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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta’s Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda

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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..

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Drives Delta's Tourism Growth With MORE Agenda

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.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

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April 21, 2026

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Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

 

 

As part of a two-day strategic working visit to Cross River State, the National Coordinator of POCACOV (Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices), SP Orvenonne Ikwen, Ph.D., embarked on a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships, deepening community participation, and advancing the non-kinetic approach to crime prevention across the state, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, whose policing philosophy is rooted in community partnership, public trust, proactive engagement, and preventive policing aimed at building safer communities across Nigeria.

 

The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, psc, mnips, who warmly received the National Coordinator and commended the POCACOV initiative for its significant impact in tackling cultism, bullying, drug abuse, gangsterism, school violence, and other social vices affecting young people and vulnerable groups. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting proactive policing strategies that promote trust, restore public confidence, and ensure lasting peace and security across Cross River State.

 

 

In continuation of the visit, the National Coordinator paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, who described the POCACOV visit as timely and highly strategic, especially during what he referred to as a volatile and transitional period in society. He emphasized that the engagement reinforces the collective responsibility of government, institutions, and citizens in addressing the growing concerns of social vices among young people.

According to him, “The primary responsibility of every government is the security of its citizens,” noting that the adoption of the non-kinetic approach by the Nigeria Police Force through POCACOV demonstrates that the Police truly care about the future of Nigerian youths. He commended the Nigeria Police Force for embracing preventive policing and pledged the Ministry’s full support for POCACOV activities in Cross River State.

 

 

Barr. Ijom Ukam further declared that POCACOV has come to stay in Cross River State and assured the National Coordinator of sustained collaboration in mobilizing young people, creating awareness, and implementing youth-focused interventions that will help eradicate crime and social vices from the state.

 

 

As part of the media advocacy component of the visit, SP Orvenonne Ikwen also visited prominent radio stations including HIT FM and Sparkling FM, where she engaged media stakeholders on the need for continuous public sensitization, youth mentorship, and strategic communication in crime prevention. She stressed the critical role of the media in shaping positive narratives, promoting civic responsibility, and supporting national efforts to discourage cultism and other harmful behaviors among youths.

The National Coordinator also met with content creators and digital influencers in the state, including popular creative personality MC Koboko, to strengthen collaboration in using social media and entertainment platforms as tools for advocacy and youth engagement. She emphasized that content creators remain powerful voices in shaping public perception and influencing positive behavioral change among young people. She called for stronger partnerships with creative stakeholders to amplify the message of POCACOV and promote peace, responsibility, and social values across communities.

She noted that POCACOV remains a major strategic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force designed to complement law enforcement with prevention-focused solutions, reflecting the IGP’s vision of policing that is rooted in public trust, inclusiveness, and strong community partnership.

The working visit further strengthened collaboration between POCACOV, the Cross River State Police Command, the Ministry of Youth Development, educational institutions, religious leaders, traditional institutions, parents, and the media, all united in the shared goal of building safer communities and securing a better future for the younger generation.

The visit stands as another strong testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to preventive policing, youth empowerment, and sustainable peacebuilding through stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships.

 

Nigeria Police Initiative Targets Youth Vices As POCACOV Undertakes Strategic Visit To Cross River

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Ajadi Seeks G-22 Backing for 2027 Governorship Bid, Pledges Unity and Inclusive Leadership

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April 21, 2026

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Ajadi Seeks G-22 Backing for 2027 Governorship Bid, Pledges Unity and Inclusive Leadership

Ajadi Seeks G-22 Backing for 2027 Governorship Bid, Pledges Unity and Inclusive Leadership

 

 

A leading gubernatorial aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Sunday intensified his consultations with key grassroots powerbrokers as he hosted members of the influential Forum of Immediate Past Party Chairmen, popularly known as G-22, at his residence.

 

Addressing the forum, Ajadi described the gathering as a significant moment in his political journey, acknowledging the strategic relevance of the group within the PDP’s structure across the state.

 

“Members of G-22 are well known in our great party, the PDP. I am truly delighted to receive you in my residence today,” Ajadi said. “I humbly seek your support and cooperation to make this gubernatorial ambition a reality. Together, we can strengthen our party and build on the legacy of good governance of our amiable leader in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde.”

