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Category: Niger delta

  • Delta, Igbinx Ede Construction sign contract for road, drainage works in Asaba–Okpanam corridor

    Delta, Igbinx Ede Construction sign contract for road, drainage works in Asaba–Okpanam corridor

    The Delta State Government has signed a ₦42.5 billion contract with Igbinx Ede Construction Co. for new road and drainage works across the Asaba–Okpanam corridor, a fast-growing area that has faced recurring congestion and severe seasonal flooding. 

    The project forms part of the administration’s effort to improve mobility, protect residential zones, and support commercial expansion around the capital region.

    At the signing ceremony in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said the selection of Igbinx Ede Construction Co. followed months of technical assessments, engineering reviews, and budgeting evaluations carried out by the Ministries of Works and Finance.

    “This agreement reflects a careful process. We considered capacity, past performance, and alignment with the State’s long-term infrastructure goals. We believe the company is well-prepared to deliver,” he said.

    The Governor explained that the works will ease traffic along key access roads serving Okpanam, Ibusa Road, and sections feeding into the dual carriageway toward Ogwashi-Uku. 

    Read Also: Delta infrastructure drive gains momentum as Oborevwori breaks ground for Otovwodo flyover

    He added that the drainage components are designed to address long-standing flooding that affects homes, small businesses, and transport operators during peak rainfall.

    The scope of work includes reconstruction and widening of selected roads, installation of reinforced concrete drainage channels along high-risk flood zones, and upgrades to adjoining routes that connect residential layouts to the main Asaba urban network.

    Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, and Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), signed on behalf of the Delta State Government. The Managing Director of Igbinx Ede Construction Co. signed on behalf of the company.

    The Managing Director thanked the State Government for the opportunity to execute the project. “We take this responsibility seriously. Our team is prepared to mobilize quickly and deliver work that will serve the State for the long term,” he said.

    Senior officials from the Ministries of Works and Justice, along with engineers and representatives from Igbinx Ede Construction Co., attended the ceremony.

  • Dafinone congratulates Ajagba for defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall In Nevada

    Dafinone congratulates Ajagba for defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall In Nevada

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta North) has felicitated Nigerian boxing heavyweight, Efe Ajagba, for defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title after defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall on Sunday.

    Dafinone also congratulated Nigerian musician and former winner of BBNaija, Michael Efe Ejeba, famously called Efe, for his remarkable performance to welcome Ajagba into the fighting arena.

    Ajagba defeated Goodall in the fourth round through a knocks-out after the Aussie failed to recover from uppercut punches from the Nigerian hard-hitting puncher.

    The fight was held at the Reno Tahoe Event Center in Nevada, United States, on Sunday morning (Nigerian time).

    Ajagba hails from Ughelli Kingdom while Efe hails from Okpe Kingdom both in Delta State.

    In a statement on Sunday, Dafinone said he received the victory of Ajagba and the successful defence of his WBC heavyweight title with joy and fulfilment.

    Dafinone said he was particularly elated watching two Urhobos collaborating to make Urhobo and Nigeria proud on the global stage.

    He noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with talents in sports, music, education and entertainment, but only waiting to be properly harnessed for the country’s benefit.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Fubara lauds Tinubu’s intervention, apologises

    The Delta Central lawmaker, however, called on Delta and Federal Governments to harness the abundant talents inherent among the youths for the betterment and development of the state and country.

    Senator Dafinone added that he enjoyed Efe’s performance which had a fusion of Urhobo and English. He enjoined Nigerian musicians of Urhobo extraction to use their craft to protect and sustain the Urhobo language just as their counterparts from Yoruba and other tribes are currently doing.

    “I congratulate Efe Ajagba on his victory against Australia’s Joe Goodall early this morning. I watched the duo of Ajagba and Efe doing Urhobo and Nigeria proud on the global stage. It was fascinating watching a fellow Urhobo singing for another to defend his title.

    “Urhobo from time immemorial has been the centrepiece for producing legendary sportsmen and women, accountants, musicians, comedians, and entertainers. Urhobo’s contribution to Nigeria’s good name on the global stage was reechoed today through Ajagba’s victory.

    “I congratulate Efe Ajagba for defending his title. Knocking out his Aussie opponent in the 4th round, clearly shows, he is ready to be a World champion in the boxing arena and I can’t wait to watch this happen.

