The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Dafinone commends Tinubu, military over release of King Clement Ikolo to him

    Dafinone commends Tinubu, military over release of King Clement Ikolo to him

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their instrumental roles in securing the release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, the revered monarch of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Following the distressing incident at Okuama leading to the detention of King Clement Ikolo, Dafinone engaged tirelessly with relevant authorities to ensure that the monarch is released.

    The Delta Central lawmaker in collaboration with his colleagues,  Senators Ned Nwoko (Delta North) and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South) interfaced with the military authorities to ensure that the monarch was freed. 

    Following their interventions the monarch was on Friday released to Senator Dafinone by the military authority at the Defence Headquarters around 11am  with an understanding that the senator will make the king available should his attention be needed.

    “Today, I commend the swift and decisive actions taken by President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff in addressing this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserved.

     “The release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, brings a sense of relief and reassurance to our community. I am deeply grateful to Mr President, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja  and the entire military leadership for their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

    “I also wish on behalf of the Urhobo nation to thank my colleague senators from Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko and Delta South, Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas for their invaluable contributions to the release of our dear king.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Fitr: Dafinone greets Muslim community

    “As a staunch advocate for justice and accountability, I pledge my continued support to the efforts aimed at uncovering the truth behind the unfortunate incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

    He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, security agencies and community leaders to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation.

    Dafinone also extended heartfelt appreciation to all individuals and organisations, particularly the media who contributed to the resolution of this matter.

  • Police honour NDDC in maiden awards

    Police honour NDDC in maiden awards

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has honoured the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with an award for being a worthy partner in building the security architecture of the country.

    Presenting the award to the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in Abuja, the Inspector&General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, said that the inaugural awards and commendation ceremony, was to honour outstanding officers of the Police Force, as well as the NDDC in appreciation of its support to the police force over the years.

    A statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said  the NDDC was the only corporate body that received an award at the ceremony attended by Nigerian’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu. 

    Also, in attendance were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, other top government officials, security chiefs and a host of prominent personalities.

    The IGP commended the NDDC for its assistance to law enforcement agencies across board, stressing that the partnership had helped address and reduce crime rates in the Niger Delta region. 

    Read Also: NDDC pledges to speed up work on Army Jetty project in Delta

    He acknowledged the proactive approach of the Commission in handling security issues and commended Dr Ogbuku for his effective leadership.

    He said: “The Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony is an initiative aimed at recognizing and rewarding outstanding officers within the Nigerian Police Force who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, bravery, and professionalism in the line of duty.

    “We appreciate the NDDC for contributing to the overall safety and security in Nigeria.”

    Speaking at the event, Ogbuku reiterated the commitment of the interventionist agency towards enhancing peace and security in Nigeria as well as fostering greater partnerships with security agencies.

    He pledged the commission’s support to implementing strategies that would combat criminal activities, particularly in the Niger Delta region, including theft, vandalism, and illegal oil bunkering, amongst others.

  • Oil pipeline: Contractors doing great job to protect national assets – Forum 

    Oil pipeline: Contractors doing great job to protect national assets – Forum 

    The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to disregard the baseless calls on the review of Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contracts awarded to some firms and contractors.

    The group stated that the contractors have been instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s oil pipelines and preventing destructive acts of vandalism.

    In a statement released by its spokesman, Danladi Ceceko Dangana, the forum applauded the federal government in its tireless efforts to protect the country’s valuable national assets and oil facilities through the implementation of vital surveillance contracts.

    Read Also: IYC disagrees with Diri over commenton oil pipeline surveillance jobs

    It said: “It is an undeniable fact that President Tinubu is utilizing his authority and resources to ensure the safeguarding of our oil assets.

    “Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum firmly stands by President Tinubu, extending its heartfelt gratitude for his commitment to protecting our national assets, which has undoubtedly resulted in increased crude oil production and economic prosperity for our great nation.

    “The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain resolute and steadfast in his support of the Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contracts, recognizing their indispensable role in fortifying the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and preserving the country’s sovereignty.

    “The group reiterates its support for President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and his unyielding dedication to the protection of Nigeria’s vital resources.”

