BY SUNDAY EGEDE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to engaging with both Deltans and people of different ethnic nationalities resident in the state in its drive aimed at advancing sustainable development in the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who was speaking at the inauguration of the Executive Committee of Delta State Middle Belt Forum held in Asaba, said his administration does not believe in segregation.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, the Governor congratulated members of the newly inaugurated executive committee of the Middle Belt Forum in the state on their successful election.
He said “In Delta State, we do not differentiate among ourselves because we see everyone as one. This has been our tradition where unity and inclusiveness have been long upheld.
“To my people from the Middle Belt, I bring a message of hope and alignment with the current administration. This government is guided by the principles of the MORE Agenda which stands for Meaningful Development; Opportunities for All;
Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
According to him, peace and security are fundamental to any meaningful progress, adding that without peace, development cannot take place, even as he said that his administration places great emphasis on maintaining peace across the state.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili South Local Government Area in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu who congratulated members of the Forum for conducting a hitch-free election, implored them to always abide by the laws.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, who was represented by Prof. Leroy Edozien, enjoined the leadership of the Forum to broaden their network by engaging with other non-indigenous groups across the state so that Delta will truly become a microcosm of Nigeria, where all groups feel seen, heard, and valued.
In his inaugural speech, the Chairman of Delta State Middle Belt Forum, Jimoh Ibrahim described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive development as inspiring.
He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting Governor Oborevwori’s administration, saying that they are ready to contribute positively to his vision for Delta State.
…Strengthens Drug War With NDLEA Partnership, Rehab Centres
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori will continue to prioritise the fight against substance abuse through purposeful collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders, to drastically reduce the prevalence rate in the state.
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe, gave this assurance while speaking on the radio to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Asaba.
He disclosed that as of 2023, the drug abuse prevalence rate in Delta State among persons aged 15 to 64 was 18 per cent, with over half a million people affected.
Oghenesivbe noted that the number had dropped significantly in the past two years under the Oborevwori administration, attributing the decline to proactive measures adopted in the ongoing “Drug-Free Delta” campaign in partnership with the NDLEA State Command.
The Bureau Chief assured that the second phase of the state-wide “Drug-Free Delta” campaign would soon commence in 58 selected secondary schools, all state-owned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the three senatorial districts, in collaboration with the NDLEA.
Oghenesivbe pointed out that over 95 per cent of criminal activities, such as armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, advance fee fraud (419 or Yahoo-Yahoo), and other forms of criminality, have been globally linked to hard drug use and substance abuse.
He further revealed that at a recent security meeting with members of the State House of Assembly, security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and senior government officials, Governor Oborevwori stressed the need to intensify the campaign against substance abuse, the use of hard drugs, and the arrest and prosecution of illicit drug traffickers.
According to the Director-General, the Governor directed that the “Drug-Free Delta” campaign must be sustained, adding that all arrangements had been finalised for the commencement of the second phase in collaboration with the NDLEA State Command.
He also disclosed that the state government would soon complete the construction of a major rehabilitation centre in Kwale and a medium centre in Agbor to cater for male and female drug victims.
He praised Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of all Deltans, particularly youths, women, widows, and incapacitated senior citizens, who are well covered under the state’s social security and free health programmes encapsulated in the MORE Agenda.
“As we mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, be assured that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will continue to prioritise the Drug-Free Delta campaign and the broader war against substance abuse,” he said.