    “Also, I commend Efe for his performance while opening the fight for Ajagba. Such collaboration and brotherliness is what the Urhobo youth need to emulate and win together.

    “All Urhobos including our musicians have a task of protecting the Urhobo language through their songs and communication from going into extinction,” the statement added.

  • After Appeal Court Victory, Tinubu’s campaigner seeks support for Sylva in Bayelsa

    After Appeal Court Victory, Tinubu’s campaigner seeks support for Sylva in Bayelsa

    A few hours after the court of Appeal in Abuja decided to restore Chief Timipre Sylva as governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Bayelsa State,South South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, Pastor Reuben Wilson, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mobilise full support for the election of Sylva.

    He said in a statement that it was time for the all APC leaders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to be in Bayelsa State for full campaigns.

    Wilson lamented that the Minister was yet to show signs of support for Sylva and the only way to prove critics wrong was for him to join Tinubu and other APC leaders in campaigning for the party in the next few days for the success of the APC.

    Anything short of that, Wilson said, should attract the wrath of the President. 

    According to him: “Yesterday, in my open letter to Mr President, I had called for his gracious intervention as leader of our party, to make sure the APC wins next weekend in Bayelsa State. 

    “I will re-echo that call by urging him to summon a meeting of all gladiators and stakeholders from Bayelsa State APC, including the minister of state for petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who has not shown any form of commitment to the Sylva election project up till now.

    “Instead of being committed to the project, he is seen to be hobnobbing with our opponents while also patronising and supporting those who never supported the APC in the past elections. I insist that the position Senator Lokpobiri is occupying should be taken from him and given to those who have shown capacity and total commitment to the progress of the party in Bayelsa State.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Bayelsa: Appeal Court reverses Sylva’s disqualification

    “The general suspicion is that Senator Lokpobiri and many others like him, are working at cross purposes, against the interest of the party. This cannot be allowed to continue unchecked, if the party must win the forthcoming election. There cannot be a better time for all party members to sink their differences and come out in full force to queue behind Sylva.

    “With a few more weeks left before the public campaign window closes, I will want our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national executive committee of the party to come to Yenagoa and personally campaign for the APC.

    “They should also ensure that Lokpobiri and other top party chieftains mount the rostrum and publicly campaign for Sylva. The current lack-lustre attitude of these party stakeholders is not in the interest of our party.”

    He commended the judiciary for the boldness to do justice to the case and restore Sylva to the ballot, saying that he was confident of victory for the APC in November 11.

  • Tinubu’s ex-campaigner begs for Sylva, says Bayelsa APC may suffer defeat

    Tinubu’s ex-campaigner begs for Sylva, says Bayelsa APC may suffer defeat

    The South South coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, Pastor Reuben Wilson, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take urgent steps to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

    He said few weeks to the November 11 governorship poll, he has absolute confidence in the ability of Timipre Sylva to win the election given his campaign manifesto. 

    Wilson, who is also the founder of the Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, said it was worrisome that party leaders from the State, especially those in high political offices, were not showing signs of support for Sylva.

    “The Asiwaju Group and the Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability actively participated in your electoral victory by massively mobilizing voters in the South-South Zone to give you the minimum constitutional requirement of 25% votes in each of the Six (6) South-South States, that hitherto, were the strongholds of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Your Excellency, Sir,I used my personal funds to sponsor the campaign activities of The Asiwaju Group (TAG) and the Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA) in the South-South Zone for your presidential election and our efforts greatly reflected in the votes you eventually got from the South-South States that helped you fulfill  the constitutional requirements for you to be elected President,” Wilson wrote in an open letter he sent to the President on Monday.

    Noting his readiness to continue to work for the party at all levels, including the 2027 presidential election, if Tinubu decides to re-contest, Wilson said there were danger signals ahead of the election and said it was necessary for the president to intervene urgently.

    He said: “I promise that I will even do better in 2027, if you decide to contest for a second term in office. However, I’m deeply worried that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might lose the forthcoming Bayelsa State gubernatorial election scheduled for 11th of November,2023, if you don’t quickly intervene and prevail on the National secretariat of the party to do the needful by mobilizing all party stalwarts from Bayelsa State , especially appointees of your government, to be loyal to the party’s interest and work committed for the success of the party in the election.

