The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • PIND trains 90 Niger Delta youths on conflicts

    PIND trains 90 Niger Delta youths on conflicts

    The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has trained 90 young people in conflict prevention, early warning systems, and community-level peacebuilding.

    The two-day 2025 Niger Delta Peace Champions Workshop, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, brought together youths from across the region to equip them with essential skills for promoting peace and stability.

    Speaking at the workshop, Effiong Essien, acting executive director of PIND, described young people as catalysts for peace, adding that the transformative power of youth-led peacebuilding cannot be overstated.

    He commended Akwa Ibom for serving as a model of peaceful coexistence and community-driven development.

    “This workshop underscores PIND’s commitment to fostering youth-led, data-driven, and community-based peacebuilding in the Niger Delta,” Essien said. “By investing in human capital and promoting inter-community cooperation, the initiative strengthens local resilience to conflict and drives economic and social progress.”

    David Udofia, peacebuilding programme manager at PIND, said the participants — known as peace champions — have been equipped to return to their communities and become agents of transformation.

    “Peacebuilding begins with preparation, vision, and collaboration. These champions are returning to their communities not only with new skills but with a renewed commitment to transform their environments,” he said.

    Read Also: PIND, Ministry of Niger Delta Development validate Niger Delta Regional Peacebuilding Strategy (NDRPS)

    The peace champions, aged 18 to 35

     and drawn from the nine Niger Delta states, were trained on PIND’s SMS-based conflict early warning and early response (EWER) system — a tool designed to support real-time conflict monitoring and grassroots intervention.

    Participants also engaged in sessions on mindset transformation, conflict analysis and management, leadership, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship.

    Facilitators included Nwamara Amadikwa, CEO of Amy6015 Global Enterprise, alongside PIND’s peacebuilding experts: Afeno Odomovo, Chukwudi Njoku, and Abiodun Akanbi.

  • Ikechukwu Afakwu applauds Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure strides

    Ikechukwu Afakwu applauds Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure strides

    …as the governor commissions new commissioner’s quarters

    The Managing Director of ABI Projects Concepts Limited, Afakwu Ikechukwu, has commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, for the remarkable transformation the state has witnessed under his leadership.

    Ikechukwu stated this in Asaba during the commissioning of eight newly built eight (8) units of four- bedroom duplexes by the governor.

    The Delta State Governor had embarked on the construction of an additional eight units of four-bedroom duplexes at the Commissioners Quarters, as the existing twenty-two units of houses at the quarters had become inadequate.

    According to the governor, “We are here to commission eight units of four-bedroom duplexes, each with two boys’ quarters attached. We decided to build these because, when we came in, we discovered that there were only 22 buildings here at the Commissioners’ Quarters, and the number of commissioners is more than 22”.

    Read Also: Delta North APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori, Nwoko for 2027

    “So, there was no way we could accommodate all of them, which led us to this decision. This is a demonstration of our commitment to the well-being of top government functionaries.”

    Ikechukwu, who was impressed with the governor’s scorecard less than two years into the governor’s first term in office, revealed that Oborevwori has already completed some key infrastructure projects across the state.

    According to him, the Oborevwori led administration is undoubtedly rewriting Delta’s story with projects that are alreading boosting the economic growth of the state.

    The governor, Ikechukwu, said, has already completed key infrastructure projects.

  • NDDC denies constructing C/River community road, warns against politicisation of projects

    NDDC denies constructing C/River community road, warns against politicisation of projects

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has refuted claims it executed the Nyanghasang community road project in Calabar, Cross River. 

    Speaking to journalist, Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, while attributing the controversy surrounding the Nyanghasang xommunity Road project to attempts to downplay the contributions and initiatives of the Cross River State Government, said the road was not one of the projects captured for execution by the commission.

    According to Duke, the Nyanghasang Community Road is a project of the Cross River State Government, and not that of the NDDC. He emphasized that the project’s origins dated back to the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke and continue under the current Governor Bassey Otu, who is actively intervening in road infrastructure across the Nyanghasang community.

    Duke reinforced the State Government’s earlier position, laying to rest speculation over the project’s ownership. “If anyone is in a position to clarify this issue, it is me. I represent the NDDC in this state, and I am fully aware of all NDDC projects as captured in our budget,” he stated.

