The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Concerned Delta youths ask others to shun protest

    Concerned Delta youths ask others to shun protest

    A group, Concerned Delta State Youths, has reiterated its call on youths to shun the ongoing nationwide hunger protest. 

    It lamented several lives and properties have been lost already across the country on the first day.

    The group stated this was what it foresaw for which it appealed to youths on several.ocassions before to shun the nationwide protest and embrace dialogue.

    Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Press Centre in Warri and Press Centre, Ughelli, the Director General of the body, Activist Kelvin Ejemudo and Comrade Obakporo said the atmosphere was too charged and tensed for the protest to continue as more live properties will be destroyed across the country. 

    According  to them: “There is need for youths of Delta state  to shelve the protest. We also cautioned against the destruction of Government’s property, if the protest must continue, the  youths must be law abiding and  peaceful. 

    “We also want to call on security agencies to exercise caution to ensure that protesters are not molested but accorded their due place according to the law of the land. 

    ”‘Security personnel must be law abiding, it is not  enough to see youths gather and storm them and say they are planning protest, he that alleges must prove it.

    “The protest has yielded  positive results as the Federal Government, within these few days before the nationwide protest today, Mr. President has started to implement some policies to improve on the economy of the country especially in the area of Naira against dollars, among others.”

    The body advised the government of the day to alleviate the suffering of the people by rolling out more palliatives and better economic policies to cushion the effects of the harshship on the people. 

    “Federal Government should not relax yet but should ensure that the Warri sea ports work, Warri and Kaduna refineries are back in full operation to enable the people afford the fuel to save them from the untold hardship.

    “As a group, we will not be party of the protest, so we called on the youths to shun the ongoing nationwide protest and engage the Government in dialogue where no life will be lost to pave room for peace and sustainable progress,” it added.

  • PAPBEF dissociates self from protest, suggests dialogue

    PAPBEF dissociates self from protest, suggests dialogue

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) beneficiaries forum has urged beneficiaries to refrain from participating in the proposed protest.

    The group’s spokesperson, Mr Senibo Spencer, in a statement stressed the importance of prioritising peace and stability in the nation, expressing concerns about potential risks associated with the protest.

    It said the decision to distance itself from the planned protest was conveyed followed the conclusion of a national mid-year conference in Abuja.

    The forum called upon southern youths to shun the protest. In a communique after the conference, PAP beneficiaries reiterated opposition to any form of protest, citing the detrimental effects such actions can have, such as violence, loss of lives, and property damage.

    The forum underlined the significance of engaging with authorities through peaceful and lawful means like dialogue, urging youths to steer clear of being coerced into illegal activities.
    Acknowledging the potential of entrepreneurship in promoting self-sustainability and reducing reliance on the government for employment opportunities, the forum encouraged youths to embrace entrepreneurship for personal and economic empowerment.

    By honing their entrepreneurial abilities, it said they can create opportunities for themselves, bolster the economy, and improve their standard of living.

    The forum appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Dennis Otuaru, a technocrat, as the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    It lauded him as an ideal choice for the role, describing him as a perfect match.

  • Dafinone empowers over 2,500 constituents to cushion economic hardship

    Dafinone empowers over 2,500 constituents to cushion economic hardship

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has brought succour to over 2500 constituents through the distribution of empowerment items, including grinding machines, generators, sewing machines, make-up kit, food items and other empowerment tools.

    The lawmaker, who handed over the items to beneficiaries at his

    company premises in Amukpe, Delta State, urged Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that the government is cognizant of the prevailing economic challenges.

    Dafinone acknowledged the biting economic conditions, particularly affecting the vulnerable. “The economy has not been kind to Nigerians, especially those at the lower rung of the ladder,” he said. “We are aware of the hunger in the land and have deemed it necessary to support the less privileged.”

    Justifying the government’s policies amidst criticisms, the Senator stated: “The increase in fuel prices, dollar exchange rates, and food costs are outcomes of policies designed to strengthen the economy. It’s like taking a bitter pill; it’s unpleasant now, but it’s for the long-term benefit. The government is committed to ameliorating the pains associated with these measures.”

    Addressing the recent protests, Dafinone emphasised that the government understands the message being conveyed. “The protests are a reflection of the people’s hardship,” he said. “We are taking steps to alleviate these challenges. This empowerment program is a testament to our commitment.