    “At the moment such dedication and commitment isn’t seen from some of your appointees and some other party stalwarts from the state. Therefore, I wish to most humbly request that you prevail on such persons, especially, Sen.(Dr) Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon.Minister of State (Petroleum ) to be more committed to the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    “He is at the moment not showing enough commitment and support for the party in the state. He is also not relating properly with the party faithfuls in the state. His activities are mostly centered around his friends and associates that have dumped the party and decamped to the People’s Democratic Party in the State.

    “The chances of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency , Chief Timipre M.Sylva to win are very high based on the popularity of his campaign manifesto and his track record of better performance, compared to the incumbent Governor. I’m very sure about our victory but recent developments portend grave negative signals against our anticipated victory, if not quickly addressed , hence, this open letter to your Excellency, Sir.”

    Read Also: APC, PDP trade words over Adeleke’s N100b projects 

    He also decried the appointment of people who were not supportive of the President during the election, saying it was imperative for the APC national leader to consider rewarding those who worked genuinely for his successes, even as he commended the appointments of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, and that of the NDDC MD, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

    According to him: “Most of your loyal supporters in the South -South Zone, who faithfully and tirelessly worked for your electoral victory aren’t happy with some of your appointments because some of your appointees from the South -South Zone didn’t work for you in the last presidential election but got appointed and are enjoying your government at the expense of your very dedicated, loyal and committed supporters.

    “I’m therefore, pleading with you to consider such dedicated supporters for appointment into various critical offices in your government, as it’s only such people that can truly fight for the party and your interest at all times.”

  • Ex-militants: Tinubu’s Supreme Court victory judicial stamp of legitimacy

    Ex-militants: Tinubu’s Supreme Court victory judicial stamp of legitimacy

    The Niger Delta Coastline Vanguard (NDCV) has described President Bola Tinubu victory at the Supreme Court as a judicial stamp of legitimacy and landslide victory in the February 25 Presidential elections. 

     The ex-militant group congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the affirmation of his victory by the Court, maintaining that the time has to unite Nigeria.

    A congratulatory message by the leader of NDCV, ex- militant Akogun Job Omotuwa said the triumph of the President at the apex court was “the ultimate judicial stamp on the landslide victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer at the 2023 presidential poll held on February 25, 2023.”

    “The decision of the Supreme Court validating President Tinubu’s win as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and a landmark judgement in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence that has become a reference point for generations to com,” he said. 

     According to him,:”This laid to rest all doubts and controversies raised by the opposition about the presidential election. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Mr. Peter Obi should join hands with President Tinubu to move the country forward politically, and  economically for the interest of Nigeria.”

    Irrespective of our political, ethnic and religious leanings, it’s time to support President Tinubu’s vision on ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for good governance, Omotuwa stated .

    Read Also: Supreme Court to get more Justices soon, says CJN

    While appealing to President Tinubu to allow NDCV (Ilaje ex-militants) to handle the contracts of surveillance and monitoring to cover Ondo, Ogun and Lagos state littoral corridors.

    He said the NDCV has the capability, capacity, required intelligence and human resources to work with federal government security agencies in the surveillance of the areas, stressing that illegal oil bunkering, vandalism and sabotage would be a thing of the past.

    The stakeholders would ensure that there is peace, in Niger Delta region to further our unwavering support and commitment to actualizing the Nigeria of our dreams, Akogun Omotunwa said. 

  • ‘The Delborough’ a therapeutic super luxury facility – Ozekhome

    ‘The Delborough’ a therapeutic super luxury facility – Ozekhome

    Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. (Chief) Mike Ozekhome, CON, OFR, FCIArb, PhD has said that The Delborough Lagos is not just a hotel but a place of therapy given its world-class standard and services.

    The legal luminary was recently appointed as a Board Member of The Delborough with eight other prominent and influential Nigerians who have made their marks in different fields of human endeavour.

    Ozekhome spoke while addressing journalists shortly after the official inauguration of the Board recently in Lagos.

    Read Also: Business experts inspire sales professionals to break limits at Sales Pro Conference

    He said: “If you see the quality of people that make the Board, starting from our Chairman, the Obi of Onitsha; these are people who have built their names and brands over the years, and would never want to associate themselves with anything akin to failure.” 

