By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

In Igbuzo, a community where compassion, service and leadership define true greatness, one man continues to stand out for his uncommon dedication to uplifting the vulnerable and empowering the less privileged. Pastor Idowu Okeze has earned widespread admiration for his consistent humanitarian interventions, bringing relief, hope and renewed confidence to widows, youths and elderly citizens across the town.

Through personal sacrifice, influence and goodwill, Pastor Okeze has touched lives in ways that transcend conventional charity. His empowerment programmes and direct support for struggling families have positioned him as one of the most visible and impactful grassroots figures in Igbuzo. Many residents openly attest that his presence and contributions are felt more strongly than those of several serving political office holders, a testament to the depth of his engagement with the people.

Unlike sporadic acts of benevolence often driven by occasion, Pastor Okeze’s generosity is a lifestyle anchored in genuine love for humanity. Over the years, he has facilitated and attracted empowerment opportunities that have restored dignity and hope to thousands. From supporting widows and the elderly to encouraging young entrepreneurs, sponsoring skills acquisition initiatives and assisting small-scale businesses, his interventions have become an integral part of everyday survival and resilience in the community.

To the ordinary man on the street, Pastor Idowu Okeze represents light in times of hardship and possibility in moments of despair. His philanthropic footprint has strengthened families, stimulated local productivity and inspired many residents to believe in the power of community-driven development rooted in compassion rather than politics.

As Igbuzo continues to celebrate individuals who bring honour and progress to the town, Pastor Okeze stands tall as a shining example of purposeful leadership. His life and work serve as a reminder that leadership is not defined by the office one occupies, but by the lives one touches and the impact one leaves behind.

Today, the people of Igbuzo celebrate Pastor Idowu Okeze—an uncommon philanthropist, a steadfast champion of the people and a living testament to the enduring power of selfless service to humanity.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

For decades, Ebu community has remained largely forgotten and abandoned on the development map of Delta State, despite its consistent loyalty to government and unwavering commitment to civic responsibility.

The last visible presence of government in Ebu dates back to the year 2000, during the administration of former Governor James Ibori, when the Ebu–Ukala Road was constructed. Since that time, the community has witnessed little or no government intervention, leaving residents to wonder whether Ebu still exists in the consciousness of successive administrations.

Today, Ebu stands as a painful symbol of neglect. The only government-owned general hospital in the town is in a deplorable condition—barely fit to be called a healthcare facility. Its state is so poor that concerned sons of the community were compelled to step in, renovating the doctors’ quarters and installing solar power just to make the environment habitable for medical personnel.

While commendable, these efforts cannot replace the urgent need for proper medical infrastructure, equipment, and sustained government support.

Road infrastructure in Ebu paints an equally distressing picture. The community cannot boast of a single good road. Major internal roads, including the popular Palace Road where the health centre is located, have been severely damaged by gully erosion. During the rainy season, many of these roads become completely impassable. Students are often unable to attend school, as erosion has eaten deep into the roads, cutting off access and worsening an already dire situation. It is indeed a sorrowful condition that Ebu community faces today.

Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a major challenge. In the 21st century, residents of Ebu still rely on streams and rivers for survival. These sources are often contaminated, exposing the people to waterborne diseases such as cholera, with grave consequences for public health.

The state of education in Ebu is no less alarming. Public schools in the community are in a dilapidated state, marked by collapsing structures and poor learning environments that discourage both teachers and pupils.
Under such conditions, it is difficult to speak of quality education, as the future of Ebu’s children hangs precariously in the balance.

Despite these numerous challenges, the people of Ebu have remained peaceful, law-abiding, and politically active. They have consistently performed their civic duties by participating in elections and, for many years, supported the ruling party in Delta State. Unfortunately, this loyalty has not translated into meaningful development or improved living conditions for the community.

With deep pain and frustration, residents now ask: What sin did Ebu commit to deserve such prolonged abandonment? Why has a peaceful, hardworking, and loyal community been left to struggle alone for decades?

The people of Ebu are therefore passionately appealing to the amiable Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, fondly known as “Mr. Project,” to remember their community. They are calling for urgent government intervention in healthcare, road infrastructure, erosion control, water supply, education, and other critical areas of development—before Ebu is completely erased from the developmental map of Delta State.
Ebu is not asking for special treatment. The community seeks only fairness, inclusion, and access to the basic dividends of democracy that every community in Delta State rightfully deserves.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has called on officers of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies as a strategy to sustain peace and security across Delta State.

Rt. Hon. Guwor made the call on Thursday while receiving the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, who led members of his management team on a familiarisation visit to the State Assembly Complex in Asaba.
Welcoming the Police Commissioner and his entourage, the Speaker described Delta State as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the prevailing calm to effective synergy among security agencies, government institutions and the citizenry. He expressed confidence in CP Adesola’s ability to further consolidate the state’s security architecture, noting that Delta was not new to him, having served in the state earlier in his career.

“Delta State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and this is not by accident,” Guwor said. “It is a product of sustained collaboration among security agencies, government and the people. With your wealth of experience and familiarity with the terrain, we are confident that you will further strengthen peace and security in the state.”

The Speaker, who was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowvowo, principal officers and members of the House, assured the Police Command of the legislature’s continued support in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

“As representatives of the people, we will continue to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies through enabling legislation, advocacy and effective partnership,” he stated, urging the Police to work closely with sister security agencies to promote peace and security in every part of the state.

In his remarks, CP Aina Adesola explained that the visit was part of his familiarisation tour following his assumption of office, stressing that the Delta State House of Assembly remained a critical stakeholder in the maintenance of law and order.

