Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has urged Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to place greater emphasis on people-oriented projects capable of driving industrialization and creating vital employment opportunities for the youth. Comrade Mulade, who is also a respected environmental rights activist and United Nations Peace Ambassador, made this call during a recent press conference in Asaba, the state capital. Highlighting the urgent need for economic transformation, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom stressed that the state government should focus on initiatives that boost economic growth while directly improving the living standards of residents. Mulade further encouraged Governor Oborevwori to take inspiration from his counterparts—such as Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who recently launched Enugu Airlines despite Enugu’s state revenue being roughly half of Delta’s. According to him, "Delta State has more resources to float Delta Airways, which will create employment opportunities for our youths and industrialise the state." The development advocate further argued that while "infrastructural projects are good, however, creating employment opportunities for the youths is far better and more important for peaceful, revitalised, sustainable economy that will add value to our economy." Mulade therefore appeal to the governor to prioritise industrialisation due to its immense benefits of job creation, while he also admitted the State's unhealthy policies that are anti-business. "I want to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, to consider and prioritise industrialization as key to save our deteriorated economy. "It is equally imperative to state that Delta State business economy is not healthy because of some government policies that are not economically friendly," he stated.

The Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom Oil Producing Communities in Warri South West Local Government Area have rejected the recent interim field report released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency. At a press briefing held today in Tekedor/Kusimi (Egwa II) Community, leaders of the oil-producing communities expressed shock and disappointment over INEC’s proposal, which allocated only two out of nineteen registration areas/electoral wards to Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. In contrast, the commission allocated nine wards to Gbaramatu Kingdom, five to Itsekiri communities, two to Isaba Kingdom, and one to Diebiri Clan. According to the statement signed by Dcn. Clement Tekedor, Chief Samson Oyimi, Emmanuel Kusimi, and Hon. Johnbull Aniyanghan, the Ogbe-Ijoh communities host several major oil fields and flowstations in OML 30, OML 42, and PPL 213. They alleged that INEC deliberately suppressed existing polling units and included fictitious communities on the map to enlarge other kingdoms while diminishing Ogbe-Ijoh’s actual size and population. Read the full statement below: PRESS BRIEFING BY OGBE-IJOH KINGDOM OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES ON THE INEC FIELD REPORT ON THE SUPREME COURT ORDERED FRESH DELINEATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ON THE 8TH DAY OF JULY, 2025 1. Gentlemen of the Press, we welcome you to this press briefing by the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom Oil Producing Communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State taking place here in Tekedor/Kusimi Community, also known as Egwa 11 Community. Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom Oil Producing Communities are host to the Ajuju/Batan oil field, Egwa 11 oil field and flowstation, Odidi 1 and 11 oilfields, Ikremo manifold, Ugbanabubou field, and flowstations in OML 30, OML 42 and PPL 213. 2. We called this press briefing in view of latest developments as it affects the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and its oil producing Communities in the ongoing Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State. 3. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 4th day of April, 2025 released its interim report on the fresh delineation. To the utmost surprise of the Ogbe-Ijoh people, out of the nineteen (19) Registration Areas/Electoral Wards proposed for the Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, only two (2) was allocated to Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, while nine (9) was allocated to Gbaramatu Kingdom, five (5) to Itsekiri Communities, two (2) to Isaba Kingdom and one (1) to Diebiri Clan. 4. In addition, Ogbe-Ijoh Oil Producing Communities with existing polling units like Tekedor/Kusimi were suppressed with fictitious communities included in their places in the map that was drawn up by INEC. Other Ogbe-Ijoh oil producing communities suppressed are Kusimi, Eweregbene, Boubougbene, Dudueghagbene and Dubelegbene. This was done with a view to make some Kingdoms like Gbaramatu Kingdom look big and make Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom look smaller than its actual size. 5. It is important to note that, the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom by the records of the National Population Commission (NPC) has the highest population, landmass and settlements/communities in Warri South West Local Government Area. Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom settlements and communities constitute One Hundred and Sixteen (116) Localities (after removing Diebiri Clan) out of the Two Hundred and Ninety (290) Localities in the entire Warri South West Local Government in the National Population Commission (NPC) Housing and Locality Enumeration Report, 2023, which represents about 40% of the entire local government area. 6. During the field work, INEC officials visited One Hundred and Thirty (130) Communities/Localities and identified Two Hundred and Fifty-One (251) points for creation of polling units in Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. 7. INEC in its Guidelines/Criteria for the fresh delineation released on the 21st of March, 2024 before the field work, stated that, population, geographical compactness and contiguity shall form the basis of the fresh delineation in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. 