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- By Nwafor Oji Awala The political chessboard in Rivers State took a dramatic turn over the weekend as they All Progressives Congress (APC), riding on the formidable structure of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, swept the August 30 local government elections. According to results released on Sunday by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the APC clinched victory in 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured only three LGAs: Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. Notably, these three strongholds align with Wike’s home base and his long-standing political machinery. Among the landslide victories, Khana LGA recorded 156,027 votes for APC candidate Bariere Thomas, while Emohua and Etche candidates secured 114,380 and 100,649 votes respectively. Oyigbo, Gokana, and Ahoada West also produced overwhelming wins for the APC. On the PDP side, Obio/Akpor, where Wike cast his ballot, posted the highest sing...

PRESS STATEMENT ADC Faults Police on Kaduna Violence -You Cannot Criminalize the Opposition, Party Says The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Kaduna State Police Command over its handling of this weekend’s violent disruption of the party’s inauguration in Kaduna where party members were attacked by armed thugs.  In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Kaduna State Police Command of attempting to criminalize legitimate political activity while failing to protect citizens, insisting that the venue had been duly pre-booked and that security agencies must not be used to intimidate the opposition. The full statement reads:  When the Kaduna State Police Command issued its press release on the unfortunate disruption of the ADC meeting in Kaduna State, where our party leaders and members were attacked by armed thugs, we expected reassurance that justice would be done and that those responsible for the v...

Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has urged unity among stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward levels in particular and the state in general. Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, made the call when he hosted stakeholders and leaders of Ward 8, Aniocha North, (comprising Idumuje Ugboko, Idumuje Unor and Aniofu) on Saturday, August 30, 2025 Addressing the kinsmen at his Mount Ned Nwoko country home in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta, Senator Nwoko said he convened the meeting to foster unity and oneness “significant for the consolidation of APC at the grassroots” The lawmaker who enjoined the ward stakeholders to mobilize the people in supporting the ruling APC government at all levels under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, noted that the meeting was convened to foster unity and oneness, describing it as significant for the consolidation of the party at the grassroots level. Senator Nwoko, who is the Chairman, Senate...

Our attention have been drawn to recent statements credited to Zik Gbemre, who claims to be a coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC), alleging that His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is stoking ethnic conflict in Warri and playing politics with sensitive community matters.  We wish to categorically state that these allegations are unfounded, misleading, and do not reflect the Governor’s unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive governance in Delta State. Governor Oborevwori, since assuming office, has prioritized the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic nationalities in Delta State, with particular attention to the unique diversity of Warri and its environs. The Governor has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, community leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that the dark days of ethnic strife never return to our beloved state.  It is on record that the Governor has repeatedly called for restraint, dialogue, and mutual respect among...

Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC Governing Council Board Barrister Chiedu Ebie has inspected ongoing projects being undertaken by the Commission at Oghara, Delta state. At the College of Applied Health Sciences, Western Delta University, Oghara, he inspected a building project and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work there. On hand to receive the NDDC Chairman at the Institution was the Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Ikhile who lauded the Commission for coming to the aid of the institution with such massive project. Professor Ikhile expressed the optimism that when completed,  the project will boost academic and non academic activities in the University. The VC praised Ebie's commitment to multi-sectorial development of the Niger Delta region saying his passion for the region was unparalleled. "In the past two years, significant and visible live-impacting projects  have taken place in the Niger Delta region, and this is because of the ...

In a bid to boost agricultural development and attract foreign investment, a high-level delegation from Delta State, Nigeria, has visited one of Brazil’s largest and most innovative ranches. The visit, initiated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is part of his administration’s drive to diversify the economy, promote food security, and create sustainable jobs for Deltans. During the working tour, the delegation engaged with the ranch’s management, inspected facilities, and held discussions on possible areas of collaboration.  Key focus areas included modern cattle breeding, livestock management, pasture development, dairy production, and agro-processing. Speaking at the ranch, the Leader of the Delegation and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Pere Gbe, said Delta State is committed to transforming its agricultural sector through strategic partnerships and the adoption of global best practices. “Brazil is renowned for its advancements in livestock and ranching, and we b...

