Delta State Mourns as Top Government Official Shimite Bello Passes Away

Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Winifred Bello, the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has sadly passed away.

Reports suggest that the respected trade and economic expert may have lost her life due to domestic violence.

While full details are still unclear at the moment, the heartbreaking news was confirmed by human rights activist and aide to the Delta State Governor, Harrison Gwamnishu, in a Facebook post on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Another activist from Delta State, Comrade Victor Ojie, widely known as Wong Box, also confirmed the news.

“Marriage is not by force oh. It’s better to lose your marriage than to lose your life oh,” he wrote in reaction to the incident.

According to Facebook user Hon. Oge Okonkwo, Shimite’s husband has been taken into custody in connection with her death.

Tameta Sunday, who served as her aide, also confirmed the tragedy. He alleged that her husband was responsible for her death.

“It’s hard to say RIP boss, especially knowing that a so-called pastor with a gentle face has ended all the great plans we had,” he shared in a heartfelt post.

The late Chief Shimite was not just an adviser — she held multiple key positions. She was the Coordinator of the Delta State UNIDO Centre and played a pivotal role in implementing the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme in Delta State.

She was the mind behind the television documentary “African Pot,” which highlighted traditional African cuisine, culture, and tourism.

Shimite also contributed to international development, serving on the Steering Committee of the USAID/NEXTT Lakaji Trade Corridor and sitting on the Board of Directors for FESECA — the Foundation for Economic Change in Africa.

Additionally, she lent her voice as a contributing editor on travel and tourism for major outlets like Daily Trust and Leadership.

Her death has sparked widespread reactions, with many calling on women not to endure abusive marriages in silence.