Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the state government is proposing a budget of over ₦1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to consolidate the socio-economic and infrastructural development drive of his administration. Governor Oborevwori made this known on Thursday during the state government’s citizens’ engagement on the preparation of the 2026 budget, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the Governor explained that 67 per cent of the budget estimate would be allocated to capital expenditure, while 33 per cent would go to recurrent expenditure.…
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.
Delta Central Senator, Ede Dafinone, has raised alarm over the rise in child abductions in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, where more than six children have gone missing in recent months. In a statement issued on Thursday, said most of the victims were between the ages of three and ten, describing the trend as “deeply disturbing” and a source of growing fear within the community. He recalled that the crisis escalated in June when four children were reported missing, prompting protests by aggrieved women on September 16. Tensions further heightened on September 24 after a mob…
Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru has condoled the Ibru family over the death of Olorogun Oskar Eyovbirere Ibru who died at the age of 67 years. Olorogun Oskar Eyovbirere Ibru is the first son of the late patriarch Olorogun Michael Ibru, describing his death as a huge loss to Urhobo nation, Delta and Nigeria at large. In a condolence message, Chief Great Ogboru said Olorogun Oskar Ibru’s death has created a big vacuum in the Ibru’s family, considering several lives he impacted on while alive. At 67, Olorogun Ibru was esteemed as an industrialist whose contributions as Chairman of the Ibru…
Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District Ede Dafinone, has expressed deep grief and shock over the passing of Olorogun Oscar Eyovbirere Ibru, a business mogul, philanthropist, and eldest son of the late Chief Michael Ibru. In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Dafinone described the sudden death of Olorogun Ibru at 67 as a profound loss not only to the Ibru family but also to the Urhobo Nation, Delta State, and Nigeria at large. “Olorogun Oscar Ibru was more than the eldest son of the late Olorogun Michael Ibru, founder of the Ibru Organisation. He was a…
In an effort to strengthen CSOS engagement in Asset Restitution and Monitoring, the Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor has revealed that Nigeria lost nearly $40 billion to illicit financial flows between 2001 and 2010, contributing to the $148 billion stolen annually across Africa. Speaking with journalist during a two day workshop held in Asaba, Ugolor explained that without stronger asset recovery measures, robust legal frameworks, and active Civil Society oversight, recovered funds could be mismanaged, depriving citizens of much-needed development and infrastructure. According to him, the workshop was designed to…
By Lucy Ezeliora It was a glamorous gathering at the residence of Chief Onwordi James Asika Ibori, the Onishe Ezemu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State, as he celebrated the 2025 Iwaji New Yam Festival in grand style. The festival attracted a large turnout of cultural enthusiasts, traditional rulers, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Ubulu-Uku in the diaspora including Tue former deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue. The occasion was colourful, featuring rich cultural dances, masquerade displays, and parades of traditionalists. Beginning with customary rites at the Onishe’s residence…
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye A private hospital in Delta State, Mount Horeb Clinic and Dialysis Centre, located in Warri, has successfully performed its first kidney transplant. Following this groundbreaking achievement, the clinic has appealed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for support in sustaining and expanding this critical medical service. This landmark procedure marks the first time a private hospital in Delta State — and in surrounding states — has successfully carried out a kidney transplant, making it a historic milestone in the region’s healthcare landscape. The transplant was performed by a skilled and dedicated team of surgeons…
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has dismissed claims of bias against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, insisting that the governor remains resolutely committed to fairness, peace, and even development across the state. Addressing journalists in Asaba on Monday, flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Aniagwu described the negative narratives being pushed by political actors ahead of the 2027 elections as “false and completely at variance with reality.” He stressed that Governor Oborevwori has consistently governed as “a governor for all Deltans,” irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations,…
Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, has congratulated His Majesty, King Couple Mackson Oromoni, Monbene III, the Amaokosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker described the milestone as a celebration of a decade of wise and visionary leadership that has brought progress, peace, and harmony to the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom. Rt. Hon. Guwor, who also serves as the National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, praised the monarch’s…
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye The Delta State Government has reiterated its determination to strengthen security across the state, announcing that the planned launch of the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF) will significantly boost its security architecture. This assurance came during a working visit by the Board and Management of the DSSTF to the headquarters of Operation Delta Sweep (ODS) in Asaba on Friday. Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the DSSTF, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, explained that the visit was to obtain firsthand information on the operations and challenges of ODS, with a view to fostering collaboration once the Trust Fund…