The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Cross River launches grant for retirees

    Cross River launches grant for retirees

    The Cross River State Government, under Governor Senator Bassey Otu, has launched a significant initiative to empower its senior citizens. 

    Through the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), a substantial ₦250 million in grants has been disbursed to 500 retirees, marking a new chapter of economic inclusion. 

    Each beneficiary received ₦500,000 to establish small and micro-scale businesses, a strategic move aimed at re-engaging retirees as active contributors to the state’s economy. 

    The official launch, held in Calabar, underscores the administration’s “People First” agenda, prioritizing human capital development and sustainable livelihoods.

    Governor Otu described REDI as an “expanded reciprocity,” acknowledging the invaluable service of retirees. 

    He emphasized that the initiative not only provides financial support but also crucial entrepreneurial training, aligning with his administration’s commitment to ensuring retirees remain economically relevant. 

    This initial disbursement is just the first phase, with subsequent phases planned for the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts. 

    READ ALSO; Massive turnout, unity mark successful NUJ FCT 2025 press week

    Retirees will also have access to soft loans facilitated by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), further solidifying the government’s long-term support.

    The Otu administration has made retiree welfare a top priority since taking office. 

    This commitment is evident in the prompt payment of monthly pensions and the significant reduction of a 14-year backlog of unpaid gratuities to just four years.

    Furthermore, the enactment of the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law will lead to the establishment of specialized wellness and support centers, demonstrating a holistic approach to caring for senior citizens. 

    These actions collectively highlight the administration’s dedication to building a prosperous and resilient state for all.

    the Director General of CRSMEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, who played a pivotal role in the success of REDI, described it as a transformative pillar of Governor Otu’s “People First” vision. 

    He highlighted the successful graduation of 500 retirees from an intensive entrepreneurship training program that preceded the grant disbursement. 

    Ogban emphasized that this initiative goes beyond financial empowerment, serving as a catalyst for economic regeneration, with each new business expected to create jobs and stimulate local economies. 

    Looking ahead, CRSMEDA plans to train and empower an additional 1,000 retirees in the next phase, amplifying the program’s economic impact across the state.

    The positive reception from beneficiaries, such as Mrs. Florence Oluohu who expressed profound gratitude for a “new lease of life,” underscores the program’s immediate impact. 

    The event garnered widespread commendation from various stakeholders, recognizing REDI as a remarkable demonstration of strategic compassion and sustainable governance. 

    This landmark initiative by the Otu-led administration firmly establishes its commitment to rebuilding Cross River State by upholding the dignity and recognizing the enduring contributions of all its citizens, past and present.

  • Coalition launches initiative to restore Ogoni mangroves with 560m trees, create 500,000 jobs 

    Coalition launches initiative to restore Ogoni mangroves with 560m trees, create 500,000 jobs 

    A Coalition of Green Non-Governmental Organisations (CGNGOs) has launched an initiative to restore the devastated mangroves in the four local government areas of Ogoni in Rivers State.

    The coalition, which unveiled the Eco-Citizen Ogoni Initiative (ECOI) in Port Harcourt on Saturday, to mark the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem 2025, said it had set a target to plant 560million Mangrove trees in Ogoni before 2035.

    The Coordinator of the coalition in Ogoni, Pastor Nature Dumale, said the project to restore the Mangrove would train 560,000 eco citizens and empower them to lead an extraordinary change.

    Dumale, who is also the Coordinator of Eco Citizen Niger Delta (ECN), also disclosed that 56,000 eco citizens would be directly employed to drive the initiative.

    He insisted that the initiative would unlock 500,000 jobs across renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, eco-enterprise, aquaculture, clean transport, and ecosystem restoration.

    He said: “We will plant and nurture 560 million mangrove trees in Ogoni by 2035, not just as an environmental action, but as a symbol of resilience, a living archive of our restoration journey.

    “Through catalytic funding, community platforms, and public-private partnerships, we are opening the door to $5.6bn in green-blue impact investment. We are unlocking pathways for new green-blue economy jobs that are dignified, future-facing, and climate-smart. These are jobs that anchor young people not in the uncertainty of migration, but in the opportunity of home.

    “This is not a dream. This is a mission in motion.The Eco-Citizen OGONI Initiative isn’t just about planting trees, it’s about planting seeds of justice. It’s about restoring what was broken, not just ecologically but economically and socially.

    “It calls on all of us, traditional leaders, state agencies, youth leaders, investors, and diaspora changemakers,  to build an Ogoni that is green, just, and regenerative. Let this moment mark the beginning of a new story,  where Ogoni’s environmental scars become the soil from which a new generation of prosperity and pride grows.

    “Let this International Mangrove Day 2025 be remembered not just for the speeches, but for the spark it ignited. Let it be said that on this day, Ogoni chose restoration over resignation, hope over helplessness, action over apathy”.

    Dumale further described the Eco-Citizen Ogoni Initiative as a bold social action for a sustainable, regenerative future adding that it was designed to act as a flagship eco-mobility marketplace and empowerment programme. 

    “It is more than a policy framework or a development plan. It is a people-centered strategy that channels environmental restoration into real economic empowerment, through nature-based solutions, community-led innovation, and a commitment to planetary justice”, he said.

    He explained that the initiative was  aligned with the programme of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland.

    Dumale said: “Together, these programmes are setting a new benchmark for how environmental restoration can power structural transformation and community resilience.

    Read Also: Environmentalists lament renewed oil spill, pollution in Ogoniland

    “At its core, the Eco-Citizen OGONI Initiative recognizes that the path to environmental healing must also be a pathway to livelihoods, skills, ownership, and pride. It brings to life a new generation of green and blue jobs, rooted in the landscapes and lifeways of our people.

    “This is the new development contract. It is how we regenerate the land, revive our waters, and reignite local economies — all while placing youth, women, and frontline communities at the centre.

    “As we commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems 2025, we are reminded that mangroves are not just trees — they are natural protectors of our coastlines, carbon champions, nurseries for marine life, and symbols of our ecological resilience.

    “Today, we do more than mark a day on the calendar. We make a declaration: that Ogoni will be at the forefront of the global movement to conserve, restore, and regenerate our mangrove ecosystems, not just for the planet, but for the prosperity and peace of our people.”

  • N/Delta youth coalition urges Tinubu, security chiefs to intervene in pipeline surveillance contract dispute

    N/Delta youth coalition urges Tinubu, security chiefs to intervene in pipeline surveillance contract dispute

    A coalition of youth leaders under the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace & Development (NDENYLFPD) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs to urgently address rising tensions in the region over pipeline surveillance contracts.

    The group raised concerns over recent threats and inflammatory statements allegedly made by a faction operating under the name Aggressive Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum, which they say are aimed at inciting unrest and discrediting Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) — a company chaired by His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (CFR).

    In a statement titled “Condemnation of Crisis-Inciting Statements Against PINL and the Olu of Warri – A Call for Urgent Presidential Intervention,” the coalition condemned social media campaigns demanding the termination of PINL’s surveillance contract, describing the messages as reckless and unrepresentative of the broader ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

    The communique, signed by youth leaders from the nine oil-producing states — including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Cross River — reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region. They urged the federal government to disregard the inflammatory remarks and to take swift action to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

    The appeal followed an emergency meeting convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by Senior Comrade Ambassador Tamuno James, where the coalition discussed what they described as a “dangerous narrative” being pushed by faceless agitators.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    Ambassador James said, “This so-called group recently issued a highly provocative petition on social media, urging President Tinubu to revoke a legally awarded pipeline surveillance contract being executed by PINL. This is a direct attack on both the company and the respected traditional leadership of His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri.”

    The youth coalition urged the public to disregard the group’s claims, emphasizing that such divisive rhetoric undermines the peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta. They also reaffirmed their support for legitimate economic activities and government partnerships aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure.

    “We regard such calls as nothing short of an open invitation to chaos, and a calculated attempt to destabilise the fragile peace that the Niger Delta region has worked so hard to maintain over the years.

    “The baseless suggestion that PINL should be barred from operating in Ijaw territories is a direct affront to peace, unity, and the collective aspirations of the region’s ethnic nationalities.

    “We are particularly concerned that the so-called Aggrieved Freedom Fighters Forum went as far as issuing a petition to the federal government, accusing PINL of alleged marginalisation of Ijaw youths, rampant bunkering activities, sponsoring tribal conflict, forceful renaming of Ijaw communities, and laying false territorial claims over Ijaw and Urhobo lands.

    “Such inflammatory claims, lacking verifiable evidence, are aimed at creating division, inciting violence, and discrediting a legitimate contractor performing national assignments.

    “For the records, the national leadership of the NDENYLFPD wishes to categorically counter these baseless allegations as follows: on the allegation of marginalisation, it is on record that PINL employs all surveillance and security personnel directly from host communities, including Ijaw territories along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor.

    “The claim of exclusion is false and mischievous. Among all surveillance contractors in the Niger Delta, PINL remains the only company that holds monthly stakeholders’ engagement meetings with traditional rulers, women groups, youth leaders, and community representatives. This includes the IYC, MOSEIND, Ogoni Youth Council, Bonny Federated Body and others in Rivers and Bayelsa states, with NNPC Limited, NSA, and military officials in attendance.

    “On the allegation of unchecked bunkering, this is clearly a distortion of facts. The PINL-managed sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline, spanning Bonny to Nembe Creek and across host communities in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, and Imo states, have remained vandalism-free for years.

    “This exceptional record is known and acknowledged by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Limited, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. No other contractor has achieved such performance in our history.

    “On the accusation of sponsoring tribal conflict, the alleged link between the Olu of Warri and a British national found with weapons is spurious and defamatory. His Imperial Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) is a globally respected first-class monarch, a peace ambassador across the Middle East and Africa, and an internationally educated statesman with numerous academic honours.

    “He cannot be reduced to the level of engaging with faceless individuals who fail to provide any legal proof of land ownership within Warri Kingdom.

    “On the renaming of Ijaw communities, the communities cited (such as Okenrenkoko to Okenrenghigho, Oporoza to Opuraza, and Azama to Azatiton) have long histories and names that reflect their original linguistic and cultural evolution. The claim of “forceful renaming” is a deliberate misrepresentation of reality designed to stoke ethnic tension.”

    The Niger Delta youth leaders, therefore, urged Mr. President to treat the inciteful group as a threat to national security and declare them wanted for inciting violence and attempting to destabilise the now peaceful region.

    They noted, “These elements, whose sole interest is profiting from instability and violence, must not be allowed to reverse the gains we have made in peace-building and economic stability.

    “We, the youth leaders from all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, remain committed to peace, justice, and equitable development. We believe in your leadership and trust that you will treat this issue with the urgency it demands to prevent the resurgence of the crisis in our region.”

  • Youth leader Forteta empowers community with N10m

    Youth leader Forteta empowers community with N10m

    A youth leader in Delta State, Tamar Forteta, has empowered members of his local community of Edjeba, Warri, with a N10 million business support grant.

    The grant covering 150 women received N50,000 each with 50 men getting N50,000 respectively.

    Speaking at the empowerment event, Tamar Forteta said: “I thank God for making this vision a reality.

    “When I follow people, I learn from the good things they have done, and try to emulate them to see how I can replicate their empowerment template.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    “The men I have followed, this is what I have always seen them do, and I hope to continue to give back to the society with their encouragement.

    “I want to do more for my people and pray that God continues to provide resources for us to embark on this project in a bigger capacity.” 

  • Ex-Niger agitators carpet blackmailers of PAP boss Otuaro at support rally

    Ex-Niger agitators carpet blackmailers of PAP boss Otuaro at support rally

    The Niger Delta ex-agitators forum (Phase 1, 2, 3) on Thursday organised a solidarity rally to express unwavering support for Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a year ago. 

    The ex-agitators’ leaders noted that Dr. Otuaro had exceeded expectations during his tenure of over a year, significantly revitalising the Amnesty Programme.

    At the rally held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, members praised Otuaro’s leadership, likening him to a “modern-day Moses” for the Niger Delta, and passed a unanimous Vote of Confidence in his abilities. 

    In a communique released after the support rally, signed by ‘Generals’ Alhaji Letugbene Vice Chairman (PAP Phase 3); Emmanuel Satu, Secretary, Abuja Chapter (PAP Phase and Asawana Lucky, Leader (PAP Phase 1), they recognised Otuaro’s astute administration and effective management of resources, which they indicated had transformed the narrative of the Amnesty Programme from waste to accountable and successful governance.

    Again, the Forum also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his wise appointment of Dr. Otuaro, who is noted for his innovative and visionary leadership. 

    The Forum acknowledged the constitutional right of every Nigerian to protest peacefully, noting however that any protest that degenerates into blackmail, falsehoods, or smear campaigns against law-abiding citizens, like Dr. Otuaro, is disconcerting.

    The Forum strongly condemned a recent protest organised by a group named ‘The Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change,’ which accused Dr. Otuaro of corruption and favoritism, alleging that the group was sponsored to undermine the Administrator’s credibility.

    The Forum contended that the allegations against Dr. Otuaro are deemed wicked and unacceptable, viewed as attempts to tarnish his image and distract from his and his team’s efforts to foster positive change in the Niger Delta.

    They noted that since the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, Otuaro had faced unprecedented levels of criticism and smear campaigns, more than any of his predecessors in the role.

    The communique reads in part, “We hereby call on the Federal Government, including the security agencies and in particular, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to, as a matter of urgency, put measures on the ground to unravel the true identities of those who staged the protest under the banner of ‘The Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change’ and their agenda as they are not beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Phase 1, 2 or 3, neither are they from the Niger Delta region. 

    “We, the ex-agitators in Phases 1, 2 and 3, coming under the aegis of Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum, boldly say that none of those at the protest, including the spokesman, Comrade Lion Ogori, are our members. Their activity is not only worrisome but portends huge danger to the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta, of which Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and other critical stakeholders played a pivotal role to achieve.

    “We want Nigerians to know that the group is a sponsored group of people who are clearly playing a script prepared by a cabal of disgruntled ex-militant leaders whose sole aim is to discredit and distract Dr. Otuaro. “They are not a group of ex-agitators and have no single idea or knowledge of what is going on in the Amnesty Office. They are only puppets in the hands of a puppeteer, who is pulling the strings and controlling them to stage a senseless protest.

    Read Also: Otuaro hails Tinubu for Niger Delta peace

    “Nigerians should not be deceived by what they hear or see from groups like that because the several protests and media attacks against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, have become the favourite pasttime of a few idle and confused individuals. 

    “We also want Nigerians to know that Dr. Otuaro’s only offence is that, upon his appointment into office, he cleared the rot in the system by stopping leakages and unwholesome practices being spearheaded by some former militant leaders whose fraudulent activities could have truncated the Amnesty Programme.

    “There are thirty thousand (30,000) ex-agitators in the database of the Amnesty Programme and we are all paid our monthly stipends regularly and on time. This has, in no small measure, boosted the attainment of the core objective of the PAP in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The success of the Amnesty Programme is hinged on Otuaro’s commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. He has criss-crossed the length and breath of the region, speaking with governors, elder statesmen, opinion leaders, women and youth groups including beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Thus, he has given all stakeholders a sense of belonging as we work together for the peace and stability of our region.”

  • CDS office has performed excellently under Tinubu, says MOSIEND

    CDS office has performed excellently under Tinubu, says MOSIEND

    The Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has scored the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high in performance.

    The President of MOSIEND, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo-West said the Ijaw group gave the rating after juxtaposing the records of the incumbent CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, with those of his predecessors.

    West said Musa had demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, driving the Nigerian Armed Forces towards greater professionalism and effectiveness within two years.

    “Since taking office on June 19, 2023, under President Tinubu,  General Musa has achieved numerous milestones that underscore his commitment to national security and defence”, West said.

    He said under General Musa’s leadership, the country’s crude oil production surpassed OPEC quota, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic growth.

    READ ALSO: FG moves to fast-track civil servants’ health insurance, compensation claims

    West observed that under Musa, surveillance strategies had curbed oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering, reducing crude oil theft by over 90 per cent, adding that the strategy led to a significant improvement in the terminal recovery factor and increased oil production values and receipts.

    He said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces have enhanced their operational capabilities, leveraging technology and innovative strategies to combat security challenges.

    General Musa has emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to human rights, fostering a culture of excellence within the armed forces.

    “The CDS has nurtured strategic partnerships with regional and international partners, enhancing cooperation and collaboration in areas such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and defence diplomacy”.

    The MOSIEND boss said Musa articulated a clear vision for the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasising the importance of professionalism, discipline, and service to the nation.

    “The CDS has fostered a collaborative approach, working closely with other security agencies, government ministries, and international partners to achieve common goals. General Musa has demonstrated strategic thinking, leveraging his experience and expertise to navigate complex security challenges and develop effective solutions”, he said.

    West added that the impact of Musa’s leadership could be seen in the improved security situation in Nigeria, as well as the enhanced professionalism and effectiveness of the armed forces, observing that his commitment to national security and defence earned him recognition and respect within and abroad.

    He said the high performance rating of Musa remained a testament to President Tinubu’s expertise in the selection and placement of his appointees for effective and efficient governance.

    He said MOSIEND would continue to highlight Musa’s remarkable leadership, strategic vision, and contributions to national security to serve as an inspiration to others and a testament to his dedication to public service.

    “The appointment of General Musa by Mr. President has been instrumental in achieving these milestones, and Nigerians are encouraged to support the Nigerian armed forces in their efforts to secure the nation’s oil resources, stamp out terrorism and build a more prosperous future for all”, he said.

  • CP Erivwode’s promotion pride to Urhobo Nation -Dafinone

    CP Erivwode’s promotion pride to Urhobo Nation -Dafinone

    SENATOR Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has congratulated Mr. Victor Erivwode on his recent promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) in the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as a “well-deserved elevation” and a source of immense pride for the Urhobo nation.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Senator lauded Erivwode’s rise through the ranks, attributing the achievement to his “unwavering dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service to the country.”

    According to him:  “This significant promotion is a testament to CP Erivwode’s steadfast commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. His track record speaks volumes.”

    The lawmaker noted that Erivwode’s tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rivers State had particularly showcased his leadership and investigative capacity, adding that he played a “crucial role in tackling complex criminal cases and fostering a safer environment for residents.”

    He continued: “This promotion is not only a personal achievement for CP Erivwode but also a source of immense pride for the entire Urhobo nation. It serves as an inspiration to countless young individuals within our community. His rise is a shining example of meritocracy at its best.”

    Dafinone expressed confidence that CP Erivwode will bring his wealth of experience and integrity to bear in his new role, stressing that his elevation comes at a time when Nigeria’s security architecture requires tested and capable hands.

    “I have no doubt that CP Victor Erivwode will continue to bring strong leadership and commitment to the job. The Urhobo people are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to your continued contributions to national development,” Dafinone stated.

    The Senator concluded by wishing the new Police Commissioner a successful tenure. “I wish you an impactful and successful tenure in your new capacity, trusting that you will continue to serve the nation with the same zeal and commitment that have defined your career thus far.”

    CP Erivwode’s promotion is seen by many within Delta and beyond as a well-earned recognition of service and a boost to the image of the Urhobo ethnic nationality within national institutions.

  • Young lawyers thank Senator Onyesoh over N23.85m ‘Call to Bar’ support

    Young lawyers thank Senator Onyesoh over N23.85m ‘Call to Bar’ support

    Young lawyers from the Rivers East Senatorial District have expressed gratitude to Senator Allwell Onyesoh for providing financial support totalling N23.85 million to 159 law graduates ahead of their Call to Bar ceremony.

    The delegation of over 15 representatives visited Senator Onyesoh at his National Assembly office in Abuja last week to convey their appreciation on behalf of the 2025 Young Lawyers Class.

    Under the initiative, each beneficiary received N150,000 to cover costs associated with the Call to Bar, including wigs, gowns, and other required materials. Initially targeted at 108 beneficiaries, the programme was expanded to accommodate an additional 51 graduates.

    Onyesoh stated that the intervention was motivated by his personal commitment to youth empowerment, recalling the challenges he faced earlier in life.

    “For me, it is money well spent. I didn’t do this for thanks or recognition—I did it because I believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Katsina Gov Radda stable after minor road crash

    The senator encouraged the young lawyers to uphold ethical standards and dedicate themselves to professional excellence.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, delegation leader Godswill Onyegbu said the financial support had eased both ceremonial and logistical costs for the recipients.

    He also referenced Senator Onyesoh’s earlier N6.7 million support package provided for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training to other young legal professionals.

    Another delegate, Wele Promise Tochukwu from Ikwerre local government area, commended the senator for what he described as a track record of constituency-focused representation, highlighting ongoing legislative interventions and infrastructure development across the district.

    Azunda Blessing from Obio/Akpor shared her personal account of how the grant proved critical after private fundraising efforts had failed, while Abbey Kalio Boma from Okrika praised the senator’s emphasis on human capital development.

    During the meeting, the delegation presented a thank-you plaque to the senator and offered prayers for his continued service.

    Senator Onyesoh also announced scholarships for two of the young lawyers—Azunda Blessing and Fortunatus Chisom Njoku—to pursue postgraduate legal education.

    The senator reaffirmed his focus on supporting youth development in the district, urging the young professionals to commit themselves to integrity and service delivery in their future careers.

  • From feeding bottle to self-reliance: Otu’s strategic divestment from carnival Calabar

    From feeding bottle to self-reliance: Otu’s strategic divestment from carnival Calabar

    • By Linus Obogo

      This has been long in coming and in fact, long overdue- bring the 20-years of feeding bottle approach to an end and adopt a more sustainable, self-reliant strategic divestment policy to the management of the biggest street event on the continent.

      But in a moment that shall shimmer through the annals of Cross River’s cultural renaissance, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has once again etched his name in gold as a leader not only attuned to the rhythm of his people’s desires but also courageously anchored in the winds of transformational governance. With sublime grace and piercing foresight, Governor Otu, in the hallowed hall of the state executive council chamber, before the conclave of his 32-member council, declared that the 2025 edition of the iconic Christmas Festival — lyrically themed “Traces of Time” — shall be the last to receive full sponsorship from the state. Thus, like a river flowing into an ocean of new possibilities, the carnival is now being released from the gentle grip of government into the wider embrace of strategic partnership and inspired enterprise.

      For over two decades, the Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar have been the shimmering soul of Cross River — a euphoric expression of its plural cultures, a celestial mingling of sound, spectacle, and story. But while the streets throbbed with joy and pageantry, the machinery behind the scenes was oiled, year after year, by substantial state funds. In pivoting from this model, Governor Otu is not drawing a curtain, but lifting a veil — unveiling a future where culture is not merely performed but owned, invested in, and allowed to bloom into a self-sustaining heritage economy.

      This move is no mere fiscal maneuver. It is a philosophical awakening. It reveals a governor thinking far beyond his time, one who understands that the truest gifts a leader can bestow are not endless provisions, but enabling environments; not dependency, but dignity. To wean the carnival off public subvention is to invite the spirit of shared responsibility — where every business, every brand, every culture-bearer, and indeed every citizen, becomes a custodian of this glowing treasure.

      Indeed, this decision gleams with poetic symmetry. Just as “Traces of Time” evokes the footprints of history and the call of posterity, so too does Governor Otu’s divestment signal the passing of the torch — from government to the people, from administration to collaboration, from obligation to opportunity. It is a declaration that our cultural expressions must now be buttressed by creative entrepreneurship, and that the economic soul of tourism must be awakened not by endless government spending, but by the alchemy of innovation, patronage, and purpose.

      Read Also: OPC cautions Asari Dokubo over outbursts against Tinubu

      It takes extraordinary wisdom to know when to let go, and even greater courage to do so with elegance and poise. Governor Otu, in his signature calm and golden style, has shown both. He is not merely tightening the fiscal belt; he is expanding the spiritual waistline of our cultural ecosystem. In this bold gesture, he has proclaimed: let those who benefit, invest; let those who dance, also build the stage; let those who cheer, also help bear the cost. This is the true meaning of participatory culture — where the people do not wait for culture to be served, but become co-chefs in the banquet of heritage.

      And what a banquet it will be. Freed from the constraints of bureaucratic budgeting, Carnival Calabar now has the chance to soar — to become not just Africa’s biggest street party, but its most innovative cultural platform. Corporate Nigeria, the Diaspora, multinationals, artists, artisans, dreamers and doers — all are summoned to the table. Governor Otu is in essence telling the world: Cross River is no longer offering culture as consumption, but as capital.

      This profound policy shift also weaves seamlessly into the broader tapestry of Governor Otu’s developmental vision — a People First agenda that reimagines tourism not as seasonal delight, but as year-round economic strategy. It reflects his administration’s commitment to reducing the weight of recurrent expenditures while reengineering government as an enabler of enterprise. Here is a leader who sees in every masquerade not just beauty, but business; in every cultural troupe not just talent, but trade.

