As Oborevwori Gets Accolades For Existing Peaceful Atmosphere
By Akeni Andy/Christy Aboghe/Jumai Nwachukwu/Paul Egede/Rita Oyiboka
Despite the economic situation in the country, Deltans, yesterday, joined the rest of the world to mark the Boxing Day a day after the 2025 Christmas celebration.
A visit by our correspondents to some event centres and eateries in Asaba, Ughelli, Warri, Agbor etc., saw many persons relaxing with friends and relatives who came from far and near to celebrate the Yuletide.
While many were spotted exchanging gifts with others, some visited torphanages to show love and support for orphans and the less privileged ones in society.
Speaking to our correspondent on the significance of the day, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Betty Onakpoma, commended the Delta State Government for creating an atmosphere for Deltans to relax and unwind,, especially prioritising women’s empowerment and for putting smiles on the faces of the people.
She pointed out that Governor Oborevwori’s administration in 2024 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.”
A businesswoman in Agbor, Delta State, 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 needs to prioritise finishing these projects to truly make an impact.” Likewise, 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. However, he emphasised the need for reinforced security along key routes, including the roads between Idumuesa and Ute-Erumu in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.
“Many road users traveling to EkukuAgbor 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.”
Equally, a visit to the popular Shoprite Shopping Mall, Burger King Eatery, Domino Pizza and Coldstone Ice Cream witnessed a large presence of people.
Speaking with our reporter, some customers at the new Burger King Eatery along Okpanam road, said the business hub was a nice initiative as the services they render were exquisite.
Also speaking, Mrs. Amarachi Ike said although the eatery opened for business on Christmas Day, the large patronage they got on Boxing Day was overwhelming, as she and her family were there to enjoy their services. At Coldstone Ice Cream stand were many customers some of whom not only came for their pizzas but also for their ice cream.
The premises of Shoprite shopping mall was graced with many children who came to have fun at the usual leisure spot. One of the parents, Mrs. Efemena Okagbare said despite the hardship the country was faced with, she cannot deprive her children of the joy of celebration. In the same vein, Mr. Emeka Nzubechukwu said he cannot kill himself because the leaders of the country failed the masses, rather he was at the eatery to enjoy himself and forget about hardship, adding that with God everything will fall in shape.
Similarly, local chicken butchers in Asaba have introduced a new standard fee of N1,000 for slaughtering chickens, a move that has sparked mixed reactions amidst the prevailing economic hardships.
The recent adjustment in the cost of chicken slaughtering in Asaba has sparked heated debates among residents, with many attributing the price hike to the yuletide rush.
Speaking with Mrs. Marylyn at the popular Ogbeogonogo market, she described the increased fee as unnecessary, claiming that butchers were taking advantage of the festive season to exploit customers.
“They don’t understand that things are tough for everyone,” she said. “Because it’s Christmas, they see it as an opportunity to extort people, which is not nice at all. Something that used to cost N200 now goes for 1,000 naira, while others charge N500. It’s not fair at all.” Likewise, Mr. John criticized the price hike, describing it as an opportunistic move to make quick money. “We complain every day about the government being unfair to the people, yet we turn around and extort ourselves. There’s no cash in the banks, and everything is expensive. After buying a chicken for N25,000, you’re expected to pay N1,000 just to slaughter it. Isn’t that wickedness?” he lamented. However, one of the butchers, who preferred to remain anonymous, defended the price adjustment, citing the rising cost of operations.
“We face increasing expenses on equipment, tools, water, gas, charcoal, firewood, and transportation. We have no choice but to adjust our fees to survive,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the day witnessed the commissioning of Agbor Welsgood Apartments and Suites in Agbor
The new relaxation centre, situated in the exclusive DDPA Estate, Agbor, boasts of state-of-the-art facilities including swimming pool and ebony-panelled pub. The unveiling of the facilities by Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, was witnessed by guests, which clearly defined the mission statement of the owners and management.
While cutting the ceremonial tape to declare the facilities open for business, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, Chairman of Ika South Local Government, said the series of investments funded by the people who do not reside in the area is a vote of confidence in the current administration.
“Since I became the Council Chairman through the support of the people, I have witnessed an increase in repatriation of funds to invest here. Nobody wants to invest in an environment that’s not stable. As a government, we will break all bottlenecks that will stifle the emergence of genuine businesses. We have resolved to make our communities safer”, the chairman promised.
While congratulating the owners and management for the feat, the chairman appealed for sustained maintenance of the facilities as well as meeting the ever rising expectations of customers.
Mr. Williams Eghebi, who represented the owner, said the management would strive to exceed all expectations especially in service delivery. He assured that customers of the 22-room facility ‘will check out with a promise to return as their satisfaction would have been met with a smile’.
The opening ceremony provided guests the opportunity to have an unabridged assessment of the facilities.