    “I want to categorically reiterate that the Nyanghasang Road project is not an NDDC initiative. From inception to this point, the entire effort has been undertaken by the state government,” he added.

    He criticised attempts by some federal lawmakers to take undue credit for state-led projects, describing it as a tactic to siphon public funds and mislead constituents.

    READ ALSO: Top 10 affordable countries Nigerians can visit with low budget

    “Some individuals from the Senate came in, hurriedly asphalted a section of the road, and tried to claim ownership to divert funds. There is no Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), voucher, or award letter to substantiate their claim. It is unfortunate that Cross River is being used as a smokescreen for financial misappropriation,” Duke asserted.

    He further stressed that all NDDC projects are properly documented and budgeted for. The only project captured and commissioned recently was a 900-meter stretch of Idang Road in Calabar South. He explained that the controversy began when some individuals attempted to rename Nyanghasang Road ahead of an NDDC commissioning event without the consent of the local government council.

    “At NDDC, we insist on transparent processes, including proper site handovers, devoid of political manipulation. If Nyanghasang were an NDDC project, it would have followed due process involving the state government, not a federal legislator who played no oversight role but chose to brand the project with personal images,” he said.

    Also speaking at the press briefing, the Cross River Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, reaffirmed the state government’s ownership and execution of the project.

     He confirmed that the road was awarded and fully funded by the state, from the previous administration to Governor Bassey Otu’s current tenure.

    “This road is vital to the people and government of Cross River State. The construction has been ongoing, except for a short segment that was previously delayed. Governor Otu made its completion a priority upon assumption of office,” Ankpo explained.

    He described attempts by a federal legislator to claim the project as “deceptive and unfair,” adding that the purported commissioning took place without consultation or involvement of the state government.

    “There was no coordination with the Ministry of Works. The event was advertised solely as the commissioning of an NDDC office. This road project is neither an NDDC nor a Federal Government initiative,” Edet stated.

    Echoing this, Commissioner Duke revealed he was not informed of any official commissioning and condemned the use of political campaign-style images on public project materials.

    He also referenced similar issues with the Idang Road project, noting that it was inappropriately renamed without local consultation.

    “Only half of Idang Road has been completed. Renaming it to ‘Etinyin Ekpenyong Oniong’—a senator’s uncle—without consulting local residents sparked anger and division in the community,” he said.

    Duke further criticised the placement of the senator’s photograph on NDDC-funded streetlights, calling it misleading and inappropriate.

    “These are NDDC projects. If any image is to be displayed, it should be that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not a contractor’s or politician’s. You execute a project as a contractor, get paid, then try to rebrand it as a personal initiative. That’s dishonest,” he declared.

    He emphasised that NDDC is not competing with the State Government; instead, the Commission seeks to collaborate and complement the government in critical areas of intervention. 

    Duke also lauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the massive infrastructural projects embarked upon since assumption of office, adding that Governor Otu’s policies and programs broadly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda; hence, there is no conflict between NDDC as a federal government agency and the state government. “The governor has consistently advocated for an even spread of NDDC projects across the three senatorial districts to eliminate the feeling of marginalization within the state.”

    He concluded with a firm call on federal lawmakers to focus on delivering their designated constituency projects rather than attempting to hijack and politicize NDDC efforts for personal gain.

  • PINL announces scholarships, other CSR packages for 215 host communities

    PINL announces scholarships, other CSR packages for 215 host communities

    The management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has approved 646 scholarships and other packages for the 215  communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

    PINL’s Community Relations Executive, Seriaki Alamieseigha, announced this during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting. 

    The meeting convened in Port Harcourt for Rivers, Abia and Imo Communities was aimed at reviewing the operations of the company on the Trans Niger Pipeline TNP.

    Alamieseigha also noted ongoing strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening community relations, security of the local people and empowering of women.

    He said: “I bring good news from PINL. Management has approved  scholarship for 3 persons per community bringing the total to 645 persons across board and it is to take effect immediately.

    “Also, management has partnered with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, in building a facility to address challenges with regards to investigations and prosecution across the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP. Also there is a proposal for a skill acquisition designed for women underway”.

