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*Woos investors To Delta, Highlights $100m Derisk Fund

DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday evening, November 13, said the recognition of his contributions to society by Nigerians and various organisations, including Sun Newspapers, would continue to inspire him to raise the bar of excellence and sustain his commitment to service delivery.

Oborevwori stated this shortly after receiving the Sun Newspaper 2026 Governor of Year Award at the 24th award eremony of the Sun Publishing Limited, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. 

Represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, the governor said the consistent recognition of his efforts through awards from different organisations was an indication that Nigerians appreciated the contributions being made to society, describing the recognition as a source of encouragement to do more.

He said the awards received over the years have continued to reinforce his determination to improve on previous achievements and remain relevant in making positive contributions to society.

He added that each award came with a greater responsibility to surpass previous accomplishments, saying the only way to sustain relevance and remain ahead was through continuous improvement and the pursuit of higher standards.

Oborevwori said the Sun Newspapers award would spur him to work harder for societal development, urging his supporters to sustain their support for his administration.

In his remarks, Clement Olu Okeowo, who chaired the ceremony, congratulated the recipients of the awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions to national development, urging them to regard the honours as call to greater service and higher responsibilities.

Okeowo said the recipients had earned the awards by distinguishing themselves in their respective fields through commitment, sacrifice, innovation and determination.

Also speaking, Founder of The Sun Newspaper, Orji Uzor Kalu, congratulated the recipients, describing them as nation builders.

Earlier, Chairman/Publisher of the Sun Publishing Limited, Neya Kalu, while also congratulating the awardees, said they had demonstrated that excellence was achievable through determination, hardwork and dedication, noting that their accomplishments reflected the positive contributions Nigerians could make to society.

The organisers said the award was in recognition of Oborevwori’s people-centred leadership, commitment to inclusive development and remarkable strides in infrastructure and human capital development.

They described the governor as one of the outstanding grassroots politicians from Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.In a related development, has invited local and foreign investors to the state, highlighting its natural resources, industrial opportunities and $100million Viability Gap Funding committed to derisk investments in the state.

Oborevwori, who made the call at this year’s 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference in Calabar, Cross River State, said Delta had identified bankable projects across the industrial, maritime, energy and agricultural sectors, assuring investors of government’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment.

Represented by Chairman of the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), Lucky Oghene-Omoru, at the conference, holding from November 12 to 14, themed, ‘The Role of Sovereigns in Catalysing Development through Trade and Investments,’ the governor disclosed that the state had two economic free zones in Kwale and Koko, offering opportunities for gas-based industries and manufacturing.

Among the projects being pursued are a ceramics raw materials plant requiring £50million and a glass manufacturing facility estimated at between $50million and $200million, as well as another industrial project is estimated to require £19million.

He said preliminary studies had been completed, with the ceramics project progressing towards take-off and a leading German glass manufacturer expressing interest in the proposed glass factory.

On maritime development, he identified the proposed Burutu Seaport as a major investment opportunity, noting its strategic access to inland waterways linking Onitsha, Lokoja and other commercial centres.

He said the port secured a 40-year concession in 2023, with its second phase designed to accommodate a depth requirement of 41 metres.

The project, he added, had received the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission approvals.

Other maritime assets include ports in Warri, Sapele and Koko, as well as several jetties with potential for shipbuilding and related businesses.

He, however, identified the silting of waterways as a major challenge, urging Afreximbank and other development finance institutions to invest in dredging to improve navigation and maritime commerce.

Oborevwori said Delta had an estimated population of 6.7million, a GDP of about $1.7billion and a 2026 budget of N1.72trillion, recalling that his administration committed $100million as initial Viability Gap Funding at the August 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit to derisk investments of prospective investors.

He cited the acquisition of 100 hectares of land by multinational agribusiness company, Olam, for a proposed $70million agro-processing facility as evidence of growing investor confidence.

The governor also highlighted the state’s one-stop-shop investment arrangement and incentives aimed at simplifying business processes and reducing the cost of doing business.

On electricity, he said power plants in Sapele, Ughelli and Okpai had a combined installed generation capacity exceeding 3,500 megawatts, positioning the state as a major contributor to national power generation.

He stated that his administration was addressing transmission and distribution challenges through legal and administrative reforms, while encouraging private sector investment in electricity infrastructure.

He added that government was also exploring gas-based industries, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects.

