Just In: Oborevwori Appoints Amb. Agbolaya, Five More Special Advisers

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has approved the appointment of the following persons as Special Advisers:

1. Hon George Oyefia

2. Mr Johnbull Edema

3. Hon Matthew Opuoru

4. Hon Ramsey Onoyake

5. Amb.Dr. Toyin Agbolayah

6. Chief Jite Brown

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, the date for the swearing-in of the new Special Advisers will be announced in due course.

Governor Oborevwori sends list of 6 commissioner-nominees to Delta  Assembly

Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori nominates the following persons as Commissioners & Members of the Delta State Executive Council:

1. Barr Val Areyinka

2. Hon Peter Oviejitobor

3. Barr Harry Thankgod Trakiriowei

4. Ebikeme Clark

5. Sunday Tatabuzor

6. Okocha Benjamin

Ossai Ovie Success

Edo women call Obaseki’s development effort a profound failure

· Say Okpebholo will stop bad leadership

· Declare APC governorship candidate moral model

· Vow to deliver Edo State to APC

Edo State Women on Monday assessed the seven and half years of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state, saying the ruling party had failed.

‘’A new type of leadership is needed in Edo State. Everything is going Monday Okpebholo’s way. We are standing by him as the state’s best choice to remove the PDP from Edo State Government House’’.

They also expressed joy about Okpebholo’s honesty and ability to govern Edo State.

‘’Monday Okpebholo is the best man for the job. He is on track to win the September 21 governorship election — and maybe win it by a landslide”

The women spoke about what Governor Godwin Obaseki did and the danger of electing PDP again in Edo State.

‘’We don’t want another transactional leader in Edo State. Godwin Obaseki lost sight of the ideals of good governance. Monday Okpebholo is willing and ready to return Edo State to the path of greatness and recover the lost years’’

At a joint meeting of League of Women Voters in Edo State (LOWVIES), Edo Women’s Justice Network (EWJN) and Benin Women’s Forum (BWF) in Benin, the women scored the Obaseki led PDP government low in health, education, agriculture, energy and electricity.

‘’Generally, Edo people are disappointed. The state infrastructure is in disrepair. The governor is a man in decline and has lost his political pull in the state’’.

They accused the governor of harming ethnic and religious harmony in the state, isolating himself from the grassroots and turning a blind eye to the suffering of the people.

The women aired their views on the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

‘’The challenges facing Edo State now require a leader of a different mould. It requires dynamism, broadness and fresh perspective to the challenges of development’’

They vowed to stop the legacy of mismanagement in the state.

‘’We are going to show our true mettle in September. We don’t need a pompous know-it-all or a political charlatan as the next governor of Edo State’’

Chairperson of League of Women Voters in Edo State (LOWVIES), Mrs. Doris Idahosa in a statement hours after the meeting described the APC gubernatorial candidate as a charismatic leader with a strong moral belief of how things should be.

“Monday Okpebholo is the perfect person for the governorship job. He represents a moving target determined to push the frontiers of excellence in both the rural and urban areas. The APC candidate is brilliant, accessible and will make the difference in the politics and development of the state” they said.

The women praised Edo youths for the decreasing level of tolerance for poor performance by PDP elected and appointed officials in the state.

“Monday Okpebholo is a large-hearted philanthropist, a reputable humanist and a God-fearing individual. He has the capacity to drive the state in the direction that we want it. So, he is just the natural choice of the people”

The statement also underscored Okpebholo’s performance and leadership qualities.

“The APC governorship candidate is a man of action and few words. He believes in performance and has been tested and proven over the years. His track records speak for him, he doesn’t believe in talking too much”

The women commended the youths and traditional rulers in the state for supporting the gubernatorial ambition of the APC candidate.

The women said Okpebholo would empower the people, improve the business environment and uphold the values of communal harmony that make Edo State a unique model for us all.

“Monday Okpebholo is a very thorough man with deep religious values. He will ensure the unity of the state, drive productivity and growth, raise the standard of living in the state and improve the lot of everyone. He will lead the state to the next level, run an open government with accountability standards, upgrade existing roads, and ensure that all roads in the state have adequate drainage systems to aggressively check the menace of flooding and erosion’’.

