The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Cultural splendour at Cross River community Yam Festival

    The rich cultural heritage of the Mbube community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State was on display on August 31 as members of the community celebrated this year’s New Yam Festival. NICHOLAS KALU was there.

    For several hours on Saturday, August31, guests from far and near joined the people of Mbube community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State to celebrate this year’s Yam Festival.

    Ojerim Village in Mbube, venue of the event was literally shut as huge crowd made their way to the roomy arena to behold a cultural spectacle and catch some fun usually experienced once in a year.

    There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breath-taking dance steps by cultural dancers who thrilled guests who had seated before the arrival of the dignitaries.

    It was all glamour and show of opulence, as an estimated crowd of 5,000 that included friends, well-wishers and other prominent indigenes of Cross River State participated in the celebration of the long-standing cultural carnival for which members of Mbube community are known. The weather was clement as the sun shone brightly out of the azure sky.

    As early as noon that day, the spacious Mbube community square that usually hosts the event had begun to witness massive influx of spectators.

    The capacious square was largely suffused with beautifully coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed Cross River State women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Southsouth attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in that somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who in Mbube land.

    It was a colourful union that had the message of love, peace and unity among the people for growth and development of the community.

    The Ojerim Village in Mbube witnessed the coming together of the people in their colourful native attires to showcase their cultural heritage as they celebrated the king of crops.

    Commenting on the significance of the day and the place of yam in the culture and tradition of the people, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Patrick Agida, who described the festival as a platform for reunion among those indigenous to the area, noted that the festival was aimed at promoting the unity and development of the area, even as he added that the community had to connect with their history, culture and economy. This, he said, was also meant to promote local content and improve agricultural produce from the area.

    According to him, the festival was not all about drinking and dancing, but also to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Mbube people and improve farming activities in the area.

    “Today, we will witness yam competition for male and female, best palm wine tapper and best dance group. Basically, some of us here were trained by farmers and we believe that it is in the right place to promote farming activities.

    “The star prize of all the competitions is a new car for the beauty pageant and two motorcycles for the best farmers in the male and female category. We hope that as we grow, we will be able to present the best farmer with a truck to help in conveying the farm produce to the market.

    “In Mbube, we pride ourselves as the god of palm wine because the best palm in the world can be gotten from Mbube. That is why we are celebrating our local content to promote our culture and heritage,’’ he said.

    The President-General of Liluom E’mbe Worldwide, a socio-cultural group in Mbube, Brig. Gen. Mannix Nyiam (rtd), said the festival afforded them the opportunity to celebrate and sustain their common heritage and moral values and the responsibility to uphold and transit to future generations.

    Nyiam explained that without their cultural heritage, the knowledge, which gives their people a sense of rootedness, would not be boldly defined and properly anchored.

    “This occasion, therefore, offers us the platform for the promotion of our culture and unity as well as the projection of our image as a dynamic, progressive and peace-loving people.

    “Our cultural heritage matters as much as the needed pride and confidence in oneness even in pursuit of happiness. I, therefore, implore our brothers to renew their commitment to this Mbube Bitchong Ifife Festival.

    “My brothers and sisters, let us stop agonising that things are not working well generally, let’s rather start organising our lives in order to ensure that we have a society that represents our wishes,’’ he said.

    The Chairman of Mbube Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Highness (HRH), Oti Mathias Abue, said the need to foster unity and solidarity through the projection of their culture was important.

    He said the Mbube Yam Festival was to promote massive and quality participation capable of stimulating and developing their cultural heritage.

    The member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Ogoja State Constituency, Hon Peter Odey, said the bountiful harvest heralds a period of sober reflection, a period of rededicating themselves to the norms and values of their tradition with a view to further deepen their oneness and unity.

    Odey announced that he was setting up the Oturukan Foundation to provide education support for students, assistance to widows and other less privileged people and young individuals willing to develop themselves in meaningful ventures.

    James Francis Abang emerged the best yam farmer in the male category. The second was Godwin Nyiam, while Ayim Ogar took the third position.

    In the female category, Alice Joseph Okangbe emerged as the best yam farmer. The second best farmer was Maria Odoh Arikpang while Madonna Ojie Obi was third.

    In the assessment of the best palm wine tapper, Agbor Ogon came first while Okam Pius and Abang Abuo came second and third respectively.

    Miss Angela Onigar Agbo won the car for the Miss Mbube pageant.

  • How wrecks on waterways fuel piracy, accidents

    When a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)-laden tanker Navigator Capricorn was attacked on August 17 by suspected pirates at position 03 33N 006 40E, approximately 56nm South of Bonny Island in Rivers State, not many knew the criminals had monitored the vessel from a shipwreck along the Bonny Creeks before she left harbour on a voyage to Lagos.

    The pirates, who fled as a result of the presence of a Nigerian Navy (NN) warship that responded to a distress call from the oil tanker, had pretended to be working on-board the shipwreck before they launched the attack on the target vessel.

    Few days ago, a Cameroon-bound passenger ship capsised few hours after leaving the Terminal C Jetty of the Calabar Port with over 100 passengers on board. Although the cause of the accident was yet unknown, there are fears that the ship might have rammed into a wreck along its route, resulting in the unfortunate incident.

