The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • PIND celebrates a decade of peace-building, capacity development

    PIND celebrates a decade of peace-building, capacity development

    The Partnership for Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), a non-governmental organisation committed to peace-building and capacity development in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is set to mark its 10th year of operation in the region.

    Since its establishment in 2010 with initial funding from Chevron Corporation, PIND has been promoting peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta region by forging multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder partnerships at the regional, national, and international levels.

    “The themes of our anniversary celebration align with our programmatic goals and successes since 2010,” said PIND’s Executive Director Tunji Idowu.

    “They are reducing poverty, powering coastal communities, nurturing employment and exclusivity—especially women and youths, fostering stability and conflict resolution, and enabling market development for local organizations.”

    Nigeria-based PIND and its operating partner, U.S.-based NDPI, have had a major impact on Nigeria’s Niger Delta over the last decade–including over USD 100 million in additional investments from government entities, the private sector, and donor agencies into the region.

    READ ALSO: Access to land a big issue for Niger Delta farmers – PIND

    “Our major program areas are the sustainable reduction of poverty and conflict,” said PIND’s immediate past Executive Director Dr Dara Akala.

    “Economic growth, peacebuilding, and stability work together in a clear hierarchy of cause and effect that include enablers, outputs, systemic outcomes, improved institutional performance, and impact.”

    PIND has trained and built the capacity of more than 10,000 peace actors and mitigated nearly 900 emerging conflicts through the Partners for Peace (P4P) program.

    PIND Board of Trustees Chairperson Rick Kennedy said: “In 2010, PIND was simply an ambitious vision designed to foster peace, create jobs, and raise incomes—with no clarity on how we could actualize it.

    “So, together with partners and collaborators, we co-created, co-designed, co-implemented, and co-owned pioneering programs that tackled multiple problems on multiple fronts.”

    PIND and NDPI will complete their third phase of development in 2024 and are looking ahead into the fourth phase (2025-2029) to surpass programming goals for the residents and communities of the Niger Delta.

  • Victims of failed MBA Forex investment disagrees with CBN on probe outcome

    Victims of failed MBA Forex investment disagrees with CBN on probe outcome

    Aggrieved investors of failed MBA Forex ponzi scheme have disagreed with representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State following the bank’s claims that multiple litigations stopped its investigations on the matter.

    The investors had requested for the outcome of the investigation on MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited accounts said to have received over 171bn from Nigerian investors.

    The CBN representative, in the meeting with MBA investors’ representatives, assured the victims that CBN would do everything possible to return the money to the investors.

    The CBN representative was quoted as saying: “It is true that the order granted by the court to investigate MBA finances for 180 days elapsed on the 11th August 2021 but the case is in court and more Investors are suing the CBN and MBA.

    “The legal department of the Apex bank has confirmed that the investigation hasn’t been concluded so far as a result of the ongoing litigations otherwise the apex bank would have concluded its investigation without these numerous litigations from interested parties.

    “The apex bank cannot preempt the court, it is the court that would give the final direction. The decision of unfreezing and payment would commence once these cases are settled, investors will definitely here from CBN”.

    READ ALSO: Ponzi schemes and their preys

    Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved investors, Mr. Henry Senibo, said the apex bank only approached the Federal High Court for an interim court order to stop all debit transactions from MBA accounts for 180 days pending the outcome of the said investigation.

    He said: “CBN did not sue MBA in and so CBN cannot say it has not concluded its investigation as a result of numerous litigations from investors, MBA Investors are in a deplorable condition some Investors have lost their lives as a result of this pending issue”.

    He said persons, who took the CBN gave N220m as the amount frozen by the bank wonder why the apex bank, could not conclude its investigation within the stipulated timeframe granted by the court.

    He said: “The MBA investors have decided to carry out a non-stop protest to the CBN nationwide until the bank makes its investigation known to Nigerian Investors

    “We enjoin Investors to cease litigations so we don’t compound the already complex issues on ground as advised by the legal department of the apex bank”.

  • The hand of God was on Captain Hosa – Chief Meme Brown

    The hand of God was on Captain Hosa – Chief Meme Brown

    It was another night filled with glowing tributes, wonderful speeches and fond recollections of the memory of the recently departed Captain Idahosa Okunbo in Benin City, Edo State.

    The event, one in a line of many leading up to the final internment of the great billionaire businessman and exceptional philanthropist, was held by the family and attracted a wide array of close family, friends, business associates and distinguished dignitaries who came from far and near to grace the occasion.

    The esteemed royal houses of the Bini and Warri Kingdom were also ably represented by a coterie of royal high chiefs. Incidentally, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who is married to the first child of the deceased, had a powerful delegation whose spokesman Chief Mene Brown, the Ogwa-Olusan of Warri kingdom paid effusive tributes to the memory of Captain Hosa.

    READ ALSO: Captain Hosa’s service of songs: A testament to family’s bond

    He said it was obvious the hand of God was upon his life.

