Delta Central Senator, Ede Dafinone, has expressed shock over the passing of Mr. Sunday Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the Delta State Government. Mr. Kotor died on Friday, March 20, 2026, after he slumps. In a statement on Monday, Senator Dafinone described Mr. Kotor as a consummate professional whose discipline, dedication, and attention to duty distinguished him in the discharge of his responsibilities. He was credited with bringing dignity, order, and excellence to state functions, executing his role quietly yet effectively. “His contributions to the smooth running of official engagements will not be forgotten, and his absence will…
Author: SouthernVoiceNews
SouthernVoiceNews
Godwin-Maria Utuedoye is a trained professional journalist. A graduate of Mass Communication from the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. He is a registered practising Journalist with the Nigeria Union of Journalists with over 20 years experience in news reporting. He is interested in Investigative and development Journalism. He lives in Nigeria and focuses more in the Niger-Delta region where oil and gas exploration by government and multinational iol companies has plunged into poverty and environmental degradation for years. He is also a PR Consultant, content creator, broadcast, print Journalist and Publisher. His vast experiences in journalism span over decades of reporting the activities of the untouched areas. He is married with children.
By Edesiri Ofomala, I have had the rare privilege of listening, not once, not twice, but on several occasions, to Senator Ede Dafinone speak about the Urhobo people. Each time, one thing stands out clearly, this is not politics for him; it is a burden. Some leaders speak about their people. Others carry their people in their hearts. With him, you see a man who carries the Urhobo cause as a personal assignment, one that must not fail. There is a pattern you cannot ignore. A quiet resolve. A deep commitment to doing what is right, whether or not applause…
Delta Central Senator, Sen Ede Dafinone has celebrated with Muslim brothers and sisters over the celebration of EID AL-FITR. In a message of felicitations, Senator Dafinone described EID AL-FITR as a period where leaders forgive and preach onenes. According to him, “I extend my warmest felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Delta Central, across Nigeria, and around the world On the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr celebration. “This auspicious celebration marks the successful completion of Ramadan—a sacred month devoted to fasting, reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal—and the beginning of the blessed month of Shawwal. “The holy month of…
The Delta State Government has strongly condemned the reported harassment and assault of women during the recent Ozoro Festival, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable. In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government was deeply disturbed by reports of women being harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted under the guise of festival activities. Aniagwu stressed that the state government frowns at any act that violates the dignity and rights of women, noting that cultural celebrations must never be used as a cover for criminality. “The…
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has called on Nigeria Catholic journalists to safeguard the “human touch” in their reportage and reject overreliance on artificial intelligence. Delivering a homily during the opening Mass of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) annual conference at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the archbishop represented by the auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, stressed that though AI excels and does most human jobs, but still lacks the “heart, empathy, and divine spark” that are needed in…
In a defining moment for Nigeria’s economic advancement, the Director-General/CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, yesterday met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at Geneva, Switzerland, to advance discussions on strategic global partnerships and enterprise empowerment. The meeting was a convergence of influence, vision, and national purpose. At the heart of the engagement was a shared resolve to elevate Nigeria’s small and medium enterprises; the true engine of the nation’s economy. Across markets, workshops, farms, and digital platforms, millions of Nigerians continue to build daily against the odds,…
History teaches a simple but powerful lesson: nations and communities rise not merely through the presence of leaders, but through the quality of leadership they cultivate and the strategic vision they pursue. Dynamic leadership has always been rooted in discovery, foresight, and the courage to confront the most pressing realities of human existence. This principle has quietly but profoundly shaped the trajectory of representation in Delta Central Senatorial District since the return of democratic governance in 1999. The Urhobo Nation, blessed with intellect, enterprise, and resilience, has produced leaders who understood that occupying office is not the ultimate goal—building influence…
By Odudu Odudu Oghenetega In 2007, Delta State had a Governor and a leader who did not just govern, but transformed lives with purposeful policies. Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, Governor from 2007 to 2015, wasn’t just the typical politician chasing headlines or handouts, but a visioneer. A man who prescribed policies like medicine for sick persons as he is a trained medical Doctor. Between 1999 and today, amid a parade of governors with flashy names, titles and fleeting strategies, Uduaghan’s blueprint stands unmatched. His was people-oriented, sustainable, and etched in the gratitude of Deltans. But why? Now walk along with…
By Nelson Agbajor The Senator representing the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has been conferred with the distinguished traditional title of “Garkuwa Gamji” by Alhaji Farouq Umar in recognition of his longstanding support and commitment to the Gamji Emirate. The conferment ceremony, held under the auspices of the Gamji Emirate, celebrated Senator Dafinone’s contributions to strengthening unity and fostering collaboration across regional lines in Nigeria. In his remarks, Senator Dafinone expressed deep gratitude for the honour, describing it as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of unity and shared purpose in nation-building. He noted that…
Prominent Ijaw leader and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), has urgently appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to rethink and expand the distribution of projects under the state’s over ₦400 billion infrastructure plan. Mulade, wants fairer inclusion for Ijaw communities, which contribute massively to the state’s economy. In a weekend press statement reacting to the Delta State Executive Council’s approved projects, Chief Mulade noted that while many areas benefited, Ijaw riverine and rural zones seem largely overlooked. These communities generate about 90% of the funds through oil, gas, and the blue economy, yet they…