    Read Also: Ijaw stakeholders urge NNPCL to expand PINL contract in Niger Delta

    He noted that the company’s  collaboration with the host communities have led to significant boost in oil production and called for increased synergy.

    “I thank you for this collaborative effort to boost oil production inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With your collaboration and with your effort, we’ve been able to see economic growth in the nation,” he added.

    On his part, the Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, warned against illegal bunkering activities emphasizing that anyone found guilty of such acts would be prosecuted and imprisoned.

    Flag-Amachree who was represented by Young Harry Amakiri, noted that the Office of the National Security Council has already prosecuted over 100 individuals involved in these criminal activities.

    He appealed to stakeholders and community leaders to talk their children and youths to desist from vandalism. 

    “We want to plead with you to talk to our brothers, we all know these persons involved in these acts. Talk them out of these, it would help, because the business is not as usual as before, it has changed.

    “As I’m talking to you, more than 100 persons have been prosecuted, who you are doesn’t matter, even though you are a general in the army, you are a military personnel, whatever you are, if you are found guilty, you are going in for it,” he warned.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri hailed PINL for regular engagement with host communities and discouraging the youths from engaging in illegal bunkering.

    The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant on Host Communities, Julius Eddie, acknowledged that the efforts of PINL has boosted oil production in the country and also earned the ministry several high profile recognitions.

    “I want to encourage you, what you are doing for the host communities and for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a win to all of us.

    “Today, because of the solutions you have proffered, illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, popularly known as kpofire has tremendously reduced in the region.

    “Because of your efforts, today the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, was listed among the team of influential leaders in policy and leadership direction in Thisday Newspaper and Arise TV.

    “I want to encourage and challenge you to continue to discourage the youths from tampering with the pipelines, because in all, we are the victims because the pollution affects the environment and as farmers and fishermen that we are, we are most affected,” he stated.

    Additionally, the Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Engr Akponine Omojevwe, cautioned sub-contractors against connivance and  employment of personnel without proper background checks and due diligence.

    He called for proper synergy between the the subcontractors and PINL to increase the performance rating of the company and to maintain zero-tolerance on the TNP.

    “The problem we are still having here is connivance, that’s why I want to talk to the PINL sub-contractors to be careful. For PINL ratings to be going up, you their subcontractors need to be carrying out your jobs effectively and as your employments are being made from the communities, please before you employ, carryout due diligence because most times you will suffer for it,” he said.

    The forum allowed stakeholders from various communities to assess the company’s performance and present their challenges. Most of the stakeholders commended the management of PINL for actively engaging with host communities and offered suggestions to further strengthen community relations and enhance the company’s operations.

  • Lawyer petitions police over alleged land encroachment

    Lawyer petitions police over alleged land encroachment

    A land buyer in Asaba,  Delta State Engr, Osemele Theophilus Marshal, has petitioned Delta Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, over an alleged encroachment and malicious damage of his  land located at Max Height, Admiralty Drive, Umuedi, off Ibusa Expressway, Delta State 

    Specifically, he indicted the trio of Augustine,  Stephen and Hilary, all staff of PWAN Max Property And Business Solutions, Asaba, Delta state, for selling the land he already acquired and documented to another person, thereby breaching the legal agreement of ownership reached with him on the property.

    Counsel to the property owner, Maureen Ugwuyi (Esq), with B. A. Ndigwe & Cc, located at No. 32 Summit Road, Asaba-Delta State, in a petition dated March 5, 2025, noted that all transaction regarding the land was concluded and a deed of conveyance was executed and since then his client had been in  possession of the land without any form of encumbrances. 

    It stated that in order to secure the land, the client mounted a survey beacon on the land, noting that it was however surprising on the 4th  day of March 2025, when he found out that someone has forcefully entered the land and maliciously damaged the beacons, thereby damaging the structure and topography of the land and erected a fence on it.

    It noted that on discovering this development on land, the client had no choice but to  contact the said Hillary who is the Estate Surveyor, and it was acknowledged that the said land has been encroached upon”.