    “Delborough Hotel Lagos is a form of therapy on its own – the services at The Delborough Lagos are beyond what I have tasted anywhere in the world”, the eminent legal luminary enthused.

    “It is the place to come for expatriates, multinationals, UN, European Union and other international bodies in Nigeria”.

  • Ojo-Tinubu hands over peace Achievers Int’l Award to Hon. Chimezie Okolo

    Ojo-Tinubu hands over peace Achievers Int’l Award to Hon. Chimezie Okolo

    A former senatorial candidate in Anambra Central, Hon. Dr. (Chief) Jim Okolo Chimezie, was among eminent personalities honoured with Peace Achievers International Award in Abuja. 

    The icing on the cake was however the presentation of his award plaque by Folasade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The colourful event at Abuja Continental Hotel was graced by politically exposed personalities, top business executives and highly respected entertainers. 

    It was presented as a sign of recognition to philanthropists, political class, business executives who have made significant contributions towards peace building, conflict resolution, youth empowerment and women development. 

    Chimezie, the West African Coordinator of Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre (UMEC) who recently marked his birthday, expressed gratitude to Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide, the organisers of Peace Achievers Awards for finding him worthy of the honour. 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s many sweet victories

    He said this would ginger him in his philanthropic endeavors, saying he is poised to touch the lives of those around him in many positive ways. 

    The award venue was electrified with colourful performances by comedians, dance troupes, music artistes and more. 

    The stage was a world class masterpiece that stimulated the moods of guests. 

    Other awardees at the event include daughter of the President Folasade Tinubu-Ojo; Abuja-based PR expert and CEO Amity Global, Amb. Alex Nwankwo popularly known as AlexReports, Sir Blessing Obomovo, KSC, Obinna Simon, Dubem Oguegbu,  Thompson Jeminat Temitope among others. 

    The founder Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, while congratulating awardees urged them to continue being part of efforts to make the Nigerian society more peaceful.

  • Dafinone congratulates Tinubu on Supreme Court’s victory, calls for unity

    Dafinone congratulates Tinubu on Supreme Court’s victory, calls for unity

    Delta North Senator Ede Dafinone has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s judgment, which reaffirmed his victory in the 2023 presidential polls.

    In a statement on Thursday, Senator Dafinone hailed the verdict of the apex court as a reflection of the will of the people, which was freely given to President Tinubu in the February 25 election.

    He commended the Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral system, by dispensing justice to all parties in the case, including the Petitioners, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, who challenged the outcome of the election.

    He said the court had demonstrated its independence and impartiality, as well as its respect for the constitution and the democratic principles that guide the nation.

    He urged all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to accept the verdict of the court and rally behind President Tinubu as he continues to implement his Renewed Hope agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

    He also called on the opposition candidates, Peter Obi of LP and Atiku Abubakar of PDP, to accept the outcome of today’s supreme court verdict and team up hands with Tinubu to build a united and prosperous nation.

    Read Also: Supreme Court Judgement: Lawan congratulates Tinubu, urges Nigerians to support president

    He said: “I urge all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to accept the verdict of the court and rally behind President Tinubu as he continues to implement his Renewed Hope agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria. 

    “The task of building a great nation is a collective decision, so, I want to urge the opposition candidates, Peter Obi of LP and Atiku Abubakar of PDP, to accept the outcome of today’s supreme court verdict and join hands with President Tinubu to build the nation of our dream.”

    As a senator and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Dafinone pledged his full support and cooperation to President Tinubu-led administration.

    He said he would work with Mr. President and other stakeholders to ensure that they deliver on their promises to the Nigerian people.

    The renowned chartered accountant stated further that he would continue to represent the interests and aspirations of his constituents in Delta Central and contribute to the development of Delta and the country at large.

  • Neconde Energy Ltd denies impoverishing host community

    Neconde Energy Ltd denies impoverishing host community

    Neconde Energy Ltd, an independent oil and gas company with stakes in developed oil fields and gas reserves in the Niger Delta and Joint Venture partner of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) on the OML 42 Oil Asset, has refuted allegations of impoverishing its host communities in the Niger Delta.