    Instances abound where illegal oil bunkers, illegal fishers used these wrecks as anchor for their ships in order to buy time and carry out their criminal acts.

    The dangers posed to mariners across the country’s waterways were, Tuesday last week, brought to the fore after the Nigerian Navy (NN) raised the alarm over the presence of several wreckages on the country’s waters and the security, safety risks they pose.

    From Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River through to Lagos, it is becoming increasingly difficult for ships to leave jetties in response to distress calls in good time without hitting these obstructions that ground vessels and endanger lives.

    Aside being good places for sea robbers and pirates to hibernate,  these wrecks which are remains of sunken, stranded ships or their parts in the sea constitute environmental pollution and defaces the country’s waterways.

    Findings by Niger Delta Report revealed that the NN Hydrography Department was making plans to commence survey of the Southsouth waterways in order to locate these wrecks so that agencies responsible for clearing them would move in.

    Already, the department had surveyed the Lagos Port and Badagry Creek channels of the Western Waters where 35 wrecks, including masts, ships and obstructions constituting threats to mariners.

    According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele, some of the wrecks show part of the hull or superstructure at the level of the chart datum. In others only the masts were visible while there are those not submerged whose depths were unknown.

    He lamented that an NN warship NNS CALABAR recently suffered great damage around the Kirikiri channel after ramming into a submerged shipwreck in an attempt to avoid a big vessel that was dodging another wreck inward harbour.

    As a result of the accident, NNS CALABAR’s base was serially perforated; causing damage to its keel. It was gathered that the navy’s concerns was further heightened penultimate Wednesday following the fire outbreak on board an oil tanker MT SEA VOYAGER around the Lagos anchorage area.

    Despite the closeness of the vessel to harbour, the NN could not deploy any other warship to respond to the incident and rescue the 11 Pakistani crew members on board because of the time that would have been lost avoiding the wrecks to navigate from Navy Town or Apapa Jetty to the burning ship.

    “The hazard associated with submerged wrecks in our body of waters is huge. These wrecks are littered along the waterways and constitute navigational hazards as well as endanger safety of shipping.

    “Similarly, in times of distress calls, it becomes increasingly difficult for agencies responsible for such rescue operation to quickly react, especially at night, or in poor and restricted visibility.

    “The Navy was able to swiftly react to the fire incident on MT SEA VOYAGER because NNS EKULU was on patrol at sea that night.

    “As such, it was easy to vector her for the rescue operation. If the ship was to be deployed from its base in Navy Town, it would not have been that swift, considering the danger of maneuvering through these wrecks at that hour of the day.

    “Fortunately, the hydrographic office of the Nigerian Navy, in line with its mandate, has identified and resurveyed these wrecks for ease of salvage. It will therefore be necessary for appropriate authorities to take urgent action in the removal of these wrecks in our waterways,” said Daji, who led reporters on a tour of some affected areas along Lagos channel.

    Daji noted that delay in prosecution of arrested vessels was also responsible for some of the vessels littering the channels.

    Aside the wrecks, Daji said the absence of navigational aids such as buoys (anchored irons with red or green flags on them indicating the depth of the water for ships) was also posing threats to mariners.

    “This constitutes navigational risks, especially at night or during restricted visibility. Urgent replacement or servicing of these navigational aids will greatly assist safe navigation, particularly in times of emergencies.

    “The Nigerian Navy, in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure safety and security of the waterways and secure environment for the prosperity of our country in general,” Daji said.

    Although the FOC declined mentioning the agencies that were responsible for the clearing of wrecks on the country’s waterways, checks by Niger Delta Report revealed that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were so obligated.

    According to the spokesman for NPA, Adams Jato, the agency was only responsible for clearance of wrecks within its channel- Port areas.

    “We have started removing wrecks from areas that are critical to our channel and we commission consultants to clear them. Anything out of our area of concern is cleared by other agencies.

  • ‘Fed Govt should appeal judgment on OML-11’

    The National Coordinator of Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), Chief Gani Topba, has urged the Federal Government to appeal without delay, the judgment on the 20-year renewal of operatorship of Oil Mining Lease (OML)-11 in Ogoni land by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

    Topba, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, accused SPDC of failing to adopt good oilfield practice in the operation of OML-11 in Ogoni land.

    The Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja on Friday (August 23) ordered the Minister of Petroleum Resources (President Muhammadu Buhari) to grant the renewal of OML-11 to SPDC for 20 years.

    FHC Abuja’s Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in his judgment delivered on Shell’s suit, with reference number: CS/524/19, ruled that the renewal would be for 20 years and not 30 years, as requested by the Anglo/Dutch oil giant.

    SPDC was sent packing in 1993 from Ogoni land’s four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, while a renowned environmentalist, Kenule Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni martyrs were hanged on November 10, 1995 at the Port Harcourt Prisons, during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    COOP coordinator said: “SPDC fell squarely below Nigerian standards throughout the about 40 years it operated the OML-11, let alone international standards recommended by the Mineral Oils (Safety) Regulations,1997. The lease expired on June 30, 2019 and it ought to have been reverted to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “SPDC did not give up, but surreptitiously instituted the suit in bad faith, in order to foist a fait accompli on Ogoni people. The Ogoni people’s agitations for environmental, economic and social justice from the Nigerian state suffered an unprecedented military repression of the most disproportionate magnitude meted out on Ogoni leaders and Ogoni communities in the 1990s.