    “The APC government is responsive to people. The increase is designed to strengthen the economy and things will get better. The decision of the President is for us to adjust for the economy to take off.”

    He added: “This is the first phase of our empowerment initiative. We plan to reach more people in subsequent programs. We understand that there might be some disparities in the distribution process, but we assure you that we are working to ensure that the most deserving benefit.”

    The Senator commended President Tinubu for his bold decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-overdue step. “The President is aware of the people’s suffering and is implementing palliatives to cushion the effects,” he added.

    Mrs. Obakpolor Vic, the woman leader of the Dafinone Foundation and Dafinone Cooperative, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the empowerment programme. “Working with Senator Dafinone has been a seamless experience,” she said.

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    A beneficiary, Barrister Innocent Ededegba from Ughelli South, lauded the Senator for the initiative. “This gesture is a huge relief to our people, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

    Olorogun Adelabu Bodjor, Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone, urged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the items. “These items are meant to empower you financially,” he said. “We expect you to utilize them wisely.”

    Senator Dafinone who has been in the business of empowering his people for the past 18year gave out empowerment/palliatives to those who deserve it the most as beneficiaries were selected across the eight Local Governments.

    The palliative items are 65 Grinding machine, 30 Sewing Machine (Butterfly- Manual), 40 Vulcanizing Machine (DS 200 Tiger), 40 Welding Machine (Maxmech), 60 Industrial Gas Burner (Local), 20 Water pumping machine (SUMEC), 40 Car Washing Machine (Power sprayer), 60 Local Industrial Oven (Local), 60 Three-Legged Pot and Fryer, 40 Generator – (Shineray Generator 2.5KVA), 8 freezer – hisence 142 Litres Chest, 32 Makeup box set with Ring light (14 inches Ring light with USB cable and Tripod), 24 Hair Washing Basin (Plastic)- Fiber Washing Hair Basin, 24 Hair dryer, 1200 Big Bull -25KG Bags of Rice, and 1200 palm oil.

  • Neconde affirms commitment to CSR amid recent community protest

    Neconde affirms commitment to CSR amid recent community protest

    Neconde Energy Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable community development following recent disruptions at the Jones Creek flow station by members of the Okerenkoko Federated Communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri, on July 22nd.

    The protest, predominantly led by women from the community, highlighted grievances about poor service delivery by the local vendor responsible for operating and maintaining the power supply generators. This situation has resulted in poor customer experience for the community.

    Neconde Energy Limited swiftly engaged community leaders and initiated a short- term plan to restore power supply while concurrently developing a comprehensive long-term strategy to ensure consistent and uninterrupted electricity to the area.

    “It is essential to emphasise our longstanding CSR commitments to our host communities,” stated Tony Abah of Neconde Energy Limited. “Our CSR pact with the host communities underpins our operations, with contracts awarded to indigenous contractors for the ‘Operate and Maintain’ services of generators deployed in designated communities,” the firm said. 

    Neconde Energy Limited has maintained up-to-date payments to community-based contractors, responsible for maintaining generators and supplying electricity to the communities. The company underscores that accountability for community services lies with the appointed contractors, and disruptions to production activities at national assets like Jones Creek jeopardize not only local operations but also impact national economic interests and the local community interests as well.

    The recent disruption has resulted in approximately 48 hours of crude oil production loss at OML 42, in addition to associated operational costs.

    Read Also: Neconde Energy Ltd denies impoverishing host community

    “We remain committed to fostering constructive dialogue and collaborative solutions with our host communities,” added Tony Abah. “We are resolute in ensuring sustainable development and mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.”

    The OML 42 JV partners (Neconde Energy Limited and NEPL) have successfully inaugurated four Boards of Trustees for our communities to manage the Host Communities Development Trust Funds as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This initiative aims to address issues like those experienced and demonstrates Neconde to be a responsible and proactive company.

    Neconde Energy Limited expects operations at the Jones Creek flow station to resume by Friday, July 26th following progress in the ongoing efforts involving all relevant stakeholders.

  • How Esosa Iyawe’s motion on NMDPRA CEO raised urgent health &environmental concerns in Nigeria

    How Esosa Iyawe’s motion on NMDPRA CEO raised urgent health &environmental concerns in Nigeria

    Hon Esosa Iyawe, member representing Oredo Federal Constituency, has raised a serious health and environmental concerns on the floor of the green chamber.

