The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Gov Otu divine gift to Cross Rivers – CoS Ironbar

    Gov Otu divine gift to Cross Rivers – CoS Ironbar

    ‎The Chief of Staff to Cross River Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, has commended Bassey Edet Otu, describing him as “a divine gift to Cross River State and to Nigeria at large.”

    ‎In a birthday tribute, Ironbar described the Governor as “a visionary, a reformer, and a lighthouse of hope whose leadership has transformed lives and rekindled faith across the state.”

    ‎The Chief of Staff said the Governor’s 66th birthday presented “a moment not just to celebrate Your Excellency’s life, but to pause, ponder and reflect on the blessing you have been — to me, to my family, and to the entire people of Cross River State.” He said Governor Otu has continued to prove that leadership, when rooted in faith and love for humanity, becomes a channel of divine sweetness.

    ‎According to him: “Your Excellency, you have consistently and unequivocally demonstrated that you are not only a leader but a visionary and a reformer. Through your unwavering faith in God and virtuous example, you have ushered in an era of sustainable sweetness, transforming our beloved state from a civil service enclave into a thriving hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth.”

    He added that under the Governor’s inspiring stewardship, “dreams have taken root, destinies have been transformed, and hope has found a home once again in the hearts of our people.”

    ‎Reflecting on the sweeping impact of the Otu administration, Ironbar declared: “From the sun-lit mangrove-curated shores of Calabar, across the emerald rainforests of Boki, to the cloud-crowned hills of Obanliku, your administration exudes a sweet fragrance of peace, mending fissures and drying the tears of the people.”

    READ ALSO: Benin monarch holds feast to mark birthday, coronation anniversary

    He lauded the Governor’s “prayerful and compassionate diligence” which, he said, “has knitted our people together, forged hope in place of despair, nurtured socio-cultural progress instead of retrogression, and generated economic development in place of stagnation.”

    ‎The Chief of Staff observed that Governor Otu’s “uncompromising commitment to transparency, integrity, and magnanimity has rekindled public trust in governance.”

    He noted that the Governor’s people-first philosophy “has built bridges across political divides, embraced every creed and culture, and ensured that no citizen is left behind.”

    According to him: “From rural electrification to expansive road networks, from empowering security services to revitalising tourism, Your Excellency has governed and fathered a renaissance — one defined by peace, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”

    ‎He continued: “Your Excellency, you are the blessing the Most High sent to Cross River State at the appointed time. You have brought sweetness to our polity, hope to our people, and direction to our development.”

    Ironbar praised the Governor’s humility and spiritual depth, describing him as “a man whose faith anchors his leadership and whose compassion binds the state as one family under God.”

    ‎On this “glorious occasion of your birthday,” Ironbar said, “we join the heavens and the earth to celebrate a man whose life is a divine gift, a leader whose light continues to illuminate the path of greatness for our state and nation.” He prayed that God would “continue to bless you with excellent health, divine wisdom, unshakable strength, and boundless courage.”

    ‎“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, my Boss,” the Chief of Staff concluded. “May your days be long, your legacy eternal, and your leadership continue to inspire future generations. May the sweetness you have brought to Cross River State flow endlessly, and may your name remain inscribed in gold as the symbol of hope, unity, and purposeful governance.”

  • Celebrating a heart immersed in service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66

    Celebrating a heart immersed in service: Gov Bassey Edet Otu at 66

    By Linus Obogo 

    At 66, he tells you there is nothing more to struggle, hustle and live for other than to devote himself to the service of God, humanity and his state. For over 20 years, he has religiously observed this creed without fail.

    Just yesterday, he reinforced this belief when he chose to flag off his pre-birthday gig with a large throng of widows from across the 18 local government councils. The gesture continues today with similar compassion for the orphans and the elderly. 

    A leader without airs and graces, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has seen both the rough and tumble of life and politics. He has experienced both disappointments and reappointments by God, trajectories that have shaped his life of passion for service and compassion for humanity.

    Today, he stands as a glittering portrait of grace, purpose, and people-centred leadership, a man whose voyage mirrors the enduring beauty of the land he governs. Even as he clocks 66 today, time has not dulled his passion nor wearied his pursuit of the collective good; instead, it has forged and refined his vision and deepened his empathy. His life is a tapestry woven with threads of humility, service, and divine purpose, an odyssey that continues to inspire confidence and rekindle faith in governance anchored on compassion and justice.

