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Oborevwori Launches $1bn Palm Oil Initiative for Economic Transformation

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By Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori yesterday unveiled a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at revolutionizing the state’s palm oil sector.

The Delta State Commercial Oil Palm Plantations Growers Cooperative Society Limited (DELCOM COOP) project is expected to attract nearly $1 billion in development finance over the next decade, positioning the state as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

The Governor made the announcement during the public presentation and launch of the DELCOM COOP/Delta State Oil Palm Plantations Development Land Bank and Agric Data in Asaba.

He said that the initiative would not only create thousands of jobs but also stimulate the local economy, making Delta a frontrunner in the global oil palm industry.

Oborevwori outlined the significance of the project in the context of his MORE Agenda, which aims to harness the immense potential of agriculture, particularly the oil palm sector, to foster sustainable development and wealth creation.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Delta State, where we seize an opportunity to make agriculture the cornerstone of our economic transformation,” he said.

The initiative builds on a partnership established in November 2018 with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the CBN’s 10-year Oil Palm Development Initiative, which aims to restore Nigeria’s position as a global leader in oil palm production.

Delta State, as part of this initiative, has committed to contributing 100,000 hectares of farmland, with plans to access N120 billion through the CBN/Bankers Committee’s N500 billion funding facility.

Since the establishment of DELCOM COOP in August 2020, the project has seen rapid growth. From an initial 41 Limited Liability Companies and 1,971 smallholder farmers, DELCOM COOP has expanded to include 145 companies and 3,080 smallholder farmers.

The project’s success is attributed to its community-driven approach, with 68 host communities releasing 130,000 hectares of dormant land for cultivation, surpassing the initial target of 100,000 hectares.

Oborevwori said that 10% of the land would be reserved for indigenous communities, and 22% of the annual net profit from commercial operations would be reinvested into the communities. This model ensures that local residents are active participants, not just beneficiaries, of the project’s success.

As part of the DELCOM COOP initiative, six strategic hubs will be established for aggregating and processing Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) into high-value products such as palm oil, palm stearin, and organic fertilizer.

The first phase of the project aims to develop 30,000 to 35,000 hectares, with the establishment of two oil mills at an estimated cost of $150 million.

The Delta State Government has already approved a N25 billion ISPO guarantee for the first phase, demonstrating its commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability.

In addition, the project will incorporate the cultivation of intercrops such as cassava, maize, soybeans, and sorghum, which will be sold to appointed off-takers within the first 12 months of operation.

Oborevwori stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in ensuring the success of the project.

“This is not just a government project; it is a collective effort that requires the support of all stakeholders. Together, we will unlock the full potential of this sector and build a prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.

Secretary of DELCOM, Dr. Felix Okonti added that the DELCOM COOP initiative aims to lift two million Deltans out of poverty and create 15,000 millionaires and 1,080 billionaires by 2032.

He also revealed plans to secure $900 million in foreign private equity funding for the development of 100,000 hectares of plantations and six large-scale oil mills.

The DELCOM project is expected to generate over 288,700 jobs initially, with the potential to create one million jobs in the long term, further boosting Delta State’s economy and fostering development in rural areas.

With this groundbreaking initiative, Delta State is set to become a major player in the global oil palm industry, ushering in a new era of economic growth and sustainable development.

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Plateau PDP Cautions Members Against Obtaining Nomination Forms From Pro-Wike Faction

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

As Nigerians await the verdict of the Supreme Court on the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Plateau State chapter of the party has caution it’s members against obtaining primary election nomination from the faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

In an advisory obtained by the Daily Asset Newspaper, the Plateau PDP declared that loyalists of the FCT Minister parading as leaders of the party have already been expelled and their expulsion validated by the High Court and Court of Appeal.

In the advisory issued by Dr Choji Felix Dalyop, State Publicity Secretary, the chapter maintained that any nomination forms issued or signed by Senator Anyanwu or under the authority of Abdulrahman Mohammed lack legal standing.

Part of the statement reads: “Our great party under the strategic leadership of Miskoom Raymond Dabo, hereby issues a formal advisory grounded in extant judicial pronouncements regarding the purported sale of nomination forms for the 2027, general elections led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu acting as National Secretary.

“Pursuant to binding judicial determinations, this advisory is issued, including:- The judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 9th March, 2026, and the judgment of the FCT High Court delivered on 12th January, 2026, both of which affirm the suspension and subsequent expulsion of Senator Samuel Anyanwu from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“From a legal standpoint, these rulings have two critical implications: Loss of Capacity: Senator Anyanwu, having been validly expelled, lacks the legal competence to act in any official capacity on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Derivative Invalidity: All actions predicated on his authority, including the recognition of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, and the constitution of a parallel National Working Committee, are legally defective.

“Consequently, the Abuja Convention of 29th March, 2026, convened under this disputed authority, is rendered void ab initio, as it derives from an invalid institutional foundation.