    Iyawe, who is one of the youngest and most active members of the house, raised the motion of “Urgent need to address the outrage resulting from unguarded comments by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority”, in which he addressed the economic sabotage by Faruk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), over what he described as his “unguarded comment” regarding  Dangote refinery.

    The NMDPRA CEO publicly claimed that the diesel produced by the Dangote refinery is inferior to the ones imported into the country, and that their fuel had a large content of Sulphur, which he put at between 650 to 1,200ppm ppm.

    The comment was met with a huge national uproar, with Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, suggesting a test of petroleum products at his $20billion refinery located in Lagos, and those imported into the country by those licensed by the NMDPRA boss.

    Iyawe said on the floor of the hallowed chamber, that Sulphur dioxide has dire environmental and health consequences, as it can damage the human respiratory system, compromise lung function and even cause cancer. 

    The lawmaker stressed that members of the house who supervised the test process discovered that the sulphur emission to the environment in the fuel imported by NMDPRA-licensed contractors constitutes serious environmental danger and health implications for Nigerians, as well as the well-being of vehicles which uses Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    “Further aware that in their defence, Dangote called for a test of their products, which was supervised by Members of the House of Representatives, wherein it was revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a Sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), whereas the other two samples diesel imported showed Sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively, thus disproving the allegations made by the NMDPRA boss,” Esosa Iyawe said while moving the motion for the suspension of the NMDPRA CEO..

    “Concerned that allegations have been made that the NMDPRA was giving licences to some traders who regularly import high-Sulphur content diesel into Nigeria, and the use of such products poses grave health risks and huge financial losses for Nigerians.

    “Also concerned that the unguarded statements by the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, which has since been disproved, sparked an outrage from Nigerians who tagged his undermining of local refineries and insistence on the continued importation of fuel an act of economic sabotage, as the imported products have been shown to contain high levels of dangerous compounds.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri wades in NMDPRA, Dangote Refinery feud

    “Worried that the careless statement by the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA without conducting any prior investigation is not only unprofessional, but also unpatriotic especially in the face of the recent calls for protest against the Federal Government.”

    Esosa Iyawe added: “Mr Speaker, the house notes that the high sulphur content causes damages to engines and contributes to air pollution. Mr Speaker, the house resolves to call on the Federal Government to suspend the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) pending conclusive investigations into the allegations against the Authority.”

    Subsequently, the House of Representatives adopted the motion, urging President Bola Tinubu to suspend Ahmed.

  • Ekpemu community protests, demands electricity from NECONDE, NNPC E&P

    Ekpemu community protests, demands electricity from NECONDE, NNPC E&P

    Residents of Ekpemu oil-producing community in Jones Creeks Flowstation, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have protested against NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, JV for OML42, over alleged neglect and keeping the entire community  in darkness for decades.

    They lamented the companies have not done anything for the community despite contributing crude oil to Jones Creeks Flowstation in OML42.

    They expressed grievance and dissatisfaction on Thursday in Warri in a statement by Mr. Governor Godbless, Chairman of Ekpemu community.

    It reads: “ We are also a host community producing crude oil to Jones Creeks being operated by NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, JV for OML42. And unfortunately, since the companies started operations they have not done anything for the community and this is why we are unhappy with the companies”

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    “ We have been living in darkness. We have made a series of demands including asking the companies to provide electricity for the community, but they have refused”

    “ The community has been in total darkness for decades till this very day. All we need is light at this very point . Other things will follow suit when there is light.”

    Godbless further alleged the companies had made many unfulfilled promises in the past, which is the reason for their protest against the oil companies.

    “ We are demanding for a turbine to provide electricity for us and we will continue to protest until the companies yields to our request.

    ” The people of Ekpemu community have also joined our brothers in  Okerenkoko community in the ongoing protest against NECONDE and NNPC E&P to provide electricity for our communities,” he stressed.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori  and the NNPCL to prevail on NECONDE Nigeria Limited and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited to grant their request to build turbine for electricity as they were tired of living in darkness.

  • Shelve protest, Okotete begs youths

    Shelve protest, Okotete begs youths

    A former women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Executive Director, Business Development of the Nigerian-Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okotete, has appealed to Nigerian youth who are disgruntled with the current situation to rethink their decision to embark on a nationwide protest.