    The petition read in part; “In order to save his face, Hillary however offered to allocate another land which belongs  to another person whose name appears on the beacon, this, Engr. Marshal rejected on the ground that, the  land  has been allocated to another person within the Estate

    “This prompted Engr. Marshal to draw the attention of the  General Manager of PWAN, Dr. Augustine Onwumere who also acknowledged that the land was encroached upon  by an unknown persons and vowed that the illegal structures must be brought down.

    “Stephen and Hillary’s behaviour towards the whole issue  indicates that they had either sold another person’s land to Engr Marshal or sold the particular land to more than one persons.

    “It has become clear that the said Stephen and Hillary are bent on dispossessing Engr Marshal of the land on the ground that it (the land) has appreciated a lot over the years”.

    It further disclosed: “Our client also called the General Manager of PWAN by name Dr. Augustine Onwumere and he acknowledged that the land was encroached by an unknown persons and vowed that the illegal structures must be removed.

    Read Also: Police confirm deadly attack on Benue community

    “However Stephen and Hillary were saying another different thing which is an indication that they had either sold another person’s land to our client or sold the particular land to more than one persons in addition constituting a criminal offence”.

    “It is obvious that the said Stephen and Hillary are bent on dispossessing our client of the land because the land has appreciated a lot over the years.

    “As a law abiding citizen of Nigeria, Engr Marshal does not want to take  law into his hands by resorting to self help as this would lead to  breakdown of law and order”, it stated

    The petition called on the Commissioner of police  to investigate the matter with a view to  bringing  Stephen, Hillary and  their cohorts in this matter to book for justice to prevail.

    In a swift reaction to the issue raised in the petition, a top management staff of Pwan Max Property And Business Solutions, Asaba, Delta state, who spore under anonymity in a telephone conversation, said there was never a time the land bought by Engr. Osemele Theophilus Marshal, was denied his land on their Estate even though he admitted that there was an encroachment on the plot.

    He noted that it was when it was clearly established that there was an encroachment on his land that the management decided to made up for the shortage from a closed by open land to capture the exact space he acquired from them, adding that his land was still very intact.

  • Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected reports it described as surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

    On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River State. 

    These included a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road project on Idang Street. 

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Cross Rivers Governor Bassey Otu, Nsa Gil, pointed out the event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

    It said: “The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was ably represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet. 

    “At no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other state official. Governor Otu, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains committed to supporting federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.

    “Cross River, it is worth noting, was the first APC-governed state in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from federal government projects. 

    “These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The state government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.

    “Among the projects listed for commissioning was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was eventually postponed. The state clarified that this particular road project was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.”

    Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated: “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

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    He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the state. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to state construction standards before undertaking any project.

    The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

    “We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” Edet clarified. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”

    Supporting the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.

    Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the state government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.

    The Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the state and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the state government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.

  • Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders have expressed their commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). 

    The stakeholders comprising Niger Delta, communities, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, regulatory agencies, and host community development trusts (HCDTs) made the commitment in a series of stakeholder engagements across the region.

    The consultative meetings were convened by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) with support from the Ford Foundation.

    The stakeholders in the engagements, which held in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states engaged in robust discussions on challenges and opportunities in operationalizing the PIA, sharing best practices, and crafting actionable strategies to ensure host communities fully benefit from the PIA framework. 

    The meetings highlighted key observations, including capacity gaps, outdated community development plans (CDPs), limited representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), weak monitoring and evaluation practices, and the need for better synergy with local and state governments.

    The stakeholders also reviewed and adopted five innovative community development models of inclusovity, Project Sharing Matrix Model, the Project and Capacity Building Model, the Multi-Settlor Communities and the Monitoring and Evaluation Model.

    At the end of the meetings, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for continuous capacity-building programmes for HCDT members and community leaders, with dedicated funding from HCDT budgets.

    They also underscored the need to increase the representation of women, youth, and PWDs in HCDT governance, project execution, and benefits, mandating inclusive policies and programmes.

    Participants called for publicly accessible annual reports and independent audits of HCDT funds, as well as alignment of projects with local government development plans to prevent duplication and waste.

    They also called for the establishment of robust community-based grievance redress systems and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts.

    Stakeholders agreed to prioritize long-term socio-economic benefits, such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental remediation, over short-term gains.

    They further called on HCDTs to form coalitions to advocate collectively with government, donors, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources and support, including beyond settlor contributions.

    A notable outcome of the Ondo State meeting was the presentation of a Charter of Demands from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), emphasising the need for inclusive project designs, data collection on PWDs, skills training, financial support, and active advocacy to ensure equal participation in community development.

    Read Also: Diri seeks amendment to Petroleum Industry Act

    Effiong Essien, acting executive director of PIND, said, “We are proud to see host communities across the Niger Delta driving these conversations and taking ownership of their development. 

    “By fostering inclusive dialogue, building capacity, and strengthening accountability, we can ensure that the promises of the PIA are fulfilled in a way that leaves no one behind.”

    Chuks Ofulue, the Advocacy Manager of PIND, added: “These multi-state consultations have laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships between communities, regulatory agencies, and settlors.

    “By adopting these community development models and pushing for inclusive State-level MSPs, we can build transparent, equitable, and community-led development frameworks that sustain peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.”

  • Sole Administrator restoring lost confidence in Rivers polity — Group

    Sole Administrator restoring lost confidence in Rivers polity — Group

    A prominent civic group, Nigeria Peace and Governance Initiative, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and timely intervention in Rivers State’s political crisis, particularly through the appointment of Rear Admiral Ibok-Eket Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator of the state. 

    The group said the decision has not only restored calm but has also revived public confidence in governance and democratic institutions.

    In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, Charles Obeli PhD, president of the group, said the declaration of a state of emergency, followed by the installation of a neutral and experienced figure like Ibas, signalled a decisive break from “the grip of non-state actors who were on the verge of legitimising anarchy in the state”.

    “Before the federal government stepped in, Rivers State was on the edge. What we witnessed was the gradual hijack of democratic space by individuals who saw state power as personal property. The appointment of Rear Admiral Ibas sent a strong message that the era of lawlessness is over and that responsible governance is back,” he said. 

    Dr Obeli praised Ibas for maintaining neutrality and for taking swift, stabilising steps that have helped restore civil order and trust in the system. 

    “Since his appointment, there’s been a visible return to normalcy. Public offices are functioning without intimidation, and the state’s political temperature has dropped significantly. It shows the power of impartial leadership,” he said.

    The group also hailed President Tinubu for forwarding a list of nominees to the Senate for confirmation into key state institutions in Rivers, saying the move reflects a shift toward competence over political favouritism. 

    Dr Obeli noted that the nominations, described as comprising non-partisan technocrats, underscore the president’s resolve to rebuild trust in government operations within the state.

    “These nominees are not career politicians or recycled loyalists. They are proven professionals with track records of service and discipline. This is a clear signal to Rivers people that our state is turning a new page — one focused on merit, integrity, and national interest above narrow agendas.”

    According to the group, the president’s decision to avoid political interference in the selection process shows a deeper understanding of Rivers’ fragile political terrain. 

    Dr Obeli said the people of the state have long yearned for “a breath of fresh air” in governance and that this is what the federal government’s recent actions are providing.

    “We’re seeing, for the first time in a long while, a leadership approach that prioritises the welfare of the people over party affiliations,” Dr Obeli said.

    Read Also: Senate sets up 18-member committee to oversee Rivers Sole Administrator

     “The president’s posture and the Sole Administrator’s performance are helping to restore confidence that Rivers can move beyond chaos and embrace constructive governance.”

    He urged the National Assembly to expedite the confirmation of the nominees to allow institutional rebuilding to continue uninterrupted. 

    Dr Obeli also called on stakeholders, from traditional rulers to civil society, to support the current effort to stabilise the state.

    “Peace is not automatic; it is cultivated. What we have now is a window of opportunity to build institutions that serve the people, not individuals. We urge all Rivers stakeholders to close ranks and support this national rescue effort,” he said.

    The Rivers Peace and Governance Initiative pledged to continue engaging with the public to promote transparency, peace, and civic participation in the state’s ongoing recovery process.

  • Governor Oborevwori celebrates Amuka-Pemu at 90

    Governor Oborevwori celebrates Amuka-Pemu at 90

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to veteran journalist and Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, CON, popularly known as Uncle Sam, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

    Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, praised Amuka-Pemu, a distinguished son and leader from Delta State, for his remarkable contributions to the media industry and nation-building.

