Chief James Onanefe Ibori has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his former deputy and long-time political ally, Chief Benjamin Elue, describing the loss as a painful moment for his family, associates and the people they jointly served.
In an emotional tribute on Thursday, Ibori said he was heartbroken by the demise of the respected deputy Governo, whom he fondly referred to as “my gentleman Deputy Governor,” noting that Elue’s calm disposition, loyalty and commitment to public service stood him out throughout their years of political engagement.
Ç According to him, the late Elue was not only a dependable partner in governance, but also a bridge builder whose approach to leadership was anchored on dialogue, mutual respect and an unwavering belief in the unity and progress of Delta State.
Ibori recalled with pride the shared memories, challenges and achievements recorded during their time in public office, stressing that Elue’s contributions to the growth of democratic institutions and grassroots development would remain enduring reference points in the state’s political history.
He further described the late deputy as a man of honour and integrity, whose humility in office and dedication to duty earned him admiration across party lines and among traditional institutions, civil servants and community leaders.
While extending his heartfelt condolences to the Elue family and the people of Delta State, Ibori prayed that the Almighty grants the departed leader eternal rest, concluding simply: “Thank you for the memories and the legacy. Rest on, Aluu.”
Residents of Delta State have been urged to take full advantage of the quality healthcare services provided by the state government through its Contributory Health Scheme. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made the call while receiving the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, who paid him an advocacy visit in his office in Asaba. Dr. Onojaeme stated that the state government has invested substantial resources in the health sector out of deep concern for the welfare of its citizens. He noted that health facilities across the state have been renovated and upgraded with modern equipment to enhance service delivery. The Health Commissioner further assured that proactive measures have been introduced to address the global challenge of brain drain in the sector, particularly through the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks in the employment of health professionals. Commending Dr. Akpoveta for his innovative leadership and dedication, Dr. Onojaeme said his commitment has positioned Delta as the leading state in health insurance coverage in Nigeria. He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health would continue to work in synergy with the Commission to ensure that enrollees enjoy the full benefits of the scheme. In his remarks, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta said the visit was aimed at reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to expand health coverage for all residents, in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He noted that the governor has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the health of Deltans through sustained financial and moral support for the scheme. Dr. Akpoveta disclosed that the Commission has commenced another round of monitoring visits to healthcare facilities operating under the scheme across the state to ensure compliance with established standards and the consistent delivery of quality services to enrollees. He added that feedback from beneficiaries has been largely encouraging. The Director-General reminded residents that the informal sector plan of the state health insurance scheme provides an opportunity for all residents of Delta State, irrespective of tribe or religion, to access comprehensive healthcare services for one year at any accredited facility for a premium of seven thousand naira. Services covered under the scheme include surgeries such as hernia repair, appendectomy, and caesarean section. The visit underscores the renewed commitment of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission to strengthening healthcare delivery, as monitoring and quality assurance activities continue across the state.
Warri – Concerns have continued to trail recent remarks by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, after what many traditional stakeholders in Delta State described as a notable omission of Urhobo monarchs during her public address in Warri.
Observers who followed the address closely said that while royal institutions were acknowledged, only the Dein of Agbor, the revered monarch of Agbor, was mentioned.
They noted that no traditional ruler from the Urhobo nation was referenced, despite the wide presence and historical influence of Urhobo kingdoms across the state.
Community leaders and cultural commentators have since described the omission as deeply disappointing, particularly in a state celebrated for its cultural plurality and long-standing traditional institutions. For many stakeholders, the failure to acknowledge even one Urhobo monarch during such a high-profile engagement was seen as an avoidable oversight that weakened the inclusive tone the event was expected to project.
The address itself, however, was widely regarded as warm and emotionally grounded. The First Lady spoke not only in her national capacity but also as a daughter with enduring ties to the Warri Kingdom, drawing on personal heritage to emphasise identity, cultural pride and national unity, while highlighting the resilience and enduring legacy of the Itsekiri people.
Critics, nevertheless, argue that a message built around heritage and belonging should not appear selective in its recognition. They contend that in a multi ethnic environment such as Delta State, public acknowledgment of traditional authorities carries strong symbolic meaning and reinforces a shared sense of ownership in national leadership.
As reactions continue to trail the remarks, several stakeholders have urged that future public engagements in the state should reflect broader cultural sensitivity and balance.
They insist that any message intended to see “feel like home” to the people of Delta must create visible space for all ancestral homes, including the revered Urhobo monarchs, whose institutions remain central to peace, identity and development in the state.
Ughelli – In line with constitutional provisions, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Movudu Egbo, on Wednesday presented a proposed budget of ₦18,294,901,539.33 for the 2026 fiscal year to the Legislative Arm of Ughelli North for consideration and approval.
Christened the “Budget of Positive Consolidation,” the 2026 estimate, according to the council boss, is designed to consolidate the achievements already recorded by the present administration, expand development across the council area and strengthen programmes that will directly improve the welfare and living standards of residents. The council chairman, accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Head of Personnel Management, Secretary to the Local Government, Treasurer, Supervisory Councillors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, was received at the hallowed chamber in Ughelli by the Leader and members of the Legislative Arm for the formal presentation.
