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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta’s Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta’s Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to driving the tourism sector of Delta State via his MORE agenda is attracting a lot of encomium his way.
Speaking with journalists at a media parley held in Asaba, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr Josephine Odunze disclosed that the State government is intensifying efforts to promote tourism by creating an enabling environment for tourism investors.
Dr Josephine, who embarked on a two-day trip to various tourist sites with her team of other political appointees and civil servants in the culture and tourism sector, said the purpose of the tour was to identify, inspect and assess the potentials of the various sites.
“Looking at all these tourist sites located in different parts of the state, we needed to embark not just on an inspection tour but also to see the potential in these sites. Potential in the area of trade and investment, employment opportunities, and potentials in the area of cultural exchange between states and nations.”
Flanked by the General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, Dr Josephine, gave a sequential account of the trip. She evaluated the eco-tourism potentials of the River Ethiope, which has its source at Umuaja in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State and sourced from the root of a silk cotton tree that penetrated the water. Dr Josephine said eco-tourists can take advantage of the river as it is the deepest inland waterway in Africa. The Umuaja River flows through different communities to Sapele.
“This River Ethiope is navigable. It flows into the Turf Club, McCarthy Beach, Shiloh Beach, and other beaches. If properly managed, it can be used for boat regattas and other recreational activities. River Ethiope is very clean; we can have a botanical garden situated there, which will aid research for students.”
Speaking, she described McCarthy Beach as a serene environment, where tourists and poets who want to take recess from the hustle and bustle of life can go for relaxation and inspiration. McCarthy plays host to different events, thereby beefing up businesses in the area.
On the Warri Gardens, which is owned by the Delta State Government, Dr Josephine disclosed that the site needs more government attention and upgrade and should be managed effectively for it to compete with other private-owned tourist sites.
The Ibru International Ecumenical Center located in Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area is another tourist attraction in the state for religious tourists who want to engage in some spiritual exercise, and the more such tourist sites are patronised, the more it contributes to the overall economic development of the community and State.
She revealed that the Ganagana Island in Okwagbe in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state is a beautiful place where tourism businesses would thrive. Dr Josephine encouraged tourism associations, managers and planners to visit Ganagana Island as history has it that it was the first place that Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther visited when he arrived in Nigeria but he was rejected and he did the biblical injunction of dusting his feet against them before setting off to Onitsha.
‘’The community is surrounded by water, but it is said that the water never overflows its banks. So it can serve as a seaport where a lot and even our popular locally brewed gin (ogogoro) can be marketed. This place needs recognition and support to give it an international platform for exports of some of our indigenous arts, crafts, and cuisines’’.
Dr Josephine relayed their experience at the Mount Ned Resort at Idumuje Ugboko as her team continued their tour on the second day. They witnessed the rich historical artefacts displayed at the environmental and cultural tourism site. For her, the site is underpublicized, and lots of people need to come there not only for sightseeing but for cultural and educational exposure.
While taking the team around, the curator at the site, Pastor Lauretta Onuma, appreciated the team for including the site on their list for the tour. She encouraged individuals and organisations to take a trip to Mount Ned Resort to have a first-hand experience of the rich eco-cultural site in Idumuje Ugboko..
Another site visited on the second day of the tour was the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, established by Dr Newton Jibunoh, also known as the Desert Warrior. At the Garden, Miss Oluebube Okafor took the team to see various facilities such as the zoo, an Olympic-size swimming pool, hotel accommodations, and artwork that represents the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue. Dr Josephine appreciated Dr. Jibunoh, for the insight on how to manage and leverage the tourist sites in Delta State, that would eventually boost the revenue in the state. According to her, Dr Jibunoh stressed the need for the security infrastructure of the state to be strengthened as this would encourage global and local tourism investors to Delta State.
She added that the historic Mungo Park House in Asaba should be revamped as there are places that are already caving in. ‘’The place should not be left to go into extinction as it reminds us about the story of the colonial rule, the interface between the western influences and African culture. It also was the first Government House in Nigeria as Asaba was the administrative head of the Southern protectorate’’. She thanked the government of Delta State for creating an enabling environment for investors but added that more needs to be done by collaborating with the National Museum to give the facility a facelift.
She said they also made a quick stop at the Lander Brothers Anchorage where she called on the state government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to look into the remodelling of the Lander Brothers Anchorage to boost the tourism sector of the state. The anchorage is a museum built in memory of the British explorers, Richard and John Lander, who were taken captive in 1830.
The General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Mrs Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, who is a stakeholder in the tourism industry both at the state level and beyond, said that tourism is multifaceted as it cuts across our daily lives such as religious tourism, medical tourism, conferencing, hospitality, accommodation, culture, gastronomy, that the state can explore to grow its GDP. ‘’But the state needs investors who will partner with the government to make Delta State a tourist destination of pride.’’
