By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Residents and stakeholders of Ugbolu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have renewed their appeal to the Delta State Government to grant the community its long-awaited autonomous status, describing the request as both justified and overdue.

The call comes amid growing demands for greater grassroots development, effective local governance, and the preservation of the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Ugbolu, regarded as the third largest community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, occupies a strategic position within the Asaba capital territory. Over the years, the community has witnessed significant population growth and urban expansion, attracting a large number of non-indigenes who now reside and conduct business within its boundaries.

Despite its increasing economic, social, and demographic importance, residents note that Ugbolu has yet to receive autonomous recognition, unlike several smaller communities that already enjoy such status. Community leaders and stakeholders argue that autonomy would provide a more effective framework for self-governance, strengthen local decision-making processes, and enhance collaboration with government agencies on developmental projects.

According to them, autonomous status would also create greater opportunities for infrastructural development, improve service delivery, and ensure that the community’s unique cultural identity is preserved for future generations.
In a major step towards realizing this aspiration, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Ifeanyi Esewezie last year constituted a committee to examine the community’s request in line with existing legal provisions.

The committee has since concluded its assignment and submitted its report to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State for final consideration and approval.
Residents describe the submission of the report as a significant milestone in the autonomy process but insist that the final approval by the state government remains crucial to achieving the community’s long-standing dream.

A prominent stakeholder in the community expressed optimism that the government would act favourably on the recommendation.
We believe autonomy will open the door to greater development, strengthen our traditional institutions, preserve our culture and customs, and promote unity among our people. Ugbolu has grown tremendously over the years and deserves recognition that reflects its size, contributions, and strategic importance,” the stakeholder said.

Observers have also noted that granting autonomous status to Ugbolu would further empower traditional leadership structures, improve community administration, and contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development within the kingdom.

As anticipation grows among residents, community leaders are appealing to the state government to grant approval that would officially usher Ugbolu into a new chapter of self-determination and community-driven development.

For many residents, the quest for autonomy is not merely about recognition but about creating a stronger foundation for progress, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance in one of Oshimili North’s most prominent communities.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom 

Onowu Augustine Onianwa, has congratulated  Obi (Dr.) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, (Obi-Eze Udo), and his wife, Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua, for their outstanding representation of Igbuzo and the Anioma Nation at the 2026 CISA Annual Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and Culture held in the United States.

Onowu Onianwa described the couple’s participation in the prestigious international cultural gathering as a remarkable achievement that has brought honour, recognition, and pride to Igbuzo Kingdom and the entire Anioma region of Delta State.

The couple attended the festival as Special Guests of Honour where he showcased the rich Cultural the heritage, traditions, and values of the historic Igbuzo Kingdom before a global audience of Igbo sons and daughters as well as international guests.

Speaking on their participation, Onianwa commended Obi (Dr.) Ajudua and his wife for projecting the image of Igbuzo positively on the world stage and for showcasing the cultural identity of the kingdom with dignity and distinction.

According to him, the people of Igbuzo deeply appreciate the efforts of Obi (Dr.) Henry Ajudua in promoting the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and in highlighting the esteemed position of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Igbuzo, before the international community.

He noted that the  couple’s presence at the global festival demonstrated patriotism, loyalty, and unwavering respect for the Igbuzo Kingdom, adding that their actions have further elevated the status of the community among Igbo communities worldwide.

Onowu Onianwa stated that he was not surprised by the recognition accorded to Obi (Dr.) Ajudua at the festival, describing him as a proud son of Igbuzo whose commitment to the growth and development of the kingdom has remained consistent over the years.

“I am not surprised by this achievement because Obi (Dr.) Henry Ajudua is a true son of Igbuzo who is always willing to make sacrifices for the progress and greatness of our kingdom. He has consistently demonstrated his love for our people and culture and has become one of the finest ambassadors of Igbuzo on the global stage,” he said.

Onianwa further praised Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua for standing firmly beside her husband in promoting the values and traditions of the kingdom, noting that their collective efforts have strengthened the visibility of Anioma culture internationally.

He expressed confidence that the couple’s participation at the CISA Festival would further deepen cultural awareness, foster unity among Igbuzo indigenes in the diaspora, and inspire younger generations to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

Onowu Onianwa concluded by urging sons and daughters of Igbuzo across the world to emulate the exemplary leadership, patriotism, and cultural advocacy demonstrated by Obi (Dr.) Henry Ajudua and his wife in advancing the image of the kingdom globally.

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

Ebu, a predominantly agrarian community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has for decades endured what residents describe as abandonment by successive governments, leaving the town struggling with poor infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and worsening economic hardship.

Across the community, the signs of neglect are evident. Public schools are characterized by dilapidated structures, healthcare facilities remain poorly equipped, and roads have deteriorated to alarming levels. The onset of the rainy season has further compounded the plight of residents as flooded and damaged roads continue to hinder transportation, economic activities, and access to neighboring communities.

However, after years of persistent appeals and complaints from residents, there appears to be renewed hope following the visit of a high-powered government delegation led by political leaders from Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The delegation, which visited the Ebu–Illah–Ugbolu Road on Thursday, was led by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Esewezie. Other members included the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili North, Hon. Austin Nnabuife; Hon. Barr. Princess Pat Ajudua; Chief Patrick Ukah; Chief Olisa Ifeajika; and other prominent stakeholders.