    “The frenzy of the guns could not stop the will and determination of the oppressed minority to force SPDC out of Ogoni land. The then President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Kenule Saro-Wiwa, and 12 other prominent Ogoni leaders were executed by the Federal Military Government between 1994 and 1995. Ogoni land became a pariah ethnic nationality in Nigeria and was rendered a complete ecological wasteland.

    “SPDC’s desperation to return to Ogoni at all costs, through the suit, is a sad reminder of the decades of ecological and military war waged against the Ogoni people from 1958 to date. By the suit, SPDC has deliberately set out to remind the Ogoni people of the dark days of the military oppression, genocide, economic strangulation, environmental degradation and execution of the Ogoni heroes.

    “Officials of SPDC have consistently stated publicly that the oil company is no longer interested in a return to Ogoni land. The present suit has vindicated the position of the Ogoni people and COOP that SPDC is still a huge fan of the Ogoni oil. Shell is an irresponsible corporate citizen that will go to any length to have its way at the expense of the peace, happiness, life, health, well-being and environment of the Ogoni people.”

    Topba also reiterated that Ogoni land was currently boiling, in terms of insecurity orchestrated by violent clashes and bloodshed, with many innocent people being killed, communities being sacked and valuable property worth billions of naira being destroyed, with the people now living in fear.

    He saluted the courage of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said had continued to show compassion to the Ogoni cause, by resisting the pressure mounted by SPDC and Royal Dutch Shell to renew OML-11 and stood on the side of justice, fairness and respect for the lives and environment of the Ogoni people.

    The national coordinator declared Ogoni people’s solidarity for the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    He said: “SPDC remains persona non grata in Ogoni land. Ogoni people will continue to non-violently resist the clandestine and back-door tactics adopted by SPDC in its bid to actualise its grand design to decimate the Ogoni population, impoverish the people, destroy their livelihoods, economy and render their environment an ecological wreck.

    “I call on all Ogoni people to be resolute and steadfast. We shall collectively mobilise our people to non-violently and peacefully fight for our rights as indigenous people, recognised under international law and we shall win.”

    Topba also pleaded with friends of Ogoni people and the international community to continue to support the agitations of the marginalised Ogoni people for their liberation.

  • ‘Create coastal agency for riverside development’

    To ensure adequate development of its riverside communities, the Delta State government has been advised to create the Coastal Areas Development Agency (CADA).

    Speaking on behalf of the Delta State Coastal Communities in Obotobo 1, Burutu Local Government Area, human and environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, reiterated the need for such an agency for the coastal region.

    Calling on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Delta State House of Assembly to commence the process, Mulade told reporters that the establishing CADA will fast-track infrastructural development which include housing, roads, provision of potable water and human development such as sanitation and commercial fishing.

    Pointing out that the agency will give a sense of belonging to people living in the areas, he appealed to the lawmakers to consider enacting the bill.

    He further commended the governor for his developmental strides in the riverside communities of Burutu and Warri South West local government areas during his first tenure.

    Mulade, however, pointed out that no amount of political appointments can assuage the level of underdevelopment in the coastal communities.

    He said: “The people need an agency that will focus on the development of coastal communities beyond Governor Okowa because of the peculiar nature of the area.”

    Noting that the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo and Isoko ethnic groups are the marine economic base of the state, he added that all hands are on deck, awaiting the action of Governor Okowa and the state’s legislature on their demand.

  • Sir Ayade: The making of a noble Knight

    When a good man joins a noble Order such as the Knight of St. John, you probably will see him exude increased humility. The aura you feel around him could be celestial. And his words could be edifying, inspirational.

    For Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, the above are not new normal. They are ingrained in him already. They are part of his enchanting character traits.

    He has always worn this pious and disarming mien which radiate the whole gamut of his inner heart, his nature-kind and large heartedness, loving and forgiving.

    Thus, when on Saturday, August 24, 2019 the governor emerged from the induction process into the Order of St. John at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Calabar, seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Calabar, it was clear that knighthood had merely reaffirmed the elegant virtues of his.

    The newly minted Knight spoke piously from the heart as always, evoking that infectious aura of humility which defines his personage. He talked about selflessness. He harped on service to humanity. He dwelt on rededication to God and made solemn promise of quality leadership to people of Cross River State.

    According him, with his knighthood, all the titles and positions he had acquired in the past pales into nothingness, describing his new status as “a very solemn thing and very emotional thing. It is a rededication of my life and service to humanity.

    “I think it is the highest point one can rise to when you have risen above the physical, the material and the mundane and worldly things. It is highly edifying in spirit and in soul.

    “From the lectures I got during my initiation process, it is obvious that the Knight of St. John is about charity, empathy and brotherhood. Brotherhood in the sense of provision and support for humanity”, he said.

    Continuing, Sir Ayade maintained that Knighthood was a higher life-changing calling.

    “This is actually a call for greater service to humanity and winning of souls for God.”

    He expressed gratitude to God for His favours and blessings in his life, saying nothing could be more rewarding than serving God.

    Ayade: “My Knighthood represents a new life, a new journey towards God, putting everything I have towards the attainment of the whole essence of humankind; bringing value to humanity and getting closer to God.

