The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Okocha to Fubara: stop deceiving Rivers people

    Okocha to Fubara: stop deceiving Rivers people

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has doubted the possibility of the proposed Council elections in the State on October 5.

    The APC said there is nothing on ground to indicate that the exercise will hold on the said date; they urged Governor Siminialayi Fubara to stop deceiving Rivers people that election will hold.

    Speaking yesterday in Port Harcour the State capital, the Party Chieftain Tony Okocha said the planned exercise has generated some suits that are pending in court, even as a Federal High court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), from releasing voters register to the State Independent Electoral commission (RSIEC), and the Police and other security agencies from participating.

    “As far as i am concerned, the local government election is another attempt to disrespect, disregard and disobey the court and the Laws of the Land.

    “We’re in court. It is no longer news that Justice Rita of the Federal High court Abuja has given an interim order, barring INEC from release of any sensitive material to the Rivers State Independent Electoral commission(RSIEC), what that means is that voters register should not be released to RSIEC; she equally barred the police and other security agencies from participating in the election.”

    Giving a report on the council election matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja said, ruling has been adjourned indefinitely.

    He noted that some parties including the Boot Party, Social Democratic Party (ADP), and another group who claimed to be the Original APC memebers in the State indicated interest at the last sitting to be joined in the suit and their submissions have already been taken by the court.

    He reasoned that with the developments, the planned October 5, council elections would not hold, and advised those who may want to directly participate in the exercise to careful not to run into colossal loss and regrets.

    “…as it is presently, the government is still struggling between two opinions whether or not to continue with the election preparation or not.”

    He called on Governor Siminialayi Fubara to stop the “deceit games” he is playing with the emotions of the people of the State, insisting that there is no way electijns would be conducted on the State while matter concerning the planned exercise are in court.

    “The Governor should stop deceiving Rivers People. We know that it is impossible for Local Government Elections to hold when the matter is in court, and an order has been issues, and that order has also not been vacated.

    Read Also: Fubara has sworn to violate Constitution, rule of law, says Rivers Speaker Amaewhule

    “He also should know that even when dows rhat for whatever reason, maybe to show impunity…, it will amount to nullity by all cost and in all cost.”

    Speaking further, Okocha regretted that some individauls who are aspiring to paeticipate in the polls as contestants have began to place their properties, buildings and plots of land for sale, while some other are dhopping for where to access interest loans to enable them via for the positions.

    He urged them to think twice before making away with their property, insisting that the possibility of conducting council elections in the State soon is not clear.

    “I hear that some of the people who say they want to run for the chairmanship ans Councellorship have already put up their houses and lands for sale, even some are busy borrowing money, to do what?, allow the scenario to ne clemente enough, the field is not clemante for anybody to contest local government elections in Euvers State for now.”

    We have said time and again that the APC is not afraid to run an election in Rivers State, at least, not the APC I represent…, the time APC could not present candidates for election was the period of leadership ineptitude, high handedness and the penchant to say no…,

    “We’re not scared of elections, we’re only saying that the processes should be seen to have followes the law, it is not an election that will be held at individuals whins and caprices, we will not advocate for that; this is what we have been saying long ago.” he insisted.

    Speaking on the matter concerning Martin Amaewhule led 25 State Lawmakers , Okocha again denied that they are members of his Party.

    He reiterated that all he has been doing since the crisis in PDP platform was to see a way to woo them into the APC, insisting that they are members of the PDP and not APC.

    “The Assembly members have said over and over again that they are not members of the All Progressives Congress and i can confirm to you that they are not.

    “What we’re doing with them is to woo them to joining us. We’re doing that because we discovered that they are having their own internal crisis in their party.

    “Some people are saying that that flew the flag of the APC, that they did that on a national television, that they swore Affidavits that they are members of the APC, and I am speaking to you in all authority that they never indicated to join that All Progressives Congress, at least i am incharge.

