The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • NDYM commends Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike for restoring democratic governance in Rivers

    NDYM commends Tinubu, Akpabio, Wike for restoring democratic governance in Rivers

    The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has applauded President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for their roles in restoring democratic governance in Rivers State.

    In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Ekene Frank, and issued in Uyo on Friday, the group also cautioned youths, elders, and stakeholders in Rivers State against inflammatory statements or actions capable of plunging the state back into political crisis.

    According to NDYM, Rivers State — being the central point of the Niger Delta — must remain peaceful for stability and progress to resonate across the region.

    “The Niger Delta Youth Movement, as the umbrella youth organization in the region, is delighted that full democratic governance has resumed in Rivers state,” the statement read.

    The group commended President Tinubu for his leadership in restoring peace, the Akpabio-led National Assembly for its support, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for their sacrifices toward reconciliation and harmony in the state.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    It further noted that normalcy has returned, with the local government system functioning again, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, back in office, and the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule resuming legislative duties.

    NDYM urged both Wike and Fubara to refrain from actions or utterances that could reignite tension, while calling on their supporters and Rivers youths to maintain peace and view themselves as future leaders.

  • Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    Reps begin investigation of alleged mismanagement of oil spill funds

    The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for the clean-up of oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee set up by the House to carry out the investigation, the chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Etteh, said the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills.

    He said the establishment of the Committee by this House underscores the shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

    According to him, the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills, while various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    He said, “Unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives.

    “Similarly, this House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.

    “Our Committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

    “Our objectives are clear. We will investigate the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society. Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust.”

    He emphasised that the Committee is not on a quest for a witch-hunt, but will not hesitate to ask tough questions to unravel the truth for posterity and to uphold the integrity of our mission.

    He said, “We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation first-hand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions.

    “Our aim is to illuminate the truth and ensure that the Niger Delta receives the justice it rightfully deserves. We will conduct our work with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

    “The task ahead is both urgent and essential. The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholders—government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media—to help us effectively achieve our mandate.”

  • NDDC lawyers urged to prioritise Niger Delta communities in legal decisions

    NDDC lawyers urged to prioritise Niger Delta communities in legal decisions

    Legal professionals within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have been urged to place the interests of the Niger Delta people at the centre of their work.

    Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Legal Services Directorate retreat held recently in Lagos, Managing Partner at S.P.A. Ajibade & Co., Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, stressed that legal officers must regard the region’s communities as their primary clients.

    “The legal department must always put the client first,” Ajibade stated. “In this case, that client is the Niger Delta community. Every legal decision should be guided by the welfare of the people.”

    The retreat, themed “Exploring Innovation for Effective Legal Service Delivery in the Public Service,” provided a platform to examine how legal professionals can drive efficiency and innovation in public sector governance.

    Ajibade reaffirmed the NDDC’s core mandate of promoting development across the Niger Delta and highlighted the crucial role of its legal directorate in achieving this goal. He cautioned that rigid legal practices, often influenced by professional ego, could undermine the Commission’s mission.

    “Rigidity in legal approaches can sometimes work against clients’ interests. We need more flexibility and a stronger client-centred mindset,” he advised.

    He further noted the broad legal implications of the Commission’s activities — from infrastructure development to environmental management — warning that poor legal advice could expose the NDDC to liabilities, project delays, or incomplete contracts.

    Earlier, the Director of Legal Services and Board Secretary of the NDDC, Sir Victor Arenyeka, said the retreat was designed to enhance the legal team’s competence and strengthen their advisory capacity in delivering on the Commission’s developmental objectives.

     “We are essentially a service department. This retreat is about building expertise and strengthening our ability to support the commission’s work. We are like the policemen of the commission, enforcing the rules and ensuring that development can take place within a lawful framework”, Arenyeka said.

    Managing Partner of Liberty Associates, Dr. Innih Archibong, also addressed the gathering, calling for reforms in Nigeria’s legal system to formally recognise the role of paralegals.

    “A paralegal is like the first responder in the legal system,” he explained. “They inform people about their rights, offer initial legal advice, assist in litigation, and help settle disputes through mediation and advocacy.”