    “I’m very lucky that God has allowed me attain heights-university, PhD, Prof., Lawyer, Senator and now governor. I have never spent a day in the hospital. God has been fair enough to me.

    “I have passed 50 years and it is time for me to know that the journey to my end is shorter than where I am coming from. All the achievements would not have been possible without God, so it is time for God.”

    While pledging to continue to provide quality leadership to the people of Cross River, the governor enthused that knighthood is inspirational and a platform to get closer to God.

    “I will use my office as the governor to serve God and humanity. Irrespective of religion, God is the ultimate. That is why I chose spiritual growth, spiritual highness above other considerations. In all the titles I have acquired, none means more to me than “Sir” Ben Ayade.”

    At the thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Archbishop, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, Ayade, resplendent in his Knight regalia, and flanked by his brother Knights listened attentively to the homily delivered by the Archbishop who advised them to be good ambassadors of the Order.

    He later danced soulfully to the altar for thanksgiving.

    Outside the church premises, security personnel had a hectic time fending off the surging crowd of ecstatic faithful who struggled to catch a glimpse of their governor amid shouts of “our digital governor, Sir Ben Ayade”

     

    • Chidi Onyemaizu is Special Adviser (SA) Print Media to Governor Ayade

  • Philanthropist renovates Army quarters in Rivers

    Individuals, groups and corporate organisations have been called upon to continue to support the Nigerian Army for better service delivery, reports Southsouth Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI

    Wife of one of the beneficiaries of the renovated residential accommodation at the headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs. Ibuchim Andrew, was so excited on August 23 during the inauguration of the building.

    Andrew said: “I feel so happy about the renovation, because rain was always falling on us and our property in the old apartment. It caused a lot of damage to our belongings. Our beds, chairs, electronics and other household items were always soaked with rain water. It was so challenging, but the renovation took place within three weeks.

    “The environment is now so beautiful and very nice. No more flooding. We are grateful to the company that assisted with the renovation. God will continue to bless and protect the Managing Director and the members of staff.”

    While also speaking, another soldier’s wife, Mrs. Fatima Auwalu, stated that she and her other beneficiaries appreciated the gesture, praying that God would continue to be with the philanthropist, Chief Ejovi Ogenegaren, who embarked on the renovation.

    While interacting with reporters after the inauguration, Ogenegaren, who is also the Managing Director of Ejovi Dredging and Marine Services Limited said: “I was motivated to embark on the renovation of the buildings by the wonderful works being done by the military personnel. Their actions ensure that we sleep in our houses and feel protected. We need to appreciate the military officers and men for their good works, especially in the Southsouth zone of Nigeria. We need to support them.

    “Embarking on the renovation of the buildings was borne out of the consideration of the sacrifices they make on daily basis to ensure our security and safety.

    “We need to always give back to our society. This is a stepping stone for us. We are going to do more in other parts of the military. We need every Nigerian, who is able, to support the military and the Nigerian system to best develop ourselves.”

    In his speech during the inauguration, the special guest of honour (Ogenegaren) expressed his gratitude to Almighty God who gave him the opportunity to come up with the idea of renovating the block for the army, which he said would put smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.

    He revealed that the initiative was borne out of his personal conviction and feelings that the Nigerian army should be appreciated for the great works the officers and men were doing.

    The philanthropist said: “It is a fact that soldiers are in every part of our country, contending with different security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism, among others. These efforts are to ensure that we all sleep with our eyes closed.

    “Though, we cannot pay for the soldiers’ sacrifices, we can support and appreciate the Nigerian Army in our little ways.”

    Ogenegaren also thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) six Division, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, for magnanimously granting approval for him to contribute to the army and the six Division in particular.

    Managing Director of Ejovi Dredging and Marine Services Limited urged the beneficiaries to ensure they make good use of the facility.

    In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Sarham thanked Ogenegaren, on behalf of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, officers, men and family members of 6 Division, for the laudable gesture, as part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

    The GOC, who is also the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), said: “No doubt, this project (renovation) will go a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by troops and their families and for that we thank you.

    “May I use this opportunity to extend the Division’s hands of partnership with philanthropists and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR – Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom states), to as part of their CSR, extend similar projects within the barracks communities.

    “The reciprocal gesture will definitely give succour to the families of soldiers that work daily to make your business environment conducive.”

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham also assured that the renovated residential accommodation would be put to good use.

    With Ogenegaren’s initiative at the headquarters of 6 division in Port Harcourt, other philanthropists, groups and companies should emulate him, in order to move forward and to continue to put smiles on the faces of people.

  • How constant power drives Edo’s SMEs

    Provision of 24-hour electricity at the Edo Production Centre (EPC) has improved the productivity of owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the centre. OSAGIE OTABOR reports that the centre, is the initiative of Governor Godwin Obaseki to build cluster of businesses across the state.

    Before now, beneficiaries of the Edo Production Centre (EPC) never thought there would witness a new vista in their business engagements. When Governor Godwin Obaseki established the centre, owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating at the centre exuded happiness. They also smile to the banks because production has increased and no more excuses to customers.

    They no longer complained to their customers of job delays because of no electricity. They now have access to 24-hour electricity supply.