    “It would have been joy for me that they joined the APC. No assembly member even by default registered in APC in their ward …you become a member of your party from your ward,…you register in your ward register, but non of them.did, non of them has our membership card.”

    He aplauded the recent Abuja High court judgement that affirmed Amaewhule Speaker of the State House of Asembly, describing i as sound.

  • Nwoko urges Delta to harness Ogwashi-Uku dam for water, electricity, agric

    Nwoko urges Delta to harness Ogwashi-Uku dam for water, electricity, agric

    Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) has intensified efforts to ensure the people of Delta State benefit from the full potential of the Ogwashi-Uku dam. 

    The Senator has been vocal about the dam’s transformative potential, urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to complete the necessary infrastructure to activate the dam’s multi-functional capacities fully.

    The Federal Government, in a recent communication to Senator Nwoko, confirmed that it had fulfilled its responsibilities concerning the dam’s construction. 

    The letter, signed by Minister of Water Resources & Sanitation June 26, 2024 (ref. No. FMWR&S/DRO/29/5.IV/C.2/T/342), emphasised that the Federal Government’s role, including the construction of the dam, had been completed. 

    The letter highlighted the urgent need for the Delta State Government to build a water treatment plant and install a piping system to deliver potable water to homes and farms.

    It also urged the State Government to collaborate with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), to which the Federal Government handed over the dam upon its completion in 2019, to ensure the effective utilization of the impounded water.

    The Ogwashi-Uku dam, once fully operational, promises to deliver three critical services to the region: “Potable Water Supply: The dam has the capacity to provide clean, treated water to households in over 70 surrounding communities.

    “The construction of a water treatment plant by the State Government is essential to ensure safe drinking water reaches every home.

    “Irrigation for Agricultural Development: The dam will supply water for irrigation, supporting local farmers and boosting food production, thereby enhancing food security in the state.

    Read Also: Tension in Abia community over death of middle-aged man

    “Power Generation: In addition to water supply, the dam has the potential to generate electricity, which could significantly improve energy supply in the region.”

    Nwoko, the only serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator in Delta State, has been relentless in his pursuit of this cause. 

    He has held multiple discussions with key figures, including former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, emphasizing the urgency of completing the dam’s infrastructure.

     Despite these efforts, the Delta State Government has frequently cited financial constraints as a barrier, insisting that the Federal Government should bear responsibility for the remaining tasks.

    Nwoko argued that the State Government must prioritise the welfare of its citizens by completing the necessary infrastructure.

     He believed improved infrastructure, particularly in water supply, power generation, and agricultural support, will lead to economic growth and improved living standards for the people of Delta State.

    In his continued advocacy, Nwoko has been vocal on national platforms, asserting that Nigeria is a wealthy nation, and its citizens should not suffer from basic needs. 

    He has called for greater cooperation between the Federal and State Governments, stressing that such collaboration is key to making life more bearable for the people of Delta State.

    In addition to his efforts on the Ogwashi-Uku dam, Nwoko has initiated plans for a second dam in Idumuje-Ugboko, which has already been included in the federal budget. 

    His commitment to improving living conditions and empowering the agricultural sector is unwavering, but he insists that the Delta State Government must step up to fulfill its role in completing the Ogwashi-Uku dam project.

    Nwoko envisions a future where every home in Delta North has access to clean water, farmers are empowered with irrigation systems, and the state fully harnesses its power-generating potential.

     To achieve this vision, he calls for cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders, particularly the State Government.

  • Iyere’s withdrawal from Edo guber race boosts Enabulele’s candidacy

    Iyere’s withdrawal from Edo guber race boosts Enabulele’s candidacy

    In what appeared to be a surprising turn of events, Kennedy Iyere announced his withdrawal from the Edo State governorship race.

    Iyere, who was vying for the governorship position in Edo State under Accord Party, stated that he would be focusing on unpolitical programmes, giving boost to Dr. Bright Enabulele’s candidacy.