8. However, the interim report released by INEC runs contrary to all the Criteria contained in its Guidelines on the fresh delineation, especially population which is the foundation for the fresh delineation of registration areas. 9. Despite Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, having the highest population of about 40%, we were allocated only two (2) out of the nineteen (19) Registration areas/electoral wards proposed for Warri South West LGA. The question, we are asking INEC is, what criteria did you use in allocating Registration Areas/Electoral Wards in Warri South West LGA? How did INEC arrive at the decision to allocate only two (2) Registration Areas/Electoral Wards to Ogbe-Ijoh and allocated nine (9) to Gbaramatu Kingdom? Is INEC saying that Gbaramatu Kingdom is five (5) times populated and bigger than Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom? Also, is INEC saying that the Itsekiri Communities in Warri South West Local Government Area are three (3) times bigger and populated than Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom? 10. We the oil producing Communities of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom make bold to state that, there is no record anywhere which shows that Gbaramatu Kingdom is five (5) times bigger than Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. There is also no record anywhere to the effect that, the Itsekiri Communities in Warri South West are three times more populated and bigger than Ogbe-Ijoh Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. 11. On the contrary, the available records by the National Population Commission which is the body empowered to keep records of population, localities and housing data in Nigeria shows that, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom is more populated with actual localities/communities than all other Kingdoms and ethnic groups in Warri South West Local Government Area. 12. It is on the basis of the foregoing that, we question how INEC arrived at the decision to allocate only two (2) Registration areas/Electoral Wards to Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and at the same time allocated nine (9) and five (5) Registration Areas/Electoral Wards to Gbaramatu Kingdom and Itsekiri Communities respectively, that are not populated than Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom? 13. It is more worrisome that, the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and its Oil Producing Communities have separately written to INEC to address the gross and monumental injustice against us. However, some powerful persons in INEC who in the first place carried out this act of injustice against Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom are frustrating efforts at addressing this act of wickedness. The process of addressing complaints arising from the field work is still being controlled by same persons in INEC who carried out the injustice in the first place against Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and have again made recommendations that are worse than the earlier interim report that was released on April 4, 2025. 14. We are aware that, these powerful officers of INEC are working with some political stakeholders in Warri South West Local Government Area. The purpose is to politically decimate and dominate the Ogbe-Ijoh people. We reject this act of wickedness and we shall use every means at our disposal to fight for justice. The Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and its oil producing Communities WILL NOT and WILL NEVER accept this injustice. Consequent upon the foregoing, we hereby resolved and call on the Chairman of INEC as follows: i. We totally reject INEC’s proposal on the allocation of nineteen (19) registration areas/electoral wards in Warri South West LGA to the respective communities/kingdoms. ii. The Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom with the highest population, landmass and communities deserve eight (8) Registration Areas/Electoral Wards out of the Nineteen (19) Registration Areas in Warri South West Local Government Area in line with the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC’s Guidelines/Criteria for the fresh delineation. iii. We call on the Chairman of INEC to address this act of gross and wicked injustice against the Ogbe-Ijoh people of Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State in the interest of peace and fairness. iv. We shall be forced to take our destiny into our hands and cannot guarantee the further flow of oil and gas from our communities, if the injustice against us is not addressed. We will shut down oil and gas facilities in our communities, if this grave injustice against us is not addressed by INEC. SIGNED FOR OGBE-IJOH OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES: DCN. CLEMENT TEKEDOR CHIEF SAMSON OYIMI EMMANUEL KUSIMI HON. JOHNBULL ANIYANGHAN

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill aimed at establishing the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State. This development came after the bill’s sponsor, Senator Joel Thomas (APC-Delta), presented its general principles during Tuesday’s plenary session. Senator Thomas explained that the proposed legislation is designed to offer comprehensive and specialised healthcare services to oil and gas industry workers as well as host communities affected by exploration activities. He noted that the bill would guarantee uninterrupted access to quality medical care for both industry workers and local residents, thereby reducing health risks linked to oil and gas operations. Thomas added that situating the hospital in the Niger Delta would enable communities to benefit from broader emergency healthcare services. He further stressed that the hospital’s presence would help ease the persistent agitations and tensions in the region by providing specialised treatment for oil and gas-related illnesses. According to him, this initiative would ultimately enhance exploration activities and promote the socio-economic development of the country. “It will interest you to know that the Delta South Senatorial District has the highest offshore oil production in Delta and second in the country. “More specifically, the location indicated for this project is in the heart of offshore oil exploration in the Niger Delta. “This project will benefit oil companies and communities in Delta, noting that this location is home to many oil exploration activities of Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total among other oil companies,” he said. He explained that the proposed hospital would be financed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, ensuring it would not create any additional financial burden on the Federal Government. Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) described the decision to site the medical facility in the area as appropriate, highlighting the pressing need for such a project in the region. Similarly, Senator Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) noted that the hospital would specifically cater to individuals suffering oil and gas-related injuries, pointing out that there is currently no alternative facility nearby equipped to handle such cases. He also commended the fact that the project would not increase pressure on federal funding. Presiding over the plenary, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative work, directing the committee to report back within four weeks. Barau added that once passed into law, the bill would significantly improve the health and general well-being of people in the affected communities.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2025/2026 academic session. This resolution was made on Tuesday at the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, which took place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and was attended by representatives of various tertiary institutions. JAMB also announced that the minimum score for colleges of nursing sciences has been set at 140, while polytechnics, colleges of education, and colleges of agriculture will admit candidates with scores as low as 100. “The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB announced via its official X account.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed all its branches nationwide to halt academic activities due to the non-payment of June 2025 salaries. The union said the action follows its “No Pay, No Work” resolution. ASUU branches at the University of Jos and the University of Abuja have already commenced strike action in compliance with the directive. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development on Monday in Abuja during an interview with Tribune Online. He explained that the affected institutions were only enforcing a standing resolution of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which stipulates that members should suspend work if salaries are delayed by more than three days in any month. Piwuna criticized what he described as the government’s indifferent attitude toward lecturers’ salaries, which he said are already modest. He also highlighted that since university workers were moved from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), staff have continued to experience severe hardship due to frequent delays in salary payments. According to him, the union had engaged key government officials, including the Minister of Education and the Accountant General of the Federation, but the meetings failed to resolve the issue. As a result, the ASUU NEC decided to enforce the “No Pay, No Work” policy. He said: “What they are doing is just enforcing a NEC resolution. We have agreed at NEC that our members are going through a lot since our migration out of the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System. Certainly, our salaries are delayed for a week and sometimes 10 days before our members receive the paltry amount we get to help us carry out our duties well. “Therefore, we agreed that if there is no pay, there will be no work,” Piwuna said. “On whether other universities are joining the strike, the ASUU President said all institutions that have not been paid are expected to withdraw their services, insisting that this was the resolution at NEC and the only way to address the challenge, which he noted was being deliberately caused by some government officials, especially at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. He stated that any institution yet to receive its payment would also join the action, emphasizing, “we are tired of repeatedly addressing this issue.” “We have spoken to the relevant authorities—the minister is aware, the Office of the Accountant General is aware. All those concerned are aware that this thing has been happening. “We’ve had meetings with them to express our dissatisfaction with the way our salaries are being paid, and they have not taken any action. We want to work, but we cannot because they have not allowed us to work,” he stated. Piwuna insisted that the government has no valid excuse for the salary payment delays, pointing out that there are no problems with the payment platform being used. He explained that once the funds eventually reach the universities, there have been no complaints of underpayment or non-payment. “This means the payment platform itself is not the issue. The delay is simply a deliberate act by the Office of the Accountant General to hold back the release of the funds,” he said. “The platform is working well, but those who make it work are not willing to make it work. We think it’s a deliberate act; that is the point we are making,” the ASUU President added. He, however, pointed out that while salary delays are the union members’ most pressing concern at the moment, the government must also urgently release the outstanding N10 billion in Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) to prevent another round of industrial action. He pointed out that although the Federal Government was obligated to pay lecturers N50 billion in outstanding Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), it has so far released only N40 billion, leaving an unpaid balance of N10 billion. “On the EAA you talked about, the total amount was N50 billion, and what they gave to us is N40 billion. N10 billion is still outstanding. We hope that this is paid quickly so that we do not have to fight over it,” the ASUU President said.