The purpose of the visit was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the deteriorating road network and reassure residents of government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

The inspection team encountered firsthand the severity of the situation. The delegation reportedly could not continue its journey through the federal Ogbolu–Illah–Ebu Road because sections of the route had become virtually impassable.

Consequently, they were forced to take the alternative Ezi-Ukala–Ebu Road, a state road constructed more than three decades ago during the administration of former Governor James Ibori but which has since fallen into serious disrepair.

Upon arrival in Ebu, members of the delegation witnessed what residents have long described as the community’s isolation from the rest of the state. Several trailers and heavy-duty trucks were seen stranded along the road, unable to move forward or backward due to the deplorable condition of the route.

The delegation was received by the traditional ruler of Ebu, the Onu of Ebu, alongside community leaders and residents, who expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the roads and their impact on transportation, commerce, agriculture, and daily life.

Speaking during the visit, Olorogun Esewezie said the government delegation came to identify with the people of Ebu and neighboring communities while obtaining firsthand information on the extent of the challenges confronting them.
He assured residents that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is aware of the situation and remains committed to finding a lasting solution.

According to him, the state government is deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of the roads and will activate the necessary processes to address the challenges and restore ease of movement for residents and motorists.

Responding, the Onu of Ebu commended the delegation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership. He appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritize the reconstruction of the Ebu – Ukala – Ezi Road, which he described as the community’s major gateway to the outside world.
The monarch lamented that the poor state of the road has effectively cut off Ebu from neighboring communities, making movement difficult for residents and negatively affecting economic activities.

Residents who spoke with Newsbreeze expressed mixed feelings about the visit.
Mr. Ide Idabor said Ebu people have suffered years of neglect and remain skeptical despite the latest government intervention.
“Ebu has suffered for decades. This is not the first time government officials have come to inspect these roads. Many people have already lost hope because previous visits did not translate into action,” he said.

Another resident, Kema Ogbolu, lamented what he described as the community’s exclusion from the state’s development agenda.

For years, we have cried out for help. Nothing has been done. Ebu is bleeding because critical infrastructure has been neglected for too long. We hope this visit will finally bring meaningful action, he stated.
Despite the frustrations expressed by residents, the visit has rekindled hopes that government may finally address the long-standing infrastructural challenges facing the community.

For many residents, the inspection represents more than a routine government exercise; it is seen as a crucial test of whether years of promises will eventually give way to concrete action.

As Ebu continues to grapple with isolation, poor roads, and inadequate public infrastructure, residents say what they need most is not another assessment, but swift intervention that will reconnect the community to the rest of Delta State and restore confidence in government’s commitment to inclusive development.

By,: Eshor Media Team

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has criticized the ongoing Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba, describing it as a misplaced priority and a political spectacle that fails to address the pressing challenges confronting residents.

Eshor stated that despite Delta State’s enormous financial resources and status as one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating states, many communities continue to grapple with poor road networks, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.

According to him, the state received substantial budgetary allocations amounting to about ₦809.4 billion in 2023, ₦725 billion in 2024, ₦936 billion in 2025, and ₦1.729 trillion in 2026, bringing the cumulative approved budgets within the period to over ₦4.199 trillion.

He argued that the huge resources available to the state should have translated into visible development across communities rather than being expended on high-profile summits.

Delta State is richly blessed with enormous resources and receives substantial allocations, yet many communities remain inaccessible because of deplorable roads and poor infrastructure. Instead of investing in projects that directly impact the lives of the people, the government is engaging in expensive summits and political showmanship, Eshor said.

The AAC candidate referenced previous remarks by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who described Delta as a wealthy neighbouring state, noting that such observations should challenge Delta leaders to convert the state’s wealth into tangible development outcomes.

Questioning the rationale behind hosting a major investment summit amid infrastructure deficits, Eshor said investors would be reluctant to commit resources to communities lacking basic amenities and accessible roads.

Before attracting investors, government must first create an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic activities, he stated.

Eshor also reacted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s announcement of a $100 million Viability Guarantee Fund aimed at reducing investment risks and attracting businesses, as well as plans to dedicate over 12,000 hectares of farmland for agricultural development.

While acknowledging the importance of investment promotion initiatives, he questioned why such measures were only being aggressively pursued after nearly three years in office.

For almost three years, Delta State has not witnessed a clear and aggressive investment-driven agenda. It is surprising that government is now presenting these initiatives as major breakthroughs. Deltans deserve a government that plans strategically, manages resources prudently, and delivers sustainable economic growth,he said.

The governorship hopeful further maintained that Delta State possesses enormous untapped opportunities in the maritime and blue economy sectors, lamenting that successive administrations have failed to fully harness the state’s strategic coastal advantage.

Delta is blessed with vast maritime resources that can create jobs, boost revenue, and stimulate industrial growth. Unfortunately, this potential remains largely untapped,” he said, while expressing satisfaction that the state government was beginning to pay attention to the blue economy sector after coping from his blue print on maritime.

Eshor called on Deltans to demand greater accountability from political leaders and support what he described as a new vision for the state.

I am offering myself for service because I have built and managed successful private-sector ventures and understand the principles of investment, productivity, and economic growth. Delta needs prudent managers of resources and visionary leadership capable of transforming the state’s vast potential into prosperity for all, he said.

He stressed that infrastructure renewal, economic diversification, and people-oriented development should take precedence over what he termed “wasteful government jamborees,” urging the state government to focus on projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.