‘’Monday Okpebholo will ensure lasting peace through security and good governance, decent education, adequate medical care and affordable housing. Agriculture will witness a turn around. Youth employment and women empowerment will be given attention. Rapid results will be achieved in the economic sector” the statement added.

We Owe the Victory to Our Coaches, Osun Babes Handball Club Team Captain, Babasanmi

The National Division One League’s female category kicked off in grand style in Benin City, Edo State, with the Osun Babes Handball Club making a powerful statement by defeating Mindscope Academy. The Omoluabi Girls showed their determination as they hope to secure a promotion ticket to the top-tier handball league with an impressive performance on the first day of the league, which commenced on Monday, July 15, 2024.

In the intense match, Osun Babes Handball Team emerged victorious with a 19-15 win over Mindscope Handball Academy, Sango Otta, Ogun State, in the women’s category of the National Division One League. The captain of the team, Faith Babasanmi, expressed her joy and attributed the victory to the tactical brilliance of their coaches.

“We owe this victory to our coaches, Coach Taiwo Joshua Aogo and his assistants, Coach Richard Albert and Coach Esan Oluwaseun,” Faith stated to pressmen after the hard-fought victory. “We defeated them with the tactics our coaches employed. Our coaches read the game well and gave us the strategies to win.”

Faith also praised her teammates for their commendable efforts in securing the victory. “My teammates fought well and deserved this victory. Everyone did a very great job,” she added.

The Osun Babes Handball Club has set the tone for their campaign with this remarkable victory, demonstrating their potential and ambition to rise to the top tier of the handball league in Nigeria. The team’s performance in Benin City is a promising start as they continue their journey in the National Division One League.

Edo APC planning to reduce minimum wage, inflict suffering, hardship on Edo people if elected, Nehikhare; alleges 

**As Osagie says Govt will not tolerate attacks on the judiciary

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare has said the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate, Monday Okebholo will reduce the minimum wage of workers and inflict more suffering and hardship on the people of the State if given a chance at the governorship seat.

Nehikhare who spoke while briefing journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, urged Edo people to reject the APC and its candidate at the poll on September 21, 2024, so that they don’t actualize their plans of doubling the pains and hardship faced by the people already perpetuated by the party at the national level.

He said, “APC has ruined the Nigerian economy, and the Edo State people need to be on the alert because if the party is voted into power in the State, they will have the same economy as the Nigerian economy.

“Their candidate is boasting that he doesn’t know how Governor Godwin Obaseki is paying the minimum wage of N70,000 and hopes the Federal Government doesn’t go above N50,000. He plans that if he wins and the Federal Government works around N50,000 as the minimum wage, he will reduce the minimum wage of the State from N70,000 to N50,000.”

The Commissioner continued: “As a party, we condemn this thought and as a candidate, he should come out and deny it. He should come out to tell us how he plans to sustain the minimum wage that the State Government is paying and also that of the pensioners which the Edo State Government is paying as and when due as well as the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme with over 350,000 subscribers as of today.”

Noting that the APC candidate is incompetent and without the knowledge on to lead a sophisticated State like Edo on the path of development, Nehikhare further stated, “This is election season and we all belong to one political party or the other. The three political parties have their own candidates but it’s two political parties that have been campaigning across Edo State and unfortunately, the third party which is the major opposition party, the APC, is parading a candidate that has been described by some of their members as a mute candidate.

“That description is very apt because as we speak today, I don’t think any of us has heard him speak on any policy direction or pathway to prosperity or his party manifesto.

“When we look at this deeper, you discover that it’s not peculiar to him but the party he belongs to, the APC which is now a bad dream. They were elected at the national level and have caused great damage to the Nigerian economy.”

Speaking on ongoing projects by the State Government, the Commissioner added, “Government is reconstructing and constructing new roads at Uwelu and Adolor, among other projects as well as tackling the erosion issue in the State. The government has been strategic right from day one, doing all to ensure Edo people have the best. We want a peaceful Edo.”

On his part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie said the State Government has uncovered plans by some unscrupulous elements to attack the judiciary, warning that the government will not tolerate such illegal acts.

He said, “We have gathered intelligent reports and have uncovered plans by some unscrupulous politicians from the Labour Party and the APC who are sponsoring an attack on the judiciary, and the Government will not allow it.

