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Tech Week 2025 Holds in December, to Fashion Delta’s Digital Future

Tech Week 2025 Holds in December, to Fashion Delta’s Digital Future

• Science ministry targets 10,000 attendees

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

In a daring move to explore and exploit the digital economy space, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved plans by the Delta State Government to host the Delta Tech Week 2025, regarded as a major technology initiative geared towards promotion of innovation, job creation, digital networking and development across the state.

Themed as “Building Delta’s Digital Future,” the event is scheduled for the first week of December 2025 in Asaba, and will feature exhibitions, hackathons, hands-on summits and interaction, awards as well as a job fair for tech enthusiasts, developers and young innovators.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Odigie Odinigwe, who.disclosed this to newsmen while unveiling the programme in Asaba, said that the event was conceived to bring together people who are holding their own in the tech space but need exposure and recognition in the broader digital economy.

The five-day programme approved by the state government will feature a spectrum of activities, including a Hackathon, Delta Tech Experience, Ecosystem Summit and Awards, Women in Tech 4.0 Summit and DevFest, a developers’ conference powered by Google Developer Groups (GDG), the commissioner noted.

Odinigwe, who said that the event targeted more than 10,000 attendees, reiterated that the state government was deliberately providing fertile ground for Delta youths to develop digitally through expasion of access to platforms that promote digital literacy, sharpening of skills, job creation, and self-reliance under the M.O.R.E development blueprint.

The administration will replicate across the state the ICT and CBT Centre recently opened in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, he assured, in order to boost the human capital development and employment creation efforts of the state government through improving access to the global digital economy.

He stressed that the state educational policy and programme on digital learning and innovation in coding, app development, data analytics, artificial intelligence and basic computer literacy was justified by the fact that digital knowledge was no longer optional in today’s world.

Dr Odinigwe said, “We have a lot of talented young people in Delta who are building amazing things. Delta Tech Week 2025 will give them a platform to showcase their skills and connect with diverse opportunities.

“I assure you that this event will not just be about talking; it will be about creating real impact. We want to put Delta State prominently on Nigeria’s technology map.”

According to the commissioner, Delta Tech Week 2025 represents the inaugural flagship technology festival put together by the Delta State Government through his ministry, in partnership with startups, co-operates, academia, and ecosystem enablers.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Rocky Ighoyota, emphasized that the goal of the novel Delta Tech Week was to give youths the opportunity to solve real problems using digital technology.

“Participants will work in teams to create tech solutions for challenges affecting Delta State. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their work to investors and the public,” he said.

According to him, three categories of prizes and awards will be given to the best teams for creating valuable innovations that would ultimately elevate Delta State in the digital sphere.

Also speaking, Director of Science and Technology, Mrs Nkechi Chukwurah, described the Delta Tech Experience as a fair for tech innovators as it will basically be an exhibition of various tech solutions.

Mrs Chukwurah said, “It’s like a trade fair; booths will be provided for inventors and innovators to display their work. We already have people developing solutions that can solve local problems.”

While assuring that the ministry was ready to deliver the maiden edition of the Delta Tech Week, she disclosed that the exhibition will take place on Day-Two of the Week at The Marque, Asaba, adding that it would enable “participants to meet inventors, explore innovations, and experience new ideas first-hand”.

Several private sector players attended the unveiling of the programme in Asaba, including Charles Omordia, CEO of SchoolVille, who commended the Oborevwori administration for boldly supporting the state’s technology ecosystem in providing realtime solutions.

“For a long time, we’ve been pushing for this kind of opportunity; and, I must commend the Commissioner for making it happen,” Omordia pointed out. “We want to see how much technology can help in gas processing, electric vehicle development, and industrial growth. There will be exhibitions of new products and services.”

Similarly, Paul Okoro, Founder and CEO of Waffi Hub and Convener of the Delta Tech Ecosystem Summit and Awards, said that the summit will highlight how technology can drive economic transformation.

“The theme of our summit is ‘Reimagining Delta: A $100 Billion Economy Powered by Technology.’ Delta’s economy is about $15 billion now, but we can grow it to $100 billion in the next 20 years through innovation.

“We are also working to raise a $5 million investment fund to support startups in Delta. That way, our young innovators can build locally instead of moving away,” Okoro said.

In the same vein, Cynthia Orife, CEO of Coriftech and Convener of the Women in Tech Summit, said that the event will give special attention to women in different areas, like how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for innovation and growing their business.

“The theme is ‘AI for Impact: Empowering African Women for Global Innovation.’ We want to teach women how to use AI to improve their businesses and build tech-driven careers,” she said.

“We are using this platform to build more tech leaders. It will bring women together to showcase their potential and prove that women in Delta State are ready to thrive.”

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Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba In a daring move to explore and exploit the digital economy space, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved plans by the Delta State Government to host the

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Seplat Energy Commits to Supporting Education in Edo, Delta

Seplat Energy Commits to Supporting Education in Edo, Delta

*Pioneer education centre wins PEARLS quiz 2025

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company, has expressed determination to continue to promote excellence in education in the country, particularly in the states of Edo and Delta.

Seplat Energy, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), made the pledge at the PEARLs Quiz Competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta States.

Pioneer Education Centre, Benin-City, Edo State, emerged first-place winner of the 2025 edition of the Seplat PEARLs Quiz Competition for secondary schools in the stares held in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

The Centre went home with the star prize of N10 million at the grand finale of the PEARLS Quiz organised by Seplat Energy Plc in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Aside the handsome amount, which is meant for equipping the winning school’s ICT centre, each of the participating students of the victorious institution also went home with N100,000 and several other items.

The second and third placed schools; Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State, received five million naira and three million naira, respectively, as their rewards.

Nonetheless, the fourth-placed school, Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State, went home with a consolation prize for participation.

PEARLs, which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders, is one of Seplat Energy JV’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives geared towards the promotion of academic excellence, nurturing critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In addition to the quiz competition, the grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased inventive projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Under the STEAM Challenge, the top three projects were awarded cash prizes and commendations for creativity, functionality, and real-world problem-solving potential.

The first prize of one million naira went to Hollywood International School, Asaba, Delta State, who presented a multi-functional academic laboratory.

In second place was the Pioneer Education Centre, Benin, Edo State, which got N500,000 prize money, while Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, Delta State, took the third position and N250,000.

In his remarks, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor, represented by Ms Orode Uduaghan, Delta State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, commended the Seplat JV for the PEARLs Quiz initiative, which he noted has greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.

Oborevwori said, “Today, we celebrate not just a contest but the brilliance, promise and potential of our young people, the true future of our states and our nation. On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend profound appreciation to Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture for their consistent and impactful investment in education.

“The PEARLS quiz, which translates to promoting exceptional and respectable Leaders, is a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligns perfectly with our developmental vision.

“For years, this initiative has provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, self-confidence, and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence.

“The scholarships, awards and educational resources you provide continue to enrich our educational landscape and nurture future leaders”.

The governor urged the participants and winners to remain focused and committed so as to use the confidence gained to build on their brilliance for greater success in the future.

In her opening remarks, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager, Government Relations of Seplat, welcomed the governments of Delta and Edo States and congratulated all the participants, particularly those who made it to the grand finale.

The initiative, she pointed out, was conceived for promoting exceptional and respectable leaders, dating back to 2012, which has seen Sepalt being active in host communities and helping to guide students in the right direction.

She noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students have demonstrated that the initiative is already bearing fruits by nurturing young people.

“A school might be going home today with the prize, but you are all winners, and I congratulate you.

“The most important aspect was the learning which each participant had taken from the PEARLs Quiz to make him or her a better person in the journey of life,” she said.

Moreover, she commended the teachers, many of who had also been trained under various CSI initiatives of Seplat for encouraging the students to make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz the huge success it has turned out to become.

Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, represented by Abudukadiri Ikoghade, Director, School Support Service in the ministry, lauded the Seplat JV for what he described as positively impacting the students and creating a positive academic environment in Edo and Delta States.

Iyamu said, “This competition represents a remarkable platform for promoting and rewarding academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and healthy competition among our students. Its impact in inspiring hard work, nurturing confidence, and encouraging brilliance among young minds in Edo and Delta States cannot be overemphasised. Today, we are not only celebrating the intellectual achievements of our students but also reaffirming our collective commitment to education as a powerful tool for shaping the future.

“On behalf of the Edo State Ministry of Education, I express sincere gratitude to NNPC/Seplat Energy Plc for their unwavering support and investment in education.

“Your commitment to giving back to the communities and states where you operate is truly commendable. Through initiatives such as the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), which enhances teacher capacity, the STEAM Labs Project that supports innovation and practical learning in schools, and this PEARL Quiz Competition that builds the confidence and academic prowess of our students, you have demonstrated exemplary corporate citizenship.”

On his part, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), represented by the Corporate Communication Department’s Godwin Ijiga expressed joy at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta States.

Foucart commended the students for participating and making it to this stage, expressing gratitude to the Edo and Delta state governments for the conducive atmosphere for business to thrive and be in a position to give back to society.
Noting that all the participants are already winners, he said, “To all the students, I want to say congratulations for making it this stage”.

The grand finale of the character-moulding, knowledge-impacting initiative also featured other impactful packages, including health talks focused on the girl-child, by Emo Udobong-Ntia, General Manager, Corporate Services at Seplat Energy; and an Inspiration Talk session by Ogechukwu Udeagha, General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Seplat Energy.

The guest lecturer, Edith Onwuchekwa, Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Seplat Energy Plc, also spoke on the topic, ‘Cultivating a Culture of Excellence’, where she charged the audience “to strive to know what quality is and strive for it”.

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*Pioneer education centre wins PEARLS quiz 2025 Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company, has expressed determination to continue to promote excellence in education

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Ndume Urges Tinubu to Engage US After Trump’s Designation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’

Ndume Urges Tinubu to Engage US After Trump’s Designation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’

*Laments FG, Senate’s delay in taking prompt action earlier

*Recommends high-level lobbying Involving seasoned diplomats

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

Senate Leader in the 8th National Assembly and former Chief Whip in the 10th Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to urgently open diplomatic channels with Washington following the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

Ndume, who represents Borno Central Senatorial District, warned that failure to address the issue swiftly could have grave diplomatic and economic consequences for Nigeria, including sanctions, restrictions on security cooperation, and damage to the nation’s global image.

His reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent post on his Truth Social handle, later shared on the official White House X account, declaring Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to what he described as “an ongoing Christian genocide.”

Trump had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” alleging that thousands of Christians were being killed by “radical Islamists” and calling for an immediate congressional investigation into the matter.

Trump wrote, “When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’”

Under U.S. law, a “Country of Particular Concern” is one whose government has engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom or human rights. Such a designation carries serious implications, including visa bans for senior officials, suspension of security assistance, restrictions on arms sales, and limits on trade or aid.

The designation could also impact Nigeria’s bilateral relations and its access to multilateral funding from international institutions that often align with U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s presidency but was delisted under the Joe Biden administration. Its reinstatement, now under Trump’s renewed influence in Washington, signals a potential return to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a statement he personally signed and released in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume, who was Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army in the 9th Assembly, accused both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Senate of failing to act promptly after U.S. Congressman Riley Moore raised the same concern weeks earlier.

Ndume said, “I have alerted the government before now; I even moved a motion in the Senate.

“Nigeria is a sovereign state, but we cannot afford to ignore this kind of misrepresentation. It’s not about what the United States can do to us, but the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern.”

The senator said the government’s lack of proactive engagement gave room for the U.S. to act unilaterally without hearing Nigeria’s side of the story.

Ndume said, “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. We should demand that they hear from the Nigerian government and from the Muslim community.

“The killings are not targeted at Christians alone, Muslims and other Nigerians have also been victims. The violence is driven by terrorism, not religion.”

Ndume urged the Tinubu administration to deploy Nigeria’s most experienced diplomats and international statesmen to lead the engagement with Washington and other global actors.

He said, “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, and Amina Mohammed of the United Nations.They can help us explain the realities on the ground.”