“The legislature plays a vital role in promoting security through lawmaking and oversight functions,” the Commissioner said. “It is therefore imperative that we build and sustain a strong working relationship.”

CP Adesola further disclosed that having previously served in Delta State as a young police officer, he was fully prepared to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace.
“I am ready to work closely with lawmakers representing the various constituencies across the state,” he added. “There is a clear need for mutual cooperation as we join efforts to combat criminality and safeguard lives and property.”

The visit climaxed with the presentation of souvenirs by the State Assembly to the Commissioner of Police and members of his management team, symbolising cordial relations and institutional support between the legislature and the Delta State Police Command.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

Delta State Government has taken a decisive step toward improving electricity supply and strengthening its energy infrastructure with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the effective utilization of redundant power from the State’s Independent Power Plant (IPP).

The Honorable Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka disclosed this after participating in the inaugural meeting of the committee, which is chaired by the Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije. According to him, the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to expand power availability, support industrial growth, and enhance the quality of life of residents.

Engr. Anoka explained that the meeting focused on critical technical, legal, and economic issues relating to the generation and deployment of excess power from the IPP. Key areas of discussion included contractual agreements, generation capacity, regulatory frameworks, and practical pathways for tapping into redundant power for productive use across the state.

He emphasized that effective collaboration among government institutions and stakeholders is essential for translating the state’s energy vision into tangible outcomes. In this regard, he commended the contributions of the Honorable Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ekemjero Ohwovoriole (SAN), the Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Barry Gbe, and other stakeholders whose expertise and commitment are crucial to the success of the initiative.

The Commissioner noted that the move aligns with the development philosophy of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose MORE Agenda prioritizes infrastructure development, economic expansion, and sustainable service delivery. He stressed that maximizing the potential of existing power assets, particularly redundant capacity, will significantly boost productivity, attract investment, and create opportunities for businesses and communities across Delta State.

Engr. Anoka reaffirmed the Ministry of Energy’s commitment to driving reforms that will ensure reliable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply. He stated that the ministry will continue to work closely with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector partners to unlock the full value of the state’s power infrastructure.

He expressed optimism that the committee’s work will accelerate progress in the energy sector and contribute meaningfully to Delta State’s socio-economic development.

As Delta State positions itself for a more resilient and sustainable energy future, the government remains focused on leveraging innovation, policy coherence, and strategic partnerships to deliver lasting bDelta Govt Moves to Enhance Electricity Supply Through Independent Power Plant Initiative
The Delta State Government has taken a major step towards improving electricity supply and strengthening its energy infrastructure with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the effective utilization of redundant power from the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP).
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, disclosed this after participating in the inaugural meeting of the committee, which is chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije. He explained that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to expand power availability, stimulate industrial growth, and improve the quality of life of residents.
According to Engr. Anoka, deliberations at the meeting centred on key technical, legal, and economic considerations surrounding the generation and deployment of excess power from the IPP. He noted that issues such as contractual obligations, generation capacity, regulatory requirements, and practical mechanisms for harnessing redundant power for productive use across the state were extensively discussed.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and stakeholder engagement in achieving the state’s energy objectives. In this regard, he commended the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ekemjero Ohwovoriole (SAN), the Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Barry Gbe, and other relevant stakeholders, whose expertise he described as vital to the success of the initiative.

Engr. Anoka further noted that the move aligns with the development vision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose MORE Agenda places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, economic expansion, and sustainable service delivery. He explained that maximizing the use of existing power assets, particularly redundant capacity, would significantly boost productivity, attract investments, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across Delta State.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Ministry of Energy, the Commissioner stated that the ministry would continue to drive reforms aimed at ensuring reliable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply. He added that the ministry would work closely with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector partners to unlock the full potential of the state’s power infrastructure.

Engr. Anoka expressed optimism that the committee’s work would fast-track progress in the energy sector and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Delta State.
As the state positions itself for a more resilient and sustainable energy future, the government, he said, remains focused on leveraging innovation, coherent policies, and strategic partnerships to deliver lasting benefits to its people.Delta Govt Moves to Enhance Electricity Supply Through Independent Power Plant Initiative
The Delta State Government has taken a major step towards improving electricity supply and strengthening its energy infrastructure with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the effective utilization of redundant power from the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP).

The Honourable Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, disclosed this after participating in the inaugural meeting of the committee, which is chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije. He explained that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader strategy to expand power availability, stimulate industrial growth, and improve the quality of life of residents.

According to Engr. Anoka, deliberations at the meeting centred on key technical, legal, and economic considerations surrounding the generation and deployment of excess power from the IPP. He noted that issues such as contractual obligations, generation capacity, regulatory requirements, and practical mechanisms for harnessing redundant power for productive use across the state were extensively discussed.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and stakeholder engagement in achieving the state’s energy objectives. In this regard, he commended the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ekemjero Ohwovoriole (SAN), the Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Barry Gbe, and other relevant stakeholders, whose expertise he described as vital to the success of the initiative.

Engr. Anoka further noted that the move aligns with the development vision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose MORE Agenda places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, economic expansion, and sustainable service delivery. He explained that maximizing the use of existing power assets, particularly redundant capacity, would significantly boost productivity, attract investments, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across Delta State.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Ministry of Energy, the Commissioner stated that the ministry would continue to drive reforms aimed at ensuring reliable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply.

He added that the ministry would work closely with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector partners to unlock the full potential of the state’s power infrastructure.

Engr. Anoka expressed optimism that the committee’s work would fast-track progress in the energy sector and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Delta State.
As the state positions itself for a more resilient and sustainable energy future, the government, he said, remains focused on leveraging innovation, coherent policies, and strategic partnerships to deliver lasting benefits to its people.