    From the serene creeks of Adiabo to the pristine hills of Obudu, the “Sweet Prince” is redefining leadership as an act of stewardship, not dominion. His governance style is a reflection of his soul, gentle yet firm, visionary yet pragmatic, genteel yet unyielding in the face of adversity. He leads not as one consumed by power, but as a shepherd guided by conviction. Each policy, each reform, each act of governance bears the unmistakable imprint of a man devoted to the prosperity and dignity of his people. In every sense, Governor Otu’s leadership is a moral compass for a generation yearning for integrity and hope.

    Since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2023, the governor has breathed fresh energy into the socio-economic lungs of Cross River State. Under his People First agenda, government has been humanized; governance has become a dialogue between power and the people. Roads are being reborn from neglect, schools and health centres restored to life, and rural communities reconnected to the heartbeat of development. His administration’s inclusive reforms have restored confidence, rekindled enterprise, and reignited the once-muted optimism of the Cross River spirit. Indeed, he has proven that leadership can be both visionary and tender-hearted—anchored on results but powered by love.

    Governor Otu’s understanding of governance transcends the arithmetic of infrastructure. His, is a holistic vision that sees human capital as the artery of transformation. The empowerment of youths, the revitalization of agriculture, the expansion of tourism, and the pursuit of fiscal prudence all reflect a leader with eyes fixed on sustainability. His commitment to transparency and accountability has restored public trust, while his unassuming disposition has opened the corridors of government to even the most distant of voices. Through it all, he has remained resolutely focused on building a state where every citizen feels seen, valued, and included.

    Beneath his calm demeanour lies a relentless will, a quiet embers that propel him toward the realization of a prosperous, self-sufficient Cross River. His passion for education stems from his belief that the truest wealth of a people lies in the enlightenment of their minds. His deep investment in rural transformation arises from his conviction that development must never be elitist. His push for economic diversification reflects his desire to secure the future of generations yet unborn. To witness him govern is to see a man wholly surrendered to purpose—undaunted by challenges, unwavering in principle, and unswerving in faith.

    As he clocks sixty-six, Bassey Otu remains a study in balance, firm in duty yet gracious in conduct, authoritative yet approachable, princely yet profoundly humane. The years have crowned him with wisdom and steadied his hands for greater exploits. His heart beats for Cross River, and his every stride echoes the melody of service. Few leaders have so effortlessly embodied the poetry of empathy and the discipline of governance; fewer still have so seamlessly united the moral and the political, the ideal and the real. In Governor Otu, Cross River finds not just a leader, but a guardian of its collective dream.

    Today, we celebrate more than the passing of years; we celebrate a life poured out in service—a man who has become both the servant and the symbol of his people’s aspirations. At sixty-six, the Sweet Prince remains a nectar, a sweet fragrance, a beacon of hope, a testament to the grace of God, and a reminder that true greatness lies not in the trappings of office, but in the quiet, consistent pursuit of the common good. May the winds of divine favour continue to guide your sail, Your Excellency and may your years ahead bloom with even greater wisdom, compassion, and triumph for the land you so dearly love, our Cross River State, our Pride!

    Obogo is Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Media and Publicity

  • Tompolo donates N10b to support Delta security drive

    Tompolo donates N10b to support Delta security drive

    In a significant gesture of support for enhancing peace and security in Delta State, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has pledged a substantial contribution of ₦10 billion to the Delta State Security Trust Fund.

    Tompolo, who serves as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), made the announcement during the official launch of the Trust Fund at the Government House in Asaba.

    The event is attended by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, prominent government officials, security heads, and community leaders.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    The TSSNL Chair’s donation is recognized as one of the largest private contributions to a state security initiative in Nigeria, further solidifying his position as a prominent advocate for stability and development in the Niger Delta region.

    This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to address security challenges and foster a peaceful environment for growth and progress in the state.

  • Lokpobiri hails Tompolo on peace in Niger Delta, seeks expansion of security contracts

    Lokpobiri hails Tompolo on peace in Niger Delta, seeks expansion of security contracts

    The National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri, has lauded High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo for his frantic efforts in restoring peace in the Niger Delta region through his pipeline surveillance contract job by empowering thousands of youths, men and women in the region over the last three years, while appealing to the Federal Government for expansion of the scope of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering contracts.