Moving the motion for the presentation of the budget on the floor of the House, Honourable Ese Agbobore, the Majority Leader, said the proposal was in line with the development aspirations of the people, while the motion was seconded by Honourable Orido December. Presenting the over ₦18.2 billion budget for both recurrent and capital expenditure, the chairman described the relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms as cordial and productive, noting that responsible implementation of the 2025 budget led to the execution of key projects, including the commissioning of the Tobore Oborevwori Cottage Hospital, which he said is currently operating at optimal capacity.
He further disclosed that the ultra-modern Secretariat Complex is about 80 per cent completed, while the twin courts building and the 500KVA transformer sub-station projects are billed for commissioning during the administration’s second anniversary, stressing that his government will continue to prioritise people oriented projects, infrastructural development, youth and women empowerment, sustainable healthcare programmes and the strengthening of the council’s internal revenue base.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Ajero Prosper, commended the chairman for the timely presentation of the budget and assured of accelerated consideration and speedy passage in the interest of economic growth and overall development, as stakeholders, including Comrade Lucky Ofomukoro and Chief Peter Oriavwote, expressed confidence that the 2026 Budget of Positive Consolidation would further entrench tangible development across the council area.
Bighearted party leader, Chief Barr. Fred Okiemute Majemite, has congratulated Chief Barr. Jaro Omovudu Egbo, the Executive Council Chairman, Ughelli North, on his emergence as a member of the Legal Advisory Committee of the All Progressives Congress at the national level, describing the appointment as timely and well deserved.
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Wednesday, Majemite said Egbo’s elevation to the strategic legal body of the party was a clear recognition of years of dedicated service, loyalty and steadfast commitment to the growth of the APC at the grassroots and beyond.
He noted that Egbo has, over the years, consistently distinguished himself through effective mobilisation, conflict resolution and party building initiatives, particularly within the local government structure, where his leadership and organisational strength have remained visible and impactful.
According to Majemite, Egbo has “paid his dues” in practical terms, stressing that his contributions to party affairs, consultations with stakeholders and unwavering support for party programmes have placed him among the most dependable leaders within the fold of the APC.
He added that the appointment into the party’s National Legal Advisory Committee should be seen as an appreciation of Egbo’s hard work, consistency and enduring commitment to internal democracy, unity and legal integrity in the party’s decision-making processes.
Majemite expressed confidence that Egbo would bring his wealth of experience, professionalism and deep understanding of party operations to bear in his new responsibility, assuring that the APC would continue to benefit from his passion for service and his resolve to strengthen the party ahead of future electoral engagements.
The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Movudu Egbo, has been appointed a member of the APC Legal Advisory Committee for the party’s 2026 National Convention sub-committee, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the growth and stability of the party at the grassroots and state levels.
The appointment, party stakeholders said, is a reflection of Egbo’s consistent loyalty, organisational discipline and strategic leadership which have continued to strengthen the structure and unity of the APC across communities in the council area and beyond.
Since assuming office as Council Chairman, Egbo has distinguished himself through inclusive party administration, effective mobilisation of members and sustained engagement with leaders and stakeholders, a development widely acknowledged as instrumental to the consolidation of the party’s presence in Delta State.
Party leaders described the Legal Advisory Committee slot as a well deserved honour, noting that Egbo’s background in law, governance and conflict resolution would be invaluable to the success of the 2026 National Convention and the overall legal and constitutional integrity of the party.
Reacting to the appointment, Egbo expressed profound gratitude to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him, describing the new responsibility as a call to deeper service, dedication and loyalty to the ideals of the APC.
He assured party members that he would deploy his experience and professional expertise to support the committee’s work, while pledging to intensify efforts towards party cohesion, effective mobilisation and electoral victory for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A coordinated enforcement operation led by the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Jaro Movudu Egbo, has resulted in the arrest of a man alleged to have posed as a qualified ophthalmologist and defrauded residents in Ughelli.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Abbas, was apprehended at the Ekiugbo Community Town Hall where he reportedly operated under the name “AL-ARAB EYE CLINIC.”
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Chief Medical Director of Mariere Memorial Central Hospital, Onoriode Umolo, alongside officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking shortly after the arrest, Egbo said his office received credible intelligence indicating that an unlicensed individual was carrying out eye treatments and charging residents substantial sums. He noted that the council could not ignore reports that public health and safety were being placed at serious risk.
According to the chairman, preliminary questioning revealed that the suspect admitted he was not a certified ophthalmologist, but claimed to have acquired informal knowledge from his late father and had been administering what he described as “Arabic medicines” to patients
Further investigations by health officials disclosed that alleged victims were charged between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000 for treatments which medical professionals described as ineffective and potentially dangerous.
Dr. Umolo stated that the substances presented as eye drops were believed to be counterfeit and of no therapeutic value. She cautioned that the application of unregulated substances to the eyes could expose patients to infections, serious complications and possible long-term visual impairment, stressing that only licensed professionals and approved medications should be used for eye care.