“The judiciary will be protected by security agencies. Government will spare no effort to ensure that the plan against the judiciary will not stand.”

He urged parents to be on alert so that these people will not put the lives of their children in danger, adding, “It is disheartening to hear that a society which we have all sat down to build, certain politicians from APC and the Labour Party are now instigating Edo people against normal judicial processes.

“Edo State Government will not tolerate it as the government will not allow or tolerate any group to gather or match towards the Court House to intimidate Judges and lawyers.”

He restated, “Things are hard as the APC is making life difficult for the people and we don’t want the suffering to be reinforced in Edo State. Edo people should not allow APC to bring the crisis at the national level here and as such we call on the people of the State to vote for the PDP to ensure the sustainability of the developmental strides of Governor Godwin Obaseki.”

Your emergence speaks of your acceptability, PDP dominance in Warri South, Amb. Agbolaya hails Agbateyiniro

By: Ella Akpa 

An immediate past aspirant into the Chairmanship race for Warri-South Local Government Council seat and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP says the smooth emergence of the newly elected Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area Council in the just concluded Delta Local Government Councils polls speaks of great volume and general acceptability of Hon. Comrade Agbateyiniro and the PDP.

Dr. Agbolaya who joined thousands of residents in casting his ballot, hailed the transparent and peaceful conduct of the excervise which produced Comrade Agbateyiniro and the Vice Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Edafiajebre as well as the entre 20 DSIEC Wards Councillors in the LGA. He appreciated Party supporters and security agencies for their natured and professional conduct during and after the election.

The Warri South PDP chieftain on behalf of Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya Political family expressed strong support for the Comrade Agbateyiniro led administration’s success in piloting the affairs of Warri South Council.

Dr Agbolaya prayed for God divine Wisdom to be upon the new Warri South Chairman Hon. Agbateyiniro and the in coming executive of Warri South Local Government Area Council.

Ereyitomi congratulates Agbateyiniro, Ashima, Oromoni on successful election, swearing in as Warri Councils Chairmen

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has congratulated the newly elected and sworn in Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area Council, Hon.Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro his counterpart in Warri North, Hon. Festus Ashima and Warri South-West, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni on their successful election and swearing in.

Chief Ereyitomi while congratulating the three Warri Councils Chairmen Monday July 15, commended the Delta State Governor Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, voters and DSIEC for free, fair and credible election at the Saturday July 13 polls, calling on others to give the elected Chairman the needed support to succeed.

The Federal lawmaker urged the newly sworn in Chairman to run inclusive governance, carry out rapid development programmes in order to boost economic activities at the three Warri LGAs as well reposition good governance at the grassroots.

Chief Ereyitomi assured Hon. Agbateyiniro, Hon. Ashima and Hon. Oromoni of support, he once again extended his felicitations to them.

NBA General Election: Udu Branch adopts Osigwe, Ayewa as its Presidential, and Assistant Publicity Secretary candidates

By Akpokona Omafuaire

-Ahead of the Nigerian Bar Association General Election, the Udu Branch on Sunday 14th July, 2024 in their monthly general meeting, adopted Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN and Lawrence Ayewa, Esq as its Presidential and Assistant Publicity Secretary candidates respectively.

The adoption of the Presidential candidate was sequel to a motion moved by Esiri Jaho, Esq which was seconded by C.D.S Omon-Irabor, Esq.

Earlier, in a motion moved by Patrick Mekako, Esq and seconded by Ese Evbierhurhoma, Esq, the branch adopted Lawrence Ayewa, Esq as its Assistant Publicity Secretary candidate.

Udu Branch then call on her members to massively mobilise and vote for the adopted candidates in the forthcoming NBA National election.

In his speech, John E. Odohisi, Esq, Chairman of the Branch noted that Osigwe has distinguished himself in the legal practice and as a cerebral leader he will take NBA to an enviable height.

Odohisi also extolled the virtue of Ayewa who had served Udu Branch as Secretary and was boastful of the abilities and qualities he will bring to bear at the National level.

According to him, “Osigwe has proven to be a special leader by his association with the Branch, we know he will take NBA to greater heights, we have adopted him as our candidate”.

