NEWS
Oborevwori Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Others

By Francis Sadhere, Delta
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has assured residents of the state of his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Delta through strengthened collaboration with security agencies and the public.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Dr.
Minnie Oseji as the new Head of Service and the inauguration of Pastor Austin Igbine as Chairman of the Board of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of “The Pointer” newspaper, the Governor praised security operatives for their progress in combating kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, I am aware of the several successes the security agencies have recorded — and keep making — through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations,” he said at the Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.
While acknowledging the enormity of the security challenges, Governor Oborevwori said that they are surmountable, especially with continued support for security forces.
He urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”
The Governor commended the outgoing Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, for his dedicated service and hailed his successor, Dr. Minnie Oseji, as a seasoned and exemplary civil servant.
“She brings to her new office decades of exceptional stewardship, exemplary leadership, and undiluted passion for excellence,” Oborevwori said.
He further described her as polite, dedicated, brilliant, and thorough, charging her to address issues such as absenteeism, lateness, and unethical conduct in the civil service.
He reiterated his administration’s drive for a performance-driven civil service and called on public servants to align with government policies and uphold public interest above personal gain.
Inaugurating Pastor Austin Igbine as the new Chairman of the Board of “The Pointer”, Governor Oborevwori expressed optimism that the state-owned newspaper would reach new heights in editorial quality, circulation, and digital transformation under his leadership.
“It is my expectation that “The Pointer” will attain new heights in editorial quality, production excellence, improved advertising and marketing, and enhanced digital operations,” he stated.
In her remarks, Dr. Oseji thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to uphold the core values of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
She also assured that the civil service under her leadership would fully align with the Governor’s MORE Agenda and ensure inclusivity across board.
Also speaking, Pastor Igbine promised to build on the legacy of his predecessor and pledged to reposition “The Pointer” for better performance in both print and digital spaces.
The event was attended by top government officials, civil servants, traditional leaders, and members of the press.
NEWS
Niger Cholera Outbreak: UNICEF Steps in as Cases Rise to 297

From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The United Nations Children emergency fund (UNICEF) has stepped in to help in the fight to curtail the spread of the Cholera outbreak that has claimed thirteen lives and increased the number of infected patients to 297.Chief of Kaduna office, Dr.
Gerida Birukila, led UNICEF officials for on the spot assessment to the Isolation wing of the Idris Ibrahim Kuta primary healthcare centre, Minna on Thursday. She disclosed that the field office was contacted about the outbreak a few weeks ago and the intervention agency promptly acted by supplying medical consumables for the state.According to her, out of the thirteen mortality cases, it was discovered that Children were mostly affected.”We are here to beef up the Cholera treatment centre across the State since all cases cannot be referred to Minna alone.The UNICEF field office head noted that the outbreak is yet to abate as the disease has spread to about six to seven local government areas and a total of 297 patients tested positive to the epidemic.”As of this morning nine patients were at the Isolation centre, but four additional cases were brought in this morning (Thursday).The UNICEF team assured that they are collaborating with Niger State Government on how to curb the spread and commended the efforts of the State Government so far.In his remark, Dr. Sule Mele, a UNICEF public Health specialist said the State has enough manpower to curtail the outbreak, but UNICEF is willing to support if called upon to do so.He said the disease which was first observed in Chanchaga (Minna) and Bosso local government areas, mainly urban councils, has now spread to four other local government areas.NEWS
Afriskaut Stars Unite: Super Team Clashes with Reigners FC Sunday
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the best young talents in the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 come together to take on the reigning champions.The super team will face off against Reigners FC in a highly anticipated match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Sunday, July 27.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, concluded with Reigners FC emerging as champions after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Bako. The six-team tournament showcased young talents and provided exposure to scouts and clubs.Reigners FC topped the table with 22 points, followed closely by Jordan FA with 20 points, and Flamingo FC with 17 points.The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with the young players displaying their skills and determination on the field.A 21-player super team has been selected from the participating teams, comprising talented young players who will train with Reigners FC, the champions of the tournament.This selection promises to bring together the best of the young talents in the league.The Golden Boot and Bronze Boot awards for the top scorer and best goalkeeper, respectively, will be presented to the winners after the super team’s training session with Reigners FC on Sunday.Jordan FA’s Commitment to Developing Young Talents:Despite losing in the final match, Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.He emphasised the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.”With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.””The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.”As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.”Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.NEWS
Correctional Officer Kill Friend, Commits Suicide in Kogi

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
An officer of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kogi state Command, Olorunpelumi Jacob, who allegedly killed his friend on Tuesday and kept the butchered remains in a refrigerator has committed suicide in a private lodge in Lokoja.The officer whose name was given on the social media as Ayo Pelumi was said to have gruesomely murdered his friend, a photo journalist identified as Ayo Aiyepeku by smashing him on the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious, and thereafter proceeded to butcher the victim and later stored the mutilated body parts in a freezer.
The incident happened on Tuesday night in an office located around the Government House/GRA axis of Lokoja, where his suspected assailant reportedly had a farm in the same premises.It was learnt that immediately he committed the murder, he took parts of the body inside his Hilux van and sped off only to return few hours unknown to him that a colleague of the deceased, who was in the office had the distress cry of the photojournalist when he was attacked but could not come to his rescue.It was gathered that the correctional officer had a farm in the compound of the office of the newspaper and had gone to the office by 7.30 pm to call the deceased who he thought was the only one remaining in the office.He was said to have called him to help him put a freezer in his vehicle when he hit him with a big rod and thereafter overpowered him killing him and dismembering his bodyOn returning back to the premises o he was said to have been confronted by some security operatives who had been alerted of the incident.In an attempt to speed off, the tyres of his vehicle were bursted but he managed to escape.The Kogi Police Command on Wednesday launched a manhunt for the suspected ritual killer and urged members of the public who knew his whereabouts to alert the nearest police station.However, at about 2.00pm on Thursday afternoon, the police acting on a tip off stormed into a lodge where the corpse of the killer was recovered.A bottle of coca cola and a sippet was said to have also been seen at the scene of the incident.Meanwhile, sources close to the police said investigation has continued to unravel while the suspected ritualist eventually killed himself.