    Lokpobiri made the commendation and appeal on Tuesday at the Community Critical Stakeholders Appreciation meeting held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt City, courtesy of Tantita Security Services Limited and Maton Engineering Nig Limited, two major oil and gas infrastructure surveillance contractors in the region.

    The ceremony’s mandate was to review significant progress and officially appreciate the vital role community leaders and traditional rulers play in securing Nigeria’s critical energy assets.

    Addressing a room filled with traditional leaders, security chiefs, and youth representatives, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr lauded the host companies for their consistently increasing capacity, which he directly linked to a crucial boost in Nigeria’s daily oil production figures.

    The IYC President then made a powerful and sincere acknowledgment of Chief Government Oweizide Ekpempolo (Tompolo), recognizing his “huge sacrifices and role in the sustenance of peace and security in the Niger Delta region.”

    “His name resonates positively with all sons and daughters of the region, especially given his background in the arms struggle,” Lokpobiri stated emphatically. “Today we are enjoying relative peace and security in the region courtesy of his efforts.”

    Read Also: 2027: Ex-agitators rally support for Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Building on the proven success of the security contracts, the IYC leader pivoted to a demand for strategic expansion. Sir Lokpobiri strongly appealed to the Federal Government to significantly increase the funding and mandate of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering.

    He argued that their capacity should be expanded beyond securing pipelines and oil infrastructure to include the protection of Terminals and well heads, ensuring they can continue to deliver maximally on national security and production goals.

    Furthermore, Lokpobiri issued a passionate call for environmental equity, urging the Federal Government to immediately extend the ongoing clean-up exercise in Ogoniland to all communities across the entire Niger Delta region. He stressed that these host communities are negatively affected by daily oil exploration activities and deserve comprehensive remediation.

    In commending the contractors’ leadership for their “human face” approach in involving critical community stakeholders, Sir Lokpobiri confirmed that the Niger Delta environment is “gradually healing” from the widespread damage caused by illegal oil bunkering and oil theft.

    The high-level attendance underscored the deep commitment of regional stakeholders to maintaining this trajectory of peace and infrastructure protection.

  • Group rallies support for Tinubu, Oborevwori’s re-election

    Group rallies support for Tinubu, Oborevwori’s re-election

    Convener of Deltans Want MORE: Deltans want Renewed Hope, Olorogun Ese Kakor, has thrown his weight behind the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for a second term in office by stakeholders of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The endorsement took place on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Asaba, where party leaders cited the impressive performance of both the President and the Governor as justification for the early support.

    In a statement in Warri, Kakor described the decision as a strategic move to consolidate the gains already recorded in governance at both the federal and state levels. He urged other political parties to emulate the APC by endorsing the incumbents, stressing that continuity in leadership is crucial for sustainable development.

    READ ALSO: Why we left PDP for APC — Mbah

    Kakor particularly highlighted the giant strides of Governor Oborevwori since assuming office, noting that the current administration has demonstrated visible capacity, focus, and people-centred governance across critical sectors.

    He pointed to the ongoing expansion and dualisation of the Asaba–Ughelli Road, a flagship project aimed at improving connectivity between the state capital and the oil-producing areas, as well as the construction of three major flyovers and road interchanges in Warri and Effurun, handled by Julius Berger. These projects, valued at over ₦78 billion, are designed to decongest traffic, stimulate commerce, and redefine urban infrastructure in Delta State.

    Kakor also commended the Governor’s intensive urban renewal drive, which has delivered new internal roads and drainages in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and several other towns, improving mobility and reducing flooding in previously neglected communities.

    In the education sector, he acknowledged the construction and renovation of hundreds of classroom blocks, equipping of technical colleges, and upgrading of tertiary institutions to meet modern standards. These, he said, reflect the Governor’s commitment to youth development and quality education.

    He further praised Oborevwori’s social welfare and empowerment programmes, including grants and soft loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), skills acquisition schemes for youths and women, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups under the MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    On healthcare, Kakor cited the strengthening of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme and the renovation of several primary health centres to expand access to affordable healthcare across rural and urban communities.

    “Since the return of democracy, the performance of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori has remained unparalleled. Their leadership has brought tangible progress to the nation and our state in particular,” Kakor declared.