    In a statement in which he made this disclosure, Iyere stated that he made the decision to focus on other things.

    “I urge the citizens to vote with their conscience and prioritise candidates who genuinely care about the welfare of our communities,” he was quoted as saying.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: Iyere withdraws from guber race

    Insiders in the Accord Party, in their reaction to this development, expressed the belief that Enabulele remains a strong contender in the election and that yere’s withdrawal may streamline support for Enabulele, potentially consolidating votes around the strongest candidate who shares the party’s vision for progressive governance.

    “Iyere’s exit from the race highlights the need for collaboration among candidates who prioritise the people’s needs,” one insider remarked. “I strongly believe that this exit was made in the best interests of our party, and could galvanise support and drive support for Enabulele.”

    Political analysts, in their reactions, stated that as Enabulele concluded his campaign, his candidacy is expected to leverage the momentum created by Iyere’s withdrawal.

    Amongst other things, they noted that even though Enabulele had stopped campaigning in compliance with the regulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), eligible voters in Edo would see a candidate committed to addressing pressing issues in the state, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, in Enabulele.

  • Edo 2024: Iyere withdraws from guber race

    Edo 2024: Iyere withdraws from guber race

    Comrade Kennedy Iyere has officially withdrawn from the Edo gubernatorial elections scheduled to hold tomorrow.

    The renowned entrepreneur who was the governorship candidate of Accord Party said his withdrawal from the race was prompted by the existing necessity to serve Nigeria at a higher level.

    Over the past few months, Iyere had  launched and presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a multi-billion dollar food intervention programme, known as “Food4All Initiative”, a strategic food security intervention, designed to help Nigeria to achieve food security and also provide opportunity for the mass employment and economic engagement of youths and women through the “One-Family-One-Farmer Scheme,” anchored by FUND-YES Cooperative, an arm of Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI) in collaboration with Multi-Life Savers For The Less-Privileged People.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: NSCDC boss orders deployment of 6,433 personnel for peaceful election

    Justifying his withdrawal from the race, Iyere in a statement which reads in part said, “My focus is no longer on the governorship seat but on a higher and bigger portfolio than a governor. I want to serve Nigerians at large and not just Edo indigenes. I want to help rebuild Nigeria’s lost economic greatness. I am a man of sophisticated  international contacts, connections and influence, as a high-profile philanthropreneur, grant facilitator and humanitarian activist. Therefore, serving as a governor will actually place limitations on me. I am presently hugely contributing my efforts towards national development.

    “I am assisting the federal government to devise a road map for the economic inclusion, engagement, self-emancipation and deradicalisation of youths by designing and driving social intervention programmes that aim to mitigate unemployment and enhance youth and women entrepreneurial opportunities for mass self-employment, wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

    “These programmes are all sure to fully kick-start in the month of October 2024 and Nigeria will be placed yet again on the pathway of rapid economic recovery. Our intervention programmes will enhance opportunities for youth entrepreneurship engagement in multiple sectors, especially   agriculture, food and beverage, technology, entertainment, innovation and creativity.

    “More than six million youth and women entrepreneurs (as MSME owners and operators) shall be created or produced  within the first one year of the official kick-off of this entrepreneurship programme. Nigerian youths and women lack access to the  business capital required as entrepreneurs to either start up a new business or operate an existing business. This programme will squarely address that essential need,” Iyere stressed.

    Iyere further enjoined all eligible voters in Edo state to shun violence and vote their conscience.

  • Edo 2024: Group rejects Peter Obi’s candidate

    Edo 2024: Group rejects Peter Obi’s candidate

    Ahead of the Saturday, September 21, gubernatorial election in Edo state, a group, Obidients United For Equity, Justice, and Fairness, has accused the former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, of neglecting the principle he once upheld.