  • Construction firm clears air on alleged flooding in Akwa Ibom road projects

    Construction firm clears air on alleged flooding in Akwa Ibom road projects

    A construction company, Gorrion Engineering Ltd, has clarified allegations of flooding in completed road projects in Awka Ibom.

    A statement by the General Manager, Engr Yusuf Abdula, copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, among others, described the attacks on the company as fake and unwarranted. 

    It claimed to be a reputable civil construction company with a track record of quality service delivery adding that all roads projects it carried out have been duly completed and commissioned.

    The statement reads: “It has come to our notice, the unwarranted attack on our company by some sponsored and highly compromised Facebook urchins, parading themselves as indigenes of Akwa Ibom State.

    “We hereby state, unequivocally and with every sense of responsibility that is untrue, insinuations by a cross section of some misinformed public that it abandoned the Ikot Ebak Stadium/Ikot Esse Road located in Akwa State, which led to the flooding of the road after commissioning

    “It has come to our notice, the misinformation being sponsored against the company on the avoidable flooding of the Stadium road in Essien Udim LocalGovernment Area, few days after it was commissioned. 

    “We state here without any reservations that we never abandoned the road project as erroneously being peddled by some highly compromised social media urchins, rather we are happy to state that the road was duly completed and commissioned as expected.

    “Let it also be known that, if the appeal by the contractors to land-owners in the area to release a portion of their land, close to the road for the construction of culvert that would see to the diversion of flood into the river was acceded to, (with the readiness of the contractor to even pay for it), the flooding would have been avoided.

    Read Also: 170 Akwa Ibom rural women get a lift

    “We hereby reject in its entirety, a sponsored report and pictures of the flooded road by some highly compromised individuals in the social media that the project is sub- standard

    “Claims by some ill informed and biased commentators on the social media platforms that the job was substandard and that despite completion, it is still largely flooded and impassable by motorists, is far from the truth and a story meant only for the gods. 

    “All appeal to make available spaces to construct water channels that will give the project a befitting look were refused by the community members. Even in cases where few persons were ready to offer us their lands, others discouraged them from doing so. It was this back and forth that eventually left us with no option but to go ahead with the project. 

    “Having successfully completed it, the flood expectedly emerged. But our men and equipment are at the site, trying to make sure that in the coming days, Ikot Ebak Stadium/Ikot Esse Road will wear an uncommon look in line with the directive of  the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Abdula stated.

    “We insist that the company under its founder, has maintained a track record of delivering excellent jobs across the country as and when due.”

  • FG should increase Amnesty Programme’s budget, says Wilson

    FG should increase Amnesty Programme’s budget, says Wilson

    South-South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, TAG, Chief Reuben Wilson, has made a case for an upward review of the budgetary provisions for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP.

    The former Niger Delta freedom fighter, who is also the founder of Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA) made this appeal in a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him: “This appeal is premised on the fact that the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme with respect to the training and welfare of the beneficiaries has remained the same from the beginning of the programme in 2009 to date, irrespective of the current high cost of living and training of the beneficiaries.

    “The upward review of the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is long overdue and it’s greatly hindering the proper and effective execution of the objectives of the programme. There’s therefore an urgent need for an upward review of the budget, especially now that we have a sincere, competent and critical stakeholder as the Administrator of the programme.”

    He said he was “highly elated that it’s Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro that is in charge of the programme now. I know that he has the capacity to unite all the beneficiaries and critical stakeholders of the programme,owing to his level of competent leadership and experience in the Niger Delta struggle.

    “I’m therefore, appealing that Mr President should upwardly review the annual budget of the programme and bring it up to speed with the current realities to enable the new Administrator effectively reposition the programme for better results.

     “Chief (Dr) Dennis Otuaro has been part of the struggle for the survival of the Niger Delta people from the beginning and therefore, knows what to do to revitalize and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme, if given the right financial resources. He is adequately prepared and has the requisite experience and knowledge to successfully pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty office to greater heights.”

    The ex-agitator expressed the belief that the amnesty boss would successfully redeem and redirect the office to achieve its primary and fundamental objectives. 

    Read Also: Ex-president Jonathan urges new Amnesty boss to give priority to youth education, empowerment

    Otuaro, he recalled, “played a crucial role in the activities that led to the establishment of the programme and therefore,wouldn’t allow the programme to continue its derailment and bastardization under his watch.