The state was represented by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Barry Gbe; Director General of DIDA, Anthony Elekeokwuri; Special Adviser on Finance, Investment and International Development, George Orogun; and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Nelson Egware.

DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, HRM, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), on his 71st birthday, describing him as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life reflects excellence, wisdom, service and commitment to humanity.

Oborevwori, in a statement on Friday, November 13, by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, lauded the Asagba for his exemplary leadership, intellectual accomplishments and dedication to the growth and development of Asaba and Delta State.

The governor noted that the monarch had brought dignity, prestige and renewed energy to the traditional institution through his wealth of experience, depth of knowledge and commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage.

He described the Asagba as a man of remarkable accomplishments whose contributions to the academia, legal profession and public service continue to inspire generations.

Oborevwori said Azibge’s emergence as the Asagba further strengthened Asaba’s rich cultural identity and traditional values.

He particularly acknowledged the Asagba’s role in promoting peace, unity, mutual understanding and harmonious relationships among the people, saying his wisdom and inclusive approach to leadership remain invaluable to the stability and progress of the ancient kingdom.

Oborevwori expressed confidence that his reign would continue to open new chapters of progress, unity and prosperity for Asaba, while strengthening its place in the cultural and developmental history of Delta State.

He prayed that God grants the monarch sound health, renewed strength and many more fruitful years on the throne.

DAYS after four out of 10 students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who attended a party by a fresh graduate, died from yet unclear circumstances, one of the survivors has recounted what exactly transpired.

The 24-year-old Art Education student (name withheld) recalled how he managed to survive the ordeal during an off-campus party, saying he lost consciousness during the gathering after one of them vomited.

He said he regained consciousness several hours later, only to find his friends lying motionless on the floor.

The survivor told Vanguard that the party was organised by his friend, who he identified as David, to celebrate completion of his final year examinations.

According to him, David had bought two bottles of alcoholic drinks- Magic Moment and Best- which they took to his Hilltop, Nsukka residence, where 10 of them gathered for the celebration.

The party, he explained, started around 11:30a.m., with sharing of the drinks while playing ‘Truth or Dare’ challenge.

He narrated: “During the party, one of the participants started vomiting. I took him to the toilet and asked him to clean himself up. I then came out to clean the vomit on the floor.

“After that, I suddenly lost consciousness. However, I noticed that my legs had become stiff and I could no longer walk.

“When I regained consciousness about 9p.m., I heard someone saying that a ghost was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor.”

He added that he immediately contacted a friend, who came to the residence, observed their condition and left, expressing disappointment that another individual who arrived at the scene merely recorded the victims, rather than assist by calling medical emergency.

Even in his state, he said he later contacted another friend, who came to their rescue and helped convey them to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.

He explained that they were inside the parlour with the doors and windows shut, with a fan switched on, while a generator was running outside in the corridor.

He dismissed suggestions that they may have taken illicit drugs, insisting they consumed only alcohol, noting: “We didn’t smoke and there was no drug there. We took only alcohol.

“We had just two bottles for about 10 people, so the quantity each person drank was very little, not even up to a quarter of a party cup.”

The survivor said his legs remained stiff, although his condition was gradually improving at the time of the interview.

He disclosed that the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Otuanya, had visited him to assess his condition, as well as some local government representatives, friends and Police officers.

The Police officers, he said, questioned him about possible disagreements among those who attended the party and whether he suspected that anyone could have tampered with the drinks.

He stated: “People have been asking me whether someone poisoned the drinks. Even the Police officers who came asked whether we had issues with anyone or suspected anybody.

“But the host is not someone who keeps malice. I also saw him lying on the floor when I regained consciousness.

“His brother later confirmed that he was receiving treatment at Bishop Shanahan Hospital.”

He described the experience as frightening, saying it had completely changed his attitude towards alcohol consumption, noting: “This was the first time I took alcohol and experienced such a condition.

“I think this will be the last time I will ever take alcohol.”

*Presidency Dismisses Reports Of Tinubu’s Convoy Attack

ONLINE video clips on Friday, November 13, showed some Nigerians chanting slogans against the President Bola Tinubu as his convoy left the Abuja Mosque after Juma’at prayers due to strict restrictions imposed on worshippers because of the President’s presence.

The President was said to have arrived at the mosque about 1:49p.m., after which access to the premises was restricted, as security operatives prevented worshippers from entering the mosque.

Also, access roads leading to the mosque were blocked, with some security men mounting the mosque’s perimeter fences as part of the security arrangements.