“Furthermore, the issuance of a Form 48 notice by the FCT High Court underscores ongoing judicial scrutiny, and reinforces the binding nature of earlier rulings, particularly regarding compliance by affected parties.

“The principle of law remains unequivocal: No valid structure can emerge from an invalid origin.

“Therefore, any nomination forms issued or signed by Senator Anyanwu or under the authority of Abdulrahman Mohammed lack legal standing.

“Implications for Aspirants: Non recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);

“Exposure to pre election litigation leading to disqualification;

“Post election nullification risks analogous to established judicial precedents.

“The PDP Plateau State, chapter strongly advises all aspirants, and stakeholders to exercise due diligence, and avoid engagement with any processes that are unstable with the vision, and mission of the founding fathers of our great party, which to a great extent are fundamentally inconsistent with the law.”
End

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Soludo’s 16.4km Road Project Ends Years of Suffering, Opens Up Anambra Communities

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By Laide Akinboade Abuja

Vice President of Boardwalk Group and Abuja-based real estate developer Chief Obiageli Okwubanego, on Wednesday, commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for completing the 16.4-kilometre Nawfija–Ajali–Ufuma–Ogbunka Road in Orumba South Local Government Area.

Sh gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Abuja.

She said residents in that area testified that the project has transformed transportation, agriculture and economic activities across the axis.

Okwubanego described the road project as a major infrastructure breakthrough that has drastically reduced travel time and eased movement for motorists and residents within the affected communities.

She recalled that the appeal for the road was first made in 2019 when Soludo attended the funeral mass of her mother, Chief Mrs. Agnes Igwenagu Okeke.

According to her, the deplorable state of the road at the time made movement extremely difficult for mourners and guests attending the burial ceremony.
“When Professor Soludo later declared interest in contesting for governor, I went back to my people and urged them to support him with the assurance that the road would be done. I also appealed to him to extend the road project to Ogbunka, my mother’s hometown,” she said.

She noted that the newly completed road has reduced travel time by about two hours and now serves as an alternative route to the traffic-prone Umunze Roundabout.

Travellers heading towards Umuaku in Abia State, as well as Okigwe and Ndi-Iziogu areas of Imo State, now use the route to avoid traffic congestion.

“For Christmas, Easter, August meetings, marriages and other celebrations, people can now travel home with ease and in large numbers,” she stated.
Okwubanego described the project as part of Soludo’s broader infrastructure and economic transformation agenda across Anambra State.

According to her, the road has enhanced the movement of goods and services within the communities and improved economic activities in the area.
“Governor Soludo’s solution agenda has positively impacted our communities and brought remarkable transformation to the entire Orumba South Local Government Area,” she said.

She further noted that residents of Nawfija community had never experienced a tarred road before the intervention of the Soludo administration.

“Since I started visiting Nawfija community years ago, the residents had never enjoyed a tarred road. Soludo, through compassionate and selfless leadership, has now provided the people with their first properly constructed road,” she added.

Highlighting the economic importance of the project, Okwubanego said the road has significantly boosted agricultural activities in the area, especially palm oil production.

She explained that the adjoining communities are predominantly farming settlements responsible for a substantial share of palm oil production in Orumba South Local Government Area.

“The famous Onuoigbo palm plantation, which spans over 20 hectares, is located along this road corridor in Nawfija, and the improved road network will greatly support the movement of farm produce,” she explained.

On tourism potential, she said the road would also increase access to the popular Ozi Stream, known for fishing and irrigation activities, thereby attracting more visitors and commercial activities.

“With easier access to the famous Ozi Stream, human and business activities in the area will rise significantly,” she noted.
Okwubanego also reaffirmed her emotional attachment to Nawfija community, saying her passion for the people inspired her continuous commitment to their welfare and development.

“My dear Nawfija community means so much to me, which is why I personally pleaded with His Excellency to give us this road. My passion for the community will always push me to look out for their welfare,” she said.

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Ekiti Church Attack: CAN Demands Action Over Killing, Abduction of Worshippers

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, condemned
the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo Ekiti, where gunmen reportedly killed a Pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade.

This was stated in a statement issued by
President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja.

The Christian body demanded for immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits and rescue of those kidnapped.

He described this latest attack as a brutal assault on shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

And it is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

He mourned with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State

The statement reads, “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.

People had gathered peacefully to worship God, and they were met with violence. This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

“We mourn with the family of the slain Pastor and stand in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, and we call for their immediate and safe release.

“This latest tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks. Only recently, gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting residents including clergy, their families, and other community members. These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored.

“This attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.

“We must be unequivocal: the protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government. We call on the authorities and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay. Every necessary effort must be made to rescue those abducted unharmed.

“We also urge the government to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks”.

He noted, “At the same time, we must all speak out firmly. The killing of a Pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator is deeply troubling. It reflects a grave disregard for life, for faith, and for the moral fabric of our society.

“We have a duty to communicate these concerns clearly, firmly, and without equivocation to the appropriate authorities. Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

“May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to our land”.

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