    In a statement on Wednesday, July 24, in Abuja, Okotete who was a ministerial nominee last year, urged the people to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, adding that the Nigerian situation was not an isolated one but a global phenomenon.

    She asserted that she is not unaware that the essence of the protest was to draw the government’s attention to the suffering of the downtrodden in the country, and even though the organisers may have good intentions, fifth columnists are planning to hijack the protest and turn it into a demonstration that may be uncontrollable.

    Okotete, however, assured that President Tinubu is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its Citizens.

    The statement reads in parts: “Dearest Young Nigerians, we are the pride of Africa; we are the present and future gains of Nigeria and we are the Nigeria the world celebrates at all levels. I bring you greetings at this trying moment of our national life.

    “As it stands, we are in a challenging situation all over the world. This situation has called for the concerns of great compatriots who are determined to push for urgent and drastic measures to address the difficult situation we have found ourselves.

    “The fact remains that this difficulty is not an isolated one attributed to our dear country Nigeria alone.

    “People all over the world are feeling the brunt of economic downturns and hardship. Expectedly, this setback has drawn reactions from people of other countries as well as ours.

    “In Britain, Germany, France and other European countries, there were several protests to draw the government’s attention to the desperate situations which have suddenly bedevilled the world.

    “In recent times the Kenyan citizens reacted to the inability of the government to tackle the rising cost of living and inflation.

    “For weeks the Kenya economy was shut down and now at its most fragile state, worse than before the protest started.

    “Citizens lost friends and family members, businesses lost goods and transactions attracting hunger, shortage in food supplies, lack of electricity as infrastructures were destroyed and also led to the loss of jobs.

    “The cloud is gathering here in Nigeria as we speak. As a young Nigerian myself, I understand your pain.

    “Many countrymen are feeling the rising cost of living and are currently dissatisfied with the pace at which the government is responding to the rising cost of living and inflation.

    “But trust me, the government is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its citizens

    “Certain persons have planned to stage a nationwide protest to draw the government’s attention to the suffering of the downtrodden in our country.

    “Those who planned this nationwide protest may have good intentions as civilized comrades.

    “However, there are fifth columnists planning to hijack this protest and turn it into a demonstration that may be uncontrollable.

    “Recall that two major calamities hit our country three years ago: the COVID-19 lockdown and the Endsars protest.

    “These two events affected our fragile economy that was gradually recovering from recession.

    “Production and supply of goods, particularly food were distorted to the extent that we are yet to recover from those ugly incidents.

    “During the Endsars protest, many struggling businessmen and women lost quite a fortune to looting occasioned by hoodlums who took advantage of the situation.

    “Some persons also wanted to use it as an opportunity to launch their political agenda by destroying government properties acquired by taxpayers’ monies.

    “Commuter buses, bus stations and government buildings including court were razed down. Private-owned properties were also destroyed in the name of a protest.

    “The crescendo of that protest which turned out to be a mutiny was the death of citizens who were either protesting or were security officers on national duty.

    “The genuine intention of the protesters became something else as they could not control the hoodlums who took laws into their hands.

    “What were the gains or achievements of that protest? Did it change the government that those who sponsored the hoodlums aimed to attain?

    “The answer is obviously in the negative. The protest gave opportunity to young Nigerians to realise their strength politically.

    “In order to actualise their zeal to be part of the government, the youths came out en masse to participate in the 2023 general election that has changed the dynamics of our political formation.

    “The youths realised that you cannot change the government of a country through any other means except through an election. That is the essence of constitutional democracy which has come to stay in Nigeria.

    “Thus, the essence of any protest is not to destroy public or private properties acquired with hard-earned money.

    “It is to urgently draw the government’s attention to address a pressing situation urgently.

    “Protest should therefore not be an avenue for those who lost elections or who are unhappy with the faces of those in government to ventilate their grievances.

    “The proper way to ventilate such political grievance is to mobilise the citizens to believe in the ideals of your political party and its manifestos.

    “Therefore, it must be noted that politicians who are unsatisfied with the government out of no other reason but the fact that they are not in government are pushing hard to achieve what they couldn’t achieve through the ballot.

    “We must, therefore, resist this selfish attempt to destroy our thriving democracy. No politician is worth dying for.

    “The government is doing its best to revive our economy by taking hard decisions such as fuel subsidy removal that has been draining our Treasury over the years.

    “With the fuel subsidy removal, states and Local Government Councils are now receiving more money from the federation account.