    Archibong described the legal department as the “ethical and legal nerve centre” of any organisation, noting that both lawyers and paralegals are vital to maintaining compliance, drafting agreements, managing legal risks, and protecting institutional interests.

    He stressed that broadening access to justice in Nigeria would require fully integrating paralegals into the legal service ecosystem.

  • Etsako East leaders fault alleged claims of marginalisation of North Ibie

    Etsako East leaders fault alleged claims of marginalisation of North Ibie

    Leaders from the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have  dismissed the allegation of political marginalisation of “North Ibie” region, describing the claims as false, misleading, and mischievous.

    The clarification followed a publication credited to Abdullahi Shuaibu, accusing political leaders in Etsako East council area of sidelining the “North Ibie” area in the sharing of political positions since 1999.

    In a statement by the Chief Administrator of the People of Imiegba Village Square (Home and Abroad), Three Ibie, Etsako East, the leaders said that there was no officially recognized area known as the “North Ivie” in the local government. 

    According to him, the correct structure consists of the three Ibie Clans namely the Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu and the Okpekpe Clan.

    READ ALSO; Nigeria’s non-interest capital market hits N1.6tr

    Ekiogwe expressed concern that the claims of marginalization was capable of creating tension and disunity among the people of Etsako East, noting that  the allegations were purely self-serving and intended to mislead the public.

    “The so-called Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures. His purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and does not reflect our collective reality,” the statement read.

    He added that the zone had benefited immensely from political inclusion over the years, producing several prominent figures who have held strategic elective and appointive positions at both local and state levels.

    Ekiogwe noted that the zone has, over the years, produced prominent political figures who have made significant contributions to governance at various levels. 

    Among them are two members of the Edo State House of Assembly, the late Hon. J.B. Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh as well as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who currently serves as a Federal Minister.

    He added the zone has also produced two substantive council chairmen, Engr. Abubakar Momoh and Hon. Benedicta Attoh; an acting chairman, Hon. Attoh; and four vice chairmen,Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana all of whom have played key roles in advancing the development of Etsako East.

    Ekiogwe further said zone also produced the current Etsako East APC Chairman, Mr. Okponokhe, further proving that the

    Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone has not been marginalized in political participation or representation.

    He noted that APC in Etsako East had consistently upheld equity and fairness in political zoning, adding that the party’s recent decision to zone the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone further demonstrated inclusiveness.

    He cautioned individuals against using the media to propagate divisive narrative or to seek political recognition outside established party structures, stating that “loyalty to one’s political party and due consultation with leaders remain the only credible path to elective offices, not media propaganda”.

  • PUMS produces 330 medical personnel in less than eight years

    PUMS produces 330 medical personnel in less than eight years

    • …as Odili lauds Tinubu’s efforts in healthcare…appeal for more, better numerator for healthcare professionals
    • …calls on other States to emulate Rivers in medical personnel scholarship policy
    • …as new graduates are charged for empathy, excellence, Oath of the profession
    • …as PUMS doles N6.5m to inductees

    The Founder and Pro-chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili has applauded the Federal Government (FG), led by President Ahmed Tinubu for the improvements being noticed in Nigerian Health sector.

    Odili, who is a former Governor however charged the government on the need for more investment into the sector; just he emphasized on the need to tain more personnel to close the gap created by the damaging japa syndrome.

    He spoke at the 3rd induction/ oath-taking ceremony for 65 newly graduated medical doctors trained by the Institution into the Medical Profession yesterday at the University campus in Elelenwo area of Obio-Akpor Council Area of the State.

    Odili said, “…let me use this opportunity to thank Mr. President for his great initiative for the Health sector, we’re seeing the signs, we congratulate him and passionately urge him to pay very special attention to the training of Health professionals, to draw a close heed to national health, because a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

    “I urge the FG to invest more and also look at the review of the renumeration of helath workers , that way, we will be killing two birds with one stone,” he said.

    Speaking further, he lauded the State Governor Siminialayi Fubara for the massive scholarship granted to indigenes of the State to be trained in medical courses in the Institution, with the view to producing helathcare personnel for the State and the country at large.

    He urged other State Governirs to borrow leaf from Rivers State.

    “PAMO in this short period of existence has added nothing less than 330 Healthcare professionals. You can imagine what will happen when all the other Schools across the country move at the pace PAMO is moving, nobody will worry about who is running away (japa), to look for greener pastures. If we have more than enough on ground, we won’t miss those go away.

    “I thank the Rivers State Government, particularly the Governor, for the initiative and sustainance of the scholarships for PAMO students who are indigenes of the State.

    “We urge other State Governments and their Governors to copy Rivers State, because at the end of it, you would have led the foundation of good health across the country.”

    He announced the donation of N6.5 million for all the newly inducted graduates.

    Delivering the induction Lecture, entitled, “The Doctor: Honouring a calling not just a profession,” the Resource person, Prof. John Ikimalo urged the fresh graduates doctors to prioritize service over money, bearing in mind that medical career is a calling and not just a profession.

    The Executive Director of the Prime Medical Consultancy emphasized the need for the doctors to uphold the ethics of their profession and uphold the sacredness of the Oath they swore to.

    Ikimalo urged them to treat everybody that comes to them, irrespective of their age, race, religion, skin colour or political party affiliation, adding that every life matters; he equally warned them to never betray the trust of their patients on them, by divulging their secrets to anyone without their consent, whether thy are alive or dead.

    Read Also: Pipeline security firm sponsors medical outreach for A’Ibom communities

    Earlier in his welcome speech, the Acting Vice Chancellor (VC), of the School, Prof. Smith Jaja assured that the graduates were well trained and by the best personnel in their field of study and urged them to be good ambassador of the Institution.

    Jaja reminded them that the Oath thy were sworn to is binding on them throughout their life on earth, and that they should not joke with it.

    They were later inducted by the Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN), Prof. Fatima Kyari.

  • ALSCON boosts lab services at General Hospital with 5KVA solar equipment

    ALSCON boosts lab services at General Hospital with 5KVA solar equipment

    The Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) has installed a 5KVA solar power equipment at the laboratory unit of the General Hospital, Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    The Director of Government and Public Relations Directorate, Mr. Aleksandr Ashkinazi, presented the solar equipment to the hospital on Friday on behalf of the Managing Director of ALSCON, Mr Dmitriy Zaviyalov.

    He was accompanied by top management staff of the company.

    The donation of the solar system is among series of life-touching interventions undertaken by the company as part of the company’s community social responsibility (CSR) to it’s host communities of Ikot Abasi and it’s environs.

    Ashkinazi explained that the gesture was to enable the hospital laboratory have 24 hours power supply to enable it provide critical services to patients.

    The Superintendent of the hospital,  Dr. King Udoh, said that the intervention has to a great extent solved the epileptic power situation which drastically stalled laboratory operations.

    Udoh said that before the company’s  gesture, the hospital laboratory couldn’t carry out important analysis and investigations as many of it’s machines could not be powered.

    According to him: “The hospital laboratory has really heaved a big sigh of relief with the installation of the 5KVA solar power  equipment. Without light, we couldn’t carry out some investigations. 

    “With the donation of this 5kva solar power by ALSCON the laboratory now has light to operate 24 hours a day without fear of power outage. We can now power our machines for optimal performance.

    Read Also: How Nigeria can be African leader in hospitality, tourism

    “I have always known ALSCON when it comes to providing power to it’s host communities even before I was posted here. With this intervention I am sure that if they fully resume operations the host communities, Akwa Ibom state and the entire country will stand to gain.

    “If ALSCON can do this now that it is not operational it means they will do more when they commence operations.

    ‘I want to use this opportunity to urge the federal government to accelerate the process and remove all impediments hindering the restart of ALSCON”.

    Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa South Eket) hailed the CSR interventions of ALSCON.

    Sampson made the remark when the management of the company led by its Managing Director, Mr. Zaviyalov, felicitated with him on his 2025 birthday at his residence in Uyo.

    Zaviyalov who was represented by the Director of Government and Public Relations Directorate, Mr. Aleksandr Ashkinazi informed the Senator of several CSR interventions in communities by ALSCON including the recently 5KVA solar system donated to ease operations in Ikot Abasi General Hospital Laboratory with 24 hours power supply.

    The delighted Senator Ekong Sampson commended ALSCON for all the people centered CRS to our people. The Senator stated further that ALSCON is his project. 

    He said “ALSCON is my project and it is the Federal Government policy and resolve to commence operation as soon as possible.

    Sampson said he has presented the issue of the revamping of ALSCON in many legislative platforms including meeting several stakeholders such as the Attorney General of the Federation.

  • PTI hosts first national welding road show

    PTI hosts first national welding road show

    Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, reaffirmed its leadership in Nigeria’s welding and oil and gas training sector by hosting the nation’s first-ever National Welding Road Show, showcasing innovation, skill development, and continental collaboration in modern welding technologies.

    Organized by the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) in collaboration with the Welding Federation (TWF) of Africa, the road show engaged PTI’s welding community in an interactive session exploring the TWF Welder Training Qualification syllabus—an African-focused framework designed to keep welders competitive and globally relevant.

    Delivering his keynote address virtually, Engr. Bijimi Gaiya Chairman of NIW’s Certification and Training Committee (CTC), applauded the enthusiasm of PTI students and described the road show as part of NIW’s “Rebuild, Reclaim, and Rebrand” initiative aimed at repositioning the welding profession.

    In her remarks, Engr. Grace Erhimona, former PTI Director and Vice Chairman of NIW CTC, commended PTI for “setting the pace yet again.” 

    She credited the institute’s success to continuous capacity-building support from agencies such as PTDF, NDDC, and NCDMB, but also drew attention to infrastructural gaps revealed during the event, especially in specialized process techniques such as gouging, buttering, and hard-facing.

    She appealed to the intervention agencies to further support PTI and sponsor its welders and instructors for future TWF Continental Welding Competitions noting the motivational and technical benefits such exposure provides.

    Speaking with journalists, Ayo Adeniyi, Executive Director of The Welding Federation, described the PTI event as “a success story that connects skills with opportunity.”

    He thanked PTI’s management, led by Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, as well as past directors and industry professionals including Dr. Jimba Bankole, Engr. Jerome Peter, and Engr. David Adidi, among others, for their contributions to the road show’s success.

    Adeniyi urged government intervention agencies to recognize Africa’s fast-evolving welding ecosystem and align with TWF’s ‘African Content Support Programme, which promotes research, innovation, and manpower development across the continent. 

    He appealed to PTDF, NDDC, TETFUND, and NCDMB to establish dedicated funding to enable Nigerian experts and academics to participate in the annual TWF Assemblies, held across Africa each March or April.

    He lamented that while Nigerian academics actively engage in welding research throughout the year, many are unable to attend these continental gatherings due to lack of funds or delays in their release—an issue he said continues to dampen morale within the academic welding community.

    From being the first institution dedicated solely to oil and gas manpower development, to becoming the nation’s first approved welding training body, and the first national institute to participate—and place second—in a continental welding competition, PTI continues to raise the bar.

  • Pipeline security firm sponsors medical outreach for A’Ibom communities

    Pipeline security firm sponsors medical outreach for A’Ibom communities

    An oil pipeline security firm has sponsored a three-day intensive community health outreach programme for natives of five communities in Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

    The firm, Seadove Generale Surveillance LTD, which operates in Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Esit Eket local government areas began the outreach yesterday at the Primary Health Centre in Abat, headquarters of Onna council area.

    The programme is implemented by a non-governmental organization, Voice of Community and Environmental Rights Initiative with approval from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health.

    Patients were tested and treated for various ailments including eyecare, surgery among others.

    Godwin Ekpo, executive director business and strategy, Seadove Generale Surveillance LTD, said the company intends to provide free medicare and other human capacity initiatives to it’s host communities as part of it’s community social responsibility (CSR).

    Ekpo said that the medical outreach in Onna, the first by the company, targets at least 900 beneficiaries, adding that the programme will be done every quarter until it goes round all it’s host communities.

    “We are a private pipeline security company. We also provide marine, drilling, logistics services and other services in the oil and gas sector. 

    Read Also: Beulah takes free medical outreach to Ifako, Ogba communities

    “On the medical outreach programme, our target is 900 beneficiaries. For the three days we intend to attend to 300 persons each day. So far for today we have an overwhelming turnout of people. Also we targeting to carry out at least 40 surgeries. 

    “We just started operations in Onna and for us we want to give back to our host communities as part of the company’s CSR. Health is very important so we thought it wise to give it back to the 38 communities within the 5 local government areas we operate in.