    Blessing Edobor, the group’s leader, questioned Obi’s decision to endorse Olumide Akpata, a cousin of Governor Godwin Obaseki and a native of the same region as Obaseki, despite the calls from Edo People for greater justice and equity.

    In a statement, Edobor highlighted the global and democratic demands for competency, commitment, and balance in politics, emphasising that these principles should guide political decisions.

    She referenced recent U.S. political appointments, suggesting that similar principles of regional and religious balance should apply in Nigeria.

    Edobor criticised Obi for what she perceives as a lack of consistency, pointing out that during Obi’s 2022/2023 presidential campaign, he demonstrated a commitment to regional and religious balance by appointing representatives from diverse backgrounds.

    However, she argued that this commitment seems to have been abandoned in the current Edo State situation.

    The group’s statement further criticised Obi for prioritising partisanship over the principles of justice and equity.

    It questioned why Obi, who previously received endorsements from various regional and ethnic groups for his stance on fairness, now appears to disregard similar calls in Edo State.

    Edobor urged Obi to reconsider his position and align with the calls from the Edo People for justice, equity, and fairness, rather than allowing partisanship to dictate his actions.

    Read Also: Peter Obi, wife not arrested by DSS, says aide

    The statement read: “All over the world politics comes with certain incontrovertible demands and such demands are more strident in democracies. There are calls/demands for competency, capacity, commitment to the common good, credibility, and character, and there are those of Justice, Equity, Fairness, and Inclusiveness. Even in the recent choice of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate to Kamala Harris over Josh Shapiro, the fact that Kamala Harris is married to a Jewish American and that Josh Shapiro the Governor of Pennsylvania is Jewish was a deciding factor.”

    “In Peter Obi’s 2022/2023 Presidential Campaign Council, there was the reflection of balance on account of Religion and Region. Even the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges the Federal Character normative. For the reflection of justice, equity, fairness, and inclusiveness in his campaign council, Peter Obi chose someone from the southwest as campaign DG, Doyin Okupe, even when he became muddled in some ex-convict controversy and excused himself, Peter Obi did not elevate Eseloke Obaze the Deputy DG to DG but still insisted on another Yoruba man, Dr Akin Oshotokun as his replacement. But for partisanship such deep values that work for balance mean nothing anymore to Peter Gregory Obi. What more defines hypocrisy?”

    “When Peter Obi wanted to appoint a lead spokesperson for his campaign, he had better orators and proficient speakers in Kenneth Okonkwo and Dele Farotinmi, but he chose Dr. Yunusa Tanko because he wanted a reflection of Religion and Region, he wanted a sense of balance and inclusion. What he considered right for his campaign, he doesn’t consider right for Edo State. What more defines insincerity?”

    “Peter Obi’s candidacy was endorsed by the South-South Forum PANDEF, it was endorsed by Afenifere, it was endorsed by The Middle Belt Forum, and by Ohanaeze all on the call for Justice, Equity, Fairness, and Inclusion. Peter Obi cannot deny that. Why does he not think that Edo Central deserves Equity, Justice, and Fairness? Why does Partisanship, or selfish ambition blind him to the call of the Edo people for justice, equity, and fairness?

    “Citizen Peter Obi has shown wanton hypocrisy and insincerity in his choice of Partisanship over Justice, Equity and Fairness in Edo State. He has thrown under the bus the values that stand him out, however, the Edo voters will reject him and his candidate because Edo prides in justice, equity, and fairness.”

    “Come September 21, 2024, go and vote for the ticket that guarantees prosperity for all. Vote for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, it is the most Competent Ticket, and it is the Ticket of Justice, Equity, Fairness, and Inclusion.”

  • Dafinone hails sister’s appointment to NIRSAL Board

    Dafinone hails sister’s appointment to NIRSAL Board

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central)has congratulated his sister, Dr. Daphne Dafinone on her appointment as a Board Member of the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), PLC.

    Two weeks ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dissolved the previous board and executive directors of NIRSAL and announced the appointment of new board members.