    The Edo Production Centre is an initiative of Governor Godwin Obaseki to build cluster of businesses across the state. It was established in response to demand by entrepreneurs on the need for the state government to provide support and environment conducive to doing businesses where power is steadily made available.

    It is to serve as a multi-purpose, one-stop-shop for small businesses, share support infrastructure such as 24-hour electricity supply, security and low-cost financing to help boost economic growth.

    The centre is being built in partnership with the Market Development for the Niger Delta (MADE) II programme, Benson Idahosa University (BIU) and the Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa, the United States of America.

    Located along Sapele Road at the premises of the Evboriaria Magistrate’s Court, the Production Centre has become a beehive of activities as entrepreneurs are buying up all available spaces either through co-operative or individually.

    Before the Production Centre was conceived, the buildings were derelict. It used to house the Government Printing Press but for many years the building was placed under lock and key after the machines broke down while the government opted to do its printing job with private firms.

    For easy access to the centre, internal roads within the premises were constructed. The SMEs that have acquired space are the printers, Association of Polythene Producers, Active Machines Fabricators and Allied Co-operative Society (AMFACS) shoe makers, metal and art works, among others.

    There are currently 10 polythene producers at the centre and each of them employed three members of staff.

    Chairman of Polythene Producers, Solomon Omofomwan, said they put up a proposal to the state government requesting for some space where artisans and entrepreneurs would have access to a special line so that they could produce effectively.

    He said: “We are entrepreneurs who are into polythene production in Edo State. This is a segment of polythene makers in the state. What brought us here is electricity. We now have 90 per cent increase in supply. We have not been able to make maximum use of available electricity.

    “Before now, we struggle through the business but now that we have the electricity, we need money to buy materials to meet up production target. We communicate to the Governor and he promised to assist through the Bank of Industry. The arrangement is on course.

    “Relocating to this place affected us but because our product is in high demand, we still sell. The government should take over the entire premises and relocate the Magistrate’s Court so that the place can be branded properly.”

    On the disposal of their waste, Omofomwan urged the state to make space for polythene recycle makers.

    “We have recycle makers, those that gather the waste for us to use again. The government should make them find their way here. If they come here, most of the polythene wastes you see outside will not be seen outside. The recyclers are not working maximally.”

    Chairman of AMFACS, Rev. Lugard Ekhosuehi, who dismissed allegations that space are made available at the centre based on political affiliation said there are 15 welders and fabricators who have work spaces.

    His words: “The gains of having a work station here are numerous. We can now meet the needs of customers. The provision of regular electricity at the facility has helped entrepreneurs to increase profitability.

    “The constant electricity at the Production Centre has reduced the cost of production, increased efficiency and improved profitability. Governor Obaseki has done well for us.

    “The welders are here. We fabricate ice block machines here. There, mini-cold room women can store goods such as meat and others. The environment is conducive enough to carry out serious work.

    “We are open to people who want to be trained. We are getting clients for now. We can fabricate many things here.”

    Another artisan who manufactures footwears at the centre, Osawe-Edoh Valerie, said the initiative has helped her to expand her customer base and able to build trust among her clients which has translated to more patronage.

    “Production is more fulfilling as electricity is constant. I am able to improve on my delivery rate from four days to 10 days,” she said.

    Amahwe Arho, who does metal and art work said people still see the place as a premises of the Magistrate’s Court.

    An elder statesman, Col. Paul Ogbebor (rtd) said the production was a step to setting the state up to become an industrial hub in the country, even as he described it as a replica of what he found in India over three decades ago.

    He said: “In the Magistrate’s Court area along Sapele Road, I saw exactly what I knew of when I was in India. I was Deputy Military Attache to the Embassy in India in 1984. Over there, I saw what they called a business colony, where the government put up buildings and they installed machines that people go to hire and use for production. It is not everybody that has the money to purchase heavy equipment, but people have ideas they want to work on.

    “All that the people in India needed to do was to go there to produce goods. These small production clusters are what aggregated and transformed into big industries. With these business colonies, India became one of the world leader’s in industrial hub that is celebrated these days.

    “If Obaseki follows this through, you will discover that Edo State will become an industrial hub in Nigeria and Africa.”

    It was gathered that plans were on to relocate the Magistrate’s Court to another area.

  • How wrecks on waterways fuel piracy, accidents

    When a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)-laden tanker Navigator Capricorn was attacked on August 17 by suspected pirates at position 03 33N 006 40E, approximately 56nm South of Bonny Island in Rivers State, not many knew the criminals had monitored the vessel from a shipwreck along the Bonny Creeks before she left harbour on a voyage to Lagos.

    The pirates, who fled as a result of the presence of a Nigerian Navy (NN) warship that responded to a distress call from the oil tanker, had pretended to be working on-board the shipwreck before they launched the attack on the target vessel.

    Few days ago, a Cameroon-bound passenger ship capsised few hours after leaving the Terminal C Jetty of the Calabar Port with over 100 passengers on board. Although the cause of the accident was yet unknown, there are fears that the ship might have rammed into a wreck along its route, resulting in the unfortunate incident.

    Instances abound where illegal oil bunkers, illegal fishers used these wrecks as anchor for their ships in order to buy time and carry out their criminal acts.

