Oborevwori Inaugurates Delta Advisory Council

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated the state’s Advisory and Peace Building Council, and charged it 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, yesterday, said that 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 people of the state stood to benefit immensely from their wealth of knowledge and experience in both the public and private sectors.

He said: “This administration is committed to ensuring that the peace we currently enjoy in Delta State is not only sustained, but also strengthened through our MORE agenda, which has Enhanced Peace and Security as the fourth pillar.

“This administration is mindful of the fact that the attainment of peace involves much more than using the forces of coercion to maintain law and order, especially when there is a breach of peace.

“While this administration will continue to deepen its partnership with the security agencies, we shall also ensure that those issues that threaten our peaceful coexistence and public safety are well covered in our policies and programmes.

“Towards this end, the MORE agenda is designed to foster inclusive economic growth, environmental protection, religious harmony, and sustainable development.”

The terms of reference and responsibilities for the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council are as follows: study the general socio-economic and political situations in the State and render advice to government;

“Advise on issues that can lead to healthy relationship between the executive arm of government, the legislature, and the judiciary, as well as the local government councils;

“Reach out to and collaborate with traditional institutions, youth groups, Non-Governmental Organisations, socio-cultural organisations, and other relevant stakeholders through regular discourses on peace and security with a view to containing and tackling the sources that breed and encourage insecurity in our communities;

“Carry out in-depth studies and render advice on issues for the purpose of eliciting goodwill, instilling confidence, and fostering harmonious relationship with the federal government and other states in the federation; study the causes of conflicts among the various communities in the state and advise on measures to tackle them;

“Detect early warning signs and nip them in the bud to forestall escalation of conflicts; advice on appropriate peace building platforms to ensure the successful implementation of the policies and programmes of government and deliberate and advise on any matter referred to it by the governor.”

The council has Professor Sam Oyovbaire as chairman, while other members include Dr. Chris Agbobu; Mr. Benjamin Elue; Mr. Nkem Okwuofu; Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu; Alaowei Broderick Bozimo; Gen. Broderick Demeyeibo (Rtd); Mr. Mike Adiotomre; Hon. Anthony Akpomiemie; Chief Ignatius Agidi; Mr. John Nwagimeje; Mr. Sam Nwa Igumbor and Mr. Benson Iyama.

Others are Mr. Simeon Efenudu; Sen. Mrs. Stella Omu; Dr. Eddy Ugboma; Chief Emmanuel Onyeukwu; Rear Admiral Mike Onah Rtd; Mr. Robert Onome; Avm. Frank Ajobena Rtd; Mr. Tony Monye; Ibonye Philip; Engr. Dr Pius Sinebe; Chief Mrs. Margaret Unukegwo; Chief Godwin Edeki; Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue

Also inaugurated as members are; Major Patrick A. Egone (Rtd); Mr. Emmanual Ogobene; Mr. Sylvester Oduara O. Kohwo; Dr. Adogbeji Ideh; Dr. Esther Uduehi; Mr. Hope Erute; Hon. Irene Imilar; Dr. Roland Oritsejafor; Dr. Isreal Abido; Mr. John Edah; Mr. Monday Arawore; Mr. Igwe Nzekwe; Mr. Iduh Amadhe; Mr. Michael Eze; Rev.Gideon Oyibo; Bishop Benson Emorariemu; Bishop Jude Akhere and Bishop Godfrey Ekpenisi.

The Senior Political Adviser to the Governor ,Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Edwin Uzor and Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor Hon. Funkekeme Solomon are Ex-Officio members.

Professor Sam Oyovbaire commended Governor Oborevwori for an inclusive list and pledged the support and cooperation of the Council to the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda.