The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Civicist Rex Anighoro, has extended his civic advocacy outreach to Lagos, engaging with Deltans and friends of Delta residing outside the state.
The week-long engagement, held from September 2 to 9, 2025, focused on promoting key initiatives such as the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, climate action, nonviolence and peacebuilding, ethnic harmony, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign emphasized inclusivity under the principle of ensuring that no one is left behind.
Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
Civicist Anighoro, who also serves as the Vice President of the International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni Association of Nigeria (IVLPAAN), a leading U.S. government exchange program alumni body, held impactful interactions with several distinguished personalities.
Those he engaged include:
- Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace and founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN).
- Chief Dr. Judy Asuni, American veteran activist and CEO of Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW).
- Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, CEO of GMYT Group and PRO of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN).
- Dr. Sam Aiboni, Executive Director (New Business) at Aspen Energy Nigeria Ltd. and Managing Partner, Victoria Chambers.
- Dr. Joyce Ugbosu, founder of Lakewood British School, Lagos, and CEO of Infosys Digital Solutions Ltd.
- Hon. Oke Umurhowho, Marketing Director of Startimes TV.
- Comrade Philip Jakpor, Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI).
- Pupa Oris Wiliki, veteran musician and leader in the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN).
He also engaged with his counterpart in Lagos, Hon. Ruth Lijinri Ayomide, SSA to the Governor of Lagos State on Civic Engagement.
Advocacy Through Media and Arts
Beyond strategic meetings, the Governor’s aide—himself a musician with two albums—connected with veteran gospel artist Obus Zalee of DC Envoys fame, now a presenter on Yanga FM. He used the platform to raise awareness on climate change and contributory health issues.
He further visited TVC Communications at Eko Atlantic City, amplifying advocacy messages to a wider audience. As part of efforts to promote Climate Arts, Anighoro also toured the Didi Museum, owned by renowned Deltan environmentalist Dr. Newton Jibunor, where he interacted with climate-inspired artist Tayo Aleyowo.
Commendation and Next Steps
Civicist Anighoro commended the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, for providing the enabling support for such civic engagements.
“I appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for enabling me to promote the MORE Agenda through civic engagement. I am equally grateful to Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, whose collaborative efforts have opened up new avenues for improving the health and lives of Deltans and those connected to the state,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he noted:
“Our aim is to engage more Deltans and friends of Delta living outside the state, listening to their perspectives, and advancing the MORE Agenda. In the coming days, I will be visiting more cities to promote the Contributory Health Scheme, climate action, Kingian nonviolence and peacebuilding, SDGs, and other initiatives, ensuring inclusivity for all and leaving no one behind.”
Team Members
Civicist Anighoro was accompanied by Olorogun Venture Evwerhamre, President of the Delta State Civil Society Actors Community (DSCSAC) and member of the Delta State Public Procurement Council, and Activist Edmund Atakhurievwe, a social justice advocate, Coordinator of the Niger Delta People’s Salvation Front (NDPSF) Delta State Chapter, and a leader within DSCSAC.