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…
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 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…
The prospect of a second term for Senator Ede Dafinone as the representative of Delta Central Senatorial District is more than a political milestone; it represents a strategic opportunity for the Urhobo Nation. Having gained valuable legislative experience and national visibility during his first term, he now stands as a ranking senator with greater influence in the National Assembly. This elevated status places him in a stronger position to attract development, shape policy, and advance the interests of his constituents. For many across Delta Central, his re-election in 2027 offers the promise of continuity, stability, and accelerated progress. One of…
By Akpos Oghentega, In the unfolding leadership crisis in Sapele-Okpe Community, one figure has again emerged as a decisive and influential voice for the Urhobo Nation — Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District. Many observers say his quiet but firm intervention played a pivotal role in the decision by the His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, to suspend the Community Chairman’s controversial amendments of the community’s constitution and equally halt indefinitely his attempt to create a fifth quarter in the Sapele Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area…
…To Build 25 Divisional Headquarters For State Police, SPU Base The Delta State Government, Friday, approved projects worth over ₦400 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of roads and other critical infrastructure across the state, in a move aimed at improving transportation, enhancing security, boosting economic activities, and strengthening connectivity among communities. The approvals were granted during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the projects span multiple local government areas including Warri South,…