    “There’s therefore, an urgent need for the Programme’s annual budget to be reviewed upward, to enable him execute his mandate efficiently and effectively. Making available adequate funding for the programme is a necessary support that will certainly empower the new Administrator to better discharge his responsibilities.”

    He further thanked the President for “appointing Chief (Dr.) Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “Mr President has once more, eloquently demonstrated his knack for identifying and appointing talented and competent people to drive his vision for the betterment of the country.

    “I commend you wholeheartedly your Excellency, Sir, for listening to the yearnings of the true beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, by appointing a thoroughbred and well-prepared stakeholder to pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty Office.”

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Dafinone greets Muslim community

    Eid-El-Fitr: Dafinone greets Muslim community

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has extended warmest greetings and felicitations to the Muslim community on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitri.

    As Muslims around the world mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, Dafinone joined in celebrating the spirit of unity, compassion, and charity that defines this auspicious day.

    Dafinone emphasises the importance of peace, tolerance and understanding among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs.

     He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Muslim community to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of our nation and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting religious harmony and coexistence.

    He urged Muslims to continue upholding the values of love, compassion, and generosity embodied in the teachings of Islam. He encourages them to use this festive period as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, personal growth, and community service.

    Read Also: Dafinone calls for calm over killing of soldiers, young men in Okuama crisis

    The lawmaker reassured the Muslim community in Delta Central of his unwavering support and commitment to addressing their needs and concerns.

     He pledged to continue working tirelessly to ensure that all constituents, regardless of religious affiliation, enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and access to essential services.

    “I wish the Muslim community in Delta Central and the country at large a joyous Eid filled with blessings, happiness, and prosperity. May this auspicious occasion bring peace, harmony, and unity to our nation,” he stressed. 

  • Delta seaports’ stakeholders debunk ‘illegal N4,000 levy’ at Warri port

    Delta seaports’ stakeholders debunk ‘illegal N4,000 levy’ at Warri port

    The Delta State Seaports’ Stakeholders Association has debunked report of illegal collection of an unreceipted N4,000 levy from truck operators at the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Warri by its host communities.

    Reacting to the report headlined: ‘NPA Helpless as Warri Indigenes Kill Delta Ports with N4,000 Illegal, Un-receipted Fee Collections At Port Gates”, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Emiko Oghomienor, at a news conference in Warri, explained that the said amount was agreed upon in the last week of March 2024, by the concerned unions.

    Read Also: N’Delta group commends appointment of Otuaro as Amnesty Boss

    According to him, the agreement was between the ‘Mother Union’, where flour is offloaded inside the port (flour mill) and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Warri South Council, as well as Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

    Mr. Emiko noted that the NPA Warri host communities have no direct business with the collection of levy from truck operators, going in and out of the Warri Port.

    He added that the initial levy of N2,000 that was increased to N4,000, was spilt between NURTW, NUPENG, Warri South Council and NARTO.

    Oghomienor, who doubles as the State Treasurer of NARTO, posited: “If anybody is to object to the increment, it should be the leadership of the unions that agreed to pay the N4,000, not anybody to come and indict the host communities, making the general public to feel that Warri Port is not conducive for business.”

  • Chevron disregarding Oil, Gas Act on employment, Itsekiri graduates allege

    Chevron disregarding Oil, Gas Act on employment, Itsekiri graduates allege

    The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), has accused oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), of secretly employing about 300 people, “in flagrant disregard to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010”.

    It threatened a showdown with the company if those mobilised for the perceived vacancies are not Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ilaje indigenes, calling on President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to wade into the matter.

    In a statement released yesterday, NAIG demanded that those purportedly engaged recently by the oil multinational be demobilised immediately, while Itsekiri are called upon to occupy at least 60 per cent of the purported vacancies.

    Read Also: NCDMB, Chevron pledge accelerated projects approvals

    The statement signed by the President and Secretary, Messrs Ben Eburajolo and Mino Esiategiwa, respectively, read: “Our attention has been drawn to the current recruitment being done by Chevron Nigeria Limited where about 300 persons have either being called for medical or mobilised to resume work at various locations nationwide.

