amgbaduba; Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo; Chairman Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, chairmen of the eight local government areas in the senatorial district; and other party leaders.

The meeting was aimed at resolving outstanding differences, rebuilding trust and ensuring that members of the party work together towards a common political objective.

At the end of the meeting, Diden announced his decision to withdraw the suit against Senator Joel-Onowakpo and pledged his support, alongside his political associates and supporters, for the senator and the APC.

He also committed to working with other party stakeholders to strengthen the APC’s structures and mobilise support for its candidates in Delta South and across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, Joel-Onowakpo expressed appreciation to the party leaders and other stakeholders who facilitated the reconciliation, describing the outcome as a positive development for the APC.

The senator singled out Governor Oborevwori for commendation, saying the governor had demonstrated leadership, wisdom and commitment to building a united APC in Delta State.

He said the governor’s approach to party leadership had contributed to the restoration of peace among members and strengthened the prospects of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Joel-Onowakpo said, “I want to give special and heartfelt appreciation to our leader in Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.

“His Excellency has demonstrated uncommon leadership, wisdom and large-heartedness in uniting the APC family in Delta State.

“This peace we have achieved today is a reflection of his fatherly role and his genuine desire to build one strong, united APC that will deliver for all our candidates.”

He also commended Diden for what he described as his maturity and sportsmanship in choosing reconciliation and the interest of the party over personal differences.

According to him, Diden’s decision to withdraw the suit and support the party’s collective interest demonstrated his commitment to the progress of the APC.

Joel-Onowakpo assured Diden and his supporters that they would be fully integrated into the party, stressing that their participation would be important to strengthening the APC’s electoral machinery in Delta South.

“I assure him that he and his supporters will be fully integrated and respected. Together as one formidable family, we will work to deliver all our candidates in the forthcoming elections,” he said.

The reconciliation has been welcomed by APC stakeholders in Delta South, who described it as a significant development in the party’s efforts to consolidate its structures and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

They expressed optimism that the renewed cooperation among the party’s leaders and members would enhance its mobilisation efforts and boost the prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections

2026 SYNOD: Bishop Aruakpor charges Christians on Christ-Like Living

By Matthew Unyove

The Bishop of Diocese of Oleh, Anglican Communion, RT Rev’d John Aruakpor has called on Christians and all Nigerians to live a life of sacrifice ,dedication obedience ,faithfulness as exemplified by Christ which centred on God’s will.

Bishop Aruakpor gave the charge on Saturday at St Peter’s Anglican Church Enhwe, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, during the third session of the ninth Synod of Diocese of Oleh Anglican Communion .

The Clergy man admonished every believer to live a life “worthy of pleasing God and not merely legalism or religious performance rather , it is life lived in alignment with God’s nature, will and commands”.

RT Rev’d Aruakpor also challenged parents to inculcate good virtues like integrity ,faith and forgiveness in the life of their children and wards in order to affect our society positively.

He equally encouraged the youths who are the next generation of leaders for both the Church and the Nation to shun the appetite for pleasure which has escalated to terrifying and unimaginable levels.

On the State of the Nation and Delta State, the Bishop specifically noted with dismay the multifaceted security challenges confronting the Nation that have continued to negatively impact daily life and socio-economic activities.

According to him “the recurrent wave of violence and killings in many parts of the Country by agents of terror is a matter of concern.”

He therefore, called on governments at all levels to redouble their efforts in tackling insecurity; be it terrorism, banditry, farmers /herders conflict, kidnapping and all forms of violent crimes so as to promote food security in the country.

The Bishop however , commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms especially fuel subsidy removal, tax reform and Local Government autonomy amongst others adding that “yet we must also face the sobering reality that serious concerns remain unresolved.”

He also appreciated Distinguished Senator Joel Onowakpor Thomas, for sponsoring many bills including the bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Oleh in Isoko South Local Government of Delta State.

Going forward, Bishop Aruakpor lend his voice on other government policies and programmes such as the state police, Regionalization , prohibition of preaching in Commercial Buses, Electricity issues, independence of INEC and the 2027 general elections which he urged the to government to up their game with the view of sustaining its developmental agenda.
Similarly, he charged Christians to recognize the fact that elections and politicking should not be left in the hands of the ungodly people but people with integrity,wisdom,honesty and respect for the rule of law.

In the same vein, Bishop Aruakpor paid glowing tributes to RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State for massive developmental projects going on across the state and urged him to sustain the tempo in order to finish strong.