Warri- Hon. Spencer Okpoye, Commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, on behalf of the Ijaw oil-producing communities. In a goodwill message marking the former governor’s birthday, Hon. Okpoye expressed profound appreciation for Dr. Okowa’s legacy of inclusive leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of oil-producing communities across the state. “On behalf of the Ijaw oil-producing communities and in my personal capacity, I join countless others in celebrating a man whose leadership remains a beacon of hope and progress,” Okpoye stated. “Your Excellency, your years in office were marked by stability, equity, and developmental impact — particularly for the people of the creeks and riverine areas.” He commended Dr. Okowa for his respectful and strategic engagement with ethnic nationalities in Delta State, noting that the Ijaw communities remain grateful for his contributions to their welfare and infrastructural upliftment. “As you celebrate today, we pray for God’s continued grace upon your life — for sound health, inner peace, and the fulfillment of your heart’s desires,” he added. “May the years ahead bring greater purpose and reward for your service to humanity.” Dr. Okowa’s tenure as Governor from 2015 to 2023 is widely remembered for promoting unity, development, and balanced representation across the diverse ethnic groups in Delta State.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dcn. Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has extended warm birthday wishes to former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, lauding his impactful leadership and enduring legacy in the state's development. In a goodwill message released on Monday, Otuaro described his time serving alongside Dr. Okowa as “an honour during a defining period in our state’s history,” noting the former governor’s unwavering dedication to public service and the significant strides made under his stewardship. "Your leadership left a mark that will not be forgotten," Otuaro stated. "As you celebrate this new chapter, I pray that God grants you continued strength, sound health, and lasting peace in all your endeavours." He concluded his message with a heartfelt wish for renewed purpose and fulfilment in the years ahead. Dr. Okowa, who served as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, widely respected for his developmental policies and calm, consensus-driven leadership style.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a flood alert for July, cautioning that states such as Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, and Benue face a heightened risk of flash floods. In its flash flood risk forecast for July 2025, released on Monday, the agency noted that these states have varying levels of probable risk due to the ongoing rainfall across the country. The agency said, “Sokoto State has a high risk of experiencing flash floods.” “Other states with notable risk of flash flooding are; Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.” The agency advised residents of the states to relocate if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding, strengthen mudslide prevention, and promote community awareness.

The Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon. Amb. Spencer Okpoye, has felicitated with the Chairman of the Commission, Olorogun Barr. John Nani, on the occasion of his birthday. In a congratulatory message, Okpoye described Nani as an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment have continued to propel DESOPADEC toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of many. He praised Nani for his exemplary service, wisdom, and the passion that fuels the Commission’s collective mission, noting that his leadership has brought pride and hope for a brighter future. “Today, we celebrate not just your special day, but also the incredible leadership you bring to DESOPADEC every day. May this new year bring you abundant success, good health, and happiness,” Okpoye stated.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, has felicitated with Distinguished Senator James Ebiowou Manager on his birthday. In a message shared on his Facebook page on Monday, Otuaro wished Senator Manager good health, long life, and greater wisdom, noting that his years of dedicated service to Delta South, Delta State, and Nigeria remain deeply appreciated. "Happy Birthday to Distinguished Senator J.E. Manager! Wishing you good health, long life, and continued wisdom. Your years of dedicated service to Delta South, Delta State, and Nigeria remain appreciated. May this new year bring you peace and greater blessings. Congratulations, Senator