    The dangers posed to mariners across the country’s waterways were, Tuesday last week, brought to the fore after the Nigerian Navy (NN) raised the alarm over the presence of several wreckages on the country’s waters and the security, safety risks they pose.

    From Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River through to Lagos, it is becoming increasingly difficult for ships to leave jetties in response to distress calls in good time without hitting these obstructions that ground vessels and endanger lives.

    Aside being good places for sea robbers and pirates to hibernate,  these wrecks which are remains of sunken, stranded ships or their parts in the sea constitute environmental pollution and defaces the country’s waterways.

    Findings by Niger Delta Report revealed that the NN Hydrography Department was making plans to commence survey of the Southsouth waterways in order to locate these wrecks so that agencies responsible for clearing them would move in.

    Already, the department had surveyed the Lagos Port and Badagry Creek channels of the Western Waters where 35 wrecks, including masts, ships and obstructions constituting threats to mariners.

    According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele, some of the wrecks show part of the hull or superstructure at the level of the chart datum. In others only the masts were visible while there are those not submerged whose depths were unknown.

    He lamented that an NN warship NNS CALABAR recently suffered great damage around the Kirikiri channel after ramming into a submerged shipwreck in an attempt to avoid a big vessel that was dodging another wreck inward harbour.

    As a result of the accident, NNS CALABAR’s base was serially perforated; causing damage to its keel. It was gathered that the navy’s concerns was further heightened penultimate Wednesday following the fire outbreak on board an oil tanker MT SEA VOYAGER around the Lagos anchorage area.

    Despite the closeness of the vessel to harbour, the NN could not deploy any other warship to respond to the incident and rescue the 11 Pakistani crew members on board because of the time that would have been lost avoiding the wrecks to navigate from Navy Town or Apapa Jetty to the burning ship.

    “The hazard associated with submerged wrecks in our body of waters is huge. These wrecks are littered along the waterways and constitute navigational hazards as well as endanger safety of shipping.

    “Similarly, in times of distress calls, it becomes increasingly difficult for agencies responsible for such rescue operation to quickly react, especially at night, or in poor and restricted visibility.

    “The Navy was able to swiftly react to the fire incident on MT SEA VOYAGER because NNS EKULU was on patrol at sea that night.

    “As such, it was easy to vector her for the rescue operation. If the ship was to be deployed from its base in Navy Town, it would not have been that swift, considering the danger of maneuvering through these wrecks at that hour of the day.

    “Fortunately, the hydrographic office of the Nigerian Navy, in line with its mandate, has identified and resurveyed these wrecks for ease of salvage. It will therefore be necessary for appropriate authorities to take urgent action in the removal of these wrecks in our waterways,” said Daji, who led reporters on a tour of some affected areas along Lagos channel.

    Daji noted that delay in prosecution of arrested vessels was also responsible for some of the vessels littering the channels.

    Aside the wrecks, Daji said the absence of navigational aids such as buoys (anchored irons with red or green flags on them indicating the depth of the water for ships) was also posing threats to mariners.

    “This constitutes navigational risks, especially at night or during restricted visibility. Urgent replacement or servicing of these navigational aids will greatly assist safe navigation, particularly in times of emergencies.

    “The Nigerian Navy, in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure safety and security of the waterways and secure environment for the prosperity of our country in general,” Daji said.

    Although the FOC declined mentioning the agencies that were responsible for the clearing of wrecks on the country’s waterways, checks by Niger Delta Report revealed that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were so obligated.

    According to the spokesman for NPA, Adams Jato, the agency was only responsible for clearance of wrecks within its channel- Port areas.

    “We have started removing wrecks from areas that are critical to our channel and we commission consultants to clear them. Anything out of our area of concern is cleared by other agencies.

  • Death, destruction trail violence in Ogoni

    The once-peaceful Ogoni land is now taken over by killers and arsonists, writes Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI.

    Ogoni is one of the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. It is rich in crude oil and gas, but without commensurate development.

    Ogoni consists of four local government areas in Rivers State namely Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.

    The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), then known as Shell D’Arcy, started crude oil exploitation in Ogoni in February, 1958, when crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity at Bomu (Kegbara-Dere) in Gokana Local Government Area. Since then, the area has been experiencing pollution from oil spills and oil well fires.

    On August 26, 1990, Ogoni people decided to adopt the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), which demanded the right to control and use of a fair proportion of Ogoni economic resources for Ogoni development, among others.

    Later in the same year, Ogoni people formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) to carry out the objectives of OBR. In 1993, Ogoni people stopped SPDC from operating in the area.

    The renowned environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni activists were hanged at the Port Harcourt Prisons on Friday, November 10, 1995, during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    In order to put an end to the many years of neglect and environmental degradation in Ogoni and to adequately empower the people, former President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) environmental assessment of Ogoni land in October, 2006, the initiative continued in the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

    On August 4, 2011, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan received the 262-page UNEP main report in Abuja. On July 20, 2012, less than a month to the first anniversary of the submission of the UNEP Report, the then President Jonathan put in place the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), with the mandate to clean all oil-polluted sites in Nigeria, which Ogoni leaders kicked against, while insisting that it was contrary to one of the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

    The far-reaching recommendations of the UNEP Report were not implemented by the then President Jonathan, until May 29, 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari took over and he commenced the implementation, with peace gradually returning to Ogoni land.

