Salutes Oborevwori For Sustaining MORE Agenda
BY IFEANYI UWAGWU/CHRISTY ABOGHE/JUMAI NWACHUKWU/CHIKA KWAMBA/OYE CHIJIOKE/PAUL EGEDE/RITA OYIBOKA/JUDITH OBIANUA
as the New Year approaches, Deltans have expressed mixed sentiments about the outgoing year, lauding some strides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration while highlighting areas for improvement.
With the MORE Agenda driving various development initiatives, residents remain optimistic about 2025 but seek greater attention to education, infrastructure, rural development, and security.
Be Optimistic, Tonukari Tells Deltans
Despite the nation’s economic challenges in the outgoing year (2024), Deltans have been urged to look forward to the coming year (2025) with hope and optimism.
This charge was made by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tonukari, as part of his yuletide message to residents at the Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
According to the Commissioner, while the economic reality of the day may not be pleasant to Deltans and Nigerians in general, the state government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working assiduously to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to Deltans.
“It is common knowledge that the current economic reality of Nigerians and Deltans has not been the best, but in Delta under the leadership of our amiable Governor, whose disposition to administration is with a human face, we are working to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to our people, using the MORE agenda as the vehicle for doing that”, he said.
Tonukari mentioned that the current administration started on a good note, empowering youths and other segments of the demography in the state with starter packs and financial incentives to equip themselves and give them the capacity to scale up their Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, while also providing access and opportunities to over 30,000 Delta State students in tertiary institutions through the state scholarship and bursary board.
Tonukari assured Deltans that other people-oriented programmes would begin by the turn of next year, especially with the approval of the 2025 budget. He stated that in the Higher Education budget for 2025, several new projects have been earmarked pending approval from the Governor. He listed some of such proposed projects, including the construction of new blocks of student hostels at the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka and the Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST), Ozoro.
He also added that to improve the internally generated revenue and carrying capacity of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, the Ministry of Higher Education, is planning to purchase a fishing trawler for the institution.
Onyinye Commends DTSG, Projects Brighter 2025
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Joseph Onyinye expressed confidence in a prosperous future for Delta State, commending the state government’s efforts in tackling poverty and uplifting the standard of living for its citizens.
Speaking during an interview with The Pointer, Onyinye lauded the achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, describing his administration as a beacon of hope for all Deltans.
According to Onyinye, Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, guided by the MORE Agenda, has demonstrated a commitment to empowering citizens and fostering sustainable development.
He praised the administration for prioritizing initiatives that directly impact lives, such as poverty alleviation programs, enhanced infrastructure, and a stronger focus on education. These efforts, Onyinye emphasized, are not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for long-term progress.
Onyinye commended the administration’s focus on creating avenues for self-reliance through various empowerment initiatives, which have helped many Deltans gain access to sustainable livelihoods.
On education, Onyinye described the state’s investments in schools and academic programs as a testament to Governor Oborevwori’s belief in the transformative power of knowledge. He stressed that these initiatives are equipping the youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
“The Governor has shown an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Deltans,” Onyinye remarked. “The impact of his leadership is felt in every corner of the state, and his efforts to reduce poverty and build a brighter future for all are truly commendable.”
He highlighted the governor’s vision of ensuring opportunities for all, noting that the strides made since he assumed office are proof of the administration’s dedication to creating a better Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of the people. With the progress we have seen so far, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of unprecedented growth and development for Delta State” ge said.
However, he noted that the government cannot do it all, as he called on every stakeholder in the state to support the administration’s vision, expressing confidence that the ongoing reforms will ensure lasting development and prosperity for Delta State.
Onakpoma Lauds Oborevwori For Prioritizing Woman Devt
In a related development, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Women Mobilisation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Mrs Betty Onakpoma, commended the administration for prioritising women’s empowerment.
According to her, “Governor Oborevwori’s administration in 2024 has made significant strides in creating opportunities and empowerment for women to thrive, especially in politics and entrepreneurship but there is still room for more initiatives that address the grassroots needs of women across the state.
‘’Policies that enable access to finance, education, and skill development are key to sustained progress” Onakpoma said.
Meanwhile, a businesswoman in Agbor, Mrs Joy Emegha, praised the state government for its strides in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction and street lighting.
“The government has shown commendable commitment to improving road infrastructure. For instance, the tarring of Abude Street was completed in just three months. The installation of streetlights in areas like Chris Ogala has been transformative, significantly reducing theft and making residents feel safer walking at night.
‘’However, some streetlights, especially in Alihame, have been damaged by heavy rainfall and now pose serious road hazards. The government must act swiftly to repair them to ensure safety.”
She also expressed concerns over delayed projects, saying, “It’s disappointing that some roads, like Mariere Road, as well as Hills Street, Otuekwele Street, and Andy Iyamah Street, have been left incomplete for months. Starting projects without timely completion disrupts businesses and inconveniences residents. The government must prioritise finishing these projects to make an impact truly.”
Likewise, another respondent, Mr. Peter Ojefio acknowledged the state government’s efforts in enhancing security, particularly through the ban on motorcycles, which he described as a commendable move.