    In a statement, Senator Dafinone described Dr. Daphne Dafinone as a highly experienced and thorough auditor with extensive expertise in corporate governance. 

    He noted that she brings over 30 years of experience in areas such as due diligence, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, reverse takeovers, debt restructuring schemes, fundraising, valuation exercises, feasibility reviews, and infrastructure project valuation to her new role in the NIRSAL Board.

    Dr. Dafinone is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(I CAN). She earned her PhD in Internal Audit & Corporate Governance from City University, London, in 2001.

    Dr. Dafinone serves as Chief Operating Officer of Crowe Dafinone. She joined the firm in 1990 after working with KPMG Peat Marwick McLintock Chartered Accountants in the United Kingdom, gaining vast professional experience.

    Read Also: Dafinone urges Urbobos to unite, shun party differences

    Dafinone added: “On behalf of the Dafinone family and the people of Delta Central, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Daphne Dafinone on her well-deserved appointment as a Board Member of NIRSAL. Your appointment is a testament to your years of dedication and diligence in corporate governance, audit, and consulting roles.

    “We are confident that your over 30 years of experience as an auditor will be instrumental in helping NIRSAL achieve its core mandate of de-risking agricultural lending.”

    The Senator also congratulated other key members of the new NIRSAL leadership, including Chairman Muhammad Abdullahi, Managing Director and CEO Babajide Arowosafe, and board members Mallam Ado Wanka, Hamidu Sa’ad, Bankole Allibay, and Shehu Balarabe. He encouraged them to steer NIRSAL towards achieving its organizational goals.

  • We are a voluntary social group with no violent links, says NBM of Africa

    We are a voluntary social group with no violent links, says NBM of Africa

    The leadership of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM), a Pan-African Group, has reiterated its membership is open to the public and operates under a constitution that is accessible to everyone.

    It dissociated itself from from Black-Axe Confraternity.

    Making clarification on the vision and mission of NBM of Africa, while addressing newsmen in Warri at the weekend, its President, Olorogun Ese Kakor, noted that the organisation believes strongly in giving back to the society by embarking on so many humanitarian gestures aimed at alleviating burden of the people.

    He cited examples with donations to the Internal displaced persons of Okuoma community in Ughelli South Council area of Delta State, recently invaded by soldiers, donations to flood victims in their various camps during the devastating flooding experienced recently, provision of Pro bono services to those that can’t afford legal services and boreholes constructed as part of the efforts to provide portable water for communities.

    According to him: “In addition to these, we have also conducted series of the free medical services, especially eye test and treatment in some communities that are in need of it, as well as offered scholarships to some indigent students we have identified to ensure that they are not constrained by funding.

    “And it would interest you to know that we are rendering all these humanitarian projects from the monthly dues, contributions and levies paid by our members within and outside the country and we are prepared to tender our bank statement for scrutiny whenever the security agencies demands it.

    “We also want to make it clear that some of our activities like meetings, elections, seminars and conferences were being monitored by security agencies, especially the police and DSS so that they can report their findings and we have never denied them access to coverage of our events to prove that we do not have any sinister agenda.

    “Even the election that brought me into office in 2021 & 2023, held at Asaba, Delta state capital, was conducted under the supervision of Department of state security service (DSS) and the police.

    “And they had to forward their reports to their various Commands for processing and documentation. So you can see that our doors are open to everyone who desires to know anything about us and what we stand for as a body”.

    While noting that the only aspect where some persons were getting confused about their organisation and the Black Axe Confraternity was the use of the Axe in their logo, stating that the Axe they displayed in the Logo depicts ideals of their founding fathers as captured on the first page of their constitution.

    “Just like farmers engages the Axe to cut down trees and dismantle hard rocks on their farms, we also believe in engaging the Axe to fight corruption, crimes, oppression and intimidation in the society”, stating that it does not have any link or tie with the Axe associated with the Black-Axe Confraternity and that the organization’s logo does not in anyway infer violence or any form of lawlessness.