    It claimed the reports are not only false and unfortunate but are a product of blackmailers while setting the records straight.

    In a rebuttal by its legal department, the company, which had been managing the OML 42 oil asset as a joint venture partner of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, (NEPL) since 12 years ago, said: “While we understand that any reasonably informed Nigerian or organisation need not dig too deep to ascertain the true situation in OML42; the growing audacity of Ezekiel Kagbala (FocalPoint Reports) and the clandestine sponsors of his publications, in what appears to be an increasing display of willful intent to misinform the public and a malicious intent to malign business and persons; necessitates those records are set straight.”

    The company declared that it will not be deterred from its zero tolerance for corruption in the running of the asset and insistence on transparent developmental programmes such as the full implementation of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act) for the benefit of the host communities. “Monies meant for developing the community must be deployed solely for that purpose. It must not enter private pockets. This is our stand,” the statement avers.

    Continuing, the company, which has invested significant amounts in the asset with the support of astute professionals, businesses, and financial institutions, explained that the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act 2021 makes provisions for host communities that encourage social and economic development and aims to promote cooperation between the host communities and the petroleum asset operators.

    Read Also: SAN: sustain rights during energy transition

    It added that the PIA act stipulates that settlors (NEPL for OML 42) are required to make an annual contribution to the applicable community of 3% of its actual operating expenditure of the preceding year in the upstream petroleum operation affecting the community but “The non-implementation of the law to support the development of the community within OML 42 is best provided by the accountable managers for OML 42 in the employ of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, (NEPL).”

    It explained before the PIA, it had funded the GMOU implementation and sustained the peace bonus that supported the payment of allowances to teachers in OML 42 communities, electrification projects, riverine school boats for primary schools, and training of community workers who have now been converted to E & P field professionals in OML 42 among other things.

    While describing the reports as ‘greed-driven contract racketeering in collusion with certain elements’, Neconde Energy Ltd stated that the community leadership, opinion leaders and responsible members of the community have condemned and dissociated themselves from the false reports.

    The company maintained that the sustained blackmail of private investors and institutions would not deter it from doing only what is right and urges the public to disregard the falsehood being peddled by ‘these bastions of perfidy.’

  • Gov Oborevwori appoints Veronica Abang SSA Media

    Gov Oborevwori appoints Veronica Abang SSA Media

    Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made a strategic appointment that underscores the government’s commitment to effective media management.

    The Governor officially appointed Mrs. Veronica Abang-Gwam as a Senior Special Assistant (Media).

    Her distinguished track record and outstanding capabilities make her a sought-after figure in the contemporary world of media management.

    With a career steeped in experience, Mrs. Abang-Gwam boasts a noteworthy stint working alongside the former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Her extensive expertise in cultivating and maintaining a robust online presence across various media platforms to engage audiences and share content about the Governor’s activities and the state government’s ministries, departments, and agencies sets her apart.

    One of Nigeria’s most influential government aides, Mrs. Abang-Gwam began her career in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly in Abuja, where she served as an aide to a former Senate President.

    Her previous roles were marked by her leadership and coordination of media operations, catering to the online audience and enhancing the visibility of the state governor and the government at large.

    She excels in analytics and data tracking, using her skills to measure the impact of digital media campaigns, gauge engagement, and adapt strategies accordingly.

    Her impact is felt not only on the state level but extends to the national stage.

    A graduate of the University of Abuja, she also has a post graduate degree in Journalism and media communications.

    Mrs. Abang-Gwam’s journey served as a New Media aide to the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki.

    She collaborated with a dynamic, youthful team to amplify the presence of the then-Nigerian Senate leadership across all major media platforms, effectively bridging the gap between the legislative branch and the Nigerian populace.

    Read Also: Delta govenor Oborevwori salutes Uduaghan at 69

    She assumed the role of Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, where her work with a versatile team propelled the administration to unparalleled media representation between 2018 and 2023.

    Her services were exceptional in both administrations, as they ensured the timely and comprehensive dissemination of information, projects, and activities to a wide audience.

    Moreover, she consistently gathered valuable feedback on community engagements as a vital link between the government and its constituents.

    Mrs. Veronica Abang-Gwam’s proven track record makes her an indispensable asset, much sought after in today’s ever-evolving world of media and government representation