Nevertheless, he emphasised the need for reinforced security along key routes, including the roads between Idumuesa and Ute-Erumu in the Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.
“Many road users travelling to Ekuku Agbor can only go in the daytime due to fear of kidnappers who have become popular on that route. The situation is even worse around the railway near Owa-Oyibu. There are no security agents in these areas, only vigilantes who come briefly when kidnappers strike. The government must address this issue to curb this menace on the roads in 2025.
Simon Wants Govt To Invest More In Education, Agriculture
As the year slowly nears its end and the New Year beckons in a matter of hours, Deltans have continued to express their expectations from the state government, hinting at areas where they think can be improved.
In the words of a data analyst who spoke to our correspondent, Mr Simon he said, ‘’I think school curriculum should be reviewed, there should be an infusion of other activities outside school activities to keep the student engaged.
‘’Also, the local economy should be looked into. Delta State is blessed with so much mineral resources. The State shouldn’t depend on just oil but leverage the agricultural fecundity across the 25 local government areas to curb good insecurity.
Deltans Seek Improved Govt Attention To Rural Areas
Residents in Issele-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government have expressed their expectations from the Delta State government for the new year with emphasis on education, security and Infrastructural development.
Some of the respondents who spoke to our correspondent expressed optimism in the administration of Rt. Hon Sherriff Oborevwori in 2025, even as they called for more attention to rural areas.
Respondent Franklyn Nzete urged the state government to invest more in education, stressing that the masses were having challenges funding their children’s education.
Nzete disclosed that the people were hopeful for a better and more conducive environment for education in the nation, reminding the government that it is the right of a child to get a quality education in his country.
He scored the government’s efforts in education 70 per cent, praying that they would achieve 100 per cent in the coming year, even as he urged the state government to rehabilitate dilapidated school buildings in rural communities across the state.
Meanwhile, the administration officer of Jodel Clinic Ekete Community in Udu Local Government Area, Mrs Blessing Eluebuke appealed to the government to improve the power sector.
Eluebuke said that the masses were scared of accessing services in private health facilities due to the high cost of hospital bills, and that has contributed immensely to the death of patients because of their mindset that bills are too high.
In the same vein, a trader Mrs Josephine Kikamme called on the government to improve road infrastructure in the rural area to enable farmers to transport their farm products to urban markets.
Kikamme pointed out that if the security of the people is not taken seriously, farmers will go hungry and may not be able to produce anything in the coming year 2025.
…More Commendations, Expectations
In an interview with our correspondent, Chuks Nwabueze, said the policies and programmes of the state government through the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have changed the lives of many, especially the youths.
Nwabueze highlighted some of these programs, noting that the unemployment rate has been reduced in the state, just as he advised the government to reach out more to people in the rural areas.
Another Deltan who spoke in Asaba, Mrs Solomon Faith, explained that the program and policies of Governor Oborevwori brought light to the state, adding that such initiatives have empowered youths and promoted talents across the state.
“We want improvement in the education sector. The state government has to employ more teachers in secondary schools and equip our schools too”, she said, noting that the government should address the issues of insecurity and road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, another respondent, Ayo Oluwasegun said the government has impacted a lot, especially in the area of empowerment programs.
According to him, the government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has changed lives through these programs, but added that the government should look into road infrastructure.
“Some areas in Asaba are not accessible because of bad roads. Let us take Achala Ibusa Road and Akuofor across the express as a case study. You will see that you cannot access those areas during the rainy season’’ he said.
Speaking with our reporter in Asaba, Mr Awele Ikechukwu said the programmes and policies of the state government has brought development in the state.
Another respondent, Mrs Cynthia Akariwe pleaded that the government should renovate some of the schools in rural areas, send teachers in those communities were they lack teachers and provide the pupils and students with educational materials.
Akariwe urged the government to establish industries that will help boost the economy of the state.
Another Deltan, who chose not to be mentioned, call on the state government to treat the issue of insecurity which has affected almost every part of the country with all the seriousness it deserves.
Native Doctor Shares Prediction For New Year
A trado-medical practitioner, Chief Yomi Hassan has shared his predictions for 2025, urging President Tinubu to take decisive action to mitigate the country’s challenges.
Hassan revealed his predictions to our reporter at his Agbor-Obi residence in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. According to him, “2024 has come and is about to end. ‘’This festival season, kidnapping will be on the increase because people are looking for what to eat. 2025 will be a tumultuous year for Nigeria, marked by increased insecurity and hunger”.
Hassan warned that these challenges may culminate in a revolution as Nigerians become increasingly frustrated with the status quo, even as he blamed the former Governor of the Central Bank (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, for the current cash scarcity across the country.
He appealed to President Tinubu to reduce fuel prices to ₦300 and diesel to ₦200 from January to June 2025, believing that this move would have a positive impact on the country and allow things to “work perfectly well.”
Hassan also emphasized the importance of discipline and moral education for Nigerian youths, stressing that every illegal means of making money has repercussions.
He appealed to parents, religious leaders, and the general public to promote peace, calmness, and moral values in their communities, urging them not to stay in crowded places to avoid violence.
