Gov Oborevwori mourns as Labour Icon, Frank Kokori, dies at 80
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sadness on the demise of elder statesman and erstwhile General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria, (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori. Kokori, a renowned Labour Leader, who hailed from Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, died in the early hours of Thursday, coincidentally on his 80th birth anniversary. As a pro-democracy activist, he headlined and epitomised the national struggle for the revalidation of the historic June 12 1993 presidential election under the Abacha regime. A month ago, Kokori was reported to have fallen ill and was immediately visited at hospital by Governor Oborevwori. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the family, the people of Ovu community in particular and the Urhobo nation over the passing of the fiery labour leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He described Kokori's passing as a "monumental loss" not just to NUPENG, Deltans and Nigerians, but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people. According to him, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman, an illustrious Deltan and recalled his visit to him on his sick bed in Warri. Governor Oborevwori, said: "I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, a Deltan of unparalleled patriotism. "I am saddened that at a time like this when his patriotic zeal is needed in our dear nation, Nigeria, death came calling. I will forever cherish our last moments together when l visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and was in very high spirit despite his ailment. He fought a good fight. “I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Urhobo nation, NUPENG, APC, Deltans and Ovu community in particular over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and labour icon. “As a bastion of inspiration, labour icon and a man of great political depth and insight as well as a leader of leaders, he contributed immensely to the development of our state and country throughout his lifetime. “As a government, we were committed to ensuring that the now late elder statesman got back to his feet but, unfortunately, against the grain of our expectation, he couldn't make it back from the hospital. “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, whose contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria's democracy remain an inspiration to many. "As the nation mourns him, I enjoin the Kokori family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death". "My government will be fully active in giving this patriot a befitting funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in peace”.
Ensure we get value for money, Oborevwori charges Works Ministry
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, said the state government would continue to monitor contractors for timely delivery of projects in line with specifications to ensure Deltans get value for the money paid for projects. Speaking through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, Governor Oborevwori recalled that two weeks ago the State Government released the sum of N30 billion to various contractors to fund ongoing projects across the state. Addressing journalists during inspection of ongoing projects in Okpe
Delta, Julius Berger sign N78b flyovers, road expansion contracts
Delta State Government and German construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Wednesday, signed N78billion contracts for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state. The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the Commissioner for Works
Flood, water pollution hampering Nigeria’s food production – Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, said flood and water pollution were hampering food production in Nigeria and called on the Federal Government and the United Nations to tackle the menace to ensure food sufficiency in the country. Oborevwori made the call in his remarks at the 2023 World Fod Day Celebration with the theme: "Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind" held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, on Monday. The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday
Supreme Court dismisses Gbagi’s appeal against Oborevwori
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal brought before it by Chief Kenneth Gbagi against Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for being a waste of time, mere academic exercise, and lacking any utilitarian value. In the appeal, Gbagi, a governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed the appeal against the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal refusing to admit fresh evidence not pleaded or frontloaded during trial. Gbagi who claimed to have discovered new evidence
Oborevwori celebrates centenarian, David Gbenebichie
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated elder statesman, Prince David S. Gbenebichie, as he clocks 100 years on October 12. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement in Asaba said Nigeria’s business landscape was replete with the rich contributions of the centenarian, who retired in 1984 as Director of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. He remarked that the elder statesman was a renowned public servant who served the country for 32 years
Oborevwori congratulates Festus Okubor at 63
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated renowned medical practitioner, politician and astute administrator, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, as he clocks 63 years on October 12. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor described Okubor, who is National President, Ute-Okpu Development Union (UDU), as a political tactician and administrator, who had contributed immensely to the public service in the state. He particularly commended Okubor for his role in stabilising the polity as a man with the
Oborevwori consolidating infrastructural renewal in Delta – Izeze
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Comrade Reuben Izeze says the state government was consolidating infrastructural renewal in Asaba, other urban and rural centres across the state. Speaking during inspection of reconstruction and expansion of road and drainage at Ibusa Road Asaba, Comrade Izeze said the work originally meant to deflood adjoining streets and roads from the Koka interchange was a continuation of the work done by the previous administration. He said Governor Oborevwori was committed to ensuring quality road infrastructure
Oborevwori Inaugurates 44-member Delta Advisory Council
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday inaugurated the State’s Advisory and Peace Building Council, with a charge to support the government's M.O.R.E Agenda with regular expert advice to foster inclusive economic growth, environmental protection, religious harmony and sustainable development of the state. Governor Oborevwori, who spoke at the inauguration ceremony held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, said the appointees were men and women of great wisdom, exemplary character, enviable track record of performance and proven leadership qualities. He held that the government and
Delta alerts residents on recurring scam acts
Delta State Government, Monday, alerted Deltans and the general public against falling prey to the activities of scammers whose specialty was fooling the unsuspecting public in order to obtain unjust financial favours under the guise of giving them appointments. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, who reiterated the warning for the third time, said some criminal elements were impersonating the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Johnson Erijo and himself to defraud