    The UNEP’s team of environmentalists made 76 recommendations. Fifty of the recommendations are for the government, 22 for SPDC and four for Ogoni communities.

    UNEP Report stated that the water at Nsisioken-Ogale-Eleme in Eleme Local GGovernment Area contained cancer-causing Benzene (carcinogen), which was 900 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standards for water contamination, thereby requiring urgent attention.

    It also noted that the sustainable environmental restoration of Ogoni land would take up to 20 years to achieve, while recommending the establishment of Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Authority by the Federal Government.

    The UNEP Report indicated that the full environmental restoration of Ogoni land would be a project which would take 30 years to complete, after the pollution had been brought to an end, thereby recommending the establishment of an Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Fund, with an initial fund of $1 billion for capacity building, skill transfer and conflict resolution.

    President Buhari, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, after 68 days in office, approved many actions to fast-track the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoni land, including the amendment of the official gazette establishing HYPREP (which was changed to Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project), to reflect a new governance framework, comprising a Governing Council, Board of Trustees (BoT) and Project Management.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on Thursday, June 2, 2016, kicked off the Ogoni clean-up at Patrick’s Waterside, Bodo-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area, in fulfilment of his January 8, 2015 promise, when he visited Ogoni land during his presidential campaigns.

    On Friday, April 27, last year, the Ogoni Trust Fund’s escrow account was signed at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, involving the Federal Government, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and representatives of Ogoni people, at a meeting presided over by Prof. Osinbajo.

    Project Coordinator of the reformed HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, an Ogoni, is showing total commitment to the clean-up of the polluted Ogoni environment and empowerment of the hitherto marginalised people, but the current killings and arson in Ogoni land will definitely hamper the development efforts.

    On August 13, this year, fresh violence erupted in Ogoni land, despite the recent launch of a new security outfit, Operation Sting, by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.

    In the fresh violence that erupted in Khana Local Government Area, nine innocent people were allegedly killed on August 13 and 14, while the palace of the paramount ruler of Taaba-Ogoni, King Nule Junior, was allegedly razed.

    The house of the President of MOSOP, Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, at Nyokuru-Ogoni in Khana Local Government Area, was also said to be burnt in the invasion.

    MOSOP, through its Publicity Secretary, Sunny Zorvah, condemned the violence, saying: “MOSOP received with sadness, the reports from some Ogoni communities of the sudden outbreak of violence and killings carried out by members of some cult groups in the area.

    “The renewed violence, which took place in Okwale on August 13, spilled over on August 14 to Taabaa and Nyokuru, all in Nyokhana District in Khana Local Government Area.

    “MOSOP is pained over these unjustified attacks, which led to the burning down of the house of MOSOP President in Nyokuru. We are also saddened by the killing of many people and attack on the residence of Chief Monday Abueh and other people in Okwale by alleged cult gangs.”

    The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people also declared that the ugly situation in Ogoni land called for urgent and thorough actions by security agencies and every necessary step required of the Rivers State government.

    MOSOP called on the police and the special military joint task force to ensure return of peace to the troubled Ogoni communities by going after perpetrators of the barbaric and retrogressive onslaught on the communities, but without hurt on innocent people.

    The Ogoni umbrella organisation also pleaded with the traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other influential stakeholders in Ogoni land to put their differences aside and work for the peace and security of the area.

    Again, on August 18, eight people (six in Opouko and two in Luumene) were allegedly killed in Khana Local Government Area, thereby heightening tension in the area.

    The President of MOSOP described the killings and arson in most Ogoni communities as a deliberate and direct attack on the peace initiative and process by well-meaning groups and leaders of Ogoni land.

    He stated this while inspecting the extent of destruction in Ogoni land, while commiserating with the bereaved families and people who lost valuable properties.

    Pyagbara condemned the deadly attacks by alleged cult groups on Opouko and Luumene communities in Nyokhana District of Khana Local Government Area on August 18, which resulted in the death of eight people, while the residence of the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Lateh Loolooh, and the palace of Gbenemene Banghan, King Suanu Baridam were also said to be burnt.

    MOSOP President also expressed displeasure over the senseless killings and destruction of properties by people whom he alleged did not want peace in Ogoni land, and were making efforts to put the crude oil and gas-rich area under siege.

    He said: “It seems to me that there are internal factors and interests in trying to put Ogoni land in perpetual fear and siege.

    “Do not forget, people that want to destroy you will always use someone in your house. There is a possibility of some interests that we have not been able to uncover, in this matter.”

    Pyagbara, who earlier visited Nyokuru, Taabaa and Okwale communities in Khana Local Government Area to ascertain the level of destruction and to sympathise with victims’ families and people of the communities, lamented the razing of houses in his compound in Nyokuru and the houses of Chief Nule of Taabaa and those of other people in Okwale.

    He said: “Time has come for Ogoni people to look inward and say enough is enough. Every right-thinking Ogoni man and woman must rise up against this madness and tell those involved that they cannot put Ogoni under siege.

    “The peace initiative that MOSOP and other groups began and which youth groups and key stakeholders are parts of is still on course. I am surprised that some people are not committed to the peace agreement at the Saakpenwa meeting.