    He pledged his group’s continued support for both leaders, expressing optimism that their second terms would deepen reforms, accelerate infrastructure development, and further stabilize the political and economic landscape.

  • Edo constitutes carnival planning committee

    Edo constitutes carnival planning committee

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally constituted the Edo Carnival Planning Committee, tasking it with the responsibility of organizing a befitting cultural event for the state.

    According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the committee’s mandate includes developing a comprehensive event plan, working closely with the Lead Organisers, Peak Rendezvous Entertainment Global Ltd, and ensuring effective collaboration with stakeholders in the entertainment industry both within and outside the state.

    The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Emmanuel Okoebor, and includes key government officials and stakeholders drawn from various sectors.

    Read Also: Edo APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Okpebholo

    Other members are Hon. Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Osiobughie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity; Mr. Jackson Isangofon Monday, Special Adviser on New Media and Visual Communications; Deborah Okunbo, Managing Director of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency; and Mosis Obakpolor, Director of Protocol at the Government House, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.

    Additionally, the committee is expected to secure sponsorships from individuals and corporate organisations and to represent the interests of the Edo State Government throughout the planning and execution of the carnival.

    The formation of the committee marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism, culture, and creative enterprise through large-scale events such as the Edo Carnival.

  • Tinubu commends GEIL for setting the pace with new crude export terminal

    Tinubu commends GEIL for setting the pace with new crude export terminal

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the leadership of Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) for its innovation in the Nigerian oil sector at the just commissioned crude oil export terminal in Otakikpo, Rivers State.

    The crude export terminal which is the first by a Nigerian company, and the only one built in the country in over 50 years will open an efficient evacuation outlet for marginal and stranded fields across the Niger Delta region, unlocking billions of barrels of reserves and creating value for the economy, which is also a core focus of the President.

    Commending the management of GEIL, the President assured the company and other operators that are keeping to the terms of their licenses of total support and collaboration. 

    He noted that the project represented a new and positive chapter in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and aligned directly with the core priorities of his administration to ramp up crude oil production by enabling a secure, transparent, and efficient evacuation system.

    Speaking through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the President added that he was particularly impressed at the company’s vision and implementation of the project, noting that GEIL has shown exemplary leadership and innovation among other indigenous firms who were awarded marginal field operating licenses about the same time.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s oil industry scales evacuation hurdles as GEIL export terminal sets

    On his part, the Chairman, GEIL, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe thanked the President for his unwavering support. He added that the terminal was conceived, designed and implemented wholly by Nigerians and was completed within a record time of 2 years.

    According to him, the facility will “open the door to more than 40 stranded fields in the region with over 3 billion barrels of reserves, long held back the lack of export infrastructure. These fields alone could contribute more than 200,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s production”

  • What secures Nigeria’s carbon future: Gas flare capture or mangrove restoration?

    What secures Nigeria’s carbon future: Gas flare capture or mangrove restoration?

    • By Dr Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo

    For generations, the story of the Niger Delta has been told in two powerful, conflicting images. One is the constant, angry glow of gas flares, a symbol of wasted wealth and a damaged environment. The other is the quiet, fading green of the mangrove forests, a symbol of life and resilience that we have too long taken for granted. 

    Our national discussion on climate change keeps circling back to the technical challenge of capturing those flares. But in doing so, we are missing the most powerful solution we have. It is a solution that lies not in complex machinery, but in the rich, muddy soil of our coast. 

    The mangrove, our true “green gold,” offers us a clear path. It is a plan that turns ecological restoration into a guaranteed source of revenue, creating a valuable financial asset while delivering the profound community renewal our people deserve.

    The argument for mangroves begins with a powerful and simple economic truth. While the national project to capture flared gas remains bogged down by immense costs, estimated at over three billion dollars, and endless delays, planting mangroves is stunningly affordable and can begin today. Think of what we could do with a strategic investment of just three hundred million dollars. That fraction of the gas capture budget could restore three quarters of a million hectares of these life-giving forests. 

    This investment unlocks what experts call “blue carbon.” A single hectare of healthy mangrove can absorb a thousand tonnes of carbon, storing it safely in its roots and soil for centuries. This is not just about cleaning the air; it is about building a natural bank account. A growing mangrove forest is a financial asset that appreciates in value every single year, providing long term revenue assurance that is not tied to the volatile price of oil.