This lasted even after the prayers, as worshippers were equally prevented from leaving until Tinubu departed, a normal safety protocol for a serving President.

Some worshippers became frustrated, chanting “ba mayi, ba ma so” from the barricaded areas, literarily translated to mean “we are not supporting you,” in Hausa language.

An eyewitness linked the incident to what many worshippers perceived as excessive security arrangements, saying: “People were stopped from entering the mosque after the President had entered.

“Several people were stuck outside.”

Tinubu was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari; and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.

However, the Presidency, in its reaction, dismissed reports of Tinubu’s convoy being attacked by angry worshippers.Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, O’tega Ogra, disputed the claim and trending video clips.

Posting a video clip he said were taken after the Jumaat, he insisted: “Contrary to the narrative being pushed by the opposition, with videos of their alleged paid thugs at the National Mosque today (Friday), here is footage of Mr. President leaving the mosque after Friday prayers this afternoon.”

In the clip, Tinubu could be seen waving to several youths hailing him and taking pictures with their phones as he entered his official vehicle.

*Urges Campaign Focus On Issues That  Promote People’s Welfare

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has condemned the violence trailing political campaigns ahead of next year’s general elections.

Tinubu charge Nigerians to shun violence and focus on issues that promote the people’s welfare during the campaign season.

In a statement he signed on Friday, November 13, the President said: “I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.

“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections.

“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.”

He expressed his commitment, as leader of the country, to a peaceful, free, and fair election, urging political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.

Tinubu stated: “I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies.

” As Nigerians, we are members of the same household living in different rooms. Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.”

The President reiterated his previous directive to the security agencies to be strict and firm against anyone seeking to test his government’s resolve and will to preserve public order.

He added: ” Our administration is committed to an orderly and peaceful election, and all political parties and candidates should be protected and free to campaign anywhere in the country without molestation or fear for their satety.

“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.

“Security agencies are, therefore, authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.”

*Condemns Asaba Procession Violence, Urges Peaceful Campaigns

THE Delta State Government will continue to intervene in the rehabilitation of critical federal roads within the state to ease transportation, boost commerce and improve the movement of agricultural produce.

The government said though roads do not directly put food on the people’s tables, good road infrastructure creates the conditions for increased agricultural production, improved trade and easier access to markets.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, who stated this on a television programme late on Thursday, November 12, explained that roads establish important nexus between production centres and areas of consumption, making it easier for farmers to move their produce and for businesses to transport goods.

He acknowledged the infrastructure challenges facing the country, but said efforts were being made by both federal and state governments to address the situation.

He highlighted the collaboration between the Delta State and Federal Governments in facilitating access to the Second Niger Bridge, particularly the state’s assistance with compensation payments running into billions of naira for the construction of the connecting bypass.

Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had made it clear that Delta would not fold its arms while critical federal roads within its territory deteriorated, citing the state’s intervention along the Benin-Warri corridor in Effurun, where concrete pavement works had been undertaken, as well as the government’s swift response to a difficult section of the East-West Road.

On the recent political violence in Asaba, the commissioner rejected attempts to present the incident as an ordinary clash between political supporters, alleging that members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ignored the Police advice to shelve the road procession and secure an appropriate venue.

Aniagwu said video recordings of the incident showed some individuals allegedly urging others to attack and kill, expressing concern over the “rig and die” remarks of NDC Delta Central senatorial district and former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege.

He, however, stressed that the government does support political intimidation or violence, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.

He reiterated the governor’s directive to security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that everyone connected with the incident, including those who allegedly instigated or carried out the attack, was brought to justice.

On next year’s general elections, Aniagwu said Oborevwori and the Delta State APC Campaign Council had resolved to make issues, governance and the administration’s performance the central focus of their campaign.

He recalled that the governor had consistently urged his supporters to refrain from attacking opponents, but instead present his administration’s achievements  to voters, believing that his government’s record across infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, public service reforms and social investment provides sufficient material for political engagement.

He  disclosed that the state government was planning to empower 15,000 indigent small business owners, who are to be carefully screened, through its social investment programme.

Aniagwu defended the administration’s appeal to civil servants for political support, arguing that workers’ welfare should be assessed through concrete policies and actions, rather than isolated statements, citing promotions, attention to seniority in appointments, improved welfare provisions and other interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to public servants.

He described the governor’s appeal to workers to reciprocate the efforts as an expression of confidence that beneficiaries of good governance would appreciate the administration’s performance.