    “In the months to come our ailing refineries and the Dangote Refinery will come on stream to put an end to importation of fuel which will save a huge chunk of our forex that will stabilise and strengthen the Naira against the Dollar.

    “It is imperative to be circumspect at this crucial time by being strategic. The saying goes that peace is better than war. Let us give this government a little chance to carry out its agenda.

    “The economic policies of this government are yielding results gradually and steadily. The optimal result is not what can be experienced overnight.

    “It will require a little time from now to start experiencing the economic prosperity and transformation promised by this government in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Read Also: Don’t participate in any protest, council chairmen urge Lagosians

    “It is on this score that I most humbly appeal to all those planning to protest next week to reconsider this plan.

    “The consequences of such protest are dire as it may as usual lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties in a regrettable manner. This is the time to dialogue and not to provide an avenue for the enemies of Nigeria to strike.

    “I implore you all to think twice and consider the population of our country and the peculiarity of the food chain of our country whereby a slight cut off of food supply from the north will trigger food shortage and inflation.

    “It solemnly hoped that we will heed the plea of the government to give peace a chance and come to the negotiation table. God bless Nigeria.”

  • FG begins rehabilitation of Gamon bridge in Sapele after Dafinone’s intervention

    FG begins rehabilitation of Gamon bridge in Sapele after Dafinone’s intervention

    The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced the rehabilitation of the dilapidated Gamon Bridge, which connects the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar in Ethiope West LGA to Okirighwre in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The development follows the intervention of Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) who drew the Federal Government’s attention to the poor state of the bridge. 

    Dafinone, in a letter to Minister of Works, with reference number SED NASS/FMW/ERGP2024/901 dated July 4, 2024, highlighted the deplorable condition of the Gamon Bridge and the pressing need for repairs.

    The letter, titled “RE: Urgent Attention and repair of Gamon Bridge and adjoining road on Benin-Sapele Road, Delta State,” reads: “The deplorable condition of GAMON BRIDGE, located in my Senatorial District, has been brought to my attention. To avert imminent disaster, I request the intervention of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Works, as mentioned above.

    “The bridge, known as GAMON BRIDGE, was constructed in the late 60s and early 70s. It serves as a gateway to deeper South-South states through the River Ethiope for commuters from the Southwest states. It links the busy Ethiope West LGA to the NPA seaport in Sapele LGA, covering 8.7 km, including the nearly 2.0 km bridge.

    “Presently, the non-motorable 8.7 km federal link road, including the near-collapse GAMON BRIDGE connecting the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar point in Ethiope West LGA to Okerighwre in Sapele LGA, requires urgent and emergency intervention from the federal government.

    “Moreover, with the recent rains, the entire stretch of the GAMON Bridge and road are frequently flooded due to some alleged remediation slabs cast on both sides by a state agency, which are rather harmful ‘dead weights’ on the bridge, causing stagnant flooding and distorting its engineering and structural design.

    “Consequently, I urge the Honourable Minister of Works to provide immediate remediation and intervention to avert an imminent disaster in the area.”

    In response to Dafinone’s letter, Minister for Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, mobilised contractors to begin immediate repairs on the bridge, a development applauded by stakeholders in Delta State.

    An elated Dafinone took to his official Facebook page to announce the development, praising the Minister for the quick response. 

    According to him: “I am pleased to announce that the rehabilitation of the Gamon Bridge, which connects the Benin/Mosogar/Sapele Highway from Mosogar in Ethiope West LGA to Okirighwre in Sapele LGA, has commenced.

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    “On July 4th, 2024, I brought the urgent need for the repair of the Gamon Bridge and the adjoining Benin-Sapele road in Delta State to the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “Constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Gamon Bridge has historically served as a critical gateway for commuters travelling from the Southwest states to the deeper South-South states via the River Ethiope. This 8.7 km stretch, including the nearly 2.0 km bridge, links the bustling Ethiope West LGA to the NPA seaport in Sapele LGA.

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Governor David Nweze Umahi, CON, for his prompt response in addressing this pressing issue.”

  • Foundation trains 5,000 youths on communication, digital economy

    Foundation trains 5,000 youths on communication, digital economy

    The Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Foundation has sponsored training for 5,000 youths across the country on communication and digital economy among other ICT skills.

    The Foundation, an offshoot of the Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries, is owned by the General Superintendent and Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, a.k.a Owomowomo 1.