    “That people have turned around to do what they are doing is a big surprise and a shame. I thought that we had a moratorium, and that our brothers and fathers promised they were going into deepening the peace process that we kick-started at Saakpenwa. Ogoni does not need this carnage; after all we have laboured for.”

    While also speaking on the Bomu/Lewe renewed clash, the MOSOP President stated that he was surprised with the resurgence of crisis between the two Ogoni communities in Gokana Local Government Area.

    He reiterated that at a point, the matter was resolved, with some Ogoni elders moving into the two communities for peace.

    Pyagbara stressed the need for governments at all levels to redouble efforts and take the insecurity in Ogoni with much concern.

    MOSOP President assured that the umbrella organisation of Ogoni people, in collaboration with other groups, would ensure that there are no lapses in the drive for the return of peace to the affected Ogoni communities, to pave way for development in the area. He pleaded with the people involved in the renewed crisis to stop forthwith and embrace peace.

    Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), assured that policemen were on the trail of the killers and arsonists, in order to make them face the consequences of their actions, thereby serving as a deterrent to other criminally-minded people.

    The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) during the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, Victor Fingesi, called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly intervene and bring the killings and arson in Ogoni land to an end, to ensure peace.

    He stated in Port Harcourt that he was disturbed by the sad information he received about Ogoni land, with innocent people killed and valuable properties also destroyed.

    Fingesi described Ogoni land as the once-beautiful agricultural field in Rivers State, but now turned into a killing field. He accused the Nyesom Wike administration of being helpless.

    He said: “I urge Governor Wike for once, to take security of lives and property in Rivers State, especially in Ogoni land, seriously by directing law enforcement agencies to take specific actions that will guarantee safety of the people.

    “It is not enough to launch a security outfit (Operation Sting) and spend money, without directing actions such as curfew where necessary, setting up panel of inquiry, meetings with the chiefs and people, and visit to the affected areas. These actions, when considered, will show that the Rivers State government is taking the matter lightly.

    “Only the convocation of a security summit in Rivers State will be the panacea to the current insecurity situation. The summit should comprise prominent Rivers people, leaders of cult groups and other groups that are involved in the breach of peace in the state.”

    The ADP’s standard bearer also sympathised with the victims of Ogoni invasion and their families, particularly MOSOP President, whose house in Khana was razed by the arsonists.

    Ogoni people, particularly the killers, arsonists and cultists must give peace a chance to pave way for the much-desired development.

  • Harvest of talents in Akwa Ibom

    Countless youths in the country are yet to maximise their God-given talents due to lack of conscious efforts on their part and that of relevant stakeholders to cultivate and harness them for personal and national growth and development.

    Sports are, arguably, one of the areas of human endeavours where raw talents are discovered and groomed. Again, it is believed that sports men and women earn higher than some people in several other much-admired professions and vocations.

    Besides fame and glamour associated and enjoyed by successful sports men and women, mention must also be made of the enormous health benefits which accrue from engagement in sports activities.

    It is with these in mind that the first edition of the Jacob Esuene Squash Club Tournament was initiated. It was organised in the oil city of Eket in Akwa Ibom State.

    The competition, which took place in the squash court at the Villa Marina Hotel  Eket witnessed two  squash players in two categories of under 10 and under 15 drawn from the Southsouth geo-political zone.

    The 10 clubs from the Southsouth which participated in the tournament included the: Canaan Club of Calabar, Port Harcourt Club, Uyo Club, Benin Club, Police Officers’ Club Mess, Yenogoa Sports Club, Nak Club Calabar, NNPC Squash Club of Warri and Government House Squash Club Asaba.

    In a chat with reporters during the event, the Director of the Squash Club, Jacob Esuene, an Engineer revealed that Squash as a sport has a great advantage to health.

    According to him, with squash, the issue of high blood pressure normalises naturally without any medication.

    Esuene said the Squash Club would help the young people to develop their talent and help them to be future champions in the game of squash.

    He said the tournament will not end only in Southsouth region, adding that with time, it will go national and international with the aim of unfolding the talents of citizens.

    He said: “I used to hear about how our players are so good in a national platform; I reasoned that it was almost dead.

    “Some of the older players stopped playing for five years because there was nothing to encourage them. So, my coach encouraged me and said let us have a private court of our own before I built this court,” he said.

    Also speaking, the General Manager of ExxonMobil Mr. Gus Yupis expressed optimism towards the level of the competition and the players, saying that there were so professional.

    He said: “I like the discipline of the kids. The talent, the enthusiast and the coaching were absolutely amazing.”

    The highpoint of the competition was the announcement of results and awards to winners in various categories.

    Winners in the under 10 category for girls were Godsfinger Alison (Eket), Kelechi Onyekaze (runner up) while Favour Daniel (Eket) emerged third position.

    Winners in the under 10 category for boys were Emmanuel Ogbemi from Edo State who won the first position, Bright David of Eket Club clinched the second position while Michael Ibanga also of Eket Club took third position.

    For girls under 15 years, Delight Temple won the first position, Osas Ogbemi from Edo State emerged second, Emediong Usoro of Eket and Victory Lucky tied in third position.

    Winners for under 15 boys were Anthony Monday (Delta), second position went to Harold Whyte from Bayelsa State while Treasure Temple (Eket) and Timothy Albert (Edo) tied for third position.