    “We decided to start with Onna and it be done every quarter until we cover the 38 communities where we currently operate. We have a five-year programme”, he said.

    The chairman of Onna local government area, Kufre Umoren thanked the firm for the free medical outreach for indigenes of the council area.

    Umoren added that the programme aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s commitment and investment in the health sector as encapsulated in his ARISE Agenda.

    The village head of Ikot Ntuen, Eteidung Ubong Ekanem while appreciating the company for it’s gesture urged natives to avail themselves of the programme.

  • Benin state creation advocacy gains momentum

    Benin state creation advocacy gains momentum

    The Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Europe Region, Ambassador Collins Osazee Idahosa, a prominent advocate for the creation of Benin State, has intensified efforts to draw attention to the long-standing demand for statehood.

    As a leading voice for the Benin people, Ambassador Idahosa is urging the Federal Government to acknowledge the region’s cultural, historical, and economic significance and grant it state status.

    This call to action comes amidst growing momentum for state creation initiatives across Nigeria, including the Anioma State creation campaign, which has garnered support from 85 senators and traditional rulers in the South East.

    “The creation of Benin State is not just a matter of regional pride, but also a necessary step towards ensuring equitable representation, autonomy, and development for our people,” Idahosa said.

    While Idahosa called on the National Assembly to prioritize the Benin State creation bill, Benin people are also demanding recognition of their right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as increased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which they said is essential for the region’s development.

    This development is part of a broader movement for state creation in Nigeria, with proposals for 31 new states being considered by the National Assembly.

    It was noted that the creation of the Benin State would address historical imbalances and promote national unity, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall progress and stability.

  • Nigeria @65: Why critics withhold commendation of Tinubu, by ex-agitator

    Nigeria @65: Why critics withhold commendation of Tinubu, by ex-agitator

    A former Niger Delta agitator, self-styled General Endurance Amagbein, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s critics are withholding praise for his achievements due to political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Amagbein said Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in its 65 years of independence, particularly under Tinubu’s administration.

    He argued that the president has introduced new ideas in governance and accelerated holistic development across all six geopolitical zones, describing his leadership as laying the foundation for a more united and prosperous nation.

    Amagbein, popularly known as Adaka Boro the Second, noted that despite initial doubts over the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket controversy, Tinubu had, within two years, demonstrated a strong commitment to peace, unity, and national development.

    According to him, Tinubu’s policies have positively impacted key sectors, including youth empowerment, ICT, agriculture, healthcare, education, security, economic reforms, and infrastructure, with ordinary Nigerians — especially in the Niger Delta — now benefiting directly from government initiatives without political ties.

     “No matter what anybody says, Tinubu’s government has recorded significant progress across various sectors, including reducing the debt service burden and increasing foreign reserves, which have risen from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    “Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024, the first in over 25 years. This government has also prioritized the Niger Delta, with projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway aimed at unlocking tourism, trade, and port development. Over 440 road projects are ongoing nationwide, including more than 2,700 kilometers of superhighways,” he said.

    He further cited initiatives in renewable energy, such as the electrification of one million homes under the Rural Electrification Programme, solar power supply to 22 federal universities, and over ₦250 billion allocated for primary healthcare centres nationwide.

    “As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, I congratulate both the leadership and citizens. It is indeed a great occasion, and I salute those who fought for the independence we are enjoying today. I wish the President and his team well, and I pray for wisdom to lead us and for strength for our armed forces to continue defending our sovereignty,” Amagbein said.

    However, he urged the presidency and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to use the independence anniversary to address longstanding concerns in the Niger Delta, particularly the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts.

    “It is a bitter pill to swallow when one man from outside a community is given the right to secure pipelines in another man’s territory. Worse still is the oppression that follows, where people lose their voices and rights in their own communities. For equity and fairness, stakeholders should only secure pipelines within their domains,” he said.

    Amagbein warned that until pipeline surveillance contracts are decentralized, communities will remain vulnerable to oppression from those who “carry guns in the guise of pipeline security.”

    While pledging his continued support for the Tinubu administration, he called on the President to ensure policies that will deliver real development in the Niger Delta. He noted that the region’s difficult terrain requires leaders who will not betray the trust placed in them.