    Mene recounted his warm interactions with Captain Hosa years earlier when he was sent as a royal emissary to negotiate the hand of his daughter in marriage and how he was struck by the blessed and kind nature of Captain Hosa.

    He prayed for the repose of his soul and fortitude for the family to bear the loss of their patriarch.
  • Vigilante shot dead in Delta bye-election

    Vigilante shot dead in Delta bye-election

    By Elo Edremoda, Warri

    A vigilante member has been reportedly shot dead in Irri, one of the communities where a by-election held for Isoko South Constituency in Delta State on Saturday.

    Though circumstances surrounding the shooting were sketchy as at press time, it was gathered that arm-wielding hoodlums stormed the Irri ward 10, unit 5 at around 3:15 pm to snatch ballot papers.

    They reportedly shot sporadically into the air to scare away voters before gunning down the victim and carting away electoral materials.

    When contacted, the Delta State Police spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe could not confirm if the victim died or survived the incident.

    Read Also; Police rescue eight kidnap victims in Rivers

    He disclosed that it was a stray bullet that struck the victim, adding that where the bullet came from was yet to be ascertained.

    It will be noted that the exercise had been relatively peaceful across polling units until the unfortunate incident.

    The people of Isoko South Constituency 1 had turned out in their numbers to vote for their in the bye-election to fill the vacant seat in the House of Assembly.

    The seat became vacant following the sudden death of Kenneth Ogba, the member representing the Constituency, in June.

    The election was keenly contested among candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

  • Orbih to Buhari: make NDDC audit report public, punish all offenders

    Orbih to Buhari: make NDDC audit report public, punish all offenders

    Nothing must be done to sweep the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the carpet, National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has stated.

    He spoke on Sunday with reporters in Abuja on the widely reported submission of the forensic audit report commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The PDP chieftain also tasked the President not to spare anyone indicted by the report, insisting that identified culprits be made to pay for their acts of corruption and not pardoned because of any known relationship or ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio last Thursday submitted the Forensic Audit Report on NDDC to President Muhammadu Buhari through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

    Orbih welcomed the report, noting that it was a confirmation of his earlier held fears that the NDDC was, and still is, a cesspool of corruption from where misguided politicians were milking the people of the South-South dry instead of developing the region.

    “The outcome of the forensic audit report confirms my worst fears. NDDC is the centre of corruption in Nigeria. President Buhari must not allow this report to gather dust or be swept under the carpet. It may have its flaws because of the processes leading up to it but it remains too important to toy with.

    Read Also: Buhari’s assent of PIB brazen injustice to South-South — Dan Orbih

    “The Niger Delta has been robbed for too long and our people demand transparency in the implementation of the findings of the forensic exercise. I call on Mr President to make the audit report public without delay,” Orbih said.

    While expressing concerns over the manner in which the Buhari administration has handled issues of corruption by public officials, Orbih tasked the President to bring all indicted individuals to book and have them pay for sabotaging the people of the Niger Delta.

    He said: “President Buhari must prove this time that he is not selective in dispensing justice to all those involved in the criminal act of sabotaging the economy. We demand that all individuals indicted by the report must be made to face the law. Being a member of APC should not be a ticket to freedom in the matter of recklessly stealing from our people. The President must be firm and just.”

    Orbih also demanded an apology from the Federal Government for appointing into the Board of NDDC a set of certain individuals, alleging that they were largely responsible for the woes of the interventionist agency.

    “The APC government must apologize to the people of the South-South for imposing an incompetent Board on NDDC. Their indiscretion is largely responsible for our woes today,” Orbih alleged.

    The forensic audit report had reportedly shown that there were over 13,000 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta and that multinational oil companies had failed to remit over $4billion to the commission.

  • Forensic audit: No more excuses, inaugurate NDDC board now — Agitators

    Forensic audit: No more excuses, inaugurate NDDC board now — Agitators

    Agitators in the Niger Delta under the auspices of the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience (21st CYNDAC) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately inaugurate the board already screened and confirmed by the National Assembly for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Comrade Izon Ebi, said it behoved the President to do the needful now that the report of the forensic audit of the commission had been concluded and submitted to the Presidency.

    The group deplored any attempt to delay the constitution of the board any further since the forensic audit being used as a plausible excuse had been submitted.

    It challenged the President to match his words with action by creating an enabling environment for peace, stability and development to reign in the Niger Delta.

    The statement reads: “By inaugurating the substantive board that was screened and confirmed by men of impeccable character and integrity in the National Assembly, it will truly put the board members on their toes to deliver on a new template for the much-awaited development of the region.

    Read Also: Disquiet in South-South over NDDC audit report

    “We reiterate that the inauguration of the screened and confirmed board by Senate will douse the current agitations and restiveness that have become pervasive in the region these past years as well as rekindle the hope and aspirations of the people.

    “It will also prove the seriousness of the Federal Government towards ameliorating the plight of the long-suffering people of the region to give them a sense of belonging.”

    The 21st CYNDAC also commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for delivering on the mandate assigned to him by Mr President on the forensic audit of the NDDC.

    The group hoped that with the conclusion of the forensic audit, the leakages in the administrative structure that allegedly facilitated the wanton corruption and malfeasance that riddled the commission would be checked if the recommendations of the auditors were adhered to.

    The agitators demanded that the management structure of the commission should be rejigged for better service delivery to the long-suffering people in the region.

  • DESOPADEC commissioner Akozor dies

    DESOPADEC commissioner Akozor dies

    A serving commissioner on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Mr. Ikechukwu Akozor has died.

    His death was announced on the Facebook page of an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ossai Ovie Success on Thursday evening.

    “Sad one. We just lost DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality Mr. Ikechukwu Akozor.

    Read Also: Legendary ‘Guitar Boy’ Victor Uwaifo dies at 80

    “His death is a sad one to Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Ndokwa Nation,” the post reads.

    Though details surrounding the death of the commissioner are yet to emerge, reports claimed he died Thursday morning at a hospital in Asaba, the state capital.

    He hailed from Aboh in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

    Akozor represented Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC.

  • Pemu commends Okowa over anti-grazing bill

    Pemu commends Okowa over anti-grazing bill

    Youth Activist and ECOWAS Youth Council Ambassador Prayer Pemu has commended Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the signing of the anti-grazing bill into law.

    Pemu, in a statement, said the signing of the bill will arrest the herder/farmers clashes that have bedevilled some parts of the state and the nation.

    He stated Delta State is a home of peace and has welcomed millions of visitors with its hospitable nature.

    It assured attempts by a group of persons would not ruin the peace enjoyed in the State.

    READ ALSO: Herders in Oyo reject anti-grazing bill

    While urging the law enforcement agencies to be proactive in their duties, the Special Assistant charged residents to report any untoward or suspected movement to the police.

    He said: “The signing of the anti-grazing bill into law will forestall a whole lot and avert any impending crisis in future.

    “I commend the State Governor for the bold state, and also appreciate the state house of assembly for taking a stand to stamp out the issue in the State.”

  • Capt Hosa Farewell

    Capt Hosa Farewell

    Our Reporter

    For our Lord is a God of knowledge who knows our end from our genesis. The darkness has fallen upon Benin City and my condolences to Omo N’oba and the Okunbo family. The pride of the city has departed like it was when Archbishop Prof Idahosa was called home at age 59. I am gravely pained that the worthy man of the city, my neighbour has departed. Sorrow has engulfed our hearts. The mighty has fallen.

    When in the last Christmas season his usual celebrations did not Blossom, his neighbours on Aiguobasimwin became troubled. With a foreknowledge that he was ill, we ceaselessly prayed for his death to be averted. God the owner of breath decided otherwise. An amiable gentleman has fallen. Calamity has befallen the people of Edo. The friend of the poor and needy has departed. We will greatly miss him in Aiguobasimwin.

    I have in the quietness of my mind realised again that all the labour of man is vanity. If death had a price, Hosa would have raised the funds. We shall all face death. If only in this world we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. Do the good that you can on earth.

    For Captain, the journey has ended. Let us reciprocate the love he shared to humanity to his wife, children, mother and siblings.

    Rev Dr Peter Obadan

    Prime Deputy Governor

  • Nigeria facing multiple, concurrent disease outbreaks, says NCDC

    Nigeria facing multiple, concurrent disease outbreaks, says NCDC

    The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu has advised States to invest more on health infrastructure to be well-prepared for outbreaks of multiple and concurrent diseases.

    Ihekweazu gave the advice during the Nigerian Conference of Applied and Field Epidemiology (NiCAFE) conference in Abuja.

    He stated the advice became necessary because Nigeria faces concurrent and multiple disease outbreaks even in the face of a threatening COVID-19 pandemic.

    He noted with increasing COVID-19 infections and deaths, the country is yet to see the worst of the pandemic.

    He said: “In the last one month alone, we have been responding to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, an outbreak of cholera in several states, panic associated with the detection of a monkeypox case in the US with travel history from Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria facing multiple disease outbreaks’

    “Every week, we detect cases of yellow fever, Lassa fever, measles and other infectious diseases that are endemic in Nigeria. That is our reality – our tropical climate, population density, and poor socioeconomic factors leave us at risk of annual, multiple, concurrent disease outbreaks in Nigeria. Therefore, we must be one step ahead of these pathogens,” he stated.

    Dr Ihekweazu said Nigeria must begin to pay premium priority and attention to public health challenges, even as the population growth increases, thereby burdening the health system infrastructure.

    This year’s Nigeria Conference of Applied and Field Epidemiology, NiCAFE, officially opened with a pledge by the Nigerian government to be more prepared for disease outbreaks in the country.

    Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said: “Despite the pandemic, we have not stopped recording other infectious disease outbreaks.

    “In the last one month, we have been responding to an outbreak of cholera across states, an increasing number of Lassa fever cases, a recent monkeypox case reported in the US with travel history from Nigeria, as well as weekly reports of yellow fever and measles cases.”