      As the final state-sponsored edition of the Christmas Festival approaches, the air in Calabar is already pregnant with nostalgia and anticipation. Yet beneath the pageantry, a powerful idea is taking root — that culture is not a burden to be carried, but a bridge to be built. Governor Bassey Edet Otu has not just announced a change in policy; he has lit a fire in the soul of a people, bidding them to rise, to own, and to inherit the legacy of the carnival. In this act of visionary release, he has written a new verse in the poetry of leadership — and history, surely, shall sing his praise.

      • Obogo is Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
    • NLNG vs Contractor’s N5b suit: Court dismisses Marcobarb’s suit

      NLNG vs Contractor’s N5b suit: Court dismisses Marcobarb’s suit

      …says the plaintiff could not prove his claim

      ….as contractor cries out, says no indigenous contractor can win case against NLNG or oil majors in Nigerian courts

      A State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt High Court, the Rivers State capital  has dismissed the N5.74bn claim filed by an indigenous contractor, Macobarb International Limited, against the NLNG for breach of contract and accumulated losses.

      The presiding Judge, Chinwendu Nwogu in his judgment yesterday dismissed the case “for lack of proof.”

      Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the Firm(Marcobarb), Shedrack Ogboru,  cried out, saying the fate of indigenous contractors in Nigerian courts is doomed.

      The suit(claim) lasted four years in court, having been filed since 2022 , in suit number HC/2013/CS/2022. The judgement was finally delivered yesterday.

      Speaking to newsmen shortly after the ruling, Ogboru told newsmen that the judge abandoned the crux of the matter and the terms of the contract to deny Macobarb the claims, describing the ruling as a miscarriage of Justice.

      Showing anger and frustration, Ogboru said he felt he presented tight case to the court to show that the NLNG breached terms of payments and that the breaches caused slowdown of the execution of the contract, but regretted that the judge did not agree with any of his arguments. 

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      According to him, the frustated and highly disappointed contractor, many indigenous contractors have died as a result of injustices in the hands of the oil majors, he said only abroad do communities and local contractors get some form of justice, never in Nigeria.

      He said,  “My case is presented 100 per cent, the NLNG’s case is zero; but surprisingly, the NLNG has rather been upheld, and Macobarb denied. I pity indigenous contractors in Nigerian courts. We are doomed.”

      In his judgment, Nwogu ruled that the NLNG did not breach its contract with the contractor and that the gas company did not unlawfully deny Macobarb payments. 

      The judge said work executed by Macobarb did not amount to ‘work done’ as stated in the contract terms except the NLNG approved it as so, and that the provision mandating the person recognized as ‘contract holder’ nominated by the NLNG as the one to authorize any dealings with the contractor did not mean that he alone could act for the NLNG as relied upon by the contractor. The judge ruled that the ‘contract holder’ was a mere day to day overseer of the project, and that any official mandated by the NLNG can terminate the contract. 

      The judge also ruled that the contract did not provide for ‘standdown payment’ and that the NLNG did not cause delays in the execution of the contract as claimed by the contractor.

      He equally ruled that the payment failures by the NLNG that the contractor claimed affected the contract did not amount to an offence or breach of the contract but that the contractor misused the loan he obtained from banks. 

      To this end, Nwogu later ruled the case in favour of all the grounds submitted by the NLNG and none of the grounds by the contractor, and even tongue-lashed the contractor in most of his rulings.

      Crux of the matter

      Macobarb International Limited, an indigenous contractor, had dragged the NLNG to court claiming over N1Bn (later amended to N5.074Bn) for alleged breaches to a contract (B130142PPI, Access Control) in the NLNG plant area with three years duration.

      The suit said the contract provided that Macobarb be paid bit by bit progressively based on the value of verified work done.

      Macobarb in its claims said the contract also forbade delay of any kind in the project and provided for penalty on whoever caused the delay. It also provided for alert system should anything want to cause a delay.

      Macobarb said it activated the alert clauses when payment delays began to happen but that nothing was done to rectify the delays until the contract was terminated.

      He argued that the wrong person unknown to the contract signed the contract letter and that payment denials amounted to breach of the contract.