    He added: “We will not allow anyone to tell our stories for us, we will tell our stories ourselves. NBM of Africa should not be held responsible for plagiarism and imitation done by other groups.
    We welcome investigations of the security agencies into our affairs.

    “Our books are open for audit and review. Our finances are gotten through contributions and levies mutually agreed by members”.

    “The fact that a member of NBM of Africa violates the law does not make all members law breakers. The fact that a member of NBM is a deviant does not make all members deviants.

    “There are reported cases of Nigerian policemen, the FBI, the metropolitan police and German police involving in crimes and other vices that are against the ethics of the police and the security agencies, but the involvement of the few policemen in nigeria, the UK, Germany, and the United States, does not in anyway mean that the entire policemen in Nigeria, the hard working metropolitan police, the FBI and the German police are deviants and criminals.

    “There are established religious organisations whose priests and clergymen are expected to live within lawful standards but there are records that some priests and clergymen engage in crimes like child defilement, should we now say the religious organization is a criminal organization, hence NBM should not be defamed, and disparaged over offenses committed by individuals.

    “It is libelous to affiliate NBM of Africa with black axe. This is a notice to everyone that we are ready to take anyone or organization to court that tries to malign our character.

    “The rights of individuals should be respected. Anyone that has committed any crime should be arrested. The organisation should not be held responsible for crimes committed by individuals.”

  • Gov Eno to support 100,000 youths with different empowerment schemes

    Gov Eno to support 100,000 youths with different empowerment schemes

    …to create separate ministry for youth development

    Governor Umo Eno has presented a new charter of empowerment for one hundred thousand (100,000) youths across the 31 local government areas of the state, beginning in October 2024.

    The governor presented the audacious plan at a youth appreciation and engagement rally held at the Uyo Township Stadium to express his administration’s gratitude to the youths for their non-participation in the recent #Endbadgovernance protest.

    He directed the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development and the office of the Senior Special Assistant on ICT to create a database for youth employment, through which names, based on required qualifications, will be harvested for employment both by the State government, investors, and other organizations operating in the State.

    The governor explained that 60,000 youths (5,000 monthly) will be selected from the database for a one-off business support scheme of ₦50,000 each within 12 calendar months.

    In addition, Governor Eno, who is a seasoned entrepreneur, stated that 10,000 youths will be supported through the ARISE Entrepreneurial Scheme, an empowerment initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on needs assessment.

    Similarly, he announced that 3,000 youths will be employed (100 per LGA, excluding Uyo LGA) through the Ibom Community Watch to provide crowd control and complementary intelligence gathering at the grassroots, in addition to the 550 youths already engaged from Uyo LGA.

    According to him, other aspects of the scheme include paid training at the DAKKADA Skills Acquisition Center (DASAC) for 1,000 participants across 31 LGAs, with a monthly transport allowance of ₦20,000 per person throughout the training duration.

    Increased bursary for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 for undergraduates and from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 for professional students (Law, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture) for 20,000 students in the 2024/2025 academic session.

    Furthermore, there will be an educational grant for 1,000 public tertiary institution students living with disabilities at ₦250,000 for undergraduates and ₦300,000 for professional and postgraduate students.

    While 2,000 youths will benefit from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme (EAP) organized by IBOM-LED with a ₦500,000 grant and ₦250,000 start-up capital, and 3,000 youths will receive support in agribusiness.

    Expressing delight over the recent promotion of the State’s female team, Ibom Angels, from the second division to division one of the Nigeria Women Football League, Governor Eno announced his administration’s donation of ₦20 million and a coaster bus to the team.

    He also reaffirmed his plans to unbundle the State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, maintaining that his administration will create a separate Ministry for Youth Development in the next dispensation of the State Executive Council, to be headed by a Commissioner not older than 45 years.