He also disclosed that the proposed Mary-Martha University would commence academic activities in 2027 with two faculties of management science and computing and subsequently in 2028,three more faculties of Agriculture, Education and Mass communication will be added.

The ninth Synod was attended by personalities drawn from across the state and the Nation at large including RT Revd Benjamin Idume, Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, RT Rev’d Benjamin Emamezi, retired Bishop, Patani Diocese, Comrade Ovuzorie Macaulay ,Professor Chris Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union,Bishop Ben Eghaire, Rev’d D T M Avae, Chairman of CAN , Isoko South, Clergies and a host of other personalities.

ANGLICAN SYNOD: Aruakpor Urges Leaders , Government to Priotise Welfare of Citizen as Benchmark of Governance

By Michael Ilaya

Bishop, Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. John Usiwoma Aruakpor, has called on leaders and government to be specific and priotise the welfare of the common citizens as the ultimate benchmark of governance even as we approach the 2027 election.

The Bishop charged the christians not to leave politicking in the hands of the ungodly, but to be decisive on who controls the affairs of lives as the future of a country depends not only on those who seek public offices, but also on the integrity, wisdom, and a responsibility of every citizen even as we approach the 2027 election.

Bishop Aruakpor gave the advice while deliverying the Bishop’s Charge at the Third Session of the 9th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Oleh held Saturday 15, August, 2026 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Enhwe, Isoko South LGA,Delta State.

He urged christians to intensify prayers to help rebuild the nation’s social fabric amid growing moral decadence and insecurity in the country.

He lamented the persisting insecurity challenges confronting the country that have devalued human life including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent attacks on communities, communal conflicts, and other forms of criminalities bedeviling the country and have claimed many lives, displaced many and hindering national development.

Reflecting further on the current state of the nation, relating to State Police, the Rt. Revd. Aruakpor said the Church supports the establishment of State Police as a means to further strengthen the security architecture of the country.

According to him, it will bring security to the grassroot, but advised that it must be established with effective constitutional provision to forestall political abuse, ethnic bias, intimidation of dissenting voices to the government in power, and violation of human rights.

Bishop Aruakpor who empathize and mourn with all who lost loved ones, appealed to government at all levels and particularly the security agencies to summon the political will to step up the fight against the hydra-headed monster.
“We as a church believe that the Nation has what it takes to track the sponsors, perpetrators and surmount the security challenges and bring back normalcy to our beloved country”.

He therefore, entreat all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations to reject violence, promote peaceful co-existence and work together for national unity and development of the country.

Bishop Aruakpor also paid glowing tributes to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas who as a first timer, has been able to sponsor the Federal Medical Center, Oleh bill which the National Assembly passed for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre and thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for accenting to the bill, noting that, unmistakably it will be the first federal presence in Isoko land, aside police stations.

On the State of Delta State, Bishop Aruakpor commended the Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for the speed which the School of Health Technology, Ovrode is being handled, making it almost set for commissioning and also thanked him for revisiting the Technical College project at Irri.

He then called for the Industrialization of Delta State, stating that, the State is so blessed with rich human and natural resources that can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities through deliberate industrialization which will go on to create job opportunities to empower the growing young population and reduce poverty level.
Bishop Aruakpor equally called on Isoko youths to recant their steps and once again embrace the Light of God- in Christ, stating that in a world full of darkness, they need this light to go through it, to avoid stumbling. The future of the land lies on a generation that fears God.

Aruakpor expressed concern over the proposed prohibition of preaching in commercial buses by the government of President Tinubu as direct affront on the church, noting that”Whereas we are aware of the provision of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion and expression, the current move can be said to be infringing on Christians’ freedom and ultimately breach of the constitution of the country’.

Dignitaries in attendance at the event drawn from across the state and the nation at large include Rt. Revd Benjamin Idume, Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Emamezi, retired Bishop, Patani Diocese, Comrade Ovuzorie Macaulay, former SSG, Prof. Chris Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Bishop Ben Eghaire, Rev’d DMT Avae, Chairman of CAN , Isoko South, Clergies and a host of others.

SDU VC, Prof. Awhefeada Lauds Gov. Oborevwori for Providing Two Brand New Buses

By Our Reporter 

The Vice Chancellor of the Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada and his Management team have lauded the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, for the provision of two brand-new 32-seater Coaster and 18-seater buses to the Orerokpe Campus of the University.