He further advised the government to work closely with the U.S. embassy in Abuja, noting that American officials based in Nigeria already possess credible intelligence on the complexity of the country’s security situation.

Ndume said, “We can change the narrative by ensuring that Nigeria is not tagged a ‘country of particular concern’ but perhaps a ‘country of special concern, one that needs support and partnership.

“That way, the U.S. can assist us with arms, intelligence, and other resources to combat terrorism more effectively,” he added.

Experts and analysts had argued that Nigeria’s re-designation could affect ongoing military cooperation with the U.S., particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The move may also influence future foreign investments and travel advisories, affecting Nigeria’s global economic outlook.

Diplomatic observers, however, noted that the U.S. decision could still be reversed if Abuja demonstrates measurable commitment to addressing issues of religious violence, human rights, and protection of minority groups.

Ndume, who is from the Boko Haram-ravaged communities in Bornu State, emphasized that while the U.S. has the right to express concern over human rights, Nigeria must defend its sovereignty and reputation through facts and diplomacy.

He said, “The good thing about America is that if they know the truth, they will stick to it. Our government must not be passive. We must engage them constructively, clear the misconceptions, and reaffirm that Nigeria remains a nation committed to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.”

As Abuja weighs its next steps, the controversy underscores the delicate balance Nigeria must maintain, between acknowledging its internal security challenges and protecting its international image in an era of heightened global scrutiny.

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*Laments FG, Senate’s delay in taking prompt action earlier *Recommends high-level lobbying Involving seasoned diplomats Sunday Aborisade, Abuja Senate Leader in the 8th National Assembly and former Chief Whip in

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South-east Business Leaders Meet Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Collaboration with Lagos Govt

South-east Business Leaders Meet Sanwo-Olu to Strengthen Collaboration with Lagos Govt

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Prominent business leaders from the South-east region have paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in order to strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector investors.
The delegation which was led by the
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite who lauded Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and the remarkable strides his administration has made in advancing the development of Lagos State.
She said, “It’s always a pleasure to be in Lagos, a city that truly never sleeps, and one that continues to lead the way in innovation, enterprise, and economic growth.”
She stated that her visit was to first bring warm greetings and deep appreciation from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun for “your outstanding leadership and for the remarkable strides your administration continues to make — not only in advancing the development of Lagos State, but also in supporting the broader national agenda for economic growth and fiscal stability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”
According to her, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu particularly values the strong spirit of collaboration and partnership that Lagos has consistently shown towards the federal vovernment through its pragmatic governance, forward-thinking reforms, and active cooperation on key initiatives such as the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail Project.
A statement issued by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance,
Mohammed Manga said the minister commended the governor, adding he had demonstrated that when the federal and state governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable.
.Uzoka-Anite explained that the purpose of the visit was to comply with the presidential directives, which instructed all the ministers to immediately commence engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring economic growth and development.
She added that the visit was to also inform the governor about “an initiative we are very excited about — the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series.”
“The idea behind the GPS Dialogue is simple but powerful: to create a regular, open space where government officials and private sector leaders can sit together, share perspectives, and design practical solutions for the challenges and opportunities before us,” the minister said.
She expressed the federal government’s readiness to collaborate with Lagos State in hosting the inaugural edition of GPS
The minister informed that the second purpose of the visit was to “tell you more about some of the distinguished business leaders from the South east who are based here in Lagos and have graciously joined me on this visit.
“They are a shining example of the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit, people who have made Lagos their home and are contributing daily to its growth. Each of them represents a generation of business leaders who believe deeply in Nigeria’s potential and in the power of partnership with government.*
While reaffirming the federal government’s
unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, broadening access to finance, and strengthening partnership with the Lagos State Government on transformative business and regulatory reforms.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos State Government will continue to partner with the federal government, captains of industry and indeed all relevant stakeholders with a view to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He thanked the Minister for choosing Lagos to host the maiden edition of GPS while also reaffirming his administration’s support to all Nigerias to thrive with equity, justice and honesty.

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Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Prominent business leaders from the South-east region have paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in order to strengthen collaboration