    This is not just a hopeful idea. It is a reality that is already transforming lives in other parts of Africa, showing us exactly what is possible. In Senegal, local villagers have led one of the most ambitious mangrove restoration projects on the planet, planting over one hundred and fifty million seedlings. The results have been miraculous for the communities. The fish and oysters have returned in abundance, restoring the primary source of food and income for countless families. 

    The restored forests now protect their villages from the sea itself, acting as a natural barrier against erosion and storm surges. In Kenya, the pioneering Mikoko Pamoja project, which means “Mangroves Together,” goes even further. They sell the carbon credits from their protected mangroves and pump every dollar of that revenue directly back into the community. This money builds new classrooms, provides clean water, and supports local clinics. 

    This creates a beautiful, self-sustaining cycle: a healthy ecosystem funds community renewal, and a renewed community becomes the proud guardian of its environment. This is the living proof that the Niger Delta can and should emulate.

    This is where our state governments in the South-South have a historic opportunity to lead. For Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River, this is a call to action. The vision is a regional green revolution, launched in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment. It can start with practical, state led pilot projects. 

    Imagine designating and restoring ten thousand hectares in each state, employing local men and women to nurture and plant the mangroves. The success of these initial projects would be the catalyst for the most crucial step: filling the national carbon registry. 

    By carefully measuring the carbon captured by our new forests, we can formally register these credits. This transforms our green gold into a solid, tradable financial asset, guaranteeing revenue assurance for future development. This effort will require all of us: international partners for technical support, our own universities for research, and the oil and gas companies operating here, who can invest in this green legacy as a core part of their social responsibility.

    Read Also: Reps Committee orders OML18 Resources to pay $4m in oil royalties, gas flare penalties within five days

    But the true magic of this plan is not found in spreadsheets or carbon reports. It is found in the tangible benefits that flow directly to the people who need them most. A restored mangrove forest means the return of the fishing grounds that once sustained entire villages, putting food on the table and money in pockets. 

    It means the next generation can see a future for themselves in their ancestral home, not having to leave in search of opportunity. It means mothers can watch their children play without fear of the next flood, because the mangroves stand as a mighty shield against storm surges. It means thousands of new, dignified jobs for our young people in nursery management, planting, patrolling, and eco-tourism. 

    This is the heart of community renewal: restoring not just the land, but the hope, health, and economic vitality of the people.

    We must continue to push for the advanced technology and regulatory will needed to finally stop gas flaring at the source. But we cannot wait. The states of the South- South, hand in hand with the Federal Government, now have the chance to write a new, hopeful chapter for the Niger Delta. 

    Let us shift our gaze from the complicated, expensive task of capturing wasted gas to the simple, profound act of growing our natural wealth. Let us choose to invest in our green gold. Let us build a future where communities that have lived for decades in the shadow of flares can now thrive in the shelter of lush, carbon rich forests. 

    This is our blueprint for a future that is ecologically whole, economically secure, and deeply rooted in the renewal of our communities. Our green gold is waiting to be rediscovered.

    Dr. Adeyanju Binuyo (adeyanju@teranpico.com), a techpreneur and strategist in climate and sustainable development, writes from Abuja.

  • Eno inspects 2000-test capacity CBN centre, set for Civil Service recruitment

    Eno inspects 2000-test capacity CBN centre, set for Civil Service recruitment

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has paid a visit to the new Computer Based Test Centre (CBT) to have a first-hand demonstration of the high- level facility with the capacity to conduct 2000 tests daily.

    Located at the State Secretariat, Uyo, the fully equipped centre with a very comfortable and well-lit ambience, is set up to test applicants in respect of the forthcoming civil service recruitment exercise.

    Eno, who was accompanied by the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien,  Secretary to The State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah,  Honourable Commissioner of Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong amongst other notable members of the State Government commended the excellent work done by the team and mandated that this robust system should be replicated across the state especially at the soon- to-be unveiled youth-friendly centres. 

    He emphasised the need for more merit-based programmes in the civil service because it would definitely enhance the quality and commitment of staff.

    Eno’s visit to the Centre reinforces His Excellency’s commitment to equipping Akwa Ibom people with the necessary skills needed to match the current technological landscape in the world. 