The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerowho Tonukari, made the presentation of the two buses at the Orerokpe Campus of the Southern Delta University on Wednesday 12 August, 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, represented by the Provost, Orerokpe Campus Prof. Akpovughaye Taiga, when taking delivery of the buses on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, noted that the gesture will significantly enhance mobility, operational efficiency and supportive of the SDU’s vision of becoming a distinctive and globally competitive institution.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to supporting the university and its leadership, adding that “Management, staff, students and the entire University community warmly appreciate Governor Oborevwori for this laudable intervention, which reflects his administration’s commitment to the MORE Agenda, particularly in education, infrastructure and staff welfare”.

“Southern Delta University says THANK YOU, Your Excellency, for investing in education and the future of Delta State”

Obiodeh Foundation Unveils N10m Empowerment Programme to Mark Founder’s Birthday

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Goodnews Emamusi Obiodeh Foundation has unveiled a N10 million empowerment programme to mark the 2026 birthday of its founder, Delta State Commissioner for Lands and Surveys, Chief Goodnews Emamusi Obiodeh.

The programme, scheduled to coincide with Obiodeh’s birthday on August 15, is designed to provide financial assistance and support to youths, vulnerable elderly persons, orphans, persons with disabilities and small business owners across Isoko South and Isoko North Local Government Areas.

The foundation, in a statement signed by Marvins Obibi on behalf of its management, said the initiative was conceived to align the birthday celebration with its commitment to improving the lives of people in the community.

It said the programme was also in line with the second plank of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, Opportunities for All, which focuses on creating avenues for citizens to improve their livelihoods.

Under the Youth Skill Empowerment component, financial support will be provided to youths from Isoko South and Isoko North who are undergoing verifiable skills acquisition or trade programmes.

The foundation will also provide financial assistance to elderly men and women who have no children to care for them, as part of its Elderly Care Support initiative.

Similarly, the Orphanages and Disability Aid component will support orphanages, persons living with disabilities and individuals requiring prescription drugs but unable to afford them.

The fourth component, Small Business Boost, will provide financial support to entrepreneurs with existing businesses, with one beneficiary expected to be selected from each ward in Isoko South.

The foundation called on members of the public to nominate deserving beneficiaries, urging nominators to clearly indicate the relevant category and provide adequate particulars to facilitate verification.

It said a committee comprising credible members of the forum would select beneficiaries based on fairness, transparency and the potential for maximum community impact.

The foundation said the initiative was intended to make the commissioner’s birthday a celebration of service and community development rather than a personal affair.

“Together, let us make this birthday celebration not just about one person, but about transforming lives across Isoko,” the statement said.

UZERE WELL 14 TRAGEDY: Averting Looming Tremor (1)

By Emmanuel Ekebe

For over five weeks now , the spill from the blowout well 14 in Uzere has continued to run non-stop while the hyped foreign experts who arrived last week are yet to abate the situation.

In effect, it has been much talk and less work and the bastardization of the Uzere environment continues day – in – day out.

To compound the disaster, the rains are getting heavier just as the rising flood keep washing the gushing spill further into farmlands, fish ponds, creeks and the entire ecosystem in the area.

Even the trucks engaged by Heritage Energy to evacuate the spilling crude are also helping to visit their own quota of pollution into the environment.

However, most devastating is the fact that while the crude, sludge, condensate, mud and other visible impurities are being labourously trucked out, gaseous emissions accompanying the spill are evaporating into the air thereby exposing the inhabitants to constantly inhale poisonous and cancerous substances daily.

This is in addition to the imaginable heavy underground sippage causing monumental damage to the various water layers in and around the Uzere community.

Above all, the most disturbing of all the fall out of the well 14 tragedy is that Uzere is in the verge of a large scale earth tremour if the ongoing eruption is not quickly checked.

According to experienced geologists and petroleum engineers, “the seismographic architecture of fosils/ hydrocarbon deposits do occupy specific spaces at various strata far below the earth surface”.

They informed that “when this structure and layers of mineral deposits is charged due to intense pressure or forced shift, it can lead to a blow out as we have now and can cause a large degree of tremor”

The collated experts view indicate that the eruption has invariably distorted the existing outlay seriously and in adjusting to the created vacuum, there are strong indications that Uzere is likely to witness either multiple tremors, vibrations or more similar blowouts amongst other seismographic manifestations “.

Ironically, in the midst of all these emerging threats, the two Uzere oil fields are still running smoothly with gas flaring going on round the clock and neither the Governor of Delta state nor the Minister of Petroleum have deemed it necessary to visit the Uzere people from whom much is being taken but now facing imminent extinction due to no fault of their own.

May the agony of the Uzere not be in vain!

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