“All the gang of those who rule us, hope our quarrels never stop, helping them to split and fool us, so they can remain on top.”  -  Bertolt Brecht, German playwright -1898 to 1956 Barr. Kenneth Kanma I didn’t set out to be a politician. I was a lawyer, an advocate for justice, a real estate developer and a citizen who believed in service. But when the moment called, I answered—not for personal gain, but because silence was no longer an option. In 2023, Nigeria witnessed something extraordinary. Young people—fed up with broken promises and failed systems—rose up. They organized, mobilized, voted, and demanded change. That energy, that fire, pulled me into the political arena. I didn’t come with a manifesto crafted in ambition. I came with conviction, with urgency, and with the weight of expectations from the youth of Delta North and galvanized by the Obidient movement. The Obidient Movement wasn’t just a political wave; it was a generational awakening. And in that wave, I foun...

Position Paper by Hotel Human Capital Strategy on the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Regulations, 2025 Executive Summary The Nigerian hospitality and tourism industry is a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and global visibility for the country. While the NIHOTOUR Regulations, 2025 seek to standardize, train, certifify the industry, several provisions present significant concerns. The mandatory certification of all personnel, high levies and fees, and overlapping regulatory controls risk undermining business sustainability, discouraging investment, and conflicting with the Federal Government’s agenda of reducing multiple taxation. This position paper outlines the key concerns and offers recommendations for a balanced reform approach. 1. Introduction Hospitality, travel, and tourism collectively employ millions of Nigerians and serve as a cornerstone of the non-oil economy. As a leading management and human capital development company, Hotel Human ...

The Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Ebireri Ohwo Sunday has congratulated Delta state on the 34th Anniversary of it's creation and praised the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for maintaining the vision of the State's forefathers by advancing Delta state to greater heights of development through the MORE Agenda. In his congratulatory message to commemorate the creation of Delta State, Hon. Ebireri Ohwo Sunday, gave kudos to the Delta State Governor and his administration, as well as the Speaker and members of the Delta State House of Assembly for their selfless commitment and collective determination to ensure that Delta state continues to be rated highly in all sectors of development and maintain its pride of place amongst the comity of states in the country. "I want to specially congratulate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State and his administration, the Speak...

The Anioma Association USA, Inc., on Friday, August 29, 2025, held the maiden edition of it's Economic Empowerment Award ceremony at the Main Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State. The pioneer award recipients are promising small business entrepreneurs who were selected from 59 qualified applicants selected from across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District. They were honoured and empowered with grants of N500,000 each. Delta State Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Mr. Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, fnipr, who coordinated the economic empowerment award ceremony in Asaba, Nigeria, on behalf of the Anioma Association USA, Inc., penned a heartfelt appreciation note to celebrate the successful delivery of the maiden award ceremony to Anioma nation. He wrote: SPECIAL APPRECIATION With a grateful heart, I thank most sincerely all our guests, awardees, and volunteers for the honour of their esteemed presence at ...

The 9th National Youth Games officially kicked off on Friday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring the event open.  The President was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications and former Minister of Sports Mr. Sunday Dare.   In his remarks, President Tinubu described the Games as a “veritable platform for discovering and nurturing talents” that have gone on to represent Nigeria at local, continental, and international levels.  He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, stressing that sports remain a unifying force for the nation.   “Very recently, we witnessed the President, alongside the First Lady, cheering the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress. That show of support underscores the administration’s firm commitment to continue investing in sports and strengthening development across the country,” he said.   The President commended the National Sports Commission under t...

- By Barth Ozah Anioma Association USA, Inc., a non-profit socio-cultural organization, has empowered nine indigenes of Delta North Senatorial District with business grants of N500,000 each, totaling N4.5 million. Speaking at the maiden event tagged 2025 Empowerment Awards Ceremony held at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, the National President of the Association, Dr. Kpamioseh Ogbechie, said the programme was designed to support small-scale businesses in line with the Association’s mission. Represented by Dr. Charles Oseji, Dr. Ogbechie described the initiative as a landmark project aimed at celebrating excellence and empowering the next generation of Anioma entrepreneurs. He stressed that the group remains resolute in fostering the preservation and celebration of the rich Anioma heritage. “The award ceremony is not merely about celebrating accomplishments, but about reviewing our shared values of vision and unity. I appeal to all to embrace the calling to serve, mentor, and inspire the n...