One of the alleged victims, Michael Igoru, told journalists that he paid ₦300,000 in the hope of restoring his sight, but instead experienced a worsening of his condition after the treatment. Affected persons, according to officials, have been referred to General Hospital Ughelli for comprehensive medical evaluation and follow up care.
In a move described by observers as reassuring and humanitarian, Egbo pledged to personally support victims requiring urgent medical attention, assuring families that the local government would not abandon those allegedly harmed by the illegal practice. Beyond the arrest, the incident has reignited concern over the proliferation of unlicensed medical practitioners across Delta State, with public health advocates calling for tighter monitoring, stronger enforcement and sustained community sensitisation.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Abbas remains in police custody as investigations continue, while residents of Ughelli North have been urged to come forward if they believe they were affected by the illegal operation.
Mulade call for peaceful coexistence among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobos in Warri federal constituency.
A popular Human Rights and advocacy organization in the Niger Delta region, The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) on Tuesday launched a high-level multi-stakeholder roundtable dialogue among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Delta State with a view to de-escalating the recurring tensions among these ethnic groups and strengthen bonds of peaceful coexistence among the people.
In attendance at the peacebuilding dialogue held at King George Hall, Warri South Local Government Area was a wide spectrum of stakeholders, comprising community leaders, security agencies, market traders, civil society organizations and representatives of the various ethnic nationalities resident across Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State. Communities represented included Okere Urhobo Kingdom Communities, Itsekiri Communities, Agbarha-Warri Kingdom Communities and Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom communities, among others.
Representatives of the Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Kogi-Igala and Isoko communities residence in Delta State were equally present. The session which focused on “restoring the glory of Warri, rebuilding trust, promoting unity and preventing conflict through sustained engagement” also had in attendance security and civil society leaders, including, SP Musa Yau-Kangiwa, DPO ‘A’ Division, Warri; ASP Hezekiah Okpabi (representing ‘B’ Division, Warri); Prof. Andrew Agboro, Chairman, Delta State Civil Society Organisations; Sylvester Okoh, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Warri Peace Community Support Initiative; and ASP Obehi Idiake, Station Officer, ‘A’ Division, Warri.
Addressing the gathering, the CEPEJ National Coordinator and Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD noted that “the peace initiative aligns with CEPEJ’s sustained advocacy for durable peace and stability in Warri and neighbouring areas”.
It is imperative to state that in our contemporary society, there are two major triggers of war: conflict investors and conflict beneficiaries. Hence, eliminating conflicts becomes difficult challenge. However, we can do everything possible to de-escalate and make it unattractive.
Mulade stressed the need to consolidate on the existing harmony in Warri Federal Constituency and its environs just as he expressed appreciation to market women and representatives of non-indigenes including the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Isoko, Kogi and Igala communities for their participation.
He said, “Warri Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo are one. We have lived in peace even before now. Warri is our own, and the essence of peace is to consolidate and strengthen it”. Mulade lauded the participants for their commitment and called for continued collaboration to ensure a peaceful and inclusive Warri.
The event featured a keynote address by Dr.Austin Onuoha, Adjunct Faculty, National Peace Academy, Abuja, who urged all ethnic groups to “embrace unity and collective responsibility as the foundation for lasting peace in Warri”.
A major highlight of the event was a unity drama display which postulated the importance of coexistence and unity among the various ethnic groups in Warri and the inauguration of a 20-member Warri Indigenes and Residents Peacebuilding Committee (WIRPC) drawn from the various ethnic nationalities including non Indigenes of Warri. The committee, according to Mulade, is “mandated to deepen stakeholder engagement, de-escalate tensions, sustain dialogue and reinforce peaceful practices across communities”. The committee will operate for one year within which remarkable progress would have been achieved.
Ughelli -Chief Samuel Akpimegi, has expressed deep gratitude to God for the peaceful and successful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in Ughelli North, describing the atmosphere of the exercise as calm, orderly and reflective of the party’s growing internal cohesion.
In a statement made available to AjAZIRALReport Newspaper, Akpimegi paid glowing tribute to party leaders and stakeholders who, according to him, invested their time, wisdom, knowledge and resources to ensure that the congress was conducted without rancour, misunderstanding or disruption, thereby reinforcing the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes.
He particularly commended Jaro Omovudu Egbo, noting that his consistency, strategic guidance and firm commitment to party unity played a decisive role in steering the process towards a smooth and widely accepted outcome.
Akpimegi further applauded the collective resolve of party elders, chieftains and grassroots leaders, stressing that their willingness to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions significantly contributed to the seamless nature of the congress.
Special recognition was also accorded to Lucky Ofomukoro on his emergence as the new Chairman of the party in the local government area, with Akpimegi describing the development as a clear reflection of confidence in Ofomukoro’s leadership capacity and political maturity.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would consolidate the party’s structures across wards and communities, adding that Ofomukoro possesses the experience and organisational strength required to mobilise members effectively and place the party in a formidable position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
AljaziralPress 