 

The gubernatorial aspirant further emphasised his long-standing commitment to humanitarian services and party unity, noting that his political engagements have always been driven by service, inclusiveness, and loyalty to the PDP.

 

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Lukman Adesina, a former local government chairman in Ibadan North-West and ex-chairman of all PDP local government chairmen in the state, underscored the political weight of the G-22 within Oyo politics.

 

“This forum, G-22, played a vital role in the emergence and re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde in both his first and second terms,” Adesina stated. “We are grassroots politicians with strong influence across our respective local governments, and our contributions to the success of the PDP in Oyo State are well documented.”

 

Adesina commended Ajadi’s philanthropic record and commitment to party cohesion.

 

“Ambassador Ajadi has been a known philanthropist, even from his days in Ogun State. He has continued to invest his resources—financially and intellectually—in keeping the PDP united in Oyo State. His humanitarian disposition mirrors that of Governor Makinde,” he added.

 

Also lending his voice, Hon. Sakiru Ojo, the secretary of the forum, praised Ajadi for hosting the members of the forum and highlighted the importance of engaging G-22 members ahead of the party primaries.

 

“On the day Ajadi met with leaders of the Oyo Federal Constituencies, I made it clear that the G-22 must not be sidelined. I commend him for taking that advice seriously,” Ojo said.

 

In separate remarks, other members of the forum expressed optimism about Ajadi’s ambition while offering prayers and strategic counsel.

 

Chief Johnson Ojebiyi, former chairman of Kajola Local Government, drew parallels between Ajadi’s consultations and Governor Makinde’s early political strategy.

 

“This is exactly how Governor Makinde began—through wide consultations. It paid off for him, and we believe it will for Ajadi too. However, he must remember this forum when he succeeds,” Ojebiyi advised.

 

Similarly, Hon. Adedeji Sola, former chairman of Afijio Local Government, noted the enduring relationship between the G-22 and the current administration.

 

“Governor Makinde has always carried the G-22 along in his political activities. We pray that Ajadi finds similar favour and support,” he said.

 

Hon. Bakare Isaiah of Ona-Ara Local Government affirmed the internal support Ajadi enjoys within the group.

 

“Our chairman speaks highly of you and has consistently advocated for your acceptance among members. When you secure the party ticket, we expect a follow-up engagement,” he remarked.

 

Prayers for the success of Ajadi’s ambition were also offered by Alhaji Adebisi Sikiru (Ibarapa East) and Hon. Oyeleye Gideon (Ogo-Oluwa), reflecting a generally positive reception from the forum.

 

The meeting began with an opening prayer led by Alhaji Balogun Moruf, former chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, while the closing prayer was delivered by Hon. Oyeleye Gideon. Balogun later returned to give the vote of thanks, appreciating Ajadi for the warm reception.

 

Political observers note that the G-22, comprising former PDP local government chairmen with deep grassroots structures, remains a critical bloc in determining the outcome of party primaries and general elections in Oyo State.

 

Sunday’s meeting is widely seen as part of Ajadi’s broader strategy to consolidate support across key party stakeholders as the race toward the 2027 gubernatorial election gradually gathers momentum.

Ajadi Seeks G-22 Backing for 2027 Governorship Bid, Pledges Unity and Inclusive Leadership

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Gov Dauda Lawal Hosts Chief of Defence Staff, Reaffirms Commitment to Security in Zamfara

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4 hours ago

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April 21, 2026

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Gov Dauda Lawal Hosts Chief of Defence Staff, Reaffirms Commitment to Security in Zamfara

By Bashorun Oladapo Sofowora

Earlier today, Governor Dauda Lawal received the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Government House in Gusau during an official visit to Zamfara State.

The Chief of Defence Staff commended the Zamfara State Government for its consistent support to troops operating within the state, acknowledging the administration’s collaborative approach in addressing security challenges.

During the meeting, the Governor reiterated that security remains the foremost priority of his administration. He emphasized that without security, meaningful development and governance would have little impact on the lives of the people of Zamfara State.

The Governor stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the state government and the military in confronting insecurity and restoring lasting peace across affected communities. He noted that effective synergy between civil authorities and security agencies is critical to overcoming the menace threatening the state.

He further assured that his government remains fully committed to providing continued support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness and safeguard lives and property.

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