    The two-day training which took place at Mercy City in Warri, Delta state at the weekend, was part of the Foundation’s social responsibility and community service.

    The training centred on technical skills, Soft skills, language skills, creative skills and business skills all aimed at capacity building for youths.

    The resource persons and partners took different turns to educate  participants on the proper use of internet and different levels of digital economy such as; E-commerce, Remote work, social media, sharing economy, digital entertainment, digital payments and cryptocurrencies

    Speaking to the participants, the Director General of Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin foundation, Prophet Sunday Okuma, a native of Ikono, Akwa Ibom State urged them to make good use of the skills acquired.

    He said: “We are committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital age. We offer you this opportunity to learn from industry experts, engage in hands-on workshops and network with like-minded individuals who share your passion. 

    “Our free training on communication and digital economy is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to turn your passion for creating your sustainable source of income”.

    The President of the Foundation, Prophet Fufeyin, while responding to questions from journalists explained why he is passionate about human development.

    “I had a poor beginning and I promised God if you bless me I will help others, that’s why if I see someone suffering I will give to help that person.

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    “I am consistent in helping people.  I visited flood victims at various locations and IDP camps in the northern part of the country where we feed people three times daily for about one month and 20 days  We spent over 300 million in humanitarian services”, he said.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunities to enhance their performance and productivity, stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, expand their professional opportunities, increase their earning potential, and improve their overall quality of life through a 2-day training. 

    They also poured encomium on Prophet Jeremiah for giving this opportunity.

  • Sapele robberies, kidnappings: Igbuya urges security agencies to brace up

    Sapele robberies, kidnappings: Igbuya urges security agencies to brace up

    The Delta Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Hon Monday Igbuya has called on security agencies in Sapele and its environs to up their games over the incessant cases of kidnappings and armed robberies in the town.

    Igbuya, a former Delta Speaker, in a chat with some journalists, decried the worsening cases of insecurity in Sapele and its environs in recent times, noting that hardly can a day passes without someone being kidnapped or robbed, stressing that residents in Sapele are currently living in fear.

    He said in the past one-and-half year, the security situation in the Sapele has been relatively good but sadly, in the past few months, it’s like the police and other security agencies have been caught off guard and shifted from pure security duties to chasing of yahoo boys why the town is under kidnappers siege.

    In the past two weeks, no fewer than five persons were kidnapped while some were lucky to have escaped.

    One Mr Ola, a surveyor, his wife and his children were reported to have been kidnapped in front of their house at NDDC road over the weekend.. The kidnappers later released their children the same day and the couple after collecting undisclosed sums of money as ransom.

    There are reports Sapele has been under kidnappers and armed robbery siege. People were reported to have been kidnapped and robbed at will in their homes, particularly at Shell Road, NDDC Road, Amukpe, Ghana-Ogberekoko and one-man village.

    According to Igbuya: “The worsening cases of insecurity in Sapele and its environs is becoming very worrisome and it’s getting out of hand and if urgent steps are not taken to arrest the development, it will affect the social economic development of the town.

    “So, I am calling on the Nigerian Police and other sister security agencies to up their games and stop this dangerous drift, because no one or nowhere is safe as it is today in Sapele, people are being kidnapped at will in their homes, along the streets and even public places unchallenged.

    “You can imagine, a young man who came for the preparation of his father-in-law’s burial was kidnapped in front of the inlaw’s house in the Ghana-Ogberekoko area, and in the past four days, nothing has been heard about his whereabouts.

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    “Yesterday I also heard that they almost kidnapped someone in front of Foodland in Okpe road in broad daylight, but he was lucky to have escaped, it’s now everyday thing in Sapele and its environs.

    “The situation is getting out of hand, the security agencies should rather focus their attention on more critical issues than chasing Yahoo boys in town, they should up their games and change the dynamics.

    “In past one, or two years, the town has been relatively peaceful and there was a huge improvement in terms of security, but the situation is becoming very alarming now. You know I was a victim of kidnapping in 2009 and the experience is horrifying.

    “No community can experience meaningful development without a peaceful environment. So, I also appealed to our youths to shun crime and take up lawful means of livelihood, crime doesn’t pay.

    “I also called on residents of Sapele to be more vigilant, this is not about herdsmen, this is the case of our people being involved in the kidnapping scheme, so we have to be very careful now.”