    He thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and support in ensuring peace in the State at all times, as he condoled with the Nigeria Police over the demise of the Commissioner in charge of the Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Waheed Ayilara.

    Read Also: Job creation: Gov Eno to engage 5000 youths, empower 2000 SMES

    Appreciating the youths, the Governor said, “We are here to say thank you to all the Akwa Ibom youths. In all your different groups, thank you so much for showing good followership.

    “Most times, we talk about leadership in our country, but we do not take time to look at followership. I believe that when we have good followers, we will have good leadership.

    “Today, we are inspired by your followership, your obedience, and your love from every local government in Akwa Ibom, from every group and every campus. We are inspired by your love and support, which has ensured we have one Akwa Ibom State.

    “We are inspired by the fact that you listened to our plea not to join the protest, not because we don’t believe in protest or are unaware of what is going on in the country, but because we know that there are people always on standby to hijack even the most peaceful protest to destroy and vent their anger on government facilities.

    “Our leaders have worked so hard in the past 37 years of the creation of our dear state to put this infrastructure in place, but you know that one minute of anger could destroy all the hard work. Just like our past national anthem said, ‘the labours of our heroes past must never be in vain.’ So we thank you,” he added.

    Setting the tone for the event, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir Monday Uko, recalled the protest, the non-involvement of Akwa Ibom youths, and the Governor’s promise to celebrate them. He described the event as an affirmation of Governor Umo Eno’s integrity as a promise keeper.

    Also speaking at the event, a former President of the Student Union at the University of Uyo and former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, emphasized the importance of the rally within the context of incarcerations, lives lost, and properties destroyed during the #EndSARS protest.

    He noted that Akwa Ibom youths were saved from such troubles by heeding the Governor’s plea not to partake in it, and thus, he described the event as a worthy celebration.

    Other stakeholders in youth affairs who also thanked the Governor and reassured him of the youths’ commitment to good followership were: Chairman, House Committee on Youths, Sports and Security, Hon. Uwemedimoh Asuquo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Iniobong Akpan, SSA Grassroots Mobilization, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, SSA on Female Youths, Comrade Esther Nta, SA Youths for Etinan Federal Constituency, Comrade Udeme Ubom, PDP Chairmanship candidates in the forthcoming Local Government elections, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, student leaders, representatives of Ibom-LED beneficiaries, and the non-indigenous community, Ibom Community Watch, among others.

  • Canada spends $23m on nine medical oxygen plants

    Canada spends $23m on nine medical oxygen plants

    The Canadian Government said that it expended not less than $23 million to build and equip nine medical oxygen plants in nine States.

    The Country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff announced this when he visited one of the facility in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. 

    The project was jointly executed with Rivers State Government and IHS Towere engineers, through the United Children Education Fund (UNICEF). 

    It has the capacity to fill 137 20-1litre medical oxygen bottles in 24 hours and was  commissioned by Governor Siminialayi Fubara last month.

    However, Christoff was absent at the commissioning ceremony and visited yesterday to see things for himself.

    Speaking shortly after the tour of the building, he expressed satisfaction in the what he saw and noted that the need to execute the facility in nine Nigerian States was discovered  during post pandemic need assessment Survey.

    He said: “I recognise that the building was commissioned earlier in August, but I want to come and see it for myself. 

    Read Also: Tinubu orders review of road safety measures after Niger tanker explosion

    “You know pandemic hit the world quite hard and in ways that it remains lingering in terms of the fact and the aftermaths.

    ” In all we recognise there are ways we need to come together to address short-comings that were revealed during our national response.

    “Now the plant is not just supplying valuable oxygen to those who need it, it is another example of where the Government of Rivers State, the local health authorities, international; community, the United Nations System are able to come together, identify a problem, put it on the table and have those from the international community respond in kind. 