She, however, revealed that the tourism board promotes both state and privately-owned tourism sites using the official tourism brochure and via online marketing. “We need investors as the government can not do it alone. The government has created the enabling environment such as road infrastructure, water, and light but we need investors who will partner with the government to ensure that we truly make Delta State the preferred tourist destination of pride. We have some comparative areas of advantage because of the biodiversity and eco-system of the state. You will find that one area that is most prominent for private investment is the beach and resort development. You will find that the whole corridor from Umuaja, Umutu, and Abraka, going all the way down to Sapele, is so beautiful because of the beach, sand banks, and the green river. It is an area where investors can come in and do five – to seven-star resorts along those corridors. Aboh is another beautiful beach, Aboh Palace, and Aboh Slave Relics; all of these put together are waiting for the private sector to harness. We also have Asaba Beach, although it is a seasonal beach because, during the rains, the water is full.
Dr Josephine said the Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park has not only attracted tourists and those in the entertainment industry to the state but has attracted road projects to the location and neighboring communities.
“The film Village and Leisure Park is now a tourist delight as the facility houses so much in leisure including a zoo, a music recording studio and everything needed for film-making, acting, production and post-production stages are all there. The hotels,apartments, and hostels are well equipped for visitors to lodge during their stay in Asaba”. We also appreciate our working Governor, Rt Hon Oborevwori, for sustaining the need for collaboration with the private sector in managing the film village, as that has brought some level of professionalism, dedication and credibility to the activities of the film village and leisure park.
Dr Josephine Odunze appreciated the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the enabling environment for tourists and investors, especially during the maiden edition of the 2023 Christmas in Delta, tagged ‘’45 Days of Christmas in Delta’’. 45 days of fond memories, synchronized fireworks in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state, hoisting of the tallest Christmas tree in Africa right in the heart of Asaba, carnival parade and other activities held at the film village, Leisure Park and other parts of Delta State in December 2023.
Members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Hon Huxley Unumadu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Hon Gloria Oborevwori, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Onosakponome Donaldson.
Others include Mrs Kate Uwabor, who was the Tour Guide from the Tourism Board and other assistant directors, and tourism and cultural officers from the Directorate of Culture and Tourism.
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
Good Politics Or Just Power? Two Years After The Elections
Two years after the last general election, Nigerians are justified in asking a direct question: is our democracy stronger today than it was then? Democracy is not measured by how many offices a party controls or how loudly politicians speak. It is measured by integrity, accountability, and the lived experience of the people. Good Politics demands more than victory at the polls; it demands moral leadership and visible progress in the lives of citizens.
The debate over amendments to the Electoral Act should have provided an opportunity to deepen transparency and strengthen public confidence. Instead, hesitation to fully embrace reforms that safeguard credible vote transmission and accountability has fueled doubt. In a nation where electoral credibility remains fragile, any reluctance to reinforce safeguards sends the wrong signal. Good Politics stands firmly for processes that are open, fair, and beyond suspicion.
The party in power commands significant authority across the federation. With control of the presidency, many state governments, a strong presence in the National Assembly, and influence at local levels, there should be no anxiety about reforms that ensure free and fair elections. Confidence in leadership is demonstrated not by dominance, but by a willingness to subject power to scrutiny. Politics rooted in the omoluabi ethos embraces fairness, transparency, and responsibility, even when inconvenient.
This is the standard long associated with Awolowo, whose politics emphasized discipline, social welfare, education, and institutional strength. His vision was not merely about holding office, but about transforming society through principled governance. Good Politics follows that tradition. It rejects manipulation, arrogance, and the concentration of power without accountability. It insists that authority must serve the people, not itself.
Beyond electoral reforms, democracy must deliver tangible relief. Across the country, households struggle with rising prices and shrinking purchasing power. Small businesses are burdened by escalating costs. Young people search for opportunities that remain scarce. When economic hardship deepens, democracy feels abstract. Good Politics recognizes that political legitimacy is reinforced when citizens can see and feel the benefits of governance.
The concentration of power within a single political structure should translate into coordinated reform and measurable development. When it does not, questions naturally arise. Democracy weakens when dominance replaces performance. It weakens when loyalty to party eclipses loyalty to principle. The omoluabi tradition teaches that character defines leadership. Without character, authority becomes hollow.
A healthy democracy requires credible elections and compassionate governance. It requires leaders who understand that politics is a moral enterprise. Two years into this administration, many Nigerians remain uncertain about the direction of both our democratic processes and their daily welfare. If democracy is to endure, it must reflect Good Politics: fairness in competition, integrity in conduct, and compassion in governance. Anything less falls short of the standard that our history and our values demand.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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