    The 2000- test capacity per day state-of-the-art centre offers high-speed internet and all the latest digital capabilities to ensure seamless usage during examinations.

    Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents shortly after his inspection of the facilities, Governor Eno noted that the standard of the civil service in the State must be consciously improved to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

    He stressed: “The Civil Service is the engine room of governance. If we don’t get the Civil Service right, we would never get governance right.”

    Governor Eno posited that the quality of staff recruited into the Civil Service matters a lot in the 21st century.

    He explained that people the world over have moved to the use of Artificial Intelligence, and emphasized the need for the State to recruit qualified and capable hands to be able to stand the test of time in service delivery.

    “We need to have people who, at least, understand the use of basic computers, and are confident in what they are doing.

    “Besides, the introduction of this Computer-Based Test in our recruitment will considerably eliminate the issue of god fatherism in our system for competence to take centrestage” he added.

    Read Also: Ibiaku Uruan diaspora urges Gov Eno to fix deplorable road

    The Governor reasoned that recruitment through the CBT approach will make applicants more serious and prepare effectively for absorption into the Civil Service system.

    “We need to be practical about it; eliminate all manner of encumbrances so that applicants will prepare effectively for the examination. And, if they perform well, they would be taken. And, if they fail, they can prepare well to write it next time,” he explained.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, commended Governor Eno for his exceptional vision and passion to ensure merit, competence, and confidence in the State Civil Service for efficiency in service delivery.

    Dr. Ekpenyong disclosed that the CBT Centre is capable of accommodating upwards of 400 applicants at a time,  about 2,000 applicants for a day scheduled in batches.

    Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, thanked Governor Eno for introducing dynamism in the service, disclosing that the CBT recruitment examination will take place in the next ten days.

    Elder Essien assured the applicants that the CBT facilities and processes are within their knowledge and capability, and enjoined them to just get themselves prepared for simple evaluation test through the use of computers.

  • Chevron reaffirms commitment to local content development, media capacity building

    Chevron reaffirms commitment to local content development, media capacity building

    Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and strengthening the role of the media in fostering mutual understanding between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their host communities.

    Speaking at a Media Capacity Building Programme organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu — represented by Mr. Saheed Praise Akinbola — said the company remains dedicated to human capital development and sustainable partnerships with both the media and host communities.

    “Through initiatives such as AWARES and this ongoing journalism training, we continue to improve professional capacity and build lasting relationships with our media stakeholders,” Oduselu stated. “We believe that the success of the larger society translates to success in our business, which is why we keep investing in human and community development.”

    Oduselu disclosed that since 2023, Chevron has trained more than 400 journalists across Nigeria through similar capacity-building programmes. He added that the company’s strong support for Nigerian Content development generates over $1 billion in annual contract opportunities for Nigerians.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    He further highlighted that Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model, along with its transition to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, underscores the company’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    “Through our GMoU and now HCDTs, we have supported hundreds of projects and empowered communities. We also remain one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria, having reduced routine flaring by over 97% in the past decade,” Oduselu added.

    At the event, experts from the Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the communication gap between IOCs and host communities.

    Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Media in Strengthening Relationships between IOCs and Host Communities,” Dr. Favour Atubi stressed that the media must act as educators, watchdogs, and peacebuilders.

    “The media must educate host communities about their rights, carry out investigative journalism, and report grievances before they escalate. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and balanced reporting are essential for building trust and healthy relationships,” Atubi noted.

    She added that journalists should put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), promote dialogue, and ensure factual reporting to prevent misinformation.

    Similarly, Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Delta State University, in his presentation on “PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating the Host Communities,” urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act to effectively enlighten residents about their rights and benefits.

    “We need the NUJ to spearhead a media-led enlightenment campaign in the Niger Delta on the PIA,” Prof. Oji said, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping awareness and accountability.

    Also speaking, Mr. Philip Nwosu, in a paper on “IOCs: The Importance of AI and Fact-Check in the 21st Century Media Reportage,” highlighted the relevance of technology in improving journalism. 

    He noted that while Artificial Intelligence saves time and builds trust, journalists must remain vigilant about potential errors and misinformation.

    The chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, his predecessor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and chairman of the host chapel, Victor Okpomor were among journalists who participated in the training.