    “The Government of Canada provided $23 million to support the building of nine facilities across Nigeria including this one and to respond to similar gaps that we have identified during our response. So it is with great pride that I’m here today as Canada’s representative here in Nigeria.” 

    In his goodwill message, Surveillance Officer of World Health Organization (WHO), Mrs Deborah Umogbai Akinola noted that the need for oxygen in managing patients challenged by different diseases such as pneumonia, respiratory illnesses such as Covid, Tauma, surgery among others cannot be over emphasized. 

    Akinola revealed that pneumonia alone kills over 800, 000 persons every year in Nigeria, regreting that 40 per cent of the deaths would have been prevented with oxygen.

    She expressed the confidence that with the development, the very essential health commodity would be more readily available for those whose would need them to stay alive.

    “Pneumonia alone accounts for about 800, 000 deaths, and 40 per cent of these deaths can be prevented if oxygene therapy is readily available.”

    She thanked the Canadian Government, the WHO and UNICEF partners, and the construction firm who built the project.

    Chief of Field Office UNICEF Port Harcourt, Dr Anselem Audu,  expected that the plant would deliver supllies to both Private and public hospitals in the State to improve the health of the populace.

    “The funding for the establishment of the facility was fully provided by the Canadian Government, IHS Towers through UNICEF, and the government in their wisdom has insured private-public -partnership to ensure the sustainability of the plant, so with that we’re optimistic that medical oxygen would be readily available for every patient that would need it,” he said.

  • INGO targets 66 communities in Niger Delta for sustainable livelihood

    INGO targets 66 communities in Niger Delta for sustainable livelihood

    An International Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Search For Common Ground (SFCG), has said it is working to deliver a sustainable livelihood initiative in 66 communities spread across three states of the Niger Delta.

    Identifying the benefitting states as Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, SFCG said the initiative was in collaboration with the PIND Foundation, APW and SDN.

    The INGO said the programme was designed to address systemic drivers of violence and criminality by providing alternatives to idle youths.

    Speaking at a one-day Strategy Validation Meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Regional Head and Head of Programme for Search for Common Ground in Niger Delta,Yacinthe Agbadjagan, said it was important for communities to full participate in the Livelihood Initiative.

    Agbadjagan said that the project, which began in November 2023, focused on validating the livelihood initiative strategy with community leaders to ensure their input and ownership.

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    He said that the project’s success relied on the active participation of community leaders adding that the initiatives would be implemented in their areas of administration especially in collaboration with ministries of agriculture, environment, and youth and women affairs.

    He said the initiative was in its 10 months of implementation, emphasizing the need for collective effort to achieve success in the 18-month pilot phase humanitarian programme.

    He said: “With achievements recorded so far, the programme is still faced challenges, that is why we require active participation from government, civil society, community leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders.

    “To succeed in this project we need everybody from government action to civil society, community actions, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders”.

    In her remarks, the Project Consultant,
    Bridget Afia, said communities were driving the decision-making process, selecting skills and businesses that addressed their unique challenges, by identifying and resolving specific needs, adding that the project hoped to create sustainable businesses and income opportunities.

    Afia said fishing communities were opting for cold rooms and fish driers, while others were choosing oil mills or cassava mills.

    She said so far comprehensive needs assessment was conducted prior to the project’s launch with ongoing rapid sustainable livelihood assessment to ensure that skills development was viable and sustainable.

    She said the focus was on businesses that could thrive in the long term, such as renewable energy, emphasizing that the community approach was poised to make a significant impact, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on external support, by putting businesses in the hands of communities.

    She said: “You can’t build peace without empowering businesses. The project focuses on identifying community-specific needs, such as cold rooms for fishing communities or oil mills, to create sustainable businesses and income opportunities. By doing so, youths will be engaged, and communities will benefit from accessible services.”

    Afia urged Niger Delta youths to develop skills, emphasizing that it remained a sustainable path to success, regardless of government support.

    She encouraged communities to take ownership of the project, ensuring its success and long-term impact.