“Ayewa having served Udu branch in different capacities will definitely add flavour and experience to service at the National. We want everyone to vote for him.” He added.

Arts Council Boss, Labo Congratulates Dagidi On Election As Bomadi Chairman

** Lauds Oborevwori, Leadership of PDP, Entire Bomadi People For Supporting Andaye Dagidi Project

The Chairman of the Delta State Arts Council, Mr Pius Labo has hailed the emergence of Hon Andaye Dagidi as the chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area of the State.

In a Press Statement, Mr Pius Labo while felicitating with Dagidi on his victory at the Saturday, July 13th, 2024 local polls, described it as a well deserved victory.

He said that; “I wish to heartily congratulate Hon Andaye Dagidi on his well deserved victory as the chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area in the just concluded local government elections in the state. Your emergence as the chairman is a victory for all the people of Bomadi Local Government Area and never came to me as a surprise’.

“As a grassroots politician and man of the people, I know that you are going to bring your wealth of experience to bear in piloting the affairs of our great local government area. I do not have any doubt in my mind about your ability and capacity to move Bomadi Local Government Area to the next level”, he said.

He further said that; “I want to appeal to the good people of Bomadi Local Government Area to give the new council boss the needed support in order for him to spread development to all parts of the local government area. He is not going to disappoint the people because he is coming very prepared to take our local government to the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey and all of us are going to be happy for”.

While describing the conduct of the July 13th, 2024 local government polls in the area as very peaceful, free and fair, he commended the people for the massive turnout to elect Dagidi as the chairman, just as he added that; “Once again, I want to congratulate the new brand chairman of Bomadi Local Government on his overwhelming acceptance by the people in the local polls. Am also using this medium to express my profound appreciation to the governor of the state, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his support and the entire leadership of the party in Bomadi Local Government Area for supporting Andaye Dagidi project “

“We must do our utmost to protect the game of football” NFF President– Gusau declares

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has declared that it is the responsibility of the current governors of the game in the country to do their very best to protect the game, and ensure its sustainability through necessary developmental projects that will eventually empower everyone in the game’s ecosystem.

On a visit to Osun State at the weekend, the NFF boss stated that the game of football is for all – men and women, young and old – and expressed delight that the Osun State Football Association led by Mr. Sola Fanawopo is promoting inclusivity with the upcoming Women’s League, and the Corporate Football League meant to promote the recreational side of the game.

“Football belongs to all: players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers and communities. It is good to know that a community-based club, Igbajo United FC has qualified to play in the Nigeria National League. I must say the community-owned clubs in the NNL are doing quite well.

“Grassroots football must remain the foundation of our football. It is the bedrock of the vision of the present NFF administration. I am excited by what is going on in Osun State in this regard. I have been told that 32 grassroots Football Clubs participated in the SmartCity Osun State Football League, that there are over 400 grassroots clubs affiliated to the Osun State FA, that there are over 400 grassroots coaches here alongside 13 referee societies and 15 independent grassroots leagues. This is commendable and I recommend this model to all other States in the Federation.”

Gusau acknowledged that the government plays a huge role in the Nigeria game, and used the opportunity to appeal to the Osun State Government to help the Football Association by building more stadiums and modern training pitches, and to also support privately-owned and community-owned Football Clubs with monetary grants.

The Gusau administration has been taking practical steps to improve Nigeria Football, with farsighted projects and developmental programmes. The administration has opted to, in focus on infrastructure, build a 3-Star accommodation facility for the National Teams through the FIFA Forward 3.0 project, alongside excellent training facilities.

Only last week, not less than 40 upcoming referees were involved in a 5-day training programme organized by FIFA, with the objective of having exceptional talents among them take over from the present guard and return Nigerian refereeing back to its bold state of reckoning at international level.

Beginning on Monday this week, a three-module CAF C Coaching Course, exclusively for women, will commence at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. A total of 30 women coaches will be involved.

On the tour with Gusau were Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman, Ondo State FA, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi; Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman, Ogun State FA, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi; Chairman of Oyo State FA, Kabiyesi James Odeniran; Chairman of Ekiti State FA, Mr. Oluwole Oloworemo and; the host, Chairman of Osun FA Mr. Sola Fanawopo.