    “It is disheartening to know that Chevron Nigeria Limited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) JV in OML 49, OML 90, OML 95, EGTL, Chevron Tank Farm, Agbami, Sonam, e.t.c conducted such a large scale recruitment, without publishing it in any national daily, on their official website or through a third party. 

    “National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) discovered from our investigation that several of these new intakes, have resumed in various locations, while others will resume this week”.

  • Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom celebrates coronation, Staff of Office Anniversary Saturday

    Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom celebrates coronation, Staff of Office Anniversary Saturday

    The Illah Kingdom, nestled in the heart of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, will mark his 6th coronation anniversary and 2nd year since the receipt of the Staff of Office by revered traditional and paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Obi Sylvester Jugai Enechaziam, the Ogbelani of Illah.

    Scheduled for Saturday, April 6, the commemorative event promises to attract dignitaries and esteemed members of the kingdom to honor the rich cultural heritage and illustrious reign of the monarch. 

    The people of Illah Kingdom have lauded the proactive leadership and commitment to peace demonstrated by Enechaziam, underscoring the tranquil coexistence enjoyed under his reign. 

    They urged the monarch to continue fostering harmony and collaboration among his subjects for the holistic advancement of the state.

    The planned celebration serves as a testament to the unity and cultural vibrancy of the Illah Kingdom, emphasizing the pivotal role of peace and cooperation in propelling development and progress within the community.

    As Illah Kingdom embarks on its journey towards a brighter future, collective efforts from all stakeholders are essential in fostering a sustainable and thriving environment for its inhabitants. Through collaborative initiatives and developmental endeavors, Illah Kingdom remains steadfast in its pursuit of becoming a beacon of progress and prosperity in the country.

    Under the enlightened leadership of the Ogbelani of Illah, Illah Kingdom has witnessed remarkable development strides from from governmental bodies and private individuals.

    Read Also: Olubadan-designate Olakulehin returns to Ibadan, set for coronation

    Some of them include: Construction of a 1.3km road from Umuiyagbo in Umuagwu to the magistrate court by the State Government; Installation of solar-powered street lights by NDDC;

    Construction and expansion of the Illah modern market to accommodate burgeoning trade activities by Oshimili North Local Government; Construction of a 2km road by NDDC from St. John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church Ogbe-Obi down to the Palace of the Ogbelani of Illah.

    Others are: Establishment of a new Illah Comprehensive Community Town Hall by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu;  Upgrade of Illah Health Centre to a cottage (Semi-General) hospital; Construction of a Jetty at Otu Umutei Market; Addition of a new DSIEC ward for Illah polling unit, bringing the total to 3 DSIEC wards for Illah and election of Frank Ngozichukwuka  Esenwa to the House of Assembly, representing Oshimili North constituency.

    In addition to these, The Ogbelani has championed various educational and youth-centric initiatives, including scholarships for underprivileged students and sponsorship of sports competitions, underscoring his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

  • Blake Resort CEO Akunedozi distributes 2,000 bags of rice, other food items to widows in Abuja

    Blake Resort CEO Akunedozi distributes 2,000 bags of rice, other food items to widows in Abuja

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blake Resort, Uzochukwu Akunedozi, has distributed 2000 bags of rice and other food items to over 2000 widows in Abuja.

    The gesture was part of his annual programme to celebrate his birthday with the less privileged.

    Akunedozi started the philanthropic gesture of bearing the burden of widows and alleviating the sufferings of their children in 2023 when he hosted over 200 widows and 100 of the fatherless were awarded full scholarship to mark his birthday.

    The ceremony at the Blake premises was witnessed by family and friends. It was the first time Akunedozi was publicly identifying with widows and he assured the women that he would sustain the initiative, noting that he would stand by them in situations as their son. 

    Read Also: Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    Addressing the widows whom he called his mothers, Akunedozi assured them of his support as their son at all times stressing that all he needed from them was prayers for God’s supplies and sustainance. 

    “Like I earlier told you last year that you were part of me and that I share in your burdens, I cannot celebrate my birthday without you. 

    “I have decided to celebrate my birthday with you today again. Thank you for your prayers and blessings. That’s all I wanted from you. And I will not renege in my resolve to support you in every area of your needs God’s willing,” the philanthropist added.

    Among items distributed to the widows include a bag of rice each, ground nuts oil and other consumable materials.