Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has formally declared his intention to seek re-election to represent Delta South Senatorial District, citing his legislative record and development initiatives as justification for a second term.
Speaking at a constituency briefing and declaration held at Oleh Township Stadium on Friday, the lawmaker said he has sponsored eight bills, four of which have been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, with one already signed into law and others awaiting presidential assent.
He noted that the bills are targeted at improving the welfare of his constituents and addressing critical development needs.
Highlighting his interventions, the senator, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, said over 1,500 constituents have benefited from empowerment programmes involving the distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, sewing and grinding machines, boat engines, refrigerators, and fertilizers.
He added that more than 500 people have also undergone training in agribusiness, welding, electrical maintenance, ICT, and maritime-related skills, while others have secured employment in public and private sectors, alongside scholarships awarded to students across the country.
Joel-Onowakpo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Nigerian Maritime University, describing it as a landmark federal presence that will boost education and economic growth in Delta South.
He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his infrastructural strides and leadership, noting that the administration has strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The senator acknowledged initial challenges in office, admitting that as a first-time lawmaker he faced a learning curve and may have made mistakes, for which he appealed for understanding.
He, however, expressed confidence that his experience has better prepared him to deliver more effective representation, promising expanded opportunities, more development projects, and improved living standards.
He reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, describing their leadership as vital to the continued progress of Delta State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Delta South APC Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, congratulated the senator on his declaration but noted that the party would, at the appropriate time, determine its position through democratic processes, including consensus or direct primaries. He also commended President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in them by party members.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, moved a motion endorsing President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for re-election, which was seconded by Hon. Timi Tonye.
The motion was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and was overwhelmingly adopted.
Dignitaries at the event included Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Dr. Julius Pondi; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and Executive Director, South-South Development Commission, Dr. Timi Tonye.
Other speakers, including Chief Iduh Amadhe; Senator Stella Omu; Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; Omatsoguwa Evans; and Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, all spoke in support of the senator’s re-election.
Also in attendance were council chairmen from across the district, including Bomadi Chairman, Hon. Andaye Dagidi; Burutu Chairman, Hon. Julius Takeme; Isoko South Chairman, Hon. Friday Ovoke; Patani Chairman, Hon. Isaac Aguanah; Warri North Chairman, Hon. Festus Ashima; Warri South Chairman, Hon. Isaac Agbateyiniro; and Warri South-West Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, as well as the Vice Chairman of Isoko North, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Aluta.
Members of the Delta State House of Assembly present included Hon. Bino Owhede, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Benson I Obire, Hon. Anthony Alakpala, and Hon. Edafe Emakpor, representing Uvwie Constituency.