    The Governor lauded Amuka-Pemu’s unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, his consistent fight against corruption, and his strong advocacy for good governance and the rule of law. 

    He also commended Amuka-Pemu’s illustrious career spanning over six decades, noting the veteran journalist’s enduring impact on Nigerian journalism.

    The Governor said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, our father, leader, and esteemed statesman on his 90th birthday, on behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Delta State.

    “Uncle Sam, as he is fondly called, has made a lasting and significant contribution to the Nigerian press, evident in the growth of Vanguard Newspapers and his principled stance on issues of law, good governance, and anti-corruption.

    Read Also: Okotete rallies support for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    “We owe you a debt of gratitude for your lifelong dedication to transforming journalism in Nigeria through sharp editorials, factual reporting, and impartial coverage.

    “It gives me great joy to join your family, friends, and well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for His steadfast provision, protection, and guidance throughout your remarkable 90 years.”

    Oborevwori expressed deep appreciation for Amuka-Pemu’s outstanding service and wished him continued good health and many more years of meaningful contributions to the nation.

  • Amnesty boss Otuaro urges support for youth empowerment in Niger Delta

    Amnesty boss Otuaro urges support for youth empowerment in Niger Delta

    Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, has called on stakeholders to rally behind his efforts to develop and harness the potential of young people in the Niger Delta region.

    Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty Udurhie I, in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, Otuaro stressed the importance of leaving a lasting legacy of human capital development rather than focusing solely on increasing stipends.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta are carried along in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for a peaceful and prosperous region.

    Otuaro also highlighted the shared vision of President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for sustainable peace and development across the Niger Delta.

    “We will focus on the younger ones. This is an opportunity to build the younger ones. Let us help our tomorrow. Let us focus on how to improve our human resources, not increment of stipends. 

    “The legacy is how many humans you were able to develop and harness their potentials. ,” he stated

    At the Idjerhe palace were other Urhobo monarchs, including the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, HRM Igbi II; the Ovie of Oghara, HRM Orefe III; the Ovie of Ughelli, Oharisi III; the Ovie of Evwreni, HRM Eruvwedede III; Ovie of Ogor, Igere I; Ovie of Mosogar, HRM Uduaka I and Ovie of Arhavwarien, HRM Okukeren III.

    According to the PAP boss, the “Urhobos are critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta project.”

    Otuaro explained that even though the PAP targets ex-agitators, everyone in the Niger Delta were victims of the struggle.

    “Though the target is about those that dropped arms, but everybody in the Niger Delta are victims of the Niger Delta struggle. We believe even those that didn’t carry arms are beneficiaries

    “It has been difficult reaching the impacted all these years. But when I came on board, we tried to do engagement to deepen every aspect of this programme,” he said.

    He noted that challenges such as funding, foreign scholarship among others, experienced by the programme before his assumption of office had received the President’s attention.

    “When we came in, we were able to improve and admited 1,317 students last year. We tried to bring back the foreign scholarship, but we are doing it on specific programmes in Masters. 

    “We want to empower at least 3,000 women. They don’t have to wait till the elections. By early next month we would start that process. We will consult our stakeholders so that everybody has that sense of belonging.

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    “Under my watch, nobody will hijack this programme for one group’s interest. I will make sure my Urhobo people are carried along; I will make sure every tribe is carried along. And those who were left out and have genuine complains, I will look into them. I am trying to resolve all the BVN issues and payments,” Otuaro assured.

    He enjoined stakeholders to remain peaceful to usher the much needed development.

    He said: “But we must talk to our communities, and see that peace is maintained. I know almost everyone that took part in this struggle. I will make sure the mandate given by the President, I will not disappoint you”.

    In his remarks, the host traditional ruler, HRM Udurhie I, thanked President Tinubu for appointing “a true freedom fighter ” as the Amnesty boss, just as he commended Otuaro laying “impressive” antecedents.

    Recalling the Jesse fire disaster where over a thousand persons lost their lives, he appealed for resuscitation of the hospital but by government, but abandoned over the years.

    Udurhie I further assured the Amnesty boss of their support.